nty or eighty, as far
as they could judge, from the river Koksoak, the western boundary of
the Ungava country, which they had fixed upon as the final object of
their voyage. The season was far advanced, and the Esquimaux
represented to them, that if they proceeded farther, it would be
impossible to return to Okkak before winter. In this dilemma, the
missionaries, unable to decide, retired to their hut, and after
weighing all the circumstances maturely, determined to commit their
case to Him in whose name they had entered upon this voyage, and
kneeling down entreated him to hear their prayers in their
embarrassing situation, and to make known to them his will concerning
their future proceedings, whether they should persevere in fulfilling
the whole aim of their voyage, or give up a part and return
home.--"The peace of God," add the missionaries, "which filled our
hearts on this memorable occasion, and the strong conviction wrought
in us both, that we should persevere in his name to fulfil the whole
of our commission, relying without fear on his help and preservation,
no words can describe; but those who believe in the fulfilment of the
gracious promises of Jesus given to his poor followers and disciples,
will understand us when we declare, that we were assured that it was
the will of God our Saviour, that we should not now return and leave
our work unfinished, but proceed to the end of our proposed voyage.
Each of us communicated to his brother the conviction of his
heart--all fears and doubts vanished--and we were filled anew with
courage and willingness to act in obedience to it in the strength of
the Lord." When they made known their determination to Jonathan, and
the reasons which swayed them, he without hesitation replied, "Yes!
that is also my conviction! We will go whither Jesus directs us. He
will bring us safe to our journey's end, and safe home again." With
renewed strength and spirits, the missionaries set forward, and their
companions, who had been wonderfully refreshed and invigorated by
their success among the seals and the rein-deer, willingly followed.
They encountered a severe storm, and escaped many hidden dangers, as
they coasted along a dangerous and unknown shore; but, guided by His
hand in whom they trusted, they had the pleasure of reaching the mouth
of the Koksoak, August 25th, 58 deg. 36 m. N.L. about 700 miles from
Okkak--Cape Chudleigh half way. To the west the country is called by
the natives