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■''**w*^N>^

^i^iMb^>^^Mi^>^^l^i<^lA^l^^fcA<>A^MiA^A<iA^>AA<I^A<i<i<

ST. YINCENT OF PAUL.

A. lecture:

DELIVERED BY

The Rev. JEif. McD. DAWSON,

BEFORE THE

^t Witucttii U f attl jltfri^taof the (Katlwiltal f atiieife of (^ttmn.

LONDON:

63 NEW BOND STREET,
1866.

9W9W99 9 '¥^'¥WW^^f999WW9f9¥WW'^F'¥¥^WWW^>W^W^'F¥'^'9WW*'>^F^^f>W'^'9mfW^'0^fim9^f^

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.

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 .

PRINTED BY BELL & WOOD BURN;

ElGlN StKEET, CeSTKAL OTnAVAs

PIIEFACK.

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:

<Sco., Sctu

Of the incalculably great muuber of cTiiincntlj good Christians,
whose sanctity has adornetl the Church, and whoso labors have en-
lightened and improved the world, none can he said to have a better
claim to the reverence and gratitude of nuiiikiiid than Vincent of Paul.
In the Church's long catalogue of honored names, there is not one
that has not been illustrated by liie most heroic deeds; but, whilst all
have bequeathed to succeeding ages, the sweet memories of their stain-
less lives, whilst the odour of their virtues throughout all time, ascends,
like fragrant incense, and even, as a rich propitiatory offering to the
dwelling jdace of infinite mercy, there is no Saint, who by his numer-
ous and enduring works of Charity, has more completely realized the
fundamental precept of the law, — that law of grace and love, which
wills not that any should ever be excluded from its favor, or forbidden
to participate in the full measure of its redemption.

"Vincent of Paul had not yet passed the age, at which the occupa-
tions, the amusements, the frivolities of childhood, engross the whole
being, when he gave proof of qualities which merited for him the
blessing of education. It was not until his latent genius became to a
certain extent manifest to his intelligent father, that those sacrifices
were resolved on, which prepared for the apostleship of truth, one of
its ablest champions.

As if conscious of bis destiny, Vincent pursued with ardour, those
studies from which minds of the highest order have ever sought gui-
dance as well as knowledge, and in due time, obeying the call of
Heaven, he joined the ranks of the Christian Priesthood.

And now, a Priest for ever, according to an order more holy than
that of Aaron, he will hasten to set forth, with giant power, upon his
great career. But no. Like the richest metal that is reserved for the

lioljli'st uses, III' must 111' (list iiiti) tlif cnifililo. Tlic ordoHl of triliu*
liitioii iiwuits liiiii. The triiil is a-* offiro, but It consumes uut; a^ialnat
IiIh soul ot'ijroof it is jiowerlcss.

Whilst, on a short v(i_va;;fo nlon;; the shores ot' his native land, tie l<
Poizt'd hv Turkish I'iratts, and borne away into exile and caiifivitj'.
lie is icducfd to slavery, — sold and re-soM, — to-day the proiurty ot'
one liratlieii master, to-morrow the idnitlel ot' anotlici", Fiom this
cruel lot neither his intellect, ikm' his su|)er:<»r education, nor hissa<'red
character could save him. Tlie blind and obdurate Turk knows no
ii;|i|)ect. Tho most enli;rhtened, the iiH)st accotnplished, tho most lioly^
ar*' to him no better than beasts of burthen. In such hopeless bonda;^o.
Vincent of Paul could only pray, could oidy sutler, and, he pi'ays with
the fervour, he sutlers with the resi},'nation of u Christian martyr.
Can we be too thankful thsit that power, whi(di he tails even tomodit>
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

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 <h'Votes liim>^».'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 drea<ls what he does not covet. He who
had oidy grown in sanctity whilst humbled to the condilioir (d'a slave
and to a vile as.'«ociation with degraded heathens, fears lest ho may
loso the grace of his holy state amid the daz/ling glare ot courtly splen-
dour. There is in the vicinity of Paris, a parish so poor that for years
no Pastor could be found to take charge of it. Vincent of Paul divests
himself of his rich l)eneHce-i, and only uses his groat inlluence in (U'der
to procure his appointment to this obscure charge. At Clichy he de-
votes himself with unremitting vigilance, to the Parochial duties that
have now devolved upon him. And not without the greatest success.
Example comes to the aid of precept, and in a short time, a learned
doctor thinks it no exaggeration to say, that the Parishioners of Clichy
" universally lived like angels," pronouncing thus, tho best eulogium
of tho Pastor, whilst ho appears only to speak the praises of the tlock.
He is not long in this Parish, preaching assiduously, instructing youth,
reconciling sinners, visiting the sick, consoling the afflicted, relieving
the poor, restoring the peace of families, strengthening the weak,
making himself all to all, in order to gain all to his Divine Lord, when
a new labor requires all his energy. His Church is nearly in ruins,
and without the necessary furniture and ornaments. His Parishioners
are too poor even to repair it. In the face of this apparently insuper-
able difficulty, he conceives the design of rebuilding it entirely. And
this important work ho succeeds in accomplishing, not by means of any
funds of his own, for all he possessed is already distributed among tho
poor, but, through the aid of generous families of the capital who are

in tlie liabit of devoting tlieir worilly goods to the cause of piety, and
who gladly second the efforts of a man whose only objects are the
greater good of his fellow-men and the glory of God.

But, he must soon be taken from a field of exertion where his zeal is
crowned with tho most abundant rewards. Not however, until his
parish is so admirably ordered as to afford the greatest facilities for the
successful labors of the Pastor who is destined to succeed him, does he
yield to the representations of Cardinal do Berulle, his si)iritual Direc-
tor, and accept the responsibility of educating the children of M. de
Gondi, general of the Galleys of France.

The high rank of the Gondis, no less than the important office held
by the head of the family necessarily attracted many visitors. The
inmates of the palace were also numerous. Thus were great induce-
ments to worldly amusen;ents hourly presented to the servant of God.
But nothing can divert him from the great objects he never ceases to
have in view — the good of souls, — the glory of God. In the midst of
the gay and busy world, he lives secluded from the world. Far from
the solitudes where devout men of old, sought refuge from dissipation
and distraction, he leads the life of a father of the desert. Not un-
mindful of the duty he hcs undertaken, to form the minds of one of
the most influential ftimilies of his country, he remembers at the same
time, his vocation to the pastoral office. The Gondis are educated —
qualified for the highest posts, to which their birth, in those times,
entitled them. But the bread of instruction is no less dispensed to
every member of tlie household. Not only is the Countess de Gondi,
already so sincerely pious, consoled and encouraged to persevere in the
better way which she has chosen, the humblest menial of the establish-
ment shares alike in the apostolic solicitude of tlie truly good Pastor.

M. de Gondi himself becomes a cause of anxiety. In the age of St.
Vincent there prevailed a practice which happily in our days, and
especially in our favored country, by means of great social* as well as
Cliristian influences, is no longer in vogue. Duelling wa^ fashionable,
and it was not held to be unchristian. Honor required the reparation
of a death struggle ; and devout men invoked the God of battles before
(ptenching the Are of their quarrel in blood. In vain did Henry the
Great legislate against duelling. The time for the extinction of a cus-
tom anti-social as it was anti-christian, had not yet come. A nobleman
of the Court offends the high-born Count de Gondi. Is it fitting, is It
reasonable that the head of so great a family — the son of ihe brave

♦ It is well known that our j^'nicious Qiieon, by a wise aud l)i;neflceiit exercise of her
grcdt influence, liis suppressed tliu uucliristiau practice of lighting duels in the British
army, as well as among the people of Great Britain.

been

ity, and
are the

is zeal is
mtil Ills
s for tlie
, does lie
til Direo-
Df M. de

ffice lield
irs. Tlie
it iuduec-
it of God.

ceases to
3 midst of

Far from

lissipaiion

Not un-

of one of
t the same
educated —
oso times,
spensed to

do Gondi,

vcre in the
;eestablish-

,od Pastor.

e age of St.
|r days, and
iis well as

'ashionable,
reparation

Ixttles before
Henry the

lon of a cns-

|a nobleman
fitting, is It

f the brave

loxcrcise of Uer
in tbc British

Marshal de Retz, should bear the affront in silence? It cannot bo.
And de Gondi prepares for the mortal conflict by more than usually
long and fervent - rayer. Whilst he is thus engaged, Vincent of Paul
approaches, and throwing himself at his feet, begs in all humility to be
heard :

"I know on good authority, tha- you are going to fight a duel. I
declare to you in the name of niy Saviour wliom you have just adored,
that it you do not relinquish that wicked design, he will exercise his
justice upon you and all your jiosterity." The Saint having uttered
these words, witli all ihe earnestness of true charity, retires, over-
whelmed wit'' grief and horror, but not without tlie purpose of adopt-
ing other means if this should fail. But the power with which bespoke,
had been as that of an apostle delivering the messages of Heaven.
Conscience is awakened, and M. de Gondi leaves his cause in the hands
of Ilim who has said, " Vengeance is 'n?, and I will repay."

It would be superfluous to recount the apostolic labours of Vincent
of Paul in the Iliuise of Gondi, and among the country people on the
possessioi..^ of that family. Urged by the most extraordinary zeal, he
resolves to devote himself more completely to the service of the poor
and the salvation of souls. Father de lierulle, to whom he imparts his
design, recogniz'-s the uprightness of his intentions, and recommends
that he should exercise the pastoral office at Chatillou les Dombes, a
Parish that had been long neglected.

Nothing contributes so much to the renewing of faith and a spirit of
piety, as a faithful and zealous preaching of the Word of God. Vincent
of Paul accordingly, no sooner enters upon his new cha'-w, than he
renders available for the work of reformation which is so necessary,
the gift of oratory which he possesses in all its perfection. The igno-
rant are enlightened, the wavering are reassured, the erring are re-
claimed, conversions the most extraodinary and the most unlooked for,
are occasioned by the eloquent and energetic preaching of the new
Pastor. " With great power does he give testimony," even as did the
inspired founders of the Church, and " none are able to resist the spirit
and the wisdom that speaks. — (Acts v. and vii.)

Among the first who are moved by the eloquence of the good Pastor,
are two ladies of rank, whose minds had been wholly engrossed by the
frivolous amusements of the world. At first, they admire the great
talents of the Preacher, but, a deeper impression is speedily made.
They desire to confer with him, and are unable to withstand the force
and unction of his words. Their conversion is complete. They arc
now as thoroughly devoted to the duties of religion as they had hitherto
been to vain pleasure. Gaunt famine, with pestilence in its train,

comes to srourf;e the people of CliiitlUoii. Tlieso Indite, as if inspired
to be tlic tutelary aiigel.s of the i)lace, ])itch their tents ht side its walls,
and tlicnce go forth hy uight, as in the day time, on tlieir errands of
mercy to the jdagne-struck inhabitants. The poor are snpjjlied witli
food, and the sick with remedies. The people are profoundly moved.
They can hardly refrain from tears, when they btdiold these delicately
educated ladies "passing whole days and nights in the cottages, where
death is seen in its most terrific forms." — (Collet.)

A nobleman of the Court of France, that Count de Rougemont, a
slave to the fashion of the time, whoso sword was ever ready to start
from its scabbard, on occasion of the least real i>r 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

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-

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

. 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

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

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]l<?t of sti'aw,
were but a slight portion of the austerities which he was wont to
practice. We might suppose that a man whose consuming zeal made
him submit to the fatigue of almost continual labour, might well liave
dispensed with more severe and painful mortifications — disciplines,
even to blood — .sharp pointed, galling chains, — the frightful, torturing
hair shirt. The spiritual exercises also to which he had recourse, were
fretiuent as they were searching. It was in the course of one of these
when strictly reviewing his whole conduct, that he discovered a fault
of his exterior life, which he hastened to correct. Habits of profound
reflection, together with the natural gravity of his demeanor, gave him
an austerity of manner which rendered intercourse with him less easy.
This was more particularly remarked in his relations with the great.
"Whilst they hold urbanity t)f manner in such high estimation, by those
in more humble spheres, it is made little account of. The Countess of
Joigny e^eii feared lest he should have felt dissatisfied in her house,
and could not retrain from ex|)ressing to him her concern. It (!ould
not now. however, be any longer said that the great reformer of his
age and country neglected to reform himself. He applied so assiduously
to this Avork of self-improvement, that what he had once said of St.
Francis of Sales, was strictly true as regarded himself — "that it was
difficult to find a man, whose virtue dis])layed itself in more amiable
traits of countenance, or better calculated to gain every heart to God."
We can now learn without surprise that the greatest Hisliop of fjie
tjjne^ — St. Francis of Soles, — marked his appreciation of Vincent of
Paul, by naming him to the highly responsible office of Superior gen-
eral of that pious congregation, — "the Religious of ihc Visitation," —
which owed its origin to Madam de Chantal, so justly celebrated for
her sanctity and good works. In this honorable charge, the servai\t
of God beheld only a now and most sacred stewardship, of which he

would liave to render a strict account, and applied mora than ever, to
the practice o*' every sacerdotal virtue.

The Saint now ( )nfiuived that he might avail himself of his hif^'h
position as Cliaphiin jreneral of the Galleys, in order to ett'ect a thorough
reformation amongst the convicts. For this purpose, he undertook a
journey to Marseilles, in the hope of being ahle to do as much good
tliere, as ho had i;lready done at Paris, liut the task he took in liand
was great — apparently too great even for the resoiirces of his inex-
haiistiMe clmrity. How reform men who bewailed oidy the punish-
ment of their crimes? — whose hearts overflowed with bitterness and
hatred to society which chastised them — whose only language was
bhisi)homy. Anxious to avoid the public honors that must liave been
paid to him as Chaplain general, he travelled incoynlto, to Marseilles,
and wiicn there, avoided making himself known, in order that he might
ascertain more completely, the true state of things. Whilst Vincent
of Paul was engaged in visiting the Galleys, and enipiiring into the
condition of each convict, a circumstance occurred which gave to the
world an undeniable proof that, even in a degenerate age, the virtues
of the early Christiana were not impossible. He found a prisoner who,
unlike the other Galley slaves, on whom the words of the Saint pro-
duced the most salutary impression, could not be changed, could not
be comforted. Despair had seized upon him. The thought of his
wife and family, from whom he was so cruelly separated, and who were,
in (jonsequence of his absence reduced to extreme misery, continually
preyed upon his mind. No power of persuasion could move him — no
means could be devised for the alleviation of his hard lot. But, true
piety, ever so rich in expedients where there is question of doing good,
found a remedy. Vincent of Paul, urged by a sublime impuls-e of
charity, purchased the freedom of the convict with his own. Re pre-
vailed with the official in charge; and, loading himself with the iieavy
chain, taking in his hand the Galley oar — descending to the deep
humiliation of penal servitude, and that for an indefinite length of time,
he dismissed the victim of misery and despair, rejoicing, to his home.
What a lesson to his age, and to all succe ling ages ! Already were
men beginning to say that Christianity had done its best — that its pris-
tine power was spent, — that some new economy, some hitherto un-
tried system, some undiscovered influence — must come to rescue the
decaying world, — renew the social state, — inspire better and more
deeply fou.ided hope — shed light amid prevailing darkness, and pre-
pare a bright future for the fallen and bewildered race of man. R'lt
how vain must not all such speculations ai)pear, when we contemplate
the heroic act of Vincent of Paul,— a deed of virtue to which history

song,
pressec
an '
sacrific
Tlie i
hy his
duced
him St
acknoi
tlie son
of an a(
He cou
matter
down h
thinkini

* Multof
fit. Cleinc

We hav
•cansom th

X •

ever, to

[lorout^U
jrtook a
ich good
in liantl
lis inex-
5 Dunisli-
ness and
lage was
lave been
Ifti-seilles,

,he miglf'^
; Vincent

into the
ive to the
lie virtues
,oner who,
Saint vro-

covdd not
ight of his
who were,
•ontinually

e him— iio
But, true
oing good,
inipuUa of
Re pre-
the ueavy
the deep
;thoftime,
liis home,
■eady were
[hat its pris-
litherto un-
rescue the
and more
;t., and pre-
man. B"it
lontemplate
tiich history

proflcnts no parallol ! The Christians of the primitive Churcli, with a
spirit of SL-lf-sacrilicf beyond nil |)raise, not iinfrequeiitly reducod tlioiii-
soives to shivery in order to ransom tlioir cfty)tive brethren* — tlieir
dear friends in Christ, — the belovo<l sisters, Vyrotliers, ohildreti, — who
wore wont to walk with tliom in the pleasant ways of holiness, and
whose loved coiTipanionsliip was so ehecrinfj and so sweet. I^et none
question the excellence, — the suhlimity of such self-devotiuf; virtue.
But it pales henide the heroism of St. Vincent. If anything could at. all
compare with the sacrifice and self-humiliation of Him, who, loadin<<
himself with our guilt, — " was bruised for our iniquities," — and became
a slave in order that we might be free, it is thcdevotednesaof the man
who by the practice of every virtue, having already striven to be
"conformable to the image" ' tl<3 Divine victim, is now, in the full
sense of the word, conformed to this glorious roscnd)lance, in assuming
the appearano'i of a crimiuid and a slave, whilst he voluntarily sub-
jects himself to the degrading punishment of crime.

It was not in the ardor and enthusiasm of youth, but in his fortieth
year, that Vincent of Paul was iiupelled to this sublime "excess of
benevolence and humiliation." How great was he not in his abjec-
tion ? Bruised and crushed with chains, arrayed in a felon's garb,
spent with incessant toil, this unoffending victim of human justice was
i.lso the willing victim of his own cimrity. Be praised for ever the
g/eat dispenser of eternal justice! If the angelic choirs above were
now to join with our feeble voice, in one prolonged strain of celestial
song, the gratitude of men and angels would not be .sufficiently ex-
pressed for that goodness which provides an adecjuate reward — even
an "eternal weight of glory," Tor such great, such heroic acts of .self-
sacrifice.

The ardent, the devoted charity of St. Vincent, could only be ei]ualled
by his profound humility. If the love of his neiglibour, in Christ, re-
duced him to the condition of a Galley slave, the dread of renown made
him study ever to conceal his heroism. He who feared not to
acknowledge in the midst of the proudest Court in Europe that he was
the son of a poor labourer, studiously refrained from making mention
of an action which alone would have earned for him enduring fame.
He could not, however, deny it. And once when asked concerning a
matter of such importance, he replied only by a smiie, and humbly cast
down his eyes, a«. his countenance coloured with involuntary joy in
thinking of the poor convicts for whom he had done so much. In the

* Multos inter vos cognovimus qi'' "^eip sos in vinculn conjecerunt, ut alios redimcreBt,
8t. Clement (Epist. ii.)

We have linown many of ours whi) have devoted themselves to captivity, in order to
ransom their brethren. — (Letter ii. to the Corinthiana.)

fulness of Iiis lienrt, lie lind once oontitlcd tliifl soorot in writing' to li
friend. Heftrin>r, 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 ]en<rtli discovered. Meanwhile, liis zeal
for both the spiritual and temporal well-being of the convicts suffered
no ab.atement. What he had already effected for their improvement
at Paris, ho now began to accomplish at Marseilles. Through the
influence or rather the direct power which his high i>osition 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, n<j
in the

in^' to u
•eserved,
i)S>jo!«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

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<inence,
of self-sacrificinjr charity, of every christian, every sacerdotal virtue.
Aiiioii^' these were not a few whone names have come down, with
nndyiiip honor, to our time, — the Oilier, the d'Altneras, the Trougon,
the Jk-rnard, the Eudes Mezerai, the ]^)urdoise, founders of institutions
iisefid alike to religion and civil society, which, necessarily de|)en<lent
the one upon the other, are destined to proceed hand in hand, in the
nolde work of progri^ss and imi)rovement. l{ut, wo need not dilute on
foundations which are so well known, which still eidigl^ten our age,
as they astonished and improved the age which gave them birth. How
great must not have been the success of Vincent of Paurs undertaking,
when such men were his pupils, as I!ossuot of Meaux, Abelll of Rodez,
Perochel of Boulogne, (rodeau de Vonco, Pavilion d'Aleth, Viahird de
Chalons? One of these, the celebrated Hishop of Meaux, the most ac-
complished writer of his time and the Prince of ecclesiastical orators,
bore witness, when 72 years of age, " that, when he listened in his
youth, to the instructions of Vincent of Paul, ho imagineu that God
liimself wus speaking to him." The eloquent Flechier, the Divine
Fenelon, with many other Bishops and Theologians of great eminence,
Bpeak in equally high terms, of the impressive and powerful preaching
of St. Vincent. One would say that this wonderful servant of God
possessed the faculty of imparting to otlicr men by a force of persua-
sion that can be likened only to that of St. Paul, tlie sentiments, which
filled his own breast, — Ins un<pienchablo thirst for righteousness, his
ardent, but wisely regulated zeal, his sublime charity.

The important society of Missionary Priests, which, under the title
of "the Congregation of the Mission," was destined to extend and per-
petuate the apostolic labours of Vincent of Paul, at first found an
asylum in the College de» hons en/ants. The holy servant of God reti-
ring from the house of Gondi. now took up his abode there, (1625,)
and in a short time gathered around him several of the most learned
ecclesiastics of the time. They were chiefly doctors of Sorbonne,
known by their learning and writings, as well as by their piety.
Louis XIII. who could so well aftpreciate true merit, gave strength and
courage to the new association, by imparting to it the Royal sanction.
The public voice, which, except in tlie most depraved communities, is
never raised but in the cause of right, sustained it against a miserable

as th

sonu
the
them
ual,
liege 1
hy t

cuhiil. Tlif most iihlo iiinjfisfrntLM lent their rdiniti'iiiimM'. Tln' I'ar
liuiiu'tit of Pnrif* liouorod it, witli tlic seal nt' its uutliority. Tlio P«»[)C',
IJrltJUl tliu VIII., dfli^'iitc'tl to (iiid tl'.iit II cniiipJiliv of disiiitvrt'Sti'il
l'ust(»rrt hml dovtitod iIk-iiisoIvos to tliu ciif*' ol tlu' most iic^'Iectid por-
tioii of till' (lock ot'Clirirtt, crowiK'd it with favours, iiii|>!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<lvanta^,'eous tor t!ie i^ood of s<tuls."
Not only did St. Vincent's con^rrefration promote the spiritual wel-
fare of the less instructed portion of the Faithful', it hecamo ali^rhtalsit
tor the '^rnidaiice of the I'astors of the llock. Conferences were estah-
llshed at the CoUe<jedcxhoitH rnfiititu, and the most leaiiied of the Clci'fry
became more learned still, by the frecpient discussion of tho more im-
portant, and especially the nuuv practical <|Uestions of Theolo^ry. Tho
first Archbishop of Paris, Jean Francois de Condi, the son of tliat
Knunaiuiel de Condi whose name will lonj? survive as the friend of
Vincent of Paul, and his fellow -laborer in the cause of reform, anxious
that the candidates for holy orders, should possess the seiciK^c as well
as the virtues proper to their state, required that they should spend
some time in serious jireparation unler the direction of St. Vincent and
the Priests of his CotififreSHtion. Many other Dishops, likewise, availed
themselves of the new instituiioii. Tiiis institution, essentially spirit-
ual, gained, without courtiuji; it, tlui favour of the {Treat. That Queen
Itefient of France, Anno of the house of llap^burgh, more truly royal
by tho dignity of her character than by her imperial birth and exalted
station, marked her appreciation by signifying her intention to make a
ro} al foundation in favour of a society that had beconio so useful.
And, indeed, it needed aid. There were now six ordinations yearly,
and, consequently, no fewer than eighty ecclesiastics must bo main-
fainod for two montiis within the walls of the College. The untoward
circumstances of the time rendered it impossible to carry out the jiious
purpose of tho good Queen, liut, the great soul of Vincent sufficed for
every want. Far from narrowing the sphere of his labours, far from
having what the world would praise as a wise regard to the temporal
interests of his congregation, ho opened the d(»ors of the College des
bons enfants to an additional number of youthful ecclesiastics, — the
candidates for minor orders, who, in obedience to the wishes of the

S>')

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

>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 <pii judicatis terram.) The blessing of
apostolic teaching must be possessed within the regal mansion of Ver-
sailles. A monarch who was remarkable for his discernment of char-
acter, and his generous appreciation oi good men, willed that this bread
of Heaven should be dispensed amidst his Court, by the pious associates
ot St. Vincent. That they were true to their duty, the history of sev-
eral generations bears witness. During a century and a half, their
preaching was with much power and fruit, whilst their sanctity ceased
not to shine forth as an ever bright and guiding light, proof against
th« seductions of a Court, where virtue and profligacy held sway by
turns.

But it is in the labours of foreign missions, especially, that we recog-
nize the ri.e merit of the children of St. Vincent. Not in name, only,
are they missionary. They, indeed, possess a mission,— & mission,
one would say, to the wliole world. For, what region is there that
has not been illustrated by their toil f In the most remote and bar-

barotifl clitnes, they ?iave borne uloft tlie torci of trntli. Under all
cironnisttinces, in every c(>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^^

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

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.

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, —

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 ^<ti\, in his hands, a largo sum of money for any good work to which
he chose to assign it. The Saint suggested that by means of this fund
an asylum should be provided, for forty poor mechanics of the capital,
who, in their old age had come to ruin and poverty. The spiritual
wants of these unfortunate people were also to be ministered t(>.
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,

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

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.

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-

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

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 <lesolation,
liad appealed, and, hitherto, in vain, to all Europe, were clothed, as
well as supplied with food. During ten years that tl."e fandne lasted,
Vincent continued to send every niont^^h .'}0,<)00 llvres, together with
medicines, waggon loads of bread, seed grain, farming imi)lements, and
clothing for twenty thousand men of every condition.

The Duke of Lorraine, being more intent on battles and sieges, than
anxi'^us to promote the happiness of his people, there was no prospect
of the war coming to an end. Many families of distinction, therefore,
abandoned a country, where they could no longer exist, and sought
refuge in Paris. They were not long there, wlien, whatever means
they possessed utterly failed them. This privation they felt the more
severely, as they could not bring themselves to make it known. Tt
did, however, reach the ears of St. Vincent. And, if anything were
wanting to shew how boundless was his charity, it would be foimd in
the reply lie gave to the person, who made kiK^wn to him their dis-
tress. For years, his house and his friends had been heavily taxed for
the calamities of Lorraine, and yet, he could receive this new applica-
tion, not only without a nmrmur, but even with gratitude and joy.
" What pleasure do you not afford me ! Yes, it is just to relievo these
poor noblemen, in order to honor our Lord, who was most noble and
most poor at the same time."

The relief of these noble families became the occasion of forming an
association, which maybe classed 'among the greatest works v/1' St.

who luul
At the
itVicit-'Mtlj
il»nii(laiit,
II as hiin-
(1 take to
niiibition,
n the self-
ng of their

I with tlio
3thcr witli
aiioH, were
ly said tliat
tauts were
, were pro-
lost tender
id of every
desolation,
ch)thed, art
line histed,
;ether with
jnients, and

neges, than

10 prospect
, therefore,
and sought
over means
It the more
known. It
thing were
be found in

11 their dis-
ily taxed for
lew applica-
de and joy.
elieve these
St noble and

r forming an
rorks K>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

tlioso wrotclif'<l infiirits were doiiiicilod in crowds. Thoro lie pointed to
the .svrniiiitliisiiif; citi/ens the cnicl scene which lie had witnessed.
And, hrinfrinfr roli^jion to the aid of their benevolent impulses, he ex-
horted tlioiii to unit*' ill m.'ikinfr ade((imte provision for these helpless
crontnres. Fie hinisclf took cliar;,'e of twelve, blessed them, and laid
npdii liinisclf the oblJLration of providiii;^' for them. The J.adits of his
charitable association also Knt their aid, and the orjilians were cared
for. The iiMportanco of this work will he bofter iiihlcrstood when we
consider that there was no better refujre for these forsaken childreii,
than the house of ••. heathenish widow in St. T^andri Street, who with
the aid of two servants, hail charf^o to brinj; them up. Means were so
scanty, that many of the poor infants died from want of sullicient food,
whilst others were poisoned by the servants. Such as escaped these
dangers, were given to any wlio wr.dd take them, or were sold at so
low a price, not unfrequently, as twenty t»ous. Many were barbarously
killed for magical operations, and whole hecatombs of these innocent
victims were slain in order to procure for certain invalius who were
tormented with the inordinate and futile desire to preserve a despica-
ble existence, the luxury of a bath of human blood. Surely, humanity
had a right to demand, and it had long demanded in vain, that so cry-
ing an evil should be remedied. It was, however, far beyond the
])ower of human art — the skill of statesmen, the wisdom of legislator.-!,
the power of kings. Jleligion, at length, in an age of men who were
capable of appreciating its sublime teacliings, found out n remedy.
The resources of St. Vincent and tlie worthy families by whom he was
habitually aided, could only suffice for the support of a small number.
The Saint anxious to extend so benevolent a work, apjieiled in the
most moving terms, to the Queen Regent. And, Anno of Austria,
wIk) like a renowned Emperor of old looked upon every day as lost,
on Avhich she did not do some good, obtained from the king an income
of £000, — the rents of five large farms. The number t)f children in-
creased so much, that in a short time, £2,000 annually did not suffice
for their maintenance. The charitable ladies were beyond measure
discouraged, and unanimously declared that they could no longer bear
expenditure which so tar exceeded their means. A consultation was
held. Among those who assembled on this occasion (1648) were the
Marillacs, the Traversals, the Miramions and others venerable by their
good works and irreproachable life. The question was, whether the
pious undertaking which had been dO well begun, should be continued.
Vincent laid down the reasons that might be adduced on both sides.
The association had not, indeed, contracted any obligation, and were
free to decide as they pleased. Rut by their charitable provisions, they

>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 ma<le in this
discourse, laid the foundation stone of tlie <'iiui'ch of one of these
houses, whilst thritugh the further liberality of the king, Louis XIV.,
the income was considerably increased. The work continued to pros-
per. Some time later, 150,000 livres were not sufficient for the main-
tenance of the foundlings. The institution expanding with years, and
e.Ktending every day wider and wider, the sphere ot its pious labours,
its annual expenses came to reach the huge sum of 500,000 livres,
(i'25,000.)

AVhat now, is wanting to the eulogium of Vincent of Paul ? If mat-
ter failed u.s, and our tongue ceased to speak his praise, it would be
found on the lips of the hundreds and thousands of intelligent being.s.

wlio owe to ]iim, from nge to nge, tlieir existence, their more happy
lot in th;-? world, tlieir knoAvledge of God, — tlieir salvation, "^.c ore
infantium perfechti lavdemy* What happiness, what glory is it not
for them that their Sainted patron is eo honored and exalted in the
Church ; that the Christian peoi)le of every race and clime unani-
mously hail him as the apostle of charity, the friend of humanity, the
father of the orphan? l^ut, still more, to IIim be glory, w^ho, for his
own all-wise and most mercifnl purposes, and in his own good time,
gave to France and to the world, a faithful priest, a devoted pastor,
who could conceive and carry into execution such great and beneficent
designs.

III.

" Is tliat mother? " murmured a New England youth, whose lacera-
ted bosom was heaving with the last struggle, in the Aceldama of an
army hospital, as his glaring eye saw dimly the outline of a female
form, and felt a soft hand on his forehead, where the drops of death
were gathering. His thoughts had wandered far from the pallet where
he lay, back to that village home where father and mother, and sisters
and brothers, were thinking as the days wore on, liow very soon they
should welcome hojne the darling boy who left them so bravely, so
proudly, to battle for the starry flag ! And when recalled to partial
consciousness by the gentle office;, of the attending nurse, he fondly
thought that " mother " had flown to his relief. On wings of mercy.
Heroic lad ! lie, indeed, " went h-jne," but not as he left im the lovely
June morning, with a rose wreath on his bayonet, to the roll of stirring
drums, and the waving of triumphant banners. The drums beat with
muffled notes, and craped banners drooped mournfully, as they bore
the young soldier to his rest."

If in that brimful cup of sorrow, there were drops of consolation,
the boon was due to the danghtere of St. Vincent, whose tender care
soothed the pillow of the departing warrior, and bore up his sinking
soul, on the wings of prayer, in its awful passage to eternity.

'■' The kind Sisters of Charity, whose holy mission is ever with the
suffering, glide noiselessly about the hospitals, with nourishment for
the feeble convalescent, with soothing palliatives for those writhing
in the grasp of fell disease, and mutely kneeling by the bedsides of the
dying. On battle-fields, anadst hurling shot and hissing shells, they
have calmly walked to seek and save the wounded. Stalwart men,
who lay gasping in agony unutterable, have shed tears like children,
as they eagerly drank the restoring draught brought by these devoted

* realm viii. 8.

lore happy
1. " Ex ore
)vy is it not
ilted in the
lime nnani-
inianity, the
vlio, for his
gooil time,
oted pastor,
id beneficent

khose lacora-
ildama of an

of a female
>ps 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

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

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, an<l
every lip (piivers, and every heart quails at the dread apprt)ach of the
grim visitor, alone speak soothing words and impart consolation to the
depai'ting soul i Xo«- in vain, in an age of great minds, did the ser-
vant of God address this ([uestion to Catholic Fiunce. A Marillac res-
ponded to the call. And not this high-born and high-souled dame
nlone ; but hundreds besides. In an incredibly short time the hospitals
are filled with devoted nurses, whilst in every place where war spreads
its gory banner, a new species of camp-followers appears. And who
are they '. Not those ominous beings, who vulture-like, hover near
the sceui.' of strife, and watch with fiendish anticipation, the moment
when they shall pounce upon their prey. No. But those ministering
angels, the daughters of St. Vincent, whose charitable caro for the
Avounded and the dying, softens the scourge of war, and robs the grave
of its terrors.

Already had the '" Confraternities of Charity " which owed their
existence to Vincent of Paul, laboured for seventeen years in the cause
of the sick poor. Ladies of high rank, as well as persons of more mod-
erate condition, were associated in these confraternities. In the be-
ginning, the excellence of the work alone attracted munbers. Later,
fashiun began to prevail ; and pious, but less fervent ladies were
jissociated. The iiuire zealous, even, could not on account of their
husbands and families, encoun , or the pestilential air of hospitals, of
ill-ventilated streets and houses. It became necessary therefore to
liave recourse to hired assistants. But, charity cannot be bought.
New life must be imparted to the confraternities — a life wholly apart

from the world's life, — the life of ro]i}j;ion. And had no sucli life ex-
isted hithcrtc. ? Undoubtedly it Imd ; jind in all its exoelleneo. {Wtii
ubscondita cum Christo in Deo.) iJut, fi new ])hiisi! of this s|)ir:tniil
life orii^iiiiites under the guiding care of Vincent of Paul. The con-
templative and the active are now blended. The holy — the suhiinic
descends to immediate contact with all tliat is vile and contaminating
in the moral as well as the material world, and far trom contracting
any stain, it rises from these dei)ths, even as metal of proof comes from
the furnace, and soars to greater heights, to new degrees of perfection,
puts oTi a new being, lives a new life — a pure, exalted, indestructible
life, which the powers of sin and death shall in vain assail.

Madame le Gras (Marillac) so long the faithful disciple of St. Vin-
cent, so long the guardian angel of the poor, resolves to devote herself
irrevocably, by a solemn vow, to the service of these objects of her
tender care. Several pious maidens place themselves under her tute-
lage. Their education under the guidance of her wisdom and expc-
rience, as nurses of the sick poor, is speedily completed, and they go
forth, everywhere, in the discharge of their sublime duties. The edi-
fication they afford is beyond all power of apiireciation. ''Their
modesty, their eagerness to serve the .sick, the sanctity of their lives
charmed those who saw them. Such beautiful examples nujved seve-
ral persons of their age and sex, who came to offer themselves, to ren-
der like them, their humble services to Jesus Christ, in the persons of
the poor." (Collet.)

■ Such was tho commencement of that society of holy women, who are
now universally known as the " Sisters of Charity." Already, In the
time of St. Vincent's biographer, Collet,* they possessed thirty-five
houses in Paris, and had extended their pious labours throughout
France, Lorraine and Poland. This extraordinary success caused the
sphere of their duties to be enlarged. It was not enough for their holy
founder, to have saved from destruction, so many foundlings. lie must
also provide for them a Christian education. And, accordingly, he
confided to the Sisters of Charity, the care of educating this less favored
portion of the human family. The education of the daughters of the
poorest families was also 'intrusted to the good Sisters. They were
burthened likewise with the care of numerous hospitals, and called to
minister, even, to the Galley Convicts. In order that they might be
equal to the fulfilment of so many arduous duties, n rule of conduct,
one would suppose, surpassing by far in the wisdom of its provisions,
anything tliat had ever been devised, must have been laid down to
them. And their rule undoubtedly, was a wi.se rule. It built little

* This celebrated Author and Theologian was born in 1693, and died in 1770.

upon observances, whilHit it relied to tlie fullest extent, on tlio all-^'ivi-
fying yi)irit of faith and cliarity. It prescribed no seclusion, no hair
cloth, no austerity whatever. It onl} re(iuired that the Sisters should
live in conunon, and, in winter, as in sunnner, rise at an emly hour in
the morning, pray devoutly, live frugally, use wine only for their health.
Their self-denial was, to be ready, at all times for the duties to which
they were chosen, in whatever circumstances they might be called on
to discharge them, counting as nothing, the infectious and poisoned
air of hospitals, the excess of misery they jnnst often witness, and even
the sorrows of the awful depth scenes, which it should be their daily
study to alleviate. Such was the rule of life by which the holy Sisters
were destined to be guided. If you re<iuire a rule^ a rule of monastic
discipline, you look for it in vain in the Institute of the daughters of
St. Vincent. Their sainted founder gave them no such rule. " You
shall have no other monastery," said he, " than the dwellings of the
poor, no other cloisters than the streets of cities and the wards of hos-
pitals, no other law of seclusion than obedience to your superiors, no
other veil than christan modesty. It is my wish that you should treat
every sick person as an affectionate mother cares for her only son."
His charitable foresight went so far, even, as to prescribe to them, in
the most decided manner, that " they must cheer and gladden their
patients, when they find them too much sa«ddenedby their calamities."
Nor were these votaries of charity to be selected from any particular
class of society. St. Vincent only required that they should be chosen
in those families in which virtue was cherished as the most precious
heir-loom.

That Lady of the house of Marillac (Madame le Gras,) whom history
will long delight to contemplate leading the glorious array of holy
maidens, who for so many ages, liave been alike the brightest orna-
ment and the st -ongest bulwark of the Church, resolved, as we have
seen, to bind herself by an irrevocable vow, to the service of Jesus
Christ, in the persons of the poor. But, Vincent of Paul, with wisdom
worthy' of so great a Saint, would not allow the Sisters of the new
order to bind themselves by vow, for a longer period than one year ;
thus securing to them the merit of a frequent and entirely voluntary
renewal of their self-sacrifice on the altar of charity, and leaving to
them complete freedom of choice between the labours which they had
undertaken, and the less onerous duties of the Christif n life. Nor were
their obligaitons to be assumed, until after a long period of probation —
a five years' noviciate.

The order thus wisely founded, was in a few years, recognized as a
public institution. It received the solemn sanction of Cardinal de Ketz,

the

plag

mot

8o]di(

wlien

of tin

8peci(

agaim

thems

Even

ships,

ity.

as if t

but w

all-vivl-
no hair
s should
hour in
r health.
:o which
jailed on
poisoned
and even
leir daily
»ly Sisters
nionastic
ighters of
e. " You
igs of the
•ds of ho9-
leriors, no
lould treat
only son."
them, in
dden their
lalamities."
r particular

be chosen
precious

loin history
ay of holy
itest orna-
as we have
ce of Jesus
th wisdom
• the new
one year;
voluntary
leaving to
ch they hftd
Nor were
)robatiou —

jgnized as a
inaldeRetz,

Archbishop of Paris, and was confirmed in its social privileges, by
Royal letters patent, which renxain to this day, a monument no less of
the piety of the French Sovereign of those times, than of the general
esteem in which the Sisters of Charity were so early held.

The excellence of the Institution was still further proved. At first,
St. Vincent would scarcely admit into the new community, any but
persons of the middle order of society. But, in due course of time,
young ladies of high rank, anxious to obtain a new luxury, — tlie luxury
of doing good, sued for admission. Atrial was resolved upon, and,
although, in an age when piety among the wealthy and the great was
far from being rare, there is still room for wonder that persons, deli-
cately brought up, and accustomed to the richest attire, should resign
themselves to lead a life of self-denial, wear a coarse habit, and serve,
as if they wore their masters, those less favored members of tL human
family, who would not have been deemed w'orthy to wait upon them
in their worldly state.

The order of charity, so admin blv constituted, has . jver ceased to
enjoy the Divine protection. It ..af ucen blessed in all its ways, and
in every age of its existence. It luis lived and moved and had its being
in the midst of every conceivable species of danger; and no evil has
dared to approach its members. In moments of extreme peril, the
power of God has become manifest in its defence ; and the arm of his
strength has been with it and around it, at all times and in all circum-
stances, warding oft' whatever could do it harm, or weaken its efforts
in the cause of suffering humanity. Vincent of Paul entrusted to the
Sisters, all his holy and bene^'olent labours. He required of them
virtues that should be bounded only by the wants of mankind. lie
was himself the Father of the afflicted and they became as mothers to
the forsaken. The foundling, the orphan, the forlorn widow and the
plague-struck patient are their peculiar care. They are as nursing
mothers to the aged poor, and to the infirm, and to the wounded
soldier. With the delicacy which belongs to the finer mind of woman,
when uncontaminated by vice and worldly fashion, they go in search
of timid indigence, and console, whilst they considerately relieve. No
species of human misery escapes them, and they wage perpetual war
against the prolific parent of misfortune — ignorance,~by devoting
themselves to the ungracious task of educating the children of the poor.
Even the criminal victims of justice who sufier in prisons and penal
ships, are not excluded from their most tender and all-embracing char-
ity. Such are the ordinary duties of their state; and, they fulfil them,
as if they were born to their fulfilment, not only without a murmur,
but with joy, and in an habitually cheerful frame of mind. What to

UH appears tinuttcrubly flisgiiBting, — humiliating. — thev, in the liM of
rt;lif,'i<<ii, f;o/isi(l(;r as sweet and honftrahlo. And, thus, these a: ^.tjis of
Kierey Wy to the relief of inisery, in the crowded (>ity, 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

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,

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

thre(

cent'

to th

that

wanl

to a

AkH

this,

have

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

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

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.

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<Mir of their distress. Was it possible that any other
than an eminently cliristian age, shouhl have given to the servant of
God, such fellow labourers, as the Quoe-n Regent of France, thetiueen
of Pohiud, the I*riiicess do Conti, tho Duchess d'Aiguillon, the General,
Marquis de (ioiidi, and, that most pious daughter of the house of Mar-
iliac, — Madame le (iras, whoso luime lives in the annals of benevolence,
ns the first and most devoted of that bright array of "Sisters of Char-
ity," whose works of surpassing goodness, are, alike, the glory of re-
ligion and the stay of humanity, — that Madame lo (iras, who alf)ne
deposited for charitable uses, in the hands of Vincent of Paul, more
than two millions of livres i And not these only, but all wIk» believed
that it was their duty to be " followers of good works." (Titus ii. 14.)
Hishoi)s, Princes. Magistrates, rich citizens of every rank thronged
around the Saint, "anxious to obey the promptings of so pure a mind,
as the undoubted orders of Divine Providence." (President Mole.)

W;is their confidence misplaced if 'I'he history of St. Vincent afVords
the nu)st luminous reply. lie became identified with the cause of j'ov-
erty and suffering. Personally, he was unselfish. As the re|)resenta-
tive of the poor, he was equally disinterested. He would not that they
should be guilty of ingratitude towards their benefactors. Indigence
becomes the portion of the children of a rich man who had chosen him
for the depositary of his charities. Vincent, on hearing of their mis-
fortunes, goes to visit them, and makes over to them, as if it were a
patrimony, to which they were, in justice, entitled, a legacy of eight
thousand livres of annual rent, which lie had possessed during twelve
years. " You will ruin everything." said his friend:^. " lictter, so,"
was his reply, " than prove ungrateful."

IV.

In those establishments of charity, greater and more numeiouc thaa
at any former time it had been given to one man alone to create, will
ever be read the best eulogium of Vincent of Paul. 15ut, he will be
remembered, also, as one of the greatest statesmen of his time. As the
chief counsellor of his Sovereign in all affairs of religion, he set the

example of all tho«c political virtues, which in this age of iinproveinont
and refonr, the most enlightened peoples are so anxions to behold in
the rulers of the State. The government held the power of nomiimting
to vacant Bishoprics. The Queen Regent, Anne of Austria, piously
and wisely desiring that duly qualified persons only, should be appointed
to such important offices, delegated this power to St. Vincent. The
Council consisted, indeed of four members.* But although the Prime
Min.ster, Cardinal Mazarin, was one of them, no appointment could be
made, without the s. , ction of the Saint. And most faithful he was to
the trust reposed in him. He invariably studied to find out the char-
acter and qualifications of candidates for ecclesiastical preferment,
never allowing himself to be swayed either by political influences,
private friendship, or the most urgent representations of in\ crested and
powerful relatives. Understanding well that true merit is nodest and
retiring, he carefully sought the most worthy, who shraii c, instinct-
ively, from the indecent contest for promotion, Avhich was no prevalent.
It suited the policy of the powerful Premie", to follow a very differ-
ent line of conf"! net. Political influence must be acquiret,', and when
acquired, retained. For this purpose, it was necessary to seciu'e at any
cost, the intorest of the leading families of the country. Any scrapie
the Cardinal Minister may have had, was out of slight avail against
custom And the dire necessity of his position. The highest ecclesiasti-
cal dignities, rich abbeys and other benefices, in the gift of the crown,
offered a ready means for purchasing the favor of the great. At first,
Mazarin made ^"'pointtn"nts without deigning to consult his colleague.
But Vincent witLhel 1 l»is approval and they were cancelled. Thus
were the scL ernes of an ambitious minister defeated l)y a man whom
no influence could coi'iTipt, to whom the favor of the great was no
temptation. The Queen Regent, zealous for the purity of the Church,
strenuously supported Vincent, and ordered that no appointment should
take effect without his sanction. Thus was the power of the Saint
confirmed. In vain was he now met by a new species of opposition,
ilis enemies, baffled in every way, had recourse to the weapons of the
weak and the cowardly. They devis^cd a foul calumny, hoping thus to
destroy him in the mind of the Queen, his colleagues in office, and the
people. They pretended to have found out that he who was, appa-
rently, so much opposed to simony, was in practice, no enemy to this
crime, — that he had, in exchange for a library and a sum of money,
procured a benefice for an ambitious man. This report was, at first,
cautiously circulated, communicated with all the precautions necessary

* An eminent writer of the time, Madame de Mell«ville, sayi that "Vincent of Paul wrb
the President.

rovemont
beliold in
oniiimting
a, piously
appointed
ent. The
the Prime
t could be
lie was to
the char-
refermeut,
iurtuences,
rested and
(lodest and
, instinct-
i prevalent,
rery difler-
and when
cere at any
Lny scruple
ail against
ecclesiasti-
the crown,
,. At first,
? colleague.
ed. Thus
man whom
at was no
he Church,
nent should
the Saint
opposition.
•)ons of the
ing thus to
ce, and the
was, appa-
eniy to this
of money,
as, at first,
IS necessary

It ol' Paul WRB

for imposture, only to confidential parties. Gradually, it became pub-
lic. It was made known to Vincent, by one of his friends. Ue was
deeply alfected hy the atrocious imputation ; aud on the first impulse,
began to write a letter to repel the base attack. But, oh! admirable
self-control I Surpassing meekness! Profound humility! lie ex-
claimed, as he threw down the pen : " Aiil unhappy man that I am!
what was I about to do? "What ! I desire to justify myself, and I have
only now heard tlint a Cliristian. falsely accused at Tunis, passed three
days in torments, an<l died at last, without a word of complaint. And,
I would excuse myself I No, no, it shall not be." And, so, he allowed
the calumny to take its course. Public opinion was iu his favor. It
was not long till the few wh(» thought otherwise, abandoned their un-
l\)undod prejudices. There were not wanting those who belield, in the
death of the slanderer, wliich happened soou after, the hand of Ilim
who chastises the cahimniator, and vindicates the character of his
victim.

Far from staining his conscience, and tarnishing his name by the
practice of simony, the servant of God could never be induced, in the
days of his earthly ministry, to accept any favor, at the hands of tiiose
who had recourse to liis influence. A powcrf^jl magistrate who was
anxious to obtain an abbey for his son, otfered on condition that Vin-
cent would not oppose him, to enrich the house of St. Laz.irus, by pro-
curing the restoration of certain rights and properties that had been
alienated from it. "Never, for all the possessions in the world," re-
plied the Saint, " will I do anything against God or my conscience."

If Vincent was so disinterested and magnanimous as to be com-
pletely beyond the reach of corruption, even in its least revolting
shaiies, he also displayed great wisdom in the exercise of his ministe-
rial vlutios. Almost all the liouses of the " Congregation of the Mis-
sion " which he had estal)lished, were poor, strictly adhering to the law
they had imposed upon themselves, never to require any retrioutiou
on accou.it of the imiiortant duties which they fulfilled. Tliere were
many beneficerj in his gift, as a minister of the Crown, and it would not
have bee.i difllcult for him, to add some of them to the funds of liis
Cong'-egation. But, he never thouf^.hc of such a thing, lie shew^ed the
same wisdom and disinterestednes>, 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

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

sneering
Council of

Kinp;(lom.
sel to be
liero was
i)<inimon3
that Her
Bnt the
tulate him
upon liim

transacted
itliatwere
m without
fc could be
:)gnize the
^solved on
ul and cir-
?, that he
lould have
0U9, in the
whilr*t un-
at preten-
;ing friends
lim swerve *
s of every

scheming
t-forward,
ed not his

lim great.
l1 ambition
1 when the
lis hearth.

•y dillerent
gne. And
at it would

But by no
ircnt, mag-

y, the tor-
aniiuished,

y sneering

Council of

They who were truly noble, acted very differently. The high-born
Prince of Conde, one day, observing Vincent at Court, asked him to
sit down beside him. " Your Highness,'' replied the Saint, "does me
too much honor, iu admitting me to your presence. Are you not aware
tlMit I am the son of a poor countryman?" " Good manners, and d
good life." answered this great Prince, " constitute a true nobleman."
Vincent's merit, he continued to observe, had been long known and
appreciated. And causing tlie conversation to turn on some contro-
verted point of canon law, he was enabled to remark, liow accurately,
and Incidly, the Saint treated such subjects. The Prince now took
occasion to reprimand him, politely, for having spoken of himself, so
contemptuously, and, then, repairing to the Queen's apartment, lie
congratulated Her Majesty, on the choice which she had made of a
man, who was so capable of affording her all reciuisite aid in carrying
out her beneficent designs.

And, indeed, if the jilans of reform, proposed by St. Vincent, had
been fully acted on, this excellent Princess would have seen her wishes
realized. Pensions, coadjutorshii)9, the age for promotion to benefices,
benefices which had lapsed — all those things, in which, abuse had been
carried to its utmost extent, would have been reformed, and, every
order in the French Church, would have been restored to its pristine
splendour.

Opposed as he was, however, Vincent was able to effect numerous
and beneficial reforms. The religious communities of Franco were
indebted to his wisdom, zeal, and infiuence, for the restoration of their
discipline, as well as many otiier great improvements. T'lie regular
canons of St. Genevieve and their Abbot, in a formal letter to Clement
XL, acknowledge their obligations to i,ho Saint. His reforms in the
monasteries of the Diocese of Cahors, are recognized by eminent con-
temporaries. Chancelade and Grandmont, Bontay and Rangeval of
the Premonstratensian order, the orders of St. Anthony and of St.
Benedict, together with the congregation of St. Maur, warmly i)rofes6
their gratitude for the salutary reforms which Vincent of I'aul intro-
duced into their communities, or assisted them in introducing.

Even still more remarkable were the reforms which the Saint pro-
moted in the French communities of religious women. In those Ab-
beys in which the right of election existed, ho caused that right to be
thoroughly respected, thus rendering unavailable, everything like
intrigue, the influence of relatives, and even recourse to the authority
of the Sovereign, Briefs of cont'mvation^ obtained for the purpose of
prolonging the term of oflicc, in favor of Abbesses elected according
to the rules of their communities, for three years, he likewise discoura-

ged, wisely consiilcriny that even miiis. when not of mature years, and
great cxi)orience, are less apt to forget themselves in charges of higli
responsihility, when the time of (lieir authority is proi)erly limited.
"When an Abhey, the nomination to which lay with the King's govern-
ment, became vacant, Vincent could never be 'prevailed upon, to place
in such a situation, any other than a Keligious, of tried ability and
well known regularity, lie went so far, on one occasion, as to remove
from the government of a convent, a nim, whose aunt had made it a
pleasure '..ouse for her family, and where she was sumptuously enter-
tained at the cost of wha!; was necessary for the decent sup])ort of the
establishment. On account of this measure, insults and threats were
levelled at him in lavish profusion. But, he held his ; aco. And yet,
a word to the Queen Regent would have caused the just punishment
of his persecutors. Co/'djutorshi]?)*, which were founded on mere
friendship, and by which nuns of very little jiiety and zeal were often
jiroiuoted to the govei'iiment of a community, he never could snnctioii.
On occasion of resignations, he was ])artioularly careful to obtain all
necessary information regarding the virtue and merits of the parties in
whose favor such i-esignatioiis were made. Tfc was n(» less careful to
banish fr(;m communities of women, all (juarrelling and divisions. In
the Abbey of Esliwal, he restored ti'ancpiility and order, having sent
thither, !oi" Ihi-^ jiurjiose, by Itoyal ;iat]inrity. four Religious of Yal-dc-
(Irace. The same happy results wi.-re obtained in the Abbey of ]>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-

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-

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

}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.

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

Peter <le (iondi I>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 gnide<l. "Never," says the Saint, in a
letter written in the midst of these extraordinary labors, " have more
regularity, more union and cordiality prevailed than ai ])re.sent."

Already in the lifetime of St. Vincent, his reverend brethren and
disciples seek tho palm of nuirtyrdom among the unbelieving hordes of
Barbary. Nor yet was this great and legitimate glory the object of
their ambition. Sharing the spirit of their founder, who knew what it
was to bo a captive among th© heathen and the stranger, they were
moved with sympathy for their fellow-christians who groaned under
the cruel yoke of Turkish bondage, and longed to etiect their libera-
tion, at the risk of their own liberty and even of their life. They had
learned also from him whoso apostolic lessons were their rule of con-
duct, how meritorious it is to enlighten pagan darkness and conquer
souls to Christ. Among these soldiers of the cross, must be named
with profoundest reverence, Julien Guerin, to whom was assigned the
mission of Tunis. In no man's life and conversation was the operation
of Divine grace more manifest. Xone was ever more richly endowed with
the gift of announcing to advantage, the truths of religion. So self-de-
nying, was he, that, it was said of him, that he lived without eating and
drinking. lie laboured unceasingly, and with such ardour, that the
preservation of his life was scarcely less than a miracle. lie exulted in
the idea of being favored to suffer like the martyrs of an earlier day.
It would have been his greatest happiness to lay down his life amongst
his captive brethren and their barbarian tormentors. "You will get
yourself hanged in T>arbary," 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'

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 t<f his government, to his fellow-christians and to liis
country, if he had not extended the ]»owerful arm of his protection to
those unfortunate jieople of all christian countries who were daily fall-
ing into the merciless hands of the wicked Corsairs, who infested every
sea, and who, having first fettered and degraded their unhap{»y vic-
tims, sold tliem, like cattle or other merchandize, in the market places
of Tunis and Algiers. In the lime of St. Vincent, there were no fewer
than 25,000 christians in a state of slavery among the infidels of those
places. Some of these, we are assured, were treated no worse than
the lowest clas^; of domestics in European countries. Hut, for one
humane master who so treated his slaves, there were hundreds who
exercised habitually, tlie greatest cruelty. Wicked renegades were
often employed as drivers. From such taskmasters:^, the faithful
christians had no mercy to expect. They were cruelly beaten (.»y them
on the slightest pretexts, and were doomed to undergo the severest
kinds of toil — to saw marble under the burning sun of Africa, "until
their tongues hung out like those of overworked dogs." Chained to
the oar at sea, they were obliged to row incessantly in the scorching
heat of summer, as well as in the extreme cold of winter. Such was
the hard fate of such captives as were detained in the sea-port towns.
Those who were doomed to slavery in the interior of the country fared
no better. They were obliged to labour without any relaxation, in
forests, coal niiries and stone quarries. It were hard to say whether

for persons, many of wliom Iiml heendelicutoly roared, such severe nnd
unremitting^ toil, or tlio uinvholcsoino olimate proved most injnrions.
Hut, as if nil this liad not bt'on suflicient tc, t rture and destroy them,
still more licnvy and dojirading labours were . ytosed, more cruel out-
rages inflicted. "At IJiserte," says M. Lo Yuo. jr, " I found forty shut
up in a stable so small, that they could scarcely uiove. They were all
chained in pairs, and obli;j;ed to f^rind day after day, with a small hand
mill, a stated quantity of flour, which surpassed their strength."

Add to all this, tlie temptations by which the captive christians
wore surrounded. The blandishments of their captors alluring them,
at one time, to every kind of fatal indulgence, at another, their savago
threats driving the weak and the timid to ftj>ostacy, 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

the
and
over
struc

USUI-

Peac'

— th

had

modi

exclu

rian,

watc

peop

araon

brigl

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<re
and comprehensive teacliin;;<, was it ^iivi-n, at a comparatively early
period, to understand the ^Teat principle of reli;xious liberty,''' and lo
l)i'each aloud this principle, in the midsi of the political darkness wliich
enveloped the surrounding; nations. Such was the conduct of enlight-
ened Poland, ere yet she had to c(jnlend for her own liberty; and not
iov liberty only, but also, tor her place auion;r'*t the nations, her very
existence as a people, her ancient ^dory, her children's lives, her
liomes, her altars, — in the face of a tyranny worthy, not of dark
and bai'baron.s au'es, only, but of the worst and foulest days of heathen
i,j,'norance, — a tyi'anny which finds no parallel in the history of modern
times, and, which never was surpassed even by the blackest and most
crushing despotisms of the degenetate and benighted pagan world.

In Corsica and JMedmont, Ireland and Scotland St. Vincent nobly
sustained his brethren of the missions whilst they laboured with unti-
ring zeal to encoui'age and console their fellow christians. In the two
former countries, the only obstacles they met with arose from the

♦ I'rincc Cznrtorysi;!, In a recent letter, ■written In reply to M. Dttiiin's speech in the
I'ronch Semite, :iiiys, on the aiilliority of the ilhistrioiis liistorhin, ))e Thou, tlnit wlien in
1")7'2. 11 Kreneli I'rinee, known sinee ;i.> 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-

hlindno<s and olidinMcy fiftlie peopleainotiL; wlioni ihoy exercised their
holy functions. The rulers of those hinds invited their co-operation
in the caii'^e of i\liM;i(,M and morality, and the astonishing frnirs of their
labours abnndantly prove liow wisely thos.' statesmen acted, wlio con-
sidering that a faithful preaching of the gospel is more powerful, than
pemd enactments, in promoting social improvement, as well as thitso
virtues nf private life which ennoble and exalt llie indiviibial character,
not only allorded 'ill necessary assistance and encouragement to tho
/ealctus missionaries in the excreise of their pa>tofHl 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(!e<l their I'sl-sioii in Piedt,M>nt. 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

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

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 <liscii)les of St. Vincent were well received. Bnt the favor which
they met with, although it guarded them powerfully for a t

inie, was

finally no pi

otoction against the dark and heartless tyranny of th

6fi

day, — the fanaticjil rnle of Cromwell. After having laboured with
BiU'cess, in the cause of then- christian brethren ami fellow-Catholics,
the searching persecution of the " Lord Protector " overtook them at
last, and they were driven from the country. But the religion which
they taught remained. Beyond the ])Ower of persecution, by which it
may be attacked indeed, but can never be destroyed, it received, every
day, new development, and cast its roots deeper and deeper in ^ the
soil. If to this time, Ireland contjuues firmly attached to the CaiJiolio
faith, her children owe the boon, in great measure, to the considerate
zeal ot Vincent de Paul, who sent his pious brethren to console them,
Avhen wi'ithing under the lash of Cromwelliun oppression; and who
sustained tiio.^e charitable men, by words of comfort in their trials, and
by the exercise of his intluence through the political power of his country.
In Scotland, they had to contend, as regarded religion, against a
new order of things, whilst they were exposed to the fury of "the
Lord Protector's " jealous rule. So well, however, were they received,
and so powerful was their preaching, that many were reunited to the
"one fold," (Jn. 10, Eph. 4.) and in vast districts, wliich were blessed
with the zealous labours of the children of St. Vincent, the Catholic
faith is still the faith of the i)eople. Several families of the higiiest
rank were gained to the Catholic cause.* The representative of the
ancient Island Kings, who still owned extensive i)ossessions, resumed
his place in the Church which had been the source of so many bless-
sings to his ancestors. The Captaint of Clauranald who was the Lord

* The son of (ilcngamt, (such was the designation of this importunt and pow-
erful iHTsoiiage) had enibraec^d the Catliolic religion shortly before the arrival of the
iiiissionariis. In the corresjiondence of the IJev. Father Diii'juin, Glengarry himself
is nu'ntiiino<l as an ag("d man of ninety, who had followed the n<'W doetrines from hisyonth.
Father Diiiiruin and his ('omijanion instructed him, and reconeilcd him to the Church, du-
ring: a sickness which soon brought him to the grave ; bnt not until he had received tho
sacraments and manife.-5te<l unspeakable joy at dying a Catholic. Father Duguin also
vecriveil into the t'hiire.li ^»\eral of Glengarry's domestics and some of liis friends. Tho
proli'ctioii of this family is spoken of iu Father Dniguin's correspondence as having been
highly advantageous to him. They were beyond the reach of Cronivvell's wrath, and at the
restoration of the monarchy, they were loaded with favors,

t '■ (iod, thnmgli his all powerful men^y has etl'ected wonders beyond all expectation ; for
lie disposed llie lie.u'ls so well, that Clauranald, Lord of a good part of the Island of Uist, was
converted together with his wife, his son and all their family; and, the example has been
followed by all the gentlemen, their vassals and families. (Father Duiguin's Letters to St,
'Vincent de J'aul.)

The island of Uist here alluded to, contains a population often thousand souls. About
the half of it, I believe, belonged to McDonald of Claur-mald. All the peojile of this portion
«>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-

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-

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.

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.

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».

6,7

8,»

11)

11,12

. 13,14,10,18

), 20, 21, 22, 28

24, 25

28, 29

Paris, and

29, 30

81,32

ad driven

3:J

, . S3, 34, 85
lion in tlie

36, 87

(iniim in

3T, 88

38, 39

.... 89, 40, 41

1 essential

1 the year,

Vincent to

47, 48

< 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

Count «

•

(t<

•

th«

•

An Ora

•

Lament

CoKPrs

In]

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.