Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/330

 we sung a verse and then sat down to dinner. After dinner another verse was sung. The preachers and the company requested that I would speak a few words to the scholars, to which I consented, and at their request I dressed myself in my Indian costume. The scholars and all the party gathered at the school room, and, after singing and prayer I gave the children a short address. The children paid good attention, and were pleased to hear of the conversion of the Indians and about the Indian schools in Upper Canada, and also of my own conversion. After this the boys went out into the yard and formed themselves in a row, and I went round and shook hands with them all, to the number of about 80, all preachers' sons. After I got through with my address the Rev. Thomas Roberts stepped forward with a bough of the sycamore tree in his hand; he held out his hand to me, and took hold of my hand, and then addressed me in the following manner: “My brother, we rejoice to see you as a christian Indian brother; and I thank God that you have been brought to know the Saviour of the world. We are glad to see you among us this day.” He then proceeded to give me a short account of the labours of Mr. Wesley at this place, and holding out the branch he held in his hand to me, he said that it was under the very same tree from which the bough had been plucked, and which he gave me as a token of our union in the spirit, and worship of the Great Spirit through Christ. Brother Roberts also referred to the general progress of Methodism in this country, in America, and at the various Missionary stations. Brother R. spoke with tears in his eyes, and the Lord also softened my stony heart. I replied in a few words, and thanked him for the information he gave me, and for his good feelings towards me. I told the people present that I should be happy in taking home with me the branch that had just been put into my hands, and tell my people all that I had seen and heard at this meeting, which I