The French Voyageurs to Minnesota During the Seventeenth Century

This volume was published in 1872.


[An Address delivered by Rev. EDWARD D. NEILL, before the Annual Meeting of the
Society, January 1, 1850.]


Excerpt:
The discoverers of the Northwest, in temperament, edu-
cation, religion, and pursuit, were the very opposite of those
who settled on the shores of Massachusetts Bay and Con-
necticut River. The latter were men of calm temperament
and stern faith. Looking up to Heaven, acknowledging no
superior but their blessed Redeemer panting after no con-
quest but over their own evil desires seeking after no hid-
den treasures but those hid in Christ they sought not to
extend the domination of Great Britain, nor to acquire
wealth by hazardous enterprises, but were content to till
the land around their immediate settlements, to study the
Divine Word, and to train up their children to fear the Lord.

The former, however, were men of ardent and excitable
temperament. They were stimulated both by their creed
and their nation to explore new lands. They were taught
that the converting of the heathen to the religion of Rome,
and that conquests in behalf of the sovereign of France,
were particularly meritorious.

Hence, the colonists of Acadia, accompanied by priests
bound by no social ties, were ever ready to desert their
farms and families to enter into lands where wealth might
be obtained for their employers, or glory for their church.

While the colonists of New England were looked upon
by CHARLES as outcasts, and dull, canting Roundheads, those
of Acadia heard the praises of an applauding government
at every step they took towards the interior of the conti-
nent. Though at times they did sow in tears, they reaped
a speedy harvest in joy.