Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/257

 we found two camps of Indians belonging to the Ojebway nation. There were about 25 persons in all. On landing, we found the men sitting on a log near the water. We went and shook hands with them, and they appeared to be glad to see us. We slept on the beach for the night.

Thursday 23rd. — At our morning prayers, several of the Indians came and listened. Two knelt down during prayers. This was very encouraging to us. At 9,, we assembled the Indians together in the largest wigwam. I then explained to them the object of our visit, and requested them to listen to what, we had to say concerning the words of God in Christ Jesus. We then sang and prayed. The hymn we sang was,

Most of our heathen brethren knelt down with us, which was a sure token that they were prepared to receive the Gospel; for no heathen Indian kneels only when he is resolved to become a Christian. After prayers, I gave them an account of the fall of man, and the misery he has brought upon himself and posterity; and that the Great Spirit out of compassion, gave his only begotten Son to come into our world and die for man, and thus opened a door of mercy to all; that God was now willing to save man on condition of repentance and faith in his Son Jesus Christ. Others of my party next addressed them. During our meeting we were a little disturbed by the freaks of a young tame bear. Whilst at prayer, the young bruin got on the back of our old brother Thomas Smith and scratched his arm. William Herkimer made the concluding prayer. We informed our pagan brethren that we would again address them in the afternoon. After this, I went to see an Indian burying ground. There were a number of graves lying east and west. The head towards the west, to indicate that the departed spirits had gone in that direction. In the