But doubtless there are other and less favourable points of view in
which these people must be sometimes considered. At all events, it is
sad to learn, from the silence of some travellers, and the actual
statements of others, that the Esquimaux do not appear to have any
idea of the existence of a Supreme Being, or to hold any notion of
religion. Separated from the whole civilized world, and frequently
finding it a struggle to live, even with the help of their faithful
dogs, they are objects of pity and concern, rather than of sanguine
hope and expectation to the Christian mind. But were an opportunity to
occur of carrying the Gospel to their snow-clad land, there is little
doubt that the remark of Parry, applied to an individual of one of
their tribes, might be used of all: "On dispositions thus naturally
charitable, what might not Christian education, and Christian
principles effect?"