FROM THE TEACHINGS OF WABASHA
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and give thanks for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself.
Thank the Great Spirit for each meal; cast a morsel of meat into the fire and pray, “Great Spirit, partake with us.”
Sin is trespass against the laws of the Great Spirit; it brings its own punishment, for sin is its own punishment. Crime is trespass against the laws of the tribe; and may be punished by the tribe.
No man shall suffer for the sin of another. No man can take the punishment of another, and so make the sinner guiltless.
It is unjust that a wicked man should escape the punishment of his crime. It is tenfold more unjust that an innocent man be punished in his place. God is not a hungry wild beast, demanding only a victim, it matters not who or what, so He be fed. Therefore, beware of the liars that offer to secure for you an innocent, to bear the penalty of your sin, while you go free.
Be merciful to those who are in your power. It is the part of a coward to torture a prisoner or ill-treat those that are helpless before you. It is the part of a Chief to take care of the weak, the sick, the old and the helpless.
Only a coward ends his life by suicide; a brave man dies fighting.
Every village should have its Holy Place, its Medicine Lodge, where men may meet to dance the dance, smoke the good smoke, and make medicine.
And every man should have his own Holy Place where he keeps lonely vigil, harkens for the Voices, and offers prayer and praise.
If a wild beast attack your child, your wife, your house, your friend, or yourself, it is your duty as a man to fight with all your strength and with whatever weapons be at hand, and to destroy it as soon as possible or drive it off; and it is none the less your duty if that beast be in the form of a man.
Show respect to all men, but grovel to none.
(From The Gospel Of The Redman – Earnest Thompson Seaton) – This book is for sale at the Anthony Wayne Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America – 260-432-9593 for more information.)
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