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Laval University. 1938.

I am greatly honoured today to be admitted to the fellowship
of this ancient and famous University. Laval is, I believe
the oldest academic institution on the American continent. Throughout
its long career it has exerted a profound influence on the intellectual
and spiritual development of Canada. I have always been connected
with Universities, both as a student and as a recipient of
honorary degrees, and today I hold University posts, for I am ex
officio Visitor of McGill, and I am Chancellor of the University of
Edinburgh. I have the privilege of the friendship of your Rector,
M. Camille Roy, one of the most eminent of living Canadian scholars,
and, as he will tell you, I have made use in my own work of the library
of Laval. I thank you from my heart for making me one of your
household.

It is customary on these occasions for the recipient of
an honorary degree to make a short discourse. I want to say to you
only this word. This University was founded by a great churchman,
and it has always been devoted to the service of God as well as to
the service of man. Today in the world there is a revolt against
God in many countries and classes, and there is an attempt to divorce
the Christian religion from the education of youth and from the
government of the state. The Christian Church today is sadly divided,
but on this matter all who call themselves Christians can stand
shoulder to shoulder. In the words of the Roman poet -

''Hanc ex diverso sedem veniemus in unam" .

We are all agreed that education without God is a barren thing,