Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora IndiansJohnson, Elias
History
Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians
Johnson, Elias
Iroquois Indians; Tuscarora Indians
"Friends and relations, all these things have often happened. How many of
our people have frozen to death, how many have burned to death: how many
have been drowned, while under the influence of the strong water. The
punishment of those who use the firewater commences while they are yet on
the earth. Many are now thrown into houses of confinement by the pale
faces. I repeat to you the Ruler of us all requires us to unite and put
this evil from among us. Some say the use of the firewater is not wrong,
and that it is food. Let those who do not believe it is wrong make this
experiment: Let all who use the firewater assemble and organize into a
council, and those who do not into another council near them. A great
difference will then be discovered. The council of drunkards will end in
a riot and tumult, while the other will have harmony and quiet. It is
hard to think of the great prevalence of this evil among us. Reform, and
put it from among you. Many resolve to use the firewater until near
death, when they will repent. If they do this nothing can save them from
destruction, for medicine can then have no power. Thus they said.
"All men were made equal by the Great Spirit, but He has given them a
variety of gifts. To some a pretty face, to others an ugly one: to some a
comely form, to others a deformed figure; some are fortunate in
collecting around them worldly goods; but you are all entitled to the
same privileges, and therefore must put pride from among you. You are not
your own maker, nor the builders of your own fortunes; all things are the
gifts of the Great Spirit, and to Him must be returned thanks for their
bestowal; He alone must be acknowledged as the giver. It has pleased Him
to make differences among men, but it is wrong for one man to exalt
himself above another. Love each other, for you are all brothers and
sisters of the same great family. The Great Spirit enjoins upon all to
observe hospitality and kindness, especially to the needy and helpless,
for this is pleasing to Him. If a stranger wanders about your abode,
speak to him with kind words; be hospitable toward him; welcome him to
your home, and forget not always to mention the Great Spirit. In the
morning give thanks to the Great Spirit for the return of day and the
light of the sun. At night renew your thanks to Him that His ruling power
has preserved you from harm during the day and that night has again come
in which you may rest your wearied bodies.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account