IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 UitU 125 ■SO *^^ RlflH us us 20 1.8 1.4 vQ %^ W> ^) y: //a %* '^ '/ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 «^ %y:^ *iqu6es ntaire id by errata ilmed to iment I, une pelure, e faqon i le. 32X Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^^ (meaning "CON- TINUED "). or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimde sont filmds en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la d'3rriidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboies suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — »> signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent §tre filmte d des taux de r6v Auction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en has, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes sisivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 SI Th] ^tm > ■''**w*^N>^ ^i^iMb^>^^Mi^>^^l^i<^lA^l^^fcA<>A^MiA^AAAW^W^'F¥'^'9WW*'>^F^^f>W'^'9mfW^'0^fim9^f^ ST Published also at 53 Now Bond Street, and Sold by T>A.^W&ON^ BROTHERS, JVC O N T R 12 A. L , The Temporal Sovereignty of the Pope, in relation to the state of Italy, &c., by the Rev. iEneas McD. Dawson. A LAME.JT FOR THE ElGHT REVEREND JaMES GlLLlB, BisllOp of Edinburgh, &c. An Epistle to , Edinburgh, descriptive of Canada. A Tribute to the Late Earl of Elgin, and other Poems, by tho Rev. ^ueas McD. Dawson. T Before 1 LONDON: 1865. ST. VINCENT OF PAUL »^mm0 \e state of Bislioi) of innda. IS, by tlio A LECTTJEE UrUitrrd bg THE BET. ^n; U^D^ J3AWS0IS Before the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Cathedral Parish of Ottawa. OO O J l< » I O OSZ£> L i\ D O K r 5 -J NE W HO NM) S T i: K K]\ 1 8 5 . =s PRINTED BY BELL & WOOD BURN; ElGlN StKEET, CeSTKAL OTnAVAs PIIEFACK. =s It may iu»t ?)e out of place to intimate tliat tl)e followiiiL' pages have been 'cummittLMl to tli.- Press^ in obedience to tlie wishes of tlie Society ])eforo wliich tlie mh.gium of St. Vincent de Paul was pronounced. To give an adecpiate idea of the life and labours of >., good and great a man, ivithin the necessarily narrow limits of a Lecture, is more than can be well aspired to* The mere report of a discourse which the zeal of tlie charii .ble Brotherhood caused to be pronounced, may, nevertheless, convey to the enquiring mind, some idea of the extraordinary personal sanctity— and the all but incredible works of St. Vincent, which left their impress on his ovrn age, and bequeathed to future g( nerations, together with valuable and lasting institutions, the most hallowed and endearing memc>ries. Of the i whose saiK lightened u claim to th In tlie Cliu that has no liavc beque less lives, a like fragrai dwelling pi 0U9 and enc fundamentf wills not tl to participj "Vincent tions, the n being, whe blessing of certain ext( were resoh its ablest el As if con studies fror dance as v Heaven, he And now that of Aar great caree: &c II oi' soften, is now broken, — that the sick expiring Turk, now implores in his death agony, the aid of that Christian community which he had so l(»ng defied, and in tho persons of nnmy of its members, insulted and opjtressed i The I'aithfid Christian cannot bo all a slave. No power can chain the mind. Paul of old i)reaclied elojjUently in his bomls, and made his oppressors tremble. Our apostle is alike consumed with ze.al. N(* dread of new evils can bind his tong.ie. The beauty of God's house inspires him. lie proclaims' its glories. Its woi-st enemies listen and are won, A Moslem woman doclares that there is no (Jod to compare with the God of tho Christians. She loudly upbraids her renegade husband. "■ The God of Vincent was too good to be so foully aban- doned." And this man so long hardened in iniipiity enters into him* self and rescdves to return to the religion of his forefathers. A fitting time is chosen, and the renegade master, together with his ChristiaU slave, are borne over the waves, in a fragile bark^ beyond the reach oi' Turkish intolerance and persecution. It is now given to ^'incent of Paul, restored to his country, after three years of exile and bondage, to satisfy the great desire which never slept in his ardent mind. An unlooked for circumstance, which, whilst it brings him to St. Peter's Chair, opens for him a career of usefulness, with which nothing in modern times can bear comj)arisone Home, ever true to her sublime mission, welcomes to her walls, this Iieroic witness ot the truth, and sends him on her errand of peace, to the Court of France. Henry the Great fails not to "i)preciate the qualities of Vincent of Paul, and wills that he be raised to epi''copal dignity. But the cruel and cowardly hand of an assassin deprives France and tho world of the best of mouarchs, and other, but not less 7 1' trilm* .l,!u' i< iijitivit^f. jui'ty of loiii tliis i«* sat'ivtl lloWrt \\0 ost lioljf l)()iula|j;o. •ays will I inartyf, implores •li ho had iiilted uiicl can cliaiii 1 made hH zoah Ni* )d's liousc listen and o comparo rene}:;adc' ully uban- iiito him- A fitting Chi'i^thiii! roach of try, after ire which oe, which, career of imparisoiic. walls, thiri peace, to eciate the J epi^'Copal 11 deprives )ut not less nohlc do>^itiiiits uro prcparod f(ti' the servant of (iotl. Anxious to do good iiiiohsorvfd. in the sliado of rc'tiriinont, lio ^».'lf to tin." hick in the hospital of charity nt I'aris. Once more a coun^ollor ot HoMie finds ont his merit. M. do Mcnillf vi^jty tlio Institution. The patients lire loud and unanimous in the prai"*i' of tlu-ir pious and hili(»- rions ('haplain, and the cardinal insists that ho sh.ill consent to he named to a iJoyal Cliaplairu y. (^Miecn .Mar;:arit do \'alois, in order to in.ai'k her appri-ciation of tlio learninfr and virtue of Vincent, as well as to make suitable provision fop his nnu'e exalted position, immediately (•((id'ers u|ion him the ricii Ahhey of C'huume. Xow coiues the ),'reat- est, tho most formidable ordenl. Tiio servant of (Jod is crowned with honors. Tliches are heaped on him in abuiuinnce. Mis society is courted by tho L'roat. Royalty even h>oks to him for knowledge and for counsel. Tliis would liave been siiflicient to satisfy tho most am- bitious of men. Ihit ;t fails to satisfy the man wiio has no amiiition. If self-indulgence, if worldly j»reforment had been his object, he had surely nothing further to desire, for now, tho world, its wealth ami its glory are at his feet, Ihit he drear imaginary affront, attracted by the great reputation of Vincent of Paul, desires to converse with him. The words of the Saint descend upon the soul of this obdu- rate man like the dews of Heaven ui)on a long parclied soil. He is moved to sorrow, and bitterly bewailing liis crimes, he, the hitherto nnfecling duelist, who had made so many tears to flow, now weeps in an agony of contrition. The Saint consoles him — moderates his fervor, and teaches him to <'onfide in the all-atoning merits of our blessed Lord. No sacrifice is nttw too great for the repentant nobleman, lie sells his estate of Kongemont, devoting the proceeds to the founding of pious and charitable establishments, or to the relief of indigence. Not satisfied with this act of self-denial, lie wishes to divest himself of all Ins i)roperty, and reduce himself to a state of voluntary poverty. He is only dissuaded from this step, by his venerated Pastor, who repre- sents that he will do more good by continuing to act as the steward of Divine Providence over his worldly possessions. His residence, the Chateau of Chandes, becomes a refuge and an hospital for the poor. He there ministers to their wants, with his own hands, and in his ab- sence, which \Yii» not frequent, he causes tliem to be kindly tended by his domestics. Thus does a man whom the zeal .vnd apostolic words of Vincent of Paul had snatched from the dangers of a wordly and wicked life, spend his days in doing good, and by the salutary discipline of self-denial, fit his soul for Heaven. He terminates, at last, a most useful and meriairious career, in the arms of the pious cliildren of St. Francis. The "testimony " of Vincent of Paul is indeed attended with "great power." Many heretics, of whom some are men of good education and high social position, return to the Church, whilst everywhere, through- out the Parish of Chatillon, strife and discord are i>ut an end to, neighbours who had been at variance, reconciled, peace restored in families, from which, together with the practices of piety, it seemed to have been for ever banished. I>. But, II cient, arranJ he prJ 11 inspired its wailP, •iMiids of lied with y moved, kliciitely es, where remont, a V to start •y affront, converse thirl obdu- .il. He i>* ,c hitherto w weeps in Uiis fervor, our blessed leman. He founding of '•ence. ^ot imself of all overty. He who repre- e steward of sidence, the or the poor, nd in his ab- ly tended by )stolic words 1 wordly and :ary discipline t last, a most hiUlren of St. dwith "great education and here, through- it an end to, ce restored in ty, it seemed to If one thing jnore than unotl.er in c.'ihnilated to ilhistrato tlie career of St. Vincent, it is the astunishiiiir success with wliii-li he laboured to aho'ish litigation amongst his parishioners. Jlo was not long amongst them, when ho succeeded in putting a stop to no fewer than forty-two law-pleas. Wlio sliall say that he did not thus acipiire a claim to the grateful rem'jinbrani'c of all true Christians? Xothlrig militates so powerfully iigaui-^t the growth of CMiarity as tlie beliet that without any breach of this divine law, or any violence to it, neighbour may pursue neighbour, as long as tiiere is any trace of civil or liuman law to warrant such a course of proceeding. Vincent of Paul condemned this theory, and brought his people to understand that all who claim to be the children of (Jhrist. must be ruled by his law. This law is, indeed, a law ol love. l>ut it is a jealous law, and will admit of no rival. Such labours could not fail to be crowned with the Divine favor. The peace of Heaven now reigned accordingly, where hitherto, the demon of discord held un(lisi)uted sway. There might be poverty still at Chatillon, but its people enjoyed the deliglits of concord, together with all the endearing relations of Ciiristiaii iu.'ig]iborhood. Tlie good Pastor was blessed v.ith a still more abundant reward. Here, amongst his village Parialiioners, was he first inspired with an idea which was destined to be so fruitful, to confer on France and tlie world, inappre- ciable benefits, which daily extend as the wants of humanity increase, and ^nd new fields of benevolent exertion, as new worlds are oi)ened, and new sources of human misery arise. One day, as the charitable Pastor w^as preparing to address his congregation, he was asked to recommend to them a family at the distance of half a league from the town, that had been suddenly reduced to indigence, and at the same time visited with sickness. Ilis words, prompted by his kindly feelings and by the divine principle of charity, tell not upon unwilling ears. Whilst repairing immediately after the conclusion of the service, to the scene of sickness and distress, he met on their way home, many of the Parishioners who had already conveyed to the afflicted family every- thing they could stand in need of — much more than was necessary for a considerable time. "This,'" said he, '' is great, but not well regula- ted charity. These sick persons will have too many provisions at one time. Those which will not be immediately consumed, will be spoiled, and these poor people will soon bo in the same necessity as before." But, it was not sufficient to represent that charity, in order to bo effi- cient, must he judiciously ajiplied. He also devised and proposed an arrangement, by which the family now so munificently relieved would be provided for, whilst their illness continued, and others when simi- 12 larly circumstanced, would find adequate care and assistance. Some ladies of wealth and pietv adopted a system, whicli could not but prove fruitful of good. Others became interested in so good a work, and desired to bo associated under the guidance of a rule laid down to them by the Saint, After three months' experience of tliis admirable plan, Vincent of Paul, with a view to the more permanent establishment of tlio charitable association, submitted it to his ecclesiastical superiors, and the ''Confraternity of Charity" receives the sanction of the Church. Thus solemnly authorized, the work of charity extends to the neighbouring towns. It is established atBourg, Yillefreux, .Toigni, Montmirel, and some thirty Parishes dependant on the house of (londi. Paris, also, claims it. But not only must the capital of France enjoy this beneficent institution. Foreign countries also will ])08sess it, — Lorraine, — Savoy, — Italy. Who shall tell the hundreds and thousands in all lands, that are comforted and relieved by the sublime idea of St. Vincent? But the time was come when Vincent of Paul must yield to power- ful influences, and enter upon a higher and more extended sphere of duty. The house of Gondi, with the aid of Cardinal Berulle, once more prevailed. In this change of position were visible the purposes of Heaven. If the all-ruling Wisdom once Jiiore guided tlie steps of the humble and holy man to the mansions of the great, it was not without an all bounteous view to the interests of the lowly and the poor. In an age when birth conferred so many rights, it was of no slight im])ortance that the children of the noblest should be taught the duties that became their state. And if at a later day, when Vincent of Paul, Avith that unfailing charity which never ceased to mark his career, was laying the foundations of those benevolent institutions which were destined to survive bin), and minister so munificently to the relief and consolation of unborn generations, an Archbishop of Paris as well as a Cardinal of Rome were ever ready to second his generous endeavours, the auspicious circumstance must be ascribed to the disinterestedness of the Holy Servant of God. At the bidding of true friends, the sincerity of whose motives he doubted not, Vincent of Paul tore liimself from the people by whom he was revered and loved, and among whom he would have been well pleased to spend the remainder cf his days, in order to guide the education of a family whose future was of such great importance to the country. His salu- tary teachings penetrated deep into the mind of that youthful de Retz, who was afterwards Cardinal and Archbishop of Paris, and in due season, produced the most abundant fruit. The general superintendence which Vincent was called upon to 13 . Some lut prove ork, and 1 to them ,ble plan, hment of iuperiors, m of the ctends to X, Joij^Mii, of (JontU. ice enjoy iess it, — ;housancls dea of St. to power- sphere of •ulle, once 3 purposes e steps of t was not y and the was of no taught the n Vincent mark his nstitntions ficently to ibishop of second his ascribed to bidding of )t, Vincent jvered and spend the if a family His salu- ■nl de Retz, ind in due id upon to exercise in the family of the most noble the Marquis of Gondi, did not hinder him from extending his care to the people of the neighboriiood. Villepreu first shared his pastoral solicitude. Establishing there tlio " Confraternity of Charity," he was able to promote extensively, the material well-being of the people, whilst he ministered with untiring zeal to their spiritual comfort. At Montmirel, where he likewise held a mission, several heretics yielded to his impressive words, and abjured their errors, (.)ne nuiii could not acknowledge the Cliui-ch, because, forsooth, poor country places were neglected, «)r cared for only by ignorant and vicious Clergy, whilst the services of the learned and the i)iou8 were confined to great cities. If such were generally the case, groimd would, no doubt, exist for an adverse argument ; but as the extraordinary fare which the Church bestows in the education of all, without excei)ti(iii, who are destined to minister at her altars, renders it almost impossible that there should be ignorant or wicked Priests in the remoter parts of the country, any more than in populous cities, there is no cause whatever of accusation, far less, an argument that would tend to the overthrow of that great institution, " against which," it has been de- clared, "the gates of Hell shall not prevail." No reasoning the holy man could employ, made the least impression on this inveterate enemy of the Church. With a degree of pastoral solicitude beyond all praise, Vincent of Paul contrived to make it manifest to the unbeliever, that all members whatsoever, of the Catholic (.■hurch are juost dear objects of her tender care. In order to etlect this purpose, he established missions, wherever his influence could reach, and aU>ng with them, "the Confraternity of Charity." Several learned and devout Priests shared with liim these pastoral labours. Numerous conversions were the fruit. And the heretic, observing that tliere was more religion among the country people than could have been supposed to exist in neglected districts, and witnesiring at the same time, the zealous etforts of the Clergy, whose instructions he attended, was moved to repent- ance and a recantation of his errors, and acknowledged, at length that the Catholic Church is directed by the Spirit of God. We now behold Vincent of P.aul labouring in a cause to which he won the favor of the great. And, if the general of the French Galleys, if other high magistrates of France, together with the Sovereign, Louis XIII, surnamed the Just, must for ever live in the grateful remem- brance of mankind, as the chief reformers of their age, they owe it above all, to the humble Priest, whose zeal claimed admission to the dark and noisome abodes of human misery. Unlike the children of the world, wlio are but too easily attracted by what is most calculated 14 to (leli;.i;lit tlii.' iiiiiid or fascinate the senses, lie listened only totlio .stern voice otMnty, jind devoted the time he eould spare from his most use fid nussiuiiary labours, and his important ocenpations in tlui lio;ise (if (lonli. to the pious work of visiting' hospitals jind prisons. Those dun- fre.ois u lure the ollenders aj^^ainst human justice wero not only deprived ( riih.riy, !iul uiiwarrantaldy t<»rmented, were thrown open to his in- specti<»n, and "lie saw," says liis Hioj^raplier, " wretches shut up in ob- scure (viverns. eaten by vernnn, attenuated, and entirely iiefflected a.seon- cerned both soul and boily .'" Such a state of thin;{s, so repugnant to tbo t^-achi'igs of the Christian faith, could not fail to excite the keenest sympathies <>»' tiie Saint. The Manpiis of (h)iuli received his represen- tations with favor; and was easily persuaded that charity made it a duty for him, as «>eneral of the Galleys, to see that the innuites of the (/alley prisons were not cruelly treated or deprived of religious con- solation. .Witii his consent, Vincent l;ired and furnished a liouse in the FaubouriT S^ Honore, where he gatheri'd together all the convicts destined to tlie (f".lleys, who were scattered through the i)risons of Paris. For... taining this extensive establishment, he had no other ivource than the offerings of the charitable. The Bishop of Pai'is. anxious to afford every facility for a work in which the cause of liumanity was so deeply interested, instru'*ted the Clergy, and cs- ])ocially such as were entrusted with the duty of preaching the word of (Jod, to exhort the faithful to contribute the recpiisite assistance. The Djaterial wants of the uidiapi)y <'onvicts being thus provided for, they were in a (.'onditiou to listen to the words of spiritual instruction. The sweet and jjersuasive language of St. Vincent soon overcame their dis- like to religion. lie brought them to understand that their sufferings, though involuntary, were, it borne with resignation, through the grace of our Divine Lord, highly meritorious; and that, in reality, there is no real pain but that by wliich impenitence will be punished for eter- nity. Such discourses could not fail to make im])ression. And, ac- cordingly, a thorough reformation was generally efl'ected in the moral and religious feelings of the convicts. M. de Gondi, beholding the order which now prevailed, was both surprised and editied. lie spoke at Court of the good that had been done, not forgetting to praise the great zeal and capacity of Vincent of Paul, And Louis the XIIL, anxious that similar reforms should be introduced into all the prisons of the Kingdom, and believing that the charitable Priest only wanted oi)portunity in order to carry them out, a;>itointed him Chai)lain gen- eral of the Galleys of France. Whilst Vincent of Paul was thus devoting his best energies to the salvation of other men, and to those in particular, who stood most in to thil Frarici difficii traits I Wei time,- Paul, eral ol whiclJ her sal of Gol 15 tlio stcM-n > ho;is(i til' 'liMsc'dun- ' depiiveil to his in- tup inob- tcdascon- uint totlio le keenest s represen- iiuule it n tites of tlie irious con- a house in lie convict^ prisons of d no other p of Piwis. he cause of fv. and es- the word of tance. The d for, tliey letion. The ne tlieir dis- r sutterings, rh the grace ity, there is led for eter- 1. And, ac- in the moral (holding the 1. lie spoke ,0 praise the is the XIII., 1 the prisons oidy wanted 3hai)lain gen- lergies to the tood most in nood ot 'lie consolations of his ministry, he neglected none of tho-JC tilings .vliicli. gnided by llie light of divinely revealed trntli, ho con- ceived to be necessary for his own sanctification. Self-diMiial is nn- iinosti tnably of the strictest obligation for every Christiiin. Uiit bow shall it be practised even by the chosen servant of God in the nrxlst (»f all the dnties and cares, and toils of liis public and very active life. The society of the great, the services he unceasingly rendered to tlie poor and lowly, his solicitude for all, his jiourly and daily exertions in the cause of the snrtering nuMubers of the flock, would have sMtliccd to distract any other man, and entirely divert his tluMights fiom the more immediate care of his own salvation. The .•strictest vigilntice over the powers of his mind — extraordinary sobriety in eatiriir and dritdcing, the shortest allowance of sleep and that on a pa]lr, in liis old ajj^e, tlint the letter liiid been preserved, lie made the most extrnorditmry otforts in crder to ohtain possession of it. The contidentinl person who wrote for him hn{)|)ily rendered nil his endeavours useless br adding : " ''' *ho letter which he asks from you be honorable to him, take car jou do not send it back, lie would certainly burn it." A considerable time elapsed before it was known what had become of Vincent of Paul. Throu^'h the search caused to be made by the Countess of Joigni, he was at ]enosition conferred, and with the aid of the humane general, M. de (Jondi, he was able to ameliorate the material condition ot the Galley slaves. Their punish- ment indeed could not be done away with. Justice and the laws must be satisfied. IJut cruelty, the Saint considered, was as contrary to the fundamental principles of law, as it was unnecessary. The sternest Justice could not recpiire that its victims should be compelled to breathe the pestiferous air of crowd<(l and unwliolesome prisons, and when sick, to remain neglected in the dark and filthy dungeons to which a lieartless legislation doomed them. lie not only comforted them him- self, ministering with his own hands to their wants, but caused it to be- come the rule .it Marseilles, as through his means it already w^as at Paris, that they should be kindly tended in their sickness. In order that this work Avhich humanity so loudly called for, should be more easily accomplished, the Saint founded for the use of sick convicts, an hospital of 300 beds at Marseilles, lie succeeded also in replacing the house which he had rented at Paris, for the same purpose, by a mag- nificent hospital at the gate St. Bernard. The convicts thus charitably cared for, were more open to religious impressions. The instructions and exhortations of the ordinary Chaplains were willingly listened to. Care and cleanliness, together with tender nursing in time of sickness, aided the cause of godliness, and a thorough reformation Avas effected. In this age of improvement, we can hardly conceive that such chan- ges should have been necessary. But, it behoves us to remember that it is scarcely yet thirty years since we commenced to reform our prison discipline, and that what we are now doing in obedience to the dictates of humanity, and by the favor of a better state of society, late in the nineteenth century, a Christian Saint wisely and humamely carried out for the benefit of his age and country, early in the seventeenth. and to niei some Alltl of Pau gospe Doctt confiri zeal CO an Apt a prov Divine " everj this fm and lea which But, njo!«sion derod nil laks from • ftck. Ho (1 become Lie by the e, biH zeftl :s suifered )rovement 1 rough the conferred, fan ftble to e\r punisb- 5 laws must trary to tbe 'be sternest 1 to breathe ;, and when to which a 1 them him- ised it to be- sady was at In order Id be more convicts, an ■eplacing the ,e, by a mag- us charitably instructions y listened to. e of sickness, was effected, at such chan- ■member that •rm our prison to the dictates ;y, late in the jly carried out teenth. Hut, whilst Vincent of I*aul was engaged in tliit* nahitary work of reform, which, one woiihl way, ^xjlonged more projterly to statosinon and legishitors, he neglected not those still greater things whicli apper- tained directly to his sacred calling. There nover was a Priest who possessed a more thorough appreciation of tlio duties of his state. Tills WHS manifest no less from the zeal with which ho applied to his parochial duties, than by the care with whi<'h he laboured, during the days of his connection with the house of Gondi, for the salvation ofidl who were dependant upon, or any way in relation with that powerful family. His missions were so frecjuont, that we cannot resist the con- viction that he was specially sent both to reclaim the erring and to convert the unbelieving. Deeply convinced that the mission of the Church extends to all time, — "all days," — and understanding that by his vocation, he largely shared in this mission, he adopted the wisest measures for providing not only that the men of his own day should profit by the life-giving otHces of the Pastoral ministry, but also, that succeeding generations should enjoy in abundance the fruits wliich never cease to flow from a faithful exercise of those Apostolic and sub- lime functions. With what lively faith did not Vincent of Paul believe that the varied gifts of the Christian ministry were conferred in order that all men — the men of all tribes and tongues — "might meet in unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God." This was "the building up " of the great edifice of the Christian Church, — " the body of Christ." This was the stupendous work of the dispensation of grace and love, for the accomplishment of which so many giftt ere given to men, that, " some were made apostles and some prophe' s, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors.'' (Epli. iv.) All these gifts without exception, had been richly bestowed on Vincent of Paul. And not in vain. Eminently an Evangelist, he preaches the gospel to the [)oor, as well as to the rich and great — a Prophet and a Doctor — he unravels the mysteries of faith, he enlightens the ignorant, confirms those who doubt, confounds the unbelieving, — a Pastor whom zeal consumes, he is solicitous alike for every member of the flock, — an Apostle, his mission is not circumscribed by the limits of a parish, a province or a country — he carries ii to distant lands the light of Divine Revelation. It is no exaggerat'on to say that he preaches to "every creature," that he "teaches all nations." None will question this fact, 80 glorious to our Saint, who consider the society of pious and learned Priests which he established in the capital of France and which in so short a time, extended its labours to the remotest climCvS. But, not only are the Priests of his own society, his fellow labourers in the great work of sustaining and propagating truth. He conceives 20 the dcsij,'[i of (mrrjiii^ out the view ailoptoil by tlic (.'hiirili in tlio II<»ljr Council of Trout, The Arclil»isho|» of I'arin letnlH hin |iowerfiil aUl. Diocosnn Seiiiiiiarios aro estahlished, and, hy thrir nieiins, the forty-five thousand best citizens of France, — so the Chirj^y were styled even in an unhelievinj; af,'C,— learn at the School of 8t. Vincent of Paul, and like hirn become patterns of zeal, of knowledge, of apoHtolic elo!ii-titijjr tlio Apostolic, liciK-dictioti, jiiid coiistitiitiii^' the least iinteiuiiii),' of nil Kocieties n Ueli|^io\is Coiiyre^'jitioii. The hihoiirs of the jfood Triests now pennuiR'iitly associated tiiidor the imspicoH of St. Vincent, wero so pi-odiictivo of Huliitiii-y fruits, that the iiitist learned ecclesiastics could truly say : "that, they did not helievo theri^ was anythifi^' in the Church of God more edifyin;,,' than the sweet odour which the holy comp.iny spread every wliero ; and. that they must pray to (Jod to ;iivo additional solidity to a desij,'ti so a') ArclibisliDp, who luul been Iiiinself a iHipil of St. Vincent, now made thoir iininediiite preparation for the holy state, under the guidance of the Priests of tlie Mission. Such was the reformation of ecclesiastical discipline in the IHocese of Paris, that several pious families of the cai)itiil were anxious that all ecclesiastics, without distinction of country, should participate in exercises that had already proved so beneficial to the Church. One lady, alone, undertook to defray for five years, all the additional expense occcsioned by this extension of the labours of the Congregation. In 1642, St. Vincent enjoyed the hapi)iness of beholding his Society established by Urban VIII. at Rome. It was blessed there, as it had been in so many other places, with extraordinary success. It was- highly favored by the successors of Poi)e Urban. Alexander VII. appointed that all candidates whosoever for holy orders, should attend its exercises. And Innocent XL, so renowned for his many virtues, willed that the Clergy already ordained, even they who had long ex- ercised the Pastoral ofBce, should renew themselves in the spirit of their vocation, by sharing from time to time, in the pious practices of the disciples of St. Vincent. None could disdain to receive instruction at such a source. For, not only Vincent of Paul and the eminent men whom he chose for his associates, but the great lights of the age also, Bossuet and Fenelon. were, not nnfrequently, the teachers. The regenerative labours of St. Vincent were now very considerably facilitated by a rich donation. Deeds wliich aflTected so beneficially his own country and even foreign nations, could not be concealed. To their fame he owed the great establishment of St. Lazarus. The Saints are, indeed, wonderful in their ways, and God is wonderful in his Saints. "We cannot otherwise account for Vincent's liesitation to accept for his congregation, a gift that could only tend to promote their usefulnes. But, he dreaded riches more than poverty. The latter had hitherto been the treasure of his missions. The former might prove to be their ruin. Fifteen months elapse before lie can determine. He will only be guided by the will of Divine Providence (le loouloir de la Providence.) St. Lazarus was a great house. It had been in foi*- mer ages, a royal palace in which the Kings of France held their Court. It still retained extensive possess'ons, and important feudal rights. Its owner was a mighty Loi'd, possessing judicial powers of the highest order. Whoever, then, has any knowledge of the character of Vincent of Paul will not be surprised to learn that he only accepted so munifi- cent a gift at last, on account of the greater amount of good which it enabled him to accomplish. St. Lazarus became the home of his con- gregation, — the centre from which radiated in all directions, that light 23 >w' made ulance of esiastical 18 of tlie iction of roved so efray for ;eiision of is Society as it had It was- ider VII. idd attend y virtues. [ long ex- ! spirit of i-actices of nstrnction inent men 3 age also, nsiderably eneticially ?aled. To The Saints ful in his sitation to unote their 'he latter ner miglit determine. tmiloir de sen in for- leir Court, dal rights, the highest of Vincent so niunifi- d which it of his con- i, that light with which he was gifted, and which, far from heing "concealed under a busliel," was destined to enlighten many nations and generations yet unborn. This improvement in the tompord condition of tlie important mis- sionary institution which Vincent of Paul had so successfully founded, by no means retards or diminishes its spiritual growth. Tlie holy ser- vant of God binds to the Mork of evangt'lizing the poor in his own country, a society whose objects are so truly apostolical, whilst, at the same time, he requires that it shall be devoted in part, to the cause of missions in foreign countries. Thus will the society live long in the grateful remembrance ot his country. It comes to the aid, in due rime, of those classes of the community, wliich all other institutions appear to shun. With them, more than with any besides, religion is the chief moral safeguard. And the Bretliren of St. Vincent, bring it, together with its salutary counsels, its spirit of peace and love, to every man's door. Vincent of Paul was, in i\\\ reality, the people's friend. The people were as the children of his family, dear to him as the apple of Ids eye. It was only fitting, then, that his fellow labour- ers sliould be the Priests of the people. It was in accordance besides, with the mind of the Church, which wills that her ministers should be debtors alike to all. They devote themselves, accordingly, to the care of the people, chiefly in the country Parishes, whilst, at the same time, by their instructions and the salutary discipline which, under the rule of their sainted founder, they riaintain witltin the walls of St. Lazarus, they form the minds of all tlie Clergy of the Kingdom. But the great also, are called to the knowledge of divine things. (Reges intelligite, erudimini noeivjil>le stiite of society, tliey have hibore«l in the cnise of their Divine Tiord, bravirifr <]an{.'er. snH'ering privation, ill ol)S(>urity, fur from tlie olieerinj? comjianionship of their bretlij-en. proscribed, imprisoned, banislied, in famine, in pestilence, in mar- tyrdom , Mut let US pause for a moment, in tlie history of these apostolic men, and Hccomj)any their holy founder to the bedside of his expiring Sov- erign. Louis XIII. of France was scrupulously virtuous. His strict obedience to the dictates of conscience was manifest in his public life. IJis people to whom he was spared so short a time, shewed, in what high esteem they held his blameless character, by giving him the sur- name of " the Just." Would that all monarchs — that all who rule and Judge the earth, were deserving to be thus honored, — thus enshrined in the peo])le's heart of hearts! But neither his excellent virtues nor the naticm'rt tears could wholly disjiel the fears and sorrows that sur- round the couch of death. Nor were the words that ocmsole the soul when no earthlv stav remains, to bo found on the lips of the fashiona- ■ bio preachers of the time. One ot these courtly clergymen observing the excellent dispositions of the royal patient, conceived that it was his duty to congratulate the piou.i monarch on " the admirable under- standing v/hich prevailed between their Divine and earthly majesties." Such compliments were ill-timed. The King, together with the glory of royalty had already passed away. There remained only the man with his natural weakness, — the Christian who believed, who hoped, who loved, but who was not without fear and misgiving, when on the eve of passing from time into eternity — the Christian, who, in his last and supreme trial, stood in need of the sweet and soul sustaining con- solations of religion. Tiie disjienser of empty compliments was obliged to discontinue his attendance, and Vincent of Paul was invited to be- stow his pastoral care at the sick-bed of the suffering Monarch. King Louis now so near his end, has no cause to regret his choice of that holy servant of God, who had so often acted the part not only of a good pastor, but of an angel of mercy towards the least of his people. During the whole month that he still lingers, Vincent of Paul ceases not to inspire him with confidence in the Divine goodness, to cheer his drooping spirit with the prospect of a glor.ous future, to dispel the terrors of the grave by enco\iraging the agonized but patient sufferer to repose in Him, who took from death its sting, and from tlu grave its victory. Vincent failed not to avail himself of so favorable an occasion for instilling into the mind of the infant son of the departing Sovereign, ■J'V^^ 25 iicler all lubori'*! •iv.'ition, retlvren, in iimr- >lic men, iiig Sov- .'\» strict blic life, in what the sur- rnle and nshri 110(1 rtiies nor that snr- the soul fash ion a- • )bservinf» it it was le nnder- ajesties." the glory tlio man lo hoped, en on the n his last ning con- is obliged ;od to be- ll. choice of )t only of is people. ,ul ceases cheer his ispe! the t sntterer th. grave jasion for overeign, the first elements of that Divine law, which in also tlie best code of human morals. Who can hear without emotion, how the saintly Pas- tor taking into his paternal arms, the lieir to the Crown of France, as yet a delicate child, and weeping with him over the deatli-bed of the expiring King, taught, amidst a scene of domestic sorrow, where God alone was great, those principles of the (xospel, which, in after years, exalted as he was above ordinary men, even above the rulers of man- kind, and distracted by the cares and errors of his prolonged reign, Louis XIV. never ceased to hold in reverence. The mind of Louis XIIL was now calm and collected. His tears were those of compunction, his words the expression of resignation and con- tiding love. Before yielding u]) his life in the arms of the Saint, he must confide to him a trust, which showed how wise and merciful was the design of Providence in directing the steps of St. Vincent to the presence of so good a King. His last counsel to the disconsolate Queen, was, that during the time of her Regency, Vincent of Paul should be charged with the nomination of the chief Pastors of the Kingdom. Anne of Austria held the wish of her departed Consort as a most sacred order, and Vincent of Paul became the head of her Council for all affairs of religion. It cannot but appear extraordinary that so judicious an appointment should have caused astonislunent at the Court of France. Courts are proverbially worldly. And what is wisely and kindly done can only be honored by their censure. What more rea- sonable than that the most faithful minister of religion should be the counsellor of the government in everything wherein religion is con- cerned? The event abundantly justitied the choice of the Queen Regent. Vincent of Paul's first act, on entering on his important ministry was to bind himself, publicly, by oath, never to accei)t any ecclesiastical preferment, either for himseU or his Congregation. He was true to his word. During ten years of assiduous attendance in the Council of State, he lived in honorable poverty, distinguished only by his singleness of mind and simplicity of manner. If in the celebrated epoch of Louis XIV'., — the Augustan age of France, — the Church was, humanly s])eaking, equal to the time, it was due to the wisdom and firmness of St. Vincent, who never promoted to ecclesiastical dignities, any who were not (pialitied by the requisite preparatory studies. Thus, in a time of great literary fame, do we find the names of highest re- nown in the ranks of the army of the Church. But, the ministry of the buiiit was marked by still greater — still more beneficial results. In an age, dangerous to the cause of truth and morality, from its ex- cess of refinement, the principles of religion were not only preserved, but widely disseminated. If at a later epoch, amidst the wreck of 26 civil society, and even of the Cliurch itself, the Pastors of the fold were found faithful, if still later, a complete restoration was possible, — was triumphantly carried out, such inappreciable blessings must be ascribed to the extraordinary wisdom of Vincent of Paul, in the admin- istration of ecclesiastical alfairs, during that long and critical minority, which was followed by a reign, no less glorious than it was disastrous. "God is indeed wonderful in his saints.'" But who, in the time of St. Vincent, could ever have anticipated that the conduct of one tiian would have influenced, so powerfully, generations to come, and that to him more than to any individual besides, religion would owe its existence, its revival, the greatest victory it has W(»n in any nation, since it was first given to the fallen world ? Notwithstanding his onerous and varied occupations, Vintyi'.t of Paul could find time for a difficult and dangerous journey. In the rime of the too celebrated Fronde wars, tliere existed no Peace Congress that could offer its philanthropic mediation. But there was in the Council of the Sovereign of France, a devoted Christian who, not satis- fied with bewailing the civil strife which raged around the capital, resolved to exert all liis influence in order to bring it to an end. For this purpose a difficult and dangerous journey was necessary. The saintly Priest hesitated not to uiulertake it. And we now behold him at St. Germain en Laye, at one time remonstrating with the Queen Regent, at another, gently but firmly chiding the great ruinister, the all-jjowerful Mazarin. " Were a whole people to be sacrificed in order to punish a few mal-contents? Were millions to perish by famine and the sword, because some thirty individuals envied the high ])osition of the Cardin.'d minister ? Mazarin ought rather to retire from office, than be the occasion of such national calamities." The minister was moved, and even consented to resign on condition that the Council of St.tte approved the resolution. But the counsellors who surrounded the Queen Regent, could not bring themselves to share the oi)ir.ion of the Premier and the Minister of ecclesiastical afiairs, and for once, the friend of humaiiity failed in his endeavours to alleviate the miseries of tellow-countrjinen. Meanwhile, the news that he was disgraced, had reached the caj^'tal. His safe return no sooner dispelled the rumor, than his numerons friends hastened to present their congratulations. They knew and honored his many virtues. They now learned how trnly, how pro- foundly humble he was, when he said in reply to their joyful greet- ings : '* Would to God the news were true I But, such a miserable individual is not deserving of so great a favoi." Wonderful, indeed, was the life of Vincent of Paul. In all his wavs. 27 the lian'l of the most Iligh may be visibly traced. In his early educa- tion, hifl exile, iiis captivity, liis journey to Rome, his mission to the Court of ITenry the Great ; in his pastoral labours, liis martyrdom in the Galleys, his successful efforts in the cause of reform, — reform in the prisons, reform in the state, reform in the educational establish- ments of his country, — in the admirable institutions, especially eccle- siastical seminaries, by means of which, the Church itself was reformed, and perfectly adapted to the wants of the time; in his presence at a great centre of earthly power, and his high i)osition, at a most critical epoch, as Minister ot State ; — in every circumstance of his eventiul life, we behold the ever wise and ever beneficial agency of an all ruling Providunce. Truly, may it be said of this Saint ot modern times, as of Israel's ancient King, that the Lord "took him from the pastures, from following the sheep, to be a Ruler over his people, and made him a great name, like unto the name of the great ones that are on the eartli/' (2 Kings, vii. 8, 9. II. It was time, now, according to the world's views, that the holy ser- vant of God should rest from his labours. More was already accom- plished, than would have sufficed to secure an imperishable claim to the gratitude of his country and of mankind. Ilis fame was at its height. A position of highest honor, and unbounded influence had been conferred upon him. lie occujtied a chief place in the Council of his Sovereign, and a mighty kingdom was swayed by his author; y and saved by his wisdom. The most aspiring ambition could not have desired any greater triumph. But, his was not worldly ambition, and he could not rest satisfied with ambition's greatest victory. He was "zealous for the better gifts," — "the more excellent way," — a way, which, to the children of the world, is an untrodden path, — dark and mysterious, — a secret undisclosed, even, as, before the Christian "age,'' it was concealed from the ages and generations that preceded. Into this way, which the Doctor of the nations speaking by inspiration so distinctly pointed out. (1 Cor. xii. 31.) Vincent of Paul was led by the Spirit of God. It was not the ardour of youth that urged him on in his ever memorable career of self-sacrificing charity. For, as his vears increased, so did his labours of Christian love. Never had cu- pidity itself a votary that pursued the objects of his desire, with more passionate eagerness, than Vincent of Paul devoted himself to the works of his choice. A more philanthropic age may boast of its supe- rior benevolence. But, it has, yet, a giant's race to run, before it can rival tlxe philanthropy, not of a former age, indeed, but of one man, — 28 that man a Saint, wJio had no other pretension than to be inspired f'nd gu ded by a religion wliich speaks with the same voice to all. Nothing is here advanced, that is not fully borne out by facts. We need only appeal to the works of St. Vincent, — works of mercy, so numerous und HO great, that no kind of suffering can well be conceived, which they did not relieve or alleviate. Truly, the spirit of the Lord was npon liim, and "God anointed him in his Priesthood, not only, in order '• that he might preach to the meek and lowly, and heal the contrite of lieart," but also " that he might comfort all that are o^ffiicted., give to the mourners or Sion, a crown for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourn- ing." (Isaiah Ixi.) As has been already shewn, he lived austerely, lie allowed himself no indulgence. And yet, at the sight, or at the tale of misery, his keenest sympathies were awakened. His compas- sion was too real to find expression in tears and lamentations, which are so often insincere. Yet was he not able so completely to control the feelings which the presence of affliction excited in his breast, that the traces which sorrow made were not visible in his countenance. Nor was it in his youth only, that he was thus tenderly compassionate. His ardent wish to dry up the tears of all who were in sorrow, only gathered new strength, as he advanced in years. Wisely and grate- fully did his age confer on him the glorious title of Father of tlie af- flicted. And it is no exaggeration to say, that, if leaving out of view the acts of the tirst forty years of his life, we considered only the later portion of his career, — the thirty years of his maturer age, which he spent in doing good, in alleviating the woes of mankind, we should not fail to acknowledge that he was not surpassed by any of the most faithful servants of God, in the more ha])i)y days of the Church, when 80 many by the works of charity to which they devoted themselves, did honor to the Chris-tian name. St. Vincent was in his Bcventy-eigh th year, when he conceived the idea of founding an hospital in the City of Paris, for the relief of a consid- erable number of aged persona. About the same time, a worthy citi- zen ^. The kind benefactor was highly pleased with this proposal. And, accordingly, two houses and some ground in the suburbs of Paris were purchased. A Chapel was; erected, and a Priest of the Mission ap- pointed to preach the Word of God and administer the sacrainents to the inmatea.. Sisters of Charity, likewise, had charge to wait on them, 29 Ired ^nd Nothing eed only rous nnd lich tlif.'y vas upon in order jntrite of Z, give to r mourn - lustert'ly. 3r at the comi)as- [is, wliich :o control efvst, that ntenance. iissionate. row, only ,nd grate- of the af- ttt of view y the later which he should not the most rch, when liemselves, ed the idea f a consid- orthy citi- k to which if this fund the capital. 10 spiritual lietered to. .)sal. And, Paris were Mission ap- craments to lit on them, and Vincent IdinHolf was one of the first who wont to instruct them, and ])reach to them peace, union and resigiuition. In this institution, which was called "the house of the Name of Jesus," the mo.st admira- hlo discii)line prevailed. Many htdies of the *' confraternity of char- ity " went to visit this house, anxious to see everytliiiig, e.xiuuine everything, hear an account of everything. The result of their eiKjui- ries was in the highest degree sutisfnctury. There w.'is no murmuring, no evil-speakiug, hut on the contrary, union and conteritiiicnt. whilst all applied diligently to their eniployiiionts. attended, willingly and devoutly, their religious exercises, and declared hy their tears, some- times, as well as hy their words, that they had never been s<» happy. A great problem was now solved. It was no longer a (pustion whether, the most miserable jteople, acmistomed to an idle, a wander- ing, and not unfrecjueiitly, a dissolute life, could be induced to live, in l)cace and harmony, umler the same roof. The idea is conceived of gathermg into one vast hospital, all the misery of the great French metropolis. Hitherto the wisest statesmen, the most ingenious legis- lators, the most powerful and the most benelicent monarcbs had failed in their endeavours to renujve the intolerable evil of vagrancy from the streets of the capital. What Henry the Cireat, what Mary of Med- icis tried in vain, and would have considered the most glorious monu- ment to their memory ; what St. John Chrysostom laboured, fruit- lessly, to ett'ect, in his city of Constantinople, the humble Vin(>ent, in his declining years, at length accomplished. The undertaking was at tirst warmly recommended by the Ladies of the charitable confrater- nity. At the very outset, one of them i)romised fifty thousand livres, and another, an income of three thousand. Still, to the Saint, accus- tomed as he was to great works, it ajipeared a formidable task. A week later, another meeting was held, and the benevolent project once more examined. The deliberation was short. Not one voice was raised in oi)pi>.'-:ition. Even delay was deprecated. And the Saint. borne on the tide of opinion, consented, though not without misgiving, to commence the most ditlicnlt of all his stupendous works. An im- mense place was neces.^ary for so great a number of poor, Vincent, accordingly, asked ar.d obtained of the King the rich rnd large house of La Salpetriere. The magistracy looked with favor on the design : the Royal letters patent w 're readily granted. But, there now arose a difficulty which caused the registration of these documents to be delayed. Several learned and influential jiulges, considering the great number of vagabonds who wandered through the streets, and convin- <'ed that such audacious characters could not be brought to live under the same roof, looked upon the project, however nobly conceived, as 30 uttorly cliiinorical. But. the consuininato prudence of St. Vincent, the zeal of tlio Ladies wlio had so generously aided him, the great intiu- eiice of the first President, Ponipone de Bellievrc, at length overaamo this unexpected obstacle, and after nmnerous conferences, the matter was finally arranged. The Salpetriere was now knoun as the General Hospital ; and, it was resolved, contrary to the opinion which the holy servant of God had first entertained, that all the l>eggars of Paris should be compelled either to avail themselves (if the institution, or to sup- l)ort themselves by honest industry. Of the furty-thousand dwellers in the streets, no fewer than six thousand entered the hosj)ital, and enjoyed a now and a happier life, under the auspices of the holy Priest, whilst the rest, j)artly found employineiit in the city, but, for the most part, withdrew to the Provinces. Louis XIV. was the greatest bene- factor of this magnificent establishment. Cardinal Mazarin, at once, contributed one hundred thousand livres, and sixty thousand more at his death. M. Pompone gave twenty thousand crowns, and bequeathed to the institution a still greater sum by his will. If anything could surjiass the merit of Vincent of Paul in founding an establishment already so great at its commencement, and destined so long to survive him, it was the modesty beyond praise, with which he spoke of it, even to his confidential friends. It was necessary, in- deed, that he should interest them in its favor. But, he avoided men- tioning what most redounded to his honor. lie did not say, what, however, was the case, that the first idea of so glorious an enterprise originated with himself; that it was he, who surmounted the chief difficulties, who caused the necessary articks of furniture to be made by the workmen of his house, and who found so many resources in the Ladies of his confraternity, in consequence of having taught them for nearly twenty years, to attempt, and that successfully, what appeared to be impossible. It was not, indeed, wonderful that, in au age ofgreat minds, so many .should be found willing to contribute towards the success of .so valua- ble an institution. But, if the formidable difficulty which staggered the Judges of Paris, was speedily overcome, this happy result was due to the Apostolic zeal of St. Vincent, who, whilst, with the most lauda- ble disinterestedness, he refused for his " congregation," the spiritual charge of the establishment, procured the services of learned and pious ecclesiastics. Thus were the heavenly influences of religion made to guide the destinies of the vast mansion of the poor. And, hence, more favored than our modern work-hou ^s, which are dreaded and shunned as if they were the most dismal [ ,ons, it rejoiced in the mul- titude of its contented and happy inmates. i 31 ncent, the ■eat intiu- overaamo he matter !0 Gonunil h the lioly iris should H' to Stlp- 1 dwellers pital, and oly Priest, r the most itest bene- , at once, 1 more at lequeathed I founding 1 destined ith whicli Bssary, in- jided men- 3ay, what, enterprise the chief :o be made u'ces in the it them for it appeared Is, 90 many f so valua- i staggered alt was due nost lauda- le spiritual d and pious on made to ^nd, hence, readed and in the mul- I I In such ways did the holy man do good to that caj.ital of which he was 80 distinguished a citizen, Hut distant i>rovinoes must also parti- cipate in the fruits of his disinterested cliarity. In the days of St. Vincent, Lorraine became a prey to all the evils of a most cruel war. The French, the Spaniards, the Swedes and the pecjile of Lorraine themselves hiid waste the country by turns, and sometimes all of tliem at the same time. Religious ditlVrences increased the horrors cf intes- tine strife, and the soMiers of the various powers and factions, infu- riated by party s|)irit, are represented by historians, as falling like wolves upon tlie devott'd inliabitants. There was no security for life or property. Monasteries, even, atlbrded no asylum to female virtue. The highways were deserteil. the labours of the field abandoned. All contidence was at an end. Neighbour could not sleep beside neighbour from the dread of assassiimtion. Finnino and pestilence came in the train of war. Acorns and wild fruits were the only food of the people in such towns and villages as were not reduced to ashes. The most infectious carrion was devoured with avidity, A man was convicted, and put to death for having slain his own sister fov a lojifof brcal. Mothers, even, were known to sustain a miserable existence liy feediii;^' on the ilesli of their own children. Great were the sullerings of Jeru- salem during its meiiioral)le siege. Ihit they fell short of those of ill- starred Lorraine. No children of Israel are said to have satisfied their hunger by preying on the authors of their life. Such horrors were reserved for an unhappy Christian ])Oople. "Well might Father Caussin say: "Sola Lotharingia Jerosolvmam calamitate vim-it." In this extremity of evil, a deputation reaches the capital of France. To whom does it apply? Not to the ^.overeign; — not to the high functionaries of the State ; not to the representatives of the people; not to the people themselves, but to an humble Priest. — to the charitable man. who, is already so ccleftrated for his paternal care of all who suffer amongst the [)eople of God, that they address him as "the Steward of Divine Providence." Nor is he deaf to their petition. AVe might well suppose, that having already done so much, his resources were ex- hausted. But it was not so. His cheering words at first revived the hopes of the despairing deputies of Lorraine. And he speedily found means of relieving to a great extent their sore distress. lie was able in a short time, to succour the hospitals, the monasteries, the nobility, the labouring classes, tlie soldiers. Ilis charity like a fertilizing river, distributed abundance all around. By his moving discourses, he exci- ted compassion among the people of Paris, where there was little sym- pathy with the sorrows of Lorraine. He interested in the cause, per- sons of the highest rank, — the Ladies of his " confraternity," the ;v2 Dnoliess of Ai;riiiII<»n. nrnl, even, tlio Qnooii Ri-jrcnt licrsclf, who Jifid l)iit littlo ronsoii to tn) sutisdcul with the distiirhcMl Province. At the tin li }t cxiunpio of Iil)oraliry thnt onn novur ho sufllciontij npprof'ifttCMl. And in order thnt hin alms iiii>j:ht he the inoro iihnndnnt, he eiifjafred the Hretliret) of lii.s roniniiinity to sn]»sist, as well as him- self, on the coarsest kind.-i of hread. Wonhl that men would take to heart mo fjreat a lesson. That the votaries of avariee and unihition, who so recklessly stir nj) the demon of war, wonid learn from the self- .sac-ritiein^ fjenerosity of a Vincent of Paul, to make an otlerini^ of their quarrels at the shrine of Charity 1 The henevolent labours of the iioly Priest were attended with the most hajjpy results. No fewer than twenty-five cities, to^'cthcr with an immense number of equally l'ainine-stru(d< towns and vilhiires, were at on(!e relieved, and to such an extent, that it mif.^ht bo truly said that by the assistance so opivortunely sent, the livesof the iidiabitants were saved. The sick, who were found lying in tlie public places, were pro- vided with all tlie aid Sheir condition called tor, and the most tender compassion could sugj,'est. Many of all orders of society and of every af^^e and sex, toffother with religious women, who, in their L St. 1 1 Vincent. lie persuaded seven or eight persons of the highest rank, at the liead of whom was the Hanm dc lienty, to unite, in order to ren- der to i»ers(»iis of their conditidii, when reduced to indigenco, such ser- vices as they theiuHolves would stand in need of, if visited with the like adverse fortune. Tliis illustrious asseinhly oimiinod in existence for twenty years, the members, impelled, like St. Vincent, by the divine impulse of self-sacrificing charity, iiovor failing to impose on tliemselvos new burthens, whenever new wants reijuiredanew measure of relief. Fortunate it was that there existed such a Society. Hut for it, and for its holy founder, what would have become of those children of our own country whom the worst of all tyrannies— that which was frau- dulently established in the name of liberty, banished far from their hearths and altars? France, indeed, might have ollVred n generous hospitality to the descendants of those herocH wiio ft»ught for British glory at Crecy and at Aziiictuirt ; bho i-.iight have romeml .'red only that they v <^re the s(jns of those brave Crusaders who to^^itlier with her own warriors of imperishable tame, "against the usur[.ing infidel dis[)layed the blessed Cross and won the holy land." Wetpiestion not that lier spirit of chivalry would liave revived. IJut, we know, and to til' glory of our Saint let it be told, it was Vincent of Paid who, together with liis association of pious noblemen, ministered to the pressing wants of the numerous iJritish families, whom the cruelty of the " Lord Protector's " government had driven from their country and their homes. The same kindness was shown to them as had been already extended to the exiled nobility of Lorraine. Some difficulty arose froip. the death of Baron de Itenty in theflowei of his age. But, the friendly aid was continued by Vincent of Paul himself during the remainder of his days. In another and still more extraordinary way, shall we now behold the servant of God coming to the relief of human misery. Jioturning. one day, from a mission, he noticed in /.i retired sjiot near the walls of Paris, one of those wicked vagrants, who have recou:se to the most, unscrupulous devices, in order to excite compas^sion, engaged in muti- lating the tender limbs of an unfortunate foundling. Utterly lun-ror- struck, and impelled by generous indignation, he rushed towards the heartless vagabond, exclaiming as he tore the child from hisgras|): "Barbarian ! At a distance, I took you for a man. I was grievously mistaken." And he bore away the infant in his arms, ajipealing as he traversed the streets of Paris, to the comi)assionate feelings of Jif people. The crowd followed him, but, without being able to divine his purpose, until he reached the house in St. Landry Street, where 84 tlioso wrotclif'latc(l to tiiessed. *, lie ex- liflpK'ss and lii'ul }» of ll'lH '!•(« cartMl rtln-n wu cliiltlrcn, vho with 8 wero so icnt food, |)etl these uild nt 80 ii-barously 5 uinocc'iit who were a (lespicn- hiunanity luit so cry- eyond the legirthitors, who wero a remedy. loin he was ,11 number. ^led Ml the of Austria, day as lost, r nn income ■hildren ia- not suffice id measure longer bear lUatiou was 8) were the Lble by their whether the e continued, both sides, n, and were visions, they had hitlierto, prost-rvod tlio lives of a j^ioat nuiiibor uf children ; lhroii;:h their means, those innocent hein^^^s, in learnin;; to speak, had learnotl to know and serve 0()d;N^ some of them were hej;innin^' to work, and to relievo others from the expense of their supiiort, and"\i^^this auspicious commcncmient was a presage of st'll ^''^-'a'^'i* ttdvantaj,'es. Tiie presence of 5(10 of tliesc orphans in the •sanctuary, home in the arms of the Sisters of Charity, |»owert'iilIy aided the ehxpiencc of t,he Saint. Inspired by the Divine prineiitle of Charity, which yielded not in intensity, to maternal love, and no longer ahk- to control the emo- tions of Ids feeling s(»ul, he concluded a singularly eloipieiit address, with the following most tender and moving words: " Remember, Ladies, that compassion and charity ha\e caused you to adopt these little creatures as your children ; yon have been tlu'ir mothers accord- ing to grace, since their natural inolhers abandoned them ; determine now whether you also, will abandon them. Cease to be their mothers that you may be their Judges; their lite and death are in your hands. I am gi'ing to take the votes; it is time to pnuiounce their sentence, and to know whether you will no longer have pity on them. 'J'hey will live if you continne your charitable care of tliem. On the cou- trary, they will infallibly die if you abandon them. Kxperieiice does not allow you to doubt it." The annals of oratory have nothing to compare with these words of St.. Vincent. Never had ehxiuence a greater victory. The audience responded l>y their tears and sighs; and they who had come, resolved to abandon an arduous enterprise. !iow determined, that at whatever cost, the good work -liould be con- tinued. The king, with truly royal munificence, made a donation of the Chateau de Bicetie. It was, however. I'ttund to be inconvenient, and two houses were purchased in Taris. It ought to be stated in prtiof ot the wisdom no less than the benevolence of the rnlersof those times, that the (iueen motlier. that illustrious Austrian Princess, of whose good deeds honorable mention has already beeTi maps of death : pallet where ;r, and sisters sry soon they ) bravely, so ed to partial e, he fondly igs of mercy. on the lovely ■oil of stirring ims beat with as they bore consolation, ;e tender care p his sinking nity. ever with the arishment for hose writhing ledsides of the ;ig shells, they Stalwart men, like children, these devoted ! i creatures. Would that our own liayard Wilkeson, who, for hours, ebbed out his rich young blood on the gory plains of Gettysburgh, had fallen in the hands of these ministering angels! Then had not been written, by his stricken father, that eloqiient psalm of death whoso deej) wail was grand as the dirge of Saul. Then had the sacred sheds of Foresi Lawn not held tliat untimely grave. Blessed, ])nro, angelic woman ! If she lost us Eden, she wins for us, the more glorious Paradise of God I" — {Amerkon Paper.) This is not the only tribute which the American Union, in its time of trial, has paid to the heroic " Sisters," whom the world owes to a Saint and a man of genius, whose chief inspiration was charity. Thus speaks a clergyman of one of the most respectable sects — the Methodist Episcopal persuasion, in the State of Ohio : " The war has brought out one result. It has shewn that numbers of the weaker sex, though born to wealth and luxury, are ready to renounce every comfort, and brave every hardship, that they may minister to the suffering, tend the wounded in their agony, and soothe the last struggles of the dying. God bless the Sisters of Charity, in this their heroic mission ! I had almost said their heroic martyrdom ! And, I might have said it ; for, i do think that in walking those long lines of sick beds, in giving them- selves to all the ghastly duties of the hospital, they are doing a harder thing than was allotted to many who mounted the scatlbld or dared the stake." Proud England, too, has acknowledged its debt of gratitude to the humble " Sisters." When the Russian Eagle threatened to seize, in his all-grasping talons, the expiring Empire of the Crescent, that gen- erous nation despatched on an errand of mercy, to the terrific battle- field, and the no less dreaded hosi)ital ward, one of her own heroic daughters. But only one. It was a rare example of devotedness. Alone it was Inadequate. It failed to awaken in British hearts, the spirit of self-sacrifice. And England still said, "who will find me a woman, with the courage to confront the ocean and its waves, battle and death, to leave her native land and to go forth into exile among barbarous and pagan nations, to leave perhaps for ever, the peaceful and holy abode where she has passed many happy years, and transi)ort herself to the midst of a rude soldiery ? " And the Church which Vin- cent of Paul had so richly endowed, was able to reply : " I have no need to seek for such a woman ; for, she is already with me. Behold a woman who knows only one fear — the fear of God." And so, the Sisters of Charity went forth on their errand. And, well did they perform their duty. " And, then, instead of tearing from their brow, the veil which crowns them, England felt bound to decorate them 88 vitli tlie military iiieda!, in order tosliew thattlio coiirjige of a woman AvliK (lovott's luM'st^lf to (iod on the Held of charity, is no less worthy of honor than the soldier who confronts the field of battle. This work was not done in Parlianient. It was done before all tJio army. And, since that time, no person has dared to lift up his voice in favour of disturbing the hallowed tranijuility of the Convent." — (Cardinal Wi.'irin/ni''s Speech nt Mechlin.) Vincent of Paul, likewise, iiKjuired: Where shall I lind a woman Avlio. renouncing home and kindred, will heroically devote herself, for Christ's sake, to the relief of snifering ? A woman, who sujjerior to the weakness of her sex, shall have no other principle of action than char- ity? "Wlio, raised above the world, as she is by this divine ])rinciple, and sei)arated from its interests, shall cheerfully enter on a career of unceasing toil, encounter peril, brave disease in its most contagious and loathsome forms, go forth to the battle field, with more tlian the war- rior's courage, stand undismayed, by the bed of death in its most hideous and ghastly nujods, and when every face grows pale, anity, as in the retire- ment of the country, — in the most obscure abodes of sorrow, as in pub- lic asylums; and liesitate not to descend even to the gloom of jtrisons, and to those dismal hulks, where tlie criminal and the reprobate expiate in hopeless toil, and galling chains, their violation of human laws. With these heroic women around him, Vincent of Paul was equal to the most laborious and most difficult task that charity could impose on liltn. Without their aid, ho would liave eideavoured, in vain, to re- form tliat immense hospital, the Hotel Dieu of Paris. If time had con- secrated this institution, together with its pious and benevolent uses, there could also be traced its melaneholy work of decay, in the abuses which prevailed. The Hotel Dieu, the greatest of all the benevolent institutions with which the religion of charity had enriched the world, was founded in tlie seventh century, — in those ages of faith and hero- ism when such large-minded men as the Charlemagne and the Alfred lield rule. It was destined to relieve the sick poor, not of Paris and Fnin(!e oidy, but of all Euroi)e. At the time of St. Vincent, it received annually, no fewer than twenty-five thousand patients. Persons of great piety and of tlie highest rank, whose consideration for tlie poor and the alliicted, iuduced them to visit the wards of this Hospital, wore anxious that Vincent of Paul should undertake the necessary work of reform. Whilst ho admitted that there was no ordinary amount of good to be done, he at first refused to interfere, on the ground that he had no authority for the correction of abuses. This prudent hesitation appeared only to increase the desire for reform. Those pious women, in whose souls, the love of God was more active and more powerful than is the love of the world in the votaries of fashion, were not to be repelled. They still insisted on reform, and that Vincent should be the reformer. They succeeded in prevailing on the Cardinal Archbishop of Paris, to express his wish tliat the holy Priest should no longer decline acceding to their wishes. Vincent of Paul was now convinced that he was callled to this new work. He, accordingly, a&sombled another congregation of devout ladies, who in their turn, were destined to become Sisters of Charity. Of their num- ber were Madame Goussault the widow of the Chief Justice, who had first urged the necessity of rotorm, the Ladies, de Ville Savin, de Bail- leul, du Mecq, do Sainctot, do Pollaillon, Elizabeth d'Aligre, wife of the Chancellor of France, Anno Petau de Traversi, and the illustrious Marie Fouquot do Belle-Isle. These ladies with many others, — they were, in a short time no fewer than two hundred, — were constituted a FoJ 43 li \tof ,ois of ) retire- \ in pub- prisons, I expiate ws. equal to npose on m, to re- had con- ent uses, le abuses jnevolent he world, and liero- he Alfred Paris and t received 'ersons of • the poor Hospital, necessary , ordinary re, on the ises. This or reform, lore active votaries of eform, and prevailing at the holy Vincent of work. He, ies, who in their num- ;e, who had in, de Bail- re, wife of e illustrious fhers,— they lonstituted a society, having at its head, a President, an Assistant President, a Trea- surer, and a Secretary, Tlie members of this society, some of wlioni were born to royal honors,* left no means untried, which their ingenu- ity could devise, and the wisdom of their sago counsollor approve, in order to have the privilege of serving the poor. To be useful in the hospital, the holy Priest advised, that, they must do good witlioiit re- proaching those who were at the head of the establislmient, witli Jiaving neglected it. Tliey must act, openly, in the presence of all who may choose to be witnesses of their conduct. They nmst labour for the sake of the patients, to whose spiritual comfort it shall behoove them to minister, whilst they alleviate their bodily suflerings. These resolu- tions were strictly adhered to, and the labours of the society were crowned with complete success. In order to be convinced of this fact so consoling to the christian mind, contrast tlie state of constraint, the hypocrisy, the sacrilege, which were tlie mitural results of the indiscreet zeal of more recent times, which, contrury to the first wise institution of the great hospi- tal, required that all who were admitted to its wards, sliould at once be subject to the discipline of the Catholic Church, with the extraor- dinary change of morals, the numerous and wonderful religious con- versions, which were the rich and enduring fruit of the new regime^ of which complete liberty of conscience was an essential element. In the first year of its operation, no fewer than seven hundred and sixty Turks, Calvinists and Lutherans embraced the Catholic faith. Thus did Vincent of Paul inculcate, in his day, by example as well as pre- cept, the ever sound and unassailable doctrine of religious liberty. From him surely, the most enlightened champion of truth, it becomes us to learn what we ought to think in respect of a ipiestion so much' agitated in our times, rather than from men of less capacious mind and less extensive learning, whose zeal, — zeal without knowledge, so fre- quently oversteps their prudence. If the labours of tlie pious association, under the guidance of St. Vincent, were attended with such abundant spiritual blessings, they failed not, at the same time, to i)roduce a rich harvest of material com- fort to the victims of disease. In order that they mighty the more effectually alleviate the condition of the patients, the good ladies rented a la'ge house near the hospital, where they prepared every day, for a thousand sufferers, such delicacies as the sick and convalescent stand in need of. According to the recommendation of their holy founder, they literally cared for these poor people, as an affectionate mother cares for her only son, Such was the reputation of these good deeds • For instance, the Duchess of Mantua, 44 in tlie City of Paris, tliat respectable and wealthy citizens begged to be received into the Hotel Dien, defraying liberally their own expen- ses, on the sole condition that they should be treated precisely as were the pauper inmates of the establishment. The funds contributed by the charitable ladies were as a new en- dowinent to the hospital. But, the seven thousand livres which they annually spent, were as nothing, compared to the efforts which they afterwards made on behalf of innumerable multitudes of poor in the kingdom of France and the surrounding States. With the aid of this Society, Vincent of Paul was able to found more charitable institutions than it is possible to enumerate in this discourse. Mention, however, must here be made of the House of Providence, which to this day, provides for so many wants, of the general hospital of Paris, and, above all, of the hospital of Sainte Reive, in Burgundy. This last named institution, proves more abundantly than many of St. Vincent's greater undertakings, how tender and considerate he was, when there was question ot giving comfort to the poor. Medicinal waters, at their source, had been, hitherto, a luxury only for the rich and fashionable. This new species of hospital is opened, and twice, every year, four hundred poor {atients enjoy the benefit, not only of change of air and scene, but of th()se liealitig waters, at the same time, which, formerly, only wejiltli cuuld purchase. Surely, it any christian ever deserved to inherit the blessing promised to those "'who under- stand for the needy and the poor," it was Vincent of Paul. But this was not all. It is one of the characteristics of our age, that it delights to reform rather than to punish ; — that it acknowledges and »doe3 penance for its iniquity in allowing so many to grow up from child- hood, without education, without princijde, by establishing reforma- tories for youth. This improvement, so generally supposed to be pecu- liar to these more enlightened times, can never be sufficiently extolled. But the merit of its initiation must be ascribed to the sainted reformer of an earlier age. It behooves us to remember, and not without grati- tude, that Vincent of Paul exerted the great influence which he possessed, in founding those most benevolent institutions, in which the evils of a vicious education are, in a great measure, repaired. There was no species of affliction that did not come within the range of his charity. We are accusiomed, now-a-days, to see persons afflicted with insanity, kindly and rationally cared for. St. Vincent, anxious that such treatment should prevail in his time, established asylums, from which the richer and more magnificent institutions of the present age, would do well to take example. With considerate foresight, the Saint made provision even for the To thre( cent' to th that wanl to a AkH this, have 45 egged to n expen- y as were new en- lich they lich they or in the nnd more discourse, 'ovidence, ,1 hospital burgundy, any of St. J he was, Medicinal r the rich md twice, i)t only of mme time, )' christian ho under- age, that it ledges and from cliild- g reforma- to be pecu- ly extolled. }d reformer thout grati- which he I, in which aired. in the range ons afflicted nt, anxious ed asylums, ' the present jven for tbe miseries of unborn generations. By moans of pious foundations, he secured perjiuuifnt aiinnnl supplies for tliosc who in times to come, should suffer from such calamities, as inundations, hail storms, con- flagrations, A man who thus provided for the wants of his country, must surely have been surrounded by the respect and affection of his fellow-country- men. And generally, he was so. But the fell sj)irit of party knows no distinction. The Saint, ra'ther than make known the exertions which ho had made, as we have seen, in the cause of the Frondists, rather than compromise, in the slightest degree, the Sovereign whose minister he was, by informing them that for their sake, and with a view to reconcile the contending factions, he had confronted the pow- erful Mazarin, remonstrated with the Queen Regent, and had all but incurred irretrievable disgrace, delivered up to the wrath of those people who believed that he was tlieir i-noniy, his deai'ly cherished house of St. Lazarus. A rnoV> of 800 vagabonds, in the garb of soldiers, gave vent to their fury, during three days, in i)illfigiug the sacred abode of Vincent and his brethren. When nothing more remained, they wickedly set fire to his stores of firewood, and reduced theni to ashes. A reckless band of the same imrty, and of' no better character. [)il- laged, at the same time, a farm which he jxissessed, near Versailles, and which was his princif)al resource. The work of destruction was complete. Neither grain, cattle nor furniture were left. When the news of such calamities reached him, he murmured not, but like Job of old, possessed his soul in patience. What would have elicited from other men, and good men, too, strong expressions of displeasure, only caused him to exclaim : " God be praised ! " And, not only did his piety remain unshaken. His charity api)eared to increase, as the cloud of misfortune thickened around him. The number of the unfortunate grew with the growing troubles of the time. In the very height of the Fronde wars, and notwithstanding his severe losses, the servant of God generously shared his bread with the poor. To the number of two thousand, they were supplied every day, for three months, from his diminished resources. Nor was this all. Vin- cent's charity towards the poorest of his people, could be Ijkened only to the Saviour's love for the most wretched sinners. He would not that any of them should perish. And rather than that they should want, were it only for one day, their daily bread, he subjects himself to a most painfid sacrifice, — the privation of every material comfort. A kind of bread, made of rye and beans, becomes his only food. Of this, even, he partakes but sparingly, and, in order that the poor may have some fuel, he takes delight in suffering from the winter's cold. Meniiwliile. tliu aiijiol of discord hroods over unliai»i»y France. The vorjr iiiensiirt'S wliicli tlic Udrdiiiul Minister has recourse to, in order to extinf,'uisli, tend oidy, to fun the flames of civil strife. Foreign inva- ders, availing thcmselvos of the nation's distracted state, lay waste the rich Provinces of Picardy and Chanipai^Mio. Famine and the sword have done their work. Tlie soothing hand of charity alone, can, in some degree, repair the evil. The i)eoi)le of Paris, rejoiced to ohserve that the enemy had not heon ahle to take the Town of Guise, think not of the desolation they have wrought. But the feeling soul of Vincent is moved. JTe despatches immediately to the scene (»f misfortune two of his companions. But, what could avail for the relief of such an extent of misery, the provisions tliey were able to carry with them, .and their small sum of five hundred livres ? They hasten to the neigh- bouring towns. But there, nothing remains that they can purchase. Famine, disease and death reign supremo in those cities, as well as in the country. The pious missionaries, at once, inform St. Vincent. The Saint, in his turn, ai)peals to the Ladies of the Association of Char- ity. The Foundlings, the IIotel-Dieu, the famine of Lorraine had already drained their resources. But, true charity is inexhaustible, and they resolve to make another sacrifice. In order to lighten, as much as possible, their burthen, Vincent asks the Archbishop of Paris to cause a general appeal to be made from the pulpits of the capital, in behalf of the desolated Provincics, And now, sixteen missionaries, together with Sisters of Charity, repair to the scene ot distress. But, what avails their aid against such dire calamity ? It seems, as if the pngel of death had come down to execute the anger of Heaven. Such is the famine, that men are seen eating the earth, tearing oflf the bark of trees, and devouring the rags which cover them. " And oh ! what fills us with unspeakable horror, as we relate it," write the good Priests, " they eat their own arms and hands, and, die in despair." The in- habitants of one city, St. Quentin, famed for the liumanity of its people, resolve in their fear of a siege, to throw from their walls, the strangers who have sought refuge within them, to the number of seven to eight thousand. Such a state of things could not last long ; and yet, it lasted ton years, whe*^ at length, this cruel Spanish war was brought to an end, by the peace of the Pyrenees. And, during all those ten years, Vin- cent of Paul failed not to give abundant aid, robbed as he was by the unreosoning fury of the very people whom ho saved, and exhausted moreover, by his charities, numerous as they were liberal. During the first years of this desolating foreign war, the Saint was able to send to the w,U©f of the two suffering Provinces — Picardy and Champagne, no :ilJ* ?G. The , orilor to gn itivii- vnsto the le ftwonl e, can, in 1 observe think not f Vincent ■tune two ' such an ith them, the neigh- purchase, well as in . Vincent. )n ofChar- i-raine hail shaustiblc, lighten, as 3p of Paris ■ capital, in issionaries. vess. But, s, as if tlie ven. Such )lf the bark oh! what )0(1 Priests, The in- f its people, le strangers en to eight lasted ten to an end, years, Vin- was by the I exhausted During the e to send to impagne, no 47 less an amount than fifteen, twenty, and Hoiiutiinos, thirty thoiinand livres, every month. This was not all. TogttlK'r with these sums, so considerable in the days of St. Vincent, were di'sputclud wa<;gon loads of bread, seed grain, cattle, funning Implenients, clothing for twenty thousand peo[)U' of every condition, and evi-ii furnishings for the Churches which were plundered by the cruel hand of war. And, not for a few months, or years only, lint as long as the calamity continued, these munificent supplies were regularly dispensed. As may well be conceived, there were no bounds to the people's gratitude. At tlie conclusion of the war, the Metropolitan City of Ilheims, an.\ious to give adetpiate expression to the general feeling, decreed public and extraordinary honors. A solemn religious festival was held, in order to beg of Heaven the preservation of Vincent's valuable life, and that it would please the Author of all good to crown him with his choicest blessings. But, by what means, it may well be asked, did Vincent ot Paul ac- comidish so many and such great tilings? Was he not a j)oor man's son? And did he not in early life, reject the most tempting gifts of fortune? And, throughout his whole career, did he not prefer a poor and humble state to the world's favors, counting as nothing, the rich rewards, with which a grateful country was ever ready to crown his genius and his character? lie delighted to be poor, and he remained poor. Abundance, nevertheless, flowed from his poverty, as from a rich and inexhaustible nnne. Great institutions were created and mag- nificently endowed ; the poor of the capital were fed ; three Provinces, suffering under the scourge of war, were supplied with everything necessary, as in times of plenty ; and, the charities of St. Vincent ex- tended into foreign lands, affording the most opportune relief to the victims of civil strife, -anc^ persecution for conscience sake. But, "^"^ he not the son of the Carpenter? Whence, then, hath he all these things .'" The answer is at hand. To the enlightened Christian, it will appear plain and satisfactory. Othei ;, if they will, may " talce offence.^'' Mat. siii, 55, &c. To no miraculous agency can the great results of Vincent's charita- ble labours be traced. And yet, they were beyond what a Minister of State, or even a powerful Monarch c> uld have accomplished. For, what other men, who succeed in their undertakings, owe to what is called fortune, Vincent of Paul was indebted to his truly Christian character. With him, virtue,— the most perfect virtue,— was a con- firmed habit,— a second nature. The practice of such virtue is attract- ive. None could resist its influence. There were but few, who, whilst they admired, were not inclined to imitate sucli excellence. Thus did 48 his exaiiipio bocoine so cxtenslvelv iiitliientiul. Tlnirt, did liin cliarity, with extraordiimry ft-cuudity, produce cliarity in other men. There was l)nt one vt»irc as to tin) purity of his intentions; l)ut one opinion of his Hanctity, and conlidenco wasuniversal. Not without reason was ho consiflereil, everywliero, as the anj^el of Divine Providence, for, wliiist sharing?, in a hif?h degree, by sublime contemplation, the nature of the Seraphim, — ra|)t in divine love, — ho never lost sight of those duties, the duties of fraternal atloction, which are fulfilled no less by the true christian, than by the faithful and loving spirits who execute the will of Heaven. (Minintri ejus qui/acitis voluntatem ejus.) Vincent of I'aul was a(;tuatod in all his ways, by the twofold lovo, whi(!h mado him the dovout servant of God, and the moat successful benefactor of his fellow-tiien. In these two things is the whole law, — religion in all its excelleii'ie and plenitude, — religion to which mankind owe the greatest of their benefactors, — the Saints, — and, above all, that Saint, whose light having shed its genial and cheering ray over his own age, still shineij with undiminished lustre, and will continue throughout all time, to Irradiate the world. Nor must it be forgotten that Vincent of Paul lived in an ago which Cnuld appreciate so great a character. The well-informed christian mind only, can understand the man whose life is governed by the prin- ciples of Christianity. At a period of darkness, ho would have led the life of a Saint, indeed, but the luminous book of liis sublime conduct would have remained unread. He would have sot betorethe minds of an incredulous world, the same example of disinterested — heroic char- ity, but, it would have found no followers. And, that eloquence which faith inspired, and which moved so proloundly, the people and their rulers, which i)oured, so o[)portunely. and so continuously, the wealth of the rich into the lap of indigence, would have been unheard, or would have fallen upon unwilling ears. But, Vincent of Paul was a great mind, among great minds, and the glory of his age will only fade from the remembrance of men, when his own imperishable name shall have been forgotten. In an age of luxury, of extravagance, of selfish- ness, of incredulity, he would have labored, in vain, to create those magnificent establishments of charity, which, whilst they proclaim the Tictory of the Saint, — the victory of religion, will remain till the latest generations, the most splendid monuments of the faith, the humanity, the liberality of so great an epoch. In vain would Vincent have en- deavoured, in less favored times, to marshall around him, the wealth, the power, the character of his country. In vain would such influen- ces have existed. But, the man of God lived and moved and had his being in an atmosphere of light,— the light of Divine Faith, — and, I charity, . There ) opinion ason was 3nco, for, Ite ntiture of tiiorie o less hy execute Vincent lich niaily e factor of gion in all 1 owe tiie hilt Saint, i own age, ughout all age which [ cliristian ly theprin- ive led the le conduct le minds of eroic char- iiuce which and their the wealth nheard, or i*aul was a 1 only fade name shall of selfish- •eute those •oclaim the the latest humanity, t have eu- ;he wealth, ich influen- ind had his aith,— and. 49 society in all its grades, arrayed itself on liis side. France, apprecia- ting IiIh zi'iil, his patriotism, hischarity unfeigned, dejiuted tiie l)Ostand nohlost of her ciiildren to execute his behests. And, tlius, arose that ever memoriihle " Congn'gation of Charity," which, during the long period of twenty years, was tiie powerful lever, by which ho moved the public mind, sustained three desolated Provinces, saved the capi- tal from the horrors (»f fiimiiu'^ endowed his country with the most useful institutions, and gave succour to Au'eigii lands and distant p^'oples, in the h, in rejecting all oflers of money, when there was ipiestion of obtaining his influence at Court in favor even of measures that could not i)rove injurious to the people. In regard to one such measure, which was calculated to affect the inter- ests of Uie Clergy, he was only heard to say : " God preserve me from it; I would rather die than say a single word on the subject." Never would he avail himself for liis own advantage of the power 52 which his position gave him, at Court, and througliout the Kingdom. Any favor that tlie Queen Regent intended for liini, lie causel to be bestowed on some otlier person. All were agreed that there was nothing that he could not have obtained from that magnanimous Princess. It was confidently said among the courtiers, that Her Majesty graciously designed to ask for him a Cardinal's hat. But the manner in which he received the friends, who went to congratulate him on ills good fortune, shewed that it was of no use to press upon him such honors. nib wisdom was alike manifest in the care with which he transacted public affairs, and his admirable reserve in regard tomatters tliat were discussed in the Council of State, lie never came to a decision without mature reflection, — without considering, attentively, all that could be said on either side of a (juestion. But — and, here, we recognize the vigorous mind, — the great character, — whenever he had re:solved on any plan, he was pro/ipt in execution, as he had been careful and cir- cumspect in deliberation. We now learn, M'ithout surprise, that he was not to be disconcerted by failure, any more than he could have been elated by success. Truly noble, as he was sincerely pious, in the presence of the ^roattBTof Royalty itself, he was dignified, whilst un- assuming. In the conduct of affairs he was diligent without preten- sion. And, whilst opportunities frequently occurred of making friends at the expense of principle, no consideration could make him swerve from the path of duty. Continual intercourse with persons of every rank and character — with those who were wicked, cunning, scheming and deceitful, as well as with the most worthy and straight-forward, would have sufhced to shake an ordinary mind, but disturbed not his equanimity. Nature and religion had combined to make him great. And, he remained tranquil and unmoved, Avhen disappointed ambition gnashed its teeth amid the turmoil of civil strife, and, even wlien the people who misunderstood him, violated liis altar and his hearth. Justum et tenacem propositi virum. Mazarin, the Prime Minister, was actuated by motives very diilerent from those Avhich guided the conduct of his reverend colleague. And when his power was once firmly established, he conceived that it would not be very diflficult to make the Saint bend to his wishes. But by no consideration could Vincent be gained ; and, the Queen Regent, mag- nanimously sustaining him, he was able to resist successfully, the tor- tuous policy of he Cardinal Premier. Mazarin was indeed vancpiished, when he could take rev at the humble garb, btato. enge m no more uigni which the Saint came fied way, than attend the by sneering Council of 53 Kinp;(lom. sel to be liero was i)a Perrine. through the aid of Mother Louise, Ku^eiiie de Fontaine, who laboured in the work of reform, with ail tlie me-jkue^Ji and unction of a St. Francis of Sales. Vincent of Paul, Avhilst he laboured with all his power to promote discipline and true piety, was the declared enemy of every thing exti'ava- gant and fanatical. In religious establishments, especially, did ho wage war upon fanaticism. Tliere were some in his day, who, as they pre- tended, had discovered new means of salvation, unknown to antiquity, by which the most sublime degree of perfection was to be attained. St. Paul himself, knew nothing about real devotion and spirituality. God had chosen these fanatics, to make known this higher way, and even to reform the Church. It was thought that, in the time of Louis XIII., these enthusiasts had disappeared. But, in the Dioceses of Paris and Bazas, they availed themselves, for the promulgation of their ideas, of the commotions by which the minority of Louis XIII. was disturbed. The Convents of Religious women were the first conquests, at which they aimed ; and, they succeeded in surprising into their heresy, a con- siderable number of persons of every condition and of either sex. Fortunately, the evil had not yet taken root, when Vincent was in- i 55 ears, find i of lii^'li ( limited. s govcrn- , to place )ility and to remove uade it a ;sly enter- (ort of the •eaty were And yet, unishmcnt [ on mere vere often d sanction. obtain all o parties in ; careful to isions. In aving ?ent ; of Yal-dc- bbev of L;i itainc, who unction of to promote iiig extrava- didho wage as they pre- ,0 antiquity, )e attained, pirituality. r way, and me of Louis eses of Paris their ideas, IS disturbed, ts, at which eresy, a con- either sex. cent was in- formed of its existence. And, now, behold the means by which he studied to suppress it. lie selected persons of undoubted learning and virtue, whoso work it should be, to point out the error and the danger of the new teachings. Their labours wore, in a short time, crowned with success. Tlie fanatics finding themselves observed, and their errors exposed, ceased to dogmatize. Vincent of Paul was no more an enemy to true liberty, than tliat sound legislation which, for the well-being of society, restrains the wicked. Blasphemy and' duelling are crimes which ought to bo dis- couraged, and, as far as possible, put down, by the laws ot all countries. In France, St. Vincent legislated against these crimes, and jirocured the publication of the excellent edicts by which the reign of Louis XIV. was so auspiciously commenced. The law whicli punishes libel, is no violation of the liltcrty of the press. And Vincent of Paul was guilty of no infraction of this liberty when he caused measures to be adopted against those pt ■*"i ovous l)ooks, which, in language that cannot be described, advocating libertinism and impiety, are the foulest libel on the public opinion of a people, and tend to sap the very foundations of morality. At the same time, no man ever shewed more compassion for criminals. His care for the Galley convicts need only be called to mind. And now, the state i)risoners, in the Bastile, experience his considerate kindness. Observing that there is none to speak to them a word of consolation, he induces the Queen Regent to appoint a learned and pious ecclesiastic, whose duty it shall be to address to them the most salutary exhortations. He thus, by disposing them to be recon- ciled with God, paved the way for their restoration to the favor of their sovereign. All orders of the Church had reason to rejoice in the elevation of Vincent of Paul to the counsels t'f his tSovereign. But, noiie more than the Episcopate of France. In ai age, when Government patronage was carried to its utnuist extent, t ic Bishops who, in so many cases, owed their promotion to royal favor, and, not unfrequently, to the interested views of a Minister of State, could not fail, occasionally, to be in such a position as to require the aid of powerful influences at Court. On all such occasions Vincent stood their friend. His influ- ence was always at hand, also, for the reconciliation of diflerences. And, as ho was convinced, that it was by the teaching of the Pastors of the Church, {Jidcs ex avditu,) not by coercive measures, that the cause of truth must be promoted, and heresy corrected, ho caused a Bishoprick to be established at La Rochelle, which was the chief bul- wark of the false philosophy of the time. When patronage prevailed, and was wholly in the hands of the Sov- 56 erign, there must Iiave been many Bisliops wlio owed their elevation to Court favor. Tliere existed a riglit of appeal from their decisions; and, fortunately ; as it was a counterpoise to State favor and Ministe- rial intrigue. Unfortunately, on the other hand, it was a powerful weapon in the hands of such of the Clergy as abhorred the salutary yoko of discipline. Vincent could not, indeed, emancipate the Church from the State trammels, by which her benelicial action was so terri- bly impeded. But, whilst he took care that in his time patronage should not be unduly exercised, he labored also to prevent the right of appeal from being used in such a way, as to frustrate the end for which it was established. The temporal i»owcr did not always cause the mitre to descend on the most rellective and deserving heads. Tlie weapon of Church censures, accordingly, was, sometimes, more rashly than judiciously employed. A'incent of Paul, whilst he treated the Bishops with the utmost respect and reverence, earnestly represented to them that the most suitable and most powerful arms tbey could liave recourse to, were mildness, patience, aiul even sell-humiliation. Such means it behooved them to em[)loy, us long as there remained any hope of success, rather than widen the breach, and cause, perhaps, irremediable evils, by issuing sentences of excommunication. When Vincent had once overcome the adverse inlluence of the Car- dinal Minister, there was none to oppose him in the nomination to vacant Sees. lie was singularly judicimis in his choice of Bisho]»s. And, it fell to his lot, to appoint so many, all, witliout exception, men of the greatest merit, that the pious Flechier, Bishop of Nisme, so cel- ebrated for his learning and eloquence, hesitated not to say that the Clergy of France owed to St. Vincent, their prosperity, their splendour and their glory. Nor was there only Flechier, who, alone, would have sufficed to establish the fame ot any age or country. But, the Church was in- debted also, to the school of Vincent of Paul, for such men as Fenelon, and Bourdalone, and Massillon, and Bossuet of Meaux, that most learned Bishop, of whom it was truly said, that "he was a Bishop in the midst of the Court, and worthy to preside at Ephesus and Nicea." These men, apostolic in their lives, as in their teaching, were preach- ers of the truth, in their day, fearless as they were eloquent ; and their doctrines still enlighten the world. If the great monarch on whose reign they conferred imperishable renown, and who, by means of royal patronage, held in his hands, the destinies of the Church, had only chosen to be guided by their counsels, religion might have passed un- hurt, through its most trying ordeal, — the political whirlwind, which, in the succeeding century, swept both itself and its ministers from the 57 }levation ecisioiis ; Miuiste- powerful nalutary e Church 5 so terri- )atronajj;e e rij^htot for which cause the ads. Tlie ire rashly eateJ the ;])resented ley could uniliation. reniained .^, perhap3, if the Car- lination to f Bishops, ptiou, men tne, so col- y that the r s[)lendour sufficed to was in- is Fenelon, that most Bishop in d Nicea." ire preach- and their on whose ms of royal had only passed mi- nd, which, •s from the land. If the monarch had believed, as Fenelon and Bossuot, walkin;^ in the footsteps of Vincent of Paul, had so often taught, that error, in its headlou}' course, mav not he staved, — that the cause of truth in its progress to final victory, may not be sustained, by penal laws, and the sword of the state, the reader of history would be spared the darkest and the saddest page, in the annals of any country, — that which records the persecuting edicts of a Christian King. V. The temporal ministry so long, and so beneficially exercised by Yin- cent of Paul, fills one of the brightest pages of European liistory. But the character of his age was still more gloriously redeemed by the zeal, the devotedness, the unparallelled success with which he fulfilled the duties of his great spiritual otlice. If, at any time, — it could have been said that the works of tliis sublime ministry, so essential to the happiness of mankind, had becoine'"" rare upon the earth, no such re- proach could with any justice, be addressed to the age of 8t. Vincent. Surrounded by that association of learned and pious Clergymen, known as *' the Congregation of the Mission," the servant of God extenled his apostolic labours to those portions of the country which suttered most from the calamities of war, or were from other causes afliicted with si)iritual destitution. Many Cities and Dioceses of France parti- cipated in the blessings thus liberally dispensed. Marseilles was not forgotten. The services of St. Vincent's brethren abounded there, so much, in good fruit, that the Duchess of Aiguillon, in order to per- [letuate a mission that was proving so highly beneficial, permanently established in the city, no fewer than four missionaries. Sedan was equally favored. The Archbishop of Pihelms, Eleanor d'Estampes, lent his powerful aid, and confided to the missionaries, the spiritual charge of the oity. These clergymen whose piety, sincere an it was profound, had no tincture of superstition, invariably acted with consummate prudence. Whilst setting the example of every virtue, they studied to accommodate themselves to the circun:stances and character of the people. By such means, did their talents and learning become available to the cause of truth ; and, many were gained to the Church. On their arrival, there were only 1,500 Catholics iu Sedan. In the course of some time, the foco of things was completely changed. And, other communities having been established through the influence of St. Vincent, no fewer than two-thirds of the inhabi- tants embraced the Catholic faith. Need it be asked if such fruits were ever the result of penal laws, or of coercion iu any of its hydra forms ? * Senuo Domini pretiosus. (1 Kiugs iii, 1.) m'jMiamituMiaet 58 Peter iiko do Ret/r, wlio nnderstood so well tlie incom- parable merit of St. Vincent, invited liim to establisli a mission in tlio small city of Montmirel. Tliis work, also, tliroii;,'li the generons aid aftbrded by Frangois Mallier irisliop of Troyes, the servant of God was able to accomplish. The people of this jdacc ])ehcld with deliglit, the permanent establislnnent amongst them, of tlio discijiles of the holy pastor, whose own virtue and apostolic zeal they liad so long witnessed. Their esteem and veneration remain to this day, nndiminished. Whilst Montmirel thus honors so great a Saint, it rejoices, as has been most wonderfully shewn, in his powerful protection. A Seminary was established at Cahors tinder the direction of tho Priests of the mission. In Saintes and many otlier Dioceses, their labours were attended with abundant fruit, whilst they lost not in any degree, the great principles by which their founder was anxious that they should never cease to be gnidearbary," said one of his friends. " This would not suffice," he replied, " for the love I bear to my blessed Lord and Saviour. I sincerely hope that God will grant me the favour to be impaled or to suffer something worse." It is no ma;;ter of surprise' 5y 10 inoom- on in tlio lerous a'ul f (i()(l was L'li},'lit, tlie t'tho li')ly witnessed. imini^li«?tl' ion of tlie ■eses, their not in any nxions that Siiint. in a ' have more Aont." retliren ami [V^ liortles of ,e object of ;nevr what it r, they were paned under ;heir libera- They had rule of con - and conqner st be named assigned the le operation ndowed with !r>o selt'-de- •ut eating and >ur, that the le exnlted in 1 earlier day. ^ life amongst You will get This would If ed Lord and favour to he r of surprise' that the labours of such a Tiian were attended with extraordinary success. Martyrdom, in the strict sense of tlie term, was not his des- tiny, I?ut he iiiul not yet been four years in Harbary, when he l)ecame a martyr to his charity. "Whilst ministering to the plague-struck cap- tives, he was attacked by the fatal malady, and thus ended a merito- rious career, by a death no less precious in the sight of Heaven, lie had ol)tained through his intluence with tlie liey, that a successor flhoiild take liis place ; and Vincent of Paul at once sent to the post of danger Jeau le Vaclier of the Diocese of Paris. This holy man was firlvileged to give c(»nsolati(tn to liis fellow-christiaiis in captivity, and oven to preach tlie gospel to the Turks of Algiers and Tunis, f(»r more than five and thirty years. Moslem persecution overtook liim at last. He was tlie first of the disciph's of St. Vincent who fell by the liands of the healhen, — the I'lrst whose zoal and cliarity aud apostolic labours, were crowned with martyrdom. And let it not be sjiid that Vincent of Paul in sending iiis reverend brethren t(> the States ofltarbary, was unduly swayed bv Ids enthu- siasm. Holding a cliief [dace in the counsels of one of the greatest sovereigns of Europe, he must have felt that he would have l)eeii wanting in duty tostacy, and we shall have some idea of the evils which Vincent of Paul felt that it was his duty to remedy. There were numerous ecclesiastics amongst the slaves of Barbary. These, without the salutary discipline, wliich St. Vincent succeeded in establishing, would not always have presented, in their life and con- versation, that exam[)le, which, whilst it edified the christian laity, and saved them from the danger of apostacy, put to silence the ignorance of the unenlightened heathen, atYording no pretext for blaspheming the God of christians on account of his nunisters. In order to produce such great results, the Church was regularly established under tlie government of a Vicar Apostolic, and, Aviso regulations promulgated in the name of and by the authority of the Holy See. To what extent, the slaves generally, derived benefit from these measures, will never be known. It is, at least, certain that a very great number were strengthened in their taith, and in the practice of every virtue, whilst, it is equally beyond doubt, that before the arrival of the missionaries the condition of the wretched captives was truly deplorable. Utterly forsaken, and a prey to the most cruel reflections, "weighed down, moreover, by the prospect of an endless captivity, the bitterness of which was assuaged by no one, some cut their throats or strangled themselves. Others, in a paroxyism of fury, fell upon their masters to kill them, and in punishment of their revolt, were burned alive. A great number denied their faith, and in order to free them- selves from temporal sufferings, precipitated themselves into those of eternity. The Priests of the mission stayed these excesses by moving, discourses, by alms prudently distributed, and above all, by the admin- istration of the sacraments which are the sources of fortitude and sal- vation."— (Collet.) "What consolation, what happiness must it not have afforded to those people, torn as they were from their country and their homes, to 't the and over struc USUI- Peac' — th had modi exclu rian, watc peop araon brigl (U severe ntul injurious. troy tliem, cruel out- forty shut ly were nil small hand ;th." cliristians ring tliein, icir savago shall have as his duty .f Barbary. succeeded fe and con- n laity, and J ignorance homing the to produce under the ;nul gated in from these lat a very practice of 1 the arrival « was truly reflections, iptivity, the throats or upon their ere burned ) free them- ito those of \ by moving the admin- de and sal- ded to those • homes, to assojnhle around the altar of thi'ir father^ to hear, as of old, (he sacred cliaunts which clioered their infancy, and inlii.sed into their yet tender and Impressivo minds, the sweet h'ssons, ilic sublime irispirntions of religion! And such was tlicir favored lot tlirough the zealous labours of the pious brethren of St. Vincent. In IJiscrta, Algiers and Tunis, no fewer than twenty-tivo bagnios became churches, where the christian captives reguhirly met on Sundays and days of festival, in order to take [lart in the great act of christian worship, — the otlering of that "clean oblation,"— that "sacrifice," which was .Mppoinied to be ottered in "every place," and by which, it was forett.ld that the name of God should he " great among the Gentiles." (Malacliias i. 1 1 . > Wonderful jji-opliecyl It is no sooner fultilled amidst the unbelieving hordes of Harbary, than the " (ientile " stands back in awe and rever- ence, whilst the christian, in his lowly temple, tlevoutly kneels before the stainless victim. That " fear " which is the "beginning of wis- dom," urges the heathen still further on, and he not only reverences tlie sanctuary of the living God, but also, with confiding steps, crosses its portals, and adoi'es, " in spirit and in truth." Sorrowing christians were consoled aiul confirmed, such weaker brethren as had fallen from the taith were reclaimed, and many unbe- lievers were gained to the cause of truth. Thus, was built up anew, that Church of Africa, which reflected undying honor on the earb ages, and bequeathed to our own times, the most sweet and endu-. mg memories. Oh, surely, there is nothing wanting to the eulogium ot the Saint, who, in the midst of pagan darkness, restored the church, and revived the glorious epoch of Augustine. May that church for ever flourish! The Moslem power which crushed it so long, is now struck down in Africa, so cherished of old ; and, never more, may the usurping infidel unfurl his Crescent flag in defiance of the Cross. Peace now reigns, where war, erewhile, achieved its necessary work, — the work, not of fell revenge, but of sweet humanity and Justice, that had been so long trampled under foot. Learning and the kindred arts, modern civilization with its genius for improvement, education whicli excludes not, either "bond or free," high or low, "Greek or barba- rian," — all follow in the wake of religion, which, like a guardian angel, watches over and guides with iinerring rule, the development of a people, which is manifestly destined to occupy an important jdace amongst the nations of the earth, and to fill, as in the past, one of the brightest pages in the annals of mankind. Equally great was the success of St. Vincent's endeavours to propa- gate the gospel in all the countries from Madagascar to the Hebrides, where his brethren and disciples exercised their apostolic ministry. (V2 If there now r.iiimiiis ti> I'olaiitl, one tniL ami iiU'xli!Uistil)lo source of consolation ill lu-r extreme Hon-ow, tliut Iieroic nation is indebted Inr tliis inestinnihle lioon, to Vincent ol" I'aul, more than to anv indi- vichial l)esiik'S. A fatal system of nnhelief was rapidly j,Miniiiic •,'round. tSocinianisni was sprendin^' everywhere its i,'an;:rene roots. It was fth'eady sappin;;? the founchitions of the christian ediluie, when the enli^rhleiied hrethren of St. Vincent raised their V(jlce of warniiij,' and dispelled the dark and dismal cloud that was >,'atliering over Poland. Thus was a people, who had nohly slmwn themsulvos, in days of trial and of ;j;eMci'al daii;,'i'r, Christendom's nncoMpu'raMc Imhvark, onci' mori- Christian and Catholic; to the core; and, thus, also, to that people, possessing,' the Cathcdic; faith in its purity, jind in all its hir llenrv III., preseiiteil liinisilt; :is ;i eaiididiite for the Polish throne, he was not elected, till after his envoy, Hishop Montliie, liiid solemnly decla- red that he had no hand In the massacre of St. IJartholemew. AVlieii, the followinic year, a depiilation of lJishoj)s and I'litlulie Si'ni'.tors went to Paris, taey would not hail Henry of Valois as their Kinu:, until he had taken the oath to maintain l)eace between dissenters. — " Pacom inter dissentes servalio."' M. Diipin shewlnjj; a defrroe of i),'noranee ninvortliy of so eminent a statesman, had .also asserted that the Poles have been remarkable fur their prodiicious intolerance towards the creeds of otlier.s, ami have never given quarter to the Jews. To this, Princi' Czartoryski reiilies: ''Poland has not only, at all periods of her history, afforded an asylnm to the .Tews, but, she has welcomed other victims of reli^rious persecution. She received tlie Hussites, the Huguenots, and the Protestant refugees of divers nations at divers epochs. The great law of our l)iet of 1572 [)roclaime(l solemnly the civil e(inalit}' of all the christian confessions without exception. This was precisely n: the period when religious wars (with which Poland was never mixed up) devastiited Europe, and the very same year in which the mas- sacre of St. Bartholemew took place." )le KDlUTC * indebted ) any indi- 111^ jXnuind. s. It was when the irniiig and er Pohmd, lys (»f trial !irl\, oiu'.i' .((, to that ill its lai'tre ivcly I'iirly y,"' and to MOSS wliicli ofcnlight- y ; and nut IS. her vory . lives, her ut of dark of lioathen f of modern st and most I world, icent n(jhly 1 with unti- 1m the two ,' iVoni the fiin'oeh in tho , that whon in Milidiito for tlic sokinnly ilecla- . wiMit to I'uris, itli to nifiint;iin suiiin, luul !ils() ICO towards tlio w Czarloryski inn to tlie Jews, •d the lIuBsitos, I'lis. Tlie great lian confessions s (witli whicb wliicli tlie mas- hlindnotofHl duties, Imt even urged them to extend the sphere of their labours, and bless with their presence, those parts of their respective countries, which had not yet been favored to hear their at>ostolic i»reai-hing. When engaged in their Corsican nnssion. the Oetioe-e Semite placed at their disposal, the (lulleys of the State, And that iinlijc minded Princess Christina, the daughter of Ifenr.y the (ire ■ of France, and Duchess Regent of Savoy, sent her chief ministers to their aid. Tlu'se priulent statesmen suc- ceeded, although not without dilliculty, in c(»mposiug the political troubles which impe(!ent. The envoys of tho government could not at lirst pi-evail. Ihit tho magnanimous Duchess Ilegent linding that her meekness and (duirity weio of no avail, deemed it advisable to threaten as a Sovereign. Thus, >,')s brought about a cessation of civil strife; aiul tho pious mis.sionaries were enabled now to go abroad with saiety, and enter the churches ; tho peo[)le attended in crowds. And thus, hearingt they could not long resist the power of the word of God. They were deeply moved and inclined to jteace. Tii a few mrtnths, those people of I?ra, who breathed only hatred and revenge, embraced one another in token of reconcilia- tion. Nor was this tho result of a sui)erficial or transient feeling. Peace was [)ermancntly established, and so securely, that it became matter for remark, that none had ever witnessed such cordiality and union. The good Princess wrote to congrutulato the missionaries on their success, and it is related that, on hearing from their own lips, a more detailed account of all that had occurred, she could not refrain from tears. In Corsica, tho men of peace were blessed with even greater victo- ries. Time will not now adiuit c)f much detail. But one instance of their success is so edifying and instructive, that it cannot be withheld. Truly they understood on entering the valley of Niolo, that they had come among wild beasts, rather than to a community of civilized men. But, their meekness was not to be dismayed. It had been ordained that meekness should overcome strength, — gentleness ferocity. Tho mission of IIis disciples who came to call, not the virtuous, but the wicked to G4 repentance, was iiulced to wolves, whilst they should he as the guileless lauih. Niolo in Corsiciiis a valley nine miles in lengtli surrounded by lofty and rugged mountains which render it exceedingly difficult of access. Thereis notliiugto compare with it, eitlier in Savoy or the Pyrenees. Such was the state of th^ roads leading to this mountain fastness, that in the days of St. Vincent, it olfered a secure retreat to all tlie l)rigands and banditti of the Island. Xo dread ol ilie officers of Justice could deter them from committing robbery and murder at will, throughout tlie surrounding couutr}'. Such ig'iorance of spiritual things prevailed, that ot the two thousand inliabitantsof tliis valley, there were scarcely one hundred who know the commandments of God and the Apostle's creed. Vice was to them as virtue, and revenge was held in such honor iluit the children were taught, as they k-arned the use of sj)eech, that they must never allow the least otleiice to pass uni)unished. Thus cor- rupted in their minds from infancy, by wicked counsel and still worse example, there was but little hope of reforming their morals. These unfortunate people lived in tlie habiiual neglect of every religious duty, and persecuted one another in the most barbarous manner. It was their custom to wreak vengeance on their enemies by laying some great crime to their charge, and by causing them, through false wiM esses, to be unjustly condemned. Such witnesses could be obtained, in any num- ber, for money. Ajid when their testimony wu nullitied by that of other witnesses, who also had their price, the accuser and the accused took justice into their own hands, and cruelly murdered one another. Concubinage, and even more crying disorders, were not uncommon. No fear of censures or excommunication availed, in the slightest de- gree, to check such evils. This lamentable state of society apjieared only to stimulate the zeal of the disciples of St. Vincent. "We had to re-establish peace," they write, " in a ferocious nation. ' Hie laho7\ hoc opm.'^ Our first efl^orts were entirely useless; and for fifteen whole days, we could gain but one young man, who pardoned another for having wounded him in the head by a i)istol shot. All tlic rest were inilexible; and all that we could say, produced no effect on any one. Notwithstanding tliese bad dis[)ositions, there was always a groa'-. crowd at the discourses which Ave delivered every day, morning and evening. Never was there a more alarming auditory. All the men attended in their customary dress, that is, with a sword at their side, and a gun on their shoulder. But. besides these arms, the banditti and other criminals Jiad likewise two pistols, and two or three daggers in their belts. The spirit of ven- geance so strongly possessed them, that the most moving exhortations 65 5 guileless .1 by k)fty of access. Pyrenees. :ness, that 3 l)rigands tice could lu'ougbout prevailed, i-c scarcely ? A pf title's ;ucli honor >oec'h. that Thus cor- still worse lis. These gious duty, }r. It was some great i*! esses, to n any nuni- hy that of :he accused le another, inconuiion. ightest de- vte the zeal tace," they first efforts .1 gain but hiinin the all that we tliese bad ses which as there a customary r shoulder, ul likewise rit of ven- hortations made no impression on tht " minds. Many, indeed, when wc spoke of the pardon of injuries, let tiie Churcli. At length, on the eve of the day on which tlie general communion is usually made, as I was about to finish preachii'-T, I once more exhorted those unfurtuiuitc people to forgive one another. God ihen inspired me to take in my hand the crucifix which I carried about me, and to tell the assiMnbly, that those who were willing to show mercy to their enemies, should come to kiss the feet of it. I conjured them to dy so on tlie [)art of a dying Saviouk, who stretched out his arms towards them ; and I told thom that this homage, rendered to their Divine Lord, would be a proof of their determination to be reconciled with those who had otlt'iuled them. At these words, they began to look at each other; but a^ noon..' stirred, I moved as if retiring, after having co.'nplaiMc'd bitterly of their extraordinary obduracy. Upon tiiis, a Monk of the reformed Order of St. Francis, impelled by a rigliteons and holy indijOation, began to exclaim: '0>«'iolol unfortunate Xiolo! Must you then perish, and incur the curse of (lod ? You will not accept the grace which he sends to you by these missionaries who have come .so fur for your salvation. ' lie was still speaking, when a Parish Priest, whose nei)liew had l)een killed, came forward, prostrated himself on the grouiul, and asked to kiss the crucifix. Then calling by name, the murderer who was pres- ent, lie said aloud : ' Let such an one ar»proach, I must embrace him.'' After this, another Priest did the same with regard to some of his enemies ; and these two were followed by such a multitude, that for the space of an hour, nothing was to be seen but reconciliations and embracing. For greater security, the most important: things were reduced to writing, and authenticated by a notary. ' What a lesson to nuinkind I What edification to the whole world I What joy in heaven! ' exclaims the pious missionary to whom Me arc indebted for these details, 'to behold fathers and mothers jtardoiiing for the love of (loil, the death of their chiklron, chihlreri that of tlieir parents, wives that of tlieir husbands, brothers and relatives that of their nearest friends, Whiit consolation to behold implacable enemies embnice one another, shedding floods of tears!' In Corsica, siieli things were little less than miraculous. The victory of the good missionaries was. indeed, complete. The missions of St. Vincent to Ireland and the British Isles, were opposed by difKculties which arose from a very dilYerent source. I'.y the people of those countries, who never fail to apjireciate character, the f tlie Island aecejjfed tlie tiatholic faith, with the exception of two men, who, "in order to Bin more at tiieir ease, wanted no religion." ^lany other islands were visited— Caima, Fig, Skia, or Scky<', an island about sevont^-fivo "rs in lenirth. &c. The Island of IJarra. the territory of tlie McNiel, .ift'orded creat conso- i grei If MttcUonoU of Glengarry. mis."- lation enoup salutut of the his brc dcvoti The (1865) Man of St. Caithii *Th such w of tho I being trustwfl which ho coul at ieng the re 1 1 cent of iired with -Catliolu'.a, :)k tliein at liion wliicb by which it lived, every ei' in ') the he CaUiolic considerate nsole tliein, i; and who \v trials, and his country. 1, against a irv of "tlie ley received, inited to tlie were blessed the Catholic ' the highest tative of the ons, resumed many bless- was the Lord tunt and pow- arrival of the leiigarry himsolf from his youth. the Church, du- had received the \wr Diiguin also lis friouds. Tlio • as having been wrath, and at the expectation; for sland of Uist, was xainplo has been in's Letters to St. nd souls. About le of this portion who, "in order to ibout sevent^-flvo ordcd groat conso- i 67 of several Islands and of large estates on the mainland, the Ducal family of Perth, together with gentlemen of lesser note, embraced the religion of Vincent de Paul. The p-eaching and apostolic labours of the devoted missionaries produced such a profound impression, im- parted instruction so generally to the people, sustained, consoled and encouraged them, so powerfully, in the days of their severest trial, that flourishing missions were established and still (18(55) exist in almost all those portions of the country, in which the disciples of St. Vincent exercised th<^ir pastoral duties. This is all the more remarka- ble that the wicked at.d persecuting government of " the Lord Protec- tor " instructed the tribunals to harass and torment the good mission- aries with frequent prosecutions. It would appear, however, that such unchristian conduct only tended to conciliate for them, the esteem and the good will, not only of Catholics, but of many wiio dittered from them in matter of religion, whilst, in a great measure, it disarmed hos- tility amongst the people generally,* No doubt, the good Provi- dence of God watches over his faithful servants, lint, it does not always please Him to reward their services by happiness and good for- tune in this life. If, therefore, it was not permitted that any evil should befal the disciples of St. Vincent, much must be ascribed to the proper feeling of the country, inversely proportionate as it was, with the narrow, far.atical and cruel, but happily ephemeral tyranny of the time. None will now be surprised to learn that the last prayer of Vincent de Paul was offered up in behalf of tlie association of learned and pious missionary Priests, who seconded so powerfully ins zealous efforts in latioii to the Missionaries. Siicli was tlie people's eagerness for instruction, that it was enough for a child of each village to learn *.hc Lord's Prayer, tho Creed and the angelical sahitution, for the whole village to know these prayci-s in two days. Tlie principal persons of the place were received into llic Church ; amongst others, the young Lord, together with his brothers and sisters. Of the number of the eonvert.s was the son of a minister, whoso devoti(m cdilied the whole country where he was known. (Id.) The inhabitants of tliis Island, as well as the people of Uist above referred to, are still (1865) faithful to the Catholic Church. Many parts of the main-land, as well as the islands, were blessed by the apostolic labours of St. Vincent's disciples, such as the Counties of Moray, Sutherland, Itoss, Cromarty, Caithness and the remote Orkneys. * The Judges of tho land were averse to prosecutions on the gi>ound of religion. And such was the dislike of the pe.oi)le to such proceedings, that notwithstanding the exertions of the Cromwellian Government, it was scarcely possible to convict any one of the crime of being "habit and repute," a "Popish Priest" On one occasion that it was thought tliat a trustworthy witness had been found, the good man, when awakened to a sense of the evil which he was about to cause, refused to give evidence, excusing himself on tho ground that ho could not make up his mind to bo " the ruin of an honest man." The " Lord Protector " at length, however, had recourse to more direct means of persecution, and notwithstanding the remonstrances that were made by the French Ambassador, on the repreflentation f Vin- cent of Paul, compelled the frieuds of St. Vincent to leave the country. 68 the cause of religion and morality, JTis confitlence in the Divine goodness, — in the ever watchful Providence of God, — remained unsha- ken, to the latest hour of his career on earth. Summoning all the strength that remained to liim after an exhaust- ing illness of three days, in order to impart a final benediction to his pious brethren of an institution which was destine^d to perpetuate the most important of his works, he gave utterance to the following sen- tence, which, coming from such a man, and at such a solemn hour, was notliing less than prophetic: " Qn coepit opus bonum, Ipse pek- FiciET."* With these words ui)on his lips, and the peace of Heaven in liis soul, the holy servant of God departed to his rest and his reward. Thus did Vincent of Paul, in the eighvy-fifth year of his age, on the 27th day of September KJOO, resign into the liands of God, that life which he had spent in doing good, — in promoting, to the highest de- gree, it was in the power of any one man to promote, the improve- ment and liappiness of mankind. It is superfluous to say that his funeral was honored by the tears of a grateful people, as well ashy the unfeigned regret of the great and distinguished men of the beloved country for which he had laboured so faithfully and so long.f "Vincent de Paul was gone, and it was felt " that France and religion , had lost a truly great man who was distinguished by the practice of every virtue.'" The monarch, (Louis XIV.,) now become so ])Owerful, whom, when an infant, he had borne in his arms beside the death-bed of Louis " the Just," together with nine other Sovereign Princes, claimed for him the honors of canonization. The most eminent judges and statesmen declared "that his wisdom and charity were worthy of an apostle," and the first men of the age acknowledged, " that in a.rairs of the highest importance, he was quite their equal." Thirty-five pub- * He who hath begun will complete the good work. t The heart of St. Vincent was enshrined in a silvc!' vase, and his corpse deposited in the centre of the choir of his Church of St, Lazarus. The Epitaph is as follows : HlO JACET Vexerabilis Vir VINCENTIUS A PAULO Presbyter, Fundator seu Institctor Et primus Superior generalis CONGREG ATIONIS MISSIONIS NECNON PUELLARUM CHARITATIS. Obiit DIB 27 Septkmbris Anno 1660. 69 lie estublisliments which lie had either created or restored, in the City of Paris, horo witness to hi.s zeal. The most learned doctors testified "that, wliilst in their youth, they had listened to his instructions, they believed that it was God liirnself who spoke to them.'" Fenelon und Flechier, together witli eighty Risliops, bore the like honorable testi- mony. The different religious orders with one accord, proclaimed his praise. "It was impossible," said three assemblies of the clergy, at the head of wliom was Cardinal de Noailles, " to restrain the piety of the faithful," who willed that the name of the luimi'le Vincent should be inscribed in the diptychs of tlie Saints. Tlie most eminent men of the time, as well as the most lowly, concurred in forwarding the can- onization of the saintly man, who had given joy to the universal cliurch by his charitable labours, and had won for his country, new and lasting fame. Such men as Cardinal de Perigord, and, the renowned Benedict XIV., known as yet, only, as Prosper Lambertini, labored in the cause, whilst a convict, to whom Vincent of V \] had imi)arted consolation and instruction, bore witness to his excellent virtue. This person, when informed that there was question of canonizing him, exclaimed: " O, I knew him well, — he was too humble, he will never suffer it." " This sublime defiance," observes the eloquent Cardinal Maury, " was heard in Heaven." The supreme authority pronounced. The memory of Vincent de Paul was beyond the reach ot cavil, enshrined in the annals of the imperishable church; and his name which had already been written so long in t.ie Book of Life, was inscribed in that record, more briglit and more enduridg than the most glorious page of earthly fame, — that record which passess from generation to generation, and will only cease to be read, when there will no longer be a world to contain it, nor men by whom it can be perused. The French monarch Louis XV. worthily celebrated an event, so honorable to his country, by causing twelve Galley slaves to be restored to liberty. The French people, and all people who owned the Catholic name, hailed with rap- ture, the honors so worthily conferred on the Friend of humanity, the Apostle of Truth, the Light of his age, the Stay of weakness, the Father of the poor. The men of every clime rejoiced; for if Heaven descen- ded Truth appeared to them, in their day, in all its essential excellenco, and beauty, and fascinating loveliness, they owed the boon to Saint Vincent de Paul. . CONTENTS p»gt. Profiico 8 Eiirly ediioation Of Vincent of Piiul 5 Vincent reduced to cufiti vity 6 ftt tlie Court of Henry the Great, and Queen Margaret du Valois 6, 1 ■ at CUchy T Preceptor to tt'o Gondls 8 an enemy of duellinf? 8, 9 an eloquent Preaclu-r 9 converts M. de Koufri'inont 10 labours to abolish litip:ation 11 founds the Confraternity of Charity 11, 12 returns to the Oondi Family 12 . enforces an argument in .sui»porl of the Churcli 13 reforms the ('.alley Prisons 13, 14, 16, 18 acquirss amiability of manner 15 appointed Sii]>crior of the Religious of the Visitation 15 tiilces the place of a Galley Convict 16 gi\H\s extraordinary |>roofs of pastoral zeal 19 labours to establish Diocesan Seminaries 20 establishes the Congrejration of the Mission 19, 20, 21, 23, 28 attends the deathbed of Louis XIII 24, 25 a pillar of the Church of Franco 25 • proves his patriotism in the Fronde wars 26 ."tyled " the Father of the alBicted." 28 founds the house of "the name of Jesus." 28, 29 conceives the idea of providing for the forty thousand vagrants of Paris, and founds La Salpetriere ." 29, 30 relieves the sutferings of Lorraine 81, 32 assists many British families whom tlio Cromwellian persecution had driven into exile '. 33 denounces a wiclvcd vagrant 33 establishes a groat hospital for foundlings 83, 34, 35 The Sisters of Charity— Their conduct in the American civil war — Public opinion in tlie United St;it(!s 36, 8T in the Crimean War — Words of Cardinal Wiseman — Public oi)inion in England 37, 88 founded by St, Vincent de Paul 38, 39 Wisdom of their rule — Their Christian heroism 89, 40, 41 Vincent de Paul and the charitable ladies at the Hotel Dieu 42 Vincent de Paul requires that complete liberty of conscience should be an essential element of the new regime at this great hospital 48 founds the hospital of Sainte Reine, where 400 poor enjoyed twice in the year, the use of medicinal waters 44 founds refonnatories for youth 44 An ignorant mob pillages his house of St. Lazarus 45 Such conduct far from hardening his soul, only incites hiin to greater charity 45 Extreme miseiy in the Provinces of Picardy and Champagne. Efforts of Vincent to relieve it 46 Public honors decreed to Vincent do Paul 47 The secret of his great resources and success 47, 48 His extraordioary disinterestedness 49 ■■^1 CONTENTS. 11. P»g». 8 6 d 6,7 T ft 8,» 9 11) 11 11,12 13 13 . 13,14,10,18 15 15 16 19 20 ), 20, 21, 22, 28 24, 25 25 26 2a 28, 29 Paris, and 29, 30 81,32 ad driven 38 3:J , . S3, 34, 85 lion in tlie 36, 87 (iniim in 3T, 88 38, 39 .... 89, 40, 41 42 1 essential 48 1 the year, 44 44 45 45 Vincent to 46 47 47, 48 49 < Pofre. Vincent do Paul a Minister of State 49 Ilia siioct'ss in causinjr l)c;ni'tic<'s tn Ixi iiiijiartiully iK'Stowcd 50 Uis conduct in ro^ard to a fiiiil calumny 50, 51 Could not \w induced to accept favours either for hitnseif or for his congrejiation 51, 52 Wise, in deliberation — prompt in execution 52 Highly esteemed by the Prince of t^onde ,58 Reforms many Uelij^ious Orders 53, 54 Opposes fanaticism 54, 66 Causes royal edicts to be published against blasfjhemy and duelling 66 Adopts measures for discouraging irreligious and immoral publications 65 Extends his caro to the State |>risoncrs in the Bastilo 56 lliii conduct in regard to Cliurch patronage 55, 56 The most eminent men of the time his disciples — their wise and liberal counsel to the King 56,57 Labours of his " Congregation " 57, Ac in Barbary 58, &.c. in Poland 02 in Corsica 02, Ac, in Ireland and the British Isles 05 in Scotland 66, 67 Vincent's last illness and memorable words 67, 68 Honor paid to his memory — words of eminent men 08, 69 His canonixatioD 69 E K K A T A . Pago 35 — In third line efface at before some, and at the end of fourth line efface at before this. Page 50 — (note) — read Madame de Motteville. Page 52 — Second paragraph, for in the presence of the Creator of Royalty itscJ/, read in the presence of the great, — of Royalty itself. • TheTe &c N< Count « • by T • T Re (t< • th« • • An Ora OF • M • Lament CoKPrs Ti In] Ei m WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. The Temporal Sovereignty of the Pope, in relation to the state of Itulj, &c., by the Rev. JEsea.q MoD. Dawson. London, 53 (hito 61) New Bond Street. Alio at 53 I^ew Bond Street, Count Joseph de Maistre's Celebrated Work on tlie POPE, Translated by the Rev. ^n. MoD. Dawson ; The same Author's Letteks on the Spanish Inquisition ; The Parish Puiest and his Paeisiiionees. Translated by the Rev. ^N. MoD. Dawson; Maitre Pierre," Conversations on Morality. Translated . v the Rev. JEa. M(jD. Dawson. Jvst Published, at 53 New Bond Strett, An Oration, in praise of Saint Vincent of Paul, Delivered in the Hall OP THE " Conference of oub Lady," at Ottawa, by the Rev. ^NEAs MoD. Dawson. 1805. And also, thefolloicing Poems : Lament for the Right Reverend James Gillis, Bishop of Edinburgh, &c., &c., &c. Corpus Christi; Dies Ir.e; Te Dkum Laudamus; Stai.at Mateb Dolorosa ; The Bombardment of Sonderborg ; Tribute to the Memory of the Late Earl of Elgin, Viceroy op India, &c., &c., &c. Epistle to Edinburgh, Descriptive of Canada; St. Andrew's Day, at Ottawa, 1864. LONDON: 53 NEvv^ bond street 18G5.