262CHAPITRE I.DE L'ESTAT, & DE L'EMPLOY DE NOSTRE COMPAGNIE EN LA NOUUELLE FRANCE.NOVS auons six Residences en la Nouuelle France. La premiere, commençant par les premieres terres qu'on rencontre venant en ces pays, se nomme la Residence de Saincte Anne; elle est au Cap Breton. La seconde la Residence de Sainct Charles, à Miskou. La troisiéme, que nous allons habiter cette Automne, la Residence de Nostredame de Recouurance, à Kebec, proche du Fort. La quatriéme, la Residence de Nostredame des Anges, à vne demie lieuë de Kebec. La cinquiéme, la Residence de la Conception, aux trois Riuieres. La sixiéme, la Residence de Sainct Ioseph, [10] à Ihonatiria, aux Hurons; i'espere que nous en aurons bien-tost vne septiéme au mesme pays, mais dans vne Bourgade differente d'Ihonatiria. Or comme les Vaisseaux qui vont au Cap Breton & à Miskou, ne montent point iusques à Kebec, de là vient que nous n'auons aucune communication auec nos Peres qui sont és Residences de Saincte Anne, & de Sainct Charles, si ce n'est par la voye de France: & par consequent il ne faut point nous adresser ny lettres, ny autres choses pour leur faire tenir, ains les donner aux Vaisseaux qui vont en ces habitations de nos François. Il s'ensuit encor que ie ne puis rien dire des choses qui se passent en ces Residences, pour la distance des lieux, & le peu de264commerce que nous auons auec elles. Toutes ces Residences sont entretenuës par Messieurs de la Compagnie [11] de la Nouuelle France, qui font dresser des Forteresses, & des demeures pour nos François en diuers endroits de ces contrées, excepté la Residence de Nostredame des Anges, appuyée principalement sur les liberalitez de Monsieur le Marquis de Gamache. Cette Residence a trois grands desseins pour la gloire de nostre Seigneur; Le premier, de dresser vn College pour instruire les enfans des familles qui se vont tous les iours multipliant. Le second, d'établir vn Seminaire de petits Sauuages, pour les éleuer en la foy Chrestienne. Le troisiéme, de secourir puissamment la Mission de nos Peres aux Hurons, & autres Peuples sedentaires. Pour le College, bien qu'il ne soit pas encor erigé, si est-ce que nous commencerons dés cette année à enseigner quelques enfans. Toutes choses ont leur commencement, [12] les plus doctes n'ont sceu autrefois que les premiers elements de l'Alphabet.
262
DE L'ESTAT, & DE L'EMPLOY DE NOSTRE COMPAGNIE EN LA NOUUELLE FRANCE.
NOVS auons six Residences en la Nouuelle France. La premiere, commençant par les premieres terres qu'on rencontre venant en ces pays, se nomme la Residence de Saincte Anne; elle est au Cap Breton. La seconde la Residence de Sainct Charles, à Miskou. La troisiéme, que nous allons habiter cette Automne, la Residence de Nostredame de Recouurance, à Kebec, proche du Fort. La quatriéme, la Residence de Nostredame des Anges, à vne demie lieuë de Kebec. La cinquiéme, la Residence de la Conception, aux trois Riuieres. La sixiéme, la Residence de Sainct Ioseph, [10] à Ihonatiria, aux Hurons; i'espere que nous en aurons bien-tost vne septiéme au mesme pays, mais dans vne Bourgade differente d'Ihonatiria. Or comme les Vaisseaux qui vont au Cap Breton & à Miskou, ne montent point iusques à Kebec, de là vient que nous n'auons aucune communication auec nos Peres qui sont és Residences de Saincte Anne, & de Sainct Charles, si ce n'est par la voye de France: & par consequent il ne faut point nous adresser ny lettres, ny autres choses pour leur faire tenir, ains les donner aux Vaisseaux qui vont en ces habitations de nos François. Il s'ensuit encor que ie ne puis rien dire des choses qui se passent en ces Residences, pour la distance des lieux, & le peu de264commerce que nous auons auec elles. Toutes ces Residences sont entretenuës par Messieurs de la Compagnie [11] de la Nouuelle France, qui font dresser des Forteresses, & des demeures pour nos François en diuers endroits de ces contrées, excepté la Residence de Nostredame des Anges, appuyée principalement sur les liberalitez de Monsieur le Marquis de Gamache. Cette Residence a trois grands desseins pour la gloire de nostre Seigneur; Le premier, de dresser vn College pour instruire les enfans des familles qui se vont tous les iours multipliant. Le second, d'établir vn Seminaire de petits Sauuages, pour les éleuer en la foy Chrestienne. Le troisiéme, de secourir puissamment la Mission de nos Peres aux Hurons, & autres Peuples sedentaires. Pour le College, bien qu'il ne soit pas encor erigé, si est-ce que nous commencerons dés cette année à enseigner quelques enfans. Toutes choses ont leur commencement, [12] les plus doctes n'ont sceu autrefois que les premiers elements de l'Alphabet.
CHAPTER I.OF THE CONDITION AND EMPLOYMENT OF OUR SOCIETY IN NEW FRANCE.WE have six Residences in New France. The first, beginning with the first land encountered in coming into these countries, is called the Residence of Sainte Anne; it is at Cape Breton. The second is the Residence of Saint Charles, at Miskou. The third, which we are going to occupy this Autumn, the Residence of Nostredame de Recouvrance, at Kebec, near the Fort. The fourth, the Residence of Nostredame des Anges, half a league from Kebec. The fifth, the Residence of the Conception, at the three Rivers. The sixth, the Residence of Saint Joseph, [10] at Ihonatiria, among the Hurons.19I hope that we shall soon have a seventh, in the same country, but in a Village other than Ihonatiria. Now, as the Vessels which go to Cape Breton and to Miskou do not go up as far as Kebec, it thus happens that we have no communication with our Fathers who are in the Residences of Sainte Anne and of Saint Charles, except by way of France; hence neither letters nor other things should be sent to us to hold for them, but they should be given to those Vessels which go to these French settlements. It follows also that I can say nothing of the things which take place in these Residences, on account of their remoteness and the little commerce we have with them. All these Residences are maintained bythe Gentlemen of the Company [11] of New France,—who have had Fortresses and dwellings for our French people built in different parts of the country,—except the Residence of Nostredame des Anges, which is supported principally through the liberality of Monsieur le Marquis de Gamache.20This Residence has three great plans for the glory of our Lord; the first, to erect a College for the education of the children of the families, which are every day becoming more numerous. The second, to establish a Seminary for the little Savages, to rear them in the Christian faith. The third, to give powerful aid to the Mission of our Fathers among the Hurons and other stationary Tribes. As to the College, although it is not yet built, we shall begin this year to teach a few children. Everything has its beginning; [12] the most learned once knew only the first elements of the Alphabet.
OF THE CONDITION AND EMPLOYMENT OF OUR SOCIETY IN NEW FRANCE.
WE have six Residences in New France. The first, beginning with the first land encountered in coming into these countries, is called the Residence of Sainte Anne; it is at Cape Breton. The second is the Residence of Saint Charles, at Miskou. The third, which we are going to occupy this Autumn, the Residence of Nostredame de Recouvrance, at Kebec, near the Fort. The fourth, the Residence of Nostredame des Anges, half a league from Kebec. The fifth, the Residence of the Conception, at the three Rivers. The sixth, the Residence of Saint Joseph, [10] at Ihonatiria, among the Hurons.19I hope that we shall soon have a seventh, in the same country, but in a Village other than Ihonatiria. Now, as the Vessels which go to Cape Breton and to Miskou do not go up as far as Kebec, it thus happens that we have no communication with our Fathers who are in the Residences of Sainte Anne and of Saint Charles, except by way of France; hence neither letters nor other things should be sent to us to hold for them, but they should be given to those Vessels which go to these French settlements. It follows also that I can say nothing of the things which take place in these Residences, on account of their remoteness and the little commerce we have with them. All these Residences are maintained bythe Gentlemen of the Company [11] of New France,—who have had Fortresses and dwellings for our French people built in different parts of the country,—except the Residence of Nostredame des Anges, which is supported principally through the liberality of Monsieur le Marquis de Gamache.20This Residence has three great plans for the glory of our Lord; the first, to erect a College for the education of the children of the families, which are every day becoming more numerous. The second, to establish a Seminary for the little Savages, to rear them in the Christian faith. The third, to give powerful aid to the Mission of our Fathers among the Hurons and other stationary Tribes. As to the College, although it is not yet built, we shall begin this year to teach a few children. Everything has its beginning; [12] the most learned once knew only the first elements of the Alphabet.
Quant au Seminaire, nous le faisons bastir: il sera pour vn temps en la Residence de Nostredame des Anges: mais s'il se trouue quelque personne de pieté qui le veüille fonder, & nourrir de pauures petits barbares, pour les rendre enfans de Iesus Christ, il le faudra transporter plus haut; & là les Sauuages ne seront point de difficulté d'amener leurs enfans. I'en enuoye vn petit à V.R. laquelle s'il luy plaist nous le renuoyera dans vne couple d'années; il seruira à arrester & instruire ses petits compatriotes; celuy que i'auois enuoyé, & qu'on nous a ramené, nous contente fort. Les Sauuages commencent à ouurir les yeux, & à connoistre que les enfans sont bien instruits auec nous.
Quant au Seminaire, nous le faisons bastir: il sera pour vn temps en la Residence de Nostredame des Anges: mais s'il se trouue quelque personne de pieté qui le veüille fonder, & nourrir de pauures petits barbares, pour les rendre enfans de Iesus Christ, il le faudra transporter plus haut; & là les Sauuages ne seront point de difficulté d'amener leurs enfans. I'en enuoye vn petit à V.R. laquelle s'il luy plaist nous le renuoyera dans vne couple d'années; il seruira à arrester & instruire ses petits compatriotes; celuy que i'auois enuoyé, & qu'on nous a ramené, nous contente fort. Les Sauuages commencent à ouurir les yeux, & à connoistre que les enfans sont bien instruits auec nous.
In regard to the Seminary, we are now having one built. For a while it will be in the Residence of Nostredame des Anges; but, if some pious person be found who wishes to endow it, and to support the poor little barbarians that they may be made children of Jesus Christ, it will have to be moved farther up the river, to a place where the Savages will not object to bring their children. I send a little boy to Your Reverence, and, if you please, you will return him to us in a couple of years; he will help to retain and teach his little compatriots; the one I did send you, and who has been returned to us, pleases us greatly. The Savages are beginning to open their eyes and to recognize that children who are with us are well taught.
In regard to the Seminary, we are now having one built. For a while it will be in the Residence of Nostredame des Anges; but, if some pious person be found who wishes to endow it, and to support the poor little barbarians that they may be made children of Jesus Christ, it will have to be moved farther up the river, to a place where the Savages will not object to bring their children. I send a little boy to Your Reverence, and, if you please, you will return him to us in a couple of years; he will help to retain and teach his little compatriots; the one I did send you, and who has been returned to us, pleases us greatly. The Savages are beginning to open their eyes and to recognize that children who are with us are well taught.
266[13] Reste pour la Mission des Hurons & d'autres Peuples stables, elle est de tres-grande importance pour le seruice de nostre Seigneur; Messieurs de la Compagnie la cherissent & la soulagent: C'est de ces Peuples que nous attendons de plus grandes conuersions; c'est là où il faudra enuoyer grand nombre d'ouuriers, si la foy commence à éclairer ces ames plongées dans les tenebres depuis tant de mille ans. Que si on ne peut trouuer quelque fondation pour l'entretenir, ie quitterois quasi volontiers, & le soin d'vn College & d'vn Seminaire, pour la faire reüssir. Mais des personnes qui ayment mieux que leurs noms soient écrits au Liure de vie que sur ce papier, nous defendent bien fort de rien quitter de nos desseins, nous asseurant d'vne verité bien certaine, que Dieu a plus de force, & plus de volonté [14] de nous secourir, que nous n'auons de cœur d'entreprendre pour sa gloire.
266[13] Reste pour la Mission des Hurons & d'autres Peuples stables, elle est de tres-grande importance pour le seruice de nostre Seigneur; Messieurs de la Compagnie la cherissent & la soulagent: C'est de ces Peuples que nous attendons de plus grandes conuersions; c'est là où il faudra enuoyer grand nombre d'ouuriers, si la foy commence à éclairer ces ames plongées dans les tenebres depuis tant de mille ans. Que si on ne peut trouuer quelque fondation pour l'entretenir, ie quitterois quasi volontiers, & le soin d'vn College & d'vn Seminaire, pour la faire reüssir. Mais des personnes qui ayment mieux que leurs noms soient écrits au Liure de vie que sur ce papier, nous defendent bien fort de rien quitter de nos desseins, nous asseurant d'vne verité bien certaine, que Dieu a plus de force, & plus de volonté [14] de nous secourir, que nous n'auons de cœur d'entreprendre pour sa gloire.
[13] Finally, as to the Mission among the Huronsand other stationary Tribes, it is of the greatest importance for the service of our Lord. The Gentlemen of the Company cherish and assist it. It is among those Tribes that we expect the greatest conversions; it is there that a great number of laborers must be sent, if the faith begins to illumine those souls, so many thousands of years plunged in darkness. If some fund cannot be found to maintain it, I would almost willingly give up the care both of a College and of a Seminary, to make it succeed. But some persons, who prefer to have their names written in the Book of life rather than upon this paper, positively forbid us to abandon in any wise our plans, assuring us of a very certain truth, that God has more strength and more willingness [14] to help us than we have courage to undertake enterprises for his glory.
[13] Finally, as to the Mission among the Huronsand other stationary Tribes, it is of the greatest importance for the service of our Lord. The Gentlemen of the Company cherish and assist it. It is among those Tribes that we expect the greatest conversions; it is there that a great number of laborers must be sent, if the faith begins to illumine those souls, so many thousands of years plunged in darkness. If some fund cannot be found to maintain it, I would almost willingly give up the care both of a College and of a Seminary, to make it succeed. But some persons, who prefer to have their names written in the Book of life rather than upon this paper, positively forbid us to abandon in any wise our plans, assuring us of a very certain truth, that God has more strength and more willingness [14] to help us than we have courage to undertake enterprises for his glory.
Or pour ne m'éloigner de nos Residences, nous exerçons en icelles toutes les fonctions de Curé ou de Pasteur, n'y en ayant point d'autres que nous; nous annonçons la parole de Dieu; nous administrons les Sacrements de Baptesme, de l'Autel, & de Penitence, de l'Extréme-Onction; nous assistons au Sacrement de Mariage; nous enterrons & enseuelissons par fois les morts; nous allons visiter les malades; nous enseignons la Doctrine Chrestienne aux enfans, & comme ils se vont multipliant par la venuë des familles, nous leur donnerons bien-tost la premiere teinture des lettres, comme i'ay dit. Que si les commencemens sont petits, la fin en peut estre grande & bien-heureuse.
Or pour ne m'éloigner de nos Residences, nous exerçons en icelles toutes les fonctions de Curé ou de Pasteur, n'y en ayant point d'autres que nous; nous annonçons la parole de Dieu; nous administrons les Sacrements de Baptesme, de l'Autel, & de Penitence, de l'Extréme-Onction; nous assistons au Sacrement de Mariage; nous enterrons & enseuelissons par fois les morts; nous allons visiter les malades; nous enseignons la Doctrine Chrestienne aux enfans, & comme ils se vont multipliant par la venuë des familles, nous leur donnerons bien-tost la premiere teinture des lettres, comme i'ay dit. Que si les commencemens sont petits, la fin en peut estre grande & bien-heureuse.
Now not to wander from the subject of our Residences, we exercise in these all the functions of Curé or Pastor, as there are no others here besides ourselves; we preach the word of God, we administer the Sacraments of Baptism, of the Altar and of Penance, of Extreme Unction; we assist at the Sacrament of Marriage; at times we bury and lay out the dead; we visit the sick; we teach the Christian Doctrine to the children, and, as they are becoming more numerous through the arrival of families, we shall soon give them the elements of letters, as I have said. Thus, if the beginnings are small, the end may be great and blessed.
Now not to wander from the subject of our Residences, we exercise in these all the functions of Curé or Pastor, as there are no others here besides ourselves; we preach the word of God, we administer the Sacraments of Baptism, of the Altar and of Penance, of Extreme Unction; we assist at the Sacrament of Marriage; at times we bury and lay out the dead; we visit the sick; we teach the Christian Doctrine to the children, and, as they are becoming more numerous through the arrival of families, we shall soon give them the elements of letters, as I have said. Thus, if the beginnings are small, the end may be great and blessed.
[15] Outre cela vne partie de nous estudie fort & ferme à la langue, occupation qui sera vn iour d'autant268plus vtile, qu'elle est maintenant épineuse: Nous visitons encor les Sauuages, & par nos begayements nous tâchons de ietter dans leurs ames quelque petit grain de la semence Euangelique, qui fructifiera en son temps s'il plaist à Dieu. Voila nos exercices plus ordinaires, outre les obseruances de la Religion, qui ne se doiuent iamais obmettre. Pour nos François ils s'occupent à se fortifier, à bastir, à défricher, à cultiuer la terre: mais ie ne pretends pas d'écrire tout ce qui se fait en ce pays, ains seulement ce qui tend au bien de la foy, & de la Religion. Cét hyuer passé, la maladie de terre ou de scurbut, s'estant iettée dans la nouuelle habitation des trois Riuieres, où le Pere Buteux [16] & moy estions allez, nous a donné nouuelle occupation meflée de ioye & de tristesse. Nous estions marris d'vn costé, de voir souffrir quasi tous nos pauures François, & d'en voir mourir quelques vns: de l'autre nous nous réiouyssions de voir des effects tout à fait admirables de la grace de nostre Seigneur dedans leurs ames; bon nombre des malades n'ont iamais voulu demander la santé à Dieu, disans ces paroles auec vne grande resignation; Il est nostre Pere, il sçait mieux ce qui nous est bon que non pas nous, laissons le faire, sa saincte volonté soit faite. Ie croy qu'il n'y en a qu'vn seul de ceux qui sont passez en l'autre vie, qui n'aye fait vne confession generale deuant sa mort. Comme i'auois grand desir que l'vn d'eux, pour estre vn ieune homme de fort bonnes mœurs, retournast [17] en santé, ie luy conseillay de faire vn vœu au glorieux Patriarche S. Ioseph, pour impetrer la deliurance de son mal, Ie vous obeyray, me fist-il, mais si vous me laissez en ma liberté, ie prieray seulement le bon S. Ioseph, de m'obtenir de270nostre Seigneur la grace d'accomplir sa tres-saincte volonté. Vne autrefois vn ieune garçon fort & robuste se pourmenant dans la chambre des malades, leur demánda ce qu'ils voudroient bien donner pour iouyr d'vne aussi forte santé que la sienne; l'vn d'eux repartit fort sainctement, Ie ne voudrois pas détourner la teste d'vn costé pour iouyr de toute la santé du monde, si bien pour acquiescer au bon plaisir de Dieu. Cette repartie fit veoir combien la grace operoit fortement dans ceste ame. Vn autre qui auoit esté heretique, & d'vne vie assez libertine, estonna [18] tous ses compagnons à la mort: car apres auoir rendu des preuues de sa croyance, apres s'estre reconcilié auec vne grande douleur de ses offenses, comme ie luy presentois le saint Viatique, Ie croy en vous mon Sauueur, disoit-il, ouy ie croy en vous, venez, faites moy misericorde, vous estes assez puissant pour me pardonner tous mes pechez: & se sentant affoiblir il nous pressa sur l'heure mesme de luy donner l'Extreme-Onction, ce que nous fismes; l'ayant receuë auec beaucoup de sentimens de douleur, il apostrophe tous ses Camarades, & leur dit, Adieu mes Camarades, Adieu mes compagnõs, il faut partir, ie vous demande pardon, ie vous crie mercy à tous, ie suis bien marry d'auoir si mal vescu; mais i'espere que Dieu me fera misericorde, mon Dieu ayez pitié de moy. Proferant ces paroles il expira. [19] Qu'on mette la maladie tant qu'on voudra au rang des mal heurs de ceste vie, ie tiens celle qui a emporté ces ieunes gens, pour l'vne des plus signalées faueurs, qu'ils ayent iamais receu de la main de Dieu. Pour conclusion la santé est maintenant par toutes nos habitations, mais non pas encore la saincteté.
[15] Outre cela vne partie de nous estudie fort & ferme à la langue, occupation qui sera vn iour d'autant268plus vtile, qu'elle est maintenant épineuse: Nous visitons encor les Sauuages, & par nos begayements nous tâchons de ietter dans leurs ames quelque petit grain de la semence Euangelique, qui fructifiera en son temps s'il plaist à Dieu. Voila nos exercices plus ordinaires, outre les obseruances de la Religion, qui ne se doiuent iamais obmettre. Pour nos François ils s'occupent à se fortifier, à bastir, à défricher, à cultiuer la terre: mais ie ne pretends pas d'écrire tout ce qui se fait en ce pays, ains seulement ce qui tend au bien de la foy, & de la Religion. Cét hyuer passé, la maladie de terre ou de scurbut, s'estant iettée dans la nouuelle habitation des trois Riuieres, où le Pere Buteux [16] & moy estions allez, nous a donné nouuelle occupation meflée de ioye & de tristesse. Nous estions marris d'vn costé, de voir souffrir quasi tous nos pauures François, & d'en voir mourir quelques vns: de l'autre nous nous réiouyssions de voir des effects tout à fait admirables de la grace de nostre Seigneur dedans leurs ames; bon nombre des malades n'ont iamais voulu demander la santé à Dieu, disans ces paroles auec vne grande resignation; Il est nostre Pere, il sçait mieux ce qui nous est bon que non pas nous, laissons le faire, sa saincte volonté soit faite. Ie croy qu'il n'y en a qu'vn seul de ceux qui sont passez en l'autre vie, qui n'aye fait vne confession generale deuant sa mort. Comme i'auois grand desir que l'vn d'eux, pour estre vn ieune homme de fort bonnes mœurs, retournast [17] en santé, ie luy conseillay de faire vn vœu au glorieux Patriarche S. Ioseph, pour impetrer la deliurance de son mal, Ie vous obeyray, me fist-il, mais si vous me laissez en ma liberté, ie prieray seulement le bon S. Ioseph, de m'obtenir de270nostre Seigneur la grace d'accomplir sa tres-saincte volonté. Vne autrefois vn ieune garçon fort & robuste se pourmenant dans la chambre des malades, leur demánda ce qu'ils voudroient bien donner pour iouyr d'vne aussi forte santé que la sienne; l'vn d'eux repartit fort sainctement, Ie ne voudrois pas détourner la teste d'vn costé pour iouyr de toute la santé du monde, si bien pour acquiescer au bon plaisir de Dieu. Cette repartie fit veoir combien la grace operoit fortement dans ceste ame. Vn autre qui auoit esté heretique, & d'vne vie assez libertine, estonna [18] tous ses compagnons à la mort: car apres auoir rendu des preuues de sa croyance, apres s'estre reconcilié auec vne grande douleur de ses offenses, comme ie luy presentois le saint Viatique, Ie croy en vous mon Sauueur, disoit-il, ouy ie croy en vous, venez, faites moy misericorde, vous estes assez puissant pour me pardonner tous mes pechez: & se sentant affoiblir il nous pressa sur l'heure mesme de luy donner l'Extreme-Onction, ce que nous fismes; l'ayant receuë auec beaucoup de sentimens de douleur, il apostrophe tous ses Camarades, & leur dit, Adieu mes Camarades, Adieu mes compagnõs, il faut partir, ie vous demande pardon, ie vous crie mercy à tous, ie suis bien marry d'auoir si mal vescu; mais i'espere que Dieu me fera misericorde, mon Dieu ayez pitié de moy. Proferant ces paroles il expira. [19] Qu'on mette la maladie tant qu'on voudra au rang des mal heurs de ceste vie, ie tiens celle qui a emporté ces ieunes gens, pour l'vne des plus signalées faueurs, qu'ils ayent iamais receu de la main de Dieu. Pour conclusion la santé est maintenant par toutes nos habitations, mais non pas encore la saincteté.
[15] Besides this, some of us are making an arduous and thorough study of the language, an occupation which will some day be so much the more useful as it is now difficult. We also visit the Savages, andthrough our stammerings try to cast into their souls some little grain of Gospel seed, which will ripen in its time, God willing. These are our more ordinary occupations, besides the observances of Religion, which must never be omitted. In regard to our French people, they are occupied in fortifying, in building, in clearing and cultivating the land. However, I do not pretend to describe all that takes place in this country, but only that which concerns the welfare of the faith and of Religion. This last winter, the land disease, or scurvy, appeared in the new settlement of the three Rivers, where Father Buteux [16] and I had gone; and this gave us a new occupation, which was mixed with joy and sadness. On the one hand, we were grieved to see almost all our poor Countrymen suffer, and to see some of them die; on the other, we rejoiced to see the altogether admirable effects of the grace of our Lord within their souls. A great many of the sick men never cared to ask God to restore their health, saying these words with great resignation: "He is our Father; he knows better than we what is good for us; leave it all to him, his holy will be done." I believe there was only one of those who passed to the other life, who did not make a general confession before his death. As I was very anxious that one of them, since he was a young man of very good morals, should be restored [17] to health, I advised him to make a vow to the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, to grant him deliverance from the disease. "I will obey you," he replied; "but, if you leave me free to act as I please, I will merely pray the good St. Joseph to obtain for me from our Lord the grace to carry out his most holy will." Another time, a young man, very strong and robust, walkingabout in the room of the sick, asked them what they would give to enjoy such vigorous health as his; one of them answered, very piously, "I would not even turn my head aside to enjoy all the health in the world, so readily as I would acquiesce in the good pleasure of God." This answer showed how powerfully grace was working in this soul. Another who had been a heretic, and something of a libertine, astonished [18] all his companions at his death; for, after having given proofs of his belief, after having made his confession, with great contrition for his offenses, when I presented to him the holy Viaticum, "I believe in you, my Savior," said he, "yes, I believe in you; come, be merciful to me; you are powerful enough to pardon all my sins," and, feeling himself growing weaker, he urged us at that very moment to give him Extreme Unction, which we did. Having received it with many expressions of grief, he addressed all his Comrades, saying, "Adieu, my Comrades, adieu, my companions; I must go; I ask your pardon, I ask pity from all of you, I am very sorry to have lived so badly; but I hope that God will have mercy upon me; my God, have pity upon me." Uttering these words, he expired. [19] One may place sickness as much as he pleases in the catalogue of the misfortunes of this life; yet I consider that which carried off these young men as one of the most signal favors they ever received from the hand of God. In conclusion, health prevails throughout all our settlements, but not saintliness, as yet.
[15] Besides this, some of us are making an arduous and thorough study of the language, an occupation which will some day be so much the more useful as it is now difficult. We also visit the Savages, andthrough our stammerings try to cast into their souls some little grain of Gospel seed, which will ripen in its time, God willing. These are our more ordinary occupations, besides the observances of Religion, which must never be omitted. In regard to our French people, they are occupied in fortifying, in building, in clearing and cultivating the land. However, I do not pretend to describe all that takes place in this country, but only that which concerns the welfare of the faith and of Religion. This last winter, the land disease, or scurvy, appeared in the new settlement of the three Rivers, where Father Buteux [16] and I had gone; and this gave us a new occupation, which was mixed with joy and sadness. On the one hand, we were grieved to see almost all our poor Countrymen suffer, and to see some of them die; on the other, we rejoiced to see the altogether admirable effects of the grace of our Lord within their souls. A great many of the sick men never cared to ask God to restore their health, saying these words with great resignation: "He is our Father; he knows better than we what is good for us; leave it all to him, his holy will be done." I believe there was only one of those who passed to the other life, who did not make a general confession before his death. As I was very anxious that one of them, since he was a young man of very good morals, should be restored [17] to health, I advised him to make a vow to the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, to grant him deliverance from the disease. "I will obey you," he replied; "but, if you leave me free to act as I please, I will merely pray the good St. Joseph to obtain for me from our Lord the grace to carry out his most holy will." Another time, a young man, very strong and robust, walkingabout in the room of the sick, asked them what they would give to enjoy such vigorous health as his; one of them answered, very piously, "I would not even turn my head aside to enjoy all the health in the world, so readily as I would acquiesce in the good pleasure of God." This answer showed how powerfully grace was working in this soul. Another who had been a heretic, and something of a libertine, astonished [18] all his companions at his death; for, after having given proofs of his belief, after having made his confession, with great contrition for his offenses, when I presented to him the holy Viaticum, "I believe in you, my Savior," said he, "yes, I believe in you; come, be merciful to me; you are powerful enough to pardon all my sins," and, feeling himself growing weaker, he urged us at that very moment to give him Extreme Unction, which we did. Having received it with many expressions of grief, he addressed all his Comrades, saying, "Adieu, my Comrades, adieu, my companions; I must go; I ask your pardon, I ask pity from all of you, I am very sorry to have lived so badly; but I hope that God will have mercy upon me; my God, have pity upon me." Uttering these words, he expired. [19] One may place sickness as much as he pleases in the catalogue of the misfortunes of this life; yet I consider that which carried off these young men as one of the most signal favors they ever received from the hand of God. In conclusion, health prevails throughout all our settlements, but not saintliness, as yet.
272Ie crains fort que le vice ne se glisse dans ces nouuelles peuplades, si neantmoins ceux qui tiendront les resnes du gouuernement en main, sont zelez pour la gloire de nostre bon Dieu, suiuant les desirs & les intentions de Messieurs les Directeurs & Associez de la Compagnie, il se dressera icy vne Hierusalem benite de Dieu, composée de Citoyens destinez pour le Ciel. Il est bien aisé dans vn pays nouueau, où les familles arriuent toutes disposées à receuoir les loix qu'on y establira, de [20] bannir les méchantes coustumes de quelques endroi[t]s de l'ancienne France, & d'en introduire de meilleures. Ces Messieurs qui s'interessent dauantage dans la cause de Dieu, & dans la vertu que dans le commerce, n'ont point de vaisseaux pour passer icy les yurongneries, les ieux & les dissolutions du Carneual, non plus que les saletez, & les blasphemes: la Nouuelle France ne veut point de ces habitans de Cedar, & de Babylone, qui ne laisseront pas de s'y glisser, si ceux qui peuuent tout ne leur font teste; les dissimulations en cet endroit, & en ces commencemens, sont fort dangereuses, & Dieu demandera compte des obmissions aussi bien que des fautes commises.
272Ie crains fort que le vice ne se glisse dans ces nouuelles peuplades, si neantmoins ceux qui tiendront les resnes du gouuernement en main, sont zelez pour la gloire de nostre bon Dieu, suiuant les desirs & les intentions de Messieurs les Directeurs & Associez de la Compagnie, il se dressera icy vne Hierusalem benite de Dieu, composée de Citoyens destinez pour le Ciel. Il est bien aisé dans vn pays nouueau, où les familles arriuent toutes disposées à receuoir les loix qu'on y establira, de [20] bannir les méchantes coustumes de quelques endroi[t]s de l'ancienne France, & d'en introduire de meilleures. Ces Messieurs qui s'interessent dauantage dans la cause de Dieu, & dans la vertu que dans le commerce, n'ont point de vaisseaux pour passer icy les yurongneries, les ieux & les dissolutions du Carneual, non plus que les saletez, & les blasphemes: la Nouuelle France ne veut point de ces habitans de Cedar, & de Babylone, qui ne laisseront pas de s'y glisser, si ceux qui peuuent tout ne leur font teste; les dissimulations en cet endroit, & en ces commencemens, sont fort dangereuses, & Dieu demandera compte des obmissions aussi bien que des fautes commises.
I fear very much that vice will slip into these new colonies. If, however, those who hold the reins of government in hand are zealous for the glory of our good God, following the desires and intentions of theHonorable Directors and Associates of the Company, there will arise here a Jerusalem blessed of God, composed of Citizens destined for Heaven. It is very easy in a new country, where families arrive who are all prepared to observe the laws that will be established there, to [20] banish the wicked customs of certain places in old France, and to introduce better ones. These Gentlemen, who interest themselves more in the cause of God, and in virtue, than in commerce, have no ships to bring over drunkenness, gambling, and the dissoluteness of the Carnival, any more than uncleanness and blasphemy. New France does not desire those inhabitants of Cedar and of Babylon, who will surely slip in here, unless opposed by those who have all the power; dissimulation in this place and in these beginnings is very dangerous; and God will ask an account for duties omitted as well as for faults committed.
I fear very much that vice will slip into these new colonies. If, however, those who hold the reins of government in hand are zealous for the glory of our good God, following the desires and intentions of theHonorable Directors and Associates of the Company, there will arise here a Jerusalem blessed of God, composed of Citizens destined for Heaven. It is very easy in a new country, where families arrive who are all prepared to observe the laws that will be established there, to [20] banish the wicked customs of certain places in old France, and to introduce better ones. These Gentlemen, who interest themselves more in the cause of God, and in virtue, than in commerce, have no ships to bring over drunkenness, gambling, and the dissoluteness of the Carnival, any more than uncleanness and blasphemy. New France does not desire those inhabitants of Cedar and of Babylon, who will surely slip in here, unless opposed by those who have all the power; dissimulation in this place and in these beginnings is very dangerous; and God will ask an account for duties omitted as well as for faults committed.