_Of the second, or Christian Religion of the_ Laplanders.
_Lapland_ among other Nations, after a long night of Paganism, was
enlightned with the Christian Religion: of which I shall now speak. In
the first place we must enquire how and when they first began to hear’d
of Christs name: but this will be very difficult, because all Writers
are silent herein. _Plantin_ indeed affirms from their report, that
they first hear of the Christian Religion in the last age; from whence
he concludes that they came out of _Finland_ before the _Finlanders_
were converted. But for all this we can hardly yield our assent to
him; for it is certain on the contrary that they knew, and some of
them embraced, the Christian Religion in the time of _Ziegler_, who
lived in the very beginning of the precedent age, and was present at
the destruction of _Stockholm_ by _Christiern_ the Tyrant, which he
hath very well described: he affirms that they admited Christianity
to obtain the favor of their Kings, which cannot be spoken of
_Christiern_, or his immediate Predecessor, but of several others in
former ages. And indeed it is very improbable that so many Christian
Kings should take no care of propagating their Religion among the
_Laplanders_, but permit them to live in a heathenish impiety, without
so much as ever hearing the name of Christ; especially since there are
Letters of _Ericus_ King of _Pomerania_ extant, wherein he advises the
Consistory of _Upsal_ that they would send Priests to instruct the
_Laplanders_; which _Charles_ the IX afterwards made an argument of his
title to _Lapland_ against his neighbors. Besides they had adjoining to
them the _Birkarli_, who were either _Finlanders_ or _Swedes_, and were
converted long before; with these they maintained a commerce, and paid
them tribute even from the time of _Ladulaus Magnus_, who reign’d four
ages ago. Therefore it is false what _Plantin_ affirms of their being
converted in the last age; on the contrary I presume that from the time
of _Ladulaus_, there alwaies were some in _Lapland_ who either were
Christians, or pretended to be so: for then their Country was subdued
and made a Province of _Swedland_, and it cannot be doubted but the
_Swedes_ propagated the Christian Religion together with their dominion
in _Lapland_. Tho if our conjecture prove true of the _Laplanders_
removing out of _Finland_, by reason of the wars of _Ericus Sanctus_,
and the planting of the Christian Religion there, it will appear from
thence that they heard of Christ, tho they neglected him. However
no prudent man can suppose that their neighbors the _Finlanders_
for so many ages should never mention any thing of the Christian
Religion to them. And therefore my opinion is the more confirmed that
the _Laplanders_ had heard of Christ ever since _Ericus Sanctus_ his
time, even these five ages, tho they rejected his Doctrine, as long
as they retained their own freedom: but after they became subject to
the _Swedes_, whether on their own accord to please their Kings, as
_Ziegler_ would have it, or for other reasons, at length they took upon
them the name of Christians, which happened in the time of _Ladulaus
Magnus_, in the year 1277, from whence we must date the planting of
Christian Religion in _Lapland_, which Religion they neither wholy
embraced, nor wholy refused, but retained it with an inveterate, and
as it were Jewish prejudice, not out of any zeal, or preferring it as
more necessary for their welfare before their former Religion; but
outwardly only and in shew, esteeming it the best means to gain their
Princes favor, and to prevent those evils which threatened them, if
they should persist in their obstinacy. Hence it was that they were
married by a Christian Priest, and baptised their children according to
the ceremonies of Christianity, which were the two chief things wherein
their Christian Religion consisted; and the only things mention’d by
_Olaus M._ For the use of catechising, or preaching of the Gospel, and
other information in the heads of Christian Religion were wholy unknown
to them, as may be prov’d from the ancient records of Bishopricks,
wherein there is no mention of any _Lapponian_ Diocess, or Church,
or of any Diocess to which _Lapland_ might belong. Lastly, if it had
not bin so, what need was there of _Ericus_ his express to _Upsal_,
that they would send Priests into _Lapland_? this, and whatsoever else
_Ziegler_ alledges for the slow advance of Christianity in _Lapland_,
_Olaus Magnus_ endevors to evade; but at length is forc’t to confess
that the Northern parts thereof are not yet reclaimed, and therefore
hopes for their conversion.
This was the State of Christianity in _Lapland_ till the times of
_Gustavus_, differing from their ancient Paganism only in name, and
a few external rites, whereby they labored to make the World believe
that they were Christians; which gave _Damianus à Goes_ (tho a friend
and contemporary of _Johannes_ and _Olaus Magnus_) very good reason
to complain that there was no knowledg of God and Christ in the Land.
From hence we may understand how to interpret _Olaus M._ when he saies
that by the earnest and pious exhortations of the Catholic Priests,
great part of these wild People were, and more were likely to be
brought over to the Christian Religion. But when _Gustavus_ came to
the Crown, as he took greater care then his Predecessors for promoting
of the true Religion in other parts of his dominions, so he did in
_Lapland_ also; and as the chief means to effect this, he took the
peculiar charge of them upon himself. Whereas heretofore they were
rather tributaries of the _Birkarli_ then the Kings of _Sweden_; and
consequently neglected by those Kings; now at some set times in the
Winter, they were obliged to meet together in a place appointed, where
they were to pay their tribute to the Kings Officers, and be instructed
in the Gospel by the Priests, and also to give an account of what they
learnt the year before. This custom must needs have its beginning in
_Gustavus_’s time, for he was the first King that demanded tribute of
the _Laplanders_, and consequently that assembled them together for the
paying of it. Besides _Olaus M._ mentions no such institution; which
he would have don had it bin received in his time. Nay he confesses
that if the _Laplanders_ had a mind to have their Children baptised,
they were forc’t to carry them on their backs two hundred Italian
miles to a Christian Church, in some of their neighboring Countries,
as _Aongermannia_, _Helsingia_, and the like, and if they neglected
this duty, there was none to reprove them for it. This made _Gustavus_
complain in a Letter dated at _Stocholme_, July 24. 1556, that there
were many among them, who were never baptised, which proceeded from
an opinion that those who were baptised in their riper years, would
dy Within 7 or 8 daies after; but when _Gustavus_ together with his
Collectors sent Priests into _Lapland_, their children were baptised,
and they instructed at home. Nor were they obliged only to a bare
hearing of the word, but to a diligent attention, because they were to
be catechised afterwards, and give an account of their progress; so
that now it was that they began to be Christians in good earnest, and
in this respect it might with some reason be said that in this last
age the Gospel began to be preached among them, and that before they
were wholy ignorant of the means of their salvation. Now it was that
they had certain Priests appointed to instruct them, the first whereof,
or at least since the reformation, was one _Michael_, whom _Gustavus_
in his before mentioned Letter earnestly recommends to them, giving
him especial command by pious exhortation to reduce them to the true
knowledg of God, and the Christian Faith.
But this was more effectually don in the succeeding times of _Charles
Gustavus Adolphus_, and _Christina_; who first endowed Schools and
Churches; those two firm supports, without which Religion can neither
maintain its present strength, nor acquire more.
_Charles_ the IX, about the latter end of his reign was the first
that caused Churches to be built in every one of the divisions or
Marches at his own peculiar charge; two of them are mentioned in
_Lapponia Tornensis_, viz. _Tenotekis_ and _Jukasjærff_, whereof one
was built, _ann._ 1600, the other 3 years after. _Christina_ having
found a silver mine there, followed his example; and by a public
Charter ordered the building of four more, in _Arwitsieff_, _Arieplog_,
_Silbojoch_, and _Nasafiell_, ann. 1640. then were Christian Churches
built in _Lapland_ itself, and there are now reckoned in _Lapponia
Aongermannia_ one, called _Aosalo_; in _Lapponia Umensis_ one called
_Lyæsala_; in _Lapponia Pithensis_ four, whose name are _Graatræsk_,
_Arwitsierfs_, _Stora sawgcks_, and _Arieplogs_; there was also a
fifth called _Silbojochs_, but this was long ago demolish’d and
burnt by the _Danes_. In _Lapponia Luhlensis_ there is one call’d
_Jochmoch_. There was also another called _Nafrilocht_, but this was
burnt accidentally not long since. In _Lapponia Tornensis_ there
are reckoned three, _Juckochsierfs_, _Rounala_, and _Enotaches_. In
_Lapponia Kimensis_ only _Enare_. All of them being 13 in number,
except _Silbojochs_ and _Nafrilochs_, are kept in good repair, and
frequented by the _Laplanders_. They all own the Kings, and especially
_Charles_ the IX, for their Founders, excepting only _Kounala_, which
was built and adorned with a bell at the sole charge of 3 brothers
_Laplanders_, whose piety herein is the more commendable because they
were forc’t to fetch all the materials requisit for such a work thro
long and troublesome waies, out of _Norway_ with their Rain-dears. A
memorable example which most men in our daies, tho desirous enough to
seem pious and religious, are so far from equalling, much more from
exceeding, that they never attemt to follow it. The manner of building
their Temples was plain indeed, but fit enough for the use they were
designed to, the matter of them is the same timber wherewith the
_Swedes_ usually build their houses. Adjoining to their Churches they
have belfrys, and houses for the use of Priests and the convenience of
those who living at a great distance from the Church, have the liberty
of refreshing themselves here in the Winter time by the fire. This
constitution was first made by _Christina_ ann. 1640, commanding the
Priests to be alwaies resident, whereas before they living a far off,
came but at some set times of the year.
Schools were first instituted by _Gustavus Adolphus_, and I suppose
in the town of _Pithen_, something before the year 1619, for in that
year _Nicolaus Andreæ_, Minister of _Pithen_, dedicates his Ritual
to him, in token of thanks and commendation for this his piety. The
reason why _Gustavus Adolphus_ founded Schools, was chiefly because he
saw the _Laplanders_ profited very little under the Swedish Priests
preaching in a forreign language, as they had hitherto don. Besides,
the harshness of the air, and coursness of the diet killed great
part of the Priests, who had bin used to a better climate, and made
the rest more unwilling to undergo this hardship: therefore was the
first School instituted in _Pithen_, and committed to the charge of
_Nicolaus Andreæ_, who was also commanded for the better promoting
of knowledg there, to translate the most useful and necessary books
out of the Swedish into the Laplandish tongue. For the _Laplanders_
before this were wholy ignorant of letters, and had not a book writ
in their language: the first, which I suppose they had, was the
_Primer_, such as children use to learn containing the chief heads of
Christian Religion, _viz._ the ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lords
Praier, and the like compiled by the aforesaid _Nicolaus_, as himself
witnesses: he likewise was the first that published the Ritual in
the Laplandish tongue, the book is now extant printed at _Stockholm_
by _Ignatius Meurer_, with this title, _Liber Cantionum quomodo sit
celebranda Missa Sermone Lappico_. These were the elements wherein they
were first to be instructed, afterwards there were other books printed,
amongst which was a _Manual_ translated out of Swedish by _Joannes
Tornæus_, Minister and School-master of _Tornen_, containing the Psalms
of _David_, Song of _Solomon_, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus,
_Luthers_ Catechise, sacred Hymns, Gospels, and Epistles, with the
solemn Praiers. The history of _Christs_ Passion, and destruction of
_Jerusalem_, the _Ritual_, and Praiers of all sorts.
In the next place, for an encouragement to those that would send their
children to School, _Gustavus Adolphus_ allowed money, not only for
their diet, but also for their clothes, and other necessaries, with
a stipend for the School-master: with these helps the _Laplanders_
began more seriously to consider of the Christian Religion, which was
now preach’d to them in no other language then their own: heretofore
their Ministers using only the Swedish tongue, they learnt somthing but
understood it not, and muttered some Praiers, but they knew not what:
for somtimes there stood under the Pulpit, an Interpreter who explained
to the People as well as he could what the Minister said at length.
By the benefit of these aforesaid books they began to understand what
they praied for, and some of the Youth of _Lapland_ having studied at
the University of _Upsal_, made so good progress in the knowledg of the
Liberal Arts and Sciences, and of the Christian Religion, that they
were entrusted with the Ministery.
Hitherto we have taken a view of _Gustavus Adolphus_ his first care
for the advancement of Christianity in _Lapland_, but as all things in
their beginnings find some opposition, so did the preaching of the
word of God here; first of all it was a matter of great difficulty to
maintain a School without the confines of _Lapland_, to which the Youth
of that Nation should resort, therefore in the second place it was
advised by that famous man _Joannes Skytte_, free Baron of _Duderhoff_,
and Senator of the Kingdom, who to his immortal praise obtained that
a School might be erected by the King in _Lapland_ it self, in the
Province of _Uma_, near the Church _Lyksala_, from whence the School
took its name. This was the second School the _Laplanders_ had, and
by _Gustavus Adolphus_, then engaged in a tedious war in _Germany_,
the charge of it was committed to the aforesaid _Joannes Skytte_, by
a Roial Charter, and setled upon his Family for ever, allowing the
School-master the whole Tithe, after the ordinary charges deducted; but
still retaining to the Crown the superintendency of the benefaction.
The form thereof is as follows,
_We_ GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS _by the Grace of God King of the_ Goths _and_
Vandals, _&c. declare that altho our dear Father_ Charles _of blessed
memory; as likewise we our selves, after we were by the Divine
Providence placed in the Throne of this Kingdom, have earnestly
endevor’d that our Northern Subjects called_ Laplanders _should be
instructed, in Arts and Letters; and be informed in the grounds of
Christian Religion, yet the distraction of the present time, hath
hitherto hindred our religious purpose: but least our attemt should be
utterly frustrated, we ordain and appoint our faithfull Senator, Chief
Governor of_ Livonia, Ingria, _and_ Carelia, _the illustrious Lord_
John Skytt _L. B. in_ Dunderhoff, _Governor and Visitor of a School
to be erected in_ Umalappmark, _he having undertaken that Charge: We
farther ordain that the Government of the said School, shall from time
to time continue and belong to the Successors, in his family: and that
the Master and Scholars in the school aforesaid, may have a constant
maintenance, we grant unto them the Tithes which the inhabitants of
that division, do yearly bring into the Store-house of_ Uma, _after
the ordinary paiments are deducted. These Tithes, with other gifts
and benefactions which the aforesaid Lord_ John Skitt _shall by his
diligence acquire for the said charitable use; shall be disposed by
him for the benefit of the said School, reserving to our selves and
successors the supreme regulation of the same. In witness whereof we
have set our hand and Seal. Given in old_ Stetin _in_ Pomerland, _June
20. Ann. 1631_.
This School had some peculiar advantages over others, because its
setlement was firmly established, having for its Visitor, not the
Minister of the Parish, but a Senator of the Kingdom. Besides here
was not only a salary allowed to the Master and Scholars, but also an
order to receive it out of the Tithes of _Uma_; whereas the other had
indeed a set stipend, but because it was not certainly decreed where
they should receive it, it was not duely paid as the time and their
necessities required, which was no small disadvantage and impediment to
their design. But all inconveniences were here remedied and the salary
most firmly setled; and not only so, but also full autority granted
unto the Illustrious Lord _John Skytte_ to find out and confirm any
other means, which might conduce more to the good of that foundation.
Neither was that eminent man wanting out of his singular piety to God,
and love of learning, to make this his whole business; till at last
he gathered a sum of five thousand Dollars, partly thro his own, and
partly thro his friends liberality, which he delivered to the Queen
_Christina_ for the use of a Copper Mine, that in lieu thereof the
School of _Uma_ might yearly receive the whole revenue of the Crown,
due from certain Towns in that Province. This request of his the Queen
easily granted, and two years after issu’d out her Letters patents,
and a new Charter by the Protectors of the Kingdom, whose worthy
Commemoration is not to be omitted. The words of the Charter are as
follow,
_We_ CHRISTINA _by the Grace of God Queen elect and hereditary
Princess of the_ Swedes, Goths _and_ Vandals, _Queen of_ Finland,
Esthonia, Carelia, _and_ Ingria, _do declare, that whereas our dearly
beloved Father, somtimes King of_ Swedland, _did out of his singular
zeal and religious affection for the promoting of the Church of
God, especially in the Northern parts of his Dominions, institute
a Laplandish School in the Province of_ Uma, _and did constitute
our trusty and well beloved Senator the illustrious Lord_ John
Skytte, _Senator of the Kingdom of_ Sweden, _President of our Roial
Council in_ Gothland, _Chancellor of our University of_ Upsal, _High
Commissioner of_ South-Finland, _free Baron of_ Duderhoff, _Lord of_
Grænsia, Stræmfrum _and_ Skytteholm, _Knight, to be superviser of this
work, setling the same power upon his Posterity after his decease,
and bountifully allowing to this design out of the stores of_ Uma
_the yearly Tithes due to the Crown; We therefore by vertue of these
Letters patents to not only confirm that wholsom Constitution of
our pious Father deceased, but do also certify that the illustrius
Lord_ John Skytte _hath brought in the sum of 5000 Dollars of silver
given by himself and his pious friends for the use of the Laplandish
School, which entire sum he hath paid to the Copper-Company, humbly
intreating that the said sum may remain in that Company to Us and
our Crown, and that We for the yearly interest of the said money
allowing 8 per Cent, would give to the Laplandish School the use of
certain Villages in_ Norlands, _that the inhabitants thereof may pay
their taxes to the aforesaid School; which We graciously approving,
do give, as a security, the benefit and profit of these following
Villages belonging to Us and our Crown in the Provinces of_ Uma _and
West_ Bothnia; Roebeck 12 _Farms_ 5/8. Stæksive 2. 3/16. Clabbiler
3. 9/16. Baggaboelet 2. 27/32. Kuddis 2. 5/16. Bræneland 2. 11/16.
_These Farms shall yearly pay to the Laplandish School all their
ordinary and extraordinary taxes which are hitherto imposed, which
their inhabitants are hereby commanded to do without intermission,
during the time that we retain the aforesaid sum of 5000 Dollars, paid
to the Copper-Company, until We shall have restored the sum entire
to the Laplandish School. Wherefore We command our Officers, and all
whom it may concern, that they substract not from the said School the
aforesaid sum given in security, before such time as the money may
be restored; and that they do not offer nor suffer to be offered any
injury or prejudice to the aforesaid School, contrary to this our
Edict, in confirmation whereof Ours and the Kingdoms Protectors and
Administrators have hereto set their hands, and sealed it with the
Roial Seal. Dated at_ Stockholm _Novemb. 5. 1634_.
The Persons that subscribed were, _Gabriel Oxenstern, Gustavi F.
R. Drotsetus_. _Jacobus de la Gardie_ High Marshal. _Carolus Caroli
Gyldenhielm_ High Admiral. _Petrus Baner_ Deputy Chancellor. _Gabriel
Oxenstern_ Tresurer.
This is that School to which the _Laplanders_ ow their Progress in
the knowledg and love of Christian Religion, which appears from
those many useful and eminent Persons who have bin there bred; also
the success may be seen from the testimonials of the Examiners, who
were constituted in the same year that the School was endow’d by the
aforesaid Roial Charter, the words are related by _Brazius_ as follow,
_We, whose names are underwritten, do testify that we were called
by the Reverend and Learned_ M. Olaus _our Pastor of the Church
of_ Uma, _to be present at the examination of the Laplandish Youth
frequenting the School of_ Lyksa _in the Province of_ Uma; _we also
testify that we did hear them examined by their Rector our aforesaid
Pastor. First, they altogether sang the Psalms of_ David _translated
into the Swedish language, as they are now used in the Church: next
they all, and singular repeted the_ Primer, _containing not only the
Elements of Speech, but the Lords Praier, ten Commandments, Apostles
Creed, the words used in administring the Sacraments of Baptism, and
the Lords Supper; also the Graces before and after meat, together with
the Morning and Evening Praiers. This Book they all read according
to the manner prescribed in other Schools, and the more ingenious of
them did distinctly and without hesitation repete the little Catechism
made by_ Luther: _Besides this, they read the Gospels for Sundaies and
Holy-daies as they are published in the Swedish tongue, this was the
task of all the Scholars. Only 8 of them being of slower parts, did
nevertheless emulate the more ingenious according to their abilities.
Now they all begin to learn the Fundamentals in the Laplandish Idiom,
that they may instruct their Country-men in their own mother tongue.
This school exercise and the fruit arising from thence as it exceeded
our expectation, to see the illiterate Youth in a short time by the
blessing of God, learn the Principles of our salvation, which better
Scholars have bin much longer in attaining to, so ought we to give
singular thanks to Gods who hath made their endevors so successful.
Nor must we omit the deserved Commendation of those pious men, who by
their bountiful largesses founded and endowed the School, and at this
time maintain it; altho for the reward of their piety must expect the
blessing of God, according as he hath promised. Witness our hands and
seals. Dated in the place aforesaid_ Ann. 1634. Jacobus Andreæ Buræus.
Petrus Jonæ. Andreas Hacquini. Jacobus Nicolai. Olaus Olai.
From this testimony it appears that the School was frequented by
no small number of the Laplandish Youth, also that they were not
wholly unfit for the study of learning and Religion; making it their
chief care to learn those things which are especially necessary to
the improving of a Christian life. Last of all, the readiness of the
_Laplanders_ to send their children to School: so that now there
appears another face of Religion in _Lapland_ then what there was in
former ages, because the Kings have taken greater care in providing for
Churches, Schools, Books, Ministers, and School-masters. The Priests in
like manner are more careful, being now for the most part _Laplanders_,
or skilful in that tongue, whereof there is in _Lapponia Umensis_ one,
in _Lapponia Pithensis_ 3, in _Lapponia Luhlensis_ one, whose trouble
is the greater, because the Country is large and the inhabitants
dispersed.
In _Lapponia Tornensis_ and _Kiemensis_ they have both Laplandish and
Swedish Priests, who once a year at their public Fairs in February
visit the Country, baptising their children, and preaching to them in
the _Finnish_ language, which they seem to understand. For their reward
they have one third part of the Rain-dears, which the _Laplanders_ are
bound to pay to the Crown: and whereas every _Laplander_ was obliged
to pay for a tax either two pair of shoes, or a white Fox, or a pound
of Pike, this is now equally divided between the King and the Priest;
which makes not only the Priests more chearful in doing their duty,
but the People also more diligent in their performances. Hence it is
that they pay their Ministers so much honor and respect, saluting them
at their first coming with bowing their head, giving them in token
of Reverence the title of _Herrai_, i.e. _Sir_, conducting them upon
their Rain-dears to their Cottages, adorned with birch bows, covered
with their furrs, and shewing them all the civility they have. Upon
a table or rather a plank laid upon the ground they set them meat,
which is usually fish, or flesh of Rain-dear dried together with the
tongue and marrow. They use neither Salt, Bread nor Wine, all which the
Priests are forc’t to bring with them, the _Laplanders_ drinking only
Water, because the extremity of the cold spoils their Beer. They are
careful in observing Sundaies, refraining both themselves and their
Cattel from all work on that day, and somtimes on the day before; nay
some there are who refuse to milk their Raindears on Sundaies. While
the Sermon is preaching they attend diligently; and in singing of
Psalms they are so zealous that they strive who shall sing best. They
very much reverence and frequent the Sacraments, especially that of
Baptism which they never defer; but the women themselves within eight
or fourteen daies after their delivery do often bring their children
thro long and tedious waies to the Priest. They likewise pay much
reverence to the Lords Supper, and to the ceremonies of Confession
and Absolution, which are alwaies used before that Sacrament, which
they now are really partakers of, whereas in the times of Popery they
received it without any solemn consecration. Neither do they neglect
the other parts of Christian Piety. They most religiously abstain
from swearing, cursing and blasphemy: they are very charitable to the
poor, and just, insomuch that there are scarce any robberies ever
heard of in the Country. Their mutual conversation is very courteous,
especially among persons of the same Country or family, often visiting
and discoursing with one another. This they learn from the precepts of
Christianity, which requiring them not only to regulate their Faith,
but their lives, teaches that tho there be three Persons, the Father,
Son, and holy Ghost, yet they are but one God. And as by the help of
Christianity they learn the rule of true piety, so do they utterly
abhor all their ancient superstition. They pull down all their drums,
and burn and demolish all their Images of wood and stone. A memorable
example hereof is mentioned by _Johannes Tornæus_ in this manner. A
certain _Laplander_, just, pious, and wealthy, named _Petrus Peiwie_
dwelling in _Peldojærf_, at a Village of _Lappmarkia Tornensis_,
with all his family worshipped the Idol _Seita_: it happened upon a
certain time that his Rain-dears died in great numbers; whereupon he
implored the assistance of his _Seita_. But he praied in vain, for his
Rain-dears died still. At length with his whole family and good store
of dry wood, he took a journy to the place where _Seita_ stood: round
about the Idoll he strewed green bows of Firr, and offered sacrifice to
him, the skins, horns, and skulls of Rain-dears; at last he prostrates
himself with his whole family before the Idol, beseeching him that
he would by some sign testify unto him, that he was the true God.
But after a whole days praiers and devotions finding no sign given,
he sets fire to the combustible wood, and burns down the Idol of the
Town. When his offended neighbours sought to kill him, he asked them
why they would not permit the God to revenge himself for the affront.
But _Peiwie_ became so constant an adherent to the Christian Religion,
that when others threatned with their charms to mischief him, he on the
contrary repeated the Lords Prayer, and the Apostles Creed. He burnt
all the _Seitas_ he could meet with, and at length sent his eldest Son
_Wuollaba_ to _Enorreby_ to do the like there; for which he was forc’t
to fly into _Norway_ to avoid the _Inarenses_, who lay in wait for him.
There was also one _Clement_, a _Lappo-Jenabiensis_ whose Mother being
grievously sick, he sought remedy from the Drum, but his Mother died
notwithstanding; whereupon he cut his Drum in pieces, alledging that he
saw no use of it.
Hitherto we have seen the Christian Religion much better received and
improved by the _Laplanders_, and applied to their daily conversation,
then what it was in ancient times. And from hence we may collect the
care of those who by their authority, counsell or ministery did promote
it; yet cannot we triumph over Pagan impiety wholly rooted out; as
shall appear by the following Chapter.