An account of the conversion of an American family

Abstract

The following narrative has been addressed to the central committee of Paris, by Mgr. Hughes, Bishop of Basileopolis, and Coadjutor of New York:-

Among the instances of conversions from Protestantism, there have been some of persons eminent by their position in society, and distinguished by their talents. There is one case, in particular, within my knowledge, the circumstances of which cannot but edify those pious and devout souls, who are associated in your truly Catholic and holy work. In the interior of the diocese of New York, in Onondago county, there is a little congregation, composed entirely of converts from Protestantism. It consists of eighteen souls, already received into the church, and two, who as Catechumens, are preparing for baptism. Nearly all are members, or immediate relatives of the principal family ; and when the first conversion took place, the nearest priest was at a distance of sixty miles. Even at present they have no priest nearer than eighteen miles. The head of this family is a farmer of large wealth and property; a man of good education, and strong understanding, who has been a representative of the county in the legislature. From himself and his excellent lady, I had the account of their conversion, which I shall give as nearly as possible in their own words. But written words can convey no idea of the expression of spiritual joy and peace of soul which beamed on their countenances whilst they related it...[Excerpt]