Archives

Calendar: 1821

(1821?) ( )

Apacossikan, Chief
Arbre Croche, (Michigan Territory)

to (Father Gabriel Richard)
(Detroit, Michigan)

The Indians of the village salute (Richard). Those who live there are fighting more and more, but murder angers them. He will hold on to what he told (Richard) last summer. He hope to see (Richard) soon and will converse leisurely with him there at his home. (This translation was furnished by Father J. R. Richard, S.J. of Spanish Ontario).

III-f-2 A.L.S. (Ottawa language) 1p. 4to.
2

(1821) (January)

B(ru)té S(imon) Father
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

to (Catherine) Josephine (Seton)
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

This is a prayer for her. It is one of the last and most familiar which she (Mother Elizabeth Seton) repeated while still with us. She is now in heaven, he hopes. He exhorts her to pray always. The picture is for William who can have it for a mark in his book. "Our Lord" on the cross--"our mother" at his feet--praying to the Father with respect and abandon--all his heart and "ours" expressed in his attitude. The Spirit of Grace (is) His hope and "ours." "Pray for us."

II-1-a Note S. (French) 1pp. 24mo.
2

1821 Jan. 16

Chatard, B.
Baltimore, (Maryland)

to (Catherine) Josephine Seton
Emmitsburg, (Maryland)

She learned day before yesterday of her cruel loss. Josephine knows the tender friendship which existed between Chatard and her mother (Mother Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton). She would like to be her second mother but God does not will it. Josephine is to write and tell of her mother's last wishes and news of Josephine's plans for the future. Her health is very bad. May God bless Josephine and her brothers; all three concern her like her own children.
(P.S.) She sends her respects to Fathers Dubois and Bruté and to the good Sisters, especially Sister Xavier who wrote to her.

II-1-a A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo.
3

1821 Jan. 26
David, Jean Bishop of Mauricastrum: Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel Brute): Emmitsburg, Maryland

David believes from what Brute wrote that the death of Mother (Elizabeth) Seton was one beautiful in the eyes of God. It is the kind of death he desires. He is grateful to Brute for writing a description of her death. He will read it to his Sisters of Nazareth the first time he addressed them. Two have gone since their establishment, also prepared for death by long suffering from consumption. He has estblished four houses which he describes. He does not think that is too many. They have two novices and ten that have made their vows at Nazareth. He had 12 seminarians besides the 3 priests, Father (George) Elder, O'Brien and (David A.) Deparq. Mr. Derigaud governs the little seminary which had 13 or 14 subjects. Mr. Hysten is with him. He has 3 theologians counting Deparq who has not yet finished his course. They have also 3 philosophers, among whom is Mr. Reilly whom Brute recommended. The others are in various stages of the humanities. He has had them brought there to establish a college and to aid in the teaching in the college they wish to establish. They have 30 or 40 scholars. Elder is the president and one of the students is his second. The cathedral is not finished but it is in good shape. They have a choir of men and women. They sing the high Mass and vespers. Father (Charles) Nerinckx has obtained an organ. Father (Guy Ignatius) has no comment. The Bishop of Quebec has written that religion is declining in France. That is all the news they hear there from that quarter. They have plenty to do. They need a professor of theology and of scripture. One should hasten to prepare a successor. He does not know what would happen to the seminary of he died. He is sixty years old and suffers from asthma. He asks for prayers, also for those of the Sisters, especially Angelique; also Biddy Jordan and her mother; Mr. Grover and his wife.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 2pp.4to.

1821 Feb. 15

Bruté, Father Simon
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

to Catherine Josephine Seton
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

Her question is good for her soul and shows her sincere to know God's will. She should enjoy the peace of such offering of herself to His will. He is also glad to find mother's (Mrs. Elizabeth Seton's) child with such a disposition, but it is a great responsibility for himself. Though fluctuating in thought he is inclined to tell her to follow her impression and to make a trial of it. He will not fear to entrust his thoughts to her. Her mother (Mrs. Elizabeth Seton) had only one desire, that God's will be done. Thus her personal desire was conditional on God's. She spoke little of it to her. Josephine knows best. He "almost never- and never" objected to her "excursions to try the World." A fear of the world's disappointments is an equivocal sign. It doesn't do for a vocation. A fear of its dangers is a truer indication. A heart desiring to serve God and live united with Him turns from the world to the safest means of doing so. A desire to secure even in this life the balance of happiness and the least share of mental afflictions, provided it is not precluded by our obligations to others, is worth considering and may concur with an even greater service to our neighbors. St. Paul shows this in Corinthians I, 7. He advises her to read this both for its general meaning and for its application to herself. She should try herself "on the main side of each question." Our Lord's design as explained by the Church is to let the world say anything to the contrary. Men are immortal souls, images of God, brought by Christ into a union in one body. This union may be accomplished in ordinary life. For Christ has made matrimony a sacrament of sanctification if His service is made its last end. Yet another manner of life is higher and preferable. Attention to what is important makes it evident to a religious soul. Without this vocation for the better part one should follow the common way indicated by providence. But when piety calls one should be disposed to follow what is for God's glory and love and the greatest advantage of his soul and those of others. He will continue to help her to make this examination. She is to be prayerful, confident and attentive to her usual duties.

II-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.
1

1821 April 9
(David), Jean Bishop of Mauricastrum: (Bardstown, Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: Emmitsburg, Maryland

David has received Brute's letters of March 3 and 20. He and Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget enjoy these letters. He has nothing to say except that he has become involved in a controversy in connection with the cathedral which has excited the Presbyterian and Baptist ministers, especially the Presbyterian who has great talent for attacking the church. He announced a sermon on the Eucharist at the courthouse where he said he was going to lash Catholics. David sent Mr. (George Elder and Ignatius Reynolds, good thelogians to the meeting. Elder announced at the meeting that the sermon would be discussed at the cathedral. David announced that he would answer the following Sunday. He preached twice on the subject of the Eucharist. Flaget answered the charges in his sermons while he traveled 4 weeks ago he announced that he would preach on the first commandment on the following Sunday. Because the preacher Mr. Hall had defied the Bishops to answer him and because the men of the town wanted him to do so he, at the suggestion of Flaget also appeared at the courthouse and defended Catholic doctrines that had been attacked. David spoke for two hours and then met the objections of Hall. Hall began to talk, making wild accusations and would not let him reply. The discussion lasted five hours. Each side claimed victory. Except for a few presbyterians the people were shocked by the anger of the presbyterians and pleased with David's patience. He has written on the controversy as best he can and hopes that the public will read his pamphlet. David has written to St. Sulpice by Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat and to Father Duclaux about the establishment of St. Sulpice in Kentucky. He is 60 years old. He has received no answer. Duclaux has suggested before that they establish there society like St. Sulpice. David thinks of separating the stationary from the missionary Sulpicians but Duclaux has convinced to the contrary. Derigaud is one of theirs. He likes the priest Coomes but Flaget has sent him on a mission and he likes that. The subdeacon Coomes seems one of them but he is ill. Elder is not a friend of St. Sulpice. They differ on the Irish, especially Bryne and Comiskey. Reynolds is precious he has not said anything about joining them for some time, Derogaud says that Elder is the cause. Flaget hopes to ordain 4 deacons, 2 subdeacons, 3 minor orders and 2 tonsures. He has 11 seminarians at St. Joseph 14 or 15 at St. Thomas. Mr. Korten and Mr. Deparq, subjects of Bishop (William) Dubourg, are experienced priests. There is an Irishman to be ordained this year for the missions. He speaks the languages of his country, some of whom do not speak English. Another from Ireland is in second year theology. Two Kentuckians are in metaphysics, others are in humanities. The college expans. They have 40 externs besides the boarders. He send his regards to Rose and his condolences on the new burden that has fallen on her shoulders. He sends regards also to Mrs. McMeal to the mother and all her family. They share her sorrows.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. {4to.} 3

1821 May 3
(Flaget), Benedict J(oseph) Bishop of: Bardstown, K(entucky) St. Magdalene
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: (Emmitsburg), Maryland

He greets him on the feast as he is at St. Magdalene's on his way to Tennessee apart of his diocese he has not yet visited. His companion is Father (Robert) Abell who worried him a year ago by his illness. He is now at his house along side a convent of 3 Sisters of Charity who have a flourishing school. Abell is well and very devoted. He sees by Brute's letter that there are troubles also at the Mount. Also in Kentucky and elsewhere. What Brute has told about Father (Jean) Dubois's plans is so great and above the understanding of Flaget. He is sorry that St. Sulpice does not adopt a similiar establishment but he will not blame them for not doing it. He has sought for several years to have his seminary aggregated to that of Paris but his hope is nearly gone, and he thinks he will in time bless God for that. Maybe God intends to found a new society in the United States. If Flaget were the Archbishop he would do all in his power to aid Dubois. It seems Flaget suggests that Dubois leave his two establishments to the Archbishop (Ambrose Marechal) with full power to dispose of them as he needs. He thinks the Archbishop would be pleased to have this resource. Would that Dubois transfer himself to Kentucky or Tennessee where all would go well. The obstackes that one finds in doing good is a divide mystery. Brute astonishes him in saying that the Bishop of Philadelphia (Henry Conwell) has published one of his letter among his sundry documents. It is true that Flaget come plained to Conwell that he had recommended Father (William) Hogan to him but that was not a letter to be published. He also wrote a letter to Hogan blaming him for publishing such a bad pamphlet. He is pleased that he avoided this bad priest, Flaget is happy that he did not get this bad priest. He asks Brute to send him the sundry documents that concerns him. (Father M.) Derigaud surpasses his hopes, Father George Elder is a good president. He needs a mathematics teacher. 40 externs attend the academy, about 30 subjects in the two seminaries. Father (William) Byrne is changing a distillery into a country school. It will acommodate 50 pupils. Flaget has given him a young priest to succeed him. The Pope has sent a letter asking the bishops to set up that kind of establishments. Flaget has been trying to do that for 8 or 9 years. Byrne is eager to do this work. After his mission he will give Brute the details. P.S. Benedictions to dear Hickey. When he knows the name of the boat(?) he will inform Dubois to whom he sends regards since he must delay writing to him.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. {4to.} 9

1821 June 4
David, Jean Bishop of Mauricastrum: Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: Emmitsburg, Maryland

David thanks Brute for his letters. He used Brute's ideas on the Eucharist for one of his sermons. He has used also his ideas on Unitarianism, on infallibility and the primacy of the Holy See. He continues on September 4, calling attention to the date and saying that he has been busy preparing a pamphlet in his spare time. It is now in the hands of the printer in Louisville. The Catholics of that place bear half of the expense and will take half of the copies which number 1000 and count 90 pages and sells for a quarter of a dollar. What Brute wrote him helped in that piece on the cult of images; and the invocation of saints. He mentions other ideas of Brute that he has used. David has shared Brute's latest letter with Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat, who will answer him. He is going with Father (Robert) Abell in Tennessee and from there into Alabama where there are a great number of Catholics. Among others a thousand French who desire to see to French priest. The attacks of their bigot minister have produced only conversions to Catholicism expect at the first before they answered the attack. Since they have answered him at St. Rose, Bardstown, lebanon and St. Mary a Presbyterian Dr. Brown Converted on his death bed. Hall waited on him but he refused to see him and asked for the bishop or one of his priests. They sent for Father (William) Byrne and to the Dominicans. Byrne took care of him 4 or 5 conversions have taken place. Some one has told David that Father (Jean) Dubois has suppressed the name Mother for the superior General of St. Joseph. David cannot conceive of a reason for that. Other congregations use it and even the word reverned. David thinks that Mother Agnes could do without the title reverend. He understands that Dubois has changed the rules. David will not make the change in name. His sisters number 11 novices and he is expecting three or four more. Their boarding school has taken in some girls who work half time for their education. They sew weave and dye. The two french women are quite satisfied. Chabrat got them a great bell for the clock that Father (Charles) Nerincks got them three years ago. Sister Rose should be weary awaiting his letter David is going to make a retreat, the first of his episcopate. He is going to Loretta where he will offer his seminary and his sisters to the Blessed Virgin. Flaget awaits him.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 4pp. {4to.} 5

1821 Jun. 16

Montault, Bishop Charles
Angers, France

Montault certifies that Napoleon Joseph Percher, son of Florent Percher and Maria Joanna Berthelemy born on January 10, 1805, received the first tonsure. The secretary, Father G.R. Denail signs also.

V-4-c D.S. (Latin) 1p. 4to.
1

1821 Jun. 19

(Pius VII, Pope)
Rome (signed by) H.Card Consalvi, to Eduardo Fenwick(O.P.)

Copy. Announces creation of the Diocese of Cincinnati to include the entire state of Ohio-Names Fenwick bishop. Gives him the administration of the adjoining provinces of Michigan and the Northwest with the same faculties.

II-4-d Copy of A.D.S. (Latin) 6pp. folio Gift of Rev. J. Quinn

1821 Jun. 19

Pius VII, P(ope)
Rome (signed by) H. Card. Consalvi.

to Eduardo Fenwick (O.P.)

Announces creation of the Diocese of Cincinnati to include the entire state of Ohio--Names Fenwick bishop--Gives him the administration of the adjoining provinces of Michigan and the Northwest with the same faculties.

In oversize cabinet

Added note on back of Consecration ceremony and participants, Jan. 13, 1822 signed by J.B. P(urcell).

II-4-d A.D.S. (Latin) 1p. parch. folio

1821 June 20
Brute, Father S(imon Gabriel): Emmitsburg, (Maryland)
to ( ): .

Brute has just learned from Mr. Bradley of the person addresed that he is a Catholic who has been for a short time out of the church. Brute has decided to consider himself the man's pastor and states that he cannot believe that a man of his character cannot perservere in his error. He owes to his love for his excellent wife and his children to try to mend his affairs. He knows that he does not have any right to separate himself or others from the faith. Others led by the sin of the first parents have their own obligation to see why they have been misled. More obliged to do this is one who has gone astray by his own decision. Even though his wife has changed to another sect he should show her by his example the right way. P.S. anytime he calls for him as his pastor it would be grace and satisfaction.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (English) - 4pp. {12mo.} 2

1821 Jun. 29

Bruté, Father S(imon)
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

to William (Seton)
(U.S. Navy)

Bruté saw of the arrival of William's frigate in the Fayette this morning. He put off writing the whole day, thinking that William's heart would be reached only by his sister's letter. But now the last hour of the day, opening the bible his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Seton, kept for seven or eight years, (her first bible of 1804, he returned to Josephine). Bruté noticed her notes on psalm 118 which she said everyday, though usually from the primer "Joe" keeps. She had places underlined for herself or William. At a verse of fear for sin she wrote "o my dear ones!" To psalm 118, verse 144, which says that if God gives on understanding he shall live, she adds "in Jesus." She lives in Him, for them (us) no more. To verse 165 which says that lovers of God's law have no stumbling block she adds that His will is all. It was her whole last prayer towards two o'clock that night of January 4 with Susanna and S(iste)r Clarke, "o Joe, Joe herself." Just there followed Pius VII's prayer which she recited every day. It says that God's will is to be done and exalted above all forever. A marginal note, inserted here in Bruté's handwriting, says she began it herself and they took it up. Her last three or four months were a union to God's will. She was recollected in her peace, loved her communion which was her heaven and earth. Bruté concluded the marginal note with, the statement that he leaves it all to Joe. Mother Seton tells her beloved one, William from heaven to fulfill that will and come to her. Bruté asks William's forgiveness for the words of one who still loves him in her heart. (There is a landscape drawing at the head of the letter. It consists of two houses, one dated June 29th, the other January 21, a bridge, and three graves. There is also a cliff and a ship dated June 21. Two samples of Elizabeth Seton's handwriting are pasted beneath this. They say "dear dear Eternity" and "resigned and heavenly minded is so beautiful.")

II-1-a A.L.S. 1p. royal 8vo.
2

(1821) July 22
DuBourg, Louis William Bishop of Louisiana: St. L(ouis) Missouri
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: Emmitsburg, Mayland

He merits Brute's reporaches. He intended to pay back the $200 that Brute had given him on his departure from Baltimore. He admire the delicacy of Brute's letter since he was himself in doubt whether it was a loan or gift. He will extinguish this obligation of justice, altough he will not see the means of getting out of his embarrassments for a year or two. Brute did right in retaining the $25 from Mrs. Hase. He is pleased at the resurrection of Mr. Chabot of whose death they had been erroneously informed. The Italian has been ordained. He is on his way to Rome and DuBourg awaits his return in the spring of 1822. He set out from New York in May. DuBourg is pleased at the good news from the Mountain and the valley and will rejoice when he can bring the sisiter of St. Joseph to his diocese. Madame Charles Smith is building a house for the sisters to teach there. He asks Brute if he can obtain 4 or 5 good subjects to become teachers of children. One a least must speak French. The widow would retire among them. Already the Sisters of St. Joseph help. (Father Matthew Bernard) Anduze has arrived. He is much attached to Brute and has many virtues. Awaiting the second volume of the Indifference, L'ammenais has given a fine account of the church in the last century. He does not understand how the property can be left at the Mountain to Father (Jean) Dubois without the superiority. The responsibilty should stay with the cheif person. He sends his regards to the eagles of the Mountain and the lambs of the valley. P.S. (Felix) D'Andreis sends his regards. He adds a word about his demand for the sisters. He wants Sister Marguerite for superior. He needs a person of good sense accompanied by at least 2 of the same caliber and 2 of lesser ability. Far from wanting the establishment of Opelousas to be attached to that of Emmitsburg he wants it to stand alone. He sends his regards to Mother (Elizabeth) Seton. When he gets the answer he will continue to raise funds.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. {4to.} 4

1821 Sept. 4
Chabrat, Father G(uy) I(gnatius): Bardstown, (Kentucky)
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: Emmitsburg, Maryland

Chabrat is at a loss to explain his conduct towards Brute. When he was in Baltimore he could have visited Brute and (Father John) Dubois but he seemed to have to stay in Baltimore to receive little things expected by the packet from New York. Little because they were only a bell, an organ and two chalices. The rest were bookstand some half worn vestments or pictures. His trunk not having arrived in time from Lyon, they are now at New Orleans. If there is anything in them that would please Brute he will send them. He wishes he could make amends and has suffered in his mind since arriving at Bardstown, but he now feels better. He saw very few of Brute's friends in France and he doesnot remember what they did for the mission except the holy Mr. Carron. The Archbishop of Bordeaux whom he left well was very devoted to him. France is in a dangerous situation. Chabrat goes to Tennessee with Father (Robert) Abell. The gospel has never been preached in that state except in Nashville. They say the people are well disposed. He will write to Brute in the course of the mission. On his return his station will be in Union County four miles from Morganfield at a place called St. Vincent de Paul where there is a convent of the Sisters of Charity and a large congregation 15 miles from the mouth of Wabash and 60 miles from Vincennes. He sends his regards to Dubois.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (English) - 2pp. {4to.} 5

1821 September 9
Brute, Father (Simon Gabriel): Emmitsburg, Maryland
to John Smith: Near Emmitsburg, (Maryland)

Brute had the intention of seeing Smith before this as his pastor. God's mercy wants Smith's return to the church. He should not wait for death. Mr. Bradley is gone and Brute had promised him to warn Smith in true charity. Brute asks that he read over his first letter to which he gave no answer and if there is any offense let him have a chance to clear it. The word of God is not the writing on the paper but the meaning, truth and grace contained. Private interpretation creates new heresies each day. He asks him to remember his baptism, confirmation and first communion and the causes of his separation which was not the work of grace. (There is a note on the back "died in his apostasy")

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (English) - 4pp. {4to.} 1

1821 Sep. 10

(Seton, C(atherine) Josephine)
(Emmitsburg, Maryland)

to W(illiam Seton)
Baltimore, Maryland

She sent a line to the Post Office, not knowing whether William had left Baltimore yet. If all this could have been foreseen she would not have let him go so soon. It is hard being so near yet separated. Mr. Harper informed them that he is much better but will not be able to leave for a fortnight or ten days. Mr. (Stratford) Canning, the English minister, and his secretary Mr. Wilmott arrived Friday evening, but all the family were absent except the "old gentleman," Mrs. Caton, and C(atherine). She has tried to be agreeable. Canning is delightful in appearance and manner. Wilmott is inferior in both and though intelligent, sarcastic. They will leave tomorrow. She supposes the visit is not farther extended on account of the family's anxiety about Mr. Harper. She asks William if he saw Dick's "intended." Dick complained by letter of her not congratulating him. He had not received the letter she wrote ten days ago. "Old Clem" asked for William. She suggests that he take notice of Old Clem the next time he goes to the mountain, as Old Clem said William had not been as sociable with him as Dick. She says all are well, especially herself.

II-1-a A.L.S. 2pp. 8vo.
2

1821 Dec. 28
David, Jean (Baptiste) Bishop of Mauricastro: (Bardstown), Kentucky
to Father (Simon Gabriel) Brute: Emmitsburg, Maryland

David acknowledges Brute's letter of December 10 and wishes him a happy new year. He wishes this also to Father (John Dubois, Father (John) Hickey and Mother Rose and all the other sisters. Brute told him that Dubois has suppressed the title Mother for that of superior. David expresses his disapproval of the change. Father (Charles) Nerinckx is content with the name of Mother in his institute. David would not permit this change at Nazareth. David sends Brute his pamphlet as Brute desires. It is not a grand work, since it was done in snatches between interruptions. He believes it is sufficiental sound. He has had it printed at Louisville where there is hope that the Catholics will pay half the cost and keep half the copies. They did not and he had to pay $13. He was not able to correct the proofs and arranged for another to do it but the printer would not agree and there are mistakes. He has corrected the worst of errors but some have escaped him. Father (Jean) Tessier says he will sell some in Baltimore but there is the problem of sending them there. It is Bishop (Benedict Joseph) Flaget who wants to send the young man to Baltimore to become a physicist or a mathematician. David would rather have a thelogian for the diocese. David has yielded to authority. Providence has sent them a treasure from Rome in the person of Father (Francis Patrick) Kenrick who is Irish only in his origin. A man of piety and learning 24 years old, he will take David's class in theology and that in French taught by Father (Guy Ignatius) Chabrat whom Flaget will now send to Vincennes now that Dubourg has withdrawn his men from there. Father (Gabriel) Richard has come to visit them. He has broken his leg in a fall from his horse and was detained at Vincennes for two or three weeks. He has been at their seminary nearly a month, where he has been very useful. He taught mathematics to some seminarians who had talent. His leg is nearly healed and will soon return to Detroit. His enemies have profited by his absence and a judge has imposed on his damages of $1100. Duclaux says that if he is not wanted at Detroit he can return. But Detroit is no longer under Flaget but belongs to the diocese of Ohio whose bishop, Father Edward Fenwick has arrived yesterday evening at St. Rose he is to be consecrated by Flaget who is away for a few days. They are establishing a school for boys under Father (William) Byrnes. The purpose of the school will be to teach them their religion and prepare them for first communion. They have 60 students, including 30 boarders. They are also to commence a society of lay brothers for the service of the missions. The first two work in the kitchen at the seminary in place of the negress. They want to do the same thing at St. Joseph and he hopes they will not delay. They are embarrassed about the debts of the cathedral. They did not obtain much from France, just books ornaments and chalices. Father Nerinckx brought 700 masses which they cannot say easily. He and the Bishop are in good health. Both are active. David can mount a horse and ride for 20 or 30 miles without too much fatigue.

II-3-o - A.L.S. - (French) - 3pp. {4to.} 7

(1821?)
(1st Sunday in Advent)

(Bruté, Father Simon), Care of D(octo)r Chatard
Emmitsburg, (Maryland)

Bruté asks William whether it displeases him if, while her (Mrs. Seton's) dear voice is silent, he writes them in her name "the word which from this day was so pleasingly kept on here by all you love." Christmas time is coming again. What a time Anna Rebecca and Mother had for themselves united for many years, now parted! William, Dick, and Joe were also united for a time. They are gone to the "face to face." They (we) are left to the mystery "yet a little while." Christmas and Eternity are words that come to William from the little woods after his long absence. Providence returns him safe but Absolute will does not return the voice and sight of his mother to him. Bruté asks William to forgive him for these sad memories. Eternity was her (Mrs. Seton's) only thought. Now she has it. William should keep it (this letter?) as a sacred inheritance as if she herself had written it. Today the religious year begins again. He began (in his last sermon) to the people of Emmitsburg by asking them three questions that he may also put to himself. They are, "What to say," "I believe Everlasting life? Should we think in earnest about it?--and how should we prepare for it?" the first has immense meaning. The second is contested only by the fool, though many who would not deny it forget it. Some say it is not in our present nature to think of its spiritual reality beyond the sensible. Then, it is not in our nature to resist sin. But we are obliged to resist a corrupt sinful nature and a forgetful earthly-minded one. The answer to the third is to seek and obey grace to "its full and sincere extent." He asks William not to be too displeased with him. He ends with a drawing of a fenced-in plot of graves. The second from the right is surmounted by a cross.

II-1-a A.L. 1p. 8vo.
2