Prayer at an Indian Child’s Funeral
By Edison J. Driver
The Digger Indians of the Sierras are a degraded and downtrodden people. The simplicity of nature has yielded to all the vices and curses of civilization. Yet, even here, the "Light of the world" throws bright rays of truth and love. Some time ago a Christian worker chanced to be present at the funeral of an Indian child. When the rude coffin had been covered with earth, several Indians came forward, and, by signs and gestures, requested prayer. The man complied, but was not a little astonished at the request. After praying he spoke a few comforting words through an interpreter, while all around listened reverently. And when he had ended, they thanked him kindly, and went to their homes with lighter hearts and brighter faces. And who can tell what the harvest will be? May not some of these be among the "many" who "shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven"?
— Edison J. Driver.