^>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■" 140 Ki ■■■■ 1^ 12.2 2.0 1.8 1.4 - 6" P> <^ /2 /\ > > '■/ oj. /A Photographic Sciences Corporation \ "^q v ^^ <> V ^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ," IJiHakliiliia : AMEEICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETT, 118 ARCH STREEI. ^.iUiiiiiiiiiiiirnii'^-^ - By: qSC9 ADVERTISEMENT. The Memoir of Dr. Cote, and the History of the Grande Ligne Mission, were both prepared by the Rev. N. Cyr of that Mission, at the request of the American Baptist Publication Society. Several additions have been made to both, by the Editorial Secretary, for which Mr. Cyr is not responsible. They will be found chiefly in the latter part of the two works, particularly in the concluding reflections of the Memoir, and the events of the last year in the History of the Mission, which the Society was anxious to have brought up to tho present stage of its prosperous progress. No Evangelical Mission of modern times, it appears to us has been from the beginning to the present moment, more distinctly marked by the blessing of God, hos indeed boen emphatically a " work of faith and labor > ' 3*'^ — carried V -t with "the patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." The little grain of mustard seed, growing rapidly to a majestic tree, with hundreds gathered beneath its refreshing shade, and grateful melody on all its boughs, is truly its fitting emblem. When we see a feeble woman, and she a widow— self-exiled from her native land, — opening a school among an ignorant and bigoted population in a small garret — with but one friend and fellow-laborer near for counsel and support — and then behold the glorious results — we seem to hear a voice saying as of old, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." The whole history is full of instruction — especially, to those who wish to do good to a Roman Catholic population. For the Memoir of Mrs. Cote, the Editorial Secretary is alone responsible. J. N. B. 1 I L ( 170 «• * % « i contents'. Memoir of Dr. Cote. CHAPTER I. Dr. Cote's Birth, Education, and Political Life, CHAPTER 11. . Religious Sentiments before Conversion, CHAPTER III. Dr. Cote's Conversion. CHAPTER IV. Consistency. Public Profession of Religion, [ CHAPTER V. His Labors at Chazy, and his Missionary Ex- cursions, . . . CHAPTER VL Persecutions at St. Pie. . * • • • . • « .- , •^. ,» CHAPTER VII. Sickness, and Voyage to the South, . T / PAOl 11 15 22 28 33 37 4 CONTENTS. CHAPTER Vlir. PAOI Ilis Ordination. Subsequent Labors at St. Pie. Interesting Cases. Visits to the United States, 40 CHAPTER IX. His Labors at St. Mary, near Fort George, • 55 CHAPTER ^. His Last Illness, and Death, . • • .59 CONCLUSION, ... 64 — •— Memoir op Mrs. Cote, • • 75 • - » History of the Grande Ligne Mission, 93 V Section L . . . . ... 94 II 99 III 103 r : . IV 110 V 113 VI 115 VII 119 • • VIIL . . . . . . .122 IX. . « • • • . A—O X. 130 Conclusion, 133 Appendix, 139 • 5 • J&mim of Hfn. C. 1. (D. Cote. MEMOIR. CHAPTER I. DR. COTE'S BIRTH, EDUCATION, AND POLITICAL LIFE. The subject of this memo'r was born of respect- able parents, of French origin, at Quebec, the old capital of Lower Canada, in the year 1809. His family, three years after his birth, removed to Montreal, where their son was brought up and educated. After having passed through the classes of the Roman Catholic College of that city, he devoted himself to the study of medicine. He pursued a thorough course in Canada and at the Medical School of the University of Vermont, where he also graduated, and entered, in 1881, on the practice of his chosen profession at L* Acadia, about ten miles distant from the place where the Grande Ligne Mission House now stands. Napier- ville, a neighboring village, presenting better advantages, he settled there two years after, where he resided until the memorable rebellion of 1837. (7) 8 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. Dr. Cote's ancestral family was one of those that had been obliged to leave Acadia (now Nova Scotia,) in 1755, after having been shamefully treated by the British rulers, and no doubt he often heard them relate their numerous trials and severe suffer- ings, and it is very likely that the narrative had some influence in leading him to the course he took in regard to the English government. The remem- brance of the past, and the sight of present wrongs done to his fellow-countrymen, inspired him with dislike, not to say hatred, of the colonial government. He began to take an active part in politics, and was elected member of Parliament, in 1834, for the county of Lacadie. He was at that period only twenty-four years of age. Seeing the conduct of the Romish clergy, and the support they gave to the government, he placed it on the same footing with the latter, and resolved in his heart to do his utmost to rescue his fellow countrymen from their ecclesiastical as well as political oppressors. He joined the patriot party, at the head of which was the well-known Papineau, at the time, the Speaker of the House. In 1837 the political agitation became more and more general. Numerous public meetings were held during the summer, in which the Doctor took a very active part. He became exceedingly popular, and was considered by the French Canadians as ono MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 9 of the future liberators of his country. Serious troubles were brought about in the autumn by this agitation, but the field of the principal battles was at a considerable distance from Dr. Cote's residence, and he was not immediately concerned in them. However, such was his ardor in the cause, that ho by his conduct and the bold expression of his sen- timents, had very decidedly assumed, in common with other leaders, the responsibility of these dis- turbances, and he was consequently obliged to flee for his life into the United States. A price had been set on his head by the Governor, and no doubt he would have been severely punished had he been arrested. He settled at Plattsburgh, N. Y., where a great many of the Canadian refugees had repaired. There, still possessed of the same great principles, feelings, and resolutions, he interested the Ameri- cans in favor of his fellow countrymen, and devised plans for their political emancipation. In the beginning of 1838, an attempt was made by the Canadians residing in the States to enter Canada disciplined and equipped as an army ; but it was opposed by the United States government, and failed. Dr. Cote was the principal leader of this expedition. In November of the same year, the insurrection broke out about Napierville. The village, and an 10 MEMOIR or DR. COTE. extensive region in the vicinity, was in the power of the " patriots'' for a time. Dr. Cote was one of the commanders, and decidedly the most active. After two battles, in which he showed himself a brave and able general officer, the revolutionists were defeated, but there were sad losses of life on both sides. Those who happened to be near the frontier were able to flee and find refuge in the United States. Dr. Cote was one of the number. vifS CHAPTER II. KELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS BEFORE CONVERSION. From early youth Dr. Cote had perceived the true nature as well as the sad effects of the corrupt religion of Rome, and he had some time before this become utterly disgusted with it. Among other circumstances which served to open his eyes, and weaken his hold upon Catholicism, was the follow- ing. For some offence he had been ordered by his priest, to say so many prayers. In order to save time he undertook to discharge his penance while riding on horseback. Suddenly the horse started and jumped one side. The movement caused Dr. Cote to drop his beads. Naturally of a quick and irritable temperament, he fell to swearing, and cursed horse, beads, priest, and all. On returning to the village, he went to the priest, and confessed his sin, telling him, among other things, that he had cursed his beads. The holy man, as if horror- stricken, refused him absolution. Full of terror, for he was yet held fast by the chains of supersti- tion, he returned to his home and consulted his (11) 12 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. wife as to what was best to be done. After talking the matter over, by her advice he concluded to go to another priest in a neighbouring village, saying at the same time, if the " old fool,'' as he called his own confessor, would not absolve him, his neigh- bor, he thought, would. He hastened away to the ghostly father, told him all his sin, and even went so far as to confess that he had called his own priest an " old fool." Whether the good man was most affected by the sorrow of the penitent, or the absolution fee, we are not informed. He absolved him, however, thus showing that all the priests of Home are not agreed as to what are and what are not venial offences. Still, like thousands of others in this country and Europe, he retained his outward connection with the Romish church. But at this time he began to hate it, for he saw in it a system of apparent piety which was really one of arrogant hypocrisy, of subtle cunning, or of bloody violence, according to circumstances. He deplored the influence of the clergy on his fellow countrymen, and could not think that a religion, whose ministers keep their people in ignorance, superstition, and abject misery, had emanated from God. He conceived of religion as a noble system, destined to enlighten and elevate the people ; but he found just the reverse in Popery. And as a natural consequence of confounding the religion of the ll MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 13 he Gospel with that of the Pope, he wned5 this |arper his he )ubts with 3 anguish and weeping. He experienced one of tho most subtle attacks of the natural unbelief of tho heart against the truth ; and the Wicked One who did not remain inactive, tempted him violently to abandon every religious thought. He even passed entire nights in this horrible anguish, without clos- ing his eyes, prostrate on the fioor, and scarcely knowing where or what he was. In those moments he asked the Lord, in the . ullness of his heart, to guide him in the way of truth. He read the Biblo more assiduously ; his admiration for it increased, and other books were regarded with more indif- ference. His mental state so reacted on his body, that his friends perceived it, and said that he was becoming crazy. He would have been ashamed to avow the cause to them ; and he was happy to escape the importunity of their questions, by accept- ing the invitation of a sick friend to accompany him to a watering-place, where he could give him- self with more freedom to the search after truth.' He read with great profit a history of the Church by Goodrich, which completed his conviction of the truth of Christianity. His friend, not being a disciple of Jesus Christ, died at the watering-place in despair. Dr. Cote would fain have counselled and consoled him ; but he knew not what to say to him. This death made a profound impression upon his heart, filling him with solemn terror. 2* 18 MEMOIR or DR. COTE. I * i Sometime afterwards, he heard Mr. "Williamson of New York, preach on the words, ^^ Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." This precious truth deeply affected his heart -"hich the grace of God had prepared like the ^ when it receives the imprint of the seal ; it was a ray of light that gave him a glimpse of the only means of deliverance and salvation. He bowed at the foot of the cross, and formed in his heart the resolution to be a Christian. From that time he experienced g^eat consolation, and avowed his new convictions to his friends. He spoke of them especially to the Canadians, went to their houses to read the Gospel to them; he assembled them that he might pray for and with them, and he earnestly exhorted them to follow the teachings of the Bible and to serve God more faithfully. Although his heart was comforted, it was not happy. Jesus, he feared, had not yet said to him, *^ Thy sins are forgiven thee, thy faith hath saved thee ; go in peace." " He was convinced of what he yet lacked,'' says Mr. Roussy, " and it was while visiting the dear family of Brissette, members of our church. The expression of peace which he there remarked, greatly impressed him ; he said that he did not possess it, and he knew not how to obtain it. Our friends Kii MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 19 says dear The ^eatly ;ss it, fiends persuaded him to write to me, assuring liim that I wouUl do him good. He consented, and immediately wrote, entreating mo to come and see him. I received the letter and started immediately. I found him waiting for me. He related to me the change in his convictions, but I immediately per- ceived that he had not felt the efficacy of regene- rating grace, nor sufficiently comprehended the defilement and condemnation of sin, nor the ;;'leni- tude of the love and power of the expiatory sacrifice of Christ, imputed to him through faith. Yet I blessed God from the bottom of my soul for this work of his grace, which had overthrown and removed so many obstacles, and which was about to glorify itself in him. On Sunday I preached twice to fifty Canadians. . . . The rest of the day I passed with Dr. Cote in visiting some of them. It was a day of great conflicts for him ; the tempter excited in him all kinds of doubts, showed him the advan- tages of the world and its glory, and sought to persuade him to return because he had already gone too far ; but he came ofl" conqueror by prayer, and by faith in the realities of the invisible world. In the evening of that day, conversing with him con- cerning the state of sin and condemnation, and of the only means of salvation given him ; suddenly my friend burst into tears, exclaiming, with the 20 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. accent of a profound conviction, *' Oh I what an abominable sinner I am in the eyes of God I my past life fills me with insupportable anguish I what shiiU I do?'' Instantly wo prostrated ourselves before God, and poured out our hearts alternately in fervent prayers to obtain pardon and deliverance from Him. I do not remember ever to have seen a man weep over his sins with so deep anguish, as did Dr. Cote that night. The morning, which found us still on our knees, told us to our surprise that the night was passed. In rising, Dr. Cote was calm and peaceful. At noon he was again seized with the same distress. We again passed many hours on our knees, in which we were abundantly blessed. We felt that we were on the steps of the throne of grace, and with the bcMness which faith inspires I exclaimed, *I will not let thee go till thou hast blessed me, until thou hast said to the soul of my friend, I am thy deliverance.' Then Dr. Cote, filled with the spirit of adoption, exclaimed, ^ Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men,' and with fervent praises, rendered thanks to God, that he, a miserable and abominable sinner, was accepted, saved in his well-beloved Son, and filled with the peace of Jesus. We wept together, but ours were tears of gratitude, of happiness, and of love. All was solemn around us ; the blessing P! Ji^l ME:ainf ul it :he other luntarily ich, alas, ny dear; ask Him mlighten 3ar Mar- , such as ipare the learned blf of all of your sincerity I send de Sacy, ! read it istructed merits of the Son of God, and how much peace and tranquillity of soul I find when I consider that one drop of His divine blood was sufficient to redeem all the sinners who apply to Him; however wicked they were before." t all the through ; he will in the IliT 't^:-. **tl ! 11 nr' * t ! ; ,1 1 m 'I CHAPTER V. « HIS LABORS AT CHAZY, AND HIS MISSIONARY EXCURSIONS. Doctor Cote had the happiness, after a few months, of seeing his dear companion turning to the Lord, and joining him in his missionary labors among the French population at Chazy, N. Y., a village situated about eight miles from the Canada frontier. There regular worship was established, which soon began to bear fruit. Among the con- verts during his residence at Chazy, we must mention an old man 83 years of age, one of Washington's soldiers. " After an abode of several days with me,'' says Dr. Cote, " he returned with the peace of God in his heart ; trusting solely in the merits of Christ, whom he regarded as having accomplished his salvation on the cross." In the autumn of 1842, the Dr. held a protracted meeting, aided by Mr. John Sands, then a student at the Grande Ligne Institute, which was blessed to the conversion of some Canadians and Americans. "We then commenced a protracted meeting," he (28) m •* A MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 29 [ONART T a few urning to ry labors N. Y., a 3 Canada ;ablished, the con- ^e must one of )f several ned with solely in IS having rotracted % student 3 blessed nericans. ting/' he writes, '' which continued fifteen days, during which time we had the plea .ure of seeing many Canadians and four Americans converted. Menaces, perse- cutions, promises, flatteries, and the most absurd fictions were employed by the priest and his parti- zans to prevent their coming to hear us. But God had his eyes fixed upon our dear Canadians, and will triumph over the arts used by the Wicked One to arrest the progress of the light amongst this poor and unfortunate people, whom he has long deceived.'' Whilst at Chazy, Dr. Cote was often Culled away to Canada to announce the glad news of salvation. At first he came somewhat in secret, as he was afraid the government might have him arrested for his political offences ; but when the general amnesty was proclaimed, he visited Canada oftener, and finally settled there. One of his most successful missionary excursions W3S the one he made to Berea in the township of Mil- ton, at the end of 1 842 . We copy the following account from the annual statement of the mission furnished to the Evangelical Society by Mr. Roussy : — "In our last report we informed you that our friend. Dr. Cote, was on the eve of starting for Milton, to preach the Gospel to the dwellers in those woods, whose lives were very profligate. He was accompanied by a dear brother who had labored 3* '. Pi" t ! I I 1 I ! I I 80 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. among them as a Colporteur for a year past, with great sreal and fidelity. They were two days in reaching the school-house, a distance which, in the winter, can be walked in three hours. The autumn rains had rendered the path through these woods so difficult, that nothing but the zeal of our breth- ren could have surmounted the obstacles in their way. Though exhausted with fatigue on their arrival, they made no delay in applying themselves with vigor to their work. After kindling a fire, they cut down a tree to serve at once for a table, and seats for their audience ; put up a temporary bed in one corner of their school-room ; and com- menced their religious services. For the first few days there were no visible effects, though they held two meetings daily. All the people, men, women, and even small children, readily assembled; no one remained at home. The intervals between the meetings were employed in reconciling quar- rels } for these families, who had lived in continual strife and hatred towards each other, perceived the necessity of first harmonizing their differences, in order to obtain the blessing of Heaven. Our dear brother Cote, who performed the office of peace- maker, had the pleasure of seeing them acknowledge their faults one to another, and interchanging the language of forgiveness. On Sunday, each one came to the meeting with feelings of penitence, and ■m IL.. MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 81 ist, with days in 1, in the autumn le woods ir breth- in their )n their jmselves y a fire, a table, s mporary od com- irst few h they e, men, embled; between g quar- ontinual ved the ^nces, in )ur dear peace- owledge ing the ch one ice, and in expectation of the Divine blessing. The exposi- tion of the Scriptures was listened to with marked ip fiolemnity ; and when those who wished were invited to speak, a female, naturally timid and retiring, rose and spoke of the wants of her soul, of the love of God, and of the duty of repentance, with such animation, freedom, and energy, that each one grew pale and trembled. After addressing them in most impressive language, she fell on her knees, and, weeping, poured out her heart in fervent prayer for herself and all present. The whole assembly melted into tears, and, believing that she spoke and prayed under the teachings of God's Spirit, bowed their knees and successively oflfered their earnest supplications to God for pardon "This happy Sabbath was the commencement of a happy week, devoted to the reading of the Word of God, to prayer, and to praise. No one could apply himself to any work, for the Spirit of the Lord had visited these cabins. Every day some soul was relieved of the burden of sin by trusting in Christ. Twenty-five persons, as we hope, obtained pardon and peace at this time, making with the first converts, the number of ^i(?e?i^y-?uwe worshippers, and followers of Christ in this forest.'' On his way home. Dr. Cote stopped ten days at St. Pie, where he held meetings daily, which were blessed to many individuals. in, 'I 82 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. i - Soon after, the houses built for school and wor- ship at St. Pie and Berea were dedicated, and Dr. Cote took an active part in the services held on the occasion. He preached several times and produced, in common with Rev. L. Normandeau and Rev. L. Roussy, a very good impression. At evening service at St. Pie, in which all present were invited to speak, fifteen individuals rose successively and professed their desire to serve Christ and walk in newness of life. And many others, who afterwards joined the church, referred to that time as a blessed season for their souls. During the winter. Dr. Cote made frequent visits at St. Pie and Berea, and his labors were attended with the blessing of God. He had a discussion with two priests in the presence of forty Canadians, near Bere^, from which he came out victorious, Laving constrained the priests to acknowledge they were unable to defend their doctrines from the Bible, because they had never studied it with attention and care. illL ad wor-" '•*• iTid Dr. on tlio m oduced, ^ Rev. L. evening U '' invited tIj and walk in erwards • L blessed nt visits ittended .1 * ■ ) scussion aadians, jtorious, 9 [ge they •om the it with .1 CHAPTER VI. PERSECUTIONS AT ST. PIE. During the summer of 1843, Dr. Cote visited occasionally St. Pie and Berea. The Roman Catholics seeing that the truth was gaining ground, had recourse to violent persecutions, their usual arguments, in order to retard its progress. But God overruled it otherwise, and the Christians of that place, instead of being shaken in their faith, were brought oftener to the closet and nearer their Heavenly Father, feeling that He is a refuge for the oppressed. These persecutions were more violent than any witnessed before in Canada. The Roman Catholics of St. Pie, at the instigation of their priest, com- menced by insultinp' Dr. Cote and Mr. Roussy, who were holding a meeting in the village. They assembled around the house in crowds, and began what is called a charivari (a horning), making a horrible noise, and throwing stones at the Protest- ants. This state of things continued for a week. (33) Ml 84 MEMOIR or DR. COTE. Seeing tliey did not succeed in driving away the Protestants, they determined on a bolder attempt. On Monday, the 4th September, (the persecutions bad commenced the 27th of August,) before nine o'clock in the evening, rallying cries were heard in every direction ; the Canadians assembling in great numbers, took possession of the village, posted their guards at different points to prevent flight, or cut off assistance, whilst others in carts drew up before the houses of the Protestants, assailing them with stones from eleven o'clock until three o'clock in the morning, breaking the doors and windows which were not protected by strong shutters." They ordered the resident Colporteur to leave the village, threatening to set his house on fire if he remained after a certain day. A Protestant magis- trate was then called to investigate the case. He was with the Protestants at St. Pie on the day prescribed ta the Colporteur for leaving the village, and remained over night. But the disturbances were not checked by his presence. On that same night the Romanists commenced their charivari, insulted the Christians and blasphemed God, and finally set fire to the house of one of the converts. '^Our affliction" says an eye-witness, "in seeing this house in flames, was aggravated by the infernal joy which the crowd manifested by shouts of H':— , MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 35 iway the attempt. locutions fore nine heard in in great , posted 3ight, or Jrcw up :ng them 3 o'clock windows luttcrs.^' cave the re if he t magis- 50. He the day village, rbances it same arivari, od, and )nvcrts. seeing nfernal uts of laughter and clapping of hands at seeing the bonfire which was made of a dwelling of the Protestants." In such trying circumstances the converts, and especially Messrs. lloussy and Cote, asked them- selves whether it was not their duty, like Paul in another case, to appeal to the protection of the laws, and show the intolerant lloman Catholics that they were entitled to religious liberty as well as them- selves. That this was very important, any one can understand, in order to prevent in the future the renewal of such outrages. After prayerful con- sideration, it was decided that since Providence had placed thcni under a government that secures to all freedom of worship, they should require an enforcement of their rights. Hence thirty persons were arrested, the most of whom would certainly have been sent to Montreal jail, had not Papal magistrates interfered and succeeded in liberating them under bail. Dr. Cote was very active and very useful in these circumstances. His knowledge of law, and his firm- ness, enabled him to plead the cause of religious freedom, and impress the Eoman Catholics with a conviction of the rights granted by the law to the Protestants as well as to themselves. Very soon peace and tranquillity were restored; and the offenders manifesting feelings of repentance, it was thought best to let the suit drop — since the IT iiii ' ^ i ■, III U\ m "Ml I Hi' i S6 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. desired object was attained, that is, to cause the Roman Catholics to feel that persecutors could be lawfully punished in this country, and that outrages against the Protestants could not be perpetrated with impunity. It had a very good eiffect. The Roman Catholics saw that the Protestants were not animated with bitter feelings towards them, and had not been prompted by a spirit of revenge. They were constrained to acknowledge that these harmless Christians had returned good for evil, according to the precepts of the Gospel, evincing the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. It soon providentially happened that Dr. Cote, who immediately settled there, was called in his medical capacity to visit the families of some of the persecutors. He went willingly, forgetting the past, and doing them all the good he could. Such conduct was well calculated to make a good impres- sion upon their minds, and we have reason to think it was blessed lo many. j^ I ! Catholics ited with Qot been ley were harmless )rding to me mind Dr. Cote, id in his ne of the ting the 1. Such i impres- to think CHAPTEE yil. SICKNESS, AND VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH. I31MEDIATELY after the disturbances related above, Dr. Cote was settled at St. Pie with his family. Before that time the station had only been occasionally visitod, but this state of things could not continue any longer. Dr. Cote was the man prepared to take this station. He entered on his labors with characteristic ardor and energy. But another trial awaited the mission : his health began to fail, and however anxious he was to pro- claim the good news of salvation in that field, he was obliged to leave it and seek a milder climate. It was greatly feared that he was consumptive, and would be removed by death. He left Canada in the month of March, 1844, and went to Savannah, Georgia, after having spent a few days at New York. The voyage to Savannah was beneficial to his health. He had hardly arrived there before he began to experience a happy change, which war- ranted the hope of a speedy recovery. In a letter dated April 15th, he says : *' I arrived here last * (37) if in^' i I.I ■ I' 38 MEMOIR or DR. COTE Saturday, after a very happy passage of nine dayo> The sea has only done me good During the passage I have coughed but little, and only two or three times spit up blood. I am less troubled now with pains in my breast/' In his sickness, he experienced the consolations of religion, and though absent from home, and deprived of the attention and care of his beloved wife and friends, he enjoyed that peace which passeth all understanding. In a letter to Mr. Roussy he says : '^ The Christian has a friend to console and comfort him in his trials, and in the midst of agitations and troubles he. can look with confidence to God, and say with calmness and resignation, ' Let thy will be done, and not mine.' " In the same letter he earnestly requests the prayers of his brethren tha^ he may be truly resigned to the will of God. His health continuing to improve, he left Savan- nah in May, and arrived again at St. Pie in Canada, in June. He resumed his labors in the midst of those he loved so much in Christ. He felt very thankful for his recovery, in regard to which he said, " If I was enabled to resign myself with plea- sure to the will of my Father, who seemed to say to me that the time had come for me to leave this house of clay, I blessed Ilim too, from the bottom MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 39 of my heart, when he said to me, ' Be healed/ and when he gave me entire liberty in bcarino- the Word of Life to those I so much desired to rescue from the slavery of the Man of Sin." The next chapter will show that he did not labor in vain. i'->3 -' ^1 f 1 ?'l !i t: !i! li li CHAPTER Vin. HIS ORDINATION. SUBSEQUENT LABORS AT ST. PIE. INTERESTING CASES. VISITS TO THE UNITED STATES. Dr. Cote being now permanently settled at St. Pie, it was necessary that he should be ordained. A meeting of ministers was called, and on the 28th of August, 184:4, he was solemnly set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands, to the work of the gospel ministry. Hsgm0mjmM9 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 43 wrote to to whom 16 years spend a 3air,) in lich the )utly at- ebrated, I during nself at )e deliv- pressed w times directed onished to him Dred to iciently unsuc- r obedi- 5s very limself consid- lis con- lis sins. Next day he went again to confession, when the priest sharply reproved him for his disobedience, and told him to go to him no more till he had yielded submission. Among other expressions used hy the priest on that occasion, and which deeply impressed his mind, were these words : — " Do you think that I design to damn you ?^^ Distressed at finding that his confessor would not allow him to prostrate himself at his feet any more, but being still unable to overcome the reluctance and fear which prevented him from communion while his conscience was oj^pressed with sin, he wept abun- dantly, and sorrowfully took the road that led to his father's house. The words of the priest were continually sounding in his ears, — " Do you think that I design to damn you?^^ — till at length he became satisfied that the execution of the implied threat was possible, anJ from that moment he re- solved to learn to read, that he might be able to examine the book ^whence the priests derive their knowledge and their instructions, that he might judge for himself, whether his confessor had been faithful, or whether he himself had been too scru- pulous in refusing to do what had been required of him About the same time he learned that a person Lad arrived at St. Pie, who gave copies of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who were willing to accept them. He found means to Ml 1 7 w\ iiiil': , 'i iiiilii!! m I 44 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. procure a copy, and, by the assistance of a little girl, soon made such progress in the art of reading as to be able to understand what he read. How great was his surprise, when he discovered, by the Sacred Volume, that no man could take away his sins, and that the 'blood of Christ only can wash and cleanse the soul ! The perusal of the New Testament was a new era in his life. Meanwhile the ftict of his reading the book was known to no one but his young instructress, who faithfully kept the secret. When he was able to read without assistance, he spent whole days in perusing the Word of God. Then he determined in his heart to separate himself from the Church of Rome, which had so long kept him in ignorance of the true doc- trine of free salvation by Jesus Christ. Soon after, he left the paternal roof, to seek em- ployment elsewhere. He took with him the pre- cious volume which had revealed the falsehoods of Romanism. The more he read the Gospels, the more clearly he saw the absolute necessity of con- version to God, yet he wished it to be delayed, that he might not be exposed to the persecutions of the world. He could not long conceal the state of his mind, and then, in order to escape the mockmgs and insults of his young companions, he imitated the example of Peter, who, at the sight of a ser- vant maid, swore that he knew not his Master. I nil iiwi >is>: MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 45 f a little * reading i. How 1, by the away his an wash the New eanwhile vn to no lly kept without sing the heart to J, which :rue doc- geek em- the pre- loocls of )eLs, the of con- ed, that J of the e of his lockings imitated f a ser- Master. From that time he became more worldly than ever, although his conscience continually reproached him as a traitor to his God. He continued three long years in this deploralie condition, struggling against his conscience and against the word of God, which conliuually warned him that he was deficient in his duty, both towards God and towards his own soul. Sometimes he seemed to show signs of penitence, but generally he afiected complete unbelief, and he lived in open sin. Last autumn a bishop of the Romish Church visited the place where he lived, for the purpose of consecrating a new church. He hastened to the spot, *^^at he might converse with him on the Bible, and ascertain whether he could maintain his senti- ments by the authority of the word of God. He was convinced in a few moments that the bishop was not better acquainted with the Bible than any priest, and to all his questions concerning the doc- trines of the Christian religion, he received only vague and evasive replies, sometimes contradictory, and frequently accompr ied by contemptuous and insulting language. He returned home, more fully persuaded than ever that Romanism cannot stand before the light of the Gospel of Jesus, but at the same time more determined than ever not to be converted to God. He continued several days in that state of impenitence and hardness of heart, % J ^1 1 1 t i : il: , 1 1 ' 1 < 'H 1 1 ; i j \ ] 1 i 1 : r i 1(1'' 1;^^ 46 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. wlierij being one day engaged in the forest, cutting wood, with a very heavy axe, his foot suddenly slipped, and the axe violently struck his leg, just at the knee-joint. The loss of blood was so great that he fainted, and was conveyed to his lodging in an insensible state. As no surgical assistance could be obtained, those about him made use of some very powerful remedies, and succeeded in stopping the flow of blood, but the effect was a vio- lent inflammation, which threatened to produce mortifiv ation, not only of the leg, but also of the thigh. In this sad condition his friends brought him to my ho'^ise, which is about three leagues from the place where he received the hurt. I was not at home at the time, but Mrs. Cote, perceiving the frightful condition in which the young man was, would not allow him to be taken back. She prepared a room for him, applied soothing poultices to the wound, and the result was, that when I returned home, on the second day, I found that God had blessed the application of these simple remedies. In a few days the patient was out of danger, though the size and depth of the wound precluded the h< pe of a speedy cure. It was necessary that he should reside some time with us. I felt it my duty to converse with him on the state of his soul. I pointed out to him the goodness of the Lord, in chastising as a father, MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 47 , cutting suddenly leg, just so great lodging ssistance use of eded in as a vio- produce ) of the brought leagues I was rceiving Dg man k. She loultices when I nd that simple out of wound ae time th him lim the father, instead of smiting him to death. I urged him to consider seriously his obstinacy in refusing to submit to llim who had so often knocked at the door of his heart, and entreated him to delay no longer, nor to continue to resist the grace of God. A fearful struggle followed. At length, having been led to confess and deplore the wickedness of his past life, and to shed many tears of repentance, he ex- perienced reconciliation with God through the Lord Jesus C irist. Having found peace, he became joyful and happy, and was enabled to thank God for having chastened him in fatherly tenderness. He remained with me till his cure was completed, and then rc^'irned home. Shortly afterwards he came back, and earnestly requested me to take him again into my house, that he might be more per- fectly instructed in the way of the Lord. lie soon informed me of his desire to become a Colporteur, that he might advance the Kingdom of the Saviour among his fellow-countrymen. Having sought divine direction in the affair, I complied with his request. He remained a few months at my house, and then went to the Mission House at Grand Ligne, where he is now under preparation for the work in which he is hereafter to be engaged. He continues to give proof of sincere piety, and genuine devotedness to the cause of his Master.^' 48 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. I After relating two other interesting conversions Dr. Cote goes on to say : — " While our Heavenly Father has been pleased, in his great compassion, to increase and multiply our little flock. He has also seen fit, in his infinite wis- dom, to take from us a brother whom we all highly esteemed, and who was the first at St. Pie to receive the light of the Word of God. Those of your readers who arc acquainted with the history of the religious awakening at St. Pie, in 1841, will doubtless remember that at that time, by means of a Bible which his father had left him at his death, Jean Baptiste Auger began to discover the errors of the Church of Home, and the truth of Chris- tianity. From the moment of his conversion till his death, which took place on the 25th of March last, he m'^'ntained an undeviating consistency. He was always the stern enemy of error, and the zealous advocate of the cause of his Divine Master, The week before that in which he died, I conversed with him very seriously on the state of his health, and felt it my duty, as a medical man, to tell him that I feared he could not long withstand the attacks of a disorder which was undermining his strength, and appeared likely to issue in con- sumption. I was then very far from expecting that within eight days I should be called to commit to the earth the mortal remains of that beloved MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 49 \Trsion3 cased, in iply our lite wis- 1 highly V'lQ to 'hose of history 41, will leans of s death, le errors f Chris, •sion till ■ March listency. and the Master, nversed • health, iell him md the ing his n con- pecting commit beloved brother. The day after our conversation I was confined to my bed by sickness, and brother Auger was also in the same state. Two days after, a messenger came to me in the night, to tell me that he was alarmingly ill, and the next day at noon I left my bed, though with difficulty, to visit him. I found that he was very near death. lie asked my opinion of his state. I could not conceal from him the truth, and therefore told him that he must prepare to meet God in a very short time. Ho began immediately to sing a hymn of praise, and then requested me to pray. Then he proceeded, with the utmost calmness,* to arrange his temporal affairs, continually praisiT\^ and blessing God that, after having given him full opportunity to make sure his calling and election in Jesus Christ, he was now pleased, in great mercy, to call him to himself. From that time till his death, which oc- curred about thirty-six hours after my first visit, his whole time was employed, as far as extreme suffering would permit, in singing hymns, praying, and exhorting those who were around his bed. He besought Christians to persevere in the faith, and the unconverted to repent and commit themselves to Jesus. He asked for one of his old friends who knew the Gospel, but who still continued in sin, through fear of the world ; and admonished him to turn to the Lord, to burst the bonds which confined! il i ■■11 60 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. him, and to embrace the salvation offered in the Gospel. He sent for one who had denied the faith, but he did not arrive in time to receive from the lips of the dying man the counsels which he had intended to give, if God had permitted him. Hav- ing told me, however, what he had purposed to say, I repeated to the fallen brjther the solemn admoni- tions which his dying friend had charged me to give. They produced the desired effect. The back- slider confessed his fault, abandoned his errors and his evil ways, and, to all appearances, affords now good proof of a Christian life. Perceiving one of his friends in tears, he ad- dressed him in the following manner : — " If your friend was about to receive a large inheritance, would you weep over his fate V^ The other having answered in the negative, — "Well,'' he replied, " that is my position ; in a few hours I shall have heaven for my inheritance ; therefore shed no more tears on my account." Towards midnight he asked me how long he might yet live: '"hardly three hours," I replied, — " by that time all will be over with you here below." As the end of the three hours drew nigh he felt that death was at hand. Sitting up in his bed, and joining his hands to- gether, he began to repeat the Lord's prayer, with a loud voice : but when he came to the words, " Forgive us our offences," his voice failed him, ,u»^« MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 51 and he was obliged to lay his head on the pillow and finish the prayer in a lower tone. Then, hav- ini: hidden farewell to those who surrounded the bed, by an impressive motion of his hand, he was heard to exclaim, in a low whisper, " Come Jesus, come,'' — and immediately expired, without pain. His funeral was attended by an immense con- course of people, among whom was a large number of Romanists, who came to pay that tribute of respect which his irreproachable conduct had ever secured. We have reason to hope that we shall ere long see the fruit of the good seed scattered abroad by our friend, both during his eminently Christian life, and during the short period of his sickness. Since my last Report, twelve new members have been added to the Church at St. Pie on a public profession of their faith, all of whom, with only one exception, have been snatched from the delusions of Popery. There are many others who are under serious concern for the salvation of their souls. Some time since I received an application from ten families in this parish, all Romanists, requesting me to interest myself on their behalf with the Swiss Mission, that a schoolmaster might be sent to in- struct their children, promising to furnish a site for a building, to erect at their own expense a school- house, (the floors, doors, and windows excepted,) I'l I r I 1 1 ! I )2 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. and to give legal possession of the property to the Mission. We are not aware that the Gospel has been introduced to more than two or three families, nor has it produced as yet any effect upon them. We think that in this proposal of theirs the finger of God is visible, and that He is about to call more souls to the knowledge of the truth. The site that is offered us is very valuable in this respect, — it is situated in the midst of influential and respectable families. May the Lord bless this new enterprise, that it may issue in the glory of his holy name ! In closing this Eeport, dear brother, I have to request that you and your readers will pray for one who knows and feels his weakness, and his unfit- ness for the work to which it has pleased the Lord to call him. May all Christians who read these lines determine not to forget us in their daily sup- plications at the throne of Divine grace and mercy. And now, beloved and much honored brother, believe me, for life, your affectionate brother in Jesus Christ, C. H. 0. COTE. Rev. J. M. Cramp, A. M. Dr. Cote continued to labor at St. Pie and vicinity until the spring of 1848, and though for the last year or two no revival took place, we have reason tc think that the blessing of God rested upon ik* MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 53 to the pel has imilies, them. finger 11 more le site ct, — it ectable jri^rise, ne ! ave to for one } unfit- e Lord I these I J sup. mercy, rother, ber in IE. e and ;h for ! have upon fr* his missionary efforts, and that they were blessed to many a soul. In August, 1847, he wrote : " I cannot say, with truth, that the cause of the Saviour advances in this place as fast as the children of God would desire The priests of the church of Rome are violent, and spare no pains to prevent the circu- lation of the "Word of God among their flocks, proving by this dread of the truth that they are of the number of those who ' hate the light, and will not come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved.' Nevertheless, in spite of all their efforts, we see from time to time individuals withdrawing themselves from the worship of the Beast in order to take refuge ■et the feet of Him, concerning whom John the Baptist said, ^ Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world / and these experience the fulfilment of the declaration, that * to as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name.' " Whilst resident at St. Pie, Dr. Cote was called almost every year into the United States a month or more, in order to awaken an interest in favor of the Mission, and collect funds for its support. In the spring of 1848, the circumstances of the Mission were such that he was obliged to visit the United States, and spend considerable time there. 5* if Ml! I- !■! Mil Nil !i! !, 54 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. He resigned Lis charge at St. Pie, and proceeded on his journey which lasted eight months. A great part of this period was spent in the city of Philadelphia, where he prepared for the press, and edited for the American Baptist Publication Society several French works on the Romish Controversy. There were six publications, three books and three tracts. The volumes were, " Extracts from Eccle- siastical History on the Origin of some of the Errors of the llomish Church," prepared by Rev. L. Normandeau; "Pengilly's Scripture Guide to Baptism," translated by Rev. L. Normandeau; and '^Remington's Reasons for becoming a Baptist,'' translated by Dr. Cote. The first of these volumes contains 180 pages, the second, 200 pages, and the third, 80 pages, making an aggregate of 460 pages. The tracts were all prepared by Dr. Cote; No. 1, The Holy Bible on Baptism ; No. 2, A Chronolo- gical Table of important events ; No. 3, A "Word in Passing, to those who have left the Romish Church. He acquitted himself of his task with diligence and fidelity, and was very successful in his efibrts to gain friends and funds for the Mission. He returned to Crrande Ligne, where his family had lived during his absence, at the end of Decem- ber of that year. CHAPTEK IX. HIS LABORS AT ST. MARY, NEAR FORT GEORGE. After his return from the United States, Dr. Cote spent two months at Grande Ligne, waiting for the directions of his Heavenly Father in regard to his future field of labor. His attention was drawn towards St. Mary, a parish some twenty miles east of Grande Ligne, where a certain number of families had been listening to the Truth. But the difiiculty in the way was the uncertainty of getting a house. One was for sale, but the proprietor lefused to sell it for Dr. Cote. However, God, who designed to make him the instrument of* much good in that place, opened the way. An English Protestant, a friend of the Mission, know- ing these circumstances, found the means of buying that house, and soon the Doctor took possession of it, to the great astonishment of the Eoman Catholics. The priest of the neighboring parish was so angry at it, that he came with about a hundred of his parishioners with the avowed purpose of driving away Dr. Cote. But God watched over his servant, C65) h ' :iii,i ;!'' !!'i 56 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. and the mob dispersed without daring or attempt- ing to do any harm. During the spring and summer of 1849, he visited many families to whom he spoke of Christ crucified. His profession opened for him the doors of many houses, and whilst relieving the sufferings of the body as a physician, be forgot not the precious soul, but made it a rule to speak about the Gospel, wherever he was called. In the autumn, he again visited the United States, and on his way to New York wrote the following letter, in which he alludes to the useful- ness of the books prepared the year before in French, and published by the American Baptist Publication Society. li •I ..i DR COTE TO REV. T. S. MALCOM, PHILADELPHIA. St. Johns, 10th November, 1849, Dear Brother: — Had I considered my own feelings, I should have written to you a long time ago. But it has been impossible for me so to do on account of my numerous engagements. It is now my intention to visit Philadelphia, and there I shall have the pleasure of relating to you personally all the good that the books which the American Baptist Publication Society printed for us, have done among our poor benighted Romanist population. MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 57 attempt- he visited crucified, of many 5s of the precious G Gospel, J United rrote the le useful- before in Baptist )ELPHIA. 1849- my own ong time s so to do s. It is d there I ersonally American us, have pulation. "VTe have distributed nearly all of the " Extraits do ia Historic Ecclesiastique;'' and as imperfect as they were, they have done us an immense deal of good. My object in writing to you to-day, is to beg from your Society a grant of the remaining portion of that work in your possession, as also a good supply, if you can give it, of the " Table Chronologique," which also has proved very eflfec- tual among the Canadians. Dr. Cote was appointed a missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, in com- mon with the other ministers of the Grande Ligne Mission, and public preaching was established at his house. It began to be attended by a few individuals. The number of the hearers gradually increased ; souls were converted to God ; and before his death he was blessed to see some fifteen families abandoning the Bomish church. He baptized in July and August seven converts, and as many more manifested a change of heart, and were ready to make a public profession of their faith by being buried with Christ in baptism. The field of St. Mary was beginning to be very interesting, and we thought our brother was settled there for a long while. A church, we anticipated, was soon to be organised. When he was at the Grande Ligne last, just before he set out for the ■1*1 : r t 68 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. United States, where he was to die in a few days, he spoke of it, and appeared very desirous that the converts of St. Mary should be organised into a Christian church, and enjoy its holy privileges ; but we are ail permitted to learn that while man can anticipate, hope and appoint, God, whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts, can wisely and mercifully disappoint. ^^He doeth all- things well." iilli TH CHAPTER X. niS LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH. Dr. Cote was invited to attend the annual meeting of the Lamoille Association, which was to take phice at Hinesburgh, Vermont, on the 18th September, 1850; and desirous of seeing his breth- ren who were going to meet there, and of interesting them in favor of the Grande Ligne Mission, he accepted the invitation. On his way, he felt some indisposition, but it was not thought serious. On the morning of the day that the Association was to meet, ho was seized with a violent pain in his left arm, which was at first supposed to be rheumatism. However, he was able to address the meeting, though with difficulty. But soon afterwards his pain increased and extended to every part of his body. Seven physicians were called in, who pro- nounced it a case of inflammatory neuralgic fever. All their efforts for his relief we^-^ useless. His time had come to leave this world of sin and trial for his heavenly inheritance, and it was not in the power of man to accomplish his recovery. (59) 4 60 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. "We have two accounts of his death, one from an enemy, and the other from a friend. The one is from the Melanges lleligieux, a Catholic paper, the substance of which was that Dr. Cote was preaching in a chapel which belonged to his sect, while at the same time a Catholic priest was preaching in a neighboring church. All at once he felt a sense of suffocation, and fell down in great agony. Some expressions of remorse, in view of his life, fell from his lips, but he died without manifesting any signs of true repentance. Nay, ho went so far as to try to pervert a young man who stood at his side, but happily, he was on his guard, and could not be shaken from the faith. Such is the lying spirit in the mouth of Popery, to this day. So are its igno- rant victims deceived, and held in bondage. The other account is from Mr. Normandeau, of the Grande Ligne Mission, who was present at the time of Dr. Cote's death, and writes as an eye- witness of the glorious though mournful scene. From an early period in his sickness he had a settled impression that he should not recover. His sufferings were intense, but in the midst of them Christian patience had its perfect work. To those around him he would say, " Talk to me about God." On one occasion he remarked, "In me you see a perfect development of physical suffering, and of spiritual peace." When a Christian brother said ^ MEMOIR OF DK. COTE. 61 ic from an Ihe one is paper, the preaching hile at the jhing in a It a sense >ny. Some 2j fell from ; any signs r as to try s side, but lid not be ig spirit in re its igno- andean, of lent at the IS an eye- ful scene. 3 he had a over. His 3t of them To those )out God." you see a ig, and of other said to him, " It does not seem as though you could be spared from the mission/' he replied, "God's thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways." And so it proved. lie had sent for Rev. Mr. Normandcau of Grande Ligne, and not long after this gentleman had arrived at Ilinesburgh the Doctor seemed better, and some hopes were entertained that he might recover. IMr. Normandcau returned home, but was soon telegraphed to return to Ilinesburgh with Dr. Cote's two elder children. Mr. Normandcau arrived on the morning of the 3d of October. The Doctor had fallen into a state of delirium : he imagined himself engaged in religious exercises, and prayed and preached as if in the presence of a large congregation. " About three in the afternoon, a lucid interval was enjoyed. His children were taken to him. The interview was brief, and the words were few, but expressive. * I am happy ! I am happy !' the dying husband and father exclaimed, and again relapsed into unconsciousness, overpowered by the excitement. " Shortly afterwards, Mr. Normandcau spoke to him. To an inquiry respecting the state of his mind, he replied, ^ Quite well — all is peace.' ' In whom do you place your confidence V ^ In Jesuj.' * Do you think that you are dying V ' I am quite 6 ;. ir 62 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. ^ ,fl 'I! awaro of it.' 'Does it grieve you that you are about to leave the world V ' Oh no I' * But your family?' 'I lectve (hem m the hands of God.* We spoke to him/' says Mr. Normandoau, "aa often as there were signs of returning consciousness, and he invariably said that he had no fear. Some days before, he had remarked to those who were in attendance, that he had reason to be very thankful that this sickness had not come upon him while he was yet in his sins, and in connection with the church of Rome. From the beginning of his illness, he had felt persuaded that he should not recover; he expressed this opinion to Mrs. Cote, at the same time consoling her by the assurance that God would take care of her and the children. *'He became gradually weaker till midnight, when unequivocal symptoms of approaching disso- lution appeared. At»one o'clock in the morning he peacefully departed, dying without a struggle, October 4th, 1850, in the 42d year of his age." He had expressed the desire of being buried at Grande Ligne, and in compliance with this request, his remains were conveyed there and deposited in the Mission burial ground, in the presence of a large and deeply affected assembly. They were followed by many of the friends at Hinesburgh as far as Burlington, and by some of t^em to the place of burial. The funeral sermon was preached in (I MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. 63 at you are ' But your r of God: ndcau, "as isciousncss, ear. Some rho were in ry thankful m while ho n with the ing of his should not rs. Cote, at urance that dren. midnight, thing disso- le morning a struggle, is age." buried at is request, eposited in ence of a ?hey were Dsburgh as ) the place •eached in French at the ^Mission Chapel, by Ilev. L. Norman- dcau, from 1 Peter iv. 7. lie v. L. Koiissy read the Scriptures, gave a brief, but solemn adilroHS, and oifered prayer at the grave. T'lus ended the funeral service of a great and good man. Many of tho converts of St. Mary were present, and accompanied in tears to the grave their beloved minister, whom a few weeks before they had in their midst in perfect health and entirely engaged in the missionary work. They mourned, not as those, however, who have no hope, but as children who bow m humility and resignation before a good and wise Father^ whose dispensations are all love and mercy. 1 'I'i i i I' III liii' CONCLUSION. Dr. Cote was a true patriot. He loved his country, and was always desirous of doing something for its welfare. At first, not knowing any better way, he sought the remedy to its evils in political and social changes alone, and had recourse to unlawful means. But when he was enlightened Ly the Word and Spirit of God, he saw that the only foundation for happiness and prosperity is in the religion of the Gospel; and he immediately endeavored to impart it to his fellow-countrymen, pointing them to the Son of God, by whom if they were once freed, they would be free indeed. Dr. Cote was a true missionary. His missionary career was not long ; it was only eight years, but it was well filled, and certainly successful, if we con- sider the numerous obstacles that beset the paths of the servants of God in Lower Canada. His medical profession, his thorough education, his piety of heart, and his natural activity, emi- nently fitted him for the arduous duty of a pioneer missionary. He could get access to man families (04) m MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 65 whom another minister could not reach, and nothing delighted him more than being actively engaged in ministering to the bodily and spiritual wants of hia dear fellow-countrymen. lie possessed more than common natural powers, and great energy of character. Whatever he undertook, he accomplished with all his might. The same remarks might apply in regard to hia views, which were generally very decided. How- ever, his attachment to his convictions did not J)reveut him from enjoying the "communion of saints ;" he associated himself with Christians of all denominations, and was happy among them. Dr. Cote was a good preacher , though not regu- larly trained for the ministry. His political career had accustomed him to speak in public, and as Boon as he knew the truth he became a preacher and a missionary. The writer remembers having been deeply affected when he heard him for the first time proclaiming the Gospel. He had heard him before speak in public ) it was during the time of the rebellion, when the Doctor harangued the soldiers before one of the fearful battles in which he was engaged ; but now, himself converted a few months before, he saw the rebel transformed into a soldier of the cross of Christ, and proclaiming the glorious Gospel he loved so ardently, and he could not sufficiently bless his Heavenly Father for the 6* :/ .M 66 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE. .il!l |i;. II II ir f great and glorious change that had taken place. And now, after having toiled but a little while in missionary service with him, he mourns over him as over a dear departed fellow-laborer, a faithful friend, and a sincere brother in Jesus Christ our Lord. Dr. Cote was also useful as an autJior and editor. Perhaps when all earthly things are summed up, this branch of his labors will be found laden with precious fruit beyond all the rest. None who have read his Reply to "Kirwan/' however much they may deplore its necessity, can doubt his eminent ability, effectiveness, and Chris- tian spirit as a controversial writer. Alas ! that on such a subject — a subject which lies at the very threshold of the Christian church in all the lovely simplicity of a Christian duty — the watchmen of Zion should not see eye to eye, and lift up their voices together ! It is not our intention to dwell on this subject, where the vantage ground of Scripture was so clearly on the side of Dr. Cote, but as an act of justice to his memory to say, that he amply acquitted himself of every allegation which was brought against him in the New York Observer ; and displayed a beautiful example of the union of wisdom, faithfulness and love, as honorable to our common Christianity as to his own indivi- dual profession of its transforming power. II 'I MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 67 Of the works whicli he prepared for the press, in the French language, many thousands of copies have been circulated already in the United States, in Canada, in Hayti, and in France. Two of them have been eminently successful in opening the blind eyes, viz., "The Errors of the Eomish Church,'' and " A Word in Passing." In refer- ence to the surprising effects of the latter tract, a missionary in Hayti writes, " Had Dr. Cote written nothing else, he would not have lived in vain." In reviewing the Life of Dr. Cote we are struck with several points worthy of reflection. 1. We see the vanity and misery of Infidelity. Born and bred in the Roman Catholic church, his discerning mind perceived her corruptions, and her pernicious influence on his countrymen, whom he loved with a patriotic affection. He threw off the fetters of her despotic sway, and in ignorance of any better faith, sought refuge in a skeptical philosophy. But in vain. He found nothing satisfactory, nothing sufficient to solve the inquiries of his mind, to alleviate the burdens of conscience, or purify and fill the yearning affections of his heart. Professionally attending on a dying friend, he could neither stay the uplifted arm of death, nor charm away the venom of its sting by any well grounded hopes of pardon and immortal happiness beyond the grave. Over the cold grave hung the II ■ , 68 MEMOia OP DR. COTE. I ^i| gloomy shadows of dreadful uncertainty. The tears he shed for his lost friend were the tears of despair. Nor was he able to find rest for his soul, until he was effectually led to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. 2. We see in his conversion a remarkable instance of God's distinguishing grace. The question of the Apostle, "Who maketh thee to differ from another ?" admits of but one answer ; and that arswer Dr. Cote was ever ready to give from a full heart of trembling gratitude. He had seen his friend die without hope. He, though equally unworthy, perhaps more guilty In the sight of God, was spared, softened, humbled at the foot of the cross, and filled with unspeakable joy and peace in believing. Why was this ? The fact is certain. The cause lies deep in the recesses of God's unsearchable wisdom and love. From the midst of the thick darkness, we hear a voice of Sovereign Majesty, declaring, " I will cause all my goodness to pass before thee, and I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy." In Dr. Cote we see a brard plucked from the fire — a vessel of mercy prepared afore unto glory — a chosen vessel to bear the name of Christ to his deluded and perishing fellow-men. What a song of admiring and adoring gratitude must be his forever ! And how thank- fully should we also glorify God in him ! MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 69 3. Weltnr from this Memoir that even Infidels, who were formerly Roman Catholics, are within tlie reach of evangelical labor, and hope. We say even Infidels, for such was Dr. Cote before he was brought to the careful study of the Bible. Robert Hall has somewhere said that " Infidelity is merely a noxious spawn, bred in the stagnant marshes of a corrupted Christianity/' and the justice of this observation is seen in the bioprraphy before us. Had not Dr. Cote seen in the Romish church to which he belonged by birth and education, such a mass of glaring corruption, he might never have felt the shock and recoil which drove him into unbelief. Or, if he had made that painful discovery in the light of the Scriptures, he might have cast off Romej without casting off Christianity, But as he had ever been trained to regard them as one, it was not easy to make the necessary separa- tion, even were he so disposed, until he became acquainted with the Bible, the Book forbidden by Rome, lest its light should expose her aggravated sins. To the study of this Book we have seen that he was led, by observing its happy influence on the hearts and lives of sincere Christians. The prayer meetings of the little church at Swanton first unfolded to him the holy beauty, the elevating hopes, and the tender tranquillizing power of the Bpiritual life imparted by Christ to all true believers. m '11 :l I I 'I I s y ; I r 70 MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 4. If then in his case we sec there is hope of reclaiming the Infidel, much more do we see such hope of success in evangelical labors for the instruc- tion and salvation of Roman Catholics. The letter of Dr. Cote to his wife, so prompt, so earnest, so aiFectionate, so judicious, was precious seed sown in tears, soon to be reaped in the joy of her con- version and faithful co-operation in the work of Christ. The whole history of his subsequent labors, and indeed the whole history of the (rrando Ligne Mission from the beginning to this day, afford abundant proof that no depth of ignorance and superstition, no power of hereditary prejudice, no arts of a wily and desperate priesthood, can rear a barrier impassable to the humble, prayerful, persevering efforts of evangelical Christians for the conversion of Roman Catholics. No doubt can exist on this point in the mind of any individual, after reading this Memoir. The brief Narratives that follow will form the proper sequel, support, and seal of this gratifying position. 5. No one, it seems to us, can fail in deriving from the latter part of this Memoir, the cheering lesson that God reigns in the promotion of His -own kingdom ; and that, as a consequence, opposi- tion of all sorts may be overruled for good. It is s short-sighted philanthropy that hopes to find every effort and sacrifice for the good of others, MEMOIR OP DR. COTE. 71 greeted by universal applause, and individr \\ grati- tude. However worthy of being welcomed thus, the life and deatli of our Redeemer teach us upon this point a more stern and awful truth. We may go forth with the lamp of life to benighted men, and yet find that they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; or they have encompassed themselves " with sparks of their own kindling" — the vain but flattering hopes of self- righteousness ; or they are blinded and betrayed by the arts of false teachers, crying 'peace, peace,' when there is no peace. It is not difficult to incite men in this condition when opportunity serves, to acts of popular violence in order to extinguish the light that annoys them. And God permits the trial, that the spirits of men may thus bo more fully tested; and that the transforming power of the G'^spel may appear more conspicuous and glorious by the vivid contrast with the evil it has come to expose and destroy. Hence the precepts : " Render to no man evil for evil ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and towards all men." '^ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." " Love your enemies ; bless them that curse you ; do good unto them that despitefully use you, and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven." The happy effects of obedience to these precepts in the t 'i f (1 72 MEMOIR OF DR. COTE |1 history of the persecuted Christians of St. Pie, as recorc'ed in this volume, will recur to every mind in this connexion. The right of appeal in such cases to the protection of the civil power, is beyond question, and in some extreme cases, it is equally clear that its justice mpy be invoked in redress of wanton injuries ; . t ^ , en justice has pronounced in our favor, then to ivb • ir its action with mercy, and repay good for evil, i . not more the peculiar glory of the Gospel than it is its peculiar power of winning new victories and nobler triumphs for the Truth. Such has been the case at the Grande Ligne Mission. 1:1 ;i, m Pie, as ry mind in such beyond equally Iress of need in mercy, )eeuliar 'wer of for the Grrande Htemofr d MtB. M. f, €u it i\ MEMOIR. No one who has read the tender and beautiful letter of Dr. Cote to his wife, immediately after his conversion, can be indifferent to her character and history. The following sketch is compiled from a letter of Madame Feller, published in the Grande Ligne Mission Register of 1851, addressed to the Ladies' Associations auxiliary to the Mission, and from a few other materials illustrative of her con- version, and of her feelings in view of her husband's death, and in expectation of her own. Mrs. Cote's parents were English lloman Catholics. They trained her up strictly in their own faith, to which she became sincerely attached. She spent several years of her life in a convent, while recei- ving her education; and when afterwards married to Dr. Cote, she was a devout Roman Catholic, submissive to all the teachings of her church. At that time, indeed. Dr. Cote himself was still within the pale of the Romish church ; and when he with- drew, and became by degrees an Infidel, his wife applied herself the more diligently to her religious (75) 1' ''»« ^ Hi %, m 76 MEMOIR OP MRS. COTE. Ill exercises ; performing twice as many as before, in the fond hope that a part might be imputed to her beloved husband I Whole nights were sometimes spent in repeating her prayers for him, with weeping agony. The time of " the two rebellions" in Canada, in which her husband, from his patriotic zeal, took so prominent a part, was marked by many misfortunes, and filled with bitter grief to Mrs. Cote. Separated from her husband, for whose life she constantly trembled, she saw her house plundered and burnt; sick, and with two young children, she found herself destitute of every thing, in a severe season, until a generous friend furnished her the means of seeking a new abode. Even then she cruelly suffered both bodily and mentally, as long as she was unable to join her husband in his place of exile. But that place of exile was a scene of mercy, from which was dated the happiness of their future lives. It was there, through the grace of God, that Dr. Cote was brought to the knowledge of the Truth ; and his wife, perceiving the happy change produced in him, was convinced it was the work of God, and subsequently led to seek the same blessing. The result was not immediate. After receiving the French Bible sent by her husband, she was still too much under the influence of the Romish church to dare to read it. But one day when riding out alone MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. 77 in her brotlicr*s carriage, she met an elderly English gentleman of her acquaintance, who in the course of conversation informed her that he was going to attend a prayer meeting at the Grande Ligne Mis- sion. She expressed her astonishment that he should go to the worship of fanatics and deceivers. He told her that she was greatly mistaken — that they were not bad people, but simple Bible Chris- tians, whose chief desire was to follow Jesus Christ — and begged her to go with him to the meeting, and judge for herself. She hesitated some time, but at length from the confidence she felt in his integrity, and the recollection of her husband's happy change, she determined to go. There she heard for the first time in her life, the word of God read, and her heart was touched with its truths, and with the prayers that followed. On returning to her brother's house, where she then resided, she took up with trembling earnestness the neglected Bible, and prayerfully resolved to follow her hus- band's advice, and make it her guide to salvation. But in order to do this she soon found it would be necessary to in* ur the displeasure of all her Roman Catholic friends, and indeed to be banished from their society. The house of her brother could no longer be her home, nor would her own father receive her. Her mind was torn with conflicting emotions, but the path of duty appeared plain. She 7* 'iH w MEMOIR OP MRS. COTE. Ill; U determined to join her husband in exile, with her two little ones. Afterwards she sought the spiritual aid of the Christians of Grande Ligne, that she might find rest to her troubled conscience, in the only true way revealed in the Gospel. "Then," says Madame Feller, "with the sim- plicity of a child, she came and asked us to receive her, and instruct her in the way of life. I shall never forget the blessed moment in which her heart understood the way of salvation, and received the grace of God. Mr. Roussy was explaining to her the third chapter of the Gospel of John, when suddenly she exclaimed, ' What unction comes upon me ! my soul is filled with it ! my body even is impressed by it !' She had just been enabled to believe that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Three weeks afterwards she went to relate to her husband what God had done for her soul.'' This all-important change occurred in 1841, and was decisive of her future course. On leaving the Romish church, as was foreseen, Mrs. Cote was abandoned by her relatives* This was very painful to her feelings ; but she enjoyed the full consolations of the Gospel ; and longed to impart them to others by every means in her power. Hence when her husband resolved to become a Missionary, she joined MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. 79 him with all her heart, and remained attached to this blessed work until her death. Many instances might be given to show the fervor of her zeal and love. On this point Madame Normandeau says, in a letter to her daughter : — " No one knows better than yourself, how truly your dear mother's spirit was a missionary one — though she never took the name of missionary, and in her humility felt that she was not one. She sacredly improved every opportunity, daily provi- dence and circumstances offered, to bring forward Jesus as the Saviour of sinners. The pedlar offer- ing his wares, and the pauper soliciting aid, will alike remember her earnest appeals to their con- sciences, and the fervid simplicity with which she told them the story of the Cross. She ranked herself among the poorest of Christians, but 0, she was rich in faith, and ever felt that she was an inheritor of the precious promises.^' The two leading features of her character were simplicity of faith and gratefulness of affection. She received the Holy Scriptures and enjoyed them as a child } and like David took delight in numbering the many tokens of the goodness of God, and giving Him thanks for them all. , Under the heavy stroke which so suddenly bereaved her of her husband, 3Irs. Cote was stronger and more sustained than her friends had dared to ' ir 80 MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. hope. She was silent and opened not her mouth, because it was God that had done it. The follow- ing letter to Mrs. J. L. Seddinger of Philadelphia, written about six months after her husband's death, lays open the recesses of her bleeding, but submis- sive heart : — Fort George, (C. E.,) March 19, 1851. Dear Sister in the Lord : — Yours, dated Novem- ber 1st, was handed to me by Madame Feller in due season. I would have answered it long ero this, could I have made up my mind to write concerning the death of my dear departed husband. But it was impossible. I could not muster courage sufficient to do it. To-day I was in hopes I could ; but how little do we know our own strength ! Every pore is opened anew, and I feel as I did the first week of his death. Yet I mourn not as many do ; for I know that he is happy, and that he is with his God and our God. What a blessed and happy thought ! Delivered from all temptations and sins, no sorrow can now reach him, for he is forever enjoying the bliss of the redeemed. " Yes, dear sister, my loss is great, and deeply do I feel it. Notwithstanding I feel that the Lord has indeed been the widow's God, and that He has answered the prayers of my dear friends; for I have been wonderfully sustained in all my trials. MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. 81 I Although not one of my own relations has been near me since his death, the Lord has raised other friends ; and how precious and soothing have been their sympathies in the hour of affliction. Please remember me affectionately to all the dear friends in Philadelphia. Often have I heard my dear hus- band speak in raptures of the kindness that was manifested towards him in your family and many others in the same place; and how truly did he realize that the religion of Jesus is a religion 'of level " The little flock in this place felt, and still feel his loss very much. Mr. lloussy has taken his place, and I am happy to say the work is still pros- pering, and many souls are coming to the know- ledge of the blessed Gospel. It is the Lord's work and not man's; therefore He will take care of it, and raise efficient laborers to perform it. " My dear children are, thank God, pretty well. I cannot say as much for myself. My health has been very poorly all the winter. *^ Please remember me in your prayers, also my dear little ones, that we may all meet at the throne of grace. I shall be most happy to hear from you Trhenever you can make it convenient. In the mexin time believe me, my dear sister, to remain < Yours affectionately in the Lord, ^^ Margaret Y. Cote." 82 MEMOIR OF MRS, COTE. i S 'I I It Will be seen from this letter that Mrb. Cote vras then in feeble health ; and under the impression that she would not long remain in this world, she made all her arrangements accordingly. Provi- dentially two years before, her husband had insured his life, and the avails of this foresight now came into her possession. Deeply thankful for the means thus furnished her to bring up her children, she removed in the summer to Grand Ligne, as the most suitable place for the education she intended to give them. But before the house she was build- ing there was ready to receive her, she was gone to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. "From the commencement of her sickness," writes Madam Feller, " she had no hope of recovery, and her maternal heart had a moment of anguish at the thought of leaving her chnurej^\ But very soon she humbled herseli for thh want of confi- dence, and with a simple and firm faith, confided her children to the care of her Heavenly Father. With the most perfect confidence she left them to the Missionary family, saying : ^I know my chil- dren are your children.' " From that time not a cloud obscured her faith ; ehe Cv nyoled her children and her friends. ^Do not cry,* she would say, ' but since you love me, rejoice; my soul is going to appear before God.' MEMOIR OF ^JRS. COTS:. 83 Hearing v^omcbody weep, she saltl, ' Do not weep ; there is cause for rejoicing; a poor sinner saved by grace is gc'ng to appear before God.' She spoko to those around her of the happiness she enjoyed in the peace and love of her Saviour, and ceased not until her last breath to render thanks unto Ilim, for the mercy He had shown." The following letters from Madame Normandeaa to Rev. Mr, Gillette of l*hilade]phia, and to Mrs. Cote's eldest daughter, then in a Female Seminary in the same city, will furnish many interesting particulars. The first is dated, r ) I }9 " September 19, 1851. " Dear Bro. GUlctte : — I leave the bedside of our almost sainted sister just to tell you, in all tender- ness, to prepare the mind of our dear for the intelligence I have to communiciite, that her dear mother is dying gloriously. I will write again when all shall be over." Under the same date, Madame iS^ormand'iau writes to the daughter : " Hero I am, dearest -, with a s. d and trembling, yet happy heart, writing. Your dear mother's disease is gaining ground, and she seems like some happy, bright, celestial bird, just ready for a homeward flight. Your dear mother feels that you arc just whore God has pkced you, and 84> MEMOIR OP MRS. COTE. Ih I'l. Tvould not have yoa here ; she could not bear a second parting witb you, and commends you to her and your God for consolation. That you should have left so short v. time since, I do not regret, your dear mother scenes so happy in leaving you where you are. Try and imitate her, dearest, and do not murmur. Ther3 is no hope of her recovery. How can I leave you ? But I must. Nay Jesus take you to his loving arms." Again, two days later, the same kind friend wi'^es ai^ follows : " My chamber, Sunday, 21. ^^ My own precious: — How can I acquit myself of the painful i^isk now devolving upon me ? God must be my s! rength, aiul yours, too, dearest, to en- able you to bear the tidin^^s this sheet will contain. O, that you had the sud pleasure of being with us; but since the good land of God has denied you this, I will give you many precious details. Ever since I wrote you last, your precious mother has been gradually sinking, and at three o'clock this morning her spirit winged its flight to mansions above, there to •-^ijoj •' glorious Sabbath free from Bin. What a privilege it hpa been to attenr> her ! Such faith ! such .^ongs of praise and gratitude ! Buch entire submission to her Father's will and care! A week ago to-day she thought some of MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. 85 commg to church; but I discouraged her in my morning visit, fearing the effort might bring on her partially checked diarrhoea. Monday she seemed quite feeble, but thought with care she should soon be well ; though fghc said she scarcely desired it, for she felt her work on earth was done, and she only longed to lay her dust beside hei ^ good man's,' and to go to rest above. This brought on much conversation about you all, which I shall long remember, and she closed with the as- surance that the Lord would do all things well. On Tuesday morning I found her so much hot- ter, that we supposed nothing was wanting but to build her up with nourishing food. Towards noon she told me she was in great distress. Madame Feller found her suffering from what she supposed was indigestion. The spasm passed, and left her weak but otherwise easy. I spoke again of sending for Dr. White. She replied, * He can do me no good ; husband told me I could receive no good from the doctors, that I was nearly done, and must not take medicine; but on going to St. Pie on Thursday, if you have a mind to see him yourself, tell him how I am, I have no objections.' AVe were then all intending to go to St. Pie, to the ex- amination of the girls' school. I replied, ^We shall not go and leave you so ill. I shall stay and take care of you.' /^ 8G MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. ' I ! I ?' I ■ "Wednesday T)r. "White came, and said her case was very critical, but he would try what medicine would do. Your mother dreaded the eifect upon her weak frame ; but summoning her courage, she said, ' Do all you like, I will do my duty.' Your dear mother tried all with wonderful energy, not- withstanding her almost deathly weakness, feeling at ^he same time confident that her end was near. She suffered comparatively but little pain, for the disease was treated most gently. For twenty-four hours after first taken on Tuesday, she suffered keenly, and often praj^ed for relief with submission. "Wonderful relief was given, and she said to me, ' What a good Lord my Lord is ! I asked for a lit- tle relief, and he has takan away all my pain ; he has always done more than I asked.' Her frame of mind from the first was most heavenly, iendcring it truly edifying to be with her; we all esteemed it a high privilege. It was often with difficulty she could speak; but she said much. 0, how much she said, to her dear son Wol- fred, praying him not to murmur, not to weep, for a soul was going to appear before its God. "We shall never forget the emphasis with which she said often to us, ^^ Pas une larme^ c^cst une Mm'son de joioy ixir ce qii une ame va paraitre dcvant son Dicu." " Not a tear, it is a house of joy, a soul is going to appeal' before its God.'' T her case tnodicinc }ct upon 'age, she Your rgy, not- I, feeling 7as near. , for the ;nty-four suffered )mission. [ to mo, for a lit- )aiu; he s most |be with It was Isho said u Wol- leep, for ll. Wo ihe said mm de \int son a soul MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. w Wiien too feeble to do it herself, she bade mo draw her wedding ring, and said merely, * Rose.' I have the precious relic for you, and 0, how you will prize it. What prayer she off""ed for you I ' Tell dear Rose I have nothing more to say to her, she knows my washes ; my desire is that she may bo all the Lord's, but tell her I loved her fondly ; I do not desire her back, it would be too painful for her to go back alone and motherless; lef her im- prove her great privileges and prenare for useful- ness.' Madame Feller was devoted to her night and day after she fell seriously ill, and was present with many others to close her eyes in death. Though almost speechless for twelve hours before her death, she was conscious, and knew us all until half an hour before her end, when she simply breathed fihorter and shorter until life was extinct. Heavenly peace is stamped upon her lovely clay ; the spirit left its impress there as it passed to heaven. 0, with what affection did she kiss us all, and point upward ! I know I shall not tell you all, for my heart, though happy for her, is sick for us and you, and head and limbs are weary. The dear chil- dren, almost sick with weeping, are already estab- lished as ours. The Lord teach us all our duty in reference to them. Little Augusta, patting her mother's pale cheek, r i 1' 1 i I ! 88 MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. said ono day to her, — " God will take you up to heaven, and you will have no more pain, and sister Etta will be Madame Feller's little girl, and I will go to Mr. and Mrs. Normandeau. I shall cry for you, but I shall know you are no more sick.' Au- gusta now insists that you arc all mine^ ^ Eose and all.' All the fountains of Madame Feller's large heart are opened for you all. I told Augusta she should love two mothers, and she added, * One papa,' put- ting her arms in her own fascinating way around Mr. Normandeau's neck. Dear little ones, they lit- tle know their loss, it is you, dear, and Wolfrcd, who will feel it most keenly. You have my sym- pathies, my prayers, for I well know your feelings of desolation. Though years have rolled since I was written motherless, the memory is fresh, the heart gushes still. I well know that you can have but one mother. We know you are among the tru- est, tenderest friends, though comparative strangers. They will ever be precious to you as your parents' friends. One short year has taken both those pa- rents from you. cruel discipline I but given we know in love. May you all, dear children, receive it at a Father's hand, and bow submissive to the rod, drinking the bitter cup, as your ''ainted mother said, and seeking the blessings that will surely ac- company such chastisement. Mr. N. begs me to MEMOIR OF MRS. COTE. 89 give you his love and sympatliy in this trying hour, and that your soul may bo abundantly blessed and filled with holy consolation, is the prayer of your eincere friend and mother. C. A. N. Wo shall close this sketch with the words of Madame Feller, in her letter of Nov. 4 th, 1851, referred to in the beginning, addressed to the aux- iliary Ladies' Associations. '^Ladies and dear Sisters: — Since I last wrote you, it has pleased God to cause us to pass through affliction and mourning, by taking to Himself our dear sister, Mrs. Cote. It was on the 21^t of Sep- tember that she left this world, after a short sick- ness, during which she edified and consoled us. Firmly established upon her most holy faith, fjhe waited for her Saviour, and has responded with joy to His call to pass from this world to Ilini. *^ Our beloved sister was forty -four years old. It was ten years since she believed in Christ,* and not yet a year since the companion of her life had pre- ceded her into eternity. ♦ We have been informed by her daughter that one of tho circumstances which forcibly impressed Mrs. Cote's mind on first joining her husband at Swanton in ISil, was tho sacred observance of the Sabbath by Protestant Christians. It was new to her, and tended greatly to remove her early preju- dices, by convincing her that tboy were really influenced by the fear of God. This is a fact worth remembering. 8* IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET {MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1^ M22 1 2.5 Ul Uii iM 111112.0 IL25 i 1.4 12.2 1.6 V <^ /} ^m -> ,>^ Photographic Sciences Corporation M yw 4 ■i>' :\ \ o >/'«^q\ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14SS0 (716) S72-4S03 '^ ^ 90 Memoir op mrs. cote. " And now, dear sisters, I ask your sympathies and your prayers for our dear orphans, and for those who take the place of the parents they have lost, " In the faith and love of Jesus, " Your aflfectionate and grateful, "Henriette Feller/' m apathies •r those lost. ! :r. f> m HISTORY OP THE iranh ligne MIbbu a . I !! (91) HISTOUY OF THE GEANDE LIGNE MISSION. Canada, as all are aware, was discovered and colonized by the French as early as 1608. They brought with them the social and religious institu- tions of the mother country, which, as plants set in a new and rich soil, flourished and took deep root. The political institutions, it is true, under- went a change at the time of the conquest by Great Britain ; but this did not in the least affect the moral condition of the people. They were Roman Catholics, und continued so to be ; and the more sincerely and truly, as the poison of Infidelity was neither instilled, nor was the demoralization of the French Revolution felt among them. Popery has held an uninterrupted and undisputed sway in Canada for about two centuries, and has had a fair chance of showing what it can do. Its fruits have been evident : ignorance, stagnation, apathy, super- Btition, and poverty have marked its reign. In a religious point of view, such was their servitude to (93) 1 I 04 HISTORY OF THE if i the priests, that every avenue to their minds and hearts seemed cfFectUi«My and hopelessly closed, and darkness, gross darkness, covered the land. Like ancient Galilee, before the Advent of Christ, the people sat in the region and shadow of death. And, what may seem astonishing, no efforts of any consequence had been made to evangelize them, until the coming of the Swiss Missionaries. This fact, however, can easily be accounted for : the only people that could have attempted this work spoke a different language, and moreover, as conquerors usually are, were looked upon with prejudice, and oftentimes with hatred. The fact of their being English and conquerors, was sufficient to exclude them from all access to the French population. However, God had designs of mercy towards the French Canadian people, and light was soon to dawn upon them, which we hope will set no more. .1. The revival of religion, with which Switzer- land was visited about 1820, awakened, as it always does, a missionary spirit. The efforts of Chris- tians for the conversion of souls, embraced at first their fellow-countrymen, then their neighbors, the Romanists of France, and at a later period their attention was also directed towards Canada. It is worthy of notice here, that it was in the heart of an GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 95 humble "believer that the zeal for the conversion of the French Canadians was first kindled. Impressed with the importance of sending the Gospel to this people, he would saj to his pastor and his brethren : *' Do you pray for Canada? Oh! let us pray for Canada !*' This prayer, so evidently the fruit of the Holy Spirit, was soon answered. The Eev. 11. Olivier, pastor of a Christian church at Lausanne, left his native country in 1834, for this country, intending to preach the Gospel among the Indians. But, seeing that the French population was deprived of every opportunity of becoming acquainted with the Truth, as it is in Jesus, he resolved to settle at Montreal, and there he immediately commenced his missionary labors. He began to preach in a school-house, kindly offered to him by the Method- ists for this object. The conversion of a young Canadian, and of seven or eight Irish Romanists under Mr. Olivier's ministry, and their union with the Methodist and Baptist churches, aroused the priests, who put forth their most strenuous efforts in order to kill in its germ this evangelistic work. The irritation among the Irish was so great that they went to attack the Baptist church with the determination of carrying off a young Irish woman who was going to be baptized. 96 HISTORY OP THE The French Canadians were more quiet; never- theless the effect of the excitement was immediately felt. The congregation began to decrease, and the services in the school house had to be abandoned for want of hearers ; from that time Mr. Olivier held meetings in his own house, but these were not more successful. However, he had the pleasure of seeing two other individuals converted to God, and this was an encouragement and an earnest of future success. Mr. Olivier, notwithstanding all the opposition and difficulties he met with from the enemies of the Gospel, felt confident that a wide door of useful- ness was opened, and he felt greatly desi^- that some of his brethren at Lausanne should c .^ and jo* Im. He wrote to his friends in Switzerland, placing the subject before their minds, and urging them to consider its claims upon their Christian charity. There was at that time in the church over which Mr. Olivier had been placed, a lady who was distin- guished for piety and holy zeal. After experience of the vanity and nothingness of worldly pleasures, she had been led to Christ, and had taken in ear- nest the profession of that faith which worketh by love. In imitation of the example of her blessed Redeemer, she went about doing good; visiting the sick and the afflicted, and administering to GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 97 them the sweet consolations of the Oospol. Not avaricious, as many professors of religion appear to be, of the knowledge of the truth as it is iu Jesus, the desire of her heart was to impart the good news to others. She reflected with emotion on the sad condition of those who are deprived of the blessings of true religion, and felt a strong desire to do her part towards the evangelization of the unconverted. This desire became a decisive call after the death of her husband and of her only child. It is interesting to trace the origin of the prepa- ration of this Christian lady for the work in which she has been so abundantly blessed. " Since the death of the good husband and the dear child which God in his love had given me, and in his love took f^om me,'' wrote Madam Feller two or three years after her coming to Canada, " my heart has been filled with the desire of being devoted exclu- sively to the service of the Lord. At first, I sup- pressed this sentiment, w^iich I knew w^^s very contrary to the taste and wishes of my family ; and also because I was afraid of deceiving myself in cherishing it. But after a certain time I w^as con- vinced that it was the call of God, and resisted it no longer; and during the seven or eight years which followed, I bes ought the Lord continually to open before me the way, and to show me what he would give me to do in his service. Quite differ- 9 ^1' In: ■I |; ■ I I' ■' M 98 HISTORY OF THE ;( V ii; \ lb'::' ii. cut business occupioJ me during this time; nothing however could satisfy my soul but the love and service of my Saviour." "With such feelings and dispositions, ^Madame Feller was likely to receive Mr. Olivier's call. The communications of Mr. and iMrs. 0., respect- ing the idolatry, ignorance, and abject condition of the Canadian people took strong hold upon her heart. This people which spoke her native tongue, soon seemed to her the one to which tho Lord designed to send her. " This call," says she, " coin- ciding with the expectation of my faith and the circumstances in which I was placed, and being in answer to a new testimony which I had sought of the Lord, I was convinced that it was his will that I should go to Canada, and I accordingly replied to our friends that I would go, and commenced prepa- rations for my departure." Mr. Louis Roussy, a minister of the Gospel, who had also been led to choose Canada as his sphere of labor, concluded to start at the same time. It was in the month of August, 1835, that they set out, and came first to Havre in France, from which place they intended to sail by the first packet. But owing to different circumstances, they were obliged to wait there over three weeks. This time was not lost; it was spent in spreading the knowledge of the truth. Mr. Roussy did the ikii GILVNDE LIGNE MISSION. 90 worlc of an cvaii'ieHHt ad cMdportour upon the wharf and in the ships, whilst Madame Feller visited in company with a Christian sister a number of families, to whieh she endeavoured to do good. They were able to sail on the 20th of Septem- ber. They landed at New York after a happy voyage of thirty days, and proceeded immediately to ]Montreal, where they arrived on the 31st of October, 1835. II. Ten days after, an opening presented itself. Mr. lloussy was invited to take charge of a school on the Grande Ligne^ of Lacadie. He had not come with the intention of pursuing the calling of a school-master, but be thought this situation would afford him a good opportunity of laying the foundation for future usefulness in that neighbor- hood, and therefore responded cheerfully to the call. As for Madame Feller, she spent the winter at Montreal. In conjunction with Madame Olivier, she opened a school for the instruction of French Canadian children. Much of her time was also spent in visiting the Roman Catholics in their houses, fur the purpose of reading the Scriptures, * A Grande Ligne in Canada is a street generally straight as an arrow, from five to seven miles in length, and more or less remote from the villages. If 100 HISTORY OF THE in and conversing with tliom on the truths of the Gospel. ]5y those incjins, she obtained lui accurate knowkMlgo of the Canadian character, aud was pre- pared for her subsequent efforts. Upon their arrival, Madame Fcdler and Mr. lie issy had found jMr. and Mrs. Olivier sick — having been exceedingly tried ])y the climate. Their feeble health continued declining, and their physician advised them to return without delay to Switzerland. But, before taking this resolution, a great struggle took place in their souls. They could not consent, they thought, to leave Madame Feller upon this rude and strange soil, and they never would have been able to persuade her to return w^ith them to their dear country. " I was BO sure of having followed Jesus in coming to Canada,'' says Madame Feller, " that no human consideration would have induced me to leave. I was happier in remaining there alone with Ilim, than I would have been in following my best and dearest friends in returning to our native home.'' Mr. and Mrs. Olivier had to start alone. God Lad sent them to Canada to lead the way for others, and now he called them back to Switzerland. Humbly bowing down before this mysterious dis- pensation of their Heavenly Father, they left in the month of May of the following year. God admirably sustained Madame Feller in this trial. GIIANDE LIGNE MISSION. 101 in jod lal. She says : *^ I hud foreseen before leaving Switzer- land the possibility of being plaecd in this gitu- ution. It is not with delusions that I had entered on this fine career. I had sat down to count the cost before buiMing the tower. I had measured beforehand all the difficulties of a missionary life, and I had not forgotten isolation, abandonment, poverty, even death at the hospital. I could not then hesitate a moment upon the course to pursue. I have come to this country to labor for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ ; I had hoped I could do so v/ith my friends Olivier; but since it is not the good pleanure of my Father, I will cio in my hum- ble sphere what lie may confide to my hands. "When I call to mind all I have asked of the Lord, I do not \fonder at being led in this path, as for a long time I have hungered and thirsted to live "with Ilim and for llim. ... Oh ! how favorable will my position be to crucify myself, and lead me to seek the fullness of Christ, which shall real- ize that for which I have so much sighed." Mr. lloussy, it has already been stated, had undertaken the charge of a school in the parish of Lacadie. Keeping constantly in view the object of his coming to Canada, and anxious to sec souls brought to the Saviour, he did not confine his instractions to the communication of general know- ledge, but embraqed in addition the truths and 9* 102 HISTORY OF THE i ' ^ 1"^' 1 m 1 ■■ 1 • ■ 1 ll ! 1 ^ • * ■ > ui' 'kMA duties of religion; and his spare time was em- ployed in visiting the people, and making known to them, in a familiar manner, the way of salva- tion. One day as he was by the bed-side of a poor sick man to whom he was endeavoring to point out Christ crucified, a woman present was struck with what he spoke, and judging he might preach, she invited him to go, and hold a meeting in her own house on the following Sabbath. He was overjoyed with this opening, and went on the Sabbath evening, as he had agreed to. The neighbors had gathered, and ilie house was full. Thev listened with attention and interest to Mr. Roussy's discourse, and invited him to preach again. He appointed the Sabbath and Thursday evenings, and thus was sown the first good seed from which has sprung the ever progressing and increasing work of the Grande Ligne Mission. This Sabbath in which the Gospel was preached in its purity to attentive and anxious hearers, deserves to be remembered in the religious history of Canada, and this Ligne will ever be considered Grande (great,) for it has been marked by the finger of God himself, as the cradle of a great and important work. The meetings were sustained and were attended by some forty persons. But the priests, informed of these labors, began to preach violently against him, calling him a fool, an innov/itor, a heretic, and ! : t > t GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 103 ich be all their fruitful minds could suggest. And through their efforts and influence Mr. lloussy was soon dis- missed from his office. He wq ( '.1' i:'> I 1 1 I i 118 HISTORY OF THE a happy week, devoted to the reading of the Word of God, to prayer and to praise. No one could apply himself to any work, for the Spirit of the Lord visited these cabins. Every day some soul was relieved of the burden of sin by trusting in Christ. Twenty-five persons, as we hope, obtained pardon and peace at this time, making, with the first converts, the number of twenty-nine worshipers and followers of Christ in this forest. Among the converts were some who had been exceedingly abandoned, and capable of any atrocities ; and who, at the commencement of the meetings, oiFered gross insults to our brother Beaudin, but whom he had disarmed and conquered by patience and forbearance. One of them hated him so violently, that he had resolved to beat him in such a manner that he should have no wish to return to these woods; but not daring to do it in cold blood, he followed him, with insults, for the purpose of provoking him to say or do something which might excite his anger, and make it easy to execute his design. But as he only replied to him in mild language, or kept silent, he was, at every attempt, entirely defeated. His wife, who was one of the first to embrace the gospel, urged him to listen to reading and change his course ; but, wearied with the repetition of a sub- ject which he detested, and vexed because his wife had become a Christian, he determined to abandon P' GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 119 to his family and depart to the States, that he might shun these annoyances. lie had not proceeded two leagues when, stricken in conscience, he re- traced his steps, came and acknowledged his sins, and besought them to pray for him. In a few days after, he found joy and peace in believing.'' VII. A Mission House was built at St. Pie and a log school-house at Berea in 1842, which were both consecrated to God on the 25th of December of the same year. We extract from a letter sent by Mr. lloussy to the Secretary of the Evangelical Society, of New York the following interesting account of these services. " We made our arrangements," says Mr. R., " to go and consecrate the house for a school and for wor- ship, at St. Pie, and also that at Milton, (Berea.) We went as a femily-party, leaving at Grande- Ligne only a sufficient number to take care of the house. Christmas day had been appointed for the meeting, and at an early hour one hundred Cana- dians and twenty English, with their pastor, had assembled to meet us. It was with ardent Christian feeling that we entered upon the occupation of this ^^ house of prayer,'' in the name of our eternal God — Father, Son, and Spirit; entreating Him to consecrate it, I '■ 120 HISTORY OF THE m and make it a ceutre of heat and light for this country. Our hearts were moved ; and with lively emotion we returned thanks to God for all that he has done for us in so short a time. It would have delighted us if you, dear brother, and a goodly number of our American and Swiss friends could have been present with us. T^ey who have labored and prayed so earnestly for our poor Canadians, would have felt grateful, and encouraged to still further efforts, by seeing them gathered at the feet of Jesus to receive his word; an attentive group of those who, but a year and a half since, were buried in the darkness of superstition. We held three meetings on the Sabbath, and two on Monday, and God gi'anted to us delightful evidences of his presence. After the exposition of the Scriptures at the evening service, a free invitation to speak was given to those present; and successively fifteen individuals of every age and condition addressed us in words which thrilled our hearts with lively joy. Here was a man asking " What must I do to be saved V* There, one beseeching us to pray for him, that God would convert and save him. Another ex- horted his brethren, recently converted, to grati- tude and holiness of life. A fourth, related to us what sweet peace of soul he had enjoyed since he gave his heart to God. At last, a father of a family and his wife who had once listened to the gospel, !i;: GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 121 I r but for several months had neglected it, came, bathed in tears, entreating us to receive them as prodigals ; asking pardon from God for the evil they had done to his church ; pardon from the children of God for having so deeply grieved th^em ; pardon from the unconverted, for the occasion of reproach they had given to them. Oh, how delightful was that evening ! What heavenly language flowed from the lips of all ! The Spirit hovered over us, and we blessed the love of God toward these poor sinners. Those who knew the Saviour, wished to fly to his arms, to be purified wholly, and to enjoy his presence eternally. How holy was the place I It was truly the house of God — the gate of Heaven. On Tuesday morning, ten sleighs, carrying forty persons, all animated with joy and peace, started for Berea, where we were received vrith acclama- tions of delight and gratitude. Never before have those woods had so many visiters. All was life and animation. Our dear Bereans came to us rejoicing, to describe to us their happiness in the wonderful grace of God towards them. More than eiylity were present, and we had two meetings, one at evening and the other on Wednesday morning, at which we were blessed with the same favor that the Lord had be- stowed on this place several weeks previous, when he consecrated it to himself, filling it with his presence. It was a thanksgiving, rather than a dedication. It 11 I !! I,: •: ii i 111 I * 122 HISTORY OF THE r was edifying to us to hear many of these new dis- ciples, aged men and women, exjDress, in their Canadian dialect, the sentiments of their hearts. Each spoke with emotion of the love of Jesus who had arrested them in their career of folly and ruin, and plucked them as brands from the flames. The intelligence, piety, knowledge of the Scriptures and of the way of salvation, which many manifested, surprised us all. Evidently the Spirit of Christ had instructed them, and what teacher can instruct like him ?" VITI. It was evident that St. Pie would become an important station, and it was exceedingly desirable that a preacher should occupy it. Dr. Cote was chosen for this post. A residence of two years at Chazy, where he had labored as a missionary, had prepared him for more ext^insive engagements and greater usefulness. He removed to St. Pie in October, 1843, and entered on a course of diligent labor, whic]i was abundantly blessed. A violent persecution had arisen a little before against the converts of this place, of which a brief account must here be given. For some time the priests of that neighborhood had been actively cngjiged in exciting the enmity GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 123 ■I I of tlicir people agtiin *■ tlie protestant Cliristian?<. The priest of St. l*ie especially had inaiiifestecl, at intervals, much ardor in re})resenting them aa hypocrites, seducers, and people sold to wickedness. Finally, excited more and more, the villagers deter- mined to set themselves against the Protestants. They availed themselves for this purpose, of a littlo meeting held on the evening of Sunday, the 27th of August. Messrs. Iloussy and Cote, who were pre- sent, heard that the llomanists intended to come and give them a cliarivan.'^ Very soon, a number of young persons assembled before the house, and commenced making their horrible noise, to the great satisfaction of the crowd whom they drew around them. "\Ye went out," says Mr. Roussy, "to speak to them, and they replied to us by a shower of stones. This was the beginning of charivaries and of violent scenes, which lasted fourteen days and which terminated with burning the house of one of our brethren. '^ They appealed to the protection of the law, and the guilty were so punished as not to renew their outrages, and at the same time to see that the Pro- testants, animated with the spirit of Christ, were ready to forgive, whilst they claimed the rights to ; 1' )d ^ A serenade with horns, pans, and other discordant instruments. !i I 124 HISTORY OF THE : which they were legally entitled. Dr. Cote's medical advice was asked for by some of the persecutors, and as it was readily and gratuitously granted, they were led to reflect on the happy influence of the Gospel, and to inquire after the truth. So that all contributed to the glory of God in the advancement of his blessed kingdom. A church was organized at St. Pie in 1844, and a call tendered to Dr. Cote, who accepted, and was ordained on the 30th of August of the same year. The llev. Dr. Baird of New York, and the Ilev. Messrs Wilkes and Tanner, of Montreal, with other ministers engaged in the exercises of the day. During these second five years of the jMission's operations, some thirty persons were brought to the knowledge of the Saviour under Dr. Cote's minis- trations at Chazy. By the blessing of God upon his labors at St. Pie many more were converted, so that upwards of one hundred persons, affording satisfactory proof of repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, were received into church-fellowship in that place ; and these numbers added to the converts at Grande-Ligne and its neighborhood, presented a total of about three hundred souls, rescued from ignorance and sin, and introduced into that kingdom which is " righteous- ness; peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.^' V GRANDE LIGNE IMISSION. 125 IX. If we now glance at the last five years' success, from 1846 to 1851, we find that the missionaries and the supporters of the Mission have abundant reason to bless God, and feel encouraged. During that period about a hundred individuals have been hopefully converted to God, and added to the churches, in the diiTerent stations. New missiona- ries have entered the field, new instrumentalities have been used, so that a broader foundation for future usefulness has been laid, and an important preparatory work accomplished. In 1849, a new station was opened at St. Mary, a parish twenty miles east of Grande Ligne, where several individuals had manifested an interest in religion. Dr. Cote, who resigned his pastorate of the St. Pie church, in consequence of a collecting tour in the United States, was sent there after his return to Canada. He met at first with great opposition from the priests. It was carried so far, that one day some eighty individuals, at the head of whom was their pastor, actually came to destroy his house and drive him away ; but were prevented from making an attack by the earnest expostulations of the neighbors. Notwithstanding this, his efi'orts were much blessed. The congregation gradually increased, if 11 * 126 HISTORY OF THE I and souls wore converted. Fiftcion fiiniIH"S, mostly in good circunistiinces, left ^llic Koniisli church to follow the Truth, us it is in Jesus. They united in buildin<^ a largo chapel, to the erection of which they have generously contributed. In June of the same year, Mr. N. Cyr, one of the fruits of the Mission, after graduating at tho Theological School of Geneva, returned to Canada to engage in the ]Missionary work. And in Sep- tember the year following, Mr. T. Lafleur who had also gone to the same institut^v^n, joined his brethren and friends of the Grande Ligne Mission. The Mission had to record with sorrow about this time (October, 1850,) the death of one of its devoted laborers. Dr. Cote. He was called unex- pectedly to his reward, at a time when his services might have been so exceedingly useful at St. Mary. In bowing submissive!} to this mysterious dispen- sation of their heavenly Father, they were happy to see that his kind providence had provided in Mr. Lafleur a new laborer to fill up this vacancy. Mr. Lafleur was ordained to the ministry, March 19, 1851. Mr. Cyr preached the sermon from Horn. X. 1-3. In expressing his pleasure at seeing his friend consecrate himself publicly to tho service of the Lord, he made a touching allusion to the time of their conversion ; he called to mind that it was ten years since together they had left the Romish GRANDE LTOXE MISSION. 127 Church, that it was together they had commenced the study of the ]{il)k', and had otlered to (iod their first i)raycr. 3Ia(hiinc Feller says, " I was over- come with joy in seeing one, whom I hud watched over as a pupil and loved as a son, enter this holy career.'' As a new token of the providing care of our Heavenly Father, they have welcomed Mr. Charles lloux, late student in Geneva, who joined the missionary band in July 1851. Mr. lloux was baptized in November. It was with mingled feel- ings of friendship, Christian love, and gratitude, that Mr. Lafleur led into the water one with whom he had held sweet communion, with whom he had studied on another Continent, and in whom he now finds a fellow-laborer. Until 1850 the education of Canadian girls had been limited to a few, received at the Grande Ligne institution, which was mostly designed for the other sex. It was seen then that a separate school, and more systematic teaching was exceedingly desirable. It was consequently resolved that an institution of this kind should be established at St. Pie. This School was opened in the Fall under the superintendence of Mademoiselle Jonte, assisted by Miss Boardman, a young American lady, con- verted while studying French at Grande Ligne. This institution has been very successful, and one / , / I 128 HISTORY OF THE i^ year's trial warrants the belief that it is destined to do a good work. ]\Ir. Tretreau, formerly a Tlomaii priest, and now a preacher of the Gospel, besides assisting Mr. La- fleur in the work of evangelization at St. V'lQ and Salem, has the charge of the primary school of tho former place. Ilis superior qualifications will enable him to raise the standard of study in his school, and draw a large number of scholars. A new school, under the superintendence of tho minister of St. Pie, will be opened at the ^^ Ameri- ican Village," two miles distant from the Mis- sionary Station. English Protestants have united with French Protestants to establish a school sepa- rate from* the Catholics, in order to insure a Christian influence in the classes by the reading of the Scriptures. The schoolmaster is a pious young man, formerly a pupil of the Grande Ligne Institute. Catholic parents have promised to send their chil- dren to our new school ; the Catholic one, they say is worse than nothing. Mr. lliendeau, whose labors as an evangelist have been blessed in Salem district, having been called to Grande Ligne in 1851 to help Mr. Normandeau in the educational department, Mr. Lafleur and Mr. Tetreau took charge of his place. It being de- cided in 1852, that Mr. Eiendeau should enter tho „ n \ GRANDE-LIGNE MISSION. 120 J University tat llochestor, N. Y., Mr. I3orit bccauio bis pucecssor at the Grande Ligne. This (.IqKirtniont of our missionary operations is now in a jjrosperous state, contributing its jtiirt to the advancement of the great work. At tho Grande Ligno Institute, 26 pupils have pursued their studies under llev. L. : '')rmandeau, the Prin- cipal, and Messrs. C. Roux and T. Kiendeau, licen- tiates and teachers, and liave made considerable progress. Some of those boys and young men show a good deal of talent, and promise -to be very useful in their respective callings. The number of scholars is now about 30. The Girls* School at St. Pie contains at present 20 scholars, and is becoming more and more useful and interesting. Besides these two institutions, eight primary schools have been in operation during the past year, furnishing an instruction in the elementary branches of education, pervaded by the spirit of Christianity, to more than two hundred children. Mention must also be made of the Mission Press, established through the efforts of friends at the be- ginning of 1851, as its operations, though inde- pendent of the Mission, are carried, on under its auspices, and are designed to cooperate in the same cause. A periodical was started under the title of Lc Semeur Cauadienj (The Canadian Sower,) 130 HISTORY OF THE which has met already with considerabl : success, in spite of the opposition of the Romish clergy,, who are doing all they can to prevent its circulation. Through this paper, and tracts and pamphlets iesued at its office, we can reach a goodly number of French Canadians of the educated class, hitherto inaccessible to the teachings of the Gospel. In presence of the success attending this effort, and in view of the good to be done, the editor, Mr. Cyr, trusting to God, has decided to issue the Semeur weekly, and remove it to Montreal, where it is to be hoped, it will be still more productive of good. It goes already into more than a hundred different places, and is read by at least five hundred French Canadians of the educated class. Our aim is to introduce it into all the parishes of Lower Canada, where French readers are to be found. It is the only Evangelical paper in the French lang-uage now printed on the Continent of North America. We have reason to believe th.^t the Press, this great in- strumentality of modern times, will do its part, uoder the blessing of God, towards the evangeliza- tion of Canada. X. Madame Feller and Mr. Roussy came to Canada under the patronage of a Missionary Society in Switzerland; from which Society they continued for GRAND LIGXE MISSION. 131 a time to receive occasional aid. During the years 1837 and 1838 their operations were carried on under the auspices of the Canada Baptist Mission- ary Society; some assistance was also received from the United States and from Scotland. In the au- tumn of the last mentioned year their connexion with the Canada Baptist Missionary Society was dissolved, the missionaries being then of opinion that they could labor more efficiently if they were independent of all religious parties. They conti- nued to do so for nearly seven years, during which time they received numerous and valuable tokens of Christian regard from all denominations. The fos- tering care of the Foreign Evangelical Society ren- dered essential service to the cause. Pecuniary grants, varying froln 550 to 1200 dollars, were received an- nually from that Society. Besides this, the patronage of the Society stimulated the zeal of Christians, and encouraged the formation of numerous Ladies' Associations, which raised considerable sums of money, and otherwise assisted the mission. Aid was also received from Switzerland, England, and Canada. The funds annually realized from all these sources gradually increased from 1,800 to 5,000 dollars, more than three-fourths of which were fur- nished by friends in the United States. In the autumn of 1845, proposals were made to enter into a more definite and more permanent 132 HISTORY OF THE arrangement with tlie Foreign Evangelical Society. That arrangement was not found practicable. After much deliberation and prayer, the Missionaries came to the conclusion that their operations could no longer be conducted on the plan which had been pursued for several years past, and a re-union with the Canada Baptist Missionary Society was effected. The management of the aifairs of the Mission was intrusted to a Committee, consisting of four members of the Committee of this Society, and four members belonging to Grand Ligne. The Canada Baptist Missionary Society proceeded to make such grants for the Mission, as its means allowed, and these grants, with contributions from American Baptists, secured by the annual visits of Madame Feller and Dr. Cote, and the continued bene- ficence of steadfast Pedobaptist friends, have from that time formed its resources. But unhappily the Canada Baptist Missionary Society, notwithstanding the generous contributions of some of its members, became unable in 1848, from a variety of causes, to render the usual assistance to the Mission. It was then thought that the American Baptist Home Mission Society, whose seat of operations is in New York, would be the means that God designed to employ to support the Grande Ligne ^Mission. But the Constitution of this society did not per- mit its Committee to embrace the entire work. All ^;- -W GRAND LIGNE MISSION. 133 I ! <^ it could do was to grant salaries to the ministers and licentiates, an aid wliich was received with gra- titude, and that covers about a third of all the ex- penses. For the other branches of the work, that is, for the Institution of Grande Ligne, the Girls' School at St. Pie, the Primary Schools and the Col- porteurs, the Mission is dependent upon the libe- rality of those Christians who take an interest in the spiritual welfare of this benighted country. CONCLUSION. Such is the Grande Ligne Mission enterprise; such its origin, its progress ; such the blessings that have rested upon it. In the short period of fifteen years it has been instrumental in bringing to the knowledge of the Redeemer some four hundred French Canadians — a result the more cheering and encouraging as the mass of this people had been for two centuries in ignorance, superstition and dark- ness. Even in their agricultural operations there was not thought and enterprise enough among them to induce the adoption of the most obvious and easy improvements : — ancient and slovenly modes of husbandry, old and inconvenient implements were pertinaciously retained. Education was entirely neglected, so that in large districts of country, but here and there a solitary individual among the - '^ hahitans^^ (farmers,) was able even to read. 12 134 HISTORY OF THE But this state of things lias begun to pass away. In regard to agriculture, education, enterprise and free inquiry, great changes for the best have taken place, and will be favorable under the blessing of God to the advancement of his cause. Light has dawned upon this benighted land, and Christians can confidently hope that the fiuits already ga- thered are only the earncf^t of a great harvest. Now embracing a field of 2750 square miles, the Grande Ligne Mission enterprise is arduous and important; involving solemn responsibilities; re- quiring great faith ; often calling into exercise qualities seemingly incompatible — simplicity and prudence — affection and firmness — calm considera- tion and ardent zeal ; and withal so conducted and controlled, in the wisdom of God, as that, while extraordinary success has accompanied the endea- vors of his servants, for which they cannot be suffi- ciently grateful, they have been continually re- minded of their absolute dependence on his provi- dence and grace, and taught, not without painful experience, that it is God who " worketh all in all.'' The providence of God has thus opened a wide and effectual door in Canada, and He calls upon his children to exert themselves more and more to spread the truth and cause the light to shine. The French population in Lower Canada is now about 700,000, and they are all Catholics except + GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 135 * ?ept those that liavo been brought to the kno^vleclge of the Gospel within fifteen years. Education is be- ginning to be prized, and reading to become a habit, among them. Where one newspaper was taken fifteen years ago, there are now more than ten. It is an encouraging sign. Until two or three years ago the whole French Canadian Press was dev^ ted more or less to the Ro- man Catholic clergy. Noyr two papers boldly op- pose the clergy, and tell them some of the hardest truths. The editors, like Dr. Cote formerly, have become disgusted with Popery, and yet are in dan- ger of confoundirg it with Christianity. Happily, such men can now be reached by means of the evangelical little weekly sheet, called Le Semeur CanacUerij or the Canadian Sower. In casting a glance upon what has been accom- plished in our missionary field during the past year, we feel compelled to pour forth our gratitude before the throne of our great Head, thanking him for the success granted to his feeble instruments. Behold, a church under construction at St. Mary ; the house at St. Pie enlarged sufficiently to accom- modate twenty pupils ; a Society formed at Grande Ligne for the purpose of sustaining the Mission ; nineteen persons baptized and united with the churches in the difierent stations; a number of Romish families brought under the influence of the !l 136 HISTORY OF THE "I ti Truth ; a new field open at Granby, and promising to be fertile ; the establishment of a religious paper in the French language which disseminates the Truth among the higher classes of Canadian society ; these are visible effects of the blessing that God has poured out upon the Grande Ligne Mission. Yes, God blesses our field, and he will continue to bless it. Many doors are opened ; ihe influence of the priests diminishes rapidly; they are daily losing ground, and beating a retreat; numerous appeals come to us from divers places, but our fee- ble band is already overworked. Even now we need six more ministers, and a greater number of colportours. The harvest is great and ripe, but there are few laborers ; let us then pray the Lord of the harvest to send us more, and to sustain with his Spirit from on high those who are already en- gaged in the blessed work. Among the signal benefits of our God, the past vear, we would not fail to acknowledo^e the warm sympathy that he has excited for us in the hearts of many of his children; a sympathy which has not alone consisted in words but in deeds. After having thanked God, who has inspired such senti- ments, it is to us an agreeable duty to thank them cordially for their generous aid. "VVe beg the Ame- rican Baptist Home Mission Society, we beg the Ladies' Societies formed in aid of the Grande Ligne GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. 137 h he no Mission, we beg all those Christians who have con- tributed to the support of the Mission to accept the most sincere assurance of our gratitude. In April, 1852, Madame Feller writes: — "You will learn with pleasure that we are blessed in our work, more than we have been. The good and powerful hand of our God is ever busy in preparing new ways and opening new doors, where the happy missionaries may penetrate with the Gospel.'' In July she gratefully announced that the Mission was free from debt. At the same time the Mission was strengthened by the arrival of Mr. J. Laborde, a colporteur from France, driven thence by the revi- ving influence of the Jesuits in the government of that unhappy country. Mr. L. seems to combine strength of purpose, with simplicity and piety. Thus by destroying religious liberty Louis Napo- leon, without knowing or desiring it, contributes to the evangelization of Canada. The influence of Truth is more and more felt; it is communicated from relatives to relatives, from friends to friends, and is becoming the general subject of conversation — rparticula ly at St. Mary's, where the new and beautiful chapel has been advancing to completion. It was recently opened for public worship, under interesting circumstances. A new field of usefulness, also, has just been added at St. Isidore, 40 mil^s west of Grande Ligne. 12* 138 GRANDE LIGNE MISSION. Let the Preacher, the Teacher, the Colporteur, and the Evangelical Press he sustained, and, with God's favor, Canada East will he enlightened, ele- vated, and in due time enjoy all the various bless- ings of true religion. The wilderness and the soli- tary place shall he glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. th le- ss- zrt APPENDIX. DEDICATION OF THE PROTESTANT CHAPEL AT ST. MARY. On the twenty-second day of September, 1852, we dedicated to the service of God the first build- ing in our Mission exclusively devoted to public religious meetings. It appeared to us as a new era in the history of our Mission, for although we have other places of worship that wc call chapels, thoy are but large rooms in our missionary bouses set apart for schools, as well as for public religious meetings. The weather was not very favorable for the occasion, it being a co-^ and shov/ery day, and the roads not inviting either; still we had the greatest gathering of French Canadian Protestants we have had since the beginning of the mission. We could not but compare this dedication with that of the Grande-Ligue Mission House, and bless and adore our divine Redeemer for the almost in- credible transformation wrought among us, during 139 140 ArPENDIX. it'i li the lapse of twelve years. Twelve years ago tlio Grande-Ligne Chapel was filled chiefly by our English and Anglo-American friends, who were hailing with joy the opening of a new field, full of promise ; to-day a much larger chapel is filled mainly by French Canadians, who have been brought to the knowledge of the Gosjwl and of Jesus by the labors of the missionaries. Then the gathering of our friends from abroad and of an- other language, ''ather strengthened the idea held among the Roman Catholics, that the religion preached by the missionaries was a foreign reli- gion, r^ood enough perhaps for English people, but altogether useless and pernicious to the French; but now they must be convinced that Protestantism has become a French Canadian thing ; for it has taken root in the midst of an entirely French popu- lation, and has already ramifications in an immense number of families. Twelve years ago, the minis- ters who filled the pulpit and addressed the people on the occasion were all, without exception, of foreign origin, and only two or three of them speaking the French lan>;;uage ; to-day, of the six ministers present, five of them were missionaries in the field speaking the French langup^e, and three of the last named were French Canadians by birth and education. One of them formerly a priest in the Roman Catholic church of his coun- ., Ill APPENDIX. 141 try. The two others were present, it is true, at the first dedication at Grande-Ligne, but more from curiosity than any thing else ; for on their return home after the services of the day, they strengthened each other in their religious views, by saying ^:hat after all the lloman Catholic reli- gion was tiic first religion, and consequently tho best. But God in his own good time showed them by a nevei to be forgotten experience where the better relig on was found. There was on this day of dedication, " a joy unspeakable and full of glory" in many hearts, at the remembrance of God's deal- ings towards us. Three services were held on the same day. At the two first, the house was quite full, making an audience of about three hundred persons. The dedication sermon was preached in the morning by Rev. L. Normandeau from the words of the inscription on the front of the chapel : " Preach the Gospel to all nations.'' The discourse was very appropriate and very impressive, especially when recalling what the first missionary in this field had to encounter and to suifer, whi n he began to preach the Gospel to the French Canadian popula- tion, which, although nominally Christian, was a stranger to the Good News of a free redemption by the sacrifice of Christ. And to call a new nation to the kingdom of God, our beloved brother f 142 Ari'KNDIX. had chosen Canadfi as the place where to ohoy tho eoininand of his Master. AVliat sii])ject of encou- ra