Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/443

 in a work it was difficult to divert his attention from it. As his early education had not encouraged application or deep study, neither had formed a taste for mental culture, it could not be expected that in his later years, with the cares of a family, very poor health, and a vast amount of business to transact for his tribe, that he should be able to devote much time to reading. I think I might mention history as his favourite subject of reading. He never took much interest in biography; and when I expressed my surprise, he would say, “Persons are extolled too much. Bible biography is honest.” And I am certain nothing would have grieved him more than that his character should be set forth to the world as blameless. He was well informed on all the great events of the day.

, he was punctual and explicit, his style varying according to the subject and parties he addressed, he could be solemn, touching, and comforting, or humorous and loving. He never wrote (excepting purely on business matters,) without saying something of the Saviour. I believe those friends who have his letters will keep them for his sake.

, the Bible and prayer, with the teaching of the Holy Spirit, were his principal aids. Having several commmentaries, he made use of them when he needed light thrown on any difficult passage. His notes were rather concise, depending more on the teaching of the Holy Spirit than any preparations for the pulpit. He often said he could never preach, however much time he took to prepare a sermon, unless the Lord helped him.

In summing ap my dear husband's character, I should say his actions, words, and looks, were governed by a principle of uniform consistency, humility, and moderation. Amidst popular applause, to which in the Old Country he was no stranger, he kept on his steady course, and never seemed the