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My Reverend Brethren, — ll Nearly four years have passed away since I had an opportunity of addressinrr you collectively; for at the usual period of holdinf^ my Visitation, last summer, I was absent in England, on matters of the utmost importance to the future proarress and well-bein^ of the Church in this Diocese. ^ INTRODUCTION. It is with |rrateftil aeknowlediremenrs, therefore, to that merciful Providence wiiich has preserved me during a long -* nnd arduous journey, that I find myself aj^ain among my bre- ^ thren, and able to enjoy the privilege of once more laying before them a condensed notice of what has taken place, in the Colony and in the mother countrjr, affecting our commu- nion, since we last met, as well as a brief review of our present condition and future prospects. Indeed this interval of four years has been more preg- nant with events vitally affecting our Church, both at home and abroad, in her spiritiuil and temporal interests, than any previous period of hor history. In truth, the pressure from without, and her unhappy divisions within, have been such as to try men's principles, and call up the most serious reflections. Especially has it been a period to convince those who preside over her affairs of their manifold deficiencies, their need of greater watchful- ness, and of the growing necessity of still abler and better men, more fitted by long experience, sound learning, and keener spiritual discernment, to enable them to meet with success her increasing difficulties. It i8 true that we, in this distant corner of onr Lord'f* vineyardj have been till lately in the tranquil enjoyment of many precious blessinjrs, without any great mixture of alloy. And even now, when the storm seems to be approaching, we have much for wliich to be thankful, and feel encouraged to believe, that God's dealings with his Church in this Diocese will continue to bless her, notwithstanding the troubles and adversities with which she may be assailed. They are indeed the less to be dreaded, because they are chiefly of a temporal, and therefore of a transient character ; but even should they multiply and become more and more gloomy, what are they but tri;ds for our good, so long as we possess God's holy Word — his blessed Sacraments in all their pureness and integrity, the liooU of Common Pri»yer, and full liberty to meet for divine worship every Sunday, an still greater exertions in our Divine Master's service. The general extension of the Church, in the new as well as in the old settlements, has been equally favourable, and continues most promising in all parts of the Diocese. In our larger towns, congregations and churches are multiplying with joyful rapidity, and the erection of a new church docs not seem to lessen the congregations already formed. We have now upwards of two hundred places of worship open every Sunday, and it is hoped on all the festivals of the Church; besides many Stations, where the services are cele- brated at longer intervals. The Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is more fre- quently administered. Holy Baptism more reverently and Heasonably celebrated, and candidates for Confirmation are more carefully prepared, and regularly increasing, at every ir Lord's anciit of of alloy. iiiig, we irajred to Diocese l)les and tlicy aro laracter ; lid more '^ as vvc uU their yrr, and ', and at rate the :sMivin V as well bio, annable(l to make tlii>i onscquent th the ne- iiigs, ren- more easy le Bishop refiilly by It to give igs of the Higgeht. ry corres- idvice and 'Cting the , &e., was [Ratters he )f cxperi- I'other tlie a success- ian Faith ;y and the ce, but l)y e feelinga and the mistakes of the young might be touched tenderly and kindly, would be essentially advanced, and thus give unity and force to the Church as a body in all her proceedings. These are some of the grounds which induced me to think of Rural Deans as a most useful element of Church Government, and very much in accordance with the parental superintendence of the Church in her primitive days. With Hiioh views and expectations I selected ten Pres- byters of ability, zeal, and long standing in the Diocese, foi Rural Deans, purposing to increase their number should the benefits looked for be realized, and the duties (which are gratuitously discharged) prove, from the great extent of some of the Deaneries, too onerous. The Rural Deans, with the Archdeacons, will constitute a standing body always watching over the wants, the perils, the disci[)line and well-being of the Church. Although the Reports of my Rural Deans are not yet all before me, I have great reason to be well satisfied with their disinterested services. They have been in general well received by the Clergy and Congregations of the Missions which they have visited, and by their kindness, discretion, and practical knowledge, have smoothed many difficulties, and promoted in various ways, the healthful position of several parochial localities. Permit me to add, that if in any case a Rural Dean has not been received with the cordiality to which his oflice and kindly visit entitled him, it must have arisen from some unfor- tunate misconception; but it should be remembered, that a willing obedience in all things lawful is our bounden duty, and especially required in this Diocese, surrounded as we are by so many difficulties requiring a firm and cordial co- operation. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARV. You are aware that our Theological Seminary at Coburg, (which has been conducted with so much ability, and has been of so great benefit to the Church, by the great number of s 8 zealous and active Clergymen which it has furnished), wa» intended from the first to be temporary. IJut so lowr as Killer's Collefrc existed, and enjoyed a religious character, atid had not only a Professor of Divinity to prepare our youth inclined to the Church for Holy Orders, and to conduct roj^ulur service evening: and niorninif and on Sundays and Holidays, — there was no urgent necessity for makini^ any alterations in its constitution or efficiency. liut whuMi the Le;^islature of this colony juissed an Act suppressin<^ Kinu^'s CoUef^e, and excludiiiji^ from the new University which it established, all relij^ious instruction aecordinnr to any form of doctrine, prohibitinir any form of prayer and every act of public worshij), and in a measure disqualifying any of the under oraduates in holy orders fronj appointment to the senate, the time for reinodellin^ the Cobourjr institution seemed to have arrived. The members of the Church, thus deprived of a Univer- sity with which they could in any sense as relij^ious men co-operate, felt it was their duty to sacrifice endowment rather than principle, and that it was imi)ossible for them, jrreat as the S'lcrifiee was, to hold connection with an institution now essen- tially anti-Christian, though originally bearing the revered name of the SovereigtJ of the empire, and expressly established for religious purj)oses. They determined, therefore, to use their utmost efforts to establish a University in direct connection with the Church, from their private means, and which should recognize the principles of Christianity as the basis of education. An appeal was first made to the clerical and lay members of the Church of the Diocese, which was nobly answered, by contributions in land and money, amounting to the value of something more than twenty-five thousand pounds. Encouraged by this generous liberality, which proved that the Church was wholly with me, I proceeded to England, and renewed my appeal to our brethren the members of the mother Church ; and they, applauding the object and eonfidinw i hcd), was enjoyed a Divinity y Orders, !^ and oil ossity for id an Act the new MStructlon y form of I measure derti fronj Hinj^ the a Univer- ious men ?nt rather •eat as the ow essen- ; revered itablished 3St efforts* J Church, fnize the members r'ered, by value of li proved Eni^lund, rs of the confidlnur 9 in the faith and sincerity of our supporters here, gave hirprciy of tlicir bounty, the two Bjreat Churcli Sociotit's and the Uni- versity of Oxford taiiinj^ the lead in i\m work of Christian love. Since my return to the Diocese, a temporary Col'pnre Council has been oriraiii/ed, a site has been purchased for the Colle^re, which is to be called Trinity C:i)lli'ire, and contracts entered ifito for the erection of the biiihlinj^s. The institiit'on is intended for the whole Diocese; and in case of division, it is proposed to jrive the new Bishop or IVi^hnps the same authority and interest in its proceedings as the liisliop of Toronto. The position chosen is most l)eautiful ; and the Collefre, when compU ted, will present a striking object and a great ornament to the rWwjr city. DIVISION or TiiF. Diocr.si:. Soon after my ;>rrival in London, the Diocese of Quebec was divided into two Sees, Quebec and Montreal. This cnconrai^ed me to submit to the proper authorities some considerations in tavour of dividing the Diocese of Toronto into two or more Hishopries. Such a division had already been contemplated as of growing necessity, because the Diocese bad become tar too large for the effectual S'.iperinteiidence of one IJishop ; but the necessity had somehow given way to more pressing claims. There had also been some reluc auce on my part in pressing the measure, from a feeling of delicacy. The Bishopric of Toronto had been established so recently as 1839, and it seemed too soon to propose a division, as the incumbent had scarcely served long enough to be entiiL-d to any dimi- nution of his labours, and it was but reasonable that he should continue to discharge them, while it was possible for him to do BO with advantage. llecognisiiig the force of all this, I contented myself with sending alrief statement of the facts of the case to the Most Ueverend and Right Ileverend the Archbishops and Bishops I 10 formino^ the Council appointed to arrange measures in concert with Her Miijesty's Government for the erection and endow- ment of additional Bishoprics in the colonies and dependencies of Great Britain, feeling' assured that by leavin-ive up her Catholic character bscause she ^vithdrew from Papal supremacy, or hesitate to retain her position as the pillar and ground of the truth And she still continues, as she has ever been,a livin. reality,-an existing ener-v in which dwells the Divinity-creatin-, conceiving, bestowing, and supporting life, even life eternal. One condition she requires of all her children: a firm belief, not of the mind only, but of the whole man ; mind heart, soul, and spirit-the whole will and uiner being in all her doctrines, as set forth in her Articles and Book of Common ^'""^The hincrdom of grace and the kingdom of the exterior world are eve" at work. The Divine agency neither slumbers nor sleeps. The Father worketh, saith our Saviour, and 1 work. In the outer world, creation is never for a moment suspended. O.e generation succeeds another And so it is in Jhe spiritual creation :-the Church, the body ot Christ, s ever adding to her members by holy baptism such as should be saved, al.d moulding them, through thelledeemer s blessed agency, for their heavenly inheritance. ^ Surely the mystery of holy baptism, in making us children of God, members of Christ, and inheritors of the kingdom ot heaven, is not more wonderful than the constant work of cre^ ation, in sending body and soul united into the world. But because the latter is a fact of daily experience, the most scep- tical dare not call it in question. «I will praise thee, for am fearfully and wonderfully made: my substance was not hid from thee when 1 was made in secret, and curiously wrou^^ht in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my sub- stance, yet being imperfect ; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were lashioned, when an vet there was none of them."- Ps. cxxxix. vs. U, 15, 10, i 12 The mystery which surrounds hoth births th-it of n . ami of^.race, is to be received in nil I '"'."'' V^^'/ "«t»re eithe, case the divine pow . n , 'L tI J^ \' ''''''• ^" and I vv(n k. "lanitest. 1 he h ather worketh, III conchuiintr thi*j n-irf- rvf ,« i • «l.e merits of tl, S iil , ""rV'"' ''»' ""' "''''"""i™ "' I'y tlic sur,. w„r,l „f ' ."*'""" " »"l'po«o,l, „s I conceive, c^Lcic c;,,;:::'i,: ,::::';: ;-™™y. "r ''^"•^"- °'- "■-•■ "*■ l,uma„ i„te,-,,rc.tuti„„ Pffponclerating- weight JtT„iC,A>, co,,,„„.,,E „,„ ,r„^ 1 lie Court ivliicli cleciilml .1,,. "^ ™"^'^>'" al^.-lo.l,c«„sisto,lofsi/„l„ ' ^ ?""" '" "'"'•'' ' ''"■■' «f ti.e I'rivv Cm, n^i "■'"'?"'""'■' "* ""-' -('"licial Committee i" tl-ir i,„|.„, e 'n,c ",' '"r, '."f"''--^ "■'■'■o .".a.n-m„u, approl,a iool t tl,e L f;'''"r''"l» "I- S-'o it their 'n,„ ■ 1 'Sishopot Loudon reluseil to concur "'" J"'Umi;"t was received f,i-„„. ""'"cur. oftheCliureli l„.„...,. ■. """"•'"""■'"ly I'V one portion an.lalarn,e'ca ',;■'' T'"'. ■'"^''"■' '""■ '"'h"Lu P"i"..s of doctn-nr ' " '"^ '"'"""'' " ^^'^™"' '» 'Iccide of M.e Con t ,n •7'":''"""""^"'' ""'' «!"' eompositio^ .■"'ortain ;.,: ea : '-n " "'"''''" '"^'''P^'-' '" tl'em toho'evc rl "; 7 " """''"' '''''''' ^^1'-^» .nay 1.0 Di^en r , :: r "IT" T"""'"'"" ■■ ""'>' therefore to sit i„ . , *^'""''''' "'"' ougi.t not foundation '''''""' "" "'«-' ^-'"l Pn-"ciples%f her i' i-t::;::';,':!;:,^:';'"'!''' "■-. "• '-o •■. committee, . -■•»-. Such :co:tt:::::;r;;;;rr:.r.^itr" ^ lat of nature y faith. In lier worketb, L'l bound to vocal teach- plication of '0 the c. It is most encourai,^in;r to have so eminent a Prelate at such a crisis presidiuir over the largest and most influential Diocese of the mother Church. I'APAL AGGltESSION. We have all heard so much of what is called the Papal a this occa- I'ore it be- 1 the mca- ^ry reason- concerned jsibility of r manifest, o meet by intcrpreta- 31st Geo. 'e held to 21 mean the Clergy of the Church of England only. In 1819, the Law Officers of the Crown gave it as their opinion that they embraced also the Ministers of the Church of Scotland, not as entitling them to endowment in land, but as enabling them to participate in the proceeds of the Reserves whether sold or leased. In 18"28, a Select Committee of the House of Commons extended the construction of the words Protestant Clergy to the Teachers of all Protestant Denominations; and this inter- pretation, though considered very extraordinary at the time, was confirmed by the Twelve Judges in 1840. Hence the J3rd and 4th Victoria, chap. 78, recognizes them all, and makes this recognition the basis of the settle- ment; nor does it exclude the Roman Catliolics, although they aie not distinctly named. The proceedings under the provisions of this Act, since it became law ii: August, 1840, arc simply thus: — The two National Churches of England and Scotland in the Province have taken tlieir shares of the Reserves annually, as allowed them by the State. The Wesleyan Methodists and Roman Catholics receive such a portion as the Governor General in council judges right and reasonable. The Free Church of Scotland has not, so far as I know, yet spoken; but taking the principli s of that large and respectable denomination to be those of the late Dr. Chalmers, there is nothing to prevent her from doinsj so. The other denominations, it is said, refuse to receive any relief from the Clergy Reserves Fund ; and some of them allege that they do so from conscientious principles. Be this as it may, and referring to the census of 1848, it appears that out of 7'23,33-2, the population of Canada West, more than two-thirds feel disposed to avail themselves of the advantages which the 3rd and 4tb Victoria, chap. 78 allows them, and less than one-third decline such advantages. Or, if we deduct the Free Church, because she has not yet de- cided, we have still nearly two to one content with the statute, and therefore not inclined to disturb it. / \ I I Moreover, since ic last session \. 22 its t'nactir.ont in 1840, tliiTC iiail been, till the last session of the Provincial Parliament, no a{^itation or complaint against it in the colony. The settlement was deemed by all parties absolnte and final. It is true the Church of Englaml respectfully petitioned the Legislature to grant her the management of the small portion of the patrimony left her, as there was ample proof of its being unreasonably wasted and sacrificed by the Provincial authorities ; but the prayer was refused ; and seeing no remedy, slie quietly sub- mitted, and instead of disturbing the r-dony, sought to do her best with the scanty revenue which this injudicious manage- ment was likely to allow her. \Vf liad even learned to trouble ourselves no longer with the painful departure from honoura- ble trusteeship, which was daily passing before our eyes. But from this patient and general acquiescence we were suddenly awakened, by tiie Commissioner of Crown Lands again introducing the Clergy Reserve question, on the 18th of June last, to the notice of the House of Assembly. This gentleman, not satisfied with what has been admitted by both Governments, that the subject had been finally settled, now seeks to confiscate the small remainder, Jind thus to deprive the Church of every vestige of endowment. That a member of Government could have so far forgotten the duty of his position, or have been suffered by his colleagues, to re-open a question which, after producing infinite trouble, had been settled in the most solemn manner by the Imperial Legislature, and in which all the most eminent statesmen took an anxious interest, was not to be anticipated. Yet such is the case; and for the convulsions and evils which this fatal step may produce, t*i3 Exeeitve Government of Canada is wholly responsible. We were the less prepared for this extraordinary move- ment on the part of the Provincial Government, because, on the 29th of April, 1846, a select Committee of the Legis- lative Assembly, of which the same Commissioner of Crown Lands was a leading member, made a Report on the Petition of the Church of England, praying for the management of her -■r / i^ r sliare of the llcservcs, wlilch n-jjort was reccl veil and uccopted by tlio Assembly; and although it refuses the prayer of the Petition, establishes the foliuwiiij^' points: — 1. That the question of the Clergy lleservos was con- sidered, by the Ini|)erial Parliament, finally settled by the 3 & 4 Vietoria, ehap. 78. 2. That it was accepted as such final settlement by the inhabitants of the Province of Canada. 0. A strong recommendation is added, that no change or deviation from this settlement be sanctioned by the Legisla- ture. Hence we find that the pledged faith and solemn guarantee of the imperial and Colonial Legislatures have been given to this settlement ; that the property, so far at least as regards the two National Churches, has been granted and received by them ; and though under trust, is actually in their pos- session. We therefore contend that it is not competent to any power to legislate again upon their shares without their con- sent and approbation. Again, the main question of renewing agitation on the Clergy Reserves was carried in the Provincial Assembly by two votes only, the mover and seconder, both avowedly hostile to the two Churches of England and Scotland ; and surely this meagre majority did not justify the colonial authorities in disturbing the peace of the community, and placing them- selves in opposition to a British statute, their own recorded assent, and the faith of the Imperial Government. We are, nevertheless, bound in charity to believe that all the facts were not communicated as they ought to have been to Earl Grey, who was in all probability ignorant of their existence, because it does not seem that he took any part in the passing of the 3rd & 4th Vic, chap. 78, for his name does not appear in the proceedings. Indeed, the more we consider this subject, the greater is our amazement at the infatuation of our Colonial Govern- ment, in forcing it back, after a silence of ten years, for no 24 V / / / ./ other reason it would seem but to inflame the public mind. This course was the more to be lamented, because there had been a courteous exchange of social civilities between the Churches of England and Rome from the first settlement of the Province till the union of the two Canadas in 1840, during which period they pursued their different objects in harmony and peace. But since that unwise measure, causes of irritation and estrangement have been gradually arising. The Church of England feels that she no longer possesses her just influence in the Legislature of the colony, and is thrown, on all occa- sions where her interests are concerned, into a hopeless minority. She finds her ancient opponents, the Dissenters, who were in former limes often in a minority, or so weak as to be unable to refuse her justice, now reinforced on all occasions where she may be mortified or injured by the Roman Calholic votes from Lower Canada. She feels that she lost her University by this unhallowed combination : and when she requested separate schools, for the religions education of her own children, her prayer was rejected by the votes of Romanists, while they secared llic same privi- lege for themselves. Thus, in the course of a few years, our holy Church has been deprived of the power of educating her children in her own way, and is now threatened with the loss of the remainder of her patrimony ; while the Romanists who have bi'ought about all these evils have been gratified in every wish, and possess an endowment of twenty times the value of that which they are assisting to wrest from the established Church of the Empire. It might have been hoped that the Roman Catholics would have abstained from voting on such matters as con- cerned our Church, and left them in the hands of the Pro- testant members of Upper Canada, to whom they more especially belonged. And I regret that this course was not pursued ; because it involves a delicate point of honour, 25 bv ) worthy of respect ; and because the destruction of the patri- mony of the Churches of England and Scotland, and of such other Protestant denominations as may claim the advantages which the law assigns them, can be of no service to tlie Roman Catholics of Lower Canada, while it may greatly disturb the peace of the colony. In this new aspect of things, what is the Church to do? Hitherto, in all her proceedings, she has respected the Roman Catholic endowments. So long as she was sustained in her property, devoted as it was to sacred purposes, she felt it her duty to ^-espect that of the Church of Rome. While retaining their respective endowments, small as ours is, the two Churches met on something like equal terms. But if, through Roman votes and influence, we are deprived of our endowment, is it still our duty to continue to respect their properly as heretofore ? But the solution of this question may be wisely post- poned. There is yet time for the friends of the Church of Rome to pause, and henceforth to abstain from voting agamst us in matters which concern our Church, as conscientious Roman Catholics do in the British Parliament. Were they to do so, it would without doubt be our duty, even if from other causes we should lose our patrimony, to assist them m protecting theirs.But if they continue to act as they have been doing since the fatal union, it may not be so clear that we should continue passively to submit to the additional injuries which this increased power may enable them to inflict. If it could give the Roman Catholics any satisfaction as Christians, to see our Church deprived of her endowment, they lUight at least have the sagacity to reflect, that in a very few years they will form a decided minority in the Province of Canada ; and if they are then the only Christian community possessing endowments, such endowments will be quickly swept away, and the injustice they have assisted to accomplish upon us will be returned upon themselves seven-fold. 26 Surely the torrent of infidelity and radical licentiousness which is threatening pure and undefiled religion, and all the foundations of social peace and order, calls for the union of all conscientious denominations of Christians for its effectual resistance, instead of permitting it to attain irre- sistible force, by joining in its objects. In a firm and dis- interested combination against this common enemy, there would not only be hope, but a certainty, under the Divine bles'^in-, of preserving for each their rights and privileges, . and of Insuring the extension of truth and the peace and prosperity of the country. I nevertheless trust, lhat,indischargingour duty on this trying occasion, to ourselves and our posterity, we shall abstain from all unseemJy agitation, and stedfastly adhere to those principles of peace and social tranquility for which we have been always distinguished. And although com- pelled to change the place and mode of our proceedings in defending our rights and resisting oppression, our love to our holy Church, and loyalty to our Sovereign, will continue to bind us to charity and forbearance in the face of this new and unlooked for provocation. But 1 pass from these more general considerations on this emergency in our ecclesiastical affairs, and proceed to observe, that it has been commenced by the same persons who brought so much misery on the Province in 1837 and 1838, and which formed the excuse for our disastrous union with Lower Canada. They are intrinsically few in number, but they are sure, in the present age of innovation and irreligion, to obtain the countenance of all those who agree on no other subject but in their aversion to the public support of the Christian Faith. The Unitarian, who hates our Holy Church for the pu- rity of her Creeds; the infidel, who regards her as a powerful instrument to disseminate Christianity among the people; the innovator, who would sacrifice the best interests of his country for the sake of carrying out a favorite theory ; the Reformer, 27 who sees abuse in every thing, and is only at ease amid changes and revolutions; and the mere Sectarian, who hopes to reduce the National Churches to an equality with himselt. To these vve may add a few ignorant, though sincere Chris- tians, who, from some extraordinary obtuseness of intellect, persuade themselves that true religion will be most effectually extended by destroying its support, and laying the axe to the root of the tree which has hitherto produced the truits ot righteousness in this Colony ;-and to these we may perhaps acid, some men of talent and piety, whose general character as members of society we may respect, though their opinions on this subject we regard with equal wonder and regret. Most of these will tell you, that for the government to support religion or establish it in the land is a monstrous enormity, a masterpiece of satan's wiles for poisoning the streams, and blasting the influence, and repressing the pro- gress of the Gospel. Hence they exhaust their genius, m the vain labor of exhibiting the great evil of assisting from the Clergy Reserves Fund, or any public source, the Churches of England and Scotland. Now, it is more than sufficient to answer all such sense- less declamation, to tell them that our Saviour, during his whole life on earth, was a member ot an Established Church ; that he was most scrupulously attentive to all its ordinances— that he preached in its Synagogues-and both by precept and example recommended it to the people's regard. So far was He from deeming such Establishments unjust, that he de- clared them good, and confirmed the attachment of the peo- ple to what our wise politicians denounce as the very bane of Christianity. Nay, the Church was once established by God s own command, and if we rely upon the truth of ancient prophecy, it will again be esiablished upon His authority. To say therefore that religious establishments are unjust, is in direct terms to charge God with injustice; no doublings and windings, no shifts, expedients, or tergiversations that I Jii m 98 Uave been or .ay be ..ad .course Jo. ^^J^l-j:^^, away the p.ain n.ea„.„g of f ^ '.^ents, o. the public ?;r:ri?or::%-j::^^^^^^^^^ circumstances, but, regularly and tor ag . The period ha, arrive when he C u .n th.s^ ^^^^^^ ™ustassumeherrespons,bd,tyasab y .^ ^j_^_^ ^^^^ f„:Lfu,foSV; ri'Xrteding . Jbeen publicly de- ''n^VsThtT-ed as St. P»n, did, when about to l.e of tlie constitution— to the acts, pvtUgC , ^ within Ivernment and Legislature a ^^ ^^j:^- these limits, we must speak boldly. 1 '"'^ <" J' f,iends who have occasionally kept .n the b u g^und fear ing to identify.. emselvesw.h the »^^^^^^ ^^ __^ nmsfc be reminded that &uch a crooKeci puii^^ To ger tolerated, and that all who shrink f-- -f^nd.n^ 1 e. i„ this her time of need, will be cast off as rott n brancl e. Our neonle must be made aware that, m the discharge ol theirS:wc.i -''-^->=^'';^y:ri"if\r;d; cntiously and agreeably to the word of G"^' ""f '\, ^ .. so, as Christian men, they will never ass st any one ... acqu rin» office or a seat in the Legislature who '' ""V*' 1' ."i, o"&od and of His Church, and a man of J- - ' ™f ^^ neighbour. What said Jethro to Moses :" Take ye w.se met men of understanding and known a-.,g your trd>es - they were to be " able men, such as fear God, men of truth, ""'T„r:r:rour Blbles are the true standard of civil Governme„:, a„i according to its rules ought we to select our representatives. S9 But I shall be told that this is entering into politics, and that religion is not political. Now, to this I answer, that the word *' Political "has a bad sense, and religion is nothing that is bad. But there is also a good sense of the word, and whoever says that religion is not political, speaks as erro- neously, and offends with his tongue as certainly, as if in fet. Paul's time he had said it mattered not whether he was u Christian or a heathen. ^ . For what the question of Christian or no Christian was in the Apostle's day, such are what we call questions of poli- tics now. It is as" right to take one side, and as wrong to take the other, in the social matters which come daily be ore it was riiiht to become a Christian in St. Paul s day, us, as or wrong to remain an idolater. Hence, in all social duties there is a right and wrong, and it is not a matter of indifference what side we take. In truth nothing can be indifferent in a Christian man's hie. There is no part of that life without its duties, and to trifle with any one of them is to trifle with eternity. Wc daily hear indeed of political rights and privileges, and we are told that we may do with them as we please.— Our neighbour says, I have a right to do this or that, to oive my vote to this person or that person, to forward this or that measure. Now, doubtless he has such a right, because he has the right of freewill ; he is from birth-right a free aaent, and has the power of doing right or wrong, of saving hhnself or ruining himself. But it will be a poor consola- tion to him in the next world, to know that his ruin was all his own fault. Men do not lose their souls by one act, but by a course of acts ; and the careless, or party and selfish exercise, of po- litical rights, this way or that way at our pleasure, is among the acts by which we forfeit our salvation. All men have the power of doing wrong if they will, yet there is but one ri^ht way while there are a hundred wrong ways.— They may do as they please, but the first who exercised 30 who does auction, that the ^^^]:^Zr:^V^X^ principle. Christian nations ought to be m ^^^^ ^, a,.d should not only conduct '"■™^^ ;°; J ^^„,,,,i ^nd God, hut see to the support of His «=-"'« .. J, ^^^ teaching, as the New Testament so clearly ordain-, llio Gospel to every creature. VOLUNTARY SVSTEM. But whatever may be the "'^[^^'^Z Church, whether it shall dc problem of sup- more than arrived when ^^e m-Uook he ^^^^ _^^ porting religion throughout ''^ ^ "«-<=; .^„^ ^„ ..m . .ea:::::;;::;::Si^r.hX:"ta-^ar;eiyyic^aui.^ kxi=i"^frir^^-»5 f t fif V veil- to what, it has proved during the past the next fifty ycai^, ^« ^^ \ thousand or more fifty, we may ni a. d. 15)UU nave Clersvmen in Upper Canada. But taking only half of these, or one thousand, the m- creasfof the Chureh, allowing no other eontu.gency of Xh however there must be many, it would scarcely d ow twenty-five pounds per annum to each Pansh or Mis- ^^^Ttoward' suiiorting a Clergyman, and buddmg a rhnvf'h a Parsonage and School-house. N-o't despising .his pittance, small as it is, and scarcely worthy of being taken into accoum, what is to be done .- r.d here it mly be asked by the worldly and lukewarm, why keep it and make it the bone of contemion? We an- 31 swer, because it is sacred property, devoted for sixty years to religious objects, and wo have no power to relinquish it ; because, small as it is, it may still serve as a nucleus as it has already done, and encourage to regular exertions ; and, above all, because it is our duty to resist evil. But, with or without its aid, there is nothing of moment left for us but the Voluntary Principle ; and although it has never succeeded in any place or country, in bringing the Gospel to every creature, as the National Establishment of Christian kingdoms and countries have effected, il is all that is left for us to work upon. Now, I am not here to advocate the voluntary system in itself; for I consider it exposed to the gravest objections; and I believe it to be as much the duly of every Christian Government to provide for the religious instruction of its people, as it is for the father of a family to train up his children in the ways of Gospel truth and holiness. But the necessity is upon us : there is now no alterna- tive ; and, because it is a necessity, I am convinced that God will bless it, and from this I take comfort and encouragement. It is, as all must confess, of high antiquity. It began to be acted upon in the days of the Apostles ; and, according to the zeal and exertions of the Clergy, has produced very different results. In some regions they have been very favourable ; and although nowhere equal to a regular pro- vision under the legal authority of the state, they were, nevertheless, of infinite importance in preserving and ex- tending the Church, her ordinances, and teaching among the people. • i . i,^ Not that any Government has ever, from what might be called its own resources, sup,x>rted the Christian rehgion. Such support ha3 been gradually received from the mumh- cence of individuals from age to age. Nor are we to think so poorly of the Christian spirit, as to believe that such individuals are extinct, or that there is a less disposition to H 32 infancy of the eive God his portion now, than during the Ciuuc h, when they had all things in common. Henceforth we must rely more, under God for the s s tPnincc of His Church upon the generous eflorts ol her c~n ac ing from their own freewill, and influenced by tt v2ty of considerations which are comprehended under ''" t:^"S^S must we in future looUfbr t).e suppon of religious Worship and the spread of the Gospe t^. rough tMs Diocese. We must look upon the ur.restrained a fled. on of our people, and especially of those who love the hav.our, to preserve in her holy efheiency His body the Church. If the timid and weak of faith tremble for the reeult, it is because they know not what the Irue-friends oi Christ are able to accomplish when their whole energies oi body aud mind are directed, sustained, and devoted to His gcory, by ihe special grace of the Holy Spirit. Time would not permit, nor is this the mo;4 convenient place, for entering into rnirmte details of what may be con- l;idered the statistical view of this important Mibjec-t ; and vet I dare not hesitate to submit for your ihoughtlul refhiclion «ome of the more obvious difhculties which seem universally to impede the working of the voluntary syslem, and which have up to this day so far prevailed as ^evcrtohave aflorded one single example of its carrying s ' -^f Life to every family and individual of a whole nal.^ f parcelling il out in small divisions and parislies cap . '>eing com- pletely surperintended and instructed by one Clergyman. Hence I infer, as I have already said, that it is the duty of every Christian nation to provide for the religious instruc- tion of all its people ; but as this is denied us, we must, luider all the circumstances of the case, and trusting in Divine assistance, do for this purpose all we are able. * It is not the least of the obstacles to the due working of the voluntary system, that our people have been so long accustomed to look wholly to Government for the support pf \ S3 religion, and never to lean upon their own exertions. Recent emigrants from the mother country have never been called upon in their own favoured land to sustain religion in any way. The Parish Church is free ; the Clergyman is sup- ported from his endowment ; and his flock, unless perhaps a very trifling fee for marriages and baptisms, contribute nothing ; and consequently they come to think it no part of their duty, and that to demand it is unjust. Moreover, when they arrive in this country, they arc told, "That ample provi, * sion has beetj made for the sustenance of religion by Govern- ment; and if it is not as free here as in England, the Clergy and not the Government are to be blamed." And although the true state of the matter is quite the reverse, there is no getting the unwilling to believe it: hence they do not perceive die necessity of making any efforts, and if pressed, too frequently refuse even the smallest assistance. Nor is it easy to get the well-disposed to believe that religion can be sustained to any extent by the hearts and hands of those who are truly sincere ; and to keep t: eir eyes on the primitive days of the Christian Church. Other obstacles of a diflerent character are not wanting. Our people are much scattered and separated from one another, and are thus exposed to many temptations, to neglect the interests of their souls. There is also the frequent sepa- ration of the father from his wife and children, and thus the old associations and influences of family ties are suspended or lost. The removal fl'om abundant means of grace, and the force of public opinion, which powerfully restrains from Ihe commission of scandalous sin, lead many astray. To all these, emigrants are peculiarly exposed. They remove at once from the midst of a Parish where they never thought of absenting themselves from public worship and keeping holy the Sabbath-day, and go to the backwoods to a life of anxious labour, without the encouragement of kind friends or the influence of religious neighbours. The next settler is perhaps miles distant, the Sabbath passes without ii 54 ,1 v.^fnre ibc settlement gets <="^».«""g '"'".^^j ,„i,|, n.eir love for selfishness. . ^^ ^f ^ho manv obstacles past, may encourage us to hope lor ^^^^ ^^^^ knowledge and possession of ^»1™ '<"■ ■ |i^„„, ^..d as dSrand. a wU. Idd, for our co.fort.) far more easy "' Th7^rre' contains ab.,at two Mtnd red thousand .„„s?nd daughters of the Church ofEn^glan • J^^ the voluntary system, '^e rel.gKU. — t.on of t^^^^^^^^^ population will soon dcpunu, cmDr^^i- ^ 95 ncnt lany ;ioU9 rship life, nidst »'e for many I, and ulf of lacles Lintary ^, they Ire ad y ive are 3d and 3 many I at the should sibility, ere sent m to the nimand- and as the first ,ore easy .housand 3W upon his entire Churches, Clergymen, Colleges, Schools, Missionary Societies, and all other lawful means necessary for promoting the know- h'dge of the Gospel from one end of the Province to the other. And where can this principle be found except in the good will of our people, especially of those who are true to their baptismal vows and graces, and love the Saviour. Still more : not only must this principle continue to do all the good it is now doing, but it must be daily expanding as the population increases, to meet and supply its new wants. And what this will require may be conceived from the fact that the aimual increase is not less than one-twelfth, or, in round numbers, sixteen thousand. This would re(iuire us to build sixteen new Churches and supply the same number of Clergymen every year. But in practice, a smaller number will be found to answer, not certainly effectually, but to a greater extent than many suppose. No doubt those who have been accustomed to the Estab- lishments of England and Scotland, the regularity of the Ser- vices, the comparative smallness of the Parishes, and the completeness of all the necessary appliances, are ready to consider such exertions hopeless. But not so ; the prospect is not so desperate as that which met the Apostolic Missionaries. So long as Christians do their duty in humble and heartfelt reliance upon God, it is not a matter of speculation but of actual practice. The sixteen Churches may not all be erected in one year, or the sixteen Clergymen sent, because, School-houses or private dwellings may for a time suffice, and one Clergy- man may serve two or three congregations. But something will be done for all, and as the population becomes more dense, the various deficiencies will be gradually made up. DUTY OF THE CLERGY. But how arc we to awaken the r-"...l: ,.hich is to give reality to all these things? The spirit comes indeed from God, but we have no warrant to expect it to come except I 36 tlirouRl. the means vvhicl. He has appointed ; Juul thus coming, it will be awakened, cherished, strengthened, and rendered sumcient lor the accomplishment of them all. Tliere is an en- crgy indigcnious to new countries, which, if directed under the influence of religion can do wonders. The self-reliance and enterprise which enable an emigrant to quit the endearments of his home and the comforts of more rivilised society, for a life in the woods of America, amidst wild animals, sometimes wilder men, pestilential marshes, and innvmierable privations, are of themselves a basis upon which we may securely build. Such men soon learn to dis- rerrard dinicuUies, to surmount obstacles which in other states of'^society would repel them, and to do many things which in iiappier circumstances they would expect others to do lor them. We must therefore teach our people to exercise the same energy, self-reliance and enterprise in the cause of religion, which they exhibit in their private and domestic f, (Fairs.— Thus, when a new Churcn is called for, we must induce them to consider whether they can build it without help. For to lean upon others is, to a true settle", ofTcnsive, and such a spirit when roused often leads them to discover that they can ac complish by their own cflbrts what at iirst they dared not hope for. Moreover the soliiudc of the forest is favorable to reflec- tion, and if improved it leads to the feeling that religion -s necessary even to the temporal well-being of society. Hence, we have some elements furnished in the most unpromising localities, which, if tenderly touched with humble reliance on our Lord and Saviour, may be followed with abundant frmt. And shall we not touch them, and not merely convince, but manfully pursue the work of evangelizing the whole dio- ccsc for which our Church makes such ample provision, and in doines and necessities of human lite. !• or as the body grows from a small be.^^inning, and gradually advances to youth, manhood, and old age, so runs the Book of Common Prayer into every portion of the heart and lite, and leaves nothing untouched from the birth to the grave -- At every stage of our earthly pilgrimage it oilers its word ot preparation, admonition, or encouragement. At every liaii- L place it presents the form and manner in which our Church would have us to think, to pray, and to act, and da. y reminds us that we are her children, and that she is conti- nually watching over us for our good. In this way the Church becomes to our flocks in reality a home, a refuge from the storms of life. The powers and inclinations which God has implanted in their -t-e are gi-a- dually brought under a holy influence and lead to higher and diviner objects ; and we, who are the humble instruments of S rChurch in conveying to them so precious blessing., soon acnuirc their good-will and ready obedience, and if we per- cTe in discharging our duties with a steady kindnes. we by degrees, secure their hearts and artections, and that, m a far shorter period than we had anticipated. 88 lit 1; i It is true our whole time must be devoted to our paro- chial labours, and, as it belongs to Jie Church, we can look for no permanent fruit if we spend it in frivolous occupations. We have so many opportunities of proving our sympathy and making favorable impressions on the hearts and understand- ings of our people, that I believe no Clergyman who goes earnestly to work in his Master's service will ever fail in bringing the greater number of his flock with him ; and once they are become sincere Christians all further diflicullies ceases. Let no Clergyman forget, that the teaching of our Church must be worked out as a whole with the same earnestness and self-devotion which are applied to the most active schemes of human labor ; and then only can we hope for a successful result— A partial use of the Church's means of grace will never succeed. The use of preaching, for example, to the depreciation of the Sacraments and the Prayers will produce superficial, un- real, and vain characters ; and on the other hand, the exclusion of earnest and simple preaching, and attempting to work through the higher means of grace alone, will commonly re- sult in a formal and hearth^ss profession. We should also recollect that our public ministrations in the Church may be carefully and decently performed, and yet no promising progress be made, if other opportunities be neglected. Personal intercourse, for instance, is essential to a Cler- gyman's success, and may produce the most beneficial con- sequences in cases where the public ministrations of the Church cannot reach. In a short conversation he may be able to give much instruction, and remove many difficulties, show the advantage of private prayer as a source of comfort and of strength in bearing distress, and he may correct irrever- ence and breaches of the third commandment. A word in season, may bring before them their true con- dition as sinners, their state as to their responsibilities and gifts in holy baptism, and it may frequently awaken a con- sciousness to certain sins and errors of thought and con- duct which had never been noticed before. ■ o tl c h XI F c 39 Say not, that such personal intercourse is impossible, as your range o'f duty is so extensive, for under a regular and systematic division of your time much may be accomplished. Again, incidents are continually happening which give an openin'T for the most friendly and interesting exchange of thoucrh°s. A baptism in a family, calls for a kind visit and a conv°ersation on the subject, the duties of the parents, the ho- liness of the institution, the blessings which attend it, the be- nefit of sponsors and their solemn responsibilities. Seasons of Confirmation, afford opportunities of sur- passing value for impressing on the young the leading doctrines of the Church. Times of sickness, when thoughlfulness and anxiety, and often alarm, make our admonitions and consololations useful and acceptable. Deaths and Burials, may generally be improved to the great spiritual advantage of the whole neighbourhood as wel? as the family more immediately concerned. In fine the religious acts of a Missionary's life,— his baptisms, his confirmations, his burials-are all acts full of the deepest instruction in Christian truth, and if carefully improved, and the more public ministrations at the same time decently and earnestly conducted, the Pastor will be felt to be the friend, consoler, and benefactor ol the whole Parish or Mission, and become in their estimation worthy of the most grateful return. It is something in this way that we must proceed to meet the urgency of the times ; and if we go forward m singleness of heart, and leaning on our Saviour's help and encouragement, we cannot fail. Not that many will live to see the full success of their labours ; but we are in God's hands, and must never despond. " They that sow in tears shall reap m joy : and he thnt gocth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." — Ps' 126. 40 i)f ; ti EDUCATION. There are two extremes in public education : the one, is where every child is considered the child of the state, and is educated without any regard to the wishes and views of the parents ; the other, is where the state pays no regard whatever to the matter, but leaves the parents to give their children education or not, as they please. In this Province, the system adopted cannot with accuracy be said to come under either of these two. Schools are established throughout the Province, and worked by a very complicated machinery ; but, not being based on a recognition of the Scriptures, cannot possess God's blessing. It is, however, but justice to say, that the Normal School, since its first establishment, has been conducted with ability and success ; and where it has failed, it has not been the fault of the teachers, but of the principle on which it rests. It may further be remarked, that the Chief Super- intendent has been diligent in his office, and seems to have done all the law permitted to introduce something of religious feeling and knowledge, by adopting the books made use of by the Irish Board of Education. So far, therefore, he deserves commendation, and indeed vrhat is wanting in the system is not to be attributed to him. ' It is, nevertheless, such a system of education as would not to be permitted to exist for one day in Great Britain. And why ? Because civil and religious liberty are well known and defined in the parent stale, and education is reduced to principle. Hence all religious persuasions receive equal assistance from the Government in educating their youth. No damp is thrown upon their peculiar opinions; the children are not in this matter separated from their parents. To take away the po\ver of the parents to judge and direct the education of their children, which is their natural nrivile«e from God, as our schools virtually do, will never be allowed in Great Britain. 41 , There, money is advanced to assist and support schools in connexion with every religious denomination ; and the Government is restrained from all interference with the religious instruction, discipline, or management of such schools : there, we have true liberty ; gold, and not alloy. But, in this Province, Christianity is not so much as acknowledged in our school-law. The Bible appears not among our school-l)ooks ; and a belief in Christianity is not included among the qualifications of school-masters ; and I am credibly informed that there have been instances of of candidates for schools disavowing all religious belief. Now the remedy is with you, my Brethren of the Clergy and Laity. We must insist upon the correction of this intolerable degradation, or our children will become infidels. We must demand what tho Roman Catholics have already obtained— separate schools ; and I honour them for insisting on this just concession. A request so reasonable cannot be long withheld from us, for unjust class legislation cannot endure long in any country. In Great Britain, the National Society represents the Church of England Schools ; the British and Foreign Society represent various Dissenters ; the Wcsleyan body, v/ith the Free Churcii of Scotland, represent their several denomina- tions. All are in correspondence with the Committee ol Council, and receive assistance in the maintenance of their schools, and all proceed in educating their children in their own way, in harmony and peace ; and why is not the same Christian justice dealt out to us here ? It is indeed surprising, that this system, which ought to have been from time to time carefully considered by the framers of the School Acts for this Province, since it otfers so very easy a solution of the problem of suiting education to a mixed religious population, should have been neglected ; the more especially as it will be very easy to modify our laws, so as to work exactly as they do in the English system. All that is wanting is, to give powers to the difTeront 4^ boards or authorities to grant separate schools, as they noW" do to the Roman Catholics, to all localities desiring them, and furnishing a reasonable number of scholars. Not that this can perhaps be done without opposition from the irreligious, bnt they are few in number ; and we do not again expect the Roman Catholics in the Legislature so far to neglect the true principles of the Constitution as to seize upon privileges for their own benefit which they refuse to others. The continuance of such a course will have a melancholy end. for it would be better for Protestants to perish than submit to such oppression much longer, and to look passively on, while their children are brought up in popery or infidelity. As to any opposition from other parties, if left to itself, it would appear in its true colours, altogether contemptible, because it would be seen to be the emanation of the most narrow selfishness, which allows of nothing unless it accords with preconceived notions ; and as they have no relig^ious principles themselves their desire is to crush such principles in others. We must therefore petition the Legislature for separate schools. In the meantime, it will be our duty to establish a Church school at every Church or station, and also a Sunday school, both of which to be under the care of the resident Clergyman, whose duty it will be to see that the instruction is on the Church system, upon which she speaks most deci- dedly. Whenever she treats of education, she means cate- chising as the principal part. This she takes as her standard, from the practice of the primitive Churches. Now this must be carried out as she directs, for the benefit of her baptized children, and of this education, the baptismal promises and preparation for confirmation form an important and necessary part. The whole arrangement depends upon you, my Brethren, and you must give your personal attendance to commence and keep it in motion. You must never forget that you arc 4d the the I the commissioned instructors of the children of God's Holy Catholic Church, who are to lead them from baptism to con- firmation ; from confirmation, to their first communion j and from that, to the bar of God ? Compared to this, all other instruction is worthless ; but such is the capacity of youth under proper discipline, that with all this, they may be made to surpass in every kind of secular knowledge those of the same age who are brought up ignorant of the Gospel and its holy requirements. Hitherto our people have not perceived the tendency of the present system. They are apt to think, that because some of the books consist of partial portions of Scripture, there is some religion taught. But our religion must be taught systematically by its great doctrines and creeds, an it has ever been, proving them by Holy Scripture, and thus giving them unction, power and life. In this way the young Christian drinks conviction from the first fountain of eternal truth, and finds with lively satisfaction that every word which had been taught him by the Church has the sanction of the pure Gospel. CONCLUSION. In my Pastoral Letter of the 2nd of April last, invoking the presence of the Laity as well as the Clergy at this visita- tion, 1 mentioned that such a combination had been suggested to me by many respectable members of our communion. They believe, that in the present crisis of our secular aflfairs, the Church, now strong in numbers and intelligence, ought to express her opinion, as a body, on the attempt making to despoil her of the small remainder of her property, which has been set apart and devoted to sacred purposes, during sixty years. Adopting this suggestion, as wise and seasonable, I con- gratulate you, as well as myself, on the numerous and goodly assemblage before me. In October, 1836, there was a meeting somewhat similar io this, held under the then two Archdeacons, but according 44 to the usage of our Church, it was altogether clerical. It was called in consequence of the protracted absence and feeble health of our late excellent and Venerable Diocesan. His Lordship was too far gone in the disease which soon after removed him to his place of rest, to permit him to examine and appr-^'c of our proceedings, which were all sent for his consider-j ■ >ut they did not on that account fall to the ground. The objects considered were— a division of the Diocese, provision for the new Bishop, the induction of the Clergy, and annual Convocations. Of these, the first three have been obtained. The Diocese has been divided, and the Bishop provided for, the Rectories legally established, and the Incumbents inducted. The question of the Convocation alone remains in abeyance. Soon after my Consecration, in 1839, I deemed it my duty to bring it under the consideration of the late gifted Archbishop of Canterbury, and of other Clergymen of high standing and learning in the Church. The substance of my gatherings from such high autho- rities, I detailed, at some length, in the tenth section of my first charge, in September, 1841 ; and to which I would request your careful attention. The opinion at that time was decidedly against a convoca- tion, and more especially the lay element with which it was to be incorporated. It was argued, that all the advantages that could reason- ably be expected from annually assembling the Clergy in Convocation, might be obtained in a more convenient and effective manner through the usual Episcopal Visitations, the meetings of the Church Societies, and the associations of the neighbouring Clergy for friendly intercourse and spiritual edification. Now it must be acknowledged, that the division of the Diocese of Quebec into two, and recently into three Bishop- ' 45 ' rics, and the approaching division of this Diocese into at least two more, make Convocations in some respects far less necessary ; more especially as there is no impediment in the way of the Clergy to meet their Bishops in conference, from time to time, on the temporalities of the Church. But, on the" other hand, her rapid growth, and the increase of her Clergy, present many new and urgent argu- ments for some ruling power to inforce a stricter discipline and greater unity of action than she has yet enjoyed in this Diocese. So feeling, 1 resolved again to inquire into tlvj matter, during my last visit to England ; and instead of confining myself to the Clergy, as in 183'J, I went to the most eminent ecclesiastical law authorities. They received me with the greatest courtesy, and were frank and ready in answering my inquiries ; but I was at once met with the maxim, that no Diocesan Synod can be held without leave and license from the Crown. They further stated, that if such could be held, they would be of no sort of advantage without the establish- ment of Courts to inforce and carry out such rules and regulations as they might adopt for the better conduct of their ecclesiastical affairs. I then asked, whether such license and Courts might not be obtained, if it could be shewn that it was of the first importance to the further extension and well-being of the Church in Upper Canoda, to possess some power within her- self to insure obedience in all things lawful on the part of the Clergy, and equal justice on that of the Bishop. I added that some such power wculd soon become absolutely necessary, as it may indeed already be considered so in the See of Toronto. When the lay members of the Church in any Colonial Diocese number more than two hundred thousand, and the Clergy one hundred and fifty, scattered over a vast region, and thus much separated from one another, it must needs be that difficulties and offences will arise ; and how are they to be dealt with? I 4*6 H W- The Bishop is in most cases powerless, having indeed jurisdiction by liis lloyal appointment and Divine commission, but he has no tribunals to try cases, and to acquit or punish, as the case may be. He therefore feels himself frequently weak, and unable to correct reckless insubordination and sullen opposition, even in anatters spiritual. At one time, he may be accused of feebleness and irre- solution ; at another, when acting with some vigour, he may be denounced as tyrannical and despotic. On such occasions, he requires the support and refreshing counsel of h's Brethren, and their constitutional co-operation, in devising and maturing such measures as it may be thought necessary to adopt for the welfare of the Church. My advisers replied, that under such circumstances, they did not apprehend any great difficulty in obtaining all we required, more especially as the Colonial Church had already forced itself on the notice of Government, and we could exhibit so strong and urgent a case, that it would not be easy or even gracious to refuseus. " But," they added, " you must proceed with much caution and deference to existing autho- rities, for your request is new, and pregnant with momentous results to the Church in the Colonies. Nor must you forget, that you are at present part and parcel of the United Church of England and Ireland, and as much subject to the Arch- bishop of Canterbury as if you were in England. And above all things remember, that in such matters your proper channel of communication with the Government is through his Grace the Primale of all England." I have now brought my observations to a close, and have great need to apologize for trespassing so long upon your patience ; but the various topics which I have brought under your consideration are all of so great weight and im- portance, as I trust may furnish an admissible excuse. Moreover, this is the first time that the whole Church of his Diocese, lay and clerical, has assembled, and it will in all 47 probability be the last, because new sees will soon spring up within its limits. It is a meeting therefore of much greater consequence than many may at first perceive, and I trust it will pass har- moniously over, and become an example to other Dioceses seeking for the same objects. Our meeting and i)roceedings will begin a new era in the history of the Colonial Church, and may be the prelude, not only of Diocesan Synods, but of the ultimate union of all the British North American Bishoprics, to convene at stated times in general Synods or Convocations. This happy consummation I may not see ; but like Moses, overlooking the promised land, I see it afar oft', and it will hereafter be a source of great comfort to my more aged Brethren, as well as myself, to have assisted at its com- mencement on this happy day. And now my Brethren, having touched, however imper- fectly, on all the topics upon which I proposed at this time to address you, I commend you to Him who is able to perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. May God replenish you with the truth of His doctrine, and adorn you with innocency of life, that both by word and good example you may faithfnily serve Him, to the glory of His name, and the edification of His Church. APPENDIX. DIOCESE OF TORONTO. IPastoral £ctUr. TO THE CLERGY AND LAITY OF THE DIOCESE OP TORONTO. My Dear Brethren, — Having been prevented, by necessary absence in Eng- land, from holding the Triennial Visitation of my clergy last summer, I have appointed Thursday, the first day of May next (God willing), for the discharge of this important ^uty. My clergy will, therefore, be pleased to assemble in the Church of the Holy Trinity, in their full robes, on Ihat day. The Service to commence at Eleven, a. m. It has been suggested, and even pressed upon me, by many of the most pious and respectable members of our communion, both lay and clerical, that the Church, now so numerous in Canada West, ouglit to express her opinion, as a body, on the posture of her secular affairs, when an attempt is again making by her enemies to despoil her of the sm.all remainder of her property, which has been set apart and devoted to sacred purposes during sixty years ; and that it is not only her dr.ty to protest against such a manifest breach of public faith, but to take such steps as may seem just and reasonable to avert the same. o hi 60 Having taken this suggestion into serious consideration^ and believing it not only founded in wisdom, but, in the present crisis of the TemporaHties of the Church, absolutely necessary, I hereby request every clergyman of my Diocese to invite the members of his mission or congregation, being regular communicants, to select one or two of their number to accompany him to the Visitation. For the sake of order, it is requested that such lay mem- bers be furnished with certificates from their minister or churchwardens that they have been duly appointed, to entitle them to take part in the proceedings which may take place subsequent to the Visitation. It is expected that such missions or congregations as accede to this invitation, will take measures to defray the necessary expenses incurred by their clergymen and repre- sentatives in their attendance on this duty ; which will be strictly confined to the consideration of the temporal affairs and position of the Church. I remain, my dear Brethren, Your affectionate Diocesan, JOHN TORONTO. Toronto, April 2, 1851. V/\X\/\/\/^»/\/s / /^..*\'\/V"V/\XX/Vv/'v/V''Vr\^'sy'V\^ 51 minutca of JProcccbingo at tl)e iJieitation of tijc £ot& Bialjop of (Toronto, HElD,NT„ECHURCHOFT„EH|H^™,Tr.TOEONTO.ONIHK THoasDAY, Mav 1, IStl,, he Fnlival of SU Philip and St. James, Toromo'in^tisV''! '"^/PP"''"^'' ^y the Lord Bishop of Eleven o'clock, a. m. ^ ^""'^>^' ^^'^"*^' ^» Prayers were said bv the Rov P n^ l . , Enistlo • il,„ ean. J. Gunne, Dawn. E. R. Stimson, Travelling Missionary Talbot District. ' W. Bettridge, B.D., Rector, Woodstock. A, St. Geo. Caulfield, A.B., Burford. H. Revell, A.B., Oxford, F. D. Fauquier, Zorra. A. N. Bethun€,D.D., Rector, Cobourg, Archdeacon. Alex. MacNab, D.D., Rice Lake. John Wilson, Grafton. W. Bleasdell, A.iM., Port Trent. E. C. Bovver, Seymour. W. Logan, Carlwright. Jonathan Shortt, Rector, Port Hope. Saml. Armour, Rector, Cavan. T. S. Kennedy, Rector, Clarke and Dar- Imgton. R. J. C. Taylor, Rector, Peterborough. Robt. Harding, Emily. Geo. O'Kill Smart, D.D., Hector, Arch- deacon, Kingston. W, Hejchmer, M.A., Assistant Minister I „ „ -^"hnstown Districl St. George's Church, Kingston. ' "^" rattoii, Rector. Cornwall, Jlural I J. Flood, Rector, Richmond. T. W. Allen, Travelling Missionary, Midland' District. J. Grier, A.M., Rector, Belleville, Rural Dean. G. A. Anderson, Mohawk Indian Mis- sion. Thomas Bousfield, Assistant Minister, Picton. J. R. Tooke, Marysburgh. J. Mac In tyre, Orillia. R.G.Cox, Travelling Missionary, Prince Edward District. M. Harris, A.M., Rector, Perth, liural Dean. Alexr. Pync, A.B., Rector, Caileton Place. J. W. Padfield, Rector, Franktown. j S. S. Strong, Bytown. j E. Denroche, A.M., Brockville, j W. H. Gunning, A.B., Rector, Lamb's I Pond. j J.-B. Worrell, Smith's Falls, I F. Tremayne, Travelling Missionary, Johnstown District. Robt. Blakey, Rector, Prcscolt. E. Morris, IMerrickvllle. ; H. MacAlpiii, Rector, Kemptville. \ N. Watkins, Travelling Missionary, R. V. Rogers, Innimbent of StJames's ' ^^'^''' Church, Kingston I ^^' Rolph, Osnabruck. It, Incnm' -- '^ ^ " - " " ' Kingston H. Mulkins Chaplain to the Provincial Penitentiary. E. Patterson, Porlsmouth. P. Shirley, Loughborough. VV. F. S Harj)er, Rector, Bath. W. B. Lauder, Rector, Napanee. H. Bren^, Incumbent of St. Mark's Ch., ^' ^' ^*^®^'«"' Rector, Williamsburgh. * H. E. Plees, Travelling Missionary Co. of Dundds. J. T. Lewis, A.B., West Hawkesbury. Superannuated: Rev.V. P. Mayerhofl'er. Visitors: Rev. Jas. Beaven, D.D., Rev. T. H. Barrow, Rev. John Hebden. Tlic Lord Bishop, having desired the clergy and lay representatives to be seated, delivered his Charge. ******* The Charge being ended, the lay representatives from the several parishes or missions were desired to come for- ward, and hand in their credeniials to the Lord Bishop's 54 Mil Chaplain ; which, having been done, the clergy were desired to occupy the right side of the Church, and the laity the left. His Lordship then addressed the assembly, as follows : Rev. Gentlemen and Gentlemen, — I remarked in my Pastoral Letter, that the business to be brought under your consideration would be confined to the temporal affairs and position of the Church ; and I trust that you will allow me to exercise the privileges which belong to me, on such occasions, without comment or offence. These are : that in all Diocesan meetings of the clergy, over which the Bishop presides, no proceeding shall be intro- duced without his previous sanction, nor be considered carried without his approval. This much being premised, I have to state that the busi- ness which I have to bring before you at this time, may be conveniently comprised in the form of two questions : 1. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, take any steps to protect her property and endowments ? 2. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, apply for permission from the Crown, to hold Diocesan Synods or Convocations ? Should both questions be answered in the affirmative, I would then propose the following course of proceeding, as appearing to me the most convenient. In regard to the first, we should petition the three branches of the Imperial Parliament to protect our endow- ments, and secure them, for ever, to the sacred purposes for which they were set apart. We should petition the three branches of the Colonial Legislature against disturbing the 3rd and 4th Vic.chap. 78 ; and should deprecate the continuance of the intolerable injus- tice of having to contend against Roman Catholic votes upon (luestions embracing the confiscation of Church property, as tending to breed a religious rancour that can never be ap- peased, till all such property in both Provinces shall be swept away : a result which the petitioners would earnestly deplore, 55 as •and which they seek by this solemn protest and warnuig to avert. We should also petition the Colonial Legislature for separate Schools, wherever they may be required ; as the Church has the same right to this privilege as the Roman Catholics, or any other denomination, and which cannot be refused with- out manifest injustice. ^ In regard to the second question, if decided in the affir- mative, the most expedient and proper method of proceeding will be, to petition Her Majesty the Queen, through His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for leave to hold Dio- cesan Synods, — a copy of the petition to be at the same time forwarded through His Excellency the Governor General, Earl Elgin, to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Hie Colonies. And here I nofice a ground of encouragement ; the Australian Colonics, with fewer Church members and clergy than this single Diocese contains, are at this very moment soliciting some such measure as we have in contemplation. I have only to add, that should this assemblv afrree to * the course of proceeding which I have ventured to suggest, there would be no necessity for detaining the members after the two questions had been solemnly decided, as a committee may be appointed to draw up the required documents, under the sanction and approbation of the Bishop, and to forward them to their several destinations. His Lordship then requested the meeting to appoint two Secretaries, — one clergyman, and one layman. It was moved by the Ilev. S. S. Strong, of Bytown. seconded by the Ilev. M. Harris, A. M., Rector, Perth, and Rural Dean of the Bathurst District, ''That the Rev. J. G. Geddes, B. A., Rector, Hamilton, be requested to act as Secretary, on behalf of the clergy, at this meeting." Carried. Moved by Geo. Crawford, Esq., of Brockville, seconded by Dr. Mewburn, of Stamford, 66 " That Dr. Bo veil be appointed Secretary, on behalf of the laitv." Carried. His Lordship then proposed two questions for the deci- sion of the meeting : 1st. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, take any steps to protect her property and endowments ? Which was answered in the affirmative. 2nd. Sha'I we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, apply for permission from the Crown to hold Diocesan Synods or Convocations ? Which was also answered in the affirmative. The meeting was then adjourned to the following day (Friday), at Ten o'clock, to meet for prayers at the Church of the Holy Trinity ; after which, hid Lordship dismissed the assembly with his benediction. Friday, May 2, 1851. Prayers were said by the Rev. S. S. Strong, of Bytown, the Rev. John Wilson, of Grafton, reading the Lessons. The Lord Bishop took the chair. The names of the Jay representatives were called over by Thomas Champion, Esq., acting as Lay Secretary to the Lord Bishop, from the certificates presented the previous day, as follows : Toronto : St. James's St. PaiiPs Trinity St. George's.... Holy Trinity ,. Etobicoke York Mills Thornhill .. Lloydtown ( Hon. J. Gordon. 1 J. H. Hagarty. ( Alex. Murray. I W. Y. Bacon. { W. Gooderham, ^ H. A. Joseph. ( Joim Arnold. p. Bovell.M.D. I J. W. Blent. i E. G. O'Brien. I W. J. Gamble, St. . Geo., Etobicoke J i E. C. Scarlet,, St, [ Philip's, Weston. I Francis Neale. I D. G. Hewelt. < Dr. Paget. '( Mr. 3tarsh. Anh. Armstrong. I Toronto Township Ghingnacousy Streetsviile Newmarket Scarborough Pickering Barrie West Gwillimbury OriUia Hamilton < Capt. J.B.Harris. I J. Magrath. S J. W. Gamble. |F. M. Chalee. j Wm. Birdsall. I \V. H. Patterson. William Gamble. Wm. March, St. Jude's and Saint Pauls ; J. Taber, Christ Church. James Peters. ^U. McCarthy. \ S. 31. Sanford. Herbt. Mortimer. J. Drinkwater. < Sir A.N.McNab. I Miles O'Rielly. ^7 Ancaster J. Re^an, Ancaster ; A.T. Kerby, Dundas. Brantford 5 Henry Racey. n „ An- T .• f John Kerby. Grand River Indians G.Wm. Johnson. Wellington Square -f f • ^^- Chisholm. I W. McKay. Gait i A. Shade. ( R C.Nicholson. Oakvilie $ James Beatty. t William Pettit Georgetown ..., Pettit. ( W.Paxton,Norval "e E. H.Whitmarsh. Kemptvillc 5 "Joseph Bower. IravellingMiss. ) ^„ Johnstown 5 Benjamin Tett. Cornwall j Jas. Dickenson. ri„„„i , (James Edgar. Osnabruck i\r. p^.c ^ Williamsburgh. Ross ^^lichael Pillar. T..,„„ir ■^,■ ^ James Skinner. IravellrngMiss.) ^R.D. Fraser, ^""*^"« ^o- > > A. J. Dixon. The Rev. ,T. G. Geddes, Clerical Secretary read th^ minutes of the proceedings of the previous ^i^ '^' Moved by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, M.P.P. of Hamilton RTalDe '/ r \'''- ^'•^- ^"^^^^'' ^-^-' Thorold/a:! Kural Dean of the Niagara Dcnnerv, I 58 1. " That the Bishop, clergy, and laity of the Diocese of Toronto, in Conference assembled, by request of the Lord Bishop, at his Triennial Visitation, holden 1st and 2nd May, 1851, do solemnly protest against the alienation to any secular purpose whatever, of the lands, called Clergy Ke- serves, originally set apart by Act of 31st George IIL, cap.31, and finally sanctioned by 3rd and 4th Victoria, cap. 78, loi the maintenance of religion and religious knowledge in the Province ; as being opposed to the constitution of the Church ofGod in every agc-at variance with the principles acted upon by all ChVistian nations-subversive of the recognized rights of British subjccts-and in violation of the fidelity and integrity of parliamentary enactments and the decisions of law." Carried wianimousif/. Moved by Colonel Kingsmili, of Niagara, seconded by Absolam Shade, Esq., of Gait, 2. " That no class or condition of persons in this Pro- vince^'can be endangered in estate or conscience by the maintenance of this religious property to its original purpose. Carried laianimousljj. iMoved by the Hon. George S. Boulton, of Cobourg, seconded by the Rev,, Michael Harris, A. M., Rector, Perth, and Rural Dean of the Bathurst Deanery, 3 "That the maintenance of this property for its original purpose is necessary; because it has been found from experience, that Religion cannot be generally diff-uscd or permanently supported, in any country, upon the purely Voluntary principle : its maintenance upon this system is proved to be inadequate, even in towns and villages ot con- siderable size ; while it is discovered to be wholly impracti, cable in rural districts,-a large proportion of the inhabitants of which are comparatively poor." Carried unammoushj. Moved by J. H. Hagarty, Esq., of St. James's Church, Toronto, seconded by the Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, M. A., Rector, London, and Rural Dean of the London Deanery, 69 I 4. " That in countries where the support of Religion is entirely dependent upon voluntary contributions, it does not maintain its proper influence, but is uniformly found, amongst the great mass of the people, to degenerate and decline; and that religious division and animosity increase— erroneous tenets gain strength and prevalence—and infidelity itself spreads to an unwonted extent." Carried iinanimouslij. Moved by Geo. Crawford, Esq., of Brockville, seconded by Edmund Deedes, Esq., of Woodstock, 5. " That this mcetiug regards the maintenance of the Clergy Reserves to religious uses, according to the intentions of a pious Sovereign expressed in various Acts of Parlia- ment of the United Kingdom, to be one of the best boons and blessings which can be secured to this colony,— as tending to insure, with the Divine favour, the propagation of true reli- gion within its bounds, to the end of time." Carried unani- Tnoiisly. Moved by Edmund Murney, Esq., of Belleville, seconded by the Rev. Henry Patton, Rector, Cornwall, and Rural Dean of the Johnstown Dcanerv, C. " That a petition, embodying the views now expressed as the solemn opinion of the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Toronto in conference assembled, be presented to the Pro- vincial Parliament during the approaching Session, and be also transmitted to the Queen and other branches of the Im- perial Legislature ; and that the Venerable the Archdeacon of Kingston, the Venerable the Archdeacon of York, the Rev. B. Cronyn, the Rev. A. Palmer, the Rev. M. Harris, the Rev. H. Patton, Edmund Deedes, Esq., G. Rykert, Esq., J. H. Hagarty, Esq., the Hon. G. S. Boulton, George Crawford, Esq., and J. A. Henderson, Esq, be a Committee to draft the same subject, subject to the approval of the Lord Bishop of Toronto." Carried imanimooshj. Moved by the Rev. A. Palmer, A. B., Rector, Guelph, and Rural Dean of the Gore Deanery, seconded by Thomas C. Dixon, Esq., of London. 60 7 " That this Meeting is of opinion that for the more effectual exorcise of the discipline of the Church, and the more advantageous management of its temporal affairs, it is expe- dient and desirable to apply to the Crown for the establish- ment of a Diocesan Synod or Convocation, consistmg of the Laity as well as of the Clergy so as best to meet the requirements of the Church in this Diocese ; and that the Committee aforesaid do draft a memorial to the Queen, founded upon the observations upon this subject ex- pressed in the Episcopal charge of the Lord Bishop delivered yesterday." Carried unanimoushj. Moved by the Rev. E. J. Boswell, Rector, Williams- burgh, seconded by Laurence Lawrason, Esq., of London, 8 " That this meeting desires to express its sense of the paramount duty of connecting religion with secular education ; and, in order to carry out this obligation, they deem it to be necessary to petition the Colonial Legislature to permit the establishment of separate Church Schools ; and that the assessments ordinarily paid by Churchmen for the support ot Common Schools be applied to the maintenance of such as are in connexion with the Church, where such appropriation is practicable and desired ; and that the Committee aforesaid be empowered to draft the same." Carried unanimoushj. Moved by Sir A. N. MacNab, M.P.P. of Hamilton, seconded by George Crawford, Esq., of Brockvillc, « That the thanks of this meeting arc justly due, and are hereby most cordially tendered, to the Lord Bishop of Toronto for the extraordinary degree of zeal and energy which he has manifested in the present critical emergency of the Church in this Diocese ; and also for the dignified, im- partial, and courteous manner in which his Lordship has presided over our deliberations." This resolution was put to the meeting by the Venerable Archdeacon Stuart, and was carried by the whole assembly rising to testify their approval. i the on Bis] solii his J. ( JAT m At the suggestion of the Lord Bishop, it was ordered : That the thanks of the clergy and laity be presented to the Rev. W. M. Herchmer, M. A., for his eloquent Sermon on the first day of the Visitation; and that, on behalf of the •Bishop, the clergy, and the laity, he be very respectfully solicited to publish the said Sermon. The meeting was adjourned by the Lord Bishop, with his benediction. JOHN TORONTO. J. GAMBLE GEDDES, Clerical Secretary/. JAMES BOVELL, Lay Secretary. FINIS. I