Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-02-14
of the criminal. These things occur r.
quently where whiskey is sold among them.

could relate other facts equally shock
ing, TO show the character of Indians with
out the Gospel; such they arc found by the
missionaries; such were they among whom
Twas permitted TO labor. But mark tho
change affected by the Gospel where it pre-.
walls mar has ceased, and hazard nothing
in saying, that there the tomahawk is buried
forever, unless the people arc goaded by op-
preston to take it up. They will not make
war upon their neighbors. One fact in
support of this statement: In all the recent
Indian wars, as e. g. that Of Blackhawk, the
Creek, the Scminoles, &C.; there was not q
single Indian found in any engagement,
who had felt the influence Of the Gospel.
The wars were conducted by those who
might say in justice, ''No man cared for my
SOUL" When the Indians were not treated
as rational beings, no sympathy shown
them, and no attempt made to scothe their
passions, it is not strange that they plunged
into war. But when the Gospel has come,
they have laid aside their wrath, and the
Tiger has been changed into Lamb.
When the Gospel has been sent, not only
war, but their Migratory habits have ceased,
and they settle down and engage in the cul-
tivation Of the soil. Natural affection is
cherished, the mother nuriurcs and loves
her infant, and would sooner part with life
than with her child. In their excessive
fondness they will not often consent 10 part
with their children 10 90 to school with the
missionaries, where they may not see them
for some weeks, although very willing to
give to them the benefits of education.
And this feeling is reciprocal; the children
love their parents and provide for them. |
have been walked at midnight by an anxious
son to visit his sick parent. Their dead
are deccntly inferred with coffin and shroud,
and instead of the dismal howlings which
they practised thrice day, and whenever
a friend came to visit the bereaved, or the
rioting which on occasions of death some
kept up from three weeks to two months;
a sermon is preached by missionary, or
an address is made by some plous native
at the funeral, and there is no public lamcn-
tations.
The introduction of medical science
breaks up their system Of witchcraft. Their
doctors lose the influence superstition and
ignorance had gained for them. They are
now known to be men and not gods; and
their cruel thrcatenings are set at defiance;
applying 10 the white in their sickness, their
suflerings are alcviated, and their lives are
prolonged. -,
Temperance Societies in conncxion with
the preaching of the Gospel, have suppress
cd drunkenness. For eighteen months
where lived, never saw drunken man;
! whereas have not passed eighteen days nor
eighteen hours among the white people since
my return without seeing many su:h.
Here are salutary changes which You are
able to appreciate. But this not all--there
is trust q record in heaven of souls renew
ed, who, in the great day, shall be monu-
mcnts Of the divine grace operating through
the Gospel.
There arc several Schools attended by
children and adults; the Bible has been
translated; and have seen the Indian father
by the light of burning pine knot, reading
tho Scriptures in the midst Of his family,
and then knccling down with them to wor-
| ship God before retiring to sleep. Churches
have been planted among several tribes
west of the Mississippi-two among the
| Cherokccs, numbering several hund red
membcrs--onc among the Creeks-and
four among the Choctaws, where lived,
and some of them composed Of Pagans,
hitherto the most obstinate and untractable;
after removals by death and emigration
there remain in these churches from 200 to
$50 members. The character Of these
converts is very interesting. Their retor.
nation is not simply external. Some par
ticuars may show this. There are no prayer
less Christians among them, if such beng
exists any where. Every possessor of re-
ligion is habituated to secret, social, ano
family prayer; and no male member of the
I Church Will refuse to lead in prayer wher
called on in public assembly. / have
heard the man of eighty and the boy o
fifteen sometimes with faullerlng voice, II
the presence OF hundreds ana tnousdiius
and amid snecrs and scorn. offering NJ
prayer to God. -
There is not member Of the Church
who is not also member Of the Temper
ance Society. We have not made this
term of admission but they all view th'
matter in this light, that moderate drinking
and the traffic in spirits. is unworthy OF
Christian. and no man would ask to 81
down at the communion table who mad no
pledged himselfto abandon the use OF tn
''tire water
{ The natives conduct social religious cx
ercises, and on the Sabbath, though no ms
sionary be p-escnt, taev 'riH assemble TO
public porship; | have known females II
walk five miles through the lrost.to atten
! , pro,-or mnetinr