CHAP. XXXI. ZEAL OF IXDIAN CHRISTIAJSTS. 179 



again ; they are so good, so ingenuous, so submissive. 

 The missionary is truly amidst them Hke a Either amidst 

 his children. These are tlie poor people who fear and 

 detest sin. If you only knew how bitterly they deplore 

 the errors of their past Hfe ; how their perseverance in 

 well-doing, and the harmony of their conduct, are 

 capable of putting to the blush many Christians far more 

 privileged than they by the abundance of the help which 

 they receive ! ' 



It is well worthy of notice, that the mission chapels at 

 Itamameou, Mingan, Seven Islands, Manicouagan, Islets 

 de Jeremie, &c., &c., are chiefly maintained by the con- 

 tributions of the Indians. Pere Babel concludes his letter 

 by the following tribute to the hberahty of the Mon- 

 tagnais towards their religious teachers : — ' The Eeverend 

 Father Durocher, having attended this year the missions of 

 the Islets de Jeremie, could interest you greatly by the 

 recital of his travels. The good father could speak to 

 you of the extraordinary generosity of the Lidians who 

 frequent that post, some of ivhom deprived themselves of 

 necessaries in order to provide for the expenses of their 

 chapel.'' * On the occasion referred to, the sum of 50/. 

 currency, or ^200, was collected from the Indians towards 

 building a chapel. Some of the poor contributors were 

 put to such straits by their hberahty, that on the following 

 day they were compelled to ask the missionary for some 

 money to procure the necessaries of hfe. Such are the 

 impulses which rule in the Indian's breast : is it thought- 

 lessness, passing enthusiasm, pride, or religious zeal ? 



* liapport sur les Missions du Diocese de Quebec, 1855. 

 N 2 



