"BROTHER: We are told that you have been preaching to the white people in
this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them.
We will wait a little while, and see what effect your preaching has on
them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest, and less disposed
to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.
"BROTHER: You have now heard our answer to your talk, and this is all we
have to say at present. As we are going to part, we will come and take you
by the hand, and hope the Great Spirit will protect you on your journey,
and return you in safety to your friends."
Suiting the action to the word, he then drew near the missionary with the
other chiefs, to take him by the hand; but he would not receive them, and
rising hastily from his seat, said, there was no fellowship between the
religion of God, and the works of the devil, and he could not therefore
join hands with them.
When this was interpreted to the Indians, they smiled and retired from the
interview, without saying anything further.
Such is the account given of this transaction. The termination is painful.
It is a sad thought, that when the Indians had been invited to make known
their objections, if they had any; and when they had been offered in good
faith by this unlettered son of the forest, he should have been answered
with so little patience or kindness. We hesitate not to say that the red
man in this, manifested the better spirit.
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