“In peace now is spread the pure plain of thy waves, Like the maidens that cast their kind looks on their Braves; But when the black tempest comes o’er with its sweep, Like the Braves on their war-path fierce rages thy deep. “Thou art lovely, when morning breaks forth from the sky, Thou art lovely when noon hurls his darts from on high, Thou art lovely, when sunset paints brightly thy brow, And in moonlight and starlight still lovely art thou. “Gwe-u-gwe, Gwe-u-gwe, how sad would we be Were the gloom of our forests not brightened by thee; Ha-wen-ne-yu would seem from his sons turned away, Gwe-u-gwe, Gwe-u-gwe, then list to our lay.” To any person who has taken pains to understand their character or their faith it must be strikingly evident that they were a peculiarly confiding and loving people. Their God was emphatically a God of love. They could not easily comprehend how the Good Spirit could meditate evil to any of his children. They looked up to him with confidence, and not only said and believed, but felt that he heard them and granted their prayers. Some of the Indian nations expected to hunt and fish in the other world, and engage in all the occupations which employ them in this. But the Iroquois divested it more entirely of its sensual nature. All that was beautiful in this world their imaginations transferred to the next; and though they believed they took their bodies, and retained all their faculties, it was for pleasure and never for toil. There was “no marriage or giving in marriage,” but families would recognize each other, and all live in one universal brotherhood, where neither dissension nor sorrow could enter, and where there was no more death. No people of whom we have any knowledge are so thoroughly imbued with religious sentiment, though it seldom became exalted into enthusiasm. It is simple trust and love, and pervaded all their thoughts and actions. They had no governmental officers whose sole duty it was to regulate public affairs, and no religious teachers who devoted all their time to the “spiritual concerns” of the people. But there were some who had special duties to perform when they assembled for their festivals, who were called “keepers of the faith,” and, in accordance with their universal custom, in promoting women, they, as well as men, were honored with this office. They opened the ceremonies by some appropriate address, exercised a general supervision during the celebrations and presided at the feasts. Neither Sachems, chiefs, warriors, or keepers of the faith received any compensation for the duties they performed, or wore any distinguishing costume.