XXIV.

A MANDATE

(June 16, 1739.)

TO SING THE TE DEUM, IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE KING AND THE

EMPEROR.

We have always wept, my dear brethren, over the carnage and horrors of the late war: even the advantages which we gained could not console us for the deplorable effusion of christian blood; and our solemn thanksgivings at the foot of the altar, were rather pious vows for peace, than songs of joy for our victories. The spirit of wisdom and moderation which guides the monarch, seemed also to sway our armies, and they were never more disposed to prefer the happiness of having no enemies, to the glory of vanquishing them, than during a

war in which they exhibited such proofs of valor, as never before challenged the admiration of men.

But however laudable the desire of peace, it was then neither wise nor possible to expect it. Two august houses, royal from the remotest times, and constantly occupied in vindicating by force of arms, the glory of a superior authority in Europe, had engaged nations and states, and almost the whole universe in their quarrels: the hearts of men seemed as irreconcilable as their interests; the terrible voice of God's anger, roused by our crimes, had, as it were, shook the whole earth with the fierce and appalling sound of war: Dedit vacem suam, mota est terra; conturbatæ sunt gentes, et inclinata sunt regna;* all were either involved in the mighty contest, or preparing to enter it, and the sanguinary struggle so far. from relenting, seemed to be extending its desolating fury to those states which had, till then, remained quiet spectators of its progress.

What a prodigy, my brethren! at the time when the flame of discord, raging more fierce

*Psalm. 45. v. 7.

ly than ever, seemed likely to go out no more, the Lord has made a universal calm succeed to the storm of war that agitated all Europe! Venite et videte opera Domini, quæ posuit prodigia super terram, auferrens bella usque ad finem terræ.*

The suspension of hostilities having already permitted you to anticipate the happiness of this miraculous peace, will diminish your surprise and perhaps your gratitude at its ratification. But be ever mindful of that memorable hour in which, contrary to all expectation, it was first announced to you as certain, and never forget the solemn and hearty thanksgiving which you all then offered with general acclamation to the Lord, amidst the surprise and joy of so happy an occurrence.

Without doubt, my dear brethren, the pacific dispositions of the King, even in the midst of victory, had moved the Lord to bestow on us this singular and unexpected favor. The wise principles in which he was educated, taught him to regard war, even when most fortunate, as one of the sharpest scourges of God's

*Psalm. 45. vv. 9. 10.

anger upon the sins of men: he was persuaded that conquests weaken and exhaust the very states which they aggrandize; that the most glorious success of arms is of little value, when it does not serve to lighten the burdens, and dry up the tears, of a brave but impoverished people; that kings have been established by God, rather to be the fathers and protectors of their subjects, than the conquerors of their neighbours; and that in subjugating other nations by force of money and blood, they generally lose the confidence and love of their own people.

Let us pray, my dear brethren, that those virtuous and heroic dispositions may never be effaced from the soul of a prince so dear to France; and that the wise minister who has engraved them betimes on the royal heart, may continue to improve them, as long as the love and interests of the nation, and the repose of Europe, require his counsels.

XXV.

A MANDATE

(Jan. 20, 1743.)

FOR THE MISSIONS OF THE DIOCESS.

As the hardness of our heart, my dearest brethren, is, every day, opposing new obstacles to the infinite mercies of God towards us; it would seem that on his side, his paternal bounty is never weary of trying new methods to recal us from our vices. He strikes our lands with sterility; he suffers the necessities of the state to augment our public burdens, whilst he cuts off a part of the means which would enable us to bear them. He has scattered contagion and death over our towns and fields; we have seen the father snatched from his chil dren, and the beloved child from his parents, at our very sides: we have not yet ceased to complain, of those public calamities; but we do not think of causing those infidelities and crimes to cease, which have provoked the wrath and chastisements of heaven.