vivid pictures of the untilled field in the New World and his fervent appeal for workers roused the enthusiasm of the young students at Malines and six of their number, among them De Smet, volunteered to go. (2)
The deep meaning of a decision like this it is not easy now to appreciate. It was not simply the giving up of the natural pursuits and pleasures of life to follow a religious career, but it meant practical expatriation and a literal exchange of the pleasures of civilization for a life among barbarous people. It required an open and unselfish nature, and an abundant fund of spiritual faith to take the step. It was literally following the injunction of the divine Teacher - " Sell that thou hast and * * * follow me."
Van Assche seems to have been the first of the young men to decide to go to America. Imparting his plan to his schoolmate Elet the latter also determined to go. John B. Smedts was the next recruit and then followed De Smet, Verreydt and Verhaegen. It was an exceptional group of young men in more ways than one, and their subsequent careers were in a high degree creditable to themselves, their Society, and their native and adopted countries. In nothing is their high character better shown than in this early decision as to their life work. In one case, at least, that of De Smet, and probably in others, the step was contrary to parental counsel. The young men were even compelled to pawn their personal belongings to raise the necessary funds for the journey, and the way in which they rendezvoused on the Island of Texel before embarking does not indicate any joyous Godspeed on the part of the friends behind.
The decision once made, preparations for carrying it into effect swiftly followed. The little band presently found themselves on board the brig Columbus at the Island
(2) Felix Verreydt, Judocus Van Assche, Pierre J. Verhaegen, Jean Smedts, Jean Elet, and Pierre-Jean De Smet.