French custom of
ringing the church bells three times a day, during the recitation of the
Angelus. At night, every one was invited to go to Champlain's room for
the night's prayer, said by Champlain himself.

These good examples, given by Champlain, governor of the country, were
followed, and produced good fruits of salvation among the whole
population. The blessing of God on the young colony was evident, and
when Champlain died, he had the consolation of leaving after him a
moral, honest and virtuous people.

CHAPTER XV

CONCLUSION

In the autumn of the year 1635, Champlain suffered from a stroke of
paralysis, which was considered very severe from the commencement.
However, hopes were entertained for his recovery. The months of October
and November passed away, and still no sign of improvement appeared.
Champlain, therefore, made his will, which he was able to sign plainly,
in the presence of some witnesses. Father Charles Lalemant, the friend
and confessor of Champlain, administered to him the last rites of the
church, and on the night of December 25th, 1635, he passed away at Fort
St. Louis.

All the inhabitants, without exception, were deeply affected on hearing
the news of his demise, and a great number attended his funeral. The
funeral sermon was preached by Father Le Jeune. Champlain was buried in
a grave which had been specially prepared, and later on, a small chapel
was erected to protect his precious remains.[28] This chapel was
unfortunately burnt, as we have already mentioned, during the
conflagration of June 14th, 1640.

The Jesuits' Relations of 1636 give a full account of the last days of
Champlain, which we here quote: "On December 25th, the day of the birth
of our Saviour upon earth, Monsieur de Champlain, our governor, was
reborn in Heaven; at least we can say that his death was full of
blessings. I am sure that God has shown him this favour in consideration
of the benefits he has procured for New France, where we hope some day
God will be loved and served by our French, and known and adored by our
savages. Truly he had led a life of great justice, equity and perfect
loyalty to his king and towards the gentlemen of the company. But at his
death he crowned his virtues with sentiments of piety so lofty that he
astonished us all. What tears he shed! How ardent became his zeal for
the service of God! How great was his love for the families here--saying
that they must be vigorously assisted