AN
INDIAN’S THEOLOGY.—A white man and an Indian were both brought under conviction
of sin about the same time. The Indian, whose conviction was pungent, soon found
joy and peace in believing, while the white man continued in darkness and
distress for a long time. Seeing the Indian one day enjoying the sweet
consolations of religion, “Why,” says the white man, “should there be such a
difference/ Why has God forgiven your sins, while I go mourning? I have done
all that I can do, but find no comfort.” “Suppose,” says the Indian, “that you
come along to a great prince He holds out to you a suit of clothes, and says, ‘Here,
take these, and welcome.’ You look around, feel, shamed, and say, ‘No, my
clothes are pretty good yet, they will do a little longer, thank you, sir.’
Then the prince, ra her angry, says, ‘Here, Sam, take the suit.’ I look, my old
blanket all rags, cold and dirty: ‘Thank you, thank you, kind sir.’ Poor Indian,
now be warm and happy.” (W. W. Phelps, Almanac for the Year 1864: Being the Thirty
Third Year of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (From April 6,
1830) [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Office, 1864]: 30-31)