When Canada was New France

John Locke · en
All the work of the Jesuits was characterized by the spirit of
self-sacrifice on the part of the individual and by the efficiency of
machinery. This is noticeable in the Relation or Annual Report published
each year and which in form and method furnishes even to-day a model
for the annual report of great institutions. Another aspect of their
efficiency is seen in the way in which they prepared their missionaries
for the task before them. There was a training period of two years during
which the Jesuit studied the languages of the tribes among whom he was
likely to live and became accustomed to the methods of living and the
customs of the new country.

A striking illustration of the worldly wisdom of the superior officers of
the Order is found in a circular issued to the missionaries who were to
go up with the Indians to Huronia:

    “You should love the Indians like brothers with whom you are
    to spend the rest of your life. Never make them wait for you
    when embarking. Take a flint and steel to light their pipes
    and kindle their fires at night; for these little services win
    their hearts. Try to eat their sagamité, as they cook it,—bad
    and dirty as it is. Fasten up the skirts of your cassock
    that you may not carry water or sand into the canoe. Wear no
    shoes or stockings in the canoe, but you may put them on in
    crossing the portages. Do not make yourself troublesome even
    to a single Indian. Do not ask them too many questions. Bear
    their faults in silence and appear always cheerful. Buy fish
    for them from the tribes you will pass; and for this purpose
    take with you some awls, beads, knives, and fish hooks. Be not
    ceremonious with the Indians; take at once what they offer you.
    Ceremony offends them. Be very careful when in the canoe that
    the brim of your hat does not annoy them. Perhaps it would
    be better to wear your night cap. There is no such thing as
    impropriety among Indians. Remember it is Christ and His cross
    that you are seeking; and if you aim at anything else you will
    get nothing but affliction for body and mind.”

There were some, of course, who had not the gift of learning languages.
These returned to France or were employed in the missions in the white
settlements. It was from such training and with the motto of the Order
animating every thought and action they went forth: “Ad majorem Dei
gloriam,”—for the greater glory of God.