In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

21 2. The Reality of Mission Life uvWWVU Harriet and Leonard Wheeler arrived at the mission at La Pointe, Wisconsin, in July 1841.1 In a sermon dated July 15, 1841, Leonard Wheeler presents a version of the prodigal son appropriate to his new parishioners. He explains that the son sought to leave home and join the heathen because of their excessive tolerance for emotion. Wheeler proclaims passion dangerous to Christianity and civilization: “How readily the propensities of the human heart are developed whenever the restraints and religion are taken away. ”2 His bride,Harriet,on the other hand,learned at the Ipswich Female Seminary that true religious sensibility grows from the heart.Her letters reveal that her emotions continue to guide her despite her marriage to someone who suspects them.On November 20, 1841, she writes her parents expressing her compassion for the Ojibwe and their situation, although she quickly moves to a theological position compatible with her husband’s more pessimistic view of the Ojibwe. Y ou can hardly imagine how much this poor people suffer in sickness. They have no comfortable houses, no so pillows to recline their aching heads upon and no palatable food.I have felt for some time that I could not rest satisfied until God should come by the influence of His Holy Spirit and convert this people. Pray, my dear parents, that we, who are sent here to be as light to this dark people, may be, indeed, bright and shining c h a p t e r t w o 22 ones; that our hearts may be purified and sanctified, and made meet for this service.3 uvWWVU Harriet again writes her parents on November 25, 1841, the anniversary of her last Thanksgiving at home,when she contemplated marrying Leonard Wheeler and becoming a missionary wife. Now that she has spent four months at the La Pointe mission, she wonders whether she can endure her new life. She turns to God for the necessary strength and, once again, pledges herself to Him. T his has been an interesting, though somewhat trying, day for me, a day which I have looked forward to with interest and dread. The power of association in my own mind is so strong,and past scenes,looks and tones come rushing upon me with such overwhelming force,that I dread anything that has a tendency to remind me of them.You will,I think,remember the occurrences of that day.Oh,what a day of anxiety and trial it was to me.With what fearfulness and trembling did I come to the final decision. Never can I forget the anxious looks of my dear parents. The enquiring ones of my little sisters have come up before me to-day with a vividness and a freshness that has been very painful. The scenes of that evening have all been lived over again,—our parlor,the bright fire, my dear parents, that happy group of brothers and sisters. When I seated myself in my chamber this morning, the thoughts of home, and the scenes of last year, came rushing upon me with such force as almost to overwhelm me. For a few moments I could do nothing but weep, but soon I was enabled to cast myself on the blessed Redeemer,to look to him for strength. uvWWVU And so,on this day,she writes a covenant that,again and again,reveals her belief that in order to do God’s will, she must cultivate humility and compassion, remembering always her frailty. Harriet even declares herself a “prodigal child. ” t h e r e a l i t y o f m i s s i o n l i f e 23 A lmighty and most merciful God, the author of my being and the preserver of my life,I desire at this time,with the deepest reverence, humility and self-abasement to present myself before thee,sensible of my utter unworthiness to appear in thy majesty’s presence,especially on such an occasion as this; even that of entering into a solemn and everlasting covenant with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.But this gracious proposal is from thee.Thine infinite mercy and condescension have opened the way, and thy grace, I trust, has inclined my heart to accept the terms of that gracious covenant according to which I would now heartily surrender and consecrate myself wholly to thee...

Share