ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 133 



The next great work of St. Vincent, of whom the Almighty 

 appeared to bless the undertakings,* was the foundation of 

 the Salpetriere Hospital. 



HENRIETTA. 



What a singular name! 



ESTHER. 



It was so called because it was erected on the site of a 

 manufactory for saltpetre. 



In Paris there were then 46,000 beggars reduced to the 

 most abject misery. Such an undertaking alarmed even the 

 most zealous of his coadjutors; but Vincent always answered 

 that, "the treasures of Providence were inexhaustible, and 

 that distrust dishonored God. Let us only begin," he would 

 say, " and God will finish." He founded the Hospital of 

 the Salpetriere, which receives, in perpetuity, 6000 persons. 

 He went to solicit assistance in his undertaking of the 

 Regent; but she excused herself upon the state of the times, 

 and answered that she had nothing left to give. " And your 

 diamonds, madam," answered he; " does a queen require 

 them?" Anne immediately unclasped her diamonds and gave 

 them to him, desiring him to keep the secret of her sacrifice. 

 " No," exclaimed Vincent de Paul, " I cannot keep it; I 

 have much good to do, and it is necessary for the interests of 

 the poor that such an example of charity should be known 

 by the whole kingdom." 



Vincent next sent large supplies for the relief of Lorraine, 

 which, during the government of their Duke, Charles IV, 

 was reduced to the greatest distress by war, pestilence, and 

 famine. A deputation was sent by this wretched province, 

 not to the Sovereign, or to the Ministers of State, but to a 

 poor priest to the humble Vincent, whom they designated 

 in their address, as steward of the affairs of God. Nor were 

 they disappointed in their confidence. For ten successive 

 years he sent money, food, cattle, clothing, &c. to his dis- 



* " And look whatsoever he doeth it shall prosper." 

 12 



