USA > Pennsylvania > Early history of western Pennsylvania, and of the West, and of western expeditions and campaigns, from MDCCLIV to MDCCCXXXIII > Part 83
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The brethren found meanwhile, that it would be highly necessary for the cause of the Gospel, to remove a misunderstanding which prevailed among the heathen to the prejudice of the christian Indians. They asserted, that as soon as the latter changed their mode of living and re- fused to join in their vices, they likewise withdrew their contributions towards the support of the affairs of the nation, and would no more assist in furnishing the usual quantity of wampum, allowed for the use of the Chiefs. The missionaries therefore took the necessary steps to procure a formal declaration from the believing Indians, in all places, to this effect : "'That though they never intended to interfere, either with the affairs of state or with the wars of the savages, yet they were always willing to bear their share of the public burden in times of peace, and to contribute towards the expenses attending all measures adopted for the welfare of the nation, which were not meant to molest either the white people or the Indian nations; but upon this positive condition, that the Chiefs, counsellors, and captains of all the different tribes should never claim the least authority over the missionaries, but leave [ 354 ]
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them at full liberty to go where they pleased, and in case of their return to Bethlehem, to send other brethren in their room." This declaration gave universal satisfaction, was answered by all the Chiefs in very civil terms, and by some by formal embassies, and prevented much enmity, to which the believing Indians and their teachers might have otherwise been exposed. At Goschgoschuenk, Wangomen was appointed deputy, and sent by the council with a full and concise answer, couched in the most courteous terms, to Friedensstadt, and thence to Pakanke at Kas- kaskunk, to inform him and his council of the adoption of the brethren into the Monsy tribe, desiring him to send the message forward to the rest of the Delaware tribes, and with their consent to the Iroquois, Dela- mattenoos, and Shawanese, and to appoint and acknowledge the above- mentioned umpire, appointed to watch over the due observance of the covenant, thus made between the brethren and the Indian nations .- Wangomen executed all these commissions with much punctuality, and appeared to have laid all enmity against the brethren aside ; he was even commissioned by old Pakanke, who also pretended to be reconciled to them, to go in person to Friedenshuetten, and invite the believing Indians to come to the neighborhood of Kaskaskunk and build a town for themselves, upon any spot of ground they might choose.
"In the mean time our Indians began on the 23d of July to build a regular settlement on the west side of the Beaver creek, erecting block- houses, and working with such perseverance and diligence, that before winter, they and their teachers were safely and conveniently housed .- Then the statutes of the congregation were made known to the inhabi- tants, and every thing regulated as in Friedenshuetten.
" October 28th, the missionary John George Jungman and his wife arrived from Bethlehem, to have the care of this congregation, and brought a string of wampum from Colonel Croghan in Pittsburg, to Pakanke, desiring him to receive the missionary and his wife with kind- ness, as they came merely from benevolent motives to promote the wel- fare and prosperity of the Indians. This unsolicited kind interference of the Colonel gave much pleasure to our Indians and their teachers, and made a good impression upon Pakanke. Brother Senseman re- turned to Bethlehem in November, having been a faithful and useful assistant to brother Zeisberger, with whom he willingly shared distress and danger.
" Both missionaries rejoiced greatly at the gracious visitation of this country by the Lord. The power of the Holy Ghost was remarkably evident during the preaching of the precious Gospel of Christ Jesus, and the heart of one poor sinner after the other was opened, and led to accept of the gracious invitation which he gives to all that labor and are heavy laden. Glikkikan was so much moved by a discourse delivered in the daily meeting, that he afterwards wept aloud on his way home. The heathen were astonised, that such a noted and valiant captain should weep in the presence of his former acquaintance; but the brethren praised God for such visible proofs, that the word of the cross of Jesus can even break and melt the most stubborn and proud heart of a wild Indian. One of Pakanke's sons, having listened with attention to a ser- mon, said : "I have understood all I have now heard, and your words
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have penetrated into my heart : now I believe that they are true." An unbaptized Indian said to a visitor : " Whoever will consider but for a moment, must plainly see, that the doctrine of the Brethren is true ; and even though our senses cannot rightly comprehend its meaning, yet our hearts feel something of its power, as often as we hear it."
"Many people from distant places, especially from Shenenge, came to hear the comfortable Gospel, which encourages sinners with all their misery to turn to their Redeemer.
" As to Friedensstadt itself, the peace of God, brotherly love, and a desire to cleave to and love God our Savior, prevailed most powerfully in the congregation. The baptized improved daily in a christian walk and conversation, and greatly valued their high and heavenly calling .- One of them said to a strange Indian : " I cannot indeed speak much to you at present, but I will give you an opportunity to hear the precious words of our Savior, with which the most delicious food in the world is not to be compared for sweetness;" and then brought him to the chapel. A noted sorcerer, who came to see Friendensstadt, stood listen- ing to an Indian sister, who was boldly declaring the Gospel to some female visitors ; and afterwards said that he had a great inclination to try his legerdemain tricks upon her, and to do her an injury. When she heard this, she said: "I do not fear his threats ; for if any one could even take away my life by such practices, I should then go home to my Savior, where I should enjoy much greater happiness than in this life." The labor of the Spirit of God was likewise so evident in the children, and the Lord perfected praise even out of the mouths of babes, in such a manner, that the missionaries were filled with astonishment. Among the unbaptized and catechumers the awakening was solid and general, and their longing after grace and the remission of sins in the blood of Jesus appeared on all occasions. The missionaries were more particularly rejoiced to see that the above-mentioned Captain Glikkikan, and a Chief, called Genaskund, who retired with them from Goschegos- chuenk, were the most humble and contrite among all the unbaptized, confessing with great openness their sinful and abominable manner of living among the heathen, praying God for mercy and forgiveness as the most undeserving prodigals, and earnestly requesting to be baptized .- They both received this favor on the 24th of December, and remained living and distinguished examples of that divine truth, that no sinner is so proud and depraved, but he may be thoroughly humbled, changed, and converted to God by the power of the blood of Jesus.
" In the spring of 1771, Wangomen came to Friedenshuetten, to de- liver the above-mentioned message from the principal Chiefs of the Delaware nations to the Indian congregation, and also to invite them and the congregation in Tschechschequannink to the Allegheny, that is, to the country on the Ohio. The Chiefs declared, that they would re- ceive the believing Indians into their arms as friends, and permit them to choose a tract of land, where they might live together as christians in peace and safety ; and that they should bring their white teachers with them, who should be considered as being of the same color with the Indians.
" At the particular request of the Chiefs, Brother Zeisberger gave a let- [ 356 ]
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ter of recommendation to the deputies, assuring the Indian congregation, that this invitation concealed no bad design, but rather, that the Chiefs, being now truly desirous that they and their young people might hear the Gospel, wished on that account alone that brethren might reside among them ; our Indians however mistrusted the contents of this mes- sage, and therefore gave the following short answer to Wangomen and the other delegates : " We rejoice that Pakanke and the other Chiefs have thought on us with so much kindness. But we are as yet too heavy to rise, and when we have lightened ourselves, we will send word to the Chiefs." Some time after Chief Netawatwees in Gekelemuk- pechuenk repeated this invitation in a pressing manner, which occasioned our Indians to consider more particularly about it, especially as the Wyandots had likewise invited them to move to their land on the Ohio, assuring them that they would not fell the ground under their feet, as the Iroquois had done.
"However, no resolution was taken, till the month of May, when Friedenshuetten was visited by the Brethren Christian Gregor and John Loretz, who some time ago arrived from Europe, to hold a visitation in all the brethren's settlements in North America. Bishop . Nathaniel Seidel accompanied them from Bethlehem, a man known and highly respected by many of our Indians, who expressed extraordinary joy at their visit. The joy of the two European brethren was great indeed. They saw here for the first time, a flock of christian Indians, and could not sufficiently praise and thank God, our Savior, for the gracious work begun among these nations, supported amidst so many and heavy trials, and miraculously preserved, although exposed to so many threatening and imminent dangers.
" They devoted their whole time and labor to the service of the two congregations in Friedenshuetten and Tschechschequannink, conversed with every individual, and delivered several powerful discourses, espe -. cially during the Whitsuntide holidays, the interpreters translating their words with great exactness. They baptised several Indians, visited every family, and both their conversation with individuals, their public ministry and their benevolent behavior, tended to the edification and blessing of all the inhabitants. They likewise examined into every particular relating to the inward and outward state of the mission, and in this view held several conferences with the missionaries and the In- dian assistants. The above mentioned invitation given to our people by the Delawares was also maturely considered, and the conference, with the concurrence of the Indian congregation, came to a resolution, that next autumn some families should remove from hence to Friedensstadt, that some regard might be shown to the message ; but as to the emigra- tion of the whole congregation, that should be considered and finally decided in Bethlehem. On the return of these visitors and their com- pany to Bethlehem, the Indians took leave of them with the most cor- dial expression of love and gratitude, recommending themselves to the prayers and remembrance of all the brethren in Europe.
" David Zeisberger was soon after called from Friedensstadt to Bethle- hem to attend a conference, in which the whole situation of the mission among the Indians was maturely weighed and considered. The breth-
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ren were convinced, that the Indian congregations at Friedenshuetten and 'Tschechschequannink would not be able to maintain themselves long in these places, partly because the Iroquois had sold the land, and various troublesome demands upon them were continually renewed, partly on account of a contest between the New Englanders and the Indians of Wajomick, by which Friedenshuetten was much disturbed by occasion of its vicinity. Besides this, the Sennekas by their bad behavior gave our Indians much trouble, the white people being too apt to suspect the latter as accomplices. One of the most powerful arguments in favor of their emigration was this, that the number of European settlers daily increased, both above and below Friedenshuet- ten, and the rum trade tended to seduce the young people. A final resolution was therefore taken, to advise the Indian congregation, to accept of the proposal repeatedly made to them, to remove to the Ohio, and to consider it as proceeding from a gracious direction of the pro- vidence of God.
" Brother Zeisberger, upon his return, mentioned this advice to the Indians at Friedenshuetten and Tschechschequannink, and both con- gregations resolved to remove in the following spring, and first to go to Friedenstadt. Some families went thither immediately, in order to lay out plantations of Indian corn, both for themselves and the congre- gations that were to follow them.
"During these transactions a very painful circumstance happened at Friedenshuetten. Two wicked men, who bore an implacable enmity to John Papunhank, a man of the most unblemished character, came and pretended to have received full and satisfactory information from the Chiefs at Zeninge and Hallobank, that the said John Papunhank was a dealer in poison, and that he had been the occasion of the late sudden deaths of several people, and of those epidemical disorders which raged in the country some time ago. By this wicked lie the whole settlement was alarmed, and in a great uproar for a whole week. Some looked upon him as innocent, but the greater number were scru- pulous, and a few were so far misled by the slanderers, that they even joined them and formed a party, having little less in view, than to take away his life. The missionary, Brother Schmick, convinced of John Papunhank's innocence, took all possible pains to inform and pacify them, but in vain. He then assembled the whole congregation, and John Papunhank declared publicly, "that he never had any poison in his possession, nor even understood the art of mixing it. That as long as he did not love the Lord Jesus, his whole heart was fall of wickedness, but that his soul had been washed by the blood of Christ, and his sins pardoned, when he received holy baptism ; that since that time, he had belonged to the Lord with soul and body, loving him, and intending to love, serve, and cleave to him all his life." Bv this free and sincere declaration, the greater number were fully satisfied, but the above mentioned party were rendered more bitter, and even attacked him in the neighborhood of the settlement, demanding that he should either deliver up his poison or lose his life. He appealed with great calmness and composure to the declaration which he had solemnly and publicly given, and walked away quietly, his enemies [358]
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not daring to execute their wicked design. During this very danger- ous period, his heart was filled with confidence, depending upon the sure protection of God. He once said : "If the Lord permits, that, by these base lies, I lose my life, I shall at once be delivered from all misery, and go to my Savior. I should only pity my wife and child." His wife was however much supported, and like her husband cleaved to our Savior, as the best friend in every time of need, who is also able and willing to save. In order fully to prove his innocence to such, who had been disquieted, he sent two messengers with a belt of wampum to the above mentioned two Chiefs, desiring to know, whether they had accused him of such abominable practices ? They were astonished at the message, solemnly declaring their total igno- rance of this whole affair, and thus the innocence of John Papunhank was rendered as notorious as the diabolical malice of the calumniators. The latter now thought it most prudent not to be seen by the inhabi- tants of Friedenshuetten, who most sincerely sympathized with the un- merited sufferings of their respected brother. All joined in praising the Lord for this discovery, which put a stop to a most detestable business : but the sorrow over those brethren who had been so grievously mis- guided by the above seducers was also general. They indeed acknowl- edged their transgression, and publicly begged and received the pardon of the congregation ; but it was a long time before they could recover rest and peace of mind. They served as a remarkable example to show what an hideous and aggravated crime the sin of calumny is, in the eyes of a just and righteous God.
"In the year 1771, the Susquehanna overflowed its banks to such a degree, that the inhabitants of Tfchechfequannink were obliged to save themselves in boats, and retire to the woods, where they were detained four days. The repairs of their deluged plantations cost them much trouble. But the inward course of the congregation was edifying, and proved often a great blessing both to the unbaptized and to the numerous visitors. Nathaniel addressed an heathen Indian, who was much con- cerned about his salvation, to the following effect: " Itis very easy to gain an happy heart, as soon as you sincerely resolve to part with all sin, and believe, what is told you of our Saviour : for if you ask, you shall receive. But we are naturally averse to humility and prayer, and therefore receive nothing. I was so formerly : but having frequently heard from the brethren, how happy a ransomed sinner is, I began to pray, and persevered, until our Saviour granted me pardon and happiness. Now since I am baptized, I think I become happier every day ; yea, I sometimes feel as if I saw our Saviour before my eyes ; for I perceive his presence so sensibly, that my heart is ready to leap for joy." Sam- uel expressed himself to the following effect: " I thank our Saviour daily, that he has brought me to his children. I see every day more clearly, how well disposed he was and still is towards me. Many words in the Bible, and also in the hymns, which I heard frequently, but of which I never experienced the power, are now exceeding precious to my soul, and I rejoice that my knowledge of our Saviour increases .- Wherever I am, I can speak freely to him. I delight to behold him in
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spirit as crucified for me, for I feel, that his sufferings and death are capable to destroy the power of sin within me."
Such energetic expressions, proceeding from people, who were lately the most devoted servants of sin, encouraged those who were newly awakened, to cry for mercy. Many of them confessed with great sor- row and compunction their crimes and transgressions, and the manner in which they described their state was truly moving. For instance, an heathen Indian, after hearing a sermon, broke out in these words :- " Alas, what a wretch am I! I have perfectly understood the words of the missionary, and believe them all to be true ; but my heart trembled an i quaked for fear, for I sit in the midst of sin and darkness, and you are in the light." Another said: "I now for the first time understand that pride is a wicked thing. I used to believe that I was not proud, but now I feel that I am a very proud man, and my pride has prevented my coming to Jesus, and believing on him with my whole heart." The same person said on another occasion : " Brother, I must tell you what happened to me. I hit my foot yesterday against a root, and fell ; and feeling myself impatient on that account, I thought some one was re- proving me in these words : 'Consider thy Saviour, how patient He is ! There thy Creator stands, beholding the soldiers who are digging the hole for his cross ; he willingly permits them to extend his body on the cross, and to pierce his hands and feet with nails.' 'This was to me an astonishing sight, and I could not sleep all night, so much was I em- ployed in contemplating his mercy and love to sinners." A boy, who was very ill, thus addressed the missionary : "One thing is still want- ing : I do not feel that our Saviour lias washed me from my sins in his blood. If I should not receive this favor before I die, I shall not go to him, but be lost forever, and yet I wish to be saved. I therefore, pray incessantly to our Saviour, that he would have mercy upon me poor child, and wash me in his precious blood ; then I shall not fear death, but rejoice that I shall go and be with him forever." He was soon after baptized, and received the divine assurance that his sins were forgiven through the merits of our Lord's atonement.
In the meantime many people followed the brethren from Gosch- goschuenk, on the Ohio, to the Beaver creek, some of whom settled in Kaskaskunk ; others, who showed an earnest wish to be converted, and promised to live in conformity to the rules of the congregation, obtained leave to live at Friedenstadt.
The brethren were at this time incessantly troubled by the most dar- ing lies, propagated by the savages, who even counterfeited letters and messages from the chiefs to them. In the beginning of the year 1771, a very peremptory message of this kind was brought to Friedensstadt, as coming from the chief and council at Gekelemukpechuenk ; demand- ing that an Indian woman, lately converted to the truth and baptized by the Brethren, should be sent back immediately, or she should be taken away by force. 'This message appearing dangerous in its consequences, Brother Zeisberger himself set out on the 5th of March, with three Indian brethren for Gekelemukpechuenk. On the road they experi- enced great hardships in wading through tracts of deep snow and much water, and did not arrive there until the 13th. They lodged in the house
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of the head chief Netawatwees, where they met with a kind reception, and had soon an opportunity of preaching Jesus and him crucified to the inhabitants, who assembled in great numbers to hear the missionary. Brother Zeisberger then requested a meeting of the council, and read to them the above-mentioned letter. It was then discovered, that neither the chief nor the council knew any thing of it, but that one of the coun- sellors present had written it on his own authority, and signed it with two fictitious names. Being thus detected, he was publicly confounded ; the whole council expressed great indignation at the contents of the let- ter, and agreed perfectly with the declaration of the missionary and the Indian brethren, that as they could and would not detain any Indian in their settlement against his will, either by persuasion or force, so no Indian ought to be compelled to leave them, the Indians being altogether a free people, who in all things might act according to their own minds. After this, Brother Zeisberger staid several days in Gekelemukpechuenk, and found many attentive hearers, but likewise many avowed enemies, who, though they dared not publicly to contradict the missionary him- self, raged with immoderate fury against his Indian assistants and their testimony. One said to Isaac : " What do you come here for, spread- ing your new doctrines among our people ? I have a good mind to kick you all together out of doors. And even if all the Indians should em- brace your doctrine, I certainly would not." This opposition arose chiefly from the insinuations of the above-mentioned Indian preachers, who had so strenuously recommended emetics, as a sure mode of cleans- ing from sin, that, in this town, the practice was general. The mis- sionary endeavored to convince the people, that though an emetic might benefit their stomachs, yet it could never cleanse their hearts ; but that the blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God, applied in faith to our sin- sick souls, was alone able to cleanse and change them. Having recom- mended these people in fervent prayer to the mercy of God our Saviour, he returned with his company to Friedensstadt.
He had scarcely left Gekelemukpechuenk, when a renowned heathen preacher arrived and spread great confusion among the people by de- claring, that the missionary was even known to the white people as a noted seducer of the Indians, who, whenever he had drawn a large party aside, sent them over the great ocean and sold them for slaves, where they were harnessed to the plough and whipped on to their work. By these lying insinuations he gained such an ascendency over the timid minds of the Indians, that he soon became the leader of a large party, and the Brethren were soon convinced, that to plant the Gospel in the country, to which the congregations at Friedenshuetten and Tschech- schequannink were now invited, would be attended with great difficulties. Brother Zeisberger says in one of his letters : " Here God must work a miracle, for Satan has many strong holds, which he has well fortified."
"In Kaskaskunk the enmity against the brethren became more gene- ral, especially as the lies spread in Gekelemukpechuenk, soon found their way thither, and though it afterwards happened, that their author, an Indian preacher, lost his senses, and ran about the woods raving mad, yet the enmity against the brethren and all who attended their meetings, did not subside in the least.
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