Life and Journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-nā-by/Chapter IX
| CHAPTER IX. |
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ARRIVED at Munceytown in the afternoon, and found all well. Mr. Clench and his party were busily engaged in laying out the village lots for the Indian village at this place. The prospects at Munceytown are now more favourable, and there is every appearance of a reformation among the Chippeways and also among the Munceys. All those who have been opposed to Christianity, have nothing more to say a against the white man's worship. They now come to listen for themselves. — Wednesday, June 2nd.
Thursday 3rd. — Brothers Magee, Smith, and myself concluded to start for home this day. We accordingly made ready, and about noon we left Munceytown, and bade our friends farewell. Our brethren appeared to be sorry for leaving them, but as we wished to be at the Camp Meeting near the Credit on the 11th of this month, we had to hurry down this week. We requested that some one of the brethren from the Credit might come up and give them further instructions in religion.
Tuesday 8th. — Rode down with father to the Mohawk village. Called a few minutes on Mr. Luggar, the Church Missionary, who appeared friendly, but railed out against the Methodists for interfering, as he said, on his ground, where he had commenced preaching. He also said that the Methodist preachers had administered the communion to a notorious adulteress. Why does not Mr. L. remember that the Church of England Clergy have for a century past been in the habit of administering that holy ordinance to notorious drunkards, Sabbath breakers, and whoremongers? I was informed by those who were present when the above person alluded to went forward to partake of that ordinance, and they said that she went under disguise, and that the Minister did not know her to be of such a character. How careful ought ministers to be in giving the holy communion to fit and proper subjects!
Friday 11th. — In the morning Brother John Thomas and Alexander Chief, came over to our house, and informed me that the Lord was carrying on his work of converson among the Indians at Saugeen, on Lake Huron, that 25 have experienced religion during this spring. About noon we started for the Camp meeting. Most of the Credit Indians attend the Camp meeting.
Monday l4th. — After breakfast the congregation was called together for the purpose of commemorating the dying sufferings of our blessed Saviour. Elder W. Ryerson gave an address to the people, after which the holy communion was administered to about a dozen preachers, travelling and local, 390 whites, 66 Indians, and 1 coloured. After the sacrament was administered those that had experienced religion during the Camp meeting, were called forward to the altar, that the number might be ascertained. There were 64 who came forward to signify their conversion at this meeting. Left the Camp ground for home. Stopped a short time in the village, wrote a letter to the Governor's Secretary, and made preparations for a journey to the Simcoe Missions, where a Camp meeting is to be held.
Saturday 19th. — Brother W. Ryerson met the Chiefs in Council, and told them that he wished to know before he left the place whether they meant to remain under the care and instruction of the Methodists, or whether they were going to accept of teachers from Government. He told them that he wanted to know this, as he heard that the Governor had already sent on the teacher for this people.
Monday 21st. — The Council was opened by singing; and prayer. Brother John Asance then rose up and addressed himself to the preachers now present. John Sunday, of Grape Island, then rose up and said, That when the Methodists found them they were poor drunken people; but through their labours the Great Spirit had done much for them, and had gathered them together on an island, where they had built their houses; that in becoming a christian he had given his life to to the Lord; that whether he lived or died he should be the Lord's, and that he would die first before he would change his religion.
Friday 25th. — John Sunday, Thomas Magee, John Thomas, Paul Paul, David Sawyer, and myself, went up this morning to Penetanguishene, in order to see the Western Indians who have come for their presents from Government. Mr. Archibald, a Church of England minister, and Mr. Robinson arrived at this place. To my great surprise and astonishment, Mr. Archibald informed me that he was sent by the Lieut. Governor and the Lord Bishop of Quebec, to be the Missionary for the Matchjedash people, and that one Mr. Hamilton was appointed to be their school master. I told Mr. A. that I was very much astonished to hear that there was going to be an interference with the labours of the Methodist Missionaries among the Indians, that they had been the instruments of reforming them, and that I was the more surprised to hear these things, as the Governor had repeatedly said that it was not his intention to meddle with the spiritual instructions of the Indians. My Indian brethren in the labour of the Gospel took every opportunity to speak to the pagans the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday 30. — At 10 o'clock we left Matchjedash, leaving Brothers Currie, Benhnm, Sunday, and the two Pauls from Grape Island behind to labour with the Indians in the vicinity of Penetanguishene who may visit that place. Thomas Magee, David Sawyer, John Thomas, and John Pigeon, returned home with me.
Thursday, July 1st. — This morning we heard of the arrival of Pahtosh and his people at the Narrows. Yellowhead requested me to wait as he had sent for them. The brethren told me of a woman from the north, being on Yellowhead's Island, who had killed and eaten her husband in time of great hunger, and after this transaction, she had to flee from her country and came to this quarter, where she has been wandering about as an outcast and a fugitive. The Christian Indians were so disgusted with the crime of eating human flesh, that they will not have anything to do with her, but think it is no more than right that she should die.
Monday 5th. — Rode down to York this morning, and there met with my Brethren. I wrote two letters to Brother Case, and sent them by Brothers John Pigeon, J. Snowstorm, and John Lake, who are on their way home for Grape Island. Rode home to the Credit this afternoon, and found all our friends in tolerable health.
Wednesday 21st. — In the morning Brother John Sunday and John Paul arrived in town from Penetanguishene, and brought good news of a number of Indians from Green Bay, and from the vicinity of Mackinaw, having experienced and gone home rejoicing in their hearts. The number they thought was about 20 adults. Brother Sunday and Paul have agreed to pay them a visit this summer, and are now on their way.
Saturday 24th. — At about 7 o'clock in the morning, sister Barnes with three ladies and a girl, arrived from New York. Our hearts were very glad to see our friends return in health and in safety. I rejoiced to hear, by sister Barnes, that my good friends in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, &c., had not forgotten to send their Christian love to poor unworthy me. May the Lord bless those faithful lovers of the poor Indians, and crown them with eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sister Barnes has met with much success, and returned richly laden with the good things of this world for the support of our Indian Missions. She has collected about $1300, besides several valuable donations in articles of clothing and domestic furniture.
Sunday 25th. — In the morning we had a prayer meeting; sabbath school at the usual hour. Our sisters from New York visited the school. In the evening Brother John Sunday preached from Mark xvii.17. — “These signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they cast out devils, &c.” I took down in writing the particulars of Brother Sunday's labours among the Indians at Penetanguishene. The report as I received it from Sunday's own mouth, is very interesting. For want of time, I have not inserted it in my journal.
Monday, August 2nd. — I left the Credit Village this day for to visit the Indian Brethren to the east, and so on to the Annual Conference, which is to take place on the 17th of this month.
Friday 6th. — We arrived at Grape Island about 4 o'clock, p. m., and were welcomed by Brother and Sister Case, and by all the brethren on the Island. The neatness of their houses, the luxuriant growth of their crops, and everything else showed that our Grape Island brethren had made great proficiency in the arts of civilized life.
Sunday 8th. — Early in the morning the Indian brethren had a prayer meeting. About 11 o'clock we assembled in the chapel for public worship. I preached to the Indians from Acts x. 34,35. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the Indian brethren met for an inquiry meeting. Brother Case opened by singing and prayer, after which the brethren were called upon to ask questions on things connected with religion. — Ques. l. By James Crawford: “I wish particularly to know what the vision of Peter meant by seeing the great sheet let down from heaven, and by finding the three men at his door inquiring for him?” Ques. 2. By John Snake: “Wished to know how it was that Christians were compared to two trees.” Ques. 4. By sister Beaver: “Wished for information about what they heard the other day, of the man who rent his clothes and throwed himself in the dust.” Ques. 5. By Benjamin Mitchell: “Wished for an explanation on the 22nd chapter of Matthew 11, 12.” Ques. 6. By W. Beaver: “I want to know how the devil or evil spirit came to sin and fall from the favour of God.” Ques. 7. By W. Beaver: “I do not properly understand what it means where the sick woman came to Jesus and touched the hem of his garment, and said, If I can only touch his garment, I shall be whole; and when she had touched, Jesus said who touched me?”
Monday 9th. — I was engaged in writing, &c. A part of the men started to the Mohawk woods to get some timber for cabinet work. Another party went with Brother Robinson, (a blacksmith,) to make a coal pit. The Brothers have raised and covered a blacksmith shop, where some of the Indians intend to learn the trade. In the morning I gave the Indian Brothers a lecture on industry.
Wednesday 11. — In the forenoon was employed in writing a letter to Brother Samuel Chubb, Jr., of Philadelphia. In the afternoon, Brother Hale, Sisters Barnes, Kunze, and Hurlburt, two Indian visitors, one Indian Brother, and myself, started in two birch canoes to visit the Mohawk settlement, about 12 miles from Grape Island.
Thursday 12th. — We gave out an appointment. I asked Chief Hill how many they had in Society? He said, More than sixty. Started to return home to Grape Island. We had a head wind, but, however, got to the Island by sun set all in safety.
Friday 13th. — I was engaged in writing most of this day. In the afternoon was visited by Bishop Hedding, who intends to spend the Sabbath with us. The Indian Brethren were very glad to see the Bishop and collected together to shake hands with him.
Saturday 14th. — Engaged in writing most of this day. The Bishop visited the schools and heard the children say their lessons and sang several hymns. The Bishop was much delighted with the improvement that the children had made, and said that it was “wonderful.”
Sunday 15th. — About 11 o'clock, a. m., Bishop Hedding preached to the Indian Brethren from Matt. ii. 21. While the Bishop was preaching, I took down in writing the heads of his subject, which I explained in the Indian after the Bishop had finished his discourse. During the sermon, the Indians paid good attention, and were highly delighted to hear words from the Bishop.
Tuesday 17th. — I went on board the steamboat Sir James Kemp, for Conference at Kingston.
Wednesday 18th. — At 8 o'clock in the morning the Conference commenced its debates.
Friday 20th. — The examination of character took up most of the day. In the afternoon I preached to the criminals in the cells, from Luke xviii. 13, 14. The prisoners were attentive. In the evening Brother Healey preached from Heb. xii. 15. Brother R. Jones exhorted, and invited mourners to come forward to the alter to be prayed for. Several sought and found the Lord in their hearts.
Sunday 22nd. — In the morning at 6 o'clock, Brother James Richardson preached in our chapel. At 10 o'clock, a. m., Bishop Hedding preached in the Wesleyan Chapel from Matt. 28, 18. His remarks on the duty of a Christian minister, were very impressive to the ministry present, and showed the high responsibility that every minister of the Gospel holds in the Church of Christ. After the sermon the Bishop proceeded to the ordination of Deacons. There were twenty-one ordained, myself among the number. I cannot describe my feelings and the exercises of my mind on this occasion. I felt to humble myself as in the dust, and altogether unworthy of this holy office. After the Bishop had laid his hands on me, he stopped and made some remarks in respect to my special call of God to labour among the natives of the forest, and with a solemn prayer, prayed that the Lord might still be with me and bless my labours among the Indians. I gave vent to my feelings by a flow of tears.
Monday 23. — At 8 o'clock in the morning the Conference met for the dispatch of business. The principal discussion was about the necessity of having a Seminary in the Province, under the control of the Canada Conference. At 4 o'clock the stations of the Preachers were read by our President from the chair. My appointment was the same as last year, that is, “A Missionary to the Indian Tribes.” At 5 o'clock, p. m., most all the preachers left Kingston in the steamer Sir James Kemp, for Belleville. In the evening, according to my appointment, I attempted to preach to a large congregation in Brother Turner's Chapel, from Psalms 66, 16. The people paid great attention, and the Lord blessed our souls. I had considerable liberty to speak. I stopped with Brother Turner for the night, whom I found to be a kind and pious family. I was also made acquainted with a local Preacher lately from England, by the name of Thos. Milner.
Tuesday 24th. — In the morning wrote a letter to the Rev. N. Levings of Brooklyn. At 8 o'clock in the morning, I bade farewell to the Bishop, who leaves today for the States. I left Kingston in the Toronto for Belleville. The passage was rather slow but quite pleasant. I spent my time in reading the Portrait of St. Paul, by Rev. John Fletcher. Arrived in Belleville late in the evening.
Wednesday 25th. — The adjourned Conference commenced its session this morning at 9 o'clock. The Rev. W. Case in the the chair. This is the first Conference held in Canada since our separation from the United States.
Friday 27th. — The Conference occupied all this day.
Saturday 28th. — At 9 o'clock, a. m., the Conference again met to transact business. In the evening I attempted to preach to a large congregation of whites in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, from 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. I had but little liberty in speaking. Brother S. Waldron exhorted and closed the meeting. The Anniversary of the Missionary Society was held this afternoon. After singing and prayer, the Indian boys from Grape Island exhibited their improvements, principally in Geography and English Grammar. The congregation appeared to be delighted with the progress that the children had made.
Sunday 29th. — Early in the morning, Brother T. Whitehead preached; at 11, a. m., Brother Case preached in the new Chapel to a very large congregation, from 1 Peter i. 7 — 11; Brother Healy exhorted. The audience paid good attention. At 3, p. m., Brother James Richardson gave a discourse from John i. 11, 12; Brother Allison exhorted. In the evening Brother T. Madden preached from Gen. vi. 22. When he got through, I spoke a little to the white people and some to my Indian Brethren present. Brother Williams gave a word of exhortation, and I closed the meeting by prayer. The exercises during this day were very interesting to me, and I trust beneficial to all. In the evening I was enabled to give glory to God for what I felt in my heart.
Monday 30th. — At nine in the morning, the adjourned Conference met to finish its important business. After this the Conference resolved itself into a Missionary Society and appointed the officers of the said Society. The following are the officers, viz: Rev. T. Whitehead, President; T. Madden, Vice-President; W. Smith, Secretary; J. R. Armstrong, Treasurer, and a Board of Managers. The Presiding Elders were appointed Superintendents of the Indian Missions within the bounds of their Districts. The Rev. W. Case was appointed the Superintendent of the M. E. Church in Canada, and to take charge of the Grape Island Mission. Returned with Brother Case and Sister Barnes to Grape Island in the evening.
Wednesday, September 1st. — Attended a settlement with Brother Case for my salary and travelling expenses for the Conference year. Had a conversation with Brother Case and others of a private nature.
Friday 3rd. — Employed in writing, and in visiting all the inhabited houses on the Island, and took a minute of the actual state of every house as I saw it; which is as follows : — Wm. Beaver's. — Women absent — table, floor, cupboard, good but dusty. A shelf with several old books. Joseph Skunk's. — Floor clean — cupboard poor — table good but dusty — beds tolerably good. A woman was making light bread like a white woman. James Indians. — Floor rather dirty — one curtain bed — cupboard, poor — one woman making light bread. John Simpson's. — Floor neat — table and chairs good — cupboard good — beds good but not made. Bro. Hurlburt's. — All neat, like a white squaw's house, except the tea kettle, which was out of place. Sister Hurlburt was sick. William Culbertson's. — Poor floor — chairs good — table dirty — beds poor — a woman working in the house. Jacob Snowstorm's.— Floor and cupboard poor — bed tolerably good — one table no chairs — hearth poor — one woman making baskets — one sewing — one idle. John Lake's. — Floor, &c., neat — no one at home. Peter Shippegaw's. — Floor not laid — uninhabited at present. James Buck's. — Chairs, tables, and beds good — cupboard poor — floor and things in general dirty and out of place. Paul Paul's. — One curtain bed, good — cupboard, good — table good but dusty — floor clean — woman making light bread. This house looked ahnesheshin like Shahkahnoshshequa's. Potto Snake's. — Table and floor dusty — beds pretty good; three old fashioned chairs — cupboard poor — no one at home. Passed by one Indian Camp, a specimen of old times. John Salt's. — Floor poor and dirty — corn husks, &c, lying all about the floor — cupboard very dirty — beds poor — table poor and dirty. John Snake's. — No one at home — all looked well in the house. Sister Nancy Brink's School — Female school — 19 scholars present — 8 read in New Testament — 6 write — 10 girls looked neat and clean — the rest dirty and ragged — hands clean, and hair combed, except 3 or 4 — the floor clean. The condition of the female children on this Island is much altered for the better, to what they were when the Missionaries first commenced among them. Sister Brink appears to be a fine young woman, of amiable disposition, and takes a deep interest in the improvement of the Indians. She laboured among the Schoogog Indians for some time, until they removed from that place to Lake Simcoe and to Mud Lake. After which she was employed by the Superintendent as a teacher to the female school on this island. Brother Thomas Hale's School — scholars 32 present — 10 read in Testament — 8 in English Reader — 17 write — 12 in Arithmetic — 13 in English Grammar — in spelling — and about half a dozen in one syllables. Most all looked clean, except a few who were both ragged and dirty. Brother Hale the teacher, appears to be a fine man, and well qualified as a teacher in the Mission schools. James Penaisheeh's — floors poor and dirty — tables, chairs, benches, beds, &c — cupboard good — old woman boiling corn. Robert Wilkin's — floor swept — chairs good — beds poor — table good, but dirty — no cupboard — two women idle. Ahzhahwonce's — floor good but dirty — table good but dirty — chairs good — no cupboard — hearth poor — beds poor — one woman sewing — one girl sick. John Pigeon's — floors good — good tables, but dusty — chairs good — 1 good painted cupboard — 1 good curtain bed — 3 painted chests — a Bible, Hymn Book, &c, on a shelf — everything looked like industry, and improvement in the house. The floor was occupied by an old woman, who sat on the middle of the floor making brooms. James Crawford's — floor poor but clean — cupboard good and clean, all in order — 2 good curtain beds — table good — one woman making baskets — one nursing. This house looked ahnesheshin. Jacob Shippegaw's. — Floors poor and dusty — cupboard good — table good — beds rather poor — one woman on the floor making baskets — one woman boiling pumpkins. Big Jacob Sunday's. — Floors poor and dirty— cupboard good — beds good but blankets dirty — table dirty — chairs poor — one woman employed in splitting roots of spruce, which the Indians use to sew and fasten together their birch canoes. John Sunday's. — Floor and cupboard good and neat — table good — 1 good bed curtain — chairs good — sister Sunday delivered of a daughter on last Sabbath, was now engaged in making baskets. Mission House.— Abounds with the good things of this world, and plenty of help to keep the things of the house in order. The Mission family now consists of William and Hetty Case, Daughter, Mary Cooley, Eunice Huff, Thomas Hale, the blacksmith, Mary Crawford, Sarah M. Ahzhahwonce, Allen Salt, and Benjamin Johns. It is no more than just I should mention that I took the Indian Sisters all by surprise, as they knew nothing of my intention to visit and make remarks on the state of their households, therefore they made no preparations whatever, and I found them as they were. By the time I went around to all the houses, they got wind of what I was doing, and I observed some immediately set to work in cleaning their houses. The object of my going around and making remarks, was to stir the Indian sisters in cleanliness and in industry. The brothers on this Island have also improved in the arts of civilized life to a considerable degree, and much to the credit of the Grape Island Mission. Most of the men handle the axe equal to any white man, and some are becoming acquainted with the use of joiners' tools, &c. The Indians on this Island have every advantage for improvement, as this Mission is the general depository of all the donations for the Indian Missions, and all the other stations in general receive their supplies from this place.
Saturday 4th. — Engaged part of the day in writing, and part in assisting sister Barnes in preparing boxes of clothing to be forwarded to York by the steamboats. I was much under the weather and felt as if my time here was running to waste.
Sunday 5th. — In the morning the Indian brethren had their prayer meeting. At 9 o'clock, Sabbath school; public service at 11. Brother Case preached from Romans xii. 10, 11. When he got through, I gave the substance of the discourse to the Indian brethren. About 1 o'clock, p. m., the brethren assembled for an enquiry meeting. At half past 3 p. m., we again met for public worship. I took this opportunity to explain to the Indian friends the rise and progress of Methodism, and the general rules of the United Societies. The Brethren paid groat attention and appeared to be highly delighted to hear of the labours of the Rev. John Wesley, Founder of Methodism, especially when I told them that Mr. Wesley came to America on a missionary tour to the Indians, which showed how he loved the Indians.
Tuesday 7th. — Made preparations for leaving the Island this morning at about 10 o'clock, and started for the Rice Lake, &c. The few weeks I have spent on this mission, have been in general pleasant and agreeable, and I trust not altogether unprofitable to the interests of this people. We have enjoyed several pleasant meetings together. Brother Case appeared to be very happy in his family, and feels rich in his wetahpemokahnun and ootahpenoojeehzemun. We stopped and baited our horses at Brother Biggar's, at the Carrying Place, where we heard that Mr. and Mrs. Hall, and Mr. Moss, all of New York, had started from this place this morning for Grape Island. Brother and Sister Hall take a deep interest in behalf of our Indian Missions, and have visited the Missions two or three times since the commencement of the Reformation among the Indians.
Thursday 9th — We crossed early this morning over to the Indian village at Rice Lake, and were welcomed by Brother James Evans, the Missionary. The news of our arrival spread among the Indian Brethren, and they soon came to the house in order to shake hands with us.
Monday 13th. — Brother Evans and myself set off this morning for Mud Lake, to visit our Indian brethren, now settling at that place. About fourteen miles from the Rice Lake Mission we passed by Peterborough, a thriving village, situated on a beautiful plain.
Tuesday 14th. — In the morning we had a short introductory meeting. We breakfasted on ducks and potatoes, and all were very kind to us. At 9, a. m., I preached to them from Matt. i. 21. Isaac Iron, an Indian class leader, exhorted — a good time to our souls. After the public meeting was dismissed I explained and read to them the pastoral address from Brother Case, and they were much pleased with its contents. I enquired of the class leaders into the state of the brethren.
Wednesday 15th. — After leaving Mud Lake, we arrived at the Rice Lake Mission at 4 o'clock, p. m. I talked to some of the influential men about an evil among them, and told them that it was no disgrace to work for our living, or to hire out and work, and told them their duty was to help their teachers, &c.
Thursday 16th. — After breakfast Sister Barnes and Sister Verplanck, with her girl, left the Mission for the River Credit. About dusk we got into the neighbourhood of Brother Shaver's, where Sister Barnes and Sister Verplanck met with an accident, by being thrown out of the waggon.
Friday 24th. — In the morning Brother Case arrived at the Credit, from Grape Island. He has come up to make arrangements about having the Scriptures translated into the Chippeway Language. He informed me that he had lately received a letter from the Rev. John West, of England, on the subject of getting the Scriptures translated into the Chippeway tongue. Mr. West stated in his letter that the Bible Society at home were very anxious to have the word of God translated into the above language; and that they would bear the expense of getting it translated and printed. Brother Case, therefore, requested me to go on with the work immediately, and so abandon the idea of going to Munceytown to spend the winter, as we had before calculated to do.
Monday 27th. — Spent most of the day in writing letters. Went to McGills mill to see about getting some lumber to fix up the little school for a translating office.
Monday, October -4th. — Sister Barnes, Brother Benham, David Sawyer and his new wife, and myself made preparations for going to the Lake Simeoe Missions. David and his wife intend to labour on the Matchjedash Mission. It is a pleasing sight to see natives of the forest leave their fathers and mothers, and go to other tribes for the purpose of assisting in the instruction of the poor Indians. Sister Barnes expects to be gone about six weeks. I purpose to return in eight or ten days. In the afternoon we all set off; Brother Case accompanied us to York. Before leaving the Credit we also made arrangements for having native labourers to go to the Munceytown Mission, and visit the Saugeen Indians,
Wednesday 13th. — In the forenoon I wrote a note to the Attorney General Boulton, to let him know that I had laid out his donation of five dollars in books for the Indian schools.
Thursday 14th. — Went with a number of the brethren to the mouth of the river to make a few hauls with the seine for salmon. We caught about 140.
Saturday 16th. — Brother John Sunday and John Paul arrived at this place, from their tour to Mackinaw and elsewhere. They brought cheering news from that quarter.
Tuesday 19th. — Worked at the office, assisted by Brother Sunday. In the evening I continued to write down the particulars of the two brothers' tour to the west, and sat up till 2 in the morning before we got through. It occupied seven large seven sheets of paper. From the report it appears that there were eight or ten Chippeway Indians converted in the vicinity of Detroit, and about twenty of the same nation residing near Mackinaw, and that the prospects of doing good to the Indians at the west were very encouraging.
Saturday 30th. — White washed the office room. Our Indian saw mill at this place was put in operation this day. It went with considerable speed.
Tuesday, November 2nd. — My brother John and myself began this day to renew the business of translating the Scriptures. John continues on the Gospel of St. John, and I on St. Matthew. I took up my quarters at the office, but board at my brother's.
Sunday 14th. — In the morning we had a prayer meeting. Haying an appointment at Brother Watson's, I went and preached to them at 11 o'clock from 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. After which we had a class meeting; a good profitable time to our souls. By the request of Mr. S. Todd I baptized a child of his. This is the first white person I ever baptized. Returned to the village, and attended a prayer meeting. I felt quite fatigued and worn out.
Friday 10th. — Translating. Brother John Thomas returned from a Missionary tour towards Lake Huron, &c.
Saturday 18th. — In the evening Mr. Stewart, the singing master commenced his singing at this village. There were 35 subscribers.
Thursday 23rd. — In the forenoon I made preparations for a journey to the Grand River, in order to meet a number of the Chippeway Indians from the River Saugeen, on the waters of Lake Huron, at a Quarterly meeting to be held in the Township of Waterloo.
Sunday 26th. — Early in the morning I met the Indians from Saugeen to examine the candidates for baptism. There were 72.
Thursday 30th. — Started early in the morning, and arrived at the Credit by noon. In the evening we had a meeting. I spoke to the Indian friends on the evidence of the Spirit in the heart, and gave them a short account of my journey; after which we had a prayer meeting.
Friday 31st. — Engaged in writing my journal. It was concluded some time to have a watch night on this evening; so according we met in the chapel about 10 o'clock.
Saturday, January 1st, 1831. — To-day commenced our Quarterly meeting for this place. At 1, p. m., Edwy Ryerson preached from Romans xiv. 10; Brother J. Sawyer exhorted. After this Elder Youmans called the members of the Quarterly Conference together. After prayer the Elder examined the characters of the exhorters, and renewed their license; and also enquired of the class leaders into the state of their several classes.
Tuesday 4th. — Had an interview with Col. Givins; spent part of the day in trying to get the sub-committee appointed by the York Bible Society for obtaining Indian translations to meet, and to give me some understanding when my translations would be printed.
Friday 7th. — Wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Committee for carrying on the Indian Translations. In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, the Lieut. Governor opened the House of Assembly. Mr. John Brant, an Indian and a Mohawk Chief, is a member of Parliament for the County of Halton. This is the first Indian who has sat in the House with the lawmakers of this Province.
Monday 24th. — Brother George Ryerson, who came up from York last evening, informed me he was appointed by the Committee on Religious Liberty, now petitioning the Imperial Parliament in England, to act as their Agent, and to take the petitions home to England. He further informed me that it was the wish of the two presiding Elders of the two upper districts, and of the friends in York that I should accompany him to England, providing they could get the consent of Elder Case. Brother Ryerson said he would start in about two weeks, and therefore wished me to be getting ready, as there was no doubt of my going. Employed in translating. We were visited by three ladies from York this day, who examined the village and its improvements with great satisfaction.
Tuesday, February 1st, — Employed at translating. The Lord was precious to my poor soul.
Wednesday 2nd. — At translating. I felt disposed to give myself to the Lord to love and to obey. Thursday 3rd. — At translating. Blessed be the Lord for the measure of faith I enjoy.
Tuesay 8th. — Translating. Received a letter from Elder Case on the subject of my going to England. He expressed his approbation of my accompanying Brother Ryerson.
Thursday 10th. — In the afternoon I rode down to York to see Elder Ryerson and Elder Case, who is expected from Grape Island. Saw Brother Ryerson, but Brother Case had not come up. Brother R. thought it would be absolutely necessary I should go and visit the Simcoe and Matchjedash Indians, in order to get them to appoint me as their agent, to represent their state and condition.
Thursday 17th. — In the morning I met John Asance and the principal men in council, and told them of my intended journey across the great waters to England, and asked them if they had any word to send to their father and brothers. They immediately gave me power in writing, which I drew up for them, to go in their name and solicit aid for their civilization, and also act for them about their lands. They put down their tribes as signatures.
Sunday 20th. — Early in the morning we rode down to York and attended worship at 11 o'clock. Brother Case preached, and I closed the meeting. In the evening I felt so unwell that I did not go to meeting.
Monday 21st. — After doing some business, Sister Barnes and myself rode up to the Credit.
Tuesday 22nd. — Employed in making out my accounts.
Wednesday 23rd — Employed in making preparations to go to England. Got the Indian sisters to make me a deer-skin dress.
Thursday 24th. — Quarterly Meeting at this place. Went down in the evening to York on business.
Friday 25th. — Waited upon His Excellency and informed him of my going to England, and asked him for letters of introduction to the Benevolent Societies in Great Britain. He kindly promised to prepare letters for me on Tuesday next. Received a letter of introduction to the Right Hon. Charles Grant. M. P., from the Hon. Mr. Dunn.
Tuesday, March 1st. — Called upon the Rev. Dr. Harris for the MS. and letters for the B. and F.B. Society. I again called upon His Excellency for his letters. I saw him and he handed me a recommendation for the B. and F. B. Society and Church Missionary Society, and told me that he would write to some other benevolent persons, and which would give me an introduction to these persons. Settled with Brother Case, and received from him on account of the Missionary Society the sum of 160 dollars as travelling expenses on my journey to England. We rode home this evening.
Thursday 3rd. — The Indians of this place had a Council, and gave me a written authority to go in their behalf and solicit aid for their improvement, and to transact business for them with their great father over the great waters. In the evening attended prayer meeting and bade my brethren farewell.
Friday 4th. — Set off early this morning on our journey to New York, and thence to England. Brother Case and Sister Barnes accompanied us as far as Nelson, where we bade each other farewell, and commended one another to the protection of Providence. Our company consisted of Mr. George Ryerson and myself, bound for England; Miss Verplanck and girl, for New York, and Miss E. Rolph, for Cazenovia. Mr. Tuder conveyed us to Hamilton, where we stopped for the night. The roads were very bad. In leaving my friends and relatives for this great journey I could not help but feel much concern for them and myself. I tried to look to God and commit all that is near and dear to me into the hands of the Lord. Thursday 17th. — At about 8 o'clock in the morning we landed at the city of New York, and were kindly received by our old friends. Mr. and Mrs. Hall. In the afternoon we went and visited Dr. Bangs and Brother S. Martin, accompanied by Brother S. Merwin. In the evening we attended meeting in John Street church. Brother Hall engaged a passage for us this day in the Packet ship Birmingham, bound for Liverpool. The fare was $120; $20 each less than the usual price. This gain we made by temperance.
Thursday 24th. — Early in the morning we made ready to go on board the Packet ship. At 10, a. m., the Steamboat Rufus King, took the passengers on board the ship Birmingham. A number of our friends followed us to the wharf in order to see us off and bid us farewell. There were fourteen or fifteen cabin passengers, among whom were the Lord Bishop of Quebec, the Rev. Mr. Bethune of Cobourg, and two ladies from New York.
Monday, April 18th. — No change in the wind as yet. The day was very pleasant, with light breezes from the N.E. The Captain had the mail bags opened this day, and he overhauled the letters to see if there were any for those on board the ship. Being greatly relieved from sea sickness, I commenced this afternoon to correct my brother John's translation of the Gospel of St. John into the Chippeway language. I finished correcting one chapter. Felt rather lonesome, and wished to be amongst my friends and relatives; but in all this the Lord is my consolation and comfort. In his presence there is joy and peace, whether on land, or tossed to and fro, on the mighty ocean.
Saturday 30th. — In the morning when we got up we found a light breeze in our favour, and shortly after breakfast we came in sight of land. We sailed along up the channel of the river Mersey, amidst a number of ships. As we hauled up to the land, we came in view of the Port of the city of Liverpool, and the country that lies west of the city. The scenery from the ship was most beautiful. The trees were all out in green, and the fields covered with herbage, and what added to its beauty was, the elegant buildings that were seen in every direction. About noon we got to the entrance of the docks, and immediately stepped on English ground, after having been confined on board the ship for thirty-seven days.
Monday, May 2nd. — At about 9 o'clock this morning, we arrived in the great city of London. After taking breakfast, we went to the Wesleyan Mission House, in order to present our letters of introduction to the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, &c. On our arrival at the Mission House, we were informed that the Secretaries and Ministers were at their Missionary Anniversary meeting, held in Exeter Hall. We immediately went to the place, and as we were going up one of the stairs, we met with the Rev. Richard Reece, an acquaintance of Brother Ryerson. The meeting was opened by singing and prayer from the Rev. Geo. Morley, after which Lanslotte Haslope, Esq., took the chair. The chairman addressed the meeting, and expressed his feelings of gratitude to God on appearing upon this occasion. The Secretary, the Rev. Mr. James, then read the Report, which states that the Society had 150 stations; 213 missionaries; 160 salaried catechists; 1,400 gratuitous teachers in the Sunday and Day schools, making upwards of 2,000 engaged in the different missionary stations; that there were 26,440 members in all the stations, and that the receipts for the past year amounted to £50,017 18s. 8d. The following persons then addressed the meeting — viz, Rev. Robert Alder, late Missionary to North America; James Montgomery, Esq., the great Poet of the present day; John Poynder, Esq., a member of the Established Church; Rev. James Dixon, Rev. Dr. Burder, Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool; Rev. John Burnett, of Cork, and Rev. Robert Newton. The Rev. Mr. Watson then introduced me to the meeting and read part of our introductory letters. I was then requested to address the meeting, which I did through much weakness. A collection was made for the Society. There appeared to be good feeling among the people, and there was much cheering. After the meeting, we were kindly invited to make our lodgings at the Mission House, at 77 Hatton Garden. The friends appeared glad to see us. and seemed anxious to minister to our comfort. I had very strange feelings on entering the Missionary meeting this day, and was enabled to bless God for seeing the old primitive Wesleyan Methodists. I felt to rejoice in seeing them engaged in the good cause of Missions, and to hear of their success in their Missions. There were a great many things that attracted my notice in this great city.
Tuesday 3rd. — At noon attended the Anniversary of the Church Missionary Society at Exeter Hall. On the platform we observed the Bishops of Lichfield and Coventry, of Winchester and Chester; Lord Bexley, Lord Mountsandford, Sir Geo. Grey, &c, &c, The Chair was taken by Lord Gambier; the Rev. Mr. Woodruffe read the Prayer and also the Report. The meeting was then addressed by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry; the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, Mr. Wilkes, the Rev. D. Wilson, H. Pownall, Esq.; Sir Geo. Grey, Rev. Mr. Marsh, Bishop of Winchester; Lord Bexley, Rev. J. W. Doran, Missionary from Travancore; Mr. Sullivan, Bishop of Chester; Rev. Mr. Foote, Rev. Edward Bickersteth, and the Rev. J. Haldane Stewart. The meeting was rather dull, and there did not appear to me that same good feeling in this meeting which I had the pleasure of witnessing in the Wesleyan Missionary Meeting.
Wednesday 4th. — At 11 o'clock, a. m., we attended the British and Foreign Bible Society Anniversary at Exeter Hall. Lord Bexley was called to the chair. The Report was read by one of the Secretaries. The Report stated that the Society had circulated 343,849 copies of the Holy Scriptures; and that the Society's Fund amounted last year to the enormous sum of £95,424 2s. 3d., stg.
Thursday 5th. — At 7 o'clock this morning, by invitation we went to attend the Annual breakfast of the Preachers' Children at the Morning Chapel in City Road. There were about 150 children of preachers present, besides a number of Ministers and Minister's wives. The Rev. Mr. Morley, President of the Wesleyan Conference, presided.
Saturday 7th. — In the morning I waited upon the Secretaries of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and was kindly received by Mr. Greenfield, of the Editorial Department. I presented to this gentleman the copies of some Indian books, which I brought with me from Upper Canada. I had a talk with him about the translations which I brought out with me from Canada for the purpose of getting this Society to print. Mr. G. said he would bring the subject before the Committee at their next meeting. Dined with the Rev. Geo. Marsden in company with several friends.
Sunday 8th. — In the morning heard the Rev. R. Watson preach at Wilderness Row Chapel, and was much pleased with his discourse.
Monday 9th. — At noon I went to the British and Foreign School Society, at Exeter Hall. The chair was taken by Mr. Allan, a Quaker, and after the reading of the Report, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Rowland Hill, Dr. Lushington, Rev. Geo. Clayton, Bisco, M.P., J. Montgomery, Esq., Rev. W. Marsh, Rev. Mr. Burnett, J. Blanchard, Esq., of Lower Canada, and Peter Jones. The meeting was very interesting. I suffered much this day from the dampness of the air, which affected my lungs in no small degree. Tuesday 20th, — In the morning at 6 o'clock attended the Anniversary of the Sunday School Union at the city of London Tavern. At noon went to the Naval and Military Bible Society Meeting, which was held in Exeter Hall.
Wednesday 11th. — In the morning the Committee of the Wesleyan Missionary Society met at the Mission House. Mr. Ryerson and myself were requested to meet them and to state the object of our visit to this country. We informed them that the Lord having begun a good work among the Indians in Upper Canada, it had been thought advisable to make appeals to the benevolent people of England, in order to support the Missions and schools amongst them. We shewed them our credentials and letters of introduction. Mr. Watson enquired of us how we were going to work to obtain our object? We replied that we did not know, but that we were instructed to be at their command, and to follow their directions. There were about twenty of the Committee present, who manifested kindly feelings towards us and the Connexion in Upper Canada. Went in the afternoon to see St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a large massive building, with many statues of ancient kings and heroes.
Thursday 12th. — At 10 this morning, we attended the Anniversary of the London Missionary Society, at Exeter Hall. The Treasurer of the Society took the chair and proceeded to business. The Hall was crowded to overflowing, and many gentlemen addressed the meeting, among whom was the Rev. Rowland Hill. I was called upon to give an address to the people which I did to the best of my ability. After speaking in the larger room, I was called down to go and speak to another audience assembled in another room. I believe it was on this evening that I attended the Seaman's Friend Society.
Friday 13th. — During this day I attended another Tract society Meeting, and addressed the audience. Ever since I came to London, my presence, or rather the report of an Indian going to appear at a public meeting, created no little excitement, and brought out many to the meetings. The English people are desperately fond of new things, and when anything novel is announced to the public it is always sure to bring a large congregation. They eat four times a day — morning, at 2, p. m., at 6, and at 9 or 10 o'clock. I have found them thus far a most friendly and hospitable people, and very candid and sincere in their friendship. They have a little of brother Jonathan's inquisitiveness; for they ask more questions than I am able to answer, or they throw questions one top of the other, so I can get no time to answer one before another is brought forth.
Saturday 14th, — Started early in the morning in company with the Rev. Mr. James and Rev. Mr. Galland for Bristol. We travelled by stage on this route, and passed through several towns and villages, and, amongst the rest, Windsor, a place of royalty, which is beautifully situated on an eminence, and has a fine country all around. We passed within two miles of the palace. The country we passed through was very beautiful and highly cultivated. We had a fine view of a mound of great size, where it is supposed thousands of human beings have been buried. The town of Bath, six miles from Bristol, is the handsomest town I have seen anywhere; the houses are neatly built of nice free white stone. This town is celebrated for its medicinal baths. We arrived at Bristol about 8, p. m., and received a welcome reception at the house of Dr. Wood. Feeble in body.
Sunday 15. — At half-past ten I tried to preach at Langton Street Chapel to an attentive congregation from Mark xvi. 15. What was said in weakness appeared to be well received by the people. One of the preachers assisted in reading the morning lessons. The chapel was very neat and commodious. After meeting I went and took dinner at the house of a friend, in company with the Rev, W. Leach, At half-past 2 in the afternoon I preached to a crowded congregation at St. Philip's Chapel, from Acts xiii. 41. The people were very attentive to what was said, and hope that my weak and feeble labours may not altogether be lost. At 6 in the evening I attended meeting at Ebenezer Chapel, where the Rev. Mr. Waugh of Limerck was expected to preach; but as he did not arrive the Rev. Mr. Edmondson preached in his stead, and when he got through I was called upon to address the meeting. I gave them a short account of my life and conversion to Christianity. I was much pleased to observe the good missionary feeling that the people seemed to possess. I told them in public that I shook hands with them in my heart, but this did not altogether satisfy them, for as soon as the meeting was dismissed many of the women and men came forward to shake hands with their Indian friend. Bristol appears to be an old city. It is a seaport town, and a place of considerable trade. There are many meeting houses of different denominations in this city. The Methodists have about half a dozen chapels in the place. This is the place where the next Annual Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Society is to be held in the month of August next.
Monday 16th. — When I arose this morning I found myself rather worse of my cough. In the forepart of the day I was engaged in writing my journal and in writing samples of my Indian name which the ladies wish to have very much. About noon I went with a friend to see some part of the town. We went aboard of the floating Bethel Union chapel, where the seamen on the Sabbath days assemble to worship. I understand that a number had been brought to the knowledge of the truth, and were truly pious and devoted to the service of God. The houses in Bristol are not the handsomest that I have seen. The old churches have a very rugged appearance, and many of them are very ancient. In the afternoon I accompanied Bro. James, Brother T. Waugh, and others, to attend a Missionary Meeting at the village of Downend, five miles from Bristol. At the hour appointed the little chapel was filled with hearers. The meeting commenced by singing and prayer, after which several ministers addressed the meeting on the subject of missions. I spoke a few words to them. The meeting was very interesting, and people seemed well pleased. A collection was taken up for the Society. We took tea at the house of Mr. Lewis, and in the evening we returned to our lodgings at Bristol in the house and family of Brother James Wood. I felt rather poorly this day, and was much troubled with my cough.
Tuesday 17th. — Felt very poorly and still much troubled with my cough. Dr. Brady visited me this day and ordered a course of medicine for me. Mr. Wood and all the family were very kind to the invalid.
Wednesday 18th. — I was very poorly this morning and had symptoms of an inflamation on the mucus membrane. The Missionary Meeting of the Wesleyan Society met to-day at St. Philip's chapel, at 10, a. m. Owing to my complaint it was thought unadvisable for me to go; but the notice of my appearing at this meeting had gone into the city, and the people expected me to appear; so under these circumstances I concluded to venture for a few minutes to go to the meeting. A carriage was provided for me, and I went and found a full meeting. The Rev. John James was speaking when I got there. When Mr. James got through he introduced me to the meeting, and informed them of my illness, and told them that I would just speak a few words to them. I rose up in great pain and weakness and addressed them. My presence appeared to produce great excitement, as I appeared in my native dress. When I got through, the Rev. Mr. Newton addressed the meeting in an interesting manner. I was taken home after the meeting closed to my lodgings in a car. I was very weak, and coughed much.
Thursday 19th. — I was so ill that I was confined to my room. Dr. Brady and the celebrated Dr. Pritchard, of this town, during my sickness attended me every day. My physicians ordered I should be kept quiet, and that no person should be allowed to see me until I was better. The Rev. Thos. Waugh, of Cork, came to shake hands with me, and he prayed for me, which was a great blessing and comfort to my soul. My mind was staid on God most of this day, and I felt resigned to his will.
Wednesday 25th. — I was somewhat better to-day. I received an interesting letter from the Rev. W. Case, dated Grape Island, March 30th, 1831. He gave an account of the prosperous state of our Missions in Canada.
Thursday 26th. — Received a letter from the Rev. Dr. Townley, Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London. His letter was full of consolation to an afflicted man. I felt thankful to have such kind friends who felt for me.
Sunday 29th. — Much better so that I walked out into the dining room and took dinner with the family. The kindness with which Brother and Sister Wood, Bro. W. H. Sargent, and all the family, treated me, was a consolation to me, and I thanked the Lord for giving me fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, in this strange land. I have nothing of myself to reward them, but, Lord, they have done this in thy name, therefore they shall by no means lose their reward.
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Limited space, to our regret, has already forbidden the insertion of much that is valuable, and the date reached makes a more considerable curtailment of the Journal a necessity — even of the attractive and important incidents of Mr. Jones' first sojourn in Great Britain. Much of the time was effciently spent in travel, preaching, and at Missionary and other Meetings. The foregoing entries, which give a succinct historical account of the commencement and progress of the Indian Missions connected with the Canada Conference, furnish a specimen of many others, and now only the more striking facts will appear, much as it would gratify us to publish him fully on esteemed persons, and well-known places, and his proceedings in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
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