Parker and Bryan, Old Quebec

Longfellow memorialized them in his sad poem, Evangeline. 

This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it
Leaped like roe, when he hears in the wooodland the voice of the huntsman?
Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers,
Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands,
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven?
Waste are those pleasant farms, and the farmers for ever departed!
Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October
Seize them, and whirl them aloft, and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean
Nought but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand Pre."

(Parker and Bryan, Old Quebec.  London: McMillan, 1903. pp. 203-204)
These Frenchmen who inhabited the British owned peninsula now known as Nova Scotia did not want to be under the dominion of the British Empire.  After years of rebellion against them, in 1755 King George sent imperial soldiers to cities like Grand Pre to expel them from their lands and homes.  Apparently, the soldiers found the task very unpleasant.  Those who pledged their allegiance to the crown could stay.  Many escaped deportation and the "oath of subjection," fleeing to Quebec.  This French city had encouraged the Acadians rebellion, but now refused to take them in and care for them.  According to the archives of Nova Scotia, the Acadians who fled for refuge to Quebec were met with neglect and inhospitality.  A chronicler wrote,
    In vain they asked that the promises they had received should be kept, and they pleaded the sacrifices they had made for France. All was useless. The former  necessity for their services had passed away. They were looked upon as a troublesome people, and if they received assistance they were made to feel that it was only granted out of pity. They were almost reduced to die of famine. The little food they obtained, its bad quality, their natural want of cleanliness, their grief, and their idleness    caused the death of many. They were forced to eat boiled leather during the greater part of the winter, and to wait for spring in the hope that their condition would be bettered. On     this point they were deceived (ibid.).
They were forced to scavenge for food in the gutter and their lowered living standards left them vulnerable to a smallpox epidemic that wiped out entire families.
When we read of how Quebec treated those Acadians who fled to them for help, we are reminded of man's inhumanity to man--even his own kinsmen.  But, we are also reminded of the blessing we have in coming to Jesus.  After pointing out the impossibility of God lying, he speaks of those of us "who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us" (Heb. 6:18).  This is a sure and steadfast hope (Heb. 6:19). God desires for us to be assured about the safety He provides (Heb. 6:17). Indeed, it anchors the soul.
When we flee from our sin to come to God, He will not reject, neglect, or deflect us. He will not disown us.  What He promises, He will abundantly provide.  That is true and trustworthy.

 

Neal Pollard