I had a visit this afternoon from the three "native-helpers" here at
Hopedale. They came to interview the angajokak from London
(anga-yo-kâk = chief or elder) and their pastor kindly interpreted. I
am pleased to know these worthy men. They are true Eskimoes in modes
of thought and expression, and they are true servants of God,
faithfully serving this congregation of their countrymen in many ways.
Among the duties of their office are, visiting the sick, admonishing
the negligent, settling disputes, and affectionately exhorting those
who are under Church discipline. They are also chapel-servants, and
evidently glad to be door-keepers in the house of their God. At the
fishing or hunting places they often hold services, and sometimes they
preside at the meetings at Hopedale. At the celebration of the recent
centenary each of the three delivered a powerful address.
Let me introduce them to my readers.
The first and oldest is JOSHUA, a decided Christian of many years'
standing. His wife Bertha is also a chapel-servant, a real mother in
the congregation, and a true helpmeet to her husband. They are a
thrifty, diligent, much respected couple, whose influence and example
is blessed to those around them. Next February 4th they will, D.V.,
celebrate their golden wedding, an event unknown as yet in Labrador.
Though Joshua cannot read, he frequently addresses the congregation
with power, suitability, spirituality, and some originality. In his
public prayers he almost invariably adds a petition "for our Queen
Victoria; because she is only a woman." On one occasion he said to his
countrymen: "Those of you who can read know that it says, they shall
come from the East and the West, and the North and the South, and
shall sit down in the kingdom, but the children of the kingdom shall
be cast out. Our fathers were heathen, but we are children of the
kingdom. If _we_ fail of the grace of God, we shall not only be cast
into hell, but into outer, _outer_, OUTER darkness." It made a great
impression on them. At another time he drew a comparison between the
Israelites, who entered Canaan with Joshua, and the spiritual
Israelites, who with Jesus shall enter on the millennium.
The second is DANIEL, a gifted man with a humble spirit and
considerable missionary zeal. Year by year, as Epiphany, "the Heathen
Festival," comes round, he has sleepless nights of deep sorrow in his
heart for those who know not Jesus, the Salvation of God. Twenty years
ago, stirred by the example of John King, the bush-negro evangelist in
Surinam, Daniel went in his own boat to his heathen countrymen in the
far north of Labrador. He found a companion of like sentiment in
Gottlob of Hebron, who afterwards rendered such excellent service at
Ramah. More recently Daniel induced Titus of Hopedale to accompany him
on a winter journey to some of the European settlers and half-breeds
in the neighbourhood of that station. When they arrived at the
log-house of one or another of these dwellers in the remote bays,
Daniel at once told their errand with as much humility as
earnestness. Their simple testimony of the Saviour from sin was well
received. When they returned to Hopedale Daniel had a great deal to
tell the missionaries of the utterances of his companion, but very
little to remark about his own sayings and doings. He frequently
accompanies his missionaries on their evangelistic or pastoral
journeys not only as driver of the dog-sledge, but as helper of their
spiritual work.
[Illustration: TITUS. _Native Helper at Hopedale_.]
The third of my visitors is the above mentioned TITUS, also a man of
ripe years and Christian experience. The way in which his zeal and
spirit of service supplement the gifts of his friend Daniel is a
striking illustration of the Spirit's dividing to every man severally
as He wills. Daniel is a man of quick perceptions, Titus of prompt
action. The two may be walking together and talking of the spiritual
welfare of the congregation so much upon their hearts and prayers.
Daniel mentions some matter which he fears is displeasing in God's
sight. "Yes, yes, that is so," says Titus; "I had not perceived it, but
you are right. We must testify against that." And testify he does, on
the first opportunity, with such vigour that the abuse is rebuked and
stopped, yet with such tact that none can be offended at his faithful
outspokenness.
For some years Titus has served as assistant schoolmaster, and like
his friend Daniel he takes part in the music of the sanctuary, having
a good bass voice. Daniel sings tenor in the choir, or plays the
violoncello.