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note: Oberlin MS page breaks indicated in blue, thusly: {MS-000}
[1]
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
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MANUSCRIPT STORY
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{MS-001} INTRODUCTION.
Near the west Bank of the Coneaught River there are
the remains of an ancient fort. As I was walking and
forming various conjectures respecting the character situation
and numbers of those people who far exceeded the present race
of Indians in works of art & inginuety I hapned to tread on a
flat Stone. This was at a small distance from the fort; & it
lay on the top of a small mound of Earth exactly horizontal --
The face of it had a singular appearance. I discovered a
number of characters which appeared to me to be letters -- but
so much effaced by the ravages of time, that I could not read
the inscription. With the assistance of a leaver I raised the
Stone -- But you may easily conjecture my astonishment when
I discovered that its ends and sides rested on Stones & that it
was designed as a cover to an artificial cave. -- I found on
examining that its Sides were lined with * * * built in a
connical form with * * * down -- & that it was about
{MS-002} eight feet deep -- Determined to investigate the design of this
extraordinary work of antiquity -- I prepared myself with
necessary requisites for that purpose and decended to the
Bottom of the cave -- Observing one side to be perpendicular
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THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
nearly three feet from the bottom, I began to inspect that part
with accuracy; Here I noticed a big flat Stone fixed in the
form of a doar. I immediately tore it down & lo a cavity
within the wall presented itself -- it being about three feet in
diameter from side to side and about two feet high. Within
this cavity I found an earthen Box with a cover which shut it
perfectly tite -- The Box was two feet in length one & half in
breadth & one and three inches in diameter. My mind filled
with awful sensations which crowded fast upon me would
hardly permit my hands to remove this venerable deposit but
curiosity soon gained the ascendancy & the box was taken &
raised to open * * * When I had removed the cover I
found that it contained twenty eight sheets of parchment. &
that when * * * * * * {MS-003} appeared to be manuscripts
written in an eligant hand with Roman Letters & in the Latin
Language.
They were written on a variety of Subjects. But the Roll
which principally attracted my attention contained a history
of the authors life & that part of America which extends along
the great Lakes & the waters of the Missisippy.
Extracts of the most interesting and important matters
contained in this Roll I take the liberty to publish -- --
[Gentle Reader tread lightly on the ashes of the venerable dead
-- Thou must know that this Country was once inhabited by great
& powerful nations considerably civilized & skilled in the arts of
war, and that on ground where thou now treadest many [an hard
fou] a bloody {MS-004} Battle hath been fought -- & heroes by the thousand
[have been] made to bite the dust.
In the history given of these nations by my Author you will
find nothing but what will correspond with the natural sentiments
we should form on viewing the innumerable remains of Antiquity
which are scattered over an extensive Country. This is an evidence
of the authors impartiality and veracity. But if any should pretend
that the whole story is fictitious or fabulous.]
To publish a translation of every particular circumstance
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
3
mentioned by our author would produce a volume too expensive
for the general class of readers. But should this
attempt to throw off the vail which has secluded our view
from the transactions of nations who, for ages have been
extinct, meet the approbation of the public, I shall then be happy
to gratify the more inquisitive & learned part of my readers
by a more minute publication. Apprehensive that sceptical,
illiberal or superstitious minds may censure this performance
with great acrimony I have only to remark that they will
be deprived of a great fund of entertainment which those {MS-005} of a
contrary disposition will obtain. My compassion will be
excited more than my resentment and there the contest will
end.
Now Gentle Reader the Translator who wishes well to
thy present & thy future existence entreats the to peruse this
volume with a clear head a pure heart & a candid mind -- If
thou shalt that thy head & thy heart are both improved it
will afford him more satisfaction than the approbation of ten
thousand who have received no benefit. -- --
[And now permit me to admonish thee that if thou shouldst
reside in or travel thro' any part of the Country]
________
CHAPT I
An Epitomy of the Authors life & of his arival in America --
As it is possible that in some future age this part of the
Earth will be inhabited by Europians & a history of its
present inhabitants will be a valuable acquisition I propose
to write one & deposit it in a box secured * * * *
so that the ravages of time will have {MS-006} effect upon it. That you
4
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
may know the Author I will give a succint account of his life
& of the cause of his arival -- which I have extracted from a
manuscript which will be deposited with this history:
[My name was [is] Fabius] The family name I sustain
is Fabius, being decended from the illustrius General of that
name -- I was born at Rome and received my [tuition]
education under the tuition of a very learned Master -- At
the time that Constantine arived at that city & had overcome
his enimies & was firmly seated on the throne of the
Roman empire I was introduced to him as a young Gentleman
[litera] genius & learning and as being worthy of
the favourable notice of his imperial majisty -- He gave me
the appointment of one of his Secritaries, and such were the
gracious intimations which he frequently gave me of his
high approbation of my conduct that I was happy in my
stations. One day he says to me -- Fabius you must go
to Brittain and carry an important * * * to the
general of our army there * * * * {MS-007} sail in a vessel and
return when she returns. Preparation was made instantly and
we sailed -- The vessel laden with provisions for the army --
cloathing, knives and other impliments for their use had now
arived near the coasts of Britan when a tremendous storm
arose & drove us into the midst of the boundless Ocean.
Soon the whole crew became lost & bewildered -- They knew
not the direction to the rising Sun or polar Star -- for the
heavens were covered with clouds: & darkness had spread her
sable mantle over the face of the raging deep. Their minds
were filled with consternation & dispair -- [and unaimously agreed
that] What could we do? How be extrecated from the insatiable
jaws of a watry tomb. Then it was that we felt our
absolute dependence on that Almighty & gracious Being who
holds the winds and storms in his hands -- From him alone
could we expect deliverance. To him our most fervent
desires ascended -- prostrate & on {MS-009} bended nees we poured forth
incessant supplications, & even Old Ocean appeared to sympathize
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
5
in our distress by returning the echo of our vociforos
cries and lamentations -- After being driven five days with
incridable velocity before the furious wind, the storm abated
in its violance -- but still the wind blew strong in the same
direction -- Doubt whether the wind had not changed her
point we gave the ship full sail & let her drive -- On the sixth
day after, the storm wholly subsided, the sun rose clear & the
heavens once more appeard to smile -- Inexpressible was the
consternation of all the crew. they found themselves in the
midst of a vast Ocean No prospect of returning -- all was lost
-- The wind blowing westwardly & the presumption was that
it had been blowing in that direction during the whole of the
storm. No pen can paint the dolorious cries & lamentations
of the poor mariners -- for the loss of friends for the loss
of every thing they held most dear. At length a Mariner
stept forward in {MS-009} the midst and proclaimed. Attend O friends &
listen to my words -- A voice from on high hath penetrated
my soul & the inspiration of the Almighty hath bid me proclaim
-- Let your sails be wide spread and the gentle winds
will soon waft you into a safe harbor -- A country where you
will find hospitality. -- Quick as the lightnings flash joy
sparkled in every countenance -- A Hymn of Thanksgiving
spontaniously bust forth from their lips -- In full confidence
that the divine prediction would be accomplished they extoled
the loving-kindness and tender mercies of their God & promised,
by the assistance of his grace to make ample returns of
gratitude. On the fifth day after this we came in sight of
Land -- we entered a spacious River -- & continued sailing up
the same many leages until we came {MS-010} in view of a Town --
Every heart now palpitated with joy -- & loud shouts of gladness
expressed the enthusiastic transports of our souls. We
anchored within a small distance from shore -- Immediately
the natives ran with apparent signs of surprise & astonishment,
to the bank of the River -- After viewing us for some
time, and receiving signs of Friendship -- they appeard to hold
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THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
a counsel for a few a few minutes -- Their King then stept forward
to the edge of the bank -- & proffered us the hand of
friendship -- & by significant gestures invited us to Land
promising us protection & hospitality. We now found ourselves
once more on terra firma -- & were conducted by the King &
four cheifs into the town whilst the multitude followed after,
shouting and performing many odd jesticulations -- The King
ordered an entertainment to be prepared for his new friends
which consisted of * * * * meat fish, boiled beans &
samp * * * * * * * {MS-011} The whole was placed under a
wide spreading Oak in wooden dishes -- A large clam shell & a
stone Knife were provided for each one The King then came
forward with about twenty of his principal subjects -- & seated
us, (being twenty in number) by the side of our repast -- He
and his company then took seats in front. After waving his
hand & bowing all fell to eating and a more delicious repast we
never enjoyed -- The repast being finished our attention was
called to a collection of about One thousand men and women
who had formed a ring and invited our company to come forward
into the midst -- after gazing upon us for some time with
surprize we were permitted to withdraw and to take our stand
in the Ring -- About forty in number then walked into the
midle of the Ring & began a song with such discordant and
hedious modifications of sounds and such frantic jesticulations
of body, that it seemed that chaos had bro't {MS-012} her furies to set
the world in an uproar -- And an uproar it was in a short time
for the whole company fell to shouting, & screaming, whooping,
& screaming [at entervals] -- then dancing, jumping & tumbling
with many indisdiscrible distortions in their countenance &
indelicate jestures -- In fact they appeared more like a company
of devils than human Beings. This lasted about one hour --
They then took their places in a circle & at a signal given gave
three most tremendous whoops; they then instantly dispersed,
playing many antike capers -- & making such a confused
medly of sound by skreaming, whooping screaching like owls,
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
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Barking like dogs & wolvs & croaking like Bull frogs, that
my brains seemed to be turned topse turvy -- & for some time
could scarce believe that they belonged to the human species.
_______
CHAPT. II
An account of the settlement of the Ships Company -- [and many particulars respecting the natives]
As no alternative now remained, but either to make the
desparate attempt to return across the wide boistrous ocean or
to take up our residence in a country inhabited by savages &
wild ferocious beasts we did not long hesitate. We held a
solem treaty with the king & all the chiefs of his nation. --
They agreed to cede to us a tract of excellent Land on the
north part of the town on which was six wigwams, & engaged
perpetual amity & hospitality & the protection of our lives &
property. -- In consideration of this grant we gave them fifty
yards of scarlet cloth & fifty knives; with this present they
were highly pleased. -- --
Arrangements must now be made for our settlement.
Vessel & cargo had suffered no material damage, & by {MS-005} striping
the vessel of its plank we could erect a house in which we
could deposite the whole cargo safety -- All hands were
immediatly employed some in procuring timber, which was
hued on two sides & then locked together, some in procuring
shingles & some in striping the vessel of its plank; & having
a large quantity of nails on board, in ten days we finished a
very convenient storehouse, sufficiently spacious to receive the
whole cargo. We also built a [small] house adjoining which
was to be the habitation of the Captain and myself -- Having
secured all our property we then found it necessary to establish
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THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
some regulations for the government of our little society.
-- The Captain whose name was Luian and myself were
appointed judges in all matters of controversy & manages of the
public property, to make bargains with {MS-015} the natives & barter
such articles as we did not need for necessaries. -- As we all
professed to believe in the religion of Jesus Christ we
unanimously chose Trojanus the mate of the Ship, a pious good
man, to be our minister. to lead our devotions morning & evening &
on the Lords day. --
But now a most singular & delicate subject presented
itself for consideration. Seven young women we had on
board, as passengers, to visit certain friends they had in
Britain -- Three of them were ladies of rank, and the rest were
healthy bucksom Lasses. -- Whilst deliberarating on this subject
a mariner arose whom we called droll Tom -- Hark ye shipmates
says he, Whilst tossed on the foming billows what brave
son of neptune had any more regard for a woman than a
sturgeon, but now we are all safely anchored on Terra firma --
our sails furled & ship keeled up, I have a huge longing for
some of those rosy dames -- But willing to take {MS-016} my chance
with my shipmates -- I propose that they should make their
choise of husbands. The plan was instantly adopted. As the
choie fell on the young women they held a consultation on
the subject, & in a short time made known the result -- Droll
Tom was rewarded for his benevolent proposal with one of the
most sprightly rosy dames in the company. -- Three other of
the most cheerful resolute mariners were chosen by the other
three buxhum Lasses -- The three young Ladies [of rank] fixed
their choise on the Captain the mate & myself. [Happy
indeed in my partner I had formed an high esteem for the excellent
qualities of her mind] The young Lady who chose me for a
partner was possessed of every attractive charm both of body
& mind -- We united heart & hand with the fairest prospect of
enjoying every delight & satisfaction which are attendant on
the connubial State. Thus ended the affair. {MS-017} You may well
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
9
conceive our singular situation. The six poor fellows who
were doomed to live in a state of Cebicy or accept of savage
dames, discovered a little chagrine & anxeity -- However they
consoled themselves with the idea of living in families where
they could enjoy the company of the fair sex & be releived
from the work which belongs to the department of Women. --
Our community might be said to be one family tho we lived
in separate houses, situate near each other. The property was
common stock -- what was produced by our labour was likewise
to be common, all subject to the distribution of the
judges who were to attend to each family & see that propper
industry and econimy were practised by all. --
The Capt. & myself, attended with our fair Partners &
two mariners repaired to a new habitation which consisted of
{MS-018} two convenient apartments. After having partook of an
elligant Dinner & drank a bottle of excellent wine our spirits
were exhilerated & the deep gloom which beclouded our minds
evaporated. The Capt. assuming his wonted chearfulness
made the following address My sweet good soald
fellows we have now commenced a new voige -- Not such as
brot us over mountain billows to this butt end of the world --
No, no, our voyge is on dry land -- & now we must take care
that we have sufficient ballast for the riging -- every hand on
board this ship must clasp hands & condecend to each others
humour, this will pro-good cheer and smooth the raging
billows of life. Surrounded by innumerable hords of human
beings, who resemble in manners the Ourang Outang -- let us
keep aloof from them & not embark in the same matrimonial
ship [with them] -- At the same time we will treat them with
good cheer -- & inlighten their dark souls with good instruction
-- By continuing a distinct people & preserving our customs
manners, religion & arts and sciences another {MS-019} Italy will grow
up in this wilderness & we shall be celebrated as the fathers of
a great & happy nation. -- May God bless your soul, says one of
our mariners, what would you have us do who have had the
10
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
woful luck not to get mates to cheer our poor souls & warm
our bodies, methinks I could pick out a healthy plum Lass
from the copper coulered tribe that by washing and scrubing
her fore & aft & upon the labbord & stabbord sides she would
become a wholsome bedfellow -- & I think may it please your
honour I could gradually pump my notions into her head &
make her a good shipmat for the cupboard & as good hearted
a christian as any of your white damsels. -- & upon my soul --
I warrant you if we have children, by feeding them with good
fare & keeping them clean they will be as plump & as fair &
nearly as white as your honors children. -- Upon this I filled
the bottle with wine & observing to honest Crito that he was
at liberty to make the experiment if he could find a fair
* * * * to his liking -- I then expressed the {MS-020} great
pleasure I received from the addresses of the speakers.
& drank success to the new voige -- All drank plentifully
& the exhileration produced the greatest cheerfulness &
hilarity. -- By this time the sun had hid his head below the
horizon & darkness invited all the animal creation to sleep &
rest. We retired two & two hand in hand -- Ladies heads little
awri -- blushing like the morn & -- But I forgot to mention
that our society passed a resolution to build a church in the
midst of our village.
_______
CHAP. III
Many particulars respecting the Natives
Intrest as well as curiosity invited an acquaintance with
our new neighbours -- They were called in their language
Deliwares. They were tall -- bodies well proportioned, strait
limbs, complections of a brownish hue -- broad cheek bones,
black wild roling eyes, -- & hair black & course. To strangers
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
11
they were hospitable {MS-021} -- true to their engagements, ardent
in their friendship, but to enemies implacable cruel &
barbarous in the extreme. -- Innumerable hords of this discription
of people were scattered over an extensive country,
who gained their living by hunting the elk, the dear & a great
variety of other wild animals -- by fishing & fowling & by raising
corn, beans & squashes. -- Shooting the arrow slinging
stones, wrestling, jumping, hoping & runing were their principal
amusements -- & prizes would often be staked as a reward
to the conqueror. -- Their cloathing consisted of skins dressed
with the hair on -- but in warm weather, only the middle part
of their bodies were incumbered with any covering -- The one
half of the head of the men was shaved & painted with red --
& the one half of the face was painted with black. The head
was adorned with feathers of various kinds -- & their ears &
noses were ornimented with rings, formed from the sinues of
certain animals, on which were suspended smooth stones of different
coulars. Thus cloathed, thus painted, thus ornimented
the Deliwares made a most terrefic appearance -- {MS-022} They held
festivals at stated times, which varied in the manner of conducting
them, according to the object they had in view -- At
one of their annual festivals their cerimonies were peculiarly
singular & different from any that were ever practised by any
nation -- Here a description would give us some idea of their
religion & would gratify the curiosity of an ingenious mind.
When the time arives -- which is in September, the whole
tribe assemble -- They are dressed & ornimented in the higest
fashion -- The women in particular have their garments &
heads so adorned with feathers shells & wampum that they
make a very brilliant & grotesque appearance. -- -- They form a
circle -- their countinances are solemn. A Speaker mounts a
stage in the midst. At this moment two Black Dogs led by
two Boys -- & two White Dogs led by two young damsels enter
the circle and are tied together {MS-023} The Speaker then extended his
hands & spoke Hail ye favorite children of the great & good
12
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
Spirit, who resides in the Sun, who is the father of all living
creatures & whose arms incircle us all around -- who defends
us from the malicious designs of that great malignant Spirit
that pours upon us all the evils we endure he gives us all our
meat & our fish -- & causes the corn & the fruits to spring up
& makes us to rejoice in his goodness. He hath prepared a
delightful country to receive us -- if we are valiant in battle
or are benevolent & good -- There we can pick all kinds of
delicious fruit & have game & fish in abundance & our
women being improved in beuty & sprighliness will cause
our hearts to dance with delight -- But wo unto you wicked
malicious, mischevous mortals -- your lot will be cast in a dark
mirey swamp -- where the malignant Spirit will torment you
with musquetoes & serpents & will give you nothing to eat
but toads, frogs & snails. -- {MS-024} But O my dear friends -- all hail --
here is a custom which is sanctioned by time immemorial
-- Look steadfastly on the black dogs & let not your eyes be
turned away -- when they are thrown on the sacred pile & the
flames are furiously consuming their bodies -- then let your
earnest prayers assend for pardon & your transgressions will
flee away like shadows & your sins will be carried by the
smoke into the shadows of oblivion -- When this solemn expatory
sacrifice is ended then prepare your souls to partake of
the holy festival -- Each one will receive a precious morsel
from these immaculate snow coulered Dogs in token that your
offences have all evaporated in the smoke of the holy
sacrifice, & that you are thankful to the benevolent Spirit for
the abundance of good things that you enjoy -- & that you
humbly anticipate the continuance of his blessings & that he
will defend you against the evil designs of that malignant
Spirit, who gives gawl & wormwood, & fills our bosoms
with pain & our eyes with tears. {MS-025} He then proclaimed, let the
sacred pile be erected & the solemn sacrifice performed.
Instantly about one hundred men came forward with small
dry wood & bundles of dry sticks & having thrown them in
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
13
one pile within the circle -- they sat the pile on fire -- The black
dogs were knocked on the head & thrown on the top -- in a
moment all was in a blaze & the flame assended in curls to
heaven. The whole company assumed the most devout
attitude & muttered in sounds almost inarticulate their
humble confessions & ernest requests --
When the dogs were consumed & the fire nearly extinguished,
the cerimonies of their sacred festival began -- the
white dogs which were very plump & fat, were knocked on
the head & their throats cut. Their hair was then singed off,
having first their entrails taken out -- & being suspended
by the nose before a hot fire they were soon roasted -- thrown
upon a long Table & desected into as many pieces as there
were persons to swallow them. The company immediately
formed a procession, one rank of men, the other of women --
the men marching to the left & the women to the right of the
Table each one took a piece & devoured it with as good a
* * * * as if it had been the most delicious morsel. {MS-026} Having
completed these sacred cerimonies with great solemnity -- the
whole company formed themselves into a compact circle
round the stage -- ten musitians immediately mounted & at
once, the multitude on every side sang a song -- The tune &
the musical voices of the singers pleased the ear, whilst the
immagination was delighted with the poetic inginuety of the
composition -- The multitude all joined in the chorus, with
voices so loud & multifarious that the atmosphere quaked
with terror -- & the woods and neighboring hills [sent back] by
way of mockery -- sent back the sound of their voices improved
by tenfold confusions. Perhaps, reader, you have the curiosity
to hear the song -- I can give you only the last stanzy & the
chorus. -- --
'For us the sun emits his rais
'The moon shines forth for our delight
'The stars extol our heroes prais
'And warriors flee before our fight.
14
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
Chorus
'Delawan to chakee poloo
'Manegango farwah teloo
'Chanepauh, lawango chapah
'Quinebogan hamboo gowah.
The solemnities are ended & in their opinion their poor
souls are compleatly whitewashed -- & every stain entirely
effaced. A little diversion {MS-027} will now dissipate the solemnity &
inspire them with cheerfulnes & merriment.
The whole tribe repair to the top of an hill, at one place
their is a gradual slope a small distance & then it decends
about twenty five feet in an almost perpendicular direction, at
the bottom of which is a quagmire, which is about ten feet in
length & the soft mud is about three feet deep -- at each end
the ground is soft but not miry -- Down this declivity twenty
pair of very suple & sprightly young men & women are to
decend, If by their agility & dexterity they escape the
quagmire -- a piece of wampum will be the reward of each
fortunate champion -- but if they plunge in, their, their recompence
will be the ridecule & laughter of the multitude.
In making this decent, six young women & five young
men by a surprising dexterity in whirling their bodies as they
decended cleared themselves from the quagmire -- The rest as
their turns came plunged in & came out most wofully muded
to the great diversion of the spectators. The incident which
excited the most merriment hapned when the last party
decended. by an unlucky spring to {MS-028} clear himself from the
quagmire he bro't his body along side of the declevity & roled
his whole length into the midst of the quagmire where he lay
[his whole length in an horizontal position on his back] -- neither
heels up or head up, but horizontally -- soft & easy -- but alas
when one unlucky event happens another follows close on the
heels. -- the fair, [plump] corpulent Damsel, his affectionate
sweetheart came instantly, sliding with great velocity -- She saw
the woful position of her beloved -- She wished him no harm
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
15
-- She raised her feet this bro't the center of gravity directly
over the center of his head -- here she rested a moment -- his
head sunk -- she sunk after him his heels kicked against the
wind like Ieshuran waked fat -- but not a word from his lips --
but his ideas came in quick succession -- tho't he, what a
disgrace to die here in the mud under the pressure of my
sweet heart -- however his time for such reflections, were short --
the tender hearted maid collecting all her agility in one effort
dismounted and found herself on dry land in an {MS-029} instant -- not
a moment to be lost; she seized her lover by one leg & draged
him from the mud -- a curious figure, extending about six feet
six inches on the ground, -- all bismeared from head to foot,
spiting, -- puffing, panting & strugling for breath -- Poor man.
the whole multitude laughing at thy calamity, shouting,
rediculing -- none to give thee consolation but thy loving &
simpithetec partner [in misfortune -- Upon my soul, exclaims droll
Tom -- stem fermost -- that bouncing Lass ought to have the highest
prize for draging her ship from the mud] -- She was cleaning
the filth from his face. --
_______
CHAP IV.
A journey to the N W. & [removal.]
Gracious God! how deplorable our situation! are we
doomed to dwell among hords of savages -- & be deprived of all
social intercourse with friends & the civilized world? & what
will be the situation of our offspring? will they preserve our
customs & manners, cultivate the arts & sciences & maintain
our holy religion or [rather] will they not rather degenerate
into savages & by mingling with them become the most
* * * * * race of beings in existence -- {MS-030} Who can indure
such reflections, such heart-rending anticipations? -- they pour
16
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
upon my soul like a flood and bear me down with the weight of
a milstone. O that my head were waters & my eyes a fountain
of tears -- then my intolerable burthen should be poured forth
in a torrent & my soul set at liberty. But behold the light
springs up & beams upon my soul. She brings in her train
Hope -- that celestial Godes, that sure & strong anchor -- that
dispencer of comfort & pleasing anticipation -- & that dispeller
of coroding grief & black dispair -- She bids me review the
exploded reasning of a great philosopher & compair it with my
own observations -- perhaps the result will point out a safe road
to the land of our nativity.
Thus I reasoned respecting the solar system, of which the
earth is a part. Provided the earth is stationary, according to the
present system of philosophy -- then the sun, the moon & the
plannets, being at an immense distance from the earth -- must
perform their revolutions round her with inceivable velocity --
whereas, if according to the Platonic system, the earth is a
globe -- & the sun is stationary then the earth by a moderate velocity
can {MS-031} perform her revolutions -- This scheme will represent
the solar system as displaying the transcendent wisdom of its
almighty Architect -- for in this, we behold the Sun suspended
by omnipotence & all the planents moving round him as their
common center in exact order & harmony -- In this we can
easily account for days & nights & the different seasons of the
year, -- When the earth presents one part of her face to the
sun it is day -- When that part is turned from his beams it is
night -- When she varies to the south the sun shines upon us
in a more perpendicular direction -- the suns beams become
more dence & the heat increases -- as she returns back the heat
decreases in proportion as this part of earth looses its perpendicular
direction to the sun & the cold becomes more intence
in the same proportion. -- This accounts for the various seasons
of the year, appears correct and consistent & highly honourable
to the divine perfections
[But behold the other system -- The Earth firmly fixed on a
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
17
firm foundation -- perhaps as some on a giants back who stands on
a prodigious Rock -- Its surfice widely extended nearly horizontal --
[& its cut down] {MS-032} & its sides cut down strait or perpendicular to the
very bottom below which is a bottomless abiss Pray Mr. Philosopher
what man was ever there and looked down? & what prevents
the Ocean, unless it is damd with earth & rocks from pouring down
& loosing itself in this horrible abiss? -- But how extensive is this
teraque-surface? Indeed I am of opinion, if this sistem is true I
am nearly at one end of it. But the hipothises is too absurd & inconsistent.
The earth must be of a sperical form & a westerly course
will lead us to the land of our nativity -- Perhaps this is a part of
the eastern Continent, or perhaps only a narrow strip of the Ocean
intervenes? On no other principle can we account for the emigration
of the ancestors of those innumerable hords of human beings
that possess this continent -- Their tradition is that their ancestors
came form the west -- & they agree in their information that at the
distance of fifteen days journey in a westerly direction, there are
nations vastly more numerous, powerful & civilized than
themselves.]
{MS-033} The earth therefore must be a globe and a westerly course
will lead us to the land of our nativity. On what principle
can we account for the emigration of the ancestors of these
innumerable hords of human beings that possess this Continent?
Their tradition tells them that they emigrated from
the westward -- From this I draw the conclusion -- that the sea
if any, which intervenes between the two Continents at the
westward is not so extensive, but that it may be safely navigated.
[I have also learnt from some of the] we are also informed
by some of the natives, that at the distance of about fifteen
days journey in a northwesterly course there is a great River
which runs in a [south] westerly direction, [they cannot tell how
far] -- & that along the banks of this river there are great towns
& mighty kings & a people who live in a state of civilization --
From all these considerations I am determined to remove --
pursue a westerly course & seek the delightful country of my
18
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
ancestors. -- Immediately I communicated my determination &
the reasons on which it was founded to our little Society, who
joyfully acquiesed -- It was tho’t to be the most prudential to
find out the disposition & character of the inhabitants, who
were {MS-034} settled along the great River lest we should fall into the
hands of Robbers -- For this purpose my man Crito & myself
& a Delawan for an interpreter set off. We passed thro’ a a
country interspersed with vilages, inhabited by the same kind
of people as the Delawans until we came to a great mountain.
Having passed over this we had not traveled far before we
came to the confluence of two great Rivers which in conjunction
produced a river which was called Owaho deep enough,
for the navigation of Ships. -- Here was a large town or city
inhabited by a distinct race of people from any we had seen
before. We were immediately conducted to the King & were
received very graciously -- & having asked a number of very
pertinent questions & received answers to his satisfaction -- I
then made known to him our business & had all my requests
granted -- As we proposed to move into his territory he offered
to furnish us for our convenience with four Mammoons & four
men to manage them. These were an annimal of prodigious
magnitude, even biger than the eliphant, which the natives
had tamed & domesticated -- They were very segacious &
docile & were employed in carying burthens and in drawing
timber -- [& in ploughing their land] -- Their hair at the spring
season was about seven inches in length {MS-035} & was of a fine
wooly consistence -- & being sheared off at the proper season
was manufactured into course Cloth -- and the milk of the
females, which they produced in abundance, afforded a very
wholsome nutriment. Having thus succeeded beyond our
expectation we made as much expidition to return as possible
-- We arrived in safety without any material accidents -- The
Little Society I had left were greatly rejoised on our returne --
& highly pleased with the account we gave of the country we
had visited -- & at the sight of those [extraordinary & prodigious
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
19
animals] mammoons which we had bro’t to convey our baggage.
-- No time was lost to make preparation for the journey -- The
Captain, Mate & myself went to the King & held a conference
with him & the chiefs & obtained leave to depart, tho with
apparent regret & reluctance. {MS-036} Sacks were provided from
Course Cloth to receive the most valuable part of our goods &
furniture -- These were thrown across three of the Mammoons
-- The other was caparisoned, in a manner too tedious to
discribe for the accomidation of our women & children --
They were all mounted upon him & road with great convenience
& safety. [Being thus prepared & ready] Thus having
resided among the Delivans two years -- & being prepared to
take our departure The King and his chiefs & many of his principal
subjects came forward to take an affectionate farewell.
This was done on both sides, with mutual expressions of the
most ardent and sincere Friendship & the most earnest wishes
and prayers for future prosperity and happiness {MS-037} Having taken
our final adieu I observed honest Crito sheding tears very
plentifully -- You seem to be affected said I -- God bless your
honour said, he, when I think how kind & generous these poor
Delawans have been to us I cannot help feeling an affection &
friendship for them -- We were obliged to anchor amongst them
-- we were strangers -- & helpless and they were ignorant Savages
-- yet they held out the hand of kindness & treated us as
brothers & sisters. -- Have they not fulfilled the law of Christian
charity -- O that they were good Christians -- may God forgive
their ignorance & unbeleife -- and reward them for their
kindness & gerosity. We passed on -- No obsticles impeded our
journey until we came to the great River Suscowah -- which
runs between the Deliwah River and the great {MS-038} mountain -- The
water being too deep for fording, we built a small boat and
with this, at several times we conveyed the whole of the baggage
& Company across, except the manager of the Mammoons,
who mounted them & swam them across -- We then
proceeded on by slow marches, -- but in crossing the great
20
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
mountain we had some difficulties to encounter [but hower met
with received no material damage] -- but finally arived safely at
the great city Owhahon on the twenty fifth day after our departure
from the Deliwan.
Fatigued with a long and difficult journey, great joy and
gladness were visible in every Countenance, and all were disposed
to establish our residence here until further information
could be obtained & further measures concerted to prosecute
our journey to Europe {MS-039} The King and his principal officers
proffered us every assistance necessary to make our situation
agreeable. They assigned us in [conformity to our wishes] compliance
with our request, a number of houses on the bank of
the river at a little distance from the City -- We made him some
valuable presents in return. which he received as a token of
friendship but not as a compensation -- For such was the high
sence of honour which this prince sustained, that when he
made a present, he would take it as an insult to offer him any
thing as a compensation. --
Having now once more become setled our little community
continued the same regulations which they had
established at Deliwan -- & all things proceeded in peace & our
affairs prospered. ---
{MS-040}
_______
CHAP V
A discription of the Ohons,
[& manner of procuring a living,]
I am now to discribe a [species of] nation who have but
little resemblance to those [innumerable tribes of] Savages, who
live along the coasts of the Atlantic -- Their complexion, the
form and construction of their bodies, their customs manners,
Laws, government & religion all demonstrate that they must
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
21
have originated from some other nation & have but a very
distant affinity with their Savage neighbours. -- As to their
persons, they were taller on an average than I had ever seen
in any nation -- their bones wer large, limbs strait & shoulders
broad -- Their eyes rather small & sunck deep in the head
Their forheads were prominant -- & the face below tapering in
such a manner that the chin was formed nearly to a point. {MS-041} As
to their complexion, it was bording on an olive tho of a lighter
shade -- Their eyes were generally of a dark brown or black
Their hair of the same colour, tho I have sometimes seen persons,
whose hair was of a redish hue. --
They cloathed themselves in cloth which was manufactured
[among themselves] from the hair of Mammoons &
from Cotton which was transported from the South westwestward.
The men wore shoes and long stockings, -- wide trousses
-- a waistcoat & a garment with wide short sleaves which came
down to their nees & in cold weather a Cloak over the whole
The covering for the head was generaly a kind of a Cap which
ran up high and tapered to a point -- This was generally made
of fur skins & was ornimented with feathers. It had a small
brim in the shape of an half moon to project over the forehead --
{MS-042} The women beside a stockings & shoes wore a short petecoat
a shirt of cotton a loose garment with sleaves which they
girted round them with belts -- & a cloak -- They had various
orniments such as ribbons made from cotton & coulored with
different coulars -- the most beautiful feathers that could be
obtained and shels of various kinds -- Indeed the higher class
of women were extreemly fond of ornament -- & placed a large
share of their happiness in the bliancy & gaudy appearance of
their garments. The people obtained their living generally by
the cultivation of the land -- & [the manage] by tending and
managing certain animals which had been so long domesticated
that they have lost their wild nature & become tame
Corn, wheat, beans squashes & carrots they raised in great
22
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
abundance -- The ground was plowed {MS-043} by horses & generally
made very mellow for the reception of the seed. --
It was the occupation of a certain part of the men to tend
upon the tame animals to drive them to pasture & keep them
from straying and feed them when the snow was on the
ground. -- Two men would tend twenty Mammouth, which
were indifferent whether they fed on grass or cropt the bushes --
when these animals were fat, their flesh was highly esteemed --
They had droves of Elk, which they had so tamed and tutored
that they could manage them as they pleased -- and they
would follow them like a flock of sheep -- & it was but seldom
that any would leave their companions. -- The elk constituted a
considerable part of their animal food -- The horses were managed
in the same way -- & the people tho’t their meat to be a
savory dish.
{MS-044} They had large numbers of turkeys and gees -- which tho
originally wild yet by treating them with great familiarity by
croping their wings and feeding them frequently they discovered
no disposition to ramble off but propagated their
species & laid eggs in abundance. --
Hunting & fishing were the employments of some -- others
followed mechanical business -- others carried on a bartering
trade to the southwestward -- in order to furnish the people
with cotton & other articles whose production was not conginial
to the their climate. By pursuing these various employments
they generally had a plenty of provisons at all seasons
& were comfortably cloathed. -- And here I would remark as
one striking characteristic of this people -- that they observed
great neatness in their dress -- in their cookery and in their
houses.
{MS-045} The manufacturing of Iron & lead was understood but was
not carried on to that extent & perfection as in Europe. A
small quantity of Iron in proportion to the number of inhabitants
served to supply them with all the impliments which
custom had made necessary for their use -- By hamering &
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
23
hardening their Iron they would convert it nearly into the
consistence of steal -- & fit it for the purpose of edge tools.
The potery Business was conducted with great inginuity, &
great quanitites of stone and earthan ware consisting of [every
kind] of vessels of every construction which were needed for
family use, were manufactured in every part of this extensive
country. These vessels {MS-046} they ornimented with [pictures with]
the likenesses of various kinds of animals & trees & impressed
upon them such coulors as would strike the fancy with delight.
-- The females of the [higher Class] most wealthy class would
often have a large and superfluous quantity of this brittle
furniture to decorate one apartment of the house -- The vessels
they arranged in such order as to make a display of taste &
impress the mind with the agreeable sensation of beauty. --
In architecture there can be no comparison with the civilised
nations of Europe -- In their most welthy & popolous
Cities their houses and public buildings, exhibit no eligance --
no appearans of wealth & grandure -- all is plain -- & {MS-047} nothing
superfluous -- but convenience appears to be the whole object
they had in view in the construction of their buildings of
every kind.
Their houses were generally but one story high -- built of
wood, being framed & covered with split clapboards or shingles
& in the inside the walls were formed of clay, which was
plastered over with a thin coat of lime -- Their houses seldom
consisted of more than three apartments As to their chimnies,
they construt a wall of stone about five feet hight [for the fire to
be] against which they build their fire -- from the top of this wall
they construct their chimney with thin pieces of split timber
on the inside [with wet dirt or clay] of which they plaister wet,
dirt or clay -- which compleatly covers & adheres to the
timber & prevents the {MS-048} fire from having any operation upon it.
The inside of their houses, as the women generally practiss
neetness makes a much better appearance than the outside.
It is my opinion, says Trojanus that this people display a
24
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
taste in building which is formed upon the true principles of
Reason -- Their houses are sufficiently spacious for convenience
No expence or labour are thrown away in building useless
apartments -- or in the erecting their houses higher than what
convenience requires -- The whole catalogue of ornimental
trumpery is neglected -- This in Room produces more
than half the labor & expence in buildings -- [Yes says
Lucian -- & without this, these labouring people must starve
for the want of employment, & the citizens of the Roman
empire would be deprived of the honour {MS-049} of possessing a
splendid Capital & of the exquisite pleasure of beholding the
greatest exhibition of human inginuity in the eligance, [the]
splendor [the] simitry & beauty of their houses, [their] palices
& public edifices -- True indeed, replies Trojanus, men may be
dazled & delighted with such objects for a moment -- But could
not wealth be better bestowed [upon] to promote the intrest of the
community & for charitable purposes -- & these artists better
employ their strength & inginuity in producing some substantial
benefits to themselves & others. -- Rejoins Lucian, the course reason
dictates is to avoid extremes. -- A slab coloured world would tire the
sences by its uniformity & too much orniment & splendor would cease
to please by its frequency.] -- Besides -- lofty houses can more easily
be overthrown by tornadoes or tumbled {MS-050} down upon our heads
by earthquakes. -- The course says Lucian, that reason dictates
is to avoid extremes. A slab coloured, [would] by its uniformity
would tire the sences -- & by its possessing too much orninent
& splendor it would cease to please.
_______
CHAP. VI
Discription of the Learning -- [Religion & customs of the Ohons]
Learning appears to be so consonant to the nature of
man & [a good] convenent share of it so easy to obtain, that
some may wonder why it is not universally defused thro the
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
25
world; * [But] If we can place any reliance on the dark annals
of antient history, it is a certain fact that Letters are indebted
for their existence to the inventive genius of certain extraordinary
characters -- Egypt & Chaldea contended for the honour
{MS-051} of being the first † who invented letters -- Perhaps they were
invented in each nation nearly at the same time -- [But] let
this be as it may -- could no other other nation in the world produce
as great geniuses as Egypt or Chaldea? Is there any natural
obsticle to prevent their production in America as well as in
Asia? -- Whatever may be the reasonings of some on this subject,
the fact is, that I found [Letters or] some share of learning,
tho’ in a very imperfect state, among this people -- At present
I shall wave the account of its introduction & shall merely
discribe the state of learning as it existed among the Ohons
They had characters which represent words -- & all compound
words had each part represented by its apropriate character.
The variation of cases moods & tenses was designated by
certain marks placed under the character. They generally
wrote on parchment -- & beginning at the right wrote from the
top to the botton, placing {MS-052} each character directly under the
preceding one -- & having finished one colum or line they
[begin the] wrote the next on the left of that & so continue on
until they cover the parchment if the subject require it. in a
work of considerable Labour & time to obtain such a knowledge
of their characters & and the application as to be able to read
with fluency & to write with ease & accuracy --
In their principal Cities & towns the Government appoint
learned men to instruct the sons of the higher class of citizens
& in the course of four or five years they will make such proficiency
as to become tolerable schollars.
__________
*But the wonder would cease when it is considered that mankind with
but few execptions to walk in the tracts of their fathers & pursue the road
marked out by their education.
† Tho the most probable conjecture is that they were communicated
from one nation to the other.
26
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
The works of the learned are not very voluminous.
Records are kept of the transactions of their government.
Their constitution & laws are committed to writing -- [A sacred
Roll in in manuscript is preserved among the Records {MS-053} of their
Emperors & kings] & are dispersed thro the impire -- & much
pains is taken to defuse the knowledge of them among the
people -- In all their large towns & cities they have deposited
under the care of a priest a sacred Roll, which contains the
tenets of their Theology & a discription of their religious
cerimonies. This order of men publish comments upon these
sacred writings -- they publish some tracks on moral philosophy
-- & some containing a collection of proverbs & the
wise sayings of their sages. --
But the kind of composition in which they most excel is
poetry -- In poetic numbers they describe the great events,
which take place -- & the exploits and mighty atcheivments of
their heroes -- In soft eligies they paint the amours of Lovers
& in pathetic strains they delineate the calamimities & sorrows
of the unfortunate. In their assemblies it is very common for
a certain class of the Learned to entertain the company with
a repetiton {MS-054} of poetic peices describing the battle and exploits
of their warriors -- Or to sing some amarous or witty ballad --
As for Theators they have none -- but as a kind of substitute
-- there are actors, who entertain the people by pronounsing
dialogues or plays, in which they display all the arts of mimicry
-- & [act out the] express in their countenance their gesture
& the tone of their voices different passions of the human
mind As only a small proportion of the people are instructed
in the arts of reading & writing, of consequen the great mass,
must possess a large share of ignorance -- but not so great a share
as savages who have no learning among them -- They head the
conversation & the letures of their sages -- [They are entertained
with] Their poetic orators entertain them with the productions
of their poets, containing the history of great events & mighty
atcheivments -- Their actors devert and please them by exciting
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
27
the various passions -- [at the same time communicating instruction
& correcting the natural savageness {MS-055} of maners by.] & as the
peices they reherse contain many ideas & sentiments tending
to expose the deformity of vice, the folly of superstition & the
disgustfulness of rude & clownish manners, the people of consequence
are improved & considerably refined -- add to this
their living in compact towns or cities in which there is a
constant and reciprocal communication of ideas -- which of
course would have no small effect to inform their minds -- To
all these causes combined the [Ohons] the great mass of the
people are indebted for possessing a considerable share of
knowledge and civilization.
_______
RELION. VII.
In every nation there is some kind of Relion. & in every
religion, however adulterated & corrupted there are some
things which are commendable -- some things which serve to
improve the morals -- & influence mankind to conduct better
than what they would do, provided they pursued the natural
dictates of their depraved minds, [without any restraint] As
this sentiment is an established maxim, which has been believed
in every nation from the earliest ages [of time {MS-056} in every
nation.] hence it has been the policy of all governments to
encourage & protect some kind of Religion & precepts In
examining the religious sentiments which are believed and
practised thro’out this extensive empire & which are encouraged
& protected by the government. -- I found some things
which are common to the various sistems of Theology in
Europe & Asia & some things which have no resemblance to
either. From the sacred Roll as it is denominated I shall
extract the tenets of their Theology & a description of their
28
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
religious cerimonies. It expresses them to this effect. “There
is an intelligent omnipotent Being, who is self existant &
infinitely good & benevolent -- Matter eternally existed --
He put forth his hand & formed it into such bodies as he pleased
-- He presides over the universe & has a perfect knowledge of
all things -- From his own spiritual substance he formed seven
sons -- These are his principal agents to manage the affairs of
his empire -- He formed the bodies of men from matter Into
each body he infused a particle of his own spiritual substance,
in consequence of which man in his first formation was
inclined to benevolence & goodness. There is also another
great inteligent {MS-057} Being who is self existent & possessed of great
power but not of Omnipotence -- He is filled with infinite
malice against the good Being & exerts all his subtlety & pow
to ruin his works -- Seeing the happy situation of man he
approached so near as to touch his soul with his deliterious hand
-- The poison was immediately defused & contaminated his
passions & appetites -- His reason and understanding received
no injury -- The good being looking upon his unhappy ofspring
with infinite love and compassion made a decree that if mankind
would reduce their passions & appetites under the government
of reason he should enjoy blessings in this world &
be compleatly happy after his soul quits his body. Death
desolves the connection -- Etherial Bodies are prepared for the
souls of the righteous -- These bodies can pass thro’ any part of
the universe & are invisable to mortal eyes. Their place of
residence is on a vast plain which is beautified with magnificent
Buildings -- with Trees, fruits & flowers. [Here they enjoy
every delight which] No immagination can paint the delights,
the felicity of the Righteous. But the wicked are denied
etherial bodies -- Their souls naked and incapable of seeing
light, dwel in darkness & are tormented with the keenest
anguish -- Ages roll away & the good being has compassion
upon {MS-058} them -- He permits them to take possession of etherial
bodies and they arise quick to the abodes of delight & glory:
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
29
Now O man attend to thy duty & thou shalt escape the portion
of the wicked & enjoy the delights of the righteous
Avoid all acts of cruelty to man and beast * defraud not thy
neighbour, nor suffer thy hands secretly to convey his property
from him -- Preserve thy body from the contamination of lust
-- & remember the seduction of thy neighbors wife would be
a great Crime -- [Let thy citizens be numbered once in two years --
& if the young women, who are fit for marriage are more numerous
than the young men -- then wealthy men, who are young & who
have but one wife, shall have the priviledge, [with the permission
of the King] to marry another until the numbers of the
single young men & the single young women are made equal But
he that hath two wives shall have a house provided for each -- & he
shall spend his time equally with each one] -- Be grateful for all
favours & forsake not thy friend in adversity. Treat with
kindness & reverence thy Parents -- Forsake them not in old
age, nor let their cheeks be furrowed with tears for the want
of bread. -- Bow down thy head before the aged, treat thy
superiors {MS-059} with respect -- & place thy rulers & thy teachers in
the most honorable seats. Let rulers consult the welfare of
the people and not agrandige themselves by oppression & base
bribes -- Let Religious Teachers walk in the Road which leads
to celestial happiness & lead the people after them -- Let
Parents restrain the vices of their children & instruct their
minds in useful knowledge -- Contention and strife is the Bane
of Families & the destruction of domestic happiness -- being
yoked together the husband and wife ought to draw in the
same direction -- their countenances will then [appear beautiful]
shine with the effulgent Beams of Friendship & love -- peace
& harmony will attend their habitation & their affairs will
prosper.
Hold out the hand of kindness and friendship to thy neighbour
-- consider him when reduced to indigence & distress -- he
__________
* No crime is so horrid as maliciously to destroy the life of man.
30
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
is as dear to the great and good being as what thou art [& now
thou hast an opportunity to manifest the disposition of thy heart]
To afford him relief will be pleasing to thy maker & an
expression of thy gratituge Envious & malicious souls are
almost incurably contaminated with that hellish poison which
first disordered the soul of man -- {MS-060} partake not of their guilt by
joining them in the malignant work of slander & detraction.
Their intended mischief returns upon their own heads & the
slandered character of the innocent & just shines forth with
increasing lusture. Let the stranger find a[n hospitable] resting
place under thy Roof -- give him to eat from thy portion,
that when he departs he may bless thee & go on his way
rejoicing. --
Say not to thyself I will indulge in inactivity & idleness &
lie upon the bed of sloth & slumber away the precious
moments of time -- for in this thou art unwise -- for disease will
attend thee, hunger will torment thee -- & Rags will be thy
clothing -- Let industry & econemy fill up the measure of thy
waking moments, so shall thy countenance display health &
sprightliness plenty shall supply the wants of thy family &
thy reputation shall be respectable.
[But I behold a being in human form, from whom I turn away
with disgust and abhorrance He is covered with so much dirt & filth,
that no etherial body is provided for him nor can he be received into
the abodes of the blessed.]
{MS-061} Suffer not thy bodies or thy garments to remain bismered
with dirt & filth -- Cleanliness prevents many deceases & is
pleasant to the sight But from a dirty filthy mortal we turn
with disgust & abhorrance As the great author of our existence
is benevolent to all his offspring so it becomes us to be
benevolent to our fellow beings around us -- Our country is one
Body & we are part of its members -- We are therefore bound
to maintain the rights & priviledges & the honour & dignity of
our country at the Risk of our lives -- Great rewards attend
the Brave -- & their expploits & atchievements in contending
THE "MANUSCRIPT FOUND."
31
against tyrants & in defending the Rights of their country will
be celebrated on the plains of story. --
{MS-062} But the vision now expands & directs our comtemplation
to fix on his attributes, whose spiritual substance is commensurate
with infinity -- As only a single particle from his substance
constitutes our souls, how small, how diminitive must
we appear in the view of Onnicience -- We must therefore contemplate
his attributes thro the medium of his works -- &
admire with profound reverance & adoration his wisdom goodness
& power which are visible in the formation & arrangement
of all materiall bodies & spiritual beings. He requires
us to suplicate his favours -- & when received to express our
gratitude -- As our passions & appetites often get the assendence
of reason -- we are {MS-063} therefore bound to confess our faults
& implore forgiveness --
Now that you know & keep all these things which were
made known by divine inspiration, it is ordained that on
every eighth day ye lay asside all unnecessary labour -- that
ye meet in covenient numbers & form assemblies That in
each assembly a learned holy man shall preside, who shall
lead your devotion, & explain this sacred Roll & give you
such instruction as shall promote your happiness in this life &
in the life to come Once in three months -- ye shall hold a
great festival in every city & towns & your priests shall sacrifiice
an Elk as a token that your sins deserve punishment --
but that the divine mercy has banished them into shades of
forgetfulness. --
Be attentive O man to the words of truth which have
been recorded {MS-064} & pay respect to all the commandments which
have been written for your observance -- Your maker will then
be pleased to see you rejoice in the participation of his favours
& to behold your faces brighten with the benign beams of
cheerfulness. --
|
