Project Canterbury

The Life and Work of E.J. Peck
Among the Eskimos
by the Rev. Arthur Lewis, M.A.

New York: A. C. Armstrong, 1904.


Chapter XVIII. Gathering up Fragments

"I know thy works and tribulation and poverty (but thou art rich)."

WE have now seen the progress of the Mission and something of its prospects up to the summer of 1902. We now propose to take a few extracts from Mr. Peck's diaries which will serve to bring some scenes in his journeys as pictures before the reader's eyes.

In March, 1901, he started on a journey to Kikkerton; Mr. Esslemont (Mr. Noble's agent) was his companion. "On the 18th we passed on over, the barren plains of ice. We drove in a northerly direction, and then proceeded to cross Cumberland Sound. This, however, proved most difficult. The ice in some places was piled up in great rugged masses, and our Eskimo guide had to climb large hummocks of ice so that he might see the best road to take. To make matters worse Mr. Esslemont's sledge-runner broke. This we lashed up with seal line and pressed on our way.

Towards evening we saw a vast extent of rough ice, so we determined to camp for the night, and wait for the morning light. Our Eskimo guide soon cut out a number of snow blocks, and with these we made a snow house, but by the time we had boiled our kettle and were able to partake of our meal it was 10 p.m. Then, after committing ourselves to God's care, we crept into our fur bags and slept through the night."

"Tuesday, March 19.--We drove on for some distance and then came to a complete standstill. Masses of ice of various sizes and shapes blocked our way. Furious gales had smashed and welded together these ice blocks in a surprising manner. There was nothing to be done but make a road. Armed with an ice chisel our Eskimo broke up or loosened the blocks which Mr. Esslemont threw on one side. I remained behind in order to keep the dogs in order, and watch their movements--a very necessary task indeed, as our canine friends are apt to eat their seal line traces when left to their own sweet devices. One of our dogs actually managed to eat the greater part of one of our whips, and it is hard to say what they would leave intact, if not continually watched. After about an hour's work we were able to move on cautiously, and after a time we came to an expanse of fairly good ice. But another barrier came before long. While struggling through this, sad to say, Mr. Esslemont's sledge became a complete wreck. We were still some distance from the opposite shore, so we packed the necessary articles on our sledge, left the broken sledge and the heavier articles behind, and pressed on our way."

Arrived at Kikkerton, Captain Sheridan kindly lent Mr. Peck a house in which he could hold services. On Sunday, March 24, he writes concerning the morning service: "Our experiences were, I think, somewhat interesting. The house in which we were assembled, not having been used for some time, was coated in all parts with a crust of ice. This, with the combined heat of the stove and our bodies, formed about the middle of our service a kind of shower bath which sprinkled freely our heads, books and garments."

"April 4.--When calling the people together for meetings, one old woman crept out of her snowhouse and followed me saying, 'Will you give me some tobacco if I go to the meeting?' The answer was, of course, a refusal. I, however, had the pleasure of seeing her come along, and I think she heard some words which, with God's blessing, will do her good. The sordid, carnal view that some of these people have is surprising. Truly the days of the loaves and fishes are not passed."

A year later, on March 24, 1902, Mr. Peck and Mr. Greenshield were on the same journey. "We travelled in company with an Eskimo, who kindly offered to take some of our load on his sledge; I also remained with his conveyance. While passing between some islands we met with what might have been a most serious accident. All at once Mr. Greenshield's sledge, which was some fifty yards behind us, broke through the ice. Mr. G. himself narrowly escaped a ducking, which under such conditions might have meant at least some frozen limb or limbs. With great difficulty we managed to haul the sledge up on top of the ice again, but nothing, I am thankful to say, was lost. The accident was doubtless due to the thin state of ice which had been eaten away by a strong under current. Shortly after this strange experience we saw some snow-houses which had evidently been only recently abandoned. We took possession of the largest and cleanest, a line of action quite lawful amongst this free and sociable people; here we made ourselves at home, boiled our kettle, warmed our meat balls with a methylated spirit lamp, and then fiercely attacked our evening repast. Our special man for the trip is a Christian, and the man who has kindly helped us is a candidate for baptism, so altogether we were quite a happy band, and right heartily we sang hymns together before retiring to rest for the night. Rest would have been impossible, for some of us at least, had all the articles on Mr. G.'s sledge got wet. Fortunately, however, the very articles we most needed were on top of the load, and these we were able to haul off the sledge in time. Surely we had, and have, reason to thank God for this mercy."

"Tuesday, March 25.--Moved on again over the icy waste. Pressed on for some eight hours. All at once I noticed our helpful companion (Toolsahpiah) pull out his telescope, sweep the vast desert waste, and then we heard the joyful cry, 'Innuet! Innuet! Eskimos! Eskimos!' We soon drove on to the place indicated, and there we found two Arctic inns inhabited by some ten inhabitants. Here we were received kindly, and were invited to take up our quarters in the dwelling of a man named Kanaka, who, I may remark, is a mighty conjuror and has much influence amongst his own people. Here in the midst of such novel surroundings we spent a pleasant time, and were able to hold a meeting in the evening. How strange to hear the praises of our King in these cold dwellings built on the frozen sea, eight miles from the nearest land."

"Easter Day, March 30.--We read together of Christ's conquest over death, and I then pointed out to them the nature of that marvellous Friend in whom we are all invited to confide. The people assent freely to the great truths brought before them, but when we come to the practical points which naturally flow from the great foundation truths of the Gospel, and when they know that their sins and heathen superstitions must be let go if they are to be saved, then the 'tug of war' commences--men love 'darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.' "

"Monday, March 31.--A poor sick woman, whom Greenshield and I had previously visited, sent word to us that she did not wish to see strangers, evidently meaning white men. All one could therefore do was to speak a few words of comfort to this poor dying creature through the window of her snow-house. This being made of seals' intestines, which are very thin and almost transparent, the sound of one's voice and one's presence outside were evidently known to the sufferer, for she tried to answer from her couch of pain. What darkness and misery surround these poor heathen! If the Lord Jesus was or had been living, as ought to have been the case in the hearts and beings of His people, Arctic explorers for Christ--or better still Arctic soul-winners--would have pierced these polar wastes long ago. These people have seen so many samples of ungodly white men in the past that we can hardly wonder if they view us with suspicion now, and think we are a curse instead of, what we try to be, a blessing to them."

"April 4.--Blowing strongly from N.W. during the forenoon; weather, however, cleared somewhat about noon. A man arrived from the north. He came from a party of Eskimos who are living on the ice some twenty miles from here. I determined with God's help to accompany this man. Mr. Greenshield will remain here till a later date while I minister to these scattered sheep on the icy wastes. Ilak, the Eskimo who arrived, wished to return at once. He told me that he knew his way quite well and that his friends expected him to return with tobacco and biscuit which they were "longing for." Tied dogs to sledge--some ten in all--and pressed on our way, wind being still strong and snow falling pretty freely. As we journeyed on, wind and snow increased. This was driven by the violence of the wind on one's face, where coming in contact with my beard and skin it formed a kind of ice plaster which could only be removed by the naked hand, the removal of which from one's fur gloves resulted in the inside of glove itself being freely dusted with particles of driving snow; these again melted with the warmth of hand when returned to its necessary cover. The sensations thus produced both in the face and hands by this experience might almost be described as unmitigated torture, to say nothing of the sensations produced in the whole body by the continual fury of wind and jolting of sledge. Wind still increased, but Ilak kept the dogs well in hand, and for a time he was able to keep the track which had been made by other Eskimos who had travelled to Kikkerton. Night, however, drew on apace, wind and snow increased, and at last we could see nothing. My companion kept on yelling at the dogs. On they went in spite of heavy wind, which was almost dead ahead. What sagacious creatures they are! Ilak trusted them fully. He knew that could he only keep them in the right direction their keen sense of smell and evident instinct would do the rest. And so it proved. I was beginning to feel that I could not stand this terrible exposure much longer, and earnestly lifted up my heart to God in prayer that we might be led to the friendly shelter of a snow dwelling, when I happened to look through the drift, and there, quite close at hand, I saw two or three dim lights shining from the oil lamps inside these Arctic hotels. It did not take long to wake up some of our friends. I was kindly received and housed by a conjuror named Okittok. My garments, which were literally coated with snow, were beaten with a stick, and I was soon in my fur bag. I did not, however, sleep much during the remainder of the night. Some eight hours' tossing about had chilled me through and through."

"April 12.--As we were near some Eskimos we gladly entered their snow-house, and soon had something warm to drink. As I had not had the pleasure of washing for three days I felt that I must by some means have an ablution. Nothing in the shape of washing utensils, however, could be found amongst these primitive people, so I took my frying pan, and in this managed to have a kind of wash."

Every birthday in Mr. Peck's diary contains some special note. We will take April 15, 1902, as a sample:--

"Tuesday, April 15.--My birthday. (Fifty-two today.) And this is how I spent it. Blacklead Island was now seventeen miles away.our stock of provisions very low, so it was necessary to get to our journey's end as quickly as possible. The weather, however, was far from favourable. The wind was right ahead, and snow was driving heavily. My Eskimo friends were, however, confident that they could find their way. So we started. But to start was one thing, to get on was quite another. Our dogs were weak, the storm increased, and nothing at times could be seen On we went for some five hours. A lull in the storm then brought to our view an island. This island was about eight miles from Blacklead Island. We had travelled some nine miles in five hours--certainly not express speed. Tired and hungry, we made a kind of shelter with large blocks of snow. These we placed on the windward side of our sledge. My hearty companions hauled out a large piece of seal's meat. This they chopped up with an axe, and attacked with evident relish and delight. Got under the lee of one of the men, and in the midst of driving snow munched away at some biscuit which I had close at hand. On we went again. Had not gone far when a dog belonging to Tooloakjuak's sledge dropped down dead. He, poor fellow, has only three dogs left out of seven. This mysterious complaint is thinning the dogs out on every hand. We started with ten; one died, another ran away, and the remainder are hardly able to move along. My man consequently goes ahead to lead the weary creatures through the drift. I, on the other hand, stop by the sledge. I shout, and shove, and pull, and help the dogs as much as I can, and so we manage to get along. Sometimes, however, we come to a complete standstill. Sledge and dogs get fast in a bank of snow. Now I have to beat down the snow in front of sledge, and with some mighty shoves, which strain every muscle in one's body, and with a number of regular war cries, which startle--if they do nothing else--the tired dogs, we are again on the move. About 2 p.m. we fortunately saw some old sledge tracks. Our poor dogs brightened up wonderfully. Sledge tracks are to them what one may call Arctic roads--roads which lead them sooner or later to a place of rest. Arrived at Blacklead Island about 4 p.m. Mr. J. Mutch (Mr. Noble's chief agent) received me most kindly, and a welcome repast, which he had most thoughtfully provided, seemed to put new life and vigour into my weary frame. I was also greatly cheered to notice the kindly spirit of the poor Eskimos. Several of the men, I ought to mention, came down on the ice to help our dogs up the rugged shore ice to the level space beyond. I spent the remainder of my birthday in profitable reading, and in prayer for the people and my own loved ones in the homeland. Speaking of the latter, it is not weakness on my part, I feel sure, to state that their forms stand out as a living picture before me day by day--five cords ever pulling at one's heart, five mighty connecting links with Jesus on the throne."

In June, 1902, the Eskimos of Frobisher Bay were visited.

"After much prayer for guidance I have determined to go to the whaling station near Frobisher Bay. The place has not been visited for two years, and it is our duty to go, so I am now preparing for the journey. It is one thing to take a through ticket, say, from Euston to Aberdeen, it is quite another to travel along an ice-bound shore in an open boat, and to make provision for six mouths for some two months. Here are some of the items needed:--1st. A good boat. 2nd. A suitable crew. 3rd. A good Eskimo canoe. This is necessary for hunting purposes. 4th. Suitable tents, one for myself and one for my companions. 5th. Necessary provisions--biscuits, coffee, tea, etc. All these must be stowed in boxes or waterproof bags. 6th. Guns and ammunition--necessary items in a region like this. 7th. Suitable clothing, such as sealskin coats, trousers etc. 8th. All needful cooking appliances, fuel, etc. We must take wood (which we get from home) or methylated spirits. No trees or driftwood are to be found in these barren wastes, 9th. All necessary lines, harpoons, material for repairing boat in case of accident, etc., etc."

"Sunday, June 8.--Very good congregations, and very hearty services."

"Saturday, June 14.--Saw two beautiful little flowers to-day. What a reminder of the Creator's handiwork, goodness and love."

"Tuesday, June 17.--Nearly ready for trip to Frobisher Bay. Spoke to Christ's little flock here in the wilderness. Reminded them of Christ's love for all men. Told them that it was meet and right that I should leave them and preach the Gospel to others also. Exhorted them to cleave to Christ, and to help our brother Greenshield in every possible way."

"Wednesday, June 18.--Several of these poor creatures came down to the boat to say farewell. We prayed together on the ice-bound shore, and I then stepped on board. We only went a short distance when a large sheet of ice shut us in on the south end of the island. Our Arctic friends, however, soon came to the rescue, and helped us to drag both boat and baggage over the frozen barrier. Passed into the open sea, where we pulled away with a will. Camped at night in a kind of frozen bay, with great high rocks on our southern hand. There appears to be much ice on ahead, but we will, with God's help, press on."

"Thursday, June 19.--About 4 a.m. I heard a great noise outside my tent. The wind had risen, and the men were busy securing my canvas tent and seeing to the safety of our boat. We are on the edge of a large floe, the inside part of which may be driven from the land. Should this happen nothing remains but to pack up, get in our boat as quickly as possible, and make our way to some more secure shelter. The wind blew strong all day, but we remained safe. I had prayers with our friends morning and evening. This, I need hardly say, is a great help and comfort to us."

"Monday, June 23.--The wind is driving the ice from the shore, so we hope to be able to proceed on the morrow. Three bears were seen on a large floe. Our Eskimo friends, however, much to their grief could not reach them, as the wind was too strong, and the ice was driven along at a great speed."

"Tuesday, June 24.--One of the men shot a seal on the shore ice--a great treat, as we were getting short of fresh meat. Found a mast of some ship wrecked in the past. Cut up some of this for firewood. Wind moderated, and then came on to blow from seaward. Ice was driving in upon us, so we packed up and got away about n p.m. No night here now, so we can travel when we see a favourable opportunity."

"Friday, June 7.--Saw three bears, all, however, ran away before we could get near them. Tried in the early part of the day to force our way through an opening in the ice, but we were nearly shut in by large masses moving in different directions. Tried again in the evening, and after a lot of shoving; grinding and not a little nerve-shaking experience, we got safely across to the land we had in view. We thank God for His preserving care. This voyaging in a frail boat in the midst of moving masses of ice ranging from six to twenty feet thick is enough at times to try the stoutest heart."

"Saturday, June 8.--Made a number of dashes through open lanes of water which we found near the shore. In the evening tried to find a suitable place on the land where we could spend the Sabbath. We finally found a spot about forty feet above the level of the sea."

"Monday, June 30. Tried to move on. Had to shove large blocks of ice out of our way. Went on for about two miles, and then came to a standstill, A large expanse of ice which had not been loosened from the shore stood in our way. Camped on this."

"Tuesday, July 1.--Still shut in with ice. How unlike July! We are not in want of food, thank God. One of the men shot a seal to-day; we have also shot quite a number of eider ducks; neither of these is over palatable, but they make a change in our diet."

"Wednesday, July 2.--Could not move. Here we are fast in the ice, but safe in the hands of our God. Men beginning to murmur on account of the tedious-ness and length of way. We are not half way to Frobisher Bay yet."

"Thursday, July 3.--At morning prayer spoke to our companions of the power and presence of Christ to keep and guide us. Truly strength is needed from Christ the fountain Head not only for one's own inner life, but to enable one to pour strength and courage into the hearts of others."

"Friday, July 4.--Made another dash at ice barrier. Got through safely. Masses of ice were, however, driven past us at great speed, and we had, to say the least, some exciting experiences. Beyond this barrier we had the pleasure of finding an open space of water running between some islands. We journeyed on and made a good day's work. We were all quite delighted."

"Saturday, July 5.--Pressed on again. About noon saw a large bear on ice floe right ahead of us. This monster was going along in a most stealthy manner to a large seal which was basking in the sun. The bear's attention being concentrated on what he hoped would prove a sumptuous repast, he did not notice the Eskimos (Muneapik and Ameksaktok) who were following Master Bruin on the ice. All at once the seal dived; the bear saw his pursuers; 'went for them,' coming up through a hole in the ice close to the men. With gnashing teeth he tried to get on top of the ice, but was soon shot. The carcase (measuring some nine feet) was hauled up on the floe, cut up, and with a bountiful supply of meat we proceeded on our way. After dinner--some of the bear's flesh formed one of the courses--we tried to get on. But we had not gone far when the ice closed in upon us, so we had to beat a hasty retreat. We finally managed to reach a rock island, where we camped."

"Friday, July 11.--Fog cleared up. We moved on and came to a point of land with a small passage between it and the ice. We pulled with all our might to get through. We failed. The ice drove on to the point with a crushing grinding noise. Pile after pile of this was heaped on the shore. We backed out in quick time. It was well we did so. Our boat would have been crushed like a match-box had we been in the embrace of that icy mass. Now we had a lively time. Everything had to be taken out of the boat and carried to the open water beyond the point. We all carried what we could. Then we had a little breathing time. Now for the boat. With might and will we hauled it up on the ice. A lot of shouting and shoving and the boat was on the other side. She was launched and loaded and away we went again. It was now 10 p.m., so we managed to get ashore near some high rocks. Here we had supper. An opening in the ice gave us new hope and courage. We determined to go on. We started towards midnight."

"Saturday, July 12.--Came to a place where we could not get through. Camped about 1 p.m. on Sunday. Hope to proceed on Monday by another route."

"Sunday, July 13.--Spent a very happy day both bodily and spiritually. God's mercies are very real."

"Monday, July 14.--Started to try the outer route. This means going along the barren shore of David Strait. Reached the sea, when we saw two bears; gave chase. They went from the ice into the water. We followed in boat. After a long pull came up to them. Both were shot. We took them in tow, when a heavy head wind sprang up and rain came down in torrents. We had now to go to the nearest shelter, which proved to be an awful spot. Big towering rocks above us, while a shelving piece of ice some eight feet broad was the only place we could find to camp on. The wind howled, and the rain fell. Wet and cold, we managed to make a fire in a cave in the rocks. We boiled our kettles and made some tea. I then crept into my fur bag, which was about the only dry thing I possessed. Casting myself and companions upon God, I managed in spite of roaring wind and flapping tent to sleep, at least, through a portion of that memorable night."

"Tuesday, July 15.--A fearful day. No change for the better. Remained in my fur bag nearly the whole day. I could not keep warm or dry anywhere else."

"Wednesday, July 16.--Cleared up about noon. We packed up with all speed. All were glad to leave this place of horrors. One of the men told me that he could not sleep. He was in dread, so he said, of those overhanging cliffs. Eskimos believe that rocks have their innua, viz., inhabitant. Strange stories are told in reference to these. Pressed on as far as we could. Camped in a small bay on a large sheet of ice. Men climbed high rocks. They brought back bad news. There is no possibility of our going on on account of icebergs, and vast bodies of ice ahead. Certainly this coast is awful, high rocks, icebergs, desolation, cold, snow and tempest on every hand."

"Thursday, July 17.--Tried to return from where we started from on Monday, but, alas, we could not get back. A vast sheet of ice had been driven by the wind right in our way. Made our way to an island, where we camped. Our guide again full of complaints. He spoke of returning to Blacklead Island if possible. I told him we must face our difficulties in the strength of God like men and go ahead."

"Friday, July 18.--During night wind sprang up from the north, and drove a lot of ice right in upon us. We could see the open water beyond, but could not move."

"Saturday, July 19.--A stirring day. Ice opened out a little. Tried to get away by going along the south end of island, but were nearly shut in; tried north end with the same result; retreated to the shore, climbed the rocks, where we keenly watched the motions of ice. About 4 p.m. saw an opening. Made a dash for this and escaped. Pressed on; pulled with all our might. Found an open space of water between two vast floes which took us almost to the land. An exciting time now followed. The ice closed in rapidly upon us. We all took up the nearest thing to hand and threw it on the ice. Up went the boat; but just in time. On the ice we waited for a time. Change of tide made a change in motions of floe. Launched our boat in an open space, and again we bent to the oars. Passed the place we had left on Monday about 7 p.m. Found to our joy the inside passage open. This runs between large islands--a blank on the map--and is nicely sheltered. Pulled on and finally camped on a nice grassy spot. We all felt utterly tired out, but thankful to God for His help and goodness. Our guide seemed quite a new man. He is full of hope now."

"Sunday, July 20.--The fifth spent on this journey. It is well, in spite of our tardy progress, to keep the Lord's Day. Rest for the body and food for the soul are real needs."

"Monday, July 21.--Journeyed on again. Found a large expanse of open water, of which we made the best possible use. After dinner, which we had on some rocks, went on again. We had soon, however, to come to a dead halt. Large blocks of ice had been driven in close to a point where we had to pass. We could not haul our boat over the ice to the open water beyond, as the floe inside the point was in places full of holes. The only way was to try and loosen the ice blocks and force our boat through the pools of water here and there. We set to work at one block which seemed to be a kind of key-piece to the rest. We chiselled and shoved at this for some hours before it started. The ice now slackened. We shoved and hauled our boat along with all our might. We struggled on for some distance and then camped. We thank God for this day's help and take courage."

"Tuesday, July 22 .--We made a capital day's work, We met with but little ice and were able to sail for about four hours. We are only one full day's journey from the station (Signia).

"Thursday, July 24.--We struck a point of land not far from Signia. We hugged this land and were soon at the station. To our surprise we found Mr. Sampson's vessel, the Forget-me-Not, lying at anchor. Both Mr. Jansen, who was in charge of the station, and the captain of the vessel received me very kindly. Mr. Sampson himself, however, was away with some Eskimos walrus hunting, but he is expected here to-morrow. I am informed that Mr. Sampson's station is some twenty-five miles from this post, but his vessel has come here prior to her departure for home."

These extracts, however interesting they are, must be curtailed. After a sojourn and encouraging work among the Eskimos of Frobisher Bay, Mr. Peck went back to Blacklead Island in Mr. Jansen's vessel, as his own men were going to hunt reindeer on their return journey.

On September 2 the Alert arrived with Mr. Bilby on board. He brought the happy news that the C.M.S. had no longer any thought of abandoning the Mission.

Mr. Peck was now to return home once more. But before starting he had one more very happy day on September 14. "Four more of the poor sheep in these desert wastes were dedicated to Christ in holy baptism. They have been candidates for some time, and I believe their faith is real. Again we thank God for His goodness.

A steamer happened to have called at Blacklead Island, so the tedium of a voyage in the Alert was avoided. Mr. Peck preferred this, although she was not to return at once but was to touch at various points for the sake of trade.

"Wednesday, September 17.--Left Blacklead Island in SS. Balaena at 8 a.m. The Lord did not send me away comfortless. Several of the Eskimos here, who now know the Lord, thank God for this Mission, and for His kindness and love in sending to them the Gospel. The very kindly spirit of my brethren was also a comfort to me, for to leave this hallowed spot, this place of spiritual conflict and triumph in the Lord, was a sore wrench. And what does the Lord will now? What is the desire which lives day by day and hour by hour in my soul? Simply this. To spread the knowledge of Christ over these Polar wastes. The time seems to have come now when a younger brother should finally take my place at Cumberland Sound, leaving my hands free to press to the "regions beyond" in the way the Lord shall through His providential leadings indicate."

"Thursday, September 18.--Heavy wind sprang up, also heavy snow. The funnel and weather shrouds of ship were coated with a kind of icy covering. Everything gloomy in the extreme. Continually is my heart lifted up to God for spiritual power. Truly it is needed. Went to the forecastle to see the men. Was most kindly received. There are over forty hands on board. The vessel is fitted with six 'whale boats.' These are always kept ready for use, and a sharp look-out is kept in the 'crow's nest' for a 'fish,' which means, in whaler's idiom, a whale. This vessel, like other whaling craft, is most strongly built, and is fitted with masts and sails, the engines being used more as an auxiliary power than the main moving agent. This is particularly the case when the ship is in clear water--i.e., water free of ice--and when the wind is fair. It need hardly be said that dangers from ice, icebergs and Arctic gales beset these hardy voyagers on every hand, and many a thrilling tale could be told by these brave men who face the icy seas."

"Friday, September 26.--Arrived at a place called by the Eskimo Rivetok, but named by the whalers 'Yahhe Fieord.' On arrival was delighted to meet some Eskimos. They greeted me in a most cordial manner. I noticed in particular one woman named Padlo. She had spent one winter at Blacklead Island seven years ago, and had during her stay there shown a great desire for instruction. I find that she has used her influence for Christ. This fact, I need hardly say, gives me deep joy. So here we find, some eighty miles within the Arctic circle, this little flock without a shepherd's care, but none the less precious are they in the eyes of Jesus. I had a long chat with our Arctic friends, and they told me that far away in the distant north there are other Eskimos who, they said, were 'horrible creatures,' who thought nothing of killing each other. One man also, when I told him that I was going home in the ship, said to me, 'Pray divide yourself in two, leaving half with us and half with those in the white man's land.' Several of them also asked me if I could not come back next year, but I told them that I could not order my own movements. God, I said, moved His servants from place to place, besides which I was under orders from the 'believers at home,' and that I would have to go a long way in a ship, and (using an Eskimo idiom) 'end several moons' before I could hope to see their faces again. Poor creatures! Most gladly will I see them again if the Lord so direct. I set to work to teach them all I could. The captain kindly got a place rigged up between decks. Here we gathered together. I went over some of the foundation facts, such as the being and attributes of God, the power and goodness of God shown in His works, manifest to our very senses. I naturally passed on as soon as possible to man's fallen state, how he fell from his high estate, and the wonderful means provided for his recovery and safety through the all-sufficient work of Jesus, and the sanctifying power of God the Holy Ghost. All this has to be taught little by little. These people cannot grasp or digest much at one time, and their ideas of many objects familiar to ourselves are a complete blank. These facts will show the difficulties of this work. What we need along this coast, even as at Blacklead Island, is a station. How such a station can be established is another question. But it can be done through the power of our God. If some £60,000 has been found to fit out the Discovery, and send her on her Antarctic expedition, God, I feel sure, can give the means to carry out His plans. Do the souls of these Eskimos belong to Him? Did Christ die for them? Ought He to have them for His own? Certainly He ought. Well, then, our line of action is clear. We must use the means, and go forward in His strength to win them for our King."

At last, on Wednesday, November 5, 1902.--" Reached home. Three periods of separation, making in all a total of almost seven years, have now been spent for the Saviour. But do we regret this? In no wise. Both Mrs. Peck and I have found God's compensations very real, and there is very joy and satisfaction in knowing that life is used for a purpose."


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