and hymn-books, printed in the
beautiful syllabic characters; and they used them well. This
worshipping with a people who used to us an unknown tongue was at first
rather novel; but it attracted and charmed us at once. We were forcibly
struck with the reverential manner in which they conducted their
devotions. No levity or indifference marred the solemnity of their
religious services. They listened very attentively while one of their
number read to them from the sacred Word, and gave the closest attention
to what I had to say, through an interpreter.

Very sweetly and soothingly sounded the hymns of praise and adoration
that welled up from their musical voices; and though we understood them
not, yet in their earnest prayers there seemed to be so much that was
real and genuine, as in pathetic tones they offered up their petitions,
that we felt it to be a great privilege and a source of much blessing,
when with them we bowed at the mercy-seat of our great loving Father, to
Whom all languages of earth are known, and before Whom all hearts are
open.

Very helpful at times to devout worship were our surroundings. As in
the ancient days, when the vast multitudes gathered around Him on the
seaside and were comforted and cheered by His presence, so we felt on
these quiet shores of the lake that we were worshipping Him Who is
always the same. At times delightful and suggestive were our
environments. With Winnipeg's sunlit waves before us, the blue sky
above us, the dark, deep, primeval forest as our background, and the
massive granite rocks beneath us, we often felt a nearness of access to
Him, the Sovereign of the universe, Who "dwelleth not in temples made
with hands,"--but "Who covereth Himself with light as with a garment;
Who stretcheth out the heavens like a curtain; Who layeth the beams of
His chambers in the waters; Who maketh the clouds his chariot; Who
walketh upon the wings of the wind; Who laid the foundations of the
earth, that it should not be removed for ever."

Our Sabbaths were days of rest. The Christian Indians had been taught
by their faithful missionaries the fourth commandment, and they kept it
well. Although far from their homes and their beloved sanctuary, they
respected the day. When they camped on Saturday night, all the
necessary preparations were made for a quiet, restful Sabbath. All the
wood that would be needed to cook the day's supplies was secured, and
the food that required cookin