IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) .<■ c^ V ^ ,^* % y. ^ ^ fA 1.0 I.I 1.25 IM ilM Ilia IM 1.4 2.0 1.6 VQ <^ //, '^1 e^ O ^;. / -'^^-J^'f->^-€'Um I P'1- "THE STORY OF MY LIFE." BY THE LATE REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D.. LLD. (BEING Reminiscences op Sixty Years' Pubiio Service in Canada.) PBBPARBD UNDBR THB 8UPBRVI8ION OF HIB UIBRART IRUBTBIS: TOBRBY. 8. 8. NBLLBS. I,J>., LL.D.. TUB R.V. JOUH POTIB, P.D., *»I. J. 8B0ROBHOI,aiIli.l8Q..U.l>. EDITED BY J. GEORGE HODGINS, Esq., LL.D. «• His lite was gentle ; and the elements So mix't in him, that Nature might stand up. And Bay to all the world, This was a Man !" — SHAKB8PBARB. JuUUS COtar, ACt T., tO. 0. Justum et tenacem propositi virum Non civium ardor prava jubentium, Non vultus instantis tyranni Uente quatit sol: la— — HORACB. 0(ie«, ill. S. WITH PORTRAIT AND ENGRAVINGS. TORONTO: WILLIAM BRIGGS, 78 and 80 KING STREET EAST. 1883. i A, • ? . ^V6/:Sot^, R. t 1604 Entered, accordintr to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, In the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three. by Mart RTBHaoM and Oharlis Eobrtok BTKRsoir, in the Office ot the Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa. PBT5FACE .., ESTIHATB OB Sketch of E{ Extracts froi First Year ol Missionary ti Diary of Lai Labours and Byanite Sch Establislime; Methodist i Conferei Union betwi " Impressio] Events folic Second RetL CONTENTS. Pasi Preface ** EsTiMATB OF Rev. Db. Ryerson's Chauacter and Labours 17 CHAPTER I.— 1803-1825. Sketch of Early Life 28 CHAPTER IL— 1824-1825. Extracts from Dr. Ryerson's Diary of 1824 and 1825 32 CHAPTER III.— 1825-1826. First Year of Ministry and First Controversy i7 CHAPTER IV.— 1826-1827. Missionary to the River Credit Indians •''8 CHAPTER v.— 1826-1827. Diary of Labours among Indians 84 CHAPTER VI.— 1827-1828. Labours and Trials.— Civil Rights Controversy 80 CHAPTER VII.— 1828-1829. Ryanite Schism.— M. E. Church of Canada organized 87 CHAPTER VIII.— 1829-1832. Establishment of the Christian Guardian.— Chnicli Claims resisted 93 CHAPTER IX.— 1831-1832. Methodist AflFaira in Upper Canada.— Proposed Union with the British Conference 1*^7 CHAPTER X.— 1833. Union between the British and Canadian Conferences 114 CHAPTER XL— 1833-1834. " Impressions of England " and their effects 121 CHAPTER XII.— 1834. Events following the Union.— Division and Strife 141 CHAPTER XIII.— 1834-1835. ^ Second Retirement from the Guardian Editorship 144 p iv CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIV.— 1835-1836. Second Mission to England. — Upper Canada Academy 152 CHAPTER XV.— 1835-1836. The " Grievance " Report ; Its Object and Failure 115 CHAPTER XVI.— 1836-1837. Dr. Ryerson's Diar}' of his Second Mission to England 168 CHAPTER XVII.— 1836. Publication of the Hume and Roebuck Letters 167 CHAPTER XVIII.-1836-1837. Important Events transpiring in England 170 CHAPTER XIX.-1837-183!). Return to Canada.— The Chapel Property Cases 172 CHAPTER XX.— 1837. The Coming Crisis.— Rebellion of 1837 175 CHAPTER XXL— 1837-1838. Sir F. B. Head and the Upper Canada Academy 179 CHAPTER XXII.-1838. Victims of the Rebellion.— State of the Country 182 CHAPTER XXIIL— 1796-1861. Sketch of Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie 185 CHAPTER XXIV.-1838. Defence of the Hon. Marshall Spring Bidwell 188 CHAPTER XXV.— 1838. Return to the Editorship of the Guardian 199 CHAPTER XXVI.— 1838-1810. Enemies and Friends Within and Without 205 CHAPTER XXVII.— 1778-1867. The Honourable and Right Reverend Bishop Strachan 213 CHAPTER XXVIII.— 1791-1836. The Clergy Reserves and Rectories Questions 218 CHAPTER XXIX.— 1838. The Clergy Reserve Controversy Renewed 225 CHAPTER XXX.— 1838-1839. The Ruling Party and the Reserves. — " Divide et Impera. " 236 CHAPTER XXXL— 1839. Strategy in the Clergy Reserve Controversy 245 CHAPTER XXXIL— 1839. Sir G. Arthur's Partisanship.— State of the Province 250 II I CONTENTS. ^ CHAPTER XXXIII.-1838-1840. ^*" The New Era. — Lord Durham and Lord Sydenham 267 CHAPTER XXXIV.-1840. Proposal to leave Canada. — Dr. Ryerson's Visit to England 269 CHAPTER XXXV.-1840-1841. Last Pastoral Charge. — Lord Sydenham's Death 282 CHAPTER XXXVI.-1841. Dr. Ryerson's Attitude toward the Church of England 291 CHAPTER XXXVII.-1841-1842. Victoria College.— Hon. W. H. Draper.— Sir Charles Bagot 301 CHAPTER XXXVIIL— 1843. Episode in the case of Hon. Marshall S. Bidwell 308 CHAPTER XXXIX.— 1844. Events preceding the Defence of Lord Metcalfe 312 CHAPTER XL.— 1844. Preliminary Correspondence on the Metcalfe Crisis 319 CHAPTER XLI.— 1844. Sir Charles Metcalfe Defended against his Councillors 328 CHAPTER XLII.— 1844-1846 After the Contest. — Reaction and Reconstruction 337 CHAPTER XLIII.— 1841-1844. Dr. Byerson appointed Superintendent of Education 342 CHAPTER XLIV.— 1844-1846. Dr. Ryerson's First Educational Tour in Europe 362 CHAPTER XLV.— 1844-1857. Episode in Dr. Ryerson's European Travels. — Pope Pius IX 365 CHAPTER XLVI.— 1844-1876. Ontario School System. — Retirement of Dr. Ryerson 368 CHAPTER XLVIL— 1845-1846. Illness and Final Retirement of Lord Metcalfe 375 CHAPTER XLVIII.— 1843-1844. Clergy Reserve Question Re-Opened. — Disappointments 378 CHAPTER XLIX.— 1846-1848. Re-Union of the British and Canadian Conferences 383 CHAPTER L.— 1846-1853. Miscellaneous Events and Incidents of 1846-1853 410 CHAPTER LI.— 1849. The Bible in the Ontario Public Schools 423 Ti CONTKNTS. Paob CHAPTER LII— 1860-1863. The Clergy Reserre Question Transferred to Canada 48S CHAPTER LIII.-1861. Feraonal EpUode in the Clergy Reserve Quention 46i CHAPTER LIV.— 1864-1866. Resignation on the Class-Meeting Question.— Discussion 470 CHAPTER LV.— 1866. Dr. Ryerson resumes his Position in the Conference 491 CHAPTER LVL— 1855-1856. Personal Episode in the Class-Meeting Discussion 499 CHAPTER LVII.— 1856-1866. Dr. Ryerson 's Third Educational Tour in Europe 614 CHAPTER LVIII.— 1859-1862. Denominational Celleges and the University Controversy CIS CHAPTER LIX.— 1861-1866. Personal Incidents.— Dr. Ryerson's Visits to Norfolk County 534 CHAPTER LX.— 1867. Last Eaacational Visit to Europe.— Rev. Dr. Punshon Cdt> CHAPTER LXI.— 1867. Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New Dominion of Canada 647 CHAPTER LXII.— 1868-1869. Correspondence with Hon. Geo. Brown — Dr. Punshon 664 CHAPTER LXIII.— 1870-1875. Miscellaneous Closing Events and Correspondence 55& CHAPTER LXIV.— 1875-187(3. Correspondence with Rev. J. Ryerson, Dr. Punshon, etc 57^ CHAPTER LXV.— 1877-1882. Closing Years of Dr. Ryerson's Life Labours 685 CHAPTER LXVL— 1882. The Foneral Ceremonies 59S Tributes to Dr. Ryerson's Memory and Estimates of his Character and Work. 59S ^ h LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS. fin POKTEAIT OF Rev. Dk. Rv> .,ok FrontiBpiece Indian Tiilaqe at Rivrn Cbidit, m 1887 59 John Jones' House at thk Ckedit, whebe Db. Rybeson Resided. . fls Old Credit Mission, 1887 -o Old Adelaide Street Methodist Church 283 Victoria College, Cobouro _ „ Ontario Educational Department and Normal School 421,422 Educational Exhibit at Philadelphu 534 ggg Metropolitan Chueoh eu4 Db. Ryebson's Rebidbnok nr Tobonto .«» •••' • 087 i;i I , PREFATORY NOTE. 11WELVE months ago, I began to colloct the necessary material for the completion of " The Stoiiy of My Life," which my venerated and beloved friend, Dr. Ryerson, had only left in partial outline. Tiiese materials, in the shape of letters, papers, and documents, were fortunately most abundant. The difhculty that I experienced was to select from such a miscellaneous collection a sufHcient quantity of suitable matter, which I could afterwards arrange and group into appropriate chapters. This was not easily done, so as to form a connected record of the life and labours of a singularly gifted man, whose name was intimately connected with every public question which was discussed, and every prominent event which took place in Upper Canada from 1825 to 1875-78. Public men of the present day looked upon Dr. Ryerson prac- tically as one of their own contemporaries — noted for his zeal and energy in the successful management of a great Public Department, and as the founder of a system of Popular Education which, in hi« hands, became the pride and glory of Canadians, and was to those beyond the Dominion, an ideal system — the leading features of which they would gladly see incorporated in their own. In this estimate of Dr. Ryerson's labours they were quite correct. And in their appreciation of the statesmanlike qualities of mind, which devised and developed such a system in the midst of difficulties which would have appalled less resolute hearts, they were equally correct. But, aft«r all, how immeasurably does this partial view of his character tnd labours fall short of a true estimate of that char« acter ao^ *}£ those labours ! \% PREFACE. As a matter of fact, Dr. Eyerson's great struggle for the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825 to 1845, as detailed in the following pages, without being im- pressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native country than that which is therein recorded, he would have accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen. It was my good fortune to enjoy Dr. Eyerson's warm, personal friendship since 1841. It has also been my distinguished privilege to be associated with him in the accomplishment of his great educational work since 1844. I have been able, therefore, to turn my own personal knowledge of most of the events outlined in this volume to account in its preparation In regard to what transpired before 1841, 1 have frequently heard many narratives in varied forms from Dr. Eyerson's lips. My own intimate relations with Dr. Eyerson, and the character of our close personal friendship are sufficiently indicated in hi private letters to me, published in various parts of the book, but especially in Chapter liii. And yet they fail to convey the depth and sincerity of his personal attachment, and the feeling of entire trust and confidence which existed between us. I am glad to say that I was not alone in this respect. Dr. Eyerson had the faculty, so rare in official life, of attaching his assistants and subordinates of every grade to himself personally. He always had a pleasant word for them, and made them feel that their interests were safe in his hands. They therefore respected and trusted him fully, and he never failed to acknow- ledge their fidelity and devotion in the public service. I had, for some time before he ceased to be the Head of the Education Department, looked forward with pain and anxiety to that inevitable event. Pain, that he and I were at length to be separated in the carrying forward of the great work o. our lives, in which it had been my pride and pleasure to be his principal assistant. Anxiety at what, from my knowledge of him, I feared would be the effect of release from the work on fully accomplishing which he had so earnestly set his heart. Nor were my fears groundless. To a man oi his application and PREFACE. zi ardent temperament, the feeling that his work was done sen- sibly affected him. He lost a good deal of his elasticity, and during the last few years of his life, very perceptibly failed. The day on which he took official leave of the Department was indeed a memorable one. As he bade farewell to each of his assistants in the office, he and they were deeply moved. He could not, however, bring himself to utter a word to me at our official parting, but as soon as he reached home he wrote to me the following tender and loving note : — 171 Victoria Street, Toronto, Monday Evening, Febrttary 218t, 1876. My Dear Hodgins, — I felt too deeply to-day when parting with you in the Office to be able to say a word. I was quite overcome with the thought of severing our official connection, which has existed between us for thirty-two years, during the whole of which time, without interruption, we have laboured as one mind and heart in two bodies, and I believe with a single eye to promote the best interests of our country, irrespective of religious sect or political party — to devise, develop, and mature a system of instruction which embraces and provides for every child in the land a good education ; good teachers to teach ; good inspectors to oversee the Schools ; good maps, globes, and text-books ; good books to read ; and every provision whereby Municipal Councils and. Trustees can provide suitable accomo- dation, teachers, and facilities for imparting education and knowledge to the rising generation of the land. While I devoted the year 1845 to visiting educating countries and investigating their system of instruction, in order to devise one for our country, you devoted the same time in Dublin in mastering, under the special auspices of the Board of Education there, the several different branches of their Education Office, in administering the system of National Education in Ireland, so that in the details of our Education Office here, as well as in our general school system, we have been enabled to build up the most extensive establishment in the country, leaving nothing, as far as I know, to be devised in the completeness of its arrange- ments, and in the good character and efficiency oi its officers. Whatever credit or satisfaction may attach to the accomplishment zu PREFACE. of this work, I feel that you are entitled to share equally with myself. Could I have believed that I might have been of any service to you, or to others with whom I havo laboured so cor- dially, or that I could have advanced the school system, I would not have voluntarily retired from office. But all circumstances considered, and entering within a few days upon my 74th year, I have felt that this was the time for me to commit to other hands the reins of the government of the public school system, and labour during the last hours of my day and life, in a more retired sphere. But my heart is, and ever will be, with you in its sympathies and prayers, and neither you nor yours will more truly rejoice in your success and happiness, than Your old life-long Friend And Fellow- labourer, i E. Ryerson. Dr. Ryerson was confessedly a man of great intellectual re- sources. Those who read what he has written on the question — perilous to any writer in the early days of the history of this Province — of equal civil and religious rights for the people of Upper Canada, will be impressed with the fact that he had thoroughly mastered the great principles of civil and religious liberty, and expounded them not only with courage, but with clearness and force. His papers on the clergy reserve question, and the rights of the Canadian Parliament in the matter, were statesmanlike and exhaustive. His exposition of a proposed system of education for his native country was both philosophical and eminently practical. As a Christian Minister, he was possessed of rare gifts, both in the pulpit and on the platform j while his warm sympathies and his deep religious experience, made him not only a " son of consolation," but a beloved and welcome visitor in the homes of the sorrowing and the afflicted. Among his brethren he exercised great personal influence ; and in the counsels of the Conference he occupied a trusted and foremost place. Thus we see that Dr. Ryerson's character was a many-sided one ; while his talents were remarkably versatile. He was an PREFACE. xm able writer on public afifairs ; a noted Wesleyan Minister, and a successful and skilful leader among his brethren. But his fame in the future will mainly rest upon the fact that he was a dis- tinguished Canadian Educationist, aud the Founder of a great system of Public Education for Uppyr Canada. What makes this widely conceded excellence in hid case the more marked, was the fact that the soil on which hi had to labour was unprepared, and the social condition of the country was unpropitious. English ideas of schools for the poor, supported by subscriptions and voluntary offerings, prevailed in Upper Canada ; free schools were unknown ; the very principle on which they rest — that is, that the rateable property of the country is responsible for the education of the youth of the land — was denounced as commun- istic, and an invasion of the rights of property ; while " compul- sory education" — the proper and necessary complement of free schools — was equally denounced as the essence of "Prussian despotism," and an impertinent and unjustifiable interference with '•' the rights of British subjects." It was a reasonable boast at the time that only systems of popular education, based upon the principle of free schools, were possible in the republican American States, where the wide diffusion of education was regarded as a prime necessity for the stability and success of republican institutions, and, therefore, was fostered with unceasing care. It was the theme on which the popular orator loved to dilate to a people on whose sympa- thies with the subject he could always confidently reckon. The practical mind of Dr. Kyerson, however, at once saw that the American idea of free schools was the true one. He moreover perceived that by giving his countrymen facilities for freely discussing the question among the ratepayers once a year, they would educate themselves into the idea, without any interference from the State. These facilities were provided in 1850 ; and for twenty-one years the question of free-schools versus rate-bill schools (fees, &c.) was discussed every January in from 3,000 to 5,000 school sections, until free schools became voluntarily the rule, and rate-bill schools the exception. In 1871, by com- mon consent, the free school principle was incorporated into our school system by the Legislature, and has ever since been the universal practice. In the adoption of this principle, and in the jcir PREFACE. successful administration of the Education Department, Dr. Ryerson at length demonstrated that a popular (or, as it had been held in the United States, the democratic) system of public schools was admirably adapted to our monarchial institutions. In point of fact, leading American educationists have often pointed out that the Canadian system of public education was more efficient in all of its details and more practically successful in its results, than was the ordinary American school system in any one of the States of the Union. Thus it is that the fame of Dr. Eyerson as a successful founder of our educational system, rests upon a solid basis. What has been done by him will not be undone ; and the ground gone over by him will not require to be traversed again. In the " Stoky of my Life," not much has been said upon the subject with which Dr. Eyerson's name has been most associated. It was distinctively the period of his public life, and its record will be found in the official literature of his Department. The personal reminiscences left by him are scanty, and of themselves would present an utterly inadequate picture of his educational work. Such a history may one day be written as would do it justice, but I feel that in such a work as the present it is better not to attempt a task, the proper perform- ance of which would make demands upon the space and time at my disposal that could not be easily met. There was one ovle in which Dr. Eyerson pre-eminently excelled — that of a controversialist. "There was nothing spas- modic in his method of controversy, although there might be in the times and occasions of his indulging in it. He was a well- read man and an accurate thinker. His habit, when he medi- tated a descent upon a foe, was to thoroughly master the subject iu dispute ; to collect and arrange his materials, and then calmly and deliberately study the whole subject — especially the weak points in his adversary's case, and the strong points of his own. His haV)its of study in early life contributed to his after success in this matter. He was an indefatigable student ; and so thor- oughly did he in early life ground himself in English subjects — grammar, logic, rhetoric — and the classics, and that, too, under the most adverse circumstances, that, in his subsequent active career as a writer and controversialist, he evinced a power and readiness with his tongue and pen, that often astonished PREFACE. XV those who were unacquainted with the laborious thorou^ghness of his previous mental preparation. It was marvellous with what wonderful effect he used the material at hand. Like a skilful general defending a position — and his study was always to act on the defensive — he masked his batteries, and was careful not to exhaust his ammunition in the first encounter. He never offered battle without having a suffi- cient force in reserve to overwhelm his opponent. He never exposed a weak point, nor espoused a worthless cause. He always fought for great principles, which to him were sacred, and he defended them to the utmost of his ability, when they were attacked. In such cases, Dr. Kyerson was careful not to rush into print until he had fully mastered the subject in dispute. This statement may be questioned, and apparent examples to the contrary adduced ; but the writer knows better, for he knows the facts. In most cases Dr. Kyerson scented the battle from afar. Many a skirmish was improvised, and many a battle was privately fought out before the Chief advanced to repel an attack, or to fire the first shot in defence of his position. A word as to the character of this work. It may be objected that I have dealt largely with subjects of no practical interest now — with dead issues, and with controversies for great prin- ciples, which, although important, acrimonious, and spirited at the time, have long since lost their interest. Let such critics reflect that the " Story " of such a " Life " as that of Dr. Eyer- son cannot be told without a statement of the toils and difficulties which he encountered, and the triumphs which he achieved ? For this reason I have written as I have done, recounting them as briefly as the subjects would permit. In the preparation of this work I am indebted to the co- operation of my co-trustees the Eev. Dr. Potts and Eev. Dr. Nelles, whose long and intimate acquaintance with Dr. Eyerson (quite apart from their acknowledged ability) rendered their counsels of great value. And now my filial task is done, — imperfectly, very imperfectly. I admit. While engaged in the latter part of the work a deep I XVI PREFACE. dark shadow fell — suddenly fell — upon my peaceful, happy home. This great sorrow has almost paralyzed my energies, and has rendered it very difficult for me to concentrate my thoughts on the loving task which twelve months ago I had so cheerfully begun. Under these circumstances, I can but crave the indulgence of the readers of these memorial pages of my revered and honoured Friend, the Eev. Dr. Ryerson — the fore- most Canadian of his time. TOEONTO, 17th May, 1882. On the accompanying page, I give a fac-aimile of the well- known hand-writing of Dr. Eyerson, one of the many notes which I received from him. ^ /^^J V^ .^^^^.-^-n. /4^~ 4^ & :. \i ■'^'f „'^. •■" ^"lisSi ._ • -• — -.\ ESTIMATE OF THE REV. DR. RYERSON'S CHARACTER AND LABOURS. By the Rev. William Ormtston, D D., LL.D. New York, Oct. Ctli, 1882. My Dear Dr. Hodcins, — It affords me the .sincercst pleasure, tinged with sadne.ss, to record, at your request, the strong feelings of devoted personal affection which I long cherished for our mutual father and friend, Rev. Dr. Ryerson ; and the high estimate, which, during an intimacy of nearly forty years, I had been led to form of his lofty intellectual endowments, his great moral worth, and his pervading spiritual power. He was very dear to me while he lived, and now his memory is to mc a precious, peculiar treasure. In the autumn of 1843, 1 went to Victoria College, doubting much whether I was prepared to matriculate as a freshman. Though my attainments in some of the subjects prescribed for examination were far in advance of the requirements, in other subjects, I knew I was sadly deficient. On the evening of my arrival, while my mind was burdened with the importance of the step I had taken, and by no means free from anxiety about the issue. Dr. Ryerson, at that time Principal of the College, visited me in my room. I shall never forget that interview. He took me by the hand ; and few men could express as much by a mere hand-shake as he. It was a welcome, an encourage- ment, an inspiration, and an earnest of future fellowship and friendship. It lessened the timid awe I naturally felt towards one in such an elevated position, — I had never before seen a Principal of a College, — it dissipated all boyish awkwardness, and awakened filial confidence. He spoke of Scotland, my native land, and of her noble sons, distinguished in eveiy branch of philosophy and literature ; specially of the number, the diligence, the frugality, self-denial, and success of her college students. In this way, he soon led me to tell him of my parentage, past life and efforts, present hopes and aspirations. His manner was so gracious and patei-nal — his sympathy so quick and genuine — his counsel so ready and cheering — his assurances so grateful and inspiriting, that not only was my heart his from that hour, but my future career seemed brighter and more cer- tain than it had ever appeared before. IS ESTIMATE OF THE REV. DR. RYERSON'S Many times in after years, have I been instructed, anil guided, and dollghted with his conversation, always replete with interest and inl!onnation ; but that first interview I can never forget : it is as i'resh and clear to mo to-day as it was on the morning after it took place. It has exerted a profound, enduring, moulding influence on my whole life. For what, under God, I am, and have been enabled to acliieve, I owe more to that noble, unselfish, kind-hearted man than to any one else. Dr. llyerson was, at that time, in the prime of a magnificent manhood. His well-developed, finely-proportioned, firmly-knit frame ; his broad, lofty brow ; his keen, penetrating eye, and his genial, benignant face, all proclaimed him every inch a man. His mental powers vigorous and well-disciplined, his attain- ments in literature varied and extensive, his experience extended and diversified, his fame as a preacher of great pathos and power widely-spread, his claims as a doughty, dauntless cham- pion of the rights of the people to civil and religious liberty generally acknowledged, his powers of expression marvellous in readiness, richness, and beauty, his manners affable and winning, his presence magnetic and impressive,— lie stood in the eye of the youthful, ardent, aspiring student, a tower of strength, a centre of healthy, helpful influences — a man to be admired and honoured, loved and feared, imitated and followed. And I may add that frequent intercourse for nearly forty years, and close ofHcial relations for more than ten, only deepened and confirmed the impressions first made. A more familiar acquaintance with his domestic, social, and religious life, a more thorough know- ledge of his mind and heart, constantly increased my apprecia- tion of his worth, my esteem for his character, and my afi'ection for his person. Not a few misunderstood, undervalued, or misrepresented his public conduct, but it will be found that those who knew him best, loved him most, and that many who were constrained to differ from him, in his management of public affairs, did full justice to the purity and generosity of his motives, to the nobility, loftiness, and ultimate success of his aims, and to the disinterestedness and value of his varied and manifold labours for the country, and for the Church of Christ. As a teacher, he was earnest and efficient, eloquent and inspiring, but he expected and exacted rather too much work from the average student. His own ready and afliuent mind sympathized keenly with the apt, bright scholar, to whom his praise was warmly given, but he scarcely made sufficient allowance for the dullness or lack of previous preparation which failed to keep pace with him in his long and rapid strides ; hence his censures were occasionally severe. His methods of CnAItACTER AND LAPOUIiS. 10 cxamlnntion furnished tho very best kind of mental discipline, fitted alike to cultivate tho memory and to strengthen tho judg- ment. All tho students revered him, but the best of tho class appreciated him most. His counsels were faithful and judicious; his admonitions paternal and discriminating; his rebukes seldom administered, but scathingly severe. No student ever left his presence, without resolving to do better, to aim higher, and to win his approval. His acceptance of tho ofEco of Chief Superintendent of Education, while ofli'ering to him the sphere of his life's work, and giving to the country the very service it needed — the man for the place — was a severe trial to the still struggling College, and a bitter disappointment to .some young, ambitious hearts. Into this new arena he entered with a resolute determination to succeed, and he spared no pains, effort, or sacrifice to fit him- self thoroughly for the onerous duties of the office to which he had been appointed. Of its nature, importance, and far-reaching results, ho had a distinct, vivid perception, and clearly realized and fully felt the responsibilities it imposed. He steadfastly prosecuted his work with a firm, inflexible will, unrelaxing tenacity of purpose, ,an amazing fertility of expedient, an exhaustless amount of information, a most wonderlul skill' in adaptation, a matchless ability in unfolding and vindicating his plans, a rare adroitness in meeting and removing difGculties — great moderation in success, and indomitable perseverance under discouragement, calm patience when misapprehended, unflinching courage when opposed, — until he achieved the con- summation of his wishes, tho establishment of a system of public education second to none in its efficiency and adaptation to the condition and circumstances of the people. The sy.stem is a noble monument to the singleness of purpose, the unwaver- ing devotion, the tireless energy, tho eminent ability, and the administrative powers of Dr. Ryerson, and it will render his name a familiar word for many generations in Canadian schools and homes ; and place him high in the list of the great men of other lands, distinguished in the same field of labour. His entire administration of the Department of Public Instruction was patient and prudent, vigorous and vigilant, sagacious and successful. He repeatedly visited Europe, not for mere recreation or personal advantage, but for tho advancement of tho interests of religion and education in the Province. During these tours, there were opened to him the most extended fields of observation and enquiry, from which he gathered ample stores of informa- tion which he speedily rendered available for the perfecting, as far as practicable, the entire system of Public Instruction. 20 ESTIMATE OF THE REV. DR. RYEIiSON'S A prominent figure in Canadian history for three score years, actively and ceaselessly engaged in almost every department of patriotic and philanthropic, Christian and literary, enterprise, Dr. Ryerson was a strong tower in support or defence of every good cause, and no such cause failed to secure the powerful aid of his advocacy by voice and pen. His was truly a catholic and charitable spirit. Nothing human was alien to him. A friend of all good men, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all, even of those whose opinions or policy on public questions he felt constrained to refute or oppose. He commanded the respect, and secured the friendship of men of every rank, and creed, and party. None could better appreciate his ability and magn.-.- nimity than those who encountered him as an opponent, or were compelled to acknowledge him as victor. His convictions were strong, his principles firm, his purposes resolute, and he could, and did maintain them, with chivalrous daring, against any and every assault. In the heat of controversy, while repelling unworthy insinua- tions, his indignation was sometimes roused, and his language not unfrequently was fervid, and forcible, and scathingly severe, but seldom, if ever, personally rancorous or bitter. When violently or vilely assailed his sensitive nature keenly felt the wound, but though he carried many a scar, he bore no malice. His intellectual poivers, of a high order, admirably balanced, and invigorated by long and severe discipline, found their expression in word and work, by pulpit, press, and platform, in the achievements of self-denying, indefatigable industry, and in wise and lofty statesmanship. His 'moral nature was elevated and pure. He was generous, sympathetic, benevolent, faithful, trusting, and trustworthy. He rejoiced sincerely in the weal, and deeply felt the woe's of others, and his ready hand obeyed the dictates of his loving, liberal heart, llis religious life was marked by humility, consistency, and cheerfulness. The simplicity of his faith in advanced life was childlike, and sublime. His trust in God never fa.ltered, and, at the end of his course, his hopes of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, were radiant and triumphant. Dr. Ryerson was truly a great man, endowed with grand qualities of nun] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 33 un to )lo, liiit llll- lor- Ind lose lec- V<1 of t)US cult, nnt'ri»Miifd a liriurr contidcnt*! in the hli!H8cd promisi'H of the Oo»|H'1. I have eiiioyed sweet intercourse with my Saviour, my houI resting? on Iiis divine wonl, with a prayerful aenuieHceiue in liiH diMpinHatiouH. I'lUt ahis! what evil have I done, how much time have 1 lost, how many idle words iiave 1 Hpokeii; liow Hlmuld these considerations lead me to watch my tiioU),'hts, to hnsl)anil mv time with jutlnnient, and pivcrn my toni^ue as witli a liridlel Oh, Lord Idesa nio und prosper me in all my ways and labours, and keep me to thyself ! /1m/. IHtk. — The Lord has ahundantly blessed me this day both in my spiritual and classical pursuits. 1 iiave be(!n able to i)ursue my studies with facility, and have felt his Holy Spirit ;,'raciously enliK'htenin^ my mind, showing me the necessity of separating myself from the world, and being given up entirely to his service. AiKj. 15)ii no object do I cast my eyes without observing an att'ecting instance of a bene- volent and overruling power; and, while in mental contemplations mv mind is absorbed, my admiration rises still higher to the exalted purposes and designs of Almighty God. I behold in the soul noble faculties, superior l)ower8 of imagination, and capacious desires, unfilled by anything terrestrial, and wishes unsatisfied by the widest grasp of human amliition. What is tills but immortality ? Oh, that niy soul may feed on food immortal! Another week is gone, etenially gone! What account can I give to my Almighty Judge for my conduct and opportunities I Has my imitrovement kept pace with the panting steeds of unretarded time ? Must I give an account of every idle word, thought, and deed ? Oh, merciful God! if the most righteous, devoted, and holy scarcely are saved, where shall I a])pear / Hov/ do my vain thoughts, and unprofitable conversation, swell lieaven'a register 1 Where is my watchfulness I Where are my humility, purity, mid hatred of sin ■? Where is my zeal f Alas! alaa! they are things unpractised, unfelt, almost unknown to me. How little do I share in the toils, the labours, or the sorrows of the righteous, and consequently how little do I participate in their confidence, theirjoya, their heavenly prospects? Oh, may these awful considerations drive me closer to (Jod, and incite to a more diligent improvement oi" my precious time, so that I may b(;ar the mark of a real follower of (Jhrist ! Aw). 22nd — Sabbath. — When T arose this morning I endeavoured to dedi- cate myself afresh to God in prayer, with a full determination to improve the day to his glory, and to spend it in his service. Accordingly, I spent the morning in prayer, reading, and meditation ; but when I came to mingle with the worldly-minded, my devotions and meditations were dampened and distracted, my thoughts unprofitable and vain. I attended a Methodist Class-meeting where I felt myself forcibly convinced of my shortcomings. Sure I am that unless I am more vigilant, zealous, and watchful, I shall never reach the Paradise of God. I must be willing to bear reproach for Christ's sake, confess him before men, or I never can be owned by him in the presence of his Father, and the holy angels. 3 u Tin: Nt'iifcv or my i in.', |('llAI>. II. ^l^'^■^•il^\l iJixl' ToiMi^ \\\f\\ 1 "IdMilil Idult't in^ i»v tnv 1ii"t\i'titv In1ii>illiiii''i< I'ov i\ \\-.\\\'i\\'\\\ fill lUM nl iui>mi'\\liu\ |i>v , mill (l\i< cnijil^ niimil n| wmMlv I'lriwwu": " llil)' n\i> (i> «i\(rti mill I'liiVi \\m\ on tlivii'll (ily. A-omiiiil (( I Miv IviHl iii'trnr» 1 tll'dl I'lMKVi'V llli' " Am. 9;V>f. \ li!\\i- \n'i'u nlin«ilm>ll\ |hiih|iiii'iI in »iiv fllnilli'>« In iliiyi otnl l\rtvi' Vct'W i'(\t\Miil to n\iu»lnin mv unlwuil iMihlmintH in tn\ innilnil Hid nil**' l\»v ow w iiid'ivil, |i ili|nivt> mv«rll ullln' liinlunl Ii|i«im|iii<«) i\\\\\ i«\i»li.'\l l\l^^\l^^^«•^ Oio Alu\i!l\(\ l\iH 111 lii'idiw. (Hi, l.r.iill iii||) nn- l\<-ur>'liMi1» 1(1 h:< \\ i>Ai> nnio ^l|li^ i\lioii IMiM I ln> Miilit'i mill wiilili niiln .it(i,\ 9<''t riniutiih (ho n»i'>\'\ o(
  • il I Imvo Ih'ok I'liniili'd in ii unml doij\>'o (o ovoiA'iMuo inv l^^>«^>l^n^>l\l^, mii\ limo tliln iln\ niniiitniin'il tnmi' cini si'slonv'X n\ i'ou\<'i-;\liiM\ mill iKiiiln V Mlill I Ici'l Inn inmlt ilih'tiril l>v lln' r«>,u >••! n\rtn, i\nii \\\\\^\ (no iMdoinU ln\ (ln> l\nnnin^ nl (ln' wmld IMiirilnl *ioi\' );\\o \\>>' n\vM-«' jO'H.'o, vw'iilnm. m\il hIivhijIIi, (lii\l 1 nun (iiiini|iliinilly ow'WiMno ni\«l t\>»'npi' in linwi-w i\l ln^i ' I !«l\i«U (\\\\«1h1\o 1\\-<( iMinK nl (111- (),'nv!;ii'>« In ilnv. « llii'll ii^ llin flcvi'tlllt dsvx «n\io \ 1 nnu\yi\>>«. ;\nii 1 loi'l n\ni h oncnnnii^i'il l\|y Ifdmiii !•» \\n\t<>\n\ rtnd ('nn'>(;u\(, (\>i\n 1l\i' «li\\> n nl dm (ill nnii I'lovi'ii iti niijlil. I )irt\\' \\\^\ n n\^^n\^"\l1 (o (d;u nn il\i' (Into. .<«<}, S.'N'^> Th»Mv id \>n(l\\ng liKo implicH {\\\n\ in Ilio Alininlily Inr ntiflifil rtn«v, ]M>ihV'1iiM\, und rtoxnvivn.o! Mi» ]y\M di-Aiionwiidnnn mid di'idiMi','4 willt n\o Kv»\\M\\it \\w \\\\M mixiiicinn j;\ilni'«i«. \\\\\\\ (ho loiui nl o\on wntil (lull I'lml 'riilly U'^s^-ios \\\ nnd i»«oK'» :\\'\\'\ h\n\. Tlh' (nilh nl (Iub, Ido^JMod ho ( Jnd, I llil\t> \n ^Niwo \ni^«!>\\(v o\pov\on.'od (nd.u. Ilolp nio. (> l.nrd. wi(h inoionpin^ j;:\'rtiV t\> rtti.nw h(»U nvv^W' »nhl\n\o otvjnv nioni'* und (iinin|>limil |nnH|toolMl An;'} \?(v/^, \ tvol A ^\\''\\\\\^ \nd\(l"t>M\ot> 111 Mnvhllv |>loi\t>moii. mul iiioioiiB- \nj; hn<' m Vv^d. ^^ h^^l^no»^>. :\nd l\o,>\on. Mnliio onnlidoino in i» Mn|>crih- to\\d\Uj; r\\n\und:u( nl ovon lln' di'^inn^nlulo \> idinv, Anvilh il woio MMv Xsjnvn-snt . h«>\v stnkin^ilv (his ^^hnwod (n n\o (ho inl\iuil,ii;oi« nl' a |',nnd ^^h^^J\t'o^n i«x>«l (.\vlMd ll\i\t I sl>n\\hl \dlo iwvay niv |.;iddon inmnonlH. Ilolp me 10 cUvMso tho hottov |vu(, iinvl h>Minn\' «!nd u\ all (hintjH I .\H;\ 5?S,',V rho Irthoui's ot' rtwndnv wooK avo ondod; dniinw it 1 havo x''t\1o\«>\ nutv'h of tho |M>s«onoo of iiod; snivly tho volition of Chrinl da/v.lon aU (ho inasiUUi.vnoo of human s;lovy; woiv 1 only (o nip.ard (ho hnpiiiiicMH of this li(«\ I wov.ld onibraoo Us vhi»u\nos. piao(ioo it^ laws, and o\oi( my iiilln- on»v for >ts cxtonsjon. <4«c. *2sV)i -v<.i,\\>f.V.- Tho hhssinox of (ho l.nid havo annndanlly aiir- I\^«n^ti\i ;«o this day, And my luwrt has hoon onhuyoil. Ak-i). J^VK In oUsorv\njj my ao(ion» and wonis (his hlo. Jind yo(. Mossod ho liod, Ium ^nndrofn to mo is ^^n^fns^.^ Holp mo to "..•.oh and jnuy thaf 1 outer nnl. into J«mpt<»tioTi. .Amj? Sljtfs — How many youths ar.innd mo do 1 soo trit'ins^ away (ho ^roi 'obI pan v-^t thoir timo. arid ^m^fanir.>; tl\oir Makor's namo / My .-^unl niMj,ri,:.ioH H;s namt^ that I h.^vo dooniislto Iv on t]\o Lonl's sido; how inajiy ovils liavo \ o*r*}x\i; how many blossing* ol^tainod; what praiso enjoyed, thron^li llio ir»?a;ea«?« of this religion. To God bo all tho glory ! li t/jiuc iiti llii- jiivii iif I'l'Hv; wjlli |iiirl'iii(i'l ii'Ntt VII- liili'iM n ( hiii ili'ni'ii|iiliii|i lliilii lii'MCi'K III Mttlli. I 'tiliiiiimliil liivi'i DdrnMixiiti'il (.nii' /• ' Aim! wliil)> In ili>i'|i hMiih <• liln ili-iilli wni|iM nil fiiilinc; wliil'< liin yi'l'li/i^^ liDMilli ii'ImIm |Im> lcni|ili> iKi'l nliiildn t-mlli'n ili«>(i r'uMi'lnli'ifix; ffiny my ii>ili>i>iii)>il III 111 I ill iiili'ttl (II I ill Ml' limn III! f dill Till d'liic (il'ilt ; KM'I (if '''I tiy ll(i<» lijiiiiil liiiii|i|il I lii'iiM', mil V I iiicihI iiiy iniii- IhwiuiIm my Imm v/rl / lulii'f ilnii''-' I i^iidfiiill V I'lii'ii' ii|illii' liiliiiiirn ()| III!" iliiy liy wfititij.; n itli'if I, '-Niiiy hi llii'iMi' nil HiiiiH' ii'liijiniiM iiiilijiil III iliilii(i| lliiH I lifiV(< Iw'i (ilrji'i Ik in vi'i»/ (li(> iin|iiiivi'ini>iil. Ill my mhihI imhI lunil Ami wlml c'liild li(< ffi'if«ifi|i|ir'((fri/(Ni Until III i'|iiHi> llii« iImv liy nllii Hull ii(i'>fi HikI, (kkI Iimivii, iki'I hrn'-, nn'l hli'iiiil V I Nil |ii iviili' i'm|iliivm' III, I'T' i(il lliiil 'if (iriiv<-f , Im .•!■ t rmiii'l in'if' |l|l'MMill(l Mllll |l|li|illlllll' lllllll lllin V'llllll III III'- Hlll\ ♦iffi" (if 111'- III'' tllrti, iiiiw it, »M wi'll MM if IIimI wlii' Ii (11 ('I ''iiiK- V'liillifiil (li'-ly ii lli'- jj'-rm '»f liiiK liiiiiinii', iiiwliil |iiirii|iMilv, hihI I'Vir liiilid^j M'-^imi 'ln<-w (Ino 'I/17 'if liiiinli|i>, ili'Viiliniiiil |iiilvlii V'lMlIt will (I'l'l (fi'if- (.0 'iiir liH(i|»i(i'-«m nf, lli'- lnil, t'liil iif till' lliiHi II yi'iii iif ii|iiinliiii'(! iiml liiimilliili'ifi in 'il'l «(/'• I hny*- fi'i iiili'iiliiiii III i-nlii in^ ill" miiiiili y, iHi'l yt I I'l'l'-r f-lij^i'imi I'ljii' b T'i 'Iny I Im vi> ili'i'ii'ii llii iilnmiiiiiil 'if 'iiir li'ii'l, nii'l liiiV" will'-n n f'-w l,li'iii;^Mn •111 II. ('v'/if '/nil lm|ili'il liihil in 11 I'liiii-iinl'ii'linij I'civi'l'ri"' in n niii-^iitii*. niiiit'C)* iif I'litnfiiil iinil Miiii|i'iil In rm- Hofil. Ill'/ i villi" II ill. Ili>l|i mi' Hiill, ih'imI, m'-c ilnl U'l'l' iv'jil. '\lh In III" I'liiiiHi' 'if IIk' (iiinl W'''l< I liiiv" M(|i"ri<'n''''l ynrl'inn f'-'-I |n|;D, i>n|ii>i'iiil|y Willi ii'M|ii'i|, In llii' 'Iciilini^^ 'if l>ivin<' I'f ivi'l'-n'.*' '*ii,lirn''; lull ill nil i liiivi' liinl lliiM riiimnlitfiiin, lliiil. wlnif* lllllll III' lllllll'," If in my ilnly I'l [ii'il'iim im'l 'ili'-y. ,^' jil. tilli. 'I'liiH mninini; ! nlliii'l'il ' line li nn'l li"(ir'l n nfrin'iu uu K/.'^ki'-l xviii. y'/. Winn wi' ''iiiMiili'i llin iniji'iiliin"' nf r'pi'ntun''-, if-< 'oriri'-'fi'iTi Willi nmi'li'iiinl li(iii|iini'M«, miri'ly fiviTy fc'lin^j licrtrf.iin'l mininf/Tn "wp'-'iHlly, rIkiiiIiI I'xliiliif Willi Iminiii^'; /''ul fho cinfliti'inn of Nnlviifinn, ffm niuvi'ry of vi'o. Ilii' lii'iniiii'4iii'Hn III «in, III" vnnify 'if lnim/in I'I'iry, »ifi'l t,li»( ini' ■ibiiuty oflilo. ,".',/!/. (1//1, Winn I Ini'l iiMi'lc my itii'lii-H l.'i romrnif rny »■'/' nint; tli'in^/fit* In |iii|ii'i-, my miiiil wiiiiili|i'l nn viiii'iiih milijnct.M, iinfil mil' li Uiii<: w;m Ui-tt ; I'l" liiHf nnfiilnl" ii(.i;iiiiiHl llii^ in, nut In (iii(, off U, thu ui-xi tiihriii'iit wfiah iJiti '■'.•- ''iiii' ill fliiH W" hIi'iiiI'I Ihi (irtn iiri'l 'l»' i'h'l in «|| our pnrfinif,^, an'l wliali'ViT (iiir miniin " liii'l fn ij'i, 'In it, witli fill 'dir rnit^ht." (V'71/. yili. Till' mntiKil <|i'|ii ti'l'Ti'd 'if fn'f' '/•mcnfn wo'.ir't.y, uri'l t.h'^ir piii'iiil inli'iT'iiiiKi- ('nniiniirii''(ili"< pl'dmir''. ff w, «r'', '■(iH'-'l U, <-n'lnr'', thf-, [iiiiiiH mill iiiriiiivnnimi'CB of povMt.y, poKWUHini/ this w, f'(r$(»'t, nil; nii'l in Hif. |ilruMiiMt. wiilkn of wciilfli, I , fo I'vry (■l''K«fi'A', fi ':fiHrrn. Fri'Ti'Uhip iiiMiiriuli'iJ wifli rrli(;inii, fJi'VatoH (ill t.lni t.icH of (Jfiri«fi»in lov»j and rnrjt.oal ]ll(t'>Ji>\v, of Uw lift) tii.'t nov ill, ari'l of tliut, wlii';li )« U> cmc," , Sqit. I'ilh.-i h<';\vi\ n ira ticiil Kcrmon on making f/nr " ca]|inj( anrl *If,/i- fioii ^"iro," '.vbicii cl'iHcd ,vi»,h Micic wor'U, " f f»; that rallftth upon t.hft narrn* oftl'n Lord 'i'miI' 111! yjivM: I felt '■.'imliinri'-'i on (wxoiint of rny ticyhv^'-.TifAf and rcHt'l' 'i, fi ,' H.xI'h In-lp, to gain vi';t'*ry ov(;r rny U-.nili-.Ticj to iniyvij- Bi8tenci';8 of lil< -i 1 c'-'idiict. 36 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. II. Sept. lilh. — I observe men embarked on the stream of time, and carried forward with irresistible force to that universal port which shall receive the whole human family. Amon<,'st this passing crowd, how few are there who reflect upon the design and end of their voyage; surfeited with pleasure, , involved in life'i4 busy concerns, the future, with its awful realities, is lorgotten and time, not eternity, is placed in the foreground. Sept. I5th. — In a letter to my brother George, to-day, I said: — It would be superfluous for me to tell you that the letter I received from you gave me unspeakable pleasure. Your fears with respect to my injuring my health are groundless, for I must confess I don't possess half t' ;.i, application and burning zeal in tliese all-important pursuits that I ought io have. For who can estimate the value of a liberal education ? Who can suHiciently prize that in which all the powers of the human mind aan expand to their utmost and astonishing extent ? What industry can outstretch the worth of that knowledge, by which we can travel back to the remotest ages, and live the lives of all anti([uity ? Nay, who can set bounds to the value of those attain- ments, by which we can, as it Avere, fly from world to world, and gaze on all the glories of creation; by which we can glide down the f . am of time, and penetrate the unorganized regions of uncreated futurity ( My heart burns while I write. Although literature presents the hig'i' ' ol , -t. o'l unibition to the most refined mind, yet I consider health, iu MCiipari on with otL-ir temporal enjoyments, the most bountiful, and higher *; :ift of heaven. I have read three books of the Georgics, and three odes of Horace, bv t this last week I have read scarcely any, as I have had a great deal of company, and there has been no school. But I commence again to-day with all mv might. The Attorney-General stops at Mr. Aikman's during Court. I fi id him very agreeable. He conversed with me more than an hour lust nij'\t, iu the most sociable, open manner possible. Sept. IGth. — There is nothing of greater importance than to co .lii-'.'icc early to form our characters and regulate our conduct. Observatic n daily proves that man's condition in this world is generally the result of his own conduct. When we come to maturity, we perceive there is a right and a wrong in the actions of men; many who possess the same hereditary advan- tages, are not equally prosperous in life; some by virtuous conduct rise to respectability, honour, and happiness; while others by mean and v^''^""s actions, forfeit the advantages of their birth, and sink into ignom-n^^^ a b' disgrace. How necessary that in early life useful habits should be fovu,(,-(l, and turbulent passions restrained, so that when manhood and old p cor'C, the mind be not enervated by the follies and vices of youth, but Urii^or od and strengthened by the Divine Being, be enabled to say, "O Goti, tui. ^ > \t t taught me from my youth, and now when lam old and grey-b'>adeu, 'j ji, thou wilt not forsake me ! " Sept, 21s^ — I have just parted with an old and faithful friend, who has left for another kingdom. How often has he kindly reproved me, anl how oft have we gone to the house of God together! We may never meet again on earth, but what a mercy to have a good hope of meeting in the better land! Sept. 23rd. — When I reflect on the millions of the human family who know nothing of Christ, my soul feels intensely for their deliverance. What a vast uncultivated held in my own country for ministers to employ their whole time and talents in exalting a crucified Saviour. Has God designed this sacred task forme] If it be Thy will, may all obstacles be revioved. my heart be sanctified and my hands made pure. Sept. 26th. — I liave been much oppressed with a man-fearin/ 'o>.-;., ; u" what have 1 to fear if God be for me / Oh, Lord cnabio me to beco . 's a boL^ witness for Jesus Christ ! Sept. 28th. — In all the various walkf. of V.ie, I find oL.''tiuction8 and 1824-2r)] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 37 aa w .8t le lis id labours, surrounded with foes, powerful as well as subtle; although I have all the ijroinises of the Go&pel to comfort and support me, yet find exertion on my own part absolutely necessary* When heaven proclaims victory, it is only that which succeeds labour. 1 consider it a divine re([uisition that my whole course of conduct, both in political and social life, should be governed by the infallible precepts of revelation ; hypocrisy is inexcusable, even in the most trifling circumstances. Sept. 2\)th. — I find dilliculties to overcome in my literary pursuits, I had jiever anticipated ; and it is only by the most indefatigable labour I can succeed. I am much oppressed by the labours of this day. I need Divine aid in this as well as in spiritual pursuits. Sept. '60th. — I have been enabled to study with considerable facility. Prayer I find the most profitable employment, practice the best instructor, and thanksgiving the sweetest recreation. May this be my experience every day 1 October, 2nd. — I am another wsek nearer my eternal destiny ! Am I nearer heaven, and better prepared for death than at its commencement 1 Do I view sin with greater abhorence '? Are my views of the Deity more enlarged ? Is it my meat and drink to do his holy will 1 Oh, my God, how much othev- wisel From the 3rd to the 9th Oct. — During this period the afflicting hand of God has been upon me ; thank God, when distressed with bodily pain, I have felt a firm assurimce of Divine favour, so that all fear of death has been taken away. My souf is too unholy to meet a holy God, and mingle with the society of the blest. Oh, God, save me Xrom the deceitfulness of my own heart ! Oct. lOth. Sabbath. — I am rapidly recovering healtk and strength. The Lord is my refuge and comfort. Surrounded by temptations, the applause of men is often too fascinating, and my treacherous heart dresses things in false colours. But, bless God, in his goodness and mercy he recalls my wandering steps, and invites me to dwell in safety under the shadow of hia wing. Oct. llth. — No graces are of more importance than patience and persever- ance. They give consistency and dignity to character. We may possess the most sparkling talents and the most interesting qualities, but without these giaces, the former lose their lustre, and the latter their charms. In religion their influence is more important, as they form the character, by enabling us to surmount difficulties and remove obstacles, I am far from thinking ti.ein constitutional virtues, with a little additional cultivation, but I consider them the gift of heaven, less common than is generally imagined, though sometimes faintly counterfeited. They differ from natural or moral excel- lence in this being the proper and consistent exercise of those virtues. Oct. I2th. — It is two weeks to-day since I first wrote home. A week ago I received a kind letter from my brother George, but was too ill with fever to read it, or to write in reply until to-day. I said : " I feel truly thankful to you for the tender conceri. and warm interest which you express in youi letter. Tell my dear Mother that I share with her her aftlictions, and that I am daily more forcibly convinced that every eartiily comfort and advantage is transient and unsatisfactory, that tliis is not our home, but that our high- est happiness amidst these fluctuating scenes, is to insure the favour and pro- tection of him who alone can raise us above alHictions and calamities." November 2Qlh. — More tlian u month has elapsed since I recorded my religious feelings and enjoyments on pap»r. During this period, I have sometimes realized all the pleasures of health ; at other times, borne down with pain and sickness, the sjjirit would be cast down. At such seasons ol depression, religion would come in as my only comfort, and with the ^H«.«jJjWgJ«gg'! i MEa M'l^a^ 88 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. II. Psalmist I would exclaim, " Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him Mho is the light of my countenance, and my God," Thus I find from blessed experience, that in every state and condition, union and intercourse with God brings tine peace, joy, trust, and praise. If there be any honour, here it is. If there be any wealth, this is it. " I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Lord, give me more of the mind of Christ I Nov. 25th. — In entering on the field of life, I find my mind much per- plexed witli the variety of objects presented to my view. The comforts and tranquility of domestic happiness attract my attention, and excite warm de- sires in my heart. Am i not to taste the pleasures Miiich two hearts reciprocally united in one, mutually communicate ? or must I give up the home of domestic enjoyment to the calls of duty, and the salvation of men t Has heaven designed that I should spend my days in seeking the lost sheep of the House of Israel ? May divine wisdom direct me, and suffer me not to fallow the dictates of my own will 1 Nov. 2&h. — By taking a retrospective view of what is past, we learn to ■ .'K nioie wisely in the time to come. The cool dictates of reason, assisted by ; Mnward monitor, conscience, placed within the breast of every individual, strongly condemns every deviation from propriety, justice, or morality. By mingling with society we learn human nature, and the scenes of public resort afford ua a field for useful observation, yet retirement is the place to acquire the most important knowledge — the knowledge of ourselves. ■ What would it avail us to dive into the mysteries of science, or entertain the world with new discoveries, to acquaint ourselves with the principles of morality, or learn tiie whole catalogue of Christian doctrines, if we are unacquainted with our own hearts, and strangers to the business of self-government 1 Febmary 12lh, 1825. — During the long period since I last penned my religious meditations, my feelings, hopes, and prospects have been extremely varied. While I was promisir;]; myself health and many temporal pleasures, God saw fit to show me the uncertainty of earthly things, and the necessity and wisdom of submission to his will, by the rod of affliction. During my sickness I have derived much pleasure and profit from the visits of pious friends, so that I have felt it is good to be afflicted,* Feb. 13iA. — I am resolved, by God's assisting grace, to keep the following resolutions : — (1) Endeavour ,to fix my first waking thoughts on God ; (2) By rising early to attend to my devotions, and reading the Scriptures ; (3) By praying oftenereach day, and maintaining a more devotional frame of mind ; (4) By being more circumspect in my conduct and conversation ; (5) By improving my time more diligently in reading useful books, and study ; (6) By watching over my thoughts, and keeping my desires within proper bounds ; (7) By examining myself more closely by the scripture rule; (8) By leaving myself and all that concerns me to God's disposal ; (9) By reviewing every evening the actions of the day, and especially every Sabbath, examining wherein I have come short, or have kept God s precepts. Feb. 16^/i.— I have lately been closely employed in reading Bishop Burnet's History of the Reformation. How sad to reflect on the cruelties that were tiien practised against the profesr-ors of true religion ! What a reason for thankfulness that the sway of papal authority can no longer infiict papal obligations on the consciences of men ! But after careful research into this liighly authentic history, I find but lew vestiges of that apostolic purity which churchmen so boastfully attribute to that memorable periOd of Chris- * In a previous and subsequent chapter Dr. Ryerson refers more particularly tc this illness (pp. 28, 39, and elsewhere). It was a turning point in bis life, and decided him to enter the ministry on his twenty-second birthday. — J. G. H. 182-1-25] TH£ STORY OF MY LIFE. 'Sd ia, however, to be made when ve consider int; out of the superstitious of popery. That tian history. Great allowance that tliey were just emergin doctrines, discipline, and ceremonies, cannot be established without tlie royal assent, even when they are approved botli by ecclesiastical and legis- lative authority, is a practice so dill'erent from anything that the Primitive Church authorizes, it seems to me to originate from ([uite a different source ; that a whole nation should be bound in their religious opinions by a single individual, savours so much of popery, I think it may properly be called its oil'spring. Pretentions to regal supremacy in church affairs were never made till a late period, although this interference of papal authority in matters entirely spiritual, does not annul any ecclesiastical power, or prove its doctrines to be corrupt, or its ordinations illegal. It may be justly ranked among the invasions of modern corruption. Feb. nth. — Since I drew up, four days since, several resolutions for amendment, I bless God I have reason to believe I have made some im- provement. I have pplied myself more closely to study, prayed ofteuer, and governed my thoughts with more rigour, blessings and IS my Feb. 2~th.— l am now emerging into life, surrounded by opportunities for usefulness and improvement ; but, alas ! where gratitude, my love to God, my zeal for his cause, and for the salvation ol those who are ignorant of the great truths of the Gospel ] If, God, thou hast designed this awfully important work for me, q ualify me for it ; increase and enlarge my desires for the salvation of immortal souls ! March 15th. — This day 1 Lave recommenced my studies with Mr. John Law, at Hamilton. How necessary that I should be very careful in my con- duct for the credit of religion and Methodism ! March 2Ath. — I have this day tinished twenty-two years of my life, I liave decided this day to travel in the Methodist Connexion and preach Jesus to the lost sous of men. Oh, the awiul importance of this work ! How utterly unfit I am for tiie undertaking ! How little wisdom, experi- ence, and, above all, grace do I possess for the labours of the ministry ! Blessed Jesus, fountain of wisdom, God of power, I give myself to thee, and to tlie Church, to do with me according to thy will. Instruct and sanctify me, that whether 1 live, it may be to the Lord, and when 1 die it may be to the Lord ! April 3rd. — Easier Stmday. — I this day commenced my ministerial labours. Bless the Lord, he has given me a heart to feel. He hears my piaytr. Oh, my soul, hang all thy hopes upon the Lord ! Forbid I should seek the praise of men, but may I seek their good and God's glory. In the morning I endeavoured to speak from Ps. cxxvi. 5, and in the even- ing from Acts ii. 24— a subject suitable for the day ; bless the Lord, I felt something of the power of my Saviour's resurrection resting on my soul, April 8th. — The Lord being my helper, my little knowledge and feeble talents shall be unreservedly devoted to his service. I do not yet regret giving up my worldly pursuits for the welfare of souls. I want Christ to be all in all. April 10th. — Sabbath. — I endeavoured this morning to show the abundant provisions, the efficacy, and the triumphs of the Gospel from Isaiali xxv. G, 7, 8, and in the atternoon I de-^cribed the righteous man and his end from Prov. xiv. 'S'2. I felt much of the presence of the Lord, and I do bleas tlie Lord he has converted one soul in this place to-day. 1 leel encouraged to go on. April 13th. — I have been depressed in spirit on account of having no abode for domestic retirement, and becoming exposed to all the besetiuenta of public life. April Ibth. — So bowed down with temptation to-day, I almost resolved to 40 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CnAP. II. return to my native place. But, in God's strength, I will try to do my best during the time I liave engaged to supply my brother William's place. April IGth. — In reading llollin's account of the con(juest of Babylon, I conceive more exalted ideas of the truth of the Word of God, whose predic- tions were so exactly fulfilled in the destruction of that city. April 17th. — Habhath. — My labours this day have been excessive, having delivered three discourses. In the morning my mind was dull and heavy, in the afternoon warm and pathetic, in the evening clear and fertile. 1 feel encouraged to continue on. April '2,'ird. — I feel nothing but condemnation in reviewing the actions of the past week. Would it not be better for me to return liome until I gain better government over myself. Oh, Lord, I throw myself upon thy mercy! "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me! Kestore unto me the joy of thy ailvation ! " April 2olh ayid 2Gth. — And thus I go on, depressed and refreshed ; almost discouraged because of the way, and then cheered by the kind and fatherly conversation of Rev. Thomas Madden. April 2dth, — In travelling to-day a tree fell across the road four or five rods before me, and another not far behind, but I escaped unhurt. My heart glowed with gratitude ; 1 felt that the Lord was indeed my protector. But whilst so narrowly escaping myself, two persons, a woman and her son, who were travelling a short distance behind me, were suddenly killed by the fall- 'ng o ;i tree, and thus in an instant hurried into eternity. Mi J iik. — I watched to-day a large concourse of people assembled to •wituess horse-racing. I stood at a distance that I might observe an illustra- titiu of human nature. Curiosity and excitement were depicted in every countenance. What is to becouie of this thoughtless multitude I Is there no mercy for them I Surely there is. Why will they not be saved I Because they will not come to Him. May 5th. — During the day 1 preached once, to a listening but wicked assembly. In the afternoon I heard my brother William. I was all'ected by the force of his reasoning, and the power of his eloquence. I hope the Lord will help me to imitate his piety and z^-al. May 7th. — A camp-meeting was commenced this afternoon on Yonge Street, near the town of York. Rev. Thomas Madden preached from, " Lord help me! " Every countenance indicated interest, and every heart appeared willing to receive the word. In the evening a pious, aged man spoke (Mr. D. Y.) His discourse was full of God. Several were converted and made very happy. May 8th, — The people rose at 5 a.m. After prayers and breakfast, there was a prayer meeting, during which God was especially present. At 8 a.m. I preached from Hosea xiii. 3. This was followed by two exhortations; then Rev. Rowley Heyland preached from, " Buy tlie truth, and sell it not." About two o'clock the people were again assembled to hear the Rev. James Richardson (formerly a lieutenant in the British Navy) from the words, " Be ye reconciled to God." His style was plain but unadorned, his reasoning clear, and his arguments forcible. The services concluded with the celebra- tion of the Lord's Supper. About three hundred comnmnicated, sixty-two professed to have obtained the pardon of their sins, and forty-two gave their nanxes as desirous of becoming members of the Methodist Society. After thi.s, a concluding address was delivered by the Rev. Wm. Ryerson, in which he gave particular directions to the Methodists as subjects under the civil con- stitution, as members of the Church of Christ, as parents, as children, as individuals. He animadverted on the groundless and disingenuous asper- sions that had been thrown out through the press against Methodism, on account of the suspected loyalty of its constitutional principles. He warmly U . 1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 41 iusisteil on a vigorous observance, support, and respect for the Civil Govern- ment, botli from tlie benelicence of its laws and the etiuity of its administra- tion, as well as from the authority of Uod, The concluding,' ceremony was the most affecting I over witnessed, especially in the airectiou which the people showed for their ministers. May 12th. — I have this day ridden nearly thirty miles, preached three times, and met two classes. I felt very much fatigued, yet the Lord has given me " strength equal to my day." May Idth. — I have been much blessed in the society of pious friends. A part of the week I felt very sick, but was greatly comforted by the conversa- tion and affectionate treatment of my kindest friend, Mrs. Smith. Since I commenced labouring for my Master 1 have found fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, all ready to supply my every want. May 2-ith. — A Camp-meeting commenced at Mount Pleasant. The jiresence of both Mississauga and Mohawk Indians added gri;atly to the interest of the meeting. Peter Jones addressed his people in their own tongue; although I did not understand, I wab much affected by his fervency and pathos. He spoke in English in a manner that astonished all present. Another Indian Chief addressed his brethren in th i Mohawk tongue. I could not understand a word of it, but was carried away with his patlios and energy. These Indians thai.ked the white people for sending them the Gospel. He said that upwards of sixty Indians had been converted, and could testify that God hact power to forgive sin. He, i. c, a young Chippewa said that the most earnest desire and player of the Christian Indiant. was that God would drive the horrid whiskey from their nation. It wi s t uly affecting to see this young man arise and testify in the presence of God and this hirge assemlily, that "he had the witness in his own soul, that God fo? Christ's sake had forgiven all his sins." The congregation was much moved, and prayers and praises were heard in every part of the assembly. At the close of the exercises, on the following day, tiie Mohawk Chief said, " Tliey considered that they belonged to the Methodist Church, as they had done all for them." May 2dth. — For many days I have been cast down by a weight of care. My Father is exceedingly anxious that I should return home, and remain with him during his lifetime. A position in the Church of England has pre- sented itself, and other advantageous attractions with regard to this world, offer themselves.* It makes my heart bleed to see the anxiety of my parents. But is it duty? If they were in want I would return to them without hesita- tion, but when I consider they have everything necessary, can it be my duty to gratify them at the expense of the cause of God i Surely if a man may leave father and mother to join himself to a wife, how much more reasonable ?o ieaye aW to join himself to the Chrislion ministry. My parents are dear to me, but my duty to God is dearer still. One thing do I desire, that I may live in the House of the Lord for ever ! And shall I leave a Church through whose faithful instructions I have been brought to know God, for any advantages that the entrance to another might aflord me J No, far be it from me ; as I received the Lord Jesus, so I will walk in him. Earthly distinctions wl». be but short ; but the favour of God will last forever. I'esides, is it a sacrifice to do my duty ? Is it not rather a cause of gratitude that I know mv duty, and am allowed to pi;rform it ? My heart is united with the Methodists, my soul is one with theirs ; my labours are acceptable, and they are anxious that I should continue with them. I believe in their Articles, I approve of their Constitution, and I believe them to be of the Clmrch of Christ. * Dr. Ryerson refers in another chapter to the overtures which were made to him at this time to enter the ministry of the Church of England.— J. G. H. 42 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. IL Salf.Jlf.ct, Miiy ?>Oth. — [Amongst Dr. Kycr.son's papers I find the two following letters. The first addressed from Saltfieet, on this day, to his brother George ; the second to his Mother on the following day. — J. G. H.] [To his brother, Rev. George Ryerson, he said : I suppose your first inquiry is to know my spiritual condition and prospects. As to my religious enjoyments, I think that I have reason to believe I am daily blessed with the divine presence to enlighten, to instruct, and to assist me in my researches and meditations, and in the other arduous duties I have to discharge. Never did I so sensibly feel tho importance of the work in which I am now engaged, as I have these few days past. I feel that I am altogether inadequate to it ; but God has in a very special manner, at different times, been my wisdom and strength. I do not feel sorry that I have commenced travelling as a preacher. I think I fuel more deeply the worth of souls at heart. I feel willing to spend my all, and be spent in the cause of God, if I may become the unworthy instrument in doing some good to the souls of men. The greatest assistance I receive in my public labours, is that which results from a firm dependence on God for light, life, and power. When I forget this I am visited with that barrenness of mind, and hardness of heart which are always the con>panions of those who live ax. a distance from God. In discharging every public duty, my prayer to God is, to renew my commission afresh, and give me wisdom and energy, and I do not find him slack concerning his promise. I am striving to pursue my studies with unabating ardour. My general practice is to retire at ten o'clock, or before4and rise at five. When I am travelling, I strive to con- verse no more than is necessary and useful, endeavouring at all times to keep in mind the remark of Dr. Clarke, that a preacher's whole business is to save souls, and that that preacher is the most useful who is the most in his closet. On my leisure days I read from ten to twenty verses of Greek a day, besides read- ing history, the Scriptures, and the best works on practical divinity, among which Chalmers' has decidedly the preference in my mind, both for piety and depth of thought. These tv/o last studies employ the greatest part of my time. My preaching is altogether original. I endeavour to collect as many ideas from every source as I can ; but I do not copy the expression of any one. For I do detest seeing blooming flowers in dead men's hands. I think it my duty, and I try to get a general know- ledge, and view of any subject that I discuss before-hand ; but not unfrequently I. have tried to preach with only a- few minutes previous reflection. Remember me to my dear Mother, and give her this letter to read, and tell her that I will write soon.] 1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 48 Salfjleet, May 31s<. — [To his Mother ho writes : My dear Mother, I am thankful to say that I am well, and am trying in a weak way to servo the Lord, and persuading as many others to do so as I can. I feel that I am almost destitute of every necessary qualification for so important a work. The Lord has blessed me in a very special manner at many different times. Our prospects are very favourable in some places. Our congre- gations are generally large, and still increasing. We have twenty- four appointments in four weeks. I have formed some very useful and pious acquaintances since I left home. The Lord seems to be with me, and renders my feeble etlorts acceptable in general. My acquaintance seems to be sought by all classes, and I try to improve such advantages in spreading, by my example and conversation, the blessed religion of Christ among all ranks. I have many temptations to contend with, and many trials to weigh me down at times. Some of these arise from a sense of the injustice which 1 have done to important subjects, on account of my ignorance, which drives me to a throne of grace, and a closer application to my studies. My situation is truly a state of trial, and none but God could support and direct me. And I do feel the comforting and refreshing influence of his divme power at times very sensibly. I am determined, by his assistance, never to rest contented until he not only becomes my wisdom, but my sanctitication, and my full redemption. And blessed be the Lord, my dear Mother, I do feel a hope, and a confidence that the same divine power and goodness which supports and comforts you in your ill state of health, and which gives you victory over your trials, and consolation in 3'our distress, will conduct me, too, through this stormy maze, and we shall yet have the blessedness of meeting at our Father's table in Heaven. And God being my helper, my dear Mother, when you have gone home to rest with God, I am determined to pursue the same path, which you have strewn with prayers, with tears, and living faith, until I reach the same blessed port. I hope that you will pray that the Lord would help and save me forever ! If I had no other inducement to serve God, and walk in the path of religion, but your comfoit, I would try and devote my life to it while I live ; but when Heaven's trans- cendant glory beams forth in prospective view, my soul burns to possess the kingdom, and my heart is enlarged for the salvation of others. I wish you would get George to write immediately, and let me know the state of your mind, and your opinion about my returning home, also his own opinion ou that subject. —J. G. H.] July 2nd. — This week has been a season of ti ial. I have left my Father's house once more, and arrived on my Circuit. 44 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. II July 3n? — Siihhdlh. — I Imve prcaclied twice to-day in Niacjara for tlic first time ; I'elt very embarrassed, but my trust was in Go*', and my prayer toHim for assistance. July 4th. — Tliia evenin|:» I have been distressed in mind on account of leaving,' my parents. My heart melts within me when I tliink of my Father's falteiinj,' voice, wlien lyin^? on his bed he said, " Good-bye, E^erton," and reached forth his treniblin<; hand, sayinf; by his countenance tliat he never expected to sec his sou a resident in his house again. He laid himself back in his bed in a)>parent despair, no more to enjoy the society of the child he loved. Oh, my God ! is it not too much for humanity? Nature sinks be- neath the wei},'nt. It is only God that can sustain. May I endure manfully to the end ! July ath and 7th. — I have been much interested in reading Dr. Coke's dis- courses, also Wesley's sermons on " The Kingdom of God." July dlh.—l have crossed the river to the United States to-day for the first time. The manners of tlie people are not pleasant to me. July loth — iSahbath. — The Lord has greatly blessed me this day. I have preached three times. My heart overflowed with love for immortal souls. Many wept, and God's people secTued stirred up to engage afresh in His ser- vice. In the evening, I preached to very a wicked congregation, from Matt, xvi. 24. My mind was clear, particularly in argument, but they seemed to be unaffected. July I4th. — I have been afllicted with illness, but the Lord has comforted me. Again had to mourn over light conversation, still I tliink I have giiined some victory. I am determined to watch and pray until I obtain a triumph over this trying besetment. July nth.—i felt so ill this morning that I could not attend my appoint- ment, but recovered so as to preach feebly in the afternoon. The Word seemed to rest with power on the people. July 21«<. — For several days I have been much interested in reading Fletcher's " Portrait of St. Paul." When I compare my actions and feelings with the standard there laid down, I blush on account of my ignorance in the duties and labours connected M'ith my calling. Did the ministers of the Gospel obtain and possess a deeper communion with God ? Did they cultivate primitive piety in their lives, and Gospel simplicity in their {reaching, surely the power of darkness could not stand before them ! low many learned discourses are entirely lost in the wisdom of words, whereas plain and simple sermons, delivered with power and demonstration of the Spirit, have been attended with astonishing success. July 27th. — I have been considerably agitated in my mind for the last two days, having lost my horse. The fatigue in searching for her has been con- siderable. Thank God she is found ! July 31sf — Sabbath. — Greatly blessed in attending a Quarterly meeting in Hamilton ; also in hearing an interesting account of the Indians receiving their presents at York. Peter Jones had written to Col. Givens to enquire just what time they must be there, stating that as many of them had become Christianized and industrious, they did not want to lose time. Tlie Colonel was surprised at the news, and replied, giving the necessary information. Peter Jones' letter was shown to Rev. Dr. Strachan and His Excellency the Governor. It excited great curiosity. When the Indians arrived, the Colonel had, as usual, brought liquor to treat them, but as Peter Jonis in- formed him the Christian Indians would not drink, he vt^y wisely said "the others should not have it either," and sent it back. Ho\' the Lord honours those who honour Him. Bev. Dr. Strachan and several ladies and gentlemen assembled to see the distribution of presents. The Christian Indians were requested to separate from the others, that they 182-1-2:)] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 4n misht read and eing. The company was much pleased, and Dr. Sttaclmn prayed with them. On the I'oUowinK SaMmtli, the Dr. visited the Credit settlement, and attended one ot the meetinf,'s which was addressed hy Peter Jones. Dr. Straclian proposed their coming under tlie superintendence o! the Cluirch of Enf,'land ; but after hohlin^' n council, they declined, decidiiio to remain under the direction of the Methodists. May tlie Lord gnaliy prosper his work amongst them, preserve them from every dtdusive snare, and may their hanpy souls be kept Idamelesii unto the day of .Ksiis (.'hrist ! Au(JiikI 1st. — This day I have been adtnitted into the Methodist (Con- nexion, licensed a Local Preaclier, and recommended to the Annual (Con- ference to bt received on trial. How awful the resjjonsibility ! How dread- ful my condition, if I violate my ciiarge or deal deceitfully with souls ! Oh, God assist me to declare Thy whole counsel ! and help me to instruct by example as well as precept. How swiftly am I gliding down time's rapid stream ! I am daily reminded of the uncertainty and shortness of life, I went to-day to visit a friend, and (as usual) smilingly came to the door, when behold ! all was mourning and sorrow ! An infant son had just taken its everlasting flight to the arms of Jesus. He was a tine boy, active an/•' A/V I.IFK. [ClIAl-. Ill (^^ho1mm\" oonlnininitj n Mkclch \A' ll\<> vImo ni\»l pio^mthm uI' llir ('lum'h oT l'",in',l«n\l \\\ {\\*">o |>vo\ inccN, inul nn «|i|h'mI oh liclmll oi 11\mI ('lu»rt'l» to lh(> IWili.sl\ ( lovniinirnl. ntnl rmlitmu'til. In st.'Uinjv ('w oKslnrloM whirh itniMMJod Iho pvoproMM of Hio ( 'Imrcli ol" Mn.oJMnd in I'pp'*'" l'uiit\(ln, llio incinornMo Anihor (tl' liit'iiMo tli^oomso t»H;\ok«'iMl»(* rliMiMclcv ol' Iho ti'lij^ioii i |iiMMnnMionft uoi «'o\M\orlt'il \\\i\\ (h«> ('lunch ol' iMiflnnd. oMpcriMlly llio Mo. they »liMliun«Ml to icivin ; nnil Wi'vo HprtMitlinj,!; ilisnlh'olion lo ihc oivil t\\\\\ r<'lik',ionM inslilttt ion.s oi' (Jicnl. pMitMin In (l>is HiMUion, nol ottly w.mm IhoslninM ol' {.ho Chnich 111' Musilawil ol!\in\oil as tho Mslal'li^hiMJ Chnrch ol" llio Minpnr. !>n«l ovohisivoly »M\tith'*l lo st>rv»'M. or onr.'ipvcnlh ol' \\\o i;»n«ls ol' I'ppov r!u\;»«l,M, hill nn nppcnl wms nitido lo lhi> hup.Mial (lOVtMnment. Mnd I'arlijononl for ii ;;rMnl. of .l';i()(), ()()() per !»ni»nni. (o onaMo \ho (.'hurch o\' V.WiAtywA in I'ppcr ('Mnndii. (o n>;\int,'»iiv tho loyally of l'pp»M- ('jn\(ulii (o I'lnf^limtl. And ihoso s(,'»t»Mnotits jvnd nppoils wimv nind(> Ivn yt'ins nflt'r (ho l'l^^s^M^f thow.'W of I vS I 'J |.Sir», hy Iho I 'Milod Sluios nj;Mins|, lUi(;un, >\ i(]( (ht>o\pn^ss viow «>f oonipuMitui^ 'ivnndu anil annoK- ii\i; it totho Tnitod vStalos ; and dnriiii; wliioh war holh Molho- ilist pixvMoluMs and pooph^ \vorooousitii'no\js for ihoir loyally and ^-.oal yu dofonoo o{ (ho ooin\(ry. riu' Mothodisis in WmU ^>\ow Toronto) ai thai tiino (IS'Jii) nnnduMVvl alnMit tifty povsvM\s. yoin\i;and old ; thotwo proao* 'rs anauc'od io moot onoo in fi^nr wooks on (hoir vottnn from (hMr oonntry tonvs. whon a social moot insj; of t.h(> loadifiij; niotn- Ku's of tho society w as lu^ld for convovsatiiMi, consnltatioji. and prayer. One of tho nuM\d>crs of this con\pany ohiainod and ln\nis:ht tv^ the moetine- a ci>py i>f tlu> Archdeacon's sonnon. and read tho parts x>f it which related to tho attacks npoti the Methvviist.s. and tlu^ proposed method of i^xttM-nunatinj;' t.heni. rh,o reading of those t^xtracts produced a thrillinij s<>nsa(ion of indi^nrttion and alarm, anil all aLirood that, sometliinjjc 'n'lf^t ho written auvl done to defend tlu^ character and rii>hls vi Mi'lho- ilist.s and othex's a.ssailed. against such attacks and such a policy. The voice of the meeting pointed to m»> to imdortako this woik. 1 was tlien de^iunated as ' The l^oy rreacher," from my youth- ful appearance, and as the youngest minister in the Church. I objected on account of my youth and incompetence; but my objections were overruled. Avlien 1 proposed a.s n compromi.se, that during our next country tour tho Sunerintendent of the Circuit (Rev. James Kichardson), and myself .should each write ou the subject, auJ from what wo should both write, some- IRsri ?.()\ 'nric firoi'v of a/v iji'i:. 40 ho III. of l»o lo- l y to iliinji; iniffltt lin Cdinpilrtl to iiicol, n,voiii(Ml l.u oIm'V l.lin iii'tli iicl.ioiiM ol' my Hcriior lir» Ijircn. II. wii'i llirti iri'iiMiiMJ l.liiU. I mmimI. icfid wliril/ i liml wriM.nn I III. Irii(;>;l.li yirldrfj. (IIkI IcimI iny /ui'iWff l,o Uk' iiWiirUn ti\iii\i) oil iiM, 'i'lii' it>)Kliii}.j ol' my iHijMT vvMM iil/hf'n'li'l vvil.li »i,ll, ol' Mm rid(>r mi'iidicfH r,an/dil» me liy l.lio aririH, and jinoMit'C wicnclu'd Mm ni/iniii;ci ipl, f»nl/ ol' my liandM. ''.ayinfr ho would tako il, |,o Mm prinl.fr. Kindin;.^ my cMoiI/M vain f,o (ccovcr il., I Haid il' il. wt-ni r('Hl.(.ri'd I would nol, dcHf,roy il, huf, rnwril.n i(, and rrhnn il. l.o Mm lnfMimn l.o dr» what, Mmy ph-a-iorl wiMi il.. I did HO. Two ol' Mki nonior hrcMin-n l,'»ol< Ihf mafiii".''ript (.(» Mm print cr, and il.H puhlicat.ion prorlnci r| a f;<'n,,/i,Mon n(:iirci;\ y h'HH vioh'ul/ and ^rcimral Ihann. I''«'nian invasion. Il, iv, Maid Miat hd'oin cvrr y housn in 'roi(»rd,o mijjjhl, ho KfM-n fjroup i nadin^' and di.'icus.Min;^' Mir piiprr on Mm «5vrni»i(^' ol' if.'t puhlifaMon in .luno; and Mm- (ixcil.rnicni. npicad ihrouidionl. Mim (•oi(n(,ry. It wanMio licsl. (h'liaiil, dcrfncc. ol' l,lm MfMiodint'i, nnd of Mm; (;oual and civil ri;^';hl..M ol" nil ru.s ii;L,ditH and lih«;rty lor all rolJfdou.H The H(!rmoti >f Mie Arolidearon of York wan Mie, third forrnal attack niaeing my friends. It has taught me the lesson, that labouring in the vineyai'd of the Lord is more ble.sHed than any personal gratification. Feb. 28th. — This month presents the most mournful portrait I have ever beheld in retrospect of my past time since I began to travel. Since I visited my friends everything has gone against me. The season of recreation was not improved as it ought to have been ; I lost the unction of the Holy One, and returned to my Circuit depressed in mind. Shall I sink down in des- pair 1 No, I will return unto the Lord. He has smitten, He will heal. I will go to the fountain open for sin and uncleanness. I will renew my cove- nant, and offer my poor all to him once more. March 2'6rd. — This day closes my twenty-third year and the first of my ministry. How mysterious was the providence which induced me to enter the itinerant ministry. It was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in my eyes. Since I have devoted myself to Him in a perpetual covenant, how great has been His paternal care over me. I have felt the rod of afiliction, but, He has sanctified it. I have been assailed by temptation, but He has delivered me. I have been caressed and flattered, but the Lord, in great mercy, has eaved me from the dangerous rocks of vanity and pride. My soul has at times been overspread with clouds and darkness, but the " Sun of Righteousness has again risen " with brightness on his wings. I have oft been cast down, but blessed be the Lord who has given me the ** oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." My mind at times has been filled with doubts and fears, and I have been tempted to say, " I have cleaneed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency," but the Lord has saved my feet from slipping, and established my goings upon a firm foundation. He has put a new song into my mouth, and en- abled me to say, " What time I am afraid I will trust in Tliee." Ap-it 17th. — This day, for the first time, I have declared to the aborigines of the country that "Jesixs is precious to those who believe." My heart rejoiced in God, who is claiming the heathen for His inheritance. April 19(h. — [On this day Dr. Ryerson wrote from Saltfleet to his Mother. He said : — As you, my dear Mother, were always anxious about my health, I write to-day to assure you that since I left home it has been extremely good. I think I am making some small progress in those attainments which are only acquired by prayer, and holy devotedness to God. I find the work I have' undertaken is an all-important one. I have many things to learn, and many things to unlearn. I have had some severe trials, and some mortifying scenes. At other times I have been unspeakably blessed, and I have been greatly encouraged at some favourable prospects. Several times my views have been greatly enlarged, and my mind enlightend, while, with a warm and full heart, 1 have been trying to address a large and much affected congregation. It is not my endeavour to shine, or to please, but to speak to the heart and the conscience. And with a view to this, I have aimed at the root of injurious prejudices, and notions that I have found prevalent in different places. I ■ jm/ 1825-2G] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 55 id heart tfleet my )ine it small by have* gs to evere been ed at been warm much or to with idices, fees. I find, by experience, that a firm reliance on the power and grace of Christ is everything. I hope that you, my dear Mother, will pray for me that the Lord will give me grace, power, and wis- dom to do my whole duty. I am very sorry to hear of your ill-health. I hope and pray that the Father of all mercies will continue to support, comfort, and deliver you, in the midst of your afflictions and sorrows. Blessed be the Lord, dear Mother, the day is not far distant when you can rest your weary spirit in the arms of Jesus ; and should I survive you, while you are pursuing the blessed, triumphant theme of redeeming love, in strains the most exalted, I will endeavour in my feeble way to follow you to the same blessed kingdom. Brother William received a letter from John last week. His health is very bad. His excessive labour has overcome him. He has forty appointments in four weeks. He ia now stationed in Kingston. — H.] April 2,5th. — For several days past I have been altogether engaged in writing a controversial pamphlet, and have attended little to the^duty of self- examination. April 28th. — I have been much blessed in reading the Journal of John Nelson. When I compare the unwearied labours, and severe sufferings of that brave soldier of the Cross, with my little efforts and sufferings, I blush for my lukewarmuess, and am ashamed of my fearfulness. May 10th. — [In these early days, the Methodist ministers had but little time for study before commencing their ministerial labours, and, as Dr. Ryerson often told me, they had to resort to many expedients to secure the necessary time for reading and study. This had often to be done on horseback. Dr. Ryerson's eldest brother, George, who had attended Union College, N.Y., turned his advantages in this respect to a good account. He sought to stimulate his younger brothers to devote every spare moment to suitable preparation for their v/ork. In reply to a letter on this subject, from Rev. George Ryerson to his brother William, he said : — I thank you for your kind advice respecting composition, and shall endeavour to follow it, although my necessary duties leave but very little time ibr literary improvement. Since I saw you, I have been principally engaged in Biblical studies, which I find both profitable and interesting. I am now engaged in reading the Bible through in course with Dr. Adam Clarke's notes, also Paley's books. I received a letter from brother John a few days since. He had received a number into the Society, and there were a number more who appeared to be seriously awakened. Elder Madden, who was at York last week, says that Egerton is well, and that the cause of religion is prospering in York, and on the Yonge Street Circuit. We have had but very littie increase in Niagara since I saw you, although our congregation is very large and attentive. — H.] 5e TUE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [Chap, III- May IStJi. — [In writing to-day to his brother George, Dr. Ryer- son mentioned that he and Elder Case had visited the Credit Indians. Elder Case, he said, had come up to get Mrs. Wm. Kerr {ne'e Brant) to correctthe translation of one of the Gospels, and some hymns, in order to have them printed. He also wished Peter Jones to go down and preach to the Indians on the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga). It was there, he said, that the work of religion had begun to spread among them. About twelve had experienced religion, and others are under awakening. They do not, he said, understand enough English to receive religious instruction in that language ; and, therefore, he wished Peter Jones to go down for two or three weeks. In this letter Dr. Ryersou said : I think the cause of religion is prospering in different parts of the Circuit. Upwards of thiity have been added to us in this town (York) sjnce Confer- ence, and our present prospects are equally encouraging. My colleague is a man who is wholly devoted to the work of saving souls. I hope that God will give us an abundant harvest. I am employing all my leisure time in the prosecution of my studies. I also practice composition. I am reading Rollin's Ancient History, Greek, and miscellaneous works. Are Father, and Mother, and all the family well ? How are their minds iisposed towards God and heaven ? We have formed a Missionary Society in this place. I think we shall collect S-10 or $50. I hope that period is not remote when the whole colony will be brought into a state of sal- vation ! — H.] June Ith. — My mind lias been much afflicted with care and anxiety, for some days, on account of the controversy in which I am en<,'iigtd. I feel it to be the cause of God ; and I am resolved to follow truth and the Holy Scriptures in whatever channel they will lead me. Oh, L-ird, I commend my feeble efforts to thy blessinjjis 1 Grant me wisdom from above ; and take the cause into thy own hands, for thy name's sake ! June 2bth. — I have spent some days in visiting my friends, and also at- tending a Ciunp-meeting. The weather has been very unfavourable ; but the showers that watered the earth are now past, and showers of Divine blessing are descending. The sung of praise is ascending, and sinners ar-e crying for mercy. Oh, Lord, caiTy on the glorious work ! July 1th. — The enemy gained victory over me to-day, by tempting me to neglect Class for other employments. But I was defeated. Company com- ing in, I w as hindered from doing what I desired. Consciemie condemned, and darkness and distress followed. Oh, Lord, henceforth help me to do my duty I July 9th.— Sahbath. — I was called this evening to a drunken, dying man. He was entirely ignorant both of his bodily and spiritual danger. What a scene I An immortal soul just plunging into hell, and yet hoping forheavenl How awful is the state of one whom God gives over to believe a liel Hia life is ended, his family destitute, and his soul lost ! July Idth. — Surely nothing can afford more pleasure to anenquiiing mind h 182G] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 67 , for el it oly my the at- bui /ine are to )m- 1, my bent on historical researches, than the peru?al of cTocuiucnts relating to the undent chosen people of Uod. That a people who conUl, accoidiiif,' to tluir- lugitimato records, number more than ei<,'ht hundred thousand fij^htin<^ men, should slip from the records of men, hide themselves from human observa- tion, and inhabit limits beyond geographical research, is a phenomena un- precedented in the world's history ; and that they should remain in tliis state more than two thousand years, among the vast discoveries \\ :ich travellers have made, is still more surprising. Such is the wonderful government of Him whose ways are past finding out. I trust the day is not far distant when the lost will be found, and the dead be alive I Jul[i 2(ith. — For several days I have been holding meetings and conferences with the Indians. Tlieir hearts are open to receive instruction, and their hands extended to receive the bread of life. If the Lord will open the way, I will try to acquire a knowledge of their language. My soul longs to bring them to the Word of Truth. July ',iOth — A day or two since I had the pleasure of seeing a brother whose ecclesiastical duties have separated us for nearly a year. How many tender recollections of God's care an ' .lechanical uses to him in after years, durin;^ the Auierif he became Statesman, Ambassador I'hilosopher. building a new house, and I prevai. penter for six months. I did 80, agi shilling a day for teaching me. During thai hm-, I learned to" plane boards, shingle, and clapboard the house, make window Iranies and log floor The little knowledge and skill I then acquired, was of great service wh I was labouring among the Indians, when in connection with my early training as a farmer. I became head carpenter, head farmer, as well as Mit-sionary among these interesting people, during the first year of their civilized life. " L I'e ot Benjamin it e.igerness. 1 was education and of its Revolution, when V father was then )u him to let mc work with the car- ing t' pay the old carpenter a York 182(J-27J THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. CI controversy with several clor!,'ym(>n of the rimroh of Eii^fland on Apostolic Ortliimtion and Succession, and the e(|uai civil .j,'es of lill'tTcnfc relif^iou.s (lenonunatioiiH.' rights and privile^ A few niontli.s after my a[)pointnient to the ('redit Indian Mission, the Oovernnicnt made the annual (hstril)Uti(»ii of presents to the Georgian Hay and Lake Siiucoe Indians — all of whom were assembled at the Holland Landing, on the banks of the Holland River, at tlie southwest extremity of J^ake Simcoe. They coiisisteil chiefly of the Snake tribe, the Yellowhead tribe (Yellowhead was the head Chief), and the John Aissance tribe. Peter Jones and I, with John Sunday, had visited this tribe at Newmarket, the year before, and preached to them and held meetings with them, when they embraced the Christian religion, and remained true and faithful, Peter Jones and my- self attended the great annual meeting of the Indians, and opened the Gospel Mission among them. In my first address, which was interpreted by Peter Jones, I explained to the assembled Indians the cause of their poverty, misery, and wretchedness, as resulting from their having ottended thi; Great Being who created them, but who still loved them so much as to send His Son to save them, and to give them new hearts, that they might forsake their bad ways, be sober and indus- trious ; not quarrel, but love one another, &c. I contrasted the superiority of the religion we Ijrought to them over that of those who used images. This gave great offence to the French Roman Catholic Indian traders, who said they would kill me, and beat Peter Jones. On hearing this, Col. Givens, the Chief Indian Superintendent, called them together and told them that the Missionary Ryerson's father was a good man for the King, and had fought for lum in two wars — in the last of which his .sons had fought with him — and that if they hurt one of these sons, they would offend their great father the King ; that Peter Jones' father had surveyed Government lands on which many of the Indians lived. The representative of the Government, a man of noble feelings and generous impulses, threw over us the shield of Royal protection. After the issuing of the goods to the Indians, Peter Jones remained with the Huron and Georgian Bay Indians, and preached to them with great power ; Avhile I went on board a schooner, with the Yeliowhea- incident ociHUTod during; tlii.s little voyacfo on tlio Kchoonor, which was managed hy the French traders who had threatened my life two days before. TIjo wind was light, and the sailors amused themselves with music — one of them playing on a life. He was attempting to \ lay a tune which he had not properly learned. 1 was walking tin; deck, and told him to give me the life, when T played tho tunc. The Frenchmen gathered around my feet, and looked with astonishment and delight. From that hour they were my warm friends, and oU'oretl to paildle me in their canoes among the islands and along the shore wherever 1 wished to go. By the advice of some of my brethren, I called on the Licu- tenant-CjIovernor, Sir l*eregrine Maitland, after 1 arrived in Toronto, for the purpose of giving him a general account of tho progress of the Christian religion amongst tlio Indian tribes I said to liini : — " Tlio olijoct I have in vif!w is tlic iimolioration of the condition of the Indians in this Pmvitu'e. Tlie iinportiinco ot tliis, both to the hapi)iness of the Indian trihos, and the honour of the -^'ovenuK'nt under wliicli they live, lias heen deeply felt by tlic parent state, so forcibly that a church way built and the Protestant relit,'ion introduced anionf,'st the Six-Nations at the Grand River, about tlie beginning of the century. This effort of Christian benevo- lence has been so far successful as to induce some luuidredsof them to receive the ordinances of the Christ'an religion. But the Chippewa tribes have hitherto been overlooked, till about four years ago, when the Methodists in- troduced the Chri'^tian religion amongst them. In ashort time about one hundred embraced the religion of Christ, exhibit- ing every nia k of a sound conversion. Tlieir number soon increased, and a whole tribe of Mississaugas renounced their fonner superstitions and vices, and became sober, quiet Christians. They then felt anxious to become donu>ticated ; their desire being favourably regarded, a village was established at the Credit, and houses built for them. They have this season planted about forty acres of corn and potatoes, wliicli promise an abundant iiarvest. About forty children attend the com- mon scliool, nearly twenty can write intelligibly, and read the Holy Scrip- tures and the English Rciuler. At Belleville a change especially interesting has been cfTccted. The work was commenced there about two years ago, and now in Lheir whole tribe, numbering about two hundred, there is not one drunkard 1 They are also becoming domesticated and are building a village on one of their istaiids in the Bay of Quinte, which they had squandered away in their drunken revels, but which is now repurchased for them by some benevolent indivi- duals. A Day and iSuuday School are established in which upwards of titty children are taught. From the Belleville Indians the Gospel spread to the tribes which inhabit the country adjacent to Rice Lake, flere also may be seen a wonderful display of the " power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth." In less than a year, the whole of this body, whose census is 300, renounced their idolatrous ceremonies and destructive habits, for the principles, laws and blessings of that kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the is 182C-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 63 IToly r,liost." Tlicy (m; all, save a ft-w, ronvcitcd and cliaTiged in tlieir hciutH and livoH, ami furncstly dcHire a setllcd lit'c. Tlu! unit'orni lan;,niii^(! (if all, ao Kxm as t.licy cnilHaa! ilicCliriHiian rcliLjion ia, "Let ua have limiHCH, tint wc may live; to^rllier in mw. [)la(;i', luarii to till the ground, hear tlie word of tlie (Jrcat S[)iiit, and liave our cldldrcn tau^iit to read tlu; },'ood 1)ook." Another Held of (Jliriatian lahonr ia already ripe ninonj^'Ht the liake Siincoo Indiana, who nnnihcr about 000 aoula. Ahout two ninntha a.Ljo an opportunity opened for introdncinp,' the Oliri-ilian r('li},'ion to them, and auch waa tlicir rcadineaa to hear and lielievc, the vvorda of aal- vation, I hat more than 100 have already ^jrofeaaed the Chriatian laitli, and are enlindy rel'ornicd. A acliool ia eataLliahed in whicli forty are tauj^ht by a younj,' man named William Law, lately fro.ii En|,'land. Thia extcnaive reformation, haa been cfTccted and continued, by meana, which, to all human appearance, are alto;,'ether inade<|inite totheaccoinjilish- ment of audi a work. A Bchool at tlie (Jrand Uiver containinf; thirty scholara, one at the Credit forty, anothcrat Ucllcvilh; upwards of thirty, and one lately eatabliahed at Lake Simcoe containinf; forty, and the misaioriariea who have been employed amongst the Indiana, tof^ether with the boanlint,' of a number of Indian l)oyH, have only amounted to a little more than X'ir>0 per annum. Itia (jf the last importance to perpetuate and extend th«; im- pressions which have aln-ady been made on the minds of these IndianH. The schools and relif,'ioua instruction muat be continued ; and the (Jospcd must be Rent to tribes atill in a heathen atate. But in doin;,' this our ener- gies are weakened, and the progreas of Christian labour much impelled by serious dillicultics which it is in the power of the government to remove. These obstacles are principally conlined to the Lake Simcoi; Indiana, tlu; moat serious of which is occasioned by the traders, who are Jloman Catholic Frenchmen, employed to accompany the Indiana in their hunting for the purpose of lu'ocuring their furs, and who are violently opposed to the refor- mation of the Indiana. These traders are about eighty in number, and have long been accustomed to defraud and abuse the Indians in the most inhuman manner ; they have even laid violent hands on some of the converted Indiana, and tried to pnur whiskey down their throats ; but, thank God, have failed, the Indians successfully resisted them. To shake the faith of some, and deter others from reforming, they have tlireulcncd to strip them naked in the winter, when they were at a distance of 100 miles from the white settlement, and there leave them to freeze to death. Col. Qivcna, when he was up issuing their presents about a month ago, threateneil the traders severely if they disturbed the Indians in their devo- tions, or did any violence to their teachers. He also suggested the idea of your Excellency issuing a proclamation to prevent any further abuses. Sir Peregrine replied: " \Vheii the Legislature meets, I shall see if something can be done to relieve them more effectively, but I do not think that I can do anything by the w.\y of proclamation. If, upon deliberation, I find that 1 can do some- thing for them, I shall certainly do it." I observed : The civil authority would be an ample security, while the Indians are among the white inhabi- tants ; but these abuses are practised when they are one or two hundred miles from the white settlements. The traders follow them to their hunting grounds, get them intoxicated, and then get their furs for one fourth of their value, nay, Bometimea take them by force. These Frenchmen are able- bodied men, and have abused the Indians so iHUch they are afraid of them ; and, therefore, have not courage, if they had strength to defend themselvea. Under these circumstancea your Excellency will perceive the Indiana have no means of obtaining justice, and from their remote situation the power of rivll authority ia merely nominal in regard to them. His Exctdlency observed, " I am very much obliged to you tor thia information ; I bIiuU do all lu my power for them." CHAPTER V. 1826-1827. Diary of my Labours Among the Indians. THE following extracts from my diary contain a detailed account of ray mental and spiritual exercises and labours at this time, as well as many interesting particulars respecting the Indians, not mentioned in the foregoing chapter : — Credit, September IGth, 1826. — I have now .irrivcd at my charge amoTiK the Indiana. I feel an inexpicssil)lo jnv in taking up my alxale amongst them. 1 must now acquire a new language, to teach a new people. Sept. nih. — This day I commenced my laboura amongst my Indian brethren. My lieart leels one with them, as they seemed to be tenderly alive to tlieir eternal interests. May I possess every necessary gift to suffer labour, and teach the truth as it is in Jesus. Sept, 23rd. — Qieatly distressed to-night on account of a sad circumstance. Three or four of the Indians have l)een intoxicated ; and one of them, in a fit of anguish, shot himself ! This was caused by a wicked white man, who persuaded them to drink cider in which he mixed whiskey, [See letter below.] Sept. 2-ith. — Sabbath. — I tried to improve the mournful circumstance that occurred yesterday, as the Indians seemed mucli afftctcd on account of the awful deatli of their brother. Sept. 25//i. — We have resolved upon building a house, which is to answer the double purpose of a school-house, caud a place for divine worship. In less tlian an hour these poor Indians subscribed one hundred dollars, forty of which was paid at once. "What a contrast, a short time ago they would sell the last thing tliey had for whiskey ; now they economize to save something to l,uild a Temple for tlie true God ! Sept. 2()^/i. — To-day I buried two Indians, one the man who committed suicide, the other a new-born babe. Oct. 8th. — For many days I have been employed in an unpleasant contro- versy, for our civil and 'religious rights, which has taken much of my time and attention. Oct. 9//^. — One of my brethren has been suddenly called from his hibours, to his eternal home. Alas ! my beloved Edward Hyland is no more. Ilo entered the field after me, but he has gone before me ! Oct. liih. — I have been employed the whole week in raising subscriptions for the Indian Church ; we have now enough subscribed. Oct 19th — [In a letter, to-day, to his brother George, who wished to hear something about the Indian work, Dr. Ryerson 1826-271 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 65 said : I have to attend to various things previous to settling myself permanently at the Credit. I preached there to the Indians the two succeeding Sabbaths after I left home, and have been employed since that time in building a chapel fo** them at the Credit. The Indians in general, appear to be steadfast in their religious profession. They are faithful in their religious duties, and exemplary in their lives. One unhappy circumstance occurred there. [See entry in Diary of 23rd September.] I preached a solemn discourse on the subject of guarding against temptation and intemperance JoDN Jones' House at the CnEoiT, where Dr. Ryeuson iiesided. the same day, illustrating it throughout by this lamentable example. The Indians appeared to be much affected; and, I think, through the mercy of God, it has, and will prove a salutary warning to them. The Indians were very spirited in building their chapel. They made up more than a hundred dollars towards it, and are willing to do more, if necessary. By going in different parts of the country, I have got about enough subscribed and paid to finish it. I have now per- manently resided at the Credit Mission not quite a fortnight. I board with John Jones; have a bed-room, but no fire-place, except what is used by the family. I can speak a little Missis- auga, and understand it pretty well. As to my enjoyments in religion, I have lately had the severest conflicts I ever ex- perienced ; but at times the rich consolations of religion have ■iiii>>i#in.mamna 66 THE 8T0BY OF MY LIFE [Chap. V. flowed sweetly to my heart and God has abundantly blessed me, especially in my pulpit ministrations. It is the language of my heart to my blessed Saviour, Thy will, not mine, bo done. Our prospects in little York are favourable. The chapel is en- larged, and the congregation greatly increased, some having lately joined. — H.] Nov. 9th. — This evening in visiting a sick Indian man, I endeavoured, through an interpreter, to explain to him the causes of our afflictions, the sympathy of Jesus, and the use of them to Christians. We afterwards had prayer, many flocked into the room. The sick man was filled with peace in believing, insomuch that he clapped his hands for joy. Nov. Wth. — Sabbath. — This has been an important day. We opened our Indian Chapel by holding a love-feast, and celebrating the Lord s supper. The Indians with much solemnity and feeling expre.ssed what God had done lor them. Rev. Wm. Case addressed them. In the evening he gave them most important instruction, as to domestic economy and Christian duties. After tliis a short time was spent in teaching them the Ten Commandments, the Indian speaker repeating them audibly sentence by sentence, which was responded to by the whole congregation. At the close, eight persons, seven adults and one infant were baptized. Three years ago they were without suitable clothes, home, moralit}', or God. Now they are decently clothed, sheltered from the storm by comfortable dwellings, and many of them rejoicing in the hope of a glorious inunortality. Nov. 29th. — Last eve:iiug, in addressing a few of the Indians, who were collected on account of the death of one of them, (John Muskrat) I felt a degree of light spring up in my mind. This Indian was converted about a year ago, and has ever since maintained a godly walk and holy conversation. Thus missionary labour ha^ not been in vain. This is the third that has left an encouraging testimony behind of a glorious resurrection. Nov. 30th. — 1 have this day divided the Indian society into classes, selected a leader for each, from the most pious and intelligent. I meet these leaders once a week separately, to instruct them in their duty. Dec. 1th — I have been often quite unwell, owing to change of living, be- ing out at night ; my fare, as to food is very jilain, but wholesome, and I generally lie on boards with one or two blankets intervening.* Dec. 8th. — I am feeling encouraged in the prosecution of the Indian language, and in the spirit of my mission. There is a tenderness in the disposition of many of the Indians, especially of the women, which endears them to the admirers of natural e.xcellence. One of them kindly presented me with a handsome basket, which is designed to keep my books in. This afternoon I collected about a dozen of the boys, to go with me to the woods, in order to cut and carry wood for the chapel. Their exertions and activity were astonishing. Dec. I6th. — I have this week been trying to procure for the Indians the exclusive right of their salmon fishery, which I trust will be granted by the Legislature. t I have attended one of their Councils, when everything was conducted in the most orderly manner. After all the business was ad justed J they wished to give me an Indian name. The old Chief arose, and approached the table where I was sitting, and in his own tongue addressed me in the foUowiug manner : " Brother, as we are brothers, we will give you a name. *My home was mostly at John Jones', brother of Peter Jones ; sometimes at Wni. Herkimer's, a noble Indian convert, with a noble little wife, + See page 78. 1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 67 My departed brother was named Cheehock; thou shalt be called Cheehock."* I returned him thanks in his own tongue, and so became initiated among them. Dec. 22nd. — My brother Jolin, writing from Grimsby, thus acknowledge.* the kind advice of brother George: I thank you lor your kind advice, and I can assure you I have felt of late, more than ever, the importance of preaching Christ, and Christ alone. It is my aim and constant prayer to live in that way, so that I can always adopt the language of the Apostle, llomans xiv. 7, 8. 1 wish you to write as often as convenient. Any advice or instruction that you may have at any time to give, will be thank- fully received. January 4th, 1827. — After the absence of more than a week, I again return to my Indians, who welcome me with the tenderest marks of kindness. Watch-night on New Year's Eve was a season of great rejoicing among them. About 12 o'clock, while their speaker was addressing them, the glory of the Lord filled the house, and about twenty fell to the floor. They all expressed a determination to commence the New Year with fresh zeal. My soul was abundantly blessed at the commencement of the year, while speaking at the close of the Watchnight services in York. My engagement in controversial writing savours too much of dry historical criticism to be spiritual, and often causes leanness of soul; but it seems to be necessary in the present state of matters in this Colony, and it is the opinion of my most judicious friends, that I should continue it till it comes to a suc- cessful termination. Jan. 10th. — [Having received a letter of enquiry from his brother said : — George, Dr. Ryerson replied at this date, and I have been unwell for nearly two months with a con- tinuance of violent colds, occasioned by frequent changes from a cold house and a thinly-clad bed at the Credit, to warm rooms in York. My indisposition of body has generally induced a depression of spirits, which has often unfitted me for a proper discharge of duties, or proficiency in study. However, in the midst of bodily indisposition, the blessings of the Holy Spirit have been at times abundantly poured into my soul, insomuch that I could glory in tribulation, and rejoice that I am counted worthy to labour and sufl'er among the most unprofitable and worthless of the labourers in my Saviour's vineyard. The Indians are firm in their Christian profession, and some of them are making considerable im- provement in the knowledge of doctrine and duties of religion, and of things in general. They are affectionate and tractable. 1 am very unpleasantly situated at the Credit, during the cold weather, as there are nearly a dozen in the family, and only one fire-place. I have lived at different houses among the Indians, and thereby learned some of their wants, and the • Cheehock, "A bird on the wing," referring to my going about constantly Among them. 68 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. V. proper remedies for them. Having no place for retirement, and living in the midst of biistki and noise, I have forgotten a good deal of my Greek and Latin, and have made but little progress in other things. My desire and aim is, to live solely for the glory of God and the good of men. By the advice of Mr. M. S. Bidwell and others, I am induced to continue the Strachan controversy, till it is brought to a -avour- able termination. I shall be heartily glad Vvhe.i it is concluded. — H.] Jan, IGlh. — One of the Indians (Wni. Siinigoo) has been tempted to drink. I visited Inm as soon as he returned to the vilidge. I entreated him to tell me the whole truth, which he did. After showing him his sin and ingratitude to God and his friends, he wept aloud, almost despairing of mercy. I pointed him to the Saviour of penitent sinners. He tell on his knees, and we spent some time in prayer. After evening service he con- fessed his sin publicly, asked forgiveness of his brethren, and promised in the strength of God to be more watchful. Thus have we restored our brother in the spirit of meekness. Jan. 2Gth. — Last Sunday we held our quarterly meeting at York. About thirty of tlie Indian brethren were present ; their cleanliness, modesty, and devout piety were the subject of general admiration, Feb, 4th. — To-day I preached to the Indians. Peter Jacobs, an intelligent youth of 18, interpreted, and afterwards spake with all the simplicity and eloquence of nature. A scene never to be forgotten was witnessed by me in visiting an Indian woman this evening; after months of severe suffering, she sweetly yielded up the ghost in the triumphs of faith. Slio embraced the Christian religion about eight months ago, and was baptized by Rev. T. Madden. Notwithstanding her many infirmities, she went to the house of God as long as her emaciated frame, with the assistance of friends, could be supported. A few days previous to her decease, she gave (to use her own words) " her whole heart into the hands of Jesus, and felt no more sorry now, but wanted to be with Jesus." While addressing a number assembled in her room, who were weeping around her bed, her happy spirit took its criumphant flight to the arms of the Saviour she loved so mucli. How would the hearts of a Wesley and Fletcher burst forth in rapture,, could they have seen their spiritual posterity gathering the wandering tribes of the American forest into the fold of Christ, and heard the wigwam of the dying Indian resound with the praises of Jehovah ! Feb. 10th.— A blessed quarterly meeting — Elder Case preached in the morning, and my brother George in the evening. The singing was delight- ful, and the white people present were extremely interested. At the close a collection of $26.75 was taken up, principally from the Indians! Peter Jacobs was one of the speakers. Feb. IGth. — The importance of fostering our school among the Indians, and of encouraging the teacher in this discouraging and very difficult task, can- not be overestimated. Rev. Wm. Case, thinking that I had some aptitude for teaching, wrote me a day or two ago, as follows : — Do you think the multitude of care, and burden of the school does some- times mar the patience of the teacher? If so, you would do well to kindly offer to assist him occasionally, when he is present, and so by example, as well as by occasional kind remarku, help him to correct any inadvertencies of taste. I know the burden of a teacher in a large school, and a perpetual sameness in the same employment, especially in this business, is a tiresome 1826-27] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. G9 he as task. 1 consider this school of vast importance, on several accounts, and especially considering the hopes to be entertained of several interesting,' youths there. Feb. 27ul.s'(l, And Eden raised in tlio waste wilderness." Tiie Indian woman who related the above, gave another proof of the amiable and benevolent character of her race, especially when sanctified by grace. In token of their esteem for Peter Jones, who had been the means of open- ing their eyes' to immortality and eternal life, they brought him several pounds of maple sugar, which one of Ihem prenented in a wooden bowl. No doubt this sugar, which they had carried sixty miles, was nearly their all. Is not this a feeling of gratitude und love to the disciple for the master's sake / Oh ! that I may learn lesscms of simplicity and contentment from these children of tho forest, for they are taught ot Ood only. Oh ! that I nuiy have Mary's lot in time and in eternity. Mny Vth — Sunday. — A number of white people being present this morning I addressed them on the subject of the barren tig-tree. In the evening we had a precious time ; the Indians were enraptured, and we all, as it were, with one heart, dedicated ourselves afresh to God. In the class meeting we all wept triumph. Several of them said, "Jesus is the best "I love Jesus better than anything else." May 8th. — I witnessed an affecting instance of how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell togetlier in unity, in the departure of two Indians who had paid us a few days' visit from Belleville. Nearly the whole village, according to Apostolic custom, collected to bid them farewell in John Crane's house, when an Indian arose (in the absence of the chief) inviting any of the Belleville Indians who might like to come and settle amongst them. Others rose and spoke on Christian love, pointing them forward to that period when they should meet to part no more. How does tho spirit of primitive Christianity lead to the adoption of the same customs which were practised by the first followers of our Lord, when the multitudes of them that believed were of one heart and soul. We then sang a few verses and all knelt down, commending our dear brothers to the care of Him who never leaves nor forsakes his children. After this one of the Indians from Belleville delivered a pathetic parting address ; they then all shook hands, exhorting one another to cleave to Jesus. This Indian appeared to me to be one of the most heavenly minded men I ever saw, not an able speaker but with a peculiar nervousness iu his words, spoken with energy and pathos that deeply affected us all. May I3th — Sunday. — I spent the last week in assisting the Indians in their agricultural pursuits. They are teachable, willing, and apt to learn. This constant change of employment debars me from literary and theologi- cal improvement, t:id leaves me less qualified to expound Scripture to refined assemblies. Thus I am perplexed to know what is best tor me to do. The Lord direct me in this momentous matter I May nth. — The temporal and spiritual interests of the Indians bring upon me much care, and weigh me down. I experienced some comfort in the class meeting. Spoke in Indian, and for the first time repeated the Lord's prayer in Chippewa. Many of my dear brethren praised the Lord. June 9th — Sabbath. — This day we held quarterly meeting at York — about twenty Indians present. I am informed that some of the Indians on Lake Sirncoe are hungering for the bread of life, and that twelve of them were at worship at Newmarket, and expressed a desire to become Christians. Sixteen Indian children attend a Sabbath-school established there whose parents encamp near, for that purpose. Several of these children learnt the alphabet in four hours. This awakening arose through four of the Rice Lake Indians TUF sio!i\ or \n I iit'' IClIM- V Ulrt\>iM\ri' \vv ll\i' Pu »(»!' 1i' IIm' )i'1i li \,\\.,'\ |o (ill • Ui'^f "iih I'lio (Iv'il oivnliiU ii'itli'Vi'tii'i' iM rv l\i'lil nini>»u"'l liiiliiini In \\nttoh V\Uoni;( \\«« lli'l.l (i> il\\ \\{,'\ .li'lil>i-l!lM(VH nil ni' Plill 'iilli ji'i t .i, llint iM muilniii coiwo o( iIh'H pi.Mi'i iiml i-^|'i>iiiM\i ril iiiiMi i>i' i« iiiln'tiinini v M' ll\(M\> noon \o|i\n(i'oii'il tlioiv Bi'ixiii'v 'I'lii ii tii'inl'i "iM>iiii>i| llii-il tit Hut OiiMinhf o( I'livn nil) i'>i' ni'W'> ii» liiiiinliliil liiitlin'ii At \\\V\\ own «n)J!!>-«1\Oll J>t'' Wrta -uyy^W I'l'.i H ll|i (o lu'lp |>!U i-niii'll'ii-i. ,'?i1/- llVl M'OiH (iri\ iOU\i>Ui'il lnili:\u« I'loln lli«i> l/iU.', Miiiinni l.'iliK, M\^< l.'iko, i\\\,\ \h<- ri.ilK, ii^'i'IuMimI ill \iviU I" 'Im loi Hi" |iiii|io'ti> iM \\>M-s1\\i-jMiio \!i il I'liii \{ii-o l,:iVii )n»\ n\>on< ^^\lll|\l\)^ itiom i< \ \llii))>^. i>nil Joilin'l (lio iiioiii'V iliio iIikiii liom (In. t,»Ui)^ tl^! II {'(ItllOVa ll.'IX O I Oiloil 1o llio Unli'ill IJiM I'llllllrlll, mill lilir|ll«r (ii| vii'ttu\i; ^^^\U1'^.•nll-« ol lliiMi liiiiiliiiij (jioiiiiil'i O'ltiihli'lii-il 'I'lio ollin linliniiM n!<\v r<>(\\o (oi till- |-iin>o>:o o( i\lioi\iiiiio llio np)ivoiii'liiii}t i'niii|» nn'i liii(t| um 0\o\ \in\n' ui\.\ li;\il I'lil (lni iii! ilii'iii ovjioi ii iiri> (lio li'v o ol ,li>min Ik (lii'ii- mvn i«\Mi1«, llio\ Uii'.in to loil (01 otlioi->. iiiiii. liKii tlio lUii'ii'iit ( '111 iMliiiiiM, jMi \v1'iinv\v\ i1>ov o.'iT:\.lnii;; llio I .i>n\ .li'in». ||oii> i'l ri wliolo (iil>i< rom n (im| t\M>o;|(0 to OHi> ilUOtlli'l, rlllii «l\o ("oV'V.X llioildl'i IliM i> |i|in 1 il (IlK i>^rtlit\ o( "IhMV v'h\\->(inn o\i>i>i-ii'\<«'o 1>\ Miuiu'loui iiinl liolv 1ivi"a. I'liii'ly "' tin* >s tl\o \ .oisT* ;. t\\\\\ ^\\^\ \ lOloiia \\\ oin »>\ oi " Kl.l. V \\<«<' t<\M \uo tlirtt oi\ liK Win (■|\>in t'o\iotii.ii to VoiU. In' 'inw tin lnvU:ir, sittiiiv; ^> tUo i\\ .1 «iilo, lio i\<^]\\\\ hnn wlioio \w* l>io(li.'i'i mnl li'^d-irt Mvw, l;o \v)^b>.l, onortni^M>(i u\ (lio wooil-t. tvl.loi t'.vo (oM limi (o ciill ilioiii, rt"! hi^ w«nto\1 to trtlK ponio ■>\>o»l ^^ol^l« (o (liom. 'I'liov P.^on ciniio torn ilici (o h.v^v tl\o »^t< ?v m1 «i^, \>v lOnoK > o!i( iiiiin. V]\o\ Ipitrlii'il n litdo IIiIIu'I ol lojl"*. rt^OVlt \mV;\^* 1uu)\, i>\OV tO]>po ol \VolHlli|l )■>•>«!; i\ !',«').» »M»(\"A('<' ^\>o\J ^ .Vl'ti'i knooluii; >lo\\ n (o iiniiloio (Joil ?iMii'<«iii(i, (licv twV thvMl JtMt*. ,\» J^^vn (O l''Kiov V'.\so oounnoin'oii to h|>oi|v, (liciv linillrt p^vnitvi to xr.olt UKo w.u. So mnoli \\\\- tlio S.-n;;xuj, nn.| Mn.h.■\nsrt^^po;\vt>^ bo nvi\>' in(oUi>',viu. iiiil\io(. \: very ninjoMlic in ii|i )\N'»r,-»i\oo. ^vv«i!»t^si'i»K« widi !;n'ii( uiiiinndon, .'*(•)«' 1 '2; 'j. ^V^ Ixavtliov WUlmm. wliooiinio CnMu Now iiiiulu'l Mid-nlny, m'ornis luo \\\M )\\^ \^\\\\A\k\\ lo luoiv tli.in tilty ol' tliou(> bow il.loioil i^iunviiY^-s j\'i't»M- truth on Siuiiiav uowo o) tluMU oowM inloi'inol, l>iil hoiiio ooxud unxioiT^tj^tul KiV}{li.*h. HW'I Aioy toUlothors wlinl llio (roml inun miiil. An liuusr. >v,M\isi\ o.yino t.> a tit'^lo wlnto lioy, lioMiiiv; out \wv l>ook (i\n n\o((l of thoin haw Ivujiht \^^^ks^ an>l !i;\\.l, " hoy, Isiy," oV .miij^ ijn>iil iin\»olv thul iho Ivy wo\-,hi t<\'i>h hov. hnt iho lidU' toUow WiV ivli"nl. lunl Hiii>i>i'il uH'. Thon A littlo In.h.vA Ivy rtKw\( h\s ;ii;v, hohi out h\» hook thai ho im^jht toncli hiw, t>.o v)\\h' Ivy vvn\plu\L i»n»i hy tho tiuio lio hnl kis« hin>. .^ww \^tK — A oAuir-n^ootiUj; ooiumouvVvi this :il'tovnoou on Voii;',i' hIvooI, slvut twTlvo r.v.los livm York, A h»\~!;;o nnnihov ot' wliilo jx'oplo havo «ssvmWlo;ou of thoso omhraooil Otii,ir MY I IP I':. ■fr, \i\\, (ll'ii ||i|ii« (if .liKid" mill i(i|( 1(1(1 I'll I lie ( lmi|pi| 'III'- «/.f i/ifMi WM'" ''iffitfii'fi''"! Iiy lli'l, wloin llir-y wii^ tlhl'l'lt'll III .ll'MIIM, wllll I'lttllO In MMVI'tll'' lll'lillll nil wll MM III'- JVllK'- frillll, IIk'/ «'i'l»« liH'lli'il I" I'-iiin. JiniK \<\lh lli'V I' V'MdiMM'i (iMii' III 'I •liin diiiMiiiP!', iili'i III'" !(''■/ 'f lifi'l i|i>im < Id^iiiiil, llitil III llii- I III lilii'ii, I III ti I'l I |p" lii'li'iri'i, wlii'li Wfin iipl'i (ii"*''l liy I't'li'i' .III IK" A I MUM l"n . I'Mih en yoniw 'il(|, wcMiifcl Ifi li«v'' liio wli'il'- "t'liil lilnld'ii iMiili'i llii> ImtmiH'i nl I In- wifl Tli" 'I'^n ' ' (."I'l'l Will: fiiii'lil |"i 'iii ;ir.'l (if'i«ifi'-r I mil liii|i'il liv '^Mvini^ "My ilofir lif'l lircri, if yiii ("» f/.r-.'/iifl tli'- «/'''!< will |iinM|ii.|, lill llii' iiii'iuidiiiii y hum lli'< wi't|''ifi ImIi<'ii< nri' ihIiImI Idlln i( nnmlipf ; n xclci'il in (Bfiitrliidi'.'l, >fir(j/;liU,-/ f'tt'i. Win. Iiiini', in n li'm|i'imiy liiiil'lin(.(, (»i((, i(f» liv tli"fn'("lv»;«<. 'f fi'i Uiuifr^. ;i.r* nliiuvin|i; iMiMil 'i|i|inmtiiii , lliiiiili nini/ ('» li'./il, lli" fri'linriM ftfi'l Idirfi Hi'-if Miinii'i if lliiy will nlli iii| IIh' iiM'i'linj/s; flicir '■.riifi it ifi 'l(i,njy-r. liit"/ Ih-ifc li iihI in I III' liunl ni I 'I (I'll fi'iir . .liihiUlli. Id'V. Will. Il yi M'lii, iKi'l'r Mii« 'l;if/', wnU'A (tf,tti f/i -^'I'lti ha j»h':f will Miilidii" ' 'III i^il iiinil y. ■/((/// \Ulh. I'l'li'i J'lii'"! (ui'l ( tirri'/' I (it J/ik*! .^'.irn".': tlii^ '■'/' nin;;, fnr llio |iiii|iimn (if lifiiii^ prcRciil (idling lh»i 'li*ffilinf.i'»;: 'it /ri'li;iri i/f^i>]: 'fh* rliiiii|d« in flicii (i|i|i('(iinn'(' Rill' (• (I ycfir (!(.;(( in ni'i^t stfrikiri;^. 'Hi'' trvlcfn Mil' mIiII vi'iy li'int.ili'. Jiil-I |('i//i,. In tlic m'lrnin;^ f (ruvc flic fridinn^ n I'.n',' t''ill<, f titfi'Tft-A lliciii llii' Hii|i('ii(,: il y 'if llic ' ,'liMKtiiiri r''li;n'in '<•/< r that c,f ih'-'**'. 'n'r>'t W(T- Mlii|i|)('i| ini(i|;ff«. At, IhiH rriiiiiirk, Hic f''r('n',h \.rtii\<-t'*, fiTi'^.rif. \f/ikfA /try iid(My, inntlciin^;, Imt. iniikini.' n'l (littiirli/infc. i'ftt-.r .fhri'-.t tht-u •ip'-.k^ at li'd(i;l.li, iinMwriint; (iicl ''iii'ctinj^ >'(al''.rn''rit,« l,lin irn/lt.rA )i. IN'l.cr .Idiii'H (•x|i'idii'l'''l III'! JaiT'Ih l'niy»:r. 'ffi'; Y tttw^iUxHi^ w^rft mac ;.v I ''iwil III \\\w rcidiiikH (wi tli<: nulijcct of forj/ivinjif «iri.=!. Thfty aft^TTPsH.* (riii'l 1,() I'nntd boiiic of tlic. f-'hrifitiann to 'Jririk, Imf, failft'l. Thft \,(>v\ \,.x7t mercy on tlicMi- vi'kcil ifCTi, (ind 'ipf.n t,h(;ir c'/cji l<«:f')f, i^ i.^ U/'j \ii>.' ''A'h^jti the [irciMculH wciv to Ix; given out, iJiC ni<;n w(^re v^^Uid by thftm-W-lTiia, ar.d 70 THE STORY OF AIY LIFE rCiiAP. V. also the women; the boys and girls according to their an;es. The chiefs then lequested all wlio were Christians, or wished to be, to sit togetlier, and about 150 rose and did so. Tlie difl'ereiice in their countenances, as well as their ap])earance and manners, was most niark*'d. They looked healthy, clean, Eiid happy, whereas many of the others were almost naked; some with bruised heads, and black faces, and almost burnt up with liijuor. When the- distribution of presents ended, an Indian Council was held at Phelps' Inn, at wliich I was invited to be present. Chief Yellowhead spoke first, saying " Tlie desire of his heart was that their Great Father would grant thtin a place where they might all settle down togt-tlier. His people wished to throw away their bad ways, and worsliip the Great Spirit." Many others spoke, particularly requesting the Indian Agent to do what he could to quiet the rage of the French traders. We have reason to thank God for the kind friendly influence the Indian agents exert, especially in closing the mouths of tlie traders. Oh, Lord, I will ]iraise Thee! Juhj '20th. — I left the Holland Landing this morning for the purpose of visiting the i-slands north-east of Lake Simcoe,to ascertain their desirability lor a settlement. I find the situation very pleasant. The chief has a coni- fortalile liouse containing four ruoms, with everything decent and convenient. This island contains about four hundred acres of beautiful basswood, beech, and maple. The chief told me that the Mohawks once had a village there, probably a century ago ; as tliere is a navigable creek running to the mouth of the river, there was every attraction for a convenient settlement. The chief also offers any one who will come and teach the children, two rooms in his liouse for that ])urpose, and the Indians will support him. Such is the field of phihiuthx-opic and Christian labour .m t;:-- place, and which demand most vigorous ap])licat'on. July 22)1(1. — I assembled the Indians this morning, and gave them my jiarting advice; after which the Chief (Wahwahsinno) spoke with great ))ower. He is the most interesting, intelligent Indian I ever saw. He warned them to beware of the evil spirit which was lurking around them on every side; to be honest and cheat nobody; not to get drunk, but buy food and clothing for their children. You know, he said, how our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers have been killed by liquor — now, don't do as they have done. We are thankl'ul to our Great Father, over the waters, for the clothes he has given tis, and to our good brother for the good things he has taught us. We then embraced each other and bade farewell. Jnlij 23rrf.— Arrived again at the Narrows, and found the Indians firmly estalilished in the faith. I have now spent eight days among these long- neglected and injured people, and happy are my eyes that have seen these glorious things. [The missionary efforts of these times were in Upper Canada chiefly directed toward the Indians. Of this abundant evidence is given in the preceding pages. That these efforts were also put forth by the Church of England, may be gathered from tho fact that at a public meeting held in York, on the 29th of October, IS.SO, a Society was formed, under the presidency of the Bishop of Quebec, "for the converting and civilizing of the Indians of Upper Canada." In his address, on that occasion, the Bishop stated that the Rev. G. Archbold, with true missionary zeal, had resided among the Indians on tlie north side of Lake Huron during the greater part of the summer, and at his departure had left them in care of llilr. James W. Cameron. Mr. Cameron was, 1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 77 in 1832 succeeded by Mr. (now Archdeacon) McMurray atSault Ste. Marie. Funds for the support of this Indian Mission were collected in England, by the Bishop in 1831, and also by Rev. A. N. (subsequently Bi.shop) Bethune. The scope of this Society was soon enlarged to " Propagating the Gospel among Destitute Settlers " also. The missionaries employed in 1831 were Rev. J. O'Brian (St. Clair), Rev. Saltern Givens (Bay of Quinte), and Mr. James W. Cameron (La Cloche, Sault Ste. Marie, kc.) That this interest was not confined to spiritual matters is evident from niany letters, and other references, to the domestic and material improvement in the condition of the Indians, which I find in Dr. Ryerson's papers. I select the following, which touch upon as many different matters relating to tho temporal and spiritual • iterests of the Indians: — In a letter written by Rev. William Case, from Hallowell, to Dr. Ryerson, he thus speaks of the success of a school established by the Conference among the Indians. He says : Last evening (lOtli March) was exliibiteJ the improvement of the Indian School, at Grape Ishmd, one 1)oy, whose time at ticliool amounted to but about six months, read well in the Testament. Several new tunes weie well Sling and had a tine eil'ect. The whole performance was excellent. More than twenty names were given in to furnish provisions for the children of the school. These exhibitions have a good < ffect. It animates the children and the teachers, and affords a most grati*";. ing opportunity to the friends of the Missions to witness that theii benevolence is not in vain, — H.] [Shortly after this letter was written. Elder Case went to New York, to solicit aid on behalf of the Indian Schools. Ho was accompanied by John Sunday and one or two other Indians. Writing from there, on the 19th April, to Dr. Ryerson, then at Cobourg, he says : We have attended meetings frequently, and '-'^ited a great number of schools and other institutions, both literary and religious. This has a fine effect on our Indian brethren. The aid we are obtaining will assist us for the improvement of our Indian Schools. We have nn especial view to the Indians of Rice Lake. Please look well to the scliool there, and to the com- fort of the teacher. The Indians should be encouraged to cultivate tlieir islands. The most that we can do is to keep them at school, &e., and instruct them in their worldly concerns. The managers of the Missionary Society in NeAV York, as well as in Phila- delphia, are very friendly. In case we shall be set off as a Conference, tliey will continue to aff'ord us assistance in the Mission cause. You will judge something of the feeling of the people here, when I inform you that a neice of the unfortunate Miss McCrae, who was killed by the Indians in the revo- lutionarj war, has given us §10 towards the Indian sclu ols, and two sets of very fine diaper clcths for the communion table. We shall bring with us an Indian book, containing the decalogue, the creed, hymns, and our Lord's Sermon on the Monnt. This will stimulate our schools, as well as afford instruction to the Indian converts. I wish you to encourage the Indian sisters to make a quantity of fancy trinkets, we could sell them to advantage here. They should be well made. We have been introduced to Mr. Francis 78 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [C-AP.V. Hall, of the New York Spectator, and aliout forty ladies, who are engaged in preparing bedding, clothing, &c., for our missions and scliools. We gave them a short aildress on the happy effects of the gospel on the mind and con- dition of Indian female converts, John Sunday's address to them in Indian was responded to with sobs tlimugli tlie room. Brother Bangs addressed those present on behalf of the Indians exhorting them to diligence and faith- fulness. He said that we would always find iu the Christian females true encourageu'ent and aid." — H.] [Elder Case was anxious to re-opon the school for Indian girls at Grapo Island. In writing from the Credit, he says : " When we gave up the female school it was designed to revive it, anil we had in view to employ one of the Miss Rolphs. If slie can be obtained we shall be much gratiiied. We wish every tlung done that can be done to bring forward the children in every necessary improvement, especially at the most important stations, and the Credit is one of the most important. Can you afford any assistance to Peter Jacobs ? We are very solicitous to see some talent in composition among some of our most promising sciiolars. We are authorised by the Dorcas Society, of New York, to draw for $20 to purchase a cow for the use of the mission family at the Credit, and you are at liberty to get om now, or defer it till the Spring. As probably the $20 will purchase a cow, and pay for her keeping through the winter. Our way this far has been prosperous., I never saw the pulse of Missionary ardour beot higher. Tickets of admission at the anniversaries might be sold by hundreds for a dollar each. But they were d stributed gratis. The col- lection at the female anniversary was $217, and a handful of gold rings (about 20). The superintendent is truly missionary ; rejoicing in the plan of our aiding them in the conversion of the Indians on thi-s side of the lines. Bros. Do.xtadors and Hess' visit is well received, and a good work commenced at the Oneida."— H.] [In a letter written to Dr.Ryerson, by the Rev. James Richard- son, on the 2nd Oct., 1829, referring to the privilege granted to the Indians of taking salmon (as mentioned on p. 66), he said : As I came home, I slopped at James Gages', and found that he was much ditipleased with the Iniliaus for holding their fish so high. He says his son could obtain them for less tjian l/3d. currency (25c.). Some of them were not worth half tliat. He remarked that Wm, Kerr and others expressed great dissatisfaction witli the Indians for taking advantage of the privilege granted to them, and also for haughtiness in their manner of dealing with their old friends. I am afraid that unless they be moderate and civil, a prejudice will be excited against them, which may prove detrimental to the missionary cause, The respeeta'ole part of tiic inhabitants would be pleased to have the Indians supported in this privilege, if they could purchase fish of them at a moderate price. — II,] [Elder Case, who was greatly interested in the success of the Indian Schools, and who — with a view to demonstrate the usefulness of the schools — proposed to take two of the Credit In- dian boys to the Missionary Meetings in January, 1830, says : — I should be glad to have something interesting at the York Anniversary. Perhaps we may have a couple of promising boys from tliis Station. Henry Steinheur will accompany me to Luke Simcoe, and perhaps Allen Salt* will come up as far as York, They are both fine boys, and excellent singers.] • These Indian boys subsequently becatiie noted for their piety aad mifi- siouary zeal on behalf of their red brethren. — H. 182G-271 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 79 [A providential opcnini,- having occurred for gottin;^ the Scriptures translated into the Indian languag-e, Rov. Wm. Piverson, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated York, 24th February, 1880, says : — I lately received a letter from the Rev. Mr. West, one of the agents for the British and Foreign Bible Society, expressing the anxiety he lolt that the Scriptures should be translated into the Chippewa language. He said that if proper application were made, he would take great pleasure in laying it Before the Committee of the Parent Society, and use his influence to obtain any assistance that might be wanted. Viewing this as a providential opening, I think that steps should be taken to have the translation made. From your residence among the Indians, and knowledge of their manners and customs, and your acquaintance with those iiatives that are the best advanced in religious knowledge and experience, do yor not think that the Joneses are the best qualified to translate the Scriptures ? — H.] Note. — [The reply was in the affirmative, and Peter Jones was entrusted by the U. C. Bible Society with the work.* — H.] April 7th, 1829. — [Writing to Dr. Ryerson, from Philadelphia, at this date. Elder Case says : There is a fine feeling here in favour of the Canada Church and the Mission cause. Peter Jones and J. Hess are in New York overlooking the printing of the gospels, etc. We hope to bring back with us the Gospel of Mark, with other portions contained in the Book of Common Prayer. The Spelling-book and a Hymn book in Mohawk, and a Hymn-book in Chippewa They are all in the press, and will be ready by 5th May, when we leave to return. — H.] * An unexpected delay occurred in getting the translation made by Rev. Peter Jones printed, as explained in a letter from Rev. George Ryerson to Dr. Ryerson, dated Bristol, August 6th, 1881. He says : — Peter Jones, after his return from London, experienced several weeks' delay in getting his translation prepared for tlie press, in consequence of a letter from the Committee on the Translations of the U. C. Bible Societj' — Drs. Harris, Baldwin, and Wenham — stating that the translation was im- perfect. He had, in consequence, to go over the whole translation with Mr, Greenfield, the Editor of the Bible Society Translations. Mr. Greenfield is a very clever man, and has an extensive knowledge of languages. He very soon acq^uired the idiom of the Chippewa language so that he became better able to jud"e of the faithfulness of the translation. Mr. Greenfield went cheerfully through every sentence with Mr. Jones, and made some unim- portant alterations, expressed, himself much pleased with the translation, and thinks it the most literal of any published by the Bible Society. It is now passing through the press, and will soou be sent to Canada. us- CHAPTER VT. 1827-1828. Labours and Trials — Civil Rights Controversy. AT the Conference of 1827 I was appointed to the Cobourg Circuit, extending from Bovvmanville village to the Trent, including Port Hope, Cobourg, Haldimand, Colborne, Brighton, and the whole country south of Rice Lake, with the townships of Seymour and Murray. On this extensive and labourious Circuit I am not aware that I missed a single appoint- ment, notwithstanding my controversial engagements* and visits to the Indians of Rice Lake and Mud Lake. I largely com- posed on horseback sermons and replies to my ecclesiastical adversaries. My diary of those days gives the following par- ticulars : — Hope, Newcastle District, Sept. 2Srd, 1827. — I have now commenced my ministerial labours amongst strangers. Religion is at a low ebb among the people ; but there are some who still hold fast their integrity, and are " asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherwards." I have preached twice to-day and been greatly assisted from above. Sept. 2oth. — I have laboured with much heaviness to-day. I spent part of the day in visiting the Rice Lake Indians, They seem very healthy, and are happy in the Lord. We have selected a place for building a school house. Witn gratitude and joy they offer to assist in the building. Sept. 20th. — Another month gone ! I review the past with mingled feel- ings of gratitude and regret. October 2nd. — Yesterday and to-day I have laboured under severe affliction of mind. I am as one tempest driven, without pilot, chart, or compass. Oct. ith. — This evening at the prayer- meeting, how delightful was it to hear two children pour out tlieir melting supplications at the throne of grace. " Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise. Oct. 9th. — I began my labours last Sunday, weak and sick, but my strength increased with my labour, and I was stronger in body and happier in soul at night than in the morning. Oct. loth. — I have now finished my first journey round the circuit. My health has not been good. Two persons have joined the society to-night, and several more in class expressed a detennination never to rest till they found peace with God through Jesus Christ. Oct. nth. — I have been employed in controversial writing, and sorely tempted to desist from preaching. Oct. 20th. — I have been greatly interested and strengthened in reading the " Life of Dr. Coke. " The trials with which he was assailed, and the spirit in which he encountered them, afforded encouragement to me. His meeting * The first of these controversial engagements extended from the spring of 1826 until the spiing of 1^27; the secouJ from the spring of 1828 until near midsummer of the same year. — 11. 1827-28] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 81 ly with the venerable Asbury, in the Church built in the vast forest, is one of the most affecting scenes I ever read. Oct. 21st. — To-day we held our first quarterly meeting on the circuit, and, bless the Lord, it was a reviving time. Oct. 27th. — [Archdeacon's Strachan's Ecclesiastical Chart had so excited the righteous indignation of Elder Case, that he wrote to Dr. Rycrson, at this date, from Cobourg, in regard to it. 1 insert his letter, as it expresses (though in sti(tiig language) the general feeling of those outside of the Church of England in regard to this Chart.* He said : — j Notice the providence which has brought to light the mis- statements of the Ecclesiastical Chart. This is one instance out of many in which false representations have gone Home in regard to the character of the people and the state of religion. As such a spirit of intolerance is altogether averse to the mild spirit of the gospel, so it is also a most dangerous and daring assumption of power over the rights of conscience. Against this high-handed and domineering spirit, God himself has ever set his face. Let the Doctor be reminded of the case of Haman and the despised dissenting Jew, who refused to bow down to the courtiers of the king. The Doctor's wrath is kindled against those whom he calls "dissenters," and who refuse to submit to his Church rale. We have said, "whom the Doctor calls ' dissenters.' " I aver that the term is not at all applicable to the religious dencrminations in this country. From what Church have they dissented ? Indeed most of the first inhabitants of this country never belonged to the Church of England at all. They were from the first attached to the denominations. Some to the Presbyterian, some to the Baptist, some to the Methodist, and only a small portion to the Church of England. Nor had they any apprehensions, while support- ing the rights of the Crown, that an ecclesiastical establishment of ministers of whom they have never heard, was to be imposed, upon them, as a reward for their loyalty ! Indeed, they had the faith of the Government pledged, that they should enjoy the rights of conscience. And in view of this was the charter of the Province formed, to secure liberty of conscience and free- dom of thought. The blow at a loyal portion of Her Majesty's subjects was aimed at them in the dark, 4,000 miles away, and without an opportunity of defending themselves. An act so ungenerous, and in a manner so impious too, cannot be endured. We must defend ourselves against the unjust slanders of th 3 Doctor.— H.] • The nature and purpose of this Chart are fully explained and discussed by Dr. Ryerson in hia "Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 165-220." — H. G 82 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. VI. Nov. Idth. — I have been blessed -with more comfort this evening in preaching from Matt. xxii. 11-13, to a congregation composed principally of drunkards and swearers. My heart was warmed, my tongue loosened, and my understanding enlarged. Nov. 20th. — I have been to the Rice Lake Mission : found them still growing in grace. The children are clean — many of them handsome. The school teacher is happy in his work. Dec. I2th. — My mind has been greatly afflicted this evening in settling a difl'erence between two brethren. Dec. 25th. — Last night we had a service in this ])lace (Presque Isle) to celebrate the incarnation of our blessed Saviour. Seven souls professed to experience the pardoning love of Christ. Many who came mourning, went home rejoicing. January 1st, 1828. — I am now brought to the ch)se of another year, and the commencement of a new era of existence. The first part of the year I spent principally amongst the Indians, and have reason to believe the Lord blest my labours amongst those needy and loving people, but my own soul was oft in heaviness. The latter part of the year I have been on a Circuit, and have found my enjoyments and improvement increased. The Societies are growing in piety, my bodily wants have been all supplied, and I have experienced the fulfilment of the promise. If ye forsake lather and mother, the Lord will take thee up. May I ever rest on it ! Jan. 2nd. — [The following letter was written at this date to Dr. Ryerson by his Mother. She says : — My not writing to you, I understand from your letter to Father, has given you much uneasiness ; but I can assure you I have felt much concerned about it myself, for fear that you should entertain the thought of its proceeding from unkindness or neglect : but let the feelings of affection of a Mother suffice and answer it all. Be convinced that her happiness depends upon your welfare, and tjiat her daily prayers will ever be offered up to the throne of grace in yours and the rest of her children's behalf. that the Lord may keep you humble and faithful, looking unto him for grace and strength to enable you to work in His blessed cause, to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation through a dear Redeemer to lost and perishing souls ! This is a great comfort to me, and more than I deserve. None other compensates for all my trials and afflictions here, as that God, of His goodness, should have inclined the hearts of many of my dear children to seek His face and to testify to the w^ays of God being the ways of pleasantness and peace. At so much goodness my soul doth bless and praise my God and Redeemer. My dear boy, you must not forget to pray for your poor unworthy Mother, that she may be daily renewed in the inner man, and so kept by the grace of God, as to be able to endure unto the end, and at last to be received among those that are made perfect, to praise Him that hath redeemed us for ever and ever. Your kind and anxious enquiries about home, I shall endeavour to answer. Your dear Father has returned, and is 1 S27-281 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 83 as well as usual, but still suffers much at times. Your heavenly Father has been pleased to lay His hand of affliction onco more upon your sister, Mrs. Mitchell, by taking away her youngest boy in November last. Edwy, I am happy to say, appears to persevere in serving God, which, with the blessing of God, may he continue to do. Your brother George has left for England. He desires that all your letters be sent to him in England, which contain anything interesting about the Indians, or of the work of religion. The state of relii^ion in this part, I think, is rather on the ri,se, that is to say, they attend bettor to public worship, and receive their preacher in a more friendly manner than before. Write as often as you can to let us know how you are, and how the work of religion is progressing. — H.] Jap. ^rd. — I have this day visited the Indians at Rice Lake : all prosperity here. I have been much refreshed this evening in meeting my beloved brotlier and fellow-labourer in the Gospel, Peter Jones. These pleasing inter- views bring to mind many reiiesliing seasons we have enjoyed together, when seeking the lust sheep of the house of Israel. Tin.'? year thus far, has been attended with peculiar trials; my health has not been good; I have had con- flicts without, and fears witliin. Jan. 30th. — Visited a poor woman to-day in the last stage of consumption, she gives evidence tl.at her peace is made with God. I hnd it a heavy cross to visit the sick. Help nie, Lord, to search out the mourner, bind up broken hearts, and comfort the sorrowful. February 22ncl. — [A Central Committee at York having, of behalf of the various non-Episcopal denominations, deputed Rev. George Ryerson to proceed to England to present petitions to the Imperial Parliament against the claims of the Church of England in this Province,-'^ the Rev. William Ryerson was requested to write to his brother George on the subject. In his letter he gave the following explanation of the sources of in- formation from which Archdeacon Strachan's Ecclesiastical Chart was compiled. He said : — It may be proper to apprise you that the Church of England has been making an enquiry into the religious state of the Province, the result of which they have sent home to the Im- perial Parliament. And in order to swell their numbers as much as possible, they have sent persons through almost every part of the Province, who,, when they come into a house, enquire of the head of the family as to what Church he belongs. If he says, to the Methodist, or any other body of dissenters, they next enquire if their children belong to the same Church. If they say no, they set the children as members of the Church of England ! If they say that neither themselves nor their children belong to any particular Church, they set them all down as • See " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," p. 222. 84 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. VI. members of the Church of England ! So that should they make a parade of their numbers you can tell how they got them. The Report of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, for 1821, gives the number of communicants in the Church of England hero as between 4,000 and 5,000. In the Chart, the Methodist communicants only have been returned, which is about 9,000. The number of those who call them- selves Methodists, is, at least, four times that number, or 3C,000. This is the way in which almost all the other bodies estimate their numbers, the Baptists excepted. Coboarg, Feb. 27th, — Dr. Ryerson's youngest brother, Edwy, who remained at home, wrote from there on the 20th, in regard to his Father's health and religious life. He says : — I think there is no doubt but that he will, in a .short time be able, with the care and the mercy of Almighty God, to enjoy himself again at the family altar. He says that, by the grace of God, the remainder of his days shall be devoted to the service of God. Ho feels that he has acceptance with God ; that God condescends to receive him — blessed be God ! My dear Egerton, although we have had great difficulties and many trials to contend with, yet the Lord has stood by us, and by His good- ness and mercy He has kept us from sinking under them, by pointing out ways and means for our escape, and Ho has brought our aged Father to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Oh, my dear brother, let us praise the name of God forever, who hath dealt so bountifully with us. Mother is much better than when you were here. Father and Mother send their love to you. May the Lord give you good speed, and crown your labours with success in the saving of souls. April 3rd. — With a view to throw an incidental light upon the personal influence which prompted Dr. Ryerson to controvert certain statements made by Archdeacon Strachan,* I quote a letter which Dr. Ryerson's brother William wrote to him from York, on the 1st, as follows : — I send you a pamphlet containing Dr. Strachan's defence before the Legislative Council. If I had time I would write a *" Letters from the Reverend Egerton Ryerson to the Honourable and Reverend Dr. Strachan. Published originally in the Upper Canada Herald, Kingston, U.C, 1828. Pp. 42 — In his "advertisement" or peface, Dr. Ryerson illustrates the pressing nature of his engagements at the time when he was engaged in the controversy with Archdeacon Strachan. He also referred to the unusual difficulties with which he had to contend in writing these "Letters" to the Archdeacon. Of many important and most forcible arguments against estab- lishments, especially those derived from the Holy Scriptures, the author has not availed himself, nor has he referred to so many historical authorities as might have been adduced, * * * as he has had to travel nearly two hundred miles, and preach from twenty to thirty sermons a month." (See note on p. 80 and also Chapter viii. — II. 1827-281 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 85 reply, at least to a part of it, I tliink you had better write a full answer to it. You will perceive that the Doctor's defenco consists in telling what he told certain gentlemen in England and what they told him. The misstatements and contradiction.n it is established." Such was Dr. Ryerson's tribute to the Church of lMi>^hvnd in Ib.'.'l). His disclaimer of personal hostility to that Church (near the close oi. Hie p'-otracted denominational contest in reo-urd to the Cler'Ty Reserves), will be found in an ii)tf>restin;,' personal correspondence, in a subsequent part of this book, with John Kent, Es([., Editor of Tiib i'tiurch newspaper in LSU-2. With a view to enable Canadians of the present day more clearly to understand the pressing nature of the dilHculties with which Dr. Ryerson had to contend, almost .sii. ^de-handed, fifty years ago, 1 shall briefly enumerate the principal ones : — 1. The whole of the oflicial community of those days, which had grown up as a united and powc t'ul class, were bound together by more than oHicial ties, and hence, as a " famib,' compact," they were enabled to act together as one man. This class, with few exceptions, W(>ro members of the Church of England. They regarded he^ — apart from her inimitable liturgy and scriptural standards of faith — with the respect and love which her historical prestige and assured status naturally inspired them. 1 hey maintained, without question, the tra- ditional right of the Church of England to supremacy every- where in the Empire. They, therefore, instinctively repelled all attempts to deprive that Church of what they believed to be her inalienable right to domi nancy in this Province. 2. Those who had the courage, and who ventured to oppo&e the Church claims put forth by the clerical and other leaders of * " Claims of Churchmen and DissenCers," Sic, 1826, p. 27. (See p. 80.) 7 smBmmmamm 98 THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. VIII. the dominant party of that time, were sure to be singled out for personal attack. They were also made to feel the chilling ert'ecls of social exclusiveness. The cry against them was that of ignorance, irreverence, irreligion, republicanism, dis- loyalty, etc. These charges were repeated in every form ; and that, too, by a section both of the official and religious press, a portion of which was edited with singular ability ; a press which prided itself on its intelligence, its unquestioned cliurchmanship and exalted respect for sacred things, its firm (.levotion to the principle of " Church and State" — the main- tenance of which was held to be the only safeguard for society, if ni)t its invincible bulwark. An illustration of the profef^sion of this exclusive loyalty is given by Dr. Ryerson in these pages. He mentions the fact that the plea to the British Government put forth by the leaders of the dominant party, as a reason why the Church of England in this Province should be made supreme and be subsidized, was that she might then be enabled " to preserve the principles of loyalty to Kngland from being overwhelmed and destroyed "by the "Yankee Method- ists," as represented by the Ryersons and their friends ! 3. The two branches of the Legislature were divided on this subject. The House of Assembly represented the popular side, as advocated by Dr. Ryerson and other denominational leaders. The Legislative Council (of which the Ven. Archdeacon Straehan was an influential member,) maintained the clerical views so ably put forth by this reverend leader on the other side. 4. Except by personal visits to England — where grievances could alone be fully redressed in those days — little hope was entertained by the non-Episcopal party that their side of the question would (if stated through official channels), be fairly or fully represented. Even were their case presented thiough these channels, they were not sure but that (as strikingly and quaintly put by Dr. Ryerson, on page 94) . In company with some ruthless vagrant — in the shape of a secret com- munication from enemies in Canada — it would he slandered, ahused, and tomahawked at the foot of the throne. As an illustration also of the spirit of the Chief Executive in Upper Canada in dealing with the questions in dispute, I quote the following extract from the reply of Sir John Colborne to an address from the Methodist Conference in 183L* He said : Your dislike to any church establishment, or to the particnlar form of Christianity which is denominated che Church of England, may be the • For various reasons (apparently pt-udential at the ;ime) this reply was never puhliahed in the Christian Guardian, as were other replies of the Governor. — H. 1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 99 ler \m of the lever -H. natural consequence of the constant success of your own efficacious and organ- ized Bysteni. Tlie small number of our Church* is to be regrettid, as well as that the organization of its ministry is not adapted to supply the present wants of the dispersed population in this new country : but you wilt readily admit that the sober-minded of the province are disgusted with the accounts of the disgraceful dissensions of the Episcopal Methodist Church and its separatists, recriminating memorials, and tlie warfare of one Church with anotlier. The utility of an Establishment depends entirnly on the piety, assiduity, and devoted zeal of its ministers, and on their abstaining from a secular interfer- ence wliicli may involve them in politica' disputes. The labours of the clergy of established churches in defence of moral and religious trutli will always be remembered by you, who have access to tla-ir writings, and benefit by them in common with other Christian Societies. You will allow, 1 have no doubt, on reflection that it would indeed be im- prudent to admit the right of Societies to dicbite, on account of their present numerical strength, in what way the lands set apart as a provision for tiie clergy siiall be disposed of. The system of [University] Education which has produced the best and ablest men in the United Kingdom will not bo abandoned here to suit the limited views of the leaders of iSocieties who, perhaps, have neither experience nor judgment to appreciate the value or advanUiges of a liberal education Such was the spirit in which the Governor in those days replied to the respectful address of a large and influential body of Christians. He even went further in another part of his reply, and referred to "the absurd advice ottered by your missionaries to the Indians, and their officious interference."+ Such language • This expression, " our Church," illustrates the fact which I have indicated in first paragraph on page 97. t This charge, preferred by such high authority, was taken up boldly by the Methodist authorities. Rev. James (afterwards Bishop) Ricliardson, Presiding Elder, was coininissioned to inquire into its truthfulness. He made an exhaustive report, proving the entire incorrectness of the statement, and that the whole diltiuulty arose from the persistent efforts of a Mr. Alley (an employ^ of the Indian Department) to promote liis own interest at the expense of those of the Indians, and to remove out of the way the only obstacle to the accomplishment of his purpose — the Methodist Missionary. Dr. Ryerson having pointed out these facts in the Guardian, Capt. Anderson, Superintendent of Indian affairs at Cold- water, questioned his conclusicn "that the advice given to the Indians was both prudent and loudly called for, and iierfectly respectful to His Excellency," Dr. Ryerson then examined the whole ot the evidence in the case, and (See Ouardiun, vol. iii., p. 76) came to the following conclusion : — 1. That sometimes the local agents of the Indian Department are men who have availed themselves of the most public occasions to procure ardent spirits, and entice the Indians to drunkenness, and other acts of immorality ; being apparantly aware that with the introduction of virtue and knowledge among these people will be the departure of gain which arises from abuse, fraud, and debauchery. 2. That these agents aro not always men who respect the Sabbath. 3. That the Missionary's " absurd advice " was in efTect that the Indians should apply to their Great Father to remove such agents from among them. 4. That their " craft being endangered," the agents and parties concerned, " with studied design, sought to injure the missionary in the estimation of His Excellency, and to destroy all harmony in their operations, in order, if possible, to compel the Missionary to abandon the Mission Station." The effect of this controversy was very salutary. His Excellency, having reconsidered the case, " gave merited reproof and suitable instructions to the officers of the Indian Department in regard to iheir treatment of the Methodist Missionary." Dr. Ryerson adds : — We had no trouble thereafter on the subject. 100 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. Vlll. from the lips of Her Majesty's Representative, if at all possible in these days, would provoke a burst of indignation from those to whom it might be addressed, but it had to be endured fifty years ago, when to question the prerogative of the Crown, or the policy of the Executive, was taken as priTtia facie evidence of disloyalty, and republicanism. 5. Into the discussion of the claims of the Church of England in Upper Canada, two questions entered, which were important factors in the case. Both sides thoroughly imderstood the signi- Hcance of either question as an issue in the discussion ; and both sides were, therefore, equally on the aleit — the one to mamtain the affirmative, and the othei the negative, side of these questions. 'J'he first was the claim that it was the inherent right of the Church of England to be an established church in every part of the empire, and, therefore, in Upper Canada. Both sides knew that the admission of such a claim, would be to admit the exclusive right of that Church to the Clergy Reserves as her heritage. It was argued, as an unquestionable fact, that the exclusive right of the Church of England in Upper Canada to such reserves must have been uppermost in the mind of the royal donor of these lands, when the grant was first made. The second point was, that the admission of this inherent right of the Church of England to be an established church in Upper Canada, would extinguish the right of each one of the nonconformist bodies to the status of a Church. It can well be understood that in a contest which involved vital questions like these (that is, of the exclusive endowment of one Church, and its consequent superior status as a dominant Church), the struggle would be a protracted and bitter one. And so it proved to be. But justice and right at length prevailed. A portion of the Reserves was impartially distributed, on a common basis amonij the denominations which desired to share in them, and the long-contested claims of the Church of England to the exclusive status of an established church were at length emphatically repudiated by the Legisla- ture ; and, in 18.54, the last semblance of a union between Church and State vanished from our Statute Book.* — J. G. H.] * Anotlier distiirlnrif:; element entered subsequently into this controvei'siy. And this was especially einbarrassiufr to Dr. Ryerson, as it proceedeil trom ministers in the same ecclesiastical fold as himself. I lefer to the adverse views on church esitablishnients, put forth by members of the British Con- ference in tliis country and especially in England (to which reference is made subsequently in tins hook). i)r. Ryerson was, as a matter of course, taunted with maintaining opinions which had been exi)res8ly repudiated by his Meth- odist " superiors " in England. He had, therefore, to wage a double warfare. He was assailed from within as well as from without. Besides, he had to bear the charge of putting foitli heretical views in church politics, even from a Methodist standpoint. Ho, however, triumphed over both parties — those within as well as those witliout. And his victory over the former was the I-l ,(le ;ed :h- re. iir a se ■he 1829-32] THE SrUIiY OF AfY LIFE. 101 t Bee. ISlIi, 1880. — In the Guardian of this day, Dr. Ryerson pubHshed a petition to the Imperial Parliament, prepared by a large Committee, of which he was a member, and of which Dr. W. W. Baldwin was Chairman. In that petition the writer referred to the historical fact, that, had the inhabitants of this Province been depend nfc upon the Church of England or ot' Scotland for religious insti uction, they would have remained destitute of it for some years, and also that the pioneer non-Episcopal ministers were not dis.senters, becau.se of the priority of their existence and labours in Upper Canada. The petition, having pointed out that there were only five Episcopal clergy in Canada during the war of 1812, and that only one Presbyterian minister was settled in the Province in 1818, declared that : The miui.-^ters of several other denoniiuationa accompanied the first influx of emigration into Upper Canada, ^1783-1790,) and have shared the hard- ships, privations, and sufferings incident to missionaries in a new country. And it is through their unwearied labours, that the mass of the population have been mainly supplied with religious instruction. They, therefore, do not stand in the relation of Dissenters from either the Church of England or of Scotland, but are the ministers of distinct and independent Churches, who had numerous congregations in various parts of the Province, before the ministerial labours of any ecclesiastical establishment were, to any consider- able extent, known or felt. Jan. 20th, 1831. — As an evidence that the views put forth by Dr. Ryerson.. in the Otiardian, against an established C'hurch in Upper Canada, were acceptable outside of his own denomination, I give the following letter, addressed to him at this date from Perth, by the Rev. Wm. Bell, Presbyterian : Though differing from you in many particulars, yet in some we agree. Your endeavours to advance the cause of civil and religious liberty have generally met my approbation. Some of your writings that 1 have seen discover both good sense and Christian feeling. The liberality, too, you have discovered, both in regard to myself and in regard of my brethren, has not escaped my observation. Be not discouraged by the malice of the enemies of religion. Your Guardian I have seldom seen, but from this time I intend to take.it regularly. Consider me one of your "constant readers." The matters in which we differ are nothing in comparison of those in. which we agree. Feb. 9th. — Some members of the Church of England in the Province evinced a good deal of hostility to the Methodists of this period, chiefly from the fact that they had been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, and that the Canada Conference had formed one of the Annual Con- fe.encesof that Church, presided over by an American Bishop. more easily won, as the views of the "British Methodists," on this question were almost unanimously repudiated bv the Methodists of Canada. See " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," 1)1j. 330-353.— H. 102 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. VIII. As an evidence of this hostility, Dr. Ryerson stated in the Guardian of this date, that Donald Bethune, Esq., and others, of Kingston, had petitioned the House of Assembly : — To prohibit any exercise of the functions of a priest, or exhorter, or elder of any denomination in the Province ci.cept by British subjects ; 2nd, to prevent any religious society connected with any foreign religious body to assemble in Conference; 3rd, to prevent the raising of money by any religious person or body for objects which are not strictly British, etc. The Legislature appointed a Committee on the subject, and Dr. Ryerson, as representing the Methodist.s, Rev. Mr Harris the Presbyterians, and Rev. Mr. Stewart the Baptists, were summoned to attend thi.s Committee with a view to give evidence on the subject. This Dr. Ryerson did at length, (as did also these gentlemen). Dr. Ryerson traced the history of the Methodist body in Canada, and showed that, three years before this time, the Canada Conference had taken steps to sever its connection with the American General Con- ference, and had done so in a friendly manner.* The petition was aimed at the Methodists, as they alone answered the de.scription of the parties referred to by the petitioner.s. The petition was also a covert re-statement of the often disproved charge of disloyalty, etc., on the part of the Methodists. The House very properly came to the conclusion — " That it was inconsistent with the benign and tolerant principles of the British Constitution to restrain by penal enactment any denomination of Cliristians, whether subjects or foreigners," etc. This, however, was a sample of the favourite mode of attack, and the system of persecution to which the early Methodists were exposed in this Province. At the same session of Parliament in 1831, the Marriage Bill, which had been before the House each year for six successive years, was finallj' passed. This Bill gave to the Methodists and to other non-Episcopal ministers the right for the first time to solemnize matrimony in Upper Canada. Feb. i9th. — Sir John Colborne, the Lieutenant-Governor, having nominated an Episcopal chaplain to the House of Assembly, the question, " Is the Church of England an established church in Upper Canada ? " was again debated m the House of Assembly and discussed in the newspapers. With a view to a calm, dispassionate, and historical refutation of the claims set up by the Episcopal Church on the subject, Dr. Ryerson reprinted in the Guardian of this day, the sixth of a series of letters which he had addressed from Cobourg to Arch- deacon Strachan, in May and June, 1828. It covered the whole ground in dispute.-}- * See pages 63, 64 of the Christian Guardian for 1831 ; also page 90, ante. t See Christian Guardian of Feb. 19th, 1831, and also the pamphlet con- 1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 103 a Nov. Gth, 1832. — Archdeacon Strachan, in hia sermon, preached at the visitation of the Bishop of Quebec at York, on the 5th of September, speaking of the Methodists, said that he would — Speak of them with praise, notwithstanding their departure I'rom the Apostolic ordinr.nce, and the hostility long manifested against us by some of their leading members. In reply to this statement. Dr. Ryerson wrote from St. Cath- arines to the Editor of the Guardian. He pointed out that : — It w?«s not until after Archdeacon Strachan's sermon on the death of the former Bishop of Quebec was published, in 1826, that a single word was written, and then to refute his .slanders. In that sermon, when accounting for the few who attend the Church of England, the Archdeacon said that their attendance discouraged the minister, and that — His influence is frequently broken or injured by numbers of uneducated, itinerant preachers, who, leaving their steady employment, betake themselves to preaching the Gospel from idleness, or a zeal without knowledge . . . and to teach what they do not know, and which from their pride they disdain to learn.* Again, in May, 1827, Archdeacon Strachan sent an " Ecclesi- astical Chart " to the Colonial Office, and in the letter accom- panying it stated that : — The Methodist teachers are subject to the orders of the United States of America, and it is manifest that the Colonial Government neither has, nor can have any other control over them, or prevent them from gradually rendering a large portion of the population, by their influence and instruc- tions, hostile to our institutions, civil and religious, than by increasing the number of the Established Clergy. Who then [Dr Ryerson asked] was the author of contention ? Who was the aggressor ? Who provoked hostilities ? The slanders in the Chart were published m Canada, and in England, by the Dr. Strachan before a single effort was made by a member of any denomination to counteract his hostile measures, or a single word was said on the subject. Nov. 19th, 1834. — In connection with this subject I insert here the following reply (containing several historical facts) to a singularly pretentious letter which Dr. Ryerson had inserted in the Guardian of this date, denouncing the opposition of a certain " sect called Methodists " to the claims of the Church of England as an established church in the Colony, The reply was inserted in order to afford strangers and new settlers in taining the whole of this series of eight letters, entitled: "Letters from the Reverend Egerton Ryerson to the Honourable and Reverend Doctor Strachan, published originally in the Upper Canada Herald; Kingston, 1828," pp. 42, double columns. See page 80. — H. * For reply to this statement see extract from ReAriew given on p. 105. — H. 104 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. VI 11. Upper Canada correct information on tlie subjoct, and to disprove the statement of the writer of the letter, Dr. Ilycrson mentioned the following facts : — The pretensions of the Episcopal clergy began to be disputed by the clergy of the Church of Scotland as soon as it was known that the former had got theiliselves erected into a corporation. This was, I believe, in 1820.* The subject was brought before the House of Assembly in 1824, and the House in 1824, '25, '26, '27, pas.sed resolutions remonstrating against the exclusive claims of the Episcopal clergy. From 1822 to 1827 several pamphlets were published on both sides of the question, and much was said in the House of Assembly; but during this period not one word was written by any minister or member of the Methodist Church, nor did the Methodists take any part in it, though their ministers were not even allowed to solemnize matrimony — a privilege then enjoyed by Calvinistic n)inisters — and though individual ministers had been most maliciously and cruelly persecuted, under the sanction of judicial authority But in the statements drawn up for the Imperial Government by the Episcopal clergy during the 3'ears mentioned, the extirpation of the Methodists was made one principal ground of a])peal by the Episcopal cleigy for the exclusive countenance and patronage of His Majesty's Govern- m.ent. Some of these documents at length came before the Canadian public; and in 1827 a defence of the Methodists and other religious denominations was put forth by the writer of these remarks in the form of a " Review of a Sermon preached by the Archdeacon of York." Up to this time not one word was said on " the church question " by the Methodists. But it was so warmly agitated by others, that in the early part of 1827. Archdeacon Strachan, an executive and legislative councillor, was sent to London to support the claims of the Episcopal clergy at the Colonial Office. His ecclesiastical chart and other communications were printed by order of the Govern- ment, and soon found their way into the provinc^l newspapers, and gave rise to such a discussion, and excited such a feeling throughout the Province as was never before witnessed. The shameful attack upon the character of the Methodist ministry, whose unparalleled labours and sufferings, usefulness, and unimpeachable loyalty were knov^n and appreciated in the * In "a Pastoral Letter from the Clergy of the Church of Scotland in the Canadas to their Presbyterian Brethren " issued in 1828, they say : — We did, in the year 1820, petition His Majesty's Government for protection and support to our Church, and claimed, by what we believe to be our constitutional rights, a participation in the Clergy Reserves." Montreal, 1828, p. 2. This Pastoral Letter gave rise to a protracted discussion for and against the Presbyterian side of the question. — H. 1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 105 Province, and the appeal to the Klnr^'s Government to aid in exterminating them from the country excited strong I'eelijigs cf indignation and sympathy in the pul)lic mind. Tlie Housf of Assembly investigated tlie wliole affair, examined tifty-two witnesses, adopted an elaborate report, and sent home an address to the King condemning the statements of the agent of the Episcoi)al clergy, and remonstrating against the establish- ment of a dominant church in the Province.* The determin- ation to uproot the Methodists was carric^l so far in those by-gone days of civil and ecclesiastical despotism, that the hulians were told by executive sanction that unless they would become members of the Church of England, the Government would do nothing for them! In further support of my state- ment, I quoted four Episcopal addresses and sermons, .suflicient to show who were tlie first and real aggressors in this matter — certainly not the Methodists. As a sample of Dr. Ryerson'.s controversial style in 1826, when he wrote the Review of Archdeacon Strachan's sermon (to which he refers above) I quote a paragraph from it. In replying to the Archdeacon's " remarks on the qualifications, motives, and conduct of the Methodist itinerant preachers," which Dr. Ryerson considered " ungenerous and unfounded," he proceeded : — The Methodist preachers do not value themselves upon the wealth, virtues, or grandeur, of their ancestry ; nor do they consider their Ibrnier occupation an argument against their present employment or usefulness. They have learned that the Apostles were once fishermen ; that a Milner could once throw the shuttle ; that a Newton once watched his mother's floclt. , . . They are likewise charged with "preaching the Go.spel out of idleness." Does the Archdeacon claim the attribute of omniscience ? Does he know what is in man 1 How does he know that they preach " the Gospel out of idleness?" .... \V hat does he call idleness? — the reading of one or two' dry discourses every Sabbath .... to one congregation, with an annual income of i;200 or £'dO{) ? .... No ; this is hard labour ; this is indefatigaWe industry ! . . . . Who are they then that jjreach the Gospel out of idleness 1 — those indolent, covetous men who travel from two to three hundred miles, and preach from twenty-five to forty times every month 1 — who, in addition to this, visit from house to house, and teach young and old " repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesust Clirist i — those who continue this labour year after year . . . , at the enormous salary of £25 or £50 per annum I — these are the men wlio " preach the • The Roport was adopted by a vote of 22 to 8. It statetl: — Thi; niiiiisiry and instructions [of the Methodist Clergymen] have been coiulucive— in a degree whieh cannot be easily estimated — to the reformation of their hearers, and to the ditfu-sion of correct morals — the foundation of all sound loyalty and social order. . . . . No one doubts that the Methodists are as loyal as any other of ills Majesty's subjects, etc. Full pari' alars of this controversy will be found in Dr. Kyersou's " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 165-218.— H. 106 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CiiAr. VIII. Gospel out of idleness !" bigotryl thou parent of persecution; envy! thou fountain of slander; covetousness! thou god of iujustice! would to heaven ye were banished from the earth 1* Jan. 22nd, 1831. — In the Guardian of this day Dr. Ryorson publishes a letter from the Rev. Richard Watson to the trustees of the Wesleyan University, in Connecticut, declining the appointment of Professor of ndUs Letires and Moral Philosophy. He says : — To Belles Lettres I have no pretensions ; Moral Philosophy I have studied, and think it a most important department, when kept upon its true principles, both theological and philosophic. Being, however, fifty years old, and having a feeble constitution, I do not think it would be prudent in me to accept. During this year (1831) Dr. Ryerson engaged in a friendly controversy with Vicar-General Macdonnell, Editor of the Catholic, published in Kingston. This controversy included six letters from Dr. Ryerson, and five from the Vicar-General, published in the Christian Guardian. It touched upon the leading questions at issue between Roman Catholics and Protestants. The correspondence was broken off by the Vicar- Geueral. • In "An Apology for tho Church of England in Canada, by a Protestant of the Established Church of England," the writer thus refers to this coatrovoisy : — "Our Methodist brethren have disturbed the peace of their maternal Church by the clamour of enthusiasm and the madness of resentment; but they are the way- ward cliildren of passion, and we hope that yet the chastening hand of rciison will sober down the wUdness of that ferment," etc Kingston, U.C., 1826, p. S.— H. CHAPTER IX. 1831-1832. Methodist Affairs in Upper Canada— Proposed Union WITH THE British Conference. OF the events transpiring in Upper Canada during 1831 and 1832, in which Dr. Ryerson was an actor, he has left no record in his " Story." His letters and papers, however, show that during this period he retired from the editorship of the Christian Guardian, and that plans were discussed and matured which led to his going to England, in 1833, to negotiate a union between the British and Upper Canadian Conferences. His brother George had gone on a second visit to England in March, 1831, This second visit was for a twofold purpose, viz., to collect money with the Rev. Peter Jones, for the Indian Missions, and also to present petitions to the Imperial Parliament on behalf of the non-episcopalians of the Province. I give extracts from his letters to Dr. Ryerson, relating his experiences of, and reflections on, Wesleyan matters in England at that period. Writing from Bristol, on the 6th of August, 1831, Rev. George Ryerson said : — In my address to the Wesleyan Conference here I stated that we stood in precisely the same relation to our brethren of the Methodist Conference in the United States as we do to our brethren of the Wesleyan Conference in England — independent of either — agreeing in faith, in religious discipline, in name and doctrine, and the unity of spirit, — but ditfering in some ecclesiastical arrangements, rendered necessary from local circumstances. I also expressed my firm conviction that the situation in which we stand is decidedly the best calculated to spread Methodism and vital religion in Canada. This statement did not, 1 think, give so much satisfaction to the Conference as the others, for what Pope said of Churchmen : •' Is he a Churchman ? then he's fond of power," may also be literally applied to Wesleyan ministers, and, I may add, to Englishmen generally. I have reason to know that they would gladly govern us. 1 was, therefore, very pointed and explicit on this subject. I rejoice that our country lies beyond the Atlantic, and is surrounded by an atmospiiere of freedom. A few months' residence in this country would lead you to value this circumstance in a degree that you can scarcely conceive of; and you would, with unknown energy, address this exhortation to the Methodists and to the people of Canada: "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith God's providence hath made you free, and in this abound 103 Tilt: sroiw OF my life. [Chap. IX. more ami more." I also nasurcil them of our rcsju'ct unci love lor lliciii ns our lalliora and elder bretliren, and mentioned my reasons lor giving this inlorinution to prevent future collision iind nii.sunderHtandiDg, The (Jonlerence ur Missionary Society have, however, not given up their intention ol' et*lal)lic>hing an Indian Miwbioi In Upper (.'anuda, Inn, in consequence ol my remonstrances, have delayeii it. Brother James lliehard- Bou'a letter to the Missionary (.-'ommittee, which 1 sulimitled, and was told by Kev. IJr. Towniey, one of the yecrelaries, that they would by no means withdraw their missionary at Kingston, bh it was still their intention to establish a mission to the Indians in Upper Canada, and this htalion would be very necessary to them. 1 see that they are a little vexed that eniigiants from their JSocicties should augment our membership. The whole morning service of the Church of England is now read in most of the Wesleyan Chapels, and with fls much formality as in the Church. Many of the members, wlien they become wealthy and rise in the world, join the Church, and their wealth and inlhience are lost to the Society. Organs are also introduced into many of their Chapels. In a letter dated London, Feb. Gth, 1832, Rev, Geo. llycrson writes ap;ain to Dr. llyerson, and says that ho and Peter Junes: By request, met the Rev. Richard Watson, and some others of the Missionary Committee. They wished to consult us respecting the resolutions forwarded to them from your Missionary Committee. They profess that ihey will not occupy any station where there is a mission, as Ciand Rivei', Pene- taiiguislienc, etc., except St. Clair. Bat they declare that as it regards the white population, the ugreement witli the American Conference ceased when we became a separate conne.\ion. I ojjposed their views, as 1 have invariably done, in very strong and plain terms, and exphiiueil to them the character and object of the persons who were alluring them to commence this schism. They proposed that we should give up the missions to them. I told them we could no more do so, than they give up theirs. They tinally acquiesced, and voted the £300 as Rev. Dr. Towniey w rote. At the Conference, at Bristol, 1 explained that_a union of the two Conferences would be inexpedient nnd uiiprohtabie, any further than a union of brotherly love and Iriend- sWp In another letter to Dr. Ryerson from his brother George, dated London, April Gth, 1832, he says : — I have been detained so long on expenses, and continually advancing money for the Central Committee at York, thai I hope it will be repaid to Peter Jones. I was a lonf^ time attending to the business of my mi-ssion to bring it to the only practicable arrangement, that is, having it subniiited to the Legislature of ljp])er Canada, witti such recommendations and instruc- tions as would give satisfaction to the country bv con.sulting the wishes and interests of all parlies. 1 have never before in my life been shut up lo walk in all things by simple faith more than 1 have for some months past ; yet I was never kept in greater steadfastness and peace of mind, nor had such openings of the Spirit and life of Jesus in my soul. The judgnu nts of God are spreading apace — the cholera is more deadly in London, and ithas now broken out in Ireland, and in the centre of Paris, where it is said to be very destructive. You need no other evidence of its being a work of God, than to be informed that it is made the public mock of the infidel population of this city ; a state of feeling and conduct in regard to this pestilence that never, perhaps, was witnessed from any country, and that would make a heathen or Mahommedan ashamed. I have seen gangs of men traversing the streets 1831-82] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 109 111 and sinj'iiif,' sniiRa in ridicule of the cholera, nnd have seen caricaturea of it ill the wiii'lowH. Au()V.»t 2f)//i, 1832. — To-day, in a valcMlictory oditorinl, Dr. RycTson took leave of tlu5 rcador.s of tlio (JkrlMian Gunrditw, liaviii^ Itocn its first ('ditor for nearly tlirou ycar.s. Inthatvalo- dictory l)r, llycrson .said (p, 110): — 1 first appeared before the public as a writer, at the ago of two ami twenty years. My first feeble eflbrt was a vindication of the Methodists, and sevi'ral other Christian denominations aj^ainst the uncalled-for attack made upon their principles and character. It also contained a remonstrance aj^ainst the intro- duction into this country of an endowed political Church, as alike opposed to the statute law of the Province, political and reli<,'ious expedience, public rights and lil)erties. I believe this was the first article of the kinil ever publislu;d in Upper Canada, and, while from that time to this a powerful combination of talent, learning, indignation, and interest has been arrayed in the vain attempt to support by the weapons of reason. Scripture, and argument, a union between the Church and the world — between earth and heaven ; talents, truth, reason, and justice have alike been arrayed in the defence of insulted and infringed rights, and the maintenance of a system of pul)lic, religiou.s, and educational instruction, accordant with public rights and interests, the principles of sound policy, the economy of Provi- dence, and the institutions and usages of the New Testament. Dr. Ryerson also publi-shed in this number of the Guardian, the general outline of the arrangements proposed at Hallowcli (Picton) on behalf of the Canada Conference to the English Conference, and designed to form the basis of articles for the proposed union between the two bodies. Rev. Robert Alder was present at the Conference, and was a consenting party to the basis of union. Decewher 7th, 1832. — The prospects of Union with the British Conference were not encouraging in various parts of the Connexion, and chiefly for the reasons mentioned by Rev. George Ryerson in his letters from England (see pp. 107,8). Rev. John Ryerson, writing to Dr. Ryerson from Cobourg, also says : — The subject of the Union appears to be less and less palatable to our friends in these parts, so much so, that 1 think it will not be sale for you to come to any permanent arrangements with the Briti.sh Conlerence, even should they accede to our propo.sals, I am of the opinion that, except we give ourselves entirely into their hands in Pome way or another, no Union' will take place. I tell the preachers, und they and I tell the peoj)le, that, Union or no Union, it is very important that you should go home ; iliat you will endeavour, in every way you can, to convince the British Conference of the manifest injustice and wickedness of sending missionaries to this country. 110 THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. IX. Novemher 21.s<, 1832. — The proposed union with tho British Conference excited a good deal of discussion at this time in vari- ous i)arts of Upper Canada. Dr. Hyerson, theretore, addressed a note on the subject to Ilev. Rohtrt Alder, tho Eiij^'lisii Con- ference representative. I make a few extracts : — At tho Hallowell Conference (1832) the question of the union was principally sustained by my brothers, and was concurred in by the vote ot a largo majority of the Conference. . . . But in some parts of the country, whore Presidential visits have been made, certain local preachers have found out that the Societies ought to have been consulted ; that they have been sold (" by the Ilyersons,") without consent; that no Canadian will hence- forth be admitted into the Conference ; that our whole economy will be changed by arbitrary power, and all revivals of religion will be stopped, etc. The tirst of the objections is the most popular, but they have all failed to produce V intended etlect, lo an extent desired by the disati'ccted few. The object con- templated is, to nroduce an excitement that will prevent me going to England, and induce the Conference to retrace its steps. The merit or demerit of the measure has been mainly ascribed to me ; and on its result, should I cross tho Atlantic, my standing, in a great measure, depends. If our proposals should meet with a conciliatory reception, and your Committee would recommend measures, rather than require concessions, in the future proceedings of our Conference, everything can be accomplished without difficulty or embarrassment. You know that 1 am willing, as an individual, to adopt your whole British economy, ex animo. You also know that my brothers are of the same mind, and that a majority of the Conference will readily concur. May the Lord direct aright! Dr. Aider's, reply to Dr. Ryerson in February, 1833, was that : You must look at the great principles and results involved in this most important affair, and not shrink from the duties imposed on you, to avoid a lew present unpleasant consequences. It is not for me to prescribe rules of concfuct to be observed by you, but I must say, that I am surprised that any circumstance should cause you to waver for a moment in reference to your visit to Europe. If you were to decline coming, would not the many on the other side, who are strictly watching your movements, at once say that the whole arrangements are deceptive, and merely designed to make an impres- sion on me for a certain purpose. You know they w^ould. Of course you will act as you please. I neither advise nor persuade, but say : Be not too soon nor too much alarmed. There are no jealousies, no evil surmisings, no ambitious designs in the matter, but a sincere desire to promote the interests ■ of Methodism and the cause of religion in Upper Canaaa ; and nothing will be desired from, or recommended to, you, but lor this purpose. It is a noble object that we have in view. Rev. Richard Watson takes a statesmanlike view of the whole case, and will, I am persuaded, as will all concerned here, meet you with the utmost ingenuousness and liberality, and, if they be met in a similar manner, all will end well If you can agree to 831-3fJ] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. Ill tho foUnwinf,' rrcnnmu'iidation, I think pvorytliinj; else will easily lie hi ttloil, viz., til cdiKitifutc two or tlirro diHtriits, to iiicel nnimiilly, «n District Ci)iilrri'iKc-«, anil to hold a Tii« luiial C'oiil'erunce, to he conijiom'd ol nil tlio prcai lui'M in the I'mvincen, under u Pri-Bidunt, to *)e uppuinted in llu! way imntiont'd in ihf jilan ot" a^;rccMient proposed hy your lust Conlercnce. Hcvcral of your prcuchers wihli it; Bro. Green, tno prewuling Elder, is in favour ol' it. January Wth, 1833. — It being neccs.sary to collect fun(Vs to dol'niy Or. Ilyer.son's expenses to England, his brother, William, wrote to him I'rom Brockvillo at this date, giving an account of his success there as a collector. Ho said: — Alter the liolidayM I commenced operationH, and having hesieged tho donrn of several ol' our j^entry, nioHt of whom contnhuted without much resistance, on most honouralile terms, of course, Buch im paying from $3 to $(i, with u great nuiny wmhes, and hearty ones too, for your rtuccess. More than two- thirds of the sum collected are given by the gentlemen of the village, most of whom exjjressed and aiipeareu to feel a pleasure in giving, and who have never been known to give anvtiiing to the Methodists before on any occa.sion whatever. Our congregation has greatly increased, so that we now have from five hundred, some say more, in the evening. A majority of the first families in the village attend our chapel. Among many others, Mr. Jonas Jones, and several of the families in the same connection; Mr. Sherwood, the High SherilF, and several others, most of whom have never been known to attend a Methodist meeting before. You will be surprised to hear that Mrs. James Sherwood has become my warm friend, treating me with the greatest attention and kindness; and also on various occasions speaking most kindly and respectfully of me and all our family, especially yourself. Jamiary Slst, 1833. — Under this date, Dr. Rycrson has recorded in his diary the following tribute to his first wife : — A year ago this morning, at half-past five o'clock, the wife of my youth fell asleep in Jesus, leaving a son and daughter (John and Lucilla Hannah), the former two years and a half old, and the latter fourteen days. Hannah Aiknian (her maiden name) was the daughter of John and Hannah Aiknian, and was the youngest of eleven children. Hannah was born in Barton, Gore District, on the 4th of August, 1804. Her natural disposition was most amiable, and her education was better than is usually afforded to farmer's daughters in this country. At the age of sixteen she was awakened, converted, and joined the Methodist Church, of which she remained an exemplary member until her death, I became intimately acquainted with her in 1824, when she was twenty years of age, and after takin" the advice of nu elder brother, who had travelled the circuit on which they lived, at the strong solicitation of my parents, and the impulse of my ovrn inclinations, I made her proposals of marriage, which were accepted. This was before I had any intention of becoming a preacher in the Methodist Church, either travelling or local. About this time the Lord laid his afflicting hand upon me;* I was brought to the gate of death, and in that state became convinced by evidence as satis- factory as that of my existence, that in disregarding the dictates of my own conscience, and the important advice of many members of the Church, both • See note on page 86. w^ frth; ftvi^iiv t^r \f\ m't' \i'\\\\' i\. ^nuMi'Im^Vi i\\\\\ \i\\y \\\ Wii\\\>\ (>> litliiHiHwji (n ll\i' t(i()>'t(\»\t 111 III, I liiiil ii>'il"lit| ilii' N|>\n' o( .\; i\\\<\ WW {\\M mIiK, iHiil U\ llii' iHillnintinii nl mv Ituiillv, lU (uii W\\, \ \>m\.m| t,» Oi» \.o\A y\\\ Unil, l|(nl il l|i' nlninlil ■ii-i. Ill In ihIm,. itii> »\»< t\\»>< i>l>r\\ till' « in , Iwi'Wiil »\ii \>>iHi' iliml'i') lllp \ nli'i' III 1 1 li I 'l n V lili'lln' rtu<\n«\\in»«* l''»>>«\ lUi>l Itoin I I'l'^KK > t"l'«lv l<< ii'iiMiir, Kiiil. Il(iin)ilt lln- r\<>^>Hv* ol WW \\\\\\\\ \\<'Vt' H(\K»o« >\ lo HMV l>«)l nt\"«'ll mill llu> Hum In i ii| h>'iUl*> l»\ ro*V 1 \\W\ >^\\\\\\\\'\\\\\ (VfKM'd'il In Willli MVH Otill'n, I «llit illlll'il \\)>o» \>\ i1m> r»^ «\>l\«'>i t''.l>l> 1 , i>»\il "I'M'iid I'lllii^tl nil ntlt'i 1, mill iinliilliil in [,(>' on Ou> Nii\|iiii-i< Oiu uH. « liii II V ii'i lliiii I iiilU ili'iliiiiM' I III I mull llii« IhiIiiim III lli>rtl« lli>' \»*\i <> i»( *5in|iniiilliiii, I <\U>ivv<\, iMi Ui>' »>ul\ ol Miiwli, lrt*^(v, (l)<> iltvv ii« wlilili I «iini«i'iii\ ii\ii \Mi\« iu\!U\iii"\vi(i il il\i»ni[i> III (lii< i-muflo iif ni\ lili>, «liili>«>>nii'il IM\ \iNiihMMpln( ill n noiiirii lull ililli'ii'iil ll|i,lil ; llnniuli ivo^s.-tU M\\\ o>n- %^\\). .t wtli^ iU1|»'V«m>l4l>\ rOI\<> \ilV will', \\|n||i(i» tlli< (» mIiimI lilliii iillil \1\i> »>«\M\l^ihVv \\* n\\\A\ rt >'lii\iun> WHO iiii'IiI'.ihumI nn it i innliiinn in t»v (tii J\o.9.tH rtM<< lintinm nl llli' \ <\Ni\\\n< iiiii> li\i\<'Uni>;. \\\i\\ il « tininii lulwrcn iia wii'i In miv ii'mjuiI ,^^^^^,^«1■,^^,^ tlW \ i. W * ol .III! \ . «l r«i>IH illI ol'liHilllnllii In miill II tWUiMt. »!>!»», \\li,»i»\x V li<-\- I'vv >\ li'diii;;* iiiiiilil W, «lio Im'^ii'iI IIiiiI IIii'V wmilil tiii» nMh\ow>o t>tt\ \\\A\ \\\^\\ \\\^\\\y\ (sjiv»> liin- fjitii'ii llii'Hi. (Inil ' *iini^\\u\;i. :i!> \ '\\'\, \hi\\ lior liniiliii";'" Tm nni ww* i'\linMiiimil. I miilil iml; \\\nni<< lllO lliMVl \\l\li1l \\i<'» till' «(Vl( nl W\t\\ nli'Villi'il li'i'lilljtix, ni llilp il|i|i||i . irtliuj; tWiMV IwmMx ihiui <\<'i (lio \>iiiii>i)>li>'> nl iiiiinl « liii li oniiM ^h n • ifin In iiWilt tt\^W^> (!<>t\r»»\0M<*, rt»'n(i'iliii>n« nl uniii In s\t\«.'.)iiil nlimilil Trnv iili iii'(> |iiMiiiil mnl yM l\i V ii\v>;!;x''^Uin\^ slii^nUl woilhi'V nf no i limifjn n\U' niiinl'i. wn wmilil I'.rl vn.>^U\o\>v vNV i>nu x.'iivx Piiiiiiij lliin iiili-iMil. I liiiil III Imiii"! ii)!i(ii \^N\\* <^( niwui rt!» to \]w i\iUrtnlHv;« o nl mii'li i\ >>l<')>. in iT};mil In in> niininli rinl litKntt*!*, but »UMO\mu\o>l to »vl\ nw (lio Pivino )>»Mi\iiBn, " lUonmil i«i llin iiimt (?i,\t sW'xN-uvth to 1\>» «nM\ l\ml,iUi\l «l»,ui)ivllt iinl " Tlii" |Mi>ii\iHi' lum Imiii Alntitxii^wtlN t\\)lUUsl m two. Wo wotv iwitnioii mi tlio iiMli nl ,'trnloiiilini. ISV''S ,\ tt\<''iv {t(V< >lilo\\1 wilo novoi livnl. film win ImlnMil .-.•irJ ix'^s^vvus^ \x\ ;tlH)t!tt Kwi w liov. \ uovov ^>i»w ln>v mi;;i\ , iini-iln I ivinllml tltAl Stt JtltjJtV yXf WwVin>< WO\\< OWM- JVIS^'Oil bolWOOW \1». ||o\' ilinpiMilintl wiin sw^vt, lu-v y^Mtit nttitottttU kiiul {\\u\ «lilo. imhI nuuU. Mof ^sivtvssi.Mi* wotv ttowM' )t5vilt, tiiw liov jo\ •« t-iipiiiiMn-j. lint 11' oxowliiiiif; olio \XS* U',\}t\1.-tMx 'jtithful, ;U1<1 t\>;< >;ooil \\^H^^ UMii tVniK, III lior v\Mth,^on»\\ ^V;t.v, rtW\l i)\t .IS uoon, su,i y\\\\\\ i>5i Niiniiwor ovciiiiif;'* hi\" Tl^nvsih Iti-v pul;iiii'i'.'i my Aamnvv!'o>-1 lovo of tJoil. At loa- l';iiwl unrv.fWisi oorit\»\cnco ^v^so to tho riches oi tho lull as,-itirat\co nt nmlor- stAr^o.irs);, fsilh And ho^v, at\i\ sho ox]>tYs,-«cil lutvclf with a bnlilm-ss of i.vnjr"Ai^\ * ntp'iV.TX' vif hoiv, !ttt»l triumph ot taith that 1 itovcv holoro ImI I- .-!■ I lit nt.i ttnh 11. f lit Mill: hi !llM i\in\ I Hill ;)i!| 77/ W f^milY nil' IMV l.llifl m ■ '■ I ' !■ I'll »Vllllt'«li«« lIvIlM! <'lMl"tllMr" Vll I'KM", llllHll|plln. (Kl'l \\ii\>i)i'iiil(((/ df )|i(. Iiiinilv mill itll lim "Wii llil(i|'>i, n llli iix >iiii< It ( militi im iifdl |m(I|M((' fil ni If hIk* liMil lii'i'K ill |ii'ili'l liiiillli, iiikI wmw mIkimI liiivliiy li(i(((«« (i() (t h'H i\nfn' vltH, |(. 1,11 JllMlil'l A Hull- Ik'ImIK (lll'lllilfM mIik (M|l|cllf('(| llio liltlr'> I'l Sill liiiiiiu|il III III! Iiji'iiiol II liliiKii'l il, nil', iiliii(i'-'l 11 Kill- lli(-f( Mill'il f'lr lIlM lilllii liny (.I'lllli I, iili'l, I'liitilili llij' iifi'l liii'ijlil! Iildi, l>f''|i|i-iitli< 'I \i, \,,iii iiIhii I|ii> liip.iH'V III M |i|iii|ii iii'iIIiI'I'm 'ividi! |>iMy('i iiii'l \i\i""\tm A fl( r //ncU «l((' ti(ltli||Mi'i| KM', IIIhI KHIiI, " Mv (ll'lll I'il'l'lldK, |iH'»»(ll lllC WdMlj l«> (/(«l((/lf, In Mi'iimiit Mini iiiil III iiiiH'iiO, iidil Hull will liilti- (lid- iif yirii, iiml ^l'/(« -/'.n (Id, Vliliiiv" tllll- lIlMt liiil lid illli'l liiidlili IlKI'Wdll IdiliviillDilly \ii (ill Mli/i I'lHil itiiii'il id lliii |iiiliil |iiiMiiMiiiiid III II' ( (iiiiiiid l( iiidi|iliiii(; in ill" (('(.If 111 Im>i iiiilviilliid, iiiilil lid' di('M«('d|(i'i Miiivi'il Hd'l (ii( ii|ii(il I'n.le rl«< i\>\tiuUnt^ Willi lln- Wd|il«, " < 'iiiiin, |(((i(| ./iwiiM," lldi(ii|iiiK ii|iii(( Idf l(|i" 'M(d«« liv*/| iiihI iIIi'iI diii> (if Mill (i<(I'IImiI iif llio I'ImIIi, ii widdiii iif (^i'kI, i(l(((d i<''d>'y<, n (Iiiiil li'ii'l llciHl, Mini II liilld lllli'l M|iilll lilnl llld, Hd'll i« III" U-Hlllti'iliV ii>M|iii/ 1, uf uuh ridiK liid III (lllli'l Uiii.i^ii, (|(i.l,i(| \iiiui\iiu, I'iM^ , VjU\,\t Mii,/r}», \'>',''i'l. I Ic MMVM :-^ I ili'i'|ily MV"M"'l'i'i'" Willi V'ld id yiiiii iillli'li'id I Vu'<'» ii'i-r/ to tif\ t'ft villi, mill Vdii (III V"l lid'iw liiil 11 VI I V wddill |i(i(), iif yiiin Umh '/'n/n will mil liiiiil IliM wndidl I (idi, I'Vi'd II uw, d i(i(ili rr/cf wlt»'lfd*"l wtii-h t lljiUV III VBi'lr In (I Wi'll ll|.iid ll|i' |iiimI I (III (I ((III Miijii*! rI, )i» yijil lii>^ ' 'iiiifli'fti- iliiiii |ii|iirM III' riidirnil iiiiil i i'Ki|;iiiil luii, Idil, / Imyi' ii'i ildiilil. jridi will nt-t- Hi'i iiiiiil III Uiiil Mil iimmri'Mlly iii il, HihI. y«ii will wiy " II. WMd w«'ll liom" f will liiillii'i mill lliiil, II i< «iiyni|( iif HI,. I'lHil W(i« (i(, ri'i i'llni'. »(# (ij^jJiotliN- xn III lIlP |ili,Hill|. (I llnr. Vii. U\>, I II.;, Hit licv IIIIV ihal Mil (Ml |ii,^ f.f.'v Mil,li(i(li!il, < Iliiircli ill \]u\)ir iUunvhx, \i>r S.^hu U(ifi[/tt : \a\. 7 h«5 rMliiltliMJiiiicrili u\ Mm l)|>|icr ( 'midi'I/i, A'-.tuI'irny tli" rn'lifif inj^ rcnii'ii (iT inl.cllcciiinl lilV i>i Mm- f!i»nfiith,T(:uiM hi J'^.'IO il, vv;i,M n,jM'i'<'(l l.o r-H^iililiHli lli", f/[;j»»r (Wuui\ft, 1\i'mA' n\'-f. In llin (JiKi.rilidii ol' Mi (if Mio niiw inHl,il,ijl,iofi n.n'1 futult: u ■•'Xrf/fi'/^ h],^,t;ti.\ in ItH I'avdiir. On Mk; 7M) .Inn*-, IH.'J2, ih'; foiiri'lfit,K/ri ^A/iu*-, (/f M w Aciidciny wim laid id (',<>\iiinrir On Mir; \(',l}, .fi>r>':, ]H' iJM! new liiick cliiircli on N(•,w^Jal,«; <'A(J»;l.'j,J'l';^ St. wa-t uy-.iit-A i'or J)ivin!i Scrvico. In Mm; fJatirfliaa (>i .huth I'iih, hr i'-yr- Hon HiiyH : " Kor il,H nizi; luting' 7'» liy ^>o S<;'-X — it m yi>i'jf-A \/> lie inferior to very i'cw McthodiHt Chajjfj's in Arnorir^a." P. \%f'i, 8 CHAPTER X. 1833. Union between the British and Canadian Conferences. I UNDERTOOK the mission to England to negotiate a Union between the British and Canadian Conferences with great reluctance. I determined in the course of the year, from various circumstances, to abandon it ; but was persuaded by letters from Rev. Robert Alder, the London Missionary Secre- tary (one of which is given on page 110), and the advice of my brother John, to resume it The account of my voyage and proceedings in England are given in the following extracts from my journals : — March 4th, 1833. — This mornin<^ at 6 a.m. I left York via Cobourg, King- ston, and New York, on my first important mission to England, an under- taking for which I feel myself uttt-rly incompetent ; and in prosecution of ■which I rely wholly on the guidance of heavenly wisdom, imploring the special blessing of the Most High. Kingston, March Mm. — I find that considerable excitement, and in .some instances, strong dissatisfaction, exists on the question of Union, by misrepre- sentation of the proceedings and intentions of our Conference respecting it. Full explanations have in every instance restored confidence, and acquies- cence. A correction of these misrepresentations, and the reply of the Wesleyan Missionary Committee to the proposals of our Conference have given universal satisfaction, and elicited a general and strong desire for tlie accomplishment of this all-important mcasuie. My intfiviews with my brothers (William and John) have been interesting and profitable to me. Watertown, N.Y., March 12, — Came from Kingston here to-day, twenty- eight miles. This Black River country is very level, and appears to be fertile, but the people generally do not seem to l>e thriving. Utica, March I3th. — This is a flourishing town of about 10,000 inhabitants, beautifully situated on the soutli side of theMohawk river. I travelled through a settlement and village called Renson, consisting principally of Welsh, where the Welsh language is universally spoken ; there is a Whitefield Methodist chapel, but I was told they retained more of the name, than of the genuine spirit of their founder. " Because of swearing the land mourneth." Hartford, March IGth. — The southern part of Massachusetts and the northern part of this State, are mountainous and rocky and barren. The inhabitants are supported by manufactures, grazing and dairies. They appear to be rather poor but intelligent. In my conversrtinn to-day with a professed infidel I felt sensibly the importance of being ^willed in wielding any weapon with which theology, history, science, so abundantly furnishes the believer in the Christian revelation; and never before did 1 see and feel 18331 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 115 the lofty superiority of the fouiulntion on which natural nncl revealed truth is established, over the cob-web and ill-shaped edihce of infidelity. Hartford, March nth. — I have attended service three times to-day, and preached twice. Religion seems to be at a low eblj. Yet I have not heard religion spoken of, or any body of religious people referred to, in any other May than that of respect. New York, March 20th. — 1 am now about to embark lor England, the reason of my long journey from Canada to New York i^ the slow travel by Btrge, before any railroads, and ihe Hudson river not navigable so early. New York, March 2lst. — [Just on the eve of sailing for England, Dr. Kyerson wrote from Hew York to his brother John, at Hallowell. He said : — J stayed with the Rev. Dr. Fisk all night and part of two days. 1 was much gratified and benefited, and have received from him many valuable suggestions respecting my mission to England and agency for the Upper Canada Academy. He was unreserved in his communications, and is in favour of my Mission, as were Brother VVaugh, Drs. Bangs, Durbin* and others. They all seem to approve fully ol" the proceedings of our C^onference in the ati'air. — H.] Aew York, March 22nd. — [On the day on which Dr. Ryer.-on sailed for England, Mr. Francis Hall, of the New York Com- mercial Advertiser, sent him a note in which he says : — I have just received from a friend in Montreal ihe following information whicli I vfhh you would give to ihe llev. Richard Reece, of l^oudon: — Tlie Lord has blessed us abundantly in Montreal. Upwards of four hundred con- versions have taken place in our chapel since last summer. It is now necessary for us to have a chapel in the !St. Lawrence suburbs, and another in the Quebec suburbs immediately. This (said Mr. Hall) for those who know Montreal, is great news indeed. It is equal to an increase of as many thousands in the city of New York; the whole population being only a little more than thirty thousand, a great portion of which are Roman Catholics.— H.] Dr. Ryerson's journal then proceeds : — At Sea, April lOth. — On the 22nd ult., I embarked on the sailing ship " York," ('apt, Uree, New York. I was sick for fourteen days, ate nothing, thought little, and enjoyed nothing. Feeling better, 1 was able to read a a little. Aprit 12th. — After twenty days' sail we landed at Portsmouth. Thanks be to the God of heaven, earth, and sea for His protection, blessing, and pros- perity I I was greatly struck with the extensive fortifications, and vast dock- yards, together with the wonderful machinery in this place; such indications of national wealth, and specimens of human genius and industry. * While in England, Dr. Ryerson received the following note from Rev. Dr. J. P. Durbin, in which he said: After I parted with you at my house, I felt a strong inclination to engage your correspondence for our paper, at least once a week, if possible, for the benefit of our people and country, through the Church. Can you not write us by every packet ? Information in regard to English Methodism wil' be particularly interesting, especially tiieir lianancial arrangements. Do inquire diligently of them, and write us minutely for the good of our Zion.— H. 110 TUE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. X April 13 able Isaac Watts, John Wesley's mother, John Banyan, Daniel Defoe, ett. Apnl 21s( — Unnduy. — To-day I went to hear the celebrated Edward Irving. His preaching, for tlie most part, I considered commonplace ; his manner, eccentric; his pretensions to revelations, authoiity, and prophetic indications, overweening. 1 was disappointed in his talents, and surprised at the apparent want of feeling manifested throughout his whole discourse. April iQth. — This morning I attended the funeral of the great and eminently pious Rev. Rowland Hill, who died in the 8S)th year of his age. Lord Hill, his nephew, was chief mourner. There was a large attendance of ministers of all denominations, and a great concourse of people. Rev. Wm. Jay, of Bath, preached an admirable sermon from Zech. ii. 2. " Howl fir tree, for the cedar hath fallen." The venerable remains were interred beneath the pulpit. April 2(ilh. — To-day I heard Rev. Richard Winter Hamilton, of Leeds, an Independent, preach a missionary sermon for the Wesleyan Society. His text was Col. i. l(i. It was the most splendid sermon I ever heard. April 28th. — Heard the Rev. Robert Newton in the morning. In the afternoon I preached a missionary sermon in Westminster Lhapel, and in the evening another at Chelsea. April '2.9th. — This day was held the Annual Meeting of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, in Exeter Hall, Lord Morpeth in tlie chair. He is a young man, serious and dignihed in his manners. The speeches generally were able and to the point. Ctdlection was £'2Sl. May 1st. — The Annual Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held in Exeter Hall. Lord Bexley presided. The Bishops ot Winchester and Cliesler, brothers, addressed the meeting. They are elo([Uent speakers, but the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel was the speaker of the day. May 'ird. — This morning I attended the Annual Breakfast Meeting of the preachers' children, at the City Road Morning Chapel ; nearly 200 preachers and their families were present. Rev. Joseph Entwistle spoke, as did Mr. James Wood, of Bristol, myself and one or two others. May bth., Exeter. — Left London at 5 a.m. and arrived here at 10 p.m., within a minute of the time specified by the coachman. We passed over the scene of that inimitable tract, " The Shepherd of Salisbury Plain." We were shown the tree under which the shepherd was sheltered. May 6th. — Rev. Wm. Naylor preached this morning in Exeter, and I preached in the evening. 2'aunton, May 1th, — At a Missionary Tea Meeting to-day, deep interest was excited in the cause of the British North American Missions. Taunton is a very ancient town. It existed in the time of the Romans. It was in this town that King Ina held the tirst Legislative Assembly or Parliament ever 1883] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 117 the the allv ;iety sler vt'l'S, the lers Mr. .m., the We this iver held in Britain. It consisted of ecclesiastics and noblemen and enacted certain laws for the better {government of the Heptarchy. It was near this town Kinf; Alfred concealed hinis-elf, and was dis^covcrcd in the capacity of a cook, liere also stands the Church of St. Mary, a most splendid and ancient gothic building, where.that venerable and holy man of Uod, Joseph AUeine, author of the "Alarm to the Unconverted," preached. In a letter to a friend in Upper Canada, Dr. Ryerson at this date writes : — Nottinfjliam, May 29th. — Wiitin<.j to-day to a valued friend in Upper Canada in regard to hi.s mi.ssion in London, Dr. Ryerson told him that he had no doubt of its advantageous results in pro- moting harmony and peace. He then said : — I apprehend that Mr. Stanley's appointment to the Secretaryship of the Colonies will not be very beneficial to us. Tlie reason of Lord Uoderich and Lord Howick (Earl Grey's son) retiring from that olFice was that they would not bring any other Bill on slavery into Parliament, but one for its imme- diate and entire abolition. I understand thai Lords Goderich and Howick are sadly annoyed at Mr. Stanley's course. it will only be for tlio friends of good government to pray for the re- appointment of Lord Goderich, or insist upon a change in tiie Colonial poUcy towards Upper Canada. This part, however, belongs to political men. But I am afraid it may have an unfavourable bearing upon our religious rights and interests. In Rev. J, Richardson's letter to me, he mentions that the petitions were sent in the care of Mr. Joseph Hume. He is not the person to present a petition to His Majesty on religious liberty in tlie Colonies, and especially after the part he has taken in opposing the Bill for emancipating the slaves in the West Indies. It has incensed the relii^ious part of the nation against him. He is connected with the West India interest by his wife, and his abandoning all his principles of liberty in such a heart-stirring question, destroys confidence in the disinterestedness of his general conduct, and his sincere regard for the great interests of religion, I leave London tins after- noon for Ireland. My return here depends upon whether 1 can do anything in this petition business.* It is ditficult to get a moment for retirement, excepting very early in the morning, or after twelve at niglit. It is not the way for me to live I had, however, a very profitable and good day y«>*terdav. I pieaclied, and superin- tended a lovefeast in City Road Chapel last evening. It was a very good one, only the people were a little bashful in speaking at first, like some of our York friends who are always so very timid, such as Dr. Morrison, Mr. Howard, and others. In his journal Dr. Ryerson says : — J^lne 2Gth. — According to appointment, I called upon the Earl of Ripon. and was most kindly receivea. I wished to enquire about the medal promised by His Majesty, William IV., to Peter Jones, and to solicit a donation towards our Academy at Cobourg His Lordship gave me .£5. He expressed his disapprobation of Sir John Colborne's reply to the Methodist Conference in 1831, (see page 98) He stated tluii he was anxious for the Union between the British and Canadian Conferences, and * In Epochs of Canadian Methodism, Dr. Rycr.son says r — When tlie writer of those Essays was appointed a representative of the Canadian Conference to negotiate a union between the two Conferences in 1833, he carried a I'etitiGn to the King, signed by upwards of 20,000 inhabitants, against the Clergy Heserve Monopoly and the Establishment of a Dominant Church in Ujiiier Canada. This petition was presented through Lord Stanley, the Colonial Secretary. Page 221.— H. 1833] THE STUBY OF MY LIFE. 110 was gratified at the prospect of its success.''^ His Lordship stated that, while in tlie Colonial Dcparliuuiit, he had onl}' received Mr. W. L. Mackenzie as a private individual, and had done no more tlian justice to him. June 28th. — i called at the Colonial oUice, anil laid before Mr. Stanley statements and documents relative to the Clergy Reserve Question. Mr. Stanley was very courteou.s, but e((ually cautious. I stated that the House of Assembly of Upper Canada had nearly every year since 1825, by very large majorities, decided against the erection of any Church Establishment in that Province, and in favour of the appropriation of the Clergy Reserves to the purposes of General Education ; that this might be taken to be the fair and deliberate sense of the people of Upper Canada ; that this question was distinct from any question or questions of political reform ; that parties and parliaments who differed on other questions of public policy, agreed nearly unanimously in this. He expressed his opinion that the Colonial Legislature had a right to legislate on it, and asked me why our House of Assembly had | not done it. I told him it had, but the Legislative Council had rejected the ' Bill passed by the Assembly on the subject. July ISth. — In a letter at this date to a friend in Upper Canada, Dr. Ryer.son further refers to this and a subsequent interview as follows : — I have had two interviews with Mr. Secretary Stanley, on the subject of the Hou.se of Assembly's Address on the Clergy Reserves, and have drawn up a statement of the grounds on which the House of Assembly and the great body of the people in Upper Canada resist the pretensions and claims of the Episcopal clergy. Mr. Solicitor-General Hagerman has been directed to do the same on behalf of the Episcopal clergy. I confess that I was a little surprised to find that the Colonial Secretary was fully impressed at first that Methodist preachers in Canada were generally Americans (Yankees) ; — that the cause of the great prosperity of Methodism there was the ample support it received from the United States ; — that the mission- aries in Upper Canada were actually under the United States Conference, and at its disposal. The Colonial Secretary manifested a little surprise also, when I turned to the Journals of the Upper Canada House of Assembly, and produced proof of • Dr Rverson has left no record m his "Story" of the negotiations for this Union. His report, however, on the subject will be found on pages 193, 194, Vol. IV. of Mie Ouardinn for October 16tb, 1833, from which 1 take the following extracts : On the 5th June, Rev. Jlessrs. Bunting, Beecliain, Alder, and myself, examined the v.bnl° niipstion in detail, and prepared an outline of the resolutions to be submitted to the Bntisii C-.;;feieiice, and lecon.meiiiU'd that a grant of £1,000 be appropriated the first year to the promotion of Canadian Missions. On the 2nd August these resolutions were introduced by Rev. John Beecham (Missionary Secretary). They were sujiported by Rev. Jabcz Bunting, Rev. Jas. Wooil (now in his 83id year), and Rev. Kobcrt Newton. A Connnitteo was appointed to consider and report on the whole matter; consisting of the President, Secretary, and seven ex-Presidents, the Irish representatives (Messrs. Wiuigh, Stewart, and Doolittle), and fifteen other ministers. This Coniniittee considered and reported these resolu- tions, which were adopted and forms the basis of the Articles of Union. Herenftt- r, the name of our Church will be changed from "The Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada," to "The Wesleyan Methodist Church in British North America." — H. 120 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. X. the reverse, which he j)ronounco(l "perfectly conchisive and satisfactory." August Hth. — Dr. Eyerson rectuved a touching note at tliis date from Mrs. Marsden, witli explanation of lier reluctance to let Rev. Geo. Marsden, her husband, go to Canada as President of the Conference. She says : — At length my rtibellioiis heart in subdued by reason and l)y grace. I am made willing to give up my excellent liusbanu to wliat is supposed to l)e a great work. 1 am led to hope that, as a new class of feelings are biought into exercise, perhaps some new graces may be elicited in my own character, as well as that of my dear husband; at any rate it is a sacrifice to Ood, which I trust will be accepted, and, both in a i>rivate and a public view, be over- ruled for the gl( ry of God. I am suic, notwithstanding some repeated attempts to ivconcile me to this all'air, I must have ajipcared very unamiablo to you ; but the fact was Bim))ly this, I could not see you or converse with you, without so much emotion as (|uite unnerved me, therefore 1 studiously avoided you ; but did vou know the happiness which dear Mr Marsden and 1 have enjoyed in each other's society for so many years, you would not be surprised that I should be unwilling to give up so many months as will be required for this service; but to CJod and His Ciiurch 1 bow in submission. This estimable lady did not long survive. She died in six niontlis — ^^just after her husband had returneil from America. In a letter from liav. E. Griiirod, dated March, 1834, he says; Mrs. Marsden died, after a short illness, on 22nd February. She was one of the most amiable and pious of women. Her lile was a bright pattern of every Christian virtue. Her end was delightfully triumphant. The following is an extract from Dr. Ryerson's diary of this year: — After many earnest prayers, mature deliberation, and the advice of an elder brother, I have decided within the last few months to enter again into the married state. The lady I have selected, and who has consented to bec»mie my second wife, is one whom I have every reason to believe po.ssesses all the natural and Christian excellencies of my late wife. She is the eldest daughter ot a pious and wealthy merchant, Mr. James Rogers Armstrong. For her my late wife also entertained a very particular esteem and nflV'ction, and, from her good sense, sound judgment, humble piety, and alfectionate disposition, I doubt not but that she will make me a most interesting and valuable companion, a judicious house-wife, antl an affectionate mother to my two children. Truly I love her with a pure heart fervently 1 receive her, ancl hope ever to treat and value her as the special token of my Heavenly Father's kindness after a season of Hi^j chastisement. H thou, Lord, see tit to spare us, may our union promote Thy gloiy and the salvation of sinners' Dr. Ryerson's marriage Avith Mi69 Mary Armstrong, took place at Toronto, ou tliu 8th ot ^uvtiUlt>t;£. ISiiS. CHAPTER XI. 1833-1 C 34. "iMrRESSIONS" OF ENGLAND AND THEIR EFFECTS. ON my return to Canada, after having negotiated the Union of 1833 with the English Conference, accompanied by Rev. George Marsden, an first President of the Canadian Conference, I was re-elected editor of the Christian Guardian, and con- tinued as such until 1835, when I refused re-election, and was appointed to Kingston ; but in November of the same year, the President of the Conference appointed from England (Rev. William Lord) insisted upon my going to England to arrange pecuniary difficulties, which had arisen between him and the Loncion Wesleyan Missionary Committee. Except the foregoing paraj^rraph, Dr. Ryerson has left no particulars of the events which transpired in his history from the period of his return to Canada in September, 1833, until some time in 1835. I have, therefore, selected what follows in this chapter, from his letters and papers, to illustrate this busy and eventful portion of lus active life. The principal circumstance which occurred at this time was the publication of his somewhat famous " Impressions " of public men and parties in England. This event marked an important epoch in his life, if not in tlie history of the country. The publication of these "Impressions" during this year created (piite a sensation. Dr. Ryerson was immediately as.sailed with a storm of invective by the chief leaders of the ultra section of politicians with whom he had generally acted. By the more moderate section and by the public generally he was hailed as the champion, if not the deliverer, of those who were really alarmed at the rapid strides towards disloyalty and revolution, to which these extreme men were impelling the people. This feature of the unlooked for and bitter controversy, which followed the publication of these " impression.s," will be developed further on. •October 2d, 1833. — On this day the Upper Canada Confer- ence ratified the articles of union between it and the British Conference, which were agreed upon at the Manchester Confer- 122 THE STOUY OF MY LIFE. [Ciur. XI. ciico on tlio 7tli of Auj,ai,st. (See iioto on page 117.)* At the Cont'crcncc held thi.s year in York (Toronto), Dr. llyerson was again elected editor of the Guardian, lie entered on the dutie.s of that olliee on the IGth October. Ov/ulxr iiOth. — In reply to the many (picstions put to Dr. Ryerson on his return to (Canada, such a,s: "What do you think of Kmu'land ?" " Wimt i.s your opinion of her public men, her in.stltution.s ?" etc., etc., he published in the Giuwdian of" this day the iir.st part of " Impressions made by my late visit to England," in regard to public njen, religious bodies, and the gen- eral state of the nation. He said : — There aie three great political parties in England — Tories, Whigs, and Radicals, and two descriptions of characters consti- tuting each party. Of the lirst, there in tlie moderate and the ultra tory. An English ultra tory is what we believe has usually been meant and understood in Canada by the untjuali- fod term tory; that i.s, a lordling in power, a tyrant in politics, and a bigot in religion. This description of partizans, we be- lieve, is headed by the Duke of Cumberland, and is followed not "afar o(i" by that powerful party, which presents such a for- midable array of numbers, rank, wealth, talent, science, and literature, headed by the hero of Waterloo. This shade of the tory party a|)pears to be headed in the House of Commons by Sir Robert Inglis, member for the Oxford University, and is supported, on mo.st questions, by that most subtle and ingenious politician and fa.scinating speaker. Sir Robert Peel, with his num- erous train of followers and admirers. Among those who support the distinguishing measures of this party are men of the highest Christian virtue and piety; and, our decided iinpression is, that it embraces the major part of the talent, and wealth, and learn- ing of the British Nation. The acknowledged and leading organs of this party are Bkickiuood's Magazine and the London Quarterly lieview. The other branch of this great political party is what is called the moderate tory. In political theory he agrees with his high- toned neighbour ; but he acts from religious principle, and this governs his private as well as his public life. To this class be- longs a considerable portion of the Evangelical Clergy, and, we think, a majority of the Wesleyan MethodLsts. It evidently includes the great body of the piety, Christian enterprise, and * As an example of the niauiicr in which the Union was hailed in some parts of the Province, a gentleman, writing from Merrickville on the 11th December, mentions a gratifying incident in regard to it. He says: — At one Quarterly Conference Love Feast, when the presiding Ehler told the assembled multitude that ttiey were for the first time about to partake of bread and water as a token of love under the name of British Wesleyan Methodists, a general burst of approbation proceeded from preachers, leaders, and members, and such a feeling seemed to pervade the whole assembly, as it would be dilticult to desciibe, — H. 1833-341 TIIJH SrORY OF MY LIFE. 123 ing led jh- lis be- we ;s of ber, eriy udo s a tof sterlinj5 virtue of the nation. It is, in time of purty excitement, alike hated and denounced by the ultia Tory, the crablied \Vhi<^, and the lladical leveller. Such was our impression of the true character of what, l»y the periodical ))ress in Knyland, is termed a moderate Tory. From his theories we in some respects di.ssent; but his inte<,'rity, his honesty, his consistency, his jjenunie liberality, and religious benellcence, claim respect and imitation. The second great j)olitical and now ruling party in England are the Whigs — a term synonymous with wiiey, apjilied, it i.s said, to this political school, from the sour and peevish temper numifested by its lirst discipl' s — though it is now rather popu- lar than otherwise in England, The Whig appears to diH'er in theory from the 'J ory in this, tliat he interprets the constitu- tion, obedience to it, and all measures in regard to its adminis- tration, upon the principles of expediency ; and is, therefore, always pliant in his jnofessions, and is even ready to suit his measures to "the times" ; an imleHnite term, tliat also designates the most extensively circulated daily paper in England, or in the world, which is the leading organ of the Whig party, backed by the formidable power and lofty periods of the EdinhiLrne over to tliu eiii'inv,— iuchk, tyiicf, iind all, — ami hoisted the colotirM of a cnit'l, viiidii'tivo, Tory priesthood The contfiits of the (iinndinn of to-iii^dit ttdlt* us ill laii),'iia|,'e too phiiii, too intelli^'ildf to lie iiiisinnhTstriod, lliat a (h-ndly l)lo\v has liccii HtnuK in Kn^daiid at the lilieities of the jteoph* of Upper Canaihi, hy as suljlle ami iui};rati'fiil an adversary, in the mrise of un ol»! <\\\\ olldV )Jl«*Uni|i lll'ltl Hlli W l- |mIhII\' lrtM!it\<*v<),^* ^^ *vi '.o I'^jNlii'il -vi (o (t')ui>\it »>m«» \ tlmtlil (iml lui|>t' nl" owv »MWv*\u'!u;in.) i\ "Ihiilt ohd lltin ji-u I i-nu ihlp wKli Itliii. or ?n\V \\\^\\ oy .oi >^r www {w y 'nuniln , i>», *' I'lini wn 'llil tinl m|m'mI« 1 Ui1r ll\r )>nn«M|>li'i MHil *'i> Mv il»n\\>Mu l>>»uvi <\(v( Mt«nii'l«>l flio \ i.^w < oV III-. Mtvir'^IVM < !o\ I'lnunnl . io n it'|»lv of H\>- Kvx'oliiMU N (>> i\W (\* of 0\U' < 'onli'lt'Ori' ulionl h\ o \t'iU'l fV's;>v* \\h«M\ o\<-vv \inl»\o\n'rtl>lo iiu|>ii"i'iion hml luin (cniovi'tj, |V,>| >l0. N\ )\;>\0 not so lohV>\<'tl (o loVoiVt' iMJUrit"! W I' llH\i' IImI s^> U^rtvno.l h'' ' ^^^n^^\^v nnd ol^rv iu((>»iih(ilri,' \\pIim\i' nol mo h\-^v\\o.i iMU >, noil mm m <'loi' ol i\ i\'li)viouM lioi|\ , lifH I' omIv '(*^ v^x> >Ni<)\ Sn ,\\A\w roH>ovi\o >> h«luo)UihiHion. om Inv mm il \>M\tNMM'«i (Mn- ol\tU;\»'\>\ '<« n\ort'-\n>«i'l\ mimmiImi >\>t»UxMs Ho w ;tlon i\w ^^o^Mili.-n p\o\ in.'.> ol' (lie polilioiil joiminl ^s<>< rtt^.i ^s^h^xMrtn^ »^^ i)w \\i\\ H o\iv oIl'iMiwn i\ hilnHt' ol' jilW^txM'nl ^V>-|^^^'( l.vN\>l ^^^^^Mi^'^, \vh\> ludl ili'i'linvil ill lli'< \^<''v|V^ r;U\{\«l;> Ul"* OJUnovi «lo«i«t> \o ViMIIom' ooiy ^^i'^llo^l )^«\^ |>vu^vt f\\M\\ <>\n' l,ojii<*lrt(\n>i\ to H«v\nt> llio n^hl ol' polil ii iUjj ti\o Kh^si to t\w n\ortnovt vwUjort in llio roulm, (o t<\ii>t«.' ilii \'>losv;n?i'«' x'>t r»»il \\>l\>;\ons liU.Mtv lui.l tho ii.l\ mi(nivp< o{ v \\[vi\ t\on to o\*MV o!rtvK of |>ritivh s\tl»jo\'l« in ('iuum'h. nivm\ to mlvmto liii' intxnvstN of tho r«\>\ iwvv . if l\ot»o\nino v»ii>|i mhm) inul mcli punoipl*^^ 1v hoivtiuvi tho »>^louis v«s Mi MmcKoiu'Io MinH). ol' A v»vxtol. vin»ivMi\*\ Povy pviostlio^vl." tlion Iimm Mr. Min>L'n/,ii' tho wovit of A «o\v disivvovy of \in.lit'(i\o >»in'l(v. luiil willi lii'< own «iot\nit'vM\ of lilvtty, juui 1\is »nvn »'\!\iiiplo of lil»oriilil.v, will ht"" «Jop} his v''\vn houo»u'rtM«^ ino;uis to titlMin it. iiini bnNfttho • ;t v^oj^th !*nU «lostnuMion ni;,inst nil who ijo wot HvvM-^\M'ato thon^jsolvos into a strcwt j.-u'Uot hj\tl;i!ion inuhM- hi," ^vlitioAi sworvl anvi vow rtllo^i.-nuv ixwA iosjiv>nsibilily (o ovory- Thin^ v^o»no by his • pros^4. typos, ;\wd i\\\ ? " I SI. I^llfl *H| 'ntN fin I If V nil' Mv i.iirii rf 111. |t(|V'(\ (iiiiil f Ul'll Im). ol' III lii^ Mil,v, Mini not hv Ills Ml M'MJM.ic/it. dill iiul iijily- ('» l»( l!v'ff'('»M in Mi'- i>.y\i\\. uf lil't njiildilit ll<< WdM l\. M('(.IM'I lr/< hiif,(("( llpiri 'llMl.i'>M'i KllHi'il Mil llii'lt juiiIIm III-, lliMif'ic |i(M(m( 'Iff hr llyr Mi'M, MII'l. 'Mi't Itl'i "iiintldici, fihU'l? ft li|/(W ui \\\n V'/f'-r/ilil'- |i't|||ii'i (titd lil'i »'lil('il llfH|.|((.» ll« ' t'lt Itfi'ithin tthiti t-'fuhihhhit t'lnni-lM'H. MlMHt(t tii'i'i, Millll'nr 'I'HiiiM'iH'in, MmiJ' !< ^fnntuiit-, iiH'\ ttmh (IM* I'liiiMi'iil 1 iiinl III" lit'iMii'i '(mi((/c ll^Mifiil Ml Hi" h'liititif tti till' •>/tir of IH|'>, iili'l t*"' ni'ilicli'i Mii'l (i''(i'<)'i((i(didK fl(, (,!(<< Mffff H, (t( v/f.lff/fJ/l'^ frOYd tht' fM't lli)i,l( wiiili' il. i'i 'if(l.''|»dl. III '/lit- wxy Ht •fffth'!/, fK4t. W<* I' '•■ . t|ic' I, |i. >/il fill (if llicffi wi(li"iit, fM-linj/ »h* *l.^^lt, srt'l, {»<»^V(*p«, ft iiiiii ,.H will riiiiic fi'iw fm iifiyliffM'. M. in out ihity »ti'\ xA^f^t i/, t'lj.y.yt ||ii. ( liivi'iiitiK'iil AIiIi'imkIi (li''f'' ffi»7 t,«- *>,iiii' nh'i*** rr},i'h hfi7f- f-tf--pt i-n, yi'l, I lii'lii'vi' lliiit. W' >ii\'iy »m KKify ii'dili' (il ufcl r»'l)iifi'/-'M rt/l'/aCrfAii'i''"! Ad »ti7 iii'iipli', Oiii |iiili|ii' (iMiiifK (If' Mn wi'Il iiiiii)U'ji-i\ ft* (?( »rif 'rf^>*rr '•/mttUj. Aa ll r'M|M'l'lH III" It.' I'lMII' fa, X'l Mlllc'l, »,(ik»' f^ll'iwifl, f5i')»*:ll, /J/fffrh, art^t)i/f*(f 'ft Yt^ify^Mt miuini! tiii'iii. I um M'niy in my. it,, l>iif, if, i«i «/<. Th". ^»*«t w*/ f/^r t'ti-f. yti^i^r^t In '-Il ii'i Id Iiiiv ii'illiin;^ t'l «»'/ (ih'fiif, ji'difi','!, hfif f.f-At ti'i'; «>','7»?rir'i't*Ti'f, -wi'i'i rt'»]ii"'l. Il'iil'lill", 'll III'' I'lthhiit^f ltff',friifr,n,ii'\ ht i'/itki-y, of fii*. Km-jf/V-ft \^'liiil, liiivo cofiif mil. in Ui«'ir trii»i ',h;»f-v.t.^r, fiVl^iiff*, i4 pt^/^t\H7 * licHvy rliiirjj;!' fip;aiimf. ydi / Hut Iftt, »,liur vitWs; l)ut I hope you liiivo in Home rosiu'ctH. AItliou;^h you never were ii Hadieul, yet liave not we all leaned loo nuieli iDwanlsllieui, and will we not now Muiart lor it a little] IJut, the Hooncr it coniea on, tlio Hooner it will Im over. llev, .loiin lIvtM-Hon then o;ivt'H the first iTiliiuation of tlio oxistcnc'o of that jfcrm of hostility to tlio recently eoii,suinin)itoem(»ted from the ' 'jiion, and bo Buppiied with Missionaries from home. In a subsequent letter iicm Rev. Join Rjerson, he discusses his brother's "Impressions oi Public Men in England," and utters a word of warninoj to the xieiiioiiist people who have allied themselves too closely witli th" disloyal party. Ho says ; What will be the result of your reinnika in the Guardinn on I'olitieal Parties in Kni^land, I cannot say. They will occasion much speculation, some jealousy, and Imd feeling. I have sometimes thou},'ht you iiad better not have v/ritten them, pavtieiilarly at this lime "'' I have loii<^ been of tlio opinion (both with ret,'aid to measures and ipi;-) .. 've leaned too much towards IJadiealism, and that it would be alH('.iv.,iy locessarv to disenj^'a^'C ourselves from them entirely. You can gee '^ inly iliat it \a )i(.l Reform, but Revolution they are after. We should fare >.im| '>;•• ly, should we not, with \V. L. Mackenzie, of Toronto, and Radcliht, ot l'''' tu;.% for our rulers! I Iiave als^o felt very unpleasant in notieir ' the e;:'i •!'. -ii^rs • f these men (aided by soiiie of our members) to introdu-e their re]ir.'>!i' mi; leaven into our Ecclesiastical polity. Is it not a little remarkable that not one of our mem- bers, who have entered into their politics, but has become a furious leveller in matters of (.Miurcli Government, and these vi;ry men are the most rei,'ard- less jf our reputation, and the most .eady to iihpuj^u onr motives, and defame our character, when we, in any way, cross their path. There are some thiiif^s in your remarks I don't like; but, on the wlioh;, 1 am glad of their a])pearance, and I hope, whenever you have occasion to speak of the Government, you will do it in terms of respect. I am anxious thr.t we should obtain the con- fidence of the Government, and entirely di ;onnect oiiioclve'^ from that tiibe of levellers, witli whom we have been ton iut'''"''..e, aud who are, at any time, ready to turn around and sell us win i. , i- vxii \- ilcase them. Nov. 20th. — In anoteer letter to Dr. Ryersju from his brother John, at this date, h>> says : — 1833-34, THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 129 I ad government for an hour, if the Rubicon has been passed; and well does Sir John Colborne know that although he may hire regiments of priewts here, he may expect no more red- coats from Europe in those days of economy He also knows that if we are to take examples from the Mother Country, the arbitrary f ro- ceedings of the officers of his government are such as would warrant the people to an open and armed resistance. Dec. Gth. — Dr. Ryerson having received a protest from five of his ministerial brethren in the Niagara District,* against his • Tlcv. Messrs. Divid Wright, James Evans, William GrifHs, jun., Henry Wilkinson anil F.dwy Ryerson. The protest vas as follows: We, the undersigned ministers of tlic W. M. Cliuich, desirous to avert the evils which may probably result +0 our Zion from "impressions" made by certain political remarks in the editorial dojKivtniont of the Guardian, take this opportunity of expressing our sentiinents for your satisfaction, and to sa'o our characters from aspersion. First. We have consiilcied, and are still of tie same opinion, that the clergy of the Episeopid Cliun h ought to be deprived of every emolument derived from Govern- mental aid, and what are called the CI;rgy Reserves. Secondly. That our polilicid views are docidodly the same which they were previous to the visit of the editor of the (lunnlian to England, and we believe that the views of our brethren in the niiiUMtry are unchanged. 1833-34] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 131 if that red- 10\V8 JTO- Eople Tcnry igned bably in the (r our First, f the vern- t our f the thren "impressions" ho wrote a remonstrance to each of them, but this (lid not appease them. Rev. David Wright said : — As an individual I am not at all satisfied either with the course you have taken or the explanation given. Could you witness the confused state of our Church on Stamford Circuit ; the insults we receive, both from many of our members and others of good standing, you would at once see the propriety of the steps we have taken for our deft- nee. Hardly a tea-party or meeting of any kind, but the Guardian is the topic of conversation, and the conversion of its editor and all the preachers to Toryism. The Ranters and the Ryanites are very busy, and are tloing us much harm, I am more and more convinced of the imprudence of the course you have talcen, especially at this trying time in our Church. In Queenston, Drummondville, Chippewa, Erie, St. Davids, the Lane, and Lyons' Creek the preachers are hooted at as they ride by. This is rather trying, I assme you. Rev. James Evans said : — You request me not to solicit any to continue the Guardian who are dis- 8ati^fled, and who wish to discontinue. This is worse than all beside. And do you suppose that, in opposition to the wish of the Conference, and interest of the Church, I shall pay attention to your request ? No, my brother, I cannot; I will not. It shall be my endeavour to obtain and continue sub- scribers by allaying as far as practical their fears, rather than by telling them that they may discontinue and you will abide the consequences. I am astonished! I can only account for your strange, and I am sure, un-Ryer- sonian conduct and advice on one principle — that there is something ahead which you, through your superior political spyglass, have discovered and thus shape your course, while we land-lubbers, sliort-sighted as we are, have not even heard of it. Dr. Ryerson, therefore, challenged these five ministers to proceed against him as provided by the Discipline of the Church. In his reply to them, ho lays down some important principles in regard to the rights of an editor, and the duty of his ministerial accusers. He said : — I beg to say that I cannot publish the criminating declaration of which you speak. You will therefore act your pleasure in publishing it elsewhere. The charges against me are either true or false. If they are true, are you proceeding in the disciplinary way against me ? Though I am editor for tlie Conference, yet 1 have individual rights as well as you ; and the increased responsibility of my situation should, under those rights, if possible, be still more sacred. And if our Conference will place a watchman upon the wall of our Zion, and then allow its members to'plungo their swords into him whenever they think he has departed from his duty, without even giving him a court-martial trial, then they are a different description of men from what I think they are. If, as you say, I have been guilty of imprudent conduct, or even " misrepresented my brethren," make your complaint to my Presiding Elder, accord- ing to discipline, and then may the decision of the Committee be published in the Guai'dian, or anywhere else that they may 132 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XI. say. So much for the disciplinary course. Again, if "the clamour," as you call it, against the Ouardian be well founded, are you helping the Guardian by corroborating the statement of that clamour? Can Brother James Evans consistently or conscientiously ask an individual to take, or continue to take the Guardian, when he or you publish to the w^orld the belief that its principles are changed ? Will this quiet the "clamour?" Will this reconcile the members? Will this unite the preachers? Will this promote the harmony of the Church ? Will it not be a fire-brand rather than the " seeds of commotion ? " One or two others here got a meeting of the male members of the Vork Society, and proposed resolutions similar in substance to yours, which were opposed and reprobated by brother Ifichardson, on the very disciplinary and prudential ground of which I speak, and rejected by the Society. In your declaration you say (not on account of "clamour," or accusations of editors or others, but on account of editorial remarks in the Guardian), "you express your sentiments to save j'our character from aspersion ' In this you imply that the editor of the Guardian has misrepre- sented your sentiments, and aspersed your character ; and, if so, has he not changed his principles ? And, if he has changed his principles, is he not guilty of falsehood, since he has positively declared to the reverse ? You therefore virtually charge him with inconsistency, misrepresentation, and deliberate falsehood. Js this the fruit of brotherly love ? Again, you say that " our political sentiments are the same as before the visit of the editor of the Guardian to England." Is not this equal to asserting that the editor's sentiments are not the same ? You therefore say that you love me ; that you desire the peace of the Church, and the interests of the Guardian, yet you propose a course which will confirm the slanders of my enemies — to implicate me with inconsistency and falsehood — to injure the Guardian, and deprive yourselves of the power, as men of honour and truth, to recommend it — to kindle and sanction dissatisfaction among our Church members — to arm preacher against preacher — and to criminate a brother before the public, without a disciplinary trial. You say " our friends are looking out for it." Is this the way, my brother, that you have quieted their minds, by telling them that ydu also were going to criminate the editor ? If this be so, I am not surprised that there is dissatisfaction on your circuit, Brother Evans said that nothing but a denial of having changed my opinions, and an explicit statement of them, would satisfy our friends. I did so, and did so plainly and conscientiously. Yet you do not even allude to this expression of my sentiments, but still insist upon doing what is far more than taking my life — stabbing my 1S33-341 THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. 133 blic, king ieted £T to that said and ■I did not nsist my hope I V 'is- ( to principles and integrity. I ask if this is my reward for endangering my life and enduring unparalleled labours, tc save the Societies heretofore from being rent to the very centre, and enduring ceaseless storms of slander and persecution for years past in defending the abused character of my brethren ? Are they the first to lift up their heel aginst me ? Will they join in the hue and cry against me, rather than endure a " hoot," when I am unjustly treated and basely slandered ? I have not fallen into such hands. Dr. Ryerson received at this time a candid and characteristic letter from his youngest orother, Edwy, ■,.■ ■>', ford, which indicated that a reaction was taking pia, regard to the much discussed " impressions." He says ;- - The present agitated state of the Societies, partly from the Unioi\ an a greater degree, from your "impressions" (which would have hee); i bloi to our Societies, had they never been published) make it very unp!" s ask vven lor subscriptions to the Guardian. We are here in a slate of voii^- motioii; politics run high, and religion low. " The Guardian bus tamid Tory," is the hue and cry, and many appear to be under greater con.i-^ about it, than they ever were about the salvati jh of their souls. Mary . -• o, have got wonderfully wise, and pretend to rev!'.il (as a friend, bu^ L. ,.. y as an enemy) the secrets of your policy. TJrder these unpleasant ciri mi- stances, the Ranters have availed themselves of the opportunity jf planting themselves at nearly all our posts, and sowing tares in our Societies. You have received a protest, signed by several preachers, and my name among them. Those were my impressions at the time. Therefoi e I tiiought it my duty, in connection with my brethren, to make my protest. I have, however (since seeing the Guardian), been led to believe you had not changed from what you were. Many of the preachers are rejoiced that you were put in the editorial chaii', auJ feel strongly disposed to exert their influence that you may not be replaced. Dec. 2nd. — On this day Dr. Ryerson received a kind word of encouragement from Mr. Alex. Davidson, a literary friend in Port Hope, afterwards of Niagara. He said : — I have had an opportunity of seeing most of the provincial papers. They exhibit, a miserable picture of the state of the press. The conduct of the editors ought, I think, to be exposed. I have oeen afraid that from such unmerited abuse, you would quit the Chmrdian in disgust, and I am glad to see that, though your mind may be as sensitive as that of any other person, you remain firm. Another indication of the reaction in regard to the " impres- sions" is mentioned in a note received from Rev. Ephraim Evans, Trafalgar. He says : — Mr. Thos. Cartwright, of Streetsville, who had given up the Guardian, has ordered it to be sent to him again so that he may not seem to countenance the clamour that has been raised against you. Mr. Evans adds : " I am happy to find that the agitation produced by the unwarrantable conduct of the press generally, is rapidlv subsiding ; and, I trust, nay, am certain, that the late avowal of your sentiments, will be perfectly satisfactory to every sensible and ingenuous mind. I am, upon the whole, led to believe that Methodism will weather out this storm also, and lose not a spar." 134 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XL . Dec. C)(li. — Anionji; the nmiiy letters of .syinpathy received by Dr. Uyerson at thi.s time, was one from his Father, in which ho Kays :— I ])arceivo Ly llic nnpers timt you liave met with loinpestuous wcntlior. T (levoiilly liopo that tlie (Jioiit Pilot will cuiiduct you miluly through tiie rocks and 4uit'ksivndH oti either Hide. Jan. 6th, 1834. — In a letter from llev. Anson Qrocn, at Augusta, it wivs apparent that the tide of popular opinion against Dr. Ilyerson had turned. He said : — I have been very much pleased indeed with the Giuirdian (during the lust lew months. There in ii very j^reat improvement in it. In thin opinion 1 am not alone. Your remarks on the C' honour of tho Anioricans, lor Iho intorosts of tho civilized world, hit tlii'ir foiidnct and the re(«''"l himself of tho truo state of the case. He, therefore, on cturn to tho Province, j^'ave tho public the benelit of his observation and experience in Kiij^dand. In the light of to-day what ho wroio appears fair and reason- able. It was tho natural expression of pleased siu-prise that men and things in England were not so bad as had been repre- sented ; and that there was no just cause for either alarm or ill feeling. His comparisons of parties in England and in Canada were by extreme political leaders in Canada considered odious. HencG^the storm of invective which his observations laised. He showed incidentally that the real enemies to Canada were not those who ruled at Downing Street, but those who set them- selves up — within the walls of Parliament in England and their prompters in Canada — as the exponents of the views and feelings of the Canadian people. The result of sue' a proceeding on Dr. Ryerson's part can easily be imagine Mr. Hume in England, and Mr. W. L. Mackenzie in Ca took the alarm. They very properly reasoned that if Dr. Kyerson's views prevailed, their occupation as agitators and fomenters of discontent would be gone. Hence the extraordinary vehemence whicli characterized their denunciations of the writer who had so clearly exposed (as ho did more fully at a later period of the controversy), the dis- loyalty of their aims, and the revolutionary character of their schemes. This assault on Dr. Eyerson was entirely disproportionate to the cause of offence. Were it not that the moral effect of what he wrote — more than whr^-^jhe actually raid — was feared, because addressed to a people who had always listened to his words with deep attention and great respect, it is likely that his words would have passed unchallenged and unheeded. I have given more than usual prominence to this period of Dr. Ryerson's history — although he has left no record of it in the " Story " which he had written. But I have done so in justice to himself, and from the fact that it marked an im- portant epoch in his life and in the history of the Province. It was an event in which the native nobility of his character asserted itself. The generous impulse which moved him to defend Mr. Bidwell, when maligned and misrepresented, and Sir Charles Metcalfe, whom he looked upon as unjustly treated and as a martyr, prompted him to do full justice to English insti- 1833-3t] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 13D tutions, and to partioa and leaJcr.s there, even at tho expense of his own preconcfMvcd notions on th(! sul»joct. By doinjr^ so ho rei'iisiMJ to be of those who wouM pcrpctuato an imposition upon tho credulity of his countiyiiicii, and especially of those who liad trusted him and hud hjoUid up to him as a leader of men, and as an exponent of sound principles of government and public policy. And ho refused tin; more when that imposition was practised for tho henefit of those in whom ho had no confidence, and to the injury of those for whoso welfare he had laboured for years. Dr. llyerson preferred to risk tho odium of interested partisans, ratlicr tlmn fail to tell his countrymen truly and irankly the real state of tho case — who and what were tho men and parties with which they had to do in Enj^land — either as persons in official life, or as members of Parliament, or writers for the press. He felt it to be his duty to warn those who would heed his warning of the danger which they incurred of following the unchallenged leadership of men whose aim he felt to be revolution, and whose spirit was disloyalty itself, if not a thinly disguised treason. After the storm of reproach and calumny had passed away, there were thousands in Upper Canada who had reason to cherish with respect and love the name of one who, at a critical time, had so faithfully warned them of impending danger, and saved them from political and social ruin. Such gratitude was Dr. Ryerson's sole reward. It would be impossible, within the compass of this " Story," to include any details of the speeches, editorials, or other writings of Dr. Ryerson during the many years of coatest for civil and religious rights in Upper Canada. The Guardian, the newspaper press (chiefly that opposed ti Dr. Ryerson), and the records of the House of Assembly contain ample proof of the severity of the protracted struggle which finally issued in the establishment on a secure foundation of the religious and denominational privileges and freedom which we now enjoy. To the Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, etc., who joined heartily with the Methodist leaders in the prolonged struggle, the gratitude of the country must always be due. — J. G. H. March 7th. — In the midst of his perplexing duties as editor, and the storm of personal attack which his " impressions " had evoked. Dr. Ryerson received a letter from his Mother. K^must have been to him like " good news from a far country," Full 140 TEE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XI. of love and gratitude to God, it would be to him like waters of refreshment to a weary soul. His Mother said : — With emotions of gratitude to God, I now write to you, to let you know that the state of my health is as good as usual. Surely the Lord is good, and doeth good, and Hi.s tender mercies are over me as a part of the work of His hands. I find that my affections are daily deadening to the things of earth, and my desires for any earthly good decreasing. I have an increase of my desire for holiness of heart, and conformity to all the will of God. I can say with the poet, "Come life, come death, or come what will, His footsteps I will follow still." I long to say, "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me," Besiege the throne of grace, dear Egerton, in my behalf. Pray that the Lord would finish his work, and cut it short in righteousness, and make my«heart a fit temple for the Holy Ghost to dwell in. Oh, my son, be continually on your guard. You have need to believe firmly, to pray fervently, to work abundantly. Live a holy life, die daily; watch your heart; guide your senses ; redeem your time ; love Christ, and long for glory. Give my love to your wife, and to all whom who may enquire for me, and accept a share yourself, from your affection- mother, Mehetabel Ryerson. Charlotteville, March 4th, 1834. After his return from England, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from Rev. Wm. Lord, dated Manchester, 25th March, 1834, in which he referred to an incident of Dr. Ryerson 's visit to his house while in England. He says : — Your company, I am thankful to say, was very useful to several members of my family. The last time you prayed with us, an influence was received by one or two, the effects of which have remained to this day. I now allude more particularly to , who, more 1 .an twenty times since, has met me at the door, saying, " Have you a letter from Mr. Ryerson 1 " CHAPTER XII. 1834. Events following the Union. — Division and Strife. DR. RYERSON has left nothing in his " Story " to ilhistrate this period of his personal history, nor the strife and division which followed the consummation of the union of the British and Canadian Conferences. These untoward events are, however, fully described in the " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pages 247-311 : They arose chiefly out of the differences which disturbed the British and Canadian Methodist Societies in Kingston and other places, and the separation in the Societies generally, caused by the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1834. I have already given, in chapter xi., page 128, an extract of a letter to Dr. llyerson, from his brother John, indicating the causes of strife between the British and Canadian Societies. I give the following letter, also from the same gentleman, written from Hallowell early in November, 1833, in which he said — Brother William and I called on the Rev. Mr. Hetherington at Kingston. He said : — That there could be no union; that we were Radicals; that they would not be united with us ; that the District Meetings of Lower Canada, Halifax, etc., intended to make common cause with them ; especially they intended to remonstrate against giving up York and Kingston. They also intended to appeal to the British Conference, and if they were not heard by it they would appeal to the British people. If the British Confer- ence will allow its members to throw firebrands, arrows, and death around in this way, and reciprocate their proceedings after this manner with im- punity, they are very different men from what I have taken them to be. Nov. 20th. — In a subsequent letter to Dr. Ryerson, his brother John says : — I fear much for the Union from the English Missionary party. Should they, from any consideration, undertake to retain Kingston and York, our cause there will bo ruined. In case of such an event, I will retire im- mediately, and bid farewell to the strife and toil in wliicli Ave have been engaged ever since we have been travelling preachers. Let me know who have thrown up the Guardian. You will have seen the Cobourg Reformer's attacks. It is of much more importance for you to expose Mr. Radcliffe, the editor, than any one else, and point out that, in nis present enmity to Methodist principles, this is not the hrst time he has endeavoured to break the Methodist ranks, and to sow the seeds of discord among her friends. ■HP 142 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [ClIAl'. XII. I would take roocI caro not to lean ft hairlircinltli towartls radicalism. One reason of their niakinf^ thia onslau^^lit in to pcarc you, and induce you to pay Bometliing which will excite the jealousy of tlio GovorniMout, etc., the disiipprohation of our British brethren, and thereby destroy ua with them as they seek to do with other parties. Nov. 22nd. — What is tuus stated by lii.s brother Jolin was corroborated by his brother William, wlio was stationed at Kingston, and who, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, said : — I need not say what my feelings were when I arrived at thia jilace, ftnd found that arrangenunita iiad been made by Mr. Maraden, in violation of the undorstandin}; with the C/onference, and in defiance of the opinions ana wishes of eve • "le of our friends in the town and coimtry, whose feelin^js have not onl_ .^en wounded and grieved, but have rendered the prospects of a union in tiiis place more than ever entirely hopeless. I have not lieen considered fit (prouably for want of ability) to act as Superientendent of Buch an important station; I have no authority to receive or expel a nienil)er, or even to preaide in a n"^.etiii};of Stewards and Leaders; while my Superin- tendent is in Montreal or Quebec; whether or not he will so stoop as to visit us at all, wo cannot say. Besides being shut out of the British Wesleyan Cliapi'l, every possible means is being used to prevent a single individual of their Society from attending our Chapel; and my field of lalaour is not only greatly circumscribed, but the prospect of usefulness is nearly destroyed. What my feelings Uiust be, under such circumstancea, you can easily judge. I can only say that as soon as I can ece a way opened, and can do bo consiBt- ently, I will not labour as a travelling preacher one day longer. January Sth, 1834. — His brother John, in another letter to Dr. Ryerson from Hallowell, said : — Whoever may be the agents in making alteiations in our economy, I will not be one. With " improvements," aUerations, unions, antin(? to take a Bpoonlul of milk, he leaned back his head and exi)iri!(l in my arms, without tlie 8lij,'htt'»t viBible 8tni;,'j,'le. He hac Buifered mucli, but exprcMHed a desire tliat he niit,'ht live, BO that he could see hia little sister. He told me a i'lW days before he died, that he hoped to ^'o to Heaven, because Jesus had died for him, and lovoi, him. I feel as a broken vessel in this bereavement of the subject of so many anxious cares and fond hopes, liut this I do know, that I love Qod, and supremely desire to advance His ghjry, and tliat He does all things for the beat. I will therefore magnify His name when clouds and darkness en- velope His ways, as well as when the smiles of His providence gladden the heart of man.* may He make me and mine more entirely and exclusively His, t'.ian ever I In a letter to Mr. Junkin, dated November 14th, Dr. Rycr- son says : — We all go into one cliapel to-morrow, which will complete the Union. Thank the Lord for it ! Every one of our members of the "American" Society (so called heretofore) has already taken sittings in the newly enlarged chapel, and all things appear to be harmonious and encouraging. Every pew in the body of the chapel has already been taken by our brethren and intimate friends ; and, notwithstanding the new chapel will hold more than both the old ones, we are not likely to have enough sittings to meet the applications that are likely to be made, when it is known out of the Society, though the whole chapel above and below (except one tier around the gallery) is pewed. I have learned that I shall have to take another trip to England. We had just got comfortably settled here in Kingston ; had become acquainted with the peopk on all sides, and are happy in our souls, and in our work. Nothing but the alternative, as Rev. William Lord deeply feels, of the sinking or success of the Upper Canada Academy, could have induced me this year to have undertaken such a task. But my motto is — " the .cause of God, not private considerations." CHAPTER XTV. 1835-1836. • Second Mission to England.— Upper Canada Academy. SCARCELY had Dr. Ryorson been settled at Kingston in the enjoyment of the freedom and pleasure of his new life as a pastor, than the exigencies of the Upper Canada Academy called him a second time to England. The causes of this sudden call upon his time and energies, on behalf of the Academy, were many and pressing, They were caused chiefly by the miscalculations, if not indiscreet zeal, of Rev. William Lord, who, as President of the Conference and Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Academy, had, by inconsiderate expendi- ture, plunged the Board into hopeless embarrassment. (See page 1G6.) Mr. Lord was sanguine that what he did in Canada, on behalf of the Academy, would, if properly represented, be cor- dially endorsed by the brethren and friends in England. He, felt that although he himself might not be able to realize these hopes by a personal appeal, yet he was certain that the presence in England of Dr. Ryerson on such a mission would be highly successful. He, therefore, as President of the Canada Conference, called upon him to undertake this task. He furnished Dr. Ryerson with such letters and appeals to influential friends as he hoped would ensure success. Dr. Ryerson, acting on Kis moito, that "the cause of God, not private consid. ation.>., should influence him, obeyed the call, and so^ f England on this difficult, and, as it proved, arduoi protracted ission, on the 20th November, 1835. The are and e\i ait of the embarrassments of the Academy , o st led in the letters written to Dr. Ryerson after he had left for , England. His brother John said: — While you are travelling in Enoland nr ''ing collections for the Academy, there are, I can assure you, a great many ueartfelt prayers and fervent sup- plicai-ions being offered in this country for your succeiJ.s. The whole concern 18 in an extremely embarrassed state. If JRev. William Lord had not urged us to expenditure, it would have been at least £1,000 better for us, although what he did at the time, he doubtlesa did for the best. Mr. Lord was the 1835-3G1 THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. lo'.i nicana of indnciiu^ tlio V)iiil, we must Ro down, and the concern he nold. It will require £4,0W or £5,000 to jjet us out of debt. If you should ccdlei t no more than i,'2,000 befor» you return homo, don't lull to make sonic arrau^'ements for borrowing two or three thousand more. Rov. Mr. Lord,'* writing to Dr. Ryerson, said :— By the delay in fmishinj,' llie buildinj^s, and the e-xcitement caused by the falnehood of the uUia-HadicalH, conlidence was <^one, money could not be raised, either by begging' or borrowing ; and if sumething had not been done, the consequence wouhl have been ruinous. I expect that you will have me greatly blamed for not considering before I drew bills on England for the debt, \)ut there was no time. The mischief would have been done before we could have heard. The man would have been arrested immediately, — our character ruined, — societies divided, — and subscriptions would have been withheld. Our difliculties are great, and we must make a desperate effort to extricate ourselves. Everything depends upon your making a good case, which you can do. In another letter to Dr. Ryerson, from Canada, Mr. Lord said : — Let me urge yon to lose no time in obtaining a Charter and grant from Government. I expect our Radical friends will be using their influence through their friends to prevent your success. Be diligent in procuring sub- scriptions. You possess great advantages now, by the introductions with which you have been favoured. Mr. Alder tells me that my bills will be dishonoured. If so, in addition to the loss of character, there will be a waste of property in fines, &c. We are oil distressed, onr drafts are coming duo and the Banks have ceased to discount, in consequence of the stagnation of trade, through " stopping the supplies." We have agreed upon a temporary mode of relief, by drawing upon you for about £500. It has given me great surprise and sorrow to ascertain that upwards of £5,000 are wanted to relieve us from our difliculties. What an unfathomable depth this building has reached. You must stay in England until the money is got. Use every elfort, harden your face to flint, and give eloquence to your tongue. This is your calling. Excel in it! Be not discouraged with a dozen of refusals in succession. The money must be had, and it must be begged. My dear Brother, work for your life, and I pray God to give you success. Do not borrow, if possible. Beg, beg, beg it all. It 'must be done! Such were the circumstances under which this important mis- sion was undertaken by Dr. Ryerson. As a set off to these dis" heartenini,' letters, Dr. Ryerson received the following from some of his brethren in Canada. Rev. Ephraim Evans said : — I have become a consenting party to your being solicited, at considerable sacriflce of feeling, to undertake a tedious journey at the most untoward season of the j'^ear, for the good of the common cause, and I sinceiely tender, in common with my Brother James, my best thanks for your kind compliance, and my hearty wishes for your complete success. Indeed I feel most deejjly that upon your success depends, under God, the pros])erity or downfall of tht Upper Canada Acadeiuy. Be assured that my most fervent prayers will bb % 154) THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CiiAV. XIV. ilaily ofTeriiil "P lor youv health mul Hjifi'ty, for a hiippy issiu! io at fond your |,'('iu r uis eiidfavouis agaiu to promote tliu iiiturest8,ol' thu Churcli of our iiuituiil ulVi'ction. 1 cutertaiii not the slijjlitest liopo of being able to procure such a Cliarter as we would be justiiial)lo iu accepting, or any support to the iubtitutitju from our own Legislature, Rev. John llycrson, writing from Hallowcll, said : — Your friends in Kingston (and all the IMethodists there seem to be such) 8])c)ke nuich about you and your successful labours there. Brothors Counter, Jenkins, and others, say they art resolved to have you for their preacher next year, on your return from England. I hope and pray tliat good luck will attend your ctForta. Evervtiiing depends on the issuer of your mission. May the Lord give you favour iu the eyes of the people, and good success in your vastly important work. Rov. Joseph Stinson, writing from Kingston, said : — We all feel very strange now that you are gone, but be of good cheer; wo follow you with our sympathy and prayers. We doubt not but Uod — that God iu whose cause you are making this additional sacrifice, will succeed your labour, and cause all things to work together for your good. In a letter from London, England, Dr. Ryerson says : — Mr. Lunn and other friends have arrived from Quebec, and have given me Canadian news, among other items the stations of various ministers : Rev. James Kichardson and Rev. J. S. Atwood witiidraw from the Conference, and Rev. Mr. Irvine goes to the States. The President and I remain at Kingston. I have been appoiiifed, by a unanimous vote, the representative to the British Conference, and I am to present to Lord Glenelg an Address fnup the Conference to the King. On the 18th of June, 1 8;K), the LJ^pper Canada Academy was opened, and the Priucipa) (Rev. M. Richey) in- augurated. Dr. Ryerson added : — I am to stay in Birmingham, at the house of a worthy and wealthy Quaker, by the name of Joseph Sturge. At the general meeting of the Missionary Committoe, held recently the ri'solutions of the Committee relative to the wHhdrawal of the Government grant for the work in Upper Canada were read. Ur. Bunting rose and mentioned its restoration, aud kindly and cordially mentioned me as the means of getting it restored. He gave a flattering account of my proceedings in the atVair. I thanked him afterwards for his great kindness in the matter. The labours and result of this, Dr. Ryerson's second mission to England, are given in Chapter xvi., pages 158-1G6. CIIAPTER XV. 1835-1836. The "Grievance" TIkpout; its Object and Failure. AMONGST the Committees of the House of Assembly at this time was a useful one called the " Committee on Griev- ances." To this Committee was referred all complaints made to the House, and all projects of reform, etc. At the close of the (Session of 18.'i5, Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, as Chairman, brought in an elaborate Report which, without being read, was ordered to be {irintcd In that lleport, Mr. Mackenzie endeavoured to create a diversion in his favour by sliowing that while Dr. llyerson professed to be opposed to Government grants to religious bodies, yet he was willing to receive one for the Wes- Icyan Conference. The Report stated that : — The "Brilirth Wesleyan Methodist Conference," formerly theM.E. Church, received i;i,000 in 18iJ3, and i;() 11 in 1834, to be applied . . . , "to the erection, or repairing of chapels and Bchool-houdea, and defraying the general expenses of the various missions." This appropriation to the Methodists, as an Ecclesiastical EstaljlLwhrnent, is very singular. In the year 1826 .... Dr. Strachan informed the Colonial Minister that the Methodist ministers ac([uired their education and formed their principles in the United States They ajipealed to tlie House >f Assemljly, which inquired into and reported on the mtitter in 1828. Upon another occa.sion they received a rebuke from Sir John Colborne . . in answer to the Address of the Conference requesting him to transmit to His Majesty their Address on the Clergy Reserves. Since, how- ever, a share of public money has been extended to and received by them, there seems to have been established % mutual good understanding. To this Report, Dr. Ryerson replied to the effect — That the grant was made to the British Conference in England (over which we had no control) and not to the Canada Conference; that the grant in question was made by Lord Goderich, as part of a general scheme agreed upon in 1832, to aiil Missionaries in the West Indies, Western, and Southern Africa, New South Wales, and Canada, "to erect chapels and school -houses in the needy and destitute settlements;" that the Rev. R. Alder had coma from England, in 1833, to establish separate and distinct missions from those under the Canada Conference with a view to absorb this grant; that when the Union was formed, in 1833, the missions in charge of the Canada Conference became the missions of the British Conlerence, and loG THE STORY OF MY LIFE, [Chap. XV. were managed by their own Superintemlent; that the Canadian Missionary Society from that time became a mere auxiliary to the parent Society in England; that the Canada Conference assumed no resposibility in regard to the funds necessary to support these missions; and that, in point of fact, they had cost the British Methodists thousands of dollars over and above any grant received from Lord'Goderich as part of the general scheme for the support of missionaries in the extended British Colonies. Dr. Ryerson, in concluding these explanations, adds : — We trust that every reader clearly perceives the unparalleled parliamentary imposition that has been practised upon the public by the " Grievance Com- mittee," and their gross insinuations and slanders against the Methodist ministers. In 1836, the Report of the Grievance Committee came up in the House again. On this subject Rev. John Ryerson wrote in March, 1836, to Dr. Ryerson, in London, as follows : — The altercations and quarrels which have taken place in tlie Assembly this session on the part of Peter Perry and W. L. Mackenzie, especially about the " Grievance Report," have raised you much in the estimation of the people. The correctness of your views and statements are now universally acknow- ledged, and your defamers deserted by all candid men. Political things are looking very favourable at the present time. The extremer of the Radical party are going down headlong. May a gracious Providence speed them on their journey! To Mr. Perry, Dr. Ryerson replied fully and explicitly. He said : Mr. Perry has charged me with departing from my former ground in regard to an ecclesiastical establishment in Upper Canada. My editorials and correspondence with Her Majesty's Government will be considered conclusive evidence of the falsity of the charge, and will again defeat the attempts of the enemies of Methodism to destroy me and overthrow the Conference. Another cause of attack by Mr. Perry is, that amongst several other sug- gestions which I took the liberty to oiler to Lord Glenelg, Colonial Secretary, was the appointment of a certain gentleman of known popularity to the Executive Council. Mr. Perry seemed to consider himself as a sort of king in Lennox and Addington, and appears to regard it as an infringement upon his sovereign prerogalives that I should be stationed so near the borders of his empire as Kingston. But many of his constituents can bear record whether the object of my ministry was to dethrone Peter Perry, or to break down the power and influence of a much more formidable and important personage — the power of him that ruleth in the hearts of the children of disobedience.* March SOth, London. — During his stay in England, Dr. Ryer- son had been enabled to look upon public affairs in Upper Canada with more calmness, and more impartiality, than when he was there in the midst of them as an actor. In that spirit he, at this date, addressed a letter to the Guardian on what he regarded as an approaching crisis of the highest importance to Canada in the affairs of the Province. He said : — • Dr. Ryerson's reply to Mr. Perry was afterwards re[iriuttHl as an election fly- sheet, headed " Peter Perry Picked to Piece.t, by Egerton Pyerson,"and circulated broadcast in the counties. It resulted in Mr. Perry biing rejected as M. P.P. for Leunox and Addington in the elections of 1836. (See Chapter xxiii.) 1S35-3G1 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 157 It is not a mere ephemeral strife of partizansliip; it is a deliberate and bold attempt to change the leading features of the Constitution— a Constitution to which allegiance has been sworn, and to which firm attachment has been over and over again expressed in addresses to the Governor up to 1834. Such being the case, it becomes every man who fears God and loves his country to pause, to tliink, to decide, I have told the Colonial Secretary, tliat wliilst the Methodist Church askid for nothing but " equal and im- partial protection," yet I believed the attachment to the Constitution of the country and to the Britisli Crown, expressed in petitions and addresses from the Methodist Conference and people of Canada, to be sincere, and that they would prove to be so in their future conduct. They had betn falsely charged as being Republicans, but they had always repudiated this charge as a calumny. Nor would they bo found among those who, like Messrs. Peter Perry and W. L. Mackenzie, had recently avowed their inten- tion to establish republican elective institutions in tlie Province. As to the charges of the "Grievance Committee" party, J. can truly say tliat I have never received one farthing of public money from any quarter, and my humble support to my King and country is unsought, unsolicited, and spontaneous. Ma;/ 21.s^ — London. — At this date Dr. Ryerson wrote : — During my exile here in England I have more and more longed for news irom Canada, and cooling water to the panting hart could not be more refreshing than late intelligence from my dear native land has been to me. I can now listen with an interest and sympathy that I never did before, to the patriotic effusions of the warm-hearted and eloquent Irishmen, whom I have recently heard, respecting " the first flower of the earth, the first gem of the sea." The news from Canada presents to my mind strange con- trasts. A few yeai's ago efforts were made to prove that the Methodist ministers were the " salaried hirelings " of a foreign republican power. Now efforts are being made to persuade the Canadian public that the same ministers are the salaried hire- lings of British power, because they refuse to be identified with men and measures which are revolutionary in their ten- dencies. Gur motto is " fear God and honour the King," and " meddle not with them that are given to change." Many who were influenced to take part in the former crusade have long since given proof of a better spirit; so it will be, I trust, with those who have now been hurried on into the present shame- less and malignant opposition, against a cause which has con- fessedly been of the hi'ghest spiritual and eternal advantage to thousands in Upper Canada. I venture to predict that iK^t a few of our partizan adversaries will ere long lament their mad- ness of political idolatry and religious hostility. In the former case, Methodism survived, triumphed, and prospered ; in the present case, if we are true to our principles and faithful to our God, He will again " Cause the wrath of man to praise Uim, antl restrain the remainder of that wrath." CHAPTER XVI. 1836-1837. Dr. Ryerson's Diary of his Second Mission to England THE following is from Dr. Ryerson's diary (which is incom- plete) giving the result of his experiences and labours in England, during his second mission there, London, January 1st, 1836. — I am again in the great metropolis of the Christian world. My wife and I left our native land, and affectionate pastoral charge, on the 20th of November, 1835, and arrived here the 30th of December, after a voyage of tempest and sea-sickress. But to the Ruler of the winds, and the Father of our spirits, we present our grateful acknow- ledgmerts for the preservation of our lives. To our Heavenly Father liave T, with my dear wife, presented oursselves at the commencement of this new year. 0, may we through grace keep our vows, and henceforth abound in e very Christian grace and comfort, every good word and work ! We have been most kindly received by the Missionary Secretaries and other brethren; the prospects appear encouraging for the success of our mission : another ground of thankfulness, increased zeal, and faithfulness. Jan. 2nd. — Called at the Colonial Office to present my note of introduction from Sir John Colborne to Lord Glenelg. We were admitted to an interview with Mr. (afterwards Sir James) Stephen, Assistant Colonial Secretary, who promised to present Sir John Colbome's letter to Lord Glenelg, and inform me when he would receive me. To-day I received a call from my kind and excellent friend, Rev. John Hannah, a thorough scholar, a profound divine, an affectionate, able, and popular preacher. He heartily welcomed us to the country. Jan. 3rd — Sabhath. — It being the first Sabbath in the year, I attended that most solemn and important service — the renewal of the covenant. It was conducted by Rev. Dr. Bunting, in a manner the most impressive and affecting I ever witnessed. There were but few dry eyes in the chapel. He spoke of the primary design of Methodism as not to oppose anything but sin — not to subvert existing forms of faith, but to infuse the vital spirit of primitive Christianity into them. Dr. Bunting said that the renewal of the covenant was a service peculiar to Methodism, and expatiated on the importance of its being entered upon advisedly, and in humble dependence knelt down, Bunting, as their mouth- congregation upon Divine grace. After singing, the whole remaining some time in silent prayer. After Dr. piece, read the covenant, all then rose and sang "The covenant we this moment make," etc. The Lord's Supper was administered to several hundred persons, and the services concluded with singing and prayer. Jan. 4th. — I spent the evening at Rev. Mr. Alder's, in company with Dr. Bunting, Rev. John Bowers, and Rev. P. L. Turner. In conversation, the religious and general interests of the Methodist Connexion were introduced. I was no less edified than delighted with the remarks of Dr. Bunting, 1836-37] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 159 especially those wliich related to the fonner distinction between, and the present confoimdin*; of, supernumerary and superannuated preachers, and the desirableness of restoring the ancient distinction. He spoke of the experience requisite to, and evils of general legislation in. Church affairs — introducing matters of legislation into Quarterly Meetings, etc. Dr. Bunting's prayer at parting was deeply spiritual. Jan. 5th. — Spent the day in writing an article for the Wntchman, on the present state of^the Canadas; and in drawing up some papers on the Upper Canada Academy. Had a pleasant visit from Rev. John Beecliam, one oi the Missionary Secretaries. Jan. 6th. — Met at the Mission House with Rev. Ric,?)ard Reece, President of the Conference. He is, I believe, the oldest preacher who has filled the presidential chair since the days of Wesley. Jan. 10th, Sunday. — In the morning heard Rev. Mr. Cubitt, and in the evening endeavoured to preach for him. Jan. 13th. — Received a note from Lord Glenelg fixing the time when he would receive me. Jan, 14th. — Spent a delightful evening in company with Rev. John Hannah and wife, Dr. Sandwich (Editor of the Watchman) and wife, and several others. The conversation principally turned upon the learning of the ancients, and the writings of the early Protestant Reformers and their successors. Dr. Sandwich is a very literary man, Mr. Hannah an excellent general scholar. Jan. I5th. — Spent the evening with' Rev. William Jenkins, an old super- annuated minister, in company with several friends. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are a venerable coiiple about 80 years of age. Jan. nth — Sabbath. — Heard the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel. The Church was plain, the congregation large, and very attentive and solemn, A large number of school children were present ; the little girls all dressed aVAe ; they all had prayer and hymn books ; they read the responses and sung with the utmost correctness. In the afternoon we went to that splendid monu- ment of art and wealth — St. Paul's. The sermon was more evangelical than I expected. In the evening I preached to a very large congregation in St. George's Chapel, Commercial Road. A gracious influence seemed to rest on the congregation. Jan. 24th — Sabbath. — Preached in the Hinde-street ChapeL In Surrey Chapel I heard Rev. James Parsons, of York, one of the first preachers of the day. Surrey Chapel is the place of the celebrated Rowland Hill's pro- tracted ministry. Its shape is octagon, and it will seat 3,000 persons. The church service was read well by a person of strong, sonorous voice. At the conclusion of the church service Mr. Parsons ascended the pulpit. His prayer was simple, unaffected, and scriptural. His text was Luke xi. 47-48. His manner was by no means pleasing ; he stood nearly motionless, and appeared to be reading his sermon. Yet attention was riveted ; the current ot thought soon began to rise, and continued to swell, until he came to a pause. Then there was a general burst of coughing ; after which the Teacher proceeded in an ascending scale of argument, until he had lis audience entranced, when he would burst forth upon hig»captives with the combined authority and tenderness ot a conqueror and deliverer, and press them into the refuge city of Gospel salvation. Jan. 25th. — Attended a Missionary-meeting in South wark Chapel. Mr. Thomas Farmer, presided. Several spake : one a New Zealander, whose wit and oddities amused all, but profited none. Jan. 2Gth. — Had an interview with Lord Glenelg, on the subject of my mission. We can get a charter for the Upper Canada Academy, but assist- ance id uncertain. His Lordship was very courteous and communicative. He thanked me for the information I gave him concerning the Colonies. I 160 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XVI. Jan. 31st, Sunday. — Preached twice to-day (in City Rnad and Wildernesa Row). The Lord was with nie, and I believe I did not lahour in vain. Feb. l^th. — Had an interview with the Rt, Hon. Edwuid EUice ; was re- ceived with great kinchiess ; he promised to use his utmost influence to pry- mote the object of my mission at tlie Colonial oHice. Fch. I8th. — Called at the residences of several of the nobility; found none at liome, but Lord Ashburton, who gave me £5. Fch. 20th. — Made no progress in the way (v^' collecting ; much ceremony is necessary. Have obtained some u.;ciul ii. formation, and written to Sir Robert Peel on the object ol" my mission. Feb. 2lst, Sunday. — Heard the Rev. Peter McOwan preach. It was the best sermon I have heard rom a Methodist pulpit since my arrival in Eng- land. I preached in Grea' Queen-street Chapel in the evening, on the neA^ birth. I think the Lord v/as present to apply the word. Feb. 22ml. — Called upon Lord Kenyon. I was very courteously received; but His Lordship declined subscribing on account of the many objects to which he contributed in com.ection with America. He expressed his good wishes. I next called upon the Earl of Aberdeen — Colonial Secretary under Sir Robert Peel's government. He expressed himself satisfied with my letters from Upper Canada, but said that he would enquire of Mr. Hay, late under Colonial Secretary, and directed me to call again. I was also received by Dr. Blomfield, Lord Bishop of London. Dr. Blomfield is a handsome and very courteous man. He declined subscribing on account of its not having been recommended by the Bishop of the Diocese ; was not unfriendly to my object ; said he had a high respect for the Wesleyan body, and con- sidered they had done much good; he had expressed this opinion in print. Feb. 2.3rd — Addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg requesting an early answer to our application, stating our pressing circumstances. Called upon Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., who gave me £5. I find it very hard and very slow work to get money. Feb. 24sed to beg or borrow in relation to the Academy as nuuh as ever, or even worse, for several of us are individu- ally responsible for ^2,200, besides Mr. Farmer's loan of ^800. At our recent Aca' exiled from his country, and then deprived of his professioi ^ character and privileges without a trial ! I passed a sleepiest night. The late Mr. Henry Cassidy was then 'v.ayor of Kir , Ion ; a staunch Churchman and Conservati His wHo was a relative of mine, so a sort of family intimacy c isted between us. ?y Cassidy had been a student in Mr. T'ido, ell's law-office and was now his law agent. Mr. Hidwell enclo. c d to Mr. Cassidy the correspondence which had taken place between him.self and Sir F. Head and Attorney-General Hagerman, and Mr. C;i ;^idy had shown it to me. The morning after I saw the article iu the Patriot, proposing the erasure of Mr. Bidweil's name from the books of the Law Society, I went to Mr. Cassidy, saying that I had not closed my eyes all night, in consequence of Sir F. Head's article in the Patriot ; that I was the only person besides himself who knew the facts of the case, and though I had been assailed by the newspapers of the party with which Mr. Bidwell had been connected, I felt it in my heart to prevent a gross act of injustice and cruelty being inflicted upon a man, in his absence and helplessness, who had introduced and carried through our Legislature the laws by which the different reli- gious denominations held their Church property, and their ministers solemnized matrimony. I asked Mr. Cassidy if he would allow me the use of the letters which Mr. Bidwell had enclosed to him, justifying his own innocence, and showing the injustice done him by the misstatements of Sir F. Head. After some hours of deliberation, Mr. Cassidy consented. 1 sat clown, and over the signature of " A United Empire Loyalist," I detailed the case, introducing as proofs of Mr. Bidweil's inno- cence the injastice proposed to be inflicted upon him, referring to Mr. Attorney-General Hagerman's own letter, and appealing to the Law Society, and the country at large, against such injustice and against such violation of the rights of a British subject. I got a friend to copy my communication, so as not 192 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXIV. to excite suapicion."' It was the first article tbnt had appeared in the public press after the rebellion, hreatlung the spirit of freedom, and advocating Hritish constitutional rights against illcL^al opprossion.-f- The etiect of tliis article upon the public mind was very reujarlcable. As an example, Mr. John Campbell, member of tho Lejjfislativc Assembly for the County of Frontenac, despairing of the liberties of the country under the " tory " oppression of the day, determined to sell his property for whatever it mi^dit bring, and remove to the States. He was on a steamboat on liako Ontario, on his way to the Territory of Iowa to buy land and s(>ttle there, when tin newspaper containing my connnunication fell into his hands ; he road it, rose up and said that as long as there was a man in Canada who could write in that way there was hope for the country. He returned home, resumed his business, and lived and died in Canada. The Attornev-(V'neral was annoyed at the publication of his letter to Mr. Hidwell, and attempted a justification of his conduct, At the conclusion of a letter to me, he said that I had con- cealed my name for fear of the legal consecjuences of my setlitious pa})er, I at once sat down and wrote tho most argu- * Sir AloxniultM" Caiuplioll, now MiniHtpr of Justico, in a nolo to tlui Kditor, thus I'xplaius this ciivumstiuu'o ; — Ii tlio winter of 18i{7-.'{8, I was a stiulcnt-at- law, anil a icsitlont of Kin<;ston. Dr. Ryerson was tlum the MothoiHst niinist.ir in I'liarj^o of tlic only congregation of that body in town. Tlio rebellion of 1837-8, liail loci to excited, and very bitter foelings — arrests had been frcHiuent ; and it was not prudent for any one to try to jialliate the deeds of the rebels, or to seek to lessen the odium which covered their renl, or even supposed allies and friends. Dr. llycrson, however, desired to bring out the facts connected with Mr Bidwoll's banishment, and to change the current of publii; feeling on the subject — but it was not wise to send letters to the press in his own handwriting, or in any other way sutler it to become known that ho was the author of tho letters in defence of Mr. 15idwell. Uuiler these circumstances ho asked mo to copy them, and tako tliem to the Hcmld otlice— then the most liberal ]iaper in Upper Canada. I was proud of the confidence placed in mo, and eojiicd tho several letters, and went with them to tho imblisher, The letters were signed in words which I have not since seen, but which remain impressed upon my memory, and which were as follows : — " I am Sir, by parental instruction and example, by personal feeling and exer- tion, A Unitkd EMi'niE Loyalist " Tho letters constituted an eloquent defence of Mr. IJidwcU, who certainly took no part in the counsels of those who were afterwards engaged in the rebellion, when it became evident that they intended to push matters to extremes. The incident made a great impression on me at the time, and was the beginning of a friendship with which Dr. Kyersou honoured me, and which ended only with his life. A. Campbell. Ottawa, 29th December, 1882. t The defence was afterwards reprinted in a pamphlet on the 10th of May, 1838, with the following title: "The Cause and Circumstances of Mr. Bidwell's Banish- ment by Sir F. B. Head, correctly stated and proved by A United Empire Loyalist." Kingston, 1838, pp. 16. 18381 TJIK STORY OB' MY LIFE. I9;i pr- lok jn, 1th J8, lire montativo paper tliat I over penned (and for the recovery of wliicli 1 afterwards oll'ered live poiuuls, Imt witliout HiU'crsH), rediicin;^ the <|U(!Htions to a Heri(!.s of mathemutical propositions, and demonstratinp; in (^aeh cast! from the Attorney- (Jcneial's own data, tliat my conclusions wcsre true, and liis al)surd. 1 concluded hy deiyin^ lii.s lei^^al threat of prosecution, and sij^Micd iny name to the letter. The cHeefc of my reply to Mr. Attorney-Ocneral Haf^erman was marvellous in weakcnin<; the iriMuc^nce of tlie first law adviser of the Crown, and in reviving; the confidence of the friends of liheral constitutional <,'overmnent.* Suhse(|uently, (in .lune, IHIJ.S), I received a letter from Mr. Ilaj^erman, in which Ik; stated that in my observations on Mr. Bioiiited Keeeiver-Oeneral of Upper Canada, and a mem- ber of the Executive and Legi.slative Council. He held the office of Receiver- Geiiuial until the union of the i'rovinces in 1841, when the political exigencies of till' times compelled Lim to resign it. He and Hon. Isaac Buchanan contested tlic city of Toronto, in tlio lleform interest, in 1841, and were returned. Mr. Dunn received no conipensiition lor the loss of his office, and sodii afterwards retuiMcd to England, wliero lie died in 18.'j4. Ho was a most estimable public ofli 1 r. His sou, Col. Dunn, f^TCdtly distinguished himself during the Crimean W:i , an I, on his vi-iting C.iiia la soon a:tei\vanls, was received with great euthu- Bia^iii, .iiid a haad-jonie swuiil hus [iii'^una'd to him. — 11. 98 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Ciup. XXIV. and to which I feci littlo or no allnchmciit whatever. When the heart is sick, tho whole body is iaint. Dr. Ryerson (in tho Guardian of 22nd January, 1840) thus referred to Mr. Dunn as one of tho speakers in tlio Lc}T;islative Council on tho popular side of tho clergy reserve question : — I wttB glad to hear Mr. Dunn speak so well and bo fiircil>ly, — univerfially and ttlloctionately cHteciucd as ho is beyond any otliur public functionary in Upper Canada. Some months after tho exile of Mr. Bidwell, TMr. James S. Howard was dismissed by Sir F. B. Head from the oflice of Post- master of Toronto. The allopjed ground of dismissal was that he was a Radical, and had not taken up arms in defence of the country. Dr. Ryerson, with his usual generous sympathy for persons who in those days were made the victims of Governor Head's caprice, at once espoused Mr. Howard's cause. In his first letter in tho Defence of Sir Charles Metcalfe, he .said : — After the insurrection of 1837-8, unfavourable iniprcasions were innde far and wide against the late Postmaster of Toronto, and Mr. Bidwell. But 8ubse(pient investigations corrected these impressions. The fornur has been appointed to office, and Sir F. B. Head's proceedings against the latter have been cancelled by Sir Charles Metcalfe. (Page IG.) Prefatory Address" to tho Metcalfe Defence, Again, in the he said : — While God gives me a heart to feel, a head to think, and a pen to write, I will not passively see honourable integrity murdered by grasping faction. . . I would not do so in 1838, when an attempt was made to degrade and proscribe, and drive out of the country all naturalized subjects from the United States, and to stigmatize all Reformers with the brand of rebellion. . '. I relieved the name of an injured James S. Howard from the obloquy that hung over it, and rescued the character and rights of an exiled Bidwell from ruthless invasion, and the still further effort to cover him with perpetual infamy by expelling him from the Law Society. (Page 7.) CHAPTER XXV. 1838. Heturn to the Editorship of the " Guartiian." THE Rebellion of 1837-38 was suppressed by the inlicrcnt and Hpontaneous loyalty of all classes of tlio Canadian people. Yet, after it was over, the seeds of strife engendered by the effort to prove that one section of the community was more loyal than the other, and that that other section was chiefly responsible for the outbreak, bore bitter fruit in the way of controvcr.sy. Dr. Ryerson took little part in such recriminatory warfare. It was too superficial. He felt that it did not touch the underlying points at issue between the dominant, or ruling, party and those who were engaged in a contest for equal civil and religious rights. He, and the other leaders who inriuenced and moulded public opinion, clearly saw that this recriminatory war was carried on by the dominant party as a mask to cover tlieir ulterior designs — designs which were afterwards developed in the more serious struggle for religious supremacy which that party waged for years afterwards, and which at length issued in the complete triumph of the principles of civil and religious freedom for which Dr. Ryerson and the representatives of other religious bodies so long and so earnestly contended. Besides, Dr. Ryerson was anxious to fulfil the engagement made with the Kingston Society that he would resume his pastoral charge there, after hi j return from England in June, 1837. He was, however, repeatedly pressed by his friends to write for the Guardian, or other newspaper, on the vital questions of the day. In reply to his brother John, who had urged him in the matter, he wrote (March, 1838) saying t'lat he was so happily engaged in his pastoral duties at Kingston that he could not then devote the necessary time to the discus- sion of public questions. His brother, in remonstrating with him on the subject, said : — Your letter affords me great satisfaction, accompanied with sorrow. I am afflicted to think of the state the Province is in. Never did high-churchism take such rapid strides towards undisputed domination in this country as it is now taking. Never were the prospects of the friends of civil and religious lil)erty so gloomy and desperate as they are now. You gay that you have not time to write on these subjects. I will say, if you had, it would not fear, accomplish much. Indeed, it would rec^uire the undeviating now, I 200 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXV. course and the whole weight of the Guardian to accomplish anything at this time, 80 completely is all moral power in the country enervated and liberty prostrated. It is a great blessing that Mackenzie and radicalism are down, but we ore in imminent danger of being brought under the domination of a military and high-church oligarchy, which would be ecjually bad, if not infinitely worse. Under the blessing of Providence there is one remedy, and only one; and that is, for you to take the editorship of the Guardian again. Several preachers have spoken to me on this subject lately. One of them said to me (and he could think of nothing else) that that alone would save us and the country from utter ruin, and urged the necessity of the Conference electing f'ou, whether you would consent to serve or not. The truth is, it is abso- utely neccessary for the sake of the Church and the country that you reside in Toronto, and have direction of all'uirs here, I wish all of our proceedings to be calm and moderate, but that we be firm, and that the great principles of religious freedom and equality should be uncompromisingly maintained. In a subsequent letter to Dr. Ryerson his brother John said : In fact there is no way of escape out of our troubles but for you to take the Guardian. The feeling of dissatisfaction at the present state of things is becoming exceedingly strong among the preachers and people. I participate in their feelings. Dr. Ryerson yielded to these appeals, and did write for the Guardian. In a letter, dated Kingston, April 4th, he said : — I have recently Avritten at considerable length to Lord Glenelg, respecting the Academy and other local matters. What you say in regard to myself, and my appointment next year, I feel to be a delicate and difhcult matter for me to speak on. In regard to myself 1 have many conflicting thoughts. My feelings, and private interests, are in favour of my remaining where I am, if I remain in the Province. I have been very much cast down, and my mind has been much agitated on the subject. For the present I am some- what relieved by the conclusion to which I have come, in accordance with Dr. Clarke's *' Advice to a Voung Preacher," not to choose my own appoint- ment, but after making known any circumstances, which I may feid it necessary to explain, to leave myself in the hands ot God and my brethren, as I have done during the former years of my ministry. If the Lord, there- fore, will give me grace, I am resolved to stand on the old MethoJistic ground in tlie matter of appointment to the Guardian. I thank you for Chief Justice Robinson's address at the trial of the pris- oners. It 18 good. My own views are in favour of lenity to these prisoners Punishmei '8 for political offences can never be beneficial, when they are inflicted in opposition to public sentiment and sympathy. In such a case it will defeat the object it is intended to accomplish. It matters not whether that sentiment and sympathy are right or wrong in the abstract; the efl'ectof doing violence to it will be the same. But I would not pander to that feeling, how carefully soever one may be disposed to observe its operations. The fact, however, is, that Sir Francis Head deserves impeaciiment, just as much as Samuel Lount deserves execution. Morally speaking, I cannot but regard Sir Francis as the more guilty culprit of the two. I admire, as a whole. Sir George Arthur's reply to the address of the "Constitutional Reformers." There is good in it. They will see the folly of continuing the former party designations, and pretended grounds of com- plaint. I think, however, that their address will do good, from the large number of names attached to it. I was surprised, and it has created quite a sensation here, that there are so many as 772 in Toronto, who still have the moral courage to designate themselves " Constitutional Reformers." It 1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 201 will teach the other party that they are not so strong, and so absolute in thi voice of the country, as they thought themselves to be. I am stttiafied that there never was such a time as from the termination of the trial of the prisoners to the next session of Parliament, for us to Htainn upon the public mind at large, our own constitutional, and Scriptural, political, and religious doctrines ; and to give the tone to the future Govern- ment and Legislation of the Province, and to enlarge vastly a spliere of usefulness. I shall write some papers for the Guardian with this view. In a letter from Brockville. Rev. William Scott said : — My humble opinion is, that in order to our safety as a Church — our preservation from high church influence — you must be at Toronto. I assure you that is the opinion of our influential men in this quarter, who under- stand the state of the province, and the position of Metliodism. Permit me to add that the one hour's conversation which I had with you amply repaid me for all the fuiious battles which I have fought on this circuit in your defence. Rev. Joseph Stinson, in a letter to Rev. John Ryerson, said : I am quite of your opinion that your brother Egerton ought to take the Guardian next year. There is a crisis approaching in our afl'airs which will require a vigorous hand to wield the defensive weapon of our Conference. There can be no two opinions as to whom we should give that weapon. We now stand on fair ground to maintain our own against the encroachments of the oligarchy, and we must do it, or sink into a comparatively uniniluential body — this must not be. As urged by these letters from his brethren, Dr. Ryerson, early in May, 1838, prepared several articles for the Guardian. His brother John, who was a member of the Book Committee, thus speaks of the series of articles sent to that paper ; — I cannot express to you how much I am gratified and pleased with your article on " Christian Loyalty." It will, no doubt, do immense good. We have had a regular campaign in our Book Committee, in reading and dis- cussing your articles. Tlie one on " Christian Loyalty " occupied nearly the whole time. Your article on " The Church " is one of the most admirable papers I ever read. Not a word of that is to be altered. Your communica- tion on " Indian Aff^airs," I cannot speak so highly of. I hope you will pardon me for leaving out some of the severe remarks on Sir Francis. I am afraid they will do harm with the present Government. At the Conference of 1838, Dr. Ryerson was re-elected Editor of the Christian Guaidian. In his first editorial, dated 11th July, 1838, he said :— Notwithstanding the almost incredible calumny which has in past years been heaped upon me by antipodes-paity-presses, I still adhere to the principles and views upon which I set out in 1826. I believe the endowment of the priesthood of any Church in the Province to be an evil to that Church. . . I believe that the appropriation of the proceeds of the clergy reserves to general educational purposes, will be the most satisfactory and advantageous disposal of thum that can be made. In nothing is this Province so defective as in the requisite available provisions for, and an ellicient system of,* 2o: THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXV. general education. Lot the distinctive character of that system bo the union of public and private effort. . . To Government influence will be spontaneously added the various and combined religious influence of the country in the noble, statesmanlike, and divine work of raising up an elevated, intelligent, and moral population.* In combatting the idea that his editorial opinions in tho Guardian were necessarily " the opinions of the Methodists " as a body, and that they were responsible for them, Dr. Ryerson, in the Guardian of August 15th, thus defines the rights of an editor : — To be tho mere scribe of the opinions of others, and not to write what we think ourselves, is a greater degradation of intellectual and moral character than slavery itself. . . In doctrines and opinions we write what we believe to be the truth, leaving to others the exercise of a judgment equally unbiassed and free. In the exuberance of loyal zeal, and yet in a kindly spirit which was characteristic of him, Rev. W M. Harvard, President of the Canada Conference, issued a pastoral on the 17th April, 1838, to the ministers of the Church, enjoining them not to recognize as members of the Society those whose loyalty could be impeached. The directions which he gave were : — Should there be a single individual for whose Christian loyalty the preacher cannot conscientiously answer for to his brethren, in the first place such individual should not be included in the return of membership; and in the second place such individual should be dealt with kindly and compassion- ately, but tirmly, according to the provisions of the Discipline. No man who is not disposed to be a good subject can be admissible to the Sacraments of the Church. . . Should any person apply hereafter for admission into our Church, who may be ill-altectod to tlie Crown . . tell him kindly, but tirmly, . . that he has applied at the wrong door. As soon as this extraordinary pastoral had appeared. Dr. Ryerson addressed a letter of some length to the Guardian, objecting in very temperate, but yet in very strong language to the doctrine laid down in it by the President of the Conference. Before publication, however, he sent it to Mr. Harvard for his information and perusal. He showed from the writings of John Wesley, Richard Watson, and others, and from examples which he cited (John Nelson, " the apostolic fellow-labourer of John Wesley," etc.) that such a doctrine savoured of despotism, and was harsh and inquisitorial in its effects. He concluded thus : — None of the various political opinions which men hold, and their respectful and constitutional expression of them, is any just cause of excluding from the • Even at this early date, Dr. Eyorson indicated tho comprehensive character of the system of education which he was afterwards destined to I'ound in Upper Cauuda. .. , ., _ : 1S38] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 203 Lord's Tal)le any human being, provided his religions churacter is unexcep- tional. The only condition ot membership in our ( hurcli iH " a desire to flee I'rom tlie wrath to come,"''' and none ot the ojtinious mentioned is incon- sistent with the I'ruits by wiiich that desire is evidenced. Tlio r'siipline of the Cimrcli, or the Scripture itself, does not authorize me to heconij the Judge of another man's political opinions — the Church is not a political association — any man has as good a right, religiously and politically, to his opinions of public matters as 1 have to mine — and laymen Irequently know much more, and are better judges, than ministers in civil and secular affairs. It can be well understood what would be the effect of the Pastoral, and not less so of Dr. Ryerson's clear and dispassionate disclaimer of the doctrines which it officially laid down. It required courage and iirninoss, in the loyal outburst and reaction of those days, to question the propriety or expediency of any reasonable means by which the unimpeachable loyalty of members of the Church could be ascertained. What added to the embarrassment of Dr. Ryerson in discussing such a question was the fact that the Methodists were being constantly taunted with being disloyal. Knowing this, and sensitive as to the disgrace of such a stigma being cast upon the Church, the President felt constrained to take some decisive, and yet, as he thought, kmdly and satisfactory means of ridding the Church of members who were the cause, in his estiuiation, of such a disgrace and reproach to that Church. Among many other strong letters of commendations of his reply to Mr, Harvard, which Dr. Ryerson received, were two, — one from a representative minister of the Canadian section of the Church, and the other from an equally excellent representa- tive of the British missionaries. Thus : Rev. Anson Green, writing from Picton, said : — I was sorry, though not surprised, to hear that you were very much perplexed. I could easily understand your feelings, and quite sympathize with you. Your recent efforts for the peace and prosperity of the Church have very much endeared you to my heart. I am luUy prepared to believe the assertion which you made while in England, "that you loye Jerusalem above your chief joy " This you have fully proved by your untiring eiforts on behalf of the Academy, the Chapels, and on the (Church question ; but in nothing more, allow me to say, than in the firm, manly, and Christian spirit, in which you have come out, publicly, in defence of the membership of the Church, and of sound principles. 1 had resolved when Rev. Mr. Harvard wrote to me to cany out the principles of his instructions and Pastoral in this district, to write him a lettisr respectfully and yet firmly declining to do so. But when I saw the storm gathering in every quarter, I could only exclaim in the despondency of my soul: — When will our brethren cease to distroy us, and when will the Church again have rest from internal commotion and strife 1 And just at this crisis (a memorable crisis to thousands of our Canadian friends) your excellent rejoinder to Mr. Harvard's Pastoral came out in the Guardian. It was a balm to the afflicted heart. It was a precious cordial poured forth. Your letter was sent from house to house, from cottage • These words as to memhership are identical with those which Dr. Ryerson uttered fifteen years al'tcrwurd^j in his discussion on the Class-meeting question. 204 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXV. to cottage, and met with unequivical applause from all. The lowering gky began to clear up, and we are encouraged onc«i more to hope for duar sun- Bhine. You have had the courage to speak the truth in opposition to men in high authority. Your letter was in every respect Just what it should have been, and tliousands do most sincerely thank you tor it. Rov. Joseph Stinson, writing from Simcoe, said : — As far as I can ascertain, your appointment as Editor of the Guardian next year will give general satisfaction. The President's Pastoral and your reply are producing quite a sensation. Most people give Mr. Harvard credit for purity of intention, but regret that the subject of politics hns been adverted to by him in such a form. Your remarks on the Pastoral have hushed the fears of many who were greatly disturbed ; but some think that your state- ment of abstract right is carried too far, and may at a future day be appealed to in support of measures which you would utterly condemn. Some of your old tory friends think that there is design in all you write on these questions, and do not hesitate to designate you by the amiable title of a "Jesuit," etc. You can bear all this and much more in carrying out your design, to show them that their tactics are understood, and their proceedings are closely watched, so as to prevent them from obtaining those objects which would be alike unjust to us as a Church, and ungenerous to themselves. It is well that in all of the " burnings which your fingers " have had, you have not yet lost your nails ; for I expect that you will need them before long. The high church party have the will, if they can muster the courage, to make a renewed and desperate attack upon you. Fear not ; while you advocate the truth, you can defy their rage. The public mind seems to me to be in a state of painful suspense. The f)eoj»le hate and dread rebellion. They are not satisfied with the present eading political party. They hope to see a new man rise up with sufficient talent and influence to collect around him a respectable party to act as a balance between oppression and destruction. Some talk of a new election ; tfome talk of leaving the country ; all seem to think that something must be done ; none know M'hat to do. How ought we in this awful crisis (for an awful crisis it is), to pray for the Divine interposition in behalf of our dis- tracted province. . . I saw your venerable father last night. He very much wishes you to write to him. On the 7th of November, 1838, the first number of the lOtli volume of the Guardian was Lssued. In it there is an elaborate article signed by Dr. Ryerson (although he was then Editor), on the state of public affairs in Upper Canada. In his intro- ductory remarks he said : — From the part I have usually taken in questions which affect the founda- tions of our Government, and our relations with tlie Mother Country, — and from the position I at present occupy in respect to public affairs, and in relation to the Province generally, it will be expected tiiat I should take a more than passing notice of the eventful crisis at which we have arrived. In conclusion, he says ; Having faithfully laid before the Government and the country the present posture of aftairs, and the causes of our present dissatis- faction and dangers, I advert to the remedies : (1. Military defence.) 2. Let the Government be administered as much in accordance with the general wishes of this country, as it is in England. 3. Abolish high-church domi- nation, and provide perfect religious and political equality. 4. Let tfiem be at equal fidelity to obey the authorities when called upon. . . He who does most to bring about this happy state of things in the Province will be the greatest benefactor of his country. m a In the tis- 2. iral mi- be i-ho be CHAPTER XXVI. 1838-1840. Enemies and Friends Within and WiinouT. Any controvfirsiiiliHt, whoso honest boliof in his own doctrines nmkos liini torriMy in earnest, nmy count on a life emljittercd liy the anger of those on whom ho has forced tlio ilisagrceablo task of reconsidering their own aasumiitions. — Canon Farkau. ALL ii..oui(h his public career, Dr. Ryer'^'^n had taany bitter enemies and many warm and devoted friends. This was not to be wondered at. No man with .such .strongly marked individuality of will and purpose, and with such an instinctive dislike to injustice and oppression, could fail to come in contact with those whoso views and proceedings were opposed to his sense of right. The enmity which he excited in discussing pub- lic questions was rarely disarmed (except in the case of men of generous impulses or noble natures) by the fact that he and those Avho acted with him were battling for great principles — those of truth, and justice, and freedom. When these principles could not be .successfully a.ssailed, the usual plan was to attack the character, and wound the tender sensibilities of their chief defender. This was a mistake ; but it was the common error with most of Dr. Ryerson's assail- ants. And yet those who did so in his presence, and in the arena of debate, rarely repeated tlie mistake. With all his kindness of heart and warmth of friendship, there was, when aroused, much of the lion in his nature. B'ew who assailed him in Conference, or made a personal attack upon him in other places of public discussion, could stand before the glitter of his eye when that lion-nature was aroused; and fewer still would care to endure the effect of their fire a second time. Most of the personal attacks made upon Dr. Ryerson were in writing, and often anonymously. He had, therefore, to defend himself chiefly with his pen. This he rarely failed to do, and with good eflFect.* On such occasions he used strong and vigor- * Dr. Ryerson, early in his controversial career, adopted Lord Macaulay'a motto; No misrepresentation should be suffered to pass unrefuted. We nui.st remember that misstatements constantly reiterated, and seldom answered, will assuredly be believed. ilOO rUK tiTaUY OF MY I.IFK. [i)\\M\ XXVI. ous livn',»t«n'![iv of which !h> wnsaii ai'UnDwhMl^fod innHlrr. Vory iniiiw of (hoso ntlackM \vor(> rpluMiiiMiil. aiid iinl, wttilliv of ii<)|.<>, Others \vtiiM!.\- nt the (iiiu*, hid. are oids ref(»rred to now JIM part of (hi> .st.orv of a life. thi>n siiiffidin ly active and Mtorniy. The I'iditor of the 'I'oronto /'(r/r/o/ havinj^ puhlished (»xtraets from a j>inM|)hi(>t is.sued in the Ne\vi'asth> Histriet (( 'ontdiy of Ni»r(l\un»h»Mliind), in IS'A'l, in which attucks wj're niar. Kyer.son's chiiacttM", he repliinl to them in th(M'ohiinns of ihiit paper. In IN-'S, his circuit was in l\w Newcasth* district , »t\d the person who nunle th«>se attacks r«>sid«r thing's, this num. said that \h: Kyorson "r»>ad seditio\is newspapers at his house, on the S.ihhatlj day !" In reply, Or. Hy(>r.s; IIiIm |K«in(ir'H hinilily »intil Siin>!:\y cvoninv. lunl thou i>roiu"li ni lln> (Miiin-li IIhto, il. would Im impi>t«sililo for uio ti< »li> lis hi' lias iillo^jt'il. Wen- I lo liavc ilom* ho, I would 1)0 unworthy of tho socioly of Christiuu nion. Itut Iho author of (liiH liliol, wliii'li wa« j>\il>li>iln'd hy hiiu four yoats aftor tho alio^'od ihouiUHtaiioo look |ih\oo. was (lotiatod a.'» a oaudidato fortlio IIoun(> of AmnoiuIiIv, on aooount of a jHMsonal attack wliiili lio niado unon luo at Iho huwIinjs'H! Iline illtr iwnniuii. This jxMsou also (iaid tliat 1 " hoped yi>f. to hoc tho walla of llio t'lmnh of lM\!;litud lovollod tv> tho dtist." In nty roply to thin I Haid:-! t>oloiuuly doolaio thai I novov ultoiod mioh a Honliinont, nor havo I oiu'rinhod anv hosiilily \o tho CMnuvh of I'lnglimd Sonn> of my iVionds dosirod nui to tako ordoi-s in tho I'hnroh of Kn;_;land |soo jm^'o •it] ; and a ^ontloinan (now an Kpisiop.il do'yynian) was anihovi/od l>y lh<> hito llishoit i>f (,)nol)oo to tviiuost nio \o niako an apnointnu'iit to soo him on his Ihon oonvoniplalod iouv thixuigh tho Niaj^.ua histviot, whoiv 1 was Iravollin^'. Aftor inatino, and 1 trust, pray oiful dolihoration, I rojdiod h\ lottor doolininK Iho proposals mudo. at tho suno timo approoiatiu^ tho kuidnoss and partiality of my Iriotuis. A short tiuio aftovwaixls. 1 mot tho friond who had noon tho modium ot this oot»n\»unioation fvon\ iho lato Dr. Stowarl. Ilo was «loo]>lv rtHooled at my dooision. \\ hon I as-signod my roligious oblij^alion to tho Aiothodists as a n>ason for dooliuing tho olfor, ho ropliod that all of his own rolij,'ious fooliui^s liad also boon dorivod from thoin, but ho thuu<{ht tho Church rx-quiivd our labouns. Some poi-son having written, professedly from Kingston, a diatribe against Dr. Ryerson. in the London (Eng.) Stduddril, Roy. Robert AKler implied to it, atid appri.sed liint oi: the fact : — An attack having; boon mado on you iniilottor from Kinjjston, and uisertod in tho Standani. 1 havo boon stirred up to writo in your dofonoo. I oxpoot also to havo a battlo io tight with Sir iMancis Iload, for " 1 guess" ho kuowa soniothiug of your Kingston friond. From Mr. Alder's reply, I make tho following extracts: — Ttiere is no man. cither in the Canadas or at home, better acquainted with the former and present state of these line pnmnces than Mr. llyerson, as his letters in the Tinus, .jigued " A Canadian," testify. Even his Kingston IBUB 40] TllrC RTOUY Oh" MY /.IFIC. 207 to I'.l re. nil ilhI IhIs th ns ton Nldiidri'i'r inliiiilM Mint, tlio fiictN nIuUkI in lliccii ]vl\i'rn wm<, in ilw tniiiii> ("(('roilinj^ly r in iMililinI Ici Iho (/riili'lii! lliiiiil(M III' I'vrry loyal HMl>)<'<'t lliriiii),'liiiiil, itiilinli Ndi'lli Anii'iii'it, Itdl. tlio iniilicit iil>liiun joiiniiil ill llio |irovitir<< liii'i I.<-<'Mii-iI vvilli riiiiiniiiiiiriiUoiM vililyin;^ lii^i t'liiiriit'lcr liiiil iiioiivcn in llm Mlron^chl, l.tTiiiN, it Hl.int.oil nit^t-.d of pnuMt \{u» Ih'I'ii il'tli'd onl. In liitn No u'liiiiirr lliiil, |ii'i>ioim ill l.liJH I'oiintry dii'iily iiit.crcHlcd in ('iinndn rrtr. liyt-.rwtri'H liistciiy. In iH'.iH, it, was ro»liir«Ml to a HyHtctri. Tlin fUMsailarit, was ol'tdn " A Wcslcyan," or, " A 'I'rini WcrsN^yan," ami imdci" i]w. IVii^ndly (tyin of four or (ivt, or a IcpiT. Ono of tho pajicrH rinin(?il, connncntin;} on \)u: lioHtile at iliidi! of tin' c.itizciiH of MiH.'^oiiri ti wanU tl.c MormoiiH, HjxakH of MormoniMn astlio IViiit of Kf^'iMton I fv.iHou'n Lovo-feaHtH, (JiUiipni(;i;tin^H, ct/;. In i)r. llyerson's effort to protect indivi civil and religious liberty, and an admirer of tlie course pursued by yourself as Editor of the Cliristian Guardian, I cannot but express my regret at seeing you assailed on all sides, and especially by those for whose good you have been exerting yourself. As a native of Great Britain, I am fondly attached to her civil institutions, and will yield in loyalty to no one. I cannot, therefore, but approve of any lawful and fair measures which will tend to bring all denominations to that level, that every one provide for itself. I therefore say, go on in your present course ; keep up the fire, brisk and hot on the enemy, till they are routed. As I see several are withdrawing their subscriptions to the Guardian, the friends of civil and religious lilietty, of whatever denomination, ought to come in and take their places. Althoagh not a Methodist, please put me down as a subscriber to the Guardian. CHAPTER XXVII. 1778-1867. The Honourable and Right Reverend Bishop Strachan. THE Venerable John Strachan, D.D., LL.D., Archdeacon of York, and subsequently (1839-18G7) first Bishop of Toronto, was the chief clerical opponent which Dr. Ryerson encountered in the contest for religious freedom and denomin- ational equality during nearly twenty years. Dr. Strachan was born in Scotland, in April, 1778, and died at Toronto, in November 1867, in the 90th year of his age. It was a singular coincidence that Dr. Strachan entered the ministry of the Church of England in May, 1803, just two months after Dr. Ryerson was bom. Who could then have foreseen the respective careers of these two remarkable men ! The one, the virtual founder and administrative head of the Church of England in Upper Canada for upwards of 60 years ; and the other, although not the founder, yet the controlling head and leader of the Methodist Church in the Province for nearly the same period. Dr Strachan was an uncompromising high churchman. His exclusive views on the "priestly authority, and the catholic and apostolic character of the Church of England," were those of a church optimist, but they were not based upon any profound study of the subject, as his own statement will attest. * * My mother (he said) belonged to the Relief denomination. . . My father was attached to the Non-Jurants; and although he went occasion Jly with my mother, he was a frequent hearer of Bishop Skinner, to whose churcu he was in the habit of carrying me. He died when I was very young, but not befoi»: tv mind was impressed in favour of Episcopacy. . . I readily confess, that in respect to Church Government, my principles were sufficiently vague and unformed; for to this important suVject my attention was never particularly drawn till I came to this country, when my venerated friend, the late Dr. Stewart, ot Kingston, urged me to enter the Church, and as I had never yet communicated, that excellent person, whom I loved as a father, admitted me to the altar a little before I went to Quebec to take holy orders, in 1803. Before I had determined to enter the Church of England, I was imluced by the advice of another friend (the late Mr. Cartwright) , . to make some inquiries respecting the Presbyterian Church of Montreal, then vacant. (Dr. Strachan's Speech in the Legislative Council, March 6th, 1828, pages 25, 20.) 214 THE S'^OEY OF MY LIFE. fCuAP. XXVII. It is intcrcstinjDf to noto tlio causoa wliich led Dr. Strachan to cling ao tenaciously to the idea of " Church and State " — a union wliich he rejnrjirded as sacred, and ordained of Cod for the maintenance of His cause and Church on the earth. It is no less interesting to understand the reason why Dr. llyerson as strenuously repudiated and resisted the practical application of the same idea to Canada. The reason in each case may be stated in a few words. The one from early associations regarded the idea of Scottish parish churches and parochial schools, supported by the State, as eminently Scriptural, if not divinely enjoined from the earliest Jewivsh times. The other was brought up in a land where such a state of things had never existeil, and where the pure gospel had been preached from the earliest times without the aid of a state endowment. Ho lived in a land, too, where the com- mand to the Christian Church was felt to be fitly expressed by John Wesley, to take the " world as a parish " and preach the Gospel to every creature. The manner in which this command was to be obeyed was indicated by our Lord's example, when He sent forth His disciples Avith this injunction : — Prcvide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purines . . for the workman is worthy of his meat. Mutt. x. 9, 10. Members of the Conference, in Dr. Ryerson's early days, unhesitatingly obeyed the directions of the Conference — many regarding it as the voice of God in the Church — and went forth, without scrip or purse, everywhere, even to the remotest corner of the land, bearing the good tidings, not considering their pecuniary interests,* or even their lives dear unto them, so that they might win souls for the Master.-|- Dr. Strachan's views on the question of State aid to churches * The stipends of Methodist ministers in those days were very small. Rev. Dr. John Carroll tells me that the "quarterage" payable to an unmarried Methodist minister iu America, at first, was only §60 per annum; tlien it was increased to $80, at which rate it remained until 1816, when the General Conference fixed it at $100, at which it remained until 1854. The rule for a married minister was double that for a singl-) man, and $16 for each child. Besides quarterage, there was an allowance for travelling and table expenses. Two hundred dollars was the sum for salary, besiiles travelling and aid expenses, allowed to a minister up to 1854, and even then this sum was rarely ever paid in full. — H. t Rev. H. Wilkinson in a note to Dr. Ryerson, in 1837, thus describes the kind of places to which some ministers had to be sent, and their duties and qualifications when there. He said : I require a man for a mission which lies about 200 miles from Hytown, up the Grand River (Ottawa), and which will be difficult of access in the winter. A suitable person could make his way north- wards with some of the rude lumbermen, who now and then go up in companies. The brother would need to be strong in mind and body, and fervent in spirit. He would need to go on foot, and paddle a canoe, or row a boat, as the case might be, and thus reach his appointments in the best way he can. 1778-1807] THE STOliY OF MY LIFE. 21 i to at ■re the to [les be th- ios. He be, woro clearly, on tlio other hand, the result of his observations, in Scotland. Tlioy are prominently brouf^lit o\it in his nioui- orablo Hpocch, delivered in the Legislative Council, on the (Jth of March, 1828. JIo Hays:— Have not tlio MctliodiHtH in tills Province , . ever sliown tlicniBolvt's ilio en(;nii(!M of tlie EHtal»liHlic fact that (iroat Uriliiin, of all I'Jirojican nations, liant in conniction willi th.it of Kn^^laiid, the n-volnlion would not jiavc taken jjlaee.t Aware of tlii^ pcrni^'ioUH ell'eclH of thi.s narrow and iiiicliri^tian ])olicy, and scnHihU) that tliu eoloni-it oii.;lit to he attached to I hi' paiisrit stale iiy relij^ioiiH, as well as hy political feelin;^n, the f,'rcat Mr. I'itt diteriiiined (in forniiiig a coiiHtitiition for the C.'anadas) to provide I'or tin: reli;,'ioiiH inHtinclion of the pe(>i)le, and to lay the foundation of an EcclcMa-sticiil K.stal)liMhnit'nt which t»honld increase with the Heltlenient. To ftcconipliMh this nohle purpose, Mr. Pitt advised that nnc-fcvcntli of tlin lands sliouhl lie set apart for the niaintenancc of a Protestant (Jler;,'v. In Upper Canada this appropriation comprises one-Hcveiith of the whole pro- vince : but in Lower Canada, one-seventh of tliose parts only which have been granted since 17S)1 (pages 2, V>).X In a pamphlet puhlished at Kinj^ston, U.C, (hiring tlio previous year, the substance of Mr. Pitt's remarks on that part of the J3ill vviiich authorized the setting apart of these lands, is given as follows: — Mr. Pitt (House of Commons, 12th May, 1791), flaifl that he gave the Colonial Government and Council power, under the instructionu of His Majesty, to distribute out of a sum arising from the tithes for land or possessions, and set apart for the niainfenauce and support of a Protestant clergy. Another clause (he said) provided, for the periiiani'ut sunport of the Protestant clergy, a seventh portion of the lands to be granted in future. He declared that the meaning of the Act was to enable the (iovemor to endow and to present the Protestant clergy of the established church to such parsonage or rectory as might be constituted or erected within every town- ship or parish, which now was, or might be formed ; and to give to such Protestant clergyman of the established church, a jiart, or the whole, as the Governor thought proper, of the lands appropriated by the Act. He further • Observations on tho Provision mado for tlio Maintemnre of a Protestant Clergy in the Provinces of Upper and bower Canada, undiT the 31st Geo. HI., cap. 31. By John Strachau, D.D., Archdeacon of York, Upper Canada, pp. 44. London, 1827. t In a letter written by Dr. Ryerson in 18.51, he critioihOliHli(«il clunTli ; mitl Unit 'MliildiHlu'd 4 14, 4 1 ft. )» ]iiiMNilily liorcftllrr it tuif{Iit lii< |ir()|iimi<(l to himuI ii IliHlioit of tlio t'MliihliHliitl olunvh to nil ill tho li0^iHlntivo CiMuicil. (I'url. Ko^., vol. i!l(, |)|>, Mr. Kox wiiM «'iitii'»«ly oppoMtMl to tlu'Ho Mrniiitfoiiioiita J I'loli nIioiI cUmj^v, ho HiipiioK'il to \\{\ iiiuliMHiooil not only tlio Ho Ntiiil : \\y ilio «'l»Ml(V of Mio (Miiivi'li ol Imi^^IuikI, litit. itll tli>si'i'i|)lionH oi l*roli woio, liy thii* Mill, niakiii^^ a nort. of i»n»viHion I'tir tho l'i"«>tot«tant I'loi^y of Canatla |of ono »i>vonlli of tho liuul] which wuh unknown to thom in ovory jiart of l']iiropi< ; a proviMion, in hi« a|)|ii'ohoiiHion, wliioh woiiM rallior toiul to oornutt than to honotil them. (llaiiHanl, vol. ^l), 17lH, ims'o 108.) 1 luvv<» nin^l'uUy ^ono (hrouojli iho wliolo ol' [\\ks dtilmio on ihi.s suhjoot, but. 1 cannot, lintl ono \voi«l in it which would iuilicato that Mr. Pitt.. Mr. Kox, or Mr. Ihirko (t.ho chief speakers), cntiMtaincd tho idea thai ondowinof iho clergy had any political si«.jnilicaiico lus n nrccatiiionary nu»asuro for onsininjj iho loyalty of iho inhaniianis, Tho ojiinion waH t'xj>ross(vl thai soiiinj:; apari iho.'^o land.s was iho njo.st I'ojusildo way ^a-s Mr. Viit said) of urovidin^; " for ilio juMMuanont HUppori of iho I'rotostani clergy,' antl of giving "ihcni u conipctont income." + In a leitor to Dr. Mooro. Archbishop of (^aniorbury, chited Doceuibor, 17!H), Col. J. Uravos Sinicoo said : — 1 am tlooiiUnlly «if opinion that a n'Kular Kjiisoopal oHtalili.shnuMTt . . is absolutoly nocossary in any oxtonsivo colony which Kn^^lantl nioaiiH to preserve, etc. Tho no^jlcct of this principle of ovorturiiin^' lopnltlicunisni in lornicr periods, by i^ivinjj; support ami as^isUuico to tlio.so causes which aro Ix>rpetU!iUy otVeriiig themselves to all'ect so necessary an ohjeit, in uiuch t-o be amented : but it is mv iluty to bo aa solicitous us possible, that tlioy may now have their due int^uence, etc. In a '■ Memoir " written by Governor Sinicoe in 1791, he sai«l ; In roijiinl to tho Episcopal estjiblishnient. . . I lirnily believe the prisont to be a critical nioinent, in which that system, so interwovi'u and connected with the monarchical foundation of our j^overnment, may be pro- ductive vif tho most permanent ami extensive beuefita, iu preservnig the connection between Oreat Britain ami her Colonies. From various sources I gather tho followinj:^ particulars : — From ITiU to 1819, the Clergy Heservea were in the luuids of tho QoTOrn- ment, aiul managed ky it alone Kor years they yielded scarcely enough to defrav the expenses of management. In 1817 the House of Asse"".! iy ob- eoteil to such an r}>pmpriation lor the clergy, as "beyond all precedent avish," and complained that the reservations were an obstacle to improve- { • An .\pology for the Churoh of England in the Cnnadas, etc. By a Protestant of the. EstaWisliod Church of England. Kingston, U.C, 1826, page 11. t It WHS iu the discussion on this Bill that tho long personal friendship which hid existed between Fox and Burke was brought to au abrupt terminatiou. — H. l7»l-iH3(!l 77/ a; STOUY ()!'• MY I.IV'li. nioiit. mill Mi'ltliMiiniit. In IHIU, liitiiiiiii ((inKri'^iiliuii liiiiin, tin* uiiiiiiiil Miini nl' X'lOO in uid, rml, ol' iImi ('liM'Ky rt'HrivtH, III' mil, of any uLIht riiinl (il Uii- OuviTiior'n ili>i|iiiial. In IruiiHiiiillin^j; lliin |ii'tiliuii I.k tlm '> pi'i" iinniini " In Muy, IH:!(i, u ri'ply wiin nriivnl lioin Idml riiiMnitMl,, Hliiliii^^ llml, in lliti ii|tiniiiii id' llin ('inwii idliri im, Um iiroviMionw ol lln' Ai't. of r/UI, '' I'lif till' Hii|t|»iirl. id' IIm' l'r',;,cMt,iint, !y, nni not, r.oidiiifd h.oIi ly to Mui rinyv id' llic ('liiiridi id' l<'n;.;liinil, Imt, iiiny Im i-xliMidi'd hIho to tin-. 'Iir^y (>r tlio ('liiiii li id' Si'iiliiuiil," lull, nut III ilimiriil.iiip; iiiiiiiHim'H. Ill iMItl, nil f.liiuiii|di(^iil.iitn III IliHliiip MiMiiil.itin, ol' <.J)iii lire, lln; iJiT^y in I'ucli |iriiviiH'o wiTi' iiir.iii'|iiimliMl lor l.lii' |iiir|)iii«wd' li'imiiiK 'in'l iniitia;';in(/ llm roHorvt'H tint priici'i'ilH, liiiwiiViT, to Im |iiiii| uvit Io I.I11' (IdvimiiiiumiI.. On Mm u|t|iniiiiniir nl 11 nnl.ii'i' In l.liiH (dl'rr.l, ill llii- rlriK'y id' llii; Olilinli id' H(id.li;lii| lni)in(>riuii/,l;il l.li(! Kili^ I'lir II Hlmrn in liirHi- ri'Mcrvt-H. Ill IH;!.'{, lilt', lliiiim; id' AHMi-inliiy, (iii iii'il.ion ol' Witi. Wiiliiiin MorriM, cinirniri'il in 11 hitIch ol" roHninliniiH, iiHHi'rl.iii^ 1,1m riwiil ol' llio Oliiircli of tScoUiinil ill (!iitiiiilii to 11 Mimrc. in tlm ichi'Ivch. 'l'lirv»'H. In tins imvinlinm, tin; (/'aiiada f Land) (Jonipany proiioHcil to piirr.liaHii all tlio Clrowii and ('Ai-iy^y Ui-hitvh liiimlH at a valuation 1,0 1)11 iij»iimm| on. 'riir, rlri|.;y rurponition liavin^ (IcHiri'd a voinc, in thin viiliialioii, ill',' I'.iMliup of Qiii'lii'c, ilrpiiti'il Andidi-anoii Mountain to picMH tliiw vinw on Jjoiil r.alliiiiHt. Soiiii- jiiiHiiniltMHtaniiinj^' liavin^^ arini'ii hirtwiuai Ijiinl Uatliiii'Ht and y\i'i'lid(;ai:on Strailian, iind tin; (y'aiiadu liand (yoni|iatiy. Dr. Stnirlian wisiit to I'^n^^'lainl in April, IH20, mid wan dcpnti^d liy lioni IktliiiiHt to arianp^ii tlm iliU'iTcncciH witii Mr. John (hilt, (JoiriiriiHHionirr of till', (yom|iaiiy TliiH they did hy chan(^iiij^ tin; ori^;inal plan. Tin; <:\i.rny hiiulH wi'k; I'Xi'.han^'i'il lor I,(>()0j0(>0 luiniH in tin; Huron tract. Out of this iiioiicyH r('('((ivt;il from tin; i,' 'um';., Oi'iiipaiiy IImj Hoiin; (iov<;rniiicnt appro- printed i;70<) a yi;ar to '..hi) ni.rch of Scotland (;li;r;,,'v,+ and tlio Haino iiiiioiint to till) c-leiify of t!'!i) Cimrcli of Itorin; in U[i|)(;r (Jaiiadi. In .Innc, lH2(i, tlu' ^*ii i.; ()ov(;nirni!nt, on tin; incinorial of th ; (.'liiirch of Scotland (i(;ii('ral A^Heiiil.iy, hikI an adi!roH« Iroiii the IIoiihi; of AHHCiiiUy, founded on the roHolutioi.n ..; 1823 (^wlii;;h, iih intrfidiiced,. ' '"' ^ ";n rejected by the Ijep^'mlative ('oiinti! ), acknowledged the riglitH of the .y..urch of Scot- land cler^,'y to a Hliure if tin; re.HervcH. !n January, lH2fi, the IIoiihc of Assenildy memorialized I n; Kinj^ to diHtribiite tin; proceeds of the reserves for the benefit of all d(;iir/miiiatioiiH, or failing' that to the pirjioHci of edu- cation and the t;en';ral improveiiieiit of the Province. The reply to tliis memorial was m uiiHatiHi'actory that the lloiiKe of A.Hf'i;irib!y '''Jecember 22nii, 182()), adopted a Heries of clever. resolut'onH, deprecating^ the action of the Home (Jovernmejit in appropriating,' the ci;'r;.'y re.'^'.iV'H '..o 'ndividuali con- nec'.'id with the Church of England " to the exc'i'.'nioi of ot'.ier denominations" — that church bearing "a very srna'l pr p^: -ivn to ',nc number of other * III 1830, Treshyterian ministers not ,f' the '?!mrch of Scotl.md, wer*-, on petition to that efF.;ct (signed by Rov. W . S.u:art >. ide—tor, and Ifcv. \V. I''dl, Freabytcry Clerk), placed on the sumo foou;-.;. '-s iw ij i:ii9ter& of the Kiik. — H. 222 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXVIII. Christians in the province." The Assembly prayed that tlic proceed.*? of the reserves be applied to the support of district and common schools, a Provin- cial scminury, and in aid of erectinj^ places of worship ibr all denominations of Christians. These resolutions passed by majorities of from 25 to 30 ; the nays being 2 and 3 only. The bill founded on these resolutions was negatived in the Legislative Council (January, 1827). In tJie year 1820, Dr. Straclian obtained a royal charter for King's College, with an endowment of 225,000 acres of land, and a grant of .£1,000 for sixteen years. This charter was wholly in favour of the Church of England, and its obnoxious clauses remained unchanged until 1835. In March, 1827, Hon. R. W. Horton introduced a Bill into Parliament to provide for the sale of the clergy lands, as asked for by the Bishop of Quebec. This led to a protracted discussion between the friends in the House of the English and Scotch Churches, and requests were made for information on the state of these Churches in Upper Canada. Archdeacon Strachan, then in England, furnished this information in his famous letter and Chart, dated, May 16th, 1827. Objection to giving the clergy corporation power to sell these lands liaving been made, Mr. Horton withdrew his original bill, and in a new one, which was passed, confined the exercise of tliis power to the Executive Government. In March, 1828, the House of Assembly memorialized the King to place the proceeds of the leserves at the disposal of the House for the purposes of education and internal improvement. Mr. Morris' motion to strike out " internal improvement " was lost. In this year a committee of the House of Commons reported against continuing the reservation in mortmain of the clergy lands, as it imposed serious obstacles to the improvement of the colony. In 1829, two despatches on the clergy reserve question were sent to the Colonial Secretary by Sir John Colborne. In one, dated 11th April, Sir John says : If a more ardent zeal be not shown by the Established Church, and a very different kind of minister than that which is generally to be found in this Province sent out from England, it is obvious that the mem- bers of the Established Church will be inconsiderable, and that it will continue to lose ground. The Methodists, apparently, exceed the number of the Churches of England and Scotland. . , If the Wesleyan Method- ists in England could be prevailed on to supply this Province with preachers, the Methodists of this country would become, as a political body, of less importance than they are at presi'ut. In this year the House of Assembly passed a bill similar to that of 1828 It was rejected, as in the previous year, by the Legislative Council, In 1830, the same proceedings were repeated with like result. In December, 1830 (see page 101), a monster petition was agreed to, and afterwards signed by 10,000 persons and sent to England, praying that steps be taken to leave the ministers of all denominations to be supported by the people among whom they labour and the voluntary contributions of benevolent Societies in Canada and Great Britain — to do away with all political distinctions on account of religious faith — to remove all ministers of religion from seats and places of political power in the Provincial Government — to grant to the clergy of all denominations the enjoj'ment of equal rights and privileges in everything tnat appertains to them as British subjects and as ministers of the Gospel, particularly the right of solemniyjing matrimony — to modify the charter of King's Coliege, so a;i t'y 1791-183G1 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 223 ill es id t'.V exclude all sectarian tests and preferences — and to appropriate the proceeds of the sale of the lands, heretofore set apart for the support of a Protestant Clergy, to the purposes of general education and various internal improvements. Such was the comprehensive character of the reforms prayed for in this province upwards of fifty years ago. All of these reforms have been long since granted ; but the enumeration of them shows how far off the mass of the people and their minis- ters were then from the enjoyment of the civil and religious privileges which are now the birthright of every British subject in Canada. This " programme of reforms " will also show what were the principles for which Dr. Ryerson, and other pioneers of reli- gious freedom in Upper Canada, had to contend half a century ago. Nor was the victory easily won which they achieved. The struggle was a long and arduous one. Each step was con- vested by the dominant party, and every reform was resisted with a determination worthy of a better cause. In March 1831, the first attempt was made (on motion of Mr. Hagerman) to deprive the Canadian Legislature of the power to deal with the clergy reserve question. His motion was to revest the reserves in the crown for religious purposes, but it was negatived by a vote of 30 to 7. Although defeated now, the same proposition was frequently made afterwards, and at length with success. In 1839 a provision of that kind was passed, but it failed on technical grounds to receive the royal assent. See chapter xxxi. Tn 1831 and 1832, addresses to the King were adopted by the '^ »\. of Assembly praying, as before, that the reserves be aT)n' ed to educational purposes. In this year a satisfactory n nly from the Home Government, in regard to the clergy ." '■! rve question, was communicated to the Legislature, and it ivy:nt in Enj^land, that by it tho wishes of tho people of lTj)p(;r (^aiuida, as rei)eatedly oxpressed by that House, would be frustrated.* In l, tho bill of tho previous year was pass(ul by tho Assend)ly by a majority of 1)1) to 5. The Loijfislativo Council atu(>nded it so as to leave the matter as before with tho IWitish i'arliamont. This amendment was defeated by tho House of Asseuddy by a vote of 27 to 1 , and so tlm nuittor ended. In 1S.S7- JJS tho rebel- lion took place, leu 'Mg tho clergy reserve tpiostion in abeyance for some time. On the ir)th Janv 30, Sir John Colborno, by order in council, ostal)lished ill v^y -'cii rectories in Upper Canada, and endowed them out of the oiergy reserve lands. This was done at tho last mouuMit, and while the successor of Sir John Col- borne (Sir V. H. Head) was on his way from Now York to Toronto. So great was tho haste in which this act was done, that only 44 out of the 57 patents were signed by tho retiring Covernor ; so that only that number of rectories were actually emiowed. There is no doubt but that tho Constitutional Act of 1701 authorized not only tho sotting apart of the clergy reserves, but also the erection of " parsonages and rectories according to tho establishment of tho Church of England," to be endowed out of the lands so allotted. (Sec. JJiS). But, in Lord Glonelg's opinion, the subject was never submitted for tho signification of tho King's pleasure thereon. Certain ambiguous words, in Loi-d Ripon's reply to a private communication from Sir John (^olborne, was the authority relied upon for the hasty and unpopular act of the retiring Governor. Tho legality of the act was frequently questioiiod, but it was finally affirmed by the Court of Chancery in Upper Canada in 185G. The judgment in the case of the Attorney-General vs. Grasett was that — Undor the statute 31, Geo. III., cli. 31, nnd the Royal Commission, Sir John Cdlliorne, tlie Liiutonant-Governor of Upper (Juniula, liiul uuthority to create ami endow rectorioa without further instructions. * This was abumiantly inoved aricrwards. In tho followiiif^ Parliiunont an amemh'il bill was canifil, by a m.ijdiity of ono veto, in tho Houso of Assembly to plaoo the proceeils of the resi'vvos at tho disjiosal of tho British ParliaTiient. Petitions were at oni'e sent to the Queen to induce her to assent to this bill, and the Bishop went to England to present them. Sir George Arthur also lent his aid for the same object. The scheme lailed, however, on technical grounds, but was successfully revived the uc.\t year, (See Guardian 1st January, 1840.) — H. CHAPTER XXIX. 1838, The Clergy Reserve Controversy Renewed. THE question at iHsue, when tho House of A&sembly was elected in IH^fJ for tho parliamentary torrn ending in 1839, was adroitly narrowed by Sir F. B. Head to tho sirriplfr ono of loyalty to tho Crown, or — as Dr. Ryerf m, in a letter to Hon. W. H. Draper (September, 1838), expressed it— "Whether or not . . this Province would remain an integral part of the British Empire." Lord Durham pointed out that Sir F. B. Head led tho people to believe "that they were called upon to decide the question of separation [from Great Britain] by their votes." Under such circumstances tho clergy reserve (piestion was subordiiiat(!d to those of graver moment. Besides, even if pledges had been given by inend)ors before the election on the subject, they were not felt, as the event proved, to be very sacred. Speaking of this Parliament, Dr. Ryerson, in his letter to Mr. Draper, (already mentioned), said : — The preHont Assembly at its first session a»lopt(!(l a resolution in favour of appropriatinf^ the reserves for " the religious and moral instniction of the Province." JJut its proceedings during the second session were so vacillating that it is now dilUcult to say what the opinions of the members are. One explanation of this state of feeling was, that tho political views of a majority of the members were in harmony with those of the ruling party in the country, and yet were at variance with tho views of their constituents on the clergy reserve question. Advantage was taken of the existence of this political sympathy by the leaders of the dominant party, with a view to secure the removal of the clergy reserve question from the hostile arena of the Upper Canada Legislature to the friendly atmosphere of the English House of Commons, and the still irorc friendly tribunal of the House of Lords — where the bench of bishops would be sure to defend the claims of the Church to this royal patrimony.* * In his despatch to Lord Glenelg, giving an extract of his speech at the opening of tho ensuing session of tho Legislature, Sir George Arthur puts this idea in an official form. He says : — That such " a tribunal is free from those local influences ...id excitement which operate too powerfully here." In his seventh letter to Hon. W. H. Draper on tne clergy reserve question, dated January, 26th, 1839, Dr. Ryerson argues the whole question of the re-investment of the reserves at length. He also shows that so far from the ". tribunal " here spoken of by Sir 15 ■aka 226 THE SITORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXIX. Accordingly, at tlie third session of this Parliament, Mr. Cart- wright, of Kingston, inti'oduccd a bill " to revest tho Clergy Reserves in Her Majesty " — tho first reading of which was carried by a vote of 24 to 5, and passed through Comniitteo of tho whole by a vote of 29 to 12. As soon as Dr. Ryerson, then in Kingston, got a copy of this bill ho wrote the following letter, on tho 13th January, 1838, to tho Guardian : — Tho professed object of this bill is described by its title, but the real object, and th^ necessary effect of it, from tho vory nature of its provisions, is to apply tho reserves to those exclusive and partial purposes against which tho great majority of the inhabitants of this province, both by petition and through their representatives, have protested in every variety of language during the last twelve years — and that without any variation or the .shadow change. Tho bill even proposes to transfer future legislation on this subject from the Provincial to tho Imperial Parliament ! Thr authors of this bill are, it seems, afraid to trust ^ -> ir ' lltai s of Upper Canada to legislate on a subject in which iuey tliomselves are solely concerned ; nay, they will environ them Ives and the interests they wish to promote behind the Imperial Parliament ! Tho measure itself, containing the provisions it does, is a shameful deception upon tho Canadian public — is a wanton betrayal of Canadian rights — is a disgraceful sacrifice of Canadian, to selfish party interests — is a covert assassination of a vital principle of Canadian con- stitutional and free government — is a base political and religious fraud which ought to excite tho deep concern and rouse the indignant and vigorous exertion of every friend of justice, and freedom, and good government in tho country. My language may be strong ; but strong as it is, it halts far behind the emotions of my mind. Such a measure, I boldly affirm, is not what the people of Upper Canada expected from the members of the present Assembly when they elected them as their representatives ; it is not such a measure as, I have reason to believe, a majority of the pre.sent members of the Assembly gave their constituents to understand they would vote for when they solicited their suffrages. Honourable gentle- men, if I can be heard by them, ought to remember that they have a character to sustain, more important than the attainment George Arthur being a desirable one to adjudicate on this question, it would be the very reverse. It should be remembered that in more than one despatch the Colonial Secretary held that the question was one to be settled by the Provincial, rather than by the Imperial Parliament, and declined to interfere with the rights of the Canadian Legislature in the matter. This will be clearly shown in a subsequent chapter. Lord Glenelg's utterances on this question are very emphatic, especially in his despatch dated 6th December, 1835. 1888] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 227 of a particuljir ol)joct ; thoy on<:(ht to roincnihor Umt they act in a (Iclcf^atcd capacity; and if they cannot clear their consciences and maintain tho views and interests of tlieir conHtitucnts, they oiif^ht, as many an honest English gentleman lias done, to resign their seats in tho legislature ; they ought to remember to whom and under what expectations they owe their present elevation ; above all, they ought to remcmljcr what tho crjual and impartial interests of their whole constituency rc(iuiro at tlieir hands. If, however, every pledge or honourable understanding should bo violated ; if every reasonable hope should bo disappointed ; and if tho loyal and deserving inhabitants of Upper Canada should bo deceived, and disappointed, and wronged by the passage of this bill into a law, petitions ought to be circulated in every part of the province to Her Majesty the Queen to withhold the royal assent from the bill ; and I hereby pledge £50 (if I have to sell my library to obtain the amount) for the promotion of that object. Such an act, under the present circumstances of tho country, would bo worse than a former alien bill, and ought to be deprecated, resisted, and execrated by every enlightened friend of the peace, happiness, and prosperity of tho Province. In reply to a letter from Rev. Joseph Stinson, urging him to come to Toronto and oppose this bill. Dr. Ryerson said : — For mo to leave Kingston, under present circuniHtances, and ^'o to Toronio would ruin my ministerial influence and usei'ulness here and blast all our present hopes of prosperity. You know that by niy continued and repeated absence, I nave already lost fifty per cent, in the confiding hopes of the people, and consequently in very power of doing them good. Yon know, likewise, that the financial interests of the Society have so lamentably declined that we are already largely in arrears. I cannot, therefore, leave, unless I am positively required to do so by the Book Committee. A more serious aspect of tho matter, however, was presented to Dr. Ryerson in the extraordinary silence of the Conference organ on the subject. In the same letter he said : — I cannot but feel deeply grieved at not only the tamencss but the profound silence of the Guardian on this bill. Silence on such a measure, and at such a time, and after the course we have pursued hitherto, is acquiescence in it to all intents and purposes, and may be fairly and legitimately construed so by both friends and enemies. Oh, is it so ? Can it be so, that the P^ditor of the Guardian has got so completely into the leading strings of that churchism which is as poisonous in its feelings towards us, and its plans respecting us, as the simoon blast ; that he will see measures going forward, which he must know are calculated, nay, intended, to trample us in the dust, and not even say one word, except in praise (as often as possible), of the very men who he sees from day to day plotting our overthrow ! I have also observed, in Dr. Strachan's letters to Hon. Wm. Morris, an attack upon Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary — such a one as would enable us to turn to our account on the clergy reserve question (and against Dr. Strachan's exclusive system) the entire influence of Her Majesty's 228 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXIX. Government, which would have great weight both in and out of the House of Assembly. How I have heard Dr. Bunting, Mr. Beecham, and other members of the Committee at home, eay that Lord Glenelg is one of the best and ablest men of the present day. At all events, after what we have obtained through his Lordship's instrumentality, I think that silence on our part is disgraceful — apart from considerations of local interests in this battle tor right and j ustice. Two able and moderate advocates of the settlement of the clergy reserve question were sent to England in 1837 to confer with Lord Glenelg on the subject, viz. : Hon. William Morris on behalf of the Church of Scotland, and Hon. W. H. Draper on behalf of the Church of England. In November of that year Dr. Ryerson was requested to draw up a paper embodying the opinions of the leading members of the Conference. This was done, and an elaborate paper on the subject was published in the Guardian of January I7th, 1838.* Shortly afterwards Dr. Ryerson addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg on the subject. I only insert the narrative part of it, as follows : — I was favoured with a conversation on the clergy reserve question with Mr. [Sir James] Stephen, in accordance with your Lordship s suggestion, the day before I left London for Canada (27th April, 1837). Alter my arrival in this Province it was unanimously agreed to support the plan for the adjustment of that important and long agitated question, which had been mentioned by Mr. Stephen, in the interview referred to. Sir F. B. Head set his face against it from the beginning, and did not wish me to say anything about it publicly. The Attorney-General acknow- ledged it was equitable, and did not make any serious objection to it.t Recently a meeting of our principal ministers took place in Toronto, in order to consult upon the measures which it was desiralle to adopt in order to promote the settlement of the question at the next session of Parliament. * The paper was signed by Eev. Messrs. Harvard, Case, Stinson, J. Ryerson. W. Ryerson, E. Ryerson, Green, Evans, Jones, Wilkinson, Beatty, and Wright, See also Guardian of October 10th, 1838. t In the Guardian of September 12th, 1838, page 180, Dr. Ryerson makes a fuller reference to this matter. Speaking of tne Hume and Roebuck letters (page 167), he says : I was indeed — wlmt I never thought of in London — ap- plauded to satiety by the constitutional press of Upper Canada [for these letters], and by many individuals, several of whom, on my landing in Canada last year, gave me no small thanks for the results of the election of 1836. But all that ceased within a week after my return to Canada. . . And why ? Because I availed myself of the first opportunity after my return to submit and press upon Sir Francis and the Attorney-General and others, the importance and neces- sity of an early and equitable settlement of the clergy reserve question, m order to satisfy the expectations of thousands who had voted for constitutional candi« dates. . . The very moment it was seen that my views and intentions on that subject remained unchanged, I saw a change in the expression of counten- ances. Sir Francis, indeed, mver thanked me, for [the letters]; he wished me to Bay nothing about the clergy reserve question ; and within four weeks sent a calumniating letter against me to Lord Glenelg; and the Attorney-General, so far from remembering the estimate he professed (on my return from England) to place upon my services to the Province, sought last winter to get a clause inserted in the Report of the Select Committee on the Upper Canada Academy, impugning my motives and exonerating Sir Francis from the allegations contained in my petition (see page 180), without even investigating its merits, etc. 1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 229 use ess es- der di- on en- to a far ace At the request of the meeting, another gentleman ami myself waited upon the Hon. Mr. Draper ^who had taken the most olhcial part in previous sessions), and showed him the resolutions agreed to. We stated that if it would embarrass him in promoting the earliest settlement of the question, we would desist from publishing anytliing on the subject. He expressed himself as highljr gratihed at our frankness, courtesy, and general views, and said that if his high-church friends had treated him with the same liberality and courtesy he would have been saved from much difficulty and embar- rassment, which he had experienced in his previous exertions; but that he thought there could be no objection to our publishing at lar^,'e our views on the subject. The preparation of the document was assigned to me. When published, it appeared to meet the views of all parties, except the ultra shade of one party, who want the whole of the reserves ; and it is now the most popular plan throughout the Province of settling the question, except that of appropriating the reserves to educational purposes exclusively. A day or two before the publication of this document, the House of Assembly went into Committee on a Bill to revest the reserves in the Imperial Parliament ! Going to Toronto at this time, I did what I could to bring the subject again before the House, and accordingly addressed a letter through the press to Speaker MacNab, of the Assembly, on the importance of an immediate settlement of the question, and also urging the adoption of the plan which had been recently proposed.* These papers appeared to create a considerable sensation among the members of the Assembly; it was agreed on all sides that the question ought to be settled forthwith. But the reluctance of the Crown Officers to take up the subject soon became manl- iest; and it was not for some weeks after, that the subject could be forced upon them.t Then all (with very few exceptions) professed tliat the subject ought noi, to be postponed any longer. But the Crown Officers had no measure prepared, and differed in opinion on the subject — the Attorney- General consenting to the revesting of the reserves in the Crown, the Solicitor-General contending that they should be divided among four denom- inations (Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Roman Catholics, according to their relative numbers in Great Britain and Ireland !) Tliis proposition had but three or four advocates in the House, including the author of it. Mr. Boulton, seconded by Mr. Cartwright, moved, in substance, that the clergy reserye provision was made for the clergy of the Church of England ; — that it does not provide for more than a competent support for them ; — that to appropriate it for them would give most satisfaction to the country. This resolution had five votes in favour of it. All these amend- ments, and several others, having been lost in Committee, the original resolution moved by Mr. Cartwrigiit, to revest the clergy reserves in Her Majesty, for " the support of the Christian religion in this Province," was * In a letter to a friend, in January, 1838, Dr. Ryerson relates an amusing incident which was characteristic of Sir Allan MacNab'slove of a bit of fun. He said : — In conversation one day with Mr. Speaker MacNab, he giavely proposed to nie that I should meet Archdeacon Strachan and a clergyman of the Church of Scotland ; and for him and other members of the Assembly to hear us put forth our respective claims to the clergy reserves, and for them to say a word now and then if they liked. After having heard the parsons argue the point, some member was to bring such a measure before the Assembly, as we three should propose. This rather amusing way of settling the (Question was evidently by way of a joke, so I made no objection to it. He is to inform me of the time and place for the argument, after having consulted the other parties concerned; but I shall hear no more of it ! t The cause of this apathy will be apparent from the narrative in chapter zzzi., and the note on page 225. 230 TJIE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CnAP. XXIX. adopted by a majority of tlirco or four. A bill wns then broiiRlit in and ri'iul a first time, and ordered to a second reading next day, but was never aflurwards taIject of Legislation," addre.s.sed to Hon. W. H. Draper, Solicitor-Uencral. After reviewing the proceed- ings of the Government and Legislature on the subject down to the end of the session of 18JJ8, he .summed up the leading facts which he had establi.shed, in the following words : — I have stilted tliiit the Government has been administered for fcurtcon years in utter contempt ol" the wishes of the inhabitants, conHtitutionally, continuously, and ahnost unanimously expressed through theirrepreseut'i- tives and otherwise, on a subject which concerns their highest and best interests, and which, as the liistory of Great Britain amply sliows, has always more deeply interested British subjects than any other. Sir, on the unspeakably important .subjects of religion and education our constitutional right of legislation has, by the arbitrary exercise and influence of Executive power, been made a mockery, and our constitutional liberties a deception ; and it is to the influence over the public mind of the high religious feelings and principles of those classes of the population who have been so shame- fully calumniated by the Episcopal clergy and their party scribes, ♦^i ' the inhabitants of Upper Canada are not doing in 1838, what Englishm l^l do in 1C88, when their feelings were outraged and their constitutional liberties infringed, and the privileges of Parliament trampled upon, in order to force upoTi the nation a system of religious domination which the great majority of the people did not desire. As the session of the Legislature of 1839 approaclied, a vigorous effort was made by The C/mrc^ newspaper (the clerical or^an), and the Patriot (the lay organ) of the church party to influence public opinion in favour of a re-investment of the clergy reserves in the Crown (for the reasons given on page 225.) It was well known that Dr. Ryerson had strenuously opposed sns THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CnAP. XXIX. liny reference of the questions to the British Parliament as a pusillanimous, and yet an intorcstffl, party al)nn;;Tation of Canadian rij^hts. lie, therefore, prepared and circulated extensively a petition to the House of Assembly on this and kindred subjects. This proceeding called forth a counter , petition, urging the Legislature to recognl; 3 the principle of an established church, etc. Dr. Ryerson, therefore, lost no time in inserting in the Guardian of 24th October, a stirring appeal, in which he urged the Methodist ministers and members throughout the country to sign the petition which he had pre- pared without delay. Ho insisted upon the abolition of the rectories surreptitiously establi.shed by Sir John Colborne, on the ground that, although authorized by the Act of 1791, yet that their o.stal)lishment was not in harmony with the terms of the despatch of Lord llipon, dated November 8th, 1832, which stated that — His Majesty haa studiously alistained from the exercise of his umlouhted prerogative of foundirii:; and endowing literary or relif^ious corporations, until ho should obtain the advice of the representatives of the people in that respect. He concluded the appeal with these words: — It becomes every man who properly appreciates his civil and religious rights and privileges, and those of .posterity after him, to give his name, his influence, and exertions, in the final effort to place those rights and privileges upon the broad foundation of equal justice to all classes of the inhabitants. In a subsequent appeal, issued in November, he said : — Let every man who has a head to think, a foot to walk, and a hand to write, do all in his power to circulate the petitions for the entire abolition of high church domination, and the perfect religious and political equality of all denominations of Chris- tians. . . The majority of the people of England are willing to have glebes, rectories, tithes, church rates, etc. ; but the majority of the people of this Province want nothing of the kind. . . The right of the inhabitants of this Province to judge, and to have their wishes granted on everything con- nected with the disposition of the clergy reserves, and the proceeds of them, has been formally recognized in gracious despatches from the Throne. Few in the present day can realize the storm which these petitions and appeals provoked. Every effort was made (as will be seen) to silence the voice and stay the hand of Dr. Ryerson, the chief promoter of the petitions, and the able opponent of the establishment of church ascendancy in Upper Canada. Thus matters reached a crisis in the latter part of the year 1838. So intense was the feeling evoked by the 1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 233 ruling party ajjainst Dr. Rycrson's proceeding, that in many places the promoters of the petitions were threatened with f)ersonal violence, and even with death, as may be seen hy otters published in the Ouardian at this time. The publica- tion of these letters at the present time would excite feelings of amazement that such a state of things was over possible in a free country like Canada. Not only was this policy of intimidation pursued in the rural parts of the country, but the newspapor.s in Toronto and the larger towns, controlled by his oppoiients, made a com- l>ined assault upon Dr. Ryerson, as the central figure in this movement. On the l!)th December, 1838, he inserted an able defence of himself. Ho said : — The question of the Clergy Reserves, or in other word.i, of a dominant ecclesiastical e8tal>lisliiiient in this Province, embracing one or more Churches, has been a toi)ic of |)ublic discussion for nearly twenty years. For thirty years after the crealimi of Upper Canada (in 1783) there was no ecclesiastical establishniunt in the country, except in the letter of an Act of Parliament. During that time there was no wci' ening of the hands uf Government by discussing the question of a il uiinant church. . . But from the time that the Episcopal clergy commenced the enterprise of ecclesiastical supremacy in the Province, there has been civil and religious discord. The calumnious and persecuting measures they have pursued from time to time to accomplish their purpose, I need not enumerate. For twelve years I have sought to restore peace to the Province, by putting down their pretensions. I have varied in the means I have emplnv ud, but never in the end I have had in view, as I have always avowed to them and their parti- zans, and to the Colonial and Imperial Governments, on every suitable occasion. It was a favourite weapon of attack to denounce as rebels and republicans all those who opposed the exclusive claims of the then representatives of the Church of England. And this stigma was, in 1838, a personal and social one which every person to whom it was applied resented. But the more such persons resented the charge of disloyalty the more was the charge reiterated, and they were harassed and denounced as " radicals " and "republicans." In repelling this unfounded charge, Dr. Ryerson did not descend to vindication or explanation. He became in turn the assailant, and began to " carry the war into Africa." With scorn and invective he replied to the charge, and showed that his opponents, with all their boasting and professious of loyalty, had failed to render the necessary aid in time of need. Thus : It has been said that I prevented the militia from turning out when first called upon. . . It is true that I did not exhort any one to volunteer. . . One reason . . was that I desired to have the country furnished vi^ith a prac- tical illustration of high-church patriotism and loyalty in the 234 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXIX. hour of need. The Church and the Patriot had boasted of their multitudes ; but those multitudes shrivelled into a FalstafTs company in an hour which detected the difference betAveen the loyalty of the lip and the heart. . . The elongated countenances in certain quarters for a few days [in December, 1837], will never be forgotten! From the Govrrn- ment House to the poorest cottage the omnipotent poAver of the Guardian was 'pvoclaimed as producing this alarming state or. thinirs ! Indeed, I received a verbal message from His Excel - lency on the subject. At this juncture . . the heads of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches formally addressed [their adherents] exhorting them to rally to the standard of their country, and from that hour we have heard nothing but conttratulations and boasts in regard to the readiness . . with which the militia came forward in all parts of the Pro- vince at the call of the Government. It has been insinuated that I attacked the local Government. . . The charge is unfounded. When the local Government was attacked for having pursued a different course from that of Lord Durham towards the political prisoners, I reconciled the course of the two administrations. Several numbers of the Guardian con- taining that dissertation were requested for the Government House, and . , were sent to England. . . But when both my position and myself stand virtually . . impugned by proclamation, I am neither the sycophant nor the renegade to crouch down under unmerited imputations, come from whence they may, even though I should suffer imprisonment and ruin for my temerity. I am at length exhorted to silence, but not my opponents. . . A royal answer was returned to an address of the Episco- pal Clerg}'' a iew weeks since.* Nor is silence imposed upon lae until the entire v/eight of the Chief Magistracy is thrown into the Episcopal scale. If the injunction had been given to all parties . . then we might have felt ourselves in some degree equally protected. . . But at the moment when the Province is turned into a camp — when freedom of opinion may be said to exist, but scarcely to live — when unprecedented power is wielded by the Executive, and the Habeas Corpus Act is suspended, for one party in the Province to have free range of denunciation, intimidation, etc., against Methodists and others and then for silence to be enjoined on me does excite, I confess, my and those who agree with me * In their address they designated themselves as the Bishop, Archdeacons, and Clergy of the Established Church of Upper Canada ; but Sir George Arthur, in his reply, addressed them as the Bishop, Archdeacons, and Clergy of the esta- blished Church of England in Upper Canada. 1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 235 anxious concern, as the object of it in regard to myself and a large portion of the country cannot be mistaken. The despatches of Ljvd Ripon (Nov, 8th, 1832) and Lord Glenelg (Dec. 15th, 1835) recommended a "comprehensive liberality " in every department, and in all the acts of the Government, which conceded in full the popular demands on the clergy reserve question, and deprecated the establishment of any religious corporations until the advice of the local Legis- lature had been obtained — these very despatches Sir F. B. Head promised to carry out. . . But has that pledge been re- deemed by him ? Has it not been grossly violated ? . . Li his appointments and dismissals from office, and in the whole tone and spirit of his government, did not Sir F. B. Head become the head of a party instead of the Governor of the Province ? . . The result of his new system of government already ia derangement of the currency — insurrection — bloodshed — ^loss of property — demoralization, by calling large bodies of men from rural to military employments — decrease ol! population — cessation of immigration — decrease of credit — decrease of reve- nue — increase of the public debt — decrease of the value of property — increase of popular dissatisfaction — vast military expenditures from the taxes of an overburthened British popu- lation — insecurity of person and property, and general distrust. Under these " Church and King " counsels, for two years more, and this province will be a Paradise ! . . We have laboured hard to obtain and secure many blessings for our native land, but certainly not such blessings as these ! In connection with this discus -sion, a Kingston paper stated that Dr. Ryerson was moved by ambitious motives. In reply Dr. Ryerson said : — As to my motives of ambition, etc., my enemies will probably concede to me two or three things. 1. That long before Sir F. B. Head came to Upper Canada I had been honoured by as large a share of popular favour in this province as any individual could reasonably expect or desire. . . 2. That the path to royal favour has been opened as widely to me as it is possible for it to be opened to any clerical individual who has laid it down as a rule, and stated it to Ministers of the Crown and Governors, that he never could knowingly receive a farthing from any quarter, or in any way, which was not pointed out and authorized by the discipline of his Church. But as a love of popular favour has not obliterated from my recollection the rightful prerogatives of the Crown, I cannot see why I should thpreby be disqualified from a disinterested maintenance of constitutional rights, especially when many more are immediately concerned in the latter than in the former. wmmmm CHAPTER XXX. 1638-1839. The RuLTxa Party and the Reserves. — " Divide et Iir a." AMONGST so large and mflueiitial a body as the Methodists, made up, as it was j'ears ago, of two distinct elements, somewhat antagonistic to each other, it can easily be understood that the more astute among the high church or " family com- pact " party clearly saw that their only hope of success in the clergy reserve controversy was by taking advantage of the presence of this antagonistic element in the Methodist body, and to turn it to practical account against Dr. Ryerson, so as to checkmate him in the contest. Queen Elizabeth's motto: Divide et imjyera, was therefore adopted. And every effort was made to intensify the feelings and widen the breach which already existed between the two sections of the Methodists. This was the more easily done by the appeal which was made to the national prejudices of Methodists of British origin, as against the alleged republican tendency of their colonial breth- ren.* In this effort the ruling party were publicly and privately aided by members of the Missionary Committee in London. To discuss this question now would be practically useless. None but actors in the scenes and conflicts c* those times could realize the .strong, even bitter, feeling:, svhich existed in the chief towns between the two parties at the time. Cherished sentiments of loyalty, strong home feelings, and orthodox Methodist principles, were appealed to, and alternately asserted their influence on opposite sides in the contest. Added tc the difficulty which Dr. Ryerson experienced in conducting the clergy reserve controveiuy was the fact, that many Methodists of British origin fully sympathized with the claims of the old national and historical Church of England — • Dr. Ryerson, in tlio Guardian of October 31, 1838, says: — Five columns of TA-c Church, of the 20th ult., are occupied with an appeal to the old country Methodists, to induce tliem to oppose the Conference and Connexion in this Pro- vince in the clergy reserve question. The Cobourg Star follows in the wake of The Church, in the same pious crusade. The Patriot of the 26th inst. also copies the schismatic appeal of The Church. 838-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 237 they held that it was ipso facto the " established " church in every British Colony, as often asserted by the Missionary party. As the clergy reserve question gradually became the absorbing topic of discussion in the country (with Dr. Ryerson as one of the chief leaders in that discussion), it was natural that so important a matter should receive the attention of Conference. This it did at an early date. In 1837 strong resolutions were passed upon the subject, which excited much uneasiness among the English Missionary party. The Rev. W. H. Harvard, President of the Conference, in writing to Dr. Ryerson on the subject after Conference, said : — Since I came awajr from the Conference, I have been greatly concerned as to the anti-church impression likely to ha made on the mind of our people by our recent resolutions of Conference; and I would fain engage yonr interest with Rev. E. Evans, our Editor, to accompany them witn some saving paragraph on the general principle of an establishment which may keep our people from the danger of imbibing the principle of dissent, th(5 operation of which will always foster a rel' .jious radicalism in our body, and the influence of which our fathers at home strongly deprecate. I think with you, that in the altered circumstances of our Colonial relations, we have reason to plead for concessions of equality of rights and privileges which would never be granted in the Mother Country. In that respect I do not dissent from the spirit of the resolutions. But I more and more think and feel that there is a middle path of respectful deference to the principle of an establishment even in the Colonies, which, so modified, would not be injuri- ous, but rather helpful, to our good cau^e, — and which is a vantage ground on which none of our enemies could touch us. It is true, that from Wesleyan high quarters you have had encouragement to believe an independent stand against Church domination would not be disapproved ; yet even there a denial of the principle of an establishment (or that the Government should profess some one form of Christianity, with equal privileges to other Chris- tians) would meet with reprobation ; and if not, who does not see, if we take that anti-Wesleyan ground, it may involve the (question of Wesleyan con- sistency on our part, while at the same time it would be in clanger of throwing our people into the arms of the Radical-popish-infidel faction, where they will, bear-like, be hugged till the breath of piety is pressed out of them. Of course, it would drive away from our congregations many of those pious or well-disposed Church people who occasionally mingle with and derive good from us. It was Mr. Wesley's conviction that the Method- ists were in part raised up to spread scriptural holiness in the Church of England, as well as in the world at large. 1 must repeat my wish, that you had yielded to my suggestion to admit into the resolution the phrases, "that the principle of an establishment should be so administered in this Province as to secure perfect equality of rights and privileges among all other communities." You may have ulterior views which I am too short-sighted to perceive. But I am mlly convinced, that if the Guardian does not save us from identi- fication with dissent from the Church of England at this crisis, the real friends of our Zion will bitterly deplore it another day.* • Even Rev. J. Stinson (who heartily sympathized in many things with the Canadian Methodists), ;n a letter to Dr. Ryerson, written in February, 1839, said: — I have read your address to Hon. W. H. Draper, on the clergy ronerve fpiestion, 238 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXX. Here was a broad and distinct declaration of principle, as fully in harmony with the views of the dominant party as they were entirely opposed to those held by the Canadian Confer- ence party. They were perfectly sincere, too, and were uttered by one of the most moderate, and yet most thoroughly repre- sentative agents of the British Missionary party in this Pro- vince. It can be easily seen how tempting an opportunity it was for the ruling party to foster this feeling amongst the English Missionary section of Methodists, by strong appeals to tlieir well-known loyalty — their respect and love for the old mother-church, which John Wesley so venerated. Even conde- sension and flattery were employed. The Church and other newspapers made appeals with titct and ability* (see page 236); the Lieutenant Governor himself took the trouble to address a letter on the subject direct to the Missionary Committee in London, and Archdeacon Strachan never failed to single out for respectful mention and commendation the representatives of the British Missionary party in Canada, as distinguished from the " disloyal and republican section of the Methodists."-}- with considerable attention ; and while there is much in it which I admire, I must honestly tell you, c?^ passant, that it contains more against the principle of an establishment in .his Colony than I like. * Not satisfied with these strong appeals in the newspapers, resort was had to personal ones, made to leailing members of the missionary party. In a kind and yet candid letter which Dr. Kyerson received in November, 1838, Rev. Joseph Stinson says: — I sincerely sympathize with you in your present perplexing and trying circumstances. I heard to- day that some of the dominant church champions are appealing to me to array myself against you. They may save them- selves the trouble of making such appeals. Whenever I have diflered in opinion with you, I have told you so, and shall do so again, — but shall never, unless you become a revolutionist, either directly or indirectly sanction any factious opposition to you. I think, as Wesleyan Methodists, we ought, openly and fearlessly, to advocate the righteous claims of our own Church ; but we ought to do it without detracting from the merits or opposing the interests of that Church which is so closely connected with our Government, as is the Church of England. I know that the exclusive spirit — the arrogant pretentiousness — the priestly insolence — the anti-Christian spirit of certain members of that Church richly deserves chastise- ment. . . I know that your public services have been undervalued ; your faults have been shamefully exaggerated ; _ our motives have been misrepresented ; your influence (connected as you are with" a large and influential body of Christians) is feared, and your enemies are as bitter as Satan can make them ; but, if you are conscious that, in the sight of God, you are aiming at the right object, why not leave your cause in His bauds? why so fre(iuently appeal to the people? You may not see it ; but there is a recklessness in your mode of writing, sometimes, which is really alarming, and for which many of the members of the Conference of our Society do not like to be responsible. I know well, that tue acts of the high church party are far more likely to excite reliellion than your writings. There is a strong, a very strong, feeling against a dominant Church j but a majority of the Province would rather have that, and connection with Great Britain, than repub- licanism. t On the other hand, the Editor of The Church thus sketched Dr. Ryerson : — As The promoter, if not originator, of prejudices of indigenous growth, against the 1838-391 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 239 u are not may fliicli our high e is a f the pub- -As the Referring to this period, Rev. John Ryerson, in his Historical Recollections of Methodism (as annotated by Dr. Ryerson) in- forms us that — After aiding to suppress the rebellion, the Oua.dinn resumed the dis^cus- sion of the clergy reserve question, and insisted that it should be settled. But nothing was farther from the thoughts of Dr. Strachan and Sir George Arthur. They contended that the mooting of the question at such a lime was evidence of disloyalty on the part of those Mdio were endeavouring to despoil the Church of its lawful rights. The Editor of the Chuirdinn (Dr. Kyerson) was threatened with personal violence, with prosecution, and banishment. Yet the Guardian kept on the even tenor of its way ; and in proportion to the fury of the monopolists, did the Editor increase his exer- tions to wrest from them their unjust gains. Then the oppressors of equal rights, seeing that nothing else would do, called into requisition the old craft to divide the Methodists, or, by other intluences, to coercively control them. Sir George Arthur, the amanuensis of Dr. Strachan in these matters, wrote to the Missionary Committee in London of the evil and disturbing doings of the Guardian, and called on them for their interference. This flattering appeal received a very complimentary reply. The Committee also wrote to their missionary agents in Canada, directing them to interpose and arrei^t the •unjustifiable course of the Guardian. The objection was that the paper "had become party-political ;" that " its course was disquieting to the coun- try, and disreputable to Wesleyan Methodism," . . etc. It is not denied (adds Rev. J. Uyerson), that the Guardian at this time was very i)olitical for a religious journal. . . On this Dr. Ryerson remarked — It is true, as my brother has intimated, that the Guardian was "very political," because the Editor was intens<;!y in earnest on the great object for which he had been elected by the Conference. . . The times of his former proposed con- ciliations and compromises were now past. He felt the awful- ness of the crisis and the responsibility of his position. The Reform party had been crushed by the rebellion of 1837, and the Reform press silenced ; there was, in fact, no Reform party. The high-church party thought that their day of absolute power and ecclesiastical monopoly had dawned. It had been agreed by Mr. W. L. Mackenzie and his fellow rebels . . that Egerton Ryerson [should be their first victim]. He alone stood above successful calumny by the high-church party, and Church of England, and as the thoughtless scatterer of the seeds of political en-or and of antipathy to the national church. Notwithstanding these counteracting influences, the Editor does not despair of seeing the day wlien Methodists in Canada will join with Churchmen in vi-dicating the Church's right to the property of the reserves, which will enable them to plant the established church in every corner of these Provinces. And this they will do, not upon the ground merely of filial partiality, but on the most rational security for the permanence and purity of our Protestant faith, etc. Under these circumstances. Dr. Ryerson said : — I have felt it due to the Guardian connexion to enter my protest against the claims of the Episcopal Church, and to combat and explain the opinion of my English brethren as not those prevalent in this Province. A lengthened communication, embodying those views, appearing on page 109 of the Guardian of May 16th, 1838. 240 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXX. backed as he was by his Canadian Methodist brethren, he determined to defend to the last, the citadel of Canadian liberty. . . He knew that, as in a final struggle for victory between two armies, when that victory was trembling in the scales, the wavering of a single battalion on either side might animate and decide victory in favour of the enemy; so a compromising sentence or ambiguous word from the Editor might rouse the high-church party to increased confidence and action, and pro- portionally weaken the cause of civil and religious liberty in Upper Canada. The Editor of the Guardian had no fear, and he evinced none. . . I contended that all the political ques- tions then pending had a direct or indirect bearing on this great question ; . . that I would not be turned aside from the great object in view until it was obtained ; that the real object of the Government and of the Missionary Committee was not so much to prevent the introduction of politics into the Guardian, as the discussion of the clergy reserve question itself, and of the equal religious rights of the people alto- gether, so that the high -church party might be left in peace- able possession of their exclusive privileges, and their unjust and immense monopolies, without molestation or dispute. Kev. J. Ryerson adds : Had Dr. Ryerson " yielded to the dictation of Sir George Arthur's government, and the inter- ference of t^e London Missionary Committee, one-seventh of ;the land of the Province might now be in the hands of the Church of England. But the course of the Guardian in this matter, however right, brought upon [the Canadian Methodist Church] calamities and sufferings of seven years' continuance." About a month before the Conference of 1839 met, Sir George Arthur received a reply, by the hands of Dr. Alder, from the Missionary Committee in London (signed by Dr. Bunting and the other Secretaries), which he published in the Patriot nev^spaper. Dr. Ryerson inserted the letter in the Guardian of the 22nd May, with these remarks : — We copy from the Patriot, a letter, addressed by the Wesleyan Missionary Secretaries in London to Sir George Arthiir, disclaiming " all participation in the views expressed in the Guardian on the ecclasiastical questions of this Province." He then goes on to show that the views expressed in the Guardian were identical with those embodied in the proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference in Upper Canada from the begin- ning, and that they were explicitly avowed and understood by both parties at the time of the union of the Conferences in 1838. The object of the publication of the letter was evidently two- fold : 1st. To put a weapon into the hands of the friends of a dominant church in Upper Canada. 2nd. To paralyze the efforts 1838-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 241 lot m Ion lis In- vs. \o- a bts of Dr. Ryerson to secure equal rights for all religious bodies, and thus to weaken his powerful influence as a champion of those rights. . It was a noticeable fact that all of the disclaimers from the British party first appeared in the Church of England organs, and were there triumphantly appealed to as the unbiassed expression of Methodist opinion from headquarters in England. In supple- menting Rev. John Ryerson's Historical Narrative of events at this period, Dr. Ryerson stated, in substance, that : — It was soon found that Sir George Arthur had thrown himself into the hands of the oligarchy on the question of the clergy reserves — he would not consent to have them applied to any other purpose than the support of the clergy, and was anxious to have them revested in the Urown. When Sir George's views and plans were brought before the Legislature, I opposed them. The Missionary Committee interposed (at Sir George's own request) and supported him on that question. However, Her Majesty's Government sub- sequently set aside the proceedings of Sir George Arthur, upon the very same grounds on which I had opposed them ; but that made no difference in the feelings towards me of Dr. Alder and his colleagues. Early in June, 1839, Dr. Alder addressed a letter to the Guardian, explaining and defending his views on church establishments. On the 12th of that month, Dr. Ryerson replied to him at length, and, at the close, put a series of questions to Dr. AJder. From the 2nd and 6th I make the following extracts : — 2. Are you satisfied that you are providentially called of God to attempt to make Methodism an agency in promoting a national establishment of religion in a new country, in the teeth of an overwhelming majority of the inhabitants ? 6. Are you warranted from any writings or authority of Mr. Wesley to insist that, " under no circumstances," the principle of an establishment shall be abandoned ? . . Mr. Wesley and his coadjutors have left it on record, in the minutes of their Conference, as their deliberate judgment, that " there is no instance of, or ground at all for, a national church in the New Testa- ment;" that they " apprehended it to be a merely political institution." How can any true Wesleyan convert that into a matter of faith and religious principle for which Mr. Wesley declared there " was no instance or ground at all in the New Testament /" . . I know that the local Executive is most intent to secure the aid of the Missionary Committee to support the recent re-investment act of spoliation ; I believe that your letter . . emboldened and encouraged them in the re-investment scheme, and His Excellency stated some months since that he had written for you to come to this country; they think that they can bargain with you upon more advan- tageous terms than they can with the Methodist Conference in this Province, hut I entreat you to pause before you proceed to insist that that which Mr. Wesley declares . . to be "a merely political iutstitution," forms any part of Wesleyan Methodism. * • With a view to increase the clamour against the Editor of the Guardian on this subject, Mr. Alex. Davidson, writing to Dr. Ryerson from Niagara, said: — Dr. Alder's letter to you had been printed and circulated there in the form of a hand-bill. Mr. E. C. Griffin, of Waterdown, writing from Hamilton on the same subject, said : T have learned from brother Edward Jackson what are the feelings of the Societj Id 242 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXX. Dr. Ryerson's account of what transpired at the ensuinf]^ Con- ference is in substance as follows : — Dr. Alder attended the Conference at Hamilton, June, 1839, and intro- duced resolutions expressive of his views, to which he insisted upon the concurrence of the Conference. The resolutions were discussed for three days. On the last day Dr. Ryerson replied, after which the resolutions were negatived by a vote of 55 to 5.* • At the same Conference Dr. Ryerson was appointed secretary, by a vote of 41 to 14. l^)Ut it was in regard to the election of Editor that the greatest interest was taken, not so much amongst the Canadian section of the Methodist people as amongst the members of other religious bodies. The Guardian stated : — For the last two months the several provincial journals have renewed their efforts of vehement vituperation against the Editor ; . . they have sought and hoped to create a division in the ranks of the Methodist family, and, by thus dividing, to conquer ; they even triumphed by anticipation — so much 80, that the Editor of 27ie Church oracularly predicted the speedy release of the Editor of the Guardian from his editorial duties. The chagrin which was felt by these parties can be well imagined when the ballot announced that Dr. Ryerson had been re-elected editor, by a vote of 60 to 13 ! Speaking of this memorable triumph, Dr. Ryerson declared that : — Never before did I receive, directly or indirectly, so many unequivocal testimonies of respect and confidence, not merely from the Methodist Church at large, but also from members of other churches. In the meantime (as Dr. Ryerson stated elsewhere) the discussion on the question of a dominant church monopoly and party . . proscription waxed hotter and hotter ; . . rumours prevailed of a change of Governors in Upper Canada; the high church party felt that this was their time, and perhaps their last chance to confirm their absolute power. . . Under these in Hamilton, respecting the letter of Dr. Alder. He says, that if tlie leaders' meeting is any index of the views of the entire Society here, they are a " unit " to a man (except the preacher) in their determination to support you in your prin- ciples and proceedings. • The following incident in connection with this vote is mentioned by Dr. • Ryerson: Dr. Alder (he said) appeared disappointed and depressed; and, after the close of the Conference I said to him : Dr. Alder, you see how entirely you have mistaken the state of Canadian society, and the views and feelings of the Method- ist people. Now, I do not wish that you should return to England a defeated and disgraced man. I purpose to write a short editorial for the Guardian, staling that the differences and misunderstandings which had arisen, after having been carefully considered and fully discussed, were adjusted in an amicable spirit, and the unity of the Church maintained inviolate. Dr. Alder appeared delighted and thankful beyond expression. I prepared the editorial. Dr. Alder used and interpreted this editorial on his return to England, to show that the Canadian Conference and its Editor had acceded to all of his demands, and that he had been completely successful in his mission to Canada ! The English Committee adopted resolutions complimentary to Dr. Alder in consequence ; but I did not imagine that Dr. Alder's fictitious representation of the results of his mission would afterwards be made the ground of chargen against myself ! 1888-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 243 circumstances, I stated to the Conference that the moment that the clergy reserve and other questions affecting our consti- tutional and just rights as British Canadian subjects, and as a religious body, were adjusted, we ought to abstain entirely from any discussions in reference to civil affairs. When Dr. Alder's resolutions were rejected by our Conference, one prepared by myself was agreed to, as follows : — While this Conference has felt itself bound to express its sentiments on tlie question of an ecclesiastical establishment in this Province, and our constitu- tional and religious rights and privileges, and our determination to maintain them, we disclaim any intention to interfere with the merely secular, party- politics of the day. This resolution, as it afterwards appeared, did not go far enough to meet the wishes and designs of Dr. Alder. He, there- fore, brought the matter before the Book Committee, Toronto, in October, 1839. To that Committee he stated at length his decided objection to the course pursued by the Guardian since Conference as " a violation of the known design of the resolu- tion adopted by it." Dr. Ryerson, while fully justifying the course which he had pursued, nevertheless tendered to the Committee his resignation as Editor. The Committee, however, instructed Rev. William Case to write to him as follows : — By request of the Book Committee, I beg leave to communicate the result of their deUberations on the subject of your proffered resignation of the editor- ship of the Guardian. "Besolved, That the Committee do not feel themselves at Uberty to accept of the resignation of the Editor of the Gtiardian, and that he be affectionately requested to withdraw it, and to continue his services in accordance with the deliberately framed regulations of the Committee until the ensuing Conference, the regulations to which he objects having been adopted, not for, the purpose of reflecting in any way upon the Editor; and that we assure him that we have the utmost confidence in his abilty, his integrity, and his anxious desire to promote the best interests of the Connexion." Dr. Ryerson withdrew his resignation at the time, but re- solved to press it at the next Conference. This he did ; and peremptorily declined re-election at the Conference of 1840 — in fact other and more serious matters were pressed upon him. He thus finally retired from the editorship of the paper which he had established in 1829, and which he had made such a power in Upper Canada. He justly felt that, with the enlarged Methodist constituency which the Guardian at this time repre- sented, it would be impossible for him, while great questions remained unsettled, to harmonize the conflicting opinions on politico-religious matters which were then held by opposite and influential sections of the Methodist Church. He clearly fore- saw further conflict on these and other inter-connexional sub- jects, and was, therefore, the more anxious to free himself from the unwise, official trammels, which a hostile, anti-Canadian and 244 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXX, Unpatriotic party soiif^ht to imposo upon him, — single-handed as lie was. He longea for more congenial work. Ho also /elt that literary freedom was essential to him in his thorough and practical discussion of the all absorbing questions of the day.* This it was well known he could do, in dealing with thcso questions, not only on their own merits, but with the com- prehensive grasp which his enlarged experience, intuitive clear- ness of perception, and naturally statesmanlike views on grave public questions, eminently qualified him for. As an illustration of the acknowledged ability, fairness, and conclusiveness of argument with which he dealt with questions which touched the sensibilities and even prejudices of leading members of the British Missionary party in Canada, it is a striking fact that when these gentlemen were not under the direct and potent influence of the Mission House, they were Dr. Ryerson's personal friends, and gave him an active support. This was particularly the case with the late Rev. Dr. Stinson, a man of noble and generous impulses ; Rev. W. H. Harvard, always kind and courteous ; Rev. Dr. Richey, a man of much refinement and culture, and others. In the important crisis of 1838, both Dr. Stinson and Dr. Richey voted for Dr. Ryerson as Editor, The former wrote a strong letter urging his appoint- ment as Editor. (Page 201.) The latter, on his way to Halifax, after the Conference of 1839, wrote from Montreal to Dr, Ryerson, as follows : — Sir John Colbome, on whom I called, and by whom I was graciously received, is delighted with the continuance of the Union. So are all oui Montreal friends, after my explanations. They will immediately order the Guardian. Sir John paid a handsome tribute to your talents, as who with whom I conversed did noti however they might happen to view your course. They all eay you commenced admirably, — that the moment the paper passed into your hands, it manifestly improved ; and they all approve of your course for the last six months, just about as well as you know I do. Adhere most religiously, my dear brother, to the spirit and letter of the resolutions, by which the Conference has expressed its will that you should be guided. Your friend Joseph Howet begins, I perceive, to mingle with tories, as they are invidiously designated. I do not wish you to be a tory ; and I will not insult you by expressing a desire that you were a high con- servative. I do not flatter you in saying, that on no man in Upper Canada does the geace of our Church and of the Province so much depend, as on yourself, lay all your powers be employed for good ! Guard against the fascination of political fame. It will do no more for you on a dying bed than it did for Cardinal Wolsey. 1 that your fine mind were fully concentrated upon the noXiTevjiia of Heaven ! * Dr. Ryerson gave full expression to these views in ji letter addressed to the Governor-Generalin April, 1840. (See chapter xxxiii. ) t See letter from Mr. Howe to Dr. Byerson on page 258. the CHAPTER XXXI. 1830. Strategy in the Clergy Reserve Controversy. THE vear 1839 was somewhat noted for the prolonged and animated discussions which took place in and out of the Legislature on the clergy reserve question. There were some new features in the discussion of the preceding year which had their effect on the clergy reserve legislation of that year. And while they partially ceased to be influential in the discussions of 1839, yet the legislation of that year was practically brought to the same issue as that of 1838, only that it was more de- cisive. It may be interesting, therefore, to refer to these special features in the discussion of 1838-9. The first was the final change of tactics on the part of the leaders of the Church of England party in the contest. The second was the persistent and personal efforts which Lieutenant Governor Arthur put forth in behalf of that party, so as to enable them to accomplish their object, and, at the same time, to counteract the efforts of those who were seeking to uphold Canadian and popular rights. The third was (as shown in the last chapter) the plan adopted to foment discord in the Methodist body — which was by far the most formidable opponent of the scheme of monopoly and agrandizement which the ruling party was seeking to promote. At this distance of time it is easy to survey the whole field of conflict, and to note the plans and strategies of the combat- ants. Although efforts had hitherto been made to shift the battle-ground from Upper Canada to England, yet, as the Colonial Secretary had discouraged such efforts as unwise, and as an unnecessary interference with the rights of the Provincial Legislature, the matter was not openly pressed in 1839. Nor was it pressed at all to a conclusion in 1838. For, by a singular coincidence, the very day (29th December, 1837) on which Mr. Cartwright had moved to bring a bill into the House of Assembly to revest the clergy reserve in Her Majesty, Sir George Grey penned a despatch to Sir George Arthur, in which he disclaimed, on behalf of the Imperial Government, 24.6 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXXT. any wish or intention Jo interfere, in the scttloment of tho cltT^ry reserve question, with tho functions of tho Provincial Legislature, on the ground that — Such iiitcrlbrencc would tend to create a not unrcftHoimM« Huspicion of till' sincerity with which the Li'j,'iHhiture have been invited to the exerciHe of till! power [to vary or repeal] reserved to thuni on thia subject by tho Consti- tutimal Act of 1701. It is likely that tho publication of thi.s despatch prevented the House of Assembly from proceeding any farther with Mr. Cartwright's bill, than ordering it to a second reading on tho 2Gth February, 1838. In this dilemma tho ruling party wcro evidently at a loss how to act. It re(iuired much tact and skill to break the ranks of tho chief forces arrayed again.st tho scheme to revest tho reserves in the Crown — a scheme dis- tasteful to Canadians generally, and subversive of tho legis- lative independence of Upper Canada. Two methods wore therefore adopted: Tho first was to divide the Methodists (^as shown in tho last chapter). The second and more astute one was to appeal to the professed loyalty of that class which hitherto had been held up to scorn as disloyal, and denounced as republican in its tendencies, as well as seditious in their conduct. The appeal was varied in form, but it was in substance that as those who made it were not themselves afraid to trust their interests in the hands of the Sovereign, their opponents should be equally trustful in the equal and entire justice which would bo meted out to all of her Canadian subjects.* This appeal, from its very spociousness, and the skill with which it was pressed, had its effect in many cases. But, as a general rule, it failed. The object of the decisive change of tactics was too transparent to deceive tho more sensible and thoughtful men to whom the appeal was addressed. The two other methods adopted (already referred to) were only partially successful ; but the three combined, no doubt, strengthened the hands of the advocates of the scheme for the le-investment of the reserves iA the Grown. They, however, ceased to press the matter upon public attention, being d< ♦^er- mined to bide their time, and (as events proved), to car point in another and more skilful way. In the meantime, and early in 1839, Dr. Ryerson was dc uted by several important circuits to present loyal addresses to r\t George Arthur. This he did on the 2nd February ; and in en- closing them to the Governor's secretary, used language which sounds strange in these days of religious equality. Ho said: — • In the Ouardian of September 19th, 1838, the question is put in this form and discussed : " Why do you not appeal to Her Majesty's Privy Council, or to the High Court of, Parliament instead of appealing to the public here?" The answer was conclusive. !83!)] THE STOnV OF MY LIFE. 247 I fm;l myHclF fully nutlmrizcil, hy vnrioua coimnnnicntions and mv olllcinl J)osili(in, t(t UMsiiro His 10x(•^ll(•ncy tliiit tlic iiitiulH'rH of tlio Wcsleyuri H(tlieached our character and principles hefore the Imperial Qovcrnment — wlio deny the legitimacy of our ministry, who, in their do(;trines respecting Church polity, and several points of faith, do not represent the doctrim^s of the Cliurch of England, or of the estahlished clergy in England as a hody, hut that section only of the estahlished clergy that have associated with all arhitrary measures of government against various classes of Protestant non-conformists wliich have darkened tlie page of British history, and also the dark agt!s, notions of rites and ceremoniiis, and the con«luctcr of whoso otHcial organ in tins Province has recently represented the Methodist ministry as th'e guilty cause of those divine chastiseinents under the influence of whicli our land droops and mourns. I aiii sure my hrethren, as well m myself, freely forgive the great wrongs thus peipetrated against us; hut wo feel ourselves equally hound in duty to ourselves, to our country, and to our common Christianity, to employ all lawful means to prevent such exclusive, repulsive, and pro- scriptive sentiments from acquiring anything more than equal protection in the Province. I might appeal to circumstances within His Excellency's knowledge, to show that from 1836 to the close of the last session of our Provincial Parlia- ment, I have spared no pains — without the remotest view to personal or even Methodistic advantage — to second, to the utmost of my humhle ability, any plan to which the Province might, under all circumstances, be induced to concur, in order to settle the protracted controversy on the clergy reserve question ; and that it has not been, until I have had indubitable proofs that that there was no disposition or intention on the side of the Episcopal clergy to yield a single iota any further than they were compelled. It was not until all these circumstances hild transpired, that we reluctantly determined to appeal against the exclusive and unjust pretensions of the Episcopal clergy, to the bar of public opinion — a power recognized by our free constitution, and which no party or administration can successfully resist many years. The reply of the Governor was friendly and conciliatory; but ir it he expresses his Surprise to find that his appeal on a late occasion to the Wesleyan Methodists, to give the Church of England their most cordial support, had been misunderstood and construed into an expression of sectarian preference. By inviting the Methodists to such a course of conduct, His Excellency fiif)ught that he was only appealing to a feeling of attachment for the Church c* England, which he had always been induced to consider — especially from M rntc N'Vi )/.'»■ <'/'■ Mv /,//'•/.: |('ii,;r. WXI. <1V»M' (l>i< wovM. Dr. l\YM(iou iti iiiMiio iiliimt llio olitrnv rtmorvnn iln iitit involvo ilio jiiiiii'lpln ol " i»lli>ohn\i'i»t tur tlu> Cltunh o| I'ImhIudiI " Irmn (lie wi'll hiidwit (inl (luil «\(Ui«v (i'!>p<>oti»M(> nuMwlu'iH ul' tlii)< t'Iniicli, in «'Vt ly iliMlrict (liiiiiinliniil tli(» ri\>Vil\l'i', COniMlV iu tItO vioWH itilvnOilltMl III llio (Ulillihnil nll IIimI (jllCMl .,11 (lw'n>r>>tv nil ii^'iu'iil to " ntliK'luiuMil lor (lio Cliini'li ol Miifjliiml " hh Ilio iiilo ol iwvljjiiioul 111 (liiii iMnlitivi'iMy, niiii'li IcHi iiH II " liiiil(M> ol' li'j^iliiiinlo Wo'li'viui MotliodiMtn," in Iho vciv oliiiiuv ol' nlmuriUly. Tho (lisous-^ions on ll\n oloi|\y voMorviMHU'MMtUi ii)i lo Miolinio whou (ho lliutso vousMoinltloil ('JlVili KtilnuiU'V, ••'^'l!*). iiuimI, Iwiao oouvinooil {\\o Aonuxmui, \n\.vty tlui(. iii whh, ami ovoi- vvoiilil lio, h*>j>!>loHs, iu {\\o l';u'(» oi' iUo (loionninoil oppoMilion whicli llu^ir NoluMuos on»v>ui»loi'f'il, In olilnin lliiil. wliicli llii'v \vniii«<s|, liio roM < -olonial Socroiary, (.h»t - liuivrial rarlinmouljiry Lc^iHlnlion on niiy hiiIiJim'I ol" cxcIuhIvi'Iv iiitoriml «'>»uutnsi. iu iiiiv UviUkIi colony nojiHonMin^ u rojiroMonlnlivc nwu'inlMy i», un iv jfijuoral vulo. nutoiiHtituIiitnni. II i.i ii iij^lit ol whioli llio oxoniHt' in ro.iiMvnl lov oxIi-^MWO OJ^!»o^», \\\ mIiii'Ii noi'OHNitv nl oiico ciouIoh ninl jnnlilloH l.lio oxc(>p tiv^n. {\,\i\\\ (HiMVi'lf; to Sir V. \\. lllomi, Mh DiM'onilior, IH;ir>.) Thoy thorofv>ro niltiptoil \\\u\.\, ov(M»t.N proviMJ |,o lio a iiiho, to aiViunjilish thoir olijoct. It. is inio that Sir iSouigo Arthur, iu his v^poniuiX spooch, uvj;»^l that — Tho soltlouiont ol' lliis vilnlly iinportnul tint'Hlion o\i|.;M not (o Ik* loiimr >lol;»yo>l. . 1 ooutiiloutly hoj>o. lliut il tlio olainin ol" coiiloiHliiij; |inrlii'H W a^UauvOvl . . iu !> spirit of inoiltMiition luul CliriHlinn cliarily, llio rtiijustinout oi thinu l\v you will not jumvo innuporably tlillicull. rUo C>.>von\or t]\ou ailroitly aihlot' Uut, stunjUl a\\ your ctVorts tor tlio purposo uulinppily fail. il. will llioi only ivmaiu for y>m to iv-iuvost tlii> jvsorvtt.'^ in tho lininlM dI' tlio (^rovvii, lunl to ii'tor tho aj>pi\>priiUion of tlu-ni to tho liuptuial i'arliainoiit, uh u Irihiiiml frtv trv>iu thi'so Uval lutUioiuos aiul oxoitomouls whioh may opumlo too jHnvt'tfuUy hoix\ Roth Hoiisos. in npparont jx^^od faith, sotiofht to carry out tho wishoo of tho (.1i)vorniU" as oxprcssml iu tho first part of his spoooh. Tho tiianaoors of tlto sohonio inilioatoti iu tho latter iwrt of tho spoooh initiatoil a tot^illy ditlerout bill iu each xiouso. apparoutly liboral and couiprohonsivo in charactor, hut yet objootionablo in dotail. Dr. Kyorsou folt this so strouo^ly that ho potitionod to be heard at the Bar of the House of Assombly ap^ij\st tho bill which liail been introduced into it. His ivquost was at first granted on the 7th April, by a vote of £4 to 22, but afterwards refused by a vote of 2] to 17. After IHMKI Till': NTdllV Oil' MY 1,1 FE. 241) prdl.riK'l.iMl (jolin.|,i>'t in Uim lliMifm of \n\\>\u\\>\y tuxA alidiil, I'djl.y- I'niir tlovvn l.o Mitt IIoiimh oI' AMH<'riilily I'**! cniKMinriicH. Tliiii ll((iiiii\ not. I.o Im uiit'l'iriM Ity Mih dUirr, Htj'iick )iii(, l,|in wholn ol' l,li<- lii'j^MMJn.l.i vn ( loiincil Itiil, iiikI kmI* i(|jriil,(t ColloWM ; 'riio inuiicyii l,f) iii'itii<, mimI (.(» Im' iirnriirnl nml lii'iici'lntlh rcci'i vf|triaU!il |(_y llm \'ii,. vitiriiil |jiyiiiliil.iiri< I'di' iinipl, al, a conrrii^nc-o lic|,w<'<'n Mm IIouhch, with a vi<',w to adjust dillnr(MM'CH the lA'(j;iHlativ«" ( /'onnc.il, takifi/.^ advanta^M; of a t AHHenddy, Sir (l()orpje Arthur, in Ion drjHpatdi to the (jolonial Secretary, virtujilly admitted that the, pansa;^*) oS tho alt<;re,rl hill was rec<5dir)j^ tJi'j pr(»roaaH*;d. It, how(Wer, rcipiircid the aH.sent of tlie Queen hoforo it hecarnf; law. Thi.s it was destined never to receive, owin;/ to a technical ohjection raised in l*iri;.,dand in the followin;^ Octoher, that such a didej^ation to tlio hnjjcrial I'arliarrient r ould not hr; ujude hy a Ku])ordihato autliority. 'i'his riefeat, howe.ver, proved to he a moral victory for tluj varifpiislied, as it {,'avf; thern time for farther dolihoration ; it incited them to {,'reater caution in their mode of warfare, ami induced them to adopt tactic.-i of a more secret and, as it proved, eliectivo character. CHAPTER XXXII. 1830. Sir G. Arthur's Partizanship. — State op the Province. THE bill for revesting the clergy reserves in the Crown barely escaped defeat (as just mentioned) in the House of Assembly, on 11th May, 1839. On the 14th Sir George Arthur sent the bill to Lord Normanby (successor to Lord Glenelg) for Her Majesty's assent, with an elaborate despatch. On the 15th, Dr. Ryerson also addressed to Lord Normanby a long letter on the same subject. In it he called the attention of the Colonial Secretary to the following facts, which he discussed at length in his letter: — 1. That the great majority of the House of Assembly in four successive parliaments had remonstrated against the exclu- sive pretensions of the Church of England in Upper Canada; and that the claims of the Church of England to be the established Church of the Province had from the beginning been steadily denied by such representatives, and elsewhere. 2. That the ground of dissatisfaction in the Province was not merely between the Churches of England and Scotland, but between the high-church party and the religious denomina- tions, and the inhabitants of the Province generally. 3. That from the beginning the House of Assembly had protested against any appropriation of the clergy reserves being made to the Church of England, not granted equally [for educational purposes] to the other Christian denominations. 4. That notwithstanding the annual remonstrances of the House of Assembly, large grants had been paid since 1827, to the Episcopal Clergy, exclusive of grants by the Imperial Par- liament and the Propagation Society. 5. That under these circumstances it was not surprising that there should be a widespread and deeply seated dissatisfaction. It is rather surprising that a vestige of British power exists in the Province. 6. That Sir George Arthur has for the last five months endeavoured — by official proclamations and other published 18391 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 251 communications through public offices, and by military in- fluences in various parts of the Province — to prevent any expression of opinion on this subject, even by petition to the Legislature. 7. That the Lieutenant-Governor has been induced to make himself a partizan with the Episcopal Church in the clergy reserve discussion ; the entire influence of the Executive has been thrown into that scale ; the representation of impartial sovereignty has been made the watchword of party. 8. That under the pretense of resisting brigand invasion, large militia forces have been raised; violent penniless partizans have been put on pay in preference to respectable and loyal men; and these forces have not been placed on the frontier where invasion might have been expected, but have been scattered in parties over many parts of the interior, in order to exterminate discontent by silencing complaint. These, with a reference to the embarrassed financial condition of the Province, were the chief points to which Dr. Ryerson called the attention of the Colonial Secretary in this elaborate letter. On the 22nd of the same month (May) Dr. Ryerson addressed another vigorous letter to Lord Normanby, on the clergy reserves and kindred questions. " That letter," he says, he writes " with feelings which he has no language to express." The main points of the letter were as follows : — 1. For thirty years (up to 1820) nothing was heard of an ecclesiastical establishment in the Province: all classes felt themselves equally free, and were, therefore, equally contented and happy. 2. From the first open and unequivocal pretensions to a state establishment being made, the inhabitants of Upper Canada, in every constitutional way, have resisted and remonstrated against it. 3. Every appropriation and grant to the Episcopal clergy out of the 'ands and funds of the Province has been made in the very teeth of the country's remonstrance. 4. The utter powerlessness of the representative branch of the Legislature has rendered the officers and dependents and partizans of the Executive more and more despotic, overbearing, and reckless of the feelings of the country. 5 This most blighting of all partizanship has been carried into every department of the Executive Government — the magis- tracy, militia, and even into the administration of justice. Its poison is working throughout the whole body politic ; it destroys the peace of the country; rouses neighbour against neighbour ; weakens the best social affections of the human !i32 THE STOKV OF Mi' LIFE. [Chap. XXXII heart, and awakens its worst passions ; and converts a healthy and fertile province into a pandemonium of strife, discontent, and civil commotion. 6. While upwards of $220,000 (besides lands) have heen given to the Episcopal clergy since 1827, the grants made by the Imperial Parliament to the clergy of Upper Canada amount to over $4)00,000, being over $620,000 in all. 7. A very large sum has been expended in the erection of Upper Canada College, on the grounds of King's College, and with an endowment of $8,000 or $10,000 a year. This institution is wholly under the management of Episcopal clergy- men, while the Upper Canada Academy, which has been built at Cobourg by the Methodists at a cost of about $40,000, could not without a severe struggle get even the $16,000 which were directed to be paid over to it by Lord Glenelg. The matter had to be contested with Sir F. B. Head on the floor of the House of Assembly before he could be induced to obey the Royal instructions. (Page 179.) 8. In the recent legislation on the clergy reserve question, the high church party resisted every measure by which the Methodist Church might obtain a farthing's aid to the Upper Canada Academy. Anu, to add insult to injury, the high church people denounce Methodists as republicans, rebels, traitors, and use every possible epithet and insinuation of contumely because they complain, reason, and remonstrate against such barefaced oppression and injustice — notwithstand- ing that not a single member of that church has been convicted of complicity with the late unhappy troubles in the Province. 9. A perpetuation of the past and present obnoxious and withering system, will not only continue to drive thousands of industrious farmers and tradesmen from the country, but w^ill prompt thousands more, before they will sacrifice their property and expatriate themselves, to advocate constitutionally, openly, and decidedly, the erection of an " independent king- dom," as has been suggested by the Attorney-General, as best both for this province and Great Britain. 10. It rests with Her Majesty's Government to decide whether cr not the inhabitants shall be treated as strangers and helots ; whether the blighted hopes of this province shall wither and die, or revive, and bloom, and flourish ; whether Her Majesty's Canadian subjects shall be allowed the legitimate constitutional control of their own earnings, or whether the property sufficient to pay off the large provincial debt shall be wrested from them ; whether honour, loyalty, free and respon- sible government are to be established in this province, or whether our resources are to be absorbed in support of prcten- 1839] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. SS9 sions which have proved the bane of reliijion in the country ; have fomented discord ; emboldened, if not prompted, rebel- lion ; turned the tide of capital and emigration to other shores; impaired public credit; arrested trade and commerce, and caused Upper Canada to stand " like a girdled tree," its drooping branches mournfully betraying that its natural nourishment has been deliberately cut off. In a third and concluding letter to Lord Normanby, Dr. Eyer- son uses this language : — The great body of the inhabitants of this province will not likely again petition on the question of the clergy reserves and a church establishment in this province. They will express their sentiments at the hustings with a vengeance, to the con- fusioiv of the men who have deceived, and misrepresented, and wronged them ; . . A petition would acknowledge the right of the Imperial Parliament to interfere — which ought not to be admitted. If past expressions of public sentiment will not satisfy Her Majesty's Government, none other can do it ; and more efficient means (such as the coming elections), must and ought to be adopted, instead of the fruitless method of asking by petition for what has been guaranteed to the constituencies of the country as a right. The validity of the recent Act of the Legislature, revesting the reserves in the Crown, never will be acknowledged, or recognized by the electors of this province. Any Ministers of the Crown in England would more than lose their places, who should press through the House of Commons, on the last night of the session, in a thin house, a great public measure which had not only been repealed by four successive parliaments, but had been negatived from six to twelve times during the same session of the existing parliament. Nor would the British nation ever submit to any public measure (much less to loss of the control of one-.seventh of their lands, and the infliction upon them of an uncongenial ecclesiastical system) which had been forced upon them. The declarations of the Representative of Royalty have here- tofore been regarded in this province as sacred and inviolable; but the reliance of the Canadian electors upon those declarations from the lips of Sir Francis Head has cost them bloodshed, bank- ruptcy, and misery. . . The electors will employ the elective franchise to redress their accumulated wrongs to the last farthing. It is, of course, my 2"ood or bad fortune to be assailed from week to week, whether I write or not. . . I am no theorist. I advocate no change in the Constitution of the Province. I have never written a paragraph the principles of which could not be carried out in accordance with the letter and spii-it of 254 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [OuAi'. XXX 1 1. the established Constitution. I desire nothing more than the free and impartial administration of that Constitution for the benefit of all classes of Her Majesty's subjects. I only oppose or support men, or measures, for the attainment of that object. Entertaining such strong feelings in regard to the personal conduct of Sir George Arthur in respect to the passage of the clergy reserve bill, Dr. Ryerson felt that ho could not accept any social courtesy at his hands. In reply, therefore, to an invitation from Sir George, for Her Majesty's birthday, he felt constrained to decline it. In his letter to the A.D.C., he said : — Alter the most mature deliberation up to the last moment in which it is propi>r to reply, I leel it my duty respectfully to decline the honour of His Excellency's invitation. I most firmly believe that the office of impartial sovereignty has been employed by His E.xcellency for partial purposes; tliat an undue and an unconstitutional exercise of the office of royalty has l)cen employed by His Excellency to influence the public mind, and the decisions of our constitutional tribunals on pending and debatable questions between equally loyal and deserving classes of Her Majesty's subjects in this Province ; that His Excellency has also employed the inlluence of the high office of the (Queen's representative to procure and afterwards express his cordial satis- faction at the passing of a liill, in a thin House, on the very last night of the session, the provisions of which had been repeatedly negatived by a consider- able nuijority of the people's representatives, and which deprive the faithful but embarrassed inhabitants of this Province of the control of a revenue and lands sufficient in value to pay off the whole public debt — a proceeding at complete variance with the lair and constitutional administration of a free monarchical government, and the imperial usages since the accession of the present Royal Family to the throne of Great Britain ; and, finally, that His Excellency has employed the influence of his high office to the disparagement of the large section of the religious community whose views, rights, and interesti-', I have been elected to my present offices to advocate and promote. I beg that my declining the honour proposed by His Excellency may not be construed into any disrespect to His Excellency personally, or to the high office His Excellency holds — for the inviolableness and dignity of which I feel the jealous veneration of a loyal subject — but I beg that it may be attributed solely to a fixed determination not to do anything that may in the slightest degree tend to weaken, but on the contrary, to use every lawful means, on all occasions, to advance those civil and religious interests which I am most fully convinced are essential to the happy preservation of a prosper- ous British Government in this country, and to the happiness and welfare of the great body of Her Majesty's Canadian subjects. In order to insure the assent of Her Majesty to the Bill which had been sent to the Colonial Secretary by Sir George Arthur, the authorities of the Church of England in the Pro- vince circulated a petition for presentation to the Queen and the British Parliament* containing the following statement and request : — " Your petitioners, consisting of the United Empire Loyalists and their children, took refuge in this Province after the American Revolution, under the impression that they possessed the same constitution as that of * See note on page 224. 18;m)] THE LVI'OliY OF MX LIFE. 255 the Motlicr Country, wliich inclu1>iihh llu< I'lDV iiiiial ljt';.;iMliiliii'i' on llic Miiliicil ul' llic n'H(Mv<'H : rcckli'Hn injiiHtico in tluMi' (lis|iiisiti()n will not lio ]M ])roYin( nd h'^'i^)rtliodox than tlioao wlio endor.so tho Ox- ' ford " Tracts lor the 'rimes I" Tlio bill wjus filially pas.sod in tho Houso of Assonibly, by a veto of .SI to 7, and in tho Loj;i.slativo Council, by a voto of \\\ to 4, notwithstanding a remarkably outs|M)lvon and doliant speech from the Bishop. In it ho used tho following language : Focliujj; that tho hill provides for tho r urageuiont and propa<'ation of error; intlicts the p-ossest injustice by rob.iiu^; and pluadering tho National I'hurch; that it attempts to destroy tdl distinction hotwoeii truth and false- hood; tiuit its auti-Cliristiau tendencies lead directly to inlidelity, and will rotlect disj^race on the Lej^islature, I ^'ivc it my uu([ualilied opposition. The Bishop again utters his prediction, and stated that what he wanted would be secured in England. He said — At ^he aanie timo I liave no fear of its ev«r becomint; hvw. Put it may be useful, for its monstrous and unprincipled provisions will teach the Imperial (.loverumeut tho folly ot perinittius^ a CoU.uial LegishUuro to tamper with those great and holy principles of the Constitu'tion, on the preservation of which the prosperity and hai»piness of the British Empire must ever depend. Although it was almost impossible to reason with any one who would deliberately use such extravagant language, yet Dr. Ryerson replied to the Bishop's statements seriatim. With a touch of iron}', he said : — After penning such an ell'usiou, tlie Bishop might well betake himself to the Litany of his Church, and pray the good Lord to deliver him— from all blindness of heart ; from pride, vain glory and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred and malice, and all uncharitableness. IHHH 401 nri': story of my ljfk. 2r;n 'l'l\fi U\U\ of tlu) Itill is UiuM (loscribofl in a HUtetti(;r)fc on fJic Hulijrc.l,, ))i<-]>an'(l liy Dr. llyc-rMoii. VVIiat, li« drtwiilM cloiily it'NcjiJ.s l/lii' poworl'iil aiiis}iof)s in fj^ivin;.,' tli«)in praet-ii^al (iU'ecfc. TIium tlie reiUtiated proplie(ry ol" the llishop of Toronto was not nt!,ili iii'iii;^ H(!iit to l'lii;^'i;uiil (iic,c<)iii|i;iiiic'i| hy ii inoHf, i:w.v\.'y.\.\(: (lnHii.ilili IVoiM tliii (ili)V(;rii()r (iiiicml, iii!j»l()iiii^( Her JVliijcul.y'H (iovcrrirricnt II. )l, l,u(liHall<>\v, Imt to Huiiclioii it,), t.ii(! I'.i.hIio]) hI' K.xobtr imovcmI in the ilduw! di' lionln, liiaL tli« fpui.st.ion ot' tlii! rij^lit U> tlit; iltir^^y ruHcivc ])i()[i«)rty in C!iina(l(i Hhoiiid lit; n^lrncil to t,ln; l,vv(!lvo Judj^ctHol' iCn(.,')iui(l ; Imt the dcciHion (if till! .linlj^'i'S liiiviiij^ pnivcd ailvriHc, to tin; cxciii-iivc pinliiiMi'itiH of thii liiHliop of K.Kftcr and Ihh party in Kii;^land and Canada, tlie Kn).;li,Hli BinliopH tlii',11 ('.onfcrrcd witli liordJolm iliiHH(dl,in order to HctaHidi; Lord Sydcnliani'n Canadian i)iil, and introdiicu oni-, into tlu; l'ii|H!rial I'urlianutnt which would ucconiplisli UH far a.s poHHihli! l.iii oliJcctH aiin(!d at hy nd'(;iiinf{ tht; 'iu<;Hlion to tlie .lMdj,^i:H. liord .John Ru.^nc.ll liccaine a cuiiHentinp; party and agent in thJH uncoimtiLiitional act of injn.slice and spoliation aj^ainnt the right.H and fcelin(.;M of a !ar^,'e ("uiiivitv of the j)eojile of Ujiper Canada. It wa.H a;,'ain.^t tlii.s act that MiHsr" \V und E. JlyerHou (then iu England), -ju behalf of the VV^eHleyan Church Ik (;anada, reniouHtiated in an elai)orale and Htrongly- worded leltc. to ! or J John JluH.sell — the only coniinuniiation of the kintl made by an> .e' ^iouH body in (Janada ugain.st the bill while it wan betore. the BritiKh Parliament, or for Heveral yeura afterwards. Knowing the strong intluenco.s which had been brought to boar upon Mr. Poulett Thonip.son again.st \)v. ilyerson, hy Sir Georgo Arthur (page 1953), and against the Metliodist body generally by interested parties in this discussion, i)r. Ryer.son addressed a letter to the Governor-Oeneral on the 2ot}i March, 1840, in which he reviewed the course of the Guardian and his own attitude on public questions during the preceding ten years. The letter was evidently written with deep feeling, and under a keen sense of the injustice done to the Methodist people by means of the prolonged and persistent misrepresenta- tion of these years. He so id : — I addresa your Excellency with feelings of the hi^dicst ref^pect and stronj? aifecLiou. You are the lir^t Uovcruur of Oauada who iiua exurttd iiis persousil 264 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXXIII. influence and the authority of his station, to accomplish that in Upper Canada which has l)ec.'n avowed and promised by every Colonial-Secretary during the last ten years — framing enactments and administering the Governmetit for the equal protection and becoat of all classes of Her Majesty's Canadian subjects. . . In doing so, your Excellency has been told that you haye pationized " republicans and rebels." . . The C/itarrfifi'^, which you have bopu pleased to honour with an expression of your approbation, has been charged with opposite crimes from diiferent quarters. . . You have been told that the ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church — whose rights you have justly and kindly consulted — have formerly come from the United States ; and that the Guardian, during the first years of its existence, was nothing but a vehicle of radicalism, disaffection, and sedition. . . As to the former, I may say that the Methodist ministers have not come from . . the United States during the last twenty years. . . As to the latter, I furnish three columns of extracts from the Guardian, . , from which the following may be adduced : — 1. That in 1830 I entertained less friendship towards our American neigh- bours than I do in 1840. 2. That in 1830 I advocated the very principles in the administration of the Provincial Government that your Excellency has declared to je the basia of voir administration in 1840. 3. That in 1830 I was as strongly opposed to an exclusive, or sectarian, spirit as I am in 1840. 4. That the very advice which I gave to the electors in 1830, as to their rights and interest?, I could now repeat with a view to support your Excel- lency's administration. 5. That the very principles upon which your Excellency has commenced your administration, . . were actually promised and assured to the people of Upper Canada by a Tory Government in 1830. In J 830 the Colonial-Secretary and Sir John Colborne prr'claimed the "good laws and free institutions," and the non-preference system amongst religious denominations, which your Excellency is determined to carry into practice. . . When the hopes created by these avowals have not only been deferred for these years, but those who liave indulged these hopes have been maligned and proscribed for constitutionally seeking a realization of them, you cannot be surprised if many of their hearts have been made sick, and that confidence and hope has yielded to distrust and despair. The Governor-General, through his private secretary, often requested Dr. Kyerson, while Editor of the GuavUan, to correct misstatements which were made in regard to His Excellency's proceedings.* After an interview with His Excellency, at his request. Dr. Ryerson, in a letter dated -ith April, 1840, made a practical sug- * Thus in a note dated 8th April, 1840, the Private Secretary said : — I know that His Excellency would wish you to couunent on Lord John's despatch in the sense in wliich it is treated in the Montreal Gazette. [This was done in the Guar- dian of ITith April.] There is no doubt also tliat it is absurd in Hon. Henry Sherwood to pretend that he is supporting the Government when he opposes their own Solicitor-General, but not less so in the Examiner to support him and oppose Mr. Diajier, or to stand ui) for a kind of responsible government which both His Excellency and Lord JoTin llussell have declared to bo inadmissible. I knovz that His Excellency would wish you to do everything in your power to supjioi-t both Mr. Draper and Mr. Baldwin. Should any iirticle come out which you cousider .would interest His Excellency, may I request you to send nie a copy. 1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 26" gestion as to the desirability of establishing the Monthly Reviciv, as a moans of disseminating the liberal views which he enter- tained in regard to the future government of this country, and also as an organ of public opinion in harmony with these views. It was at first proposed that Dr. Ryerson should edit the Review, but after fuller consideration of the matter he declined, and the editing and management of it was, at his suggestion, placed in the hands of John Waudby, Esq., Editor of the Kingston Herald. It was issued in Toronto early in 1841, but ceased on the death of Lord Sydenham, in September of that year. In Dr. Ryerson's letter to the Governor he said : — About a fortnight after your Excellency left Toronto, I happenetl in the course of conversation with Hon. R. B. Sullivan to inen*^'.)n the subject of establishing a monthly periodical, such as I had mentioned to you, Mr, Sullivan was anxious that something of the kind should be undertaken ; I stated to him that I understood that your Excellency would highly approve of such a publication, if it could be successfully established. Mr. Sullivan pressed me to prepire a prospectus end submit it for your Excellency's con- sideration. I drew up a prospectus, and got an estimate of the cost, covering all expenses. Mr. Sullivan fully concurred in the prospectus, except the tirst paragraph. He was afraid it might be construed into an expression of opinion in favour of " responsible Government," and proposed another para- graph in place of it. The one was as acceptable to me as the other. A feeling of apprehension and embarrassment at the responsibilities of such ar. undertaking, and the course of exertion which a successful acconij.lishment of it would require, has deterred me from forwarding, until now, the accom- panying prospectus for your Excellency's perusal and signification of your pleasure thereon.* • The following was the prospectus agreed upon and issued : — A Monthly Review, Devoted to thf, Civil Government of Canada. Ttie Canadas have been united under an amended constitution ; the foundation haj been laid for an improved system ot government. The success of tiiat consti- tution will greatly depend upon a correct understanding and i just appreciation of its piincii)les ; and the advantages of the new system of government will be essentially influenced by the views and feelings of the inhabitants of the Canadas themselves. At a period so eventful, and under circumstances so peculiar, it is of the utmost importance that the principles of the constitution should be carefully analysed, and dispassionately expoundeil ; that the relations between this and the Mother Country, and the mutual advantages connected with tliose relations, should be explained and illustrated ; the duties of the several branches of the government, and the different classes of the community, stated and enforced ; the natural, commrrcial, and agricultural resources and interests of these Provinces investigated and developed ; a eciuiprehensive and efficient system* of public edu- cation discussed and established ; the suliject of emigration practically considered in proportion to its vast import""""!^ ; the various measures adajitod to promote the welfare of all classes of the people originated and advocated ; and a taste lor intell'.'ctual imnrovement and retinenient encouraged and cultivated. As the Editor's views on all the leading questions of Canadian policy accord witn those of His Excellency the Governor-General, who has been pleased to approve of tlie pan of the Monthly lifivkw, it will be enabled to state correctly the facts and principles on which the government proceeds ; yet the writers alone will be held responsible for whatever tliey may advance. • Dr. R.\ors(in, who wrote this prospectus, eviUoutly had in view such a system of Education as he afterwards established. niii>i*t«twiwtWi.'i'ii«i'iiniiin 2G6 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXXIII. I cannot bnt see that the puhlic mind in this country is in a chaotic state, without any controlling,' current of feeling, or fixed principle of action, in civil affairs ; but susceptible, by proper management and instruction, of being cast into any mould of rational opinion and feeling ; yet liable, with- out judicious direction, to fall into a state of "confusion worse contounded," I know that now is the time — perhaps thv- only time — to establish our insti- tutions and relations upon the cheapest, the surest, and the only permanent foundation of any system, or form of Government — the sentiments and feel- ings of tht population. But I alone have not the means or the power of coutributiag to the accomplishment of these objects. To the utmost of my humble abilities and acquirements, I am willing to exert myself ; and that without a shillings' remuneration — although my present salary is less than ^200 per annum. I believe the government about to be established in these provinces may be made the most enduring and loftiest memorial of your Excellency's fame, and the greatest earthly blessing to its inhabitants ; and it will be to me a source of satisfaction to contribute towards the formation and cementing of materials for the erection of a monument at once so honour- able to its founder, and so beneficial to Her Majesty's Canadian subjects. The personal influence of your Excellency in Lower Canada will be required to induce two or three of the cleverest men in Lower Canada to contribute to the columns of the Revieio ; especially on questions and sub- i'ects which grow out of the state and structure of society in that province. klr. Sullivan thinks he will be r.ble to contribute one, if not two, articles for each number. I am acquainted with several other gentlemen who are com- petent to contribute very ably on some subjects. I know from experience that furnishing matter for any periodical, as well as giving it character, must chiefly devolve upon the conductor of it. He must give it soul, if it have any ; he nmst combine, concentrate, and direct its power. And such a pub- lication, got up U'lder so high and favourable auspices, and projjerly con- ducted, and embodying the productions of the leading minds of both provinces, cannot fail to prove an engine of immense and even irresistible moral power in the countrv , and must materially contribute to its intellec- tual as well as political elevation. As to my own views and feelings, I would greatly prefer retiring altogether from any connection with the press in all discussions of civil affairs in every shape and form, and I can consistently and honourably do so in June. But if this course be not justifiable in the present circumstances of the province; if it be deemed expedient for me still to take a part in public matters, I am sensible I ought to do more than I do now, or can do through the organ of a religious body. The relation, character and objects of the publication I now conduct, impose a restriction upon the topics and illustrations which are requisite to an ett'ective discussion of political questions. Under such circumstances I can neither do justice to myself, nor to the subjects on which I occasionally remark, or might discuss. I have felt the more disposed to make this communication, because your Excellency's avowed system and policy of Government is but carrying out and reducing to practice those views of civil polity in Canada whicli have guided my public life, as your Excellency will have observed Irom the aitii lis and rel'erences which have appiiared in the Guardian. I have been defeated and disappointed heretofore, because the local executive itself has been for the most part rather the head of a party, than the Government of the country, and the opposition, or " Reform " party, has often gone to equal extremes of selfishness and extravagance ; so that I have occupied the unen- viable and uncomfortable position of a sort of breuk-v/ater—resisting and checking the conflicting waves of mutual party violence, convinced that the e^lusive and absolute ascendancy of either party would be destructive of the ends cf just Government, and public happiness ; a position which, pre- 1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 2u7 viously to your Exoellency's arrival in Canada, I had determined to aliandon, as I found myself possessed of no adequate means of accomplishing any permanent good by occupying it. I think the appearance in this province of Lord John Ruf^sell's despatch on " Responsihle Government" is timely. The " Reformers " are too fully committed to Government to fly off ; and a large portion of the old " Con- servative " party are glad of an excuse to change their position. Neither party can triumph, as both must concede something. This mutual conces-iion will prepare the way for mutual forbearance, and ultimately for co-operation and union. Having perceived that the Editor of the Examiner was seeking, under the pretence of supporting the Government, to get a House of Assembly returned, consisting wholly of the old Reformers, who had identi- tied themselves in 1834-5-6, with the Papineau party of Lower Canada, I thought it desirable to check such a design in the bud, by insisting upon the support of Hon. W. H. Draper, and that he should be returned upon the same grounds as those of Mr. Baldwin. The elucidation and description of this one case will affect the position of parties in the character of the elections throughout the province, and make them turn, not upon Lord Durham's " Report," or any of the old questions of ditference, but upon your Excel- lency's administration. This, I have no doubt, with a little care, will, in most instances be the case. Thus will the members returned from Upper Canada, be isolated from the French anti-unionists of Lower Canada, and be more fully, both in obligation and feeling, identified with the Govern- ment. I have not, therefore, been surprised at the Examiner's indignation, as it is so ultra, and thorough a partizan, and as it has some discernment, though but little prudence. In reply, the Private Secretary of the Governor-General said : I am to express to you His Excellency's approbation of the plans you have suggested, and he desires me to say that he requests that you will visit Montreal, on your way to New York, as he la anxious to see you on the sul)ject contained in your letter. The Special Council meets this day for the first time. The Secretary further added : — His Excellency agrees that the line which you have taken is most judicious. There is no doubt that the gentleman to whom you refer is doing very great mischief both to Hon, Robert Baldwin and the Government, by the extremes to which he is pushing his cry for responsible government, and his opposition to Hon. W. H. Draper. Dr. Ryerson (who was on his way to the General Conference at Baltimore) in a note, dated Montreal, 4th May, said : — The Governor-General having kindly invited me to visit him and converse on matters relating to piiblic affairs, I did so, and was most cordially received by him. I also had a long interview with him on Friday afternoon, and am desired to spend the evening with him on Saturday. His Excellency has given every requisite information as to his plans. I am thus enabled to accomplish the object of my visit far beyond what I expected when I left home. In a letter from New York (dated 9th May) Dr. Ryerson 3aid : — Much to my surprise to-day, while in New York on my way to Baltimore, I received a note from the Governor-Gen- Biars Secretary, T. W. C. Murdoch, Esij., as follows: — 'm^'A^ L-u mmmmmm wMdil^ WWiKiKiMllllHM "-' 268 TITE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. XXXIII. By direction of the Governor-General I Rcnrl you tlie enclosed bill of exclmnge lor JlOO stg., the receipt of which I would request you to ncknowledge. You will have seen the English papers which hold out every prospect that botii tlio Union and the Clergy Reserve 13ill3 will be satisfactorily settled. I fiel that I may congratulate you, and every friend of Canada, ou such a result, I ackno\vled<;ed this kind and generous act, but at once returned the Bill of Exchange to His Excellency — at the same time respectfully assuring him, that under no circumstances could I receive anything for what I had done, or might do, to support the policy and administration of Her Majesty's Govern- ment, in the peculiar circumstances of the Province. One of the chief points discussed in Upper Canada, in con- nection with the proposed union of the provinces, was the effect it would have on the Protestant character of the government and institutions of the county. Mr. John W. Gamble, a public man, and a leading member of the Church of England, in Vaughan, wi .ting to Dr. Ryerson on the subject, said : — I feel deeply the couviction that the time has now arrived when Pro- testani-s must sink all points of minor consideration, and unite in det'encc of our common faith. The union of the provinces will most assuredly result in giving not only a preponderance, but a large majority to the Roman Catholics in the united legislature ; and this taken in conjunction with the plans now in operation for pouring a large Roman Catholic population into these provinces, surely ought not only to excite the fears, but rouse the energies of those who know and love the truth as it is in Jesus. I am alto- gether ignorant of your opinion upon the union question, but I call upon you as a Protestant to unite with me in endeavouring to avert the threatened calamity. Mr. Gamble was for many years afterwards an earnest opponent in the Legislature of United Canada of the extension of the Separate School system in the province. Although greatly enfeebled in health, yet Dr. Ryerson's Mother was enabled to write to him occasionally. In a letter written by her in 1839, after returning from seeing hiin, she said : — I suppose you are anxious to know the state of my mind. I yet feel that the Lord is my trust, and I am waiting daily till my change come. I feel that when the " earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, I have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Dear figerton, 1 feel very much as I did when I left you — a great deal of weakness. I am anxious to live to see you all once more, perhaps for the last time. Do not neglect to come up, one and all, as soon as convenient, if you only stiij' one day. When you come fetch some books, such as you think would be profitable for me, and one of your good-sized Bibles ; also three of your likenesses, I thought that your Father had brought them up when he came. Do not fail to come up and see us. Don't let me be denied the happiness of seeing you soon. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1840. Proposal to leave Canada — Dr. Ryerson's Visit to England. THE year 1840 is somewhat memorable in the Methodistic history of Upper Canada, for three things : 1st. The final retirement of Dr. Ryerson from the editorship of the Christian Ouardlan ; 2nd. Visit of Revs. William and Egerton Ryerson to England, and the painful, yet fruitless, discussions with a Committee of the British Conference on the lapsed Union ; 8rd. The annual and special Canada Conferences of that year — at the latter of which the formal separation of the British and Canadian sections of the Conference took place under peculiarly affecting circumstances. Dr. Ryerson and his brother John attended the American General Conference at Baltimore, May, 1840. In a letter from there he said : — The Methodist Connexion here are much in advance of us, and, as a whole, even of the British Connexion. I have never seen a more pious, intelligent, and talented body of men than the preachers assembled here at Conference; nor more respectable, intelligent congregations. The manners of the people in these Middle States are very like the manners of intelligent people iu Upper Canada — alike removed from the English haughtiness and Yankee col(hi('ss — simple, frank, and vmaifectnd. Bishops Roberts, Soule, Hedding and Waugh dined with us to-day. They are venerable and apostolic men. We have had cordial invitations to come to this coui;try, and did we consult our own comfort, brother John and I would do so without hesitation. Bishop Hedding hopes to visit us at our approaching Conference, llev. R. Newton, of Enghm
  • ^^ni^^'^^. Ah noon itn (lii> nlplinlicV >* YUAMowsU t'lxo snnUn\t >',in oonononoo lU (ln> (it-!«( ('tu«ii(t>i' (n OoncMin mnl X\v\.5 ow slowlx ot <-o\\vso, M (\\M. b\i( in i\ low iI.wh with mniniMnin I'mMlily. \MuMX ilio uwont'iou Kvinno \.n«Mv o\(onxivoly known, nnil olln>v t'lonclii'B i^i''*u\n\ to «v.'Ul thtnusolvx^!« of its \v(\ollt», tho Uvilmli nmi l''in(>i^ii llililt* !^s Wty «oMv ofUWt^ to tV.o \\A\^ o1' .<\o o\\ w, mnl thi« Kindiinl ( Muiii'Iu'h huviiin nl' iloinj^ t^.n\)J■s, for yo.xi-s h.Avo Ivou iMintin}:, >\\\\\ fi\al\i\l«ninly lnnii' (,i ||n> %V.rt,Mvnt v\\v lnv\\;\n nnsMvM>s. nU \\w ^■o^^io!^ of tho Si\,mi'iI Wtnil (ln-v rciiniic. Kv^ . Mr, Vovnxjj wlrttcs an ii\tovos(it»i> nnooiloto oonnoc'lcd XX ilh this Alph;\lvl, xvhioh ooounvil \vhot» ho wjih a inissioiiiiiy in tho North Wost l"*\nln;^- l.owi PuIUm-Iu's visii ih(>ro Ium-oiI- vorT«t\i with Mr. \\>\ino i'^ ■Vii'^'"^^ to (ho l!\»!ijvns in tht>.st> flisl.'infc n^^ions, and t>xpt\\>v>«i\'. hiv^ so^ioittulo for tho wolfjvrt* juui happi- iio*ii of tht\ UU(M.*mJmU itn oil li)!" (Ill* nihil II in'((>i« l(\i'li>l' iliilliol. H mill 'iii'ilily. IIK'llOB Itiliht iiivin^ loinn <.i llio UM'll'il miuy » «'im- ist!ii\t uippi- r»'s ill (Is:— liulhlll Tt< flMlfff/l till fill iii'ii iMi'l |iM|ii•'( riMlf'l, lift t Hll'tl H llll'll Mil' Ii|i1 I'lH'IH't, Mllfl Mll(IHII(l»<"l III frltKt (() ((lllr,)(.r tifl'fn. '/((''(^ t«liii|illi II \ , iiii'l V"l wni'liiliil ii»lii(p|fi(l'pi( tiif 'lidr »Im'I)j'(h-'I w';»I« Ininfo" •■li'iiilv ii'i'iiniilri'il liy llllll, I'll III (I rliiiil liiiK' III' t'li'l II (I'lrd'i/i 'if lli'- \,(iti\'n I'liiV't'. '"'•'' ••iill'ilii lii.i'ii»»ii' i(ii|(i' <.«(|li"l, (I III I, (.'I'M id); 11(1 ti'ifd Ills i\tii]t, Mini li llllll lie I lii< 'ri'Mliiiiii'iil ill liiii liiiinl, I'll I llli 11(11 1, " \N\\j , Mr Villi tuf, vi/li'il h. I>||'"'IM|| In lllllllllllll V I III' IIMIII Wll'l will I ill VI' II 1 11 1 ( till I II I (ill 'I I, I'I I 'I (ii'li I III) lliiiiliiH, III' mlili'il, " I (i|iili'"ii I/I III' II l(i(iil 111 llli'iiify (llllll iiiyni'lf, mi') fry III l!i'i'|iii|i my ii'iiillii|< III wliiil. Ill I'/ilii^ 'III, lull I iU'V'f luiii'l nt (Inn ln'fif/i. Till' lull III," III" mlili'il, "llii iiiillnii Ifiin (iiivMi (riiiny n iiinii « f iili-, m(i/| h tii'U-hiu, Mini llii'ii II ii'iilliij* |iliii K, mill II iiiii(iiiiiii'(i(, III Wi'i'liiiliinli'i A lili''/, wfi'i ii("/hf illil li'.ir Mil ii;iiili I'll llii'li li lluw I iKiiliiii'N " 'I lii'ii tiiiiiiii|/ ('I /ri.'i hpji'in, iiK iimIii'iI, " Willi iliil v'i'i ""v Willi llii' iiiitli'ii. "( iii'/iiiUit lit fill' ' liiii'i' f/'di r' " 'I'll!' Mi'V. .Imiiiii I'.vMiiM," I (i'(i|ii>i|. " Wi'll wliy in U, I in'^n-i ii'-iit fi^ j/nn n liniiililn, tiinili'id Mi'lliiiilinl |iii'iii|ii'i " Willi II liiii^;li li" (''(iiii'l, '"/li/il. nuif llin I' lii'i'ii ll," iiml llllll Ilii- I iiiitf««iiiiilliiii I Iiiih^imI 'Pii^imi '\:,\'t , ^AH.) 'I'liK riilldwii'!; nin oKiiMipli'M of Mir f'liii; !;VM,AI!in r\\^\•^l -i KI'M, V /\ I * '1 il, I', ll''. 'ill V A •► "^ |i f/io Oroat K|rtrit I> P r Oo in»5 mo- Oovo, Q '^ O N'tth jiiih fi'i Flour maklri{(. CHAPTER L. 1846-1854. Miscellaneous Events and Inc"t>£nts of I846-1854. AFTER his return from England, Dr. Ryerson was en^ifaged in the preparation of his Report on a " System of Public Instruction for tjpper Canada," from which I have given extracts on page 368. In that report he gave the broad outlines of his proposed scheme of education, and fully explained the principles of the system which he proposed tj rourd. He also prepared a draft of a Bill designed to give el^c." tr, : >n:,c o^' the most press- ing of his recommendations. In a letter to a friend, dated IStli April, 184G, hs said: — My report on a system of public elementary instrucUon occupies nearly 400 pages of foolscap. It will explaJTi to all parties what I think, desire, and intend. But I woula not hesitate to resign my situation to-morrow, and take m} plai e and portion as a Metiiodist preacher, if I thought 1 cC'^^ube 93 useful in that position to the country at large. My travels have added to my limited stock of knowledge, but they have not altered my principles, or changed my feelings. To another friend he wrote about the same time': — As the science oi civil government is the most uncertain of the uncer- tain sciences, if I should fail in my exertions — i: ':o\ 1 ^'^ "acting influences should intervene which I cannot now forosoo, ud give success to the opposition against me, or paraly/p v iriiiuence — f would not remain in office a day, or Vould I nf d 'i' n t ny loiiger than I could render it a means of strength to oiu iystcm of government as well as of good to the cour ^cy. I won'd rather break stones on the street than be a dead weight to any govern- ment, or in any community. It may be of interest at the present time to learn what was Dr. Ryerson's opinion of Mr. Gladstone in 1845. Writing in the Guardian of March 18th, 1846, in reply to strictures on that statesman. Dr. Ryerson said : — Durino my late tour in Europe, I was one evening present at the piocccdirgs of the British House of Commons, and hef»>'d Mr. Ghv'.^..> its, t' ; Secre- tary of State for the Colonies, avow a change in ius op. *ons in regard to ecclesiastical and elucational matters. Sir Robert Peel's Government had daternined to establish several colleges 181G-54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 411 in Ireland, not connected with the Established Church. Mr. Gladstone, in his book on " Church and State," had maintained that the National Church was the only inedium through which the Legislature ought to instruct the nation in every depart- ment of knowledge. . . There was, therefore, a complete antagonism between Sir Robert Peel's policy and Mr. Glad- stone's book. On the night I was present, Mr. Gladstone . . frankly stated that he had written a Ijook advocating an oppo- site policy to that which Her Majesty's Government had deemed it their duty to pursue, in establishing secondary colleges in Ireland; that further reflection and experience had convinced him that his views were not correct; that he fully concurred in the policy of the Government in respect to those colleges, and should, as an individual member of Parliament, give it his sup- port; but that should he do so as a Minister of the Crown, after having publicly avowed very different sentiments, he would not be in a position to place his motives of action above suspicion. To exonerate himself, therefore, from the imputation, or sus- picion, of being actuated by a love of office or power, to support^ as a Minister of State, what he condemned as an author, he resigned his office; and to do justice to his present convictions of what he conceived the interests of Ireland demanded, he avowed his change of opinion, and his determination to support ^ the Irish policy of Sir Robert Peel, with whom he declared he cordially concurred in every measure which had been discussed in the Cabinet. Sir Robert Peel followed in a beautiful and touching speech — appealing to the sacrifice which the Cabinet had made in the loss of so able a member as Mr. Gladstone, as a proof of the sincerity of the Government, and the strength of its convictions in its Irish educational policy. The conduct of those two distinguished statesmen (Dr. Ryer- son adds) towards each other on that occasion, presented one of the finest examples of strong personal friendship between two public men that I ever witnessed. No man excelled Dr. Ryerson in his respect and love for his parents. This was apparent from many incidents, and from the tone of his mother and father's letters to him, as given in this volume. He generally wrote to them at the beginning of each year. His letter dated xoronto, 1st January, 1847, is, however, the only one which I have. It is as follows : — My Dear and Most Venerated Parents, — As heretofore, the first work of my pen is employed in presenting to you my filial respects, and ofifering you my duti- ful and aflfectionate congratulations at the commencement of • ,r •MM 412 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. L, another year, — liftin*:^ up, as I most earnestly do, my heart to Ahnighty God, that, having brought you at so advanced an ago to the beginning of this year. He will make it the happiest, as well as the holiest of your lives ! I cannot but regard the lengthening out of your earthly pilgrimage so much beyond the ordinary period of human life — so much beyond what I expect to reach — as a special means and call of God to become fully ripe for heaven. You stand a long time on the margin of eternity — may that margin prove the verge of eternal glory ! As the body grows feeble, may the soul grow strong ! As the bodily sight becomes dim, may the heavenly vision become brighter and the heavenly aspirations and assurances stronger' How great the privilege, and how soul-cheering the thought, especially at the approach of death, to know that " your life is hid with Christ in God." It is in safe keeping, and the dis- closure of it byc-and-bye will be glorious beyond conception ; for " when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, shall we then appear like Him in glory." The sufferings of the present life, however severe and protracted, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which that life shall reveal. 0, my dear parents, may that glory be yours in all the fulness of its splendour, and in all the perfection of its beatitudes ! I thankfully acknowledge the receipt of the two pairs of socks — the last of the many like tokens of my Mother's affection, and the work of her own hands. I scarcely ever put them on without a gush of feeling which is not easily suppressed. They every day remind me of the hand which sustained my infancy and guided my childhood, and the heart which has crowned my life with its tenderest solicitudes, and most fervent and, I believe, effectual prayers. Praised be God above all earthly things, for such a Mother ! May I not prove an unfaithful son ! We are all well. I was at brother George's to-day. I hope to see you in the course of the winter. Each of the family unite with me in expressions of dutiful respect and affection to you. Please remember me to all those who reside with you, and to all relatives, and old acquaintances and neighbours. With daily prayers at the family altar for your health, com- fort and happiness, and anxiously desirous of heading from you, I am, my most honoured Parents, your affectionate son, Toronto, 2nd Janaary, 1847. Egerton Ryerson. Between Dr. Ryerson and Rev. Peter Jones j, life-long friend- ship existed. In a note to Dr. Ryerson, dated Credit, Nov. 1st, 1847, Mr. Jones says : I had the pleasure of receiving a set of your School Reports, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and 1 trust I shall receive much valuable informa- u 181G-541 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 413 com- you, • koN. fiend- \v. 1st, jet of lom of lorma- tion which may prove beneficial in our Indian School schemes.* My brother, I thank you for all tlie kindness you have ever shown to me and my dear family, and I hope and pray that the friendship which was formed between us many years ago will last for ever. Pray for us. Rev. Peter Jones had been an in- mate of Dr. Ryerson's house during his last illness in 185G. As the crisis approaclied he desired to return to his own home in Brantford. 'After he reached there, Ven. Archdeacon Nellea visited him, and in a note to Dr. Rycrson, dated 25th June, said: — Mr. Jones iias been gradually sinking ever since his return from Toronto He enjoys great peace of mind, and I believe truly trusts on that Saviour whom he has so often pointed out to others as the only refuge and hope of poor sinners. May my last end be like his. After the change of administration, consequent on the result of the recent elections, it was confidently stated that Dr. Ryer- son would be removed from office. Having written to his brother John on the subject, his brother replied, on the 9th of February, 1847, as follows : It is quite certain that combined and powerful efibrts are being made against you by certain parties, no doubt with a determination to destroy you as a public man, if they can. The feeling of the " radical" party is most inveterate. They are determined, by hook or by crook, to turn you out of the office of Chief Superintendent of Education. All the stir among the District Councils, and about the school law, etc., are but the schemes and measures set on foot by the party in power for the purpose of compassing the great object in view of ousting the " Superintendent of Education." In a letter which I received from Dr. Ryerson, while at the Belleville Conference, dated June 13th, 1848, he said : — Every distinction has been shown me in the appointments and arrange- ments of the Conference ; and I believe the great body of the preachers will sustain me in all future contingencies. The Conference thus far has been the most delightful I ever * Being a member of the Conference Committee appointed to confer witli the Government on the establishment of Manual Labour Schools for the Indians, Rev. Peter Jones, in writing to Dr. Ryerson from the Credit, on the subject, in Septem- ber, 1844, said : — You will be glad to see that our Indian brethren iiavo subscribed liberally, which shews their ardent desire to have Manual Labour Schools estab- lished amongst them. Wo forwarded a copy to the Governor-General, and His Excellency was pleased to approve of the liberality of the Indian tribes. From the manner in which His Excellency has always spoken of Indian Manual Labour Schools, I am sure that he will take great pleasure in aiding their establishment. As you have access to the ears of our Great Father at Montreal, may I beg the favour of your explaining to him the object of my visit to England, and the necessity of His Excellency s sanctioning the payment of my expenses. As I intend to visit England for the purpose of augmenting the funds of the Manual Labour Schools, I think at least my expenses should be paid out of the Indian subscriptions of |400. 414 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. L. attended. I took the evening service of yesterday, and preached with considerable freedom to an immense congregation ; text, Jolin xvii. 17 — lirst part of verse. There has been an advancement in every department of the interests of our Church during the year. This is very encour- aging, and a ground of special thankfulness. Judge then of Dr. Ryerson's surprise and of mine on seeing the following paragraph in theGlobe newspaper, about the same time: It is said that E^ertou Ryerson is trying to get tlie Methodist Conference to deprive him of his clericul standing, because of his holding a permanent <3overnment situation. In the course of his reply, Dr. Ryerson said : — When the situation in connection with elementary education was offered to me, in February, 1844, before replying to the offer, I laid the letter containing it before the largo Executive Committee of the Wesleyan Conference, and was authorized by that disin- terested body to accept of the appointment. When, in the latter part of the May following, I placed the appointment again at the disposal of the Government, as absolutely as if no offer had ever been made or accepted, and determined in June not to accept it under any circumstances, should the offer again be made, a written address was got up to me, numerously signed by the Wesleyan ministers of the Conference which assembled that month, requesting me not to refuse it, should the offer be again made ; and it is to the influence of that judgment, in which I confided more than in my own feelings, that the Globe and some other papers are indebted for the opportunity and privilege of abusing me in my present position these last four years. Sir, the Wesleyan Conference is as incapable of enter- taining such a proposition as you have attributed to me, as I am indisposed to make it ; and, though I am not insensible to the honour and importance of my educational office, I hold it as in all respects consistent with my relations and obligations to the Church, through whose instrumentality I have received infinitely greater blessinffs than it is in the power of any civil government to bestow. At the proper time I shall be prepared to show that I was personally as disinterested (whether right or wrong) in what I wrote in 1844, as in what I wrote in 1838 and 1839 in con- nection with the names of Marshall S. Bidwell and J. S. Howard, Esquires. I have ever maintained since 1827 what appeared to me right and important principles, regardless of man in high or low places, and favour or oppose what party it might. I have never borrowed my doctrines from the conclaves or councils of party, nor bowed my neck to its yoke; nor have I made my office subservient to its interests in any shape or form, but to the interest of the countiy at large, so far as in my power, 184G-541 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 415 irrespective of sect or party. I should contemn myself if I could perform one act or say one word to court party favour, or avert party vcnf^canco,.if such exists. I shall do as I have done, endeavour faithfully to perform the duties and fulHl the trusts imposed upon me, and leave the future, as well as the past, to the judgement of my native country, for the equal rights of all classes of whose inhabitants I contended in ''peril- ous times," and for years before the political existence of the chief public men of any party in Canada, with the exception of the Hon. William Morris. The question, incidentally raised by the Globe newspaper, after the Conference of 1848, as to Dr. Ryerson's retaining a ministerial status, while lioldiTig and administering a civil office was brought up at the next Conference, held at Hamilton, in June, 1840. In a letter to me from the Conference, dated 11th of the month, he said : — I brought my position before the Con- ference in conseqvence of a remark from one of the preachers, saying, while Mr. Tlayter's case was undor consideration, " that there was a general opposition among the members of the Conference, occupying the position that ?.Ir. Playtcr did, or a civil situation." Several of the senior mem bers of tbt Conference spoke in a very complimentary way respecting me ; and a strong satisfaction was expressed from all parts of the Conference with my position — the manner in which I had filled it, and consulted the interests of the Church — expressing their earnest desire that I would continue in it. In a letter to Dr. Ryerson from his brother, Rev. E. M. Ryer- son, from Brantford, on July 2nd, 1848, it would appear, from the foregoing, that some hostile movement was being generally formed against him. His brother said: — I found upon my re- turn from Conference to Brantford that the general topic of conversation was your dismissal from your present ofiice. When I told them it was not the case, some rejoiced, while silent grief and disappointment were visible on the countenances of others. Dr. Ryerson having been called to Montreal on educational matters, in April, 1849, wrote a letter to me from that city, dated 27th of the month, in v-hich he gave a graphic account of the state of the city during the crisis at that time: — You may well imagine my surprise and regret, on reaching Lachine yes- terday, to learn that the Parliament House had been burnt, together with a noble library of 25,000 volumes, containing records of valuable books which can never be replaced. On arriving in Montreal, I found nothing but confusion and excite- ment, which, instead of subsiding, are increasing, and it ic- 416 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CirAP. L. approhondod that to-morrow '.vill bo a more serious dny tlian any that has preceded it. Yesterday, the court of the Oovern- mcnt House was filled with soldiers, while the street in front of it was crowded with a n)ultitude, who sainted every appeaianco of any members of tlio Executive Council, or any of their Par- liamentary supporters with hisses Jind jL^roans. This continued from one o'clock until ei^ht or nine o'clock in the eveninfj. Mr. Lafontaino came out in care oK C.\)lonel Antrobus and soldiers, to get into a cab, and he was pelted with eggs and stones. Not one of the Ministers can walk the streets. Last night Mr. Lafontaine's house was sacked, and his library destroyed ; and JMr. Ilincks' house was also sacked, but he liad removed nearly all of his furniture, as well as his family. The scene of to-day was similar to that of yesterday. This afternoon a meeting of several thousands of persons was held in the Champs de Mars. I heard some ot the speeches. They were moderate in tone, but the feelings of disgust and contempt for Lord Elgin exceed all conception. There have been two vast assemblages this evening — the one French, the other British — in different parts of the city. Companies of soldiers have been stationed in the streets between them, preventi^ig persons going from one party to the other. 1 have heard their shoutings since I commenced this letter. The next day Dr. Ryerson wrote to me again to say : — Nothing has occurred in the city since last niglit, worth noticing. Soldiers meet you at every turn almost. Two com- panies of soldiers were stationed to-day in the building in which the Legislative Assembly met. There was a long debate on the causes of the recent disturbances, and strong protestations from all sides of the House against " annexation. ' An opportunity to appoint Hon. M. S. Bidwell to the Bench in Upper Canada having occurred, Dr. Ryerson, on the 3rd September, 1849, addressed the following letter to Hon. Robert Baldwin, urging the appointment : — There is one subject I take the liberty of mentioning, although it is contrary to my practice to interfere in any matter of the kind ; but the peculiarity of it may excuse me' on the present occasion. I allude to the appointment of Mr. Bidwell as one of the new judges in Upper Canada. The recent history of Europe affords many illustra- tions of circumstances being seized upon by despots to compel the departure of valuable and dreaded men from their own country. You know that it was under such circumstances that Mr. Bidwell was compelled to leave Canada. You know that it was the order of the Imperial Government to elevate Mr. Bidwell to the Bench, that prompted Sir Francis Head to adopt IIAP. L. J til an ovcrn- ront of aianco ir Par- itinued ff. Mr. oldiors, 8. Not ht Mr. \ ; and nearly to-day tin^ of Mars, n tone, exceed res this it parts 1 in the 10 party iinenced say :— worth vo com- which bate on stations Bench the 3rd Robert I take jractice arity of to the I Upper Uustra- coinpel jir own ces that ow that ate Mr. ,0 adopt 184C-C4] THE STOltY OF MY LIFE. 417 the course towards him that lie did. Yon know, likcwiso, how lon^f, and faithfully, and iihly, Mr. Ijidwoll laboured to promote the principInH of civil and religious liberty which are now estaltlished in Upper Canada; and that at a time when gn^at re.sponHihility and obloquy attached to such advocacy. Mr. liidwell was the author, as well as the ablo advocate of the ; laws by which the religious denominations in Upper Canada * hold (Jhurch property, and by which tlieir ministers solemnize matrimony. I believe he has never altogether abandoned the hope of returning to Canada; but I believe he has felt that he was entitled to the otter of that position, which the Home Government contemplated conferring upon him in 18.*}7. I felt it too delicate a question to propose to Mr. Bidwell when I saw liim the other day; but my friend Mr. Francis Hall, of the New York Commercial Advertiser (who sees and converses with him every week), expressed his full conviction that Mr. Bidwell would accept a Judgeship in Upper Canada — that Mr. Bidwell had constantly taken the Canadian Law Reports, and procured the Canadian and English Statutes, and kept up his reading of them as carefully as if he had lived in Canada. I believe the appointment of Mr. Bidwell would be an honour to the Canadian Bench, and an act of moral and political gratitude most honourable to any party, and of great value to Upper Canada. You are awaro of the reasons for which I feel a deep interest in this subject, and which will, I trust, excuse in your mind the liberty I take — believing, as I do, that it will be as grateful to your feelings as it will be noble in your character, to remember a man to whom our common country is so much indebted. To thi9 letter Mr. Baldwin replied, on the 20th September With respect to the principal object of your letter, you need not, I assure you, liavG made any excuse for introducing it, even independently of the part taken by you formerly with reference to the case of my friend Mr. Bid- well, and which alone would give you a just claim to addrepg me. I can never feel any 8u<,'gestion, no matter from what quarter, having his good for its object, to be an intrusion on me, and be assured that nothing could have afforded me greater pleasure than to have had it in my power to have ad- vised his appointment to the Bench. Nor have I ever ceased to do all that I could with propriety to get him to put himself in the position which might lead to such a result. You are aware of the steps I took in 1843 to have his pledge to Sir Francis Head cancelled. I sent you, I think, the correspond- ence respecting it. (See page 308.) On that being done, I wrote him a letter of which I preserved a copy, from which I send you one. By this you will see how earnestly I pressed him to return then. Had he come in, as I suggested, it was my intention to have offered him the Crown business on whichever of the Circuits he might have chosen. I have subsequently, as often as I felt I dared to do so, urged his return. But it has been felt impossible, until he had placed himself in the position of a practitioner, as formerly, at our own, and not at a foreign, Bar, to advise his appointment to 27 41 S THE STORY OF ATY LIFE. [Chap. L. the Bench of the Province. For myself, althouRh friendship might have led me to hiive overlooked, or overstepped, thin dilliodty, my judj^'intait, when appealed to, forced me to admit, with my coiieiigues, that the objection was insuperable. I am not acquainted with the income he realizes from his profession in New York, but 1 doubt not it is much beyond what could be obtained in Toronto. Still, if he really does wish to return to Canada, the time is most propitious as iiir as professional prospects are concerned. Mr, Sullivan, Mr. Blake, and Mr. Esten beinj,; taken from the Bar leaves a space to be filled that, I should say, oilers the best possible openinf;. Had Mr. Bidwell been in his proper professional position here when the Government was called upon to appoint to the places now fdled, or on the eve of bcinj^ filled, by those gentlemen, there is not one of those high judicial positions to which it would not have been at once a pride and a pleasure both to myself and my colleagues to have advised his oppointment. Vice- Chancellor Jameson's health, too, will probably ere long lead to his retire- ment. When that time arrives, will our friend's continued absence be still a barrier to the gratification of our wishes 1 If the affairs of the Province shall be then conducted by the same Councils as now sway them, I may say, with almost the same confidence of that fu'ure as I do of the past, that it will be the only obstacle to such gratification. I should add, too, that last winter one of my colleagues who, as well as myself, has always taken a particular interest in Mr. Bidwell's return to the Province, wrote to him, informing him of the Judiciary measures intended to be intro- duced by the Administration, and giving him to understand as distinctly as could properly be done, that, if he had returned to this country when those measures were to go into operation, it would afford us and our colleagues the greatest pleasure to have it in our power to advise his being placed in a situa- tion alike agreeable to his tastes, deserving of his talents, and satisfactory to the public at large. And though, when he wrote first, he expressed some doubt of the Bills becoming law during the last session, yet shortly after, when it was felt expedient to carry them through, he again wrote to inform Mr. Bidwell that this would be done if the sanction of Parliament was ob- tained to the measures. Whether, in my letters to Mr. Bidwell, on the subject of his return, I have appeared to him not to speak with suflicient warmth, I know not. It has, at all events, not been from indifference to the object. I certaiidy have felt that, in the uncertainty that must for the future attach to political power, there was a great responsibility in urging one in good business elsewhere to leave that and throw his fortunes again in with us here. I am naturally cautious, and my caution may have led me to speak less warmly than I felt, particularly when I found my first appeals unsuc- cessful. But he ought, and I hope, does, appreciate my motives. It is true his ear may be poisoned by having had unjust suspicions poured into it. I know I have never afforded any just grounds for such suspicions, and I feel confident that his generous nature would have been far above conceiving any such, had they not been suggested by others. I am, however, perhaps doing wrong. It may be that none such have ever been thought of by anyone. I trust it is so. If otherwise, it is but just to myself to say that they are the foulest, basest and most malignant that mortal ever breathed. Rev. Dr. Bangs attended the Conference at Brockville in 1850, as a delegate from the American General Conference. On his return to New York he wrote a letter to Dr. ilyerson on the 3rd July :— I think my trip to Canada was one of the most pleasant tours I ever made, Dhap. L. have led nt, when 2ti()n was 'cssion in aincd in a is most ivan, Mr. ' be filled vhen the or on the 1 judiciiil pleasure ;. Vice- lie retire- ze be still Councils lat fu' urc ation. I IS myself, Province, I be intro- itinctly as hen those •agues the in a situa- kfactory to 3sed some rtly after, to inform t was ob- 11, on the Buflicient nee to the the future ng one in in in with e to speak vis imsuc- It is true nto it. I and I feel iiving any laps doing nyone. I ey are the cville in 3nce. On »n on the jver made, 184G--54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 41!) and shall reflect upon it with peculiar delight. I have conimcncod, as you will perceive by the Chrisli'. Hawes seemed to know something about me; and the above copy of note shows the spirit in which they are desirous of aiding me. I shall now commence my work here in good earnest. Lord Grey introduced the subject of the Toronto University, and of the Bishop of Toronto's Mission to this country, and when he found that I had a copy of the amended University Bill, and the proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference on the subject, he requested them for perusal. In my next interview with His Lordship I shall introduce the subject of the clergy reserves. 420 THE STOIiY OF MY I.JFK. fCitAi'. L I liavo liocn very cordially mcoivod at t,lio W»vsloyan Mission Hoiiso. I was atrjctod to sto Dr. nimtiiif^'s p;r('at inxliiy vviuik- noss, and surpri.scd to soo his intollcct clear, quick, and powtirl'ul ng over. Whon ho walks, ho can only stop about .six inches at a timo. I <>xjioct to hoar him on Sunday morning', in the .samo Chapo! (Spitalliolds Chapol — a ' ""o French church, in which the oloqu(>nt Saurinhas preachc i made a collection for the rofupjoe lluu;uenotHto the amount ot i.'J.OOO) in which I pr(>achod last Sunday, and aided in administerin<; the Lord's Supper. On the loth January, I.Sol, Dr. llyerson addres.sed the Follow- ing note to Sir Henjuniin Ilawcis, from Paris: 1 saw (Jardinal AVisoman on the streii^^th of your kind note of introduction. J In appeared to he ploaaed with tho compliment which my call involved — invited mo to ho.spitalities which I think it would not lie prudent for mo to accept, and promised to have a li.st of popular (hut not denominational) reading hooks prepared, and the book.s .selected for my in.spection on my return to London. I most fervently hope that you will bo prepared to bring before Parliament, early in tho approaching session, a Bill to settle tho Canadian clorgy reserve question — the only remain- ini; olxstaclo to tho social harmor ' of Canada, and to its afFce- tionatc and permanent union w" ho Mother Country, In 1852, tho now buildings of tho E an ifnpfirtarii vumh ofcnrrcd in Mi»i liintory J ol' our Pultlic, Srhool HyHtoni, t-lin n thon;- foro wrotill of last HCHsion is iipsct. J'h(! tn»'.rril»»!rH of th*; ()ov»;rnrri(!nt (inchidin^ tlui ( Jovrirnor-dcncral) liavo oxarnirifid my Icttfjr to Mr. Baldwin, of -Inly livst, and hav»; oomn entirely into my vi«;WH. Mr. Malcolm (lamcroii is also (»nt fjf fiflico, and is strivir)!^ to cr(;at(»op]»)Hition ji^'ainst his forirmr ';olloa][,'u/7t«/!, &c.,) all stato t)iat I had t*;ndf;rod my rcs't^nation, and had l»(!(!n pcrsuadofl l»y ono or two m<;mh*!rH of the (lovcrnmcnt to withdraw it, arifl they Huvak pitoounly of tho (jovernment having sticcnmhcd to mc. TIk; danado, ChriHlian Advocaif- says I havo watclusd my opportunity to t?*;t "Mr. Baldwin and th(! (Jovf^nmont unrlor my tliurnh." f }iavefore uk; a wider field of useful- ness than over, and for sealing at so early a period, with His approbation, adherence to great principles of Christian truth and Bocial advancement, irrespective of men or parties. 1 iMW 424 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LI. shall commence the New Year with new courage and hope, and I am anxious to see you that we may together devise and prosecute the best means to promote our great work. The circumstances under which this abortive School Bill, as it proved, of 1849, was passed, is thus de^'^ribed by Dr. Ryersonin a letter written ten years afterwards (in 1859) : — From 1846 to 1849 a host of scribblers and would-be school legislators appeared, led on by the Globe newspaper. It was repre- sented that I had plotted a Prussian school despotism for free Canada, and that I was forcing upon the country a system in which the last spark of r!«,nadian liberty would be extinguished, and Canadian youth \ ^id be educated as slaves. Hon. Mal- colm Cameron, with less knowledge and less experience than he has now, was astounded at these " awful disclosures," and was dazzled by the theories proposed to rid the country of the en- slaving elements of my Prussian school system. Mr. Cameron was at length appointed to office ;' and he thought I ought to be walked out of the office. Messrs. Baldwin and Hincks (as I have understood), thought I should be judged officially for my official acts, and that, thus judged, I had done nothing worthy of evil treatment. The party hostile to me then thought that, as I could not be turned out of office by direct dismissal, I might be shuffled out by legislation ; and a School Bill was pre- pared for that purpose. That Bill contained many good, but more bad provisions, and worse omissions, but of which only a man who had studied the question, or rather science, of school legislation could fully judge. Mr. Cameron was selected to submit it to his colleagues, and get it through Parliament. He executed his task with his characteristic adroitness and energy. Mr. Hincks never read the Bill, and had left for England before it passed. Mr. Baldwin, amid the smoking ruins of a Parliament Houf ' .' .nd national library, looked over it, and thought from the representations given him of its popular objects, and a glance at the synopsis of its provisions, that it might be an improvement on the then existing law, while the passing»of it would gratify many of his friends. On examining the Bill, I wrote down my objec- tions to it, and laid them before the Government, and proceeded to Montreal to press them in person. I left Montreal in April, 1849, with the expectation that the Bill would be dropped, or essentially mended. Neither was done ; the Bill was passed in the ordinal/ manner of passing bills during the last few hours of the Session ; and within three hours of learning that the Bill was law, I informed Mr. Baldwin that my office was at his disposal, for I never would administer that law. As to the effect of Mr. Cameron's Bill on Dr. Ryerson's future, jhe said : — The new Bill on its coming into operation, leaves me 1849] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 425 but one course to pursue. The character and tendency of the Bill clearly is to compel me to relinquish office, or virtually abandon principles and provisions [in regard to the Bible in the Schools] which I have advocated as of great and vital impor- tance, and become a party to my own personal humiliation and degradation — thus justly exposing myself to the suspicion and imputation of mean and mercenary conduct. I can readily retire from office, and do much more if necessary, for the main- tenance of what I believe to be vital to the moral and educa- tiona,! interests of my native country; but I can never knowingly be a party to my own humiliation and debasement. I regret that an uuprecedented mode of legislation has been resorted to to gratify the feelings of personal envy and hostility. I regard it as a virtual vindication of myself against oft-repeated allega- tions, that it was felt I could not be reached by the usual straightforward administration of Government. Lately, in the English House of Lords, the Marquis of Lansdowne stated, that Mr. Lafontaine had returned to Canada, and boldly challenged inquiry into any of the allegations against him in reference to past years. I have repeatedly done the same. No such inquiry has been granted or instituted. Yet I am not only pursued by the base calumnies of certain persons and papers, professing to support and enjoy the confidence of the Government, but legis- lation is resorted to, and new provisions introduced at the last hour of the Session, to deal out upon me the long meditated blows of unscrupulous envy and animosity. But I deeply regret that the blows, which will fall comparatively light upon me, will fall with much greater weight, and more serious conse- quences, upon the youth of the land, and its future moral and educational interests. . . Acting, as I hope I do, upon Chris- tian and public grounds, I should not feel myself justified in withdrawing from a work in consequence of personal discourtesy and ill-treatment, or a reduction of means of support and use- fulness. But when I see the fruits of four years' anxious labours, in a single blast scattered to the winds, and have no satisfactory ground of hope that such will not be the fate of another four years' labour ; when I see the foundations of great principles, which, after extensive enquiry and long deliberation, I have endeavoured to lay, torn up and thrown aside as worth- less rubbish ; when I see myself deprived of the protection and advantage of the application of the principle of responsible government as applied to every other head of a Department, and made the subordinate agent of a Board which I have originated, and the members of which I have had the honour to recommend for appointment ; when I see myself officially severed from a Normal School Institution which I have devised, 420 THE STOItY OF MY LIFE. [Chai-. LI. nnd ovory foutiiro and r buiTow in iiuictivitv or labour with littlo hoi)o of success; when 1 lind niysell' placed in such circum- stances, 1 cannot hesitate as to the course of duty, as well as the obligations of lH)ni)ur and self-resnect. . . I think it is my right, and only frank and respectful, on the earli(^st occasion to state, in resj)ect to my own Innnhlo labours, whetlier 1 can aervo on terms and principles and conditions so dillerent from those uncUu- which 1 have, up to the present time, acted ; though I cannot, without deep regret and emotion, contemplate the loss of so much time ami labour, and lind myself im))elled to aban- don a work on which 1 had scit my heart, and to ((ualify myself for which 1 have devoted four of the most matured years of my life. Having now fuHillcdniy promise — to connnunicate to you, in writing, my views on this important and extensive sulyect — 1 leave the whole question in your hands. The result of this letter was, the suspension and abandon- ment of the Act of 1840, and the preparation and passing of the Act of 1850. Now Mr. Cameron might naturally feel deeply at the repeal of his own Act without a trial ; but after he had time for fur- ther examination and reiiection, and a more thorough knowledge of the nature and working of the system I was endeavouring to establish, 1 believe no man in Canada more sincerely rejoiced than Mr. Cameron at the repeal of the Act of 1849, and no man has more cordially supported the present system, or more frankly and earnestly connnended the course I have pursued.* The letter to Mr. Baldwin was written on the 14th July, 1849. Speaking of it, Dr. Ryerson said : — In the former part of that letter I stated the circumstances under which the Act of 1849 had passed, and the fact that my remonstrance against it had not been even read. I then stated what I considered insuperable objections to it. I will quote part of my eighth and tenth objections : — the former relating * Mr. Cameron's avowals ou the subject are frank and manly. On the occasion of his nomination for the County of Lambton, in October, 1857, he thus referred to the School System, and to its founder: — On the whole, the system had worked well, the common schools of Canada were ad uirable, and had attracted the commendation of the tirst statesmen in the Ui.ited States, and even in Great Britain they proposed to imitate Canada. He was o]>posed to Dr. Ryerson's appointment politically, but he would say, as he had sa'd abroad, that Canada and her children's children owed to him a debt of grati- tude, as he had raised a noble structure, and opened up the way for the elevation of the people. 1810] TfU<: STOJiY OF MY Llh'K 427 to tlio exclusion of rnini.stor.s as scliool vi.sif.ors — Uk; latUtr rolat- inLj to the excluHion i'roiri the scliools ol" tin; liiltlo and books containing religious instruction. They are as i'cjllows: — AiioUicr fciiturc of tlin in'.w Hill Ih fliiit which yjrccIinlcH MiiiiHt(;rH of Rclij^ion, Mu^iHfriitdH, iiinl Oouiii'illdiH, from jtctiti;^ iih bcIiooI vinitniH, u jiro- viHion of th«! |HTH('iit, Aft to which 1 hiivf! hciiid no oltjcctioii from iiny »|imrl(;r, iiiid from which Hij^iiiil liciielitH to the hcIiooIh hfivi; aliciuly rcHiiltcff. Kot only iH thitt proviHioii rcitaiiicfl in thi; School Act for liowcr rimudii, hut Clcigyin((n — lunl C!lcr|,'ymoti iiIomc— iiro tlH^n; anthoiizcd to Kclcct all tho Hcliool l)ookH rtdating to "ndi^ion and moral.s" for flus childnn of tlioir r('H]i(!ctiv(! jHTHuaHioiiH. I'.iit in UpiHir Canada, wlKin; th(! j^Tcat majority of thu pconlo und Cltir{,'y an; i'rottwtant, thts j)r(»viHion of tin; iircmmt Act aiitlior- iziiij^ Clf.r^^'ymon to act an School VinitorH (and that witnoul any jx^wor to interfere, in hcIiooI rej^'ulations or liookH^ in reiiealed. Under the new I'dll, the. MiniHtcirH of relij;ion (;(innr)t, therelore, visit the hcIiooIs an a matter of ri^^ht, or in their charact(!r as MiniHterH, hut as i)rivate individiialH, ami by the |)ermiHHion of the Uiaclier at his ]deaKnre. J'he ntpeal (d' the j'roviHiou under which Olerj^'ymen of the Heverul religions perHuaHioiiH have acted a« visitors, is, of course, a virtual condemnation of their acting in that capacity. When thus denuded liy law of his oflicial charact<;r in resjMct to the hcIiooIh, of course no ('lergyman would ho f/ir sanction his own legislative degradation as to go into a school l)y sullrance in an unministerial character. . . Th« cliaracter ami tendency of such a change in conmction with tlie l'rot(;stant religion of Upper Canada, in contrast with a directly opposite in connection with the; Iloman Catholic Ucligion of Lower Canada, provision must he obvious to (rvery reflecting nerson. To the Bclu)ol -visiting feature of the jiresent system I attacli great import- ance as a moans of ultimately concentrating in helialf of the schools the inlluence and sympatliies of all religious pcrsuasionH, and the leading men of the country. The duccesn f)f it, thus far, lias exceeded my most sanguine expectations ; the visits of Clergy alone during tlie last year being an average of more than five visits for each Clergyman in U[)per Canada. Froni such a beginning what may not bo anticipated in future years, wh(;n infor- mation shall become more general, and an interest in the schools nif)r(i generally excited. And who can estimate the bc^nefits, religiously, socially, educationally, and even politically, of Ministers of various religious persua- sions meeting together at (juarterly school examinatif^ns, and other occasions, on common and patriotic ground, and becoming interested and united in the great work «f advancing the education of the young. The last feature of the new Bill on which I will remark, is that which proscribes from the Schools all books containing " controverted th(;ological dogmas or doctrines." [Under a legal provision containing these words, the Bible has been ruled out of schools in the State of New York.] I floubt whether this provision of the Act harmonizes with the Chri.stian feelings of members of tne Government ; but it is needless to enquire what were the intentions which dictated this extraordinary provision, since con.stniction of an Act of Parliament depends upon the language of the Act itself, and not upon the intentions of its framers. The effect of such a provision is to exclude every kind of book containing religious truth, even every version of the Holy Scriptures themselves ; for the Protestant version of them C(jntain8 " theological doctrine" controverted by the Roman Catholic ; and the Douay version of them contains " theological dogmas " controverted by the Pro- testant. The " theological doctrine " of miracles in Paley's Evidences of Christianity is "controverted" by the disciples of Hume. Several of the "theological doctrines" in Paley's Moral Philosophy are also "controverted;" 42S THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LI. and indeed there is not a single doctrine of Christianity which is not con- troverted by some party or other. The whole series of Irish National Readers must be proscribed as containi 'ht bo a somewhat corres- pondinj:; unity of testiniony and teaching in religious principles and duties of common agreement among Protestants, being first most strongly impressed with its feasibility by the remarks of the late excellent Rev. A. Gale, who, when principal of Knox's Academy, on closing a public examination of the pupils, said that ho was persuaded, from his own experience, that all needful relioious teaching could bo given to pupils at schools without infringing upon any denominational peculiarity. I had long meditated, and at length sought to realize this grand idea in our public schools. One discordant note has interrupted the harmonj'. The responsibility of tho failure, if it is to be a failure, is not with me. I hope tho Protestant Christians of Canada will yet realize it, and that my country will yet enjoy the untold advantages of it, though I may die without the sight. CTTAPTER LIT. 1850-1053. The Clergy Reserve Qukstion Transferred to Canada. rpHR r(^-f)pcnin5 of the clorrry rcsorvo question by Bishop J_ Strachan, with a view to obtain relict' in the t(.'inporary distress mentioned in Chapter xlviii., proved to be a fatal step, HO far as his hopes for securing " better terms " were concerruid In the next year after lie had isstind his pastoral app(!al for lielp, the clergy reserve fund yielded an increase, " and an expectation of a gradual increase annually was o^Hcially ex- pressed." ("Secular State of the Church," page 11.) The Bishop's complaint against the Provincial Government (Cha[)ter xlviii., page •i7i)) was that its management of the clergy reserve lands was wasteful and extravagant. An effort was therefore made, in 1). Tho question thus brouf]fht before the Legislature, led to its bein<^ broujijlit before the people, until it became a subject of discussion in political meetings and election contests. Finally, in IiS'jO, the (jiovcrnment of the day secured the passage in the House of Assembly of an address to the Crown, praying for the repeal of the Imperial Clergy Reserve Act of 1840. In that address it is statetl thot — Durin;,' a lon^' period of yfirs, and in nine HucceFfiivc scsfsions of the Pro- vincial rarliiuuent, the representatives of the j)eople of Unpcr Canada, with an unanimity seldom exhibited in a delilieiative hody, declared their opposi- tion to relij,'iou8 endowments. , . The aihlress further pointed out tliat the wishes cf the people were thwarted hy the Legislative Council, a body con- taining a nuijority avowedly favourable to the ascendancy of the Church of Kngluud. That the Imperial Government, from time to time, invited tin- Provincial Parliament to legislate on the suliject of these reserves, disclaim- ing on the part of the Crown any desire for the superiority of one or more particular Churches ; that Your Majesty's Government, in declining to advise the Royal assent being given to a Bill, passed by a majority of one, for in- vesting the power of disposing of the reserves in the Imperial Parliament, admitted that from its inaccurate information as to the wiints and general opin- ions of society (in which the Imperial Parliament was unavoidably deficient), the question would be more satisfactorily settled by the Provincial Legisla- ture ; that subsequently to the withhohling of the Royal assent from the laat-mentioned Bill, the Imperial Parliament passed an Act disposing of the proceeds of the clergy reserves in a manner entirely contrary to the iormerlv repeatedly expressed wishes of the Upper Canadian people, as declared through their rej)rescntative8, and acknowledged as such in a message sent to the Provincial Parliament by command of Your Majesty's Royal piedecessor. That we are humbly of opinion that the legal or constitutional impedi- ments which stood in the way of provincial h'gislation on this subject should have been removed by an Act of the Imperial Parliament ; but that the ap- propriation of revenues derived from the investment of the proceeds of the public lands of Canada, by the Imperial Parliament, will never cease to be a source of discontent to Your Maj''«*' ' Imal s ibjects in this Province ; and that when all the circunistancf coniu wit i this question are taken into consideration, no reli'ji' ' omination can be hehl to have such vested interest in thereveii a .rom the i '■nceeds of the said clergy reserves, as should prevent fi legislation wit ►ference to the disposal of them ; but we are nevertliel of opinion that >ue claims of existing incumbents ehould be treated in tn. lost 1' 'oral manner ; and that the most liberal and equitaltle mode of settling th' long-agitated question, would be for the Im- perial lailiament to pass an Act providing that the stipends and allowances heretofore assigned and given to the clergy of the C irch of England and Scotland, or to anv other religious bodies or denomiii aions of Christians in Canada, and towliicli the faith of the Crown is pkilged, shall be secured during the ndurul lives or incumbencies of the i)artie8 now receiving the same . . . hubject to which provision the Provincial Parliament should be authorized to appropriate as, in its wisdom, it may tiiink proper, all revenues 1850-63] THE STORY 01'' MY LIFE. 43 o dorived from the prcpont invest iiuMitH, or from thoso to ho made lioronfter' whether Irom the procucils of future sales, or from iiiHtiiliucnts on tiiusu al- ready nmdn. A8 tho a|:]jitation proceeded, Bisliop Strachan and Dr. Ryorsnn a^ain bocamo involved in it. The Bishop took tho load, and addressed a letter to Lord John Kiisscll on the .sul)ject. J)r. Ryerson at once joined issue with the liishop, and prepared the following able rejoinder in reply to the Bishop's letter. He said : — The .statements of the Lord Bisliop of Toronto, in his letter to Lord John Uussell, datent votes. I repeat the* expression of my regret tliat the Bisliop shouM draw entirely upon Ins imagination for such statements, and that his feelings should prompt him to represent objections to his own particular views and pretensions as oppression and persecution of the Church of England. The next class of the Bishop's statements which 1 shall notice, relate to the conduct of the Imperial and Canadian Govern- ments towards the Church of England. Throughout his volunu- nous documents the Bishop represents the conduct of govcrn- n\ent, both Imperial and Colonial, as hostile to the Church of England ; and employs, in some instances, terms personally otiensive. The great question at issue is thus stated by the Bishop himself in his recent charge to his clergy : — In 1810, the law oilicers nf tlie Crown ^xava it as tlieir opinion that the words Protectant clorjjy onibrnccd also the ministers of tlie Church of Sootliinil, not as entitling; them to endowment in land, but as enablinfj; them ti^ ])articip;ite in the proceeils of the reserves, whether sold or leased. In 18:28, a st'lect conunittee of the House of Commons extended tlie construc- tion of the words Protestant clerijy to the teachers of all Protestant de- nominations ; and this interpretation, thoufjh considered very extraordinary at the time, was conliruied by the twelve judges in 1840. In his letter to Lord John Russell, the Bishop alludes to two of these decisions in terms peculiarly objectionable, while he omits all reference to the latter. He says ; — The Establislii>d Church of Scotland claimed a share of those lands, or the proceeds, as a National Church within the Empire; and in 1811), the Crown Liwyers made the discovery that it might be gratified, under tlie 37lh clause of the 31st of George 111., chap. 31. Next, the select committee of the House of Commons, in 18'28, on the Civil Government of Canada, influenced by the spurious liberality of the times, extended this opinion of the Crowu lawyers to any Protestant clergy. The Bishop thus impugns the impartiality and integrity of the opinions expressed by the law officers of the Crown in Eng- land, and by the select committee of the Hou.se of Commons, sarcastically calling the one a "discovery," and ascribing the lfir.0-53] Till': STORY OF MY fJFIi 430 oininons, otbor to "spurious llltoralifcy ;" wliil.i lu; dcf^larcs iliat the Act .'{ and 4 Victoria, elia])tisli()p employs lan^nia;,'e of this kind in respect to Acts of Parliainent and the ollicial oj)inioiis in ie«r,ird to their provisions, ho cannot reasonahly complain if othcir particH should respect them as little as hims(!lf, mn(;h less rcL'ard them as a "final settlcMnent" of a ([Uestion to which they have not been parties, and a^^ainst whicli they liave always protested. Un(U;r any circumstances, it is singular lant,'ua;fe to he einployed by a person towards a f^overnment by whose fostei'in*^ patronage he has beconu! enriched. The fact is, that IIk; successive (jc*ver- nors of UppcT Canada have been members of the Church of England; that tlie principal cause f)f thcjir un[)opuIarity, and the most serious dilUcultie.s whicli both the Imperial and local governments have had to encounter in the colony, have arisen from their efforts to secure as much for the Church of England, in the face of the po[)ular indignation and o[)[)osition, so much inflamed and stnMigthened by the irritating publications and extreme proceedings of the Bishop himself. It is understood that the report of the conunittee of the House (^f (Jommons on the civil government of Canada, in 1828, was writUai by Lord Stanley. However that may be, the .sentiments of that report on the clergy reserve question were strongly expressed by hi.s Lordship in his .speech on the subject, 2nd May, 1S28 ; and ho and the other distinguished men who investigated the subject at that time, know whether they were " influenced by a spuriou.s liberality" in the conclusion at which they arrived, or whether they were guided by a sense of justice, and yielded to the weight of testimony. At all events, the grave deci.sion of the twelve judges of England to the same ettect ought to have suggested to the Bishop other terms than those of "spurious liberality," ".spoliation," and "rol)bery," and to have protected not only the "powers that be," but the great majority of the Canadian people, from the shafts of his harsh imputation.s. Here I think it proper to correct the Bishop's repeated refer- erences to the origin and circumstances of the ditt'erences of opinion in Upper Canada, a.s to the import of the words " Pro- testant clergy," and the "right" of di.s.senting denominations" to participate in the benefit of the clergy reserves. He repre- .sents those differences as having originated with the clergy of 440 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. rCHAP. LII. the Kirk of Scotland, and that the idea that any other than the clergy of the Church of England had a right to participate in the benefit of the reserves was never entertained in Upper Canada until the friends of the Kirk of Scotland commenced the agitation of the question. So far from this representation being correct, it appears that the first submission of the question to the law ofiiceis of the Crown in England took place at the request of Sir P. Maitland, in reference, not to the clergy of the Kirk of Scotland, but to "all denominations" of Protestants — a question on which Sir P. Maitland, then Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, states in a despatch to Earl Bathurst, dated 17th May, 1819, that there was not only a " difierence of opinion " on the subject, but " a lively feeling throughout the Province." It appears that certain " Presbyterian inhabitants of the town of Niagara and its vicin- ity" (not at that time in connexion with the Church of Scot- lanted upon this Bill, only eight recorded their opinion in favour of the views expressed by the right reverend Prelate ; whilst in tlie Legislative Council the majority was still greater ; and amongst those who gave it their warmest support are to be found many gen- tlemen of the highest character for independence and for attaclimcnt to the Church, and whose views in general politics differ from those of Her Majesty's Government. After this epitome of references to the proceedings of the people of Upper Canada, through their representatives, from 1825 to 1840, on what the Bishop terms the "rights" and " patrimony " of the Church of England, it is needless to make 444 TIIH STOliY OF MY IJFK iCiiAi'. Lll nioiv t.lian oih> or two rciniirkH on lii.s HtatctiKMii.s n.s to tlic influ- v.xu'A' of till' union of the Canadus on the jii'oei'odin^.s and vot(^s of tlio lii'i^islative Asscinldy upon tlu; subject. My liist riMuark is, tliat the (|Ui'stioii ol" I he clergy i'i'S(>rvt'H liiis not liccn intro- duced into the present I.enishitive Assendily hy any iiiondtei', or at the solicitation oi" any nuMuher, i'roui Lower Canada. I rcnuirk, st'condly, tliat thou^'h tliert^ is not a llonian. C'atholic aniont; the t'orty-two nieni hers elected for Upper C'aiuida ; yet when a resolution was introduced into tlu. Assembly, both at the last and durinietendeo M] Tim HTOllY OF i»/F LIFK. 4i: If lUllll- 1(1 votes remark ■n iiitro- iiilici', or UK la. 1 L'aiholic L(la ; y(;t boili at k'.sinj to i, as i)i'()- i in the it — only Sliiiulil, MOW, the iiovv tlu^ r. Lat'on- rs of tiie Bishop's g the Pro- out of the e ri'iich of lid not bo wore iiii- J\)l which (litl not ito Hcciiied of tlio in- if it were ! aufTgested iclh'ction : find oppo- liiins. The rij^'lits to ineiiiiuTS niiU'k that, ■casiou for to protect 's state- t' Rotne, la. The Protes- ainst the ; Church nd oinits 1 enable derstand the part which lie has hiiiiHcIf taken in favour of ffrants to the (,'hurch of lloin(^ th(! niarnier in wlii(!h tiiose urunts are paid at th(! present time, iind the aliianct! whicjh Ik; has lon;^enrIc!ivi)Ure(|, and wonld still wish to form with that ('hnrch in r(!sp(!et to endowments. The Bishop says : — - la rppcr ('aimdii, Ihi' Ffdinan ('iilholic, rh'rj^'y do not, at prffent, cxwed Hevi'iity iM nmnl)cr, and tin; pidviMioii lor tlicir Hiipport Ih very nlciidcr. It dep('ii(ln cliirlly on tlinir (•iiHtoiiiary dii(!H, and th(! ciiriliiliutioiiH of Ihcir re.- Hpec.live ilocks ; imh'Hx, iinhriMl, tlify mccive aHniHtarn'i! from tlic; Frcneli piir- tiou of the I'roviiiec, where the reHoiincn of tlu; Uoniiwli Church are aljundant • Now, while the Hishop presents an ovt^rch-awn and startling picture (jf tint «!mohniients of tiit! (.'hin-ch of Home in liovver Canada, h(3 omits all stat(Mii(!iits oi' pul)lic L^rants an voles of Iml. livo iiifiiilMTs of Kc^islniivt* Asscinlily, in which ihcro anMipward.H of llfly I'loltvsl.'Uils. ||. is l.Mm<>n the Mishop iiiiiUiiitx sucli slaioincjits to ilaiMUot' and pidl down t.h«> (Mhicalional instit.ul.ions of not, utidt>r his dcnondnaiional oonlrol, and snhst'ivit'id, to his donoininalionid |)»n|>oM's, -a systtMU o\' .schools which ho has, fi'oni the coninM hiis ai;itafcd counlry jlu's(> many years. That I do the I'ishop no injuslici> in this slatcnicnt, 1 may rcmaik, that in his Iclier t») the Undcr-Secretaiy of Siate for tlu^ (.\)K)ni(>s, in I.S27, applyinjj^ for the so-nnu'h-ai;'it!iit>(l Charter of llie Provincial I'niversity. he stales his object to he, that the cl(>rj^y of the Church «)f l"i!iy;land in Upp»*r C.Miiada. may "acipiirc hy decrees the direction of education which the cler est.'ihiishnient of free constitutioni'd jjjovernment, have de- feated the pecidinr ol)j»>cts of the liishoj), he lahoins hy }j;ro .systtMu of puhlie instruction inio contempt. It is to he hoped that such otforts will he as imsucccssful in Kn_d hy the greater ])art of the "UMuhers of the (.'luuch of MiiLijland in both brajidu's of the Le.j^islature. Not a petition has been presented l>y nuMnbcrs of the Church of Kuglaiul ai^ainst the present system of imbTu, schools, e\C(M)t oi\e, adopted by a nieetiuijf presided over by ti>o Bi.shop, anil sii^ned by himself; and the liev> to one, concurred with the Letjislative Assen\bly and Adnnnistia- tiou in rci^ard to the clerj^y ies(>r\es and University. The Bishop's extreme policy and proceedings have been and are a great calamity to the Church of Kngland in Canada — a calan)ity which can only be mitigated and removed by the discountenance of such proceedings, and by the avioption of a more Christian and judicious policy on the part of members of tb j Church, both in England and in Canada. In reviewing the history of this question from 1840 until its tH\al settlement by the Canadian Parliament, in 1854, L)r. R}ersou said : — Messrs. William and Egcrtou Kyerson had been appointed representatives rtAT ITT, J8r.o r.:)] TlfE l^TOUY ()!<' MY LIFE. 4:)i > racl. is, inlicrH (tf s ol' iiriy MlKMltH to s of (.li»> liiiaiional I loses, -11 >ii*M>iii<>n(>, fli li(> lins i(> l'islio|> his Iclicr in IM27. I'rov infill I jry of ilu' ty (Ici^rccs limtl luivc \\)\y, since ,, have (K'- y jrrotuid- systcMn of ilnit s\U'\\ vc been in r(>s])on(h'(l !hurch of rt of the es of i\n^ embers of of publii, ver l>y ii'e Coiri'il m tvv. to Iministva- ity. The and are a a caUiniity )Uiitenanco C!hristian 3 Church, 1.0 until its 1854, Dr. prcsentatives of Il)(> r';m!il Sc(it.liitnl liflur*- I'ar- fianicnt ; iiml, hh irpirHi ntni)^ IIm- iar^v''''' i' IIoiihc rd' ('oniiMonH a^^ainul, llm Itill ; at. wliich lliw |j their conHt it nciicy, Hlionld jiroponi! to he hcatil at, tin-. l!ar of tlu; Itrii ■> )' lloiiHi' (if ( 'oinnioiiH af^'airiHl, ii nicMHnre of llcr MajcMty'n ((ovirnnie tiikcii, liiid ])ici)iii('(l llie jhmiiAc of Ciuuulii to cxpccl. tliiit no fuitluT drliiy would tiikc i)liu'(! m nici'tinj,' tlicir juHt wislics upou a (HUHliou i)f Rinii para- niouut inii»ortanco to tlii-ui ; the CouiumI, tlHUcfoiv, reconuucml that their (■()lli'at;\u>, tim lu«])eftor-(«i'iu'ral, In* ii'ipu-stcd l)y the Pr<)vinrial Secn'tai v to seek an iuti'iview with Her MaJcsly'H MiuiHtiTH, and ropreseut to thcui tho iujporlauco of carryiu}; out the plcdf^rs of thoir itrcdecesHorH on tlio Huhjoct of tho clergy reserveH, and tlm^ enn'ower the Colonial Lcginlature to deal with the question in accordance with the well-understood winhes of the people of Canada. The Derby ministry resigned ofllco in Dcceinber, 1852, and the Duke of Newcastle succeeded Sir John Pakington as Secretary of State for the Colonies. On the lotli January, IHoli, the Duke adressed a despatch to the Earl of Elgin announcing the decision of the new ministry to propose the repeal of the Imperial Act of 1840, which was sucessfully accomplished. After the passing of the Imperial \-. transferring the final settlement of the clergy reserve ques '.'-u to Canada, a coalition Government was formed by the aid of Sir Allan McNab, called the llincks-Morin Ministry. After protracted negotiation (with the beneticiarie:. under the Imperial Act) and discussion in the Legislature, a Bill was passed providing for the interests of these claimants, but " secularizing " the remaining proceeds of the reserves to municipal ptu-poses. This was the last of the Acts assented to by Lord Elgin previous to his departure from Canada. Sir Edmund Head, his successor, speaking on this subject, said : — An Act assented to by my predecessor has finally settled the long pending dispute with re<:;ard to the clergy ri!serves, and it has done so in such a mauuer as to vindicate liheral ])rinciples, whilst it treats the riyhts of indi- viduals with just and considerate rej^ard. Thus was a struggle of more than twenty-five years ended, equality before the law of all religious denominations esta- bished, and constitutional rights of the people of Upper Canada secured, to their great joy. But the Bishop of Toronto, whose policy and measures had caused so much agitation in Upper Canada, regarded this settlement of the clergy reserve question as an irreparable calamity to the Cluirch of England in Canada. On the IGth of March, 1853, the Bishop addressed a letter to the Duke of Newcastle, of which the following are extracts : — Power and violence are to determine the question ; vested rights and the claims of justice are impediments to be swept ravay. Hence the spoliation sought to be perpetrated by the Legislature of Canada has no parallel in i8r>o-r)3l THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 4o.'i coloiiiftl liistory. Even in tho midille of tho American Tlcvdlufion, the old coIouIhIh, in 1«S.')()-;"')1. Wliilo in London, (>aily in IS")!, Earl (Jrcy souijht Dr. Ryorson's counsel on tho clt'r<,'y icscrvo ((ucstion, wliicli bad hocu lately rcvoj)(>n(>«l in Canada. 'I'lic procriiulin^^s and result of the interviews which hit ha\n me.usure of 1810, against which I then ]>rotested. I am sure vtHi will be prepared to peiionn anv additional labour to enaljle me to I'ultil such a mis-siou, I trust that I will be iiialded to confer a benefit upon Canada. It la a gratifyuig position in which such a coucurrente of circuai- iHr. Tlir: STdHY OF MY LIFK. 4;'.') hIiiiicch will ]i1;i<'(' tiic, mill tiiy jxTaoiiiil 'luiriHtfi' aii'I liintoiv in ic;.i;nril 1" .'i (|iii'Htinii wliicli liiiH (Mij^iij^i'd HI) lai't^d (I |i(iitioii of my piiHt, lili' IIk' i^rdiiiid of nil liii« u|i|iuMitiiiii 1 IniMHTly imit, with Iroiri llm liOiiiluii Wrulcydii (Jmn- imlli'i' (iiiii ('i)iirciciirc. Verily Mien' iw ii (iuij tlntt, iiilcni ovir all MiiiiKH. tli;il, iiiiikcM (lie wnil.h arty, and it will ]terhapH make them more cautiouH than they might otlier- wi.sc lie in their HtalementH. Ah the niini.stiy in l']ngland continne firm, I hope, no effort will lie- wanting in (Janada to KUr, of coiirHo, thinks it wduM soon lie rarrii'il \\y a pri'MHiiit^ Ironi Canada, hucIi a.s tlio ioji!i"lioii of tlic liill l>v tlu' LukIm wniild probably cull foith. On tho 2.")(1» Ainil, Dr. RyciHou wrote: — Till' latt- (Minis lias inaili' no cliaiiL;!' in the iiilcntionH of tlie noviTiniicm, in ro},'anl to tlic clcrj^y icsimvi' <[iii'stiiin, < himhI voii a cupy of tli(> 'I'Iiiich of till' 2;tr(l instant, tin- day bcl'oii'. yi'stcnlay, in wliiih yon will me tlic lii.st of my jiapcrs on " Tlu- CU'ij^y [{i-scivi's of Cairida," Tlic Hccond and tliird will occupy a column and a half or two columns, cacli. 1 linislicd and banded in tlic remaining papi'is tliisnioiiiinj^. Ijom! (!rcy spoke to inc twice on the subject of writing somelliin^; for the pi< ss, and IVIi. Ilawcs, the last linns 1 saw liim, seemed to think the ibli would be lost in the House of jjords, but the (Joveniment would send out a despatcli to Canada Huyinj^ tliat the ipics- tion was not abandonod, but would W l>rou^ht forwanl a^ain the next Ses- nion. 1 liavt' tlKuij^ht this was a very poor consolation for the loss of the Hill, and that it was Itest to sci' what could be done. I have written Htron;;;ly, and with an express view to the House of bm-ds conliniiif^ myself wlndly to the (pu'stion of the vij^ht of the i)eo|>le of Canada to Juilt^e and do(;ide in the miittiT. What may be the elfect of these pai)erp, 1 cannot, of course, tell ; but if I-ord tJrey sliouhl be of opinion tint tlu' puiilication of them will supersede the necessity of my loiij^'er stay for thai purpose, I will leave us BOOH as possible —by the thinl week in May. I wrote fully to Dr. Ryerson on tliis subject, pointincj out the relation of parties in C-anada on this suhjoet, and deprec^at- injj; his takinj:; any further active i)art in the discussion which had become so heated in this country. On the 2nd May, Dr. Ryerson replied : — What you have communicated on the clergy reserve question lias chauKeil my mode of proceedinj^ in some respt cts ; and the second ami thinl articles 1 prepaivd for tlie J'njics will not appear as liist intended ; but I will explain by and by. 1 was at the great Exhibition yestenlay. Jt was the grandest of all <^rand affairs I ever witnessed. 1 had a jdace near the cciitie, within a few feet of the " Iren Duke," until he left to join the procession. On the Dth May, Dr. Ryerson wrote his final letter: — On reflection, and from what I found to be the relatioUH of parties in Can- ftda, and the turn the derj^'y reserve iiU".stion was likely to take, I came to the same ctuidusion you liave expressed in your last letter- not to coiiiu into collision with any party on the (piestion, beyond what is expres.sed in the short article in the Times newsjiaper -luvinely, that Canada should judfje for itself on the question. I have determined to furnish Lord Ci'ey with a memorandum of facts and princijiles on the (ine»*tion. 1 have seen Lord Grey and stated my wish not to remain lonf,'er, and not to be further mixed np witli the question— that I was now on j^ood terms with uU Dsirties— had thus <;reat facilities for nsefulntss — that i)arty a>,'itation in Canada was becoming violent— two extreme parties, unitii'g ai:iinst the Ministerial nieasuie. 1 told him that 1 would furnisli him with a niemoranduni, with aU the chief points of the (piestion lUi which he was likely to be opposed. He seemed to be disappointeil, but said if 1 thought my Department would .suffer by my longer absence, he would not insist upon my staying. I told him th it ali parties would approve of my staying lor the Great Exhibition, anil that 1 thought a memotandum, such as I wonhl prejiare on the question of the ckit reserve!?, would be as serviceable as uiy presence, etu 18M] 77//!,' STOIiY OF j\fy IJFI'l U7 MiaiOllANPlIM ON TIIK (!l,KllfJY IIkSKIIVF, QirFSTION. Tlic. following' 'iH tlu! iiiciiioraiwliifii wliic.h Dr. Ilyt-rsoii nrc- paic*! for Ijord (Wry on ilu; clfr^'y ntsorv*; i,sli(»|) of London, in u lat(! reply to tin; deputation of tin; itdiahitants of St. (leorf^ciH, IIanov((r Scpian*, tliat "there i.s no kind of intctstine division so injurious in its cliaiac.ter and t(!ndeney as that which is ^rounchid on religious (piestionH;" and linrdy helievin^, as I d secondly, that whatever legislation might take place on the subject should be in harmony with the wislies of tlie Canadian people. The Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic, ch. 78, deprives the Canadian people of that right of legislation which they had possessed for forty years, and does violence to their wishes and opinions in the disposal which it makes of the revenues of the lands in question. Now the rights of the people of Canada on this subject were explicitly stated by the late Sir George Murray in 1828, by the Earl of Ilipon in 1832, by His late ilost Gracious Majesty in a message to the Legislature of Upper Canada in 1833, and by Lord Glenelg in 1835 and 183G. I give a sunmiary of the whole in the words of Lord Glenelg, in a despatch to tlie Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, dated December 5, 1835, in reply to an attempt on the part of the latter to induce Imperial legislation on the sulyoct. Lord Glenelg says, in behalf of the Imperial Government, that Parlianieutiiry Icj^islulion on any snlyect of exclusively internal concein, in a Briti.sh colony possessing a representative assembly, is as a general rule unconstitutional. It is a right of which the exercise is reserved for extreme cases, in which necessity at once creates and justifies the exception. After showing that no necessity existed for setting aside the constitutional rights nf the Canadian people, Lord Glenelg expresses himself in the following language of enlightened poli- tical philosophy : — It is not difficult to perceive the reasons which induced Parliament, in 1791, to connect with ••■. rescvation of land for ecclesiastical purposes, the special delegation to ihe Council and Assembly of the right to vary that provision by any BiU which, being reserved for the signification of Ilis Majesty's pleasure, should be communicated to both Houses of Parliament foi' si.K weeks before that decision was pronouniod. Piemembering, it should seem, how fertile a source of controversy ecclesiastical endowments had sup- plied throughout a large part of the Christian world, and how in)possible it was to foretell with precision what might be the prevailing opinions and feelings of the Canadians on this subject at a future period, Parliament at once secured the means of making a systematic provision for a Protestant clergy, and took full precaution against the eventual inaptitude of that 4G0 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIII. V . ill' ' . i !■ ' " I ■ system to the more advanced fitni,'e8 of a society then in its infant state, and of which no human foresight couhl divine the more niftture and settled judf^ment. In the controversy, tliercfore, respecting ecclesiastical endowments, which at present divides the Canadian Le<,'islature, I find no unexpected element of ajjitation, the discovery of which demands a departure from the fixed princi- ples ot the constitution, hut merely the fulfilment of the anticipations of the Parliament of 1791, in the exhibition of that confiict of opinion for which the statute of that year may he m'u\ to have made a deliberate prep.uation. In relerring the subject to the future Canadian Lej^isluture, the authors of the Constitutional Act must be supposed to have contem])laied the crisis at which we have now arrived — the era of warm and protracted tlebate, which, in a free government, niav be said to be a necessary precursor to the si'ttle- ment of any great principle of national policy. We must not have recourse to an extreme remedy, merely to avoid the embarr: Queen, a copy of which is herewith annexed, together with the majorities by which each of the thirty-one clauses of the Address was separately voted. It will be seen that the first twenty-three clauses of the Address were carried by a majority of 52 to 18; the 24th clause by 51 to 20; the 2Gth clause by 48 to 19 ; the 27th and 28th clauses by 47 to 20 ; the 29th clause by 36 to 34 ; the 30th clause by 40 to 28 ; the 31st clause, containing the prayer of the Address, by 45 to 23. The only clause of the Address, therefore, in favour of which the majority of the Assembly was not large and decided, was the 29th ; and in a vote to Lhat clause, I have shown that the smallness of the majority \/as occasioned by objections to dif- ferent parts of the clause upon quite opposite grounds, of three classes of members — the sixteen supporters of the present pre- eminence of the Churches of England and Scotland, a section 18511 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 403" .ws were of the Roman Catholic members, and what in Eiif^lancl would be called the extreme dissenters. In the vote referred to, I have explained the ground of the opposition to this clause by each of those three classes of members. It will be seen that the 29th clause is rather speculative than practical, and does not affect the character and completeness of the Address, every other clause of which was carried by a large majority. It is, however, curious to remark, that while tlio supporters of the present exclusive privileges of the Churches of England and Scotland are indebted to the assistance of Roman Catholic members for the only vote in which the minority was large ; 3'et in England some of these same parties represent the Address as having been carried chiefly by Roman Catholic votes, with a view of destroying all Protestant institutions in Canada. 7. No enlightened and candid person can look at the religious history and social state of Canada and desire the perpetuation of the Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic, ch. 78. It is now quite sixty years since Upper Canada was formed into a province with a representative government. Its population was then 7,000 souls ; it is now about 700,000. During the first and most eventful half of that sixty years, the ministrations of the Churches of England and Scotland can scarcely be said to have had an existence there. The present Bishop of Toronto, in a discourse published on the occasion of the death of the first Canadian Bishop of the Church of England, states that down to the close of the war between Great Britain and the United States in 1815, there were but four resident clergymen or mis- sionaries of the Church of England in all Upper Canada — a statement which is confirmed by the annual reports of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ; and the same reports will show how few were the clergy of the Church of England in that province down to a recent period. We learn from the same authority, that till 1818 there was but one clergyman of the Church of Scotland in Upper Canada, and that in 1827 there were but two. It is, therefore, clear that during the first half of its sixty years' existence as a province, Upper Canada must have been indebted almost en- tirely to other than clergy of the Churches of England and Scotland for religious instruction ; yet during that thirty years, it is admitted that the people of Upper Canada were a religious, an intelligent, and loyal people. To whom the people of that province were mainly indebted for their religious instruction, and for the formation and development of their religious char- acter, appears in a report of a Select Committee of the Upper Canada House of Assembly, appointed in 1828, on the religious ^84 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIII. condition of the country, and before which fifty witnesses, chiefly nicmbei s of the Church of England, were examined. I quote the following words from the report of that Committee, (which was adopted by the Assembly by a majority of 22 to 8), a report which was partly prepared in reference to a letter addressed by the present Bishop of Toronto to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1827: — The insinuations (says the report) in the letter np^ainst the Methodist clei-gyiiien, the ci)nimittee have noticed with peculiar rejjret. To the dis- interested find indefatigable exertions of these pious men this province owes much. At an eaily period of its history, when it was thinly settled, and destitute of all other means of religious instruction, these ministers of the Gospel, animated by Christian zeal and benevolence, at the sacrifice of health, and interest, and comfort, carried among the people the bles:iings, and consolations, and sanctions of our holy religion. Their influence and instruction have been conducive in a degree wTiich cannot be easily esti- mated, to the reformation of the vicious and to the ditfusion of correct morals, the foundation of all sound loyalty and social order. This religious body has now 180 regular ministers in Upper Canada, about 1,100 churches and preaching places, and em- braces in its congregations one-seventh of the population.* Yet this oldest religious community in Upper Canada, together with the Free Presbyterian Church of Canada, the United Presby- terian Church, the Baptists and Congregationalists, are treated as nobody by the Imperial Act, while the more modern Churches of England and Scotland are exclusively endowed, and that by setting aside legislative rights which the Constitution of 1791 had conferred upon the people of Upper Canada ! In Great Britain the Established Churches are associated with the early and brightest periods of British history, and are blended with all the influences which distinguish and exalt British character ; but the feelings and predilections arising from such reminis- cences and associations are not the proper rule of judgment as to the feelings, predilections and institutions of Canadian society. As Englishmen best know their own feelings and wants, and claim and exercise the sole right of judging and legislating for themselves ; so do the people of Canada best know their own wishes and interests, and ought to judge and legislate for them- selves in all local matters which do not infringe any imperial prerogative. No Englishman can refuse this who wishes to do to others as he would have others do to him. 8. But it should also be observed, that down to the passing of the Imperial Act of 1840, the influence of the Church of Scotland itself was adverse to any such act of partiality and injustice, and in favour of applying the proceeds of the clergy reserves even to educational as well as religious purposes. The • Since the foregoing was written, it has been ascertained that the Wesleyan Methodists number 142,000, or more than ouo-fiftb of the entire population (18u0). KV. LIII. 1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 4g:> itncsses, ined. I nmittce, 22 to 8), a letter [ajesty's Methodist a the dis- rince owes ittled, and ;era ol" the iicrifice of blesdinRS, uence and lasily esti- of correct n Upper and cm- m* Yet iher with [ Presby- e treated Churches I that by of 1791 In Great Ithe early ded with Iharacter ; reminis- lent as to society, [ants, and lating for Iheir own If or them- iniperial thes to do [e passing; llhurch of ality and ,he clergy ises. The le Wesleyan Ition (1850). discussion of this question was first introduced into the Legis- lative Assembly of Upper Canada in 1823, by the Hon. William Morris — a gentleman of great respectability, and who has always been regarded and acknowledged as the guardian of the interests, and representative of the sentiments, of the Church of Scotland. December 22nd, 1 820, Mr. Morris moved a series of resolutions on this subject, of which the following are the 9th and 10th : 9. Resolved, — That it is the opinion of a great proportion of the people of this Province that the clerj^'y lands, in place of beinj,' enjoyed by the clerj^y of an inconsiderable part ot the ])opulation, ought to be (lisposed of, and the proceeds of their sale applied to increase the provincial allowance for the Hupport of district and connnon schools, and the endowment of a provincial seminary for learning, and in aid of erecting places of public worship for all denominations of Christians. [Carried by a majority of 31 to 2.] 10. Resolved,- That it is ex{)edient to pass a Bill, authorizing the sale ol the clergy lands within this Province, for the purposes set forth in the fore- going resolution; and to aul(l no )wer to eslcyan ms, and i rights urcli of cli I am irul and liold the idations, . I ,i>- Ions and approve, 1 would ons and and will, ,itudo in sto, and hall and )f Christ, innot bo velation, attend, neans of or oiHce, jtings, in lould be ,nnot say or right, d of the yran doc- support and who ho, from is, cannot es of the iflft-t-rifil TifE sTciiY OF ^fy i.irn 47.'i olnHs-mooting. I have mot and sympatlii/jil with many who hav»> Hou^^ht to reconcih! tlioir views and feelings to tin; \>vr- soual speakings and connnunication.s of clasH-ineetin^'s, 'but wlm could not succct.'d ; and not bein^ allowccl otlu-rwise to enjoy th(! privil(^i;es of infMubcrHhip in tlui Wesloyan ('hurch, wen; eLlii;,'s of (Christian fciilowship, in which the early Christians edilieil one another, are appropriately adduces! as the. ('xemplurs of Wesleyan love-feasts — that voluntary and useful nu-'ans of reli;^'i()us edilication. IJut it is remarkable; that a person may neithftr attend love-feast uoi- the Lord's Supper, uud yet rt.'tain his mismbership in ♦!•« Wesh'yan (Jhurch, whih; he is excluded from it if he does not . . ' end class ineetini;, thou;^di he may uttcaid both the Lord's Supp' ^ and hjve-feast, as well as tin; j)reuchin;.j of the word and meetings for prcver. Nay, I find in the latter part of th(! sec* ' .i of our l>i ipline on "(Jlass Meetings," that the minister in charg (-i a circuit is required to exclude nil "those memb(!rs of li ■ Church who wilfully and repfjatedly neglocf" to meet tneii class," but to state at the time of their exclusion, "that tlwy are laid aside for a l)reach of our rules of Discipline, and )iot for immoral conduct." 1 know of no S(;ri[)- tural authority to exclude any per.>»or f'- >m tlie Church of ' 'brist on (;arth, except for that wliich would exclude him from tiio kingdom of glory, namely, * immoral conduct." But here is an expre.ss requirement for the exclusion of per.sons from the \V(!S- Icyan Church for that wliich it is admitted is not " iirunoral conduct," namely, neglect of cla.s.s-meeting. This is certainly going beyond Scriptural authority and example. I have said that I do not regard as Wesieyan, or having tliC sanction of Mr. Wesley, the making attendance at class-meeting an essential condition of membership in the Church of Chri i;. Mr. Wesley declared that the sole object of his labours was, not to form a new sect, but to revive religion in the Church and in the nation ; that each class was a voluntary society in the Church, but was no more a separate Church organi/,ation than a Bible Society, or Temperance Society, or Young Men's Chris- tian Association, is a separate Cimrch organization. Nor did Mr. Wesley regard the admission of per.sons into, or exclusion from, any one of his . societies as aflPecting, in the slightest de- gree, such person's Church membsr.ship. Nay, Mr. Wesley insisted that all who joined his societies, in addition to attend- ing class-meeting, and the ministrati ins of his preachers, should regularly attend the services and sacraments of the Church of England. In his sermon " On Attending Church Service," Mr. mgsSSnatasaf 474 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIV. Wesley says, " it was one of our original rules, that every member of our society should attend the church and sacrament, unless hfe he had been bred among Christians of another denom- ination." In his Tract, entitled " Principles of a Methodist Further Explained," (written in reply to the Rev. Mr. Church,) Mr. Wesley says : — The United Society wa3 originally so called, because it consisted of several smaller societies united together. \Vhen any member of these, or of the United Society, are proved to live in known sin, we then mark and avoid them ; we separate our.it<)>)iii!! «> III lli<'(i«>l Hill iiilitnl'i iiio rii|Hilil« til initltlii(! ii i'it\i t>vitii)tt>lii III I'livi'iiiinl 'I'llli I'll'il'itii III Million'^ llltil rnlMIMiill ll'ilMiMI ill lllltllll itiil |i|iiVli llllll ImIiiIiIm ntiM (Mil I' I llllll II rii\ I'liiiiil, II II) I iiiiiv III! I llllll II 1 1 liv 11 nil I III I' I II llllll III liy III lii'in til llioii iiiiiiiK, llllll ii'i'ulvo iiiImiiiIii|;i> Iiv IIh hi IIiiI \vi' liinn mIiiiiiimii |iiiiiir lliiili lliui, I'M'ii (IiiiI'm own wniil " \<' iiliiiiil IIiIm liny III! ii| ynii lii Imoi, mill llio nlimi|(i>i', llllll limn mIhhiIiIhI iiilm lulu nivi'iniiil wIIIi llm l.iiiil lli> Unil" Poiil x\i\ 10 \\\ Nmv.lliiit wmilil iumi'I Ihivk niiiiln ii I'lUi'iimil «\illi IiIIIk I'liililii'ii, 11 llinv liml iinl lii Ili'lni'W wniil |i|ii|ii Mill!, im llioy wiin nl nM, ulili^i'il In |ii\liini\ wllill lIli'V mo lint ril|iilli|i< nl |iin In) llllll|i III, lIlK llliin nl Hull I'lilniilli; mill llllll nlitiiMlllnIi Tlio iiiIiiiiIm nl lii'liKVi'iH, llii' Inin rliililimi nl rnllliliil A Iniiliiiiii, iilwiivit Wi>\i' ninli'i till' «lnii|ii>l I'liMMimil, 'I'lmy vm-H' iin Imliil In II, liny linil ii ii);lil (O U. lUlil In llll< nmil nl II ; lin mi llllmil lli'll' IiiIm n lifilil In IiIm imIiiIk, |linii)rli In* omiiiol V'l Imvo iii'liml iinumMninn \'nl. n,, Mii|,ll>i|i Millllmi, |i|i. |ti:(, nil. \ nl \\, Ami'lliilll I'lilllinii, |i|i. Id, 17. A>;iviu, Mr Wivilny'fi lliiiil nt'^rnnioiil. om Hum MiilijtM'l, Im mo «'li>ivr. MO loiiii;. iiuil mo ciiiit'liiMivi*. (Iini I will (|iio|.o il, wil.ii- 0\jt lilvViilf'^OIUl'Hl , IIM I'olloWH II' iolmilH nil^;lll tn oniiiK In (Mirinl, IT lliny mn rii|iiili|i> nl Miliiiliiiilnii Inln tl\o (Mint-i'h nl' (iml, ttiitl i'ni)noi|iiinilly nl' nniiMiiii mih imiimiliil iliiliriilinii In Www, llinll tlii<\ m'i> innpnv Mlllijoi'lii III li|l|i|iit||l. Ilill ililmilii iiin i'ii|iiili|ii III' <'ntl\Ulf; Int'luinl, nl ilillill'iiiiMi iiiln ||ii< ( 'liiiivli, mill Miiji'lilll ili'ilii III Jmi In ( Iml. Tlnil iiiliinlH niiojil tn tniiir In (Mirint, ii|i|ii>iirM Iniiii Iiim myii wniilii : " 'I'liry l>iM\u;l\t lllllo I'lulilitMi tn CliriKl, mnl llin ilim ipliMi nlniKi'il lliniii. Ami .loftiiH oKiil, SiilliM' liltlo rliililroii In oniiin iiiiln iiin, mnl Inililil llnnn iml. ; Im nl' nlirll is ltii> Kiii);)|niil nl Ili'ikViMI." Mull. \i\. Ill, It, ,SI.. iiliKn i'vv*u^l\l tn liim ; u't ho H\»M, " Sullnr tlinm In cnmn iiiiln inn : " Mn lillln, t.jiiil, \\o "tonk (hotn u|» \\\ l'.i« i\rnm;" y<'l lio ii'lmkoH IIhimo \ylin wmilil luivn biiiilovod thoir inwiin^ tn llini. Atui IiIm iniitinmnl roii|ioi'loil tlin liilnin iiii woll U!« tl\o |>nvioul. 'rhoi'ol'niti IIIm iliNi'i|iloii nr iiiiiiiMlorN mo utill In HiiU'or u>tiii\trt tn onino, lli:\l i I, In l>o lirniif-lit, initn (Mirinl. lliil. t.lioy rmiiinl. iinw ootno tn Unn, iiiiloM.s l>y lioitij.,' Innui.'lil iiiln tlio Cliiiri'li; wliioli rmiiint, Im but by lv«'|»t\! liko IIioho iiirmilH. l''nr if llioy llioiii- solvos wiMV »nt tit to bo sulijiits nl' that kinmlnm, linw cniiM nllioiH lio ho, boi!»»iso thvoro liko tlioiu / InrmilM, tliorolnio, mo caimlilo nl" lining !uh>\itlO(l vMtn tho vMnuvh, mnl Imvo ii lij^lit. Miorotn. lOvoii uiiilor Mio (Md TostanuMit tl>oy woiv ndmittotl inln it by ciroMiiioiHinii. Ami aw w«i Hn|i|iiiHO tboy iux' it\ !\ wnrso onuilitinii \iiulor Ilio (^mpol, tlimi tlicy worn umlcr tlio law J iu\il tluit n\ii' l.nnl \vniilil t«ko luviiv any ])iivilo(;o wliicli tlioy llicii »M\jovo>l. IntiUits nuvjlit \o ooino tn (Mirirtt, aiul no man nii^lil, In Inrbid thorn. 'I'hoy mv oa^viblo nl' ailuiission into tho CMiuroh ol' (hid. Thorcrnn^ thoy «u' ]>ropor subjtols of bajitisni. Vol. x., KngliHh Kditinn, pp. Ii).'), llitl. Vol. vi.. Amoriian Kdition, pp. 17, 18. Upot\ tho.so Wosloyjvn an»l Scri|)t.tiral pfrotiiids, T htiliovo tlmt iho proniiso atul pvivilogo.s of momhor.ship in tho Clmi'ch belong to tho bapti/.od ohiUlren of our people as well jih to their parents; iMni r.ril Tim: tmmv of /i/v i.ui'ic,. 4>'.rj Mini. Ilin |iM,i»'nf.ii lin,v<< m, (i|rlil, \,i, clrihri (Jd'i rcl/illofinliiji nuA Hm piivili'in'M I'm lJiii|»M/i'»| \,y t,\\r »nifiiM(,ry rir«i in Mio »ri'/'!», |)ll il'iil Mliil ilf'jMdfliiii^ Mli/,;i»ii('i ii'i'iiljofi ol' Mic, yi.iil.li i,S nny < !|iill»'|i MinJ. ii'n»|Mii/i »i l.lio (|r im»(, In Iwijdj/,/ inhuif,*! nl, nil, or i'«(iitin*^idn (,<» l,ri,l<^ (JiMri i.n iilinr «'liMr»'fM"i tni Iiii|iUmiii, Udim l.liiiu l.(i l,i( 11,1, Uk' f'l" liri{Mi rtf iiicli jwircfil, t, /iri'l >,/( li'j(»ii',l,r(t.l,ioniil liow niiiriy I'n Mtonnanfl moro of (,liwl ni)i.l<(i », ' 'lifiMMfiri liciirl, Idfcd l,o Miink Mm.l, our \iii^n':t imuiuMt-, of irmniltrrM, /w.ronlin^r f,o rrl.orna ov, frorrj tfm, iiM'.r«'iiH whom Im Hucc.'tHHfully pr»;fu;li';(; iiin/U: tlioir utato, and «liiti<\H, and j»rivil«;j.^';M, »tH Lapti/<;d m';njh<;rH of tlnj (jliurcli of (Jlirist, tlio j^roundH of hin ay;[;;iH. lint I will not r;nlarg';. I will only add, that an in formf;r yoarH, 1, with otliCTH, maintain*;d what wa U;li*:v<:d t/> }>*; ihf, rijjjlitH of (Janada and of our (Jana'lian Clmrch afjainnt \ir<-X*:u- Hions which liavo lon^Hinco hcon withdrawn, and th': '^rron'rouH information and irnproHHion.s fyjnn<;ctod with which }iav<: lonjj sinco been removed ; ho, I now feel it my duty i/t do what I can to Hccuro and maintain t}io Hcripttiral and Wesleyan ri^^hU of members of our Church again.st the exercise of ministerial iHi Tifi'i stoi:y of AM' iJin:. [On A p. 1,1 V. jmlhorily wliicli Iwis no wiirnmi in Scri|>liir(> nor in tho writ.lMjj;.s ol' Mr. WchK'v ; unil I IVt*! iny.scH" H|HMUiilly ("iillcd upon hy my position in r«<.sprct to tlio yoiiMi ol' i\\o couiilJ'y, its wrll us liy \\\y Nlron^ oonviclioHN, to i'luiin iiml insiHl, upon tin* Scripl.iiral nnti \Vt'.s|««yn.n ri;^li(.H ol' cliurcli iii(>nilit>f.sliip in Itcliall' ol' tlio niiiny (liousatidst)!' cliiliii'i'ti linpti/tMJ Ity our niini.sl.iy iM'lit'vin;^ upon i)otli Scriptinul anti Wcslryun f^ror.nds, it in iluu to hucIi (>liil(lr(>n anti to tlioir panMtts. I liavii no oltjirt in view, licyond what i.s uvowimI in tliis oorri'spondi'tu'd. If I liavt> had any p(M'HonM.I and»il.ion, it lias IxH'ii nioru than satislicd lioth in i\w C!hun-luind in tiu^ country at laii^o. I havi^ nothinj^ \\\ovk\ to N(M'k or di'sirc, than to cm- ploy th(^ short anat cducatioiuil system in which I am ('n;;a<^('d, and to s(>cur(< to all uuMuhcrs of our ('hurch, and to all ixtrcnts and children Itapti/.cd into it, what I am pcrsuad rij^hts and privilc^M's. 1 am satislicd that Scriptural ajid \Vcsli>yan truth will, as hcrctol'orc, prevail, jviul that the C'on- iVrence and the (-hurch will yet rejoice in it, however it nuiy, tor the niouuMit, he clouded hy error ajxl misrepriisent.ation, or imj>eded by personal l"colinj;;s, groundless fears, or mistaken prejudice. ()\\ the l.'Uh ihnu) Dr. Hyerson nuvdo a retpiest to tlio Confer- c!\co that the docunu'iits coniUH'ted with his resigiuition he published in the (huirdian. llo said : — I 'vish tlio I'lnuvh to know tlio rciiHouH which have innuonciMl mo on tliis ocrasioii ospi'fially aa 1 hi'liovo tlu'iii to \w botli VVi'sU'yaii ami Srri|itiu'al. As 1 have tor tliirty ycaiH cimtiiliulcd to all tlio I'iukIh of tho itrcacliorH and riuuvh, without roroiviiifj; or i-xiu'ctiiij; to roi'i'ivo ii t'arlhiii(,' IVoiii tlicm, luxl liMm thi' ju'iioil ami kimls of lalioiurt 1 liavo lu'ri'ornu'il in tho CIhmtIi, and from my wish to livo in connexion with it, 1 think my IcttcvH of ritHii^nation ini,i,'ht at least not bo withliclil from tho nionilicia of our Oiiurch. If any oxj^onsc attend tho publication of tho correspondcnco between us, I will »letiay every farthing of it, » I (io not think unv other member of the Conlerencc' is called upon to do as 1 have done — my circumstances beiuj,' peculiar. But 1 do not wish to bo wron_t;ed and blackened by nii8rej)re,sentations ; I only desire that my bretli- ren and old friends through the land may be permitted and enableil to read my own veaaoua iind viowa on thia tho last occasion of my olllcial intercourse with them.* • I have understood, nevertheless, that a resolution was adopted exprrssin^ tho sense if tho Couforence as to my jnist labours in tho Church ; but tho publication of it has bi>eu supprejisod in the otUcial orgau, as also iu the printed minutes, of the Conference. Thtj oonespondenco in the subsequent papes shows with what feelings and senti- ments I retired from the councils of the Conference ; and I could not have supposed that any members of that body were capable of excludiup; from tho public records of its proceedings what the Coul'ercuco had deemed a bare act of justice to au iRnt nn] Tin'! STOliY OF MY iJi<'i-:. 485 TIiIm r('»|ii('Hl, w/iM fliTiic'1, MO iliaf, T)r. Tlycrson piililiiliod tho nH who may tako diU'erciiit views of it The (|U(!.stion Im as to whcither, on the VVcisleyan (/onl'erenco assiiinin;^' the jtosition and lunetions of a distinct and indepi^ndent ( 'liureh, a eondition ai' iiiemher- ship has not hoen imposed whicli is a (h^parture I'rr/tn the prin- ciples of Mr. VVeshiy and the doctrine an»l ytraeticc; r>f tlic Apostolic anfl Primitive (Church — a conditir)ii wliich i^'iiores the church relation, lif^dits and privileges of tin; haptized children of the Wesleyan body, arul <.'xcludes thousands from its mem- bership upon unscriptural and un- Wesleyan ^'rounds. It will 1)0 seen by an extract on paf,'e 20, that Mr. \VeHle3''s disciplinary object in f,dvin^ quarterly tickets was, "to sejiarate the [ir«:ciouH from the vile," "to remove any disorderly member;" })ut in vain have I sou^'ht for an instance of Mr. W<;sley ever exclud- injj, even from his private societies in a (Jliurch,an uprif^ditand orderly niemb(!r for mere non-attondanco at class-meetinfj. That, iiowevcr, he rni^ht liave consistently done in a society in a Church, if he had thouj^ht it expedient to -lo so, as it would not have aU'ected the meniVjcrship of any parties in tlie (Jhurch individual who had lahourcd nearly thirty yfnr.s in connection with it, and oftf-n jii'rfoinuMl most dillicult scrvictsand laljoiirH in it.s liciialf. Sucli a pto^'^cdinj; will rcllcct more disiionour ui'on it.s authors than u|)on me, in tiie judgment of every honoura))l(! inid t'hiistiun minil in Upii'T Canada, of whatever perHuasion or {/arty. I am iiajipy to believe that this poor imitation of the system of the " Index Kx- pur{^at()iius" cannot hlot from the memnries of an older f,'eneration in the Ch'ireh recollections of lahourH and strngf^Ies ot whiih the expur;,'atorH know nothing but the friiils— among which are the civil and religious i)rivilege8 they ei joy. 1 have also been credibly informed that, while the real grounds of my resignation and the judgment of the Conference upon my condiu;t and labours during many years' eonnectinu with it, are witlih(dd from the Wesleyan public, insinuations are circuhiti'd, that my resignation has lie(-n dictated by ulterior jiolitical o^jel:ts — an idea which I have never for one moment entertainetl, and wiiicfa is loreign, ass far as I ku .w, tj the thoughts of every public man in Canada. 4S0 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIV. to wliich they bolontjod. Tho tliroo pararjraphs of onr Discip- line, containiniif three sentences aj^ainst wliich I protest, had no f)laco in tho Minutes of Conference linally revised and printed )y Mr. Wesley in tho year of his death ; nor do tlu^v exist in the Minutes of tho British Conference to this day. troni what is therefore modern and unauthorized hy Scripture, by tho practice of tho Priniitivo Church, or hy Mr. Wesley, I go hack to first principles, and say, as did Mr. Wesley to l3r. Coke and Mr. Asbury, when he sent them to orj^anizo tho Societies in America into a Church, let us "simply follow the Scriptures and the Primitive Church." It is often said that " nobody objects to attending class- meeting except those who have no religion." Persons who thus judge of others show more of tho Pharisaical, than of the Chris- tian, spirit, and evince but little of the " wisdom that cometh from above" in thus " measuring others by themselves." Tho following correspondence show that I am second to none in my appreciation of tho value and usefulness of class-nicetings ; but 1 have had too much experience not to know, that tho best talkers in a class-meeting are not always tho best livers in the world ; and I attach less importance to what a per.son may say of himself in a cla.ss-meeting, than to uprightness in his deal- ings, integrity in his word, meekness in his temper, charity in his spirit, liberality in his contributions, blamelessness in his life. Doings, rathei* than saj'ings, aro the rule of Divine judg- ment. . . It may not be improper for me to observe, that there aio ministers who loudly advocate attendance at class-meeting as a Church-law, and yet do not observe that law themselves perhaps once a year, much less habitually, as they insist in respect to private members ; and tho most strenuous of such advocates pay no heed to the equally positive prohibitions and requirements of the discipline in several other respects, especially in regard to band -meetings, which were designed, as the Discipline ex- pressly states, " to obey that command of God, ' confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed.'" I am far from intimating, or believing, that there are many advocates of class-meeting tests of this description. But history shows, from our Lord to the present time, that the most vehement advocates for the " mint, annise and cummin " of particular tests and forms, are not proportionably zealous for the " weightier matters of the law." It is easier for men to impose and enforce law upon others than to observe it them- selves. But when a man's words and actions contradict each other, the argument of his actions is the more forcible, as well as the more honest and sincere. 185.1-5S] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 487 It has likowlso lioon allofjod, that if attonflanco at olas.s-tnnotinpf 1)0 not tnado uchur(*h-law, and i\w capital ptinislinicnt of (;.\)>ul- hion bo not attachi'd to its violation, ciasM-niootin^^'s will I'all into disuso. I answer, this is li<;sido tho (juostion. Tlio (jixstion is, wlicthor thero is such a law in tlio JJihIo ? Has our liord or His Apostles ^dvon authority to any conclave or conlfn^nco to make such a law ? Our Lord and tho Apostles kn(!W hotter tlian their f'ollovvisrs what was (;sHentiaI to niendtership in tlio Christian Church, as well as what was (jssential to its existenco and prosperity. I may also ohsorvt, that if the existenco of class-jiiootin;,'s cannot bo maintained except by th(! t(;rror of tho scorpion-wliip, or rather executioner's sword, of «!Xpul.si(in from the church, it says little for them as a privilc;,'*;, or place of deli<,ditful and joyous resort. My own convicticm is, that if class-mcetin<^s, like love-feasts, were maintained and recom- mended as a privilege and useful means of reli<^dous edificati(;n, and not as a law, tho observance of which is necessary to membership in the visible Church of Christ, but made v(jlun- tary, like joininj^ tho Missionary Society, class-moetin^'s would be more elHcient and useful than they are now, and attendance at them would bo ntore cordial and profitable, if not as, or even more, general. But what might be or not bo in any supposed case, is foreign to a question as to what is enjoined in tho law and testimony of tho Holy Scriptures as essential to disciple • ship with Christ. It is well known that meeting in class, by a large portion of the members of the Wesleyan Church, is very irregular — that their absence from class-meeting is the general rule of their practice, and their attendance the exception. Yet such persons are not excluded, as it would involve the expulsion of tho greater part of the members of the body, including several of its min- isters. It is, therefore, so much the more objectionable, and so much the more wrong, to have a rule which ignores at one sweep the membership of all the baptized children of the body, which sends and keeps away the conscientious and straight- forward, who would not think of joining a religious com- munity without intending habitually to observe all its rules, and yet, after all, habitually disregarded by a large portion of both preachers and people, and is made, as far as my observa- tion goes, an instrument of gratifying individual hostility, rather than a means of promoting the religious and moral ends of Christian discipline. It is, however, tho bearing of this question upon the relation- ship and destinies of the youth of the Wesleyan body that has most deeply impressed and affected my own mind, as may be inferred from the correspondence on the subject. It requires leas 488 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIV. Bcriptural zeal, and an inferior order of qualifications, and it is much more exciting and easy, to minister or attend at special meetings, and in the ordinary public services of the Church, than to pursue " in season and out of season " the less con- spicuous and more detailed labour of teaching and training up children and youth in the knowledge and experience of the doctrines of Christ, and thus secure tliem to tlie Church, and to the Saviour, and secure to them the "godliness which has the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."* And what is the result of the general adoption (with a few fine exceptions), of the former in preference to the latter — in- stead of tlie union of both ? It is the humiliating and most painful fact that the great majority of Methodist youth are lost to the Church, if not lost to Christ and to heaven — that in a large proportion of instances, Methodism is not perpetuated to " Of the utter iusufliciency of public ministrations alone, even for prown up Cliristiiins, much more for chililren, I\lr. Wesley thus spi'iiks in Lis Jargo and autlioiized Minutes of Conference : — " For wlial avails public preaching alone, though wo could preuch like angels? We must, yea, every travelling preacher must, instruct them from house to house. Till this is done, and that in good earnest, the Metiiodists will be little better than other people. Our religion is not deep, universal, uniform ; but superficial, partial, uneven. It will be so, till wo speud half as much time in this visiting, as we now do iu talking uselessly." " For, after all our preaching, many of our people are almost as ignorant as if they had never heard tiic gospel. 1 speak as ])lain as I can, yet I fre(juently meet with those who have been my hearers many years, who know not wiiether Christ be God or man. And how few are there who know the nature of rejpf.-iitance, faith and holiness. Most of them have a sort of coniideiice that God will save tiiem, while the world has their hearts. I have found by experiencr-, that one of these has Icarr.ed more from one hour's dose discourse than from ten years' public preacli- ing." "Let every preacher having a catalogue of those iu each .society, goto each house. Deal gently with them, that the report of it may move others to de- sire your coming. Give the children the instructions for children, and encourage them to get them by heart. Indeeil, you will find it no easy matter to teach tlie ignorant tiie principles of religion. So true is the remark of Archbishop Usher — 'Great scholars may think this work beneath them. liut they should consider, the laying the foundation skilfully, as it is of the greatest importance, so it is the masterpiece of the wisest builder. And let the wisest of us all try, whenever we please, we shall find that to lay this ground-work rightly, to make the ignorant understand the grounds of religion, will put us to all our skill.' " " Unless we take care of the rising generation, the present revival will be res unms aelaiis (a thing of one generation) ; it will last only the age of a num." There are several ministers who earnestly labour in the sjiirit of these extracts from Mr. Wesley's Minutes of Conference — printed the year of his death. Uut their labours are the jiromptings of individual zeal and intelligence, and not dic- tated ox backed by the authoritative example of the ministry and Church at large, or the recognition of the Church relations of the interesting subjects of thcit instructions. The elfect of the gt'Ueral disuse or neglect of syst<'niatic individual instruction of children, not speaking of such instruction of adult nienibeis, and reliance upon ]iublic ministrations and meetings alone, must bo iusti-.biiity of religious profession, want of clear and acute views of the grounds, doct tines, nature, institutions and duties of religion, indifference to ail religion, or wandering from denoininatiou to denomination according to circumstances or caprice ; but in all cases the loss to the We^leyan Church of the greater part of the harvest which £he sliould aud might gather into the garner of Christ. LIV. 1854-55] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 489 -iri- extracts Ith. I'.ut not ili(!- iit large, of their iliviihiiil )('is, iiuil bility of outlines, amlering Imt in jbt which the second generation of the same family — tliat in the great majority of instances it is only so perpetuated very partially, and in very few instances to all the children of Methodist parents ; while there is each year the conversion of only a few- hundreds, or thousands, mostly from without. The return (jf prodigals, and the accession of strangers and aliens to the bod}-, are indeed causes of thankfulness and rejoicing ; but prc\ ention is better than cure — piety from childhood is better than refor- mation in manhood. The judgment of the Apostle upon him "who neglects to provide for his own liouse,"' even in temporal matters, is well known ; and must there not he a radical defect and w^rong in any religious organization which loses the great majority of its own youth, and depends largely on infusions from without for the recruit of its numbers ? tSuch an organiza- tion may do much good, and widely extend in many places for the time being, especially in a new and unsettled state of society; but the vital element of permanent strength and lasting pros- perity is wanting, where, by its repulsion or neglect, the great majority of its baptized youth are alienated i'rom, and lost to its communion. It is not in the promise of God, or in the genius of Scriptural Christianity, that " children trained up in the way they should go," will, in many instances, much less generally, depart from it in after years. . . Impressed with the magnitude of the wrongs and evils above referred to, dreading personal collision in tlie Conference, an- ticipating but little success from it, and feeling uncertain as to how few were likely to be the days of my earthly career, and believing that a special duty was imposed upon me in this respect by Providential circumstances, I addressed to the Presi- dent, the 2nd of January, . as the most likely means, without collision with any person or body, to draw practical attention to the subject, on the part of both the ministry and the laity of the Church. . . I have the satisfaction of know- ing that, if the first efforts of my pen, after joining the Conference in 1825, were to advocate the right of the members of the Church to hold a bit of ground in which to bury their dead, and the right of its ministers to perform the marriage service for the members of their congregations, my last efforts in connection with the Conference have been rlirected to obtain the rights of Christian citizenship to the baptized children and exemplary adherents of the Church. While I maintain that each child in the land has a right to such an education as will fit him for his duties as a citizen of the state, and that the obli- gations of the state correspond to the rights of the child, so I mainti-in, upon still stronger and higher grounds, that each child baptized by the Church is thereby enfranchised with tho rights and pr'vikges of citizenship in it, until he forfeits them 490 THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. rCiiAP. LIV. ItV por.sonal iniscondiuit and exclusion, and i1iat tlui oMi^'ations ol" tl\o Ohureh correspond to tlic. ri;^diL.s of ilu; child. J also maintain that each nuMuher ol" (MiriHt's visible dhnrdi, has a scriptural ri<,dit to his nienilxM-ship in it as lon;^ as he ki-eps the "conitiiandnicnts and ordinances ol" (Jod," whether he attends or does not atU'iid a nieetinnoial, not essential, not of divine institution," an«l for not attendiiif; which he. ur.vvr (ivcluchMl, or pn\sunied to authori/.e exchidini;, a ])erson from ('hnrtih mem- bership. It is a princii)le of St. Pawl, in the lUh chapter of Romans, of all true Protestantism, as well as of thn writin^^^s of Mr. Wesley, "in necessary thin-,'s uiuty, in non-essential.s liberty, in all "things charity." In a letter, written f:om Quehec to a dear friend in Toronto, Dr. llyerson thus refers to his relijjfious (^xjxTieiKu^ at that time of personal trial on the class-n»eeting (piestion. lie said : — Jn compliance with the entreaties of tlu; lion. .lames Kerricr and the llev. Wm. Pollanl, I preached here last Sunday evening, and perhaps seldom with .so nmcli ellect — certainly, never in Lower Canada. The congregation was very large; many members of the Legislature were present ; and some were nuich affected. I had felt condemned for not preaching in iS'ew lirunswick when solicited; and 1 have felt that 1 have done right in ob(>ying the powers that l)o in this respect in Quebec. I am solicited to remain and preach hero again next Sunday, as numy public persons have expros.scd disappointment at not having heard me last Sunday evening. A leading mem- ber of the cliureh from Montreal was so comforted and editied, that after having spent the evening in my room until after ten o'clock, he went to write out all of the discourse he could remend)er. The friends hero .seem delighted to think I will still preach, and say that I would sin against God and man if I ri'fused. My discourse on Sunday was the result of my re- iK'ctions and prayer here without books or notes ; and 1 feel much better since I consented to do what all seemed to think I ought to do. They are quite satisfied with the course I have adopted, and think it will result in great good, if I will not refuse to preach. The words of St. Paul (1st Cor. ch. 9, verse IG), in a chapter to which I opened the other day, have affected me nuich ; and I know not that I can otherwise do so much good during the very few years at most that now remain to me, as to preach when desired by those who have authority in the matter, in any church or place. I feel deeply humbled under a sense of my own unfaithfulness, and am amazed at the great goodness, long-suffering and compassion of God towards me. KV. LIV. iijatinnH J also 1i, Ims a CCp.S ill(i atU'iitls isiitul.(Ml >r diviiK! uded, or [;!» mcin- iapt(?r of t.sscntiul.s Toronto, bliat time (aid : — in riicr and ovcninif, never in 13 ; many )ino were lacl»in<' in 1 have respect in train next xjintnient iiig nieni- 1 ediiled, ntil after he could nk 1 will inan if I )t' niy re- nd 1 feel to think rsc I have will not 9, verse e afFected o so much remain to thority in humbled imazed at of God ClIArTER LV. 1865. Dii. RvEUSON Resumes his Position in the Confeuence. ALTHOUair the ^Mcat majority of the Conf«!renco of 1854, after much conflict of feeling — in which regn.'t and .sym- ])athy were inlngled — rti/.ed, but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. What I maintain is, that baptism is the outward and visible sign, while regeneration, or the new birth, is the inward spirit- ual grace ; that by baptism we are born into the visible Church of Christ on earth, v/hile by the Holy Ghost we are born into the spiritual or invisible Church of Christ in heaven, the same as in the Lord's Supper; there is the visible act of the Church and of the body of communicants, and the invisible act of the Saviour by the Holy Ghost and of the soul of the communicant. The two are distinct; the one may not accompany the other; but they may, and often do, accompany each other. Th- parent should bring his child in faith to the Lord's baptism, the same as the communicant should come in faith to the Lord's Supper. The communion of the Lord's Supper is the act of a professed member of Christ's visible Church ; the receiving of tlie Lord's baptism, is receiving the seal of membership in Christ's visible ^VP 494 THE FiTORY OF MY LlFl'l [CnAr. LV. rp*i"i Cluirch, that " mark of difrerenco wnorohy Christians aro dis- tinmiished from others that aro not haptized." llonco in the Wesleyan catechism, the (juestion is asked, — Whnt. aro thu privilt'i^es of biiptizcd imrmniH 1 Tlio nnswcr is, — Tlu-y iro iimdi! iiKMiiluMsor (111! visiltlo fliurch of OliiiHt ; tln'ir^^'rjiciouH reliition to Ilim as \\w Second Air standing so high in the favour of their heavenly Father, that their posterity also are the objects of his care! This is evidently the reason why Satiiu makes such great exertions in opposition to infant baptism : that the removal of this testimony of the grace of God may cause the promise which it exhil)ils before our eyes gradually to disappear, and at length to be forgotten. The consequence of this would be au impious ingratitude to the mercy of God, and negligence of the instruction of our children in the principles of piety. For it is no small stimulus to our education of them in the serious fear of God, and the observance of His law, to reflect, that they are considered and acknowledged by Him as His children as soon as they are born. Wherefore, unless we are obstinately determined to reject the goodness of God, let us present to Him our children, to whom He assigns a place in His family, that IS, among the members of His church. Richard Watson, the great expounder of Wesleyan Christian isnr.i TITF :iTOnY OF MY LIFE. 495 docti'iru', treats tliis sn))jocfc elaboratoly in tlio tliinl (iliaptor of tho i'ointl) i)art of his TlKjoIoj^ical Jii.stitutos. I will only (luote tho followiii!:^ .sentences : — Tnfdiit, cliililrcn nro declared liy OlirlHt to \m irKiinlicrH of Ili.i Clmrdi, Tliiit they \vci(! iikiiiIkmh of (JoiI'h Cliitrch, in tlu; fiiiiiily of Atiiiiliaiii, mid iinionj^ tilt! iIcwM, ciiniiDl 1)(! dciiiiid. . . The meiiiberHliip r)f tlu; .Ii;\vh coiripnlnniliil botli cliildrcii and adults; and tliegiiiftin^-iii of the (IciilileH, HoaH to [)artak(; of tli(i HiiiiM! " root and fitncHH," will, tlicnifore, incluihs u t'\\i\\\, to [)iit their children uImo into tlie (tovenant, 8o that they, ftH wtd! aH adnlt.s, may Ik^cohip jnendiciH of ChriHt'H (Jhurch, have («od to l>e their (Ji.d, and be a(:knowled<.^(l by Him, in the npccial neiiHe of th(! terms of the covenant, to he llin jMiojile. ..." WhoHocver (wiyH ChriHt) shall receive this child in my name, recciveth m(i ; " hut HU<'h an identity of (Jhrist with His disciples stands wholly U])on their relation to Him as nuanhers of His " inyntic body, the Church." It Ih in this reHp(!(;t only that they are " on i; with Him;" and tin-re can Ik; no identity of Clinst with "little children" but by virtue of tin' humk! relation, that is, as they are memlxfrs yf His mystical body, the Cliurch ; of which membersliip ba[)tiKm is now, as circumcision was then, the; initiatory rite. . . I'ho b(,'nelits of this Sacrament recpiire to be briefly exhibited. Bai)ti.Hm introduces the adult Ixdiever into the covenant of (,'race and the Church of Christ ; and is the seal, the jdedf,'(i, to him, on the part of (iod, of the fnilil- ment of all its provisions, in time and in eternity ; whilst on his part, he takes u])on himself the oblii,'ation of steadfast faith and obedience. To thcj infant child, baptism isa visible reception into the same covenant and cImucIi, a pled},'e of acceptance throi!|^h Christ — the bestowmcnt of a tith; to all the grace of the coveiiiint as circumstances may refpiire, and as thi; mind of the chi'd nuiy be capable of receiving,' it ; and as it may be soujjht in future life by i)rayer, when the period of reason and moral choice shall arrive. It conveys also the present blessing of Christ, of which we are assured by His taking children in His arms, and blessing them ; which blessing cannot be merely nominal, but must be substantial and ellicacious. It secures, too, the gift of the iloly Spirit in those secret spiritual iuduenceH, by which tho actual regeneration of those children who die in infancy is effected ; nnd which are a seed of life in those who are spared to prepare them for instruc- tion in the word of Ood, as they are taught by paientai care, to incline their will and affections to good, and to begin and maintain in them the war ag.ainst inward and outward evil, so that they may be divinely assisted, as reason strengthens, to make their calling and election sure. In a word, it is, both as to infants and adults, the sign and pledge of that inward grace, which, though modified in its operations by the u have t of the to you I inform to act BS.* ttack of } to him igust: — a regard by your II as the my own d course n) aud Dr. tlu5 attack idate for a e Wesleyaix t. He did ^e was very Tote to liini irks T made severe, and mistaken, nder whiedi, h congenial nbers of the r, I express^ 1 downright aracter of a. tirely ignor- king such a liber of that placed ; its im now, and irvice to the I trust 1 trosperity of lucive to its sh to get rid me, aud then ilution is its ess my mind tters in this- >. He says : during these the Chair of had devoted lointmc t t to ; securing his ion with the a trial, but the Board, as of the Guardian, and what he alleges to be the feeling.s of many others, I have great doubts whether I can be of any use to the Wesleyan body, or of much use to the interests of religion in connection with the Conference, and that I shall rather em- barrass, and be a burden to my friends in the Conference, than be a help to them. My only wish and aim as a minister is, to preach tne evangelical doctrines I have always proclaimed, and which are preached with power by many clergymen of the Church of England and Presbyterian Churches, and often more forcibly, than by many Methodist ministers. I confess, from what you state, I see no prospect of effecting the changes in the relation and privileges of baptized children, and the test of membership in the Methodist Church, which I believe to be required by the Scriptures, and by consistency. I apprehend that anything proposed by me on these subjects will be made the occasion of violent attacks and agitation, and that personal hostility to me will be made a sort of test of orthodoxy among a large party in the Conference and in the Church — thus exposing my friends to much unpleasantness and disadvantage on my account, and reducing, if not extinguishing, all opportunities on my part to preach, as I should be (as in times past) wholly dependent upon the invitations of others. From this incident a private and confidential correspondence on the subject was maintained for months between Dr. Ryerson in Europe and myself, in Canada. It was clear to my mind at the time that the Editor took an unfair advantage of Dr. Ryerson's absence from the coiintry to injure (as he supposed) his brother in the ministry. In this lie was mistaken ; and, in his chagrin, he attacked me pc'.aonally in the Guardian for my zeal on behalf of Dr. Ryer- >; Ai. Events proved that my interposition was opportune and just; and that, had I not done so, the Methodist people would have been improperly anri cruelly misled, and irreparable injustice would have boen done to the character and motives of a noble and generous .' „.., who, in this instance, ought not to have been held responsible for the utterances of warm hearts, but of possibly indiscreet tongues. I speak advisedly when I say that I understood perfectly well the two men with whom I had to deal. Rev. James Spcucer was well known to me, when I was a student at Vic- toria College forty ycar'= ".go. He was a good man, no doubt ; but K"^ studentj at that College ever thought of comparing him with the t'rin.jipai of the College. How he ever got to be Editor 0* :he G'Mrdian was always a mystery to me. I never had the slight -^bi c!3'erence with him — quite the reverse ; but mi 504 THE 8T0B7 OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LVI. no comparison could be instituted between James Spencer and Egerton Kyerson. Tn this matter I had no personal feeling. Both men were Methodists, while I am an Episcopalian, and both have gone to their final account. Moreover, the question was not one of doctrine, or of denominational preference. It was one of simple justice and fair play between man ar*^ man. Hence, I took the earliest opportunity of apprising Dr. Ryevson of the unjust and anomalous position in which he had been placed by the Editor of the Guardian. The following private letters were successively received by me from Dr. Ryerson while he was in Europe : — Paris, 2Srd August. — I enclose my anf-v/er ;u Rev. James Spencer, I wish you would have it inser . d i'' +,he Globe and Colonist. As you are acquainted with aU tjic circ vnstaii^es in Canada, being on the spot, if you think it be t to abridge, Oi?iit, or modify the words of any part of my communication, I would wish you to do so. Whatever course I may think it my ^^uty to pursue in future, I wish in this com muixi cation to ni'^serve that tone of remark which can give no offence to any min'ster or member of the Wesleyan Church. I will not be tlie oft'( nd- ing party, and the responsibility of a wider breatih oecvroen the Conference and myself will not be with me. Whcit course duty may require me to pursue, I still leave to the direction of Infinite Wisdom, and to future consideration. . . The Queen is in Paris this week, during which all business in my way seems to be suspended. She is received with ^^ ,t enthusiasm. We have seen her and the Emperor two ci I -use times. Paris, 30i/i August. — Rev. Dr. Wood's denial of Viy Lavr^/ given him any pledge, or any thing that would be so • - strued, is full and decided, and if my brother John r < ys anyt^^i^g at all, it will be, I have no doubt, less than I have stated in my letter. But still the main question of my position in the Con- ference is unaffected by these disclaimers. It appears from Mr. Spencer's statement (in which he seems to be sustained by others) that the terms of my letter were not acted upon or com]>lied with by the Conference, but that the Conference acted upon a verbal assurance that I never made, or authorized. The simplest and most natural way for me to act, is, t*'. withdravir my letter on these grounds, and to decline availing my,'--;'' of, or recognizing an act of, the Confererce based upou nhat never proposed or authorized. Thus ';he responsibility of thi.s irregular and absurd proceeding wi'I rest with others, and I will stand, in the maintenance o'i all ^ .-vr pn,rf( mI' Kiy lr>l,l,(>r M^l'^rrr"! >.'» in i(., iq nol, ol' Mi" Rlit/hl.otjf, rotitifi- • (iiniH'fv I'liK rtf'fs ol' M(<^ ( 'f(nr»ir»'Hf'»>, «:» w»'ll «=! »»>' (li" l/otrhljj, {Mfp, ftfo f/O li»> jikIinxI i,\\ nol, liy wlin.(. mny Itiiv" l»f^»ri mi'iil l.y iri'li vi'liinl mi'ml-'^m in Mi<> ninr's*^ '>l' r|ic;c(iq5if»fi. Iiiil. l.y ila aM.''«t»''l rncfirih Mini nllicini |iii|i'>r5 N»»w willt ilin fi»i,ni" iniMi nn<| prfipripf.y Mm,!, nty nfwnilofiU r)in({.;'> im'» wiMi Imvini/ wril.hrn jij/nirmt. »'lftRsrnr'f'f,ifn/iq, mij/lif, i (•lin.iy^ (Ji«>ni witli Iti'int/ »tji|i'iq»"| t.o imiycr ni««'Mnt/^ «,n'l l'(V^^ I'ko^I'Q, nml <>v«'n Mm l(»ii'l m riH|i|it i , lnvrjuiqn Mt^y >\i> m"!- inni? n Mt«^ nlinorvafK'B t»l' nil m ol' »ny 'mk. id' Minqp in=5l.if.iiMofm M>lin(i{/li Mirv |(i.M,«>r in oKprf'^tsly inqMl.nfi'l hy 'ni? I,minili<'iP!|ii|i in Min (.'linrcli of (iod. I'lcrdimn [ li«.vn avowirl n>v lone/ Rf'M.U'd convir-l/ion Mm,!. flat^flrnfM^Mnc/cs i>\tuU\, noJ, (,0 lifj f'j(n.M.<'il (tliMvn nil Mm> oMu'I wor'I's ol' .lolin Wi';|»^y liini')»>ir nin I fo Im rlinrtC"'! wiMt Imvint/ wriM,i>n aj/ainsl. «'ln.';?!. irioff in}j; / Mn I'ar I'rnni liavinf/ wriM.fn «t/n,incs(, Mm'rm nicKfirif/s, I lin.vf> t>s(|iipsqt'i| niym ir in Mi«' Rf.rnnynt l.tTrrc? in flifir itivnuv , nii'l I lojxnl. Mini,, n.l'tir, I lndit'VM cltiw iM«><>l.int/i^ liav" l>»(>n Mi" nioRl, "niri"n<, iiM'Mii'i ol' |iroiiiol.inu; |i"r-:onn,| and vil.al I'i'^t.y anionc^ Ml" ni"Mili«r'! ol' Ml" VV"'j|i'ynri iMo('i"M<"« V"f, I am nol, iii'i"nf.ilil" l.o Mi" I'Mfl. Mia|, Mr W<':l"y f'»iind 1" |»rol.ol.y|i" ol' Miin I; ind ol' r"liLrioi|t5 ""n liiindr)f,y of Moiil; fi "nil' d A'/. '/'»(//»/"'. wliot>," n.id"nf. |ii"l.y Mr VV"nl"y (/r"n.My ndniir"d, Mi" liv"ci of koim' of wliof." ni"nili"rF) (fini'li nn Mi" Mar<|iiin d" |{"nl,y, "(.»',,; Iim wrof,", and wlioM" niannal of |ii"l,y ( ImiUiMon of .I"«i(h ( /'liri^sf,; li" l.ran'5ln.f."d and nlii i'l.to'd. fur Mi" ii's" of liin own Worl"(,i"C!, nnd (!"v "iiiint'iiMy infUrnnMiilJil in r"forniin,t/, and liimlliiic^ Mm llnni" ii\' d"vof,ional j»i<"l',y anioiifj; ilfi riMMnlinrH; and Mr, W"iil"y fonnd Mi"iM "i|iin,lly \if)"fnl amoni^ Mi" rn"mlM'rf. »if liifi own So"i"M":i, nnd Ko l.li"y liav" j'.onl.inu"d I. ill Mic |ir":!"nt. tint". Iliif, willaiiy \V"Hl"ynn niinif4l."r in I'lni^lniid or < I/inada will any man of in- |,"|li!,M«nc" nnd lion"Ml,y vnnl.iir" to aMMcrt, Mini, Mr. WtusNy "Vor inl,"nd"d Mini aM"ridn.n«"" at, ciic'li W"i|".l, of m"rnN"rRlii)i in Mi" vinilil" < Iliufcli of (Jod i Will any orm aHM"rt, or ciri ho li"li"V", thai Mr. W"Ml"y <«v()r r.onid linv" n»iM"i|i.'i.f."d, or Hii|)()0';"d, Miafc MiK'li an n.|i|ili(*ai,io)i would, or could, li" mad" of an iri'^MMiMort whicli )i« «)X(ii(!MHly Htul/" irI, rlntJ^s I'avoiir ; (ir roll '■.In.*.'" I KViin.l 'li' r w< i«i l.clifvn, iiti»,it,ii*.i"n not/ f'.rtHfn- m,r, r,f',\ Tim: nit t/v nv my i wi'i. r,07 iiril, nol, of , on (i.noMi.( (| hom .Mr W.n.n»'<' "Mr W«'c:|<>y Imq forniriiM.' 'I »lii:; If. n ■" • "''t ■' .,.--. ... .. J ., ..,.. .. nM'«t.ini/ fo nt3 »i.q n, f.i n^if. , if. iq nof, lor ii« f,»» inrjiiirri into Mi«' or({/in o}' Ui«> infsJ.ihif.ioii , \\, in our »liil.y f.o tut\.\u\t\.'\u iiiviolnlily Mif. 1.) Mnl. foiniiiiM.''! lo !)« wliidi hii^f, l>f lly«r<50H Itnq violfiM'! " In rnjily, I r«rii(i.il! Mml, Min tjliiUwrMWif. '»!' Urn (pic^qUon i(.:5i If in rnllnrioim, nn*! Um rli(ir(/t> {/roiirnllccsc; In Mm Mrt;K pld'w . Mm-. fjHiitslion iLcsmiMM't), v.rft.ry ♦.«» I'n.»l,, Mi».>, Mi. W«i^l(>y iii«(,il.iil,»'«| fl,n(l r(,»nniiM.<''l Mk- l.nml, ol' rlfi«c? »n«'«Un(/'; «.«! (i, fon »liM'»n ol' ninnili«^tctlti)i in Min vitsilil«i 'Jliiirdt ol' (io«l, wli<»'(i.;s li<. iiifjlil nl.f"! fiii'l frnocrfiiM."! if, ii-t n. nMiinh ol' yin**' (iroont/ Mt*^ ni»Mnl<« r". ol' «, pn /n.f.«- Ror'ii^l.y in ii. rlinrrli In Mi*- re v- (. phi'". Mm f.rnqf. ol' rliitsQ rii«'»>|,in(/c! w«.«j "nly oni' pirrl, ol' «» tjytjf.^fii wlii'li Mr Wi'fjiMy r.omniiM.r"! n,n n, l.nml, !.*» Iiics follow«r« I'Im^ on^ pari, ol' Midi, l.riicf. wilt? n.r: t;nrr.\., t\.ui\ Mmf, on wliii'li Im in«if5l.-~: l."n Miii«'tj nior<' voliinimoiit:iy n.n»l vdi' hk iiMy Miiin Im «iv«'i sjpol'M ol' I'la^c; mcil.in^:"., •//«.« Mint. \>\^. lollowrc uliodl'l iiM.i'ii'l |,|i«< c?i'rvi»'<',t; ol' Mm <]||iir'li of l'.ii(/l»,n'l. ;:l)Oiil»l fi'i'i'lvn Mii^ or'liniinrrq of |'(i,pf,i::m nn'l Uic \,'ir'\'i% Hiippr I'.iiiif.inf/ (iii'l oflMi-:, v/lio t:\\tuv'', tt\t\ y/if,l» lniiiL/nnfi W< :;l«yii,n, fiillill' 'I Mms-.m f.riM-.t.t'. roiniiiif,f,< 'I f,o Mmiii liy ,Mr Wf.ilcy V lfii.v«i tlmy nof, v/liolly :! (/linri'li, iiti'i niii.l;iii,t/ Mm- iif.f.'ii'laiM-,*- af, itjii,:;^ m«; f,li«', jii'lj/iiMut of twi-ry man of romiiM/n ".'fM-.n fo !-.ay wImMmt Mm;«- i--*. f.lM- ;'.lia'l//W of t% r(;a,s(;n lor Mm; pr<:f,«:M ;ion'! ari'l v.\\\xr^*:-; of my a-v-ia;)ant'>. I an* 608 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LVI. not surprised that Dr. Bunting and others should feel sensitive on the class-meeting test of church-membership, as it so enor- mously increases clerical power — the ruling idea of Dr. Bunt- ing's legislation throughout his whole life. It virtually places the membership of each member in the hands of the minister. The quarterly class ticket, signed by the minister, is the only proof and title of membership for each member. If the minister withholds this (and he may be prompted to do so on many grounds, personal and others, irrespective of any suspi- cion, much less charge, against the moral or religious character of the member) the member is deprived of his membership, and this I believe has occurred in more than twenty thousand instances, in England, during the last six years, during which period the connection has experienced the lamentable and unprecedented loss of nearly a hundred thousand members, the fruits of the labours of an age. London, 5th October. — I know that my brother John was not pL sed with my letter to Mr. Wood, read in the Conference. Hl told me so on the way to the Conference ; he wished me to vvrite a short letter, couched in general terms, and that the affair might be passed over in the Conference as quietly as possible — believing that to be the best way to accomplish the object I had in view. In this I could not agree with him, and stated that unless received in the terms of my letter, I did not wish to be received at all ; nor did I wish the letter read if any opposition were apprehended. What has transpired shows, I think very clearly, that had I not been as explicit as I have, I should have been more grossly misrepresented, and with some degree of plausibility. I am exceedingly glad that I wrote as I did. It has removed all uncertainty on the subject. There can now be no mistake or misunderstanding. I do not think my friends have been frank with me in not telling me all that has transpired in the Conference. But it is not worth while to refer to these things now. The question is settled. I shall write to Dr. Beecham on the subject of the remarks reported to have been made in reference to me by Dr. Bunting and Mr. Methley, in the English Conference, and respecting my settled and avowed convictions and position — affording him an oppor- tunity of stating how far he and others think such views are consistent with the relations I sustain to the Wesleyan Body. I shall also advert to the propriety of such men as Mr. Methley, or any member of the English Conference, assuming to exercise Q, censorship over the character of any members of the Canada Conference. After receiving Dr. Beecham's answer, I shall finally decide as to my future course. I look upon my connec- tion with the Wesleyan body as virtually teruanated. I have 1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 509 not been in one of their chapels, or seen one of their ministers, since I left America. On seeing, at Boston, what Mr, Spencer had written, and what was likely to occur, I thought I would keep myself entirely aloof until the final issue of the whole affair. London, 10th October. — I wrote you on the 5th inst., under the influence of strong and indignant feelings. But I have since calmly, and with much prayer and many tears, for days considered the whole matter of Church relations. I have resolved to stand my ground in my present position, and fight out the battle with my assailants. In a letter to me, written a few days afterwards, Dr. Ryerson thus states the conclusion which he had come to in regajrd to his remaining in the Methodist Church. He said : — Last Sun- day I heard a very powerful sermon from Dr. Cumming on, " No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself ; ' and I resolved, by meditation And prayer, to come to a conclusion on the subject of my Church relations, and future course. I walked, and wept, and prayed over the subject from seven till twelve o'clock last night, and the conclusion at which I have now arrived is to stand in my present position and relation, and maintain my views, and let my opponents do their worst, and thrust me out if they will or can. If I lived to myself, that is, if I consulted my taste, feelings, personal comforts, and enjoy- ments, I could not remain in the Methodist Church a week ; I have more views and sympathies with the evangelical clergy and members of any Protestant church than I have with such men as Mr. Spencer. But still I have, in the Providence of God, been called to labour in connection with the Methodist Church, and have been prospered in it ; and I think, all things considered, I can do more good to stand my ground. If I do nothing else than secure to Methodist children and youth the recognition of their rights and privileges, and the appropriate religious in- struction and care, that point alone will involve more good in the end than all I could do in any other section of the Christian Church. If Methodist pulpits should be closed against me, others will be opened to me in abundance. Paris, 18th October. — I feel very happy in my own mind since I have finally decided upon my future course, and which, I have no doubt you will think with me, is, under all the cir- cumstances, the best that I could take. After the course which has been pursued towards me, I shall be free from all restraints on the matters respecting which they hoped to impose silence. I shall make the James Methleys, and the James Spencers, of both the English and Canadian Conferences, feel very uncomfort- able, while I think I shall secure the respect and sympathies •'.■..'«a-t ^ ^ 610 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. rCilAP. LVI. of various religious persuasions and parties in Canada, and the ultimate accomplishment of the great and divine end I have had in view. Mr. Spencer's remarks that you enclosed are very weak and flat — more so than I expected. He speaks of a differ- ence between the Conference and me. The difference is between him and his abettors (as individuals) and me, not between the Conference and me. The Conference has avowedly based its proceedings upon my letter — which is all I care for since my letter is published. If the terms of the resolution of the Con- ference are not in harmony with the terms of my letter, that is of no consequence to me now — it is for the judgment or taste of those who wrote it. I am glad to hear that my remarks on Mr. Spencer are favourably received by all n-y friends. Mr. Malcolm Cameron has said that if I never wrote another word on the subject I had luooted, or were I even to leave the Body, the subject would not sleep — it would be taken up by others — it could not sleep — and their attacking me, and I defending my- self, was, in effect, discussing the question in the most telling manner. Paris, 8th November : — I am glad to learn that at that period when I was undecided, you entertained the views as to my rela- tions and future course which I have at length decided to niain- tain and pursue. I will stand my ground and battle the affair with my adversaries, on both sides of the Atlantic, to the last. In order to exclude me from the Conference they must now bring charges against me ; and, in attempting this, they will raise a difficulty such as they have never yet encountered, and will invest the whole question with an interest and importance that they little dream of. Indeed, they have done so already. Paris, 14!tfi November. — I am happy to learn that you also entirely concur in the course I have decided to pursue. I care not a fig for all that the parties to whom you refer may do or try to do. I have not a shadow of doubt as to the result. It is most strange that rashness should be attributed to you in the matter. It was the course best calculated to defeat the objects they wish to counteract. I do not think my letters would have appeared at all in the Guardian had you not pressed the mat- ter as you did ; and had I not taken the course I did at Belleville, the questions could not have been brought before the body as they can and must. I have written a reply to the Guardian — it contains sixteen pages of letter paper. But after your suggestion, I will keep it another week, and may, perhaps, sub- stitute for it a note making my acknowledgements to the daily press of Toronto, and stating my position and intended course of proceedings. I think something of this kind may be best to counteract the misrepresentations which they are no doubt in- AP. LVI. and the I have ire very a differ- between veen the )ased its ince my bhe Con- ,ter, that ; or taste narks on ds. Mr. her word he Body, others — ding my- st telling lat period 3 my rela- [ to niain- the aiTair 3 the last, must now they will bered, and nportance already, you also le. I care may do or result. It |rou in the he objects 'ould have the mat- Belleville, le body as lardian — ifter your •haps, sub- ) the daily ded course • be best to doubt in- 1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 511 dustrioualy circulating. Possibly I may not say anything at all, as you suggest. Paris, 291/1 November. — I cannot but smile at the pamphlet on the Class-meeting question, after it had been declared as the i4 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. T,VT III' uttcrpil Home Tncmfiral)lo thtnp^ in 1i?h nlnqnont dofence. I lidiivt* t\\o true Idiiinliition or test u( iiuMiihcrsIiip in tho riuirrli of CIiriHt is not tht; acnto luigit! of a (-IjiHH-iiii'ftin^' (itteii(liiiice, hut tlio lirou'l biiscH of rt'pciitiiiicf, fiiitli, anil holincKH. I can Imvc no Hyniimthy with that narrow ami i-xrhiHivi' «])irit, tlu' lircadtli of wIioho catliolicity iH tluit of a Koiit'rt trarli, and tlvi'>'cin.>MiliM\i'(> \\\{\\ li'ml (tvi'v. « lui uio i\ii"i, nnil (l(\\( liiii>Ku litr ('invtiliint nt'liiinl'i, itl n tltm'i'iinl >il lnii\ iluii' pi'i icnl liiiii <1)t> piiitlmltril Mi'lliho, |tili'i>« |i!ihI Uii'v uit'i nnirli |i|i'ifl «ii imiih im>i>iI In lln' rini'ii> nl imMii' iitiii ni iiiiiin <*iiiiiiilfi ; wimIi to (l\r ! 'lliili'ill l>i>i>li'iilli'|t .||ii| |Mi| lllrh I'liicnlll 111 (111. iniillljHilli'llI, 'iJifW I i| nii> mill \\ V niiliit'iiu, mul {\\\ '\\v,\ \\\v |iiilliii> ill lii>i n niili'iin', in i'iiiii|imii\ w illi «.>\\ii' iliiUnm''"'"''' Mnuli"!) Mliili'iiiii'ti, niiiHiin wlmm \\\\» Mil ('lnuiin Wimil iiltiiw imls rt I'iM'iV lUiil till' lull' Mi»ii|iii« til liiiiiHiliiutti', llti> Ni>m|iii i.r I''.iihIim1i ulidii'mii'ti, i\'nM't">iili' « lii'iti I \mi4 ni'iilt'il iil illiiiti't 'I'lu' ( 'mitili- m t'l >)ii'\ mIu'Wi'iI mi' iiiiun K iiiil iiHi'iilii'ifi, ntnl ||ii> Miiii|ii|.i hI I iiiim<|,i\viii' iuwii'il uii' 111 I'lill lln> iii\l iliH III I Miii'iili'u 111' lliiii'i', mill f^i'lititi (n liim tilt' riui!i'liin\ i»\'ii\<\nil<'i> I'tt I'Miii'iit it'll, mill u ImIii'iI In liiunv ulml liml I n ilmiK, in\>l \\l\nl (ni'ilil I'l' ili'\it> Int llii' iilni'iilinii nl llit' liil'inii inn ilnxni'ii I inllt'il (It I .itii'ili'W III' Ili'Hm'. H" ill uiit'il, iiinl t'\|i|itiiii'il (I'l Inii'lli iiinl iIu'iiIv h'i >t,'j.iiM(i till' ( 'itii'iiliini wrlii'i'l f)»>«lt'ii», Km |'ii|'iil'ii iiiiii|iii lii'ii'i|\ till 'M mill (iinwtMx (o nil )'iti(ii"<, tlx t'liiiuiimi, \i.( iii'it 'H'l'diiinii, iliiiini'lt'i-. Al (lii« >o\\M\ t'l n>v \i'n\i(iKt', ll\t> iiiil'li' Miiri|uin iiI'Mt'i \ I'll, " I riiiiiinl I'ltdri'ivii » iltt'ittt'V l'lt'i)t'.ii)ilint inli^iihit'llitii lull' il hI ||)i> Oiiiitnliiiit 11 h.'i'l n> ■tloill ; I'Ut, rii'lll I'tll lunliil ii'ill I lililil ii'liq illiil |i|i'ii>ll| fi|illi>ii| niirii'lv, till « t> i'i\tt ill' »■> li» itiil 1>\ Till hiitiii'tiliin 11 1 nil I'l I III' 111 II i| |ii'|iiiliii filiii ii( imi \ln>»\d;l\ \l\i' H))i>i\i'\ i'l \i'lnn(in\ ii'iii'iinlintii lunl itli(;iMtii ilritniiiinni imm " K\\>i ycm-a nni'\\\in-il'<, \i\ ititi'dtii I'lliiinliniiiil Imn in l'',niii|ii', nn ufll nml tludihtiM f>w\\\ m>u»i> nutnlliBnl tin- rmiiA l'!\liiliitiiiM in IMrtlt, 'I'lin I'lnil nml ri^UUli""* I'V »?U'V, M,'i>in|t it\u unini" I'll till' « 'iiiiiiiliiin llnnli nl llif lililiiliKinn. > »ll.-> li'M ii'i ll\i'\ lniil iin niinl nl Uniiu' ili'vnltil Jvt {\w (in'' nn >. w 111' «i'\i|il iin\i' (;ivnt iili'ii'iiit' in ii>.ii'i(iiii; hm In fti'lrrl i'ii|iiiiit <»( jjo'nl nviHtt'tn ItM our <'niini|tiu\ I'lliicnliininl Mnmiiiii; llinl llicy wnnlii \\\Uo t\' l\t'\', m\il. if ««' It'd I'tn rniil« will) lifi nn nni niiivnl, rIh' wmilil .;1 nlh nsiwo w* \Vt' dill ■^n. nntl, in It'ti'^ llmii nil Iniin nllti, Wf r I'ivi'il n n\<'»( lUi'tiiltv lollov In'in I .nil\ * 'tix . "im iiii; llinl ulii' lunl In I'li t'\|it'i liii); nml «,'U(tt\»; l.'V n.i I'l't «i'nn' linn', nml «iih\nt nn In rnnii' In Iht ii"iiili'iiit> I linl >-\i'n\»\fj, H'» -ilit' 1\ »<1 nuilt'tl u Ifw I'lifmlH * In llin ii'inw' nl llm I'M'tiinc, I «n!> \n\n'.l\\.'t'>l (i> Or. Pnnli'linni willi lliix ii'inniK." |ti. Hvt-rnuM, il vtni fihnnl.l l'('.\'\Ui' \ll, vn» I'fWini'l Inll inln ln'llt'i liiiiulfA lltnti llinm- nl |)i, rniili' lu'nt "' 1 voj'l\i-.l llinl " 1 «,»'> I'.lnil In miKi' lim I'l'iiinnnl iiii|iiniiilnm f, Inil 1^.^^M'^^ I !>lii>\Uil \\i'l nrt'il llit i'ii'li">'>ii'tinl nt'ivirt'n ' llnl IIh'mtv in-vl ilnv I \\;>* stVMi'k tli'W u \\\ lilt' N'nliinn «l\ilt' I'Miininiiiw Hit' it'lt'lniilt'tl |ininliii|r .^1" U.•^^^)^i\^'^^« Ti-juislUiwinl inn nml Onntintrltinn'M i,nn| ('nniniiininii nl' Ml. .Io\\>u»o, Willi :\ t'lnvl nllni'lv nl Innil'nfin nml Mi-inlini, ii'inlt'iinn it nt't'i'Hnniy 1,'V tor.v \\»(M\ (>' rniivi'v nil' lU'wii tin' Iniiv; ■ilnirwnv In niv cic < iiifi', nml rnnii tlu'woo \\'> my \\>i»in in tlii' Imiol, wlii'if 1 «nn I'nnl'uii'il Ini' muiih' lliii'i' witKi". ix^jumuvj tlnxH' \i\ou ^^^v Knuii' ilnyn tti turn luc in ln'tl. Iinii('iinf;t' fniiiml ilr srviK' tViO !Vji>iny I ONjM'vii'mvd tluiiii!; tlint jtminil. Pr. I'niili'liiii,i wnn fh'IiI 1\m'. rtUii ;Mtvi\>lo>l u\o iliuly l»ir tliitv wi't'kw. nml ncvfr tlinrgi'il iiii' innn' tlinii ,-» vi.>n;\r ;» Msit .Vl'lt'v iw.i nr tlirt'f vi'^iln. tlmliin; llmt I wnn nlln'rwifii' wnll, .•>n*l h;Vvl kmn^lotl^v of ^>!»«« «>v«>nin_ij p.'irtiivi mc» tSMivor^nfinni on « miinll ni'iiIo, TIh'io with im *upwi-». but ouivj ot" ti','» mill I'lMMUts, (liii'dv lor liiilii'tt , tin' fjri'iilli'iin'ii tliil iml InKo otV Uicir »iKno!> or sit iIomh. I'ul ki'i't tlioir^mls in tlii'ir IimihIm or innli'i tlwir niiiiM. Wo WC1V intrwhuvvi to, lunl I'ointiM'il >villi vnriou'4 pnilii's, liiuly (iii'y ni'i'Iiu'iI (n Iv ub-.i'jiritous :>">l to know I'vcivl'Oily, niiii to nink«i nil I'l'i'l nt, liomi'. .Sln' in tin' wi.U""* ot riout r*l On\v. aiul i.>» sjUti to hiivo boon in early (lay.t u licUo iiinl In if^iil «;*.T \n tho ivvgl'iost London svuioty. im-I lllnl l>llli| I M>'|iii-iil I V K'HimIiii'I Ii'iiii hiik III llllll- lioiiiN f'rh VKtMJdi; willi rri» ; mill III till- I'liiiii'i- III' ||iMii> rii>i|iii>iil iifiii liwi^'liiMii'l viHilM, 1)1 riiiili'li/irii M'lllllll llll' ripllMwiUll IiIiIm I'll. 'I'IimI Iii> wih iiiii' iiT IIii> liliiMil |iiiily in llmiii' llml ii|i|i'i>iii| lli'' 'Imi iimIIhiii III llii> I'ii|imI i^iivi'MiiiK'iil, mimI > 'iiiIHIimImI In Mm 'iviillifiw, wIiMi I llll illlllljl llll It lltllli lll'IIIIIH' >ill|lll'llll' III lllilllf Villi 'llllll III', Willi IIIIIIIV lilIlM IIIiI'IiiIm, Ii'Miiii" » iilivili".'! IIkiI llll- ^iivi>iniiii>iil wlili'li (tiiiitiiilill wmilil hiiiii^Miiiil", \\n\t\i\ III- lltllf- ),i\\i>,t limn it llliili, mill Wnlllil III' IH'illiil llliiMi' llfil mill' (Hiii iliiilili wilK II Iim|iI iiii'I pil!ilfi|l jiiiily ImkIMj IhiI iih iiIiiIi'khkki I wil IH'Ui'mI lii'i jiii.iii III I' ill llii> lliil'iiii III iiImImI Mil , I III II lii.| Hi'i'iMi'il In liiiV" Mil hvmIi'Hi iif j/iiV»'r(i»llMit ill Immiivh (ihii'I, iiii'I I'ttti llimiili'il llllll' li'n|ii'il, III I'lli'iiliuii llllll liii< DihI. m|)I'I" ii ; ;iiil |ti rmili'ljiiiii' iiliili'il, llllll iimli'i llii«i> » iiMiiiixliiii' ("(, (ic, willi "'v I'ipil lilii'iiil I'l ii'ii'iM, ii(/|i I'll In I'll Miiirnl' iiliiill y Id III" I'lijii', wli'i /'111 ili'fi llll ■>< III' III Miti'lii, mill I llll' I llll i I 'il|)( III Mil/ 1 iiiDiuiK i> 1 1, i< »,t/,f(. fiiifi \o ii'f //It III lliiiiK', |iriivlili'il li" wiiiiM I'uliililiMli II I iiiiMlitiiliiiniil (/'iv«rrifri<*rit, mi'l (II I VI' I II MM II 1 1 llllll i I II III llllll Mill r 'I'll'' |iii|ii' ii|/ii>mI I 'I till ir |ir'i{i'i'iit I'lU'i, Iml wlii'ii I III')' I I'll III I'll 1 1 II' I II III wi il iiijii I'll liii >ii((iiiil iiic, mul I li'iiM* (if I III j/( iitl*' liM'ii wiiillii|{ ii(iii|i liiiii, III' ill' liii"l, I'lilili linlii iiti'l liiM IiIiIi'Im Ii'Ii, tiny liiid )i'i Mulli' JMit, iniitilii\ ii|iiiii llii'ir iiwii imliviiliiiil wniil, willi'iiil. n «' mp of wt'ii'nn', U(>in tli«' ji''fi ot llll' |iii|ii', In illltlH'tlil' till il I'liiMil'i, llllll link llnil liv'K, l.lil'V, lli'C f'lf*', li'liii'il limn llll' |iii'MMi' I' III liiu li'iliiii'UH, iliuii|iiiniiil< 'I liiil nnt, 'luli'iri'>ir<). 'Uli On my Hinvity l»i. riiiilillmii inviti'l nn' In viwit. Iiirn ul lii< fMiiviiU\ lilif;uy I lifwl pi't'ii ill hilly, ni nvMi '111 III' i/»iitini(il, Il lilli'd llirc*- l.irji(»" mnrnn ; oiiP. of wliiili rniiliiiiii'il linnkn (will ill niii(i;i 'ly nf |(in'fiil liint/if y (iii'l lit' riitiif«, i'niii|ii iMiiifr llll' lull I'.r mIiiiiiIiimI W'i|Itii (|ii|l>liK|i''nlli in Kn/I'ifi'l mill Aiiii'iiiii), I'l'inli, 'iiiiiimi, llnliiin nml f'linniMli. Tli" Rf. (iiil.li'/rif.y, in Kti^ImIi, I'-rt'iii'li, lliilimi, < III nimi, mill f'|iiiniHli, A/c. 'I'ln' Mnr'l r'lnrn '■nntniiK'l ;». fin'- HImI rxli'iifiivi' '•iilliitinii nf III'' liilcwl, ttl.mi'liir'l wnrktwlii'li Im'l l»«'«'fi (iiir» linlH'il III l'',ii(',liiiiil IIII'I llin l/nlt.<'l Kititi'K, l''f(in'<', H[i(iif 'J'-rni'ifiy, iiri'l Ifdiy, fill <'ivil i'/ I'lnnK'nf. A ili'|iiiliilinii ('il wlii'iii hr. I'lint.ili'ini whk 'in*-) wnt. frnrn i',',un-U, l''lnicni'iu'/ whuih t.irftft limy rniilil I'nlnliJiHli (i jiint, nnd i'iifi'. j^nvi^r nni»;nt., if j>rnt,«!',t<:'l frnrn f.h**. ifi- ti'ircn-iir'n nf nllitir j^nv rnin<;rilH. Mr Shifl ttiivfil to nnpf»'/rt. Hit^tr vi*-,*!!, mid Dr Piinliliniii and nnf, m t.wn nthcr^ fit tlic d<>tli the interest anil (Inty of the state to prompt and oncourttj,'e individual oll'ort in re),;ard to eollej^iate, as in regard to elementary, education and not to (liHC()ura)^e it by the creation of a monopoly invidious and unjust on the one side, ami on the t)ther tleadening to all individual ullbrt and enterprise, and oppressive to the state. We submit, therefore, that justice ami the best interests of liberal education require the several colleges of the country to be placed upon eiiual footing accordinj^ to their works. We a^-k nothing for Victoria College which we do not ask for every collegiate institution in Upper Canada upon the same terms. We desire also that it may be distinctly understood that wo ask no aid towards the suj)port of any theological school or theological chair in Victoria College. Tiiere is no such chair in Victoria College; and whenever one shall be established, provision will be nuide for its support independent of any grant from tiie state.* We claim mipj'ort for Victoria College according to its works as a literary institution — as teaching those l)ranches which are embraced in the curriculum of a liberal education, irrespective of denomi- national theology. We also disclaim any sympathy with the motives and obji'cts which have been attributed by the advocates of Toronto College monopoly, in relation to our Nali >nal School system. The fact that a member of our own body has been i)ermitted by the annual ajjimtbation of the Conference to devtite him- self to the establishment and extension of our school system, is ample proof of our approval of that system : in addition to whicji we have from time to time expressed our cordial support of it by formal resolutions, ami by the testimony and example of our more than four hundred ministers tlirougliont the Province. No leligions community in Upper Canada bus, therefore, given so direct aiul ell'ective support to the Natumal School system as the Wesleyan community, but we have ever nuiintained, and we submit, that the saiue inteiests of gent-ial education for all classes which require the maintenance of the elementary school system reqniie a reform in our Uni- versity system in order to place it on a foundation ecinally com])rehensive and impartial, and not to be the patron and mouthpiece of one college alone ; and the same consideration of fitness, economy and patriotism which justify the stute in co-operating with each school municipality to su])port a day school, require it to co-operate with each religious persuasion, according to its own educational works, to su])port a college The experience of all Protistant countries she that it is, and has been, as much the province of a religious persuasion to establish a college, as it is for a school municipality to establish a day school ; and the same experience shows that, while pastoral and piMental care can be exercised for the religious instruction of children residing at home and attending a day school, tliat care cannot be exercised over youth resiiling away from home and pursuing their higher education except in a college where the pastoral and parental care can be daily com- bined. We hold that the liigmst interests of the country, as of an indi- vidual, are its religious and moral interests ; and we believe there can be no heavier blow dealt out against those religious and moral interests, than for the youth f)f a country destined to receive the best literary education, to be placed, during the most eventful years of that educational course, without the pale of ( '111 iMiiiiiiily nl' llic rdiinlrv. ■nil. 'riml lliiM'MliiMivo M)i|tlii'uli(tii ol' llii' l.f^iii|iili\ (< |iriiviHiiiii r(iiHii|Hf CillliKlinn, 111 lli(> iMIiliiWIIIi'llI n|' i| ciillc^/r lul' I Ih< nllli'iil iiill ul' I III' Miillii iif I lliil nlii'iN .it piirciil't III I III i< wlii< wImIi Id ( ol' llioir ri'li,(.',iiiiiii pi ini'i]i|i'Miiiiil ninriil rliiirin'li'i', In llio I'M'hiMiiiu ol lliono cliuini'M of |itiri'iil'i wliii w ImIi I Iiiciilc llirir hchhmii rollojji'M or ^^('Mlillll^il'^' wliorc ii jiiiIimiiii' riiit' in liiiM|,n\viMl ii|iiiii llii-ir niniiil iiiul i'('tis;ioiiH iiili>ri'!tln. III. llii' HiiiiH' (mii> lliiit. Ilicy iiri< rnn'riilly niid llmr oiiv-lilv liiiif;lil in Ki'i'iiliir Iciiniiiig ; in |,',i>i"Mly illilMinl, |iiirliiil, iiii|ii'il iiinl nniiMlrinI ic, mill niciiln llio ncvcii'il rciiriiji.iiinn nj cvriy lilirrnl iiii'l rif,',lil niiiiilril iiiMii olcvi'iy it'lij,;ii>ir< |M'r:iiiiiMiiiii iiinl imrly in liir (nniiliv. 5. 'riiiil tli(< iiiiniii|rni(,;lil, of nIiiiIoiiIh, iiiili'|ii'n.iciit ol liny l/ri'.inlnliyc iinl in wlinli llirio lire lilly iiiiio Mliiilcnlf III lli(< l''iii'iilly of AiIh, iiiviii|i>'*ll,v ontillcd lo Mliaic in llif hcj^inliiliv(' provision lor siipciior I'lhicalioii, aicoi'iliii;; lo llic nunilni' ol' lilmlciiln in llic (•olli'i'.iatc aiiil ai'iiiliMiiii'al i'oihsi'^a of iiisl i net ion. Till. 'I'lial \yt' nH'i'ilioiiMli'ly iMilrcnl llic im'iiilu'rn of our CIiiikIi, lo iihi' thoir inlhu'in'o to t'loct, as far as posHililo. piililic, nicii wlm arc rnvoiirnlilc. lo till' \ io\ys oxpn'HHi'il m tin* loivnoinj^ri'soliilionH, nml ilo (Minnl JiihIhi' lo IIioho w lio wish to j;i\on supiM'ior religions t'dmalion lo tin' ymiili ol' lln' rininlry, as wi'll as those who ilesiie for llieir hoiih a non reli).;ioii < I'llinalion mIoiic. Or. Hvi'vsoii rom'hiilcil his spooch on <.lit> 2(ill\ April. Towanls it-< rlo'^c ho s.'viti : — [One of tho .spoMlvcrs] thotiolii (,o luiiriso ihi* (.\>iuiuitti'i'. liy a rcrori'iici' lo jiii expression ol" miiu', nst'd in a lottor writttMt 1)V me several years since, thai I hail iiiedifaled n\y systent of pnhlie insdnetion lor this connfry (lor I nm- femj^hited the >YhoU> system from the printury school to tlie I'ni- Aersity) — on some ol" thi> hioju'st momitains in I'lin-ojie, ami .•^aiil. nsino; a very I'leoant i>xpression, it must thererore he nitlu-r " windy." . . No one can have read the history of (irroece or Scotland, or (he N\)rtliern and Western parts oi" Knufland, with- out kmnvino; that, from elevated and si'cluded places, some of the tinest inspirations of oeniiis liave emanated which haveevi-r heon conceived by the mind of man. There are mountains in Kurope where the recluse may stand and see Iteneatli him ctn-liiio clouds, and roarino- tempests spendino- their strenojth, wliilo ho is in a calm untrimblod atmosphere, on the summit of a inoun- taiu of which it mav b" said, " Though roMiui his broast the rolliiiu; cloiule are spread, EtL'ruiil suni*hiue settles on his head."' I,V \H:,\i n2\ rillC HToliV OF MY l.lliK. r,ni rumn piT- r nin>i'riiii III! Ill llllll iiinatMitiiil imi'li'i', 111 ■ ir iiiiim ill H'ir iiiiiriil Mini llli'l iijii'il mill iii'l ri;',iil V. I.I (Ininli, I'ljlK'.'ll lull, rtiil'lll < 'ill ilViM'i'i|.',llt < UK" liltV hi'il |iii|iilH lllllM ll'lll. irt |iil, ami ill llllVO lll'l'll \ 111' wllillll I, Irf'ill mill nsiiii'MM. I',inlalivi' liMltrt ill llli' nil, III UHC viiiinililo III ice III llinHi' lu> I'liinilrj, 111 aliiiit'. To Willi Is IniUHt' l.lin usimI ill a MU'llilMlcil \'-)V I I'llll- <) l,lu' I'ni- iropc, ami ' lit> i-at/htT ( JrtH'ct' or aiwl.Avitli- s, soiiu' ol" luivoovcr untains in lim ciirliiii; while lio )t' a inoun- AikI I hhIc wli(«l.li(>r ii wn.'i iiii|iliil(iM(»)»liical for an ifi'lividnal w)io linij cxaiiiiiiiW llin (•(liiciiiiodal HyMtciris of varioijM roiiriJ,riHtin('f of Mini who in l,hn fotintiun of hjdil,, l,o cont.ftnplatf a Hysl.i^ni whicli wmm l,o diU'ii.'-.c inl.filfcMial /ind moral lifdil- lliroiu^h- onl, liiH nal.ivr rounit y, l.o Miirviy I.Iki rorir the I'rovinee, he coiicinded wil.li l.he.se woifl'i : l(. ii |ierfectly well known to til e (/'ommittee, that its tituc, for the hi'st four or five d;i,yM, li;i,-i heen oc('ii|iied, |i,>! in the inve(iti;^(ition (»f the.'ie prineiph' i, hut hy attempts to destroy what is den,rer to ine than life,, in order to cnish the caiiHe with whieh I am identified ; luid a ;r:e,rie liai heen (MUK'ted here, :;onH;what re.'iemhlin;^' that whicli took plaf;»; in a (Mirtain committee room, at 'I'oronto, in re;_aiid to a certain Insptictor-Chiiieial. hWc.ry sin^df! for'^^etfulnesH or omi.HMion of mine has hef^n nia;^nifie(| and tortiir<:'l in every })0:',v,il>le, way, to destroy my reputation for luic^rily, and my Ht.andirif^ in (lie country. A nc^wMpaper in 'I'oronto, whon*; editor-inf.fiie.f is a man of vory i^'reat notorict-y, has said, since the commencement :)f this iiKpiiry, that., in my ♦arly day.i, I made, merce.nary 'ippidaclms to anotlier clmrcth, hut was indi;.(narjtly rejiclled, tind li(!nc(! my jircsent position. I showed tlie otfier day that I mieht liave occupied the, place; of Vice-Chancellor of the Cniver'sity which Mr-. Iian;^ton rrow liol it has Itct'u as tlu- nniaimciisiH of my «'ccl<.'sias(.ical Hnjic- riors; il" 1 have done anythiii;^', it has liorn in compliance with tho wishes of thost> whom 1 h)V(? and honour; and my attach- ment to the Wesleyan body, and the associations and doing's of my early years, have heon ajipealed to, as a i^nound of claint for my humble aid in connection with this movement. Sir, the \Vt>sIeyiin peo|)le, plain and hmuhh^ as they were, did me \f{nn\ in my yi»uth, a,nd I will not abandon them in my old a/^'(>. I liave oidy further to add, that whatever may be my short- comini^s, and (>ven sins, I can .say with tiuth that I love my country ; that by habit of tljon elements of its constitution, and losinjj; si^dit of all tlistinction of classes, sects, and partii's, to ask my.scdf, in tlio presence of that Heint:f, before whom I shall .shortly stand, what I could do nu)st for my coimtry's welfare, liow I could contri- bute most to fouTid a system of education that woidd give to (^anaila, when I shoiild be no more, a career of splendour which will make its people proud of it. I may adopt the woition and tears; hut I prayed and relied ujjon Ilim who fiad nev(;r failed me in the Iiour ot trial, aners of hoth Houses are various, and .some of them annisin;.,' — all a;,'reeintf in tlie completeness of tlie nco mot ycstordny, and 80CM11S to 1)0 in a very {jjootl ,s})irit. A Oonunittoo was ap[H)into«l, named by myself, and moved Uy llov. Dr. Wood — to arrnnj^^o for procoodinijs on tho University (|UeHtion. Tho C()mmitt(>o nu;t hist night, a>id agreed to liavo a puhhc me(«ting; and my- self and one or two more to draw np resohiticms to ho siihmittcd to it. I am desired to adachcrs to be very cordial and grateful. Kiwjslou Jam' iiflt. — Tho ollieial lay mendiers of tho Chnreh in the city of Kingston ])re,sonted a congratulatory address to tho Conference this forenoon, in which they referred witli gr(>at feeling and force to th(> ITniversity (|uostion, also to tho repre- sentativos of the Conference at (Quebec, and especially to my- self — reciuesting that tho (hmrdinn nnght be more and more the medium of furnishing the connexion with facts and informa- tion on the subject, and that my Defence should bo insortod in it for the information of our peo])lo. Rev. (?. R. Sand(>rson, seconded by Rev, W. .rcfrcrs, move; those who were at Quebec, especially nivaelf— endorsin;^ tiie inemorial panii)lilet. My name was received with clieers, whenever monti(nied in the resolutions. In the evenin<,', a pulilic meeting,' was held, and it was a perfect ovation to myself. Some of thost; jiresent thought that that was the object of the meeting. Hev. \V. Jeffers, the new editor, nuvde an excellent speech. Rev. Lachlan Taylor read extracts in a mo.st amusing and etl'ective manner from the Hamilton Spectator, Colonist, .Ec}io,imd ChurcJi Press. The Hon. Mr. Ferrier spoke most happily on the ell'ect of the dis- cussion, and also of the etfect of my speech on the members of both branches of the Legislature. I was cheered throughout, and sat down with four long rounds of cheers. There was much laughter, and occasional deep feeling during my criticisms on the variations, ami some of the topics of the speeches of my opponents at Quebec, especially the after-dinner speeches at the To- ronto University tratiiering. CHAPTER LIX. 1861-1806. Pkrsonal Incidenth. — Du. Ryerhon's Vihith to Norfolk Co. DURINCJ tho yoars of IHfJl-lHfJO, Dr. RyorKon wm cliioflv •'Mf^'u^fcd In liiH oflicial dutioH, and part oF fclu; time with tho Univ(!rHity (lucstion. ThiM'o is, th(;r(;fr>re, littlo to record diirin;^' thcso years (!XC(!pt p(;rHonaI inatt(!r.s. Tho followinjr^ letters from two of lii.s l)roth(!r.s indicate how strong was th(;ir attachirK^rit to him : — Jintiilfind, Xth Ocl.Dlmr, IH(i!.— ri(!V. .Tolin RyerHon writi-H : I Ii/ivc. dorivcil itiDn^ liciidit I'ldin reading Miliici'H IliHtory tlii.s time tlmii F tvcr ilid Ix-.fon;; (•spcciany tin- cxiiciii'iicc, wii(iii|.;H, &c„, ol' St. AiiKHHtinc, ('y|)ii;tri, I{(;nianl, JjIiIIkt ikkI Zwiiij^lc. St. Aiii^iiHtiiic'H (;orivi;rHioii mid "conrcHHiorm" hiive l)i;un inudi lilcHHcd to riK!. f li;iv(! \H'.cri ]('.(] to (ixarriino witfi more, Ciirc (ind ]»riiycrl'ul ait.(!iiti(iu tliiui ^^.v^'.v iK^lnrf, tln! pnwiT, inlliience, and IVuitH of vital );iidIini!HH, iih exi)('.riciii'(;d disease. Change of scene and out-door exercise have proved the mosL ell'ectual remedy for both. ]My first adoption of this course (a isart from foreign travel) was two years since, when a month's daily sea-batl ir.g, boating and walking, at Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, State of Maine, contributed greatly to the improvement of my health and strength. After again resuming my usual Avork lor several weeks, I found that my relief, if not safety, required a further suspension of ordinary mentiil labour, and diversion of my thought by new objects. I determined to visit the place cf my birth and the scenes of my youth. At Port Ryerse I made myself a little skifl' after the model of one I had seen at the sea-side, and in which I rowed myself to and from Ryerson's Island, a distance of some thirteen miles from Port Ryerse, and about four miles from the nearest mainland — the end of Turkey Point. Last au.tumn I lodged two weeks on the farm on which I was born, with the family of Mr. Joseph Duncan, where the meals were taken daily in a room the wood-work of which I, as an amateur carpenter, had finished more than forty years ago, while recovering from a long and serious illness. When invited to meet and address the common schools of the county of Norfolk, at a county school picnic held in a grove near Simcoe, the 24th of last June, I determined to proceed thither, not by railroad and stage, as usual, but in a skiff fifteen feet and a half long, in which I had been accus- tomed for some months to row in Toronto Harbour, between six and eight o'clock in the morning. Providing, as far as possible, against the double danger of swamping and capsizing, by a canvas deck, proper ballast, and fittings of the sail, I crossed Lake Ontario alone from Toronto to Port Dalhousie in nine hours ; had my skill" conveyed thence to Port Colborne on a Canadian vessel, through the Welland Canal, and proceeded along the north shore of Lake Erie, rowing in one day, half-way against head wind, from the mouth of Grand River to Port Dover, a distance of forty miles, taking refreshments and rest at farm houses, and bathing three times during the day. The following day scarcely con- scious of i'atigue, I delivered two addresses ; the one to a vast assemblage of school pupils and their friends, in a grove ; the other a lecture to teachers and trustees in the evening. After visiting my island and witnessing the productive and excellent garden of the family that occupies it, I returned to Toronto in my skiff, by the way of Niagara river, sailing in one day between sun-rise and sun-set (stopping for three hours at Port Colborne) from Grand River to Chippewa, within two miles of the Falls. I had my skiff conveyed on a waggon over the portage from Chippewa to Queenstown (ten miles), and started from Niagara to To- ronto about noon of the first Friday in July. When a little more than half way across the lake, 1 encountered a heavy north-east storm of rain and wind, and a fog so thick as to completely obscure the Toronto light-house, which was within a mile of me. When it became so dark that I could not see my compass, I laid my course, with the sail reefed, by the wind and waves, reaching (a mile west of my due course) the east side of the Huniber Bay, between ten and eleven in the evening, and making my way, by a hard pull, to the Toronto Yacht Club House a little before midnight. 18G1-G6] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 637 About four weeks since my eon and myself made the voyage in the same ekiff from Toronto to Long Point, but proceeding by railroad from Port Dalliousie to Port Colborne, intending to spend a week or two on the farm, and two or three days on the Island. T conclude this epitomised sketch with three remarks. I am .satisfied of the truth of what I have long believed, that a small boat is as safe, if not safer, than a large one, if properly con- structed, fitted out, trimmed, and managed. I believe that many a large open boat, if not capsized by the wind, would have been swamped by the waves over which my little craPt rode in safety. I have never experienced the benefit of out-door exertion and the comfort of retirement to the same degree as during these excursions, besides daily riding on horseback and prepar- ing all the wood consumed at my cottage. Between two and three years ago I found it painful labour to walk one mile, I have since walked twelve miles in a day, besides attending to other duties — an improvement of my general system, which is already acting sensibly and encouragingly on the seat of thought and nervous influence. In my lonely voyage from Toronto to Port Ryerse, the scene was often enchanting, and the solitude sweet beyond expression. I have witnessed the setting sun amidst the Swiss and Tyrolese Alps, from lofty elevations, on the plains of Lombardy, from the highest eminence of the Appenines, between Bologna and Florence, and from the crater summit of Vesuvius, but I never was more delighted and impressed (owing, perhaps, in part to the susceptible state of my feelings) with the beauty, eftulgence, and even sublimity of atmospheric phenomena, and the softened magnificence of sur- rounding objects, than in witnessing the setting sun the 23rd of June, from the unruffled bosom of Lake Erie, a few miles east of Port Dover, and about a mile from the thickly wooded shore, with its deepening and variously reflected shadows. And when the silent darkness enveloped all this beauty, and grandeur, and magnificence in undistinguishable gloom, my mind experienced that wonderful sense of freedom and relief which come from all that suggests the idea of boundlessness — the deep sky, the dark night, the endless circle, the illimitable waters. The world with its tumult of cares seemed to have retired, and God and His works appeared all in all, suggesting the enquiry which faith and experience promptly answered in the affirmative — With glorious clouds encompassed round Whom angels dimly see ; Will the unsearchable be found ; Will God appear to me 1 My last remark is the vivifying influence and unspeakable pleasure of visiting scenes endeared to me by many tender, and 538 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LIX. comparatively few painful recollections. Amid the fields, woods, out-door exercises, and associations of the first twenty years of my life, I have seemed to forget the sorrows, labours and burdens of more than two score years, and to be trans- ported back to what was youthful, simple, Jiealthy, active, and happy. I can heartily symyathise with the feelings of Sir Walter Scott when, in reply to Washington Irving, who had expressed disapprobation in the scenery of the Tweed, im- mortalized by the genius of the Border Minstrel, he said, — It may be partiality, but to my eyes tliese i^'ray hills and all this wild border country have beauties peculiar to themselves. I like the very naked- ness of the land. It has somethinf,' bold, and stern, and solitary ftl)out it. When I have been for some time in the rich scenery of Edinburgh, which is ornamented garden land, I begin to wish myself back again among my honest gray hills, and if I did not see the heather at least once a year I think I should die. Dr. Ryerson was very bold and skilful in the management of a sail boat, as may be inferred from the foregoing incidents. On one cncasion, a few years ago, while sailing on the Toronto bay in his skiff, he was overtaken by a gale, during which the steeple of Zion Church was blown down, but, through God's goodness, he reached terra jirma in safety. He frequently sailed his little craft, as he has mentioned, from Port Ryerse and Port Rowan to his Long Point cottage — a distance of thirteen and nine miles respectively — and that, too, in all sorts of weather, and sometimes wnon much larger boats would not venture outside of the harbour. For many years Dr. Ryerson was considered one of the best shots at Long Point. When over seventy years of age, he killed from seventy to eighty duck in one day in his puiit and with his own gun. In the spring of 1880, when in his seventy- eighth year, he was overtaken by darkness, and, not being able to reach his cottage, was compelled to remain all night in the marsh. Rolling himself up in his blankets, in his boat, he quietly went to sleep. In the early morning he was rewarded by capturing nine wild geese. He crossed Lake Ontario, between Torunto and Port Dal- housie, four times alone in his skiff (only sixteen feet long), and three times accompanied by his son. Fear was unknown to him, and he never lost his presence of mind, even in the most perilous circumstances. Another favourite recreation of his was riding. He was often seen before six o'clock in the morning enjoying a canter in the suburbs of Toronto. Writing to me from Ridgeway in August, 186G, he said : — To day I left Toronto in my little skiff for Port Dalhousie. 1861-66] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 539 The lake was as smooth as glass the greater part of the day, and the latter part of the day there was not a breath of wind, so that I had to row. I got into Port Dalhousie in the evening. I was at the Queen's Own camp at Thorold yesterday. I visited a large number of tents, and examined the whole mode of living, and especially of cooking. It was amusing, among other cases of the same kind, to see .several young gentlemen of Toronto cooking, and others assisting. I saw them cutting their meat, etc. They have the reputation of being the best cooks in the battalion. I go to Port Colborne in the rail cars, and will proceed in my skiff to Port Ryerse, or rather to Port Dover first. I hope to get there to-morrow. I went over the battle-ground here last evening. As many people were curious to know how Dr. Ryerson spent his time at his Long Point cottage, the following letter, written to his cousin, Major Ryerse, in April, 1873, will supply tl.e information. It relates to one day's experience, and was about the average of these experiences there : — On leaving the island cottage, I paddled and pushed my boat about six miles in the marsh, Monday forenoon. I rowed all the way to Port Ryerse against a head wind, one part of the way so .strong that I shipped a good deal of water, and got wet. I was from two to eight o'clock rowing from my cottage to Port Ryerse. I was too wet and fatigued to walk to your house, but went to l)cd at nine, got up at five, and started for Simcoe at six. I walked eight miles out of ten on the ice, from Port Rowan over — going the other two miles by water, in a skiff which we took with us on a hand-sled, During the first eight days I did not go out in the marsh at all, but devoted myself wholly to my papers and books. The second week I went out three times, about three hours each, got a little game, but not enough to leave any on the way, except to a few friends. I am now beginning to enjoy rest more than exertion ; and am not certain when I shall come again, or whether I shall come at all again. While on his educational tour in LS06, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me from Napanee, and said : — There was a very large meeting in Picton on Saturday and another here to-day, and both wont with me in everything, with showers of compliments and almost enthusiastic feeling. A large number of the oldest settlers and Methodists were invited to meet me last night at Mr. Dorland's, in Adolphus- town. The service in the evening was to them a feast of fat things, and some of them spoke of it as the happiest occasion of their lives. I felt very happy with them. They said it reminded them of " old times." CHAPTER LX. 1867. Last Educational Visit to Europe. — Rev. Dr. Punshon. IN 18G7 Dr. Ryerson made his last educational tour to Europe. On his return he prepared two elaborate reports — one on Systems of Education in Europe, and the other on the Educa- tion of the Deaf and Dumb. He also went to Paris as an Honoi-ary Commis.sioner to the International Exhibition held in that city in 1867. While absent he constantly wrote to me. From his letters I make the following selections : — Paris, January 22nd, 1867. — The pretended concessions of the Emperor of France to the French nation was not much thought of in Paris, as it is regarded here of little value. His announcement of his concessions, as being final, will do him more harm, than the concessions themselves will do good. The Attorney-General told me to-day that I had won the the heart of Mr. Adderly, M.P., Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, who is an able man. The Attorney-General gave me a note of introduction to him (in the absence of Lord Carnarvon) in order to introduce me to Lord Stanley, which Mr. Adderly did. He asked me many questions about our school system, and told the Attorney-General I had given him an immense deal of information in a short time. Nice, February 2h. — We left Paris Wednesday evening, and reached Marseilles Thursday noon — passing Lyons, Vienne, Avignon, etc., in the valley of the Rhone, by daylight. The scenery was very beautiful, vine-yards on the hillsides, culti- vated fields, trees and shrubs green, almonds in blossom. In the afternoon we " did " Marseilles, visiting the Exchange, the Palais de Justice, the ancient and modern port with its thousands of ships, — 28,000 entering it per year — ascended the lofty mount, with garden walls on its sides, to the Notre Dame church which surmounts it — a small church of the sailors hung with innumerable characteristic mementoes of their escapes from shipwreck, through the intercession of their Mother-protector! The view of the city and surrounding country, all dotted with villas, is magnificent. Next morning we started for Nice. 18G 1-601 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 541 Toulon, the Mediterranean naval station of France, is about thirty-six miles this side of Marseilles — about one-third of the way to Nice. It is strongly fortified; its port, which is admir- able, contains many French ships of war. The population is about 50,000. Between Toulon and Nice lies the town of Cannes — a rival to Nice as a resort for invalids. The scenoiy from Marseilles to Nice is beautiful, and sometimes grand — the sea on one side, and the gardens, fields, olive and orange orchards, hillsides and mountain slopes, dotted with hamlets and villas, on the other. In the back-ground of Nice are seen the maritime Alps. Oranges are here seen on the trees ; and the trees, shrubs and flowers are green, and some of them in blossom. The breezes gentle, the sun bright and warm, the sky clear, and the atmosphere soft and balmy, one seems to inhale healthful vigour with every breath, and to behold cheerful beauty on every side. I have here met my old friend, Dr. Pantelioni, who attended me when 1 was ill in Kome, who was employed by Count Cavour to negotiate with Prince Napoleon and the Emperor the treaty of the loth September, by which the French troops have evacuated Rome; but he is now an exile from Rome, but hopes soon to ret' '11 thither. He has the lir.st medical practice, here, as he had ut Rome. Florence, March 19th. — Since I wrote to you from Rome, we went to Naples, in ten hours, by railway ; spent three days there, and returned, the fourth, here — in 23 hours from Naples — arriving here Sunday morning, in time to dress, get breakfast, and go to church, where we heard the liturgy read evangelicully, and a good evangelical sermon. The Church at Rome is High Church ; that at Florence is evangelical. But I heard an excellent service from the Dean of Ely (Mr. Goodwin), at Rome. I can give you no particulars of our tour. I do not enjoy it. I have wished a good many times that you were in my place, and that I had a week's quiet on my Island. Rome was dirty, as well as almost wholly given to superstition, though there is a strong and widespread hostility among the masses to the temporal power of the Pope. Naples was dirty, but evinced much business activity. Fl )rence is clean, industrious, and all the people cleanly and well-dressed, except some beggars — an old -legacy. But the general hostility to the priesthood is remarkable, though not surprising. The Government had gained in the recent elections, but has a difficult part to play, between the Church and Anti-Church parties, and keeping up a large army, and imposing heavy taxes, of which all complain. Venice, March 28th. — At Florence, the British Minister intro- duced me to Count Usedon, the Prussian Minister at Florence, 542 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap, LX formerly at Paris, a most deli^'litt'ul and variously learned man, who invited me to i^o to his villa, but I had not time, and who told mo all about tlie woi'lTiany kind feelings and remembrances. I am very glad to hear so cheering an account of your Conference. As far as I can see, the way is opening out for Mr. Punshon's visit to Canada, as clearly as you or his friends in this country could wish. His removal from us, even for a space, will be a great loss to us ; and on grounds of friendship, especially so to myself , but I hope it is all right. It is our earnest prayer that he, and the Conference in his case, may be guided rightly. I should very much like to accompany him. I do not give up the hope of seeing you and the Canadian world, during his residenco 54(5 THK STOIiY (IF MY 1,1 FK. H'uxv. I,X among you. I have formed a secret resolution to steal away ror a t'ow weeks within the next 3'ear or two. But perhaps it, is wronf]^ to anticipate. "Yo know not what shall ')e on tln' morrow." Toronto, 24^//, Juhj. — I was thankful this day to receive froju Rev. Wni, Morloy Punshon a letter datcul liristol, 10th July, acknowledginfi; mine to him of tlu^ IDth Juno. If says : — It brought mo the only intimation which 1 have yet received of the request of the Canadian Conference that I should b(^ appointed to preside over its next s(\ssion. I feel humbled and thankful for this mark of the confidence of my brethren over the water, and, if Providence opens my w;iy, shall regard myself as favoured with no mean opportunity of getting and doing good. No step in this whole matter has Ixten of my own motion. I am simply passive in the hands of God and of His (Hiurch. You have very truly interpreted my wishes and feel- ings in what you have said to some of my brethren. All our aHJiirs are in higher hands than our own ; and if by God's over- ruling providence, 1 shall be a-ssured of welcome in Canada, and enabled to work for Christ upon that contine-xt, v.'hich I have so often longed to .see, I .shall regard the disruj Li' n of all older ties, and the sacrilice of present position in this country, as a small price to pay — the more, if I can aid in the establishment of a grand Methodist confederacy which shall be one of the great spiritual powers of the New World. Ur. Ryerson adds, With a grateful heart at God's goodness in this matter, I replied to the letter on the 1st of August, 18G7. While I was in England in 18G7, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me (Toronto, Awjust \st,) to say that: — The Rev. W. M. Punshon, M.A., is coming out to Canada, in October, with his family. He has addressed me several inquiries, which I answer by this mail ; but I wrote him to say who you were, what your address was in London, and that you could give him every needful information and suggestion as to his best mode of proceedings. I told him I would write you, and request you to write him a line — also telling him your address, and where you could see him, if he came to London, and offering him every information in your power, that he might desire. All things go on as usual in the Office. Rev. Gervase Smith, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated at the Bristol Conference, 4th August said : — We have had many im- portant conversations and decisions. Some of which will be interesting to you, and the Canadian friends. Mr. Pun.shon'3 appointment to Canada was made by the Conference. I need not say that we are all sorely grieved at even the temporary loss of his presence and service. But the call from Canada was V !ha.i'. liX ■a) away •rliaps it, ) oil the ivo from til July, ays : — 1 1 cived of lould bo l)l(xl and ron ovei' (1 inyH(>U' nd doing my own i of His and feel- All our )d's ovcr- lada, and I I have all older iitry, as a jlishment le of the lodness in }t, 18G7. )te to me Punshon, is family, er by this iir address y needful oceedings. rite him a could see iformation n as usual 1807] TlfK STOIiY OF MY LIFE. 547 loud, and Providence scemtid to indicate the way thitlier. f need not say that you will take care of him, and let uh liave him back again as soon as practicable. I am sure that his sojourn among you will ]hi made a great blessing to multitudes, and 1 doubt not tliat the future of Methodism in (Janada will be in- Iluenccd bv it. Ho is also heartily appointed as our Represen- tative to the General Conf(!rence in Ainerica. I judge that the ( !onf(!renco now being held hero will be regarded in the future as a very important one. ted at the many im- ch will be Punshon's e. I need temporary Canada was CHAPTER LXI. 1867. Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New Dominion op Canada. WHILE I was in England, in 1867, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me late in July, to say : — Some of our leading public men were anxious that I should do something to assist in placing government upon the right foundation in our new civil state. But before communicating with them I determined to write boldly, an Address to the people of Upper Canada. These friends ■were delighted when they learned my determination, after I had written about half my address. It was printed last even- ing. It will, of course, draw upon me a great deal of abuse. But I have counted the cost, and thought I ought to issue it under the circumstances. I thinlc a reaction is already begin- ning. I have thought it my duty to make one more special etibrt to save the country from future wretchedness, if not ruin, caused by the bitter party spirit of the press, whatever it might cost me. . . I am wonderfully well ; but take some exercise every day, and do not work very long at a time. The Address was issued in pamphlet form in July, 1867, and under the title of " The New Canadian Dominion : Dangers and Duties of the People in regard to their Government." From it I make the following extracts : While I heartily unite in your rejoicings over our new birth as a nation, I beg to address you some words on our national duties and interests. I do so because my opinions and advices have been requested by many persons deeply interested in the public welfare ; because I am approaching the close of a public life of more than forty years, during which I have carefully observed the hindrances and aids of our social progress, and have taken part, since 1825, in the discussion of all those con- stitutional questions which involved the rights and relations of religious denominations and citizens, and which have resulted in our present system of free government and of equal rights among all religious persuasions ; because my heart's desire and prayer to God is, that the new Dominion of Canada may become prosperous and happy, by beginning well; by avoiding those 1867] THE STORY OF My LIFE. 549 men jsulted rights ire and become those errors which have in time past heen injurious to ourselves, and which have impeded the progress and marred the peace of other peoples, and by adopting those maxims of both feeling and conduct which the best and most experienced public men of Europe and America have enjoined as essential to the strength and happiness, the advancement and grandeur of a nation. . . Wo are passing from an old into a new state of political existence. The alleged evils of former civil relations have induced the creation of new ones ; and the denounced evils of a former system of government have led to the establishment of a new system. . . We have been raised from a state of colonial subordination to one of affectionate alliance with the mother country. Then the iirst act of wisdom and duty is, to note and avoid the evils which marred our peace and prosperity in our former state, and cultivate those feelings and develop those principles of legislation and government which ha.ve con- tributed most to the promotion of our own happiness and interests as well as those of other nations. If you will call up to your recollection the events of our country's history for the last twenty years, I am sure you will agree with me that personal hostilities and party strife have been the most fatal obstacles to our happiness and progress as a people — an immense loss of time and waste of public money in party debates and struggles — a most fruitful source of par- tiality and coiTuption in legislation and government. . . . During the last two years that there has been a cessation of party hostilities and a union of able men of heretofore differ- ing parties for the welfare of the country, there has been an economy, intelligence and impartiality in legislation, and in the whole administration of government, not equalled for many years past, a corresponding improvement in the social feelings and general progress of the country, as well as an elevation of our reputation and character abroad, in both Europe and America. . . In no respect is the education of a people more important than in respect to the principles of their government, their rights and duties as citizens. This does not come within the range of elementary school teaching ; but I have sought to introduce, as much as possible, expositions on the principles, spirit and philosophy of government, in my annual reports, and other school addresses and documents, during the last twenty years, and so to frame the whole school system as to make its local administration an instrument of practical educa- tion to the people, in the election of representatives, and the corporate management of their affairs — embracing most of the elemertary principles and practice of civil government, and 650 THE t^TORV OF MY LIKE. LCiiAi'. lAI, r oxtont than i.s done in tho school Hy.st in Anu'rica. And tlic strcnj^'tli and succohh of tho school system in any nnniici- jiality havo hiuMi in proportion to tho ahscnco of party sjdrit, and th«> union of all parties for its promotion. . . What is true in school polity is true in civil polity ; and what is true in tho educational hranch of tho public servico, is true in every branch of tlu» public servico. I am aware that many ^ood and intellifjjent men, of difFerent views and associations, n>,lement, in the operations of free civil government. . . T think they arc in error, at least in the C^anadian sen.so of tho term party ; and that this error has boon at the bottom of most of our civil discords and executive abuses. 1 tliink that party- ism is a dojjj in the machinery of civil {jfoverinntuit, a.s in that of school or municipal i;overnmei\t ; in which there is freo discussion of measures, and of tho conduct of Trustees and Councillors; and there have been elections and changes of men as well as of measures. . . When party assumj)tions and intolerance have gone so far as to interfei'o with the proper functions of government, with the constitutional lights of citizens, or of the Crown, I have, at ditl'erent times, in former years, being trammelled by or dependi^it upon no p»rty, endeavoured to check these party exces.ses, and oppressicnis, sometimes to the offence of one party, and sometimes to the offence of another, just as one or the other might be the trans- gressor. 1 wjis, of course, much assailed by the parties rebukeil; but no consideration of that kind should prevent tlie public instructor — whether educator or preacher — from . . teaching what ho believes to be true and essential to the advancement of society, please or offend whom it^may, or however it may atlecfc him personally. 1 have rejoiced to observe, that many who have heretofore been men of party and of party government have resolved to inaugurate the new system of government, not upon the acute angle of party, but, upon the broad base of equal and impartial justice to all parties, the only moral and patvntic principle of gt)vernment, according to my convictions, and tho only principle of government to make good and great men, and make a pro- gressive and happy country. . . Thankful to iind that the new system of civil government was to be established upon the same principles as those on which our school system has been founded and developed to the satisfaction of the comitry, and to the admiration of all foreign visitors; qwA believing that the present was the juncture of time for comu ncing a new and brighter era in the history of vr. LXI. sy.st.(Mu . And inunici- V s])irit, IVliat is true in n every iliflVrcnfc I noniuil . . I of tlu! 1 of most it pariy- „s in tluit Q is free itecH and ;h of men , ions and ic proper litrhtH of in former ID party, presHioii^^, e.s to tlio ^ic trans- rebuked; he public teaclun;^ cement of nay atlect leretofore isolved to the acute impartial rinciple of 7 principle ake a pro- ovemment i those on )ped to the all foreign uncture of history of 1H(I7J 77/7-; STORY OF MY lAFE. 051 Canada — T liavo felt that it Iwul a claim to the rr'sult, in epitomc! at least, of my fifty years rfwulinj^' and meditation, and morc! tlian forty years (XM-asional discussion, respecting' tlwisn first j»rinciples of ^'ovennnent, for the fre(!dom, unity, hapjtinesH, advancf'inent and prosjxrity of a peopli;. . . I i»eli(!V(! thcic is a judj^finerit, a conscience, a Iieart in tlie bosom of a peo|)le, as well as in that of an individual, not wholly corrupt(!(l — at h^ast, so I have in tinn! past found it in tln^ people of Upper ('atiada — and to that jml^finent, and eon- scienc(!, and Iw^art, \ aj)peal. If what F have writtc^n is true, nrioen on speaking and personally friendly terms. But while I wish in no way to influence your judgment and proceedings in relation to myself, I beg to say that I cherish no other than feelings of good will, with which I hope to (as I soon must) stand before the Judge of all the earth — imploring, as well as granting forgiveness for all the wrong deeds done in the body. On the same day Mr. Brown replied as follows : — I have received your letter of this day, and note its contents. I am entirely unconscious of any "personal wrong" ever done you by me, and had no thought of receiving " forgiveness " at your hands. What I have said or written of your public conduct or writings has been dictated solely by a sense of public duty, and has never, I feel confident, exceeded the bounds of legitimate criticism, in view of all attendant circumstances. What has been written of you in the columns of the Globe newspaper, so far as I have observed, has been always restrained within the limits of fair criticism toward one holding a position of public trust. « IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. 1.0 I.I 1.25 M 1125 2.2 1^ IIIIIIO U 1 1.6 p> (^ <^. /J ^ '>i'^y -■r^ A & **• Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 i^^'ST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 iV >*1 V «^ ^^ accomplish. T was glad, too, to give utterance to my pr'" t jst against the shameless endeavours to hold up to public ;orn the valuable little work by which you Je.iired to giv », »^noral and religious tone to tho instruction communicated in hu* Common Schools, If more can be done in this direction, I ictl assured you would assume any allowable amount of responsibility ia the f^ndeavour to efiect it. Wishing you many years of health and usefulness, I remain, dear Dr. Ryerson, very faithfully yours, A. N. Toronto. This correspondence affords a striking instance of the fact that the very earnest discussions between the writers of these notes in past years, had not diminished in any way tho personal respect and kindly feeling which happily existed between them. And it was so with the late venerable Bishop Strachan, with whom Dr. Ryerson more than once measured swords in days gone by. Among his very latest utterances on the Separate School Question in the Synod of 1856, he thus referred to the Head of the Education Department and his labours : — One new feature, which I consider of great value, and for which I believe we are altogether indebted to the able Super- intendent, deserves special notice : it is the introduction of daily prayers. Wo find that 454 schools open and close with prayer. This is an important step in the right direction, and only requires a reasonable extension to render the system in its interior, as it is already in its exterior, nearly complete. But till it receives this necessary extension, the whole system, in a religious and spiritual view, may be con- sidered almost entirely dead. 668 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXIII. I do not say that this is the opinion of Dr. Ryerson, who no doubt believes his system very nearly perfect ; and so far as he is concerned, I am one of those who appreciate very, highly his exertions, his unwearied assiduity, and his adminis- trative capacity. I am also most willing to admit that he has carried out the meagre provisions of the several enactments that have any leaning to religion, as far as seems consistent with a just interpretation of the law. — Charge of 1850, i:)p. 15, 16. In a note dated Toronto, 2nd October, 1872, Hon. W. B. Robinson sent to Dr. Ryerson an extract from the Barrie Northern Advance containing an obituary notice of Dr. Ryerson. In enclosing it, Mr. Robinson said : — I send you a Barrie paper that I think will amuse you. It is not often we are permitted to " see ourselves as others see us " when once we go " hence and are no more seen," — but you are an exception, and I congratu- late you on such being the fact ; and hope the Editor will be satisfied that he is in "advance" of the times, and may have cause to give you credit for much more good work in the position you have so long held, with so much benefit to the country. I observed the death of your brother William in the papers a sl.ort time ago, which I suppose accounts for the mistake. The extract from the Barrie paper is as follows : — Most of our readers are aware of the fact that the great champion of educa- tion in Upper Canada has gone to his rest. Coming generations, so long as time lasts, will owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Rjerson, as the only real founder of a comprehensive school system in Ontario. Through evil report and through good report he has steadily worked on his way ; neither daunted by the abuse ne has received, nor unduly elated by the unmeasured tribute of praise paid to his efforts in the department to which his whole life was d-ivoted. He kept the even tenor of his way, and we think most people, unblinded by partisan prejudice, will acknowledge that his life purpose has, more than that of most men, been accomplished. He leaves behind him a structure so nearly completed that men with a tithe of his enthusiasm, and infinitely less knowledge of the educational requirements of the Province, can lay the capstone, and declare the work complete. Hon. Marshall S. Bidwell died in New York shortl}"- after his visit to Canada in 1872. Hon. Judge Neilson, his friend, wrote to Dr. Ryerson for particulars of Mr. Bidwell's early life, with a view to publish it in a memorial volume. This information Dr. Ryerson obtained from Sir W. B. Richards, Clarke Gamble, Esq., Q.C., and Rev. Dr. Givens, and, with his own, embodied it in a communication to Judge Neilson. In a letter to Dr. Ryer- son, dated 30th April, 1873, the late Rev. Dr. Saltern Givens said : — A short time since, Hon. W. B. Robinson informed me that a letter of 1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 569 condolence was written by the late Mr. Bid well to Lady Roljinson and her family, on the death of Sir John, and that he thought it would answer your purpose. . . I am sure tliat you will peruse it with as much pleasure as I have done. It ought to be a matter of devout thankfulness and congratulation with us Canadians, that two of our most distinguished statesmen and jurists have left behind them such unequivocal and delightful testimonies of tlieir faith in Christ, and of their experience of the power of His Gospel, in extracting the sting from death and in comforting the bereaved. I am sure that Sir John's letters to Mr. Bidwell, under his similar trial, if you could obtain them, would be read with a thrill of deliglit and profit by their many friends throughout Canada. When witnessing— as we have done, some forty years ago— those fierce political contests in which our departed friends were involved, how little did we think that in the evening ot their days they would have l)een united in the bonds of Christian love and sympatiiy, as this interchange of friendship evinces. The following is Mv. Bidwcll's letter to Hon. W. B. Robinson, dated 24th February, 1863 :— I thank you for your kind and friendly letter, and for the particular account of the closing scenes of the life of your honoured and lamented brother. The wound inflicted by his deatli can never be altogether healed. The grief which it produces is natural and rational, and is not inconsistent with any of the precepts, or with the spirit of the Gospel. It is a duty, how- ever, to keep it within bounds, and not to allow murmurs in our heart against Divine Providence. The language of our hearts should be that of the Patriarch, " The- Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." Gratitude for the gift should be mingled with our deep sorrow for the loss of it. In my own case, a consideration of the unspeak- able goodness of God in having bestowed upon me such an inestima])le blessing has been continually present to my mind, and trust such feelings will abound in the bosom of Lady Robinson, her family, and yourself. He, whose removal from earthly scenes your hearts deplore, was all that you could have desired, in his public and private character, and in the homage of universal veneration and esteem. Wnere will you find one like him ? Was there not great and peculiar goodness in God's bestowing him upon you ] Was he not the joy and pride of your hearts continually ? Did not his pre- sence irradiate his home, and make it like an earthly Paradise ? Every pang which you may suffer attests the value of the blessing which you have so long had. Your gratitude to God, the author of every good and perfect gift, ought to be in proportion to your grief. It is to be remembered, also, that he was not cut down prematurely in the midst of his days, but had passed the period which Moses, the man of God, in his sublime and pathetic prayer (Psalm xc.) considers as the ordinary boundary of human life, and retained all his powers and faculties to the last; and that during this long life he had not been absent from his family, at least not from Lady Robinson (if I am not mistaken) except during the transient separation when he was on the circuit. It is natural that your hearts should yearn for him, should long to see him again, and enjoy the pleasure of his company ; yet death must sooner or later have separated you, and longer life might have been a scene of suffering. Would it not have been inexpressibly painful to you all to have seen his mental and bodily powers decay and fade away ? Such a spectacle would have been distressing and mortifying. Now his memory is associated with no humiliating recollections; but you rem'jn'ber him as one always admired, respected and loved. Death has set his seal upon him, 570 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXIII. and although he is removed from you to return no more to earthly scenes, you know that it is only a removal, and that he is now in a state of exalted and perfect, though ever progressive, felicity. I trust ycu have the most consolatory evidence that this is now his present and unalterable state, and that you constantly think as David thought and said, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." In the meantime you have the consolation of knowing that while you remember him with the tenderest affection and interest, he has not forgotten you, but has a more distinct and perfect recol- lection of you than you have of him. That this is literally true is the convic- tion of my understanding, founded not only upon reason and analogy, but \ipon the irrefragable testimony of divine revelation. There surely is nothing in such a thought that is improbable. We have daily experience of the revival in our minds of past events long forgotten; they lived there, thougli dormant. Then how many well authenticated and well known instances, where persons recovered from drowning have stated that before they lost consciousness, all the scenes and incidents of their lives flashed instanta- neously, US it were, upon their minds, and appeared to be present to their view. ' They had been treasured up there, though latent. Death does not extinguish the mental faculties, thought does not cease, but the conscious and tliinking being passes from scenes present to scenes eternal. " Mortality is swallowed up of life." There would be good ground for this conviction, if revelation gave us no higher proof; but it is explicit. "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." This necessarily implies a perfect recollection of our lives. We are to answer for all the deeds done in tlie body; for every idle word, for every secret and sinful thought and feeling. This requires a perfect recollection of every event, sentiment, and emotion of our lives. The soul, therefore, must carry into the unseen world a perfect recollection of its associates anil friends; and as there will be no decay then of mental powers, this will be an abiding, ever-present recollection. Every holy feeling will also continue after death — conjugal, parental, filial, frater- nal affections are holy ; they are expressly enjoined upon us by divine authority. Love, indeed, pure, fervent affection, is the characteristic element of Heaven. It is impossible, therefore, that the holy affections should cease at death. I have, therefore, a conviction that our departed friends, whose death we mourn, remember us distinctly and with tender affection. I have dwelt upon this subject because it has afforded me in my great affliction much consolation, and if I had time, I might expatiate more fully upon it. and adduce further evidence in support of its truth. Yes ! it is a truth, and therefore it is full of consolation. While we are thinking of our departed friends with grief, thej% too, are thinking of us, Avitli at least equal affection, and this they will continue to do until we meet. In the meantime we may comfort ourselves with the thought that, to use the hmguage of a sober and judicious commentator on the sacred Scriptures, "The separation will be short, the re-union rapturous, and the subsequent felicity uninterrupted, unalloyed, and eternal." I have felt peculiar sympathy for Lady Robinson. I am sure her affliction must be extreme. I hope the Son of God is with her in the furnace, and that she has a consciousness of His presence. He can give both support and consolation, and both she must greatly need. He can gently, and imper- ceptibly, bind up and heal her wounded and bleeding heart. I wish that I could furnish reminiscences that would be interesting to you, for I should be glad to testify my respect for the memory of your brother, but I cannot tell you anything with which you are not familiar. I remember distinctly his appearance the first time I saw him. He had just returned to Canada, after his first visit to England. I was a 8tu75 In reply to Dr. Ryerson's letter of Hrd January, his brother John wrote : — My liealtli is still precarinus. . . . My nttentinn tn nli^iioua duties (reiuiiiif^ the Scriptures, private and meditative self-exauiinatiou, etc.,) I unrt'inittingly persevere in, but my relij,'iou9 enjoyment is \u\\ and my faith weak. • . This winter 1 have read the Life of Dr. linulsliaw, an ennntiit clerf,'yman of the Church of En^hind, some time Hector of (Jolchester, then of Jiirmiii(.;]iam, and then of a Rectory in tlie suburlts of London, wliere lie died in IHOf), at the age of cif,dity-nine. His ministry extended over more than sixty years. He was one of the most devoted, and sinj^'ularly piy tin; Mi-tliodiMt New (yorincxioii ('oiifcrcncn— a most ('ulttin'(l.j,'(^iitl<'iiiHnly, and rcspcctaMi* body of men— their wlioU; body Ixiitij,' not niinior- OUH, I lilt sclt'ct. I Imvo tliUH far onjoycid my visit to this country most thoroiijL,dily — fico from can?, and HurroiinrhMl hy most kind fri«'nds and aj^'rrcahh! associatioriH. Writin<„' to mo from liomlon, on tlio 17th July, ho says: — I oxporionced a throat ploasiiro in my visit to Irohmd, in hr t<)uivni<|<ii' o]t|)i)nt>ntM ; ImiI. I luii Mlionjirly in<in (I'oi' I iini lM<(lor il' Icl'l. mm «i. Icfwit'v, llinn il' now \n\l tordi l»v niVNt'll". M.V «o|Miliilion. nnd Mii> iiIcmhiiio io my ronntrv. will ohirlly «li'|t(>ml upon u\y I'niloil Mni|iiio ( 'iitiMdinii IliNfoiy, anil Io (lu»i my III! ol' Mhongili and iimc Im now tliiiM'Icd until I liinsh ii. iWcvihrv 'iiUh. I l\ti'!\n Siiinlt^y proiicli in WcMltninMicr ,\M»oy, on ('hiiMlniMM hny. His sermon wns iililf and t'!u(|Ut'n(., luii tli'^Mppoiiiiod iuo Ity (lie al>M(>n«'o oi' nil mtMtlion of ilio f;iiili and depravity «»!' tnan. and ll\i< " ^ood iidiujitM." inclndinir nn »(.o»»tMn«'ni for ( he pardon of jjnili, and ili«» power of (,li(> Moly Spirit to regeiuMaie and sanelily Me is a. \ovy ainiaMe man, and looks ai tlvo ^ood -^ide o{ evevytliinj;^. lie etnnneia.t(;s bronchi to man l>y the hu'arjiation ol' Christ., as dls- (iiiiiuished from all the advantavjt's ol' scienee and philosophy ; hut I l\dt. il' I had not received thriuieh ( •hrisi t.he two Messincs ho v>mitted io m«>ntion, I should nevt>r have reeeived ihe hless- ii\i»s, (o w hieh I owe tny all. ol' renewal, pardon, strength and v\Mni'ovi and hi>pe. in the relijjion ol' our ItovA .Iosuh C)luist. The award (o th(» ()nr, ivranloil hv the ronttMinial rded I'or it.. A dijdoma wjim, how«U(>r, al C\)nn»»i.ssioii, which was diudartnl io I'or A (\vu(i' I'omulolo ami adiuiruMy «iri\nj;oil Kxliil>ilit>n, ilhmtralitij^ t\u\, l^atavie syston* ot" Kilmatien atul its cxfi'Ili'ut r^'s^lll^ ; uIho lor tlio t'lllciomy of itn ailiuiiiisttatioa wiiit'h has ^;anit><| lor the Ontario l)i>partiii«-iit. u iiioHt liou«un";tMo ^^i^tin^•lion amonj' (itivrnnin>ut I'Muratioiial agomicH. Siu'h was tho ijratil'yins» irihnle which a inimbor of cnuncMit American educationists paid io the Oniario sysiem of Kthica- tion. and ihrouirh ii to its disiin<;uished fi)imdm*, in cstimatinuf the results of his laln^urs as illustvatod at tho Centennial K\ In hit ion. Having communicated this to Dr. Uyerson, in lllnglantl, ho replied: — I cannot sutHciently express my gratitude \vit>li you to our lleavonlv Father, for Mis ahounding care and m)odiic.s.s in coniiootion witii the Education Dopartmont, in pro.spering us in our pjust work, anil in sustaining ua tlnring all these yoars against attacks and adversaries on all sides. It is a singiilar and gratifying fact, that tho Centennial Exhibition at Phila- I'tvr. vol 77/ a; .rnulY OF MY UflC. nnn <|t'l|ilii(i mIiouIiI aduKl MM, hI/ Uiin iiiiH'(,iirf< (Mn< y<>»ir ul' my rcMrinjj; I'l'diii oMico), Mir Im'hI, dl' hII poMHiMn o|i|iuit,iiiiit/M niiil ^i;i(i,l.il.ii'l<\ ol' Utiviii Hi^im,! v. Dr. .loliHoii. iliil.f'il .l/uiim,iy 2r»Mi, IM77, in wliicli Im fwiid: 1 1 will iiirniil iiM> lnHlin;i; |ili>imiiH' to tliiiik lliiil. I Ikivc Rfiid or dodn «tty- I liiiil/ InWMiil-t iin)i;in('tiliii(r vnnr I'lijoynifiil on wImI. yon Imvn l(i'<>ii |il»'(i«i Imn hfun to IiroiliK'c within ini> (|i('|i ii'vi'mttinl rHlft'in lunI ullV'ftion t.owiii'l-i yon, wlm.li iav)< lii'i'ii only Hliifhtly i'X|itiiiiiy yon on yonr return to ii<°h Mim fi^iliii^ of nil my niinint'Tinl friomlM wht'ii I Hiiy l.hiit. yonr u|i|ii'ilmliii •' niiion;^^ im iit, oni I it,t< Oonliircnr',*' in NotliiijMiiiin lii'itrhti'iM'il it.n int.i'it'Ht.H wil.h nt lUi'l fliiil. ^our nt,t()i4n';4!R in it. roinlur if joyoimly iifniiionihhi to tin. ?w> (A\ \ CHAPTER LXV. 1877-1882. Closing Years of Dr. Eyep.som's Life-Labours. AFTER Dr. Ryersoii's return from England, he devoted son i time to the final revision of his principal work, in two volumes : The United Empire Loyalists of America, and to two additional volumes on the Puritans of Old and New England. These works cost him a good deal of arduous labour, but their preparation was in many respects a source of pleasure to him, and of agreeable occupation. After their completion, he lived in quiet retirement at his residence. No. 171 Victoria-street, Toronto. His pen was soon again employed in writing a series of essays on Canadian Methodism for the Canadian Methodist Magazine, which were afterwards re-published in book form. Immediately after his return from England, his brother John addressed him the following letter on the 23rd March, 1877: — I lieaitily conf^ratulate you on your safe arrival in your native land, and also that in health and strent^th you are spared to see your seventy-fourth birthday. As age advances time seems to fly more and more rapidly ; and however it may be with others, certainly we are to the "margin come," and how impoitant it is that we live in readiness, and in continual preparation for our departure. On the 7th May, 1877, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from his brother John urging him to commence a proposed series of essays on Canadian Methodism. He says : — I am glad that you think of writing a review of Church matters, and that there are so many leading ministers who think you ought to do eo. The more I think and pray about the matter, the more I am satisfied that is a path of duty opened up to you, the pursuit of which will be a great blessing to the Church and the country in coming time. The matters referred to and somewhat explained and exhibited, with other things which doubtless will occur to you, might be : — I. Missionary Society ; 2. Ilyanism ; 3. Cana- dian Conference formed ;4. Clergy reserve land matter ; 5. Christian Guardian commenced ; 6. Church Land and Marriage Bill ; 7. Victoria College ; 8. Book- Room ; 9. Centenary celebration and fund ; 10. Union with the British Conference ; 11. Hudson Bay mission ; 12. Disruption with British Conference ; 13. Re-union ; 14. Superannuated ministers ; Contingents ; Chapel Relief, and Childrens' Funds ; 15. Remarkable camp-meetings — Beaver Dams, some one hundred and til'ty professed conver^^ion ; seventy or eightyjoined the Church. Ancaster Circuit : Peter Jones converted. Yonge- R9. ted son j :, in two id to two England, but their 5 to him, he lived ■ia-street, y a series Wethodist ok form, ler John 1877:— land, and nty-fourth )idly; and ome," and jiejiaration 'rom his series of i, and that 60. The that is a at blessing referred, to doubtless 3. Cana- Guardian College ; a with the ith British ntingents ; neetings — seventy or Yonge- r)88 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXV. Btreet Circuit : Mrs. Taylor converted under a sermon preached by Win. Hay. Btiy Circuit : Peter Jacobs, and many other Indians saved. Hamilton, back of Cobourf,', held in time of Conference — Bishop George presidinL; ; when and where the Rice and Mud Lake bauds were all converted ; a nation born in a day ! 16. The first protracted meeting; held at the twenty-mile camp, by Storey and E. Evans, and Ryerson, P. E. — no previous arrange- ment, between two hundred and three hundred professed religion, the wonderful work spreading through most of the Niagara district. In a letter to me dated Guelph, 9th June, 1877, Dr. Ryerson said: — I came here yesterday forenoon, and was most respect- fully and cordially recieved by the Conference. In the course of the da}', Rev. J. A. Williams, seconded by Rev. E. B. Ryck- man, moved that I be requested to prepare a history of the principal epochs of our Church, etc. The resolution, with many kind and complimentary remarks, was unanimously passed by a standing vote. I assented, and am now committed to the work, and will lose no time in commencing — dividing my time between it and my history, which I hope to complete in a few months. I hope before the next General Conference to complete what this Conference has requested, and what, from what I hear, will be repeated by other Conferences. As I am en- deavouring to do some justice to the founders of our country and its institutions, I hope to do the same for the Fathers of our Church and its institutions. I spoke last night at the reception of young men, and my remarks were very favourably received. In a letter to me from Whitby, dated 27th June, Dr. Ryerson said: — To-day I had the great pleasure of laying the foundation stone of an important addition to the Methodist Ladies' College at Whitby. Mr. Holden kindly intimated that the trustees had decided to name the new structure " Ryerson Hall." My remarks were few, and related chiefly to the importance of female education. I referred to the great attention which was now given to the education of women, on both sides of the Atkntic. There were different theories, I said, as to how it should be done, but all were agreed that women should be edu- cated. Even the English Universities were helping in the work. I did not believe, I said, in Colleges for both ladies and gentle- men. They should be separate. It was of vital necessity that the mothers of our land should be educated. Woman made the home, and home made the man. If the daughters were edu- cated, the sons would not remain ignorant. Both patriotism and piety should make people encourage these institutions, which would be the pride of future generations. « On the 30th July Dr. Ryerson received an affecting letter from his brother John, enclosing to him the manuscript of his 1877-82] THE STOIIY OF MY LIFE. 589 " Reminiscences of Methodism," during his long and active life. In regard to them, he said ; — What I have written is entirely from memory. In speaking about many things I had to do with, of course I had to spfuk a good deal about myst-lt', but I was writing for the public, not for you ; and it any of the facts I have referred to will be of any use to you in your Essays, I shall be glad. That use, however, can be made without mentioning my nan)e, which I have dreaded to see in print anywhere. By prayer, reading, reflection, and God's grace helping a poor worm, I have so fur overcome the natural pride of my evil nature, as to be content, and sometimes happy, in my position of nothing- ness. My circumstances give strength to these feelings of contentment. My age and growing weakness show me tha 11 am come very near the margin of my poor life, and unfavourable symptoms, from time to time, strongly remind me that, with me at least, " in the midst of life, we are in death." 1 do not, however, deprecate, nor pray deliverance from, sudden death. My prayer is that of Charles Wesley s : — "In age and feebleness extreme, Who can a sinful worm redeem ? Jesus, my only help Thou art, Strength of my failing, flesh and heart ; Oh ! might I catch one smile from Thee And drop into eternity." Several years ago I read a poem, or part of one, written in old age by tlio celebrated English poetess, Mrs. Barbauld, whose sweet words I very lieq^uently repeat. She says : — " Life, we have been long together, Through pleasant and tlirougli cloudy weather, 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, Perhaps 'twill cost a si"h, or tear. Then steal away, give Tittle warning, Choose thine own time ; Say not ' good night,' but in some happier clime, Bid me ' good morning.' " These words were almost prophetic, for within three months after they were written, Dr. Ryerson left Toronto for Simcoe to attend at the dying bed of his beloved brother. Immediately after his death. Dr. Ryerson wrote to me and said: — Nothing could have been more satisfactory than the last days of my dear brother ; and it was a great comfort to him and all the family that I was with him for ten days before his departure. His responses to prayer were very hearty. He seemed to dwell in a higher region. He was so nervously sensitive that he could not only not converse, but could hardly bear being talked to. On one occasion he said, " Egerton, don't talk to me, but kiss me." One day I asked him if I should unite with him in prayer ; he answered (and this was the longest sentence during the ten days I was with him) with some warmth, " Egerton, why do you ask me that ? You know I always want you to pray with me." One day I repeated, or began to repeat, the tifth verse of the thirty -first Psalm, " Into Thy hands I commit my spirit : Thou hast redeemed me, Lord r)90 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXV. God of truth." He said " I have uttered tliese words many times. 1 have not a doubt upon my mind." Another day he seemed to be very happy while we united in prayer, and after respond- ing Amen and Amen ! " he added, " Praise the Lord." As the General Conference of September, 1878, approached, Dr. Ryorson was anxiously hoping that the Conference would be favoured with the presence of an able counsellor and friend, Rev. Dr. Punshon. Greatly to his regret he received a note from Dr. Punshon, saying : — You will know by this time that I am not coming to Canada this year, but that Mr. Coley is appointed Representative to your General Conference. Among other things, Dr. Punshon said : — You will see that our Conference has been a solemn one. A minister and a lay representative were smitten with death on the premises, and died before they could be removed. These shocks did not help my already shaken nerves to regain their tone. Other- wise the Conference was a memorable success. 1 shall have some of my heart with you in Montreal. I trust you will have a blessed Conference, and will be able to get some solution of the transfer question, and some approach to a scheme for connexional superintendency on a broad, practical basis, thus strengthening the two weak places of your present system. On the 31st August, 1878, Rev. Dr. Wood addressed the following note to Dr. Ryerson : — Thirty-one years ago, when appointed by the British Conference to the office of General Superintendent of Missitms in the Canada Conference, I forwarded to your address some testimonials which my brethren presented to me when giving up the chair of the New Brunswick District. 1 now en- close to you the resignation of my office as one of the General Secretaries of the Missionary Society, which you can either present personally, or hand over to the President. I have very pleasant recollections of the past asso- ciations, especially in the early years of the Union of 1847, to which you gave invaluable assistance in the working out of its principles, which have resulted in the present wonderful enlargement of the Methodist Church. As was his custom, Rev. Dr. Punshon sent to Dr. Ryerson a kind note at the New Year of 1879. Speaking of Methodist affairs in England he says : — The new year has dawned gloomily enoiigh with us in England. I never knew such protracted commercial depression. In spite of all, however, Church enterprises are projected, and we have started our Connexional Thanksgiving Fund auspiciously, both so far as spirit and money go. It is proposed to raise £200,000 at least, and some are sanguine enough to think, if times mend, that a good deal more will be raised. There never was a ineeting in Methodism like the one at City Road. It was an All-day meet- ing. The first hour was spent in devotional exercises, and then the contri- butions flowed in without pressure, ostentation, or shame. We are beginning tlie Circuit Meetings next week. Our Brixton one is fixed for Monday evening, but the cream of our subscriptions was announced at City Road. Dr. Rigg makes a good President 1877-82] THE STOIiY OF MY LIFE. 591 Writing to a friend in December, 1880, Dr. Ryerson snid : — You speak of being old. I feel myself to be an old man. It is more labour for me to write one page now, than it used to be to write five pages. . . We shall soon follow those who have gone before. With you I am waiting and endeavouring to be prepared for the chanire, and have no fear of it, but often rej(jice in the bright hopes beyond. Again, writing to the same friend on the 9th of August, 1881, he said : — My latest attack has reduced my strength (of which I had little to spare) very much. My desire is likely soon to be ac- complished — to depart hence. Writing to another friend on the 24th of July, 1881, Dr. Ryerson said : — I have to-day written a letter of affectionate sympathy to Rev. Dr. Punshon on the decease of his son John William. I trust that his last days were his best days. It has alwaj's been a source of thankfulness and gratification, that I was able to show him some kind attentions during his last visit to Canada. I have been deeply concerned to read in this morning's news- paper that Dr. Punshon himself was seriously ill. I trust and pray that the Church and nation may not yet, and for a long time to come, be deprived of his eminent services. I cannot tell how deeply we all sympathize with Dr. and Mrs. Punshon in this great trial. From the last (almost illegible) letter written by Dr. Ryerson, two weeks before his death and dated 6th of February, 1882, I make the following extracts. It was addressed to Rev. Hugh Johnston, B.D., of Montreal, (now of Toronto). I am helpless myself — have lost my hearing so that I cannot converse without a tube. I have been confined to my room for five weeks by congestion of the lungs, from wdiich I have only partially recovered. I have not been out of the house since last September, so that I can take no part in Church affairs. But God has been with me — my strength and comforter. I am beginning to revive, but have not yet been able to go down stairs, or move, only creep about with the help of a cane. I do not know whether you can read the scrawl I have written, but I cannot write any better. Yours most affectionately, Monday, February 6th, 1882. E. Ryerson. The concluding words of Dr. Ryerson's story of his life were : — 592 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXV. In 1878, I war. elected for the third time Representative o£ the Canadian to the British Conference. After the fulfilment of these functions, I have retirelistory of the Loyalists of America and their Times." 1 have finished the " Story of my Life " — imperfect and fragmentary as it is — leaving to another pen anything that may be thought worthy of record of my last days on earth, as well as any essential omissions in my eatlier career. At length the end of this great Canadian drew near ; and the shadows at the closing of life's eventide deepened and lengthened. I visited him frequently, and always found him interested in whatever subject or topic I might speak to him about. His congenial subject, however, was God's providential goodness and overruling care throughout his whole life. In his personal religious experience, he always spoke humbly of liimself and glowingly of the long-suffering tenderness of God's dealings towards him. At no time was the character of his religious experience more practical and suggestive than when laid aside from duty. Meditation on the past was the subject of his thoughts. To him God was a personal, living Father — a Brother born for adversity — a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother — a great and glorious Being, ever gracious, ever merciful. His trust in God was child-like in its simplicity, firm and un- wavering. His conversation partook of it and was eminently realistic. He had no more doubt of God's daily, hourly, loving care and superintending providence over him and his than he had of any material fact with which he was familiar or which was self-evident to him. He entirely realized that God was his ever present friend. There seemed to be that close, intimate union — reverent and humble as it was on his part — of man with God, and this gave a living reality to religion in his life, To him the counsels, the warnings, the promises, the encouragements of the Bible, were the voice of God speaking to him personally — the very words came as living words from the lips of God, "as a man speaketh to his friend." This was the secret of his courage, whether it was in some crisis of conflict or controversy, or in his little frail craft when crossing the lake, or exposed to the storm. To such a man death had no terrors — the heart had no fear. It was cheering and comforting to listen to him (as I often did alone) and to hear him speak of his near departure, as of one r. LXV. fttive of Ifilment cipntion tinishetl, illsts of t OF MY another my last y ea'.liev ear ; and jned and mnd him Ic to him )vidential life. In lumbly of 3 of God's ber of his lan when le subject r l>orn for ivother — iul. His and un- iminently |ly, loving than he or wliich ihat God liat close, iis part — religion [promises, speaking ,rds from ,s was the If conflict the lake, no fear, loften did las of one 1877-821 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 593 preparing for a journey — ceasing from duty, in order to be ready to be conveyed away, and then resuming it when the journey was over. Thus he spoke of the time of his departure as at hand, and he was ready for the messenger when He should call for him. He spoke of it trustfully, hopefully, cheerfully, neither anxious nor fearful; and yet, on the other hand, neither elated nor full of joy ; but he knew in whom He had trusted, and was per- suaded, and was not afraid of evil tidings either of the dark valley or the river of death. He knew Him whom he believed, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he hr.a committed unto Him against that day. Thus the end drew near, and with it, as the outward man be- gan to fail, the feeling of unwavering trust and confidence was deepened and strengthened. At length hearing failed, and the senses one by one partially ceased to perform their functions. Then to him were fully realized the inspired words of Solomon : Desire failed, and the silver cord was loosed, the golden bowl was broken, the pitcher broken at the fountain, and the wheel at the cistern. Gradually the weary wheels of life stood still, and at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, February 19th, 1882, in the presence of his loved ones and clear friends, gently ancl peacefully the spirit of Egerton Ryerson took its flight to be forever with the Lord ! Servant of God, well done ! Thy glorious warfare's past ; Tho battle's fought, the vict'ry won, And thou art crowned at last ; Of all thy heart's desire Tiiumphantly possessed ; Lodged by the sweet angelic choir In thy Redeemer's breast. In condescending love. Thy ceaseless prayer He heard ; And bade thee suddenly renaove To this complete reward, happy, happy soul ! In ecstacies of praise, Long as eternal ages roll, Thou seest thy Saviour's face. Redeemed from eaith and pain, Ah ! when shall we ascend, And all in Jesus' presence reign ^ With our translated friend ? 38 CHAPTER LXVI. 1882. The Funeral Ceremonies, Wednerdav, Fer 22Nn, 1SS2. AMID the tolling of bolls, said tlio Toronto Olobe, and tlie lamentations of many thousatula of people, the remains of the lato Rev. Dr. Rycrson were conveyed to their final earthly restinp-place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, on Wednesday, the 22nd February. During the day large numbers visited the sorrowing house, and gazed for the last time on the features of the revered dead. As was to be expected, the larger number were, like the venerable deceased, far into " the sore and yellow leaf," and many who had known him for a long time could scarce restrain the unbidden tear as a flood of recollections surged up at the sight of the still form cold in death. No one present, probably, says the Guardian, ever saw so many ministers at a funeral. Among the ministers and laymen were nuiny grey-haired veterans, who had watched with interest the whole brilliant career of the departed. . . All the Churches were well represented, both by their ministers and promin- ent laymen. Bishop Sweatman and most of the ministers of the Church of England were present. Nearly all the Presby- terian, Baptist, and Congregational ministers of the city were present ; and even Archbishop Lynch and Father McCann, of the Roman Cathoiic Church, showed their respect for the dead by their presence di.ring the day. Devotional service at the house was condijcfdd by Rev. R. Jones, of Cobourg, and Rev. J. G. Laird, of Culiingwood. The plate on the coffin bore the inscription : — " Egerton Ryerson. born 21st March, 1803 : died 19th February, 1882." The floral tributes presented by sorrowing friends were from various places in Ontario, and not a few came from Detroit and other American cities. The following may be noted : — Wreath, with " Norfolk " in the centre, from Mr. E. Harris ; wreath, with " Rest " in the centre, from Dr. and Mrs. Hodgins ; pillow, with " Father," from Mrs. E. Harris ; crown from the scholars of Ryerson school; pillow, with "Grandpapa," from the grand- children of the deceased : wreath from Mr. C. H. Greene ; cross, 18S21 THE STORY 07 MY LIFE. 505 also Hcytlio, with slioaf, from Mr. an«l Mrs. Ooorj,'n irarri.rg(! S. Hodi^ins ; lilies and other choice flowers inside tlu; casket from Dr. and Mrs llod<;ins. Shortly Itffore tlirrn o'clock the room was left to tin' momhcr.s of the family, after which the colIin was home to the ht-arse hy the followinj^ pall-hearers, preceded hy the Rev. Dr. I'cjtts : — Dr. llod^dns, Rev. Dr. Nelles, Dr. Aikins, Rev. Dr. Rose, Rev. 11. Jones, Mr. J. I'aterson. I'levious t(j the arrival of the hearse at the churcli, Jfis Honour tb(; Ijieut(!nant-( Governor, the Speaker of the House, mend)ers of tlu; Le^fislature, which hud adjourned for the occasion, ami the Ministerial Association, were in the places assigned to them. Tlu; memhers of the City Council and Jioanl of Education were also present in a hody. The pu])ils of Ryerson and Dulferin Schools marched into the church in a body, vvearinj^ mourninfr hadges on their arms. Theio were representatives of all conditions in society, and it might he .said of all ages. The lisping .schoolboy who was free from the restraint imposed by the presence of his master, and the aged man and woman tottering unsteadily on the verge of the grave — all were -uished in the presence of death. Every- where within the huilding were the evidences of a great sorrow. Crape was seen wherever the eye turned — surrounding the gallerie.s, fronting the platform, encircling the choir. iJut there was one .spot thrown into alto relievo by the sondjre drapery of woe. In front of the pulpit, on a small table, were the exquisitely beautiful floral tributes of friendsliip and affection, wdiispering of the beauty and glory of that spring-time of the human race, when this " mortal .shall have put on immortality." Cobourg and Victoria College were well represented ; the Rev. T. W. Jeffery and Wm. Kerr, Q.C., and others, being present ; also the following profes.sors and students from Vic- toria College : — Rev. Dr. Nelles, Prof. Burwash, Prof. Reynar, Prof. Bain, Mr. McHenry (Collegiate Institute), ami Dr. Jones. The students from the College— one from each class — were Messrs. Stacey, Horning, Eldridge, Brewster, and Crews. Tlie Senate of Victoria University walked in a body immediately after the carriages containing the mourners. Upon entering the west aisle of the church, Rev. Dr. Potts commenced reading the burial service, the va.st audience standing. The pall-bearers having deposited their charge in front of the pulpit, Rev. Mr. Cochran gave out the 733rd hymn, •' Come, let us join our friends above, Who have obtained th.e prize." Rev. Dr. Rose offered prayer, after which Rev. Wm. Scott, of OU(i THi: .S'7( )/.'»• Oh' Mi' LIFK. It'HAf. I<\VI. Mony {ho o\)yi\u'\^{, Mv, 'I (Miiuglon. n(\ii^ ivn m\i\o oui iho '\>'l\u\ \\yn\\\, \\]\\o\\ w.'iM l\M\on(ly Ntinir liy (ho ooiif;it\i;(il ion. Tin* l{ov. Dr. Potl'^ ll\(M\ >loli\(MO(l (lu> lollowinvv rniit'idl ailtlroNH : — M V pImoo of rhoico on IIiIm (Icoplv MonowrnI oco/iMion woiiM bo \\\ \\\o vnnlvM (»!' (ho inouriitMM, lor I I'ool liko a Hon Ih'icH oI' his i'ulhov. (ilmlly \vo\iKI I Mil. nl Iho Tool, ol' Mf.roi| niiMisl.iM'M hol\M'o \\\{\ t\\\\\ liwlcn to lliont .'(|>oaU of ono (hoy know luitl lovotl so \\yA\. I voi\l»Mo to adiliH'MM M low wonl.M to yoii. in i'nilihnonl. ol" y r»h>. 'To-ilMy Mot louiMin, III lior laily and luinishy nunnns ov»m' Ihodoaih of hor most ilhiMtrionn ministiM' and t'hnivh U^ador. 'I\) day. many in this honso. and far hoyond Tow^nlo. himont tho Iohs of nn a.rd«>ni and tino fiiond. 'rvvd.ay. Tanaila monrns tho doooast* of omi of h(«r nvU^lost sv^n^. This is not tho time* n«»r th«> pIao(> fgr iiumh^ o\dogy ; in (l;o prosonoo oi doalh and of (5«)d oiilogy is nnho- oon\ini;, Wo would iiU)rifv <<*»d in tho oharaott>r and in tho ondvnvmonis o{ his sorvant and ohild. Wo oannv>(. wo ,sho\ild not. forgi*!. tho gn>atno.s.s of th(> dti- mvtovl. His wa.s a n»any-.si(U»d j^roatnoss. Dr. Ivyor.son vvouM l\rtvo boon grt\'vt in anv walk in lifo. In law ho wouM havo btHU a i'hiof .histioo. In statosmanship ho would havo bo(Mi a IMmo Ministov. Ho was a born loader of his follow.s. 1I(> was kinjjly in oarriajjo and in oharaotor. Tho .stamp of royal man- hvH>d was improssovl up»M\ him physically, monlally, inorally. Wo oanuvU foviiot tho distinj^uishod p()sitions oooupiod so worth- ily and so IvMiiV by our ilopartod friond. Wo lived for his CvHinvry. spondinu" ami boing spout in tho otlucationai and moral rtdvauoomont o\' tho pooplo. As a sorvjvut of Methodism, ho was a missionary to tlio Indians of this rroviuoo. an evangelist to tho scattered settlers, and a pa^stor in this city long, lon<^ ai:;o. Ho was rrosident of Victoria Colleoje. and never ceased to love and support that institution of ieavning. For it ho solicito 1 money in England and in this country, and to it ho gave tho intellectual energy of hi* early manhood, as well as ranking ii; tho front place as a personal subscriber to its funds. He wa.s tho tirst Editor of tho Chrii^tian G u a I'dUi)}, tho counoxioual organ of our branch of Methodism. WW l,\VI. iHMiJ TIIK HTnnV Oh' MY 1,1 Fir,. r.{>7 XV.. niin- >M, loil lpy 1(1 llV'IIM, Kpv! 1)1. on \viiiiM lioK'I'l. ul' iiiitiiMl.iM'^ iml Iuv'imI iilliltnrMl. I'lliluM' ill (- (I im Mio • )ii would M Itiivc (< lu't'll (I ll(> \vii,s III IIUUI- iiionilly. > wortli- for lii.s 1 moral to tlio Sl'ttllTS, iileut of )rt that ilii;4,lan(l loi'f^'y of aeo aH a )r of tho anch of Ah a Hoivnnl, of ( 'aimda, lio wa« I'or .ivcr Miirl.y y/ii'i ^lii'if Sil|M'rintriuli'iil. of Ivliicaiion in Mum I'lovinri". Ili't momiKirnf, liinro omliii iiif/ l.linti Ih/im'i im Mk- riililic, McImjoI Ky'if,«tri of Oiil.nrio. WIumi tlm liitiLory oi' (Jiiq roiinl.ry romos to Im writl.cfi, (lif iiaiiM'. tlit» impoi iMJiiililf ikiiho of l'',jjr«if.f(ii l'.y(^r^i'»n mIi/i,|| nliiii<> ill radiant limlio hh (iin< (»!' tli*- (/nab".!, iiico piofjiifu'il in tlTh: llllHJ. lint It Iw nf>t of tli«H(« tliinj/M \)r. l^y^•r^on would hav*! rnn H|M'(ilt if 1m' foiild dinw'l, my tdrinj/lil/i (o day. I'ntli'r would liavn iii<> H|iO)tl( of Idni (im a, nirimir ftavcfl liy ^nuo', ji, •, a di-iMiiln of onr Lord .IfMiiH (lIuiMt. I know liJm well in Id's t(lijd(>n-i ld"S|MMi(>iH'n wa.M marked Ity nf-riptor/d 'jinolicity, ntid Id^ iivciM(i,tinM w»i,M eminently Kpiritnal. Of all tlic ndrd".t.<'iM of my a»'((im,intam'<', none npoke wit,li me .ko freely «.fid .40 fre, (|iieiitly on iiiirely reli^rioiiH HiiltjectH aw the, venerahle, I)r, l'.yer Ron. He ^/loried in the e.ro.MH (»f ( Ihri.'it. I(e never wearied HjM'iikin/^ (tf the |ireeioim hlood of the, lijurih. He wat one, of the iikihI, hel|d'iil (oid Hym|iathetie |ie/i,rer,H in the, .Vjetrojtolif.an ( Ihnrch e(»njrre(/atif)n l!.are|_^ , in my almo.^t nix ye.ar.'*' pa'itorate, did he leave the (•liiireh without (jnterinj^ tlie vrvntry and Haylfij( ft kindly, ene(»nrji,(,dnjr word. The do<'tor h(!lonj,M!d to a chiHS of men rapidly jia '.Hinji; away Most of hJH companioipi pM,siHed on hefore, him. I'.nt few lin;.je,r hehiml. (Irand me,n they were in Chnre.h and State,. Can,'i.da owen them a (hiht of j.(ratitiide that nhe can hardly e.ver \);iy. Let UH nivere the, memory of tho.'^io j^jone to tli';ir rost and reward, and let II.4 tre.at with lovin;^' re,verenf;e the fow pionee,rH who ntill lin^fei to I)Ic!m.-< the, land for whie.h tliey have rione ^o much. We may have a higher averaj^'e, in thenr; tirneM, hot we lack tho herf)ic men who wtood out ho connpiciouHly in tlie, r;ariy Id.story of ();i,nada. !)iv \W f'e.M was a Methodi.'it, hut not a narrow Mectarian, Jh" kn(!V' the Htru|.^},,d(!,s of our f ,'liurch in thin country, and ^-liare.d lh honour — Egoi-ton Ryerson. Dr. Ryerson wa»> re;f.irle'^ hy the congregation holonging to 598 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXVL this church with peculiar respect and affection. While he be- longed to all Canada, we, of the Metropolitan Church, claimed him as our own especial possession. He was a trustee of the Church, and one of its most liberal supporters; for its prosperity he ever prayed, and in its success he ever rejoiced. It is hard to realize that we shall no longer see that venerable form — that genial and intellectual countenance. The life of Dr. Ryerson was long, whether you measure it by years or by service — service to his God, to his fellow-i en, and to his native land. He was a shock, of corn ripe for the heavenly garner. He was an heir, having reached his majority, and made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, has gone to take possession of it. He was a pilgrim, who after a lengthened pilgrimage has reached home. He was a Christian, who with Paul could say, " For me to live is Christ, t^ die is gain." In such an hour as this, what comfort C( nlc t '1 the honours of man give to the sorrowing family as coin^ irea wvth the thought that the one they loved so dearly was a mau in Christ and is now a glorified spirit before the th rone. Hence- forth we must think of him and speak of him as the late Dr. Ryerson, and to many of us this shall be difficult ar^d painful. We have been so accustomed to see and hear him, we have so long looked up to him as one specially gifted to lead, thai a sad feeling comes over us, left as we are without, the guidance of our beloved leader and father in the Church. The memory of the just is blessed, and our memory of Dr. Ryerson shall be precious, until we overtake him in the better country, that is the heavenly. Until then let us not be slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Could he speak to us to-day from the heights of the heavenly glory to which he has just been admitted, he would say to this vast concourse of friends, " Follow Christ ; seek first the king- dom of God ; serve your generation ; build up in your Dominion a nationality based on righteousness and truth ; be strict .*n your judgment upon yourselves, but be charitable in your juug- ment of others ; live that your end may be peace, and your immortality eternal blessedness." Dr. Potts concluded by reading the following extract from a letter written by Dr. Ormiston, of New York, to Dr. Hodgins : — Dear Dr. Ryerson, I mourn thee as a son for a father. Thou wert very dear to me. I owe thee much. I loved as I esteemed thee. I have no one left now to fill thy place in mv heart and life. Through riches of Divine grace I hope soon to meet thee again. My dear Brother Hodgins— -Yofi avid I knew our noble-hearted friend better than most, and to know him was to love him. You have been longer and more intimate!^;- I [AP. LXVL lie he be« 1, claimed ee of the rosperity ;t is hard rm — that ure it by I en, and ■ for the majority, light, has after a christian, ts die is ' i 1 the cea wlh a maiit in Hence- '. late Dr. 1 painful, have so bat P sad danoe of mory of shall be , that is 'ollowers )romises. leavenly Y to this le king- ominion itrict .'n ar juug- nd your I from a gins :— Thou id as I i in my soon to I knew 3w him imatfclv- 1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 599 associated with him in social life and earnest work than I was. But I scarcely think that even you loved him more, and I feel as if I was hardly even second to you in his regards. Let our tears fall together to-day, and in each of our hearts let his memory live ever fresh and fondly cherished. Hym 62 4<, " Rock of Ages, cleft for me," was then sung, after which prajer was offered and the benediction was pronounced by the Eev. J. G. Laird, President of the Toronto Conference, A musical voluntary and the " Dead March " concluded the im- pressive service. The remains were then bprne to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, where they were afterwards interred.* The concluding portion of the burial service was read bj'^ the Rev. Dr. Nelles. On the following Sunday the funeral sermon was preached bv Rev. Dr. Nelles. The Guardian said : — The discourse of Dr. Nelles was a masterly and elomient review of the salient points in Dr. Ryerson's life and character. We nave rarely listened to a sermon with greater satisfaction, and never to a funeral sermon ho dis- criminating in its statements and characterization. It was distinguished by a broad mental giasp of the great lessons and facts of history, in the light of which all personal and local events must be viewed, to be seen truly and impartially. His appreciative recognition of the privileges of religious equality which we possess in Canada, and of the prominent part taken by Di. Ryerson in obtaining them, was very suggestive and felicitous. We rarely follow to the grave so eminent a man as Dr. Ryerson ; and we seldom have heard a discourse so fully equal to a great occasion. Tributes to Dr. Ryerson's Memory. After Dr. Ryerson's death kind telegrams and letters of con- dolence were received by the family from many sympathiz- ing friends, among which was one from the Marquis of Lome, Governor-General. The following letter was also received by Mrs. Ryerson from the Rev. William Arthur, M. A., dated London, England, April 10th, 1882 :— The news of your great bereavement, a bereavement which, though j'ours in a special sense, is not yours alone, but is felt by multitudes as their own, came at a moment when a return • This interment took place in May. The ceremony was a private one, attended only by immediate relatives and intimate personal fr ends. Among the former were the venerable doctor's aged eldest brother, Rev. George Ryerson (91 years old) and Mrs. George Ryerson ; the bereaved widow, Mrs. Ryerson, Mr. Charles E. Ryerson, his two sons, and Mrs. George Duggan. Among the latter were the Rev. Dr. Potts, Mrs. Potts, Dr. Hodgins, and Mr. H. M. Wilkinson (son of Rev. H. Wilkinson), of the Education Department, and two or three others. After lowering the coffin into the grave, the Rev. Dr. Potts read a portion of the burial service, committing the body to the earth in hope of a joyful resurrection at the last day. 600 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXVI. of an old affection of the eyes made writing difficult, and I did not like to give you a mere line. From my heart I do condole with you on the removal from your side of one who was pleasant to look upon, even for strangers, and whose presence was not only a natural delight, but a stay, and an honour. Not many women are called to sustain the loss of such a husband. But on the other hand, not many women in the day of their great loss have the legacy left to them of such a memory, such a career, and such appreciolion of whole communities of the merits of that career. Very few have such a combination of true religious consolation, of full hope and unclouded faith, with the sense of comfort derived from general sympathy and universal p> lie respect. Dr. Ry^rson was the servant of God,^ and the L-. ' ' ' r}ed him. He was the servant of the Church, and the Chi ici ioved and revered him. He was the servant of his counuj , 'd his country delighted to honour him, and will hold him in permanent and honourable remembrance. To many friends on this side of the Atlantic, as well as on his own, he was a rarely honoured and prized representative of long and noble services to the cause of God, and to general society, services rendered with commanding abilities and unflinching vigour. To you and to the children the loss is far different to what it is to others. To you and to them have the hearts of others turned with unaffected sympathy. You have had many praying for you ; many hoping that blessings will rest upon the name of Ryerson, and that it will long be represented in every Christian work, and every branch of public usefulness. With truly affectionate regards, and condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Charles, believe me, dear Mrs. Ryerson, yours with heartfelt sympathy, ' Wm. Arthur. The Lord Bishop of Manchester, who was in Canada as one of the Royal Commissioners on Education, in concluding his report on our Canadian Schools, said : " Such, in all its main features, is the school system of Upper Canada. A system not perfect, but yet far in advance, as a system of national educa- tion, of anything we can show at home. It is indeed very remarkable to me that in a country, occupied in the greater part of its area by a sparse and anything but wealthy popula- tion, whose predominant characteristic is as far as possible removed from the spirit of enterprise, an educational system so complete in its theory and so capable of adaptation in practice should have been originally organized, and have maintained 'n What, with all allowances, must still be called successful opei a- tion for so long a period as twenty-five years. It shows whu* can be accomplished by the energy, determination, and devotion of a single earnest man. What national education in England ?. LXVI. id I did condole pleasant was not Dt many id. But sir great , such a le merits of true with the iniversal and the , and the it of his will hold ro many 3 own, he long and 1 society, • iflinching fferent to hearts of lad many upon the in every iS. With and Mrs. heartfelt Irthur. Canada as »ncluding [l its main 'Stem not [al educa- ieed very le greater |y popula- possible system so practice itained ".n |ful opeia- >ws whu*' devotion England 1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. GOl owes to Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, what education in New Eng- land owes to Horace Mann, that debt education in Canada owes to Egerton Ryerson. He has been the object of bitter abuse, of not a little misrepresentation; but he has not swerved from his policy or from his fixed ideas. Through evil report and good report he has found others to support him in the resolution, that free education shall be placed within the reach of every Canadian parent for every Canadian child." In a letter addressed to Dr. Ryerson in 1875, the Bishop says : — I take it very kindly in you that you remember an old acquaintance, and I have read with interest your last report. I am glad to observe progress in the old lines almost everywhere. I was flattered also to find ohat some words of mine, written in 1865, are thought worthy o? being quoted. . . It is pleasant to find a public servant now in the thirty-second year of his incumbency, still so hopeful and so vigorous. Few men have lived a more useful or active life than you, and your highest reward must be to look back upon what you have been per- mitted to achieve. The Very Reverend Dean Grasett, in a letter to Dr. Hodgins, dated 9th November, 1875, said: I thank you very much for your kindness in presenting me with a complete set of the Journal of Education from the date of its commencement in 1848 to the present time. You could not have given me a token of parting remem- brance more acceptable to me on various accounts ; but chiefly shall I value it as a memorial of the confidence and kindness I have so invariably experienced from the Rev. Dr. Ryerson from the day I first took my seat with him at a Council Board in 1846 to the time that I was released from further attendance there this year. Similar acknowledgments I owe to yourself, his coadjutor, in the great work of his life, and the editor of the record of his labours, contained in these volumes. I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings of respect for the public character and regard for the private worth of one who has rendered to his country services which entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his valuable public services from the Heads of our Government, who were capable of appreciating them, as well as from other quarters ; but I think that in his case, as in others that are familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full benefit of them. I esteem it an honour that I should have been associated with him in his Council for so many years (30), and a privilege 602 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [Chap. LXVI. if I have been of the least assistance in upholding his hands in performing a work, the credit of which ia exclusively his own. The Rev. Dr. Withrow, in his " Memorials of Dr. Ryerson," (Canadian Methodist Magazine, April, 1882,) said: No man ever passed away from among us in Canada whose true great- ness was so universally recognized as that of Dr. Ryerson. He lived in the hearts of his countrymen, and " Read his history in a nation's eyes." Even envy and detraction could not lessen his grandeur nor tarnish the lustre of his name. . . Scarce an organ of public opinion in the country, no matter what party or what interest it represented, has not laid its wreath of praise on the tomb of this great Canadian. And far beyond his own country his ( iracter was revered and his loss deplored. . . From the Roman Catholic Archbishop ; from the Anglican Bishop, from many members of the Church of England and other religious '^odir J-. W' 1 as of his own Church; resolutions of the Board of the Bil o Society, the Tract Society, School Boards and Convent' as, and Collegiate Institutes, all bore witness to the fact that the sorrow for his death was not confined to any party or denominational lines, but w^as keenly felt in other churches as well as in that of which he was the most distinguished minister Almost every Methodist journal in the United States has also paid its tribute to his memory. We quote from the Nortk Western Christian Advocate, of Chicago, but one such tribute of loving respect : — " We believe that Canada owes more to him than to any other man, living or dead. In all his official relations to the public he was true to his Church. Men like Wellington and Washington 'save their countries,' but men like Ryerson make their countries worth saving. The mean little soul flinches when its brethren rise in reputation and power in the Church. The more exalted soul rejoices when the Church grows rich in competent workers. The death of such a servant as Ryerson is a loss to the world greater than when the average president or king passes away. Thank God, the great Ruler lives, and He will continue the line of prophets in modern Israel ! " Dr. Ryerson possessed in a mai'ked degree the faculty of commanding the confidence and winning the friendship of distinguished men of every rank, of every political party and religious denomination. He possessed the confidence and esteem of every Governor of Canada, from Lord Sydenham to the Marquis of Lome. No native Canadian ever had the entree to such distinguished society in Great Britain and in Europe as p. LXVI. 18821 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 0'03 lands in is own. Lyerson," No man le great- ion. He ideur nor of public t interest i tomb of mtry his rrom the lop, from • religious the Board jards and ;ss to the any party churches inguished e United uote from , but one lada owes In all his 'ch. Men ries,' but r. The eputation ices when death of ater than ank God, prophets tacul ilty of idship of )arty and lence and lenham to the entree [Europe as he. He had personal relations with several of the leading British statesmen. He enjoyed the personal friendship- of the Bishop of Manchester, the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other distinguished divines of the Anglican and Dissenting Churches. He was one of the very few Metho- dist preachers who have ever shared the hospitalities of Lam- beth Palace, for six hundred years the seat of the Primates of England ; and when Dean Stanley passed through Toronto, he and Dean Grasett called together on Dr. Ryerson. When making his educational tour in Europe . . Speaking of his personal worth, Dr. Withrow says : — A very good criterion of a man's character is : How does he get on wihh his colleagues ? Does the familiarity of daily iLtercourse, year after year, increase or lessen their esteem ? Few men will bear this test as well as Dr. Ryerson. The more one saw of b.im the more one loved him. Those who knew him best loved him most. Dr. Hodgins, the Deputy Minister of Education, for thirty-two years the intimate associate in educational work of Dr. Ryerson, knowing more fully than any living man fhe whole scope of his labours, sharing his anxieties and toils, tells us that in all those years there never was an hour's interruption of perfect mutual trust and sympathy. No son could have a stronger filial love for an honoured father than had Dr. Hodgins for his late venerated Chief. It was his privilege to minister to the latest hours of his revered friend, and it is to him a labour of love to prepare for the press the posthumous story of his life. With all his catholicity of sentiment and charity of spirit, Dr. Ryerson was a man of strong convictions, and he always had the courage of his convictions as well. When it came to a question of principle he was as rigid as iron. Then he planted himself on the solid ground of what he believed to be right, and said, like Fitz James : " Come one, come all ! this rock shall fly, From its firm base, as soon as I." Dr. Ryerson's controversies were for great principles, not for personal interests. Hence no rancour, no bitterness disturbed his relations with his antagonists. Even his old and sturdy foe. Bishop Strachan, after his controversy was over, became his personal friend. . . Such benefactors of his kind and of his country, as Dr. Ryer- son, deserve to be held in lasting and grateful remembrance. His imperishable monument, it is true, is the school system which he devised. To future generations of Canadian youth the career of Dr. d04 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Chap, LXVI'. lU'orson sliall bo an inspiration and encourac^oniont. With early educational advantages far inferior to tliose wluch ho has bronjjfht witiiin the reach of every boy and l'l«l>ii|i i>C, 004, r««n«ii«. Kt'.iiK)' »', '■^«^ «'i«iii<»tMiit, I oiii, MIC, on> «'.«u>.n, U.'V. I>i .l.'tui, \1M,«T0. rmti.'v, H\\ tJi'iitu", POO, Olio wit CKtlwtlulit, M !• «• . Ml!*, «IM>, m\ »4H, «4i» «"«it«iiaiit, 't'in>« , li<;i 0(»..«. \W\ Vl.l.'i \Vm , (Ml im. oil, 74, 11, 7M, 1», m, w, IM, (10, t>:i. \;ii. 'Wii. «4i». «;o. n;4. «(o, MTT lire ;ii'i^ (Vnii'li, lii'Kiv, uo, HM. \on, t'huinxM., Ui'( i>i ni.>ii\«., win, mm. «a<< I. IIM|<<|< ol. t\ll, (i'iu->ii'i, i..>ii\, t'*\. t'UtVKil.'ll, I.M.I 4\1|> r...'Ui*\i, liiM Ml .. Mi4 r.-M III.., Mil .t..iii\, ii'i, III'', 111, lort (HO. ^^^ li^M, \(M, 1.0, in, iiHi, v);^, «\)4, W!W. V4«, wo, vtu, 'Jii:», VH4, :>"^ii, ^')iv \'..\..\, Hi'\ Ml . ^'<" V^^U^I^I, U.» Mi , OS. VN.IHii", V . I'-'O ts.i.K, I'liiii.', .»;i IViwit.'i, ,l.'liii, t.'^4 VV«1.'>. I .'i>l, !IOl> r>'i»ii>', .'.iliii. .'.1 V'lMllMI, Itltli..).. fiW, t\il.\i<. li.'i Ml- , \M>, »Mii. Ml., vsr »v«iv. Ml- \>.;i:>, ;uo. HPi, :v;o. J^rt\uU..i\. .M.'\ , LIS, 'Ul »;.•> .1 , 14:1. i;.>. MT4. t>««.,.ii, l>i. .1. « . 4i\1 \»:>i>v.>ll W 111 . 111! iv\i\\.>. M .\>m«\ui s^t\, tl^s. |v.|(;|,.. M..n» ',» , :i>S H.iiMH.MV )!(.> Ml , ;>S4, »>,-mvl», M S>s Witix . Kml «»t, »9\>, »M\ 4,^\, 4M Wx^mt, III K. It .1*0'^ »>t\.M>. U!■, .Umo«, *vHI, 40V, 40.\ 40(1. Ml ', .Vi4, \>.>..Ul(l. »>,'>;m\.I, Mi , .v:s. Wni^Uv U.>\ Pi., COX Wmiv,., Uoi .<>.l\u, '.!T.\ \\.\(«.l..is. Ml , 7S \-.i.Ms'v, Hon w, u , .^o, uo. is\, 9n. n^, '>'o, >;si •■.■>:. <;<;\. >>iu. >.Ni:, V',>-.!, :nM, sum. :>o^, aoo, sis'. ,ti('.. SM. s;!.-^. s!4, s;».^, :iii, Um>I,4iV!. 40»>. PiHii»«, Tivf, S.'.vv V^iUU*ii, Mv. .l.vM'jih. .V..V \>\>n.-»ii. r\v(. Tli.ims.v, >.!l^. Ouiuvnilv. Pi iMi..>il<>s ic:, IdS. ISS, 100. l>in»j.x«sK\. .'<.\"', SO.., :;i'.o, .St.;. l>\n>K*>\. kMivis(i>i>tii r, l>Hi. U)7. lVm..>. 0.4.>m'l, l;'r. IVmu.U.iu. J. U., 14.\ UV, i:0, ISO, ;S1, 107, uvs s-.\N. .-w:. PuiiMii. nr. J. r., uf. l>iirh»m, l.oul, I'.Hi, H<7, «\ SW, 257, 26S, S.M), t*-:, STi, Sli. Sii'.>, fri^O. Ka«su\ls. Mr 117. Ksxvr. M.. S.'^S. Kkm, l.^^r\1, SrO. 4i\S 4l«. 410. 4*0, 4M, ibi, 614. KUuv. Kt, H.in. K,i»..»r\i, 117, 100. KlJi.Mt, Ju.iiiv «in , .V^S, Kill*. Sir Hoiu*. 410. KliusJf.v. Hon. John, 170, IT*. ii'iiiiiiM V, i<»v riiiii|i vnn. I'.motV, lll|.ii, tin, tm, HXmii. II. .11 Vli.|. I Mini 11.11 4|tt ti;vniiu, llnv Hi. |i:|.IiiiiIiii, IMiI. Inn, IHI, vnv, |iyi), Mfft. 11(14 RvniiM, II..V .tnmi>», IIIO, IRI, in«, mil, HUM, 4I)T, 4(11), 4110 nUiiitH, iiiiiliii|> i Wlllim. A M , MM, p(), lift, in«, Ml, nimll.li.iii, ('..I. .111.1, \1h l''li.|..|ii>i. HIInn, 17(1 riliil. lion ni(l.i. IIIKI. I'..*, Cii.iili.o .liniii'n. l)i»0. I''iilli.|, IMaliii|i( Ai(.|iiti.|ti.iill i. i|iiii .1 , r>|i|i', A , .Inn., (Oil. (IIm.iw, (I..I 44. Ill, 0,'(. 7ft. Hov. Ill HiK, .111,7/, (Mf. (Iln.hl., \t\'\ imi, iiiii, 10(1, III/, IO\l, 0"4, ',1 'ft, MO, «tf7. V\W, VllO, vim. V.4M, MftO Vi,i^. ysh, 4(M» (l,.,l.rl.'li, I ..III. IIM, I'.iil. inft. 1ft(l, lOft, M(l. «l.i...lll(.|l. U..\ , (' II , V',1., ()iiiiii».Mi, Ui'i. Oi'iiiK... fir.'/ ()....ii«iii, Pi'ini. ^..r I'.iv). 040, Oiiililnv, It.iM.. I.Sft. (i.irtiiii, lY'i. n. Mill. Oiiiliiiiii. In . .Iiiiiii'", V.H. Hiiiiii|iii'i, iti., imft. :iri(i, 11(10. iiiiiii.>i(, v.ii\ iti'v. i»(i,»ii,v,wn, «07,(U)(>, (108. ' otnv, ll.iii i II., 4r.;i. Uivoil, U..V. il>l. Aimnll, 110, III, IVO, IIU, I7B, 170. ISl, ttilll, V.IO, lli,S, U(0, «(, 1114, ilHll, 401, W'l, Ml (li.i.nill.-lil, Mr. 70. »!ioln. Wllllimi. V'1'.l. Di.'V, I'.iul, 1V!I. 4l'ft, 410, 4M, 4ft4, 405, 4M1, 467, t<\t\ tiVS. «liv\ , .Sir lioiiiKO, Klft, 1((8, 100, I.SO, «4R. OiK^lii. Siiillli, VO. Ui.v. W. .S.. VO. (5rl(l\ii, llov. Win , .lull., 1!U). Hiilll'., I.;. ("., P.'O, >.^ll. (lilii.lr.iil. U.v l:.. IJO, 148, 147, 108. Uurli'V, Ui'V. Mr., '.'70, Uuiiiol, M., \iM\. Ilrtisvrmnn, Oiiiilol, 180. Il.iuormiiii, Mv. .Iiisti,.., 110, 101, lOa, 103, 104, liHl. '^il. :uo. t.M. flJO. llalUoll, Oapl., 1T7. Il!ill. Kiiiiu'ls, IS, \n, lift, 306, 417. lUiuill.iii, Uov. It. W., 110. IliUiol, M.. ;if.s. HiiiiuH, l!o\ . .Iiilin, tr>8, 160. Mrs. .Iiiho, UiO. HHrrls, Or. 70. Uurriii, Itcv. Mr., 102. , IMi.MHY. Wt, inn. fliiM, 4nt, , W(», lift, in«, ^n^Ml>), mo. lU). , Vl% 410, «ll, (, imt, ii\«. iHB, iiiii, iiMi, ii>;, >.'!ir.. V4U. VIM) , (100, no8. ' I'.'o, nil, \n, , nil, im», io\. I, llift, «M>, 457, si», U4ft. 108. , \n, 103. 104, 17. iNtnux. ti. n II nil?, iiiiii, itii, ,117. MiiiiiiMii, Ml (A iKi). I'm, n(Hi, nio, mi. ll«in»lil, lli.v W. M,, im, Vdi, VOH. il04, 8W, «:r/, v<(, mill llfuvnn, Mil •'. nJiiMiiii, 4ltl, 4«0, «r.4, 4r.(l llilV, IVti , I'MI lliMnl.Hli I' It , |H!», 1(1(1, 170. 171, 170, I7«, l«l'i, l«l. I'll), |iiii. |M((, Kiii, Mil, hi;, 1(1(1, |ti7, Him 11(1(1, VIM, iliKi, v)t, van, vvn, «i(f., vi'i, v,ti'/i, Hfin', vri7, vr.H, viiN, iiiMi, 11(1. am, tin, 417 n»nVI IIhiIv, IIov ir: , ilJ, 1711 IIimI.Iii.k. iii.i nv. 4(1, (» I, |7», 174, 9W, m,, nil II u», IIkv Mi . M. Ilniiiliiim. Will , (1(1, 7il. Ki'tin, Ml .1 , y.i 7(1 I|»IIimIii|iI>. T.), K.i, 107, Vtt, lU, 22-,, H'itt, 40f), 401, ti:, Juiikin, H. H., lltf, lO. 151. 170. Kocfor, Jacob, a 13. Koiil, I-'ijcIkimh of, 104. 1!W, r,|l, K3:j. t,:n. \',i, ir,!>. I'li. i'Yl Ki.Mi. ,i„i,ii, ()/, vwj, iign, aoi, v!)o. wn. I<"iiy,iii, 1,1, r. I, ino II "ir, Mm. Win (»« nrnril), M Hftt, Wm. VM, tM i.iii'.iiiiiiiio, ii,m f, ir , not, n]r,, nnt nw, 411, i'^.. m, 440, Ml I "iiii, II..V .1 II f.dfl, r,w. 1,1111", Wllllnlii, 7ft l.niiti, lt.,v Mxltlinw, r/fl l.»li|/l',ll, .('.lili, MIO l,iiii.i.|„ «!,.., Mni'iiiln „f, 4111, JM, r,|f!, 1,11*. llnv ./„l,ii, /I, «'/, ||<) WlllImM, m, (ill 1,1-tluf, ()„i|.,in|, )|/| |,,.K«..|r, ||,.v 'Mil.,!, I, ill!,, |(/|, l.'.viif, III,-/ Mf , 4(ll Miiilmil,, (...i,»./«l, r,'M l,lii,|i,.V. Cliiir «, lUf,, IHO Miii/1%1-1, II W 4lt», l.l'iuiiy, lli.v Mr , IW, Mnyif, .|i,«i|i. I III, l.',iii;iriiiii, Mf f.yit l.,.i,( l(.,v Win (/(, 140, J4II, lr,(, II* I'A, ini (00. VIO, mil, 401, 4'ri! I.iiinn, Mi)f'|iilil ',f. Mi'l i.'iiiiii,, Hmi.iK.i iM in, mn, im, tun, liUi'lfV, l'"» I'r "H. I.iiiiii, Mr Will , Ir.t, ii:',>. tiyii'li, A(»ilil,l«ti„(,, f/i'ri, ,M»'"iiiiiiy, r.'if'i in, vir, 4l!i Mf.',.iiUv, Mf ./,i«il-;.., I7,r, I7», 177, Ml. M ,,|„i,ii|,|, I', 1,(1. V)4, M»"l',iii>l,l, 11 ,0 ')., M« Mu<,l„iii>l'l III II'. n mr .f'.lifi A Mu'wI'illllMl, Vi,«l (IniKifnl, (00 M»"l','l|, 177, 77!) ?,!7 Mii'M'ii, I!'/, Ti. ',((.»>. Vri, 40, r,; M.ilil"ii'l, Hif V"ri-i(i\i,i Mn.ui\.t,.,ij,r, lll^l,„r, ',f, f.'y,^, M»i,kI'i» Mf , M l'.,XtO. Mm,!/, H< V. ./„l,(i (> . 276. Mmiii, ll',r»','i. '/)') M»rkl,i„'l, II', (1 hi^'.ritn It , 170. Mi.ii(l-i,, Ik./ O I!.',. U'), l»7. 1^,''.. V% VjO M»fili, I!' ■/ lir Wi(, , W. M«irn I,'/. ml, »(i'l l*»l.l.r.A, y./M, wt, vi\, y.'M, nvi, zm, wi. mi *4?, ;ni, :il4, •14.'., »47, Mt, 'AT,, 37'!, ?77, J<:i, >,/> M, 177. M',',r«:, Af'.fiOl^hop, iif). \f',',n:, llDich, '211. M^'-rp.;'!,, Uf'l, 1115. ,M',rri«, H',n. Jai-n/;*!, 337, 3',^. Morri.*, lion. Wm., 221, i2i, i27, ?», iy,, ^34, 4l.'j, 4'',ft. MorrUon, Dr. T. U.,T), 11«, lil ll'.ii«ley, a«r. Mr., U>3. 17/;, 114 I-/;. iw, H/, I7i4, I '.',, 0^. 2/1, 410, 446, 612 INDEX. JAom, Mr, 103. Mountain, BiBhop, 221. MulkUiH, Rev. Hunnibti, 173. Murdoch, T. W. 0., 207, '2i)0, 812, 887. Murray, Kov. Bobt., 84(1, 347, 349, 860. Murray, Sir GoorKO, 459, Muiikrat, John, 00. McCann, Rov. Father, 603. McCrao, MIhs, 77. MoDonnoll, A., 177. MoQIll, lion. Putur, 840. McUunry, Mr., 604. Mclntyrc, Uov. John, 211. McLean, Mr. Justice, 177, 810. McMuUon, Rov. D., 210. McMurray, Archdeacon, 77, MeOwan, 100. Nnvlor, Kev. Wm., 110. Ni'llson, Hon. Judge, 507. Noilson, Mr., 267. Nellos, Rev. Ur , 504, 693. NuttCiiHtle, Duke of, 452, 4.53. Newton, Kov. Dr. Uoht., 110, 119, 102, 269, 278, 279. Noel, lion, and Rov. Baptist, 116, 169, 162. Nolan, Rev. Mr., 612. Noll, Rev. James, 212. Nornianby, Lord, 260, 261, 263. Norris, Rov. Jamca, 276. Northcoto, Sir Stafford, 678. Norwich, uishop of, 541. Ojrden, Mr. Justice, 304. Oldham, Mr., 102. Olin, Uev. Dr., 406. Ormiston, Rev. Dr. 17, 597. Osgood, Rev. Thaddeus, 76. Ousley, Gideon, 101, O'Callaghan, Dr., 190. O'Connoll, Daniel, 318, 823. O'Urion, Rev. J., 77. Packlngton, Sir John, 451, 452. P.ilmerston, Lord, 610, 651. Taiimuro, Lord (see Mr. Fox Maule). Panteleoni. Dr„ 614, 616, 610, 617, C40. Paplneaii, Hon. D. B., 837. Papineau, Hon. L. J., 107, 168, 267, 267. Farkc, Thomas, 881. Parsonii, Rev. James, 159. Patin, M., 853. Patterson, Mr. James, 601. Payer, M., 853. Peck, Bishop Jesse T., 172. Peel, Sir Robert, 121, 100, 291, 806, 807, 300, 811, 3:3, 824, 411, 551. Perry, Peter, 150, 167, 180. Philip, Dr., 103. Phillips, Rev. Dr., 642. Pitt, Rt. Hon. William, 218, 210, 220, 834. Pius IX., Pope, 301, 302, 865, 866, 307. Plavter, Rev. George, 416. Postels, M. de, 858. Potter, Prof., 350. Potta. Rev. Dr., 80, 1238, 678, 69i. 6%, 506. Powell, Aid. J., 177. Powell, Mr., 314. Power, Bishop 428. Prince, Colonel, 338. Prindle, Rov. Andrew, 892. Prlnsen, Mr., 864. Punshon, Rov. Dr. W. M., 639, 643, 644, 645, 660, 557, 668, 661), 662, 564, 671, 678, 676, 677, «f79, 639, .'590. Radch«fo, Mr. 127, 128, 130, 141. Receveur, Abbe, 868. Reeco, Rov. Richard, 02, 116, 159, 162. Reoso, Rov. Dr. D. M., 270. Rcvnard, Rev. Prof., 604, Reynolds, Binhop, 381. Rico, Rov. Dr., 670. Richards, Sir W. B., 104,607. Richardson, RiHhop, 40, 48, 68, 76, 78, 00, 08, 0» lOH. 118, 154, 183, 88)1. Rlchoy, Rev. Dr. M., ir.1,200, 2I4,27«,273, 387, 888, 408, 404, 556, 557. RI(fK, Rev. Dr., 650, 589. Ri|H)n, Karl of, 118, 224, 232, 236, 886, 4S9. Roads, Rev. Mr. 334. Boaf, Rov. John, 212. RobortH, Bishop, 209. Robinson, Hon. Peter, 170. Chief Justice, 178, 177, 500, 810, 561, 668 670. Rol.ioson, Hon. W. B., 667, 668. RobiuHon, W ' \ Rolilin.Joh: .<».P.P., 804. Roebuck, J. . M.P., 107, 100, 171, 176, 228. Rolfo, Sir R. M., 165. Rolph, Dr. John, 127, 170, 189, 100, 288. B080, Bev. Dr. S., 01, 62, 604. Routh, Sir Randolph, 310. Rowsoil, Henry, 200. Russell, Lord John, 128, 210, 255, 200, 261, 203, 204, 267, 272, 28.''). 286, 873, 889, 81)1, 806. 435, 433, 441, 44;), 451, 454, 407, 409, 610. Rulton, Sheriff, 343. Ryan, Rev. Henry. 80, 87, 88, 80, 90, 181, 195, 278, 886, 557. Ryckman Rov. E. B., 687. Ryorso, Slajor, 538. RyerHo, Samuel, 24. Byorson. Rev. Oeorgo, 26, 88, 87, 42, 45, 62, 63, 65, 50. Ct, 07, 03, 09, 70, 79, 83, 04, 107, 108, 109, 118, 412, 634. Rev. John, 26, 52, 55, 07, 80, 87, 88, 89, 109, 111, 115, 127, 128, 130, 141, 112, 147, 1.50, 161, 152, 164, 156, 161, 100, 171, 172, 177, 181, 183, 184, 183, 190, 199, 200, 201, 228, 230. 240, 241, 209, 270, 271, 823, 8'25, 328, 845, 840, 347, 848, 880, 899. 401, 402, 403, 413, 603, 607, 511, 612, 53 », 673, 574, 676, 580, 685, 587. ■ Rev. William, 26, 29, 40, 62, 68, 69, 75, 78, 83, 81, 88, 111, 118, 130, 141, 142, 147, 177, 179, 228, 203, 209, 271, 272, 275, 405, 450. Ryerson, Rev. Edwy, 09, 83, 84, 130, 183, 228, 415. Ryerson, Mrs., Sr„ 23, 25, 27, 28, 37, 42, 43, 45. 64, 65, 50, 32, 8», 139, 140, 178, 208, 868, 412, Ryerson, Samuel, 24. Colonel, 23, 2t, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 43, 44, 45, 61, 52, 65, 60, 58, 60, 61, 84, 127, 134, 178, 310, 412. Ryerson, Lucilla Hannah, 111. Ryland, Rov. John, 162. Salt, Rev, Allen, 78. Sanderson, Rov. Dr. G. R., 211, 533. Sandon, Lord, 168, 272. Sandwich, Dr., 169. Saunders, Hon. J. S., 453. Saurin, Rev. J. 3., 364, 357. Savage, Rev. D., 679. Sawyer, Chief Joseph, 72. Scoble, Hugh, 837, 338, 339, 341. Scott, Rov. Jonathan, 271, 287, 294, 296. Scott, Uev. Wm., 201, 276. Soaton, Iiord (see Sir J. Colborne). Shaftesbury, Kt. Hon. Lord, (see Lord AaUtTV 168, 642. Sherwood, Mr. Justice, ITS, 264, 801. Sherwood Sheriff, lU. Shiel, Rt. Hon. Richard, 516, 617. Shuttle worth. Sir J. P. Kay, 119, OOa Simcoe, Governor, 219, 220. Simpson, Bishop, 666, 677. INDEX. fiklnnor, Dlslioi), 213. Slater, Ke\ . \Vm , bO. SllRlit, Rev. Uoiijumlii, 278. Small, Jhuioh K., a04. Smart, Rev. W.,2'2I. Smith, Kilos, 00. Smith, Rov. Ulshop Philander, 883. smui.: 'a^;i; ^'^'' "*■ '''' "1. "«. 6". Snako, Wi:i., 77. Sorncmont, M.,3ri8. Soulo, BiNhi>|>, 200 Spark, Dr.,iilt}. Spencer, Rov. James, 408, 60O, 601, 602. 503 604 608, 600, 610. 611, f.l-.^, 6lJ, MS. ' ' ' ' Squire, llev. Win., 148. Stanley, Rlj^ht Hon. Lord, 118, 110. 123 135 103. 807, 331. 332, 833, Sio) 882,' 388,' itl', m', Stanley, Very Rev. Doan, 679, SUntori, Mr., 811, 314. Stcid, Rev. Mr., 272. St Thynor Father, '307. ToaHo, Rov. Mr., 800. Towiilny, Kov. Dr., 108 Trevelyan, Sir CharlcH,' 340. 876 Turner, lUv. R. L., 158. Udcdon, Count, 640. VaiiKhan, Rev. C. J., 678. Vcnucll, Mons., 367. Vigor, Hon. D. li., 318, 322, 888. Waddy. Rev. Dr., 666. Wullace, Jamo.i. 602. WahwaliHinno, Chief, 76 WaHlilmrn Daniel, 188. ' Waudljy, Jolin. 265.| WatHon, Rov. Richard, 106. 108. 110 280 Mi 49;i, 404 406. ' ' ""• ^*' Waugli, bishop, 269. WauKh, Dr., 116. WauKh, Rev. Mr , 110. -V^i'land. Kev. Dr., 26, 43L Wo IhiKton, Duke of, 456. wells, Hon. Jovoph, 170. Wenham, Dr., 79. West, Rev. Mr., 70. Whitehead, Rov. Thomhs, 274, 276 407 408 W. klnson. Rev. Henry, 130 214, 228 Wilson, Mr., 176. Wilson, Thomas, eq. 114, 121, 141, 269. ' Separation from, 260, 372, S77, 883. Oartier, Sir Oeorge, Correspondence relating to, 669. Chapel Property Case*, 172. Chrxitian Guardian, 93, 107, 100, 121, 131, 144, 172, 199, 201, 230, 239, (( seg. , 269, 269, 271. Chrigtian Guardian, Piscussion with, 499. Church of England, Dr. Ryerson's attitude towards, 291. Church Property, Right of Conference to hold, 803. Civil Rights Controversy, 81. Class Meeting Question, 470, et leq., 401, et sen,, 490. Clergy Reserve Question, 47, 68. 81, 83, et. seq,, 91, 96, et seq. 119, 165, 168, 170, 216, 218, 226, etseq.,i9Qetstq., 246,260, et 8e<;.,260 et seq., 278, 286, 800, 878, et $eq., 887 et seq,, 483 et Hq„ 464 et leq. Confederation, Dr. Ryerson's Address on, 647. Connecticut University, 106. Controversy with W. L. Haclienzie, 124, 136, 145. Controversy with Rev. W. M. Harvard, 202. Controversies, NewHpapor, 206, et ieq. Council, Legiakiive, 168, 170. Denominational Colleges Controversy, 618, et seq. >ointD Dominion, Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New, 647. Durham, Government of Lord, 267, et teq., 812, Early Life, Slcetch of, 23. Early Education, 24. Education, Appointment as Chief Superintend- ent of, 342. — — Retirement from Oiflce of, 337. Educaiional Administration, 362, 368, et seg. Educational Tours, 8u2, 365, 371, 419, 464, 614, 639, 577. Education, Dr. Ryerson's status in the Confer- ence while holding Office of Chief Superin- tendent of, 416. England, Visits to, 116, et seq., 121, 162, et seq., 168, 269, 272, 862, 871, 419, 464, 614, 689, 677. Estimate of Dr. Ryerson's Character and La- bours, by Rev, Dr. Ormiihical sketches of the U. K. Loyalist jiioneer in the settlement of ('anada. lUit Dr. Uyerson goes liack to the beginning, and traces the whole origin and growth of the English in America, the relation of the Colonists to the Home (iovcrnment, the ciiaraclcr and doings of the Colonial Governments, and the political ca)ises wiiich pro- duced dissatisfaction, and ultimately led to rebellion and independence. "The first thing that strikes us in examining Ibis work is tlie evidence it presents of extensive research, in the examination of original documents, and conse(iucntly the extent to which it nuist be a valual>Ie repertory of important historic facts for future historians of American civilization. "One thing that invests this work with special interest to all Canadians and Britons is that nearly all the histories of the United States, as well as the popular literature of that country, glorify the deeds and character of all •who took a part in the llevolutionary war, on the Republican side ; but the Loyalists who could not feel justified in fighting against their Sovereign and ■country, are uniformly painted in the blackest colours, as if they were cowardly and base wretches who had no redeeming (qualities. All that is liateful and mean is suggested by the word ' Tory ' or ' Royalist ' in the nnnals of the United States. They have never had fair play ; because they were generally painted by those who bitterly hated them. lUit while the •author admits fully the folly and unconstitutional deFjiotism that goaded the colonists into rebellion, and the patriotic feeling of many on the Republican mde, no one can read his work without feeling that great injustice has ))een y an inijiar- tial and skilful hand. And when those who represent what was hest in tho public life, the literature, the pulpit and the press of the two united I'rovincoa a quarter of a century ago, looked around on each other and beyond their own circle for a person to whom th(!y might entrust the performance of so needed a duty, tliey unatiiniously fixed ujton the Superintendent of Educa- tion of Upper Canada as that person. Thus selected, and not unmoved, besides, by potent inward urgings, Dr. Rycrson accci)te(l tlie honourable but dilficult charge." [Then follows an analysis of the jirincipal facts and argu- ments of the work.] From the MonNiNQ Chronicle, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 4th, 1880. "This is undoubtedly one of the most notable of recent works from tho press of Canada. It is a work of such interest as to its subject, and, we must add, of such merit as to its execution, that no proper justice can be done to it in any such review as can be afl'orded within the limited eligible space of a daily newspaper." From the Mornino IIkrald, Halifax, N. S., July 24th and Aiigust ^th, 1S80. The Herald devotes two articles in review of this work, commencing with the following words : " The author of this work is so well known to the people of this country^ that any publication in which his name appears is a sullicient guarantee of ita value, its accuracy, and the interesting nature of its contents. No work ever published in Canada is more worthy of a cordial reception from our piMjjde than the 'Loyalists of America and their Times,' and none will be read with more intense interest by the descendants of those noble men and women> * who, stripped of their rights and property during the war, * * * were driven from the homes of their birth and of their forefathers,' because of their loyalty to their king, to seek new homes in the (then) wilderness of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick." N.B. — Numerous other notices, of a similar character to the above, are said to have appeared in various provincial newspapers. ■xi OPINIONS OF THE TRESS. « Letter from Sir Stafford Northcotb. " 79 ToRTLAND Place, July 26lh, 1880. « My Dear Sir, " I ouglit long ngo to have thanked you for"80 kindly sending mc your work on the ' Loyalists,' but I have been so busy since it came that I have liad little time for reading. I have been much interested with it, and am very- much obliged for it, " Believe me, yours very faithfully, (Signed) " Stafford H. Northcote." Letter fuom Lord Carnarvon. " lIiGHCLERE Castle, Newdurt, Sept. 1st, 1880. " My Dear Sir, " I have received the 'History of the Loyalists of America' •which you have been good enough to send me. I have as yet only been able to turn the pages, but before long I hope to find the leisure to become acquainted with the contents of these two volumes, of which I have seen enough in my rapid glance to be sure that they embrace not only much that is most interesting, but in a historical point of view very valuable matter. " I remain, my dear Sir, yours faithfully, (Signed) " Carnarvon." Letter from Alfheus Todd, Esq., Librarian of the House op Commons. " Ottawa, September ICth, 1880. " My Dear Dr. Ryerson, " I have just returned from a visit to England, much rel'reshed. I found your two interesting volumes on my de.ak, and am very grateful for your kind remembrance of me. I shall piize them highly. " We have all reason for congratulation that you have completed this great book, which is a noble retros])ect of the loyalty of our forefathers. I earnestly hope that it may be the means of c^uickening and strengthening the present generation in this laud in the endeavour to render themselves worthy of the noble inheritance tliat the zeal and devotion of our ancestors obtained for us, and that it avIII deepen our attachment to the British Crown and Imperial connection. " Always with much respect and regard, " Your sincere friend, (Signed) " Alpheus Todd." 26th, 1880. (ling me your e tlint I have t, and am very THCOTE." k. lat, 1880. lich you have e to turn the [uainted witli !i in my rai)id t inteicstijig, ARVON." OF Commons. LCth, ISSO. ed. I found or your kind ted tliis great I earnestly ; the present ortliy of the obtained for Crown and OPINIONS OF THE PHESS. Lkxtkh khom Hrs Exckl.k.cv thk M.a.urs o. Lok.k. " My Dear Dr. IIveh.son, " Citadel, Qcebec, June 10th, 1880. not heard that you were engaged fn U^'Zk vor"-'^ ''''^'''''' ^^ ' ^'"^ had I heard it I could nnt 1 , , '^ ^'"''^ """^ completer!, and " It .hould become a l„„,».l,„irb„ok , r„/ 1 r, "°'''^ been in ita composition to fr..,-,. fl,„ „..• '''"^"oa I'lt- \\oik, as you have the thoughts ofL.raCcelt:;:. " '"" ""' '"'^ ''^'"^'^ "^ ^athy with " Believe me, with very many thanks, " Yours very truly, (Signed) "LoRNE." Letter from Lord Ddfferin. " Mt Dear Dr. Rtfrson " ^'' ^^"""^^^««' September Gth, 1880. various distineuished inpn nf fi,. tWlerent times bv the Mppi„es, to C J To^^ " rs £;r 'T' " "°"; ' ""^° '"^^ «» Bhelve^ . ^ ' "''' '""' "" ''""""red place upon its dole":: rdltu"!;"^,,!:": itr,?' °"" -""-'»" »•> «■"' >•- >- Believe me, my dear Dr. Ryerson, ^ " Yours most sincerely, ^'^^""'••^^) "Dufferix." Todd." CANADIAN METHODISM ITS EPOCHS AND CHARACTERISTICS, WniTTEN AT THE llEQUEST OK TUB LONDON, TORONTO, AND MONTREAL CONFERENCES, IIY THR REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LL»D, This Volume is elegantly hound in Extra English Cloth, with ink and gold stamjiing, 12mo, size, containing J^J^S pages, WITH STEEL POETRAIT, micE, $i.ss. Tins Volume is not a mere reprint of tlie Essays that appeared in the Magazine from month to month, but contains a large amount of new matter which has not heretofore appeared. It possesses also, to the many admirers of its beloved and honoured author, a melancholy interest as being the latest iiuil i of that pen which, during a long and busy life, wa. ■ .^ wielded in defence of civil and religious liberty. ^W Agents Wanted to sell this im^^or^ mt Work, '^g Addr^^ , WILLIAM BRIGGS, .v-,>'l,^ P PUBLISHER, 78 & 80 KING STREET EAST, TORONTO. DISM TICS, FERENCES. LL,D, with ink and yes, AIT, fc appeared in ?e amount of md honoured 1 of that d in defence iVork. =^ iiONTO. I