Lamy of Santa Fe by Paul Horgan Page A

Lamy begged to have his weighty reasons for not moving listened to—he was deep in arrangements to build a new brick church at Danville; he had contracted for the land; procured six thousand feet of lumber; “made a bargain with a man to burn a large kiln of bricks”; the congregation had already given him money, even the children; the shingles were ready; everyone felt “in good spirit about the new church.” He had been with them all for eight years, they were all as dear to him as children were to their own father. Now, unless the bishop had decidedthat his services had become useless among those people, he must earnestly and most humbly “entreat” Pur cell to grant him the favor of not removing him. Yes, and moreover, he had almost completed the restoration of the burned Mt Vernon church, and though he would be “in some debt,” he had “better prospect” before him. He piled reason upon reason in a flow of emotion such as he rarely revealed. City parish instead of the mission rides despite their hardships?
    â€œI could not bear the idea, unless compelled by obedience, to be confined. I know it would be very injurious to my health, providence seemes to have fitted me for a barbarious [ sic ] and extensive mission,” he added in innocent prophecy. “I do not complain of hardship, and if my congregation are poor I should thank God to have given me an opportunity of practicing a virtue so dear to my divine master.” More, “If I was to consult my taste I should be obliged to say that I have a great dislike to be charged with the cure of a community on account of my inexperience and of my age for I am only thirty-two.”
    â€œDear Bishop,” he pleaded with passion so unlike his customary calm, “please bear with me a little longer. You have too great idea of my capacity as far as I know myself I would be afraid to exercise the ministry in a town or city. You might be too much disappointed in your expectation, if there is a certain good done where I am, though only a little, suffer me to remain here, would it not do more harm than good to remove a general from the army when there is accord and union between him and his subjects, and a great desire on both sides to perform, some achievements according to their number, strength and means? Now Dear Bishop I must acknowledge that never before in my life was I compelled to write a letter with so much repugnance as I have this for I never wished to go against the will of my Superiors, neither do I wish it now. But I hope that whatever I have observed you will believe that I had not the least intention to be disrespectful. I have only candidly expressed my own feelings, knowing well that you would take it in good part, please, excuse me if I have said anything that would give you the least suspicion of my disposition towards you. you have often said that you would not oppose a reasonable desire of any of your priests …”
    Could it have crossed the bishop’s mind that his suppliant protested too much? Gave too many reasons where one good one would do? In any case, what appeared to be Lamy’s overriding purpose was to avoid—but let his own words resume:
    â€œYour brother (Father Edward Purcell) has likely told you that Mr [Father] Senez desires very much to return to this diocese provided he would be welcome and have great deal to do. he has written to me on the same subject, but before I consent to the condition which he seemsto require, for me to live with him, I want some time to reflect upon it. I know, Mr Senez is a good, pious, talented priest, I have been long enough in his company to be convinced of it, but I would be afraid to say without serious consideration that it would be for the greater benefit of both of us to be together, but I would not wish him to know it.…”
    His final point, unelaborated though it was, seemed to have carried more weight than all the earnest