The Indian’s Reply to the Missionary
From Touch the Earth: A Self-Portrait of Indian Existence by T. C. McLuhan
In 1805, a young missionary was sent into the country of the Iroquois by the Evangelical Missionary Society of Massachusetts to “spread the word”. A council was held at Buffalo, New York, and Sa-go-ye-wat-ha, or Red Jacket, Seneca chief, made the following reply:
… Brother, you say that you are sent to instruct us how to worship the great Spirit agreeable to his mind; and if we do not take hold of the religion which you white people teach, we shall be unhappy hereafter. You say that you are right, and we are lost. How do we know this to be true? We understand that your religion is written in a book. If it was intended for us as well as you, why has not the Great Spirit given it to us — and not only to us, but to our forefathers — the knowledge of that book, with the means of understanding it rightly? We only know what you tell us about it. How shall we know when to believe, being so often deceived by the white people?
Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agree, as you can all read the book?
Brother, we do not understand these things. We are told that your religion was given to your forefathers, and has been handed down from father to son. We also, have a religion which was given to our forefathers, and has been handed down to us, their children. We worship in that way. It teaches us to be thankful for all favours we receive; to love each other, and be united. We never quarrel about religion, because it is a matter which concerns each man and the Great Spirit.
Brother, we do not wish to destroy your religion or to take it from you; we only want to enjoy our own.
Brother, we have been told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbours; we are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will consider again of what you have said.
Brother, you have now heard our talk, and this is all we have to say at present. As we are going to part, we will come and take you by the hand, and hope the Great Spirit will protect you on your journey, and return you safely to your friends.
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