Egerton Young, the missionary to the Indians, gave the following example of the way in which he invaded the Nelson River District in British Columbia and opened work among people who had never before heard the gospel.
"Surrounded by two hundred and fifty to three hundred wild Indians," he wrote, "I read aloud those sublime words: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
"They listened with most rapt attention, while for four hours I talked to them of the truths of this glorious verse. When I had finished, every eye turned towards the principal chief. He rose, and coming near me, delivered one of the most thrilling addresses I have ever heard.
"Years have passed away since that hour, and yet the memory of that tall, straight, impassioned Indian is as vivid as ever. His actions were many, but all were graceful. His voice was particularly fine and full of pathos, for he spoke from the heart.
“‘Missionary,' exclaimed the stately old chief, `I have not for a long time believed in our religion. I hear God in the thunder, in the tempest and in the storm.'
" 'I see His power in the lightning that shivers the tree; I see His goodness in giving us the moose, the deer, the beaver, and the bear, see His loving kindness in sending us, when the South winds blow, the ducks and geese. And when the snow and ice melt away and old lakes and rivers are open again, I see how He fills them with fish.
“‘I have watched this for years, and I have felt that the Great Spirit, so watchful and loving and kind could not be pleased with the conjurer's drum or the rattling of the medicine man.
“‘And so I have had no religion. But what you have just said fills my heart and satisfies its longing. I am so glad you have come. Stay as long as you can.' "