“16th.—Called at Avery and Brown’s Drug Store and obtained a piece of “diacoln (?) plaster!” Mr. Brown, to whom I had given a report, and then afterwards on Sunday had met at our meeting at the Poor House, came out of the office and slipped a half-sovereign into my hand. I called on Dr. Hattie; found him sick and confined to his house. We had a sweet long talk on the best of themes. We prayed together. He handed me two and a half dollars. The evening was stormy; I slept comfortably; this morning the rain was pouring down; I had some misgivings about plunging out into it, but rose, took some bread and butter and watched for the cars. I considered that I could ride inside to Windsor, and should the rain continue I could remain there until it ceased. It held up about ten o’clock. I reached home about one. Found all well; two letters had been received and four dollars. A letter from Tom Brooks, and one from Matilda Condon. Found the boys better. Willie seems still quite ill, but we have all been attacking the wood-pile lustily. I see that during the week I have received in all $52.52. Thanks be to Him who has heard my prayers. On Feb. 9th I wrote thus:—“Could I say to my friends that I need ten pounds by Saturday night, how many would assist me? I shall tell them no such thing, but I will tell my Lord and my God, and He will help me; I feel a sweet assurance which I here record. I now look up to Him.”
“That was six days ago. I can now record the answer to my prayers. Bless the Lord: O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
“Feb. 21st. . . . I went out to see the Indians at “Micmac Corner” last evening; I must say I was shocked at the filth and degradation witnessed. I am determined to take up my cross and go out to-day, and read the word of the Lord to them. I do deeply feel my impotency, my utter helplessness in this great matter, but I am consoled with the thought that the “cause is the Lord’s,” and the kingdom is His. I am required “to be found faithful;” this is a great matter; but I am not required to be found “successful!” . . . I prayed earnestly this morning for grace to overcome all reluctance to labour among the Indians. Went out at eleven o’clock, and read several Psalms and chapters. After dinner went out again. Found two or three anxious to learn to read, and who are making good progress. Invited them to come in and see me during the evenings of this week and I would instruct them. Called on several families, and read, explained and prayed.”
Often when Dr. Rand was sick, or jaded with excessive work, the stinging lash of unfriendly criticism seemed to immediately benefit him.
On Oct. 9th, 1875, at a time when he was laid aside by fever, he writes:—
“. . . There was an article in the “Messenger” yesterday in reply to my notice that appeared some time ago with reference to the Micmac Mission, full of banter and ridicule. I have some idea of replying.
“Oct. 10th.—Sent a reply yesterday to the “Messenger” to the man who bantered me. I have rested well, I rose early and feel well. Ate a hearty breakfast. Read 1st and 2nd Timothy nearly all.
“Oct. 11th.—I feel a shrinking from attacking the Micmac. My head was so whirled about with that language when the fever came on that I seem to want to rest from it for awhile.
“Oct. 12th.—Rursus scribendum est mihi Latine. Valetudo mea crescit in dies, et hodie valeo. Versum tempestas est pluvialis, et frigida. Igitur debet me in domo quiescere donec sol splenderet, et ser dilucidus esset et calidus.
“Lord’s Day, Aug. 6th, 1874.—Came to Bear River (Elsetkook) day before yesterday. Found letters from home. Yesterday forenoon it rained heavily, cleared off in afternoon. I went up to Cakwogook and had an interesting time. Met Joseph Salome and found him at the house of a Frenchman named Cumean whose wife is part Indian. He lives in quite a respectable looking house. He invited me in. I found Salome more kind than ever before. Toosei has been down, and I find that he has been reading the Scriptures and talking with Salome. I spoke to the Frenchman, and sang a hymn in French; quite a company gathered around before we ended our conversation. I read several chapters in Exodus. To-day I am to preach to the white people.