Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/248

 He has been assisted by Brother John Draper, a farmer. Brother B. is a good Missionary for Indians, as he spares no pains to do them good; he labours with them in the field, and thus shows them how to work by example as well as by precept. Such men, and such only, are really calculated to do lasting good among the Indians; men who are not afraid to blacken their hinds by logging the timber, and burning the wood in the field; men who are not ashamed to work in their shirt sleeves; men who do not say to the Indians, “Go and do this or that;” but who say to them, “Come on brethren:” such men only can convince the Indians that they are their friends and wish to do them good. On such the Indians will look up with reverence and esteem. O that the Indian had more of such, kind friends! how soon would the wounds made by the wicked whites be healed, and joy and gladness spring up in the Indian's heart! But alas, too many of those who have gone amongst the Indians have rather manifested a domineering spirit, which has proved his want of success. The Indian is a free man and will not be driven. Gain his confidence and esteem, and then you can do anything with him. Some white people have imagined that in order to christianize the heathen, you must first teach them the arts and sciences as a necessary preparation for the Gospel; but I say, “No.” First, teach him the christian religion, and when he has embraced this he will be prepared for the pursuits of civilized life. I am rejoiced that the Methodist Missionaries go to work at the right end, and hence the astonishing work of reformation we have witnessed amongst the poor Messissaugas and Ojebways for the few years past. May the Great Spirit continue to crown their labours with greater success.

Sunday 5th. — On account of the present rain we were prevented in meeting at one place, as there was no wigwam sufficient to contain all our people. All our previous services were