“My children, I rejoice that Providence has given me the privilege of seeing so many of you collected here today.  You have been brought together for a great and holy purpose; the enemies of the Almighty God are in your country—­enemies who can never prevail to the breath of one hair against His omnipotence; but who may, and who will prevail to the destruction of your families here, and the perdition of your souls hereafter, if you fail in performing the duties which are before you.  You are now called, my children—­called especially from on high, to deliver your land from these enemies; to go out to the battle, and to fight in God’s name, till you have restored the King to his throne, and your pastors to their churches; and I rejoice to learn that you have so readily undertaken the task which is before you.  Till yesterday your success was most wonderful; your career has been glorious.  You unhesitatingly obeyed the leaders who commanded you, and they led you from one victory to another:  but yesterday you were beaten back—­yesterday evening, for the first time, you found your enemy too strong for you; they did not fall beneath your bullets; they did not feel your swords!  Why was this, my children?  Why was it that on yesterday evening the protecting hand of heaven was withdrawn from you?” Here the bishop paused in his address, as though expecting a reply, and then, after waiting a minute, during which the whole army remained in most perfect quiet, answered the question himself “Because, my children, you yesterday followed no accustomed leader; you obeyed no order; you went out to the battle with self-proud hearts, and a vain confidence in yourselves, rather than in the Almighty.  It is not by such efforts as that, that the chosen soldiers of La Vendee can expect to conquer the enemies of France.  You were vain in your own conceits; you trusted in your own strength; you were puffed up with worldly glory:  and your strength has proved weakness, and your glory has been turned to disgrace.  I trust, my children, you will not require another such a lesson; I trust you will not again forget your God and your Saviour, as you did on yesterday evening.  Tomorrow morning the General, under whom the hand of Providence has placed you, the good Cathelineau, shall again lead you against your enemies; and, if you confidently trust in God for the result, he shall assuredly lead you to victory.”

The bishop then again blessed the army, and walked off the field, surrounded by the different leaders of the army, and left the town without being again seen by the multitude.

The effect which this singular visit had upon the people was almost miraculous.  Their faith was so perfect, that it never occurred to them to doubt the truth of anything which fell from consecrated lips.  The word of a priest with them was never doubted, but the promises of a bishop were assurances direct from heaven:  they would consider it gross impiety to have any doubt of victory, when victory had been