Cherokee Phoenix

Page 3 Col. 2a

Published May, 27, 1829

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Page 3 Col. 2a

JOURNAL OF MR. HUSS.

John Huss, the translation of whose Journal will be seen below, is a Cherokee exhorter, under the direction of the A. B. C. F. B. , and one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this nation. He has favored us with an account of his labors during the months of January and February. For want of time we could not translate it. A friend has handed to us the translation which follows, and which we are glad to present to our English readers.

WILLSTOWN, March 1829

I resume my journal of my labors in preaching to the people the word of God. My Christian brethren, who receive the Cherokee Phoenix, will see an account of all by labors in diffusing without molestation the word of Jesus Christ, and seeking the conversion of sinners, during the present month, if my life and health are spared. I exert myself much that men may perceive the sinfulness of our hearts; and I have great anxiety in my spirit, and when I consider the sinfulness of all our hearts, the waters are ready to burst from my eyes. When, too, I reflect upon this subject, I think that, if we would do well our children would grow up beautifully for the conversion of men. But there are some who say, 'These labors are calculated to do us much evil.' When I think of these their remarks and of the fatigues which I endure in traversing the mountains out of a desire for their welfare, my heart aches. But perhaps they will sometime perceive.

On the first Sabbath in March we met at our place of assembly in Willstown. A few people only came as hearers. They did not know of my coming, and Mr. Chamberlin was not at home, on which account few came together. I however addressed them as I was able. At the close I appointed a meeting at night at Mrs. Pack's where a considerable number of hearers came, and I spoke much to them, so that I became quite fatigued.

The next day we assembled at the meeting-house for prayer, it being the first Monday in the month. There I heard that I was called to a person who lay sick at the point of death about four miles distant. I went thinking that she would be already dead. She was, however, still living, when I arrived, but motionless, and only breathing. I rejoiced that there was opportunity for me to pray that she might receive mercy. She was a professor of religion,m an aged woman. A little after noon of the next day she died. So long she lived every moment apparently dying, as she was unable to move or to speak. she had been sick four days when she died. At her burial I addressed the people, who were very attentive, ' a considerable number. After this, I directed my course to Haweis, and spent the night at the house of Rising Fawn. There also the neighbors assembled at evening, and I addressed them.

On the second Sabbath in March, I spoke in the meeting house at Haweis. There I providentially met with Mr. Chamberlin. He first preached without an interpreter, and I afterwards addressed those who did not understand the English Language. Very few people were collected.

I then went to the Fork, and spent the night at the house of Mr. John Ridge. In the evening Mr. Ridge interpreted to me the address of the people of Turkey Town at their late assembly. It was a beautiful address. Evidently they were intelligent. Mr. Ridge however, himself wrote the address, and therefore I [not knowing who was the author] thought it must have been written by some person of talents and intelligence.

The next night I spent at Archy Downing's. There a few people were providentially met whom I addressed. They did not know of my being there, but were visitors. They were, however, attentive to my discourse, and acquainted with prayer, except two, a man and his wife, who were the last that came, who were not acquainted with divine worship, and did not imitate our example, when we prayed.

The next morning I set out for home. I was pursuing a small path, for, with the intention of conversing with an individual who was a professor of religion, but had been guilty of some misconduct, I had left the main road and taken a bridle way. As I went slowly along, reading a book, while the horse which I rode walked at his leisure, I was exceedingly happy in hearing [reading] the word of the kingdom of Christ, when all of a sudden, my horse started violently, and I thought myself about to be thrown, but recovered my seat. I dropped a small paper which was in my book, and alighted to pick it up. By this time my happiness had all vanished, for I was much frightened. Thus it is that we all live. In the midst of happiness some sudden misfortune come upon us; and our death also may as suddenly come.- I arrived at the house;- my conversation was well received, ' a promise of reformation given me. Then, when I departed, I was again happy. Thus it is with us Christians. We are not constantly in a happy frame; and therefore it becomes us continually every day to be earnest in prayer, and to supplicate the mercy of God and of our Saviour (sic) Christ. *

The night I spent at Dr. Butler's. In the morning some persons brought news of the death of a child. When I arrived at the place in the evening the corpse was still preserved, and a number of attendants were present, to whom I made an address. The next morning, as I was about to depart, the people were urgent that I should tarry to attend the burial; but, having an appointment for a meeting at Raccoon-town, I could not stay.

When I arrived at the place of meeting at Raccoon-town, they had just completed a Methodist meeting house. The house presented a very respectable appearance. We entered it, and a considerable number listened to my discourse. It is an excellent thing which the people are now doing in our country, in building houses of assembly, where the word of God may be continually preached without molestation, to promote their happiness. There is now reason to hope that our nation may prosper, when the word of God is thus understood.

Formerly also they built houses of assembly, but were not skilful (sic) in building. The town dancing houses were covered with bark. They also labored formerly in search of happiness; but nowhere did they find happiness or permanent peace. This they did [i.e. built houses of assembly 'c.] in former generations, but many men and women were there spoiled by being made wicked. Yet they called wicked only those women who became abandoned, not knowing that the men who desired such women were equally guilty. For in our former conversation we imputed blame to women only; we did not understand that we dissolute men were equal sharers of the guilt. But now, in our country, when they build houses of assembly, it is for the sole purpose of making people good. But it is because God is the prime agent in the work that knowledges (sic) is progressing in our land. It is done by the help of God.

When our meeting was over I heard that I was desired to visit a person who lay sick, and went accordingly. At night I prayed for mercy upon the sick, and addressed the attendants. This person was very sick.

I had appointed a meeting on the Sabbath at Rising Fawn's. We met accordingly. The people were very attentive to my discourse, and their number was considerable. Two persons, a man and his wife, were manifestly serious. It is a good while since they began attending meetings, but they careless; it could not be seen that they approved; but now one cannot but hope that their hearts are changed. Before the meeting commenced I was out at some distance where I found the man at prayer. I stood near, unperceived by him, and rejoiced that he was so engaged. These persons have now requested admission to the church.

Let us all who are Christians strive in prayer that the hearts of those who are yet careless may be renewed; for if we do this our request will surely be granted, since our God has said to us, 'Ask and ye shall receive.'

During this past week I have labored much, and had much conversation with individuals.

The fourth Sabbath, I spent at Willstown. On Saturday night we had a meeting at Mrs. Pack's. Many people listened to my discourse, and were very attentive. The Methodist teacher at Willstown was present, and spoke after I had done, but his discourse was not interpreted. His manner of speaking was good, but there were many who did not understand; I which they did understand.

The last Sabbath in March I was at Mr. Potter's at Creek Path. There I made an address. There were but few to hear. I spoke of the word, of our Saviour (sic) Christ, where he says that there was a rich man, who every day was richly clothed, and richly fed, but, when he died, lifted up his eyes in hell, being in torment. And there was also a poor man, whose whole body was covered with sores, Lazarus by name, who desired the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table; but, when he died, angels of heaven carried him away, and placed him in Abraham's bosom in heaven, where is eternal life and peace in the kingdom of God.

My friends, as to what we are told became of these two men at their death,-this rich man was one who did not worship God, but honored himself; and therefore at his death God sent him to hell. But the poor man was a worshipper of God, and therefore, at his death, angels transported him to heaven. Think of that place.

I have now finished the account of my labors for one month.

JOHN HUSS.

*Probably in rising and kneeling.