244 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



pairs of gloves, and all these things were to be used 

 as Christmas presents for the Eskimos. 



So Christmas Day came, the day of all the year 

 for rejoicing^ tempered by some sad and solemn 

 recollections. &quot; The dear ones at home were very 

 much in our thoughts, on our hearts and in our 

 prayers. How near, and yet how far they seem to 

 us at this hallowed season. 



&quot; A large number of Eskimo friends gathered to 

 gether to-day. Several brought presents of things 

 which they had knitted and desired me to take 

 them for my own use, and thus be able to show 

 them to the kind friends who had sent the wool. 



&quot; I was very pleased to see such a kind, thoughtful 

 spirit among them, and the presents were an utter 

 surprise, as I had no idea they had been making 

 these special articles for our use. 



&quot;After friendly greetings we entertained the 

 donors of the gifts with coffee and cake, and I 

 pointed out to them the true reason why we should 

 rejoice on this day. Poor souls ! one does so long 

 to see them take a firm hold of Jesus, as a living, 

 personal Saviour.&quot; 



&quot; Thursday, 26th. Decided to give the married 

 people a treat to-day. Each family was supplied 

 with flour and grease, which they cooked in their 

 own dwellings over their lamps in pans, or in other 

 ways. 



&quot; In the evening we had a magic lantern lecture 



