Europeans were known by this unfortunate race, as possessors of powers so great, as to appear supernatural; but they bad hitherto been known only as enemies and oppressors, the bearers of unspeakable calamities or utter ruin.Once then they were convinced, that the white men who now came to them, were really friends, and were desirous of exerting those powers for their preservation and happiness, which had hitherto been employed for their destruction, they were ready to welcome them as their best benefactors, and most powerful protectors.The usual intelligence, prudence, and fortitude of the fathers did not desert them on this occasion, and, though not without the expense of the martyrdom of several of the order, they succeeded in impressing the Indians with the belief, that they were really their friends.
The rest of the task was comparatively easy.Convinced on this head, the savages willingly, and immediately, became docile disciples.Fully satisfied of the advantages, which European arts give to a people, they set themselves with zeal to acquire and practise them, for the benefit of their several tribes.Though not for his individual advantage, or that of his family, would the Indian sacrifice present pleasure or embrace present toil; for the good of his nation he had been taught, and was ready to hear, or forbear, any thing.The Jesuits had, therefore, only to teach what it was necessary to do, or endure.The details they have left us of their progress, are generally interesting, sometimes amusing, not unfrequently, to those unacquainted with the peculiarities of the Indian character, almost incredible.
They themselves, in the first instance, taught their proselytes bow agricultural operations were to be performed, by taking the spade, and other instruments, in their own hands.But, when thus, by precept and example, they had brought them to be able to execute the several operations of ploughing, sowing, reaping, etc.the difficulty was but half over.Without the constant superintendency, and vigilance, of their instructors, they never would have practised them.Thus, at first, if these gave up to them the care of the oxen with which they ploughed, their indolent thoughtlessness would probably leave them at evening still yoked to the implement.Worse than this, instances occurred where they cut them up for supper, thinking, when reprehended, that they sufficiently excused themselves by saying, they were hungry.
By the indefatigable perseverance, and dexterous management of the missionaries, they were, however, at last, brought so to labor the earth, as, in that fertile soil and warm climate, to produce abundant returns.They were also at peace with one another, and feared by their enemies.The tranquillity, the security, and the plenty, they thus enjoyed, gave the Jesuits additional claims on their confidence and gratitude, which the good fathers seem to have taken care should be made sufficiently apparent to them.Hence it was, as Charlevoix tells us, that they thought they could never sufficiently testify their affection and gratitude for those, who had rescued them from barbarism and idolatry, and who, in spite of the most severe persecution, and the greatest toil, had procured them all the advantages they enjoyed.
They continually recalled to mind the miserable state from which they had been brought, the parents instructed their children, and they saw, with their own eyes, the condition of the neighboring nations, who had not participated in their happiness.It was by no means wonderful, as he continues, that these things produced an attachment for the missionaries, that was without bounds.
The additional authority and influence thus acquired, they employed in enforcing stricter obedience, and increased industry, and gradually leading on their disciples to the practice of the finer and more difficult arts.In this they perfectly succeeded, so that there were every where to be seen, says the same author, workshops of gilders, painters, sculptors, goldsmiths, watchmakers, carpenters, joiners, dyers, etc.In the exercise of these useful and ornamental errs, we must not suppose the artists -were animated by the motives that excite similar labors elsewhere.They seem scarcely to have bad an idea of personal property, or individual gain, but to have been as mere children, looking up to the Jesuits for every thing, and ready to do every thing for them, or submit to any thing from them.
"These fathers," says Ulloa, "have to visit the houses, to examine what is really wanted; for, without this care, the Indians would never look after any thing.They must be present too, when animals are slaughtered, not only that.the meat may be equally divided, but that nothing may be lost." "It has been necessary," says Charlevoix, "to appoint superintendents, who inspect every thing accurately, and see if they are busy, if their cattle are in good condition, etc.The labors of the women are regulated, as well as those of the men.At the beginning of the week, there is distributed among them, a certain quantity of wool, and cotton, which they are obliged to return, on Saturday evening, ready for the loom.But, notwithstanding all this care and superintendence, and all the precautions which are taken to prevent any want of the necessaries of life, the missionaries are sometimes much embarrassed.This proceeds from three defects, of which the Indians have not yet been corrected, their improvidence, indolence, (37) and want of economy, so that, it often happens, that they do not reserve themselves a sufficiency of grain, even for seed.As for their other provisions, were they not welt looked after, they would soon be without wherewithal to support life." The mode of operation, which the Jesuits adopted, had undoubtedly the advantage of bringing out all the energies of the Indian.
