IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 |io ^^" B^Bi ■tt l&i 12.2 m m 1.25 £ Uo |2.0 u iill U II 1.6 HiotogFaphic Sdences Corporalion ^%^ ^^^ 23 WIST MAIN STMIT WIBSTIt,N.Y. MSM (71«) •72.4303 ^ M CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHJVI/iCIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Inttltuta for Historical IWiicroroproductlona / Instltut Canadian da microraproductions hiatoriquaa \ \ 1 Tschnical and Bibliographic Notas/Notas tachniquaa at bibliographiquaa Tha Instituta has attamptad to obtain tha bast original copy availabia for filming. Faaturas of this copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua. which may altar any of tha imagas in tha raproduction, or which may significantly chango tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. D n D n n D Colourad covars/ Couvartura da coulaur I ~| Covers damagad/ Couvartura andommagia Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restauria at/ou pelliculAe I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiquas an coulaur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que blaua ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches at/ou illustrationa en couleur Bound with other material/ Relit avac d'autres documents Tight binding may causa shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re Mure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou da la distortion la long da la marge intAriaura Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within tha text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certainas pages blanches aioutAas lors d'une restauration apparaissant dans la taxta, mais, lorsqua cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont pas iti filmias. Additional comments:/ Commentairas supplimantaires: L'Institut a microfilm* le meilleur exemplaira qu'il lui a At* possible de sa procurer. Les details da cat exemplaira qui sont paut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image raproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthoda normale de f ilmage sont indiquAs ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ D Pages da couleur Pages damaged/ Pagaa andommagias Pages restored and/oi Pages restauries at/ou pellicuMes Pages discoloured, stained or foxet Pages dicolortes, tachattes ou piquies Pages detached/ Pagaa d*tach*es I I Pages damaged/ I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ rri Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ I I Pages detached/ T t( T P o fi O b( th s ot| f s or rri Showthrough/ Transparence □ Quality of print varies/ Qualit* intgale de I'impression □ Includes supplementary material/ Comprand du materiel supplAmantaira I — I Only edition available/ Seule Adition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiallament obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure. etc., ont M filmtes A nouveau de fapon A obtenir la mailleure image possible. Th sh Tl wl Ml dif am bai rigl reci me This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film* au taux de reduction indiqu* ci-dessous 10X 14X 18X 22X 28X aox K 12X lex aox a4x 28X 32X «aiflirra«f Th« copy fiim«d h«r« has b««n r«produc«d thanks to tho gonoroslty of: Library of the Public Archivaii of Cartada L'axamplairo filmA fut raproduit grAce A la g6n4rosit* da: Ln bibliothAqua das Archivas publiquas du Canada The imagas appearing hara ara tha bast quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies In printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or iliuatrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Les images suivantes ont 4tA reproduites avac la plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at da la nettet6 de i'exemplaire film*, et en conformity avac las conditions du contrat de fMmage. Les exempiaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimte sont filmAs en commenpant par la premier plat et en terminant soit par la dornlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'iilustration, soit par ie second plat, salon ie cas. Tous les autres exempiaires originaux sont filmte en commen9ant par la pramlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'iilustration et en terminant par la darnlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, seion Ie cas: la symboia — ► signif ie "A SUiVRE", Ie symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plataa, charts, etc., mey be filmed et different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmAs i dee taux de reduction diff Arents. Lorsque Ie document est trop grand pour Atre reprcdult en un seul clichA, ii est fllmA A partir de Tangle supArleur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en has, en prenant ie nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 DOGTJHENTS & OBSERVATIONS RELATING TO THE .-t, •■ Affairs of the Mmdreal Circuit. AMAMUWWW WW^^MMMVMI Printed exclusively for the infoimation of fhe : vMemVers of f^ftSst^ssp^.: \: • • . , . • * • • ' ^i0tmtm<0fm0m MONTREAL: PRINTXD BY WILSON 4b NOLAir» M'filLL STRIIT. 1855. lis i» 1 3 »•" %* J ■> t V » « 3 .1 > I ^ ' " > ) ■» f k ftss (n) I >: i'i y% Entered according to Act of the Provincial Legislatnre, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, by William Scott, in the Office of the Registrar of the Frovince of Canada. VM '\'.l qn:ir.i.^i}h^t ">;■: '%■! ■- • t ■ • * • . • _• • • • ; 1 . • • • ; • • • • • •• #* •■ •* *t«« » VCv »•. •»* ^ < • ••• •• 4 9 >■*« • * • • «• ■ • $:uM ... . TO THE MEMBERS OV TUI %tnre, e, by vince DEAR BRETHREN, As the title intimates, the following pages are printed exclusively for your use and information. There has been put into circulation so much misrepresentation respecting the aifairs of Montreal, that I could not see any other way of placing the subject before you, so as to secure your verdict, in defence of the Laws and Constitution of Methodism. I am not unmindful of the fact, that by taking this course, I expose myself to injurious suspicions, and imputations ; but if a man shrink from duty in the time of trial, through dread of these, I apprehend he will accomplish little that is either generous or useful. God who trieth the heart, knows that I have no selfish aims. What abilities He has given me, have been devoted with more or less of success to the Ministry, and sometimes not without efiect, to the defence of Methodism, when assailed from various quarters. In relation to my conduct in Montreal, I challenge the most rigid inves- tigation, never having diverged knowingly from the plain path of duty. It is easy to imagine, that this or the other thing might have been done differently, but I sincerely hope that none of my brethren will ever be placed in the circum- stances of difficulty and embarrassment, which have marked the past two years in Montreal. A mere glance at the facts will convince any candid man, that I had nothing to do with the origin of these difficulties, — that for their continuance I am not responsible, and that my efforts have been directed to prevent mischief and ruin. The great question is, "Are the Laws of Methodism to b« respected V* Certainly, they ought to be, and I am fuUy ▲2 I persuaded that it is high time that every essential principle of British Methodism, should be engrafted on the Constitu- tion of the Canada Conference, Difficulties will arise, to meet which, there are no provisions in our existing Book of Discipline. It is better in times of general peace, calmly to prepare for any emergency that may occur from without or from within. Under the best of laws, disorder and confu- sion may prevail, but agitation will have its bounds, and a good Constitution will manifest its recuperative energy, and the body will be restored to a peaceful and active life. But without laws in certain peculiar circumstances, there can be hardly any limit to the mischiefs which may be attempted by evil disposed persons. As I have intimated in the body of my letter to the Rev. John Ryerson, there is not much difficulty in adjusting the affairs of Montreal, if the law in the case is to be the standard of judgment and action. The plan of pacification adopted in 1797, contains the principles on which the Con- ference has not permitted any innovation. The second " regulation" says — II. " In respect to all other temporal matters :— 1. It has been determined, that no Circuits shall be divided till such division has been approved of by their respective Quarterly Meetings, and signed by the General Stewards.** 2. " That no other temporal matter shall be transacted by the District Committees, till the approbation of the respective Quarterly Meetings be first given, and signed by the Circuit Stewards." The Rev. Dr. Beecham, in his most valuable " Essay on the Constitution of Wesleyan Methodism," after stating what was the practice before 1797, says : " The plan for dividing a Circuit is now to be agreed on at the Quarterly Meeting, and signed by the Circuit Steward, before it can come into the District Meeting at all j and the District Meeting has nothing more to do in the business than to ap- prove of, or reject, the plan proposed, or to refer it back to the Quarterly Meeting for revision." ; -> r in -q It is understood also, to be a settled principle in Method- ism, that parties aggrieved— minorities— have the right of appeal to the Conference. Dr. Beecham says, « There is an original principle in the Constitution of Methodism, which did not undergo any change whatever, in 1795 and 1797, — the principle that any individual, or body of individuals, have a right to appeal to the Conference for redress of grievances." On the subject of division of Circuits, the Doctor says, " Let us suppose, now, that, in the judgment of the friends generally, the division of a Circuit would be of most pernicious consequence ; but the Superintendent and a few others, being eager to effect it, manage, by craft and manoeuvre, to obtain a majority in its favour at the Quarterly Meeting, and then, the Superintendent, by his influence, in- duces the District Committee to sanction the proposal ; what we should like to know, would be the Constitutional resource of the Circuit, providing that there is no appeal from the District Committee 1" * * * « Would not the Con- nexion have been made to resound again with exclamations against the tyranny of the Conference, in artfully placing one of its own Committees — the District Committee — be^ tween itself and the people, as represented in their different local meetings, and thus making the inequitable vote of the District Committee the reason for closing its ears against any appeal from the Circuit." Those who are acquainted with the affairs of Montreal, will need no italics to mark the force and application of many of the above remarks. At the present time, the ag- grieved parties lodge their appeal before the proper tribu- nals, in the prayerful hope that justice will be done, and they await the issue, trusting in the God of truth and righteous- ness. :,. ,..-.-: .:/;.■: I W. S. ■ ■ "•. i;^.- - ^ - ■ '. , , ,-" , i.^'t'Vi , iyyifi t, ■ - .■ '^*'='' J ; vV-' v'^ ■^. , ^ .1 I ■■ , .i:( ■'i,>;ji'i^ <; .: U l-i ;i s OK} ;-.:•-.■ ■ ' • .Uq..^ i . i^,ui,-»^ '•• ■; ' .•'-' - J. .. 44 :;;■'>»'? JtJ;ja a8 ;v ;i ',wj;--.v I Mi MoNTRBAL, May 1, 1855. To th0 Reverend John Rtcrson, Co-delegate of The Canada Conference. Esv. Sir, The mournful circumstances in which the Methodist societies of Montreal have been placed during the past year, render it necessiiry and imperative that I should address myself to some one in high official relations to the Canada Conferenco, with a view to the statement of the whole case, and in order that the facts may be known to the whole Con- ference. To whom could I more nppropriiitely address my- self than to you as Co-delegate of the Canada Conference, appointed to that high and honorable office, because of your unwearied zeal and uniform assiduity in the maintenance and promulgation of the essential characteristics of Wps- leyan Methodism. We are a connection — a body — and if the figure be not unjust, then when one member suffers every member suffers with it. This would be so, even if the member were small and less honorable, how much more so when the member suffering is no less than the cause in Montreal— a city which Methodistically has ranked so high, and is entitled to more than ordinary consideration and res- pect. If those who here regard themselves aggrieved were an ignorant, disaffected faction of Church disturbers, I would scorn to write a word in their defence. If, by unlawfully seeking for organic changes, they had exposed themselves to church discipline, and deserved rebuke, I would, £is a sound and unchangeable lover of constitutioial Methodism, be pre- pared at a proper time, and in a proper way, most rigidly to administer that rebuke ; but they do not belong to such a class of men — it is an aggravation of their wrongs to repre- sent them as rebellious or disaffected. If it be possible to judge of the motives and feelings of Christian men from what they say and do, then I take leave to affirm that Methodism has no where warmer hearts of glowing friend- so •hip and love. But that is no reason why unjust measure! should be imposed upon them, or why coercive schemes should be devised and enforced in order to accomplish even desirable ends. A crisis has come. — The doing of a simple act of justice may possibly restore order and peace. You, as the co-delegate of the Canada Conference, have this matter laid before you ; first, because your associate higher in office is implicated in producing the disorder and secession which exists J and secondly, because you were deputed to execute, and did officially enforce, what the brethren regarded, and what I considered an unwise and despotic decree, founded on no Wesleyan law — on no Wesleyan precedent, and incapable of defence on any ground of Scripture or reason. I trust no one will hazard his reputation by an attempt to vindicate the propriety or prudence of what has been done in this city by the highest authorities in the Methodist Church. If it could be demonstrated that such proceedings were Wesleyan, then the demonstrator will have offered the strongest reasons why the system should be condemned, as alike hostile to the rights of a Christian brotherhood, and detrimental to tha peace and order of society. Considering the recent relationship of this district to the Canada Conference, it may be said by those who bear rule in that body that the matter having transpired under another form of discipline, it does not belong to them to investigate the subject or listen to the voice of complaint. I trust this course will not be contemplated, but that if the Missionary Committee should not reply to the communication which I have forwarded to them in conseqtiei^ce of our union to the Canada Conference, that therefore a most thorough investigation shall take place in reference to the affairs of the Wesleyan church in the city of Montreal. What preli- minary steps may be taken by the Montreal District Meeting, if such be held, or by the Eastern Canada District, I have no means of knowing, other than that it is not possible for the subject to be untouched, but will be necessarily brought under review. The question will not be whether it be most advantageous for Montreal Circuit to be divided into three parts, and all argument to that effect must be considered :l irrelevant. The questions are, has the measure of division been brought about in a lawful and constitutional manner 1 And ought the official brethren to be compelled to adopt and carry out that plan against their oil expressed will to the contrary? In ordinary investigations, the dispute would be settled with ease and speed. — We should first ascertain the letter of the law itself in such case made and provided —and then enquire whether the requirements of that law had been fulfilled. But when an extm-judicial power interposes, with special prerogatives and assumptions above law, then the only question to be settled is the simple one, * ore the parties prepared to submit, to whom that power shall be applied V On such principles do matters here stand. All parties agreed to be governed by written laws — open to the inspection of every one. By those laws matters were regu- lated and decided up to a given points no Quarterly Meeting —District Meeting, or other meeting, ever suggested the idea of disregarding the law, and soliciting the exercise of prero- gative. It was at the District Meeting of 1854, when the Rev. E. Wood, President of the Canada Conference, then also Chsdrman of the Eastern Canada District, declared, on his own responsibility, that Montreal was and should be three Circuits. Did he then utter a decision agreeably to Wesleyan law 1 or if he were really invested with prerogative, did he exercise that prerogative wisely, prudently, or discreetly t I beg leave to answer both those questions in the negative, and I am persuaded that the history of the case and the conse- quences will fully bear out my answer. The commimication I had the honor to forward to the President of the British Wesleyan Conference, the other day, contains a careful review of the whole matter, accompanied with authentic copies of documents all bearing upon the sub- ject, and designed to elucidate it. That entire document is now in your possession and is to be regarded as a part of my official communication to you. As such it ia copied and pagedj and is as follows :— ,1 * *•- .i» (It'" • .1 O' h ivision anner t Dpt and to the would certain rovided aw had crposesi IV, then are the shall be id. All I to the re regu- Meeting the idea )f prero- hen the ce, then ared, on be three 7ea\eyan i, did he etlyt I tivre, and le conse- d to the ther day, tmpanied the sub- ument is Eurtofmy pied and MofiTRtkL, April 9th, ISbb. To the Reverend. iowi Farrar, President of 27ic BritisJi Cotifercncc, BE\r. ic Dear Sir, Although it is most painful for n^o to have to make such a communication as tlio present, yet a clear sense of duty compels mo to do so. You will bo lilled with regret, that at a timo wlion we wero all rejoicing at the consiinnnatiou of an union which promises so well ibr tlie general prosperity of Methodism in Canada, there should arise in any place, causes of discontent, and that actual secession should have taken place. More especially will you bo grieved to know that it is in Montreal where this unhappy state of things exists, and that there is every probability of the breach be- coming wider, unless G(xl in his mercy interpose by some agency not yet apparent to us, and stay the progress of de- solation. It is not, however, with reference to the union of this district with the Canada Conference, that the dissatis- faction exists. — The evil is a local one, and though its effects may spread, yet at present it is confined to the Montreal Station, and respects the administration of the Wcsleyan discipline in the city of Montreal itself. As briefly ns pos- sible I beg to lay the case before you, giving you authentic copies of documents necessary to clucidato the matter, and to enable you to understand the cause of the existing dif- ficulties. The reason for the present state of discontent and seces- sion, is alleged to be the forcible or coersive division of the Montreal Circuit into three, without the consent of the quar- terly meeting, and in opposition tc the; almost unanimous re- monstrance of the official members connected with the church in this city. This will perhaps create surprise in your minds when, on looking at the English minutes of Con- ference since 1851, Montreal appears either as two or three Circuits, and you may have supposed that this division had been permanently effected, not only lawfully but peaceably and satisfactorily. It is therefore necessary to state how 10 i 7 & n '4 this division arose, why, and on what conditions. This will be apparent by some of the documents, but a few remarks will set the origin of the matter plainly before you. At the district meeting of 1851 the committee had given instructions that the Rev. Wm. Squire should take the Que- bec Station. That arrangement was not carried out. The Quebec friends desired the services of Bro. De Wolfe, and sent a deputation to our district for that object. Their re- quest was reluctantly granted, but it rendered necessary other changes. It was proposed that Mr Squire should take Mr. De Wolfe's place in Montreal, but here a difficulty seemed to arise. Mr. Jenkins had been four years in Montreal, and many objected to his being superseded as superintendent of Montreal . Mr. Squire did not wish it, and if I recollect right decidedly objected to it. But it seemed necessary to appoint him to Montreal — there Av^as no other opening in the district. It was then suggested, that to meet the case there should be a temporary division of Montreal, and that the charges being separate, each would have a superintendency and therefore equality. Acting on the principle of the discipline that it was not competent to the district to divide the Circuit with- out the consent of the Quarterly Meeting, it was considered right and proper to obtain the consent of the official mem- bers. The emergency had arisen at a time when only a special meeting could be held, and there was no provision for that. It was deemed right, therefore, to enquire of the leaders' meetings, separately, whether they would consent to the arrangement. I find no record of any proceedings taken by the leaders connected with the St. James Street or Centre church, but it was understood that they had concurred. The Quebec Suburbs or East Church leaders' meeting did not concur. The West Church or GrifRntown leaders did con- ditionally concur. This was the origin of the movement j It was an arrangement for temporary purposes, not to be per- petuated without the consent of the parties consulted, and who yielded to the wishes of the ministerial brethren under the circumstances. I am not aware of any previous move- ment for the division of Montreal, and find nothing on record, either ia the minutes of the district or city quarterly meetings, to lead to such a supposition. 11 te, and The following is the Resolution passed by the leaders meeting of the Quebec Suburbs or East Church. [Copy.] May 27, 1851.— Present : Rev. C. Lavell, Bra. Stephens, Rogera, Leggo, J. McMillan, Raffan. Resolved :— After prayerful and deliberate consideration of all the cir- cumstances connected ^ith this important subject, it was mutually agreed upon that it is neither desirable nor expedient at the present time to eflfect a separation of our present connection with our brethren of St. James Street Church. Annexed is a copy of the Resolution passed by the leaders meeting of the West or GrifRntown church, held Monday evening, May 26th, Rev. C. De Wolfe in the chair. Present, Messrs. J. Mathewson, J. Patton,G. E. Jaques, Robt. Wright, E. C. Longley, F. Francis, and James Boyd. [Copt.] A full meeting of the leaders and stewards of the society having been called for this evening, for the purpose of taking into consideration a pro- posal made by the district meeting regarding a division of the Montreal Circuit which would have the effect of setting apart this portion of the society, and forming it into a separate circuit. All the official brethren were present, except Bro. 0. Campbell. Rev, Charles DeWolfe in the chair. It was proposed that this meeting do recommend the division of the Montreal circuit, and that St. Gabriel Street chapel and cause, be con- stituted a separate station, under the designation of the Montreal West circuit, and that the separation be considered as an experiment and not as a permanent arrangement. It was then agreed by the meeting to invite the Rev. Mr. Squire to take the superintendency of what was to be called the West circuit. The transactions of these leaders' meetings were verbally communicated to the district meeting, but there is no record either in the journal or minutes of our dis- trict for that year in relation to the matter. The Stations were read Montreal East, John Jenkins, Charles Lavell, — Montreal West,William Squire. So that the East included the Quebec Suburbs church, as the leaders there did not accede to the arrangement, or which is the fact, the necessity for the arrangement did not reach them. Mr. Lavell, however, left the district and returned to Upper Canada. In the District letter for 1851 is the following paragraph : i" 1 1 12 Ml :. II ' i « respecting Brother Squire's appointment to Quebec wc have found it necessary to deviate in some measure from the sug- gestion made in your letter to us, but as he will himself cor- respond with you on this subject it is not necessary that we should here assign the reasons which have prompted us to decide as we have done." The arrangements above suggested were carried out. Mr. Squire took charge of Griffintown as a separate circuit. By his influence and the Divine blessing the cause was sustained. The District Meeting of 1852 approached, and at the March Quarterly meeting of 1852 the subject of continuing a sepa- rate circuit was considered. At that meeting the following business was transacted. [Copy.] It was proposed by the steward that we petition the next District Meeting for the re-appointment of our present Minister, the Rev. Wm. Squire to this Circuit for the ensuing year, which was carried unanimously — testified by rising. It was then moved by Brother J. Patton, and seconded by Brother Jaques, and carried unanimously — that whereas at a special meeting of the official members of this church held here on the first of May last — the Her. C. De Wolfe in the chair — It was unanimously resolved that this portion of the circuit be set apart (not permanently but) as an experiment for one year, the same being subsequently submitted to the district meeting and approved, likewise to a special meeting of the official members of the whole city held in St. James Street vestry and also approved, and inas- much as the time so named is approaching a termination. It is now unanimously resolved that the above named arrangement be continued for another year trom the next District Meeting ; provided the Rev. Wm. Squire, our present minister, be re-appointed, but should the district meet- ing see fit to remove him, then and in that case we again revert to our position previous to the 26th of May, 1851. Moved by Brother Robt. Wright, seconded by Brother J. MathewBon, that a copy of the foregoing resolution be transmitted to the next district meeting, also a notice of the same to the steward of the east circuit,— passed unanimously. It appears, from a note appended by the steward, that the foregoing resolution passed a full leaders' meeting on the 5th of April, and was confirmed at the Quarterly meeting held on the 13th of the same month, 1852. There was an adjourn- ed meeting held on the 11th of May, and it would seem that no answer had been received firom the steward of the east circuit, and therefore the following resolution was passed : wc have the sug- iself cor- that we pted us ut. lit. Mr. By istained. 6 March a sepa- jllowing ct Meeting ire to this ;estified by Dy Brother itiog of tbe ^ last — the i that this 3xperiment ict meeting bers of the , and inas- It ia now continued Rev. Wm. trict meeb- rert to our [athewBon, Bzt district t circuit,— that the 1 the 5th ing held adjourn- jem that the east 13 [Copt.] Resolved,— That a8 the Quarterly Meciing of the Montreal east oircnlt bai returned no answer to our request for an extension of the tune of trial for our remaining a separate circuit, we determine in the event of our not re- ceiving any favorable answer to our request before the approaching Dis- trict Meeting, we revert to our former relation to the other portions of the Wesleyan Society in this city — " Passed Unanimously." The resolutions passed by the regular quarterly meeting were laid before the district meeting, accompanied by the following letter : — [Copt.] Montreal, ilfay 19, 1852. To the Chairmanand Minittertof the Eastern District assembled. Rev. Sib and Brethben, " I herewith beg to enclose the accounts of the West Circuit, and a series of resolutions passed at our recent Quarterly Meeting, by which you will perceive the sense of the brethren to be that Our position as a separate circuit be continued for another year, with the confident expectation that our esteemed pastor will be re-appointed. You are aware that our position was undertaken as an experiment for one year, to which our friends of St. James' Street were a party ; —as a matter of course, it follows that their consent be first obtained, and this appears to be so impressed on the official brethren of this circuit, that as a mere business arrangement it would not be prudent for us to continue it without their full concurrence ; hitherto, however, we have not received it. The matter is now therefore referred to you for disposal.'' I Remain, dear Brethreoi .Yours, very truly, ' Huea Mathbwsok, Steward of the West CireuU. At this period also the subject came before the Leaders Meeting connected with the Quebec Suburbs or East Church. The following is from the records : [Copt.] L..^ ; HAT 17, 1852. — Present: Rev. O. Dickson, Hessra. Rogem, Stephens, Raffan, J. McMillan, D. McMillan, Rennick. With reference to the general meeting of Stewards and Leaders held in St. James Street, on May 28, 1851, at which it was resolved to place the Society in Lagauchetiere Street as a separate circuit, as an ezperhnent for one year ; and that term having now expired, the Stewards and Leaders «>f Lagauchetiere Street Chapel, at their adjourned Quarterly Meeting I I 14 have reaolTed, after mature consideration, from the experience of the past year, that provided Mr. Dickson shall be re-appoiuted to this Society, they have consented to be officially separated for the ensuing year, vltb the power of reverting to their former position, should it be deemed expe- dient at the end of that period. The District Meeting of 1852 assembletl in Montreal on the 19th of May. On the 22nd the ailairs of Montreal were considered, and the following resolution was passed, and is entered on the Journal : [Copt.] Resolved,—" That in reference to the communication received from the Montreal West Circuit, the District Meeting unanimously consents to its separation from the other portions of the work in Montreal, on the same terms as the division of last year ; viz., that such separation shall be con- sidered as binding only for one year, as an experiment." The Rev. Mr. Lavell, who had been borrowed from the Canada Conference, did not remain in Montreal after the District Meeting of 1851. The East portion of the city had been supplied in a casual way — Mr. Churchill was there a little while, and then a young man named Dickson was found, who came to the aid of Montreal, and was appointed to supply the East Church, under the superintendency of Mr. Jenkins. — At the District of 1852, the stations were read and confirmed, thus : Montreal Centre, John Jenkins ; — Mon- treal West, William Squire ;— Montreal East, G.N. A. F. T. Dickson.* Brother Dickson, at the; earnest request of Mr. Jenkins was ordained, for the purpose of rendering unneces- sary the official connection of Mr. Jenkins with the East por- tion of the city. Thus the work in Montreal proceeded after the District Meeting as three circuits. In October of this year the lamented death of the Rev. Wm. Squire occurred. Application was made to the Presi- dent of the Canada Conference for Ministerial aid. Mr. Pierson was sent and labored under the superintendency of Mr. Jenkins. As the District Meeting of 1853 approached, the matter of relation and union was necessarily again reverted to. At the Quarterly Meeting of the West Circuit the following business was transacted : L of tba past Society, thej 3ar, with th« eenied ezp«- outreal on treal were ed, and is red from tb« )n3enta to its on the same shall be coa- from the I after the le city had ras there a Lckson was i appointed ncy of Mr. were read ns ; — Mon- I.A. F. T. 3st of Mr. g unneces- e East por- proceeded ' the Rev. the Presi- aid. Mr. ndency of pproached, riiy again est Circuit -. : ; I^-aT ; , . 15 [Copt.] Present: Rer. J. Jenkins in the Chair, Rer. T. Pierson, Messrs J Mathewson, Jaques, Wright, Francis, Boyd, Sargison, Bowes, Hadley, Palmer, and H. Mathewson. A conversation was held regarding the present position and future pros- pects of this Circuit, when the following preamble and resolution was pro* posed, Tiz. Whereas in accordance with resolutions passed at a meeting of the Lead- ers and Stewards of the Wesleyan Church, Griffintown, on the 26th of May, 1851, that an experimental separation be made from the Montreal Gurcuit for one year, and whereas at the Quarterly Meeting held here on the thirteenth of April, 1852, it was agreed and resolved that said experi- ment be extended for another year, which was approved of and agreed to "bff the District Meeting held last May, and inasmuch as such experiment has been fully tried during a period of nearly two years, it is now the opinion of this meeting that the interests of Methodism in this part of the city will be best promoted by this circuit reverting to its former position as an integral part of the Montreal Circuit. Therefore, Retolvedf—lhat this meeting desires to be again united with and included in the Montreal Circuit, thereby abandoning the present isolated position and taking that which it held previous to the District Meeting of 1861. After some conversation on the above, the following was offered as an amendment. That this meeting having been authoritatively informed that great changes are to take place in the position of Methodism in Canada East, within twelve months from this time, which changes are likely to alter our position as a church in this city, therefore, Retolvedf — After mature consideration that under these circumstances it is willing that the West Circuit-should sustain an independent position for the coming year, providiog the District Meeting will appoint to it tho Bev. George Douglas, with the distinct understanding, however, that we be placed in precisely the same position as it regards our privilege of reverting to the old arrangement at the District Meeting of 1854, as at the District Meeting of 1853. But if this cannot be granted, this meeting resolves to fall back upon the former arrangement, as subsisting prior to the District Meeting of 1851. After some conversation and discussion on the resolution and amend- ment, the amendment was carried by a majority of two, six voting in bvor of it, and four for the original motion." The Steward was instructed to convey the proceedings to the Circuit Steward of the Centre Circuit, to be laid before that Quarterly Meeting. This was done, and the following proceedings were had in relation thereto :— 16 I i iiii -It- K #^ * ?•; S' i I'r ?'r ■'<(' 'i*'' f^ 6£ ik '^ V 4: [Copt.] MoNTBiAL, 20/A 4prJ2, 18S3. H. If ATBIW80N Esq., Circuit Sttxoard, West Circuit Dbab Sib, I have been instructed to transmit to you tho following reiolation, passed at our last quarterly meeting, in reference to the amendment recently adopted by the quarterly meeting of the west circuit. Yours truly, t B. Oaupbill, Circuit Steward, Montreal Circuit. " Extract from the minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Central Cir- cuit, held on the l3th April, 1863 : Eesolved,— That this meeting unanimously agrees to the propositions con- tained in the amendment passed at the last quarterly meeting of the West Circuit, in reference to the arrangements for that station for the ensuing year, and requests its chairman to employ his influence with the approach- ing District Meeting to have them confirmed.'' ° ' The Quarterly Meeting of the East Circuit having, during the year obtained the ministerial services of the Rev. G. Douglas, instead of those of Mr. Dickson, who had been re- moved, remonstrated against Mr. Douglas' removal and requested the district meeting to re-appoint him. In the letter to the District Meeting it is said : — " We feel it incumbent to state the inability of the circuit to do more than sustain the expenses of a single minister in the forthcoming year, 1853-4, and therefore request, if consistent with other demands of the district, that the Rev. G. Douglas may be appointed to take charge of the above named circuit," adding « this station has strong and prior claims to any other to the labours of Mr. Douglas." The above documents and the state of affairs in Montreal came under the consideration of the district meeting, which met in Montreal on the 19th May, 1853. The Rev. Enoch Wood presided. During the sittings of the district he met the official brethren of Montreal for consultation. The West Circuit was not likely to get the single man asked for, and was not willing to assume the responsibilities of independency and a minister with family. The official brethren, with perfect unanimity, resolved therefore to revert to their original posi- tion — the occasion for a separation having passed away. Mr. Wood had no reason to suppose that the separation could be 17 mh Jipril, 1863. ( Circuit , , tllowing reiolation, uaendment recently Montreal Circuits of the Central Oir- ihe proposlUons ei iis in our Decem- ber Quarterly Meeting, which in this city is held in January. He spoke kindly, freely, and very encouragingly, but on no occasion, at no time, nor under any circumstances, did Mr. Wood intimate, in the most remote manner, that the union of the Montreal Circuit, effected in July previously, was in any sense wrong or contrary to the discipline of Methodism, or at var J nee with the recommendation of the District Meeting. Mr. Wood met the society on Monday evening — the Quarterly Meeting on Tuesday evening, and left thr preachers and people with the impression that the coursf! taken was satisfactory to him, and was evidently sanctionc 1 of God. He desired, and I believe obtained, a copy of the resolutions by w hich the union had been eflfected, and which he was to forward to the Committee at home, that they might be acquaiLtx -^ with our state. Our city plan was then made out and pr'i-'^d I enclj^e you a copy. For the revival of the v/oik of God we u greed to hold a series of 4 23 it was id Mon- ober, it Presby' delphia. vcmber, [1 official esof the The pie with g upheld ipported, at could During he Rev. He was und they lop, who jcember. ood paid state of Decera- January. Lit on no did Mr. le union , was in thodism, District r^ening — left thn e coursr actionc i y of the d which lat they ^as then For the ieries of v4 special services. These were owned of Oo*l many conver- sions took pla> m all our churches. God was w'li us, and al! seemed to put a cheerful courage on. Ai ur last '}\mx' ter'/ Meeting all seemed peaceful and proisi>c'roii^ With but few exceptions there was entire satisliulionjaiva u desire that we should, as preachers, all remain, and the work in Montreal be carried on as it had been for the previous six montlis. The District Meeting arrived, and commenced its business on toe I9tli of May, 1854. No exception was taken to th •- ,io)i of the Montreal Circuit. Mr. Wood, who cnn I' as uiir Uliuirman and presided, never in any way hinted to jae i iiat it was to be reversed or ought to be. The rep' ft of our rr-ligious state was read in due order as tho result of one Circuit, and no objection offered. That report was as follows; — [Copt.] MONTREAL CIRCUIT REPORT. The religious state of the Societies in Montreal has been affected hj eir« cumatances of peculiar triul ;;7d agitation. God lias graciously protected his work from any serious injury, and for some months past our Societies and Congregations have experieL'CAd tbA reviving influences of the Holy Spirit. Christian harmony and peace prevail throughout our Classes. The congregations of two churclies oat of the three are much greater than at the beginning of the year, and there are many manifestations of the divine goodness and favor. Since the beginning of the present year, many conversions to Ood have taken place, and at the last quarterly visi> tation, 78 persona were received on trial into our Classes. The full and accredited church members, number 606 ; on trial, 78. WlLUAK SOOTT. Nothing occurred to mar the prospect of union and peace, until the third reading of the Stations. The Montreal Quarterly PAeeting had desired me to lay before the District 1 • resolutions respecting our status. There had been no opportunity of doing so, and would not be, if the appoint- ments for Montreal were read without remark. When, therefore, the Chairman commenced the reading of the Sta- tions, I begged the privilege of laying the resolutions en- trusted to me upon the table and before the brethren. This privilege the ChairnMin peremptorily denied me — and then in a very vehement manner declared that Montreal was not I 24 one but three Circuits, and stated that he would take the responsibility of continuing it so. My only remark then was, that I had done my duty in laying the resolutions be- fore the brethren, or, at least in attempting to do so. The Stations were read — Montreal Centre To be supplied. " West William Scott. « East J. H. Bishop. With that .rrangement I was satisfied, having always, as a servant of Christ, taken cheerfully the work assigned me by brethren ; but I did fear, that i hie convenience. The instructions you may give to me at this crisis will be considered as given to brother Bishop also, as he is placed in precisely the same circumstances of embarrassment and distress. With earnest wishes for the peace and prosperity of our Zion, I am. Your Obedient Servant in Christ Jesus our Lord, (Signed,) WawiM Scott. Rev. E.Wood, President of the Conference, Toronto. To this letter I received no answer whatever, a circum- stance not at all likely to allay the feeling of dissatisfaction existing in our societies. About this time, (the last of August,) or beginning of September, the preachers of the Lower Canada District received circulars to the effect that as the union had been ratified by the British Conference, the late District was divided into three, and that the Rev. John Carroll was appointed Chairman of the Montreal Dis- trict, he being stationed at St. Johns. Some hope was en- tertained that this measure, although very doubtful as to its legal character, might nevertheless, in so far as Montreal was concerned, subserve a temporary good, by bringing the dis- putes and difficulties into a narrower compass, and dealing with them in a District capacity, or in some way opening up a passage to freedom, and light, and peace, and union. On the first of September, 1854-, the Leaders' of Griffintown met officially for ordinary business, as a Leaders' Meeting, and I took the opportimity of expressing a hope that the brethren would work together until the Conference, when they might again be heard as to their views and wishes. They declined to institute any Circuit relations, and reviewed the whole subject, entering on their own records what their views were, and resolved to meet with their other brethren, from whom 28 «i I i '11 they had been forcibly scjiarated at the next regular Quar- terly Meeting. This, however, was unavailing, as Mr. Jef!ers had received instructions from Mr. Wood to resist all over- tures of conciliation. At this time, therefore, recourse is had to the Rev. J. Carroll, who was Chairman designate of the Montreal District. On the 13th of October, he met the offi- cial brethren in Montreal, and very affectionately exhorted them to unity, and to work the Circuit independently until the Conference. This they positively declined doing. They regarded the unanimous vote of the official members of the city as set aside Avithout any authority, and contrary to all precedent. Mr. Carroll recommended an appeal to the Spe- cial Committee of the Canada Conference, and an appeal was then agreed to. That Committee was to meet in King- ston on the 18th of October. About the same time I ad- dressed a letter to the Co-delegate of the Canada Conference, stating how matters stood, and the danger there was of en- tire disruption. Mr. Wood telegrai)hed for mc to go to Kingston at the time referred to. A deputation of respected laymen also went from Montreal. The apj)eal was read, but instead of examining the matter, as was expected and pro- mised, a deputation was appointed to visit Montreal, consist- ing of Dr. Green and Bro. R. Jones. They declined inves- tigating the matter on the merits of the case, and as beyond their jurisdiction, would give no opinion, nor even seek for evidence as to the propriety or legality of the division of Montreal into three Circuits. They recommended that the work be continued in three departments for the remainder of the Conference year, and without the least possible concilia- tion, left matters worse than they found them. The con- sequence was, that in the ensuing week the Leaders East and West resigned^ and the preachers were left nearly alone. What we felt and experienced at that time can hardly be conjectured, especially when we reflected on the unity, hap- piness, and prosperity, which were thus struck down to the earth by a confirmation of what no one in Montreal had originally solicited, and of which no justification could be offered. I wrote to Mr. Carroll, hoping yet that something might be done to prevent a dissolution of the classes. ir Qnar- r.Jefiers all over- se is had of the the offi- exhorted itly until They •s of the ry to all the Spe- ll appeal in King- me I ad- nference, IS of en- to go to respected read, but and pro- 1, consist- id inves- ts beyond ven seek livision of that the minder of ! concilia- The con- ders East r]y alone, tiardly be lity, hap- vn to the treal had could be 3mething I. 29 An union of the Suburban churches, under one superiu- lemlency, was proposed as a plan of pacification. The Chair- man, Mr. Carroll, preliminarily agreed to it as a proposition and in a few days came into Montreal for the purpose of en- deavoring to effect a reconciliation. A meeting was called of the official members, upon whose resignation no action was us yet taken. As will be seen, several ministers were pre- sent, and concurred in the plan of pacification. Annexed is the authentic copy of ihe proceedings of that meeting held on the 8th day of November, 1854i. [Copt.] A prudential meeting of brethren connected witli the Weslejan churches, at the East and West portions of the city of Montreal, -was held on Wednesday evening, November 8, 1854. Present : Rev. J. Carroll Chairman, and Eev. J. Brock, Rev. J. Douglas, Rev. Wm. Scott, and Rev. J. H. Bishop ; Brethren H. Mathewson, G. A. Sargison, J. Bowes, E. C. Longley, J. McMillan, D. Hadloy, G. Rogers, and Bro. Stephens. Prayer by Bros. Brock and Carroll. Bro. Scott stated to the Chairman that the decisions of the executive Committee were found impracticable and unsatisfactory, in consequence of which the greater part of the official brethren connected with the Suburban churches, had resigned their official connection with the church . No action had yet been taken on these resignations, and he yet hoped that some measure might be proposed that would save the societies from dis- solution and enable the ministers to carry forward the cause of God. • • • Considerable discussion was had in relation to the present state of things, and Mr. Scott said that after conversation with several of the brethren, he was of opinion that if a practical and financial union of the Suburban churches were proposed and concurred in, it would be calcu- lated to serve the cause of Methodism and promote the work of God. Mr. Scott therefore begged to propose that measure as a plan of pacifi- cation. The Chairman said that under the circumstances he felt free to entertain it, but that it was not to be considered as setting aside the other decisions of the executive Committee that were practicable. He then asked each brother present if he would concur, and all except one answered in the affirmative. The Rev. John Carroll, after a full and free conversation, then said, "As Chairman of the Montreal District, I give my concurrence to the above plan of arranging tto work for the remainder of the present Conference year, and therefore constitute the Suburban churches and work connected therewith, one Circuit for all practical and financial purposes." Bro. Bishop and the Chairman concluded with prayer. Meting adjourned. (Signed) John Cabroli, Montreal, Nov. 8, 1854. Chairman Montreal District. 30 Ji m i I may take occasion to say here that the Eev. John Car- roll is one of the most devoted and successful of Ministers connected with the Canada Conference. He has been in the Ministry for 27 years past, and has occupied the most important stations. He has been Chairman of a District for about 15 years, and therefore may be supposed to possess the confidence of the Conference and his brethren. When he was unexpectedly brought into an official relation with Montreal he endeavored carefully to do only that which was right and likely to promote peace and prosperity. In so far as one man can judge of another, I, and other ministerial brethren connected with the Eastern Canada District, felt and believed that in the project of union, Mr. Carroll was acting wisely and judiciously. Under these feelings and convictions we met together at the time above specified, and for the purpose mentioned. This project was received as a healing measure, although of a temporary character, and as preachers we were able to secure the co-operation of most of our ofiicial friends con- nected with the suburban churches. There had been a deficiency in the income as compared with the claims, and an effort was made to raise an amount then needed. It was successful. Harmony and peace were restored, and although all was not conceded that was by the complaining parties deemed right, yet for peace sake, and having no radical reforming notions to gratify, they acquiesced, and continued to work for the good of the church. The understanding that matters were settled until the Conference pacified our soci- eties, and there was every prospect of a season of unity and religious prosperity. The Rev. Mr. Carroll reported his proceedings to the Rev. E. Wood, who called together that part of the special committee residing near Toronto, and laid before thera the recent state of affairs in Montreal. Mr. Carroll's temporary union of the suburban churches was condemned, but in writing to Mr. Carroll Mr. Wood said, " beyond the disavowal there is no design to interfere," pnd therefore it was still hoped that the churches would have rest. This hope was cut oft' by the Trustees declining to recognize Mr. Carroll's act as lawful, and requiring that 31 our soci- each preacher should be considered the superintendent of his particular chapel at Trustees meetings — the same Trustees being in office for all the churches in Montreal. The Trus- tees memorialized Mr. Wood against the union of the subur- ban churches, and he decided that it was not lawful, and deputed the co-delegate, the Eev. John Ryerson, to come to Montreal and dissever the bond which had been made by our Chairman. He came — met the preachers— and the Chairman, Mr. Carroll, protested against the interference projected, but Mr. Ryerson dissolved the union and returned to Toronto. The parties who desired this, and who effected it, seemed altogether reckless of consequences, for after all that our Societies here had passed through, it was not likely that this final measure could be adopted without disastrous results. When the decisive result was communicated to the official brethren at the East end, they resigned with one ex- ception, and most of the members of the classes withdrew from our Society, probably 50 only remaining, out of 160.* At the West end, one Leader having charge of two classes resigned, and most of the members seceded with him ; to one of the classes a new leader was appointed, and most of that class remained with us. But at this West end, it is to be understood, that our official board exists only as a Lea- ders' Meeting, and can only be so reported to our next Dis- trict Meeting and Conference. And, further, if the course of division be persevered in, and no conciliation or change be proposed, I have not the slightest reason to suppose that the Societies can be kept in fellowship with us beyond the time when such supposed decision against union shall be made known. Our connexion, therefore, in Montreal, stands at present in a most deplorable condition — and the prospects are most doleful. This communication is made to the Pre- sident and Missionary Committee at home, because Mr. Wood, who is solely responsible for this state of things, avers that the division of Montreal into three Circuits has received the sanction of the Conference and Committee in England. We in this District have never had any other evidence of your taking action respecting the affairs of Montreal than is * I find there are 66 remainiog out of 248 returned last year. W. S. 32 hill I « I involved in the fact of your printing our Stations as you Und them on our minutes. As Montreal appears as three Circuits, so it may have been thought that they were really so, whereas the undoubted fact is, that as a temporary expe- dient, the measure was acquiesced in by the friends in Mont- real, and was never designed to bo permanent. To the measure as temporary, the assent of the official brethren in Montreal was asked, and no coercion or exercise of preroga- tive was contemplated. They were treated as parties to be consulted, according to the law published in their class- books. By a very small minority, the measure of division was desired, but they did not expect their views to carry against the wishes of more than four-fifths of the Quarterly Meeting. At the District Meeting of 1854i, the fatal policy of prerogative was adopted, after three years of negotiations and decisions according to law. The Chairman, the Rev. Enoch Wood, decided against law and fact, that the Circuit was divided, and should remain three, leaving me more es- pecially to carry out an impracticable project, and to execute impossible decrees. We are not yet so far separated from the Home Conference as that you can have nothing to do with the afiairs of this District. Having been connected a good part of twenty years with the Missionary Committee, and having for many years been placed in very onerous and responsible stations, I feel that you will not refuse to listen to thv3 appeal of a Missionary, who >yrites not for his own sake, or for his own comfort, but for the sake of hundreds of precious souls in Montreal, who, if no pacificatory measures are adopted, will be lost to our connexion, and I fear for many of them lost for ever. I do without the least hesita- tion, assure you, that the aggrieved and seceding brethren have no desire for organic changes — have no sym})athy with reformers, so called, and have no wish for anything but sim- ple justice and a faithful fulfilment of engagements made between themselves and the District Meeting. If, in tliis communication, I appear rather as an advocate of the ag- grieved, than as a recorder of facts, it is because I think the facts justify an impeachment of the administration of the Rev. Enoch Wood, in his capacity of Chairman of this Dis- ■If trict. Against the ruinous policy pursued by Mr. Wood, and ngainst the division of Montreal into three Circuits, contrary to the recorded decision of the Montreal Quarterly Meeting, I appeal to the President of the Wesleyan Conference and Missionary Committee in England. Most respectfully, but most earnestly, do T beg your prompt attention to this lengthy communication. Our District Meeting will most likely as- semble in the third week iu May, and the Canada Confer- ence the first Wednesday in June. Thus far you have my letter to the Rev. Mr. Forrar, but in addition to4,he foregoing, there are a few other docu- ments which it was not necessary to send to England, but I think it right to copy the same ior your use, and the use of the Conference, if need be. L'pon some of them 1 shall take the liberty of making a few remarks, writing freely to you as I would to all the brethren in the Ministry, upon topics which as much affect the rights of preachers as they do those of the people. The first document to which I call your att< ntion, is the memorial sent to Mr. Wood, from tho Leaders' Meeting of Griffiutown, dated 5th of July, 1854. It was as follows : — [Copt.] To the Riv. E. Wood, President of the Canada Conference. Dear Sir, The Methodist Societies of Montreal have been rery wnenpectedly thrown into a state of excitement and dissatisfaction, which, so far as we know, is without any precedent in this city. There have been occasions of strife and fear for ihe interests of the church, but never did we consider our societies in so great jeopardy as at the present time. At the close of the last Wesleyan year, all our classes throughout the city were in a state of peace and prosperity ; in many there was considerable increase ; and littla did any of us, in an official position, anticipate tho present distress, and forebodings of evil. We take the liberty of addressing you upon the sub- ject, in the hope that you may be induced to change your decision res- peoting the division of the Montreal Circuit, since this is the cause of our existing agitations. No permanent division of the Montreal Circuit was ever contemplated by our Quarterly Meeting, but in May, 1851, the District Meeting asked tte Leaders board of Grifflntown and Quebec Suburbs to work the Circnll ■eptiatel/, to uto itiit the appointment! of the coming year. Conieat c Bi > ? trni relactantlj glren to this as a temporary arrangement, and was con- tiaucd a second year with the explicit and written understanding, by both the Griffintown and Quebec Suburbs board of Leaders, and the District, that at tlie end tliercof the Circuit might revert to ita original position ns one Circuit, not by permission, but of right — inasmuch ai all the Leaders of the city were justly entitled to recognition as members of the Montreal Quarterly Meeting. An effort was made at the District Meeting of 1853, to persuade the brethren in each department to remain separiite as throe Circuits, but it was respectfully declined, and by a unanimous vote of the whole united ofhcirtl Members of Montreal, taken after full discussion of the affair in all its beuiings, it was decided that iMontrcal dj constitute one united Circuit; and that meeting was considured the July Quarterly Meeting of 1853. Nothing occurred to disturb this decision, and tiie work of God has prospered. The Societies have iufircased, and thu finan- ces have been more thaneipial to the expectations of ninny. During the District Meeting just over, the decision of the Chairm.iu was made known, that the city should be divided pcrrnaucntly into three Cir- cuits. Against this the GiiRinlown Leader.! and those of the Quebec Suburbs, sent in n respectful protest, but you had left the city, nnd an answer was sent them that the subject would be luid before you by the deputation to the Canada Conference from this District. On the return of that deputation no answer what^^ver was given to us, and it is not even known whether you have received the protests that were forwarded through the deputation. AVc have reason to think that it is your intention to abide by your decision. But we respectfully represent that such a course M-ill be at variance with the written and deliberate assurance of the Dis'i it Meeting; it is in opposition to the united voice of the Quarterly Meeiuig, a year ago; it is at variance with the opinions of most of the Leaders connected with the Centre Church, and not atall desired by nine-tenths of our societies and congregations in any part of tlie city. The sudden and undesired division of the Circuit into three, at the j resent time, will be attended, we fear, with the most disastrous ccnacqueuces. The Circuit is one: it is not in our power, were it our desire to make it otherwise; and we not only decline to assume the responsibilities of separation, but most respectfully and earnestly remonstrate against it. In conclusion, we beg sincerely to state that we are influenced, as far as we can judge of our own hearts, by a sincere desire to preserve the in- terests of Methodism, and promote its prosperity in the city. Wo are thrown into circumstances of great afiliction, and hope, Rev. Sir, that you may see the propriety ot allowing us to proceed with the work of Metho> dism as it was before the Bitting of the last District Meeting. July 5, 1854, Resolution passed at an official meeting of the leaders in connection with the Griffintown Church held on Monday evening, July, 10 1854: i?esoZij«d, -That the document now read be officially adopted by this meeting ; and that the other official brethren in the city, who concur ia the views therein set forth, be requested to append tbeur signatures. (Signed) H. Matbewsok, Society Steward. 35 As far as any person here is able to judge, Mr. Wood took a much longer time to answer tliisTnemorial tlmnwas either ncccssuiy or prudent, considering the state of feeling which prevailed, and when that answer was received it was more caleuluted to irritate than to heal tlie wounds which had been inflicted. Mr. Wood says," ilm division, &;c., engaged the attention of the District Meeting," and so it did, but alter all the Ililse and S|)i'cial pleadings oCMr. Jenkins, that meet- ing went no /iirthrr than " reeomnnMiding" a certain course. If that meeting had decided positively that Montreal should thenceforth be three Circuits, such action would have been unconstitutional, the meeting would have transcended its l^owers. Hut it did no such thing— the District Meeting respected the rights ol the Qt.ai'lerly Meeting, and would not venture on nssuming unauthorized rrsponsdjilities. Mr. Wood snys, this judgment of the District was " forwarded to the Committee and Conference for their concurrence." There is no evidence for this. The resolution of 1853 stands in our journal, not on our minutes — the journal is never" forwarded'* home. And if it were so, and the "concurrence" of the home authorities were obtcuned, (of which there is no proof) then that " concurrence" eould not go beyond the terms of the resolution, and would not be likely to over-ride the con- ditions on which the temporary division had been consented to. Let the correspondence be produced which authorizes INIr. Wood to throw the responsibility of his own imprudence upon our respected brethren at home. It cannot be shown, and yet ]\Ir. Wood says, " such is the present real character of the work in Montreal." I ask where is the law? and where is the evidence that the law has been complied with ? Mr. Wood says, "If the document forwarded to me had emanated from any court known in the Wcsleyan Church, &c." Mr. Wood knew that the document to which he was replying emanated from a " Leaders' Meeting," and if it had not, ought not the privileges of every Eritish subject to be possessed by a Wesleyan. Her Majesty may be addressed by the meanest in her realm, and a respectful answer would be returned. And if the document had not emanated from a " court " known in Wesleyan law — who was it broke up c2 \ 4 36 the lawful court — the united Qimrtcrly Meeting, and made every meeting since held, unlatvful 1 Tliero hns not been a lawful court of Wcslcyiui Mctliodism in Montreal since Iho Inst District Meeting, and yet the author of this disorder thus speaks to the brethren whom ho denudes of the puwer to act lawfully ; and then says that he possesses no " authority in the present state of things to interftre." Mr. Wood's letter concludes, " Praying that the Great Head of the church may endow you with eminent griicc to discharge the proper duties he has assigned to each of you.'* " The jvoper duties /" I will not trust mynelf to remark on such significant phraseology,! k'ave ilto tiic candour of any Christian man to say, whether it is judicious, or kind, or res- pectful ! A communication from myself to Mr. Wood followed soon after the reception of his answer. It will bo found on page 25. I have stated, that to that letter T received no answer. Was that silence just or proper? Even if Mr. Wood had been informed that I attributed lo liim the causes and conse- quences of our cc.idition as a church, that was rather a reason why he should have fully and freely expressed his judgment and given me the directions I so sincerely solicited. If I declined to execute his orders or carry out hisintepretations of law it would have been my duly to ask for a change of appointment — that I should have done if in my judgment I could not conscientiously do as desired. But for the President, when a Circuit is on the verge of destruction, to maintain a solemn silence as to what should ba done, is unprecedented. In this place I transcribe a letter which I thought it my duty to write to the llev. Dr. Green, who in your absence had been appointed Co-delegate. On that I shall make no remarks, nor shall I ofier any apologies. It was designed to bring the matter to a crisis, and probably had that effect, but whether it had or not, I am not ashamed of it, and here it is : — 37 [Copt.) MoNTitiii., October 11, 16S4. Rbt. and Diar Sin, I am under Uio painful necessity of mMroBsing you, as Co-delrgate of tlio (/iinadft ('ontVMCiicc, in ri;fi;ri'i\c" to the uffuirs of Mothodism in Mon- treal. I stated to ibo I'residcnl si.)iiir lime ii^jo, tiiiit it wus found impos* Bililo to orgiiui/ij tlio Circuits citlier KiHt or We.st, und tlieii solicited hit ndvici' and instructions, lie lias not Kivcn mo any answer, and therefore I cannot tell what Ins views arc. All the leaders may be considered ns hoKliiiK tlioirodicos until their biiccessors arc aj)|)ointcd, but as there are not suitable persons to take their places, the result is, and must be, a total disruption of the societies in Montreal. To continue in our present state until the Confoieticc, is impossible— to attempt it, must bo attended with ruin. The Lenderd' Meeting of Grinintown desire to know by what autho- rity they liavo V)ccn separated from their brethren forming the Montreal Circuit — I cani;( I inl'orm tlicni. Tiiey dotiiro to know whether there is not a Court of Appeal in 'letlioui.jiu by wiiich tlie questions involved can be reviewed— 1 cannot inform thrm. I assure you, my dear Sir, things are deplorable in their ai^ac's and demand enquiry. As the President de- clines ans.wering my (Mie.^ lions, and declines proposing any plan of con- ciliation, I have no o'iier cour:* at present open, than to apply to you as the ne.\t in olilce und nulhorily ; I decline tht! responsibility of corrying out the measures of the President, believing them to bo .n they jiosiiively declined doing so, he must have been totally ignorant of Wcsleyan law, who would iiUer a wonl of condemnation. They accept(?d oCicc as membi'rs of some Quarterly Meeting, and when that imioii v/as dissolved without their consent and in opposition to their will, Ihey were virtually separated from the church ar.d dci>rivcd of office. It was at any rate for them to say wlicther they would continue in office under new forms of udiuinistration. It was des'rable to save these brethren to Metliodism and to the Church — they had done no wrong — in my opinion, a wrong was done to them. I thiiilf this liasbL't'n, raid can bo charly shown under the cir- cunistinccs. I Vv-as jiistilitd in iuvoUi'ig the aid of the Chair- man of the Montreal District, if possible to propose some ap- pointment that might be the means of pacification and quiet until the Conferc^uce. lie di.l interpose and is prepared to justify his cont'uict. It was hor.oruble to his jiiely and prudence that he exhibited a willingness to save and not to scatter the sheep of Christ's fold. What he proposed or ac- cepted when proposed, wasagreable to the agrieved brethren, and they retained their classe::. As detriled elsewhere, Mr. Carroll honestly communicated his doings to the President of the Conference. He knows best how he felt when he found that his favorite scheme of dividing Montreal was im- practicable and destructive, but it seems he could not allow the proceedings of Mv. Carroll to go uncondemned, as that would involve a condemnation of himself. A part of the Conference Committee v.'r>«ealled together — v/us that consti- tutional 1 an absent member and chairman was condemned unheard — was that constitutional ? and men who knew nothing about the matter, presumed to judge of a state of things and the conduct to be pursued on mere exparte testi- mony—was that constitutional? Verily, when once the laws 45 of Methodism are violated, and a course of wrong persisted in, there is no knowing where it may end. Mr. Carroll had united the Suburban churches into one Circuit rather than they should be totally disorganized. I believed his act a lawful one, and therefore regarded myself according to instructions, the Superintendent. The Trustees declined recognizing that union as lawful and took some ac- tion against it ; you v/ere deputed to proceed to Montreal and enforce the division ; you csime here and met all the parties, and undid what Mr. Carroll had done, on the ground that it was " extrajudicial." The elfect has been a secession of more than 100 meudjers from the luist cluircli, and some 25 from the West church. In the West, the greater part remain in the hope (hat the next Conference will fully investigate the affairs of Montreal and place the societies in their true and lawful position as an undivided Circuit. My hopes are strong to that end, for it is ike only method ivhich can be adopt- ed to restore tranquility to the church and preserve it from fur- ther disorganization. I trii.'^t a review of the cas3 will lead you and tlie Conference to the same conclusion. Any argu- ment for division based upon supposed advantages is to be considered as irrelevant. These advantages at best are pro- blematical, but in reference to the state of Montreal they are not legally admissable. The question is simply, has the Montreal Circuit been lawfully divide! ? Many other points may be and are involved in the cas**, but they do not necessarily make a part of it. They may be subsequently considered, but they cannot primarily be mixed up with it. I have thus somewhat fully laid the matter before you as Co-delegate, because the acts of the President as administra- tor of the laws of M'.'lhodism are properly the subject of in- vestigation at the Conference. The President, I apprehend is amenable to the Conference. If because of his appointment by the British Conference he is only responsible to that body then it is the duty of the Conference to lay any matter even of doubt before that body. If because these affairs of Moa- \ §r \i 46 f Ireal were transacted before the ratification of the Union, the Canada Conference should decline to deal with them, then there is a possibility of the perpetration and perpetuatiou of a cruel and unprecedented wrong. I pray God himself and our Father to interpose, and save the Methodism of this city from disgrace and the societies from disorganization and ruin. Yours, very truly and affectionately, WM. SCOTT. Rev. J. Ryerson. f ; V| POSTSCRIPT. I am given to understand that these Montreal affairs are not to b3 judged of in the liglit of the law, or that the law of Methodism was not applicable to Missionary Districts; these being governed by the Missionary Secretaries. This mi'thod of arguing ouly coniplicites the matter still more. All our leaders in Montreal had the law printed in their class books, and all ecclesiastical business was supposed to be done according to the law, in each case. The Secretaries may decide mittcrs affecting Feegee and other heathen sta- tions, but it was never understood that Montreal should be considered in so infantile a state. However had the case ever been referred to them, and had any special instructions come from them authorizing the division of the Montreal Circuit, the case would have been different, but it is yet to be shown that the Secretaries, in any way authorized the course which has caused so much distress in Montreal. If the law is to be practically annulled and the question now settled independently of the past, it is possible that some de- gree of satisfaction may be given to those who consider themselves aggrieved. I confess myself pained and dis- tressed beyond expression, at the mode of justification now 47 instituted, and nothing can ever obliterate from my mind the sense of injustice which I consider to be thereby inflicted either upon the respected Missionary Secretaries, or upon our beloved societies in Montreal. My conscience '' clear in the nuitter. I cannot consent to be a party to wrong of so grave a character. What 1 have written and herein printed is my opinion of the mutter. I commit myself us I think, only to the cause of coiislitntional Metlioilism. Methodism without a constitution or a government of prerogative is a system with which I cannot accnr J, and if our union with the Canada Conference, free us from irresp )n?;ible government, I am heartily thankful for it, and henceforth devote myself to the work of the ministry, with s>me hope tlat even Montreal may profit by the change of administration. One word more. — I have been repeutjclly cautioned within n few d lys past, not to imagine thai I can escape punishment for temerity in opposing the Presidents will, I am to be thrust into some obscure corner, I might have been elected to an important post of honor and rosponsilniity if 1 had ac- quiesced, that my independence in former times is not forgot- ten, — and various other suggestions, that might alarm some weak minded person ; but I thank Cod, that having commit- etl my cause to him, I can trust him, and asi:)ire only to do good according to the ability he giveth, and that in the church of my choice and affections, the Wesleyan Methodist Church. W. S. /