Wakutemani, a Sioux warrior, was an acknowledged leader among
the young Indians of his tribe. He heard a woman missionary
tell the gospel story, but tho he felt strangely drawn to
Christianity, he threw himself more ardently into the heathen
dances and practises. One day he said to the missionary, “I will
try your way without leaving the old way for a year, and at the
end of that time I will follow the way that has satisfied me.”
She taught him to pray and gave him directions for living a
clean, straight life. At the end of the year Wakutemani appeared
painted and be-feathered to lead the young braves in the old
war-dance. The dance was wild and calculated to awaken all the
savage instincts; but during a pause in drum-beating, Wakutemani
stept into the center of the circle and motioned for silence. “I
said I would try both ways. This way does not satisfy me. If any
others feel as I do, let them follow me.” Two young warriors,
Many Bulls and White Sitting Buffalo, rose silently and followed
him out of the ring. They went to the mission house and said
to the missionary, “We wish to follow your way. Ours does not
satisfy.” All three have now many years of consistent Christian
life to their credit, and one has passed to his reward. (Text.)
(3452)
=Way We Look at Things, The=--See MOODS DETERMINING DESIRES.
=Wayfarer, The=--See PILGRIMS, THE.
=Wayside Ministry=--See CONTROL, DIVINE.