Meeting the Iroquois Embassy by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1910

Meeting the Iroquois Embassy

By W. A. S.

WHILE visiting the Moravian stations in Pennsylvania in 1742, Zinzendorf had been told of the interest which Conrad Weiser, colonial interpreter, felt in the evangelization of the Indian tribes on the borders. One day the count felt a definite impression that he should go at once to see Weiser. It was a journey of several days. He pushed forward, and arrived at Weiser's home in the wilds of Tulpehocken, near Lancaster, just in time to meet the embassy of Iroquois chiefs returning from Philadelphia.

Zinzendorf addressed the chiefs, asking permission to establish missions among the Six Nations. Weiser interpreted the speech, and added: “This is the man whom God hath sent both to the Indians and to the white people, to make known his will unto them.” The chief was impressed with the fact of this apparently chance meeting in the wilderness, and in his reply said:—

Brother, you have journeyed a long way from beyond the sea, in order to preach to the white people and the Indians. You did not know that we were here; we had no knowledge of your coming. The Great Spirit has brought us together. Come to our people, you shall be welcome. Take this fathom of wampum; it is a token that our words are true.

W. A. S.