An incident is related of William Duncan, the “Apostle of Alaska”:
One day soon after Mr. Duncan had arrived among the Indians
there, a fine-looking old Indian chief, Neyashtodoh, one of
the chiefs of the Kitlahns, who had three sons, called upon
him. “I have heard that you have come here with the letter of
God. Is that so? Have you the letter of God with you?” asked
the chief. “I have,” said Mr. Duncan. “Would you mind showing
it to me?” “Certainly.” Mr. Duncan placed a large Bible on the
table. “This is God’s Book.” The Indian caressed it reverently.
“Is God’s letter for the Tsimsheans?” “Certainly. God sent this
Book to your people, as well as to mine.” “Does that Book give
God’s ‘heart’ to us?” “It does.” “And are you going to tell the
Indians that?” “I am.” “It is good--it is good, chief,” was the
answer of Neyashtodoh.
(1778)