Robert Tomlinson Annual Letter 1870-71
Page 1
[1] Kincolith
[2] Nass River BC
[3] May 1st 1871
[4] Reverend and Dear Sirs
[5] At last after silence of more
[6] than a twelve month I take up my pen to address
[7] you. For this (which may justly appear to you
[8] culpable) neglect I offer no excuse except the crisis
[9] through which the mission has passed during that
[10] period and my own anxiety to see some lifting
[11] of the dark cloud which would enable both you
[12] and me to rejoice that the worst was over. The cloud
[13] is lifted. It has been at the departure of a fever
[14] which leaves the patient weaker in some respects
[15] for the limbs which by yesterday were tossed to
[16] and fro with wild delirium are now powerless and
[17] motionless but there is a vital force still left
[18] a force which will renovate and strengthen
[19] the trembling frame each day. That you
[20] may be better able to understand the difference
[21] between our present and past position and
[22] the importance of the crisis I propose to give
[23] you a brief sketch of affairs here since the
[24] end of January 1870 and to touch more
[25] fully upon such points as may tend to
[26] elucidate matters.
[27] At the close of January 1870 we numbered in all about
[28] 60 settlers the actual position of the settlers
[29] began to have more fully realize by themselves.
[30] Peace have been established between the surrounding
[31] tribes therefore fear no longer acted as a motive
[32] for settling here.
Page 2
[1] The store as I informed you in a former letter had
[2] been abolished. and the visit to Metlakatla
[3] the previous Xtmas, while it tended to strengthen
[4] the hearts of those who had really given themselves
[5] to God. tended to defer the minds of those who
[6] were still bent on worldly gain by affording
[7] a contrast between Metlakatla with its
[8] large and well arrange store and their own
[9] Village without one. But the effect of
[10] this depression was not apparent
[11] until the approach of spring the fishing
[12] season called the people to leave their
[13] homes and set their fishing around the
[14] banks of the river. Meanwhile I visited
[15] Metlakatla to say goodbye to Mr. D[unca]n
[16] his departure to England and to receive
[17] instruction from him with regards respecting
[18] the management of Metlakatla during his
[19] absence. On my return I brought up
[20] Mrs. Tomlinson’s mother who had cheerfully
[21] determined to brave the hardships
[22] of the journey and inclemence of the weather
[23] that she might fulfill what she felt to
[24] be her duty and indeed travelling at that
[25] season of the year is often attended with
[26] much delay and inconveniences. The {???}
[27] & coldness of the ^north^ wind which blows down Nass
[28] River during the month of January practically
[29] closes the river during that month. By the
[30] Good Providence of God we succeeded
[31] in crossing the mouth during one of three ^a^ lull.
[32] I need scarcely remark Mrs. Woods arrival was
[33] most welcome and shows how those
Page 3
[1] those who are not actually engaged in mission work may
[2] by self denial often strengthen and cheer those
[3] who are. Just a week after our return Mrs. T was
[4] confined. Of course there was anxiety mingled with
[5] our joy. Especially as we had the example of
[6] two former missionaries wives who owing to the
[7] failure of their health and caused a loss add to these
[8] Mission. And moreover we had had advice and
[9] warning from several well informed persons
[10] since our marriage that such an event was
[11] foreseen it would be wise nay stronger it was our
[12] plain duty to get to Victoria and remain until
[13] all was over __ that it would be a would be {???} to neglect
[14] our solemn duty to ourselves from some fanciful idea
[15] of neglecting our duty to others. __ With my dear wife
[16] and myself such arguments have no weight.
[17] We thank God we can believe the Bible and we
[18] cannot, dare not think of our Heavenly Father
[19] who has united us and given us our {???} of duty
[20] cannot and will not support us through those
[21] seasons of when our hearts would have more on
[22] human aid we were among our friends __
[23] No was our faith disappointed. Three weeks
[24] after his birth our little son was carried by his
[25] grandmother across the snow into our little
[26] church and they are dedicated to our Lord and {???}
[27] to be his faithful soldier and servant until
[28] lifes end. One of the sponsors was Philip Latimer
[29] of whom I have spoken before and most
[30] earnest and enlightened of our settlers and
[31] one who {trits} face to be {???} {???} catechist.
[32] One of the reasons for this step was that our
[33] babe might {???} from earliest childhood
[34] that great lessons of oneness of Christians of
Page 4
[1] which we took a vision from heaven to teach to
[2] Peter. In the afternoon Mrs. T was able
[3] to join us in our little sitting room and praising God
[4] for her safe delivery and speedy recovery.
[5] Not many days afterwards I called the people
[6] together to attempt what steps would be best
[7] to take to avoid the recurrence their are being
[8] again mixed up in any quarrel which might arise between
[9] the tribes of Tsimcheans and Nishkahs. The plan
[10] proposed and afterwards adopted was that they
[11] should make a little settlement for themselves
[12] at which the might manufacture their grease
[13] while they still continue to observe the sabbath
[14] and follow the rules of the village free from {tholes?}
[15] the plan met with general approval and
[16] was adopted by all with the exception of
[17] one family. In a few days they all
[18] left for a spot about ten miles up the
[19] river ^after their departure^ the only house inhabited was our
[20] own. The weather at this time was remarkably mild
[21] and there was every prospect of an early spring.
[22] Hardly had the various tribes arrived
[23] on the river, and before they had erected their
[24] shanties, when a most severe frost set in
[25] Its cold more intense than any frost during
[26] the winter and the river froze ^across^ some four
[27] miles further than it had done even in
[28] the depth of the winter. No one expected it or was
[29] prepared for it. Hundreds of the poor creatures
[30] were scattered along the sea coast cutting {plew?}
[31] and stick for their fishing. Most of them have
[32] but one or two days provisions. The frost lasted
[33] about 8 days without intermission so that before
Page 5
[1] the weather broke. they were in the greatest destitution.
[2] I had but a single stock of provisions only just
[3] sufficient to carry me on until my fresh supplies
[4] arrived from Victoria. There is a very bad practice
[5] among these tribes to take the greatest possible
[6] advantage of those in distress. While at the same
[7] time they endeavour to mislead them by the most
[8] arduous statements. What they have
[9] a great regard for them and thankfully ^themselves^ were
[10] not so much better than other people they
[11] in distress would die of starvation. they accompany
[12] these statements by gifts of food or clothing.
[13] Were you will merely to hear and to see all this you
[14] would suppose that it was the case of a noble
[15] minded philanthropist assisting some poor
[16] unfortunate outcast. but when you come to
[17] know that all these gifts have to be repaid by more
[18] than twice their value and that the food sold
[19] was sold at more than ten times what it was
[20] worth. naturally feel shocked. Yet such
[21] is the case. In believing those in distress when
[22] applied there. and were about 100. I acted
[23] with impartiality. making no difference between
[24] good and bad and refusing {???} a sufficient supply
[25] for immediate need. and made it was
[26] a {???} for them that there is a settlement at {???}.
[27] Some of those who came to us had been 3 days
[28] without food and they were obliged to stay another
[29] 3 days with us before they could return to
[30] their settlements. so that had there been no food
[31] at our place they must’ve been 7 days and
[32] this in intense cold. as it was many were very
[33] much exhausted. One chief and his son and
[34] another man were camped on the opposite
[35] side of the river. we could see the smoke from
[36] their fire. but could not render offer any assistance.
[37] For five days their only food consisted of the skins
[38] of the salmon they had previously eaten after five days
Page 6
[1] they could stand it no longer and such that it was better
[2] to die at once in the water than of starvation.
[3] We saw the canoe launched. It was with intense interest
[4] we watched at her battling with the wind and waves.
[5] The distance was about 2 miles but the tide and
[6] floating ice necessitated a round of 5 miles. Notwithstanding
[7] their weak state and the sea through which they
[8] had to pass they were successful and landed at
[9] our place. In a pitiable state. This man was
[10] the head chief of the tribe who murdered three
[11] of our people 2 years previously we treated
[12] him as hospitably as possible and would not
[13] hear of any reference to the previous action of his
[14] tribe. Next day a very large canoe came on
[15] the beach for him and they were truly glad when
[16] they found where he was and how he had been
[17] treated. I have spoken of this particular case at length
[18] as it affords a good example that the truth of our
[19] Lord‘s words. If _______ you are aware that H.M.
[20] S Sparrowhawk with Governor Sey[mour] settled the
[21] quarrel among the Tch[imsheans] and Nish[kah] the amount
[22] to be paid on each side was also settled but not
[23] paid. A promise had been made by both parties to
[24] pay. But after the {ship?} had gone both parties postponed
[25] the matter. each party blamed the other for not having
[26] settled it. Angry language followed on one side, and
[27] there was a little doubt that unless the matter could
[28] be settled at once a second fight was imminent.
[29] Under the circumstances the Tchimsheans
[30] applied to me to use my efforts to bring about a
[31] satisfactory end to the matter. Having proven their
[32] sincerity. I undertook the business, it cost me two
[33] journeys up the river and also some trouble but
[34] by God‘s good hand over us it was at length
[35] amicably settled. It is not the matter itself, but
[36] the results from it which I calling to your attention
Page 7
[1] the immediate results were the prevention of bloodshed
[2] a decided change of feeling in the Tchim[shean] tribes for the better
[3] towards us and lastly it afforded proof that we would not
[4] measure our actions by the rules of the Nishkah chiefs who were
[5] still heathen but were a distinct settlement determined
[6] to act independently. The secondary results were much
[7] more important as concerns ourselves and the existence
[8] of Kincolith as a village. Indeed it may be truly
[9] said that our action on this matter burst the last
[10] band that had held in control of the latent hatred
[11] which had been smouldering so long but hitherto
[12] only showing itself in words and not an actions.
[13] So long as the tribes considered that we would
[14] stand by them and be a defence for them, they
[15] were loath to do aught that might incite us.
[16] but so soon as they was perceived that we would act
[17] independently this restraint was removed.
[18] Before we follow this movement any further
[19] it may be well to give you my {???}
[bottom of page cut off]
[new page not numbered – this page has scribbles on top of the words]
[1] much distraction we undertook about this time one
[2] of our girls in training in the mission house.
[3] Before I was married her father came to me one day after
[4] some little talk he noted that the object of {???} was to
[5] tell about his only daughter a girl of 14 he very
[6] much feared she would be led astray as neither he nor her
[7] mother could control her. He loved her dearly and wished
[8] her to be happy but did not feel very {???} of
[9] accomplishing his desire if she were in remain under his
[10] care. He had not {???} he said made up his own mind
[11] about giving up his old way but for her he had one
[12] desire and that was the she might come and live at the
[13] mission house and be under proper restraint.
[14] I promised to propose the matter to Mrs. T and that
[15] if we found it practicable to take any girls
[16] under our care she should be one of the number.
[17] Shortly after our marriage he again brought up the
[18] subject and as I had only been waiting for him
[19] to speak I readily consented to take her in.
Page 8
[1] {Cadtech?} soap
[2] flour 1 bag 3 00
[3] molasses 1 00
[4] rice 1 00
[5] matches 6 00
[6] thread 25
[7] The extreme cold in the spring and its nefarious
[8] effects on many of the young children and old people
[9] led me to seriously consider a subject which has
[10] been talked at times ever before of the departure of
[11] Mr. Doolan. What practical plan could be adopted
[12] for keeping the settlers from leaving their homes
[13] to catch the small fish and make grease.
[14] The difficulties in a way. were. The prevalence of
[15] very strong gales in the river in that season. The quantity
[16] of fish which have to be carried. Each family r
[17] equiring from 2 to 5 tons. Old habits and ideas.
[18] Hitherto these difficulties had been considered
[19] insurmountable and we could only grieve over the {???}
[20] of a {???} which we were ever {???} to counteract.
[21] On the other hand the advantage for making
[22] the grease here was very great if only we
[23] could once bring a sufficient supply of fish.
[24] I had an undefined idea of a boat
[25] of some sort for the purpose but it was not
[26] until now that I had really turned my attention
[27] seriously to the matter. The result of my
[28] conjitations was to build a large vat to hold
[29] not less than 30 tons. To resemble in shape t
[30] hose used on the canals in Ireland. and
[31] as it was an experiment I decided not
[32] to seek help from any quarter but rather
[33] to carry forward the building of her as I
Page 9
[1] might by {s???able} to spare the means
[2] at the same time using only native labour
[3] and paying for everything as we got it.
[4] so that if she should be a failure
[5] no one would be the loser but myself and
[6] the village would be benefitted by the
[7] {???} spirit out on the on labor. I need not
[8] dwell on the difficulties to be encountered
[9] there was no possibility of consulting anyone
[10] when a difficulty occurred and whenever
[11] I was unable to see my way out of a difficulty
[12] those who are at work upon here would
[13] knock off work and join the {???}
[14] who laughed at the possibility of building
[15] her and I can’t blame them when
[16] I considered how hard it was to bear the laughs
[17] and when there was so much gained for
[18] these taunts. for some days we would not
[19] make any progress out count of the failure
[20] of all we had attempted. So that we had
[21] only built the frame and planked a little
[22] way on the bottom and {???} when the ^severe^ weather
[23] {???} and we were obliged to leave her
[24] never to be finished as many then thought
[25] to leave her thus was a trial to me but
[26] thank God this trial acted not a depression
[27] but on the contrary a stimulating need
[28] to further efforts and determined me that
[29] if God would bless us and spare us to see another
[30] year. We would launch her before the small
[31] fish came. You must ^not^ think that my determination
[32] was always strong or that there were not times at
[33] which I would not gladly have had an excuse
Page 10
[1] for giving the whole thing up. Often and often I
[2] wished that I had never attempted the building
[3] and let things take their natural course. Not so Mrs.
[4] T. at these times she was indeed a help. She would
[5] not hear of giving it up . The advantages to the people
[6] were too great to be {???} {???} it was
[7] really an improbability and she never would admit
[8] this but always said try again you will succeed at
[9] last. Well. January came at last and about
[10] the middle of it in the month and the weather broke and I
[11] called for workmen to start afresh. Several came
[12] and appeared in great heart to finish the boat but
[13] one unsuccessful days work. coupled with the return
[14] of the cold disheartened all except one. He was the only
[15] one who answered the summons on the second morning
[16] and anxiously inquired what we must do. I said
[17] we will for[ge] on. Once said he will try. He as
[18] well as myself had been thinking the cause of our
[19] several failures and by the combination of
[20] the two new plans we succeeded in mastering the difficulty
[21] which had baffled us so long. Many difficulties after
[22] had to be met, but by God‘s good hand in our efforts
[23] we had her fit to launch before the fish
[24] It was not a little accounting to both Philip and
[25] myself to hear those who had [not] done any work
[26] on her expatiating on it and declaring that if
[27] had if it had not been for them the boat never would have been
[28] finished. About the middle of March we launched
[29] her and notwithstanding all of the predictions to
[30] the contrary she would neither leak nor capsize.
[31] Nor fit crooked. There she sat on the water like
[32] a duck. The triumph of the usefulness and ugliness
[33] over the beauty and insecurity. We named
[34] her the Kingfisher. Thus much about her now.
Pages 11
[1] But to return. In April the tribes were assembled
[2] fishing I visited them and preached in 3 separate
[3] houses. Nearly all from here accompanied me
[4] and by their presence strengthened the faith
[5] of God could change a Nishkah as well as an English
[6] heart. There was marked attention and many expressed
[7] a desire to hear more. One circumstance at this
[8] time cheered me much. The return to my house
[9] of one who had formally been under our charge but
[10] who had left. The crisis referred to on the
[11] beginning of this letter began about this time/ at
[12] first efforts were made to induce some of the
[13] settlers to leave and inducements held out
[14] to them to do so. These succeeded in one
[15] case but that could not satisfy those
[16] whose object to annihilate the settlement or
[17] at least so far weaken our hands as to make
[18] us willing to fraternize with them at any cost.
[19] So that where they had succeeded in drawing our [people]
[20] away they made a great rejoicing. Not long after
[21] one of our Christians died. For eight years she had
[22] been suffering from a chronic and very powerful
[23] disease. More than 3 years before her death I offered
[24] to operate on her but she was afraid. When however
[25] she was reduced very much and felt that she
[26] must soon die if it were not speedily relieved she consented.
[27] The ^disease^ had then advanced so far that it was a doubtful
[28] matter that it could recover but as an operation would
[29] give her the only chance I felt I ought not to decline.
[30] I operated. She recovered from the effects of the operation
[31] and for one week she was entirely free from pain
[32] which she had not been before for 8 years previous. It
[33] was only a false recovery for she speedily sunk
[34] and in no less than ten days with a lifeless corpse.
[35] I was proud of the operation and I held
Page 12
[1] thought more of the hand that had performed it than
[2] of Him above who alone had given whatever if skill and
[3] knowledge I possess. I needed therefore a humbling lesson
[4] and a sore one. This case was made a great deal of
[5] her brother who does not belong to us. Invited all his
[6] relations and friends to his house and they dressed
[7] up a mummy instead of the corpse which had been
[8] buried in our little burying ground and denounced
[9] me as the murderer and added many cautions to
[10] those around not to have anything to do with me
[11] but I should murder them too. And here I may
[12] mention that at first ^sight^ would seem to contradict
[13] our natural feelings. Since this woman’s death I have
[14] operated on two cases afflicted with diseases of the
[15] same type but differing in detail. In both these cases
[16] the death has resulted. In one in about a month
[17] and in the other 7 months after the operation
[18] and yet there is no class of disease ^the treatment^ for which
[19] I have since been so frequently applied to.
[20] I believe the true explanation lies in there {???}
[21] of my motives. So far as the opposition to and
[22] efforts to undermine were only by word of mouth and
[23] persuasion. To all their taunts I exhorted the people
[24] to return no answer but to pray earnestly to get the
[25] measure of grace which would enable them to
[26] rejoice under persecution and walk in the footsteps
[27] of our Lord and Master. But now opposition
[28] took another turn our very forbearance was construed i
[29] into fear and weakness. A young woman from
[30] a far off tribe who had been taken from her people
[31] when a child in return for some food given to them
[32] in distress and who had afterwords been married
[33] to an old man when her husband died came
[34] here for protection. Her late husbands relations
[35] came after her and wanted to take her by force.
[36] This we would not permit. They might persuade
[37] her if they could or induce her anyway they
Page 13
[1] could devise but we would not let her be taken by force.
[2] She had a free choice to ^go^ back with them to remain
[3] here or to return to her own tribe. She elected to return
[4] to her own tribe but not until she had gathered her
[5] potatoes meanwhile she claimed our protection.
[6] Not long after however she had occasion to visit her
[7] late husband‘s village to get some of her clothes
[8] and food. Those who wanted to get her saw her and
[9] dragged her out of the canoe there were only two boys
[10] on our canoe and of course they were powerless
[11] to interfere. They did what was wisest returned here
[12] at once and reported the matter. It was an anxious
[13] case as it involved the safety of our people and their
[14] freedom from molestation. (Moreover it was equivalent
[15] to a direct challenge to us.) If we had passed it over, there was
[16] an end to all order laws at our village if only
[17] any bad man wanted to stop here he had only had to bring
[18] a sufficient number with him ^and^ defy us. I weighed the
[19] matter carefully and after prayerful deliberation called
[20] the chief and the village together I related the circumstances
[21] and asked their opinion I found that they were too considered
[22] that it {???} as to the probable result if we were if we remained
[23] inactive. The object was not so much to get back the
[24] woman. though that of course must be done, but to
[25] show once and for all that while we were peaceable
[26] and were opposed to using force yet we would
[27] not suffer ourselves to be molested. God crowned
[28] our efforts with success and one pleasing
[29] circumstances connected with it was the patience
[30] with which those who accompanied me acted
[31] under the most trying circumstances. It shewed what
[32] power of the grace of God can exercise in curbing
[33] our natural tempers. Without it we never could
[34] have stood the provocation to which we were subjected
[35] and yet used no force but acted with such
[36] muted determination as disarmed opposition and
[37] we have not had any further attempts to molest
[38] our people.
Page 14
[1] In June 1870 I had an opportunity of shewing that
[2] while we sternly refused to mix with or even
[3] hold out the hand of fellowship to those who are
[4] wilfully resuming a downward course. we do not
[5] do so from pride or a feeling of superiority but
[6] lest we might seem to countenance what is so
[7] displeasing to God. At 10 o’clock one evening a canoe
[8] arrived bringing me word that Mr. Cunningham‘s
[9] two little boys were very ill and begging me to meet
[10] them. Mr. Cunningham had been sent out on an exploratory
[11] expedition and had not returned. At 6 a.m. next
[12] morning I started and after a very hard struggle
[13] against a headwind we reached Fort Simpson
[14] at 11:00 oClock p.m. (The fort as you know is 33 miles
[15] from Kincolith.) I did what I could for the children
[16] who were both in fever and the youngest very ill
[17] indeed. At the Fort I found a letter informing me
[18] that several were very ill at Metlakatla. Which
[19] decided me to go on as soon as possible to
[20] without going to bed or attempting to sleep towards
[21] daylight I got a little canoe and arrived at
[22] Metlakatla about 6 a.m. On my return I again
[23] called at the Fort made some more medicine and
[24] gave some further directions. Some weeks afterward
[25] I received the inclosed letter and a donation of $20
[26] towards this mssion. Mr. M’s intended was one of those
[27] sick at Metlakatla.
[28] In August I paid my first visit up the river to the
[29] two tribes. It was only a flying visit and preparatory
[30] to a more lengthy one. on my way down I inadvertently
[31] set fire to a flat of land on the riverbank which
[32] destroyed an immense number of wild fruit trees
[33] the berries of winter are considered a delicacy. A large
[34] portion of the land belong to one of the chiefs
[35] who thereupon fell into a temper with me before
[36] he had even asked me whether I would pay for her for the misshap.
Page 15
[1] How he tried to revenge himself you will hear further
[2] on. I returned in time to meet the Otter which
[3] brought our winter supplies and with them a cow
[4] for as the babe was growing we found
[5] goats not thrive in the winter and I have purchased
[6] a cow. But it proved an expensive experiment
[7] for she died in the winter not however from cold
[8] or exposure but from the effects of some poisoned
[9] food I believe.
[10] The effort to overthrow the settlement still continued
[11] but in October they reached a climax. Then it was
[12] that the most determined and successful attempt
[13] was made. Three from a little our little band of [Chris]tians
[14] were drawn away into the into sin besides several others.
[15] And there were signs of unsteadiness and wavering
[16] among the others. Day after day but only brought
[17] fresh tidings of new victories for the enemies of
[18] truth and it almost seemed as is the avowed
[19] with of these would be granted and that they
[20] would draw away the little band until no
[21] more of it it could be found than is found of the
[22] winter snow when the summers sun has
[23] shewed it. I felt more depressed than I ever
[24] remember having been before. To cure this
[25] I determined to undertake a missionary tour
[26] and passing by those who were despising the
[27] truth to bring ^it^ those beyond. I now know
[28] that it was the Lord of the harvest himself who
[29] put this desire into my heart. As I feel sure
[30] you will admit when you hear the result.
[31] The chief whose fruit trees I had burned
[32] on hearing of my intention to visit his tribe subtly
[33] invited me to his house while he concealed from
[34] me that his real object was to hinder my work.
Page 16
[1] I arrived on a Saturday evening. On the following
[2] morning we rang a bell for service but only a very
[3] few came not more than 30. I called not account
[4] for it. It was so different from what I had expected
[5] and from what previously seen of them. In the
[6] evening some few more attended. but I lay down
[7] that night disheartened and feeling that [the] Devil had
[8] extended his power over this villages too. I remained
[9] all Monday and paid the chief for the mischief
[10] I had done. All of this while he expressed the warmest
[11] feelings of attachment to me. and though I knew
[12] he was acting a double part I little thought that i
[13] t was he who is keeping the people away. On
[14] Tuesday I left advancing some two or
[15] thee miles came to a large salmon house. Here
[16] I determined to stop and see if they would hear
[17] the Gospel. Having boiled a little {???} {???} the
[18] few chiefs and while they were eating spoke
[19] a few words to them. Meanwhile a great many
[20] had arrived from the village. When the chiefs
[21] were satisfied I expressed a desire to speak to all
[22] the people young and old poor and rich. They
[23] showed the greatest desire and there was quite
[24] a stir. And now I will try and give you a
[25] picture of the scene which is indelibly imprinted
[26] in my mind. A shed about 30 ft by 90 ft
[27] with a passage down the centre and a row of
[28] fires on each side. Overhead and about 5 ft
[29] from the ground were through poles on which
[30] were hanging salmon some very freshly caught
[31] some half dry and some quite dry. around
[32] each fire a knot of people. and here in there
[33] and everywhere. Mats, pillows, boxes ^of^ food and
[34] such like. The salmon were cleared of some
[35] 4 or 5 of the poles and a small place cleared
Page 17
[1] for me to stand. As we had no lamp oil
[2] we borrowed an old pan. Into this we
[3] poured some grease and dropped in some
[4] red hot cinders. This made a fine light. I
[5] had a large set of large calico prints of the
[6] Pilgrims Progress these hung from 2 bent
[7] pines and a piece of twine. Meanwhile all
[8] in the shed both men and women ^and children^ had gathered
[9] as close as possible. The smoke was very thick
[10] in the building and the sticks over my head
[11] were so low that I had to unable to stand upright
[12] but position smoke and every other drawback
[13] vanished when I looked round on those grim
[14] faces lighted with interest. My heart burned
[15] within me. One thought absorbed my whole soul.
[16] Those before me were all immortal souls gathered
[17] to hear the word of life. After a silent prayer
[18] that the Lord of the Harvest would fulfil his
[19] gracious promise and be with me and that his
[20] spirit might teach my lips and apply the
[21] word of spoken to our hearts I began. Before I
[22] enter the shed I felt how little I was equal
[23] to the task how much I myself needed to be
[24] preached to that my depressed spirit might be
[25] cheered. and little I then thought tjat the very
[26] message I was too announce to them was the means
[27] that God had chosen to refresh my spirit. Yet
[28] so it was. if ever the waterer received the dew
[29] himself. it was so with me. I began and such
[30] was the interest evinced by those around in
[31] my own heart. that 2 hours had come to a close
[32] before I drew up. I had not completed the series
[33] but I felt I would tire them if I went on too long
[34] and I told them so at the same telling them that
[35] if they wished to hear more I would {???} them
Page 18
[1] to the end of the way. With one voice they
[2] said go on. we want to hear the end. I went
[3] on. I know not how the words came it was no
[4] translation to the very thought came into my head
[5] in Nishkah. I felt as it would have been hard
[6] to say it in English. Before I left home
[7] I {???} on hearing the death of a very dear
[8] friend. the last of the family. I went to visit her
[9] father. He had been very much cast by deaths [of]
[10] his other children and I much feared that the affliction
[11] would break his heart. in arriving at the house he
[12] clasped ^me^ by the hands and with a face beaming with
[13] such heavenly expression as I had never before seen
[14] he exclaimed. She is in heaven. I thanked God
[15] that he had given him such a view of that peaceful
[16] shore. I would felt how dim my own view of it was.
[17] But while I was explaining ^to these poor people^ about the shepherds
[18] the dimness went away. The Lord in his mercy to his
[19] depressed and faithful servant cleared the darkness
[20] from the glass of faith and presented such a
[21] view of our heavenly home that the remembrance
[22] of it still gives a thrill to my heart.
[23] Throughout the discourse and especially when
[24] discussing the difficulties of the week I had
[25] laid stress on the fact that we had not yet
[26] come to an end. so that ^they^ were expecting something
[27] great at the end. Imagine then there disappointment
[28] when a disclosing the picture of [Chris]tians and the {???}
[29] at the river. I told them. There is the end of the way.
[30] a cold dark river. They looked from one to the
[31] other and then at me. The end of the {Chris]tians way
[32] and the end of your own ways. but beyond the
[33] river and here I pointed out to the difference lay.
[34] It was midnight when I ceased. but I was too happy
[35] to sleep for some time. and not only was it given me
Page 19
[1] refreshed and strengthened in myself but it was
[2] also granted to me early fruit in one whom
[3] I had brought with me. The thought of his sinfulness
[4] and the saviours love made him weep all night
[5] and lay fast hold on the crucified Saviour. so
[6] that since he has been one of the most humble
[7] warmest followers of his Lord.
[8] The next night the scene was repeated
[9] only the shed was smaller and more {cummodious?}.
[10] The following night one of the Chiefs
[11] houses at the upper village. The whole village
[12] came to hear.
[13] The next day we returned as far as the village
[14] which I had purposely passed on my way upward
[15] journey on account of their opposition to us. Here
[16] however I felt was I must give them another
[17] opportunity and so I sent an invitation to
[18] all. More came than I had expected and many
[19] the number many who were knew something of the
[20] truth and had forsaken it. I took only those
[21] prints which were easily explained and
[22] contained warnings or encouragements. I addressed
[23] them in earnest and solemn way plainly
[24] setting before them the awful danger they were
[25] exposing themselves to. They received it well
[26] May God bring the word home to their hearts.
[27] Just before the close of the year I put
[28] a series of questions to those who are still
[29] settled here relative to their difficulties trials
[30] resources &c. So as to endeavour to meet
[31] them as far as possible likewise as to whether
[32] they were at all wavering in their minds.
[33] The answers as a whole were very satisfactory
[34] and shewed that the cloud was rapidly
[35] breaking up and the Son of Righteousness {???}
[36] with healing on his {???}.
