Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-03-14
French canadian Eyangelizatlon In Montreal
Canada.

tIHhua.
THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY AND TIE
PROMISES HELD GUT.
Rev Louis N Beaudry, formerly of
Shelburn ard well known in Vermont. but
now Protestant missionary in Montreal,
contributes 20 the Troy Times the following
interesting letter concerning his work in
the Dominion metropolis:
There are in tho Dominion OF Canada
nearly ! 100000 French Canadians. The
city of Montreal, with its contiguous
municipalities, contains nearly 100000
people. thre1-fOurtbs of whom are French
Canadians. Montreal is the commercial,
political and religious centre of these
provinces. so that what St. Paul said of
Ephesus We may say of this metropolis:
"A great door and effectual is opened unto
me. and there are many sdyersaries. This
strangely appropriate passage suggests the
difficulties il the way. The general igno-
rance OF the people is proverbial. Only As
per cent Of these can read at oil, and only
IS per cent can write. The Billie has for
centuries been a prescribed book. hence
the most absurd super-titions prevail
everywhere. and these are array
ed by cunning teachers, against the
approaches Of the servant and minis
minister OF God. Let me give you one sim
pie illustration OF this There has been a
very general belief among the people that
to become Protestant We arc compelled to
tread under foot crucitx. Hence. many
who come to our services for tho first time
anxiOusly watch for the performance of this
sacrilegious ceremony. Notwithstanding
these untoward circumstances it il evident
that
THE FIELD Is FAST RIPENING
10 tho harvest The influences which have
contributed to this preparation are various:
a. Tho conversion Of Father Chiniquy,
IS years a priest, the most popular and
eloquen, priest ever known in this country.
the fearless pioneer of the reform. did much
to shake the faith Of many of his
thousands OF acquaintances. Several
other priests have also been converted.
(2.) The oppressive financial measures of
the parish priests to erect expensive
churches, converts and priests houses. at
the expense of their poor parishioners. many
OF whom have had their little real estate
sold at forced auctions to satisfy priestly
demands these heartleSs movements have
alienated not a few. There is an almost
universal feeling OF oppression. 81 Tho
rapid construction of railroads and other
means oil communication are great factors
in the enlightenment OF the people. Schools
and newspapers are increasing. and be-
ginning to do ielt work. By these
influences and others which time will
not permit US now to name, the light is
spreading, and where once the Bible was
burned 1t is now bought, and where the
minister o! Christ was once rejected he is
now gladly received. There are now in
Montreal alone not less than three thousand
adherents with the five French Protestant
societies actively at work. Many of the
converts are in the United States. The So
ciety represent, the First French Methodist
church, was organized in October, 1876 Ii
now numbers one hundred and twenty. Our
Sunday school numbers about tine same. and
our day school tilty-fve, mostly the children
OF recent converts. and of Roman Catholic
families,
ESCJURLGEMESTs.
have recently purchased a beautiful and
valuable church. parsonage and Bible house
for ths sum Of $4,000 Repairs on the
same cost Us nearly 81 800. During the
past twelve months | have received sub
scrptions and contributions in aid OF this