C8 NARRATIVE, &c. 



ally held under some spreading tree, or on the grassy area of 

 some sheltered glade, contiguous to the camp. Incredulity and 

 bold cavilings, were more observable, I think, at the most re- 

 mote points of our route ; and most interest manifested in the 

 subject, in the villages situated nearest the frontier posts. What- 

 ever were the results, it is to be hoped that no circumstances 

 will prevent Mr. B. from communicating his observations to the 

 christian public, at an early period. 



The field for missionary labor, in all the region northwest of 

 St. Mary's and Michilimackinac, is certainly a very extensive 

 and important one. And the incitements to its occupancy, at 

 the present era, may be said to be decidedly greater, than they 

 have been at any time, since the discovery of the country. No 

 very strong barriers appear to stand in the way of the intro- 

 duction of Christianity among the northern tribes. Their insti- 

 tutions, moral and political, are so fragile, as to be ready to 

 tumble on the application of the slightest power. They are not 

 worshippers of the sun, or the moon. They have no list of im- 

 aginary gods, of the horrid character, which belong to the 

 idolatrous nations of Asia and Africa. A Hindoo worshipper 

 would hardly be able to impose his tale of multiform incarna- 

 tions, and transmigratory existence, upon their belief. And a 

 votary of Juggernaut, would verily be looked on by them, as 

 little better than a mad man. It is not, however, to be inferred 

 that because these gross forms of idolatry do not exist, they have 

 no idolatry at all. Their medicinism, is nothing more nor less 

 than a species of idolatry. They impute supernatural powers 

 to certain material substances, which are preserved and guarded 

 with religious care. These objects, which are often taken from 

 the mineral kingdom, are carried about in sacks, and are ap- 

 pealed to under every form of solemnity, to perform cures, and 

 to grant deliverances, which would require a miracle. Their 

 lesser monedos, of which the number is endless, are expected to 

 operate through these idol-medicines. And although they do 

 not bow down to them, nor appear to place an implicit confi- 



