ABSTRACT
THE reason why the peoples of the farthest North were not called as one to the Catholic faith during so many past ages and centuries seems to be first attributable to the inscrutable providence of God, which fixed in its own power the hours and moments when this most holy work might be accomplished. Meanwhile, however, we must constantly pray that, since the harvest is plenteous, He will deign to send out capable and effectual labourers at the right season. 1 If I too seemed needed, I should never refuse to undertake such sacred labour, in case God in His majesty should vouchsafe to put it into the heart of the king of Sweden to allow me, whose most burning desire it is, to perform so excellent a work; since I assumed the title of archbishop of those parts eleven years ago, 2 I have unceasingly desired it, for the honour of God on high and the everlasting safety of all those who dwell there. Nor could I doubt that with His help I should increase the number of this kingdom’s subjects in places which I have seen in the past to be highly suitable, so that areas where no one now lives I should within ten years turn into a fit and ample habitation for many thousands of people, who would dwell there in very favourable conditions; hence what is God’s would be paid to God and what is the king’s to the king, fully and in every way. 3 But alas, we do not perceive a time at hand when we might be confident that such a useful enterprise could be undertaken and brought to a successful conclusion.
Reason for the tardy call to the people of the North
The harvest is plenteous, the labourers few
Most pious desire of the author
Dues of king and Church to be very easily increased
