ume. These But most of the children began mission school there. Her brother || her pupils, in consequence of previous tuDavid, who has since been exten-ition, could read in the New Testament, sively known in the United States, it was her delight to lead to a more perwhen they came under her care. was at this time with her at Brain- fect acquaintance with that sacred volerd. Early in the year 1820, it was hoped that he became pious. It is delightful to see the effect of the religion of Christ, on these two children of the forest, which the following extract presents. with the rudiments of learning. This school she continued three quarters of a year, much to the satisfaction of her scholars, their parents, and the missionaries. She finally relinquished it only because the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Potter gave her an opportunity to surrender her charge into other hands, and at the same time opened the way for her prosecuting higher studies, with a view to greater usefulness to her people. "Soon after this, hearing that their father was ill, these young converts from heathenism went home to see him. They remained at home about seven weeks. Catharine says, "David seized his Bible "The spirit of serious inquiry at Creekas soon as he reached home, and began path, to which there was an allusion at to read and interpret to his father and the close of the last chapter, increased afmother, and the other members of the ter the arrival of Catharine, especially family, exhorting them to attend to it as among her own kindred. Doubtless she the word of God, to repent of their sins, was not backward, with the meekness of which he told them were many and great, humility and with the earnestness of affecand to become the followers of the Lord tion, to warn and exhort. And she had Jesus Christ." With his father's consent, the joy of beholding her father, mother, a he maintained the worship of God in the || brother, and two or three sisters, unitedly family, morning and evening, and craved seeking the pardon of their sins, and that a blessing, and gave thanks at the table. peace, which the world giveth not. After He also conversed freely with friends and a suitable trial, and due instruction, all neighbours, boldly professing himself a these her relatives, with others of their Christian. countrymen, publicly professed faith in Christ, and were united to his visible Church. "The impression made by this visit, in connexion with the previous efforts of Catharine, was such, that when Mr. Brown, after recovering from his illness, brought his children back to Brainerd, he delivered to the missionaries the following letter, signed by himself and others, headmen and chiefs. "It is gratifying to be able to remark, that no one of them has hitherto dishon|| oured the Christian profession, and that all who survive, are believed to be the humble followers of the Lord Jesus. One has "fallen asleep," and of him an affectionate record will be found in the diary of Catharine." pp. 80-82. Of her deportment while at home, Mrs. Potter, the wife of the missionwho had the charge of the sta tion at Creek-Path, gives the following account: "We, the headmen, chiefs of the Creek-Path town, Cherokee nation, have this day assembled ourselves together, for the of devising some plan for the purpose education of our children. We daily witness the good effects arising from educa-ary tion, and therefore are extremely anxious to have a school in our neighbourhood, as the distance from this part of the nation to Chickamaugah is so great as not to suit our convenience. We therefore solicit your aid in carrying our plan into execution. We can raise twenty, or perhaps twenty-five children. You will please write us immediately on the receipt of this. Given under our hands, this 16th of February, 1820.'" pp. 61, 62. In consequence of this invitation, a school was established at CreekPath, in the following summer, and the female department of it was intrusted to Catharine. "For sweetness of temper, meekness, gentleness, and forbearance, I never saw one who surpassed her. To her parents she was uncommonly dutiful and affectionate. Nothing, which could contribute to their happiness, was considered a burden; and her plans were readily yielded to theirs, however great the sacrifice to her feelings. The spiritual interests of the times spent whole evenings in conversafamily lay near her heart, and she sometion with them on religious subjects. "Before our arrival, she had established a weekly prayer-meeting with the female members of the family, which was "Catharine commenced her school with also improved as an opportunity for readabout twenty scholars, and the numbering the word of God, and conversing upon soon increased. Not only the daughters, its important truths. Such was her exbut the mothers also, manifested a strong treme modesty, that she did not make desire to receive instruction. Several of this known to me, until more than a week APRIL, 1825. 15 after my arrival; and the usual period had passed without a meeting. She at length overcame her diffidence, and informed me what their practice had been, in a manner expressive of the most unfeigned humility. These meetings were continued while we remained in the family, and I believe they were highly useful. A monthly prayer-meeting among the sisters of the church was soon after established, in which Catharine took a lively interest; nor did she ever refuse, when requested, to take an active part in the devotional exercises. "Soon after we removed to our station, Catharine became a member of our family, and of the school. All her energies were now bent towards the improvement of her mind, with a view to future usefulness among her people. Both in school, and in the family, her deportment was such as greatly to endear her to our hearts, and she was most tenderly loved by all the children. "She was not entirely free from the inadvertencies of youth; but always received reproof with great meekness, and it never failed to produce the most salutary effect. many "She was deeply sensible of the favours she had received from Christian friends, and often, in the strongest terms, expressed her gratitude. "She was zealous in the cause of Christ, and laboured much to instruct her ignorant people in the things, that concern their everlasting peace. The advance ment of the Redeemer's kingdom was to her a subject of deep interest, and she read accounts of the triumphs of the cross in heathen countries, with peculiar delight. Not many months after we settled here, a plan was devised to form a female charitable society. This plan was proposed to Catharine. She was much pleased with it, and spared no pains to explain it to the understandings of her Cherokee friends. And so successful were her exertions, that, at the meeting for the formation of the Society, at which a considerable number were present, not one refused to become a member. For the prosperity of this Society she manifested the most tender concern till her death; and she had determined, if her life should be spar ed to reach the Arkansas country, to use her exertions to form a similar Society there."* pp. 84-86. This Society first sent its annual collections to the mission at Dwight, in the Arkansas. But the last year their collection was devoted to the spread of the gospel among the Osages. The Cherokee woman, who proposed the resolution to appropriate the money in this way, observed to the Society, "The Bible tells us to do good to our enemies, and I believe the Osages are the greatest enemies the Cherokees have." The sum was about ten dollars. Some time after she left Brain erd, she accompanied her father to Huntsville, in the State of Alabama. "Here, either at that time, or later in the season, she spent two or three months, in the family of Dr. Alexander A. Campbell, a pious and esteemed physician. Dr. Campbell had seen her at her father's house before she went to Brainerd, and sonal appearance, that he subsequently was so favourably impressed, by her perprocured for her a Bible, and some other religious books, which were forwarded, but never received. that interview. Dr. Campbell's own words, "Nearly five years had elapsed since extracted from his letter to the Rev. Mr. impression, which she now made upon Potter of Creek-Path, shall describe the him, and upon others in Huntsville. girl she was then. She was graceful and polite, and humility and benevolence "She was not now the wild, untutored beamed from her countenance. Some of my acquaintance were unwilling to believe she was an Indian. "At your request, I returned with her to her nation to see a diseased Indian child, and though it was at the expense of neglecting important professional business, I was amply repaid, by the interesting conversation I had with her, on literary and religious subjects. "At first, she was backward to enter into free conversation. A diffident reserve was a prominent trait in her character. But when we became well acquainted, I found her perfectly agreeable and intelligent on any ordinary subject. But her favourite theme was the SAVIOUR. She dwelt much, also, on the situation of her people, and manifested the greatest solicitude for their spiritual interests; often expressing the hope, that I would come and live among them, and teach them respecting the Lord Jesus. "During the summer of this year, she spent several months in my family. A part of that time she was suffering very severely from a bilious fever, which she bore with all possible patience and resignation, never showing that peevishness covering from that disease. She always and fretfulness so common in persons refrom the chastising hand of God, and delooked upon her afflictions as resulting signed for her improvement. "She received very marked attentions from the visitors at my house, and many of the principal families in the town sought an acquaintance with her, appeared sensible of her worth, and esteemed her friendship highly. These attentions, so far from exciting her vanity, had the effect to humble her the more. She appeared ever to think much less highly of herself, than others thought of her. I have often been astonished to see how the flattering addresses and high encomiums of people of elevated standing in society, seemed to render her more distrustful of her own worth." pp. 101-104. 66 "This," says her biographer, though evidently the warm language of friendship, is justified by the concurrent testimony of all the intimate friends of Catharine." We would add, granting it to be the partiality of friendship, how bland and how refining must be the effect of that religion, which in so short a time, could enable an Indian girl to awaken such partialities. Such was Catharine Brown at home with her brethren and sisters, and her dearly beloved tribe at Creek-Path; and such was she in the polished society of one of our western towns. It is impossible without admiration, to contemplate that range of character, which would enable her to adapt herself so perfectly to either situation. But it is time that we introduce our readers to the closing scene of this interesting narrative. From this part of it, we shall now make a few extracts. "The attention of the reader is now invited to the closing scenes in the life of Catharine, where her faith in her Saviour will be seen to have been signally triumphant over the terrors of the grave. her voice and said, 'Sister Potter, how beautiful is this hymn;' and then repeated "Why should we start and fear to die! What timorous worms we mortals are! And yet we dread to enter there. Fond of our prison and our clay. Feel soft as downy pillows are, And breathe my life out sweetly there.' "I inquired if she could adopt this as the language of her heart, and she answered, with great meekness, that she hoped she could.'” "It does not appear that after this, her mind was again seriously disturbed by apprehensions respecting her own future well-being." pp. 126–128. We do not recollect to have seen any thing more inimitably pathetic than this quotation, since reading the Young Cottager. In April she was visited by Dr. Campbell. On this occasion, she wrote the following letter to Mrs. Campbell. "Creek-Path, April 17, 1823. "My dear Mrs. Campbell, "My heart was made truly glad this morning, by the arrival of Dr. Campbell. I have long been very anxious to see him, "After she returned from Brainerd, she on account of the low state of my health. seems generally to have considered her For two months past, it has been declinremoval from the world as not very dis-ing, and I am now reduced to extreme tant, and to have spent much time in reflecting on death and its consequences. These subjects she not unfrequently made the topics of conversation. One instance of this kind is described by Mrs. Potter. "Entering her room, one evening, at an early hour, I found she had retired with unusual debility. She requested meto read, from some medical author, the symptoms of consumption. I complied; and after comparing them with her own, she expressed a belief, that she had that disease. I inquired what were her feelings in view of this conclusion. She replied, with tears, I am not prepared to die.' You have a hope, I said, of happiness beyond the grave? Yes, I have a hope resting on the promises of the Saviour; but I have been unfaithful!' "We were both too much affected to say more, and remained for some time silent. At length Catharine sweetly raised debility. This affliction I view as coming from my heavenly Father. I deserve correction, and hope to bear the chastising rod with humble submission. "I have a wish to recover, that I may be useful to my poor countrymen, but know, that all human means will be ineffectual without the blessing of God. I pray that Dr. Campbell may be the instrument in his hands of restoring me to health. If the weather were pleasant, I should be disposed to return with him. "I thank you for your present, and wish I had something valuable to send in return. Dr. Campbell will hand you a little ribbond. When you wear it, remember Catharine. "Mrs. P. sends love, and hopes to receive a visit from you ere long. Much love to the children. "Farewell, my friend, my sister. May heaven grant you its choicest blessings, rors. "Death was now disarmed of his terShe could look into the grave without alarm. She confessed her sins with great meekness, and mourned that she had not been more faithful in the service of God; yet rejoiced to resign her soul into the hands of her Redeemer. "Once, when I visited her, she affectionately took my hand and said, 'My dear sister, I have been wishing to see you, for several days. I have thought a great deal of you and Mr. Potter. I love you much, but am going to leave you. think I shall not live long. You have done much for me. I thank you, and hope the Lord will reward you. I am willing to die, if it be the will of God. I know that I have experienced his love. I have no desire to live in this world, but to do good. But God can carry on his work without me. I hope you will continue the meetings of females. You must not be discouraged. I thought when I should get to the Arkansas, I would form a society among the females, like ours. But I shall never live to get there. I feel for my dear parents, but the Lord will take || care of them.' regret, that she had done so little in his cause. The day preceding this, she had expressed a wish to go to Huntsville, and unite with Mrs. L. and C. in forming an association for prayer, and in endeavouring to do something for the cause of Christ." pp. 134-137. It is interesting to observe the tender solicitude which her departure for Dr. Campbell's, awakened among her Cherokee friends. "Catharine was now unable to endure the motion of a carriage, even for a short distance. It would be necessary, therefore, in proceeding to Limestone, to carry her on a litter to the Tennessee river, which was six miles distant; then to take her in a boat down the river, forty miles, to a village named Trienna; and from thence, on a litter again, about five miles, to Dr. Campbell's. But, in order to the successful prosecution of this enterprise, the aid of some person, through the whole distance, who was acquainted with the English language, was indispensable. And it should be thankfully noted, that just when the question of removal was agitated, Mr. William Leech, a pious acquaintance from Huntsville, providentially arrived at Creek-Path, and very kindly tendered his services. Monday, the 26th of May, was the time appointed for commencing the journey. "Numbers,' says Mrs. Potter, 'assembled to take, as they feared, and as it proved, a last look of their beloved friend. After a prayer, in which she was_commended to the Divine protection, the canoe was announced to be in readiness, and we followed the litter, borne by her affectionate people, to the river. Old and young were bathed in tears, and some were obliged to use their influence to prevent a general and loud lamentation. Catharine alone was calm, while she bade farewell to those she tenderly loved' "At another interview she said, 'I feel perfectly resigned to the will of God. I know he will do right with his children. I thank God that I am entirely in his hands. I feel willing to live, or die, as he thinks best. My only wish is, that he may be glorified. I hope, should I ever recover, I shall be more faithful in the cause of Christ, than I have ever been.'" "On the 23d, she seemed to have the most cheering evidence of her interest in the Lord Jesus. Thus she exclaimed, 'Now I am ready to die. O, how delightful is the view of my Saviour! How hap-out speaking a word, the tears all the py shall I be, when I arrive at my Father's house.' "On being asked, what would be her feelings, if it was the will of God she should live, she replied, 'The Lord's will be done, and not mine. If I can promote his cause in any way, I am desirous to live. But if I am taken away, I hope my brother David will be useful, in bringing our benighted nation to a knowledge of Jesus.' "Her soul appeared full, and more than full of love to God. She spoke much of his goodness to her, and expressed much "Mr. Leech says, that small groups of her acquaintance were frequently seen on the road, waiting her approach. When she arrived where they were, they would hasten to the side of the litter, take her by the hand, and often walk away with while rolling down their cheeks." p. 137. Our limits will allow of but one more extract. "While at Dr. Campbell's, I wrote a letter to her brother David, informing him of her illness. When about to close the letter, I went to her bed-side and said, Catharine, what shall I say to your brother for you?" "After a short pause, she replied, 'If you will write, I will dictate a short letter.' Then raising herself in the bed, and wiping away a tear, that was falling from her eye, she, with a sweet Amile, began to relate what God had done for her soul while upon that sick bed. "To my partial eye, she was, at that moment, an interesting spectacle, and I have often wished, that her portrait could then have been taken. Her countenance was softened with the affectionate remembrance of an endeared brother; her cheek was a little flushed with the exertion of speaking, her eye beamed with spiritual joy, and a heavenly smile animated the whole scene. I shall never forget it, nor the words she then whispered in my ear." "The reader will naturally desire to see the letter, which was dictated and penned under circumstances so interesting. It was written in exact accordance with her dictation, and was as follows: "My dear Brother, "Limestone, June 13, 1823. "MRS. POTTER has told you the particulars of my illness. I will only tell you what I have experienced on my sick-bed. || "I have found, that it is good for me to be afflicted. The Saviour is very precious to me. I often enjoy his presence, and I long to be where I can enjoy it without sin. I have indeed been brought very low, and did not expect to live until this time. But I have had joy, such as I never experienced before. I longed to be gone; was ready to die at any moment. cause. I have no desire to live in this world, but to be engaged in his service. "It was my intention to instruct the people more than I had done, when I returned from Brainerd; but when I got home, I was not able to do it. "It was a great trial to me, not to be able to visit our neighbours, and instruct them. But I feel that it is all right. It is my prayer that you may be useful, and I hope the Lord will make you useful to our poor people. From your affectionate sister, "She expired without a groan, or a struggle. Even those around the bed scarcely knew, that the last breath had left her, until I informed them she was gone. Thus fell asleep this lovely saint, in the arms of her Saviour, a little past o'clock, on the morning of July 18, 1823. "A neat monument of wood, erected by her bereaved relatives, covers the grave where she was laid. And though a few years hence, this monument may no longer exist to mark the spot where she slumbers, yet shall her dust be precious in the eyes of the Lord, and her virtues shall be told for a memorial of her." Our extracts have been already so copious, that we must not insert "I love you very much, and it would any thing from the closing chapter, be a great happiness to me to see you which is occupied with some interagain in this world. Yet I don't know that I shall. God only knows. We must esting reflections by the biographer submit to his will. We know, that if we of Catharine. As it is, we have never meet again in this world, the Lord omitted much which we would gladhas prepared a place in his heavenly king-ly have inserted; having only predom, where I trust we shall meet, never to part. We ought to be thankful for what he has done for us. If he had not sent us the gospel, we should have died without any knowledge of the Saviour. "You must not be grieved, when you hear of my illness. You must remember, that this world is not our home, that we must all die soon "I am here under the care of Dr. Campbell, and his very kind family. My mother and sister Susan are with me. Since I came here, I have been a great deal better, and the doctor sometimes gives encouragement of my getting well. But we cannot tell. I am willing to submit myself to the will of God. I am willing to die, or live, as he sees best. "I know I am his. He has bought me with his blood, and I do not wish to have any will but his. He is good, and can do nothing wrong. I trust, if he spares my life, he will enable me to be faithful to his We sented our readers with such pas- |