In 1644 the island of Montreal was made over to the Sulpicians of Paris,
and was destined for the support of that religious order. In 1658
Viscount d'Argenson was appointed governor of Canada, but the day he
landed the Iroquois murdered some Algonquin Indians under the very guns
of Quebec. The Indians seemed determined to exterminate the French. In
addition to keeping Quebec in a state little short of actual siege, they
massacred a large number of the settlers at Montreal. D'Argenson having
resigned, the Baron d'Avagnon was appointed governor (1661), and on his
arrival visited the several settlements throughout the country. He was
surprised to find them in such a deplorable condition, and made such
representation to the King, as to the neglect of the Company of One
Hundred Associates, that M. de Monts, the King's commissioner, was
ordered to visit Canada and report on its condition. At the same time
four hundred more troops were added to the colonial garrison. The
arrival of these troops gave life and confidence to the colonists and
relieved Montreal from its dangers. The representations made by M. de
Monts, as well as those of the Bishop of Quebec, determined Louis XIV to
demand their charter from the Company of One Hundred Associates and to
place the colony in immediate connection with the crown. As the profits
of the fur trade had been much diminished by the hostility of the
Iroquois, the company readily surrendered its privileges. As soon as the
transfer was completed, D'Avagnon was recalled and M. de Mesy was
appointed governor for three years. Canada was thus changed into a royal
government, and a council of state was nominated to coöperate with the
Governor in the administration of affairs. This council consisted of the
Governor, the Bishop of Quebec, and the intendant, together with four
others to be named by them, one of whom was to act as attorney-general.
PRESBYTERIANISM ESTABLISHED
MEETING OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY
A.D. 1643
DAVID MASSON
Official recognition of Presbyterianism in Great Britain marked
a distinct departure in ecclesiastical affairs. The Westminster
Assembly, whose confession and catechisms, while not accepted
in England, became, and still remain, the doctrinal standards
of the Scotch and American Presbyterian churches, was one of
the most important religious convocations ever held. The
Presbyterian form of church government has been adopted by
various sects, whose representatives are found in many parts of
the world.
The great object of the Westminster Assembly was to dictate,
dogmatically, articles of faith and a form of worship that
should be compulsory. It was mainly owing to the influence of
Oliver Cromwell, who stood for toleration and independence,
within limits, that the assembly did not have its way.
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