More from Rev. N. Point's Journal
No. XXVIII.
“HENCEFORWARD THE PRAYER OF THE FLAT-HEADS SHALL, BE OURS '
BY REV. P. N. POINT.
WE shall see what gave occasion to these remarkable words uttered by thirty-seven Black-Feet, who had fallen into the hands of the Flat-Heads.
It is rare, at present, to find any Black-Feet, even among the most vicious tribes, who are not convinced that the Black-gowns desire their happiness.
The following observations clearly prove my proposition : 1, the kind reception they gave the Black Robe, who was taken by sixty of their warriors : 2, the attention with which they listened to the Rev. Mr. Thibault, a Canadian priest, who fell in with a large company of them at Fort Augusta, on the River Sascatshawin : 3, sending back to St. Mary's, a horse belonging to a Flat-Head missionary ; a circumstance hitherto unheard of, in the relations of the Black-Feet with the Flat-Heads; 4, the confidence which several have manifested in the missionaries, on many remarkable occasions; 5, the smoking of the calumet in the plain of the Great Valley, with a small number of Flat-Heads whom they might have killed without difficulty , 6, the amicable visits they have paid the Flat-Heads by the persuasion of the hoary chief Nicholas, (baptized,) and the habitual residence of several of the tribe at the village of St. Mary's; 7, the blunder of horses is incomparably more rare than during the preceding years ; 8, the four years' cessation of any serious attack; though, formerly, not a hunting party passed without a sanguinary battle with the Flat-Heads. In proof of this, remember the sixty-five battles of old Paulin. If we add to all this, the providential and admirable circumstance which occurred during the chase, and which we purpose relating, surely, it may be permitted to form the brightest prospects relative to the religious, conquest of this numerous tribe; and I sincerely hope that an occurrence, which lately took place at St. Mary's, will contribute much to re"lize my desires.
The 2d or 3d February, during the night, the dogs barked-a pistol-shot was heard-a mournful silence ensues ! A thief, doubtless, had been wounded. The following morning, marks of blood could be traced as far as the river, which led to the conclusion that the robber had perished in the waves; but, three days since, George Sapime, whilst duck-shooting, found the suffering. being among some bushes, so exhausted by loss of blood that he could scarcely stand. George might easily have despatched him on the spot, according to the savage custom; but he thought it better to return to the village and take counsel as to what seemed most expedient to be done with the hapless desperado. At this intelligence, numbers of Indians mount their horses and gallop off, full armed, to the spot indicated. Whilst this "r as being transacted, the incident was related to Father Mengarini. Pelchimo and Ambrose, two really brave Flat-Heads, who communicated the intelligence, thought it base to kill a dying man. The zealous missionary conceived an ardent desire to secure the salvation of the culprit, by pouring on his soul the saving waters of regeneration. Pelchimo, seconding the good design, flies to the place, and arrives at the very instant when the pistols were cocked to terminate the prisoner's existence. " Stop ! " vociferates the feeling Pelchimo. At this word the execution is suspended, and an hour after, the Black-Foot enemy and robber is tended, in the chieftain's lodge, with all the kindness that could be lavished on a noble and much-loved sufferer.
Father Mengarini, after having dressed his wounds, spoke to him of God, and his judgments: the sick man answered, that it was the first time he had heard these great truths. Such a reply, made the father cherish the hope of saving his soul; and, also, of contributing, by means of this man, to the designs of mercy, which, it seemed, the Almighty God had towards this terrible nation. " Brethren," said he, addressing the assembled chiefs, " during four years the Black-gowns have been among ,you, and each day have they spoken to you of God. You know well that His divine Son not only died on the cross for all men, but even pardoned his enemies, and prayed for his executioners, to teach us how we should act in the like occasions. An enemy has fallen into your hands-remember, he has a soul like yours, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and destined to sing eternally the divine mercy of your Saviour ! What shall be done with this man? Is he to live, or must he die? " " Let him live," answered every tongue. Overjoyed to find their hearts so replete with compassion, the Black-gown was expressing his satisfaction to the assembled tribe, when he was told that some obscure savages, of a different tribe, were not of the same opinion as the generous chieftains who surrounded him. This information induced the father to take a different tone; and addressing the murmurers, he thus spoke: 11 Brethren! when we pardon a foe, we imitate the ordinary conduct of God towards men. Who, among you, has not sinned during his life ? And how often has God forgiven you ? If, instead of forgetting your multiplied offences, the Almighty had placed your souls in the power of your infernal enemy, what would now be your fate? But no; God has not treated you thus ; he has sent his ministers among you,-numbered you among his children, and promised heaven to your fidelity and compassion for the unfortunate ; and who knows, if this signal favor may not depend on the generosity you exercise towards your enemy ? The blood of Jesus Christ pleads for mercy in his behalf. Already have your chiefs pronounced his pardon. Will you imitate their noble conduct ? AM if you refuse, take your knives and bury them in your enemy's heart! But, from that instant, call not God your Father; cease saying to Him: `forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us ;' for, our Common Father might hear your prayer, but, it would be for your eternal reprobation." This brief but energetic appeal caused such sensation throughout the auditory, that every one approved the first decision. From that moment the entire village of St. Mary’s, with the exception of a few malicious hearts, shared in the generous sentiments of the Flat-Head chiefs Selpisto, a chieftain of the Pends-d'Oreilles, happened to be, at this time, at St. Mary's. He took the Black-Foot under his protection, and when he recovered from his wounds, loaned him a horse to return to his country; and he even redoubled his attention at the moment when he received the news that one of his sons had fallen a sacrifice to the Black-Feet. When the youth was met by his enemies, he was returning in triumph to St. Mary's, with the horses recently stolen from the village. His bravery had forced the robbers to return them; this circumstance rendered his loss a still greater affliction to his family. The return of the Black-Foot, so honorably, dismissed, and the relation he gave the tribe of the mercy exercised towards him, caused his nation to look upon the Flat-Heads in a different light. “I am very glad," wrote Father Mengarini,” that this affair terminated amicably. I trust that the, future will prove, that the Almighty, after having exercised mercy towards this unfortunate sinner, has also particular graces in reserve for this perfidious and benighted nation, which I hope, is destined to receive the light of the gospel. Should any fathers be named to 'this mission, I should be too happy to be of their number."
To whom are the Black-Feet indebted far a change so consoling, both to religion and humanity ? Next to Almighty God; we may safely say, they owe it to the admirable conduct of the Flat-Heads, especially since the residence of the missionaries among the tribe. Some remarkable instances of virtue were exhibited during the hunting season.
On quitting St. Mary's our pious neophytes added some short invocations to their morning and evening prayers; 1., to the Heart of Jesus, as protector of the men's confraternity; 2, to the blessed Virgin, patroness of the women's sodality; 3, to St. Michael, model of the brave; 4, to St. Raphael, the guide of travellers ; 5, to ~St. Hubert, the patron of hunters ; 6, to St. Francis Xavier, for the conversion of idolaters. We shall see, that these pious aspirations were not addressed to Heaven in vain.
The eve preceding the anniversary of St. Francis Xavier's canonization, the missionary administered baptism to a Black-Foot, whose ,example induced many others to solicit the like favor. The reception of the holy sacrament's of penance and eucharist, was very frequent. There were 430 confessions, (children included). 350 communions, 103 of which took place the last Sunday. Only one person was left, in the camp; he having recently made his first communion, did not renew it during the chase; whereas, his companions approached two or three times, and some, even more frequently. The pious practice of saying the Angelus, reciting the Rosary, and singing canticles, was maintained throughout the camp. The chiefs displayed their zeal for every species of good; an unalterable patience was the distinguishing virtue of all, and this is saying much, if we. consider the trials, attending the hunting season. Their resignation to the Divine will, was strongly manifested. During twenty-four days they had been toiling onwards, undergoing much suffering from a rigorous abstinence, when the news -was spread that a herd of buffaloes had been seen in the environs. The Indians repaired thither, but it' was to encounter a keen disappointment. Thus, the poor Flat-Heads found themselves constrained either to fast or seek food in the country of the Black-Feet. As their horses were in a better condition than those of the other tribes, they resolved to risk the dangerous expedient. Four days they traversed heights and floods: the weather was cold and, snow lay on the ground; no animals were to be seen. At last, on Wednesday in Ember-week, the missionary warned his little flock that the moment was propitious for addressing Heaven to implore the goods of earth; but, he added: "if you wish the Divine bounty to shed on you His gifts, you must promise not to abuse them." His words were attended to with deep emotion, and each savage, according to the Indian expression, " Arranged his heart and began to pray." The next morning, (Thursday), herds of cattle were seen in the neighborhood; and on Friday and Saturday so many were killed that their great number encumbered the lodges.
Already -was the, camp on its homeward march, when, 12th March, the chief, reaching the top of a mountain which commanded an extensive view of the plain, suddenly stopped - and after gazing fixedly for sometime, discovered moving objects at, the verge of the horizon. At first, those around him imagined they saw buffaloes ; next, they fancied they could discover a herd of deer ; the final conclusion was, that an armed party of Black-Feet rapidly approached them. What was to be done ? Victor, the chief, lost nothing of his usual presence of mind. He calmly quitted the head of the camp, mounted his horse, and making the animal perform a few evolutions, he was instantly surrounded by the bravest of his band. Isaac proposed prayer.Victor exclaimed: " Let us wait until the Black-Feet show themselves yonder." Saying these words, he pointed out a second mountain which concealed us. Never had any position offered more advantages. The Black-Feet were climbing the opposite side-they were already fatigued. , Between the mountain and the chain which crowned the horizon extended an immense plain, without either tree, ravine -or river that could offer them the least rampart. They were, but thirty-seven in number, newly exercised in arms, and on foot. The Flat-Heads, on the contrary, were on horseback, numbered fifty, in the flower of age, all well armed and conducted by chieftains whose shadow would put to flight more enemies than were now approaching. Besides, Victor was at their head; he who had never been conquered, and what is more, not even wounded, though six different times he had been encompassed by the Black-Feet. The marked protection of Heaven had thus manifested itself in his favor!
The enemy, then, could not escape them. All eyes were strained towards the spot indicated by the chief, expecting the approach of the foe. Victor judges that there is " periculum in mora ; " he casts a smiling look on the missionary, raises his fire-arms, utters a yell, urges on his steed, and flies to the combat, followed by the bravest of the land. Perceiving their approach, the Black-Feet took to flight, casting away all that embarrassed them; but beholding themselves hemmed in on all sides, they endeavoured to rally; the Flat-Heads hasten towards them; Victor's horse having been lately wounded, Fidele, Ambrose, Isaac, Ferdinand, and Emanuel, passed their chief, and arrived first in front of the enemy. Fidele spoke not ; but his warrior name, signifying Thunderbolt, sufficiently declared his courage. Ambrose announced him by that title, which causes the Black-Feet to turn pale, and added, in a terrible voice "Fire not! If you fire you are dead men!" God spoke by his lips. Instead of firing, one of the Black-Feet threw down his gun, whilst several others extended their arms, in a supplicating attitude. The brave Ambrose refused not the pardon his enemies solicited ; for true courage will never bathe itself in the blood of a conquered foe, who appeals for mercy, and whose conversion has been begged of Heaven. The generous warrior willingly extends his hand to the foe ; and all, imitating his example, show that clemency has conquered. At this happy moment, when such Christian sentiments pervaded every heart, the Black-gown advanced, and the conquered foes offered him their hands, and, spreading a buffalo-skin on the snow, invited him to seat himself, and receive the honors of the calumet. Whilst the smoke of peace ascended towards heaven, presents were offered, and received, on both sides. The oldest of the Black-Feet band, seated on the left of the missionary, presented him a pair of Indian moccasins, and, strange to say, they were embroidered, with a blue cross standing out conspicuously from the surrounding work. The poor idolater! did he, at that moment, think of the "quam speciosi pades ? " Most probably not ; but, it is certain, he remarked the pleasure caused by his present, and felt an assurance, from the manner in which it was received, that, henceforward, all hearts would be united.
The Flat-He,-.td camp set out on their return. The thirty-seven Black-Feet followed them. The thawing of the snow rendered the roads exceedingly bad, and the kind-hearted Flat-Heads, compassionating the fate of their new friends, did all they could to help them on their journey. Before separating, Victor conducted. the principal Black-Feet into the missionary's lodge, that lie might witness their parting good friends ; and, during half an hour, every thing was said that could strengthen the new-formed friendship between the tribes. The Black-Feet told us, that for some time past they had been expecting a Black-gown, and that, when he should come among them, he would be well received; that, henceforth, they and the Flat-Heads would live like brothers ; " that the prayer of the Flat-Heads should be theirs." And, although the sun had set, they assisted at prayers ; after which, they exchanged some tokens of friendship, and left, declaring that they were going to persuade their village to act as they had done.
The 19th March, feast of St. Joseph, seven days after the pardon so generously granted the Black-Feet, Heaven bestowed on us the fruit of our forbearance in the amicable -visit of the grand chief of the "Petite Robe, Itchetles Melakas-or the three crows." All the chiefs smoked with him under the missionary's tent. Ambrose explained to him the Catholic Tree ; Victor invited him to pass the night in his lodge. Such attention completely gained his heart; and the next morning the Black-Foot communicated to the missionary the resolution he had formed of soliciting the admission of his twenty-eight lodges among the Flat-Head tribe; and that he would repair to the village of St. Mary's for that purpose, towards the decline of the present moon.
During the night of the 19th some Black-Feet, belonging to a distant tribe, stole into the camp of the Flat-Heads and carried off five horses ; but one of the robbers fell, pierced with balls, and two strokes of the knife. It would be difficult to describe the horrors of that night 1 the Savage yells, mingled with the sound of thunder, and report of musketry. The miserable desperado, by the lightning's glare, could be perceived on the ground, streaming torrents of blood from his wounds, and his unhappy soul about to quit the agonizing body, to find in eternity the chastisement due to its crimes. What else could the minister of God do, in such a circumstance, but pray the Father of Mercy to perform a miracle of grace in favor of the criminal.
The Flat-Heads have abolished the barbarous custom of reeking their vengeance on the mutilated body of their enemy. They even carry their generosity so far, as to give sepulture to all who die among them. The robber owed his grave to the bravest of the Flat-Heads, the chief of a numerous family, and the adopted father of two children, whom the Black-Feet have rendered orphans.
The following day offered nothing remarkable, if I except the many proofs of solid virtue displayed by the camp. To afford them pleasure, the missionary amused himself in his leisure hours tracing with a pen several historical facts, drawn from their annals, and suited to their tastes ; such as, march of the camp, divers occupations, labors of the chase, feats of arms, singular tragic scenes, religious ceremonies, &c., &c. It would be difficult to relate the pleasure this little collection gave them; and, what is still better, it contributed powerfully to raise the authority of the chieftains in the estimation of the young men, and to excite in .them a noble emulation in the practice of good; for experience has clearly proved, both in civilized and uncivilized society, that this quality is not only a stimulus to noble actions, but a greater preventive of evil, than all chastisements united.
Human ingenuity is useful, but it can do little towards the salvation of souls, if it be not joined to fervent prayer. Every missionary should be convinced of* this truth. Our pious neophytes have experienced the efficacy of frequent recourse to Heaven. Each day they had invoked the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Holy Heart of Mary; and the first Friday and Saturday of March proved the most successful hunting days. We had invoked the patron of hunters, and our chase was relatively fortunate. We had implored the protection of the glorious St. Michael, and never did our chiefs display greater valor in 11-e presence of the enemy. We had entreated the Apostle of the Indies to obtain the conversion of the Indians, and one party of Black-Feet falls under our power, whilst the other amicably visits us, and departs, exclaiming, " The prayer of the Flat-Heads shall be ours." In fine, we had taken St. Raphael as our guide ; our journey was long, fatiguing, and perilous, nevertheless, no serious accident occurred, though we often fell on the ice and rocks. Not a hunter in our camp was there who did not remark this manifest protection ; and nearly all testified their gratitude to God by a fervent communion.
On Passion Sunday one hundred and three approached the holy table. The evening of so happy a day was crowned by the erection of a cross, to which they gave the name of Eugene, because the previous evening a quiver of that excellent Flat-Head, and a letter written on a piece of skin, after the Indian fashion, apprised us that he had been massacred in the neighborhood by a party of Banax. We then remembered, with consolation, that, on Ash Wednesday, a few days before his death, he came to see us, and during his stay received the holy communion. Thus, all seemed to concur, even this death, in causing us to bless the Divine Bounty which ever watches with paternal care, to supply the necessities of his confiding children.
AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM