er again they read the verse until they had thoroughly
committed it to memory. And in after days, at many a campfire and in
many a hunting lodge, it was repeated to others who had not heard it,
but who, on hearing it, were also filled with gratification and delight
at the answer which it gave to what had long been a subject of
perplexity and awe.

Day after day before that rock the study of other verses followed.
Slowly of course at first, but gradually increasing as they became more
and more acquainted with the syllabics. Thus these eager interested
Indians, studied amidst these primitive surroundings, and applied
themselves with such earnestness to their work, that although they had
never been to school a day in their lives, some of them, in ten days or
two weeks were able to read with fluency the Word of God in their own
language. No wonder the great Lord Dufferin, then Governor General of
the Dominion of Canada, said to me:

The man who invented that syllabic alphabet, was one of the great
benefactors of humanity, and more richly deserved a pension, a title,
and a resting place in Westminster Abbey, than many who were there
buried.

For some years, at several of the missions, the Christian Indians were
only taught a knowledge of these syllabic characters, and were thus only
able to read the books which were printed with them. Now, however, in
all the schools, the English language is taught also, and our common
alphabet is in general use. The result is, that many of the younger
generation understand, talk, and read in English. English Bibles are
being circulated among them, and many of the younger people already
prefer the English Bible to the Indian translation. Still, all the
older people only understand the syllabic characters; and so for years
to come, this wonderful invention will still be utilised, and will
continue to be a benediction. Hymn-books, catechisms, the Pilgrim's
Progress, and a few other books of a religious character, have been
printed in the syllables, and are much prized and well used, by their
Indian readers.

All the churches that are currying on missionary work in those vast
northern regions have availed themselves of Mr Evans' invention. Among
other tribes than the Cree, where there are different sounds in their
language, some few extra characters have been added. Even in Labrador
and Greenland the devoted Moravian missionaries who are there toiling,
are successfully using the