Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/148

 the first thing that struck me was the singular appearance of the priest and his attendants. He was dressed in a white robe, with a mantle of silk of many colours over his shoulder; he held on his left arm a silk bag. His attendants were all dressed in white, holding branches of cedar boughs, decorated with many flowers. They then marched round the altar, bowing every now and then to the priest, who talked in an unknown tongue to me. Before the priest took the sacrament, one of his attendants burned something at the altar which raised a great smoke; he then took the sacrament, the people all kneeling, and little boys holding up his gown, and ringing little bells. After which a basket of bread was handed through the congregation, each person taking a piece. They went through many other forms; but this kind of worship appeared to me more like outward show, than the real spiritual adoration which God requires. The singing was very melodious, and the congregation solemn.

Monday 31st. — Visited some of the Wyandot Indians, but found only a few of them at home. From these I learned, that the number of families residing at this place was only 20, most of whom attended the Roman Catholic Church. About twenty belong to the Methodist Society, and meet every Sunday for religious instruction. They have no school amongst them at present. I sung and prayed with every family I visited.

Tuesday, April 1st. — Rode up to Sandwich, and called on Lawyer Wood. This gentleman is in the last stage of consumption; he appears to have a prospect of eternal glory beyond this vale of tears; prayed with him, and left an appointment to preach at the Court House to-morrow. Crossed over to Detroit, and spent the afternoon in viewing the place. There are many fine buildings, and four churches, — the Episcopal, the Roman Catholic, (a huge stone building) the