Pioneer Journals 1820-4 95 



you and feed you in the long journey you have 

 undertaken! The strength of natural affection 

 will sometimes lead them to commit suicide, under 

 the idea that they shall accompany the spirit 

 and nurse their departed child in the other 

 world.&quot; 



III. An Indian idea of the Aurora Borealis. 

 &quot;Many of the Indians .... believe the northern 



lights to be the spirits of their departed friends 

 dancing in the clouds, and when they are remark 

 ably bright, at which time they vary most in 

 form and situation, they say that their deceased 

 friends are making merry.&quot; 



IV. Progress in the Mission. 



&quot;The ringing of the Sabbath bell now collects an 

 encouraging congregation; and some of us, I trust, 

 could experimentally adopt the language of the 

 Psalmist, in saying, I was glad when they said 

 unto us, let us go into the House of the Lord 

 My earnest prayer to God is, that I may exercise 

 a spiritual ministry; and faithfully preach those 

 truths which give no hope to fallen man, but 

 that which is founded on God s mercy in Christ. 



V. Love of the Scriptures. 



&quot;Let me then prize the Scriptures more, which 

 have, God for their Author, truth unmingled 

 with error for their subject, and salvation for 

 their end. They are the fountains of inter 

 minable happiness, where he who hungers and 

 thirsts after righteousness may be satisfied; and 

 when received in principle and in love, are a 



