instances might be adduced to prove that the savage
disposition of these Indians has not been greatly ameliorated by their
profession of Christianity; they have, in fact, all the vices with but
few of the virtues of their heathen countrymen.

They are immoderately fond of ardent spirits, men, women and--shocking
to say--children. This hateful vice, which contributes more than any
other to the debasement of human nature, seems to produce more baneful
effects upon the Indian, both physically and morally, than upon the
European. The worst propensities of his nature are excited by it.
While under the influence of this demon he spares neither friend nor
foe; and in many instances the members of his own family become the
victims either of his fury or his lust.

The crime of incest is by no means unknown among them; rum, the
greatest scourge and curse of the Indian race, is undoubtedly the
principal cause of this dreadful corruption: but is it not strange
that religion should have so little effect in reforming their manners?
The Mississagays, the neighbours of the Algonquins, who speak the same
language, were only converted a few years ago by the Methodists, and
from being the most dissipated and depraved of Indians, are now become
sober, industrious and devout.

It seems, therefore, impossible even for the most unprejudiced to
avoid the conclusion that the difference in manners must in a great
measure be ascribed to the different methods adopted by the Roman
Catholic and Protestant missionaries in converting the natives. The
Roman Catholic convert is first baptized, then instructed in the forms
of worship, taught to repeat Pater nosters and Ave Marias, to make the
sign of the cross, and to confess. He is now a member of the Church,
and is dismissed to his woods--a Christian, can we say? The Methodists
pursue a different course. Their converts must not only reform their
lives, but give indubitable proofs that they are reformed; they
are taught so as to understand thoroughly the sound principles of
Christianity; and they must give an account of their faith, and a
reason for the hope that is in them, before they are admitted as
members of the Christian community. "The tree is known by its fruits."

The Sachems, or chiefs of the Algonquins, possess little or no
authority, but their advice is of some weight There are gradations of
rank in the chieftainship; the Kitchi Okima, or great chief, takes
precedence at the Council, an