History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

590 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON. [1806.
and they sent a second letter to M. Cheverus, requesting
liim to deliver the discourse. They earnestly desired him
to confer this favor upon them, and not reduce them "to
the necessity of listening, just before we die, to the voice
of one who is not a Catholic."
M. Cheverus Accedes M. Cheverus was uot deaf to their ento
their Request. treaty, and came promptly to their aid.
At that time there was no sympathj^ with
Catholicism in Northampton, and it was with the greatest
difficulty that the priest could find a lodging place. So
great was the prejudice against the sect that no one would
receive him. " He passed many days in the prison with the
unhappy convicts, he compassionated their condition, and
persuaded them to look on death, in the light of the gospel,
as an entrance upon a better life and the gate of true
happiness." In a word he converted them, and administered
to them the final consolations of the church.
And Preaches the When the fatal day arrived he accompanied
final Sermon. -^^0 prisoners to the church. "There the
Protestant ministers wished to pronounce
the usual discourse ; but M. Cheverus opposed this with
force and energy. The will of the dying he said, was
sacred ;
they have desired to have no one but mj^self, and
I alone will speak to them." He immediately ascended the
pulpit and casting his eyes upon the immense crowd that
surrounded him, and beholding a great multitude of women
who had come from every direction, he felt himself animated
with holy indignation against the curiosity which had
attracted to that mournful scene such a crowd of spectators.
" Orators," cried he, in a loud and stern voice, " are usually
flattered by having a numerous audience, but I am ashamed
of the one before me. * * Are there then men, to whom
the death of their fellow beings is a spectacle of pleasure,
an object of curiosity ? * * But you especially, O women I
what has induced you to come to this place ? Is it to wipe
away the cold damps of death that trickle down the face of
these unfortunate men ? Is it to experience the painful
emotions which this scene ought to inspire in every feeling
heart ? No it is not for this. Is it then to behold their
I