A strong sentiment of respect for their elders

(John Heckewelder, 1819.)

The first step that parents take towards the education of their children is to prepare them for future happiness, by impressing upon their tender minds that they are indebted for their existence to a great, good and benevolent Spirit, who not only has given them life, but has ordained them for certain great purposes.That he has given them a fertile extensive country well stocked with game of every kind for

their subsistence, and that by one of his inferior spirits he has also set down to them from above corn, pumpkins, squashes, beans and other vegetables which blessing their ancestors have enjoyed for a great number of ages.That this great Spirit looks down upon Indians , to see whether they are grateful to him and make him a due return for the many benefits he has bestowed, and therefore that it is their duty to show thankfulness by worshipping him, and doing that which is pleasing to his sight. They are then instructed that their ancestors must have been informed of what would be most pleasing, and are directed to learn from them and revere them for their wisdom and the knowledge they possess; this creates in the children a strong sentiment of respect for their elders as well as a desire to follow their advice and example.