Such, however, was far from being the case.  The worthy priest had an exalted idea of his office; and, to fancy it might favorably impress even savages, was little more than carrying out his every-day notions of its authority.  He conscientiously believed that he, himself, a regularly ordained presbyter, would be more likely to succeed in the undertaking before him, than a mere deacon; were a bishop present, he would cheerfully have submitted to his superior claims to sanctity and success.  As for arch-bishops, arch-deacons, deans, rural deans, and all the other worldly machinery which has been superadded to the church, the truth compels us to add, that our divine felt no especial reverence since he considered them as so much clerical surplusage, of very questionable authority, and of doubtful use.  He adhered strictly to the orders of divine institution, to these he attached so much weight, as to be entirely willing, in his own person, to demonstrate how little was to be apprehended, when their power was put forth, even against Indians, in humility and faith.

“I shall take this sprig of laurel in my hand, in lieu of the olive-branch,” said the excited chaplain, “as the symbol of peace.  It is not probable that savages can tell one plant from the other; and if they could, it will be easy to explain that olives do not grow in America.  It is an eastern tree, ladies, and furnishes the pleasant oil we use on our salads.  I carry with me, notwithstanding, the oil which proves a balm to many sorrows; that will be sufficient.”

“You will bid them let Robert return to us, without delay?” said Mrs. Willoughby, earnestly.

“I shall bid them respect God and their consciences.  I cannot now stop to rehearse to you the mode of proceeding I shall adopt; but it is all arranged in my own mind.  It will be necessary to call the Deity the ‘Great Spirit’ or ’Manitou’—­and to use many poetical images; but this can I do, on an emergency.  Extempore preaching is far from agreeable to me, in general; nor do I look upon it, in this age of the world, as exactly canonical; nevertheless, it shall be seen I know how to submit even to that, when there is a suitable necessity.”

It was so seldom Mr. Woods used such magnificent ideas, or assumed a manner in the least distinguishable from one of the utmost simplicity, that his listeners now felt really awed; and when he turned to bless them, as he did with solemnity and affection, the two daughters knelt to receive his benedictions.  These delivered, he walked out of the room, crossed the court, and proceeded straightway to the outer gate.