Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma

The Missionary Pioneer, or A Brief Memoir of the Life, Labours, and Death of John Stewart

The subject of the following Memoir, was born and lived in Powhatan County, State of Virginia, until he arrived at the age of about twenty-one years. His parents were free, and members of the Baptist Church; but John was a careless sinner. In this situation he was, when about four years afterwards, he was robbed of all his property while on his way from Virginia to Marietta, in the State of Ohio. This circumstance brought him to reflect seriously on the state of his soul; but grief and vexation prevailed over hope and patience. The loss of his property, the distance from his friends, the idea of poverty and disgrace, together with the wretched situation of his mind on account of his soul's affairs, brought him to the shocking determination that he would immediately take measures to hasten his dissolution. And for this purpose

he forthwith commenced a course of excessive drinking at a public house, which was continued until his nerves became mulch affected, his hands trembling so, that it was with difficulty he could feed himself. In this practice and condition he remained for a considerable length of time, still fixed in the determination to destroy his life, and precipitate himself into ruin. His mischievous design was at length frustrated by his landlord, who discovered his intention and withheld spirituous liquors from him. This measure brought him more deliberately to reflect on his miserable condition, when a view of the awful state of his soul compelled him to cry out,"Oh! wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me,"& It was at this time that he passed in his mind the inquiry, which would give the least pain to his father's family, to hear that without property he was honestly striving to make his way through life, or that by intemperance he had hurried himself to an untimely grave. The result was, he resolved to abandon the service of"the wicked one," and cast himself upon the mercy of God, for

support and salvation. He then"joined himself to a citizen of the place,"(Marietta, Ohio, where he then was,) to assist in making sugar, a distance from town, in the woods. This situation afforded him a good opportunity for reading, meditation, prayer, and seeking the Lord in private. Soon, however, be had to quit his sequestered state and return to town, where, contrary to the most solemn vows and promises, which he had previously made to forsake sin and seek the Lord, he united with others in shameful acts of night revellings, which instead of affording relief to his"wounded spirit,"only produced (in the moment of retirement and reflection) greater grief and distress. An occurrence here took place which much alarmed him: an intimate companion of his, was suddenly called by death from time to eternity. With this individual he had made an appointment to spend one more night in sin; but death interfered and disappointed them both. Stewart's convictions of mind were thereupon greatly increased, and he began to despair of ever obtaining mercy at the hand of the Lord.

One day while wandering along the banks of the Ohio, bewailing his wretched and undone condition, the arch enemy of souls suggested to him a remedy; which was to terminate the miseries he endured, by leaping into the deep, and thereby putting an end to his existence. To this suggestion, he at first felt a disposition to yield; but his attention was arrested by a voice, which as he thought, called him by name, when on looking around he could see no person, whereupon he desisted from the further prosecution of the desperate project. He then resolved to make another effort to seek mercy and pardon at the hand of God. Having hired a house for the purpose of carrying on his trade, (the blue dying business,) he had another opportunity of being much alone, which privilege he improved in seeking the Lord"carefully with tears." The more he exercised himself in meditation and prayer, the more was he impressed with a sense of his guilt. He now saw no way for him to escape the wrath to come--he felt that he deserved to be driven from the presence of the Most High into"outer darkness."

It was then that he was enabled to cast himself at the foot of the cross, and to lay hold by faith on the Saviour of sinners as his last and only refuge, crying"Lord save or I perish!"Then it was that the Lord was pleased to reveal his mercy and pardonning love to his fainting soul, causing him to burst forth from his closet in raptures of unspeakable joy, declaring what the Lord had done for his poor soul. He now could truly say,

"Jesus all the day long,
Is my joy and my song."

He could then rejoice in the Lord from a sense of the"love of God being shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost,"&c. There being no Baptist church near, he did not join himself to any religious Society.--In his youth he had imbibed strong prejudices against other denominations, particularly the Methodists, of whom he had a contemptible opinion. Thus, slighting and neglecting the duties of the temple, it will not be surprising to hear that he soon neglected those of the

closet also, which soon resulted in a dead and barren state of soul. He now began to feel the pains and miseries from which the Lord had so recently delivered him. Whereupon he began to doubt the reality or genuineness of his conversion, and this appears to have resulted from his belief of a doctrine in which he had been educated, namely"once in grace always in grace." In this situation he remained for some time, bewailing his wretched case, when, as he walked out one evening he heard the sound of singing and praying proceed from a house at no great distance. It proved to be a Methodist prayer meeting. His prejudice first forbade his going in; but curiosity prompted him to venture a little nearer, and at length he resolved to enter and make known his case, which he did to the few who were in attendance. Here he was encouraged to seek with all his heart the last blessing. Soon after this he attended a Camp-Meeting, where he remained for sometime with a heavy heart, and disconsolate mind. He at length resolved to distinguish himself by taking a place

among the mourners of the assembly, where he lay deploring his case all night, even until the break of day, at which time"the sun of righteousness"broke into his dark bewildered soul. Peace, and"joy in the Holy Ghost" now succeeded, and he could shout"glory to God in the highest,"with"the morning stars"that witnessed his deliverance. Not until then were the deep rooted prejudices against the people called Methodists removed from his mind. It was then that he united himself to the people whom he had formerly held in the greatest contempt--took their people to be his people, and their God to be his God. For the space of three months he went on his way rejoicing, prosperously labouring for body and soul. About this time, being one evening at private devotion, suddenly he heard a sound which much alarmed him: and a voice (as he thought) said to him-- "Thou shalt declare my counsel faithfully;" at this same time a view appeared to open to him in a Northwest direction, and a strong impression was made on his mind, that he must go out that course into the world to

declare the counsel of God. This singular event gave him much uneasiness and exercise of mind, and having mentioned the matter to a friend, he received an explanation which greatly increased his concern; for it was intimated that he might expect to be called upon to go abroad and preach the gospel which to him was an afflicting consideration, having never before entertained a thought of such an undertaking. Judging himself entirely unqualified for such a work, he determined to avoid it if possible, and accordingly made ready to follow his friends to to the State of Tennessee. He was, however, prevented from taking this step by a severe illness, in which his life was despaired of. He still fancied he heard sounding in his ears the voice above mentioned, and the same impression continued with respect to his travelling to the Northwest. At length he resolved, that if it should please the Lord to spare his life, and restore him to health again, he would go out that course and see where he should be conducted, although he feared he should be killed by the first Indians he should meet

with. He was restored to health, and according to the determination he had entered into before his God, he set out without credentials, directions of the way, money or bread, crossed the Muskingum River for the first time, and travelled a northwest course, "not knowing whither he went."As he proceeded, he was met by sundry persons, who, having learned something of the nature of his undertaking, strove in vain to dissuade him from the pursuit. He urged on his way, keeping about the same course, which he was frequently informed would lead him into the Indian country on the Sandusky river, sometimes with, and sometimes without a road, without a pilot, without fireworks, sometimes wading the waters and breaking the ice.-- Meeting with some Indians who appeared friendly, he was by them conducted and introduced to the tribe of Delawares at Pipe-Town, on the Sandusky river. On entering the village, he was conducted to one of the Indian cabins and seated. Here he endeavoured to enter into conversation, but found they understood but little of his language.

As they contemplated having a dance that day, and were not to be diverted from it by the arrival of the stranger, they commenced their exercise by one singing and the rest dancing, which actions produced some fears in him that they were about to kill him. In this however, his fears were groundless: they soon desisted from their exercise; he then took out his hymn book and sung a hymn, during which time there was a profound silence. When he had ceased singing, one spoke in English and said,"Sing more,"he then sung again, and asked for an interpreter; in a short time one was produced (an old Delaware, named Lyons,) the Indians placed themselves in a position to hear, and he delivered to them a speech. On this occasion the Indians appeared attentive, and at the close a kind of entertainment was provided and he reposed, fully believing that he had now accomplished the design of his little and singular mission, intending on the next day to return towards Marietta, from thence to prosecute his journey after his friends to the State of Tennessee. But to his great surprise,

on the next morning he still felt strong impressions of mind to pursue his journey to the Northwest.

Under the influence of this impression he prepared to depart from the village; but was requested to continue that day with them; to this he objected, saying that his business was urgent and did not admit of his staying longer with them, whereupon with tears he bid them adieu and departed.. Having found amongst these people so much friendship and hospitality, "he thanked God and took courage." And having received directions concerning the way, he proceeded towards Upper Sandusky, where he soon arrived, and called at the house of Mr. William Walker, who at that time was sub-agent amongst the Indians. Mr. Walker, suspecting him to be a runaway slave, interrogated him closely. Stewart related his experience and the singular impression of mind under which he was conducted thither. Mr. Walker being fully satisfied, gave him encouragement, and directed him to the house of Jonathan Pointer, a black man, who in his youth had been taken

prisoner by the Wyandotts, and had learned to speak the tongue of the nation fluently. He soon arrived at Jonathan's house, and obtained an interview with him.--With his company and conversation, Jonathan was not very well pleased, and consequently gave evasive and unsatisfactory answers to the inquiries made respecting the Wyandotts. Stewart asked whether it would be convenient to have the Indians collected together for the purpose of preaching to them. To which Jonathan replied, that it would be of no use for him to attempt to make Christians of them; because many great and learned men of different denominations had attempted it in vain, and that it certainly would answer no good purpose for him to attempt any thing of the kind. Our Missionary, however, was not to be diverted from his purpose without making the attempt: believing as he did that the Great Head of the Church had entrusted him with a special message to this people. Jonathan was at the same preparing to go to a feast which was to be held in the neighbourhood on that day. Stewart asked leave to

accompany him: to this Jonathan reluctantly consented. When they arrived at the place appointed for the feast, they found a large number of Indians collected and dancing.-- The feast and dance were conducted with the usual mirth and hilarity. At the close of the ceremonies he asked permission to make a speech to them on the occasion, which was granted. He then for the first time addressed a Wyandott assembly, through Jonathan, who officiated in the capacity of interpreter, and valued himself highly on account of his eloquence in the Wyandott tongue. During the time of the discourse, a profound silence prevailed in the whole assembly. At the close, Stewart told them he had one request to make of them, which was, that if they entertained feelings of friendship towards him, they would signify it by giving him their hands. Whereupon an old Chief, named Two Logs, or Bloody Eyes, rose up and addressing the assembly said, it would be perfectly correct for them to manifest friendship to him, especially as he was a stranger, it would but be in conformity to their established rules of hospitality.

They all then gave the proposed mark of friendship; and after making an appointment to preach at Jonathan's house, they dispersed. Pursuant to appointment, a goodly number met, and Stewart addressed them on the subject of striving"to flee from the wrath to come."This was in the month of November, 1816. The doctrine of repentance was not well received by Jonathan, (who at this time and afterwards acted as Stewart's interpreter,) and supposing as he did, that the congregation would be of the same mind, he would sometimes, whilst interpreting, after stating the substance of Stewart's discourse, add and say,"so he says, I do not know whether it is so or not, nor do I care; all I care about is to interpret faithfully what he says to you; you must not think that I care whether you believe it or not."From these and such like expressions, it was ascertained that Jonathan, so far from embracing the doctrines taught by Stewart, would not have the Wyandotts even suspect that he took any interest in the matter. Notwithstanding the doubtful manner in which Jonathan spake of

the doctrines, the word was not without its good effects amongst the Wyandotts; for many were soon convinced of their lost and undone condition, and began earnestly to inquire the way of salvation, calling upon God for mercy. Stewart then directed his attention more particularly to the situation of his interpreter, (who was ignorant, wicked and proud,) but without much apparent success for the present.

It was not long however, before Jonathan became a hopeful subject of the gracious work, so that, what was at first done by him partly from a principle of pride and vain glory, now became a pleasant work, from a principle of love and good will towards his fellow beings.

It is true, some of Jonathan's subsequent conduct has been such as to cause some of his acquaintances to doubt the reality of his conversion; yet perhaps it is but justly due to him, to suppose that he has been at least in some degree under gracious influence. It was not long before some difficulties occurred; yet no serious injury was done to the

good work. A few white traders who had been permitted by the Officers of the Indian department to settle amongst and trade with the Indians, having heard Stewart preach, either from a real suspicion which they entertained that he was a runaway slave and an imposter, or from malicious principles, advised the Indians to drive him out the country; stating that he was not a licensed preacher; but a runaway slave, a villain, &c. and that he had only come among them for protection. This was readily believed by many, and produced some dissatisfaction amongst the Wyandotts. His usefulness amongst them was now in a fair way to be much abridged; for although the advice of the traders was not actually carried into effect by the Chiefs; yet their disposition towards him was visibly changed. Finding himself thus situated, he appeared before Mr. Walker, the sub-agent, and informed him of the dissatisfaction of the Indians with regard to him, occasioned by the misrepresentations of those traders, and that he feared the Chiefs would, under their advice, drive him out of their country. Mr.

Walker informed him, that that was his prerogative, and that he need give himself no uneasiness from that quarter; and moreover, advised him to pay no attention to what those traders might say, but to go on and preach the Gospel faithfully, and that if the Indians should in future, manifest any dissatisfaction on account of his continuance amongst them, to refer them to him, and he would satisfy them, and stand between him and all harm, whilst he should continue to demean himself in a christian-like manner.

Having received such assurances of patronage and protection from a competent source, he departed much encouraged, and resolved through grace, to be more than ever devoted to the good work, to which he had been called. During this time of trial, Jonathan remained faithful to his friend. A principal part of those people, having been members of the Roman Catholic Church, and partially instructed in those doctrines, Stewart had many difficulties to encounter whilst endeavouring to convince them of the impropriety of worshipping the Virgin Mary, Saints

and Angels. Many being under a deep concern on account of their souls, would come to the place of worship with their long neglected Rosaries suspended around their necks, and in time of public prayer, would repeat their almost forgotten Romish forms with much apparent sincerity and engagedness. They also began to re-learn their old Romish hymns, many of which had been neglected and forgotten. Finding that Stewart taught doctrines so different from those which they had learned from the Romish Priest, they concluded that he did not preach from a genuine Bible, or at least that there must be a discrepancy between his Bible and that used by the Priests, and that consequently it must be wrong for them to bear or encourage him, as the doctrines taught by him was heresy.-- These and such like notions were put into circulation by those of the Wyandotts, who were then regular members of the Roman Catholic Church, which had considerable influence on the minds of many, who at this time were under awakenings. A difference of opinion however, prevailed amongst them;

while some said he was a good man, others said nay, he teacheth a new and false doctrine, and therefore cannot be a good man.

Some of the principal men went to Mr. Walker, the sub-agent, for the purpose of hearing his opinion concerning this man and his doctrines, and whether his Bible was really the word of God. He without hesitancy gave them his opinion, and endeavoured to remove from their minds their groundless fears. In order the more effectually to accomplish this, he appointed a day when he would summon Stewart to appear before him, for the purpose of examining his books in their presence. Accordingly on the day appointed Stewart appeared before Mr. Walker and the Chiefs, bringing with him his books. Many also who had embraced the new religion attended, feeling a deep interest in the decision of the Agent. While he was examining Stewart's Bible and Hymn book, a profound silence prevailed. The poor Christian prosolytes gazed with deep anxiety on the examiner, to whom it was referred to decide the important question, whilst the

enemies of the cause were not less anxious. At length, Mr. Walker having closed the examination called the attention of the assembly: all was attention. He informed them that he had carefully examined Stewart's Bible, and found it to be, as he believed the word of God, and that it most certainly was, the same kind of those used by the Roman Priests, with only this difference, that those were in Latin, and Stewart's was English. And as For Stewart's Hymn book, he said the hymns and spiritual songs it contained were certainly good, that the subjects were taken from the Bible and breathed the Spirit of religion.-- He therefore pronounced the Bible and Hymn book to be genuine and good. A visible change appeared in the very countenances of the Christian part of the assembly. New spirits appeared to enliven their hearts, and joy to spring up in their souls on account of the decision in favour of the books. All this time our sable Missionary set calm and tranquil, eyeing the assembly most affectionately. The next objection raised against him, was, that he had no written permission to preach.

This difficulty was obviated by Mr. Walker, by asking them whether they knew of his having performed the rite of matrimony or baptism; they answered that they did not. He then informed them that he thought there was no violation of law; and until it could be proven that he had performed the marriage ceremony, or baptized, no valid objection could be brought against him for endeavouring to persuade sinners to serve God and save their souls; for, said he,"any man has a right to talk about religion, and try to get others to embrace it."He then dismissed the assembly, and when they departed, like the Jews of Rome,"they had great reasoning amongst themselves."

We shall here take occasion to notice some of the dialogues which took place during the first winter of this mission, as well as bring into view some of the leading characters, who were active, either for or against the cause; as the arguments on different subjects, used on both sides of the question, will, it is believed, be somewhat interesting to the reader. We shall, however, first state that after the

decision above mentioned, nothing worthy of notice took place for some time, except that Stewart continued, without interruption, to teach the way of eternal life, to a quite serious and attentive congregation. All this time, however, he had left untouched their absurd notions respecting the powers of magicians, witches, feasts, dances, and many other ridiculous ceremonies, which had been handed down to them by their ancestors, from generation to generation. Many, although awakened to a sense of their lost estate, were so attached to their old customs and modes of worship, that they found it hard to renounce them, although they were seriously told that if they wished to become the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, they must abandon them all, and cast themselves on him as their only and last refuge.

At a certain meeting, Stewart, in the course of his sermon, made some pointed remarks against their old system of heathenism, and added, that instead of their mode of worship being pleasing to the Lord, it was on the contrary, displeasing to him, and that although

in the time of their ignorance, God winked at their conduct; yet now, the gospel having reached them, and in such a manner as to be understood, by them, they were all required to repent. At the close of this discourse, he informed the congregation that if any one present had any objection to his doctrines, they were then at liberty to speak. Whereupon, John Hicks, one of the chiefs, arose and spoke as follows,"My friend, as you have given liberty to any one who had objections to the doctrines you teach and endeavour to maintain, to speak on the subject, and state their objections; I, for one, feel myself called upon to rise in defence of the religion of my fathers;--a system of religion the Great Spirit has given his red children, as their guide and the rule of their faith, and we are not going to abandon it so soon as you might wish; we are contented with it, because it suits our conditions and is adapted to our capacities. Cast your eyes abroad over the world, and see how many different systems of religion there are in it--there are almost as many different systems as there are nations

--say this is not the work of the Lord. No, my friend, your declaiming so violently against our modes of worshipping the Great Spirit, is, in my opinion, not calculated to benefit us as a nation; we are willing to receive good advice from you, but we are not willing to have the customs and institutions which have been kept sacred by our Fathers, thus assailed and abused."

Whereupon, Manoncue, another chief, arose and said,"I also have a few words to say in addition to what my friend has said, who has just taken his seat. I do not doubt but what you state faithfully what your book says; but let me correct an error into which you appear to have run, and that is, your belief that the Great Spirit designed that his red children should be instructed out of it. This is a mistake, the Great Spirit never designed this to be the case; he never intended that they should be instructed out of a book, a thing which properly belongs to those who made it and can understand what it says; it is a plant that cannot grow and flourish among red people. Let me call your attention to another

important fact.--Where did the Son of God first make his appearance? According to your book he first made his appearance away in the East, among the white people, and we never heard of his name until white people themselves told us. And what if we had never seen a white man? we never would have heard of this new doctrine. The Son of God came among the white people and preached to them, and left his words written in a book, that they when he was gone, might read and learn his will concerning them; but he left no book for Indians, and why should he, seeing we red people know nothing about books? If it had been the will of the Great Spirit that we should be instructed out of this book he would have provided some way for us to understand the art of making and reading the books that contain his words. Ours is a religion that suits us red people, and we intend to keep and preserve it sacred among us, believing that the Great Spirit gave it to our grand-fathers in ancient days."Stewart replied that it was stated in this book, that the Son of God, before he ascended into Heaven

commanded his disciples, to"go into all the world, and preach the gospel unto every creature;" saying at the same time, that ["]he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, shall be damned."And in another place it is said,"and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come."He added, further, that this did not mean to all nations of white people only, but to all nations composed of human beings, including whites, Indians and Africans, that all had share in the salvation which was purchased by the Son of God. Addressing himself particularly to the Wyandotts, he said "you certainly consider yourselves a nation composed of human beings; if so, then you may rest assured that this gospel will be preached not only to you, but to all nations of Indians; and not only Indians, but to all nations under the Heavens, before the end of the world shall come. And now my dear friends, only consider what an awful curse is pronounced upon those who reject this peaceful gospel--who will not hear and believe it,

but coldly turn from the loving offers of the Son of God. You have heard that he has said,"whosoever believeth not shall be damned." Awful curse! O my friends, think well before you determine to reject this gospel, for if you do reject it, rest assured the curse will fall upon you, especially upon you chiefs, who have so great an influence ever your people; lead them not to destruction, I entreat you!" Having concluded his reply, the assembly was dismissed.--Manoncue came to Hicks privately and said,"my friend, I begin to feel somewhat inclined to abandon a good many of our Indian customs, but I cannot agree to give up painting my face; this I think would be wrong, inasmuch as ceasing to paint will be jeopardizing my health." (it being a received opinion among them that painting the face had a magic power in keeping off diseases.) Hicks replied,"you can do as you please, my friend, in this matter; for my own part, I have strange feelings about this business, I hardly know what to do."These two chiefs were not Roman Catholics, but entirely untutored Indians, and

indeed those who were members of that church were little better in point of religious information. At almost every meeting there was less or more disputing between Stewart and some of the principal men of the nation; especially after he commenced speaking against their feasts, dances, &c. as being sinful in the sight of God. Notwithstanding their disputings, many of the awakened persons still continued to walk orderly, and to seek the pearl of great price. A part of those awakened persons were members of the Roman Catholic church, and had strong predilections in favour of her doctrines and ceremonies; it is not, therefore, wonderful that it was with some difficulty they were brought fully to acquiesce in all the doctrines taught by Stewart. While under the influence of their former principles, they as often in their devotions, prayed to the Virgin Mary as to God; they also used prayers for the deliverance of their departed friends from purgatory, crossing themselves when at prayer, keeping a multiplicity of holy days, and performing pilgrimages once a year to St. Ann's Church, in

Sandwich, in the province of Upper Canada, for the purpose of obtaining from the priest the pardon of their sins. These and many other absurd notions which many believed in, were hard to remove. On a certain occasion, while preaching to them and endeavouring to convince the Romish part of his congregation of the many errors in which they believed, he said,"as for your worshipping the Virgin Mary, let me tell you that it is contrary to God's commandments, for he hath commanded his people, that they should 'have none other gods before him;' now all who worship the Virgin Mary, saints and angels, violate this commandment; and there is nothing in the New Testament, commanding us to worship the Virgin, or any other saint or angel: the Virgin ought no more to be worshipped than any other good person who has found favour with God, and died and gone to Heaven." This was like an electric shock to many of them; they looked with amazement on each other, considering the conclusion as nothing less than blasphemy. After the congregation was dismissed, many of them were seen

standing about in groups, talking very earnestly, while others,"gallio-like, cared for none of these things;"being neither Romans nor any thing else, but sons of folly and dissipation, and cared not whether their people worshipped God, the Virgin, or the devil, taking no further interest in the meetings than, as they said, to"hear the preacher sing, and to see and be seen."Stewart possessed a very fine shrill and melodious voice for singing, and delighted much in that part of worship, and Indians being naturally fond of music and company, it will not appear strange that the council-house (the place of preaching) should be filled every Sabbath day.

One thing is here worthy of remark, and that is, that not a single instance occurred during the time Stewart laboured among them, of their treating his person with any indignity or violence. Notwithstanding his doctrine was so offensive to many of them, yet in his intercourse with them, he was always treated in a friendly and decorous manner. He was hospitably entertained among them, until he returned to Marietta. No such scenes of

abuse, persecution, cruelty and barbarity were witnessed, as took place at the time of the rise of Methodism in England, it being a maxim among the Indians, never to treat a stranger who comes among them with disrespect of indignity. Truly, a good maxim!

As yet there did not appear to be any who evidenced a genuine conversion, though many appeared to be really hopeful penitents, and mourning for"errors past."There being no preacher among them, who was authorised to form them into Society, and thereby, in some degree, cause them"to come out from among the wicked,"it will not be surprising to the reader, when he is informed that many grew weary in well doing, fainted by the way, and relapsed into a cold, careless, and indifferent state of mind.

At a meeting which took place, it is believed, on the third Wednesday in February, 1817, he preached a sermon, in the concluding part of which he entered into a description of the day of Judgment, and in a most alarming manner warned them that they as well as all the rest of mankind, must be assembled before

the Great Judge, to give an account of their conduct."And there, my friends,"said he, "I shall meet you, and will have to answer for my manner of preaching to you, &c." The whole assembly appeared to be absorbed in serious thought. Alarm appeared evidently to be depicted in every countenance. Another meeting was appointed to be held at the same place, at early candle-light, and the congregation was then dismissed. Accordingly at the appointed hour, Stewart came and found a few assembled. He then began to sing, and in a short time the people began to assemble, and in a few minutes the house was pretty well filled; he then rose up and began to exhort, and in the most pathetic manner, entreated them to seek the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of sinners, and escape the impending wrath of an offended God; that now was the day of salvation, and not to neglect the present opportunity. When he concluded, he informed them that it was his intention to endeavour to hold a prayer-meeting, and exhorted those who had resolved to forsake their sins, to come forward and take an active

part in calling upon God for the forgiveness of their sins. A few came forward, principally women, and the exercise commenced; it was not long before some of the idle spectators were struck to the ground, to all appearance dead, and in a few minutes there were many slain, some lay crying for mercy, while others appeared to have no life in them. This extraordinary occurrence spread a general alarm in the congregation: some said he used some powerful medicine, which, when inhaled, would take the senses away, others said, not so; some ran after water for the purpose of resuscitating the apparently dead people; some cried out to Jonathan, the interpreter, to desist from singing those new songs, and to sing the Roman Catholic hymns, or they would all die. Thereupon, an old woman (aged about sixty years,) sprang up, having found the pearl of great price, began to clap her hands and rejoice with great joy, and went through all the crowd, proclaiming that God, for Jesus' sake, had forgiven all her sins, and added, that what the preacher said, was all true. Seeing her act and hearing

her talk in a manner she never before had been known to do, they concluded, she undoubtedly was in a state of mental derangement. Stewart perceiving the consternation of the people, advised them to give themselves no uneasiness about the lives of those persons who were, as they supposed, dying or insane; he added further,"they are not dying, neither are they insane, as you suppose; though some of them, I trust, are dying to sin and struggling into a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost;"and added, yet further, that he, would be accountable for all the lives that should be lost, or any harm done to their persons. None, however, were converted at this meeting, except the old woman above-mentioned, who is yet a living witness of the power of God to save from sin; but many went away under a deep concern of soul. Although this meeting was continued until nearly midnight, John Hicks and Manoncue sat all the time as silent spectators, looking on with amazement, not uttering a word for or against this apparently disorderly meeting. In a few days a great dance

was to be held at the council-house, for the purpose, as they said, of shewing the preacher the way and manner they worshipped the Great Spirit:--time rolled on, and the day arrived when the great festival was to take place; during this time the young men had been out hunting for deer, bear, &c. to be served up at the grand entertainment; they returned with horse-loads of venison and bear-meat. Suitable persons were appointed to manage the preparations, &c. On the day appointed a large number of people, young and old, male and female, were assembled; a formal invitation was sent to Stewart, requiring his presence on the occasion. He came, accompanied by Jonathan, his constant interpreter; a chief then arose and informed the assembly of the manner and order in which the feast and dance were to be conducted. Stewart sat witnessing this singular worship or thanksgiving; the preparatory ceremonies being finished, the music was struck up, and the person appointed to lead the dance proceeded to the ring formed in the great council-house, and raised three

tremendous yells, (which at first startled Stewart) and commenced dancing; then another arose and joined in, then another, until quite a lengthy column was formed, they kept moving around following the ring; in a few minutes the women began to file in, old and young; but what was Stewart's astonishment, when he beheld some mingling the dance, who, as he supposed, were true mourners in Zion, who had renounced the vanities of the world; alas! thought he, unpromising converts indeed. Although thus joining in the dance, did not seem to comport with the profession of religion, yet, in the mind of one acquainted with those people, it would not militate so much against their sincerity, knowing how difficult it was to convince them that there was evil in the customs, which amongst them had from time out of mind been held sacred. While this dance was going on, many of the young men, as they were passing around opposite where Stewart sat, would endeavour to display their superior activity and agility in dancing, cutting the most ludicrous figures imaginable; sometimes with the head thrown on one

shoulder and the eyes shut--sometimes the head thrown back so that there appeared to be some danger of a dislocation of the neck bone; all this time the feet were in motion, keeping time with the music. Sometimes they would bend so far forward that the forehead would almost touch the ground, with the hands placed on the hips, the arms a-kimbo, and the body in a perfect shiver, and all this accompanied with the most horrid yells imaginable. In short, of all the twistings, writhings and contortions, of which a human body is capable, none were left untried; so antic were their motions and gesticulations, that they were enough, in despite of gravity, to draw forth a burst of laughter from the spectator. At three o'clock, P. M. the dancing ceased; the next was a distribution of the food prepared for the occasion: persons had been previously appointed to attend to this business, so that it was not long before each person had as much food place before him as he could well dispose of. The repast went on with much mirth and good feeling, and in a short time the chiefs dismissed the assembly, and

they parted much gratified with the pleasure they had experienced on that occasion. Not withstanding the willingness which Manoncue had sometime before expressed, to forsake and abandon all his Indian customs except that of painting his face, yet he could not refrain from joining in the dance; it was too fascinating for so great a lover of pleasure to resist.

No certain information can now be obtained respecting what was said or done on the next Sabbath day, except that Stewart preached to them as usual. The next thing worthy of remark is, his taking leave of them; it appears he had not given up his intention of following his connexions to the state of Tennessee; he accordingly prepared to return to Marietta, from thence intending to proceed as above. On Sabbath day he delivered his farewell discourse, it is believed, from Acts, xx ch. and 32 verse; a large and serious congregation was assembled. In the course of his sermon, he began again to enforce the necessity of a total abandonment of their heathenish customs and notions, as destructive to the spirit

of that religion which could qualify them for a happy life and triumphant death."For" said he,"I have faithfully warned you that your feasts, dances, sacrifices, &c. will never save you from your sins, and if you are never saved from your sins, where God is, you never can come; your mode of worship is not pleasing to God, but displeasing, especially since you have become better informed; God will never hear your petitions while you harbour an attachment to those customs; for it is said in the word of God, 'if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.' My friends, I have spent nearly three months with endeavouring, in my feeble and imperfect manner, to teach you the way of eternal life--I have been instant, in season and out of season--I have prayed and wept for you--have preached and exhorted you to escape from the dreadful tempest that is coming, when the wrath And indignation of the Majesty of Heaven, will be revealed in the punishment and destruction of all who will not obey the gospel; and O my God! is this all to be in vain? Must I depart and leave

you as I found you, careless, wicked and ungodly? God forbid it! Ye know, from the first day I came into Sandusky, after what manner I have been with you in all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations which befel me; and how I kept back nothing that was as profitable unto you, but have shewed you and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to you Wyandotts and also to the whites, repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.--Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from your blood; I feel now that I have discharged my duty to you; God sent me here to warn you to flee the wrath to come, and I have done so; but, Lord, who hath believed the report? He then directed his discourse to the believing part of the congregation, and in a feeling and pathetic manner exhorted them to faithfulness. In conclusion, he said,"now my friends, I expect you will see my face no more, for I must go; I shall meet you all at the flaming bar of God; and my friends, for your kindness to me since I came among you,

I take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to you; God will reward you; for he hath said,"whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, shall not lose his reward." He then addressed himself to the chiefs and principal men of the nation in a few words, and concluded. During the sermon, a dead silence reigned, except the weeping and sobbing which was heard in all directions of the house. He then began to sing,--

"Farewell, dear friends, I must be gone,
"I have no home, or stay with you;"

And as he sung, proceeded around among the people, taking each by the hand; many understanding some English, it had so great an effect upon them, that fortitude completely forsook them: even his most violent opposers were constrained to drop a tear, on his bidding them adieu; it was a sore trial to Stewart himself. Having gone through the congregation and come to the door, he stopped, paused, and cast an affectionate and compassionate look upon them and went out. Some followed him and requested that he would stay until the

next day, as they wished to have an interview with him before he departed; to this he consented. The people dispersed, and at the proposed interview, some, indeed all his friends insisted upon his abandoning the idea of going away, but to remain among them. He informed them that he was under the necessity of going, if he had to return again; they then insisted on his returning; to this he at length agreed, but said he was poor and would be obliged to stop at the first town he should come to, and work for some money to bear his expenses to Marietta, and of course he could not promise to return sooner than the last week in June or the first of July.-- With this promise they were satisfied. At the suggestion of Mrs. Warpole, (of whom we shall have occasion to speak hereafter,) a collection was made in the village amounting to ten dollars, for the purpose of bearing his expenses and hastening his return: he then departed. The Indians all made preparations and went to their sugar camps, as the sugar making season had come on. Situated as they were, it was difficult to determine who

were Christians and who were not, for the righteous and unrighteous were all mixed together. Deprived as they were of the ordinances of God's house, such as baptism, the Lord's supper, marriage, &c. and not having the advantages of class-meetings, discipline, &c. were causes of the work not appearing so flattering as it otherwise might. Many, no doubt, were under deep convictions, and groaning for deliverance from their burden of guilt, who, for the want of proper care and nursing in the bosom of the church, afterwards became discouraged, grew cold, and finally gave it up.

They were a very intemperate people, so much so, that on actual investigation, not twenty really sober men could be found in the whole nation, which consisted of about seven hundred, young and old. Stewart's preaching produced a reformation in regard to this particular vice; drunkenness seemed to have flown from their borders, and many other vicious practices were abandoned: in short, a degree of amendment was visible in the whole neighbourhood--their feasts, dances,

sacrifices, &c. they could not yet consent to abandon, so completely were they established in the belief that they were instituted by their Creator as their mode of worship; (this was not, however, the case with all Wyandotts, some did not believe so, having been better informed from infancy.) Nothing worthy of remark took place, until their return from their sugar camps to the village; some wicked and designing white men informed some of them that Stewart's master had come out from the state of Virginia to Ohio in pursuit of him, had found and taken him, and carried him back to Virginia in irons. This piece of information was credited by some and by others it was not; however, it created considerable uneasiness among his friends.-- Nothing was heard from him until about the second week in June, when a letter was received from him by Mr. Walker, enclosing a written sermon or address, which he requested Mr. Walker should cause to be read to the Wyandotts on a Sabbath day in their own tongue. This was done on the Sabbath following, to a large congregation, many of whom

were truly glad to hear from him, and particularly to learn that the above report was false. The letter to Mr. Walker above-mentioned, was in the words following, to wit:

"Marietta, (O.) May 25th, 1817.
WILLIAM WALKER, Esq.

Sir, I have taken the liberty of enclosing to your care the within written address, directed to the Wyandott nation, for their information and edification, hoping that it will (through the blessing of God,) impress on their minds, religious and moral sentiments. I have taken the liberty to address it to you, hoping that you will have the goodness to read it, or cause it to be read in their hearing, and in their own language, that they may understand its true meaning; and moreover, that you will try to impress on their minds the necessity of adhering strictly to the laws of God-- that their hearts should be constantly set upon the Supreme Being who created them; and that it is their duty to raise their voices in praising, adoring, and loving that Jesus, who has suffered and died for them, as well as for

those who are more enlightened. Inform them that although their brother is far from them in body, yet his anxiety for their safety and future happiness is very great; in doing this you will confer a favour upon me which I shall ever remember with gratitude. My engagements you no doubt recollect, were, that I should return about the last week in June, but owing to misfortunes and disappointments to which we are all liable, together with a wound I accidentally received on my leg, will prevent my having the pleasure of seeing or being with you until the middle of July; at which time I hope, by the grace of God, to have the pleasure of seeing you and the Wyandott people generally. At that time I shall not fail to offer verbally, my gratitude to you and your dear family, for the services you and they have rendered me.

May I ask you to have the goodness to write to me? and please inform me of the general state of those persons that have reformed since I first went among them, and how many have evidenced a change since I came away, and whether they continue to

conduct themselves with that sincerity of heart, that would be acceptable in the eyes of God; finally, whether they appear as anxious for my return, as they appeared to be for my stay when I was coming away. In attending to these requests of mine, you will confer an obligation which will be ever remembered, with every mark of gratitude and respect.

I remain your humble servant, and in every instance sincerely hope, not only to meet with your approbation, but that also of my God.

JOHN STEWART."

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