Snapshots from the North Pacific.

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CHAP TRI I:

INTRODUCTORY.

“Roll back the curtain of our night, and shine
Till all the world shall see Thy light divine.’’

HE following letters are not in any sense a continuous
history of the British Columbia (formerly known as
the North Pacific) Mission. Rather, they are

snapshots taken at varying intervals, and developed
by a skilful hand, so bringing out details of scenery
and work with a vividness that is sometimes almost startling.
The prevailing thought in the mind of the reader will
probably be, that beautiful as are the rushing streams, the
eloomy forests, the snow-clad mountains of British Columbia,
far more beautiful to the Indians are the feet of those who
have taken good tidings and published peace to them. The
wilderness and the solitary place have indeed been glad for
them, and the desert has rejoiced and blossomed as the rose.

Fifty years ago no attempt had yet been made to reach the
Zimshian Indians and other tribes on the north-west coast
of the great continent of North America-—now Christianity
is the rule and Paganism the exception. Neat villages, with
their churches, schools, and well-ordered homes, testify to
the power of the grace of God to civilize as well as to
Christianize. Medicine men have laid down their charms and
submitted to the Cross of Christ, and hymns of praise resound
where once were heard the fearful sounds of the heathen
potlach.