worthy from among the poor Indians
as we wished specially to honour. Sometimes we filled one table with
wild pagans who had come in from some distant forest home, attracted by
the reports of the coming great feast. Through their stomachs we
sometimes reached their hearts, and won them to Christ.

Thus for hours the feast continued, until all had been supplied. None
were neglected, and everybody was happy. Then with a glad heart they
sang:

"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow."

When all the guests were satisfied, what was left was carried off by the
needy ones, among whom it was generously divided; the tables were
quickly taken down by the men, and the church was speedily swept clean
by some active women. The seats and pews were replaced, and every
arrangement was made for the great annual New Year's Meeting. The
church was lit up; and when the audience had gathered, a chairman was
appointed, and, after singing and prayer, speeches were made by several
of the Indians.

Many pleasant and many sensible things were said. Some of the sober-
minded ones reviewed the year just gone, with all its blessings and
mercies, and expressed the hope that the one on which they had entered
would be crowned with blessings. Some of the speeches referred to
Treaty matters with the Government, and others were in reference to
their huntings and fisheries. Some were bright and witty, and were
received with laughter and applause. Others were of a serious,
religious character, and were equally welcome, and touched responsive
hearts. With pleasure I noticed that in them all the most frequent word
was "Na-nas-koomoo-win-ah," which means "Thanksgiving," and for this my
heart rejoiced. Thus ended, with the Doxology and Benediction, these
happy days, in which we saw so many evidences that the preaching of the
Gospel had not been in vain.

CHAPTER FIVE.

OXFORD HOUSE MISSION--VISITED BY CANOE--DESCRIPTION OF THIS USEFUL
CRAFT-INDIAN SKILL--OXFORD LAKE--DR. TAYLOR--EDWARD PAPANEKIS--STILL ON
THE TRAIL BY BIRCH CANOE--NARROW ESCAPE FROM BEING CRUSHED BY THE ICE--
ON STORMY LAKE WINNIPEG--PIONEERING FARTHER NORTH--SUCCESSES--"SHOW US
THE FATHER, AND IT SUFFICETH US"--CHRIST ACCEPTED IN THE PLACE OF IDOLS.

I had received instructions from the Missionary Secretaries to visit
Oxford Mission as soon as possible, and to do all I could for its
upbuilding. This Mission had had a good measure of success in years
gone by. A c