CHAPTER XII.
"The Groves Were God's First Temples." From dawn until noon on Sunday bands of Indians arrived at the Village of Peace.

Hundreds of canoes glided down the swift stream and bumped their prows into the pebbly beach.

Groups of mounted warriors rode out of the forests into the clearing; squaws with papooses, maidens carrying wicker baskets, and children playing with rude toys, came trooping along the bridle-paths.
Gifts were presented during the morning, after which the visitors were feasted.

In the afternoon all assembled in the grove to hear the preaching.
The maple grove wherein the service was to be conducted might have been intended by Nature for just such a purpose as it now fulfilled.
These trees were large, spreading, and situated far apart.

Mossy stones and the thick carpet of grass afforded seats for the congregation.
Heckewelder--a tall, spare, and kindly appearing man--directed the arranging of the congregation.