SW_Letters_1801_10a_Page_01

The penetration and judgement of the Indians in matters of Religion in this authentic narative is very evident which is as follows. 1st Two Presbyterian Ministers under the patronage of Prince ton Colledge of New Jersey who were chosen by the Missiona ry Society to go and propagate the Gospel among the Creek Indians -- And in order to give weight to this embassy seven members of Congress accompanied these ministers unto their Respective Nation, who took with them a number of Bibles for the use of this People -- When those Ministers with their retinue and Bibles arrived a Conference was held with some of their Chiefs, where it was agreed that the Indians should call a council; when met they were informed they had brought two Ministers of the Gospel; to preach the Gospel of Salvation unto them, and a number of Books which would learn them the way to Heaven. The Indians after a pause said they would consider of it; which took fourteen days -- The Ministers proposed preaching: but the Indians signified they must first consider of it -- When the time of council was over, they inquired of the members of the Congress if they had any dark people among them, whether they preached the Gospel of Salvation unto them, whether they gave those good Books which would learn them their way to Heaven? Whether they treated them as Brothers, or as Slaves? Being answe-red in the negative, the Indians reply’d -- Go home and preach the Gospel of Salvation to them. give them those good Books which will learn them the way To Heaven. treat them as Brethren and not as Slaves. and then come and preach unto us -- In consequence this unexpected advice