Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/97

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Wednesday 24th. — Left Mr. Thompson's for Mr. Blackstock's, in Cavan, near where the Indians were encamped. In the afternoon I visited them at their encampment, and found a number of them who had just arrived busily employed in putting up camps, and was informed that they were gathering from all parts to this place in order to receive religious instruction. After collecting them together I spoke to them the words of eternal life. While addressing them they broke forth in praises to the Great Spirit, and wept so vehemently, that I was forced to stop and weep with them. After concluding the meeting one of the principal men addressed me, saying, "We are very glad you are come to tell us the words of the Great Spirit, which make our hearts so happy, and which we have found so recently." I replied, it was the will of the Great Spirit that we should love one another, and assist each other in the way to Heaven, and that was the reason I had come to instruct them.

Thursday 25th. — In the morning Mr. Bamford and I visited the Indians; after praying with them we got them to build a bush chapel, which they completed by noon. This chapel was formed by digging away the snow and forming an embankment of it in a circle, poles were then stuck into the ground all round, which we covered with barks and hemlock boughs; a fire was made in the centre. Held a meeting with them in the afternoon and instructed them in the Lord's prayer, so that they might commit it to memory; which many of them did in a short time.

Friday 26th. — Commenced this morning teaching the Indians the Ten Commandments, and other necessary things for them to learn. It delighted me much to see the simplicity of their faith, and with what apparent joy they received religious instruction. Friend Moses and Captain Pahdosh arrived this afternoon with the intention to give them further instruction.