[66] League of the Iroquois, p. 182.

[67] The “Keepers of the Faith” were about as numerous as the chiefs, and were selected by the wise-men and matrons of each gens. After their selection they were raised up by a council of the tribe with ceremonies adapted to the occasion. Their names were taken away and new ones belonging to this class bestowed in their place. Men and women in about equal numbers were chosen. They were censors of the people, with power to report the evil deeds of persons to the council. It was the duty of individuals selected to accept the office; but after a reasonable service each might relinquish it, which was done by dropping his name as a Keeper of the Faith, and resuming his former name.

[68] League of the Iroquois, p. 182.

[69] History of the American Indians, p. 183.

[70]

εἴη δ' ἂν Ἑλλαδι γλώττη τὰ ονόματα ταῦτα μεθερμηνευόμενα

φυλὴ μὲν καὶ τριττὺς ἡ τρίβους, φράτρα δὲ καὶ λόχος ἡ κουρία

—Dionysius, lib. II, cap. vii; and vid. lib. II, c. xiii.

[71] That purification was performed by the phratry is intimated by Æschylus:

ποία δὲ χέρνιψ φρατέρων προσδέξεται.—The Eumenides, 656.