Rev A Brandram No 78
Montreal, 31st January 1839
My Dear Friend,
I sit down now write you my third communication from this country, and to detail to you the occurrences of my second biblical tour in this mission. When our friend Mr. Wilkes parted from us at L'Orignal, as mentioned to you in my last letter, I desired him, as he was about to visit what is called the Eastern Townships, to make arrangements and engagements for me to visit the Bible and Societies formed there, and to hold meetings at new places, as he might see fit. Our friend kept this momento before him, and made engagements for me in several places; and on the 14th instant I set out in fulfillment of the same. I should mention to you that these Townships lie directly east of the city, eastward of the River Richlieu, and south of the him and him St. Lawrence. With this direction you will easily find them on the map. The French settlers, or old inhabitants of the country, occupy a portion of land lying near the two rivers mentioned, and after them come the Eastern Townships, which are all settled by English people, or those speaking that tongue.
My first movement was to Granby, and in the stage. A little below this city we crossed the great St. Lawrence river in all its breadth and depth on the ice. As soon as we had passed over we found ourselves in the French village of Longueuil, with its Catholic church and its Catholic inhabitants. In the forepart of the night we reached Granby, and at ten I set out again in the Sherbrooke stage. Just as I had sat down in this open sleigh-stage, a soldier stepped in and sat beside me, with a sword by his side, two loaded pistols in his belt, and one firm in his right hand for immediate use. This was to guard the mail which we carried, for it seems an attack had lately been made upon it in this neighbourhood, and supposed to be by the party which has so much trouble the country; and the nearness to the border of the United States gives a facility for committing these depredations.
At one o'clock in the morning I called up a good man on way whose name and nature had been described to me are before I set out. I inquired whether he could send me across the country through the woods and so save me from going 30 miles round as I must otherwise do by the stage. He said he could: upon which I stopped at his house, and two o'clock went to bed. Next morning after breakfast he took me in his sleigh and brought me to Melbourne. Lonely and cold was our ways through the forest until dark when we got in; but it was cheered by the interesting conversations we have together concerning all things around us in the country, and especially concerning the kingdom of God. Mr. Worcester is well instructed in all these matters, and lives a life to the glory of God before all.
After Melbourne I met with the Rev. Mr. Dunkerley, a minister resident in that place and in connection with Mr. Wilkes. At Durham the Township next to this northward was our first meeting to be. But from some misunderstanding the notice had not been duly given. To remedy this Mr. Dunkerley and I drove from house to house in the Township, occupying what time we could in the same, in order to give the people notice of our Bible meeting. We succeeded in bringing a fair number together, considering the scattered nature of the population, and the shortness and deficiency of the notice. We met in Mr. Dunkerley's Chapel in that place, for he has one there and another in Melbourne. We talked of the Bible, and gave Bible statements and information. The effect produced seemed good, and forth with a new society was formed.
Our next meeting was that Melbourne. Here also we had fewer people than otherwise we would, through the notice not having been given out on the Sunday preceding. In that township a Bible Society has existed for some time. We found the Gentlemen's part had done little or nothing, but that on the other hand, the Ladies' department, as is usual, had done well. The women ministered to Christ of their substance, and still women minister unto Christ in your ranks, in Melbourne, and in many other places. We endeavoured in our addresses to strengthen the strong, and to lift up the hands which hung down. We had with us here the Rev. Mr. Selley the Wesleyan minister of this neighborhood who added his vote on the same side with ours. Our next meeting in succession was at Danville 12 miles from Melbourne. Thither Mr. Dunkerley drove me in his sleigh, and when there we met with the Rev. Mr. Parker who had has resided in that place some ten years faithfully preaching the Gospel of Christ. Our meeting had been duly notified, and we had a good audience, some of them from six miles on one side, and some from eight miles on the other. Our usual Bible topics and notices were brought forward, and were well received. There has existed a society here for some time, and much good has been done by it. Among other interesting notices of the circulation and use of the Scriptures in this neighborhood Mr. Parker has by request drawn up the following, as respects the French population.
"I put a number of Bibles into the hands of a friend in a neighbouring township (Kingsey,) for the supply of destitute families, and on sale; among them a French Bible, to be loaned among the Canadian Catholics. It was lent to a family where a young married woman was the only person who could read. She became very deeply interested in reading, and as it was only loaned for a fortnight, her husband said that she spent almost whole nights reading, lest she should not be able to finish it before it would be called for. Meantime her only light was the light of a stove fire. She could read only by opening the door of the stove, and sitting or lying on the floor in order to get the light of the fire from a close stove. But almost no inconvenience could deter her from searching the Sacred Volume. And she could not refrain from telling her neighbours what a boon she had obtained. These neighbours came to hear, and after a little, a considerable congregation was seen flocking there from miles round to hear the Word of God, and they pronounced it 'all very good.' The term of the loan was prolonged, and in a few weeks (I think about five) the Sacred Volume was read through. Soon after it was returned, a young man (a Canadian) came to buy it, and was told by the man in whose possession it was, that it was not for sale, but to be loaned. He urged the privilege of purchasing it, but read it he must, (he said,) and if he could not buy it, wished to borrow, and it is known that he is reading it with an awakened interest, and says, he will continue to do so in despite of the priest. Probably we shall soon gratify him with that or another copy for its price."
"Another Canadian woman who could read French, from a distance of eleven miles came to my house on a stormy and cold evening, and said that she had been told that here she could get a Bible in our own language, and it was her errand and to obtain one. She was furnished, and I have since heard that she reads it much, and calls it 'very very good.' These persons reside near a Catholic Church."
"Two young man in our immediate neighborhood have recently come, in like manner, and to say the least I reading the word of God frequently and attentively. And for one I am fully convinced, that unless the object be defeated by injudicious efforts and statements of Protestants, this class of our population will be led more and more to read and inquire, and that the work of God already visible among them to a limited extent, will progress to the mass of Popery will be leavened by the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ."
By these notices of Mr. Parker us you will perceive that there are some hopeful openings among the French Canadian Catholics here. I have learned several of the encouraging circumstances concerning the same people in different places.
Our friend Mr. Dunkerley and myself were, as you may well suppose, much gratified with the Bible meeting we had at this place, and with these inspiriting statements made to us there respecting the reception and use of the Scriptures on the part of French Catholics. But all our pleasures are mixed with toils and pains. When we had closed our meeting we had to travel twelve miles home in a moonless, starless, dark, and snowy night. Our friend, Mr. Parker, would gladly have constrained us to pass the night with him, but I was obliged to return to Melbourne, as I had to start from thence in the stage for Sherbrooke, at four o'clock next morning, to meet an engagement I had there. We both felt, I believe, more than we expressed, concerning this twelve-mile drive under such circumstances. About midway, owing to the darkness, we got into a wreath of snow where we were in some danger. We both got out of the sleigh, and after some exertion, with precaution, we extricated the horse and sleigh, and then with one of us pioneering and the other cautiously leading the horse, we got again on to the proper road. After this we pursued our way without other accident, and when we saw, gladly hailed the lights of our home; and when we arrived there, we gave thanks to our heavenly Father gratefully for his merciful goodness to us on this and on many occasions.
After a short repose at Melbourne I set out at four o'clock in the stage for shadow broke. Sherbrooke is the head town of all the neighborhood, and is rapidly rising in population and importance. Your agent was kindly entertained there in the house of Mr. Samuel Brooks, the President of Sherbrooke Bible Society. On the Sunday evening we had a numerous meeting in the Rev. Mr. Robertson's chapel, himself being there, two of the Wesleyan ministers, and the Episcopal minister, that is all the ministers of that place. In addition to my statements here, and urging the putting of the Scriptures into the hands of all our fellow creatures over the whole world, I dwelt on the need and advantages of the Bible being held in high estimation in principle and practice by the Church of God in general, and by every family and individual of the great body. I stated too, and are urged, that all these objects were more or less attained by every meeting held expressly about the Bible, Bible Societies, Bible circulation, Bible reading, Bible instruction, and Bible blessings and glories here and hereafter. I do feel great and increasing confidence in that a Bible meeting is a meeting with which God is well pleased; and that every such meeting is greatly promotive of his glory, and conducive to the advancement of his kingdom on earth. The will of God must be made known before it possibly can be done: – I afterwards spoke in several of our friends and coadjutors there to reanimate themselves in their Bible work, for it was great; and this they promised to do. Some days after this I received a letter by post from a gentleman of high standing in the community in that place. Of this letter I give you a copy, begging you to excuse the seeming or real egotism is in my doing so. But your concerns are mine, and mine yours, and this is my apology. The sweet style of the letter besides, and the manifest interest it exhibits in your concerns, plead for my giving it to you: – "My dear Sir: – We were much obliged by your short visit to the Townships. I hope it will do good. I liked yourself for the Lord's sake, and I like the candour, simplicity and good spirit of your statement. I bless God for raising you up, and for qualifying you to fulfill the department of labour assigned to you in providence of his grace. I expected to have seen you again on Monday, and I went yesterday to Lennoxville in the hope of meeting you. My Bible contribution here has been hitherto expended in the supply of the County of Sherbrooke; but apart from local wants which no doubt have up have a paramount claim, I wish to embrace the opportunity of your presence in conveying my mite and my earnest wishes also in furtherance of the general fund and operations of that noble institution you worthily represent, and which truly gilts and brightens with honour and with hope, the age in which it is my privilege to live. I hope you will forgive this intrusion then, and received the enclosed note (for ten dollars), as I have no other way left of accomplishing my desire. And now may the presence and blessing of the Great King animate and protect you, and crown your labours with abundant success for his name's sake. With sentiments of respect and esteem I always remain, My dear Sir, Your very faithful, humble servant: – John Frazer."
From Sherbrooke I went to a place called it Eaton Corner, driven 3 ½ on the way by Mr. Selley the Wesleyan minister before mentioned, and then 13 miles more by Mr. Botterall another Wesleyan minister. That had been some doubt about the hour of meeting, and our visit besides was on the day of the week when it seems most were more than usually engaged. Nevertheless we hastily got together a little assembly: and a most gracious meeting was held: God was sensibly with us. A Bible Society was formed, and from the happy influence in which it began, I trust it will flourish. After our meeting Mr. Botterall drove me back to his own house at Lennoxville where I passed the night. Next morning the same obliging friend drove me to Compton a distance of ten miles. Here we had in the evening of a good meeting; and as a society was here in existence and action, we endeavoured to encourage and strengthen it. At a late hour Mr. Botterall and I set out and came to Charlestown, in order to be so far on the way to Stanstead where I have an engagement next day at an early hour. Thus far Mr. Botterall conducted me, and in a very kindly manner, and I feel greatly obliged by his services and his Christian courtesy.
It was well I have got so far on my way to Stanstead, for next morning the weather proved a very unfavourable. There was a fall of snow, a strong wind and drift, and severe cold. It was necessary however that I should go to meet my appointment. I hired a sleigh, and went fifteen miles, and was happy to arrive in good time. I took up my home with the president of the Stanstead the Bible Society, Mr. Pomroy, an elderly and sweet disciple of Jesus Christ, who has been in that place many years, and is greatly and justly esteemed by all. We went together to the place of meeting, but the weather had been so bad, and still continued so, that very few were there, most thinking that the severity of the weather would prevent the appointed meeting. After we were in the place some more people came, and our meeting was held. Cold, wild and stormy was all without, but within our little assembly that was peace, warmth and grace. God was with us, and we enjoyed a very comfortable meeting. We parted I trust with higher views of the Bible than ever, and with a reanimated desire to publish it wide throughout all the world without delay.
Next morning, 24 January, the thermometer stood at 31 under zero and of course it was cold enough. That day was employed in visiting some all our Bible friends in Stanstead. In the evening a little party of us met together at the house of Mr. Turner the Wesleyan minister, and our intercommunion with such, regarding the Bible and all connected with the Bible, that the remembrance of it will I believe, be long fresh in our memories. Altogether I was much gratified with my visit to the good people of Stanstead. May God greatly bless them in the kingdom of his son Jesus Christ, and in all their ways.
Military array and discipline prevail then at the present time. It be in the border town, a strong forces stationed in it, and the closest vigilance exercised. Many of the soldiers, or most of them, are militia, or rather the volunteers, brought in from the surrounding country. The friends of religion regret this state of things as having a very evil tendency on the young man, as well as others, in the demoralization consequent on this association together for such objects. They see however the necessity that is for such measures as the government has thus adopted; and they keep praying that all may be overruled for good.
On the 25th at daylight I left Stanstead, and at dusk reached Granby, where there was a meeting appointed for that evening of the Shefford County Bible Society and a good congregation assembled, and it is hoped that some good was produced in favour of the great cause of general Bible circulation. Next day across the country to St. John's, arriving in the evening, just seven weeks exactly sends our arrival there from New York on 8 December.
Nearly the whole of the parts I have passed through are inhabited by French Catholic Canadians: and so also is the town of St. John's, and most of the surrounding country. You will please recollect that I always think of you, and of the help we expect from you, when I travel through districts inhabited by this people. They are greatly in need, and have a strong claim for help, for they are in low estate, and need to be lifted up. The Bible, and the Bible only will and can set them on high, religiously, morally, and civilly. All people everywhere are in a low estate where the Bible is not; and the Bible always raises them in proportion to its entrance and extension.
At a place called Grande Ligne, ten miles south west of St. John's, there is a beautiful though small oasis in this French desert. About three years ago, two Swiss missionaries, speaking the French language, came to this country, and some time afterwards settled down at the place mentioned. God moved one of the families there to admit them into their house, amidst great opposition from the priest of the parish and the neighbours generally. The leaven took effect in due time, and went on spreading, and now by the grace and mercy of God they have a little church, consisting of twenty-four communicants, hopefully converted to God, twenty-two of whom were Catholics. There is also a school with about fifty French Canadian children in it. Thus you see this people are not impervious and sealed hermetically against the truth. But blessed effects are produced among them when blessed means are employed on their behalf.
Mr. Rousay and Madame Feller are worthy persons whom God has honoured in this good work. Sunday the 27th I passed in the House and Temple of these evangelists. It was a truly gratifying sight to see these French Canadians constituting their church worshiping God in the true knowledge of the gospel of Christ, and in a manner so different from their late ignorant and superstitious services. May God prosper this mission, and this work, and God will prosper it. Some friends in New York, and in this place have been moved to devise means and ways for extending this evangelization among these French Catholic Canadians by missionaries speaking their own tongue, and Switzerland is the country where such persons are most likely to be found. I am sure you will all say "God speed" to this work, and will be gratified with every communication that speaks of its advancement. It is a little out of order I know, but you may say to all who hear of this mission, the writer of this would readily be the receiver and deliver of any sums in its favour.
The number of the French Catholics in this country, are not much short, perhaps, of half a million. They are settled all along the great rivers of the country, and pretty densely, with here and there their villages and churches. In religion, education, and civil standing, they are, as before hinted, very low. Scarcely any efforts have been used hitherto for instructing these people. Much has been done for extending the Gospel in the Canadas generally, but these people have all the while been overlooked; partly from not having French tongues to speak to them, and partly from a hopelessness of any success that might attend the efforts made. Things have lately changed, however, and there is something like a movement among these very dry bones. The late and present civil commotions have been visibly over-ruled for awakening the attention of these people, and opening their minds in some degree to inquiry.
During this tour I have met with several cases that a strikingly pointing out this change, and it is truly gratifying to observe these favourable changes, I think again and again upon you, and upon our petition now probably in your hand, that you would be pleased to send us a couple of Mr. De Pressense's gens d'armes or rather gens de paix. I think of the manner in which you may be considering this matter, and somewhat fear you may not see our need so much as we do, and that you may perhaps required to be petitioned and you to grant us this biblical means we have sought out your benevolent hands. Mr. De Pressense can well spare two of the 44 he has got, or can easily get other two according to his own admission. The subject opens upon us here every day and enlarges itself. I humbly trust you will grant our petition at once: and I may at once say to you, that it will save you trouble to do so, for otherwise troubled you must be post after post with petition after petition, until you grant the same, either with good grace or from necessity, for by our continual coming we will weary you. They forgive me this rudeness, which our urgency has urged me into.
On Monday the 28th I left the mission house at Grande Ligne, and went on to Napierville and to La Colla, places which were the scenes of this latest rebellion here, I hope the last I went on to Odelltown which lies on the very boundary of the United States, and on this account all in it at present is military movement and vigilance. There is a Bible Society here, and I had learned that there was a good disposition to extend it. I found the resident Wesleyan missionary of the place absent on my arrival there, and this with the military state of things, and some other hinderances at that precise time induced me to coincide with the advice of some friends that met with, to defer the Bible meeting I had contemplated until some other more favourable time. I spoke with Col. Odell, and some other office bearers of the society, and found them very friendly towards the Bible cause.
On Tuesday the 29th I left Odelltown on my way homeward. In a few miles I reached La Colla. From that southward to the American Lines is English; but after that northward on La Prairie, a distance say of 25 miles, all is nearly French. I reached the great St. Lawrence River near the close of the day, and started to cross it just as it grew dark, and when the full moon was getting up. Boat we had none, nor bridge. We dashed into the river, stage, horses, passengers, and all as we were, and skimmed along its frozen surface. The scene was grand, very grand, liker enchantment than reality. The distance we went along the ice was about seven miles; and to add to the scene the road, if I may so call it, was thronged with vehicles, some going in the direction with us, and some passing us almost every minute. About midway there are three or four houses for entertainment, built on the ice, for the accommodation of passengers. This site of houses standing in or on the middle of this deep and broad river heightened the wonderment of the whole, and rendered it somewhat difficult to believe that all was a waking sight and not a dream.
Having crossed the St. Lawrence I found myself in Montreal, and at home. I praised God for his great goodness to me in all this second tour in this country, and for the encouragement I had met with in the grand object of circulating the Holy Scriptures, and advancing the kingdom of God.
May all the blessings of the Bible, and of this kingdom, be yours, and be the everlasting portion of all who love the same.
I remain, My Dear Friend, Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.