Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/252

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We were glad to find several new converts amongst this people, who had been brought to renounce paganism through the exhortations of Chief Asance and the class leaders. These new converts were from Nottawasaga Bay: they were anxious to receive the ordinance of baptism. At 2, p. m., we assembled at their bark chapel, which is about thirty feet square, and answers a good purpose for worship in summer. After singing and prayer I spoke to them on the goodness of God in taking care of us. I also informed them the object of our mission in these regions. Towards night we again met for worship; I spoke to them from Matt. xi. 28. Thos. Biggs, the pious Indian lad, exhorted and made many very sensible remarks. During this service several fell to the ground under the power of God. When the brethren retired to their wigwams they began to sing and shout the praises of the Lord. Thus the solitary place was made glad, and the trees of the wood became vocal with the songs of joy and praise. Blessed be God for his great mercy to these children of the forest, who have long been in darkness, and in the region and shadow of death! O Lord, still continue to stretch out thine arm of power, and gather all the nations of the earth into the fold of Christ, and thy name shall have all the glory, now and for ever more! Amen.

Monday 13th. — We had an early prayer meeting. Chief John Asance gave a warm exhortation, and urged his young men to pay good attention to the instructions delivered to them from their teachers, who came to tell them the good way to heaven, and thus be prepared to teach their own brethren. At the conclusion of the meeting the Chief Asance requested some of their women to go and gather some huckle berries for their visitors, which was accordingly done. The Chief also sent a messenger to Penetanguishene to invite some pagan Indians encamped there. After breakfast we went to see their corn and potatoe fields. The Indians have cleared and planted