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GWy JcTJtJO^. I CHEROKEE PHfflllX, MD I5DIAIS’ ADVOCATE. PRINTED UNDER THE TATRONAGE, AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHEROKEE NATION, AND DEVOTED TO THE CAUSE OF INDIANS. E. JBOUDUVOTT, Editor. NEW ECHOTA, WEDNESDAY APRIL 15,1829. VOL. IS.--^ 5. PRINTED WEEKLY BY JNO. F. WHESLER, At $2 50 if paid in advance, #3 in six months, or $3 50 if paid at the end of the year. To subscribers who can read only the Cherokee language the price will be .ft2,00 in advance, or ft2,50 to be paid within the year. Every subscription will be considered as continued unless subscribers give notice to the contrary before the commencement of a new year, and all arrearages paid. Any person procuring six subscribers, _an 1 becoming responsible for the payment, Shall receive a seventh gratis. Advertisements will be inserted at seven ty-five cents per square for the first inser tion, and thirty-seven and a half cents for each continuance; longer ones in propor. lion. tC3*AU letters addressed to the Editor, post paid, will receive due attention. cwy JtAVO-JI AD I1IUCC.U., fOAtX<»a TAA<r U*V« JInfllAJ I-4<»A. BO./1E AliWhU^y KTA D^P o’e.iBa **4«>..i, tgtz TEJBor* De.T^<«P(».i. tgtz rt*p Tj8o-a tb Dej/Siei-rituc, kt ©V'R o°ejBa K4i»A. dta^ez tb yw doj*a;k«»a, o-yjiT d^p cpejBa p-4<»a. cwyz o 5 <vr AhcaiiAoey, wp*t* D»-q OP0.TBA P'4#®A t«»A15(r», TGTZ TEaSO-iT DO" KT^IZ D$P eay-V* O’GAB' WAR Dej^rfSI-oBA. AGENTS FOR I HE CHEROKEE PHOENIX. The following persons are authprized to receive subscriptions and payments for the Cherokee Phoenix. Messrs. Pf.irce &. Williams, No. 20 Market St. Boston, Mass. George M. Tracy, Agent of the A. B. -C. F. M. New York. Rev. A. D. Eddy, Canandaigua, N. Y. Thomas Hastings, Utica, N. Y. Pollard So Converse, Richmond, Va. Rev. James Campbell, Beaufort, S. C William Moultri* Reid, Charleston, $. C. Col, George Smith, Statesville, W. T. William M. Combs, Nashville Ten. Rev. Bennet Roberts—Powai Me. Jh, Thos. R. Gold, (an itinerant Gen tleman.) Jeremiah Acstil, Mobile Ala. Rev. Cvrus Kingsbury, Mayhew, Choc taw Nation. Capt. William Robertson, Augusta, Georgia. H . —■■ RELIGIOUS, ANECDOTES OF TIIE BIBLE At the request of the clergy, sev eral severe proclamations were is sued by King Henry VIII, against all who read, or kept by them, Tyndal’s translation of the New Testament; so that a copy of this book found in the pGsscssion of any person was suf ficient to convict him of heresy, and subject him to the flames. In the early part of this King’ reign, many suffered severely for their attachment to the Scriptures. The houses ol those who were suspected of heresy. W it was called, were searched foi prohibited bobks. Children were suborned against their parents, and wives agaiust their husbands. Many were imprisoned, and obliged to dc penance, and many were burnt. “But the fervent zeal of those Christian days,” says the good old Martyrolo- gist, “seemed much superior to these our days and times, as manifestly may appear by their sitting up all night, in reading and hearing: also by their expenses and charges in buying of books in English: of whom, some gave five marks, some more, some less, for a book; and some gave a load of hay, for a few chapters of St. James or of St, Paul in English.” “It was wonderful,” says a valua ble writer, “to see with what joy this Book of God was received, not only among the learned sort, and those that were noted for lovers of the Re formation, but generally all Ragland over, among all the vulgar and com mon people; and with wliat greediness God • words was read, and what re sort to places where the reading of it was Every body that could, bought the book, or busily read it, or got others to rend it to tliem, if they could not themselves; and divers more elderly people learned to read on pur pose, and even little boys flocked a- mong the rest to hear portions of the holy Scriptures read. One tVilliain Maiden mentions, that “when the King had allowed the Bi ble to be set forth to be read in the churches, immediately several poor men in the town of Chelmsford, / in Essex, where his father lived, and he was born, bought the New Testament, and on Sundays sat reading it in the lower end o; - the church. Many would flock about them to bear their reading; and he among the rest* be ing ihen but fifteen years old, came every Sunday to hear the glad and sweet tidings of the Gospel. But his lather observing it once, angrily fetch ed him away, and would have him say the Latin Matins with him, which grieved him much. And as he re turned at other times to hear the Scriptures read, his father still would fetch him away. This put him upon tiie thought of learning to read Eng lish, that he might read the New Tes tament himself, which when he had by diligence effected, he and his father s apprentice bought a New Testament joining their stocks togeth er; and, to conceal it, laid it under the bedstravv, and read it at conven ient times,” . There were also many in the lower walks of life, whose names are re cord'd on high as having glorified God by their death. Am mg these the name of Joan Waste, a poor wo man, deserves never to be forgotten. Though blind from her birth, 6he learned, at an early age, to knit stock ings and sleeves, and to assist her father in his business of rope-making; and always discovered the utmost a- versioH to idleness or sloth. After the death of her parents, she lived with her brother; and by doily atten dance at church, and hearing the di vine service read in the Vulgate tongue duiing the reign of King Ed- w >rd, became deeply impressed with religious principles. This rendered her desirous of possessing the word of God, so that at length, having by her lab jT earned and saved as much money as would purchase a New Testament, she procured one, and, as she could not read it herself, got otheis to read it to her, especially an old man, seventy years of age, a prisoner for debt in the common jail at Derby, and the clerk of the parish, who read a chapter to her almost every day. She would also sometimes give a pen ny or two (as she could spare) to those who would not read to her without pay. By these means she be came well acquainted with the New Testament, and could repeat many chapters without book; and daily in creasing in sacred knowledge exhibit ed its influence in her life, till she was about twenty-two years of age, when she was condemned for not believing [ tbe doctrine of Transubstantiation, and burnt at Derby, August 1st, 1556. Townlcy. A MOMENTOUS CHANGE IN PROGRESS. To whatever part of the world we turn our attention, the results of a mighty movement In society are seen, and a brightening prospect presents itself. One remarkable feature of the political aspect of the times, is this; that during the last twenty years, depopulation and the dismemberment of empire have been reducing the strength and contracting the dominion of every Mohammedan, and every Romish power throughout the world; while the only States that have mate rially added to their strength and pop ulation, are Great Britain, Russia and America. To estimate the import ance of this striking fact, in its bear ing upon the prospects of (he human race, we must connect it with anoth er. Taking the total population of the globe in round numbers at 1,000,- 000.000, it has been estimated, that ‘he proportion of nominal Christians does not exceed a fifth, while the pro fessors of the Mohammedan faith are computed at 140,000,000, and the Pa gan nations at about 657,000,000.— This view of the subject is melanchol- y and almost overwhelming; but there is another calculation which somewhat relieves the darkness of the picture. Although those who hear the Christian name amount to no more than 200,000,- 000 ihe population subject to Christian Government now amounts to very nearly twice that number; and above half of them are under the dominion of Protestant States. The numbers subject to Mohammedan Governments, it is more difficult to ascertain: they may amount to between 90 and 100,- 000,000, leaving not much above 500,- 000.000 for the Boudhic and other heathen governments. The following table will give a general idea of the political distribution of tbe existing population of the world. ProtcBtant StatcR Great Britain 150,000.000 U. S-aics of America 11,000,000 Prussia, Swedon, Neth- crlamls, &c. Sic. $29,000,000 190,000,000 Russia 00,000.000 Roman Catliolic Slates 105,000,000 335,000,000 Mohammedan States 90,000.000 Chinese Empire, Japan, and Indo- ) ^„ ,w, A Chinese States \ 2<0,000,000 Other Heathens, say 200,000,000 Total 945,000,000 This view of the subject will ap pear still more deserving 6f attention, if we advert to the very different dis tribution of political power which ex isted not a century ago. Great Brit ain, at that period, could not we ap prehend, with all her colonies, have numbered much above 20,000,000 of subjects. The population of Russia was under 30,000,000. And the to tal subject to Christian Governments probably did not exceed 200,000,000. The Grand Seignior, the Sophy, and the Great Mogul, then ranked among the most potent arbiters of the desti nies of the human race. Indio, and indeed all Asia, with the insignificant exception of a few maratime settle ments, were under Mohammedan or Pagan sway. The Portuguese had long monopolized the commerce ol tlieEast; they had established them selves on both the Eastern and Wes tern coast of Africa, and shared with Spain the Southern portion of the new world. The commerce of the Medi terranean was in the hands of the French, and they had their full share of the colonial trade. Finally, all the religious missions in existence were'in connexion with the Romish Church, and supported by Popish States. The. inquisition had its colonial tribunals gt Goa, and Mexico, and Bogota. And the only religion that was not dissem inating itself, and was not gaining ground, was—the Protestant. INDIANS. From the Missionary Herald. RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS OF THE SENECAS. COMMUNICATED BY MR. HARRIS. I have consulted with some of the oldest and the most respectable men of the nation concerning their tradi tions, and find hut little that will prob ably be interesting. Their traditions respecting the divine character, and beings either good or evil, are so much mingled with fable, and partake so largely of the spirit of the marvellous, as to become disgustingly tedious. It is easy, however, to trace the influence of the Roman Catholic church upon the religious creed of the Indians: as it is well known that the Cathol ics have, during the two last centuries, exerted themselves considerably to convert the six natrons to their faith, rhe uniiistrircted Indian's idea of hell is purgatory outright. On this ac count, it is the more difficult to ascer tain with precision what ideas in their religious opinions, are purely Indian. T he ages of the old men who were consulted, all respectable chiefs, are severally, 8J, 64, 57, and 55. These men state that the first attempt, they ever recollect to have been made, to teach their people the Gospel of Christ, was a fruitless effort by the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, about 65, or 70 years ago.* He remained with them at their village, (now Geneva,) near two years; had begun to excite some attention among the Indians, and had opened a si bool for the instruc tion of their children, when the per son with whom Mr. Kirkland lived, of whose hospitality he had always faith fully shared, suddenly fell down dead. The superstition of the Indians was such at that time, as lo lead them to account of this man s death, on the supposition, that it was a judgment of Heaven on the person for harboiing some wicked person; and they soon af ter passed a resolve that he, Mr. K., be expelled the village. He was after wards accepted by the Oneidas.— This was about the first of their inter course with the whites, as nearly as they can recollect. Another attempt was made for their spiritual benefit, at Tuscaroro, about 30years ago, by Rev. Mr. Holmes, n Baptist minister, in tbe employ of the New York Mis sionary Society.. His offer to instruct them in ihe Christian religion was ac cepted by the three leading chiefs, anil the frame of a house was erected, at their expense, for his accommoda tion. But the young warriors were so determined in their opposition, that it was necessary to dismiss hint. The attempt that proved m< st suc cessful in doing away their prejudices, was made by Mr. Hyde, who come to them in the capacity of a teacher.— The minister appointed to labor with him, they refused. By means of these several attempts, their attention was gradually called to the importance of the Christian reli gion. Before this, they regarded God as no other than a man; a person of similar appearance and disposition to themselves. They supposed him good looking, and always naked, well painted, having pieces of dog skin a- round each leg and each'arm, and blankets of dog skin around his shoul ders. This being they were in tbe habit of invoking twice a year: once early in the fall, and again in the lat ter part of the winter. At tbe sea son, the great yearly sacrifice of the white dog was made. This sacrifice was attended with great form and ceremony. The peo ple were previously strictly enjoined to prepare themselves for the ap proaching solemnities. The young ro bust hunters were taxed a deer a- piece. for the necessary supply of pro visions, during the continuance of the feasts; and contributions were expect ed from different quarters. Three councils must be held to make inquiry if all things were ready. At the third sitting, a day was appointed when the solemnities should begin. One per son was always sent through the vil lage to give notice of the determina tion, by saving, “To-morrow, at such an hour, on the firing of a salute, you must expect our uncles to appear:” meaning two select men, whose busi ness it was to go round from house fo house, in the dead of night, dressed in complete suits of black bear skin, with w'reaths of brnidered corn-husks around their heads and ancles, and a corn-pounder in their hand. Ap proaching a house they would always thump against the door, sometimes ex claiming as they entered, “Now ex. pect to see the big beads:” meaning that great respect must be show’n to persons whose office is pre-eminently sacred. They would’ then e ter the lodge, go to the firther extremity of it, thumping on the floor, as they went: and on returning, one would begin, in a ceremonious manner, to draw a stick across the ashes, while the oth er would converse in a very solemn tone on the nature and importance of paying due attention to their religious rites. They would then retire. This ceremony would be neain repeated the next night, for the purpose of a- rousing the people to a sun>e ol tiic-i*" obligations lo attend on lt<e woi&nip ol their god On this second visit, (he people were reminded to re num ber all their dreams, which they would be at liberty lo propose at (lie liisl geneial meeting, with a view lo let tiie conjurors who chose, guess them out, in some such manner ,.s bamson put forth his riddle lo the men cl liinnalh. The fortunate ois- covereis. (it any were sufficieml) ex pert, and it not, the chitfs,) wer( o- bliged to iurnish the dreamer with something that would correspond lo the natuie of the dream: for instance, il any person was favored with an in teresting dream respecting a canoe, or gun, or bow and ariow, some imi tation ol these things must be, made and presented to the individual, who ever regarded il as one of the most sacred oi things, as a guide in all i s wanderings on earth, and a passport even to the heavenly paradise. On the third day, these heralds, perfectly naked and well painted, would repeat essentially the same ceremony, with increasing earnestness and zeal; would take up in a kind of scoop or shovel, part ol the ashes, and si alter it round the room, saying, “This we do out of regard to god, who is our son.They would then be lollowed by others, men and w omen, performing the s. me ceremony, going irom bouse to house, doing the s; me thing, and repeating tbe same words. The next day, six of the best men in the village would be sent round to state to the people, that tiny had come to visit them in company w ith god himself; who they pretended made one of their number, “lour son,” they would say w ith great s’ill* ness and solemnity, “has come to \ is* it you.” After this ceremony had been per* formt d, the next thing was to attend on the great annual sacrifice of the white dog. The dog oh being stran gled, was highly painted and adorned with ribbons, and suspended to a post previously prepared. The officialing priest, at the proper time, would ad vance, take down the dog. lay it on the pile of wood already in flames, and throw upon the consuming victim, a handful or two of Indian tobacco.— After this, tbe priest would begin to pray as follows:—“Here, our son. is a present lor you, from your parents: we present you w ith this dog, of tbe skin ot which you can make garniei ts for yourself: we also present you with little tobacco—a very little:—. we pray that you will accept it. at coming from your faithful and loving parents. Have mercy on us. and send us all those things that are ne cessary for our comfort and happi ness,” &c. This is the only time, tbe Indians spy, in which they ever pre tended to pray: hut the priest actual ly prayed in this manner, and the pee* pic listened with the most profound attention. After this ceremony was concluded, the people, old and young, would be gin to dance; while some pei6on would sing. Usually, when the danc ing commenced, the most unbounded rev* elry commenced. And as they wei© conducted chiefly in the night, veiy great licentiousness was practised; although every thing of the kind was strictly forbidden by the officiating priest. It was generally expected that, at these seasons, husbands and wives would be. parted from each oth er, and deeds of darkness, and erime6 of high order be committed with sup* posed impunity. These Indians never had any idea of being called to any future account, whatever their conduct might be, if they properly attended upon these so lemnities, which they believed tbi ij god had prescribed. They believed, indeed, that persons notoriously wick ed and base in their dispositions and habits, could not expect to go direct'y to the heavenly paradise; but would be eonwelled to take a road which must lead to the resideuce of Nif-tu^i