The Founder of New France: A Chronicle of ChamplainColby, Charles W. (Charles William)
History
The Founder of New France: A Chronicle of Champlain
Colby, Charles W. (Charles William)
Canada -- History -- To 1763 (New France); Champlain, Samuel de, 1574-1635
With the re-establishment of the Jesuit mission the last days of
Champlain are inseparably allied. A severe experience had proved that
the colonizing zeal of the crown was fitful and uncertain. Private
initiative was needed to supplement the official programme, and of such
initiative the supply seemed scanty. The fur traders notoriously
shirked their obligations to enlarge the colony, {133} and after 1632
the Huguenots, who had a distinct motive for emigrating, were forbidden
by Richelieu to settle in Canada. There remained the enthusiasm of the
Jesuits and the piety of those in France who supplied the funds for
their work among the Montagnais, the Hurons, and the Iroquois. As the
strongest order in the Roman Catholic Church, the Jesuits possessed
resources which enabled them to maintain an active establishment in
Canada. Through them Quebec became religious, and their influence
permeated the whole colony as its population increased and the zone of
occupation grew wider. Le Jeune, Lalemant, Brebeuf, and Jogues are
among the outstanding names of the restored New France.
During the last two years of his life Champlain lived patriarchally at
Quebec, administering the public affairs of the colony and lending its
religious impulses the strength of his support and example. Always a
man of serious mind, his piety was confirmed by the reflections of
advancing age and his daily contact with the missionaries. In his
household there was a service of prayer three times daily, together
with reading at supper from the lives of the saints. In pursuance of a
vow, he built a chapel named Notre Dame de la {134} Recouvrance, which
records the gratitude he felt for the restoration of Quebec to France.
He was, in short, the ideal layman--serving his king loyally in all
business of state, and demeaning himself as a pilgrim who is about to
set forth for the City of God.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account