One would imagine that these paraphernalia would not have been
much admired by a modern fine lady; but Mrs Tabitha was resolved
to approve of all the captains connexions. -- She wished, indeed,
the squaw had been better provided with linen; but she owned
there was much taste and fancy in her ornaments; she made no
doubt, therefore, that madam Squinkinacoosta was a young lady of
good sense and rare accomplishments, and a good christian at
bottom. Then she asked whether his consort had been high church
or low-church, presbyterian or anabaptist, or had been favoured
with any glimmering of the new light of the gospel? When he
confessed that she and her whole nation were utter strangers to
the christian faith, she gazed at him with signs of astonishment,
and Humphry Clinker, who chanced to be in the room, uttered a
hollow groan.
After some pause, 'In the name of God, captain Lismahago (cried
she), what religion do they profess?' 'As to religion, madam
(answered the lieutenant), it is among those Indians a matter of
great simplicity -- they never heard of any Alliance between Church
and State. -- They, in general, worship two contending principles;
one the Fountain of all Good, the other the source of all evil.
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