Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-04-28

small silver bell. The Emperor requested
the Princess to try whether the bell had the
same sound us that which she had at DARN
Stadt.
The Princess shook the bell, when sudden
ly the doors were thrown open, and all the
old and faithful servants, to whom she bid
adieu, and whom she thought were then in
the castle at Darns:adt, rushed in and over
whe!mcd the Princess with their eXclama-
tons of joy at being still allowed to serve
her whom they had watched over from the
hour OF lrr birth. The young Princess was
OVERCOME with joyful surprise, and poured
forth in glowing terms the expression of
gratitude 10 her Imperial fathcr-ln law.
RELIGIOUS VIEWS OF NAPOLEON.
The distinguished and intelligent French
correspondent Of the New York Observer,
C. dc Felece,) presents the views Of Napo-
Icon, at the close OF his eventful life, in a
! new and striking light. The entire article
is too long for our columns; we give, how
ever, the following somewhat extended ex-
tracts, believing they will be read with in
tcrcst by all classes.
Mo"taubon, (Tarn-and Garonne,)}
January 10, 1912.
Did Napoleon become Christian in his last
gears?
Surely, we have all asked more than
once: Did Napoleon die an iniidel or d
Christian! Did this extraordinary warrior,
who, for eighteen years, appeared in the
world as the instrument of Providence to
punish the nations and to effect vast chang
es,-did he bow his naughty head at the
foot of the Cross, and open his heart to the
truths Of the Gospel! 1t is difficult to an
swcr this question with entire satisfaction.
The admirers of Napoleon (and among them
many bishops and prests,) have perhaps
forged false facts, or exaggerated true facts,
to eXalt their hero. But however doubtful,
it is interesting to collect whatever can
throw light upon the religious views of this
great man, and l will now bring to your
view scme documents little known, which
have been lately published by a French
Terrible disasters drove Napoleon from his
throne; l will hot relate them here; the
world has resounded with them. The 100
ment came then for the ilustrous captain to
examine himself, to listen to the voice of
conscience, to feel his utter weakness, and
perhaps to turn his thoughts to God. His
old friends had abandoned him, bis power
was gone, the din with which he had been
surrounded was hushed He was alone with
some companions of his mistortune-he was
more Wretched than can be told. Was
it not to be hoped that these severe trials
would soften his hard heart, and lead him to
see in the religion of Christ the only conso.
lations adequate to his adversely!
Some persons thought SO. An eminent
Christian Of England, the Rev. DR.. David
Bogue, sent to the prisoner of st. Helena
copy of his Essay on The diuine authority of The
Nev Testament. Napoleon read this little
work with interest and and satisfaction
The proofs cited by the author in favor of
the divinity of Christianity convinced him.
as eye. witnesses attest. Might no. this have
awakened in him serious reflections!
Alter Napoleon's death, this copy of the
Essay was given to an under officer, pious
mun, who had taught Eglish to the children
of the Empcror's companions. When the
regiment returned to England, this same
copy was given back to DR.. Bogue, who re-
ceived it with much emotion, as Il new testi- |
mony the favor OF God upon his book.
Another fact. Napoleon asked to have a
and the Italian Abbot, Bonavita,
was selected to perform this office. 1t seems
that he was an enlightened and liberal man
"a rare thing among the abbots of Italy,
Coming to Belgium, he became acquainted |
with an Englishman, q jealous friend of Bible
Societies, and Travelled with him to London.
The Englishman took occasion to hand Bon
avita splendid copy of the Bible, with
The request that he would give it to the un.
happy emperor. The abbot accepted this
Bible with gratitude, and promised that he
would recommend Napoleon TO read it dill.
gently. In fact, well-inforned men attest
that after the arrival Of Donavita at St. Hell
ena, Napoleon read much in the Bible, and
that he spoke of it with profound respect.
Who can tell the influence which this d.
vine DOCK eXerted upon the soul Of the illus
rious prisoner! Was he not prepared by
misfortune to receive and to feel the great
of the Word of God! It IS not
to hope that the Lord, after having
SO severely punished. deigned to make him
lnde rstand these revelations which would
be as balm to his wounds? We know that
the Father Of mercies calls laborcrs into his |
even at the eleventh hour, and that |
he takes no pleasure in the death of sinner
but rather that he should repent andlive.
come to a third fact. During the resi-. |
dence of Napol con at st. Helena, there was
a religious revival upon the island, and it
extended to the soldiers. They held reli.
gious meeting for eXhOrtation and prayer a |
few steps only from the humble dwelling of |
the Emperor. These soldiers often accom-
panied in his walks the exile whom they
guarded: they remarked the poignant glief
imprinted on his countenance and his CON
versation. 1t is easily conceivable that they
would feel strong compassion for this man
plunged in deep disgrace, ard that they
would especially comlniserate his sou, which
was soon TO appear before God with tho res.
possibility of such Il life as his They would
desire to communicate their feelings directly