to Him there, and not bow before figures which can have no
resemblance to him; for I observed that even the infants differed from
each other. And who, tell me, does the figures of the woman represent?"

"She was one especially honoured among women, but who the Saviour
expressly showed He did not desire should be worshipped," answered the
count. "She was chosen to be the earthly mother of the Son of God, who
so loved the world, that He desired to become man, that He might be
punished instead of all men; for all, being by nature sinful, deserve
punishment, and God, who is all just and all merciful, decreed that all
who believe that Jesus, His Son, was punished for our sins, should have
those sins washed away, and be received into favour again by Him. Thus,
Jesus came into the world as an infant, grew up to manhood, and, after
setting an example to mankind by the obedient, pure, holy life He led,
He allowed Himself to be put to the most cruel of deaths on the cross,
such as the vilest of malefactors were alone considered deserving of.
To prove that He was God, by His own will and power He rose again and
ascended into heaven, there to be the Advocate and Mediator of those He
had redeemed. Through Him alone the prayers of those who believe in Him
can be offered and be received acceptably by God."

The young chief listened attentively to what the count said, "This is
very wonderful, very wonderful," he observed, after being for some time
lost in meditation. "I would wish to hear more about the matter; yet it
strikes me as strange that God should allow His name to be profaned, and
these senseless images to be worshipped instead of Himself."

"You are right, my friend," said the count. "God is a Spirit, and must
be worshipped in spirit and in truth. He is also long-suffering and
kind, and therefore He does not punish men as they deserve, that they
may have an opportunity of turning from their sins and being reconciled
to Him."

The count gladly took the opportunity of explaining further the truths
of the Christian faith to the young chief, who seemed to drink in
eagerly every word he heard. It was the first of many visits he paid,
and often was his canoe to be seen, as the shades of evening drew on,
skimming across the tranquil waters of the harbour towards the mainland.

The Indians received such entertainment on their first visit as the
French could afford; and while it was yet daylight they returned in
their can