Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian | Page 9

baptism was
from the river Jordan, and that it had been brought from thence by
Captain Ommanney himself.
In the Gospel Missionary for February, 1854, was a pleasing
description of the Baptism of Kallihirua: and this was the sound and
practical conclusion:--
"Before we conclude, we may, perhaps, express the hope that our
young friends will sometimes think kindly of their new Christian

brother, ERASMUS AUGUSTINE KALLIHIRUA, and that they will
pray that God will bless him, and make him to advance more and more
in the knowledge and the love of His dear Son JESUS CHRIST. When
they thus think of him who is now made their own brother by baptism,
and is thus brought into the family of CHRIST'S people, let them learn
to value the good things which GOD has given them in such rich
abundance. Let them be thankful that they were born in a Christian
country, in which they have been taught from children to know the
Holy Scriptures, which are able to make them wise unto salvation
through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS."

Stanzas by the Warden
The following stanzas, written by the Warden on the occasion of the
baptism, will be read with pleasure, especially by those who are aware
how faithfully the amiable writer of them fulfilled his part in preparing
Kallihirua, not only for the right performance of such duties as seemed
to await him in life, but (what was far more important) for an early
death.
THE BAPTISM OF KALLIHIRUA
"I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY,
AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION."--Jer. iii. 14.
Far through the icy bounds Of Greenland's barren shore, At duty's call,
on mercy sent, The brave are gone before.
Beyond the haunts of men They urge their tedious way, When lo! a
wandering tribe appears By yonder northern bay.
But who so wild, so lost In ignorance and sin! No God they know, no
Saviour own, Is there a soul to win?
Yes, in that heathen race One heart at least is found That yearns for
better things, by grace In unseen fetters bound.

Warm is the Christian's heart, Outstretch'd the Christian's hand,
"Assistance" lends her friendly aid To reach a Christian land.
In this our calm retreat He finds a peaceful home, Is taught such
learning as is meet, In store for years to come.
He learns to know and love His Saviour and his God, And now he is a
brother dear, By faith in Jesu's blood.
O gracious Spirit! hear Our prayer with one accord; And train this
new-born Christian heart In thy most holy Word.
Have pity on his race! And bring them still to see Their wretched state,
and teach them all The Father, Son, and Thee!
To God the Father, Son, And Spirit, glory be, Who call'd, and saved,
and sanctifies, The co-eternal Three!
Some of these verses were sung in the College Chapel on the evening
of Advent Sunday, 1853.

Kalli at St. John's, Newfoundland
The time having now arrived at which, according to the opinion of the
Bishop of Newfoundland, and the Warden of St. Augustine's, the
qualifications of Kallihirua might be turned to some account, as an aid
to missionaries in their efforts among the Esquimaux of Labrador, he
left England, in the autumn of the year 1855, for further training at St.
John's, Newfoundland. This step was taken at the expense of the
Admiralty, who agreed to allow him 25 pounds a year for three years.
The following notice of his character appeared in the 'Occasional
Paper,' published in St. Augustine's College at the time of his removal
to Newfoundland. At every step of his short but remarkable course,
such willing testimony always awaited him.
"Kallihirua, whose name is known as widely as that of his College, has

arrived at another crisis in his eventful history. Having resided more
than three years in College, he has been transferred to the experienced
care of the Bishop of Newfoundland, with the view to his probable
usefulness among the Esquimaux of Labrador. If integrity of moral
principle, gentleness of spirit, docility of manners, willingness to be
useful, and true Christian politeness, are essential requisites in a
Missionary, then is Kallihirua certain to fill his place well, if only the
right place is found for him."
Kalli arrived in St John's, Newfoundland, on the 2nd October, 1855,
and, on the following day, wrote a letter to Captain Ommanney, telling
him that he had suffered on the voyage from the motion of the vessel,
which had caused severe headaches. He added, "St John's puts me in
mind of my own country. I have already found a great number of kind
friends, and feel so happy."
He was immediately admitted into the College