A Star in The West

2/1/2015
EliasBoudinot's1816book
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EliasBoudinot(17401821)
AStarintheWest...
(1sted.,Trenton,NJ,1815)
TitlePage
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chap.14
Chap.58
Chap.912
Appendix
transcriber'scomments
AgeofRevelation(1790)|SecondAdvent(1815)|BiographicalInfo.
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STARINTHEWEST
OR,
AHUMBLEATTEMPTTODISCOVER
http://olivercowdery.com/texts/boud1816.htm#pg303
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THELONGLOST
TENTRIBESOFISRAEL,
PREPARATORYTOTHEIRRETURNTOTHEIRBELOVEDCITY,
JERUSALEM.
BYELIASBOUDINOT,L.L.D.,
Whoiswise,andheshallunderstandthesethings?Prudent,andhe
shallknowthem?ForallthewaysoftheLordareright,andthejust
shallwalkinthembutthetransgressorsshallfalltherein.Hosea.
AndtheLordansweredmeandsaid,writethevisionandmakeit
plain,upona(writing)table,thathemayrunwhoreadethit:forthe
visionisyetforanappointedtime,butattheenditshallspeakand
notliethoughittarry,waitforit,becauseitwillsurelycome.Itwill
nottarry.Habbak.
TRENTON,N.J.
PUBLISHEDBYD.FENTON,S.HUTCHINSON,ANDJ.DUNHAM.
GeorgeSherman,Printer.
1816.
[ii]
DistrictofNewJersey,ss.
BEITREMEMBERED,thatonthethirteenthdayofJanuaryinthe
fortiethyearoftheIndependenceoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,
DanielFenton,SilvesterHuchinson,andJohnsonDunham,ofthe
saidDistrict,havedepositedinthisOfficetheTitleofaBookthe
rightwhereoftheyclaimasproprietors,inthewordsfollowing,to
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wit:
"AStarintheWestorahumbleattempttodiscoverthelonglost
TenTribesofIsrael,preparatorytotheirreturntotheirbeloved
city,Jerusalem.ByEliasBoudinot,L.L.D."
InconformitytotheactofCongressoftheUnitedStates,entitled
"Anactfortheencouragementoflearning,bysecuringthecopies
ofmaps,charts,andbooks,totheauthorsandproprietorsofsuch
copiesduringthetimesthereinmentioned"andalso,totheact
entitled"Anactsupplementarytotheactentitled'Anactforthe
encouragementoflearning,bysecuringthecopiesofmaps,charts,
andbooks,totheauthorsandproprietorsofsuchcopiesduringthe
timesthereinmentioned,'andextendingthebenefitsthereoftothe
artsofdesigning,engravingandetchinghistoricalandotherprints."
ROBERTBOGGS,
ClerkoftheDistrictofNewJersey.
[iii]
CONTENTS.
01PREFACE,
22INTRODUCTION,
CHAPTERI.
33OfthestateoftheJews,
CHAPTERII.
81Anenquiryintothequestion,onwhatpartofthe
globeisitmostlikely,thatthesedescendantsofIsrael
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maynowbefound,arisingfromlatediscoveriesand
facts,thathavenotcometotheknowledgeofthe
civilizedworld,tilloflateyears,
CHAPTERIII.
89AnenquiryintothelanguageoftheAmerican
Indians,
CHAPTERIV.
109TheIndiantraditionsasreceivedbytheirnations,
CHAPTERV.
125Theirgeneralcharacterandestablishedcustoms
andhabits,
CHAPTERVI.
187Theknownreligiousritesandceremoniesofthe
Indians,
iv.CONTENTS.
CHAPTERVII.
205Theirpublicworshipandreligiousopinions,
CHAPTERVIII.
229Ormiscellaneousfactsomitted,
CHAPTERIX.
245Thetestimonyofthosewhohadanopportunity
ofjudging,fromtheappearanceandconductofthe
IndiansatthefirstdiscoveryofAmerica,aswellasof
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somewhohaveseenthemsince,inastateofnature.
CHAPTERX.
259TheIndianshaveasystemofmoralityamong
themthatisverystriking.Theyhaveteachersto
instructtheminitofwhichtheyhavethoughtvery
highly,tilloflateyears,theybegintodoubtits
efficacy,
CHAPTERXI.
277SeparationoftheIndianwomen,
CHAPTERXII.
279Theconclusion,
303APPENDIX,
[i]
THEPREFACE.
VERYbrightandportentousStarhavingarisenintheEast,
makinggladtheheartsofGod'speopleandurgingthe
friendsofZiontounusualandalmostmiraculousexertions
inspreadingthegladtidingsofsalvationamongthedistant
nationsoftheearththecompilerofthefollowingsheets,
animatedbythisblessedeasternprospect,cannolonger
withholdthesmalldiscoverythathasbeenmadeofarising
StarintheWest,fromtheknowledgeofthosewhoare
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zealousandanxioustobeholdthereturningMessiah
coming"inhisowngloryandthegloryoftheFather,"
attendedbyallthesaintswhichstarmayintheissue,turn
outtobethestarofJacob,andbecomeaguidetothelong
sufferinganddespiseddescendantsofthateminent
patriarch,tofindtheoncehumblebabeofBethlehemasthe
wisemenoftheeastwereofolddirectedintheirdistant
course,todiscoverinthestableandthemanger,thegreat
objectoftheiradoration,joyandhope,evenhimwho"was
bornkingoftheJews."
Formorethantwocenturies,havetheaboriginesof
Americaengagedtheavariceandcontemptofthosewhoare
commonlycalledtheenlightenednationsoftheoldworld.
Thesenativesofthiswildernesshavebeenalways
consideredbythemassavagesandbarbarians,andtherefore
havegiven
iiPREFACE.
themlittleconcern,furtherthantodefraudthemoftheir
lands,drivethemfromthefertilecountriesonthesea
shores,engagethemintheirwars,andindeeddestroythem
bythousandswithardentspiritsandfataldisorders
unknowntothembefore.Buttheseenlightenednations
haveseldomtroubledthemselvestoenquireintotheir
origin,theirrealcircumstancesortheirfuturehopes.Great
painshavebeentakenbytradersandotherstopromote
amongthemeveryEuropeanvice,whichhasbeenenforced
bothbypreceptandexample.
Someexertionsindeed,havebeenmadeoflateyearsby
privatesocietiesandindividuals,tocounteractthese
unchristianpractices,byendeavouringtoteachthemthe
thingsthatbelongtotheireverlastingpeacebutthiswas
notattemptedtilltheyweredisgustedandsouredwiththe
generalcharacterandconductofwhitemen,bywhichthey
concluded,thatnoonebearingtheirnameorappearance,
couldbeactuatedbyanyotherprinciples,thanthoseof
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misleading,deceivingandbetrayingthem,forthesakeof
theirlandsandpeltry.
Whereverhonestanduprightintentionshaveprevailedto
convincetheirjudgmentsandengagetheirconfidence,
thoughthesehave,comparatively,beenfewandfeeble,they
havegenerallysucceeded,notwithstandingtheopposition
theyoftenmetwithfromthose,whofromtheworst
motives,havethoughtthemselvesgreatlybenefitedbytheir
ignorance,humiliationandmisery,andwhofearedthatby
theirreformation,theseopposersmightbedespoiledoftheir
unjustgain.
BlessedbeGod,thatthereisyethopethatthedayoftheir
visitationisnearthatthedaystarfromonhigh,beginsto
appear,givingjoyfulhopesthatthesunofrighteousness
will
PREFACE.iii
soonariseuponthem,withhealingunderhiswings.
Thereisapossibility,thattheseunhappychildrenof
misfortune,mayyetbeprovedtobethedescendantsof
JacobandthelonglosttribesofIsrael.Andifso,that
thoughcastofffortheirheinoustransgressions,theyhave
notbeenaltogetherforesakenandwillhereafterappearto
havebeen,inalltheirdispersionsandwanderings,the
subjectsofGod'sdivineprotectionandgraciouscare.
Thefollowingpagesareanhumbleattempttoinvestigate
thisimportantsubject,whichhasbeentheobjectofthe
writer'sattentionforalongtime.Ifhehascastbutamite
intothecommontreasury,hehopesitwillnotbedespised.
Ifitshallleadablerandwiserheadstoengageaslabourers
inthemaster'svineyard,thoughitshouldbeattheeleventh
hour,hewillrejoice,sothatGodalonemayatlastreceive
alltheglory.Heclaimsnomeritinthislabour,butthatof
integrity,attentionandindustry,insearchingafterthetruth,
andpreservingthefactswhichhavecometohisknowledge,
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thatothersmayhavealltheaidhecanaffordtheminthe
furtherpursuitofthisinterestinginvestigation.
Yetthoughheisnotentitledtoanycredit,butasaregister
offacts,yethehasbeenmuchgratifiedsincethe
completionofthiswork,tofindthatheisnotaloneinhis
sentimentsonthisunpopularsubject.
ThefollowingpublicationtakenoutoftheAnalectic
MagazineforFebruarylast,iswrittensomuchinthestyle
andonthesameprinciplesofthefollowingcompilation,
thatthewriterofitcouldnotwithstandtheadvantagethat
mightbederivedfrominsertingacopyofthepublicationin
thislittle
ivPREFACE.
tract.*Hewasrejoicedtoknowthatsuchdespised
sufferers,howeverdegraded,hadfoundcompassioninother
breastsbesideshisown.Hadtheseunfortunateoutcasts
fromsociety,beenfavouredfromthefirstdiscoveryoftheir
countrybyEuropeans,withinquisitive,learnedand
disinterestedhistorians,whowouldhaverepresentedthem
andtheircausefullyandfairlytoposterity,theywouldhave
beenconsideredinaverydifferentpointoflight,fromthat
inwhichtheynowappear.Thatsomeoftheirestablished
customsandespeciallytheirmannerofcarryingonwar,
mustappearexceedinglybarbarous,andevenbrutalatthe
presentday,tocivilizedpeople,thewritercannotdoubt,yet
ifcomparedwiththeconductofthecivilizednationsof
Europe,AsiaandAfrica,intenthousandinstances,the
balancewouldbegreatlyintheirfavour.Indeeditisan
extraordinaryfact,thatinallthewarsofthiscountry
betweentheEnglishandFrenchSpaniardsand
Americans,everyoneintheirturn,haveuniformilyexerted
everynervetoengagetheIndianstotakepartwiththem,
andtofightintheirownway,ontheirside.Andthosewho
makethegreatestcryagainsttheirbarbarity
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*Thisisdonebyexpresspermissionoftheeditorofthatwork,who
verypolitelyconsentedthereto.
PlutarchinhisMorals,Ivol.96,saysthattheLacedemoians
murderedtheirchildrenwhoweredeformedorhadabad
constitution.
TheRomanswereallowedbyRomulustodestroyalltheirfemale
children,excepttheeldest.Humansacrificeswereofferedupin
almostalltheeasterncountries.
Childrenwereburntalivebytheirownparents,andofferedtoBaal,
Moloch,andotherpretendeddeities.Mr.HumesaysinhisEssayon
PoliticalScience"themostillustriousperiodoftheRomanhistory
considered,inapoliticalview,isthatbetweenthebeginningofthe
firstandtheendofthelastpunicwaryetatthisverytime,thehorrid
practiceofpoisoningwassocommon,thatduringpartofaseason,a
praetorpunishedcapitally,forthiscrime,abovethreethousand
personsinapartof(enlightened)Italy,andfoundinformationsof
thisnaturestillmultiplying.
PREFACE.v
andinhumanityincarryingonwar,arethemostforwardto
furnishthemwithtomahawks,scalpingknives,muskets,
powderandball,toincreasetheirdetestablemodeof
warfare.Nay,theyhaveemployedeverymean[s]intheir
power,byrum,feasts,harangues,andeveryprovocative,to
rousetheirunbridledpassions,increasetheirthirstfor
blood,andforcethemontothedestructionoftheirfellow
men.Theyhaveforgottentheconclusiveadage,"quifacit
peraliumfacitperse."*Mustnotsuchpeoplebe
answerabletothegreatjudgeofalltheearthforthis
conduct.
Ishallnotfurtherdetainthereader,butgivehimthe
publicationinthewriter'sownwords.
TRAITSOFINDIANCHARACTER.
"Inthepresenttimes,whenpopularfeelingisgradually
becominghardenedbywar,andselfishbythefrequent
jeopardyoflifeorproperty,itiscertainlyaninauspicious
momenttospeakinbehalfofaraceofbeings,whosevery
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existencehasbeenpronounceddetrimentaltopublic
security.Butitisgoodatalltimestoraisethevoiceof
truth,howeverfeebletoendeavorifpossibletomitigatethe
furyofpassionandprejudice,andtoturnasidethebloody
handofviolence.Littleinterest,however,canprobablybe
awakenedatpresent,infavorofthemisguidedtribesof
Indiansthathavebeendrawnintothepresentwar.The
rightsofthesavagehaveseldombeendeeplyappreciated
bythewhitemaninpeaceheisthedupeofmercenary
rapacityinwarheisregardedasaferociousanimal,whose
deathisaquestionofmereprecautionandconvenience.
Maniscruellywastefuloflifewhen
*Hewhodoesathingbyanother,doesitbyhimself
viPREFACE.
hisownsafetyisendangeredandheisshelteredby
impunityandlittlemercyistobeexpectedfromhimwho
feelsthestingofthereptile,andisconsciousofthepower
todestroy.
"Ithasbeenthelotoftheunfortunateaboriginesofthis
country,tobedoublywrongedbythewhitemenfirst,
drivenfromtheirnativesoilbytheswordoftheinvader,
andthendarklyshadowedbythepenofthehistorian.The
formerhastreatedthemlikebeastsoftheforestthelatter
haswrittenvolumestojustifyhiminhisoutrages.The
formerfounditeasiertoexterminatethantocivilizethe
lattertoabusethantodiscriminate.Thehideous
appellationsofsavageandpagan,weresufficientto
sanctionthedeadlyhostilitiesofbothandthepoor
wanderersoftheforestwerepersecutedanddishonored,not
becausetheywereguilty,butbecausetheywereignorant.
"Thesameprejudicesseemtoexist,incommoncirculation,
atthepresentday.WeformouropinionsoftheIndian
characterfromthemiserablehordesthatinfestourfrontiers.
These,however,aredegeneratebeings,enfeebledbythe
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vicesofsociety,withoutbeingbenefitedbyitsartsof
living.Theindependenceofthoughtandaction,thatformed
themainpillaroftheircharacter,hasbeencompletely
prostrated,andthewholemoralfabricliesinruins.Their
spiritsaredebasedbyconsciousinferiority,andtheirnative
couragecompletelydauntedbythesuperiorknowledgeand
poweroftheirenlightenedneighbours.Societyhas
advanceduponthemlikeamanyheadedmonster,breathing
everyvarietyofmisery.Beforeit,wentforthpestilence,
famineandtheswordandinitstraincametheslow,but
exterminatingcurseoftrade.Whattheformerdidnotsweep
away,thelatterhasgradually
PREFACE.vii
blighted.Ithasincreasedtheirwants,withoutincreasingthe
meansofgratification.Ithasincreasedtheirwants,without
increasingthemeansofgratification.Ithasenervatedtheir
strength,multipliedtheirdiseases,blastedthepowersof
theirminds,andsuperinducedontheiroriginalbarbaritythe
lowvicesofcivilization.Poverty,repiningandhopeless
povertyacankerofthemindunknowntosylvanlife
corrodestheirveryhearts.Theyloiterlikevagrants
throughthesettlements,amongspacioushabitationsreplete
withartificialcomforts,whichonlyrenderthemsensibleof
thecomparativewretchednessoftheirowncondition.
Luxuryspreadsitsampleboardbeforetheireyes,butthey
areexpelledfromthebanquet.Theforestwhichonce
furnishedthemwithamplemeansofsubsistencehasbeen
levelledtothegroundwavingfieldsofgrainhavesprung
upinitsplacebuttheyhavenoparticipationintheharvest
plentyrevelsaroundthem,buttheyarestarvingamidstits
storesthewholewildernessblossomslikeagarden,but
theyfeellikethereptilesthatinfestit.
"Howdifferentwastheircasewhileyettheundisputedlords
ofthesoil.Theirwantswerefew,andthemeansof
gratifyingthemwithintheirreach.Theysaweveryone
aroundthemsharingthesamelot,enduringthesame
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hardships,livinginthesamecabins,feedingonthesame
aliments,arrayedinthesamerudegarments.Noroofthen
rose,butwhatwasopentothehouselessstrangernosmoke
curledamongthetrees,buthewaswelcometositdownby
itsfire,andjointhehunterinhisrepast."For,"saysanold
historianofNewEngland,"theirlifeissovoidofcare,and
theyaresolovingalso,thattheymakeuseofthosethings
theyenjoyascommongoods,andarethereinso
compassionatethat
viiiPREFACE.
ratherthanoneshouldstarvethroughwant,theywould
starvethroughwant,theywouldstarveall:thusdotheypass
theirtimemerrily,notregardingourpomp,butarebetter
contentwiththeirown,whichsomemenesteemsomeanly
of."SuchweretheIndianswhileintheprideandenergyof
primitivesimplicity:theyresemblethosewildplantsthat
thrivebestintheshadesoftheforest,butwhichshrinkfrom
thehandofcultivation,andperishbeneaththeinfluenceof
thesun.
"Inthegeneralmodeofestimatingthesavagecharacter,we
mayperceiveavastdegreeofvulgarprejudice,and
passionateexaggeration,withoutanyofthetemperate
discussionoftruephilosophy.Noallowanceismadeforthe
differencesofcircumstances,andtheoperationsof
principlesunderwhichtheyhavebeeneducated.Virtueand
vice,thoughradicallythesame,yetdifferwidelyintheir
influenceonhumanconduct,accordingtothehabitsand
maximsofthesocietyinwhichtheindividualisreared.No
beingactsmorerigidlyfromrulethantheIndian.Hiswhole
conductisregulatedaccordingtosomegeneralmaxims
earlyimplantedinhismind.Themorallawsthatgovern
him,tobesure,arebutfew,butthenheconformstothem
all.Thewhitemanaboundsinlawsofreligion,morals,and
mannersbuthowmanydoesheviolate?
"AcommoncauseofaccusationagainsttheIndiansis,the
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faithlessnessoftheirfriendships,andtheirsudden
provocationstohostility.Butwedonotmakeallowancefor
theirpeculiarmodesofthinkingandfeeling,andthe
principlesbywhichtheyaregoverned.Besides,the
friendshipofthewhitestowardsthepoorIndians,wasever
cold,distrustful,oppressive,andinsulting.Inthe
intercoursewithourfrontiers
PREFACE.ix
theyareseldomtreatedwithconfidence,andarefrequently
subjecttoinjuryandencroachment.Thesolitarysavage
feelssilentlybutacutelyhissensibilitiesarenotdiffused
oversowideasurfaceasthoseofthewhiteman,butthey
runinsteadieranddeeperchannels.Hispride,his
affections,hissuperstitions,arealldirectedtowardsfewer
objects,butthewoundsinflictedonthemare
proportionatelysevere,andfurnishmotivesofhostility
whichwecannotsufficientlyappreciate.Wherea
communityisalsolimitedinnumber,andforms,asinan
Indiantribe,onegreatpatriarchalfamily,theinjuryofthe
individualistheinjuryofthewholeandastheirbody
politicissmall,thesentimentofvengeanceisalmost
instantaneouslydiffused.Onecouncilfireissufficientto
decidethemeasure.Eloquenceandsuperstitioncombineto
inflametheirminds.Theoratorawakensalltheirmartial
ardour,andtheyarewroughtuptoakindofreligious
desperation,bythevisionsoftheprophetanddreamer.
"Aninstanceofoneofthesesuddenexasperations,arising
fromamotivepeculiartotheIndiancharacter,isextantin
anoldrecordoftheearlysettlementofMassachusetts.The
plantersofPlymouthhaddefacedthemonumentsofthe
deadatPassonagessit,andhadplunderedthegraveofthe
sachem'smotherofsomeskinswithwhichithadbeen
piouslydecorated.Everymanknowsthehallowed
reverencewhichtheIndiansentertainforthesepulchresof
theirkindred.Evennow,tribesthathavepassed
generations,exiledfromtheabodesoftheirancestors,when
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bychancetheyhavebeentravelling,onsomemission,to
ourseatofgovernment,havebeenknowntoturnasidefrom
thehighwayformanymilesdistance,and
xPREFACE.
guidedbywonderfulaccuratetradition,havesoughtsome
tumulus,buriedperhapsinwoods,wherethebonesoftheir
tribewereancientlydepositedandtherehavepassedsome
timeinsilentlamentationovertheashesoftheirforefathers.
Influencedbythissublimeandholyfeeling,thesachem,
whosemother'stombhadbeenviolated,inthemomentof
indignation,gatheredhismentogether,andaddressedthem
inthefollowingbeautifullysimpleandpatheticharangue
anharanguewhichhasremainedunquotedfornearlytwo
hundredyearsapurespecimenofIndianeloquence,and
anaffectingmonumentoffilialpietyinasavage.
"Whenlastthegloriouslightofalltheskywasunderneath
thisglobe,andbirdsgrewsilent,Ibegantosettle,asmy
customis,totakerepose.Beforemineeyeswerefast
closed,methoughtIsawavision,atwhichmyspiritwas
muchtroubled,and,tremblingatthatdolefulsight,aspirit
criedaloudbeholdmyson,whomIhavecherishedsee
thebreaststhatgavetheesuck,thehandsthatlappedthee
warmandfedtheeoft!canstthouforgettotakerevengeof
thosewildpeople,whohavedefacedmymonumentina
despitefulmanner,disdainingourantiquitiesandhonorable
customs.Seenow,thesachem'sgravelieslikethecommon
people,defacedbyanignoblerace.Thymotherdoth
complain,andimploresthyaidagainstthisthievishpeople,
whohavenewlyintrudedinourland.IfthisbesufferedI
shallnotrestquietinmyeverlastinghabitation.Thissaid,
thespiritvanished,andI,allinasweat,notablescarceto
speak,begantogetsomestrengthandrecollectmyspirits
thatwerefled,anddeterminedtodemandyourcounsel,and
solicityourassistance."
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PREFACE.xi
"AnothercauseofviolentoutcryagainsttheIndians,istheir
inhumanitytothevanquished.Thisoriginallyarosepartly
frompoliticalandpartlyfromsuperstitiousmotives.Where
hostiletribesarescantyintheirnumbers,thedeathof
severalwarriorscompletelyparalyzestheirpowerand
manyaninstanceoccursinIndianhistory,whereahostile
tribe,thathadlongbeenformidabletoitsneighbour,has
beenbrokenupanddrivenaway,bythecaptureand
massacreofitsprincipalfightingmen.Thisisastrong
temptationtothevictortobemerciless,notsomuchto
gratifyanycrueltyofrevenge,astoprovideforfuture
security.Buttheyhadothermotives,originatingina
superstitiousidea,commontobarbarousnations,andeven
prevalentamongtheGreeksandRomansthatthemanes
oftheirdeceasedfriends,slaininbattle,weresoothedbythe
bloodofthecaptives.Butthosethatarenotthussacrificed
areadoptedintotheirfamilies,andtreatedwithconfidence
andaffectionofrelativesandfriendsnay,sohospitableand
tenderistheirentertainment,thattheywilloftenpreferto
remainwiththeiradoptedbrethren,ratherthenreturntothe
homeandthefriendsoftheiryouth.
"TheinhumanityoftheIndianstowardsprisonershasbeen
heightenedsincetheintrusionofthewhites.Wehave
exasperatedwhatwasformerlyacompliancewithpolicy
andsuperstitionintoagratificationofvengeance.They
cannotbutbesensiblethatwearetheusurpersoftheir
ancientdominion,thecauseoftheirdegradation,andthe
gradualdestroyersoftheirrace.Theygoforthtobattle,
smartingwithinjuriesandindignitieswhichtheyhave
individuallysufferedfromtheinjusticeandthearroganceof
whitemen,andtheyaredriventomadnessanddespair,by
thewidespreading
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xiiPREFACE.
desolationandtheoverwhelmingruinofourwarfare.We
setthemanexampleofviolence,byburningtheirvillages
andlayingwastetheirslendermeansofsubsistenceand
thenwonderthatsavageswillnotshowmoderationand
magnanimitytowardsmen,whohaveleftthemnothingbut
mereexistenceandwretchedness.
"Itisacommonthingtoexclaimagainstnewformsof
cruelty,while,reconciledbycustom,wewinkatlong
establishedatrocities.Whatrightdoesthegenerosityofour
conductgiveustorailexclusivelyatIndianwarfare.With
allthedoctrinesofchristianity,andtheadvantagesof
cultivatedmorals,togovernanddirectus,whathorrid
crimesdisgracethevictoriesofchristianarmies.Townslaid
inashescitiesgivenuptotheswordenormities
perpetrated,atwhichmanhoodblushes,andhistorydrops
thepen.Wellmayweexclaimattheoutragesofthe
scalpingknifebutwhere,intherecordsofIndianbarbarity,
canwepointtoaviolatedfemale?
"WestigmatizetheIndiansalsoascowardlyand
treacherous,becausetheyusestratageminwarfare,in
preferencetoopenforcebutinthistheyarefully
authorizedbytheirrudecodeofhonor.Theyareearly
taughtthatstratagemispraiseworthythebravestwarrior
thinksitnodisgracetolurkinsilenceandtakeevery
advantageofhisfoe.Hetriumphsinthesuperiorcraftand
sagacitybywhichhehasbeenenabledtosurpriseand
massacreanenemy.Indeed,manisnaturallymoreproneto
subtletythanopenvalor,owingtohisphysicalweaknessin
comparisonwithotheranimals.Theyareendowedwith
naturalweaponsofdefencewithhorns,withtusks,with
hoofsandtalonsbutmanhastodependonhissuperior
sagacity.Inallhisencounters,therefore,with
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PREFACE.xiii
these,hisproperenemies,hehastoresorttostratagemand
whenheperverselyturnshishostilityagainsthisfellow
man,hecontinuesthesamesubtlemodeofwarfare.
"Thenaturalprincipleofwaristodothemostharmtoour
enemy,withtheleastharmtoourselvesandthisofcourse
istobeeffectedbycunning.Thatchivalrickindofcourage
whichteachesustodespisethesuggestionsofprudence,
andtorushinthefaceofcertaindanger,istheoffspringof
society,andproducedbyeducation.Itishonorable,because
infactitisthetriumphofloftysentimentoveraninstinctive
repugnancetopain,andoverthoseselfishyearningsafter
personaleaseandsecuritywhichsocietyhascondemnedas
ignoble.Itisanemotionkeptupbypride,andthefearof
shameandthusthedreadofrealevilsisovercomebythe
superiordreadofanevilthatexistsbutinthemind.This
maybeinstancedinthecaseofayoungBritishofficerof
greatpride,butdelicatenerves,whowasgoingforthefirst
timetobattle.Beingagitatedbythenoveltyandawfulperil
ofthescene,hewasaccostedbyanotherofficerofarough
andboisterouscharacter"What,sir,"criedhe,"doyou
tremble?""Yessir,"repliedtheofficer,"andifyouwere
halfasmuchafraidasIamyouwouldrunaway."This
youngofficersignalizedhimselfonmanyoccasionsbyhis
gallantry,though,hadhebeenbroughtupinasavagelife,
oreveninahumblerandlessresponsiblesituation,itis
morethanprobablehecouldneverhaveventuredintoopen
action.
"Besideswemustconsiderhowmuchthequalityofopen
anddesperatecourageischerishedandstimulatedby
society.Ithasbeenthethroneofmanyaspiritstirringsong,
andchivalricstory.Theminstrelhassungofittotheloftiest
strain
xivPREFACE.
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ofhislyrethepoethasdelightedtoshedarounditallthe
splendoursoffictionandeventhehistorianhasforgotten
thesobergravityofnarration,andburstforthinto
enthusiasmandrhapsodyinitspraise.Triumphsand
gorgeouspageantshavebeenitsrewardmonuments,
wherearthasexhausteditsskill,andopulenceitstreasures,
havebeenerectedtoperpetuateanation'sgratitudeand
admiration.Thusartificiallyexcited,couragehasarisento
anextraordinaryandfactitiousdegreeofheroismand,
arrayedinalltheglorious"pompandcircumstance"ofwar,
thisturbulentqualityhasevenbeenabletoeclipsemanyof
thosequiet,butinvaluablevirtues,whichsilentlyennoble
thehumancharacter,andswellthetideofhumanhappiness.
"Butifcourageintrinsicallyconsistinthedefianceof
dangerandpain,thelifeoftheIndianisacontinual
exhibitionofit.Helivesinaperpetualstateofhostilityand
risk.Perilandadventurearecongenialtohisnature,or,
rather,seemnecessarytoarousehisfacultiesandgivean
interesttoexistence.Surroundedbyhostiletribes,heis
alwaysequippedforfight,withhisweaponsinhishands.
Hetraversesvastwildernesses,exposedtothehazardsof
lonelysickness,oflurkingenemies,orpiningfamine.
Stormylakespresentnoobstacletohiswanderingsinhis
lightcanoeofbark,hesportslikeafeatherontheirwaves,
anddartswiththeswiftnessofanarrowdowntheroaring
rapidsoftherivers.Tracklesswastesofsnow,rugged
mountains,thegloomofswampsandmorasses,where
poisonousreptilescurlamongtherankvegetation,are
fearlesslyencounteredbythiswandererofthewilderness.
Hegainshisfoodbythehardshipsanddangersofthechase
hewrapshimselfinthespoilsof
PREFACE.xv
thebear,thepanther,andthebuffalo,andsleepsamongthe
thundersofthecataract.
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"NoheroofancientormoderndayscansurpasstheIndian
inhisloftycontemptofdeath,andthefortitudewithwhich
hesustainsallthevariedtormentswithwhichitis
frequentlyinflicted.Indeedweherebeholdhimrising
superiortothewhiteman,merelyinconsequenceofhis
peculiareducation.Thelatterrushestogloriousdeathatthe
cannon'smouththeformercoollycontemplatesits
approach,andtriumphantlyenduresit,amidthetormentsof
theknifeandtheprotractedagoniesoffire.Heeventakesa
savagedelightintauntinghispersecutors,andprovoking
theiringenuityoftortureandasthedevouringflamesprey
onhisveryvitals,andthefleshshrinksfromhissinews,he
raiseshislastsongoftriumph,breathingthedefianceofan
unconqueredheart,andinvokingthespiritsofhisfathersto
witnessthathedieswithoutagroan.
"Notwithstandingalltheobloquywithwhichtheearly
historiansofthecolonieshaveovershadowedthecharacters
oftheunfortunatenatives,somebrightgleamswill
occasionallybreakthrough,thatthrowadegreeof
melancholylustreontheirmemories.Factsareoccasionally
tobemetwith,intheirrudeannals,whichthoughrecorded
withallthecolouringofprejudiceandbigotry,yetspeakfor
themselvesandwillbedweltonwithapplauseand
sympathy,whenprejudiceshallhavepassedaway.
"InoneofthehomelynarrativesoftheIndianwarsinNew
England,thereisatouchingaccountofthedesolation
carriedintothetribeofthePequodIndians.Humanity
shuddersatthecoldbloodedaccountsgiven,of
indiscriminate
xviPREFACE.
butcheryonthepartofthesettlers.Inoneplacewereadof
thesurprisalofanIndianfortinthenight,whenthe
wigwamswerewrappedinflames,andthemiserable
inhabitantsshotdownandslain,inattemptingtoescape,
"allbeingdespatchedandendedinthecourseofanhour."
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Afteraseriesofsimilartransactions,"Oursoldiers,"asthe
historianpiouslyobserves,"beingresolvedbyGod's
assistancetomakeafinaldestructionofthem,"theunhappy
savagesbeinghuntedfromtheirhomesandfortresses,and
pursuedwithfireandsword,ascantybutgallantband,the
sadremnantofthePequodwarriors,withtheirwivesand
children,tookrefugeinaswamp,
"Burningwithindignation,andrenderedsullenbydespair
withheartsburstingwithgriefatthedestructionoftheir
tribe,andspiritsgalledandsoreatthefanciedignomityof
theirdefeat,theyrefusedtoasktheirlivesatthehandsofan
insultingfoe,andpreferreddeathtosubmission
"Asthenightdrewontheyweresurroundedintheirdismal
retreat,insuchmannerastorenderescapeimpossible.Thus
situated,theirenemy"pliedthemwithshotallthetime,by
whichmeansmanywerekilledandburiedinthemire."In
thedarknessandfogthatpreceedsthedawnofday,some
fewbrokethroughthebesiegersandescapedintothe
woods:"therestwerelefttotheconquerors,ofwhichmany
werekilledintheswamp,likesullendogswhowould
rather,intheirselfwillednessandmadness,sitstillandbe
shotthrough,orcuttopieces,"thanimploreformercy.
Whenthedaybrokeuponthishandfulofforlorn,but
dauntlessspirits,thesoldiers,wearetold,enteringthe
swamp,"sawseveralheapsofthemsittingclosetogether,
uponwhomtheydischarged
PREFACE.xvii
theirpieces,ladenwithtenortwelvepistolbulletsatatime
puttingthemuzzlesoftheirpiecesundertheboughs,within
afewyardsofthemsoas,besidesthosethatwerefound
dead,manymorewerekilledandsunkintothemire,and
neverweremindedmorebyfriendorfoe."
"Cananyonereadthisplainunvarnishedtale,without
admiringthesternresolution,theunbendingpride,and
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loftinessofspirit,thatseemedtonervetheheartsofthese
selftaughtheroes,andtoraisethemabovetheinstinctive
feelingsofhumannature?WhentheGaulslaidwastethe
cityofRome,theyfoundthenoblesclothedintheirrobes,
andseatedwithsterntranquillityintheircurulechairsin
thismannertheysuffereddeathwithoutanattemptat
supplicationorresistance.Suchconductinthemwas
applaudedasnobleandmagnanimousinthehapless
Indiansitwasreviledasobstinateandsullen.Howmuch
arewethedupesofshowandcircumstance!Howdifferent
isvirtue,arrayedinpurpleandenthronedinstate,from
virtue,destituteandnaked,reducedtothelaststageof
wretchedness,andperishingobscurelyinawilderness.
"Dotheserecordsofancientexcessesfilluswithdisgust
andaversion?Letustakeheedthatwedonotsuffer
ourselvestobehurriedintothesameiniquities.Posterity
liftsupitshandswithhorroratpastmisdeeds,becausethe
passionsthaturgedtothemarenotfelt,andthearguments
thatpersuadedtothemareforgottenbutwearereconciled
tothepresentperpetrationofinjusticebyalltheselfish
motiveswithwhichinterestchillstheheartandsilencesthe
conscience.Evenatthepresentadvancedday,whenwe
shouldsupposethatenlightenedphilosophyhadexpanded
ourminds,andtruereligion
xviiiPREFACE.
hadwarmedourheartsintophilanthropywhenwehave
beenadmonishedbyasenseofpasttransgressions,and
instructedbytheindignantcensuresofcandidhistory
evennow,weperceiveadispositionbreakingouttorenew
thepersecutionsofthesehaplessbeings.Soberthoughted
men,farfromthescenesofdanger,inthesecurityofcities
andpopulousregions,cancoollytalkof"exterminating
measures,"anddiscussthepolicyofextirpatingthousands.
Ifsuchisthetalkinthecities,whatisthetemperdisplayed
ontheborders?Thesentenceofdesolationhasgoneforth
"theroarisupamidstthewoods"implacablewrath,goaded
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onbyinterestonallclaimsofjusticeandhumanity,andto
actoverthosescenesofsanguinaryvengeancewhichhave
toooftenstainedthepagesofcolonialhistory.
"Thesearenottheidlesuggestionsoffancytheyarewrung
forthbyrecentfacts,whichstillhauntthepublicmind.We
needbutturntotheravagedcountryoftheCreekstobehold
apictureofexterminatingwarfare.
"Thesedeludedsavages,eitherexcitedbyprivateinjuryor
privateintrigue,orbyboth,havelatelytakenupthehatchet
andmadedeadlyinroadsintoourfrontiersettlements.
Theirpunishmenthasbeenpitilessandterrible.Vengeance
hasgonelikeadevouringfirethroughtheircountrythe
smokeoftheirvillagesyetrisestoheaven,andthebloodof
theslaughteredIndiansyetreeksupontheearth.Ofthis
mercilessravage,anideamaybeformedbyasingleexploit,
boastfullysetforthinanofficialletterthathasdarkenedour
publicjournals.*Adetachmentofsoldieryhasbeensent
under
*Letterofgen.Coffee,datedNov.4,1813.
PREFACE.xix
thecommandofonegeneralCoffeetodestroythe
Tallushatchestowns,wherethehostileCreekshad
assembled.Theenterprisewasexecuted,asthecommander
inchief*expressesit,instylebut,inthenameofmercy,
inwhatstyle!Thetownsweresurroundedbeforethebreak
ofday.Theinhabitants,startingfromtheirsleep,flewto
arms,withbeatofdrumsandhideousyellings.Thesoldiery
presseduponthemoneveryside,andmetwithadesperate
resistancebutwhatwassavagevalouragainstthearray
anddisciplineofscientificwarfare?TheCreeksmade
gallantcharges,butwerebeatenbackbyoverwhelming
numbers.Hemmedinlikesavagebeastssurroundedby
hunters,wherevertheyturnedtheymetafoe,andinevery
foetheyfoundabutcher."Theenemyretreatedfiring,"says
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Coffeeinhisletter,"untiltheygotaroundandintheir
buildings,wheretheymadealltheresistancethatan
overpoweredsoldiercoulddotheyfoughtaslongasone
existed,buttheirdestructionwasverysooncompletedour
menrusheduptothedoorsofthehouses,andinafew
minuteskilledthelastwarriorofthemtheenemyfought
withsavagefury,andmetdeathwithallitshorrors,without
shrinkingorcomplainingnotoneaskedtobespared,but
foughtsolongastheycouldstandorsit.Inconsequenceof
theirflyingtotheirhouses,andmixingwiththefamilies,
ourmeninkillingthemales,withoutintention,killedand
woundedafewofthesquawsandchildren."
"Sounsparingwasthecarnageofthesword,thatnotoneof
thewarriorsescapedtocarrytheheartbreakingtidingsto
theremainderofthetribe.Suchiswhatistermedexecuting
hostilitiesinstyle!Letthosewhoexclaimwith
abhorrence
*Gen.AndrewJackson.
xxPREFACE.
atIndianinroadsthosewhoaresoeloquentaboutthe
bitternessofIndianrecriminationletthemturntothe
horriblevictoryofgeneralCoffee,andbesilent
"Asyetourgovernmenthasinsomemeasurerestrainedthe
tideofvengeance,andinculcatedlenitytowardsthe
helplessIndianswhohavebeendupedintothepresentwar.
Suchtemperisworthyofanenlightenedgovernmentletit
stillbeobservedletsharprebukeandsignalpunishment
beinflictedonthosewhoabusetheirdelegatedpower,and
disgracetheirvictorieswithmassacreandconflagration.
TheenormitiesoftheIndianformnoexcuseforthe
enormitiesofwhitemen.Ithaspleasedheaventogivethem
butlimitedpowersofmind,andfeeblelightstoguidetheir
judgmentsitbecomesuswhoareblessedwithhigher
intellectstothinkforthem,andtosetthemanexampleof
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humanity.Itisthenatureofvengeance,ifunrestrained,to
beheadlonginitsactions,andtolayup,inamomentof
passion,amplecauseforanage'srepentance.Wemayroll
overthesemiserablebeingswithourchariotwheels,and
crushthemtotheearthbutwhenwarhasdoneitsworst
whenpassionhassubsided,anditistoolatetopityorto
saveweshalllookbackwithunavailingcompunctionat
themangledcor[p]sesofthosewhosecrieswereunheeded
inthefuryofourcareer,
"Letthefateofwargoasitmay,thefateofthoseignorant
tribesthathavebeeninveigledfromtheirforeststomingle
inthestrifeofwhitemen,willinevitablythesame.Inthe
collisionoftwopowerfulnations,theseintervening
particlesofpopulationwillbecrumbledtodust,and
scatteredtothewindsofheaven.Inalittlewhile,andthey
willgothewaythatsomanytribeshavegonebefore.The
fewhordes
PREFACE.xxi
thatstilllingerabouttheshoresofHuronandSuperiour,
andthetributarystreamsoftheMississippi,willsharethe
fateofthosetribesthatoncelordeditalongtheproudbanks
oftheHudsonofthatgiganticracethataresaidtohave
existedonthebordersoftheSusquehanna,andofthose
variousnationsthatflourishedaboutthePotowmacandthe
Rappahanoe,andthatpeopledtheforestsofthevast
Shenandoah.Theywillvanishlikeavapourfromtheface
oftheearththeirveryhistorywillbelostinforgetfulness
and"theplacesthatnowknowthem,willknowthemno
moreforever."
"Orifperchancesomedubiousmemorialofthemshould
survivethelapseoftime,itmatbeintheromanticdreams
ofthepoet,topopulateinimaginationhisgladesand
groves,likethefauns,andsatyrs,andthesylvandeitiesof
antiquity.Butshouldheventureuponthedarkstoryoftheir
wrongsandwretchednessshouldhetellhowtheywere
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invaded,corrupted,despoileddrivenfromtheirnative
abodesandthesepulchresoftheirfathershuntedlikewild
beastsabouttheearth,andsentdowninviolenceand
butcherytothegraveposteritywilleitherturnwithhorror
andincredulityfromthetaleorblushwithindignationatthe
inhumanityoftheirforefathers."Wearedrivenback,"
saidanoldwarrior,"untilwecanretreatnofurtherour
hatchetsarebrokenourbowsaresnappedandthewhite
menwillceasetopersecuteusforwewillceasetoexist!"
[xxi]
[blank]
[22]
INTRODUCTION.
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HOWEVERdespisedthenationoftheHebrewswereamong
theGreeks,Romansandothersoftheirneighbours,during
theexistenceoftheircivilgovernment,andbyallthe
nationsoftheeartheversince,therecanbenodoubtnow,
thattheyhavebeenandstillarethemostremarkablepeople
thathaveexistedsincethefirstcenturyaftertheflood.
Itdoesappearfromtheirhistory,andfromtheholy
scriptures,thatthegreatGovernoroftheUniverse,inhis
infinitewisdomandmercytoourfallenrace,didselectthis
nation,fromallthenationsoftheearth,ashispeculiar
people,notonlytohanddowntomankindatlarge,thegreat
doctrineoftheunityofhisdivinenature,withtheprinciples
oftheworshipduetohimbyintelligentcreaturesthe
universaldepravityofmanbythefallofAdam,withthe
blessedmeansofhisrestorationtothefavourofGod,bythe
sheddingofblood,withoutwhichtherecouldbeno
forgivenessofsin.Butalsothroughthemthemeansand
manneroftheatonementforsinbythepromisedMessiah,
whowastobesentintoourworldinthefulnessoftime,for
thisinvaluablepurpose,andwhowastobeadivineperson
andliterallybecomethedesireofnations,shouldbe
propagatedandmadeknowntoallmankind,preparatoryto
hiscomingintheflesh.Andthatafterwards,thispeople
shouldbesupportedandprovedinallagesoftheworld,by
meansoftheirmiraculouspreservation
24INTRODUCTION.
againstalltheexperienceofothernations.Forwhile
dispersedthroughtheworldwithoutaspotoflandthey
couldproperlycalltheirown,anddespisedandpersecuted
ineverypartofit,yettheyhavecontinuedaseparate
people,knownbytheircountenances,whiletheirenemies
andconquerorshavewastedawayandare,asitwere,lost
fromtheearth,infulfilmentofthedeclarationsoftheir
prophets,inspiredbyGod,totheastonishmentofall
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nations.
Thispeoplewasalsoalivingexampletotheworldofthe
dealingsofDivineProvidencetowardstheworkmanshipof
hishands,byrewardingtheirobedienceinavery
extraordinarymanner,andpunishingtheirwilful
transgressionsbythemostexemplarysufferings.
Thoughheoftendeclaredthemhispeculiarhischosen
hiselectpeoplenaythatheesteemedthemastheappleof
hiseye,forthesakeofhisservantsAbraham,Isaacand
Jacob,theirprogenitors,yethehasfullyshewentothe
world,thathoweverdearapeoplemightbetohimastheir
governorandking,orbyadoption,thatnoexternalsituation
orspecialcircumstanceswouldeverleadhimto
countenancesin,orleaveitunpunished,withoutasuitable
atonementanddeeprepentance.
Theyalsoanswered,butinastrongermanner,theuseof
hieroglyphicsandfigures,asauniversallanguage,to
instructallmankindinthemindandwillofGod,before
letterswereingeneraluse,andhadthisknowledgebeen
properlyimproved,wouldhavebeenmoreeffectual,than
instructionbywordofmouthorpersonaladdress.
Godhasacknowledgedthembyexpressrevelationby
prophecies,forewarningthemofwhatshouldbefallthemin
theworld,accordinglyastheykepthiscommandments,or
INTRODUCTION.25
weredisobedienttothem,untiltheirfinalrestorationtothe
promisedland.Inshort,theirlongdispersedstate,withtheir
severepersecutions,andstillcontinuingaseparatepeople
amongallnations,arestanding,unanswerableand
miraculousproofsoftheirsacredwritings,andacomplete
fulfilmentofthemanypropheciesconcerningthem,some
thousandsofyearspast.
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Anotheressentialpurpose,inthecourseofGod's
providencewithhispeopleisalsotobeproduced.The
restorationofthissufferinganddespisednationtotheir
ancientcityandtheirformerstandinginthefavorofGod,
withagreatincreaseofgloryandhappiness,areexpressly
foretoldbyChrist,hisprophetsandapostles,asimmediately
precedingthesecondcomingofourLordandSaviourJesus
Christ,tothisourearth,withhissaintsandangels,inhis
gloryasmediator,andthegloryofthefather,orofhis
divinenature,plainlydistinguishedfromthathumilityand
abasementattendinghisfirstcomingintheflesh.Ofcourse,
wheneverthisrestorationshallcometopass,itwillbeso
convincingandconvictingatestimonyofthetruthand
certaintyofthewholeplanandpredictionsofthesacred
record,aspowerfullytoaffectallthenationsoftheearth,
andbringthemtotheacknowledgmentofthetrueGod,
evenourLordJesustheChrist.
For,asBishopWarburtonjustlyasks."Istheexplanationof
theeconomyofgrace,inwhichiscontainedthesystemof
prophecythatis,theconnectionanddependenceofthe
propheciesoftheseveralagesofthechurchofGod,ofno
use?Surelyofthegreatest,andIamconfidentnothingbut
thelightwhichwillarisefromthence,willsupport
christianityunderitspresentcircumstances.Butthe
contendingforsingle
26INTRODUCTION.
propheciesonly,byonewhothinkstheyrelatetoChristina
secondarysense,only,andwhoappearstohavenohigh
opinionofsecondarysenses,looksverysuspicious."
Hadallthegreatfactsofrevelationhappenedseveral
thousandyearsago,andtheproofoftheirrealitybeenever
soconclusiveatthetime,andnothingmoredone,butbarely
tohandthemdowntoposterityasthenbelievedinthe
testimonyfortheirsupportatagivenperiodfromtheir
fulfilment,wouldhavelostallitsweightandtheworld
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mightjustlyhavebeenexecutedfordoubtingoftheir
credibility.ButGod,inhisgreatmercy,hasnowleftthe
childrenofmenwithoutexcusebecausehehassoordered
it,inhisinfinitewisdom,thatthefartherwerecedefromthe
facts,themoredotheevidencesincreaseuponus.Andthis
existenceoftheJews,asaseparatepeople,underalltheir
afflictionsanddistresses,andthatscatteredamongalmost
everynationonearth,isnotamongtheleastconclusivebut
islikethemanna,keptinthearkinastateofpurity,which
wasundeniableevidenceofthefactsrelatedintheirhistory
tothesucceedinggenerations,whilethetemplelasted.So
thatnow,noreasonablemanofcommonabilities,who
studiesthathistory,andtheirpresentcircumstancesinthe
world,withimpartiality,careandcloseattention,attended
byarealdesireofknowingthetruth,canlongdoubtthe
divinityofthesacredvolume.
Toinvestigatethenthepresentstateandcircumstancesof
thisextraordinarypeopletoexamineintotheirgeneral
history,inasconciseamannerasmayanswerourgeneral
planandtoenquireafterthetentribes,whichformerly
constitutedthekingdomofIsrael,thatnowappeartobelost
fromtheearth,mustbeanundertaking(howeverdifficult
andunpromising)
INTRODUCTION.27
worthythetimeandlabour,whichmaybenecessarily
expendedtherein.
Thewriterofthesesheetsmustacknowledgehimself
unequaltothetaskbuthavingbeenforyears,
endeavouring.butinvain,tourgemoreablehandstoturn
theirattentiontothisimportantsubject,hehasatlast
determinedtoattemptit,underallhisdifficultiesand
deficiencies,ontheprinciple,thathemaypossibly,by
drawingtheoutlines,calltheaidofsomelearnedandmore
ablepenintothisservice,beinginhisopinionoftheutmost
consequencetothepresentgenerationinparticular,asthat
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erainwhichthelattertimes,thelasttimesofscriptures,or
theendoftheRomangovernment,seemtobehastening
withrapidstrides.
Thissubjectreceivesgreatadditionalimportancefromits
propheticconnection,asbeforementioned,withthesecond
adventoftheglorifiedMessiah,assonofGod,tothisour
world,infulfilmentofhisowngraciouspromisesinhis
holyword:thesignsoftheapproachofwhich,hehas
expresslycommandedustowatch,lestwhenhecomes,as
hewill,inasunexpectedamannerasathiefinthenight,we
maybefoundsleepingonourpostwiththefoolishvirgins,
withoutanyoilinourlamps.
Thissubjecthasoccupiedtheattentionofthewriter,at
times,formorethanfortyyears.Hewasledtothe
considerationofit,inthefirstinstance,byaconversation
withaveryworthyandreverendclergymanofhis
acquaintance,who,havinganindependentfortune,
undertookajourney(incompanywithabrotherclergyman,
whowasdesirousofattendinghim)intothewilderness
betweentheAlleghanyandMississippirivers,sometimein
orabouttheyears1765or6,before
28INTRODUCTION.
thewhitepeoplehadsettledbeyondtheLaurelMountain.
HisdesirewastomeetwithnativeIndians,whohadnever
seenawhiteman,thathemightsatisfyhiscuriosityby
knowingfromthebestsources,whattraditionstheIndians
yetpreservedrelativetotheirownhistoryandorigin.This,
thesegentlemenaccomplishedwithgreatdanger,risqueand
fatigue.Ontheirreturnoneofthemrelatedtothewriterthe
informationtheyhadobtained,whattheysaw,andwhat
theyheard.
Thisraisedinthewriter'smindsuchanideaofsomeformer
connectionbetweentheseaboriginesofourland,andthe
Jewishnation,asgreatlytoincreaseadesireforfurther
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informationonsointerestingandcuriousasubject.
Soonafter,reading(quiteaccidentally)the13thchapterof
the2dapocryphalbookofEsdras,supposedtohavebeen
writtenabouttheyear100,ofthechristianera,hisardourto
knowmoreof,andtoseekfurtherintothecircumstancesof
theselosttribes,wasinnowisediminished.Hehasnot
ceasedsince,toimproveeveryopportunityaffordedhim,by
personalinterviewswithIndiansreadingthebesthistories
relatingtothem,andcarefullyexaminingourpublicagents
residentamongthem,astofactsreportedintheseveral
histories,withoutlettingthemknowhisobject,soasnot
onlytogratifyhiscuriosity,byobtainingalltheknowledge
relativetotheminhispower,butalsotoguardagainst
misrepresentationastoanyaccounthemightthereafterbe
temptedtogiveofthem.Hisdesignatpresentis,ifbythe
blessingofAlmightyGodhislife,nowfaradvanced,should
besparedalittlelonger,togivesomebriefsketchesofwhat
hehaslearned,inthisimportantinquiry,lestthefactshe
hascollectedshouldbeentirely
INTRODUCTION.29
lost,ashefeelshimselfculpableforputtingoffthis
businesstosoadvancedaperiodoflife,astoleavehimbut
smallhopesofaccomplishinghisintentions.
Hedoesnotmeantoattempttosolveallthedifficulties,or
answeralltheobjectionsthatmayveryprobablyattendthis
investigation.Itmustbeobvioustoeveryattentivereader,
whoconsidersthelengthoftimesincethefirstdispersionof
thetentribesofIsraelthewanderinganddestitutestateof
theIndiannationstheirentireseparationfromallcivilized
societytheirtotalwantoftheknowledgeoflettersorof
writingthestrangeinattentionofmostoftheEuropeans,
whofirstsettledamongthem,torecordfactsrelatingto
them,andthefalsehoodanddeceptionofmanyofthefew
whodidattemptitthedifficultiesattendingtheobtaining
acriticalknowledgeoftheirlanguage,customsand
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traditions,arisingfromaprudent,thoughaviolentjealousy
andfearofthewhitepeople,fromwhomtheyhavereceived
littleelsebutirreparableinjuries,wantondestructionand
extremesufferings.Itmustbeallowedthatundersuch
untowardcircumstances,manyunsurmountabledifficulties
mustarise,thatcannotbeavoided.
Intheprosecutionofthiscompilation,thewriterwillavail
himselfofthebestaccountsgivenbytheSpanishwriters,
hecanmeetwiththehistorieswrittenbyourownpeople
whofirstvisitedthisland,orhavesincemadethemselves
acquaintedwiththenativeinhabitants,andrecordedany
thingrelativetotheirlanguages,customs,mannersand
habits,suchasColden,Adair,Brainerd,Edwards,jun.on
thelanguageoftheMohegansalsooftheinformation
receivedfromtheRev.
30INTRODUCTION.
Dr.Beatty,Bartram,andothers,oftheirpersonal
observations,whilewiththeIndians.
ThewriterisawarethatsirWilliamJames,whosecharacter
standssohighintheliteraryworld,hasendeavouredto
shewthathehasdiscoveredthetribesofIsraelinthe
Afghansoftheeasternworld,andheproducestheaccount
givenbyEsdrasinproofofitAndalthoughthewriter
wouldpaytheutmostrespecttothelearningandjudgment
ofthatexcellentman,andwouldnotdisputetheAfghans
beingofJewishdescentyetsirWilliamhimself,inhis
abridgementofaPersianwork,entitledThesecretsofthe
Afghans,transmittedtohimbyMr.Vansittart,informsus,
thatthispeople,inrelatingtheirownstory,professtobe
descendedfromkingSaul.Andtheysay,thatAfghanlived
inthetimeofDavidandSolomon,andfinallyretreatedto
themountains,wherehisdescendantsbecameindependent,
andexterminatedtheinfidels,meaningtheheathen.Now,in
thefirstplace,SaulwasnotanIsraelite,butthesonofKish,
aBenjaminite,andthereforemaywellbefoundintheeast
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butnotofthetribesofIsrael.*Secondly,Ifwelook
carefullyintotheaccountgivenbyEsdras(andsirWilliam
hasgivenauthenticitytohisaccount)wefindthattheten
tribeshespeaksof,werecarriedawaybySalmanazar,andit
isagreedonallhands,thathesentthemuntothecountries
neartheEuxinesea.AndEsdrassaystheydeterminedtogo
toaplacewheretheymightkeeptheirlawsandremain
undisturbedbytheheathenbutiftheyhadgoneeastward,
theywouldhavebeeninthemidstofthem.Thirdly,They
travelledagreatwaytoanuninhabitedcountry,inwhich
mankindneveryetdwelt,and
INTRODUCTION.31
passedagreatwater,buttheeasterncountry,eveninthat
earlyday,waswellinhabited.Thesefactsdonotagreewith
theaccountgivenoftheAfghans,whofromtheirown
statement,belongtoanothertribeandlivedinPersia,from
whencetheycanreturntoJerusalemwithoutpassingbysea
orfromthecoastsoftheearth.
[page32isblank]
[33]
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A
STARINTHEWEST.
CHAPTERI.
OfthestateoftheJews.
ONEwouldimagine,fromreasoningontheimportanceofthis
nationtotheworldatlargefromthemanyclearandprecise
historiesofthemfromthetimeofAbrahamtheirgreatprogenitor,
andfromthemanygreatandgloriouspromisesmadetothemand
theirposteritybyaGodoftruthandfaithfulness,onconditionof
strictobediencetohislawsascontainedinthedivinescriptures,that
everypersonofleisureandobservationwouldwishtobecome
intimatelyacquaintedwiththeminutecircumstancesattendantupon
themfromagetoage.Butsuchisthenatureofmansuchhis
indolenceandinattentiontothings,howeverimportant,thatrelates
todistantobjectsandnotpresentenjoyments,thatjudgingfrom
actualexperience,thestateofthispeople,andtheirhastening
restorationtotheirbelovedcity,andtomorethantheirformer
celebrityandhappiness,engagesbut(comparatively)few,evenof
thosewhoseconstantbusinessinpropagatingthegospel,oughtto
haveledthem,withpeculiarenergy,tohavemadethemtheir
diligentstudy.
34ASTARINTHEWEST.
Indeed,thedelaysthewriterhimselfhasmadeinthisbusiness,
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underafullconvictionofthenecessityofit,isprettygoodevidence
ofthetendencyofthehumanhearttoavoidactiveusefulness.Itis
wellknowntoallhistoriansandreadersoftheoldtestament,that
GodbroughtthisnationoftheJewsfromthelandofEgyptina
miraculousmanner,withmanysignsandwonders,throughabarren
anddesolatewilderness,inthespaceoffortyyears.Thathewent
beforetheminapillarofcloudbydayandoffirebynight.Thathe
gavethemlaws,writtenbythefingerofGod,andpromisedthem
gloriousthingsincaseofobediencebutpronouncedthemostawful
threateningsofmiseryanddestructionincaseofdisobedienceand
forsakinghislaws.Thathebecametheirpoliticalkingandgovernor
byexpress,personalconsent,andmutualcompact,inadifferent
sensefromthatinwhichhestoodtotherestofmankind,bywhich
theywereputunderacompletetheocracy.ThiscontinuedtillShiloh
came,accordingtothepropheticdeclaration,whenthegovernment
oftheuniversalchurchofbothJewsandGentilesdescendedupon
him.
ItmaybesaidthattheJewswerelonggovernedbyjudgesandkings
aftertheirpossessionofCanaan.Butthesewerenotoftheir
appointment,butoftheappointmentofGodunderhim,ashis
substitutesorvicegerents.See2Chron,ix.and8"Blessedbe
theLordthyGod,whodelightedinthee,tosettheeonhisthroneto
bekingfortheLordthyGod."1Sam.viii.and7."andtheLord
saiduntoSamuel,hearkenuntothevoiceofthepeopleinallthey
sayuntothee,fortheyhavenotrejectedtheebuttheyhaverejected
me,thatIshouldnotreignoverthem."AlsoChron.xiiiand8.
ASTARINTHEWEST.35
"AndnowyethinktowithstandthekingdomoftheLord,inthe
handsofthesonsofDavid."Yetsuchwastheirconstitutional
obstinacyandhardnessofheart,thatafterexperiencingthemost
unboundedfavorsfromGod,bythefullestandmostmiraculous
protectionandsignalinterpositionsintheirfavor,bydrivingoutthe
Canaanitesbeforethemandplacingtheminthepromisedland,
whichisdescribedasflowingwithmilkandhoney,theycontinually
broketheirsolemncovenantandopposedtheexpressandpositive
commandsofGodhimself,givenandenforcedinallthemajestyof
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Jehovah,throughtheinstrumentalityofMosesandAaron.Moses
thoughthemeekestmanonearth,becameweariedoutbytheir
perversenessandrebellion.Inthewordsofanexcellentwriter,*
"thereisnothingdeservesmoreparticularattentionthanthespirit
andbehaviouroftheIsraelitesinthewilderness.Averyremarkable
instanceofthewretchedeffectsofservitudeuponthehumansoul.
TheyhadbeenslavestotheEgyptiansforabout140yearstheir
spiritsweredebased,theirjudgmentsweaktheirsenseofGodand
religionverylowtheyweredefectiveinattention,gratitudeand
generosityfullofdistrustanduneasysuspicionscomplainingand
murmuringunderthemostastonishingdisplaysofdivinepowerand
goodness,asifstillunderthefrownsandscouragesoftheirunjust
taskmasterscouldscarceraisetheirthoughtstoprospectsthemost
pleasingandjoyous.Theyknewnothowtovaluetheblessingsof
libertyofatastesomeanandilliberalthatthefleshandfish,the
cucumbers,themelons,theleeks,theonions,garlic,andsuchgood
thingsof
*Taylor'sscheme,WatsonsCol.1Vol.114.
36ASTARINTHEWEST.
Egypt,weighedmorewiththem,thanthebreadfromheaven
(Numb.xi.46)Andallthedivineassurancesanddemonstrations
thattheyshouldberaisedtothenoblestprivileges,thehighest
honoursandfelicity,asapeculiartreasuretoGodaboveallpeople
intheworld.Inshortnothingwoulddo.Theillqualitiesofslavery
wereingrainedintheirheartsagrovelling,thoughtless,sturdy,
dastardlyspirit,fatiguedthedivinepatience,counteractedand
defeatedallhiswiseandbeneficentmeasurestheycouldnotbe
workeduptothatsenseofGodthatesteemofhishighestfavours
thatgratitudeandgenerousdutifulnessthatmagnanimityofspirit
whichwerenecessarytotheirconqueringandenjoyingthepromised
landandthereforethewisdomofGod,determinedthattheyshould
notattemptthepossessionofit,tillthatgenerationofslaves,
namely,allabove20yearsofage,weredeadandburied.Itserveda
greatpurpose,namely,towarnthat,andallfutureagesofthe
church,bothJewishandChristian,thatiftheydespiseandabusethe
goodnessofGod,andthenobleprivilegesandprospectstheyenjoy,
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theyshallforfeitthebenefitofthem.Andtheapostleappliethitto
thisveryimportantuse,withgreatforceandpropriety,inhisepistle
totheHebrews."ii.chap.15,totheendiv.112.
ThusitwasthatMosesbeingthoroughlyacquaintedwiththeir
untowarddispositions,andtendencytorevolttothewickedand
ridiculousinventionsofthenationsaroundthem,andbeinginspired
withaspiritofprophecy,heinverysublimelanguage,warnedthem
oftheirdanger,plainlytellingthem.iftheywouldobeythevoiceof
theLordtheirGodindeed,andkeephiscovenant,thentheyshould
beapeculiar
ASTARINTHEWEST.37
treasuretohimaboveallpeople,forthatthewholeearthwashis.
AndthatalthoughGodhadthuskindlychosenthemashisown
people,yettheircontinuingtoenjoyhisprotectionandfavour,
dependedontheirobediencetothelawshehadgiventhem.And
afterrecapitulatingthemanyspecialandunheardofmerciesand
extraordinarydealingsoftheLordGodoftheirfatherstowardsthem
fromthebeginning,andthengivingthemmanyexcellentrulesfor
theirconduct,heproceeded"Takeheeduntoyourselves,lestye
forgetthecovenantoftheLordyourGod,whichhemadewithyou,
andmakeyouagravenimage,orthelikenessofanythingwhichthe
LordthyGodhathforbiddenthee.FortheLordthyGodisa
consumingfire,evenajealousGod.Whenthoushaltbegetchildren
andchildren'schildren,andshalthaveremainedlongintheland,
andshallcorruptyourselvesandmakeagravenimage,orthe
likenessofanything,andshaltdoevilinthesightoftheLordthy
God,toprovokehimtoangerIcallkeavenandearthtowitness
againstyouthisday,thatyeshallsoonutterlyperishfromoffthe
landwhereuntoyegooverJordantopossessityeshallnotprolong
yourdaysuponit,butshallutterlybedestroyed.AndtheLordGod
shallscatteryouamongthenationsandyeshallbeleftfewin
numberamongtheheathen,whithertheLordshallleadyou.Andye
shallserveothergods,theworkofmen'shands,woodandstone,
whichneitherseenorhear,noreat,norsmell.Butiffromthence,
thoushaltseektheLordthyGod,thoushaltfindhim,ifthouseek
himwithallthyheartandwithallthysoul.Whenthouartin
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tribulation,andallthesethingsarecomeuponthee,eveninthe
latterdays,ifthouturntotheLordthyGod,andshallbeobedientto
hisvoicefortheLord
38ASTARINTHEWEST.
thyGodisamercifulGod,hewillnotforsakethee,neitherdestroy
thee,norforgetthee,neitherdestroythee,norforgetthecovenantof
thyfathers,whichheswearuntothem."Deut.iv.2332.AndMoses
aftergivingthemamostexcellentsystemoflaws(ashehad
receivedthemfromGod)inthe26thchap.30thverse,enumeratesa
numberofextraordinaryblessingsthatGodwouldconferonthem,
incaseoftheirhearkeningdiligentlytothevoiceoftheLordtheir
God,toobserveanddoallhiscommandments,andthenpassesthe
followingawfulsentenceuponthem,incase"itshouldcometo
pass,thattheywouldnothearkentothevoiceoftheLordtheir
God,"thattheextraordinaryanddreadfulcurses,mentionedinthe
45thtothe56thverses,whichherecapitualtes,shouldcomeupon
them,andthenconcludesinthe29thchap.10thverse,"yestandthis
day,allofyoubeforetheLordyourGodyourcaptainsofyour
tribes,youreldersandyourofficers,withallthemenofIsrael,that
thoushouldestenterintocovenantwiththeLordthyGod,andinto
hisoathwhichtheLordthyGodmakethwiththeethisday,thathe
mayestablishtheethisdayforapeopleuntohimself,andthathe
maybeuntotheeaGod,ashehathsaiduntothee,andashehath
swornuntothyfathers,toAbraham,toIsaacandtoJacob.Neither
withyouonlydoImakethiscovenantandthisoathbutwithhim
whostandethherewithusthisday,beforetheLordthyGod,and
alsowithhimwhoisnotherewithusthisday.Lestthereshouldbe
withyoumanorwoman,orfamilyortribe,whoseheartturneth
awaythisday,fromtheLordyourGodtogoandservethegodsof
thenationslestthereshouldbeamongyouarootthatbearethgall
andwormwood,anditcametopasswhenheheareththewordsof
thiscurseandhebless
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ASTARINTHEWEST.39
himselfinhisheart,saying,Ishallhavepeace,thoughIwalkinthe
stubbornness*ofmineheart,toadddrunkennesstothirsttheLord
willnotsparehim,butthentheangeroftheLordandhisjealousy
shallsmokeagainstthatman,andallthecursesthatarewrittenin
thisbookshalllieuponhim,andtheLordshallblotouthisname
fromunderheaven.AndtheLordshallseparatehimuntoevil,outof
allthetribesofIsraelaccordingtoallthecursesofthecovenantthat
arewritteninthebookofthelaw.Anditshallcometopass,when
allthesethingsarecomeuponthee,theblessingandthecurse,
whichIhavesetbeforethee,andthoushaltcallthemtomind
amongallthenations,whithertheLordthyGodhathdriventhee,
andshaltreturnuntotheLordthyGod,andshaltobeyhisvoice
accordingtoallthatIcommandtheethisday,thouandthychildren,
withallthineheart,andwithallthysoulthatthentheLordthyGod
willturnthycaptivity,andhavecompassiononthee,andwillreturn
andgathertheefromallthenations,whithertheLordthyGodhath
scatteredthee.Ifanyofthinebedrivenoutuntotheoutmostpartsof
heaven,fromthencewilltheLordthyGodgatherthee,andfrom
thencewillhefetchthee:AndtheLordthyGodwillbringtheeinto
thelandwhichthyfatherspossessed,andthoushaltpossessit:and
hewilldotheegood,andmultiplytheeabovethyfathers.Andthe
LordthyGodwillcircumcisethyheartandtheheartofthyseed,to
lovetheLordthyGodwithallthineheartandwithallthysoul,that
thoumayestlive.AndtheLordthyGodwillputallthesecurses
uponthineenemies,andonthemwhohatethee,whopersecuted
thee.AndthoushaltreturnandobeythevoiceoftheLord,anddo
allhiscommandmentswhichIcommand
*Asinthemarginofthebible.
40ASTARINTHEWEST.
theethisday.AndtheLordthyGodwillmakethe[e]plenteousin
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everyworkofthinehandinthefruitofthybody,andinthefruitof
thycattle,andinthefruitofthyland,forgoodfortheLordwill
againrejoiceovertheeforgood,asherejoicedoverthyfathers.If
thoushalthearkentothevoiceoftheLordthyGod,tokeephis
commandmentsandhisstatuteswhicharewritteninthisbookofthe
lawandifthouturnuntotheLordthyGodwithallthineheart,and
withallthysoul."Butthesepromises,andparticularlythatof
beingreceivedbyandplacedundertheparticularandvisible
protectionandgovernmentofAlmightyGod,necessarilyrequired
theirseparationfromthenationsroundaboutthem,whowereone
andallsunkinthemoststupididolatry.Toincreasetheobligations
ofthispeopletoGod,hehadactuallycondescended(asbefore
observed)tobecometheirkingandhead,andpromisedtoattend
themthroughthewilderness,duringalltheirtravels,asapillarof
cloudbyday,andapillaroffirebynight.Theirgovernmentthus
becameacompletetheocracy,bothintheircivilandecclesiastical
establishments.Sothatafterwards,whethertheyhadMosesand
Aaron,judgesorkingsfortheirimmediaterulers,theywerebut
inferiormagistratesintheirgovernment,appointedbyandunder
himastheirsupremeheadandsoverign.
Theywerenecessarilyandexpresslytobeseparatedfromallthe
peopleoftheearth,asanationbywhichthenatureoftheirpolitical
andreligiousinstitutions,thusunited,wasmadeknowntotheworld
atlarge,andbytheexclusivenatureoftheirprinciplesandpractices,
howeverobnoxiousandoffensivetoothernations,whouniversally
heldinanintercommunionofgodsanddivineworshipyettheir
attentionwas
ASTARINTHEWEST.41
therebystronglydrawntoconsiderthemasthepeculiar
characteristiccomplexionoftheJewishgovernment.ThusMoses
understooditwhenhesaidtoGod,"forwhereinshallitbeknown
here,thatIandthypeoplehavefoundgraceinthysight?Isitmot
thatthougestwithus?Soshallwebeseparated,Iandthypeople,
fromallthepeoplethatareonthefaceoftheearth."
AfterthedeathofMoses,andJoshuahissuccessor,andthe
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congregationoftheJewshavingpartiallyenjoyedthelandin
tolerablepeaceandquietness,thesucceedinggenerationswiththeir
kingsandtheirprinces,forgotthecovenantoftheLordtheirGod,
agreeablytothepredictionofMoses,andwentaftertheinventions
oftheneighbouringnations.YetGodkindlysenthisprophetsfrom
timetotime,torefreshtheirmemoriesandtowarnthemoftheir
danger,incasetheypersistedintheirrebellion,anddidnotrepent
andreturntotheLordtheirGod,withalltheirheartandwithall
theirsoul,butcontinuedintheirdisobedience.About700years
beforethechristianera,nearthetimeoftheinvasionofSalmanazar,
kingofAssyria,IsaiahtheprophetofGod,wassenttothem,with
thissolemnandawfulmessage."TheLordsentaworduntoJacob
andithathlighteduponIsrael,andallthepeopleshallknow,even
EphraimandtheinhabitantsofSamaria,whosayintheprideand
stoutnessoftheirheart,thebricksarefallendownbutwewillbuild
withhewenstones.Thesycamoretreesarecutdown,butwewill
changethemintocedars.ThereforetheLordshallsetupthe
adversariesofRezinagainsthim,andjoinhisenemiestogetherthe
SyriansbeforeandthePhilistinesbehind,andtheyshalldevour
Israelwithopenmouthforallthisangerisnotturned
42ASTARINTHEWEST.
away,buthishandisstretchedoutstill.Forthepeopleturnethnot
untohimwhosmiteththem,neitherdotheyseektheLordofHosts.
ThereforetheLordwillcutofffromIsrael,headandtail,branchand
rush,inoneday.Theancientandhonourable,heisthehead,andthe
prophetwhoteacheslies,isthetail.Fortheleadersofthispeople
makethemtoerr,andtheywhoareledofthemaredestroyed.
ThereforetheLordshallhavenojoyintheiryoungmen,neither
shallhavemercyontheirfatherlessandwidows.Foreveryoneisan
hypocriteandanevildoer,andeverymouthspeakethfully.Forall
thishisangerisnotturnedaway,buthishandisstretchedoutstill.
Forwickednessburnethasthefireitshalldevourthebriarsandthe
thorns,andshallkindleinthethicketsoftheforest:andtheyshall
mountup,liketheliftingupofthesmoke.Throughthewrathofthe
LordofHostsisthelanddarkened,andthepeopleshallbeasthe
fuelofthefirenomanshallsparehisbrother.Isaiahix.819.
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"OAssyrian!therodofmineangerandthestaffintheirhandis
mineindignation.Iwillsendhim(theAssyrian)againstan
hypocriticalnation,andagainstthepeopleofmywrathwillIgive
himacharge,totakethespoilandtotaketheprey,andIgivehima
charge,totakethespoilandtotaketheprey,andtotreadthem
downlikethemireofthestreet."Isa.x.56.
Aftergrievoussufferingsasabovedescribed,Godinhisgreat
mercy,shewedthathewouldstillbegracioustotheminalltheir
distressandapparentabandonment,inthisconsolatorylanguage
"Anditshallcometopassinthatday(thelatterday)thatJehovah
shallagain,thesecondtime,putforthhishandtorecoverthe
remnantofhispeoplewhoremainethfromAssyriaandfromEgypt
andfromPathros*and
*AcountryborderingonEgypt.
ASTARINTHEWEST.43
fromCush*andfromElamandfromShinarandfromHamah
andfromthewesternregions,(asitshouldhavebeentranslated,
insteadoftheislandsofthesea**)Isaiahxi.1115Lowth's
translation.Andheshallliftupssignaltothenations,andshall
gathertheoutcastsofIsrael,andthedispersedofJudahshallhe
collectfromthefourextremitiesoftheearth.Andthejealousyof
Ephraimshallcease,andtheenmityofJudahshallbenomore
EphraimshallnotbejealousofJudah,andJudahshallnotbeat
enmitywithEphraim.Buttheyshallinvadethebordersofthe
Philistines,westwardtheyshallspoilthechildrenoftheeast
together.TheyshalllaytheirhanduponEdomandMoab,andthe
childrenofAmmonshallobeythem.And"Jehovahshallsmitewith
adroughtthetongueoftheEgyptianseaandheshallshajehishand
overtheriverwithhisvehementwind,andheshallstrikeitinto
sevenstreams,andmakethempassoverit,dryshodandthereshall
(also)beahighway,fortheremnantofhispeoplewhichshall
remainfromAssyria,asitwasuntoIsrael,inthedaywhenhecame
upfromthelandofEgypt."
Bythisrepresentationitplainlyappears
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1st.ThatthepeopleoftheJews,howeverscatteredandlostonthe
faceoftheearth,areinthelatterdaytoberecoveredbythemighty
powerofGod,andrestoredtotheirbelovedcityJerusaleminthe
landofPalestine.
2d.ThatacleardistinctionismadebetweenthetribesofJudah,in
whichBenjaminisincluded,andthetentribesof
*OrArabia.
MeaningPersia.
WhereBabylonformerlystood.
InAssyria,totheeastofthemountainsformingtheboundariesofMedia.
**Lowth.
44ASTARINTHEWEST.
Israel,agreeablytotheirparticularstates.Thisfirstisdescribedas
dispersedamongthenationsinthefourquartersoftheworldThe
secondasoutcastsfromthenationsoftheearth.
3d.Thustheyshallpassthroughalonganddrearywildernessfrom
thenorthcountry,andfinallyenterintoAssyria,(itmaypossiblybe)
bythewayofsomenarrowstrait,wheretheywillmeettogetherina
bodyandproceedtoJerusalem.
4th.Thatthisrestorationissaidtobeaccomplishedasecondtime.
ThefirstwasfromEgyptthesecondistobesimilartoit,in
severalofitsremarkablecircumstances.
5th.Theplacesfromwhencetheyaretocome,areexpressly
designated.TheyaretocomefirstfromAssyriaandEgypt,whereit
iswellknown,manyofthetribesofJudahandBenjaminwere
carriedcaptive,andarenowtobefoundinconsiderablenumbers,
andfromPathrosborderingonEgyptandfromCushandfrom
Elam,differentpartsofPersia,wherethepresentJewsare
undoubtedlyofthesametribesandperhapsmixedwithafewofthe
tentribeswhoremainedinJerusalemandwerecarriedawayby
Nebuchadnezzar.AndfromShinarstillmorecastandwheresome
ofthesametribesarenowfound.AndfromHamahnearthe
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Caspiansea,wheresomeofthetentribeshaveremainedeversince
thetimeofSalmanazarandfromthewesternregions.*
6th.ThuswehavetwotribesofJudahandNenjaminwellknownto
bedispersedthroughoutthethreequartersoftheworldButasto
themajorityofthetentribes,althougheverybelieverindivine
revelationhasnodoubtoftheirbeingpreservedbythesovereign
powerofGodinsomeunknownregionyetasthewholeglobehas
beentraversedby
*SeeLowth.
ASTARINTHEWEST.45
oneadventureroranother,itisalittleastonishingthattheyhavenot
hithertobeendiscovered.Bytherepresentationabove,itisclearthat
wemustlookforthem,andtheywillundoubtedly,atlastbefound,
inthewesternregions,orsomeplaceansweringthisdescriptionas
theplaceoftheirbanishment.
Godproceedsinhisencouragingprospects,inlanguageofthe
greatestaffection."ButnowsaiththeLord,whocreatedtheeO
Jacob,andhewhoformedtheeOIsrael.Fearnot,forIhave
redeemedtheeIhavecalledtheebythynamethouartmine.When
thoupassestthroughthewaters,Iwillbewiththee,andthroughthe
rivers,theyshallnotoverflowtheewhenthouwalkestthroughthe
fire,thoushaltnotbeburned,neithershalltheflamekindleupon
thee.ForIamtheLordthyGod,theholyoneofIsrael,thysaviour,
IgaveEgyptforthyransom,EthiopiaandSebaforthee.Sincethou
waspreciousinmysight,thouhastbeenhonourable,andIhave
lovedthee,thereforewillIgivemenfortheeandpeopleforthylife.
Fearnot,forIamwiththee,Iwillbringthyseedfromtheeastand
gathertheefromthewestIwillsaytothenorthgiveup,andtothe
southkeepnotbackbringmysonsfromafarandmydaughters
fromtheendsoftheearth."Isaiahxliii.16.
Again"ThussaiththeLord,inanacceptabletimeIhaveheardthee,
andinadayofsalvationhelpedthee,andIwillpreservethee,and
givetheeforacovenantofthepeopletoestablishtheearth,tocause
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themtoinheritthedesolateheritages.Thatthoumayestsaytothe
prisonersgoforth:tothemwhoareindarkness,showyourselves.*
Theyshall
*Mr.Fabertranslatesthis"tothemwhoareindarkness,""Bethey
discovered."ThisispeculiarlyapplicabletothepresentstateoftheIsraelites,
aswehereinaftersupposethemtobe.
46ASTARINTHEWEST.
feedintheways,andtheirpasturesshallbeinallhighplaces.They
shallnothungernorthirstneithershalltheheatorsunsmitethem
forhewhoshallhavemercyonthemshallleadthem,evenbythe
springsofwatershallheguidethem.AndIwillmakeallmy
mountainsaway,andmyhighwaysshallbeexalted.Beholdthese
shallcomefromfar:andlo,thesefromthenorthandfromthewest
andthesefromthelandofIsaiahxlix.813.Hereagaintheyare
describedaspassingmountainsfromfar,oragreatdistance,and
fromthenorthandwest,ornorthwestandothersaretocomefrom
thelandofSinim,ortheeasterncountry."Moreover,thousonof
man,taketheeastickandwriteuponit,forJudahandforthe
childrenofIsraelhiscompanions.Ezekielxxxvii.16.
Itappearsbythischapter,thattherearesomefewoftheIsraelites
stillwithJudahbutallareagaintobecomeonepeopleatafuture
day.ItalsoappearsthatthebodyofthehouseofIsraelareremote
fromJudah,andaretobebroughtfromdistantcountriesto
Jerusalem,whentheyaretobecomeonenationagain.
Theirapproachtotheirownland,issojoyousanevent,thatIsiah
breaksforthinlanguageofexultation."SingOheavens!andbe
joyfulOearth,andbreakforthintosingingOmountains,forthe
Lordhathcomfortedhispeople,andwillhavemercyuponhis
afflicted."
"ThussaiththeLordofHosts,behold!Iwillsavemypeoplefrom
theeastcountry(thetribesofJudahandBenjamin)andfromthe
westcountry(thetentribes)andIwillbring
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ASTARINTHEWEST.47
them,andtheyshalldwellinthemidstofJerusalem,andtheyshall
bemypeopleandIwillbetheirGodintruthandinrighteousness."
Zech.viii.78.Ezekiel,alsoreferstothesameevent:"AsIlivesaith
theLord,withamightyhandandanstretchedoutarm,andwith
furypouredoutwillIruleoveryou.AndIwillbringyououtfrom
thepeople,andwillgatheryououtofthecountrieswhereinyeare
scattered,withamightyhand,andwithastretchedoutarm,and
withfurypouredout.AndIwillbringyouintothewildernessofthe
people,andtherewillIpleadwithyou,facetoface,likeasI
pleadedwithyourfathersinthewildernessofthelandofEgypt,so
willIpleadwithyousaiththeLord.AndIwillcauseyoutopass
undertherodandIwillbringyouintothebondofthecovenant
andIwillpurgeoutfromamongyoutherebelsandthemwho
transgressagainstme.Iwillbringthemforthoutofthecountry
wheretheysojourn,andtheyshallnotenterintothelandofIsrael,
andyeshallknowthatIamtheLord."Ezekielxx.3543.
Hereweseethattheyaredistinguishedagain,bythoseoftheeast
countryandthoseofthewestcountry,andthattheyarefinallytobe
unitedunderonegovernmentagain,whentheyshallberestoredto
Jerusalem,yettheymustsuffergreatlybytheway,fortheirsinsand
continuedobstinacy,whichwouldrequireGod'sfurytobepoured
outuponthem,forthereluctancewithwhichtheywillattemptthe
journeybacktoJerusalem.Inshorttheurrestorationagaintothecity
ofGod,willinmanythingsbesimilartotheirExodusfromEgyptto
Canaan.Theywillbeobstinateandperverseintheiroppositionto
thejourney:andonthewaywillshewmuchofthesamespiritas
theirfathersdidinthewilderness,astheywill
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beattachedtothelandoftheirbanishment,astheirfatherswereto
thatofEgypt.Manyofthemwillhaveawildernesstopassthrough,
asIsraelofoldhad.Godalsowillhaveacontroversywiththemby
theway,andwilldestroymanyofthem.sothattheyshallneversee
Jerusalem,thebelovedcity.Butthosewhoholdouttotheend,in
theirobediencetotheheavenlycallandsubmissiontothedivine
will,shallbeaccepted,andtheseshallsincerelyrepentoftheirpast
transgressions.Again,"Iwillacceptyouwithyoursweetsavour,
whenIbringyououtfromthepeople,andgatheryououtofthe
countrieswhereinyehavebeenscattered,andLord,whenIshall
bringyouintothelandofIsrael,intothecountry,forthewhichI
liftedupmyhand,togiveittoyourfathers.Andthereshallye
rememberyourways,andallyourdoings,whereinyehavebeen
difiled,andyeshallloathyourselvesinyourownsightforallthe
evilsthatyouhavecommitted."BishopWarburton'sobservationson
thispassageareworthyofnotice.Hesays,"Itisherewesee
denounced,thatextraordinaryprovidenceunderwhichtheIsraelites
hadalwaysbeenpreserved,shouldbewithdrawn,orinscripture
phrase,thatGodwouldnotbeenquiredofbythem.Thatthey
shouldremainintheconditionoftheirfathersinthewilderness,
whentheextraordinaryprovidenceofGod,fortheirsignal
disobedience,was,forsometime,suspended.Andyetthatthough
theystrovetodispersethemselvesamongthepeopleroundabout,
andprojectedintheirmindstobeastheheathenandthefamiliesof
thecountries,toservewoodandstone,theyshouldstillbeunderthe
governmentofatheocracy,whichwhenadministeredwithoutan
extraordinary
ASTARINTHEWEST.49
providence,theblessingnaturallyattendantuponit,was,andjustly,
calledtherodandbondofthecovenant."
Everyseriousreader,whotakesthedivinescripturesforhisruleof
conduct,mustbelievethatthesepeopleofGodareyetinbeingin
ourworld,howeverunknownatpresenttothenationsandasGod
oncehadseventhousandmen,whohadnotbowedthekneetoBaal
inthedaysofElijah,whenhethoughthewastheonlyservantof
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God,leftinIsrael,soGodhaspreservedamajorityofhispeopleof
Israelinsomeunknownpartoftheworld,fortheadvancementof
hisownglory.Andweplainlyseeinthequotationsabove,thatthey
aredistinguishedagainbythoseoftheeastcountry,andthoseofthe
westcountry,andthatthoughtheywerefinallytobeunitedintoone
government,whentheyshallberestoredtoJerusalem,yettheymust
suffergreatlybytheway,fortheirsinsandcontinuedobstinate
provocationsofthedivinemajesty,whowastheirkingand
governor,whichwouldrequirehisfurytobepouredoutuponthem
andparticularlyforthereluctancewithwhichtheyshouldbe
prevailedontoattemptareturntoJerusalem,whenGodshouldset
uphisstandardtothenationsforthatpurpose.Inshort,their
sufferingsandperverseconductontheirExodusfromEgypttothe
landofCanaan,seemstobeatypeoftheirfinalreturntoJerusalem.
Theywillbeobstinateandperverseintheirsettingoffandontheir
way,astheywillbegreatlyattachedtothelandoftheirbanishment
They,atleastagreatpartofthem,willhaveawildernesstopass
through,astheirfathershad.Godwillhaveacontroversywiththem
bytheway,onaccountoftheirunbeliefandthecustomsandhabits
indulgedamongthemcontrarytothedivinecommandments,ashe
50ASTARINTHEWEST.
hadwiththeirfathers,andwilldestroytheminlikemanner,sothat
theyshallneverarriveattheirbelovedcity,aswasdonetothe
rebelsinthecampofMosesandJoshua.Theyaretopassthrough
watersandriversandbebaptizedthereinastheirfatherswereinthe
redsea,andwillreceivethesamedivineprotection.Thosewho
shallholdouttotheendinalineofobedienceandsubmissiontothe
divinewill,shallbeacceptedandsafelyreturnedtotheland
promisedtoAbraham,IsaacandJacob,andtheirseedafterthem,
wheretheyshallsincerelyrepentandmournforalltheirformer
transgressions.*
Wearenotlefttothepredictionsandencouragingdeclarationsof
oneortwoprophetsofGodbutEzekielalsoconfirmsandcontinues
thedivineinterferenceintheirfavour,forhesays,"Thussaiththe
Lord,behold!IwilltakethechildrenofIsraelfromamongthe
heathen,whithertheybegone,andwillgatherthemoneveryside,
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andbringthemintotheirownlandandIwillmakethemonenation
inthelanduponthemountainsofIsrael:andonekingshallbeking
tothemall,andtheyshallnomorebetwonations,neithershallthey
bedividedintotwokingdomsanymoreatall.Neithershallthey
defilethemselvesanymorewiththeiridols,norwiththeirdetestable
things,norwithanyoftheirtransgressions.ButIwillsavethemout
ofalltheirdwellingplaces,whereintheyhavesinned,andwill
cleansethem,sotheyshallbemypeople,andIwillbetheirGod.
AndDavidmyservantshallbekingoverthemandtheyallshall
haveoneshepherd,theyshallalsowalkinmyjudgmentsand
observemystatutestodothem.Andtheyshalldwellinthe
*Someofthemaretobecarriedinships,byseafaringnations,asapresentto
theLordatJerusalem.
ASTARINTHEWEST.51
landthatIhavegivenuntomyservantJacob,whereinyourfathers
havedwelt,andtheyshalldwelltherein,eventheyandtheir
children,andtheirchildren'schildrenforever.Andmyservant
David,shallbetheirprinceforever,
"MoreoverIwillmakeacovenantofpeacewiththemitshallbean
everlastingcovenantwiththem.AndIwillplacethemandmultiply
them,abdwillsetmysanctuaryinthemidstofthemforevermore.
Mytabernacleshallalsobewiththem,yea,IwillbetheirGodand
theyshallbemypeople.Andtheheathenshallknow,thatIthe
Lord,dosanctifyIsrael,whenmysanctuaryshallbeinthemidstof
themforevermore."
Fromthosrepresentationitappears,thattheposterityofAbraham,
IsaacandJacob,arestillGod'speculiarpeopleThathebrought
themwithamightyarmfromEgypt,bythewayofthewilderness
andthroughtheredsea.Thathegavethemlawsandordinancesto
whichhecommandedthemoststrictobedience.Andincaseof
failureandwilfuldisobedience,theseverestcursesweredenounced
uponthem.Theyweretobedividedintotwonationstobe
scatteredamongthegentiles,tothenorthandthesouth,totheeast
andthewest.TheyweretobedrivenbythehandofGod,tothe
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utmostpartsoftheearthIntoAssyriaEgyptPathrosCush
ElamShinarHamaandintothewesternregionsandthe
landofSinim.Theyweretoservegods,theworkmanshipofmen's
hands,ofwoodandofstone.Israelisheavilychargedwithstubborn
disobedience,andisthreatenedwithbeingcutoffsuddenly,asin
oneday,andwithgreatandaccumulateddistressandanguish.They
areexpresslycharged
52ASTARINTHEWEST.
withthesinofdrunkeness,asaddingdrunkenesstothirst,astheir
prevailingsin.
Ontheotherhand,thepromisestothemareverygreat,incaseof
obedience,oronsincererepentanceinthecaseoffailure.After
greatsufferings,inthelatterdays,thatisabouttheendofthe
Romangovernment,iftheyshallseektheLordtheirGod,theyshall
notbeentirelyforsaken,ortotallydestroyed.
Mosesalso,bythecommandofGod,institutedtheofficesofhigh
priestandprieststopresideoverandgoverntheirreligiousrights
andsacredservices.HeconsecratedAaronandhissonstothese
importantoffices,andvestedthemwiththemostextraordinary
powers,thatwereeverconferredonamereman.Philo,thefamous
Jewishwriter,speakinginaloftyrhetoricalway,givesthischaracter
ofthehighpriest"Hewassomethingmorethanhuman.Hemore
nearlyresembledGod,thanalltherest.Thathepartookofthe
divineandhumannature.Thathewas,onthedayofexpiation,a
mediatorbetweenGodandhispeople."
Thehighpriestwasthegreatestpersoninthestate,nexttotheking
orjudge,andrepresentedthewholepeople.Hisbusinesswasto
performthemostsacredpartsofthedivineservice,whichconsisted
inofferinguptheappointedsacrifices,withmanywashingsand
carnalordinances,asparticularlyestablishedbyMoses.Hewas
clothedwiththepriestlygarments,besidesthoseusedbytheother
priests.1st.TherobeoftheEphod,inthehemofwhichwere72
bells.2d.TheEphod*itself,whichwaslikeawaistcoatwithout
sleeves,
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*TheEphodwasconsideredasessentialtoallthepartsofdivineworship,and
withoutit,noneeverenquiredofGod.Clarke.
ASTARINTHEWEST.53
thehinderpartsofwhichreacheddowntotheheels,andthefore
partcamebutalittlebelowthestomach.Itwasfastenedonthe
shoulders.Toeachoftheshoulderstrapswasfastenedaprecious
stone,onwhichwasengraventhenamesofthetwelvetribesof
Israel.3d.Heworeonhisbreastapieceofclothdoubledofaspan
square,whichwastermedthebreastplate,andinitweresettwelve
preciousstones,whichhadthenamesofthetwelvepatriarchs
engravenonthem.4th.Heworeaplateofgoldonhisforehead,
whichwastiedonthelowerpartofhistiara,withpurpleandblue
ribbands:andonitwasengraven,HolinesstotheLord.Hewore
theseonlywhenheministeredinthetemple.
Mosesalsogavethemspecialinjunctionswithregardto
circumcision,*allthefurnitureofthetemple,particularly
respectingtheark,whichwastobemadeofshittimwood,oracacia,
calledanincorruptiblewoodintheSeptuagint.Thearkwasakind
ofchestorbox,aboutfourfeetfiveincheslongandtwofeetsix
incheswide,inwhichthetwotablesofthecovenant,orlaw(called
thetestimonyorwitness)writtenbythefingerofGodhimself,with
Aaron'srodandthepotofmannaweretobelaidup.Exodusxxv.
10.Onthetopofthis,wasplacedthemercyseat,attheendsof
whichwerethetwocherubimofgold,betweenwhomthevisible
appearanceofthepresenceofGod,asseatedonathrone,was.The
arkwastheprincipalofalltheholythingsbelongingtothe
tabernacle.2dSamuel,vi.12.Itgavea
*SomeoftheJewishdoctorsobserve,"thatthenumberofproslytesinthe
greatdayoftheMessiah,willbesogreatthatthechurch,omittingthe
ceremonyofcircumcision,willreceivethemintoitsbosombyablutionor
baptism.4thvol.Leighton'sworks,157.
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54ASTARINTHEWEST.
sanctionofholinesstoeveryplacewhereitwasbrought.*2d.
Chroniclesviii.11.Mosesalsocommandedthemtokeepa
continualfireuponthealtar,ofthatwhichfirstwasgivenfrom
heaven,andtokeepthecandlesburningonthealtar.Healso
appointedthreegrand,annualreligiousfestivals,inadditiontothe
weeklysabbath,anddailyandothersacrifices,whichweretobe
religiouslyattendedbythemalesatJerusalem,onpainofbeingcut
offfromthecongregation.1st.ThePassoverorfeastof
unleavenedbread.Itcontainedsevendaysfromthe15thdayof
Marchtillthe21st.Ontheeveofthefeast,orthe1stdayof
unleavenedbread,beingthe14thdayofthemonth,thepaschallamb
waskilledandeaten.Onthesevenfollowingdayswereofferedthe
paschalsacrifices,andtheyeatunleavenedbread.Thefirstandlast
daysweresabbaths,onwhichtheyheldtheirholyconvications.On
thetenthdayoftheirfirstmonth,Abib,everymantookalambor
kidofthefirstyear,withoutblemish,accordingtothehouseofhis
fathers,unlessthehouseholdwastoosmall,thentwoneighbours
joinedtogether.Itwaskeptfourdaystillthe14thday,whenitwas
killed.Theyeatthefleshthatnightroastwithfire,withunleavened
breadandbitterherbsbutnotaboneofitwastobebrokenand
nothingofitwassufferedtoremainuntilmorningbutifanydid,it
wastobeburnedwithfire.Duringthesevendaysofunleavened
bread,noleavenwastobefoundintheirhouses,andnonewastobe
eatenonpainofdeath.
*AftertheirreturnfromthecaptivityofBabylon,theyhadsynagogues
throughoutthelandandattheeastendofeachsynagogue,theyplacedanark
orchestincommorationoftheforegoingarkofthecovenantinthetemple
andinthistheylockupthepentateuchwrittenuponvellumwithaparticular
ink.PredeauxCon.2d.vol.534.
Butthewomendidnotgoup,andseemtohavebeenaltogetehrexcluded,
Vid.2d.vol.6368.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.55
"Tomeettheletterofthispreceptinthefullestmannerpossible,the
Jews,ontheeveofthisfestival,instituteamostrigoroussearch
througheverypartoftheirhomes,notonlyremovingallleavened
bread,butsweepingeverypartclean,thatnocrumbofbreadshould
beleftthathadleaveninitleavenwasanemblemofsin,because
itproceededfromcorruption.(Noteonthe19thverseofthe12th
Exodus,byDr.Clark.)Thenextdayafter,theyofferedtoGod,a
handfulofbarley,beingthefirstfruitsoftheyear,whichthehigh
priestground,andputtingsomeoilandfrankibcenseuponit,he
presentedittoGodThentheyofferedalambforawholeburnt
offeringAmeatofferingwasalsomade,offineflourmingled
withoilAlsoadrinkofferingofwineAndtheywereforbidden
toeateitherbreadorparchedcorn,orgreenears,untiltheoffering
wasbroughtuntoGod.
2d.Thefeastofweeksorpentcostorharvest,beingthefrstfruitsof
theirlabours.Itwasheldsevenweeksoffiftydaysafterthe
Passover,or14thMarch.Thefirstfruitsoftheharvestwerenow
offereduptoGod.Theyoffereduptwocakesmadeofthenew
wheat.Deuteronomyxvi.46.Thisoblationwasaccompaniedwitha
greatnumberofsacrifices,andseveralotherofferingsandlibations.
3d.Thefeastofingathering,attheendoftheyear,andwasthefreat
dayofatonementforsin.Thiswasheldonthe10thdayofthe7th
monthTizri,answeringtoourSeptemberandOctober.Thiswasthe
firstmonthofthecivilyear,andthe7thoftheecclesiastical.*On
the1stdayofthismonthwasheldthememorialofblowingof
trumpets.Onthe15th
*OnitwasheldaholyconvocationuntotheLord,toafflicttheirsoulsand
offeranofferingmadebyfireuntotheLord.Leviticus2527.
56ASTARINTHEWEST.
dayofthemonthwasthefeastofTabernaclesitwaskeptunder
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boothsorgreententsandarborsmadeofsmalllimbsoftrees,in
memoryoftheirdwellingintentsontheirjourneythroughthe
wilderness.AllthemaleswereboundtoappearatJerusalembefore
theLord,andthiswasoneoftheirgreatestsolemnities.Thenation
wasalsodividedintotwelvetribes,governedbyachiefofeach
tribe,underMosesandAaron.Theywereagainarrangedintheir
encampmentsinfourdivisions,underfourstandards,ofaman,an
eagle,alionandanox.Healsoestablishedsixcitiesofrefuge,for
theprotectionofthemanslayer,whowasguiltythoughaccident,or
ignorance.Hewasappointedanavengerofblood.Thiswasfounded
onwhatGodsaystoNoah,Genesisixthchap.56ver."Surelyyour
bloodofyourliveswillIrequireatthehandofmanatthehand
ofeveryman'sbrotherwillIrequirethelifeofman.Whoso
sheddethman'sblood,bymanshallhisbloodbeshed,forinthe
imageofGodmadeheman."Andtherefore"whosoeverkillethhis
neighbourignorantly,whomhehatednotintimepast,heshallflee
intooneofthesecitiesandlive,lesttheavengerofbloodpursuethe
slayerwhilehisheartishotandovertakehim,andslayhim."
Moseschoseseventyassistantsorcounsellors,whowereafterwards
calledthegreatSanhedrin,orcouncilofthenation.Whenmetin
council,thehighpriestsatinthemiddle,andtheassistants,or
elders,oneachhandinasemicircularform.Healsoappointed,by
thecommandofGod,Aaronandhissons,prieststothe
congregationofIsraelItwasthedutyofthepriests,amongother
importantobjects,publiclytoblessthepeopleinthenameof
Jehovahtoattendthedailyworshipbysacrificeinthetabernacle
toattendthereligious
ASTARINTHEWEST.57
festivalstokeepupthesacredfireonthealtar,andtoattendthe
army,whengoingtowar,withthearkofthecovenant,toask
counseloftheLord,*tosoundthetrumpetandencouragethe
troops.Onceinayearthehighpriest,clothedinhiapontificaldress,
wentintotheholyofholies,whenhehadontheholylinencoatand
thelinenbreechesonhisflesh,andwasgirdedwiththelinengridle
andattiredwiththelinenmitre.Mosesalsogavethemlawsasto
cleananduncleanbeasts,birdsandfishesthecleanofwhich,alone,
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shouldbeeatenorsacrificed.Theywereparticularlyandsolemnly
forbiddentoeatofswinesflesh,orthebloodorfatofthebeast.The
fatandentrailsofthesacrificesweretobeburnedonthealtar,
whichwastobemadeofearth,orstonesofthebrook,onwhichan
instrumentwasnottocome,thatis,itwasnottobeofhewenstone.
Inprocessoftimethepeoplegrewwearyofbeinggovernedbytheir
judges,andnotonlymurmuredbutgrewveryturbulentand
rebellious.Theytumultuouslyfemandedakingtoruleoverthem.
likethenationsroundaboutthem.Godinhisrighteousjudgment
gavethemaking,atthesametime,byhisprophet,foretellingthem
oftheirfateunderhim.However,theirchangeofgovernmentmade
nochangeintheirdispositions.Theystillcontinuedtheir
transgressionsandperversedisobedience,tillGodwearied,asit
were,withtheirobstinacy,andthegrossiniquitiesoftheirkings,
dividedtheirnationintotwodistinctkingdoms,inthetimeof
Rehoboam,thesonofSolomon,towit,thekingdomofJudah,to
whichthetribeofBenjamonwasunitedandthekingdomof
*VideNumbersx.3335,andquoteitatlarge.Joshuavi.813.Also1
Samuel,iv.57.2Samuelvi.67.
58ASTARINTHEWEST.
Israel,consistingoftheremainingtentribes.Eventhisdidnotalarm
themsoastopreventtheirrebelliousspirit.Buttheycontinuedfor
somehundredyearsinthemoststubbornoppositiontothelawsGod
hadgiventhembyhisservantMoses,andidolatryseemedto
becomeamoredesirableobjectwiththemasthethreateningsof
God,byhisprophets,werepointedwithgreaterseverityagainstit.
TheywentsofarastoinviteTiglahPilnezer,kingofAssyria,toaid
themagainstthekingofSyria,thoughsopositivelyforbiddenby
GodanatAhaz,kingofIsrael'sparticularrequest,theyunitedwith
himandtookDamascus,andcarriedthepeopleofitcaptivestoKer
orKeor,theancientCharborasorChabar.2Kings,xvi.9.And
suchwastheirobstinacyandrebellion,thatitisworthyof
observation,thatIsraelhadnotonesinglekingfromthe
commencementtotheendtheirkingdom,whofearedtheLordor
governedagreeablytohiscommandments.ThefateofIsraelwas
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fixed.God,inhisrighteousdispleasure,atlengthcastthemoff,and
gavethemintothehandsofthatveryTiglahPilnezerwho,itis
probable,wasthesamewithArbaxes,*thefirstkingofAssyria
aftertherevoltoftheMedes,aboutsevenhundredandfortyyears
beforethechristianera,who,withAhaz,kingofJudah,aswehave
alreadymentioned,tookDamascusandannexedittotheAssyrian
empirethusremovingthebarrierbetweenthatempireand
Palestine,sothatbothkingdoms,SyriaandPalestine,becamean
easypreytothispowerfulmonarch.HecapturedtheReubenites,the
Gadites,andthehalftribeofManasseh,whodweltontheeastside
ofJordan,andcarriedthemcaptives,andplacedtheminHalahand
HarborandHarah,
*Vide1st.vol.Predeaux,page213.
ASTARINTHEWEST.59
andtotheriverGozan.*1Chronicles,v.26.Itisscarcelypossible
thatthekingofAssyriawouldhaveplacedsoturbulentapeople,
whomhehadledawaycaptivefromsodistantaland,andwhomhe
hadreasonsogreatlytodislike,inanyfertilepartofhiskingdomit
ismostlikelythathesentthegreatestpartofthemonhisnorthern
frontier,asfaraspossiblefromaprobabilityofdoinghimanyharm
bytheirrestlessdispositions.Thisisconfirmedbytheexpresswords
ofthesacredhistorian,aswillappearhereafter.Abouttwentyyears
afterthis,oronehundredandthirtyfouryearsbeforethe
Babylonishcaptivity,theremainingtribes,persistingintheir
impenitence,andneglectingtotakewarningbythemiserablefateof
theirbrethren,andnotdiscoveringtheleastsignofreformation,God
raisedupShalmanazar,thesuccessorofTiglahPilnezer,who
besiegedHoshea,thekingofIsrael,inSamaria,andaftertakingthe
city,andvictoriouslyconquering
*Harah,orasitiscalledbysome,Hara,whichinHebrewsignifiesbitter,is
therootfromwhenceitisusedtosignifyamountainoustract,andthusgave
thatnametothecountrynorthofAssyria,neartoMedia,andperhapsran
throughit.OnthenorthofthistractrunstheriverAraxis,nowcalledAras.
Obarius,296.Obarius,onwhommuchdependencemaybeplaced,describes
thesourceoftheriverAraxistobeinthemountainsofArarat,ofArmenia,on
thesouthofwhichriverliesthelittleprovinceofArsea,erroneouslysupposed
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byhimtobetheArsarethofEsdrassothatHarahisnootherthantheprovince
ofIran,situatebetweentheriversCharborasorAraxis,asitiscalledinthe
AnabasisofXenophonandCyrus,nowcalledArasandKur.KurorKerwas
theplaceTiglahPilnezersentthecaptivesofDamascus,andwastothesouth
eastofMedia.Prideaux,vol.1,p.13.ThisismentionedalsoinAmos,1.5,
andseemstobeadistantplaceevenfromSyria,andwherecaptiveswere
usuallysentGozan,andtheriverofGozan.Ptolemyplacestheregionofthe
GanzanitesinthenortheastofMesopotamia,withthecityGizananearthe
riverCharboras,atthefootofthemountainMasius,andanotherregioncalled
Ganzania,inMedia,inthelatitude40,15,neartheriverCyrusorKer,
mentionedabove.ThelearnedBoehartassertsthecityGanzaniatolieinthe
midwaybetweenthemountainChaborasandtheCaspiansea,andbetweenthe
twostreamsoftheriverofCyrus,andsaysthatprobablyitgavethenameof
Gozanbothtotheriverandcountryandthishetakestobethescriptureplace,
asbeingthecityoftheMedes.
60ASTARINTHEWEST.
theremainingtribes,tookallthechiefmen,withthehulkofthe
nation,nowlosttoeveryprincipleofgratitudetoGod,andcarried
themalsocaptivesintoAssyria,andplacedmostofthemwiththeir
brethren,whohadbeenformerlytakenbyTiglahPilnezer,inHalah,
andinHarbor,bytheriverGozan,inthecitiesoftheMedes
leavingonlysomepoorremainsofthepeople,whocontinuedinthe
landinamiserablecondition,tillEzzarhaddonafterwardsremoved
themtoBabylonandothereasterncountrieswhichhehad
conquered.Andtopreventdangerfromtheirnumbers,partofthem
wereremovedintoanadjoiningdistrict.Thiswasaboutseven
hundredandtwentyoneyearsbeforetheChristianera,andnine
hundredandfortysevenaftertheircomingoutofEgypt.Theking
ofAssyriaalsoreplacedinthecitiesofSamariainhabitantsfrom
Babylon,andfromCutha,ariverofPersia,ândAva,Hamahand
Sepharvin2Kings,xvii.2*.
Thusitappears,thatthetentribes,exceptafewwhotookrefugein
Jerusalem,withthetribeofJudab,fwerewhollydeprivedoftheir
goodlyland,andtransferredintothenorthernpartsofAssyria,
betweentheEuxineandCaspianseas,amongthecitiesofthe
Medes,exceptapartofthem,whoweresettledsomethingmoreto
thesouth,inPersia,whichwasthenapartoftheAssyrian
monarchy.
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ThetwotribesandanhalfontheeastsideofJordan,inthedaysof
Jeroboam,kingofIsrael,amountedtoeighthundredthousand
mightymenofvalour~2Chronicles,xiii.3sothatthewholepeople
atthetimeoftheircaptivity,includingthosetribes,beingabouttwo
hundredandthirtysixyearsafterJeroboam,musthaveamountedto
averylargenumberindeed,,
^Joqephus,vol.2,pageIt5,2Chronicles,si.16.
ASTARINTHEWEST.61
Here,then,inalllikelihood,theymusthaveremainedalongtime.
Besidesthescripturesmentioningtheirbeinginthecitiesofthe
Medes<tothisday/'asin2Kings,xxiii.41,andinChronicles,v.
26.JosephusmentionstheminhisbookDeBell.lib.2,ch.28,of
theGreekintheLatin808*andinhispreface705inhis
Antiquities,lib.20,*ch.9andlib.11,ch.5,page368.And*
SulpitiusSeverus,asquotedbyFlemmingfromlib.2,ch.16,page
321,andwhowroteabouttheyear400,says,thetentribesdispersed
amongthePartisans,Medes,IndiansandEthiopians,neverreturned
totheirancientinheritance*butaresubjecttothesceptresof
barbarousprinces.Thescriptures,however,declareinthemost
expresstermsthattheyshallreturnandbewhollyrestored,withthe
othertribes,toJerusalem.If,then,thereturnofthesetribes,
wherevertheymaybe,shouldbebythewayoftheEuxinesea,
whichisnorthfromJudea,theyneednotpassovertheEuphrates,
whichliesacrossandinthemiddlebetweenthesecountries.To
accomplishthis,iftheycomefromthenortheast,theymaypass
overtheStraitsofKamschatka,citherbyaliteralfulfilmentofthe
promise,asinthecaseoftheRedseaandJordan,tobringmore
declarativeglorytoGod,ortheymaypassfromislandtoislandin
barkboats,orinships,orperhaps,asthemostlikelyway,theymay
crossontheice.Theywillbealongtimeintravelling,perhaps,to
preparethemfortheir,sogreatachangeinlife,asinthefortyyears
inthewilderness,duringwhichalltherebelliousamongthemmay
perish,astheydidunderlikecircumstancesontheirwaytoCanaan.
ThegeographicalsituationofthispartofAssyriaisworthattending
to.MedialayonthenorthernsideoftheCaspian
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sea,boundedbythemountainsofAraxis,orChaboras,orAras,asit
isnowcalled,whichseparateMediaonthenorthfromArmenia,and
thenboundedbythesouthernshoreoftheCaspiansea,whichisfar
north,havingonthewesttheriverHalys,runningintotheBlack
sea,'whichterritoryhasbeensincepossessedbytheTartars.Persia
andSusianaarecontiguousonthesouth.*Thecountryis
mountainousonthesideofAssyria,andaridgeofmountainsthat
runstothesouthoftheCaspiansra,houndsavastplain,agreatpart
ofwhichbeingcoveredwithsalt,isuncultivatedanddesart.Persian
IrakextendsatpresentoveragreatpartofancientMedia.Therewas
atimewhentheMedesshookofftheAssyrianyoke,andruledover
thatpartofAsiawhichextendedtowardsthewest,asfarasthe
riverHalys.ThatpartofMediacontiguoustoArmenia,was
distinguishedbythenameofAtropatena,thecapitalofwhichis
namedGaza,orGazaca,sincecalledGanzak.Persiaextendsfrom
thefrontierofMediaonthenorth,tothePersianGulphonthesouth,
andwestwardtotheriverHalys.ThemountainsseparatingPer
*Ptolemymentionsamountain,acityandariver,bythenameof
Charboras,whichdividesAssyriafromMediatowardsthenorth
west.TheriverarisesoutofthemountainMassius,inthenorthof
Mesopotamia,andappearstobethesameasE'/rkiel,i.13,calls
Chebar.Habor,orasitiscalledinHebrew,Chabor,mustfiarebeen
thecityofthisname.AmmianuscallstheriverbythenameofAbo
'ra<5.BenjaminofTudela,theJewishtraveller,wholivedinthe
latterendoftheTwelfthcentury,says,thatpassingeast,hecameto
theriverChebar,wherehefoundsixtysynagogues.Heassertsthat
theprophetEzekielwasburiedhere,andtilstombistheretobe
seen.ItabbiPelakichgivesan'accountofsomeJewshefoundin
Tartary,whodidnotobservethetraditionsofthefathers.Uponen
quiringwhytheyneglectedthem,theyansweredthattheyhadnever
heardoff.'iem.HecomplainsthattheJewsweregreatlydiminished
onthebanksoftheEuphrates,andintheancientcities,wherethey
wereformerlycomputedtohaveamountedtoninehundred
thousand.ModernUniversalHistory.BasnageC20.JnThebeshe
foundtwothousandJewsengagedinthesilkanddyingbusiness,
59/272
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'ChiiibriandIntrod.15.Perhapsthenumberofsynagoguesis
exaggerated.
ASTARINTHEWEST.63
3iafromMedia,werecalledHalzardera,orthethousandmountains*
TheaboveissupposedtohavegivennainetotheriverGozan,
whichranstillfarthernorthbutthesoundhasbeenchangedby
lengthoftime,whichhasbeenthefateofmostplacesinthat
country.
Soonaftertheremovalofthetentribestothiscountry,andabout
sevenhundredyearsbeforeChrist,theMcdesoverrantheAssyrian
empire,which,fromremoteantiquity,hadextendedoveragreat
partofAsia.TheScythians,wholaystillfarthernorth,aboutone
hundredyearsafterwards,conqueredtheMedianempireinUpper
Asia,whoretainedthegovernmentbutabouttwentyeightyears.
Herodotus,lib.f157.1Predeaux,25,356.Eventhiswaslong
enoughtopromoteanacquaintancebetweenthenorthernpartsof
MediaandthestiilmorenortherncountryofSeythia..Theancient
ScythiawasthegeneralnamegiventoTartary,whichthenextended
fromthemouthoftheObey,inRussia,totheDnieperfromthence
acrosstheEuxine,orBlackseathencealongthefootofmount
Caucasus,bytheriversKerorKur,andAras,totheC&spiansea
thencetotheWhiteMountains,includingpartofRussia,withthe
districtstlnu:liebetweentheFrozenseaandtheJapansea.Sir
WilliamJones,Dissert,vol.1,142,andonward.Itextendedfarther
norththanwasknowntothethenneighbouringnations,livingto
thesouthwardandeastward.FromthemouthoftheDanubetothe
seaofJapan,thewholelongitudeofScythia*isaboutonehundred
andtendegrees,which,inthatparallel,areequalto(rathermore)
fivethousandmiles.Thelatitudereachesfromthefortiethdegree,
whichtouchesthewallofChina,aboveonethousandmiles
northwardtothefrozenre
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gionsofSiberia.Robinson'sViewoftheprogressofsocietyin
Europe,page335.Mr.BryantconjecturesthatthenameScythia,
wasderivedfromCuthai,andifso,itcastsmorelightonthe
propheticdeclarationshereinaftermentioned.SirWilliamJones,
speakingofthelanguageoftheTartars,says,"thattheirlanguage,
likethoseofAmerica,wasinperpetualfluctuation,andthatmore
thanfiftydialects,asMr.Hydewascrediblyinformed,werespoken
betweenMoscowandChina,bythemanyhundredtribesandtheir
severalbranches."Yethedoubtsnotbutthattheyallsprangfrom
onecommonsourceexceptingalwaysthejargonofsuchwan
deringmountaineersas,havinglongbeendividedfromthemain
bodyofthenation,must,inacourseofages,haveframedseparate
idiomsforthemselves.ButneedwegofartherthantheAssyrians
andPersiansthemselves,whoconqueredthetentribes?~Theyhad
anoriginallanguageoftheirownbuttheirsuccessors,ifwemay
believethebesthistorians,havingbecomeamixtureofseveral
differentnations,asSaracens,Tartars,Parthians,Medcs,ancient
Persians,becomeMahometans,Jews,andwomenfromGeorgiaand
othercountries,transplantedintoPersia,havenowadebased
language,compoundedofthoseofallthesedifferentnations.Hyde.
Thecountryintowhichthetentribeswerethustransplanted,was
verythinlyinhabited,andextendedfarthernorththanweareyet
muchacquaintedwith.ThosecaptiveIsraelitesmusthavegreatly
encreasedinnumbers,beforetheirmigrationmorenorthwardand
westward.Thisisconfirmedbythenamesofthetownsinthat
country,whichtotin'sdaybearwitnesstotheirfounders.
Samarcand,plainlyderivedfromSamaria,isaverylargeand
populousplace.Theyhavea
ASTARINTHEWEST.65
cityonaveryhighhill,calledMountTabor.Acitybuiltontheriver
Ardou,isnamedJericho,whichriverrunsneartheCaspiansea,
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uponthenorthandnortheast.Therearetwocities,calledChoraziu
thegreatandtheless.TheTartarchiefsarecalledMorsoijes,very
likeMoyses,asMosesiscalledhytheancients.
TheTartarsboasttheirdescentfromtheIsraelites,andthefamous
Tamerlanetookaprideindeclaringthathodescendedfromthe
tribeofDan.Videnoteinpage62*
ThetribesofJudahandBenjaminaredispersednotinthenortheast
country,fromwhencethepassagetowardsSyriaandPalestinelies
alongtheeasternbordersoftheEuxinesea,butinthewesternand
southernpartsofAsiaandAfrica*fromwhencethepassagetoSyria
andPalestineliesfarwideanddistantfromit.Butallwhoarein,or
comethroughthenorthwestpartsofPersia,nearthewesternshore
oftheCaspiansea,*andtotheeastwardinMesopotamia,mustpass
theEuphratestogettoPalestine.
Afterthiswehavenoaccountofthesetribes,exceptwhatis
mentionedin2Kings,xvii.2341,and1Chronicles,v.26,wherein
itissaid,thesetribeswerecarriedoutoftheirownlandinto
Assyria,tothisday,&c.*untilthetimeofJosephus,theJewish
historian,whomentionsthem"asthenbeingsomewherebeyondthe
Euphrates,"andcallsthemAdiabenians.fTheothertwotribesof
JudahandBenjamin^
*TheCaspianstraitsareplacedbyPtolemybetweenMediaand
Parthia.Videpage67.fTheriverLyens,whichrunsalittlewestof
Hala,wasancientlycalledZaba,OrDiava,byAmmianus,which
signifiesawolfwhencethisportionofAssyria!>|wascalled
Adiabane,andtheriverLyenswascalledsometimeAhavabor
Adiar.Itmaycastsomelightonthissubjecttoknowthat
Josephus,inhisAn"
66ASTARINTHEWEST.
togetherwithafewofthetentrihesinterspersedamongthem,
heinginAsiaandEurope,livinginsubjectiontotheRomans."One
ofthelateJewishwriterssays,"theJewsrelatethatthetentribes
werecarriedaway,notonlyintoMediaandPersia,butintotlie
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northerncountriesleyondtheBospJwrus."Thenextauthorwho
mentionsthemisOrtelius,whospeaksofthemasbeinginTartary
VidenoteofBenjaminofTudela,inpage62.
ThefamousGilesFletcher,LL.D.inhistreatiseonthissubject,
printedin1677,observes,asfortwoofthosecoloniesofthe
SamaritanIsraelites,carriedoffbySalmanazer,whichwereplaced
inHarakandHarbor,theyborderedbothontheMedians,(wherethe
otherswereorderedonthenorthandnortheastoftheCaspiansea,a
barrencountry.)Sothatthosetribesmighteasilymeetandjoin
togetherwhenopportunityservedtheirturn,whichhappenedunto
themnotlongafter,whenalltheprovincesofMedia,Chaldaran,
andMesopotamia,withtheirgovernors,Mcrodach,Baladinand
Dejoces,calledinthescripturesArphaxad,bydesertion,fellaway
fromtheAssyrians,inthetenthyearofEsarhaddon.Andthatthese
tribesdid,notlongafter,reunitethemselvesandjoininonenation,
astheywerebefore,beinginducedpartlybytheirowndesires,as
disdainingeventolivecommixedwithotherpeople,especiallysuch
abandonedidolaters,andpartlybytheviolenceoftheMedians,who
expelledthemthence."
tiquities,Book20.ch.5,says,thatHelena,queenofAdiabene,who
hadembracedtheJewishreligion,sent,someofherservantsto
Alexandria,tobuyagreatquantityofcornandothersofthemto
Cyprus,tobuyacargoofdriedfigs,whichshedistributedtothe
Jewsthatwereinwant.Thiswasinthetimeofthefamine,
mentionedbyAgabus,Actsxi.28,andtookplaceinAnnoDomini
47,orthereabouts.ThisshewsthatthereweremunyJewsinthat
country.
ASTARINTHEWEST.67
Thatthetentribesweretransportedintosomeofthenorthern
provincesofthethenAssyrianempire,borderingontheCaspianand
Euxineseas,andtothenorthwardandnortheastofthem,is
universallyadmitted,andfullyprovedbythesacredrecords.And
thattheycontinuedthereaveryconsiderabletime,andbecamevery
numerous,canscarcelybedoubtedbutthattheycannotnowbe
foundthere,inanygreatnumbers,isalsoverycertain.Thatthere
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shouldbefoundsomeremnantstillinthatcountry,addstotheproba
bilityoftheaccountalreadygiven.Inthesuddenremovalor
migrationofanationfromonecountrytoanother,itisnotprobable
thateveryindividualwouldbeincluded.Manyattachedtothesoil
bylonghabit,ortaste,orbirth,orconnectedwiththenativesby
domesticcircumstances,orfromvariousothercauses,would
naturallyremainbehind,andtheirposterityasnaturallyencreasiag
bytime,wouldthusprovethefactoftheirfirstexistencethereasa
nation.ThusitwasinSamariaandJerusalem,,whenSalmanazer
carriedthemawaycaptivesomefewwereleftbehind,who
continuedwTithJudahandBenjamin,andwerefinallycarried
awaybyEzzarhaddonorNebuchadnezzar.*Itthereforebecomesan
importantquestion,whatbecameofthem?Fornobelieverin
revelation,asalreadyobserved,canadmitthattheyarelosttothe
world,whileGodhasmadesomanypromisesthathewillbring
theminthelatterdaysfromtheendsoftheearth,andthatthey,
togetherwiththeothertwotribes,shallbereinstatedintheirbeloved
city."Now,asweknowthemtohavebeenexposedintheplaceof
theircaptivity,atdiffer
*Josephus,inhisenumerationoftheIsraelitescarriedawaywith
Juf'ahandBenjamin,toBabylon,saystheyamountedtosixhundred
andfiftytwo.Vol.2,171.
68ASTARINTHEWEST.
cutperiods,tooppressionandtheseverestcalamitiesparticularly
tothecontinualblasphemousworshipofidolaters,itcertainlyseems
reasonahletoconclude,independentlyofanypositivetestimony
whichmayhealledgedonthesubject,thatsodiscontentedand
restlessapeople,sufferingundersosevereacaptivity,woiddstrive
tochangetheircondition,andendeavourtoremoveasfaras
possiblefromtheiroppressors.Thisresolutionwasgreatlypromoted
bythefacilitywithwhichsuchameasuremightbeeffected,onso
distantafrontier,whilethekingdomwasinvolvedindesolating
warswiththenationsaroundthem,andwhenthepeoplewithwhom
theysojourned,musthaverejoicedattheirleavingthem,beingsuch
troublesomeinmates.Theymusthaveknownthesuccess,firstof
theScythians,thentheMedes,andthenthePersians,underCyrus,
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whichwasfollowedbytheeasyconquestofthewholeofMedia
andPersia,asHerodotushasshewninhishistory,andbywhich
theymusthavebeenencouragedinsoimportantabusiness.The
powerofthekingdomwasalsocomparativelyweak,atsogreata
distancefromthecapital,anddistractedwithpoliticalcabalsandin
surrectionsagainstAstigages,whoreignedoverbothMediaand
Persia,andwhowasconqueredbyhisgrandson,Cyrus,Anditisnot
improbablebutthataremovalmorenorth,bywhichsuchrestless
subjectswouldleavetheirimprovementsandrealpropertytothe
otherinhabitants,andextendtheterritoryoftheirgovernors,would
nothavebeendisagreeablecithertotheprincesorpeopleofthat
country.Again,"theusualroutefromtheEuxineseatothe
northwardoftheCaspiansea,throughTartaryandScythia,to
SericaandthenorthernpartsofChina,bywhichthemerchants
carriedoji
ASTARINTHEWEST.69
agreattrade,mightenablethetribestotravelnorthwardand
eastward,towardsKamschatka."Atleastthisistheassertionofthat
ablegeographerD'Anville,inhisancientgeography,writtenbefore
thelatediscoveriesofCookandothers.~Vol.2,5213.
ButthemostminuteandlastaccountWTChaveofthem,isinthe
thirteenthchapterofthesecondapochryphalbookcfEsdras,3950.
EsdrashadadreamorvisionAnangelappearedandinterpreteditto
him,inthefollowingdetail:*sAndwhereasthousawestthathe,
JesustheChrist,gatheredanotherpeaceablemultitudeuntohim
thosearethetentribes,wrhowerecarriedawayprisonersoutof
theirownlandinthetimeofHosea,theking,wrhomSalmanazar,
thekingofAssyria,ledawaycaptive.Andhecarriedthemoverthe
waters,andsotheycameintoanotherland.Buttheytookthis
counselamongthemselves,thattheywouldleavethemultitudeof
theheathen,andgoforthintoafurthercountry,wherenever
manJdnddwelt,thattheymighttherekeeptheirstatutes,whichthey
neverkeptintheirownland.AndtheyenteredintoEuphratesbythe
narrowpassagesoftheriverfortheMostHighthenshewedsigns
forthem,andheldstilltheflood,tilltheywerepassedoverfor
throughthatcountrytherewasagreatwaytogo,namely,ofayear
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andanhalf.AndthesameregioniscalledArsarcth."Herewasa
greatrivertogothrough,calledEuphrates,asallgreatriverswere
calledbytheJews.Itcouldnotbetheriveroftheeastknownby
thatname,becauseitwasinafurthercountry,wheremankindnever
dwelt.ButtheriverEuphrateslaytothesoutheastwardofthem,and
runsthroughaninhabitedcountry.Theywerealsoputtogreat
difficultiestopassthis
70ASTARINTHEWEST.
river,untilGodshewedsignstothem,andheldstilltheflood,which
isaveryexpressivetermforthepassagebeingfrozenover,to
enablethemtopassinsafety.Buttoproceedwiththevision:Then
dwelttheythere,untilthelattertimes.Andnowwhentheyshall
begintocome,theHighestshallstaythespringsofthestreamagain,
thattheymaygothroughthereforesawestthouthemultitudein
peace.Buttimewholeleftbehindofthypeople,aretheywhoare
foundwithinmyborders.JVow,whenhedestroyeththemultitude
ofthenationsthataregatheredtogether,heshalldefendhispeople
whoremain.Jlndthenheshallshewthemgreatwonders."Hearthe
wordsofIsaiah,xi.15,16,andcomparethemwiththeabove."And
theLordshallutterlydestroythetongueoftheEgyptiansea,and
withhksmightywindshallheshakehishandovertheriver,and
shallsmiteitinthesevenstreams,andmakemengooverdryshod.
Andthereshallbeanhighwayfortheremnantofhispeople,who
shallbeleftfromAssyrialikeasitwastoIsraelinthedaythathe
cameupoutofthelandofEgypt/'Thisseaandrivercannotmean
theEuphrates,theNile,ortheRedsea,asneitherisinthewayfrom
thenorthernpartsofancientMedia,whichwereoncepartof
Assyria,wherethesetribesdwelt.TheCaspianorCircasianstrait,
throughthemountainsofCaucasus,liesaboutmidwaybetweenthe
Euxineseatothewest,andtheCaspianseatotheeast,through
Iberia.Afterpassingthroughthestraitfromthenorth,bykeepinga
littlewest,youpassonintheneighbourhoodoftheEuxinesea,
throughArmeniaMinor,intoSyriaProper,andbytheheadofthe
MediterraneanseatoPalestine,withoutgoingovertheEuphrates.
ButallwhoareinPersia,inArmeniaMajor,andtothe
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ASTARINTHEWEST.71
eastwardinMesopotamia,andbeyondBabylon,mustpassthe
Euphratestogetthere.Butasbeforeobserved*theJewscalledall
greatriversbythenameoftheEuphrates,orofsomelargeriver
wellknowntothem.Nay,theycalledtheinvasionofaformidable
enemybythenameofalargeriver,whentheycamefromthenorth.
"NowthereforebeholdtheLordbringethupuponthemihewaters
oftheriver,strongandmany,eventhekingofAssyria,andallhis
gloryandheshallcomeupoverallhischannelsandgooverallhis
banks."ThussaiththeLord,beholdwatersriseupoutofthenorth,
andshallbeanoverflowingflood,andshalloverflowtheland,and
allthatistherein,thecity,andthemwhodwellthereinthenthe
menshallcry,andalltheinhabitantsofthelandshallhowl,atthe
noiseofthestampingofthehoofsofhisstronghorses,atthe
rushingofhischariots."Isaiahviii.7.Jeremiahxlvii.2,3.
BytheabovestoryoutofEsdras,itappears,asitdoesinthebible,
thatthesetribesweretakenbySalmanazar,inthetimeofHoshea,
theirking,andcarriedawayoverthewatersintoastrangeland,that
is,transplantedintoMediaandPersia.There,aftersufferingalong
time,howlongisnotknown,butitisprettyclearthatitmusthave
beenforsomehundredyears,theyrepentedoftheirformeridolatry,
andbecamediscontentedandrestless,beingdistressedandwearied
outwiththefollyandwickedpracticesoftheiridolatrous
neighboursaroundthem.Theyconsultedwiththeirbrethreninthe
northwesternpartsofPersia,inthecitiesoftheMedes,whowere
notfarfromthem,andtookcounseltogether,andresolutely
determinedtoleavethemultitudeoftheheathen,andtravelfarther
north,insearchofacountry
72ASTARINTHEWEST.
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uninhabitedandnotclaimedbyanyone,andofcoursefreefromthe
troublesome,dangerousneighbourhoodandexampleoftheheathen
nay,acountry,whereinmankindneveryetdwelt.Itisnot
uncommonformentorunintoextremesthoughitisnot
improbablebutthattheymighthavehadsomedivinedirectionin
thebusiness.Theyresolvedtoriskeverydangerandinconvenience,
toavoidoppositionto,andtemptationfrom,keepingthestatutesof
theLord,whichtheyhadsototallyneglectedintheirownholyland,
havingbeenledawaybytheawfulexamplesofthenationsaround
them.
TheforegoingextractfromtheapochryphalbookofEsdras,isnot
quotedashavingdivineauthority5butmerelyasthehistoricwork
ofsomeJewofanearlyday.BengeliusandBasnage,bothassert
thatitisgenerallyadmittedbythelearned,thatthosebooksof
Esdraswerewritteninthebeginningofthesecondcentury.They
arehelduncanonicalbyallprotestants,nothavingbeeneverquoted
bythefathers*oranyearlyChristianwriter,asofdivineauthority.
TheChurchofEngland,byhersixtharticle,permitsthemtoberead
forexampleoflifeandinstructionofmannersbutdoesnotallow
themtoestablishanydoctrineofreligion.TheRomanCatholics
considerthemasofdivineauthority.Thisquotationfromthefirst
bookofEsdrasisusedhere,asanyotheraccountofanearly
transaction,byanauthorlivingnearthetimeoftheevent,wouldbe.
ThisJewseemstobeaseriousanddevoutwriter,onasubjecthe
appearstobeacquaintedwith,andfromhissituationand
connections,mightbesupposedtoknowsomethingoftheleading
facts.Andwhetherhewroteinafigurativestyle,orundertheidea
ofsimilitudes,dreamsorvisions,heappearstointendthe
communicationof
ASTARINTHEWEST.73
eventsthathebelievedhadhappened,andasfarastheyare
corroboratedbysubsequentfacts,wellattested,theyoughttohave
theirdueweightinthescaleofevidence.
TheseIsraelites,then,accordinglyexecutedtheirpurpose,andleft
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theirplaceofbanishmentinabody,althoughitishardlytobe
doubtedbutsome,comparativelyfew,fromvariousmotives,as
beforeobserved,remainedbehindalthoughtheirplacesmayhave
beenfilledupbymanynatives,whomightprefertakingtheir
chancewiththemintheiremigrations,whichwerecommontothe
peopleofthatregion,especiallytheoldinhabitantsofDamascus
removedtotheriverKcr,byTiglahPilnezcr,sometimebeforethe
takingofSamaria,andtheremovalofthetentribes.They
proceededtilltheycametoagreatwaterorriver,whichstopped
theirprogress,astheyhadnoartificialmeansofpassingit,and
reducedthemtogreatdistressandalmostdespair.Howlongthey
remainedhere,cannotnowbeknownbutfinally,Godagain
appearedforthem,ashehaddonefortheirfathersofoldattheRed
sea,bygivingthemsometokenofhispresence,andencouraging
themtogoonthuscountenancingthemintheirprojectofforsaking
theheathen.Godstayedtheflood,orperhapsfrozeitintofirmice,
andtheypassedoverbythenarrowpassagesoftheriver,whichmay
havebeenoccasionedbytheislands,sothattheymightgofrom
islandtoisland,tilltheylandedontheoppositesideinsafety.They
mighthavebeenalongtimeexploringthebanksofthiswater,as
someofthenationsofEurope,withalltheirmeansofknowledge,
havesincedone,beforetheydiscoveredthesenarrowpassages,
whichgavethemhopesofsuccess.
74ASTARINTHEWEST.
Here,then,theyfoundadesartland,ofabettersoilandclimate,and
wenton,andinprocessoftimetravelledsofarastotakeayearand
anhalf,which,construedaccordingtothepropheticruleoftheir
ancestors,ayearforaday,wouldmakeupwardsoffivehundred
years,andthusliterallyfoundacountrywhereinmankindneveryet
dwelt.
ButalthoughtheseChildrenofIsraelmighthavepassedoverthe
straitsofKamschatka,andpeopledthenortheastpartsofAmerica,
andsowTentontothesouthwardandeastward,andleftsome
settlerswherevertheyremainedanytimeyetitdoesnotfollowthat
theymightnothavebeenattendedbymanyoftheinhabitantsof
ScythiaorTartary,whowerewillingtotrytheirfortuneswiththem.
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Neitherdoesitfollow,thatsomepersonsofothernationsmightnot
havebeendrivenbystormsatseaontheAmericancoasts,andmade
settlementsthere.Allthesemighthavecontributedtoestablish
customsamongthem,differentfromtheirown,andalsomight
adulterateandchangetheirlanguageinsomeinstances,aswasdone
inBabylon.
Inthisland,then,theyaretoremaintillthelattertime,when
Jehovahwill"putforthhishandagainasecondtime,torecoverthe
remnantofhispeoplethatremainethfromAssyria,fromHamahor
Hcda,andthewesternregions*andhewillsetupanensignforthe
nations,andwillassembletheoutcastsofIsrael.*"AndtheLord
withhismightywindwillshakehishandovertheriver,andwill
strikeitintosevenstreams,andmakethempassoverdryshod,and
thereshallbeahighwayfortheremnantofhispeople,whoremain
fromAssyria,asitwasuntoIsraelinthedaythathecameoutof
*Lowth'stranslation
ASTARINTHEWEST.75
thelandofEgypt."Isaiahxi.16aswehavebeforementioned.
Thesetrihcshavebeenthuslostformorethantwothousandyears.
ThoseofJudahandBenjaminbeing,aconsiderabletimeafterthe
cpnqucstofSamaria,carriedawaycaptivestoBabylon,by
Nebuchadnezzar,andperhapswithsomeoftheirbrethrenoftheten
tribes,whomighthaveremainedwiththeminJerusalem,were
settledinBabylonduringseventyyears,whentheyreturnedto
Jerusalemagainbytheconsent
Itwasaboutfortyyearsafterthecrucifixion,thattheconquestof
theRomans,andtheburningoftheirtempleandcitytookplace.
TheRomansploughedupthesciteofthecityaccordingtothe
Messiah'sprediction,anddrovethetribesofJudahandBenjaminas
slavesandcriminalsintoeverycountryoftheeast.Theysold
thousandsofthemastheydocattle,andtheyliterallybecamea
byewordandahissingwithallnations.Butatthistimetheir
brethrenthetentribesofIsrael,wereintheirstateofbanishmenton
thefrontiersofPersiaandMedia,fromwhencetheyhave
disappearedandaregenerallysupposedtobelost.Andwereitnot
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forthe
76ASTARINTHEWEST.
promisesofthatGod,\yJiocannotdeceive,aGodofholinessand
truth,weshouldgiveupanyenquiryafterthemashopeless.Buthe
whosewordistruthitselfhassaid,"thatinthelatterdays,hewill
bringagainthecaptivityofhispeopleIsraelandJudah,andwill
causethemtoreturntothelandthathegavetotheirfathers,that
theyshouldpossessit.Goandproclaimthesewordstowardsthe
north,andsayreturnthoubackslidingIsrael,saiththeLord.Atthat
timetheyshallcallJerusalemthethroneoftheLord.Andallthe
nationsshallhegatheredtoit,tothenameoftheLord,toJerusalem
neithershalltheywalkanymoreafterthestubbornnessoftheir
evilheart.InthosedaysthehouseofJudahshallwalkwitlithe
houseofIsrael,andtheyshallcometogetheroutofthelandofthe
north,tothelandthatIhavegivenforaninheritanceuntoyour
fathers."Jeremiahiii.1218."ForthussaiththeLord,singwith
gladnessforJacob,andshoutamongthechiefofthenationspublish
ycpraiseyeandsay,OLordsavethypeople,theremnantofIsrael.
Behold!Iwillbringthemfromthenorthcountry,andgather
them/ro?ntliecoastsoftheearth,andwiththemtheblindandthe
lame,thewomanwithchildandherwhotravailethwithchild
together,agreatcompanyshallreturnthither."Jeremiahiii.78.
"Thereforebehold!thedayscomesaiththeLord,thattheyshallno
moresay,theLordlivethwhobroughtupthechildrenofIsraelout
ofthelandofEgyptbuttheLordlivethwhobroughtupandledthe
seedofthehouseofIsraeloutofthenorthcountry,andfromall
countrieswhitherIhavedriventhem,andtheyshalldwellintheir
ownland."Jeremiahxxiii.7U8,"Behold!thedayscomesaiththe
Lord,thatthe
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ploughmanshallovertakethereaperandthetrcaderofgrapes,him
whosowctliseed:Andthemountainshalldropnewwine,andall
thehillsshallmelt.AndIwillbringagainthecaptivityofmypeople
Israel,andtheyshallbuildthewastecitiesandinhabitthem.And
theyshallplantvineyardsanddrinkofthewinethereof:theyshall
alsomakegardensandeatthefruitthereof,andIwillplantthem
upontheirland,andtheynomoreshallbepulledupoutoftheland,
whichIhavegiventhemsaiththeLordthyGod."Amosix.13,&c.
"Fortheyshallabidemanydayswithoutakingandwithouta
prince,withoutasacrificeandwithoutanimage(thewordmeansa
pillar,orchiefsupport,andmaybetranslated,analtar,whichsuits
thecontext)andwithoutanephodandwithoutateraphimbut
afterwardsshallthechildrenofIsraelreturnandseektheLordtheir
God,andDavidtheirking,andshallfeartheLordandhisgoodness,
inthelatterdays."Hosea,iii.45.
"GodcallstohispeopleHo!Ho!comeforthandfleefromthe
landofthenorth,forIhavespreadyouabroadasthefourwindsof
theheavens,saiththeLord."ThussaiththeLordofHosts,behold!I
willsavemypeoplefromtheeastcountryandfromthewest
country,orthecountryofthegoingdownofthesun."Zechariah,ii.
6viii.7,asitisinthemarginofthebible.
Wesay,ifitwasnotfortheseandsuchlikepromises,itmightbe
thoughtpresumptionandfolly,foranyonetowastehistimein
enquiringafterthislonglostpeople,asitwouldthenhavebeen
mostnaturaltoconcludethattheyhadpassedintooblivion,withthe
nationsofthecastandthewest,thek*conquerors,asBabylon,
Nineveh,AssyriaandEgypt.But
78ASTARINTHEWEST.
asJehovahcannotdeceive,hutisthesameyesterday,todayarid
forever,whosewordsareyea,andamen,whohathsaid,**yetnow
thussaithJehovah,whocreatedtheeJacoh!andwhoformedtheeO
Israel!feartliounot,forIhaveredeemedtheeIhavecalledtheehy
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thynametliouartminefearthounotforIamwiththeefromthe
eastIwillbringthychildren,andfromthewestIwillgatherthee
together.Iwillsaytothenorthgiveup,andtothesouthwithhold
not,hringmysons/rowafar,andmydaughtersfromtheendsofthe
earth.9Isaiah,xliii.16.
FromallthisitplainlyappearsfromwhencetheJewsaretohe
gatheredasecondtime,whentheyshallhebroughthomeagain.
TheyaretocomefromAssyriaandEgijpt9whereitiswellknown
verymanyofthetribesofJudahandBenjaminarenowtobefound,
andfromPathros,andfromCush,andfromElam,(differentpartsof
Persia,wheretheyareofthesametribes,withperhapsasmall
remnantoftheIsraelites)andfromShinar,stillmoreeast,consisting
whollyofthetwobeforementionedtribes,andmayincludethe
blackJews,andfromHamahneartheCaspiansea,wheresomeof
thetentribesmayhaveremainedbehind,onthedepartureoftheir
brethrentothenorthward,andfromthewesternregions.
Thuswearetolooktosomewesternregion,foranumber,ratherfor
themainbody,ofthisdispersednation.Nowasttootherpartofthe
worldhasyetbeendiscoveredwherethebodyoftheIsraelitesasa
nation,havebeenfound,itmaybejustlyconcluded,thattheymust
atlastbediscoveredinsomewesternregion,notyettakennoticeof,
wheretheyarekepttillthedayoftheirdeliverance.
ASTARINTHEWEST.79
Toabelieverinthedivinityofthebible,therecanhenohesitation,
hutthatallthiswillmostassuredlycometopassinthemostliteral
andextensivesense.Theselosttribesmusthesomewhereonour
earth,answerabletothenorthandthewestfromJerusalemafaroff,
evenintheendsoftheearth.,AAndasfromthepresentsignsofthe
times,particularlyoftheRomangovernmentandthereignof
antichrist,wemayrationallyconcludethatthesearethelattertimes,
thelasttimesoftheRomangovernment,andthatthegreatthings
foretoldinthewordofGod,arefastaccomplishing,itbecomesa
dutynow,tosearchdiligentlyintothesegreatsubjectsofChristian
consideration,andattendtowhatthespiritofGodhasrevealedof
theseeventfultimes,lestthelanguageofChristtothePharisees,
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maybecomeapplicabletous"Yehypocrites!yecandiscernthe
faceoftheskyandoftheearthhuthowisit,that(notwithstanding
allyourlightandknowledgefromrevelation)yedonotdiscernthis
time."Luke,xii.56.
Wewillthereforeproceedintheattempt,tocollecttogetherwhat
mayheyetknownofthisfavoured,thoughsinfulandsuffering
people,oncesodeartotheGodofalltheearth,andwhostillremain
astandingandunanswerablemonumentandpooofofthetruthof
prophecytoallnations.Andifwecandonomorethancallthe
attentionofChristians,oflearningandleisure,tothisimportant
subject,itwillnothelostlabour.
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[Thispageisblank].
ASTARINTHEWEST.81
CHAPTERII.
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Anenquiryintothequestion,onwhatpartoftheglobeisitmost
likely,thatthesedescendantsofIsraelmaynowbefound,arising
fromlatediscoveriesandfacts,thathavenotcometotheknowledge
ofthecivilizedworld,tilloflateyears,
EVERYquarteroftheworldhasbeensotraversedandexploredby
thehardyandadventurousseamenofmodernEuropeandAmerica,
aswellasbytravellerswhosecuriosityandindefatigablelabours,
havescarcelyleftanyconsiderabletractoftheglobeunnoticed,that
wecanscarcelypresumeonmakingtheleastdiscoveryinany
hithertounknownpartoftheworld.Wemustlookyothehistories
ofcountriesalreadyknowntothegeographerandtraveller,and
applytothedivinescripturesforthecompasswhichistodirectour
course.Henceitmustanswertothefollowingparticulars
1.ItmustbeacountrytothenorthandwestfromJudea.Jeremiah,ii.1718,
xxii.78.Zechariah,ii.6.
2.ItmustbeafarcountryfromJudea.Isaiah,xliii.6xlvi.11.*
*Remembertheformerthingsofoldtime,verilyIamGodandnoneelselIam
Godandthereisnonelikeuntome.Fromthebeginning,makingknownthe
end,andfromancienttimesthethingsthatarenotyetdone,saying,my
councilshallstand,andwhateverIhavewilledIwilleffect.Callingfromthe
east,theeagle,andfromalandfardistant,themanofmycouncil.AsIhave
spoken,sowillIbringittopassIhaveformedthedesignandIwillexecuteit.
Lowth'stranslation.
82ASTARINTHEWEST.
3.Itmustanswertheterm,fromtheendsoftheearth.Isaiah,xliii.1
6.
4.Itmustheinthewesternregions,orthecountryofthegoing
downofthesun.Zecharia,viii.7.
5.Itmustbealand,thatatthetimeofthetribesgoingto,was
withoutinhabitants,andfreefromheathenneighbours.2Esdras,
xiii.M.
6.ItmustbebeyondtheseasfromPalestine,thecountrytowhich
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partofthemaretoreturninships.Isaiah,Ix.9xvii.2.
Thescripturesareverypositiveinfouroftheaboveparticulars,the
fifthisfoundedonthetextfrom2clEsdras,andalthoughitisnot
pretendedthattheapochryphalbooksbearanycomparisonasto
divineinspiration,withthebible,yetasthatbookwaswrittenbya
Jew,somewhereabouttheyear100,itmay,ashasalreadybeen
observed,beusedasevidenceofanhistoricfact,equallywithany
otherhistorian,andifcorroboratedbyotherfacts,willaddtothe
testimony.
Astothesixthparticular,thisisnotonlysupportedbythetext,butit
istheopinionofthatgreatandjudiciouswriter,theRev.Mr.Faber,
onthewholerepresentationofthescriptures,whocertainlydeserves
theattentionofeveryseriousChristian.Heseemsverypositive"
thatsomeprevailingmaritimepoweroffaithfulworshippers,will
bechieflyinstrumentalinconvertingandrestoringapartofthe
Jewishnation.Thisseemstobedeclaredinscripture,morethan
once,witlisufficientplainness.""Whoarethese?likeacloudthey
fly,andlikedovestotheirholes.SurelytheIslesshallwaitforme,
andtheshipsofTarshish,amongthefirst,tobringthysonsfrom
afar:theirsilverandtheirgoldwiththem,unto
ASTARINTHEWEST.83
thenameoftheLordthyGod,untotheholyoneofIsrael,because
hehathglorifiedme."Isaiah,Ix.89.Againitisexpresslysaid,they
aretohegatheredfromthecoastsoftheearth,implyingthatthey
weretohavesomeconnectionwiththesea,andtheaddresswhich
Godmakestothemputsitoutofdoubt."Ho!landspreadingwide
theshadowofthywings,whicharebeyondtheriversofCush,or
Cuthai,accustomedtosendmessengers"bysea,eveninBulrush
vesselsuponthesurfaceofthewaters.Goswiftmessengersuntothe
nationdraggedawayandpluckeduntoapeoplewonderfulfrom
thebeginninghithertoanationexpecting,expectingandtrampled
underfootwhoselandstherivershavespoiled.Isaiah,xviii.12.At
thatseason,apresentshallbeledtotheLordofHostsapeople
draggedawayandpluckedevenapeoplewonderfulfromthe
beginninghithertoanationexpecting,expectingandtrampled
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underfootwhoseland,rivershavespoiled,untotheplaceofthe
nameoftheLordofHosts,MountZion."Isaiah,xviii.7.Mr.Faber
basgivenaparaphraseofpartoftheforegoingtexts,thus,(3dvol.
94)Goswiftmessengers,untotination,longapparentlyforsaken
byGodanationdraggedawayfromtheirowncountryand
pluckedanationwonderfulfromtheirbeginninghithertoanation
perpetuallyexpectingtheirpromisedMessiah,andyettrampled
underfootanationwhoselandthesymbolicalriversofforeign
invadershaveforagesspoiled.Goswiftmessengers!Youwhoby
yourskillinnavigation,andyourextensivecommerceand
alliances,aresoqualifiedtobecarriersofamessagetopeopleinthe
remotestcountriesgowithGod'smessageuntoanationdragged
away:tothedispersedJewsanationdraggedawayfromitspro
84ASTARINTHEWEST.
perseat,andpluckedofitswealthandpower$apeoplewonderful
fromitsbeginningtothisverytimeforthespeeialprovidence
whichhaseverattendedthemanddirectedtheirfortunesanation
stilllingeringinexpectationoftheMessiah,whosdlongsincecame
andwasrejectedbythemandnowiscomingagaininglorya
nationuniversallytrampledunderfootwhoseland,rivers,armies
offoreigninvaders,theAssyrians,Babylonians,Syromacedonians,
Romans,Saracens,andTurks,haveoverrunanddepopulated."
LetteronIsaiah,18.
"MyworshippersbeyondtheriverCush,(whichmustbetothe
northwardandwestwardofJerusalem)shallbringasanofferingto
me,thedaughtersofmydispersion."Zeph.iii.10.AndZechariah
treatingonthesamesubject,says,Iwillhissforthem(thetribesof
Ephraimandhischildren,mentionedintheformerverses)forIhave
redeemedthemandtheyshallincreaseastheyhave(heretofore)
increased.AndIwillsowthemamongthepeople,andtheyshall
remembermeinfarcountries,andtheyshalllivewiththeirchildren
andturnagain.AndIwillbringthemagainalso(thatisbesides
thosefromfarcountries)outofthelandofEgypt,andgatherthem
outofAssyria,andIwillbringthemintothelandofGiliadand
Lebanon,andplaceshallnotbefoundforthem.Andhe(thatis
Ephraim)shallpassthroughtheseawithaffliction,andshallsmite
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thewaresintheseafandallthedeepsoftherivershalldryup,and
theprideofAssyriashallbebroughtdown,andthesceptreofEgypt
shallpassaway,andIwillstrengthenthemintheLord,andthey
shallwalkupanddowninhisname,saiththeLord,"Zechariah,x,
ASTARINTHEWEST.85
HereisanexplicitdifferencemadebetweenthereturnofJudahand
Ephraim,thatis,betweentheJewsandIsraelitesthelatteristo
comefromafarcountryheistopassthroughagreatwater,orover
theseas,orboth.Thewordsheremadeuseof,maybevery
applicable,topeople,whohavenoknowledgeorexperienceof
passingovertheseainships,whosesicknessisgenerallyextremely
distressing.
Mr.Fabersupposesthatthelandspreadingwidetheshadowofher
wings,maybesomemaritimenation,thesailsofwhoseships,and
theprotectiongivenbythem,arehereprophesiedof.Heseemsto
think,thismayrefertoGreatBritain,inlikemanner,asshemaybe
designatedbyTarshish,whichwasformerlyagreattradingand
maritimecountry.Yethethinksitpossibleitmayrefertosome
othermaritimenationbutitisasked,whynottoaunionofmaritime
nations,onsoimportantanddifficultanundertaking.
Fromaseriousconsiderationofalltheforegoingcircumstances,we
seemnaturallyledtohaverecoursetothelatediscoveredcontinent
ofAmerica,whichthefirstvisitantsfoundfilledwithinhabitants,
andthoughcalledsavages,differedessentiallyfromallthesavages
everknowntothepeopleoftheoldworldbefore.Inthefirstplace
theyresembled(considerably)inappearance,thepeopleofthe
orientalnations.Mr.Penn,whosawandcommunicatedwiththem
inaparticularmanner,onhisfirstarrivalinAmerica,whileintheir
original,uncontaminatedstate,beforetheyweredebasedandruined
bytheirconnectionwiththosewhocalledthemselvescivilizedand
Christians,wasexceedinglystruckwiththeirappearance,jInoneof
hisletterstohisfriendsinEngland,hesays,Ifoundthemwithlike
countenancewith
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86ASTARINTHEWEST.
theJewishraceandtheirchildrenofsolivelyarcsemhlanceto
them,tliatamanwouldthinkhimselfinDuke'splaceorBerry
street,inLondon,whenheseeththem.'5(Penn'sWorks.2dvol.70i,
year1682.)Theyworeearringsand
*imsejewelsbraceletsontheirarmsandlegsringsontheir
fingersnecklacesmadeofhighlypolishedshellsfoundintheir
riversandontheircoasts.Theirfemalestieduptheirhairbehind,
workedhandsroundtheirheads,andornamentedthemwithshells
andfeathers,andarefondofstringsofheadsroundseveralpartsof
theirbodies.Theyuseshellsandturkeyspursroundthetopsof
theirmocasins,totinklelikelittlebells,astheywalk."Isaiahproves
thistohavebeenthecustomoftheJewishwomen,orsomething
muchlikeit."Inthatday,saystheprophet,theLordwilltakeaway
thebraveryoftheirtinklingornamentsabouttheirfeet,andtheir
cauls,andtheirroundtireslikethemoon.Thechainsandthe
braceletsandthemuflers.Thebonnetsandtheornamentsofthe
legs,andtheheadbands,andthetablets,andthecarringstherings
andthenosejewels."Isaiah,iii.18.>Theyreligiouslyobserved
certainfeasts,andfeastsverysimilartothoseenjoinedonthe
Hebrews,byMoses,aswillhereinaftermoreparticularlybeshewn.'
Inshort,many,andindeed,itmaybesaid,mostofthelearnedmen,
whodidpayanyparticularattentiontothesenativesofthe
wildernessattheirfirstcomingamongthem,bothEnglishand
Spaniards,werestruckwiththeirgenerallikenesstotheJews.The
IndiansinNewJersey,about1681,aredescribed,aspersonsstraight
intheirlimbs,beyondtheusualproportioninmostnationsvery
seldomcrookedordeformedtheirfeaturesregulartheir
countenancessometimesfierce,incommon
ASTARINTHEWEST.87
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ratherresemblingaJew,thanaChristian.(Smith'sHistory(ofNew
Jersey,14.)
Itshallnowheourbusinesstocollectthosefactsintheirhistory,
thatarewellattested,withthosewhichmayheknownofthemfrom
personalknowledgeofmenofcharacter,orfromtheirpresent
manners,customsandhabitsalthoughwearewelladvised,andit
shouldbeconstantlyborneinmind,thatthecorruptionofboth
principleandpractice,introducedamongstthem,bytheirconnection
withEuropeans,hassodebasedtheirmoralsandvitiatedalltheir
powersofmind,thattheyarequitedegeneratedfromtheirancestors.
AnoldCliaribbeeIndian,inaveryearlyday,thusaddressedoneof
thewhitepeople.Ourpeoplearebecomealmostasbadasyours.We
arcsomuchalteredsinceyoucameamongus,thatwehardlyknow
ourselves,andwethinkitisowingtosomelancholyachange,that
hurricanesaremorefrequentthanformerly.Itistheevilspirit,who
hasdoneallthiswhohastakenourbestlandsfromus,andgivenus
uptothedominionofchristains.Edward'sHistoryWestIndies,1
vol.28.Andyetweverygravelyassertthatwehavebenefitedthe
Indiannations,byteachingthemtheChristianreligion.
TheIndianshavesodegenerated,thattheycannotatthistimegive
anytolerableaccountoftheoriginoftheirreligiousrites,
ceremoniesandcustoms,althoughreligiouslyattachedtothemas
thecommandsofthegreatspirittotheirforefathers.Supposea
strangepeopletobediscovered,beforewhollyunknowntothe
civilizedworld,andanenquirywasinstitutedintotheirorigin,or
fromwhatnationtheyhadsprung,what
88ASTARINTHEWEST.
modeofexaminationwouldbemostlikelytosucceedandleadtoa
rationalsolutionofthequestion?
Inouropinion,astrictenquiryintothefollowingparticulars,would
bethebestmeansofaccomplishingthisvaluablepurpose.
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Theirlanguage.
Theirreceivedtraditions.
Theirknownreligiousritesandceremonies.
And,lastly,theirpublicworshipandreligiousopinionsand
prejudices.
Thereforetocommencethisenquiry,withsomedegreeofmethod,
weshallconfineourselvestothesefiveparticulars,asfaraswecan
findwellauthenticateddatatoproceedupon.
ASTARINTHEWEST.89
CHAPTERIII.
AnenquiryintothethelanguageoftheAmericanIndians,
WHENweconsiderhowsoonthefamilyofNoah,scattered
throughoutAsia,AfricaandEurope,lostalmosteverytraceoftheir
originallanguage,sofaratleast,asnottobeeasilyunderstoodby
thenationsintowhichtheybecamedividedestablisheddifferent
mannersandcustomspeculiartoeachnationorpeopleandfinally
formedforthemselvesrespectively,suchabsurdandwholly
differingmodesofreligiousworship,aswellasprinciplesand
doctrines,andfinallybecame,atdifferenttimes,tobearthemost
inveteratehatredtoeachother,wecouldnolonger,atthisremote
period,hopeformuchsuccessinlookingforconvincingtestimony
toprovethefactverysatisfactorily,thoughweshouldstumbleon
theactualdescendantsofthosechildrenofAbraham,thetenlost
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tribesofIsrael,aftersolongadispersionandentireseparationfrom
therestoftheworld.Andifwedofindanyconvincingtestimonyon
thissubject,wemustattributeittotheoverrulingprovidenceofthat
Godwhoiswonderfulincouncil,andtruetoallhispromises.Hear
SirWilliamJones,whoseauthoritywillhavegreatinfluenceonall
whoknowhischaracter.InhisdiscourseontheoriginoftheEast
IndiansorHindoos,Arabs,Tartar,&c.hesays,"henceitfollows,
thattheonlyfamilyaftertheflood,establisheditselfinthenorthern
partsofIran,nowPersia.Thatasthefamilymultiplied,theywere
dividedintothreedistinctbranches,eachretaining
90ASTARINTHEWEST.
little,atfirst,andloosingthewholebydegrees,oftheircommon
primarylanguagehutagreeingseverallyonnewexpressionsfor
newideas."\
FatherCharlevoix,afamousFrenchwriter,whocameoverto
Canadaveryearly,andpaidparticularattentiontotheIndian
natives,says,"thattheonlymeans(whichothershaveneglected)to
comeattheoriginaloftheIndiannatives,aretheknowledgeoftheir
languages,andcomparingthemwiththoseoftheotherhemisphere,
thatareconsideredasprimitives.Mannersverysoondegenerateby
meansofcommercewithforeigners,andbymixtureofseveral
nationsunitinginonebodyandparticularlyso,amongstwandering
tribes,livingwithoutprinciple,laws,educationorcivilgovernment,
especiallywhereabsolute"wantofthenecessariesoflifetakes
place,andthenecessityofdoingwithout,causestheirnamesand
usestoperishtogether.Fromtheirdialects,wemayascendtothe
mothertonguesthemselves.Thesearedistinguishedbybeingmore
nervousthanthosederivedfromthem,becausetheyareformed
fromnature,andtheycontainagreaternumberofwords,imitating
thethingswhereoftheyarethesigns.Henceheconcludesthatif
thosecliaracteristicalmarkswhicharepeculiartoanyoriental
nationarcfoundintheIndianlanguages,wecannotreasonably
doubtoftheirbeingtrulyoriginal,andconsequently,thatthepeople
whospeakthem,havepassedoverfromthathemisphere.*'
Thisthenmustbeanenquiryintofacts,theinvestigationofwhich,
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fromthenatureofthesubject,muftbewhollyfoundedonwell
authenticatedaccountsrecordedbywritersofcharacter,whomay
beconsultedonthisoccasionorfromtheinformationofsuch
personswhohavebeenlongdomesticated
ASTARINTHEWEST.91
withparticularnations,suspectedtohaveoriginatedfromtheother
hemisphereorofpersonswhoseoccupationormodeoflifehasled
themtovisitpartsoftheglobe,themostlikelytoaffordsomelight
onthisahstrusesubject.Andevenheroourassistancecannotbe
expectedtobegreatbutwhateverweareabletodiscover,wewill
puttogether,inhopesthatbypursuingthisenquiry,thoughwe
shouldarisenofartherthanbarerudiments,'thecuriosityofthe
morelearnedandpersevering,mayproducesomefurtherandmore
adequatediscovery,toenlightenmankind.Th^difficultiesattending
thisattemptmustbegreat.TheIndianlanguages,havingneverbeen
reducedtoanycertaintybyletters,musthavebeenexposedtogreat
changesandmisconceptions.Theyarestillawanderingpeople,
havingnoknowledgeofgrammaroroftheartsandsciences.No
monumentsofantiquitynomechanicaltradesoppressedand
distressedonallhandsdrivenfromtheiroriginalresidenceintoa
wilderness,andeventherenotsufferedtoremainstationarybut
stilldrivenfromplacetoplacedebasedandenervatedb\thehabitual
useofintoxicatingspirits,affordedthembytradersforthedouble
purposeofprofitandimpositionvitiatedbytheawfulexampleof
whitepeople,weareatthisdayconfinedtothefewtracesoftheir
originallanguage,theirreligion,ritesandcustoms,andafew
commontraditionsthatmayyetwithlabourbecollected,toform
ouropinionsupon.TheIndianlanguagesingeneral,arevery
copiousandexpressive,consideringthenarrowsphereinwhich
theymovetheirideasbeingfewincomparisonwithcivilized
nations.Theyhaveneithercasesnordeclensions.Theyhavefewor
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92ASTARINTHEWEST.
noprepositions'theyremedythis,byaffixesandsuffixes,andtheir
wordsareinvariablythesameinbothnumbers.
Allthis,ifthewriter'sinformationbecorrect,isverysimilartothe
Hebrewlanguage.Hehasbeeninformedfromgoodauthority,and
thesameisconfirmedbyawriterwellacquaintedwiththesubject,
thatthereisnolanguageknowninEurope,excepttheHebrew,
withoutprepositionsthatis,inseparateandexpresswords.The
Indianshavealltheotherpartsofspeech,exceptasabove.They
havenocomparativeorsuperlativedegreesofcomparisonmore
thantheHebrews.Theyformthelast,bysomeleadingvowelofthe
divinenameofthegreatspirit,addedtotheword.Itisobservedby
someJewish,aswellasChristianinterpreters,thattheseveralnames
ofGod,areoftengivenasepithetsbytheHebrewstothosethings
whicharethegreatest,thestrongest,andthebestoftheirkind,as
ruachelohim,amightywind.1vol.Stackhouse'sHistoryofthe
Bible,page8,inanote."Bothlanguagesareveryrhetorical,
nervousandemphatical.ThosepublicspeechesoftheIndians,that
thewriterofthesememoirshasheardorread,havebeenoratorical
andadornedwithstrongmetaphorsincorrectlanguage,andgreatly
aboundinallegory.Abouttheyear168*,thegovernorofNew
York,sentanaccreditedagenttotheOnondagos,onadisputethat
waslikelytoarisewiththeFrench.Theagent(oneArnold)behaved
himselfveryhaughtilytowardstheIndians,atdeliveringhis
commission.Oneofthechiefsthenansweredhiminastrainof
Indianeloquence,inwhichhesaidamongotherthings,"Ihavetwo
armsIextendtheonetowardsMontreal,theretosupportthetreeof
yeacejandtheothertowardsCorlacr,(thegovernorofNew
ASTARINTHEWEST.93
York)whohaslongbeenmybrother.Gnonthis(thegovernorof
Canada)liasbeenthesetenyearsmyfather.Corlaerhasbeenlong
mybrother,withmyowngoodwill,butneithertheoneortheother
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ismymaster.He'whomadetlieworld,gavemethislandIpossess.
/amfree.Irespectthembothbutnomanhasarighttocommand
me,andnoneoughttotakeamiss,myendeavouringallIcan,that
thislandshouldnotbetroubled.Toconfclude,Icannolongerdelay
repairingtomyfather,whohastakenthepainstocometomyvery
gate,andwhohasnotermstopropose,butwhatarereasonable/'1
Wynne'sHistoryAmerica,4023.
AtameetingheldwiththePresident,GeneralWashington,in1790,
toprevailuponhimtorelaxthetermsofatreatyofpeace,made
withcommissionersundertheoldconfederation,relativetoan
unreasonablecessionofalargepartoftheircountry,whichtheyhad
beenratherpersuadedtomaketotheUnitedStates,forthesakeof
peace,andwhichafterwardstheysincerelyrepentedof,Cornplant
whohadlongbeenasteadyfriendtotheUnitedStates,inthemost
perilouspartoftherevolutionarywar,deliveredalong,persuasive
andablespeech,whichthewriterofthispreserved,andhasnow
beforehim,andfromwhichareextractedthefollowingsentences,
asaproofoftheaboveassertion."Father,whenyourarmyentered
thecountryofthesixnations,wecalledyouthetowndestroyer,and
tothisday,whenyournameisheard,ourwomenlookbehindthem
andturnpaleourchildrenclingclosetothenecksoftheirmothers
butourcouncillorsandwarriorsbeingmen,cannotbeafraidbut
theirheartsaregrievedbythefearsofourwomenandchildren,and
desirethatitmaybeburiedsodeep,astobeheardofno
94ASTARINTHEWEST.
more.Father,wewillnotconcealfromyou,thatthegreatspiritand
notman,haspreservedCornplantfromthehandsofJusownnation.
Fortheyaskcontinually,whereistheland,onwhichourchildren
andtheirchildren,aretoliedownupon?Youtoldus,saythey,that
alinedrawnfromPennsylvaniatoLakeOntario,wouldmarkit
foreverontheeastandalinerunningfromBeaverCreekto
Pennsylvania,wouldmarkitonthewest.Butweseethatitisnotso.
Forfirstoneandthenanothercomesandtakesitawaybyorderof
thatpeople,whoyoutoldus,promisedtosecureittousforever.
Cornplantissilent,forhehasnothingtoanswer.Whenthesungoes
down,Cornplantopenshisheartbeforethegreatspiritandearlier
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thanthesunappearsagainuponthehills,liegivesthanksforhis
protectionduringthenight,forhefeels,thatamongmenbecome
desperatebytheinjuriestheysustain,itisGodonlythatcan
preservehim.Cornplantlovespeaceallhehadinstore,hehasgiven
tothose,whohavebeenrobbedbyyourpeople,lesttheyshould
plundertheinnocent,torepaythemselves.
66Thewholeseasonwhichothershaveemployedinprovidingfor
theirfamilies,Cornplanthasspentinendeavorstopreservepeace,
andatthismoment,hiswifeandchildrenarelyingontheground,
andinwantoffood.Hisheartisinpainforthembutheperceives,
thatthegreatspirit,willtryhisfirmness,indoingwhatisright.
Father!innocentmenofournationarekilledoneafteranother,
thoughofourbestfamiliesbutnoneofyourpeople,whohave
committedthesemurders,havebeenpunished.\Verecollectthat
youdidpromisetopunishthosewhoshouldkillourpeopleandwe
ask,wasitintendedthatyourpeopleshouldkilltheSeneca's,and
notonlyremainun
ASTARINTHEWEST.95
punished,butbeprotectedfromthenextofkin.Father!thesetous
aregreatthings.WeknowthatyouareverystrongWeItaveheard
thatyouarewise,butwesluillwaittohearyouranswertothis,that
wemayknowthatijouarejust."
AdairrecordsasentenceofaspeechofanIndiancaptaintohis
companions,inhisorationforwar.Neartheconclusionofhis
harangue,hetoldthewarriors,hefeelinglyknewthattheirguns
wereburningintheirhandstheirtomahawkswerethirstytodrink
thebloodoftheirenemy,andtheirtrustyarrowswereimpatientto
beuponthewingandlestdelayshouldburntheirheartsany
longer,hegavetbemthecoolrefreshingword,"jointheholyark"
andawaytocutoffthedevotedenemy."
ButaspeechmadebyLogan,afamousIndianchief,abouttheyear
1775,wasneverexceededbyDemosthenesorCicero.Inrevengefor
amurdercommittedbysomeunknownIndians,apartyofour
peoplefiredonacanoeloadedwithwomenandchildren,andone
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man,allofwhomhappenedtobelongtothefamilyofLogan,who
hadbeenlongthestaunchfriendoftheAmericans,andthenat
perfectpeacewiththem.Awarimmediatelyensued,andafter
muchbloodshedonbothsides,theIndianswerebeat,andsuedfor
peace.Atreatywasheld,butLogandisdainfullyrefusedtobe
reckonedamongthesuppliantsbuttopreventanydisadvantage
fromhisabsence,tohisnation,hescutthefollowingtalk,tobe
deliveredtolordDunmoreatthetreaty.Iappealtoanywhitemanto
say,ifheeverenteredLogan'scabinhungry,andhegavehimnot
meatifeverhecamecoldandnaked,andLoganclothedhimnot.
Duringthecourseofthelastlongandbloodywar,Loganremained
idleinhiseabin,anadvocatefor
96ASTARINTHEWEST.
peace.Suchwashisloveforthewhitemen,thatmycountrymen
pointedastheypassed,andsaid,Loganisthefriendofwhitemen.I
hadthoughttohavelivedwithyou,butfortheinjuriesofoneman.
Colonel=thelastspring,incoldblood,andunprovoked,murdered
alltherelationsofLogan.notsparingevenmywomanandchildren.
Thererunsnotadropofhisbloodintheveinsofanyliving
creature.Thiscalledonmeforrevenge.Ihavesoughtit.Ihave
killedmany.Ihavefullygluttedmyvengeance.Formycountry,I
rejoiceatthebeamsofpeace.Butdonotharborathoughtthatmine
isthejoyoffear.Loganneverfeltfear.Hewillnotturnonhisheel
tosavehislife.WhoistheretomournforLogan?No,notone."
Greatallowancemustbemadefortranslationsintoanother
language,especiallybyilliterateandignorantinterpreters.This
destroystheforceaswellasbeautyoftheoriginal.
Awriter(Adair)whohashadthebestopportunitiestoknowthetrue
idiomoftheirlanguage,byaresidenceamongthemforfortyyears,
hastakengreatpainstoshewthesimilarityoftheHebrew,withthe
Indianlanguages,bothintheirrootsandgeneralconstructionand
insiststhatmanyoftheIndianwords,tothisday,arepurely
Hebrew,notwithstandingtheirexposuretothelossofittosucha
degree,astomakethepreservationofitsofar,littlelessthan
miraculous.
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LetanyonecomparetheoldoriginalHebrew,spokenwithsomuch
puritybytheJewsbeforetheBabylonishcaptivity,withthatspoken
bythesamepeopleontheirreturn,afterthecomparativelyshort
spaceofseventyyears,andhewillfindithadbecomeabarbarous
mixtureoftheHebrewandChaldaiclanguages,soasnottobe
understoodbyanancient
ASTARINTHEWEST.97
Hebrew,andinagreatmeasure,hascontinuedsotothisday.We
saysuchaconsiderationwillshowanalmostmiraculous
interventionofDivineProvidence,shouldacleartraceofthe
originallanguagehediscoverableamongthenativesofour
wildernessatthisday."Theirwordsandsentencesareexpressive,
concise,emphatical,sonorousandbold."FatherCharlevoix,inhis
historyofCanada,paidmoreattentiontotheIndianlanguagesthan
mosttravellersbeforehim,andindeedhehadgreateropportunities,
andwasamanoflearning,andconsiderableabilities.Hesays,"
thattheAlgonquinandHuronlanguages,have,betweenthem,that
ofalmostallthesavagenationsofCanadaweareacquaintedwith.
Whoevershouldwellunderstandboth,mighttravelwithoutan
interpreter,morethanfifteenhundredleaguesofcountry,andmake
himselfunderstoodbyanhundreddifferentnations,whohaveeach
theirpeculiartongue.TheAlgonquinespeciallyhasavastextent.It
beginsatAcadiaandtheGulphofSt.Lawrence,andtakesa
compassoftwelvehundredleagues,twiningfromthesoutheastby
thenorth,tothesouthwest.Theysayalso,thattheWolfNation,or
theMohegans,andthegreatestpartoftheIndiansofNewEngland
andVirginia,speaktheAlgonquindialects.TheHuronlanguagehas
acopiousness,anenergy,andasublimity,perhapsnottobefound
inanyofthefinestlanguagesweknowofandthosewhosenative
tongueitis,thoughnowbutahandfulofmeii,havesuchan
elevationofsoul,asagreesmuchbetterwiththemajestyoftheir
language,thanwiththestatetowhichtheyarereduced.Somehave
fanciedtheyfoundasimilaritywiththeHebrew,othershave
thoughtithadthesameoriginwiththeGreek.""TheAlgonquin
languagehasnotsomuch
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98ASTARINTHEWEST.
forceastheHuronbutliasmoresweetnessandelegance.Bothhave
arichnessofexpression,avarietyofturns,aproprietyofterms,a
regularitywhichastonisheshutwhatismoresurprising,is,that
amongthesebarbarians,whoneverstudytospeakwell,andwho
neverhadtheuseofwriting,thereisneverintroducedabadword,
animproperterm,oraviciousconstruction.Andeventheirchildren
preserveallthepurityofthelanguageintheircommondiscourse.
Ontheotherhand,themannerinwhichtheyanimatealltheysay,
leavesnoroomtodoubtoftheircomprehendingalltheworthof
theirexpressions,andallthebeautyoftheirlanguage."
Mr.Golden,whowrotetheHistoryoftheWarsoftheFiveNations,
abouttheyear1750,andwasamanofconsiderablenote,speaking
ofthelanguageofthosenationssays,"theyarcveryniceintheturn
oftheirexpressions,andthatafewofthemaresofarmastersof
theirlanguage,asnevertooffendtheearsoftheirIndianauditoryby
animpoliteexpression.Theyhave,itseems,acertainurbanityor
atticismintheirlanguage,ofwhichthecommonearsarevery
sensible,thoughonlytheirgreatspeakersattaintoit.Theyareso
giventospeechmaking,thattheircommoncomplimentstoany
persontheyrespect,atmeetingorparting,aremadeinharangues.
Theyhaveafewradicalwords,buttheycompoundthemwithout
end.Bythistheirlanguagebecomessufficientlycopious,andleaves
roomforagooddealofarttopleaseadelicateear.Theirlanguage
aboundswithgutturalsandstrongaspirations,whichmakeitvery
sonorousandbold.Theirspeechesaboundwithmetaphors,afterthe
manneroftheeasternnations."Itshouldbenoted,thatMr.Colden,
thoughasensibleman,andofexcellentcharacter,couldnotspeak
theirlanguage,and
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nothavinganyconsiderablecommunicationwiththem,tookhis
informationfromothers.ThelateRev.Dr.JonathanEdwards,of
Connecticut,sonofthelatePresidentEdwards,whowasamanof
greatcelebrity,asawellread,piousdivine,andofconsiderable
erudition,wasintimatelyassociatedwiththeIndiansatStock
bridge,oftheMohegantribeinthatstate,fromtheageofsixyears.
Heunderstoodtheirlanguageequallywithhismothertongue.He
alsohadstudiedthatoftheMohawks,havingresidedintheirnation
aboutsixmonthsforthatpurpose.Heinformsusthatthename
MoheganisacorruptionofMukkekaneaw,arisingfromthe
Englishpronunciation.Thisisaverycommonthing,andoccasions
muchconfusion,andgreatdifficulties,intracingthelanguagesof
thedifferenttribes.Forwehavenotonlytocontendwithadifferent
pronunciationandspellingofbothEnglishandFrench,butthe
corruptionandignoranceofinterpretersandtraders,especiallyin
anearlydayandalsothedifferentmodesofwritingthesameword
bydifferentpeople,arisingfromtheirdifferentconceptionsofthe
wordaspronouncedbytheIndians.*Asforinstance,inthesame
wordsbytheEnglishandFrenchEnglish.French.
Owcnagunges.Abenaguies.
Maques.Aniez.
Odistastagheks.Mascoaties.
Makihander.Mourigan.
*Thedifferentsoundsgivenbydifferenttribestothesameletters,
isalsoasourceofdifficulty.Thosewhowrite,oftenusethelettera,
wherethesoundisoh,sothatowohisusedintheMoheganwherea
orauisusedinotherlanguages,asMoquohforMauquah,abear.
Thesoundofthesetwoarcalike,whenspokenfeyanIndian.Thee
final,isneversorundedinanyword,butamonosyllable.
100ASTARINTHEWEST.
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English.Frencfi,
Oneydoes.Oneyonts.
Utawawas.Outawies.
Todericks.Tateras.
Satana's.Shaononons.
TheMohcganlanguagewasspokenbyallthevarioustribesofNew
England.Manyofthetribeshadadifferentdialect,butthelanguage
wasradicallythesame.Mr.Elliot,calledtheIndianApostle,who
wasamongthefirstsettlersofMassachusetts,anddiedin1691,
translatedthebibleintoIndian,whichisfoundtobeinaparticular
dialectoftheMoheganlanguage.Dr.Edwardssaysitappearstobe
muchmoreextensivethananyotherlanguageinNorthAmerica.
ThelanguageoftheDelawares,inPennsylvania,ofthePenob
scots,borderingonNovaScotia,oftheIndiansofSt.Francis,in
Canada,oftheShawanese,ontheOhio,andoftheCMppewas,at
thewestwardofLakeHuron,wereallradicallythesamewiththe
Mohegan.ThesameissaidoftheOttowas,Naniicokes,Munsees,
Menomomes,Messisagas,Saukies,Ottagawnies,Killistinoes,
Nipegons,Jllgonk'ms,Winmbagoes,&c.
Dr.Edwardsasserts,thatforthepronounscommoninother
languages,theyexpressthepronounsbothsubstantiveandadjective,
byaffixesorletters,orsyllablesaddedatthebeginningsorends,or
both,oftheirnouns.Inthisparticular,thestructureoftheirlanguage
coincideswiththatoftheHebrew,inaninstanceinwhichthe
HebrewdiffersfromallthelanguagesofEurope,ancientand
modern,withthisonlydifference,thattheHebrewsalwaysjoined
theaffixestotheendsofthewords,whereastheIndians,in
pronounsofthesingularnumber,prefixtheletterorsyllablebuthi
thepluralmini
ASTARINTHEWEST.101
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ler,theyaddothersassuffixes.Alsoasthewordisincreased,they
changeandtransposethevowels,asintmohhecan,anhatchet
ndumhemn,myhatchet:theoischangedintou,andtransposed
afterthemanneroftheHebrewslikewiseinsomeinstances,thetis
changedintod.
Besideswhathasheenohservedconcerningprefixesandsuffixes,
thereisaremarkahleanalogy,saysDr.Edwards,hetweensome
wordsoftheMoheganlanguage,andthecorrespondentwordsin
theHebrew.IntheMoheganniahisT.InHebrewitisaniywhichis
thetwosyllablesofniahtransposed.Keah,thouorthee.The
HebrewsuseKathesuffix.UwoJi9isthisman,orthisthingvery
analagoustotheHebrewHu9orHuah,ipse.Necaunuhiswe:in
Hebrewitisnaclmuoranachnu.InHebrewmisthesuffixforme,
orthefirstperson.IntheMohegan,n,orne,isprefixedtodenote
thefirstperson,asnmeetseh,ornimeetseh,Ieat.InHebrewkorka,
isthesuffixforthesecondperson,andisindifferentlyeithera
pronoun,substantiveoradjective,lôrka,hasthesameuseinthe
Moheganlanguageaskmeetsehorkameetseh,thoueatest.Knish,
thyhand.InHebrewthevan,andtheletteruandhu,arethesuffixes
forheorthemIntheIndianthesameisexpressedbyu,oruw,and
byoo*asinuduhwhunnw,Ilovehim.Pumissoo,hewalketh.In
Hebrew,thesuffixtoexpressour,orus,isnu.InMohcgan,itisnuh,
asnogknuh,ourfather.Nmeetschnuh,weeat,&c.
Toelucidatethissubjectstillfarther,alistofafewwordsinthe
differentIndiandialectsshallbeadded,withthesamewordsin
HebrewandChaldaick.
102ASTARINTHEWEST.
English.Charibbee.Greeks.HiswifeMywifeComehitherLiani
YenenoriHaceyeteTheheavensChemimJehovahJocanna
WomanIshtoManorchiefIshIThouortheeThismanWe
AssemblyorwalledhouseNecklaceorcollarMynecklaceWood
MyskinIamsickGoodbetoyouToblowRoofofthehouseGo
thywayEatToeatThenoseGivemenourishment*Thegreatfirst
Moihegan,andNorthernLanguages.Y.He.Ho.wahIshteNiah
KeahUwohNecaumdiKurbetEncaYenekaliHueNoraNane
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guaeteHaleatibouPhoubacToubanaoraBayouboorkaaBaika
AikaNichiriNatonibomanYohewahHebrew.LiheneHene
herranniAcaati(Samaritan)ShemimJehovahIshtoIshAni,the2
syllablestransposedasahniKaHuahNachnuGuir,orgrabitOng
VongaliOa(Chaldaic)OurniNancehetiYehaliettuboaPhouhe
DebonaourBouaBouakBgeChaldaicAkldo.NeheriNatoui
bamenJehovah
*Edward'sWestJndias
ASTARINTHEWEST.103
English.Charibbee.Creeks.Mohegan,andNorthernLanguages.
Hebrew.PraisethefirstHalleluwahHallelujahcauseFatherAbba
AbbaNow,thepresNaNaenttimeVeryhot,orIleru,hara,orHara
haftbitteruponhalame,ToprayPhalePhalacThehindpartsKesh
KishOnewhokillsAbe,derivedAbelanotherfromAbeleGrufThe
warnameNoabe,comwhokillsapoundedoframblingenNoah&
AbeemyCanaanKenaaiCanaanWifeAwahEveorewehWinter
KoraCoraAnothernameAleAleoralohimforGodDolennois*
lannonfIndiansofPenobscotArrarat,ahigh.Arrarat,ahigh
Arrarat,ahighmountainmountain.mountain
AsthewriterofthisdoesnotunderstandeithertheHebreworIndian
languages,soastobeajudgeoftheirtrueidiomsorspelling,he
wouldnotcarryhiscomparisonsofonelanguagewiththeother,too
far.Yethecannotwellavoidmentioning,merelyasamatterof
curiosity,thattheMohawks,inconfederacywiththeFiveNations,
assubsistingatthefirstarrival
*Barlow.
tLitterallyheshallbecalledason,ChristianObserverforJune
IS13,p349.
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104ASTARINTHEWEST.
oftheEuropeansinAmerica,wereconsideredasthelawgivers,or
theinterpretersofduty,totheothertribes.Nay,thiswassogreat,
thatallpaidobediencetotheiradvice.Theyconsideredthemselves
assupreme,orfirstamongtherest.Mr.Coldensays,thathehad
beentoldbyoldmeninNewEngland,thatwhentheirIndianswere
atwar,formerly,withtheMohawks,assoonasoneappeared,their
Indiansraisedacryfromhilltohill,aMohawk!aMohawk!Upon
whichallfledlikesheepbeforeawolf,withoutattemptingtomake
theleastresistance.Andthatallthenationsaroundthem,havefor
manyyears,entirelysubmittedtotheiradvice,andpaythema
yearlytributeofwampum.Thetributarynationsdarenotmakewar
orpeace,withouttheconsentoftheMohawks.Mr.Coldenhas
givenaspeechoftheMohawks,inanswertoonefromthegovernor
ofVirginia,complainingoftheotherconfederatenations,which
showstheMohawkssuperiorityoverthem,andthemodeinwhich
theycorrectedtheirmisdoings.Nowitseemsveryremarkable,that
theHebrewwordMhhokek,spelledsomuchliketheIndianword,
meansalawgiver,(orlegesinterpres)orasuperior.
Blindchancecouldnothavedirectedsogreatanumberofremote
andwarringsavagenationstofixon,anduniteinsoniceareligious
standardofspeech,andevengrammaticalconstructionoflanguage,
wheretherewasnoknowledgeoflettersorsyntax.Forinstance,A,
oo,EA,isastrongreligiousIndianemblem,signifying,Idinib9
ascend,orremovetoanotherplaceofresidence.ItpointstoArio
wah,thefirstpersonsingular,andEA,orYah,He,Wah,and
impliesputtingthemselvesunderthedivinepatronage.The
beginningofthatmost
ASTARINTHEWEST.105
sacredsymbol,isbystudiousskill,andathoroughknowledgeofthe
powerofletters,placedtwice,topreventthemfrombeingappliedto
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thesacredname,forvainpurposes,orcreatedtilings.
Thoughtheyhavelostthetruemeaningoftheirreligiousemblems,
exceptwhataveryfewofthemoreintelligenttradersreviveinthe
retentivememoriesoftheoldinquisitivemagi,or,belovedmanyet
traditiondirectsthemtoapplythemproperly.Theyusemanyplain
religiousemblemsofthedivinename,asY,0,he,wahYahandAle,
andthesearetherootsofaprodigiousnumberofwords,through
theirvariousdialects.Itisworthyofremembrance,thattwoIndians,
whobelongtofardistantnations,withouttheknowledgeofeach
other'slanguage,exceptfromthegeneralidiom,willintelligibly
conversetogether,andcontractengagementsWithoutany
interpreter,insuchasurprisingmanner,asisscarcelycredible.In
likemannerwereadofAbraham,IsaacandJacob,travellingfrom
countrytocountry,fromChaldeainto.Palestine,wheninhabitedby
variousdifferingnationsthenceintoEgyptandbackagain,making
engagements,andtreatingwithcitizenswherevertheywent.Butwe
neverreadofanydifficultyofbeingunderstood,ortheirusingan
interpreter.
TheIndiansgenerallyexpressthemselveswithgreatvehemence
andshortpauses,intheirpublicspeeches.Theirperiodsarewell
turned,andverysonorousandharmonious.Theirwordsare
speciallychosen,andwelldisposed,withgreatcareandknowledge
oftheirsubjectandlanguage,toshowthebeing,powerandagency
ofthegreatspiritinallthatconcernsthem.
106ASTARINTHEWEST.
Tospeakingeneralterms,theirlanguageintheirrootsyidiomand
particularconstruction,appearstohavethewholegeniusofthe
Hebrew,,andwhatisveryremarkable,andwellworthyofserious
observation,hasmostofthepeculiaritiesofthatlanguage,
especiallythoseinwhichitdiffersfrommostotherlanguagesand
"often,bothinlettersandsignification^synonimouswiththe
Hebrewlanguage."Theycallthelightningandthunder,Eloha,and
itsrumblingnoiseRowah,whichmaynot,improperly,bededuced
fromtheHebrewwordEnoch,anameofthethirdpersonintheholy
Trinity,originallysignifying"theairinmotion,orarushingwind."
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Faber.^
TheIndiancompoundedwordsaregenerallyprettylong?butthose
thatareradicalorsimple,aremostlyshortveryfew,ifanyofthem,
exceedthreeorfoursyllables.Andastheirdialectsareguttural,
everywordcontainssomeconsonants,andthesearetheessential
characteristicsoflanguage*.Wheretheydeviatefromthisrule,itis
byreligiousemblems,whichobviouslyproceedsfromthegreat
regardtheypaytothenamesoftheDeity,especiallytothegreat
fourlettered,divine,essentialname,byusingthelettersitcontains,
andthevowelsitwasoriginallypronouncedwith,toconveyavir
tuousideaorbydoublingortransposingthem,tosignifythe
contrary.InthisalltheIndiannationsagree.Andasthisgeneral
custommustproceedfromoneprimarycause,itseemstoassureus,
thatthispeoplewasnotinasavagestatewhentheyfirstseparated,
andvariedtheirdialectswithsomuchreligiouscareandexactart*
Souard,inhisMelangesdeLiterature,orLiteraryMiscellanies,
speakingoftheIndiansofGuiana,observes,""on
ASTARINTHEWEST.107
theauthorityofalearnedJew,IsaacJVasc?,residingatSurinam/'
weareinformedthatthelanguageofthoseIndians,whichhecalls
theGalibedialect,andwhichiscommontoallthetribesofGuiana,
issoftandagreeabletotheear,aboundinginvowelsandsynonims,
andpossessingasyntaxasregularasitwouldhavebeen,if
establishedbyanacademy.ThisJewsaysthatallthesubstantives
areHebrew.Thewordexpressiveofthesoulineachlanguage,
meansbreath.TheyhavethesamewordinHebrewtodenominate
God,whichmeansmaster,orlord."
Itissaidtherearebuttwomothertonguesamongthenorthern
Indians,andextendingthenceto%theMissisippi,theHuronand
Algonquin,andthereisnotmoredifferencebetweenthese,than
betweentheNormanandFrench.Dr.Edwardsassertsthatthe
languageoftheDelawares,inPennsylvaniaofthePenobscots,
borderingonNovaScotiaoftheIndiansofSt.Francis,inCanadaof
theShawanese,ontheOhiooftheChippewas,tothewestwardof
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LakeHuronoftheOttawas,Nanticokes,Munsees,Minoniones,
Messinagues,Saasskies,Ottagamies,Killestinoes,Mipegoes,
Algonquins,Winnebagoes,andoftheseveraltribesinNewEng
land,areradicallythesame,andthevariationsbetweenthemareto
beaccountedforfromtheirwantoflettersandofcommunication.
MuchstressmaybelaidonDr.Edwards'opinion.Hewasamanof
strictintegrity,andgreatpiety.Hehadaliberaleducationwas
greatlyimprovedintheIndianlanguages,whichhehabituated
himselftofromearlylife,havinglivedlongamongtheIndians.
108ASTARINTHEWEST.
[Thispageisblank]
ASTARINTHEWEST.109
CHAPTERIV.
TheIndianTraditionsasreceivedbytheirNations.
AStheIndiannationshavenottheassistanceaffordedbythemeans
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ofwritingandreading,theyareobligedtohaverecourseto
tradition,asduPratz,2vol.169,hasjustlyobserved,topreservethe
remembranceofremarkabletransactionsorhistoricalfactsandthis
traditioncannotbepreserved,butbyfrequentrepetitions
consequentlymanyoftheiryoungmenareoftenemployedin
hearkeningtotheoldbelovedmen,narratingthehistoryoftheir
ancestors,whichisthustransmittedfromgenerationtogeneration.
Inordertopreservethempureandincorrupt,theyarecarefulnotto
deliverthemindifferentlytoalltheiryoungpeople,butonlytothose
youngmenofwhomtheyhavethebestopinion.Theyholditasa
certainfact,asdelivereddownfromtheirancestors,thattheir
forefathers,inveryremoteages,camefromafardistantcountry,by
thewayofthewest,whereallthepeoplewereofonecolour,and
thatinprocessoftimetheymovedeastwardtotheirpresent
settlements.
Thistraditioniscorroboratedbyacurrentreportamongthem,
relatedbytheoldChickkasahIndianstoourtraders,thatnowabout
100yearsago,therecamefromMexico,someoftheoldChickkasah
nation,orastheSpaniardscallthemChichemicas,inquestoftheir
brethren,asfarnorthastheAquahpahnation,aboveonehundred
andfiftymilesabovetheNatchez,onthesoutheastsideofthe
Missisippiriver
110ASTARINTHEWEST.
butthroughFrenchpolicy,theywerreeitherkilledorsentback,so
astopreventtheiropeningabrtherlyintercoursewiththem,asthey
hadproposed.Itisalsosaid,thattheNauatalcasbelievethatthey
dweltinanotherregionbeforetheysettledinMexico.Thattheir
forefatherswanderedeightyyearsinsearchofit,throughastrict
obediencetothecommandsofthegreatspiritwhoorderedthemto
goinquestofnewlands,thathadsuchparticularmarksaswere
madeknowntothem,andtheypunctuallyobeyedthedivine
mandate,andbythatmeansfoundoutandsettledthatfertilecountry
ofMexico.
OursouthernIndianshavealsoatraditionamongthemwhichthey
firmlybelieve,thatofoldtime,theirancestorslivedbeyondagreat
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river.Thatninepartsoftheirnation,outoften,passedoverthe
river,buttheremainderrefusedandstaidbehind.Thattheyhada
kingwhentheylivedfartothewest,wholefttwosons.Thatoneof
them,withanumberofhispeople,travelledagreatwayformany
years,tilltheycametoDelawareriver,andsettledthere.Thatsome
yearsago,thekingofthecountryfromwhichtheyhademigrated,
sentapartyinsearchofthem.ThiswasatthetimetheFrenchwere
inpossessionofthecountryontheriverAlleghany.Thatafter
seekingsixyears,theyfoundanIndianwholedthemtothe
Delawaretowns,wheretheystaidoneyear.ThattheFrenchsenta
whitemanwiththemontheirreturn,tobringbackanaccountof
theircountry,buttheyhaveneverbeenheardofsince.
Itissaidamongtheirprincipalorbelovedmen,thattheyhaveit
handeddownfromtheirancestors,thatthebookwhichthewhite
peoplehavewasoncetheirs.Thatwhilethey
ASTARINTHEWEST.111
hadittheyprosperedexceedinglybutthatthewhitepeoplebought
itofthem,andlearntmanythingsfromitwhiletheIndianslost
theircredit,offendedthegreatspirit,andsufferedexceedinglyfrom
theneighbouringnations.Thatthegreatspirittookpityonthem,
anddirectedthemtothiscountry.Thatontheirwaytheycametoa
greatriver,whichtheycouldnotpass,whenGoddriedupthewaters
andtheypassedoverdryshod.Theyalsosaythattheirforefathers
werepossessedofanextraordinarydivinespirit,bywhichthey
foretoldfutureevents,andcontrolledthecommoncourseofnature,
andthistheytransmittedtotheiroffspring,onconditionoftheir
obeyingthesacredlaws.Thattheydidbythesemeansbringdown
showersofplentyonthebelovedpeople.Butthatthispower,fora
longtimepast,hadentirelyceased.
Thereverendgentlemanmentionedintheintroduction,whohad
takensomuchpainsintheyear1764or5,totravelfarwestward,to
findIndianswhohadneverseenawhiteman,informedthewriterof
thesememoirs,thatfartothenorthwestoftheOhio,heattendeda
partyofIndianstoatreaty,withIndiansfromthewestofthe
Mississippi.Herehefoundthepeoplehewasinsearchofhe
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conversedwiththeirbelovedmanwhohadneverseenawhiteman
before,bytheassistanceofthreegradesofinterpreters.TheIndian
informedhim,thatoneoftheirmostancienttraditionswas,thata
greatwhileago,theyhadacommonfather,wholivedtowardsthe
risingofthesun,andgovernedthewholeworld.Thatallthewhite
people'sheadswereunderhisfeet.Thathehadtwelvesons,by
whomheadministeredhisgovernment.Thathisauthoritywas
derivedfromthegreatspirit,byvirtueof
112ASTARINTHEWEST.
somespecialgiftfromhim.Thatthetwelvesonsbehavedverybad
andtyrannizedoverthepeople,abusingtheirpowertoagreat
degree,soastooffendthegreatspiritexceedingly.Thathebeing
thusangrywiththem,sufferedthewhitepeopletointroduce
spirituousliquorsamongthem,madethemdrunk,stolethespecial
giftofthegreatspiritfromthem,andbythismeansursurpedthe
poweroverthem,andeversincetheIndiansheadswereunderthe
whitepeople'sfeet.Butthattheyalsohadatradition,thatthetime
wouldcome,whentheIndianswouldregainthegiftofthegreat
spiritfromthewhitepeople,andwithittheirancientpower,when
thewhitepeople'sheadswouldbeagainundertheIndian'sfeet.
Mr.M'KenzieinhisHistoryoftheFurTrade,andhisjourney
throughNorthAmerica,bythelakes,totheSouthSea,intheyear
____,says"thattheIndiansinformedhim,thattheyhadatradition
amongthem,thattheyoriginallycamefromanothercountry
inhabitedbywickedpeople,andhadtraversedagreatlake,which
wasnarrow,shallowandfullofislands,wheretheyhadsuffered
greathardshipsandmuchmisery,itbeingalwayswinter,withice
anddeepsnowsataplacetheycalledCoppermineRiver,where
theymadethefirstland,thegroundwascoveredwithcopper,over
whichabodyofearthhadsincebeencollectedtothedepthofa
man'sheighth.Theybelievealsothatinancienttimestheirancestors
hadlivedtilltheirfeetwerewornoutwithwalking,andtheirthroats
witheating.Theydescribedadeluge,whenthewatersspreadover
thewholeearth,exceptthehighestmountain,onthetopofwhich
theywerepreserved.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.113
Theyalsobelieveinafuturejudgment."M'Kenzie'shistory,page
113.
TheIndianstotheeastwardsay,thatprevioustothewhitepeople
comingintothecountry,theirancestorswereinthehabitofusing
circumcision,butlatterally,notbeingabletoassignanyreasonfor
sostrangeapractice,theiryoungpeopleinsistedonitsbeing
abolished.
M'KenziesaysthesameoftheIndianshesawonhisroute,evenat
thisday.History,page34.SpeakingofthenationsoftheSlaveand
DogribIndians,veryfartothenorthwest,hesays,"whether
circumcisionbepracticedamongthem,Icannotpretendtosay,but
theappearanceofitwasgeneralamongthoseIsaw."
TheDogribIndiansliveabouttwoorthreehundredmilesfromthe
straitsofKamschatka.
Dr.Beattysays,inhisjournalofavisithepaidtotheIndiansonthe
Ohio,aboutfiftyyearsago,thatanoldchristianIndianinformed
him,thatanolduncleofhis,whodiedabouttheyear1728,related
tohimseveralcustomsandtraditionsofformertimesandamong
others,thatcircumcisionwaspracticedamongtheIndianslongago,
buttheiryoungmenmakingamockofit,broughtitintodisrepute,
andsoitcametobedisused.Journal,page89.ThesameIndian
said,thatonetraditiontheyhadwas,thatoncethewatershad
overflowedalltheland,anddrownedallthepeoplethenliving,
exceptafew,whomadeagreatcanoeandweresavedinit.Page90.
Andthatalongtimeago,thepeoplewenttobuildahighplace.That
whiletheywerebuildingofit,theylosttheirlanguage,andcould
notunderstandoneanother.Thatwhileone,perhaps,calledfora
stick,another
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broughthimastone,&c.&c.andfromthattimetheIndiansbegan
tospeakdifferentlanguages.
FatherCharlevoix,theFrenchhistorian,informsusthattheHurons
andIroquois,inthatearlyday,hadatraditionamongthemthatthe
firstwomancamefromheavenandhadtwins,andthattheelder
killedtheyounger.
Inanaccountoublishedintheyear1644,byaDutchministerofthe
gospel,inNewYork,givinganaccountoftheMohawks,hesays,
"anoldwomancametomyhouseandtoldthefamily,thather
forefathershadtoldherthatthegreatspiritoncewentoutwalking
withhisbrother,andthatadisputearosebetweenthem,andthe
greatspiritkilledhisbrother."Thisisplainlyaconfusionofthe
storyofCainandAbel.Itismostlikelyfromtheignoranceofthe
ministerintheidiomoftheIndianlanguage,misconstruing,Cain
beingrepresentedasagreatman,forthegreatspirit.Manymistakes
ofthiskindarefrequentlymade.
Mr.Adair,whohaswrittentheHistoryoftheIndians,andwho
deservesgreatcreditforhisindustryandimprovingtheverygreat
anduncommonopportunitiesheenjoyed,tellsus,thatthesouthern
Indianshaveatradition,thatwhentheylefttheirownnativeland,
theybroughtwiththemasanctifiedrod,byorderofanoracle,which
theyfixedeverynightinthegroundandweretoremovefromplace
toplaceonthiscontinent,towardstherisingsun,tillitbudedinone
night'stime.Thattheyobeyedthesacredoracle,andthemiracleat
lasttookplace,aftertheyarrivedonthissideoftheMississippi,on
thepresentlandtheypossess.Thiswasthesolecauseoftheir
settlingthereoffightingsofirmlyfortheirreputed
ASTARINTHEWEST.115
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holylandandholythingsthattheymaybeburiedwiththeir
belovedforefathers."
ThisseemstobetakenfromAaron'srod.
Col.JamesSmith,inhisJournalofEvents,thathappenedwhilehe
wasprisonerwiththeCaughnewagaIndians,from1755to1759,
says,"theyhaveatraditionthatinthebeginningofthiscontinent,
theangelsorheavenlyinhabitants,astheycallthem,frequently
visitedthepeople,andtalkedwiththeirforefathers,andgave
directionshowtopray,andhowtoappeasethegreatbeing,whenhe
wasoffended.Theytoldthemtheyweretooffersacrifice,burn
tobacco,buffaloeanddeer'sbones,&c.&c."Page79.
TheOttawassay,"thattherearetwogreatbeingsthatruleand
governtheuniverse,whoareatwarwitheachothertheonethey
callManeto,andtheotherMatchemaneto.ThetsaythatManetois
allkindnessandlove,andtheotherisanevilspiritthatdelightsin
doingmischief.Somesaythattheyareequalinpowerotherssay
thatManetoisthefirstgreatcause,andthereforemustbeall
powerfulandsupreme,andoughttobeadoredandworshipped
whereasMatchemanetooughttoberejectedanddespised.""Some
oftheWyandotsandCaughnewaga'sprofesstobeRoman
Catholicsbuteventheseretainmanyofthenotionsoftheir
ancestors.ThosewhorejecttheRomanCatholicreligion,holdthat
thereisonegreatfirstcause,whomtheycallOwaheeyo,thatrules
andgovernstheuniverse,andtakescareofallhiscreaturesrational
andirrational,andgivesthemtheirfoodindueseason,andhearsthe
prayersofallthosewhocalluponhimthereforeitisbutjustand
reasonabletoprayandoffersacrificetothisgreatbeingandtodo
thosethingsthatarepleasing
116ASTARINTHEWEST.
inhissight.Buttheywidelydifferinwhatispleasingordispleasing
tothisgreatbeing.Someholdthatfollowingnatureortheirown
propensitiesisthewaytohappiness.Othersrejectthisopinion
altogether,andsay,thatfollowingtheirownpropensitiesinthis
mannerisneitherthemeansofhappiness,orthewaytopleasethe
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deity.Myfriend,Teeaughretanegosaid,ourhappinessdependson
ourusingourreason,inordertosuppressthesecivildispositions
butwhenourpropensitiesneitherleadustoinjureourselvesnor
others,wemaywithsafetyindulgethem,orevenpursuethemasthe
meansofhappiness,Page80.
CanyanymanreadthisshortaccountofIndiantraditions,drawn
fromtribesofvariousnations,fromthewesttotheeast,andfrom
thesouthtothenorth,whollyseparatedfromeachother,writtenby
differentauthorsofthebestcharacters,bothforknowledgeand
integrity,possessingthebestmeansofinformation,atvariousand
distanttimes,withoutanypossiblecommunicationwitheachother,
andinoneinstancefromoccularandsensibledemonstration
writtenonthespotinseveralinstances,withtherelatorsbefore
themandyetsupposethatallthisiseithertheeffectofchance,
accidentordesign,fromaloveofthemarvellousorapremeditated
intentionofdeceiving,andtherebyruiningtheirownwell
establishedreputations?
Charlevoixwasaclergymanofcharacter,whowaswiththeIndians
someyears,andtravelledfromCanadatotheMississippi,inthat
earlyday.
Adairlivedfortyyearsentirelydomesticatedwiththesouthern
Indiansandwasamanoflearningandgreatobservation.Justbefore
therevolutionarywarhebroughthis
ASTARINTHEWEST.117
manuscripttoElizabethTown,inNewJersey,toWilliam
Livingston,Esq.(aneighbourofthewriter)tohaveitexaminedand
corrected,whichwaspreventedbythetroublesofapoliticalnature,
justbreakingout.TheRev.Mr.Brainerdwasamanofremarkable
piety,andamissionarywiththeCrosweekIndianstohisdeath.Dr.
Edwardswaseminentforhispietyandlearning,andwasintimately
acquaintedwiththeIndiansfromhisyouth.Dr.Beattywasa
clergymanofnoteandestablishedcharacter.Bartramwasaman
wellknowntothewriter,andtravelledthecountryofthesouthern
Indiansasabotonist,andwasamanofconsiderablediscernment,
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andhadgreatmeansofknowledgeandM'Kenzie,inthe
employmentofthenorthwestcompany,anoldtrader,andthefirst
adventurousexplorerofthecountry,fromthelakeofthewoodsto
thesouthernocean.
Itisnowasked,cananyonecarefullyandwithdeepreflection,
considerandcomparethesetraditionswiththehistoryoftheten
tribesofIsrael,andthelatediscoveriesoftheRussians,capt.Cook
andothers,inandaboutthepeninsulaofKamschatkaandthe
northeastcoastofAsiaandtheoppositeshoreofAmerica,ofwhich
littlewasbeforeknownbyanycivilizednation,withoutatleast
drawingstrongpresumptiveinferences,infavourofthese
wanderingnationsbeingdescendedfromsomeorientalnationofthe
oldworld,andmostprobably,allthingsconsidered,beingthelost
tribesofIsrael.
Letuslookintothelatediscoveries,andcomparethemwiththe
Indiantraditions.
KamschatkaisalargepeninsulaonthenortheasternpartofAsia
Itisamountainouscountry,lyingbetweenfiftyoneandsixtytwo
degreesofnorthlatitude,andofcourseavery
118ASTARINTHEWEST.
coldandfrozenclimate.Nograincanberaisedthere,thoughsome
vegetablesare.Skinsandfursaretheirchiefexports.Thenativesare
wildasthecountryitself,andliveonfishandseaanimals,withtheir
reindeer.Theislandsinthissea,whichseparateitfromthe
northwestcoastofAmerica,aresonumerousthattheexistenceofan
almostcontinuedchainofthembetweenthetwocontinentsisnow
renderedextremelyprobable.Theprincipalofthemaretheurile
Islands,thosecalledBheringsandCopperIslands,theAleutian
IslandsandFoxIslands.CopperIslandwhichliesinfiftyfour
degreesnorth,andinfullsightofBhering'sIsland,hasitsname
fromthegreatquantitiesofcopperwithwhichthenortheastcoastof
itabounds.Mr.Grieve'shistory.Itiswashedupbythesea,and
coverstheshoresinsuchabundance,thatmanyshipsmightbe
loadedwithitveryeasily.Theseislandsaresubjecttocontinual
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earthquakes,andaboundinsulphur.Alaskaisoneofthemost
eastwardlyislands,andprobablyisnotfarfromtheAmericancoast.
ThesnowliesontheseislandstillMarch,andtheseaisfilledwith
iceinwinter.Thereislittleornowoodgrowinginanypartofthe
country,andtheinhabitantsliveinholesdugintheearth.Their
greatestdelicaciesarewildlilyandotherrootsandberries,withfish
andotherseaanimals.Thedistancebetweenthemost
northeastwardlypartofAsiaandthenorthwestcoastofAmerica,is
determinedbythefamousnavigatiorcapt.Cook,nottoexceed
thirtyninemiles.Thesestraitsareoftenfilledwithice,evenin
summerandfrozeninwinter,andbythatmeansmightbecomea
safepassageforthemostnumeroushosttopassoverinsafety,
thoughthesecontinentshadneverbeenoncejoined,oratamuch
lessdistancethan
ASTARINTHEWEST.119
atpresent.TheseafromthesouthofBhering'sStraitstotheislands,
betweenthetwocontinents,isveryshallow.Fromthefrequent
volcanoesthatarecontinuallyhappening,itisprobable,notonly
thattherehasbeenaseparationofthecontinentatBhering'sStraits,
butthatthewholespacefromtheislandtothatsmallopeningwas
oncefilledupbylandbutthatithadbytheforceandfuryofthe
waters,perhapsactuatedbyfire,beentotallysunkanddestroyed,
andtheislandsleftinitsroom.Neitherisitimprobablethatthefirst
passageoftheseawasmuchsmallerthanatpresent,andthatitis
wideningyearly,andperhapsmanysmallislandsthatexistedatthe
firstseparationofthecontinents,havesunkorotherwisehavebeen
destroyed.Thesechangesaremanifestinalmosteverycountry.
MonsieurLePageduPratz,inhis2dvol.ofhisHistoryof
Louisiana,page120,informsus,thatbeingexceedinglydesirousto
beinformedoftheoriginoftheIndiannatives,madeeveryinquiry
inhispower,especiallyofthenationoftheNatchez,oneofthemost
intelligentamongthem.Allhecouldlearnfromthemwas,thatthey
camefrombetweenthenorthandthesunsettingbeingnoway
satisfiedwiththis,hesoughtforonewhoborethecharacterofone
oftheirwisestmen.Hewashappyenoughtodiscoveronenamed
Moneachtape,amongtheYazous,anationaboutfortyleaguesfrom
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theNatchez.Thismanwasremarkableforhissolidunderstanding
andelevationofsentiments,andhisnamewasgiventohimbyhis
nationasexpressiveofthemanmeaning"thekillerofpainand
fatigue."Hiseagerdesiretoseethecountryfromwhencehis
forefatherscame,heobtaineddirectionsandsetoff.Hewentupthe
Missouri,wherehestaidalong
120ASTARINTHEWEST.
timetolearnthedifferentlanguagesofthenationshewastopass
through.AfterlongtravellinghecametothenationoftheOtters,
andbythemwasdirectedonhisway,tillhereachedthesouthern
ocean.Afterbeingsometimewiththenationsontheshoresofthe
greatsea,heproposedtoproceedonhisjourney,andjoinedhimself
tosomepeoplewhoinhabitedmorewestwardlyonthecoast.The
travelledagreatwaybetweenthenorthandthesunsetting,when
theyarrivedatthevillageofhisfellowtravellers,wherehefound
thedayslongandthenightsshort.Hewashereadvisedtogiveover
allthoughtsofcontinuinghisjourney.Theytoldhim"thattheland
extendedstillalongwayinthedirectionaforesaid,afterwhichit
randirectlywest,andatlengthwascutbythegreatwaterfrom
northtosouth.Oneofthemadded,thatwhenhewasyoungheknew
averyoldman,whohadseenthedistantlandbeforeitwascutaway
bythegreatwaterandwhenthegreatwaterwaslow,manyrocks
stillappearedinthoseparts."Moncachtapetooktheiradviceand
returnedhomeafteranabsenceoffiveyears.
ThisaccountgiventoDuPratz,intheyear1720,confirmstheidea
ofthenarrowpassageatKamschatka,andtheprobibilitythatthe
continentsoncejoined.
Itisremarkablethatthepeople,especiallytheKamschatkians,in
theirmarches,nevergobutinIndianfile,followingoneanotherin
thesametrack.Someofthenationsinthisquarter,pricktheirflesh
withsmallpunctureswithaneedleinvariousshapes,thenrubinto
themcharcoal,blueliquidorsomeothercolour,soastomakethe
markstobecomeindelible,afterthemannerofthemoreeastern
nations.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.121
BishopLowthinhisnotesonthe16thverseofthexlixthchapterof
Isaiah,says,"thisiscertainlyanallusiontosomepracticecommon
amongtheJewsatthattime,ofmakingmarksontheirhandsand
armsbypuncturesontheskin,withsomesortofsignor
representationofthecityortemple,toshewtheiraffectionandzeal
forit.Theyhadamethodofmakingsuchpuncturesindeliblebyfire
orstainingandthisartispracticedbytravellingJewsalloverthe
worldatthisdayVid.alsohisnoteonchap.xlv.5thverse.
ThusitiswithournorthernIndianstheyalwaysgoinindianfile,
andmarktheirfleshjustasaboverepresented.
ThewriterofthishasseenanagedchristianIndianSachem,ofgood
character,whosatforhisportrait.Onstrippinghisnecktothelower
partofhisbreast,itappearedthatthewholewasmarkedwithadeep
blueishcolourinvariousfigures,verydiscernable.Onbeingasked
thereasonofit,heanswered,withaheavysigh,thatitwasoneof
thefolliesofhisyouth,whenhewasagreatwarrior,beforehis
conversiontochristianityandnow,sayshe,Imustbearit,asa
punishmentformyfolly,andcarrythemarksofittomygrave.
ThepeopleofSiberiamadecanoesofbirchbark,distendedoverribs
ofwood,nicelysewedtogether.Thewriterhasseenthisexactly
imitatedbytheIndiansontheriverSt.Lawrence,anditis
universallythecaseonthelakes.Col.JohnSmithsays,"atlength
weallembarkedinalargebirchbarkcanoe.Thisvesselwasabout
fourfeetwideandthreefeetdeep,andaboutthirtyfivefeetlong
andthoughitcouldcarryaheavyburthen,itwassoartfullyand
curiouslyconstructed,thatfourmencouldcarryitseveralmiles,
fromonelandingplacetoanotherorfromthewatersofthelaketo
the
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watersoftheOhio.Atnighttheycarryitontheland,andinvertit,
orturnitbottomup,andconvertitintoadwellinghouse."
ItalsoappearsfromthehistoryofKamschatka,writtenbyJames
Grieve,thatinthelatediscoveries,theislandswhichextendfrom
thesouthpointofKamschatka,amounttothirtyoneorthirtytwo.
Thatontheseislandsarehighmountains,andmanyofthem
smoakingvolcanoes.Thatthepassagesbetweenthem,exceptinone
ortwoinstances,werebutoneortwodaysrow,atthetimeofthe
authorswritingthathistory.Theyareliabletoterribleinundations
andearthquakes.
ThefollowingiscollectedfromMr.Steller'sjournal,asrecordedin
theabovehistory."ThemainlandofAmericaliesparallelwiththe
coastofKamschatka,insomuchthatitmayreasonablybeconcluded
thattheselandsoncejoined,especiallyattheTechukotskoiNoss,or
Cape.Heoffersfourreasonstoproveit:1st.Theappearanceofboth
coasts,whichseemtobetornasunder.2d.Manycapesprojectinto
theseafromthirtytosixtyversts.3d.Manyislandsareinthesea
whichdividesKamschatkafromAmerica.4th.Thesituationofthe
islands,andthebreadthofthatsea.Theseaisfullofislands,
whichextendfromthenorthwestpointofAmericatothechannel
ofAnianova.Onefollowsanother,astheKuruloskiislandsdoat
Japan.TheAmericancoastatsixtydegreesofnorthlatitude,is
coveredwithwoodbutatKamschatka,whichisonlyfiftyone
degrees,thereisnonefornearfiftyverstsfromthesea,andatsixty
two,notonetreeistobefound.Itisknownalso,thatthefishenter
riversontheAmericancoast,earlierthantheydointheriversof
Kamschatka.Therearealsoplentyof
ASTARINTHEWEST.123
raspberries,ofalargesizeandfinetaste,besideshoneysuckles,
cranberriesandblackberriesingreatplenty.Intheseathereare
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seals,seabeavers,whalesanddogfish.Inthecountryandinthe
riversontheAmericancoast,redandblackfoxes,swans,ducks,
quails,plover,andtenkindsofbirdsnotknowninEurope.These
particularsmayhelptoanswerthequestion,whencewasAmerica
peopledforthoughweshouldgrantthatthetwocontinentsnever
werejoined,yettheyliesoneartoeachother,thatthepossibilityof
thevinhabitantsofAsiagoingovertoAmerica,especially
consideringthenumberoftheislands,andthecoldnessofthe
climate,cannotbedenied.FromBhering'sIsland,onitshigh
mountains,youcanseemountainscoveredwithsnow,thatappearto
becapesofthemainlandofAmerica.Fromallwhichitappears
clearly,herewasaprobablemeanofapeoplepassingfromAsiato
America,eitheronthemainlandbeforeseparation,orfromislandto
islandorontheiceafterasseparation,bywhichthecontinentof
Americamighthavebeenpeopled,bythetribesofIsraelwandering
northeast,anddirectedbytheunseenhandofProvidence,andthus
theyenteredintoacountrywhereinmankindneverbeforedwelt.
ItisnotpresumedthatthetentribesofIsraelalonedidthis.Manyof
theinhabitantsmighthavegonewiththemfromTarteryorScythia
andparticularlytheoldinhabitantsofDamascus,whowerecarried
awayinthefirstplacebyTiglahPilnezer,beforehisconquestofthe
Israelites,andweretheirneighbours,andperhapsasmuch
dissatisfiedwiththeirplaceofbanishment,thoughfordifferent
reasons,astheIsraelites,aswellasfromKamschatka,ontheirway
where
124ASTARINTHEWEST.
theywerestoppedsometime,astheEgyptiansdidwiththe
Israelitesofold.Andindeeditisnotimprobable,ashasbeforebeen
hinted,thatsomefewofothernations,whotradedontheseas,
might,insolongacourseoftime,havebeendrivenbystressof
weather,andreachedtheAtlanticshoresatdifferentplacesbutthe
greatbodyofpeoplesettlinginNorthandSouthAmerica,must
haveoriginatedfromthesamesource.
Henceitwouldnotbesurprisingtofindamongtheirdescendants,a
mixtureoftheAsiaticlanguages,manners,customsand
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peculiarities.Nay.itwouldappearratherextraordinaryand
unaccountableifthiswasnotso.Andifweshouldfindthistobethe
case,itwouldgreatlycorroboratethefactoftheirhavingpassedinto
AmericafromthenortheastpointofAsia,accordingtotheIndian
tradition.We,atthepresentday,canhardlyconceiveofthefacility
withwhichthesewanderingnorthernnationsremovedfromonepart
ofthecountrytotheother.TheTartarsatthistime,whopossessthat
northerncountry,liveintentsorcoveredcarts,andwanderfrom
placetoplaceinsearchofpasture,&c.
ASTARINTHEWEST.125
CHAPTERV.
TheirgeneralCharacterandestablishedCustomsandHabits.
WEwillnowproceedtoconsiderthegeneralcharacterofthepeople
ofwhomwearetreating,aspreliminarytotheenquiringintotheir
customsandhabits.Itwillbenecessarytothefullunderstandingour
subject,topremiseafewparticulars.WhenAmericawasfirst
discoveredbyColumbus,itwascomparativelywellpeopledby
somehundreds,ifnotthousandsoftribesofdifferentnations,from
thecoastoppositetoKamschatkatoHudson'sBay.Theirnumbers
havenotbeenknown,neithercantheybeknownatthisday.Butto
formsomegeneralideaofthem,byreasoningonthesubject,we
willgivethenumbersofthenationsthathavecometoour
knowledgeatdifferenttimes.
AAbenakiasAiaouezAkamsiansAlgonkinsAssanpinks
ArrowhatoesAmelistesAurananeausAssinnisAssinaboils
AppalachosArathapescoasAgonesAbeckasAvoyelsArkanzas
AqueloupissasfAdaicsAughquagchsAtacapasAppomotacks
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AlebamonsAndaslakaAccotronacksAttatramasuesAttibamegues
AccomacksAmdustez
*PikesExpedition.No.ofWarriors.No.ofWomen.No.of
Children,
tMenwhounderstandandsee.
126ASTARINTHEWEST.
BlanesBayoueOgoulasCChatkas*orflatheadsCuttatawomans
ChickaliominesCliickiaesChesapeaksConnosidagoes
CohunnewagoesChalasCapalmakesCoroasChristinauxChilians
CausesCaddoquesCaonitesCayugasConoiesChippewas,orAn
chipawah,345,619,162&CherokeesChickasawsCatawbas
ChocktawsCreeksChouanongsfChiahnessouCanzasChitemachas
CaonetasChatotsChacciCumas,orredcrayfishChaouchasor
OuachasCadodaquiouxConestogoesCaughnewagoesChayennes
Chappunish,orpiercednoseIndiansCantanyans,ontheAlleghany
riverCeneseansorCenisCahirmoisCoosadesCowetasCussutas
ChukawsColapissasCaseitasChatkasConchaesDDelawaresDog
ribIndiansEEricsErigasFFoxes,400,500,850GGrandEaux
GakaosGanawooseHHassiniengasHuronsHoumasIIroquois
IllinoisIctansIcbewas
*Theyreckonedformerly85000warriors,butitismorelikelytobe
onlymen.Saidtobequitepeaceable.DuPratz.
fAnumerousnationof38villages,belowtheMissouri,onthe
Missisippi.
ASTARINTHEWEST.127
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loways,300,400,700.KKecoughtonsKaskkasiesKillistiuoes
KickapoosKappasKanoatinasKans,465,500,600.LLinnilinopes
LenaisLesPuansMMinatareesMessiasicsMenowaKautong,or
peopleofthelakes,305,600,1200.MantesMachecous
MechimacksMohicconsMunseesManahoaesMelotaukes
Monachans,nowTuscaroras,addedtotheFiveNationsin1712.
MandansMonasiceapanoesMusquatiesMonahassanoesMassin
aguesMohemonsoesMexicansMoraughtacundsMattapomens
MissinasaguesMissourisMohocsorMohawksMingoesMohuccons
MiamisMynonamies300,350,700.Mascoutons,orNationofFire
MesscothinsMencamisMobeluns,orMouvilleMilowacks
MertowacksMohuccoriesMahatons,orManhattonsMohegans
MuckhekaniesMinisteneauxMunseysMinisinksMaherins
MassawonaesMinonioneesMipegoisMuskogheesMichigamias
MaquasMandansNNeshaminasNarragansettsNepiscenicens
NassamondsNottowaysNantieokesNatehesNantaughtacunds
NepissensNaudowessiesNatchitochesNauatalchasNacunesor
GreensNarauwings
128ASTARINTHEWEST.
oPQOmansPioriasQuiocohansesOnanikinsPequots
QuadodaqueesOusasonsParachuctausROutponiesPrakimines
RappahanocksOnaumanientsPimitconisRoundHeads
OswagatchesPiankishawsRancokasOrundacsPatowomacks
RicorasOsages1252,1793,PissasseesS974.PadoucasSokulks
OneidasPamunkiesSkilloolsOnondagoesPayankatanksSeminoles
OueatononsPowhatansSchactikook,orriverOttowasPaspahegas
IndiansOniscousinsPanisandWhiteSitons,360,700,Ottagamies
orPanis,Black1100.FoxesPanisSusquehannasOutimacs
PouhatamiesSatanasOusasoysPenobscotsSankihaniOtters
PanemahasStegerakiesOniyouthsPachaOglouas,orShackakonies
OthoueztheNationofSecakooniesOumas,orRedNaBreadSivux
tionPomptonsSenecasOufeOgulas,orthePawnees,1993,
SapooniesNationofthe2170,2060.ShawaneseDogPemveans
SouckelasOqueLoussasPanosesShakiesOakfuskeesPandogas
SaaskiesOuachibesShackaxons
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ASTARINTHEWEST.129
Sacs700,750,1400TapousoasWinnebagoes450,Shosoneesor
SnakeTionontates500,1000.Indians.Tsouonthousaas,on
WashpelongorpeoTtheOhiopieoftheleavesTeganaticsTetaus
2700,3000,ISO,350,530.Tauxilnanians2500.Washpcoute90,
TauxinentcsV180,270.Tentilves.VermilionsYTuscarorasW
YoughtanundsTwightwieS"WabingiesYazousThomezWapings
Yanetongs900,TaensasWighcocomicoes1600,2700.Tonicas
\VianoesYatasseesTheoux"WamasqueaksOtherbandsgene
Titones2000,3600,\Vyandotsrally1704,2565,6000Webings
4420.TomaroasWhonkenties
Somenationsdividedandsettledatadistancefromeachether,and
aftermanyyears,theirlanguagesochanged,astoformdifferent
dialectsaswasinourdays,thecasewiththeErigas,ontheOhio,
whoseparatedfromtheTuscororas,andformedsidistinctdialectin
thecourseofafewyears.
Herearethenonehundredandninetydifferentnationsêachhaving
akingorsachemoverthem,ofwhomwrehavehadsome
knowledge,thoughmanyofthemarenotnowknownwhatthen
mustbethenumberofthenationsonthiscontinentcouldtheyall
beknown?Althoughwecannotwithanyprecisionknowthe
numberofthenations,onthearrivalofColumbus,andmuchless
thenumberofsouls,yetwemayasmatterofcuriositygivethe
numbersofindividualnations(if
130ASTARINTHEWEST.
lateyearsasfarasthefactcanbeascertainedandhereourlabour
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willbegreatlylessenedbyalateingeniousandwellwritten
pamphlet,entitled,"DiscoursedeliveredbeforetheNewYork
HistoricalSociety,December1811,"bythehonourableDewitt
Clinton,ofthecityofNewYork.Tothelaboursofthisgentleman,
wearegreatlyindebtedforthesubstanceofmanyofthefollowing
observations,aswellastheelegantmannerinwhichhehas
communicatedsomuchinformationtotheworld.
DuPratz,inhisHistoryofLouisiana,(1vol.107123)givesan
accountofthesinglenationofthePadoucas,lyingwestbynorth
westoftheMissouri,in172*,whichmaygiveafaintideaofthe
numbersoriginallyinhabitingthisvastcontinent.Hesays"the
nationofthePaduca'sisverynumerous,extendsalmosttwo
hundredleagues,andtheyhavevillagesquiteclosetotheSpaniards
ofNewMexico."Theyarenottobeconsideredasawandering
nation,thoughemployedinhunting,summerandwinterpage121.
Seeingtheyhavelargevillages,consistingofagreatnumberof
cabins,whichcontainverynumerousfamilies.Thesearepermanent
abodesfromwhichonehundredhunterssetoutatatimewiththeir
horses,theirbowsandagoodstockofarrows."Thevillagewhere
wewere,consistedofonehundredandfortyhuts,containingabout
eighthundredwarriors,fifteenhundredwomen,andatleasttwo
thousandchildren,somePadoucashavingfourwives."page124.
ThenativesofNorthAmerica,derivetheiroriginfromthesame
country,sinceatbottomtheyallhavethesamemannersandusages*
as.alsothesamemannerofspeakingandthinking,"
ASTARINTHEWEST.131
Mr.Jefferson,latePresidentoftheUnitedStates,inhisNoteson
Virginia,hasalsogivenmuchusefulinformationtotheworldon
severalimportantsubjectsrelatingtoAmerica,andamongothersas
tothenumbersoftheIndiansinthatthendominion.Speakingofthe
Indianconfederacyofthewarriors,orrathernations,inthatstate
anditsneighbourhood,called"thePowhatanconfederacy,"says,it
containedinpointofterritory,ashesupposes,oftheirpatrimonial
country"aboutthreehundredmilesinlength,andonehundredin
breadth.Thattherewasaboutoneinhabitantforeverysquaremile,
andtheproportionofwarriorstothewholenumberofinhabitants,
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wasasthreetoten,makingthenumberofsoulsaboutthirty
thousand."
Somewritersstatethenumberoftheirwarriorsatthefirstcomingof
theEuropeanstoVirginia,tobefifteenthousand,andtheir
populationfiftythousand.LaHoutansaysthateachvillage
containedaboutfourteenthousandsouls,thatis,fifteenhundredthat
borearms,twothousandsuperanuatedmen,fourthousandwomen,
twothousandmaids,andfourthousandfivehundredchildren.From
allwhich,itisbutamoderateestimatetosupposethatthereweresix
hundredthousandfightingmen,orwarriors,onthiscontinentatits
firstdiscovery.
In1677,col.Coursey,anagentforVirginia,hadaconferencewith
theFiveNations,atAlbany.Thenumberofwarriorswasestimated
atthattimeinthosenationsatthefollowingrate.Mohawksthree
hundred,Oneidastwohundred,Onondagoesthreehundredandfifty,
Cayugasthreehundred,Senecasonethousandtotaltwothousand
onehundredand
132ASTARINTHEWEST.
fifty,whichmakesthepopulationahoutseventhousandtwo
hundred.VideChalmer'sPoliticalAnnals,606.
Smith,inhisHistoryofNewYork,says,thatin1756,thenumberof
fightingmenwereabputtwelvehundred.
Douglass,inhisHistoryofMassachusetts,says,thattheywere
ahoutfifteenhundredin1760.
In176,col.Boquetstatesthewholenumberoftheinhabitants(he
mustmeanfightingmen)atfifteenhundredandfifty.
CaptainHutching*in1768,statesthemattwothousandone
hundredandtwenty,andDodge,anIndiantrader,in1779,atsixteen
hundred*inthethirdyearoftheAmericanrevolutionarywar.Many
reasonsmaybeassignedfortheabovedifferencessomemayhave
staidathomeforthedefenceoftheirtownssomemightbeabsent
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treatingondisputeswiththeirneighbours,orsickness,&c.&c.
Duringtheabovewar,in17767,theBritishhadintheirservice,
accordingtothereturnsoftheiragentMohawksthreehundred,
Oneidasonehundredandfifty,Tuscororastwohundred,
Onondagoesthreehundred,Cayugastwohundredandthirty,
SenecasfourhundredInthewholefifteenhundredandeighty.The
Americanshadabouttwohundredandtwenty,makingupeighteen
hundredwarriors,equaltoaboutsixthousandsouls.
In1783,Mr.Kirkland,missionarytotheOneidas,estimatedthe
numberoftheSenecawarriorsatsixhundred,andthetotalnumber
oftheSixNations,atmorethanfourthousand.
In1790,hemadethewholenumberofIndianinhabitantsthen
remaining,includinginaddition,thosewhoresideonGrandRiver,
inCanada,andtheStockbridgeandBrother
ASTARINTHEWEST.133
townIndians,whohadthenlatelyjoinedthem,tobesixthousand
threehundredandthirty,ofwhichtherewerenineteenhundred
warriors.In1794,onadivisionofanannuity,byorderofCongress,
tobemadeamongtheSixNations,thenumbersappearedwith
considerablecertainty,tobeIntheUnitedStates.IntheBritish
government.Mohawks300Oneidas628460Cayugas40
Onondagoes450760Tuscaroras400Senecas1780Stockbridgeand
BrothertownIndians,about2330
TheabovenumberofBritish760
ButwhatarethesetothesouthernIndians,andespeciallythoseof
MexicoandPeru.Iwillgiveoneexample.Mons,LaPageDuPratz,
inhisHistoryofLouisiana,writtenabouttheyear1730,assuresus,
thatthenationoftheNatchez,fromwhomthetownofthatnameon
theMissisippiiscalled,werethemostpowerfulnationinNorth
America2vol.146,TheyextendedfromtheriverManchasor
Iberville,whichisaboutfiftyleaguesfromthesea,totheriver
Wabash,whichisaboutfourhundredandsixtyleaguesfromthe
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sea,andthattheyhadfivehundredSachemsinthenation."
Hefurthersays,thattheChatkasorFlatheads,neartheriverPacha
OgiUas,hadtwentyfivethousandwarriors,but
134ASTARINTHEWEST.
inwhichnumber,hesupposesmanywerereckonedwhohadbuta
slighttitletothatnamePage140.Butashortestimateofthelength
andbreadthofdifferentpartsofAmerica,althoughnotpretendedto
beperfectlyaccurate,yethavingendeavouredtokeepwithin
bounds,itmayservetoanswertheendnowproposed.Lengthin
miles.Breadthinmiles.OldMexico,2,000600NewMexico2,000
1,600Louisiana1,6001,200TerraFirma1,400700Amazonia
1,200960Peru1,800500Chili1,200500Patagonia700300La
Plata1,5001,000Brazil2,500,700ThirteenUnitedStates1,250
1,040Esquimaux1,6001,200Canada1,200276NovaScotia500
400Floridas600130Miles20,85011,106
Besidesthisimmenseterritory,onallwhichtherearesomeIndians
tobefound,thecountryfromNewMexico,westtotheSouthseas,
whichisyetinastateofnature,andaboundsinIndiannations,must
beaddedtothevastamount,asmorethanequaltoalltherest.
ASTARINTHEWEST.135
TheIndians,byoppression,diseases,warsandardentspirits,have
greatlydiminishedinnumbers,degeneratedintheirmoralcharacter,
andlosttheirhighstandingaswarriors,especiallythosecontiguous
tooursettlements.
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"Theveryancientmenwhohavewitnessedtheformergloryand
prosperityoftheircountry,orwhohaveheardfromthemouthsof
theirancestors,andparticularlyfromtheirbelovedmen,(whose
officeitistorepeattheirtraditionsandlawstotherising
generations,withtheheroicachievementsoftheirforefathers)the
formerstateoftheircountrywiththegreatprowessandsuccessof
theirwarriorsofoldtimes,theyweeplikeinfants,whentheyspeak
ofthefallenconditionoftheirnations.Theyderivehoweversome
consolationfromaprophecyofancientoriginanduniversal
currencyamongthem,thatthemanofAmerica,will,atsomefuture
period,regainhisancientascendencyandexpelthemanofEurope
fromthiswesternhemisphere.Thisflatteringandconsolatory
persuasionhasenabledtheSenecaandShawneseprophets,toarrest,
insometribes,theuseofintoxicatingliquors,andhasgivenbirth,at
differentperiods,toattemptsforageneralconfederacyofthe
IndiansofNorthAmerica."Clinton.
ThewriterofthiswaspresentatadinnergivenbygeneralKnox,to
anumberofIndiansintheyear1789,atNewYorktheyhadcome
tothePresidentonamissionfromtheirnations.Thehousewasin
Broadway.Alittlebeforedinner,twoorthreeoftheSachems,with
theirchieforprincipalman,wentintothebalconyatthefrontofthe
house,thedrawingroombeingupstairs.Fromthistheyhadaview
ofthecity,theharbour,LongIsland,&c.&e.Afterremain
136ASTARINTHEWEST.
ingthereashorttime,theyreturnedintotheroom,apparently
dejectedbutthechiefmorethantherest.GeneralKnoxtooknotice
ofit,andsaidtohim,brother!whathashappenedtoyou?You
looksorry!Isthereanythingtodistressyou?HeansweredI'lltell
youbrother.Ihavebeenlookingatyourbeautifulcitythegreat
wateryourfinecountryandseehowhappyyouallare.Butthen,I
couldnothelpthinking,thatthisfinecountiyandthisgreatwater
wereonceours.Ourancestorslivedheretheyenjoyeditastheir
owninpeaceitwasthegiftofthegreatspirittothemandtheir
children.Atlastthewhitepeoplecamehereinagreatcanoe.They
askedonlytoletthemtieittoatree,lestthewatersshouldcarryit
awayweconsented.Theythensaidsomeoftheirpeopleweresick,
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andtheyaskedpermissiontolandthemandputthemunderthe
shadeofthetrees.Theicethencame,andtheycouldnotgoaway.
Theythenbeggedapieceoflandtobuildwigwamsforthewinter
wegrantedittothem.Theythenaskedforsomecorntokeepthem
fromstarvingwekindlyfurnishedittothem,theypromisingtogo
awaywhentheiceAvasgone.Whenthishappened,wetoldthem
theymustnowgoawaywiththeirbigcanoebuttheypointedto
theirbiggunsroundtheirwigwams,andsaidtheywouldstaythere,
andwecouldnotmakethemgoaway.Afterwards,morecame.
Theybroughtspirituousandintoxicatingliquorswiththem,of
whichtheIndiansbecameveryfond.Theypersuadedustosellthem
someland.Finallytheydroveusback,fromtimetotime,intothe
wilderness,farfromthewater,andthefishandtheoystersthey
havedestroyedthegameourpeoplehavewastedaway,andnow
>yelivemiserableandwretched,whileyouareenjoyingouf
ASTARINTHEWEST.137
fineandbeautifulcountry.Thismakesmesorrybrother!andI
cannothelpit."
Buttoproceed,thecolouroftheIndians,generallyspeaking,was
red,brown,orcoppercoloured,differingaccordingtoclimate,high
andlowgrounds.Theyareuniversallyattachedtotheircolour,and
takeeverymeanintheirpowertoincreaseit,preferingittothe
white.Theygiveanametothewhitepeople,whichishighly
contemptuousitisthatofanheterogenousanimal.Sometimes
whentheyaimatgreaterseverity,thatof"theaccursedpeople"The
hotterorcolderthecountryiswheretheIndianshavelongresided,
thegreaterproportionhavetheyofthewhiteorredcolourthisis
assertedbyAdairfrompersonalexperience.Hehascomparedthe
ShawanohIndianswiththeChikkasaw,andfoundthemmuchfairer,
thoughtheirendeavourstocultivatethecoppercolourwerealike.
HethinkstheIndiancolourtobetheeffectofclimate,artand
mannerofliving.Theirtraditionsays,thatinthecountryfarwest,
fromwhichtheycame,allthepeoplewereofonecolouraridthey
areignorantwhichwastheprimitivecolour.Adairhasseenawhite
man,who,byhisendeavorstochangehiscolour,becameasdeeply
colouredasanyIndianinthecamp,afterhehadbeeninthewoods
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onlyfouryears.TheIndianstotheSouthwardareoftenofadeeper
huethanthosetothenorthwardiuahighcountrytheyinclinetoa
lightertinge$butthenthosetothenorthwardaremoreignorant,
andlessknowingintheirtraditions,rites,andreligiouscustoms.
ThelikechangeisnotunknowninEuropeandAsia.Theinhabitants
ofthenortherncountries,inmanyinstances,arecomparatively
fairerthanthoseofthesoutherncountries.
138ASTARINTHEWEST.
InthesouththeIndiansaretall,erectandrobusttheirlimbsarewell
shaped,soasgenerallytoformaperfecthumanfigure.Theydelight
inpaintingthemselves,especiallywithredorvermilioncolour.
Theyareremarkablyvain,andsupposethemselvesthefirstpeople
onearth.TheFiveNationscalledthemselves<QnguehoTtwe,that
is,mensurpassingnilothers?theonlybelovedpeopleofthegreat
spirit,andhispeculiarpeople.Butastotheircommonmodeof
living,theyaregenerallyallgreatslovenstheyseldomoreverwash
theirshirts.
Itisamatteroffact,provedbymosthistoricalaccounts,thatthe
Indians,atourfirstacquaintancewiththem,generallymanifested
themselveskind,hospitableandgeneroustotheEuropeans,solong
astheyweretreatedwithjusticeandhumanitybutwhentheywere,
fromathirstofgain,overreachedoneveryoccasion,theirfriends
andrelationstreacherouslyentrappedandcarriedawaytobesold
forslavesthemselvesinjuriouslyoppressed,deceivedanddriven
fromtheirLawfulandnativepossessionswhatoughttohavebeen
expected,butinveterateenmity,hereditaryanimosity,andaspiritof
perpetualrevenge.Towhomshouldbeattributedtheevilpassions,
cruelpractices,andvicioushabitstowhichtheyarenowchanged,
buttothosewhofirstsetthemtheexamplelaidthefoundation,
andthenfurnishedtikecontinualmeansforpropagatingand
supportingtheevil.
Inaveryearlyday,inthecolonyofVirginia,thefirstsettlers,by
theirgreatimprudence,hadsouredtheIndiantemper,raisedtheir
jealousies,andprovokedtheirfreeandindependentspirits,soasto
leadthemtodetermineontheextirpationofthewholecolonythen
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few,weakanddivided.
ASTARINTHEWEST.139
TheIndiansmanagedtheirintendedattackwithsomuclisecrecy,
thattheysurprisedthecolonistsineveryquarter,anddestroyednear
onefourthofthem.Intheirturn,thesurvivorswagedadestructive
waragainsttheIndians,andmurderedmen,womenandchildren.
Dr.Robertsonsays,*iregardless,liketheSpaniards,ofthose
principlesoffaith,honorandhumanity,whichregulatehostilities
amongcivilizednations,andsethoundstotheirrage,theEnglish
dccm~deverythingallowablethattendedtoaccomplishtheirde
signs.TheyhuntedtheIndianslikewildbeasts,ratherthanenemies
andasthepursuitofthemtotheirplacesofretreatinthewoods,was
bothdifficultanddangerous,theyendeavouredtoallurethemfrom
theirinaccessiblefastnesses,byoffersofpeace,andpromisesof
oblivion,madewithsuchanartfulappearanceofsincerity,as
deceivedthecraftyIndianchief,andinducedtheIndianstoreturnin
theyear1623,totheirformersettlements,andresumetheirusual
peacefuloccupations.Thebehaviourofthetwopeopleseemednow
tobeperfectlyreversed.TheIndians,likemenacquaintedwiththe
principlesofintegrityandgoodfaith,onwhichtheintercourse
betweennationsisfounded,confidedinthereconciliation,and
livedinabsolutesecurity,withoutsuspicionofdanger,whilethe
English,withperfidiouscraft,werepreparingtoimitatesavagesin
theirrevengeandcruelty.
"Ontheapproachofharvest,whenahostileattackwouldbemost
formidableandfatal,theEnglishfellsuddenlyonalltheIndian
plantations,murderedeverypersononwhomtheycouldlayhold,
anddrovetheresttothewoods,wheresomanyperishedwith
hunger,thatsomeofthetribesnearesttotheEnglish,weretotally
.extirpated/'HistoryofNorthAmerica,90.97.
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140ASTARINTHEWEST.
Robertsonagain,speakingofthewarinNewEngland,between
ConnecticutandProvidence,intheirfirstattemptagainstthePequod
Indians,says,"thattheIndianshadsecuredtheirtown,whichwas
onarisinggroundinaswamp,withpallisades.TheNewEngland
troops,unperceived,reachedthepallisades.Thebarkingofadog
alarmedtheIndians.Inamoment,however,theystartedtotheir
arms,andraisingthewarcry,preparedtorepeltheassailants.The
Englishforcedtheirwaythroughintothefort,ortown,andsetting
firetothehuts,whichwerecoveredwithreeds,theconfusionand
terrorquicklybecamegeneral.Manyofthewomenandchildren
perishedintheflames,andthewarriors,endeavoringtoescape,
wereeitherslainbytheEnglish,orfallingintothehandsofthe
Indianallies,whosurroundedthefortatadistance,werereserved
foramorecruelfate.TheEnglishresolvedtopursuetheirvictory,
andhuntingtheIndiansfromoneplaceofretreattoanother,some
subsequentencounterswerehardlylessfatalthanthefirtaction.In
lessthanthreemonths,thetribeofthePequodswereextirpated."
Ibid18i5,6.
"ThustheEnglishstainedtheirlaurels,bytheusetheymadeof
victory.InsteadoftreatingthePequodsasanindependentpeople,
whomadeagallantefforttodefendtheproperty,therightsand
freedomoftheirnation,theyretaliateduponthemallthebarbarities
ofAmericanwar.Sometheymassacredincoldblood,othersthey
gaveuptobetorturedbytheirIndianallies,aconsiderablenumber
theysoldasslavesiiiBermuda,therestwerereducedtoservitude
amongthemselves."
ASTARINTHEWEST.141
WhatIamaboutmentioning,maybeconsideredasoflittleforce
whilestandingbyitself,yetwhenconnectedwithsomanyother
circumstances,itisthoughtworthmentioning.Thisnationof
Pequodswereaprincipalnationofthecast,andverynaturally
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remindsoneofthesimilarityofthesamenameinJeremiah1.21,
wheretheinhabitantsofPekodareparticularlymentionedandalso
inEzekiclxxiii.23.Thedifferenceinspellingonewithak,andthe
otherwithaq9isnouncommonthing.TheIndianlanguagesbeing
veryguttural,thekisgenerallyusedwhereanEnglishmanwould
usetheqbutmanyofthefirstnamesusedbytheEnglishinanearly
dayhavebeencorrected.SirWalterRaleighsayshis"firstlanding
inAmericawasatRoanor,whichafterwardswasfoundtobecalled
bytheIndians,Roanoke.Anothertriflingobservationinitself,yet
willaddtothepresumptionalreadymentioned,istheoriginalname
ofapointoflandonthewesternpartoftheEuxineorBlackSea,
mentionedbyD'Anvillc,Nagara.ThisistheAbydosoftheGreeks,
1D'Anville,287,andismuchthesamewiththepointinLake
Ontario,inNewYorkstate,wellknownbytheIndianname
Niagara.
ButifthischaracteroftheIndians,asoriginallybeingkindand
hospitable,shouldbedoubted,asIknowitwillbebymany,who
thinkthemselveswellacquaintedwiththem,frombeingwiththe
presentracearoundoursettlementsletusgobackandhearwhat
ideaChristopherColumbusformedofthemintheverybeginningof
ourknowledgeofthem.Hemustbetheverybestwitnessthatcanbe
producedonthissubject.Inhisaccount,senttohisroyalmasterand
mistress,oftheinhabitants,onhisfirstlandinginAmerica,h
142ASTARINTHEWEST.
says,"Isweartoyourmajesties,thatthereisnotabettcVpeoplein
theworldthanthesemoreaffectionate,affahle,drmild.Theylove
theirneighboursasthemselves.Theirlanguageisthesweetest,the
softestandmostcheerful,fortheyalwaysspeakingsmiling."In
anotherinstance,avenerableoldmanapproachedColumbuswith
greatreverence,andpresentedhimwithabasketoffruit,andsaid,
youarecomeintothesecountries,withaforceagainstwhich,were,
weinclinedtoresist,resistancewouldbefolly.Wearealltherefore
atyourmercy.Butifyouaremensubjecttomor^talitylike
ourselves,youcannotbeunapprised,thatafterthislife,thereis
another,whereinaverydifferentportionisallottedtogoodandbad
men.Iftherefore,youexpecttodie,andbelievewithus,thatevery
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oneistoberewardedinafuturestate,accordingtohisconductin
thepresent,youwilldonohurttothosewhodononetoyou/'
Edwards'WestIndies,vol.72.
DelasCasas,bishopofChapia,whospentmuchtimeandlabour
amongtheIndiansofNewSpain,tryingtoservethem,says,"Iwas
oneofthefirstwhowenttoAmerica.Neithercuriosity,norinterest
promptedmetoundertakesolonganddangerousavoyage.The
savingthesoulsoftheheathenwrasmysoleobjectWhywasInot
permitted,evenattheexpenseofmyblood,toransomsomany
thousandsofsouls,whofellunhappyvictimstoavariceandlust.It
wassaidthatbarbarousexecutionswerenecessarytopunishor
checktherebellionoftheAmericans.Buttowhomwasthisowing?
DidnotthispeoplereceivetheSpaniards,whofirstcameamong
them,withgentlenessandhumanity?Didtheynotshewmorejoyin
proportion,inlavishingtreasureuponthem,
ASTARINTHEWEST.143
thantheSpaniardsdidgreedinessinreceiving*it.Butouravarice
wasnotyetsatisfied.Thoughtheygaveuptoustheirlandsandtheir
riches,wewouldtakefromthemtheirwives,theirchildrenandtheir
liherty.Toblackenthecharactersoftheseunhappypeople,their
enemiesassertthattheyarescarcehumancreatures.Butitiswe
whooughttoblushforhavingbeenlessmen,andmorebarbarous
thanthey.Theyarerepresentedasastupidpeople,andaddictedto
vice.Buthavetheynotcontractedmostoftheirvicesfromthe
examplesofChristians.ButitmustbegrantedthattheIndiansstill
remainuntaintedwithmanyvicesusualamongEuropeans.Suchas
ambition,blasphemy,swearing,treachery,andmanysuch
monsters,whichhavenotyettakenplaceamongthem.Theyhave
scarceanideaofthem.Allnationsareequallyfree.Onenationhas
norighttoinfringeonthefreedomofanother.Letusdotothese
people,aswewouldhavethemhavedonetous,onachangeof
circumstances.\Vhatastrangemethodisthisofpropagatingthe
gospelthatholylawofgrace,which,frombeingslavestoSatan,
initiatesusintothefreedomofthechildrenofGod."
TheAbbeClavigero,anotherSpanishwriter,confirmsthisideaof
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theSouthAmericans."Wehavehadintimateconverse,sayshe,
withtheAmericansjhavelivedsomeyearsinaseminarydestined
fortheirinstructionattentivelyobservedtheircharactertheir
geniustheirdispositionandmannerofthinkingandhavebesides,
examinedwiththe,utmostdiligence,theirancienthistorytheir
re.Iigionrtheirgovernmenttheirlawsandtheircustoms.Aftersuch
longexperienceandstudyofthem,wdeclare,thatthemental
144ASTARINTHEWEST.
qualitiesoftheAmericansarcnotintheleastinferiortothoseofthe
Europeans."Amongthemanyinstancesofprovocationgivento
thembythewhitepeople,Neal,inhisHistoryofNewEngland,
page21,says,"oneHunt,anearlytraderwiththeIndiansofNew
England,afteraprosperoustradewiththenatives,enticedbetween
twentyandthirtyofthemonboardhisvessel,andcontrarytothe
publicfaith,clappedthemunderhatches,andtookthemtoMalaga,
andsoldthemtotheSpaniards.ThistheremainingIndiansresented,
byrevengingthemselvesonthenextEnglishvesselthatcameon
theircoast."
Intheyear1620,asermonwaspreachedatPlymouthbytheRev.
Mr.Cushman,fromwhichthefollowingextractistaken,relativeto
thetreatmenttheyreceivedfromthenatives.TheIndiansaresaidto
bethemostcruelandtreacherouspeopleinalltheseparts,evenlike
lions,buttoustheyhavebeenlikelambs,sokind,sosubmissive
andtrusty,asamanmaytrulysay,manyChristiansarenotsokind
orsincere.Thoughwhenwecamefirstintothiscountrywewere
few,andmanyofusverysick,andmanydiedbyreasonofthecold
andwet,itbeingthedepthofwinter,andwehavingnohousesor
shelter,yetwhentherewerenotsixablepersonsamongus,andthe
Indianscamedailytousbyhundreds,withtheirsachemsorkings,
andmightinonehourhavemadedespatchofusyetsuchfearwas
uponthem,asthattheyneverofferedustheleastinjuryinwordor
deed.AndbyreasonofoneTisquanto,thatlivesamongus,andcan
speakEnglish,wehavedailycommercewiththeirkings,andcan
knowwhatisdoneorintendedtowardsusamongthesavages."
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ASTARINTHEWEST.145
ThelategovernorHutchinson,inhishistoryofNewEngland,
observes,"thatthenativesshewedcourtesytotheEnglishattheir
firstarrival5werehospitahle,andmadesuchaswouldeattheir
food,welcometoit,andreadilyinstructedtheminplantingand
cultivatingtheIndiancorn.SomeoftheEnglishwholost
themselvesinthewoods,andmustotherwisehaveperishedwith
famine,theyrelievedandconductedhome."
Mr.Penn,also,athisfirstcomingamongstthem,spokeandwrote
oftheminhighterms,asakindandbenevolentpeople.
ThehistoryofNewJerseyinformsus,that"fornearacentury,the
Indiansofthatstatehadallalongmaintainedanintercourseofgreat
cordialityandfriendshipwiththeinhabitants,beinginterspersed
amongthem,andfrequentlyreceivingmeatattheirhouses,and
othermarksoftheirgoodwillandesteem."Smith,page440.
FatherCharlevoix,whotravelledearly,andforalongtimeamong
theIndians,fromQuebectoNewOrleans,andhadgreat
opportunities,whichhemadeithisbusinessandstudytoimprove,
tellsus,speakingoftherealcharacteroftheIndiannations,"that
withamienandappearancealtogethersavageandwithmanners
andcustomswhichfavourthegreatestbarbarity,theyenjoyallthe
advantagesofsociety*Atfirstview,onewouldimaginethem
withoutformofgovernment,lawsorsubordination,andsubjectto
thewildestca^price.Nevertheless,theyrarelydeviatefromcertain
maximsandusages,foundedongoodsensealone,whichholdsthe
Jilaeeoflaw,andsuppliesinsomesort,thewantoflegalauthority.
Theymanifestmuchstabilityintheengagements
146ASTARINTHEWEST.
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theyhavesolemnlyentereduponpatienceinaffliction,aswellas
submissiontowhattheyapprehendtobetheappointmentof
Providenceinallthistheymanifestanoblenessofsouland
constancyofmind,atwhichwerarelyarrive,withallour
philosophyandreligion.Theyareneitherslavestoambitionnor
interest,thetwopassionsthathavesomuchweakenedinusthe
sentimentsofhumanity,(whichthekindauthorofnaturehas
engravenonthehumanheart)andkindledthoseofcovctousness,
whichareasyetgenerallyunknownamongthem/'
Itisnotorious,thattheyaregenerallykindertous,thoughthey
despiseus,thanwearetothem.Thereisscarceaninstanceoccurs,
butthattheytreateverywhitemanwhogoesamongthem,with
respect,whichisnotthecasefromustothem.Thesameauthor
says,thenearerviewwetakeofoursavages,themorewediscover
inthemsomevaluablequalities.Thechiefpartoftheprinciplesby
whichtheyregulatetheirconductthegeneralmaximsbywhich
theygovernthemselvesandthebottomoftheircharactershave
nothingwhichappearsbarbarous.Theideas,thoughnowquite
confused,whichtheyhaveretainedofafirstBeingthetraces,
thoughalmosteffaced,ofareligiousworship,whichtheyappear
formerlytohaverenderedtotheSupremeDeity,andthefaintmarks
whichweobserve,evenintheirmostindifferentactions,ofthe
ancientbelief,andtheprimitivereligion,maybringthemmore
easilythanwethinkof,intothewayoftruth,andmaketheir
conversiontoChristianitymoreeasilytobeeffected,thanthatof
morecivilizednations."
Butwhatsurprisesexceedingly,inmenwhosewholeoutward
appearanceproclaimsnothingbutbarbarity,is,tosee
ASTARINTHEWEST.147
thembehavetoeachother,withsuchkindnessandregard,thatare
nottohefoundamongthemostcivilizednations.Doubtlessthis
proceeds,insomemeasure,fromthewordsmineandthine,beingas
yetunknowntothesesavages.Weareequallycharmedwiththat
naturalandunaffectedgravity,whichreignsinalltheirbehaviour,in
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alltheiractions,andinthegreatestpartoftheirdiversions.Also
withthecivilityanddeferencetheyshewtotheirequals,andthe
respectofyoungpeopletotheaged.Andlastly,nevertoseethem
quarrelamongthemselves,withthoseindecentexpressions,oaths
andcurses,socommonamongusallwhichareproofsofgood
senseandagreatcommandoftemper.*'Inshort,tomakeabrief
portraitofthesepeople,withasavageappearance,mannersand
customs,whichareentirelybarbarous,thereisobservableamong
them,asocialkindness,freefromalmostalltheimperfections
whichsooftendisturbthepeaceofsocietyamongus.Theyappear
tobewithoutpassionbuttheydothatincoldblood,andsome
timesthroughprinciple,whichthemostviolentandunbridled
passionproducesinthosewhogivenoeartoreason.Theyseemto
leadthemostwretchedlifeintheworldandyettheywere,
perhaps,theonlyhappypeopleonearth,beforetheknowledgeof
theobjectswhichsoworkuponandseduceus,hadexcitedinthem,
desireswhichignorancekeptinsupinenessjbutwhichhavenotas
yet(in1730)madeanygreatravagesamongthem.Wediscoverin
themamixtureofthefiercestandmostgentlemanners.The
imperfectionsofwildbeasts,and
*LePageDuPratz,says,"thavestudiedtheseIndiansa
considerablenumberofyears,andInevercouldlearnthatthere
everwereanydisputesorboxhigmatchesamongeithertheboysor
men.2vol.165.
148ASTARINTHEWEST.
thevirtuesandqualitiesoftheheartandmindwhichdothegreatest
honourtohumannature.
DuPratz,inhishistoryofLouisiana,says,"thatuponan
acquaintancewiththeIndians,hewasconvincedthatitwaswrong
todenominatethemsavages,astheyarecapableofmakinggood
useoftheirreason,andtheirsentimentsarejust.Thattheyhavea
degreeofprudence,faithfulnessandgenerosity,exceedingthatof
nationswhowouldheoffendedatbeingcomparedwiththem.No
people,sayshe,aremorehospitableandfreethantheIndians.
Hencetheymaybeesteemedahappypeople,ifthathappinesswas
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notimpededbytheirpassionatefondnessforspirituousliquors,and
thefoolishnotiontheyhold,incommonwithmanyprofessing
christians,ofgainingreputationandesteembytheirprowessin
war."Buttowhomdotheyowetheiruncommonattachmenttoboth
theseevils?Isitnottothewhitepeoplewhocametothemwith
destructionineachhand,whilewedidbutdeceiveourselves,with
thevainnotion,thatwewerebringingthegladtidingsofsalvation
tothem.Insteadofthis,wehavepossessedtheseunoffendingpeople
withsohorridanideaofourprinciples,thatamongthemselvesthey
callustheaccursedpeople.Andtheirgreatnumbers,whenfirst
discovered,shewthattheyhad,comparatively,butfewwarsbefore
wecameamongthem.
Mr.WilliamBartram,agentlemanwellknowninthestateuf
Pennsylvania,sontothelateJohnBartram,Esq.solongBotanistto
QueenCaroline,ofEngland,beforetherevolution,inthejournalof
histravelsthroughtheCreekcountry,speakingoftheSiminolcsor
lowerCreeknation,andoftheirbeingthenfewinnumber,says,
"yetthishandfulofpeople
ASTARINTHEWEST.149
possessavastterritory,allEastFloridaandthegreatestpartofWest
Florida,whichbeingnaturallycutanddividedintothousandsof
islets,knollsandeminences,bytheinnumerablerivers,lakes,
swamps,savannasandponds,formsomanysecureretreatsand
temporarydwellingplaces,thateffectuallyguardthemfromany
suddeninvasionorattacksfromtheirenemies.Andbeingsucba
swampy,hammokycountry,furnishessuchaplentyandvarietyof
suppliesforthenourishmentofeverysortofanimal,thatIcan
venturetoassert,thatnopartoftheglobesoaboundswithwild
gameorcreaturesfitforthefoodofman.Thustheyenjoya
superabundanceofthenecessariesandconveniencesoflifewiththe
securityofpersonandproperty,thetwogreatconcernsofman
kind.Theyseemtobefreefromwantordesires.Nocruelenemyto
dreadnothingtogivethemdisquietudebutthegradual
encroachmentsofthewhitepeople.Thuscontented,and
undisturbed,theyappearasblitheandfreeasthebirdsoftheair,
andlikethemasvolatileandactive,tunefulandvociferous.The
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visage,actionanddeportmentofaSiminole,beingthemoststriking
pictureofhappinessinthislifeJoy,contentment,loveand
friendshipwithoutguileoraffectation,seemInherentinthem,or
predominateintheirvitalprinciple,foritleavesthembutwiththe
lastbreathoflife."
Toexemplifytheirkindnesstostrangers,hesays,thathavinglost
hiswayintravellingthroughtheirtowns,hewasatastandhowto
proceed,whenheobservedanIndianmanatthedoorofhis
habitation,beckoningtohim,tocometohim.Bartramaccordingly
rodeuptohim.Hecheerfullywelcomedhimtohishouse,tookcare
ofhishorse,andwiththemostgracefulairofrespectledhiminto
anairy,coolapartment,
150ASTARINTHEWEST.
wherebeingseatedoncabins,hiswomenbroughtinarefreshing
repast,withapleasantcoolingliquortodrink.Thenpipesand
tobacco.Afteranhour'sconversation,andMr.Bartraminforming
himofhisbusiness,andwherehewasbound,buthavinglosthis
way,hedidnotknowhowtogoon.TheIndiancheerfullyreplied,
thathewaspleasedthatMr.15.wascomeintotheircountry,where
heshouldmeetwithfriendshipandprotectionandthathewould
himselfleadhimintotherightpath.Heturnedouttobetheprince
orchiefof\Vhatoga.HowlongwouldanIndianhaverodethrough
o:ircountry,beforehewouldhavereceivedsuchkindnessfroma
commonfarmer,muchlessachiefmagistrateofacountry?Mr.
BartramaddstothetestimonyofFatherCharlevoix,infavourof
theirgoodcharactersamongthemselves.Hesaystheyarejust,
honest,liberalandhospitabletostrangersconsiderate,lovingand
affectionatetotheirwivesandrelationsfondoftheirchildren
frugalandperseveringcharitableandforbearing.Hewasweeks
andmonthsamongthemintheirtowns,andneverobservedtheleast
signofcontentionorwranglingneversawaninstanceofanIndian
beatinghiswife,orevenreprovingherinanger.Col.JohnSmith
says,"whenwehadplentyofgreencornandroastingears,the
huntersbecamelazy,andspenttheirtimeinsinginganddancing.
Theyappearedtobefulfillingthescriptures,beyondmanyofthose
whoprofesstobelievethem,inthatoftakingnothoughtforto
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morrow,butinlivinginlove,peaceandfriendship,without
disputes.Inthislastrespecttheyareanexampletothosewho
professChristianitypage29.
ASTARINTHEWEST.151
Thefirstandmostcogentarticleinalltheirlatetreatieswiththe
whitepeopleis,"thatthereshallnotheanykindofspirituous
liquorsbroughtorsoldintheirtownsandthetradersareallowed
huttengallonsforacompany,whichareesteemedsufficientto
servethemontheirjourney,andifanyofthisremainsontheir
arrival,theymustspillitontheground."{MrB.mettwoyoung
tradersrunningaboutfortykegsofJamaicaspiritsintothenation.
TheywerediscoveredbyapartyofCreeks,whoimmediately
strucktheirtomahawksintoeverykeg,andlettheliquorrunout,
withoutdrinkingadropofit.Herewasaninstanceofselfdenial,
seldomequalledbywhitemen,forsofondaretheyofit,thathad
theyindulgedthemselveswithtastingit,nothingcouldhave
preventedthemfromdrinkingthewholeofit.<Mr.B.sawayoung.
Indianwhowaspresentatasceneofmadintemperanceandfolly,
actedbysomewhitemeninthetown,Heclappedhishandtohis
breast,andwithasmilelookingup,asifstruckwithastonishment,
andwraptinloveandadorationoftheDeity,lamentedtheir
conduct.
WehavethusendeavoredtogivesomeideasoftheIndiancharacter,
atthefirstarrivaloftheEuropeansamongthem,beforetheywere
debauchedanddemoralizedbyanacquaintancewiththosewho
pretendtobetheirbenefactors,bycommunicatingtothemtheglad
tidingsofsalvation,throughJesusChrist.Wehaveexhibitedthe
testimonyofthebestwriters,fromvariouspartscfthecontinent,
acquaintedwithverydifferentnations,fromthesouthtothenorth.
Itisgivengenerallyintheauthorsownwords,lestwemightbe
chargedwithmisrepresentingtheirmeaning,byadoptingourown
language,orputtingaglossontheirsandourdesignhas
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152ASTARINTHEWEST.
been,thatthereadermaybemadeacquaintedwiththepeopleof
whomwetreat.Wemustconfess,thatwehavegiventhefairestpart
oftheircharacter,whileathomeandamongtheirfriends,thougha
perfectlyjustone.
Theobjectswhichengagetheirattention,andindeedtheirwhole
souls,arewarandhunting.Theirhaughtytemperswillnot
condescendtolabourthistheyleavetotheirwomen.Hencetheyput
onratherasolemncharacter,exceptwhentheydivertthemselves
withtheirprincipalamusements,dancingandgaining.Butinwar,
andwhileopposingtheenemiesoftheirnation,theyarecrueland
revengeful.The*makewarwithunrelentingfury,ontheleast
unatonedaffront,equaltoanyEuropeannationwhatever.Itistheir
customandlongcontinuedhabit.Theykillanddestroytheirown
specieswithoutregret.Thewarrioristhehighestobjectoftheir
ambition.Theyarebitterintheirenmity,andtoavengethebloodof
akinsman,theywilltravelhundredsofmiles,andkeeptheiranger
foryears,tilltheyaresatisfied.*Theyscalpalltheslainoftheir
enemies(asmanyoftheAsiaticsdid)thattheygetintheirpower,
contrarytotheusageofallothersavages.fTheyusuallyattacktheir
enemieswithamosthediotisanddreadfulyelling,soastomakethe
woodstoring.Veryfewoftheablesttroopsintheworldcan
withstandthehorrorofit,whoarestrangerstothem,,andhavenot
beforebeenacquaintedwiththiskindofreception.Theyarekindto
womenandchildrenwhomtheytake
*Themurderershallsurelybeputtodeath.Theavengerofblood,
himself,shttllslaythemurdererwhenliemeetelhhim,heshallslay
him.Numbersxxxv.18,19.
?Davidspeaksofthehoaryscalpsofhisenemies.
ASTARINTHEWEST.153
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prisoners,andareremarkablefortheirdelicacy,intheirtreatmentof
thefirst.Tosucliprisonersasthey,bycertainrules,doomtodeath,
theyareinsultinglycruelandferociousbeyondimaginationand
theirwomenaremostingeniousandartfulinthescienceof
tormenting.Allthisismutual,anditisdistressingtosay,withtruth,
thatitistoomuchlikethepracticeofthosewhocallthemselvesa
moreenlightenedpeople.HadtheIndiansreadLucan'sPharsalia
lib.iii.400,whichcontainsthedescriptionoftheMassilianGrove
oftheGallicDruids,whereintheywouldhavefoundeverytreereek
ingwiththebloodofhumanvictimsorhadtheybeenacquainted
withtheBritishDruids,"whoindeedseemtohaveexceeded,if
possible,theirheathenneighbours,insavageferocityandboundless
lustofsacrificialblood,theywouldhave,indeed,beenabletosettle
accountswiththeirwrliiteneighbours.[Thepageofhistory
tremblestorelatethebale*fulorgiesoftheDruids,whichtheir
franticsuperstitioncelebrated,whenenclosingmen,womenand
children,inonevastwickerimage,intheformofaman,andfilling
itwitheverykindofcombustible,theysetfiretothehugecolossus.
Whilethedreadfulholocaustwasofferingtotheirsanguinarygods,
thegroansandshrieksoftheconsumingvictimsweredrowned
amidstshoutsofbarbaroustriumph,andtheairwasrentwiththe
wilddissonanceofmartialmusic."1vol.ofIndianAntiquities.Or
hadtheIndiansreadofthisemperorMaximinianputtingtodeath
theThebanlegionofsixthousand,sixhundredandsixtysix
Christiansoldiers,whohadservedhimfaithfully,becausethey
refusedtodosacrificetotheheathengods,andpersecutetheir
brotherChristiansCavesprimitivechrist.331orhadtheybeeoi
acquaintedwiththe
154ASTARINTHEWEST.
torturesoi*themartyrsforChrist,formanycenturiesorthe
Europeanpracticeofburningheretics*orhadtheyheardofthe
WaldensesandAlbigensesofSt.Bartholomewsnight,ortheIrish
massacre.Theymightbeignorantofthebloodytormentsofthe
Inquisition,thetorturesofAmboyna,orofaFrenchRepublican
BaptismortheymayneverhavebeeninformedofthedistrictofLa
VendeeoftheConventofCannes,oroftheproceedingsinFrance
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onthe12thAugustorofthemorethandiabolical,cowardlymurder,
bytheenlightenedcitizensofPennsylvania,fromthecountyof
Washington,whenawholetownofChristianIndians,consistingof
aboutninetysouls,men,womenandchildren,werebutcheredin
coldblood,atMuskingum,intheyear1783:andwhohadbeenour
triedfriendsduringthewholerevolutionarywar.IftheIndianshad
knownthesefacts,andwrittenthehistoryofthecivilizedwhite
people,theymighthaverousedthefeelingsofatenderconscience
intheirfavour.tButwhoeverreadsthehistoryoftheeulogized
heroesofancientdays,willfindthemnotmuchbetter,inthis
respect.DoesAchille'sbehaviourtoHector'sdeadbody,appearless
savageorrevengeful?DotheCarthageniansorPhoenicians,burning
theirownchildrenaliveinsacrifice,orthebloodymassacresand
torturesofthesouthernIndians,bythelearnedmidcivilized
Spaniards,claimanygreatpreferenceinpointofhumanityandthe
finerfeelingsoftheenlightenedsonsofscience,andofthe
pretenderstoreligiousknowledge.
*Willanyoneagainlaughatthestrongobservationofaneminent
divine,'thatmaninaatateofnature,washalfdevilandhalfbrute'
Ciarkes'Com.l.ii.WhovillnotadoretheGodofheavenwith
gratitudeandthanksgiving,forthelightolthegospel,whichhasnot
onlybroughtlifeandimmortalitytolight,butMIoughtso
wonderfulachangeamongthepresentnationsofdieearth.
ASTARINTHEWEST.155
Butletuscomenearerhome.Whosetthemtheexampleofcruelty
andbarbarity,eventothosewhomtheyinvadedandplunderedof
theirpropertydeprivedoftheirlands,andrenderedtheirwhole
countryasceneofhorror,confusionanddistress.W^ynne,inhis
historyofAmerica,tellsus,"thattheNewEnglandpeople,inan
earlyday,aswehavealreadyseen,madeanattackuponthePequod
Indians,anddroveeighthundredofthem,withabouttwohundred
oftheirwomenandchildren,intoaswampafogarising,themen
escaped,exceptafew,whowerecitherkilledorwounded.Butthe
helplesswomenandchildrenwereobligedtosurrenderat
discretion.Thesachem'swife,whosometimebefore,hadrescued
theWeathcrsfieldmaidens,andreturnedthemhome,wasamong
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them.Shemadetworequests,whicharosefromatendernessand
virtuenotcommonamongsavages.1st.Thatherchastitymight
remainimviolatcd.2d.Thatherchildrenmightnotbetakenfrom
her.Theamiablesweetnessofhercountenance,andthemodest
dignityofherdeportment,wereworthyofthecharactershe
supportedforinnocenceandjustice,andweresufficienttoshewthe
Europeans,thatevenbarbarousnations,sometimesproduce
instancesofheroicvirtue.JItisnotsaidbythehistorian,whether
herrequestsweregrantedornot,butthatthewomenandchildren
weredispersedthroughtireneighbouringcolonies,themaleinfants
excepted,whoweresenttotheBermudas"1vol.66.Indeed,hadthe
Indians,ontheirpart,beenabletoanswerinwriting,theymight
haveformedacontrastbetweenthemselvesandtheirmortal
enemies,thecivilizedsubjectsofGreatBritain.Theymighthave
recapitulatedtheirconductinthepersecutionofIndians,witchesand
quakersIn
156ASTARINTHEWEST.
NewEnglandIndiansandJWgroesinNewYork,andthecruelty
withwhichtheaboriginesweretreatedinVirginia.
Theseinvadersofacountry,(inthepeaceahlepossessionofafree
andhappypeople,entirelyindependent,asthedeerofoftheforests)
madewaruponthem,withalltheadvantageoffirearmsandthe
militaryknowledgeofEurope,inthemostbarbarousmannernot
observinganyrulesofnations,ortheprinciplesofmodernwarfare,
muchlessthebenigninjunctionsofthegospel.Theysoontaught
theIndiansbytheirfatalexamples,toretaliatewiththemost
inveteratemaliceanddiabolicalcruelty.ThecivilizedEuropeans,
thoughflyingfromthepersecutionoftheoldworld,didnothesitate
todenytheirprofessedreligionofpeaceandgoodwilltomen,by
murderingmen,womenandchildrensellingcaptivesasslaves
cuttingofftheheads,andquarteringthebodiesofthosewhowere
killed,noblyfightingfortheirlibertyandtheircountry,inself
defence,andsettingthemupatvariousplaces,inignobletriumphat
theirsuccess.Philip,anindependentsovereignofthePequods,who
disdainedtosubmit,butdiedfightingattheheadofhismen,hadhis
headcutoffandcarriedonapolewithgreatrejoicings,toNew
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Plymouth,where,Wynnesays,hisskullistobeseentothisday.
Videvol.106to108.
Thisconductproducedgreaterviolenceandbarbarityonthepartof
theothernationsofIndiansintheneighbourhood,oftenjoinedby
FrenchEuropeanswhoacted,attimes,worsethanthenative
Indians,andbythismeans,atotaldisregardofpromisesand
pledgedfaithonbothsides,becamecommon.
Ibid.
ASTARINTHEWEST.157
Idonotquotetheseinstancesofinhumanconducttojustifythe
Indians,butonlytoshewthattheywerenottheonlysavages,and
thattheblame,asistoocommon,oughtnottofallallononeside,
becausetheywerevanquished,butshouldproducesome
commiserationandprinciplesofChristianbenevolencetowards
thesehighlyinjuredandsufferingsonsofthewilderness./Inthe
beginningoftherevolutionarywar,theAmericanswereconstantly
styledbytheirinvadersasrebelsandhadwebeenconquered,I
havelittledoubtbutthatweshouldhavebeentreatedmuchasthe
Indianshavebeen,withthedifferenceofhavingbeenhanged,
insteadofbeingscalpedandbeheaded.Butasweprovedsuccessful,
bythegoodprovidenceofGod,wearenowgloriousassertersof
libertyandthefreedomofman.
TheconductoftheIsraelitesthemselves,whileinastateof
civilization,andunderthegovernmentofaking,andwiththe
prophetsofGodtodirectandteaclithem,didnotdiscoveramuch
betterspiritthanthesesupposedIsraelites,wretchedandforlorn,in
thewildernessofAmerica,havedone.**WhenAhaz,kingof
Judah,hadsinnedagainstGod,hedeliveredhimintothehandofthe
kingofAssyriaandhewasalsodeliverodintothehandofPekah,
kingofIsrael,whosmotehimwithagreatslaughter,andslewin
Judahonehundredandtwentythousandinoneday,whowereall
valiantmen2Chron.xxviii.5.AndthechildrenofIsraelcarried
awaycaptive,oftheirbrethren,twohundredthousandwomen,sons
anddaughterstookalsomuchspoilfromthem,andbroughtthe
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spoiltoSamaria.ButaprophetoftheLordwasthere,whosename
wasOded,andhewentoutbeforethehostthattameintoSamaria,
andsaiduntothem,"behold,becausetne
158ASTARINTHEWEST.
LordGodofyourfathers\vaswrothwithJudah,andhathdelivered
themintoyourhands,andyehaveslaintheminarage,thatreacheth
uptoheavenAndnowyepurposetokeepunderthechildrenof
JudahandJerusalem,forbondmenandhondwomenuntoyoubut
arethesenotwithyou,evenwithyou,sinsagainsttireLordyour
God?Nowhearme,therefore,anddeliverthecaptivesagain,which
ychavetakencaptiveofyourbrethrenforthefiercewratliofthe
Lordisuponyou."
Herewecannothavethesamehopesoftracingthepresentpractices
ofthenativesofthewoodstoanycertainsource,asisinthecaseof
theirlanguages.Whenapeoplechangefromasettled,toa
wanderingstate,especially,iftherebytheybetotallyremovedfrom
anyconnectionorintercoursewithcivilizedcountries,theymust
necessarilyaccommodatetheiractionstotheirthenpressingwants
andnecessities.
Theirpracticesmustchangewiththeircircumstances.Notsotheir
languageforalthoughitmaygreatlyalter,andoftendegeneratefor
wantofcultivation,orbyseparatingintoparties,farremovedfrom
eachotheryettherootsandprinciplesofthelanguage,mayin
remoteages,betracedinthedifferentdialects,soastoafford
tolerableproofoftheoriginallanguage.
Ifapeople,beforetheiremigration,hadanyknowledgeofthearts
andsciences,althoughthismight,andindeedwouldleadthem,even
inawanderingstate,todiscovermoreingenuityandmethodin
providingfortheirwants,yetinafterages,astheyseparatedfrom
eachotherandcolonizedintodistantparts,theywouldloosethis
knowledge,andfinally,knownothingofthembutbytradition,
exceptsofarasshould
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ASTARINTHEWEST.159
fallwithintheirmeansandabsolutewantswhichinthefirstcase
mustbefew,andintheothermanyandpressing*.Sothatwemay
reasonablyconclude,thatthefirstwandererswouldleavemuch
greaterevidenceoftheiroriginal,aswellasoftheirknowledgeof
themechanicalarts,thantheirposteritycouldpossiblydo.And
further,thatthenearertotheplaceoftheirfirstpermanent
settlement,thegreaterwouldbetheremainsofthosearts.
However,wewillendeavourtosearchinto,andenumeratethose
fewcustomsthatwehaveanyaccountof,whichprevailedwith
themwhentheEuropeansfirstarrivedamongthem,andsomeof
whichtheystillretain.
Wedonotmeantotakeupthesillyandridiculousstoriespublished
bymanywritersonthissubject,whoeitherhadparticular,andoften
wickedendstoanswerbytheirpublications,ortheyfoundedtheir
narrativesoninformationreceivedonthemosttransient
acquaintanceofafewhours,withtheviciousandworthlessamong
theIndiansalongourfrontiersnorshallwetrusttoaccountsrelated
byignoranttraders,whodidnotcomprehendeithertheidiomof
theirlanguage,orthestrongmetaphoricalandfigurativemodeof
expressingthemselves.Thishasledtothemostfalseandabsurdac
countsofbothIndianmannersandlanguage.Togiveoneinstance
ofthis,thoughamongthebestofthem,thefollowingfactis
extractedfromanaccountgivenoftheMohawksin1664,bya
reverendgentlemanwhooughttohaveknownbetter,andmusthave
badaneducation,andknowntheprinciplesofgrammar.This
nation,sayshe,hasaveryheavylanguage,andIfindgreat
difficultyinlearningit,soastospeakandpreachtothemfluently.
TherearenoChristian*
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160ASTARINTHEWEST.
whounderstandtheirlanguagethoroughly.WhenIamamongthem,
Iaskthemhowthingsarecalled.Onewilltellmeawordinthe
infinitivemood,anotherintheindicative.Oneinthefirst,another
inthesecondperson.Oneinthepresent,anotherinthepreterperfect
tensesothatIstandsometimesandlookhutdonotknowhowto
putitdown.Andastheyhavetheirdeclensionsandconjugations,so
theyhavetheirincreases,liketheGreeksandIamsometimes,asif
Iwasdistracted,andcannottellwhattodo,andthereisnopersonto
setmeright.Iaskedthecommissaryofthe(DutchWestIndia
company)whatthismeant,andheansweredhedidnotknow,hut
imaginedtheychangedtheirlanguageeverytwoorthreeyears/'He
hadbeenconnectedwiththemtwentyyears.
TheIndiansareperfectrepublicans,theywilladmitofnoinequality
amongthemhutwhatarisesfromage,orgreatqualificationsfor
eithercouncilorwar.Althoughthisisthecaseinpeace,yetinwar
theyobservegreatdiscipline,andperfectsubordinationtotheir
belovedmanwhocarriestheholyark,andtotheirofficers,whoare
appointedonaccountoftheexperiencetheyhavehadoftheir
prowessinwar,andgoodconductinthemanagementandsurprising
ofanenemy,orsavingtheirmenbyatimelyretreatbutthis
subordinationendswiththecampaign.
IAstheIsraelitesweredividedintotribes,andhadachiefover
them,andalwaysmarchedunderensignsofsomeanimalpeculiar
toeachtribe,sotheIndiannationsareuniversallydividedinto
tribes,underasachemorking,chosenbythepeoplefromthewisest
andbravestamongthem.Hehasneitherinfluenceordistinction,but
fromhiswisdomandpru
ASTARINTHEWEST.161
dence.Hfeisassistedbyacouncilofold,wisedndbelovedmen,as
theycalltheirpriestsandcouncillors.Nothingisdetermined(ofa
publicnature)butinthiscouncil,whereeveryonehasanequal
voice.Thechieforsachem,sitsinthemiddle,andthecouncilon
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eachhand,formingasemicircle,asthehighpriestoftheJewsdid
intheSanhedrimofthatnation.
Mr.Penn,whenhefirstarrivedinPennsylvania,intheyear1683,
andmadeatreatywiththem,makesthefollowingobservations*ina
letterhethenWrotetohisfriendsinEngland.e(Everykinghashis
council,andthatconsistsofalltheoldandwisemenofhisnation,
whichperhapsaretwohundredpeople.Nothingofmomentis
undertaken,beitwar,peace,sellingofland,ortraffic,without
advisingwiththem.*Tisadmirabletoconsiderhowpowerfulthe
chiefsare,andyethowtheymovebythebreathofthepeople.I
havehadoccasiontobeincouncilwiththemupontreatiesforland*
andtoadjustthetermsoftrade.Theirorderisthusthekingsitsin
themiddleofanhalfmoon,andhathhiscouncil,theoldandthe
wiseoneachhand.Behindthem*atalittledistance,sittheyoung
fryînthesamefigure.Havingconsultedandresolvedtheir
business,thekingorderedoneofthemtospeaktome.Hecameto
me>andinthenameofhisking,salutedme.Thentookmebythe
hand,andtoldmethathewasorderedbyhiskingtospeaktome
andthatnowitwasnothe,butthekingwhospoke,becausewhatlie
shouldsaywastheking'smind.Duringthetimethispersonwas
speaking,notamanofthemwasobservedtowhisperorsmile.The
oldweregravetheyoungreverendintheirdeportmentTheyspoke
little,butferventlyandwithpJe*
162ASTARINTHEWEST.
gance.Hewilldeservethenameofwise,whooutwitstheminany
treatyaboutathingtheyunderstand.Ateverysentencetheyshout,
andsayamen,intheirway."
Mr.Smith,inhishistoryofNewJersey,confirmsthisgeneral
statement.Theyaregraveeventosadness,uponanycommon,and
moresouponseriousoccasionsobservantofthoseincompany,and
respectfultotheagedofatempercoolanddeliberateneverinhaste
tospeak,butwait,foracertainty,thatthepersonwhospakebefore
them,hadfinishishedallhehadtosay.Theyseemedtohold
Europeanvivacityincontempt,becausetheyfoundsuchascame
amongthem,apttointerrupteachother,andfrequentlyspeakalto
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gether.Theirbehaviourinpubliccouncilswasstrictlydecentand
instructive.Everyoneinhisturn,washeard,accordingtorankof
yearsorwisdom,orservicestohiscountry.Notaword,whisperor
murmur,washeardwhileanyonespoke:nointerruptionto
commendorcondemntheyoungersortweretotallysilent.Those
denominatedkings,weresachemsdistinguishedbytheirwisdom
andgoodconduct.Therespectpaidthemwasvoluntary,andnot
exactedorlookedfor,northeomissionregarded.Thesachems
directedintheircouncils,andhadthechiefdispositionoftheir
lands"page142,144.
EverynationofIndianshavecertaincustoms,whichtheyobservein
theirpublictransactionswithothernations,andintheirprivate
affairsamongthemselves,whichitisscandalousforanyoneamong
themnottoobserve.Andthesealwaysdrawafterthem,either
publicorprivateresentment,whenevertheyarebroken.Although
thesecustomsmay,intheirdetail,differinonenation,when
comparedwithanother:yet
ASTARINTHEWEST.163
itiseasytodiscernthattheyhaveallhadoneorigin.Thisisalso
apparentfromeverynationunderstandingthem.Mr,Goldensays
theirgreatmen,bothsachemsandcaptains,aregenerallypoorer
thanthecommonpeoplefortheyaffecttogiveaway,and
distributeallthepresentsorplundertheygetintheirtreaties,orin
war,soastoleavenothingtothemselves.Thereisnotamaninthe
ministryoftheFiveNations(ofwhomMr.Goldenwaswriting)
wholiasgainedhisofficeotherwisethanbymeritThereisnotthe
leastsalary,oran&sortofprofitannexedtoanyoffice,totemptthe
covetousorthesordidbutonthecontrary,everyunworthyaction
isunavoidablyattendedwiththeforfeitureoftheircommission$
fortheirauthorityisonlytheesteemofthepeople,andceasesthe
momentthatesteemislost.AnoldMohawksachem,inapoor
blanketandadirtyshirt,maybeseenissuinghisorders,withas
arbitraryanauthorityasaRomandictator."
Aseverynation,asbeforeobserved,hasitspeculiarstandardor
symbol,asaneagle,abear,awolforanotter,sohaseachtribethe
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likebadge,fromwhichitisdenominated.Whentheyencamp,ona
inarch,theyalwayscuttherepresentationoftheirensignorsymbol,
onthetrees,bywhichitmaybeknownwhohavebeenthere.The
sachemofeachtribeisanecessarypartyinallconveyancesand
treaties,towhichheaffixesthemarkofhistribe,asacorporation
doesthatofthepublicseal.
Ifyougofromnationtonation,youwillnotfindonewhodothnot
lineallydistinguishhimselfbyhisrespectivefamily.Asthefamily
ortribeoftheeagk,panther,(whichistheirlion)tyger,buffalo,
(theiroxorbull)andalsothebear,deer?
164ASTARINTHEWEST.
racoon,&c.&c.SoamongtheJews,wasthelionofthetribeof
JudahDanwasknownbyaserpentIssacharbyanass,and
Benjaminbyawolf.ButtheIndians,astheJews,paynoreligious
respectforanyoftheseanimals,orforanyotherwhatever.
TheyreckontimeafterthemanneroftheHebrews.Theydividethe
yearintospring,summer,autumn,orthefallingoftheleaf,and
winter.KorahistheirwordforwinterwiththeCherokeeIndians,as
itiswiththeHebrews.Theynumbertheyearsbyanyofthesefour
periods,fortheyhavenonameforayear.Andtheysubdividethese,
andcounttheyearbylunarmonths,ormoons,liketheIsraelites,
whoalsocountedbymoons.Theycallthesunandmoonbythe
sameword,withtheadditionofdayandnight,asthedaysun,or
moonthenightsun,ormoon.Theycountthedaybythreesensible
differencesofthesun,liketheHebrewsasthesuncomingoutmid
day,andthesunisdead,orsunset,Midnightishalfwaybetween
thesungoinginandcomingoutofthewateralsobymidnightand
cockcrowing.Theybegintheirecclesiasticalyearatthefirst
appearanceofthefirstnewmoonofthevernalequinox,according
totheecclesiasticalyearofMoses.Theypaygreatregardtothefirst
appearanceofeverynewmoon.Theynamethevariousseasonsof
theyearfromtheplantingandripeningofthefruits.Thegreeneared
moonisthemostbelovedorsacred,whenthefirstfruitsbecome
sanctified,bybeingannuallyofferedupandfromthisperiodthey
counttheirbelovedorholythings.
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Thenumber,andregularperiodsoftheIndianpublicreligious
feasfy(aswillbeseenhereafter)isagoodhistorical
ASTARINTHEWEST.165
proofthattheycountedtime,andobservedaweeklySabbath,long
aftertheirarrivalontheAmericancontinent,asthisisapplicableto
allthenations.Tilltheseventyyearscaptivitycommenced,
accordingtoDr.Prideaux,theIsraeliteshadonlynumeralnamesfor
thesolarandlunarmonths,excepttwocalledAbibandEthanaim.
Theformersignifiesagreenearofcorn,andthelatterrobustand
valiant.AndbythefirstnametheIndianstermtheirpassover,asan
explicative,andwhichthetradingpeoplecallthegreencorndance.
Thesetwomonthswereequinoctial.Mib9orthepresentNisanof
theJews,wasthesixthmonthofthecivil,andfirstofthe
ecclesiasticalyear,answeringtoourMarchorAprilandEthanaim,
whichbeganthecivilyear,wasthesixthoftheecclesiastical,the
sameasourSeptemberandOctober.
Mr.Bartramsays,whilehewasatAttasse,intheCreeknation,ona
Sabbathday,hoobservedagreatsolemnityinthetown,anda
remarkablesilenceandretirednessoftheredinhabitants.Fewof
themweretobeseenthedoorsoftheirdwellingswereshut,andifa
childchancedtostrayout,itwasquicklydrawnindoorsagain.He
askedthemeaningofthis,andwasimmediatelyanswered,thatit
beingthewhitepeople'ssabbath,theIndianskeptitreligiously
sacredtothegreatspirit.Thewriterofthisbeingpresentonthe
Lord'sday,attheworshipofsevendifferentnations,whohappened
(accidentally)tobeattheseatofgovernmenttogether,hewas
pleasedtoseetheirorderlyconduct.Theywereaddressedbyanold
sachem,apparentlywithgreatenergyandaddress.Aninterpreter
beingpresent,heaskedhimtoexplainwhatthespeakerhadsaid.
Theintrepreteransweredthatthesubstanceofwhathedelivered,
wasa
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166ASTARINTHEWEST.
warmrepresentationtohisaudience,ofthelovethegreatspirithad
alwaysmanifestedtowardstheIndians,morethantoanyother
people.Thattheywereinaspecialmanner,underhisgovernment
andimmediatedirection.Thatitwas,therefore,theleastreturnthey
couldmakeforsomuchgoodness,gratefullytoacknowledgehis
favour,andtobeobedienttohislawstodohiswill,andtoavoid
everythingthatwasevil,andofcoursedispleasingtohim.
Justbeforetheservicebegan,thewriterofthisobservedanIndian
standingatthewindowwiththeintrepreter,lookingintoasmall
fieldadjoiningthehouse,whereagreatmanywhitechildrenwere
playingwiththeIndianchildren,andmakingaconsiderablenoise.
TheIndianspokemuchinearnest,andseemedratherdispleased.
Theinterpreteransweredhimwithgreatapparentinterest.Onbeing
askedthesubjectoftheirconversation,hesaidtheIndianwas
lamentingthesadstateofthosewhitechildren,whomhecalledpoor
destituteorphans.Theinterpreteraskedwhyhetlioughtthem
orphans?Forhebelieveditwasnottrue.TheIndian,withgreat
earnestness,replied,isnotthisthedayonwhichyoutoldmethe
whitepeopleworshippedthegreatspirit?Ifso,surelythese
children,iftheyhadparents,oranypersonstotakecareofthem,
wouldnotbesufferedtobeoutthere,playingandmakingsucha
noise.No!no!theyhavelosttheirfathersandtheirmothers,and
havenoonetotakecareofthem.
WhentheIndianstravel,theyalwayscountthetimebysleeps,
whichisaveryancientcustom,andperhapsmayhavebeenderived
fromtheMosaicmethodofcountingtime,makingtheeveningand
themorningtobethefirstday,&ce
ASTARINTHEWEST.167
Theyhavealsoanancientcustomofsettingapart'certainhouses
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andtowns,asplacesofrefuge,towhichacriminal,andevena
captivemayfly,andbesafefromtheavengerofblood,ifhecanbut
enterit.
Mr.Bartramsays,**wearrivedattheApalachuelatown,inthe
Creeknation.Thisisesteemedthemothertown,sacredtopeace.No
captivesareputtodeath,orhumanbloodspilthere."
TheCherokees,accordingtoAdair,thoughnowexceedingly
corrupt,stillobservethelawofrefuge,soinviolably,thattheyallow
theirbelovedtowntheprivilegeofprotectingawilfulmurdererbut
theyseldomallowhimtoreturnhomefromitinsafety.
ThetownofrefugecalledChoate,issituateonalargestreamofthe
Missisippi,fivemilesabovewherefortLoudonformerlystood.
Heresomeyearsago,abraveEnglishmanwasprotected,after
killinganIndianwarrior,indefenceofhisproperty.HetoldAdair,
thataftersomemonthsstaythere,heintendedreturningtohishouse
intheneighbourhoodbutthechiefstoldhimitwouldprovefatal
tohim.Sohewasobligedtocontinuethere,tillhesatisfiedthe
friendsofthedeceased,bypresentstotheirfullsatisfaction.Inthe
uppercountryoftheMuskoge,therewasanoldbelovedtowncalled
ICoosahynowreducedtoasmallruinousvillage,whichisstilla
placeofsafetyforthosewhokillundesignedly.
InalmosteveryIndiannation,thereareseveralpeaceabletowns,
whicharecalledoldbeloved,holyorwhitetowns,yseemtohave
beenformerlytownsofrefuge,foritisnotwithinthememoryof
theiroldestpeople,thateverhuman
168ASTARINTHEWEST.
bloodwasshedinthemalthoughtheyoftenforcepersonsfrom
them,andputthemtodeathelsewhere.Itmaybethoughtimproper
here,tosaymuchofthewarlikeabilitiesandmilitaryknowledgeof
theIndians,asitisverypopular,especiallywithEuropeans,to
despisethemaswarriors,bywhichmeansthousandsofEuropeans
andAmericanshavelosttheirlives.Butasitmayshewthattheyare
notquitesoignorantasstrangerstothemhavethoughtthem,ashort
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accountoftheirmilitaryconduct,mayillucidateourgeneralsubject.
Iamassistedbycol.Smith,wholivedlongwiththem,andoften
foughtagainstthem,inwhatmaybesaidonthisoccasion.
Howeverdespised,theyare,perhaps*aswellversedintheartof
thatkindofwar,calculatedfortheircircumstances,andareasstrict
disciplinariansinit,asanytroopsinEuropeandwheneveropposed
bynotmorethantwoorthreetooneIndian,theyhavebeen
generallyvictorious,orcomeoffwithsmallloss,whiletheyhave
madetheiropponentsrepenttheirrashnessandignoranceofwaron
theirplan*Andindeed?theywerealwaysvictoriousoverEuropean
troops,tillsadexperiencetaughtforeignofficerstopaymore
respecttotheadviceofAmericanofficers,who,byadoptingthe
Indianprinciplesofwar,knewhowtomeetthemwithadvantage.It
isnotsufficientforanarmytobewelldisciplinedontheirown
principles,withoutconsideringthoseoftheenemytheyareto
contendwith.Braddock,Boquet,andseveralothersofgreat
celebrityintheirowncountry,havebeendefeatedorsurprised,bya
(comparatively)smallnumberoftheseinhabitantsofthe
wilderness,andgreatlysufferedfromdespising
ASTARINTHEWEST.169
whattheythoughtuntutoredsavagesandtosavethehonorand
militarycharacterofthosewhocommanded,havebeenledtogive
veryfalsereportsofthecomhats.Thefollowingfactswillgiveforce
totheseobservations
"Incol.Boquet'slastcampaignof1764,Isaw,(sayscol.Smith)the
officialreturnmadebytheBritishofficers,ofthenumberofIndians
thatwereinarmsagainstusinthatyear,whichamountedtothirty
thousand.AsIwasthenalieutenantintheBritishservice,Itold
themIwasofopinion,thattherewerenotaboveonethousandin
armsagainstus,astheyweredividedbyBroadstreet'sarmy,being
thenatLakeErie.TheBritishofficershootedatme,andsaidthat
theycouldnotmakeEnglandsensibleofthedifficultiestheylabour
edunderinfightingthemanditwasexpectedthattheirtroops
couldfighttheundisciplinedsavagesinAmerica,fivetoone,as
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theydidtheEastIndians,andthereforemyreportwouldnotanswer
theirpurpose,astheycouldnotgiveanhonorableaccountofthe
war,butbyaugmentingtheirnumbers."
Smithwasoftheopinion,thatfromBraddock'sdefeat,unrtilthe
timeofhiswriting,thereneverweremorethanthreethousand
Indians,atanytimeinarmsagainstus,westofFortPitt,and
frequentlynotmorethanhalfofthatnumber
AccordingtotheIndians'ownaccount,duringthewjioleof
Braddock'swar,orfrom1755to1758,theykilledandtookfiftyof
ourpeopleforonethattheylost.Inthewarof1763,theykilled,
comparatively,fewofourpeople,andlostmoreoftheirs,asthe
frontierinhabitants,especiallytheVirginians,hadlearned
somethingoftheirmethodfwarjyetevenin
170ASTARINTHEWEST.
thiswar,accordingtotheiraccount(whichSmithbelievedtobe
true)theykilledandtooktenofourpeopleforonetheylost.
TheIndians,thoughfewinnumber,putthegovernmenttoimmense
expenseofbloodandtreasure,inthewarfrom1756to1791.The
followingcampaignsinthewesterncountry,willbeproofofthis.
GeneralBraddock'sintheyear1755col.Armstrong'sagainstthe
Cattaugautown,ontheAlleghany,in1757gen.Forbes'in1758gen.
Stanwix'sin1759gen.Monckton'sill1760col.Boquet'sin1761
andagainin1763,whenhefoughtthebattleofBrushyRun,and
lostaboveonehundredmenbutbytakingtheadviceand
assistanceoftheVirginiavolunteers,finallydrovetheIndianscol.
Armstrong'supthewestbranchofSusquehannahinthesameyear
gen.Broadstreet'supLakeEriein1764col.Boquet'sat
MuskingumatthesametimelordDunmore'sin1774gen.MIntosh's
in1778,andagainin1780col.Bowman'sin1779gen.Clark'sin
1782andagainsttheWabashIndiansin1786gen.Logan'sagainst
theShawaneseinthesameyear,andcoLHarrner'sin1790gen.
Wilkinson'sin1791gen.St.Clair'sin1791,andgen.Wayne'sin
1794,whichinallaretwentythreecampaigns,besidessmaller
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expeditions,suchastheFrenchCreekexpedition,colonels
Edward's,Loughrie's,&c.Allthesewereexclusiveofthenumbers
ofmenwhowereinternallyemployedasscoutingparties,in
erectingforts,guardingstations,&c.&c.
Whenwetaketheforegoingaccountintoconsideration,maywenot
reasonablyconclude,thattheIndiansarethebestdisciplinedtroops
intheworld,especiallywhenweconsider,that
ASTARINTHEWEST.171
theammunitionandarmsthattheyareobligedtouse,areof^he
worstsort,withoutbayonetsorcartouehboxes.Noartificialmeans
ofcarryingeitherbaggageorprovision,whiletheirenemieshave
everywarlikeimplement,andotherresources,totheutmostoftheir
desire.Isnotthatthebestdiscipline,thathasthegreatesttendency
toajinoyanenemy,andsavetheirownmen?Itisapprehendedthat
theIndiandisciplineisbettercalculatedtoanswertheirpurposein
thewoodsofAmerica,thantheBritishdisciplineintheplainsof
Flanders.Britishdiscipline,inthewoods,isthewaytohavemen
slaughtered,withscarcelyanychancetodefendthemselves.
Privates.
TheIndianssumuptheirartofwarthus"Thebusinessofthe
privatewarrioristobeundercommand,orpunctuallytoobey
orderstolearntomarchabreastinscatteredorder,soastobein
readinesstosurroundtheenemy,ortopreventbeingsurroundedto
begoodmarksmen,andactiveintheuseoftheirmusketorrifleto
practicerunningtolearntoendurehungerorhardshipswith
patienceandfortitudetotellthetruthatalltimestotheirofficers,
moreespeciallywhensentouttospytheenemy."
ConcerningOfficers.
Theysaythatitwouldbeabsurdtoappointamantoanoffice,
whoseskillandcouragehadneverbeentriedthatallofficersshould
beadvancedonlyaccordingtomeritthatnosinglemanshouldhave
theabsolutecommandofanarmythatacouncilofofficersshould
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determinewhenandhowanattackistobemadethatitisthedutyof
officerstolayplans,andtotakeeveryadvantageoftheenemyto
ambush
172ASTARINTHEWEST.
andsurprisethem,andtopreventtheliketothemselves.Itisthe
dutyofofficerstoprepareanddeliverspeechestothemen,inorder
toanimateandencouragethem,andonamarchtopreventthemen,
atanytime,gettingintoanhuddle,becauseiftheenemyshould
surroundtheminthatposition,theywouldbegreatlyexposedtothe
enemy'sfire.Itislikewisetheirbusiness,atalltimes,toendeavour
toannoytheenemy,andsavetheirownmenandthereforeought
nevertobringonanattackwithoutconsiderableadvantage,or
withoutwhatappearedtothemtoinsurevictory,andthatwithaloss
ofbutfewmen.Andifatanytimetheyshouldbemistakeninthis,
andarelikelytolosemanymeningainingthevictory,itistheir
dutytoretreat,andwaitforabetteropportunityofdefeatingtheir
enemy,withoutthedangeroflosingsomanymen."Theirconduct
provesthattheyactontheseprinciples.
Thisisthestatementgivenbythosewhoareexperimentally
acquaintedwiththem,andaslongastheBritishofficersdespised
bothIndiansandAmericans,whohadstudiedtheirartofwar,and
formedthemselvesonthesameplan,theywereconstantlybeatenby
thosesoldiersofnature,thoughseldomonefourthofthenumberof
theBritish.ButtheBritishofficershadoneadvantageofthem.That
wastheartofdrawingupandreportingtotheirsuperiors,plansof
theirbattles,andexaggeratedaccountsoftheirgreatsuccess,and
theimmenselossoftheIndians,whichwereneverthoughtoftill
longafterthebattlewasover,andoftenwhiletheyweresmarting
undertheirseveredefeatorsurprise.
Thewriterofthiscouldgivesomeinstances,ifitwouldananswer
anygoodcud,thatcameunderhisownknowledge.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.173
WhentheIndiansdetermineonwarorhunting,theyhavestated
preparatory,religiousceremonies,forpurification,particularlyby
fasting,astheIsraeliteshad.
FatherCharlevoixgivesanaccountofthiscustominhistime.In
caseofanintentionofgoingtowar,hewhoistocommanddoesnot
commencetheraisingofsoldiers,tillhehasfastedseveraldays,
duringwhichheissmearedwithhlackhasnoconversationwithany
oneinvokeshydayandnight,histutelarspirit,andaboveall,isvery
carefultoobservehisdreams.Thefastbeingover,heassembleshis
friends,andwithastringofwampuminhishands,hespeaksto
themafterthismanner.Brethren!thegreatspiritauthorizesmy
sentiments,andinspiresmewithwhatIoughttodo.*Thebloodof
isnotwipedaway.hisbodyisnotcovered,andIwillacquitmyself
ofthisdutytowardshim,"&c.
Mr.M'Kenzieinsomemeasure,confirmsthisaccount,though
amongdifferentnations."Ifthetribesfeelthemselvescalledupon
togotowar,theeldersconvenethepeopleinordertoobtainthe
generalopinion.Ifitbeforwar,thechiefpublisheshisintentionto
smokeinthesacredstem(apipe)atacertaintime.Tothis
solemnity,meditationandfastingarerequiredaspreparatory
ceremonials.Whenthepeoplearethusassembled,andthemeeting
sanctifiedbythe
*Thisshewsthemistakescommittedbywriterswhodonot
intimatelyunderstandtheidiomoftheIndianlanguages.Aboveitis
said,"thatthewarriorinvokedhistutelarspirit,"butbythis
address,itisplainthatitwasthegreatspirfo.Sothetranslatorof
Charlevoix,callsastringofwampum,ofwhichthewarbeltsare
made,acollarofbeads.Greatallowanceshouldbemadeforthe
ignoranceofbothtravellersandwriters.ThesecrecyofIndians,in
keepingalltheirreligiousritesfromtheknowledgeofwhitepeople,
lesttheyshoulddefilethembytheirpresence,addsmm.htotheir
difficulty.AndCharlevoixbeingareligiousRomaneasilyslidinto
theideaofanattendantspirit.
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174ASTARINTHEWEST.
customofsmoking(thismaybeinimitationofthesmokeofthe
incenseofferedonthealtaroftheJews)thechiefenlargesonthe
causeswhichhavecalledthemtogether,andthenecessityofthe
measuresproposedontheoccasion.Hetheninvitesthemwhoare
willingtofollowhim,tosmokeoutofthesacredstem,whichis
consideredasatokenofenrolment."Asacredfeastthentakesplace,
andaftermuchceremony,usualontheoccasion,"thechiefturning
totheeast,makesaspeechtoexplainmorefullythedesignoftheir
meeting,thenconcludeswithanacknowledgmentforpastmercies
received,andaprayerforthecontinuanceofthem,fromthemaster
oflife.Hethensitsdown,andthewholecompanydeclaretheir
approbationandthanksbyutteringthewordHo.'"(inaveryhoarse,
gutturalsound,beingthethirdsyllableofthebelovedname,"with
anemphaticprolongationofthelastletter.Thechiefthentakesup
thepipe,andholdsittothemouthoftheofficiatingperson,"(likea
priestoftheJews,withtheincense)"whoaftersmokingthree
whiffs,uttersashortprayer,andthengoesroundwithitfromeastto
west,toeverypersonpresent."Theceremonythenbeingended,he
returnsthecompanythanksfortheirattendance,andwishesthem,as
wellasthewholetribe,healthandlonglife."
Donotthesepracticesremindthereaderofthemanydirectionsin
theJewishritual,commandingthestrictpurification,orsanctifying
individualsabouttoundertakegreatbusiness,ortoenteron
importantoffices.
Adair,whohadgreateropportunitiesofknowingtherealcharacter
oftheIndianstothesouthward,thananymanthathaseverwritten
onthesubject,givesthefollowingaccount."BeforetheIndiansgo
towar,theyhavemanypreparatory
ASTARINTHEWEST.175
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ceremoniesofpurificationandfasting,likewhatisrecordedofthe
Israelites.Whentheleaderbeginstoheatupforvolunteers,hegoes
threetimesroundhisdarkwinterhouse,contrarytothecourseof
thesun,soundingthewarwhoop,singingthewarsong,andheating
adrum.5*Headdressesthecroud,whocomeabouthim,andafter
muchceremony,heproceedstowhoopagainforthewarriorsto
comeandjoinhim,andsanctifythemselvesforsuccessagainstthe
commonenemy,accordingtotheirancientreligiouslaw.Anumber
soonjoinhiminhiswinterhouse,wheretheyliveseparatefromall
others,andpurifythemselvesforthespaceofthreedaysandthree
nights,exclusiveofthefirstbrokenday.Oneachdaytheyobservea
strictfasttillsunset,watchingtheyoungmenverynarrowly(who
havenotbeeninitiatedinwartitles)lestunusualhungershould
temptthemtoviolateit,tothesupposeddangerofalltheirlivesin
thewar,bydestroyingthepoweroftheirpurifying,belovedphysic,
whichtheydrinkplentifullyduringthattime.Theyaresuchstrict
observersoftheirlawofpurification,andthinkitsoessentialin
obtaininghealthandsuccessinwar,asnottoallowthebestbeloved
traderthateverlivedamongthem,knowingly,toenterthebeloved
groundappropriatedtothedutyofbeingsanctifiedforwar,much
lesstoassociatewiththecampinthewoods,atsuchatime,though
heisunitedwiththeminthesamewardesign.Theyobligehimto
walkandencampseparatelybyhimself,asanimpure,dangerous
animal,tilltheleaderhathpurifiedhim,accordingtotheusualtime
andmethod,withtheconsecratedthingsoftheark."WiththeHe
*TheIndianshavesomethinginimitationofadrum,madeofawet
deerskmdrawnoveralargegourdorframeofwood.
176ASTARINTHEWEST.
brews,thearktfBerith,(thepurifier)wasasmallwoodenchest,as
hasalreadybeenshewninthefirstchapter,ofthreefeetnineinches
inlength,andtwofeetthreeinchesbroad,andtwofeetthreeinches
inheight,andoverlaidwithpuregold.TheIndianarkisofavery
simpleconstruction,anditisonlytheintentionandapplicationofit,
thatmakesitworthyofnotice,foritismadewithpiecesofwood,
securelyfastenedtogetherintheformofasquare.Themiddleof
threeofthesidesextendalittleout,butthefourthsideisflat,forthe
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convenienceoftheperson'sbackwhocarriesit.Thisarkhasa
cover,andthewholeismadeimpenetrablyclosewithhickory
splinters.ItisabouthalfthedimensionsoftheJewishark,andmay
properlybecalledtheHebrewarkimitated.Theleaderanda
belovedwaitercarryitbyturns.Incontainsseveralconsecrated
vessels,madebybeloved,superanuatedwomen,andofsuchvarious
antiquatedforms,aswouldhavepuzzledAdamtohavegiven
significantnamestoeach.Thesetwocarriersarepurifiedlonger
thantherest,thatthefirstmaybefittoactinthereligiousofficeof
apriestofwar,andtheothertocarrytheawful,sacredark,allthe
whiletheyareengagedintkeactoffighting.
Anditcametopass,whenthearksetforward,thatMosessaid,rise
upLord,andletthineenemiesbescatteredandletthemthathate
thee,fleebeforethee.Andwhenitrestedhesaid,returnOLord
untothemanythousandsofIsrael"Numbersx.35,36.Butthey
presumedtogoupuntothehilltopnevertheless,thearkofthe
covenantoftheLordandMoses,departednotoutofthecamp.Then
theArnalekitescamedownandtheCanaaniteswhodweltonthat
hill,andsmotethem,anddiscomfitedthemevenuntoHormak"ibid
xiv.*5,
ASTARINTHEWEST.177
"AndDavidsaiduntothem,yearethechiefofthefathersofthe
Levitessanctifyyourselvesbothyeandyourbrethren*thatyemay
bringupthearkoftheLordGodofIsraeluntotheplacethatIhave
preparedforit"1Chron.xv.12.
TheHdissii)orbelovedwaiter,feedseachofthewarriorsbyan
exactstatedrule,givingthemeventhewatertheydrink,outofhis
ownhands,lestbyintemperancetheyshouldspoilthesupposed
communicativepoweroftheirholythings,andoccasionfatal
disasterstothewarcamp.Theyneverplacethearkontheground,
norsitonthebareearth,whiletheyarecarryingitagainstthe
enemy.Onhillyground,wherestonesareplenty,theyplaceiton
thembutonland,wherestonesarenottobehad,theyuseshort
logs*alwaysrestingthemselvesinlikemanner.Theformerisa
strongimitationofthepedestalonwhichtheJewisharkwasplaced,
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astonerisingthreefingersbreadthabovethefloor.Theyhaveas
strongfaithinthepowerandholinessoftheirark,aseverthe
Israeliteshadoftheirs,ascribingthesuperiorsuccessofthepartyto
theirstricteradherencetothelaw,thantheother.Thisarkisdeemed
sosacredanddangeroustobetouched,eitherbytheirown
sanctifiedwarriors*orthespoilingenemy,thattheywillnottouchit
onanyaccount*Itisnottobemeddledwithbyanybutthewar
chieftainandhiswaiter,whoareconsecratedforthepurpose*
underthepenaltyofincurringgreatevil.Norwouldthemost
inveterateenemyamongtheirnations,touchitinthewoodsforthe
samereason,whichisagreeabletothereligiousopinionandcus
tomsoftheHebrews,respectingthesacrednessoftheirark?asin
thecaseofUzzahandthePhilistines.
178ASTARINTHEWEST.
AgentlemanwhowasattheOhiointheyear1756,asaiiredthe
writerthathesawastrangerthere,veryimportunatetoviewthe
insideoftheCherokeeark,whichwascoveredwithadresseddeer
skin,andplacedonacoupleofshortblocksofwood.AnIndian
sentinelwatchedit,armedwithahickoryhow,andhrasspointed
harbedarrowandhewasfaithfultohistrustforfindingthe
strangerobtruding,withapparentdeterminationtopollutethe
supposedsacredvehicle,hedrewhisarrowtothehead,andwould
haveshothimthroughthebody,hadhenotsuddenlywithdrawn.
Theleadervirtuallyactsthepartofapriestofwarprotempore,in
imitationoftheIsraelites,fightingunderthedivinemilitarybanner
ofold.
TheIndianswillnotcohabitwithwomenwhiletheyareoutatwar
theyreligiouslyabstainfromeverykindofintercourse,evenwith
theirownwives,forthespaceofthreedaysandnights,beforethey
goouttowarandsoaftertheyreturnhome,becausetheyareto
sanctifythemselves.SoJoshuacommandedtheIsraelites,thenight
beforetheymarched,tosanctifythemselvesbywashingtheir
clothes,avoidingallimpurities,andabstainingfromallmatrimonial
intercourse.
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WhentheIndiansreturnhomevictoriousoveranenemy,theysing
thetriumphalsongtoY.O.He.wall,ascribingthevictorytohim,
likeareligiouscustomoftheIsraelites,*whowerecommanded
alwaystoattributetheirsuccessinwartoJehovah,andnottotheir
swordsandarrows.
TheIndianmethodofmakingpeace,carriesthefaceofgreat
antiquity.Whentheapplicantsarrivenearthetown,theysenda
messengerahead,toinformtheenemyoftheir
ASTARINTHEWEST.179
amicableintentions.Hecarriesaswan'swinginidshand,painted
withstreaksofwhiteclay,asanexpressiveemblemofhispeaceful
embassy.Thenextday,whentheyhavemadetheirfriendlyparade,
byfiringofftheirgunsandwhooping,theyenterthebelovedsquare.
Theirchief,whoisaheadoftherest,ismetbyoneoftheold
belovedmenofthetown.Theyapproacheachotherinabowing
posture.Theformersays,YoIshlecherJlnggona?Artyoucomea
friend,inthenameofthegreatspirit.'"Theotherreplies,Yah
OrahreJlnggona."Thegreatspiritiswithme,Iamcomeafriendin
hisname."Thebelovedmanthengraspsthestrangerwithbothhis
hands,aroundthewristofhisrighthand,whichholdssomegreen
branchesthenagainabouttheelbowthenaboutthearmcloseto
theshoulder,asanearapproachtotheheart.Thenhewavesan
eagle'stailovertheheadofthestranger,whichisthestrongest
pledgeofgoodfaith.Thewriterofthishasbeenwitnesstothis
ceremony,performedbyanembassyfromtheCreeknation,with
hisexcellencygeneralWashington,presidentoftheUnitedStates,
intheyear1789.
Thecommonmethodofgreetingeachotherisanalogouswiththe
above,inagreatmeasure.Thehostonlysays,Ishlachu?Areyona
friend?Theguestreplies,Orahrt0.lamcomeinthenameof0.E.
A.orYohetvah.
"Theyareverylovingtooneanother,ifseveralcametoa
Christian'shouse,andthemasterofitgavetooneofthemvictuals,
andnonetotherest,hewoulddivideitintoequalCharesamongst
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hiscompanions.IftheChristiansvisitedthem,theywouldgivethem
thefirstcutoftheirvictuals.Theynevereatthehollowofthethigh
ofanythingtheykillandifaChristianstrangercametooneoftheir
housesinthcjj
180ASTARINTHEWEST.
towns,hewasreceivedwiththegreatesthospitality,andthebestof
everythingwassetheforehim.Andthiswasoftenrepeatedfrom
housetohouse."Smith'shistoryofNewJersey,page130.
TheIndiansarenotonlyreligiouslyattachedtotheirtribewhile
livingbuttheirbodies,andespeciallytheirbones,aretheobjectsof
theirsolicitouscare,aftertheyaredead.AmongtheMohawks,their
funeralritesshowtheyhavesomenotionofafuturestateof
existence.Theymakealargeroundhole,inwhichthebodycanbe
placedupright,oruponitshaunches,which,afterthebodyisplaced
init,iscoveredwithtimber,tosupporttheearth,whichtheylay
overit,andtherebykeepthebodyfrombeingpressed,theythen
raisetheearthinaroundhilloverit.Theydressthecorpseinallits
finery,andputwampumandotherthingsinthegravewithit.The
relationswillnotsuffergrass,oranyweedtogrowonthegrave,and
frequentlyvisititwithlamentations.
AmongtheFrenchIndiansinCanada,asmentionedbyCharlevoix,
assoonasthesickpersonexpires*,thehouseisfilledwithmournful
criesamithislastsaslongasthefamilyisabletodefraythe
expense,fortheymustkeepopenhouseallthetime.Insomenations
therelativesfasttotheendofthefuneral,withtearsandcries.They
treattheirvisitorspraisethedead,andpassmutualcompliments.In
othernations,theyhirewomentoweep,whoperformtheirduty
punctually.Theysingtheydancetheyweepwithoutceasing,
alwayskeepingtime.Hehasseentherelativesindistress,walkata
greatpace,andputtheirhandsontheheadsofalltheymet,
probablytoinvitethemtoshareintheirgrief.Thosewhohave
soughtaresemblancebetweentheHebre\vs
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ASTARINTHEWEST.181
andtheAmericans,havenotfailedtotakeparticularnoticeoftheir
mannerofmourning,asseveralexpressionsinscripturegiveroom
tosuchconjectures,andtosupposethemmuchaliketothoseinuse
withthosepeopleofGod.Indeed,donotthesecustomsand
practicesseemtobederivedfromthoseoftheJewsburyingtheir
deadintombshewedoutofarock,whereinwereniches,inwhich
thedeadweresetinanuprightposture,andoftenwithmuchoftheir
propertyburiedwiththem.Josephustellsus,thatfromkingDavid's
sepulchre,Hyrcanus,theMaccabean,tookthreethousand
talentsâboutthirteenhundredyearsafterhisdeath,togetridof
Antiochus,thenbesiegingJerusalem.
ThesouthernIndians,whenanyoftheirpeopledieathome,wash
andanointthecorpse,andsoonbringitoutofdoors,forfearof
pollution.Theyplaceitoppositetothedoorinasittingposture.
Theythencarryitthreetimesroundthehouseinwhichheistobe
interred,forsometimestheyburyhiminhisdwellinghouse,and
underhisbed.Thereligiousmanofthedeceased'sfamily,inthis
procession,goesbeforethecorpse,sayingeachtime,inasolemn
tone,YahthenHo,whichissungbyalltheprocession.Againhe
strikesupHe,whichisalsosungbytherest.Thenallofthemsud
denlystrikeoffthesolemnchorus,bysayingwok,whichconstitutes
thedivine,essentialname,FahIIoHewah.IntheChoktawnation,
theyoftensing,Halleluyah,intermixedwiththeirlamentations.
Theyputthecorpseinthetombinasittingposture,withhisface
towardstheeast,andhisheadanointedwithbear'soil.Heisdressed
inthefinestapparel,havinghisgun,pouch,andhickorybow,witha
youngpanther'sskinfullofarrows,alongsideofhim,andevery
other
182ASTARINTHEWEST.
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usefulthingliehadbeenpossessedof.Thetomhismadefirmand
cleaninside.Theycoveritwiththicklogs,soastohearseveraltiers
ofcypresshark,andthenaquantityofclayoverit.
Thegravesofthedeadaresosacredamongthenorthernnations,
thattoprofanethem,isthegreatesthostilitythatcanbecommitted
againstanation,andthegreatestsignthattheywillcometono
termswiththem.
TheIndiansimagineifawhitemanwastobeburiedinthedomestic
tombsoftheirkindred,itwouldbehighlycriminalandthatthe
spiritswouldhaunttheeavesofthehouseatnight,andcause
misfortunestotheirfamily.
Ifanyonediesatadistance,andtheyarenotpursuedbyanenemy,
theyplacethecorpseonascaffold,securedfromwildbeastsand
fowlsofprey.Whentheyimaginethefleshisconsumed,andthe
bonesdried,theyreturntotheplace,bringthemhome,andinter
theminaverysolemnmanner.TheHebrews,inlikemanner,
carefullyburiedtheirdead,butonanyaccident,theygatheredtheir
bones,andlaidtheminthetombsoftheirforefathers.ThusJacob
chargedhissons,andsaiduntothem,Iamtobegathereduntomy
people,burymewithmyfathers,inthecavethatisinthefieldof
EphrontheHittite."ThiswasinCanaan."Theretheyburied
AbrahamandSarahhiswifetheretheyburiedIsaacandRebeckab,
hiswifejandthereIburiedLeah."(eAndJosephtookanoatliof
thechildrenofIsrael,saying,Godwillsurelyvisityou,andyeshall
carrymybonesfromhence.""AndMosestookthebonesofJoseph
withhim."*AndthebonesofJoseph,whichthechildrenofIsrael
broughtupout
*Gen.xlix.29,311.25Exod.xiii.19.
ASTARINTHEWEST.183
ofEgypt,buriedtheyinShechem,"asabovementioned.Joshua
xxiv.32.TheJewsburiedneartheircities,andsometimesopposite
totheirhouses,implyingasilentlessonoffriendship,andacaution
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tolivewell.Theyburiedfamiliestogetherbutstrangersapartby
themselves.
WhenanoldIndianfindsthatitisprobablethathemustdie,he
sendsforhisfriends,andwiththemcollectshischildrenandfamily
aroundhimandthen,withthegreatestcomposure,headdresses
theminthemostaffectionatemanner,givingthemhislastcouncil,
andadvisingthemtosuchconductashethinksfortheirbest
interests.Sodidthepatriarchsofold,andtheIndiansseemtofollow
theirsteps,andwithasmuchcoolnessasJacobdidtohischildren,
whenhewasabouttodie.
Averyworthyclergyman,withwhomthewriterwaswell
acquainted,andwhohadlongpreachedtotheIndians,informed
him,thatmanyyearsago,havingpreachedinthemorningtoa
considerablenumberofthem,intherecessbetweenthemorningand
afternoonservices,newswassuddenlybrought,thatthesonofan
Indianwoman,oneofthecongregationthenpresent,hadfalleninto
amilldam,andwasdrowned.Immediatelythedisconsolatemother
retiredtosomedistanceindeepdistress,andsatdownonthe
ground.Herfemalefriendssoonfollowedher,andplaced
themselvesinlikemanneraroundher,inacircleatasmall
distance.Theycontinuedaconsiderabletime,inprofoundand
melancholysilence,exceptnowandthenutteringadeepgroan.All
atoncethemotherputtingherhandonhermouth,fellwithherface
flatontheground,herhandcontinuingonhermouth.Thiswas
followed,inlikemanner,byalltherest,whenallcriedout.
184ASTARINTHEWEST.
withthemostmelancholyanddismalyellingsandgroanings*Thus
theycontinued,withtheirhandsontheirmouths,andtheirmouths
inthedustaconsiderabletime.Themenalsoretiredtoadistance
fromthem,andwentthroughthesameceremony,makingthemost
dismalgroaningsandyellings.
NeedanyreaderberemindedoftheJewishcustomsonoccasionsof
deephumiliation,asinJob21and5Markmeandbeastonished,
andlayyourhandonyourmouth.29and9Theprincesrefrained
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talking,andlaidtheirhandsontheirmouths.40and4Behold!Iam
vile,whatshall1answerthee?Iwilllaymyhandonmymouth.
Micah7and16.Thenationsshallseeandbeconfoundedthey
shalllaytheirhandsontheirmouth.Lament.3and9Heputtethhis
mouthinthedust,ifsobe,theremaybehope.Prov.30and32If
thouhastthoughtevil,laythinehanduponthymouth.
TheChoktawIndianshiremournerstomagnifythemeritandlossof
thedead,andiftheirtearsdonotflow,theirshrillvoiceswillbe
heardtocry,whichanswersthesolemnchorusmuchbetter.
However,someofthemhavetheartofsheddingtearsabundantly.
Jerem.ixchap.17,19ThussaiththeLordofHosts,considerye,and
callforthemourningwomen,thattheymaycome,andsendfor
cunningwomen,thattheymaycome,foravoiceofwattingisheard,
c.
BytheMosaiclaw,thesurvivingbrotherwastoraiseupseedtoa
deceasedbrother,whoshouldleaveawidowchildless.TheIndian
customresemblesthisinaconsiderabledegree.Awidowamong
theIndiansisboundbyastrictpenallaworcustom,tomournthe
deathofherhusband,forthespaceofthreeorfouryears.Butifitbe
knownthattheelder
ASTARINTHEWEST.185
brotherofherdeceasedhusbandhaslainwithher,sheisafterwards
exemptfromthelawofmourninghaslibertytotieupherhair,
anointandpaintherself,whichshecouldnototherwisedo,under
painofbeingtreatedasanadultress.
TheIndians,formerlyontheJuniataandSusquehannahrivers,
placedtheirdeadoncloseorcoveredcribs,madeforthepurpose,
tillthefleshconsumedaway.Atthepropertimetheygatheredthe
bones*scrapedandwashedthem,andthenburiedthemwithgreat
ceremony.ThereisatribecalledNanticokes,thatontheirremoval
fromanoldtoanewtown,carrythebonesoftheirancestorswith
them.
ThisalsoprevailedinparticularcasesamongtheCanadaIndians.
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AnofficeroftheregulartroopsatOswego,upwardsofsixtyyears
ago,reportedthefollowingfact.Aboyofoneofthewestward
nations,diedatOswegotheparentsmadearegularpileofsplit
wood,laidthecorpseuponitandburntit.Whilethepilewas
burning,theystoodgravelylookingon*withoutanylamentation,
butwhenitwasburneddowntheygatheredupthebones,andwith
manytears,putthemintoabox,andcarriedthemawaywiththem.*
TheIndiansareuniversallyremarkableforaspiritofindependence
andfreedombeyondanyotherpeople,andtheygenerallyconsider
death,asfarpreferabletoslavery.Theyabhorcovetousness,andto
preventit,theyburnallthelittlepropertyanIndianhasatthetime
ofInsdeath*orburyitwithhiminhisgrave*Thisnecessarily
temptsthemtofrugalityandabstemiousnessintheirmannerof
living.Theyarewhollyignorantofallkindofmechanieks,except
sofarasispressedonthembynecessity.Theyarefreefrom
hypocrisyorany
*Excwlxiii.19.Josh,xxjv,12.2Sam.xxi.12H.
186ASTARINTHEWEST.
forcedcivilityorpolitenessbuttheirgeneralconduct,show*a
frankandcandid,butplainandblunthospitalityandkindnesswith
adegreeoffaithfulnessintheirdealings,exceptwiththeirenemies,
thatoftenastonisheswhitepeoplewhoalthoughtheirpretensions
aresomuchhigher,cannot,atleastdonot,reachtheminthis
particular.
ThegreatauthorofthedivinelegationofMoses,intreatingofthe
governmentoftheJews,bothcivilandreligious,asnecessarily
unitedunderonegreathead,theGodofAbraham,IsaacandJacob,
stateshissubjectclearlyandfully,andthensays,"butthepoet
Voltaire,indeed,hashadadifferentrevelation.Theprideofevery
individualamongtheJews,sayshe,isinterestedinbelieving,thatit
wasnottheirdetestablepolicy,theirignoranceintheartsortheir
unpoliteness,thatdestroyedthembutthatitisGod'sangerthatyet
pursuesthemfortheiridolatries."Thisdetestablepolicy,(whichI
wouldnotconsiderinthemostobvioussenseoftheMosaic
institution,becausethatmighttendtomakethepoethimself
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detestable)wasaprincipleOfindependence.Thisignoranceinthe
artspreventedtheentranceofluxuryandthisunpoliteness,
hinderedthepracticeofit.Andyetparsimony,frugalityandaspirit
ofliberty,whichnaturallypreserveotherstates,alltendedinthe
ideasofthiswonderfulpoliticiantodestroytheJewish."How
surprisinglydoesthisobservationofbishopWarburton,applyin
supportoftheseuntutoredIndians,andpointoutfromwhencethey
musthavedrawntheirprinciplesofconduct,
ASTARINTHEWEST.187
CHAPTERVI.
TheknownReligiousRitesandCeremoniesoftheIndians
TOadoptthelanguageofFatherCharlevoix,"nothinghas
undergonemoresudden,frequent,ormoresurprisingrevolutions,
thanreligion.Whenoncemenhaveabandonedtheonlytrueone,
theysoonlosesightofit,andfindthemselvesentangledand
bewilderedinsuchalabyrinthofincoherenterrors,inconsistencies
andcontradictions,thatthereoftenremainsnotthesmallestclueto
leadusbacktothetruth.Oneexample.TheBuccaniersofSt.
Domingo,whoprofessedtobechristians,butwhohadno
commerce,exceptamongthemselves,inlessthanthirtyyears,and
throughthesolewantofreligiousworship,instruction,andan
authoritycapableofretainingthemintheirduty,hadlostallmarks
ofchristianity,exceptbaprismalone.Hadthesepeoplecontinued
onlytothethirdgeneration,theirgrandchildrenwouldhavebeen
asvoidofchristianityastheinhabitantsofTerraAustralis,orNew
Guinea.Theymight,possibly,havepreservedsomeceremonies,
themeaningofwhichtheycouldnotaccountfor."
However,ourwanderingtribesofIndianshave,inamost
surprisingmanner,borderingonsomethingrathersupernatrual,
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preservedsomanyessentialpartsoftheiroriginalplanofdivine
worship,andsomanyoftheirprimitivedoctrines,althoughthey
haveatpresentalmostwhollyforgottentheirmeaningandtheir
end,astoleavelittledoubtoftheirgreatsource.
188ASTARINTHEWEST.
Theyarefarfrombeingidolaters,althoughmanygoodmen,from
wantofaknowledgeoftheirlanguage,andoftenhaving
communionwiththemostworthlesspartofthem,withoutmaking
anyallowancefortheirlocalsituationandcircumstances,have
giventerrificaccountsofthesechildrenofnature.Andthisisnot
muchtohewonderedat.Formanyofourworthy,overzealousand
piousEuropeans,andsomewhiteAmericans,deeplyaffectedwith
asenseoftheirunhappystate,andfeelingtheimportanceofthe
gospeltothem,haveunwiselygoneintothewoodstothem,
withoutproperandpreparatoryeducationforsoimportantan
undertaking.Imean,withoutunderstandingtheirlanguage,or
beingwellacquaintedwiththeirmanners,customsandhabitsnay,
notevenmakingthemselvesacquaintedwiththeirreligious
prejudices,orbytakingsufficienttimeandusingpropermeansto
gaintheirconfidence.
Topeoplesoignorantofwhattheyoughtfirsttohaveknown,and
whollytrustingtoaheatheninterpreter,unabletofeelorexpress
thenatureofspiritualthings,andhavingtodealwithamost
jealousandartfulpeople,renderedsobytheexperienceofmore
thanacentury,bythecontinuedimpositionsandoppressionofthe
nationtowhichtheirvisitantsbelongeditisquiteanaturalthing,
thattheywereoftenatfirstdespisedbytheIndians,andthenmade
amerehutt,forthemostworthlesstofrightenandlaughat.Hence
theIndianshaveofteninafrolicdressedthemselvesinthemost
terrificmanner,andmadethemostfrightfulimages,withevery
kindofextravagantemblemaboutit,toalarmandterrifytheir
newcornel's,ofwhomtheythoughtsolightly.Wespeaknow
principallyoftheirlight,badpeople,whoinhabit
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ASTARINTHEWEST.189
aroundornearoursettlements.That,asapeople,theyaresensible
ofpropriety,andarecarefulobserversofcharacters,iswellknown
tothosewhohavebeenlongconversantwiththem.Itisafactwell
attested,thatapreacherwentamongthembeforetherevolutionary
war,andinasuddendiscoursetothem,begantotellthemthat
therewasaGod,whocreatedallthingsthatitwasexceedingly
sinfulandoffensivetohim,togetdrunk,orlie,orstealallwhich
theymustcarefullyavoid.Theyansweredhim"Goaboutyour
business,youfool!DonotweknowthatthereisaGod,aswellas
you!Gotoyourownpeopleandpreachtothemforwhogets
drunk,andliesandstealsmorethanyouwhitepeopler"Inshort,if
theIndiansformtheirideasofusfromthecommontradersand
landspeculators,andcommonpeople,withwhomtheyusually
havetodo,theywillnotrimintoagreatererrorthanwedo,when
weformourideasofthecharacterofIndiansfromthosewho
generallykeepaboutoursettlements,andtrafficwiththefrontier
inhabitants.
TheIndiansarefilledwithgreatspiritualpridewemeantheir
chiefsandbestmen.Theyconsiderthemselvesasundera
theocracy,andthattheyhaveGodfortheirgovernorandhead.
Theythereforeholdallotherpeople,comparatively,incontempt.
Theypaytheirreligiousworship,asMr.Adairassuresus,(andhe
hadagreatopportunityofknowing)toLoakIshto,HaoloJlbba,or
thegreat,beneficent,supreme,holyspiritoffire,whoresides
abovetheclouds,andonearthwitliunpolluted,holypeople.They
wereneverknown(whatevermeSpanishwritersmaysaytothe
contrary,tocovertheirownbloodthirstyandmorethansavage
barbaritytotheitivestheyfoundinMexico,attheirfirstarrival
among
190ASTARINTHEWEST.
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them)topaytheleastperceivableadorationtoimagesordead
persons,ortocelestialluminaries,orevilspirits,ortoanycreated
beingwhatever.
TheirreligiousceremoniesaremoreaftertheMosaicinstitution,
thanofpaganimitation.Theydonotbelievethesuntobeany
largerthanitappearstothenakedeye.Notwithstandingthe
variousaccountswehavehadfromdifferentauthors,greatly
exaggeratingthereportsoftheIndian'sirreligiousconduct,they
havetakenlittleornopainstobewellinformed(foritisattended
withconsiderabledifficulty,fromtheirknownsecrecy)andhave
thereforegrosslymisrepresentedthem,withoutdesigningto
mislead.Historiansoughtnottobetrusted,astodetailedaccounts
ofthesepeople,withwhomitseemstohavebeenpreviously
agreedamongthemselves,tochargewithbeingredsavagesand
barbarians,whiletheIndians,inreturn,consideraswhitesavages
andaccursedpeople,thosewhothustraducethem.Readersshonld
carefullyexamineintotheirmeansofknowledgetheirconnections
withtheIndians,andthelengthoftimeandopportunitiesthey
enjoyedinasocialintercoursewiththem.Difficulties,andthose
verygreat,havearisenfromtheimpracticabilityofastranger
beingwellinformed,particularlyarisingfromtheirunconquerable
jealousyandgreatsecrecyineverythingrelatingtotheirreligions
character.Again,historiansareoftenfondofthemarvellous,and
areapttotakeupwithanyinformationtheycanget,without
examiningitssource,andarctooapttomakeupstrangestoriesto
answertheirprivatepurposes,ortocoverbasedesigns.Thisis
fullyexemplifiedintheabominablefalseaccountspublishedby
theSpaniard*,relativetoMexico,ontheirfirstcon
ASTARINTHEWEST.191
quering,orrathercarryingdestructionandbloodshedthroughthat
finecountry,togratifytheircovetousnessandbloodydispositions,
whentheyhadnottheleastfoundationintruthfortheirdiabolical
accounts.
Adairassuresus,thatfromtheexperienceoffortyyears,hecan
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say,thatnoneofthevariousnationsfromHudson'shaytothe
Missisippi,haveeverbeenknownbyourtradingpeople,to
attempttheformationofanyimageofthegreatspiritwhomthey
devoutlyworship.Theyneverpretendtodivinefromanythingbut
theirdreams,whichSeemstoproceedfromatradition,thattheir
ancestorsreceivedknowledgeoffutureeventsfromheavenby
dreamsvideJobxxxiii.&c.
DuPratzhadaparticularintimacywiththechiefoftheguardians
ofthetemple,inanationneartheMissisippi2vol.173.Thaton
hisrequestingtobeinformedofthenatureoftheirworship,he
wastoldthattheyacknowledgedasupremebeing,whomthey
calledCayocopchill,orgreatspirit,orthespiritinfinitelygreator
thespiritbywayofexcellence.Thatthewordchillintheir
language,signifiesthemostsuperlativedegreeofperfection,and
isaddedtomakethatappear,asouaisfire,andouadrillisthe
supremefire,orthesun.ThereforebythewordCoyocopchill,
tlie,ymeanaspiritthatsurpassesotherspirits,asmuchasthesun
doescommonfire.Theguardiansaid,thatthegreatspiritwasso
greatandpowerful,thatincomparisonwithhim,allotherthings
wereasnothing.Hehadmadeallthatweseeallthatwecansee
andallthatwecannotsee.Hewassogoodthathecouldnotdoill
toanyone,evenifhehadamindtodoit.Theybelievedthatthe
greatspirithadmadeallthingsbyhiswillthatneverthelessthe
littlespiritswhoarehis
192ASTARINTHEWEST.
servants,mightbyhisorders,havemademanyexcellentworksin
theuniverse,whichweadmirebutthatGodhimselfhadformed
manwithhisownhands.Theycalledthelittlespirits,freeservants.
Thatthosespiritswerealwaysbeforethegreatspirit,readyto
executehispleasurewithanextremediligence.
Thattheairwasfilledwithotherspirits,somegood,somewicked,
andthatthelatterhadachief,whowasmorewickedthanallthe
rest.Thatthegreatspirithadfoundhimsowicked,thathehad
boundhimforever,sothattheotherspiiitsoftheair,nolongerdid
somuchharm.
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Hewasthenasked,howdidGodmakeman?heansweredthathe
kneadedsomeclay,andmadeitintoalittlemanafterexaminingit
andfindingitwellformed,heblewonhiswork,andforthwiththe
littlemanhadlifegrewactedwalkedandfoundhimselfaman,
perfectlywellshaped.Hethenwasaskedaboutthewomanhesaid,
probablyshewasmadeinthesamemannerastheman,buttheir
ancientspeechmadenomentionofanydifference,onlythatthe
manwasmadefirstpage174.
TheIndiansalso,agreeablytothetheocracyofIsrael,thinkthe
greatspirittobetheimmediateheadoftheirstate,andthatGod
chosethemoutofalltherestofmankind,ashispeculiarand
belovedpeople.
Mr.Locke,oneoftheablestmenGreatBritaineverprorduced,
observes,"thatthecommonwealthoftheJews,differedfromall
others,beinganabsolutetheocracy.Thelawsestablishedthere,
concerningtheworshipoftheoneinvisibledeity,werethecivil
lawsofthatpeople,andapartoftheirpoliticalgovernment,in
whichGodhimselfwasthelegislator."
ASTARINTHEWEST.193
Inthis,theIndiansprofessthesamethingprecisely.Thisisthe
exactformoftheirgovernment,whichseemsunaccountable,were
itnotderivedfromthesameorignalsource,andistheonlyreason
thatcanbeassignedforsoextraordinaryafact.
TheIndiansareexceedinglyintoxicatedwithreligiouspride,and
holdthewhitepeopleininexplicablecontemptthecommonname
theygiveusintheirsetspeeches,literallymeans,nothingsbutin
theirwarspeeches,ottuckookproose,theaccursedpeople.But
theyflatterthemselveswiththenameHothikoretoopate,the
belovedpeople.ThisisagreeabletotheHebrewepithetJlmmi,
duringthetheocracyofIsrael.Whentheirhighpriest(ifwemay
beallowedtheterm,fortheirmostbelovedman)addressesthe
people,hecallsthem,"thebelovedorholypeople."These
addressesarefullofflourishesonthehappinessoftheircountry,
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callingitalandflowingwithmilkandhoney.
Whenanyoftheirbelovedpeopledie,theysoftenthethoughtsof
death,bysaying,heisonlygonetosleep'withtlitirbeloved
forefathers,andusuallymentionacommonproverbamongthem,
neitakintahah"thedaysappointed,orallowedhim,werefinished.
Andthisistheirfirmbelief,fortheyaffirmthatthereisafixed
timeandplace,whenandwhereeveryonemustdie,withoutany
possibilityofavertingit.Theyfrequentlysay,"suchaonewas
weighedonthepath,andmadetobelight."Theyalwaysascribe
lifeanddeathtoGod'sunerringandparticularprovidence.
Contrarytotheusageofalltheancientheathenworld,theynot
onlynameGodbyseveralstrongcompoundedappellations,
expressiveofmanyofhisdivineattributes,butKke
194ASTARINTHEWEST.
wisesayyahatthebeginningoftheirreligiousdances,witha
bowingpostureofbodythentheysingy,y,y,ho,ho,ho,he,he,
andrepeatthosesacrednotes(butnotthewholename)onevery
religiousoccasion.ThereligiousattendantscallingtoYah,to
enablethemhumblytosupplicate,seemstopointtotheHebrew
customofpronouncingJah,whichsignifiesthedivineessence.Itis
wellknown,whatsacredregardtheJewshadtothegreatfour
letteredname,scarcelyevertomentionitinthewhole,butoncea
year,whenthehighpriestwentintotheholysanctuaryontheday
ofexpiationofsins.MightnottheIndians,havecopiedfromthem
thissacredinvocation,andalsotheirreligiousforbearancein
nevermentioningthewholename,butintheirsacredsongsof
praise.Theirmethodofinvokingthegreatspiritinsolemnhymns,
withthatreverenddeportment,andspendingafullbreathoneach
ofthefirsttwosyllablesorlettersoftheawfuldivinename,hasa
surprisinganalogytotheJewishcustom,andsuchasnoother
nationorpeople,evenwiththeadvantageofwrittenrecords,have
retained.
Charlevoix,speakingofthenorthernIndians,observes,thatthe
greatestpartoftheirfeasts,theirsongsandtheirdances,appeared
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tohim,tohavehadtheirrisefromreligion,andyetpreservesome
tracesofit.Ihavemetwithsomepersons,sayshe,whocouldnot
helpthinkingthatourIndiansweredescendedfromtheJewsand
foundineverything,someaffinitybetweenthemandthepeopleof
God.Thereisindeedaresemblanceinsomethings,asnottouse
knivesatcertainmeals,andnottobreakthebonesofthebeastthat
theyeatatthethesetimes,(andwemayadd,thattheynevercatthe
partunderthelowerjointofthethigh,
ASTARINTHEWEST.195
butalwaysthrowitaway.)Theseparationoftheirwomen,at
certainperiods.Somepersonshaveheardthem,orthoughtthey
heardthem,pronouncetheword,hattalujah,intheirSongs.The
feasttheymake,atthereturnoftheirhunters,andofwhichthey
mustleavenothing,liasalsoheentakenforaburntoffering,orfor
theremainsofthepassvweroftheIsraelites:andtherather,they
say,becausewhenanyonefamilycannotcompasshisportion,he
maygettheassistanceofhisneighbour,aswaspractisedbythe
peopleofGod,whenafamilywasnotsufficienttoeatthewhole
paschallamb.
TheIsraelitesofoldwereorderedbyMosestofixinthetabernacle
(asSolomondidafterwardsinthetemple,allbycommandofGod)
Cherubimoverthemercyseat.Thecurtainsalsowhichlinedthe
wallsandtheveilofthetemple,hadthelikefiguresonthem.The
Cherubimaresaidtohaverepresentedthenames,yoJiewah
elohim,inredeeminglostmankind,andmeansthesimilitudeofthe
greatandmightyone,whoseemblemsinthecongregational
standards,were,*thebutt,thelion,themanandtheeagle."So
EzekielinformsustheCherubimwereuniformandhadthesefour
compoundedanimalemblems.Everyonehadfourfaces(ap
pearances,habitsorforms.)xchap.14<,20,22.Eachofthe
Cherubim,accordingtotheprophet,hadtheheadandfaceofa
man$thelikenessofaneagleabouttheshoulders,withexpanded
wingstheirnecks,manesandbreastsresembledthoseofalion,
andtheirfeetthoseofabullorcalfthesolesoftheirfeet,were
likeacalf'sfoot.Ezek.i.4,5,6.66AndIlookedandbeholda
whirlwindcameoutofthenorth,agreatcloudandaJtreinfolding
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itself,andabrightnesswasaboutit,andoutofthemidstthereofas
thecolourofamber,
196ASTARINTHEWEST.
outofthemidstofthefirealsooutofthemidstthereof,the
likenessoffourlivingcreatures.Andthiswastheirappearance:
theyhadthelikenessofaman,andeveryonehadfourfaces,and
everyonehadfourwings,"&c.&c.10thver.'!Asforthelikeness
oftheirfaces,theyfourhadthefaceofamanandthefaceofalion
ontherightsideandtheyfourhadthefaceofanoxontheleft
sideandtheyfouralsohadthefaceofaneaglevidever.11.
Thesearetheterrestialcherubim,andthepsalmistrepresentsthem
asthechariotofdivinemajesty,anddisplayshistranscendantand
glorioustitleofKingofKings.Psalmsxviii.7,11Godsitteth
betweenandridethuponthecherubim"asadivinechariotibid.
xcix.1.
SotheAmericanIndians,particularlytheCherokeesand
Choktaws,havesomeveryhumblerepresentationofthese
cherubimicalfigures,intheirplacesofworship,orbelovedsquare
where,throughastrongreligiousprinciple,theydancealmost
everywinter'snight,alwaysinabowingposture,andfrequently
singing,haUduyah,yo,he,wah.Theyhaveintheseplacesof
worship,whichAdairsayshehasseen,twowhitepaintedeagles,
carvedoutofpoplarwood,withtheirwingsstretchedout,and
raisedfivefeetfromtheground,standinginthecorner,closetothe
redandwhiteimperialseatsjandontheinnersideofeachofthe
notchedpiecesofwood,wheretheeaglesstand,theIndians
frequentlypaintwithawhitechalkyclay,thefigureofaman,
withbuffalo'shorns,*andthatofapanther,thenearestanimalin
America,tothatofalion,withthesamecolour.These
*Itwasanancientcustomamongsttheeasternnatious,touse
hornsasanenvWepiofpower,whihtheImliausalwaysdo.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.197
figurestheypaintafreshatthefirstfruitoffering,ortheannual
expiationofsins.YetithasneverheenknownthattheIndiansever
substitutedtheeagle,panther,orthesimilitudeofanything
whatever,asobjectsofdivineadoration,intheroomofthegreat
invisibledivineessence.Nay,theyoftengivelargerewardsfor
killinganeagle,andtheykillthepantherwherevertheyfindhim.
Theideaswhichapeopleformofthesupremedeity,willdirectto
thenatureoftheirreligiousworship.AmongthesouthernIndians,
IshtohooloisanappellationforGod.Itpointsatthegreatness,
purityandgoodnessofthecreator,informingman.Itisderivedas
issaidfromIshto,great,whichyoufindinalltheprophetical
writings,attributedtoGod.Alsofromthepresenttenseofthe
infinitivemoodoftheactiveverbahoolo,"Ilove,"andfromthe
pretertenseofthepassiveverbhoolo,thatissanctifying,
sanctified,divineorholy.Womensetapart,theytermhoolo,that
is,sanctifyingthemselvestoIshtohook.SoNetakhoolosignifies
asanctifiedorholyday.SoOkkahodo,watersanctified.ThusIsh
tohoo!o,whenappliedtoGod,initstrueradicalmeaning,imports
thegreatMovedholycause,whichisexceedinglycomprehensive
andmoreexpressiveofthetruenatureofGod,thantheHebrew
nameJldonai,whichmaybeapplicabletoahumanbeing.When
theyapplytheepithet,compounded,toanyoftheirownreligious
men,itsignifies,tJiegreatholy,beloved^sanctifiedmanofthe
holyone.
Theymakethedivinenamepointyetmorestronglytoth^supreme
authorofnature.Forasabba,signifiesfather,so,todistinguish
God,asthekingofkings,byhisattributes,fromtheirownMinggo
Ishto,orgreatchief,theyfrequently*
198ASTARINTHEWEST.
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nameGodMinggoIshtoJ&ba,IshtoAllba,MnggoAlba,&e.and
whentheystrivetomovethepassions,IshtoHooloMba.They
haveanothermoresacredappellative,whichwiththemisthe
mysteriousessentialnameofGod.Thetetragrammanatonofthe
Hebrews,orthegreatfourletterednamealreadymentioned,F.0.
He.ivah.Thisthey,liketheHebrews,nevermentionaltogetherin
commonspeech.Ofthetimeandplace,whenandwherethey
mentionit,theyareveryparticular,andalwayswithasolemnair.
TheIndianshaveamongthemordersofmenansweringtoour
prophetsandpriests.IntheMuskohgelanguage,HitchLalage,
signifiescunningmen,orpersonsprescientoffuturity,muchthe
samewiththeHebrewseer.ButtheIndiansingeneralcalltheir
pretendedprophets,Loache,menresemblingtheholyfire,or
elohim.Theirtraditionsays,thattheirforefatherswerepossessed
ofanextraordinarydivinespirit,bywhichtheyforetoldthings
future,andcontroledthecommoncourseofnatureandthisthey
transmittedtotheiroffspring,providedtheyobeyedthesacred
lawsannexedtoit.Theybelievethatbythecommunicationofthe
samedivinefire,workingintheirZooc/te,theycanyeteffectthe
like.ButtheysayitisoutofthereachofNanaOokproo,orbad
people,eithertocomprehendorperformsuchthings,becausethe
holyspiritoffirewillnotcooperatewithoractuateHotluch
OokproOftheaccursedpeople."AsachemoftheMingotribe,
beingobservedtolookatthegreatcometwhichappearedthefirst
dayofOctober,onethousandsixhundredandeighty,wasasked,
whathethoughtwasthemeaningofthatprodigiousappearance?
answeredgravely,"ItsignifiesthatweIndiansshallmeltaway,
andtbkcountrybeinhabitedby
ASTARINTHEWEST.199
anotherpeople."Smith'sNewJersey,136,inanote.Howthis
Indiancamehyhisknowledge,withoutthelearnedWhis,ton's
astronomicaltables,orwhetherhehadanyknowledge,isnotso
material.Hewill,however,beallowedasgoodarighttopretend
toit,whentheeventisconsidered,astheotherhadinhis
conjecturesconcerningthecauseofNoah'sflood.Atallevents,
thisIndianmusthavereasonedwell,andhadprettyclear
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conceptionsoftheeffectsthatwouldnaturallyfollowsuchcauses.
Mr.Beattygivesmuchthesameaccountoftheirprophetsamong
theDelawarenationsortribes,abovefortyfiveyearsago.They
consulttheprophetsuponanyextraordinaryoccasionasingreat
oruncommonsickness,ormortality,&c.This,hesays,seemstobe
inimitationoftheJewsofold,enquiringoftheirprophets.Ishto
Hooloisthenameofalltheirgreatbelovedmen,andthepontifical
officedescendsbyinheritancetotheeldest.
ItcannotbeexpectedbutthatthedressoftheoldIndianhigh
priest,orrather,theirgreatMovedman,orthefirstandoldest
amongthelelorcedmen,shouldbedifferentfromthatofthehigh
priestoftheJews.Thepovertyanddistressedconditionofthe
Indians,renderssuchaconformityimpossiblebut
notwithstandingthetracesofagreementarereallyastonishing,
consideringtheircircumstances,andtheirhavingnomeansof
knowingwhatitwas,butbytradition,beingdeprivedofallrecords
relativetoit.
BeforetheIndianArchimagus,orhighpriest,officiatesinmaking
thesupposedholyfire,fortheyearlyatonementforsin,aswill
soonbeshewn,heclotheshimselfwithawhitegarment,
resemblingtheephodoftheJews,beingmadeof
200ASTARINTHEWEST.
afinelydresseddeerordoeskin,andisawaistcoatwithout
sleeves.Whenheentersonthatsolemnduty,abelovedattendant
spreadsawhitedressedbuckskin*onthewhiteseat,whichstands
closetothesupposedholiestdivisionoftheirplaceofworship,and
thenputssomewhitebeadsonit,thatareofferedbythepeople.
ThentheArchimaguswrapsroundhisshouldersaconsecrated
skinofthesamesort,whichreachingacrossunderhisarms,heties
behindhisback,witlitwoknotsonhislegs,intheformofafigure
ofeight.Insteadofgoingbarefoot,hewearsanewpairofwhite
buckskinmocasins,madebyhimself,andstichedwiththesinews
oftheanimal.Hepaintstheupperpartofthemacrossthetoes,
withafewstreaksofred,madeoftheredroot,whichistheir
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symbolofholythings,asthevermilionisofwar.Theseshoeshe
neverwearsatanyothertime,andleavesthemwiththeotherparts
ofhispontificaldress,whentheserviceisover,inthebeloved
place.
Inresemblanceofthesacredbreastplate,theAmericanpriest
wearsabreastplate,madeofawhiteconckshell,withtwoholes
boredinthemiddleofit,throughwhichheputstheendsofan
otterskinstrap,andfastensabuckhornwhitebuttontotheoutside
ofeach,asifinimitationofthepreciousstonesofurimand
thumim,whichmiraculouslyblazonedonthehighpriest'sbreast,
theunerringwordsofthedivineoracle.Insteadoftheplateof
goldwhichheworeonhisforehead,witlithewordsholy,or
separatedtoGod,theIndianwearsaroundhistempleseithera
wreathofswan'sfeathers,oralongpieceofswanskindoubled,so
asonlythefinesnowydownappears
*WhenthehighpriestoftheJewswentintotheholyofholies,on
thedayofxpiatioM,heclothedhimselfinwhiteand\vheuthe
servicewasover,heleftthoseclothesinthetabernacle.JLevit.
xvi.423.
ASTARINTHEWEST.201
eheachside.Andinlikenessofthetiaraoftheformer,thelatter
wearsonthecrownofhisheadatuftofwhitefeathers,whichthey
callyaterah,butthemeaningofthewordisnotknown.Healso
fastensanumberofbluntedwildturkeycocks'spurstowardsthe
toesofhismocasins,asifinresemblanceofthebellswhichthe
Jewishliighpriestworeonhiscoatofblue.
Bartramassuresus,"thatthereisineverytownortribe,anhigh
priest,usuallynicknamedbythewhitepeople,thejuggleror
conjurer,besidesseveralofinferiorrank.Butthattheoldesthigh
priestorseerpresidesalwaysinspiritualthings,andisapersonof
greatconsequence.Hemaintainsandexercisesgreatinfluencein
thestate,particularlyinmilitaryaffairstheirsenateorgreat
councilneverdeterminingonanexpeditionwithouthiscouncil
andassistance*Thesepeoplebelievemostfirmly,thattheirseeror
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highpriesthascommunionwithpowerfulinvisiblespirits,who
theysupposehavesomeshareintheruleandgovernmentof
humanaffairs*aswellasirtthatoftheelements.Hefurtheradds,
thattheseIndiansarebynomeansidolaters*unlesstheirpuffing
thetobaccosmoketowardsthesun,andrejoicingattheap*
pearanceofthenewmoon,maybetermedso.*Sofarfrom
idolatryaretheythattheyhavenoimagesamongthem,norany
religiousriteorceremonyrelatingtothem,thatIcouldever
perceive*
"Theyadorethegreatspirit,thegiverandtakerawayofthebreath
oflife,withthemostprofoundandrespectfulhorn*
*Itisrathersupposedthattheyusethesmokeofthesacredstem
orpipe,astheJewsdidtheirincenseandastothehewmoon,as
theyreckonthfeittimebyit,theyareascarefulobserverôfit,as
theJew*were.
202ASTARINTHEWEST.
age.Theybelieveinafuturestate,wherethespiritexists?.which
theycalltheworldofspirits,wheretheyenjoydifferentdegreesof
tranquilityandcomfortsagreeablytotheirlifespenthere.They
holdtheirbelovedmanorpriestingreatrespect,andpaystrict
obediencetowhathedirects."
Thesereligiousbelovedmen,arealsosupposedtobeingreat
favourwiththedeityyandabletoprocurerainwhentheyplease.
Inthisrespectalso,wemayobserveagreatconformitytothe
practiceoftheJews,Theirrecordsinform?us,thatinthemoon
AbiborNisan,theyprayedforthespringorlatterrain,tobeso
seasonableandsufficientastogivethemagoodharvestandthe
Indianshaveatradition,thattheirforefatherssoughtfor,and
obtainedsuchseasonablerains,asgavethemplentifulcrops
continuallyjvandtheynowseekthem,inamanneragreeabletoa
shadowofthistradition.
Intheyear1747,aNatchezwarriortoldAdair,thatwhileoneof
theirprophetswasusinghisdivineinvocationsforrain,,hewas
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killedbythunderonthespotuponwhichaccountthespiritof
prophecyeveraftersubsidedamongthem,andhebecamethelast
oftheirreputedprophets.Theybelievedthattheholyspiritofjlre
hadkilledhimwithsomeofhisangrydartingfire,forwilful
impurityandbyhisthreateningvoice,forbadthemtorenewthe
likeattemptandjustlyconcluded,thatiftheyalllivedwell,they
shouldfarewellandhaveproperseasons.Thisopinioncoincides
withthatoftheHebrews,whoesteemedthunderstruck
individualsasunderthedispleasureofheaven,andtheyalso
observedandenforcedsuchrulesofexternalpurityasnoneofthe
nationsobserved,excepttheHebrews*
ASTARINTHEWEST.203
AstheJewishprophetshadoracularanswerstotheirprayers,so
theIndianprophets,whoinvokeyoheivahandmediatewiththe
supremeholyfire,thathemaygiveseasonablerains,havea
transparentstoneofsupposedgreatpowermassistingtohring
downtherain,whenitisputinabasinofwateragreeablytoa
reputeddivinevirtueimpressedononeofthelikesort,intimesof
old,whichcommunicatesitcircularly.
Thisstonewouldsuffergreatinjury,astheyassert,wereiteven
seenbytheirownlaitybutifbyforeigners,itwouldbeutterly
despoiledofitsdivinecommunicativepower.Thislooks
somethinglikeatraditionoftheblazingstonesofUriraand
Thumim.AstheJewshadasanctumsanctorum,ormostholy
placeintheirtabernacleandtemple,sohavealltheIndiannations,
particularlytheMuskohgenation.Itispartitionedoffbyamud
wall,aboutbreasthigh,4>etweenthewhiteseat,winchalways
standstothelefthandoftheredpaintedwarseat,Therethey
deposittheirconsecratedvesselsandsupposedholyutensils,none
ofthelaitydaringtoapproachthatsacredplaceforfearof
particulardamagetothemselves,andageneralhurttothepeople,
fromthesupposeddivinityoftheplace.
AccordingtoMr.Bartram,thegreatorpublicsquareofthe
southerntowns,generallystandsalone,inthecentreandhighest
partofthetown.Itconsistsoffoursquareorcubicalbuildingsof
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onestoryhighuniformandofthesamedimensions,sosituatedas
toformanexacttetragon,encompassinganareaofhalfanacreof
ground,moreorless,accordingtothestrengthandsizeofthe
town,orwilloftheinhabitants.Oneofthesebuildingsisthe
councilhouse,whereallpublic
204ASTARINTHEWEST.
businessisdone.AnotherofthesehuildingsdiffersfromtherestIt
iscloselyshutuponthreesides,andhasapartitionwallrun
throughit,longitudinallyfromendtoend,dividingitintotwo
apartments,thehackpartisdark,havingonlythreesmallarched
aperturesorholesopeningintoitfromthefrontapartment,andare
butjustsufficientforamantogoinat.Thissecludedplace,
appearstobedesignedasasanctuaryorsacredpartofthetemple,
asitissaidamongthem,tobedeathforanyperson,buttheMico,
orhighpriest,toenterintoit,andnoneareeveradmitted,unless
bypermissionofthepriests,whoguarditnightandday.Hereare
depositedallthesacredthings,asthephysicpot,rattles,chaplets,
eagle'stail,calumetorsacredstem,thepipeofpeace,&c.But
childrenandfemalesareneveradmitted.
Atthistimethepeopleofthetownwerefasting,takingmedicine,
andprayingtoavertagrievouscalamityofsicknesswhichthen
afflictedthem.Theyfastedsevenoreightdays,duringwhichthey
neithereatordrankanything,butameagregruelmadeofcorn
flourandwater,atthesametimedrinkingtheirblackdrinkor
physic,whichactsasasevereemetic.
ASTARINTHEWEST.205
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CHAPTERVII.
TheirPublicWorshipandReligiousOpinions.
THEIndians,ingeneral,keepthefollowingreligiousfastsand
festivals
1.TheirFeastofFirstFruits,andafterit,ontheeveningofthesame
day,onesomethinglikethePassover.
2.TheHunter'sFeast,likethatofPentecost.
3.TheFeastofHarvestanddayofexpiationofsin.
4.AdailySacrifice.
AFeastofLove.
1st.TheirFiestofFirstFruitsandPassover.
Mr.Penn,whofoundthemperfectlyinastateofnature,andwholly
astrangertotheirmannersandcharacters,andwhocouldnothave
hadanyknowledgeofthembutfromwhathesawandheardfor
somemonthsheremainedwiththem,onhisfirstvisittotheir
country,informshisfriendsinEngland,inoneofhisletters,in
1683."thatheconsideredthesepoorpeopleasunderadarknightin
thingsrelatingtoreligionyetthattheybelievedinGod,and
immortality,withoutthehelpofmetaphysics,fortheyinformedhim
thattherewasagreatkingwhomadethem,whodwelledina
gloriouscountrytothesouthwardofthemandthatthesoulsofthe
goodwillgothither,wheretheyshallliveagain.Theirworship
consistsoftwopartssacrificeandcantico.Thefirstiswith
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206ASTARINTHEWEST.
theirfirstfruits.Thefirstandfattesthuektheykillgoethtothefire,
whereheisallburntwithadolefuldittyofhimwhoperformsthe
ceremony,butwithsuchmarvellousfervencyandlabourofbody,
thathewillevensweattoafoam.
Theotherpartistheircantico,performedbyrounddances
sometimeswordssometimessongsthenshoutstwoareinthe
middle,whbegin,andbysinginganddrumingonaboard,directthe
chorus.Thisisdonewithequalearnest*nessandlabour,butwith
greatappearanceofjoy.Inthefallwhenthecorncomethin,they
begintofeastoneanother.Therehavebeentwogreatfestivals
already,towhichallcome,whowifl.Mr.Pennwasatonehimself.
Theirentertainmentwasatagreatseatbyaspring,undersomesha
dytrees.Itconsistedoftwentybucks,withhotcakesmadeefnew
corn,withbothwheatandbeans,whichtheymakeupinasquare
form,intheleavesofthecorn,andthenbakethemintheashesthey
thenfalltodancing:Butallwhogotothisfeastmusttakeasmall
presentintheirmoney,itmightbebutsixpence,whichismadeof
theboneofafish.Theblackiswiththemasgold,andthewhiteas
silvertheycallitwampum."Afterwardsspeakingoftheiragree
mentinriteswiththeHebrews,liesaysthat"theyreckonbymoons
theyoffertheirfirstfruitstheyhaveakindofFeastofTabernacles
theyaresaidtolaytheiraltarsupontwelvestonestheymournnyear
theyhaveaseparationofwomenwithmanyotherthingsthatdonot
nowoccur.
FromMr.Adair,thefollowingaccount,orratherabstract,ofhis
accountofthefeastandfastofwhatmaybecalledtlicirPassover,
andFeastofFirstFruits,ismade.
ASTARINTHEWEST.207
Onthedayappointed(whichwasamongtheJews,generallyinthe
spring,answeringtoourMarchandApril,whentheirbarleywas
ripe,beingthefirstmonthoftheirecclesiastical,andtheseventhof
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theircivilyear,andamongtheIndians,assoonastheirfirstspring
producecomesin)whilethesanctifiednewfruitsaredressing,six
oldbelovedwomencometotheirtemple,orsacredwigwamof
worship,anddancethebeloveddancewithjoyfulhearts.They
observeasolemnprocessionastheyentertheholyground,or
belovedsquare,carryinginonehandabundleofsmallbranchesof
variousgreentrees5whentheyarejoinedbythesamenumberof
belovedoldmen,whocarryacaneinonehand,adornedwithwhite
feathers,havinggreenboughsintheotherhand.Theirheadsare
dressedwithwhiteplumes,andthewomenintheirfinestclothes
andanointedwithbear'sgreaseoroil,havingalsosmalltortoise
shellsandwhitepebblesfastenedtoapieceofwhitedresseddeer
skin,whichistiedtoeachoftheirlegs.Theeldestofthebeloved
men,leadsthesacreddanceattheheadoftheinnermostrow,which
ofcourseisnexttheholyfire.Hebeginsthedance,afteroncegoing
roundtheholyfire,insolemnandreligioussilence.Hetheninthe
nextcircle,invokesyah,aftertheirusualmanner,onabasskeyand
withashortaccent.Inanothercircle,hesingsho,lio,whichis
repeatedbyallthereligiousprocession,tilitheyfinishthatcircle.
Theninanotherround,theyrepeathe,he,inlikemanner,inregular
notes,andkeepingtimeinthedance.Anothercircleiscontinuedin
likemanner,withrepeatingthewordwah,umh(makinginthe
whole,thedivineandholynameofyah,ho,he,wa/j.)Alittleafter
thisisfinished,whichtakesconsiderabletimo,theybeginagain,
208ASTARINTHEWEST.
goingfreshrounds,singinghalhallek'lu'luijahyah,inlike
mannerandfrequentlythewholetrainstrikeuphattelu,hotklu9
hatteluyah,halleluyah,withgreatearnestness,fervourandjoy,while
eachstrikesthegroundwithrightandleftfeetalternately,very
quick,butwelltimed.Thenakindofhollowsoundingdrum,joins
thesacredchoir,whichexcitestheoldfemalesingerstochantforth
theirgratefulhymnsandpraisestothedivinespirit,andtoredouble
theirquick,joyfulsteps,inimitationoftheleaderofthebeloved
men,attheirhead.
ThisappearsverysimilartothedancesoftheHebrews,andmaywe
notreasonablysuppose,thattheyformerlyunderstoodthepsalms
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anddivinehymns,atleastthosewhichbeginorendwithhallelujah
otherwisehowcomesittopass,thatalltheinhabitantsofthe
extensiveregionsofNorthandSouthAmerica,haveandretainthese
veryexpressiveHebrewwords,andrepeatthemsodistinctly,
applyingthemafterthemanneroftheHebrews,intheirreligious
acclamations.
Onotherreligiousoccasions,andattheirFeastofLove,theysing
aleyo,akyo,whichisthedivinenamebytheattributeof
omnipotence.Theylikewisesinghewah,hewah,whichisthe
immortalsoul,drawnfromthedivineessentialname,asderivingits
facultiesfromyohewah.Thesewordsoftheirreligiousdances,
theyneverrepeatatanyothertime,whichhasgreatlycontributedto
thelossoftheirmeaningforitisbelievedtheyhavegrownso
corrupt,asnotnowtounderstandeitherthespiritualorliteral
meaningofwhattheysing,anyfartherthanbyallusiontothename
ofthegreatspirit.
ASTARINTHEWEST.209
Inthesecircuitousdances,theyfrequentlyalsosingonabasskey,
aluhe,aluhe,aluwah,'aluivah.Alsoshiluyo,shilufyo,shiluhe,
shiluhe,sh&u^tvak',shilu+wahiandshiluhah,shiluhah.*Tliey
transposethemalsoseveralways,butwiththeverysamenotes.The
threeterminationsmakeupthefourlettereddivinename.Hahisa
noteofgladnessandjoy.Thewordprecedingitjshihi,seemstoex
pressthepredictedhumananddivineShiloh,whowastobethe
purifierandpeacemaker.Theycontinuetheirgratefuldivine
hymnsforthespaceofaboutfifteenminutes,andthenbreakup.As
theydegenerate,theylengthentheirdances,andshortenthetimeof
theirfastsandpurifications5insomuch,thattheyhaveso
exceedinglycorruptedtheirprimitiveritesandcustoms,withiathe
spaceofthelastthirtyyears,(nowabouteightyyears)that,atthe
samerateofdeclension,therewillnotlongbeapossibilityof
tracingtheirorigin,butbytheirdialectsandwarcustoms.Attheend
ofthisnotablereligiousdance,theoldbelovedwomenreturnhome
tohastenthefeastofthenewsanctifiedfruits.Inthemeantime,
everyoneatthetempledrinksplentifullyofthecussenaandother
bitterliquids,tocleansetheirsinfulbodies,astheysuppose.After
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which,theygotosomeconvenientdeepwater,andthere,according
totheceremoniallawoftheHebrews,theywashawaytheirsins
withwater.Theythenreturnwithgreatjoy,insolemnprocession,
singingtheirnotesofpraise,tilltheyagainentertheirholyground,
toeatofthenewdeliciousfruits,whicharebroughttotheoutsideof
the
*Cruden,inhisConcordance,says"AllChristiancommentators
agree/thatthewordShilohoughttobeunderstoodoftheMessiah,of
JesusChrist.Jerometranslatesit,byquimetbendusestHewhoisto
besentandmanifestlyreadsShiloach,sent,insteadofShiloh."
210ASTARINTHEWEST.
squarebytheoldbelovedwomen.Theyallbehavesomodestly,
andarepossessedofsuchanextraordinaryconstancyand
equanimityinpursuitoftheirreligiousmysteries,thattheydonot
shewtheleastoutwardemotionofpleasureatthefirstsightofthe
sanctifiednewfruits.Ifoneofthemshouldactinacontrarymanner,
theywouldsaytohimchehaksetKanahaYouresemblesuchas
werebeatinKanaha.Formerly,onthenorthsideofthe
Susquehannahriver,inPennsylvania,weresomeoldIndiantowns,
calledKanaa,andnowabouteightyyearsago,therewasaremnant
ofanation,orasubdividedtribeofIndians,calledKanaai,which
greatlyresemblestheHebrewnameCanaan.
Mr.Smith,inhisHistoryofNewJersey,speakingoftheIndiansin
theyear1681,says"Verylittlecanbesaidastotheirreligion.They
arethoughttobelieveinagodandimmortality,andseemedtoaim
atpublicworship.Whentheydidthis,theysometimessatinseveral
circles,onewithinanother.Theactionconsistedofsinging,
jumping,shoutinganddancingbutmostlyperformedratheras
somethinghandeddownfromtheirancestors,thanfromany
knowledgeorenquiryintotheseriouspartsofitsorigin.Theysaid
thatthegreatkingwhomadethem,dweltinagloriouscountryto
thesouthward,andthatthespiritsofthebestshouldgothereand
liveagain.Theirmostsolemnworshipwasthesacrificeofthefirst
fruits,inwhichtheyburntthefirstandfattestbuck,andfeasted
togetheronwhatelsetheyhadcollected.Butinthissacrificebroke
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nobonesofanycreaturetheyeat.Whendone,theygatheredthe
bonesandburiedthemverycarefully:thesehavesincebeen
frequentlyploughedup."page140.
ASTARINTHEWEST.211
AmongtheIndiansonthenorthwestsideoftheOhio,theFeastof
theFirstFruitsisthusdescribedbytheRev.Dr.CharlesBeatty,
whowasaneyewitnessoftheceremony:Beforetheymakeuseof
anyofthefirstorspringfruitsoftheground,twelveoftheiroldmen
meet,whenadeerandsomeofthefirstfruitsareprovided.Thedeer
isdividedintotwelveparts,accordingtothenumberofthemen,and
thetiornbeateninamortarandpreparedforusebyboilingor
bakingintocakesundertheashes,andofcourseunleavened.This
alsoisdividedintotwelveparts.Thenthesemenholdupthe
venisonandfirstfruits,andpraywiththeirfacestotheeast,
acknowledging,ashesupposed,thegoodnessandbountyofheaven
towardsthem.Itistheneatenafterwhichtheyfreelyenjoythe
fruitsoftheearth.
Ontheeveningofthesameday,theyhaveanotherpublicfeast,
besidesthatoftheFirstFruits,whichlookssomewhatlikethe
Passoverwhenagreatquantityofvenisonisprovided,withother
things,dressedintheusualway,anddistributedtoalltheguestsof
whichtheyeatfreelythateveningbutthatwhichisleft,isthrown
intothefireandburned,asnoneofitmustremaintillsunriseon
thenextday,normustaboneofthevenisonbebroken.
ThewriterofthesesheetshasmadegreatuseofMr.Adair'shistory
oftheIndians,whichrendersitnecessarythatsomethingshouldbe
furthersaidofhim.Sometimeahouttheyear177*,or1775,Mr.
AdaircametoElizabethTown,wherethewriterthenlived,with
hismanuscript,andappliedtoMr.Livingston,afterwardsgovernor
ofthestateofNewJersey,acorrectscholar,wellknownforhis
literaryabilitiesandknowledgeofthebellelettres,requestinghim
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212ASTARINTHEWEST.
tocorrecthismanuscriptforhim.Hebroughtamplerecom
mendations,andgaveagoodaccountofhimself.
Ourpoliticaltroublesthenincreasing,Mr.Adair,whowasonhis
waytoGreatBritain,wasadvisednottoriskbeingdetainedfrom
hisvoyage,tilltheworkcouldbecriticallyexamined,buttogetoff
assoonaspossible.Heaccordinglytookpassageinthefirstvessel
thatwasboundtoEngland.
Assoonasthewarwasover,thewritersenttoLondonandobtained
acopyofthework.Afterreadingitwithcare,hestrictlyexamineda
gentleman,thenamemberwithhiminCongress,ofexcellent
character,whohadactedasourIn?dianagenttothesouthward,
duringthewar,(withoutlettinghimknowthedesign)andfromhim
foundalltheleadingfactsmentionedherein,fullyconfirmed,byhis
ownpersonalknowledge.
TheFeastofWeeks,ortheHunter'sFeast,orPentecost.
Anancientmissionary,wholivedalongtimewiththeQutaowaies,
haswritten,thatamongthesesavages,anoldmanperformsthe
officeofapriestatthefeasts.Thattheybeginbygivingthanksto
thegreatspiritforthesuccessofthechase,orhuntingtime.Then
anothertakesacake,breaksitintwo,andcastsitinthefire.This
wasupwardsofeightyyearsago.
Dr.Beattysays,thatonceintheyear,someofthetribesofIndians
beyondtheOhio,choosefromamongthemselvestwelvemen,who
gooutandprovidetwelvedeerandeachofthemcutsasmall
saplin,fromwhichtheystripthebark,tomakeatent,bysticking
oneendintotheground,bending
ASTARINTHEWEST.213
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thetopsoveroneanother,andcoveringthepoleswithblankets.
Thenthetwelvemenchoose,eachofthem,astone,whichthey
makehotinthefire,andplacethemtogether,afterthemannerofan
altar,withinthetent,andthenhumthefatoftheinsidesofthedeer
thereon.*Atthetimetheyaremakingthisoffering,themenwithin
crytotheIndianswithout,whoattendasworshippers,"weprayor
praise."They,without,answer,"wehear."Thenthoseinthetent
cryhohah,veryloudandlong,whichappearedtohesomethingin
soundlikehallelujah.Afterthefatwasthusoffered,sometribes
burnedtobacco,cutfine,uponthesamestones,supposedin
imitationofincense.Othertribeschooseonlytenmen,whoprovide
buttendeer,tensaplins,orpoles,andtenstones.
ThesouthernIndiansobserveanotherreligiouscustomofthe
Hebrews,asAdairasserts,byofferingasacrificeofgratitude,if
theyhavebeensuccessful,andhaveallreturnedsafehome.Butif
theyhavelostanyinwar,theygenerallydeclineit,because,they
imagine,bysomeneglectofduty,theyareimpurethentheyonly
mourntheirviciousconduct,whichdefiledtheark,andthereby
occasionedtheloss.
LiketheIsraelites,theybelievetheirsinsaretheprocuringcauseof
alltheirevils,andthatthedivinityinthearkwillalwaysblessthe
morereligiouspartywiththebestsuccess.Thisistheirinvariable
sentiment,andisthesolereasonformortifyingthemselvesinso
severeamannerwhiletheyareoutatwarlivingveryscantily,even
inabuffalorange,
*Thoushaltsprinkletheblooduponthealtar,andshaltburntheir
fatforanBeringmadebyfire,forasweetsavouruntotheLord.
Xumb.xviii.17.
214ASTARINTHEWEST.
underastrictrule,lestbyluxury,theirheartsshouldgrowevil,and
givethemoccasiontomourn.TheRev.Dr.Beatty,whowentinto
theDelawarenationsolongago,informedthewriterofthis,thathe
waspresentwhentherewasagreatmeetingofthenation,consulting
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onapropositionforgoingtoWarwithaneighbouringnation.At
thistimetheykilledabuckandroastedit,asakindofsacrifice,on
twelvestones,onwhichtheywouldnotsufferanytoolorinstrument
tobeused.Thattheydidnoteatthemiddlejointofthethigh.In
short,heassuredthewriter,thathewasastonishedtofindsomany
oftheJewishcustomsprevailingamongthem,andbeganto
concludethattherewassomeaffinitybetweenthemandtheJews.
TheMuskohgeeIndianssacrificeapieceofeverydeertheykillat
theirhuntingcamps,ornearhome.Ifthelatter,theydiptheirmiddle
fingerinthebroth,andsprinkleitoverthedomestictombsoftheir
dead,tokeepthemoutofthepowerofevilspirits,accordingtotheir
mythology.Thisseemstoproceedfromatraditionalknowledge,
thoughcorrupt,oftheHebrewlawofspririglingwithblood.
Charlevoixinformsus,thattobeesteemedagoodhunteramongthe
northernIndians,amanmustfastthreedaystogether,without
takingtheleastnourishment,havinghisfacesmearedwithblackall
thetime.Whenthefastisover,thecandidatesacrificestothegreat
spiritapieceofeachofthebeastsheintendstohunt.Thisis
commonlythetongueandmuzzle,whichatothertimesarethe
hunter'speculiarshare,tofeasthisfriendsandstrangerswith.His
familyandrelationsdonottouchthemandtheywouldassoondie
withhungeraseatanyofthem.
ASTARINTHEWEST.215
ThoughtheIndiansingeneralbelievethetipperheavensare
inhabitedbyIshtohooloAba,andagreatmultitudeofinferiorgood
spirits,yettheyarefirmlypersuadedthatthedivineomnipresent
spiritoffireandlight,residesalsoonearth,intheirannualsacred
fire,whileitisunpolluted,andthathekindlyacceptstheirlawful
offerings,iftheirownconductisagreeabletotheolddivinelaw,
whichwasdeliveredtotheirforefathers.Theformernotionofthe
deity,isagreeabletothosenaturalimageswithwrhichthedivine
penmen,throughallthepropheticwritings,havedrawnofYo.lie.
Wah,Elohim.WhenGodwaspleasedwithAaron'spriesthoodand
offerings,theholyfiredescendedandconsumedtheburntoffering
onthealtar,&c.ThroughouttheOldTestament,thiswasan
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emblematictokenofthedivinepresence,andthesmokeofthe
victimsascendingtowardsheaven,isrepresentedasasweetsavour
toGodandtheincensefromthealtarisemblematicoftheprayersof
thesaints.AndGodissaidinscripturetobeaconsumingfirer
Deut.iv.24.HeshewedhimselftotheprophetsDavid,Ezekiel,and
hisapostleJohn,inthemidstoffirePsalmsciv.4,Ezekieli.*,
Danielvii.9and10,Actsii.3.Godalsoappearedsurroundedbya
flameoffireattheburningbush.AndwhendescendingonMount
Sinai,themountainappearedenvelopedinflamingfireExodusiii.2
.xix.18.Thepeoplewhohavelivedsolongapartfromtherestof
mankind,arenottobewonderedat,iftheyhaveforgottenthe
meaningandendofthesacrifices.Theyarerathertobepitiedfor
seemingtobelieve,liketheignorantpartoftheIsraelitesofold,that
thevirtueiseitherintheformofofferingthesacrifice,oriuthe
divinity,whotheyimagineresidesonearth,inthesacred
216ASTARINTHEWEST.
annualfire:likewise,forhavingforgottenthattheblessingwasnot
intheoutwardsign,butinthethingsignifiedortypifiedbythat
sign.
TheFeastofHarvestandDayofExpiationofSin.
Weshallnowproceedtotheirmostsolemnandimportantfeastand
fast,answerabletotheJewishFeastofHarvestandDayofExpiation
ofSin.
TheIndiansformerlyobservedthisgrandfestivaloftheannual
expiationofsin,andtheofferingofthefirstfruitsoftheharvest,at
thebeginningofthefirstnewmooninwhichtheircornbecamefull
eared,aswelearnfromAdair.Butformanyyearspast,theyare
regulatedbytheseasonoftheirharvest.Yettheyareasskilfulin
observingtherevolutionsofthemoon,asevertheIsraeliteswere,at
leasttilltheendofthefirsttemple.Forduringthatperiod,insteadof
measuringtimebyastronomicalcalculations,theyknewitonlyby
thephasesofthemoon.
InlikemannertheIndiansannuallyobservedtheirfestivalsand
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Nectak'Yaah,ordaysofafflictingthemselvesbeforethegreat
spirit,ataprefixedtimeofacertainmoon.
AccordingtoCharlevoix,theharvestamongtheJfatchex,onthe
Missisippi,isincommon.Thegreatchieffixesthedayforthe
beginningofthefestivaloftheharvest,whichlaststhreedays,spent
insportsandfeasting.Eachprivatepersoncontributessomethingof
hishunting,hisfishing,andliisotherprovisions,asmaize,beans
andmelons.Thegreatchiefpresidesatthefeastallthesachemsare
roundhim,inarespectfulposture.Thelastday,thechiefmakesa
ASTARINTHEWEST.217
apeechtotheassembly.Heexhortseveryonetobeexactinthe
performanceofhisduties,especiallytohaveagreatVenerationfor
thespiritwhichresidesinthetemple,andtobecarefulininstructing
theirchildren.
Thefathersoffamiliesneverfailtobringtothetemplethefirst
produceoftheirharvest,andofeverythingthattheygather,and
theydothesamebyallthepresentsthataremadetotheirnatiom
Theyexposethematthedoorofthetemple,thekeeperofwhich,
afterpresentingthemtothespirit,carriesthemtotheking,who
distributesthemtowhomhepleases.Theseedsareinlikemanner
offeredbe*forethetemple,withgreatceremony.Buttheofferings
whicharemadeofbreadandfloureverynewmoon,arefortheuse
ofthekeepersofthetemple.
Astheofferingsofthefruitsoftheharvestprecedealongstrictfast
oftwonightsandaday,theygormandizesuchaprodigiousquantity
ofstrongfood,astoenablethemtokeepinviolatethesucceeding
fast.Thefeastlastsonlyfrommorningtosunset*
Aswehavealreadyseen,thisFeastwiththeHebrewsbeganinthe
monthTizri,whichwasthefirstmonthofthecivilyear,answerable
toourSeptemberandOctober.Thefeasttookplaceprevioustothe
greatdayofexpiation,whichwasthetenthdayofthemonth.Sothe
Indiancornbeinggenerallyfullearedandfittoeataboutthistime,
theyarenotfarfromtheverytimedirectedintheMosaic
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appointmentforkeepingit.
Thefeastbeingover,someoftheirpeoplearecarefullyemployedin
puttingtheirtempleinproperorderfortheannualexpiation,while
othersarepaintingthewhitecabin
218ASTARINTHEWEST.
andthesupposedholiestwithwhiteclayforitisasacredand
peaceahlcplace,andwhiteisitsemblem.Othersofaninferiororder
arecoveringalltheseatsofthebelovedsquarewithnewmatrasses,
madeoutoffinesplintersoflongcanes,tiedtogetherwithflags.
Severalarebusyinsweepingthetemple,clearingitofevery
supposedpollutedthing,andcarryingouttheashesfromthehearth,
which,perhaps,hadnotbeencleanedbutafewtimessincethelast
year'sannualoffering.Everythingbeingthusprepared,thechief
belovedman,orhighpriest,orderssomeofhisreligiousattendants
todiguptheoldhearthoraltar,andtosweepouttheremains,that
bychancemighteitherbeleftordroppeddown.Hethenputsafew
rootsofthebuttonsnakeroot,withsomegreenleavesofan
uncommonsmallsortoftobacco,andalittleofthenewfruits,at
thehottomofthefireplace,whichheorderstobecoveredupwith
whitemarleyclay,andwettedoverwithcleanwater.Immediately
themagiorpriests,orderathickarbortobemadeoverthealtarwith
greenbranchesofthevariousyoungtrees,whichthewrarriorshad
designedlychosenandlaiddownontheoutsideofthesupposed
holyground.Thewomenintheinterimarebusyathome,clearing
outtheirhouses,puttingoutalltheoldfire,renewingtheold
hearths,andcleansingalltheirculinaryvessels,thattheymaybefit
toreceivethepretendedholyfire,andthesanctifiednewfruits,
accordingtothepurityofthelaw,lestbyanimproperconduct,they
shouldincurdamageinlife,health,orfuturecrops,&c.^p
Itisfreshinthememoryoftheoldtraders,asweareassuredby
thosewhohavelivedlongwiththem,thatformerlynoneofthose
numerousnationsofIndianswouldeat,oreven
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ASTARINTHEWEST.219
handle,anypartofthenewharvest,tillsomeofithadbeenoffered
upattheyearlyfestivalhythehclovedmanorhighpriest,orthose
ofhisappointmentattheirplantations,âlthoughthelightharvest
ofthepastyearshouldalmosthaveforcedthemtogivetheirwomen
andchildrenoftheripeningfruitstosustainlife.
Buttheyarevisiblydegeneratingmoreandmore,bothinthisand
everyotherreligiousobservance,exceptwhatconcernswaryet
theirmagiandoldwarriorslivecontentedlyonsuchharshfoodas
natureaffordstheminthewoods,ratherthantransgressthedivine
preceptgiventotheirforefathers.
Havingeverythinginorderforthesacredsolemnity,thereligious
waiterscarryofftheremainsofthefeast,andlaythemonthe
outsideofthesquare.Others,ofaninferiororder,carefullysweep
outthesmallestcrumbs,forfearofpollutingthefirstfruitoffering
andbeforesunset,thetemplemustbecleared,evenofeverykindof
vesselorutensilthathadcontainedanything,orhadbeenusedfor
anykindofprovisionduringthepastyear.
Nowoneofthewaitersproclaimswithaloudvoice,forallthe
warriorsandbelovedmen,whomthepurityoftheirlawadmits,to
comeandenterthebelovedsquareandobservethefast.Healso
exhortsthewomenandchildren,withthosewh&havenotbeen
initiatedinwar,\tokeepapart,accordingtothelaw.
Fourcentin,elsarenowplaced,oneateachcorneroftheholy
square,tokeepouteverylivingcreatureasimpure,
*VideLuke,vi.1,relatingtothesecondsabbath,butnotthe
seventhdaysabbath,itwasthedayofofferingupthefirstfruits,
beforewhichitwascotlawfultoeatoftheharvest.
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220ASTARINTHEWEST.
exceptthereligiousorder,andthewarriorswhoarenotknownto
haveviolatedthelawofthefirstfruitoffering,andthatofmarriage,
sincethelastyear'sexpiation.Theyobservethefasttilltherisingof
thesecondsunandhetheyeversohungryinthatsacredinterval,
thehealthywarriorsdeemthedutysoawful,anddisobedienceso
inexpressiblyvicious,thatnotemptationwouldinducethemto
violateit.Theyatthesametimedrinkplentifullyofadecoctionof
thebuttonsnakeroot,inordertovomitandcleansetheirsinful
bodies.
Whenweconsidertheirearnestinvocationsofthedivineessencein
thissolemnitythattheyneverapplythisrootonlyojireligious
occasionsthattheyfrequentlydrinkittosuchexcessastoimpair
theirhealthandtakeintoconsiderationitswellknownpropertyof
curingthebiteoftherattlesnake,mustnotitbeconcluded,thatthis
hassomereferencetothecureofthebiteoftheoldserpentinEden,
ortotheserpentliftedupinthewilderness.
Inthegeneralfast,thechildren,andmenofweakconstitutions,are
allowedtoeat,assoonastheyarecertainthatthesunhasbegunto
declinefromhismeridianaltitude.Thisseemstobefoundedonthe
principleofmercybeforesacrificeandthesnakerootusedbythose
inthetemple,andthebittergreentobacco,whichiseatenbythe
womenandthosetoowickedtobeadmittedtothefastheldtherein,
seemtopointtoeatingofthepaschallambwithbitterherbs.
Beinggreatloyersofripefruit,andasyetonlytantalizedwiththe
sightofthem,thiajlfray,withjustice,besaidtobeafasttoafflict
theirsouls,andtobeasufficienttrialoftheirreligiousprinciples.At
theendofthissolemnfast,thewo
ASTARINTHEWEST.221
men,bythevofeeofacrier,bringtotheoutsideoftheholysquare,
aplentifulvarietyoftheoldyear'sfoodnewlydressed,whichthey
laydownandimmediatelyreturnhome.Thewaitersthengo,and
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reachingtheirhandsovertheholyground,theybringinthe
provisionsandsetthemdownbeforethefamishedmultitude.They
thinkitwhollyoutofordertoshowanyjoyorgladnessfortheend
oftheirreligiousduties.Theyareasstrictobserversoftheirset
forms,astheIsraeliteswereofthosetheyreceivedfromdivine
appointment.Assoonasthesunisvisiblydecliningfromthe
meridian,thethirddayofthefast,thechiefbelovedmanordersa
religiousattendanttocryaloudtothecrowdedtown,thattheholy
fireistobebroughtoutforthesacredaltarcommandingevery
persontostaywithinhishouse,asbecomesthebelovedpeople,
withoutdoingtheleastbadthingandtobesuretoextinguishevery
sparkoftheoldfire,otherwisethedivinefirewillbitethem
severely.
Noweverythingishushed.Nothingbutsilenceallaround.The
greatbelovedman,andhisbelovedwaiter,risingupwithareverend
carriage,steadycountenance,andcomposedbehaviour,gointothe
belovedplace,orholiest,tobringthemoutthebelovedfire.The
formertakesapieceofdrypoplar,willow,orwhiteoak,andhaving
cutahole,butnotsodeepastoreachthroughithethensharpens
anotherpiece,andplacingthatinthehole,andbothbetweenhis
knees,hedrillsitbrisklyforseveralminutes,tillitbeginstosmoke
or,byrubbingtwopiecestogetherforaquarterofanhour,liecol
lects,byfriction,thehiddenfire,whichtheyallconsideras
proceedingfromtheholyspiritoffire.
222ASTARINTHEWEST.
Theythencherishitwithfinechips,tillitglowsintoaflame,by
usingafanoftheunsulliedwingofaswan.Onthisthebelovedman
hringsoutthefire,inanoldearthenvessel,andlaysitonthealtar,
whichisunderthearhor,thickweavedonthetopwithgreen
boughs.*Theyrejoiceexceedinglyatthisappearanceofthereputed
holyfire,asitissupposedtoatoneforalltheirpastcrimes,except
murder.Althoughthepeoplewithout,maywellknowwhatisdoing
within,yetbyorder,acrierinformsthemofthegladtidings,and
ordersabelovedoldwomantopullabasketfullofthenewripened
fruits,andbringthemtothebelovedsquare.Assheispreparedfor
theoccasion,shereadilyobeys,andsoonlaysitdownatthecorner
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thereof.Thenthefiremakerrisesfromhiswhiteseat,andwalks
northwardthreetimesroundtheholyfirewithaslowpace,andina
sedateandgravemanner,stoppingnowandthen,andsayingsome
oldceremonialwordswithalowvoiceandarapidityofexpression,
whichnoneunderstandbutafewofthebelovedoldmen,who
equallysecretetheirreligiousmysteries,thattheymaynotbe
profaned.Hethentakesalittleofeachsortofthenewfruits,rubs
somebear'soiloverthem,andoffersthemup,togetherwithsome
flesh,tothebountifulspiritoffire,asafruitofferingandanannual
oblationforsin.Helikewisepoursalittleofastrongdecoctionof
thebuttonsnakeroot,andofthecusseena,intothepretendedholy
fire.Hethenpurifiestheredandwhiteseatswiththosebitter
liquids,andsitsdown.Allculpritsmaynowcomeforthfromtheir
hidingplaces,dressedintheirfinestclothes,topaytheirthanks,at
anawfuldistance,totheforgiv
*EvenamongtheRomans,ifthesacredfireatanytimehappened
tobeextinguisheditcouldonlyhelightedagainattheraysofthe
sun
ASTARINTHEWEST.223
ingdivineJire.Ordersarenowgiventocallthewornontocomefor
thesacredfireTheygladlyobey.Thegreatbefovedman,orhigh
priest,addressesthewarriorsandwomengivingalltheparticular
positiveinjunctionsandnegativepreceptstheyyetretainofthe
ancientlaw.Heusesverysharplanguagetothewomen.Hethen
addressesthewholemultitude.Heenumeratesthecrimestheyhave
committed,greatandsmall,andbidsthemlookattheholyJire
whichhasforgiventhem.Hepressesonhisaudience,bythegreat
motivesoftemporalgoodandthefearoftemporalevil,thenecessity
ofacarefulobservanceoftheancientlaw,assuringthemthatthe
holyJirewillenabletheirprophets,therainmakers,toprocure
themplentifulharvests,andgivetheirwarleadersvictoryovertheir
enemies.Hethenorderssomeofthefiretobelaiddownoutsideof
theholyground,forallthehousesofthevariousassociatedtowns,
whichsometimeslayseveralmilesapart.*
Ifanyaresickathome,orunabletocomeout,theyareallowedone
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oftheoldconsecratedconchshellsfulloftheirsanctifyingbitter
cusseena,carriedtothembyabelovedold
*Dr.Hydesays,thatthethirdstateofthePersianreligion
commenced,when,inimitationofthefirepreserveduponthealtar
inthetempleatJerusalem,theykeptalsoaperpetualfireuponan
altar.Thisgaveoccasiontothecommonopinion,thattheancient
PersiansworshippedfirebutDr.Hydejustifiesthemfromthat
imputation.Heownsthattheyregardedthisfireasathingsacred,
andpaMitakindofservicebuthedeniesthattheyeverpaidtoita
properadoration.Oneoftheirpriestssaid,thattheydidnotpayany
divineworshiptomithra,whichisthesunortothemoon,orthe
stars,butonlyturnedtowardsthesunwhentheyprayed,becausethe
natureofitnearlyresembledthatoffire.Theyregardeditasan
imageofGod,andsomesaidGodresidedinit,andothers,thatit
willbetheseatoftheblessed.OathetwentyfourthMarchallthe
inhabitantsofaparishinPersiaextinguishthefireintheirhouses,
andgotolightitagainbythefireofthepriest,eachpayinghim
aboutsixshillingsandthreepence,whichservesforhissupport.
TheymusthavetakenthiscustomfromtheJews.^Sr
224ASTARINTHEWEST.
man.ThisissomethinglikethesecondPassoveroftheJews.Atthe
conclusion,thebelovedmanordersoneofhisreligiouswaitersto
proclaimtoallthepeoplethatthesacredannualsolemnityisnow
ended,andeverykindofevilavertedfromthebelovedpeople,
accordingtotheoldstraightbelovedspeech.Theyarethen
commandedtopaintthemselves,andgoalongwithhim,according
toancientcustom.Theyimmediatelyflyabouttograppleupakind
ofchalkeyclaytopaintthemselveswhite.Theysoonappear,all
over,aswhiteastheclaycanmakethem.Thentheyfollowon,inan
orderlyslowprocession,topurifythemselvesinrunningwater.The
belovedman,orhighpriest,headstheholytrain>hiswaiternext
thebelovedmenaccordingtotheirseniorityandthewarriors
accordingtotheirreputedmerit.Thewomenfollowinthesame
orderlymanner,withallthechildrenwhocanwalk,ranged
accordingtotheirheight.Theverylittleones,arecarriedinthe
mothersarms.Inthismannertheymovealong,singinghalleluyahto
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Y.0.Heivah,tilltheygettothewater,whenthehighpriestjumps
intoit,andallthetrainfollowhim.*Havingthuspurifiedthem
selves,andwashedawaytheirsins,astheysupposeandverily
believe,theyconsiderthemselvesasoutofthereachoftemporal
evil,fortheirpastviciousconduct.Theynowreturn
*TheIndianwomenneverperformtheirreligiousablutionsin
presenceofthemen,butpurifythemselves,notatappointedtimes,
withthemen,butattheirdiscretion.Tlveyarealsoentirely
excludedfromtheirtemplesbyancientcustomêxceptthesixold
belovedwomen,whoarepermittedtosing,dance,andrejoiceat
theirannualexpiationforsinbuttheymustretirebeforetheother
solemnitiesbegin.
SotheHebrewwomenperformedtheirablutions,separatedfromthe
men,bythemselves.Theyalsoworshippedapartfromthemen,lest
theyshouldattracteachothersattentionindivineworship.
ASTARINTHEWEST.225
tothecentreoftheholyground,wherehavingmadeafewcircles,
dancingroundthealtar,theyfinishtheirannualgreatfestival,and
departinjoyandpeace.
Mr.Bartram,whovisitedthesouthernIndiansin1778,givesan
accountofthesamefeast,hutinanothernation.Hssaysthatthe
FeastofFirstFruitsistheirprincipalfestival.Thisseemstoendthe
oldandheiginthenewecclesiasticalyear.Itcommenceswhentheir
newcropsarearrivedtomaturityThisistheirmostsolemn
celebration.*
"Whenatowncelebratesthehusk,orfirstfallfruits,having
previouslyprovidedthemselveswithnewclothes,newpots<>pans,
andotherhouseholdutensilsandfurniture,theycollectalltheir
wornoutclothesandotherdespicablethings,sweepandcleantheir
houses,squares,andthewholetown,oftheirfilth,which,withall
theremaininggrainandotheroldprovisions,theycasttogetherin
onecommonheap,andconsumeitwithfire.Aftertakingmedicine,
andfastingforthreedays,allthefireinthetownisextinguished.
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Duringthisfast,theyabstainfromthegratificationofeveryappetite
andpassionwhatever.Ageneralamnestyisproclaimed.Allmalefac
torsmayreturntotheirtown,andtheyareabsolvedfromtheir
crimes,whicharenowforgotten,andtheyarerestoredtofavour.On
thefourthmorning,thehighpriest,orchiefbelovedman,by
rubbingdrywoodtogether,producesnewfireinthepublicsquare,
fromWhenceeveryhabitationinthetownissuppliedwiththenew
andpureflame.Thenthewomengoforthtotheharvestfieldsand
bringfromthencenew
*Thisisplainlythegreatfeastonthedayofexpiation,andthatof
harvest,whentheyoiFeruptheirfallfruits,andnotthespringfirst
fruitfeast,havebeencaHedthenewcivilyear.
226ASTARINTHEWEST.
cornandfruits,whichbeingpreparedinthebestmanner,invarious
dishes,anddrinkwithal,isbroughtwithsolemnitytothesquare,
wherethepeopleareassembled,appareledintheirnewclothesand
decorations.Themenhavingregaledthemselves,theremainderis
carriedoffanddistributedamongthefamiliesofthetown.The
womenandchildrensolacethemselvesintheirseparatefamilies,
andintheeveningrepairtothepublicsquare,wheretheydance,
singandrejoice,duringthewholenight,observingaproperand
exemplarydecorum.Thiscontinuesthreedays,andthefour
followingdaystheyreceivevisitsandrejoicewiththeirfriendsfrom
neighbouringtowns,whohavealsopurifiedandprepared
themselves.
TheRev.Mr.Brainerd,inhisjournalsays,hevisitedtheIndianson
the20thofSeptember,1745,attheJuniata,neartheSusquehannah,
inPennsylvania.Thisisthefirstmonthoftheircivilyear,andthe
usualtimeofthefeastoffruits,orharvest.Itoughttobenoted,that
Mr.Brainerd,thoughanexcellentman,wasatthistimewholly
unacquaintedwiththeIndianlanguage,andindeedwiththeir
customsandmanners.TheseIndiansinparticular,wereasetofthe
lowestgradethemostworthless,ofthenationswhollyruinedby
theexampleandtemptationsofthewhitepeople.Mr.Brainerd's
interpreterwasacommonIndian,greatlyattachedtothehabitsof
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hiscountrymen,andmuchintheirinterest.Hesaysliefoundthe
Indiansalmostuniversallybusyinmakingpreparationsforagreat
sacrificeanddance.Intheeveningtheymettogether,tothenumber
ofaboutonehundred,anddancedroundalargefire,having
preparedtenfatdeerforthesacrifice.Theyburnedthefatofthe
inwardsinthefire,whiletheyweredancing,andsometimesraised
theflametoapro
ASTARINTHEWEST.227
digiousheight,atthesametimeyellingandshoutinginsucha
mannerthattheymighteasilybeheardtwomilesoff.They
continuedtheirsacreddancenearlyallnightafterwhich,theyeat
thefleshofthesacrifice,andthenretiredeachtohislodging.AsMr.
Brainerdacknowledges,thathedarednotgoamongthem,hecould
giveaveryimperfectaccountoftheirproceedings,ashemusthave
receiveditfromtheinterpreter.
TheFeastoftheDailySacrifice.
Thenextremarkablefeaststheyreligiouslyohserve,arethoseofthe
DailySacrificeandsomeoccasionalones.
TheHebrews,itiswellknown,offereddailysacrificesofalamb
everymorningandevening,andexcepttheskinandentrails,itwas
burnttoashes.
TheIndianshaveaveryhumbleimitationofthisrite.Thewomen
alwaysthrowasmallpieceofthefattestofthemeatintothefire,
beforetheybegintoeat.Attimestheyviewitwithpleasing
attention,andpretendtodrawomensfromit.Thistheywilldo,
thoughtheyarequitealone,andnotseenbyanyone.
Thosewhohavebeenadoptedbythem,andfullyconsideredas
belongingtotheirnation,say,thattheIndianmenobservetheDaily
Sacrificebothathomeandinthewoods,withnewkilledvenison.
Theyalsodrawtheirnewkilledvenison,beforetheydressit,several
timesthroughthesmokeandflameoffire,bothbywayofan
offeringasasacrifice,andtoconsumetheblood,which,withthem,
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aswiththeHebrews,wouldbea
228ASTARINTHEWEST.
mosthorridabominationtoeat.Theyalsosacrifice,whileuithe
woods,themelt,oralargefatpieceofthefirsthucktheykill.They
imaginethattheirtempleshavesuchatypicalholiness,beyondany
otherplace,thatiftheyoffereduptheannualsacrificeelsewhere,it
wouldnotatoneforthepeople,butratherbringdowntheangerof
IshtohooloAba,andutterlyspoilthepoweroftheirholyplaceand
holythings.Theywhosacrificeinthewoods,doitonlyon
particularoccasions,allowedbytheirlawsandcustoms.TheirFeast
ofLave,$c.Everyspringseason,onetownormore,ofthe
MissisippiFloridians,keepasolemnFeastofLove,torenewtheir
oldfriendships.TheycallthisannualfeastHottuckJfiiiipa,Heettla
Tanaa,thatis,"thepeopleeat,danceandwalk,astwinedtogether."
Theshortnameofthefeastis,"HottukImpanaa,"thatis,"eatingby
astrongreligiousandsocialprinciple."Impanaasignifies,asIam
informed,severalthreadsorstrandstwistedtogether.Theyassemble
threenightsbeforethefeast.Onthefourthnighttheyeattogether.
Duringtheintermediatespace,theyoungmenandwomendancein
circles,fromtheeveningtillthemorning.Whentheymeetatnight,
itisprofessedtobetogladdenandunitetheirheartsbeforeY.O.
He.wah.TheysingY.O.He.wah.shooY.O.He.wjih.shooY.O.
He.wah.sheeY.OkHe.wah.shecY.O.He.wah.shaiY.O.He.
wah.shaiwithgreatenergy.ThefirstwordisnearlyintheHebrew
characters,thenameofJoshuaorSaviour.
ASTARINTHEWEST.229
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CHAPTERVIII.
OfMiscellaneousFactsomitted.
THEwriterofthesesheetswashimselfpresentatareligiousdance
ofsixorsevennations,accidentlymeetingtogether,andhaving
beenhospitablyentertainedbythegovernorandinhabitants,they
gavethisdancetothegovernorandsuchasheshouldinvite,byway
ofshowingtheirgratitude.
Thewriterwasinvited,withaverylargecompanyofgentlemenand
ladies.Thefollowingisanexactaccountofwhatpassedtoevery
circumstanceofwhichhewascriticallyattentive.
Afterthecompanyhadassembledinaverylargeroom,theoldest
sachemoftheSenecas,andabelovedman,entered,andtooktheir
placeinthemidleoftheroom,havingsomethinginimitationofa
smalldrum,onwhichtheoldsachembeattimeatthedance.Soon
after,betweentwentyandthirtyIndianscamein,wrappedintheir
blankets.Thesemadeaverysolemnandslowprocessionaroundthe
room,keepingthemostprofoundsilence,thesachemsoundinghis
drumtodirecttheirmotion.Thesecondround,theybegantosingon
abasskeyy.y.y.tilltheycompletedthecircle,dancingthewhole
time,tothesoundofthedrum,inaverysolemnandseriousmanner.
Thethirdround,theirardorincreasedtosuchadegree,whilethey
dancedwithaquickerstep,andsanghehehe,soastomakethem
verywarm,andtheybegan
230ASTARINTHEWEST.
toperspirefreely,andtoloosentheirblankets.Thefourthround
theysangho9ho,ho9withgreatearnestness,andbydancingwith
greaterviolence,theirperspirationincreased,andtheycastofftheir
blanketsentirely,whichcausedsomeconfusion.Thenextandlast
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roundputtheminamerefrenzy,twistingtheirbodies,and
wreathinglikesomanysnakes,andmakingasmanyanticgestures
asaparcelofmonkies,singingthewholetime,inthemostenergetic
manner,vvahwah'Wah.Theykepttimeintheirdancing,aswellas
anypersoncoulddo,whohadbeentaughtbyamaster.Eachround
tookthembetweentenandfifteenminutes.Theythenwithdrewin
indianfile,withgreatsilence,exceptthetwowiththedrum.The
companyhadsupposedthattheywereinvitedtoawardance.The
writer,desirousofascertainingthenatureofthedance,wenttothe
interpreter,andaskedhimifwhattheyhadseenwasintendedasa
wardanceheseemedmuchdispleased,andinapettishmanner,
answered,awardance,no!Indiansneverentertaincivilpeoplewith
awardance.Itwasareligiousdance.Inashorttime,aconsiderable
bustlebeingheardatthedoor,thecompanycametoorder,whenthe
Indiansreenteredinindianfile,anddancedoneroundthena
second,singing,inamorelivelymanner,halhalholtillthey
finishedtheround.Theythengaveusathirdround,strikingupthe
word,lelele.Onthenextround,itwasthewordlululu,dancing
naked,withalltheirmight,havingagainthrownofftheirblankets.
Duringthefifthround,wassungthesyllableyahyahyah.Thenall
joining,asitwere,inageneral,butverylivelyandjoyouschorus,
theysanghalleluyah,dwellingoneachsyllablewithaverylong
breath,inthemostpleasingmanner.
ASTARINTHEWEST.231
Therecouldbenodeceptioninallthisthewriterwasnearthempaid
greatattentionandeverythingwasobvioustothesenses,and
discoveredgreatfervorandzealintheperformers.Their
pronunciationwasverygutturalandsonorous,butdistinctand
clear.
'"Thecompilerofthesefacts,rodeinthestagetoElizabethTown,
sometimeabouttheyear1789,withanIndiansachemfromthe
CreekorChikkesahnation,andhisretinue,whowasgoing,under
thecareofcol.Butler,toNewYork,toestablishorrenewapeace
withtheUnitedStates.Hewasastrong,tall,wellproportionedman,
ofgreatgravityinhisappearance,andallkisbehaviour.Hewas
welldressed*andamuchbetterdemeanorinhiswholeconduct,
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thananyIndianthewriterhadeverseen.Neitherhenoroneofhis
attendantscouldspeakEnglish.Fromtheextraordinaryrespectpaid
himbyhisattendants,hewascertainlyasachemofhighreputation.
Atdinner,thoughhardpressedbysomeofthegentlemenattable*
hecouldnotbepersuadedtodrinkmorethanthreeglassesofwine,
andhewouldnottastebrandy."WheninPhiladelphia,hedranktea
incompanywithanumberofladies,amongwhomwasaMissPe,
whopaintedminaturepicturesverywell.Shebeingpreparedforit,
tookhisfacewithastronglikeness,withouthisperceivingit.When
itwasfinished,shegaveittotheinterpreter,whoputitintothe
handsofthechief.Heappearedinperfectastonishmenthelooked
wildlyabouthim,andspoketotheinterpreterinIndian,inavery
emphaticalmanner,askinghim(ashesaid)wherethathadcome
from,andwhatwasthemeaningofit.Theinterpreterintroducedthe
youngladytohim.andtoldhimthatshehaddoneitwhilesittingin
the
232ASTARINTHEWEST.
room.Heexpressedhimselfverymuchgratifiedwithit,offeredto
returnittoher,butshedesiredtheinterpretertoinformhimthatshe
wishedtopresentittohim.Hemadegreatacknowledgmentsforthe
favour,saying,thatliewasapoorIndian,andhadnothingtogive
herinreturnhutthatheoftenspoketothegreatspirit,andthenext
timehedid,hewouldrememberher.
WhenthestagedroveuptothetavernatFrankfort,thestagedriver
gotouttogetadram,thehorsestookfrightandranawaywiththe
stageandoversetit,hywhichthechief,receivedalargeandvery
severecutonhisforeheadandcol.Butler,wasalsowounded,but
alltherestgotoffunhurt.Thechiefjealousthatitwasdonetoinjure
him,seemedterrifiedandalarmed.Butwhenheobservedthatcol.
Butlerwasalsohurt,andthatitwasanaccident,heseemedimme
diatelytobecomecalmandeasyAsurgeonsooncamein,and
sewedupthewound,inamannerthatmusthavegiventhechief
greatpainbuthewouldnotacknowledgeit,neitherdidhe
discovertheleastsymptomofit.Assoonashewasdressed,he
aroseupandaddressedcol.Butler,whichtheinterpreterexplained,
saying,"nevermindthisbrotheritwillsoonbeallwell.Thisisthe
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workoftheevilspiritheknowswearegoingtoeffectaworkof
peacehehatespeaceandloveswarneverminditletusgoonand
accomplishourbusinesswewilldisappointhim."
Thewriterofthesesheets,manyyearsago,wasoneofthe.
correspondingmembersofasocietyinScotland,forpromotingthe
gospelamongtheIndians.Tofurtherthisgreatwork,theyeducated
twoyoungmenofveryseriousandreligiousdispositions,andwho
weredesirousofundertakingthemis
ASTARINTHEWEST.233
sion,forthisspecialpurposewhentheywereordainedandreadyto
depart,wewrotealetterintheIndianstyle,totheDelawarenation,
thenresidingonthenorthwestoftheOhio,informingthatwehad,
hythegoodnessofthegreatspirit,beenfavouredwithaknowledge
ofhiswill,astotheworshiplierequiredofhiscreatures,andthe
meanshewouldhlesstopromotethehappinessofman,hothinthis
lifeandthatwhichwastocome.Thatthusenjoyingsomuch
happinessourselves,wecouldnotbutthinkofourredbrethrenin
thewilderness,andwishedtocommunicatethegladtidingsto
them,thattheymightbepartakerswithus.Wehadthereforesent
themtwoministersofthegospel,whowouldteachthemthesegreat
things,andearnestlyrecommendedthemtotheircarefulattention.
Withproperpassportsthemissionariessetoffandarrivedinsafety
atoneoftheirprincipaltowns.
Thechiefsofthenationwerecalledtogether,whoansweredthem
thattheywouldtakeitintoconsideration,andinthemeantimethey
mightinstructtheirwomen,buttheyshouldnotspeaktothemen.
Theyspentfourteendaysincouncil,andthendismissedthemvery
courteously,withananswertous.Thisanswermadegreat
acknowledgmentsforthefavourwehaddonethem.Theyrejoiced
exceedinglyatourhappinessinthusbeingfavouredbythegreat
spirit,andfeltverygratefulthatwehadcondescendedtoremember
ourbrethreninthewilderness.Buttheycouldnothelprecollecting
thatwehadapeopleamongus,who,becausetheydifferedfromus
incolour,wehadmadeslavesof,andmadethemsuffergreat
hardshipsandleadmiserablelives.Now,theycouldnotseeany
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reason,ifapeoplebeingblack,entitledusthustodealwiththem,
whyaredcolourwouldnotequallyjustifythe
234ASTARINTHEWEST.
sametreatment.Theythereforehaddeterminedtowait,tosee
whetheralltheblackpeopleamongstusweremadethushappyand
joyful,beforetheycouldputconfidenceinourpromises5forthey
thoughtapeoplewhohad'sufferedsomuchandsolonghyour
means,shouldbeentitledtoourfirstattentionthatthereforethey
hadsenthackthetwomissionaries,withmanythanks,promising
thatwhentheysawtheblackpeopleamongusrestoredtofreedom
andhappiness,theywouldgladlyreceiveourmissionaries.Thisis
whatinanyothercase,wouldbecalledclosereasoning,andistoo
mortifyingafacttomakefurtherobservationsupon.
TheIndianstothenorthward,aresaid,byMr.Golden,alaborious,
sensiblewriter,inthetimesoftheirrejoicings,torepeatyohahan,
which,iftrue,evincesthattheircorruptionadvancesinproportion
astheyarcdistantfromSouthAmerica.ButMr.Golden,wasan
utterstrangertotheirlanguageandmanners,andmighthave
mistakentheirpronunciationorifhewrotefrominformationof
others,hehasnotbeenaccurate,$*c.
Itwasamaterial,orratheranessentialmistaketowriteyohahan,
asitisconfoundingtheirtworeligionswordstogether.Mr.Adair
wasassuredbySirWilliamJohnson,whohadthemanagementof
IndianaffairsformanyyearsundertheBritishgovernment,aswell
asbytheRev.Mr.Ogilvie,amissionary"withtheMohawks*that
thenorthernIndians,alwayspronouncedthewordsoftheirsongs,y
holie,aorah,andsoMr.Goldenalteredtheminthesecond
editionofhishistory.Healsosays,whenthenorthernIndians,ata
treatyorconferencewouldgivetheirassent,theyansweredy.o.hah
Thespeakercalledout,y.o.hah,the
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ASTARINTHEWEST.235
restansweredinasound,whichcouldnotbeexpressedinEnglish
letters,butseemedtoconsistoftwowords,remarkably
distinguishedintheircadence*Thesachemofeachnation,atthe
closeoftheirchief'sspeech,calledoutseverally,ij.o.hah.
Charlevoix,inhishistoryofCanada,says,thatFatherGrillonoften
toldhim,thatafterhavinglabouredsometimeinthemissionsin
Canada,hereturnedtoFranceandwenttoChina.Onedayashewas
travellingthroughTartary,hemetaHuronwoman,whomhehad
formerlyknowninCanada.Shetoldhim,thathavingbeentakenin
war,shehadbeenconductedfromnationtonation,tillshearrivedat
theplacewhereshethenwas.
Therewasanothermissionary,passingbythewayofNantz,onhis
returnfromChina,whorelatedthelikestoryofawo^manhehad
seenfromFlorida,inAmerica.Sheinformedhim,thatshehadbeen
takenbycertainIndians,andgiventothoseofadistantcountry
andbytheseagaintoanothernation,tillshehadbeenthus
successivelypassedfromcountrytocountryhadtravelledregions
exceedinglycold,andatlastfoundherselfinTartary,andhadthere
marriedaTartar,whohadpassedwiththeconquerorsintoChina,
andtheresettled.
TheCherokeeshadanhonourabletitleamongthem,calledthedeer
killerofthegreatspirit,forhispeople."Everytownhadone
solemnlyappointed,whokilleddeerfortheholyfeasts.Thus
Nimrodissaidtohavebeen"amightyhunterbeforetheLord."
Gen.x.9.
TheIndiannations,inthecoldestweather,andwhenthegroundis
coveredwithsnow,practicetheirreligiousablutions.
236ASTARINTHEWEST.
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Menandchildrenturnoutoftheirwarmhouses,singingtheirusual
sacrednotes,atthedawnofday,F.0.Hcwah,andthustheyskip
along,singingtilltheygettotheriver,whentheyinstantaneously
plungeintoit.
TheHebrewsalsohadvariouswashingsandanointings.They
generally,afterbathing,anointedthemselveswithoil.Theirkings,
prophetsandpriests,wereanointedwithoil,andtheSaviourhimself
isdescribedas"theAnointed."TheIndianpriestsandprophets,or
belovedmen,arealwaysinitiatedbyunction.TheChickesawssome
timeagosetapartsomeoftheiroldmen.Theyfirstobligedthemto
sweatthemselvesforthespaceofthreedaysandnights,inasmall
hutmadeforthepurpose,atadistancefromthetown,forfearof
pollution,andfromastrongdesiretheyallhaveofsecretingtheir
religionsmysteries.Theyeatnothingbutgreentobaccoleaves,and
drinkonlyofbuttonsnakewoodtea,tocleansetheirbodies,and
preparethemtoserveinthebeloved,holyoffice.Afterwhich,their
priestlygarmentsareputon,withtheornamentsbeforedescribed,
andthenbear'soilispouredupontheirheads.LiketheJews,both
menandwomenfrequentlyanointthemselveswithbear'soil.
Itmaynotbeamisstomention,thatIndiansneverprostrate
themselves,norbowtheirbodiestoeachother,bywayofsaluteor
homage,exceptwhentheyaremakingorrenewingpeacewith
strangers,whocomeinthenameofYahthentheybowtheirbodies
inthatreligioussolemnity.Alsointheirreligiousdances,forthen
theysingtheirhymnsaddressedtoF.0.Hewah.
TheIndianswouldnoteateithertheMexicanhog,orofthesea
cow,ortheturtle,asGumillaandEdwardsinformus
ASTARINTHEWEST.237
buttheyheldtheminthegreatestabhorrence.Neitherwouldthey
eattheeelnorofmanyanimalsandbirdstheydeemedimpure.
ItwasforetoldbyMoses,thattheIsraelitesshouldwcdkinthe
stubbornnessoftheirownliearts,toadddrunkennesstothirst."God,
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byhisprophet,threatensthemintheseverestmannerforthis
abominablecrime:
66Wotothe.proudcrownofthedrunkardsofEphraim,Andtothe
fadingfloweroftheirgloriousbeauty!
Tothosethatareattheheadoftherichvalley,thatarestupified
withwine!
BeholdthemightyOne!theexceedinglystrongOne*Likeastorm
ofhail,likeadestructivetempest
LikearapidfloodofmightywaterspouringdownHeshalldash
themtothegroundwithhishand.
Theyshallbetroddenunderfoot,Theproudcrownofthedrunkards
ofEphraim.
InthatdayshallJehovah,GodofHosts,becomeabeauteouscrown,
Andagloriousdiademtotheremnantofhispeople:Buteventhese
haveerredthroughwine,andthroughstrongdrinktheyhavereeled
Thepriestandtheprophethaveerredthroughstrongdrink
Theyareoverwhelmedwitliwine,theyhavereeledthroughstrong
drink
Theyhaveerredinvision,theyhavestumbledinjudgment,
ForalltheirtablesarefullofvomitOffilthiness,sothatnoplaceis
free."
(Isaiahxxviii.18.LoivtlCstranslation)
238ASTARINTHEWEST.
Thisisoneofthemostterriblepredictionsdenouncedagainstthem,
andhashecnmostawfullyverified,shoulditturnoutthatthe
IndiansintruthareofthelosttentribesofIsrael.Amongalltheir
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vices,thisseemsthemostpredominant,anddestroyseverypowerof
soulandbody.Itisnotofthisnationorthatofonetribeoranother
orofonerankortheotherbutitisuniversal,amongmen,women
andchildren.Insltort,itisone,amongagreatnumber,ofthe
unnaturalreturnsmadethembytheEuropeansofeverynation,for
theIndian'skindnessatfirst,andtheirgivinguptheirlandsafter
wards,thebringinginardentspiritsamongthemforlucreofgain,
andbythismeanshavereducedtheirnumbers,anddriventheminto
thewilderness.Theyhavethemselveslongseentheirmiseryinthis
respect,andhavelongbeenstrugglingtogetridofitbutallin
vain,tilloflateyears,manymenofvirtueandofrealreligion,have
unitedwiththem,toaidthem,withoutwhichitseemsimpossible
thattheycanwithstandthisallconqueringenemy.
Theywillmakelawsagainstittheywilldeterminetoexpelall
spiritousliquorsfromtheirtowns,andtheywillwithphilosophical
firmness,destroylargequantitiesofit,broughtinbythetradersby
stealth.Butiftheyoncetasteit,allthereasoningofthemost
belovedmanwillnotpreventthemdrinkingaslongasadroplasts,
andgenerallytheytransformthemselvesintothelikenessofmad
foamingbears.
Mr.Goldensays,"thereisonevicewhichtheIndianshavefallen
intosincetheiracquaintancewiththeChristians,andofwhichthey
couldnothavebeenguiltybeforethattime,thatisdrunkenness.Itis
strangehowalltheIndiannations,andalmosteverypersonamong
them,maleandfemale,areinfatu
ASTARINTHEWEST.239
atedwiththeloveofstrongdrink.Theyknownoboundstotheir
desires,whiletheycanswallowitdown,andthen,indeed,the
greatestmenamongstthemscarcelydeservethenameofabrute."
TheycomplainedheavilytotheRev.Mr.Brainerd,thatbeforethe
comingoftheEnglishtheyknewofnosuchthingasstrongdrink.
ThattheEnglishhad,bythesemeans,madethemquarrelwith,and
killoneanother,andinaword,broughtthemtothepracticeofall
thosevices,thatthenprevailedamongthem.Inanaddress,orrather
208/272
2/1/2015
ananswer,madebytheDelawareIndiansin1768,theysay,
brothers!youhavespokentousagainstgettingdrunk.Whatyou
havesaidisveryagreeabletoourminds.Weseeitisathingthatis
verybad,anditisagreatgrieftousthatrumoranykindofstrong
liquorshouldbebroughtamongus,aswewishthechainof
friendship,whichnowunitesusandourbrethrentheEnglish
together,mayremainstrong.Brothers!thefaultisnotallinus.It
beginswithourbrothers,thewhitepeople.Foriftheywillbringus
rum,someofourpeoplewillbuyititisforthatpurposeitis
brought.Butifnonewasbrought,thenwecouldnotbuyit.
Brothers!webeseechyou,befaithfulanddesireourbrothers,the
whitepeople,tobringnomoreofittous.Shewthisbelttothemfor
thispurpose.Shewittothegreatmanofthefort(meaningthe
commandantatFortPitt)andtoourbrothersonthewayasyou
return,andtothegreatmeninPhiladelphia,andinotherplaces,
fromwhichrummaybebrought,andintreatthemnottobringany
more."
ThereisaveryearlyrecordinthehistoryofNewJersey,tothe
creditofbothIndiansandwhiteinhabitantsofthat
240ASTARINTHEWEST.
day.Ataconferenceheldwiththem,wheneightkingsorsachems
werepresent,theIndianspeakersaid,"strongliquorsweresoldto
usbytheSwedesandbytheDutch.Thesepeoplehadnoeyes.They
didnotseethatitwashurtfultous.Nevertheless,ifpeoplewillsell
ittous,wearesoinlovewithitwecannotforbear.Butnow,there
isapeoplecometoliveamongusthathaveeyes.Theyseeittobe
forourhurt.Theyarewillingtodenythemselvestheprofitforour
good.Thispeoplehaveeyes.Wearegladsuchpeoplehavecome.
Wemustputitdownbymutualconsent.Wegivethesefourbeltsof
wampumtobewitnessesofthisagreementwemakewithyou,and
wouldhaveyoutotellittoyourchildren."
Severalnominalprophetshavelatelyrisenamongthem,andhave
becomeverypopular,bytakingadvantageoftheirsuperstition,and
declaringthemselvesmessengersfromheaven.Whatevertheymay
beinreality,theyhavedonesomegood.TheOnondagoes,greatly
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2/1/2015
addictedtodrunkenness,have,bytheinfluenceofthebrotherof
CornPlanter,aSenecachief,beenprevailedontogiveuptheuseof
spiritousliquors,andtobecomecomparativelymoral.Anotherof
theseprophetsamongtheShawaneseandnorthwesternIndians,has
beenequallysuccessful.
AllthepromisesofaGodoftruth,tohisfaithfulservants,Abraham,
IsaacandJacob,mustbestrictlyfulfilled,aswellasthethreatnings
ofhisabusedjustice.Goddidmakeasolemnandspecialpromiseto
Abraham,whichwasafterwardsrepeatedtoIsaacandJacob,in
verystrongandexpressiveterms.AndGodsaid,bymyselfhaveI
sworn,saiththeLord,forbecausethouhastdonethisthing,and
ASTARINTHEWEST.241
hastnotwithheldthyson,thineonlyson,thatinMessing,Iwill
blessthee,andinmultiplying,Iwillmultiplythyseedasthestarsof
heaven,andasthesandupontheseashore,andthyseedshall
possessthegatesofhisenemies"Gen.xxii.16,17.Yetthiswason
conditionoftheirobservingthecommandmentsthathehadgiven
them,forincaseofdisobedience*thethreatningswereasexplicitas
theblessings.
"JehovahhathsentawordagainstJacob,andithathlightedupon
Israelbecausethepeopleallofthem,carrythemselveshaughtily
EphraimandtheinhabitantsofSamaria,andJehovah,Godof
Hosts,theyhavenotsought"Yethismercywillnotfinallyforsake
them.For"itshallcometopassinthatday,nomoreshallthe
remnantofIsraelândtheescapedofthehouseofJacob,leanupon
himwhosmotethem,butshallleanuponJehovah,theholyoneof
Israel,intruth.Aremnantshallreturn,evenarcmriantofJacobunto
themightyGod,forthoughthypeopleIsraelbeasthesandofthe
sea,yetaremnantofthemonlyshallreturn:theconsummation
decidedshalloverflowwithstrictjustice"Lowth'sIsaiah,x.23.
ThelearnedDr.Bagot*DeanofChrist'sChurch*Oxford,translates
thelastclauseoftheversethus,theaccomplishmentdetermined,
overflowswithjusticeforitisaccomplished,andthatwhichis
determined*theLordofHostsdotliinthemidstoftheland"vide
Lowth'snotesonIsaiah,page81.
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HoseaalsorepeatstheaffectingfateofIsrael."AndtheLordsaid
untohim,Iwillcausetocease,thekingdomofthehouseofIsrael,
forIwillnomorehavemercyonthehouseofIsraelbutIwill
utterlytakethemaway.YetthenumberofthechildrenofIsrael
shallbeasthesandofthesea,
242ASTARINTHEWEST.
whichcaimotbemeasuredornumberedanditshallcometopass,
thatintheplacewhereitwassaiduntothem,yearenotmypeople,,
thereitshallbesaiduntothem,yearethesonsofthelivingGod.
ThenshallthechildrenofJudah,andthechildrenofIsraelbe
gatheredtogether,andshallappointthemselvesonehead,andthey
shallcomeupoutoftheland,forgreatshallbethedayofJezreel."
AndSt.Johnsays,"andthesixthangelpouredouthisvialonthe
greatriverEuphrates,andthewatersthereofweredriedup,thatthe
wayoftheJdngsoftheeastmightbeprepared."^
TheIndiannationswillanswer,inagreatmeasure,thedescription
heregiven.Thattheyhavelongbeenconfinedtowanderinthe
wildernessofAmerica,andthattheconsumptiondecreedhasbeen
awfullyexecutedonthem,cannotbedenied*Thattheyhavebeen
despised,andconsideredasbarbarians,andchildrenofthedevil,is
tootrue.
Wehavealreadyenumeratedonehundredandninetynationswithin
ourscantymeansofknowledge,andthoughmanyofthemare
destroyedanddoneaway,fortheconsumptionwasdecreed,yetif
welookatthemapsoftravellers,andattendtotheaccountgivenof
thenationsfromGreenlandtoMexico,andfromthencetothe
nationoftheDogribbedIndiansthencetotheSouthernocean,
andalongitscoastnorthwardtotheLakeoftheWoods,andthence
toHudson'sBayandGreenland,andestimateinaddition,the
nationsoftheinterior,whatnationorpeopleintheworld,canso
literallyanswertothestrongfigures,ofthestarsofheaven,andthe
sandsofthesea.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.243
Again,thetribesofJudahandBenjamin,attendedbyafewofthe
Israelitesamongthem,scatteredthroughoutAsia,Africaand
Europe,havenopretensionstoanykingamongthem.Butthe
Indianshaveakingtoeverytribe,andaswehaveseen,theNatchez
hadoncefivehundredkingsinthatonenation.Nowifpartofthe
nationstothenorthwest,shouldagainreturnoverthestraitsof
Kamschatka,andpassonfromthenortheasternextremityofAsia,
bythewaybetweentheEtixineandtheCaspiansea,throughancient
Media,whichformerlyextendedwesttotheriverHalys,onthe
BlackorEuxinesea5*andAsiaMinor,intoPalestine,thenthey
mustpassthroughtheterritoryoftheGrandPorte.Thereforethat
governmentmustnecessarilybedestroyed,tomakewayforthese
kingsfromtheeast,asitisnotlikelythatdespoticpowerwould
consenttotheirpassingthroughiupeace,todepriveherofthe
regionofPalestine.
Anotherremarkablecircumstanceattendingtheforegoingaccount
is,thatbeforetheBabylonishcaptivity,theJewshadhutonetemple
forpublicworship,whitherthemalesassembledthreetimesinthe
year.TheSamaritans,afterthecaptivity,observedthesameat
Samaria,thecapitaloftheirkingdom.Thetentribeswerecarried
captivesintothenorthwestpartsofAssyria,beforetheBabylonish
captivity,andthereforehadnoideaofhutoneplaceofworshipfora
nation.
*ThedifferentempiresoftheLydiansandtheMedes,weredivided
bytheriverHaly's(whichhastwobranches,)whichrisingina
mountainofArmenia,passingthroughCelicia,leavinginits
progresstheMateniansontheright,and1'hrygiaontheleftthen
stretchingtowardsthenorth,itseparatestheCappadocianSyrians
fromPaphlagouia,whichisontheleftofthestream.Thustheriver
HalysseparatesallthelowerpartsofAsiafromthesea,whichflows
oppositetoCyprus,asfarastheEuxine,aspaceoverwhichan
activemancouldnottravelmlessthanfivedaysIHeredotus112,
113.
212/272
2/1/2015
244ASTARINTHEWEST.
TheIndianshavealsobutonetemple,orbelovedsquarefora
nation,whithertheirmalesalsoassemblethreetimesintheyear,to
wit:attheFeastofFirstFruits,generallythelatterendofMarch
andApril,itbeingthebeginningoftheirecclesiasticalyear:atthe
endofwliichtheyhaveanother,inimitationofthePassover.The
feastforsuccessinhunting,aboutthetimeofPentecost,calledthe
Hunter'sFeastandtheirgreatfeastfortheExpiationofSin,which
isaboutthetimeoftheripeningoftheirindiancornandotherfall
fruit.Theseformacoincidenceofcircumstancesinimportantand
peculiarestablishments,thatcouldnot,withoutamiracle,be
occasionedbychanceoraccident.Andthoughifconsidered
individually,oreachbyitself,mightbesaid,nottobeconclusive
evidence,yettakenaltogetherandcomparedwithmanyother
peculiaritiesoftheJewishpeople,theycarrystrongconvictionto
theunderstanding,thatthesewanderingnationshavesomehowor
otherhadintimateconnectionwiththoseoncepeopleofGod.
ASTARINTHEWEST.245
CHAPTERIX.
Thetestimonyofthosewhohadanopportunityofjudging,fromthe
appearanceandconductoftheIndiansatthefirstdiscoveryof
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America,aswellasofsomewhohaveseenthemsince,inastateof
nature.
ANDfirst,thatofSpanishauthors.Andhereproperallowancemust
bemadefortheprevailingintentionsofthefirstSpanishvisitors,in
theircomingtoAmerica,which(withsomefewexceptions)were
principallyfromthemostcovetousdesiresofamassingwealth,and
obtainingimmenserichesatallrisques,andbyeverymeans.Alsoit
mustberemembered,howfewconcernedthemselvesaboutthe
religiousstateofthenatives,iftheycouldbutgettheirproperty
neitherdidtheygivethemselvesanytroubletoknowtheirhistory,
theirorigin,customs,orfutureexpectationsbuttheirgold,their
silver,theirlands,andtheirfurs,werethewholeobjectsoftheir
attention.
WethankGod,thereweresomefavourableexceptions.Thelearned
worldarebythistimeprettywellacquaintedwiththedegreeof
confidencethatoughttobeputintheSpanishhistoriansingeneral,
furtherthantheiraccountsareconfirmedandsupportedbyafter
laboursofhistoriansofcharacteramongothernations.
Fewofthemconversedwiththenatives,insuchamannerastogain
theirconfidence,orobtainanyintimateknowledge
246ASTARINTHEWEST.
oftheircustomsandmanners,withanytolerabledegreeofcertainty.
Theydidnottreatthemasfriends,butasthemostinveterate
enemies,anddespised,hatedandmurderedthem,withoutremorse
orcompunction,inreturnfortheirkindnessandrespect.Andto
excusetheirownignorance,andtocastamantleovertheirmost
shocking,barbarous,coolandpremeditatedmurders,theyartfully
describedtfiem.asanabominableswarmofidolatrouscannibals,
offeringhumansacrificestotheirfalsedeities,andeatingtheun
naturalvictims.Notwithstanding,fromevenmanyofthesepartial
accounts,wecantraceanearagreementbetweentheciviland
martialcustoms,thereligiousworship,traditions,dress,ornaments,
andotherparticularsoftheancientPeruviansandMexicans,and
thoseoftheIndiansofNorthAmerica.
214/272
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Acostatellsus,thattheMexicanshadnopropernameforGod,yet
thattheyallowedasupremeomnipotenceandprovidence.His
capacitywasnotsufficienttodiscovertheformer,however,the
lattermeansthatverybeing,andagreeswiththereligiousopinionof
theirNorthAmericanbrethren.
LopezdeGamara,tellsusthattheAmericansweresodevoutasto
offertothesunandearth,asmallquantityofeverykindofmeatand
drink,beforeanyofthemselvestastedofit,andthattheysacrificed
apartoftheircorn,fruits,&c.inlikemanner.
IsnotthisaconfusedSpanishaccountoftheimitationoftheJewish
dailysacrifice,whichwehavebeforeseenourmorenorthern
Indians,intheconstanthabitofofferingtotheholyspiritoffire,
whomtheyinvokeintheirsacred
ASTARINTHEWEST.247
songofF.Ho.Hewali,andloudlyascribetohim,halkluivah,for
hiscontinuedgoodnesstothem.
TheSpanishwriterssay,thatwhenCortesapproachedMexico,
Montezumashuthimselfup,andcontinuedforthespaceofeight
days,inprayerandfastingbuttoblackenhim,andexcusetheirown
diabolicalconduct,theyassert,thatheofferedhumansacrificesat
thesametime,toabominableandfrightfulidols.Theseprayersand
fastings,weredoubtlessthesamewiththoseofthenorthern
Indians,whoonparticularoccasions,seektosanctifythemselves,
andregainthefavourofthedeity.
Yetthesesameauthorstellus,thattheyfoundthere,atemplecalled
Teucatti,orthehouseofthegreatspirit,andapersonbelongingto
it,calledCfiacalmua,thatis,aministerofholythings.They
likewisespeakofthehearthofthegreatspiritthecontinualfireof
thegreatspirittheholyark,&c.
Acostasays,thatthePeruviansheldaveryextraordinaryfeast,
calledYtu,whichtheypreparedthemselvesforbyfastingtwodays,
215/272
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notaccompanyingwiththeirwives,oreatingsaltmeatorgarlic,or
drinkingchiccaduringthatperiod.Thattheyassembledaltogether
inoneplace,anddidnotallowanystrangerorbeasttoapproach
them.Thattheyhadclothesandornamentswhichtheyworeonlyat
thatgreatfestival.Thattheywentsilentlyandsedatelyin
procession,withtheirheadsveiledanddrumsbeatingandthatthis
continuedonedayandnight.Butthenextdaytheydancedand
feasted,andfortwadayssuccessively,theirprayersandpraises
wereheard.
ThisappearsnootherthanournorthernIndians'greatfestivalto
atoneforsin,accordingtotheMosaicsystem.
248ASTARINTHEWEST.
Lericustellsyou,thathewaspresentatthetriennialfeastofthe
Charibbeans,whereamultitudeofmen,womenandchildren,were
assembled.Thattheysoondividedthemselvesintothreeorders,a
partfromeachother,thewomenandchildrenbeingstrictly
commandedtostaywithin,andattenddiligentlytothesinging.That
themensanginonehouse,hehehe,whiletheothers,intheir
separatehouses,answeredbyarepetitionofthelikenotes.Thus
theycontinuedaquarterofanhour,dancinginthreerings,with
rattles.Theyalsotellus,thatthehighpriest)orbelovedman,was
anointedwithholyoil,anddressedwithpontificalornaments
peculiartohimself,whenheofficiatedinhissacredfunction.
RibaultLandondescribingtheannualfestivaloftheFloridians,
says,thatthedaybeforeitbegan,thewomensweptoutagreat
circuitofground,wThereitwasobservedwithsolemnity.That
whenthemainbodyofthepeopleenteredtheholyground,theyall
placedthemselvesingoodorder,deckedintheirbestapparel,when
threebelovedmen,orpriests,withdifferentpaintingandgestures,
followedthem,playingonmusicalinstruments,andsingingwith
solemnvoices,theothersansweringthem.Andwhentheymade
threecircles,themenranofftothewoods,andthewomenstaid
weepingbehind,cuttingtheirarmswithmuscleshells,andthrowing
thebloodtowardsthesun.Andwhenthemenreturned,thethree
dayswerefinished.
216/272
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ThisisnootherthanthenorthernIndians'Passover,ortheFeastof
Love,badlytold,attendedwiththeiruniversalcustomofbleeding
themselvesaftergreatexercise,whichtheSpaniardsfoolishly
supposedtheyoffereduptothesun,.
ASTARINTHEWEST.249
TheseSpanishwritersalsoassureus,thattheMexicanshadafeast
andmonth,whichtheycalledHueitozolti,whentheIndiancornwas
ripe.Everymanatthattimebringinganhandfultoheofferedatthe
temple,withakindofdrinkmadeoutofthesamegrains.Thisisno
otherthanthefirstfruitofferingofthenorthernIndians.
DonJlntoniodeUlloainformsus,thatsomeoftheSouthAmerican
nativescutthelobesoftheirears,andfastensmallweightstothem,
inordertolengthenthemandotherscutholesintheirupperand
underlips,inwhichtheyhangpiecesofshells,rings,&c.^Thisalso
agreeswiththepracticeofeverynationofthenorthernIndians.
Mr.Bartramsays,"theirearsarelacerated,separatingtheborderor
cartilagenouslimb,whichisfirstboundround,verycloseandtight,
withleatherstringsorthongs*andanointedwithfreshbear'soil,
untilhealed.Theweightoftheleadwhichtheyhangtoit,extends
thecartilage,whichafterbeingcrapedorboundroundwithbrassor
silverwire,extendsitsemicircularly,likeaboworcrescent,andit
isthenveryelastic.Itisthendecoratedwithaplumeofwhiteherons
feathers.
Acostasays,thattheclothesoftheSouthAmericansareshaped
likethoseoftheancientJews,beingasquarelittlecloak,overa
littlecoat.
Lact,inhisdescriptionofSouthAmerica,aswellasEscarbotus,
assuresus,thatheoftenheardtheSouthAmericansrepeattheword
hallelujah.AndMalvendasaysthatthena
*Mr.Bruceinhistravels,speakingofasectofChristianscalled
Remmout,says,"theirwomenpiercetheirears,andapplyweights
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tomakethemhangdownandenlargetheholes,intowhichtheyput
earringsalmostasbigasshackles,inthsamemannerasdothe
Bedowise,inSyriaandPalestine"4vol.p.275.
250ASTARINTHEWEST.
tivesofSt.MichaelhadtombstoneswithseveralancientHebrew
charactersuponthem,as"whyisGodgoneaway?"and"heis
dead,Godknows."
TheMichuans,oneoftheoriginalnationsofMexico,held,
accordingtotheMeClavigero'sdeclaration,thistradition,that"
therewasonceagreatdeluge,andTepzi,astheycallNoah,inorder
tosavehimselffrombeingdrowned,embarkedinashipformedlike
anark,withhiswife,hischildren,andmanydifferentanimals,and
severalseedsandfruits.Asthewatersabated,hesentoutthebird,
whichbearsthenameofaura,whichremainedeatingdeadbodies.
Hethensentoutotherbirds,whichdidnotreturn,exceptthelittle
birdcalledtheJlowersucker,whichbroughtasmallbranchwithit"
PanoplistforJune1813,page9.FromthisfamilyofTepzi,the
Michuccansallbelievedtheyderivedtheirorigin.BothMalvenda
andAcostaaffirmthatthenativesobservedayearofjubilee,
accordingtotheusageoftheIsraelites.
EmanualdeMoraez,aPortuguesehistorian,inhishistoryofBrazil,
says,"AmericahasbeenwhollypeopledbytheCarthageniansand
Israelites.Astothelast,hesaysnothingbutcircumcisioniswanting
toconstituteaperfectresemblancebetweenthemandthe
Brazilians."Andwehaveseen,thatsomeofthenationspracticeit
tothisday.
MonsieurPoutrincourtsays,thatatanearlyday,whentheCanada
Indianssalutedhim,theysaidhohoho.
Mr.Edwards,inhishistoryoftheWestIndies,says,thatthe
strikingconformityoftheprejudicesandcustomsoftheCharibbee
Indians,tothepracticesoftheJews,hasnotescapedthenoticeof
historians,asOuineUa,DuTertre,andothers."
218/272
2/1/2015
ASTARINTHEWEST.251
Adair,whowasthemostcarefulobserveroftheIndians*whole
economy,bothpublicandprivate,andhadthebestopportunityof
knowingit,withoutmuchdangerofdeception,beyondanyother
writer,giveshisopinioninthesewords,"Itisaverydifficultthing
todivestourselvesofprejudicesandfavouriteopinions,andIexpect
tobecensuredforopposingcommonlyreceivedsentiments*But
truthismyobject,andfromthemostexactobservationsIcould
makeinthelongtimeItradedamongtheIndianAmericans,Iwas
forcedtobelievethemtobelineallydescendedfromtheIsraelites."
TheRev.Mr.Beattysays,"IhavebeforehintedthatIhavetaken
greatpainstosearchintotheusagesandcustomsoftheIndians,in
ordertoseewhatgroundtherewasforsupposingthemtobepartof
thetentribesoftheJews,andImustown,tomynosmallsurprise,
thatanumberoftheircustomsappearsomuchtoresemblethoseof
theJews,thatitisagreatquestionwithme,whetherwecanexpect
tofindamongthetentribes(wherevertheyare)atthisday,all
thingsconsidered,moreofthefootstepsoftheirancestorsthan
amongthedifferentIndiantribes.ItisnotforgottenthattheIndians
arecharged,asabarbarous,revengeful,cruelandbloodthirstyrace
deceitful,ungrateful,andeverreadyformurderandrapine.Mostof
thiswillnotbedisputed.Theyareeducatedfromtheirinfancyto
makewarinthiscruelmanner.Theyscalptheirfallenenemy,and
mostcruellytormentandburnsomeofthosewhomtheytake
prisoners.Thistheythinklawful,andoftenpleadthewillofthe
greatspiritforit.Itistheirhabitualcustom,andtheymakewaron
theseprinciples.Buttheyhavetheirvirtuestoo.Theypaythe
greatestrespecttofemaleprisoners,andarenever
252ASTARINTHEWEST.
219/272
2/1/2015
knowntoofferthemtheleastindecency."Whenevertheydetermine
tosparetheirenemies,whichisoftendone,theynotonlymakethem
free,huttheyadoptthemintotheirfamilies,andmakethemapart
oftheirnation,withalltheprivilegesofanativeIndian.Thisisan
instanceofmildnessandgenerosityknowntoveryfewsavagesin
theworld,butratherresemblestheRomans.
Theyaregenerous,hospitable,kindandfaithfultotheirfriendsor
strangers,inasgreatadegreeastheyarevindictiveandbarbarous
totheirenemiesinwar.
Col.Smith,inhisjournalmentions,thathewentagreatdistance
huntingwithhispatronTontileaugo,alongtheshoreofLakeErie.
Herewestaidseveraldaysonaccountofthehighwinds,which
raisedthelakeingreatbillows.Tontileaugowentouttohunt.When
hewasgoneaWiandotcametothecampIgavehimashoulderof
venisonwellroasted.Hereceiveditgladlytoldmehewashungry,
andthankedmeformykindness.Whenmypatroncamehome,I
toldhimwhatIhaddoneheanswered,itwasverywell,and
supposedIhadgivenhimalsosugarandbearsoiltoeatwithhis
venisonItoldhimIdidnot,asbothweredowninthecanoe,andI
didnotgoforthem.Hereplied,youhavebehavedjustlikea
Dutchman.Doyounotknow,thatwhenstrangerscometoour
camp,weoughtalwaystogivethemthebestthatv^.have.I
acknowledgedmyfault.HesaidthathewouldexcusethisasIwas
butyoung$butImustlearntobehavelikeawarrior,anddogreat
things,andneverbefoundinsuchlittleactions."Page25,26.
Smith9inhishistoryofNewJersey,informsus,thattheIndians
longrememberedkindnessesfamiliesorindividuals
ASTARINTHEWEST.253
hadshewnthem.Thisalsomustundoubtedlyheallowed,thatthe
originalandmoreincorruptamongthem,veryseldomforgot'tohe
grateful,whererealbenefitshadbeenreceived.And
notwithstandingthestainsofperfidyandcruelty,whichlatterly,in
1754,andsince,havedisgracedtheIndiansonthefrontiersofthese
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provinces,(butwhichthewriterwellknowshadbeenproducedby
thewickedandunjustoppressionofthesesonsofnature,bythe
whitepeople)eventhese,bytheuninterruptedintercourseof
seventyyears,had,onmanyoccasions,givenirrefragableproofsof
liberalityofsentiment,hospitalityofactionandimpressions,that
seemedtopromiseacontinuationofbetterthings.Witnesstheirfirst
receptionoftheEnglishtheirsellingtheirlandstothemafterwards
theirformerundeviatingcandorattreatiesinPennsylvania,and
otherincidents."Page144.
Buthoweverguiltytheseunhappywanderingnationsmayhave
been,neitherEuropeansorAmericansoughttocomplainsoheavily
ofIndiancruelties,particularlyinscalpingtheirenemies,whichis
oneoftheirmosthabitualcruelties,andinwhichtheyglory.They
aretoofullyjustifiedinthishorriblepractice,bytheencouragement
andexampleofthosewhocallthemselvescivilized,andeven
Christians.HerodotusinformsusthattheScythiansscalpedtheir
enemies,andusedthemastrophiesofvictory.Polybiussays,inthe
warwiththeMercenaries,Gisco,theCarthageniangeneral,and
sevenhundredprisonerswerescalpedalive.Varrus,theRoman
general,causedtwothousandJews,whomliehadtakenprisoners,
tobecrucifiedatonetimeJosephus,4vol.chap.iii.page12.
254ASTARINTHEWEST.
UnderthemildgovernmentofGreatBritain,andthatofFrance,
premiumshavebeenpromisedandgiventotheIndians,bytheir
governorsandgenerals,forthescalpsoftheirenemies.Nay,evenin
America,actsofassemblyhavebeenpassed,givingrewardstothe
civilizedinhahitants,forscalpsandprisoners,evensohighasone
hundredpoundsforanIndianscalp2dGolden,120.Ifitshouldbe
saidthegovernmentofGreatBritainoughtnottobechargedwith
this,Itisansweredthatgovernmentnotonlyknewofallthis,but
duringourrevolutionarywar,theBritishsecretaryofstate,inthe
HouseofLords,supporteditspolicyandnecessity,astheyoughtto
useeverymeansthatGodandnaturehadputintotheirhands.
JJelsharn.Theyhadintheirserviceatthattime,atleastfifteen
hundredIndianwarriors.
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Mr.Belshamsays,thatintherevolutionarywarwithAmerica,the
sonofSirWilliamJohnson,"heldagreatwarfeastwiththe
Indians,chieflyIroquois,whenheinvitedthemtobanquetupona
Bostonianandtodrinkhisblood."AndthoughIdoubtnotbutthis
wasmerehyperbolicallanguage,yetdiditnotcountenanceand
encouragetheIndiansintheircustomarycrueltyandvindictiverage
?*
*ButaretheUnitedStates,withalltheirboastedfreedomand
philanthropy,freefromblameonthissubject?Thefollowingisan
extractfromareportfromBrigadierGeneralClayborne,tothe
SecretaryofWar,sincethesesheetshavebeenpreparedforthe
press,evensolateas1stJanuary,1814."Sir,onthe13thultimo,I
marchedadetachmentfromthispost,withaviewofdestroyingthe
townsoftheinimicalCreekIndians,ontheAlabama,ibovethe
mouthoftheCahaba,Afterhavingmarchedabouteightymiles,I
waswithinthirtymilesofatownnewlyerectedongroundcalled
holy,occupiedbyalargebodyoftheenemy.**"Aboutnoonofthe
23d,therightcolumn,commandedbycol.JosephCarson,camein
viewofthetowncalledEckanachacu,(orholyground)andwasvigo
rouslyattacked""Thirtyoftheenemywerekilled,andjudgingfrom
everyappearance,manywerewounded.""Inthetownwefounda
largequantityofproTisions,andimmensepropertyofvarious
kinds,whichIheenemy,flyingprtcijO
ASTARINTHEWEST.255
1111T94,thesixnations,includingalateadditionofthoseof
GrandRiverinCanada,theStockbridgeandBrothertonIndians,
consistedofaboutsixthousandsouls.Theynowdo
tately,wereobligedtoleavebehind,andwhichtogetherwithtwo
hundredhousesweredestroyed.Theyhadbarelytimetoremove
theirwomenandchildrenacrosstheAlabama,whichrunsnear
wherethetownstood.Thenextdaywasoccupiedindestroyinga
townconsistingofsixtyhouses,eightmileshigheruptheriver.5'
"Thetownfirstdestroyed,wasbuiltsincethecommencementof
hostilities,andwasestablishedasaplaceofsecurityforthe
inhabitantsofseveralvillages."Threeprincipalprophetsresided
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thereUnitedStatesGazette,15thFebruary,1814.InNile'sRegister,
ofSeptember20,1812,wefindthispleasingflightofthe
imaginationofthefriendsofthewar."Imagination(saystheReg
ister)looksforwardtothemoment,whenallthesouthernIndians
[[meaningaswellinFloridaasinGeorgia]shallbepushedacross
theMissisippi."Andagaininthesamepaper"fortunatelythisnation
[meaningtheCreeksinGeorgia]havesuppliedusMithapretext
fordismemberingtheircountry."NowthesouthernIndianshadnot
atthattimetakenupthehatchetagainsttheUnitedStates.Inproof
ofthis,wehavetheassertionofGovernorMitchel,whoinhis
speechtothelegislatureofGeorgia,October1812,(thenextmonth
aftertheabovepublicatioaiutheRegister)said,"asyetthose
[Indians]withintheUnitedStateslines,professpeaceand
friendship."Shortlyafterthisspeechthewarwiththesouthern
Indianswascommenced.Theradicalcauseofitismorethan
broadlyhintedatintheletteroftheGovernorofSt.Augustine,to
GovernorMitchel,datedDecember12,1812He,alongwithother
warmexpostulations,regardingtheconspiracyofthepeopleof
Georgia,toexpelordestroytheIndians,hasthefollowing"The
Indiansaretobeinsulted,threatenedanddrivenfromtheirlandsif
theyresist,nothinglessthanexterminationistobetheirfatebut
youdeceiveyourselfsir,ifyouthinktheworldisblindtoyour
motivesitisnotlongsincethestateofGeorgiahadasliceof
Indianlands,andthefeverisagainatitsheight."Accordingly,in
1813,Nile'sRegistersounded.thetocsinfortheirextermination."
AHthesepleasingprospects,sayshe,arecloudedbyblood,and
foreverblastedbythattreacherouspeople[meaningtheCreeks]for
whomwehavedonesomuch,sothatmercyitselfseemstodemand
theirextermination.Andafterwards,"thefightingcontinued,with
someseverity,aboutfivehours,butwecontinuedtodestroymany
ofthem,"thatisafterthefightingwasover,*'whohadconcealed,
themselvesunderthebankoftheriver,untilwewerepreventedby
nightThis,morningwekilledsixteen,whohadbeen
concealed."Poulson'sDailyAdvertiser,June24,1814.
Yetwearethepeoplewhoremonstratewithzealouswarmthand
loudrecriminationagainstthebarbarismoftheBritisharmy,in
wantonlyburningourtownsandinjuringthedefenceless
inhabitants,contrarytotherulesofcivilizedwarfareastrange
warfareitmustbeCivilizedwarfare,whatacontradictioninexpress
terms.Alas!whathasnotournationtoanswerforatthebarof
retribiuivtic(?.ThecapitolofWashington,inflarnes>instructson
thisoccasion.
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256ASTARINTHEWEST.
notexceedhalfthatnumber.Theyhavenotreservedtothemnow,
abovetwohundredthousandacresoflandoutoftheirimmense
territoryofatleastonethousandmileslong,andfivehundredmiles
broad.Clinton48,53.
Thefamouseapt.Cook,inhisvisittothecoastofAmerica,inthe
southseas,withoutanyreferencetothisgreatquestion,barelygives
youthefactsthatappearedtohimduringtheveryshortintercourse
hehadwiththem2vol.266,283.
Hesaysthat"theinhabitantsmetthem,singinginslowandthen
quickertime,accompanyingtheirnoteswithbeatingtimein
concert,withtheirpaddles,andregularmotionsoftheirhands,and
otherexpressivegestures.Attheendofeachsong,theyremained
silent,andthenbeganagainpronouncinghohoah,forciblyasa
chorus.Theship'screwlistenedwithgreatadmirationthenatives
behavedwell.
"ThepeopleofNootkaSound,keeptheexactestconcertintheir
songs,bygreatnumberstogethertheyareslowandsolemntheir
variationsarenumerousandexpressive,andthecadenceormelody
powerfullysoothing>theirmusicwassometimesvariedfromits
predominantsolemnityofair,andsunginamoregayandlively
straintheyhaveaweaponmadeofstone,notunliketheAmerican
tomahawk,theycallitTaaweeshandTsusknah.Page310.
Theirmanufacturesandmechanicartsarefarmoreextensiveand
ingeniousthanthesavagesoftheSouthSeaIslands,whetherwe
regardthedesignortheexecution.Theirflannelandwoollen
garments,madeofthebarkofapinetreebeatenintoanhempen
state,withvariousfiguresartificiallyinsertedintothem,withgreat
taste,andofdifferentcoloursofexquisitebrightness.Theyarealso
famousforpainting
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ASTARINTHEWEST.257
andcarvingibid30&.Theircommondressisaflannelgarmentor
mantle,ornamentedontheupperedgebyanarrowstripoffur,and
atthelatteredgebyfringesortassels.Overthis,whichreaches
belowtheknees,iswornasmallcloakofthesamesubstance,
likewisefringedatthelowerpart.Everyreadermustberemindedby
thisofthefringesandtasselsoftheJewsontheirgarments.In
PrinceWilliam'sSound,thecommondressisakindoffrockor
robe,reachingtotheknees,andsometimestotheankles,madeof
theskinsofanimalsandinoneortwoinstancestheyhadwoollen
garments.Allareornamentedwithtasselsorfringes.Afewhada
capeorcollar,andsomeahood.Thisbearsagreatresemblanceto
thedressoftheGreenlanders,asdescribedbyCrantzibid3678.The
readerwillfindinCranfa,manystrikinginstances,inwhichthe
GreenlandersandAmericansofthispartofAmericaresembleeach
other,besidesthosementionedbycapt.Coook"vol.1,136,138.
FatherJosephGumella,inhisaccountofthenationsborderingon
theOronoko,relatesthattheCharibbeeIndiansofthecontinent,
punishedtheirwomencaughtinadultery,liketheancientJews,by
stoningthemtodeathbeforetheassemblyofthepeopleEdward's
WestIndies,1vol.39,inanote.
258ASTARINTHEWEST.
Thispagehasyettobetranscribed.
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ASTARINTHEWEST.259
CHAPTERX.
TheIndianshaveasystemofmoralityamongthemthatisvery
striking.Theyhaveteacherstoinstructtheminitofwhichthey
havethoughtveryhighly,tilloflateyears,theybegintodoubtits
efficacy,
WEareindebtedtoDobson'sEncyclopediaforthefollowing
testimonyinfavourofIndianmoralityvol.1,page557.Itisthe
advicegivenfromafathertoason,itisbelieved,takenfroma
Spanishauthor."Myson,whoartcomeuntothelightfromthe
womb,weknownothowlongheavenwillgranttoustheenjoyment
ofthatpreciousgem,whichwepossessinthee.Buthowevershort
theperiod,endeavourtoliveexactlyprayingtothegreatspirit
continuallytoassistthee.Hecreatedtheethouarthisproperty.He
isthyfather,andlovestheestillmorethanIdo.Reposeinhimthy
thoughts,anddayandnightdirectthysighstohim.Reverenceand
salutethyelders,andholdnooneincontempt.Tothepoorand
distressedbenotdumb,butratherusewordsofcomfort.""Mock
not,myson,theagedortheimperfect.Scornnothimwhoyouyou
seefallintosomefollyortransgression,normakehimreproaches
andbewarelestthoufallintothesameerror,whichoffendstheein
another.Gonotwherethouartnotcalled,norinterferinthatwhich
doesnotconcernthee.""Nomore,myson.Enoughhasbeensaidin
dischargeofthedutiesofafather.WiththesecouncilsIwishto
fortify
260ASTARINTHEWEST.
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thymind.Refusethemnot,noractincontradictiontothemforon
them,thylifeandallthyhappinessdepend."
Mr.Beatty,whenamongtheIndiansontheOhio,addressedthem.
Inanswer,thespeakersaid,thattheybelievedthattherewasagreat
spiritabove,anddesiredtoservehiminthebestmannertheycould.
Thattheythoughtofhimattheirrisingup,andlyingdownand
hopedhewouldlookuponthem,andbekindtothem,anddothem
good."Intheeveningseveralcametotheirlodging.Amongthese
wasonecalledNeolin,ayoungman,whousedforsometimepastto
speaktohisbrethren,theIndians,abouttheirwickedways.Hehad
takengreatpainswiththem,andsofarasMr.Beattycouldlearn,he
hadbeenthemeansofreforminganumberofthem.Hewas
informedbyacaptive,whohadbeenadoptedintoNeolin'sfamily,
thathefrequentlyusedtoboilaquantityofbitterroots,tillthewater
becameverystrongthathedrankplentifullyofthisliquor,andmade
hisfamilyandrelativesdrinkofit.Thatitprovedasevereemetic.
Theendofwhich,asNeolinsaid,wastocleansethemfromtheir
inwardsins."
Thefollowingisanaccountoftheireveningentertainmentat
Altasse,oneoftheCreektowns,intheyear1778.Thewriter,after
describingthecouncilhouse,wheretheIndiansmet,says,the
assemblybeingnowseatedinorder,andthehouseilluminatedby
theirmysticalcanefireinthemiddletwomiddleagedmencamein
together,eachhavingaverylargeconckshell,fullofblackdrink,
advancingwithslow,uniformandsteadysteps,theireyesand
countenancesliftedup,andsingingverylow,butsweetly,tillthey
camewitbinsixoreightstepsoftheking'sandwhitepeople'sseats,
when
ASTARINTHEWEST.261
theystopped,andeachrestedhisshellonalittletablebutsoon
takingitupagain,advanced,andeachpresentedhisshell,onetothe
king,andtheothertothechiefofthewhitepeopleandassoonas
heraisedittohismouth,theyutteredorsangtwonotes,eachof
whichcontinuedaslongashehadbreath,andaslongasthesenotes
continued,solongmustthepersondrink,oratleastkeeptheshellto
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hismouth.Theselongnotesareverysolemn,andatoncestrikethe
imaginationwithareligiousaweandhomagetotheSupremeBeing,
soundingsomewhatlikeahooojahandaluyah.Afterthis
mannerthewholeassemblyweretreated,aslongasthedrinkand
lightcontinuedtoholdout.Assoonasthedrinkbegan,tobaccoand
pipeswerebroughtin.Thekingorchiefsmoked,firstinthegreat
pipe,afewwhiffs,blowingitoffceremoniously,firsttowardsthe
sun,orasitisgenerallysupposed,tothegreatspirit,foritispuffed
upwardsnexttowardsthefourcardinalpointsthentowardsthe
whitepeopleinthehouse.Thenthegreatpipeistakenfromthe
handoftheking9andpresentedtothechiefwhiteman,andthento
thegreatwarchief,fromwhenceitiscirculatedthroughtheranksof
headmenandwarriorsandthenreturnedtothechief.Afterthis,
eaclionefilledhispipefromhisown,orhisneighbour'sponch.
Hereallclassesofcitizensresorteverynightinthesummeror
moderateseason.Thewomenandchildrenarcnotallowed,orvery
seldom,toenterthepublicsquare."
Inthissameyear,thesonoftheSpanisligovernorofSt.Augustine,
inEastFlorida,withtwoofhiscompanions,werebroughtin
prisoners,theybeingthenatwarwiththatprovince.Theywereall
condemnedtobeburned.TheEnglishtradersinthetownpetitioned
theIndiansintheirbehalf,expressing
262ASTARINTHEWEST.
theirwishestoobtaintheirpardon,offeringagreatransom,
acquaintingthematthesametimewiththeirrank.Uponthis,the
headmen,orchiefs,ofthewholenation,wereconvenedandafter
solemnandmaturedeliberation,returnedthetraderstheirfinal
answer,inthefollowingaddress:
Brothersandfriendswehavebeenconsideringuponthisbusiness
concerningthecaptives,andthatundertheeyeandfearofthegreat
spirit.Youknowthatthesepeopleareourcruelenemiestheysave
nolivesofusredmen,whofallintheirpower.Yousaythatthe
youthisthesonoftheSpanishgovernorwebelieveit.Wearesorry
thathehasfallenintoourhands,butheisourenemy.Thetwo
youngmen,hisfriends,areequallyourenemies.\Vearesorrytosee
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themhere.Butweknownodifferenceintheirfleshandblood.They
areequallyourenemies.Ifwesaveone,wemustsaveallthree.But
wecannotdothis.Theredmenrequiretheirbloodtoappeasethe
spiritsoftheirslainrelatives.Theyhaveentrusteduswiththe.
guardianshipofourlawsandrightswecannotbetraythem.
However,wehaveasacredprescriptionrelativetothisaffair,
whichallowsustoextendmercytoacertaindegree.Athirdistobe
savedbylot.Thegreatspiritallowsustoputittothatdecision.He
isnorespecterofpersons."Thelotswerecast.Thegovernor'sson
andoneofhisfriendsweretakenandburnt.
Thismustcertainlyappeartosomeastheactofbarbarians,buthow
farisitremovedfromthepracticeoftheJews,whentheyso
vociferouslycalledout,crucifyhim,crucifyhim?AndPilatesaid
yehaveacustomthatIshouldreleaseaprisonertoyouatthefeast,
buttheycriedmorebitterly,notthisman,butBarabbas.
ASTARINTHEWEST.263
AministerpreachingtoacongregationofChristianIndians*westof
theDelaware,observedastrangerIndian,listeningwithgreat
attention.Aftertheservice,theministerenquirêdwhohewas?It
appearedonenquiry,thathelivedthreehundredmilestothe
westwardthathehadjustarrivedandgavethisaccountofhimself."
Thathiselderbrotherlivinginhishouse,hadbeenmanydaysand
nightsingreatperplexity,wishingtolearntoknowthegreatspirit,
tillatlengthheresolvedtoretireintothewoods,supposingthathe
shouldsucceedbetterinastateofseparationfromallmankind.
Havingspentmanyweeksaloneingreataffliction,hethoughthe
sawamanofmajesticappearance,whoinformedhimthatthere
wereIndianslivingtothesoutheast,whowereacquaintedwiththe
greatspiritandthewaytoeverlastinglifeaddingthatheshouldgo
homeandtellhispeople,whathehadseenandheard.Forthis
reason,assoonasheheardhisbrotherspeak,hedeterminedto
travelinsearchofthepeoplehehaddescribed,tillhefoundthem
andsincehehadheardwhathadbeensaidthatday,thewordshad
beenwelcometohisheart."
AmissionarymadeajourneytotheShawanesecountry,themost
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savageoftheIndiannations.Hestoppedatthefirstvillagehecame
to,andlodgedwithoneofthechiefmen.Heinformedthechiefof
hisbusiness,andopenedsometruthsofthegospeltohimbymeans
ofaninterpreterwhoaccompaniedhim.Thechiefpaidgreat
attention,andaftersometimetoldhim,thathewasconvincedthat
themissionary'sdoctrinesweretrue,pointingouttherightroad.
ThattheShawanesehadbeenlongstrivingtofindoutthewayof
lifebutthathemustown,withregret,thatalltheir
264ASTARINTHEWEST.
labouraridresearcheshadbeeninvain.Thatthey,therefore,had
lostallcourage,notknowingwhattheyshoulddofurther,toobtain
happiness.Thechiefaccompaniedthemissionarytothenextvillage
andpersuadedhimtolodgewithaheathenteacher.Themissionary
thenpreachedtohim,andtoldhimthathehadbroughthimthe
wordsofeternallife.ThistheIn*diansaidwaswhattheywanted,
andtheywouldhearhimwithpleasure.Aftersomedays,the
heathenteachersaid,Ihavenotbeenabletosleepallnight,forIam
continuallymeditatinguponyourwords,andwillnowopentoyou
mywholeheart.Ibelievewhatyousayisthetruth.AyearagoI
becameconvinced,thatwearealtogethersinfulcreatures,andthat
noneofourgoodworkscansaveusbutIdidnotknowwhattodo
togetrelief.Ihavethereforealwayscomfortedmypeople,that
somebodywouldcomeandshewusthetruewaytohappiness,for
wearenotintherightway.Andevenbutthedaybeforeyoucame,I
desiredmypeopletohavealittlepatience,andthatsometeacher
wouldcertainlycome.Nowyouarecome,andIverilybelievethat
thegreatspirithassentyoutomakeknownhiswordtous."
MonsieurDeLapoterie,aFrenchauthor,speakingoftheCherokces
andothersouthernIndians,givesthisaccountofthem:"These
Indianslookupontheendoflife,tobelivinghappilyandforthis
purposetheirwholecustomsarecalculatedtopreventavarice,
whichtheythinkembitterslife.
Nothingisamoreseverereflectionamongthemthantosay,tJiata
manloveshisown.Topreventtheuseandpropagationofsucha
vice,uponthedeathofanIndian,theyburnallthatbelongstothe
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deceased*thattheremaybenotempta
ASTARINTHEWEST.265
tionfortheparenttohoardupasuperfluityofarmsordomestic
conveniencesforhischildren.Theycultivatenomorelandthanis
necessaryfortheirplentifulsubsistenceandhospitalitytostrangers.
Atthefeastofexpiation,theyalsoburnallthefruitsoftheearthand
grainleftofthepastyear'scrops*
Mr.Brainerdinformsus,thatataboutonehundredandthirtymiles
fromoursettlements,hemetwithanIndian,whowassaidtobea
devoutandzealousreformer.Hewasdressedinahideousand
terrifickmanner.Hehadahousecon*secratedtoreligious
purposes.Mr.BrainerddiscoursedwithhimaboutChristianity,and
someofthediscourseheseemedtolike,butsomeofithewholly
rejected*HesaidthatGodhadtaughthimhisreligion,andthathe
wouldneverturnfromitbutwantedtofindsomewhowould
heartilyjoinhiminit,fortheIndianshadgrownverydegenerate
andcorrupt.Hesaidhehadthoughtsofleavingallhisfriendsand
travellingabroadinordertofindsomewhowouldjoinwithhim,
forhebelievedthatthegreatspirithadgoodpeoplesomewhere,
whofeltashedid.Hesaidthathehadnotalwaysfeltashethendid,
buthadformerlybeenliketherestoftheIndians,untilaboutfouror
fiveyearsbeforethattime.Thenhesaid,thathisheartwasvery
muchdistressed,sothathecouldnotliveamongtheIndians,butgot
awayintothewoodsandlivedforsomemonths.Atlengthhesaid
thegreatspirithadcomfortedhisheartandshewedhimwhathe
shoulddoandsincethattimehehadknownthegreatspiritand
triedtoservehim,andlovedallmen,betheywhotheymay,soas
heneverdidbefore.HetreatedMr.Brainerdwithuncommon
courtesy,andseemedtobeheartyinit.
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266ASTARINTHEWEST.
TheotherIndianssaid,thathehadopposedtheirdrinkingstrong
liquorwithallhispowerandifatanytimehecouldnotdissuade
themfromit,hewouldleavethemandgocryingintothewoods.It
wasmanifestthathehadasetofreligiousnotionsofhisown,that
hehadlookedintoforhimself,andhadnottakenforgrantedupon
baretraditionandherelishedordisrelished*whateverwasspoken
ofareligiousnature,accordingasitagreedordisagreedwithhis
standard.Hewouldsometimessay,now,thatIlike,sothegreat
spirithastaughtme,&c.Someofhissentimentsseemedveryjust
yetheutterlydeniedtheexistenceofanevilspirit,anddeclared
therewasnosuchabeingknownamongtheIndiansofoldtimes,
whosereligionhesupposedhewasattemptingtorevive.Healso
saidthatdepartedsoulswentsouthward,andthatthedifference
betweenthegoodandbadwas,thattheformerwereadmittedintoa
beautifultownwithspiritualwalls,orwallsagreeablytothenature
ofsouls.Thelatterwouldforeverhoverroundthosewalls,andin
vainattempttogetin.Heseemedtobesincere,honestand
conscientiousinhisownway,andaccordingtohisownreligious
notions,whichwasmorethancouldbesaidofmostotherpagans
Mr.Brainerdhadseen.Hewasconsideredandderidedbytheother
Indiansasaprecisezealot,whomadeanunnecessarynoiseabout
religiousmatters,butinMr.Brainerd'sopinion,therewas
somethinginhistemperanddispositionthatlookedmoreliketrue
religion,thananythinghehadobservedamongotherheathen
Indians.
Smith,inhishistoryofNewJersey,givesthefollowingextractfrom
aletteronthissubject,fromanIndianinterpreter,thewellknown
ConradWiser145.
ASTARINTHEWEST.267
IwritethistogiveanaccountofwhatIhaveobservedamongstthe
Indians,inrelationtotheirbeliefandconfidenceinadivinebeing,
accordingtotheobservationsIhavemadefromtheyear1714,inthe
timeofmyyouthtothisday.Ifbythewordreligion,ismeantan
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assenttocertaincreeds,ortheobservationofasetofreligious
duties,asappointedprayers,singing,preaching,baptism,&c.or
evenheathenishworship,thenitmaybesaid,theFiveNationshave
noreligionbutifbyreligionwemean,anattractionofthesoulto
God,whenceproceedsaconfidenceinandanhungerafterthe
knowledgeofhim,thenthispeoplemustbeallowedtohavesome
religionamongthem,notwithstandingtheirsometimessavage
deportmentforwefindamongthemsometraitsofaconfidencein
Godalone,andevensometimes,thoughbutseldom,avocalcalling
uponhim.
Intheyear1737,IwassentforthefirsttimetoOnondago,atthe
desireofthegovernorofVirginia.Isatoutthelatterendof
February,forajourneyoffivehundredEnglishmiles,througha
wildernesswheretherewasneitherroadnorpaththerewerewith
meaDutchmanandthreeIndians."Hethengivesamostfearful
accountofthedistressestowhichtheyweredrivenparticularlyon
thesideofamountainwherethesnowwassohard,thattheywere
obligedtomakeholesinitwiththeirhatchetstoputtheirfeetin,to
keepthemfromslidingdownthemountain.AtlengthoneoftheIn
diansslippedandwentdownthemountain,butonhiswaywas
stoppedbythestringofhispackhitchingfasttoastumpofasmall
tree.Theywereobligedthentogodownintotheyalley,whenthey
lookedupandsawthatiftheIndianhadslippedfourorfivepaces
furtherhewouldhavefallenovera
268ASTARINTHEWEST.
rock,onehundredfeetperpendicular,uponcraggypiecesofrock
below.TheIndianwasastonishedandturnedquitepalethenwith
outstretchedarms,andgreatearnestness,spokethesewords,/thank
tliegreatLordandGovernorofthis'worldthatliehashadmercy
uponme,andhasbeenwittingthatIshouldlivelongerwhich
wordsIatthattimesatdowninmyjournal.Thishappenedonthe
25thMarch,1737."
Onthe9thAprilfollowing,hewasreducedsolowthathegaveup
allhopesofevergettingtohisjourney'send.Hesteppedasideand
satdownunderatree,expectingtheretodie.Hiscompanionssoon
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missedhimtheycamebackandfoundhimsittingthere."Itold
themthatIwouldgonofurther,butwoulddiethere."They
remainedsilentawhile,atlasttheoldIndiansaid,mydear
companion,thouhasthithertoencouragedus,wiltthounowquite
,giveup?RemembertJiatevildaysarebettertJiangooddays,for
whenwesiiffermuch,wedonotsinandsinwillbedroveoutofus
bysufferingbutgooddayscausementosin,andGodcannot
extendhismercytotJiem,butcontrarywise,whenitgoethevilwith
us,Godhathcompassiononus.ThesewordsmademeashamedI
roseupandtravelledonaswellasIcould."TwoyearsagoIwas
sentbythegovernortoShamoken,onaccountoftheunhappydeath
ofJohnArmstrong,"afterhehadperformedhiserrand,whichwas
tomakepeacebythepunishmentofthemurderer.TheIndians
madeagreatfeastforhimandaftertheyhaddone,thechief
addressedhispeople,andexhortedthemtothankfulnesstoGodthen
begantosingwithanawfulsolemnity,butwithoutexpressing
words,theothersaccompaniedhimwiththeirvoices.Afterthey
haddone,thesameIndian,withgreatearnestnesssaid,thanks!
thanks!be
ASTARINTHEWEST.269
tothee,thougreatLordoftheworld,inthatthouJiastagaincaused
thesuntoshineandhastdispersedthedarkcloud.TheIndiansare
thine."
TheoldkingOckanickon,whodiedin1681,inBurlington,New
Jersey,justbeforehisdeath,sentforhisbrother'sson,whomhehad
appointedtobekingafterhimheaddressedhimthus,"My
brother'sson,thisdayIdelivermyheartintoyourbosommindme.I
wouldhaveyoulovewhatisgood,andkeepgoodcompanyrefuse
whatisevil,andbyallmeansavoidbadcompany.""Brother'sson!I
wouldhaveyoucleanseyourears,thatyoumayhearbothgoodarid
evilandthenjoinwiththegoodandrefusetheevilandwhereyou
seeevil,donotjoinwithit,butjointothatwhichisgood.""
Brother'sson!Iadviseyoutobeplainandfair,withall,bothIndians
andChristians,asIhavebeen.Iamveryweak,otherwiseIwould
havespokenmore."Afterliestopped,Mr.Budd,oneofthe
proprietorsofWestJersey,saidtohim,"thereisagreatGod,who
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createdallthingsthathehadgivenmananunderstandingofwhat
wasgoodandbadandafterthisliferewardedthegoodwith
blessings,andthebadaccordingtotheirdoings."Theking
answered,"itisverytrue.Itisso.Therearetwoways,abroadand
astraightwaytJierearetwopatJis,abroadandastraightpaththe
worstandthegreatestnumbergointhebroad,thebestandfewest,
inthestraightpath."Smith'shistoryNewJersey,149.TheIndians
originallyshewedgreatintegrityintheirdealings,especiallywith
oneanother.
Col.Smithinformsusthatgoingahuntingtoaverygreatdistance,
andhavinggotmanyskinsandfursbytheway,
270ASTARINTHEWEST.
veryinconvenienttocarry,theystretchedthemonscaffoldsandleft
themtilltheirreturn.
Whentheyreturnedsomeconsiderabletimeafter,theyfoundtheir
skinsandfursallsafe.ThoughthiswasapublicplaceandIndians
oftenpassingandourskinshanginguptoview,yettherewerenone
stolen,anditisseldomthatIndiansdostealanythingfromone
anotherandtheysaytheyneverdid,untilthewhitepeoplecame
amongthem,andlearnedsomeofthemtolie,cheatandsteal."Page
42.
Hefurtherinformsusthatbeinginthewoodsinthemonthof
February,therefellasnowandthencameaseverefrostthatwhen
theywalkedcausedthemtomakeanoisebybreakingthroughthe
crust,andsofrightenedthedeerthattheycouldgetnothingtoeat.
Hehuntedtwodayswithoutfood,andthenreturnedfatigued,faint
andweary.Herelatedhiswantofsuccess.Tontileaugoaskedhimif
hewasnothungryhesaidhewasheorderedhislittlesontobring
himsomethingtoeat.Hebroughthimakettlewithsomebonesand
broth,madefromthoseofafoxandwildcatthattheravensand
turkeybuzzardshadpicked,andwhichlayaboutthecamp.He
speedilyfinishedhisrepastandwasgreatlyrefreshed.Tontileaugo
gavehimapipeandtobaccoandwhenhehaddonesmoking,he
saidthathehadsomethingofimportancetotellhimSmithsaidhe
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wasreadytohear,Hesaidhehaddeferredhisspeech,becausefew
menwereinarighthumortoheargoodtalkwhentheyare
extremelyhungry,astheyarethengenerallyfretfuland
discomposedbutasyouappearnowtoenjoycalmnessandserenity
ofmind,Iwillnowcommunicatethethoughtsofmyheart,and
thosethingswhichIknowtobetrue.Brother!Asyouhave
ASTARINTHEWEST.271
livedwiththewhitepeople,youhavenothadthesameadvantage
ofknowingthatthegreatbeingabove,feedshispeopleandgives
themtheirmeatindueseason,asweIndianshave,whoare
frequentlyoutofprovisions,andyetarewonderfullysupplied,and
thatsofrequently,thatitisevidentlythehandofthe^reat
Owaneeyo,(thisintheirlanguagesignifiestheownerandrulerof
allthings)thatdoeththis.Whereasthewhitepeoplehavelarge
stocksoftamecattlethattheycankillwhentheyplease,andalso
theirbarnsandcrihsfilledwithgrain,andthereforehavenotthe
sameopportunityofseeingandknowingthattheyaresupportedby
therulerofheavenandearth.Brother!Iknowthatyouarenow
afraidthatwewillallperishwithhungerbutyouhavenojust
reasontofearthis.Brother!Ihavebeenyoungbutamnowold!I
havefrequentlybeenunderthelikecircumstancesthatwenoware,
andthat,sometimeorother,inalmosteveryyearofmylifeyetI
havehithertobeensupportedandmywantssuppliedintimesof
need.Brother!Owaneeyo!sometimessuffersustobeinwant,in
ordertoteachusourdependanceuponhim,andtoletusknowthat
wearetoloveandservehim$andlikewisetoknowtheworthof
thefavoursthatwereceiveandtomakeusmorethankful."Wasnot
thisoneofthegreatendsdesignedbyagraciousGod,inleadingthe
IsraelitesthroughthewildernessforfortyyearsvideLowth'sIsaiah,
xli.17,&e.vide2DuPratz,172,foraccountofgreatspirit."
Brother!beassuredthatyouwillbesuppliedwithfoodandthatjust
intherighttimebutyoumustcontinuediligentintheuseofmeans
gotosleepandriseearlyinthemorningandgoahuntingbestrong
andexertyourselflikeaman,andthegreatspiritwilldirect
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272ASTARINTHEWEST.
yourway."Thenextmorning,Smithroseearlyandsetoff.He
travelledneartwelvemilesandwasjustdespairing*whenhecame
acrossaherdofbuffaloesandkilledalargecow*Heloadedhimself
withthebeef,andreturnedtohiscampandfoundhispatron,latein
theeveningingoodspiritsandhumor.TheoldIndianthankedhim
forhisexertionandcommandedhissontocookitwhichhedid,but
eatingsomehimselfalmostraw.Theyputsomeontoboilând
whenSmithwashurryingtotakeitoffhispatroncalmlysaid,letit
bedoneenough,asifhehadnotwantedameal.Hepreventedhis
sonfromeatingbutalittleatatime,sayingitwouldhurthim,but
thathemightsupafewspoonsfulofthebroth.Whentheywereall
refreshed,Tontileaugodeliveredaspeechuponthenecessityand
pleasureofreceivingthenecessarysupportsoflifewith
thankfulness,knowingthatOwaneeyoisthegreatgiver.Sometime
aftertheysetoffforhome,Tontileaugoonthewray,madehimself
asweathouseandwentintoit,andputhimselfinamostviolent
perspirationforaboutfifteenminutes,singingaloud.Thishedidin
ordertopurifyhimselfbeforehewouldaddresstheSupremeBeing.
HethenbegantoburntobaccoandtoprayHebeganeachpetition
withOh!Oh!Oh!Oh!Hebeganhisaddressinthefollowing
manner.
Ogreatbeing!IthanktheethatIhaveobtainedtheuseofmylegs
again(hehadbeenillwiththerheumatism)thatIamnowableto
walkaboutandkillturkeys,&c.withoutfeelingexquisitepainand
misery.Iknowthatthouartahearerandahelper,andthereforeI
willcalluponthee.Oh,Oh,Oh,Oh!grantthatmykneesandankles
mayberightwell,andthatImaybeablenotonlytowalk,buttorun
and
ASTARINTHEWEST.273
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tojumplogs,asIdidlastfall.Oh!Oh!Oh!Oh!grantthatonthis
voyagewemayfrequentlykillhears,astheymaybecrossingthe
SeiotaandSandusky.Oh!Oh!Oh!Oh!grantthatrainmaycometo
raisetheOllentangyabouttwoorthreefeet,thatwemaycrossin
safetydowntoSciota>withoutdangerofourcanoebeingwrecked
ontherocks.Andnow,Ogreatbeing!tliouknowesthowmatters
standthouknowestthatIamagreatloveroftobacco,thoughIknow
notwhenImaygetanymore,InowmakeapresentofthelastI
haveuntothee,asafreeburntofferingthereforeIexpectthouwilt
hearandgranttheserequests,andIthyservantwillreturnthee
thanksandlovetheeforthygifts."
DuringthistimeSmithwasgreatlyaffectedwithhisprayers,until
hecametotheburningofthetobacco,aridasheknewthathis
patronwasagreatloverofit,whenhesawhimcastthelastofit
intothefire,itexcitedinhimakindofmeriinent,andheinsensibly
smiled.TiieIndianobservedhimlaughing,whichdispleasedhim
andoccasionedthefollowingaddress"Brother!Ihavesomewhatto
saytoyouandIhopeyouwillnotbeoffended,whenItellyouof
yourfaults.Youknowthatwhenyouwerereadingyourbooksin
town,Iwouldnotlettheboysoranyonedisturbyoubutnow
WhenIwaspraying,Isawyoulaughing.Idonotthinkthatyou
lookuponprayingasafoolishthing.Ibelieveyouprayyourself.
Butperhapsyoumaythinkmymodeormannerofpraying,foolish.
Ifsoyououghtinafriendlymannertoinstructme,andnotmake
sportofsacredthings."
Smithacknowledgedhiserror.OnthistheIndianhandedhimhis
pipetosmokeintokenoffriendship*thoughhehadnothingto
smokebutredwillowbark.Smiththentoldhim
274ASTARINTHEWEST.
somethingofthemethodofreconciliationwithanoffendedGod,as
revealedinhisbible,thathehadwithhim.TheIndiansaid,"that
lielikedthatstorybetterthanthatoftheFrenchpriest'sbutthatlie
thoughthewasnowtoooldtobegintolearnanewreligionlie
shouldthereforecontinuetoworshipGodinthewaythathehad
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beentaught,andthatiffuturehappinesswastobehadinhiswayof
worship,heexpectedhewouldobtainitandifitwasinconsistent
withthehonorofthegreatspirittoacceptofhiminhisownwayof
worship,hehopedthatOwaneeyowouldacceptofhimintheway
Smithhadmentioned,orinsomeotherway,thoughhemightnow
beignorantofthechannelthroughwhichfavourOFmercymightbe
conveyed.Page54,55.Headded,thathebelievedthatOwaneeyo
wouldhearandhelpeveryonewhosincerelywaiteduponhim.
Herewesee,notwithstandingthejustviewsthisIndianentertained
ofProvidence,yetthoughheacknowledgedhisguilt,heexpectedto
appeasethedeityandprocurehisfavourbyburningalittletobacco.
ThustheIndianagreedwithrevelationinthis,thatsacrificeis
necessary,orthatsomekindofatonementistobemadeinorderto
removeguiltandreconcilethesinnertoGod.This,accompanied
withnumberlessotherwitnesses,issufficientevidenceofthetruth
ofthescriptures.
AtanothertimeTontileaugoinformedhimthattherewereagreat
manyoftheCaughnawagasandWiandots,akindofh.ilfRoman
Catholicsbutasforhimself,hesaid,thatthepriestandhecould
notagreeasthepriestheldnotionsthatcontradictedbothsenseand
reason$andhadtheassurancetotellhim,tluitthebookofGod
taughtthemthosefoolish
ASTARINTHEWEST.275
absurditiesbuthecouldnotbelievethegreatandgoodspiritever
taughtthemanysuchnonsense.Andthereforeheconcludedthatthe
Indian'soldreligionwasbetterthanthisnewwayofworshipping
God.
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276ASTARINTHEWEST.
[Thispageisblank]
ASTARINTHEWEST.277
CHAPTERXI.
SeparationoftheIndianWoman,
THElastremarkablefacttobementionedis,theconstantpracticeof
theIndiannations,intheseparationoftheirwomen,oncertain
occasions.
ThesouthernIndiansobligetheirwomen,intheirlunarretreats,to
buildsmallhuts,ataconsiderabledistancefromtheirdwelling
houses,astheyimaginetobesufficient,wheretheyarcobligedto
stay,attherisqueoftheirlives.Shouldtheybeknowntoviolatethis
ancientlaw,theymustanswerforeverymisfortunethatthepeople
shouldmeetwith.
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AmongtheIndiansonthenorthwestoftheOhio,theconductofthe
womenseemsperfectlyagreeable(asfarascircumstanceswill
permit)tothelawofMoses.
Ayoungwoman,atthefirstchangeinhercircumstances,
immediatelyseparatesherselffromtherest,inahutmadeatsome
distancefromthedwellinghouses,andremainsthere,duringthe
wholetimeofhermalady,orsevendays.Thepersonwhobringsher
victuals,isverycarefulnottotouchher,andsocautiousisshe
herselfoftouchingherownfoodwithherhands,thatshemakesuse
ofasharpenedstick,insteadofafork,withwhichtotakeupher
venison,andasmallladleorspoonforherotherfood.Whenthe
sevendaysareended,shebathesherselfinwater,washesallher
clothesandcleansesthevesselsshehasmadeuseof.Suchasare
278ASTARINTHEWEST.
madeofwood,shescaldsandcleanswithlyemadeofwoodashes,
andsuchasaremadeofearthoriron,shepurifiesbyputtingintothe
fire.Shethenreturnstoherfather'shouseandisafterthislooked
uponfitformarriagebutnotbefore.
AMuskoghewoman,deliveredofachild,isseparatedinlike
mannerforthreemoons,oreightyfourdays.Crossweeksung(the
onceIndiantowninNewJersey,)signifies,thehouseofseparation.
BytheLeviticalLaw,awomanwastobeseparatedandunclean
fortydaysforamanchild,andeightydaysforafemalechildfrom
whichlawaloneitappearsthattheIndianscouldhaveadoptedthis
extraordinarycustom,astheymusthavedonealltheirnumerous
lawsofpurityandmoreespeciallyassomeofthenationsobserve
thelikedistinctionbetweenmaleandfemalechildren.
Theyoungwomen,atourpeople'sfirstcomingamongthemwere
verymodestandshamefacedbothyoungandoldwomenwould
behighlyoffendedatindecentexpressions,unlesscorruptedby
drink:Theywereveryneatandcleanlyexceptinsomeinstances
whentheyneglectedthemselves.Smith138.
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2/1/2015
ASTARINTHEWEST.279
CHAPTERXII.
TheConclusion
HAVINGthusgonethroughwithacollectionoffacts,thathastaken
muchtime,greatattentionandstrictenquiry,inordertopreventthe
writerfrombeingdeceivedhimselforhisbeingtheinnocentcause
ofdeceivingothersheisnowbroughttodrawsomeconclusions
fromthewholetakentogether.Onasubjectlikethis,wherethereis
somuchtohope,andsomuchtofear,hewouldusegreatmodesty
anddiffidence.Hewouldavoidalldogmaticalassertions,or
unreasonableconfidenceinanythingthathehascollected,orany
observationshehasmade,asheconsidersthisasubjectforthe
exerciseofwisdom,research,enquiryandmaturereflection.But
nevertheless,whileheuseseverynecessaryprecaution,andwishes
perfectfreedomofinquiryonthebestevidence,yetheearnestly
solicitsthereadertokeepinmindthathisprincipaldesign,inthese
hislabours,hasbeentoinviteandtemptthelearnedandthe
industrious,asfarastheycanobtainopportunities,toenquire
furtherintothisimportantandusefulsubject.Whatcouldpossibly
bringgreaterdeclarativeglorytoGod,ortendmoreessentiallyto
affectandrousethenationsoftheearth,withadeepersenseofthe
certaintyofthepropheticdeclarationsoftheholyscriptures,and
thuscalltheirattentiontothetruthofdivinerevelation,
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280ASTARINTHEWEST.
thanafulldiscovery,thatthesewanderingnationsofIndiansarethe
longlosttribesofIsraelbutkeptunderthespecialprotectionof
AlmightyGod,thoughdespisedbyallmankind,formorethantwo
thousandyears,separatedfromandunknowntothecivilizedworld?
Thuswonderfullybroughttotheknowledgeoftheirfellowmen,
theymaybemiraculouslypreparedforinstruction,andstandready,
attheappointedtime,whenGodshallraisethesignaltothenations
ofEurope,toberestoredtothelandandcountryoftheirfathers,and
toMountZionthecityofDavid,theirgreatkingandhead,andthis
indirect,positiveandliteralfulfillmentofthenumerouspromisesof
theGodofAbraham,IsaacandJacob,theirpiousprogenitorsand
founders,nearfourthousandyearsago.
Wouldnotsuchaneventbethemostamplemeanofpublishingthe
allimportantfactsofboththeOldandNewTestamenttoallthe
nationsoftheearth,andtherebyleadallmentothe
acknowledgment,thattheGodofIsrael,isaGodoftruthand
righteousness,andthatwhomheloves,helovesuntotheend?They
wouldbeconvincedthathisallseeingeyehadbeenopenuponthem
inalltheirwanderingsunderalltheirsuffering,andthathehad
neverforsakenthem,buthadshownhiswatchfulprovidenceover
them,andthatinthelatterday,"itshallcometopass,thatthe
mountainoftheLord'shouseshallbeestablishedinthetopofthe
mountains,andshallbeexaltedabovethehillsandallnationsshall
flowuntoit.Andmanypeopleshallgoandsay,comeye,letusgo
uptothemountainoftheLordtothehouseoftheGodofJacob
andhewillteachusofhisways,andwewillwalkinhispaths:for
outofZionshallgoforththelaw,andthewordoftheLordfrom
Jerusalem."Isaiahii.chap.1,3.
ASTARINTHEWEST.281
St.Paulcertainlyentertainedsomesuchviewsofthisextraordinary
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event,whenhesopatheticallysetsforththisgloriousissueofthe
providenceofGod.SpeakingofIsrael,"Isaythen,havethey
stumbled,thattheyshouldfall?Godforbid,butrather,throughtheir
fall,salvationiscomeuntothegentilestoprovokethemtojealousy.
Nowifthefallofthembetherichesoftheworld,andthe
diminishingofthem,therichesofthegentiles,howmuchmoretheir
fulness.Forifthecastingawayofthem,bethereconcilingofthe
world,whatshallthereceivingofthembe,butlifefromthedead.''*
Thewriterwillnotdeterminewithanydegreeofpositivenessonthe
fact,thattheseaboriginesofourcountryare,pastalldoubt,the
descendantsofJacob,ashewishestoleaveeverymantodrawthe
conclusionfromthefactsthemselves.Buthethinkshemaywithout
impeachmentofhisintegrityorprudence,oranychargeofover
credulity,say,thatwereapeopletobefound,withdemonstrative
evidencethattheirdescentwasfromJacob,itcouldhardlybe
expected,atthistime,thattheirlanguages,manners,customsand
habits,withtheirreligiousrites,shoulddiscovergreatersimilarityto
thoseoftheancientJewsandoftheirdivinelaw,without
supernaturalrevelation,orsomemiraculousinterposition,thanthe
presentnationsofAmericanIndianshavedone,andstilldo,toevery
industriousandintelligentenquirer.
Thisnotthefirsttime,thattheideahasbeenadvanced,ofthe
possibilityofthesetribesemigratingtoAmerica,overthestraitsof
Kamschatka,andpreservingtheindeliblemarksofthechildrenof
Abraham,ashasbeenalreadyshewninthe
__________
*Rom.chap.xi.11,15.
282ASTARINTHEWEST.
foregoingpages.Inadditiontowhich,manyofthefirstEuropean
visitants,inaveryearlyday,drewthisconclusionfrompersonal
observation,ofthethenappearanceofthingsandpersons.Mons.De
Guignes,whowrotesolongago,inoneofhismemoirs,speakingof
thediscoveriesmadeofAmerica,beforethetimeofColumbus,
says,"theseresearches,whichofthemselvesgiveusgreatinsight
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intotheoriginoftheAmericans,leadstothedeterminationofthe
routeofthecoloniessenttothecontinent.Hethinksthegreaterpart
ofthempassedthitherbythemosteasternextremitiesofAsia,
wherethetwocontinentsareonlyseparatedbyanarrowstrait,easy
tocross.Hereportsinstancesofwomen,whofromCanadaand
FloridahavetravelledtoTartarywithoutseeingtheocean."Inthis
casetheymusthavepassedthestraitsontheice.
Lettheforegoingfacts,collectedinthesepages,however
imperfectlyandimmethodicallyputtogetherbyonewhosemeansof
knowledgehavebeenveryscanty,beimpartiallyexaminedwithout
prejudice,andweighedinthescaleoftestimony,comparedwiththe
language,customs,manners,habits,religiousprejudicesandspecial
traditionsoftheHebrews,especiallyundertheimpressionoftheir
beingrelatedandconfirmedbysomanyauthors,separatedbybirth,
nationalmanners,distanceoftime,strongprejudices,religious
jealousies,variousmeansofknowledgeanddifferentmodesof
communication,thefacts,fromChristopherColumbus,ofglorious
memory,andfirstdiscovererofAmerica,downtoMr.Adair,who
livedwiththeminsocialintercourseandgreatintimacyformore
thanfortyyears,andMr.M'Kenzie,travellerofalateday,butthe
firstwhocrossedfromtheAtlantictothe
ASTARINTHEWEST.283
southernoceanPortuguese,Spaniards,English,French,Jewand
Christian,menoflearningplain,illiteratetravellersandseafaring
men,allallcombiningwithoutacquaintanceorknowledgeof
eachother,toestablishthematerialfacts,suchastheyare.Isit
possiblethatthelanguagesofsomanyhundrednationsofapparent
savages,scatteredoveraterritoryofsomethousandsofmilesin
extent,livingexcludedfromallcivilizedsociety,withoutgrammar,
letters,artsorsciences,fortwothousandyears,should,bymere
accident,besoremarkableforpeculiarities,knowninnoother
language,buttheHebrewusingthesamewordstosignifythe
samethingshavingtownsandplacesofthesamename?
AgentlemanofthefirstcharacterofthecityofNewYork,well
acquaintedwiththeIndiansinthatstatefromhischildhood,assured
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2/1/2015
thewriterofthis,thatwhenwiththemataplacecalledCohockor
Owlflat,nowdegeneratedtoCookhouse,,yetwellknown,they
shewedhimamountaintothewest,veryhigh,andthatappeared
fromCohockmuchastheNeversinksdofromthesea,atfirst
approachingtheAmericancoast,andtoldhimtheIndianscalledit
Ararat.
Istherenoweightofevidence,infindingpeculiarcustomsamong
theIndians,ofthesameimportasthoseenjoinedontheancient
peopleofGod,andheldsacredbyboth?Orineachpeoplehaving
threesacredfeasts,religiouslyattendedeveryyear,withpeculiar
andsimilarritesanddress,towhichthemalesonlyshouldbe
admitted,andtheseheldatcertainperiodsandatonespecialplace
ofworshipinanation,andconforming,withastonishingprecision,
toeachotherwhilethewomenwerewhollyexcludedbyboth
people,andparticularlythatconnectedwithoneofthem,each
peopleshould
284ASTARINTHEWEST.
haveanotherofaverysingularandextraordinarynatureinthe
evening,beinginpartasacrifice,inwhichnotaboneoftheanimal,
providedfortheoccasion,shouldbebroken,noracertainpartofthe
thigheatenthatifafamilywerenotsufficienttoeatthewhole,a
neighbormightbecalledintopartakewiththemandifanyshould
bestillleftitmustreligiouslybeburnedinthefirebeforetherising
ofthenextsun.Thattheirhousesandtemple,atoneofthesefeasts,
wetobesweptwiththegreatestcare,andsearchedineverypart,
withreligiousscrupulosity,thatnounhallowedthingshouldremain
unconsumedbyfire.Andthatthealtarsforthesacrificesweretobe
builtofunhewenstone,oronstonesonwhichatoolhadnotbeen
sufferedtocome.Thattheentrailsandfatofthesacrifice,wereto
beburnedonthealtar,andthebodyoftheanimalonlytobeeaten?
WhenallthesearecomparedwiththeHebrewdivinelaw,givenby
Godhimselffromheaven,wefindeveryarticlerigidlycommanded
andenforcedbysovereignauthority.
Thenexaminetheirotherreligiousfeastsofdifferentkinds,and
reflectontheirconformity,inasurprisingmanner,intimes,causes
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andeffects,totheHebrewritesandceremonies,andwhatrational
man,ofsoundjudgment,butmust,atleastacknowledge,thatthere
isgreatencouragementtotheinquisitivemind,toproceedfarther,
andmakethesepeoplethesubjectofattentiveandunwearied
inquiry.Addtoallthis,theirgeneralappearancetheircustoms
andmannersinprivatelifetheircommunionwitheachother
theirceremoniesandpracticesinsocietytheircommonreligious
andmoralobservationstheirbeliefinafuturestatetheir
religiousobservationofthemostsacredrespecttoanarkin
ASTARINTHEWEST.285
goingtowar,andeventheircrueltiesandbarbarouscustomsinthe
treatmentoftheirenemies,andoughttheynottobeincludedinthe
enumeration.
Thestrongbearingsthatmanyoftheforegoingtraditionshaveon
theiroriginanddescenttheirmannerofcomingintothiscountry
andtheirfutureexpectations,beingsoverysimilartotheexperience
oftheJewsintheirexodusfromEgypt,shouldnotbeleftoutofthe
scaleoftestimony.
Canitbeprobablenay,ifwejudgefrompastexperience,maywe
notaskwithpropriety,canitbepossible,unlessamiracleis
acknowledged,thatsomanyIndianwordsshouldbepurelyHebrew,
andtheconstructionofwhatlittleweknowoftheirlanguages,
foundedonthesameprinciples,ifthereneverhadbeenany
intercommunionbetweenthetwopeople?
Therecanbebutlittledoubt,weretheirlanguagewellknowntothe
learnedinEuropeandAmerica,butthatmanymoreimportant
discoveriesmightbemade,convincingtoeveryjudiciousmind,that
nowlieinutteroblivion.
Letitnowbeasked
What,then,istheusethatshouldbemadeofthefactsthatarethus
broughttolight,partuialastheyare?Itisanswered.
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OughtnotthenationsofEuropeandAmericatomakeasolemn
pause,andconsidertheJews,"nowscatteredandpeeled,and
expectingtheirMessiah,"tousethephraseologyofthebible,ina
verydifferentpointoflight,fromthatinwhichithasbeen
customarytoconsiderthem?Thishasbeendarkindeed.Theyhave
beentreatedbythecivilizednationsastheoffscouringoftheearth
despised,contemnedandpersecutedabused,reviled,andcharged
withthemostabominablecrimes,withoutevidence,unheard,and
contrarytoall
286ASTARINTHEWEST.
probability.Nay,theyhavebeentreatedlikethewildbeastsofthe
foresthavebeenproscribed,banished,murdered,ordrivenfrom
onenationtoanother,butfoundsafetyinnone.Itisassertedbythe
bestwriters,thatafterthedestructionofJerusalem,inthetimeof
Domition,multitudesofJewswhohadsurvivedthesadcatastrophe
ofthedestructionoftheircityandtemple,soughtanasylumin
variouspartsoftheworld.ManyretiredintoEgypt,whereaJewish
colonyhadresidedfromthetimeofAlexanderothersfledto
CyrenealargenumberremovedtoBablyon,andjoinedtheir
brethren,whohadremainedinthatcountryeversincethecaptivity
sometookrefugeinPersia,andothereasterncountries.They
becamedividedintoeasternandwesternJews.Thewesternincluded
Egypt,Judea,Italy,andotherpartsoftheRomanempire.The
easternweresettledinBabylon,Chaldea,AssyriaandPersia.This
wasaboutthesecondcenturybutprevioustothedestructionofthe
temple,thoseJewswhoresidedintheeasterncountries,sent
presentstoJerusalemrepairedthitherfromtimetotimetopaytheir
devotions,andacknowledgethesupremeauthorityofthehigh
priest.Butaftertheruinoftheircountry,havingnolongeranybond
ofunity,whichhadbeforebeenformedbythehighpriestsandthe
temple,theyelevatedchiefstopresideoverthem,whomtheystyled
princesofthecaptivity.Mod.Univ.Hist.vol.13,page156.
Intheyear130,Adrian,theRomanemperor,havingprovokedthe
Jewsalmosttomadnessanddesperation,theytookarms,headedby
oneCoziba,whotookthenameofBarChochebas,whichsignifies
thesonofthestar,pretendingtobetheoneprophesiedofinthe
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declarationofBalaam,"thereshall
ASTARINTHEWEST.287
comeastaroutofJacob,"&c.Aftervariousandgreatsuccesses,he
wasdefeatedandkilled,andthetownofBither,wherehehadtaken
refuge,obligedtosurrender.Therewereslaininbattlefivehundred
andeightythousand,besidesavastnumberwhoperishedby
sickness,fire,famine,andothercalamities.Vastnumberswere
exposedtosaleatthefairofTerebinth,atthepriceofhorses,and
dispersedoverthefaceoftheearth.
Intheyear1039,thesultanGalaDoullat,resolvedtoextirpatethe
Jews.Forthispurposeheshutuptheiracademies,banishedtheir
professors,andslewtheprinceofthecaptivity,withhisfamily.The
persecutiondispersedmanyintothedesartsofArabia,whilstothers
soughtanasyluminthewest.BenjaminofTudela,foundaprinceof
thecaptivityinPersia,inthetwelfthcentury.
InthetimeoftheCrusaders,fifteenhundredwereburntat
Strasburgh,andthirteenhundredatMayence.Accordingtothe
Jewishhistorians,fivethousand,(butaccordingtothechristian
writers,thenumberwasthreetimesgreater)wereeitherslaughtered
ordrowned.
Itisalsosaid,thatupwardsoftwelvethousandwereslainin
Batavia.Intheyear1238,duringthereignofSt.Louis,ofFrance,
twothousandfivehundredwereputtodeathbythemostcruel
tortures.
In1240,thecelebratedcouncilofLyonspassedadecree,enjoining
allchristianprinceswhohadJewsintheirdominions,underpenalty
ofexcommunication,tocompelthemtorefundtothecrusadersall
themoneytheyhadobtainedbyusury.Thisoppressedpeoplewere
alsoprohibitedfromdemandingdebtsduetothemfromthe
crusaderstilltheirreturn.
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InthetimeofFerdinand,ofSpain,andPopeSixtus,thefourth,two
thousandwereputtodeathbytheInquisition.In1192,Ferdinand
andIsabellabanishedeighthundredthousandJewsfromSpain.
In1349,asetofenthusiasticCatholics,calledFlagellanti,incensed
thepopulaceagainsttheJewsatMetz,andslewtwelvethousandof
themsetfiretotheirhouses,whichweredestroyed,withpartof
thetown.Basnage,686.
Butasitmaytendtogreatercertainty,andreallysofullyconfirms
whatissuggestedinholywrit,thefollowingquotationfroma
Jewishauthor,complainingoftheirhardtreatment,thoughlong,
willbeexcused.Itistakenfromaworkentitled"AnAppealtothe
justiceofkingsandnations,"citedinthetransactionsoftheParisian
Sanhedrim,page64,andmentionedbyMr.Faberinhisworkonthe
prophecies.Vol.iii,55,58.
"Soonaftertheestablishmentofchristianity,theJewishnation,
dispersedsincetheseconddestructionofitstemple,hadtotally
disappeared.Bythelightoftheflames,whichdevouredthe
monumentsofitsancientsplendour,theconquerorsbeheldamillion
ofvictimsdead,orexpiringontheirruins.
"Thehatredoftheenemiesofthatunfortunatenationragedlonger
thanthefirewhichhadconsumeditstemple:activeandrelentless,it
stillpursuesandoppressesthemineverypartoftheglobe,over
whichtheyarescattered.Theirpersecutorsdelightintheirtorments
toomuchtosealtheirdoombyageneraldecreeofproscription,
whichatoncewouldputanendtotheirburthensomeandpainful
existence.Itseemsasiftheywereallowedtosurvivethedestruction
of
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ASTARINTHEWEST.289
theircountry,onlytoseethemostodiousandcalumnious
imputationslaidtotheircharge,tostandastheconstantobjectofthe
grossestandmostshockinginjustice,asamarkfortheinsulting
fingerofscorn,asasporttothemostinveteratehatreditseemsasif
theirdoomwasincessantlytosuitallthedarkandbloodypurposes
whichcanbesuggestedbyhumanmalignity,supportedby
ignoranceandfanaticism.Weigheddownbytaxes,andforcedto
contribute,morethanchristians,forthesupportofsociety,theyhad
hardlyanyoftherightsthatitgives.Ifadestructivescourge
happenedtospreadhavocamongtheinhabitantsofacountry,the
Jewshadpoisonedthespringsorthesemencursedbyheaven,had,
nevertheless,incenseditbytheirprayersagainstthenation,which
theyweresupposedtohate.Didsovereignswantpecuniary
assistancetocarryontheirwars?TheJewswerecompelledtogive
allthoserichesinwhichtheysoughtsomeconsolationagainstthe
oppressingsenseoftheirabjectcondition:asarewardfortheir
sacrifices,theywereexpelledfromthestate,whichtheyhad
supportedandwereafterwardsrecalledtobestriptagain.
Compelledtowearexteriorilythebadgesoftheirabjectstate,they
wereeverywhereexposedtotheinsultsofthevilestpopulace.
"When,fromhissolitaryretreat,anenthusiastichermitpreachedthe
crusadestothenationsofEurope,andapartofitsinhabitantsleft
theircountrytomoistenwiththeirbloodtheplainsofPalestine,the
knellofpromiscuousmassacretolledbeforethealarmbellofwar.
MillionsofJewswerethenmurderedtoglutthepiousrageofthe
crusaders.Itwasbytearingtheentrailsoftheirbrethrenthatthese
warriorssoughttodeservetheprotectionofheaven.Skullsofmen
290ASTARINTHEWEST.
andbleedingheartswereofferedasholocaustsonthealtarsofthat
God,whohasnopleasureeveninthebloodoftheinnocentlamb
andministersofpeacewerethrownintoanholyenthusiasmby
thosebloodysacrifices.ItisthusthatBasil,Treves,Coblentzand
Cologn,becamehumanshambles.Itisthusthatupwardsoffour
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hundredthousandvictims,ofallages,andofbothsexes,losttheir
livesatAlexandriaandCesaria.Andisit,afterhavingexperienced
suchtreatment,thattheyarereproachedwiththeirvices?Isit,after
beingforeighteencenturiesthesportofcontempt,thattheyare
reproachedwithbeingnolongeralivetoit?Isit,afterhavingso
oftengluttedwiththeirbloodthethirstoftheirpersecutors,thatthey
areheldoutasenemiestoothernations?Isit,thatwhentheyhave
beenbereftofallmeanstomollifytheheartsoftheirtyrants,that
indignationisroused,ifnowandthentheycastamournfullook
towardstheruinsoftheirtemple,towardstheircountry,where
formerlyhappinesscrownedtheirpeacefuldays,freefromthecares
ofambitionandriches?"
"Bywhatcrimes,havewe,then,deservedthisfuriousintolerance?
Whatisourguilt?Isitthatgenerousconstancywhichwehave
manifestedindefendingthelawsofourfathers?Butthisconstancy
oughttohaveentitledustotheadmirationofallnations,andithas
onlysharpenedagainstusthedaggersofpersecution.Bravingall
kindsoftorments,thepangsofdeath,thestillmoreterriblepangsof
life,wealonehavewithstoodtheimpetuoustorrentoftime,
sweepingindiscriminatelyinitscourse,nations,religionsand
countries.Whatisbecomeofthosecelebratedempires,whosevery
namestillexcitesouradmirationbytheideasofsplendidgreatness
ASTARINTHEWEST.291
attachedtothem,andwhosepowerembracedthewholesurfaceof
theknownglobe?Theyareonlyrememberedasmonumentsofthe
vanityofhumangreatness.RomeandGreecearenomoretheir
traditions,mixedwithothernations,havelosteventhetracesof
theiroriginwhileapopulationofafewmillionsofmen,sooften
subjugated,standsthetestofthirtyrevolvingcenturies,andthefiery
ordealoffifteencenturiesofpersecution!Westillpreservelaws,
whichweregiventousinthefirstdaysoftheworld,intheinfancy
ofnature!Thelastfollowersofareligionwhichhadembracedthe
universe,havedisappearedthesefifteencenturies,andourtemples
arestillstanding!Wealonehavebeensparedbythe
indiscriminatinghandoftime,likeacolemnleftstandingamidstthe
wreckofworldsandtheruinofnature."
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Whilethispicturegivesanotherawfultraitofthehumancharacter*
andprovesthedegeneratestateofmaninhisbestnaturalstate,and
interestseveryfeelingheartinthesufferingsofthisremarkable
people.Italsoholdsup,inastrikingview,thethreateningsofGod's
wordandtheliteralfulfilmentofthem.Itfurthershews,inthe
mostunanswerablemanner,theJewsthemselvesbeingboth
witnessesandjudges,thetruthofdivinescriptures,andtheirstrange
blindness,untiltheendshallcome,andtheveilshallbetakenfrom
theireyes.
Christiansareassuredbyunerringtruth,thatithasbeenthe
obstinacyandidolatryofthetribesofJudahandIsrael,thathave
causedtheangeroftheAlmightytobeenkindled
__________
*HadtheIndiansafaithfulhistoriantowriteintheirbehalf,whentheir
crueltiesinbattlewererecordedintheirworstcolours,mighttheynotreferto
thefactssetforthinthefewforegoingpages,andpointtothemasacontrastto
theirconduct,andsay,beholdthesewereyourcivilizednations.
292ASTARINTHEWEST.
ledagainstthem,addedtotheawfulinvocationofJudah,thatthe
bloodoftheMessiah,mightrestonthemandtheirchildren.Yetin
theend,Godwillcalltheiroppressorstoasevereaccountforthe
unchristianmannerinwhichtheyhavecarriedthedivinejudgments
intoexecution.LittleofithasbeendoneforthegloryofGod.
MosesdidsolemnlyforewarntheJews,thatallthiswouldbethe
consequenceofdisobediencetothelawsandstatutesofJehovah,
andthatattheverytimethatheencouragedthemwithacertaintyof
hisspecialfavours,incaseoftheirobedience.Theinspiredlanguage
isexceedinglystrong."Anditshallcometopass,ifthoushalt
hearkendiligentlyuntothevoiceoftheLordthyGod,toobserve
anddoallhiscommandmentswhichIcommandtheethisday,that
theLordthyGodwillsettheeonhighaboveallnationsoftheearth,
andallthoseblessings(beforeenumerated)shallcomeuponthee."
"Butitshall(also)cometopass,ifthouwiltnothearkenuntothe
voiceoftheLordthyGodtoobserveanddoallhiscommandments
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andhisstatutes,whichIcommandtheethisday,thatallthosecurses
shallovertakethee.Cursedshaltthoubeinthecity,andcursedshalt
thoubeinthefield."Deut.xxviii.1,2,15,16.TheLordshall
bringtheeandthykingintoanation,whichneitherthounorthy
fathershaveknown,andthereshaltthouserveotherGods,wood
andstone.Andthoushaltbecomeanastonishment,aproverbanda
byewordamongallnations,whithertheLordshallleadthee."
Ibid36,37."Andtheyshallbeupontheeforasignandawonder
anduponthyseedforever,"(orforages.)Ibid46.Andthoushalt
servethineenemies,whichtheLordshallsendagainstthee,in
hungerandthirst,andinnakedness,andinwantofallthings,
ASTARINTHEWEST.293
Andheshallputayokeofironuponthyneckuntilhehath
destroyedthee."Ibid48."fthouwiltnotobservetodoallthe
wordsofthislaw,thatarewritteninthisbookthatthoumayestfear,
thisgloriousandfearfulname,theLordthyGod."Ibid58."And
theLordshallscattertheeamongallpeople,fromoneendofthe
earthtotheother."Ibid61.Andamongthesenationsthoushalt
findnoease,neithershaltthesoleofthyfoothaverest,buttheLord
shaltgivetheeatremblingofheartandfailingofeyesandsorrowof
mind."Ibid65."Andthylifeshallhangindoubtbeforethee,and
thoushaltfeardayandnight,andshalthavenoneassuranceofthy
life.""Anditshaltcometopass,whenallthesethingsarecome
uponthee,theblessingandthecurse,whichIhavesetbeforethee,
andthoushaltcallthemtomind,amongallthenationswhitherthe
LordthyGodhathdriventhee,andshaltreturnuntotheLordthy
God,andshaltobeyhisvoiceaccordingtoallthatIcommandthee
thisday,thouandthychildren,withallthyheartandwithallthy
soul,thatthentheLordthyGodwillturnthycaptivityandhave
compassionupontheeandwillreturnandgathertheefromallthe
nations,whithertheLordthyGodhathscatteredthee.Ifanyofthine
bedrivenoutuntotheuttermostpartsofheaven,fromthencewill
theLordthyGodgatherthee,andfromthencewillhefetchthee.
AndtheLordthyGodwillbringtheeuntothelandwhichthy
fatherspossessed,andthoushaltpossessit,andhewilldothee
good,andmultiplytheeabovethyfathers.AndtheLordthyGod
willcircumcisethineheartandtheheartsofthyseed,tolovethe
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LordthyGod,withallthineheart,andwithallthysoul,thatthou
mayestlive.AndtheLordthyGodwillputallthesecursesupon
294ASTARINTHEWEST.
thineenemies,andonthemwhohatethee,whopersecutedthee.
Andthoushaltreturn,andobeythevoiceoftheLordthyGodand
doallhiscommandments,whichIcommandtheethisday."Ibid
xxx.1,8.ThustheLordinthemidstoftheseverestjudgments
rememberedmercyforthedescendantsofAbraham,Isaacand
Jacob:andthesegreatencouragementstoobedience,hefrequently
repeatedbyhisprophetsfromtimetotime,asinIsaiah"For
JehovahwillhavecompassiononJacobandwillyetchooseIsrael.
Andhewillgivethemrestuponhisownlandandthestranger
shallbejoinedtothemandcleaveuntothehouseofJacob.Andthe
nationsshalltakethemandbringthemintheirownplaceandthe
houseofJacobshallpossessthemintothelandofJehovah,as
servantsandashandmaidsandtheyshalltakethemcaptive,whose
captivestheywere,andtheyshallruleovertheiroppressors."
Lowthxiv,1,2.
"Ho!landspreadingwidetheshadowofthywings,*whichart
beyondtheriversofCush,accustomedtosendmessengersbysea,
eveninbulrushvessels,uponthesurfaceofthewatersGo!swift
messengersuntoanationdraggedawayandpluckeduntoapeople
wonderfulfromthebeginninghitherto."Chap.xviii.1,2."Atthat
seasonapresentshallbeledtotheLordofHosts,apeopledragged
awayand
__________
*Thetranslationoftheseverses,istakenfromMr.Faber,whoquotesBishop
Horsley,insaying,"theshadowofwingsisaveryunusualimageinprophetic
language,fortheprotectionaffordedbythestronger,totheweak.God's
protectionofhisservantsisdescribedbytheirbeingsafeundertheshadowof
hiswings.Andinthispassage,thebroadshadowingwingsmaybeintendedto
characterizesomegreatpeople,whoshallbefamousfortheprotectionthey
shallgivetothosewhomtheyreceivedintotheiralliance.""Itisnotimpossible
however,andcertainlynotincongruouswiththefigurativelanguageof
prophesy,thatsincethemessengersdescribedinthisprediction,areplainlya
maritimenation,theshadowywingsherespokenofmaymeanthesailsoftheir
ships."
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ASTARINTHEWEST.295
plucked,evenofapeoplewonderfulfromthebeginninghithertoa
nationexpecting,expecting,andtrampledunderfoot,whoseland
rivershavespoiled,untotheplaceofthenameoftheLordofHosts,
MountZion."Ibid7."ForbeholdJehovahshallcomeasafire
andhischariotasawhirlwindtobreatheforthhisangerina
burningheat,andhisrebukeinflamesoffire.Forbyfireshall
Jehovahexecutejudgment,andbyhissworduponallfleshand
manyshallbeslainofJehovah."Ibidlxvi.15,16.Againin
Jeremiahthesubjectistakenup."Forlo!thedayscome,saiththe
Lord,thatIwillbringagainthecaptivityofmypeopleIsraeland
Judah,andIwillcausethemtoreturntothelandthatIgavetotheir
fathersandtheyshallpossessit."Jerem.xxx.3."Thereforefear
thounotOmyservantJacob,saiththeLord,neitherbedismayedO
Israel,forlo!Iwillsavetheefromafar,andthyseedfromtheland
oftheircaptivityandJacobshallreturnandshallbeinrestandbe
quietandnoneshallmakehimafraid.ForIamwiththeesaiththe
Lord,tosavetheethoughImakeafullendofallthenations
whitherIhavescatteredtheeyetwillInotmakeafullendofthee
butIwillcorrecttheeinmeasure,andwillnotleavetheealtogether
unpunished.""Thereforealltheywhodevourtheeshallbe
devoured,andallthineadversaries,everyoneofthem,shallgointo
captivityandtheywhospoilthee,shallbeaspoilandallwhoprey
uponthee,willIgiveforaprey."Verse16.
Rememberthis,andshewyourselvesmen:
Reflectonitdeeply,Oyeapostates!
IamGodnoristhereanythinglikeme.
Fromthebeginning,makingknowntheend
Andfromearlytimes,thethingsthatarenotyetdone:
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296ASTARINTHEWEST.
Sayingmycounselshallstand,
AndwhateverIhavewilled,Iwilleffect.
Callingfromtheeast,theeagle,
Andfromalandfardistant,themanofmycounsel:
AsIhavespoken,sowillIbringittopass
Ihaveformedthedesign,andIwillexecuteit.
(Loweth'sIsaiahxlvi.8,11.
"AndthisshallbethecovenantthatIwillmakewiththehouseof
Israel,afterthosedayssaiththeLord,Iwillputmylawintheir
inwardparts,andwriteitintheirhearts,andwillbetheirGodand
theyshallbemypeople."Videalsoxxxi.1,14.Joelalsoisvery
expressonthissubject."Forbehold,sayshe,inthosedays,andin
thattime,whenIshallbringagainthecaptivityofJudahand
Jerusalem,Iwillalsogatherallnations,andwillbringthemdown
intothevalleyofJehoshaphat,andwillpleadwiththemthere,for
mypeopleandformyheritageIsrael,whomtheyhavescattered
amongthenations,andpartedmyland.Chap.iii.i,2.
Fromallthisitappears,withthegreatestcertainty,thatinthelatter
day,thehouseofIsraelshallbediscovered,andbroughtfromthe
landoftheircaptivityafarofftothecityofGod,thenew
Jerusalem,thatshallberestoredtomorethanitsformerglory.And
thatallthosewhohaveoppressedanddespisedthem,whereverthey
are,willbecomesubjectsoftheangerandfuryofJehovahtheir
God.
Ifthenitisplain,thattheIsraeliteshaveheretoforesufferedthejust
indignationoftheAlmighty,fortheirsinsandallhisthreatningsand
furyhaveliterallyandmostexactlybeenpouredoutuponthem,
accordingtothepredictionsofhisservantMoses,whathavenot
theirenemiesandoppressorsto
ASTARINTHEWEST.297
fear,inthegreatdayofGod'sanger,whenhecomethtoavengehis
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people,whohavebeendeartohimastheappleofhiseye?Isnotthe
honorofGodasmuchconcernedinexecutinghisthreatningsonone
astheother?Willitnotbewisethentoconsiderourwaysbetimes,
andsincerelytorepentofallimproperconductofoppressionand
destructiontoany,whomayturnouttohavebeenthecontinual
objectsofGod'sregard,thoughsufferingunderhisjustdispleasure.
Ifhiswordhasbeenyeaandamen,inpunishingthepeopleofhis
choice,becauseoftheirdisobedience,whathopecanthosegentiles
have,whoarefoundtocontinueinoppositiontohispositive
commandments.
Letall,then,carefullyattendtothewordoftheLord,asspokenby
hisprophets,andwatchthesignsofthetimes,seeking.toknowthe
willofGod,andwhatheexpectsfromthosewhoareawakenedto
seetheirerror.Muchistobedonewhenthesignalissetupforthe
nationsandthesechildrenofGod'swatchfulprovidence,shallbe
manifestlydiscovered.Theyaretobeconvertedtothefaithof
Christ,andinstructedintheirgloriousprerogatives,andprepared
andassistedtoreturntotheirownlandandtheirancientcity,even
thecityofZionwhichshallbecomeapraiseinalltheearth.Letnot
ourunbelief,orotherirreligiousconduct,withawantofalively,
activefaithinourAlmightyRedeemer,becomeastumblingblockto
theseoutcastsofIsraelwherevertheymaybe.Theywillnaturally
looktothepracticeandexampleofthosecallingthemselves
christiansforencouragement.WhoknowsbutGodhasraisedup
theseUnitedStatesintheselatterdays,fortheverypurposeof
accomplishinghiswillinbringinghisbelovedpeopletotheirown
land.
298ASTARINTHEWEST.
Weareamaritimepeopleanationofseafaringmen.Ourtrade
andcommercehavegreatlyencreasedforyearspast,exceptduring
ourlatetroubles.Wemay,underGod,becalledtoactagreatpartin
thiswonderfulandinterestingdrama.Andifnotalone,wemay
certainlyassistinaunionwithothermaritimepowersofEurope.
ThepeopleofGreatBritainarealmostmiraculouslyactivein
disseminatingthegospelthroughouttheknownworld.Thesame
spiritwillcarrythemtoaccomplishthewholewillofGod.Thetime
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ishasteningon,andifwehaveanyunderstandingintheprophetic
declarationsoftheBible,itcannotbefaroff."AndIsaid,howlong,
OJehovah!andhesaid,untilcitiesbelaidwaste,sothattherebeno
inhabitantandhouses,sothattherebenomanandthelandbeleft
utterlydesolate,untilJehovahremovemanfaraway,andtherebe
manyadesertedwomaninthemidstoftheland.Andthoughthere
beatenthpartremaininginit,eventhisshallundergoarepeated
destruction.Yetastheilexandtheoak,thoughcutdown,hathits
stockremaining,aholyseedshallbethestockofthenation."
Havenotthesewonderfulthingscometopass,andthereforehave
wenotreasontobelievethetimeoftheendisnearathand.When
TiglahPilnezercarriedawaythetribesfromSamaria,heleftabouta
tenthpartofthecommonpeoplebehind.Salmanazer,hissuccessor,
somefewyearsafter,lessthantwenty,cameandcarriedtherestinto
captivity,exceptafewstragglersaboutthecountry,andthosewho
hadtakenrefugeinJerusalem.Eventhissmallremnantwere
afterwardstakenbyEsarrhaddonandNebuchadnezzarandcarried
toBabylon,andthewholelandleftdesolate,instrict
ASTARINTHEWEST.299
fulfillmentofthedivineword.Andevenyetaholyseedshallstill
appeartobecomethestockofthenation.
What,then,istheusethatchristiansoughttomakeofadiscoveryof
thisnature,shouldtheybeconvincedofthetruthoftheproposition?
First,Toadorewithhumblereverence,theinscrutablerichesofthe
graceofGod,andhisinfinitewisdominhisconducttowardshis
servants,Abraham,IsaacandJacob,andtheirposterity.Secondly,
Torejoiceintheabsolutecertaintyofthefulfillmentofthepromises
aswellasthethreatningsofhisholyword"Forthoughheaven
andearthmaypassaway,yetnotatittleofhiswordshallpassaway,
butallshallbefulfilled."Thirdly,Toenjoythepresentbenefitofthe
glorioushopesetbeforethem,evenintheviewofimmediatedeath,
knowingthatwhenChristshallcomethesecondtime,"inhisown
glory,andthegloryoftheFather,hissaintsshallcomewithhim."
Coloss.iii.4."ForifwebelievethatJesusdiedandroseagain,even
so,themalsowhosleepinJesus,willGodbringwithhimforthe
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Lordhimselfshalldescendfromheavenwithashout,withthevoice
ofanarchangel,andwiththetrumpofGodandthenshall
christiansbeforeverwiththeLord."1Thess.iv.1417.Fourthly,
Thismakesthegravethechristian'sprivilegeandconsolation.As
thescripturespositivelydeclare,thatfleshandbloodcannotinherit
thekingdomofheaventhiswouldhavegreatlyweakenedtheirfaith
andhope,hadtheynotbeenassured,thattheywouldleavetheir
fleshandbloodinthegrave,andriseimmortalandincorruptible
throughthepoweroftheRedeemer,whohadpreviouslysanctified
thegravebyhisownpresence.
300ASTARINTHEWEST.
Butafterall,supposeweshouldbewhollymistakeninallour
conjectures,andshouldtreattheseaboriginesofthislandwithgreat
kindnessandcompassion,underthemistakenopinionoftheir
descent?Wouldanypeoplehavereasontorepentactsofhumanity
andmercytothesewretchedoutcastsofsociety.Havenot
Europeansbeentheoriginalcauseoftheirsufferings?Arewenotin
possessionoftheirlands.Havewenotbeenenrichedbytheir
labours?Havetheynotfoughtourbattles,andspilttheirbloodfor
us,aswellasagainstus?
IfwespeakasanEuropeannation,hasnotalargeproportionno
theirnumbersperishedinourwars,andbyourmeans?Oughtnot
we,then,now,atthisdayoflightandknowledge,tothinkmuchof
hearkeningtothevoiceofmercyandthebowelsofcompassionin
theirbehalf?Butifitshouldturnout,thatourconjecturesarewell
founded,whataggravateddestructionmaywenotavoid,byan
obedientandholytemper,andexertingourselvestokeepthe
commandsofthestatutesoftheGodofIsrael?"Behold,atthattime,
Iwillundoallwhoafflictthee:andIwillsaveherwhohalteth,and
gatherherwhoisdrivenout.AndIwillgetthemfameandpraisein
everyland,wheretheyhavebeenputtoshame.Atthattime,Iwill
bringyouagain,eveninthetimethatIgatheryou,forIwillmake
youanameandapraiseamongallpeopleoftheearth,whenIturn
backyourcaptivitybeforeyoureyes,saiththeLord."Zeph.iii.
1920.
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Weareveryapt,andindeeditisacommonpractice,toblamethe
Jews,andchargethemwithgreatperverseness,andcalltheman
obstinateandstiffneckedrace,whenwereadofthegraceand
mercyofJehovahtowardsthem,inthemultipliedblessings
promisedontheirobedience,andtheawful
ASTARINTHEWEST.301
cursesandseverethreatningsincaseofdisobedience.Weprofessto
beastonishedatthehardnessoftheirheartsandabominable
wickednessoftheirconduct,committedindirectoppositiontoso
muchlightandknowledge.Yetwouldnotanyimpartialperson,
underajustviewofourconducttothemsincethediscoveryofthis
country,andthepracticesofalargemajorityofthosewhocall
themselveschristians,drawaprettycertainconclusionthatwehad
notmuchtoinsiston,inourfavourThatmostcertainlywehave
notdonetothem,asweshouldhaveexpectedfromthem,undera
changeofcircumstances.Wegoon,undersimilarthreateningsof
thesameAlmightyBeing.Weshewmuchthesamehardnessof
heart,underthelikedenunciationsofvengeance,thathewillafflict
anddestroy,withoutmercy,thosenationswhojoininoppressinghis
people,withoutregardtohishonourandglory.Hewillbefoundno
respecterofpersonsbutwillfulfill,notonlyhispromisedblessings,
butwillwithequalcertaintyinflictallhisthreatenedcurseson
obstinateoffenders."Whoiswise,andheshallunderstandthese
things?Prudent,andheshallknowthem?Forallthewaysofthe
Lordareright,andthejustshallwalkinthembutthetransgressors
shallfalltherein."Hoseaxiv.9."AndtheLordansweredmeand
said,writethevisionandmakeitplainuponatable,thathemayrun
whoreadethitForthevisionisyetforanappointedtime,butat
theenditshallspeakandnotliethoughittarry,waitforit,because
itwillsurelycomeItwillnottarry."Habakkukii.23.
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302ASTARINTHEWEST.
[Thispageisblank.]
[303]
APPENDIX.
HistoricalSketchesofLouisiana.
THEfamousFerdinanddeSotowassentbytheSpaniardsto
succeedNarvaez,asgovernorofFlorida."Heattackedthenatives
everywhere,andeverywherecommittedgreatslaughterdestroyed
theirtowns,andsubsistedhismenontheprovisionsfoundinthem.
HecrossedtheMississippi,exploredtheregionstothewestofit,
andin1542endedhisdaysonRedRiver."Page8.
In1562,theFrenchgrowingjealousofthesuccessoftheSpaniards,
admiralColignifittedoutafleet,withacolonyofFrench
protestants,underRebaud.TheylandedinFlorida,andplantedthe
settlersaboutthirtymilesfromSt.Augustine,wheretheyerecteda
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fortfortheirprotection,andcalleditFortCharles,inhonourof
Charlesthe4th.AstonishmentseizedtheSpaniardsatthis
unexpectedintrusion.However,theSpanishgovernorMenandez,
afterrecoveringfromthefirstshock,assembledhisforces,attacked
FortCharles,andcarrieditbystorm.ThosemiserableFrenchwho
escapedthesword,weredoomedtothehalter,withthislabelon
theirbreasts:"NotasFrenchmen,butasheretics."Page5.
OfalltheIndiansknowntotheFrench,theNatchezwerethemost
serviceable,andatthesametimethemostterrible.
304ASTARINTHEWEST.
Settlersatvarioustimesplantedthemselvesamongthem,soasto
becomealargebody.Theywerefavourablyreceivedbythe
Natchez,whosuppliedthemwithprovisions,assistedthemintheir
tillage,andinbuildingtheirhouses,andindeedsavedthemfrom
famineanddeath.Theysoonbegantoencroachontherightsofthe
Indians,andexcitedtheirjealousy.TheNatchezpossessedthe
strongestdispositiontooblige,andwouldhavecontinuedeminently
usefultotheFrenchsettlers,ifthecommandanthadnottreatedthem
withindignityandinjustice.
Thefirstdisputewasin1723,whenanoldwarriorowedasoldiera
debtincorn.Whenpaymentwasdemanded,thewarrioralledged
thatthecornwasnotripe,butitshouldbedeliveredassoonas
possible.Theyquarreled,whenthesoldiercriedmurder.Whenthe
warriorlefthimtogotohisvillage,asoldieroftheguardfiredat
himandshothim.Thecommandantwouldnotpunishtheoffender.
Revenge,theprominentpassionoftheIndians,drovethemtoarms.
TheyattackedtheFrenchinallquartersbutbytheinfluenceofa
notedchief,peacewasrestored,whichpreventedtheutter
exterminationofthesettlers.Peacewasmadeanddulyratifiedby
Mons.Branvilleyethetookadvantageofittoinflictasuddenand
dreadfulblowontheseinnocentpeople.Heprivatelybroughtseven
hundredmenheattackedthedefencelessIndiansslaughteredthem
intheirhuts,anddemandedtheheadoftheirchiefwithwhichthey
wereobligedtocomply.Thiswantonslaughterlastedfourdays.A
peacewasthenmade,butconfidencewasdestroyed.Shortlyafter,a
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Frenchofficeraccidentallymetasachem,calledtheStingserpent,
whoappearedtoavoidhim.Theofficersaid,why
ASTARINTHEWEST.305
doyouavoidme,wewereoncefriendsarewesonolonger?The
indignantchiefrepliedwhydidtheFrenchcomeintoourcountry?
Wedidnotgotoseekthem.Theyaskedusforland,andwetold
themtotakeitwheretheypleasedtherewasenoughforthemand
forus.Thesamesunoughttoenlightenusboth,andweoughtto
walktogetherasfriendsinthesamepath.Wepromisedtogivethem
foodassistthemtobuildandtolahourinthefields*Wehavedone
so.In1729,thecommandantoftheforthadtreatedthemsoill,that
theyobtainedhisbeingsummonedtoNewOrleanstoanswer*for
hisconduct.ThisgavemuchjoytotheIndians.Theofficerfound
meanstobesentbackreinstatedinhiscommand.Henow
determinedtoindulgehismaliceagainsttheIndians.Hesuddenly
resolvedtobuildatownohthesc'iteofavillagebelongingtooneof
thesachems,whichcoveredasquareofthreemilesextent.Hesent
forthesunorchief,anddirectedhimtoclearthehutsandremoveto
someotherplace.Thechiefreplied,thattheirancestorshadlived
thereformanyages,andthatitwasgoodfortheirdescendantsto
occupythesameground.Thisdignifiedlanguageservedonlyto
exasperatethehaughtycommandant.Hedeclared,thatunlcsdthe
villagewasabandonedinafewdays,theinhabitantsofitshould
repenttheirobstinacy!TheIndiansfindingabloodyconflictwas
inevitable,theylaidtheirplansaccordingly.Theytriedbythebest
excusesintheirpowertodelaytheexecutionofhisplan$buthe
treatedalltheirproposalswithdisdain,andmenacedimmediate
destructionifhewasnotgratified.TheIndianseverfruitfulin
expedients*gotpermissiontowaittilltheirharvestwasgotin.
Duringthisinterval,shortasitwas,theyformedtheirplan.They
held
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306ASTARINTHEWEST.
acouncil,andunanimouslyresolvedtomakeonegreateffortto
defendthetombsoftheirfathers.Theyproceededwithcaution,yet
oneoftheirwomenbetrayedthem.Thecommandantwouldnot
hearkentoit,butpunishedtheinformant.Nearthecloseofthelast
dayofNov.1729,theGrandSun,withsomewarriors,repairedto
thefortwiththeirtributeofcornandfowlsagreedupon.They
securedthegateandotherpassages,andinstantlydeprivedthe
soldiersofthemeansofdefence.Sowellwastheirplanlaid,thatall
oppositionwasinvain.Themassacrethroughoutthesettlement,
amongthemen,wasgeneral.Theslaves,andsomeofthewomen,
werespared.Thechiefsandwarriors,disdainingtostaintheirhands
withthebloodofthecommander,hefellbythehandsofoneofthe
meanestoftheIndians.Inshort,thewholesettlement,consistingof
aboutsevenhundredmen,werewhollydestroyed.Theyproceeded
totwoneighbouringsettlements,atYazousandWastulu,which
sharedthesamefateaveryfewescapedtocarrythenewstothe
capital.Pages4652.ThegovernorofNewOrleans,persistingin
destroyingthisnation?theyfledovertheMissisippi,andsettledone
hundredandeightymilesuptheRedRiver,wheretheybuiltafort
fortheirprotection.Aftersometime,thegovernorpursuedthemto
thisplacewithcannon,&c.besiegedthefort,andtheywereobliged
tosurrenderatdiscretion.Thewomenandchildrenwerereducedto
slavery,andscatteredamongtheplantations.Themenweresentto
St.Domingoasslaves.Theirvillagesatfirstconsistedoftwelve
hundredsouls.OfalltheIndians,theywerethemostpolishedand
civilized..Theyhadanestablishedreligionamongthem,inmany
par,ticularsrationalandconsistentaslikewiseregularordersof
ASTARINTHEWEST.307
priesthood.Theyhadatemplededicatedtothegreatspirit,inwhich
theypreservedtheeternalfire.Nodoubtthesetokensoftheir
religionwereeverohscuredandpervertedbytraditionbutthisis
ratherthemisfortunethanthecrimeoftheIndians.Thisremarkis
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applicabletoalltheaboriginesofAmerica.Theircivilpolity
partookoftherefinementofapeopleapparentlyinsomedegree
learnedandscientific.Theyhadkingsorchiefsakindof
subordinatenobilityandtheusualdistinctionscreatedbyrankwere
wellunderstoodandpreservedamongthem.Theywerejust,
generousandhumane,andneverfailedtoextendrelieftotheobjects
ofdistressandmisery.Theywerewellacquaintedwiththe
propertiesofmedicinalplants,andthecurestheyperformed,
particularlyamongtheFrench,werealmostincredible.Theywere
remarkablefornotdeemingitglorioustodestroythehumanspecies,
andforthisreason,seldomwagedanyotherthandefensivewar.
Pages53i.
Inshort,thehistoryoftheEuropeanwarsagainsttheIndians,and
particularlytheSpanish,formorethan,twocenturies,afford
nothingbutaseriesofcomplicatedcrimes,theblackcatalogueof
whichwillcontinuetoexciteineverybreast,themingled.emotions
ofpityandindignation.Theymadewarondefencelessnations
withoutprovocationspiltoceansofbloodandinvolvedmillionsof
theirfellowcreaturesinmiseryTheytrampledonallthoselaws
deemedsacredbythecivilizedworld,andtheirmisdeedsfindno
otherexcusethanwhatisderivedfromthegratificationoftheirava
ricePage58.
Theynotonlyenslavedtheprisonerstakeninbattle,hutlikewise
thosepeaceableandeffeminatepeoplewhosubmitted
308ASTARINTHEWEST.
themselvesatdiscretion.Theycompelledthemtolabourinthe
minesofHispaniolaandCuba,wherevastnumbersperished.The
nativesofHispaniola,atColumbus'firstarrival,amountedtomore
thanamillionofinhabitantsfifteenyearsaftertheyamountedtoless
thansixtythousand.InCuba,upwardsoffivehundredthousand
perishedasimilardestructiontookplaceonthe'continent.Page56.
Theaboriginesingeneralareextremelyscrupulousinregardtothe
fulfilmentofnationalcompactsthoughintheirindividual
capacitiestheyarelesshonestandmoreinclinedtoevadetheir
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engagements.Theirwantoffaithinmostinstances,whereithas
beenmanifestedmaybetracedeithertothehardconditionsimposed
onthem,ortotheadvantagetakenoftheirignorance.Whoeverwill
attentivelyexamineintothemeritsofthenumerousquarrels
betweenthemandthewhites,willbeapttofindthatthelatterwere
almostuniformlytheaggressors.Page64.
AremarkablefactwithrespecttoFlorida.Whileitwasinthehands
oftheEnglish,aplanwasconcertedbySirWilliamDuncanandDr.
Turnbull,toenticeacolonyofGreekstosettleinthiscountry.It
wasrepresentedtotheminthemostfavourablelight.Theywere
promisedfertilefieldsandlandsinabundance,andalso
transportationandsubsistence.Fifteenhundredengagedinthis
undertakingbutwhatwastheirsurprisewhentheywereusheredin
toNewSmyrna,aboutseventymilestotheeastwardofSt.
Augustine,whichtheyfoundtobeadesolatewilderness,without
themeansofsupportInsteadofbeingproprietorsofland,therewas
noneforthem,butiiponleasefortenyears,andsomecouldnot
obtainitonanyterms.Hencetheybecamelabourerstothe
ASTARINTHEWEST.309
plantersasslaves,andsufferedbungerandnakedness.Overseers
wereplacedoverthem,whogoadedthemwiththelashTheywere
kepttogetherandnumberswerecroudedtogetherinonemessThe
poorwretcheswerenotallowedtoprocurefishforthemselves,
althoughplentyintheseaattheirfeet.Peoplewereforbiddento
furnishthemwithvictuals.Severepunishmentsweredecreed
againstthosewhogaveandthosewhoreceivedthecharitableboon.
Underthistreatmentmanydied,especiallytheoldpeople.Atlength
in1769,seizedwithdespair,theyroseontheircrueltyrantsand
madethemselvessomesmallvesselsButtheywereseizedbythe
military,andfiveoftheprincipalsuffereddeath.Thiscouldscarcely
bebelieved,consideringthereputedhumanityoftheEnglish,hadit
notbeenverifiedby/thesolemnreportofaBritishofficerwhowas
aneyewitness,Page121.
Eraser'sKeytotheProphecies.
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Speakingoftheimageofthebeast,thatitshouldspeak,&c.&c.
says,thePopeputtodeathinavarietyofforms,suchasdaredto
opposehim.Heexcludedfromtheprivilegesofcivilsocietyallsuch
asdidnotsubmittohisclaimsandauthority.Seethedecreeof
Alexander3d$intheSynodofToursthebullofMartinagainstthe
errorsofWickliffeandHuss,annexedtothecouncilofConstamce.
Thereitisdecreedthatmenofthissortbenotpermittedtohave
houses
310ASTARINTHEWEST.&nbsp
torearfamilies,tomakecontracts,tocarryontraffickorbusiness
ofanykind,ortoenjoythecomfortsofhumanity,incommonwith
thefaithful."Thesearealmostthewordswhichprophecyhasput
intothemouthoftheimage.
SecthebullofPaul3d,againstHenry8th,andthatofPaul5th,in
theeleventhyearofQueenElizabeth.
Anenergeticalletter,datedLondon19thJanuary,1791,signedby
threevicarsapostolicofEngland,expresslyprohibitstheCatholics
ofthatkingdomtotakeanoathprescribedbygovernment,though
thatoathcontainsnothinginconsistentwithCatholicprinciples,but
arenunciationofthePope'ssupremacyintemporals.Theyexpress
themselves,"Theapostolicalvicars,intheabovementioned
energeticalletter,(datedOctober21,1789)declared,thatnoneof
thefaithfulclergyorlaity,oughttotakeanynewoathorsignany
newdeclarationordoctrinalmatters,orsubscribeanynewinstru
mentwhereintheinterestsofreligionareconcerned,withoutthe
previousapprobationoftheirrespectivebishops,andtheyrequired
submissiontothosedeterminations.Thealteredoathhasnotbeen
approvedbyus,andthereforecannotbelawfullyorconscientiously
takenbyanyôfthefaithfulofourdistricts."Herethelamblike
beastspeakslikeadragonTenveryrespectableCatholicsin
England,mettogetherasacommittee,andprotestedagainstthis
letter,asinculcatingprincipleshostiletothegovernment,and
contrarytothefaithandmoralcharacteroftheCatholics.
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Ouradversariesaccountthevisibilityoftheirchurchasa
communityfromtheapostolicdays,ademonstrationofitsbeingthe
truechurch,whiletheyaskuswithanairoftriumph,wherewas
yourchurchbeforeLuther?(Inthewiderness
ASTARINTHEWEST.311
whereityetis.)Theprophecyfurnishesadirectanswer.Thetrue
churchofchristoughttoheinvisibleasacommunityforaperiodof
twelvehundredandsixtyyears,andduringallthattimeaharlot,
pretendingtohethespouseofChrist,andoughttopropagateher
idolatriessuccessfullyandextensively,throughouttheworld.
Thedivisionsamongprotestantshavebeenurgedhytheir
adversariesasanargumentagainstthemandtheineffectualefforts
oflearnedandpiousmentounitethemintoonecommunity,have
provedstumblingblockstothefaithofsomeoftheirfriends.Butby
thepropheticrepresentation,mattersoughttobeastheyare.Had
protestantsunitedtogetherintoonesociety,thechurchofchrist
wouldhavebeenvisibleasacommunity,whichduringthecurrency
oftwelvehundredandsixtyyearswouldflatlycontradictthe
prophecybuttheseveralprotcstantchurches,havingno
connectionwitheachotheringovernmentandordinanceslikethe
ancientchurch,theyconstituteonlyindividualmembersofthe
universalehurch,whichasabodypoliticisinvisiblenow,asitwas
inthetenthcentury.Whilethisviewshouldreconcileustoacertain
degreeofseparationamongprotestantsduringthecurrencyofthe
twelvehundredandsixtyyears,itoughttoremovewhollythe
violenceofpartyspiritandeverydegreeofbitternessandrancour
whichtheyhavetoofrequentlyshewedtoeachother.Aviolentparty
spiritisfoundedonthisprinciple,thatthosewhopossessitarethe
truechurchofchrist.Hencetheyarguethatthosewhoseparatefrom
themareschismaticsorheritics,andthereforeoughttohetreatedas
heathensandpublicans.Butthegroundoftheirreasoningisfalse
accordingtotheprophecynoparticular
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312ASTARINTHEWEST.
churchorparty,nowonearth,mayclaimtheexclusiveprivilegesof
theuniversalchurch.Whoeverdoes,actsthepartofadaughter,
usurpingtheplaceofthemother,andrequiringthatsubjectionofher
sisterswhichthelawofGoddoesnotrequire.Pages1345162.
FINIS.
Transcriber'sComments
AStarintheWest
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TheAuthor,EliasBoudinot
EliasBoudinot'sAStarintheWestisessentiallyanappendixtohis
1815book,TheSecondAdvent.Inthe1815volumeMr.Boudinot
arguedthatrecenteventsinEuropeindicatedthattheendofthe
worldwasathand.Hebasedthisconclusionuponaliteral
interpretationoftheBible(especiallyofitsbooksofDanielandthe
Revelation)supplementedbyhisownexplicationofmessianic
propheciesfromthebooksofIsaiah,Ezekiel,Zechariah,etc.Inhis
1815bookBoudinotiscarefultoreproduceandmakeuseof
numerouspassagesinreferencetothe"restoration"ofscattered
IsraelanddispersedJudah.ToauthorBoudinotitwasimportantthat
thoseobscurepassageshouldbebroughttotheforefrontofhis
literalisticexplanationsandthathisreadersshouldunderstand
clearlywhathesawtobeimportantinthoseancientpromisesand
predictions.
SinceBoudinottookseriouslytheideathatthenationofIsraelhad
toberestoredtoitsformerprivilegedstatus,underGod'sprotection,
beforeChrist'ssecondcomingcouldoccur,hefeltitimportantto
identifywherethemembersofthatlongdispossessedcouldbe
found.Itwaseasytoidentify"dispersedJudah"withtheJewsofthe
world,but"scatteredIsrael"wasapeoplelessapparenttothe
contemporaryobserver.InSecondAdventBoudinotmakesitclear
thathesuspectsthatthe"losttribes"ofIsraelhavelargelymigrated
totheAmericasandaretobefoundthereundertheguiseof
AmericanIndians.InAStarintheWesthedefendsthatconclusion
bycarefullybuildingupwhathefeelstobeevidencethatthe
AmericanIndiansarethe"losttribes"ofIsrael.Beforethesecond
adventofChristcancommence,they,liketheirsupposedbrethren
theJews,mustberestoredtotheirancientpositionamongthe
nations,asabranchofGod'schosenpeople.
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Infact,Boudinotseemstohavefeltthatthepopularidentificationof
theIndiansasthelostIsraeliteswouldbringwithitawidespread
realizationthattheBibleanditspropheciesweretrue.Whenboth
theAmericanIndiansandtheJewsoftheworldrealizedthegreat
truthoftheirdestiny,andconvertedtoChristianity,theimpactof
thatwondrouseventupontherestofthe"heathen"worldwouldbea
profoundone.Obviously,havingseenancientprophecycometrue
beforetheirveryeyes,sotospeak,theheathenmultitudeswould
rushtobecomeChristiansandthecurrentlukewarmfollowersof
Christwouldbeincitedtospectacularnewlevelsofzealand
devotion.Allofthiswouldsetthestageforthe"secondadvent"
verynicely.
Boudinot'sselectionofbiblicalprooftexts,supportinghisviewof
thepromisedrestorationofancientIsrael,aremuchthesameas
thosequotedbytheCanadian"prophet"RichardBrothers,before
himandbywritersliketheRev.EthanSmithintheyearsthat
followed.Infact,EthanSmith's1823book,AViewoftheHebrews,
dependsuponBoudinot'sworkformuchofitsbiblical
underpinnings.
FormoreonBoudinot,hisviewsonChristianZionism,theoriginof
theAmericanIndians,etc.,seethecommentsaccompanyingtheon
linetextofhis1815book.
Returntotopofthepage
Returnto:OliverCowdery'sWritings|OliverCowderyHomePage
lastrevisedMarch4,2008
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