The good people of Valley Settlement, anxious to procure the services of so able a minister as Father Ainesley’s first sermon proved him to be, prevailed on him to take up his residence there.
With some reluctance the reverend father accepted the kind invitation of the settlers; however, he made a reservation of half of his time to be devoted to labor among the Indians.
Father Earnshaw now returned to Clontarf’s Post; not, however, before having exacted a promise from his fellow-laborer in the vineyard of God, to visit him at an early day.
Father Ainesley went to work with a zeal, both at the settlement and among the Indians. At least, he was away from Valley Settlement a good half of the time, and the settlers had no reason to question his being at work trying to convert the wild red men.
In the course of a week, Father Ainesley sent a letter to Father Earnshaw, in which he proposed that they hold a union meeting of the two settlements; and in case that he should accept the proposition, to name the point of meeting, as well as the day.
Father Earnshaw sent the following reply:
“Clontarf’s Post, Sept. 2, 18—
“Dear Brother Ainesley:
“Your proposition of a union meeting of the two settlements receives my happy approval. It would be likely to establish a firmer and more pleasant relationship between the two settlements, and lay the foundation of a Christian country and people. Since you have left it with me to set the day of meeting, I will name the 10th of September. And since, in my opinion, there is nothing to fear from the Indians, I shall propose that we hold our meeting in the woods, God’s first temples, on the shore of Lake Wildwood. It is a lovely spot, adorned with all the beauty of nature—the great, green woods upon one side, and Wildwood lake upon the other; the heavens above and a velvety carpet of green beneath.
“Hoping that this brief reply will fully meet your approval,