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Will r, t; Imt !ic» ii.'i:/lil»'-.ii- lOiii'Hli ..ii.i ■'u.r' !i''lii I I i I ■■.'■>,i 'I' () li O \' 'i' O ; 18-lU. [rui. 1- ONK .siiiM.i^i. .^^o riiuri -n.-:. r. 1 I I 1 I u He 1 PLAIN STATEMENT OF FACTS, CONNECTED WITH THE UNION AND SEPARATION Kit THE BRITISH AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES. BY J. 8TINS0N, AND M. RICHEI. A.M. He that ia first in his own cause, «eeme(& just: but his neighbour cometb and searcheth t' • . him Prov. XVIII. 17. TORONTO: a. STANTON, PRINTER, 164 KING-STREET. 1840. .5 S3 '■ . u ;i i './ J I f 1 •' -I' a fj ; ^:; :, ^Vi^* WcV! ^?^ 'i6< A PLAIN STATEMENT, &c We offer no apology for placing before the public, a plain and dispassionate exposition of the principal incidents connected with the Union of the British with the Canadian Conference, and of the causes which have recently resulted in its dissolution. None, we are persuaded, will, under the circumstances, be deemed neces- sary. From the momentous nature of the interests involved, as also from the character and tendency of the statements published, both in England and in this Country, by the Reverend Messieurs W. and E. Ryerson, it is matter of regret, that circumstances have precluded our more prompt discharge of a* duty so imperiously demanded by the position we now occupy. We are anxious, as much as possible, to avoid mixing up any extraneous matters with the points which vitally affect the questions at issue, and not less so, to omit nothing which may, in our estimation, be essential or con- ducive to a just and adequate conception of the real grounds upon which the British Conference has deliberately judged a further perpetuation of the Union with the Canadian Conference imprac- ticable. In stating this we would, as men and Ministers of God, bear in mind, that it is due to the sacredness and majesty of truth, rather to permit her interests for a while to suiTer, than to attempt her defence or advancement with any other weapons than those which her own armoury supplies. Our highest wish, in connection with this painful affair, will be completely attained, if '* by manifes- tation of the truth," we can " commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.'* 258901 V 4 Tho entire merits of the cnso lie within n small compass, and may be thus summarily exhibited: The Committee of the British Conference on Canadian aflairs* at a meeting held on the 29tli of April last, adopted a series of Resolutions, which they forwarded to the Upper Canada Conference. Those Resolutions contained thine mutters of cumplfiinl against the Rov. Egerton Ryerson, a moniber of that body. These were-r- 1. His practically superseding the Rev. Joseph StinsoUi in his recognized official powers us President. 2. A flagrant violation of the obligations arising from the Union, in endeavouring to procure tho payment, in a certain contingency, to the Canadian Conference, of ilie grant made by the Crown to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, previously to tho formation of that Union, and their exclusive claim to which was ut that time distinctly understood. S. The decidedly and prominently political character of the "Christian Guardian^* nutwitbslaiidiiig the soltimn, reiterated and recorded pledges given by the Upper Canada to the British Con- ference, that it should be properly a religious and literary Journal. la reply to these grave allegations, the Upper Canada Confer- ence adopted, and forwarded to the Bi itish Conference, Resolutions^ ^representing it as at variance with the letter and spirit of the arti- cles of Union, " and an anomalous and alarming precedent, for the (Committee in London to accuse and condemn a member of their Conference*'-T.-maintalning the authority of the Rev. Egerton llyerson, as their Special Representative to confer with the Gov- ernment on matters affecting their civil and religious rights and privi- Jeges, to act in all such cases without the concurrence or knowledge of the President>->contending that it was the imperative duty of Sir. Ryerson to act as he had done ; and appointed the Reverend W. and E. Ryerson, Delegates to the English Conference, on the subjects of collision. A large Committee was, in consequence, appointed by the British Conference, at its late Session, to investi- gate the proceedings of the Committee on Canadian affairs of last year, to consider the Resolutions adopted by the Upper Canada £!oDfereDce of 1840, and to receive the communications of their 9.v*> ipaas, and lian affairs^ series of |onference* ugainst iho were-T- pon, in his Ithe Union, tntingency^ I Crown to trmation of t thut time ter of the teratod and ritish Con> ry Journal. da Confer- lesolutionSj of the arti- ent, for tlie ler of their ^ Cgerton 1 the Qov- s and privi- knowiedge ve duty of t Reverend fice, on the nsequence, to investi- airs of last er Canada lis of their [Representatives. After a careful and protracted investigation of [the whole affair, they presented a copious Report to the Conferen'*e, in which it was stated, that the three allegations contained in the Resolutions. of the Conunittee on Canadian affairs, in April last, •were regarded •* fully proved^ and submitted for the consideration of the Conference certain principles and regulations, the strict and undeviatiug adherence of the Upper Canadian Brethren to which .was, in their judgment, indispensable to the advantageous mainten- ance of the Union. To these the Upper Canada Representatives explicitly declared it as their opinion, that their Conference would never be induced to accede, and that the maintenance of such views on the part of the English Conference, would, by them, be regarded as a virtual dissolution of the Union. Under these circumstances, and with the fact before it, that the pacific Resolutions which had been proposed to the Upper Canada Conference of 1840, had been negatived by a large majority, the British Conference was reluct- antly led to the conviction, that the continuation of the more intimate connexion between the two bodies, established by the arti- cles of 1833, was quite impracticable. The equity and necessity of this decision will be apparent from a calm review of the whole affair. i I- i I I ; ! nil I I .<■'«-<• u;i.»'>?.'fiforts 1 tain of the character of the mon to whom the British Conference^ ncn, to confides the management of its missions, must not be a little sur- prised that those Gentlemen, instead of congrntulating themselves, jrethre and the Conference to which they belong, on the termination of all' )f relig intimate connexion with so corrupt a body, should still indicate a son, in strong desire to continue associated with them. No political aspl rant, who, in his pursuit of the coveted object of his ambition, hadXof the renounced all allegiance to conscience, could, if Messrs. W. and E. perphi Ryerson are to be credited, be actuated by principles more unwor- thy than those which prompted the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society to entertain the proposal of a union with the Conference of Upper Canada. Whereas the avowed motive of the two connexions in this important measure was a mutual conviction, " that the cause of religion generally, and the interests of Metho- dism in particular, would, under the blessing of Goo, be greatly promoted by their united exertions," the Messrs. Ryerson assert, on what they designate indubitable evidence, that the Missionary Secretaries and other members of the English Conference, had, from the commencement of the negotiations of the union, ulterior objects in contemplation ; that with the most specious, pious and philanthropic purposes upon their lips, they were insidiously aiming at " the gradual extinction of every sort of influence as identified with the Canada Conference — the transfer of that influence into other channels, and into other hands — and the absolute supremacy of the Committee and Conference in England over all the Depart- ments and Institutions in Canada.** In reply to their assertion, that this was in substance avowed by Dr. Alder, in the late Conference in England, and will be found embodied in the Resolutions of the they h motivf Confe work I It i P rovi the ¥. benef denyi and I felt, with 1820 as R cons uccu inU lo w vine i ! I i ij;;. ■'li.tft e ent we feel our- br body of men, iple, their mosti all moral value. by Messrs. W. views ihey con- tisli Conference )t be a little sur- 3rmmation of all' still indicate a English Conference, wc can only say, and we speak advisedly, that ither was any declaration uttered by Dr. Alder during the dis- ussion, nor are any of the Resolutions referred to, fairly susceptible f such an interpretation. In regard to the former the reader can niy weigh testimony against testimony ; with respect to the latter e is competent to examine the tenor and design of those Resolu- ions, and to decide whether, with a less control over the Canadian Conference than they claim, a union with that Body could be honoar- bly, or with safety maintained. Notwithstanding these unworthy (Torts to involve in suspicion and distrust the motives by which the nen, to whose substantial generosity the Upper Canada Conference )wes so much, were influenced in entering into a coalition with their ting themselves,| )rethren in this Province, we would earnestly desire, for the honour if religion, that no statements had been put forth by Messrs. Ryer" !on, in their recently published pamphlets, but such as were aa capable of sustaining a strict scrutiny as have been the proceedings of the Missionary Secretaries through every stage of this, the moit 'perplexing^ and least satisfactory enterprise, in which, we believe, they have ever engaged. To vindicate the impugned purity of their motives it will be necessary to revert to the position of the Canada Conference, and to the amount of its resources for carrying on the work of God, at the period of the formation of the union. Jiuai conviction, _ It is well known that the first Methodist Societies raised in this Province, were the fruits of the labours of Ministers connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United Slates. However beneficial and praiseworthy the exertions of those zealous and self- denying men, in the earlier periods of the history of the Province-'-^ and useful in a very eminent degree they were — it was naturally felt, in process of time, that the association of American Pastors with British congregations, was inconvenient and anomalous. In 1820, the late lamented Dr. Emory attended the British Conference, as Representative from the American General Conference ; and in consequence of the views and explanations given by him on that occasion in reference to the operations of the American Conference in Upper Canada, the British Conference were induced, not only to waive their intention of sending nioio Missionaries to that Pro- vince, but even to withdraw those who were already there. Among rests of Metho God, be greatly Ryerson assert, the Missionary onference, had, union, ulterior ious, pious and sidiously aiming \ cc as identified : influence into Jute supremacy all the Depart- r assertion, that ate Conference solutions of the V y V' !t| • i1 l> i f 1 1 1 i 1; I i! ' ii! 8 tiie considerations wliich rendered such an arrangement, at that period expedient^ the following reasons are stated, in a letter addressed by our Missionary Secretaries to* the Rev. Messrs. R. Williams and other British Missionaries in Canada : " 1. That the Upper Province it to adtqutUetif tupplied' hj the American Con* ference, as not to present that pressing case of necessity which will justify us in ezptfndtnig; our funds upon it. "2. That Mr. Emory has «hgtiged, that its full tupplyhy American Preachers, shall be, as far as possible, attended to." In conne:(ion with these reasons for the course wHicH War then adopted, the following Resolutions of the Missionary Committee in London, may here be introduced, as more distinctly illustrative of the obligations which their arrangement with the Methodist Episcopal Church of America involved, and of their deliberate apprehensions of their duty in reference to this Province,- under the materially altered circumstances in which they Were placed when the Upper Canada Conference became independent. Resolutions of a Committee^ held i» Lowion,Febrivalty^ 1832. " Certain Resolutions of the Board of Missions, connected with the Upper Canada Conference, objecting to the Committee's employing Missionaries in Upper Canada and among the Indians, having been read at the last Meeting of the Committee, and the Treasurers and Secretaries having been requested to confer with Messrs. Ryerson and Jones upon this subject, they Report as follows :— " 1. That with respect to the ' uhderstanding' alleged in the said Resolutions to fiiiit between the British and Canadian Conferences, that the Missionaries of the former were to confine their labours to Lower Canada, and leave the Upper Province to the exclusive occupation of the Canadian Conference, they informed Messrs. Ryerson and Jones Ihal no auch understanding could exist, inasmuch as the former compact betteeen the United States General Conference eeaud upon an independent Conference being established for Upper Canada, and that when it was proposed by Mr. Capers to the British Conference of 1828, to make a similar agreement with the Canada Conference, it was declined. " 2. That ever since that time, the Committee have felt themselves fitlljf at Kbertj/ to occupy any station in Upper Canada, to which they might have sucfi a call as would warrant them to embrace it, with just regard to those general pri nciples of respect to the useful application of funds, and the relation of any body of British £mi« grants, Members of our Societies, and attached to our discipline. " 3. That the great change of circumstances as to Upper Canada, since the agreement with the States General Conference, especially in respect of the immense ment, at that io a letter Bv. Messrs. R. le American Con* will justtfjr o( in lerican Preachers, HicH War then ary Commitlee ctly illustrative the Methodist heir deliberate Province,- under y Were placed endent. ^ruaty^ 1832. ed with the Upper ng Miuioiiarie* in he last Meeting of ng been requested «t, thejr Report as ! said Resolutions to Missionaries of the id leave the Upper ince, they informed I exiit, inaimuch at nee ceated upon an nd that when it was I, to make a similar velvet Jully at Bbertg ■ sucli a call as tooutd principles of respect dy of British Emi< ine. ' Canada, since the sped of the Immeme number of Killers which have gone out from Great Britain and Ireland, and are still flowing into that Province in large numbers every year, wm a decisive objection to the Comniiiice'a recommending it to ttie Conference to confine its Missions wholly to Lower Canada, or not to re-inforce the Mission they have had for some years in Kingston, or not to establish under such circumstances new Missions in that Province. "4. That with respect to the pr'MicipIfis urged upon the Committee in the Resolotions of the Canada Board of Missions, Mliat the Methodists are one in every part of the World,' could only be applicable in the sense of the maintenance of fraternal affection, since a unity arising from the existence of but one form of Methodism in one Province, is now out of the question ; several distinct bodies of Methodists now existing in Upper Canada, who refuse to place themselves under the pastoral charge of the Canadian Conference; and affording sufficient proof, that were our Missionaries to be withheld entirely from that Province, a con. sidcrable number of independent bodies of Methodists would grow up. "6. That with respect to the Indian MissionSf the original agreement with the Uiiitod States General Conference did not in any respect relate to them, so as to excindc the Committee's endeavours to attempt iheir evangelization.— They were in fact never referred to in that agreement, but it has long been the Commit, tee's intention to aid in this iinportant work, in pursuance of a prtnciple held sacred by the Commillee, to endeavour to connect with missions near European stttlers, attempts to benefit the aboriginal heathens of those countries where they may locate themselves This the Committee attempted in Labrador, in connexion with the Newfoundland Mission ; in New Holland ; and by the blessing of God, very successfully in connexion with the South African Colonies. The extent of the Committee's exertions, and the demands upon their funds, were the only reasons which caused titein to delay their endeavours to evangelize the Indians in America. " 6. That notwithstanding these vietvs of the Committee, Messrs. Ryerson and Jones were informed, that the Committee intend nothing as to Upper Canada contrary to that brotherly kindness which ought to exist between two kindred religious bodies ; but tiiat they shall not consider that principle at all contravened, should they fix Missionaries in places c considerable popu'ution, although the Canada Conference may have socioties in such places, the population being such as to afford reasonable ground to conclude that there is a sufficient sphere of labour for cnch; much less that it would be any infringement of the said principle, should a Mission be planted among sellluis not yet provided with any religious ordinances. " 7. That in (he agreement between the United States General Conference and the British Conference, it was explicitly stated, that, should Methodism deteriorate in its form tor spirit, or should any just political offence be given by their Mission* aries to the. British Conference, the British Coufeieacc ohould be ut liberty again \\n 1 'AW . iiij !ii H h il M'M !' f I I I 10 iu>cinpit>y (Is Missionaries in Upper Cnnada. TTie cTeputalion heard lio explicit complaint in this respect against the United States Conference, nor did they charge tiie Canada Conference with either of such matters. This they were not called to enter into, inasmuch as no agreement to partition the two Canadfts existed between the Committee and the Canada Conference, and they Were not therefore nnder any necessity of scrutinizing the fact; but that Ihiiy mtulsay with afiection, bitt regret, that the puBMCATiOiv of a paper expressly BY the Canadian Conference, entering m'armly and rN the spirit or YARTrZANSHtP INTO THE LOCAL PtJtITlCS CF THE PROVINCE, WAS NOT IM THE SPIRIT OR ACCORDING TO THE PRACTICE OP BRITISH METHODISM, AND CONTRARY TO THAT ABSTinENCE FROM SUCH DISPUTES WHICH T»KY ENJOINED UPON THEIR IVIrssiONARiEs; a circumstance which had created prejudice agaimt the accepts- bleness of the Canadian Brethren, with a part of the pnpahiiion of Canada. On these points a conversation of some length was held, at the close of which Messrs. Byerson and Jones were assured of (be kind regards of the Committee, but were \\im frankly pulin possession of its views on the subject brought before it in the Resolutions of the Canada Board of Missions before tb^ntioned." The points in this important document to whicii we direct special attention, are— that the compact between the Slates' General Con- ference and that of England, expired the moment that Conference ceased to exercise ecclesiastical control in Canada ; that from that time, the Committee felt themselves perfectly fiee to occupy any sphere of usefulness that might be providentially opened to thenof in the Province ; that thny were the more deeply impressed witt> the propriety and unportance of so doing, from the immense and increasing annual emigration from Great Brituiti and Ireland to Upper Canada;^ that the interference uf the negociation into which they entered with the American Conference, with the extension of their MissioRary operations to the Aborigines of the Province, wa» never contemplated^ — and that had that subject been at all referred to in the agreement, the entertaining of any exclusive measure con« eernrng it, would have involved the practical abandonment of a principle, ever held sacred by the Committee. The sole reason why they abstained from including the Aboriginal Inhabitants of Upper Canada among the objects of their evangelical charity and liabours, even while the compact with the American Conference remained obligatory, was the inexpediency of entering into larger pecuniary responsibilities than in the existing state of their work and funds, they could icasonably expect to be able to discharge. The last point of consequence to bo here noticed, is, ihat even I I 11 irJ ho explicit !, nor did thvy ■s. This they lartition the two ^ence, and they ; but that they lPer expressly THE SPIRIT or 'AS NOT in THE AND CONTRART [ED UPON THSm lost the aceepta- Jof Canada. On of which Messrso miltee, but were before it in the i direct special General Con- at Conference that from that to occupy any )ene(l to theny mpressed witi> I immense and ind Ireland to ion into whicb le extension of Province, wa» at all referred } measure con* idonment of a iie sole reason Inhabitants of :al charity and in Conference ing into larger of their work e to discharge. , is, (hat even- llien, strong apprehensions were entertained by the Committee, that the interference of the ** Guardian^' in local polilirs, whilst it so ill accorded with the spirit and practice of British Methodism, was adapted to operate very injuriously upon both. ,1 In this position of affairs, and after a due consideration of the arguments employed by the Upper Canada Conference, to dissuade nner employed s operations into nsequences, but, establishment of of Lake Huron, y maintained itt It to supply the at ' there is littl» uiBcient sum to undaries of our That it wa* not until after the Canada Missionary Board had fruitlessly cm> Ipldyed every possible argument to induce the London Missionary Committee not |to interfere with Upper Canada, that it invited Mr. Alder to consult on the pro- liriety ofa coalition between the Wesleyan Conference in England and in Upper ^Miada, and that that measure was proposed, not from the pressure ofneceirity, in Brderto save the " Indian Missions from utter ruin," but primarily to "prevent |-misunderstandings," and " to preserve peace and harmony in the society." In order to support the novel position thus assumed, a laboured leffibrt is put forth to invalidate (he correctness of Dr. Alder's exhi- ilition of the financial state of the Canadian Missionary Society at the period of the formation of the union, and to produce an impres- {sion on the mind of His Lordship, and on the public mind in En- [.gland, that the Canadian Conference was fully competent to sustain [its operations without the pecuniary aid of the British Missionary I Society, ;, It were an agreeable alleviation of the unpleasant duty we are liiow 'Called i^on to discharge, were it in our power to account, on principles honourable to those Gentlemen, for the extraordinary inaccuracies contained in the statements to which we beg to direct impartial attention. They wrote, be it remembered, with the An- nual Reports before them to which they refer. Statements are laid by them before the British public, professedly founded upon " offi- cial papers, documents and reports,'* to which in the circumstances of the case they knew access could not be had by their readers. — Thus a deep impression, unfavourable to the character of Dr. Alder, and to the proceedure of the British Conference, is attempted by exparte nttsertions, which, as will now be shown, are utterly dis- proved by the identical documents upon which they are ostensibly founded ! We subjoin the following extracts from the letter before referred to:— " Mr. Alder informs your Lordship, 'that when the Wesleyan Missionary Com* ' mittee took upon itself to support the Indian Missions, the various sums raised hy ■,; the Upper Canada Conference amounted to the small sum of £177 18s Id Ster* ; ling, since which time they have grndualiy increased to £1,304 14s. lid.' I " Now, my Lord, in reference to this, as well as in respect to the statements of i Mr. Alder above*noticed, p.nu those which we shall hereafter notice, we appeal, ; not to any authority got up for the occasion, but to ofScial papers and documents, fi and reports which were prepared and published at the time the occurrences refer- I red to took place. We herewith enclose the printed annual reports of the Wes- "i leynn Missionary Society of Upper Canada, from 1832 to 1839, inclusive. These 1 > ' 1 11 'i 14 repoiia, since 1833, hnvc been propnred by and printed under Itte lupervislon of' the Rev. Mr. Stinson, llie London Society's rcpresentntive and ngent in Upper Canada. " The Wesleynn Missionnry Committee nssumed the responsibility of supporting tlie Missions in Upper Canada, in October, 1833. By the accomyanying^ printed report for the year ending October, 1833, (p. 16,) it will be seen that, so far from Mr. Alder's statement having the slightest foundation in fact, the ' various sumi raised by the Upper Caaada Conference, for Missionary purposes' that year, amounted to £1,322 IQs. 4d ; £1,038 ISs. 5d. of which were collected in Upper Canada; and the remaining £208 Os. lid. were collected in various parts of the United States — at a time when a more neighbourly feeling existed between the two Countries, than at present." It may be necessaiy here to remark, that by the Report of the Canadian Missionary Society, embracing two years, from Septem- ber, 1829, to September, 1831, there is exhibited a balance of i&204 Is. 9d. due the Treasurer ; that is, the Society was in debt to that amount^ although there had been received from the United States, within the period embraced in the Report,no less a sum than £1,074 10s. 2d. •-■ '^■^^'^m The following year, it was deemed absolutely necessary to send the Rev. P. Jones, and Mr. George Ryerson, to solicit donations in England, and the General Superintendent of Missions, and others, accompanied by some of the recently converted Indian youths, visited a number of the principal cities and towns in the United ber, 1832: Donation from the Wesleyan Missionary Society, ■\--_, in England ,...,,....,..,., ..£333 6 8 , ■ . ,. \ Donations from sundry benevolent individuals in '■ '' ' England , 813 7 2 ,r:- Premium on the above ,..,,,,. 84 8 8 — £1,231 2 6 Cash, from Philadelphia £12 10 Collection in Troy and other places .; 33 13 1 , Draft on Rev. N. Bangs ,, 32 10 ■ - Collected by Rev. P. .lones, in the United States.. 18 4 3 »• < . - , Collected by Superintendent of Missions, and two ;" > ..j, ; r.- Native Speakers, in New York, and other places 192 1 7i ; "- »" prant from the Methodist Missionary Society, °''l in the United Statec 93 15 ;.. ^r Cash from Rev. D. Barnes 1 10 Donation at Detroit 9 884 12 Hi * ' , Jei616 16 6J 1» the tupcrvi of the Ited between the two e Report of the '8, from Septem- ed a balance of .iety wa$ in debt from the United 9 has a sum than lecessary to send licit donations in iions, and others, 1 Indian youths, 'ns in the United 3 special epplica* ending Septem> S 8 7 2 - 1 - ; J 8 — — £1,231 2 6 ) J 1 ) ,1 , t - f i 1 3 ».■•.■. I ^ i ) * 1 - .. ' 884 12 Hi £1615 16 5i This sum deducted from the total of receipts for thai year, Iuav6'jl ^nly £364 14s. Id. raised in Upper Canada, including a legacy of (28. The expenditure fur the year was £1851 2s. Id. being more ianjive times the amount collected in the Province^ and which* 'ithout the assistance obtained from abroad, must have plunged the Society in debt to the amount of £i\.4%6 8s. Od. We proceed to the year ending October, 1833. On this the lessrs. Rj'erson strangely remark, " the various sums raised by the 'pper Canada Conference for Missionary purposes that year, imounted to £1322 191. 4d." a gbnce at the Treasurer's Report, 'ill shew the gross misre^i< esentaiion of this statement. Included In the above sum are the following items : '* Balance, as per Report \ast year," (in the Treasurer's hands,) "£129 7s. r)Jd." and ''Balance due the Treasurer," (at the close of the year,) £2S6 5s. 4d. Ihe true sum therefore raised that year was only £907 6s. l^A, or )415 I2s. 9^d. less than represented by Messrs. Ryerson. Again, the Report acknowledges £304 5s. Od. as having been ibtained in the United States, instead of £208 Os. lid. as stated by lessrs. Ryerson! The result of this is ihat the Sum collected in ^pper Canada, instead of being £1038 ISs. 5d. as asserted in the ibove extract, is only £603 Is. 6Jd. The expenditure of this year i^as £1322 19s. 4d. or more than double the amount raised in the [Province, so that the operations of this year would have involved the Society in an additional debt of £719 17s. 9^d. had it been solely dependent on its Provincial resources. Of the ability of a Society so circumstanced, to maintain and [extend the Missionary operations in which it had been signally [owned of God, we leave the candid reader to judge. No portion [of its funds had been expended in supplying the destitute white settlements. The appeals which had been made in England were [of a special character, and could not have been continued, and the extent of the Missionary field successfully cultivated by our Metho-' dist Brethren in the United States, now employs all the resources [at their command. The utter incompetency of the Upper Canada Conference to |support the Indian Missions a^one, without foreign aid and that ta \a large extent^ is thus clearly demonstrable from the very Reports 16 E| I'lf \^m 10 which (riumphant appeal is made by the Messrs. Ryerson Id establish the opposite assertion ! Indeed, when this pretension was put forth during the deliberations on the union, which touk place at the late Conference in Newcasilc-upon-Tyne, Dr. Bunting arose, evidently under the influence of inexpressible emotions of wonder and sorrow at the utterance of such a sentiment ; and de> dared his distinct recollection of the Rev. E. Ryerson's having specially urged the great desirableness of the union on the ground of the pecuniary inability of the Upper Canada Conference to main- tain its Missions. No consideration was more likely, as Mr. Ryer- son well knew, to overcome the objections that existed in the minds of some Members of our Missionary Committee to the union, than (he prospect of thus at once alleviating the embarassments of their Canadian Brethren, and being enabled to carry on their Missionary operations in Upper Canada on a more extended scale, as well as with greater facilities and efficiency; and hence the touching appeals with which Mr. Ryerson pressed this view upon their attention and sympathies, tvhen it was adapted to subserve his design. But now that another object is to be attained, every pains is taken to evince that the resources of the Canadian Conference were amply com* mensurate with all demands upon its benevolent exertions. Although quite sufficient, we apprehend, has been said upon this matter, to satisfy every mind, as to the real circumstances of the Canadian Connexion, when they sought a Union with the British, and of the grand motive which obtuitied the acquiescence of the latter in the measure, yet as an oath for confirmation is an end of all strife, it may be proper here to quote from the Rev. Egerton Ryerson*s own lips, this species of attestation in confirmation of the view to which we have deemed it necessary to invite special atteu" tion. In a pamphlet lying before us, being a Report of the Trial of the Belleville Chapel Case, " wiili Notes and Remarks by E. Ryerson," we find the sworn testimony of that gentleman, of which the following is an extinct : "In 1832, tlic Wesleyan Missionary Commilttie in London, sent out the Rev. Mr. Alder, as their representative and ugent, with a view to the appointment of Mis- sionaries among the British emigrants in various parts of this Province. Mr. Alder had communicationr from the Committee in London to our Missionary Board in Toronto, which he delivered— communicating to the Board, at tlto same time, the I oft 17 is. Ryeraon lo his pretension n, vhich touk I, Dr. Bunting le emotions of lent ; and de- erson's having on the ground renee to main- , as Mr. Ryero »d in the minds the union, than sments of their leir Missionary ale, as well as luchtng appeals ir attention and tign. But now taken to evince ere amply com* mions. .., ^, 1 said upon this nstances of the ith the British, escence of the ton is an end of 3 Rev. Egerton (irmation uf the e special atten- )rt of the Trial Remarks by E. emau, of which nt out the Rev. Mr. >pointment of Mig- (vince. Mr. Alder issionary Board in the same lime, the (•>l)jeclii of \m Mitoioii. Our Boakd admittku ova inabimty tu iupplt ths ,:RKLKiious WANTS OF THE couNTRV, l)iit litntL'd nt l(Migth to Mr. Aider, and tft wn'/iiif ^^io the Cuininillcc in London, ihc uviIh likely to aiisc from the existence of two .1 bodies of McMliodistii in this Province— its inrriti^emrnt ofthc hitherto universally- iP acknowledged principle, thiit the Weslcyitn Methodists were one hody throughout 'f the world — niid Ihe desirableness of nniling the means and energies of the tw» ':■ Connexions to promote the relipous improvement of the arorioi.sal tribrs and J NBW •KTTI.EMKNTS O/ //te C0U7l/r,V." CAUSES OF THE DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION. It is asserted by the Messrs. Ryeison, in their "Report," that having luid, as fiir us circuinsiaiices would permit, the several subjects committed to ilietn before the British Wesleyan Conference, the result was that tliat Ccnferenco ** refused (o abide any longer by the Articles of Union into which it entered in 1833, with the Con- ference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada.** The obvious design of this remark is to throw tlic entire onus of the disso- lution of the Union on the English Conference, as the aggressive and offending parly. Whether this imputation is deserved or calumnious, will be best seen by a compielieiisive exposition of the proceedings of that venerable body, on ihn viiiiuiis mntters of complaint brought under iis consideration. As the basis of the observations which, in reply to such a charge, we feel ourselves culled upon to make, in vindication of ilie rectitude of the whole conduct of our Fathers and Brethien in connection with this tiHuir, we present the reader with the outline of the proceedings of the Conference in reference to it, inserted in its printed Minutes: " The Confeience last year appointed a special Committee to decide finally in all matters relating lo tho Union existing between the British Conference and the Upper Canada Conference, and to our Indian Missions in Upper Canada. A large Committee was C i it •I, lil!; IHI P- ill I 1 r I J8 also ihis year uppuiiitod by tlio Conference, to investigate the pro- ceedings of the atbresaid Commilivo of last year — to consider the Resolutions which were adopted by I he U|)i)er Canada Conference of 1840 — and to rccei*'n the communications of the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, and Rev. William Ryerson, the R«|>iesHntntives deputed by tlH) Upper Canada Conference to attend the British Conference. The Committee last named sat several days, and at length presented a copious Report to the Conference, which Report received u few verbal alterations and additions, and on the whole of which, as lhu.s amended, the decision of the Conference was then given. ^m>d pa und offi Conrcn )leii an I. — The Report op the Committee. " Diiiinf( tlin long anti fnrerulcxnmiiiRiioii of the important subjects referred to the Coiiiinitlee, vnrioiis docuincnls were runil or liirgely quoted, and oral testimo- nies received, conipritiing the fullotviiig articles : — " 1. Dr. Alder's statement of the proceedings of the Committee appointed by the British Conference for the affairs of Upper Canada in 1839. "2. Arlicles of tJnion tNitween the British Conference and the Conference of Upper Canada, drawn up in 1833. " 3. The Rev. John Brechnm's statements and explanations in illustraliou of the aforesaid articles of Union. " 4. The Rev. Gforge Mnrsden's explanatory statement respecting the Note appended by the Upper Canada Conference of 1833 to the 5th clause of the 6(h article of Union, and the first payment of the Government grant for our Missions in Upper Canada. "5. Statements of the Rev. Kdmund Grindrod, Rev. William Lord, and Rev. Joseph Slinson, who hud been Presidents of the Upper Canada Conference ;. and also of the Rev. Matthew Richey. " 6. Letter from the Rev. Egerton Ryerson to Dr. Alder in 1834. " 7. Extracts from the Minutes of the Upper Canada Conference, held in Toronto, in 1837, on Government grants for religious purposes — involving prin- ciples which might have been pleaded by the Government as a reason for with- holiling from the Wcsleyan Missionary Society the grant pledged to that Society from the Casual and Territuriid Revenue, fur the support and extension of our Missions amongst thelutlinnsand destitute settlers in Upper Canada; and which, in point of fact, did induce the Local Government to decline for a time to renew, in conformity with the instructions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the payment of the suspended grant. " S. Flxtracts from Letters of the Rev. .Joseph Stinson, under dales Ootober and November, 1838, and January, 183!) — shewing (hat the peace of our Societies in Canada wag disturbed, through an habitual and zealous interference with seculav I f I I to ^ 19 [gate iho pro- consider the |n Conference lev. Egerton ilives deputed |i Cniifereiice. igth presented jeceived u few hich, as thus iven. FEE. ibjects referred to ttiitl oral teilimo- tiee np|iointed by f>r Conference of in illHttralion of peeling the Note I cinuie of the 6 Chritlian Uiiardian ; wliirli paper, licing Die nvowed -mid nflicini orjfnn of Iho I7pprr Canada Conffirnte, vinmilly invnivcd lliu Rriliili Conference, diirinf( llie »nbii«ling Union, in n common rpvpoiMJbilily an to princi- v|>leii and cnniiilenry. ■Mi "9. Dr. Aldnr'i I.ctlor to IIip Rpv. .lonrph Slin^on, dnltil London, .rHtiuMry 14, 'Pl83tf, on the tulijects referred lu in tlie iibi>ve-niini( d |.>>tier!( ii( Mr Stiiifion. "10. Letter of Ibc Sfcrolnrirnof thp Wrnleynn MiMii.n.iry Society to Ihe T.leule- S'«i»anl-Goveriior Sir Gcor/^e Arllnir, diiled Lonrlmi, Frbniury H, Ifi.'il), nniioiirK ing ihe mission of Dr. Alder lonur Sncii ijl-h in Hriii'^b North Ameririi. mid to the Upper ' <^anada fonferencf-, ditcltiiminff, on ihi> purl of the We^b^yan MiisiooHry Socieiyi lail participation in Ihe lesponsihiliiy niliichiMl tociMtniti publications on qucxlions iy^thon agiliiifd in Cnnnda — and exproniing Ihi'ir ilton, in June, 183.', containing the Rcltlement of matters in dispute up to that ftcriod, and an atnicnble arrangement for the future. " 13. Extracts from Ihe Christian Guardian, on the same nubjcct. " 14. Dr. Alder's Letter to Ihe Rev. Joseph Siinson, dated New York, Octo- «>er 9, 1839. ** 16. Extracts from the Letters of the Rev. Joseph Siinson end Rev. Matthew Richcy to Dr. Alder, in 1839 and 1840. " 16. Memorial addressed to the Governor-General by Ihe Rev. Joseph Stinson, President of the Upper Canada Conference, and Su|ieiinlendenl of our Missions in IJfper Canada, and by the Rev. Matthew Richey, Superintendent of Toronto. ^' 17. Letter to Dr. Alder from Mr. Vernon Smith, M.P, Under-Secretary of Stale for Ihe Colonics, dated Downing Street, 1840, enclosing, by order of Lord .Tohn Russell, an important communication of the Rev. Rgerlon Ryerson's to Ihe Governor-General, and wliich Mr. Vernon Smith's Letter describes as respecting the Grant to the VVesleyan Missionary Society. "18. Dr. Alder's Letter to the Right Honourable Lord John Russell, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for llie Colonies, in reply to Mr. Vernon Smith's communication. " 19. Resolutions of the Committee appointed by tli<^ British Conference of 1839, to deride finally on all matters relating to the Union existing between Ihe Biilish Conference and Ihe Upper Canada Conference, and to our Indian Missions in Upper Canada, held at 77, Hatton Garden, London, on Wf dnesday, April 29, 1840; which Resolutions specify llic three distinct allegations or matters of com- plaint, to which reference is made in the Resolutions of this Committee hereinafter inserted. — (See Resolution L) "20 Correspondence of the Rev. Egerton Ryerson with the Governor-General of British North America. "SI. Resolution on Government Giants for Religious Purposes, submitted by Dr. Alder to the Upper Canada Conference, at Hamilton, in 1839. "22. Addresses of Upper Canada Conference, held at Belleville, in June, 1840, to the British Conference. 20 i-ili inn 'I I'! " 23. RcsoUitions, in acconlauce vvidi «lic views of tlie British Couforcnce, wdicii were proposed to the Upper Ciiiiada Conference in 1840, and nrgnlived by a large mnjority. " 24. Resolutions of the Upper Canada Conference in 1840, carried by a large majority, after those last-mentioned were negatived. " 25. Report of the Committee on British Canadian Affairs, held at Newcnstle- upon-Tyne, on Friday, July 31, 1S40. ' . In connection with the recitcil or quotation of the preceding docu- ments, the Rev. Egerton Ryerson und Rev. William Ryerson, as representatives of the Upper Canada Conference, were also heard at very great length ; and every other method was used, at several successive meetings, to obtain a full exposition of the case. After all which, the Committee agreed to recommend the following Re- solutions to the Conference: — I. That the three allegations, or matters of cotnplaint, contained in the resolutions of the Committee on Canadian aflfairs, &t their meeting on the 29th of April last, and forwarded by that Commit- tee to the Upper Canada Conference, are regarded as fully proved: and that, after seriously considering the explanations and defence of iho Rev. Egerton Ryerson and Rev. William Ryerson, the re- presentatives of the Upper Canada Conference, on these points, and giving '.hem the full weight to which they might be deemed to be entitled^ the Committee are decidedly of opinion, that the lepre- sentatives of the Upper Canada Conference have entirely failed to establish a justification ; inasmuch as it appears that, notwithstand- ing all they have stated and explained, there existed, — 1. "A practical supeiseding of the Rev. Joseph Stinson, as Pre- sident, by communicating with the Governor-General separately, and without his knowledge, and by acting without him, and without the Committee of the Upper Canada Conference — of which Com- mittee Mr. Stinson was a member, and Chairman, (cx-officio) — on matters affecting the permanency of the GoveiDment Grant to tbe Wesleyan Missionary Society. ■ ,; i. .; 2. " A violation of the obligations arising from the union, rn not opposing, but rather countenancing, the payment of our Grant, in a certain contingency, not lo us, but to the Upper Canada Confer- ence, for other and different put poses. < >^ 3. i I i •4 Ik 21 :)iircrcnce,w(iich .mi veil by a large iiricd by a large ild at Newcastle- eceding docu- Ryerson, as Me also heard ied, at several ! case. After following Re- lint, contained ffairs, 8t their that Commit* s fully proved: IS and defence person, the re- I these points, be deemed to that the lepre- ilirely failed to , notwithstand- inson, as Pre- iral separately, m, and without if which Com- cx-officio) — on t Grant to tbe 9 union, hi not ur Grant, in a anada Confer- 3. " The decidedly and pioixinenily political ciunactor of the !** Christian Guardian,''^ in vioi ion of pleduies ^'iven to us and lo the Upper Canada Conference, from 1833 to 1839." II. That, after a most careful examination of the complicated Pand difficult subjects which luive engnged the attiMiliun of the Com- mittee appointed by the British Conference of 1839, to decide finally in all matters relating to the union existing between the British ;, Conference and the Upper Canada Conference, and lo our Indian ?; Missions in Upper Canada, and after having, in the course of a very (protracted discussion, hnd abundant proof of tlie wisdom, care and kindness, which the aforesaid Committee have manifested in rela- ,^ tion to the affairs of Upper Canada, the present Committee are ^unanimously of opinion, that the members of the Conmiittee on Upper Canadian affairs, particularly in the Resolutions adopted at : their meeting in London, on Wednesday, April 29ih, 1840, and transmitted to the Upper Canada Conference, have strictly adhered w to those great principles which have always guided the VVesleyan Body ; and that they are therefore entitled to the thanks of the Conference, fur the important services which they have rendered to the common cause of Wesleyan Methodism." III. After a close consideration of the Resolutions of the Upper Canada Conference of 1840, in answer lo the Resolutions of our Committee on Upper Canada affairs, at their meeting on April 29ih, 1840, it was resolved, — 1. " That this Committee is most happy to perceive that one of these resolutions, which dutermines that the " Christian Guardian" shall cease to be a political paper, and shall be confined to purely religious and literary subjects and articles of religious intelligence, is to that extent satisfactory: but that the unqu-ilified reservation of the "Clergy Reserve Question," — a reservation already so con- strued and abused, as to be pleaded in justification of an almost un- limited discussion of great and general principles on Ecclesiastical Polity, held sacred by this Body — and the absence of any adequate security for a more faithful observance of this Resolution than has been maintained with respect to similar pledges repeatedly given from 1833 to 1839 ; — in connexion with the fact that a direct nega- tive was simultaneouly given to another series of Resolutions, which tfiiriMiM 23 111: '^^ hit, »« ^^i ■!!■ I \l til nil? •1), f. § m ' 5 \ 1^ •,l •'1 i '; !i" 1 i I would have been mucli more explicit and satisfuctoi v on tlic scvei'n) subjects rcfoired lo; — are cii-cumstanccs wliicli the Committee deep- ly regret, and cannot but regard witli distrust and disapprobation. 2. •• That on the other important topics embraced in the Reso- lutions of our Committee on Upper Canada aff.iirs, dated April 29lh, 1840, the Resolutions of the last Up|)er Canada Conference, appear rather to imply an acquiescence in thn evils complained of, and an official adoption of them, than a cordial determination to prevent their future recurrence by substantial and efficient measures ; and seem to evince that there is a decided d .brence between the two Conferences on the construction of (he Articles of Union, in refe- rence to fundamental principles essential (o the good-working of the Union, and which the Committee are of opinion that the British Conference cannot abandon without compromising its own consis- tency and public reputation, inasmuch as it cannot safely be iden- tified in views and responsibility with any Body, however respected, over whose public proceedings it is denied the right and power of exerting any oflicial influence, so as to secure a reasonable and necessary co-ordinate but efficient direction, during the continuance of the Union." IV. That, in the judgment of this Committee, notliing lias occufo red, in the whole course of these negotiations, to shake the confi- dence of the Conference in the Rev. Joseph Stinson, and Rev. Matthew Richey ; and that the Members of the Committee cannot but express their hearty esteem and approbation of the ability, fidelity and diligence, with which these respected brethren have performed the duties officially confided to them. V. That notwithstanding the grounds of grievance and com- plaint on which the Committee have fell it their duly to express so strong an opinion, they are aware of the desirableness of maintain- ing the existing Union between the two bodies, for reasons which relate to the general interests of our common Christianity, and to the continued connexion of the Province with the Mother Country. Yet, in their judgment, that Union can be advantageously main- tained only by the strict and undeviating adherence of our Upper Canadian brethren to the following principles and regulations : — B0\\^ inii H • rI Our| ^>ei pr( 23 on the seveial itmiltee deep- ipprobation. in ihe Roso- ed April 29lh, rence, appear cd of, and an ion to prevent measures ; and tween the two Union, in refe- ood-working of (hat the British its own consis- safely be iden- vever respected, t and power of reasonable and the continuance otliing has occur- shake the confi- linson, and Rev. lommittee cannot n of the ability, id brethren have }vance and com- luiy tn express so 3ness of maintaiii- for reasons which irisiianity, and to Mother Country, antageously main- iice of our Upper 1 regulations : — 1. "That the coiiiinuiuioii of tlje Ciovernmeni grant to the Wes- 'eyan Missionary Society, be cordially assented to and supported ly our Upper Canadian brethren, even if its payment should be illimatel}' transferred, as proposed in (lie " Clergy Reserve Bill,'* uteiy passed by (lie Im{)erial Purliaincnt, from the Casual and erritorial Revenue, on which it is now placed, to the Clergy l^eserve Fund in that Province; and that, as it appears that (he ayment of the grant has actually been again suspended, and is at resent withheld, to the great inconvenience and euibarrussnient of ur Missions in Upper Canada, tlie Rev. Egerton Ryerson shall ^address a letter to Lord Join: Russell, disclaiming any intention or ^isli to deprive (he Wesleyan Missionary Society of the grant of 700 per annum, secured to that Society as a fixed charge for issionary purposes in Upper Canada — requesting that its regular ayment may be continued — and assuring his Lordship that any (her construction which may have been put upon his letter to the overnor-in-Chief, was founded in a misapprehension of his eaning. 2, *' That the * Christian Guardian,^ or whatever newspaper or eriodical may in future be recognised as the official organ of the pper Canadian Conference, shall entirely abstain from all party political reasonings and discussions, confining its expressions of |>pinion to religious and literary topics. 1 3. ** That such official organ admit and maintain all the acknow- ledged principles of (he Wesleyan Methodist Connexion ; and that, |n seeking for u right understanding on this point, the Committee jbavo especial reference to that principle of our Body, which asserts |t to bo the duty of Civil Govern.nents to employ their influence, |nd u portion of their resources, for the support of the Christian |oligion." The Comniitteo recommend, in conclusion, that the Conference BOW remit the whole affair to the management of a Special Com- |[ii(tce, whose duty it shall bo to draw up a statement, in a more Retailed manner, of the points on which full satisfaction will be fxpccted from the Conference of Upper Canada, and to make such i Report of the Resolutions of that Body thereupon, as may enable <^ur next Conference, assembling in Manchester, to determine finally lie course which, in reference to this Union, it may then appear I'opcr to adopt in the scttleincU of (ho whole ufiair. li i '1 ^ i I I 21 II. — The Dkcision or the Conference. The Report above Inserted, was presented to the Conference, and read in ilie hearing of the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, and Rev. William Ryerson, Representntives of the Upper Canada Confer- ence. They desired a copy of it, which was accordingly handed to them; and ihey retired to examine its several parts. When they returned, they were again heard at length, and mutual explanations were made on several points, to which they demurred. In the end, they frankly and explicitly declared it as their opinion, that the Upper Canada Conference, of which they are the Representatives, would never be induced to accede to the views which are contained in the aforesaid Report, and concerning which such serious misun- derstandings have arisen; and that the maintenance of such views, on the part of this body, would be regarded by the Upper C-anada Conference, as a virtual dissolution of the Union. Upon hearing this, the Conference was reliicianily led to the conviction, that a continuation of the more intimate connexion, established by the Articles of 1833, is quite impracticable. The Conference could not overlook the fact, that the pacific Resolutions which !iad already been proposed to tlie Upjier Canada Conference of 1840, by some of its JNlembers, were negatived by a large majority; and that, from the statement of the Rev. William Ryerson, just made, the same disposition evidently remains, and cleaily precludes a farther per- petuation of the Union. Cut the Conference wishes to express its fraternal and alfefiionate feelings towards the Upper Canadian Brethren, whose contiiHied and increasing prosperity in the enjoy- ment of "all spiritual blivssings," and in tlie extension of all benefi- cial spiritual influence, it earnestly desires ; and while the relation subsisting between the two Conferences, may iienceforth be simply that which marks two independent sections of the great Methodist Family, it is devoutly hoped, and implored at the hands of our most merciful God, that ihey, and all oilier parts of the same Family, may always preserve towards each other, such sentiments of sincere Christian friendship, as become these portions of the Church of Christ, which agree in many points of Doctrine and Discipline — closely bearing, as they firmly believe, on the best interests of mankind. And in order that every arrangement may be made, in ■^ ':'ff 25 lENCE. ie Conference, son, and Rev. anada Confer- iigly handed to s. When ihey lal explanations . In the end, nion, that the epiesentatives, h are contained h serious misun- of such views. Upper Canada Upon hearing anviction, that a lablished by the conference could hich had already >f 1840, by some ' ; and that, from made, the same les a farther per- hes to express its Upper Canadian •ity ill the eiijoy- iioi) of all beiiefi- >viiilc the relation :efoilli be simply 1 great Methodist lands of our most le same Family, imontsof sincere if the Church of ai)d Discipline — best interests of m!iv be made, in kiiHlest atid most aflfectionate manner, the Conference deems it ikl to confide ttie whole affair to a Special Committee, who shall invested with full authority to act, during tiiis time and the next Jonference in Manchester, in all matters connected with this sub- }ct, anJ especially to take measures, in conjunction with our General lissionary Committee, for the future jKoseculion of our work in the Fnited Province of Canada, and of our Missions among the Abori- |nes and Destitute Settlers : with power also to add to their num- 3r, and to appoint, from among themselves, such Sub-Committees may be thought advisable. It is likewise recommended, that the Lev. Egerton Ryerson, and Rev. William Ryeison, bo invit«d to bend the said Committee, or any Sub-Committee or Deputation Ihich may be appointed by it, with a design to render every plan id disposition of affairs as amicahle as possible. On the whole ^bject, therefore, the Conference resolves, unanimously— I. That the first four Resolutions contained in the preceding leport of the Committee, as those Resolutions are revised and lended, be received and adopted by the Conference. IL That as, for the reasons above suggusted, a perpetuation of le Union between the British and Upper Canadian Conferences is ^dged to bo impracticable, the fifth Resolution contained in the foresaid Report, under all the circumstances in which the subject now presented for the decision of the Conference, cannot be iceived and adopted ; but that the following Committee be pointted, with all the powers already mentioned, to take the most idicious and Christian measures, in conjunction with the Rev. igerton Ryerson, and Rev. William Ryerson, as Representatives the Upper Canadian Conference, that the formal dissolution of me Union may not be accompanied with any thing that might pro- duce embittered feelings, or injure mutual charily, viz: the Presi- dent and Secretary of the Conference, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Reece, Richard Traflfry, Thomas Jackson, John Scott, John P. j^aswell, Edmund Grindrod, Thomas Galland, James Dixon, Joseph jftaylor, Peter McOwen, Matthew Richey, Joseph Siinson, George jilarsden, William Lord, Robert Wood, Barnard Slater, John Rigg, H^illiam Bennett, William M. Bunting, John Davi?, SenV. John tC kJ u u U if 'i m^ j I m ilil f fir I .1 26 Bowers,Williani Atherton, Richurd Waddy, Isaac KeelingjTimoihy Ingle, John Mason, JunV. Samuel Jackson, William Vevers, Joseph Fowler, William Barton, Francis A. West, Samuel D. Waddy, together with the Missionary Secretaries. III. That the above named Committtee shall hold its first Meeting in Manchester, on Wednesday, August 19lh next, and its subsequent Meetings as may be found convenient or necessary^*' Fiom this official view uf the case, it will be perceived, that long prior to the adoption, in April last, of the Resolutions by the Com- mittee on Canadian affairs, which were forwarded to the Upper Canada Conference — in fact, almost coevally with ihb formation of the union, obstacles were thrown in the way of its amicable and efficient operation, by the interference of the " Guardian** in the local politics of the Colony. This, indeed, from the beginning has been the prominent and prolific source of the misunderstandings whirh have disturbed the harmony of the union, as well as given just ground of offence and sorrow to no small portion of the member- ship and ministry of the Canadian Conference itself. Had no dis- tinct and mutual understanding existed on this sjbject, when the British Conference accepted the proposals for a connection with their Canadian brethren, so intimate as to identify its character with their proceedings, it would have been obviously unreasonable to e' pect its tacit concurrence in a palpable departure from a course to which it stood publicly pledged, and must ever attach the highest importance. The course to which we here allude is, its entire ab- stinence from all interference in secular politics, and its imperative injunction on all its Missionaries throughout the world, of an undevi- ating accordance in this respect with tho spirit and practice of the Parent Connexion. One of "the Standing Instructions" of the Wesleyan Committee to all its Missionaries — an instruction kept prominently before their view in every Annual Report— h as follows :— " We cannot omit, without neglecting our duty, to warn you cgaitut meddling with political parlies or secular disputes. You are teachers of REL~ -r " Jiesolved — That the Christian Guardian, as the organ of the Conference, shall be property and truly a religious ond literary Journal, to explain our (loclrin<» and institutions, and in the spirit of meekness to defend them when necessary ; to vindicate our character if expedient, when luisrcprescnted ; to maintain our reli- gious privileges; to publish the operations of religious benevolence, and the triumphs of the Gospel throughout the world; more especially in relation to that section of the Christian Church, with which we are immediately connected. "Resolved — That during the Sessions of Parliament, the Editor shall be at liberty to publish a summary account of Parliamentary proceedings, as far as may be judged ej^pcdient, without interfering with the great religious objects of the pulili. cation, and without reference to mere party interests or discussions. He shall also be at liberty to give a weekly summary of Foreign and Domestic News. " Resolved — That the Christian Guardian shall not be the medium of dis- CI7SSISG POLITICAL QUESTIONS, nor the merits of political parties, as it is injuriou.* to the interests of religion, and derogatory to our character as a relig:ious body, to have our Church amalgamated or identified with any political party." Resolutions more stringent, promises larger or more luminous than these, in regard to the only matter which then seemed to interfere with the comfortable working of the Union, the Committee and Conference in England could not desire. And although their confidence had been once abused, the cordial adoption by the Cana- dian Brethren of Resolutions so explicit and satisfactory, could pot fail to resuscitate it. If to revive and establish their hopes, that in a Ind fo ,-r 29 7onferenct by the desired |m Mr. Ryer- sfied that the Icharncter of a lat course had lerms the |r>ost se, before the r security than was rendered d in Kingston, It, the Rev. E. its serious con- hy the Editor^) [> Conference, shall 1 oiir (ioclrines and 'ben necessary ; to niainlain our rcIU nevolence, and the y in relation to that e\y connected. •31 shall be at liberty , as far as may be objects of the publi. ions. He shall also istic News. :he medium of dis- ;les, fli it is injuriou* Rasa religious body, ical party." ' more lunrinous then seemed to 1, the Committee lid although their ion by the Cana- jtisfactory, could 1 their hopes, that he benevolent and holy objects which they contemplated in the brmation of the Union, would yet be realized, any additional assu- once was necessary, it was aflbrdcd ut the lime, in the language ilh which the Editor of the Guardian introduced those Resolu- "^lions to the notice of his readers — laiigutigo wliicli appeared to vjjlndicale his un^fcigned regreat for past transgressions, and his firm .'J^esolve not to permit the sin which had so easily beset him to gain pnother conquest. He claims the merit of having drawn up those esolutions, and spontaneously recognizes the faithful observance f them as his required duty. His words are — ' The following Resolutions, which were drawn up by the Editor, and afterwards Bcommended by a Committee, and afterwards unanimously concurred in by the [inference, will show the principles upon which it is intended to conduct the ruardian. Whatever, therefore, may be our individual predilictions, we iiope a> lie organ of the Conference, tonrt in accordance with the prosj)ectus here inserted the form of Resolutions. We have desired tliis expression of the views of the Conference: "1. For the satisfartion of ail conflicting parties, as all appear to agree in this tatonable request : — 2. That the Editor's silence on quesliuns of apolitical nature, nay not hereafter, as heretofore, be construed into an abandonment of public tterests, or as favouring either side. Whether we have at all limes heretofore een as cautious as became our station in regard to political afiairs, others will Lidge; we have only to remark at present, that it accords alike with our inclina- tion, and now with our required duly, to leave the discussion of political questions ■%( every kind, (in as far as does not contravene the following Resolutions, and the ilprenly-third Article of our Faith,) to the columns of o/Aer journals. ' f "In this d. Jjcuh and labourious task, to which we address ourselves with fresh 'absolution and energy, we hope for the indulgence and cordial support of our Headers, and the Christian .pyblic. i In the Pastoral Address to the Societies, inserted in the Minutes ^f Conference the same year, impressive allusion is made to the f Resolutions which Mr. Ryeison accompanied with the remarks just uoted. '• We disclaim all connexion" — say the members of the Conference with one voice — " we disclaim all connexion with any jpolitical party ; we do not desire to influence your choice in these atters ; not that we admit that we have no right to an opinion, ^nd to the expression of that opinion on public affairs, were we dis- osed to do so; but as Ministers of Jesus Christ, ministering to rsons of conflicting political opinions, and different party predi- » (Hill ■ij'l"' do ketions, and espociitlly in Mc present unsettled times^ wo judge it most prudent to waive the exercise of our right in these political affairs, as a sacrifice to Christ and His cause, leaving secular affairs to be managed by secular men. On this ground we have unani- mously resolved and directed that tlio Christian Guardian be an ezclusioely religious and literary journal, under Kpecial liniiiations.*' Had the spirit manifested in these sentimenls oidy been exemplified in the future procedine of tiie Upper Canada Conference with regard tu its ofHcial organ, there is every groiiud to believe that not merely would the union have remained unbroken to this day, but a source of unspeakable benefit to the Province at lurge, harmoni« ously consecrating with growing effect its hallowed, combined and diffusive energies, to the great work of turning sinners from dark' ness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Attempts have in certain quarters been made, and we regret to think, not without effect, to produce the impression that the oppo- sition of the British Conference, or at least the ^* governing portion" of that body to the Guardian^ arose, not so much from its being a political paper, as on account of the particular class of politics which it advocated. But it so happens, that the circumstances under which the representatives of the English C. unference and Missionary Committee — the Rev. £. Grindrod and Dr. Alder — required of the Canadian Conference the adoption of the above resolutions, furnish the strongest and most conclu- sive practical refutation of such an insinuation. TVhen, we would ask, did the British Conference wish to impose silence on the Guardian on political subjects? Was it when Mr. Ryer^ son was making it the vehicle of sentiments congenial with the views of those who are commonly designated " Radicals" ? Was it when he was permitting himself to use language derogatory to the majesty of the Throne, or assailing the character and impugning the public acts of those in authority 1 No : it was at a tune when the recent publication of his celebrated *^ Impressions" had produced a deep sensation throughout the Province — delighting some — dis- gusting others — and astonishing all ; it was at a time when hundreds of his former friends indignantly charged him with the abandonment of his previous principles — when they stigmatized him as a Turn- Ml 31 we judge it hese political secular affairs e liHve unuDi* uardian be an I liiiiitalions.*' en exemplified Mifereiice with olieve that not this day, but a urge, harmoni- , combined and lers from dark' d we regret to that the oppo- ',erning portion** from its being a :lass of politics c circumstances C unference and and Dr. Alder idoption of the most conclu- L>n. Whetif we impose silence vhen Air. Ryer- igeniul with the adicaW^ / Was lerogatory to the and impugning at a time when V* had produced iting some — dis- e when hundreds he abandonment him as a Turn- coat, and a Tory — when a considerable portion of the community, pervaded with distrust in the principles of the Conference, because ::. of the great change of "impression" that had come over the spirit Ijof Mr. Ryerson's dream, witliheUI their wonted support from its Insiilulions — (the true reason, hy (he wny, of the diminution that year of Missionniy receipts); when multitudes, in fact, left the Society altogeiher, because the tone of the Gitardianwas so highly 'and offensively Conservative; at this precise juncture it was that I the British Confeience wished politics to be completely excluded .ifrom the pages of the Conference organ, and was to be satisfied with nothing less than the pledged faith of the Conference to that course. j| From the moment their faith was thus solemnly pledged to the |f British Conference, the resolutions of 1834 respecting the Guar- fidian became as truly and as authoritatively stipulations of the con- tinuance of the union, as were the original articles in 1833 of its formation. That claim respecting the Guardian which our Mis- ^sionary Committee urged in the first instance, and which it never v waived, though it was induced by Mr. Ryerson's representations S to concur in the suppression of \\ie publicity of its recognition, was i now fully admitted by the Canadian Conference — was registered 'I among its own legislative acts — and was at the time recommended : by Mr. Ryerson himself as a reasonable request. From that -moment, theiefore, had the British Conference as obvious and iudefeasable a right to expect the undeviating conformity of the Uharacter of the Guardian with the letter and spirit of those reso- lutionSj as it had to reckon upon the faithful fulfillment of the most .^solemnly stipulated obligations which the Canada Conference owed itoit. Thenceforth the abstinence of the Guardian from politics became 6ona^(/e one of the articles of union. This position nray be contested and mystified; but while principle and honour are understood and appreciated among men, while the finger of con- science draws the line of demarkation between right and wrong, it ^ can never be disproved. t Who then, in regard to this matter of complaint by the British .^against the Canadian Conference, has practically refused to abide :^by the terms and stipulations of the union? It were certainly a Hill 'tH' Y i '' ^! i '^,1 32 woik of Huperonuguiiuii to expend any lime in proving that in the liandi uf Mr. Kyerson (lie Guardian liiis not buen properly and tmlij a religious and literary journal — (hiit i( hat been " the medium of discussing political questions/* and " the merits of poli- tical parties;" and that it has thus been conducted in a manner "derogatory to the character" of the Methodists, as u religious body, "ainalgantating" and 'Sdentiryiiig" the church it represented with a political party. Scarcely in fact had the first appointed President time to recross the Atlantic, and announce, ns one of the accomplishments of his mission, the procuring, in conjunction with Dr. Alder, the adoption of the resolutions for the future regulation of the Guardian, when Mr. Ryerson*s avowed *' inclination** and sense o( ** required duty" yielded to his dominant though for a time slumbery propensity, and ho began to think that it was not upon the whole best altogether to leave *^ secular affairs to he managed by secular mtn.** The forbearance and long- suffering which the British Conference has exercised in regard to this gross violation of faith, persisted in by the Rev. E. Ryerson, sanctioned and upheld in his course by a large majority of his brethren, in the very face o( their oion legis> lative enactments, is proof most ample of the sincere and even tenacious solicitude of the Parent Body, if possible, to maintain the Union. It was not until they had just grounds to apprehend the serious implication of their public reputation, liitherto untarnished, and even above suspicion; it was not until the Resolutions of 1834, were evidently and flagrantly treated as a dead and inoperative docu- ment, without obligation and without me;ining, that they were aroused to the importance of acting in the case with some decision. And even then, instead of abrubtly signifying to the Upper Canada Con- ference, as they righteously might have done, that they considered the Union viitually dissolved by the incorrigible and increasingly aggravated infractions, by the Guardian, of the solemn stipulations of 1834, they resolved to try once niore the effect of counsel and conciliation, and deputed Dr. Alder, at • 'nsirlurable expense, as well as serious disadvantage to their Mission. 1 jnds, to attend the Conference at Hamilton, for that purpose. On the disrespectful and ominous mode of his reception we shall not dwell. But it is % I'gf -'• HiiiMii ng that in tUe properly and M becii " the neiiu of poll- 1 in a manner as u reiigioua il repieiiented Irst appointed , as one of llie njiinctiun with ure regulation cUnatioH** and Kigli for a time was not upon to he managed isti Conference ih, persisted in n his course by their own legis> iccre and even to maintain the > apprehend the rto untarnished, ilulions of 1834, loperaiivedocu- ey were aroused decision. And er Canada Con- they considered ind increasingly enin stipulations of counsel and ible expense, as Is, to attend the the disrespectful dwell. But it is as ;ht that it should begniierally and < loarly uiiHorstood, that the real tibject of hisdosipnation wiis neiihrr to rr(|uiro (»rthe Upper Canada ,i!onfor(Mice, the adiwcary of tlio principle of Clmrcli Fstablish- jpients, nor to oppose the discussion of ihoClerpy Reserve Question in Ihe Conference Journal; but simply to re-cidl theCiinada Brethren fo the principles which they had thimscfres, in connexion with the J^rst-appointrd British President, invested with the authority of law, Jndto procure the resciudingof certain obnoxious resolutions adopted y the Conference in 18S7, which involved a gratuitous attack both ilpon the principles and interests of the Parent Body. If Dr. Alder 4id not, in his negotiations with the Conference, confine himself to hese matters, was there not a cause? — Was there not, just before le assembling of the Confeience, a deatli*bluw aimed at the rela- lion which our Missionary Committee had ever, according to its tnown interpretation of the articles of the union, in good faith, onceived itself to sustain towards the Indian department of the rork in this Province? — And did not the Conference, instead of [epudiating, sanction and maintain the views and pretensions of their ][!^ditor; rendering the connection of our Committee with the Indian lissions, to all intenis and purposes, i^ luminal one, with the ex- ception of the privilege of annually expending a large amount on fheir support ! ■± At that Conference, however, the Resolution to make the Guard- ian " properly a Religious and Literary Journal,^' was again ,|l)NANiMousLY adopted ; but without a syllable of condemnation, or Ibensure^ or apology for previous crying delinquencies on this head ! 'We feel, we confess, humiliated, and almost shudder to reflect how ^oon — how recklessly — how remorselessly and how incessantly a Re- %ulutioii. recorded in the Journals of the Conference, and by its Jlirectiun published to the world, was subsequently violated from ^eek to week, and from month to month. A ybar/u/ responsibility •vith regard to this cause of the dissolution of the union rests some- l^here; and we desire not to be more fully assured than we feel, il^hat all Mr. Ryerson's efforts to satisfy either ihe woild, or his '^wn conscience^ that il devolves upon the British Conference, must pignally fail. 34 I;', till: We proceed to a seconit ground of complaint, on the purl of the British Conference, against the Rev. £. Ryerson, in regard to which he found an ovcrwhehning majority of his brethren to sustmrr iiim at the Belleville Conference in June last : — " A violation of the obligations arising from the Union, in not opposing, bnl rather countenancing, tlie payment of ourUrant, in a certain contingency, not to uSj but to the Upper Canada Conference, for other and diOerent purposes'" It will be proper here to introduce the leading documentary evi- dence on which the allegation now under examination was regarded by the British Conference as yM^/y/>»ovcd. ^==1^ ■ii i I'll '111!;; ■'iiii;, . I.;"" ■II.,,'- Extract of a Letter addressed to the Rev. Dn. Alder, by R. Ver- non Smith, M. P. Under Colonial Secretary^ dated Downing Street, iSili of April, 1840. " Sir, " I am directed by Lord John Russell to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, requesting, on behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, an interview with his Lordship on matters affecting the operations of the Society in Upper Canada, and requesting his Lordship's attention more especially to the : claim of the Society's annual Grant of £700, wiiich tlcy iiavc hitherto enjoyed from the revenue of tliat Province. " His Lordship desires me in reply to inform you, that he has already received from the Governor General, a Despatch on tlie subject to which your letter relates, accompanied by areprescnlalion from Mr if^erson, explaining the nature of the financial relations between the British Wesleyan Conference in England, and the Conference of the Wesleyan Methodists in Upper Canada, and urging the claim of the latter to the exclusive management of the yearly Grant. " Under these circumstances it appears to his Lordsiiip that the most convenient course will be to aflbrd tiie British Wesleyan Conference in England, the oppor- tunity of discussing the proposal which Mr. Ryerson has made. He h»s, therefore, directed me to furnish you with a copy of that Gentleman's communication, and to acquaint you that he will be ready to consider any objections which the Wes- leyan Missionary Society may have to urge ton compliance with the proposal which it Contains. "I have tlie honour to be, &c. (Signed) " R. VERNON SMITH." " To the Rev. R. At.deii, Weslevnn Mission House, 77 Hatton Garden." ■J 'is 35 iliu purl of tfie in regard to hrcii to sustain- Tot opposing, bnl ontingency,notto It purposes'" ciimentary evi- •n was regarded ER, by R. Ver- flated Douming ceipt of your letter sioimry Society, an tions of t)ie Society ]re especinlly to tlie ^c liilherto enjoyed las already received 9 which your letter xplaining the nature 'erence in England, lada, and urgbig the Irani. tlie most convenient England, the oppor- He has, therefore, communication, and :ions which the Wes- ice with the propoul NON SMITH." WiChpt/ of a Letter, addressed lo the Governor- General of Canada ^ by the Rev. Ecerton RyrrsoNj dated Toronto, Jan. 17, 1840. rS" May it pi-eask your ExcEr.r.KNcv : '% " I proceed to slixte in ns lew words ns possible, tlic nntiire of (he finnncinl %>elntions whicli exist botwcfii llic British Wrsleyan Conft-rence in England and the Conference of the VVesioynn Methodist Church in Upper Cannda. In lh« year 1784, the tale Rev. J. VVesltfy rt'commcnded the formation of the Methodist Societies in America into a distinct iuid independent Body, ^\itll the attributes iillmd styla of a Church — he having appointed general Superintendants or Bishops Ao perform Ordination, k.c., among them. It was by persons who had been fpordained and appointed by (liese American Bishops, tiiat tlie Methodist Church ivas established in Upper Canada. Down to 1833, the Methodist Church in this :; Province had no more ecclesiastical connexion witli the Wisleyan Conference in P^ngland, than exists between the I'rotestuiit Episcopal Churcii in tiie United j^lStates and the Establisiicd Church of Enj^hmd. In 1833, an arrangement was t^iagreed upon by t!ie VVeslcyan Conference in this Province and that in England, 'J^y which a co-operation was lo take place in the labors of the two bodies in '.Upper Canada. That arrangement consists of certain regulations, called ' Arti- jdes of Union.' Tiiese Articles provide that the Conference in England may, llwhen they see fit, appoint a person to preside over the Canada Conference, the ^pame as the Crown appoints a Commi.-sioner to preside in the General Asseml)ly Mirf the Church of Scotland ; but, that the Canadian Preachers shall have no claim nupon the funds of the Biitish Conference. ^ " It was also agreed, that the British Conference should assume the responsi- ■Spility of supporting the Indian Missions, which had lieen, or might thereafter be, established in Upper Canada. TI.ey have also agreed to employ Canadian reachers on those missions ; but the Conference in England is the judge of the mount to be expended in each and every year; and the moment any preacher ills disabled for the mission work, or ceases to be actively employed in it, he can ijreceive nothing from the funds of the British Conference, but is entirely depeii- .lillent upon the Canadian Conference. It will therefore be observed, that there ^^re two departments of the work, in connexion with the Wesleyan cause in this '^froviiice ; namely — what we call the regular or circuil work, and the mission ;^ork. In carrying on the former, no claim can be made upon the funds of the ^ritish Conference; in carrying on the latter, the British Conference has agreed ^lo assume the pecuniary responsibility, and is the sole judge of the extent of K 4lmd the amount of expenditure. i "The former embraces 47 circuits, and the latter embraces 14 circuits— ^^I'c mamong the New Settlements, and nine amongst the Aboriginalindian Tribes. :^)n many of the regular circuits, the congregations are unable to pay more than j|ltwo-thirds, and in some instances not more than one-half, of the disciplinary ';£|alary or allowance of the Preachers. The loss of such deficiencies must be endured by the Preachers concerned, unless, as in the case of Mr. Richey, they 3(> t ) 1 ; till, ,, R:;;!l::f:'^^ l.i- !' happen to be members of ilie British Conference ; ns we hnve not us yet any funds to supply them, and Inive no cliiims upon Ihc funds if (1)6 British Con- ference for that purpose. " The same remark applies to chapels that are in embarrassed circumstances, and also to places where chapels are needed, but where the inhabitants are not able to pay more than a part of llio amount necessary to build them. It may also be observed, that, in addition to doing all that is done towards sup|»orlin^ the regular circuit work, and building nil the chapels that are built in ronnesiua with it, annual collections and subscriptions are made throughout all our congre- gations, in aid of the funds of the British Wesleynn Missionary Society. These collections and subset iptions amount to from one thousand to fifteen hundred pounds per annum. " It is therefore perfectly clear, that a Government grant to the British Wes- Icyan Conference, and a grant to the Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, are two very different things. That the latter is not in any way benefited by grants to the former, will appear obvious, for the following reasons : — " 1. The Canadian Conference collects more than the sum necessary to sup- port the five missions to the New Settlements, and the nine Indian missions were established previously to 1833, when the British Conference agreed to assume the responsibility of supporting thcin. "2. The Government grants were discontiimed for two or three years, but it did not in the least affect the Canadian missions ; although if the society in England had had additional sums equal to those grants at their disposal (hose years, they would have exten«led their missionary operations in other parts of the world in a corresponding ratio, as they arc multiplying their various missions (except in Upper Canada) in proportion to the increase of their funds. "3. The Government grants are not acknowledged in any reports of Ihc Con- ference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, but in the annual reports of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London. " The annual appropriations for the Canadian missions are made in June of each year, and should a dissolutioii of the Union lake place between the bodies, as iutiinated to your Excellency by Messrs. Siinson and Richey, the Conference in England would claim the missions in this Province — notwithstanding their original establishment by the Canadian Conference, and the annual collections made to support them. But I apprehend no disposition on the part of the British Con- ference to dissolve the Union, unless they can get Government aid independent of the Canadian Conference to prosecute their views. " I conceive therefore that any grants intended to benefit the Wesleyan Metho- dist Church in Canada, ought undoubtedly to be placed at the disposal of the Conference of that Church. " I have, 8ic. [Signed] ' EGERTON RYERSON.' 37 not us y«t any (l)e British Con- ;(I circumstances, habitants are not ild tiicm. It may wards supporting built in connexion ut all our congre- Society. These to fifteen hundred o the British Wes- esleynn Methodist atter is not in any fox the following (1 necessary to sup- dian missions were agreed to assume ree years, but it did society in Kngland al ihose years, they irts of the world in missions (except in reports of the Con- I the annual reports ^ade hi June of each veen (he bodies, as y, l/ic Conference in inding their original collections made to of the British Con- ent aid independent he IVeslei/an Metho- the disposal of the )N RYERSON.' The conduct of the Impcri:il Government, in so promptly fnr- ushing our Missioiiiiiy Sccreiaiies wiili a copy of Mr. Ryerson's Commuiiicaiion, and expressing liieir readiness (o consider any )bjections they niigiil have to a compliance with the proposal which tt contains, afl'ords a pleasing iliiistralion of tiie aphorism, — " The )rinci[)le of Monarchy is honour." An elaborate and very able i'eply was thus elicited from Dr. Alder, from which we subjoin a ^opious extract. htract of a letter from the Rev. Dr. ALortn to Lord John Russell, dated Weslei/ati Mission House, ''atton Garden^ I London, 29th April, 1840. My LohD, " I have the honour to acknowledge, on behalf '>f the Committee of the Wcsf- leyan Missionary Society, the receipt of n communication from Mr. Undei- lecretfiry Smitii, in reply to a communication addressed to your Lordship by me ^n the 8tli instant, on matters aflecting the interests of the Society in Upper [Canada. It is stated by Mr, Smith that your Lordship will be ready to consider kny objections whicii the Wesleyan Missionary Society may have to urge, to a lompliance ivilh cerlnin propositions contained in a communication addressed by Vic Rev E. lii/p.rson to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, respecting the Appropriation of the annual grant of seven hundred pounds, now paid to the i^esleyan Missionary Society from the casual and territorial revenue of Canada. " Before I proceed to examine Mr. Ryerson's proposal, I beg permission to lonvey to your Lordship the cordial thanks of the Committee of the Wesleyan lissionary Society for the prompt and courteous manner in which you have lauscd to be communicated to them a copy of Mr. Ryerson's letter, and for the Ipportunity whicii your Lordship has thus afforded them for discussing the (nbjfct to which that letter relates. While they regret that any occasion should kave arisen for such a discussion, they arc of opinion with your Lordship, that lie course pointed out in Mr. Smith's communication is, under all circumstances, lie most convenient. At nil events, it cannot fail to l)ring out the important icfs connected with the annual grant made to the Society ; and, in the Judgment ||f the Committee, nothing more will be necessary to show your Lordship that ie arrangement in question is one with which Mr. Eyerson should not have I'n/er- krec/, and that the interference of that individual should not induce your Lord- lip to permit it to be disturbed. In consequence of proposals which were made in the year 1832, by the Earl [fRipon, then Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the Wesleyan lissionary Committee, to induce them to extend their missionary operations in ifpper Canada, they resolved to do so, and arrangements were immediately made 38 :l«l» " 'IK ! I S i' I ( I i ■■ for carrying ihnt rcsoliilion into effect. My I.on!, tlio Governnipnt of Earl Orry was moved lo inakc this ofl'er lo llic Wcsli-yaii .Missioiinry Coiniiiiltve by ftalriotic as well as l»y religious considLMiilions ; and W llic fcsliinony of Lord Sealoii, anil other distinguished individnals, may he dependuil upon, a wiser airangement could not i)ave been prop()sether any public aid nan be properly and advantageously given towards the inpirovement of the injured aboriginal inhubituuts and owners of the Colony, and if any, to whut aniuuiii, uiid tlirutigh what agency," I lot sor iiill^ In In int 39 nt of Earl Groy lillve by ftalrUtlic ,oi»t Sealon, anil ser uirangement iiient an anniihl eywn Missionary isarily involves, ncc and the Con- is the rcpresenta- ironto, with Lord | Lord Goderlch to that purpose. d of Government, int lias sometimes II owing, in a great s protested against [iislinctly to Mr. E. iresentative of the it must lie clearly ere in any way with goi^ernmenl and the B grant, which fact | I and acted upon by ies of resolutions on id and fifth of which the Wesleyan Mis- aid resolutions it is issionary Commitlce Indian tribes, and is !>nt has consented to jre*' . E. KycfBon. "This," id iiui affirm that ' it is been represented (by Sir ua us well an satisfuctory istion, as it stands in the Hagiouary Committee, in cs, us a charge upon the J Majesty^ a Qovemment jcgialature, — and as in a f Assembly, bearing dale d Revenue by /he Wes- ence of such a claim has elating to the Casual and crial Government, — this injurious, disclaims any iitirely lo the unbiasseil aid can be properly and >rigiiial inhabitants and t'p.ncy." " As the resolutions in question are founde listency which exists between the conduct of Mr. Hyerson and the proceedings |of the last Upper Canadian Conference. In tlie middle of the month of June last Ihe above minute was adopted, for the purpose of removing, as far as the Upper 'Canadian Conference was concerned, all doubt as lo ihe just claim of the Wesleyan tiisionary Society to the annual grant, and yet within a few brief months, Mr. lyerson lakes upon himself to contravene the decision of the Ecclesiastical Body >f which he is a member, and by so doing to contradict his own repeated and Recorded opinions, that it is wrong for churches to receive aid for religious pur- tioses from the state. Nay, my Lord, so far did he and the Upper Canadian Conference carry out the voluntary principle, that Ihe very fact of the Britlsk Tonferencc having sanctioned the arrangements entered into between his late lajesty'g government and the Wesleyan Missionary Committee, by virtue of irhich the annual grant was made to the latter, occasioned no little difficulty in'hen the union between the British and Canadian Conferences was first pro- [)osed, from the objections officially expressed by the Upper Canada Conference lo the acceptance of such grants for such purposes ; objections which were only removed by causing it to be clearly understood that the latter were in no sense par- ties to that arrangement, and that they were lo have no connexion with, or control ^ver the appropriation of the government grant. '• 1 have the honor to be, &ic. •. » (Signed) " R. ALDER, . . Sec, Wes. Miss. Soc. Loud John Russell.'' The rea(]er will hardly be uble, after perusing the preceding locuments, to suppress his aslonishment at the fact, that Mr. Ryer- son, instead of shielding himself in the best manner he was able, by illeging the existence of alleviating, if not justifying circumstances |n the case, now boldly repels the charge, by a flat denial of its Iruth ! It is even so. •'Mr. Vernon Smith," he avers, "has Unadvertenthj attributed to me, what was recommended by His 40 ,.,,i-r I*:.., IS'-. .It- Excellency llic Govcinoi-Goncrjjl." As Mr. Vernon Smiili^s Un- ter, which represents Mr. Ryerson as " tirging the claim'*'* of the Upper Canada Conference, •' to the exclusive manogcmetit of the yearly grant,^^ was written by order of Lord John Russell, and expressly for the purpose of affording the Missionary Committee an opportunity of urging any objections which they might iiavo to the proposal which the letter in question contained, His Lordship must — unfortunately for Mr. Ryerson — have been equally inadver- tent. To suppose that two such disciplined and statesmanlike minds should concur in making so egregious a blunder, and one, too, so deeply affecting characier^ would seem as little creditable as complimentary. If, indeed, it was no pu'Tt of Mr. Ryersou^s design, in his comma- ntcaiion to the Governor-General, to interfere with the Royal Grant to our Missionary Committee, why did he tell His Excellency — "Tho Government Grants were discontinued for two or three years, but it did not in the least affect the Canadian missions ; although if the Society in England had had additional sums equal to those grants at their disposal those years, they would have extended their Mis- sionary operations in other parts of the world in a corresponding ratio, as they are multiplying their various missions (except in Upper Canada,) in proportion to the increase of their funds.'^ With the truth or inaccuracy of this statement, we have at present nothing to do. Unless, however, it was designed to convey to His Excellency the impression, that the continuance of the grant was a matter of trivial consequence to our Missionary Society — that they could get on very well without it — io us, its object appears totally inexplicable. If Mr. Ryerson did not wish, in the event of the dissolution of the Union, to procure the transfer of the Grant In the Canadian Con- ference, why apprize His Excellency of the facts, that " the annual appropriations for the Canadian Missions are made in June of each year, and should a dissolution of the Union take place between the two bodies, as intimated to your Excellency, by Messrs. Stinson and Richey, the Conference in England would claim the Missions in this Province?" To us, Mr. Ryerson's drift in furnishing this piece of information is also involved in impenetrable mystery, if Lord John Russell, and Mr. Vernon Smith, have not correctly 41 in his commu- e Royul Grant Excellency — or three years, ns; although if to those grants ded iheir Mis- corresponding xcept in U|)per s." With the sent nothing to lis Excellency fas a matter of ey could get on y inexplicable, solution of the "anadian Con- t *' the annual I Juno uf each e between the 's. Stinson and le Missions in urriishing this le ujystery, if not correctly ipprohended the real design of this letter ; :f, in fact, one of its jbjects, and u main one too, was not to obtain " the payment of )ur grant in a certain contingency, not to us, but to the Upper 'anada Conference." In vindication of the purity of the motive by which he was )rompted, in drawing up the letter under examination, Mr. Ryerson, lowever, confidently appeals to the testimony of the Personage to rhom it was addressed, and roundly asserts that His Excellency itates, '* That Mr. Ryerson had never applied to him en the subject )pfthe Government Grant to the Weshyan Missionary Committee.^* I'his, let it bo observed, is Mr. Ryerson^s own version of Lord ISydenham^s testimony respecting the matier ; and the sole authority on which he professes to found it, is the following extract of a letter, [addressed to him by Mr. Chief Secietary Murdoch, in reply to [applications which Mr. R. made to His Excellency on this sub- iect. '' ' ,' ' " GoTERNMKNt House, I" Sl«; " '^ ■ ' '• ' <• Montreal, June 12, i84ff. " I am commantled by the Governor Genernl l« ircknt)wl«(fge the receipt of Noiir tetleri of (he 5th and 6th instant ; the first enclosing a cnpj of certain reso- [hitions, adopted by tlie Committee of the British Wesleyan Conference, with [rererence to your conduct, on the 29ih April last; the second requesting a copy [of the despatch respecting the grant for the support of the VVesleyan Missions in Upper Canada, which His Excellency addressed to Lord .Tohn Rnsnce. '*t deem it imperative upon us at this important crisis to lay before your Exrellencj an explicit statement of our views and wishes in reference to the Clergy Reserves* "The frankness and condescension wiiich characterized the communicalioni which your Excellency was pleased to make to ns during the interview with which you honoured us yesterday, encourHge us to believe that your Excellency will not regard the following brief expression of our opinion ai unworthy of I consideration, in any measure that may be recommended for the Anal adjustment of this question. " We entirely concur in sentiment with your Excellency as to the propriety of maintaining, in any disposition that mrty be made of the reserves, a lacred and undeviating regard to the religious objects of their original donation. The Church of England being in our estimation, tht Established Church of all the British colonies, we entertain no objection to the distinct recognition of her as such ; and had the reserves been exclusively appropriated to her, according to the original intention of His Gracious Majesty George liic Third, we should not have interfered with this matter; but as the disposition of them has been referred to the Colonial Legislature we confess we are entirely at a loss to conceive any just reason why the Wesleyan Methodist Church should be placed in a position in any degree inferior to tlie Church of Scotland. " We would respectfully suggest, that, as she possesses no claims as an esta- blishment in this Province, the only ostensible ground of her being recognised in any way as superior to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, must be founded in the numerical superiority of her ministry and membership, — a claim which it is matter of notoriety she cannot sustain, and therefore she has no just pretentions to such superiority. " We would also beg leave to remind your Excellency that the Imperial government have deemed the labours of Wesleyan Missionaries of such impor- tance as to lead them to urge the extension of their Missionary operations in this Province, and have given us the strongest assurance of their liberal and continued support. " In any settlement of this important question that may be made, we regard it of vital importance to the permanent peace and prosperity of the Province, as a British colony, that the sum to be appropriated to ui be given to the Wesleyan Methodists who are now, and who may be hereafter connected with the British Wesleyan Conference. , . " We have the bonourto be, i' - ,/ . " Your Excellency's very humble and obedient servania, , ,, , " J. STINSON, President of the Con/erenee." "M. mCHEY, Superintendent of Toronto Ctljf." ■" Toronto, January 3, 1840." 45 jpsoN, OoveV' Imerica, |lo the Methndifi Conferrnce. '*e ^our Exrellenry [Clergy Reiervei' ?| commiiiiicalioni le interview with your Excellency ni unworthy of final Rtljuitmeni » the propriety of ves, a BHcred and 1 donation. The Church of all the ognilion of her ai her, according to |ird, we should not has been referred 3S to conceive any laced in a position claims as an esta- ' being recognised ist be founded in ■i claim which it is lo just pretensions that the Imperial ies of such impor- operations in this eral and continued nade, we regard it the Province, as • n to the Wesley an id with the British lient servants, Con/erenee." of Toronto Ctljf." ft is lespersfiilly (iiid unsolicitoiisly subniitied to every candid mind, whether by uny other than h most perverse construction, this document ciin bo niudu to afTord the shadow of support to Mr. Ryerson's gross misreproseuuiiion of its genuine object nnd design. Apprehensive, and indeed, almost cerluin as we wore, from Mr. Ryerson's fliigrant and incorrigible violation of the principles of the Union, that it cuuld nr)t much longer be maintained, we felt it imperative upon us, as Members of the British Conference, and iinxious that Brilisli Methodism should exist in the Province coevally with British Institutions and Supremacy, to request such a recogni- tion in the Clergy Reserve Bill, as would, in the occurrence of a dissolution, secure to us an equitable portion of Government aid. Ourdesiie, as the whole texture of the Memorial evinces, was not to supplant the Upper Canada Conference^ but to secure our own, in case we should become separate bodies. And an applica> tiun of this kind even, we should never havedr3amt of making, but fur our knowledge of the fact, that Mr. Ryerson was invincibly opposed to the British Conference ever receiving, in any event, a particle of the Clergy R?^serves, and the information loe had derived from a most respectable aource^ thai the Bill was actually drawn up in accordance with Mr. Ryerson's wishes, so as to annihilate for ever our claim to any portion o^ their proceeds. Under these circumstances, we should have been unfaithful to our trust, had we remained neutral, albeit we had sufficient reason to believe that do representation or request of ouis, would, at the time, be considered entitled to much consideration. It required no application of Mr. Ryerson, to the Governor-^Generul, to elicit the fact, that we wished "to secure a specific portion of the proceeds of the Reserves to the British Conference, and that we assigned as one reason for that arrangement, the probability of the dissolution of the Union, in consequence of Mr. Ryerson's contumacious and and indomitable disregard of the solemn and repeated pledges given to the British Conference, respecting the management of the Guardian. This we never denied nor dissembled. But His Excellency could never, we are sure, by any possibility, have so misapprehended the object of our personal or written suggestions and proposals on this subject, «8 for a moment to imagine, that we desired the extinction of the >!• .•• /J 4(i "t.v fe: .■«lit;.' i: . ] jiisl and (listinctivo claim of (ho Upper Ciinada CoiifcMf^nce. Tlint 1 claim we ciucsiioiied luA — we iirvnr conceived the miioteRi wish lo I preclude — but were ul nil times foi ward, nut merely lo ndinil, bill to maiiitniii. So niiicii for one extenuation of Mr. Ryer8on\H ciil* J pability, "in not opposing, but rather coiititenaiiciiig, tlio payment uf our grant in a certain contingency, not to us, but lr> the Ujiper Canada rionference, for other and diflerent purposes.*' . y ■ -> Tho contingency, which has been repeatedly referred to, is the proposed relief of ilie Casual and Territorial Revenue from the payment of all religions grants, and their transfer, as primary charges upon the Clergy Reserve fund. Because this measure of the Government was calculated in its operation, as lie appiehended, materially to affect the interests of tho Upper Canada Conference, Mr. Ryerson appears to have thought, and still to thiid<, that he was justified iii ejideavonring to procure, simidlaneoiisly, a transfer of another kind — Of the Royal Grant, namely, from the British to the Canadian Conference. " The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada," say the .tlessrs. Ryerson, in their letler to Lord John Russell, " has not complained of the exercise of the Royal preroga- tive, though it has been altogether overlooked in the distribution of annual grants, which have been made to the Wesleyan Committee, in London, and to four other Christian denominations in Upper Canada ; but it will have Just and permanent cause for strong dis- satisfaction and complaint, should it be deprived of any advantage* in the settlement of the Clergy Reserves, in which other Churches in Canada largely participate." To this view, in the abstract, no just exception can be taken. But if the remark is alleged in justi- fication or palliation of a clandestine interference with the previously constituted, and equally just claim of the British Conference to the Royal Grant — and unless this be iis design, we are unable to per- ceive its relevan'-"' — then must such casuistry be abhorrent to the moral principles and feelings of all who have not adopted the Anti- Apostolic maxim — ** Let ms do evil that good may corned No allusion has been hitherto made to " the other and different purposes" for which Mr. Ryerson has been so anxious to obtain the grant. By the Missionary Committee every farthing of it, to- gether with a large amount of their own funds, has been faithfully 47 ■L>i«nce. Tlint iioteHt wish to lo luiiiiit, hut RytMson's cnl- lic p»yni«iit ul' Jo iho Upper red to, is (he luie from tlie iinary chiirges eiisuru of the iippiehcMided, da Conference, tliink, liiat he iisly, a transfer uu) tho British thodist Church r to Lord John Royal preroga- i distiihution of an Committee* tions in Upper 1 for strong dis- any ndvantages uther Churches he ahstract, no dieged in jusii- b the previously nferonce to the unable to per- bimrrent to the opted the Anti> er and different ixious to obtain rlhing of it, to- been faithfullv expended on their Missions in this Country, ospociully ninong llio Indians. They liavo received it as u sacred deposit, and devoted it to a sacred purpose — in dill'using llio blessings and cotisolatioiis of the (jiospei of (lie Son of Ciod among |!ie red mi!n of the forest, as well as several whiiu seillemcnts, which would otherwise bo deplo- rably desiitiiW! of the means of religions instruction. From these peculiarly beneficent and holy objects, Mr. Hycrson would divert (his stream of Royal bounty into a literary channel. Abandoning the noble race of men whose soil we huvo apptopriated — whose hunting grounds we have turned into farms, and towns and humlets— whose hikes and rivers are traversed by our steam-boats, to the fluctuating and inadeqiiale resources of voluntary contribution, he would take this grant and apply it to the support of uu Academy, >;or to aid in elevating an Acudemy into u College. Il is time to closo our observations on this painful topic. Of Mr. Ryerson's solicitude, and disingenuous (to use the mildest epithet) fUorts to obtain th«? grant for the Upper Canada Conference, no ;one can by this time entertain a doubt. Yet after all, the British Conference, with an unlimited charity, admitting the possibility of thoir being in error in regarding his de- inqiiency in the utfair as fully established, generously afforded him in opportunity of completely dissipating the cloud that overhung him. They proposed that he shoidd address a letter to Lord John lussell, disclaiming any intention or wish to deprive the Wesleyan Missionary Society of the grant — requesting the continuance of its regular ]}ayment— -and assuring his Lordship, that any other con- struction that might have been ])ut upon his letter to the Govcrnor- ^ in- Chief f was founded on a misapprehension of his meaning. * What propositi could be more reasonable 1 What more desir- able and acceptable to Mr. Ryerson himself, if conscious of the rectitude of Iiis proceedings, and the truth of his declarations? What less, under the circumstances, could the Conference have at all required ? And what alternative remained, when the requisition was met by an indignant and indomitable refusal? A compromise of Christian principle and public reputation, as well as an abandon- ment 'of their just pecuniary claims, would surely have been too high u price for llio perpetuation of the Union, in addition to all the expense, uiixicly and puin, il had previously cost them. 48 i' :l 'f\, iri s ! With res| ,-;i.,, ,:\ ,,, \.r :-fu. ^ r ■:'' •. • /.i m\. , "That it was, as already expressed, Ihn earned wish of this Committee to adjust in a friendly manner, and in conjunction with the Representatives of the Upper Canadian Conference, those measures which might be requisite or desirable to prevent painful colli!>ion between the two conncxioiu ; and while it is deeply 41 apprehended the reul design of this letter; if, in fuct, one of its objects, and u main one too,, was not to obtain ** the payment of our grant in a certain contingency, not to us^ but to the Upper Canada Conference." ., ), , , , ,, In vindication of the purity of the motive by which he was prompted, in drawing up the leiter under examination, Mr. Ryersun, however, confidenity appeals to the testimony of the Personage to whom it was addressed, and roundly asserts that His Excellency states, "" That Mr. Ryerson had never applied to him on the subject of the Government Grant to the Wesleyan Missionary Committee** This, let it be observed,, is Mr. Ryerson*s own version of Lord Sydenham's testimony respecting the matter ; and the sole authority on which he professes to found it, is the following extract of a letter, addressed to him by Mr.^ Chief Secietary Murdoch, in reply to applications which Mr. R. made to His Excellency on this sub- r' ?!■ 'i- ,ii !'. ■I I >l " Government House, Sir, ■•"' '''" ' • -I -I *' Montreal, June \2, \9A(i. "I am cbmmanded by tlie Governor Gcnt-ral to acknowledge the receiptor [your letters of the 5th and 6th ikistant - the first enclosing a copy of certain reso- ilMtions, adopted by the Committee of the British Wesleyan Conference, with [reference to your conduct, on the 29ih April last; the second requesting a copy 'the despatch respecting the grant for the support of the \Vesleyau Missions in iVpper Canada, which His Excellency addressed to Lord John Kns!«i.il, in the [month of February last. These letters having unfortunately arrived during His [Excellency's temporary absence from Montreal, the answer to them has been innavoidably deliiyed. •'* i . -i. '.i i; •: ... i " His Excellency desires me to sny, that as he cannot gather from the Resolu- ions of the British Conference, that his despatch to the Secretary of State had Iteen communicated to them, as you suppose, and as he has reason to think from »ther circumstances that such a proceeding would not be adopted, it would be [irregular in him to furnish you with a copy of that despatch, however much he fmay regret his being unable to do so; because, had he been able to send it to you, it would not only have fully explained his views, and the grounds upoa which he is of opinion that the grant should be distributed in a msinner different from that which has of late been followed, but would have afforded the most conclusive evidence on jome of the points noticed in your letter of the 5th inst. It would have shown, for instance, that his Excellency's communication with the ^Secretary of State originated in an examination of the whole of the circumstances F ■y. 1 42 ) =1:;;: f J«' of (he Weslcyan body in Upper CnnatlH, hikI u*' the documents relative to the union between the British und Canadian Conferences, which were submitted to him — and upon this point I uni directed to add, in reply to your question, that this examination did not proceed from any iccuest of yours, and that the letter drawn up by you in explanation of the financial relations of the two bodies, was prepared at his Excellency's icquest. It would also further show, that it was from the Rev. Mr. Stinson that his Excellency first heani of the probable disstt- Itition of the two Societies. (Signed) "T. W. C. MURDOCH, ' .!.;;v,."-» ,:'il 1; : '* Chief Secretary:' We have bestowed our very best attention on this document, with a view to discover the testimony which Mr. Ryerson elicits from it; but in vain. We think, on the contrary, after the most careful scrutiny, that there is observable in it a studious avoidance of any explicit or even implied exoneration of Mr. Ryerson frotn the imputation of interfering with the Impeiial grant. It is not for us to siiy wlicther Lord Sydenham, with his intimate knowledge of nil the circumstances connected with Mr. Ryerson's preparing that letter, and with the tenor of the despatch with which he accompa- nied it to the Secretary of Stale, Iiis Lordship could not have wiped the odium of such an impiitution from Mr. R.^s character; but, for aught of evidence to the contrary iliat has yet fallen under our notice, we feel ourselves authorised to say, his Lordship has not done so. ■'■•'•! " >'>■■'■■■' '•■ --i ■ '':::■»!': i.- ,..•;;.!» ...V, .1 ;.,i.>; ■ Indeed, the extremely cautious and guarded manner in which Mr. Ryerson interrogates the Governor-in-cliief on the subject, is directly calciilalcd to arouse suspicion that he felt that his proceed- ings in reference to it had not been si raight- forward and honour- able. Instead of three* questions, neither of which directly bears | * " 1. Did not Mr. Stinson and Mr. Richoy desire your Excellfncy to secure a specific portion of the procreership, — a claim which it is matter of notoriety she cannot sustain, and therefore she has no just pretensions to such superioriiy. " We would also beg leave to remind your ExcelU ncy that the Imperial government liave deemed the labours of Wesleynn Misitionaries of such impor tance as to lead them to urge the extension of their Missionary operations in this Province, and have given us the stiongest assurance of their liberal and continued support. " In any settlement ofthis important question that may be made, we regard it of vital iinporiance to ihc permanent peace and prosperity of the Province, as a British colony, that the sum to be appropriated to us be given to the Wecleyan Methodists who are now, and who may be hereafter connected with the British \Weileyan Coitference. *' We have the honour to be, ?•;;>• b^t < • ^.t! ; ,,,...} " Your Excellency's very humble and obedient lenrantf, "J. STINSON, President of the Conference." "M. RICHEY, Superintendent of Toronto Ci/y." " Tcronto, January 3, 1840." ni> 45 psoM, Oover- timerica. to the Methndiit Conference, we your ExceHency Clergy Reserves' communicationi le interview with your Excellency as unworthy of final aiijustment > the propriety of rves, a gacred nn«t 1 donation. The Chunk of all the :ognition of her ai her, according to ird, we should not has been referred IS8 to conceive any ilaced in a position claims as an esta- r being recognised ust be founded in a claim which it is no just pretensions that the Imperial rics of such impor f operations in tliis serai and continued made, we regard it r the Province, as a en to the Wecleyan ed with the British dient servanti,i e Conference." I of Toronto Ctty" It is respect fully and unsolicitously submitted to every candid [mind, whether by any other than a must perverse construction, this locument can be made to afford the shadow of support to Mr. lRyerson*s gross misrepresentation of its genuine object and design. ipprehensive, and indeed, almost certain as we wore, from Mr. lyersun's flagrant niid incorriiirible violation of the principles of the Union, that it could not much longer be maintained, we felt it imperative upon us, as Members of the British Conference, and inxious that British Methodism should exist in the Province coevally iwh British Institutions and Supremacy, to rcqu'tst such a recogni' |ioD in the Clergy Reserve Bill, as would, in the occurrence of a lissolution, secure to us an equitable portion of Government aid. fur desire, as the whole texture of the Memorial evinces, was lot to supplant the Upper Canada Conference^ but to secure our b{0/t, in case we should become separate bodies. And an applica- |ion of this kind even, we should never have dreamt of making, but )r our knowledge of the Aict, that Mr. Ryerson was invincibly apposed to the British Conference ever receiving, in any event, a particle of the Clergy Reserves, and the information ice had derived from a most respectable source^ that the Bill was actually drawn up in accordance with Mr. Rycrson's wishes, so as to annihilate for ever our claim to any portion of their proceeds. Under these Circumstances, we should have been unfaithful to our trust, had we remained neutral, albeit we had sufficient reason to believe that no lepresentation or request of ours, would, at ihe time, be considered jntitled to much consideration. It required no application of Mr. tyerson, to the Governor*- General, to elicit the fact, that we wished 'to secure a specific portion of the proceeds of the Reserves to the (ritish Conference, and that we assigned as one reason for that [rrangement, the probability of the dissolution of the Union, in lonsequence of Mr. Ryerson's contumacious and and indomitable lisregard of the solemn and repeated pledges given to the British /onference, respecting the management of the Guardian, This i^e never denied nor dissembled. But His Excellency could never, ^e are sure, by any possibility, have so misapprehended the object ^f our personal or written suggestions and proposals on this subject, for a moment to imagine, that we desired the extinction of the 4G ' '■(•jfi',*' , lib-- ii,r lit- ■ ■, I 1:: jnsl and distinctive claim of iho Upper Canada Conference. That claim we questioned not — we never coiiceivfd the remotest wish to preclude — but More at all times forward, not merely to admit, bui to maintain. So much for one extenuation of Mr. Ryerson*s cul- pability, "in not opposing, but rather countenancing, the payment uf j our grant in a curtain contingency, not to us, but to ihu Upper Canada Conference, for other and different purposes.** The contingency, which has been repeatedly referred to, is the proposed relief of the Casual and Territorial Revenue from the 1 payment of all religious grants, and their transfer, as primary charges | upon the Clergy Reserve fund. Because this measure of the Government was calculated in its operation, as he apprehended, I materially to affect the interests of the Upper Canada Conference, Mr. Ryerson appears to have thought, and still to think, that he was justified in endeavouring to procure, simultaneously, a transfer of another kind — Of the Royal Grant, namely, from the Britisli to the Canadian Conference. "The Wesleyan Methodist Church! in Canada," say the Messrs. Ryerson, in their letter to Lord John Russell, " has not complained of the exercise of the Royal preroga- tive, though it has been altogether overlooked in ihe distiibution ofl annual grants, which have been made to the Wesleyan Committee, in London, and to four other Christian denominations in Upper I Canada ; but it will have just and permanent cause for strong dis- satisfaction and complaint, should it be deprived of any advantages I in the settlement of the Clergy Reserves, in which oilier Churches in Canada largely participate." To this view, in the abstract, no ! just exception can be taken. But if the remark is alleged in justi- fication or palliation of a clandestine interference with the previously constituted, and equally just claim of the British Conference to the Royal Grant — and unless this be iis design, we are unable to per- ceive its relevancy — then must such casuistry be abhorrent to the moral principles and feelings of all who have not adopted the Anti- Apostolic maxim — " Let us do evil that good may come." No allusion has been hitherto made to " the other and different purposes" for which Mr. Ryerson has been so anxious to obtain ihe grant. By the Missionary Committee every farthing of it, to- gether with a large amount of their own funds, has been faithfully 47 expeiiiicd on lliuir Missions in tliis Cointtry, espcciully among tlio Indians. They have received it as u sacred deposit, and devoted it to a sacred purpose — in diflfusing the blessings and consolations of the Gospel ofllie Son of God among the red men of the forest, as well as several while selllements, which would otherwise be deplo- rably destitute of (he means of religious instruction. From these peculiarly beneficent and holy objects, Mr. Ryerson would divert this stream of Royal bounty into a literary channel. Abandoning the noble race of men whose soil we have appiopiiatcd — whose hunting grounds we have turned into f-ir> s, : iwns and hamlets — whose lakes and rivers are travcrseu _y on. eam-boats, to the fluctuating and inadequate resources of voluntary contribution, he would take (his grant and ap[)ly it to the support of an Academy, or to aid in elevating nii Aciidemy into a College. It is time to close our observations on this painful topic. Of Mr. Ryerson's solicitude, and disingenuous (to use the mildest epithet) efforts to obtain the grant for the Upper Canada Conference, no one can by this time entertain a doubt. - •' i n • '■'< > » " Yet after all, the British Conference, with an unlimited charity, admitting the possibility of their being in error in regarding his de- linquency in the affair as fully established, generously afforded him an opportunity of completely dissipating the cloud that overhung him. They proposed that he should address a letter to Lord John Russell, disclaiming any intention or wish to deprive the Weslcyan Missionary Society of the grant — requesting the continuance of its regular payment — and assuring his Lordship, that any other con- struction that might have been put upon his letter to the Governor- in- Chief, was founded on a misapprehension of his meaning. '■'-'' What proposal could be more reasonable ? What more desir- able and acceptable to Mr. Ryerson himself, if conscious of the rectitude of his proceedings, and the truth of his declarations? What less, under the circumstances, could the Conference have at all required ? And what alternative remained, when the requisition was met by an indignant and indomitable refusal ? A compromise of Christian principle and public reputation, as wril as an abandon- ment of (heir just pecuniary claims, would surely have been too high a price for the perpetuation of the Union, in addition to all the expense, anxiety and pain, it had previously cost them. 48 ;|^lj|" It.-; If,.: With reii|'ect to ihe cbuige ugaiiist tho «ame individual of having practically superseded \he Rev. Joseph Stinson, as Prcsident-^siiico the preceding statements so fully sustain it by incidental evidence — since it is fully admitted and attempted to be justified bj Mr. Ryerson himself— and, furthermore, since it is not alluded to in iliose " principles and regulations," by the acquiescence of the Canadian Representatives in which tl>e immediate dissolution of the union might have been prevented, it is quite unnecessary further t» task the patience of the reader by canvassing its merits. ■>;>! i ^''^''' Deeply as many may regret the unyielding opposition of those Representatives to the reasiinable proposals by which the Union might, for the present at least, have been preserved, we can only sympathise with that feeliug on account of the principles and spirit by which their opt)nsiiion was prompted. As those principles and that spirit still existed, it was better they should be made fully manifest. Already had they preyed as a moral gangrene on the vitals of the Union — already had they destroyed every par- ticle of cement that kept the two bodies together, and sundered every bond of their honourable association. ' i' *:< i Amid every injury,, and wrong, and provocation, however, sus- tained by our Fathers and Brethren in Cngland, throughout liiis most trying business, and notwithstanding they felt it their duty to express so strong an opinion on tiie various grounds of grievance and complaint exhibited in the preceding pages, it is still their most anxious desire to cultivate, and in every proper way to express, towards their Canadian brethren that charity which " sufiereth long and is kind." This desire, we are happy to perceive, has not been extinguished nor even abated by the tissue of misrepresontatioo and calumny contained in the pamphlet ])ublished by the Messrs. Ryerson, on the eve of their departure from England. In proof and illustiaiioii of this, the Special Committee to which the Confeience remitted the management of this affair, has since that period unanimously adopted among other resolulione the following: f- ^' ■ -i,'i. ••: rom')te tlic triumphs of vital Christianity among the Selilers nn'l Indians of British North America, the faithful servants of our great Master, on both sides of the Atlantic, have ' laboured and have not fainted.' Nor shall the fruii. of their labours fail Let them still pursue their houourahio course, through 'evil report and good repot t. as deceivers, and yet tnie;' and let them not doubt that ' God, even our own God' will more abundantly ' bless them.' They are striving to build the Lord's spiritual temple in scenes where the melody of prayer and praise has been but seldom heard; and in liie nresence of tlie most formi- dable obstacles which may arise to discourage theireflorli and restrain their zeal, they too are taught to gay. with the meek confidence of f-iith and hope, 'Who art thou, great mountain, before Zerubbabcl thou shalt become n plain ; and he shall bring forth the head stone thereof with shoutings, ciying grace, grace unto it.'" It will be tiie earnest endeavour of the Agents of the Wesleyan Missionary Coinmiitee in tliis Province — placed once more under its untrammelled direction and control — in humble dependence upon the Divine blesssing, to carry out, according to their best judgment und ability, the principles embodied in these Resolutions ; and while iht^y shall feel thems.'lves perfectly free, in the exercise of their unquestionable general right, to respond to every call of duty — at the same time to do nothing in u spirit central y to what those Resulu'ioiis bieathe and enjoin. We might here close our statement, leaving the unprejudiced of all classes to form their own judgment on the merits of the entire case, had not the Messrs. Ryerson mixed up with their view of it, matters which, if their design is to be appreciated by their tendency, cannot contribute to raise ihose gentlemen in public estimation, for their sense of honour or for well regulated moral feeling. The most insidious and mischievous of the misrepresentations to which we refer, demand some notice. The Messrs. Ryersou observe, in their letter to Lord John Russell : *• Mr. Alder informs your Lordshi|), that from August, 1833, to December, 1839, there has been expended by the Wesleyan Mis- 51 lludton'f Uiij lipptirtmciit ol ilivine rlinrity pornry misap- Jpsus Christ in Mis truth ntui 10 Setilers nivl ent Master, on Nor shall the course, ilirougli ihcin not doubt ni.' They are clody of prnyer lie most rorini- ilrain their zeal, hope, ' Who art n plain ; and he \g grace, grace tlie Wesleyati e more under )eiicleiice upon best judgment ms ; and witiie ercise of iheir ill of duty — at to what those inprejudiced of s of the entire heir view of it, their tendency, estimution, for feeling. The uions to which to Lord John kugust, 1833, to Wesleyan Mis- sionary Society, (including £8,059 lOs. 5d. obtained in Upper Ciinada,) in connexion with the Missions in Upper Canada, the sum of£l7,80G 18s. lid. Sterling. *• Now, in the printed Reports of the Society's Agent, in Upper Canada, embracing the same period, the total amount reported to have been ex|)cnd(id in that Province, in connexion with the Mis- si. mis i" £13,475 Is. 4(1. Stciliiig; £4,331 17s. 7d. /ess than the sum Slated by Mr. Alder. Tlie manner in which this sum of £4,331 17s. 7d. Sterling, has been expended, lias not been stated in the Society's Reports, either in London or in Canada. It remains for Ml. Alder to explain." One, if not both of the Messrs. Ryerson, knew, when ihoy made this statement, that there arc numerous and heavy expenses incurred in carrying on our Missionary operations in Upper Canada, which never appear ia the Colonial Report, because not charged upon any Colonial fund, nor coming under the supervision of any Colonial Committee, but which arc published in the general uepoht of the Socitty. Ho knew that during the period referred io, Jive Mission- aries had been sent out to this Province, without a farthing's expense to the Canada Conference. He knew that within the same period, (he Rev. Messrs. Slinson, Lord, Harvard, and their families, had been sent out, and while here, chiefly supported at the expense of the Parent Society. He knew that during that time, and in promo- tion of the same objects, Dr. Alder had repeatedly visited the Pro- vince. He knew that considerable sums had been paid by the Society 4o Messrs. Jones and Sunday, when in England. He knew that between £50 and £100, which he himself received from the same source, is included in Dr. Alder's account! The truth is, that Dr. Alder's exhibit of expenditure for those years, accords with the utmost exactitude, with the state of the accounts, as published in the Annual General Reports, and in the Ledger of the Missionary Office. We suppress the utterance of the horror we feel at such ,.? attempted assassination of character. Not satisfied, however, with attempting to throw suspicion upon the hitherto unimpeached integrity of those to whom the manage- ment of the financial departments of the Society has been entrusted, in the following paragraph will be found an equally unjustifiable 52 It- uttiick upon tlioso cnt;.ig('(l in tlio more iiiiiiiediatc duties of Missi- ouaiy iiistiuctidii uiid pustoiul cure : '* As (0 liie results til' the nig some former s been account* conference, on lere attempted le plainly con- •wards of lOOO 3 ! Other iu- 3 in possession further reply ion of the In- ih the London es which have 1 the subjoined slinson, by the I Missions, the ty, and a long secure for his ad confidence : " Bi'llfvillc, July 20, 1840. " Rev. and Dkar Sir, " III the comic of •it?-, On the reception and treatment of the Canadian Representatives by the British Conference, we hnvo to observe that, if their formal introduction by the President of the Conference at the same time with Messrs. Stinson and Richey,und their itivitalion to occupy with them a pew next the phttform, vacated by some of the oldest preachers in the Connexion expressly for their accommodation — if the providing and paying for comfortable lodgings for them at the house of a respectable and pious Baptist friend in town, while nearly a hundred of the Ministers, had, during the entire session of the Conference, every morning to breakfast at a public hail, and lodge every night between twenty and thirty miles distant — if this (to use their own ofiensive epithet,) was treating them as "/epers," tlien were they so treated. T[\e public attentions they received were as distinguished as those paid to the President of their Conference ; and as to their accommodations, when tlie Rev. Mr. Fowler, Superintendent of Newcastle, called upon them, the day before they left town, Mr. £. Ryerson assured him they had been very comfortable. One word in conclusion, respecting the undignified and malevolent attempts of the Messrs. Ryerson to injure our personal reputation, and hold up our names to public obloquy und contempt. We are represented as complaining, in cerlaiii communications, to our Fathers and Brethren, in England, that the Ministry was degraded in Canada^ and that we felt it a degradation to be so connected. And is this, indeed, preferred as a gravo charge, by the man who, seven 55 do go with plea- yeais ago, spontaneously penned, ns his own deliberate conviction, ihe sentiment — •* It is derogatory to our character, as a religious bodi/, to have our Church amalgamated or identified with any political party J'^ With whatever reasons Mr. Ryerson's expe- rience and observation may, in the npean time, have furnished him far revoking or modifying the view lie then entertained, and on which he was anxious to obtain the expression of the Conference, we con- fuss we are niore than ever "jriviiiced of its rectitude, and impressed with its importance. Mr. icichey is represented as having publicly avowed Ins conviciion,*that there was no chemical affinity between the British and Canadian Conferences; and is not the entire history of lijeir Union in proof of the fact ? Would that the Messrs. Ryer- sun, in their impotent endeavours to excite prejudice against us had confined themselves to such allegations as would have precluded the necessity of our calling in question their'veracity. But this — with sorrow weaffirm it — is not the case. The attempt to involve Mr. Stinson in inconsistency, in having stated in a letter to Dr. Alder that he had lost all confidence in the men with whom he acted, and a short time afterwards avowing "(hat he conceived the Canadian Preachers, worthy to stand, in every respect, on an equal footing with the English Preachers," can only be successful by a misappre- hension of Mr. Siinson's meaning. By the men with whom he acted, he meant not the body of Ministers at large, for whom he has al- ways entertained a high and affectionate regard, but Mr. E. Ryerson, and a few others, who, like him, in their public capacity, had justly forfeited his confidence. It is affirmed by the Messrs. Ryerson, that Mr. Stinson stated in the Canada Conference^ that should the claim of the Wesleyan Missionary Committee on the annual grant from the Casual and Territorial revenue for the purpose of supporting their Indian Missions in Canada, be transferred to the Clergy Reserves fund, the sum ought to be paid to the Canadian Conference. Mr. Stinsou's statement correctly represented was, that should the above transfer be made, the claim of the Wesleyan Missionary Society would remain unaltered, but the amount given to them ought not to be charged to the Canadian Conference, or interfere with their sopcrate interests. But one of the most startling misrepresentations to which those gentlemen have committed themselves is their 5& •ft'-'* If'- j Jgo: I? assertion that Mr. Richcy told the Committee that, during his four years* residence in this Province, he was treated as a stranger, a foreigner, and an alien — a sentiment whicli Mr. Richcy not only never uttered, but which it never entered into his heart to conceive, H.e did say that in consequence of the invidious and oflfensive dis- tinction constantly kept up by Mr. E, Ryerson and others, between British and Canadian preachers, representing us as having no interest in the country, he was made to feel in a Province in which he ought to be as mucli at home as in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward's Island, as though he Wiis a stranger, a foreigner, and cir. tlien. So far was he from iniimuting that he was ever treated as such, that both Mr. Stinson and he bore most explicit and honourable testimony before the- British Conference to the marks of high respect and esteem which, however unworthy, they had received during the whole time of their residence in the Pro- vince. On other misrepresentations concerning us both, equally gross and unsupported, we might animadvert; but we unsulicitously leave friends or foes to atiach all the importance to them to which they may deem them entitled. We have now discharged an obligation which we owed to our- selves — to the chur'^h of God — and to the public. We have no predilection for the turbid element of contention — no wish to per- petuate strife. Unless at a very imperious call of duty, we shall not again appear on the arena in connexion with this painful sub- ject. Our work is to win as many souls as we can to Christ, and to watch over those already won, as knowing that wo must give account. The vows of God are upon us. Life is fast ebbing out. We are hastening to the coming of the day of God. May we obtain mercy, as christians and as christian ministers, to be found Hiithful to our covenant and ordination vows. And with utifeigned lips we also pray for all who despitefully use us, that they too may obtain mercy of the Lord in that day. N. B. We perceive, on review, that .C68 15s. was eijieiided on destitute settle- luenls dtiringyuur years preceding llic I'nion. J»» iiring his four a stranger, a icy not only t to conceive, Dflftinsive dis- kers, between IS having no Province in Scotia, New as a stranger, ig that lie was fte bore most Conference to iworthy, they in the Pro- both, equally unsolicitously lem to which owed to our- We have no wish to per- iity, we shall > painful sub- 9 Chiist, and ive must give it ebbing out. hy we obtain bund fiiithful igned lips we o may obtain destitute sultle-