Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-08-13
From the Oneida Observer.
From the Uneua OUstTVtT'
Tisifation Of BISHOP Hobart to the OneidaS.


tie, and We were fortunate enough to be present
and witness the Interesting services in the
church on that day. informant having been
previously given them Of The Bishops intended
visit, q party Of fifty or sixty Indians on horse-
back, with their chief, and interpreter, came
out about four miles mee' him, and TO escort
HIM to he church. This was novel and graf
living spectacle; and the little groups OF Indian
women and children, tina, might be seen hur-
rying across he fields towards the church, as
the procession approached, added much TO the
novelty and interest Of the scene. On arriving
at their house OF worship, he Bishop and his
attendant clergy took their seats in the Church,
when the services commenced with few Ver-
ses from the Psalms translated into Indian, and
sung by about one hundred natives in The gall
berry, with whom many OF those below uni cd
The usual service, which consists OF il'eral
translation from our excellent Liturgy, WAS
read by their catechist and teacher, in which
the whole congregation united with much ap-
parent scriou sness and devotion. The re,pon
srs were made in audible and solemn tone,
and the Hymns Of praise were chaunisd forth
bv hundreds Of voices, in a manner which pro
we'd lnat they" with the spirit, and with
the unders, aading also"
Immediately af,er prayers, The holy rite OF
confirmation was administered Ia nine'y. seven
naive Indians, who had been previously in
structed for that purpose; and after that, about
6rrv partook Of the holy sacramen: OF the Lords
supper. Never have we witnessed more IN
,eresring and solemn scene. 10 bthold neatly
one hundred of these, once wild sons OF The foi
est not OILY civilized, hui chrisuanzed, and
coming forward of their own accord, to "renew
and ra,ify The solemn vow which was made al
their baptism" publicly ienouncing their i
dolatry, and openly protesting the faith OF
! Christ ,ruc fled what heal: could remain
unaffected a. the sight!
| The nature Of The service was evidently per-
Gsctly understood by them, and ii we may form
an opinion from the seriousness and humility
of their deme amor, (and it Is only BY 'the out
ward sppe arance' that man can Judge they all
came forward with sincere and pious resolu>
tinns Of living agreeably TO their solemn en-
gagemen,s. Too much praise cannon be give"
10 Mr. Davis. their excellent aud interchangeable
teacher. for the zeal and disln,eres'ed ness with
which he has devoted himself to their religious
instruction: but we trust he looks far above
mere human applause for the reward Of his un
". aired labors. That blessing, without which
Paul may plant aud Apollos water" in vain,
has been abuodsnly posred upon his faithful
| exer,ions, We r. loice to hear that he Is soon
q receive or DE- rs in the church. and will then be
enabled himself 10 administer the ordinances oil
religion 20 MS interesting flock.
| After confirmation, and the communion were
administered, the Bishop addressed them
through the medium Of an interpreter, in his
usual affte tiona,e and impressive manner; but
IN the plainest and most simple language, suit
ed 10 ,hrir comprehension He was listened
20 with the profoundest attention aud respect
for they looked up TO him as their spiri,ua
father, and always addressed him by that Ell
d. airing le We have obtained acopy OF thi'
address with permission 10 publish II, no
doubling that it will be read with interest by
every one who feels the Importance OF civillzins
insruc,ing, and converting the Few that remaiI
Of those numerous Indian trloes, VINO are nov
fast fading from the land.
AT the request Of some Of their chief men
the Bishop on Thursday last, met abGu, 1--WE
, hundred Chiefs and warriors in council, on ,hei
y tancien, council ground al Bu,ternu'-Crove.
, TIE warriors, as they are termed, or princi
3al men Of the nation, 10 the number oil on
hundred and eighty. were seated oD The groun
I IN a large circle, and within that, about hftee
or ;w,nty chief, were ranged in circle aroun,
e the Bishop aud his at,endaa, clergy, for whom
chairs had been provided in the centre. On
i of The chiefs then rose and explained, thong
/. a, interpreter, the object Of this council
which was 20 obtain his advice in relation {,
some diffic ulties at present existing in remoI
c par, of he tribe The Bishop gave them I'll
!. solicied advice, in Almost friendly and aztec
,iona,e manner; and after he sa, downs III
" council was addressed by " the chief orator c
their natinn,'' in n most animated, an judsin
from the EFFECT produced, in most eloquer
e ,aanner. The whole scene was highly plctur
esoue, aud would have rffnrded an admlrab
suhjec, for he pencil Of the artist. The chic
and warriors, ranged after their ancienicus
i. Custom in oonceniric circles around 'htir sPl
). ritual d" Father" listening with respec''
:. and profound attention to his christian couI
= sci: the nu merous little groups OF Indian We
= -, I'D childrcn SC ALTERED all around. and