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BiEr^ AWS©K (SREE.W, ID), 3. 
 
 l-'RilSlDJ-lNT OF TID.: CARADA CmFKKilliCZ IN 1042 . 
 
 AND 
 HEPRRSEKTA'J'IVl, TO THi-; liRITlsn r.ONT-.t.'HLNCI: IN' 184B A^ 13o4' 
 
1 
 
 R 
 
 T LIFE AND TIMES 
 
 ^vS' 
 
 ANn n . fr. 
 
 Ol* THl 
 
 30N GREPvxN, D.D. 
 
 ■'EN BY HIMSELF, 
 
 AT TH» 
 
 
 rOROS'TO CONFERENCE, 
 
 ' HURCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE 
 NUATION FUND. 
 
 Ax ,t NBLLES, D.D., LLM, 
 
 t fer iw *not», «fl% t««tH)| t|«« b)< $«f„ ,„«. 
 
 •.=!i 
 
 TORONTO f 
 
 AT -JliE METHODISl' BOOK ROOM. 
 1877. 
 
TuisuK imtyxU nawin* y3^;j»(TWBr sxv 
 
THE LIFE AND TIMES 
 
 OV THl 
 
 REV. ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 WRITTEN BY HIMSELF, 
 
 AT THK 
 
 IJEQUEST OF THE TORONTO CONFERENCE, 
 
 AND PRESENTED TO THE CHURCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE 
 SUPERANNUATION FUND. 
 
 WITH AN IlTTaODUOTION BT 
 
 THE REV, S. S. NELLES, D,D., LLJ). 
 
 PrnidmM of Vietoria College. 
 
 qpeafc t(«t itt Ho hutb, untt tnifta ttit bu ^tbt mtn. 
 
 TORONTO : 
 
 PUBLISHED AT THE METHODIST BOOK ROOM. 
 
 1877. 
 
 ^a^^^^ 
 
Bsni 
 
 (S-f?if£/\^ /9 
 
ToBONTO, July 11th, 1876. 
 BiY. Anbon Obxsn, D.D. 
 
 Bbv. and Dbar Dr. — It affords me much pleaiure to 
 send you the following copy of a resolution passed on the 20th 
 of June, 1876, at the Toronto Conference of the Methodist 
 Church of Canada, held in the Gleorge Street Church, in the 
 town of Peterborough, Ont 
 
 I am, 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 WM. BRIQGS, 
 
 Seeretary of Oonffrmee. 
 
 Moved by Rev. Joseph Sanderson, M.A., 
 Seconded by Rev. William Youno, and carried, — 
 
 " That whereas it is in the knowledge of members of 
 this Conference that the Rev. Anson Qreen, D.D., has in his 
 possession important records and personal recollections of events 
 pertaining to the early history of our Church in Canada ; and 
 whereas Dr. Green has been for more than half a century 
 identified with the work of our Church throughout this land, 
 and considering it desirable that such records be given to the 
 Church and the world from his own pen, therefore Resolved, 
 That Dr. Qreen be urgently requested by this Conference to 
 prepare and publish, at his earliest convenience, a volume of 
 such reminiscences." 
 
(S 
 
>7 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 |o writingR are more valuable than those which give 
 a faithful picture of the early history of a people. 
 At later periods the sources of information multiply, but 
 the origin of things is often shrouded in impenetrable 
 obscurity. Records not having been made at the time, the 
 materials cannot subsequently be recovered. Canadians 
 should be mindful of this fact now, and encourage all well- 
 directed efforts to furnish any memoirs, narratives, or 
 sketches, however fragmentary, that serve to throw light on 
 the primitive times when 
 
 *' The rudiments of empire 
 
 Were plastic yet and warm, 
 The chaos of a mighty world 
 Then rounding into form." 
 
 Among the early moulding forces of the Canadian nation 
 nothing has been more powerful or more beneficent ' than 
 Methodism. All honour to the other Churches now working 
 so effectively in the common field, but the praise of pioneer- 
 ing, of preachixig the Gospel in " the regions beyond," this, 
 in Canada, as in America at large, belongs peculiarly to 
 Methodism. 
 
 These memoirs of the Life and Times of Dr. Green are a 
 very interesting and valuable contribution to this phase dt 
 
INTRODUCTIOlf. 
 
 Cftnadian history. The venerable author, though now 
 advanoed in years, still lingers among us as one of the few 
 surviving labourers in the great work of founding Christian 
 ohurolies in this onoe northern wilderness. 
 
 Those of us who inherit the fruits of such labours cannot 
 cherish too fondly the memory of the men who have done 
 so much to make Canada what she is to-day, and what she 
 is destined more and more to become— one of the freest and 
 happiest of the nations of the globe. We should be blind 
 as well as unpatriotic not to recognise, I will not merely 
 say the usefulness, but the greatness, of these pioneers. 
 There are many forms of greatness, but into all true great- 
 ness there must enter something of courage, self-reliance, 
 unselfishness, and persevering toil amid discouragement and 
 hardship. Such virtues we find in the early preachers of 
 this country. Their highest qualitiea were doubtless of a 
 moral kind, and sprang from their Christian principles, but 
 the moral and religious power of the men was often accom- 
 panied by intellectual abilities of a high order. We find it 
 hard to understand how a man could be a student, much 
 less an extensive scholar, and live on horseback, but 
 between living on horseback and on a railway car, the 
 former is in our judgment the moi*e favourable of the two, 
 not oaly to mental vigour, but even to mental discipline. 
 Books and newspapers were not so abundant in those days, 
 but the few books were more thoroughly mastered, and the 
 reading was made fruitful by meditation. Educational dis- 
 advantages were often compensated by native talent im- 
 proved by self-culture and inspired with religious devotion ; 
 and these again were brought into freer play by the very 
 •QndiUon^ of the country aaid the enterprising methods of 
 an itinerant ministry. 
 
 The open air, the vigorous exertion, the wild scenery, the 
 l^bitual converse with nature in her changes of season and. 
 
tMTBODtTOTlO!*. 
 
 H» 
 
 her varying mooda of sunshine and storm, the robustness (A 
 frame and freshness of spirit which belong to such a life, 
 the sense of freedom, the unity of aim, the occasional dangers 
 by flood and field, and above all, the spirit of the cross with 
 the purifying effect of self-denials borne for Christ and hi* 
 Gospel, these and like causes served to give even ordinary 
 men an extraordinary power, and to clothe extraordinary 
 men with a kind of heroic grandeur. The same influences 
 and conditions preserved these men from some faults and 
 malformations which cleave too naturally to the clerical 
 ch, %cter when joined to a sedentary life and a narro^' 
 range of reading. It was a futther advantage that along 
 with their hardy itinerancy they were called also to the 
 work of ecclesiastical organization, and of doing battle 
 betimes for civil rights. Thus they added to the graces of 
 the Christian, and the gifts of the preacher, something of 
 the capacities and habits of the statesman, and acquired a 
 symmetry and healthy completeness of manhood which 
 belong neither to the devotee nor the worldling. 
 
 As regards eloquence, of which in our day we hear so 
 much and see so little, we recall with a kind of wonderment 
 the melting power and simple grandeur of thoie old pioneer* 
 preachers. They were no doubt specially raised up and 
 qualified for their great work. Their religious conversion 
 was generally striking, and their call to preach clearly 
 marked, and the new spiritual life breaking in upon their 
 souls, like a divine revelation, became the source of new 
 energies, both of thought and speech. It was aH eloquence 
 bom of the baptism of fire. The convejsions among the 
 people were often of the same marvellous type. Common 
 experiences made common sympathies, and th^se sympathies 
 were not chilled by the critical and doubting spirit of our 
 time. The cardinal truths of the Gospel were proclaimed 
 with remarktible distinctness and simplicity, and when 
 
(S 
 
 HK2!Zr2ES2 
 
 Till 
 
 iirrEODUCTioN. 
 
 ' 
 
 pressed home upon the conscience -with urgent appeals, and 
 the now old-fashtoned and well-nigh obsolete methods of 
 exhortation, the word was with power. The divine unctioi* 
 was more than rhetoric. «nd the want of cultured tastes 
 among those who heard did but give greater freedom and 
 fervour to religious sensibilities. It was as if the windows 
 of heaven were opened and the fountains of the great deep 
 broken up. Preachers and people were alike exalted 
 beyond the common moods of life, and brought again to the 
 verge of that apostolic day when the pentecostal showers 
 fell and the first disciples saw the tongues of flame. 
 
 No more affecting seasons are to be found in the histoiy 
 of the Church than those long-remembered quarterly occa 
 sions and camp-meetings when these devoted itinerant 
 preachers met with the multitudes gathered from places far 
 and near — ^gathered not by easy pleasure trips on steamboat 
 or railway, but by serious, honest pilgrimages in heavy 
 "^Bt^gouB over rough woodland roads. The vast congrega- 
 tions were swayed as the summer corn is swayed by the 
 wind, their hearts warmed and stirred as the streams under 
 the breath of spring. The converting power still abides 
 with the Churches, and a variety and fulness of instruction 
 not available in the former days, "but the startling conver- 
 sion of daring transgressors, followed by a burning intensity 
 of devotion, the moral revolutions putting believers in 
 marked and courageous contrast with surrounding ungod- 
 liness, together with a certain awfulness overhanging the 
 dispensation of God's grace, and felt both by saint and 
 sinner, and transferred also to the preacher as the messenger 
 of grace, these are either not known now, or, if known, fail 
 to draw atttention as in the days when the rarity of Chris- 
 tian privileges, and the simple ways of the people, made 
 the coming of a minister like the visit of an angel, and the 
 conversion of a soul like a miracle from heaven. 
 
timioDucjtioif. 
 
 ix 
 
 istoi7 
 r occa 
 aerant 
 
 ces fai 
 imboat 
 
 heavy 
 agrega- 
 
 by the 
 
 under 
 
 abideii 
 iruction 
 
 conver- 
 
 Ltensity 
 
 jvers in 
 ungod- 
 ring the 
 tiixt and 
 messenger 
 iwn, faU 
 ,f Chris- 
 Le, made 
 and the 
 
 Having been permitted to read a portion of these 
 memoirs I ha'^e found them of great interest to myself, and 
 I most heartily recommend them to others. The author 
 speaks of matters that came under his own observation, and 
 that belong to his own experience, some of Caem facts and 
 incidents of moment to all Canadians, and not likely to be 
 presented, or, at least, so faithfully presented elsewhere. 
 The Rev. Dr. Gieen has had a lengthy ministerial career, 
 and besides doing his part in the rougher itinerant work 
 has filled all the higher positions in the gift of his Church. 
 He has enjoyed, to a remarkable degree, the confidence of 
 his brethren. While holding an eminent place as a 
 preacher he has, perhaps, distinguished himself yet more 
 highly in the legislative and financial schemes of the Church, 
 and has repeatedly been called to represent the Connexion 
 on important missions both to the English and American 
 Conferences. His great penetration, his uniform self- 
 possession, his wide experience, his dignified and courteous 
 bearing, together with an imposing presence, all eminently 
 qualified him for these onerous and delicate^duties. If he 
 had not become a Methodist minister he might easily have 
 risen to eminence as a financier or a diplomatist, and even 
 a Methodist minister is the better of a capacity for both the 
 one and the other. May his venerable form still continue 
 to grace the Conference platform, and may this little volume, 
 with its simple instructive narratives, and its often touching 
 pictures of Canadian and Methodistic life, have a wid« 
 circulation. 
 
 S. S. N. 
 Victoria Univebsitt, 
 
 March 3rd, 1877. 
 
d 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 JHE author presents this narrative to the reader with 
 much diffidence, and under a deep sense of its many 
 imperfections. He has always endeavoured to meet the 
 wishes and comply with the demands of his Conference in 
 everything : the foregoing resolution will therefore plead his 
 excuse for coming before the public in this way. Had the 
 Conference made this request two or three years earlier, 
 when he had more time and strength, he might have done 
 his Church better service, and himself more credit. During 
 the fifty-three years of his ministry he has been in the 
 habit of keeping journalistic jottings, not for the public eye, 
 but for his own amusement and improvement. These jot- 
 tings now- would fill more than a thousand such pages as 
 these, and not having time and strength to write a new 
 book, he has made such abridgments of, and extracts from, 
 his journal as he trusts may give the reader a glimpse of 
 the past, and r&icue some achievements from threatened 
 oblivion. This will account for the fact that some events, 
 long since passed, are written in the present tense. In pre- 
 senting these events, he has followed down the stream of 
 his own life and times, in order the better to describe the 
 circuits and districts on which he has laboured j and present 
 a consecutive view of the transactions of his times. 
 
 The present and rising generations know but little of th^ 
 privations and persecutions which some of us, and our people, 
 were called to endure fifty years ago ; and the writer has 
 
dlli 
 
 zu 
 
 PREFACS. 
 
 endeavoured, in the briefest manner possible, to furnish 
 such facts concerning the Clergy Reserves, and the efforts for 
 a State Church, as will give some idea of the unrivalled in- 
 fluence exerted by the Methodist people to secure that state of 
 religious liberty and equality which we now so happily enjoy. 
 
 The author is a Methodist, not by birth and education, 
 but from conviction aiid choice ; and he has written in a 
 plain way for a plain people. He respects and reveres 
 other Churches, and trusts he has not offended them by 
 speaking well of his own. He has seen great changes 
 during his ministry. Some of his week-day appointments 
 have now become heads of circuits, and some of his circuits 
 embrace whole districts. Had Dunham or Case, White- 
 head or Metcalf, left a history of his own life and times, 
 written by his own hand, with what relish would we now 
 peruse such a work. Dr. Carroll and Mr. Playtor have 
 done good service to the Church, but the resources are not 
 exhausted. Our aged ministers are swiftly passing away, 
 and what they do must be done quickly. If the following 
 pages contribute to the happiness of any, the author will be 
 rewarded for his effort. 
 
 As the writer has devoted his whole life and energies in 
 promoting the interests of his Church, he feels it right to 
 give this work to her also. He has therefore presented it 
 to our Book Room to be published for the benefit of the 
 superannuated ministers, widows, and orphans, of the 
 Toronto, London, and Montreal Conferences, reserving to 
 himself a few volumes only for personal distribution. 
 
 The frontispiece is from a plate engraved for the Weslei/an 
 Magazine in 1855, and is too young for the author now, but 
 not for him during three-fourths of the period about which 
 he has written. 
 
 ToEONTO, March 1st, 1877. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Academy, 140, 160, 196, 201, 206 ; Opening, 211, 217, 234 270 307 
 
 Aatronomy, 272, 307, 374, 376. ' 
 
 Atlantic Cable, 372. 
 
 Arnold Family, 186, 193. 
 
 Arthur, Wm., 361, .362, 363, 373. 
 
 Augusta District, 164, 168, 173. 
 
 Ancaster Circuit, 84, 91, 114. 
 
 Arianism, 97, 218. 
 
 Aikins, Senator, 388, 419, 424. 
 
 Autumnal Foliage, 367, 424. 
 
 Bishop Hedding, 40, 103. 
 
 British Columbia Mission Commenced, 373. 
 
 Boundary, North-West, 288. 
 
 Baptism, 16, 149, 404, 414. 
 
 Belton, S., 51, 134. 
 
 Breakenridge, D., 39, 50, 66. 
 
 Birthdays, 427, 60, 87, 318, 328. 
 
 Budget Family, 161. 
 
 Book Steward. 177, 277. 376, 315 ; Book Room, 177, 336. 346. 
 Brouse, M., 171. 
 
 Bears, 66 ; Battle of Sadoa, 406. 
 
 Black, J., 84, 85, 101, 103. 
 
 BrockvUle, 140, 142, 145, 148, 164. ' 
 
 Bytown, 165, 200 ; Burwell, 201. 
 
 Bay of Quinte District, 206, 209. 
 
 Bloomfield, 34, 76. 
 
 Case, Wm., 33. 64, 59. 192, 311, 355, 356. 
 
 Cholera, 156, 186, 326. 
 Clarke, Watson and Drew Died, 168, 178 
 Clergy Reserves, 98, 126. 164, 189. 202, 212, 221, 226. 332, 334. 
 
■0 
 
 jAr 
 
 tKDIt. 
 
 i' 
 
 Cobourg, 49, 67, 217, 218, 220, 
 Cratnahe, 49, 53. 
 Cavan, 61. 
 
 Camp-meetings:— Adol., 62, 78 ; Cramahe, 69 ; Briar Hill, 193 ; 
 Grimsby, 238 ; Ancaster, 33 ; Round Lake, 438, 444 ; Sea 
 Cliff, 440. 
 Chapter of Accidents, 65, 120. 
 
 Christian Advocate Started, 90 ; Qaardian Started, 135. 
 Church Organized, 121. 
 
 Centenary, English, 225, 228; American, 405. 
 College Reform, 271, 376, 377, 390. 
 Comet, 321. 
 Cold Summer, 4. 
 Canada, 31, 32, 86, 125. 
 Coats, J., 85. 
 
 Conversion, 6, 9, 447 ; Clarke, .328 ; Wright, 352, 116. 
 Cencus, Religious, 317, 384, 4;i5 ; Cobourg. 216. 
 City Road, 349. 
 Conscience, 55. 
 
 Called Out of Bed to Preach, 34; To the Ministry, 41. 
 Corner Stones, 416, 417, 419. 
 Carroll, J., 217, 358, 384, 389, 413. 
 Conference, 44 ; General, 140, 441 ; Special, 240 ; Dissolved, 434 ; 
 
 English, 290, 311, 314, 339, 345 ; Toronto, 438, 443, 446 ; 
 
 American General, 274, 312, 315, 339 ; Evangelical AUiancD, 
 
 297, 429 ; In Washington, 431. 
 Centenary and Missionary Meetings, 228, 231, 241, 258, 262, 26{), 
 
 406. 
 Captain Fritchard, 420. 
 Cochran, 425. 
 Clerical Debate, 157, 218. 
 
 Cook, Peleg, 16, 338 ; Cook, Mrs. J. and H., 428. 
 Committee on Church Property, 442. 
 
 Dr. Bunting, 241, 296, 308, 363 ; Death, 371. 
 
 Dr. Ryerson, 135, 241, 271, 273, 274, 275, 278, 279, S35, 410, 413, 
 
 433, 441. 
 Dr. Alder, 160, 183, 227, 240, 246, 294, 295, 296, 309, 3iO. 
 Dr. Wood, 310, 386, 399, 404, 409, 438. 
 Dr. Punshon, 412, 413, 421, 424, 427. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 XV 
 
 Dr. Richey, 199, 227, 310, 316, 376, 406. 
 
 Dr. Nellea, 372, 377, 378, 394, 412, 413, 433. 
 
 Dr. Stinson, 177, 226, 263, 370, 377, 379, 383, 388 ; Funeial, 389. 
 
 Dr. Taylor, 229, 273, 277, 402, 404, 409, 412, 419. 
 
 Dr. Rice, 389, 428, 433. 
 
 Dr. Douglas, 439. 
 
 Dr. JeflFers, 399, 394. 
 
 Douae, John, 217, 341. 
 
 Daughter's Death, 395 ; Sisf^^er's Death, 119, 248. 
 
 Dedication of Churches : — Cobourg, 66 ; Kemptville, 179 ; Perth, 
 
 ^ 182 ; Mansel, 189 ; Merrickville, 198 ; Port Hope, 207 ; 
 
 Carrying Place, 209 ; Cramahe, 211 ; Oakville, 239 ; Barrie, 
 247, 399 ; Georgetown, 249 ; Simcoe, 258 ; Plains, 269 ; 
 
 i;^ Esqnesing, 273 ; Peterborough, 343 ; Yorkville, 849 ; Aurora, 
 
 360 ; Milton, 350 ; Guelph, 357 ; Picton, 358 j Brampton, 
 378 ; Eden, 386 ; Drummondville, 394 ; St. Catharines, 394 ; 
 Meadowvale, 396 ; Claremont, 397 ; Collingwood, 399 : Ham- 
 ilton, 40^ ; Faulkners, 415 ; Newcastle, 410 ; Newmarket, 
 368 ; Mount Pisgah, 418 ; Metropolitan, 421 ; Wardsville, 
 425 ; York, 419, 386 ; Thornhill, 342 ; Richmond Hill, 324 ; 
 Bethany, 390 ; Glenallen, 387 ; Kars, 389 ; Elora, 390 ; 
 Teston, 421. 
 
 Dunham, 63. 
 
 Doctrinal DiflBculties, 13, 91. 
 
 Dancing, 7, 381. 
 
 Dundas Street, 85 ; Collei^e, 433. 
 
 Employing Talent, 21, 268, 356. 
 EderRyan, 38, 106, 110, 137. 
 Educational Difficulties, 26, 73. 
 Evangelical Alliance, 292, 297, 429, 433. 
 Easter Difficulties, C85. 
 Elizabetbtown, 146. 
 Ernestown, 201, 121. 
 Exciting Events, 270, 271, 272, 273. 
 
 First Conference, 44 ; Anniversary, 71 ; Ride on Steamboat, 123. 
 
 Fearful Visitation, 21. 
 
 Fire in Toronto, 321. 
 
 Four Days' Meetings, Origin of, 148, 191, 196, 
 
dr 
 
 tri 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Fraternal Meeting with the Kirk, 412. 
 
 Funerals at Sea, 346 ; Funeral of a Drunkard, 61. 
 
 Five Pointa of Doctrine, 91, 14. 
 
 Fort George, 124. 
 
 Father's Consent, 16, 61, 120. 
 
 Fasting, 77, 168, 860. 
 
 Ferrier, Senator, 353, 870, 424. 
 
 Gulf Stream, 864. 
 
 Gold Discovered in California, 322. 
 
 General Assembly, Addresses to, 416. 
 
 Great Eclipse, 4. 
 
 Gage, James, 91, 93, 111. 
 
 Held Back from Danger, 329, 347. 
 Hannahsville, 87, 263, 267, 422. 
 Hallowell Circuit, 30, 73, 77, 207, 368. 
 Hamilton, 87, 127, 1:67. 
 Healy Ezra, 68. 138, 330. 
 Hopkirs, 94, 98, 263, 44.3. 
 Howard, I. B., 368. 
 Harper, E. B., 368, 426. 
 
 Irvingism, 200, 210. 
 
 Indian Conversion, 33, 70 ; Schools, 402 ; First Baptism, 32, 
 
 Infidels Converted, 194, 406 ; Deaths, 179. 
 
 Insanity, Cause of, by Dr. Workman, 402, 404. 
 
 Ireland, 303 ; Distance to, 367. 
 
 Johnson Family, 269. 
 
 Japan, 424, 425, 427. 
 
 Joined the Church, 13 ; In Canada, 30. 
 
 Jones, R., 117, 277, 375, 401, 404. 
 
 King William IV., 142, 153 ; Death of, 213. 
 Kingston, 80, 220, 378. 
 
 Last Sabbath at Home, 28 ; In Adelaide Church, 418. 
 License to Exhort, 21 ; Preach, 37, 40, 62, 64. 
 LaveU, C, 414 ; Lavell, Dr., 37a 
 
INPKX. 
 
 xtU 
 
 Local PreAohen, 62, 64, 276. 
 Lord Sydenham, 248, 284, 232. 
 Lord Lindaay'a Dahlia, 229. 
 
 Memory of Early Days, 4. 
 
 Marriage, 87, 127 ; Bill, 163. 
 
 Marsdon, G., 176. 
 
 Montreal, 199, 826, 843. 
 
 Matilda, 173. 
 
 Metropolitan Church, 413, 417, 421, 423, 44L 
 
 Morrow, Major, 440. 
 
 Meeting Houses, 79. 
 
 Metoalf, F., 61, 72, 81, 138, 162, 332; Metoalf, J., 863. 
 
 Madden, 118, 184. 
 
 My Mother's Grave, 120, 837, 404. 
 
 Middleburgh, 336, 446. 
 
 MUlerites, 271. 
 
 My First Eucharist, 17; Quarterly Meeting, 17; Lovefeaat, 19; 
 
 Sermon, 34, 36 ; Circuit, 48 ; Appointment, 49 ; First Before 
 
 Father, 60. 
 Meeker, W. H., 404. 
 
 Neal, 117. 
 
 Napoleon, 320, 300. 
 
 Niagara Falls, 98 ; Table-rock, 333. 
 
 New Year, 94, 112, 136, 189, 210, 288, 334. 
 
 Narrow Escape, 118, 121, 233,234, 312. 
 
 1 Ordination, 103, 107, 139. 
 [Owen Sound, 279, 433. 
 
 resident of Conference, 262, 392. 
 'residing Elder, 102, 161 ; Changed, 263, 278. 
 i*addock, 122. 
 ?aper Money, Origin of, 401. 
 
 jperty Lost, 26. 
 Predictions, 317. 
 
 Politics, 96, 113, 128, 164, 170, 189, 202, 217, 221, 247. 
 political Party Names in England, 198, 364. 
 ?oole, W. H., 378, 414. 
 
■p 
 
 xviil 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Prince Coniort'i Death, 386. 
 
 Preientfttion, 111, 3S6. 
 
 Privy Couno'l DeoUion in Choroh Matters, 4001 
 
 Patrick, A., 336 , Patrick, Wm., 187. 
 
 Protection in Danger, 217, 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 226, 283, 244 
 
 247, 312 
 Peterborough, 60, 208, 217, 343. 
 Parliament Defends the Conference, 130. 
 Paris, 299, 311, 348. 
 Potts, J., 413, 429. 
 Port Hope, First Sermon, 49, 67. 
 Pastoral Visiting, 109, 362. 
 
 Qnebeo, 361, 363. 
 Quakers, 37. 
 
 Ruben's Descent from the Cross, 301. 
 
 Rebellions, 214 ; India, 369 ; Manitoba, 414. 
 
 Representatives, 294, 348, 362. 
 
 Representatives to General Conference, 276, 312, 339. 
 
 Religious Chart, 83, 113, 129, 131. 
 
 Ryerson, W., 212, 246, 291, 309, 343. 
 
 Ryerson, J., 102, 133. 249, 266, 299, 309, 316, 436. 
 
 Restoration to the Piilpit, 331. 
 
 Rose, S., 160, 262, 389, 394, 401. 
 
 Reunion, 250, 291, 299, 302, 306, 343. 
 
 Revival in Nelson, 107 ; Cobourg, 217. 
 
 Sabbath Schools, 80, 107, 140. 
 
 Street Preaching on Horseback, 69. 
 
 Selah, 381. 
 
 Seasickness, 123, 146, 306, 313. 
 
 Statistics, 122, 162, 178, 193, 339, 380, 411, 413, 436. 
 
 Scotland, 303. 
 
 Springer, 89. 
 
 Stage Upset, 121. 
 
 Toronto Diatrieb, 237 ; City, 181, 279. 
 ThomhUl, 212, 284. 
 Tedious Ride, 171, 199, 361. 
 Temperance, 61, 112, 141, 147, 164. 
 
nn>Kz. 
 
 ThompgoD, Mn., 81. 
 Tibbota, 837. 
 TrftotftrijuM, 261, 262. 
 
 Univeraity Reform, 390, 271. 
 
 Union with English Conferenoe. 169. 239 
 
 Union with other Bodiea, 418, 424, 441. 
 
 Victoria CoUege, 247, 264, 332. 371, 887. 
 
 Waterloo, 300. 
 
 WooBter, Calvin, 147. 
 
 Wesley on a State Church, 191 
 
 War in U. 8. A., 381, 400. 
 
 Williams, J., 167; W. H., 161. 
 Witness of the Spirit, 12. 
 WUson, J., 67. 
 Whitehead, 28a 
 Washington, Visit to, 432. 
 Wilkinson, H., m, 207. 286, 386. 
 Wntmg Sermons, 824, 373. 
 
 Young, G., 410. 
 Young, Wm 410 
 
 idx 
 
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LIFE AND TIMES 
 
 or TBI 
 
 REV. ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 EARLY DAYS — CHURCH RELATIONS. 
 
 WAS born on the 27th of September, 1801, and 
 born again on the 27th of October, 1819. T^e 
 former was an important event, but would have proved an 
 endless curse without the latter. Our old famUj name in 
 England was Clark ; but the mutations of time and the 
 change of property often produce a change of name, hence 
 mine became Green. The old name has always been ven- 
 erated in the family, therefore my oldest brother was called 
 Clark. 
 
 My paternal grandfather's name was Isaac. He had 
 three sons. My uncles, James and Benjamin, settled in 
 Rhode Island, where the latter filled the office of Judge for 
 25 years ; but Joseph, my father, went to the State of 
 New York, married Miss Lydia Vorce, and settled on a farm 
 , in Middleburgh, Schoharie, where I was born. My father 
 was an honest, upright man, but made no profession of reli- 
 I gion. He abhorred profane or debasing language, and inflicted 
 his first chastisement on me for calling my sister a devil. 
 I When first I attended school he gave me such a lecture on 
 
c 
 
 
 Mm i 
 
 (!1 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 honeaty as I can never forget. In company with my school- 
 mates, I had picked up some early apples under a tree 
 where they had fallen in great profusion. On meeting my 
 father I hastened, with childish pride, to offer him a ripe 
 apple, supposing I would get great praise. But how sadly 
 was I disappointed when he asked, " Where did you got 
 that apple 1 " On being told, he fixed his bright blue eyes 
 upon me and said, " So you have been stealing, have you ! 
 I'll eat none of your stolen fruit, and your mamma will 
 make your back smart if she finds we have a thief in the 
 family." This was the first intimation to my innocent 
 mind that I had done wrong, and the thought of being a 
 thief filled me with sadness. I threw my delicious apples 
 into a maple grove, and walked home with a hoavy heart. 
 HoAiv timely this caution against venial ofiences ! Never 
 since have I seen lads picking up apples under a tree but 
 this rebuke has come distinctly before me. 
 
 My memory of early days is very vivid. I have a dis- 
 tinct recollection of three events which occurred the day I 
 was four years old, and of others which must have taken 
 place prior to that day. I well remember tlie great eclipse 
 which occurred on the 1 6th of June, 1806. The workmen left 
 the fields and amused themselves in gazing at the stars. 
 The birds ceased their songs, the fowls went to roost, and the 
 cattle lay down for their night's rest. On the 9 th of June, 
 1816 — ^that fearfully cold summer — we were surprised to see 
 snow deep enough to allow one man to drive four miles and 
 back in his sleigh. For three nights the ice formed a 
 quarter of an inch thick, and leaves were falling as they do 
 in autumn. Dark spots were seen on the sun, and farmers 
 f«ared their fruit was spoiled and their crops destroyed. 
 But the dark spots disappeared, the crops measurably 
 recovered, and we realized the truth of God's woid, which 
 {^ssurew us that "while the earth remaineth seedtime and 
 
1819.] 
 
 DEATH OF MT MOTHEH. 
 
 harvest, and cold and heat, and sammer and winter, and 
 day and night, shall not cease." 
 
 On the 13th of AprU of this gloomy year, my dear 
 mother died when only fifty years old, and I but fourteen 
 and a-half. She was my best earthly friend, and the loss 
 was irreparable. She died happy, and her triumph over 
 the last enemy surprised me much. She was the only 
 piouB member of our family, and I missed her pious ex- 
 ample and godly admonitions. Sunday-schools were then 
 in their infancy, and but little known in any part of the 
 new world. In the winter of 1818, I was confined to my 
 bed for months with a lingering fever, during which time 
 my mind was dark and my heart hard. When spring 
 returned I measurably recovered, and began to read the 
 Scriptures with more relish. Religious enjoyment was 
 low in the place, and prayer-meetings neglected until the 
 summer of 1819, when two pious females, Mrs. Roger Gale 
 and Mrs. Stephen Joice, came to the village and commenced 
 holding female prayer-meetings. Mrs. Joice possessed 
 remarkable gifts in prayer and exhortation, and she used 
 them with marked success. The fire soon began to burn, 
 and the brethren sought and obtained admittance to these 
 meetings. On one Thursday evening in August my 
 youngest sister asked my brother and me to accompany her 
 to the prayer-meeting, which we did ; and I found the 
 service most impressive and solemn. My sister was prayed 
 for as the young woman who had left the ball-room. On 
 Sunday evening we went' again, and found the Bchool-house 
 quite full. During the services my sister arose and asked 
 a local preacher present to pray for her, and while Mr. 
 Joice was pouring out his soul to God in prayer for her, 
 
 Betsy C and Maria F ■ ■ ■ went and kneeled, one on 
 
 either side of her ! These being leading young women, their 
 example produced a great sensation, and others, in different 
 
LIFE AND TIMES 09 ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 parts of the house, began to cry for mercy. My brother 
 Andnis was among the penitents. The house seemed, 
 filled with the Divine presence, and tears came to my own 
 eyes. I was pressed by the Spirit to follow the example of 
 others, and kneel for prayer ; but my proud heart said, wait 
 for a calmer moment, you can do better alone than in this 
 excitement. I yielded to temptation, and left the house. 
 But, oh ! the bitterness of heart, which I felt was oppres- 
 sive, and for the first time in my life I went down upon my 
 knees, sincerely, to ask for pardon. The moment was an 
 eventful one. While I was weeping without, scores of my 
 young companions were crying for mercy within. But if 
 sinners wept on earth, angels rejoiced in heaven. The 
 Holy Ghost had come to "reprove the world of sin, of 
 righteousness, and of judgment," and His reproofs brought 
 pungent conviction for our transgressions, convinced us of 
 our dangerous course, and suggested the remedy. It is the 
 prerogative of the Spirit to convince and convict the sinner 
 without his consent, and it may be, contrary to his desire 
 and in- opposition to his will. But woe to the man who 
 resists this heavenly Visitor ! God never converts a sinner 
 without both his concurrence and ardent desire, expressed, 
 it may be, by cries and tears, but always by " repentance 
 towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." Nor is 
 the Holy Spirit confined to one method in bringing sinners 
 to himself. He often speaks in " a still smdll voice " — in- 
 vites, allures, impresses. If these influences bring the 
 prodigal home, well ; if not, he is taken to Sinai and made 
 to hear the thunderings of a broken law, amidst scenes which 
 made even Moses "exceedingly fear and quake." When 
 Christ knocks at the door of the heart it is always best to 
 let Him in at once ; for if we grieve the Holy Ghost by 
 putting oflf our repentance to " a more convenient season," 
 we may expect to be beaten with many stripes, and have a 
 
1819.] 
 
 DANGEROUS DELAY. 
 
 dreary night of sorrow before the morning dawns. This was 
 my case. I was disgusted with the excitement of the 
 house, and resolved that T would seek the Lord alone. Still, 
 I was convinced that I ought to ask the prayers and assist< 
 ance of the Church in this weighty matter. Had I done so, 
 and publicly kneeled for prayer as others did, I might, like 
 them, have obtained peace in a few days or hours. But my 
 proud heart said no : and I was left for two dreary months 
 to bear my sorrows alone. 1 went home that memorable 
 night pensive and sad, brought my burdened heart of grief 
 to the Lord in my closet, and resolved to lead a new life. 
 I prayed daily, and sometimes earnestly, for light and 
 peace, but strangely allowed myself to be deluded with the 
 idea that I could obtain salvation and serve God by myself 
 without any assistance from the Church. This is the rock 
 on which the good desires of thousariAls have been wrecked ; 
 and on this dangerous rock I came very near dashing my 
 hopes to pieces, and losing all my desires for salvation. 
 Bat God, who is rich iti mercy, and willeth not the death of 
 the sinner, graciously interposed to prevent it. I now see 
 the hand of God in all his dealings with me during these 
 dark hours, and can have no doubt but he designed me to 
 take some part in building up and strengthening that very 
 Church which I then so foolishly slighted, and whose prayers 
 and counsels I refused to request. 
 
 But while I was thus halting and temporizing between 
 the Church and the world ; between God and the best 
 interests of my soul, the world was not idle. Many efforts 
 were made to check the revival, and draw the young con- 
 verts, and those who were seriously inclined, away to the 
 follies and amusements of the world. One evening we were 
 all invited to a social tea at the house of the village majris" 
 trate. The young converts, not suspecting that any trap was 
 laid for them, went to rae^t their friends as aforetime. The 
 
I 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 evening passed away very pleasantly for a season ; then a 
 tiddler was smuggled in, and commenced playing in another 
 room ! The sound of the violin was the sign for a general 
 movement : the giddy ones all hastened to the dance, while the 
 converts, as promptly as though the thing had been previously 
 arranged, all got themselves ready and started for home. 
 I belonged to neither party and was in a strait, not knowing 
 what to do. I did not belong to the Church, for I had 
 slighted her counsels and refused her aid. I did not belong 
 to the world, for I had resolved to abandon its follies and 
 give myself to God. After a little I awoke from my reverie 
 to find myself entirely alone in the room. Instinctively I 
 arose, hastened to the ball-room, selected my partner, and 
 began to dance ! But my heart was not there. My con- 
 science upbraided me, and I knew I was doing wrong. As 
 soon as the music stopped I handed my partner to the 
 sofa, left the room and started for home. The truth is, my 
 dearest friends had left, and my heart and judgment went 
 with them. I entertained a strong conviction that they 
 had taken the wisest course ; and, at the same time, I felt 
 such a disgust with, and contempt for, the fantastic amuse- 
 ments of the dance as induced me to decide then and there 
 to abandon forever these silly revels, with the perils and 
 vices they entail. From that time to the present I have 
 never violated that decision, nor felt the slightest desire so 
 to do. 
 
 Previous to that event, I had engaged to spend Thursday 
 evening, the 27th of October, in a social card-party with a 
 few friends, who were anxious to keep me from the prayer- 
 meeting. We were not to engage in games of chance for 
 a wager — for in my worst days I was never guilty of gam- 
 bling — but simply to spend a quiet evening in shuffling the 
 cards, which I looked upon as an innocent amusement, and 
 ft pleasant way of spending an hour. But blessed, forever 
 
1819.] 
 
 OONYERSION. 
 
 blessed be the name of God, it pleased Him in his infinite 
 goodness and tender compassion to bless me, on the after- 
 noon of that memorable day, with the pardon of my aina 
 through faith in our adorable Redeemer. This joyful 
 event made me forget the appointment with my young 
 friends until I met them going to it when I was on my way 
 to the house of God. We met, exchanged bows, said not a 
 word, but passed on in silence. 
 
 My Conversion to God was on this wise. Whenever I 
 went upon my knees to implore mercy, the compassionate 
 Redeemer did not reject me entirely, nor turn me away in 
 despair, but seemed to whisper in my ear, Are you recon- 
 ciled to the Church ? Do you love the brethren 1 You 
 have sinned against God by holding his children in contempt 
 and refusing their aid in your conversion. Christ was 
 crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, and you refuse to 
 " go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing his reproach." 
 In a word, there was a fearful struggle going on in my 
 breast between inclination and duty. My judgment and 
 conscience constantly upbraided me, saying, you should not 
 be afraid nor ashamed to let the world know that you have 
 decided for God; and let the Church feel that you have 
 confidence in its members, and regret your opposition to 
 them by publicly renouncing the world, and asking God's 
 people to help you into the pool " when the waters are 
 troubled." This my proud and stubborn heart would not 
 do, and God would not save me in my pride. But the crisis 
 was drawing nigh.^ About four o'clock p~m., while in a 
 field near my father's barn, musing upon my past life, I 
 heard a strange voice floating on the ambient air, which 
 arrested my attention. The sky was clear and serene. 
 Not a breeze disturbed the foliage of the trees, not a cloud 
 moved in the heavens. All nature seemed hushed in 
 silence, as if waiting for some great event or preparing for 
 
8 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 some startling announcement. My own mind was calm 
 and meditative. I listened to the mellowing voice which 
 came floating on the zephyrs. Whence can it come, 
 thought I. Is it the voice of God come to help my faith in 
 the struggle 1 Or is it the voice of some kind angel come 
 to remind me of the awful hell to which I am exposed 1 
 Soon I detected the accents of prayer. It was the voice 
 of my brother praying for me. He had retired to a 
 grove for secret prayer, but, like good old John Knox 
 praying alone in a field, saying, "Give me Scotland or I 
 die," he had let his voice go out with his heart towards 
 heaven in fervent prayer for a halting brother. Oh ! 
 thought I, what a change in that man ! There must surely 
 be a transforming power in God's Spii'it which I have never 
 experienced, and, by the help of Him who came into the 
 world to save sinners, I am resolved to have it at any 
 sacrifice. Immediately I entered the barn, kneeled upon a 
 bunch of corn stalks, and smote upon my breast crying, 
 " God be merciful to me a sinner." The moment was an 
 anxious one, and the interest at stake tremendous. I had 
 broken off my outward sins, turned away from wicked com- 
 panions, and prayed daily for pardon. Still, I was unfor- 
 given. O where was the hindrance 1 Again the deep 
 impression came home to my anxious heart, one thing thou 
 lackest. Will you kneel in public and ask the Church to 
 pray for you 1 " The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous 
 man availeth much." Yes, Lord, my heart replied ; yes, 
 anything if I may but obtain thaib pe^ce with God which 
 others enjoy. And just then and there my guilt was 
 removed, my burden taken away, and my soul comforted. 
 how sweetly the Holy Spirit whispeied to my soul, " Peace, 
 be still," " Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy 
 laden and I will give you rest," " Take my yoke upon you 
 
 |:|i: 
 
1819.] 
 
 CHANGE OF HEART. 
 
 and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye 
 shall find rest unto your souls." As soon as I took his yoke 
 and allowed my proud heart to be humbled, I did find rest ; 
 and yet I could scarcely believe that I, even I, was a Chris- 
 tian. That night I was early at church, and early at the 
 anxious seat for prayer. It was no cross for me now to be 
 upon my knees in public. I searched for my convictions, 
 they were gone; for my tears, but they would not flow. 
 God had removed the cause of my grief, and my faith laid 
 hold of the great atonement. My burden had fallen from 
 my soul like that of Bunyan's Pilgrim at the sight of the 
 cross. I marveled at the calm state of my mind, but still, 
 I coulJ scarcely dare to think I was really saved. I seemed 
 to lack the direct witness of the Spirit, or did not JvUlj 
 understand his language. But on the ensuing Sabbath the 
 whole question was settled. I went to church confident 
 that I was a new creature, for I loved the people of God, 
 felt that I had an interest in his house, in his services, and 
 in his children, which I had never felt before. But I was 
 not satisfied. The Rev. John Wate preached that morning 
 on Titus ii. 14 : " Who gave himself for us, that he might 
 redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a 
 peculiar people, zealous of good works." While he was 
 describing, in a pleasing manner, the peculiarities of God's 
 people in their experience, I said, that is just what I experi- 
 enced in my father's barn ; and at that moment I felt such 
 a flood of light, joy, and comfort flow into my soul, connected 
 with such a view of Christ upon the cross dying for ms as 
 entirely put doubt to flight. Like Wesley, " I felt my 
 heart strangely warmed within me," for the Spirit of God 
 bore witness with my spirit that / ufos a child of God. I 
 could then sing — ' 
 
 ♦1 
 
10 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 •'My (lod is reconciled, 
 
 His pardoning vuice I hear, 
 He ownb me fur his child, 
 
 I can no ]or)ger fear ; 
 With coiitidence I now draw nigh, 
 And Fathei, Abba father, cry." 
 
 The question may arise in the minds of some who read 
 this plain statement of facts, was the witness of the Spirit 
 given in my father's barn on Thursday, or not until it came 
 in the sanctuary on Sunday 1 To which I reply, it was 
 given on Thursday ; for ** being justified b}' faith, I had 
 peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ;" and " he 
 that believeth hath the witness in himself." I kner' that a 
 great change had taken place, but I had expected it in a 
 different way, and could hardly believe that I, who had been 
 praying two months for pafdon, could obtain it so easily 
 when I promised to do, what I had never intended to do — 
 to tak<i up my cross in public. The spirit of adoption was 
 surely sent into my heart when I felt my sins forgiven j 
 but it did not come in its fulness of joy until, under the 
 preaching of the word, I was fully convinced that I was not 
 mistaken ; and then it came " with joy unspeakable and 
 full of glory." I was not only satisfied, but my brethren 
 were perfectly satisfied also, that I was born again. 
 They have told me since, and even within a few years, 
 that they knew the moment well, for my ' face shone , 
 brightly and my whole countenance was changed. Let 
 not any one be troubled if he is not brought to God 
 in ^he same way as I was : for in these days of Sun- 
 day-schools and Christian training few are placed in 
 similar circumstances ; but I must think that every one 
 who is born of God has been convinced of sin and 
 convicted for his transgressions, has repented unfeignedly, 
 
 m 
 
1819.] 
 
 JOIMINO THE CHURCH. 
 
 11 
 
 believed on the Lord Jesus Christ firmly, and obtained th« 
 witness of his acceptance in Chiist. 
 
 Joining the Church. — The questions of Church fellow- 
 ship, Church doctrines, and Church government, up to this 
 happy day, had given me very little concern. I had not 
 mentioned the change to any one, but several came to me 
 after the sermon and congratulated me upon my conversion : 
 they knew it, they said, by my countenance. Before I had 
 thought seriously on the subject the people began to enquire 
 what Church I would join. One young man, Daniel 
 Garvey, a Baptist, invited himself home with me to dinner, 
 and on the way he endeavoured to indoctrinate me into the 
 mysteries of his belief. " We have no doubt," he says, " of 
 youi conversion, and you may now dismiss all anxiety and 
 feel yourself perfectly secure." You can never finally fall 
 from gmce, for Christ says of his sheep, " They shall never 
 perish." He argued for some time, but I was silent. I had 
 not studied points of doctrine, but his dogmas grated upon 
 my ear. I thought there must be another side to the 
 question, and I would examine before I decided. I could 
 not argue the points of doctrine with him, but felt sure he 
 was mistaken. His doctrines were so contrary to my own 
 experience, and my views of God and his government, that 
 I could not receive them until I had studied the Scriptures 
 more thoroughly. Indeed, his arguments had precisely the 
 opposite efiect upon me from what he intended to produce. 
 I have no doubt but the good Lord de^signed to call me to 
 the work of the "Wesleyan ministry ; for the impressions 
 which these doctrines of my friend — which were then in 
 the ascendant — made upon my mind from the first dawn of 
 my spiritual life, precluded the possibility of my believing 
 them. ' * 
 
 I entertained sentiments of respect and esteem for the 
 Baptist Church. My dear mother — the best and kindest 
 

 11' 
 
 19 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 of mothers — belonged to that people. All the religious 
 instructions I ever received in my father's family came from 
 her ; and now, though she had been more than three years 
 in her grave, her memory was more precious than ever, 
 while the recollection of her pious admonitions and example 
 made me more desirous to follow in her steps. But, on 
 the other hand, my brother, sister, and most loved com- 
 panions were Methodists. That Church had been insti*u- 
 mental in bringing me to God, in consequence of which I now 
 loved its members as sincerely as my former prejudices against 
 them had been unreasonable and hurtful. But above and 
 beyond all these considerations, there were doctrinal diffi- 
 culties in the way which were insurmountable. The dogma 
 of close communion was an offence to me. I could not 
 brook the idea of being prohibited the privilege of going to 
 the Lord's table with those servants of God who had been 
 instrumental in bringing me to my Saviour. The very 
 thought was preposterous, and every feeling of my renewed 
 nature revolted against it. 
 
 A fierce controversy was then going on between Cal- 
 vinists and Methodists. In the language of the former, 
 Wesley was a deceiver, an arch heretic, a pelagian ; and his 
 followers were a set of deluded enthusiasts. These compli- 
 ments wore laughed at by the Methodists ; but still, the 
 bitter attacks made upon their doctrines were hurled back 
 from their pulpits with arguments which, to me, appeared 
 conclusive and irrefragable. Turning to the Word of God 
 to test the doctrine of my friend Garvey, I found that Adam 
 had fallen from grace, that David was a backslider, and 
 King Saul an apostate ; that Judas betrayed his Lord, and 
 Peter denied his Saviour ; and as to the idea of falling 
 foully, but not finally, I turned t» 2 Peter ii. 21, and read, 
 I3iat " It had been better for them not to have known the 
 way of righteousness, than after they have known it to 
 
1819.] 
 
 DOCTRINAL DIFFIOULTttB. 
 
 II 
 
 turn from the holy commandmenta delivered unto them." 
 How can thib be {Msaible, thought I, if they were uUimatdy 
 to he saved ? And then turning to what Christ said con> 
 cerning those into whom the unclean spirit returned after 
 he had been driven out : " The last state of that man is 
 toorse ttian the first" (Matt. xii. 25.) These, with many 
 other Scriptures equally pointed and decisive, confirmed me 
 in my former impressions, and after two weeks my mind 
 was fully made up to join the Methodist Church, whose 
 doctrines I found to be both reasonable a*hd Scriptural. I 
 told Mr. Garvey that unless he could find a state beyond 
 the " last state " of a man, I must believe in the possibility 
 of final apostacy. 
 
 Before I joined the Church there was one point which, if 
 possible, I desired to gain — that was the consent of my 
 father. I had always made it a point of duty never to take 
 an important step in life without consulting one of my 
 parents. .My dear mother was gone, and I knew my 
 father entertained strong prejudices against the Methodist 
 Church, and how was I to obtain his consent 1 I made it a 
 subject of prayer, and the Lord, in an unexpected manner, 
 opened the way. On the 10th of November, the Rev. 
 George Coles, the junior preacher on the circuit, preached 
 in the village, and my father went to hear him. After the 
 sermon he kindly invited all who might feel inclined to 
 remain awhile for class. Nearly the whole assembly 
 remained. They expected that a large number would be 
 received into the Church, and they were curious to witness 
 the ceremony. To my great surprise and joy my father 
 remained. During the evening the minister invited all 
 those who wished to become probationers in the Church to 
 intimate their desire, and it would be attended to. Several 
 gave in their names, and then I arose and said I should 
 like to become a member of this Church if there are no 
 
14 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANBON OREKN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 I 
 
 objections. Father, have you any objectionn 1 My father 
 fixed his eyes uiK)n the floor for a moment, while all eyes 
 were fixed u[)on him. Perfect stillness reigned throughout 
 the house. Soon my venerable father arose, very deliber- 
 ately, and said : " Well, my son, you have asked me a 
 very important question, and it shall have a candid answer. 
 I have no objections to your joining the Church, provided 
 you live up to its rules and lead a Christian life ; but I 
 should be very sorry to see you join a Church and bring a 
 reproach ujjon the cause you profess to love." Well, father, 
 said I, your remarks are good, I thank you for them, and 
 will endeavour to live a Christian life. The moment was 
 an eventful one to me ; I felt the weight of father's words, 
 and of the great responsibility I had assumed. All the 
 people were solemn as eternity. They admired this little 
 episode in the ordinary proceedings of the evening ; but my 
 heart was at rest, and I was happy. 
 
 The work of reformation went on until nearly one hun- 
 dred souls had been gathered into the fold. But such was 
 the influence of the Baptists in the country that most of the 
 youth had grown up without baptism ; and many of the 
 converts were anxious to receive that sacrament. Durin^f" 
 the summer our probation expired, and we- were solemnly^ 
 received into full connection with the Church, and a day 
 appointed for Baptism. A large assembly gathered in a 
 beautiful grove on Peleg Cook's farm. Both of our minis- 
 ters were present, and the Rev. Henry Stead preached a 
 most convincing sermon on Christian baptism, showing 
 the nature of the sacrament, the mode and the subjects, 
 together with the obligations it imposed upon its recipients. 
 After which we all stepped down to the brook, where a 
 large number were baptized ; some by immersion, some by 
 sprinkling, and others kneeled in the edge of the water and 
 received it by pouring. In the afternoon, Bro. Coles 
 
1819.] 
 
 THE SACRAMENTS. 
 
 15 
 
 preached on the nature of the Ijord's Supper, after which we 
 all kneeled and received the holy Eucharist. 
 
 The entire services were replrto with interest, and were 
 unuHually solemn and impreHnive. I was much gratified 
 with the liberty given, by which each candidate was allowed 
 to choose the mode by which he or she would receive holy 
 baptism. It api>eared quite consonant with the freedom of 
 our doctrines and institutions. We preach free grace, and 
 the freedom of the human will, and why not allow persons 
 to choose the mode by which they will receive this appro- 
 priate sign and seal of their faith] — a seal by which we 
 take the solemn vows of God upon us, " and promise to 
 renounce the devil and all his works, the vain {K)mps and 
 glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same." 
 During that memorable day I received, for the first time, 
 The Holy Eucharist. I ventured* with faith and prayer 
 to receive these symbols of Christ's broken body and shed 
 blood. O what a day was that ! Such a day as old 
 Huntersland never saw before. God was in hiti word, in 
 his sacraments, and in his people. We did, indeed, " dis- 
 cern the Lord's body" — not visibly in the bread, as some 
 vainly imagine, but spiritually, by faith, as He communicates 
 himself to us when we surrender oui-selves entirely to Him 
 in this divine remembrancer. The joys of that day will 
 never be forgotten by me. Ikly soul was full of love to God 
 and sympathy for sinners. I even allowed myself to think 
 that when I told them what great things God had done for 
 me, they would believe me and turn to the blessed Redeemer 
 as I had done. But when I attempted it I soon found my 
 mistake. 
 
 My first Quarterly Meeting was at Rensselaerville. 
 Our circuit, called Schenectady, was a very large one, and 
 I desired to see the official host gathered together, and hear 
 the Presiding Elder preach. Hence I went seven miles to 
 
 f 
 
■Ml 
 
 f, .itin. 
 
 16 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819.^,. 
 
 r 
 
 M iii 
 
 
 this feast. The Rev. Samuel Merwin was our Presiding 
 Elder, and he brought the Rev. Samuel Luckey with him. 
 They both preached excellent sermons. The people had 
 come from ten to twenty miles, and I was curious to know 
 how we were all to be entertained : but soon the mystery 
 was solved. After preaching on Saturday, our ministers 
 called each leader, ascertained the number from his class, 
 and found them homes for the night. When they came to 
 our leader, they said, " Brother Joice, how many from your 
 class 1 " " About twenty," said he. Then turning to a rich 
 farmer, they said, " Brother Conkling, how many can you 
 entertain 1 " " All the Huntersland class," he promptly 
 replied. Another brother said he could take as many as 
 there were boards in his floor — at least forty. On reaching 
 my lodgings, I was curious to know how beds were to be 
 provided for us all ; but, on retiring, I found the men lying 
 on beds placed around a large room, with all their feet pointing 
 towards the centre. The melody of song, and the voice of 
 praise, were heard, in some parts of the house, until a late 
 hour. 
 
 My First Love-Feast, with the impressions it made upon 
 my mind, will never be forgotten. It reminded me of 
 Solomon's words : " Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man shar- 
 peneth the countenance of his friend." Our pjayer-meeting, 
 on Saturday evening, in which ministers, loi\al preachers, 
 exhorters, leaders, and others had taken p'3rt, gro<?tly en- 
 hanced my veneration for the official members, and increased 
 my desire for the love-feast. On my way to it, I looked 
 down upon the village and saw crowds gathering at the 
 church door, a large number of whom were not allowed to 
 enter. I felt for those who were excluded, and my thoughts 
 were carried on to the final scene when Christ Himself 
 ^' shall separate them, one from another, as a shepherd 
 divideth his sheep from the goats." How dreadful, thought 
 
1819.] 
 
 FIRST LOVE-PEAST. 
 
 17 
 
 I, to be excluded from this feast ! but how much more 
 dreadful to be excluded from that better feast — " The Mar- 
 riage Supper of the Lamb ! " 
 
 On inquiry I learned that thrre were three classes of 
 persons whom these doorkeepers were instructed to admit. 
 1. All members of the Church were admitted as a matter 
 of right. 2. All persons who were seeking the pearl of 
 great price; and, 3. Members in good standing in other 
 Churches, with serious persons not accustomed to attend 
 love-feasts. But in those days of persecution, when scoffers 
 rallied in great numbers to such places, it was deemed 
 necessary to scrutinize closely, and allow sincere persons to 
 enjoy these feasts by themselves. Hence all rude fellows of 
 (lie baser sort were excluded. When I learned the nature of 
 the case, I could not but approve of the course pursued. 
 From the large number without, I began to fear that we 
 might find but few persons within ; but, when I entered, I 
 found the large house well filled with people and with the 
 songs of praise. Prayers were offered, and then, as now, 
 bread and water were passed round by the stewards, which, 
 we were told, were not sacramental symbols, but simply 
 tokens of our mutual love. In receiving these tokens, we 
 spoke in symbolic but forcible language to each other, saying, 
 I am your friend, your fellow-pilgrim, your brother. We 
 will joyfully travel on together, mutually praying for and 
 helping each other on the road to Paradise. 
 
 This was a new school to me. I had never seen so many 
 Christians together before, and the sight greatly cheered and 
 comforted me. The speaking was lively, not a moment lost. 
 I gave in my testimony with the rest, and, from that time to 
 the present, have never attended a love-feast without eith/er 
 bearing witness to the truth or arising to do so. I told 
 them I had often read of heaven, but never saw so good a 
 representation of it as I saw there. I returned home much 
 
K f/ *^ 
 
 18 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 pleased with all I had seen, heard, and felt ; greatly encour- 
 aged to pursue the straight and narrow path which I had 
 entered, and abundantly thankful to God for having led me 
 to cast in my lot with a people whose doctrines were so 
 scriptural, whose ministry was so powerful, and whose officers 
 and members had zeal enough to travel some twenty or 
 thirty miles, over hill and dale and mountain-top, to attend 
 such means of grace. I have been thus particular in my 
 descriptions, in order to give the people of this day some 
 idea of what Methodism was fifty-seven years ago. 
 
 The method of conducting prayer and social meetings 
 during our revival, was well calculated to call out or de- 
 velop the talent of the Church. Our ministers preached 
 only once in two weeks in our village, and then passed on 
 the next morning to other appointments. The local preach- 
 ers, exhorters, and leaders then took the lead, and carried 
 on the work, while the members rallied around them. In 
 addition to the regular Sunday and Thursday evening ap- 
 pointments, cottage prayer-meetings were held in different 
 parts of the neighbourhood, designed more particularly to 
 benefit the young people. To these gatherings I always 
 managed to find my way. All these meetings were conducted 
 on the principle of freedom and general co-operation. After 
 the opening prayer and a rousing exhortation, the members 
 were all invited to use their liberty, and sing, pray, or speak 
 as the Spirit gave them utterance. All were urged to take 
 some part. I was sometimes called on to lead in prayer or 
 give a word of exhortation. I hesitated ; but when induced 
 to pray audibly, or speak to my young companions, I was 
 always blessed in the deed, and convinced that my brethren 
 were right in urging the delinquents to duty. "When I 
 looked around upon my unconverted friends, I longed for 
 their conversion. I had found the pearl df great price 
 myself, and was anxious to share it with them. I had 
 
1819.] 
 
 EMPLOYING TALENT. 
 
 19 
 
 happily dug down to the spring, and living waters came 
 bubbling up to slake my thirst for happiness, and I felt sure 
 that others might be induced to come to the same fountain. 
 To effect this I frequently exhorted them with all my heart, 
 and with tearful eyes, to come and be saved. This method 
 of calling up and employing the talents of young converts 
 soon brought to the surface five regularly licensed exhorters, 
 namely, Wm. Stead, Daniel Grippin, Seneca Gale, my brother 
 Andrus, and myself. My case was brought before the Society 
 without my knowledge or consent, and all persons present 
 voted to make me an exhorter. The minister then said to 
 me : " The Church are anxious for you to employ the talent 
 which God has given you in calling sinners to repentance. 
 You will, therefore, improve your talents as occasion 
 offers. Your printed license will come from the Presiding 
 Elder, when the quarterly meeting conference approves." 
 I scarcely knew what to say. I dared not say no, and I 
 could not say yes. I was perfectly silent. There was 
 one case among the exhorters which gave me courage. 
 D. G. was a fearful stutterer in conversation, which was 
 painful alike to himself and his hearers. But after his 
 conversion he could both, pray and exhort with marked 
 fluency and effect ! I thought if the Divine Spirit 
 can thus make the stammerer speak plainly, can he not, 
 also, make me of some use to my fellow-creatures ? and I 
 resolved to try. 
 
 A Fearful Visitation upon Incorrigible Sinners 
 made me more anxious to improve the time, and do some- 
 thing for poor fallen humanity. In the vicinity of our 
 village lived a family, in which there were three young men 
 and one young woman. During the reformation these young 
 people used their utmost influence to prevent their young 
 companions from giving their hearts to the Lord ! On 
 going home one evening from meeting, I heard them threat- 
 
ir 
 
 III r 
 
 lii. 
 
 'H ' I" 
 
 20 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON UREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 ening several parties with their endless displeasure if they 
 joined the Church. They declared to several who were 
 seriously inclined, that if they abandoned the dance and 
 became Methodists they would never speak to them again ! 
 One evening they brought nuts to the place of worship, and, 
 sitting with their hats on in time of prayer, busied them- 
 selves in cracking and eating them ! My righteous soul was 
 stirred with indignation, and I arose and poured forth such 
 earnest strains of withering reproof as made them quail 
 under it. I then invited them, in loving and persuasive 
 language, to abandon their folly and become Christians. 
 But no ! They would none of our i-eproof, but hardened 
 their hearts and stiffened their necks against the truth ; and 
 the King himself has said, " Though hand join in hand, the 
 wicked shall not go unpunished." This alarming threat was 
 literally verified in their case. The revival had about 
 ceased, the converts had been gathered into the fold ; but 
 some, who were once deeply impressed, had been wiled 
 away by these gay and Christless brothers, until they were as 
 bad as ever, and began once more to feel at ease. One day, 
 Ashley, the oldest son of this worldly family, was at work 
 on a saw-mill, full of glee and boastful of the victories 
 which he had achieved over fanaticism. But God says, 
 " When they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruc- 
 tion Cometh upon them, and they shall not escape." A 
 neighbour, who had called at the mill, was about leaving, to 
 whom Ashley said, " Stop a little, I am going to have a 
 devil of a scrape ;" and he took his dog to the pond> drove 
 it into a log which was to be drawn on to the mill by a 
 windlass. The gate was then hoisted, and while he was 
 steadying the chain around a perpendicular shaft his hand 
 was caught under it, and he cried amain to his friend, who 
 had just let>., for help ; but before his fiiend could reach him 
 the chain had lashed him to the turning shaft, and buried 
 
1819.] 
 
 AN AWPUL VISITATION. 
 
 21 
 
 its cold links in his flesh, literally crushing his life out of 
 him. Thus his devil of a scrape ended in death, and his 
 unwashed spirit was ushered into the presence of a sin- 
 avenging God. , 
 
 Soon after this sad event, both of his parents and his 
 two surviving brothers were taken sick. The parents, after a 
 little, began to recover, but the brothers grew worse. 
 One evening I was sent for — a distance of nearly two miles 
 — to sit up with them during the night. Early in the 
 evening I discovered that the eldest brother was dying. 
 Dr. Wheeler, who had been induced to remain with us for 
 the night, was called in, and said, it is too trite. He advised 
 me to broach it to his parents in their sick room, which I 
 did ; and they requested me to make it known to their son. 
 I then said to him, " Horace, how do you feel V " Very 
 poorly," was the reply. " Do you think you are near your 
 endr " No, I hope not. What do you think 1" "Well, 
 Horace, I am sorry to say you are sinking fast, and I fear 
 your days are numbered." " Is it possible ! " said he. 
 " Where is the doctor." The doctor told him, " You are 
 sinking fast, and if you have anything to do you had better 
 
 do it quickly." He then wished Lydia B sent for, to 
 
 whom he was engaged to be married. Having taken leave 
 of the family, he turned to Miss B. and said, " Lydia, this 
 is a sorry hour to us both. I am now in the valley of death, 
 but oh, how dark and gloomy ! I have often held you back 
 I from seeking God, telling you that there was neither hell 
 nor heaven. Do forgive me, and seek God while you 
 are well. It is now too late for me. Farewell ! " He 
 then asked me to pray for him, which I tried to do ; but 
 the heavens were brass. I urged him to pray for himself, 
 but oh ! such a look as he gave me, exclaiming, " It is too 
 late !" When I pointed him to the thief on the cross, he 
 said; " Oh, Anson, had I come when you called me, but now 
 
di 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 hil. 
 Ill' 
 
 
 it is too late ;" and with these awful words, " Too late ! Too 
 late ! ! " faltering upon his lips, he died. 
 
 I was reminded of the call I gave him when he was crack- 
 ing nuts in the house of God. Then I could refer him and 
 othera to these words in the first chapter of Proverbs, 
 " Turn ye at my reproof ; behold, I will pour out my Spirit 
 unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Be- 
 cause I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my 
 hand and no man regarded ; but ye have set at naught all 
 my counsel, and would none of my reproof ; I, also, will 
 laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh; 
 when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction 
 cometh as a whirlwind ; when distress and anguish cometh 
 Uj^on you. They would none of my counsels : they de- 
 spise I all my reproofs. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit 
 of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." 
 These words had an awful meaning when I uttered them Ijy 
 way of reproof and warning to those irreverent youths in 
 God's house ; but now, in this dreadful moment, when 
 reminded of them by his words : " Had I come when you 
 called me," they came home with crushing import to my 
 soul. During the solemn hours in which I was trying to 
 bring some promise to this dying man, he seemed incapable 
 of exorcising saving faith. He had sinned in despising 
 reproofs, and now, when his desolation and anguish came 
 upon him, he wasjilled with his own device. He died with- 
 out hope, and we laid him in his winding-sheet. 
 
 I then went to the bedside of Harry, the youngest 
 brother, and he too was dying. They were both laid in one 
 grave. I must not follow them further. After their death 
 I laid me down to meditate upon the scenes of this dreadful 
 night. I examined my own heart in this chamber of death, 
 and was happy to find that, to me, death had lost its sting. 
 But O, how thankful that I had not joined these men in 
 
 iii' 
 
II 
 
 1819.] 
 
 PIB8T APPOlNTMENf. 
 
 23 
 
 lighting against God ! It is a fearful thing to fight against 
 God's convincing Spirit, and refuse him entrance into our 
 hearts, for his Spirit does not always strive with man. 
 
 After the Christian Advocate was started, in 1826, I made 
 my first contribution to the press, by writing a description 
 of these painful events for the columns of that paper. 
 
 My First Appointment was the occasion of much solici- 
 tude. My friends, who were more anxious to thrust me out 
 than I was to go, had made an appointment for me to ej^hort 
 in the school-house at the Little Lake, on a Sunday evening. 
 I trembled in view of the efibrt, and induced my brother to 
 accompany me ; then, if I failed, he might stand in the gap. 
 There was a goodly company present, and I scarcely dared 
 to look round to see who were there. I had prayed much, 
 read much, and studied much in view of the occasion, and 
 resolved to keep near the shore, and not drown in deep 
 water. I spoke for twenty-five minutes, scarcely knowing 
 what I said, but the Lord helped me ; the people seemed 
 pleased with the boy, and I was encouraged. On returning 
 home, Bro. Gale, with whom I resided for a season, was 
 much delighted to find that I had broken the ice without 
 sinking in the flood. Bro. Gale had taken a fancy to me 
 when I was a small lad, and when we experienced religion 
 he pressed me very much to go and live with him, as he, 
 not having wife nor children, was very lonesome. He was 
 converted to God, on the road, while trying to convince me 
 of the importance of the Christian religion. He was an old 
 school-teacher, well read and intelligent. We studied the 
 natural sciences together, and he was of great advantage 
 to me. We toiled and wept, fasted and prayed, ate and 
 slept together, and took turns in leading our family, 
 devotions. 
 
 My School Days are still fresh in my memory. In my 
 childhood my mother sent me to school in the summer, and 
 
 ; 
 
u 
 
 UFK AND TIM^ 
 
 AK80N OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 \%'\ 
 
 kept me at home v winter ; but when I reached my 
 
 boyhood my father iv .-sed the order, sending me to school 
 in the winter, and allowing me to assist my brothers on the 
 farm in the summer. This was a privilege which I greatly 
 prized, for I was fond of the horses, the sheep, and the 
 cattle. This method, of spending a part of our schoolboy 
 days on a farm, is of immense advantage to those who are to 
 lead a life of mental toil and study. No employment is 
 more honourable or better calculated to give muscle and 
 strength to the body, and firmness and vigour to the nerves, 
 than is that of husbandry. 
 
 The farm, with its newly-turned furrows and balmy air, 
 its irreen hills and flowery vales, its pastures covered with 
 flooiTa^d fleldawkh corn; together with its murm»ri»g 
 brooks and feathered songsters, had many attractions for 
 me; and I delighted to linger amidst these scenes, with 
 book in hand, to study the grand volume of nature. From 
 these fields of toil, and walks of pleasure, I could turn away, 
 in autumn, to my literary pursuits, with increased appetite. 
 The advantages of moderate exercise in the open air are 
 invaluable as a preparation for study. Thousands of our 
 youth have been driven from their academic halls to wither, 
 like fruitless plants in the shade, or to lie down in a 
 premature grave, merely for want of muscular power to 
 sustain the mental strain to which their flexible nerves were 
 subject.* I have always been thankful for that providence 
 which, in early life, placed me in circumstances to obtain a 
 
 
 •The circular of information for March, 1872, saya that of 1,022 
 graduates of Yale, Dartmouth and Harvard Colleges, and the Wes- 
 leyan University, who died between the ages of 20 and 60, 84 per 
 cent, died between the ages of 20 and 40. Whereas, out of 61,405 
 other males who d^ed during the same period, only 59 per cent. 
 died between the ages of 20 and 40. Outdoor exercises would, 
 doubtless, have increased the longevity of these graduates. 
 
•I 
 
 1819.] 
 
 EARLY STUDIES. 
 
 25 
 
 full development of a muscular, manly frame, before the 
 more pressing studies and responsibilities of mental toil and 
 care came upon me. I was not an apt scholar, and my 
 books had loss attractions than the field, the forests, the 
 dashing brook, or the sloping hillside. I had no verbal 
 memory, hence learning to spell or to commit lessons to 
 memory was irksome to me. In these things I was morti- 
 fied to see my schoolmates go ahead of me, but when 
 allowed to give the meaning of any rule in grammar or 
 other lessons in my own language, I could, with equal 
 facility, distance them. 
 
 Living in a rural part of the country, I scarcely saw or 
 felt the importance of education until I was sixteen years 
 old ; and then, unfortunately, I was visited with a lingering 
 and dangerous fever which threw me back for more than a 
 year. On resuming my studies I found my classmates far 
 ahead of me ; indeed, quite out of sight. But being fully 
 aroused, I buckled on the armour afresh, overtook them, 
 and, finally, left some of them in the rear. This happy 
 change I attribute, mainly, to the gi'ace of God in me. 
 Religion makes all things new, and mine gave me new 
 motives for study, and many hours, rescued from the rounds 
 of pleasure, to pursue it. 
 
 At this period the Methodist people had no college on 
 this continent — Cokesbury College having been consumed by 
 fire. The Cazanovia Seminary was not started until the 
 autumn of 1824. My father, who raised a large family, 
 was not wealthy, and a regular collegiate course was difficult 
 to reach in those days. Under these circumstances, I resolved, 
 if possible, to educate myself. No man knows what he can 
 do until he tries, and when he does try, in good earnest, 
 he finds he can do almost anything which is reasonable and 
 necessary. Had we obtained our rights, our funds would 
 have been ample. My maternal grandmother was a 
 
 « ; 
 
liir 
 
 26 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 Bogaudus, and one of the heirs of Captain Bogaudus, who 
 owned two farms, one of 60, and the other of 130 acres, 
 in what is now the city of New York. One of the heirs 
 proved treacherous, and conspired with rich men to cheat 
 the others out of their lawful rights ! Trinity Church, on 
 Broadway, got a large portion, and became one of the 
 richest churches on the continent. Long and expensive 
 litigation exhausted the resources of the heirs, and might 
 triutnphed against right. It is difficult to contend against 
 a whole, a powerful city. 
 
 v¥ 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 REACHED MY MAJORITY — STARTED FOR CANADA. 
 
 ffifl'MHIS is a moment for reflection. On this day, Sept. 
 O,^ 27th, 1822, I am twenty-one years old ; but, strange 
 to say, I feel no i)articular delight in crossing the line from 
 boyhood to manhood. I once looked forward to this day 
 with interest, and in my youthful dreams built many castles 
 in the air ; but, now, as I cross this arbitrary line, I am not 
 at all elated. The responsibilities of the future oppress me, 
 while the follies of the past afflict me. Could I recall my 
 mis-spent hours, how eagerly would I embrace them ; but 
 they are gone to return no more forever. Had they been 
 properly improved, I might now have been much further up 
 the hill of science than I am. I have just knowledge 
 enough to learn how ignorant I am. I have ascended the 
 mount just far enough to look down and see the blunders 
 and crooked paths behind me, but when I look up, " Alps 
 on Alps arise," while all around me are lengths and breadths 
 and depths which I have neither reached nor fathomed. 
 
 My brethren are beginning to intimate that I may, one 
 day, be called to the pulpit. This surprises me much. I 
 cannot see that I have any qualification for the itinerant 
 ministry. But there are some things which I can do, and 
 
28 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1823. 
 
 which I, this day, on my kncoH, resolvo I will do, viz. : 1. 
 I fully doterraino to live much in my clusot, and cultivate a 
 closer communion with my ever-blesHcd lledoemer. 2. I re- 
 solve to uHe all the time and resources at my command for the 
 cultivation and improvement of my mind, and the reading 
 of those books which tend most to my spiritual comfort. 
 3. Feeling the im[)ortance of fiscal means for the accom- 
 plishment of these objects, I will endeavour to be indus- 
 trious and frugal, honest and upright, never si)ending money 
 foolishly. 4. If opportunity be given, I will travel a little 
 before I settle, and see something of other parts of the 
 country. 6. I will devote the next six months to study at 
 school, hoping to grow wiser and better as life wears away. 
 April Gth, This is my last Sabbath at home, and my heart 
 swells with emotion. I was asked to lead the services ; but 
 when I attempted to speak to the congregation I found I had 
 not fully estimated the severe tax thus imposed upon my 
 sympathetic nature. My fraternal feelings were tried to their 
 utmost extent. I managed to express my gratitude to God's 
 people for their efforts in bringing me to Christ, and their 
 kindness in watching over my spiritual childhood ; to give a 
 word of exhortation and warning to those who wore still out 
 of the ark of safety, and to urge the young converts to be 
 " steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the 
 Lord ;" bub when I came to speak of our separation the 
 sobs of my sister and others, became oppressive. Floods 
 rushed to my own eyes, and, despite my efforts to resist, 
 my feelings quite overcame me. and I was forced to resume 
 my seat. Many prayers were then offered for my safety, 
 prosperity, and happiness, and the services were closed. 
 "We had a melting time in class ; after which I gave the 
 parting hand and walked home. But whence this grief — 
 these tears of sadness 1 I had long determined to travel a 
 little before I settled in business, and now, when the hour, 
 
1823.] 
 
 ■TARTED FOR CANADA. 
 
 S9 
 
 anticipated with so much pleasure, has arrived, why do I 
 weep? Ah! how can I refrain from weeping 1 This is 
 ray native village. Here is my spiritual birthplace. In 
 sight of this sanctuary is my mother's grave. My kindred, 
 my brethren, my earliest comiMinions are here, whom I am 
 about to leave, and, it may be, for ever. But God ia 
 everywhere. Christ is my elder brother, and I need not 
 fear. Blessed Jesus, thou hast been the guide of my 
 youth. Oh, bo the guide of my manhood and of my ri|)er 
 years. Direct me in my course, and sutfer not my feet to 
 depart from the straight and narrow way ; but ever keep 
 me near thy bleeding side. Guide me by thy counsel, and 
 afterwards receive me to glory, for thy name sake. Amen* 
 I had designed to visit my friends in Ohio, but Reuben 
 Barnes goes with me, and he has friends in Canada, hence 
 we arranged to take that country in our way. On Monday 
 morning I took my leave of Mr. and Mrs. Gale, kissed 
 their dear little daughter Maryette, and started for Upper 
 Canada. We visited several friends on our way, and spent 
 several days with my father and friends at Richfield. 
 Father marvelled at my purpose to visit Canada, at which 
 I was not surprised, for I scarcely knew myself why I had 
 taken this course. " Abraham went out not knowing 
 whither he went," and in this respect I followed his 
 example. God may be in this movement in some way 
 which does not now appear. I have been strangely led 
 into this arrangement without due reflection, and I must 
 now go forward. God has promised to direct the paths of 
 those who " acknowledge him," and I shall not take myself 
 away from his controlling and giiiding influence. On the 
 19th, we arrived at Sacket's harbour, a village rendered 
 somewhat memorable by the battle fought there on the 29th 
 of May, 1813. We found no steamers plying here, but 
 took passage on a small vessel bound for Kingston, where 
 
so 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ..>.SON GKEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1823. 
 
 
 m ^ ■'' 
 
 we landed on the 20th of April. A large war ship lies in 
 the harbour only half finished. Peace fortunately came 
 while she was being built, and the workmen left her for a 
 more peaceful employment, and we all now hope that no war 
 cry may ever move her from hoi* present moorings. 
 
 Kingston, which was laid out as ;>. village in 1793, and 
 then called Cataraqui, is now the largest town in Upper 
 Canada. Its population in 1794 was only 345, it has since 
 increased to 2,336. It is situated at the head of the River 
 St. Lawrence, and at the confluence of Lake Ontario and 
 the Bay of Quinte. No one could tell its nationality from 
 its inhabitance, composed mostly of English, Irish, Scotch, 
 French, Dutch, and Americans ; and I felt strange among 
 them. My first impression of Canadian society was not 
 very flattering. On Monday we reached Hallowell, and 
 were kindly "received by the relatives of Mr. Barnes. 
 Hallowell Township was so named from Benjamin Hallo- 
 well, Esq., in 1797. He was formerly Commissioner of 
 Customs in Boston, but came here at an early date. He 
 died in York in 1799. The village of Hallowell is small, 
 and built mostly on one street. The Methodist Church, 
 commenced in 1818, but not finished until 1820, is the 
 only church in the place, and is its principal ornament. 
 The leading inhabitants belong to our communion. The 
 circuit embraces the entire peninsula, has two ministers, 
 Calvin Flint and Charles Wood, and contains 500 Church 
 members. I have been received very cordially among them, 
 and, on the 11th of May, attended class, and joined the Cana- 
 dian Church. I had neglected to bring a certificate of member- 
 ship, but was asked if I had not an exhorter's license. This 
 question surprised me, as I had kept my license a secret. 
 But Jas. Dougall, Esq., had either heard of it from Reuben 
 Barnes, or surmised it, and he insisted on seeing the docu- 
 ment. I then presented my printed license, which was 
 
 M. 
 
,i.M 
 
 1823.] 
 
 JOINED THE CHURCH IN CANADA. 
 
 31 
 
 considered equal to a certificate, and I was at once received 
 into full connexion, and treated as a brother beloved. 
 
 Upi)er Canada, as far as I have seen it, is a charming 
 country of about 130,000 inhabitants. Our Church mem- 
 bers are 5,450. If wo allow four hearers to every member, 
 then, at this ratio, more than one-fifth of the inhabitants are 
 Methodists. We both resolved to remain here for a season, 
 and I took a school at West Lake. Ours are the only 
 ministers in the peninsula ; but there is a Baptist minister, 
 Mr. Wynn, living at the Carrying-Place. The Quakers have 
 two meeting-houses in the Peninsula, and we have four. 
 There are no others. 
 
 The farmers are much to be pitied. Wheat is the staple 
 of the country, but they can get only fifty cents a bushel for 
 it, and that seldom comes in cash. Montreal is the chief 
 market, and the grand mart where the merchants purchase 
 their goods, and pay for them in wheat and lumber. Large 
 rafts of square timber and staves are floated down the bays 
 and rivers to Quebec ; but the process of bringing up mer- 
 chandise is painfully tedious. The goods are placed upon 
 barges, and, when the wind is not favourable, are forced up 
 the rivers and bays with long poles placed against men's 
 shouldera. They are drawn up the rapids, however, by 
 horses on the shore, connected with the barges, or Durham 
 boats, by long ropes. But steam boats are beginning to 
 run on the lake, and when they come up the bay they will 
 make things more lively, and give impetus to trade and 
 commerce. 
 
 October, the 20th, 1823. I have now been six months in 
 Canada, and learned something of the habits, manners, and 
 customs of the people, and the more I see and know of 
 them the bettor I like them. In many respects Canada 
 compares favourably with New York State. The people, 
 as a wliole, are more religious, and manifest more veneration 
 
 l-r 
 
 It- 
 
32 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1823. 
 
 
 »1 !]!:■ i 
 
 iW'- III! 
 [if ■ ll'l 
 
 Il'i 
 
 for divine things. Tliere is less of low, vulgar infidelity 
 amongst them. You can scarcely find a man who does not 
 profess to belong to some form of religion ; hence theie is 
 much less scoffing at sacred things. Still, there is one thing 
 which surpnses me much. The Methodist, though by far 
 the largest religious body in the country, are not allowed 
 the privilege of being married by their own clergy ! Nor 
 of holding lands for Church purposes ! The Episcopal 
 clergy claim to do nearly all the clerical marrying, and 
 yet they have no minister in this peninsula, and, I am told, 
 only one between this and York ! How our people can 
 quietly submit to this mortifying indignity is passing strange. 
 It puts them to much inconvenience, and is wrong in itself. 
 Surely they will arise in their strength, exert their moral 
 influence, and put an end to this intolerable tyranny and 
 exclusiveness. 
 
 These were some of my reflections during the first months 
 of my abode in Canada ; and, in looking back to those days, 
 after 64 years' experience, I cannot greatly modify these 
 views concerning them. Indeed, one reason why I have 
 been induced to publish these extracts from my journal is, 
 to let the present generation see the difficulties we had to 
 overcome, and the peerless influence exerted by the Meth- 
 odist Church in bringing about that state of relig.ous free- 
 dom and equality which we now so happily enjoy. The 
 battle for equal rights has been bravely fought, and the 
 victory gained ; and now our constitutional, rational liberty 
 is not excelled in any part of the world. But, to return to 
 the thrilling events of 1823. Here the conversion of our 
 Indians must have a prominent place. 
 
 The first Ojebway Indian ever baptized in Canada by a 
 Protestant, received this sacramont from a Methodist min- 
 ister in 1801. Mr. S. was preaching near Stoney Creek, 
 and was much delighted to see an Indian woman in the 
 
1823.] 
 
 FIRST INDIAN BAPTIZED. 
 
 33 
 
 congregation listening with attention, as though she under- 
 stood what he was saying. Her husband, a white man, 
 was also present, and after service the minister sought an 
 interview wi^h them. The man proved to be a Govern- 
 ment surveyor, — Mr. Augustus Jones. They soon applied 
 for Cliristian baptism, and the minister, being satisfied with 
 their experience, appointed a day for administering thjit 
 sacraments When they presented themselves for baptism, 
 they brought a bright-looking Indian lad of some eight 
 sumrners, and wished him to receive a Christian name, and 
 be baptized, also. The minister consented,, gave the boy 
 his own name, and baptized him Joseph Sawyer. Had 
 this work been closely followed up, from this auspicious 
 beginning, I am persuaded that many a poor Indian might 
 have been saved who died a heathen. But the Church had 
 neither funds nor other appliances to carry on the work 
 among these Tribes, aad they were neglected until 1823, 
 when Seth Crawford was moved to go to the Grand River 
 as school teacher. The boy thus baptized, afterwards be- 
 came the famous Chief Sawyer, of the Credit tribe, from 
 whom I received this history ; and he was greatly instru- 
 mental in bringing his, and other tribes to God. 
 
 On the first of June, 1823, Elder Case held a camp- 
 meeting in Ancas*<er, where Peter Jones and his sister Mary 
 were converted. They were children of Augustus Jones, by 
 a Chippeway wife. This was a joyful day in Israel. When 
 Mr. Case saw Peter Jones among the converts, his soul 
 was thrilled with joyous hope, and he cried out, " Thank 
 God, we have now a key to open a door for the Gospel, to 
 these long neglected tribes." And so it was iii truth. 
 Those converts went back to the Grand River full of faitli, 
 and of the Holy Ghost. God was with them, and the work 
 spread rapidly. Sawyer and his people went up from the 
 
 Credit, and pitched their teats at the Grand River, to in- 
 #2 
 
lij ■ I 11 
 
 :!ll 
 
 Ill' ■ 
 
 11 * 
 
 34 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OSBEN, D.D. 
 
 [1823. 
 
 quire after the true God. " Behold, how great a matter a 
 little fire kindleth." The tribes on the Grand River were 
 all excitement. Sawyer and his tribe caught the tire of love 
 and carried it back to the Credit. Thence it ran down and 
 kindled in the Belleville and Kingston tribes, where John 
 Sunday and Peter Jacobs were soon converted to God. The 
 flame then, changing its coursv?, hastened back, as if impelled 
 by a mighty rushing wind, to Rice Lake, Snake Island, 
 Muncey, Saugeen, and other places. So rapidly did this 
 work spread that the world was taken by surprise. We 
 had never seen it on this wise before, and we looked on 
 with admiration, wondering how these dry bones could thus 
 be made to live. Aid was sent on from New Yoik, and 
 Mr. Case and others pushed the victory to the gate. My 
 own soul was moved to its lowest depths when the news 
 reached us that these savages were turning to God by scores. 
 I had seen many of these degraded, drunken, half-starved 
 creatures, wandering abcut in filth, with a few rags tied 
 round them, but still in a disgusting state of semi-nudity, 
 and had asked myself, is there no arm long enough, no hand 
 strong enough to bring them up from this "horrible pit" 
 into the- light of religious truth 1 But I had received no 
 satisfactory response until it came from the Grand River. 
 When it did come it was satisfactory, demonstrative, 
 cheering. 
 
 Bloomfield — Call to Duty. — While these triumphs 
 were being achieved among the Indians, during the autumn 
 of this year, a strange event occurred in the Quaker settle- 
 ment, — now Bloomfield, — which went far towards changing 
 my purposes, and directing my future course. Surely, 
 
 *' There is a Provi.lence which shapes our ends, 
 ItoUjih-hew them as we may." 
 
 I had been thinking much upon the strange position in 
 
 which I had been so unexpectedly placed— a stranger in a 
 

 1823.] 
 
 CALL TO DUTY. 
 
 35 
 
 strange land — and meditating upon the probable events of 
 the future, when the following most unusual proceedings 
 took place, which, however trivial in themselves, or unex- 
 pected by me, gave a new current to my thoughts and 
 entirely changed my course for life. Had these acts, which 
 seemed at the time to border on presumption, been less 
 bold, persistent, and demonstrative, they might not have 
 effected that crisis in my proceedings which so strangely led 
 me in an opposite direction from my projected course. I 
 had not used my exhorter's license in Canada, mshing to 
 avoid, and thinking that I might innocently avoid, ptiblic 
 speaking, especially in any official capacity. But, on Sab- 
 bath day, I had walked down to the village, attended 
 preaching in the morning, and my class in the afternoon ; 
 and then walked back again, a distance of four miles, to 
 John Bowerman's, where I was boarding. I had taken my 
 tea, and, being weary, had retired to my bed to rest. But 
 my weary head had scarcely touched the pillow when I 
 heard a gentle tap at my door, and in came Bro. Samuel 
 Orser, the leader of a class in the back concession, saying, 
 with much earnestness, " My dear brother, the people are 
 all gathering, and they will be waiting for you ; dress as 
 quickly as you can and let us be off." I looked up aston- 
 ished, and inquired, what do you meani Pray, what is 
 the matter ? Why, said he, ** There is an appointment given 
 out for you to preach at Bro. Williams' this evening, and 
 the people are coming from all directions !" I said, with 
 emotion, are you crazy ! Pray, what does all this mean ? 
 No one has said a word to me on the subject, and I never 
 preached a sermon in my life. " Never mind that," said 
 he, " it is all arranged ; we will [)ray for you, and God will 
 help you." "There is no release in this war." At this 
 moment a text of Scripture rushed upon my mind with 
 I unusual power and sweetness 3 and it opened up to me as 
 
 ii' 
 
36 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OKEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1823. 
 
 B'i M 
 
 k V 
 
 i;ii 
 
 m'". 
 
 
 clearly as though I was actually reading a Bermon upon it. 
 I dressed quickly, and we walked nimbly to the house of 
 prayer. There were but two Methodists in the jilace, and 
 no Methodist meeting had ever been held in the vicinity. 
 I was aware of the prejudices of the Friend 8 against our 
 services, and scarcely thought we could get a dozen people 
 to meet us on such an occasion. But the news had spread 
 rapiiily through the settlement, and when we reached the 
 house it was crowded, mostly with young Quakers, who 
 had come together with much glee, prompted by curiosity 
 to hear what the youth could say to them. I soon gained 
 the attention of the Quakers by telling them that I was 
 surprised at being called out of my bed to address them ! 
 That I had made no preparation, but must trust alone to 
 their prayers, and to God's Holy Spirit, to aid me. My 
 message to you is plain and simple, but of infinite import- 
 ance. Hear it, " The wages of sin is death." 
 
 I. Think of this Master — Sin — His origin, his nature, 
 his government. 
 
 II. The Work. Disobedience, rebellion, drunkenness, 
 murder, war. 
 
 III. His Wages — " Death," temporal, spiritual, eternal. 
 Do you admire this master 1 Do you love his work 1 
 
 Do you covet his wages *? If 'not, abandon his services to- 
 night, and choose Christ, whose work is pleasant, and whose 
 reward is eternal life. The youths, who had received me 
 with good-natured levity, were the first to weep bitter tears. 
 Good impressions were made, and we kept up the meetings 
 twice a week until a goodly number were hopefully brought 
 to God. A number of young Quakers were converted, 
 among whom were Miss Polly White, now Mrs. Richards, 
 and Miss Fanny White, now Mrs. Crandall, of Picton. 
 They still hold on their way living for eternal life. We 
 ■con formed a class ; then obtained week-day preaching ; 
 
IT 
 
 1823.] QUAKER MEETING. 37 
 
 then Sunday preaching ; then a church was built ; and now 
 it ia the head of a prosperous Circuit. 
 
 " Soe how great a flame aspires 
 Kiudled by a spark of grace !" 
 
 Christmas day I attended meeting with the Quakers, but 
 not a word was said. How unlike Christ and his Apostles ! 
 " Not foi*saking the assembling of ourselves together." This 
 tlioy had done, but Paul adds — " Exhorting one another." 
 Tliis they failed to do. I felt inclined to exhort myself ; 
 but I had been told that, on one occasion when a minister 
 attempted it in a Quaker meeting — an old man cried out, 
 " A wolf ! a wolf !" At this a few youngsters caught up 
 the preacher and carried him out-doors. " Well," says 
 the minister, " this is reversing the usual order. I have 
 often heard of the wolf carrying off the sheep, but this is 
 the first time I ever heard of the sheep carrying off the 
 wolf." 
 
 Parliament was prorogued on the 24th of January^ with- 
 out accomplishing much good. The Lower House, with 
 great unanimity, and probably in view of the general election, 
 which is to take place next summer, have passed a Marriage 
 Bill ; but the Upper House, with far less trouble, have thrown 
 it out ! It is said they have a clergymen with them who, 
 failing to get a Presbyterian congregation in Montreal* 
 turned Episcopalian, and thus got himself appointed a 
 legislator. Surely he might be better employed than, in 
 oppressing God's people. 
 
 April 3rd, 1824. — This day the Quarterly Official Board 
 recommended me to the Local Preachers' Conference for 
 LICENSE TO PREACH. The brethren are anxious to keep me 
 in this country, and to get me into the travelling connexion, 
 while the young converts in our vicinity cling to me with as 
 much affection and importunity as though their happiness 
 depended on my coivse. 
 
 
 ■•V 
 
 ^^ 
 
 si 
 
 M. 
 
 - I 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 
I 
 
 ^1 
 
 !".| li!il 
 ii!i 
 
 hi;i« 
 
 ■'1 
 
 ,11 :1 
 
 m^ 
 
 f.i,:' ■:::i|f 
 
 I n»ii, 
 
 38 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 
 Our quarterly meeting was a time of refre«hiug from the 
 presence of the Lord. Messrs. Ryan, Metcalf, and Healey 
 preached with much power. I was greatly comforted. I 
 have had many offers to go into business here, but, really, my 
 heart is in the work of saving souls. Oh, how sweet it is to 
 enjoy communion with God, and feel that one is in the path 
 of duty ! Avaunt, then, ye fleeting pleasures of ea' th j 
 away, ye fading vanities of time ! You have no charms for 
 me. My happiness consists in doing and getting good. 
 
 May 9 th. — The family of the Rev. David Wright being 
 ill, he has saddled his old horse " Bob" for me, and I am going 
 round the Circuit for him. At German's and Pleasant 
 Bay had good liberty. At Consecon and at Dempsey's, 
 happy, but) felt embarrassed on being called on to visit a 
 dying man. At Redner's had much freedom. This was 
 new work to me, but I went on until Mr. Wright was able 
 to resume his work. 
 
 In the month of June I attended a camp-meeting in the 
 northern part of our circuit, when, strange to say. Elder 
 Ryan submitted to our official members a proposition to 
 rebel against the order and goveri ^ent of the Church ! 
 He had not been elected a member e General Confer- 
 
 ence which met at Baltimore last May ; . « he and David 
 Breakenridge, Esq., a local preacher, were desirous of being 
 present to urge a separation from the Church in the States. 
 We allowed them to go, subscribed to pay their expenses, 
 and joined in a memorial to the General Conference to set 
 us otF, an independent body in Canada. They, of course, 
 were not received as members of that Conference,, nor was 
 our request for a separation granted ; but that body did the 
 next best — perhaps the very best — thing. They ordered a 
 Canada Conference to be formed ; and arrangementt< were 
 made for their Bishops to visit Canada and make themselves 
 thoroughly acquainted with our position and wishes. Messiu 
 
1824.] 
 
 ELDER RYAN. 
 
 39 
 
 Ryan anil Breakenridge returned full of mortification and 
 displeasure, called the local preachers of the district together 
 at Elizabethtown, and passed sundry resolutions condemning 
 the General Conference, and resolving to take matters into 
 their own hands 1 These resolutions were to be laid l)«fore 
 the quarterly meetings by Mr. Ryan, and if they passed the 
 Bay of Quinte Circuit, and all east of it, they were to 
 become law, and Canada was then free from the control of 
 the General Conference ! Mr. Ryan was accompanied by 
 Mr. James Richardson, who was the Secretary of his local 
 preachers' meeting. They laid these rebellious resolutions 
 before our official board, and every member but myself 
 voted m their favour ! Mr. Ryan was in great glee, 
 fancying that he had checkmated Chamberlain and Smith — 
 his own son-in-law — members of the General Conference, as 
 well as Mr. Case and his district, who, though in favour of 
 constitutional separation, were opposed to those measures. 
 Mr. Ryan was a great tyrant in his way. He had arraigned 
 W. Chamberlain, of the Bay Circuit, and suspended him, 
 before he left for the Conference, and had put S. Waldron 
 in his place. But, when Mr. Chamberlain returned he 
 went to his circuit, and resumed his work as preacher in 
 charge. That circuit was, therefore, in a strange and painful 
 muddle. There were many reasons why I could not vote 
 for Mr. Ryan's resolutions : 1. I looked upon them as a 
 declaration of rebellion against the Church and her consti- 
 tutional authority. 2. If successful, they would reduce us 
 to a tnere achismatical faction, without legitimate paternity, 
 constitutional authority, or fraternal regard. A secession, 
 without self-respect or efficient control, liable to be devoured 
 by conflicting elements and ambitions aspirants. 3. I was 
 aware that some of the wisest and best men amongst us — 
 Case, Madden, Metcalf, Chamberlain, Isaac Smith, and 
 others — were opposed to the rash and ill-advised measure. 
 
"VPf 
 
 I Lffli 
 
 40 
 
 LIFK AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 !iK- I 
 
 [1824. 
 
 and would not submit to be governed by Ryan and his 
 confreres. And 4. 1 I'olt confident that when the embar- 
 rassments, arising from our foreign relations, were fully 
 understood by the General Conference, that venerable l)0«ly 
 woidd be sure to aflbrd us relief in some constitutional way. 
 In this I was not mistaken, as the sequel proves. 
 
 The Bishops hastened to perform their part of the work. 
 Bishop George entered the Province at Cornwall, and jour- 
 neyed westward ; preaohina;, visiting the societies, and freely 
 conversing with our leading laymen in the east ; while 
 Bishop Hedding, accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Bangs — who 
 had been converted, and spent six years of his ministerial 
 life in Canada — entered the Province in the west, and 
 journeyed eastward, obtaining full information as he passed 
 down through the country. They met at Hallowell, and on 
 the 25 th of August organized the Conference, had an inter- 
 view with the local, as well eis the travelling preachers, and 
 quietly arranged the matter in a way well calculated to give 
 satisfaction to all parties concerned. 
 
 Call to the Ministry — First Conference. — At the 
 last quarterly meeting for this year, after much prayer and 
 serious consideration, I consented to allow our ministers to 
 present my name to the brethren for a recommendation to 
 the travelling connexion. The change which my mind has 
 undergone is surprising to myself. My brethren on this 
 circuit have entirely taken me captive. My heart is so 
 fully attached to them, and especially to the young converts 
 who claim me as their spiritual friend, benefactor, and guide, 
 that I cannot make up my mind to leave them and this 
 charming country. And then, after what I have seen and 
 felt, I can scarcely doubt but that God desires me to serve 
 him in the ministry of the Word. 1. The entire dealings of 
 divine Providence with me, since my conversion, have been 
 loading in that direction. The fact of my being a Methodist 
 
pp 
 
 1824.] 
 
 CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 
 
 41 
 
 at all, 80 contrary to my former prejudices and views, is a 
 standing mystery to me ; and the manner in which I was 
 led to Canatla was entirely providential. But apart from 
 these events, from the time I received the clear and decisive 
 witness of my conversion, I had felt a strong desire to do 
 good to the souls of men, and was never as happy as when 
 I WHS labouring with them, jiraying for them, and urging 
 them to flee from the wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal 
 life. 2. All my promotions in the Church, from the begin- 
 ning to the present time, have come unsought, and, generally, 
 unexpected by me. It was always a great cross for me to 
 8i)eak in public ; but, when license for public speaking was 
 thrust upon me, the responsibility of conducting divine 
 service, in large congregations, came with crushing weight 
 upon my mind, and almost overwhelmed me. This was 
 what induced me, when I came to Canada, to keep silent on 
 the subject until my license was called for. But the climax 
 was reached when I was called out of my bed to commence 
 ])reachijig, and placed in such circumstances as made it 
 almost impossible to refuse; and I have always thanked 
 God that I obeyed that call. 3. When I was induced to 
 stand up for Christ in a public congregation, my soul was 
 wonderfully blessed and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The 
 people were comforted, and, in many instances, souls were 
 brought to God through my feeble effoi-ts. 4. The Church 
 called me to the work. The people desired it, and our 
 ministers iu*ged it upon me. " No man taketh jthis honour 
 upon himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." 
 Under these circumstances I felt that I was called of God. 
 I needed no brighter visions to convince me. • When I went 
 over from my school to Brother Williams', to labour with 
 those who were crying, " Men and brethren, what must we 
 do to be saved," I felt to say with the prophet, " Now, the 
 
 it 
 
 I* 
 
42 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORREN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 '^^1 1 ' 
 
 I ' ' ' ' I 
 
 hi ' ill' 
 
 I.'m 
 
 *iil4 
 
 ri||,r' ■•:!;' 
 
 Lord Ood and his Spirit hath sent me." I fiaw the fields 
 white unto the harvest, and soemed to hoar the Master say, 
 " He that reapeth receivnth wages, and gathereth fruit unto 
 eternal life." When, therefore, the Lord said, " Whom 
 shall I send, and who will go for us 1 " My heart replied, 
 " Here am I ; Lord, send me." And he did send me in to 
 his vineyard ; and in that vineyard I have toiled ever since, 
 and intend to work on until the Master comes and says, 
 " It is enough ; come up higher." I always believad in a 
 Divine, as well as a Church call, to the work of the ministry. 
 It is a groat mistake for any to send their sons into the 
 pulpit before God says to them, " Sep>irate unto me, Saul 
 and Barnabas, for the ministry." It is God's work, and 
 why not allow Him to select his own servants 1 Man him- 
 self claims this prerogative, and why deny it to the Head of 
 the Church 1 It is only when God sends us that we can 
 truly say, " Now, then, we are ambaaaadora for Ghriat, as 
 though God did beseech you by us, we pray j'ou, in Christ' a 
 stead, be ye reconciled to God." What ! ambassadors for 
 Christ, when ho never sent us ! Whence and where are our 
 credentials, then 1 What ! Speaking in Christ's stead when 
 Christ has never authorized us to speak in his name ! Never ! 
 for who under these circumstances can say, " Woe is me if 
 I preach not the Gospel ] " It was only when I came to 
 this point in my Christian experience that I could feel free 
 to forsake worldly pursuits, and enter the Lord's vineyard 
 as a herald of the love of God. Then the matter was settled 
 for life. I was at ease. The responsibility was with Him 
 who sent me, and who knew all my weaknesses, deficiencies, 
 and foibles. He has promised to be with me always, even 
 unto the end ; and I know His ** strength is made perfect in 
 weakness." The Rubicon is passed; the battle-field is before 
 me. I go, trusting entirely to His direction and help, who 
 
1824.] 
 
 VIVISB CALL. 
 
 43 
 
 has Haiti, " I will never leave thee nor foraake thee." He 
 has already led me to Home victories, while his " arrows 
 wore stout in the heart of the king's enemies," and He will 
 lead me still. 
 
 " Jeaui, ooiiflrm my heurt'a desire 
 
 To work, and Hpeak, and think for thee ; 
 Still, hit mo guard the holy fire. 
 And still Btir up ihy gift in me." 
 
 ' t 
 
 ■ \ 
 
 <^A 
 
 ■tij 
 

 ■; ■•• <. ; •: 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 . - ■ » 
 
 THE FORMATION OP THE CANADA CONFERENCE. 
 
 OITHERTO the Upper Canada ministers had be- 
 longed to the Genesee Conference. That Confer- 
 ence liad held two sessions in Canada — one in Elizabeth- 
 town in 1817, when Bishop George presided, and where a 
 glorious revival commenced, which kindled a fire in almost 
 every part of that circuit ; and one at Lundy's Lane in 
 1820, at which Bishop George was also present. But on 
 the 25th of August, 1824, a new Conference for Upper 
 Canada was organized, composed of those ministers who 
 were willing to remain in the work here. To this Con- 
 ference we had looked forward with anxious solicitude ; 
 and, in some respects, it was one of unusual importance. 
 1. It was the first organization of Ministers on Canada 
 soil, having for its exclusive object the cultivation of our 
 Canadian field. In this respect it was the nucleus of that 
 grand Conferencial movement which was destined, in its 
 increasing and expansive energy, to raise up our united 
 societies in Canada, from almost nothing, to that lofty 
 position of civil and religious liberty and equality which 
 they now enjoy, and by which they have been able to 
 confer invaluable benefits upon themselves and upon the 
 Christian community at large. 2. At this Conference, and 
 
■^fu 
 
 1824.] 
 
 THE CANADA CONFERENCE FORMED. 
 
 45 
 
 during the first week of its sessions, our Canadian Mission- 
 ary Society was formed, and a Constitution adopted — a 
 society which, under divine direction and aid, was to play 
 such an honourable part in the evangelization of the country, 
 the Christianization of its aboriginal Indian tribes, and the 
 extension of gospel truth and gospel privileges through the 
 newly settled portion of Canada, and even to extend its 
 operations to Japan. 3. As I have intimated elsewhere, it 
 was by the wisdom, the piety, and the judicious exertions of 
 this Conference that a miserable conspiracy was arrested, 
 and an incipient rebellion put down, — a rebellion which 
 threatened to rend the Church, and leave her bleeding at 
 every pore, the common prey of ambitious aspirants. 
 
 There were but nineteen members of Conference who 
 took Circuits, and twelve preachers on trial. There were 
 also two young men, John Black and Anson Green, who 
 took Circuits under the authority and direction of Mr. 
 Case, our Presiding Elder, If to these we add five super- 
 annuated ministers, we shall have the entire ministerial 
 force of the Conference then stationed in our itinerant field. 
 The Province was divided into two districts, twenty circuits, 
 and three missions. But we were without Church funds, 
 literary institutions, or resources of wealth. Mr. Playter, in 
 his history, says this Conference was held in the old Meeting 
 House near the village. The old house referred to is at 
 Conger's Mills, two miles east of the village, but the Con- 
 ference was held in a new Church — the best in the Province 
 — erected in 1820 or 1821, in the centre of the village, and 
 on a very eligible site. This was then the only Church 
 in the country built with firmly capt pews, or slips, but 
 without doors. All churches then were free. 
 
 Eleven meeting-houses were reported to the General Con- 
 ference, as built before the American war, (the precise 
 number on the Continent before the Revolutionary war.) 
 
 li'l 
 
46 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 -m 
 
 The first of these was in Adolphustowii, on Hay Bay. The 
 subscription paper, to erect which, is dated February, 1792 ; 
 just one year after the first class in Canada was formed 
 by Losee, on the same farm. The second was built nearly 
 at the same time in 'Fredericksburgh, on the bay shore, 
 where the second class was formed. The third class was 
 formed at the house of Samuel Detlor, Esq., near Napanee, 
 on the day "Wesley died. The old church, erected near 
 Hallowell, was built in 1809. These facts I had from 
 Samuel Detlor, a pious, intelligent, and good man whose 
 account may be relied on. I am not confident as to the 
 order of time in which the other eight churches were built, 
 but from all I can gather, it was as follows : Matilda, 
 Augusta, Christian Warner's, near St. David's, 1802 ; Mon- 
 treal, 1806 ; Ancaster, Long Point, Elizabethtown, and 
 Stoney Creek. I have preached in all these old sanctuaries, 
 except those of Montreal and Matilda. Down to the time of 
 the first Conference the number was increased to between 
 thirty and forty. All wooden frame buildings except, per- 
 haps, the one in Montreal, which was given up to the Eng- 
 lish Conference in 1820. All those in Upper Canada, of 
 which I have personal knowledge, besides those mentioned, 
 are the following, and I think the list is nearly, if not quite, 
 complete, viz. : Kingston, Waterloo, Switzers, Hallowell, 
 Belleville, South Bay, Colborne, Hamilton Township, York, 
 Cumers, Tylers (now Aurora), Palermo, Rock Church, 
 Hamilton, Saltfleet, Smithville, Thirty-mile Creek, St. 
 Catharines, Niagara, Lundy'a Lane, Bertie, Woodstock, 
 London, Lyon's Creek, and Thames. There may have 
 been thret or four others of which I have no knowledge. 
 The missionary money, presented at this Conference, 
 amounted to $144 00. The largest amount came from the 
 Stamford branch, $23. Ancaster and Saltfleet, each $22 ; 
 Trafalgar, $10; Bertie, $7 50; Smithville, $9 25; Lyon's 
 
' ' f 
 
 1824.] 
 
 FIRST CONFERENCE. 
 
 47 
 
 Creek, $12 62 ; Thorold, $5 ; Beverly, $5 ; Long Point, $4; 
 John Keagey, $S 25 ; ministers at Conference, $15 38. 
 
 I mention these amounts, not only to show where this 
 stream of Christian benevolence commenced, but also to 
 exhibit the feebleness of our beginnings. But 
 
 "Large streams from little fountains flow, 
 Tall oaks from little acorns grow. " 
 
 Let the results of 53 years' hard toil encourage us now to 
 look for, and expect great things, and then never rest until 
 the acme is reached, and the victory gained. 
 
 I was much edified and encouraged by the preaching 
 during this Conference. Dr. Bangs preached on the fruits 
 of the Spirit. Wm. Ryerson on " the world passeth away." 
 I was pleased with the profound depth of the one, and the 
 enthusiastic eloquence of the other. But the gcod Bishop 
 quite carried us away on the Lord's day. A singular scene 
 occurred while Bishop George was preaching in the morn- 
 ing. The weather was warm, and the Church uncomfortably 
 crowded. The good sisters in those days came a great dis- 
 tance, and generally brought their babies with them on 
 such occasions. A great many were present in the congre- 
 gation, and when the preacher became eloquent, he fre- 
 quently wiped tears from his eyes, while the people also 
 wept freely. Just at this crisis about twenty infants set up 
 such a tremendous, combined, and continued scream, as 
 nearly drowned the Bishop's voice. He stopped, raised up 
 both hands towards heaven and exclaimed, " God have 
 mercy upon the children !" Suddenly, as if by concert, 
 every child stopped crying, and all was still ! How this 
 effect was produced, whether by sympathy, by maternal 
 soothing, or by special answer to prayer, I know not ; but 
 the end was accon .plished, and the good Bishop proceeded 
 admirably. 
 
 
48 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 Jli 
 
 ii 
 
 ill' ■ 
 
 li!:iJ., 
 
 My First Circuit. — T had purchased the best young 
 horse I could find in the township, got my saddle-bags, com- 
 pleted my travelling outfit, and was ready for my appoint- 
 ment. I had received no intimation from anyone to what 
 circuit I would probably be sent ; nor had I the slightest 
 anxiety on the subject. Still, I had an impression that I 
 would go to the Smith's Creek Circuit. And, sure enough, 
 that was my place. When the Bishop had finished reading 
 the appointments, the Presiding Elder came to me, on the 
 Conference floor, and said, " You are appointed to the Smith's 
 Creek Circuit." I thank you, said I ; just where I expected 
 to go. On the morning of September, the 7th, in company 
 with a pleasant young preacher by the name of Griffis, I 
 mounted my beautiful steed, with saddle-bags and valise well 
 filled, and started on my mission as a Travelling Preacher. 
 As I left the house of my dear friends. Brother and Sister 
 J. P. Williams, I could not but drop a tear. Their kind- 
 ness to me, and attentions to my wants, when I was a 
 stranger in a strange land, I can never forget. They, with 
 a goodly number of the young converts, gathered around us 
 at the gate, wept as we mounted, blessed us as we started, 
 and watched us anxiously untU we were out of sight. The 
 morning was lovely. Seldom has the sun shone upon a 
 more charming day, or a clearer sky. If this is an index 
 to, and the precursor of, my day of ministerial toil, 
 thought I, then surely I may look for a .sunny noon and a 
 cloudless evening. I have had many a struggle to bring 
 my mind to a godly decision, but the struggle is now over. 
 Christ says, " You have not chosen me, but I have chosen 
 you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth 
 fruit, and that your fruit should remain." I have no selfish 
 ends in view. I go at the call of God and his Church, only 
 to bring forth fruit that will remain. And now, having 
 fairly and prayerfully buckled on the armour, I am quite 
 
T'i (i 
 
 1824.] 
 
 FIRST CiaCUIT. 
 
 49 
 
 resolved never to cast it off until the war is over, and the 
 victory gained, or I receive an honourable discharge. Mr. 
 Case has furnished me with written authority and direc- 
 tions, and given me his blessing. He has promised, if 
 possible, to give me a year or two at Cazenovia, and I have 
 sold a lot of land, and placed my available funds on interest 
 in view of such a contingency. 
 
 A charming ride of twenty-five miles brought us to the 
 eastern limit of my cir<!uit, where we found a sweet home 
 with onft of my circuit stewards, Chas. Biggar, Esq. The 
 Carrying Place is about two miles long, and connects the 
 Eu.y of Quinte with the lake. On Wednesday I had an 
 appointment at Presque Isle, but Bro. Demorest, who was on 
 his way to his circuit, kindly preached for me. He said 
 many good things, with scarcely a motion of his body, or 
 much emotion of soul. Thursday, the 9th, I preached my 
 FIRST SERMON in our Church at Cramahe, now called Col- 
 borne, from 1 Peter 4 : 18. I did not venture into the 
 pulpit, but spoke from the chancel. I had tolerable liberty, 
 but was not greatly encouraged. On Sunday, preached at 
 Haldimand, Four Corners, from " What will this babbler 
 say V I scarcely knew myself what he would say, but he 
 tried to preach Jesus and the resurrection. In the evening, 
 at the school-house, at what is now called Grafton, from 
 Romans 10 : 13. Had good liberty, and was comforted. 
 
 Sunday, 19th, At Hawkins' school-house, in Hope, from 
 Matthew 11: 25 ; and in Oobourg, in the evening, from 
 Romans 5 : 2. Cobourg is the name of a small village of 
 some 100 inhabitants. The Church of England has a young 
 clergyman here by the name of McCaulay. He has a small 
 Church, the only one in the village, while we preach in a 
 school-house. There are two small stores here, several 
 mechanics, and plenty of taverns. The court-house and its 
 
 surroundings form a small villa, more than a mile distant. 
 3 
 
 '' 
 
 I \ 
 
 f I 
 
60 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREBN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 I 
 
 111 
 
 t'fil 
 
 
 
 "We have a good Church two miles north of the village, with 
 a small log cabin near it, which they call the parsonage. 
 Here my colleague is to live, and this is really the liead of 
 the circuit. The Church is respectable ; but oh, the par- 
 sonage! Thursday, the 25th, preached at Baltimore — Matt. 
 7:7. At Wm. Kelley's, the next day — Psalms 40 : 2. 
 A kind family and a good home, Sunday, the 26th. At 
 the parsonage Church in the morning — Col. 3:4; and at 
 Cobourg in the evening — Rom. 10: 13. Thank God for 
 such a day. Had much liberty in preaching, for God was 
 our leader. How encouraging to get such " showers of 
 blessing ! " Monday, Sept. 27th, start for the bush, a dis- 
 tance of twenty-miles, over rough roads, with plenty of 
 corduroy bridges. Stop at De Ells', and preach in a house 
 just erected both for a church and a school-house. It had 
 no windows, doors, nor floor, and yet we had plenty of light 
 coming in through the doorway, and between the logs with 
 which it was built. Our position was as novel as it was 
 awkward. The people sat upon the sleepers, with their feet 
 dangling below, while I took another sleeper for my pulpit. 
 It being my birthday, I took a text in accordance with my 
 feelings, — " The world passe th away, and the lust thereof, 
 but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." Much 
 of my time has run to waste. It pains me to reflect upon 
 the little good I have done. May I be of some service in 
 the future, and that quickly, for .f 
 
 "Our life is a dream ; our time as a stream 
 Glides swiftly away, 
 And the fugitive moment refuses to stay." 
 
 On the 28th September I started for the township of 
 Smith, passing through where the town of Peterboro' now 
 stands ; but there was only one house there then, and that 
 one dawn on the river's bank, quite out of my sight. My 
 
1824.] 
 
 FIRST VISIT TO THE BtJSH. 
 
 M 
 
 path was a winding Indian trail, where no wheel carriage 
 had ever passed. I was obliged to jump my horse over logs, 
 ride him through deep mtid-holes and bridgeless streams, 
 guided sometimes by marked trees. When I got a short 
 distance beyond Peterboro', T entered a clearing with two 
 or three log cabins in view. In one of these lived a godly 
 old Yorkshire woman, who received me joyfully. Her house 
 was covered with hollow logs, halved, and so an-anged at; to 
 shelter its inmates from the rain and snow. The room was 
 about fifteen by twenty feet in size, and it served for our 
 kitchen, bed-room, parlour, dining-room, and church. Here 
 I preached to a congregation of eight souls, and was happy. 
 how these people in the bush value the Gospel, and love 
 the messengers who deliver it to them. On Wednesday 
 returned to the town-line, and found my way to the house 
 of Mr. Morrow, in Cavan, and preached to the best congi-e- 
 gation I found in these woods. Here, too, I met with an 
 intelligent Irish local preacher by the name of Blackstock. 
 We had a good class-meeting, and rejoiced together. I was 
 not surprised to learn that my predecessor. Brother Belton, 
 had lost his way in these primeval forests. I was told that 
 he took a wrong path one stormy day; but, as night was 
 coming on, he fortunately met a man who knew him, and 
 accosted him thus : " Sure, and is this you, your riverence ; 
 pray, where are you going ? " " Oh, to hunt up the lost 
 sheep," says Mr. B. " Indade, well, I am afraid the sheep 
 stand a poor chance of being found to-night, since the shep- 
 herd himself is lost ! " The poor preacher was six miles 
 out of his way, but he was kindly guided to the little flock 
 who were anxiously waiting for him. Thursday, preached 
 at Mr. Sheckleton's, and on Friday at Mr. Thompson's, in 
 Monaghan. This last appointment was not on my plan, but 
 Mrs. Thompson had met me at my appointment on the town- 
 line, last Monday, and pressed me to take an appointment at 
 
\4 
 
 52 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 her house, promising me a good congregation. I was glad I 
 went. I found a sterling family, who were Wesleyans in 
 England. The congregation were perched upon a loom, like 
 a flock of pigeons on a tree. After preaching, Mrs. Thomp- 
 son related to me the following most thrilling event in her 
 own experience, showing how much good wo may accomplish 
 when our hearts are free to do it : — 
 
 " In England," said she, " we were members of class, and 
 accustomed to hear preaching every week. When we came 
 to these woods, we were three years without seeing a 
 minister. Hearing that one was to preach on the front, 
 I travelled out fifteen miles on foot to hear him. My soul 
 was filled with comfort, and I begged him to come to the 
 bush and preach in our house, promising him that, if 
 possible, every person in the township would be present to 
 hoar him. He consented. On the day appointed I gave 
 our family their breakfast, and then went to every house 
 and got a pledge that every man and woman would be 
 present at the appointed hour. On my way home I saw 
 the track of a horse in our field, and knowing that there 
 was no horse in the settlement, I thought it must be the 
 horse of the man of God who had come to bring the Gospel 
 to our forest. Is it possible, thought I, that after so long a 
 famine for the bread of life, the time has come at last when 
 we are to have the Gospel preached in our own humble 
 cabin ! The thought was overwhelming ; tears came to my 
 eyes, my heart throbbed with emotion, and I sank upon the 
 earth and kissed the ground on which the horse had trod 
 which brought the man of God to our township. I thought 
 of former times in Yorkshire, and then and there renewed 
 my covenant with God, pledging myself to do all I could to 
 spread the Gospel through these forests." 
 
 This good family prospered in everything ; and, thirteen 
 years after this visit, I had the pleasure of preaching in a 
 
/ * 
 
 1824.] 
 
 MRS. THOMPSON. 
 
 53 
 
 comfoi-table church erected on their farm. This pious and 
 devoted woman comforted me much, and encouraged me to 
 greater diligence in acts of self-denial. I met one of her 
 sons, now venerable in appearance, at the Poterboro' Con- 
 ference. Hard, indeed, must be that heart which would not 
 go any lengths, and make any sacrifice, to preach the Gospel 
 to such a people ! If Wesley was right when he directed 
 us to go to those who need us most, then I was right in 
 taking up this appointment, and I left one for my colleague. 
 While riding back towards the front, over rough roads and 
 through gloomy forests, I dismounted to relievo my horse a 
 little and stretch my own limbs by walking, leaving my 
 saddle-bags on the saddle. But the cunning beast proved 
 treacherous — I had good cause to regret my kindness. I had 
 left the bridle on his neck and was walking by his side, 
 when he managed to get a few steps in advance. Having 
 walked a couple of miles in this way, I began to feel weary, 
 and asked my horse to stop; but he seemed to prefer walking 
 alone, and resolved to keep out of my reach. When I 
 walked fast, he increased his pace accordingly. When I 
 ran, he ran — then off came my bags, which I had to carry. 
 This appeared to amuse him much, and no intreaty could 
 induce him to wait for me. Is it possible, thought I, that 
 I am doomed to walk and carry this burden, through this 
 solitary wilderness, all the way to Cobourg. In my dejec- 
 tion and weariness, a happy thought came into my mind. 
 There is a long corduroy bridge about a mile ahead, and on 
 that bridge I can outrun the cruel beast. The plan was 
 laid and the conquest effected ; but I learned that too much 
 liberty was a bad thing for a horse, while there might be 
 circumstances under which even these miserable log-bridges 
 might be of service to a travelling preacher. 
 
 Sunday, the 3rd of October. Preached at Cramahe and 
 at Presque Isle. Cramahe is a small village about the size 
 
 ' I 
 
 v> 
 
.t 
 
 64 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREKN, O.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 of Cobourg, but it has a good Church, a better society, and 
 a larger congregation. Hiram Memman, a faithful under- 
 shepherd is our leader here. He is very fond of a 
 good, warm-hearted shout, and, when he feels well, he can 
 bear his paiii in it with stunning elfect. At Presque Isle 
 we have a large log-house for worship, and an excellent 
 class. James Lyons, Esq., M.P.P., is our leader, and an 
 excellent leader he is. James Richardson, Esq., his brother- 
 in-law, lives near him, and is an able local preacher, but it 
 is intimated that he is soon to take a circuit. On Monday 
 preached at Sherwood's, and on Tuesday at the Carrying 
 Place. Called on the Rev. Mr. Greer, a young Episcopal 
 clergyman, who had just settled in this village. Wednes- 
 day, rode round the head of the Bay to the Trent, thence 
 over to Mr. Young's (father to the Rev. Wm. Young), and 
 preached from Proverbs 8 : 4. Wednesday, preached at 
 Cold Creek to a« few settlers, but no class. After a lonely 
 ride to Percy Mills^ I preached to a small congregation, led 
 a small class, and was entertained by the father of the Rev. 
 Bolomon Waldron, of our Conference. Friday, rode back 
 through the woods towards the front, and preached in tke 
 house of a local preacher by the name of Joshua Webster 
 — an intelligent man and good company. Sunday, 10th 
 Oct. At Haldimand and Grafton, preached on " What will 
 it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his 
 soul ] " A question, this, of infinite importance, but easily 
 answered. 
 
 Monday, the 11th, at Bro. Waite's, back of Grafton. 
 Saturday and Sunday, the 16th and 17th of October, heard 
 Mr. Case at our Quarterly Meeting in Hamilton Church. 
 He is a lovable man ; mild as St, John, but firm as St. 
 Paul. Not a great, but a good preacher. His sermons are 
 not deep, but efficacious, and we love him, admire him, and 
 pray for him. I received twenty-five cents travelling expenses, 
 
1824.] 
 
 A CASE OF CONUCIENCE. 
 
 65 
 
 but no quarterage, as u\y colleague required all the money 
 paid in to meet his moving expenses. Wo arranged for a 
 new a})pointmont at Mr. liuUock's neighbourhood, near the 
 Carrying Place, and another at what is now called Newton- 
 ville, about twelve miles west of I'ort Hope — since become 
 the head of a circuit. On the 4th of November I preached 
 the iirst sermon ever delivered at Newtonville, in a log 
 house owned by Mr. Scales, situated on the main road, and 
 on the west side of a high hill. I gave them a synopsis of 
 our doctrines. One intelligent-looking gentleman eyed me 
 closely, and seemed to be carefully weighing every sentence 
 uttered. He thanked me for a doctrinal sermon, and in- 
 vited me to visit him at his house, which 1 did ; and this 
 visit led to the following case of conscience : — In accord- 
 ance with Dr. Adam Clarke's " Advice to Young Preachers," 
 I had resolved to pray with every family I visited. I found 
 this gentleman alone, and as he did not propose prayers, I 
 had not courage to do so myself, but left him alone in his 
 musings. The cross was heavy, and I failed to bear it, 
 though Jesus had said, " Whosoever doth not bear his cross 
 and come after me, cannot be my disciple." As T rode away 
 ray conscience stung me severely — Is that the way you carry 
 out your purposes ] Is that all the courage you have to 
 bear the cross for him who bore the cross for you ? Then 
 better leave this field to others and go home ! I stopped my 
 horse to return to the house ; but this would appear absurd, 
 hence I compromised the matter by promising to call on my 
 next round and ask to have prayers with this gentleman. 
 After this decision, I rode on ; but, alas ! on my next visit 
 to that place his house was empty. This gentleman had 
 left the neighbourhood, and I never saw him more ! But 
 his image is photographed indelibly upon my mind, and I 
 can never forget that first breach of faith with myself. It 
 is a dangerous thing to trifle with a good conscience. I wan 
 
 rt 
 
 
 
06 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORKEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 miserable in the extreme, and would have given much if I 
 had never seen that man, or, having seen him, had done my 
 duty. Our next appointment led me to Major Wilmott's 
 — now Newcastle — preached in a school-house a little west 
 of Halmon Creek. From this we went to Mr. I Jiitter worth's, 
 in a hack concession ; and I left an a|>})ointment also, on the 
 main road, at Mr. Wallbridge's house. Sunday, the 7th of 
 November, preached at Hope school-house in the moniing, 
 and at Mr. J. Boyce's in the evening. Dined with Mi\ 
 Hawkins, and found good lo<1gings at Bro. Boyce's during 
 the night. We had also a regular ap])ointment at Mr. 
 Farley's school-house. I have now preached in all tho 
 regular appointments, and find we have enough to do. Wo 
 preach in twelve townHhi})8, have thirty-three ap])ointment8 
 each for every twenty-eight days, lead all the classes after 
 public sei-vice, preach funeral sermons, and attend as many 
 prayer-meetings 'as possible. Our Circuit embraces all the 
 country between Bowmanville and the Carrying Place, 
 Kiver Trent, and Mud Lake. It requii'es a ride of 400 
 miles to get round it, which we performed, winter and sum- 
 mer, on horseback. — There are now twenty-four circuits 
 within these limits. — We had only two churches on the 
 circuit which we could use for Quarterly meetings — one 
 in Colborne, and one in Hamilton, near Cobourg — but 
 we erected a small one in the village of Cobourg before 
 Christmas. My colleague, the Rev. David Breakenridge, is 
 kind and industrious, but, like myself, is a new recruit in 
 the ministry. He is blessed with a charming wife. Her 
 maiden name was Lawience, but her mother was once the 
 wife of the celebrated Philip Embury. 
 
 Dedication at Cobouro. — On the 28th of November, I 
 had the pleasure of opening our new church, erected on the 
 comer of Division and Chapel Streets. My text was from 
 ^ech. 14: 6, 8. These "living waters" were refreshing, 
 
 § 
 
1824] 
 
 DRDIOATION AT COBOURO. 
 
 5T 
 
 and all were invited to drink freely. Very little ceremony 
 waa connected with churcho|)ening8 in those days. Father 
 Wilson wan present, aiul took part in the services ; bwt, 
 strange to say, ho was not in my way at all. I had feared 
 him greatly, hut he reillbved that fear entirely during my 
 second sermon at the Parsonage Church. He was living 
 near that church, and I could not think of preaching in his 
 presence. I, therefore, took the first opportunity to call on 
 this venerable divine, and earnestly recpiest him not to be 
 present when 1 preached, as I had not been ivccustomed to 
 preach before ministers, and feared I might break down in 
 the attempt. He said he knew how to sympathize with 
 such feelings, and at once assured me he would not attend 
 until I was an established preacher. I felt much relieved 
 by this promise ; but alas ! he thought I was " established " 
 long before I thought so myself; and at my second ai)point- 
 ment in that church, after the preliminaries* were over, and 
 I stood u[) to road my text, I saw his venerable form enter 
 the door. He had on short breeches, with silk stockings, 
 knee-buckles, shoe-buckles, itc, and with his clerical garb 
 and venerable locks, he made a most formidable appearance. 
 I was both surprised and frightened. Indeed, I trembled to 
 that extent that I could scarcely hold my pocket Bible in 
 my hand. I first thought of sitting down and calling upon 
 him to preach, but dared not do it. I then placed both 
 elbows upon the j)ulpit to steady my trembling nerves, and 
 read, " Unto you that fear my name shall the sun of 
 righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall 
 go forth and grow up as calves of the stall." By the time 
 1 got through with my introduction, I had lost sight of the 
 old divine ; my trembling ceased, and from that moment I 
 had no more fear of Father Wilson. 
 
 First Sermon at Port Hope — November 30th. Tliis 
 afternoon, by previous arrangement, 1 delivered what I waa 
 *3 
 
 h' 1 
 
 ' I 
 
 ii 
 
58 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1824. 
 
 liiiiii 
 
 in<|||iiini!ii 
 
 informed was the Jirst sermon preached in Port Hope by a 
 Weslejan minister — it was certainly the first appointment 
 in our circuit work there. I had a shoemaker's shop for my 
 church, his shoe-bench for a pulpit, and six persons for a con- 
 gregation. Port Hope is the largest village on the circuit. 
 It is situated at the mouth of Smith's Creek, from which our 
 circuit takes its name. It is full of enterprise and spirit, 
 but so full of whisky and sin that it bears the name of 
 " Sodom." My text was, " Some have not the knowledge 
 of God : I speak this to your shame." The wedge is now 
 entered, and if we can manage to get a congregation, Sodom 
 Td&y yet be redeemed, and by divine aid we may hope to 
 do some good there. December 1st, took up another new ap- 
 pointment at Mr. Herchel's, on the lake shore, some four or 
 five miles west of Port Hope. December 8th. My colleague 
 has also taken up an appointment at Mr. Purdy's, on the 
 lake shore, iii Cramahe, where I preached to-day. We 
 have also arranged to preach at the Court-house, and at the 
 school-house at Major Jones', half-way to Port Hope. 
 
 Father Wilson's Narrow Escape. — When in Cobourg 
 last October, I saw the beach, west of Division Street 
 covered with small white tents, filled with Irish immigrants. 
 The Hon. Peter Robinson had been home and brought out 
 a shipload of these people, whom he landed here. Theie 
 was no wharf in Cobourg then, and the landing was some- 
 what diflicult. They were to be located in the bush beyond 
 Rice Lake. Mr. R. has given his own name to the place, 
 calliug it Peterborough. These white tents presented a 
 beautiful and attractive appearance. They stretched along 
 oa the sand beach, lying between the lake and a forest of 
 small cedars, which covered the worst part of the swampy 
 ground east of Ham's mills. Among the newly-arrived 
 were fourteen Protestant families ; the remainder were 
 Papists, with a priest at their head. Mr. W., being an 
 
11 
 
 1825.] 
 
 REV. JAMES WILSONS ESCAPE. 
 
 5d 
 
 Irishman himself, went and preached to his countryme^ ; 
 but when the priest — who was absent at the time — returned, 
 he was much displeased, and told his flock that if that 
 heretic came there again to preach, they were " to cool his 
 zeal by throwing him into the lake." The Protestants 
 reported this to our brethren ; and soon after the magistrate 
 sent for the priest and a.'^.ked him if the report was true. 
 " Certainly it is," said the priest. " What right had that 
 man to preach to my people in my absence V " Just as 
 much right a;i you have, sir, if they wish to hear him. You 
 are in a free country now, where the liberty of free speech 
 is protected. You are therefore to go immediately and call 
 the people together and tell thein if Mr. W. comes there 
 again they are to .use him civilly ; and I will hold you re- 
 sponsible for any mischief done him." The priest very 
 properly hastened to the camp, blew his horn, collected the 
 people and said to them, " I perceive I have made a mis- 
 take. If Mr. Wilson comes here, be sura you use him well, 
 or I will hold you responsible for any mischief done him. 
 Remember what I tell you." I scarcely need to add that 
 these immigrants were well taught in Gospel truth, while 
 they remained on the beach. 
 
 On New Year's eve, had a profitable watch-night in our 
 new church ; but, under the pressure of a bad cold and hard 
 work, my voice was so injured that I could scarcely speak 
 at all. Happily for me, Elder Case came to us at this time, 
 and, seeing my weakness, directed me to lie by for a few 
 weeks. So strong was my frame that I scarcely knew I 
 could injure myself by constant preaching ; but I found, to 
 my cost, that my lungs might be so overtaxed as to injure 
 them, and weaken my entire frame. Mr. Case's timely 
 interposition gave me relief. His goodness of heart is only 
 e({ualled by his prudence and forethought. He authorized 
 the Rev. George Farr to form a new mission in Cavan. 
 
 U\ 
 
 5 : '« 
 
60 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OUEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1825. 
 
 li'ii 
 
 11 
 
 !■ 'Ill 
 
 i,lpTriI::4: 
 
 Allowed Reuben Grant, a good local preacher, to take my 
 appointments for a time, and I started off to see my friends. 
 About seven o'clock one evening I left the stage and 
 knocked at my father's door. I had been absent about two 
 years, and he was glad to see me ; but when he learned, 
 from my own lips, that I had entered the ministry, he 
 expressed his surprise, and, in his mild way, intimated his 
 regret at my choice. *A little respite and a change of air 
 soon restored my voice and my health. I could not resist 
 the pressing invitation of my old friends, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Gale, Judge Watson, and others, to preach. They were 
 pleased to find their predictions, concerning my calling, so 
 soon fulfilled, and said many kind things concerning my 
 feeble efibrts. After enjoying a deligktful visit with my 
 friends in Middleburgh, I returned to Richfield. 
 
 My First Sermon before my Father. — I had two broth- 
 ers living in Richfield, who, being anxious to hear me 
 preach, had given out an appointment for me in Brighton 
 village. My father's cousin. Ward well Green, Esq., was 
 the patriarch of this place. When I entered the house, 
 behold, it was filled to its utmost capacity. I crowded my 
 way to the pulpit, and, on looking round, was surprised to see 
 my venerable father and his cousin, the village magistrate, 
 sitting together on a side seat. Their unexpected presence 
 embarrassed me much. I regretted that 1 had consented 
 to preach at all. But I was there and must proceed. 
 Earnestly did I pray for help ; and the Lord heard and 
 answered. My text was, " For whosoever shall call upon 
 the name of the Lord shall be saved." I had spoken for 
 fifteen minutes before I had courage to look towards 
 the seat where my father sat ; but, when I glanced my 
 eyes that way, I was much relieved to see both of these 
 venerable men using their handkerchiefs freely to wipe 
 away their tears. This removed my fear and gave me 
 
 
1825.] 
 
 FIRST SERMON BEFORE MY FATHER. 
 
 ei 
 
 courage. The word had reached their hearts ; others wept 
 with them, and my soul rejoiced. The next day, when I 
 bid my father good-bye, he kindly gave me his blessing; said 
 T was taking the right course, and he only wished all his 
 sous were like me. This paternal approval of my calling 
 was what I did not expect ; but it was more valued by me 
 than gold or silver. I took leave of my friends with com- 
 paratively a light heart, and hastened back to my circuit. 
 I had intended to induce my youngest brother, Joseph, to 
 come to Canada with me ; but he was called away in the 
 morning of life, and buried in Brighton before I reached 
 home. Under these circumstances I brought Mr. Lewis W. 
 Joice with me, and got him a school near Cobourg. 
 
 A Funeral Sermon under trying Circumstances. — 
 When in Hallowell, the Rev. F, Metcalf came to me and 
 urged that I would preach a funeral sermon for a man who 
 had died in the village ; and he prevailed on me, much 
 against my inclination, to consent ; but was careful not to 
 give the character of the deceased. I learned afterwards 
 that he was an old tipler who had importuned Mr. Ballard, 
 one very cold night, to let him have a bottle of whisky to 
 take home with him, which Mr. B. refused to do, telling him 
 that if he got it, he would drink himself dead before he 
 reached home. He then declared, most solemnly, that he 
 would not touch a " drop until he reached home ; if he did, 
 he hoped God would strike him dead on the road." He got 
 the whisky, retired from the house, and began to drink 
 freely. God took him at his word, and he was found frozen 
 to death on the street. All the tiplers from some distance 
 were at his funeral. Our church was full, and I took for 
 my text, " But the end of all things is at hand ; be ye 
 therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." I could not hope 
 to benefit the dead, but I faithfully reminded the living of 
 the shortness of time, and urged them to sobriety, watch- 
 
 % 
 
 \ . 
 
 ' t 
 
62 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 i 
 
 /"' 
 
 [1825. 
 
 fulness, and prayer. The old topers were not much pleased 
 with my faithful dealing, but said, afterwards, that I ought 
 to have been dragged out of the pulpit ! I made no refer- 
 ences to the deceased, only to leave him where I found him, 
 in the hands of a just God. Some of the tiplers took my 
 part and said I had manfully spoken the truth. But some 
 of " the baser sort" went to the widow to sympathize with 
 her and get me condemned. She plucked the feathers out 
 of their caps at once by telling them " it was the best sermon 
 she ever heard in her life. That every word was truth, and 
 they knew it well ; that if her husband had heard it years 
 ago, and lived according to its teachings, she would not now 
 be a widow ;" and she exhorted them to leave the bottle 
 and become sober men. The effect was good, and these 
 raging inebriates went home wiser, if not better men. Tem- 
 perance societies, for the suppression of drunkenness, were 
 not then known, but we used frequently to thunder from 
 our pulpits against this disgraceful and soul-destroying vice. 
 Camp-meeting at Adolphustown— License to Preach. 
 — The power to grant licenses was vested in what was called 
 The Local Preachers' Conference. This body was com- 
 posed of all the local preachers on the district, with the 
 Presiding Elder as President. This Council had met the 
 previous year at Elizabethtown, one hundred miles away 
 from me ; and I had, by the authority of Bro. Case, been 
 preaching for a year on the recommendation for license of 
 our Quarterly Meeting. Mr. Case had appointed a camp- 
 meeting at Hay Bay, where the District Conference was 
 also to meet. On Saturday, the 18th of June, I was 
 expected to pass an examination before this grave body, on 
 doctrines, discipline, experience, &c., when I, with other 
 candidates, was expected to give precise definitions of all the 
 cardinal doctrines of the Church, and prove them by per- 
 tinent passages of Scripture. I found no difficulty in answer- 
 
lSi5.] 
 
 LICENSE TO PREACH. 
 
 63 
 
 ing the questions. I then retired to give the members 
 opportunity to deliberate, but was soon called in, when Mr. 
 Case told me the brethren had cordially granted me license, 
 and he desired me to use them, at once, by taking the stand 
 and preaching to the people. I did so, and the good Lord 
 helped me graciously. The kind words spoken to me after- 
 wards by Bro. Metcalf, Bro. John Ryerson, and others, 
 encouraged me greatly. 
 
 At this meeting I had the pleasure of seeing that vener- 
 able apostolic man, Dr. Dunham. He was the first ordained 
 Wesley an minister who came to Canada, and, consequently, 
 the first to administer the sacraments to the people here (in 
 1792.) This happy old veteran now stood upon the ground 
 where his colleague, Losee, formed the first class in 1791, 
 and erected the first church in 1792, and where the first 
 camp-meeting in Canada was held in 1805, attended by 
 Case, Bangs, Ryan, &c. He prayed for sinners with great 
 energy, and sometimes used most terrific expressions. He 
 had seen the Church of Canada in her infancy, and anxiously 
 watched her youthful progress ; but now, like Israel's Moses, 
 he seemed to view the promised land from Pisgah's top, 
 quite ready to " launch away and mingle with the l)laze of 
 day." There were many on the ground who belonged to 
 the first class formed in Canada, and others who were taken 
 into society by Losee in other places. Oh, how I love to sit 
 at their feet and heai^ them tell of early days ! Here are 
 the Casey's, Huff's, Yandusen's, German's, Detlor's, Rob« 
 lin's, Embury's, Ketcheson's, and Switzer's. Here, too, are 
 the Dougall's, Dulmago's, Green's, Yeomans', and Johnson's 
 of primitive timss. The thrilling anecdotes they tell of 
 early days would fill a volume. Would that they were 
 written for our admonition and instruction. Here is good 
 old C'asper Yandusen from the High Shore, a valuable leader 
 and powerful exhorter, whose voice I have Keard with profit 
 
'i 
 
 64 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 and delight. He knew little of religious language and 
 customs beforo his conversion, hence, when first asked to say 
 grace at table, he stood up and said, " Now I lay me down 
 to sleep," «fec. These were all the religious words he knew, 
 and they were acceptable to him who looks not at the words, 
 so much as at the heart. This meeting was primitive in 
 most respects, and many souls were brought to God. 
 
 On the 1st of September another camp-meeting was held 
 on our own circuit in Cramahe, where we had the help of 
 several ministers who were on their way to Conference. It 
 was a blessed time and a glorious winding up of the year. 
 I received such a blessing as comforts me still when I think 
 of it. The local preachers held an adjourned session on the 
 camp ground, where they recommended me to the Confer- 
 ence as a candidate for the Wesleyan ministry. We had a 
 large number of conversions on the circuit, but were a little 
 surprised to find that we could only report a net gain of 
 forty-seven. My receipts on the cii'cuit, for all purposes, 
 amounted to $60. I had no place which I called my home ; 
 and yet I found a home whenever night overtook me. My 
 saddle was my study, saddle-bags my wardrobe, and my 
 Bible and hymn-book my select library. I found comfoi-t- 
 able temporary homes with the kind families of Messrs. 
 Biggar, Lyons, Keeler, Strong, Merriman, Powers, Powel, 
 Perry, Spencer, Bates, Kelley, Spalding, McCarty, Boyce, 
 Hawkins, Wilmott, Farley, and mflny others. My needs 
 were all supplied, and I wanted nothing but more grace. 
 Father Wilson, who frightened me so much in the beginning, 
 was of great service to me ; but he was very eccentric at 
 times. He could not bear to have any of his opinions 
 called in question. He once preached in Hallowell, from a 
 text in the Book of Job, and the people took the liberty of 
 calling in question some remarks which he made concerning 
 that ancient book. He heard of it, and when next he 
 
1826.] 
 
 CASUALTIES. 
 
 65 
 
 preached in our pulpit he opened his hymn-book, and then, 
 knitting his dark, heavy eyebrows, and making his black 
 eyes sparkle with emotion, lie exclaimed, " So you are critics 
 here, are you ! T care no more for you than for the worms 
 under my feet ; I have preached to thousands in Ireland 
 before I saw your faces !" He then put on a smile, read 
 his hymn, and went on with the service. I sat in the pulpit 
 with him once when, becoming absent-minded for a moment, 
 he stopped suddenly and said, " Really, I have forgotten 
 where I am ; if any one can put me on the track I will pro- 
 ceed." I then told him where he was, what he said last, 
 and the theme on which he was dwelling. He thanked me, 
 and then proceeded as usual. He abhorred drunkenness, and 
 held the sot in utter contempt. He was once asked to ride 
 ten miles to bury a drunkard, but indignantly refused, 
 saying, " No ! he lived like a dog, and let his burial be the 
 . burial of an ass. What ! go to preach the pure gospel over 
 such a man ! Never ! never ! " 
 
 A Chapter of Accidents which occurred on this circuit 
 may be recorded for serious reflection. My horse, a noble, 
 beautiful looking animal, had the fault of stumbling. On 
 one occasion, when in sight of my stopping place, I rode fast 
 to avoid a shower of rain which I saw apj)roaching, when 
 his feet sank so deeply in the soft earth which had just been 
 placed on the road, that he fell and landed me several feet 
 in front of him. When I managed to pick myself up I 
 found him lying on his own head, apparently dead. When 
 I turned him over he arose, shook ofi* the dust, and carried 
 me to the house, neither of us being any the worse for the 
 fright. Had I been looking at the road before me, instead 
 of watching the approaching storm, I might have avoided 
 this calamity ; but He, whose eyes are always open to the 
 dangers of His people, kindly preserved both the horse and 
 his rider from serious harm. At another time he fell with 
 
 1 1 
 
66 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1825. 
 
 m 
 
 
 me on my way to preacli in Haldimand, throwing me into 
 the mud before him. It was rainy, and I held my \imbrellii 
 over my head, musing upon my sermon. But I soon found 
 myself in one place, my horse in another, and my umbrella 
 some distance from both of us. I scarcely knew what to do. 
 The congregation was waiting for me near by, but I looked 
 more like a toper who had been rolling in the mud, than a 
 divine on his way to the pulpit. But all's well that ends 
 well. I rubbed off the thickest of the mud ; the people 
 waited patiently, and we had a thankful and joyous time 
 together. On another occasion my horse got so frightened 
 at an old bear and her two cubs that I could scarcely man- 
 age him at all. I was returning from Percy Mills, and on 
 looking to my left, up through some pine woods which had 
 lately been burnt over, I saw, about a quarter of a mile 
 away, three bears coming dii-ectly towards me. I stopped 
 my Charley to get a good sight of them. He soon saw them, 
 coming down the hill, and stood, with his ears thrown for- 
 ward, trembling with fright. They came into the road 
 about one hundred feet before me, and remained smelling 
 round, but didn't observe us. After I had satisfied my 
 curiosity, I told them to be off. Frightened at my voice 
 they trotted away into the thick bushes below the road. 
 But as they moved away, my horse turned swiftly round 
 and ran some distance as if it were for life. When I man- 
 aged to stop him and turn him on his right course, he 
 stepped very cautiously until he came to the place where the 
 bears had trod, and then I could not get him to cross their 
 path. I finally dismounted and led him over ', he crouched 
 slyly behind me until he came to their track, and then shot 
 by me with speed and tried to run. It was with much 
 difficulty that I reached my saddle again; but no sooner 
 had I mounted than he took the bit between his teeth and 
 ran through the woods until he reached the bridge over 
 
 mt: 
 
1825.] 
 
 BEAKS. 
 
 er 
 
 Cold Creek, where I managed to get him quieted. I waa 
 not aware, until this occurrence, that horses were so much 
 afraid of bears. Once my poor Charley had a narrow escape 
 in going over a corduroy bridge in Cobourg, near Ham's 
 Mills. He got his fore-feet between two logs, and sank 
 down until my feet touched the poles, when I walked oflf 
 over his head. T thought his legs would be broken, but he 
 managed, with my assistance, to get them out unhurt. We 
 found this kind of roadway or corduroy bridges, as they 
 were called, in great abundance on our circuit ; but the 
 good Lord preserved both man and beast during the dangers 
 of this eventful year. We need not fear danger if God is 
 with un. He did not keep Daniel from the den of lions, but 
 He guaided him there. He did not hold the three Hebrews 
 back from the furnace, but " the form of the fourth" was with 
 them and they could not be hurt. 
 
 On the whole, this was a pleasant and successful year. I 
 sold books for my colleague, and had the privilege of reading 
 them, when I could find a place and an hour in which to do 
 so. I loved the people, and became much attached to them. 
 They bore with my weakness, encouraged me when I 
 faltered, upheld me when I was weary, and cheered me 
 when I was discouraged ; and I went to my next field of 
 labour with a light heart. 
 
 I! 
 
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 1 1 . . 
 
 CHAPTER IV. ,. 
 
 THE CONFERENCE OF 1825 — HALLOWELL CIRCUIT. 
 
 |N Tuesday morning, just one year from that Tuesday 
 on which T entered the circuit, six of us mounted 
 our steeds and started for Conference, viz. : W. Case, W. 
 Cliamberlain, F. Metcalf, Ezra Healy, P. Smith, and Anson 
 Green. During most of the day we travelled on my own 
 circuit, but spent the night at Mr. Cryderman's, three miles 
 west of Bowmanvillo. On Wednesday evening we reached 
 York, after a long and wearisome journey through a beauti- 
 ful country, the most of which had never been subdued by 
 the woodman's axe. For nine miles we neither saw house 
 nor clearing ; but the monotony of the journey was some- 
 what relieved by the novelty of having divine service on 
 horseback. Mr. Case proposed that we should each preach 
 a sermon. The proposal, to me, was a strange one, but I 
 soon became reconciled by the thought that Jesus, our great 
 exemplar, preached to two disciples on their way to Emmaus. 
 Mr. Case led off with, " As you go, preach." He told us 
 what the Gospel was, and how and when we were to preach 
 it. Next, in course of seniority, came Mr. Chamberlain 
 with, '* And hath raised tis wp together." He showed the 
 counexional and apostolical nature of Methodism. Many 
 
 l^'" 
 
1825.] PREAOHINO ON UORHEBACK. 4|| 
 
 circuits, but one field. Many laborers, but all raised up 
 together to cultivate this Hold in harmony. Then came Mr. 
 Htiiith witjj, " Be perfect." Ife defined and described Chris- 
 tiivu perfection, and its importance to miniHters and mem- 
 bers. It gave to the Apostles their power, to Wesley hin 
 success, to our fathers their triumphs ; and, if all were i»er- 
 foct, it would soon give to the ( ?hureh a world redeemed. 
 Then came Mr. Healy with his clear, sweet voice, saying, 
 " Ami this will we do if God permit.'^ Mr. Metcalf pleaded 
 illness and was excused. I asked to be bo excused also, on 
 account of youth. and inexperience; but Mr. Case replied, 
 *' There is no release in this, war." His word was law, and 
 I gave out, " Be thou faithful unto death, and I vnll give 
 thee a crown of life." I described the work to be done, the 
 manner and time of doing it, and the reward promised. 
 While we are to be faithful as believers, as stewards, and as 
 teachers, we do it as our life-work, in all places, at all times, 
 under all circumstances, and unto death. The leward a 
 crown, with more or less stars, as we are more or less 
 faitliful. All agreed that the texts could not have been 
 better suited, to the occasion, nor the discourses more har- 
 monious, as a series, if the whole had been pre-arranged. 
 
 The T6wn op York, which we reached before dark, lies 
 mostly between the river Don and the market, and contains, 
 I should judge, about 1,500 inhabitants. On the 27th of 
 April, 1813, the Americans took this place, but lost Col. 
 Pike and two hundred soldiers by the explosion of a 
 magazine. There are few buildings of note here. The 
 Episcopalians have a small church on the corner of King 
 and Church Streets, and we have a small one, forty feet 
 square, a little out of town, on the corner of King and 
 Jordan Streets. The Parliament House was burnt down 
 last January, and the members meet now in the Hospital. 
 But the tendency of the town is westward, and some of our 
 
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 brethren have erected houses on Bay street, near the Church. 
 Thursday evening we reached Hannahsville, in Nelson, and 
 were entertained by Messrs. Hopkins and McCoy. On 
 Friday we all dined with Father Keagey, a pious and liberal- 
 hearted Dutchman, who was pleased to see so many ministers 
 together. On Sunday morning, the 11th of September, we 
 reached Davisville, the seat of our Indian Mission, on the 
 Grand River. This was the happy goal to which we had 
 been pushing all the week. We found a neat building of 
 hewn logs, designed both for church and school-house, stand- 
 ing in a pasture field, quite alone. There were some trees 
 and many clumps of brushwood, evergreens, <fec., all through 
 the field, which made it picturesque and inviting. This 
 house, the first Wesleyan Church built for Indians, was 
 erected in 1824. Mr. Chamberlain and I stood several rods 
 away from the house, but could see no human being save 
 Mr. Case and the school teacher, who were standing near 
 the chapel. We began to f^ar that there must be some 
 mistake. It was drawing near nine o'clock, the hour 
 appointed for love-feast, and not an Indian to be seen, nor a 
 single wigwam in sight. The teacher then blew his horn, 
 and suddenly, as if by enchantment, the place was full of 
 human beings. They rose up from amidst the evergreens- 
 men, women, and children — all cleanly in appearance, and 
 hastened to the sanctuary. As they entered they knelt 
 devoutly in secret prayer, and many of them were melted 
 into tears before they arose. Mr. Case bogan the service, 
 and these children of the forest sang with sweet accord, and 
 listened with rapt attention to all that was said. It was a 
 good day. The love-feast was lively ; not a moment lost ; 
 upwards of one 1: idred converts were present, and about 
 sixty children. We all spoke a word for their encourage- 
 ment, and rejoiced and wept together. " Happy are the 
 people that are in such a case. Yea, happy is that people 
 
1826.] 
 
 PiBSr INDIAN Missioii. 
 
 n 
 
 whose God is the Lord." They expressed gi-eat pleasure at 
 seeing so many " black coats " together ; a sight they never 
 witnessed before. We were not only gratified with what 
 we saw and heard, but highly delighted. Open vision puts 
 doubt to flight, and we Ipft, saying, " Then, indeed, hath 
 Gk>d granted repentance unto life to the Indians also." 
 
 After service I rode home with the venerable Thomas 
 Whitehead, to his residence in Burford, and the next day 
 visited Mrs. Earle Martin, of Blenheim, who taught me to 
 read when I was a child. Had a pleasant visit with an old 
 friend, preached to the people, and then started for Confer- 
 ence. As I passed through the village of Hamilton I was 
 much pleased to see our new and beautiful church, erected 
 in 1824, on King Street. The only church in the village, 
 and second only to our church in Hallowell. At Stoney 
 (Jreek I lodged with that excellent family, the Gages, the 
 home of my friend Case. Our church here, with the fences 
 and trees, all bear the marks of a battle which was fought 
 in this place on the night of June 5 th, 1813. The graves of 
 twenty Canadians and many Americans, near the roadside, 
 remind us of the cruelty of war. How peacefully a^d 
 quietly these foemen now sleep, side by side, beneath this 
 friendly sod ! " The small and the great are there, and the 
 servant is free from his master." 
 
 The Conference was held at the Fifty-mile Creek, Saltfleet. 
 When I reached my lodging, at the house of G. Carpenter, 
 Esq., I was told tViat my case had been called up, and 1, 
 with five others, had been received on trial. On Saturday, 
 the 17th of September, the Conference adjom'ned to allow 
 the Missionary Society to hold its first annual meeting. 
 This meeting, being the first of the kind ever held in the 
 Province, excited much attention, and was of great service 
 to the good cause. Bishop Hedding was in the chair, and 
 the principal speakers were : Wm. Case, Peter Jones (a 
 
 ' -J 
 
72 
 
 LI^E AKD times of ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1825. 
 
 Ill'*li 
 
 f ■/!■ 
 
 ^■'•J 
 
 ™te=N 
 
 
 Chippewa Chief), Thomas Davis (a Mohawk Chief), and the 
 Hon. John Wilson, Speaker of the House of Assembly. I 
 was interested and benefitted in all the proceedings, but in 
 none so much as in the speech of Chief Davis. His appear- 
 ance commands respect. Tall, straight, well built, with a 
 high forehead and pleasant countenance, he appeared like a 
 Grecian sage. He was dressed in a frock-coat, with a red 
 military sash round his waist ; gentlemanly in his bearings, 
 and forcible in his elocution, he at once commanded atten- 
 tion. For twenty minutes he held the assembly in silent 
 awe, but with tearful eyes. I could understand but one 
 word he used, that was Jesus ; that precious name which is 
 the same in all languages, and by v/hich the Lord saves his 
 people from their sins. Still there seemed to be a telegraph 
 between his soul and mine which told of salvation and 
 heaven./ There appeared to be language and power in his 
 gestures which demonstrated his earnestness, and drew tears 
 from my eyes. The design was accomplished : the Confer- 
 ence was thoroughly imbued with a missionary spirit, and 
 we resolved to labour more diligently for the salvation of 
 these tribes. Some difficulty between Messrs. Madden and 
 Ryan, made the Conference a long and tedious one. But on 
 Friday morning the exciting moment came. The appoint- 
 ments, then read by the Bishop, had been kept a profound 
 secret with Hedding, Case, and Madden. When the good 
 Bishop read, " Hallowell — Franklin Metcalf, Anson Green," 
 we were both delighted, and exchanged a friendly smile of 
 congratulation. Poor Bro. Belt-on looked anxious ! Name 
 after name was read until the last circuit was mentioned. 
 He looked as though he had been entirely forgotten, wlien 
 the Bishop read out distinctly, " Samuel Belton, Missioaary 
 to the newly-settled townships between the Mississippi and 
 Grand River." Poor fellow ! he fairly whistled out his dis- 
 approbation, to the amusement of the entire Conference. 
 
V-\f N 
 
 1825.] 
 
 HALLOWELL CIROUIf. 
 
 n 
 
 ssioaary 
 ippi and 
 his (lis- 
 ference. 
 
 He scarcely knew which way to go to find his miBsion. I 
 could not have been better pleased. I was going home, 
 where I knew a warm reception and much kindness awaited 
 me. Mr. Chamberlain came and congratulated me upon 
 going to the best circuit in the Province. We rode over to 
 Nelson that evening, and the next day to York. But Mr. 
 Bissel and I were sent nine miles up Yonge Street, where 
 he preached in "Cumer's Church on Sabbath morning, and I 
 in a log school-house in Eglington in the evening. We 
 lodged with Mr. Grafton's exceliont family, and reached town 
 on Monday morning in time to learn that our comrades Iiad 
 gone on and left us. 
 
 Hallowell Circuit. — Although taken on trial at this 
 Conference, my judgment told me that Cazenovia was my 
 appropriate place. I thirsted for classical lore, and anxiously 
 desired a more thorough menv^al training than any which I 
 saw before me in this new country ; but Mr. Case, who had 
 great control over my movements, desired me to take a 
 circuit for the present, and he would try to arrange for me 
 in the fiiture. I submitted ray juvigment to the will of one 
 whom I loved and respected. I had made no request con- 
 cerning my field of labour, but if I had been asked to choose 
 I would have selected Hallowell Circuit, and Bro. Metcalf 
 for my superintendent. I had obtained the plan of our 
 circuit on my v/ay down ; and on Friday night, the last night 
 on my old circuit, I occupied the same room with Mr. 
 Biggar's family, which I occupied the firot night I slept on 
 that circuit. The Carrying-Place formed the dividing line 
 between my old and new fieJd of labour ; hence, on Satur- 
 day morning, I was on my new circuit, and on Sunday, the 
 2nd of October, I commenced my work at Pleasant Bay, 
 taking Consecon in the evening. Consecon is a small village 
 of about sixty or seventy inhabitants. It is situated on a 
 
 small inlet of the lake, and has a store, a grocery, a school- 
 4 
 
 I' 
 

 11 i. 
 
 74 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1825. 
 
 house, (fee. On Monday, preached in Bro. Denapsy's house 
 on the south shore of the Bay of Quinte. I found a lively 
 little class of Dutchmen here, who interested me much by 
 relating reminiscences of past days. On one occasion an 
 ambitious young man was teasing his Superintendent for 
 license to preach, and he gave him a trial in this place. 
 But when the young aspirant read his text from 2 Peter 
 2:1, for heresies, he substituted hearsays, and dwelt largely 
 upon the damnable " hearsays " of the day ! The minister 
 was not only mortified but amused, and after service he told 
 Mr. H. that he was not aware that there was such a text in 
 the Bible as the one he read ; and asked him to find it and 
 read it to him again. He turned to the verse, but had to 
 read it three times before he discovered his mistake. The 
 minister cautioned him about reading the Scriptures care- 
 lessly, and was not soon asked for license again from that 
 quarter. 
 
 On the 4th I rode to Mr. Redner's and preached in his 
 own house. On the 5th, in a school-house on Miasasauga 
 Point. Thursday in Bro. Snider's house. On Friday rode 
 twelve miles to Demorestville, fasting until tea-time. This 
 place is generally called Sodom, it being headquarters for 
 lumbermen, who rush out of the surrounding forests now 
 and again, to have what tu y call a high-day here. But 
 there are more than ten righteous persons in it, and we have 
 given th ) village a new name. G. Demorest, Esq., the 
 father of one of our ministers, has mills here, and he has 
 built us a small church with gallery, which is a great 
 blessing to the village, and we have given it his name. 
 There may be 150 or 200 inhabitants in the place, and they 
 are principally dependent on us for the gospel. After 
 preaching and leading class I rode ten miles, to Mr. Potter's, 
 on the High Shore, and preached in the evening. On Tues- 
 day, the 11th, at Bro. Rykemeyr's house. We have an 
 
 — 4—- — ^ — — 
 
1825.] 
 
 OLD CHURCH AT CONGERS. 
 
 r« 
 
 excellent class here, led by good old Bro. Allison ; but he is 
 weak, and his son Cyrus often takes his place. Wednesday, 
 at the house of my old friend Daniel Gilbert ; a good class, 
 full of life and peace. Many of them attribute their con- 
 version to my feeble efforts, more than a year ago, when we 
 spent several successive evenings in praying, singing, and 
 exhorting together. It is very encouraging now to meet 
 lambs in this fold who were thus brought to God. 
 
 Sunday, the 16th. In the old church at Conger's Mills. 
 This was the principal church on the circuit before the one 
 in the village was erected, five years ago ; but a more 
 awkwardly-arranged house for worahip I do not wish to see. 
 It has three galleries, but the floors in them are level, 
 and only seated with rough plank or loose boards. They 
 are much too high, and being level, the pulpit has to be 
 stuck up towards the moon in order to see the people in 
 them. The doorway is on one side, and the pulpit stands 
 opposite to it on the other side, with a good sounding board 
 over it. It is a great mistake to build galleries and pulpits, 
 in churches, too high ; it compels the speaker tQ breathe the 
 fumes and fetid breath of the congregation, while, at the 
 . same time, if he stands erect — as he always should, in order 
 to give his lungs and speaking organs full play — he can 
 scarcely see the people in the church below him. Much 
 better to elevate the rear of the church and gallery floors, 
 and give the speaker an opportunity to look gracefully 
 around and above him. I seldom enter these awkward 
 elevations, choosing rather to speak from the chancel. But 
 the assembly was large to-day, and I had to stand in the 
 pulpit to see those in the gallery. In the evening, preached 
 at Hallo well Church, from Chronicles 28 : 9. On Monday 
 preached at Mineker's, in the 5th Town. A fine family 
 this, and a good home. Tuesday at Bro. Green's, on the 
 Rock. Wednesday at Rose's or Wright's, below the Rock, 
 
 . -^i 
 
n 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AN80N eRBEM, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 in the fifth town. Thursday, in our church, South Bay. 
 A good class-meeting, and a comfortable home with Andrew 
 Mineker, Esq. Friday, at Greenbush. In all these places 
 I led class after preaching. Sunday, 23. Preached in our 
 commodious church in town in the morning, and at Bro. 
 J. P. Williams' in the evening. A grahd rally at both these 
 services ; but the most joyous and thrilling was that in the 
 evening. Bro. and sister Williams — just as good as ever — 
 insist upon my making their comfortable house my home 
 again, as in former times. It is a great privilege to us, who 
 have no homes of our own, to find such dear and loving 
 friends who are both able and willing to take poor homeless 
 wanderers to their houses and their hearts. When this 
 benevolent lovingkindness of Church friends ceases, the 
 itinerancy will either be greatly contracted and weakened, 
 or entirely destroyed. The young converts appear to be 
 steadfast, faithful, happy. Our class-meeting reminded me 
 of former days and seasons in this place. Tuesday at Mr. 
 Morgan's. Wednesday at Soup Harbour. Thursday at 
 Striker's school- house. Friday at Mr. Oarrman's, and Sa- 
 turday at Mr. German's house, in the seventh town. 
 
 I have now been round the circuit, and find it in a 
 healthy state. My work not as hard aa last year. Then I 
 had thirty-three appointments every four weeks ; here but 
 twenty-six, counting Hallowell for two, where we preach 
 every Sabbath. Our circuit takes in the whole peninsula, 
 and is entirely surrounded by water, save the two miles on 
 the Carrying Place. It is a very pleasant circuit, and my 
 first round has been a joyous ovation. We have four 
 churches, several school houses, and a large number of pri- 
 vate houses, where we officiate. But the best of all is, God 
 is with us. 
 
 I kept on in the even tenor of my way until the 28th of 
 December, when I was taken down with a severe attack of 
 
11 
 
 1825.] 
 
 rXSTINO. 
 
 77 
 
 intermittent fever, which made me a priHonnr for several 
 days. I was fortunate in falling into good hands. Mother 
 Rykemeyer, a good old saint, nursed me with tender cai'e, 
 until I was able to ride to Hallowell. May the Lord re- 
 ward this kind family for more than a cup of cold water, 
 given in the name of a disciple. How far my rigorous 
 fasting contributed to bring on this weakness, I cannot say. 
 My custom was to eat nothing from Thursday evening until 
 Friday evening ; but my physician, and other friends, ad- 
 vised me to abridge this practice, especially on those days 
 when I had long rides or heavy service. I found that 
 fasting strengthened my power of self-denial, increased my 
 sympathy for the poor who wanted bread, and made m« 
 more thankful for the comforts of life; while it also increased 
 my veneration for God and my relish for divine things. 
 Fasting, at times, is also good for the body. Christ fasted, 
 but did not require it of his disciples to the same extent. 
 Yet he says : " The bridegroom will be taken away from 
 you, and then shall ye fast in those days.** I was happy 
 during my illness, feeling that I was ripening for paradise — 
 <* Where everlasting spring abides and never withering 
 flowers." 
 
 I resumed my work again, after a little, until spring, 
 when the ague attacked me in a distressing manner. Every 
 other day I shook and shivered, finding it impossible to keep 
 warm, and then was soon so scorched with fever, that it was 
 equally impossible to keep cool. This is a mean, drivelling 
 disease, which almost forces a man to despise himself. In 
 April Mr. Case allowed Mr. Allison to take my circuit for 
 the remainder of the year, and I studied, as I was able, 
 with a classical tutor, who had taught a Grammar School in 
 the west, and who was of great service to me. 
 
 The name of our village is changed to Picton, in honour 
 ci Lady Maitland, the wife of our Governor, Sir Peregrine 
 
i 
 
 
 n 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [182«. 
 
 Maitland.* We have now three or four hundred inhabi- 
 tants, with two ministers, one church, two doctors, two 
 lawyers, three stores, etc. ; and we asked for and received 
 this short, historic name for our village. 
 
 June 15. — A Successful CampMeetino commenced 
 to-day in Adolphustown, and I had strength to walk down 
 to it. Mr. Case kindly offered me alternate rides upon his 
 horse, but I could not brook the idea of seeing my Presiding 
 Elder on foot, while I occupied his saddle. I chose rather to 
 be independent ; but I nearly fainted by the way. "We had a 
 new element at this meeting which added much to the 
 interest of the occasion. A large fleet of Indians was seen 
 coming towards us on the Bay. When they landed, each 
 Indian took a bark canoe upon his head, while the women 
 took their kettles and children and marched towards the 
 camp. We looked on with admiration, but our pleasure 
 was much increased when they laid down their burdens 
 and reverently kneeled upon the sod to implore the divine 
 blessing. This was so unlike the conduct which these people 
 had manifested, as we had seen them on our streets and in 
 our forests in their former state, that we instinctively cried, 
 *' This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." 
 Before the meeting closed, every Indian on the ground was 
 hopefully converted. Twenty-one of them and ten children 
 were baptized on Monday. Peter Jacobs, an interesting 
 
 * Ebenezer Washburn, Esq., the father of the Hon. Simeon 
 Washburn, was one of the earliest settlers in Hallowell, and he 
 infortiied me that when hu forwarded the request for a change of 
 name to the Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, whose wife was ot the 
 family of Sir Thomas Picton, who fell on the field of Waterloo, ho 
 remarked that "we have a great respect for the ladies, and have, 
 therefore, selected this beautiful name in honour of Lady Maitland." 
 He also says that the first arrangements for building our church 
 was made in 1818 ; but the house was not completed until 1820i 
 
1826.] 
 
 OLD OUURGH — AD0LPHU8T0WN. 
 
 79 
 
 youth whom we had sent to school at Bellerille, was brought 
 in here. He had been mourning and weeping all the we«k, 
 hut on Monday morning we saw his countenance was greatly 
 changed from sadness and gloom to cheerfulness and joy. 
 One said to him, "Well, Peter, how do you feel nowl" 
 With a pleasant smile he looked up and answered, "Oil 
 feel happy as T can jump up." Before, when we asked him 
 concerning his feelings, he replied, " O ! my heart sick, very 
 sick." Now he is well. This meeting was one of much joy 
 and Christian triumph. Nearly 100 souls professed a change 
 of heart, and went home new creatures in Christ Jesus. 
 While in this vicinity, I visited and spoke in our old sanc- 
 tuary. I felt a desire to see the first church built in Canada, 
 where Losee and Dunham, Woolsey and Coleman, Ans«n 
 and Wooster, Sawyer, Keeler, and Jewell had preached 
 before I was bom. The very thought of standing where 
 these holy apostolic men had stood, to point sinners to the 
 Lamb of God, was inspiring. The house is 30 by 36, with a 
 gallery ; is painted blue on the inside, and is rather a blue- 
 looking affair altogether. But it is a memorable spot, and I 
 was greatly blessed while B])eaking in it. The place is 
 hallowed by many pleasing recollections of primitive times 
 and gospel triumphs. I almost fancied I could witness the 
 scene of the first quarterly meeting, after the arrival of 
 Wooster, acted over again. The divine power on that occa- 
 sion came down on the brethren in their Saturday evening 
 prayer-meeting, and many were thrown as dead men upon 
 the floor. At this crisis, in came Dr. Dunham, who, on 
 looking around him, was amazed, and never having wit- 
 nessed such a pentecostal scene before, began to cry, "Wild 
 fire ! confusion ! please be quiet ! " But the holy and 
 seraphic Wooster, with his head bowed to his knees, was 
 praying in low accents, breathed out to God, " Lord, bless 
 Brother Dunham, Lord, bless Brother Dunham ; " and his 
 
 '■if 
 
I 
 
 80 
 
 LIFE AMI) TIMES OF AM80M OREBN, O.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 prayer was Iicard ; for soon tho Doctor fell to the floor him- 
 self, drunk with ]>eutecoHtal wine, and he found, to his joy, 
 that tho fire was burning to the consumption of his own 
 sins. (Bee Dr. Bangs' History.) I love to linger here and 
 meditate upon thesie days of primitive simplicity : battles 
 bravely fought and victories gloriously won. Noble men of 
 Ood, who commenced the blessed work in those days of 
 peril and sacrifice, how I love and revere their memory ! 
 
 Sabbath Schools. — We have done something towards 
 introducing Sunday-schools on our circuit, but these schools 
 are few and far between. I endeavoured to supply this lack 
 at our country appointments, by leaving catechisms with 
 the children of those families I visit, and then catechising 
 the children at their own homes, as time and opportunity 
 ofiered. I was delighted to see the alacrity with which the 
 dear children prepared for and relished my visits, and the 
 readiness with which many of them answered the questions. 
 The dear lambs, I love to feed them. Some of them have 
 gained much scriptural knowledge of gospel doctrines by 
 answering these questions ; besides which, they feel an 
 additional interest in the preachers and their work. The 
 parents, also, have been greatly benefitted by thus helping 
 their children. This is one way of doing good which has a 
 pleasing reflex influence upon my own mind and heart. 
 Our little children may one day become the husbands and 
 the wives of Canada, and happy will they then be if they 
 are prepared to take high and useful positions in our Zion. 
 In many of the congregations I have preached on the subject 
 of Sunday-schools, and the charms of youthful piety. 
 
 But the path of a clergyman is strown with contrarieties. 
 I have just witnessed an exhibition of female depravity and 
 unmitigated hypocrisy which shocked me much. We had 
 very few beggars in Hallowell. Work was plenty and 
 provisions cheap, hence any one who is frugal, industrious, 
 
1826.] 
 
 BKV. FRANKLIN MITCALF. 
 
 •t 
 
 ami healthy might obtain a comfortable living ; it is, there- 
 fore, not only a duty, but a delight, when Providence does 
 throw a poor poraon upon our handH, to contribute to his 
 relief. This day, while in the store of James Dougall, 
 Kw}., a miserable-looking creature entered, asking alms. 
 1 put my hand in my pocket and took what change I had 
 there, and then asked several jwrsons present to supplement 
 it, and I handed the poor creature about three dollars, 
 advising her to make good use of it. During the twilight 
 of that e ling I was walking up street, when I saw a 
 woman lying in the corner of the fence, apparently dead, 
 with an empty jug by her side ! But what was my morti- 
 fication to find that the disgusting object before me was the 
 woman I had assisted, now lying upon the ground in a state 
 of helpless intoxication ! She was the first woman I had 
 over seen drunk, and the sight was more than sickening. 
 I turned away with disgust, saying, is this the fruit of my 
 charity ] I gave my money with the purest motive, but it 
 ban been prostituted to the vilest purpose. It is bad enough 
 for men to get drunk, but for a woman so far to forget her 
 womanly nature as to lie drunk upon the street, is worse 
 than pitiable, it is absolutely outrageous. But the thought 
 that she was drunk with the use of my money will make me 
 more cautious in future. 
 
 My Colleague. — I found in Brother Metcalf all that I 
 had anticipated — a faithful friend, an interesting companion, 
 an excellent and finished preacher, and an admirable col- 
 league. To my mind he was the model preacher of the 
 Connexion. Deep in Christian experience, pastoral in his 
 habits, neat, but not fine, in his dress, commanding in 
 personal appearance, and gentlemanly in his intercourse 
 with society ; he was well calculated to do good and to gain 
 esteem. But if, to those elements of influence, we add a 
 
 sound and discriminatiiig judgment, a logical mind well 
 *4 
 
 f 
 
8t 
 
 LIFE AMD TIMES OP ANSON ORBBN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 ll 
 
 
 stored with thoughts and facts, a remarkably clear and 
 methodical way of arranging his subjects, and of presenting 
 truth to his congregations ; always backed up with Scrip- 
 tural proofs, and delivered r ot in pompous strains of oratory, 
 but in forcible language of simple eloquence, we will then 
 have a tolerably correct idea of Metcalf s distinguishing 
 characteristics. His voice was not very loud, but it was 
 melodious, and he could give utterance to every word and 
 syllable in a manner very agreeable. It was a luxury to 
 hear him, and we often rode miles to hear each other on 
 week-day evenings. His sermons cost him much time and 
 thought ; but, when delivered, there was a completeness of 
 style, illustration, and arrangement, connected with earnest 
 devotion and practical godliness, which made them not only 
 acceptable and useful, but highly popular. Never did col- 
 leagues work together with more harmony and mutual 
 affection. He was one of nature's noblemen, and a mutual 
 and warm friendship was formed which was never, for a 
 single moment, interrupted in after life. We had a happy 
 year together, but still, we eften took opposite views in 
 debate. 
 
 On one ocoosion, when asked to dine with our Presiding 
 Elder, and other friends, at Mr. Rannie's, the conversation 
 at table turned upon different points of doctrine, when sud- 
 denly Bro. M. exclaimed : " Why, Bro. Green, I heard you 
 preach anti-Methodistic doctrine at our Quarterly Meeting at 
 South Bay ! You advanced views directly opposed to Dr. 
 Clarke, when you asserted that Christ is the eternal Son of 
 Grod." O, indeed, said I, nothing was farther from my in- 
 tention than to preach heresy ; but are you quite sure that 
 Dr. Clarke, with all his learning, is the end of controversy 
 on this subject 1 I happen to own the notes of another 
 commentator whose doctrines we.iisually consider orthodox, 
 at least, who takes a different view from the Dr. on this 
 
182«.l 
 
 A STRANGE CHART. 
 
 83 
 
 subject — tha*; h, John Wesley himself — and you will hardly 
 accuse him of preaching anti-Methodistical doctrines. Be- 
 sides which, if I am in error, I am in good company, for 
 Wesley, Benson, Coke, and Watson, are on my 'ide. I 
 must, therefore, watch your preaching a little more narrowly 
 to see if you are not the heretic instead of Bro. Green. It 
 was not an easy matter to cope with Mr. Metcalf, and 
 Mr. Case laughed heartily, saying, " I think we shall have 
 to pronounce Mr. Green orthodox, at least as long as he 
 has Wesley and Benson on his side, for Bishop George says 
 Benson's Commentary is the best in use, at least for ordin- 
 ary readers." 
 
 Error Ably Rebuked. — The Rev. John Strachan, D.D., 
 of York, the soul and front of the Family Compact, seeing 
 the growth of our Church, and the influence which the Con- 
 ference was likely to give her, began to cast about in his 
 mind's eye how he could enervate her strength, and advance 
 the interests of his own cause. An opportunity seemed to 
 occur on the demise of Bishop Mountain. He therefore 
 preached and published what he called a funeral sermon, 
 which reflected severely against us. This sermon was ably 
 reviewed in the columns of the Colonial Advocate, in a com- 
 munication over the signature of " A Methodist Preacher." 
 Mr. Metcalf and I took the paper into a field where we sat 
 down on the grass to read. As we read we admired, and as 
 we admired we rejoiced ; then thanked God and speculated as 
 to the author, little suspecting that it was a young man 
 who had been received on trial with me at the late Confer- 
 We read again, and then devoutly thanked God for 
 
 ence. 
 
 having put it into the heart of some one to defend the 
 Church, publicly, against such mischievous statements, and 
 give the world the benefit of the facts in the case. The 
 reviewer proved to be Mr. Egerton Ryerson, then on Yonge 
 
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 84 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 ■Street Circuit. Thig was the commencement of the war for 
 religious liberty. 
 
 The Conference of 1826 met in Hamilton Church, back 
 of Cobourg. I had lost much time from my studies by 
 preaching funeral sermons, visiting the sick, and preaching 
 in the principal places in our work, and preferred remaining 
 with my books to leaving them for Conference, where I had 
 no duties to perform. Mr. Merril, my teacher, was a good 
 classical scholar, and helped me much ; but I knew that 
 when Conference ended my dispensation ceased, and accord- 
 ingly I hastened to arrange for my departure. Bro. Metcalf 
 and I desired to labour together again. But when the 
 ap})ointments were made, he went to Augusta, more than a 
 hundred miles to the east, and I to An caster, more than a 
 hundred miles to the west. That is the way this powerful 
 wheel of itinerancy whirls men around, hither and thither, 
 all over the country. 
 
 Ancaster Circuit, — September, the 10th. Having ex- 
 changed my beautiful but stumbling horse for a good roadster, 
 I shipped my trunk for York, mounted my Nancy, and 
 started for my new field of labour. At Cobourg I was 
 fortunate enough to fall in with Bro. Black, who was 
 appointed to a circuit next to mine, and we rode on together. 
 He is good company, very gentlemanly, original, and fuU of 
 wit. He amused me much. At the foot of a long hill, I, 
 as my custom was, dismounted in order to rest both myself 
 and horse. But Bro. Black looked wistfully up the hill, 
 and then leaned down on his horse's neck, saying, " Come 
 Bob, you must carry me up this hill, I got you for that very 
 purpose." On the 14th of September we parted about 
 fourteen miles west of York, where he turned up north, and 
 I hastened over the Credit, where my circuit commenced, 
 and rested at the house of Mr. Teater. On Sunday I 
 preached in Munn's school-house, east of the Sixteen-mile 
 
■wirn 
 
 1826.] 
 
 ANGASTEB CIRCUIT, 
 
 85 
 
 ;J 
 
 Creek, and at Palermo. On Monday, the 18th, at Mr. 
 Joseph Bowes', six miles north of Palermo. Bro. B. is a 
 merchant, Uving and trading in a small house, in which I 
 preached. He is an intelligent man, has a good wife, and a 
 warm heart. On Tuesday at the widow Harrison's in the 
 morning, and at the house of Mr. James Coates, in the even- 
 ing. When I reached this latter place I found but one house 
 in a small clearing, and wondered where my congregation 
 was coming from. Darkness came on and I walked out to 
 meditate. Soon I saw lights glimmering in the woods, and 
 then, as if the plan had beea laid in concert to make the 
 imposing scene more enchanting, I saw beautiful hickory 
 bark torches blazing in e^ery direction, literally lighting 
 up the forest with their cheering rays, As the woods grew 
 brighter, my heart grew lighter, and I thought such people 
 deserved a good sermon. I told them of the crucifixion and 
 of the triumphs of the cross. This is an excellent family, 
 well-read, and intelligent. Our class was lively. The 
 eldest daughter is now the wife of Dr. Wilmott, of Toronto. 
 On Wednesday I left the lowlands of Nelson and preached 
 at a Mr. Cuntriman's, on the top of the mountain, a small 
 congregation and a small log-house. Went down to Mr. 
 Butt's, on the road to Guelph, to preach in the evening ; 
 no appointment had been given out, and I rode to Dundas 
 Street, and found a comfortable home with Mr. iVIoee'? Mc- 
 Coy and his family. I had first visited this family, on the 
 Hth of the month, to get a list of appointments, and had been 
 introduced tc a young lady who impressed me not a little 
 with her graceful bearing and personal charms ; but I 
 missed her bright and sunny face now, and could scarcely 
 tell why her absence seemed to make such a void in the 
 household. But my circuit work called me to duty, and I 
 hastened away to see. 
 My Colleaque and his Residence. — I ascended the 
 
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 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORBEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 raountain on Dundas Street, on the top of which, in a miser- 
 able old log-house, I found the Rev. Joseph Gatchel, my 
 colleague. His wife, an intelligent, good-looking woman, 
 was the sister of the Rev. Dr. Bangs, and I felt mortified to 
 find her in such a miserable hut. I strongly urged Mr. G. 
 to leave this old shed at once, and get a house more in 
 keeping with his position ; but his habits were formed, and 
 a good house was not easily obtained. Indeed, I had 
 preached all the week in log-houses. We have a charming 
 prospect, and commanding view from this hill, and I could 
 easily imagine why Mr. Gait, of the Canada Company, had 
 selected a site for a residence, and made a garden here, 
 thinking of making it his permanent abode. From this 
 eminence the eye stretches away over hill and vale and lake, 
 and down the street to the Credit, over two townships, but 
 the street,* which was designed to be perfectly straight, has 
 an unpleasant bend, caused, it is supposed, by some mineral 
 substance near the lake which attracted the surveyor's 
 needle. Canada is a magnificent country, both for the rich 
 and the poor, and only needs to be cleared up and improved 
 under the direction of intelligent and industrious farmers, 
 mechanics, and others, to make it exceedingly attractive. 
 But it is generally very level near its vast lakes ; hence, such 
 a beautiful landscape view as this is very rare and very 
 attractive. In no part of my travels have I found a spot 
 which commands a view of such a large tract of rich and 
 beautiful farming lands as that which is now spread out in 
 panoramic charms before me. September 24th. At Palermo, 
 1 Thess. 2 : 22. Here we have a small church without 
 gallery, but well filled. The class is lively. Bro. Hagar is 
 
 * Dundas Street is the main road through this part of the coun- 
 try. It reaches from Toronto far oflF west. It was named after 
 the Right Honorable Henry Dundas, Viacouat Melville, Secretary of 
 War, ftc, who died in 1811. 
 
1826.] 
 
 THOUGHTS ABOUT MARRIAOB. 
 
 87 
 
 the leader, and he " stirs them up as an eagle stirr6th itp her 
 nest." 
 
 At Hannahsville, at 4 o'clock, 1 Cor. 2 : 2. This is a 
 small village on Dundas Street, with one church, a school- 
 house, two stores, Post Office, hotel, &c. Its inhabitants, I 
 learn, have given it this name in honour of Mrs. Hopkins, 
 a principal lady in the place. Here I met the Rev. David 
 Gulp, a local minister, living on the mountain to the west. 
 They have a good Sabbath-school, managed by C. Hopkins, 
 Esq., which is doing much good ; and I have promised to 
 preach them a sermon some of these days. On Monday at 
 Mr. Shaver's, near the Grand River swamp, im Ancaster. 
 A small affair. Tuesday at Glandford school-house. A 
 goodly company in the congregation, and a lively class. 
 Wednesday at Mr. Taylor's house in Barton, a small 
 assembly, but a comfortable stopping-place. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 27th of Septemijer, I was twenty-five 
 years old ; a period in my earthly pilgrimage at which I 
 may well pause and reflect. .More than one-third of the 
 period allotted to mortals has already passed away, and a 
 brief retrospection suggests many improvements for the 
 future : — dangers to be avoided, moments to be improved, 
 and victories to be achieved. The future ap^tears bright 
 and hopeful. Still, I must not close my eyes to the fact 
 that it will, probably, bring an increase of care and responsi- 
 bility. I am forcibly reminded by this date, that when I 
 was a lad of some fifteen summers, one of my brother* dis- 
 pleased his father by choosing a partner for life when but 
 nineteen years old ; and on that occasion my venerable 
 father said, " He desired none of his sons to marry until 
 twenty-five years of age, and then, all things being equal, 
 the sooner the better." I then settled in my mind that I 
 would take no steps in that direction until I reached that 
 age; and I have strictly adhered to that opinion. But, 
 
 t -i 
 
 i'l s 
 
11 
 
 88 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 m n: 
 
 
 now, if my father were here, I think he would say, " The 
 sooner the better." But I must not be hasty nor rash in a 
 matter of so much importance to me and to the Church of 
 God. Many have dtushed their brighviest hopes on this rock. 
 They have married in haste, to regret it at leisure. Some 
 of eur own ministers have grieved and mortihed our people, 
 and marred their own influence and happiness for life, by 
 following a childish fancy instead of consulting their judg- 
 ments as well as their impulses. If " love is blind," I 
 must be careful to consult my best judgment before it 
 draws the pellicle over my eyes. Let me «ee. She should 
 be of a good and respectable family, or she would add noth- 
 ing to my influence. Intelligent, or she could not aid me 
 in my great work. Good-looking, or she would not arouse 
 my fancy. Aflectionate, or she would not respond to my 
 love. She must also be neat and cleanly in her person and 
 attire, or she would excite my disgust instead of my admi- 
 ration. Lady-like in her bearing, or she could not command 
 an influence over, and be an example to the best members of 
 the Church. Sympathetic, or she would not look after the 
 poor and afflicted members of the Lord's household. But, 
 above all, she must be pious, or she would not cl}.eer me on 
 in my work, and aid me in saving souls. There are other 
 qualities which I might desire, but lex, me see all these 
 blended in one charming, lovely woman, and then I shall 
 let my heart have full play in that direction. 
 
 September 28th, I preached in Mud Street, above Stoney 
 Creek ; prospects here not very flattering. On Sunday, 
 October 1st, in Hamilton, on singleness of purpose : " For 
 I was determined not to know anything among you save 
 Jesus Christ and him crucified." Hamilton is a beautiful 
 little town, and under the impetus which the canal just cut 
 through the beach has given it, is growing finely. Our 
 Church is the only one in the place, and for convenience, 
 
1826.] 
 
 FATHER SPRINGERS CONVERSION. 
 
 89 
 
 capacity, and comfort, is second to none except the one in 
 Picton. I have a goo<l home with Bro. David Springer, but 
 his excellent father, Richard Springer, Esq., is the patriarch 
 of the place, and the leader of the class in which all the 
 Diembers in town meet. He was the first person known to 
 have been converted in this vicinity. He gave me the story 
 of his conversion, which exhibits something of the spirit of 
 the times. Learning that thr ^ was to be preaching at 
 Stoney Creek, six miles to the east of him, he walked down 
 to get sight of a minister, a privilege which he had never 
 enjoyed in his own township. After preaching, the minister 
 conversed with him concerning his soul's salvation, and 
 strongly advised him to commence family worship, which he 
 promised to do. After tea, that evening, he told his wife 
 that ho was going to commence prayer in their family. At 
 this she was amazed, and laughed him to scorn ; but when 
 he assured her that he must do it, for he had promised the 
 minister to commence that night, she rallied him most pro- 
 fusely. Still he took down his old German Bible, rubbed 
 the dust from its cover, and reverently read a portion of 
 that sacred book, and then kneeled before the Lord. But, 
 oh ! the agony of soul which overwhelmed him. He had 
 never prayed in his life, nor could he think of a single 
 word to say. He remembered, however, that the preacher 
 had said something about the fire which God sent down 
 upon Elijah's altar, and lie cried out, " O Got, send down 
 fire and pum dis world up !" His wife was frightened and 
 ran outdoors to see if the prayer would be answered. But, 
 then and there, God did apply a live coal to his lips, and 
 his " iniquity was taken away, and his sin purged." This 
 was probably the first family prayer ever offered in Barton, 
 and it produced immediate and lasting fruit. 
 
 October 2nd. — At Dundas. A growing village nestling 
 between the hills at the head of the Burlington Bay. It 
 
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 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 contains, at least, as many people as Hamilton ; but we 
 have only a small intereHt here. I lodged and preached in 
 the house of Squire Hare, whose wife is one of the excellent 
 of the earth. Tuesday at Mr. Pearson's, near the parsonage. 
 On Saturday at John Green's, in West Flamboro'. Walter 
 Symons is the leader, and I spent the night with him. 
 Sunday morning at Bowman's church, Ancast«r. An old 
 church here without galleries ; but we had about four hun- 
 dred people present. This church and society — the oldest 
 in these parts — has given name to the circuit. It is the 
 battle-ground of many a struggle where grand victories have 
 been achieved over sin and error. The country around is 
 charming. It is said to be the best wheat-growing town 
 ship in the province, and is well cultivated. The inhabi- 
 tance are mostly Germans and Hollanders, for whom Meth- 
 odism has done much. My host, good old Peter Bowman, 
 and George Smith, the admirable leader, have been, and 
 still are, extensively useful. They were among the first 
 converts in these parts. In the afternoon I preached at 
 Cumming's chapel, on the mountain, in East Flamboro*. 
 A good class, with Joseph Hopkins for the leader. Tuesday 
 at Davis's school-house on the Plains. Wednesday at Bro. 
 Isaac VanNorman's house, on the Middle Road, Nelson. 
 Bro. Van is a pious, faithful, and useful leader. Thursday 
 at Mahlon Bray's, Lake Shore. Friday at Hare's. Satur- 
 day at Bradley's. Sunday at Greenis' red school-house in 
 Toronto ; and at Munn's, Dundas Street, in the afternoon. 
 During this round I received the Chriatian Advocate, which 
 made its first appearance on the 9th of September. It is 
 published by the Book Concern in New York, and is the 
 first religious paper published by the Connexion. I read 
 portions of it in m)' congregations, and obtained quite a 
 number of subscribers, advancing the pay for those who 
 were not prepared to do it themselves — the most of whom 
 
1826.] 
 
 FIVK POINTS OF DOCTRINE. 
 
 ^1 
 
 paid me during the year. It is an excellent paper and much 
 needed. 
 
 I have now preached in most of the appointments on this 
 large and excellent circuit. It contains twenty-seven ap- 
 pointments for each of us every four weeks, and we are 
 arranging to take up three more, when we shall have more 
 than one for every day in the year. We labour in eight 
 townships — Toronto, Trafalgar, Nelson, East Flamboro*, 
 West Flamboro', Barton, Ancaster, and Saltfleet — and we 
 are preparing to enter Nasaagaweya in the north and Bin- 
 broke in the south. We take all the country, from the 
 River Credit to the Grand River swamp, and have 396 
 Church members undei- our pastoral care. We have six 
 churches, including a small one near Mr, Bray's, on the 
 lake shore. Besides these six Wesleyan churches, the Kirk 
 owns one in Hannahsville, and the Episcopalians one in 
 Barton. Our friend, Job Loder, Esq., has also built a free 
 church in the village of Ancaster, where we may all preach 
 if we choose. The Rev. Mr. King, of the Kirk, is rather 
 shy of us, and one of his elders calls us heretics, because we 
 are Wesleyaus. They swallow the five points of Calvinism 
 without difficulty : — 1. Total depravity; 2. Eternal election; 
 
 3. Partial redemption ; 4. Effectual call ; 5. Unconditional 
 final perseverance. As an oflfset to these we give our people 
 the five points of Methodism, as follow : — 1. All men are 
 sinners ; 2. All men are redeemed ; 3. All men are called ; 
 
 4. To those who obey this call it is effectual ; 5. He that 
 endureth unto the end, and he only, shall be saved. There 
 is scarcely a pulpit outside of our own Church where the 
 five points of Calvinism are not boldly preached ; but we 
 are not afraid to place our five points alongside of them, for 
 ours are becoming more popular every day. The father of 
 my excellent host in Nelson, Moses McCay, Esq., was a 
 Calvinistic minister, who, after his superannuation, came to 
 
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 92 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
 livo with his son Moses. One day his son said to him, 
 " Father, if you wish to amuse yourself, you will find 
 Fletcher's Checks in my library, which may interest yon." 
 " No, Moses," said he, "I have read Toplady, and he is 
 unanswerable ; I need not, therefore, inquire any further 
 on that subject." " Very well," said Moses, "just as you 
 ])lease." Still, the venerable minister could not resist the 
 temptation to look into Fletcher. He read his first volume, 
 and was so much pleased with the logical, scriptural, and 
 gentle way of reasoning, that his mind was interested before 
 he was aware of it, and he shut himself up and read the 
 Checks through. After he had finished, he said to his son, 
 " Well, Mosey, I have read Fletcher." " Indeed," said 
 Mosey, " and how do you like him ? " " Like him ! Why, 
 who that loves good reasoning can help liking himi So 
 clear, so scriptural, so conclusive. I must confess that he 
 has completely answered Toplady." Still, we were assailed 
 vigorously for preaching our five points, for every one was 
 not as ingenuous as Mr. McCay ; but we returned gun for 
 gun, not being afraid to leave the issue to an intelligent 
 and Bible-reading community. I scarcely know a house on 
 the circuit where our ministers would not be kindly received 
 and hospitably entertained. Thanks to the Shepherd of 
 Israel, who watches over our itinerancy ; and many thanks 
 to our noble fathers, who cultivated this field under him. 
 Venerable men of God ! they have laboured, and we enter 
 into their labours ; they have planted the tree of life on the 
 banks of these murmuring streams, and we phick ripe fruit 
 from its propitious boughs. Oh, how I love those godly 
 men ! Everywhere they have left " footprints on the sands 
 of time" to guide us in our anxious toils ; bright and sunny 
 spots in the desert to cheer us on, and flowery gardens of 
 spiritual perfume, " whose fragrance smells to heaven." The 
 spirit of self-denial which influenced these pioneers, and the 
 
1826.] 
 
 FIRST SERMON AT 8T0MBT CRBBK. 
 
 93 
 
 strong attachment to them which the people manifoHted, 
 may be inferred from the following narrative given me by 
 our good brother Guge, of Stoney Creek. Says he: "When 
 the first preacher came to visit this place, he tied his horse to 
 the fence and preached like an angel, but no one invited him 
 in to receive any refreshment, hence both he and his horse 
 had to return to the fifty unted. I said to my wife, This 
 is really too bad. ' So it is,' said she ; ' but there is no 
 Hhauty here fit to take such a man to lodge in, and what 
 could we dol I feel as bad as you possibly can.' 'Well,' 
 says Father Gage, ' this will not do. We will invite him 
 home with us next time, and if he condescends to come, we 
 will give him our bed to sleep in.' The proposition was 
 agreed to; the preacher was invited, and he said : — ♦! thank 
 you kindly ; I will be happy to go with you.' When tea 
 was over and prayers offered, we said to the minister : — 
 'This is your bed ; you can retire whe!> yo;* please.' ' But 
 where will you sleep if I take your bed 1 ' " Oh, we have 
 arranged to sleep on the floor, sir.' * By no means,' said 
 Mr. Jewell; 'Wesley slept en the floor in Cornwall, after 
 having dined on blackberrios ; and one greater than Wesley 
 " had not where to lay his head." Come, then, let me have 
 part of your bed on the floor, and you enjoy the remainder 
 in your own place.' Wo were obliged to yield ; but O ! I 
 enjoyed his prayers and admired his spirit so much that I 
 would willingly have sat up all night to give the man of 
 God rest. He took our humble fare and was thankful ; and 
 we loved him for his humility. I had chopped a small 
 patch round the house for a garden, but I burned it, cleared 
 it np, and sowed it with oats especially for the minister^i 
 horse, and I harvei>tcd three times the quantity on that 
 little piece which I have ever been able to raise from the 
 same quantity of land since !" These good people are now 
 in heaven, but from that happy evening their house was 
 
 
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 LIPS AND TIMU OP ANHON ORKBM, D.D. 
 
 [1826. 
 
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 always opeu to Qod's servants, and their visits were antici- 
 pated with pleasure. I scarcely need to add that Mr. Gage 
 died wealthy. Others, who blamed hiiu for his liberality in 
 entertaining niiniHtnrs, contracted bad habits and were miser- 
 able ; but everything this family did proH])ered. Holomon 
 was inspired when he said, " There is that scattereth and 
 yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdoth more than Ih 
 meet, but it tendeth to poverty." There were many who 
 said to Mr. Gage, " You are too free with the good thingB 
 you have earned. These preachers and their horses will 
 eat you out of house and home !" Such croakers were con- 
 tent to eat their morsel alone, and remain in blissful ignui- 
 ance, while the [)rayers, the conversation, and the counseli 
 of the ministers would have led them to industry, sobriety, 
 and thrift. The case of Mr. Gage is not an isolated one. I 
 have known similar results m hundreds of cases through 
 the country, whore persons commenced poor, but, by the 
 advantages aiising from the gospel, and the visits of go8})el 
 ministers, have risen pre-eminently above their stingy, 
 worldly, and scotiing neighbours. In travelling through the 
 country more recently, I scarcely find a family wko took the 
 gospel into their log cabins, and entertained God's minis 
 ters, which has not risen to comparative affluence, if not to 
 wealthy and honourable positions in the community ; while 
 there are hundreds who, in other respects, commenced with 
 equal or superior advantages, but preferred their cups and 
 carousals to the gospel and its ministers, that lived in 
 poverty and died in rags. " He that walketh with wise 
 men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be 
 destroved." 
 
 New Year's eve, Mr. Gatchel and I held a profitable 
 watch-night service in Hannahsville ; and I spent a happy 
 New Year with the family of Mr. Hopkins. They have 
 kindly invited me to make their very comfortable house my 
 
1827.] 
 
 A GOMFORTABLB HOME. 
 
 M 
 
 home while on their circuit ; and Mrs. H. has given me a 
 
 room which 1 am to call my own, and go to it whenever I 
 
 please. Such a home, with Huch a family, is delightful. 
 
 Surely " the lines have fallen unto me in pleasant placeH ; 
 
 yea, 1 have a goodly heritage." I then visited the Credit, 
 
 and preached my first sermon to, and took n\y first tea with, 
 
 tJje Indians. I found it slow work to preach through an 
 
 interpreter ; but Mr. Hyeraon thought I would make a good 
 
 missionary, as I made my subject so plain and easy to be 
 
 understood. The buildings in the village present a com- 
 
 foi-table as|)ect. They were built by the Government out 
 
 of Indian, funds ; but strange to say, when first thesv i)eople 
 
 a.sked to have these houses erected, they were told by Dr. 
 
 Strachan, who accompanie<l the agent, that they could do 
 
 nothing for them unless they joined his Church, in which 
 
 case the salaries of the two Jones' would be increased, and 
 
 houses be built to their liking. Peter answered that he 
 
 could not pledge the tribes in this matter ; but at the 
 
 request of the Government he agreed to meet the Chiefs in 
 
 Coimcil on the subject. The chiefs were called, and when 
 
 they heard what Dr. S. hi^ said they sighed deeply and 
 
 remarked, " Then all our labour with the Governor has been 
 
 in vain." But John Sunday, with an air of disdain, replied, 
 
 " We have made out to live, from year to year, even when 
 
 we were sinnere, and shall not the Great Spirit whom we 
 
 now serve take care of us and preserve us from all harml" 
 
 This wise 8i)eech settled th« matter. Each Chief gave hia 
 
 assent, and the controversy was ended. The agents being 
 
 thus baffled by the piety and wisdom of Sunday, finally 
 
 agreed to build the houses if the Indians would agree not to 
 
 attend camp-meetings ! Some of them gave a partial assent, 
 
 and the village was built ; but such was the bigotry of these 
 
 men that they obstinately refused to build a chapel for 
 
 these pious Indians to worship God in, even with the 
 
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 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 Indians' own funds ! But, at that time, salmon were 
 abundant in the river Credit, and these the Indians cjaught 
 and sold, and built the house of God " in troublous times." 
 Before their conversion, these Indians were made drunken 
 by unprincipled white men ; and there is an amusing story 
 told of one who bought a deer with whisky, and was told 
 he might find the animal in the crotch of a tree at the bend 
 of the road near the village. The next time he saw the 
 savage he said, " Where is my deer 1 " *' la he gone?" asked 
 the Indian. " Gone ! he was never there !" " Well, whisky 
 gone too," 8a?d the savage ; " but did you find the bend in 
 
 the roadi" ** Yes. ' " And the forked tree, too 
 
 Yes." 
 
 " And the deer 1" " No, you scamp, no deer there !" " Well," 
 said che savage, "there be two truths to one lie: pretty 
 good for an Indian." 
 
 The political horizon is dark and squally. A storm 
 appears to be gathering, and the low muttering thunder 
 indicates its approach. In Lower Canada it is Celts against 
 Teutons, and the struggle is for existence : In Upper 
 Canada it is a struggle between the two branches of the 
 Legislature, where there is nearly a dead-lock — the Council 
 refusing to pass the Bills sent up by the Assembly. Our 
 Marriage Bill passes by sweeping ma;jorities in the latter, 
 but is contemptuously rejected by the former ! Such bigotry 
 is intolerable. Such tyranny is unbearable ; and we are 
 resolved to urge the dismissal of clergymen from the 
 Councils of State. The churches oppressed can never be 
 emancipated while priests bear rule. The recent attack 
 upon us from the pulpit, the efforts to destroy our Indian 
 Missions, and the recent attempt to put the hand of spolia- 
 tion upon our academic lands to endow a sectarian college, 
 clearly indicate the necessity of such a course. It is the old 
 game once so ruinously played in the American colonies which 
 is now attempted here. History is full of the baneful 
 
1827.] 
 
 SERMON ON ARIANISM. 
 
 97 
 
 results of the struggle for Church establishments there ; and 
 with these grim beacons in other lands, looking down upon 
 us from former generations, that man must be strangely 
 deluded who can attempt the same folly here. Bro. Egerton 
 has fired the first gun in this warfare, and we must rally 
 around him until equal rights are enjoyed by all. Liberty 
 and religious equality are worth contending for, and I am 
 ready for the conflict. 
 
 June the 2 Ist.— ^Attended an excellent camp-meeting at 
 the Thirty Mile Creek. Mr. Yeomans had prepared the 
 ground immediately on the top of the hill, and in preaching 
 the first sermon he selected a text in accordance with our 
 position, from the forty -second chapter of Isaiah : — " Let 
 the inhabitants of the rock sing ; let them shout from the 
 top of the mountains." And they did shout lustily before 
 the meeting closed. A large number were hopefully con- 
 verted. I preached both on Saturday and Sunday. Bro. 
 Win. Ryerson was in his happiest mood. 
 
 July the 2nd. — Preached, by special request, A Contro- 
 versial, Sermon against Arianism, at Stoney Creek. The 
 day appointed was fine, and multitudes came from a distance 
 and filled the church. The Arians itt the vicinity had sent 
 word to their preachers to be present, and defend their doc- 
 trine ; and three of them from a distance were present. 
 I was sitting in the chancel as they came in, smiling with 
 apparent delight, as though they thought — we have caught 
 you now, my boy, and will soon be able to give a good 
 account of you. T took my text from Heb. 1 : 8, — " But 
 unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and 
 ever." Having stated the sense in which Christ was called 
 God, I proved that evert/ attribute and every title which was 
 ascribed to the eternal God in Scripture, was also ascribed 
 to Jesus Christ, hence, he must be the eternal God. Jehovah 
 
 himself, could not impart an infinite or eternal attribute to 
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98 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 a finite being. He who is immutable now must always 
 have been immutable. I then answered some objections, 
 quoted some of the strongest texts used by our opponents, 
 and explained their meaning and application. Showed the 
 importance of an Almighty Saviour, and closed a discourse 
 of an hour and a-half by quoting a few pertinent passages 
 by way of application. I then remarked that I had no 
 wish to preach controversial sermons. That I had done so, 
 on this occasion, by special request, and under a strong 
 sense of duty ; and as I was aware that there were those 
 present who preached a different doctrine, it was but reason- 
 able that they should have an opportunity to disprove any 
 of my arguments if they could ; and I would sit down to 
 give them an opportunity to do so. Perfect stillness 
 reigned in the assembly. Every eye was fixed on the seat, 
 near me, whicfi contained the three preachers of error; but 
 no one arose. The heroes who had come from Lewiston, 
 Whitby, and London to defend their doctrines, looked 
 wistfully at each other, and finally fixed their eyes upon 
 the floor in silence. I then arose and said : — " Now, as 
 no one has the courage to oppose my doctrine to my face, I 
 trust you will not do it behind my back." The triumph 
 was complete. Congratulations came in from many quar- 
 ters, and our society had rest from that hour. 
 
 I made my first visit this summer to Niagara Falls. Mr, 
 Hopkins was going to Montreal to purchase his winter 
 supply of dry goods, and Queenston was the nearest point 
 where he could take a steamboat. I was invited to accom 
 .pany him, Mrs. Hopkins, and daughter, taking the Falls in 
 our way. After seeing Mr. H. on the boat, we ascended 
 the heights, and walked up a spiral staircase to the top of 
 Sir Isaac Brock's monument. The sight from this elevation 
 was sublime and commanding. We could see the steamer 
 bearing away Mr. H., on the beautiful waters of the Niagara, 
 
1827.] 
 
 NIAGARA FALLS. 
 
 99 
 
 towards the expansive lake which sparkled in the distance. 
 On our right was the State of New York, like a lovely 
 panorama, stretching far away as the eye could reach. On 
 our left lay Canada, with her hills and vales and spacious 
 waters, mingling with her primeval forests in charming 
 contrast ; while under our feet lay all that was mortal of 
 His Excellency Sir Isaac, who fell, fighting bravely, during a 
 fearful battle, on the 13th September, 1812. From these 
 dizzy heights we descended, and iiastened away to the great 
 Cataract, whose perpetual roar we had heard while on the 
 monument. The Canadian Falls were in shape like a horse- 
 shoe ; or, rather, like a new moon before she has filled her 
 horn. The shape has very much changed since that time ; 
 they have become more indented in the centre, where the 
 rock is greatly worn away. The Table Rock, on which we 
 then stood with apparent safety, has also disappeared, and 
 is lost in the abysmal gulf below. We descended the stair- 
 case, but did not venture under the dark sheet of water 
 which dashed over the precipice into the foaming billows. 
 The American Falls are a small afiair compared with ours, 
 and yet there is an indescribable beauty in their dashing 
 sprightliness — their sparkling, careering plunge, on which 
 we gazed with admiration. Goldsmith, in his history, says 
 there was a time when the Tndians used to ride over these 
 Falls in their canoes ; if so, it must have been far back in 
 the ages before the flood ; for if, as many suppose, these Falls 
 were once at Queeuston, still, from the nature of the banks, 
 they must, even then, have been fearfully grand. We spent 
 the night at Aunt Hagar's, a godly old lady, ripe for the 
 heavenly inheritance ; and the next day left Miss Rachel at 
 her boarding-school in Grimsby, and took tea with our Pre- 
 siding Elder, Mr. Madden, who lived between that and the 
 Fifty ; but were obliged to hasten homewards in ordwr to 
 get over the canal bridge before d<*rk. 
 
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100 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
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 [1827. 
 
 After this pleasant tour, I hastened to Hamilton to 
 prepare for the approaching Conference. Here I was quite 
 taken by surprise on learning from Mr. Aikman that the 
 gentlemen of the town, not connected with our Church, 
 headed bj Colonel Beasley, had consulted together and made 
 up the full amount of my support for a year, leaving our 
 members to pay their quarterage to the circuit, on condition 
 that the Conference would station me in the tow», and con- 
 fine my labours to that place. I felt thankful to these 
 friends for their good opinion and very liberal oflfer, but 
 was persuaded that such an arrangement could not be car- 
 ried out. My colleague and I have laboured in great 
 harmony together, and with some success, having added 106 
 new members to the Church. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 EXAMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP — ORDINATION. 
 
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 |E met in Hamilton, for Conference, on the 30th of 
 August. Bishop Hedding in the chair. Dr. Bangs 
 was also present. Five of us were to be examined for 
 membership in the Conference, and we learned that the 
 Committee were preparing to give us a thorough grinding. 
 They divided their work thus : W. C. was to examine on 
 Theology ; F. M. on Grammar ; J. R. on History ; W. R. 
 on Logic; and J. S. on Geography, (fee, <fec. The Com- 
 mittee took their -^eats in the chancel, and we were standing 
 in serious thoughtfulness before them. The examiners put 
 Ion such a sage countenance as made me a little nervous. 
 iBro. Richardson looked solemn, and Bro. Ryerson deter- 
 Imined ; but Bro. Black soon changed the stern appearance 
 [of all, and, by his wit and shrewdness, removed the sombre 
 cloud, and made us all feel quite at ease. For instance, 
 f. R,, after smoothing down his long hair with an extra 
 ouch, said, with sage-like solemnicy : " Bro. Black, please 
 ell us what is logic 1 " " The art of reasoning, sir," said 
 Mr. B. " Yes, but reasoning how ? " " O, with the tongue 
 or pen, just as you please," answered Mr. B. This unex- 
 cted answer so upset Mr. R. that his head was tossed 
 
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 102 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES Of ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 with immoderate laughter, and hia streaming locks thrown 
 backwards and forwards in rich confusion. By some means 
 or other it had just leaked out that the Cabinet had agreed 
 to make John Ryerson the Presiding Elder of our District, 
 in the place of Mr. Madden, and Mr. Black was anxious to let 
 the secret out before the Committee. Soon the wished for 
 opportunity arrived. Mr. John Ryerson, with unusual 
 gravity, asked, " Who was Polycarp 1 " " Polycarp, Poly- 
 carp, your reverence 1 " answered Mr. B., "I think I have 
 heard that he was Presiding Elder of Smyrna." The poor 
 examiner was unable to suppress his risibility, while the 
 entire company were thrown into convulsive laughter. All 
 restraint was then gone ; my nervousness had vanished 
 under Mr. B.'s wit, and I was quite relieved. Mr. B.'s 
 answer, though not given in the precise words anticipated, 
 was nevertheless strictly correct. Mosheim's history was 
 one of our text books, and whoever will read his account of 
 the chor-episcopi, or country bishops of primitive times, and 
 compare their position, powers, and authority with those of 
 our Presiding Elders, cannot fail to observe a striking 
 analogy. I have been amused at the untiring efforts which 
 the Ritualists of our day are putting forth to exhibit Wesley 
 as a believer in that unscriptural notion of an apostolical 
 succession. If they would read that great apostle with 
 attention, they would soon find that whatever errors Mr. 
 Wesley may have imbibed in his youth, in his riper years 
 he discarded this figment of Popery in the strongest language 
 possible. As late as A.D. 1784, he writes: "I firmly 
 believe that I am a scriptural bishop as much as any n\an 
 in England, or in Europe ; for the uninterrupted succession 
 I know to be a fable, which no man ever did or can prove." 
 And he might have added that if it could be proven, link 
 by link, it would be good for nothing until its abettors could 
 also prove that all bishops have been good men, or that one 
 
wr 
 
 1827.] 
 
 FINAL EXAMINATION. 
 
 103 
 
 ginner haa power, by laj'ing his hand upon the head of 
 another sinner, to impart to him " the tongue of fire — 
 power from on high " — and make him an ambassador of 
 heaven. The evangelists, Timothy and Titus, were directed 
 to " ordain Elders, or Bishops, in every place." And Mr. 
 Wesley says, most distinctly, that " Bishops and Presbyters 
 are tJie same order, and, consequently, ?uive the same right to 
 ordain." Brother Black was right, therefore. Polycarp 
 was the Presiding Elder of Smyrna, as John Ryeraon was 
 soon to be of Niagara. Tlie terms, Bishop and Elder, are 
 used interchangeably in Holy Writ. 
 
 Mr. Chamberlain, finding that Mr. B. was let off so 
 easily by his colleagues; concluded to try his hand upon him 
 in doctrine, and he asked, " What would you say, Bro. B., 
 to a man who would tell you that Jesus was called God, in 
 Scripture, only by way of comparison, as Moses was made a 
 God uuto Pharoah V " What would 1 say ? Why, I would 
 say, Sir, you are very much mistaken." The result of 
 the whole inquiry was, we were all received into full con- 
 nexion, and took our seats in the Conference. I devoted 
 Friday to fasting and prayer, in view of the solemn ordina- 
 tion vows I was to make on the Lord's day. 
 
 September the 3rd was a great and memorable day for 
 our circuit. At an early hour many carriages from differ- 
 ent parts, crowded with men and women, were seen rushing 
 into Hamilton. The good Bishop exceeded his former self 
 that morning. His text was, " Except a corn of wheat fall 
 into the ground and die, it abideth alone ; but if it die, it 
 bringeth forth much fruit." His divisions were, — 
 
 I. Without the death of Christ no soul could be saved. 
 
 II. By the death of Christ all souls might be saved, and 
 
 III. Through the death of Christ many souls will be 
 saved. 
 
 The Bishop is a remarkable man. Commanding in 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 
104 
 
 LIFE AND TIUES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 1. . 
 
 i».. 
 
 stature, clear in enunciation, distinct in utterance, forcible 
 in language, and powerful in appeals. Both ministers and 
 people were carried away witk his apostolical preaching. 
 Not a word but what the most simple could understand, and 
 yet every sentence riveted the attention of his hearers. 
 
 O what a day was that to me ! I trembled, and wept, 
 prayed and plighted my vows as I knelt to receive the im- 
 position of hands. When I took the Bible from the hand 
 of the Bishop I resolved to make it the rule of my faith, 
 and the guide of my life, as well as the badge of my minis- 
 terial authority. My responsibilities are great, but 1 have 
 a great God to help me, and " I know whom I have be- 
 lieved." I have renounced, and again I do renounce the 
 study of the world with its affections and lusts. I do not, 
 I need not, expect wealth, for I have taken the wrong course 
 to obtain it ; but I will endeavour to take care of what God 
 has given me, and if he should increase it, will strive to 
 make a good use of his gifts. But Gk)d forbid that I should 
 ever think of leaving the ministry to gain wealth. I have 
 had flattering offers, but, through grace, have been able to 
 resist them all, and trust to be of the same mind even until 
 death. The world passeth away, and all its pomp, its 
 possessions, and its power, appear as nothing compared with 
 " the true riches." Efforts have also been made, both by 
 ministers and laymen, to allure me away to what is called 
 the State Church ; but all in vain. I am fixed upon the 
 rock, and perfectly satisfied with my Church relation;* and 
 ministerial authority. And as for orders, I can imagine 
 none more Scriptural, more apostolic, or more in accordance 
 with primitive usages, than are those of our own Church. I 
 am more than disgusted with the vaunted boast of apos- 
 tolic succession ! We have the highest authority for saying 
 that "if an7/ man have not the Spirit of Cijist, he is none 
 of his ;" and who that judges the tree by its fruit, can for » 
 
 E 
 
•WT 
 
 1827.] 
 
 ORDINATION. 
 
 105 
 
 moment suppose that such men m Hildebrand, Gregory, 
 and Laud, had the Spirit of Christ. If not they could not 
 be apostolic links. And if one link in this fabled chain be 
 broken, the whole is useless. Mr. Wesley's grandfather, 
 who was a lay preacher, when called before Bishop Iron- 
 sides, made a distinction between the " vocatio ad opu8 — a 
 call to the work, and vocatio ad mumbs — a call to the 
 office." For three years I have been acting on the former, 
 and now, being ordained Deacon, I am called to the latter. 
 The two are now joined, and what God hath joined together 
 let no man put asuuder. 
 
 great and merciful God, Ruler of the world, help me 
 daily to pi ad with thee for wisdom and grace suitable to 
 the high oince to which thou hast called me. Strengthen, 
 Lord, my mental and physical powers and faculties, that 
 the weighty interests of the Church may not suffer through 
 weakness of body or confusion of mind. Deign, I beseech 
 thee, to hold back thy servant from rushing into danger, 
 and graciously obviate or correct the ill effects of any errors, 
 mistakes, or omissions which, from ignorance, partial know- 
 ledge, infirmity of judgment, or unfaithfulness in acts, 
 might, in any wise, injure that cause whicli I desire to build 
 up. Let me have unforbidden access to thy gracious throne; 
 and, if it please thee, O Lord, give me influence with the 
 people that I may do them good ; and, to this end, let me 
 always enjoy communion with thee, and have that peculiar 
 vmction which will enable me to win souls to Christ. Con- 
 descend to bless my adopted country. Give us rulers after 
 thy mind ; make the people prosperous, contented, and 
 happy. Give us ministers after thine own heart, and make 
 the Church prosperous. And O, most merciful God, leave 
 me not to myself for one moment, nor ever forget me, seeing 
 all I ask is through the blessed name of my one mediator 
 
 and redeemer. Amen. 
 #5 
 
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 106 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORBBN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 The past year has been an eventful and happy one. V/e 
 liave witnessed the convei-sion of many souls, received all our 
 salary, and closed up the year in peace. My studies, as a 
 candidate for the ministry, are over, but for the great work 
 of the ministry, and for the battles of life, they have just 
 commenced, and I hope to prosecute them with industry 
 and success. 
 
 Elder Ryan's case culminated at this Conference, and 
 resulted in his leaving the Connexion. He had always 
 governed and felt restive under control. He was in Mr. 
 Madden's district, and they soon got at variance. He was 
 a great man, and he knew it, but his ambition, rashness, 
 and conceit, proved his ruin. He had defended himself in 
 Conference with marked ability, and had been acquitted. I 
 had made my first speech in Conference in his defence ; but 
 he disappointed and mortified me when he arose and 
 renounced the authority of the Conference. He then, in 
 the most solemn manner, declared that " he would neither 
 make a party nor head a party," if he did, he hoped his 
 tongue might cleave to the roof of his mouth ; but the poor 
 man did not know himself, for he soon did, or appeared 
 to do, both. He seemed to presume too much upon hii 
 influence with a people who had always run at his nod, for- 
 gettii)g that his influence with them arose from his connec- 
 tion with the Church ; when he left the Church, the people 
 very properly left him. I had an inkling of his rash pur- 
 pose before he left the house. When he started down 
 through the aisle I left my seat, caught him in my arms, 
 and, with tearful eyes, besought him to bo calm, reconsider 
 his decision and resume his seat. For some time I held 
 him fast, and wept over his rashness, while business was 
 suspended and all eyes were fixed upon us. He finally tore 
 away from me, intimating that he could fall back upon the 
 rebellious resolutions of Elizabethtown ! This was just 
 
i 1 ■ ■ ' 
 
 1827.] 
 
 REVIVAL IN NELSON. 
 
 107 
 
 ^iiat I d readied ; and coining so soon after his strong 
 language against making a party, quite overwhelmed me 
 with astonishment. Indeed, it froze my heart as if chilled 
 by an icelierg. I dropj)ed him in disgust; for, much as I 
 loved him, I loved the Church more. 
 
 A Conference Sabbath-school Society was organized 
 here, of which I was appointed Secretary, an office for 
 which I had no relish ; but, it being the first to which 
 I had been appointed, I deemed it unwise to refuse the 
 proffered honour, especiall;y as I felt a deep interest in this 
 work, and had written in its favour for the columns of the 
 Christian Advocate. During the time we were at Confer- 
 ence a revival of religion commenced on the Middle Road, 
 Nelson ; and its promoters came to Hamilton and pressed 
 me to go at once to their assistance, stating as an induce- 
 ment, that during the delivery of my farewell sermon several 
 young people had been favourably impressed, and were 
 anxiously seeking the Lord. I was, in a measure, prepared 
 for this pleasing intelligence ; for, at the time alluded to, I 
 had preached from these most suggestive and alarming 
 words, ** The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we 
 are not saved." My colleague and I had anxiously laboured 
 for a revival, and I could scarcely think of leaving so many 
 young people " without hope and without God in the 
 world :" hence^ I wept over them with a holy sympathy. 
 A singular occurrence had also taken place in Nelson which 
 was well calculated to produce serious reflections. A young 
 woman, Miss Crandall, had died very unexpectedly, and on 
 her death-bed had particularly requested that I would 
 preach her funeral sermon ! I was surprised at this request, 
 for she was a Presbyterian, and I was not aware that she 
 had ever seen me, or heard me preach. But I received a 
 note from Col. Chisholm, her relative, stating the fact, and 
 urging my compliance. The services were appointed for 
 
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 108 
 
 Lire AMD TIM18 OF AHBOM OREBN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 the Kirk, and the minister, with his people, wu present. 
 This waft the first time a Wesleyau had Htoo<l in that pulpit, 
 and multitudes were assembled to hear, among whom was a 
 young man from the Middle Koad. The text selected 
 was : " Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God 
 Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, thou King of 
 saints." The young man was seriously impressed, and on 
 reaching home, he said very gravely to his parents, " If I 
 should die before Mr. Green leaves this circuit, please get 
 him tar preach my funeral sermon ! " At this time he was 
 in good health, and many wondered at the request. But in 
 a few weeks he was a corpse, and I preached his funeral 
 sermon in accordance with his request. Such events were 
 well calculated to produce serious reflections amongst my 
 fellow -youth, and lead to happy results. Father Clintt was 
 then living, and, evening after evening, this venerable, 
 heavenly-minded man laboured with us for the salvation of 
 men ; and he was well rewarded in the conversion of his 
 son Jacob. Before I left, I had the pleasure to see Mr. 
 Lucas — the father of one of our ministers, Rev. D. V. 
 Lucas — and many others, yield to be saved by grace. 
 Father Cline and Father Bouslaugh, of Grimsby, were local 
 preachers of Dutch parentage, who spoke our language but 
 imperfectly. Still, they were just the men for the times. 
 Like Warner, of St. Davids ; Springer, of Hamilton ; Bow- 
 man, of Ancaster ; Griffin, of Smithville, and Gage, of 
 Stoney Creek, they were among the first converts in these 
 parts of the Province. God has given us a few such pioneen 
 in different neighbourhoods, who, like the Dulmages, John- 
 sons Hicks, Brouses, Caseys, Detlors, Dougalls, Arm- 
 strongs, and others, have stood by us in every storm, like 
 unflinching heroes in battle. We could always depend 
 upon them in every conflict, for they were true to the 
 CQ;iurch aa th« needle to the pole. Crucified with Christ, 
 
1827.] 
 
 PASTORAL VI8ITI to. 
 
 109 
 
 they were the salt of the earth. li'ollowera oi their 
 Redeemer, they were lights in the worl<l ; and they let iheir 
 light ihine before men. Wicked {)erHoiiH feared them ; but 
 good men loved them for their purity, admired them for 
 their consistency, and rejoiced to sit at their feet and leam. 
 Eternity alone will reveal the full amount of benefit which 
 these holy men, and others of their stamp and type of char- 
 acter, have confeiTed upon the Church of God. 
 
 The Advantages or Pastoral Visitinq can scarcely b« 
 over-estimated ; and especially in those places where there 
 it a spirit of awakening. The people feel honoured by a 
 call from their minister. The worship which we intro* 
 duce into the families, even of those who never pray them- 
 eolves, leads the people to think and talk on the subject, 
 excites a deep interest in the minds of children, and sets an 
 example never to be forgotten. We seem to carry the 
 pulpit into the family circle, showing each individual that 
 the gospel call is for him. A little conversation and 
 familiarity with the children attach them to us. They feel 
 that we attach some importance to them, and they begin to 
 think of us as friends, and desire to hear us preach. Their 
 little eyes sparkle with delight as we enter the pulpit, and 
 they carry away pleasing thoughts and instructive sentences 
 to their homes. All these things are elements of power and 
 influence which can scarcely be over-estimated. But to our 
 own members, and especially to such as are inquiring the 
 way to Zion, this work is exceedingly desirable. Here we 
 solve their doubts, mitigate their sorrows, explain their cases 
 of conscience, and answer their many questions concerning 
 the great salvation as we can do nowhere else. David 
 might never have been taken out of the " horrible pit " had 
 not Nathan said to his face, " Thou art the man ! " We 
 have done something in this way, and especially during this 
 
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 -,-,?»•■;.. 
 
 110 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1827. 
 
 revival, but our large circuit gives us little time for this 
 fruitful work. 
 
 A constant pain in my left side, when on my saddle, 
 induced me to drink freely of a chalybeate spring on Joseph 
 Hopkins' farm. Every morning, for ten days, at early 
 dawn, I received a shower bath from a high window, which 
 young Swazey poured upoii me ; after which I wrapped 
 myself in a warm blanket and jumped into bed, when the 
 perspiration flowed freely, and I was soon sweetly composed 
 to sleep. In this way my side-ache was completely cured, 
 and I went to my work with pleasure. I deeply regret, but 
 am not surprised, to find that Mr. Ryan has commenced his 
 divisive work in our society at the Rock Church. I fear I 
 unwittingly, and without design, injured the feelings of my 
 old friend this morning (Oct. 22). I had gone to the pulpit 
 with my hymns selected, not thinking that Mr, R. was in 
 the place. I knew that he had made a division in the class, 
 and had enticed away some half dozen of our members, in- 
 cluding good old Father Cummings and his pious wife. 
 But when I was reading my first hymn, I saw the old 
 gentleman in the centre of the church blushing greatly. 1 
 had read, 
 
 " Jeaus, great Shepherd of the sheep, 
 To thee for help we fly ; 
 Thy little flock in safety keep, 
 For ! the wolf is nigh," &c. 
 
 The poor old gentleman had evidently (and, perhaps, very 
 properly) applied the words to himself, as did some of the 
 people. Had I known that Mr. R. was there before I gave 
 out that h3ntnn, I certainly would not have read it. It was 
 so obviously suited to his case, who was " seizing every 
 straggling soul as his own lawful prey." But it was too 
 late to choose another after I commenced reading, and the 
 congregation sang that heartily. I was forcibly reminded 
 
1827.] 
 
 PRESENT OF A SLEIQH. 
 
 m 
 
 of an expression which I once heard Mr. R. make : — 
 " Talk," said he, " of destroying the Methodist Church ! 
 You might just as soon think of shooting down the sun with 
 a pop-gun." And now, as he had raised the pop-gun against 
 the Churcli himself, perhaps he deserved the arrow which 
 this hymn gave him. 
 
 It will be seen that the name of this sanctuary is changed. 
 We used to call it, in our circuit plans, Oummings' Chapel, 
 but after he left the Church, that name was inappropriate. 
 At our late quarterly meeting in Ancaster, as I rose to 
 announce preaching in this house, the absurdity of calling 
 it after a man who had no interest in it, caused me to 
 hesitate, until, remembering that it stood on a rock, I 
 announced the appointment for the Rock Chapel. The 
 people smiled, but caught the thought at once. No one 
 demurred ; but Mr. Culp said that as I had given the house 
 a new name, T ought to give it a new coat also : which it 
 much needs. 
 
 Christmas Day. — There is snow on the ground, and good 
 Sister Gage, of Stony Creek, has given me a cutter. 
 She thinks it will be easier riding in a sleigh than on 
 a saddle, and I quite agree with her. From the time I first 
 took a circuit until now, I have kept to my saddle, winter 
 and summer, and for the best of reasons : I never travelled 
 a circuit, around which I could ride in any wheel carriage. 
 And to buy a cutter for three or four weeks' use, and 
 then have to leave it, with the necessary equipage, and 
 the next winter find myself two or three hundred miles 
 away from it, was scarcely advisable. No minister enjoyed 
 the luxury of a buggy when I commenced travelling. But 
 Bro. Madden has one now, and I may have a sleigh. This 
 gift will enable me to supply the people with religious booki 
 which are much needed. There is no book store on the 
 circuit, except in Dundas, where Mr. Leslie keeps a few 
 
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 112 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 ichool books. Hence the people very much depend on us 
 for their books. The agents in New York send them on 
 ■ale to the Presiding Elder, and we get them from him and 
 lupply our people as best we can. 
 
 The First Temperance Society, of which I had erer 
 heard, was formed in New England this year. I was stop- 
 ping with Sampson Howell, Esq., near the Rock Church. 
 He said to me, *' A milk and water society is organized in 
 the States, and I am going to join it. "We allow wine, beer, 
 <kc., but drink no spirits of any kind." Well, said I, you 
 will certainly be on safe ground. Still, I thought it strange, 
 if not foolish, for everybody drank spirics in those days. 
 But a little reflection induced me to make further inquiry, 
 and it was not long before I joined the Society myself. 
 
 New Year, 1828. — These milestones in the journey of 
 life remind us of the rapidity with which our years are 
 passing away. But there is rest for the weary, and we 
 shall gain the haven by-and-bye. 
 
 *• While in this body pent, absent from thee we roam, 
 
 But nightly pitch our moving tent one day's march nearer home." 
 
 A Brief Retrospect of the Past presents many things 
 which every good man must deplore. The factious move- 
 ments of those who seek to divide the Church is lamentable; 
 but we must not " meddle with those who are given to 
 change." " Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel," says 
 Jacob to Reuben. And the same is true in our day. Men 
 of ordinary talents and consistent lives may be strong and 
 useful in the Church ; but when removed from that shield 
 of glory and defence, they soon exhibit weakness, confusion, 
 and decay. A loss of piety and stability is sure to beget a 
 peevish and quarrelsome disposition. But a fearful respon- 
 sibility rests upon those who throw confusion into the 
 Church and divide chief friends. 
 
1828.] 
 
 SECTARIAN COLLEGE. 
 
 113 
 
 Our Political Sky is far from being clear. The odious 
 Alien Bill, which originated in the Upper House, and was 
 five times ignored in the Lower Branch, waa finally sent to 
 the King, but, happily for Canada, His Majesty had the good 
 sense to 'disallow it. McKenzie, whose press and types 
 wore destroyed in 1826 by official rowdies, has obtained 
 damages amounting to .£625, which will furnish him and 
 his paper with the sinews of war, and he is lashing the 
 Family Compact in fine style. We are pushing for a 
 Marriage Bill and other rights, while the Clergy Reserves 
 are likely to give much trouble. But a new grievance has 
 arisen which throws the whole country into commotion and 
 rage. A member of our Government has been to England, 
 and, by giving a false religious chart of this country, has suc- 
 ceeded in obtaining a charter for a Sectarian College, with 
 an endowment out of our school lands ! In many places 
 this chart is pronounced an outrage upon truth and propriety; 
 and we are furnishing data for a parliamentary investiga- 
 tion. There is an old heathen adage which says, " Whom 
 th« gods would destroy they make mad." If this is true, 
 destruction must be near at hand for our oppressors. Folly, 
 if not madness, has blinded their eyes or they would have 
 some regard to the wishes of the people — some respect for 
 truth and justice. Sir Peregrine, our Governor, is ruined 
 by irresponsible advisers. The House passed a vote of 
 direct censure upon him last year j and they have flatly 
 contradicted him this year. His popularity has vanished 
 before the light of tnith, as darkness retires before the 
 morning sun. I disapprove of Christian ministers mingling 
 in political squabbles of party strife ; but when others are 
 allowed to domineer over us at pleasure ; to grasp one- 
 seventh of the Province for their exclusive support ; to 
 ciivert our school lands to sectarian purposes ; to withhold 
 from us the privilege of marrying our own people ; to driv» 
 
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 Hi 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 our Indian converts from us by shameful cruelty ; to slander 
 us from the pulpit, and misrepresent us before the British 
 Government, then it is time for every lover of his country 
 and of freedom to arise in his moral strength and contend 
 against error, oppression, and bigotry until truth prevails. 
 A singular occurrence took place at Bowman's Church, 
 on the 7th of October last, which I may mention here, as it 
 illustrates something of the spirit of the age. A large 
 portion of the society there are from Germany and Holland. 
 They make very reliable Christians when converted ; and 
 they seem to think that our ministers are sent directly from 
 the feast of Pentecost, and can do anything they choose. 
 A pious and intelligent Dutchman, by the name of Miller, 
 was invited over to the village of Ancaster to hear a learned 
 divine who was anxious to collect a congregation there. He 
 wont, and after the service a merchant in the village came 
 to him, saying, " Was not that a grand discourse 1 Did you 
 ever hear such a sermon in your lifel" "Well," says Mr. 
 MUler, " it was very good, but nothing compared with some 
 sermons I hear in our church ; besides which, it may not be 
 this man's sermon at all. He read every word of it, and I 
 have read many sermons quite as good as that ; still, they 
 were not my sermons. If you will come over to our church 
 you will hear sermons preached, and they come bubbling up 
 fresh from the heart. God gives the words, and the minister 
 utters them." " That is impossible," said his friend. " No 
 man can preach unless he writes his sermon, and, then, 
 either reads it or commits it to memory. Do you imagine 
 that you have a preacher who could take the text of this 
 morning and preach a sermon on it without first writing iti" 
 " Why, yes ! plenty of them ; and if you will come over next 
 Sunday morning and bring your text written out, I will 
 pledge myself that the minister shall know nothing about it 
 until he is going into the church, and then I wUl give him 
 
^w 
 
 TJ- |! 
 
 1828.] 
 
 IMPROMPTU PREACHINO. 
 
 115 
 
 the text and I think he will preach on it ! Sure enough, as 
 I reached the gate that Sunday moniing, I met Mr. Miller 
 with this text written in a beautiful hand, and he requested 
 me, as a very special favour, to preach on it that morning : 
 Proverbs 14 : 27. " The fear of the Lord is a fountain of 
 life, to depart from the snares of death." I informed my 
 good brother that I was not in the habit of preaching on 
 any text without prayerful study ; but I would think of it. 
 He said a gentleman had come from the village on purpose 
 to hear me on that text, and he would explain the rest after 
 service. I asked God to direct me in the matter, and while 
 I was going to the pulpit the passage opened up to me 
 beautifully, and I read my text from the paper given me ; 
 stated the request, and preached a sermon, strictly following 
 the plan first suggested to my mind. I had liberty : God 
 helped me very greatly. The people wept, saints rejoiced, 
 and the stranger confessed that a good sermon might be 
 preached without reading it. 
 
 On the 28th of May, after a hard winter's work, I preached 
 in West Flamboro', while feeling very ill. Went home with 
 Mr. John Green, and for two weeks was confined by my 
 old enemy, the intermittent fever. But I fell into good 
 hands, and every attention was given me which I could 
 have desired. Oh, how precious are kind friends when we 
 cannot take care of ourselves ! May the Shepherd of Israel 
 reward that good family for their brotherly care of a home- 
 less wanderer. Dr. Harmonious Smith attended me like a 
 brother, but refused any pay. He said I had worked too 
 hard and must be more careful in future. Many thanks 
 for his care and advice. My heart is full of gratitude to 
 my heavenly Father for raising me up so many kind friends 
 in every part of this circuit. My own mother, if living, 
 could scarcely be more attentive. Many prayers are offered 
 
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116 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ARSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 w 
 
 for my health and happiness. I feel the influence of those 
 prayers in my own poor heart. Glory be to God. 
 
 The Conversion of an Intelligent Universalist. — 
 Mr. Knight, of Hamilton, gave me much consolation. He 
 often attended our preaching, but still argued in favour of 
 his " liberal views." In his sickness, however, he sent for 
 me, and as I found him weak and consumptive, I said to 
 him : — " My dear friend, I regret to find you here ; is there 
 any way in which I can contribute to your happiness 1" 
 " I am veiy happy to see you, sir," said he ; " comfort is 
 what I want, but it is just what my kind of religion does 
 not give me now. You know the views I have always con- 
 tended for, but alas ! they give me no assurance now. They 
 may do well enough to live by, but mine is not the religion 
 to die by. Can you afford me any comfort 1 " Yes, said I, 
 my dear friend, God is merciful, and — " Merciful !" said he, 
 " that is just the rock on which my hopes are dashed. I 
 have depended upon his mercy without reference to his 
 justice. I have trusted to his mercy to save me, without 
 obedience, without piety, without holiness, and without that 
 faith which justifies and gives peace with God. Oh, my 
 folly ! miy misspent life ! You have of(:en told us of a worm 
 that never dies ; and now I feel the gnawings of that worm 
 in my own bosom. Oh, tell me, is there any hope for me 1 " 
 Most assuredly there is, said I. This conviction, and these 
 strong yearnings after peace, can only come from God. 
 The Holy Spirit is now woiking on your heart that repen- 
 tance which is unto life, and no sinner who is truly penitent, 
 and cries to God for mercy, will perish. I then quoted 
 several passages to encourage him ; read, prayed, and wept 
 with him, and left him more calm and hopeful. 
 
 A New Church is being built in Nelson, and I have 
 taken up small subscriptions all over the circuit to help to 
 pay for it. We pressed hard to get a site at the comers 
 
1RF' V t 
 
 1828.] 
 
 FATHER NEIL. 
 
 117 
 
 opposite to the school-house, but failed. Brother McCay 
 has given us an acre on his lot, which will do very well. 
 The house is to hold about 500, and costs only $900. A 
 church here is much needed. People often come thi-ee or 
 four miles to service, and the school-house is too small to 
 accommodate them. 
 
 August the 29th we Commenced a Camp-Meetino at 
 Waterdown, on Dundas Street, which was not particularly 
 fruitful. On the first day, as the people were entering the 
 gate, the}'^ saw a fierce-looking rattlesnake claiming the right 
 to enter also ! but, looking upon him as an intruder, they 
 slew him on the spot. We told the people to be brave and 
 courageous; that it might be a token of greater victory 
 over the old subtle serpent himself, who had the audacity to 
 enter even the Garden of Eden, and whose virus had 
 brought sin and death into our world. This deadly foe has 
 no right on this choice ground, therefore, give him no 
 quarter, but chase him out of, and away from, this holy 
 place by every means in your power. 
 
 This is the third camp-meetimg I have attended this 
 Bummer. At the one in Dumfries I had the long-wished 
 for pleasure of seeing Father Neil, who, as a local preacher, 
 commenced the good work on the Niagara frontier in 1790. 
 He took Christian Warner into his society and made him ' 
 the Leader of his little flock, before the regular ministers 
 visited that place. Having seen Dunham, the first ordained 
 Wesleyan minister who came to Canada, I was anxious to 
 see this mighty hero also, who had so nobly commenced the 
 battle for truth and holiness in the Niagara country. He 
 is a venerable-looking old gentleman, whose whitened locks 
 and commanding form presented a fine appearance in the 
 pulpit. He must have completed his threescore years and 
 ten, but he preached with much energy on the feast of fat 
 things prepared for all nations. These grand old pioneers, 
 
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118 
 
 LIFE AND TIM 
 
 ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 whose praise is in all th» churches, are swiftly passing awaj 
 from us to their great I'eward in heaven. Dunham is gone, 
 and Neil must soon follow him. But they lived to see 
 thousands gathered into the fold of Christ. 
 
 We had a Narrow Escape in returning to Hannahs- 
 ville from our camp-ground. William Eastman, with a 
 young span of horses, was driving us down the mountain, 
 when his nigh horse shied off, and crowded the other over 
 the timber which held the embankment. I jumped out and 
 caught Miss Rachel, just in time to fly to her mother, who 
 had sprung out on the other side. She was struck by the 
 hind wheel just as I caught her hand and prevented her 
 from falling over the fearful brink. The carriage, horses, 
 and driver, were arrested by the fence below ; but, strange 
 to say, no one was much injured, and we all reached home 
 safely. 
 
 My Colleague, the Rev. Thos. Madden, is now just in 
 the prime of life. About 46 years old, five feet ten inches 
 high, and well made, with light complexion and ruddy face ; 
 he presents a commanding appearance in the pulpit. He is 
 a good business man, but no revivalist ; sermons good, but 
 not great ; more expository than hortatory. He is not bril- 
 liant in conversation, but friendly in spirit. We have spent 
 a very comfortable year together, have received our salaries 
 in full, and many gifts besides ; a»d we are able to present 
 a small increase of members, notwithstanding the lamen- 
 table division made in some of our classes. 
 
 The Conference was to assemble in Ernesttown, and I 
 resolved to visit my father on the way. Our camp-meeting 
 closed on the 2nd September, and I hastened to Lockport, 
 where I took passage on a canal packet. This was a new 
 way of travelling to me, but a great improvement on the 
 old, wearisome method of staging. The cabin was small, 
 and we preferred the deck in the day-time, but the frequent 
 
1828.] 
 
 SISTERS DEATH. 
 
 119 
 
 bridges overhead greatly detracted from our pleasure. We 
 bad to be constantly watching and bowing, or we were sure 
 to be knocked down. There was no way of compromising 
 the matter with these obstinate things. Bow you must, or 
 you were sure to be bowed. A hard way, this, to learn 
 lessons of humility, especially to the stiff-necked ; but it 
 was effectual. One high-minded lady was rather unyielding 
 at first ; but as her topknots and feathers became somewhat 
 deranged, she yielded to stern necessity, and laughed, too, 
 with the rest of us. The first man I met, as I entered the 
 village of Brighton, was my brother Clark. My joy on 
 seeing him, however, was soon turned into sadness, when he 
 said to me : — " Our sister Lydia is dead ! " This was a sad 
 blow to my bright anticipations, just in sight of my father's 
 house ; but who can stay the ravages of death 1 She had 
 been instrumental in leading me to Christ, and I felt satisfied 
 as to her future joys ; but still, my disappointment was very 
 great. O, cruel death ! but stUl more cruel sin, which has 
 brought death into our world, when will your ravages be 
 overl "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ." She cannot come to me, 
 but I must go to her. 
 
 My father accompanied me to Middleburgh, where I 
 preached several times to the companions of my youth and 
 to those who had known me in my childhood. I was happy 
 to meet my dear leaders once more, and the many friends 
 who hung upon my lips with joyous countenances ; but 
 there was one face missing which I could see no more in the 
 Church militant. Her newly-raised grave, in sight of the 
 Church, made me weep. There she lies, peaceful and quiet, 
 by the side of her dear mother and eldest sister. She was 
 the first convert in the great revival here in 1819, and now 
 she is the first ripe sheaf gathered to the garner in heaven. 
 
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 120 LIFI AND TIlflB OF ANSON QKEEN, D.D. [1828. 
 
 " Sister, thon wert mild and lovely, 
 Here thy loss we deeply feel ; 
 But 'tis God who hath bereft ub, 
 He can all our sorrows heal." 
 
 I visited these graves often, with a mournful pleasure. 
 "When mighty men in Zion fall, the Church is found weeping 
 amidst the graves of her memorable dead ; but this is the 
 place for my tears. God alone can write the epitaph of the 
 pious and pure wlio have fallen in humble life ; but bright 
 angels will watch then sacred dust until the winds shall 
 repeat the echoes of the last t^'ump in the tombs of these 
 sleepers, and awaken them to thai 'mmortality for which 
 they sighed amidst the conflicts of earth. We shall meet 
 in fairer climes than these. For the present, then, mother, 
 sisters, farewell. 
 
 On my return I attended a quarterly meeting near RicL- 
 field, and preached for Brother Dan. Barnes, the Presiding 
 Elder, on Sunday morning. I had little expectation of 
 seeing in that strange place any one I had seen before ; but 
 in our delightful love-feast, one brother arose and thanked 
 God for the privilege of seeing Brother Green once more. 
 " At the Grimsby camp-meeting last year," said he, " I was 
 induced to seek the Lord by a sermon he preached ; and on 
 leaving the ground he took me by the hand, saying * Re- 
 member your closet.' And now I have the satisfaction to 
 assure him that I do remember my closet, and meet my 
 Saviour there three times a day." Before I left my father, 
 I had the pleasure to accomplish one object of my visit, 
 viz.: to obtain his consent to my contemplated marriage. 
 On my way to Kingston I had an unpleasant upset in a 
 stage-coach. It had been Taining, but the moon began to 
 glimmer through the clouds as we were going up the Trenton 
 Hills, where our driver fell asleep ! The horses, left to their 
 instincts, resolved to take a drink, and soon we were uj 
 
1828.] 
 
 ORaAMIZATION OF THK CHURCH. 
 
 121 
 
 in a ravine just wide and deep enough to take in our carriage 
 completely. The stupid driver found himself on the 
 opposite bank when he awoke ; but we were engulphed in 
 the ditch. We had three on each seat, one of whom was a 
 very loquacious old maid, and she screamed out fearfully, 
 « I am killed, I am dead, I really am dead ; what shall I 
 do !" The poor creature ! Though I had two men on top of 
 me and my arm in the watei, I was sure that I was not 
 dead ; and I tried to convince her that she was still alive, 
 but all in vain : nor could I much wonder at the poor 
 creature's fi'ight, for we were as near death as I wished to 
 be. The stage door was so tightly fastened that we could 
 not open it ; and those who were lying on top of us seemed 
 to be confused and stupid. After a little the driver man- 
 aged to shove open a small window, through which, one 
 after another, we emerged from our dismal position. We 
 got the poor old crone out also, who, dead as she was, man- 
 aged to walk across the ro^yd to a cottage. Our driver, 
 never more than half awake, gave up in despair. He 
 declared that wo could not get that stage out, and he off«red 
 to go ten miles for another. But my timo was precious, and 
 I told them if they would help me we would be oflf again in 
 half an hour. By the aid of the horses hitched to the 
 wheels, and rails to pry with, w« placed our carriage on the 
 road, mended the broken tongue with the halters, and were 
 soon on our journey. My colleague had secured mo a good 
 home with himself at his brother's. 
 
 The Conference of 1828 met in Ernesttown. This 
 Conference was most important in every respect. The 
 General Conference had set us free from its jurisdiction, and 
 allowed Bishop Hedding to assist us in organizing an inde- 
 pendent Connexion in Upper Canada. This step, to us, 
 appeared most desirable ; and with much prayer and 
 
 thoughtfulness we set to work to prepare our discipline. 
 6 
 
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 122 
 
 LIFE AND TIlfBS OF AN80N GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 We unanimously reHolved to accept the terras of separation, 
 and to form a Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada. At 
 this juncture the good Bishop arose and said, " My official 
 duties with you are now ended." But we unanimously 
 requested him to preside over us during the Conference, 
 which he kindly consented to do. I was then appointed to 
 preach that evening, and selected for my text, Ecol. 12:1. 
 Thus it is evident that I preached the first sermon ever 
 delivered in the M. E. Church in Canada. The text which 
 I had selected, therefore, was not inappropriate, for our 
 youthful body, viz. : *' Remember now thy creator in the 
 days of thy youth." I was also appointed one of the Con- 
 ferenoG stewards. 
 
 Our Statistics were as follows : Church members, 
 9,678, of whom 915 were Indians ; 57 ministers and preach- 
 ers, 7 of whom were superannuated ; 3 districts ; 31 cir- 
 cuits and missions, 10 of which were among the natives; 
 1 2 Indian schools, in which were 300 scholars. The General 
 Conference permitted us to purchase their books on the 
 same terms as their own ministers ; agreed to give us our 
 dividends from the concern, and authorized the Missionary 
 Board to give us $700 per annum for our Mission work. 
 
 The Rev. Benjamin Green Paddoc, a Presiding Elder of 
 the Genesee Conference, was present, and urged me, very 
 strongly, to go with him, ofiering me my choice of circuits 
 on his district. But my mind was fully made up to make 
 Canada my home for life. Providence had led me here, and 
 I wished to follow that pillar of fire. I loved the Canadian 
 Church, and desired to assist her in our struggle for equal 
 rights. I was attached to my ministerial brethren here, and 
 wished to aid them in cultivating this inviting field. I 
 knew there were some who claimed me as their spiritual 
 father, and our attachments were mutual. I also saw many 
 features in our Government which I admired, though I had 
 
1828.] 
 
 riRST RIDE ON A STEAMBOAT. 
 
 1S8 
 
 little confidence in the integrity or impartiality of those who 
 administered it in York. Still, there were many things to 
 eacourage us : We had a new Governor ; and a new 
 Parliament had just been elected very much to our liking. 
 Ul)i)er Canada was a lovely country, rich in soil, healthy in 
 atmosphere, and offering many facilities for trade and com- 
 merce. All we needed then was Liberal Executive and 
 Legislative Councils, and a responsible Government, to make 
 us contented, prosperous, and happy. In our new discipline 
 we have, unasked, made concessions to the laity which can- 
 not fail to give them much satisfaction. They will, here- 
 after, have co-ordinate powers with the ministers in legis- 
 lating on financial matters ; for no new rule can become law , 
 without their concurrence. 
 
 On Thursday, the 8th of October, the business of .the 
 Conference terminated. Mr. Case was appointed General 
 Superintendent, pro tempore, and special Superintendent of 
 all our missions and mission schools. And then, having 
 received our appointments, we hastened off to our new fields 
 of labour with high hopes and glad hearts. 
 
 "So shall the bright succesBion run 
 Through the last courses of the sun ; 
 While unborn churches, by their care, 
 Shall rise and flourish large and fal.* " 
 
 In returning to York, I took my first ride on a steamboat, 
 and it was anything but pleasant. Our vessel, called the 
 Niagara, was an old schooner into which an engine had 
 been placed. The lake was rough, and I was fearfully sick, 
 constantly wishing that I was on my saddle again. I lay 
 down on the stern of the boat, paid my tribute to the angry 
 dashing waves, and longed for release from their power. 
 When I went up the motion was not so death-like ; but 
 when I went down again, there was a fearful antagonism 
 
 
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 124 
 
 LIFR AND TIMI^^ OF ANSON QWRiiN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 between the outward and inward mbn. My flesh, bones, and 
 muscles went down with the boat, but all within seemed to 
 rebel against this downward motion, and determined to go 
 upwards. I soon found that a maii, divided against him- 
 self, could no more stand than a divided house could. 
 When I reached York, and tried to walk, the street seemed 
 to be rolling up like waves before me, and I lifted my feet 
 h.gh, in order to keep above them. On Sunday I preached 
 my first sermon in Little York, and a miserable time I had 
 of it. 
 
 My new Circuit was called Fort George. — A very 
 unsuitable name, as the eld fort of that name, at the mouth of 
 the Niagara River, was long since abandoned. On my way 
 down to it, I lodged a night with Bro. J. Ryerson, at the 
 Fifty-mile Creek. He called me up about one o'clock, say- 
 ing that his father-in-law was dead, and I hastened to go 
 with him to the house of mourning. Mr. Lewis had gone 
 to bed apparently well, but his wife, hearing him breathing 
 hard, spoke to him and received no answer. She hastened 
 to light a candle, but before she co«iid see her dear husband 
 he was dead, and his spiiit gone to that God who gave it. 
 Being pressed to remain and preach his funeral sermon, I 
 consented, for he was worthy of every attention. He was 
 an early settler in the country, and a great blessing to the 
 Church. He had occupied a seat in Parliament, and was 
 an old Magistrate, loved and respected by all who knew 
 him. Bro. Egerton Ryerson assisted me in the services. 
 (It is, I believe, an unusual thing for one man to bury 
 parties in the same family line, five generations apart ; but 
 this I was called to do, when, on the 4th of July, 1873, 1 
 buried a child of Mr. T. W. Law, of Toronto, a great great 
 grand-child of Father Lewis. This child was descended 
 through Hugh Wilson, Esq., and the Rev. John Law, from 
 this parent stock.) 
 
1828.] 
 
 PORT aSOftOE CIRCUIT. 
 
 126 
 
 Ours is a new Circuit, made up, principally, of the town 
 of Niagara and villages on the banks of this beautiful river. 
 I commenced my work in this circuit on the 24th of October, 
 in the village of Stamford. This is a small, but lovely little 
 village about two miles east of the Falls. It is surrounded 
 on all sides by a charming fruit-gi'owing country ; but we 
 have no church edifice in it, and but few members. Mrs. 
 Birch and Mrs. MacMicking were our best supporters. Our 
 service was on Thursday evening. We arranged to preach 
 the first Sunday in Queenston, Pine Greve, and Niagara j 
 and the second, in St. Davids, Cross Roads, and Niagara. 
 Queenston is a small, unprogressive village at the head of 
 navigation on the river. We preach in the school-house ; 
 have a small class, and find a comfortable home with Mr. 
 John Gurnsey and his interesting family. At the Grove we 
 have no class, but preach in a school-house, and then pass on 
 to Niagara. This is the oldest town in the Province. A 
 French Governor, by the name of De Denonville, arrived 
 here in June, 1686, after fighting a fearful battle with the 
 Seneca Indians. He left one hundred soldiers in a log fort, 
 who were all slain by the Senecas. On the 24th of July, 
 1759, Sir Wm. Johnson took the place, and the French 
 were driven out of the country. In 1791, Upper Canada 
 was proclaimed a Province, and in 1792 Governor Simcoe 
 •elected this town for his Capital ; and here he met his first 
 Parliament of sixteen members. It was then called Newark. 
 We have a small Church here, where we preach every Sun- 
 day evening, a good class, and a fine home with Mrs. 
 Powell. At St. Davids we preach in a school-house, for our 
 old Church at Warner's farm is some distance from the 
 village. It was the first Church built in this part of the 
 country, and is now getting old, and only used for funerals. 
 It has been the birthplace of many precious souls. The 
 Rev. Dr. Bangs was converted here. Christian Wamei 
 
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126 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 y:: 
 
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 S'.i ill 
 
 and many of our early worthies are buried here. The house 
 is decaying now, but it has a grand record in the annals of 
 the past. It was the first grand rallying place for the hosts 
 of Israel in these parts. Would that it were in the village 
 that we might renew the war on this memorable battle- 
 ground. The village is about three miles from the river. 
 We have the shell of an old sanctuary here commenced by 
 the English missionaries before 1820, at which time they 
 withdrew to Lower Canada. 
 
 The Cross Roads Appointment is about four miles west 
 of Niagara, where we have an excellent class, led by good 
 old Father Lawrence. 
 
 November 9th, — Lundy's Lane, Chippewa, and Lyon's 
 Creek. The old red Church in the lane is the head of the 
 circuit. It is central for quarterly meetings, and we have 
 a strong society here. In this old sanctuary the Conference 
 met in 1820. It stands more than two miles from the Falls, 
 not far from the spot where the memorable battle was 
 fought in July, 1814, the marks of which are still seen in 
 different directions. I thank God that we come here now, 
 marshalled under the banners of the Prince of Peace ; and 
 " the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual 
 to the pulling down of strongholds." O that the slain of 
 the Lord may be many. Chippewa is a small village at the 
 mouth of the river of that name, where it empties into the 
 Niagara a little above the fearful cataract, whose perpetual 
 roar reminds us of him whose " voice is as the sound of 
 many waters." We have no church here, but Joseph 
 Moore, Esq., manages to find us a place for worship and a 
 home in which to rest our weary bodies. Our cause is 
 very feeble, but with Sabbath preaching, we hope for better 
 times. At Lyon's Creek, about six miles back from the 
 river, we have an old church poorly kept, but a large con- 
 gregation and a good class. We lodged with Capt. Buchner, 
 

 1828.J 
 
 OUR MARRIAGE. 
 
 127 
 
 On Monday, preached at Cook's Mills, a little farther up 
 the Creek. A small village is started here, which will grow 
 to some importance, I imagine. Tuesday, at Mr. Waite's, 
 on the Black Creek. Wednesday, at Mr. Young's, where 
 the people are mostly Germans. Thursday, at Limestone 
 Ridge, btit found no class. On Sunday, the 16th, at 
 Macafee's Church and at Baxter's school-house. Monday, 
 rode down to the Lane, and on Tuesday and Wednesday 
 preached in the Beach Woods and on the Upper Chippewa. 
 Saturday and Sabbath, 22nd and 23rd, held our first quar- 
 terly meeting at Lundy's Lane. A fearful snow storm, 
 which commenced on Saturday and continued until Monday 
 morning, made travelling almost impossible ; but after 
 service I had to ride fourteen miles to Niagara, facing the 
 storm, and my horse wallowing in snow two feet deep. Our 
 congregation was thin. 
 
 This is a very small and delightful circuit, with only 
 seventeen appointments at present, and the country abounds 
 with fruit and every good thing. The Rev, S. Belton is my 
 colleague, and we have been kindly received thus far. It 
 is the first circuit to which I have been appointed, around 
 which I could ride on wheels ; and being willing to lay aside 
 my saddle-bags for a little, I purchased a covered carriage, 
 which my friends thought indicated matrimony ; and they 
 were right. I was married on the 27th November to Miss 
 Rachel, second daughter of Caleb Hopkins, Esq., M.P.P., 
 of Nelson. 
 
 The morning after our marriage I handed my dear wife a 
 letter containing the marriage fee, which the Rev. R. 
 Leeraing had refused to accept, assuring me that he "would 
 much rather be considered a brother than a hireling.^* From 
 this letter, too long to be inserted here, I take the following 
 extracts : — " You have given your hand to a man who is 
 not his own. He is the herald of God and the servant of 
 
 
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128 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GBEBN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 Hifl Church. By their will he must be governed ; obsequious 
 to their voice he will go or stay ; hence, we know not the 
 precise spot where the scenes of our life are to be acted. 
 There is a sense in which we may say with "Wesley, * The 
 world is our parish ' ; and, guided by our Great Head, we 
 will go to any part of it. I have often remarked that I 
 must not preach one sermon the less because of my union 
 with you ; nor can you desire it, for you have now a co- 
 ordinate interest in my success. We will mutually help 
 each other to bear the cross, and not make crosses for each 
 other to bear. From this glad hour you will consider me — 
 next to our God — your beat friend. One heart prompts us, 
 one interest moves us, and one grand aim must inspire our 
 hopes and govern our acts. Confide in me, my dear wife ; 
 open your mind freely to me at all times, for I desire to 
 share your sorrows with you and participate in your joys. 
 Thus, with mutual interests, mutual confidence, and mutual 
 love, we will gently glide down the stream of life together, 
 endeavouring to kindle some fires on its banks which may 
 continue to burn when the hands which kindled them shall 
 be no more seen." 
 
 We moved to a new house which I had rented, about 
 half a mile west of Stamford village, with barn, pasture 
 fields, and garden. Here I once more felt that I had a 
 home — a comfortable and attractive home; where I could 
 rest and be happy amidst smiles and sunshine. 
 
 As I have stated elsewhere, I desire in these pages to give 
 a brief outline of the former struggles of our Church for 
 religious freedom. If, in doing so, I have been led to give 
 certain individuals, who were principal factors in opposing 
 equal rights, more prominence than their friends might 
 desii-e, they must not blame me, but the parties themselves 
 who, so unwisely, placed themselves in such an unenviable 
 position. The Methodist Church seems to have been the 
 
1828.] 
 
 RELIGIOUS CHART. 
 
 129 
 
 principal object of the crushing influence of the Family 
 Compact — not because we were more sincere and determined 
 in our opposition to an Established Church in Canada than 
 our brethren of other communions, but because we were 
 more numerous and more powerful than they. The Baptists 
 have always contended for religious liberty since 1639, when 
 Roger Williams founded their first Church in Rhode Island. 
 Judge Story says that in their Code of Laws in this State 
 " we read, for the first time since Christianity ascended the 
 throne of the Caesars, the declaration that conscience should 
 be free and men should not be punished for worshipping 
 God in the way they are persuaded he requires." And, 
 however oppressive the Congregationalists were in New 
 England when they had the power, yet in later years they 
 have shown a praiseworthy spirit of liberality. But these 
 Churches were weak and little known in Canada ; and the 
 Scotch Presbyterians favoured Church establishments. The 
 following facts speak for themselves. Dr. Strachan was a 
 member of both our Legislative and Executive Councils. 
 He went to England to obtain a charter for a sectarian 
 college to be heavily endowed from public lands. To ac- 
 complish this, he prepared what he called an " Ecclesiastical 
 Chart "of this Province, and on the 16th of May, 1827, 
 sent it to Lord Goderich, the Colonial Secretary. He 
 obtained his chart, but Sir Wilmot Horton, under-Secretary 
 of State for the Colonies, wishing to bring this mischievous 
 Chart to the light, managed to get it published. When it 
 reached this country it was found to be so strangely inaccu- 
 rate and one-sided that it occasioned a general outbui-st of 
 disgust from one end of the Province to the other. He 
 gave credit for one decent Methodist preacher, two Presby- 
 terians, and three or four Congregationalists. The others 
 were mostly aliens, capable of *' rendering a large portion 
 of the" country hoftile to our institutions, both civil and 
 *6 
 
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130 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1828. 
 
 
 religious." And the only way to prevent this awful catas- 
 trophe was by increasing the number of what he was pleased 
 to call the " Established Clergy ! " Liberal-minded men of 
 all Churches in York prepared a memorial and sent it 
 through the country for signatui-es, asking the Parliament 
 to institute a public investigation. We lost no time in 
 getting it signed, and in answering the fourteen questions 
 contained in a circular sent us at the same time. The 
 House appointed a large Committee, and examined no less 
 than fifty-two gentlemen, embracing all shades of politics 
 and religion, who, with remarkable unanimity, pronounced 
 the Chart strangely at variance with truth, or opposed to 
 obvious facts. The Committee made a full report to Par- 
 liament, condemning the Chart in the strongest terms. 
 This report was adopted by a majority of 22 to 8, and 
 published by the House. Copies were sent to the King 
 and to the members of his Government. "We have only 
 room for a few brief extracts from this famous report :— 
 " The insinuations in the letter against the Methodist 
 Clergymen the Committee have noticed with peculiar regret. 
 * * * Their ministry and instructions, far from 
 having, as is represented in the letter, a tendency hostile to 
 our institutions, have been conducive — in a degree which 
 cannot be easily estimated — to the reformation of their 
 hearers from licentiousness and to the diffusion of correct 
 morals — the foundation of all sound loyalty and social 
 order. There is reason to believe that, as a body, they 
 have not failed to inculcate, by precept and example, as a 
 Christian duty, an attachment to the Sovereign, and a 
 cheerful and conscientious obedience to the laws of the 
 country. * # * -^q one doubts that the Metho- 
 dists are as loyal as any other of His Majesty's subjects. 
 And the very fact that, while their clergymen are dependant 
 for their support upon the voluntary contributions of their 
 
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 !! 
 
 IH 
 
 1828.] 
 
 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT. 
 
 131 
 
 people, the number of their members — in the opinion of 
 almost all the witnesses — has increased so as to be now 
 greater than that of the members of any other denomination 
 in the Province, is a complete refutation of any suspicion 
 that their influence and instructions have such a tendency." 
 
 Ill addition to this able report, the House sent an address 
 to King George, in which they say : — " We have seen with 
 equal surprise and regret a letter and Chart, dated 16th 
 May, 1827, and addressed by the Hon. and Venerable Dr. 
 Strachan, Archdeacon of York, a member of Your Majesty's 
 Legislative and Executive Councils of this Province, to the 
 Right Hon. R. J. Wilmot Horton, as they are inaccurate 
 in some important respects, and are calculated to lead Your 
 Majesty's Grovernment into serious errors. Of Your Ma- 
 jesty's subjects in this Province, onli/ a small part are 
 members of the Church of England ; and there is not any 
 peculiar tendency to that Church among the people, and 
 nothing could cause more alarm and grief in their minds than 
 the apprehension that there was a design on the part of Your 
 Majesty's Government to establish, as a part of the State, 
 one or more Churches or denominations of Christians in this 
 Province. We are convinced that the tendency of their 
 influence and instruction is not hostile to our institutions, 
 but, on the contrary, is eminently favourable to religion and 
 morality ; and their labours are calculated to make their 
 people better men and better subjects, and have already 
 produced in this Province the happiest effects." 
 
 The House then goes on to pray that the charter for 
 King's College may be cancelled. The monies arising from 
 the sale of the clergy lands appropriated for general educa- 
 tion and internal improvement. (For a full report see 
 Journals of the House.) Dr. Strachan could hardly have 
 adopted a better course to build up our cause and strengthen 
 our influence in the country. It gave just the opportunity 
 
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 : Ci ... 
 
132 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1829. 
 
 If >i 
 
 
 •^hich we anxiously desired to expose misrepresentation! 
 and extend the knowledge of the truth. 
 
 " He made a pit and digged it deep another there to take, 
 But he has fallen into the pit which he himself did make." 
 
 We have already obtained authority to hold five acres of 
 land for a church, a parsonage, or a burying-ground ; and 
 the right to solemnize matrimony is near at hand. This 
 charter has denuded our chief opposers of much of their 
 power to harm us, and greatly increased our strength to 
 gain the victory. 
 
 On the 9th of January the Parliament met again, and 
 the Commons appeared to be disgusted with the Govern- 
 ment of the Family Compact, and anxious to correct abuses. 
 In their answer to Sir John Colborne's speech in opening 
 the Parliament, they use strong language, saying, "We 
 earnestly pray Your Excellency against the injurious policy 
 hitherto pursued by the Provincial Administration." And 
 again, " We, at present, see Your Excellency unhappily 
 surrounded by the same advisers as h ''o deeply wounded 
 the feelings and injured the best intere. '^f the country. 
 Yet in the interval of any necessary change, we entertain 
 an anxious belief that under the auspices of Your Excellency 
 the administration of justice will arise above suspicion." 
 Pretty hard knocks these for clergymen to bear ; and 
 which, in my judgment, no clergymen should bear, but 
 hasten to get out of their position before they are pushed 
 out. The country is fully aroused to a sense of the privations 
 and hardships which the Methodist Church has suffered at 
 the hands of those whose bigotry is only equalled by their 
 selfishness. Honest minds can find no apology for such 
 erroneous statements except on the ground of culpable ignor- 
 ance. Even the members of the Legislative Council, who 
 have BO long ignored our rights, have taken the alarm ; the 
 
1829.] 
 
 REV. JOHN RYERSON. 
 
 133 
 
 recent disclosures have made them ashamed of their leaders, 
 and now they, to have voted to give us the right to 
 Bolemnize matrimony. Tlie Governor will probably be 
 advised to withhold his assent for a little, but the morning 
 dawneth. Some members, even of the Family Compact, 
 begin to talk as though they had found out, at last, that 
 there are other beings in the world besides themselves, and 
 other interests to be cared for besides their own. 
 
 February 12th. — For two weeks I have been confined 
 again with a severe attack of remittant fever. I was taken 
 very suddenly ill at Mrs. 01iphant'«, but she nursed me 
 kindly until Dr. Leferty removed me to Mrs. Lundy's, where 
 I had a larger house and more attention. These are kind 
 families, and all did their utmost to comfort me ; but my 
 dear wife was my best friend, and, though absent from our 
 own house, yet her loving heart and constant care afforded 
 me much comfort. Surely "it is not good for man to be 
 alone." 
 
 Our summer quarterly meeting was a complete triumph. 
 Bro. Ryerson came to us in the fulness of the blessing of 
 the gospel of peace. On Sunday the crowd was so great 
 that we had to leave the old church and take to the open air ; 
 and the vast assembly were swayed under the eloquence of 
 our Presiding Elder like leaves before the zephyrs. His 
 subject was — " We shall be like him," and he quite out- 
 stripped us all. As he spread his wings he soared ; as he 
 soared he plucked flowers, and towering higher and higher, 
 threw them out with a profuse hand, freshly perfumed as 
 from the Garden of Paradise. Bro. Belton — as our custom 
 was in those days — was to exhort ; but, turning to me, he 
 said, " Can you exhort 1 he is too high for me. If you can 
 go up and find him, and bring him down within sight of 
 ordinary mortals, I may then deliver my message." My 
 heart was well warmed up for an exhortation, and I 
 
 
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 '.khti'iiJiMA 
 
134 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREBN, D.D. 
 
 [1829. 
 
 endeavoured to speak as the Spirit gave me utterance. Thank 
 God for such a day. This is a pleasant circuit, and we have 
 had a pleasant year together. It is the cream-pot of Can- 
 ada — good roads, good fruit, and kind friends. We are 
 largely deficient in our support, but this is nol surprising, as 
 we only had 130 members to begin with. We have taken 
 about fifty on trial, and hope to do better next year. 
 Three-fourths of my expenses have come from my private 
 resources. 
 
 My Colleague is a kind-hearted Irishman ; prepossessing 
 in his personal appearance, with a high forehead, bhie eyes, 
 light complexion, and stately frame — about five feet ten in 
 height : he makes a good appearance in the pulpit. His 
 sermons are not proverbial for depth of thought, nor for 
 thrilling eloquence, yet he is a respectable preacher, and 
 much esteemed by our own people. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 26th of August, our Conference 
 COMMENCED in the old Church, Ancaster. This was the 
 first Conference ever held in Canada without a Bishop in 
 the chair. At the suggestion of Bishop Hedding we had 
 invited the Rev. Mr. Stratton to become our Bishop ; but 
 he did not see his way clear to leave his own country, and I 
 was quite as well pleased. Mr. Case has done well in the 
 chair. He knows us and our work better than a stranger 
 eould, and we know him. Of course we, who are eligible 
 for Elders' orders, will have to wait a little for this honour, 
 but that is not an irre})arable loss. Much important busi- 
 ness was done. For a long time we had felt the need of a 
 Press at our command, not only to explain our doctrines 
 and polity, but more especially to fight the battles in which 
 we were engaged for equal rights and for religious equality. 
 We had so long been kept in the cold shades of what can 
 scarcely be called religious toleration, that we had fully 
 made up our minds to let our strength be known while, 
 
1 I 
 
 1829.J 
 
 CHRISTIAN GUARDIAN. 
 
 136 
 
 calmly, but firmly and persistently, we demanded equal 
 rights with any other and all other Churches. A committee 
 was appointed to deliberate upon the subject. I had been 
 favoured with a long conversation concerning the probable 
 expense of press, type, paper, &c., with Francis Hall, Esq., 
 Editor o^ New York paper, and we saw that by advancing 
 liberally from our own pockets, and asking some of our 
 leading laymen to aid us in this matter, we could accomplish 
 our object. The next question was. Who shall edit the 
 Christian Guardian? I was in favour of Mr. George 
 Ryerson, but his brother John preferred Egerton, and he 
 elected his candidate by a majority of one. I was satisfied, 
 only I desired to find something for George Ryerson to do 
 and keep Bro. Egerton in our circuit work. Tlie financial 
 business of the Conference devolved on me. The book 
 agents sent us $800 as our share of the earnings of the 
 Book Room. Mr. Case, our Missionary Treasurer, being 
 in the chair, requested me to manage his funds, in addition 
 to the Superannuation Fund ; but I found myself five dollars 
 out of pocket when all was settled up. Hereafter I must 
 be more careful. A camp-meeting was held during the 
 Conference in which we all took part, especially on the 
 Lord's day. One brother whom we received at this Con 
 ference, preached on the ground one evening, and amused 
 our people much by his singular pronunciation. He claimed 
 to be a Yorkshireman, but page he called " poige," name, 
 " noime," and faith, " foith," &c. He also amused us much 
 in conversation. " They say," said he, ** that I say pige, I 
 don't say pige, I say poige." But he was a sound preacher, 
 and he gave a good sermon. The year has been one of 
 ingathering. Mr. Ryan does not appear to have extin- 
 guished us entirely, for we have a net increase of 553, of 
 whom 137 are Indians. My home during the Conference 
 was with the family of Mr. Rymal. 
 
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136 
 
 LIFE AND TIME8 OF ANSON OREBN, D.D. 
 
 [1830. 
 
 The Reverend the General Superintendent had arranged 
 for a series of missionary meetings through our district, 
 where the children from the Credit school were to exhibit 
 their advancement in elementary education ; and he desired 
 me, in his absence, to accompany them, and make appeals 
 to the congregations on behalf of our missions, ^is work, 
 to me, was rather new, having made my first missionary 
 speech last y«ar in Aucaster ; but I found it very pleasant 
 after I fairly got imbued with the missionary spirit. The 
 people were greatly delighted with the sweet music of these 
 red children ; and we were all highly gratified with the 
 readiness and accuracy of their answers to questions in 
 geography and grammar. My sympathies were greatly 
 enlisted on behalf of these long-neglected tribes, and if Gov- 
 ernment otiicials do not succeed in their disgraceful efforts 
 to prejudice their minds and wrest them from our care, we 
 hope, by divine grace, to bring all the tribes to the Lord. 
 
 NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1830. 
 
 '* Rise my aoul, thy harp prepare, 
 Grateful, hail the new-born year, 
 Loudly strike the hallowed string, 
 And the God of seasons sing. 
 Every short-lived moment brings 
 Love and mercy on its wings, 
 While more deeply loaded hours 
 Shed their gifts in larger showeri." 
 
 Last night we had a glorious vigil at Lundy's Lane. 
 There was a general breaking down among the ungodly. 
 Many from our own vicinity were present ; and one family 
 of young people (the Snivelies), headed by their stepfather, 
 Mr. Bowman, came forward and kneeled for prayer. Soon 
 after this memorable evening, I baptized fourteen members 
 of this household in one day. The most of these have sinc« 
 
1830.] 
 
 PARTY STRIFE. 
 
 137 
 
 dieU happy in the Lord. But Mm. Williams, of Thorold, 
 and Mrs. R. Collier and her sister, Miss M. Hnivelj, of 
 St. Cathariuoi, are still living and working for God. 
 
 The First Number of our Conference Paper made its 
 appearance last November. It is in quarto form, and does 
 credit to the able Editor and his assistant, Bro. Metcalf. 
 Last winter the conflict between the two Houses of Par- 
 liament was fearful. The Upi)er House threw out forty-one 
 Bills passed by the Lower branch. Among these was one 
 for the sale of the Clergy Reserves, and another to repeal 
 the Act for a Chaplain's salary. Different ministers having 
 been asked to lead the House in prayer. Our Kirk friends 
 have asked for a share of the Reserves, but the famous 
 chart, revealing the animus by which others are influenced, 
 is beginning to open their eyes to the dangers which 
 threaten us. Whatever may b^ the alleged advantages of 
 an Established Church in the old world, circumstances are 
 ■0 different here that we can do better without one than 
 with it. Liberty and equal rights are written upon our 
 banner, and they must be kept floating in the breeze until 
 the prize is gained. 
 
 May the 9 th. — This day I preached in Niagara, where a 
 bold and lion-like efibrt had been made to drive us from 
 our church and congregation. Last Sabbath evening when 
 my colleague went to the church he was surprised to see 
 our old friend, Mr. Ryan, in the pulpit ; but before he 
 recovered from his surprise, he was still more astounded to 
 see Mr. R, stand up, without saying a word to him, and 
 preach at his appointment, to his congregation, and in his 
 presence ! And then, with his characteristic modesty, give 
 out another appointment for this evening, and at my hour ! 
 I blamed Mr. B. for his pusillanimity in allowing our church 
 and congregation to be thus wrested from us by one who 
 came to divide and scatter. " Well," said Mr. B., " you 
 
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 138 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1830. 
 
 will have an opportunity to exhibit your courage next time, 
 for he has given out for next Sunday evening as well." 
 Indeed ! said 1 ; well, if his piety were equal to his 
 impudence, he might do wonders ; but you will find that I 
 shall preach to my congregation, at all events. When I 
 arrived at the church I was glad to find the people standing 
 outside, waiting for me, Mr. Rolston, the teacher of the 
 Grammar School, came to me, saying, that if I desired it he 
 would open the school-house for me, and the people would 
 follow thither. I thanked him for his Christian ofier, 
 saying, I shall not fight for the pulpit, but I intend to keep 
 my appointment. I stepped in and sat down at the foot of 
 the pulpit stairs. There were six persons in the pews, and 
 one in the pulpit. Looking at the clock I saw I was three 
 or four minutes before my time. But just one minute 
 before the hour appointed I stepped nimbly up to the pulpit 
 and began to read my hymn. The people flocked in as 
 ■oon as they saw me in my appointed place, and I preached 
 to a very large assembly. When I had finished, my in- 
 truding friend asked the liberty of speaking, but I said, 
 No ! You have come here to divide the body of Christ, my 
 Divine Master, and I will bear no part of your sin, even by 
 consenting to hear you. I then dismissed. He arose to 
 speak, but the people rushed out in haste. This ended Mr. 
 R.'s career in that house. 
 
 Two of our dear brethren have recently been called to 
 wade through deep waters of afiliction. On the 20th of 
 April the Rev. Ezra Healy surrendered his dear wife back 
 to that God who gave her ; and on the 3rd of May my dear 
 Bro. Metcalf was called to endure a similar bereavement. 
 Mrs. M. was one of the most lovely women I ever had the 
 pleasure to become acquainted with. Pious, affectionate, 
 and pretty, with a heart to work for God, she made many 
 
1830.] 
 
 ORDAINED ELDEB. 
 
 139 
 
 friends, and commanded general respect. She was buried 
 in Potter's Field.* 
 
 We held a union camp-Aeeting near Allensburg, where 
 much good was done, though " the floods liftod up their 
 voice" against us. Some " lewd fellows of the baser sort " 
 attempted to disturb our worship, but they were soon put 
 out of the camp, as all spiritual lepers should be. One 
 fellow rode his horse through the front gate on to the 
 ground, and when ordered out he swore he would not go. 
 Our plucky little Presiding Elder then left the stand and, 
 taking hold of the bridle, led his horse towards the gate, 
 when the rider, irritated at the laugh of his own friends, 
 drew his fist and gave the Elder such a blow as nearly 
 brought him to the ground. But in less than a minute some 
 of our sturdy boys pulled the rowdy from the horse and 
 lugged him out, amidst the jeers and ridicule of the outside 
 rabble. He was glad to get his horse again, when he rode 
 off in great haste. We had frequently to teach such char- 
 acters lefisons of propriety in those days. 
 
 The Conference op 1830. — This Conference assembled 
 in the Rear Street Church, Kingston, on the 17th of 
 August, W. Case in the chair. Our old friend, Bishop 
 Hedding, who had been earnestly requested to be present 
 and ordain our ministers, was with us, and invited to assist 
 us by his counsels ; as was also the Rev. Mr. Turner, of the 
 British Conference. They both took seats with u«. I 
 preached for the Presbyterians on Sunday morning, and 
 in the afternoon was ordained Elder in the Missionary 
 Church in the east end of the town. In the evening we all 
 met in Mr. Turner's chapel, where we communed together 
 at the Lord's table. Bishop Hedding led us in these 
 services, beautifully remarking that it was a "pleasant 
 
 * In 1875 her remains were removed to the NeoropoliB in Toronto 
 and buried near my^tomb, 
 
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 140 
 
 LIFE AND Tims 07 ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1830 
 
 sight to see the three legitimate bodies of the great "Wee- 
 le jan family communing together at the same table. It is the 
 first time," continued he, " thatl have enjoyed this pleasure, 
 and it may be the last ; but the Methodist people are one 
 in erery part of the world, for * mountains rise and oceans 
 roll to sever us in vain.'" These three bodies were also united 
 in ordaining the candidates on this occassion. Much import- 
 ant business was transacted at the Conference. A com- 
 mittee «f seven devised and reported a plan for establishing 
 the Upper Canada Academy ; and our report was adopted 
 by the Conference. This was a bold and venturesome, as 
 well as a most patriotic, undertaking. We had no funds 
 with which to provide such an institution, and but little 
 collegiate knowledge and experience to guide us ; but the 
 country required it, the Church demanded it, and the Con- 
 ference 'ordained it, therefore it was accomplished. The 
 Christian Gitardian succeeded to admiration. The friends 
 of Zion rejoice, while our opposers look on with amazement, 
 wondering where all this enterprise will end. The Editor 
 was re-elected without opposition. A Legislative Confer- 
 ence, composed of all ordained Elders, was elected to meet 
 in Belleville immediately on our adjournment. 
 
 I had fully expected to go to the Niagara Circuit, as the 
 friends in St. Catharines had expressed a wish to have u» 
 there ; but Father Brown, the Presiding Elder of the 
 Bideau district, insisted that I must go to Brockville, 
 where the people had built a large stone church, the first of 
 its kind, and the best in the Province. This was a sad 
 disappointment to me. We had hoped and expected to b« 
 among my wife's friends on the adjoining circuit, and I 
 could see no good reason for sending us nearly three hun- 
 dred miles away ; besides, which, I had never been below 
 Kingston and knew nothing of the country and people in 
 that part of our work, I remonstrated with my Presiding 
 
1830.] 
 
 MOVED TO BROGKVILLE. 
 
 141 
 
 Elder, with Mr. Case, and with Mr. Brown, but all in vain. 
 My presence, it was said, was indispensable in Brockville, 
 and there I must go ! In a moment of childish weakness, 
 I actually shed tears. For the first time in my life I felt the 
 weight of our ponderous iron wheel of itinerancy to be 
 painfully grievous and oppressive. I had never once asked 
 for an appointment, and yet I had always been sent to just 
 the place I desired ; and now, when my mind was fixed on 
 a circuit where the people were desiring and expecting me, 
 why this bitter disappointment 1 But alas ! ho'"' little do 
 we know what is good for us ] My circuit proved the best 
 I ever travelled, and I had cause to wonder at my grief and 
 ahort-aightedness. I saw the hand of my new Presiding 
 Elder (Bro. Metcalf) in the arrangement, but I soon had 
 cause to see, even more clearly, the hand of God in the 
 whole matter ; and I resolved never to grieve again at any 
 appointment I might receive — and I never have. 
 
 The Temperance movement is progressing finely, and 
 the Conference has gone in for its full share of the work 
 and of the glory connected with it. Drunkenness and 
 tippling are crying evils in the land, and that man is a 
 benefactor of our race who can and will contribute, in any 
 degree, to stay this torrent of evil, and dry up this river of 
 poison and death. Much has already been accomplished by 
 sermons, addresses, and the formation of societies ; but still 
 there are thousands who are not ashamed to brawl in our 
 streets and stagger in the presence of the sun ! 
 
 Our Sabbath-Schools are coming up finely. Still, the 
 vast extent of our circuits, the inexperience of many of our 
 ministers, and the lethargy of our people, embarrass us not 
 a little ; while the difficulty of obtaining suitable books to 
 interest and instruct the children presents obstacles not 
 easily overcome. . But the morning star is above the horizon, 
 and darkness begins to retire before the rising sun. Out of 
 
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142 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANBON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1830. 
 
 ': ,j 
 
 thirty-one circuits, only twelve have reported ; in which we 
 have 77 schools and 1,900 scholars. Others have done 
 something, but we find it difficult to get regular reports. 
 The past has been a grand harvest year to the Church. We 
 have added 1,117 members to our societies ; 32 of these are 
 on our small circuit, which nearly doubles our numbers in 
 two years. This is the largest increase ever reported in one 
 year. 
 
 King George IY. died on the 26th of June. He com- 
 menced his reign on the 30th of January, 1820; but he 
 had acted as Prince Regent for nine years previous to that 
 date. His brother, the Duke of Clarence, was proclaimed 
 the same day as William IV. May his reign be prosperous 
 and happy ! 
 
 Our Legislative Conference, in Belleville, sat in the old 
 wooden chapel, thirty feet by fifty, erected in 1819, but our 
 friends are building, and have nearly finished a good brick 
 church there, the first of the kind in the Province; and 
 what is a little remarkable, they have built a tower and are 
 to have a bell. The tower presents a fine appearance. 
 Hitherto our people have not been able to build large 
 churches, nor to erect towers for bells ; but when they can 
 do it without cramping their energies too much in other 
 benevolent enterprises, they do well to add this desirable 
 appendage. " The sound of the church-going bell " may 
 not only call to duty, but produce prompt attendance. Still, 
 we have many good members who oppose it. Perhaps they 
 fear that the tinkling of a bell, or, rather, the pride and 
 vanity it may introduce, will drive the Holy Spirit from 
 the hearts and sanctuaries of his people. Such prejudices 
 must be respected, and their possessors treated tenderly, 
 until they rise above these notions, by observing the 
 humility and piety of those who desire ^ese improvements. 
 
 In our General Conference we revised our Discipline and 
 
1830.] 
 
 DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT. 
 
 US 
 
 finished our work on Saturday morning, when Messrs. John 
 and Egerton Ryerson, Joseph Messmore, and myself hired 
 a team to take us up to Cramahe, where I preached on 
 Sunday morning; after which Joseph Keeler, Esq., drove us 
 to Cobourg, where J. R. preached in the evening. In this 
 way, by a little energy, we did more good than we could 
 have done by remaining in Belleville. 
 
 His Excellency has dissolved Parliament because of th« 
 demise of the King, and we shall soon have lively times at 
 the polls, with all the blighting effects of political strife. 
 News from Europe shows that the world is moving and 
 tyranny is doomed. In France the Bourbons, restored to 
 power after the fall of Napoleon in 1815, have again been 
 hurled from their throne with contempt and hissing. Charles 
 the X., flushed with his victories in Algiers, took it into 
 his head to dissolve the Chamber of Deputies, even before 
 he had called them together, because they were known to 
 be opposed to his policy ! He then instituted new rules for 
 elections, and restrained the liberty of the press ! The 
 editors — all except one — then met, and unanimously resolved 
 to disregard the Royal Decree. On the 26th of Jul)"^ the 
 banks ceased to discount notes, the manufacturers dismissed 
 their men, while many of the Guards declared for liberty. 
 The schools and the mob rallied around them and drove the 
 soldiers from the city. The Deputies met, placed Lafayette 
 at the head of the army and the Duke of Orleans at the 
 head of the Government. The Duke was afterwards elected 
 King of France, and poor Charley had to flee. The day for 
 tyrants seems to be passing away. May it never return ! 
 
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 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BROOKVILLE CIRCUIT — FIRST MOVE. 
 
 [UR first move commenced on Monday, the 13th of 
 September. The previous week had been em- 
 ployed in packing up, for in those days we had no furnished 
 parsonages, but each minister had the privilege of furnishing 
 his own house in accordance with his own taste, and of 
 paying the bills, too, from his own purse. Boxes and 
 barrels were obtained for books, crockery, bedding, (fee, 
 while bureau and bedsteads were only partially protected. 
 Our cow we could not box up very easily, and we let her 
 out on shares to a Mr. Stimson, to double in three years. 
 Whether she doubled in three years or in twenty-three I 
 cannot say, for I have never seen the cow nor her increase 
 from that time to the present ! On Sunday I preached 
 twice to friends from diflFerent parts of the circuit, who 
 kindly came to say farewell to us. Their acts of kindness 
 were engraven upon our hearts, and we left them with regret. 
 The Gurnseys, Powells, Shaws, Corwins, MacMikings, 
 Burches, Benders, Snivelies, Oliphants, Greens, Lundys, 
 Moores, McAfees, Baxters, Killmans, Garners, and many 
 others live in our recollections and excite our admiration 
 and gratitude. May the Great Shepherd send them paston 
 after his own heart who shall do far more for them thw 
 
1830.] 
 
 BROCKYILLE STATION. 
 
 146 
 
 we have been able to do. We had but five miles to go 
 on waggons before we reached the steamer at Queenston, 
 where we embarked with horse, carriage, and furniture. 
 The lake was rough, and Mrs. Green and I suffered much 
 from sea sickness. Our babe, four months old, proved the 
 best sailor of the three. We came in sight of Brookville a 
 little before midnight, where we received a great fright. A 
 large scow, with several men in it, was crossing the river 
 immediately before us, but the men, thinking that they 
 could reach the wharf before we reached them, had managed, 
 by hard rowing, to get immediately before us. They screamed 
 loudly ; our engine reversed wheels, and the captain cried, 
 " Port ! port !" &c. We merely grazed the craft, but missed 
 the poor men, who were much frightened ; but, instead of 
 being thankful, they scolded us fearfully. We drove our 
 own horse to the hotel, and slept comfortably for three or 
 four hours, when we were called up by Mr. L. Houghton, 
 who came to conduct us to his own house — a part of which 
 had been rented for our home. Our new friends called in 
 to bid us welcome and help us settle. We soon found that 
 friends in the east were just as kind as those in the west, 
 and we were at home. 
 
 Brockville is a lovely town of 1,130 inhabitants, situated 
 on the St. Lawrence, a little below the Thousand Islands. 
 Our stone church stands on a most eligible site, on the Court 
 House Square. 
 
 Sunday, the 19th September. — I commenced my pulpit 
 work here by preaching on Paul's resolution, which I adopted 
 as my own, viz.: — " For I was determined not to know any- 
 thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 
 I had good liberty both morning and evening, which I 
 looked upon as a token for good — *'a pledge of joys to 
 come." The circuit has been re-arranged so as to allow 
 preaching twice a day in town. We reduce our member 
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 146 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1830. 
 
 ^: IB 
 
 ■hip to about 400 by this division. There are four Churches 
 in town — the Wesleyan and Presbyterian in the centre, 
 with an Episcopalian in the east, and a Koman Catholic in 
 the west. The buildings of the town are mostly of beautiful 
 blue stone, brought from a quarry two miles to the east of 
 it. These, laid in courses of from four to six inches in 
 thickness, present a beautiful appearance. There is no 
 town in Canada that I have seen which, for its size, presents 
 so many fine, substantial buildings. I am not without 
 hopes that I shall be able to do this people some good. On 
 Wednesday, preached in the tin-capped school-house, about 
 five miles out, but found no class. Sunday, the 26th, twice 
 in Brockville. On Thursday, the 30th, at the Quaker 
 school-house. Friday, 1st October, at Wiltsey's school- 
 house. Sunday, the 3rd, at Bates' school-house in the 
 morning, where we met a good class, and at Keeler's school- 
 house (now Greenbush) in the evening — crowded congrega- 
 tions and good classes. Brother John Keeler, who leads 
 the class at his place, is the son of one of our early minis- 
 ters, and he is an excellent leader of a large and lively 
 class. Monday, went back in the woods to Mr. Berrie's 
 — a small congregation. In the evening at Brother 
 Dickson's. 
 
 Sunday, the 10th of October, Brockville, morning and 
 evening. 12th, at Shipman's school-house — a small class 
 here. 13th, at Kanetuck — a larger class. 14th, at June- 
 town or Quabin — no class yet formed. 15th, at Lansdown 
 — a good class-meeting. 16th, at Hutchinson's — no class 
 here. Sunday, the 17th, at Elizabethtown and Mallory- 
 town — good congregations and excellent class-meetings in 
 both of these places. The former is vested with much 
 historic interest. The first Conference held in Canada met 
 here in 1817, when a great revival commenced, which 
 spread all through this part of the country. In this house 
 
1831.] 
 
 CALVIN WOOSTKB. 
 
 147 
 
 Buch heroes of early times as Dunham, Cote, Wooster, 
 Bangs, and Luokey preached with much effect ; and Bishop 
 George, with his burning zeal and towering eloquence, so 
 moved the people as to induce scores to seek for pardon. 
 We have nineteen appointments each, every four weeks ; 
 quite enough, seeing we preach twice every Lord's day in 
 Brockville. Indeed, we need more time for study, for 
 prayer-meetings, and for pastoral visiting. The numerous 
 calls for extra sermons, temperance lectures, and Sunday- 
 school addresses, make me wish for Fletcher's piety, 
 Wesley's learning, and Whitefield's eloquence, that I might 
 devote more time to this great work, and respond to every 
 call. We have an interesting field. The harvest is great 
 and quite ready for the sickle ; but alas ! the labourers are 
 few and our sickles dull. O for more of that com- 
 munion and power with God which gave Calvin Wooster 
 such influence with the people ! I am ashamed of my own 
 leanness and inefficiency when I hear of his zeal and use- 
 fulness ; the people are never tired of telling about his 
 achievements. God seemed to give him all he asked. On 
 one occasion, when unconverted parents presented their 
 child for baptism, he looked upon them with that yearning 
 tenderness which always beamed in his countenance, and 
 asked whether, on offering their little one to God, they 
 would not first give their own hearts to him who had given 
 them that lovely child. His exhortation broke their hearts, 
 and they answered in sighs and tears. He then called upon 
 all present to join him in prayer for these parents. Jesus 
 heard and saved them. They could then consecrate their 
 babe to God in faith, as well as in baptism. May our 
 blessed Saviour give me and my colleague more of the spirit 
 which characterized that holy and useful man. 
 
 The country is progressing, and the Church must not lag 
 behind. Six years ago we had no canals ; now we have 
 
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148 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1831. 
 
 
 four. The Rideau, a military work, connecting Lake 
 Ontario with the Ottawa River. The Welland, connecting 
 Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. The Burlington, connecting 
 Ontario with Burlington Bay ; and the Des Jardin, opening 
 the marsh from the bay up to Dundas. The war still goes 
 on in York. The Lower House has unanimously asked the 
 Governor to dismiss his unpopular council, which he, with 
 amazing blindness, refuses to do. Last year there was one 
 dissentient in the House to a similar motion — this year not 
 one. 
 
 Our Four Days' Meetings have proved a success on our 
 circuit, especially in Brockville. We have had a good deal 
 of earnestness and some enthusiasm. One Thursday after- 
 noon when Bro. Healy was preaching, the bouse seemed to 
 be filled with the divine glory. The people began to weep 
 all through the assembly. My colleague, Bro. Williams, 
 turned round and reverently knelt by his chair, with eyes 
 uplifted towards heaven. The pent-up fires in the hearts of 
 the people now burst forth in joyous emotions ; and the 
 minister sat down and wiped his tears until this outburst 
 of feeling had somewhat subsided. He then arose, with 
 a benignant smile, and said, " Now, children, as you 
 have given vent to the fire of love which burns in your 
 hearts, perhaps you will allow me to finish my sermon. He 
 did finish — ^but the bursting flame was not extinguished— 
 sinners had been deeply impressed, and they flocked to the 
 altar inquiring, " What must we do to be saved V I man- 
 aged to keep calm during this unusual outburst, not know- 
 ing to what extravagance it might lead. But I felt, and 
 others felt, that it was the Lord's doings, and marvellous in 
 our eyes. This divine quickening did good in many ways. 
 This Church, which was dedicated on the seventh of last 
 Ma> h, (1830,) had excited some prejudice among a portion 
 of our country friends, who feared that the old school-house 
 
^^mr^ 
 
 HI 
 
 4831.] 
 
 A SERMON ON BAPTISM. 
 
 U9 
 
 and log-cabin flame would not bum in so fine a sanctuary ; 
 and more especially as the builders had accepted, from 
 Captain Gray, several fine Grecian columns, which sup- 
 ported a pediment in front. But they frankly acknowledged, 
 then, that their prejudice was unfounded, and they went 
 home declaring that God was in us of a truth. 
 
 A SeriMON on Baptism in Young. — In this township 
 lived a Baptist preacher by the name of Black, who, three 
 years ago, preached a sermon on baptism, and challenged 
 Mr. Metcalf to answer it ; and he did answer it efiectually, 
 and heard no more from Mr. B. for more than two years. 
 But on the 10th of July, he came out with another sermon 
 on this subject, and challenged the world to answer it ! Mr. 
 Adams, a local preacher from Mallorytown, was present, who 
 told the people that Mr. Metcalf was absent now, and he 
 himself was not prepared to debate such a subject ; but he 
 would take the liberty of assuring the assembly that the 
 Superintendent would answer for Mr. Metcalf, at his next 
 appointment, on the 27th of July. I had no knowledge 
 of what was going on, until the appointment was made and 
 extensively circulated. I very much dislike preaching con- 
 troversial sermons ; but when compelled to do so, as in this 
 case, I gird on my sword and come up t» the war as best I 
 can. The country around, for many miles, was intensely 
 excited. The antecedents had invested the subject with 
 much importance. No house in the neighbourhood would 
 hold a tithe of the people desirous of being present ; hence 
 seats and a stand, in camp-meeting style, were provided in 
 a grove where all could be accommodated. When my 
 colleague and I reached the stand there were multitudes on 
 the ground. Soon we saw a gentleman approaching with 
 an armful of books, who, we were told, was Mr. Black. 
 We cordially invited him to the stand, but he refused the 
 proffered honour. I read for my text Matt. 28 : 19. " Go 
 
 '} i 
 
 ; \ 
 
 
ipp^^ 
 
 150 
 
 LIFE AND TIMBS OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1881. 
 
 "1 ', 
 
 ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
 name of the Father, and of the Bon, and of the Holy Ghost." 
 I dwelt upon the nature, the mode, and the subjects of tbJB 
 holy sacrament. For an hour and three-quarters the {people 
 listened with kind attention. I then again invited Mr. B. 
 to come upon the stand and deal with the arguments and 
 proofs we had adduced. I particularly requested that he 
 would meet our arguments in our presence, and not wait 
 until I was far away, as he had done in the case of Bro. 
 Metcalf. After a long pause he arose by his seat, and 
 said, " We have heard to-day that the baptism of John was 
 not a Christian baptism. I will prove that it was, from 
 Luke 16: 16. "The law and the prophets were until 
 John ; since that time the kingdom of God is preached and 
 every man presseth into it." He never attempted to 
 answer one of my arguments, nor even explain the solitary 
 text which he had quoted ! Bro. Williams stood up and 
 explained his text for him. We then dismissed and went 
 home. I never heard that Mr. B. answered my sermon 
 as he professed to answer that of my friend Metcalf. 
 
 Without attempting to argue the question fully, I may 
 ask, did not Mr. B. err in claiming John's as a Christian 
 baptism ] His friends say truly, that " the Christian 
 Church was born on the day of Pentecost "; but John was 
 dead long before that day, and can that be called a Christian 
 sacrament which was administered before the Christian 
 Church was organized, or the Christian dispensation had 
 commenced? John baptized "unto repentance"; Mr. B. 
 after pardon. One as a theistical Jew ; the other in the 
 name of the Holy Trinity. John baptized " all the people 
 that heard him" (Luke 7: 29); Mr. B. only those who 
 believe. John, addressing a " generation of vipers," said, 
 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance." 
 Would Mr. Black baptize such vipers ) See Matt. 3 : 6-1 !• 
 
1831.] 
 
 BAPTISM. 
 
 161 
 
 But mark the numbers : " Then went out to him Jeru- 
 salem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, 
 and were baptized of him." These regions, according to 
 JosephuB, must have contained three or four millions, and 
 though Home of the Pharisees and lawyers rejected baptism, 
 yet Luke tells us that " all the people that heard him" were 
 baptized. John's ministry, it is said, only lasted about one 
 year ; but to dip one-tenth of those he must have stood in 
 the water day and night, winter and summer, for seven or 
 eight years, which was quite impossible. It is true that 
 (iod batized nearly three million unto Moses — men, women 
 and children — in a few hours ; but they were baptized by 
 Bpiinkling, not by dipping, for they went through the sea 
 dryshod. If " baptism is an outward and visible sign of 
 an inward and spiritual grace," should we not receive the 
 sign in the same way as we do the blessing signified 1 God 
 says, " I will pour out my Spirit upon you." And, again, 
 " I will sprinkle clean water upon you." We can scarcely 
 go astray when we follow the example of God himself. 
 
 My colleague is a zealous and useful minister of the 
 Church. We have laboured in harmony, and with some 
 success, having taken sixty members on trial. But still we 
 return less than last year, because of the re-arrangement of 
 the circuit. It is not likely that we shall labour together 
 next year, as the Brockville friends are anxious that my 
 services should be confined exclusively to the town. If I 
 had my choice, I would prefer a colleague and a few 
 appointments in the country. It is refreshing to get the 
 country breezes, and pleasant to have a fellow-labourer to 
 cheer one when despondent, strengthen him when weary, 
 counsel him when in trouble, and stand by him in the 
 battle-field. But our brethren are resolved on it, and they 
 have already provided for my full support ! We have but 
 one station in all our work, that of York. It is very plucky 
 
 ;l 
 
 ' I 
 
^|i; , iiuujRp«n««^ 
 
 152 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1831. 
 
 in Brockville to take this stand, for while we have but 
 1,130 inhabitants here, Niagara has 1,148, Kingston 
 3,635, and York 2,860. The population of the whole 
 Province is 211,187, of whom the Methodists constitute 
 nearly one-fourth. 
 
 On the 7th of August we concluded the toils of the year 
 by celebrating our last quarterly meeting. Our Presiding 
 Elder, the Rev. Franklin Metcalf, was in good spirits, and 
 we had a time of refreshing. We took passage for York in 
 the splendid steamer Great Britain, and, at the request of 
 the passengers, and of Capt. Whitney, I made my first 
 effort at preaching on shipboard. It was a novel position 
 for me ; but the blessed Saviour set us the example when 
 He preached on the sea of Galilee ; and when we follow his 
 example we may claim his aid and expect his blessing. In 
 addition to the clergy we had a large number of worldlings 
 on board, and I thought it an opportune moment to remind 
 them of the true riches. I therefore took Christ's words 
 for my text — " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the 
 fire, that thou mayest be rich j and white raiment that thou 
 mayest be clothed." Rev. 3 : 18. Those poor creatures 
 who delve from morn to midnight for the wealth which 
 may take wings and fly away, but neglect the true riches, 
 are much to be pitied. 
 
 The Conference of 1831 met in our little wooden 
 church, corner of King and Jordan Street, York ; Rev. 
 W. Case in the chair. Five candidates were received on 
 trial, and the same number, into full connexion. One mem- 
 ber was dismissed for too free a use of that unruly member 
 which, if not bridled, " sets on fire the course of nature." 
 The ambition of the little party which went out from us 
 seems not to be greatly encouraged by the events around 
 us. Well-directed ambition, or aspiration, is a powerful 
 clement in successful effort. God has planted it in our 
 
 ■ J -Ivi^Kisi^jfJ*** 
 
i^^iijl : 
 
 1831.] 
 
 i i kABBIAOE BILL. '^ 
 
 153 
 
 nature for valuable purposes. Without it man would be 
 little better than a brute. But when it aims at self- 
 aggrandisement rather than church extension and peaceful 
 effort, it becomes a deadly upas, a poisonous viper, spread- 
 ing its virus to the destruction of order, quiet, and success. 
 It struggles hard for headship ; or, in the language of an 
 Indian Chief, " to be great Captain I." It seeks notoriety 
 by love or hate, peace or war, honour or infamy ; any way 
 80 it may govern and be heard ! But true Christian aspira- 
 tion rallies around the cross and seeks to build up the 
 Church and save souls. Nothing is more hateful in a pure, 
 progressive, soul-saving Church, than schism. It is true 
 there are professing Christians who are " heady, high- 
 minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having 
 a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof ; from 
 such turn away," says Paul. But never "turn aside " from 
 a pure, heavenly-minded Church " unto vain jangling." 
 God has graciously blessed us in our fields of toil with an 
 increase of 1,250 members, and the CMurch is prospering. 
 The house in which we met was found much too small, 
 and our good brethren are preparing to build one on the 
 Court House Square, more in accordance with the demands 
 of the town. The s' iging in our public worahip was most 
 delightful and heavenly. Good congregational singing gives 
 power to the pulpit and comfort to the people. Brockvillo 
 and Kingston gained their point, and were made stations. 
 Our new King, "William the IV. — God bless him — among 
 bis first official acts called for our Marriage Bill, and gave 
 it his royal sanction ; and we have resolved to devote any 
 marriage fees which we may receive this year towards the 
 building of our Academy. After the Conference adjourned 
 I hastened to Nelson, took my wife, child, and our sister 
 Phoebe, and started for Brockville, where, having to preach 
 
 ♦7 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
 ' I 
 
 if^M 
 
i^ ..-^mi^^ " 
 
 1, 
 
 / 
 
 X 
 
 104 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBBEN, D.D. [1831. 
 
 twice each Lord's day to the same congregation, I applied 
 myself closely to my studies and to my pastoral work. 
 
 The First Temperance Society in Brockville was formed 
 this year. The Rev. Mr. Smart (Presbyterian) and I, 
 anxious to do something to stay the tide of intemperance 
 which was rolling through the land, called on the leading 
 gentlemen of the town to aid us in forming a Temperance 
 Society. On the evening appointed, we were delighted to 
 see the Court House well filled, and a good sprinkling of 
 lawyers, doctors, merchants, &c., present. We moved 
 Paul G-alsford, Esq., into the chair, and got several pro- 
 fessional gentlemen to move and second the adoption of the 
 different articles of the constitution. When this was done 
 we asked for signatures to the pledge. All seemed to think 
 that we must begin with the chairman ; but he had brandy, 
 gin, rum, whisky, &c., painted all over his window shutters, 
 and other conspicuous places ; hence he said, at once, " ! 
 I can't sign it, for I sell liquors of all kinds." " Never 
 mind that," said we ; " the sooner you stop that trade the 
 better." Feeling himself in a tight place he said, " If I 
 were rid of what I have on hand, I would join." We all 
 agreed that he might sign with the understanding that he 
 should sell off his present stock. He saw he was cornered, 
 and, with good grace, took his pen and signed, amidst the 
 cheers and clapping of the whole house. Lawyers, doctors, 
 and merchants followed, and our efforts proved a grand 
 success. Mr. Smart and I took turns in preaching temper- 
 ance sermons at suitable times, and much good was done. 
 Norton Buell, Esq., a barrister of the town, and his 
 brothers, helped us greatly in this good work. The pledge 
 in those days did not exclude wine nor beer. 
 
 The Car of Political Beform moves slowly. The sky 
 is dark, and the storm fierce. Our Marriage Bill has come 
 at last, yet not until " the little oligarchy" at York had 
 
1832.] 
 
 PETITION FOB REFORM. 
 
 -■:. I I 
 
 155 
 
 done its best to crush us ; but the King himself came to 
 our help. Never was judicial blindness more complete 
 than it is now in our capital. 
 
 Had the votaries of a State Church come forward with 
 frankness and emancipated us years ago, instead of mis- 
 representing us at home and abroad, they might have 
 secured many friends beyond the narrow limits of their 
 little compact ; but, in fact, every privilege we have gained 
 has been wrung from them by persistent eflfort. Their time 
 to conciliate and gain friends is now passed, and the time 
 for us to unite in depriving them of the power to oppress 
 us in perpetuity has fully come. The one-sided and shame- 
 ful representations made to the Home Government have 
 aroused the British lion, and when he roars little York 
 must heed his voice. We are now joining our liberal- 
 minded friends in circulating petitions to the King, asking 
 for many reforms, among which we ask for responsible 
 government, the control of our 'pvhlic revemie, the seculariza- 
 tion of the Clergy Reserves, the abrogation of exclusive 
 Church privileges y artd the exclusion of Judges and Clergymen 
 from the Executive and Legislative Councils, dhc. These are 
 questions in which we cannot but feel a deep interest. If 
 there is any Church which requires special provisions and 
 exclusive rights, in order to its existence in this new coun- 
 try, the sooner it diss out the better. An earnest, useful 
 Church will live in the affections of the people. In devoting 
 some attention to our religious politics we have to encounter 
 many things which we would fain avoid. We would steer 
 clear of party politics, if possible, but there are some men 
 who think we must go with them in all their erratic courses 
 because they vote us what we are clearly entitled to have. 
 Last September W, L. McKenzie, M.P.P., a clever writer, 
 but a versatile and impetuous partizan, took the liberty to 
 appoint a political meeting in our church ! I demurred to 
 
 s 
 
 %^^ 
 
 « J 
 
 l-M 
 
166 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, O.D. 
 
 [1832. 
 
 the profanation, and to his impudent presumption. When 
 I found that my trustees were in favour of admitting him 1 
 took the k*»y and remained at home. Multitudes gathered 
 before the church, where the impetuous little man stormed 
 fearfully at my tyranny. The trustees finally informed me 
 that if I did not give up the key they would break in the 
 door. T then yielded to the least evil of the two, and gave 
 them the key under a strong protest against the profanation, 
 believing that political meetings should never be held in a 
 Church. I learned afterwards that my course saved the 
 house ; for if I had willingly opened the door, the opposing 
 rowdies had fully resolved on breaking the windows. 
 
 Wednesday, the 16th of May, having been appointed for 
 a national fast day in view of the approaching cholera, I 
 preached from Isaiah 3 : 5, 7. " So the people of Nineveh 
 believed God, and proclaimed a fast," &c. This was a fast 
 in good earnest to avert threatened judgments. The king 
 laid aside his royal robes, put on sackcloth, and said, " Let 
 neither man nor herd nor flock taste anything ; let them 
 not feed nor drink water, but cry mightily to God. Who 
 can tell if God will turn away from his fierce anger that we 
 j)erish not." If our entire nation would thus piously 
 humble themselves in fasting, I have no doubt but the 
 approaching plague would be turned back, and our country 
 spared the ravages of this fearful disease. 
 
 We have a glorious work going on in Brockville. Many 
 are giving their hearts to the Lord, and the Saviour is with 
 us in power. But the long-dreaded cholera is now amongst 
 us. I have visited many on their death-beds to afford them 
 the comforts of our holy religion ; but it is painful to 
 witness the rapidity with which this strange disease accom- 
 plishes its work of death. We have a house built on a 
 small island near the wharf where many patients are 
 sent, whom I visit from time to time, but the good Lord 
 
1832.] 
 
 INTERVIEW WITH PRIESTS. 
 
 157 
 
 preserves me. This fearful malady has long been doing its 
 work in India. Last year, for the first time, it crossed the 
 Atlantic, but did not reach Canada until this summer ; and 
 now, all our towns on the frontier, along the line of immi- 
 gration, are suJBering under its deadly influence. Our Con- 
 ference year closes pleasantly. We have made about fifty 
 additions to our membership in town, and I go to Confer- 
 ence with a cheerful heart. 
 
 A Singular Interview with a Priest. — On my way to 
 Conference, Captain Whitney, of the Great Britain, and his 
 physician, lately out from Ireland, came to me requesting 
 that I would hold a religious controversy with a priest who 
 was on board. I said I had a great aversion to religious 
 disputations, and especially on steamboats j but if the 
 priest desired a friendlj'^ conversation, I could have no 
 objection. The Dr. went away delighted, and soon returned 
 with a chubby little Frenchman, whom he introduced to me 
 
 as the Rev. Mr. . " I understand you wish to talk with 
 
 me, sir," said the priest. Not at all, sir, said I ; but I told 
 these gentlemen that if you desired it I would not object. 
 " Very well," said he ; "I am ready, and I will give you 
 your choice of four languages, the French, the English, the 
 Spanish, or the Latin." You are very kind, sir, said I. Of 
 those you have mentioned I should prefer the English. 
 " Take the English," said he. Agreed. And now, as your 
 reverence has been kind enough to offer me the choice of 
 language, I will be most happy to give you the choice of 
 subjects. Be kind enough to select your topic. " All 
 right, sir, we will take the Christian religion, if you please." 
 Exactly the subject I prefer, said I. But pray, what is 
 implied in being a Christian 1 " Why, of course, he must 
 be baptized and obey the Church." But are you sure that 
 will make him a Christian ? said I. " Certainly, I am," 
 said he. " If not, what will V* Indeed, sir, you sui^rise 
 
 '' 1 
 
 • ( 
 
 ?«- 
 
 r1 
 
158 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1832. 
 
 me much. I thought you w^ere a great admirer of St 
 Peter, and if he were here he would tell you plainly that 
 you were wrong. " Me wrong ! Me wrong !" said he. 
 " No ! no ! Peter would never say I was wrong." Well, 
 then, said I, he would tell you one thing, and Simon 
 Magus another ; for if you read the 8th of Acts you will 
 find that he told Simon that he had " no part nor lot in the 
 matter" of Christianity, because his heart was " not right 
 in the sight of God," though he had just been baptized, and 
 that, too, by an Apostle. If it be true that baptism made 
 Simon a Christian, Peter was much mistaken, or greatly to 
 blame for telling him that he was ** in the gall of bitterness 
 and bond of iniquity," when, all the while, he was a good 
 Christian. Now, which am I to believe, you or Peter 1 
 " Believe ! believe !" said he ; "I perceive you know nothing 
 at all about it ! " He then walked away abruptly, and I 
 saw him no more until we reached the wharf in Kingston, 
 when he was the first man to jump off and run away. Soon 
 he returned with five other priests, one of whom was the 
 Vicar-General McDonald, afterwards a Bishop. I must 
 confess that when I saw the Vicar-General on board, and 
 also bound for York, T was sorry, felt timid, and wished 
 myself away. He was the editor of a Roman Catholic 
 newspaper, and had been carrying on an able- controversy 
 with our editor on the subject of the real presence in the 
 Eucharist. I had read this able debate with interest, and 
 dreaded a controversy with him. At tea, however, the 
 Captain and the mischievous doctor managed to get us into 
 a disputation which lasted until midnight — the saloon ^eulg 
 filled with passengers all the time, I found the Vicar quite 
 another man from the little Frenchman. He acted like a 
 gentleman of good breeding and good learning, and I hesi- 
 tated to break a lance with him. But I was led into the 
 conflict and had to get out the best way I could. We soon 
 
m 
 
 1832.] 
 
 UNION WITH ENGLAND. 
 
 169 
 
 found ourselves engaged on the dogmas of popery. He 
 denied that his Church was chargeable with the martyrdom 
 of Protectants, but defended the invocation of saints, the 
 intercession of Mary, and supplication to angels. When I 
 contended that the latter was expressly forbidden in God's 
 word, he could not see it. I then quoted Rev. 22 : 8, 9, 
 where the angel himself forbade John to fall down and 
 worship him. At this my French friend took fire, and 
 said, " There is no such scripture. He is only doing that 
 to confound the Vicar- General." I then quoted the precise 
 words of the text, and said if there ever was a time when 
 mortal man could be justified in worshipping an angel, it 
 was then, when this angel had shown John so much of 
 heaven's glory ; but he said, " See thou do it not, for I and 
 thy fellow-servant; worship God." The Vicar-General 
 looked thoughtful, and the priest insisted that there was no 
 such passage. I said, if any one present can favour me 
 with a Testament I will read it to the gentleman, but none 
 being ofiered me I arose, saying, if your reverence will 
 excuse me for a moment, I will go up to the ladies' cabin 
 aud get Mrs. Green's Bible and read the passage to the 
 company. " Oh, come back," says the Vicar, " come back, 
 there is such a passage ; he don't know." Well, Captain, 
 said I, it is now midnight, and I will ask to be excused 
 until these priests settle this controversy between them. 
 
 The Conference of 1832 met in Hallowell, on the 8th 
 of August, W. Case in the chair. We were very thankful 
 to find that our net increase, during the year, amounted to 
 3,652, being nearly equal to one-third of the members 
 reported last year, and more than three times the number 
 ever received in one year before. The excitement created 
 by the cholera had induced many careless ones to think of 
 their latter end, and pray for pardon. But this accession 
 will impose increased responsibilities upon us, and we will 
 
 
 lo 
 
 "\ 
 
160 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1832. 
 
 have to exercise constant watch-care over the young con- 
 verts until they are established in piinciple and practice. 
 
 The Corner Stone of the Upper Canada Academy wm 
 laid on the 7th of June, 1832, by Dr. Gilchrist, of Colbome ; 
 and the Treasurer, E, Perry, Esq., came to the Conference 
 feeling very much discouraged for want of funds. The 
 Conference authorized me to auk each minister for $5, or 
 more, not so much to raise a fund, as to give the Treasurer 
 comfidence tiiat we were in earnest, and resolved to push 
 the enterprise to the extent of our influence. The most of 
 the members contributed cheerfully. I then went outside 
 among those to be received on trial, and saw a young can- 
 didate of stately proportions and well-dressed, who gave me 
 a $5 bill, and wrote his name — Samuel Rose. The Treasurer 
 went home pleased, reported our doings to Mr. Crane, the 
 builder, and the work was carried on with increased vigour. 
 
 The Proposed Union with the British Conference 
 invested this Conference with unusual importance. The 
 Rev. Robert Alder, from the Missionary Committee in 
 London, was present by the invitation of our Missionary 
 Committee in York. The Conference was somewhat divided 
 in sentiment on the subject. There can be little doubt but 
 if our English brethren would abide by the compact entered 
 into in 1820, and leave Upper Canada to us, in accordance 
 with that agreement, it would be the best thing for this 
 Province. But since our separation from our American 
 brethren they have felt themselves at liberty to ignore that 
 arrangement ; and strenuous eflbrts have been made by the 
 abettors of a State Church to divide us, and thus weaken 
 our efforts to prevent a Church establishment here. To 
 those of us who were aware of these wily exertions, our 
 union appeared doubly important. But apart from these 
 considerations, it would appear so unseemly and injurious 
 for two bodies of MethodiBts, both acknowledged to he 
 
liVfUlj 
 
 1832.] 
 
 APPOINTED PBE8IDIN0 ELDER. 
 
 i6i 
 
 legitimate, to erect opposing altars in the same villages, that 
 no effort, short of a sacrifice of principle, should be spared 
 to prevent it. Messrs. Case, Metcalf, and Whitehead were 
 opposed to the change ; and I deeply regretted to have to 
 differ from these excellent men with whom I usi^ally acted. 
 But several of our leading local preachers and other laymen, 
 Buch as John Reynolds, of Belleville ; P. Roblin, of 
 Napanee ; C. Biggar, of the Carrying Place ; E. Perry, of 
 Cobourg, and Mr. Sills, of Bath, were present, and advised 
 us to form the proposed union. Wo needed additional 
 funds for our Missions, and more ministers for our work. 
 Mr. Alder's proposals, on the whole, appeared reasonable ; 
 therefore my judgment decided for union. Mr. Alder told 
 us plainly, that he was sent out to extend their work in 
 Upper Canada, and he would prefer doing it through us, 
 than in opposition to us. A large committee was appointed, 
 the principles of union agreed upon, and our report was 
 adopted both by the Annual and the General Conferences ; 
 and the Rev. E. Ryerson was appointed to negotiate with 
 the British Conference. 
 
 My appointment for the next year began to be talked 
 about. After the union was agreed to, Mr. Alder, anxious 
 to conciliate both parties in Kingston, had obtained my 
 consent to take that station, provided all parties were 
 agreed. But at this period, I was informed that the Ad- 
 visory Committee had nominated me to take charge of the 
 Augusta District. I immediately repaired to the Presi- 
 dent's room to inquire about it, and if true, advise against 
 it. Mr. Case, in reply to my inquiries, said, " The Com- 
 mittee have advised it." I suggested that I was too young 
 and too inexperienced for such a charge : that I would have 
 four Ex-Presiding Elders on that district, (Messrs. Madden, 
 Smith, Brown, and Ryerson), and they might feel slighted 
 and make my path unpleasant. At this moment David 
 
 , ' 
 
 * !l 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
162 
 
 LIFE AND TIMRS OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [1833. 
 
 I 
 
 '■iB' 
 
 Wright, one of the Advisory Committee, entered the room 
 and said : " Is this man rebelling against his appointment 1 
 Don't let him off; the Committee are unanimous." Mr. 
 Case remarked that there seemed to be a general wish, and 
 I would have to incur the responsibility. Wm. Smith was 
 then sent to Kingston, and Wm. Ryerson to Brockville. 
 
 My home during the Conference was with the family of 
 Dr. Austin, where I was kindly treated. The Conference 
 closed on Saturday, and we hastened to our work. My 
 district was a very large one ; taking in all the Province 
 east of Kingston, with three circuits in Lower Canada. 
 How I should succeed I knew not. I was happy in my 
 work as a pastor ; and now, as I shall have the privilege of 
 attending a love-feast nearly every Sunday in the year, I 
 ought to be happy, also, in my district work. But there is 
 another question underlying this which gives me some con- 
 cern : Shall I be useful 1 On my knees I resolve, 1. That 
 I will endeavour to live near the fountain-head, that I may 
 grow in grace, in wisdom, and in usefulness. 2. That 1 
 will be impartial but firm in my official acts, so that no 
 brother shall have cause to complain that I have not 
 done him justice in administering discipline, presiding in 
 church courts, or in deciding points of law. 3. As far as 
 may be consistent with health and official duty, I will strive 
 to be useful as I pass through the circuits by preaching and 
 working for God and for souls. 
 
 The work to which I am appointed is new to me, and it 
 appears vast and overpowering. • Who is sufficient for these 
 things 1 O Lord God, the God of our fathers, give to thy 
 young servant wisdom to guide him in councils, the tongue 
 of fire to inspire him in the pulpit, and a burning zeal to 
 labour for perishing sinners, that he may leave bright and 
 sunny spots wherever he goes. I leave my circuit work 
 with some regret. The past has been a happy year. I com- 
 
^^•» 
 
 1832.] 
 
 LONG BIDBS. 
 
 165 
 
 menced with forty-five members, and left with geventy-five. 
 I have been well supported, have enjoyed uninterrupted 
 health, and worked joyfully for Zion's prosperity. I have 
 Rpent more time in my library than I was able to do for 
 several years past ; but I fear my moments for study will be 
 greatly abridged by long rides on a large district. Still, my 
 Divine Master and his Apostles went about doing good, and 
 no minister should shrink from the onerous work of following 
 their example when duty calls. I feel more for my dear 
 companion, who will necessarily be left alone at times, than 
 for myself. She may weep when I rejoice ; may sigh for 
 company when I am surrounded by friends ; may languish 
 in sorrow and be oppressed with pain when I am far away 
 and caimot share her troubles with her. But this appoint- 
 ment comes unsought, unexpected, and undeserved. The 
 voice of the Church I have generally taken as indicating the 
 voice of God ; and I confide with unshaken faith in his 
 providential care and unerring direction. If I succeed in 
 this responsible office, God shall have all the praise. 
 
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CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE AUGUSTA DISTRICT. 
 
 |AVIN€r deemed it wise to discontinue housekeep- 
 ing, in order to free Mrs. Green from care, and 
 secure company and protection for her in my absence, we 
 took lodgings with Mr. Wm. Pennock, at Stone's Comers, 
 where she will feel at home. I commenced my quarterly 
 visitation of the circuits on the 8th of September, at Bytown. 
 This is a small village, beautifully situated between two 
 rivers, near where the Rideau empties its dark waters, over 
 rocky heights, into the Ottawa, creating the Rideau Falls. 
 It was named after Colonel By, who was sent to superin- 
 tend the military canal which commences here and extends 
 to Kingston. It is well situated for defence, and capable of 
 being made a "stronghold" in time of war. Our circuit 
 lies on both sides of the Ottawa ; and our quarterly meeting 
 was held in Lower Canada, about seven miles above the 
 bridge in a church built on the farm of Mr. Grimes, with 
 whom I stopped. Mr. G. F. Taylor, the Recording Steward, 
 appears to be the leading mind in the church here, as Messrs. 
 Burrows, Rochester, and Coombs are in Bytown. Messrs. 
 Adams and Warner have a large field to cultivate, and some 
 jOetstidious souls to manage ; but they are working hard fqf 
 the poaoe and prosperity of the Church. In the evening I 
 
1832.] 
 
 BTTOWN AND PERTH. 
 
 165 
 
 preached in the town, where our friends have a small stone 
 church smd a good-sized congregation. 
 
 My next appointment was at Shellington's, on the Bich- 
 mond Circuit. We have no church on this circuit except a 
 log-house, where we held our services. The village which 
 gives name to the circuit is immured in a dense forest, and 
 coDsists mostly of log cabins. It takes its name from the 
 Duke of Richmond, who died here from the bite of a tame 
 fox. We have no class in it, but Mr. Williams is labouring 
 hard to extend our influence in that direction. He has a 
 large circuit in a newly-settled part of the country. From 
 this I went to the Mississippi Circuit, which derives its 
 name from a small river running through it to the Ottawa. 
 I was comfortably entertained by Mr. Bellows, a merchant 
 in Carlton Place, who is blessed with a good, pious wife. 
 We have a small chapel here which will hold about two 
 himdred people. We managed to pack away a few more 
 than that on this occasion. Bro. Brock has a large circuit, 
 and is much esteemed. 
 
 Perth, September 29th and 30th. — ^A small town, where 
 our influence is but limited. Our friends are prepanng to 
 erect a church, which is much needed. Mr. John Jackson, 
 ^ with whom I found a homo, is our principal dependence in 
 the town. We have a pious, good man for a leader, but his 
 domestic circumstances are very trying. After four weeks' 
 absence I was delighted to turn my face towards home 
 again. The cholera, I am happy to find, is leaving our 
 shores, but it has made fearful ravages in its march. In 
 Quebec, with a population of 27,562 souls — not including 
 strangers — ^there were 1,421 deaths in. three weeks, and in 
 Montreal, thirty-one in four days. On the fourth of last 
 July the new missionary chapel in George Street, York, 
 ▼as opened. But the B<ev. Mr. Newton, who was on his 
 way to take charge of it, died of cholera in Montreal. Dim 
 
 It 
 
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 it 
 
 '■•4 
 
 m 1 \i 
 
 i' I 
 
m 
 
 - LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [1832. 
 
 of our brethren in Kingston sent his wife to the country to 
 avoid the ravages of this mysterious plague ; but soon after 
 he took it in the town, and she in the country, and they 
 both died nearly at the same time. How surprised they 
 must have been to meet so soon again, and that, too, in the 
 spirit- land ! Our ministers have been faithful in visiting 
 the sick under their care ; but, through divine goodness, 
 have been graciously preserved from this fell destroyer. 
 We have to be minute men in 'uxkjl"> senses than one. May 
 we all be ready for the summons when it comes. 
 
 AxTQUSTA QuAETERLY MEETING, October 6th and 7th.~ 
 The old Augusta Church was crowded to its utmost capacity. 
 Great power attends the services. Our love-feast was a 
 heaven upon earth. Souls were crying for mercy, and our 
 blessed Redeemer was receiving sinners. Bro. Healy has 
 had much work on his hands, and we have arranged to give 
 him a colleague. Matilda Circuit, 13th and 14th. — This 
 meeting was held in Moulinette, where, having no church, 
 we took the field ; but the Lord of hosts was with us, and 
 our joy was great. Bro. Waldron's warm-hearted appeals 
 suit this German population admirably. I had a pleasant 
 ride down on the delightful banks of the St. Lawrence. I 
 scarcely imagined that we had such a fine country in this 
 part of the Province. The farms are well tilled and abound 
 with orchards and fruit. The houses present an air of com- 
 fort. The roads are good, and the river charming. This 
 magnificent river, which drains our large lakes, commences 
 at Kingston and reaches to the ocean. After it passes 
 down through that picturesque and lonely group called the 
 Thousand Islands, it jrolls down in peerless majesty at the 
 rate of about four miles an hour, until it gets below Prescott, 
 where the first rapids begin. Below Matilda the second 
 rapids are seen ; but it reserves its greatest fury for the 
 Long Sault, where, from Dickinson's Landing to near Com- 
 
1832.1 
 
 AUGUSTA DISTRICT. 
 
 167 
 
 ^1, it dashes, foams, and rages as though old Neptune 
 were resolved to break through the earth in his anger and 
 fury. Little did I think, while gazing upon this wild waste 
 of waters, that I would live to ride, as I have done, down 
 all these rapids, and others equally frightful below them, oH 
 a steamboat ! The Matilda Circuit includes all the country 
 between Prescott and Cornwall 
 
 RiDEAU Circuit, October 20th and 21st. — This circuit 
 ftztends a long distance up and down tho river from which 
 it derives its name. Bro. A. Hurlburt is here, and ought to 
 have a colleague. The county is rich, and the people are 
 mostly with us. We have a good Church in Wolford, which 
 will hold about six hundred. The Rev. Wm. Brown, who 
 is both a minister and a magistrate, is the ruling spirit here, 
 at whose hospitable residence the ministers find a com- 
 fortable homo. Methodism has taken a firm hold of the 
 people, and if we had ministerial strength enough, we might 
 greatly extend its usefulness. 
 
 Elizabethtown, November 3rd and 4th. — A good time 
 with choice friends. Last year I assisted Mr. Williams in 
 a four-days' meeting here, which lasted eleven days ; but 
 the result was glorious — an increase of eighty souls. Messrs. 
 Madden and Wood will have to work hard and pray much 
 if they expect to succeed as did Bro. Williams. 
 
 Prescott, November 10th and 11th. — ^This is a small 
 town opposite Ogdensburg, where we have a small Church 
 and a small congregation. For a long time this was the 
 foot of steamboat navigation ; but now the steamers begin 
 to run down to Dickinson's Landing, at the head of the 
 Long Sault ; yet, the most of the goods, sold in this 
 Province, are still towed up this river in Durham boats. 
 A slow and tedious method this; but the canals, soon to 
 be built along thiii river, will make things much more 
 plensant. 
 
168 
 
 LIFS AKD TIMBfl OF AN80M QIUEBN, D.O. 
 
 [1832. 
 
 Brookvillk, November 17th and 18ih. — Glad to get 
 baek again to this people, where I spent two comfortable 
 years. Bro. Ryerson, with his florid eloquence, has im- 
 proved the congregation. He is by far the most powerful 
 pulpit and platform orator in this country. I never yet 
 met his superior as an off-hand speaker. 
 
 I have now visited all the circuits on this large district 
 except two, and find that I have to travel about 1,000 miles 
 every quarter, besides extra work, of which there is no lack. 
 The ministers have received me kindly, and the people joy- 
 folly. Our love-feasts and sacramental services have been 
 seasons of much divine life and holy triumph. In some of 
 them my soul has been greatly comforted, and my faith 
 strengthened, while God's children have told of their hopes, 
 joys, and triumphs. The communion of saints is sweet, 
 and especially so around God's table and in his feasts of 
 love. 
 
 Tidings of the lamentable death of that distinguished 
 commentator and profoundly learned divine. Dr. Adam 
 Clarke, reached me while absent from home. For more 
 than fifty years he was acccustomed to offer Christ to listen- 
 ing multitudes on the Lord's day ; and on that holy day, 
 August 26th, while hundreds were assembled in one place 
 "^o hear him preach, he was in another place, struggling with 
 the cholera. After seventeen and a-half hours he was not, 
 for God took him — ^took him to that perpetual Sabbath 
 where the people need no interpreter of God's word, for the 
 Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, 
 and lead them to living fountains of water where 
 
 " Constant floods of knowledge roll, 
 And pour, and pour upon the aooL" 
 
 This is the heaviest blow to Methodism since the death of 
 its great founder, John Wesley himself. 
 
1833.] 
 
 DAYS OF ABSENCE. 
 
 169 
 
 After preaching at Maitland, Ogdensburg, Reid's, and 
 other places, and delivering temperance addresses, I com- 
 menced my second tour round the district on the 2nd of 
 December. At Carlton Place I assisted Bro. Brock in 
 reconciling a man and his wife who desired to serve God, 
 but had been separated from each other for years. They 
 mutually confessed, and promised to do better. We joined 
 their hands, pronounced them man and wife, and they left 
 us with joyful countenance to enjoy their second honeymoon. 
 It is said that the difference between a honeycomb and a 
 honeymoon is this : The former has many cells in one, and 
 the other is one great sell. We cautioned the happy pair 
 against anything in their conduct which might produce the 
 latter. Having attended our quarterly meetings in By- 
 town, Richmond, and Perth, I hastened home to be with 
 my dear family on New Year's day, having spent Christmas 
 day far away in the bush. I always like to spend Christ- 
 mas with my family, if possible. My Christmas, this time, 
 was not what I could have desired, but the pleasure of 
 wishing my wife and little boy a happy New Year this morn- 
 ing has been better than a stalled ox with strangers. Mrs. 
 Green's health is but indifferent, and none but God knows 
 the anguish I feel when compelled to leave for my long 
 tours. I have to harden my heart against the sympathies 
 of my genial and social nature, and pray for strength to 
 conceal the emotions within my soul when I bid them good- 
 bye. I could bear this heavy cross myself, or any other, to 
 bring souls to God ; but it is on their account, chiefly, that 
 my heart aches. No worldly consideration could induce me 
 to make these sacrifices. I am only allowed X75 per 
 annum and travelling expenses, for my entire support ; a 
 pittance which I could realize in a few months or weeks in 
 worldly pursuits. But I have enough of worldly goods. 
 
 They cannot make me happy. My busine^^ is to save souls, 
 8 
 
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 't; 1^ 
 
 K 1 
 
170 
 
 LIFE AMD TIMES OF ANSON ORBBN, D.D. [1833. 
 
 and I must sacrifice ease, and home, and comfort, to accom- 
 plish this. 
 
 Political Prospects are Brightening up a Little.— 
 At the Conference of 1831 we sent, through His Excellency, 
 a strong memorial to the King, protesting against a sectarian 
 college, from which nine-tenths of the country are excluded 
 by reason of odious tests ; and also praying that the Clergy 
 Reserves might be devoted to purposes of general education. 
 For this act of presumption we received a bitter rebuke 
 from His Excellency ! But as he was weak enough to 
 listen to interested advisers, instead of admiring our 
 patriotism and impartiality, he has received such an eut- 
 burst of condemnation from the newspapers of this and 
 other countries as will probably make him wish he had 
 treated us with more consideration. Canadian agents in 
 England have been doing good service ; but what pleases ub 
 most is the fact that our House of Assembly, last session, 
 passed strenuous resolutions on the same subject, and then 
 went in a body to Sir John and asked His Excellency to 
 send their memorial to the foot of the throne. They found 
 him much subdued in feelings. He had probably learned 
 that our memorial was doing its work with the Home 
 Government^; for he intimated that, before their request 
 reached the throne, the changes which they asked for would, 
 most likely, have been effected. The Canadian agent had 
 been six months in England giving information concerning 
 our affairs, and the Governor may have learned that his 
 conduct towards us was as unacceptable to British statesmen 
 as it was unpopular with the Canadian public. 
 
 But while these events were occurring in York I was 
 enduring one of the most tedious and exhausting rides of 
 my life. During our quarterly meeting in the Augusta 
 Church, on the 5th, a January thaw set in, which not only 
 oarried away the snow, but took all the frost out of the 
 
1833.] 
 
 ▲ TKDI0U8 RIDS. 
 
 171 
 
 ground. My appointment for the 12th of January was on 
 the old Ottawa Circuit, 150 miles off. On Tuesday night 
 the weather changed to piercing cold, with the mercury 
 below zero. On Wednesday morning 1 was obliged to 
 leave my cutter and robes at home, and mount my horse for 
 a long journey. I managed to crawl along about twenty- 
 five miles the first day, over hubs and frozen mud, all the 
 more dangerous because partially concealed by a sprinkle of 
 snow. At times my poor horse would stop and look round 
 towards me as if to say. Is there no way of avoiding these 
 miserable conical projections 1 if not I can go no further. 
 I guided him on to the banks and by the side of fences 
 at times, until we reached a good resting-place at the house 
 of that kind-hearted brother, Michael Brouse, Esq., of 
 Matilda. The next morning the cords of my horse's legs 
 were so sore, and the legs themselves so swollen, that he 
 could scarcely get out of the stable.- My friends insisted 
 that I should abandon the journey ; but there were two 
 reasons which prevented it. First, it would be compromis- 
 ing myself. I had resolved when I entered the ministry 
 that I would never disappoint a congregation on account of 
 bad roads or stormy weather. Secondly, it was my first 
 appointment in those regions, and I feared that my absence 
 would produce confusion and discontent ; hence I could not 
 brook the idea of a failure. " Well," said Mr. Brouse, 
 " if you persist I must put you on to my old Bob. He is a 
 hardy French beast ; but your horse can go no further." I 
 mounted " old Bob," in whose limbs there wa» not the 
 slightest elasticity : his motion was rough, giving me a 
 heavy jolt at every step. I reached Mr. Bailey's, at 
 Moulinette, a little after dark, tired, hungry, sore, and 
 chilled with intense cold. Here I was tenderly cared 
 for, but not greatly comforted on learning from good Sister 
 Bailey that my next day's ride would be fifty miles through 
 
 It I 
 
 it 
 
 \ ,: 
 
172 
 
 LIFE AND TIMK8 OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1833. 
 
 the Glengarry woods to Vankleeck's Hill ; that Mr. Case and 
 others who had preceded me had assured her that there was 
 no place in these woods where one could lodge comfortably 
 for a night without getting more than he had bargained 
 for ; and therefore I would have to start at three o'clock in 
 the morning in order to reach Mr. Johnson's, where I would 
 find a good home. I slept a few hours, when I was called 
 up. This kind family — may the Lord bless and reward 
 them ! — had my breakfast ready, my horse fed, and my 
 luncheon prepared, and about 3 o'clock I mounted '' old 
 Bob" and put off through the woods in the dark, on a 
 strange road, and facing a cold north wind. It seemed to 
 me the longest fifty miles I had ever travelled. When I 
 reached the foot of Vankleeck's Hill I felt as though I could 
 not sit on my horse to ride up, while at the same time my 
 back was so wrenched by three days' jolting over these 
 rough roads that I dared not dismount for fear I could not 
 get up again. I therefore leaned down upon " Bob's " neck, 
 and he carried me up. About 9 o'clock I reached Mr. W. 
 Johnson's. He was watching for me, and kindly helped me 
 into his house ; for my weary limbs, stiffened with the cold, 
 would scarcely support me. I received an injury in my 
 back during these memorable rides that has never left me, 
 and the effect of which I shall carry to my tomb. I was 
 then thirty miles from my appointment ; but snow was fall- 
 ing, and the next morning Bro. Johnson, leaving my horse to 
 rest, took me in his family sleigh to Lachute, where Bros. 
 Black and Carroll were anxiously waiting for me. Our 
 school-house was filled, and the divine presence made us 
 happy. Indeed, I almost forgot my lame back as I witnessed 
 the joy, evinced both by ministers and people, when I reached 
 the assembly where they were anxiously waiting to receive 
 me. This is a large circuit of twenty appointments, divided 
 in the centre by the Ottawa River. But the people are 
 
1833.] 
 
 AN AVUBINO RIDB. 
 
 173 
 
 blessed with two faithful and pious men, who are working 
 with success. My return home was as amusing as my 
 journey down had been disagreeable. Mr. Case, of Hawkes- 
 bury, had an old traineau, which he fitted up with rough 
 boards for box and a bundle of pea straw for my seat. He 
 then dressed Bob in a superannuated French harness, and 
 tied a rope to his bridle for i hbb. In this primitive style I 
 rode home comfortably. When I passed through the town 
 of Prescott the boys were out of school, and, seeing me 
 coming up in this rig, they shouted lustily, " See the old 
 Frenchman," and then the snowballs began to fly about my 
 eai*8 in fearful profusion. I drew down my cap low so 
 they should not know me, for that would have spoiled their 
 fun at once. I could not but laugh heartily at the sport. 
 
 Matilda, January 1 9th and 20th. — The old sanctuary on 
 the point has given place to a spacious stone church, erected 
 on the main road. I never had such a reception in any place 
 as these Dutchmen gave me on Saturday. The members of 
 the Church are mostly of German and Dutch origin, and very 
 lively and demonstrative. My text was, " Be of good 
 courage, and he shall strengthen your hearts, all ye that 
 hope in the Lord." While dwelling upon the Christian's 
 hope, the Lord did strengthen our hearts very greatly ; sobs, 
 »nd cries, and tears in every part of the house were fol- 
 lowed by hearty Amens, and then by a general shout which 
 completely drowned my voice ; and I had to desist until the 
 gale was over. I like earnestness, but a little less noise 
 would have pleased me better. Brother Waldron preaches 
 for them in six townships and has sixteen classes under hig 
 care. 
 
 After attending the quarterly meetings of the Rideau, 
 Elizabethtown, Prescott, Brockville, and Mississippi Cir- 
 cuits, I went, on the 28th of February, to the Bonchire Mis- 
 sion. This mission lies mostly in Lower Canada, about 
 
 r 1 
 
174 
 
 LIFB AND TIMES OF ANSON QRBBN, D.D. 
 
 [1833. 
 
 forty or fifby miles above Bytown. From Carlton Place my 
 journey was mostly through woods, with here and there a 
 clearing to refresh the eye of the weary traveller. I crossed 
 the Chats Lake, which is four or five miles wide, and found 
 Brother Huntington at the house of Mr. McDowell, in 
 Clarendon, where I also found a home. Our meeting was 
 in the school-house, for we have no church here. The visits 
 of Presiding Elders have been few and far between, but 
 highly valued. I cannot but sym))athize with a young minis- 
 ter buried up in such a dense forest, but it is th*^ glory of 
 the Church now, as it was in the Saviour's time, tuat " th« 
 poor have the gospel preached to them." Our minis- 
 ters do not wait for good roads, fruitful fields, and downy 
 couches before they can go to these settlements; but are 
 willing to share the most humble fare with the new settler. 
 If any persons need the gospel, those who go into the woods 
 to cut down the trees, and live in log shanties, need it; 
 and they deserve it too, and know how to prize it. I admire 
 the zeal and courage of those ministers who go into the 
 forests and endure hardiiess as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 
 Faithful men of God — of whom the world is not worthy ; 
 they are doing a great work tor future generations, as well 
 as for the present, and God is with them. 
 
 On the 2l8t of June we held a profitable camp-meeting 
 on the Mississippi Circuit ; and on the 26th held our Local 
 Preachers' Conference in Kitley. A large number were 
 present, and we examined candidates, and licensed several 
 to preach ; of whom J. G. Manly was one. Having no 
 church there we took the field on the Lord's day. I received 
 a special request to preach a doctrinal sermon before the 
 Conference ; and the Rev. W. Chamberlain, with whom I 
 lodged, demanded that I should preach at least two hours, 
 especitdly as they wished me to touch upon cardinal points 
 
•I 
 
 1833] 
 
 RKV. OlOaOl MABSDKN. 
 
 176 
 
 of our doctrine. For this effort I received the cordial thaiiki 
 of the preachers. 
 
 Our camp-meeting commenced in Matilda on the 4th of 
 July, and proved a stirring and soul-saving time. I com- 
 menced by preaching on this earnest prayer, *• Lord, revive 
 thy work ;" in which the brethren all seemed to join. W« 
 worked for a revival, and the saved of the Lord were many. 
 Our Sunday services were solemn and impressive. A large 
 number were brought to God, and added to the Church. 
 Brother Healy and Brother Warner did us good service. 
 We have closed up our year's work on this heavy district 
 without much trouble, and I feel devoutly thankful to u y 
 Divine Master for uninterrupted health and personal enjoy- 
 ment ; and to my brethren for having borne with my short- 
 comings and youthful inadvertencies. I entered upon the 
 duties of the year with many misgivings, have passed through 
 them with much anxiety, and now close them up with grati- 
 tude and praise. The Conference meets late this year, to 
 giye our representative time to return from £ngland ; and I 
 embrace the opportunity thus afforded to visit our friends in 
 the West. I preached in^Middleburgh Ohio, in Painsville, 
 and in Buffalo. I also had the happiness to see my mother's 
 sister, Elizabeth Johnson, in Clarence, whom I had never 
 leen before. My cousin, Johnson, is a mer^lv»r of the State 
 Legislature, which meets in Albany. On my way home I 
 had the pleasure of meeting, at Hamilton, with the venerable 
 Qeorge Marsden, who camet from England to preside at our 
 approaching Conference ; aiad with the Rev. Joseph Stinson, 
 who was to take charge cf our Missions. As there were 
 three sermons to be preached, I was pressed to take one of 
 them. As Mr. Marsden got out of th^ carriage at the 
 church door, he amused the youngsters greatly by his 
 antique dress : he wore^ a round-breasted coat, short 
 breeches, and black silk stockings, with silver-knee and 
 
 < I 
 
 <t 1 
 
i7e 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1838. 
 
 shoe buckles. He is rather under-size, venerable in ap- 
 pearance, plain, but evangelical in preaching, and de'^ply 
 pious. He is an ex-President '^f the British Conference ; 
 and having come down to us from Wesley, his experi- 
 ence must be great. I have quite fallen in love with thia 
 holy, apostolic man. He will do us good. He is more 
 like Solon than Demosthenes ; like Lord Chesterfield than 
 Sir Isaac Newton ; but he is more like Mr. Case than 
 either. He has the plainness of Bishop Hedding in style, 
 but does not equal him either in depth of thought or grasp 
 of intellect. For pulpit power and oratory, he has several 
 superiors in our Conference ; but there is a vein of good- 
 ness, disinterested benevolence, and holy zeal visible in all 
 his acts which makes him a welcome and useful guest 
 amongst us. The house in which we are to assemble on 
 Newgate Street (now Adelaide) is, I should think, the best 
 church in York ; certainly the best W esleyan church in the 
 entire Province. It is built of brick, was commenced last 
 year, and dedicated on the 16th of April of this year. The 
 little wooden chapel on George Street, erected by the Mis- 
 sionary party, will now be closed, and all will meet in this 
 beautiful and capacious church. 
 
 The Conference of 1833beganbusinessonthe 2nd Octo- 
 ber, with the venerable Mr. Case in the chair. Mr. Ryer- 
 Bon made his report ; and the English amendments to our 
 plan, agreed upon in Hallowell, were duly considered, and 
 finally passed. There was but one dissentient, viz., the 
 Rev. Thos. Whitehead. When the nays were called for, 
 this old veteran stood up, as straight as an Indian, and 
 smoothing himself down in front with both hands, said, " I 
 am an up and down man." He discharged what he looked 
 upon as his duty ; and then entered cordially into the mea- 
 sure, and endeavoured to make it work smoothly and pros- 
 perously. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Case, who 
 
1833.] 
 
 UNION WITH ENGLAND. 
 
 177 
 
 had been our President for five years, arose and, with much 
 grace, resigned the chair to Mr. Marsdeu, the appointee of 
 the English Conference. My hopes were then brightened 
 into a strong consolation^ believing that we had succeeded 
 in arresting schism, and preventing a most unseemly and 
 destructive conflict between the oldest and youngest regular 
 bodies of the Methodist Church. We had made no sacrifice 
 of principle, for both parties were legitimate, and both were 
 labouring for the same object, — the salvation of souls. In 
 changing our name we changed no principle, but agreed 
 that our President shall exercise the same powers as our 
 Bishops did. We used to call our President, Bishop ; we 
 shall now call our Bishop, President ; but he will exercise 
 all the functions of a scriptural bishop in presiding, ordain- 
 ing, stationing, and supervising. Personally, I have no 
 objection to the term bishop, but think it preferable to thait 
 of President for our chief minister. The former is a scrip- 
 tural, and purely an ecclesiastical, title ; but president may 
 be applied to the chairman of a political meeting, a bank, 
 A temperance society, or to the ruler of a nation. Still, as 
 our brethren in England do not use the term bishop to 
 designate their ohief officer, lest it might, in the minds of 
 some, be associated with prelacy, and all the pride and 
 pomp and worldliness which have sometimes been exhibited 
 in connection with that title, we can have no serious objec- 
 tion to accept their usage in this matter. We have the 
 thing if not the name ; the substance, and need not contend 
 for the shadow. 
 
 A Book-room, on a small scale, was to be commenced, in 
 charge of the editor. This was, financially, an unwise move. 
 The American General Conference had agreed, in 1832, to 
 divide to us our share of the Book-room capital, which share 
 MQOunted to about $27,000. But they sent that agreement '*^. 
 
 round to the Annual Conferences for their concurrence. 
 *8 
 
 ill 
 
 I » J ''I 
 
178 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1833. 
 
 / 
 
 Every Conference, before which it was laid by the Bishopi, 
 voted yea, until the Advocate called their attention to our 
 proposed union with the British Conference ; after that 
 significant hint, they all voted nay. Hence we should hare 
 continued our relation to their Book-room, and received our 
 annual dividend, amounting to about $1,000, until we could 
 have met their General Conference again a&d obtained even- 
 handed justice in this matter. But more of thii by-and-bye. 
 Our next year will be a short one of only eight monthi : 
 for, as it was deemed advisable to antedate the session of 
 the English Conference, we have arranged for ours to meet 
 in June ; hence our quarterly meetings rriust necessarily 
 commence at the earliest possible xlate. 
 
 As this union must form an epoch in our Church history, 
 it may be interesting to look at statistics for a little. We 
 had in our Canadian work — not including those under the 
 care of English Missionaries — 78 ministers and preachers 
 on circuits, 16,039 members, 913 of whom were Indians, 
 5 districts, and 50 circuits and missions. In the census of 
 1832, the total inhabitants of the Province, not including 
 Indians, amounted to 266,600. If we allow four members 
 of our families and congregations to every member of the 
 Church', not including Indians, it shows that more than 
 one-fourth of the Province were connected with u«. Our 
 ministers throughout the world are 4,000 ; and our mem- 
 bers upwards of 1,000,000. 
 
 The past year will be memorable in the history of OHr 
 Church for the removal, to the land of rest, of three of the 
 strongest men of the present age, viz., Dr. Adam Clarke, 
 Richard Watson, and Samuel Drew, M.A. The former is 
 well-known by his critical and extensive commentary on the 
 Scriptures, and his voluminous works, embracing twelve 
 volumes, duodecimo ; Mr. Watson, by his invaluable Theo- 
 logical Institutes, Exposition, Sermons, Biblical Dictionari, 
 
1834.] 
 
 THE MEMORABLE DEAD. 
 
 and biographical writings ; and Mr. Drew, by his works on 
 the Reburrection, on the Immateriality and Immortality of 
 the Soul on the Being, Attributes, and Providence of God, 
 and his editorship of the Imperial Magazine ; in which he 
 was engaged when he died. These were all princes in Israel ; 
 and that Church must be a strong one which could lose three 
 guch men, in one year, without being shaken. Dr. C. was 
 70 years old; Mr. W. 51, and Mr. D. 68, when the Lord 
 said to them, — It is enough ; come up higher. 
 
 I have just been reading Bishop Mcllvaine's account 
 of Thomas Payne and Voltaire. How different their lives 
 and their deaths from the three divines just referred to ! 
 Payne, says the Bishop, was thrice married ; but his 
 wives died by his cruelty. Being dismissed from the excise 
 in England for fraud, and degraded in France, he went to 
 America, where he was dismissed from another office in dis- 
 grace. He and his old wench were sometimes seen lying 
 drunk on the floor together ! He ended a miserable lif 9 in 
 1809. Voltaire had none but his servant with him at his 
 death. When his old infidel confreres refused to let a priest 
 see him, she heard him trying to read prayers to that God 
 whom he had blasphemed. He fell from his bed convulsed 
 with agony, anr* lay on the floor, crying, " Will not this God 
 whom I have denied save me too 1 Cannot I find mercy ex- 
 tended to me 1 " Oh ! If this is the end of infidelity, who 
 would not be a Christian 1 
 
 January 12th, Dedicated our Church in Kemptville. 
 —The people thought it a new thing here, and seemed pleased 
 with the attention their new sanctuary had received. In 
 February, Mrs. Green's health was so impaired that we 
 arranged for her to spend some time at the Massena Springs, 
 where she received much benefit. I preached for the people 
 there, and delivered a temperance lecture ; then hastened 
 back to my work in the district, thankful for healing waters. 
 
 
 i 
 
 vM^ cj 
 
180 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1834. 
 
 I laid the Conference resolutions concerning local 
 preachers before our quarterly meeting, and all the cir- 
 cuits approved of them. But there appears to be some dis- 
 satisfaction in the west. I see, by the Hamilton Free Press, 
 that on the 12th of March fourteen local preachers met in 
 Trafalgar, and gravely resolved to take the pastorate of the 
 church out of our hands and manage affairs themselves ! 
 They have called a Conference at Cummer's chapel, for the 
 25th June next, to elect a Bishop ! And why ? Why, 
 forsooth ! because we have had the audacity to unite with 
 our fathers and brethren in England, whose wise counsels 
 and valuable assistance we need in carrying on our great 
 missionary work amongst the Indians and destitute new 
 settlers of Canada. I am glad that not one of the brethren 
 from my district was with them. They must be aware 
 that the canons of the Church, which they profess to love, 
 gives local preachers no authority to hold a Conference or 
 make laws ; how much less, then, to elect and ordain a 
 Bishop 1 So far as I have been able to ascertain the cause 
 of this strange movement, it is three-fold : First, a desire 
 to govern and exercise power. Secondly, a fear that our 
 English brethren are opposed to their liberal views politi- 
 cally ; and tluit we may be influenced by them to abandon 
 those principles of civil and religious liberty which we have 
 always held, and for which we are still contending. These 
 jealousies were strengthened by our editor's impressions of 
 parties in England, and fanned into a flame by two or three 
 political i)aperH in Canada. Thirdly, a feay that local 
 preachers may not be eligible for ordination as heretofore. 
 On the last-mentioned sulject, they had good grounds for 
 fear. Our brethren in England do not ordain local preachers. 
 They strongly object to allow men to pledge themselves, in 
 the most solemn manner, '' to lay aside the study of the 
 world and of the flesh,' — as they must do if they take our 
 
1834.] 
 
 TORONTO CITY. 
 
 181 
 
 ordination vows upon them, — when, at the same time, they 
 have no intention to do so ; but fully expect to live and die 
 secular men ! As an individual, under the circumstances, 
 I waa ready, considering our former practice, to go a step 
 further, and say that all who were licentiates at the time of 
 the union would be eligible for ordination. Indeed, I 
 would have gone all reasonable lengths to pi tivent schism in 
 the body. Nothing, in our own bodies, is more enervating 
 than to have even the weakest member displaced. If the 
 smallest bone in the foot be out of joint, we go limping 
 about until it is replaced. And so in the Church ; if the 
 weakest member suffers, all the members suffer. If some 
 fail to know their own place and keep it, others may be 
 thrown into confusion and led astray also. 
 
 A City in Upper Canada at Last. — Among the Bills 
 passed by the Parliament, which was prorogued on the sixth 
 of March, was one to incorporate York as a city, under the 
 name of Toronto. York was founded by Governor Simcoe 
 in 1794, and made the capital of Upper Canada in 1897. 
 In 1813 it was burned down by an American army. In 
 
 1817 it contained but 1,200 inhabitants, and in 1826, only 
 1,677, though it had been our capital for nineteen years. I 
 first saw it in 1825, when it was a small village, but it is 
 now growing finely. It lies in 43° 39' 25" of north latitude 
 and 79° 2^' east from Greenwich. Another Bill was passed 
 in Parliament to enable the Church to use the property which 
 the late Dr. Stoyels left us for missions and other Church 
 purposes, but this most righteous Bill was reserved for the 
 King's pleasui'e ! The Dr. was one of the three converts 
 brought in at the dedication of our first church here in 
 
 1818 ; and, having no children, he left his property to us for 
 Church purposes. Another Bill, to apply the proceeds of 
 the Clergy Reserves to educational purposes, passod the 
 Lower House, but went no farther. 
 
 < .1 
 
182 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1834. 
 
 May the 4th. — This day I had the pleasure of dedicating 
 our church in Perth. Text : Psalms 27 : 4. From this 
 place I rode to Bytowa, and preached all the week for my 
 good brother, Carroll. A blessed work commenced in Hull, 
 and we followed it up, evening after evening, until many 
 were brought to God. Samuel Grimes, a very bashful and 
 taciturn young man, who took care of our horses with 
 delight, but could never be induced to talk with us on relig- 
 ious subjects, left a boon companion, near the door of the 
 church, and came forward for prayer. Before the services 
 closed he was a changed man. He then surprised us all by 
 standing up and declaring what God had done for him ; 
 then, looking wistfully down towards his friend, he called 
 
 him by name, saying, " Come here ; come and kneel 
 
 just where I found the blessing, and you will be saved too !" 
 I never witnessed such a wonderful change in a man in so 
 short a time. Truly, thought I, " the righteous are as bold 
 as a lion." The good Lord is working in many parts of our 
 district with his great power. Last month, on returning 
 from our Brockville quarterly meeting, I found a mes- 
 senger waiting for me from Mr. Buck, of Merrick ville, in- 
 forming me that a good work of God was going forward in 
 that village, and urging me to come to their help. I 
 mounted my horse and, as the main road was almost im- 
 passable, I took a bye-way through the woods, but having 
 twenty miles to ride, over very bad roads, I did not reach 
 the village until long after dark. The last four miles were 
 tedious almost beyond endurance : the frost all out of the 
 ground, the mud knee-deep, the night dark, and the road 
 strange and dangerous. I was nearly two hours, this cold 
 evening, in going four miles ; but when I reached Mr. 
 Buck's, the warm hearts, pleasant faces, cordial greetiags 
 and hearty welcome, by ministers and people, rewarded me 
 for my toil. Messrs. Shaler and Warner went to the school- 
 
1834.] 
 
 FIRST DISTRICT MEETING. 
 
 183 
 
 house and occupied the time until I got a cup of tea, when I 
 went and preached to them " Jesus and the resiii-rection." 
 I preached every night until obliged to start for my next 
 circuit. A goodly number were hopefully brought to God. 
 
 On the 4th of June our district meeting commenced in 
 Brockville. This meeting of ministers and travelling 
 preachers was a new thing in our country ; but it proved 
 be' -^ficial, especially as we had the recording stewards with 
 us on the second day, and could talk over our financial 
 aflfairs together with mutual confidence and mutual benefit.. 
 We recommended three candidates for our ministry, viz., 
 George F. Playter, J. G. Manly, and S. Brownell. We 
 have had a respectable increase in our district of 334 mem- 
 bers. 
 
 The Conb'erence op 1834 commenced in Kingston, on 
 June the 11th. I preached en Tuesday evening to a full 
 house. The Rev. R. Alder was present ; and he took the 
 chair the next morning, as Mr. Grindrod, the President, had 
 not arrived. Strictly speaking, Mr. Alder had no right to 
 the chair ; and, not being a member of our Conference, we 
 had no right to appoint him ; but the President had 
 requested him to act until his arrival, and, out of courtesy to 
 both, we allowed him to take the chair, confirming all he did 
 after Mr. G. arrived on Saturday. On Sunday the Presi- 
 dent preached a dry sermon, which produced no effect except 
 that of disappointment. We had a searching inquiry into 
 the cause of our decrease of numbers, which, notwithstand- 
 ing the increase on our district, amounted to 1,109. 
 Various causes were assigned ; but, after all, it was pretty 
 evident that the political storm created by political papers had 
 much to do with the defection. We passed strong resolu- 
 tions against the Guardian meddling with political party 
 strife, reserving the right to deal with what has been called 
 " religious politics." We wish our members of both sides 
 
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 w' 
 
184 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEBN, D.D. 
 
 [1884. 
 
 in politics to feel perfectly free to exercise their franchise as 
 they chose, and therefore deem it wrong for the Conference 
 organ to meddle with party strife. But we will do our 
 utmost to prevent a Church establishment, or allow any 
 Church to domineer over us in this fr«e country. 
 
 It has recently been my painful duty to bury one of our 
 aged ministers, the Rev. Thos. Madden. I closed his eyes 
 in death on the 22nd of May, and preached his funeral 
 sermon in his own house, on the Sabbath following, from 
 2 Tim. 4 : 7, 8. By the request of his wife and children I 
 wrote the following memorial verse for his tombstone : 
 
 Thirty-seven years in wisdom's path he trod, 
 And thii'ty-one he preached the Word of God. 
 His lips will feed the pilgrim Church no more, 
 But claim his children on the other shore. 
 
 We buried him in Augusta, near the St. Lawrence, where 
 the bodies of Paul and Barbary Heck, and Mrs. Philip 
 Embury and her last husband, Mr. Lawrence, are quietly 
 sleeping until the resurrection morn. Thus, one by one, 
 are our fathers falling ; but, blessed be God, they fall in a 
 good cause, leaving a bright path behind them. I have 
 succeeded in getting a good boarding-place for Mrs. Green 
 and son in the house of the Rev. Samuel Heck, on the 
 banks of the flowing St. Lawrence. We were very com- 
 fortable last )'ear with the kind family of Mr. Jas. Holden, 
 near the Augusta Church. There are two of the Hecks 
 living near together here — Jacob and Samuel, — both sons of 
 the sainted Barbara Heck who prompted Embury to preach 
 his first sermon in New York. 
 
 We held a successful camp-meeting in Matilda in July. 
 Bro. Carroll is in his glory among these warm-hearted 
 people. We have succeeded in forming a large number of 
 temperance societies in this district. All our ministen 
 
1834.J 
 
 HISTORY OF ALCOHOL, 
 
 185 
 
 entei into this good work heartily. It is high time that 
 something was done to suppress the power of alcohol, whose 
 history proves that it is increasing greatly in the world. 
 Alcohol was accidentally discovered by a learned Arabian 
 while searching for a universal solvent with which he could 
 transmute metals. It remained with chemistry until the 
 thirteenth century, when in Italy and Spain druggists began 
 to sell spirits of wine, tinctured with herbs, as a medicine. 
 At a later date the Genoese extracted a spirituous liquor 
 from grain, which they sold in vials, at a great price, as 
 aqua viice — water of life. But up to the end of the six- 
 teenth century, it was used only as a medicine, and as such, 
 sold by the apothecaries only. Subsequently, it was used 
 by the miners in Hungary to prevent colds in damp mines. 
 After this the Irish began to use it more freely. Henry 
 the VIII. forbade more than one still in any one town or 
 city ; for the demon then began to exhibit its power to do 
 mischief and spread desolation and death among its votaries. 
 In Mary's time the distillation of grain was forbidden in 
 England. But the Hollanders drank it as a cordial, and 
 soon its use became general. On some signboards in Eng- 
 land was printed, "Drunk for twopence, with straw to 
 lie on until sober !" It would be comparatively harmless 
 if confined to the apothecary's shop and used only as a 
 medicine. Temperance men should aim at this and nothing 
 short of it. 
 
 August the 5 th. — Attended our quarterly meeting at 
 Elizabethtown, and preached upon Christ our life, but was 
 somewhat cast down by the unfavourable tidings from 
 Toronto, where I had left Mrs. Green with her sister 
 Patrick, under the care of Drs. Rolph and Morrison, in 
 whose skill she had great confidence. I lodged that night 
 with the kind family of Richard Coleman, Esq. The next 
 morning I arose early, feeling quite unwell. After break- 
 
 I' 
 
 ■*J;; 
 
 I 
 
186 
 
 LIFB AND TIMB8 OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1834. 
 
 fast I hastened to Brockville to receive letters by the steam- 
 boat, but was much surprised to find that the boat had 
 passed before I reached the wharf, and carried my letters 
 on, twelve miles, to Prescott. After attending to some 
 necessary business I started for Prescott, but had not driven 
 more than two miles before I was seized with 
 
 THE ASIATIC CHOLERA. 
 
 Fortunately our dear friend, Colonel Arnold, lived a 
 little further on, and I managed ^o get there, where I was 
 received with every consideration. I scarcely dared to 
 intimate my fears, lest the family might be frightened and 
 leave me to my fate, helpless and alone. But no ! They 
 sent off four miles for two doctors ; got me to bed, and then 
 Mrs. Arnold and her thre«) dauchterp presont, Mis6 Mi\r 
 garet. Miss Charlotte, and Miss Sophia, like true Christian 
 sisters and brave heroines, came around my bed to afford 
 any relief in their power. The cramps seized my legs, 
 fingers, and arms, and when they reached my heart it 
 seemed as though life was being wrung out of me without 
 ceremony. My fingers were stiff as sticks, and I had no 
 use of my limbs at all. But these dear women, instead of 
 running away from danger, brought warm water and rubbed 
 my stiffened limbs with hot cloths, while Miss Margaret 
 plied me with hot drops, composed of high wines, cayenne 
 pepper, and gum myrrh. Under God, these angelic women 
 saved my life. They vied with each other in acts of mercy, 
 only anxious to do me good. When the cold, clammy 
 death-sweat stood in drops u[)on my forehead, and my eyes 
 began to sink in their sockets with a ghastly glare, they 
 looked frequently for the doctor, but in vain. Miss Mar- 
 garet then said something desperate must be done, and 
 bringing a wineglassfuU of hot drops, slightly diluted, she 
 said to her mother, " Kill or cure, we must give him this," 
 ^.nd ahe poured it into my mouth. It seemed to strangle 
 
1834.] 
 
 ATTACKED BY CHOLKRA. 
 
 187 
 
 me, while in its heating influence it went to •very part of 
 mj system ; and, thanl^s to her courage and skill, and to 
 the blessings of heaven, it broke my cramps in an instant, 
 and I was free. Ajs soon as I could speak, I said, " There, 
 you have done it !" Poor Margaret ran into another room, 
 and threw herself upon her bed, crying, " I have killed 
 him ! I have killed him ! " But when she was told that 
 the had misinterpreted my meaning, she came back, wiped 
 her eyes, and thanked the good Lord for the relief he had 
 afforded me. I can never forget this dear Christian family. 
 I am indebted to their courage, their skill, and their fidelity 
 for my life. When the doctor came, I was comparatively 
 easy, and he gave them much praise for their wisdom M\d 
 doup&tch, abuai'mg us all that, if he had been there, he could 
 have done nothing better for me than they had done. I 
 hare eften thought it providential that he did not arrive 
 until dear Margaret had given me that salutary dose. 
 
 The next morning the Rev. Wm. Patrick, of Prescott, 
 came up with the letters, but so feeble was I that he dare 
 not read them to me ; nor did I demand it, for, seeing his 
 evasion, I knew the tidings, if any, were discouraging. The 
 next day I told him that I was aware he had letters and 
 wished him to read them to me, assuring him that I was 
 quite prepared for the worst. The letters informed me that 
 the doctors said, " If no change for the better occuired within 
 twenty-four hours they would have little hopes of my dear 
 wife's recovery." I learned afterwards that she had a 
 remarkable vision while Dr. Ro)ph was preparing the dose 
 she was to take ; and a passage of Scripture came with so 
 much force to her mind, that she seemed to know she 
 would recover. The words wore these : " I shall not die, 
 but live and declare the works of the Lord." (Ps. 118: 17.) 
 When the doctor approached her she looked up with a smile 
 lad said; " Doctor, that dose will save me, and I shall gee 
 
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188 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AN80N OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1834. 
 
 Ut\M\i«>v\M^ 
 
 my dear husband again," The doctor's eyes filled with 
 tears, and, lifting up her head, he said, " Well, my child, 
 according to thy faith be it done unto thee." From that 
 moment she began to recover. After two weeks I was able 
 to ride out ; and, thank God, we did meet again. But these 
 were dark and trying hours to us both. Lying at the point 
 of death, two hundred and fifty miles apart, and mails only 
 three times a week, was enough to try our faith and teat 
 our patience. But God raised V6 up friends who were 
 anxious to do anything in their pow*- for our relief. Mrs. 
 Hopkins rode all night, bringing our little boy — then four 
 years old — to see his mother die ; but before she reached 
 Toronto the fo<»r^v) crivfw KxA. i;jPH'?f>«', and my wife waa 
 mercifully spared. Severe as was the ordeal through which 
 I passed, this visitation did me good. " Our light affliction, 
 which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far mor« 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we look not 
 at the things which are seen, but at the things which are 
 not seen." I had always entertained gloomy thoughts of 
 death, and doubts concerning my final triumph over the 
 grim monster. Not that I doubted my acceptance with 
 God. I was clear in my experience of sins forgiven ; but I 
 feared that when I went down into the chilly floods of Jordan 
 my faith might fail, and that I might be left to sink in 
 those cold billows at last, without hope and without comfort. 
 May the Lord pardon these fears. They were ungrateful, 
 if not sinful. When I sank down to the very verge of death, 
 heavily pressed with a malady the most dangerous and 
 revolting, I was serene and happy. Not a doubt to trouble 
 me ; not a cloud to obscure the spiritual horizon. But I 
 found that He who gives grace to live by will surely give 
 grace to die by. Dying grace for a dying hour. The 
 Captain of our Salvation hath abolished death, destroyed him 
 that had the power of death, and therefore does He " deliver 
 
1836.] 
 
 RELIGIOUS EQUALITY. 
 
 189 
 
 those who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime 
 subject to bondage." I had looked to " the things which 
 vn Been," and hence my doubtH. 1 can now look to " the 
 thiogH which are not seen," and my doubts are gone and 
 my ho{)e8 of the future are bright and cheering. 
 
 August the 18th. — I was so far recovered as to be able to 
 assist my brethren of Matilda in their missionary meeting. 
 
 September the 4th. — Went for my dear wife and child. 
 We had both been on the borders of the spirit-land ; but 
 now we meet in the flesh. God must have something for 
 us to do in his Churr^ militant, or he would not have 
 brought us up again from the valley and shadow of death. 
 Ob, may we live to some purpose ! 
 
 On the 14th of December, at our quarterly meeting on 
 the Mississippi Circuit, our brethren in Mansell's neighbour- 
 hood presented their new church for dedication. I took 
 Jacob's words at Bethel, and we couM all say, " This is none 
 other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 
 My young friend, Mr. McFadden, was on the mountain- 
 top. It was a proud day for him in his new sanctuary. 
 
 New Year's Day, 1635. — We have closed up another 
 year upon our knees in solemn vigil, and our doings are 
 recorded in the book of God's remembrance. Would that 
 we had done more good to our fellow-creatures ; but regrets 
 for the past are unavailing. We must quicken our steps 
 for the future. 
 
 Our Political Horizon is still Cloudy. — The Great 
 Struggle for Religious Equality waxes warmer and 
 warmer, while the feeling on both sides is intensified. In 
 their memorial to the King the Epiicopal clergy have cast 
 off the Presbyterians, and demanded all the Reserves for 
 themselves. I do not regret this ; for if we must have 
 religious domination, one Church is better than two, and 
 it may induce the Presbyterians to help us in the struggle. 
 
 
190 
 
 LIFE AND TIMSS OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1836. 
 
 Give to all or give to none is our doctrine. The Home 
 Government seem to wish the Reserves divided amongst the 
 diflferent Churches ; and it is said, they have more than 
 intimated to our clerical friends in the Government that 
 their absence, both from the Executive and Legislative 
 Councils, " is a consummation devoutly to be wished." As 
 to dividing the Reserves among Protestant Churches, it 
 might do, if we could agree upon the principle. If divided 
 according to communicants or congregations, we would have 
 the lion's share, and this would create ill-will ; for the 
 Episcopal clergy say in their memorial that " a permanent 
 provision for their support is valued more than life !" We 
 ask to have them devoted to education ; and if divided, we 
 will devote our share to that object. The cry of vested 
 righta is all a delusion. It is true the parties who make 
 that cry have done their best to deprive us of all religious 
 rights and to grasp everything for themselves. But noth- 
 ing appears clearer than that these Reserves were neither 
 originally designed for, nor exclusively given to, the Church 
 of England. The Act by which this reservation was 
 made says it was " for the encouragement of the Protestant 
 religion, and for the maintainence and support of a Pro- 
 testant clergy within the said Province." Hence all Pro 
 testant clergymen and all Protestant people have a vested 
 right in these Reserves. Mr. Fox stated distinctly, when 
 the Canadian Act of 1791 was before Parliament, that by a 
 Protestant clergy he understood was embraced " not only 
 the clergy of the Church of England, but all descriptions of 
 Protestants." And Lord Sandon, in his evidence before 
 the Committee of the House in 1828, laid distinctly, that 
 " by a Protestant cleigy in the Act, he understood Lord 
 Grenville, the framer of the Act, to include all clergymen 
 not Roman Catholics." The more I think upon this ques- 
 tion, which is keeping our country in turmoil and strife, 
 
TV i 
 
 1836.J 
 
 WESLEY ON A STATE CHURCH. 
 
 191 
 
 the more I am convinced that our friends of the Episcopal 
 Church are wrong in their exclusive claims and imperious 
 demands. It is now patent to the world that we have more 
 communicants, more congregations, and preach more 
 sermons than they. And with trifling exceptions we have 
 been first in every part of the Province ; have carried the 
 comforts and instructions of our religion into our Canadian 
 forests when no other clergymen were found willing to 
 make the sacrifice ; and on what principle of justice or 
 equity, of religion or of right, we are now to be turned off 
 and others permitted to take our places and tyrannize over 
 us at the public expense, is more than I can imagine. If 
 the clergy, in their petition, speak the truth, when they tell 
 His Majesty that " a permanent provision for their support 
 is valued more than life ; " and necessary " as a tie to bind 
 them to the Empire," their patriotism must be greatly 
 inferior to ours. Only give us religious liberty, an open 
 field, and fair play ; and, as clergymen, we ask no Govern- 
 ment support, no mercenary tie to bind us to our country 
 or to prompt us to duty. 
 
 Our opponents charge us with inconsistency as "Wesley- 
 ans, saying that Wesley was a supporter of an Established 
 Church. It is true that he did nothing to disestablish a 
 Church which he found established. Nor have we ; for we 
 have no establishment here. Mr. Wesley did right, and so 
 do we. He never dreamt that the Church of England was 
 estbalished by Divine right, even in England. Mr. Watson, 
 in his " Life of Wesley," quotes his opinion of a National 
 Church, from his own minutes, as follows : — 
 
 Queition. — " What instance or ground is there in the 
 New Testament for a National Church 1 
 
 Antwer, — " We know none at all. We apprehend it to 
 be a merely political institution." How forcible are right 
 words ! 
 
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 192 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1835. 
 
 The past year has been an eventful year to the slaves of 
 the West Indies. On the first of August the law emanci- 
 pating slaves in those islands came into force. Thanks to 
 Wilberforce, Clarkson, and others, we can now say that 
 wherever Great Britain bears rule, man is free ! Should 
 those newborn freemen use their liberty discretly, American 
 slavery must soon be abolished also. Bro. Jonathan would 
 do well to take a leaf from John Bull's book. 
 
 Four Days' Meetings are becoming very frequent amongst 
 us. Like Methodism itself, these meetings, in their origin, 
 appear to have been providential. In the latter end of 
 September, 1827, a good brother in Vermont wrote to his 
 Presiding Elder, the Rev. J. Lord, that if he had no objec- 
 tion he would wish their quarterly meeting to commence on 
 Thursday, instead of Saturday, as usual. Consent was 
 given, and a blessed work commenced, in which many were 
 brought to God. Others followed this good example, and 
 now protracted meetings, in connection with our quarterly 
 meetings, have become quite common. This, of course, 
 gives the Presiding Elder enough to do, but I have found 
 much comfort in thus working for Zion's prosperity.* 
 
 The Conference op 1835 commenced on the 10th of 
 June in the Hamilton Church. The Rev. Wm. Lord in 
 the chair. We have a small increase in numbers, which 
 was scarcely expected, considering the fierce war going on 
 against us both by politicians and seceders. 
 
 The President arrived last autumn, and has been useful 
 in our Missionary meetings. He is about five feet nine 
 inches in height, with size in proportion ; light complexion, 
 blue eyes, and a very bald head. His sermons and speeches 
 are plain, but instructive. He has little imagination, but 
 
 • But we must be careful that our eflforts for a constant revival, 
 by ordinary means, ar» not weakened by depending too much on 
 special efforts. 
 
1835.] 
 
 CONVERSION OP AN INPIDEL. 
 
 193 
 
 is a good business man. Tliis Conference resolved that 
 circuit stewards should be elected annually in November; 
 and that our catechism should be used in our Sabbath- 
 schools. The number of our Church members throughout 
 the world in 1834 was 1,019,747, and ministers, 4,026. 
 But what are they among so many ] It is said there are 
 now 125,000,000 Roman Catholics in the world ; 40,000,000 
 of the Greek Church ; 65,000,000 Protestants; 140,000,000 
 Mahommedans, and pagans without number. What a 
 dark picture ! But pure religion is gaining ground.* The 
 aggressive movements of the Church will soon change these 
 figures. Our assessors tell us that of the 17,898 houses in 
 this Province, 4,050 are log-cabins. In many of these we 
 preach, but it is difficult to respond to all the calls and meet 
 all the demands made upon us. 
 
 We have taken up our abode with the family of Colonel 
 Arnold, the dear family where I was so kindly treated last 
 year during mj attack of the cholera. Mrs. Green will be 
 much at home wtth these young ladies, who will be good 
 company for her when I am absent. 
 
 On the 1 2th of July I attended a camp-meeting at Briar 
 Hill, in the State of New York, a little south of Brockville, 
 where I was pressed into the service at 1 1 o'clock on Sun- 
 day. My mind was strangely exercised concerning my sub- 
 ject. On such occasions I generally select some theme of 
 practical godliness, endeavouring, if possible, to avoid con- 
 troversy or dry reasonings ; but on this occasidn I was 
 pressed to preach on the evidences of Divine Revelation. 
 At the close. Elder Comfort led the listening penitents into 
 a prayer-meeting before the stand. I felt sorry that I had 
 devoted so much time to the argumentative part o^ . sub- 
 ject, and greatly feared 1 had taken the wrong couife^. But 
 
 *At the last report Protestants had increa(<ed to about 1,000,000. 
 9 
 
 WT 
 
 
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IM 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1836. 
 
 seventeen years afterwards the strange impressions which 
 had led me to adopt this course were fully explained to my 
 entire satisfaction. In 1852 I was sent as Conference re- 
 presentative to the American General Conference in Boston. 
 Having been introduced to the Conference by Dr. Bangs, I 
 made a few remarks, promising a more lengthened state- 
 ment at a future stage of their business, and then retired. 
 I was followed to the vestibule by a tine, portly-looking 
 member, who caught hold of my hands with much warmth, 
 saying, " Dr. Green, I am so delighted to see you ; I 
 know you, though you do not know me." No, said I, I am 
 not aware that I ever had the i>lea8ure of meeting you be- 
 fore. " Do you remember preaching at the Brier Hill 
 camp-meeting," he asked ; " and if so, what was your texf?" 
 My text was from Deuteronomy 29 : 29, " Secret things 
 belong unto the Lord our God, and those which are revealed 
 to us and to our children forever." " That is it," said he. 
 " I went to that meeting a confirmed infidel ; but your argu- 
 ment in favour of divine revelation convinced me of my 
 error. I listened, then wept, then trembled, then prayed ; 
 and finally, went upon my knees and asked the prayers of 
 God's people. I obtained pardon; joined the Church; 
 entered the ministry, and now I am Presiding Elder of a 
 district, and a member of this General Conference." We 
 should never be afraid to follow up divine impressions when 
 clearly made upon our minds. God sent me to that meet- 
 ing to preach that sermon, and this infidel to hear it. It 
 was a pebble dropped into the ocean of truth, and though 
 small, it gave an impulse which created a circle of small 
 waves, that have been multiplying and enlarging ever since ; 
 and it will only be known in eternity how many ripples of 
 mercy, joy, and gladness have been set in motion by that 
 little pebble. I felt at the time that I had not taken the 
 
1836.] 
 
 PEIBSTLT VENERATION. 
 
 1^5 
 
 most popular course, but now I am happy to learn that I 
 did not labour in vain. 
 
 July 18th and 19th. — Commenced my last year's work on 
 this district at the Woolford Church, Rideau Circuit. My 
 usual home at Father Brown's was ready for me. This old 
 veteran has enough of this world's goods to make him and 
 his friends comfortable ; and grace enough to make him 
 happy. We had a good camp-meeting in Augusta. On 
 this circuit we have now three preachers. We have 
 also created a new circuit with fragments from the Eliza- 
 bethtown and Rideau Circuits, called Crosby. Brother 
 Harmon has charge of it ; he has but one leg ; still he has 
 two hands and a warm heart to work for God. He it* the 
 right man in the right place. He was a soldier at Lundy's 
 Lane, where he fought bravely for his country; here he 
 fights with equal courage and bravery for King Jesus. 
 When he was disbanded from that warfare his officer gave 
 him a certificate, to entitle him to government land, accom- 
 panied with this note : " He prayed like a saint and fought 
 like a devil." I trust that when he shall have been dis- 
 charged from this warfare it will be said that he both 
 'prayed and fought like a saint. 
 
 When returning from my work in the north, an event 
 occurred by which I learned that our fears are not always 
 well-founded. A suspicious-looking man crossed the Rideau 
 ferry in the same scow with me. He fixed his eyes upon 
 me with mute attention, surveying my horse, valise, and 
 person most thoroughly. We both mounted our horses 
 at about the same time, but he took the road behind 
 me. In passing through the woods, I felt a little uneasy, 
 and would quite as soon have passed through the woods 
 alone as in such company. I calculated the probabilities 
 of escape if he Ihould prove a highwayman and make an 
 ftttack. After riding about two miles with this fellow fol- 
 
 r 
 
196 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES Of* ANSOK aREEK, D.D. 
 
 [1835. 
 
 lowing me, I thought it best to speak to him. The roads 
 are rather un])lea8ant, said I. " Yes, sir, they are indeed ; 
 quite filthy iiitirely, and it's myself that knows it sure. I 
 hope you have not to go far this soft day." Not very far, 
 said I. " I beg your pardon," said he, " but aren't ye a 
 priest 1 " They call me a priest sometimes, said I. " Oh ! 
 indeed ! well then I must beg your riverence's pardon. Had 
 I known that ye were a priest, I would have humbled ye 
 a little more ; and so I would, your riverence. Can you for- 
 give me ]" Certainly, said I; we are all fellow-travellers to 
 the unknown world, and well for us if we so conduct our- 
 selves as to finish our course in peace. I felt much relieved 
 when I found out the cause of his riding a few paces behind 
 me. But when I turned into Mr. Landen's, he shot by me 
 in haste and rode on furiously to make up for lost time. I 
 could not but reflect upon the great opportunity which 
 Roman priests have to lead their poor benighted followers 
 in the right way, if they only had hearts to do so. 
 
 On the 18th of September I preached a fur.ieral sermon 
 for Jehoida Boyce, who joined the Church in 1791, under 
 Losee. His house was a home for the ministers, and he 
 brought up his family in the fear of God. 
 
 I was summoned to Toronto, by the President, for tho 
 double purpose of attending the annivei-sary of our Confer- 
 ence Missionary Society and the Board Meeting of Upper 
 Canada Academy ; to prepare for the opening of that Insti- 
 tution, and to provide funds to pay off the debt incurred by 
 its erection. We resolved to send Rev. E, Ryerson to 
 England to procure assistance, while at the same time we peti- 
 tion the Parliament to make us a grant of £4,100 ; this being 
 the amount of our indebtedness. To this amount, at least, we 
 think we are justly entitled. 7 40,275 acres of land were set 
 apart for higher education ; but a vemerabl^divine has laid 
 the hand of spoliation upon 221,944 acres of these lands fof 
 
1835.] 
 
 AID TO THE ACADEMY. 
 
 197 
 
 King's College ; and 66,000 acres have been given to the 
 Upper Canada College ; and why should not Upper Canada 
 Academy have some assistance from the same quarter) 
 King's College has already expended three times the amount 
 which we ask ; and the foundation-stone is not yet laid ! I 
 may as well remark in this connection, that our memorial 
 was kindly received by the Lower Heuse, and the amount 
 asked for, voted with great unanimity by the people's 
 representatives, but, as we expected, the Upper House 
 ignored it. We then applied to the King, who had not yet 
 surrendered, to Canadian control, the Casual and Territorial 
 Revenue, and His Majesty ordered the Lieutenant-Governor 
 to pay us the amount thus voted by the people. The leaders 
 in the two councils deserved to be snubbed in this way, to 
 convince them that others have rights in the country as well 
 as themselves. 
 
 I had the pleasure of spending the Sabbath with, and 
 preaching for, my venerable friend Mr. Case in his own parish 
 at the Credit. These Indian children look upon him with 
 much respect, and pray for him " as the man who is next to 
 God." Mr. Case is much grieved at the erratic course pur- 
 sued by certain local preachers in their efforts to divide the 
 Church. I reminded him of a text of Scripture which he 
 once quoted to me when I was weeping over the desolations 
 made by Mr. R.; and 1 took the liberty to suggest that 
 he might be soothed and benefited by observing its instruc- 
 tion. The Scripture reads thus, — " Fret not thyself because 
 of evil doers." He was amused by the retort, and said, 
 " Yes, that is right. What we cannot cure we must 
 endure." Our anniversary in the city, on Monday even- 
 ing, was a great success. We had Mr. Lunn, from Mon- 
 treal, in the chair, surrounded by Messrs. Case, Lord, W. 
 Ryerson, Jones, Sunday, and Groen, as the speakers of the 
 evening. Mr. Case told us that the first effort to raise 
 
198 
 
 LIFE AND TIMIg OF ANSON OBEBN, D.D. 
 
 [1836. 
 
 misaionary money in the Province was made at Lundy'g 
 J jane, where several parties gave one dollar each. 
 
 Peter Jones said the Indians believed the thunder was a 
 god — a great eagle on some high mountain — and when he 
 thundered and spat out lightning, he was trying to shoot 
 some great serpent in the bowels of the earth ; and they 
 sought to appease him by putting tobacco in the fire. John 
 Sunday told us how he learned to read : " Hearing a child 
 in school reading A, B, C," said he, " I went in and learned 
 to read A, B, C, too. When I went to New York, a good 
 brother gave me a Testament, but I could not read a word 
 of it. I thought if I could only read one verse of God's 
 book, I would be so glad. On my way home, while our 
 boat was getting through some locks, I went into the woods, 
 knelt by a tree, and prayed that I might read one verse. I 
 then opened my Testament on this verse, and w; so happy 
 that I could read it : — ' Go ye into all the world and preach 
 the gospel to every creature.' Then I think, yes, Lord, I go 
 and preach to my poor Indian brothers." Mr. Lord said 
 that "two-thirds of all Protestant ministers wi heathen 
 lands were Wesleyans." It was a grand meeting. The 
 collection amounted to £27. 
 
 On the 4th of October, I dedicated a new church in 
 Coxe's neighbourhood, a little below Merrickville, on the 
 Rideau Circuit. 
 
 January 1st, 1836. — The New Year has come, and at its 
 birth a year of toil, anxiety, and care has passed away. 
 We have had " fightings without and fears within." The 
 Church is not at rest, and the State is in a whirl of excite- 
 ment and change. The politicians of England have been 
 playing hide-a/)id-go-seek, until they can hardly find them- 
 selves. Lord Melbourne put down the Duke of Wellington, 
 and took his place as Premier. Then Sir Robert Peel flew 
 to the help of the Duke, and put down Melbourne, and took 
 
1838.] 
 
 ▼IBIT TO MONTREAL. 
 
 199 
 
 his place ; but before Sir Robert could appear in Parlia- 
 ment, twenty-three menabers, who had accepted office, had to 
 go to the people for election. Eleven of these failed at the 
 polls. Then Melbourne und Lord Palmerston took the reins, 
 allowing both Sir Robert and the Duke to retire ! Reform 
 is good ; but when reformers pander to popery their reform 
 is very qxiestionable. ' 
 
 January the 25th. — Having left our little boy with our 
 friends the Arnold's and our sister Sarah, my wife and 
 I, in compliance with the invitation of the Reverend the 
 President, visited Montreal. This was our first visit to that 
 city, and we found some difficulty in reaching it. The snow 
 was so deep that we had, at times, to drive through fields, 
 on the ice, or over fences. Indeed, for some distance we 
 rode on the top of a fence, where the stakes, now and again, 
 exhibited their ends on either side ! We had never seen 
 the like in Upper Canada, and Mrs. Green felt that we were 
 in a strange, if r jt in a perilous, position. We reached the 
 hospitable abode of our President just as the evening shades 
 began to dim the horizon ; rejoiced that our three days' jour- 
 ney was ended, and glad to get by a comfortable fire. We 
 quite fell in love with our dear friends in Montreal. By 
 their courtesy and constant attentions to us, they made our 
 short visit pleasant and agreeable. Here we had our first 
 introduction to that amiable and eloquent divine the Rev. 
 Mr, Richey. He was Mr. Lord's colleague in the city. 
 They had just commenced a protracted meeting, and I 
 preached for them in Great St. James Street Chapel. Mr. 
 Lord was opposed to inviting the people forward for prayers. 
 He had not been accustomed to such proceedings ; but when 
 I left the pulpit, and took my stand down among the people, 
 several peisons came to me unasked, and begged me to pray 
 for them, which I did, and God was with us in his convert- 
 ing power. We returned by way of the Lake of the Two 
 
 
 J f' 
 
 \ 
 
 \ 
 t 
 
 I 
 
 I f ■ 
 
 N I 
 
200 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1886. 
 
 Mountains to our quarterly meeting at liachute, spending 
 Friday night with Father Burwash. After the services of 
 the quarterly meeting were over, we remained a few days 
 with our dear friends Brother and Sister Metcalf and their 
 friends at Point Fortune ; and Mr. Metcalf accompanied us 
 home. The ride from Hawksbuiy to the St. Lawrence was 
 exceedingly tedious. A cold, north-westerly wind, attended 
 with a little snow, was blowing obliquely in our faces, and 
 we did not reach our friend Bailey's until sometime after 
 dark. Mrs. Green nearly perished with cold and hunger 
 during this long ridg^ But a lively fire, good supper, plea- 
 sant faces and comfortable beds soon made us forget the 
 toils and sufferings of the day. "Thank God," said my wife, 
 *' for such a family as this;" and Mr. M. and I could cordial] j 
 respond. Amen. On Fi'iday we reached home, glad to find 
 our little boy, his aunt, and all the family well and com- 
 fortable. As I had promised to meet the President in By- 
 town, I took Richmond Quarterly Meeting in my way. 
 Thence to Hull, where wo met Peter White, a lumberman, 
 who came regularly twice a year one hundred miles to enjoy 
 the services of these quarterly feasts. What, a rebuke to 
 hundreds of our people who absent themselves from the 
 Lord's supper when but a few miles off ! 
 
 At our missionary meeting in Bytown, we had a new 
 kind of opposition. After Messrs. Lord, Healy, and I 
 had done our best to plead the cause of missions, we asked 
 the stewards to take up the collection. At this stage of 
 our proceedings, we were surprised to see the Episcopal 
 clergyman, Mr. Burwell, rise and beg the privilege to be 
 heard. We invited him to the platform, but he preferred 
 the pew, where, with a wild appearance, bordering on in- 
 sanity, he began to condemn all our proceedings, and poured 
 forth such a torrent of wild, raving abuse against all bene- 
 Tolent societies, as must have made L:'ving himself ashamed, 
 
T 
 
 1856.] 
 
 ▲K IBVINOITE. 
 
 201 
 
 if he had been there. He told us that all our efforts to con- 
 vert the heathen were vain. The world was growing worse 
 and worse, and would continue in its downward couinse until 
 Christ came and dashed his enemies in pieces as a potter's 
 vessel. That this was the year in which he was to come, 
 and we might expect him daily. Then we would have 
 « new heavens and a new earth." He advised us to keep 
 our money in our pockets, as Christ needed none of our help 
 in this direction. 
 
 This strange mixture of truth and error, like a stream of 
 desolating lava, was poured out upon v for about fifteen 
 minutes ; but when it subsided, I never saw a man snuffed 
 out so easily and completely, in one minute, as he was. Mr. 
 Lord arose and said, *'. Well, Mr. Burwell, we believe in 
 the coming of Christ just as much as you do ; but there is 
 just this difference between us : — We believe that if Christ 
 were to come to-night, he would be well pleased to find us 
 employed in spreading his kingdom among men The col- 
 lectors will, therefore, please take up the collection." Every 
 person present contribifted, save Mr. B. himself. On Sun- 
 day we ordained Daniel Bemey for special work in our 
 mission-held ; and had a long ride on Tuesday to reach our 
 anniversary in Perth that evening. We then rode out to 
 Brock ville and had an excellent anniversary on Wednesday 
 evening. Here I left Mr. and Mrs. Lord, and hastened 
 back, a hundred miles, to my quarterly meeting in Claren- 
 don, Lower Canada, and others in that direction. 
 
 The first week in April, I met the Rev. J. Ryerson in 
 Kingston, where we arranged to open the Academy on the 
 18th of June following. We fixed the fees for board and 
 tuition at the lowest remunerating price. The Rev. M. 
 Richey is appointed Principal, and we arranged for the 
 Rev. C. R. Allison to go up at an early day and prepare for 
 the opening. The prospects are encouraging. 
 *9 
 
 « I 
 
202 
 
 LIFE AHD Tllfn OT AMBON ORBBN, D.D. 
 
 [1888. 
 
 Our last diiitriot meeting met at Elizabethtown wu 
 a time of much harmony. Our net increaBe was 223 ; and 
 the Church funds were improving. RonohitionH highly 
 complimentary to the Presiding Elder were recorded, and 
 we all parted good friends, thankful to our blessed Redeemer 
 for the abounding mercies of another year. 
 
 The all absorbing Church Question stands so inti- 
 mately connected with the political events of the day that I 
 cannot give a correct idea of our position as a Church, with- 
 out giving also a bird's eye view of the events connected 
 therewith, as they occurred. Our principal victories were 
 gained in England. Two very important dispatches were 
 sent us from home ; one in 1832, sent by Lord Ripon, in- 
 timating important changes which our Government should 
 make. This di8i)atch was strangely neglected by our Gov- 
 ernment. But now Lord Glenelg, having dismissed Sir 
 John Colbome, has given Sir F. B. Head, our new Governor, 
 positive instructions to dismiss ministers of religion from 
 the two councils — make the Judges independent of Govern- 
 ment influence — and not allow memlxiers of the Government 
 to influence elections. His Lordship also directed Governor 
 Head to use his influence to have the Reserves question amic- 
 ably settled in this country ; and to bring our claims for aid 
 to the Academy favourably before our Parliament, He 
 thinks it unconstitutional for the Home Government to 
 dispose of the Clergy Reserves question, but seems not quite 
 prepared to give us Responsible Government : still, he has 
 taken a step in that direction by instructing His Excellency 
 to remodel his Executive Council, so that it may be com- 
 posed of three Reformers and three Conservatives. Had 
 these measures been promptly carried out, with honesty and 
 integrity, they would have gone far towards allaying strife 
 and creating confidence. But most unfortunately for our 
 country, in addition to the disregard of Royal Instructioiis, 
 
1836.] 
 
 TUUEK BVKNTfl. 
 
 203 
 
 there toen three evenle which oonnpired to turn baok the 
 wheolH of reform, and keep the country in confusion. First. 
 When 8ir John Colborne and Dr. Htrachan learned that 
 they wore to be dismiHued, like iae unjuHt judge in Hcrip- 
 tural history, they resolved to look out for themselveB and 
 their fnends. Hence, at the last moment, they managed to 
 establisii fifty-seven rectories out of our Clergy lands. This 
 outrage was kept a secret until Sir John was gone, but 
 when this disgraceful act becamie known it created disgust 
 aud uneasiness in every part of the Province. The voice 
 of the country had been so frequently and decidedly given 
 against a State Church that this ill-advised and defiant fkot 
 produced much discontent and alarm. But this stealthy act 
 ar©uBe<l the Scotch Clergy, and they, as well as the Parlia- 
 ment, sent a strong remonstrance to the King, and requested 
 His Majesty to disallow this act of Sir John Colborae. We 
 were glad to see our Scotch friends take this course. They 
 will strengthen us greatly if they take a bold stand. The 
 Parliament has passed an Act removing religious tests from 
 King's College. Thus, one by one, our victories are being 
 gained. All hail to the morning star ! A better day is 
 coming. 
 
 Secondly. The lamentable conflict between the Conference 
 and the Parliament. In our Minutes of 1835, we inserted 
 resolutions on Grovemment Grants. But McKenzie, in his 
 Grievance Report, from a Committee of the House, with an 
 impertinence seldom equalled, and never surpassed, flatly 
 contradicted us ! The House, strangely allowed that con- 
 tradiction to be published, notwithstanding three of our 
 ministers had gone before the Committee and declared that 
 these grants had been made to the British Conference both 
 before and after the union, and not to us ! This arrogance 
 of the House disguuted our people greatly. They believed 
 the Cgnference rather thaji the House ^ and as the same 
 
 I I 
 
S04 
 
 LIFE AND TIKES OF ANSON tiREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1836. 
 
 Assembly had stopped the supplies, the Government took 
 advantage of our conflict and dissolved the Parliament. 
 The temper of the Assembly was greatly changed by the 
 elections ; many good friends, and valuable members, having 
 been blown out of their seats in the storm. 
 
 The third calamitous event consisted in the ill advised act 
 of Sir Francis, in accepting the resignation of his council, 
 at a time when conciliation and not exasperation should 
 have been the order of the day. He had obeyed orders in 
 forming his Council, having appointed three Reformers — 
 J. H. Dunn, Robt. Baldwin, and Dr. John Rolph, — on one 
 side ; and three Conservatives — Peter Robinson, G. H. 
 Markland, and Joseph Wells, on the other side. This 
 change gave much satisfaction. But, alas ! when we began 
 to think all was right, and that we were free from priestly 
 dominion in the Parliament — he, strangely enough, refused 
 to consult his Council, and they all resigned ! As this was 
 the first time that a ^ileformer had been appointed to the 
 Executive Council, the House took up warmly for the 
 retiring Committee, and requested the King to recall Sir 
 Francis. 
 
 The Conference of 1836 met in Belleville on the 8th 
 of June. An increase of 988 members was reported. At 
 this Conference we organized a Contingent Fund, to aid 
 weak circuits, by which we strengthened the Superannua- 
 tion Fund, which had formerly embraced both objects. 
 This fund was oreater! and supported by what was called the 
 fifth coUeotior. In primitive times we had but five public 
 collections in the year ; four at our quarterly meetings to 
 aid the circuit stewaras in paying their ministers ; and a 
 fifth to pay superannuated ministers, widows, and orphans. 
 Hereafter we are to take up two collections in all congre- 
 gations for the Contingent Fund alone, and will apply per- 
 ■(mftll^ ii^ the Glioses for fm^ds to support Qur supenw* 
 
1836.] 
 
 CONTINGENT FUND. 
 
 205 
 
 niiated men, first giving four dollurs each ourselves. We 
 have adopted an address to the King, and another to the 
 Grovernor, urging that the Clergy Keserves question should 
 be settled at an early date. From the latter we received 
 an insulting reply, such as no statesman would think of 
 Bending to the most humble individual. Verily, he had 
 his reward. This Conference closed on Monday, and was 
 the shortest ever held by us. Mr. Lord is a good business 
 man ; but we expect he will soon leave us. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE BAY OP QUINTE DISTRICT. 
 
 |T is a little singular that my second circuit was the 
 one from which I was sent out to travel, and now 
 my second district brings me back to the same groir I. 
 My first business on my new district was The Opening of 
 THE Academy. On the 18th of June multitudes of people 
 gathered in Cobourg to witness the ceremony connected 
 with this long-looked for and anxiously-desired event. We 
 first resolved on establishing this institution in 1830 ; and 
 on the 7th of June, 1832, Dr. Gilchrist, of Colborne, laid 
 the corner-stone, since which the work has moved on 
 slowly to its completion. We met at the Church for pre- 
 paratory services, when the Rev. Joseph Stinson preached 
 an appropriate sermon from Proverbs 19 : 2. A procession 
 was then formed in the following order : 1. The architect 
 and builder. 2. The Building Committee. 3. Mr. Stin- 
 son and myself, followed by a large number of ministers. 
 4. The Principal, supported by Messrs. Case and White- 
 head. 5. The students. 6. The spectators. As we 
 entered the grounds the architect, at the head of the com- 
 mittee, handed me the keys of the building. I then led the 
 way to the chapel which was soon filled to repletion. On 
 the platform were the clergjjr, the Board, and the committee, 
 
 '^rf. 
 
r :J 
 
 1836.] 
 
 OPENING OF THE AOADBMT. 
 
 207 
 
 I 
 
 After prayers, Mr. Case led the Principal, Mr. Richey, to 
 the desk, clad in his academic robes. As chairman of the 
 district, and in the absence of the President of Conference, 
 it devolved on me to make the first speech' in the building. 
 At the close of my remarks I delivered the keys of office to 
 the Principal, who then delivered an admirable and eloquent 
 inaugural address. The Board of Management having 
 appointed me Treasurer, strongly urged me to reside in 
 Cobourg, which I consented to do, though it was far from 
 the centre of my work. Indeed, such an arrangement 
 appeared very necessary ; for in the financial crisis of our 
 operations it was quite clear that nothing but great activity, 
 vigilant oversight, and strict economy, could carry us 
 through. To me this was a day of great anxiety, requiring 
 strong faith, untiring zeal, and much prayer. I had no 
 books from the former Treasurer to guide me ; and the 
 workmen were clamouring for their pay ! A debt of more 
 than $16,000, and an empty treasury ! Rooms without 
 furniture, and students pressing for accommodation. But 
 Mr. Case took some of my appointments, while I went to 
 Kingston for bank discounts, and to Niagara and Lyon's 
 Creek for furniture. 
 
 I commenced my quarterly visitation of the circuits at 
 Belleville, where Bro. Wilkinson and our friends are 
 bitterly opposed by seceders. But such men as Flint, 
 Yeomans, Canniff, Meacham, Boss, and others, stand firm 
 as a rock in the old ranks, and the Lord of Hosts leads 
 them on to victory. In Hamilton two law -suits have been 
 tried to obtain possession of our church edifices ; but in 
 both cases the Church has triumphed over faction. 
 
 August 5th. — Quarterly meeting at Cobourg ; and on 
 the 13th I had the pleasure of dedicating a new Church in 
 Port Hope. What a marvellous change since I preached 
 hore to six hearers! Now we have a neat little church, 
 
 U. 
 
 I 
 
808 
 
 LirB AND TIMES Of ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1836. 
 
 well filled, and our morning collection amounted to $53, 
 the largest ever taken in these parts. 
 
 Hallowell, August 5th and 6th. — It is refreshing to meet 
 my dear friends on this circuit, where, twelve years ago, I 
 took my horse and started out as an itinerant preacher. 
 
 August 25th we commenced a productive camp-meeting 
 on the old Bay Circuit. This circuit, like the Hallowell, is 
 large and unwieldly. Our faithful brothers. Black and 
 Young, are working hard, a,nd are looking for better times. 
 They travel through several townships, and have 590 mem- 
 bers in their classes. 
 
 At Waterloo circuit, September 2nd and 3rd. — We have 
 a large stone Church here, well filled, but unfortunately the 
 new party claim it, and it is now the subject of litigation. 
 
 Kingston, September 10th. — Preached twice, and had a 
 good lovefeast. Bros. Stinson and Manly are gathering 
 large congregations in this town. 
 
 Belleville, September 24th and 25th. — Preached three 
 times under dark clouds. 
 
 Sidney, October Ist and 2nd. — My old friend, W. H. 
 Williams, has hard times here. 
 
 Peterboro*, October 8th and 9th. — Our meeting was at 
 Gardner's Church, in Cavan. This country is wonderfully 
 improved since I travelled here twelve years ago. Then it 
 was little better than a dense wilderness ; now rich farms 
 appear in every direction, and, in some instances, the old 
 log-houses have given place to more comfortable dwellings. 
 In this vicinity we have a church erected, where hundreds 
 hear the word of God. But we have calls from settlements 
 still further in the interior, and we must arrange to respond 
 to them with the bread of life;, for this is our calling and 
 our glory. The new settlements of our country are the 
 hope of the Church. These fields are rugged now, and 
 ©yen repulsive to some labourers ; but our children will reap 
 
1836.] 
 
 DEDICATION OF THE CABBYINQ PLACE. 
 
 209 
 
 a ricli harvest from the seed which we are scattering. 
 Labourers must be thrust out into these hedges and ditches, 
 these moral desolations, until primeval forests become vocal 
 with songs of praise. The yearnings of soul for gospel food, 
 manifested by those who have energy and courage enough 
 to settle in these lonely regions, are enough to move the 
 stoutest hearts. They deserve well of our country ; and 
 while I have charge of a district I have fully resolved to do 
 my utmost to arrange for their spiritual ediUcation and 
 comfort. 
 
 I have now been through my new district, and I like it 
 much. It is memorable ground in the church's history. 
 It embraces the field where our father's planted the first 
 societies, erected the first churches, and achieved those god- 
 like victories which evinced their apostolic origin. The 
 aged brethren are never weary in telling of those primitive 
 times, and I am never tired listening to their simple, but 
 heart-stirring tales. This district is not as large as the 
 Augusta; and could I live in its centre, instead of at 
 Cobourg, and be free from the cares and responsibilities of 
 the Academy, I should find the work much lighter. The 
 roads are greatly improved since I laboured here before, 
 and I can ride to each circuit in my gig. 
 
 Dedication at the Carrying Place. — On the 16th of 
 October I had the pleasure of opening our new church here, 
 where it was much needed. Brother Biggar and his family 
 are now in their glory. They, and our other friends here, 
 have been looking and praying for this day with much 
 anxiety, and now they hail it with inexpressible delight. 
 In the house of Bro. Biggar, I always have home feelings. 
 The parents have a peculiar faculty of making one feel quite 
 comfortable with them ; and their children, growing up 
 around them like olive branches, are following their godly 
 example. 
 
210 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1837. 
 
 A NEW Sect, called Irvinoites, has recently made its 
 appearance in our midst, which, for opposition to all 
 churches and church institutions, seems to match even the 
 Plymouth brethren themselves. Irving was recently 
 expelled from the Scotch Church, in London, England, for 
 heresy. He says, if reports are true, that Christ came in 
 sinful flesh, like our own, with all its lusts, appetites, and 
 passions, which He subdued and crucified ; and when we 
 crucify ours, we become as perfect as He was ; that the 
 miraculous gifts continue in the Church as of old, and only 
 require faith to bring them into exercise. His people pro- 
 fess to speak with tongues ; have angels, bishops, elders, (fee. 
 The present state of things is to terminate this year (1836), 
 and Christ will come and commence his personal reign in 
 Jerusalem as universal King ! A man, by the name of 
 Caird, is storming fearfully in Toronto, and some of our 
 brethren, whom we considered good Churchmen, have 
 strangely been led away by him. They as firmly believe 
 that Christ will come this year as I believe they are 
 mistaken. 
 
 New Year's Day, 1837. — I commenced this year in 
 Belleville, where our minister and people deserve all 'the 
 sympathy and all the help we can give them. The past 
 year has been one of much anxiety to me in many respects. 
 Our country stands on slippery places, while our Church is 
 passing through deep waters. What will be the proximate 
 result of ou'- political strife and Church divisions we know 
 not; but to the ultimate results we may look with conti- 
 dence. The walls of Jerusalem were built in " troublous 
 times," and whatever may be the opposing elements which 
 agitate us now, I have a firm conviction that the spiritual 
 walls of our Zion are daily rising in power and increasing 
 in strength. The foundations of sundry institutions, well 
 calculated to ijnpart stability, as well as growth to ,iie 
 
1837.] 
 
 GOOD NEWS. 
 
 211 
 
 Church, are being laid firmly, for which future generations 
 will call UB blessed. Strife and division are doing their 
 dark and destructiye work now, but " to the upright there 
 ariseth light in the darkness." 
 
 January 1 5th. — Dedicated a small church in Cramahe, a 
 little east of Colbome. Our quarterly meeting here was a 
 time of refreshing. We held our district meeting at 
 Cobourg on the 31st of May, and were assisted by our new 
 President, Rev. Wm. M. Harvard. The brethren report a 
 small increase in our members, congregations, and funds. 
 All things considered, this is most encouraging. The failure 
 of crops the past year has pressed heavily upon our brethren, 
 and upon our Church funds. Still, we have held our own, 
 and we are thankful. 
 
 June the 6th. — This day the Board of the Academy met 
 and organized under the Royal Charter, with which His 
 Majesty has kindly favoured us. Our public examination 
 was very satisfactory. All parties seemed pleased, and we 
 are much encouraged. We have one hundred and twenty 
 students, eighty of whom are boarders in the buildings. 
 Mr. Townly and I applied to Dickinson College for a degree 
 for our Principal, and now we have the pleasure of writing 
 M.A. after his name. 
 
 June the 12th. — A Glorious Triumph. — This day the 
 Rev. Egerton Ryerson returned from England and conveyed 
 to me the pleasing intelligence that, on learning the failure 
 of the Bill in the Canadian Council, granting .£4,100 to our 
 Academy, he applied to Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary, 
 to grant us that amount out of the Casual and Territorial 
 Revenue, which had not been surrendered to our Parliament ; 
 and he had the pleasure, the day on which he left for home, 
 to receive a letter from that liberal statesman, saying, that he 
 had instructed Grovemor Head to advance us that amount 
 at once. This is " good news from a far country," and it 
 
i2 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANBON OREEN, O.D. 
 
 [1837. 
 
 comes at an opportune moment. If Sir Francis obeys these 
 instructions we shall soon be out of debt. It is due to 
 Chief Justice Robinson to say that he did what he could to 
 get our Bill passed in the Upper House ; but bigotry 
 triumphed over justice, and it failed ! We need not regret 
 it now, as we obtain justice from a higher source, and are 
 under no obligation to the bigots in Toronto, who have 
 always opposed us. The Rev. Mr. Ryerson's integrity and 
 ability in gaining* this victory will long be remembered by 
 us. His indomitable energy has done us good service on 
 many occasions ; but this timely act, just on the eve of his 
 leaving England, is above all praise. It is good to have a 
 friend at Court in London, when we have so many opposers 
 in Toronto. 
 
 The Conference of 1837 commenced on the 14th of 
 June, in Toronto. The Rev. W. M. Harvard in the chair. 
 Mr. Ryerson got a large vote for Secretary, and we were 
 delighted to see him in his place again. We mourn over a 
 decrease of members ; but society, both in a civil and reli- 
 gious point of view, is in a state of unrest. What is before 
 Ufcj we know not. We have arranged for a manual labour 
 school at Alnwick, which the Board of the Academy is to 
 bring into activity as soon as possible. 
 
 We had a most joyous Friday evening meeting at the 
 reception of young men for our ministry. It fell to my lot 
 to move their receptions, and never did I feel more of the j 
 divine presence, or have a more joyous view of the grand j 
 work before us, than while dwelling upon our divine call to 
 the work of the ministry. My whole frame shook witbl 
 emotion, while the Spirit of God moved my brethren to tears. 
 Rev. W. Ryerson followed in one of his matchless speeches) j 
 and the entire assembly seemed to be carried up in heavenly 
 eostacies. These services were new in Toronto, and much] 
 enjoyed by our people. We are indebted to our Engv 
 
PMmmmmmm* 
 
 1837.] 
 
 DEATH OF THE KlNQ. 
 
 213 
 
 lish brethren for their introduction amongst us j but they 
 proved just the kind of services for the times, and presented 
 features in charming contrast with the church divisions, 
 political commotions, and spiritual defections of the day. 
 By this resolution, seven candidates were received into full 
 connexion with the Conference, preparatory to ordination. 
 
 The Church question occupied the Conference for some 
 time, and the resolutions passed will show that we abate none 
 of our ardour to secure equal rights and privileges for all 
 churches in the land. A recent convention of the Kirk put 
 in for a share of the Clergy Reserves, thinking they had as 
 good a right to a portion as the Church of England. But 
 the demands of both these bodies contrasts badly with the 
 broad principles of equal justice proclaimed by the Confer- 
 ence. We have the Parliament and people of the country 
 mostly with us, and though the struggle may be a long 
 one and the battle fierce, yet liberty is worth toiling for, 
 and the issue is not doubtful. 
 
 Death of the King, William IVth. — This old sailor 
 King will long be remembered by the Methodist Church. 
 One of his first acts, after coming to the thi'one, was to give 
 his Royal sanction to our Marriage Bill ; and one of his last 
 acts was to direct our Governor to do justice to our Academy 
 by paying over the amount voted to it by our Commons. 
 All honour to his memory ! His Majesty requested his 
 physicians to " tinker up his body " until Waterloo day had 
 passed (the 18th of June), and he lived just twenty-six hours 
 and a half after that great national day had been duly hon- 
 oured. William IV. died on the 20th of June, and imme- 
 diately, YOUNG Victoria — eighteen years old — was proclaimed 
 Queen of England. She entered upon her very onerous 
 duties with much self-possession and promise of usefulness. 
 God bless the Qiieen ! 
 
 OuB Camp-meeting on the Hallowell Circuit, wae a timo 
 
 ■I 
 i' 
 
214 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1837. 
 
 of earnest toil, and attended with happy results. It was held 
 near the East Lake, where our societies needed such services. 
 I had the happiness to meet many interesting young people 
 who used to stand by my side to recite their catechisms when 
 they were children, and before we had Sunday-schools to do 
 that work — I had entirely forgotten them ; but they remem- 
 bered me well, and their eyes sparkled with delight as I 
 seated them by my side, and heard many a pleasing tale of 
 former times, when I used to go from house to house, to in- 
 struct them. There is no way in which we can so effectually 
 endear the children to us, and attach them to the Church, as 
 by talking with them, instructing them, and getting into 
 their affections when they are young. They revived in my 
 memory many pleasing scenes which I had entirely forgotten. 
 
 Rebellion Extraordinary. — On the 6th of December, 
 that impulsive man, W. L. McKenzie, Esq., M.P.P., levied 
 war against our Government, and appeared on Yonge Street, 
 four miles out of Toronto, at the head of an armed force, to 
 press his opinions upon the people by the knock-down argu- 
 ment of powder and ball ! And his friend, Mr. Papineau, in 
 Lower Canada, is calling his French followers to arms, at St 
 Dennis, on the River Richelieu 1 
 
 That the people of Upper Canada have grievances to 
 redress, no one wJio reflects, can for a moment doubt. But 
 one after another these grievances are being removed in a 
 constitutional way, and only for a few hot heads, on both 
 sides, our country would now be at rest. To appeal to arms 
 under these circumstances is folly and madness. It is true 
 that much patience, humility, and grace are necessary to sub- 
 mit quietly to be deprived of our rights, and snubbed and 
 tyrannized over by a few selfish men ; but rebellion is the 
 last thing to be thought of ; and especially when we have the 
 House of Assembly with us, and the Home Government on 
 our side. Several things in addition to those mentioned on 
 
^w 
 
 1837.] 
 
 THE BEBELLIOK. 
 
 315 
 
 |)age 203, have gradually lead to this unpledjsant criBis ; and 
 for which both parties are more or less responsible. For in- 
 stauce, a small party have monopolized all offices of emolu- 
 ment and influence, while men quite as capable as themselves 
 have been carefully excluded and shamefully neglected. By 
 this means, the affections of many of Her Majesty's subjects 
 have been alienated from the oligarchy that governs in 
 Toronto. And even when the Home Government advised 
 and directed a wiser and more conciliatory course, interested 
 parties so managed to manipulate matters, as to render these 
 wise counsels and patriotic directions null and void ! Secondly. 
 The wild, unwise, and persistent course adopted to impose an 
 Established Church upon the Province, endowed with one- 
 seventh of our public lands, and which was to control the 
 educational institutions of the country — when it was well- 
 bown that nineteen-twentieths of the people were strongly 
 opposed to a dominant Church, — had cr«|ited a wide-spread 
 uneasiness ; an uneasiness which had been worked up to dis- 
 gust, and in some instances to absolute madness, by the 
 reckless, covert, and defiant act of setting apart fifty-seven 
 Re-^ ories ! Thirdly. McKenzie, the able but versatile editor 
 of the Colonial Advocate, by his impertinent and foolish 
 attacks upon the Conference, had so disgraced himself, and 
 giieved our people, that he was left with a mere fragment of 
 his former allies in Parliament. Thus mortified and stung 
 to the quick by the result of his own arrogant folly, he was 
 reduced to desperation and ready for any possible outrage. 
 Fourthly. Another element of weakness and strife, and one 
 which gave the rebels more hope than any other, was found 
 1 the weakness and vanity of our Lieutenant-Governor, Sir 
 F. B. Head. He had been sent out as a Liberal, and with 
 liberal instructions, which gave mucL satisfaction to the coun- 
 try ; but he soon yielded to the merciless grasp of the Family 
 Compact, turned his back upon the liome Government, di»- 
 
 * .1 
 
216 
 
 LIFE AKD Tims OP ANSOW OREIN, D.D. [1838. 
 
 1 
 i 
 
 regarded the wise instructions he had received, and j)rove(i 
 himself incapable of exercising the gubernatorial i)owerH 
 assigned him ! He had treatetl his coalition Oouiirij, [jx 
 whom both ])arties had confidence, with marked contempt • 
 had returned an insulting answer to an address of the (Con- 
 ference urging the settlement of the clergy lands question • 
 and then, after paying one-half of the amount which the King 
 ordered him to pay to our Academy, had sought, by strange 
 quibbles, to d prive us of the balance !* , 
 
 January 13th, 1837. — The census of Cobourg has just 
 been taken, sljowing a population of 1653 souls. A small 
 afiair, surely, but the Academy has enlarged the town con- 
 siderably already, and it is still attracting people here. My 
 appointment for the 14th was at Peterborough ; and I waa 
 surprised to find a thrifty town, with all the appliances of a 
 city in minature, — churches, schools, stores, and mechanics 
 where I saw nothing but trees and mud-holes, with a rude 
 
 *When I, as Treaaurer, applied for a warrant for the balance, he 
 aaaured me he would give it as soon as there were fands. When 
 the Receiver-General authorized me to say he had plenty of funds, 
 he said he must have it in writing. When I handed him the Re- 
 ceiver-General's written assurance that he had funds to pay ua and 
 all other demands upon him, he told me he must conBult hig 
 Attorney-General, and if he said all was right he would pay it over ; 
 but when that officer assured him that all was right, he then in- 
 formed me that he would have to consult his Parliament before he 
 could give me the warrant. I then went to the Parliament HouRe, 
 and found the members, on both sides, prepared to say it should be 
 paid at the earliest possible moment, and they immediately passed 
 a resolution to that effect. His best friends in the House were most 
 prompt in the matter, being exceedingly mortified at this shameful 
 proceeding. Having reached this point, I left for home at Cobourg, 
 resolved I would never see his face again on that subject. But the 
 money came. Fortunately for Canada, at the request of Parliament, 
 he was soon relieved from further gubernatorial responsibihty, and 
 oalled home. 
 
1838.] 
 
 REVIVAL IN COBOURO. 
 
 217 
 
 Indian path, when I was here twelve years ago. Our meet- 
 inj^ wiiH iieavenly. The '* Master of as-semblioH " canie to our 
 aid with his great power, and led our 8ei*vice8 for us. Mr. 
 Oleghorn, with his excellent choir, occupied the front seat in 
 the gallery, and as soon as I had finished the morning ber- 
 vice he arose and sang : — 
 
 " Zioa awake, swako from thy ladnesa, 
 Awake, for thy foos^hall oppress thee no more I" 
 
 Tlie effect was rapturous. The entire congregation rose to 
 their feet, joined in the music, and tilled Good's house with 
 sounding praise. Messre. Poole and Manly had been kind- 
 ling fires at their different a])pointments, which, meeting here, 
 produced a generous flame. 
 
 March 23rd. — This day Sir George Arthur was sworn in 
 Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada ; and Sir F. B. Head, 
 after demonstrating his inability to govern, and striving to 
 injure our missions and ruin our Academy, has, fortunately, 
 been dismissed. The Earl of Durham, we rejoice to learn, 
 is appointed Governor-General, and Lord High Commis- 
 sioner to inquire into the causes of our troubles, and, if 
 possible, apply the needed remedy. Great good must result 
 from the talents of such a statesman, employed in such a 
 cause. 
 
 But while fierce storms are rocking the car of State, 
 showers of blessing are richly falling upon the Church of 
 God. Our faithful ministers, Messrs. Carroll and Douse, 
 have been labouring and praying for a revival in Cobourg, 
 and they have not laboured in vain. At our quarterly meet- 
 ing the spirit of awakening descended upon the people in its 
 convincing and quickening influences, and two souls were 
 hopefully brought to God. Evening after evening the good 
 work was carried on until multitudes were induced to seek 
 
 the Lord. The Academy shared largely in the blessing until 
 10 
 
I 
 
 I ! I i 
 
 218 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON O&EEN, D.D. [1838. 
 
 all its board .^i-s, but six, found peace in believing. Port 
 Hope caught xiie flame., and our President came to our help 
 there, ard aided us much. In these days of rebellion and 
 war, such hallowed influences are much needed. Never 
 were the dews of Hermon more refreshing to the mountains 
 of Zion, than is this revival to God's people. 
 
 A CoNFL/C'i.' WITH AN Arian. — One evening as I was walk- 
 ing up Main Street, near my residence in Cobouig, I heard 
 a voice from a vn-cant shop, li|^e that of a preacher. On 
 entering into the front-room, I heard a man in a back-rcom 
 preaching with great vehemence against the divinity of our 
 Saviour ; and ridiculing, in a shameful and most painful 
 manner, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity ! I remained near 
 the middle door, listening to his imscriptural doctrine, until 
 my righteous soul was vexed within me. When he had 
 finished, he proceeded, in the most pompous manner, to chal- 
 lenge any one to refute the doctrine he had put forth. 
 After waiting a little for others, I stepped in, feeling that 
 such errors should not be palmed ofi" upon the people, un- 
 challenged and unrebuked. Not aware that our town was 
 visited with such doctrines, I was not willing they should 
 take root among the people from my neglect to sound the 
 alarm ; and therefore I defended my Master against the in- 
 dignity ofiered Him. The preacher soon bt^^ame uneasy ; but 
 when I showed that the interpretation which he had given 
 to certain passages of scripture was strangely incorrect, and 
 contrary to God's own words, he became wrathy and boister- 
 ous, insisting that I should speak no longer. I calmly 
 replied that I was doing precisely what he invited* me to do; 
 and if he was willing to hear the truth, he must sit still, as 
 I had done to hear his errors ; that he need not fancy he 
 could confuse me by his interruptions, for I was calm aa 
 a summer's evening. He then resumed his seat. But soon 
 hOy and two or three others arose, and, with earnestness, 
 
 1838.J 
 
 declared 
 
 half-doz€ 
 
 was trea 
 
 know th 
 
 my rema 
 
 Btruction 
 
 Protec 
 
 that a Me 
 
 On two o< 
 
 Once, whe 
 
 Bay, dark 
 
 dashing oj 
 
 only charj 
 
 ruddy in t. 
 
 "In the I 
 
 the sky is ] 
 
 I drove ver 
 the house 
 about twen 
 less firey 
 horse, seeing 
 rolling und( 
 nearly to t}j 
 second later 
 a moment, 
 easily haste: 
 control the 
 ^hen my 
 towards Mr. 
 
1838.J 
 
 PROTECTION IN DANGER. 
 
 219 
 
 declared that I^should be heard no longer. Immediately a 
 half-dozen men, all strangers to me, ai-ose and insisted that I 
 was treating the subject fairly ; that they were anxious to 
 know the truth, and I should be heard. When I finished 
 my remarks several came and thanked me for the timely in- 
 struction I had given them. 
 
 Protection in Danger. — Dr. Clarke has somewhere said 
 that a Methodist Preacher is immortal until his work is done. 
 On two occasions I was recently reminded of this remark : — 
 Once, when riding from Picton to Mr. Cameron's, at Pleasant 
 Bay, dark clouds appeared in the north-west and they came 
 dashing on with such rapidity that I imagined they were 
 only charged with wind, but recollecting that the sky was 
 ruddy in the morning, and that Christ had said (Matt. 16:3) 
 " In the morning ye say it will be foul weather to-day, for 
 the sky is red and lowering." And also this old adage — 
 
 *• Evening red and morning gray 
 Will send the traveller on his way ; 
 But evening gray and morning red 
 Will bring down rain upon his head." 
 
 I drove very fast less I might get wet. When in sight of 
 the house there came down a ball of fire on the hard road 
 about twenty feet before my horse, which broke into count- 
 less firey particles and rolled off in every direction. My 
 horse, seeing the road full of fire before him, and balls of fire 
 rolling under us and all around us, stopped so suddenly as 
 nearly to throw me from my gig. Had this bolt come one 
 second later, I would surely have changed mortality for life in 
 a moment. But my work was not done and our God can as 
 easily hasten or hold back the forked lightning as he can 
 control th(} tempest or calm the sea. On another occasion 
 when my wife and I were riding in a covered carriage 
 towards Mr. Biggar's, on the Carrying Place, the heavens 
 
 J 
 
220 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANfiON QBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1838. 
 
 presented a similar appearance. Dashing clouds were seen 
 careering before us as if every species thereof, cumulvs, cirrus^ 
 and stratus, had combind in fearful revelry, for destruction 
 and death. Our friends seeing us coming, threw open their 
 gate, but as we drove in, a fearful blast brought the roof of 
 the barn dashing against their house and shed. Buildings 
 were unroofed, and boards and shingles were flying around us 
 like birds in the air. Fences were blown down, and rails 
 were pitched end over end in diflferent directions, while a 
 wide swath of a contiguous forest was leveled like grass be- 
 fore the scythe ! Some of us were much frightened, but none 
 injured ; for the Lord is our refuge, " a present help in time 
 of trouble." Had we been one minute later, or had the gate 
 not been opened for us, it is impossible to say whither we 
 would have been blown. Simooms may darken the heavens, 
 and tempests hurl destruction around us, but not a hair of 
 our heads can fall without divine permission. 
 
 We held our District Meeting at Switzer's Church, where 
 a society was established by Losee in 1791, and where our 
 church was organised in 1828. The people in this place have 
 always been loyal to the Church. The excellent of the earth 
 are here, and such names as Detlar, Switzer, Madden, Shorey, 
 Miller, Clarke, Empey, and Pearsey, are household words 
 throughout the Province. Cobourg reported an increase of 
 226, but the entire district can only report 151. Faction in 
 the Church and rebellion in the State have been most injuri- 
 ous to purity and prosperity. 
 
 Our Conference in Kingston was a time of excitement. The 
 President having published letters in the Guardian, which 
 created much uneasiness among some of our people, we had 
 a long conversation on the subject, and upon the state of the 
 Church generally. 
 
 With one voice we have expressed our loyalty to our 
 youthful Queen, who was crowned on the 18th June; our 
 
1838.] 
 
 HISTOBT OF THE CLBROT RESERVES. 
 
 221 
 
 desire for the suppression of rebellion, the repulsion of inra- 
 sion, and the restoration of peace and quiet to our distracted 
 country. Some of the elemeu's of strife have disappeared 
 from amongst us : — Sir Francis has been recalled, McKenzie 
 is an exile, and no clergyman is now in our Executive Coun- 
 cil. Still, a Clerical Agent has been sent home, who is now 
 trying his strength upon the House of Lords on behalf of a 
 dominant church in Canada ! I had hoped that the elements 
 of discord, disaffection, and strife, which have been gendered 
 by the grasping pretensions and arrogant claims of a few, 
 would be held in abeyance, if not entirely abandoned, dur- 
 ing these days of rebellion and war ; but the friends of a 
 National Church seem to have taken leave of their patriot- 
 ism and loyalty, as well as of their discretion. They might 
 have waited until rebellion was put down and its abetters 
 punished. But what is our country's peace or safety to men 
 who have declared in their memorial that they hold this 
 public support dearer than life 1 The conduct of the Wesley- 
 ans presents a beautiful contrast to these wild and selfish 
 efforts. Seeing the excited state of our country, and being 
 anxious, if possible, to get this cause of strife and contention 
 out of the way, before the muttering storai burst upon us, a 
 large committee of our ministers and people met in Toronto 
 last November, and consented to a division of the Reserves 
 among the Protestant Churches ; but declaring, at the same 
 time that any portion that might come to us should be devoted 
 — not to the support of the clergy — but strictly to educational 
 purposes. The Rebellion, "however, soon broke out, and there 
 was no time to test this proposition. If our opponents would 
 but open their eyes they could easily see that their utmost 
 efforts to foist an Established Church upon this country, even 
 with all the assistance which Mr. B. may invoke from the 
 Bench of Bishops, must prove fruitless. A brief sketch of the 
 history of this question ought to convince them that at least 
 
22) 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QRIBN, D.D. 
 
 [1838. 
 
 nine-tenths of the people of the Province are firmly opposed 
 to their wishes. Let us see. Up to 1819, the Reserves were 
 in possession of no church, but in the hands of Government. 
 At this date the Bishop of Quebec got his clergy consti- 
 tuted a Corporation to manage them. In 1824, Dr. Strachan 
 went to England to get authority to sell 100,000 acres annually; 
 but failed. In 1826 he visited England again, wishing also 
 to get the control of Education, and have some school 
 lands devoted to the interests of his own Church ! Our 
 House of Assembly then took the alarm, and passed the 
 following resolutions: " Resolved, that a comparatively small 
 proportion of the people of Upper Canada are members of 
 the Church of England, and therefore ought not, in justice, to 
 desire the sole enjoyment, by their clergy, of all advan- 
 tages which these lands present, to tht exclusion of their 
 fellow-subjects, equally loyal." Carried, 31 to 2. It also 
 " Resolved, that the members of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the Province bears a very small proportion to the 
 members of other churches." Carried, 30 to 3. In 1828 
 they asked, by a majority of 22 to 6, that the proceeds of the 
 Reserves be placed at the disposal of the Legislature for Educar 
 tional and general improvement." In 1829, a similar resolu- 
 tion passed, and in 1830 the House again passed it unani- 
 mously. The Christian Gttardian was then in the field, 
 doing good service to the cause of freedom. In 1831 we 
 joined the people in petitions to the King, and to our House 
 of Assembly, on the subject, when the latter, faithful to its 
 fixed principles, affii-med them again by 29 to 7. In 1832, 
 the British Government, in response to the Memorial of our 
 Conference and other parties, rej)orted as follows : " It has 
 therefore been with peculiar satisfaction that, in the result of 
 his enquiries into this subject. His Majesty has found that 
 the change sought for by so large a portion of the inhabitants 
 pf this IVovince, may be carried into effect without sftcrificing 
 
1838.] 
 
 TOTES ON THE RESERVES. 
 
 83S 
 
 the just claims of the Established Churches of England and 
 Scotland." This dispatch, in all justice and fairness, ought 
 to have led our Government to settle this exciting question j 
 but, alas ! bigotry had so blinded their eyes that they could 
 see nothing but clerical power, and would hear nothing, from 
 Kmg or people, against it ! In 1833, the House affirmed 
 the resolutions of 1832, by 30 to 7. In 1834 it passed a 
 Bill, by 22 to 12, to sell the Reserves for Educational pur- 
 poses. And in the new House of 1835 a similar Bill passed 
 by 29 to 7. And again ua 1836 by 30 to 5. While an 
 amendment to refer the settlement to the British Parliament 
 was lost by 43 to 4. But strange to say, in the face of these 
 instructions and decisions, 67 rectories were created in a sly 
 and covert manner ! The Conference sent a protest to the 
 Home Government against this disgraceful act ; and the 
 Colonial Secretary pronounced it illegal. Hitherto the 
 Scotch clergy had given their influence to our opposers ; but 
 Sir John and his clerical director had given them no reo- 
 tories, and they began to feel that ours was the course of 
 safety, and they too sent home their remonstrance and joined 
 us in the conflict. These thrilling events, thus briefly 
 grouped together, demonstrate the fearful responsibility in- 
 curred by those who, by their blind cupidity Mid boundless 
 thirst for power, persisted in their unreasonable and selfish 
 demands ; while the Conference, steady to its purpose, did its 
 utmost to secure equal rights to all, and thus retain this noble 
 Province, the brightest gem in Victoria's Crown, where all 
 might worship God in the light of an open Bible, and on 
 equal grounds, without oppression and without prelatical 
 dictation. In this way we hoped, by divine aid, to assist our 
 fellow-subjects in handing down to posterity the invaluable 
 boon of civil and religious liberty. I have deemed it right to 
 group these proceedings together here, though some of then) 
 have been mentioned before, 
 
 '^% 
 
 
224 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [1838. 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 A Brigantine Invasion. — For some time past, McKenzie, 
 Thellar, and other refugees, have been stining up the baser 
 sort, on the other side of the line, to invade Canada ; and on 
 the 1 2th November, 400 silly, misled dupes were towed down 
 the St. Lawrence to a stone windmill, opposite Ogdensburg. 
 Here they were attacked by our soldiers, when some were 
 killed, some ran away, and 162 were taken prisoners and 
 conveyed to Fort Henry for courtmartial. Captain Beach, a 
 momber of the court, desired me to go and preach to 
 those miserable captives; which I did, taking for my text 
 these words — " Turn ye to the strongholds, ye prisoners of 
 hope." I never preached to a more attentive and solemn 
 assembly ; still there were two God-forsaken looking men who 
 lay upon the floor regardless of what I was saying ! (These 
 were afterwards condenmed and executed.) Several had been 
 hung before I reached Kingston. Sylvanus Sweet and Joel 
 Peeler had been sentenced. These I visited in their gloomy 
 cells. They were deeply penitent and fervent in prayer. 
 Sweet had been brought up a Baptist, and consequently had 
 not been baptized : but when he obtained pardon he desired 
 me to baptize him by sprinkling, thinking himself happy in 
 having fallen into such hands, as his own minister neither 
 would not could immerse him in his dismal cell. I was with 
 them on Saturday morning before daybreak, rode with them 
 to the gallows, commended them to God in prayer, and then 
 advised them to put their hands in their breeches pockets and 
 stand erect on the dreadful drop. They died without a strug- 
 gle. Woodruff, who had been accompanied by a priest, 
 crouched so low as to nearly straighten his rope, and hence he 
 hung dangling and struggling for nearly twenty minutes be- 
 fore death came to his relief ! I spent the week with these 
 disconsolate boys, and was pleased to learn from Mr. Draper, 
 the Judge Advocate, that but few others would expiate their 
 guilt on the gallows. I then left for my meeting in Wilton, 
 
■"if'^T 
 
 ■ 
 
 1839.] 
 
 FOX ON WESLEY. 
 
 226 
 
 for scenes more agreeable to my sympathetic nature than the 
 gloom of the cell or the terrors of the gallows. Here I met 
 a shrewd Frenchman, who professed to have been in the bat- 
 tle of St. Dennis, Lower Canada. After he had given us his 
 description of the battle; I asked him how he felt when the 
 balls began to whistle around him. " How I felt!" said he, 
 " why, I felt as though I expected the next minute to see my 
 eyes lying on the fence !" Rather an unusual place for a man 
 to see his own eyes. 
 
 January, 1839. — The New Year has come, and at its birth 
 a year of unparalleled anxiety, strife, and confusion has passed 
 away. The present is the Centenary Year of Methodi8m, 
 and we hope to celebrate it in a way pleasing to God and use- 
 ful to his Church. Methodism is a power in the land for 
 good, and its influence is being felt in every part of the coun- 
 try. It is a tree bearing precious fruit, and the peraecutions 
 we suffer from our oppressors only sends its roots down deeper 
 and firmer in the public heart. Fox, that great Statesman, 
 was right when he said — " The first circumstance which ope- 
 rated towards the amelioration of the poor of England was 
 the rise of Methodism. This was a heart-stirring influence, 
 and whatever flaws severe critics may find in the supposed 
 errors or real proceedings of John Wesley, there can be no 
 doubt that he deserves to be classed among the benefactors, — 
 the most illustrious benefactors, — of the nation." A well- 
 merited tribute this, from a high and reliable source. 
 
 Wesley was emphatically the poor man's friend ; and in his 
 
 noble efforts to elevate the degraded and sftve the poor he was 
 
 often called to rebuke those in high places. In this respect, 
 
 we in Canada have sometimes felt it our duty to follow his 
 
 example. There are times when — however painful the task — 
 
 evil doings must be rebuked, even in high places : — Elijah 
 
 rebuked Ahab ; Nathan reproved David ; and Paul made 
 
 Felix tremble for his breech of known law. When a French 
 *10 
 
 • r 
 
 
226 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1839. 
 
 King told the Prince of Conde that he must either go to mass 
 or be punished with banishment or death, the Prince bravely 
 replied, "As to the first of these, by the grace of G<xl I never 
 will ; and as to the other two, I leave the choice of either to 
 your Majesty." And when the Empress Eudoxia threatened 
 Chrisostom, he said to the courier, "Go and tell her I fear 
 nothing but sin." We too have been compelled to speak out 
 boldly against the wickedness of our oppressors, in our efibrts 
 for freedom ; but now the day dawneth. Our reward is with 
 us and our work before us. 
 
 At the request of our Committee, Mr. Stinson and I have 
 spent much time with hon. members to get an amicable 
 and honourable settlement of the Clergy Reserve question, 
 which is doing so much mischief. But, though the Queen 
 has strongly 'recommended it, our Governor, in his opening 
 speech in Parliament, firmly demanded it, and Lord Durham, 
 the Royal Commissioner to Canada, earnestly advised it ; yet 
 it is not done ! Our Church, in its Quarterly Meetings, has 
 joined in petitions for the same object. The countiy is 
 aroused, and the two Houses are flooded with memorials 
 from the pe<^ nle at large, and both branches have passed Bills 
 on the subjt nt so difierent in principle that neither will 
 
 accept the othei >ill. Each House has agreed to divide 
 the Reserves, but not in the same way. Sii' Allen McNabb 
 got a resolution passed to divide the moneys arising from the 
 Reserves among the religious denominations, for the support 
 of religion. The Hon. Mr. Draper got a resolution passed, 
 by a majority of five, giving to the Conference one hundred 
 acres of land for each Circuit, and $400 per annum for each 
 minister, provided that not more than two hundred Circuits 
 should receive this amount. And the same amount of land 
 and money was to be given to each minister of the English 
 and Scotch Churches in the Province. We took our stand 
 upon the broad principles of equal rights, but did not attempt 
 
1839.] 
 
 BKY. DB. ALDKB. 
 
 227 
 
 to embarrass the Legislature by defining the manner in which 
 this equality must be secured. We were weary of strife, 
 and anxious to have the question settled in apy reasonable 
 way. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Richey and I had a most wearisome journey 
 to the Capital, on the 5th April, to attend the Missionary 
 Anniversary. The frost was out of the ground, and our 
 stage stuck fast several times, and the poor horses were 
 jaded almost to exhaustion. We frequ ntly walked along 
 by the fences, leaving our poor horses to di-ag the empty 
 coach through the mud as best they could. We were nearly 
 two days and a night getting from Cobourg to Toronto. 
 Before we returned, the Committee devised a plan for the 
 due celebration of the Centenary of Methodism. 
 
 On the 29th May we held our District Meeting in Belle- 
 ville, and were comforted by our brightening hopes. The 
 good work is prospering; 235 net increase. Peace and 
 mutual confidence among ourselves, with hallowed influences 
 on our Circuits, make us thank God and take courage. 
 
 The Conference met in Hamilton on the 12th of June, 
 
 III HI I 
 
 After the refreshing increase on our District, I waa not 
 
 prepared for the reported decrease in the Province^ ' jt am 
 
 thankful to Grod the Spirit that I never yet travellea & 
 
 Circuit or District where we could not report an increase of 
 1 mi 1 .11 . , .i-JM" ' v.ni'..,tiiij»riiiv» 
 
 members. Ihere must be idlers in the vmeyard somewhere. 
 
 or great deficiency m management. JOrones should be cast 
 
 /. .1 , . ,1 1 /. ■"l''[' : i-.v«;ujT(7). :-.n.,bfHUi-i>\ 
 
 irom the hive, and sluggards from, the mmistry. A .crpss^ 
 
 ,11 . ,. .7 M?. ,..,i!/r 'la: til .JT^iii'./iofli'ti'j^ 
 
 crabbed, indiscreet minister may drive .mernbers from th^j 
 
 Lhurch as fast as the mspreet ajod. l^boripija .gather them in^. 
 
 It is not difficult, always, to ,trflx;e them by. our Minutes,' 
 
 ine Kev. Dr. Alder, of London, came tp thia Conference 
 
 complammg ot 6ur resolutions oji jGrovernment grants, the, 
 
 course the Christian Guardian takes.. in pplitical matters^ 
 
 aad our views on the question ot the Clergy Lands. The 
 
 .■ t- 
 
 
 1:^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ! (. . 
 - 
 
 
 ' 1 " 
 
 M 
 
 :**» 
 
 iSV; 
 
928 
 
 LirS AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEBN, D.D. 
 
 [1839. 
 
 debates were able and the discussions earnest. We rescinded 
 our resolutions on Government grants, but firmly maintained 
 our position on the Church question, K the Doctor had not 
 been ploughing with another man's heifer, he would not have 
 asked us to retire from the field of battle when some of our 
 opposers were ready to join our ranks and the victory waa 
 all but gained. 
 
 The Centenary op Methodism. — ^This being the one 
 hundredth year Hince Wesley formed hLs first Societies, we 
 have resolved to celebrate that memorable event by holding 
 Centenary meetings in all our principal congregations, and 
 receiving the thank-ofierings of the people to aid us in carry- 
 ing on the work of God in this Province. We devote one- 
 half of the proceeds to the Superannuation Fund, two-tenths 
 to the Book-room, two-tenths towards furnishing parsonage 
 houses, and one-tenth for expenses and Missionary work. 
 The Province is divided into two sections : — All east of 
 Toronto to be visited by the Revs. John Ryerscn, Egerton 
 Ryerson, and Anson Green ; Toronto and all west, by Revs. 
 William Case, Joseph Stinson, M. Richer, M.A., and Wil- 
 liam Ryerson. The eastern deputation commenced work on 
 Monday, the 25th of August, at Port Hope, where we 
 obtained £50. And to enable those who may celebrate the 
 Centenary of Canadian Methodism in 1891 to draw an 
 encouraging contrast, we give the places in regular order 
 which the writer attended, and the principal amounts sub- 
 scribed, as follows : — Hope Church, £70 ; Monaghan, £50 ; 
 Peterborough, in the Kirk, £70; Cavan, £20; Joice's, £10; 
 Sunday, preached in Cobourg and Port Hope ; Cobourg, 
 September 1, £192; Haldiman, £105; Colborne, £107; 
 Brighton, a trifle ; Sidney, 3rd concession, £91 ; Sidney, 5th 
 concession, £57 ; Sunday, preached in Sidney and Belleville; 
 Belleville, £160 ; crossed the Bay, and walked seven miles to 
 Eoblin's, £87 10s, Bro. Egerton proved the best pedestriw. 
 
1889.] 
 
 CENHENART CKLIBRATIOVB. 
 
 tn 
 
 My feet got sore, and I went limping like another Mephi- 
 boeheth, while he was far ahead of me. Bro. John had gone 
 round with oiir horses, as the storm prevented our getting 
 them over the Bay. Carrying Place, £47 ; Consecon, £66 ; 
 Pleasant Bay, £40 ; Oermon's, £41 ; Sunday and Monday, 
 Picton, £200 ; South Bay, a small affair ; Hay Bay, £63 ; 
 Emesttown, 4th concession, £50 ; Wilton, £50 ; Kingston, 
 very little ; Qananoque, £50. Rode thirty miles, facing an 
 equinoctial storm, to Elizabethtown, wh^re wo sat with damp 
 clothes in a cold church for three hours, and took a cold 
 which aflicted me all winter — £45 ; Greenbush, £30. On 
 the 27tli September, being reinforced by Bro. "Wilkinson, we 
 divided — the Editor took Bro. W. and went to Crosby, 
 while Bro. John and I went to Kitley, £41 58. Sunday, I 
 preached twice in our Church in Perth, and J. R. preached 
 in the Kirk. Perth, on Monday, £167. Here again we 
 parted, the Editor and Bro. W. taking the Mississippi Cir- 
 cuit, while Bro. John and I started for the Ottawa. We 
 rode all night in an open waggon in order to reach the 
 steamer, at BytOAvn, the next evening (Oct. 1) for L'Orignal, 
 where we obtained £50. Red School-house, in Hawksbury, 
 £20. '^/ossed the river to Chatham, £80. Here we had 
 the Rev. F. Metcalf in the chair, and were introduced to a 
 young Scotchman, by the name of Lachlin Taylor, who waa 
 soon to enter our ministry. Lachute, £70. Sunday, the 
 7th October, we preached here and at Chatham, both meeting 
 at St. Andrew's in the evening, and held services in the 
 Presbyterian Church. * Monday we obtained £160 here. 
 We obtained £400 on this Circuit before we left it — the 
 largest amount obtained on any Circuit. 
 
 Messrs. Shaler and Willoufjhbv have done themselves credit, 
 and the cause good servi*: , by their ample arrangements and 
 efficient assistance, and now theirs is the " Banner Circuit " 
 of the 9onnexion. All hpnour to such fellow-labour^H}! 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 • I 
 
230 
 
 LIFE AKD TIMII 0¥ AHSOIT ORKBN, D.D. 
 
 [1839. 
 
 « 
 
 We took the steamer for our meeting in Bytown, but were 
 provokingly detained by a fleet of seventeen vessels fastonod 
 to our boat while passing up the river. But our brethren 
 Bucceeded admirably, and obtained jB275 before we arrived. 
 We sup[)ed together, and then tht5 Editor and 1 took a canoe 
 and started off on the canal, without rest or sleep, for 
 Kempt ville. The services had commenced before we arrived, 
 and we hastened to the church without refreshments, and 
 obtained £72 for our funds. Our colleagues haxl taken the 
 carriages by the steamer to Merrickville, where we joined 
 them the next evening, and obtained £23. At Wolford we 
 had Father Brown in the chair, and obtained .£50 ; AuguHta, 
 X57. On Sunday, October 14th, we preached here, at 
 Brockville, and at Prescott. We had a grand meeting at 
 the latter place on Monday ; proceeds, £223. For five 
 hours the interest was kept up and intensified. In Matilda 
 we were honoured with that old pioneer, Joseph Sawyer, in 
 the chair. The first offering was £25, in memory of a pious 
 brother. This announcement called up that memorable name, 
 M. Brause, Esq., " whose praise was in all the churches," 
 and I asked that it might be connected with this offering. 
 £233 were obtained during the evening. On our way to 
 Brockville we looked upon the graves of Paul and Barbara 
 Heck; of Mrs. Lawrence, formerly the wife of Philip Em- 
 bury; and of Rev. TJiomaa Madden, about whom we had been 
 talking so much ; and I was happy to introduce my colleagues 
 to two sons of Barbara Heck, with wjiom we dined. Brock- 
 ville gave £80 ; Mallorytown, £11 ; Wilton, £47 ; Napanee, 
 £72. On Sunday, 20th October, we preached in Napanee, 
 Newburg, and in Emesttown ; a grand rally at the latter 
 place on Monday, when we finished our subscription list 
 with an offering of £250. We rode to Belleville that even- 
 ing, and the next day, October 23rd, after an absence of two 
 months, spent in the most pleasant, and, at the same time, 
 
1839.J 
 
 THK SBOONO RKFORMATION. 
 
 231 
 
 the most toilsome and wearigome work I had ever porforraed, 
 I had the indefloribable pleasure of reaching that most desir- 
 able of all places — home, sweet, sweet home ! A religious 
 honiH is the fiden of our world. " Home," says one writer, *' is 
 the place of the highest joys ; religion should sanctify them. 
 Home is the sphere of the dee|)e8t i^rrows ; religion should 
 asHuage its griefs. Home is the place of the greatest inti- 
 macy of heart with heart ; religion should sweeten it with 
 the joy of confidence. Home is the place for impi'essioiis, 
 for instructions, and for culture ; there should religion open 
 her treasures of wisdom and pronounce her heavenly bene- 
 diction." 
 
 During our tour we addresseil upwards of seventy congre- 
 gations on the subject of " The Second Reformation." The 
 first was a glorious reform from Popery to Protestantism j 
 this, from a dead formal religion to experimental and practical 
 godliness. Both were necessary and both supremely grand. 
 Each exhibited distinct features ; each produced remarkable 
 results. Luther was not a Wesley, nor Wesley a Luther ; 
 and yet the world has seldom produced two such men. Each 
 did the work assigned him better than the other could have 
 done it. Variety, in morals as in nature, constitutes a prin- 
 cipal element of beauty. Paul was not a John, Polycarp a 
 Chrysostom, nor Luther a Wesley. God required Zuingle and 
 Melancthon, Calvin and Knox, Cranmer and Latimer, to 
 introduce the first Reformation ; and he gave us Fletcher 
 and Whitefield, Clarke and Benson, Coke and Asbury, as 
 well as a John and a Charles Wesley, to efiect the second. 
 As neither the rose nor the pink emits all the perfume of the 
 garden, so no one of these apostolic men possessed all 
 the talents of the others. Each was raised up by God. 
 Each had his talent, and each worked for the freedom and 
 salvation of men. Wesley found a reaxling age, and he left 
 it a preaching a^e. He found a silent laity, and he left a 
 
 h 
 
 .^ 
 
 .1 * 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
232 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AN80N QREEN, D.D. [1840. 
 
 \V: 
 
 speaking laity. He found a dead Church, and he left living 
 societies in every part of the nation. Men and women, who 
 could say with the Apostles, "We speak that we do know, 
 and testify that we have seen." 
 
 On our Centenary day — the 25th of October — I preached 
 in Port Hope from Psalpi 48 : 12-14 :— " Walk about Zion," 
 (fee, thus ending this interesting tour of two months at tlie 
 very spot where we commenced it. 
 
 " 'Tis gone at last ; the Centenary year 
 Has joined the numbers which have passed away ; 
 Though Time a hundred years had urged it on, 
 It lingered but a moment, and was gone." 
 
 We spent New Year's Eve in Belleville, where, in solemn 
 vigil,. we hailed the new-bom year upon our knees, in silent 
 devotion ; thankful for past mercies, and hopeful for the 
 future. Our political horizon brightens. Sir Powlet Thomp- 
 son, our newly-appointed Governor-General, has opened 
 Parliament with a speech full of promise. His Excellency 
 informs us that he " is instructed to administer the Govern- 
 ment according to the well-understood wishes and interests 
 of the people," and it will be his desire to act " in accordance 
 with these instructions." This is good news. Responsible 
 Government will banish tyranny, create prosperity, and give 
 us peace. On the 6th of January, 1840, his Lordship sent 
 a message to the House recommending that the Reserves be 
 sold, and one-half given to the Episcopal and Presbyterian 
 Churches, including the United Secession ; and the other half 
 to the other churches recognized in law. After the reading 
 of this message, the Solicitor-General (Draper) immediately 
 introduced a Bill founded on it. The amounts now received 
 by the churches are to be paid out of the Clergy Lands 
 Fund. This Bill passed in the Lower House by 28 to 20, 
 j^d in the Upper by 13 to 4. Thus ends the strife for the 
 
w 
 
 1840.] 
 
 THE PERILS OF TRATELING. 
 
 233 
 
 II 
 
 present. Only for the blindness and grasping cupidity of 
 Bishop Strachan, he might have made a far better bargain 
 long ago. His life-dream of a State Church is now ended, 
 and liberal members of his denomination, as well as others, 
 rejoice at it. We congratulate them upon their advanced 
 news of church equality. If we have fought bravely and 
 successfully in this contest, it has not been against their 
 Church as a religious body, for many of our dear friends 
 belong to that communion, and we venerate her as our dear 
 old mother ; but we have fought for our country's weal, for 
 religious truth, and for that liberty and those equal rights 
 which we value next to om- own lives. Let our educational 
 institutions be liberalized and their State endowments equal- 
 ized, and we will cordially take other churches by the hand 
 and wish them God-speed. Our country will then be con- 
 tented, prosperous, and happy. 
 
 The Perils of Traveling. — I met with a narrow escape 
 in crossing Rice Lake to visit our Indian Mission and get to 
 my Q. M. in Peterboro'. When I reached the ferry every 
 man had left to witness an execution in Cobourg, and the 
 boats were locked up. A woman kindly offered me an old 
 skiff, and walking on the beach I found two old oars — one 
 longer than the other, by-the-by — with which I put to sea ; 
 but I was an unpractised oarsman, and my course was 
 crooked and my progress slow. But soon I saw my craft 
 filling with water ! I hastened to an island, pulled up my 
 skiff, turned out the water, and with a stone drove in the 
 nails, and started again. Soon a heavy wind from the east 
 dashed the whitecaps around in a frightful manner, and my 
 leaky vessel was fast filling with water ! My arms were 
 weary, and it seemed as though the winds and the waves had 
 conspired for my destruction. I saw an Indian canoe at a 
 distance, and, exhibiting a nag of distress, I hallooed lustily, 
 biit failed to attract atteation. There was a discouraging 
 
334 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANION OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1840. 
 
 distance between me and the shore. My strength gone, the 
 .lake rough, and my skiff filling with water, I sank down 
 disheartened. It then occurred to me that I might bale out 
 the water with my hat. A little rest renewed my strength, 
 and again I rallied all my forces and dashed away for the 
 shore. Every stroke increased my courage. My old motto, 
 " Nil desperandum" urged me on, and as the evening shades 
 gathered around me I found myself lying upon the beach, 
 thankful, though exhausted. 
 
 On another occasion, when the Revs. J. C. Davidson, G. 
 Miller, and I were crossing the Bay of Quinte on the ice, 
 they passed over a crack slightly covered, but broke it open 
 as they passed, and my horse got his hind feet into it. I 
 managed to remove the sleigh, when, struggling to rise, he 
 plunged into the water. I called to Mr. Miller, who had 
 reached the land, to bring me a rail ; but he, thinking that 
 prudence was the best part of valour, cried out, " Leave 
 your horse and hasten to the land !" He was a noble and 
 valuable animal, and I could not afford to lose him ; beside 
 which, he looked up at me so wistfully that I could not brook 
 the idea of leaving him in distress. Poor Prince ! said I, 
 you have been a faithful servant and a true friend to me, 
 and I must not forsake you now. I managed to fasten his 
 harness to Mr. Davidson's sleigh with my lines, choked him 
 with his halter until he rose to the surface, and then we drew 
 him on to the ice. "We hastened to the house, washed him 
 with warm water, rubbed him dry, and so<^n he carried me 
 seven miles to Napanee, in time for our missionary meeting. 
 
 Our District Meeting was held in Picton, on the 5th of 
 June. We were only able to report a net increase of 94 
 members. My term of four years on the district was ended, 
 and I was ready for another field of labour. The last four 
 were years of heavy toil, hard-fought battles, and fearful 
 responsibilities, Thv Academj^r, with the heavy debt which 
 
1840.] 
 
 A DARK DAT. 
 
 235 
 
 I assumed, had pressed heavily upon me, taken up much of 
 my time, and interfered greatly with my studies. But we 
 succeeded well, paid off all debts, furnished the rooms, and 
 when we receive what is due us, we shall have a surplus of 
 £1,100. The female department has been the most remuner- 
 ative. The new party has been constant in their opposition 
 to us, and we have had to attend several courts of law in 
 defending our church property against their trumped-up 
 claims ; but in every case we have been sustained by the 
 highest court in the land. "We were turned out of our 
 Waterloo church for a little, but regained it again. We had 
 also a hard struggle for the Belleville church, as Mr. Rey- 
 nolds and other trustees left us. But this property, like 
 others, followed the Church, and not the seceding trustees. 
 Another source of trouble was brought on by the late rebel- 
 lion, and the fierce war between political parties. But our 
 God has graciously sustained us amidst the strife of tongues, 
 and the crushing responsibilities of this critical period. As 
 long as God is with us, all is well. The Christian fights for 
 a fadeless crown, and for perpetual joys ; therefore, he will 
 never have to join in the following miserable lament of 
 Byron : — 
 
 " My days are in the yellow leaf: 
 The flowers and fruits of love are gone ; 
 The worm, the canker, and the grief 
 Are mine alone." 
 
 The Conference of 1840 met in BellevUle, June the 10th. 
 Mr. Stinson presided. We had not gone far in our business 
 before the dark cloud, which for some time we had seen 
 approaching, began to settle down upon us with fearful por- 
 tent. On one side it was bright and cheering, for we had an 
 increase of more than one thousand members, and a hand- 
 some advance in our funds, while our church property was 
 secure, The rebellion was over, the cler^ c^uestion set at 
 
 t ■ 
 
 ifii* 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 !*;, 
 
236 
 
 LIVE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1840. 
 
 rest for a season, and our intelligent-Governor General had 
 declared his determination to introduce responsible Govern- 
 ment. All these things promised peace and prosperity. But, 
 alas ! Dr. Alder's representations at home had created much 
 uneasiness. The English Conference had not sent their 
 usual Address ; but the Committee had entered bitter com- 
 plaints against Bro. Ryerson, accusing him of interfering 
 with their rights by corresponding with the Government, 
 (fee, tkc, <fec. In every line of this threatening document 
 we could see the hand of Dr. Alder. He had been com- 
 pletely floored in our Conference a year ago, and felt much 
 mortified that he had come out second best. But a crisis 
 was imminent, and we must look the difficulty fairly in the 
 face. A large Committee was appointed to consider the 
 document, and they agreed that a deputation should be sent 
 home to explain to our fathers and brethren our position and 
 wishes. I was appointed to the Toronto District, and late 
 on Saturday night the Conference finished its business. 
 
\\f " ' 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE TORONTO DISTRICT. 
 
 Y new District is one of much importance. It 
 extends from Whitby round to Niagara Falls, and 
 includes all the circuits and missions back to Lake Huron. 
 I embraced the opportunity, while the ministers were getting 
 to their circuits and preparing for my quarterly visitation, 
 to move my family up to Nelson, where we were offered 
 lodgings with the family of our venerable parents. We felt 
 happy in being able to make this airangement, as my dea^j 
 wife will be home again, and feel protected during ray 
 absence. I then started off to see my friends in Ohio. I 
 took steamer at Buffalo, and was not a little amused at the 
 importance which an English gentleman seemed to attach 
 to himself. Everything was wrong which he saw on board. 
 On learning that I was from Canada, he bestowed on me 
 more attention than I cared for, especially as he was profane 
 in his language. He was in the habit of making notes of 
 what he saw, and he read an entry to me in which he had 
 very properly condemned that most disgusting practice of 
 careless spitting, which we saw all around us. " I quite 
 agree with you," said I, " and especially from a mouth filled 
 with tobacco." Just then a sailor belched out a profane 
 oath. " There," said I, " do you hear that ? WTiat practice 
 
FT 
 
 238 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSOK GREEN, D.0< [l840. 
 
 is more vulgar and polluting than profane swearing ! " « i 
 quite agree with you," said he ; " it ought not to be allowed." 
 But then remembering that he had just used an oath him- 
 self, he said, " But, sir, there is a great difference between 
 scientific swearing and such vulgarity as that. The one is 
 polite and bearable, the other vulgar and intolerable." " 
 indeed ! " said I, " to me that is a distinction without a 
 difference. Are we to understand that Christ made an 
 exception of polite swearing, when he said, * Swear not at 
 all r " " Perhaps not," said he ; "I must be more careful." 
 I commenced my visitation of the Circuits on the 8th of 
 i^ igust, at Whitby, where I preached four sermons. Thence 
 to Toronto city, Thomhill, and J^'ewmarket. At the latter 
 place we took the grove on the Lord's day near Mr. Fetch's ; 
 and the blessed Lord helped us most gloriously. We con- 
 tinued the services all the week at Aurora, where I preached 
 seven times, and Mr. Whiting followed with rousing exhorta- 
 tions : much good was done. Bro. W. is a faithful and most 
 successful worker in his Lord's vineyard. Several wero 
 brought to God before I left, among whom was Mr. Hart- 
 taian, who afterwards became an M.P.P. My next appoint- 
 ment was on the Albion circuit, where Mr. Baxter had 
 arranged for a camp-meeting on the farm of Andrew Cun- 
 ningham, Esq. This, in many respects, was a model camp- 
 meeting. On Saturday we arranged with the ofl&cial mem- 
 bers for a combined effort on the Lord's day, and the result 
 was glorious. The preaching was powerful, and the prayers 
 of the righteous effectual. I have met with many since who 
 commenced to serve God on that honoured spot. We were 
 with one accord in one place, and the power of Christ was 
 with us. Colonel Dennison, of Toronto, was there, and on 
 the 16th of September he published a letter in the Tran- 
 script, passing high encomiums upon some of us, both for our 
 loyalty and ability. If the Colonel thought mine " a most 
 
1840] 
 
 DISSOLUTION OF TftE tNION. 
 
 239 
 
 excellent sermon," what would he think if he could hear 
 Wm. Ryerson, F. Metcalf, Dr. Richey, or ministers of their 
 ability 1 Such men scai'cely know what they lose by their 
 exclusiveness. These occasions sometimes bring them out 
 into a large place, and then they wonder at what they hear. 
 The Colonel deserves credit for his liberality and fairness. 
 Aft^'^' this meeting I visited Toronto, Nelson, Grimsby, 
 Stti .i.ord, and St. Catharines. In all these circuits we met 
 with choice friends ; and especially at the Lane, where wc 
 formerly spent two happy years. 
 
 On the 18th of October I Dedicated our New Church 
 at Oakville. This, I believe, is the second (Belleville being 
 the first) Wesleyan Church in Canada, provided with steeple 
 iind bell. But the work has been badly managed and their 
 debt is oppressive. 
 
 November 1st, Toronto Circuit. — This large circuit is 
 rising in importance and has become a great power for good. 
 In 1820 it formed, in connection with York, the first 
 Domestic Mission which received missionary money. Now 
 it is self-sustaining, and liberal in help! g others. 
 
 Dissolution of the Union. — Om n .ion with the British' 
 Conference is informally dissolved ! Last year Dr. Alder 
 came to our Conference and demanded that the Guardian 
 should not discuss political questions. "We readily agreed it 
 should not, and we also rescinded our resolutions on Govern- 
 ment Grants, but declared our purpose to continue the dis- 
 cussion of the E/Oserves and of the Educational questions, 
 being unwilling to lose the victory we had all but gained. 
 This did not please the dictator, who had evidently been 
 tampered with now, as he was 1832, by the Family Compact. 
 Last April the London Committee passed stringent resolu- 
 tions against the course of the Giuzrdian, and recorded 
 several complaints against its editor. Messrs. Stinson and 
 Richey were the custodians of this bill of censm-e, with in- 
 
 
240 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AN60N GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1840. 
 
 I 
 
 stnictions to bring Mr. R. to book. They introduced a reso- 
 lution in our late Conference, condemning Mr. R., which, 
 after two days' debate, was lost by 59 to 8. We then ajh 
 pointed Revs. "Wm. and Egerton Ryerson to visit the 
 British Conference. When our representatives arrived, 
 they were treated with neglect: that body complaining 
 that we had insulted them by sending a man to them 
 against whom their Committee had preferred serious 
 charges — and they receded from the Union ! Our deputa- 
 tion retunied, and called a special Conference, which met m 
 Toronto on the 22nd of October, the chairman having ^first 
 called extra district meetings to elect members to attend it. 
 This was a most painful moment to me, and to the most of 
 us. I differed from some of my brethren concerning the 
 Government Grants. The London Committee, as I have 
 elsewhere remarked, had negotiated for, and received these 
 grants before our union with them, and without our know- 
 ledge or consent ; and we could no more control their acts 
 than our Parliament could control the British Government. 
 Our Missionary Society had, subsequently, become auxiliaiy 
 to theirs, and they had assumed the support of all our mis- 
 sions. Under these circumstances I thought it right to 
 leave them to bear the entire responsibility of their own acts, 
 without any dictation on our part. I was also opposed to 
 the organ of the Church meddling with party politics. On 
 these subjects I was in accord with the Britisl^ Conference. 
 But on the question of Reserves, and of an Established 
 Church, I was strongly opposed to their views as set forth 
 by Dr. Alder. Among other strange things, he had asserted 
 that " they considered themselves members of the Church of 
 England, at home and abroad !" We had a Church of our 
 own, and neither required nor desired such a double relation- 
 ship. 
 
 The Rev. Thos. WTiitehead, a superannuated minister, was 
 
1840.] 
 
 8P£CIAL CONFERENCE. 
 
 241 
 
 elected President, and the Rev. J. C. Davidson, Secretary. 
 Eleven ministers took sides with the British Conference. 
 This was a dark day for Canada, and for the Canadian 
 Church. With the new party on one side and the English 
 Conference on the other, we saw little before us but strife, 
 conflict, and toil. Still, how could we help it 1 The ques- 
 tion of the Resei-ves was exclusively a Canadian question, 
 and we should, in all fairness, have been left to fight it out 
 on our own soil. Had our English brethren stood by us 
 faithfully in the struggle, the question might have been 
 sooner and better settled. Many of the English ministers 
 who took strong ground against us, lived long enough to see 
 and acknowledge that we were right and they were wrong in 
 this matter. The next decade opened their eyes wonder- 
 fully, and now I know of but one man in the Home Confer- 
 ence who does not heartily approve of our opposition to a 
 State-paid Church in Canada. Dr. Bunting, the wisest of 
 the wise amongst them, lived long enough to see and acknow- 
 ledge that our course was right, and no man did more to 
 honour us in the end. The stations were somewhat di»- 
 turbed by this disruption. Mr. Davidson took charge of the 
 Bay of Quinte District, vacated by Mr. Lang, and Rev. W. 
 Ryerson took London, vacated by Mr. Evans. How to man 
 our missionary meetings with competent speakers in the 
 absence of Messrs. Case, Richey, and Stinson, was a question 
 of some consideration ; but we arranged for Messrs. John 
 Ryerson and Peter Jones to take the country east of Toronto, 
 and Egerton Ryerson and Anson Green to take all west ; the 
 chairmen to assist on their own districts. This was another 
 heavy winter's work for us. I spent about four months in 
 attending missionary meetings, getting to my quarterly 
 meetings as often as possible. But the people sympathized 
 with us in our troubles, and came up to our help in a manner 
 
 never witnessed before. The Governor-General and his 
 11 
 
242 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GftEEN, t>.D. 
 
 [1841. 
 
 1841.J 
 
 t 
 
 Council also wished us success ; and the Premier took the 
 chair at our missionary anniversary in Toronto, and spoke 
 cheering words to us. My Christmas was spent in a mis- 
 sionary meeting at Thorold, and my New Year's day among 
 the Indians at the Credit. On the 24th of January, 1841, 1 
 managed to attend my quarterly meeting at Thomhill. I 
 preached on Isaiah's vision, and it was a time of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord. Multitudes were outside 
 listening at the door and windows. Three young men, after 
 sermon, managed to get in for prayers ; one of them saying 
 to his companions, " It must be a good place inside, let lu 
 crowd in." I'hey did so, and were all able to believe, and 
 they obtained peace. I met one of them afterwards in Peel, 
 and he assured me they were all steadfast in faith, serving 
 the Lord, and living for heaven. O ! what showers of bless- 
 ing came upon that congregation ! Seldom have I felt so 
 much aid from on high. All preaching is insipid unless 
 attended by divine influence. " Not by might, nor by 
 power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." The next Sabbath 
 I was on the Toronto circuit, but rode home after the ser- 
 vices, in order to reach Brantford the next evening for our 
 missionary meeting in that town. 
 
 Brantford is a thriving town, beautifully situated on the 
 eastern bank of the Grand River, near the place where our 
 first Indian Mission was formed in 1823. Bros. W. Kyer- 
 son and Thos. Bevitt helped us here, and the proceeds were 
 four times the usual amount. After holding encouraging 
 meetings at the Governor's Road, Norwich, "Woodstock, and 
 Oxford, we reached London on the Thames, with its West- 
 minster and Blackfriars bridges, &c. This is a little town 
 in the woods, beautifully laid out with wide streets and 
 parks ; and our services, both on Sabbath and on Monday, 
 were repelte with interest and encouraging results. Mr. 
 Rose had prepared our way with prudence and industry. 
 
1841.] 
 
 MUNGET MI8BI0N. 
 
 243 
 
 At North Street, on Tuesday, a good brother was mourn- 
 ing because he had no money for the meeting ; but that 
 morning the Lord sent a wild turkey into his field, whioh he 
 shot and sold for seventy-five cents : he put the proceeds on 
 the plate. This we called our Missionary turkey. The 
 10th of February was a piercing cold day, but we rode to 
 Muncey, and held our first missionary meeting with these 
 Indians. When we counted our collection we found nine 
 five dollar bills on the plates ! Bro. Waldron had been 
 anxiously looking for us, and the Indians had decorated the 
 chapel with evergreens. The plate collection amounted to 
 £15 1 5s., and the subscriptions increased this to £34 58. 
 When this result was reached, Mr. Bevitt, who kindly 
 accompanied us, exclaimed, " Would that all Canada were 
 converted Indians ! " After holding good meetings at St. 
 Thomas and at Malahide, we hastened ofi" to Walsingham 
 where we spent the Lord's day, and held a meeting on 
 Monday evening in Woodh^use. That day Col. Kyerson 
 entered upon his 80th year, and we had him for chairman — 
 a good way to celebrate a birth-day. After visiting Simcoe, 
 Mount Pleasant, and Ancaster, Mr. R. and I left Mr. B. 
 and returned to our homes. This tour was heavy upon our 
 time and our lungs, but exceedingly pleasant and reassuring. 
 We felt that God and the people were with us, and we were 
 thankful. We commenced these meetings in the Toronto 
 district in November, and to reach them I had to rid© 
 1,300 miles ; sometimes on horseback, at other times on 
 wheels, but latterly on runners. I preached eight mission- 
 ary sermons, and attended sixty missionary meetings, beside 
 my regular district work. On these two districts (London 
 and Toronto) we obtained in cash and subscriptions, XI, 300, 
 a much larger amount than we ever received before on this 
 ground; and yet we pledged ourselves to no particular 
 course, nor to any political party. 
 
 J 
 
 I 
 
 i I 
 
 < I 
 
 i 
 
944 
 
 LIFI AND Tims or ANBON ORKEN, D.D. 
 
 [1841. 
 
 I > 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 Many pleasing thoughts occupied my mind, and cheered 
 me on during this tour of excessive labour and excitement. 
 Our country is beautiful and attractive, our {)eopIe piouB 
 and liberal, our ministers laborious and successful, while 
 nearly all seem resolved to stand by us and encourage us on 
 in these days of trial. The talent of our brethren, for 
 platform work, is improving greatly. Many laymen and 
 young ministers have done themselves credit while [)lea(iing 
 the cause of missions on our platforms ; and God, even our 
 God, is leading the circuits on to victory. Our quarterly 
 meeting in the city, on the 28th of February, was a precious 
 season, and I preached every evening during the entire 
 week. Several obtained peace, and others were inquiring 
 the way to Zion. 
 
 March the 20th and 2l8t. — "We held our quarterly meet- 
 ing in Brock, where I was confined to my bed for a week 
 with a bilious attack. Fortunately, I had my dear wife 
 with me, who is an admirable nurse ; and we were in good 
 quarters at the parsonage, with the kind family of Bro. 
 Dean, who is blessed with an excellent and intelligent wife 
 and promising children. They nursed me with care and 
 discretion, and we were soon at our work again. Mrs. 
 Green accompanied me through the Niagara country, where 
 we met many warm friends. In Smithville we had a 
 joyous visit with the excellent and pious family of Smith 
 Griffin, Esq., whose praise is in all the churches. Firm in 
 their attachment to our cause, and liberal in supporting the 
 institutions of the Church, they are loved and admired by 
 all her children. Our services on Sunday were most encour- 
 aging. While preaching on eternal life, our sister Eliza, 
 with others, commenced to seek God in good earnest, and she 
 continued until she found peace. We held a camp-meeting 
 on the farm of Peter Lawrence, Esq., in connection with the 
 district meeting at Eglington. 
 
 i 
 
1841.] 
 
 UCRETA^T or CONFEBENCI. 
 
 245 
 
 The two Canadas having been united, Kingston was 
 selected for the capital, it being more central than either 
 Toronto or Quebec, and the first united Parliament met 
 there in April. 
 
 The Conference met in Toronto on the 9th of June ; but 
 for the first time in seventeen years I missed my friend 
 Case from his usual place on the platform. We had been 
 fast friends since he sent me out to preach ; but at the 
 •pecial Conference he felt it right to t>ake one course, and I, 
 with equal sincerity, took another. We meet still aa 
 friends, but are separate in council. He wishes us well, 
 and feels lonely and sad away from is. He has our best 
 wifihes for his future health, prosperity, and happiness. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. Ryerson was elected President, and 
 Anson Green, Secretary. My election surprised me, and I 
 arose and tendered my resignation at once, assuring the 
 Conference that I wa,s entirely unfit for the office ; but their 
 minds were fully made up, and they urged me into the 
 cliair. I was also appointed Secretary of the Missionary 
 Society. Several classes have left us and gone with the 
 English party ; still the circuits report an increase of 663 
 members, and a handsome increase in all our connexional 
 funds. We are therefore both delighted and encouraged. 
 Still we cannot be blind to the fact that these results have 
 cost us unexampled labour, toil, and care. It cannot be 
 expected that four or five of us can endure the heavy work 
 which we have been induced to undertake for two years last 
 past. Few constitutions can bear it. The Conference 
 passed strong resolutions against the injustice done us and 
 some other churches, by the Imperial Act disposing of the 
 Clergy Reserves. We are too busy with other matters to 
 do much on this subject now, but we let the country have 
 the benefit of our views, and, no doubt, our wise Governor- 
 General and his Parliament wiU use their utmost influence 
 
 .' 
 

 246 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1841. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ill 
 
 1 
 .-J 
 
 to have it changed. Our Parliaments have so often spoken 
 on this subject, and Lord Sydenham is so outspoken in the 
 same direction, that it is certain the controversy cannot rest 
 here. 
 
 The British Conference have sent us an address this year, 
 in which they say that " in disregard of all courtesy and 
 propriety, you have sent him [Rev. E. Ryerson] as one of 
 your representatives to the British Conference." I cannot 
 see how this should offend our brethren at home. Every 
 member of our Conference voted for Mr. R., thinking it 
 desirable, on many accounts, that he should have an oppor- 
 tunity to explain to them his views and acts on those sub- 
 jects complained of Dr. Alder says further, that from the 
 beginning the Canadian Conference and Christian Gicardian 
 have been " opposed to a National Church Establishment in 
 Upper Canada." Truly, and just here is where we have at 
 last split. We have opposed, and will continue to oppose 
 such an establishment. We do not wish our children to be 
 refused Christian burial, as is sometimes the case in Eng- 
 land, merely because one Church may think itself a little 
 better than the others. We wish the Episcopal Church 
 success in well-doing ; but we must fight out the battle for 
 equal rights to the very end ; and as our cause is good and 
 the people mostly with us, we must succeed. In a recent 
 interview which the Rev. J. Carroll and I had witli the 
 Governor-General, when we presented our Conference 
 address, His Excellency spoke admiringly of our success ii 
 the country, and expressed strong hopes that the Parliament 
 would give us a grant for our college. 
 
 July 18th. — Having published the Minutes, I now com- 
 mence my first round of the district at Reesorville, where I 
 am comfortably entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Washington. 
 I have sixteen circuits and missions to visit quarterly, and 
 need to husband my time well to accomplish it all. The 
 
1841.] 
 
 THE ACADEMY BECOMES A COLLEGE. 
 
 247 
 
 Barrie, Owen Sound, Credit, and Lake Simcoe Missions were 
 added to my district at the r*pocial Conference. 
 
 We opened a new church at our quarterly meeting in 
 BatTie, 22nd August, on the ground which I had aided them 
 iu getting from the Government. The site, on the top 
 of the hill, is very commanding. From it you see the 
 village lying at your feet, with the lovely bay sparkling 
 beyond it ; while in the distance, and in all directions, you 
 see the lofty trees of our primeval forest waving in majesty 
 and beauty before the Lord. The morning was fine, the 
 house well filled, and the people happy. On the 25th we 
 visited the Indian Mission on Snake Island. The people 
 were filled with the Spirit, and rejoiced greatly. 
 
 Victoria College. — On the 28th of August, 1841, His 
 Excellency, Lord Sydenham, came down to the Council 
 Chamber and sanctioned several Bills, one of which changes 
 our Academy into Victoria College, giving full power to 
 confer degrees in arts, law, medicine, and divinity. This is 
 the first and the only College in operation in this Province 
 possessing University powers. Upper Canada College pos- 
 sesses no power to confer degrees, and King's College is not 
 yet built. This change was deemed necessary, in order to 
 keep those who aspire to full academic honours in our own 
 country a^id under our own influence. Many of our students 
 were going aVoad to seek those honours which they could 
 not obtain in this Province. Had we asked for these privi- 
 leges before Responsible Government was obtained we might 
 have asked in vain. We had previously obtained a royal 
 charter for our Academy. But times have changed. Cleri- 
 cal bigotry has no place in tho Council Chamber of Govern- 
 ment, and our influence is felt, our claims respected, and our 
 rights acknowledged. The present Government, with a 
 Sydenham at their head, and such men as Baldwin, Harrison, 
 Hincks, Cameron, and others, in the Council, have not only 
 
248 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [18k 
 
 taken the lead in amending our royal charter, but they have 
 also placed a grant of £500 per annum in the estimates, to 
 help us on in our good work. How different our position 
 now fiom what it was when Sir F. B. Head ruled ! But we 
 must rejoice with trembling. Disease is lurking in our 
 vice-regal palace, and we know not what calamity may 
 come. 
 
 Sad News from the Capital. — Lord Sydenham is dead, 
 and the Gvurdian comes to us draped in deep mourning. 
 On the 4th of September he fell from his horse and broke 
 his leg. The gout prevented the bone from knitting, and on 
 the 19th he expired. How mysterious this Providence! 
 In his death Canada has lost its brightest ornament, the 
 Parliament its ablest statesman, and the Wesleyan Church 
 one of her most powerful friends. His reign was short, but 
 brilliant. He found us in darkness, and brought us forth to 
 the light. He found Canada in ruins, and raised it to pros- 
 perity. When his lordship came amongst us, Canada was 
 torn by faction and enervated by strife ; but he threw his 
 masterly energies into the confused mass, and led us forth 
 to contentment, prosperity, and peace. Among his last acts 
 was his assent to the bill creating Victoria College, and his 
 sanction of the grant made to the same. But, " God only is 
 great." Sydenham was mortal, and the tomb unveiled its 
 bosom to receive him ; but he sleeps beneath the tears of a 
 grateful and a sorrowing people. 
 
 On the 26th of September the insatiate monster came 
 nearer to us, and took away our dear sister Eliza. Three 
 months ago she fully resolved to seek her Saviour, while I 
 was preaching on eternal life, and now she knows more of 
 that life than I can possibly know until the light of eternity 
 dawns upon my brightened vision. She would not allow 
 me to pray for her recovery. Twice she stopped me while, 
 prompted by my own he^'s desire, I attempted to do so, 
 
 Her las 
 rest wii 
 
 W 
 
'1 
 
 1842.] 
 
 EFFORTS TO SETTLE DIFFICULTIES. 
 
 249 
 
 Her last words were, " Jesus ! Blessed Jesus ! I am going to 
 
 rest with thee." O what a rest ! 
 
 '* Who, who would live alway away from his God — 
 Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode — 
 Where rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, 
 And the noontide of glory eternally reigns !" 
 
 October 24th, dedicated our church in Georgetown, assisted 
 by the Rev. John Roaf, of Toronto. We needed a church 
 there very much, and our brethren have gone to the extent 
 of their scanty means to provide one for us. 
 
 January 10th, 1842. — The loss of the steamboat Presi- 
 dent, which has not been heard from now for six months, 
 seems to have checked the desire for crossing the ocean by 
 steam. One of our most popular platform ministers, the 
 Rev. G. G. Cookman, of the Baltimore Conference, was on 
 board, whose place will not easily be filled. 
 
 Our missionary meetings have fairly commenced. The 
 Province was divided into three sections, and Mr. David- 
 son, Mr. Herkimer, and the writer took Toronto and 
 Kingston, with all the appointments between them. After 
 attending nearly forty anniversaries, and preaching several 
 missionary sermons, I returned home, glad to find a good 
 revival progressing in Nelson, where I laboured for the 
 salvation of sinners and the extension of the Church. 
 
 An Effort to Settle our Difficulties with the 
 
 British Conference. — From the beginning, Bro. John 
 
 Ryerson and I sorely lamented the breaking down of the 
 
 Conferencial tie between us and our fathers and brethren in 
 
 England, and our ministers generally sympathized with us 
 
 in these feelings. We were, therefore, sent to New York, 
 
 on the 4th of May, to meet Bishop Soule, the American 
 
 Representative to the English Conference, and ask his friendly 
 
 mfluence to induce that body to refer the entire questiou of 
 *11 
 
 * ,r 
 
'200 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1842. 
 
 11 
 
 oiir separation to the arbitrament of the American Bishops. 
 We crossed the Niagara a little below the Falls, and took 
 the cars for Albany. We had never seen a railroad before, 
 and were anxious to witness this wonderful development 
 of modern improvement. Very soon we were comfortably 
 seated and heard the whistle give the order to start. We 
 marvelled at the ease and despatch with which our iron 
 horse obeyed the command, and soon found ourselves flying 
 through the country at the rate of about twenty, and, some- 
 times, thirty miles an hour. At first we feared that we 
 might topple over in some luckless moment ; but, after 
 experience — man's surest teacher — had given us confidence, 
 we began to exclaim, " All honour to Stevenson and his 
 fellow-helpers who devised this easy way of travelling and 
 redeeming time ! " At Schenectady we were pulled up the 
 hill by puUej'S and long ropes — a rather dangerous process, 
 we thought ; for had one of our cables broken, we must have 
 gone back with fearful velocity. We reached Albany on 
 Saturday evening, and preached for Dr. Noah Levings on 
 the Lord's day. At New York we had two interviews with 
 Bishop Soule, which, all things considered, were about as 
 satisfactory as we had reason to expect. We were kindly 
 entertained at the house of James Beatty, Esq., a brother 
 of our own Rev. John Beatty. On Saturday, the 14th of 
 May, we went on board the packet with Bishop Soule and 
 his young companion, Mr. Sargent, together with many 
 other Church dignitaries, and were towed down to the ocean 
 by a small steamer. I had never seen the ocean before, and 
 when we found ourselves floating upon its expansive bosom, 
 I thought of Dr. Coke, the wise Bishop and commentator ; 
 of Mr. Cookman, the powerful orator, and others who had 
 found their graves in the ocean's deep bed ; and I devoutly 
 prayed ftiat the good Bishop might be landed safely on 
 Ensrland's shores, and then brought back in peace and safety 
 
I 
 
 1842.] 
 
 SUCCESSFUL TIMES. 
 
 261 
 
 to his own land. Hymns were sung, prayers were offered, 
 and then we bid our friends good-bye, and descended into 
 our tug. The sea was placid ; not a breeze disturbed its 
 surface, not a ripple its brow. On seeing this, the Bishop 
 said : ** If I must leave my country, I would like a good 
 breeze to waft us on," and, strange to say, the flapping can- 
 vass was immediately filled with a fresh breeze, and off the 
 gallant ship started, amidst the waving of handkerchiefs and 
 the cheers of the people. On Sunday, we preached in the 
 great city, and, on the 16th, started for home, pleased that 
 we had done what we could towards restoring peace to our 
 troubled Zion. 
 
 At our district meeting in Toronto, on the 2nd of June, 
 the members were all present, healthy, hopeful, and happy. 
 Our prospects were encouraging : for, " the blessing of the 
 Lord, it maketh rich." Our congregations were good, our 
 funds increased, our ministers well paid, and we had a net 
 increase of five hundred members. To God all the praise 
 belongs. The past has been a comfortable year to me. 
 Never did I enjoy more of the divine influence, and never 
 did I preach with more encouraging results. But the zeal 
 of the Lord is eating me up. 
 
 < f 
 
Ift? 
 
 J-! 
 
 111'". 1 
 
 II'' 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 HALIOWELL CONFERENCE — PRESIDENTIAL YEAR. 
 
 LARGE number of ministers assembled in Picton on 
 the 8th of June to open the third Conference held in 
 our church in that town. It had been intimated that I might 
 probably be asked to occupy the Presidential chair ; but I 
 was a little surprised when our President, Rev. W. Ryerson, 
 announced that A. G. had been elected to that high office by a 
 ballot vote of 60 to 9. In accepting the proffered honour, I 
 felt sure that this was an election without reprobation. The 
 reminiscence of concurrent events in the history of my own 
 life, which had taken place in that house, only made the 
 doings of the morning the more remarkable. Here I listened 
 to the first sermon I heard in Canada. In this house I was 
 received into your Church, obtained license to exhort, was 
 recommended for license to preach, and made my first effort 
 to speak from a pulpit. Here I passed my examination and 
 was recommended to the Annual Conference. On this floor I re- 
 ceived my first appointment to a circuit, was made Presiding 
 Elder of a District ; and now you have elevated me to this 
 chair as President of your Conference ! It is seldom, I believe, 
 that so many memorable events in the history of one man's 
 life take place in one house. This is to me a sacred spot, 
 around which my affections fonuly cling. Please accept my 
 
1842.] 
 
 KLEOTED PRESIDENT. 
 
 253 
 
 thanks for this expression of confidence, and let me have 
 the benefit of your prayers, your counsel, and your valuable 
 assistance that all things may be done in accordance with the 
 divine will. Sunday was a laborious day for me. The 
 church was filled long before the hour appointed, and as it 
 was reported that there were more people outside than in, 
 we appointed our good brother McFadden to preach to them 
 from a horse-block, while I attempted to explain the nature 
 and obligations of the day of pentecost to a listening assem- 
 bly witliin. We then ordained the candidates for the Christian 
 ministry. Much important business was transacted at this 
 Conference, and some changes of a radical nature were made. 
 Among these, the change in the duty of chairmen was the 
 most venturesome. Hereafter, instead of travelling through 
 his entire district to attend all the quaiterly meetings, pre- 
 side in their official boards, see that the work is extended 
 where practicable, and supervise the entire work ; each chair- 
 man will be placed on a circuit, from which he will receive 
 his support. To make this change as easy, agreeable, and 
 beneficial as possible, the President was requested to travel 
 through the entire Connexion, as General Superintend- 
 ent, and thus supply, as far as possible, the chairmen's lack 
 of service. I could not have advised this measure, but will 
 do my best to make it as harmless as possible. The Church 
 is now doing well. We have a net increase of 2,461 mem- 
 bers. All Connexional funds are in a healthy state, and, for 
 the first time in our history, we pay our venerable superannuated 
 ministers their full claims on the fund. To make serious 
 changes under these circumstances will incur great responsi- 
 bilities. But if we all do our utmost to make the new plan 
 efficient, it may succeed well and save some of us much travel 
 and fatigue. We created six new circuits and two new 
 districts. The chairmen were all selected by the unanimous 
 vote of my Advisory Committee, and the cordial approval of 
 
 If 
 
 li 
 
 < r 
 
 i '',■.• ' 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 riMB 
 
ill 
 
 26i 
 
 LIPB AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1841 
 
 the stationing power. We closed a delightful Conference on 
 Tuesday at an early hour and hastened to our work. 
 My first duty after Conference, was to assist in 
 
 THE OPENING OP VICTORIA COLLEGE. 
 
 On the 21st of June, the College Board, senate, students, 
 and a large number of visitors, met in the College Chapel, 
 when J. P. Roblin, Esq., M.P.P., and the writer, conducted 
 the newly-apjiointed Principal to the chair, and the Kev, 
 Richard Jones, Chairman of the District, made the opening 
 prayer. I then delivered the following address, which was 
 published — with the Principal's Inaugural — by direction of 
 the Board, and is now reproduced by request, on account of 
 the historic facta it contains : — 
 
 '!' 
 
 It; i ii 
 
 Hi 
 
 . Ladies and Gentlemen : 
 
 I rise to congratulate you on the favoured period of our 
 country's history in which we live, and the auspicious circumstances 
 under which we are this morning assembled. It is our happy privi- 
 lege to live at a period when the star of prosperity is dawning upon 
 our land, and the light of science is spreading a brilliant lustre over 
 the civilised world. 
 
 The present is, to me, one of the most delightful and important 
 periods connected with the liistory of science and literature in our 
 Province. It is a day the events of which are as replete with in- 
 terest and promise on the one hand, as they are pregnant with 
 obligations and responsibilities on the other. The proceedings of 
 this day will be recorded in the archives of this College, and be refer- 
 red to with many grateful feelings and pleasing recollections as long 
 as sound literature shall find any place in the admiration of men ; or 
 this lofty edifice remain a monument of your liberality, assiduity, 
 and enterprise. 
 
 We are assembled here to-day to witness the inaugural services 
 connected with the formal opening of this College ; services which 
 cannot fail, I think, to call up in the minds of many now present 
 very pleasing reminiscences of the past, as well as joyous anticipa- 
 tions of the future. 
 
I 
 
 1842.] 
 
 OPENING THE COLLEGE. 
 
 256 
 
 Twelve years have now passed away since the Conference of ths 
 Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada resolved to ereet these build- 
 ings, and provide a suitable place for the liberal education of the 
 children and youth of our country. But to us it was a fearful, if 
 not a hazardous undertaking. That body of ministers who, after 
 the most serious and prayerful deliberations, determined on this 
 imiiortant enterprise, had no personal means of their own to accora- 
 iilish it ; nor had they one farthing in any academic or collegiate 
 fund, by which even to lay the foundation-stone ! But they had 
 what they thought an equivalent. They had a seat in the hearts of a 
 pious, devoted, and liberal people. To that people they resolved to 
 appeal — to that people they did appeal ; and these spacious apart- 
 mciitu and towering walls can witness that the appeal was not made in 
 vain/ ' ' ' . ■ 
 
 On the 7th of June, 1832, the corner-stone of this stnicture was 
 laid by Dr. Gilchrist, of Col borne, and six years ago, the 18th of this 
 present month, an academic course of instruction was commenced in 
 these buildings under the direction and supervision of the Rev. 
 Matthew Richey, A.M., to whom, on that occasion, I had the honour 
 to deliver the keys of office. The Rev. Jesse Hurlburt, A.M., Prin- 
 cipal for some time, and the various professors and teachers who, 
 from time to time, have instructed our youth in this place, have, 
 generally spt^aking, done themselves great credit, and the country at 
 large important service. Some of them, 1 have reason to know, from 
 personal observation, have laboured indefatigably, night and day, to 
 render their lectures interesting and their instructions profitable ; and 
 they richly merit the thanks of the Board and the warmest gratitude 
 of those whose children have been committed to tlieir care. 
 
 The influence of the instructions which have been imparted within 
 these walls begins already to be felt in considerable portions of the 
 comnnmity. Some eight or ten young men have gone forth from this 
 seat of learning, and been thrust out into the Lord's vineyard, as , 
 heralds of salvation to a guilty worltL Others have turned their 
 attention to the laws of the land, and are preparing to distinguish 
 themselves and promote their country's interest at the Bar ; while a 
 larger number have become instructors of youth in primary schools, 
 where they are " teaching the young idea how to shoot ;" and not a 
 few are honourably engag« d in commercial, agricultural or mechanical 
 pursuits. I find them in almost every direction as I travel ♦•hrough 
 the Province ; and wherever I have met them, I have found that they 
 
 i* 
 ", 
 
 * t 
 
¥ 
 
 256 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORF.EN, D.D. 
 
 [1842. 
 
 Is ^ 
 
 cherish many grateful and pleasing recollections of those happy 
 bygone days which they spent on these delightful premi/iea. 
 
 But while all these, and many more gratifying and beneficial reaultg, 
 accrued from the course of intruction imparted here, there was found, 
 in the opinion of many competent judges, a grand desideratum in the 
 scholastic operations of our country. There was no College nor Uni* 
 versity in our Province where Literahy Deoiibks could be obtained 
 even by the most meritorious students ; the consequence of which 
 was, that many of our best pupils, who were candidates for literary 
 honours, were seen leaving our halls of learning to finish their 
 education in tiome foreign land. This state of things was mutually 
 embarrassing both to teachers and pupils ; for while the former had 
 the mortification to see their best scholars vacate their H^ats in this 
 Institution, to obtain that in another country which was denied them 
 in their own, the latter were grieved with the thought that tht very 
 fabt of their being educated under another government would be 
 alleged against them to their prejudice in transacting the atiairs 
 of the Province, and competing for the public honours and emolu- 
 ments. These, with several other weighty considerations, induced 
 the Board to apply to the Parliament of our United Province to grant 
 them a Charter, conferring on them all the authorities, privileges, 
 and immunities of a College ; and such a Charter (thanks to Mr. 
 Boswell, of this town, and to our friend Mr. Roblin, who sits on my 
 left, with other influential members of the Assembly, and last, but 
 not least, the liberality of the Government) was obtained for ys by a 
 UTianinwua vote of the two Houses of the Legislature, and the willing 
 and cordial assent of his late Excellency, the lamented Lord Syden- 
 ham 1 So that Victoria College was the first literary institution 
 in actual operation in this Province, authorised to confer Literary 
 Degrees. And long may it remain what its style and title import ; 
 creditable alike to the enlightened Parliament that conferred the 
 boon, and to the Board and Faculty who are to manage its affairs and 
 conduct its operations. 
 
 But, Ladies and Gentlemen, what was this noble and splendid 
 edifice — the glory of our Conference, the pride and boast of our 
 country, and the ornament of this beautiful town — or what were 
 legislative privileges and countenance, in the absence of an en- 
 lightened, judicious, and induscrious Faculty, headed, assisted, and 
 supported by a pious, intelligent, and able Principal ? Every- 
 thing, under Divine Providence, and the direction of the Board, 
 
1842.] 
 
 OPENINO THB COLLEGE. 
 
 267 
 
 depends upon the Principal and Faoultt. They oonititnte th* 
 ^'Senatua AcatUmicua ;" the council of instruction and government in 
 the College ; and if there be any delinquency in that department — any 
 wsnt of intelligence, fldelity, and zeal — or any want of parental affec- 
 tion, sleopleHS watch-care, or hard-fagging industry, then hare the trus- 
 tpes and viHitorfl laboured in vain and spent their strength for nought. 
 Hence the selection of a suitable person to take the charge of this College 
 —to preside in its sen;;tfl, to influence the councils and decisions of 
 its Faculty, and to keep a vigilant, parental eye on the whole collegiate 
 family — became a subject of paramount importance and of anxious 
 golicitude. The Board of Trustees and Visitors were anxious to 
 Becure a gentleman of a sound discriminating mind, of general 
 knowledge, capable of taking a atateavianlike view of great and 
 important operations ; and, if possible, one favourably known in the 
 Province, having some experience in the art of teaching, and of 
 indomitable, untiring perseverance in accomplishing his objects of 
 pursuit. ' And such a gentleman, they believe, they have found in 
 the person of him whom we have, this day, conducted to your 
 Presidential chair, i assure you it affords me great pleasure to 
 introduce to this most respectable assembly the Rev. Eokrton 
 Ryerson, as the Principal of Victoria. College. 
 
 [The Principal arose and bowed to the members of the Board and 
 the congregation, who in return acknowledged the token of respect 
 by rising from their seats.] 
 
 And, Reverend Sir, to you, as the regularly-constituted head of 
 this College, I am requested, by The Board, to deliver these Keys, 
 a a seal and badge of your authority, and a token of the fearful 
 obligations which, by these inaugural acts, yoii are about to incur. 
 And, ray dear sir, I need not now remind you that your situation is 
 one, not only of honour, but of anxiety, responsibility, and toil ; for 
 of this, from personal conversation with you, I know you are fully 
 aware. You will need, therefore, the greatest patience and prudence, 
 wisdom and piety, to guide you in the discharge of those onerous 
 and important duties which, in your official relations to this College, 
 now devolve upon you. If, then, you wish to be useful, and at some 
 future period carry off from this Institution a well-earned fame, as 
 well as the reward of conscious fidelity, in your governmental acts bo 
 mild, but^rm — in the administration of discipline be parental, but 
 decisive— in your example be gentle and pious — in your intercourse 
 witl professors, teachers, and pupils, be courteous and condo< 
 

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268 
 
 LIFE AND TIM18 OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1842. 
 
 I A 
 
 soending, bat dignified — and above all, aa you know from whom 
 your strength, wisdom, and consolations flow, in your addresses to 
 the throne of the heavenly grace, be fervent — be frequent — be con. 
 8TANT. And may the God of all grace give you patience, wisdom, 
 and a sound judgment in all things, and render you a great and 
 lasting blessing to all those who now are, or hereafter may be, com- 
 mitted to your care ! 
 
 And now, honoured sir, in the name and on behalf of the Trustees 
 of this College, I commit to you these Keys : take them, and nerer 
 forget that with them we commit into your hands the destinies of a 
 large portion of the youth of our Province. While, therefore, you 
 ■hall exercise the authority which these Kkys confer, never let a 
 teacher with whom you are associated want a counsellor, nor a pupil 
 under your care need a Fath,er or a Friend. 
 
 In accordance with the arrangements of Conference we 
 visited Hamilton, Rock Church, Waterdown, Lundy's Lane, 
 and Nia^ra. And on the 17th of July dedicated our new 
 church in the town of Simcoe. On the 24th, in Nelson, 
 assisted by several Presbyters, we ordained Francis Coleman 
 for special work. A pious and laborious brother, who gives 
 promise of much usefulness in the Church. On Monday Mrs. 
 Green and I started for our eastern tour ; but having been 
 taken ill in Toronto, at the house of the Rev. J. Scott, 1 was 
 not able to get to several of my appointments. During the 
 ten days we remained with this kind family, everything 
 possible was done to restore my health ; and we were able to 
 overtake my appointment, on the 7th of August, at Elizabeth- 
 tOAvn and Brockville. We were rejoiced to get back among 
 our old friends in the east, but sorry to find that some of 
 them had left our fold, being wiled away to feed in other pas- 
 tures ! Several of our dear friends had gone to the spirit- 
 land during the six years we had been away from them. 
 Wbon we met these bereaved fam:'* )s, we wept with those 
 who wept. When Mrs. Green looked upon their sable weeds, 
 which told in a^ent language of their loss, she was reminded 
 
ipp^ 
 
 1842.] 
 
 EASTERN TOUR. 
 
 259 
 
 of loved ones departed who used to meet us with smiles and 
 joyful greetings, and her sjmpathet:c nature only found 
 relief in sighs and tears. 
 
 I found, when it was too late to remedy it, that I had com- 
 menced my work too soon ; and I was obliged to forego the 
 pleasure of meeting our friends at Carleton Pld,ce, Richmond, 
 and Bell's Comers ; but, leaving our horse and carriage with 
 Mr. Mealey atKemptville, we took the steamer to Bytown and 
 Hull. At the wharf in L'Orignal we were met by T. H. 
 Johnson, Esq., M.P.P., who took us to his own house and 
 thence to Caledonia Springs, where I recruited my health and 
 strength, preaching on the Lord's day in the Company's 
 Chapel to the visitors. On the 25th August, preached in a 
 new Church near L'Orignal and dined with Father Johnson, 
 in company with Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf, who had come twenty 
 miles to meet us. We spent several days with Mrs. T. H. 
 Johnson, a pious, good soul, whose company we enjoyed 
 greatly. The Johnson family have been a blessing to this 
 part of the country. "William is a local preacher, Abbet a pious 
 class-leader, and Chaney Johnson, Esq., is the father of T. H. 
 Johnson, Esq., (now Deputy-Commissioner of Crown Lands 
 for Ontario, and of the Rev. J. H. Johnson, M.A., the success- 
 ful Agent of Victoria College.) Before we left these parts we 
 visited Chatham, St. Andrews, and Point Fortune ; and then 
 started westward, taking Glengarry, Moulinette, Matilda, 
 Prescott, Kemptville, Woolford, Augusta, and Brockville on 
 our way. Here we finished our work on my old district, 
 which is now divided. Bro. Carroll takes charge of the 
 Brockville, and Bro. Bevitt of the Bytown Districts. In 
 all these circuits we met the official members when desired to 
 
 do 80. 
 
 We formerly spent six years in these parts, and our pre- 
 sent visit has revived many pleasing recollections. The life 
 of an Itinerant is replete with excitement ; but it is mostly 
 
 ii 
 
 M: 
 
 f 
 
 < I 
 
 
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 i. i 
 
i 
 
 260 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1842. 
 
 the excitement of joy and gladness. He is often weary and 
 anxious amidst the privations which he suffers; but the settled 
 minister is a comparative stranger to the ovations which 
 attend him, and the hopes which cheer him, as he goes 
 sweeping through his ample fields, in primitive and apostolic 
 fashion, sowing the seeds of eternal life to the many thousands 
 who hang upon his life. In this visit among our friends in 
 the east, we seemed to be living our former lives, and fighting 
 our former battles over again. On Tuesday, preached in 
 Gananoque,and then spent sevei-al days in the Capital, getting 
 deeds for sundry church lands, and attending to other mat- 
 ters. Preached in Kingston, Waterloo, Bath, Emesttown, 
 Isle of Tanti, Adolphustown, Picton, Wellington, Consecon, 
 Carrying Place, Sidney, Belleville, Colbome, and Cobourg. 
 Visited the College, Port Hope, Bowmanville, Oshawa, 
 Whitby, and Scarboro'. Attended to business at the Book- 
 room, preached at Cooksville, and then hastening home; 
 received smiles from parents, and kisses from our children ; 
 left my wife, and on Saturday went to St. George, where, 
 on Sunday, the 31st Oct., we dedicated our church, and 
 had a high day. Mr. Ferguson prided himself a little upon 
 his success. He told the people he had secured three Presidents 
 to aid on the important occasion, viz. : — W. Ryerson, the 
 President of last year; Anson Green, the President of this 
 year, and John Ryerson, the forthcoming President for next 
 year ! The country here abounds in carriages, and one might 
 imagine that they had all been secured to bring the people to 
 this "feast of dedication." I then attended several quarterly 
 meetings before I commenced our missionary anniversaries. 
 A shower of literary honours has been falling upon 
 Canada. American Universities have sent honorary docto^ 
 ates to the Revs. M. Richey, E. Ryerson, and Mr. Bethune ; 
 and aa English College has sent a degree of M. A. to our 
 worthy friend, the Rev. Mr. Grassett, of Toronto. 
 
1842.J 
 
 DEFECTION IN OXFORD. 
 
 261 
 
 I have recently l^ad an account of a most alarming defec- 
 tion in Oxford, England, which threatens to sap the founda- 
 tions of the Reformation and carry the English Church back 
 to Rome ! Such men as Newman, Keble, Froud, Rose, and 
 Pusey, seem to be poisoning the English youth by tracts, 
 books, sennons, lectures, <fec., and seducing them from the 
 grand truths of the Reformation as taught by their fathers ! 
 In their coLtibuii^d capacity they issued, on the 6th September, 
 1833, their faith at Oxford. The following is a specimen of 
 their dangerous teaching : "1. The only way of salvation is 
 the partaking of the body and blood of our crucified Re- 
 deemer. 2. The mean, expressly authorized by him for that 
 purpose, is the holy sacrament of his supper ! ! 3. The 
 security, by him no less expressly authorized, for the con- 
 tinuance and application of that sacrament, is the apostolic 
 commission of the Bishops, and, under them, the Presbyters 
 of the Church !" <kc. How unlike the teachings of Christ 
 and his apostles are these papal dogmas ! And yet these 
 dangerous men have mutually pledged themselves to promote 
 these unscriptural notions by every means in their power. 
 Shades of Luther ! Spirits of the martyrs ! Where are you 
 slumbering 1 Another Godly Club in Oxford is much needed ! 
 Oxford, the cradle of Methodism and battle-ground of 
 Wesley, Whitefield, Morgan and their companions ! Where 
 is onr beloved Queen, and our Protestant Government, while 
 such ciying absurdities are allowed in our national college 1 
 If the Bishops have no power to banish heresy from the 
 Establishment, then surely the Government should see to it 
 that leadei-s of a Church, supported by the public funds, 
 should not be allowed to destroy that Protestant religion 
 which the Queen is sworn to defend. Should these men 
 succeed in substituting a sacramental religion for experi- 
 mental godliness ; or, in accordance with our terminology, 
 
 » .1 
 
iil 
 
 262 
 
 If , i 
 
 M' 
 
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 ', I 
 
 
 i 1 
 
 UFB AND TIMX8 OP ANSOK OREEK, D.D. 
 
 [1842. 
 
 replace holiness of heart by empty, ritualistic forms, then 
 farewell to our Protestant faith, if not to our holy Bible too. 
 
 November 25th. — I enjoyed a great treat with our red 
 children on the Credit Mission, and on Sunday preached 
 twice in Toronto. Mr. McNab has enough to do with both 
 the station and the Book-room upon his hands, and hia 
 health is evidently failing. The Rev. L. Taylor, his col- 
 league, is from Scotland, and he is Scotch all over — in accent, 
 in patriotism, and in voice. We need a sprinkle of Scotch 
 divines in the Conference, and Brother Taylor supplies that 
 element to good advantage. After attending the Official 
 Board, — ^the Book and Missionary Committees and preparing 
 revised list of meetings in the west, — I returned home and 
 preached missionary sermons at Munns and Palermo. 
 
 On Sunday, the 18th of December, the Rev. Thos. Hurl- 
 hurt, "W. Herkimer, and I, commenced a three morths' tour 
 of missionary meetings, beginning on the Guelph Circuit, 
 where I preached twice. Our cause in this town is feeble, 
 the most of our people having switched off with the English 
 party. From this we went to Barker's, Ancaster, Seneca, 
 and Glanford, and on Christmas day I gave them two ser- 
 mons in Hamilton. On Monday evening, had a good meet- 
 ing in this town, and then visited the Thirty, Smithville, 
 Brownsbridge, and Allensburg; and on New '"ear's day, gave 
 missionary sermons in Lundy's Lane in the morning and 
 Niagara in the evening. A. grand meeting in town on 
 Monday ; Tuesday, helc the Jirat missionary meeting ever 
 celebrated in Queenston, where we obtained thirty dollars. 
 At the Lane, Beaverdams, and Thorold, we succeeded much 
 better. Sunday, the 8th, preached three times. Held meet- 
 ings in St. Catharines, Flamboro' West, Berlin, Gait, and St. 
 (Jeorge. 
 
 Sunday, 15th January. — Preached twice in Brantford; 
 meeting on Monday. Bro. Rose had prepared the people for 
 
1843.] 
 
 WESTERN TOUR. 
 
 dea 
 
 this anniversary, and they ei\joyed it immensely, and did 
 themselves much credit. We then visited Paris, Governor's 
 Road, Woodstock, and Ingersoll, and the meetings grew 
 better every night. Sabbath, 22nd. — Preached twice in 
 London. Dr. Richey had been a day or two in advance of 
 us, and our people felt oppressed, despondent, and fearful. 
 But Mr. Clarke, the Congregational minister, brought his 
 congregation to us on Sunday night, and on Monday evening 
 we were cheered with a large congregation and a good col- 
 lection. We left them with the star of hope in the ascendent 
 and hearts full of cheer. We then went to North Street, 
 Muncey, Dolson's, Chatham, Robinson, Sheply's, Gosfield 
 and Howard. On Sunday, Brother Herkimer and I preached 
 at St. Thomas, and held a good meeting on Monday even- 
 ing. At Malahide, not much. At Brother Wrong's, all 
 right. At Walsingham and Woodhouse, iound good con- 
 gregations. A good meeting at Durham. On the 12th, 
 preached at Woodhouse and Simcoe. A grand meeting on 
 Monday. A stormy night at Mount Pleasant, but worse at 
 Jersey Settlement — snow four feet deep. Met Brother 
 Ferguson at St. John's, where he has received eighty mem- 
 bers on trial since our feast of dedication. We then took 
 Dundas, Rock Church, and Waterdown on our way, preached 
 m Nelson on Sunday, and had a good meeting on Monday. 
 Mr. Hopkins, from the chair, gave the key-note in a stir- 
 ring retrospect. A good revival was progressing here, which 
 may account for the fact that this circuit paid us more cash 
 down than any other in the west division. Brothers 
 Whiting and Darlington are in their element. Their 
 speeches consisted in exhorting sinners to flee from the 
 Trath to come. They have taken 260 members on trial 
 since Conference. Mr. Pitcher, a pious Dutchman, said 
 " he knew a man who sowed a small field with wheat, and 
 then kneeled to ask God's blessing upon it — ^promising that 
 
 ^ 
 
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 ['■■■ 
 
 
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 ■ 1 
 
 
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364 
 
 Lift Aim TIUBS or AN805 ORKEM, D.D. 
 
 [1843. 
 
 I 
 
 
 ?M ■» 
 
 '■ 'li 
 
 Pi'i 
 
 ftll over forty bushels should be sacred to the missionary 
 cause. He obtained sixty bushels, sold the twenty for 
 fifteen dollars, and handed it over as promised." I cor- 
 roborated this fact, telling the people that Brother Pitcher 
 was the man, and this money came into my hands fifteen 
 yeai-s ago. 
 
 After this feast of fat things in Nelson, we started, on the 
 21st Feb., for Oakville, Credit Mission, Cooksville, Humber, 
 Brick Church, and Cummer's. Preached at Thornhill on 
 Sunday, and held meeting on Monday. Thence to Reesor- 
 ville. On the Ist of March we reached Richmond Hill, 
 where we had a fruitful meeting. At McDougall's, very 
 good ; at Love's, middling. Am worn down with hard toil 
 and much speaking. This night work is killing me. Stormy 
 weather is bad but cold, damp beds are worse. On Sunday, 
 preached at Thornhill and Newmarket. On Monday evening, 
 while I was speaking in the latter place, my nervous system 
 gave away, and suddenly I lost my voice, and had to beckon 
 to Bro. fierkimer to proceed with the services. For some 
 time I could not speak a word. I had been troubled with 
 a tickling in my throat for months, arising, as I supposed, 
 from constant speaking under the influence of a bad cold ; 
 but I begin now to fear that it arose rather from a nervous 
 irritability around the heart; and more especially so, as 
 other symptoms indicated some derangement in that quar- 
 ter. From this point we went to Holland Landing, Brad- 
 ford, Monkman's, Rodehouse's, Harrison's, and Shell's. 
 Sunday, preached at Gardner's, and Mr. Hurlburt at 
 Switzer's. On Monday, by previous arrangement, we went 
 into the city to meet the Eastern Deputation, and assist in 
 the anniversary there. It was a delightful meeting, and 
 full of promise. Oh Tuesday, we returned to Gardner's ; 
 thence to Switzer's, Crawford's, Kennedey's, and Munn's. 
 Xiarge asaemblies and good success all the week. Sunday, 
 
,. , . 
 
 1843.] 
 
 IlKV. U. WHITINd. 
 
 265 
 
 preached at Van Norman's and Bowes'. On Monday 
 and Tuesday, we held meetings at these two places, and then 
 finished up our tour with a good meeting at Palermo. 
 
 Bros. Hurlburt and Herkimer have stood this heavy tour 
 much better than I have, and for very good reasons. They 
 have had but little preaching, while I have preached two or 
 three sermons a week, and addressed all the meetings, 
 besides " that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all 
 the churches." We commenced these meetings at Woolwich, 
 on the 18th of December, and separated at Palermo on the 
 23rd of March. During this time we have encompassed the 
 entire Province west of Toronto, in which I have preached 
 twenty-eight sermons and addressed eighty-one meetings. 
 We have travelled in all manaur of ways, slept in all kinds 
 of beds, ate different kinds of food, conversed with many 
 kinds of people, and answered all kinds of questions on 
 many different subjects. We have been beaten by storms, 
 amused by oddities, excited by eloquence, and stimulated 
 by enthusiasm. But the result of all these things on our 
 minds has been to deepen our convictions of the, greatness 
 of our work, the goodness of our cause, and the certainty of 
 success. God is with us, and under his wing we are safe, 
 prosperous, and happy. I never knew a winter when so 
 many souls were brought to God in our work. From pre- 
 sent appearances we shall have a very large increase to report 
 on the different districts. I remained home a few days to 
 help the dear ministers on this circuit, lest they should kill 
 themselves by hard work. Bro. Whiting is so intent on 
 saving souls that he forgot to marry a couple whose banns 
 he had published thi*ee times ! The anxious party, tired of 
 waiting, employed another clergyman, while good Mr. W. 
 was leading others, not to Hymen's altar, but to the Saviour 
 of the world. This forgetfulness or absence of mind, reminds 
 
 me of a still more singular case where, I was told, a philoso- 
 12 
 
 Cj ' 
 
266 
 
 LIfB AND TIMSa OF ANSON QRBBN, D.D. 
 
 \ 
 
 [1848. 
 
 I 
 
 pher forgot his own wedding-day, and when an impatient 
 party went for the delinquent bridegr^dfti, they found him 
 by a tub of soap-suds, blowing bubbles. There was, indeed, 
 some difference between the philosopher and the divine- 
 one was making bubbles to break, the other was breaking 
 bubbles long since made. 
 
 On the 16th of April, after labouring several days in our 
 revival on the Nelson Circuit, went to assist poor Bro. Mc- 
 Nab in the city. He is very ill and despairs of life ; has 
 selected his text, and desires me to preach his funeral ser 
 mon. Preached in Port Hope and Cobourg, and then 
 accompanied Dr. Ryerson to the Capital, to pres^^nt an 
 address to our nQw Governor-General on behalf of our Col- 
 lege. On my return from Kingston, preached twice on the 
 Oolbome and twice on the Peterboro' Circuit. Attended a 
 Book Committee on the 9th of May, a quarterly meeting, at 
 Trafalgar, on the 14th ; preached at the Credit, at the Middle 
 Road, and twioe in Hamilton, and then attended the Toronto 
 district meeting on the 7th of June. 
 
 We regret to learn that our ex-Govemor-General, Sir 
 Charles Bagot, died in Kingston on the 19th of May. Two 
 Governor-Generals have died there since the capital was 
 removed from Toronto. Thus we see that neither wealth 
 nor titles nor power can "save mortals from this fell destroyer. 
 
 The Conference of 1843 comtnenced in Hamilton on the 
 14th of June. As I expected and desired, the Rev. John 
 Ryerson was elected President ; and I felt relieved of much 
 care and responsibility when I had the pleasure of handing 
 him the CoiEifarelice Seal, as the badge of his apostolic 
 authority.. *the onerous duty had devolved on me of intro- 
 ducing the new policy of stationing the chairmen on circuitB, 
 and of making the new state of things as acceptable to the 
 people, as fruitful of good, and as little damaging to the 
 Church, as possible. I endeavoured to accomplish this by 
 
]T 
 
 1843.] 
 
 A FRUITrUL TBAB. 
 
 267 
 
 visiting the oircaits, listening to suggestions, settling diffi- 
 culties, occupying new ground, and keeping my eye, as much 
 as possible, upon the entire work. Our Presiding Elders 
 heretofore have done good service in this direction, and this 
 year the ministers, I am happy to say, have acted nobly, in 
 entering every opening door. 
 
 The year just closed has been one of great exertion for 
 the conversion of sinners, and those exertions have been 
 crowned with unparalleled success. The net increase of 
 members is 3,833, the largest increase ever known in the 
 Province, and nearly equal to one-fifth of the entire mem- 
 bership of last year. The preachers are in good spirits. 
 God has put honour upon their toil. Their business is, and 
 has been, to save souls, and now they are able to return from 
 their fields of sacrifice and toll bringing their sheaves with 
 them. The funds of the Church have been well sustained, 
 notwithstanding the failure of crops and scarcity of money. 
 This is an encouraging feature of the tiipes, as it shows 
 that it is a part of our religion to sustain the Church, 
 though it may cost us some personal sacrifice in doing so. 
 
 We have been favoured with the presence of our old 
 friend, the Rev. Dr. Luckey, as representative from the 
 American General Conference ; and the President and ex- 
 President have been appointed representatives to their next 
 General Confei*ence, to meet in New Yo^k next May. 
 Great harmony now prevails in the councils of our Church. 
 The dark night of doubts and fears has passed, and a better 
 day is dawning upon us. We closed our session at mid- 
 night on Friday, and on Saturday hastened to our homes. 
 I was stationed on the Hamilton Circuit, with Bro. Taylor, 
 a popular preacher, for my colleague, and I have charge of 
 the Hamilton District as well. 
 
 Sunday, the 27th of June, I commenced another year's 
 work in Hamilton. My first text embraced St. Paul's 
 
 < i 
 
 * 
 
II 
 
 
 i\ 
 
 4fi, 
 
 268 
 
 Lira AND TIMES OF ANSON ORBEN, D.D. 
 
 [1843. 
 
 resolve in Corinth : " For I am determined not to know 
 anything timong you save Jesus ChriHt and him crucified." 
 In my heart and soul I could assure the congregation that 
 this was my determination in coming amongst them. To 
 know Christ crucified ourselves, and then preach him faith- 
 fully to others, is the way to save souls ; and this honour I 
 covet above all other wealth, for who can tell the good that 
 may be efifected by the conversion of one soul ! A peddler 
 sold a religious book ; Baxter read it, and it was the meann 
 of his conversion. Doddridge was converted by Baxter's 
 writings ; Wil}>erforee by the works of Doddridge ; Leigh 
 Richmond bv Wilberforce's " Practical View," and thousands 
 by Richmond's " Dairyman's Daughter." The whole fabric 
 of society is connected by chains of influence. How little 
 do we realize the good or harm we ai'e doing ! 
 
 The parsonage is dilapidated, but the good brethren have 
 promised to build a new kitchen, dig a well, fence the gar- 
 den, and make the premises comfortable. Our work is not 
 likely to be heavy : we have only seventeen appointments 
 each, in four weeks ; three times each Lord's day, and five 
 week-day appointments. On the 6th of October, preached a 
 funeral sermon for good old Sister Burkholder, a saint of 
 many years, who has taken wing at last. October 24th, 
 attended the College Board at Cobourg, where we endorsed 
 the new Marriage Bill before Parliament. On the 20th of 
 October, preached the funeral sermon of the pious and 
 useful wife of Dennis Moore, Esq., of Hamilton. She was 
 useful in life and triumphant in death. Her room was 
 filled with God and argels. The day of her exit she was in 
 a trance, and appeared as "free among the dead." After 
 remaining for some time in this state, with weeping friends 
 around, all fearing that her end had come, she opened her 
 eyes and smiled with heavenly sweetness, saying : " Where 
 am It Is this earth or heaven f O ! what bright visions I 
 
T 
 
 1843.] 
 
 THE BIBLE riBST. 
 
 369 
 
 have enjoyed ! I saw the throne, and him that sits upon it. 
 I saw many of our loved ones there, all in white robes, such 
 an I never saw on earth." Such visions of the spirit-land 
 niuHt be quite transporting to a dying saint. No wonder 
 that she should exclaim to my wife, " Why am I back again 
 to earth 1 I was perfectly happy, and could have lived there 
 forever." Surely Christ has abolished death, and brought 
 life and immortality to light ! " Our people die well." 
 
 On the 8th of October went to the Dundas Circuit and 
 DEDICATED A NEW CHURCi in Mr. Lyons' vicinity, on the 
 plains. Bro. Spencer, the Superintendent, was jubilant over 
 his success, and Mr. Lyons, the principal member in the 
 place, invited a large part of the congregation to dine with 
 him. We need a better class of churches in the country, and 
 I have done what I could during my presidential tours to 
 awaken a deeper interest in this direction. I now have the 
 pleasure of returning to my study with greater comfort and 
 advantage than I have enjoyed since I left the Brock villa 
 station. For some years my large districts, extensive cen- 
 tenary, missionary, and presidential tours, together with 
 committee work and other extra services, have kept me so 
 much from home that my library has been almost entirely 
 neglected ; but upon this small circuit I can so arrange matters 
 as to devote several consecutive days to my books. This is 
 refreshing to my own mind and beneficial to my congrega- 
 tions. But, after all, there is really but one hook for a min- 
 ister to study. Other books may be consulted, but if they 
 throw no light on the Bible, nor assist us in better under- 
 standing its history, its doctrines, its instructions, and the 
 profound depths of its spiritual tej»/chings, they may weU be 
 left to worldlings, to novel readers, and to those who value 
 gold more than grace, and earth more than heaven. As often 
 as I open these heavenly pages, new thoughts are presented to 
 my mind, and new motives to a holy and useful life are pressed 
 
 .►« 
 
i 
 
 II 
 
 270 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1844. 
 
 Ii 
 
 home upon my heart. This book is so free from errors, even 
 on scientific subjects, that its enemies hav j tried in vain to 
 prove it faulty. Though its 66 books of 1,189 chapters, con- 
 taining 31,173 verses were written by about fifty difierent 
 persons, of difierent degrees of learning, difierent nationalities, 
 and scattered over a period of 1,500 years ; and though it 
 treats on al. st all subjects — the origin of the world 
 and its end, the plants of earth, the movements of the 
 heavenly bodies, astronomic sublimities and historic verities ; 
 of man in his origin, his nature and his relations to God ; of 
 the spirit-land, and of the soul's immortality ; yet it always 
 speaks with truth, with authority, and with stccuracy. Where 
 is the book that has done this] Moses lived and wrote more 
 than 900 years before the most learned authors of Greece and 
 Rome ; and though for forty years he had been taught by the 
 magicians of Egypt that the sun, stare, and elements were en- 
 dued with reason and governed the world by reactionary 
 infiuences, yet, under the teachings of plenary inspiration, he 
 broke away from these errore, aiid presented divine truth in 
 a way which defies successful criticism. Neither Confucius 
 nor Thales, Xenophon nor Pythagoras had been able either to 
 excel him or to prove his statements contrary to the facts 
 which the science of their day revealed. The astronomy of 
 Job and Abraham is the astronomy of our day. Job says 
 — " He hangeth the earth upon nothing." One of the Popes 
 imprisoned Galileo for teaching the same sublime truth, but 
 now, any school boy would be laughed at for denying it. 
 Indeed, nothing in this Book of books, when rightly under- 
 stood, has been found to contradict any one fact which the 
 light of science, in later times, has clearly revealed and 
 established. 
 
 Several things occurred during the autumn and winter 
 which more or less excited the public mind. Amongst these 
 the Scotch secession was not the least. Five hundred ministers 
 
\ 
 
 1844.] 
 
 CAUSES OF EXCITEMENT. 
 
 271 
 
 withdrew from their General Assembl;t, , headed by the Mode* 
 rater. They objected to the controlling influence of the 
 Government in church matters. This is a surprising revolt, 
 but quite in accordance with the spirit of the age. There is 
 a great charm in the word liberty. Upper Canada has arisen 
 in her strength and protested against an Established Church, 
 and is comparatively free \ Ireland is grumbling, Scotland 
 is thundering, while England herself hears the muttering of 
 a distant utorm. There is something so unseemly in allowing 
 worldly and Godless men, merely because they happen to be 
 in office, to appoint bishops, sway Church courts, and inter- 
 pret her laws, that one can hardly wonder at the uneasiness 
 which fills the public mind. A g^oat struggle is imminent ; 
 and it is impossible to tell where it will end. I assisted Dr. 
 Bums in a public meeting in Hamilton, where I heard the 
 facts of the case concerning the Scotch disruption. There 
 was also a great struggle between Sir Charles Metcalf and his 
 ministry on the subject of appointments. Mr. Baldwin and 
 his colleagues claiming that His Excellency had made appoint- 
 ments without consulting them; hence they all resigned except 
 Mr. Daily. Dr. Ryerson has taken sides with the Governor, 
 while the Hon. Mr. Sullivan has entered the field against him, 
 and the paper war is able and fierce. We are also making 
 another efibrt to liberalize King's College. The Government 
 proposed a Bill, placing Victoria, Queen's, and King's Colleges 
 on the foundation of the University ; and our Board met and 
 endorsed the measure with some small amendments. The 
 Rev. Mr. Gale, of the Kirk, the Rev. Mr. Osborne, Congrega- 
 tionalist, and the writer discussed the question in our public 
 hall, opposed by R. O. Duggan, Esq., and a few others. We 
 carried our resolutions ten to one. 
 
 Then, to fill up the cup of excitement, the Millerites 
 entered our town last fall, declaring most positively that 
 the world would come to an end during 1843 ! I preached 
 
 < f 
 
272 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1844. 
 
 two sermons on the subject, assuring the people that, if I 
 understood the Scriptures correctly, the world would not end 
 for many years to come, or at least until many things which 
 stand between us and the millennium were moved out of the 
 way. Some of the arguments of Miller, Himes, and Letch 
 were very plausible, if they could only have proved that they 
 had the correct beginning, or starting point. They argiied 
 that the 2,300 days, or prophetic years, commenced when the 
 seventy weeks commenced, (Dan. 9 : 24,) an assertion which 
 requires proof. These seventy weeks, or 490 years, (one 
 day being a prophetic y^ar — see Numbers 14 : 34, and Ezra 
 4 : 6,) — commenced when the command was given, in the 
 seventh year of Artaxerxes, to rebuild Jerusalem. (See 
 Ezra 6:3.) These seventy weeks, they aver, ended on the 
 3rd of April, a.d. 33, when Christ was crucified. Fergu- 
 son has ascertained, by astronomical calculations, that the 
 1 810 solar years after the crucifixion, ended on the 3rd of 
 April, 1843. This astronomer says that the only Friday 
 which occun-ed for many years during the first full moon 
 after the vernal equinox was on the 3rd day of April, 33. 
 If so, then it is clear that the crucifixion took place on that 
 day. Then, if we deduct the 490 years which ended on 
 that day from 2,300, it leaves 1,810 years which were to 
 transpire before the end came. (Query : What end 1) In 
 this way they proved to their own satisfaction that Christ 
 would come again on that day. It is much to be regretted, 
 on many accounts, that men will insist on predicting God's 
 times, from such uncertain and obscure data. Sir Isaac 
 Newton has well said, that " the folly of interpreters has 
 been to foretell times and things by the Apocalypse, as if 
 God designed to make them prophets. By this rashness 
 they have not only exposed themselves, but brought prophecy 
 also into contempt." Sir Isaac was right. How easy to 
 lead people astray with such arguments ! It is much safer 
 
T^Vr ■ 
 
 1844.] 
 
 HILLERISM. 
 
 273 
 
 to take the general scope of the Scriptures, than to take 
 obscure i)aasagea of prophecy and then trust to the dates of 
 historians for the time of their fulfilment. Isaiah, in his 
 eleventh chapter, mentions three distinct events which will 
 take place in that day — the gospel day — viz., the call of 
 the Gentiles (vei*se 10), which has already taken place ; the 
 recall of the Jews (verse 11-12), and the filling of the earth 
 " with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the 
 Now, as these events are to take place during the 
 
 sea, 
 
 present day or dispensation, it is vain to talk of the judg- 
 ment day until the two last-mentioned events are accom- 
 plished. Hence says Christ (Matthew 24 : 14), " And this 
 gospel of the kindom shall be preached in all the world for a 
 witness unto all nations ; and then shall the end come." 
 
 On the 18th of February I dedicated a neat little church 
 in Applebe's neighbourhood, in Esquesing, and preached 
 twice. Deep impressions were made, and I remained and 
 preached on Monday evening, when the battle waxed warm. 
 The services are to continue ; but, unfortunately, Mr. Fer- 
 guson has to leave, to take Mr. "Wright's place at the Credit, 
 Mr, Wright having been appointed agent for the Guardian. 
 We have had no snow this winter, and the wheat crops are 
 looking very unpromising. 
 
 On the 2nd, returned home, and Rev. L. Taylor and I com- 
 menced a protracted meeting in our own church, in Hamilton. 
 I first preached on Peter's tears, urging others to weep 
 bitterly, like him, for our sins and shortcomings. "We 
 found hard work to move the people, but good was done. 
 
 In a long letter from Dr. Ryerson, he informs me that 
 
 Lord Metcalf is pleased at our eflforts for union with the 
 
 parent body, and thinks our propositions fair and honourable. 
 
 I am doing what I can, in a quiet way, to bring about a 
 
 reconciliation ; but I find some parties on both sides who, 
 
 like Sampson's foxes, are willing to scatter fire-brands, but 
 *12 
 
 ' I 
 
274 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1844. 
 
 
 I 'I 
 
 
 i 
 
 III 
 
 do nothing to quench them. In view of our Church 
 divisions, I often feel to say with Jeremiah, " O that my 
 head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I 
 might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of 
 my people." I can fight with the world, for it is evil ; with 
 the flesh, for it is lustful ; and with the devil, for he is 
 hateful : but I find it hard to fight with my Wesleyan 
 brethren, even when I think they are wrong. 
 
 April 27. — Dr. Ryerson has just been appointed Chief 
 Superintendent of Scnools for the Province ; and Rev. John 
 Ryerson and I started for the General Conference in New 
 York. We were present at its organization, and were intro- 
 duced by Bishop Soule to that venerable body, all standing. 
 On Sunday we had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Durbiu 
 and Dr. Bascomb. The former appears well in the pulpit, 
 is of good size, and gentlemanly in his bearing. At first he 
 disappointed me. His voice appeared weak and whining ; 
 but after he got fully into his subject — the resurrection — his 
 eyes began to sparkle, his voice became manly, his soul took 
 fire, and he soon carried us all up in rapt attention. Dr. 
 Bascomb is rather short, but thick-set, with dark hair and 
 dark eyes. He appears well in the pulpit, and is one of the 
 best orators I ever listened to. He preached for the Bible 
 Society, in the great Broadway Tabernacle. On the next 
 Sunday evening, I heard him again in the Conference 
 Church, on Green street. The Church was full an hour 
 before'the time for service ; and when he came he could not 
 get near the house in front, but came through the garden, 
 entered a window, and was handed on over the people's heads 
 to the pulpit stairs. For two hours he held his hearers in 
 admiration, and sometimes in raptures. He has a remark- 
 able gift of thought, ideas, and language : he finishes his 
 paragraphs admirably, with earnestness and elevated voice, 
 and then stops to take breath before, with subdued voice, he 
 
 ill 
 
yw^ 
 
 1844.]' 
 
 AMEBIOAN GENERAL CONFERENCE. 
 
 275 
 
 begins again. Such sermons and eflforts may do as specialities, 
 but it would soon finish any man to preach so every week. , 
 We had the pleasure of meeting Messrs. Smith, Culp, and 
 Bailey here, who claimed to be representatives from the 
 M. E. Church of Canada ! And they really had the temerity 
 and assurance to ask to be recognized as such, though the 
 Conference had always acknowledged us to be that Church ! 
 A large and respectable committee was appointed, with Dr. 
 Luckey, chairman, who, after spending several hours in 
 listening to their statements and arguments, requested us to 
 meet the committee in their presence, which we did. Had 
 these brethren merely asked fraternal intercourse with that 
 Conference as a branch of the great Wesleyan family — as 
 they did at Buffalo — who had organized themselves in this 
 country, we should most probably have left our American 
 brethren to act in the premises as they felt inclined, 
 without any remarks from us. But as they claimed to 
 be the body which we were known to be, first, as the 
 M. E. Church in Canada, and then as the W. M. Church, thus 
 bringing up the question of our legitimacy, we thought it 
 right to give the facts in the case ; showing that we were 
 really and truly the same Church which Bishop Hedding 
 assisted in organizing here in 1828, and which had always 
 been acknowledged as such, both by the British Conference 
 and the American General Conferences, and proved so to be 
 before the highest courts in Canada. We were glad to have 
 the opportunity of stating, in the presence of these brethren, 
 the facts in the case. The Rev. W. Case, who belonged to 
 neither party, but was there on behalf of the British Con- 
 ference, could — and did — endorse all that we said. The 
 committee were unanimous in the adoption of their very able 
 report, in which they give the facts concerning the formation 
 of this new party, who had made a similar application in 
 1836, and were rejected. The committee conclude by saying : 
 
 !■ 
 
 « t 
 
 ■:.; a 
 
'1 
 
 76 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 
 [1844. 
 
 *' It is the deliberate opinion of your committee, that their 
 
 request cannot be consistently granted by this Conference." 
 
 This report was unanimously adopted by the Conference. 
 
 ^For the full report see Christian Guardian of May 29th,) 
 
 The great conflict between north and south on the question 
 
 of slavery came up, and was ably debated on both sides for 
 
 many days. I never met in a body, either parliamentary, 
 
 judicial, or ecclesiastical, that possessed equal power in debate 
 
 to this Conference. The occasion was one of vast importance, 
 
 and it elicited the best talents of the church. It was not 
 
 difficult to see that they must divide into two parties, and that 
 
 considering the peerless influence which this powerful church 
 
 possesses, their division would soon be followed by a rupture in 
 
 the nation. I had the pleasure of meeting, at his son 
 
 Robert's, with the Rev. Henry Stead, who baptized me, and 
 
 the Rev. George Coles, who took me into the church. Dr. 
 
 Luckey was there also, who was bom but a few miles from 
 
 my birthplace. It was a joyous occasion, and the dinner was 
 
 excellent. We addressed the Conference on the 2l8t May, 
 
 taking our farewell leave of that powerful body, and soon 
 
 starting for home. By an arrangement with the Presiding 
 
 Elder of the Oswego District, I attended his quarterly 
 
 meeting at Mexico the ensuing Sunday. In the lovefeast my 
 
 cold oppressed me so much that I arose and left. On going 
 
 down the aisle, and just before I reached the door, a lady 
 
 stepped out of her seat and threw her am round me. I was 
 
 startled for a moment, but on turning towards her, I saw it 
 
 was my cousin Robinson, the wife of their member of 
 
 Congress. It proved a comforting meeting, for she took me 
 
 to her own fireside near at hand, and nursed me up for 
 
 the eleven o'clock sermon. 
 
 On the 29th our district meeting was held at Dundas, and 
 we were pleased to find that we hid a handsome increase of 
 church members. One hundred increase in Hamilton 
 
VVV^T^^ ' 
 
 1844.] 
 
 APPOINTED BOOK STEWARD. 
 
 377 
 
 and Dundas alone, which formed but one circuit last year. 
 Bro, Taylor and I had a pleasant and happy year together. 
 There are some very precious souls on this circuit. The 
 venerable Peter Bowman and wife, James Gage and wife, and 
 Father Taylor and wife, were among the first members of the 
 church in this part of the country ; and they have stood firm 
 as a rock ever since. Edward Jackson and wif^, T. Bickle 
 and wife, and Demiis Moore, came in at a later date, but they, 
 with many others, are now foremost in every good work. 
 Such men and women are a great source of power and 
 spiritual wealth to the church. They will be greatly missed 
 when they are removed from us, but they are now like shocks 
 of com ready for the final harvest. 
 
 The Conference of 1844. — Convened in Brockville on 
 the 5th of June. The Rev. Richard Jones was elected 
 President, and the Rev. Henry Wilkinson, Secretary. 
 Our net increase was only four hundred and thirty-eight. We 
 had the pleasure of meeting our old friend Metcalf at this 
 Conference, who appeared like himself again. In travelling 
 through the country I found some cases of hardship arising 
 from stewards refusing to pay the full appropriation for a wife's 
 support who had been removed by death during the year ; 
 and I introduced a resolution, which passed unanimously, 
 correcting this state of things. Our Book-room was found to 
 be in a ruinous condition, the JBook Steward only reporting a 
 gain of nine dollars, and that without making any allowance 
 for shelf-worn books, bad debts, or for paying an appropriation 
 to the Contingent Fund. Under these circumstances Mr. 
 McNab resolved to leave it, and he and others strongly urged 
 me to come to the rescue. This was a sore trial to my 
 family. We had just got comfortably settled in Hamilton ; 
 were happy in our work there and fully expected to remain. 
 Still, as was my wont, I bowed to the decision of Conference. 
 But instead of lessening my duties, in the weak state of my 
 
 f 
 
 
 * I 
 
 I 
 
 & ■ : . 
 
H 
 
 278 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1844. 
 
 ii 
 
 I 
 
 ' 
 
 nervous system, the Conference by these arrangements in- 
 creased them. Several circuits asked for the restoration of 
 travelling chairmen, and the Conference restored them. I have 
 now thirteen circuits to visit quarterly, in addition to my 
 Book-room duties. On the 20th of June I took my family 
 on board a steamer, and started for Toronto. I walked up 
 to the Book-room from the wharf, and as we reached the 
 street, and I first set my feet upon the sidewalk, I felt 
 a pleasurable sensation of lightness, ease, and comfort 
 come over me which I fail to describe. I had experienced 
 a degree of sadness and depression on leaving Hamilton; 
 but in a ritoment it was all gone. Indeed I felt as I never 
 had felt before. My body seemed light as air, and I could 
 scarcely tell whether my feet touched the planks or not. I 
 had been depressed on account of my health, and feared that 
 my double duties would prove too much for me. But a sur- 
 prising change came over my entire frame. I was not aware 
 of any physical cause which could have produced these efiects 
 upon my body and mind at the same moment. I must leave 
 it to naturalists and philosophers to explain this pheno- 
 menon as best they can. It may be that the Divine Being 
 took this method to nerve me for my work, and en- 
 courage me as to the future — an earnest of my success — but 
 the first thought which occurred to my mind after this strange 
 sensation was this : You have now made your last move in 
 the great whirl of our itinerancy. When you leave Toronto 
 you will be lifted up as now, by a superior Power, and con- 
 veyed by angels over the everlasting hills to your eternal 
 home. The effect upon my mind was timely and beneficial. 
 My weariness was gone, my depression of spirits vanished, and 
 my gloomy apprehensions were all dissipated. I hastened up 
 to the Book-room with nimble step and t5ommenced my work 
 with iacreasod courage and brightened hopes. I found Mr. 
 
T 
 
 1844.] 
 
 TORONTO DISTRICT. 
 
 279 
 
 Samuel Junkin, our book-keeper, a safe, honest, and reliable 
 man, quite capable of taking charge in my absence. — 
 
 I commenced my district work on the 7th of July, at the 
 Credit ; then went to Lake Simcoe Mission, Toronto Circuit, 
 Newmarket, Mono (on week day), Allison, Yonge Street (the 
 city), Whitby, and Markham ; then, on the 30th of August, 
 held a camp-meeting at the Credit. Had a good time among 
 the Indians. On Thursday, 4th of September, started for 
 Barrie. On the way, my horse fell and pitched me out of 
 the gig. No harm done, except the breaking of one shaft 
 and a little skin removed from one elbow. A blacksmith 
 nearby soon repaired the one, and time, alike friendly to all, 
 will, I trust, soon heal the other. Held an excellent camp- 
 meeting on Snake Island for the Indians of Kama, Cold 
 Water, Balsam Lake, and the Island. Much good was 
 effected, and the Indians went home rejoicing. Here I saw 
 religion in its native simplicity, apart from the refinements 
 and trappings which philosophy has thrown around it. 
 Pure, simple, and emotional, these children of the forest 
 came directly to Christ, and by faith received until theii* 
 cup of blessings was full. But I had to leave too soon. 
 In our great itinerant work it frequently happens that one 
 duty crowds closely upon another. I had to leave on 
 Saturday, to reach my quarterly meeting in Barrie. Bro. 
 Williams and two Indians landed me on the north shore 
 of the lake, and then about three miles' walk through the 
 woods brought me to the bay, where other friends soon 
 paddled me over to Barrie. Owen Sound was then to be 
 visited, and there was scarcely an apology for a road through 
 the dense forest to that far-oflf mission. But Messrs. Geo. 
 McDougal (afterwards missionary to the North-west), J. 
 Chantler, H. Smith, S. Souls, and J. Cathey volunteered to 
 convey m© there in time for our Wednesday evening preach- 
 ing ; and early on Monday morning, before the sun had tinged 
 
280 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1844. 
 
 the east with his golden rays, these heroic friends were up 
 and shouting for the march. They had provided a chest of 
 food, consisting of bread, meat, potatoes, com, sugar, and 
 tea, with kitchen utensils, «fec. We rotle eight miles in a 
 waggon to the head of Willow Creek, where lay the craft in 
 which we were to take passage. This creek was one of the 
 must unpleasant on which I ever rode. A deep, crooked, 
 narrow stream, surrounded with an extensive swamp, and 
 overhung with bushes. We went dodging backwards and 
 forwards seven or eight miles to gain four or five. We 
 descended to this swamp from an eminence, on which were 
 the remains of an old fort, or military encampment, where, 
 it is said, a detachment of soldiers were stationed during the 
 American war. We had some distance to go over an old 
 corduroy-road, made by soldiera thirty years since. I rode 
 over these decayed timbers till my horse got his feet off 
 the logs, and left mo standing on a bog. We got over 
 safely, however, and were happy to find that John Jack, a 
 converted Indian, who had been down to our quarterly 
 meeting, had reached the creek before us and kindled a fire, 
 where I dried my feet before embarking. We were then 
 soon on our way among the willows, from which the creek 
 takes its name. The creek was so narrow that we could not 
 use our oars, and while the men were paddling us along, I 
 amused myself by cutting olOf obtrusive limbs which 
 obstructed our way. But my amusement was soon ended, 
 for I dropped my axe into dark waticr ten feet deep. " Alas! 
 master, for it was borrowed," and I had not a prophet's skill 
 to make it swim. About two o'clock we tied our canoe to 
 a tree on the bank of the Nottawasaga Kiver, kindled a 
 fire, boiled our potatoes, roasted our com, <fec., <fec., and 
 taking off our hats, stood up reverently and implored the 
 idivine blessing upoti our food and our work. Never did»food 
 taate better or sweeter ; but we had to fight mosquitoes 
 
1844.] 
 
 VOYAGE TO OWEN SOUND. 
 
 281 
 
 with one hand while we took our food with the other. The 
 stillness of the forest was often disturbed by the sound of 
 our guns, by which we brought many ducks from their wings 
 into the water. After journeying thirty miles without 
 seeing a house, our eyes were gladdened by the sight of Mr. 
 Cathey's saw-mill, in Sunnydale, and its kind owner, who 
 conducted us to his house, where many bright faces made us 
 welcome. Good Mrs. Cathey gave us an ample supper 
 and a hearty breakfast of the ducks which we had bagged 
 during the day. We heartily thanked God for planting 
 such a kind family in the wilderness, who were both able 
 and willing to administer to the comfort of his toiling and 
 weary servants. The next morning, before daylight, Mr. 
 Cathey took his team and conveyed our craft over the 
 portage to the Georgian Bay, by which, we were told, we 
 saved about twelve miles of rowing. It was a lovely 
 autumnal morning ; not a breeze to ruffle the bosom of this 
 inland sea, and we were soon under weigh, singing, " This, 
 this is the God we adore," <fec. A new mill had just been 
 erected in the woods where Collingwood now stands. 
 We threw out our line, and just as we reached a 
 small island where we were to dine, a large black bass 
 caught the hook. In a. few minutes we had him in our 
 frying-pan, and while he was cooking and our potatoes 
 boiling, we made ourselves wooden forks, prepared our 
 table, and then " ate our morsel with quietness and single- 
 ness of heart." The mountains of Collingwood towered up 
 with pleasing grandeur on our left, while small clearings, 
 few and far between, wore seen at their base. On our right, 
 but far to the north, were the Christian Islands. After 
 propelling ourselves about forty miles we reached St. 
 Vincent, tired and hungry, and were kindly entertained by 
 Mr. Seeman, forpaerly of Brockville, and a Mr. Marving, 
 from Young. We were told that we were still thirty miles 
 
 ' I 
 
S82 
 
 LIFI AND TIMB8 OP ANSON ORBBN, D.D. [1844. 
 
 IJ: 
 
 fn' 
 
 from the Sound, by water, and twenty by land. Mr. Nee- 
 lands procured me a horae, and we started off, early the next 
 day, through the woods ; some part of the way not the sign 
 of a road to guide us on our course. But the missionary 
 was a good pilot, and wo reached the Sound in time for 
 service. I was made comfortable in the family of our 
 native missionary, Mr. Herkimer. Mrs. H. is the most 
 interesting Indian woman I ever saw. Her house waa 
 neat, the beds clean, and the food agreeable. I left sincerelv 
 thankful that we had been the agents, in God's hands, of 
 raising up these once degraded beings c«« a state of so much 
 happiness and promise. It did us all good to see the fielda 
 of wheat, corn, {)otatoes, dlco., (fee, which these Indians 
 possessed. We held a council with them, where I was 
 nearly choked with the fumes of that filthy weed called 
 tobacco. They wished me to select five acres of land for a 
 church, parsonage, and garden, which I did, all approving 
 of the site selected. It lies on a terrace of high land in the 
 rear of thig beautifully-located village. The Indians own 
 a large tract of rich land near by, and we are trying to get 
 all the scattered tribes around Lake Simcoe to live here, 
 promising them a manual-labour school for their children if 
 they will do so. 
 
 This Bay, or Sound, is large, and makes an excellent 
 harbour. The white village at its head is beautifully 
 situated in a valley of a triangular shape. It is now in its 
 infancy. Scarcely a house seems to be finished : but its 
 position, surrounded as it is by rich lands and flowing 
 streams, indicates that it will one day be a large and pros- 
 perous city. The Govemment wisely gives fifty acres to 
 any actual settlers, with the option of buying the adjoining 
 fifty for a mere trifle. On Friday we preached to a congre- 
 gation of about seventy persons, six miles out, and ad- 
 nu))istered the Lord's Supper to fifty communicants, I 
 
 ir^^ 
 
^mm^ 
 
 1844.] 
 
 BT. VINCENT. 
 
 283 
 
 preached in the new village in the evening, and then we 
 returned to St. Vincent for our ({uarterly meeting, on 
 Saturday and Sunday. 
 
 Here the meeting wan held in the woods, and we offered a 
 free salvation to about two hundred |>erHon8 present. Where 
 all thewe people camo from, was a mystery to me. All the 
 log-cabins from a large distance round must have l)een emptied 
 that morning. Bro. Neelands, like the apostles of old, goes 
 on foot, fi om cottage to cabin and from settlement to settle- 
 ment, scattering good seed as he passes. Tliese new settlements 
 fomi a most interesting and inviting part of our field, and 
 must not be neglected. It is true they are rugged and some- 
 times repulsive to refined tastes ; but the time is coming when 
 they will, if well worked, become populous and inviting 
 circuits. Early on Monday, Avhile the morning star was still 
 looming in the heavens, we were on the bay with our faces 
 towards home ; but night overtook us long before we reached 
 the poi-tage. The friendly stars were our only guide, and 
 leaving the great bear to our left, we fixed our eyes 
 upon a bright planet which I took to be Jupiter, and 
 steered our course towards it, joyfully singing Kirke 
 White's " Star of Bethlehem." Soon we saw a light on the 
 shore, and contrary to my wish, we steered towards it. This 
 took us some miles out of our course. About ten o'clock we 
 reached the beach, and were preparing to take our night's 
 slumbers under the cover of our canoe, when to our joy, we 
 saw Bro. Cathey coming with his Ikntem to guide us to his 
 hospitable dwelling. He was expecting us, and hearing our 
 guns, started ofi* toward us. The next day we stemmed the 
 current of the Nottawasaga River, passed through the dismal 
 swamp, and reached Mr. Smith's about nine o'clock. On 
 Friday I reached home, and received a cordial welcome by 
 wife and children. Thanks be given to God for good friends 
 
 
 
284 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [1844. I ^^^^0 
 
 abroad, and double thanks for affectionate friends and com- 
 fortable rest at home. 
 
 " But dreary were this earth, if earth were all, 
 Though brightened oft by dear affection's kiss : — 
 Who for the spangles wears the funeral pall, 
 But catch a gleam beyond it, and 'tis bliss." 
 
 After visiting the Credit, Toronto circuit, Newmarket 
 Mono, and the Humber, I went on the 26th and 27th of 
 October to Thomhill, on the Yonge-street circuit. This was 
 a day of severe trial to me. For some time I liad felt my 
 body giving way under official cares and very heavy pulpit 
 and platfoiTn duties, wliile the severe cold I took in New 
 York had kept my bronchial tubes weak and my throat sore. 
 Continued speaking under this pressure had so worried and 
 fretted my speaking organs that they communicated their 
 irritation to my entire nervous system, while my heart joined 
 in the remonstrance, and sent such throbs to my head aa 
 enabled me distinctly to count every pulsation by the sound, 
 Oui' lovefeast on Sunday morning was a season of unusual 
 interest and power. The house was full of divine influences, 
 and wishing to keep the fire burning I selected these thrilling 
 words for my text — " To him that overoometh will I give 
 to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the para- 
 dise of God." In preaching I felt and enjoyed such an 
 unction from the Holy One, and such bright visions of 
 the heavenly world, as canied me near the throne ! These 
 views of Christ ; these joys in the Holy Ghost, humbled me to 
 the dust. I felt that Jesus was in the pulpit preaching through 
 me to the hearts of the people. The entire assembly appeared 
 to be happy. When I finished that discourse I felt as though 
 I had preached my last sermon, and finished my pulpit-work 
 for ever. I feared my system was prostrated beyond recoveiy, 
 and I sank down exhausted. After a little I rallied, managed 
 
 to get lion 
 my house 
 together i 
 had gone 
 and entir 
 they told 
 think of f 
 me. I hf 
 ferred it 
 submit, fc 
 my weakr 
 Kiug-stre( 
 suprising ; 
 walk then 
 flesh, and 
 though la 
 the Mastei 
 the best ai 
 when strei 
 the Book-r 
 the chair a 
 Church, w 
 March '2 
 full moon 
 it is not 
 tell us thi 
 fixed upon 
 of May, I 
 had a net 
 was oblige 
 think of 
 •^n invit 
 England, w 
 than in oui 
 
1845.] 
 
 Lost MY VOICK. 
 
 285 
 
 to get home, went to my bed, and for some time was confined to 
 my house. Dr. Rolph was called in by Dr. Morrison, and 
 together they gave me a thorough examination. They said I 
 had gone entirely beyond my strength ; enjoined quiet, rest, 
 and entire cessation from all pulpit labours. Afterwards 
 they told me I had preached my last sermon, and must never 
 think of preaching again. These were sorrowful tidings to 
 me. I had entered the ministry as my lifework, and pre- 
 ferred it to all other employment ; but I was compelled to 
 submit, for I had lost my voice and could do no more. In 
 my weakness I used to go to the window and look down upon 
 King-street, where the people were hurrying about with 
 ^uprising activity, and wondered if I would ever be able to 
 walk there again. My weakness was, indeed, a thorn in the 
 flesh, and I felt it right to ask the Lord to remove it ; but 
 though I asked it more than three times, I could only hear 
 the Master say — " My grace is sufficient for thee." I made 
 the l)est arrangements I could for my quarterly meeting, and 
 when strength permitted, devoted my remaining energies to 
 the Book-room. On the 1 7th of February I was able to take 
 the chair at our anniversaiy meeting in the Adelaide-street 
 Church, which gave me much encouragement. 
 
 March 23rd, Easter Day. — This year, as in 1818, the first 
 full moon after the vernal equinox comes on Sunday, hence 
 it is not really the first after the equinox. Astronomers 
 tell us that if the fourteenth day of the new moon were 
 fixed upon, this difficulty would not happen. On the 28th 
 of May, I was able to preside in our district meetings. We 
 had a net increase of one hundred and fifty members. I 
 was obliged to say to our dear brethren that I could not 
 think of taking charge of the district next year. I have 
 been invited, and even pressed, to enter the Church of 
 England, where my duties and labours would be much lighter 
 than in our itinerancy ; but this sect is too straight for me. 
 
 « I 
 
 
2d6 
 
 LIPS AKD /IMIES 01^ AK80N 0RE£N, D.D. [1845. I 1845.] 
 
 I could rot think of saying that I am " moved by the 
 Holy Ghost " to take orders, when I am already in orders.* 
 I wish to live and die a "Wesleyan, and, if possible, a 
 Wesleyan minister. Here my highest hopes are reached, 
 and my loftiest aspirations realized. When I fall, I 
 should like to fall at my post, and with my death grasp 
 seize the standard of the Church, which I have so long 
 borne, and throw it to abler hands, who would spread these 
 colours to the breeze, crying, " Onward ! Onward to greater 
 victories I Onward ! until the world is redeemed ! " And 
 then : 
 
 , " When death o'er nature shall prevail, 
 
 And all the powers of language fail, 
 Joy through my swimming eyes shall break, 
 And mean the praise I cannot speak." 
 
 In connection with Messrs. Wilkinson and Plajrter, I 
 devoted my spare moments in preparing a course of study 
 for the candidates for our ministry. It was a revision of 
 the course adopted by the New York Conference, consisting 
 
 * Reordination would be a virtual acknowledgment of the vaunted 
 "uninterrupted succession," which, I can say with Wesley, "Iknow 
 to be a fable." I look upon this fable as the prayer-book does upon 
 purgatory — "A vain thing, fondly invented, grounded upon no 
 warrant of Holy Scripture, but rather repucfnant thereto." I wu 
 thankful to my dear friends for their kind wishes, and the interest they 
 took in my welfare ; but the laxity of discipline in putting away such 
 unbelievers as Colenso, the painful repudiation of the Reformation, 
 and the faltering witness which some clergymen bear to the great 
 truths of experimental godliness, did not present many attractions to 
 roe. In our itinerancy we imitate the example of Christ, who "went 
 through every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings 
 of the Kingdom of God." And after being accustomed so long to 
 preach to many thousands every year, I could hardly brook the idea of 
 spending my life in reading prayers and homilies to one con- 
 gregation. 
 
 of quest 
 years in 
 for theii 
 would h 
 studied, 
 minds. 
 
 The C 
 
 on the ^ 
 
 elected I 
 
 the Hon 
 
 A. Hurll 
 
 tainment 
 
 host the 
 
 iished a ( 
 
 concemin 
 
 cation frc 
 
 appointee 
 
 decide on 
 
 After th( 
 
 prepared, 
 
 some of u 
 
 The Confe 
 
 its membt 
 
 On the 
 
 try the be 
 
 what bett 
 
 Victoria C 
 
 of Nelson 
 
 know that 
 
 Upper Ca 
 
 who has r( 
 
 January 
 
 our vigil. 
 
 fcnew my 
 
1845.] 
 
 Poor HEALtii. 
 
 267 
 
 of questions on ihe different subjects for each of the four 
 years in our course. Our preachers ha\e little enough time 
 for their studies, and we thought these printed questions 
 would help them to a good understanding of the subjects 
 studied, and serve to fix the leading facts firmly in their 
 minds. 
 
 The Conference op 1845 commenced in St. Catherines, 
 on the 4th of June. The Rev. Henry Wilkinson was 
 elected President. My billet was in the amiable family of 
 the Hon. Hamilton Merritt, with Revs. W. Ryerson and 
 A. Hurlburt. In such n company we had no lack of enter- 
 tainment. The ladies could furnish the music, our hon. 
 host the politics, "und the clergy the theology. We estab- 
 lished a Church Relief Fund, and passed several resolutions 
 concerning an Annuitant Fund. We received a communi- 
 cation from the British Conference, saying that they had 
 appointed "a committee entrusted with full powers tc 
 decide on all the matters in question " between them and us. 
 After the proposition we made them, we are scarcely 
 prepared, at this Conference, to meet their committee ; but 
 some of ua hope to take a step in that direction next year. 
 The Conference was pleased with our Book-room report, and 
 its members unanimously re-elected their Book Steward. 
 
 On the 8th of July my wife and I left for Saratoga, to 
 try the benefit of those healing waters, and returned some- 
 what better than we went. At the late commencement of 
 Victoria College, one young gentleman — Mr. Oliver Springer, 
 of Nelson — received the degree of B.A. It is gratifying to 
 know that, as ours was the first College in operation in 
 Upper Canada, so it has sent out the first regular graduate 
 who has received such honours in our country. 
 
 January 1st. — Last night we had a comfortable season at 
 our vigil. I found it good to wait upon the Lord and 
 renew my strength. Though the outward man faileth, the 
 
 » I 
 
288 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, t>.D. 
 
 [1845. 
 
 ^ 
 
 inner man is renewed day by day. All is peace — all is 
 hopeful. My strength is increasing, and my mercies 
 abound. 
 
 January 23rd. — The venerable Thomas "Whitehead, who 
 was President of our Conference in 1840, died to-day. 
 Thus, one by one, the Lord is calling us home. Still, we 
 ought not to repine, for Mr. W. is the first of our ministers 
 called away from us since 1837. 
 
 " Like leaves of trees the race of man is found : 
 Now green in youth, now withering on the ground ; 
 Another race the following spring supplies ; 
 They fall successive, and successive rise ; 
 So generations in their course decay, 
 So flourish these when those are passed away." 
 
 By the consent of the Committee, we have just issued a 
 new publication, called the Sunday-school Advocate. We 
 have two hundred schools in the Church, and desire to feed 
 these lambs as best we may. No means should be withheld 
 calculated to make these schools fruitful nurseries in the 
 Church of our God. 
 
 A dark cloud is now hanging over our country, arising 
 from the Oregon question. The British Grovernment proposes 
 to refer the question to arbitration, but Mr. Polk absolutely 
 refuses. The Americans claim the country on the principle 
 of priority of discovery, exploration, and settlement. They 
 claim that Jacob Astor effected a settlement there in 1811. 
 They also claim under the treaty with France ceding 
 Louisiana in 1803, and Spain, ceding Florida in 1819. The 
 British claim that Captain Cook, sailing under English 
 authority, discovered, in 1778, all the coast north of 44°; 
 that both Captain Berkeley and Captain Duncan touched 
 there in 1787 ; that Vancouver surveyed all north of 40° in 
 1792-3-4 ; that Sir William Mackenzie, at the same time, 
 orossed the Booky Mountains and passed the Straits of 
 
1847.] 
 
 NORTH-WEST BOUNDARY. 
 
 289 
 
 Freca, being the first white man to go from ocean to ocean ; 
 that in 1806 and 1811 other posts were established by the 
 North-west Compan}', even on the banks of the Columbia 
 River, <fec., (fee. Mr. Packenham, our plenipotentiary at 
 Washington, has offered to divide the territory, commencing 
 at the 49°, and following the Columbia to the ocean. The 
 Americans will divide by the 49th parallel only ; and this, 
 however absurd, will be agreed to, for they invariably get 
 the advantage of John Bull in all boundary questions. 
 
 The lamented conflict in the M. E. Church has resulted 
 in a division between the North and the South. Each 
 division held its General Conference on the 1st of May. 
 
 Our district meeting was held at Cummer's, on the 26th. 
 We had an increase of one hundred and sixty church 
 members. 
 
 
 < 
 
 i 
 
 
 * t 
 
 13 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 K' 
 
 REUNION WITH THE BRITISH CONFERENCE. 
 
 ^jSK^UR Conferencial proceedings, which took place this 
 K^S3 year in Kingston, were fraught with unusual impor- 
 tance. Our relations with the English Conference came 
 under careful and prayerful review ; when the Rev. John 
 Ryerson and the writer were appointed representatives to 
 that body to negotiate tei-ms of peace, and, if possible, 
 restore order and harmony to the Church in Canada. From 
 the beginning we lamented the disruption, and did our 
 best, in a quiet way, to heal the breach. The method 
 we adopted was, to correspond with brethren both in 
 England and in Canada, to prepare the way for general 
 action ; then to propose a reference to a third party, and 
 finally to bring the subject before our Conference, in view of 
 the present movement. In answer to a letter received from 
 Dr. Alder when I was President, I wrote him, recommend- 
 ing that our boundaries should be defined, and that we 
 should mutually refuse to receive members from the opposite 
 party, unless duly recommended by a Superintendent. In 
 reply to this. Dr. Alder authorized Mr. Stinson to say that 
 " the position assumed by the High Church party induces 
 the leading men at home to think that the Methodists should 
 be united in every part of the land." He also urged that 
 
1846.] 
 
 mUNlON. 
 
 291 
 
 Mr. Ryerson and I shoiilrl visit England, to meet their 
 Conference, in 1843. Mj epistolary correspondence was 
 kept up, while I had frequent interviews with Messrs. Case, 
 Davidson, and others, by which we learned much concerning 
 the wishes of the British party ; and from all we could 
 learn, the time had come for us to take a bold step in the 
 direction of a reunion. We knew but too well that mouu) 
 tainous difficulties lay in our path ; but these difficulties were 
 increasing, instead of diminishing, by delay. Their people 
 and ours were getting further apart all the while, and more 
 estranged from each other. Many hard things were said, 
 on both sides, by hot-headed and injudicious brethren. 
 Political papers took sides ; Methodist editors were crimin- 
 ating and recriminating each other, and inflammatory 
 pamphlets were extensively circulated, which added fuel to 
 the fire ! Even Mr. Harvard, usually peaceful and quiet, 
 was writing letters of biting sarcasm, which, strange to say, 
 were admitted into tho columns of the Guardian in dreary 
 and disgusting detail. Mr. Playter, in his " Voice from 
 Canada," had manfully defended our coui-se, and the Provin- 
 cial Wesleyan was firing back sharp arrows dipped in gall. 
 Under these circumstances it required no ordinary degree of 
 courage to throw ourselves into the arena of strife and make 
 a bold push for union. But we felt the importance of the 
 movement, and hastened to test our strength, encouraged by 
 the fact that " God is not the author of confusion, but of 
 peace, as in all churches of the saints ;" and Jesus, our Master, 
 is the Prince of Peace. Our powers, like those of the 
 English Committee, were plenary. We could not close our 
 eyes to the fearful evils arising out of our division, and the 
 possibility of its being extended. Many of our people 
 were urging us, in contravention of the agreement of 1820, to 
 enter Lower Canada, as our English brethren had entered 
 Fpper Canada ! We had £1,000 surplus in our Missionary 
 
 < A 
 
292 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1846. 
 
 
 »ai 
 
 Treasury, and one brother had promiHetl me to Hupport a 
 miHsionary there hinwelf, if we wouhl send one. But we 
 were grieved at the waste of the Lord's money in our 
 Province, and were not willing to commit the same error by 
 setting up opposite altars in that Province. We knew that 
 y we had a delightful field to cultivate, and a willing and piouH 
 people to aid xis in laying the foundations of oui* Church 
 institutions broad and firm, if we could but be united ; and 
 that if we succeeded in healing this breach, we would confer 
 indesciibable blessings upon our country and Chiirch, for 
 which future genemtions would call us blessed. With these 
 views and feelings, and these difficulties in our way, we 
 accepted the appointment ; and, being also ap})ointed dele- 
 gates to the gi-eat Evangelical Alliance, we hastened to entei- 
 upon our Atlantic voyage. We were requested to present an 
 address to His Excellency, Earl Cathcart, the Governor- 
 General, which delaved us a little in Montreal. On 
 Wednesday, the 30th of June, we went on board the 
 steamer Scotia, Capt. Lott, and at 12 o'clock we steamed out 
 of Boston harbour towards the Old World. The Rev. Dr. 
 Lyman Beecher, his wife, and sundry clergymen were on 
 board ; and as we had resolved to make an effoi't for a better 
 feeling among Protestant Christians, and, if possible, form an 
 alliance for future effort, we deemed it right to begin, on a 
 small scale, at once ; hence, we selected the largest state- 
 room available, where we met each evening for family 
 worship. After leading a portion of God's Word and 
 prayer, we spent some time in free Christian conversation 
 on doctrinal topics — not for p\irj)oses of disputation, but to 
 ascertain how near we could come together in our views 
 with the Bible in our hands, and in the light of our own 
 terminology. Hithertt) the polemics of divines had been 
 bitter and repulsive. It is easy to conquer an absent 
 opponent when we attach our own meanings to his words, 
 
1846.] 
 
 A PLEASING INTERVIKW. 
 
 293 
 
 or put HentimentH in his mouth, and then draw the sword to 
 demolish en'ors of our own creation. But it is diflferent 
 when we quietly sit, face to face, and compare notes — not for 
 the pur})08e8 of victoiy, but to see how near we can really 
 come together in sentiment, feeling, and coopemtion. We 
 did not seek for organic union of all Evangelical Churches in 
 one body. In the present state of the world this is scarcely 
 desirable. We may do more good by fighting the common 
 foe under our distinctive banners, juid thus " provoke one 
 another to love and to good works." We desired to juscertain 
 the gi-eat fundamental principles in which we substantially 
 agreed ; and then, rallying joyiiilly round these, sweetly agree 
 to differ on those which are of minor importance. To 
 accomplish this, we had t begin with mutual forbearance and 
 nuitual respect. Our meetings were interesting, and our 
 explanations both encouraging and instructive. We soon 
 became mutually attached to each other, and felt that the 
 sentiments in which we differed were trifles compared with 
 the great essentials in which we cordially agi-eed. 
 
 Our passage over was pleasant, and'we were surprised at 
 the accuracy with which the captain timed our progress. 
 When half-way over, he said to us, — " At three o'clock on 
 Sunday I will show you land on Point Clear ;" and, sure 
 enough, just fifteen minutes before three on that day a sailor 
 shouted out " Land, O !" His practiced eye saw from the 
 rigging aloft what I could not see from the deck. But soon 
 my eye caught a little speck, like a pale cloud, which, as we 
 advanced, gradually assumed the appearance of land. After 
 being eight days out of sight of land, for the first time in my 
 life, this sight was truly cheering. When we entered the 
 Channel, dense fogs surrounded us, which'greatly impeded 
 our progress. One time, when near the Welsh shore, the 
 bell rang violently, and the captain shouted ** Port I Port !" 
 The steam was turned off, and we saw, close by our wheel, a 
 
 « I 
 
m 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF A.NBON OBEEN, D.D. [1846. 
 
 fishing craft, the bow of which we slightly grazed. We were 
 steering directly toward it when first discovered. We 
 entered the Mersey at night, amidst the tiring of cannon and 
 the shooting of rockets. Having heard so much from English- 
 men about the superiority of English beef, we ordered beef- 
 steak for our first breakfast on shore, and were free to 
 acknowledge that it was a delicious treat, the like of which 
 we had failed to find in Canada. 
 
 ^ When we reached the outskirts of London, the Capital, of 
 which I had read so much, I felt a sensation of awe mingled 
 with excitement, not easy to describe. We had to ride four 
 m lies from the station in a cab,before we reached Bow Church, 
 on Cheapside, in the vicinity of which we took lodgings. 
 We lost no time in repairing to Hattoir Garden, the residence 
 of Dr. Alder, to report ourselves to that functionary. We 
 considered this attention due to the Doctor, as Secretary for 
 Canada, and the individual who had invited us to undertake 
 this mission. But I regret to say that his conduct was any- 
 thing but courteous, or what we had a right to expect from 
 him He met us at his door, stood upon his threshhold, and 
 with a pompous air thus addressed us — " Good morning, 
 gentlemen, I am glad to see you ; I am aware of your busi- 
 ness, but regret that I can give you no encouragement." 
 Well, Doctor, said we, what would you recommend us to do. 
 " Oh, I have no advice to give," said he. Well, that being the 
 case, perhaps it is useless for us to go any further. " O yes, 
 by all means go to the Conference ; but you have undertaken 
 a very difficult work and I see not what can be done. But 
 this much I can say for your encouragement, there are no 
 two men in Canada who would be more cordially received by 
 us than youi-selves." We saw at once the game he was play- 
 ing ; and said, we will not detain you any longer now ; good 
 morning, sir. All this time we were left standing on the 
 street, and not even invited indoors. I said to my c«9lleague, 
 
P«»-I1 
 
 1846.] 
 
 REACHED LONDON. 
 
 293 
 
 it is easy to see the taoticu he has adopted, and we must 
 checkmate him. He means to humble us in such a way as 
 will enable him to dictate terms to us ; but surely there can 
 not be many of his spirit, if so, I desire no closer union with 
 them. We must stand ujwn our dignity too. "I am afraid," 
 said Mr. R., "that you are correct." When we reached Bristol, 
 the seat of the Conference, we went to the Moon, and found that 
 several members were stopping at that hotel. Here Messrs. 
 Lord and Stinson called on us and expressed their 
 great pleasure at seeing us, and gave us a hearty welcome. 
 After a few days we were billeted with Mr. Brailsford, ' 
 one of the ministers of the city, whore several brethren 
 called on us and expressed their pleasure at seeing us 
 there, and especially on such an errand. On Monday 
 we had tickets sent u^ for admittance into Conference. 
 On entering we took our seats upon a form at the door, 
 where we remained for two hours, after which Dr. Alder came 
 to ub, as cold as an iceberg, saying, " I have prosured good 
 seats for you amongst the brethren, and if you will follow me I 
 will conduct you to them. When we were installed into a 
 pew, he said to us — " Now, you will be expected to occupy 
 those seats only while you are in the Conference !" We made 
 no reply to this very rude remark ; but aftei' a little, we called 
 on the President, the Rev. Mr. Atheiton, and opened our mis- 
 sion to him. He said, '* You must not fool discouraged ; Alder is 
 but one man; he is sometimes capable of giving himself undue 
 importance," and then added — " I have been placed in the 
 chair of the Conference as an independent man, and I will 
 see that you are treated kindly." The next day Mr. Lord 
 came to us and said, "The President wishes you to go up and 
 be introduced to the Conference." The steps to the platform 
 ascended from a passage behind the pulpit. On the Presi- 
 dent's right sat the ex-Presidents, and in the rear, the represen- 
 tatives frpm France and Ireland ; behind these was an empty 
 
 
296 
 
 I.I»E AND TIMBH OK ANBON OREBN, D.D. 
 
 [1846. 
 
 1/1 
 
 ■•At, wliich waH evidently doHigned for uh tut the appro))!!- 
 ate place for repreHentativeH. A fter we had been introduced to 
 
 theConference by the President, he ptibliolyreipieHteduH to take 
 hcMts on the platform wherever we would feel most conifort- 
 V ie On retiring to the top of the staii-H we Haw Dr. Alder 
 at the bottom, carefully watching our niovementH ; and as I 
 8tep))ed over towardw the empty seat, ho called out with a 
 heavy frown on his brow, ** Not there, Mr. Green, not there ! 
 Come down here." Thank you. Doctor, said I, the venemble 
 President has ordered us to sit on the platform, and we are 
 accustomed to obey orders. He turned away displeased, 
 the brethren near by laughing at him most heartily. We 
 took our seats in our api)ropnate place, leaving our friend to 
 till up liis vacant seats below as he pleased. Mr. Ryei-son 
 complimented rae cordially upon the answer I gave the Doctor, 
 saying, " He is fully checkmated now, and he richly deserved 
 all he got." It is due to Dr. A., however, to say that from this 
 time forward his conduct toward us was respectful, affable, and 
 kind. He evidently saw that we understood his tactics. We 
 cared not personally where we sat. It wflls the honour of our 
 Conference to which we looked, and the effect such treatment 
 must have in Canada. If we negotiated at all it m ust he on terms 
 of equality, justice, and right. We had now gained our point 
 without seeming to demand it, and we were satisfied. These 
 things were not mentioned in Canada, for reasons which must 
 be obvious to all. They were the acts of an individual 
 merely — who had been humiliated by his defeat at his la«t 
 visit to our body — and not the acts of the Conference. 
 Ultimately they did us good. 
 
 When we met the Committee appointed to negotiate with 
 us, we found them honourable, high-minded gentlemen, 
 anxious to do right ; and after they heard our statements, and 
 found that we were open, frank, and reliable, we found 
 them everything we could desire. Dr. Bunting was chief 
 
1846.] 
 
 IVANOKLICAL ALLIANCE. 
 
 297 
 
 HiiioiigHt hiM brethren, mu\ h ^otxl (liplomatiHt. After two 
 (liiys' HiixiouH application, we iinaninioiiHly arrived at thoBe 
 concluHiunH which have been publiHhed in onr Hook of DiM- 
 oiplino. The (/oniniittee then gave uh a jb;oo<1 dinner in 
 the (Vnitenary ilall, and expi-esHed the plttaHure they had 
 ileiivetl from onr visit. Dr. Ahler having completely redeemed 
 hiiiiHclf, we thonght him the boHt man to come to Canada 
 Hud \v(^ anked the Conference to appoint him our President 
 which they did. 
 
 The Great Evangelical Alliance met in the Free 
 nuison's Hall, London, on Wednesday, the 19th of August 
 The hall would hold about 1,000 people, and it was well 
 tilled. I had received a double appointment to this Con 
 ference ; one from the Branch Alliance in Toronto, and one 
 from our Conference in Kingston. We received our tickets 
 to the Alliance from the Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Steine, 
 who also gave us billets. My home was with the Rev. Dr. 
 Townley, a Congi*egational minister, at Islington. On the 
 previous Sunday we walked four miles to hear the Rev. 
 Baptist Noel, of the English Church. Here, with the 
 President of the Alliance, Sir Culling Eardley, and a largo 
 number of foreign delegates, we received the Lord's Supper. 
 We spent two days in Exeter Hall in the aggregate com- 
 mittee, preparing business for the Conference, carefully feel- 
 ing our way, step by step, as we did also for two days more 
 in the Conference ; — for we were entering upon a great 
 experiment, scarcely knowing whether or not we could take 
 one step together towards a permanent Alliance. Four- 
 teen nationalities, from China to Canada, were present, with 
 deputations from all evangelical Churches known to fame. 
 Clergymen and laymen. Earls and knights, were there, 
 piously consulting for the general good. No one seemed to 
 desiie a general fusion of all Churches into one grand over- 
 shadowing body ; but, believing that the great Christian 
 *13 
 
 
 * I 
 
i 
 
 298 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1846. 
 
 1 
 
 III 
 
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 1 
 
 Church Catholic has never lost her Oneness, nor her Head, 
 we wished to manifest this union in such a way as would 
 render it available, on great occasions, in relieving the 
 oppressed and promoting liberality, and thus convince the 
 world that we are essentially '* one body in Christ, and 
 every one members one of another." 
 
 Our work was difficult, and the result problematical. 
 Forty years ago the Churches here represented were hostile 
 to each other. Polemical discussions were mixed with gall, 
 whife the pulpits bristled with opposition to all opposing 
 sects. But the cunning of Jesuits, the ravings of Anti- 
 christ, and the alarming defection of Tractarians, called 
 loudly upon the Catholic Church to arouse from her slum- 
 bers and put on strength. The call is to the faithful of all 
 lands. Holy men are sounding the alarm from Zion's walls, 
 and Christians are awaking. I was not aware of the deep 
 yearnings of soul for greater union between the Churches 
 until we passed our third resolution. We had already 
 resolved " that the Church of the living God, while it 
 admits of growth, is one Church, never having lost, and 
 being incapable of losing, its essential unity," We had also 
 unanimously deprecated the divisions of the Church and 
 our alienation of aftection. But when we reached that 
 point in cur discussions and explanations where we unani- 
 mously resolved to form a " Confederation under the name 
 of TuE Evangelical Alliance," our joy was great. Busi- 
 ness was impossible. The pentup fire burst forth, and for 
 half an hour there was such a shaking of hands as made us 
 feel that we were all brethren. Some wept, some shouted, 
 some sang, but all appeared to be perfectly happy. Had an 
 infidel been present he would probably have exclaimed, with 
 an accuser of old, *' These are drunken with new wine ;" but 
 we received it as an evident token of the divine approba- 
 tion. Our doctrinal basis was short and comprehensive. 
 
1846.J 
 
 « VISIT TO THE CONTINENT. 
 
 299 
 
 It was three days under discussion, during which our peaco 
 mis disturbed by a minister of London introducing the 
 question of slavery. The absence of sixty Americans from 
 the Conforeii.e during this excitement gave us some 
 anxiety. But when we learned that they had retired to 
 pray, and had spent the time in asking God to give them 
 grace and patience equal to the trying hour, we felt relieved. 
 As Mr. Ryerson and I wished to visit the continent before 
 our Committee on Union met, we left some davs before the 
 Conference closed, and crossed the Channel to Boulogne. 
 Here, on an eminence, we saw Napoleon's folly, — the monu- 
 ment of invasion, — a high tower erected to commemorate 
 an event that never happened ! The ride from this to 
 Amiens, in what they called " diligences," was most un- 
 pleasant. There we entered a railway car, which soon con- 
 veyed us to Paris — a most beautiful and charming city, 
 
 " Where every prospect pleases, aud oaly man u vile." 
 
 There seems to be no Sunday here. Long tables were 
 spread out quite near the Tuilleries, where goods and trinkets 
 were offered for sale. We spent sevei'al days in this lovely 
 city and its surroundings, during which time we visited 
 Versailles, the principal attraction of which was tho old 
 palace, in which we were told there were five miles of 
 picture gallery and statuary. The royal grounds, and 
 i^irdens, and movable orange trees, were well worth a 
 visit Fvom Paris weroJe through old Flanders — a beautiful 
 courttry — to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. This is an 
 old town, with many points of interest which my space will 
 not allow me to describe. On Saturday we made up a party 
 and drove out to Waterloo. We had an old soldier to 
 guide us over the battle-ground, who, having been in the 
 battle himself, could give us much reliable and interesting 
 information. This ground was selected by Wellington as 
 
 ir 
 
 / 
 
300 
 
 LIFE AI^D TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1846. 
 
 I 
 
 "1? 1] 
 
 m ii: 
 
 -ill 
 
 the scene of his latest victory and gieatest triumph. A 
 slight valley, in the shape of an obtuse triangle, divided the 
 Knglish and French armies. At the head of this valley 
 stood the two great commanders, about a mile apai-t. From 
 there the armies stretched oflf three or four miles to Welling- 
 ton's right and the Emperor's left. For two hours before 
 the French retreated, both Generals were immensely excited. 
 The Emperor, with his vest pocket full of snuff, was con- 
 stantly carrying it in his fingers to his nose, and then 
 throwing it away. The Duke stood with watch in hand, 
 saying, " Would to God thatBlucher or night would come." 
 But when it was announced that the Prussian General was 
 in sight, the Duke tossed his watch away, saying, *• Thank 
 God, the day is ours." The brave, but unfortunate, Em- 
 peror then beat a retreat, and the French flew away in 
 great haste. On an elevated spot, near the Duke's post, 
 stands the Belgic Mound, with 102 steps to its summit. On 
 its apex stands the British lion in proud defiance, with the 
 date of battle, June 18th, 1815, inscribed on it. From the 
 top of this mound we had a good view of the bloody field 
 and the beautiful country around. But the thought that 
 we stood upon the grave of thousands from different coun- 
 tries, where foemen have forgotten their deadly hate, and 
 embrace each other in mingled confusion, produced in our 
 minds serious reflections. Alas ! Alas ! Is this the highest 
 glory this world can afford 1 Is this the only rest offered to 
 the weary soldier when his last gun is fired 1 Then, sleep 
 on, brave men ; sleep quietly and undisturbed in yon dark 
 abode, until a trump, far different from that which called 
 you to this gory field, shall be heard in your dusty bed, 
 awakening you to life again. Till then no trump shall dis- 
 turb your repose ; no monarch call you to arms. 
 
 Poor Napoleon ! I pitied Mm in his fall, though he 
 richly deserved it^ being a disturber of the world's peace. 
 
^Pl! \ 
 
 1846.] 
 
 THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. 
 
 301 
 
 Had he accepted the ofi'er made hini before his banishment 
 to Elba, he mijjht have enjoytd the crown of France for 
 years, instead of pining away on a desolate island, where 
 the moans of the storm, beating against its rocky shores, 
 were singing their unwelcome requiems over departed 
 giandeur, saying : " How are the mighty fallen, and the 
 weajjons of his warfare perished ! " " He that ruleth his 
 spirit does more than he who taketh a city ! " The poor man 
 ill his cabin, with a contented mind, is far happier than the 
 monarch on his throne, whose riches are not his own, and 
 whose throne is rocked by conspiracy and shaken by con- 
 tending powers. 
 
 " Vain his ambition, noise, and show ; 
 • ' Vain are the cares which rack his mind ; 
 He heaps up treasures mixed v/ith woe, 
 And dies and leaves them all behind," 
 
 Napoleon's poor old guards at the Invalids, in Paris, who 
 were ready to die for him when living, still weep at the 
 mention of his name. We returned to our hotel in time for 
 dinner at the table de hote, where we had twelve courses 
 served up to us in European style ; but the next day being 
 Sunday, our plates were changed eighteen times. With 
 some difficulty we found a Protestant place of woi-ship on 
 Sunday evening, where twenty or thirfy persons were 
 listening to a plain sermon in a very small chapel. 
 
 We left Brussels for that old, historic city, Antwerp, and 
 were well paid for our journey in many w'ays ; but nothing 
 pleased me so much as a sight of Reuben's original 
 " Descent from the Ci'oss." It is a large painting, covering 
 one side-wall of a large room ; and the features are so natural 
 and perfectly brought out, that one is instinctively moved to 
 step foi-ward and assist the anxious disciples in their labour of 
 love. This city lies low. All the country around is very 
 
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302 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1845. 
 
 level, but unusually rich. It is said that there is no part of 
 the world where so much is grown on an acre as in Belgium. 
 The fields not being fenced, every foot is utilized to the edge 
 of the carriage path. On leaving Antwerp we hastened 
 to the North Sea, taking Ghent in our way, where the treaty 
 of peace between England and the United States was signed 
 in 1815. These lowlands, wliich extend some hundreds of 
 miles in a level surface, appear to have been enriched, at 
 some remote period, by the sea flowing over them. But 
 level as the country is, the railway was one of the worst 
 we had ever travelled on. The cars, at times, swaying 
 hither and thither, like a drunken man, gave the passengers 
 much anxiety lest they should topple over and come to grief. 
 Ostend, where we took the steamer for Dover, is a small 
 village near the lino between Belgium and Holland. Earlv 
 the next day we were glad to see the chalk cliffs of Dover. 
 We soon reached the cars and were off for London, passing 
 by that old town, Canterbury, where, it is said, the Italian 
 missionaries commenced their work among the heathens of 
 England, more than fifteen centuries ago. St, Augustine is 
 reported to have preached here, under the spreading boughs 
 of a friendly oak tree. A good example. 
 
 We were in good time for the meeting of our committee, 
 on the 9th of September, and after its business was finished 
 we took a large stateroom on the Prince Albert, placed 
 our heavy tninks on board, and then started for Scotland. 
 The weather was boisterous and the sea rough ; but we were 
 greatly amused by an intelligent steward, who had evidently 
 seen better days. On one occasion, when he was bringing 
 a delicious- looking beef's tongue to the table, there came 
 such a lurch of the ship as sent the tongue nearly to the 
 other side of the saloon! Then, looking at the empty salver 
 in his hand, he smilingly remarked : " Never mind, gentle- 
 men, it is only a lapsis lingua." " Truly," said I, " but if 
 
1846.] 
 
 SCOTLAND. 
 
 SOS 
 
 we are to have many such slips of the tongue, we may be 
 wanting our dinner before it arrives." Tiie Bay of Edin- 
 burgh is exceedingly lovely, and we were pleased to leave a 
 troubled sea for its peaceful waters. That portion of the 
 city called the Old Town, though full of interesting points, 
 does not look very inviting to a stranger ; but the New 
 Town is beautiful and attractive. The old Palace ia a plain 
 building of olden times, but the scene of many thrilling and 
 tragical events. The daring acts of Damley are here 
 written in blood. The room where Rizzio was found coquet- 
 ting with Queen Mary is still pointed out, as well as the 
 place where he was slain. The Castle, on the top of a high 
 clift*, must have been impregnable in the days of its glory. 
 From it you have a good view of the city. Scott's monu- 
 ment is beautiful, but, having just been erected, the rubbish 
 was still lying around, while an old fence in front seemed to 
 obscure its charms. But the house where John Knox lived 
 and thundered against papacy possesses more charms for us 
 than all these baubles and mementoes of the past. We 
 were unfortunate in our visit to Glasgow ; heavy rains kept 
 us indoors, hence we soon took steamer for Ireland. 
 
 In Belfast we spent a Sabbath. On Sunday evening, 
 after preaching, we assisted Mr, McAfee in a prayer- 
 meeting, and at its close I was delighted when three good 
 sisters clasped me by the hand and gave me a hearty Irish 
 welcome to the Green Isle. They had been sheep of my 
 fold, three years before, in Hamilton. In going to Dublin, 
 we had to ride in a stage from Caperdown to the River 
 Boyne, where the decisive battle was fought, in 1 688, which 
 gave the Prince of Orange the crown of England, and drove 
 a miserable, hypocritical tyrant from that Protestant throne. 
 I rode outside, to get a better view of this fine country. 
 We were made sad by the destruction of their potato crop. 
 All over their beautiful fields this esculent lay in offensive 
 
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304 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES ^P ANSON QREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1846. 
 
 decay. It was the lirst time this people, who depend much 
 upon this root, had been thus visited. Their principal 
 dependence in many families for food was hopelessly 
 destroyed, and their lamentations were heartrending. 
 When Canada and other parts of America learned their 
 state, they hastened to send corn and flour to relieve them 
 and mitigate their grief. Our driver was a real Pat, and I 
 amused myself in conversation with him. When we were 
 passing the Newry Hills, for instance, I said to him ; — 
 " These bald peaks seem not to produce herbage ; pray, are 
 they good for anything 1 " " Nothing at all, sir," said he. 
 " Well, they look as though they might be a good harbour 
 for snakes and other reptiles," said I. " Snakes !" said he, 
 " snakes ! No, indade ! Sure an' didn't St. Patrick drive all 
 snakes and toads out of this God-honoured country long, long 
 ago 1" " Indeed !" said I, " then he must have been a very 
 good man, I should think." ** Good ! Yes, indade, an' that 
 he was," said he, " and only for his blessed intercession this 
 beautiful country would be no better than England, or any 
 other rough part of creation. St. Patrick is a blessed good 
 friend to our country, an' so he is !" Well, thought I, 
 " where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." At the 
 Boyne Waters we got into railway cars, which soon carried 
 us to Dublin. Dublin is a lovely city, and we regretted our 
 want of time to see it to our satisfaction. We visited the 
 Park, the College, and the College Green, where once the 
 Parliament House of Ireland stood — now converted into a 
 bank. In the evening we took boat at Kingston, crossed to 
 Liverpool, went up to London, and then hurried off to New- 
 port to meet our ship, which was sailing round from the 
 Thames. Here we had time, before the Prince Albert 
 arrived, to visit the Victory, lying in a small bay. The 
 place where her former brave commander fell is marked by a 
 brass plate. We also visited the cockpit, where Lord Nelson 
 
1846.] 
 
 SEA-SICKNESS. 
 
 ■■'IK 
 
 306 
 
 (lied. We had seen his sarcophagus in the crypt of St. 
 Paul's Cathedral, London. We drank water from the tank 
 of this memorable ship, which, they told us, had been kept 
 there, sweet and pure, for twenty-five years. The motion 
 of the ship had probably kept it pure, while its great depth 
 l)elow the decks had kept it cold and delicious. After 
 visiting the Isle of Wight and other points of interest, we 
 went aboard our ship, glad to find the Rev. Dr. Olin and 
 wife, of the Wesleyan University, the Rev. Mr. Murwin, 
 Prof Caldwell, John Harper, Esq., wife, and son John, — of 
 the great publishing house in New York — with several other 
 fellow-passengers, ready for the voyage. We had hoped 
 that, by starting at that late date, we would have escaped 
 the equinoctial storms, but in this we were wofully mistaken. 
 Just as we weighed anchor, on the 27th of September, the 
 wind began to blow, and for twelve days we had it directly 
 in our faces. For several days all the passengers appeared 
 to be sea-sick. The table was nearly deserted. All the 
 clergy suffered greatly, but seemed to recover before I did. 
 For twelve days I ate little or nothing ; but at that time the j 
 captain ordered on dessert, and I said to Mrs. Harper, " I 
 feel as though I could eat some of that." She said, " Don't 
 do it, for your life ! It would kill you." I did not go to 
 the table until the dessert was brought on. Then I sat 
 down and ate a raisin ; it tasted good, and was the first 
 thing I could keep on my stomach. I then took two or 
 three more, and after them a fig. All tasted good. Then I 
 ventured to take a nut ; that, too, tasted natural. And 
 after this, strange to say, I could do good justice to my 
 meals, until the voyage was ended. Nature, in such cases, 
 is the best physician, and it is safe to try a morsel of what 
 the appetite craves. We landed in New York, after a 
 stormy passage of thirty -five days, and reached Toronto on 
 Saturday, the 7th of November ; having been absent more 
 
 ^ 
 
 1 .1 
 
806 
 
 LIFB AND TIMES OF ANSON OBEEN. D.D. 
 
 [1846. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 than four months. The good tidings ' success had 
 
 preceded us, and were received with jd feelings. A 
 
 portion of our people, and the more uS and consistent 
 among the missionary party, were much pleased ] but others, 
 on both sides of the house, were displeased, disappointed, 
 and warlike. This was no more than we expected, knowing 
 that it is natural for some to grumble. No commission was 
 over yet appointed to settle great questions between exten- 
 sive parties that pleased everybody. To effect this, in our 
 case, we must have been more than mortal. Still, all things 
 considered, the opposition to our diplomacy was weak, if not 
 contemptible. We lost no time in calling our Special Com- 
 mittee, to meet in the College, to whom we presented our 
 report, giving them the fullest information in our power. 
 In this large and intelligent committee all opposition soon 
 vanished, in the light of the official documents and our 
 frank and ample explanations. We assured the committee 
 that we had nothing to conceal, and, as far as our acts were 
 concerned, nothing to regret. After a thorough canvass of 
 ^ the entire question, the committee unanimously passed 
 approving, and even flattering resolutions. The quarterly 
 meeting of the Toronto City Circuit, before whom the ques- 
 tion was laid the next Monday, also approved, and passed a 
 vote of " cordial thanks to the representatives, for their 
 wisdom and skill in managing this most delicate and impor- 
 tant subject." All the newspapers which spoke on the 
 subject, with one solitary exception, spoke approvingly; 
 while the Watchman, of London, and the religious press of 
 the United States, were in raptures. A majority of our 
 quarterly official meetings, before whom the union measures 
 were laid, approved of our doings, and we felt that the 
 question was then safe ; nothing remaining but the final vote 
 of our Conference to complete these salutary aiTangements. 
 January 14th, 1847. — This day, Toronto and New York 
 
1847.] TELEORAPHIO CONNECTION WITH NEW YORK. 307 
 
 are connected by telegraph wires, over which despatches are 
 flying with lightning speed. Truly, this is a day of wonders ! 
 In 1801, the year in which I was born, the first Act of 
 Parliament was passed authoiizing a railway in England, 
 and now a network of railway is spread all over that island, 
 and over many pai-ts of the two continents. But this talking 
 with our friends in Washington by lightning is the standing 
 triumph of the age. Wonders will never cease. The ambi- 
 tious are talking already of a telegraph line, either under 
 or around the ocean, to Europe. When this is accom- 
 plished, the ends of the earth will soon be brought together 
 in social convense. And what next 1 Shall we see men 
 flying on wings, through the air, or crossing oceans in 
 balloons, or bringing us tidings from distant planets of the 
 nature of the people who inhabit them, and their work'i 
 Already one astronomer imagines he has discovered the axle 
 of the univei-se. Dr. Maedir, a Russian gentleman, guided 
 by the discovery of the elder Herschell, as to the figure of 
 the stratum of stars to which our sun belongs, and the 
 general belief of astronomers that all the stars called fixed 
 stars have a pi-oper motion, has been endeavouring to ascer- 
 tain the precise star which really forms the hub of the 
 universe. He has come to the conclusion that Alcyona, one 
 of the seven stars which compose the Pleiades, is really that 
 centre ; and that our sun, and all other suns and planets 
 are revolving round that grand centre once in 18,200,000 
 years. The distance to Alcyona is so great as to require 
 one of its rays five hundred and thirty years to come down 
 to us. Surely, " the works of the Lord are great, sought 
 .out of all them that have pleasure therein." The intellect 
 of man is a part of God's handiwork, and it is well for us 
 when that marvellous power is employed in studying the 
 wonderful works of God ; for when guided and strengthened 
 
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308 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1847. 
 
 
 iM 1*1 
 
 by God, it can scarcely Htretch too tar in exploring tin- 
 depths of creation, or in bringing forth wonderful inventions. 
 It may not bo amiss to record here a well-merited comj)H- 
 ment, which, among scores of a similar kind, has been paid 
 to the Rev. Dr. Bunting, since the great Conference of the 
 Evangelical Alliance. This comes from the Rev. P. Church, a 
 Ba})tist clergyman, and will l)e endorsed by eveiy candid per- 
 son wlio witnessed his wise suggestions, and the statesmanlike 
 view that he took of tlie various questions wliich came l>efore 
 us in that (Conference. " Dr. Bunting," says this delegate, 
 " wielded more influence than any other man in that body. 
 And this was done not so much by the amount as l)y the 
 excellence, and the approjiriateness of what he said. He never 
 failed to set the matter in the right light by a few pertinent 
 remarks, * and when he had spoken they answered not again.' 
 He is an exceedingly wise man. If John Wesley has a 
 successor among the living. Dr. B. is tliat man ; to whom 
 Providence, and the general voice of society, unite in assigning 
 this high station. The Wesleyan Primate de facto, if not 
 de jure. I had a good opportunity of noticing the perpetu- 
 ally recuiTing indications of clear-sightedness, lucid statement, 
 and appro])riate remark, as well as stiaveter in modo, deference 
 to others, and goodness of heart of this great man." This is 
 the verdict which all must render to Dr. Bunting, though 
 all may not be able to rise so far above bigotiy and sectarian 
 prejudice as to assert it in the handsome manner in which 
 this Baptist brother has done. Methodism will never have 
 cause to be ashamed ot a Primate who, in the assembled 
 wisdom of the Church Catholic, was able to gain this distinc- 
 tion. Fi'om personal observation, I am quite prepared to, 
 endorse every word of Mr. Church's statement as entirely 
 correct. Never was I so happily disappointed in any man, 
 The venerable Doctor cai'ried my judgment with him in 
 almost eveiy act of his great mind. 
 
1847.] 
 
 RATIFICATION OF UNION. 
 
 309 
 
 The Conferenece of 1847, — met in Toronto on the 2nd 
 of June. The Rev. W. Ryorson was eh'cted PreHident. 
 Rev. J. Ryei-Hon and I conchide<l to sliow the Rev. Dr. Alder 
 the difference between London and Toronto etiqnette — or 
 at lejiHt to give him a different reception from that which he 
 hiul given us in England — hence we walked <lown to his 
 hotel, and invited him and Dr. Richy to accompany us to the 
 Conference. The Doctor took my arm and Mr. R. took that 
 of Dr. Richy, and in this friendly way we walked through 
 the streets to the Adelaide-street Church, when we con- 
 ducted them to the platform and introduced them to the 
 Conference. Of course the great event of this Conference 
 was the ratification of the re-union and the coming together 
 of the two parties. In presenting our report we found a 
 pleasing comment upon Job's wish — " O that mine adver- 
 sary had written a book." Four of our brethren having been 
 strangely misled by nimours had published a pamphlet 
 against the conditions of the re-union. This pamphlet 
 served Bro. John Ryerson for a text, and for two hours he 
 gave it his undivided attention. The debates pro and con 
 lasted about three days, when the measure was approved by 
 the overwhelming majority of eighty-two to eight. Dr. Alder 
 corroborated all that Mr. Ryerson and I had said, declaring 
 that our statements and explanations were frank, ingenuous, 
 and truthful. We had taken the precaution to invite the 
 English District Meeting, then in session in the city, to meet 
 with us during these discussions ; for it was important that all 
 our ministers should thoroughly understand the negotiations. 
 Never was there a question of greater importance submitted 
 to our Conference ; never so much time taken up in discussing 
 any question ; and never did truth and peace achieve a more 
 complete victory over prejudice, error, and division than was 
 achieved during these three days. Indeed we hazard nothing 
 in saying that, all things considered, there never was a measure 
 
 
 < I 
 
310 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP AN80N OREEN, O.D. 
 
 [1847. 
 
 in Canada fraught with so many difficultieH, mirrounded with 
 80 many conflicting interests and oppoHing elements, and 
 where so many parties, both in Kngland and in this coimtry, 
 had to he consulted, which wan invested with more import- 
 ance to the community at large, or one, the settlement of 
 which prodticed more beneficial results. Violent partisans 
 had to be held with a firm hand for a little ; but soon the 
 storm was over and there was a great calm. Old sores were 
 healed ; old conflicts forgotten ; and in a very short time no 
 one was found rash enough to I'egret, or belligerent enoiigh 
 to desire, a return to our former position. Dr. Alder is a good 
 tactician. Many amusing things were told concerning the 
 manner in which he managed the opponents of the measure 
 in the district meeting held in the Richmond Street Church. 
 He was ably assisted by Dr. Richey, and also by the Rev. 
 E. Wood, whom he brought from New Brunswick to take 
 charge of the Missions. The Clergy Reserve question, which 
 had most to do in dissolving the tii*8t union, was out of the 
 way now, and other points of friction had been carefully 
 avoided in our oflicial documents ; hence the entire measure 
 worked smoothly; dark and lowering clouds were all I'eraoved, 
 and the Church had peace and gladness. We laboured in 
 cordial co-operation, until our connection with the British 
 Conference was mutually dissolved by the confederation of 
 all the societies in British America, in 1874. The following 
 resolution was unanimously passed by the Conference, and 
 fully endorsed by the President : " That the cordial thanks 
 of the Conference be presented to our respected and 
 beloved brethren, the Rev. John Ryerson and the Rev Anson 
 Green, for the judicious and faithful manner in which they 
 observed the instructions and represented the views of this 
 Conference and promoted the interests of the Church as our 
 representatives to the Wesleyan Conference in England, and 
 
1847.1 
 
 REPUBLIC IN FRANCE. 
 
 811 
 
 for the RucceHsAil result to which they brought their misnion 
 of peace and lovo." 
 
 ThiH (/onference wrh necesHarily a lonj( one, extending over 
 two SahbathH. The Runderod partioH came together cordially, 
 and old fellow-lulwurers nhook handH again with tearful eyes. 
 Good old Father C'nHo embraced me cordially, Haying with 
 much emotion, " Well done, my boy ! You have accom- 
 pliHhed what I never thought I shoidd live to see accom- 
 pliHhed, and I don't know how to thank you and Bro. Ryerson 
 enough for your courage and zeal in \mdoitaking a work so 
 (lirticult and hopelcHS, and for your toil and prudence in 
 bringing it to this happy issue." Mr. Ryerson and I were 
 again api)ointed representatives to the next American 
 General Conference. Our missionary meeting on Monday 
 evening was a joyous occasion. Here again, as in former ^year8, 
 stood side by side, Ryerson and Richy, (Jase and Green, Jones 
 and Sunday, pleading the same cause ; while the people ex- 
 claimed "Behold how good and how pleasant it isfor brethren 
 to dwell together in unity." We were out of debt, re-united 
 and happy. 
 
 March 22, 1848. — Thrilling news from Europe. When I 
 was in Paris last summer a year ago, the French King 
 having formed a matrimonial alliance with Spain, and erected 
 strong forts on the seven hills of Paris which would command 
 and protect that city to its centre, fancied himself secure for 
 all his days. But how vain the hopes of man when he trusts 
 in an arm of flesh ! On the 22nd February, a feast was ad- 
 vertised to take place in the Chamber of Deputies, in honour 
 of the Minority. The Government were unwise enough to 
 forbid it. The people arose in mass, and eighty thousand 
 soldiers could not manage them ; but after three days' fighting 
 the King had to fly to England, the asylum of the persecuted 
 and the home of the oppressed. A Republic was formed 
 in France, slavery abolished, and Thiers appointed ruler. 
 
 
 !• < 
 
 'iWt 
 
 I' ., 
 
^ 
 
 312 
 
 LIPB AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1848. 
 
 Imminent Danger in a Fearful Storm. — On the 17th i 
 April, having arranged for my absence frcra the Book-room, 
 and committed my dear fkmily to the care and j)rotection of 
 Him who neither slumbers nor sleeps, I started for the 
 American General Conference, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
 I took passage at Buffalo on the steamer Origmt, for Fairpovt. 
 The night was calm, but while we were at breakfast xigxt 
 morning,in the Era Bay, the wind began to blow from the east, 
 and it increased steadily in violence all day. At four o'clock 
 we were nearing Fairport wharf, amidst high and powerful 
 waves, when the • aptain said he feard I would not be able 
 to land. This made me sad, for I could see my brother on 
 the wharf, who had driven down to convey me to his own 
 fireside, and I was tired of the tossings of surging billows. 
 At this anxious moment, a fierce gale struck our ship 
 and blew down both our funnels ; one of them pitched 
 overboard and was seen no more, — the other lay stretched 
 along on the upper deck. This was an hour of imminent 
 peril. Many faces turned pale, and women shrieked in agony, 
 as flakes of fire were driven over the ship by tierce winds ; 
 and to add to our peril, at this critical moment, our rudder 
 unshipped, and we were left to the merciless fury of the 
 howling storm, without the least control of the ship, either 
 by wheel or by rudder ! We each seized a bucket, and 
 worked with energy to prevent the rushiiig sparks from set- 
 ting the cargo on fire, and burning the vessel, while the captain 
 threw over a small anchor. Fortunately for us the ship was 
 new and strong. In this consisted our only hope. Every 
 moment I was being driven farther from my friends, who 
 stood upon the wharf looking after us with painful anxiety. 
 We were soon out of danger from the fire, but were being 
 driven up the lake at the rate of about four miles an hour, 
 dragging our anchor after us. In a short time we were out of 
 sight of our friends on the shore. When the moi'ning dawned 
 
1848,] 
 
 DANGERS OF THE DEEP. 
 
 313 
 
 we found ourselves opposite Cleveland, and about ten miles 
 from shore. If we continued at this rate we must soon 
 be dashed against the rocks ahead of us ; but our watchful 
 captain now threw out his sheet-anchor, which held us in 
 position until four o'clock p.m., when the wind lowered and 
 we managed to raise steam enough to carry us into port. 
 This was the most gloomy night I ever witnessed. After I 
 had done all I could to save liie and comfort those who were 
 fearful, I commended the ship and all on board to the pro- 
 tection of Almighty God, and then got into my berth — not to 
 sleep, but to rest. I felt a comfortable assurance, in answer 
 to prayer, that our lives would be spared to reach the shore. 
 About two o'clock I left my state-room to ascertain the con- 
 dition of affairs around me. The saloon was nearly aban- 
 doned to its fate. The confusion was indescribable. Chairs, 
 tables, and sofas, were being tossed from side to side a.-i the 
 steamer was tossed by the waves ; while men, women, and 
 children, were being rolled about in their own vomit. I 
 stepped to the stairs to take a survey of the lower deck, but 
 had not descended far before I saw waves six feet high dash- 
 ing over it, carrying away everything movable in their 
 course. I found another gentleman on the stairs, upon a 
 similar errand with myself ; but while he was crossing the 
 saloon to his state-room, a fearful lurch of the ship sent him 
 head foremost, againt his door, the panels of which he 
 carried before him, leaving his legs in the saloon, while his 
 head and shoulders only had reached his room ! Snow fell 
 three inches deep towards morning, but did not prevent the 
 people of the town from ascending their houses and balconies, 
 by hundreds, to gaze upon us in our distress. There were 
 steamers in port, but none dared to leave and come to our 
 relief. Human strength, under such circumstances, is perfect 
 weakness. God only is great, and alone coidd grant reliof. An 
 
 old sea captain, who had been t went} live yeari upon the high 
 U 
 
 n 
 
 4 
 
314 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON QREEN, D.D. [1848. 
 
 seas, said| " he never felt himself in such imminent danger." 
 But, thankSjbe to God, my faith did not fail me for a moment. 
 I thought of St. Paul, who was " a night and a day in the 
 deep," and could lean with unshaken confidence upon the same 
 arm which protected him. I admired the strength of that 
 sheet-anchor which held our vessel fast amidst the boisterous 
 waves and pelting storm. It was an instrument of safety 
 well calculated to give us hope. But I had a ** hope as an 
 anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast," which reached 
 beyond the beds of Lake Erie. I cast it " within the vail," 
 and it gave me " a strong consolation" during the perils of 
 that dreadful night. I was able to be calm and peaceful 
 while the howling winds seemed to be singing their mournful 
 requiem over our watery graves. But my work was not 
 done, and my life was spared. 
 
 " The practical lesson of all casualties is that we should 
 maintain an habitual readiness for death. It is conveyed to us 
 by a thousand monitors, but we become inattentive and apa- 
 thetic. Still we may be sure that the warning is meant for 
 us. Thus saith the Lord, " Set thy house in order, for thou 
 shalt die and not live." We should part with our families 
 , when we go to the business of the day as if we were to return 
 no more. The business of life should be so conducted and so 
 balanced up, that our successor may take it up without 
 loss. And especially is it perilous for us to neglect the pre- 
 paration of heart required to stand before God." 
 
 I found my venerable father, then 82 years old, living 
 with my sister Abigail ; quite comfortable, and remarkably 
 vigorous, both in mind and body. When I left him I felt that 
 I had looked into his bright eyes and upon his manly form for 
 the last time until "this mortal shall have put on immortality," 
 and bodies part no more. 
 
 I arrived at Pittsburg on Monday evening. This place 
 was called Fort du Quesne until 1759, when the French were 
 
^T^ 
 
 1848.J 
 
 GENERAL COKFERENCE IN PITTSBURO. 
 
 315 
 
 i 
 
 driven out by the direction of England's able Premier, 
 whose name it now bears. It is called the' Birmingham of 
 America,becau8e of the dense clouds of bituminous smoke con- 
 stantly thrown into the air from its numerous furnaces. This 
 smoke is disgustingly unpleasant in warm weather. If 
 permitted to mingle with perspiration, it soon blackens the 
 faces of their most peaceable inhabitants. The town is beauti- 
 fully situated, on a point between the Alleghany and 
 Monongahela Rivers, where they unite and form the Ohio. 
 My home during the General Conference was with the 
 family of Mr. King, a wealthy manufacturer, to whom I 
 became much attached. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Richey and the Rev. John Ryerson were 
 my co-representatives; and the Rev. Dr. Dickson ably 
 represented the British Conference. He preached an 
 admirable sermon on Sunday morning, on " The Church of 
 the First Born," which was much admired by the brethren, 
 especially by the Bishops and senior ministers. Dr. Dixon 
 is pre-eminently a good preacher ; but his personal presence 
 is not overpowering. He is rather underaized, with blue 
 eyes and light complexion. He walks carelessly, but thinks 
 deeply. His mental developments indicate a strong mind 
 and a powerful intellect. His style is plain, apostolical, 
 forcible. I am glad he is to preside in our Conference. 
 
 My principal business with the General Conference was 
 to obtain better terms for our Book-room. In 1832 they 
 agreed to divide to us our share of their Book-room stock, 
 amounting to about $27,000. This they failed to do for ^ 
 reasons mentioned on page 177. In 1836, Messrs. Case and 
 Lord brought the subject before their General Conference 
 again, when they agreed to allow us forty per cent, discount 
 on their books, as an offset to our claim. I was able to 
 convince the committee that, in reality, they gave us nothing 
 for our stock in their Book Concern. They would sell to any 
 
 r ■ ' 
 
 • 
 
 iii; 
 
316 
 
 LlfE And tlMES bt ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1848. 
 
 reliable house, at wholesale, on the same terms as to us ; 
 therefore, we lost our stock entirely ! The committee saw 
 it at once, and unanimously voted to give us books at cost 
 price. This they should continue to do, or divide to us our 
 share of stock. Having finished our work, we all left for 
 home on the 19th of May. 
 
 The Conference of 1848 commenced in Belleville on the 
 7th of June, Dr. Dixon in the chair. We were too late for 
 the morning boat at Kingston, and nearly one hundred of 
 us were crowded into a small evening boat, called the 
 Victoria. The evening was dark, and hence our. President 
 missed seeing the charming scenery of this beautiful bay. 
 Our captain did his best to make us comfortable, but refused 
 the slightest remuneration. Dr. Dixon presided with much 
 ability. The two parties came together cordially, and the 
 union was found to work well. 
 
 The British Conference could scarcely have sent us a 
 better man for the occasion than Dr. Jas. Dixon. At the 
 close of the Conference, on Thursday, he gave us good 
 advice : *' Talk little," said he, " about the union, but let 
 well enough alone. The union is on a better foundation 
 than the former, every way; there is no antagonism no v. 
 Go on, then, and work for God, and love one another." 
 The brethren reported 268 churches and 893 other places 
 of worship in their circuits, making, in all, 1,161 congrega- 
 tions in Upper Canada. 
 
 Knox's (Presbyterian) Church, with the most beautiful 
 spii*e in the city, was opened on the 3rd of September, and 
 I was surprised to learn that this capacious house had been 
 erected at a cost of £4,500. The collection at the dedica- 
 tion amounted to £231 16s. Good for our Presbyterian 
 brethren ! 
 
 A Remarkable Prediction. — I have just been reading 
 the views of a Scotch divine, uttered 131 years ago, con- 
 
1848.] I i.y REV. ROBERT FLEMMINO. 
 
 317 
 
 
 cerning the seven vials mentioned by St. John, which, in 
 the present state of Europe, are calculated to excite some 
 attention. The Rev. Robert Flemming, who wrote in 1717, 
 deducts eighteen years from the Julian year ; and then, 
 taking this date, he supposed that the fourth vial would run 
 out about the year 1794, the precise time when the French 
 monarchy was overthrown by Napoleon. At the same time 
 he predicted the fall of the Pope in 1848, and, strange to 
 say, the Pope is now an exile from Rome, driven away by 
 his own people. " Tlie fifth vial (Rev., 16th chap.), which 
 is to be poured out on the seat of the bfeast, or the domin- 
 ions which more immediately belong to and depend on the 
 Roman See, will probably begin about the year 1794 and 
 expire about 1848." Mr. F. adds the 1,260 years men- 
 tioned by the prophets to 606, that being the year when the 
 Pope received t'le title of Supii^pe Bishop, which, according 
 to his chronology, brings us to 1848. But he adds : " We 
 are not to imagine that this vial will totally destroy the 
 papacy, though it will exceedingly weaken it ; for we find 
 this still alive when the next vial is poured out." If Mr. 
 F.'s views are correct, we shall for some time to come', be 
 receiving the fifth vial. The three unclean spirits still 
 remain. But when the sixth vial is poured out, then, says 
 John, " I saw three unclean spirits, like frogs, come out of 
 the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the 
 beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet ; for they 
 are the spirits of devils wcwking miracles." This \ial, he 
 thinks, will have spent its fury by the year a.d. 2,000, when 
 papal Rome will be destroyed, the dragon, her national 
 protectors, conquered, the false prophet's power ended, and 
 the Millennium begun. Whether Mr. Flemming has the 
 correct key to open the mysteries concerning these vials or 
 not, I cannot say ; but any one who carefully observes the 
 upheavings of earth's strong empires, roust see that the 
 
 
318 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1848. 
 
 i {I 
 
 
 mighty struggles now going on in our world are looking 
 towards a great religious war, which must burst the chains 
 of error, bigotry, and superstition with which millions are 
 now bound, and set the captives free. From the reading of 
 the twelfth verse of this sixteenth chapter, I should not be 
 surprised to find that the great missionary work now going 
 on in India, China, and Japan is designed by God to prepare 
 the way for " the kings of the east " to perform a glorious 
 part in this grand struggle for truth. Arabia, the Euphrates 
 of John, is literally being dried up, or swallowed up by 
 superior powers. The ways of God are mysterious. I can 
 not solve those mysteries, nor do I possess the si)irit of 
 prophecy ; but I cannot shut my eyes to the fact that an 
 unseen hand is at work among the nations, producing mar- 
 vellous results, well calculated to give the Christian student 
 much comfort. The w^^p^rful inventions of the present 
 day are strangely helping that unseen hand to bring the 
 ends of the earth together. Two years ago, I rode over the 
 Great Western, in England, at the rate of about sixty milei 
 an hour ; and I now see by the papers that sometimes 
 people are wheeled over this road at the rate of sixty-four 
 miles an hour ! Surely, we live in exciting times. 
 
 September 27. — This is the anniversary of my natal day. 
 More than half of my life has passed ; my days have darted 
 away like a weaver's shuttle — but whither have they fled 1 
 What record have they borne on high 1 I feel ashamed 
 when I think how little I have done for God, for the 
 Church, for the world. Golden moments have passed unim- 
 proved. Souls have perished while I have been slumbering, 
 and still a merciful Redeemer bears with my infirmities and 
 multiplies my years. Unfaithful as I am, his Spirit bears 
 witness with my spirit that I am bom of God ; and still 
 the burden of my heart is, " Nearer, my God, to thee, 
 
 
1848.] 
 
 SERIOUS REFLECTIONS. 
 
 319 
 
 nearer to thee." O, the fullness of love which swells my 
 grateful heart to-day ! I do, indeed, dwell in the temple of 
 contentment. Here all my little needs are supplied, and 
 my mercies abound. Time past has flown swiftly away ; 
 the present, like a speck upon the dashing billow, is soon 
 out of sight ; but, O the future ! the invaluable future ! — 
 will it be better improved than the past 1 With me, it 
 must be short, at best ; but if time is shoi-t, eternity is long. 
 Who can fathom the depths of eternity 1 I see by the 
 papers that Sir James C. Ross, in fifteen degrees south and 
 twenty-six degrees west, sent down his line twenty-seven 
 thousand feet (about five and a quarter miles), but even 
 with this length of line could find no bottom. Who, then, 
 will attempt to fathom the depths of eternity ? But to that 
 eternity I am hastening, and soon its mysterious light will 
 dawn upon me. In view of^hat approaching hour, how 
 vain and meagre, how trifling and empty the honours and 
 glories of this world appear ! Such are the vicissitudes 
 through which mortals pass, that their brightest hopes often 
 end in despair. Their " paths of glory lead but to the 
 grave." It has been truly said that Alexander the Great, 
 after conquering the world, set a city on fire and died in a 
 debauch. Hannibal, after all his masterly achievements, 
 died with poison, administered by his own hand. Csesar, 
 after calling the world his own, was assassinated on the 
 spot of his highest aspirations. While the great Bonaparte, 
 who made all Europe tremble, died a wretched captive on a 
 barren isle ! " And now another Napoleon, who was long 
 an exile in England, is President of France, whilff King 
 .Louis Philippe, who so recently held him in exile, has been 
 compelled to fly from his throne and from his native 
 country ! But Jesus is a King who was never conquered, 
 and " Christ in you the hope of glory," is our greatest riches 
 
 wB 
 
 i^i 
 
 i .t? 
 
320 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1848. 
 
 
 
 
 u. i 
 
 r^:-:^ 
 
 and highest joys. No wonder, then, that our incomparable 
 Wesley could sing, 
 
 " On all the kings of earth with pity we look down," 
 
 for certain it is, " there's nothing lives but heaven." Ths 
 great Napoleon, therefore, was right when he said to General 
 Bertrand : " I tell you. General, that Jesus Christ was not 
 a man. His religion is a self-existent mystery, and it proceeds 
 from a mind not human. Jesus borrowed nothing from 
 human knowledge ; neither was he a philosopher, for his 
 proofs were miracles. Science and philosophy were powerless 
 to salvation. Alexander, Ctesar, Charlemagne, and I, have 
 founded empires ; but upon what have we rested the founda- 
 tion of our genius ? Upon force ! Only Jesus has founded 
 an empire upon love, and at this moment millions of men 
 would die for him. It was not a day nor a battle that won 
 the victory over the world. No ; in that war all the kings 
 and powers of earth were on one side ; on the other side I 
 see no army, but a mysterious force and a few men scatteied 
 through all parts of the world, and who have no rallying 
 point but faith in the mysteries of the Cross. I die before 
 my time, and my body will be put into the ground to 
 become food for worms. What an abyss between my deep 
 wretchedness and Christ's eternal kingdom, preached, lov 
 adored, and spreading through the world !" Poor Napoleon ! 
 His exile may have been, and doubtless was, a blessing in 
 disguise. It gave him time to reflect upon the folly of 
 .worldly ambition, and the uncertainty of all earthly posses- 
 sions. 
 
 Christmas day we worshipped God in his sanctuary, and 
 if we did not, with the Magi, present our " gifts of gold, 
 frankincense, and mjrrrh, we did present our oflFerings for 
 the poor, that, whilst we were feasting around our own 
 
18*8.] 
 
 OKEAT PIRE IN TORONTO. 
 
 321 
 
 i 
 
 tables, they, too, might have something to remind them of 
 these gifts which are spiritual and eternal. 
 
 A beautiful comet is now seen in the north-east, near 
 Castor and Pollux. This comet, we are told, performs its 
 revolution round the sun once in two hundred and ninety- 
 two years. In looking at this singular display in the 
 heavens, one can hardly wonder that a council of sailors 
 came to the sage conclusion, that " a comet is a star sprung 
 a leak," for such a conclusion is more reasonable and truer 
 to nature than many suggestions coming from a higher source. 
 But how different that star which loomed over Bethlehem 
 1848 years ago ! This seems to be spitting out streams of 
 fire in an alarming manner ; that was as attractive in its 
 charms as it was brilliant in its appearance, and it guided 
 the wise men to the Babe in the manger, the great object of 
 their journey and their desires. 
 
 On Saturday morning, the 7th of April, 1849, an alarming 
 fire destroyed much property in Toronto. It commenced in 
 a house on the north side of King, near George street. I 
 hastened towards the scene of destruction, but as the wind 
 was blowing furiously from the east, I saw large, fiery flakes 
 flying oflf towards our own house, and I turned back to 
 protect it. Some friends, seeing our danger, hastened in to 
 assist us. In a short time these flying substances set fire to 
 the roofs of several buildings. Our own roofs caught several 
 times, but were saved by those who, with pails of water, 
 were there to subdue the flames. Mrs. Green and the 
 servants were packing up our valuables, ready for exit. But 
 our little daughter, twelve years old, was seen in one comer 
 of the room, with hands uplifted towards heaven, and pray- 
 ing fervently to Him who controls the elements to save our 
 dwelling from destruction. She then turned to her mother, 
 and said : " Dear mamma, if you will only pray to God he 
 will save us, and our house will not be burnt." She had 
 ♦14 
 
 '' ■' 
 
 i ( 
 
322 
 
 LIFE AMD TIMES OF ANSON OKEEN, D.D. 
 
 [1849. 
 
 f ■? 
 
 
 Pa 
 
 great confidence in her mother's prayers, and in the protec- 
 tion of Almighty Go<l. At tliis critical moment I saw a 
 bright fiaine kindling on the eave-trough of our wooden 
 printing office, at the rear of the yard, but the ladder being 
 old and unsafe, I declined to venture uj) to extinguish 
 it. Fortunately, at this moment my son came running into 
 the yard, and, without examining the old ladder, ran up it 
 in haste, and with his cap extinguished the tire. I trend)led 
 for his safety, but God preserved him, and he saved the 
 buildings, with theii* valuable contents. Looking to the 
 east, I then saw a little flame the size of my hand on one of 
 the shutters of the Cathedral spire. I durst not leave to 
 extinguish it, and soon tlie entire stee[)le was one sheet of 
 flame, presenting a grand and awful appearance, in beautiful 
 contrast with the lowering clouds, which darkened the 
 heavens above us. Nearly every house between Church 
 and Jarvis streets was on fire, but by diligence and care we 
 kept the destroyer from o\ir block, and our establishment 
 was saved. When watchers were weary, and the fierce 
 wind was carrying the cinders far away to the west, the good 
 Lord came to our assistance, and a heavy rain did more to 
 save the city than five hundred men could have done with 
 pails and buckets. 
 
 The recent discovery of gold in California is creating 
 much excitement at the present time, and many of our 
 farmer's sons are hastening away to this El Dorado to dig 
 up this precious metal, Many die on their way, leaving 
 their bones to whiten on the Rocky Mountains ; and many 
 others, should they reach this land of hope, will doubtlessly 
 be disappointed in the result. California was discovered on 
 the 17th of June, 1576, by Sir Francis Drake. After this 
 it got into the hands of Spain ; but it is now, fortunately, 
 owned by a Protestant nation, which seems determined to 
 make the most of it. 
 
 ■M 
 
1849.] 
 
 CLERGY RESERVES. 
 
 323 
 
 One Conference follows another in rapid aucceasion. We 
 met thin year in the city of Hamilton under the presidency of 
 Dr.Richey, and Bro. C. Vanduaen was elected secretary. At 
 tills Conference we adopted a graduated scale for claimants on 
 our8uj)erannuationFund,by which each will receive according 
 to the years he has rendered efficient service. As all effective 
 ministers have to pay into this fund, it was deemed right and 
 proper that each should be entitled to reap according to what 
 \w had sown. This arrangement should give satisfaction, and 
 prompt both the ministers and laity to greater diligence in sup- 
 porting a f\md on which so many are depending for bread. 
 Eight young men were received, their recei)tion having been 
 moved by the Book Steward, seconded by theRev. Mr. Jenkins, 
 of Montreal, and supported by the Rev. W. Ryerson. We have 
 a small increase of members, while our funds are fair, consider- 
 ing the very trying year through which we have passed. 
 There is very little money in the country. We closed on 
 Thursday evening, and went to our work with joy. 
 
 RESTORATroN TO THE PuLPiT. — It is a source of indescrib- 
 able gratification to me to be able to resume my pulpit labours 
 again. Four years ago my physicians told me I would 
 never preach another sermon, and the sooner I gave up all 
 thoughts of pulpit work the better. From my own feelings 
 I was led to fear that this unwelcome announcement was 
 too tnie. I had been overworked during the suspension of 
 the union. The unparalleled toil and care which came upon 
 a few of us during that anxious period, added to a heart 
 disease, had tried my nerves to their utmost tension, and 
 they gave way under it. For four and a half years I could 
 not preach a sermon. Then I commenced on a small scale in 
 Adelaide Street Church, House of Industry, and the Lunatic 
 Asylum ; but on the first day of July, I assisted the President 
 in dedicating the Church at Richmond Hill, on which occa- 
 sion I preached for half an hour with comparative ease. The 
 
 i 
 
 * I 
 
834 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AKBOIT OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1849. 
 
 dear people welcomed mo to the pulpit a^ain, and my own 
 mind was soothed and oonifortod beyond description. No 
 one who has not experienced it, can imagine the sorrow 
 which a man, called of God tp preach and save souls, feels 
 when driven from the pulpit oy disease. All other pursuits 
 shrinks into nothing compared with this, and ho longs for the 
 time to come wh«ai he can again seize this old Jerusulem 
 blade and lead on the hosts of Israel to battle and to victory. 
 To me this restoration was an occasion of joy and hope. 
 Ministerially, it was a resurrection from the dead ; and most 
 devoutly did I thank God and take courage. 
 
 I find now that I have made a great mistake in not writing 
 more of my sermons. When I entered the ministry, ray 
 highest ambition wuj to become a ready off-hand speaker; 
 and I wrote very few of my sermons, for fear I might be in- 
 duced to commit them to memory and thus deliver them as 
 a school-boy delivers his essays at college. I now find that 
 I committed a grave mistake. I have not changed my 
 mind, in the slightest degree, as to the impropriety of the 
 method, adopted by some, of reading sermons to the peo- 
 ple, and calling it preaching. Neither Christ nor his 
 apostles ever read their sermons to their congregations, nor 
 did they ever send out preachers to read sermons ; but to 
 preach the Gospel to eveiy creature. Had they done so, the 
 Koman Empire might m- . er have been subdued by the Cross, 
 and converted to the faitl: of the Gospel. Reading is not 
 preaching, in the Scriptural and apostolic sense of that term. 
 Neither do I think that memorizing sermons verbatim, ex- 
 cept on very special occasions, is desirable. It is tnie, such 
 a course may strengthen the memory of a minister, and, 
 perhaps, make his composition a little more correct and 
 ornate ; but at the same time, his habits of recitation will 
 necessarily weaken> if not entirely destroy his power and 
 faculty for extemporaneous speaking, either on the platform 
 
1849.] 
 
 ^TBITIirO SERMONS. 
 
 325 
 
 or in the pulpit. In this way his flowery eflbrta will be more 
 than ovmbalauoed by thn Iohs of that peculiar unction which 
 the Holy Ghost impai*tM to Iuh HervantH who rely upon his 
 Imlp to .supphnnunt tluur own eftbrtH, in thoughts, in words, 
 and in iniiuenco. MiniHtom uhould be minute men, ready to 
 olU'r Christ to the people at any time. During my entire 
 ministry, up to my recent sickness, I never saw the time 
 that I could not preach, when away from my own congrega- 
 tion, at three minutes' warning. Not that I could always 
 make up now sermons at such short notice ; but having the 
 general plan in my mind, I could trust to Divine aid for 
 language to clothe my thoughts, and elevate my aspirations. 
 Some of the best ideas I ever received were given me while 
 preaching, and some of the most thrilling effects produced 
 wliilht exhibiting them to the people. But now, having for 
 years, dismissed all thoughts of ever being able to preach 
 again, my sermons are gone from my mind, and I have to begin 
 de novo. Had I written my sermons, the arguments, illus- 
 trations and proofs, which have done good service in former 
 years, would be available now without the tenth part of the 
 study and thought they now cost me. I see clearly that I 
 should have written the sermons worth remembering. Had 
 I done so I might, in this second edition of my former self, 
 use the labours of former years, when my mental powers 
 were strong, and my bodily strength not abated. It is a 
 slow process for me to begin where once I began, and make 
 new sermons for all occasions. 
 
 July 23. — The cholera is again raging in this continent. I 
 spent an hour with Mrs. Stuart, who died of this dire dis- 
 ease. The tyrant soon performed his deadly work with this 
 good sister, but she passed down into the dark valley fearing 
 no evil. People are dying all around us, but some do not go 
 as peacefully, if they go as safely. Seventy-five have died in 
 our city within two weeks, and still the plague rages. Man 
 
326 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1849. 
 
 may do something in keeping the cholera at bay,, but God 
 alone can rescue us from its deadly power. 
 
 In August I went to Montreal to an-ange for a branch of 
 our Book-room in that thriving city. John Matthewsoii, 
 Esq,, kindly drove me through the city, and introduced me 
 to many of our kind friends, among whom I obtained 
 twelve new subscribers to the Gv/irdian. We have a large 
 number of pious and wealthy families here, who are doing 
 much to enlarge the borders of Zion and promote the 
 interests of the Church. Among these, the Tonences, 
 Ferriers, Lunns, Kays, Matthewsons, and others stand out 
 with prominence, and lead off in a most liberal and depend- 
 able manner. "We have three churches in that city. That 
 in Great St. James street is the largest Wesleyan church 1 
 have seen, either in Europe or America. Methodism is a 
 power for good in Montreal ; and if she could but remove 
 the dense cloud of superstition which darkens that fine city 
 and holds the people in bondage, she would soon fill those 
 regions with light and truth. 
 
 September 14th. — The cholera is abating in Toronto. 
 Last week, fourteen died in one day, but we have had no 
 deaths now for two days, and the citizens begin to breathe 
 easier. More than half of the cases in town have proved 
 fatal. Of 766 persons attacked, 462 have gone to their 
 graves. The passing events remind us of what Lorenzo 
 Dow used to tell us of a remarkable prediction contained in 
 an old German book written more than two hundred years 
 ago, in which the author says : " I would not like to be a 
 king in 1848, nor a grave-digger in 1849, nor a soldier in 
 1850, nor either in 1851." What the soldiers may have to 
 do next year we know not, but certainly the grave-diggers 
 have enough to do this year, in every direction. The 
 dispensation of prophecy, as exhibited in the Bible, ceased 
 when the Day-spring from on high visited us to give the light 
 
1849.] 
 
 THE CHOLERA AGAIN. 
 
 m 
 
 of the glory of God on the face of his only begotten Son. 
 The predictions, under the Old Testament dispensation, 
 formed a principal portion of the Church's history during 
 the days of the proj)hets, and the literal fulfUm.ent of those 
 predictions, and the miracles wi-ought by Christ and his 
 apostles, furnish us with irrefragable arguments in support 
 of the truth of divine revelation ; but how men in these 
 latter days could look forward for two hundred years and 
 see the events which occurred in France and. Italy last year, 
 and the mournful events which have occurred in Europe 
 and America this year, is more than I can tell. No one 
 can doubt, however, that it is quite easy for our God to lead 
 the minds of individuals to such a course of study concern- 
 ing the predictions of former ages, as would enable them to 
 speculate ui)on the gi'eat events of the future with remark- 
 able accuracy. 
 
 September 27. — This afternoon, while reflecting upon my 
 birthday, and the rapidity with which my days are passing 
 away, tidings reached me of the demise of one of the oldest 
 and most reliable members of the Church in these parts. 
 The venerable Peter Bowman, of Ancaster, took his flight 
 this morning to the land of rest, and ia now reaping his 
 reward for his fidelity to God and his Church during a long 
 period of persecution, privation, and toil. He had lived 
 eighty-eight years on earth, and more than half a century as 
 a pious member of the Church. I have known him since 
 1825, and I mourn for him as a pioneer of early times and 
 a consistent Christian of undoubted worth. 
 
 On the 8th of June last, another old veteran in the east — 
 Colonel Clarke, of Ernesttown — left the Church militant for 
 his peimanent home in heaven. Many pleasant reminis- 
 cences of the introduction of Methodism to Canada, both 
 east and west, have I received from these godly men. Last 
 October, Colonel Clarke wrote with his own hand as follows : 
 
 < f 
 
888 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1849. 
 
 
 " In 1 785 we located on a farm in Emesttown. In 1 790, 
 the Rev. Mr. Losee came to Canada, and preached a few 
 sermons along the Bay of Quinte, and then returned to New 
 York, Some were convinced, by his preaching, of the 
 necessity of being born again. In February, 1791, Mr. 
 Losee returned to Canada, and formed what was called the 
 Bay Circuit (Query : Kingston Circuit ?), and some lost 
 sheep were gathered into society, among them the unworthy 
 writer, then twenty years of age." In February of this year 
 he again writes : "It is now fifty-eight yeai-s this month 
 since I united with the Methodist Church, under Mr. Losee." 
 Bro. Clarke was one of the first members of the second 
 class which was formed in this Province. There are a few 
 still living who helped to form the first class, in Adolphus- 
 town ; and some, also, who, on the 2nd of March, 1791, 
 helped to form the third class, in Fredericksburg, near 
 Napanee. There are but few of these old waymarks left to 
 the Church militant. One after another these first-fniits, 
 these manly warriors of early times, are being gathered 
 home. 
 
 " Thus star by star declines, 
 ; Till all are passed away ; 
 
 As morning high, and higher shines, 
 To pure and perfect day ; 
 
 Nor sink those stars in empty night, >« 
 
 ' But hide themselves in heaven's own light." 
 
 ■Tv' 
 
 May their successors be equally brave and equally successful. 
 "We cannot, if we would, detain our friends always on eai"th, 
 but the question which Job asked five thousand years ago 
 frequently occurs to us, as we commit our friends to the 
 tomb : " If a man die, shall he live again ?" This question 
 has recently received a memorable answer from the Pyramids 
 of Egypt. Lord Lyndsay obtained a mummy which had 
 been in its coffin for two thousand years. When he 
 
1849.] 
 
 HELD BACK FROM DANGER. 
 
 329 
 
 unwrapped him, he found a bulbous root in his closed hand, 
 which he took out, and carefully deposited in rich soil, 
 where the rains and dews of heaven fell upon it as of yore, 
 and it soon sprang to life, " and in a few weeks stood forth 
 a lovely and charming dahlia ! " Who but that Being that 
 made the world could have brought this dried-up root to life 
 and quickened it into a beautiful flower, instinct with beauty 
 and loveliness ! And who can doubt but the same power 
 which quickened this root could also, have brought the 
 mummy to life who held that root in his hand *? We weep 
 when we see our fathers die, for we need them here ; but we 
 may dry up our tears, for if a man die, he shall live again. 
 
 October 21. — The Government, disgusted with the rowdies 
 in Montreal, who burned down the Parliament buildings, has 
 moved the seat of government to Toronto. Here His Excel- 
 lency, Lord Elgin, has been received by all classes with 
 much enthusiasm. . : i; .,»^'\ 
 
 Held Back from Danger. — Disappointment, like afflic- 
 tion, often comes from God, and contributes to our safety. 
 I was in New York, and had arranged to leave for home by 
 the evening boat ; but when ready to start I found that a 
 new hat which was made for me had not reached my 
 hotel, and I had not time to go for it before the boat would 
 leave. On reaching Mr. Beebe's, the porter assured us that 
 he had left it at the hotel at the time appointed ; but on 
 strict inquiry, I was annoyed to find that he had left it at 
 the wrong house. In the morning I took an early train for 
 Albany, but on reaching that town I learned that the train, 
 which carried on the passengers from the boat, had collided 
 with another, when seven persons were killed and others 
 severely wounded ! I had blamed the careless boy who kept 
 me from going on that boat, for he was to blame ; but how 
 little did I know then that my detention had held me back 
 from danger, perhaps from death ! God knows best what is 
 
 
 i! 
 
 m 
 
330 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1850. 
 
 good for us, and many similar events in my life have taught 
 me not to look upon every disappointment as a calamity. 
 Patience under disappointment is a cardinal virtue which 
 spreads sunshine in our path, and gives the believer peace. 
 January 1, 1850. — While we were enjoying the festivities 
 of this day, our joy was moderated by the sad tidings of the 
 death of the Rev. E. Healy. He was running through a 
 field to extinguish the fire which was consuming a neigh- 
 bour's house, when God said, " Stop, Ezra ! Come home ! 
 Come home ! I have a house prepared for you wliich no 
 flames can consume, no elements demolish." At this 
 summons his lifeless body fell to the ground, but his pure 
 spirit was carried home to rest with God. He was a good 
 man, a useful minister, and a hard worker. He left many 
 spiritual children on earth, and doubtless found many in 
 heaven. Holiness was his principal theme, and he knew 
 well how to enjoy it. His faith was strong and victorious, 
 and his simple eloquence at times quite overpowering. 
 JSfone have fallen more suddenly, none more safely. 
 
 n:=:,si:- ^ 
 
f*'. 
 
 , ' '.f 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE CONFERENCE OF 1850 
 
 SSEMBLED in Brockville on the 5th of June, Rev. 
 Dr. Richey in the chair. Rev. A. Hiirlburt was 
 elected Secretary. We were favoured with a visit from our 
 old friend, the Rev. Dr. Bangs. I suggested his appoint- 
 ment to the Bishops, at the late General Conference in 
 Pittsbui'g, and he was most cordially received by our minis- 
 tei-s and people. He was converted under the ministry of 
 Rev. Joseph Sawyers, in 1800, and commenced his ministry 
 in Canada. His reminiscences of the six years of his 
 itinerancy in Canada were told with a relish, and much 
 enjoyed by our people. " I remember well," said he, " the 
 time and the circumstances under which I commenced my 
 public ministry, and the trials through which I passed in 
 those days of my childhood, when the woodman's axe and 
 the preacher's voice were heard almost simultaneously ; when 
 the hardy pioneer of Methodism followed the emigrant to 
 his lonely retreat, carried provender on his horse, tied him 
 to a tree in the night, because there was neither a barn to 
 shelter him nor a pasture to feed him ; when we used to eat, 
 preach, and sleep in the same room in the log-hut of the 
 settler. We held our meetings in groves, in bams, or in 
 log school-houses, and sometimes slept under the foliage of 
 
 
332 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1850. 
 
 the trees, where night overtook us in our travels through 
 the wilderness." No part of our Conference proceedmgs 
 gave us more satisfaction than the visit of this venerable 
 divine. His presence was rendered a blessing to us, as it 
 inspired us with new courage and confidence for the future, 
 by contrasting the past with the present. 
 
 On Monday, the 11th, the affairs of the College came 
 under review, when it was agreed that, under certain 
 contingencies, it might be removed to Toronto. The 
 afternoon of this day was rendered sad by a telegram 
 informing us that the Rev. F. Metcalf was thrown from a 
 waggon and found dead in his field. This dear brother, like 
 Mr. Healy, went suddenly, and I trust that he also went 
 safely. Had he been at the Conference, where we needed 
 his counsel, it is possible he might have been living still. 
 He was a firm friend of ours, and I weep for him as for a 
 brother beloved. That he committed a great blunder in 
 purchasing and settling on this farm, is more than probable. 
 When I strongly advised against it, he pleaded his weak 
 back as an excuse. But we had work which he could have 
 done easier than tilling a stony farm. He would have made 
 an excellent Book Steward or Governor of the College. I 
 told him that, when I plighted my ordination vow to 
 renounce the study of the world, I gave myself to God as a 
 perpetual servant of the Church ; and while that Church 
 had work for me to do, I must adhere to that vow. But 
 this dear brother has gone — gone suddenly — and gone, I 
 doubt not, to his eternal rest. The Conference closed on 
 Thursday, after nine days of careful deliberation and toil. 
 
 The Clergy Reserves Once More. — Our united Parlia- 
 ment has agreed to ask the Imperial Parliament to pass a 
 law allowing our Legislature to dispose of the Reserves as it 
 deems best, securing first to each denomination the several 
 amounts they now receive from Government or from the 
 
1850.] 
 
 CL&ftOV RESERVES AOAIK. 
 
 333 
 
 clergy lands. The whole number of acres already set apart 
 for a Protestant clergy is 2,395,687. Of these, 1,099,453 
 acres have been sold. The net proceeds of these sales 
 amounted to only £720,756, The total avails will probably 
 amount to £2,000,000. One Church claimed all of this, 
 and hitherto has had the lion's share of all the receipts. 
 Nine times the House of Assembly for Upper Canada 
 passed Acts to dispose of these reserves for education and 
 other purposes, but were defeated by the Legislative Council, 
 acting mostly under the influe nee of one man. This vexed 
 question seems difficult of solution. For twenty-five years 
 it has agitated the whole country, and been a principal theme 
 of discussion in Parliament and out of it, in Church councils 
 and in domestic circles, at the hustings, at town meetings, 
 and everywhere else, both at home and abroad. It has been 
 canvassed and debated by statesmen and divines, by farmers 
 and mechanics, by old women and young maidens, by male 
 and female, old and young, high and low, rich and poor ; 
 and yet it is not settled ! And from recent debates in Par- 
 liament, it appears as perplexing as ever ! May the divine 
 Being undertake for us, and put an end to strife by some 
 means, and in some way that will secure religious liberty 
 and equality to all portions of the community. 
 
 December 9. — To-day tidings reach us of the fall of the 
 Table Rock, at the Falls. Yesterday a block of this rock, 
 measuring two rods by four, fell into the abyssmal gulf 
 below. The fall produced such a jar as loosened the canal- 
 boat, which, for some time, had hung upon a rock over the 
 cataract, and it leaped into the agitated, foaming chasm 
 below, as if to soothe the angry waters which had just 
 buried this huge rock beneath their waves. But, not 
 able to remain under this surging torrent, she dashed off 
 to the insatiable whirlpool, two miles below, where she 
 
 k 
 
 ! I 
 
334 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1851. 
 
 swims round that awful tunnel as if unwilling to make 
 another plunge into, regions she knows not of. 
 
 I preached a New Year's sermon in our Adelaide-street 
 Church, on the rapid flight of time. We do well to review 
 the past and often reflect upon days gone by ; but how little 
 do we know of the future ! We may ascertain the length 
 of any day by doubling the time of the sun's setting, or of 
 any nigh t by doubling the time of its rising ; but we know 
 of no rule by which we can determine how many days and 
 nights are allotted us in the future. That is a problem 
 which none of us can solve, nor need we wish to do so ; but 
 rather devote our energies to prepare for that day which 
 knows no evening, and where the sun never sets. 
 
 The Book-room is prospering finely. We are paying off 
 our debts, have enlarged our building, prepared a vault for 
 the safety of our public documents, and increased our annual 
 grant to Church funds to $800. 
 
 The Conference of 1851. — Assembled in the Adelaide 
 Street Church, Toronto, on the 4th of June. The past has 
 been a year of much encouragement. The abundant crops 
 have made money plenty, and furnished food for the rich and 
 the poor. Grace and peace have graciously been vouchsafed 
 to the Church, and our net increase of members is 1,1 71, while 
 all our Church funds are healthy and prosperous. Brother 
 James Spencer has been elected to the editorial chair as my 
 colleague. A man of high and honourable bearing as well as 
 of independent thought and action. I anticipate much 
 comfort with him. We passed resolutions approving of the 
 parliamentary efibrt to bring back the disposal of the Clergy 
 Reserve to our country ; for we look upon the Imperial Act 
 4th and 5th Victoria, Chapter 78, as an infringement of our 
 Constitutional rights — wholly at variance with the senti- 
 ments and wishes of the Canadian people, and obviously 
 unjust to the Wesleyan Church, and other bodies, con- 
 
1851.J 
 
 REV. DR. RYER80N. 
 
 335 
 
 gtituting more than two-thirds of the people of thia Province. 
 According to the census of last year, Upper Canada contains 
 802,503 souls; of these 140,000 have returned themselves 
 Methodists. And yet the Bishops, who have evidently mani- 
 pulated this Bill, seem to imagine that X700 per annum ought 
 to satisfy us ! But we would far sooner devote the entire 
 reservation to the general interests of the Province ; and we 
 have protested against this unfairness in the following 
 language — "And this Conference, constituting by far the 
 largest as well as the oldest body of Protestant Clergymen in 
 Upi)er Canada, and exercising pastoral control over one 
 thousand congregations including more than one hundred 
 thousand adherents, records its solemn protest against any 
 measure for any endowment or grant in perpetuity to the 
 Church of England or of Scotland, not secured upon equal 
 conditions to every Protestant denomination in Upper Can- 
 ada." Help to all or help to none, is our motto, and we have, 
 at least, nine-tenths of the country with us in this opinion. 
 We are indifferent as to which way the question is decided, 
 provided equal justice be meted out to all. We are not 
 afraid, with the efficiency of our system and the truthfulness 
 of our doctrines, to labour, side by side, with our brethren 
 of other Churches, but we desire an open field, equal advan- 
 tages and fair play. - ,. ; ,,,, 
 
 July 2. — This has been a proud day for our friend, 
 Dr. Ryerson. Having purchased a large block of land lying 
 between Victoria and Church Streets, south of Gerrard, 
 the Governor-General came down this afternoon and laid 
 the corner-stone of the building for our Normal and Model 
 Schools, in the presence of an immense assembly. Lord 
 Elgin is a good speaker, and he exceeded himself to-day on 
 the subject of Common School Education. 
 
 We are making some grand improvements also in our 
 Book-room and Printing Establishment. About three 
 
 
336 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1861. 
 
 *+ 
 
 months ago I purchasetl a new Adams press, up to which 
 time we had done all o\ir printing upon a common hand 
 press. But to-day (August 20) we have commenced printing 
 by steam. Ours is now the only paper in this Province, I 
 am told, which is printed by steam. 
 
 My time and energies have been much taxed of late in 
 getting our Conference incorporated as the " Connexional 
 Society of the Wesley an Methodist Church in Canada." Our 
 object was to incorporate the Book-room, the Annuitant 
 Society, Superannuation Fund Society, the Missionary 
 Society, the Contingent and Church Relief Funds, all in one 
 Act. But a few editors, culpably ignorant of our affairs, 
 set up such a strange opposition as frightened some of our 
 own people ; and for peace sake we struck from the Bill all 
 but the three first mentioned. Then it it passed nearly 
 unanimously. Billa Flint, Esq., M.P.P. for Hastings, intro- 
 duced the measure as first prepared, and contended for it 
 manfully. The law will afllbrd me much relief, for now our 
 Book-room premises are held by four individuals, one of 
 whom is not even a member of the Church ; and the entire 
 business is transacted in my name ! 
 
 While I was in New York for our winter's supply of books 
 I preached in Madison Street Church " On eternal life," and in 
 Vestry Street on the " Extent of the atonement." I found 
 sweet relief in going from my business among publishers, to 
 commune with God's people in his own house. But my 
 pleasure was much increased by the privilege I enjoyed, on 
 my way home, of visiting Middleburgh, my native place, after 
 an absence of twenty-three years. I was a good deal excited 
 to witness the changes which had taken place during my 
 absence. I had seen much of the wide, wide world since my 
 last visit, and every thing appeared new and strange. The 
 leaders and guardians of my childhood were all gone, and the 
 companions of my youth had grown gray. The house in 
 
f * 
 
 1851.] 
 
 TI8IT TO MY MOTUBR'b ORAVK. 
 
 337 
 
 which I was born, and the barn in which I wan born aguin, 
 had both diua})peared, leaving no vestige to tell where they 
 once stood, save a few stones which had formed the foundation 
 of a chimney. Fruit-trees which I had planted when a boy, 
 had become venerable for age, and exhibited signfi of decay. 
 Even the brooks in which I used to angle for trout were 
 comparatively dried up, and the school-house in which I was 
 taught to read had entirely disappeared. The fields 
 were there still, but so changed in appearance that I 
 scarcely knew them ; and others were added on ground where 
 once we made our sugar amidst the drumming of partridges 
 or the screeching of owls. The same hills were there in their 
 strength and grandeur. The same stars twinkled in the 
 heavens, and the same valleys were rich in their beauty 
 below. All else had changed ! I spent my first night with 
 my esteemed friend, Captain George Tibbits. The window 
 of my bed-room looked out over half a mile of rich low land, 
 beyond which, on a sandy summit, are the graves of my dear 
 mother and two sisters; but twilight came too soon for me to get 
 a view of them. On the declivities of a hill near our old farm, 
 and in plain view from my bedroom windows, was a beautiful 
 sight which, in connection with the thrilling scenes around me, 
 kept my eyes wakeful nearly all the night. A farmer, in the 
 cool of the evening, had set tire to a large number of brush and 
 log-heaps which continued to burn with great brilliancy for a 
 long time. These threw their bright rays up towards the dark- 
 ened clouds which in turn reflected them back over woods 
 and fields, hills and dales, in bewitching beauty, reminding 
 one of what he reads of Fairy Land. I longed for the morn- 
 ing when I could go abroad over the scenes of my childhood, 
 and gaze upon faces which I had seen in my youthful days. 
 On Sabbath morning, the 20th October, as soon as breakfast 
 was over, I hastened to my mother's grave, the most memo- 
 rable spot to me of any in that place. Here I reverently 
 10 
 
 
 
S38 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1851. 
 
 bowed before the Lord in silent prayer, devoutly thanking 
 Him for the pious examples of a loving mother, and for 
 counsel from those lips which are now silent in death. Horo 
 lay one of the best of mothers, who nursed me when a babe, 
 cared for me when a child, and prayed for me before I had 
 learned to pray for myself. Here I wept, and prayed, and 
 meditated for an hour before I could tear myself away from 
 this admonitory and suggestive spot. Hallowed are the 
 recollections of a Godly mother ; and sacred the tomb where 
 her ashes rest in hope until the trump of God shall quicken 
 them to life. Tlieu shall we 
 
 '• See tnith, love, and mercy In glory descending, 
 And nature all glowing in Eden's first bloom, 
 On the cold cheek of death smiles and roues are blending, 
 And beauty immortal awake from the tomb." 
 
 I attended church with Mr. Tibbets, dined with 
 Peelg Cook, Esq., my old class-leader and excellent friend, 
 and preached in the evening in the church near my mother's 
 grave. Some of my old school mates were scattered through 
 the assembly, but most of the congregation were strangers 
 whom I had never seen before, or only seen to forget. I spent 
 Monday in rambling over our old farm among the scenes of 
 my childhood. Went up on the top of some of those rugged 
 hills from which one can look away as far as the eye can 
 reach, over hill and dale and mountain-top, and feast the 
 eye with bold and picturesque scenery. Yellow fields, far 
 away on the hill sides ; green pastures in the valleys, 
 abounding with herds feeding and flocks grazing, made me 
 exclaim more than once, O how grand ! how beautiful and 
 lovely these landscapes are ! On Tuesday morning my short 
 visit terminated, and I was obliged to turn my thoughts 
 towards loved ones at home but, 
 
1652.] 
 
 OtNXLAL CONrERENCB AT BOSTON. 
 
 339 
 
 " How fleet is the glance of the mind, compared with the speed of its 
 flight 
 The tempest itself lags behind, and the swift-winged arrows of 
 light" 
 
 The first sod was turned by Lord Elgin, this fall, for a 
 railway to Collingwood, on the Georgian Bay, a much-needed 
 improvement, and the city had a holiday over it. Preached 
 often during the winter, attended missionary meetings, and 
 puuhed forward our Book-room business with a good deal of 
 success. 
 
 The General Conference of the M. E. Church met on the 
 1st of May, 1852, in Boston. Having l)een appointed 
 representative to that vc erable body, I left home again, on 
 the Ist of May, for that city. I was billeted with the Rev. 
 Dr. Durbin, at the house of Dr. Gould, near the seat of the 
 Conference. I gave them a full statement of our funds, 
 our progress, and our prospects. I was able to give Dr. 
 Durbin some assistance in getting his proposed measures on 
 their mission-work through the committee. I had been 
 present at two of their General Conferences before, and heard 
 their reports on missions, and by compai-ing their receipts 
 with ours, I found that, when they were receiving on an 
 average twelve-and-a-half cents per member, we were 
 receiving thirty-five ; and now, wlien their receipts had 
 gone up to twenty cents, ours had reached sixty.* As the 
 great work of missions in heathen lands is one in which we 
 all feel a mutual interest, I thought it right in some way, if 
 possible, to provoke them to love and good works in this 
 field. Dr. Durbin, being their Missionary Secretary, had 
 turned his attention to the same subject, and we compared 
 
 * I see by the Christian Advocate of November 16, 1876, that they 
 take credit for having raised, last year, an average rate of only forty- 
 two cents per member, while they give us credit for raining one dollar 
 aud eighty cents per member I 
 
 
340 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1852. 
 
 notes. "When I stated these facts to him, he was anxious 
 to learn more of our modus operandi, and I jjresented him 
 with a copy of our report. On looking at it he exclaimed, 
 " That is truly a God-send at this moment ; I shall now 
 carry my point." He very naturally and cori-ectly concluded 
 that the publication of individual subscriptions might 
 account in part for our superior success, and he was anxious 
 for me to touch upon our missionary operations in my 
 address to the Conference, which I endeavoured to do, in a 
 modest and inoffensive manner. They resolved to increase 
 their efforts in heathen lands, and voted a donation of .f 5,000 
 to the French Conference, to help them in their great work 
 in that land of spiritual darkness. In my address I touched 
 upon all our Church funds, and the sources of their revenue, 
 for which I received many thanks from members of that 
 powerful body. On one evening we heard the gi-eat Kossuth, 
 the expatriated ex-Governor of Hungary, lecture on the 
 wrongs his Protestant country is suffering from the oppres- 
 sion of popish Austria. On one afternoon the Confer- 
 i.u-r adjourned to receive an address in the great hall, 
 from their great senatorial orator and statesman, the Hon, 
 Daniel Webster, who had signified his wish to address that 
 body of divines. Seats were reserved for members, but 
 such was the rush when the doors were opened to the public 
 that we found it difl&cult to retain them. Webster is a 
 noble-looking man, tall, portly, and imposing. His voice 
 is more senatorial than musical ; his motions few, moderate, 
 and easy; his language pure, free, and forcible. As a 
 speaker, he is dignified in his bearings. It is a great treat 
 to hear him ; but, unfortunately, he is so fond of potations, 
 that he thinks himself incapable of any great mental effort 
 without the assistance of artificial stimulants. On another 
 occasion the Conference took a holiday, chartered a boat, 
 imd took U8 down to an island in the bay, where, after par- 
 
1852.] 
 
 KINGSTON CONFERENCE. 
 
 341 
 
 taking of an ample collation, we were treated to several 
 speeches from distinguished individuals belonging to different 
 churches. It was, altogether, a very enjoyable occasion. 
 This, my third ai)pointment and visit to the American Gen- 
 eral Conference, was in all respects agreeable. I had no 
 financial claims to transact, no arrogant seceders to face, no 
 diplomatic perplexities to trouble me. I had simply to 
 reciprocate their brotherly attentions, present our fraternal 
 regards, and do them all the good in my power. Their 
 Church is rising in usefulness and greatness, is the largest 
 Church in that Republic, and bids fair soon to be the largest 
 Protestant Church in the world. 
 
 The Conference of 1852 commenced in Kingston on the 
 2nd of June. The past has been a year of ingathering, and 
 Oiir net increase was 1,372. During our sittings we were 
 honoured with a visit from Colonel Bruce, who is brother 
 to His Excellency Earl Elgin, our popular Governor-Gen- 
 eral. Mr. B. is Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, 
 and I was happy to have the opportunity of acknowledging, 
 in a short speech, the kindness and courtesy which our 
 distinguished visitor always manifested towards our missions 
 and missionaries — a courtesy which was the more acceptable 
 because of the contrary feeling so often exhibited b^ some 
 of his predecessors in office. " Honour to whom honour is 
 due," is a scriptural maxim ; and when high officials do we'l, 
 it is quite right to acknowledge their acts of promptness 
 and impartiality. 
 
 My ability for extemporizing a s^ aech was put to the test 
 on Sabbath morning by our President, who, after the services 
 had commenced, sent Bro. Douse down from the pulpit to 
 request me to deliver the charge to the candidates for holj'' 
 orders. I felt to regret that I was requested to deliver 
 such an address without timely notice, but I did not like to 
 say no ; and throwing myself upon Him who has said, " Aa 
 
 
 im. 
 
342 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1852. 
 
 thy day, so shall thy strength be," I asked for that strength 
 and obtained it. By divine aid, I was enabled to succeed 
 to the surprise of myself. God has never left me to sink 
 when I have thrown myself entirely upon his help and 
 gracious influences. 
 
 On the 10th September, preached in John-street Church, 
 New York, the cradle of Methodism on this continent. I 
 felt a degree of awe and in.spiration while standing in that 
 place, where Coke, and Asbury, and other heaven-inspired 
 men had stood to preach the same gospel. Here Embuiy 
 and Webb did battle for the Lord, and from this memorable 
 spot went out an impulse which is still increasing in power 
 and being felt all over this continent and far ofi' in heathen 
 lands. It is a sacred spot, around which cluster precious 
 memories, which every Methodist in the wide world must 
 revere ; and woe to us if we let the fire go out which those 
 pious heroes kindled on their rude altars ! History furnishes 
 few instances of success equal to that which has attended 
 the labours of Wesleyan ministers in North America. 
 
 Finding my voice much restored, I preached often in 
 town and country dui-ing the fall and winter ; attended 
 quarterly meetings, preached missionary sermons, and 
 addressed missionary meetings. On the 26th of February, 
 1853, Mr. Wood and I dedicated our church at Thornhill. 
 The day was exceedingly cold ; but our hearts were warm, 
 and the people were comforted. This house formerly stood 
 on the north side of the ravine, but our people wisely 
 removed it to a more eligible site. On the 1 6th of March, 
 preached a funeral sermon for Mrs. Robert James, a good 
 woman, sweetly removed from suffering to rest. 
 
 The Conference of 1853 commenced on the 1st day of 
 June, in Hamilton, and I had the pleasure of my wife's 
 company to it, a pleasure which I had seldom enjoyed. She 
 generally refuses all invitations to attend Conference, for fear 
 
1853.] 
 
 UNION WITH LOWER CANADA. 
 
 343 
 
 she might occupy the place of some minister, or be burden- 
 some to our kind friends who entertain them. But 
 on this occasion she accepted an invitation from her sister, 
 Mrs. Leggo, at whose house we were kindly entertained. 
 We were honoured with a clerical deputation from Lower 
 Canada, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Borland, Brock, and 
 Jenkins, asking to be reunited with us. Since 1820 we 
 have been separated in council, as they composed a district 
 of the British Conference. But, for obvious reasons, they 
 now wish to be nearer the seat of Conferencial power, and 
 participate in our legislative acts. Our fatheis in England 
 desire to transfer their entire district to our care, and give 
 their ministers seats in our Conference, All parties appear 
 to be agreed to the measure, and our President, the E/CV. E. 
 Wood, with his usual wisdom and discretion, is arranging 
 for the union. 
 
 Dedication at Peterborough. — The Rev. Wm. Ryerson 
 and I reopened our church here on the 3rd of October. We 
 found the old sanctuary much improved, and Mr. Ryerson 
 preached with great power on Sunday evening. Mr. Shearen, 
 a valuable member, took me to his comfortable home ; but 
 we dined with Mr. Gemley, at the parsonage. I have 
 enough to do. My name is on three or four plans in the 
 city, including the Asylum and House of Industry, which, 
 with extra services, keep ine busy. 
 
 New Year's Eve. — Christmas, with its merry bells and 
 multiform gifts, has come and gone, and now we keep our 
 solemn vigil in dear old Adelaide. Preached on the flight of 
 time, and enjoyed heavenly sweetness in our solemn, silent 
 devotion. 
 
 1854. — Attended the February quarterly meeting in 
 Markham, and the May quarterly meeting at Bradford. On 
 May 21, preached before the district meeting in Montreal. 
 As the annexation of that district to the Conference was 
 
 ! 
 
 .1 
 
 
 lliU 
 
 :1| , 
 111" ' 
 
 d 
 
 ■ 
 
 i 
 
i 
 
 344 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1854. 
 
 under consideration, the President requested the Rev. "W". 
 Jeffers and me to accompany him to that meeting, to assist 
 in arranging business for Conference. The work in that 
 Province has suffered somewhat, by reason of its great 
 distance from Conferencial authority. Thel-e were several 
 matters in their financial arrangements which they wished 
 accomplished with the home Conference, and, as I purposed 
 being there, I promised to aid them in that quarter to the 
 extent of my ability. 
 
 
 
 
} 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 SECOND VISIT TO THE BRITISH CONFERENCE. 
 
 I UR Conference met in Belleville, on the 7tli of June. 
 The net increase of membe^ was two thousand and 
 forty. The Book-room changed hands, and the incumbent 
 was appointed representative to the British Conference. 
 The ministers from Lower Canada took seats in the Confer- 
 ence and were stationed by it, though the negotiations for 
 annexation were not entirely completed. The British Con- 
 ference had requested us to take charge of their Indian 
 Missions in Rupert's Land, believing that our comparative 
 contiguity to them, and our appliances for that work, ren- 
 dered such a transfer desirable. When I reached the 
 English Conference, I found that venerable body well 
 pleased with all we had done in Canada on this subject, and 
 the committee willing to give £1,000 per annum to aid the 
 missions in the North-west, and to make such appropriations 
 as would give their missionaries, east and west, a financial 
 status in our Book-room and other Church property equal to 
 that of our own ministers, the Superannuation Fund only 
 excepted. I then had the pleasure to witness their final sanc- 
 tion of the grand measures and arrangements by which 
 Wesleyan Methodism was united and consolidated from ocean 
 to ocean, and from the Niagara River to the ne plus ultra 
 
 of our northern work. 
 *15 
 
 UP. 
 
 
34« 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1854. 
 
 ' 1 
 
 *l 
 
 II 
 Ic' 
 
 n 
 
 My son and daughter accompanied rae to Europe, but 
 their mother suffers so severely by sea-sickness, that she 
 could not be prevailed on to undertake the journey. We 
 left home, June the 29th, leaving her to visit her parents 
 and friends in our absence. We spent a Sabl)ath in Mon- 
 treal, where we found the cholera was raging fearfully. 
 Mrs. David Torrence kindly drove down to our hotel, and 
 took my daughter to her own delightful residence. In 
 Quebec, at Russell's Hotel, they assigned one of us a room 
 in which Dr. Smith, of Port Hope, had died of this disease 
 a few hours before I A kind friend warned us of our 
 danger, and we left the hotel at once, and obtained permis- 
 sion to go on board our ship. On the 5th of July we 
 weighed anchor, glad to leave a city visited with this fearful 
 plague. But, alas I how little do we know what is before 
 us ! We had not gone far before we learned that the 
 cholera was on board our ship ! A Scotchman from Wood- 
 stock, by the name of Gordon, was dying in the steerage ; 
 and when we were opposite Green Island he expired, and 
 the captain i-equested me to read the funeral service. His 
 body, with his bed and clothes, were wrapped in oil-cloth, 
 with lead enclosed, and when I read, " We now commit hia 
 body to the deep," it slid from the plank on which it lay 
 into the St. Lawrence, and disappeared. I never attended 
 a funeral under more solemn and painful circumstances. 
 One of the firemen was suffering with the same disease, the 
 passengers were much excited, and all my family, save one, 
 were on board, confined to the narrow limits of the ship, 
 where we were forced to remain, with death staring us in 
 the face. It was not long before the fireman expired, and 
 in like manner we buried him in the Gulf. Then a sailor 
 was attacked, and after we passed Belle Isle, he, too, suc- 
 cumbed to this most alarming malady, and I buried him 
 in the ocean's dark bed. These were trying moments to 
 
 ^___ll 
 
1854.] 
 
 CHOLERA ON OUR SHIP. 
 
 347 
 
 us, but we knew we had the same Protector on the water 
 as those we left behind had on land, and to him we applied 
 for protection, committing ourselves and all on board to the 
 gracious care of "the God in whose hand our breath is, and 
 whose are all our ways." The plague was stayed, the crew 
 became healthy, and we reached Liverpool, after an eventful 
 passage of seventeen days. 
 
 In London, after making suitable arrangements for my 
 son and daughter to see that great city, I wrote to Dr. 
 Beecham that I would go down to Birmingham by a certain 
 train, but my tailor had so strangely deformed a waistcoat 
 which he had made for me, that I was providentially 
 detained in London until the next day. When I returned 
 my vest to the tailor, he marvelled at its awkward appear- 
 ance, and pronounced the blunder unaccountable ; but when 
 I reached the Conference the whole affair was exi)lained. I 
 sent in my card to Dr. Beecham, who, hastening to the 
 ante-room, caught me by both hands, exclaiming : " Dr. 
 Green, I am so happy to see you ! You were to have come 
 down by last evening's train ; that train collided with 
 another, and two strangers were killed, whose bodies could 
 not be identified, and we naturally inferred that you were 
 dead, and we were arranging to send up brethren to identify 
 your body and bring it here for interment I" When I 
 related the cause of my detention, the brethren exclaimed : 
 " What a mercy ! God has evidently used that tailor, whom 
 you blamed, to keep you out of danger." What short- 
 sighted beings we are ! I was grieved at the carelessness 
 of my tailor, and yet it is more than probable that the good 
 Lord used that man to hold me back from danger — perhaps 
 to save my life. Let those doubt a special providence who 
 raay, I cannot. The Lord's eyes are always upon his chil- 
 drea, and his powerful arm is rpiuui about them. Guided 
 
 m 
 
348 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF AN80N OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1854. 
 
 by such an eye and protected by such an arm, we are safe, 
 whether on land or water. 
 
 I was received with the utmost cordiality by the Confer- 
 ence, and a time was appointed for receiving my address, 
 which was reported, with great exactness, for the Watchman. 
 (As this address, as well as a series of letters which I wrote 
 describing our visit in England and on the Continent, was 
 published in the Christian Giiardian, I need say but little 
 about our tour here.) By the request of the President of 
 the Conference and the Book-Steward, I sat with Gush for 
 a likeness which was engraved on steel and published in the 
 Wealeyan Magazine for June, 1855. The Conference was so 
 delighted with the affiliated Conferences in Ireland, Canada. 
 France, and Austria, that they appointed Dr. Beecham to 
 form one in our Eastern Provinces. During the Conference 
 the Rev. J. H., now Dr. Rigg, and I visited Fletcher's grave 
 in Madeley, and saw the room where he wrote his immortal 
 " Checks to Antinomianism." We were richly rewarded by 
 what we there saw, heard, and felt. 
 
 Our visit to the Continent was very interesting and 
 instructive, particularly to the young people, and the only 
 drawback to our pleasure was the absence of my wife. 
 Dr. Cook, whom I. met in the English Conference, re- 
 quested me to visit Paris and preach to the people there, 
 which I did on the 1 3th of August. But my visit to the 
 City Boad Chapel, Londun, proved one of the most exciting 
 periods of my life. Dr. Bunting had arranged for this service, 
 and he came two miles to be present. To even visit this 
 memorable sanctuary and its surroundings, hallowed by so 
 many thrilling events in history, was enough to fill my soul 
 with feeUngs of awe and veneration ; but to stand in that 
 sacred desk where Wesley and Fletcher, Clark and Benson, 
 Coke and Watson, had stood, and preach the same gospel 
 which they had preached to geherations, now in their graves, 
 
1864.] 
 
 CITY ROAD CHAPEL, LONDON. 
 
 349 
 
 filled me with emotions not easily describea. Behind me, at a 
 distance of a few feet, lay the most of these dignitaries in 
 their silent beds ; before me sat our Wesleyan Primate, 
 Wesley's great successor, in his peerless power, devoutly 
 listening to simple truths plainly uttered ; while just across 
 the street, in front of me, were the tombs of Bunyan, Watts, 
 and Wesley's mother. In such a place, with such surround- 
 ings, and with the events of former times rushing upon my 
 mind, how could I prevent weeping 1 But mine were not 
 the only tears that flowed. It was, indeed, a memorable 
 hour of thrilling interest, never to be forgotten. I had none 
 of these feelings when in Paris, nor in any other pulpit in 
 England ; but this historic and sacred spot has associations 
 which, to a Wesleyan Minister, are akin to those of the 
 " Upi)er Room" in Jerusalem. When Dr. Bunting and I 
 parted he said, " I shall see you again in England." I little 
 thought at that time that I should ever look upon that 
 veneral)le form again in this world ; but his words proved 
 true. We retunied by the Cunard Line to Boston, and 
 reached our cottage in Gerrard Street on 16th September, 
 where my dear wife was overjoyed to receive her family 
 back, after our exposure to so much peril. Tea being over 
 we all gathered round the piano and sang — 
 
 " Home again, home again, from a foreign shore !" 
 
 Our happiness was now complete, and we wept for joy. 
 
 Our brethren in Yorkville, having secured an eligible sit© 
 on Bloor Street, had erected a very convenient Church, after 
 the Gothic style of the fourteenth century, fifty by seventy- 
 four feet, with spire and bell ; at a cost of £3,350, not 
 including land , and on the 22nd September I preached one 
 of the dedication sermons. Many important events took 
 place during the summer. The Ministry in Quebec being 
 defeated, appealed to the people and obtained a large 
 
 ir 
 
 m 
 
 ,iiii': 
 
350 
 
 LIFE AND TIMER OP AN80N OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1854. 
 
 majority in tho new hoiiMe. Decimal currency was h^galized 
 by statute ; a Reciprocity Treaty with tlie United States 
 concluded; and the Seigniorial Tenure in J^ower (.*aiiada 
 abolished. 
 
 I assisted in dedicating a new church in Aurora on the 1st of 
 October. Tho old church had been removed to give place 
 to one more in accord with the demands of the times and 
 the requirements of this congregation. (Jur old churches, iTLe 
 our old inhabitants who erected them, are rapidly disappear- 
 ing. This one was of early date, and the birth-place of many 
 souls ; but when placed upon inclined timbera, it soon .slid 
 down to the rear end of the lot, to make room for a more 
 pretentious edifice. I remarked at the t(^a meeting on Mon- 
 day evening that it was unusual for an entire church to 
 backslide in a day ; but if we must have backsliders, then 
 by all means let them be church edifices rather than church 
 members. On the 15th of October, Dr. Wood, Mr. Spencer, 
 and I, dedicated our new church at Milton. Twenty-eight 
 years ago I used to preach in this neighbourhood in a log 
 cabin, and on a week-day, when the people came together 
 in the evening through their roadless forests by torch light. 
 Now the dense forest has given place to fruitful fields, 
 the winding paths to good roads, and the old log-cabins are 
 replaced by comfortable and substantial dwellings ; while a 
 thrifty village has sprung up, with capacious churches and 
 lovely surroundings, one of the principal ornaments of which 
 is found in our convenient little brick sanctuary. 
 
 A Mixed Conference at Kingston. — Arrangements 
 having been made for a Council of ministers and laymen to 
 re-model our temporal affairs, we met in Kingston for 
 this purpose. The Conference Special Committee with one 
 layman from each circuit elected by the Quarterly Ofiicial 
 Meetings were present, thus giving about three laymen to one 
 clergyman. This was right : financial men for financial 
 
 
1854.] 
 
 A MIXED CONFERRNrR. 
 
 351 
 
 matters. The pastorate was not to be interfei-ed with. The 
 result was all we could have desired. Our Church institu- 
 tions were thoroughly examined, our managing committees 
 remodeled, and the salaries of our mini8tei*s increased about 
 tw<!nty-tive per cent. 
 
 December 27th. — Preached a Missionary sermon in 
 London, but was too ill to attend the meeting on Monday. 
 Went home sick, and was compelled to lie by for a season. 
 
 A Venturesome Journey to Quebec. — Finding that our 
 College was running behind in its finances, the Board wished 
 me to visit the Parliament in Quebec, and ask to have our 
 grant increased. On the latter part of February, 1855, 
 Alfred Patrick, Esq., and I started for that ancient capital. 
 Our railway was not then finished to Montreal, and 
 we were obliged to go to Quebec through the Htates. We 
 took the steamer at the Humber for Niagara, our bay being 
 full of ice. On reacliing the Falls we found that the road to 
 Rochester was blockaded by snow-drifts, we therefore entered 
 a car about to start for Batavia. But alas ! the wind was 
 sporting merrily with the snow, and a little before dark, 
 after carrying a snow plough before our engine for miles, to 
 clear the track, our train rushed into a large drift, gave a 
 heavy groan, trembled a little, and stood still. Mr. Patrick 
 and I found lodgings in a farm-house for the night, and the 
 next day managed to get to Batavia. After reaching Troy, 
 we were compelled to go through Vermont, by the Rutland 
 line, to Montreal. While passing through Vermont, a 
 pleasing incident occurred, which I mention here for the 
 encouragement of others. The President of the road came 
 into our car, and seeing me, hastened to introduce himself, 
 saying that he had met me once at Saratoga Springs ; and he 
 felt anxious to relate a fact to me which was v«ry comforting 
 to himself, and would probably be pleasing to me. " Yoa 
 may recollect," said he, "of meeting with Colonel Wright and 
 
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 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1855. 
 
 his lady at the Springs." I remember it perfectly, said I : 
 we were boarding in the same hotel, and I had much con- 
 versation with that venerable couple. "Well," said he, " they 
 were my father and mother. They died this winter, but 
 while living they were never tired of talking about you ; for 
 your faithful labours were the means of bringing my dear 
 father to God, at the eleventh hour. After spending more 
 than seventy years in sin, he made a public profession of 
 religion, and attributed his conversion to your sermon, your 
 counsels, and your prayers." This, of course, gave me 
 pleasure mingled with sadness. The old Colonel had seen much 
 of the world ; had been a Senator at Washington, and was 
 interesting in conversation ; but, though blessed with a pious 
 wife, he was living without hope and without God in the 
 world. He heard me preach one morning on the great atone- 
 ment made for our transgressions, and was deeply impressed 
 with a sense of his own ingratitude in rejecting a Saviour who 
 had died to give us life. After this he sought my company 
 often, and we endeavoured to deepen the good impressions 
 which the Holy Spirit had made upon his heart. " In the 
 morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy 
 hand, for thou knoweth not which shall prosper, this or 
 that." The longer I live the more I am convinced of the pro- 
 priety of taking Christ into all circles, and let his voice be 
 heard on all suitable occasions. That minister who trusts to 
 the pulpit only, will leave many souls out of the fold who 
 might be gathered in by personal conversation. Educated 
 men are disgusted by abrubt and obtrusive dogmatism and 
 seldom benefitted by obstruse reasoning; but in all my 
 travels I have scarcely found a real gentleman who, on 
 suitable occasions, was not pleased to have a word about the 
 great salvation. 
 
 After three or four days' ride we reached Point Levi, but 
 hue, in sight of the Parliament House, we were again 
 
T 
 
 1866.] 
 
 VISIT TO QUEBEC. 
 
 353 
 
 blockaded, not with snow, but with drift ice on the river, 
 which seemed to render crossing impassable. But four 
 Frenchmen managed to slide us over in a canoe. Their feet 
 frequently went down through the ice, but they managed to 
 pull themselves up again by the boat, and on we went until 
 we reached the city, glad to terminate a tedious and perilous 
 voyage. 
 
 The Hon. Jas. Fender, who is always ready for every good 
 thing, and a member of our College Board, accompanied me 
 to His Excellency Sir Edward Head, and to the Ministers of 
 State. After a good deal of effort, we managed to get fifty 
 per cent, added to our grant. I spent a very pleasant even- 
 ing at the Government House, where Lord Bury was 
 anxious I should examine his manuscript on our Canadian 
 Indians, which I had not time to do. Lady Head possesses 
 remarkable conversational powers. The Governor-General, 
 though quite accessible and easy in his maimers, is much 
 more quiet. 
 
 Quebec is a social city, with beautiful scenery in its 
 surroundings, but too far north to please me. If the famed 
 Gulf Stream could be diverted along the shores of Labrador, 
 it would make this a charming country. "When in London, 
 I took my children to the " Great Globe," in Leicester square, 
 where the surface of the earth is turned outside in. Here 
 we were able to trace this stream from its origin in the Gulf 
 of Mexico until it reaches the European shore. In this 
 Globe, the lecturer could point his wand to any given point 
 in earth's wide domain ; for in this concave the entire earth, 
 with its continents, countries, oceans, lakes, rivers, moun- 
 tains, and seas, was spread out before us. I obtained a 
 better view of this stream here than I had ever done before. 
 When it emerges from the Straits of Bimini it is thirty-two 
 miles wide, and probably fifteen hundred feet deep. The 
 water in it is blue and warm, while the ocean on either side 
 
354 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1855. 
 
 is green and cold. It carries out of the Gulf a stream three 
 thousand times larger than that which the great Mississippi 
 carries into it. It follows the coast to Cape Hatteras, where 
 it is one hundred and seventy miles wide j thence, easterly, 
 across the ocean. The British Isles divide it. Still it gives 
 to Europe our temperature, some twenty degrees north of 
 ua ! But how is the Gulf supplied with water to replace 
 this immense drain constantly made upon it '? There must 
 be an undercut rent from the poles carrying cold water in, 
 equal to the amount of warm water which this stream cames 
 out. This under-current from the north must exist, or the 
 immense icebergs which we see on the ocean could not move 
 towards the Gulf, as they do now, directly in the face of 
 wind and wave. Currents in the sea may be created as 
 currents in the air, by the expansive nature of heat. A 
 vertical sun warms the wavers of the Gulf, and they, in 
 turn, warm the air in their course to Europe. 
 
 During my stay in Quebec, I preached for Bro. Pollard, 
 and assisted in his missionary meeting. He stands high 
 with his brethren, and is doing a good work in this most 
 interesting and important field. I had an opportunity to 
 hear many lively debates in Parliament while attending to 
 our business with its members ; but after hearing their best 
 men in both Houses, I came to the conclusion that our Con- 
 ference would lose little in comparison with them, either for 
 debate or for good order. 
 
 In the month of May I preached a missionary sermon in 
 Elm Street ; attended quarterly meetings in the Markham 
 and Bradford circuits ; met the College Board at Cobourg ; 
 examined candidates for the ministry, and attended district 
 meeting in Yorkville. 
 
 The Conference of 1855 assembled in London on the 
 6th of June. We had the pleasure this year of receiving a 
 representative from the British Conference, in the person of 
 
1855.] 
 
 REPORT OF THE MIXED COKFERENCB. 
 
 355 
 
 the Rev. Dr. Beecham. He came out to form a Conference 
 in the Lower Provinces, and was authorized, also, to commute 
 the annual grant of .£700 sterling for a fixed sum, to be 
 paid at once. He received about £10,000, which was taken 
 to England. The Rev. W. Case preached his jubilee sermon 
 before the Conference, on the evening of the first day. 
 From 1820 to 1833 he exercised great power amongst us, 
 as one of our chief ministers, and has always been looked up 
 to with much respect and veneration. 
 
 The resolutions agreed to by our Mixed Conference last 
 October were fwesented, and cordially adopted by this Con- 
 ference. We had taken the precaution to lay them before 
 the quarterly official meetings, where they had been passed 
 by large majorities. By these resolutions, mixed committees 
 were to manage our Church funds, such as Missionary, 
 Contingent, Church Relief, and Educational funds. It was 
 also agreed that no self-supporting circuit should be divided 
 without its consent. The claims of superannuated ministers 
 were fixed at eight dollars for each year spent in the active 
 work, giving sixteen years for the first fifteen ; widows, two- 
 thirds this amount. It was also resolved, " That this 
 Conference has heard with- great satisfaction the report of 
 the Rev. Dr. Green, our representative to the parent Wes- 
 leyan Conference in England ; that this report be received, 
 and that this Conference records its high sense of the 
 valuable services rendered to the Wesleyan Church in 
 Canada by the very able and gratifying manner in which 
 he has performed the important duties connected with that 
 
 mission." 
 
 It was scarcely necessary to send the Kingston resolutions 
 to the quarterly meetings, as they had already voted on 
 them through their representatives ; but we deemed it wise 
 to give all our official brethren the privilege of voting 
 pei-sonally on these important changes. The harmony man- 
 
 I' I 
 
356 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [1856. 
 
 ifested was delightful. Good people sometimes make great 
 mistakes by looking only to the gi*eat, the wise, and the 
 powerful for success. It is not always the man highest in 
 office, strongest in wealth, or greatest in talent, who does 
 the most good. The great secret of success lies in unity 
 — in enlisting all the members with their varied gifis, 
 graces, and powers : — the widow with her mite, the poor 
 with his pence, the millionaire with his purse, the learned 
 with his logic, the eloquent with his oratory, and the 
 diplomatist with his wisdom. We should so manage as 
 to conciliate all, enlist all, and, if possible, secure the affec- 
 tionate co-operation of all. It is the common soldier who 
 fights our battles and gains our victories j the common labourer 
 who builds our houses, ploughs our fields, and fills our 
 garners ; and it is just so in the Church. The ministry can 
 do little without the laity. By their aid the temple rises : 
 by their liberality the Church is enlarged ; and by their 
 prayers the pulpit becomes powerful. If we work together 
 cordially, the world is ours for Christ ; but if we are divided, 
 the enemy will come in like a flood to destroy us. 
 
 July 4th. — This day the Book Committee presented me 
 with a silver tea-service, as a remembrance of their appre- 
 ciation of the manner in which I conducted that establish- 
 ment during the ten years of my incumbency. At the 
 same time I was presented by the Rev. John Mason, of 
 London, with a neat-bound copy of the Wealeyan Magazine, 
 containing, what he calls, a life-like engraving of myself, 
 which was published in the June number of this volume. 
 This portrait, painted by Gush, is all the more acceptable to 
 me, because it was published by order of the President of 
 the British Conference. 
 
 October 20. — Tidings have just reached us of the death 
 of the Rev. Mr. Case. He died yesterday at his mission, 
 being a little more than sey^ty-five years old. For thirty- 
 
1855.] 
 
 t)EATH OP REV. WM. CASE. 
 
 357 
 
 one years we were bosom friends. He was anxious for me 
 to accompany him last winter in his tour through the eastern 
 part of this Province ; but illness and urgent duties at the 
 capital prevented my having that pleasure. There are few 
 men whom I loved more, or had more cause to love and 
 revere. He gave me my first license to preach, and my 
 first appointment to a circuit ; assisted Bishop Hedding in 
 my ordination, and elevated me to the office of Presiding 
 Elder. I mourn for him sincerely ; but he has gone safely. 
 
 Rest, patriarch, rest ; thou hast finished thy course ; 
 
 Thy walk has been meekness and love. 
 Thou hast kept the true faith, now fly to its source, 
 
 And receive thy bright crown from above. 
 In the hearts of our red men thy name is enshrined, 
 
 As a light which directed their ways ; 
 Their white father's name with their love is entwined, 
 
 As they tell of their halcyon days. 
 
 January 1, 1856. — ^The passing years effect great changes 
 in nations and churches, as well as with individuals. Dur- 
 ing the year just closed, Sebastopol has fallen, and our 
 bloody war with Russia is hastening to its end. A new 
 Conference has been formed in Eastern British America, 
 with Dr. Richey at its head. The Grand Trunk Railroad 
 is hastening to completion, while the Great Western has 
 finished a branch to Toronto. The Church is rising in her 
 strength, and we are looking for better times in the future. 
 
 On the 9th of March I preached one of the sermons at 
 the dedication of our church in Guelph. Bros. Sanderson 
 and Borland filled up the day. This church is of brick, 
 large and commodious. The weather was intensely cold, 
 but our congregations and collections were respectable. 
 Bro. Warner, the Superintendent, was in his glory. But 
 we had a hard time in getting there. The Graikd Trunk 
 
 PI 
 
 h 
 
 %4 
 
 ^lum 
 
m 
 
 LIFE AND TIliES OV ANSON OBEEN, D.O. 
 
 [1866. 
 
 not being finished to Guelph, we went to Preston by the 
 Great "Western ; thence in an open sleigh, facing a pelting 
 storm, and beating a pathway for ourselves through deep 
 drifts, sometimes fearing that we should have to lie by. 
 But our driver felt the responsibility resting upon him, and 
 he managed to force his way through to the town, where we 
 were received with much warmth and gladness. 
 
 Our New Church in Picton was Dedicated to God on 
 the 4th of May. This was a great day for Picton, and one 
 of much pleasure to myself. The first church on this 
 peninsula was built at Conger's Mills, a little east of the 
 town, in 1809, and is standing there still. In 1820 a church 
 was erected in the village, on the very site where our new 
 church now stands. When built it was the best Wesleyan 
 Church in the Province, and it has done good service to the 
 connexion. Three Conferences were held in it. That vener 
 able sanctuary, the scene of many events in my own life, 
 has just been removed, and a fine brick church, fifty feet 
 by seventy, has been erected in its place ; and to-day it 
 was my happy privilege to preach the first sermon in it, and 
 solemnly dedicate it to the exclusive service of Almighty 
 God. Bro. Carrol took the evening service, and seven souls 
 were converted, afibrding pleasing assurance that God had 
 accepted it and entered the place of his rest. Bro. Slater, 
 and those who have assumed the responsibility of this good 
 work, are worthy of all praise. Few places on earth are more 
 sacred and memorable to me than this and the old sanc- 
 tuary which stood here ; and yet, it is not difficult to predict 
 that " the glory of this latter house shall be greater than 
 of the former." The commencement has certainly been more 
 brilliant and promising. One-third of a century has passed, 
 and a whole generation gone into eternity, since I joined 
 the Canadian Church here. The changes which have taken 
 place during that period are both admonitory and sugges- 
 
1856.] THIRD VISIT TO tUt BRIflSB COKFERl)7CB. 
 
 359 
 
 tive. "The fathers, where are they]" The leaders who 
 managed our Church then are not here now. A new gener- 
 ation has sprung up. The companions of my youth are 
 mostly gone. New faces appear before me ; strange voices 
 greet me, and new walls enclose me. But God is the same, 
 the Gospel the same, and the converting power oi grace the 
 same. Our religion has not changed. The same love 
 warms us, the same hopes inspire us, and the same Redeemer 
 saves us. Indeed, our path " is as the shining light that 
 shineth more and more unto the perfect day." I was com- 
 fortably entertained by the excellent family of J. P. Koblin, 
 Esq., who are choice friends in the best of causes. 
 
 The Conference of 1856 met in Brockville on the 4th of 
 June. I was kindly entertained by the family of Dr. 
 Reynolds, whose father was a member of my congregation 
 when stationed here twenty-six years ago. Dr. Hannah and 
 Mr. Jobson, representatives to the American General Con- 
 ference from England, made us a short visit. I walked with 
 them to the station as they left, when Dr. Hannah strongly 
 urged me to visit his Conference again as soon as conveni- 
 ent. At that moment I scarcely expected that I should 
 even see England again. But, strange to say, I had but just 
 reached my seat in Conference when the co -delegate came 
 to me with a request that I would accept an appointment 
 to England for the double purpose of representing our 
 Church in the British Conference and of obtaining assist- 
 ance for the Wesleyan Church in Quebec. This Church, he 
 said, was heavily in debt, and in danger of going out of our 
 hands if timely relief could not be afforded. At first, I 
 declined the honour ; but the next day an agent from 
 Quebec arrived, and he and other brethren made out such 
 an urgent case that I reluctantly consented — ^though at a 
 great personal sacrifice — ^to undertake the mission. From 
 the begimiing I had resolved never to let any ];|>;nK>]ial 
 
 1 
 
S60 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OP ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1866. 
 
 interests stand in the way of my duty to God and hJH 
 Church, I knew that my absence would put my iiersonal 
 interests in great jeopardy, at a time when my family wii,s 
 depending upon my arrangements for support. But God 
 first, and his Church next, had always been my motto, and 
 I resolved to act on the same principles still. I hastened 
 home from Conference, partially arranged my terapoi-al 
 affairs, took leave of my dear family again, and on the 11th 
 of July started for Boston. The first Sabbath I preached 
 in Schenectady ; tlien hastened to the sea-side, and on the 
 1 6th started out of Boston Bay, on the steamer Canada, for 
 good old England. I reached Bristol, the seat of the Con- 
 ference, in time for the annual review of the Missionary 
 Committee. Dr. Beecham, their senior secretary, had been 
 removed by death during the year, and the committee felt 
 this blow most painfully. Three able men were appointed 
 to speak of this bereavement before the committee. The 
 three selected were all candidates for the Presidential chair, 
 viz. : Messrs. Young, West, and Bowers. We all knew 
 that the Dr. was a great and good man, but we had scarcely 
 imagined that he possessed all the excellences and greatness 
 which these divines ascribed to him in their eloquent 
 orations. Much interest was manifested the next morning 
 during the election for President. When Mr. Keeling 
 arose to report the result there was perfect stillness in Con- 
 fei'ence ; and when he read, West, seventy-four, the interest 
 was intensified. But when he deliberately read, Bowers, 
 eighty-seven, there was a little relief — all felt sure of the 
 result. But when he announced. Young, 108, there was a 
 general burst of applause. Mr. Young was elected, not 
 because he was the most eloquent orator, for both of his 
 competitors were his superiors in eloquence, but because he 
 had been a foreign missionary, and all missionaries present 
 
1861.] 
 
 THE BUDGET FAMILY. 
 
 3^1 
 
 voted for him. He was a good man and true, and he made 
 an excellent inesidiiig officer. 
 
 I was received mo3t cordially by the Conference. On my 
 arrival the Rev. W. Ai*thur met uie at the gate, with h^ 
 hand and smile of welcome. I proposed going to the Moon 
 — an hotel where Mr. Rycrsoii and I had put up ten years 
 heforo — but Mr. Arthur said, " No ! We have no railway 
 to the moon, but Mrs. Budget expects you at Kingswood 
 Hill. Tliat is just the i)lace for you, and one of the very 
 best Rt our command." I found it all that Mr. Arthur repre- 
 sented it to be, and much more. Mr. Arthur knew the 
 family well, for ho had written the life of Mr. Budget, in a 
 book called " The Successful Merchant." The family con- 
 sisted of Mrs. Budget, her amiable daughter, and two sons. 
 Besides these were three servant maids, a butler, a cook, a 
 gardener, and a coachman. The firm emplojcd about iwo 
 hundred men in canying on their extensive business. Her 
 son James was married to a daughter of Thos. Farmer, Esq., 
 and lives at Clifton. A carriage and coachman were placed 
 at the service of her guests. We dined in their establish- 
 ment in town. This is one of the most amiable, orderly, 
 and pleasing families with whom it is my happiness to be 
 arjuainted. Deeply pious, proverbially liberal, and abundant 
 in wealth, they appear intent on doing good. Kingswood is 
 an interesting place, full of precious memories. Here 
 Wliitefield commenced his out-door preaching. Here he wisely 
 esta^l'ahed a school for the education of minister's children. 
 Here he laboured with the ignorant colliers until multitudes 
 found the Lord. The old church, built by Wesley in i7i)7, 
 is still standing. Mrs. James Budget invited about one 
 hundre I ministers to tea one ai'teruoon, and entertained us 
 under an immense tent pitched upon a beautiful lawn. Many 
 speeches were made, and it was a most enjoyable occasion. 
 
 thi 
 
 I"? 
 
363 
 
 LIFE AKD TIMIS Ot ANSON GREEN, D.t). 
 
 [1866. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Farmer and their family were pruneut. Mrs. 
 Budget gat in state with her two motherti, under the friendly 
 boughs of a wide-spreading tree, where each guest was duly 
 presented and cordially received. The English people know 
 how to manage these things in a most orderly and interesting 
 manner. To me it was an occasion fraught with much 
 interest. It gave me an opportunity of being introduced to, 
 and forming an acquaintance with, all the most notable mem- 
 bers of the Conference, and also of conversing with the 
 leaders about an alteration in the Articles of Union, which 
 I had promised our Conference to bring before that bod^. 
 In these ^jrticles, it was provided that the British Conference, 
 from time to time, should appoint one of their own members 
 to preside in our Conference I asked them to extend their 
 own power a little, so as to enable them to appoint one of 
 our members to that honour, provided they deemed such an 
 appointment, at any time, wise and suitable. This altera- 
 tion was readily made, no one opposing it, though it was 
 known that one of the Secretaries disapproved of it. 
 
 On the 3rd of August, I heard Mr. Arthur preach his 
 " Tongue of Fire." He is a small man but a great preacher, 
 and he held the assembly, for nearly two hours, in close 
 attention. I was sorry when his charming sermon was ended. 
 The ordinations took place on a week-day in another church, 
 and I was requested to assist in the ceremony. On the 10th 
 of August I preached in Kingswood, on the Atonement, and 
 was requested to furnish a copy of the sermon for publication ; 
 but as I had taken no manuscript with me, I had a good 
 excuse for declining. The sermon was quite original, and 
 Dr. Harvard earnestly insisted that I should comply with 
 the request. But I had no time to write it and prepare it for 
 press, hence I was forced to disoblige my friends. 
 
 A missionar37 meeting was arranged for, in which they 
 Aimed to bring the ends of the earth together. To accom- 
 
T 
 
 1856] ctosiNo flCKice in riit enomsh coirVERBNCie. S63 
 
 plish this, Dr. Bunting and Mr. Ai'thur froga London, Dr. 
 Green from Canada, and Mr. Calvert from Fiji, were 
 announced as the speakers. Mr. Calvert, who had spent 
 several years among the man-eaters of the South Sea, 
 interested me greatly, and the people ap})eared interested in 
 several features of our Canadian work. It was both pleasing 
 and encouraging to see ministers who had been at the 
 Antipodes in their fields of toil, standing upon the same plat- 
 form, to plead the cause of Christian Missions. Surely ours 
 is a great and an extensive field, and the Master is saying 
 to us all, " Occupy until I come." 
 
 The closing scene in the British Conference is solemn and 
 impressive. The Secretary reads extracts from the minutes, 
 embracing the decisions on principal subjects, when the 
 " legal hundred " stand up and formally ratify the whole. 
 These venerable men remain standing, with all eyes turned 
 towards the President, while he places his official signature 
 to the journals. The benediction is then pronounced and 
 the Conference is over. 
 
 In the early part of September I met the Missionary Com- 
 mittee, who unanimously voted £1,600 sterling to the Quebec 
 church. By this timely relief, udded to what we obtained 
 in C&nada, the church was saved to the connexion. We 
 then dined together in the Centenary Hall. 
 
 On my way to liiverpool I spent a week with the Eev. 
 Dr. Stinson, in Manchester ; preached for him on Sunday, 
 and assisted him and his eloquent colleague, the Rev. Mr. 
 McCaulay, at a tea-meeting. The Dr. and I spent a day 
 with Dr. Hannah, at Didsbury College ; dined with the 
 students, and had to give them a speech before we separated. 
 Didsbury is a lovely village, surrounded with charming rural 
 scenery ; and our Theological College here is spreading light 
 and sending out able preachers to many distant lands. I 
 found my old friend and fellow-townsman, James Metcalfe, 
 
364 
 
 LtI*E AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [186^. 
 
 Esq., and his family, here. He has lately returned from 
 Australia, where he has made a large fortune. Their hearts 
 are in Canada, and they will soon be there again. 
 
 Having secured passage on board the steamer Anglo- 
 Saxon, I hastened to Liverpool. I would fain linger much 
 longer in this delightful country — a country which, for 
 charming scenery, artistic beaaty, and rural loveliness, has 
 no equal in any part of the world which I have visited. 
 At this time of the year it has charms truly attractive. One 
 is never tired, as he dashes through the country, of gazing 
 upon waving fields of grain, verdant pastures, flowery lawns, 
 and fruitful gardens, interspersed with gentle streams and 
 green hedges, by the side of which, flocks without number, 
 and herds in groat variety, are quietly fealing. England is 
 the centre and source of all free Governments in our* world. 
 The Whigs are now in power, and, while listening to the 
 debates in Parliament, I felt a strong desire to learn the 
 origin of the two great parties into which the House is 
 divided. On turning to Rapin's History of England, pub- 
 lished in 1733, and kindly presented to me by the Rev. Dr. 
 Hoole, we have it in detail. When William the Conqueror 
 subdued England in 1066, he divided the land mostly among 
 his friends from the continent, hoping thereby to gain com- 
 plete control of the island. From this, until 1413, when 
 Henry V. was crowned, a constant conflict was going on 
 between King and people ; the former, determined to grasp 
 all power, and the latter, anxious to make their influence felt 
 through a Parliament, as their fathers had done during 
 the Saxon Heptarchy, when each of the seven kings had a 
 little Parliament of his own, as well as an interest in a general 
 council. The Popes helped the kings, while the people were 
 left to contend against their combined power. When poor 
 weak John gave away the kingdom to the Pope, the Barons 
 aroie in their strength and obtained the Magna Charta. All 
 

 1856.] 
 
 OBIOIN OP POLITICAL PAETIE8. 
 
 865 
 
 the kings before Henry V. swore to maintain this chart 
 of liberty ; but all broke their solemn oaths ! Henry III. 
 revoked the charter, but the Barons levied war against the 
 treacherous monarch, and under the Earl of Leicester took 
 him prisoner. Leicester then governed, for some time, in 
 the name of the king, his prisoner, and it is said the Com- 
 mons were first called into Parliament under his rule. This 
 struggle between King and Parliament continued until 1377, 
 when Richard II. was deposed for violating the Charter. 
 After this, for nearly two hundred years, no King dared to 
 trample upon it. But when the House of Stuart came to 
 the throne, in 1603, James I., aided by the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham, attempted to overthrow the constitution, but failed, 
 having died in the attempt. Charles, his son, who succeeded 
 him in 1623, dissolved Parliament, three times, in four years, 
 and then, for twelve years, levied taxes without a Parlia- 
 ment. Then, after Buckingham was assassinated, Charles 
 called Wentworth, the Earl of Stafford, and Bishop Laud to 
 his aid, who soon led him on to ruin. 
 
 Up to this period, the parties seemed to be composed of 
 King and Pope on the one hand, and such of the Barons 
 and people as contended for the great chai-ter, on the other. 
 But now the conflict assumed a more religious aspect. Laud 
 advised Charles to force the Liturgy and Hierarchy upon 
 Scotland. The Scots rebelled, and led an army into England. 
 When Chai'les attempted to drive them back, his Peers and 
 people, fancying that they saw the hand of the Pope in the 
 movement, forsook him. He then called the Peers together 
 for advice. They urged him to call a Parliament, which he 
 did. The House met on the 13th November, 1640, but 
 instead of driving the Presbyterians out of the country, it set 
 about limiting the power of the king, who had governed for 
 fifteen years without its aid ! Stafford and Laud both lost 
 their heads. The House then foolishly resolved to abolish 
 
.*m 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSO^ GBEEN, D.D. [1866. 
 
 Episcopacy and establish Presbyterianism in its place. This 
 created two distinct parties. The king's party was called 
 Cavaliers, afterwards Tories. The Parliamentary pai*ty was 
 called Round Heads, afterwards Whigs ! The origin of these 
 two names, says Rapin, is this : "At that time a sort of 
 Irish banditti or robbers lurking on the mountains or on 
 islands formed of bogs, were called Tories. As the king's 
 pai-ty was supposed to be favourable to the Irish Rebellion, 
 which broke out about that time, they called his paiiiy Tories. 
 These in turn called the Round Heads Whigs, a term of 
 reproach," so called from certain robbers in Scotland. Burnett 
 says the term came from a word used by teamsters in West 
 Scotland, in driving horses — Whiggam, from which the 
 drivei-s were called Whiggomers — hence Whigs. At this time, 
 the terms Tories and Episcopalians were nearly synonymous, 
 as jv^ere Whigs and Presbjrterians. Charles encouraged this 
 party strife, and levied war against the Parliament in favour 
 of the Bishops. Cromwell opposed and beheaded him on the 
 30th January, 1648. Cromwell is said to be the only usurper 
 in England who died a natural death. 
 
 After General Monk had set Charles II. upon the throne 
 of his ancestors, the Duke of York, afterwards James II., 
 who had been converted to Popery during his exile, returned, 
 and began to intrigue for the restoration of that religion. 
 There were now three parties aspiring to the religious govern- 
 ment of the country. But the Whigs and Tories again 
 united against King James and the Pope, drove James from 
 the throne, called in William III. in 1688, and Popery went 
 to the wall. 
 
 From these facts it will be seen, first, that those great 
 parties arose in times of great peril to rescue the country 
 from the tyranny of King and Pope ; secondly, that they 
 received the names of Whig and Tory during the struggles 
 of the House of Stuart ; thirdly, that the fiercest struggles 
 
T 
 
 1866.] 
 
 RETURN VOYAGE. 
 
 8«7 
 
 were against the tyranny of Popery, firiit to obtain the greai 
 charter, and then to maintain the liberty which it was 
 . designed to secure to the people ; fourthly, that the present 
 parties, now called Conservatives and Liberals, are necessary 
 to prevent corruption, and secure good and wholesome laws. 
 On returning homewards, I preached in the saloon of the 
 Anglo-Saxon, Sunday morning, on " Hope, an anchor to the 
 soul," and tlie Rev. Mr. Snodgrass preached in the evening. 
 .We had a pleasant passage. The distance from Tory Island 
 to Belle Isle is 1,680 nautical miles. Add one-sixth to these, 
 and it brings them into English miles, making 1,960, from 
 land to land. From Belle Isle to Quebec there are 869 miles, 
 or to Toronto 1,270. Hence it must be 3,230 geographical 
 miles from Ireland to Toronto. Nothing could be more 
 beautiful than the foliage on the mountains, each side of the 
 St. Lawrence, this time of year, and especially to one just 
 emerging from the Atlantic, whore he has seen nothing, for 
 days, but " the blue above, and the blue below." To emerge 
 from such monotony, on a bright October morning, into this 
 grand foaming river, and open one's eyes upon this gorgeous 
 scenery, is most enchanting. England, with all its charms, 
 has nothing superior to this. Far as the eye can reach, up 
 these laurentine mountains, it may feast on the richest hues 
 of variegated foliage. Orange and red, brown and scarlet, 
 yellow and green, beautifully intermingled, inspire you with 
 admiration for God's handy work. " Even Solomon, in all 
 his glory, was not arrayed like one of these." No pencil but 
 that of the original artist could paint scenes like these. So 
 vast, so enchanting, so lovely ! And yet, how short lived 
 all this array of beauty. These tints are but the hectic flush, 
 the incipient stages of dissolution. 
 
 " Leaves have their time to fall 
 
 And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, 
 And stars to set ; but all, 
 
 Thoa hast all times, death ! " 
 
S68 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1856. 
 
 A few autumnal blasts from the bleak hills of Labrador 
 will soon remove this beauty and bury it in a wintry grave. 
 How admonitory to blushing youth ! Dr. Horn's reflections, 
 upon the falling leaf called off my thoughts from this gorgeous 
 array to scenes more enduring. 
 
 " Yearly in our course reluming, 
 
 Mfssengeis of sliortest stay, 
 ThiiB wi' jjieacli tlii.s truth oonceniing, 
 
 Ht aven and earth sliali pass away. 
 On tlie tree of li.'e eternal, 
 
 Man let all thy ho- es be staiJ, 
 Which alone forever vernal. 
 
 Bears a leaf that shall not fade." 
 
 We arrived in Quebec on INIonday noon, the 6tli October, 
 and hastened to Toronto, where I was pleased to find my 
 dear wife and children all well. Tell me not of the pleastues 
 of travelling abroad, and forming new acquaintances there. 
 To me, there is no pleasure like that which I derive from 
 home, sweet home. My own family altar, my affectionate 
 wife and loving cliildren, my library, my own table and lire- 
 side, with their surroundings — give me these, and others may 
 travel as they please. 
 
 I spent the autumn in collecting for Quebec Church, and 
 in preaching and attending missionary meetings in Peter- 
 borough, Port ITope, Adelaide, and Brantford Our love- 
 feast at the quarterly meeting in Brantford proved a feast of 
 fat; things indeed. It was refreshing to hear the venerable 
 Dr. Digby give his thrilling experience. He said : " Mr. 
 Howard was the first man who ever spoke to him about his 
 soul's salvation, and his friendly counsel noNer left him until 
 it resulted in his conversion." Brother Howard's pastoral 
 visiting has accomplished more good than his preaching. Ifc 
 is always at his work, and a wonderful revival in that town 
 has been the result. On the 25th January, 1867, I re- 
 opened our church in Newmarket, 
 
1857.] 
 
 REBELLION IN INDIA. 
 
 369 
 
 On the 16th, I assisted the Rev. Dr. Frederick Monod, 
 from Paris, at a public meeting in Knox Church, to obtain 
 aid for his work in France. He told us that out of thirty- 
 five million people in France, only one-and-a-half million 
 were Protestants ; that they had not held a Synod, until 
 recently, for a hundred years ; that but a handful of the 
 clergy were evangelical, the remainder free-thinkers ; that, 
 when he failed to get a simple resolution passed recognizing 
 the divinity of Christ, ho withdrew, and commenced preach- 
 ing in a blacksmith's shop. He is now asking aid to build 
 a church. He assured us that the ignorance of the people in 
 religious matters is truly astounding. One old woman, in 
 the Alps, went to hear a missionary, but returned home 
 angry, declaring that she would never hear him again, for 
 he looked at her with earnestness, saying : " You must kill 
 your old man." Poor thing, when she became more enlight- 
 ened she was able to crucify the old man with the alSections 
 and lusts, and then she and her converted husband joined 
 the Church. 
 
 On the 27th of November, by vice-regal command, we 
 celebrated a day of national humility, fasting, and prayer, 
 for the restoration of peace in British India. We had 
 preaching in all the churches, and collections taken for the 
 benefit of the sufierers in that country. A fearful onslaught 
 has been made upon our Christian brethren in India. 
 Many have been murdered, and othei-s reduced to great 
 suffering. The Government has a difl&cult game to l»lay, 
 on account of the prejudice of the natives against the 
 Christian religion. 
 
 On Christmas day we entered God's house and sweetly 
 
 sang : 
 
 " 'Twas great to speak a world from naught, 
 'Twas greater to redeem." 
 
 Happy we who realize this fact. When we look upon earth 
 #16 
 
 t 
 \ 
 
370 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1858. 
 
 with its appendages, or upon the heavens, where worlds on 
 worlds are sparkling in beauty and rolling round their orbits 
 in amazing pomp, we have no difficulty in believing that 
 creation was a great work. But the creation of worlds 
 caused no agony in the garden, no bloody death upon the 
 cross, no bursting of tombs. But to save a soul, God must 
 be manifested in the flesh, atone for man's transgressions by 
 the suflfering of the cross, go down to the grave and sanctify 
 it for our reception, and then arise from the dead for our 
 justification. What theme, then, is equal to that of redemp- 
 tion 1 This earth must wax old and decay ; but when we 
 see it roll together as a scroll, and pass away with a great 
 noise, we shall then behold a kingdom which cannot be 
 moved, and, through this great redemptive plan, behold a 
 land of rest which can never pass away. Let me, then, on 
 this Christmas day, renew my covenant with Him who died 
 for me. 
 
 January 3rd. — Preached to the poor, demented sufferers 
 in our Asylum. They seem to enjoy this privilege greatly, 
 and Dr. Workman assures me that no punishment is more 
 grievious to them than to be deprived of these services. 
 
 The Conference of 1858 commenced its sessions in 
 Montreal, on the 2nd of June, the Rev. Dr. Stinson in the 
 chair, and the Rev. J. Borland, secretary. This was our 
 first Conference in Lower Canada, and Thursday, the 4th, 
 was a day of much interest. The friends sent us a deputa- 
 tion of laymen, headed by the Hon. Jas. Terrier, to present 
 an address of welcome, Several of us replied to their 
 cordial greetings, and the hour was most enjoyable. The 
 services produced a good effect both in and out of Confer- 
 ence. The reception of candidates, in the evening, called 
 together an irowiense asseinbly, when three of us made 
 speeches on the work of the Christian ministry. These 
 ;|epvioes being new in Montreal, excited much attention. 
 
T 
 
 1858.] 
 
 DEATH OP DR. BUNTINO. 
 
 371 
 
 Death op the Rev. Jabez Bunting, D.D. — ^The long- 
 expected event has come at last. Another shining light ia 
 extinguished ! A peerless prince in cur Israel has fallen ! 
 Dr. Bunting is no more ! He died at his house at Middle- 
 ton square, London, on the 16th of June, in the eightieth 
 year of his age and fifty-ninth of his able ministry. By 
 special permission of the Lord Mayor, he was buried by 
 the side of his first wife, in Chapel-yard, City-road. Dr. 
 Bunting ' d few equals, and no superiors, in the Church. 
 From my first acquaintance with him, in 1846, when he was 
 leader of the Conference, and of the Canada Committee 
 with which Mr. Ryerson and I negotiated our union, until 
 my last visit with him, at his own house, in 1856, there 
 was no man that I admired and venerated more. I was 
 with him in three Conferences and several important 
 Church Committees, as well as in the Conference of the 
 great Evangelical Alliance, in all of which I looked upon hirn 
 as the first, the best, the greatest of men. His extensive 
 information, urbanity of manners, and gentlemanly bearing 
 made him a favourite in company ; while his discriminating 
 mind, power in debate, and happy faculty in leading others 
 to the same conclusions with himself, gave him wonderful 
 power over Conferencial bodies. His last words were, " J. 
 am in the hands of God. I have peace. I have fought a 
 good fight." Venerable divines carried him to the altar 
 where Wesley and Benson, Clarke and Watson, Newton 
 and Buchan had lain before him, and thence to liis silent 
 tomb, where he sleeps in peace. 
 
 The Revs, the President of the Conference, the Superin- 
 tendent of Missions, and the President of Victoria College, 
 called on me, earnestly requesting that I would accept the 
 Biirsarship of our College a^ain ; and, strange to say, con- 
 trary to my wish and purpose, I have been prevailed on te 
 do so ! President Nelles is an invaluable olficer at the head 
 
 
 I i\ 
 
372 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1868. 
 
 of that University. He is doing a great work for the youth 
 of our country, and I should be ashamed were I to refuse 
 to do all in my power to hold up his hands and help him in 
 this his time of need. We resolved to make nn effort to 
 pay off the debt by an appeal to our people ; and on the ht 
 of October, Revs. Dr. Stiiison, Dr. Nellts, W. H. Puole, 
 and the Bursar visited Montreal, preached nnd held meet- 
 ings in all our churches there for the above-mentioned 
 purpose. Colonel Jtimes Ferrier took me to his own com- 
 fortiible home, and helped us greatly. We visited Toronto 
 and other ylaces for the same object. 
 
 The Atlantic Cable. — On the first of October, this 
 wonderful work of art was opened to the public ; and New 
 York is all in a blaze. Torches illuminate the streets and 
 rockets the heavens ; while orators are loud in their praise 
 of Cyrus W. Fields, Esq., their enterprising fellow-citizen, 
 whose praise is now in all the cities. This work annihilates 
 time. London is four hours, fifty-five minutes, and forty- 
 two seconds before New York ; but the latter city now re- 
 ceives despatches nearly five hours before they are dated in 
 London ! Toronto is five hours, seven minutes, and twelve 
 seconds behind London in time ; but Trinity Bay, in New- 
 foundland, is only two hours and forty-eight minutes behind 
 Valentia, in Ireland. If two parties were to leave Toronto 
 on Monday noon, to go round the world, the one going east 
 and the other west, and meet again on Monday, it would 
 then be Sunday to the one and Tuesday to the other. Had 
 the infallible Po[)e tried this, he would not have imprisoned 
 Galileo for saying that the earth is round. 
 
 On the 6th of December I preached in Elm Street for 
 oar College, from Prov. iii. 13, &c. This sermon, though 
 preached in the interest of education, was delivered without 
 XDanuscript. I might, perhaps, have been pardoned had I read 
 my sermon on such an occasion ; but I don't like to set the 
 
1858.J 
 
 kllSSION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 
 
 378 
 
 example to /ny young brethren ; for I fully concur in the 
 fi)llowing observations made by wi.se men in the late British 
 Conference on that subject. — Mr. Arthur contended that the 
 minister who reads his sernions to the congregation, " sets a 
 downward example. Our fathers found a reading age, they 
 made it a preaching ago. Let us keep it up." Mr. Jackson 
 said, " I would not for the world practise the reading of 
 sermons. The practice must never be the practice of 
 Methodism." Mr. West said, " The habit of reading sermons 
 is not preaching. If the habit were established ic would be 
 a downward tendency." I am delighted with these remarks, 
 coming, as they do, from headqxiarters. It is true, Wesley 
 did sometimes read sermons ; but very seldom. No verbal 
 accuracy can make up for the want of unction. There may 
 bo occasions when reading is pardonable — even advisable ; 
 but, like angels' visits, they are few and far between. I have 
 read a lecture or two in former days, but cannot remember 
 ever having real a sermon, even a controversial sermon. 
 We spent the week in making public appeals on behalf of 
 the College to our Toronto congregations. 
 
 A New Mission in British Columbia. — We have just 
 selected our brethren to commence a mission on the Pacific 
 Coast ; and on the 1 6th December we held an interesting 
 valedictory service in Richmond Street Church, and a public 
 breakfast on the 17th, in the St. Lawrence Hall. Dr. Evans, 
 with Messrs. White, Browning, and Robson, go out as 
 missionaries, and next week I am appointed to accompany 
 them to New York to make the necessary arrangements for 
 thoir voyage. On Sunday, the 2nd January, 1859, I 
 preached in St. Paul's Church, on the Fourth Avenue, and 
 on Tuesday evening, the 4th, by the request of their 
 minister, we held a valeiUctory service in this splendid 
 sanotuary. Our old friend, Francis Hall, Esq., took the 
 chair, and the Bev. Dr. McClintock, in a few appropriate 
 
374 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1859. 
 
 remarks, introduced us to the people. Bishop Janes gave 
 an able and admii'able charge to the Missionaries. I could 
 not press Dr. Evans into the work, and therefore had to tjiko 
 the heavy end for Canada myself. I took an occasion to 
 refer to the first Missionaries sent from New York to Canada, 
 through an almost trackless wilderness ; a journey nearly 
 equal in those days to that undertaken by our dear brethren 
 now. It took them twenty-one days to accomplish it, during 
 which they slept out in the forest six nights. The Rev. Dr. 
 Bangs was present, and after service he came to me and said 
 that in his " History of Methodism" he had stated that they 
 slept out twenty-one nights. But he admitted that he waw 
 probably in error, and that my statement, obtained from Mr. 
 Case, was correct. The whole affair was invested with 
 much interest and reflected great credit upon our American 
 brethren. They manifested a deep interest in this mission, 
 which could not but be grateful to the feelings of the dear 
 brethren bound for those distant regions. The steamer on 
 which they were to sail to the Isthmus was delayed a day by 
 heavy snow storms, which blocked up the roads and kept 
 back the mails, but on Thursday, the 6th, the weather was 
 fine, and the gallant ship bore away these messengers of salvar 
 tion towards their fields of sacrifice and toil, while their 
 handkerchiefs were waving in the breeze in response to ours 
 on shore. By these white flags they seemed to say to us, 
 farewell, we depart in peace and in hope. I returned home 
 invigorated in mind and in body, and devoted all my energies 
 to missionary meetings. College addresses, and other duties 
 oonfiected with the Church. 
 
 My evenings at home were spent in studying astronomy 
 with my daughter. The sidereal heavens had many charms 
 f<^ ij^er, and we often went out after tea to study the map 
 y^oh the great Toacher, himself, has prepared. We have 
 now three planets visible to the naked eye, while Orion towers 
 
1859.] 
 
 ASTRONOMY. 
 
 876 
 
 aloft with hifl belt and sword as if to martial the hosts for 
 some mighty conflict. But yonder is Mars, with his ruddy 
 coat, looking down upon him as if to say, sheath your sword, 
 draw it not at your \)en\, for 1 am the god of war. But, 
 dear Eliza, fear them not ; we are safe ; for yonder, above 
 all these worlds, sits the Prince of Peace. ** He has pre- 
 pared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth 
 over all." "TrUly, papa," said she, " and that is a pleasing 
 thought, but is it not strange that Job, who lived thousands 
 of years before the telescope was known, should be able to 
 give us so much information concerning these heavenly 
 bodies 1" Yes, dear, it would be strange, indeed, apart from 
 inspiration ; but God was his teacher, and the light of science 
 only confirms the truths he revealed. Both Dr. Clarke and 
 Professor Mitchell tell us that the word which, in the 38th 
 of Job, we translate " foundation," in the original Hebrew is 
 " sockets." Whereupon are the sockets thereof fastened ! 
 Clearly proving that when that patriarch said, " He hangeth 
 the earth upon nothing," he understood the revolutions of 
 the heavenly bodies as we do now. The Bible, by its 
 frequent references to science, has been exposed to the 
 criticisms of modern scientists ; and yet, the more they search 
 the book of Nature, the more they are obliged to confirm 
 the book of Scripture. No man has been able to " bind 
 the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion." 
 And God's question to Job, " Where is the place where 
 light dwelleth, and who knoweth the paths to the house 
 thereof?" still remains unanswered. We know that it travels 
 at the rate of 12,000,000 miles in a minute, and if our 
 atmosphere were removed it might, perhaps, rush down upon 
 us like the destroying lightning. But our God regulates all 
 these things. Let no man, then, talk of errors in the Bible 
 until he understajidB the mysteriee of creation. 
 
 s 
 
 1 
 
 rV' 
 
 i 
 
 "'M 
 
 .■' V 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY QUESTION — THE BOOK-ROOM. 
 
 HE Conference this year was hold in Hamilton. 
 Bro. Elliot presided with energy and ability. We 
 were honoured with a deputation from the Eastern Frovinced, 
 consisting of the Revs. Drs. Richey and Pickard. They iisk 
 for a union between their Conference and ours. To open the 
 way for such a union, Mr. Jones and I brought the subject 
 of a General Conference once more before the brethien ; but 
 their reluctance to be divided into throe or more Annual 
 Conferences prevailed, and our proposal was again rejected. 
 Dr. Richey seemed much disappointed, for he had a great 
 desire to return to our work in Canada. 
 
 The event which effected me most, was my re-election to 
 the office of Book-Steward. No member had spoken to me 
 on the subject, knowing that I had resisted their entreaties 
 the year before at Montreal. This election, by a large 
 majority, embarrassed me greatly, and I asked time to 
 consider. I did not like to refuse labour to which 1 had 
 been appointed ; and yet I felt very reluctant to return to an 
 institution greatly involved, which I had left but five years 
 before in a healthy and prosperous condition. 
 
 The Umversity Question. — In our journeyings through 
 the country to obtain funds for Victoria College, we have 
 
; 
 
 18C0.] 
 
 THE UNITIR81TT QUESTIOIT. 
 
 S77 
 
 often boen askod why we have not received our share of the 
 fiiuJH of tlie Toronto University, according to the proviHions 
 of the Act of 1853 ; and we have resolved to ventihite that 
 8u''joct before the next Session of Parliament. The pro- 
 jirioty of tliiH course will npponr obvious when we look at the 
 following facts. In 1797, the Duke of Portland reported 
 that fifty thousand acres had been set apart in Upper Canada 
 " for tlie ostablislimeiit of free grammar schools in those dis- 
 trictH in which thoy are called for ; and in process of time, for 
 establishing other seminaries of a larger and more compre- 
 liensivo naturo for th» promotion of religious and moial 
 learning, and for the study c' the arts and sciences." In 
 1829, sixty-six thousand acres of these lands were taken by 
 U. C. College, and two hundred ami fifty thonsand acres for 
 King's College ; but not an acre to " other seminaries" in 
 tho country. An aide pamphlet, prepared by Dr. Ryerson, 
 was printed and circulated. District conventions, composed 
 of delegates from all circuits, were held for the purpose of 
 petitioning Parliament for nn investigation. And then a 
 dtiputation, consisting of Dr. Siinson, Dr. Gr en, and Dr. 
 NelloH were ai)pointed — with such assistance as Dj*. Ryerson 
 could afford — to prosecute the subject before the Govem- 
 nniit and Parliament. 
 
 On the 21st of March the Parliament appointed a com- 
 mittee consisting of the Honourables the Premier, Cameron, 
 Brown, Foley, and Caley, with Me83J"S. Wilson, Roblin, 
 Slin[)3on, and McCan, to consider our petitions; and Dr. 
 Stiiison, Dr. Nelles, Dr. Ryerson, and the writer were sum- 
 moneJ by the chairman, Malcom Cameron, Esq., to appear 
 an I ij'ive evi loace. On tho 26th March, Dr. Stinson and 
 I appeared before the Committee in the Parliament House, 
 Qii !l)ec, and set tho b ittle in aiT-iy. The Doctor spoke for 
 hiif an hour on the imporbaace of education, and then I 
 
 1 
 
S78 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. [i860. I 1860.1 
 
 I' / 
 
 Spoke for more than an hour on the legality and justice of 
 our claims. While I was speaking the Rev. Dr. Cook, 
 President of Queen's College, entered the room and, on behalf 
 of that College, joined his strength with ours. The Com- 
 mittee requested a synopsis of our speeches for their report. 
 I continued at the Capital until we considered our case fully 
 made out. We proved, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that 
 the Act of 1849 was repealed, and the Act of 1853 enacted for 
 the avowed purpose of giving assistance to colleges out of 
 Toronto. I was obliged to leave to prepare our accounts in 
 the College and in the Book-room, before the Toronto 
 College commenced its defence ; but left an able trio — Messrs. 
 Ryerson, Nelles, and Pool. Dr. Ryerson was irresistible 
 in his masterly replies. The Committee's report published 
 by the House was all that we could have expected ; and the 
 Parliament, without any Kolicitation on our part, added 
 $2,000 a year to our Parliamentary grant, and appointed a 
 friendly commission to examine the whole question. 
 Unfortunately for us, the political strife in the country 
 delayed further action until the Toronto College had 
 exhausted the fdnds ! In addition to my duties in the 
 Book-room, the College, and the Parliament, I managed to 
 attend many quarterly meetings and preach extensively in 
 different parts of the country. 
 
 The Conference of 1860 commenced in Kingston, on the 
 6th of June. The Rev. Dr. Sargent, from Baltimore, and 
 the Rev. Dr. Pickard and Mr. Narroway, from the Eastern 
 Cotaiference, were present and did us good service. The Con- 
 ference cordially endorsed our doings at the Capital on be- 
 half of education, and gave us a hearty vote of thanks. My 
 home at this Conference was with my esteemed friends, Dr. 
 and Mrs. Lavell. 
 
 On the 28th October, I dedicated Zion Church, a little 
 north of Brampton, on Bro, Spencer's circuit. This ground 
 
I860.] 
 
 THE PEINCE OP WALES. 
 
 S79 
 
 formed part of our first mission which received pay from a 
 mission fund. All our circuits were missions formerly, in 
 the best sense of that term, but with this anomaly, — they 
 received no assistance from abroad, as no missionary society 
 was formed in our Church until the 21st April, 1819. In 
 1820, Fitch Reid, with a young man to help him, was sent 
 to York — now Toronto — with instructions to visit those 
 parts called " The Bush," and a small grant was made to aid 
 ia their support. They formed societies which have gi-eatly 
 increased in strength and numbei-s until, by God's blessing 
 upon pious toil, they have dotted this beautiful part of the 
 country with lovely sanctuaries where God is worshipped in 
 the beauty of holiness. 
 
 The Prince of Wales, under the escort of the Duke of 
 Newcastle, is making a flying visit through our country. 
 He has everywhere been received with high consideration, 
 and he seems to entertain a profound sense of the devoted 
 loyalty of the people. The Duke would not allow him to 
 land, either at Kingston or Belleville, because the Orange- 
 men were resolved to enter the processions with theii* 
 distinctive badges. In Toronto they were more considerate, 
 and we had a grand display of arches, banners, and torches. 
 On the 19th September, Drs. Stinson, Ryerson, and I, 
 presented the Wesleyan address to His Royal Highness, 
 which he received kindly, and expressed his pleasure in 
 recognizing all churches in this country as standing upon 
 equal ground and enjoying equal rights and privileges. He 
 gave $800 to Victoria College, which is to form " a Prince 
 of Wales prize." The personal appearance of the Prince is 
 not very imposing, especially in the presence of the Duke 
 and General Williams. The Duke is a noble looking person ; 
 but from all I can learn, his moral vision is clouded with 
 the mists of Oxford and Rojne. The Orangemen will never 
 
 f^f^ 
 
 'if!- 
 
 J^ 
 
 M 
 
 
 'l- 
 
 14 
 
 1 
 
S80 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [I860. 
 
 forgive him for coming between them and the Prince in their 
 demonstrations of loyalty, under their distinguishing devices. 
 
 Our Missionary Committee of review and appropriation 
 met on the 30th October, in the Richmond-street Church, 
 Toronto. Tlie mission field has become so large, the work 
 so great, and the interests to be consulted so numeious and 
 complex, that it requires much time and care to see that no 
 one is injured and no point neglected, I have been engaged 
 in this work from its inception, have witnessed its progress 
 with delight, and its pressnt magnitu le with gratitude, and 
 therefore cannot but rejoice, as I see field added to field, and 
 messenger to messenger. This is the great work of the age, 
 and Christians should see to it that nothing is wanting on 
 our part to make it fruitful and triumpliant. A writer in 
 the christian Advocate says: "That at the end of the 
 fifteenth century there were about 100,000,000 professing 
 Christians in the world. At the eighteenth they had 
 increa,sed to 200,000,000 ; and this number will probably be 
 doubled this century. From these figures it will be seen 
 that the Protestant religion has given a mighty impetus to 
 Christian conquests. At the present time, three continents 
 — Europe, Australia, and America — with many islands and 
 large portions of Asia and Africa, equal to about thiee-fifths 
 of the globe, are under Christian sway, while two-thirds of 
 our race are under Christian Governments." These are 
 encouraging facts. But if all true Christians would unite, 
 as the churches of Ireland did during their gi-eat revival last 
 year, and work and pray for the extension of Christ's king- 
 dom, heathendom would soon bow to the sceptre of Jesus, 
 and all heathen monarchs acknowledge the sceptre of Christ. 
 
 January 6th, 1831. — Preache I a New Year's sermon in 
 Yorkville, and then returned to my library to ascertain the 
 meaning of the wor I ScJuh, which occurs seventy -four times 
 in the Psalms and twice lu Hubakkuk ; but found such a 
 
1861.] 
 
 WAR IN THE tJNITED STATE6. 
 
 ddl 
 
 chaos of opinions among learned men on the subject, that I 
 gave it lip in despair. Most Jewish commentators, with the 
 Targiini, think it me;ins eternally, forever; others a sign in 
 music to repeat. Luther aays it is equivalent to silence ; 
 Wocher, up, my soul ; Gesenius, let the instrument and the 
 people bo silent ; Sommer, hear Jehovah, and a vigorous 
 burst of trumi)ets ; others say it is the same as Amen, so 
 be it. But wlien so muny doctors differ, who shall decide 1 
 
 War is now inevitable in the United States. South 
 Carolina h;is retired from the Union, and in the echoes of 
 the first gun tired on old Sumpter we hear the knell of 
 American Slavery. In his opening ^eech, on the 4th of 
 March, President Lincoln declares his purpose to maintain 
 the Union intact, and now the North and South must end 
 the strife in deadly conflict. War is a greit evil at best, 
 and of all wars a civil war is the moit uncivil. But if war 
 must come, then, by all means, let it set the captive free. 
 
 The ball-room, I ic:^r ot to say, has been made very popu- 
 lar of late by the visit of the Prince of Wales. In conversation 
 with a high-spirited lady, recently, she was unsparing in her 
 admiration of the Prince on this account. I was ungallant 
 enough to express my regret that the eldest son of our excel- 
 lent Queen should devote so much time to this childish 
 amusement, and at all times of night. Immediately she put 
 herself in opposition, and my sentiments were set down as 
 unreasonable and unscriptural ; opposed alike to ancient 
 customs and to modern tastes. As to that, said I, the 
 ancients knew nothing of the dance of the present day. 
 Among the Jews, men and women never danced together ; 
 and Cicero went much further than I would go when he 
 said : " No man dances who is not either drunk or a fool " 
 That it was forbidden in the harem of Turkey, and fonr. i 
 no part of the voluptuous paradise of Mahomet. But 
 Charles YI. of France, called the Mad, and his faithless wifo 
 
 !i! 
 
382 
 
 LIFE AND TIIIES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1861. 
 
 Isabella, introduced it in 1385 ; one of the darkest perioda 
 of our world's history ; and since then, thousands have been 
 sent to an early grave by their exposures after their impru- 
 dence and excitement in the ball-room. " But," she asked, 
 " did not David and Miriam, the sister of Moses, dance before 
 the Lord, and has not God told us there is a time to dance 1 " 
 Truly, said I, David danced before the Lord, and his Queen 
 " despised him in her heart, and said he acted like one of 
 the vain fellows." Still you don't despise the Prince when 
 he dances, but praise him to the skies. Miriam also danced 
 on the banks of the Red Sea, but there were no men with 
 her. " All the womea went out after her with- timbrels 
 and with dances," while she cried : " Sing ye to the Lord, 
 for he hath triumphed gloriously ; the horse and his rider 
 hath he thrown into the sea." — (Exodus xv. 20.) Go then 
 and dance like Miriam, with women only, singing the praises 
 of God for his provident care, and you have my cordial con- 
 sent. It is also true that Solomon said : " There is a time 
 to dance." But in the same paragraph he also said, " There 
 is a time to die ; " but surely you will not contend that you 
 have liberty to die when you please, because there is a time 
 to die ! No ! But when the Lord sends you out, as he did 
 Miriam, to sing of his merciful deliverance afforded you, 
 then that is your time to dance. I admired the conduct of 
 the Christian Indians, as reported by our missionary at 
 Samia. When the Prince visited that mission he desired 
 the Indians to dance. The pagans were ready to exhibit 
 their folly, but the Christians said : " Please excuse us ; if 
 His Royal Highness desires, we will hold a prayer-meeting, 
 but we cannot dance." The Prince approved their choice,, 
 but had no applaudits for the pagans who offered to dance, 
 " I preceive," said she, "that I will have to give you up as a 
 hard case." I beg you will not, said I, but rather convince 
 va», if I am in error. Hitherto I have placed my arguments 
 
1861.] 
 
 Death of thomas farmer, esq. 
 
 S8d 
 
 upon the lowest ground ; permit me to remind you before we 
 part of the loss of valuable time which these fantastic vani- 
 ties occasion, of the good impressions they expel, the feelings 
 of piety they extinguish, the prayers they hinder, and the 
 fearful responsibilities which their votaries incur, and then 
 we will adjourn the conversation. 
 
 This has been a year of hard fought battles and oppressive 
 toil to me. The work of the Book-room and Publishing 
 department of the Church has not been neglected ; the 
 Bursarship of the college has not proved a bed of roses, and 
 the movements for college reform have required constant 
 thought and attention ; but in the midst of all this toil and 
 strife, I have found much comfort in my pulpit labours and 
 sanctuary privileges. One day is better than a thousand. 
 God's house is my delight. Here I find sweet rest. 
 
 The Conference of 1861 commenced at Brantford, June 
 5th. Dr. Stinson presided. Having been appointed Chair- 
 man of Toronto District, in the place of Bi*o. Wilkinson, 
 who is gently and peacefully departing to the spirit land, T 
 was obliged to leave home the week before, in order to be 
 present at the Stationing and other preparatory Committees. 
 We made another efibrt to divide the Conference on the 
 principle of confederation. The Committee reported a plan, 
 which was to be printed ; but the brethren being reluctant 
 to separate, took another year to consider our propositions. 
 One good brother withdrew from the Conference to enter 
 Parliament. 
 
 The announcement of the death of Thomas Farmer, Esq., 
 one of the Missionary Treasurers, in England, called forth 
 tears and lamentations in Conference. Opportunity was 
 given for those of us who knew him to express our elegiac 
 sorrows. The Church has sustained a great loss in the 
 death of this distinguished layman. As a man of high- 
 minded sentiment, large-hearted benevolence, commanding 
 
B84 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. [18C1. 
 
 I 
 
 I; 
 
 influence, and useful pief-y, he has left few equals, and no 
 superiors. May the mrtntle of his godly benevolence lull on 
 all the laymen of the Church. 
 
 The religious census of 1861 is now before the public. 
 Upper Canada has a population of 1,396,091, having 
 increased, in ten years, 46.65 per cent., while the United 
 States has increased only 35.52 per cent. The churches are 
 reported as follows : Methodists, 341,572; Church of Eng- 
 land, 311,565; Presbyterians, 303,384; Roman Catholics, 
 258,141; Baptists, 6 L55 9; Lutherans, 24,299; Congrega- 
 tionalists, 9,357; and a few others. The Presbyterians aie 
 divided into several fragments, and so are the Methodibts. 
 If united, they would constitute two large bodies. Nothing 
 but vanity, false ambition, or ignorance keeps us apart. 
 Our stiength is divided and our means wa.sted by u| holding 
 opposing altais in many mighljoui hoods, where one minister 
 could do the work better than three or four. O, when will 
 the Methodist people learn their true interests, lay a^ide their 
 groundless bickerings, and cordially nnite to save thi-ir 
 squandered funds, and send the gospel to the heathen beyond ! 
 
 I have enjoyed my mind veiy much this summer in ofler- 
 ing Christ to lost men ; but at our quarterly meeting, held 
 on the 5th of August, at Richmond Hill, my earthen vessel 
 was completely filled with the divine grace. As I descended 
 from the pulpit, weary and exhausted, to commence our 
 love-feast, an aged brother commenced singing : 
 
 " There is rest for the weary." 
 
 Both the words and the music were so exactly suited to my 
 feelings that I burst into tears of joy ; and as they sang, 
 
 •* Oil t'le other side of Jordan, 
 la the sweet fields of P2den, 
 Where tiie Tree of Life is blooming, 
 Thvre is rest fur you," 
 
1861.] 
 
 DEATH OP THE PRINCE CONSORT. 
 
 385 
 
 I had such pre-libations of heaven's joys and heaven's rest 
 as melted my whole soul into love. The brethren caught 
 the flame, and we sang and rejoiced together. 
 
 On the 22nd of September I preached the funeral 
 sermon of Mrs. Lever, of Weston, the mother of the Rev. 
 J. Lever. Last month we buried her husband. They were 
 upwards of ninety-two years old. They joined the Church 
 when the first class was formed in York, in September, 
 1818. No sooner had we laid her by the side of her 
 husband than the eui-th which covered him fell gently over 
 her, as if he was willing to share his mantle with Jier in 
 their peaceful and silent bed. 
 
 On the 22nd of December I dedicated a small church in 
 the village of Eden. This place may not be the best repre- 
 sentative of the old garden on the Euphrates, but we have 
 planted the Tree of Life in it, and no flaming sword prevents 
 the people's approach. I was comfortably entertained by 
 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lawson, who have done much 
 towards erecting this little sanctuary. I have just been 
 reading the beautifully written letters of " Junius," first 
 published, in 1769, '70, '71, and '72, in the London Adoer- 
 User. No one knows who the author was. They were 
 probably written by Horace Walpole, though many think 
 Lord Lytton was the author. They were sent to the 
 printers, copied in a lady's hand by Mrs. Olive, an actress. 
 They doubtlessly had great influence upon the public mind 
 when written, and contributed not a little towards the cor- 
 rection of the abuses practised by the great national leaders 
 of that age. They are written in pure English, and in a 
 style worthy of being copied by our best authors. 
 
 The lamented death of our noble Prince Consort, on the 
 
 14th of December, has thrown our country, and the entire 
 
 nation, into deep mourning. No dcnth, except that of the 
 
 Queen herself, could be more regr. ..bed by the people at 
 
 17 
 
 
 '*'.|i 
 
 
386 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1861. 
 
 large. But there was light in the midst of our darkness. 
 How refreshing, in these days of ritualistic tendencies and 
 dependence on forms, to hear this dying Prince repeat, as 
 the embodiment of his faith in Christ, our beautiful hymn, 
 " Rock of Ages !" 
 
 •' Nothinfl; in my hands I bring, 
 Simply to thy cross I cling." 
 
 Yes, the cross is the only safe refuge for sinners. All are 
 safe here, and kings and peasants have equal access. Happy 
 he who can look above sacraments and forms to the all- 
 cleansing blood. The cross ! The cross ! None can perish 
 here 1 
 
 January 5th. — Commenced the sanctuary services of the 
 new year by dedicating a new church on the third line of 
 York. The Rev. Thomas Brock ddivered a forcible dis- 
 course in the afternoon. Mr. Johnson, with whom we 
 dined, has been foremost in this good work, which was much 
 needed in his neighbourhood. He and his fellow-labourers 
 will have their reward. 
 
 O* the 19th, preached a missionary sermon and attended 
 a public meeting ill Gait. Our cause is weak here, and 
 needs all the help and encouragement we can bestow upon 
 it. I attended a large number of these meetings during the 
 winter, and preached missionary sermons both in city and 
 country. On Easter Sunday, April 26, preached an Easter 
 sermon in Adelaide-street Church, and had my own hopes 
 brightened while proving the doctrine of the resurrection. 
 It is comfortable to know that, " since by man came death, 
 by man came also the resurrection of the dead." We shall 
 all be made alive in Christ the first fruits. 
 
 The Conference met in Belleville this year, and, in the 
 absence of Dr. Stinson, the Rev. Dr. Wood was elected 
 President. Some thought that Mr. Wilkinson, the co-dele- 
 
1862.] 
 
 DJfiDICAflON IK OLENALLEN. 
 
 387 
 
 gate, should preside, but as there were no hopes that the 
 President would ever be able fen preside again, the counsels 
 of the aged prevailed, and we elected another chief minister. 
 Then the British Conference were asked to appoint the 
 writer "our President for next year." This request, being 
 nearly unanimous, was very gratifying to my feelings ; for 
 as this was the first time we had asked the appointment of 
 one of our own members to this high office, I looked upon the 
 request as a full endorsement of my efibrts to bring about 
 the union, and help to work out its great provisions for the 
 good of the entire community. 
 
 On the 28th of May I arrived in Quebec, to look after 
 tlie interests of our College ; but that evening the Ministry 
 were outvoted on a military question, and had to change 
 sides with the Opposition. Everything was thrown into 
 confusion, and I returned home disgusted and discouraged. 
 
 August 10th, dedicated a new church in Glen Alljen, on 
 the Peel Circuit. I was entertained by a farmer, who met 
 me at Berlin, and with tearful eyes said : " I have asked 
 the privilege to come and meet you, hoping I might induce 
 you to spend a night at my humble dwelling." He then 
 asked me if I remembered preaching at a quarterly meeting 
 at Thornhill, about twenty years ago, on Isaiah's vision 1 
 " Yes, perfectly well," said I, " for, when I sat d(>wn, I felt 
 as though I had preached my soul out of my body." " I was 
 there," said he, " glad to get near enough to hear through a 
 window. Three of us, young men, were standing together, 
 weeping ; and when the sermon was ended, some of the 
 people left, and I said to my companions, * It must be a 
 good place in there ; let us go in and see.' We did so, and 
 vere all converted to God. We are still members of the 
 Church, and living for a better world. You now see why I 
 was anxious to come and meet you." " Thank God," said I ; 
 " I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk 
 
588 
 
 Liri AND TIMKS OF ANSON QRKEN, D.D. 
 
 [1862. 
 
 in truth." We spent a happy evening together. I preached 
 twice on the Lord's day, and assisted at the festival on 
 Monday, when we had two temporary wings put up on each 
 side of the church, to accommodate the people. This is a 
 small village on the main road, and will doubtless grow up 
 to be a place of importance. The church is beautifully 
 situated, and can be seen from a distance. 
 
 On the 24th of August the ex-President sent for me to 
 consult about the making of his will. I found him so very 
 low that I feared any mental effort might terminate his 
 existence at once, and I therefore advised him to make no 
 eflfort at division, but give all his property to his wife, Mrs. 
 Stinson, for the support of herself and her children. He 
 approved of this, and it was done accordingly. He assured 
 me that he felt all the power and comfort of that gospel 
 which he had preached to others, and trusted that he was 
 ready for his departure to his heavenly home. During 
 prayers, his responses were frequent and fervent. This was 
 the last time I saw him alive. On the 26th he took his 
 departure, full of love and full of peace. I preached his 
 funeral sermon from Job 14 : 14, "If a man die, shaF. he 
 live again V He was one year before me in the ministry, 
 but how long in the heavenly inheritance, none can tell. 
 
 Go, Christian warrior, to thy home above. 
 And seize the laurel of undying love ; 
 .Thy pain is o'er, thy last sad tear is shed, 
 Thy noble form is free among the dead. 
 Blame not these tears, they give the heart relief ; 
 "Who wept with Mary will forgive our grief ; 
 But hush, our sighs ! our brother lives again, 
 And with our God eternally shall reign. 
 
 Dr. Stinson was a noble specimen of the English gentleman, 
 about five feet eight or nine inches high, with a good phy. 
 sique, light complexion, bright eyes, and a well balanced 
 
1862] 
 
 \)m 
 
 APPOINTED PRESIDENT. 
 
 S89 
 
 head, he presented a commanding appearance in the pulpit ; 
 and being gentlemanly and Christianlike in all his bearings, 
 he was a general favourite. But he has gone, safely gone 
 to rest ; and, 
 
 ' " I too my willing head shall bow, 
 
 I too the crown shall gain." 
 
 On the 17th of October, started for New York for our 
 winter's supply of books. The civil war then raging threw 
 the trade into utter confusion, and books were very high. 
 On my return, preached in Albany for my nephew, the Rev. 
 W. H. Meeker, M.A., and heard an excellent sermon from 
 himself. 
 
 November 16th, dedicated a new church in Mr. Kerr's 
 vicinity, Smithville Circuit. The Rev. Mr. Rose took the 
 afternoon service, and the Rev. Mr. Rice, of Hamilton, 
 preached an able sermon in the evening. I was delighted 
 to see many familiar faces present, and several of them 
 from a distance. Mr, Kerr is the patriarch of the places 
 and the Lord has blessed him with a heart to work for the 
 good of others ; hence the erection of this house. 
 
 I see by the English Minutes that the British Conference 
 has appointed me President of the Canada Conference for 
 the next year, and my excellent friend, Mr. Carroll, as my 
 co-delegate, The ice is now broken, and the way prepared 
 for other Canadian ministers to fill our Conferencial chair ; 
 and this is as it should be, for we have men in Canada quite 
 equal to those sent to us from England, and they know the 
 country and its wants much better. 
 
 December 28th, dedicated a new brick church in the 
 neighbourhood of Senator Aikin's, Brampton Circuit. 
 Found a comfortable home with Bro. Graham, whose fine 
 family of daughters interested me much with their music. 
 Bro. Spencer is doing a great work for this people. This ia 
 
 
 Mm 
 
 Twfflrr 
 
 1 
 
S90 
 
 LIFE AND TIMM OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1863. 
 
 the second church which he has asked me to dedicate during 
 his Superintendency. At our festival, on Monday evening, 
 we paid off the debt, and named the church " Bethany." 
 We weie all pleased with the results. 
 
 '* That man may breatho, but never live, 
 Who much receives, but nothing gives, 
 Whom none can lovu, whom none can thank; 
 Creation's blot 1 Creation's blank !" 
 
 March 1st, 1863. — Dedicated our new church in Elora 
 — a good brick edifice, seventy by forty-five feet, made to 
 seat seven hundred, and is exceedingly creditable to Bro. 
 Foreman and his charge, who have built it. The Revs. J. 
 Brock and T. Cosford assisted in the services. The church 
 stands in a good part of this rising town, and promises to 
 confer great blessings on the surrounding country. The 
 festival on Monday exceeded anything of the kind I had 
 ever seen in town or country. Nine hundred persons took 
 tea on the occasion, and the speaking was excellent. 
 
 The war in the States is dragging its slow length along, 
 but it is now certain that it must result in liberty to the 
 captive. On the 25th of December, Jefferson Davis 
 favoured his nation with a Christmas-box in the shape of a 
 Declaration of Independence for the Southern Confedera- 
 tion ; and on the first day of January, 1863, Abraham 
 Lincoln favoured the people with a New Year's offering in 
 the shape of a Presidential proclamation setting all the 
 Southern negroes free ! 
 
 The Commissionera appointed to examine into the extra- 
 vagancies of Toronto University, have favoured the public 
 with an excellent report, and our Committee has expressed 
 its approval. The Commissioners are the Hon. Mr. Patton, 
 Vice-Chancellor of the said University ; Dr. John Beatty, a 
 member of the Senate of Victoria College, and Mr. Paton, 
 
1863.] 
 
 TBI COLLEGE (JOMUIS8IONBB. 
 
 SCfl 
 
 a member of the Senate of Queen's College. But we are 
 opposed in high places. If we were asking publio aid for 
 sectarian purpoHes, the Parlianumt would do well to refuse 
 us ; but having otiered to forego the privilege of granting 
 degrees in arts, and to send our pupils to a common board 
 for examination, it is difficult to see why we should be thus 
 opposed, merely libcause we desire to impart education to 
 youth on religious principles. 
 
 s'fi 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 SECOND PRESIDENTIAL YEAR. 
 
 I HE Conference of 1863 commenced on the 3rd of 
 June, in that ancient city, Quebec. In accordance 
 with the request of the Canada, and the appointment of the 
 British Conference, the wi'iter took the chair, and the Rev. 
 J. Spencer, A.M., was elected Secretary, In many respects 
 this was a memorable and an important Conference. It was 
 the first over which a Canadian minister, appointed by the 
 British Conference, presided ; and in that respect it formed 
 a new era, alike pleasant and hopeful, to our Canadian min- 
 isters. 2. It was the first ever held in this picturesque city, 
 where, just one hundred and four years and three months 
 before, the immortal Wolfe broke the chains of French rule 
 in America, and added a new empire and half a continent 
 to the English throne. Our brethren from the west enjoyed 
 the trip and the scenery immensely, and were benefited bv 
 tide-water breezes. 3. We were favoured with two repre- 
 sentatives from the American Gen-^rai Conference — the Revs. 
 Dr. Hibbard and Dr. Hodgson, who did us good service in 
 the pulpit. 
 
 During our sittings, a deputation was appointed to wait 
 upon His Excellency, the Governor-General, not for the 
 purpose of presenting a formal address (this had already 
 been done), but to evince our continued r(espect for the 
 
1863.] 
 
 THE QUEBEC CONFERENCE. 
 
 393 
 
 representative of royalty on this continent. The Rev. Dr. 
 Hibbard accompanied us. After introducing my colleagues 
 to His Lordship, I delivered a short impromptu address, 
 assuring the Governor that we had not sought the honour of 
 an interview to solicit favours, but to remind His Excellency 
 of some of the mora) elements at work in the country, and 
 to assure him of our undiminished confidence in the equity 
 and wisdom of his administration. In reply, His Excel- 
 lency assured us that it aflForded him much pleasure to 
 receive a deputation from so large, useful, and influential a 
 Church as ours was, and especially so, as one gentleman 
 present was from the General Conference of the United 
 States. He also congratulated us upon the equal rights 
 which all churches enjoyed in this free country, and which 
 they should continue to enjoy during his administration. 
 All parties seemed gratified with the interview. ' ■ 
 
 We were favoured with a deputation of laymen from the 
 Church in Quebec, bidding us welcome to their city and their 
 homes, and assuring us of the great pleasure which our visit 
 had afibrded them. I fouud a comfortable home with the 
 family of D. McPherson, Esq., of the Presbjrterian Church. 
 To me it was an admonitory fact that of all the ministers 
 and preachers employed in Canada in 1824, when I entered 
 the work, I was the only one present. Eleven of our 
 ministers had died during the year, among whom were two 
 ex-Presidents (Stinson and Wilkinson), and one co-delegate, 
 Mr. Messmore. Many looked upon it as very remarkable, 
 that, of all the forces in our first Conferencial work, one 
 individual only had come to this Conference, and be capable 
 of going throiigh all the fatigues of the chair with apparent 
 ease and composure. But little did they know of the anxiety 
 which lurked within that individual's bosom. We closed on 
 Thursday in time for the evening boat west, and being th« 
 
 majority, we had preaching on board. 
 *17 
 
 ■;i''r 
 
394 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1863. 
 
 Kin 
 I *( - 
 
 July 5th, dedicated a re-arranged and improved church at 
 Drummondville. The good brother, who was advertised for 
 the evening, failed to appear, and I had to preach both 
 sermons, Bro. Kerr met me at Queenston and conveyed 
 rae to his own quiet and peaceful home. Good Mrs. Lundy, 
 at whose house 1 was once ill — nigh unto death — came to me 
 smiling, and asked : ** Do you know me 1 " Know you, yes, 
 said I ; how can I ever forget you 1 I was sick and you took 
 me in. I can never forget one who watched over me with a 
 mother's care when my life hung in the balance, and I was 
 trembling on the borders of the spirit land. I not only 
 remember you, gratefully, but it is truly refreshing to meet 
 such old and tried friends. 
 
 July 12th, preached in Montreal, and ordained a young 
 Frenchman for our French work in Eastern Canada. We 
 feel a strong sympathy for the thousands of the Celtic race 
 who have found a home in this Province, and we are striving 
 to do them good. 
 
 August 16th, dedicated a beautiful and capacious brick 
 church in St. Catharines. The editor took the afternoon 
 service, and the President of Victoria College preached in 
 the evening. The house is 60 by 90 feet, with large galleries, 
 and will seat upwards of 1,000 people. It is the largest and 
 best church in the town, and was much needed. Mr. Rose 
 has done himself credit, and the cause good service in this 
 ^terprise. 
 
 August 23rd, preached in Guelph, and ordained Mr, 
 Stephen Kappelle for our German work. Dr. Freshman, 
 Mr. Brock, and other Presbyters joined me in laying on of 
 hands. We have a large number of Germans in Canada, 
 and are doing all we can to bring them to Christ. Some of 
 the earliest members of our church in this country were from 
 Germany and Holland, and they made firm, zealous, and 
 useful members, leaving bright and sunny paths behind 
 
1863.] 
 
 OUR GERMAN POPULATION. 
 
 395 
 
 them, in which we may 'well wish to walk. It would be 
 difficult to estimate the many blessings which have come 
 down to us through the pious exertions of the Keageys, 
 Bouslaughs, Bowmans, Clines, and VanNormans ; the 
 Springers, Warn era, Vandusens, and Brouses of former days. 
 These good families have their record on high, and the rich 
 inheritance they have left to the church militant is above 
 rubies. "We are now sending missionaries among those who 
 speak the German language, trusting and praying that we 
 may be equally successful among them. Our brethren in the 
 United States and Germany are succeeding admirably among 
 this interesting people. In the former country they have 
 246 ministers, with 2 1,532 church members; and in the latter 
 24 ministers and 2,181 members. The German mind, at 
 present, is dangerously led astray and benighted with that 
 pantheisitic idealism which ignores the personality of deity, 
 and, like the pantheism of the Hindoos, gives full scope to 
 the spontaneous productions of their own minds, independent 
 alike of reason and religion. If Methodism, with its pure 
 gospel truth and ardent piety, cannot disperse this gloom 
 and arrest the progress of this virus, then, I fear, Germany 
 must be abandoned to its blighting neology, 
 
 October 1 2th, went to Paris to buiy my old colleague, the 
 Rev. J. Spencer, where I preached his funeral sermon, from 
 St. John's Gospel xi. 25, and a large number of ministers 
 attended these obsequies. Bro. Spencer was a faithful friend 
 and an industrious minister of Christ, He will be greatly 
 missed, and his place not easily filled in the church. On the 
 1st November, Dr. Wood and I preached the annual ser- 
 mons for our Conferenoe Missionary Society, in Kingston, 
 and attended the Committee of Appropriation during the 
 week. 
 
 Death of our Daughter. — On the 7th December, whea 
 at Paris to attend our missionary meetings, I reoeived a 
 
396 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1863. 
 
 K-il 
 
 telegram : " Come home immediately — sad news from 
 Montreal." The train was just coming in and I hastened 
 home. On reaching the station in Toronto, my son met me 
 saying , ** Eliza is dead ! " Poor boy ! he could say no 
 more. I had mused upon the wording of his telegram, and 
 was prepared for the announcement. On reaching home I 
 found my wife ready prepared to go with me to Montreal. 
 Dear Eliza had left us the previous Monday to join 
 her husband in that city, and on Thursday was attacked with 
 the peritonitis. So rapid were the ravages of this disease, 
 that on Monday morning, the 7th December, 1863, she 
 exchanged mortality for life. We brought her home for 
 burial. She was a good girl, never causing us needless pain, 
 and was doubtlessly taken from the evil to come. The cii'- 
 cumstances under which our beloved daughter was taken 
 from us were exceedingly painful ; but in the language of 
 Bishop Heber, we could say : — 
 
 "Thou hast gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee, 
 Since Christ was thy ransom, thy guardian, and guide ; 
 He gave thee, He took thee, and He will restore thee, 
 And death has no sting, for the Saviour has died." 
 
 Christmas day was the saddest in our family history. As 
 usual, our family group, including four generations, were 
 together ; but one chair was empty ; one smiling face, for 
 the first time, was absent. She, who was ever the life of our 
 Christmas evenings, could not be seen ; and that sweet voice, 
 accustomed to send musical notes through our halls, was 
 hushed in death, and her piano draped in mourning. Oh ! 
 what a blank ! What a Christmas evening ! What a change 
 in our household ! 
 
 January 17th, Rev. J. A. Williams and I dedicated our 
 new church at Meadowvale. A cold day, but a crowded 
 assembly, 
 
^r 
 
 1864.] 
 
 REVISION OP THE DISCIPLINE. 
 
 397 
 
 February 2l8t, dedicated a new clnirch in Claremont, 
 Pickering Cii*c\iit, assisted by Bro. Clement and Mr. Beard. 
 I spent a night with my estimable friend, Bro. McFadden, 
 who is in good spirits in view of this new sanctuary. New 
 churches are being built in every direction, and the interests 
 of truth and piety are in the ascendant. . 
 
 The Conference of 1864 commenced in Elm-street 
 Church, June 1st. My successor, the Rev. W. L. Thornton, 
 M.A., a distinguished member of the British Conference, was 
 present from the beginning. The past year was one of hard 
 work and continued effort ; but I was enabled, through 
 divine grace, to preach nearly every Sabbath, attend my 
 Book-room duties, assist in all Conference Committees, dedi- 
 cate a large number of churches, deliver missionary 
 addresses, and attend to those duties which came upon me 
 daily — " The care of all the churches." The year was one 
 of great peace and prosperity. No storms to disturb our 
 work, no divisions to enervate our strength ; but peace and 
 harmony were our portion. The Conference, on the whole, 
 was a good one ; but there was one disturbing element 
 which, for the sake of truthful history, may be briefly 
 mentioned here. 
 
 For two years a Committee had been preparing a revised 
 edition of our Discipline, which they had finished and 
 reported to the Quebec Conference ; but that Conference 
 deemed it wise to send it to a large Committee, with full 
 powers to publish it ; and on the motion of the Rev. S. D. 
 Rice, twenty-four wise and faithful brethren were appointed 
 to that work. This large committee met several times, and 
 after much prayerful and careful attention, published an 
 excellent Discipline for the government of the church. But 
 at this Conference some members contended that the whole 
 proceedings were illegal ; that no Conference had power to 
 delegate its legislative functions to another body, and there- 
 
398 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1864. 
 
 fore the book should be disallowed ! 
 
 On this point we joined 
 issue. Some contending that such a committee was more 
 likely carefully to consider every change proposed, and come 
 to a deliberate and wise conchision, than the whole Con- 
 ference ; that our Discipline had generally been published by 
 a committee, and that the very edition which we had revised, 
 was never presented to the Conference for its sanction ; that 
 the committee earnestly requested the previous Conference 
 to consider their report and decide, but they preferred dele- 
 gating that power to a large and wise committee ; that the 
 principle of investing committees with legislative powers had 
 been acted upon in England, in the States, and in Canada, 
 from the beginning ; that the General Conference, exclu- 
 sively legislative in its functions, is a body of delegates, but 
 not as fully representative as was our committee, for they 
 were never unanimously elected as the members of this 
 committee were. That our Conference itself was a delegated 
 body ; in a word, that there could be no legislation, either 
 in Church or State, without delegated power, given to some 
 persons to act for others ; and finally, to deny this principle 
 was to deny the existence of the Conference itself as a legally 
 constituted body; for, in 1846, Messrs. Ryerson and Green 
 negotiated the present union with a committee appointed by 
 the English Conference ; but, like our Committee on Disci- 
 pline, " invested with full powers " to settle the question. 
 That committee exercised their power and completed the 
 union without submitting it to their Conference, and actually 
 appointed Dr. Alder as our first President ; and our Con- 
 ference received him and the committee's report, and all this 
 before the British Conference had even met ; that on the 
 decision of that committee we had been acting ever since. It 
 follows, then, as a necessary sequence, that if a Conference 
 cannot legally delegate its legislative powers to a committee, 
 then our Church has no legal existence At all ! The Confer- 
 
1864.] 
 
 DEDICATION IN BARRIE. 
 
 399 
 
 ence, ever zealous of its power, reserved the book for further 
 revision. But when, in after years, it was revised under the 
 presidency of Dr. Punshon, this book was taken as the 
 Dicipline of the Church and the basis of revision. 
 
 On the 19th June, dedicated our new church in Colling- 
 wood, assisted by the Revs. G. H. Davis and Chas. Fish. 
 Our brethren there lost their former church by fire ; but Bro. 
 Fish threw his masterly energies into the work of rebuilding, 
 and this beautiful sanctuary is the result. On the 21st of 
 August I dedicated a church in Richmond Street, Toronto, 
 for our coloured brethren. These poor African children are 
 good singers and they filled the house with good music. 
 
 January 1. — Commenced the New Year by preaching to 
 
 my poor children in the House of Industry. Mr, and Mrs. 
 
 Ducket had been feasting them upon the good things of this 
 
 life, and I spread before them that feast of fat things to 
 
 which we are all invited, without money and without price. 
 
 I told them I was commissioned to go out into the hedges 
 
 and ditches and invite all to this feast. The poor and the 
 
 ragged, the halt, the blind, and the sorrowful, all, all may 
 
 come to this feast and receive this bread of life. As I was 
 
 leaving the room one poor cripple said, " Ever more give us 
 
 this bread." , ^ -■ '■,•,,/ '>■/;-■■■;;;./ 
 
 "Let not ambition mock their useful toil, 
 Their humble joys and destiny obscure ; 
 Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile, 
 The short and simple annals of the poor." 
 
 March 26. — Attended the dedication of the Barrie 
 Church. Dr. Wood preached in the morning. Dr. Jeffers in 
 the afternoon, and I in the evening. I had the pleasure of 
 dedicating the first Wesleyan Church in this beautiful town, 
 and was happy in being able to assist in this richer feast. 
 Rev. G. H. Davis, the Superintendent, urged me strongly to 
 give them the «ame sermon I preached at the dedication in 
 
 jii 
 
 '1 
 
400 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1865. 
 
 Oo^ ood, on the mystery among the Gentiles, passing high 
 
 ^ tums on it. I appreciated his compliment, but thinking 
 
 there was more in the frame of mind in which he heard 
 me than in the superiority of the sermon itself, I judged best 
 to leave the impressions upon his mind, undisturbed ; and 
 I gave them " The Tree of Life in the midst of the garden." 
 The church is a plain gothic building with spire, standing on 
 an eligible site, and is an ornament to the town. It has a 
 front gallery, and will seat about six hundred people. 
 
 April the 9th, I preached a funeral sermon in our Queen 
 Street Church for the lamented President Thornton; who, 
 being President of the British, the Irish, and the Canada 
 Conferences, as well as representative to the American 
 General Conference, was officially connected with all the 
 Wesleyans in the world. 
 
 An important decision in the Privy Council has just been 
 pronounced by the Lord Chancellor Westbury,in the appeal 
 case of Bishop Colenzo, of Natal, against the decision of Bishop 
 Gray, Metropolitan of Capetown. The Council declared the 
 letters patent constituting these sees null and void in law ; 
 and that "The Church of England is not a part of the Con- 
 stitution in any Colonial Settlement." The Episcopal 
 Church in the Colonies is, therefore, not a part of the Church 
 of England, but a voluntary association. Hence they have 
 a perfect right to manage their own affairs, as we do ours. 
 
 Good News ! The War is Ended in the American 
 States. — On Sunday, the 9th of April, General Lee 
 surrendered to General Grant. The bloody tragedy is now 
 over and the world is glad. Gold has been at a high 
 premium there, with no hard money in circulation. Indeed 
 greenbacks, — their legal currency, — have been sold in 
 Toronto at 64 per cent, discount. But never was paper 
 money thrown out with such profusion since it was 
 first issued in 1483, by Count Mendoza, the General 
 
1865.] 
 
 ORIGIN or PAPER MONEY. 
 
 401 
 
 appointed by Ferdinand and Isabella, of Spain, to guard the 
 Alhambra against the Moon,, who blockaded that place. 
 The Count, under these circumstances, issued small notes to 
 pay his soldiers. The King honoured these notes, and hence 
 arose the use of paper money. Five days after Lee's sur- 
 render. President Lincoln was shot dead in a theatre by a 
 miserable ruffian named Booth. His death was generally 
 lamented, and funeral services were held in Adelaide Street 
 Church, and other places in Canada, where suitable addresses 
 were delivered and much grief expressed over the tragical 
 end of this great statesman. 
 
 The Conference of 1865 commenced in London on the 7th 
 of June, I went up a day or two before to attend the Con- 
 ference Special Committee, and found a comfortable home 
 with His Worship the Mayor, who, with Mrs. Glass and 
 her little daughter Eva, contributed much to my enjoyment. 
 Happy is he who finds a home away from home. The 
 Rev. Richard Jones was called to the chair, and presided 
 with much propriety. We were honoured with two 
 venerable representatives from the M. E. Church, viz., the 
 Rev. Dr. Chas. Elliott, and the Rev. George Peck. They 
 were accompanied by Dr. Eddy, and they rendered us 
 efficient aid. On the 12 th I presented my sixteenth and 
 last Annual Report of our Book-room. Being three score 
 and four years old, and suffering with a heart complaint, 
 I intimated to Bros. Jones, Taylor, Carroll, and several 
 of my friends, that, while I did not feel free to refuse to 
 serve, I would be pleased if my brethren would select a 
 younger and stronger man to take my place; and the Rev. 
 S. Rose was elected thereto. I was returned to the Book- 
 room six years ago without my consent ; and I am now 
 released without my official request. 
 
 On the 1st of October I preached the anniversary sermons 
 of the new Church in St. Catharines,^nd then accompanied 
 
 <!l 
 
402 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [i«n5. 
 
 my friends, Revs. E. B. Harper and I. B. Howard, to Buffalo, 
 where we attended the Sessions of the Genesee Conference. 
 Bishop Janes preached at the Ordination of Deacons, and I 
 at the Ordination of Elders, and assisted in laying on of 
 hands. By si)ecial request, I addressed the Conference on 
 Saturday, immediately after Bishop Janes had given an 
 account of his late visit to the British and German Confer- 
 ences. This is the Conference from which we were set off 
 in 1825, and it was refreshing to meet old veterans and 
 friends, like Doctors Fillmore, Chamberlain, Durbin, Carlton, 
 Bishop Simpson, and others. The Conference had a most 
 efficient and gentlemanly secretary in the person of the 
 Rev. Dr. Depuy. We received a warm vote of thanks for 
 our visit, and urgent requests to come again. On my return 
 I visited the Capital with Dr. Taylor, and obtained better 
 terms for our Indians and our Indian schools. 
 
 October 15th. — Preached in the Asylum, and the Super- 
 intendent gave me a copy of his Report, which pleased me 
 much. Infidels, tiplers, and formalists have long been 
 accusing us of making people crazy by our exciting services 
 and emotional religion ; but in this report, the Doctor put 
 the saddle on the right horse. His statistics showed that 
 taking the average of eleven and a half years, the Roman 
 Catkolics have sent to the Asylum one for every 626 of their 
 population; the Episcdpalians, one in 657; Presbyterians, 
 one in 719. The Methodist only one in 1,260. All others 
 one in 1,185. Dr. Workman says: — "Now I doubt not, 
 all except the Methodists will be ready to affirm that religion 
 has nothing to do with insanity. They however, may con- 
 tend, and I most heartily believe with truth and justice, 
 that religion — their religion — has much to do with in- 
 sanity ; not however with its production, but with its pre- 
 vention." The Doctor continues — " Though they constitute 
 one-fourth of our efftire population they only constitute 
 
"*i 
 
 1865.] DR. WORKMAN ON THE CAUSE OF INSANITY. 40S 
 
 • 
 
 one-tenth of the inmates of our penitentiaries, they are 
 seldom found before a police mapjistrate or seen at horse- 
 races, public executions, street brawls or other demoralizing 
 assemblies. Traoe them through all their relations, social, 
 civil, and domestic, and they will be found to involve a larger 
 measure of mental and bodily conservatism, and consequently 
 of production against insanity, than any other class," This 
 is a good testimony from a competent witness, and both 
 reason and observation coiToborate these facts. Our doc- 
 trines as well as the emotional and earnest nature of our 
 devotions, are well calculated to heal the broken heart and 
 soothe the soul in moments of anguish. Are any driven to 
 despair, fearing that they are not of the elect 'i We tell them 
 that Christ tasteth death for every man. Ai'e any crushed 
 under the dogmas of priestly cupidity, fearing the pains of 
 purgatory 1 We remind them that as soon as the par- 
 doned sinner dies, he is with Christ in paradise. Are any 
 oppressed with anguish because not able to buy their 
 loved ones out of purgatory ? We tell them that purgatory 
 is a fable and that angels are ready at his death-bed to bear 
 the pious soul directly home to God. In this way, insanity 
 is prevented, and many souls saved. 
 
 Strong confidence in the happiness of the dead gives joy 
 to the living. Judging from the experience and observation 
 of fifty years, I am fully persuaded that there is nothing 
 better calculated to relieve the mind from painful anxiety,' 
 crushing grief, and mental anguish, than scriptural, emotional 
 religion. Men love to be excited — will be excited ; and of 
 all excitement, religious transports are the most healthy, the 
 most elevating, and the most beneficial. The doctrine of 
 assurance which we preach is well calculated to give joy to 
 the young convert, composure to the pilgrim, and hope to 
 the afflicted. We can well afibrd to pity those who see 
 insanity in religious revivals, but at the same time, can revel 
 
 ^il 
 
 X 
 
 I. 
 
404 
 
 LIFE AND TIMRS OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1866. 
 
 over their cups, ruin theniHelvoH ami fumilies iii gambling, 
 and spend sleeplt^HH nif^hts in Hptu-ulations. 
 
 February 28th, 1866. — Attended a li»,rge mixed Commit- 
 tee in Kingston, and agi-eed to celebrate the Centenary of 
 Methodism on this Continent. In the former celebration, 
 we gave one-half of the proceeds to the Sujiorannuation 
 Fund ; in this only two-fifths ; and $6,000 are to be sent to 
 Ireland to aid in building a Wesleyan College. On the 
 28th of May, by special request. Dr. Wood and I accom- 
 panied Dr. Scott, our President elect, to Hamilton to assist 
 in laying the corner-stone of a new church on Maine Street. 
 The building is to be one hundred and sixty feet by sixty- 
 six. If the plans are faithfully carried out, it will be the 
 best church in that city. 
 
 On the 6th of June the Conference met in Montreal, Dr. 
 Scott in the chair. We met in committee the day before, 
 to deliberate upon a communication intimating that the 
 English Committee would discontinue the payment of .£600 
 sterling annually to our Contingent Fund ! By the request 
 of Dr. Ryerson and other brethren, Bro. Jones and I had 
 written, fully explaining the ground on which our claim 
 rested ; and while in committee. Dr. Scott received a tele- 
 gram, saying : " We can't resist the claim." This timely 
 decision saved us from much trouble. The Conference was 
 rather stormy, and I was glad when it ended. 
 
 In July we visited Saratoga, but a letter from Dr. Taylor 
 made it imperative on me to repair to Ottawa to resist 
 some changes made in the Indian Department affecting our 
 mission schools. We finished our business in time to 
 return to Saratoga and spend some time with my family at 
 those healing waters. Again leaving my family at the 
 Springs, the Rev. William H. Meeken, M.A., and I started, 
 on the 27th of August, to visit our mothers' graves, in 
 Middleburgh. These graves are near the Huntersland 
 
I 
 
 1866.] 
 
 MY M0THEK8 ORAVlL 
 
 400 
 
 Church, on a sandy elevation, where, at an early date, on 
 the south-oast corner of his farm, Mr. Joice set apart 
 " God's acre " for a common cemetery. On the south-west 
 corner of this lot, and immediately on the brow of the hill 
 as it slopes otf towards the creek, is my inotlier's grave, 
 with my two sisters lyitig at her feet. Marble slabs tell 
 the visitor whose ashes these tombs contain. This ia to me 
 a memorable and sacred spot. I have visited beautiful 
 cemeteries in France and England, Canada and the United 
 Htates ; have seen the tombs of kings and emperors invested 
 with historic fame ; but never saw a grave where my affec- 
 tions linger with so much tenacity as here. My mother ! 
 Oh, the charms of that dear name ! Few words fall upon 
 my ear with equal sweetness. It moves the tenderest 
 chords of tlie heart, and awakens sweet remembrances of 
 life. What ties are so imperishable as those which bind a 
 mother's heart to her child ] Her care is constant, her love 
 deep, and her anxiety great, amidst all the vicissitudes of 
 life ; but those lips which first kissed me, that face which 
 first smiled upon me, and those arms which first embraced 
 me, are now hid from mortal sight. The dismal sound 
 which came back from this grave, fifty years ago, when the 
 sand was first thrown upon her coffin, seem still to be 
 reverberating around me. Dear mother ! I never can 
 requite your care. 
 
 *' Unknown to all, except to heaven above, ^ . 
 
 Are the pure gushings of maternal love ; 
 A magic name, whose universal power 
 Binds me to thee until the latest hour — 
 A name whose sweetness holds a firm control, 
 Forever grateful to my filial soul ; * 
 
 At home, abroad, in life, in death the same, 4 
 
 Still swell the accents of that precious name." 
 
 4 
 il 
 
 By the appointment of the Conference^ I assisted in our 
 
406 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1866. 
 
 Centenary oslebratlon both east and west. At Belleville, 
 met William McArKhur, Esq., who came over from London 
 in the interest of our College in Ireland. He is an admira- 
 ble speaker, and he gave us much assistance. On the 
 2l8t of October I preached a centenary sermon in Toronto 
 from Ps. 44 : 1, " We have heard with our ears, O Lord ; 
 our fathers ha\o told us what things thou didst in their 
 day." The meeting for Toronto followed in Richmond Street 
 Church on Monday evotiing, Mr. McArthur assisting. 
 
 December 23rd, dedicated a new church on the mountain, 
 near the city of Hamilton, and preached twice. 
 
 January 1, 1867. — The year just closed will be memorable 
 for two events — the battle of Sadowa, last July, which 
 transferred the Empire of the Caesars from Austria, where 
 it was held a thousand years, to Prussia, and from Papal to 
 Protestant hands ; and the celebration of the Centenarv of 
 American Methodism. On the 12th of October, 1766, 
 Philip Embury preached the first Methodist sermon on this 
 continent, in New York, to five persons, who formed the 
 first class. But, " behold what a great matter a little fire 
 kindleth !" These five have increased to more than two 
 million church members, and his congregation of five to 
 ten million adherents, and now the work is swiftly spreading 
 to heathen lands ! 
 
 The Conference this year met in Hamilton, and I had the 
 pleasure of introducing to it our old friend. Dr. Bichey, who, 
 with Dr. Pickard, came urging a "vinion between their Con- 
 ference and ours. This would involve a division of our 
 body \ and, though discussed freely, the measure failed. 
 
 On the 1st of September, preached on the Grimsby camp- 
 ground, where I heard from his own lips the experience of 
 a converted infidel, which convinced me that fact is some- 
 times stranger than fiction. He was the son of a minister, 
 but married a gay wife, and went to a Western State to 
 
1867.] 
 
 COKVERSION OF AN INFIDEL. 
 
 407 
 
 practise medicine. He had two brothers in the ministry, 
 and one of them, being ill, went to his brother for medical aid. 
 The evening circle was gay, and he was shown to his bed- 
 room without a word said about family prayers. This sur- 
 prised him greatly, and he resolved to correct the error in 
 the morning. When breakfast was over, he asked his 
 brother if he had any objection to have family prayers. 
 " Objection !" said the Doctor, " Objection ! Yes, every 
 objection in the world, and if you were a gentleman you 
 would not ask it ! My principles are fixed, my purposes 
 formed, and no man shall interfere with my domestic 
 arrangements. The comforts of my house and my medical 
 skill are at your service ; stay as long as you please — but no 
 prayers here !" The minister then fixed his sharp blue 
 eyes upon him, and said : " Brother, your father's prayers 
 are keeping you out of hell ! He is now tottering on the 
 brink of the tomb ; and when he falls, God only knows 
 what will become of you." Thus saying, he left the table, 
 to ofier those devotions in secret which he was forbidden to 
 offer in his brother's family. But, " how forcible are right 
 words !" The Doctor went to his carriage-house, walked in 
 his garden, and wandered in his fields, like his Master in 
 olden times, " seeking rest, but finding none." He then 
 ordered his carriage, and informed his wife that he must go 
 to his farm in the country, and might not return for ten or 
 twelve days. He wandered about on his farm ; but, stung 
 to the depths of his guilty soul by his brother's rebuke, he 
 stamped his feet in rage. He could think of nothing and 
 hear nothing but those scorching words of God's minister, 
 constantly ringing in his ears, " Your father's prayers are 
 keeping you out of hell !" He thought of his first home, 
 of the Bible on the stand, the hymns they sang, and the 
 prayers ofiered for him, as well as for his two pious brothers. 
 His father's image and his pious life came up vividly before 
 
 I' «■ 
 
408 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREfeN, D.l> 
 
 [1867. 
 
 him, to increase his agony. Day after day wore away, but 
 brought him no relief ; he could neither eat nor sleep, and 
 his infidel sentiments gave him no comfort. " My God !" 
 he cries, " what shall I do ] This question must be settled, 
 or I am a dead man." With these feelings he threw himself 
 upon his knees in his parlour, and cried mightily to the 
 Insulted God of hin Father for mercy. At this awful crisis, 
 the Holy Ghost whispered to his soul : Will you give up 
 your infidel companions, and tell them boldly that you aban- 
 don their evil ways forever ] " Yes, Lord, I will ! I will ! 
 Only give me peace." Quick as the lightning's flash, light 
 then dawned upon his dark mind ; he arose, and was 
 happy. But here another difficult} arose — " How can I 
 broach the glad tidings to my thoujrlitless, pleasure-taking 
 wife 1 She is joined to her idols, and this thing will break 
 her heart." It then occurred to him that if she were there, 
 standing on the carpet where the good Lord saved him, he 
 could reveal this great truth to her, and it might do her good. 
 The carriage was ordered, and a hasty note written, saying, 
 come to such an hotel with the least possible delay. At 
 the time appointed he stepped to the door, saw his wife 
 alight, took her arm, and, without remark, led her to the 
 parlour where God saved him, and said : '' My dear wife, I 
 have something important to tell you, and I beg you not to 
 be offended." " What is it, husband 1 You look poorly ; 
 are you dangerously ilH" " But will you not be offended 1" 
 " Certainly not ; but, pray, what is it 1 — do let me know." 
 " Well, my dear wife, I am a Christian ! On this spot God 
 has converted my soul." She burst into tears, flew to his 
 embrace, threw her arms around his neck, and said : " Thank 
 the Lord ! This is the happiest day of my life ; for since 
 you left home, God has converted my soul also." And they 
 praised God together. O, the power of the Holy Ghost ! 
 Who can tell God's " uttermost V I related these thrilling 
 
1867.] 
 
 ORIMSBY GAMP-MEETINQ. 
 
 409 
 
 facts to the congregation, and then called upon the con- 
 verted infidel to confirm them, wh'ch he did, adding many 
 pleasing facts thereto. O, how impuitant is family worship ! 
 How salutary faithful dealing ! 
 
 Great power was displayed on this camp-ground. Dr. and 
 Mrs. Palmer were there doing battle for the Lord, and in 
 their simple, urgent manner, inducing many sinners to come 
 to the mercy-seat. Many marvelled at the influence of their 
 artless appeals, forgetting that there is an unseen power 
 which alone can make any effort effectual. " Rome," says 
 a writer, " sitting upon her seven hills of beauty, once 
 ruled the world, but there was an invisible power beneath 
 those hills prompting the godly band of martyrs to such 
 acts as made the world tremble, and ultimately brought an 
 entire empire to the foot of the cross. In like manner Leo X. 
 held millions in bondage, put his foot upon the neck of 
 kings, and played with eternal interests ; but Luther, with 
 the simple but trenchant blade of truth, made all Europe 
 tremble, while Leo gnashed his teeth in rage." It is wise, 
 therefore, to let God work in his own way, and by whomso- 
 ever He will, for He knows best. 
 
 On the Sunday following, I preached in St. Catharines, and 
 then, on the 19th, hastened away to Indiana, to visit my 
 sick brother at Ligonier. The poor man was suffering from 
 dropsy in his legs, and obliged to keep his arm-chair day 
 and night. I found him in a good state of mind, ready for 
 his great and last change. I preached twice in this beauti- 
 ful town, and then started for Michigan, by the way of South 
 Bend, on the St. Joseph's River. The country is charming 
 and the land very rich. I met my eldest brother in the 
 town of Charlotte, preached to the people on Sunday, and 
 then bid my friends farewell and hastened home. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wood informed me that the arrangements 
 which Dr. Taylor and I made two years ago with the 
 18 
 
 f!l"i 
 
410 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1868. 
 
 Government for re-opening our Manual-labour School at 
 Muncey, had been ignored by the new Superintendent of 
 Indian aflFairs — a Frenchman, by-the-by — and we visited 
 Ottawa to set things right, and found a home with Mr. Jas. 
 Pennock. From the beginning, we have had to encounter 
 bigotry, prejudice, and unnecessary opposition in carrying 
 on the good work among our aboriginal tribes. It is 
 exceedingly hard for some men to rise above the sectarian 
 proclivities of early education ; but when they assume the 
 reins of government they ought to be impartial. We obtained 
 the assistance of several hon. gentlemen, and fair promises 
 were made to us. The confederation of four Provinces is now 
 completed, and the Parliament of the new Dominion is in 
 Session, but Newfoundland and Prince Edward are left out 
 in the cold. On our way home we met the Missionary 
 Committee at Whitby, settled some difficult questions, had a 
 good visit with Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, who are evidently 
 ripening for the final harvest, and reached home safely. 
 
 February 21st, 1868, was a great day for Newcastle. Our 
 friends have erected a brick church, 42 by 65 feet, with 
 steeple and bell, and this day Dr. Ryerson, Mr. Whiting, and 
 I solemnly dedicated it to the service of Almighty God. 
 This church is on the westerly limit of my first circuit, but 
 what a change since I preached in their old log school-house, 
 44 years ago ! A new village has sprung into existence, and 
 new faces appear in the congregation. Scarcely one of my 
 former congregation are here now. 
 
 On the 7th May, we had a pleasing demonstration of the 
 enlargement of our mission work. The Richmond-street 
 Church was crowded to take leave of the Rev. George Young, 
 who goes to open a new mission ia the Red River country ; 
 and of the Rev. E. R. Young, son of the Rev. Wm. Young, 
 and the Rev. R. Campbell, who go to the Saskatchewan 
 Valley. They made good speeches ; but the observed of all 
 
1868.] 
 
 DR. PUNSHON. 
 
 411 
 
 observera was the Rev. W. M. Pimshon, M.A., our newly- 
 ai-rived President, who comes out from England to remain 
 for a few years. His fame as an orator preceded him, and 
 we all rejoiced to see this distinguished divine amongst us. 
 The Pall Mali Gazette divides Christendom as follows : — 
 Roman Catholics, 178,360,000 ; Protestants, 95,350,000; 
 and the Greek Church, 70,000,000. From these figures, 
 compared with those of 25 years ago, it appears that the 
 Protestant religion is gaining rapidly upon the other two ; 
 and if our missionaries and mission friends are faithful to 
 their heavenly calling, they will soon make a grand change 
 in these figures. The house of Dagon is already tottering to 
 its fall, and the Babel of superstition begins to tremble. 
 
 
 '■■ . I 
 
 i;rrii;i'.'V ■ 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 REV. MR. PUNSHON S VISIT TO CANADA. 
 
 I HE Conference of 1868 met in Kingston, and was 
 remarkable in several respects. First — The privi- 
 lege of having the first orator of the age for our President 
 inspired us with hope and confidence. Mr. Punshon is a 
 regular John Bull in appearance, not tall, but stout and 
 massive, weighing 225 lbs. In the chair he is firm without 
 severity, and conciliatory without weakness. He unites two 
 elements seldom found in the same individual : thorough 
 business talents in the chair, and wonderful eloquence and 
 power in the pulpit. In the presence of such a master-mind, 
 the little party jealousies which had recently been gaining 
 ground amongst us, arising from national origin, vanished 
 away, and great harmony prevailed in all our ranks. 
 Secondly — For the first time in our history we had a most 
 delightful exchange of fraternal greeting with the Synod of 
 the Scotch Kirk, which was sitting at Kingston at the same 
 time. The Rev. Dr. Cook, of Quebec, the Rev. Dr. 
 Urquhart, of Cornwall, and the Hon. Alexander Morris, of 
 Perth, saluted our Conference with brotherly and appropriate 
 speeches ; and Dr. Taylor, Dr. Nelles, Jas. Elliott, and the 
 writer were appointed to return their Christian greetings. 
 The occasion was replete with interest, and the speeches 
 delivered were published in pamphlet form and circulated 
 
1868.] 
 
 METROPOLITAN CHURCH. 
 
 ilt 
 
 in Scotland. A first eflfort was made at this Conference to 
 ascertain the vahie of our Church property, and the districts 
 reported churches and parsonages worth $2,126,246. 
 
 August 28th, preached at the Grimsby camp-meeting. 
 Bro. Carroll presided with mucli energy, and the Lord God 
 of Israel was with us. The next Sunday evening I had the 
 pleasure of preaching for the Rev. John Potts, in our beautiful 
 Centenary Church, in Hamilton. This is the best Wesleyan 
 Church in the Province. Tlie arrangements are admirable, 
 the acoustics perfect, and the large congregation well accom- 
 modated. 
 
 A Grand Move in Toronto for Church Extension. — 
 As I was walking by McGill Square, on the 8th of Septem- 
 ber, and reflecting upon the manner in which the negotiations 
 between the city and the Montreal Bank, for that square, 
 had fallen through, a builder of the city came to me saying : 
 " Doctor, you should now step in and buy this block for a 
 church. You can sell old Adelaide for $10,000, and I will 
 give you $1,000 towards a new church here." "Thank you," 
 said I, " that is worth thinking about." Before I reached 
 home another gentleman offered me $500 for the same 
 object. I immediately went to Dr. Ryerson, my co- trustee, 
 and reported these facts. " First-rate," said he, " let us call 
 a committee and see what can be done." I then went to 
 President Punshon, who agreed with us, and seventeen 
 persons met and agi'eed to purchase the square. Dr. Ryerson 
 and Mr. Lauder were deputed to negotiate with the Bank 
 for us. They purchased the entire square, three and a-quarter 
 acres, for $26,000, but as the Mayor and the Roman Bishop 
 were both anxious to get the property, a much larger sum 
 than we gave was at once offered — but offered a few minutes 
 too late. 
 
 On the 21st of June, 1869, in Ottawa, the Rev. Dr. Nelles 
 and I presented the address of oiir late Toronto Conference 
 
414 LIFE AND TIMES OF AKSOK GBEEN, D.D. [1869. 
 
 
 to His Excellency, our new Governor-General, who favoured 
 us with a satisfactory reply. Mrs. Green, Mrs. Dr. Ryerson 
 and I then left for Saratoga. On my way home I attended 
 camp-meeting at Mexico, where I was pleased to meet our 
 old friend, the Rev. Chas. Dunning, fornrerly of Preacott. 
 
 At the request of the Rev. W. H. Poole and his com- 
 mittee, I went to Goderich, and on the 19th and 20th 
 December, assisted the Rev. Charles Lavell, M.A., in 
 delightful missionary services. I had never visited that 
 town before, and was anxious to see it. J. V. Detlor, Esq., 
 took me to his own peaceful abode, and drove me through 
 the town to the different points of interest. They can supply 
 the entire Dominion with as good salt as is found on this 
 continent. Goderich is beautifully situated on the banks 
 of Lake Huron, and destined one day to be a place of much 
 importance. 
 
 During the winter of 1870, a murderous rebellion took 
 place in Manitoba, and our missionary there found himself in 
 close quarters. The Hon. Wm. McDougall, C.B., was 
 appointed Governor of that Province, but a French Fenian 
 got himself elected President by the half-breeds, and refused 
 to let the Governor enter the Province, and he returned. 
 At that time of the year it was found next to impossible to 
 send an army into t] ''f forests to put down the rebellion. 
 
 I was sent for thi.s wi ir in great haste to baptize an only 
 child of a dear friend, si.^»posed to be dying. On entering 
 the house, the father stood upon the stairs weeping, and 
 said : " Oh, Dr., I fear she is dying." " I trust not," said 
 I ; " the prayer of faith shall save the sick." Our prayers 
 were ardent, and immediately after baptism, little Maud was 
 better, and her recovery soon followed. Let no one suppose 
 that it was baptism which saved the child ; but the divine 
 answer to " effectual, fervent prayers." Baptismal regener- 
 ation is a strange conceit, calculated to do much harm. To 
 
hMP t&tft tti.3S».:._'-A a'^ L^ ■•f't>T"'*mi. j4': -j 
 
 1870.] 
 
 BAPTISM. 
 
 415 
 
 suppose that a priest can save a child or regenerate a soul is 
 presumption ; and to imagine that water has power to wash 
 away sin is absurd. Who can forgive sins but God 1 Can 
 water be transubstantiated into the blood of atonement 1 
 or into the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost 1 Look at 
 the drops on the child's head — they are water, not spirit — • 
 and yet it is claimed that such baptism regenerates the child 1 
 How absurd ! The Council of Trent said : " If anyone says 
 that a child may be saved without baptism, let him be 
 accursed ! " But Jesus said : " Suffer little thildren to come 
 unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Look at 
 this strange notion for a moment. If no child can be saved 
 unless baptized by a priest in the fabled succession, then his 
 salvation depends upon the will of a man, not on the mercy 
 of God. God cannot save a child if the priest will not 
 baptize it ! and yet God says (Titus 3 : 5.),""" Not by works 
 of righteousness which we have done, but according to his 
 mercy He saveth us by the washing of regeneration and the 
 renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abun- 
 dantly." Mark, this " is the washing of regeneration," not 
 regeneration by washing ; shed on them by God, not by a 
 priest. Baptism does not change our nature, but merely 
 our relation to the visible Church. It is therefore only " an 
 outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace ; " 
 and it is evident that we iixay have the one and not the 
 other. 
 
 On the 28th of May, assisted Messrs. Cochran and 
 Gooderham in re-opening our church in the Falkner neigh- 
 bourhood, Dundas Street. Mr. Falkner's is a model Christian 
 family, whose hospitality I have often shared. Wherever 
 they are known they have a name better than precious 
 ointment. I dedicated this Church, February 1st, 1856. 
 
 The Conference assembled this year in Adelaide Street 
 Church, Toronto. This was the first instance of the Confer- 
 
416 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1870. 
 
 ence meeting two years in succession in the same city. "We 
 were favoured with the assistance of the Rev. Oervase Smith, 
 from England, and also with the counsels of Dr. Lindsey 
 and Dr. Lowrey, distinguished representatives from the 
 General Conference of the M. E. Church. We were also 
 favoured with several deputations from other Christian 
 bodies ; and the Rev. John Gemley and I were deputed to 
 present our congratulations to the Presbyterians in their 
 first General Assembly, then sitting in Toronto. A good 
 deal of amusement was occasioned by a remark in my 
 address : — " We do not come to you as Presbyterians," said 
 I, " but as children of John Wesley, and we expect and are 
 prepared to meet you as children of John Knox. Is it 
 not a little remarkable that your great founder in Scotland, 
 and ours in England, were both called John ] I never read 
 these names but I think of another man who bore the same 
 name, and of whom it is written : " There was a man sent 
 from God whose name was John." We can say there were, 
 at least, two men sent from God whose names were John. 
 They were sent to do a gi-eat work ; they did it, and did 
 it well ; and now their names are inscribed on tablets more 
 imperishable than obelisks of marble." When the Moderator, 
 Dr. Willis, replied to us, he remarked that they had two 
 men whose names were John — John Knox and John Calvin 
 — and therefore, as they had two to our ono, we should come 
 and join them, instead of their coming to us. Here I 
 remarked : " We will take another John, if you please — John 
 Fletcher." These retorts amused the Assembly, and we parted 
 in cordial good-nature and good friends. (See Giuirdian, 
 22nd ult.) 
 
 On Thursday, th^^ 16th of June, Dr. Punshon, Dr. Ryer- 
 son, Mr. Smith, and I went out to the village of Maple, to 
 assist Bro. Fish in laying the comer- stone of a new church 
 there. At the recent Conference we adopted a formulary 
 
i870.] 
 
 MLTROPOLITAN CHURCH. 
 
 417 
 
 to be used on Huch occaaions, and I had tho honour of read- 
 ing it for the first time after its adoption, in hiying this 
 stone. On the 7th of August I also assisted Bro. Fish at 
 his quarterly meeting at Richmond Hill, and preached twice. 
 Our love-feast proved a time of much rejoicing. 'Squire 
 McConnell told the people that he heard me preach during 
 my first round on my fii*st circuit, foi*ty-six yeara ago, when 
 we had neither door, floor, nor window in the log chapel 
 where we worshipped. Another brother said " he was 
 brought to God under a sermon which I preached at a camp- 
 meeting on Cunningham's farm, thirty years ago, and still 
 his face was towards Zion." Many pleasing reminiscences 
 of a similar nature were referred to, which carried me back 
 to days which I love to remember, and scenes on which it is 
 profitable and cheering for me to dwell. 
 
 A Great Day in Toronto. — August 24th, we laid the 
 comer-stone of our Metropolitan Church, on McGill Square, 
 I read the introductory service, Dr. Wood led in prayer, 
 and Dr. Ryerson laid the stone on the east side of i/he build- 
 ing, which stone weighed more than three tons. Dr. Punshon 
 presented the silver trowel with appropriate remarks, and 
 Mr. W. T. Mason read the contents of the tin box deposited. 
 Three hundred dollars were laid upon the stone, after which 
 we dined together in the immense tent erected on the south 
 end of the lot, where thrilling speeches from Dr. Punshon, 
 J. Macdonald, and others, were followed by liberal subscrip- 
 tions. The church is designed in the French Gothic style of 
 the fourteenth century. The entire length of the building 
 is 216 feet, by 104 in width. A vestibule in front, 14 by 
 100 ; and chapel, in the rear, 60 by 60. The audience-room 
 is 124 by 68 feet, gallery all round, and designed to accom- 
 modate 2,400 people — the largest church edifice in the city. 
 The main tower will be 30 feet square and 190 high. My 
 
 time has been much taken up in obtaining subscriptions and 
 *18 
 
 f 
 
 f 
 
418 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON ORBEN, D.D. 
 
 [1870. 
 
 
 looking after tbe interefitii of the work. Dr. Punshon mode 
 a happy roraark at tlio cloae of the Hei'viceu, which produced 
 much cheering. Haid he : '' This moniing, without special 
 design, I rend in Hng/;;ai that on the 24th of the month was 
 to be laid the foundation of the house," and it was also 
 added that " the glory of this latter house should be greater 
 than of the former." Old Adelaide was glorious ; may this 
 house excel in glory. 
 
 Being requested to preach the last sermon in Adelaide, on 
 the 28th of Aug\ist, before the hands of spoliation were laid 
 upon those sacred walls, I took for my text, '* They go from 
 strength to strength," tkc, Ps. 84 : 7. As a proof that we 
 were going " from strength to strength," I gave them the 
 history of Methodism in Toronto. 
 
 On the 23rd of September, assisted the Rev. E. H. Dewart 
 and John Macdonald, Esq., in opening a new church in 
 Mount Pisgah, Aurora Circuit. The Editor and I had more 
 amusement than rest the night before, while endeavouiing 
 to sleep in one bed ; for the lower end gave way and let our 
 feet down upon the floor, while our heads remained nearly 
 two feet higher. This gave us an easy attitude for talking, 
 but a miserable one for sleeping. The sage conclusion to 
 which we came, after this adventure was, that two fuU- 
 gi'own men should never be turned into one bed, unless it 
 was very wide and very strong. Bro. Macdonald fared 
 better in the parsonage. 
 
 February Ist. — This day, the first Mixed Committee on 
 Methodist Union met in the Music Hall, Toronto. For 
 three or four years we had been passing resolutions and 
 appointing committees to open the door for a closer com- 
 munion between the five bodies of Methodists in Canada 
 who preach the same doctrines, sing the same hymns, and 
 are substantially governed on the same principles. Of the 
 four offshoots from the parent stock, three had their origin 
 
1871.] 
 
 METHODIST UlflO.V. 
 
 410 
 
 in Europe, viz., the PrimitiveB, the New Connexion, and 
 the Bible Christians. The Episcopal i)arty sprang up in 
 Canada. Last evening we had a meeting together for 
 speeches; to-day wo met face to face in committee, and 
 commenced the goo<l work in earnest, (the Bible Christians 
 only absenting themselves). The Hon. the Secretary of 
 State for the Dominion took the chair. I had the honour of 
 submitting the following resolution, which passed unani- 
 mously : " That a union of all the Methodist bodies in 
 this country, on such principles as may be mutually agre«d 
 upon, is highly desirable." The delegates from the four 
 Conferences spent two or three days together, and agreed 
 upon a good report, which wo presented to the Conferences 
 which met in Belleville. 
 
 February 5th. — This piercing cold day I rode ten miles 
 into the country in a buggy, to preach a dedication sermon 
 in the York Church. This is a beautiful brick church, 
 thirty-seven by eighty-eight feet, with spire, bell, stained 
 windows, &c., <kc. On our way home I preached in Eaton's 
 school-house for Bro. Finch, who kindly drove me out. 
 
 June 19th. — Assisted in laying the comei'-stone of a new 
 and capacious church on Berkeley Street, Toronto. Mr, 
 Coatsworth has nobly led the way in this very creditable 
 enterprise. On the 1st of July, Dr. Taylor, Mrs. Green, 
 and I, accompanied by a large number of singers, went out 
 to Orangeville to lay the corner-stone of a new sanctuary in 
 that beautiful village. The Toronto, Grey, and Bruce Rail- 
 way was not quite finished, but the Manager, through the 
 agency of Mr. Anderson, kindly placed a car at our com- 
 mand, and gave us the first ride over that narrow-gauge, 
 remaining over Sunday to bring us homo again. 
 
 A Visit to the Seaside. — On Thursday, the 11th of 
 July, Mrs. Green, Dr. Taylor, Anson, and I started for the 
 
420 
 
 LlS-E Ai»D tlMES Of ANSON QREEN, t).D. [1871. 
 
 ocean, to rejuvenate imj^aiied strength. We spent the first 
 night on a Pullman car, pleased to know that we might 
 sleep if we could; the second, at Island Pond, and the 
 third at Portland. Spent the Lord's day at St. Johns, and 
 then hastened away to Halifax through the flowery valley 
 of the Annapolis. At Bedford, we were both surprised and 
 delighted to meet our dear friends, Mrs. and Major Morrow, 
 who had kindly come up to meet us and conduct us to their 
 hospitable mansion, where, by previous invitation and 
 arrangement, we spent five most pleasant and memorable 
 weeks. We travelled one thousand miles to get there — six 
 hundred and thirty to Portland, two hundred by ocean to 
 St. Johns, sixty-one on the bay to Annapolis, and then one 
 hundred and twenty-nine by rail to Chebuctoo, now called 
 Halifax. (See my letters in the Guardian, August 23rd, 
 describing this town.) But the pleasure we had in this 
 Christian family and their friends more than repaid us for 
 many such journeys. I preached in the kirk and Wesleyan 
 churches in Halifax, and tried to do good. Anson and I 
 each caught a codfish, on which we breakfasted j and Bro. 
 Morrow took me to a mine where they were digging gold 
 out of the rock, seventy feet deep. We passed through 
 Grand Pre, the scene of Longfellow's " Evangeline," and 
 found his description of this " Acadian land " true to 
 life. On our return. Captain Prichard and his excellent 
 family laid us under lasting obligations by meeting us at the 
 boat and conveying us to his own house ; for, as it was the 
 night before the great boat race, eveiy cab was engaged and 
 every room in the inns occupied. Only, therefore, for his 
 kindness in seeking us out, we must have spent a gloomy 
 right, without any place of rest. We shall never, can never 
 forget this act of kindness to us in a strange city. 
 
 December 3rd. — Preached an anniversary sermon of the 
 
 
^c- 
 
 1872.] 
 
 DEDICATION — METROPOtlTAlJ. 
 
 421 
 
 church opening on Mount Pisgah. "We did not haL at 
 the base, crying, with Watts, 
 
 " 0, could we climb where Moses stood," &c., 
 
 but mounted to its apex, and with "Wesley, sweetly sang, 
 
 ■ i .. *' The Promised Land, from Fisgah's top, 
 I now exult to see." 
 
 January »1 1th, 1872. — Assisted Dr. Punshon in dedicating 
 our new church at Teston. After we dined together, we 
 managed to obtain subscriptions enough to pay off the debt 
 and leave the little sanctuary free. 
 
 The 4th of April was a great day for Toronto. The 
 Metropolitan Church was solemnly dedicated to the worship 
 of Almighty God. Several of us took part in the service, 
 and I was delighted to find that my voice, though not what 
 it once was, filled this immense sanctuary so completely as 
 to enable two thousand five hundred people to hear distinctly 
 every sentence and syllable uttered. The arrangements 
 and acoustic properties are so complete that it is easy for 
 both speaker and hearers. The services were efficient, 
 impressive, and successful. Our highest expectations were 
 exceeded, and the whole country surpiised to learn that the 
 proceeds of the dedication, including subscriptions, lecture 
 tickets, and collections, reached the unparalleled amount of 
 thirty-two thousand dollars ! Dr. Tifiany, of Washington, 
 and Dr. Punshon preached excellent sermons. This noble 
 enterprise has given such an impetus to church-building in 
 the city and country as cannot fail to produce the happiest 
 results to thousands ! 
 
 April 26th. — ^We formulated a Bill for the incorporation 
 of our Missionary Society, and I was requested to go to 
 Ottawa, and get it through Parliament. I always try to do 
 what the Church requests, but I have had so much to do 
 
 ■i^'ll 
 
422 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.I>. 
 
 [1872. 
 
 with Governments and Parliaments that I am heartily sick 
 of such work. But, as we failecL to gfet this society incor- 
 porated in 1851, when we got the Book-room aad Superan- 
 nuation Fund incorporated, we must make another effort 
 now, for we need the protection sought for in this Bill very 
 much. .:■„.• - .' 
 
 May 5th. — Attended a delightful quarterly meeting at 
 Wellington Square. Our love-feast proved a, rich festival of 
 heavenly influence and divine transport. Good old Father 
 Van Norman seemed ready to take wing. He spoke of 
 former days with streaming eyes and joyous emotions. He 
 is eighty-eight years old, and has been seventy years in the 
 Church. "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be 
 found in the way of righteousness." On Monday, Bro. 
 Hansford drove me up to Hannahsville, which reminded me 
 of Goldsmith's " Deserted Village." 
 
 The Conference of 1872 commenced in Montreal, on the 
 5th of June. I found a comfortable home with good Mrs. 
 Dickson, who seems to be ripening for her heavenlji' inheri- 
 tance. Held a conference with the deputation from our 
 eastern brethren. The way seems opening for confederation. 
 Mr. Gemley and I went as a deputation to present our 
 Christian greetings to the Congiegational Union, then meet- 
 ing in Montreal. June 13th, Mr. Gemley and I attended 
 the anniversary of church-opening in Collingwood. 
 
 After our visit to Saratoga Springs this summer, I had 
 the long-sOught pleasure of introducing my wife to Middle- 
 burgh, my native town. No event for years has given us 
 both more pleasure. She was charmed with the scenery, 
 and delighted with the hosj)itality of friends in this lovely 
 village. On one occasion our excellent host and hostess, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Manning, accompanied by a pleasant party, 
 took us up on to a little mountain called the Onistegawa, 
 Tulgarly known as "Vroman's Nose," because in shape it 
 
 m 
 
1872.] 
 
 MIDDLEBUROB. 
 
 423 
 
 resembles a man's nose. Here, from a height of four or five 
 hundred feet, we had a«good view of the Scoharie Flats, 
 stretching off in their richness and beauty on either side of 
 the river, and bounded in the distance by towering hills and 
 fertile vales, covered by forest and field, in charming con- 
 trast. I never beheld a more lovely landscape — except, 
 perhaps, from Wine Cliff, in Wales. Below us, in every 
 direction, were waving fields of com, interspersed with 
 shocks of wheat and other cereals in great variety ; while 
 the lovely village, with its neat white houses and modest 
 towers, was sparkling in the sunbeams. Again and again 
 we exclaimed, " Oh, how beautiful !" I preached for the 
 Methodists and Lutherans, and attended worship in the 
 Dutch Reformed sanctuary, which was the first church I 
 ever entered. My reflections here brought up very solemn 
 thoughts. When I first entered this church and heard the 
 minister preaching in its pulpit, I marvelled at his ability, 
 and thought he must be nearly equal to God himself. I felt 
 a degi-ee of awe and veneration, which made me tread very 
 lightly ; but little did I think then that I should ever aspire 
 to the high dignity of the pulpit myself, and preach the 
 gospel to thousands on both sides of the Atlantic. But 
 sixty years have produced marvellous changes. 
 
 On the 28th of August we started for home, and on 
 Sunday evening, the 1st of September, I preached for the 
 first time in the Metropolitan Church. September 15th, I 
 preached to an immense crowd at the Nerval camp-meeting. 
 Fully two thousand people had to stand during the sermon. 
 There were probably six thousand people on the ground. I 
 thought it a little remarkable that at my age — seventy-two 
 years — I should preach, in my own city, to the largest 
 assembly which I ever addressed in a church ; and then, to 
 the largest congregation which I ever addressed in the open 
 air. I was told all heard me distinctly. 
 
424 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON GREEN, b.D. [1872. 
 
 At our Committee for Appropriation, held in Brockville, 
 we were rejoiced to find an increase of ten thousand dollars 
 in our missionary receipts, and we resolved to commence a 
 mission in Japan. Dr. Punshon, Judge Deacon, and the 
 writer were requested to visit Ottawa again, in order to 
 obtain justice for our Indian schools. The Hon. J. C 
 Aikinti had charge of the Indian Department, and we found 
 him ready and anxious to do the right thing. He agreed 
 that w(^ shall have deeds of occupation for all lands granted 
 us by i;he chiefs so soon as we get them surveyed. This 
 ought t<o satisfy all parties concerned. Our Ottawa brethren 
 are building a new church in Lower Town, and have obtained 
 the use of the Court-house until it is finished. .1 had the 
 pleasure of opening this new place of worship on Sunday 
 evening. From Ottawa, Dr. Punshon and I repaired to 
 Montreal to negotiate terms of confederation with a depu- 
 tation from the Eastern Conference. A large committee 
 attended, and terms cf confederation were cordially agreed 
 upon. 
 
 On ret irning to my lodgings from a missionary festival, 
 Tuesday evening, the 22nd of October, my host and hostess 
 were much surprised to find their house brilliantly lighted 
 and filled with a large company, who cheered as we entered. 
 This joyous party had been brought together on learning 
 that this \v as the birthday of the Hon. James Ferrier, and 
 also the golden wedding day of himself and his excellent 
 wife. A bountiful supper had been spread on his table by 
 different members of his family, which was also tastefully 
 adorned with rich and costly presents. Speeches were 
 delivered by the Mayor, Dr. Punshon, Mr. Potts, Mr. 
 Ferrier, Judge Torrance, and others. This family have long 
 been pillars in the Church, and it was pleasant to see four 
 generations in it unite, with others, to do honour to this 
 venerable pair. 
 
1873.] 
 
 TELEQRAPH TO AUSTRALIA. 
 
 425 
 
 After eighteen days' absence I was glad to get home 
 again, and more so because I was suflfering with a severe 
 cough, arising from a cold which I took at Brockville by 
 going to the sessions of the committee through heavy rains. 
 Foul weather followed us to Ottawa, and heavy rains 
 poured upon us during our stay in Montreal, so I only 
 found fair weather when I reached home. My appoint- 
 ments were out, and I desired to be able to attend them. On 
 the 19th of November I delivered a short memorial oration 
 over the body of Sister Evans, brought from Muncey for 
 sepulture, and the next day assisted at the funeral of Mrs. 
 Gemley. But amidst all our sorrows we have something to 
 cheer us. Lord Dufferin has just replied to a salutation 
 from the Governor of Australia over wires just finished to 
 that country, lying on the other side of the earth ! On the 
 1st Dec, preached twice at the anniversary of our church 
 opening in Barrie, and addressed a tea-meeting the next day. 
 Stopped at the parsonage with my dear friends, Bro. and 
 Sister McDowell. On the 22nd, we appointed Dr. McDonald 
 aid missionary to Japan, and Mr. Cochran, if health permits, 
 will probably be sent out also. The young Emperor — the 
 " Child of the Sun " — has condescended to set his foot upon 
 earth, and is seeking for both scientific and religious know- 
 ledge. His Empire embraces three hundred and eighty-four 
 islands and thirty millions of inhabitants. We enter this 
 field in hope. December 22nd, addressed the Sabbath- 
 school in Whitby, and Dr. Ryerson and I preached anni- 
 versary sermons of church opening in Brooklin. 
 
 January 12th, 1873. — Opened a new church in Wards- 
 ville, a small village of some five hundred inhabitants, on 
 the River Thames. The church, with its steeple one hundred 
 and thirty feet high, occupies a commanding site, and 
 its friends deserve much praise for their enterprise and 
 liberality. On Sunday, while sitting in the altar, the sexton 
 
426 
 
 LtFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1873. 
 
 opened the windows which placed me in a draft, and I got 
 such a stiff neck as nearly prevented me rendering any ser- 
 vice on Monday evening. On rising to speak, my enlarged 
 heart so pressed upon my lungs as to greatly injure my 
 voice and make me tremble in every part; but I rallied 
 after a little, and was able to speak for nearly twenty 
 minutes. The house was iilled with friends, many of them 
 from a distance. Results cheering. 
 
 On the 19th of January, assisted Bro. Harper at his 
 Missionary Anniversary in Guelph. Preached in the morn- 
 ing, and heard an excellent sermon from Bro. W. W. Ross 
 in the evening. A good meeting on Monday evening. I 
 was very unwell, but Mrs. James Hough, at whose house I 
 lodged, nursed me so faithfully that I was able to get 
 through my work with some comfort. I was unusually 
 happy in preaching on Sunday morning ; at the conclusion of 
 which we sang that beautiful hymn. No. 189. Oh how these 
 words kindled a fire in my heart and sent a thrill of joy through 
 my soul ! My yearning for sinners, as I saw a world lying 
 in wickedness, was great; but God's love was greater, and it 
 filled me with divine transport. The pain around my lieart 
 was severe, and I felt that I was losing strength every day; 
 but, in the langiiage of our hymn, I could sing — 
 
 *' Fix'd on this ground will I remain, 
 
 Though my heart fall, and flesh decay ; 
 This anchor shall my soul sustain 
 
 When earth's foundations melt away ; 
 Mercy's full power I then shall prove, 
 Loved with an everlasting love. " 
 
 On reaching home we called in Dr. Geikie, who told me 
 plainly that my heart was affected and I must desist from 
 preaching. I replied, the Lord's will be done ; but 
 
 '* 'Tis not the whole of life to live, 
 Nor all of death to die." 
 
1873.] 
 
 JAPAN MISSION. 
 
 42t 
 
 One wishes to work as long as he can, still it is not always 
 easy to know what is duty. 
 
 May 7th. — Assisted Dr. Piinshon, Dr. Woo<l, and others 
 in the valedictory services connected with our two mis- 
 sionaries leaving to open a Mission in Japan. This is our 
 first effort for a mission beyond the seas, and many prayers 
 are ofiered for its success. No part of the heathen world at 
 the present day presents a more inviting aspect, and Messrs. 
 Cochran and McDonald go out with high hopes and large 
 expectations. Dr. Punshon preached his farewell sermon 
 on the 11th of May in the Metropolitan, and a large number 
 accompanied him to the steamer. He leaves foot-prints be- 
 hind him which tell of his great power for good, and our 
 prayers and best wishes follow him in his return home. We 
 have this year erected, at Thunder Bay, the first Protestant 
 Church and parsonage ever built north of Lake Superior ; 
 showing that while we are stretching our hands over the 
 ocean, we are not forgetful of destitute settlements in Can- 
 ada. The Lord is doing great things for us. At our district 
 meeting in Yorkville, we had an increase reported of six 
 hundred and sixty -two church members. On the 27th 
 I attended the Senate and Convocation of Victoria Univer- 
 sity, and assisted in presenting prizes to the successful com- 
 petitors for these honours. It is now forty-three years since 
 I began to work for. this institution — first as an Academy 
 and then as a College — and now we have our graduates in 
 every part of the country. These annual services, replete 
 with interest and full of promise to our Church and 
 country, make me glad that I have been able to take any 
 part in founding and supporting this College. My old home 
 at the house of Mr. Stephens was ready for me, and 
 nothing left imdone which could add to my comfort. 
 
 The Conference of 1873 was held in London. The prin- 
 ciples, on which the Committeee on Union proposed to 
 
 ',1 i 
 
m 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1873. 
 
 unite the Wesleyan Church of Eastern British America and 
 the New Connexion Church with ours, underwent some 
 changes. We liad provided for a vigorous oversight of the 
 entire work by General Superintendents, who, as the visible 
 headship of the Church, were expected to form a bond of 
 union, maintain uniformity, and produce a fellow-feeling 
 from ocean to ocean. But these principles wore so changed as to 
 abolish a General Superintendency, and provide for a President 
 who — divested of all executive power during the four years 
 of his incumbency, is to be the mere Chairman of the 
 General Conference and its committees. In executive 
 matters the Annual Conferences will be independent of the 
 General Conference. The provisions for transferring minis- 
 ters were much improved; still, the plan is too cumbersome. 
 Might not the Presidents of the General and two Annual 
 Conferences aflfected, transfer a brother for labour merely, 
 without changing his relation to his Conference 1 
 
 Dr. Bice, our President, gained for himself golden opinions, 
 and we asked the British Conference to appoint him to that 
 office for another year. This Conference was necessarily a 
 long one, and the second in our history, embracing two 
 Sabbaths ; but much important business was done. My home 
 was with Mr. and Mrs. Perrin, on Dundas Street. 
 
 Feeling the need of country air we went, on the 8th of 
 July, to Meaford to get the fresh breezes from the Georgian 
 Bay ; and this being the fiftieth year of my ministry I 
 preached a jubilee sermon there from 2 Peter 1:13-15. 
 Meaford is a pleasant little village at the terminus of the 
 Northern Railway. In this invigorating retreat we were 
 favoured with the company of Mr. John Cook, his wife, and 
 little Maud^ — Mrs. John and Mrs, Herman Cook have laid us 
 under many obligations by their acts of kindness during our 
 illness ; indeed, they have been more like tender children to 
 us, than ordinary friends. August, the 25th, attended a 
 
1873.J 
 
 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. 
 
 429 
 
 meeting of the Evangelical Alliance of Toronto, and was 
 unanimously elected a delegate to the General Conference of 
 the Alliance, together with Rev. Messrs. King, Marling, Reid, 
 and R. Wikes, Esq., M.P. Messrs. Potts and Wallace were 
 appointed alternates. At this Conference, which met in 
 New York on the 2nd of October, I was billeted with John 
 C. Havemeyer, Esq., son of His Honour the Mayor, — an 
 excellent faniily,who made me feel at home with them. The 
 Rev. Dr. Rigg was my fellow-guest ; a brother whom I had 
 three times met in the British Conference, and we enjoyed 
 the social hour very much. We appointed the Rev. and 
 Venerable Dr. Woolsey our President, who presided with 
 ability and impartiality. 
 
 This was the sixth General Conference of the Alliance, 
 and was composed of about four hundred members — repre- 
 sentative men from all evangelical Churches, and from all 
 enlightened nations from China to Canada. To see so many 
 venerable men of piety and ability consulting together for 
 the benefit of the religious world was a most interesting and 
 imposing sight, and New York was moved to its very centre. 
 No building could hold a fourth pai-t of the people who 
 crowded to hear ; and church after church was filled, and then 
 application made to us for speakers. But there was no lack. 
 We could supply one hundred congregations at the same 
 hour with interesting speeches. The difierence between this 
 and the Conference I attended in London in 1846, when the 
 Alliance was formed, was obvious and real. Then we met 
 as an experiment, feeling after some common ground on 
 which we could stand, side by side, with mutual confidence. 
 Here we had a doctrinal basis provided which had worked 
 well for twenty-seven years. There we met as strangers, not 
 knowing whether, with safety and cordiality, we could take 
 one step together or not. Here we came together as brethren 
 beloved, with high expectations of doing good. There we 
 
430 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1873. 
 
 IS 
 
 were entering upon untried ground, with no experience to 
 guide us, no preparations made to aid us, no papers i>repared 
 to insti'uct us, and very few sentiments which we seemed 
 to hold in common. Here o\ir course was marked out, prin- 
 cipal speakers selected, topics provided, and able papers 
 prepared to occupy us ten days. Little time was taken up in 
 discussing doctrines ; but all were anxious to bring before 
 the public, and before the world, those gi-and principles on 
 which we are agreed, and by which we wish to make lasting 
 impressions for good upon the human family. The interest 
 increased as we advanced. The divine Spirit rested upon 
 our councils and assemblies. Mutual good will prevailed, 
 and all appeared happy and hopeful. We had a large num- 
 ber of representatives from our Dominion, who, at the 
 request of Lord Alfred Churchill and Mr. Davis, the 
 Secretary of the English Branch of the Alliance, met 
 together and took steps to form a Central Branch for the 
 Dominion. I was honoured with the chair, and the Rev. 
 • Mr. Grant, of Halifax, was appointed secretary. We 
 unanimously agreed to make Montreal the general centre, 
 and three members from each branch were to form a Pro- 
 visional Board. On Saturday I presented our resolutions 
 to the Conference, accompanied with a short speech. On 
 Sunday morning I preached in the Central Church, Seventh 
 Avenue, and in the evening attended our farewell meeting 
 in the Academy of Music. How long New York could have 
 borne this wonderful excitement, I cannot say ; but it was 
 intensified to the very end. 
 
 Having been invited to hold a session in Philadelphia 
 and another in Washington, and free passes having been 
 furnished us there and back, about 200 of us started for that 
 purpose on Monday morning. We called at Princeton where 
 Dr. McCosh showed us the house in which that great divine 
 and revivalist, Jonathan Edwards, died. He and Dr. 
 
1873.] 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 431 
 
 Aflhbel Green, and other presidents of the college, are buried 
 here. We took lunch in the college building, and then 
 hastened off to the city of brotherly love. We were met by 
 the Hon. Mr. Stewart, and convoyed to Independence Hall, 
 where His Excellency, ex-Governor Pollock, received us 
 cordially, addi'essed us eloquently, and gave us a hearty wel- 
 come to the hospitalities of the city. It had been arranged 
 for us to dine together in the Park, but our visit at Princeton 
 had interfei*ed with this plan, and we dined together at the 
 Metropolitan, with a large number of distinguished guests 
 from the city and country. At our evening services we 
 found that the excitement created in New York had preceded 
 us. The hall prepared for our Conference Session would not 
 hold a tenth part of the people who wished to see and hear 
 the strangers ; hence, church after church was opened and 
 filled. Philadelphia is a beautiful city, situated between the 
 Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, in the south part of Pennsyl- 
 vania. It is the second largest city on the continent, having 
 674,022 inhabitants, while New York has 926,341. 
 
 On Tuesday morning we started for Washington, distant 
 only - 1 38 miles. We crossed the Susquehanna where 
 Washington crossed with his army ; left the Chesapeake Bay 
 on our left, and soon reached Baltimore. Here we were met 
 by a deputation from Washington, and saluted with a speech 
 from one of its members. Baltimore is a grand old city, with 
 263,354 inhabitants, and is a stronghold of Methodism ; but 
 we had no time to see much of it. The country between this 
 and the capital is not very inviting. It was the scene of 
 much conflict between the North and South during the recent 
 war. On reaching Washington we deposited our luggage at 
 Willard's Hotel, and hastened to the White House, where 
 the President was waiting to receive us. He had delayed 
 his promised visit to his former companions in arms, for two 
 days, in order to enjoy this visit. We were presented by 
 
432 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1873. 
 
 the Rev. Dr. Tiffany, of the Mothodist E. Church, whoee 
 miniBtry the ProHiilcnt attends. The PreHident is a trustee 
 of the Metropolitan (chinch, where we met in the evening ; 
 but several other churches were filled also. Mr. Fisch, ot 
 Paris, amused us greatly, by giving the people credit for 
 brilliant bonfires in the streets made in honour of our visit, 
 when some of us knew they wore kindled on the evening of 
 their election to do honour to the successful candidate. 
 The City Fathers voted us the liberty of the city, paying our 
 expenses while there ; and the Governor made a banquet 
 for us, and gave an admirable speech. Many of their jniblic 
 buildings are superb, but with none was I better pleased 
 than with the Patent Ottico, which contains more than 7,000 
 patented inventions. Washington's apartment, containing 
 his saddle, sword, pistols, official garments, &c., <fcc., reminded 
 me of similar relics of Bonaparte which I had seen in Paris. 
 The first press used by Dr. Franklin is here, and resembles 
 the old hand-press used in our office before I introduced 
 into it the first steam-press used in Toronto. On the morn- 
 ing of our leaving, at the request of the Messrs. Harper, who 
 Ere to publish a history of our Conference, wo stood upon 
 the front steps of the magnificent Capitol, and were photo- 
 graphed by Mr. Gardiner, a celebrated photographer of that 
 city. The picture was a great success. Many faces are 
 easily recognized. On my way back I remained a night with 
 my excellent host and hostess in New York. By invitation, 
 however, we spent the evening with His Honour the Mayor, 
 where we were entertained by a German — who never had 
 arm or hand — and who played sweetly on a violin ! His 
 skill in the use of his toes, was marvellous. He could tune 
 his instrument, put in new strings, open his knife and trim 
 them, take his handkerchief from his pocket, and wipe his 
 face with dispatch : thus proving that when God deprives us 
 of one sense or of one limb, He usually gives additional 
 
1874.] 
 
 OPENING DUNDAS COLLEGE. 
 
 433 
 
 power to others ; heuce tluit man oouKl use his toes with 
 about as muoh apparent ease and grace as some men use 
 their fingers. 
 
 December 7th and 8th, assisted Bro. Laird at his mission- 
 ary anniversary in Owen Sound. I was carefully cai-od for 
 by Hheriff Snider. This town is growing finely, and from 
 its situation and surroundings, seems destined to become a 
 large commercial city. 
 
 January the 11th, preached at the anniversary of the 
 church opening in the village of Erin. That was my first 
 visit to this beautiful little village. Mr. Tyler, with whom 
 I stopped, seems to be the moving spirit in the church here. 
 At our tea-meeting, on Monday evening, we paid off the 
 debt against the Wesleyan Church, which appears one of the 
 best in the place. 
 
 On the 15th January, we formerly opened our College at 
 Dundas ; and as I had given the first addi-ess in Yictofia 
 College, the Principal was very anxious I should deliver the 
 first in this also. Several of us took part in the 0])ening 
 services, and in the evening we met in the church, where 
 Dr. Ryerson, Dr. Nelles, Dr. Kice, Mr. Sanford, Mr. 
 Horsier, and the writer, delivered speeches. The College 
 stands upon a sightly and healthy elevation, with orchard, 
 gardens, and play-grounds attached. The proprietors and 
 directors have spared neither pains nor expense to make it 
 attractive and useful. Indeed, few placeb present more 
 attractions to the young aspirant after knowledge. Pure 
 religion and a sound, diffusive education, are indispensable 
 elements to freedom and prosperity in any country. 
 
 At a special meeting of the Council of our Evangelical 
 
 Alliance, the basis for a Dominion Alliance, agreed upon by 
 
 us in New York, was accepted, and the Revs. Canon 
 
 Baldwin, King, and myself, wei-e appointed members of the 
 
 19 
 
^t 
 
 434 LIFE AND TlMfiS OF ANSON QREfiN, 1).D. [1874. 
 
 Provincial Board, to arrange for holding the Dominion 
 Conference, next October, in Montreal. 
 
 The Last Session of the Canada Conference. — This 
 Conference, held in the beautiful Centenary Church of 
 Hamilton, with Dr. Kice in the chair, was one of unusual 
 interest from beginning to end. Peace reigned in our borders, 
 prosperity attended our ministry, and our prospects were 
 cheering. Upwards of 3,000 members had been added to our 
 societies during the year, and our institutions were in a 
 healthy condition. A pleasing incident occurred at one of 
 our sittings. Messrs. W. E. Sanford, Dennis Moore, and 
 A. Macallum, the executors of our old but much-lamented 
 friend, E. Jackson, Esq., came upon the platform and pre- 
 sented a cheque for $10,000, left in Bro. Jackson's will for 
 the benefit of Victoria College. Several senior brethren were 
 asked to make remarks in connection with this most impres- 
 sive memorial service. My memory of this excellent man 
 carried me back over forty years, during v/hich time, amidst 
 confiicts, stonns, and divisions, this pious, consistent, and 
 liberal supporter of the Church, had proved himself, in the 
 best sense of the word, one of the most consistent churchmen 
 in the country. No sooner had the Conference, with grate- 
 ful hearts, acknowledged this handsome bequest, than Mr. 
 Sanford arose r\nd presented another cheque for $10,000 
 from Mrs. Jackson, " to aid in establishing a Chair of 
 Theology " in our University. These were noble gifts ; but 
 they did not exhaust the means, nor the large-hearted bene- 
 volence of Mrs. Jackson ; hence in her will she bequeathed 
 $30,000 more — $10,000 each to our Mission Fund, Superan- 
 nuation Fund, and Theological Chaii- at Cobourg. These 
 princely amounts were duly paid at our Toronto Conference, 
 in 1876. We all felt that God was taking Christian educa- 
 tion under his divine care and protection ; and we appointed 
 a committee to consider in what maimer we could best 
 
1874.] LAST SESSION OF THE CANADA CONFERENCE. 435 
 
 express our gratitude iu somt luoiiumeiital wa/, suggestive 
 alike to the present and to future generations. 
 
 This Conference was a peaceful and joyou-i one ; but when 
 the ]biour came for closing up the business of the Canada 
 Conference forever, and separating into three bands, we 
 felt a degree of sadness come ovpr our spirits. And no 
 wonder. Some of us had fought together side by side for 
 fifty years ; and through good report and evil report ; amidst 
 divisions, secessions, and slanders, had remained firm in our 
 loyalty to that Conference which had now met for the last 
 time. Thereafter strangers were to mingle in our councils 
 and take part in our debates. There were but five brethren 
 present who took appointments when the Conference was 
 organized at Hallowell, fifty years ago — Revs. John Ryerson, 
 Solomon Waldron, Robert Coraon, Joseph Messmore, and 
 Anson Green. Of the fifty-one annual meetings of this 
 body, I had attended fifty — including its formation and its 
 dissolution, — besides one General Conference in 1830, and 
 one Special Conference in 1840 ! I had seen its beginning, 
 aided in preparing all its books of discipline, took part in 
 its discussions, and helped in founding its various institutions. 
 I had introd'' ^ed several of its members into the ministry, 
 and had voted at the reception of nearly all the rest ; had 
 ordained some ol them, and assisted in the ordination of 
 most of the others. Had lived to see our ministers and 
 preachers increase from 38, in 1824, to 715 in 1874 ; out 
 members from 6,150 to nearly 74,000, and to find that more 
 than one-fourth of the population had returned themselves 
 Methodists in the census of the Province, Thesi3 facts are 
 now before the world, and have become matter of history. 
 They speak for themselves, and we are not ashamed of the 
 testimony they give. The fathers of our Church were not 
 ignorant men, as our opponents have tauntingly intimated. 
 It is true, thore were some weak men among them, and 
 
 m 
 
4S6 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1674. 
 
 where is the Church that has them not ? But there were 
 giants in those days as well, and no Wesleyan need be 
 ashamed to compare such men as Case, Metcalf, Madden, 
 W. Ryerson, Peter Jones, and Jas. Evans with any men of 
 their day. It is true that all the founders of the Canadian 
 Church were not titled men. They were, rather, founders 
 of schools and colleges than classical students in univer- 
 sities. They were better preachers than writers, better 
 pastors than scholars ; still, they were learned men in the 
 most practical sense of the term. Self-educated it may be, 
 but they were men of one work, and they knew how to do 
 that work well. Salvation was their science, the Bible and 
 men their text-book», and they studied them faithfully. 
 They knew the truths of the Bible, and could preach them ; 
 its doctrines, and could defend them ; its precepts, and could 
 obey them ; its promises, and could enjoy them ; and we, 
 their children, can now rise up and call them blessed. 
 
 It is a pleasing sight to sit on the platform, where I have 
 had a seat for thirty-three years, and look over this Confer- 
 ence of four or five hundred ministers, all heralds of the love 
 of God. On the heads of many the almond tree is blossom- 
 ing, but there are a large number of ardent young men, full of 
 love and zeal and promise, ready to catch the standard as it 
 falls from the hands of the aged, and with unfurled banners 
 and a firm grasp rush to the conflict, crying, " None but 
 Jesus ! None but Jesus ! " The moijaent was one of much 
 excitement, calling up pleasing reminiscences ; but the hour 
 came for us to part, and we committed the executive reins 
 to faithful men, in their different Conferences, with confi- 
 dence, trusting that they will fight as bravely, labour as 
 diligently, and bring forth fruit as abundantly, in their more 
 separate capacity, as they have done while toiling side by 
 side with us. But our old friend, the Canada Conference, 
 
 ■—Vh-^'-^ 
 
CONFERENCE DISSOLVED. 
 
 437 
 
 1874.] 
 
 which has nobly defended the truth, and multiplied its 
 children by thousands, has done its work, and will disappear 
 from the record. 
 
 ' So fades a summer cloud away, ^ 
 
 So sinks the gale when storms are o'er ; 
 
 So gently shuts the eye of day, 
 So dies a wave along the shore." 
 
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CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE — CONCLUSION. 
 
 [HE three Conferences, having notified absent minis- 
 ters to be present, met immediately, in '^ifierent 
 churches. The members of the Toronto Conference repaired 
 to the John Street Church, and did me the honour of 
 appointing me President, pro tern., to organize. Dr. Wood 
 was elected President for the year, and the Rev. John Shaw, 
 Secretary. "We then elected delegates to the General Con- 
 ference, chairmen of districts, and representatives to sundry 
 committees, and adjourned about twelve o'clock, glad to get 
 a few hours' rest before we started for home. 
 
 Round Lake Camp-meeting. — The trustees of this beau- 
 tiful ground, acting under the patronage of the Troy Con- 
 ference, and the advice of the Bishops of the M. E. Church, 
 wisely resolved on holding an International Fraternal Meet- 
 ing here, to commence on the 8th of July, and continue two 
 weeks. To this meeting representative men, from every 
 branch of Methodism on this continent, were invited ; and 
 Joseph Hillman, Esq., their enterprising President, favoured 
 me with an invitation as a Wesleyan minister. Mrs. Green, 
 Anson, and I reached the ground in time for the first sermon, 
 which was delivered by Bishop Janes. We were provided 
 -^th a good room in the cottage of Miss Schofield, fron^ 
 
1874.J 
 
 ROUND LAKE. 
 
 439 
 
 Cohoea. Ten branches ofthe great Wesleyan family were re- 
 presented by three hundred ministers and several thousand 
 laymen. Ten Bishops were there, five from the north and 
 five from the south ; together with Presidents and ex-Presi- 
 dents, D.D.'a, P.E.'s, editors, agents, secretaries, professors, 
 and pastors in great variety. "We heard no murmurings, felt 
 no friction, and discovered no jealousy. We were all one in 
 Christ Jesus, and the special was buried in the general. 
 Party differences appeared small, and even contemptible in 
 the presence of this combined host, cordially co-operating 
 under the powerful workings of God the Spirit. Geogra- 
 phical boundaries are natural and right, but for two or more 
 opposing parties of our great family, to be contending for the 
 same ground, is unwise, unscriptural, and absurd. 
 
 There were three sermons daily from the grand stand, 
 which were taken down by stenographers, and are to be 
 published by the Book-room. The Rev. Dr. Douglas, of 
 Montreal, and the Rev. John Potts, of Toronto, ably repre- 
 sented the Wesleyan Church of Canada in their powerful 
 sermons. WhUe the former was preaching, His Excellency 
 the President of the United States occupied a seat among 
 the dignitaries on the platform. Bishop Janes presided with 
 marked ability. His will was law, and that law was cheer- 
 fully obeyed. When he called at our lodgings to invite me 
 to preach, I replied in the language of Bishop Hedding, " We 
 are regulars, and must go when and where we are wanted." 
 " I thought so," said he, " and therefore telegraphed your 
 appointment to the papers two hours ago." There were no 
 attempts at organic union, and yet no means could be used 
 better calculated to effect it. The ground was laid out in 
 streets, walks, and avenues, and adorned with cottages, offices, 
 and fountains of water. The preaching, singing, and praying 
 were all but overpowering, while " showers of blessing" fell 
 profusely all around us. I was never more happy in my life. 
 
 i 
 
 : 
 
440 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1874. 
 
 The earthen vessel was full. I dared not ask for more. By 
 divine grace I was so strengthened, both in body and mind, 
 that I was able to take my full share of work in preaching, 
 praying, exhorting, giving addresses, leading preachers' 
 meetings, and finally in consecrating the elements of the 
 Lord's Supper on the evening of the last day, " That great 
 day of the feast." Never did I witness a more solemn and 
 impressive sacramental service. The evening was calm, and 
 numerous lamps sent their brilliant rays over the ample 
 foliage, lending enchantment to the scene ; while venerable 
 bishops, learned divines, and toil-worn veterans reverently 
 knelt together to receive the tokens of our Redeemer's dying 
 love. The next morning, all had the privilege of shaking 
 hands with the clergy, and the feast was ended. 
 
 By the request of Dr. Eddy, the Bishop, and the Rev. Mr. 
 Bool, the President of the Sea-Cliff Camp-ground, I attended 
 another meeting there, and gave them a sermon. This 
 ground is on Long Island Sound, about thirty miles from New 
 York. It is a lovely spot. The tabernacle is firmly built, 
 and designed to accommodate five thousand people, and the 
 cottages present an attractive appearance. Here I met with 
 Brother Wilson, formerly of Toronto ; with Bishop Peck, 
 Dr. Sargent, Dr. Depuy, and many other old friends. Mr. 
 Kettell gave us a clam-bake under the green trees, near the 
 Sound. The sea breezes proved beneficial to me, and I 
 returned with increased strength. On my way, I dined with 
 the amiable family of Joseph Hillman, Esq., of Troy. We 
 spent a Sabbath in Schenectady, preached in their new and 
 beautiful church ; was shown through Union College by 
 Professor Wells, and Tenjoyed the hospitality of J. B. 
 Graham, Esq., whose acquaintance we had made at Round 
 Lake. Bishop Peck and his intelligent lady having cordially 
 invited us to spend a week in their splendid mansion in 
 Syracuse, we gladly accepted the proffered honour, and had 
 
1874.] 
 
 GENERAL CONFERIKCE. 
 
 441 
 
 a most delightful visit. Profoasor Bennett, and other 
 learned professors, kindly took us through their new and 
 grand Univoi-sity Buildings, which stand on elevated ground 
 in the soutli part of the city. 
 
 September 6th. — Preached to a large assembly in our spa- 
 cious Metropolitan Church, — a church which Dr. Wiseman, 
 of England, declared "the best in Methodism,''^ and Dr. 
 Parker, of London, " the best in the world." It is safe, I 
 think, to say that we have the largest Protestant congregation 
 in the Dominion, if not on the Continent. Oh that our 
 holiness and diligence were equal to our responsibilities ! 
 
 The General Conference assembled in the Metropolitan 
 Church, Toronto, on the IGth of September, 1874 ! the Hon. 
 Judge Wilmot — ox-Governor of New Brunswick — led us to 
 the choice of a President. As the Rev. Dr. Ryerson — by 
 reason of his connection with the Government — had never 
 occupied our Presidential Chaii*, many of us were anxious to 
 make him the president of this legislative body ; and he was 
 elected to that high honour accordingly. The Rev. D. D. 
 Curry, from the Eastern body, was elected secretary ; and the 
 Rev. Wm. Scott, of the Wesleyan Conference, and Benjamin 
 Hopkins, Esq., from the New Connexion body, were 
 appointed assistant secretaries ; and the Rev. John Bredin, 
 journal secretary. This Conference will form a new era in 
 the operations of our Church : — 1. It was the first Wesleyan 
 Conference in which laymen took a co-ordinate part in the 
 transaction of business. 2. The first in which the three 
 Churches, recently united, had met together with mutual 
 interests, to consult for the good of united Methodism. 
 3. The first, since our union with the British Conference, 
 in which the executive and legislative functions of the 
 Church were entirely separated, and legislation only attended 
 to. The laymen, with trifling exceptions, wore their newly 
 acquired honours with becoming humility and respect ; and 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
442 
 
 LIPE AND TIMES OP ANSON GREEN, D.D. [1874. 
 
 the three bodies came together with mutual good feeling, and 
 mutual respect. We felt the advantage cf having fii-st-rate 
 business men associated with us in council ; and while there 
 were measiu'es adopted, and changes made, which some of us 
 regretted, yet I cannot say that they would have been greatly 
 different had we remained in our former separate capacity, 
 without the assistance of our lay brethren. I am a great 
 believer in ultimate results. We cannot all have our own 
 way, and when the Church, in her assembled wisdom decides, 
 I bow to her decrees. 
 
 Much important business was necessarily left undone, but 
 referred • to appropriate committees to iSnish. That on 
 Church Property, of which I had charge, was expected to 
 conform our model-deed to the new state of things, and get 
 laws enacted in eight or ten Provinces confirming our deci- 
 sion on church property, so as to secure it to the Methodist 
 Church of Canada. This devolved much anxiety and toil 
 upon the committee, for the Conference gave us no instruc- 
 tions, save their mandate to do the work needed, and we did 
 it accordingly. Judge Jones, Judge Deacon, and A. Lauder, 
 Esq., M.P.P., gave us the benefit of their legal knowledge 
 in Ontario, while hon. and legal members of the committee 
 managed matters in other Provinces. But the work proved 
 too much for me in my feeble state of health, and I sank 
 under it. From our last committee meeting I went to my 
 bed, and was not able even to attend church again for 
 months. The united Church, with one thousand ministers 
 and more than one hundred thousand members, if rightly 
 managed, will be a strong body, and a great power for good 
 in the land. It reaches to Bermuda in the south, to Prince 
 Edward's and Newfoundland in the east, and to Vancouver's 
 in the west, and far over the sea to Japan. Our victories 
 have been glorious in the past ; may they be even more 
 sublime and holy in the future. But I am admonished that 
 
:87B.] 
 
 A LARGE FIELD. 
 
 • u: , 
 
 443 
 
 my Church work is nearly finished. During my confine- 
 ment and absence from church, Christ was more to me than 
 pulpit eloquence or ministerial aid. I enjoyed constant 
 peace with the gi-eat Head of the Church himself, whose 
 presence makes our paradise, and whose smiles create 
 our heaven. I had long felt that a protracted heart com- 
 plaint was gradually undermining my constitution. At the 
 November quarterly meeting, in Klineburg, I could scarcely 
 finish my sermon. I would willingly live to take care of 
 my family, preach the gospel, and lead sinners to Christ ; 
 but the Church can easily do without me. Her institutions 
 are rising in strength and multiplying in number ; her min- 
 isters are valiant for the truth, and her members pious, 
 while her children are increasing on both sides of the earth. 
 With pleasure, therefore, at this period of our history, 
 we may " walk about Zion, and go round about her ; tell 
 the towers thereof; mark well her bulwarks and consider 
 her palaces, that we may tell it to generations following." 
 Her foundation is in the holy mountain, her protector is 
 
 divine ! 
 
 " For her my tears shall flow, "' ' '• 
 
 . I. . , . For her my prayers ascend ; 
 
 For her my cares and toils belong, 
 
 Till toils and cares shall end." 
 
 On May the 8th, 1875, we buried our dear Mother Hopkins 
 in the Necropolis, Toronto. She was a good woman, a 
 charming and loving mother, and a true and faithful friend, 
 I loved her as I did my own dear mother. She was eighty- 
 two years old, and her youngest brother (John) died while 
 we were attending her funeral. ' ' ' ' ' 
 
 The Toronto Conference held its first regular meeting this 
 year in Picton, on the precise spot where the Canada Con- 
 ference held its first session in 1824. It was a rich treat to 
 pie to go back to the old ground, aijd retrospect the year^ 
 
 
444 
 
 LIFE AND TIMES OF ANSON OREEN, D.D. 
 
 [1876. 
 
 
 that had past since I first entered the pulpit of that town. 
 The ministora were kindly entertaintul by liberal-heai-ted 
 friends. I was particularly fortiinate in having a comfort- 
 able home ready for me with Mr. and Mrs. Allison, both 
 chihlren of old and valued friends, and Mr. and Mrs. Poolo 
 as fellow-guests. The Conference was invited to a picnic, 
 which friends from town and country provided for us, on the 
 sand banks at the lake. Mjister Allison drove me there 
 and to other places of interest, duiing my stay with this 
 excellent family. Our Conference was a pleasant one, and 
 if its ministers and the membership increase in proportion 
 for fifty years to come, as did those of the Canada Confer- 
 enee, its ministers will then be numbered by thousands and 
 the membership by hundreds of thousands. 
 
 May 4th. — We organized the Board of the Superannua- 
 tion Fund according to the regulations of the General 
 Conference. The writer was appointed chairman, the Rev. 
 G. R. Sanderson, secretary, and the Rev. J. Douse and 
 "W. T. Mason, Esq., treasurers. At present, our jurisdiction is 
 confined to the ground formerly occupied by the Canada 
 Conference, to the interests of which the proceeds of this 
 book are given. Our bretliren in the east manage their 
 own fund. 
 
 The International Camp-meeting at Round Lake, for 
 1875, commenced earlier than the former one, and I scarcely 
 expected to be there ; but President Hillman telegraphed 
 for me, and I managed to spend three or four days in that 
 delightful place, but was not able to preach. We met many 
 valuable friends there, among whom was the Rev. Dr. 
 McFerren, from Tennessee, who, with that large-heartedness 
 which characterizes the hospitality of our Southern friends, 
 cordially invited us to spend the winter with his own family 
 in the sunny South. We also met with Miss Manning and 
 Miss Julia Becker, from my native town, who urged us to 
 
1876.] 
 
 TISIT TO MIDDLEDUnO. 
 
 Uli 
 
 visit that place, which wo did, and woro met at tlio station 
 by their kind-hoartod parents, who conveyed us to their own 
 comfortable homes, and treated us with marked attention. 
 At our lofct visit in M iddk)burg, I had urge<l our friends to 
 build a new church on a most eligible site in the village, and 
 promised to visit them and preach in it if they would do so. 
 One of the first objects which struck my eye, on reaching 
 their beautiful town, was the steeple of their lovely sanc- 
 tuary, erected on the very site which we had selected ; and, 
 as they had performed theii* part of the contract to my 
 entire satisfaction, they called upon me to give them the 
 promised sermon. On the 8th of August I preached my 
 lost sermon there — i)erhaps my last on earth — from Heb. 
 2 : 9, exhibiting the nature, the design, and the end of the 
 Messiah's humiliation. Some of my earliest friends now 
 living were present, and I had much comfort and sweetness 
 of soul in dwelling upon and explaining the gi-eat atone- 
 ment. Dr. Wells was present, and, knowing the danger of 
 my disease under excitement, trembled for the result. The 
 next Sabbath I was smitten down with my heart complaint, 
 and confined for weeks before I could start for home. The two 
 doctora (Wells) attended me, and refused any remuneration, 
 but, in the most decided manner, they forbade my ever 
 preaching again. I replied, " The Lord's will be done !" 
 But it seemed to me a remarkable providence that, after 
 preaching for more than half a century, and on both sides of 
 the Atlantic, I should return to preach my last sermon to 
 the friends of my youth, where, fifty-four years ago, I com- 
 menced my public cai*eer as an exhorter ! I cannot close 
 this part of my narrative without recording our high appre- 
 ciation of the unremitting kindness of the Mannings, 
 Beckers, Cooks, Watsons, Wells, Aibrows, and others, duiing 
 our visit in their beautiful town. I managed to get home 
 by easy stages, and was thankful. 
 

 
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 The winter following was unusually mild. On the 11th 
 of March, 1876, robins and pigeons were flying about 
 merrily ; but they found plenty of snow before the month 
 was ended. 
 
 The Conference of 1876 met in our commodious new 
 church in Peterborough, on the Hth of June. Dr. Kincaid 
 met me at the station, and conveyed me to his own house, 
 near the church, where he and his kind-hearted wife looked 
 after my health and comfort with unabated attention. 1 was 
 happy in being able to get to this Conference, and glad to 
 witness the great improvement made in this part of the 
 country since it formed a part of my first circuit. I regret 
 that I have not room to describe these improvements and the 
 doings of the Conference at greater length. The resolution 
 asking me to publish this narrative was quite unexpected, 
 but « I returned^ home and devoted what little strength I 
 had to the work, only regretting that the request had not 
 been made when I had more time and strength to do credit 
 to myself and justice to the Church in whose interest I have 
 written. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In bringing this narrative to an end, the] predominant 
 sentiment of my soul is that of gratitude. When I com- 
 menced abridging my journal and making extracts for this 
 work, my health was so impaired that I had reason to fear 
 I might not be able to finish it j but my wife has rendered 
 me valuable assistance, and the Bevs. Messrs. Manly and; 
 Johnson rendered me some service in the commencement ; 
 while God has been better to me than my fears. Indeed, I 
 have been a child t^ many mercies all my days, and still my 
 blessingA abound ! X am now £ai on in my seventy^sizth 
 
1877.] 
 
 CONCttlSION. 
 
 at 
 
 year, and after spending nearly fifty-three years in the 
 Christian ministry, and fifty-seven in uninterrupted com- 
 munion with the Church, I feel that I am an unprofitable 
 servant — " my good is all divine." God has been my guide, 
 my protector, my friend. Under his banner, and by his 
 gracious aid, " I have fought a good fight ; I have kept the 
 faith." I am at peace with God, with my own conscience, 
 and with all mankind. I have many friends ; and if I have 
 enemies, I am not aware of having given them cause to 
 become such. My brethren have kindly borne with my 
 imperfections, and my God has richly supplied all my needs. 
 ** The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places ; yea, I have 
 a goodly heritage." 
 
 If my life has not been an eventful one, the century in 
 which I have been permitted to live most assuredly has, and 
 some of those events are briefly recorded in this book. At 
 the time of my birth, railways were not known, navigation 
 by steam was not deemed practicable, and telegraphic cables 
 had not been thought of ; machinery was in a crude state ; 
 old women were carding wool by hand, and young maidens 
 were spinning and weaving it into cloth ; the British and 
 Foreign Bible Society had not been formed, nor any 
 Wesleyan Missionary Society organized. But now the ends 
 of the earth are brought near together by steamships and 
 telegraph wires ! My life has been a happy one. " I know 
 whom I have believed," and my confidence in Him remains 
 unshaken. K I were permitted to go back and live my life 
 over again, my highest aspirations would be realized in being 
 a pious, devoted, and useful Wesleyan Minister. 
 
 I have had my share of the honours and responsibilities 
 of office, having spent only nine years in circuit work. 
 Still, I look back with the greatest pleasure upon those 
 rugged fields where, amidst privations and hardships, I 
 aided those who occupied new ground, and preached the 
 
44$ 
 
 Un AND TIMS8 OF ANBON OBSEN, D.D. 
 
 [ish! 
 
 < 
 
 gospel in lude log-cabins. Precious memoriea of the past 1 
 I love to think of that heroic period when, with scanty 
 means, the foundations were laid of those institutions which 
 are now the glory and hope of the Church. Through all 
 these years a sound conversion has been insisted upon. In 
 the first sentence of this book I recognised its value, and 
 in the last I must urge it as of infinite importance. 
 
 And now, gentle reader, we must part for a season "V^e 
 have taken a long journey together, in which lights and 
 shadows have mingled; but the day is far spent and the 
 night is at hand. The shadows lengthen aroimd me as the 
 Bun sinks behind the western hills ; still the sky is cloud- 
 less, and the evening calm and peaceful. "My course" 
 is nearly finished, but the crown sparkles at the happy 
 goal, and beyond the everlasting hills is ihe dawning of a 
 brighter day. Devoutly thankful to Him who has been the 
 guide of my youth and the joy of my riper years, I can 
 now say : 
 
 " Ready for aU Thy perfect will, 
 
 My acts of faith and love repeat ; 
 Till death Thy endless mercies seal, 
 And make the sacrifice complete." 
 
 Toaoirto : sAMuitti sosa, pbistsiv, ooNraaBHOi omoi. 
 
[18t7. 
 
 le past 1 
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