IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

l^|28 |2.5

I so ^^~ M^li

1^ 112.2

^ 112.0

1.8

1.25 1.4 ||,6

►

%f.

>>w

% •>

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

Si.

CIHM/ICMH

Microfiche

Series.

CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

Technical and Bibliographic Notas/Notaa tachnique* at bibliographiquaa

Tha Inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat
original ?opy availabia for filming. Faaturaa of thia
copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua,
which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha
raproduction, or which may aignif icantly changa
tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow.

IZl

D
D

Coloured covart/
Couvartura da coulaur

I I Covers damaged/

Couverture endommagia

Covers restored and/or laminated/
<^ouverture restaurAe et/ou pelliculAe

Cover title missing/

Le titre de couverture manque

I I Coloured maps/

Cartes gAographiques en couleur

Coloured inic (i.e. other than blue or blacic)/
Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire)

I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/

Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur

Bound with other material/
ReliA avec d'autrns documents

Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion
along interior margin/

La reliure serrAe peut causer de I'ombre ou de la
distortion le long de la marge intirieure

Blank leaves added during restoration may
appear within the text. Whenever possible, these
heve been omitted from filming/
II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutAes
lore d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte,
mais. lorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont
pas 6t6 filmAes.

Additional comments:/
Commentaires supplAmentaires:

l.'Institut a microfiimA le meiiieur exemplaire
qu'il lui a 4t4 poasibla de se procurer. Les details
de cet exemplaire qui aont paut-Atre uniques du
point de vue bibilographique, qui peuvent modifier
une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une
modification dans la mAthode normale de f ilmaga
aont indiquAa ci-daaaoua.

|~~1 Coloured pages/

□

Pages de couleur

Pages damaged/
Pages endommag6es

Pages restored and/or laminated/
Pages restaur^as et/ou peiliculAea

Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/
Pages dAcolortes, tachetAes ou piquAes

Pages detached/
Pages d6tach6es

Showthrough/
Transparence

Quality of print varies/
Quality in6gale de I'impression

Includes supplementary material/
Compreno du materiel supplAmentaire

Only edition available/
Seule Edition disponlble

Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata
slips, tissues, etc., have been ref limed to
ensure the best possible image/
Les pages totalement ou partiellement
obscurcies par un feuiilet d'errata, una pelure,
etc., ont Ati filmtes k nouveau de fa^on A
obtanir la meilleure image possible.

The
tot

The
pes
of

filrrl

Orl(
beg
the
sioi
othi
firsi
sior
oril

The
sha
TINl
whi

Mar
diff<
enti
begi
righ
reqij
met

This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/

Ce document est filmA au taux de rMuction indiquA ci-dessous.

10X

14X

18X

22X

26X

30X

12X

16X

20X

24X

28X

32X

The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks
to the generosity of:

Library of the Public
Archives of Canada

The images appearing here are the best quality
possible considering the condition and legibility
of the original copy and in keeping with the
filming contract specifications.

Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed
beginning with the front cover and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, and ending on the last page with a printed
or illustrated impression.

The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol -^ (meaning "CON-
TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.

IVIaps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included in one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diagrams illustrate the
method:

L'exem(. laire f ilmt f ut reproduit grAce A la
g*n4rosltA de:

La bibliothique des Archives
publiques du Canada

Los images suivantes out At4 reproduites avec le
plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et
de la nettet« de I'exemplaire film«, et en
conformity avec les conditions du contrat de
filmage.

Les exemplaires originaux dont la couver^ure en
papier est ImprlmAe sont filmAs en commengant
nar le premier plat et en terminant soit par la
derniire page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second
plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires
originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la
premlAre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par
la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.

Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la
derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le
cas: le symbols — i^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le
symbols V signifie "FIN".

Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre
filmAs A des taux de reduction diffirents.
Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre
reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est fiimA A partir
de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite,
et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants
illustrent la mdthode.

32X

^-f

-Ti^, -^

CllAllCE

1 >i:ij\ i:ki:i > \r rni: ^IST^ATI(>^,

t»\ W KKMlSUV'i , \I>IMr, ::it. is-,.;,

V,\ MIL

MJSllOP (IF TOIJO.XTO.

C H A E G E

DELIVERED TO THE

CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF TORO.NTO,

AT THE VISITATION.

ON"

WEDNESDAY, APRIL SO, 1856.

JOHN, LORD BISHOP OF TORONTO

TORONTO:
HENRY ROWSELL, KL\G STREET.

1856.

! i

HERBT BOWSBLL, PRINTER, KING STREET, TORONTO.

■ \

A CHARGE. &c.

My Reverend Brethren,

It is now verging on tliree years since wo last met in
Visitation ; during whicli time our Lord and Master has
continued us who arc present in this, our state of trial — years
of which we shall have to give an account to Ilim, and as to
which even now it becomes us to examine our hearts and
consciences, with the kno>,..dgcthat God constantly sees us,
and reads our most secret thoughts.

Short as this space of time appears, we have lost during its
progress two of our brethren, who, I trust, have made a
happy exchange from this world of sin and sorrow to a
blessed immortality.

The Rpv. William Greig, who was a Presbyter of the
Episcopal Church of Scotland, and of good standing, came
to this country about ten years ago. From the first he
answered, in every respect, the strong recommendations of
his Bishop, brethren and lay friends, which he brought with
him. He constantly discharged his sacred duties in the most
faithful and edifying manner, and with an earnestness and
humility which proved that his heart was in his work. He
was good-tempered, quiet, and inoffensive, and at the same
time cheerful and not gloomy ; and, in truth, possessed an
innocent and playful humour, when not in acute pain from
disease, which delighted and won the friendship of all with
whom he associated. It pleased God to try him with much

' <i

severe and long suflfering, ariKin;^ from a disorder wlilcli was,
unliappily, found beyond the reach of any hinnan remedy,
and under which he Hank at hist.

Mr. (in'iir persevered in the rcguhir dischar^^o ofhin(hities
lony; after his body van t<>o frail to answer the demands of
his zealou-'- and ar<lent mind. And when his Church (St.
Paul's) was accidentally burnt, and it was thought that he
would give way under tlie calamity, he seemed to revive and
rise above it. Jle soothed his allliction witli the hope of
replacing his Churcli with a better and a worthier. Having
this favourable and nobh? object in vu'W, iie overlooked his
extreme feebleness, an<l for a time travelh'd round the
Diocese for subscriptions, and gathered refreshment and
consolation from his encouraging success. At length the
weakness of the body could no longer contend with his ardent
spirit — the hour of his de])Mrturo arrived, and he fell asleep
in the Lord.

We have also to bewail the loss of the Rev. John Reynolds
Took, one of the most hopeful of my younger Clergy, at a
moment when he was giving promise of a long course of
useful labour in the Lord's vineyard. But God was pleased
to order it otlierwise, and to take him to himself in ihc prime
of life, just as he was commencing the eighth year of his
Ministry. The Kev. Mr. Took was noted for sincerity and
warm-heartedness : he was at the b.Lme time active and char-
itable ; faithful in the discharge of his clerical duties, and
mucli esteemed by his people. I had formed so favourable
an opinion of liis ability and increasing usefulness, that T
had sent him the choice of two Missions, (not knowing that
he was sick) — each more favourable than Marysburgh ; but
it was too late ; he had been called hence, and it is hoped to
a far more blessed state of existence.

He leaves a beloved wife and several children to bewail
his early departure, as well as many kind Christian friends,
who will long hold him in affectionate remembrance.

The position of the Church in tliis Diocese is indeed sin-
gular, and porlmps without a parallel in the history of Chris-
tian Colonies.

The Legislature has declared hy solemn enactment what it
calls the separation of Chureli and State. This divorcement
was coupled with the confiscation of her property, — saving'; tlie
life interests of the present Incumhents, or the computed
value thereof. It is not perhaps easy to define how much
this strange enactment may or may not iniply. If it was tlie
intention of the Legislature to place tlie Church entirely free,
and on a perfect e<iuality with all other denominations of
professing Christians, they have failed, — because tlie l)ranch
of the United Cluucli of England and Ireland in Canada has
connections with the Mother Church and the Constitution of
the Empire which the Colonial authorities arc incompetent to
dissolve. And although the Imperial Government has so far
sanctioned the proceedings of the Colonial Legislature, as to
approve of the 10 Vic, cap. 21, the difficulties are not, and
cannot he removed without further legislation, either l)y the
Imperial Parliament or by that of the Colony, with the full
consent of her Majesty's Government. Till the necessary
steps for efiecting this be taken, the Church remains in an
anomalous condition, or rather in one of sufl'ering. Nor can
she return to that intimate and cordial intercourse with the
Mother Church, which she has so long enjoyed, and desires
ever to maintain. But, though we have been made indepen-
dent as it were by violence, the act affects nothing more than
our connection with the Colonial Government, and therefore
we shall continue as faithfully as ever to acknowledge the
Royal prerogative, so far as it can be applied to the Church
in the Colonies ; and we doubt not that when those antiquated
laws by which we are fettered are no longer allowed to operate,
the supremacy of the Crown will again be so exercised as to
be gratefully felt, — and instead of impeding our healthy pro-
gress, will promote it in a wise and benevolent spirit.

The great work of religion is to govern the passions and

the will. It is from its very nature a restraint on . hor-

ity, unless purely un<l faitlifully exercised, )>ecauso it conies
in the name of a Divine Law. To subdue, mortify and direct
human nature is its great oly'ect. It is, tlierefore, always
opposed to what is incorrectly called liberty, unless under its
own guidance, and to nrrange and accomplish this is the mis-
sion and hope of the Christian Church. This of necessity
brings religion in contact with politics, for they are insei)ara-
ble in the nature of man. Hence he that is loose in the one;,
will be loose in the other; and therefore those who reject re-
ligion and a salutary obedience to her commands, can never
be good sul)jeets, good citizens, nor good members of society.
Our Cliureh embodies in her ministrations the purest form of
Christian doctrine ; and, not content with demanding of her
faithful members that they be good subjects, she aims at
something iur beyond this, even to make them fellow members
with the saints and of tlie Household of God. If therefore
we find man}', a])parcntly good men, proceeding to an ex-
treme in politics, and fashioning their religion according to
their fancy, and in all this think that they are doing God
service, and seeking in this way to benefit their souls and
bodies, — it arises from their neglect or ignorance of their
real duty to God and of His holy law and ordinances, and of
what is revealed in the Book of Life.

The prevailing spirit of the times is the casting off all
authority, and substituting in its place, the widest diversity
of opinions on all subjects, religious and social.

Now, surely this cannot be of God. It is true, Ho permits
such wickedness to enter into men's hearts, that he may here-
after correct and purge them, and especially those of them
who have been placed as partakers and dispensers of divine
blessings which they have intercepted instead of conveying to
those whom God had intended them, but they arc not held
guiltless.

It may be that we ourselves, my brethren, have been to
blame — that while we ought to have stcpt forward boldly in

the Htron;^tli of the Lord, iiii * manrully (lefoiKlod the p;ift.s
wliicli he had bestowed U|)on us, we sat with our hand; folded
in dis^^raceful repose, and looked at the threats of our enemies
in fear, or with listless and aimless apatliy. lUit although
wo may have, from want of zeal and energy, encouraged at-
tacks on our Church, tlie motives of the assailants have l)cen
evil, and belong to anti-Christ instead of the (lospel. But
let us not despond. The men who destroy religious institu-
tions will themselves be deceived to their ruin. Some, no
doubt, begin honestly, and are deluded into the belief that
they arc able to purify the society around them ; but through
want of patience, and prayer and a submissive spirit, they fall
into constant murmuring and complaining ; and being at length
thoroughly corrupted, they l)ecome haters of the good which
they had at first acknowledged, and at length sink into re-
probates, despising God ;ind J lis Christ, and so perish for ever.

In Jio meantime, it becomes our duty strenuously to up-
hold and strengthen whatever there is yet left of tlod's
spiritual an<l temporal heritage in the colony — nor to bo
deceived because those who, under the pretence of reform,
put forth their sacrilegious hands to pull down the Ark of (jlod,
arc for a time prosperous and successful, that it Avill always
be so.

Even should we be unable to stay the torrent of destruction,
let us at least discountenance its promoter:^, and not come
into their secrets. It is our privilege, as it ought to be our
firm resolve, to remain true to the Church of our Fathers in
her temporal, as well as her spiritual concerns, even when
there is no possibility, humanly speaking, that we can pre-
vail. We can wait for deliverance, as the Jc^\.- I'd, in God's
good time. There is yet true light in the country, and it is
our duty to cherish it into active life. That many of our
public men are careless of the true interests of Christianity,
and inflict upon us one injury after another, the few past
years more than testify. When we address them for justice,
they postpone from time to time to grant claims which they

I'!!

are ashamed directly to refuse, till the matter loses interest
or becomes impracticable, or falls into the hands of men still
more indifferent. Even the common measure of civility is
sometimes wanting ; and we are repelled and accused of mix-
ing up public affairs with religious, as if we and our affairs
had nothing to do with religion. Are we not citizens and
subjects, and amenable to the laws? Is the discharge of
our various duties to society of no value ; and are we to sit
still and say nothing, while our dearest rights are invaded ?
Tliat the word Politics may be used in a bad sense we readily
admit, but religion has nothing to do with anything bad ; and
the politics which religion employs are for the promotion of
human happiness in the most extensive range.

In all things there is a right and wrong, and it is not a
matter of indifference which side a, man takes, for all of us
will be judged hereafter for the side we take. Men doubtless
act in general from mixed motives, and therefore they arc
not all at once in fearful peril ; but the avowed doctrine of
the day is, that religion has nothing to do with public affairs —
a doctrine which can never be true while God governs the
world and rules over all things, human and divine. And
although we may submit to injustice for Christ's sake, yet we
are not called upon to be entirely passive under repeated
inju-y. The gospel indeed restrains rash and rigorous
resentment ; yet, where the honor of the divine law is con-
cerned, it fully warrants the salutary restraint of offences
and injm'ies, and prevents their repetition by various degrees
of punishment. St. Paul wrote against his enemies, and
pleaded against his accusers. Our Lord vindicated his doc-
trine and conduct against the rancorous calumnies and ma-
lignant violence of the Scribes and Pharisees. The breach
of unity and Godly love is with those who attack our Church
and her doctrines, and not with those who are compelled to
defend them.

It is not, however, from the operation of antiquated legis-
lation that we have much to fear, because it will soon be

swept away. But it is from other more extensive and vital
causes that our sacred interests are at peril. There is at
present an unexampled activity and life in what is called the
religious world, which seems, I lament to say, rushing to-
wards evil, rather than to good, and which it becomes all wise
and truthful men to exert themselves to regulate and diroct in-
to the true path. For although we are but a small brau'ih of
the Catholic Church, yet as a portion of the Church of Eng-
land, the bulwark of Protestantism, it will be expected of us not
to sit idle and in apathy, merely to contemplate at a distance
this spirit of life and activity. We must meet it with bold-
ness, and endeavour with all our might to bring it under the
guidance of that wisdom which is from above, and with zeal
and confidence in God's assistance, direct and mould h to the
advancement of the gospel. This religious movement, as it
respects this Province, is of a peculiar character, and has
operated in a way very different from what it does in most
other places. The population of Canada may be said to be
nearly equally divided between Protestants and Roman
Catholics. By the last census the difference in favor of
the former being something less than fifty thousand, but
rapidly increasing.

Now, it might have been expected, that in the presence of
so formidable a front as the Koman Catholics present, our
fellow Protestants would have rallied around the Church for
the maintenance of the principles of the Reformation. But
since the union of the Provinces dissenters as well aa
Roman Catholics, have been united as our enemies ; and how-
ever much they differ from each other, they are at all times
ready to forget such differences for ♦he purpose of doing us
an injury.

In England the majority of the dissenters have in times of
peril acted very differently from what they do here, and have
not het?itated to acknowledge that they felt the Church of
England to be the most prominent and illustrious of all the
Protestant Churches, and they nave readily admitted that her

martyrs' liturgy, he* articles, and the profound learning and
Avritings of her ministers, have given witness to the truth,
such as no other Protestant Church can produce.

Her founders s».ught not to innovate, but to reform. They
were too pious and wise to be carried away by that improvi-
dent recklessness which rejects the good, because accompa-
nied with some transient or accidental evil ; nor did they
cast away the truth of the primitive C^urch, bui separated
from it the dross of later times. And thus they held fast the
foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets, and to this we
continue faithfully to adhere. The pure gospel has now been
the teacjjlng of our Church for three centuries. The Scrip-
tures are free and open to all, — her ministrations are clear
and easy to comprehend — she has no novclites or recent
institutions to justify or explain — her truth and order, which
she exhibits in all her services in every part of the world,
are as old as the days of the apostles.

The population of this country presents two aspects —
political and religious. With the latter wc shall deal by
and bye ; but at present we confine ourselves to the former.
And here, we remark, that the crusade against the property
of the Church of England has from the first been purely
selfish and political, and has been pursued in a spirit of the
utmost virulence. In fact violence and turbulence were the
only weapons^ for there could be no license to commit sacri-
lege either from law or equity. The great majority of those
who (^esired to destroy the property of the Church had come
into the country long after it had been set apart for religious
purposes by the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain, by
virtue of their indisputable right, and c^ Id urge no claim
whatever to any share, by gift or distribution. It was natural
for the Crown and Parliament, while they respected and
guaranteed the far more ample possessions of the Roman
Catholic clergy, to grant a like provision also for the suste-
nance of a Protestant clergy, so that both properties might
stand upon the same title. And being thus granted and

ini

disposed of, they could not bo resumed, even by the donors,
without manifest injusti^^e ; much less applied to secular pur-
poses. Under these circumstances it mi^rht have h.en
expected that the Roman Catholics would, from principle,
have abstained from any interference ; but the course they
have pursued has been quite the contrary. They have pro-
ceeded hand in hand with our enemies in every measure that
has been taken against us, and by thus acting, have laid the
foundation at some future time for a larger series of bitter
dissensions than has yet been seen in Canada. It was their
duty and interest to aid in preserving to the Church of Eng-
land her vested rights. No lloman Catholic can be so obtuse
as not to read in the fearful denunciation — '• Secularization
of the Clergy Reserves" — temporary forbearance to the
Roman Catholic Chm*ch and future proscription.

The crusade against the temporalities of our Church still
continues, with increased virulence. Lord Seaton, towards
the close of 1835, established 57 Rectories for the benefit of
the Church, but only 44 were completed before his departure.
Each Rectory was endowed with Crown Lands to the
extent of i.bout 400 acres. These lands consisted chiefly of
lots which had been selected for the piirpose at a very early
period, or at the original surveying of the township in which
they were situated. The lands so disposed of amount to
17368 acres, which, at the ^time they were devoted to this
pious object, might have been purchased at about one shilling
per acre, or at less than one thousand pounds currency.
Moreover, the lands having been long in possession of the
Church, are, in many of the Rectories, much improved by the
Incumbents and Congregations, and on some of them valuable
and extensive buildings have been erected. So iniquitous did
the attack on the Rectories appear when first made, that the
following resolution passed the House of Assembly in 1837,
three years before the union, by a majority of 18, being
38 to 20.

'* jResolued, That this House regards as inviolable the

hi"

rig'its acquired under tlic patents by which Rectories have
been endowed, and cannot therefore eitlier invite or sanction
any interference with the rights thus established ; and as an
impression seems to prevail that Ilectories so established
are entitled to enjoy and exercise general and exclusive
spiritual and ecclesiastical power, and it is expedient to
remove all grounds of fear and apprehension on this head,
an humble address be presented to His Majesty, praying in
earnest and strong, but in respectful . language, that His
Majesty will be graciously pleased to convey to the Imperial
Parliament the anxious desire of the House in behalf of the
great body of the people of this Province, that, as the Pro-
vincial Legislature is restrained from legislating on the
subject, except under peculiar and embarrassing circum-
stances, an act of the Imperial Parliament may be passed in
plain and explicit terms, that the establishment and endow-
ment of Rectories in this Province shall not be construed to
confer any right to exercise any ecclesiastical or spiritual
power whatever, except over the members of the Church of
England."

So much, to shew the animus of both Dissenters and Roman
Catholics in regard to our Church, as respects her temporali-
ties. Nor have we any reason to believe that they are less
hostile to our religious principles. But we now turn to a
worse foe than either Dissent or Romanism, which is rapidly
approaching.

MODERN INFIDELITY.

By this worse foe we mean open infidelity ; and as it is
most important that the eyes of all, and especially of the
Clergy, should bx: opened to the real existence of such a
danger, and its actual presence among us, I feel it my duty
to notice it on this solemn occasion.

You are aware that movements are going on in Europe, as
well as in America, avowedly for the destruction of Christi-

Ihe
a

(ty

as
ti-

anity, and that among many the very idea of Diviuc and
human authority is disappearing. Indeed the contest between
Atheism, in its various forms, and the Christian faith has
ah'eady commenced. Take a few quotations from authors
said to be popular and in extensive circulation : '^ What is
religion," says one, "but anotlier feature of romance, with
its wonders upon wonders — its hopes — its terrors — its fictions?
And to believe that it is all true — that the prophecies, the
miracles, the morals, &c., tS:c. — and yet to sweep aAvay these
ideas and clear the ground, how sad it seems — how blank the
place where they were. It is hard for reason and for history
to struggle against such romance as this — to throw off the
glorious promises, and to awake to common life."

They tell us "That the mind of man, the instincts of
animals, the sympathies, so to speak, of plants, and the pro-
perties of stones, are results of material development ; that
development itself being the result of the properties of matter,
and the inherent cause or principle, which is the basis of
hnatter."

"I do not say," exclaims another, ''that there is no God,
but that it is extravagant and irreverent to imagine that
cause a Person. I cannot believe in a God as implied in the
idea of a Creator and a Creation, nor can I believe in an
beginning or end in the operations of nature. The operations
in nature or of nature are eternal and immutable."

" Is there nothing in that Faith which seeks for happiness
out of itself in the happiness of others, and the glories of
nature — content, that in death the sense of personality shall
pass away, and you shall be as you were before you were —
in a sleep for evermore."

" The human being, a mystery considered as an individual,
becomes a simple and natural phenomenon when considered
in the mass ; and morals — that part of the system of things
which seemed least under natural regulation or law — are
thoroughly ascertained to be as wholly so, as the arrangement
of the heavenly bodies," &c. &c.

\ili

But infidelity is not merely a denial or negative : it seeks
to embody itself into an aetual system, as the writers of the
Avorks from which we have quoted have actually done. Some
even deny their unbelief, and call themselves rational Chris-
tians. To effect this, all the doctrines peculiar to the Gospel
are carefully weeded out : hence, the Nature they worship
, knows none of them. She has no redemption from sin — no
gift of divine grace — no danger from the tempter — no priest-
hood, no sacraments — in a word, she has not one of those
things to which salvation is promised.

Such infidelity is no longer confined to the closets of phi-
losophers, as in former times, but threatens to become more
and more general among our people. It already forms the
subject of a portion of our periodical literature ; and, what is
worse, the Church is not entirely free from the contagion.
Nor are some of our valuable social institutions altogether
untainted by this moral leprosy. Their abettors are pre-
sumptuous and daring — exalting themselves against all that
is called God, while in works they deny him. Upon the
young and unwary they too often exert a fatal influence.
Such are easily inveigled by the wiles of sophistry, and
disturbed and distracted in their minds with impious doubts,
even when not totally lost. To such persons the Apostle's
salutary admonition is most needful, lest they be spoiled or
led astray through philosophy and vain deceit ; for if they
walk in the steps of such men as deny both the Father and
the Son, they are no longer the followers of Christ. To what
but to the increasing influence of infidel principles are we to
attribute the material education now so much the fashion
among us — the banishment of the Bible from our schools and
families — and the avowed attempts to desecrate the Sabbath ?

EDUCATION.

The system of education established in Upper Canada
seems, at first sight, to have something very favorable in its
general aspect. It proceeds upon the principle, that the

leeks

: the

^orae

)hris-

ospel

rship

L — no

iricst-

those

f phi-
more
IS the
,'hat is
agion.
gother
e pre-
11 that
on the
uence.
j^ and
loubts,
)Ostlc's
)iled or
if they
ler and
what
e -we to
fashion
ols and
ibbath ?

Canada
e in its
hat the

great, and indeed the first object of education is to give rauu
and women such instruction as shall serve the purpose of their
temporal advancement in the present life, and shall enable
them to pursue Avith efficiency any calling to which they
may turn their attention. And so far as it furnishes the
tools and instruments best adapted for the advancement
of the scholars in the arena of social competition, it pro-
mises a fair measure of success. Religious subjects are not
allowed to interfere with any of its arrangements, nor is the
necessity of adopting any distinct religious teaching admitted.
On the contrary, to avoid all such difficulties, the Gordian
knot is cut, and the process of instruction is almost entirely
secular, and confined to that description of knowledge of
the practical utility of which there can be no doubt ; and
Christianity and its doctrines are left to be dealt with by
every one according to his pleasure.

This I believe to be a fair representation of the teaching of
common schools in Upper Canada. The system has assumed
great dimensions, and no labour or expense is spared to pro-
mote its efficiency.

On referring to the Chief Superintendent's Report for
1854, I find the number of schools to bo 3,24-1:, being an
increase of 243 upon 1851. The schools in which the Jloly
Scriptures are to any extent used may be taken at two-thirds
of the Avhole number, as there appears only a trifiing differ-
ence since 1851, — showing that of the 3,244 common schools
in IJpper Canada in 1854, two-thirds (2163) read the l^ible,
and one-third (1081) did not.

One new feature, which I consider of great value, and for
which I believe we are altogether indebted to the able Super-
intendent, deserves special notice : it is the introduction of
daily prayers. We find that 454 schools, or about one-
se^'enth of the whole number, open and close with prayer.
This is an important step in the right direction, and only
requires a reasonable extension to render the system in its
interior, as it is already in its exterior, nearly complete.

But till it receives this necessary extension, the whole system,
in a reli;2;ious find spiritual view, may bo considered almost
entirely dead.

I do not say that this is the opinion of the Kev. Dr.
Ryerson, who no doubt believes his system very nearly
perfect ; and so far as he is concerned, I am one of those
who appreciate very highly his exertions, his unwearied
assiduity, and his administrative capacity. I am also most
willing to admit that he has carried out the meagre provisions of
the several enactments that have any leaning to religion, as
far as seems consistent with a just interpretation of the law.
But with all this, I am fully convinced tliat the whole system
of education over which he presides is rotten to the core, and
that its tendency is to produce general unbelief. For surely
the cold and scanty recognition of the Gospel which we have
noticed, and the partial reading of the Scriptures in a portion
of the schools, merely by suiferance, and the permitting prayer
at the opening and closing of one-Keventh only of their num-
ber, will be found quite insufficient to prevent this unhappy
result. Much more is required to cherish and bring forth the
fruits of true religion. How so many able and good men
continue so long to support such a system, may not be easily
accounted for. But it may in a great measure arise from
hearing assertions constantly made that its basis is Chris-
tianity, — assertions which a thorough and earnest examination
would prove utterly fallacious. In the meantime, I conscien-
tiously feel that such men, however good their intentions, are
labouring under an unhappy delusion,- which nothing short of
a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures can remove.

If the children are confined to arithmetic, geography,
algebra, &c., while religion, as matter of instruction, is never
introduced, it is absurd to affirm that under such arrange-
ments you are giving them education. Education requires
much more : it is to give your pupils a moral training favor-
able to the good order of society, to the performance of their
duties to God and man, and to become useful to them here
and hereafter.

never
ange-
uires
avor-
tlieir
here

Now this cannot be done separate from tlic Cliristiaii
religion. At page 14 of the Connnoii Schools' Report for
1854, we have the sum of the religious instruction ever given
in these seminaries : " In each school the teacher should
exert his best endeavours, both by example and precept, to
impress upon the minds of all children and youth committed
to his care and instruction the principles of piety, justice,
and a sacred regard to truth; love to their country, humanity,
and universal benevolence ; sobriety, industry, frugality,
chastity, moderation, temperance, and those other virtues
which are the ornament of society, and on which a free con-
stitution of government is founded," &c.

Now, it so happens that these very same words (which the
Council of Public Instruction for Upper Canada (luotes from
an avowed Unitarian source) arc literally copied by Lord
John Russell in his speech before l*arliament on the 6th of
March last, when introducing his resolution on Education.
And what comment does his lordship make upon them ? " It
is obvious," says he, "that so far as these words are con-
cerned, they might have been enacted by the Senate of Rome
before the introduction of Christianity, for there is nothing
in the words which bear the mark of any distinct Christian
character."

After admitting that many eminent men were in favour of
the Secular System, and who tljink that to attend the Public
School during the week and afterwards receiving on the
Lord's Day distinct religious instruction, either at Sunday-
school or at home, children may be brought up good
Christians, his lordship adds, that those favourable reports
are nevertheless called in question : and while oifering no
opinion of his own, he says, with regard to our own country,
there are great authorities against it, and there is a strong
public sentiment which would not approve the enactment of
such a system. He quotes two authorities only, that he
might not be tedious — Dr. Arnald and the Rev. Mr. Cook.
Dr. Arnald says, " the moment you touch on what alone is
c

. i

- 1' ,'

education — viz., the forming of the moral principles and
habits of men — neutrality is impossible. It would bo very
possible if Christianity consisted really in a set of theoretical
truths, as many seem to fancy ; but it is not possible, inasmuch
as it claims to be the paramount arbiter of all our moral
judgments ; and he who judges of good and evil, right and
wrong, without reference to its authority, virtually denies it."

Tliis opinion of Dr. Arnald is confirmed by the Rev. Mr.
Cook, a gentleman of great experience and intelligence : —
*' I have confined my observations hitherto to the secular
aspect of school studies, because objections ar.^ generally
made by persons who believe that the time of children in our
National Schools is absorbed by the Church Catechism and
unintelligent reading of the Old and New Testaments. But
I do feel bold once more to record an opinion deliberately
formed, and confirmed by a long and minute acquaintance
with the working of elementary schools, that, the one great
influence which has elevated and developed the intelligence
of those children — which has given clearness and accuracy to
their perceptions — which has moulded their judgments,
exercised their reason and expanded their imagination — has
been the careful, daily and uninterrupted study of the Word
of God, The religious instruction of our best schools is of
an excellence wdiich has never been rivalled in any system of
National Education, and which can be appreciated only by
those who have had opportunilies, both of constantly examin-
ing the children under instruction, and of watching the eflfects
of that teaching upon their conduct in after life.

" I know many young men and women who are now doing
their duty heartily and faithfully in their appointed sphere
of action, who gratefully attribute the measure of success
which has rewarded their exertions to the impressions,
instructions and habits, acquired in our National Schools."

His Lordship then asks, whether will you have Schools
confined to those secular objects to which I have adverted,
or whether you will introduce into them moral instruction ;

j8 and

very
jrctical
asmucli
' moral
rht and
lies it.
ev. Mr.
mce : —

secular
;ncrally

1 in our
ism and
s. But
bcrately
[lintanco
ic great
^lligcnce
uracy to
smcnts,
on — has

Word

)ols is of

ystem of

only by

examin-

le effects

)W doing

sphere

success

ressions,

lools."

Schools

dverted,

auction ;

and concludes "witli rejoctin;; Secular Schools, because eVrry
body refjuires more tl;an they ran ;.'iy(', and introducini:^ the
Holy Scriptures. Now, 1 firndy believe, notwithstniiding
the apparent ac([uioscence in the system of Schools established
in this Province, that the ffoneritl feeliui; here is tlie same as
in England, and that most ))arents consider any plan of
educati6n imperfect which does not instruct their cliildren in
their duty, both to (rod and man, on a Christian foundati')n.
Fortunately, this system, vicious ns it is at present, may be
very easily amended, and -without losing a })arti('l(' of its
value, may be made to sup})ly with eillciencyall that is want-

mg.

1st. Let Separate Schools be admitted in all villages,
towns and cities, Avhen required, and let the same privilege
bo extended to the country, whenever the population war-
rants their introduction.

2nd. Till this regulation take effect, -let it be provided that
all Public Schools whatever be opened and closed with
prayer, and a portion of the Holy Bible be daily read ; and
farther, that the Lord's Prayer, the Aj)ostle's (yVeed, and the
Ten Commandments, be regularly taught in every such
School ; provided, nevertheless, that no cliild be compelled to
receive religious instructicm, or attend any religious worship,
to which his or her parents shall, on conscientious grounds,
object.

These simple provisions would interfere with nothing of
importance that exists in the present system, nor in any way
disturb its elaborate machinery, which would apply, as well
as it does now, to every exigency that might occur. All the
different denominations which desired it would have their
Separate Schools, and could arrange, according to their par-
ticular views, the religious instruction of their children.
Hence all the heartburnings that at present exist would be
removed. Nine-tenths of the Protestant, and all the Roman
Catholic population, would be satisfied ; and throughout the
country, where the thinness of the settlers prevented the

t :

establishment of Separate Scliooln, the inhiiMtarits would
rest content under tlie second provision, till they were able
to support tlieni.

iiciore passing from this important subject, there arc two
or three points in wliich we, the ministers of reli;;;ion, arc
especially interested, and to which 1 therefore re(iuest your
serious attention.

We must not wait for the adoption of tliesc amendments
to our system of Education. Thankful shall we be for tlicm
wlien obtained. But in tlie meantime, we must redouble our
exertions to protect our Hock, and especially our chihlren and
youth, by increasin*^ the number of our Sunday Schools.
You ou;ilit to have one at each of your Stations. The diffi-
culty to find teachers, 1 know fro'm experience, to be great ;
but I likewise know that in most cases, it may be overcome
by activity and kindness. In most places we shall find, by
a diligent search, sobyr and pious individuals, willing, under
your occasional assistance, advice and encouragement, to
undertake the labour. If sincere in the work, they will soon
become themselves anxiously alive to the progress of their
classes, and begi)i soon to discover that their regular atten-
dance is rather a pleasure than a toil.

Great care must also be taken as to the manner and value
of the instruction imparted.

You must not be content with merely teaching the articles
of faith and forms of devotion. These can be very soon
h'arned by the children ; but without a tender and minute
explanation, they do not reach the heart.

Y^oung persons taught in this way are apt to consider
themselves possessed of religion, when it has as yet no sure
foundation ; and finding that it does not enable them to with-
stand temptation, nor when they have sinned, does it excite
a lively remorse and repentance, they infer that it is useless,
and become indifferent. Hence, when assailed bv wicked
companions, they easily fall into transgression. Again, when
they find themselves defenceless against ordinary cavils, and

|::i

feel surprised at their inability to answer them, instead of
seeking; more correct iiiroriiiiition, they too fre(iu('ntly fall
into corrupt unbelief, which tlicy discover to be more uccept-
al)U! to their passions and a sohice to their ignorance.

In impartin<^ religious knowhMlirc, every portion sliould bo
patiently and thoron;^hly (?xpl:iine<l as we proceed. This,
no doubt, re<[uires natural ability in the teui-her; some
acquaintnncc with sacred and pr .fane history, and a readi-
ness to illustrate what lie is inculcatiu*;, with apt exam[)l('S
from the liiblo and other sources. lUit in all this they will
find encoura<^emont from you ; and, with the help of a few well
chosen hooks, to which you can direct them, they will rai)idly
ac({uire the knowledge necessary to enable them to dispenso
it with satisfaction to their Scholars. Your teachers, while
instructing others, will raj)idly advance in learning them-
selves, not merely intellectually, but morally; and after a
time they will become more patient and forbearing — more
cheerful under labour; and at the same time firmer and more
just in their decisions.

The teachers receive great encouragement when the minis-
ter catechises in public. It is the mode of instruction which
was universal in the first ages of the Church, nor is it long
since it was general in our own. It was sadly neglected
during the latter part of the last century, and the early part
of this ; but it has of late years revived, and is extending on
every side, and may be considered one of the most healthy
signs of the times. Such public catechising not only benefits
the children themselves, but confers a blessing upon all pres-
ent, and is peculiarly interesting to the teachers, and more
especially when you can induce them to ask you to explain
any difficulties that come in their way, and encourage them
also to question their own hearts as to the progress they are
making in the spiritual life.

ThcxC are times when all clergymen of a serious and re-
flecting character feel painfully dissatisfied at the little
intercourse which has been kept up between themselves and

jjf

M -i !

IMI

those of their flock, whom they have prepared for confirma-
tion.

The intimate acquaintance which grows up between the
pastor and his youthful parishioners during the preparation
for this holy rite naturally produces confidence and good
feeling, and is commonly attended with many acts of kind-
ness and affection, — hut all seems dissolved and gone when
the Bishop departs. Not perhaps always, because the first
Communion in many well-ordered parishes soon follows and
keeps up the endearing connexion. But in general, the con-
firmed are to a great degree lost sight of, and tlie tender in-
fluence which the clergyman had acquired is gradually
loosened, till it altogether disappears. Now there seems no
better plan for continuing this salutary influence and strength-
ening the moral habits which may have been commenced, than
that of establishing occasional meetings with the confirmed,
perhaps once a week, or even once a month, to converse on
religious subjects. Such meetings may, by a judicious cler-
gyman, be turned to infinite advantage. It is the father
meeting his children, and instructing them as their parent, —
conversing with them indulgently and frankly, and encourag-
ing them to impart their difficulties, their hopes, and their
fears, that they may be counselled and directed. He can
suggest such books as may be most profitable for them to'
read, and, as oncasions ofler, he can point out the pernicious
tendency of promiscuous reading, and the errors of such po-
pular publications of the day as come in their way. Sucli
intercourse begets confidence, and in time friendship, — and
may, under a wise guidance, be made exec dingly })leasant
and salutary, while it extends the influence of the pastor over
many minds who will be prepL,red to assist him in promoting
schemes of benevolence and good-will throughout the parish
and neighbourhood.

The progress of human knowledge can never be arrested,
nor, when rightly understood, is it opposed to Divine law.
They are not rivals or enemies, but in the closest agreement,

I !

for they both corae from God. The written Word jind the
unwritten page of nature equally manifest His power and
glory, and both are essential to social ini])rovement. The
Gospel of Salvation and of human knowledge join hand in
hand in promoting the moral and mental amelioration of our
fallen race.

Let, then, the good Angel of the Lord preside over all
our educational institutions, with the Bible in his right hand
and the volume of human mowledge in his left.

THE BIBLE.

One of the steps in the progress of infidelity is to banish
the Holy Scriptures from the Common Schools — wholly if
possible, or partially when a full interdiction cannot bo
effected. Now, the dissemination of the Scriptures has been
justly called the bulwark of the Reformation, and it is pleas-
ing to reflect that in no age of the Church since that period
has this been more warmly fell, and more strenuously carried
out than during the last fifty years.

Nevertheless, we find in this Diocese that in more than
1081 schools the Bible has not yet been introduced ; but, on
the other hand, we have tlie satisfaction to arnounce that
public opinion has compelled its adoption in 2163, — that is,
in two-thirds of the Common Schools ; and we arc encouraged
to believe that in a short time the same happy influence will
not leave one single school unprovided.

" The Bible, oi the Holy Scriptures," says Sir William
Jones, " contain, independently of a Divine origin, more true
sublimity, more exquisite beauty, purer morality, more im-
portant history, and finer strains of poetry and eloquence,
than can be collected within the same compass from all other
books that were ever composed in any age or in any lan-

guage.

Henry Hallam, the son of the historian of the middle ages,
— a youth of great promise, who was soon removed to a brighter

world — was accustomed to say that " the Bible fits into every

fold of the human heart. I am a man, and I believe it to be

God's book because it is man's book. I am determined to

receive the Bible as Divinely authorised, and the scheme of

hii

human and Divine things which it' contains as essentially
true."

And how enlightened and rational was the conduct of good
King George III ; and how noble his saying, that he hoped to
see the day when every poor child in his dominions should
be able to read the Bible. This day may be said to have
come. The Bible is to be found in almost every religious
family in Protestant Christendom. Its principles are leaven-
ing the human mind through the vast circle of civiliza-
tion. The Holy Bible gives the history of our race from the
Creation to the present day, and in its prophecies continues
that history to the end of time. The Bible connects all parts
of man's history together from the beginning, and at every
step points out that there is a God who reigneth, and whose
moral government directeth all things in heaven and on earth.
It brings prominently before us the Church and the world,
which, though consisting of the same human beings, exhibit
two societies as distinct from each other, as if each of the
parties composing them were of different natures. Now,
what are we to say to those Avho ignore this inestimable book ?
Even as a source of knowledge, it is most precious. Are we
anxious to know whence we are and whither we are going,
where shall we seek for information but from the Bible.
What is Rousseau compelled to say, though unLappily an
infidel — " The majesty of the Scriptures strikes me with
astonishment, and the sanctity of the Gospel addresses itself
to my heart." It is the source of all sound literature. In
no other book is our written tongue found so pure and so
elegant — hence it has remained the standard of the language
of England and of her Faith for more than three hundred
years.

The Old and New Testament, in all their fulness, bring be-

■'li

fore us in every age, the principles and progress of moral
improvement — in which all our duties and virtues are pre-
scribed — rising in a series, ever ascending till consummated in
Heaven. It brings before us the Kingdom of Heaven upon
earth, with all the struggles required for its extension and
establishment, and all the sublime and holy relations which
take place between miin and his Maker, and between man
and man. Its teaching, as may be seen in our Lord's Ser-
mons, is so beautiful ana simple that it can be understood
even in early infancy, and becomes more and more applicable
to our wishes, wants and necessities to the end o^ our lives.
It directs us to our Father in Heaven, who looks on all his
creatures with love and compassion, and teaches us to regard
him with all those sentiments of filial boldness which good
children feel towards a kind and benevolent Parent. It in-
vites us to address Him with deep and unfeigned reverence
and confidence, and to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Again, as children of the same F.ather in Heaven through
Christ, and united to one another by one Lord, one Faith,
one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and
in us all, we acquire the most noble and endearing affections,
which not only purify our hearts, but all our social relations
and institutions. In the view of Christ and of God, as repre-
sented in Holy Scripture, there can be no peculiar people on
earth. All are called to become the disciples of Christ and
the children of God, and to be at length gathered into one
fold.

This sublime doctrine of the Bible largely unfolds. Hence
it follows that the contempt and hostility with which differ-
ent nations treat, each other will gradually disappear, as the
knowledge and influence of the Bible extends, and as its
blessed spirit pervades the minds and hearts of all. Then
will our kindly charities be fostered in private and public life.
Enemies will forgive as they hope to be forgiven ; and every
human being, whatever his position or difference in colour,
habits, and condition, will be at once regarded as the child of

the same Father, and an heir with ourselves of a blessed im-
mortality.

This future and higher state which the Bible, and the
Bible alone, opens to our view, is most glorious and ennobling.
Rising in knowledge, our powers and capacities shall expand.
Perfect freedom will be given us from all low and sinful pro-
pensities. Communion with beings of far more exalted and
purer natures will be ours, and we shall enjoy a progressive
felicity, which shall never have an end.

Beholding all this infinitely more in vision than in sight,
well might the blessed Apostle explain — '' Death, where is
thy Sting. Grave, where is thy Victory. Thanks be to
God, who giveth us the Victory, through our Our Lord Jesus
Christ."

Such is the book ; full of the most precious knowledge —
historical, moral, and religious, — the book which unites us
with our God and Saviour, and which in the hour of darkness
and distress consoles millions and millions of our fellow
creatures. Such is the book Avhich infidels are seeking to
repudiate and destroy. Not all the books on earth would
compensate the loss of the Bible to mankind ; for it is the
Bible, and the Bible alone, that points the way to the mansions
where God in Christ for ever reigneth.

THE LORD'S DAY.

The adversaries of religion have been so successful in their
assaults upon the Bible, both in Great Britain and America,
that they are proceeding to undermine the sanctity of the
Lord's Day. Now, precious as the Bible is, beyond any
human calculation, it would be deprived of half its value were
h not embodied in our Sunday services, and made the sub-
stance and foundation of our public worship and private
devotions.

But, as usual, our opponents proceed stealthily. They
merely propose, as a beginning,' that it vwdd promote the

moral and intellectual improvemGnt of the working classes if
the collections of natural history and of art in the British

]\Iuseum and National Gallery "were (»pen t<» the puhlic inspec-
tion after morning service on Stuiday. The same privilege,
as a natural consequence, -would he extended to every city,
town and village where any such institutions are established.
Now, although this may appear a very little matter to the
cursory observer, we ought to ))c peculiarly and severely
jealous of admittino; anvthin-j:; lliat mi;xht have the smallest
tendency to weaken the religious basis on which the Sabi)ath
rests, and which might ultimately lead to its desecration.
There is nothing more to be feared than such admissions.
They may be almost imperceptible at first, but their poison
advances by slow degrees, til' ihc corruption becomes gene-
ral, and the institution is d(">Lroved. AVhat would such a
resolution naturally lead to, should it become the law of the
British Empire ? First, to the opening of theatres and every
place of public amusement, now only permitted during tlio
week. Then, to commence ti'ading ; and thus, by degrees,
to the total desecration of tlie Sabba th Day.

Those who arc in fiivour of this pernicious relaxation
nevertheless appear full of pity and tenderness for the
labouring portion of the community, and anxious that they
should enjoy open fields and fresh air, after having been pent
up all the week in the pestilent atmosphere of their factories
or their miserable and squalid dwellings. How much more
to the purpose were they to urge upon the Legislature the duty
of considering in a favorable spirit the just claims of labour,
so that the poor might enjoy a second day in the week, or at
least the half of one, without cither diminishing their wages
or intruding upon their Sabbaths, and thus acquire some
leizure to enjoy the recreations offered them, or rather others
more fitted to their condition and moral progress.

Instead of giving, they take away half the poor man's
blessing, and when he asks for bread, they give him a stone.

Were not the subject so very serious and important, the

ill ^4

equivalent offered to the poorer classes for the loss of half
their Sabbath might be dwelt upon as exquisitely ludicrous.
They are to go to the museum to admire the remains
of antediluvian animals, volcanic rocks, geological strata
and decayed fossils ; or to the zoological and botanical gardens,
to muse upon the wild beasts .\nd the vegetable kingdom.

Not that such things arc wrong in their place, or unworthy
of the attention of the learned and the curious, who have
leisure. But to say that the masses would receive any moral
benefit from such spectacles, seems to indicate a strange igno-
rance of human nature. But happily the ])eople themselves
repudiate such trifling with their best feelings, and manifest
throughout the whole country something like an instinctive
horror at the injudicious attempt to deprive them of one of
their most valuable privileges.

I am certainly no advocate for the severe rigour of the Jewish
Sabbath, but I am the friend and advocate of a devotional
Sabbath — a day so regulated as to detach the mind from
earth to heaven — a day which withdraws our thoughts from
our secular and material interests to those of eternity — a day
which brings us more immediately into the presence of our
God in the performance of our religious services ; and the
sweet feelings, holy thoughts and high resolves which these
services engender, refresh the body as well as the soul, and
this in a far greater degree than the mere abstinence from
daily labour can of itself eifect.

The Sabbath ought not to be made so gloomy and repul-
sive as to admit of no sort of recreation ; nor must there be
an overstrained indulgence even in devotional exeicises and
duties. All attempts to continue such services throughout
the whole day must fail, because tasking human nature
beyond its powers, which are unable to maintain for any
length of time an intensity of moral and religious feeling.
And indeed no piety can be acceptable to God which is not
cheerful and improving to all the kindly feelings of our
nature.

God delights in merely more than in sacrifice, and our
Saviour declares that the Sabbath was made for man, and
not man for the Sabbath, and that it is lawful to do good on
the Sabbath day. »

And here it may be observed that there are many exercises,
though not strictly devotional, which are yet in most beauti-
ful harmony with that state of mind which enlightened
devotion imposes, and by which the hours of the Sabbath not
employed in public worship and domestic duties may be
occupied, not only to maintain its sanctity, but to render it
an occasion of delightful satisfaction.

Thus everything which binds us more strongly to our
tellow creatures, and strengtliens our natural love of our
relations ; everything which enables us to do good to the
distressed, the young and the ignorant, or generally promote
good will among men, gives refreshment and additional
interests to the hours of the Sabbath.

In general, we best fulfil the purpose of the Sabbath, by
devoting a suitable portion of the day to public and private
devotion, and yet so employ the remainder of our time as to
intermingle with these devotional exorcises and duties such
relaxation as, without partaking of the nature or character of
business, have the best tendency to awaken in the mind all
those soft and grateful emotions which bind us more strongly
and willingly both to the Giver of all gooil, and to tlie in-
terests of those with whom we are connected.

By spending the Sabbath in this wa}', wc render it not a
day of gloom, but of pure enjoyment.

In fine, the Sabbath should be so kept as to advance our
preparation for heaven, while it affords a foretaste of celestial
occupations and happiness. But whatever disqualifies us for
pious meditation, or interferes with public worship or domestic
instruction; whatever unfits us for its sacred duties, and tends
to counteract, or rather not to promote the growth of spiritual
affection, is inconsistent with this holy institution ; goes to
defeat its most important purposes, and is injurious to our

best interests. Hence, it becomes our duty to resist to tlio
utmost of our power tbe slightest approaches towards the
desecration of the Lord's Day.

PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH.

:ll; .'

The progress of the Oiurcli depends, under God, entirely
on ourselves. If we .ischarge our duty in humid e depen-
dence upon our blesse 1 Lord, nothing can keep her back ; but
if we arc cold and indnTerent, and fall out among ourselves by
the way, instead of advancing, she will wither and decay.
Never let us forget for a moment our great responsibility, or
leave anything undone which devoted affection gan suggest,
to preserve our Church and people from the dangerous
encroachments of Rome on the one hand, and the frightful
errors of Dissent on the other. We are seemingly a little
band, surrounded by numerous and powerful adversaries ; but
as we hold the truth, let us dispense it in righteousness, and
not withhold spiritual sustenance from our people, or discou-
rage them from bearing their part in the defence of the
Church of their Redeemer. Be not careless or indifferent in
your manner of performing divine offices, but shew that your
heart is in tliom, and then they will reach the hearts of your
congregation. Let the ministrations of the sacraments be
duly and reverently performed ; and if you find your people
negligent in their attendance, and disposed to undervalue
their privileges, endeavour by meek persuasion to convince
them of their spiritual importance, and win them back to the
habits and feelings of former times. Be not ashamed to bring
the Church prominently forward in her spiritual and sacra-
mental character as the body of Christ and the dispenser of
His word and ordinances ; for you have solemnly promised so
to present her in all her fulness, principles, claims and privi-
leges as the kingdom of heaven upon earth. Let her teach-
ing and holy practice be systematically offered to your people,

.31

with impressive explanations, that they may ho able to give a
reason for the faith that is in tliem, and he no longer surprised
or confounded at the cavils of .her enemies.

In the decent and regular dischorge of your ministrations,
beware of giving an exaggerated or undue importance to
externals. If anything be wanting or deficient, gradually
approach nearer and nearer to the system prescribed by the
Prayer Book ; and if you proceed with a frank and honest
discretion, there will soon appear among your congregations
H great increase of piety, devotion and charity. Do nothing
harshly or unadvisedly ; and should you be driven into con-
troversy, direct your studies to the subjects, and, after careful
preparation and in a Godly spirit, deliver the result. Con-
demn not without anxiously reading and making yourself
thoroughly acquainted with the real opinions of those you
contend with. This is absolutely necessary in any contro-
versy, and particularly with Rome. In such you must be at
special pains to arm yourself with the soundest weapons of
defence. Here, weak argument, incorrect statements, and
hasty conclusions, will only bring you to sham.e. They arc
skilful controversialists, and desire nothing better than an
antagonist, whose notions of Popery are gathered from the
flimsy declamations of popular orators at the public meetings
of the day. Do not suppose that the Romish Church is only
a medley of fooleries and blasphemies ; nor expect to cry it
down as if it were feeble and had nothing to urge in its
defence. Those who think so can have no adequate concep-
tion of so corrupt and wonderful a system.

If Romanism contained nothing more deep and true, —
nothing more subtilely adapted to the cravincrs of man's heart
than that which such silly opponents recognise, it would not
be the formidable enemy that we find it. And as there are
few of its doctrinal corruptions which are not attached to
some original truth, the result of such indiscriminating as-
saults is, that one class of inquirers is hurried on to reject
the truth and the corruption together, — and another is driven

, liii
"4

II I-

■A

l)y an indignant revulsion of fooling to cling to the ovcr-
gro-vvtli of error, as well as to the root which it encumbers.

In fact, the formidable character of Romanism arises from
thif] very possession of much truth ; for with this it deceives,
offering the primitive verity to the eye, and giving the
modern corruption into the hand. Moreover, by the late in-
vention of the doctrine of Development, it can from time to
tiuie furnish new doctrines at pleasure ; one instance of
which — the Immaculate Conception — is of recent occurrence.
In this, however, Home seems to have forgotten her usual cau-
tion, for in the Book of Revelation there are no novelties.
It came as pure and perfect from heaven as God intended it.
Accordingly, the most awful anathemas are pronounced upon
those who add thereto, or diminish therefrom. Thus Moses,
in the 2nd verse of the fourth chapter of the Book of Deu-
teronomy, says, " Ye shall not add unto the Word which I
command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, — that
ye may keej) the commandments of the Lord your God which
I command you." Again, St. John the Apostle and Evan-
gelist, says in the 22nd chapter of the Book of Revelation,
18tli, 19, and 20th verses, '' For I testify to every man that
hearct^i the words of the prophecy of this Book, if any man
shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall
take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of
the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this
Book. He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come
quickly. Amen, even so come. Lord Jesus."

"Many of the leading doctrines of Popery," says Bishop
Heber, "are to all appearance subversive of some of the
plainest and most essential articles of the Christian faith.
Yet I cannot read the lives of Bellamini, Charles Boromeo,
Vincent de St. Paul, Fcnelon, and Pascal, without feeling
that they were holy and humble men, incessant in prayer,
and devoted to God, and to their inquiries after truth, — or

over-

)crs.
9 from
ceivcs,
ng the
latc iu-
,ime to
lticc of
rrcnce.
lal cau-
)vcltics.
ndcd it.
ed upon
Moses,
of Deu-
whicli I
it, — that
3d ^Yhich
id Evan-
velation,
man that
uny man
him the
nan shall
.ecy, God
id out of
en in this
ly I come

ys Bishop
10 of the
lan faith.

Boromeo,
»ut feeling
in prayer,

truth, — or

without a painful consciousness that with all tlic clearer views
of iiod's (lisponsatioiis which I believe myself to possess, T
should bo happy beyond my hopes, and certainly beyond
my deserts, to sit at the feet of the meanest among them in
heaven. Nor dare we, as I conceive, deny that men like
these, however grievously mistaken in some points, were
under the guidance and teaching of that Spirit, from Avhosc
inspiration only such virtues as theirs could proceed."

T do not feel that the progress of the Church can be much
impeded by the eftbrts of Vrotestant Dissenters, now that our
temporalities have vanished and ceased to be a source of
contention. I trust that a conciliatory spirit will take the
place of former bitterness between us ; and unless they arc
determined to patronise and favour unbelief rather than
Christianity, they must come forward and assist us on the
great question of religious, as distinguished from mere secular,
education ; on the more cordial and general reception of the
Holy Bible in our schools, and on the proper observance of
the Sabbath to keep it holy.

But DC this as it may, we do not expect that Dissenters
should not attack the Church, her doctrines and discipline ;
and we must be prepared to defend them with energy, zeal,
learning, and perseverance. They must ever be to us of
infinite moment, involving as they do our Prayer-Book,
Creeds and Articles, our Church government, our Ministry,
our Ritual — in all which consists, in common language, our
Holy Catholic Church.

It would be a libel, not on our branch of the Holy Catholic
Church only, but on Christianity itself, to say or think that
in so large a body of Ministers of Jesus Christ as I sec before
me there are n(it many anxious, resolute, and well prepared
to make any sacrifice of labour, time, means, and health for
the sake of the religion they profess, as soon as they sec th*t
such sacrifice will serve it.

But, whether we are involved in controversy with Romanism
or Dissent, we have, if faithful to our duty, nothing to fear

from the result ; and T trust that if it do come, it will })0 con-
ducted on our part with courtesy and moderation ; bitterness
and hard words add no force to ar«5ument, but rather induce
suspicions of its weakness.

It is also reasonable to hope that this course will be fol-
lowed by our opponents. But, whether this bo so or rot, wo
must on our part exclude strife and calumny, and if reviled,
wc must not revile aj];ain, however great the provocation.

All this wo can well afford to do, because in defending our
Church, wo aro defending tho groat bulwark of Protestanism,
and the purest form of teaching tho gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ that exists in tho word.

Having thus touched, hoAvever imperfectly, upon all tho
matters on which I propose on this occasion to address you,
I have now to thank you for your kindness and patience in
bearing with mo so long, and to commend you to Almighty
God, who alone can vouchsafe unto us tho will and ability,
through the assistance of llis Holy Spirit, to imitate our
Great Exemplar, Jesus Christ, whoso blessed recognition of
our imperfect services shall become our rich reward and
c. "^"'n of glory on the day of his appearing.

Toronto, 30th April, 1856.