Thursday 24th. — Worked till towards evening and then prepared to go and attend the Quarterly meeting near Cobourg. About sunset Elder Case and I took leave of the Indians and departed, having spent twelve days on the Island, during which time, as there were no houses, we slept in a bark wigwam. I reflect with pleasure on this visit, having been greatly blessed myself, and thankful to witness the progress these poor people have made, both in christianity and civilization since I last saw them.
Friday 25th. — Rode with Elder Case from Mr. Gilbert's to Mr. Bales, at Cobourg, and was much edified with the christian conversation of Elder Case.
Saturday 28th. — Met about seventy of the Rice Lake Indians this morning at Mr. McCarty's, who manifested great joy at seeing Elder Case and myself. Before the meeting commenced the Rev. J. C. Davidson and I took down the names of the natives who had forsaken their evil ways and were desirous of being initiated into the church of Christ by baptism. Old and young numbered forty-four. At 11 o'clock Elder Case preached from these words, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." After the service, the Indians were baptized by Elder Case. It was truly an interesting and glorious sight to see so many natives of the forest renouncing paganism and their late wandering habits, with a holy determination to take the Christian's God for their God, and join themselves with His people. They covenanted to be His for ever.
Sabbath 27th. — At half past eight the love feast began — a number rose and told what God had done for them, and many, both whites and Indians, shouted aloud the high praises of Jehovah. After this service the holy sacrament was administered to a large number of white people and about fifty Indians. At noon the Rev. W. Case preached a pathetic sermon on the history of Joseph.
