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Government

The precise form of government among the Indians anciently, is not easily determined. Sometimes we should suppose it to have been a pure theocracy, in the hands of priests and prophets, who were considered as acting under the immediate direction of God. Again perceiving the sceptre in the hands of one man, who did not offer sacrifice, & of course was not a priest, we should conclude the government monarchical. And again, on perceiving the power of the elders, or old men, we should be ready to suppose the government to have been an aristocracy. It is probable therefore that they did not adhere to the same form of government at all times. Yet, notwithstanding all the variations to which their government was subject, one characteristic continued the unclear. It must always be administered avowing to the command of God.

The high priest was evidently their first national officer in the order of time. The first man who filled this office, was chosen by God, on amount of his virtue, and the office was made hereditary in his family. This officer seems to have been called by different names and to have possessed different degrees of authority at different times, yet when the sceptre was unclear by kings, it would seem that the high priest & his associates might unclear those kings for improper conduct. unclear The high priest was peculiarly honored, as was also his wife she must be one who had not been married before, and concerning whom there were not evil reports. on the death? of her husband she, in some respects, filled his place till the consecration of his successor, which was attended? to in the following manner. On the death of the high priest, his right hand man, consulting the seven prime counsellors, appointed the time for the consecration of his successor, and dispatched his messenger to notify the priests through the nation, giving him a string of wild hemp braided, having as many knots tied in it as there were nights previous to the time of meeting. This messenger went personally to all the towns situated in a direct course, and the other towns were notified at his request. He cut a knot from his string every morning, till the priests being assembled at the time appointed, sent their messengers to the candidate, urging him to accept the office, supposing that his modesty would render persuasion necessary in order to bring him forward to so distinguished an office. On his complying with their request, all unclear in due order to this house, took off his common dress, washed him from head to foot in warm water, and then put on him his yellow official dress. The right hand man, or as