**"*
"THE STORY OF MY LIFE."
BY THE LATE
REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LLD.,
(BEING REMINISCENCES OF SIXTY YEARS' PUBLIC SERYICE IN CANADA.)
PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OP BIS LITERARY TKUBTEI8 :
THE BBY. 8. S. NBLLES, D J)., LL.D., TUB REV. JOHN POTTS, D.D., AND J. GEORGE EODQWS, 1SQ. , LL.D.
EDITED BY
J. QEOEGE HODGINS, ESQ., LL.D.
" His life was gentle ; and the elements
80 inix't in him, that Nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, This was a Man !"
—SHAKESPEARE. Julius Ccuar, Act T., ic. 5.
Justum et tenacem propositi virum
Non civium ardor prava juben tium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni
Mente quatit solida—
—HORACE. Odes, ill. 3.
WITH PORTRAIT AND ENGRAVINGS.
TORONTO:
WliLIAM BBIGGS, 78 AND 80 KING STREET EAST.
1883.
Entered, according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, In the year one thousand eight
hundred and eighty-three, by MART RYWUJOS and CHARLES EOBRTON RYBRSON, in the Office of
the Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa.
I"—-
105%
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PREFACE ix
ESTIMATE OF REV. DR. RYERSON'S CHARACTER AND LABOURS 17
CHAPTER I.— 1803-1825. y«-V/y
Sketch of Early Life 23
CHAPTER II.— 1824-1825.
Extracts from Dr. Ryerson's Diary of 1824 and 1825 32
CHAPTER III.— 1825-1826.
First Year of Ministry and First Controversy 47
CHAPTER IV.— 1826-1827.
Missionary to the River Credit Indians '. 58
CHAPTER V.— 1826-1827.
Diary of Labours among Indians 64
CHAPTER VI.— 1827-1828.
Labours and Trials. — Civil Rights Controversy 80
CHAPTER VII.— 1828-1829.
Ryanite Schism. — M. E. Church of Canada organized 87
CHAPTER VIII.— 1829-1832.
Establishment of the Christian Guardian. — Church Claims resisted 93
CHAPTER IX.— 1831-1832.
Methodist Affairs in Upper Canada. — Proposed Union with the British
Conference 107
CHAPTER X.— 1833.
Union between the British and Canadian Conferences 114
CHAPTER XI.— 1833-1834.
" Impressions of England " and their effects 121
CHAPTER XII.— 1834.
Events following the Union. — Division and Strife 141
CHAPTER XIII.— 1834-1835. f
Second Retirement from the Guardian Editorship 144
876651
iv CONTENTS.
PAH
CHAPTER XIV.— 1835-1836.
Second Mission to England. — Upper Canada Academy .................... 152
CHAPTER XV.— 1835-1836.
The "Grievance " Report ; Its Object and Failure ........................ 1S5
CHAPTER XVI.— 1836-1837.
Dr. Ryerson's Diary of his Second Mission to England .................... 158
CHAPTER XVII.— 1836.
Publication of the Hume and Roebuck Letters .......................... 167
CHAPTER XVIII.— 1836-1837.
Important Events transpiring in England .............................. 170
CHAPTER XIX.— 1837-1839.
Return to Canada. — The Chapel Property Cases .......................... 172
CHAPTER XX.— 1837.
The Coming Crisis.— Rebellion of 1837 .................................. 175
CHAPTER XXL— 1837-1838.
Sir F. B. Head and the Upper Canada Academy .......................... 179
CHAPTER XXII.— 1838.
Victims of the Rebellion. — State of the Country .......................... 182
CHAPTER XXIII.— 1795-1861.
Sketch of Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie .............. . ................. 185
CHAPTER XXIV.— 1838.
Defence of the Hon. Marshall Spring Bidwell ............................ 188
CHAPTER XXV.— 1838.
Return to the Editorship of the Guardian .............................. 199
CHAPTER XXVI.— 1838-1840.
Enemies and Friends Within and Without .............................. 205
CHAPTER XXVIL— 1778-1867.
The Honourable and Right Reverend Bishop Strachan .................... 21 &
CHAPTER XXVIII. — 1791-1836.
The Clergy Reserves and Rectories Questions ............................ 218
CHAPTER XXIX.— 1838.
The Clergy Reserve Controversy Renewed .............................. 225
CHAPTER XXX.— 1838-1839.
The Ruling Party and the Reserves. — " Divide et Impera. " ................ 236
CHAPTER XXXI.— 1839.
Strategy in the Clergy Reserve Controversy .............................. 245
CHAPTER XXXII.— 1839.
Sir 0. Arthur's Partisanship. — State of the Province ...................... 250
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIIL— 1838-1840.
The New Era. — Lord Durham and Lord Sydenham 257
CHAPTER XXXIV.— 1840.
Proposal to leave Canada. — Dr. Ryerson's Visit to England 269
CHAPTER XXXV.— 1840-1841.
Last Pastoral Charge. — Lord Sydenham's Death 282
CHAPTER XXXVI.— 1841.
Dr. Ryerson's Attitude toward the Church of England 291
CHAPTER XXXVII.— 1841-1842.
Victoria College. — Hon. W. H. Draper. — Sir Charles Bagot 301
CHAPTER XXXVIII.— 1843.
Episode in the case of Hon. Marshall S. Bidwell 308
CHAPTER XXXIX.— 1844.
Events preceding the Defence of Lord Metcalfe 312
CHAPTER XL.— 1844.
Preliminary Correspondence on the Metcalfe Crisis 319
CHAPTER XLL— 1844.
Sir Charles Metcalfe Defended against his Councillors 328
CHAPTER XLII.— 1844-1845
After the Contest. — Reaction and Reconstruction 337
CHAPTER XLIII.— 1841-1844.
Dr. Ryerson appointed Superintendent of Education 342
CHAPTER XLIV.— 1844-1846.
Dr. Ryerson's First Educational Tour in Europe : , . 352
CHAPTER XLV.— 1844-1857.
Episode in Dr. Ryerson's European Travels. — Pope Pius IX. 365
CHAPTER XLVI.— 1844-1876.
Ontario School System. — Retirement of Dr. Ryerson 368
CHAPTER XLVIL— 1845-1846.
Illness and Final Retirement of Lord Metcalfe 375
CHAPTER XLVIIL— 1843-1844.
Clergy Reserve Question R«-Opened. — Disappointments 378
CHAPTER XLIX.— 1846-1848.
Re-Union of the British and Canadian Conferences 383
CHAPTER L.— 1846-1853.
Miscellaneous Events and Incidents of 1846-1853 410
CHAPTER LI.— 1849.
* The Bible in the Ontario Public Schools 423
CONTENTS.
PiQX
CHAPTER LII.— 1850-1853.
The Clergy Reserve Question Transferred to Canada 433
CHAPTER LIII.— 1851.
Personal Episode in the Clergy Reserve Question 454
CHAPTER LIV.— 1854-1855.
Resignation on the Class-Meeting Question. — Discussion 470
CHAPTER LV.— 1855.
Dr. Ryerson resumes his Position in the Conference 491
CHAPTER LVI.— 1855-1856.
Personal Episode in the Class-Meeting Discussion 499
CHAPTER LVIL— 1855-1856.
Dr. Ryerson 's Third Educational Tour in Europe 514
CHAPTER LVIIL— 1859-1862.
Denominational Colleges and the University Controversy SIS
CHAPTER LIX.— 1861-1866.
Personal Incidents. — Dr. Ryerson's Visits to Norfolk County 534
CHAPTER LX.— 1867.
Last Educational Visit to Europe. — Rev. Dr. Punshon 539
CHAPTER LXI.— 1867.
Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New Dominion of Canada 547
CHAPTER LXII.— 1868-1869.
Correspondence with Hon. Geo. Brown — Dr. Punshon 554
CHAPTER LXIII.— 1870-1875.
Miscellaneous Closing Events and Correspondence 559
CHAPTER LXIV.— 1875-1876.
Correspondence with Rev. J. Ryerson, Dr. Punshon, etc 573.
CHAPTER LXV.— 1877-1882.
Closing Years of Dr. Ryerson's Life Labours 585
CHAPTER LXVI.— 1882.
The Funeral Ceremonies 593
Tributes to Dr. Ryerson's Memory and Estimates of his Character and Work. 59&
LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS.
PASS
PORTRAIT OF HEY. DR. RYERSON Frontispiece
INDIAN VILLAGE AT RIVEK CSBDIT, IN 1837 59
JOHN JONES' HOUSE AT THE CREDIT, WHERE DE. RYEBSON RESIDED.. 65
OLD CREDIT MISSION, 1837 73
OLD ADELAIDE STREET METHODIST CHURCH 283
VICTORIA COLLEGE, COBOURG .'.... 302
ONTARIO EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT AND NORMAL SCHOOL 421, 422
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT AT PHILADELPHIA 584, 585
METROPOLITAN CHURCH 564
DR. RYERSON'S RESIDENCE IN TORONTO £87
PREFATORY NOTE.
FT1WELVE months ago, I began to collect the necessary material
-L for the completion of " THE STOKY OF MY LIFE," which my
venerated and beloved friend, Dr. Ryerson, had only left in
partial outline. These materials, in the shape of letters, papers,
and documents, were fortunately most abundant. The difficulty
that I experienced was to select from such a miscellaneous
collection a sufficient quantity of suitable matter, which I could
afterwards arrange and group into appropriate chapters. This
was not easily done, so as to form a connected record of
the life and labours of a singularly gifted man, whose name was
intimately connected with every public question which was
discussed, and every prominent event which took place in Upper
Canada from 1825 to 1875-78.
Public men of the present day looked upon Dr. Ryerson prac-
tically as one of their own contemporaries — noted for his zeal
and energy in the successful management of a great Public
Department, and as the founder of a system of Popular Education
which, in hi« handsTbecame the pride and glory of Canadians,
and was to those beyond the Dominion, an ideal system — the
leading features of which they would gladly see incorporated in
their own. In this estimate of Dr. Ryerson's labours they were
quite correct. And in their appreciation of the statesmanlike
qualities of mind, which devised and developed such a system
in the midst of difficulties which would have appalled less
resolute hearts, they were equally correct.
But, after all, how immeasurably does this partial view of his
character *nd labours fall short of a true estimate of that char-
acter a»d of those labours !
x . PREFACE.
As a matter of fact, Dr. Ryerson's great struggle for the civil
and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when
he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational
System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825
to 1845, as detailed in the following pages, without being im-
pressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native
country than that which is therein recorded, he would have
accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his
fellow-countrymen.
It was my good fortune to enjoy Dr. Ryerson's warm, personal
friendship since 1841. It has also been my distinguished privilege
to be associated with him in the accomplishment of his great
educational work since 1844, I have been able, therefore, to
turn my own personal knowledge of most of the events outlined
in this volume to account in its preparation In regard to what
transpired before 1841, I have frequently heard many narratives
in varied forms from Dr. Ryerson's lips.
My own intimate relations with Dr. Ryerson, and the character
of our close personal friendship are sufficiently indicated in hi
private letters to me, published in various parts of the book, but
especially in Chapter liii. And yet they fail to convey the depth
and sincerity of his personal attachment, and the feeling of
entire trust and confidence which existed between us.
I am glad to say that I was not alone in this respect. Dr.
Ryerson had the faculty, so rare in official life, of attaching his
assistants and subordinates of every grade to himself personally.
He always had a pleasant word for them, and made them feel
that their interests were safe in his hands. They therefore
respected and trusted him fully, and he never failed to acknow-
ledge their fidelity and devotion in the public service.
I had, for some time before he ceased to be the Head of the
Education Department, looked forward with pain and anxiety to
that inevitable event. Pain, that he and I were at length to be
separated in the carrying forward of the great work o. our
lives, in which it had been my pride and pleasure to be his
principal assistant. Anxiety at what, from my knowledge of
him, I feared would be the effect of release from the work on
fully accomplishing which he had so earnestly set his heart.
Nor were my fears groundless. To a man Oi his application and
PREFACE. xi
ardent temperament, the feeling that his work was done sen-
sibly affected him. He lost a good deal of his elasticity, and
during the last few years of his life, very perceptibly failed.
The day on which he took official leave of the Department
was indeed a memorable one. As he bade farewell to each of
his assistants in the office, he and they were deeply moved. He
could not, however, bring himself to utter a word to me at our
official parting, but as soon as he reached home he wrote to me
the following tender and loving note : —
171 VICTORIA STREET, TORONTO,
MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 21 ST, 1876.
MY DEAR HODGINS, — I felt too deeply to-day when parting
with you in the Office to be able to say a word. I was quite
overcome with the thought of severing our official connection,
which has existed between us for thirty-two years, during the
whole of which time, without interruption, we have laboured as
one mind and heart in two bodies, and I believe with a single
eye to promote the best interests of our country, irrespective of
religious sect or political party — to devise, develop, and mature
a system of instruction which embraces and provides for every
child in the land a good education ; good teachers to teach ;
good inspectors to oversee the Schools ; good maps, globes, and
text-books ; good books to read ; and every provision whereby
Municipal Councils and Trustees can provide suitable accomo-
dation, teachers, and facilities for imparting education and
knowledge to the rising generation of the land.
While I devoted the year 1845 to visiting educating countries
and investigating their system of instruction, in order to devise
one for our country, you devoted the same time in Dublin in
mastering, under the special auspices of the Board of Education
there, the several different branches of their Education Office,
in administering the system of National Education in Ireland,
so that in the details of our Education Office here, as well as in
our general school system, we have been enabled to build up the
most extensive establishment in the country, leaving nothing, as
far as I know, to be devised in the completeness of its arrange-
ments, and in the good character and efficiency oi its officers.
Whatever credit or satisfaction may attach to the accomplishment
xii PREFACE.
of this work, I feel that you are entitled to share equally with
myself. Could I have believed that I might have been of any
service to you, or to others with whom I have laboured so cor-
dially, or that I could have advanced the school system, I would
not have voluntarily retired from office. But all circumstances
considered, and entering within a few days upon my 74th year,
I have felt that this was the time for me to commit to other
hands the reins of the government of the public school system,
and labour during the last hours of my day and life, in a more
retired sphere.
But my heart is, and ever will be, with you in its sympathies
and prayers, and neither you nor yours will more truly rejoice in
your success and happiness, than
Your old life-long Friend
And Fellow-labourer,
E. EYERSON.
Dr. Eyerson was confessedly a man of great intellectual re-
sources. Those who read what he has written on the question —
perilous to any writer in the early days of the history of this
Province — of equal civil and religious rights for the people of
Upper Canada, will be impressed with the fact that he had
thoroughly mastered the great principles of civil and religious
liberty, and expounded them not only with courage, but with
clearness and force. His papers on the clergy reserve question,
and the rights of the Canadian Parliament in the matter, were
statesmanlike and exhaustive.
His exposition of a proposed system of education for his
native country was both philosophical and eminently practical.
As a Christian Minister, he was possessed of rare gifts, both
in the pulpit and on the platform ; while his warm sympathies
and his deep religious experience, made him not only a
" son of consolation," but a beloved and welcome visitor in the
homes of the sorrowing and the afflicted. Among his brethren
he exercised great personal influence ; and in the counsels of the
Conference he occupied a trusted and foremost place.
Thus we see that Dr. Eyerson's character was a many-sided
one; while his talents were remarkably versatile. He was an
PREFACE. xiii
able writer on public affairs ; a noted Wesleyan Minister, and a
successful and skilful leader among his brethren. But his fame
in the future will mainly rest upon the fact that he was a dis-
tinguished Canadian Educationist, and the Founder of a great
system of Public Education for Upper Canada. What makes this
widely conceded excellence in his case the more marked, was
the fact that the soil on which he had to labour was unprepared,
and the social condition of the country was unpropitious.
English ideas of schools for the poor, supported by subscriptions
and voluntary offerings, prevailed in Upper Canada ; free schools
were unknown ; the very principle on which they rest — that is,
that the rateable property of the country is responsible for the
education of the youth of the land — was denounced as commun-
istic, and an invasion of the rights of property ; while " compul-
sory education" — the proper and necessary complement of free
schools — was equally denounced as the essence of "Prussian
despotism," and an impertinent and unjustifiable interference
with " the rights of British subjects."
It was a reasonable boast at the time that only systems of
popular education, based upon the principle of free schools, were
possible in the republican American States, where the wide
diffusion of education was regarded as a prime necessity for the
stability and success of republican institutions, and, therefore,
was fostered with unceasing care. It was the theme on which
the popular orator loved to dilate to a people on whose sympa-
thies with the subject he could always confidently reckon. The
practical mind of Dr. Eyerson, however, at once saw that the
American idea of free schools was the true one. He moreover
perceived that by giving his countrymen facilities for freely
discussing the question among the ratepayers once a year, they
would educate themselves into the idea, without any interference
from the State. These facilities were provided in 1850 ; and for
twenty-one years the question of free-schools versus rate-bill
schools (fees, &c.) was discussed every January in from 3,000
to 5,000 school sections, until free schools became voluntarily
the rule, and rate-bill schools the exception. In 1871, by com-
mon consent, the free school principle was incorporated into our
school system by the Legislature, and has ever since been the
universal practice. In the adoption of this principle, and in the
ii7 PREFACE.
successful administration of the Education Department, Dr.
Ryerson at length demonstrated that a popular (or, as it had
been held in the United States, the democratic) system of public
schools was admirably adapted to our monarchial institutions.
In point of fact, leading American educationists have often
pointed out that the Canadian system of public education was
more efficient in all of its details and more practically successful
in its results, than was the ordinary American school system in
any one of the States of the Union. Thus it is that the fame of
Dr. Ryerson as a successful founder of our educational system,
rests upon a solid basis. What has been done by him will not
be undone ; and the ground gone over by him will not require to
be traversed again. In the " STORY OF MY LIFE," not much Ras
been said upon the subject with which Dr. Ryerson's name has
been most associated. It was distinctively the period of his
public life, and its record will be found in the official literature
of his Department. The personal reminiscences left by him are
scanty, and of themselves would present an utterly inadequate
picture of his educational work. Such a history may one day be
written as would do it justice, but I feel that in such a work as the
present it is better not to attempt a task, the proper perform-
ance of which would make demands upon the space and time at
my disposal that could not be easily met.
There was one r6le in which Dr. Ryerson pre-eminently
excelled — that of a controversialist. There was nothing spas-
modic in his method of controversy, although there might be in
the times and occasions of his indulging in it. He was a well-
read man and an accurate thinker. His habit, when he medi-
tated a descent upon a foe, was to thoroughly master the subject
in dispute ; to collect and arrange his materials, and then calmly
and deliberately study the whole subject — especially the weak
points in his adversary's case, and the strong points of his own.
His habits of study in early life contributed to his after success
in this matter. He was an indefatigable student ; and so thor-
oughly did he in early life ground himself in English subjects —
grammar, logic, rhetoric — and the classics, and that, too, under
the most adverse circumstances, that, in his subsequent active
career as a writer and controversialist, he evinced a power
and readiness with his tongue and pen, that often astonished
PREFACE. xv
those who were unacquainted with the laborious thoroughness
of his previous mental preparation.
It was marvellous with what wonderful effect he used the
material at hand. Like a skilful general defending a position —
and his study was always to act on the defensive — he masked his
batteries, and was careful not to exhaust his ammunition in the
first encounter. He never offered battle without having a suffi-
cient force in reserve to overwhelm his opponent. He never
exposed a weak point, nor espoused a worthless cause. He
always fought for great principles, which to him were sacred,
and he defended them to the utmost of his ability, when they
were attacked. In such cases, Dr. Eyerson was careful not to
rush into print until he had fully mastered the subject in
dispute. This statement may be questioned, and apparent
examples to the contrary adduced ; but the writer knows better,
for he knows the facts. In most cases Dr. Eyerson scented
the battle from afar. Many a skirmish was improvised, and
many a battle was privately fought out before the Chief advanced
to repel an attack, or to fire the first shot in defence of his
position.
A word as to the character of this work. It may be objected
that I have dealt largely with subjects of no practical interest
now — with dead issues, and with controversies for great prin-
ciples, which, although important, acrimonious, and spirited at
the time, have long since lost their interest. Let such critics
reflect that the " Story " of such a " Life " as that of Dr. Eyer-
son cannot be told without a statement of the toils and difficulties
which he encountered, and the triumphs which he achieved ?
For this reason I have written as I have done, recounting them
as briefly as the subjects would permit.
In the preparation of this work I am indebted to the co-
operation of my co-trustees the Eev. Dr. Potts and Eev. Dr.
Nelles, whose long and intimate acquaintance with Dr. Eyerson
(quite apart from their acknowledged ability) rendered their
counsels of great value.
And now my filial task is done, — imperfectly, very imperfectly.
I admit. While engaged in the latter part of the work a deep
xvi PREFACE.
dark shadow fell — suddenly fell — upon my peaceful, happy
home. This great sorrow has almost paralyzed my energies,
and has rendered it very difficult for me to concentrate my
thoughts on the loving task which twelve months ago I had so
cheerfully begun. Under these circumstances, I can but crave the
indulgence of the readers of these memorial pages of my
revered and honoured Friend, the Kev. Dr. Eyerson — the fore-
most Canadian of his time.
TORONTO, 17th May, 1882.
On the accompaaying page, I give a foe-simile of the well-
known hand-writing of Dr. Kyerson, one of the many notes
which I received from him.
ESTIMATE
OF THE REV. DK RYERSON'S CHARACTER
AND LABOURS.
BY THE REV. WILLIAM ORMISTON, D D., LL.D.
NEW YORK, Oct. Cth, 1882.
MY DEAR DR. HODGINS, — It affords me the sincerest pleasure,
tinged with sadness, to record, at your request, the strong
feelings of devoted personal affection which I long cherished
for our mutual father and friend, Rev. Dr. Ryerson ; and the
high estimate, which, during an intimacy of nearly forty years,
I had been led to form of his lofty intellectual endowments, his
great moral worth, and his pervading spiritual power. He was
very dear to me while he lived, and now his memory is to me a
precious, peculiar treasure.
In the autumn of 1843, 1 went to Victoria College, doubting
much whether I was prepared to matriculate as a freshman.
Though my attainments in some of the subjects prescribed for
examination were far in advance of the requirements, in other
subjects, I knew I was sadly deficient. On the evening of my
arrival, while my mind was burdened with the importance of
the step I had taken, and by no means free from anxiety about
the issue, Dr. Ryerson, at that time Principal of the College,
visited me in my room. I shall never forget that interview.
He took me by the hand ; and few men could express as much
by a mere hand-shake as he. It was a welcome, an encourage-
ment, an inspiration, and an earnest of future fellowship and
friendship. It lessened the timid awe I naturally felt towards
one in such an elevated position, — I had never before seen a
Principal of a College, — it dissipated all boyish awkwardness,
and awakened filial confidence. He spoke of Scotland, my native
land, and of her noble sons, distinguished in every branch of
philosophy and literature ; specially of the number, the diligence,
the frugality, self-denial, and success of her college students.
In this" way, he soon led me to tell him of my parentage, past
life and efforts, present hopes and aspirations. His manner
was so gracious and paternal — his sympathy so quick and
genuine — his counsel so ready and cheering — his assurances so
grateful and inspiriting, that not only was my heart his from
that hour, but my future career seemed brighter and more cer-
tain than it had ever appeared before.
2
18 ESTIMATE OF THE EEV. DR. RYEBSON'S
Many times in after years, have I been instructed, and guided,
and delighted with his conversation, always replete with interest
and information ; but that first interview I can never forget : it
is as fresh and clear to me to-day as it was on the morning after
it took place. It has exerted a profound, enduring, moulding
influence on my whole life. For what, under God, I am, and
have been enabled to achieve, I owe more to that noble, unselfish,
kind-hearted man than to any one else.
Dr. Ryerson was, at that time, in the prime of a magnificent
manhood. His well-developed, finely-proportioned, firmly-knit
frame ; his broad", lofty brow ; his keen, penetrating eye, and
his genial, benignant face, all proclaimed him every inch a man.
His mental powers vigorous and well-disciplined, his attain-
ments in literature varied and extensive, his experience extended
and diversified, his fame as a preacher of great pathos and
power widely-spread, his claims as a doughty, dauntless cham-
pion of the rights of the people to civil and religious liberty
generally acknowledged, his powers of expression marvellous in
readiness, richness, and beauty, his manners affable and winning,
his presence magnetic and impressive,— «-he stood in the eye of
the youthful, ardent, aspiring student, a tower of strength, a
centre of healthy, helpful influences — a man to be admired and
honoured, loved and feared, imitated and followed. And I may
add that frequent intercourse for nearly forty years, and close
official relations for more than ten, only deepened and confirmed
the impressions first made. A more familiar acquaintance with
his domestic, social, and religious life, a more thorough know-
ledge of his mind and heart, constantly increased my apprecia-
tion of his worth, my esteem for his character, and my affection
for his person.
Not a few misunderstood, undervalued, or misrepresented his
public conduct, but it will be found that those who knew him
best, loved him most, and that many who were constrained to
differ from him, in his management of public affairs, did full
justice to the purity and generosity of his motives, to the
nobility, loftiness, and ultimate success of his aims, and to the
disinterestedness and value of his varied and manifold labours
for the country, and for the Church of Christ.
As a teacher, he was earnest and efficient, eloquent and
inspiring, but he expected and exacted rather too much work
from the average student. His own ready and affluent mind
sympathized keenly with the apt, bright scholar, to whom his
praise was warmly given, but he scarcely made sufficient
allowance for the dullness or lack of previous preparation which
failed to keep pace with him in his long and rapid strides ;
hence his censures were occasionally severe. His methods of
CHARACTER AND LABOURS. 19
examination furnished the very best kind of mental discipline,
fitted alike to cultivate the memory and to strengthen the judg-
ment. All the students revered him, but the best of the class
appreciated him most. His counsels were faithful and judicious;
his admonitions paternal and discriminating; his rebukes seldom
administered, but scathingly severe. No student ever left his
presence, without resolving to do better, to aim higher, and to
win his approval.
His acceptance of the office of Chief Superintendent of
Education, while offering to him the sphere of his life's work,
and giving to the country the very service it needed — the man
for the place — was a severe trial to the still struggling College,
and a bitter disappointment to some young, ambitious hearts.
Into this new arena he entered with a resolute determination
to succeed, and he spared no pains, effort, or sacrifice to fit him-
self thoroughly for the onerous duties of the office to which he
had been appointed. Of its nature, importance, and far-reaching
results, he had a distinct, vivid perception, and clearly realized
and fully felt the responsibilities it imposed. He steadfastly
prosecuted his work with a firm, inflexible will, unrelaxing
tenacity of purpose, an amazing fertility of expedient, an
exhaustless amount of information, a most wonderful skill
in adaptation, a matchless ability in unfolding and vindicating
his plans, a rare adroitness in meeting and removing difficulties
— great moderation in success, and indomitable perseverance
under discouragement, calm patience when misapprehended,
unflinching courage when opposed, — until he achieved the con-
summation of his wishes, the establishment of a system of
public education second to none in its efficiency and adaptation
to the condition and circumstances of the people. The system
is a noble monument to the singleness of purpose, the unwaver-
ing devotion, the tireless energy, the eminent ability, and the
administrative powers of Dr. Ryerson, and it will render his
name a familiar word for many generations in Canadian schools
and homes ; and place him high in the list of the great men of
other lands, distinguished in the same field of labour. His
entire administration of the Department of Public Instruction
was patient and prudent, vigorous and vigilant, sagacious and
successful.
He repeatedly visited Europe, not for mere recreation or
personal advantage, but for the advancement of the interests of
religion and education in the Province. During these tours,
there were opened to him the most extended fields of observation
and enquiry, from which he gathered ample stores of informa-
tion which he speedily rendered available for the perfecting, as-
far as practicable, the entire system of Public Instruction.
20 ESTIMATE OF THE REV. DE. RYERSON'S
A prominent figure in Canadian history for three score years,
actively and ceaselessly engaged in almost every department of
Bitriotic and philanthropic, Christian and literary, enterprise,
r. Ryerson was a strong tower in support or defence of every
good cause, and no such cause failed to secure the powerful aid
of his advocacy by voice and pen. His was truly a catholic and
charitable spirit. Nothing human was alien to him. A friend
of all good men, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all,
even of those whose opinions or policy on public questions he
felt constrained to refute or oppose. He commanded the respect,
and secured the friendship of men of every rank, and creed, and
party. None could better appreciate his ability and magna-
nimity than those who encountered him as an opponent, or were
compelled to acknowledge him as victor. His convictions were
strong, his principles firm, his purposes resolute, and he could,
and did maintain them, with chivalrous daring, against any
and every assault.
In the heat of controversy, while repelling unworthy insinua-
tions, his indignation was sometimes roused, and his language
not unfrequently was fervid, and forcible, and scathingly severe,
but seldom, if ever, personally rancorous or bitter. When
violently or vilely assailed his sensitive nature keenly felt the
wound, but though he carried many a scar, he bore no malice.
His intellectual powers, of a high order, admirably balanced,
and invigorated by long and severe discipline, found their
expression in word and work, by pulpit, press, and platform, in
the achievements of self-denying, indefatigable industry, and in
wise and lofty statesmanship.
His moral nature was elevated and pure. He was generous,
sympathetic, benevolent, faithful, trusting, and trustworthy.
He rejoiced sincerely in the weal, and deeply felt the woes of
others, and his ready hand obeyed the dictates of his loving,
liberal heart.
His religious life was marked by humility, consistency, and
cheerfulness. The simplicity of his faith in advanced life was
childlike, and sublime. His trust in God never faltered, and, at
the end of his course, his hopes of eternal life, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, were radiant and triumphant.
Dr. Ryerson was truly a great man, endowed with grand
qualities of mind and heart, which he consecrated to high and
holy aims ; and though, in early life, and in his public career,
beset with many difficulties, he heroically achieved for himself,
among his own people, a most enviable renown. His work and
his worth universally appreciated, his influence widely acknow-
ledged, his services highly valued, his name a household word
CHAEAGTEE AND LABOURS. 21
throughout the Dominion, and his memory a legacy and an
inspiration to future generations.
And while Canada owes more to him than any other of her
sons, his fame is not confined to the land of his birth, which he
loved so well, and served so faithfully, but in Britain and in the
United States of America his name is well known, and is classed
with their own deserving worthies.
Whatever judgment may be formed of some parts of his
eventful and distinguished career as a public man, there can be
but one opinion as to the eminent and valuable services he has
rendered to his country, as a laborious, celebrated pioneer
preacher, an able ecclesiastical leader, a valiant and veteran
advocate of civil and religious liberty — as the founder and
administrator of a system of public education second to that of
no other land — as the President and life-long patron of Victoria
University, whose oldest living alumnus will hold his memory
dear to life's close, when severed friends will be reunited ; and
whose successive classes will revere as the first President and
firm friend of their Alma Mater, as the promoter of popular
education, the ally of all teachers, and an example to all young
men.
I lay this simple wreath on the memorial of one, whom I
found able and helpful as a teacher in my youth — wise and
prudent as an adviser in after life — generous and considerate
as a superior officer — tender and true as a friend. He loved me,
and was beloved by me. He doubtless had his faults, but I
cannot recall them ; and very few, I venture to think, will ever
seek to mention them. The green turf which rests on his
grave covers them. His memory will live as one of the purest,
kindest, best of men. A patriot, a scholar, a Christian — the
servant of God, the friend of man.
" Amicum perdere est damnomm maximum."
Yours, very faithfully, in bonds of truest friendship,
W. ORMISTON.
To J. George Hodgins, Esq., LL.D., Toronto
CHAPTER I.
1803-1825.
SKETCH OF EARLY LIFE.
I HAVE several times been importuned to furnish a sketch
of my life for books of biography of public men, published
both in Canada and the United States ; but I have uniformly
declined, assigning as a reason a wish to have nothing of the
kind published during my lifetime. Finding, however, that
some circumstances connected with my early history have
been misapprehended and misrepresented by adversaries, and
that my friends are anxious that I should furnish some infor-
mation on the subject, and being now in the seventieth year
of my age, I sit down in this my Long Point Island Cottage,
retired from the busy world, to give some account of my early
life, on this blessed Sabbath day, indebted to the God of the
Sabbath for all that I am, — morally, intellectually, and as a
public man, as well as for all my hopes of a future life.
I was born on the 24th of March, 1803, in the Township of
Charlotteville, near the Village of Vittoria, in the then London
District, now the County of Norfolk. My Father had been an
officer in the British Army during the American Revolution,
being a volunteer in the Prince of Wales' Regiment of New
Jersey, of which place he was a native. His forefathers were
from Holland, and his more remote ancestors were from
Denmark.
At the close of the American Revolutionary War, he, with
many others of the same class, went to New Brunswick, where
he married my Mother, whose maiden name was Stickney, a
descendant of one of the early Massachusetts Puritan settlers.
24 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. I.
Near the close of the last century my Father, with his family,
followed an elder brother to 'Canada,* where he drew some
2,500 acres of land from the Government, for his services in
the army, besides his pension. My Father settled on COO acres
of land lying about half-way between the present Village of
Vittoria and Port Ryerse, where my uncle Samuel settled, and
where he built the first mill in the County of Norfolk.
On the organization of the London District in 1800, for
legal purposes, my uncle was the Lieutenant of the County,
issuing commissions in his own name to militia officers; he
was also Chairman of the Quarter Sessions. My Father was
appointed High Sheriff in 1800, but held the office only
six years, when he resigned it in behalf of the late
Colonel John Bostwick (then a surveyor), who subsequently
married my eldest sister, and who owned what is now Port
Stanley, and was at one time a Member of Parliament for the
County of Middlesex.
My Father devoted himself exclusively to agriculture, and I
learned to do all kinds of farm- work. The district grammar-
school was then kept within half-a-mile of my Father's residence,
by Mr. James Mitchell (afterwards Judge Mitchell), an excellent
classical scholar; he came from Scotland with the late
Rt. Rev. Dr. Strachan, first Bishop of Toronto. Mr. Mitchell
married my youngest sister. He treated me with much kind-
ness. When I recited to him my lessons in English grammar
he often said that he had never studied the English grammar
himself, that he wrote and spoke English by the Latin grammar.
At the age of fourteen I had the opportunity of attending
a course of instruction in the English language given by two
professors, the one an Englishman, and the other an American,
who taught nothing but English grammar. They professed
in one course of instruction, by lectures, to enable a dili-
fent pupil to parse any sentence in the English language,
was sent to attend these lectures, the only boarding abroad
for school instruction I ever enjoyed. My previous knowledge
of the letter of the grammar was of great service to me,
and gave me an advantage over other pupils, so that before
the end of the course I was generally called up to give
visitors an illustration of the success of the system, which
was certainly the most effective I have ever since witnessed,
having charts, etc., to illustrate the agreement and government
of words. t
This whole course of instruction by two able men, who did
* My father's eldest brother Samuel was known as Samuel Ryerse, in consequence
of the manner in which his name was spelled in his Army Commission which he
held ; but the original family name was Ryerson.
1803-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 25
nothing but teach grammar from one week's end to another
had to me all the attraction of a charm and a new discovery.
It gratified both curiosity and ambition, and I pursued it
with absorbing interest, until I ,had gone through Murray's
two volumes of "Expositions and Exercises," Lord Kames'
" Elements of Criticism," and Blair's " Lectures on Khetoric," of
which I still have the notes which I then made. The same
professors obtained sufficient encouragement to give a second
course of instruction and lectures at Vittoria, and one of them
becoming ill, the other solicited my Father to allow me to assist
him, as it would be useful to me, while it would enable him
to fulfil his engagements. Thus, before I was sixteen, I was
inducted as a teacher, by lecturing on my native language.
This course of instruction, and exercises in English, have proved
of the greatest advantage to me, not less in enabling me to
study foreign languages than in using my own.
But that to which I am principally indebted for any studious
nabits, mental energy, or even capacity or decision of character,
is religious instruction, poured into my mind in my childhood
by a Mother's counsels, and infused into my heart by a
Mother's prayers and tears. When very small, under six years
of age, having done something naughty, my Mother took
me into her bedroom, told me how bad and wicked what I
had done was, and what pain it caused her, kneeled down,
clasped me to her bosom, and prayed for me. Her tears,
falling upon my head, seemed to penetrate to my very heart.
This was my first religious impression, and was never effaced.
Though thoughtless, and full of playful mischief, I never
afterwards knowingly grieved my Mother, or gave her other
than respectful and kind words.
At the close of the American War, in 1815, when I was
twelve years of age, my three elder brothers, George, William,
and John, became deeply religious, and I imbibed the same
spirit. My consciousness of guilt and sinf ulness was humbling,
oppressive, and distressing ; and my experience of relief, after
lengthened fastings, watchings, and prayers, was clear, refresh-
ing, and joyous. In the end I simply trusted in Christ, and
looked to Him for a present salvation ; and, as I looked up in
my bed, the light appeared to my mind, and, as I thought, to
my bodily eye also, in the form of One, white-robed, who
approached the bedside with a smile, and with more of the
expression of the countenance of Titian's Christ than of any
person whom I have ever seen. I turned, rose to my knees,
bowed my head, and covered my face, rejoiced with trembling,
saying to a brother who was lying beside me, that the Saviour
was now near us. The change within was more marked than
26 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. I.
anything without and, perhaps, the inward change may have
suggested what appeared an outward manifestation. I hence-
forth had new views, new feelings, new joys, and new strength.
I truly delighted in the law of the Lord, after the inward
man, and —
" Jesus, all the day long, was my joy and my song."
From that time I became a diligent student, and new
quickness and strength seemed to be imparted to my under-
standing and memory. While working on the farm I did more
than ordinary day's work, that it might show how industrious,
instead of lazy, as some said, religion made a person. I studied
between three and six o'clock in the morning, carried a book
in my pocket during the day to improve odd moments by
reading or learning, and then reviewed my studies of the day
aloud while walking out in the evening.
To the Methodist way of religion my Father was, at that
time, extremely opposed, and refused me every facility for
acquiring knowledge while I continued to go amongst them.
I did not, however, formally join them, in order to avoid his
extreme displeasure. A kind friend offered to give me any
book that I would commit to memory, and submit to his
examination of the same. In this way I obtained my first
Latin grammar, " Watts on the Mind," and " Watts' Logic."
My eldest brother, George, after the war, went to Union
College, U. S., where he finished his collegiate studies. He was
a fellow-student with the late Dr. Wayland, and afterwards
succeeded my brother-in-law as Master of the London District
Grammar School. His counsels, examinations, and ever kind
assistance were a great encouragement and of immense service
to me ; and though he and I have since differed in religious
Dpinions, no other than most affectionate brotherly feeling has
aver existed between us to this day.*
When I had attained the age of eighteen, the Methodist
minister in charge of the circuit which embraced our neighbour-
hood, thought it not compatible with the rules of the Church
bo allow, as had been done for several years, the privileges of
a member without my becoming one. I then gave in my name
for membership. Information of this was soon communicated
bo my Father, who, in the course of a few days, said to me :
" Egerton, I understand you have joined the Methodists ; you
must either leave them or leave my house." He said no more,
and I well knew that the decree was final ; but I had formed
* This brother of Dr. Ryerson's passed quietly away on the 19th of December,
1882, aged 92. Dr. Ryerson died on the 19th of February of the same year, aged
79. Their father, Col. Ryeraon, died at the age of 94.— J. G. H.
1803-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 27
my decision in view of all possible consequences, and I had
the aid of a Mother's prayers, and a Mother's tenderness, and
a conscious Divine strength according to my need. The next
day I left home and became usher in the London District
Grammar School, applying myself to my new work with much
diligence and earnestness, so that I soon succeeded 'in gaining
the good-will of parents and pupils, and they were quite
satisfied with my services, — leaving the head master to his
favourite pursuits of gardening and building !
During two years 1 was thus teacher and student, advancing
considerably in classical studies. I took great delight in "Locke
on the Human Understanding," Paley's "Moral and Political
Philosophy," and "Blackstone's Commentaries," especially the
sections of the latter on the Prerogatives of the Crown, the
Rights of the Subject, and the Province of Parliament.
As my Father complained that the Methodists had robbed
him of his son, and of the fruits of that son's labours, I wished to
remove that ground of complaint as far as possible by hiring
an English farm-labourer, then just arrived in Canada, in my
place, and paid him out of the proceeds of my own labour for
two years. But although the farmer was the best hired man
my Father had ever had, the result of his farm-productions
during these two years did not equal those of the two years
that I had been the chief labourer on the farm, and my
Father came to me one day uttering the single sentence,
' Egerton, you must come home," and then walked away. My
first promptings would have led me to say, " Father, you have
expelled me from your house for being a Methodist ; I arn so
still. I have employed a man for you in my place for two
years, during which time I have been a student and a teacher,
and unaccustomed to work on a farm, I cannot now resume it."
But I had left home for the honour of religion, and I thought
the honour of religion would be promoted by my returning
home, and showing still that the religion so much spoken
against would enable me to leave the school for the plough and
the harvest-field, as it had enabled me to leave home without
knowing at the moment whether I should be a teacher or a
farmv labourer.
I relinquished my engagement as teacher within a few days,
engaging again on the farm with such determination and
purpose that I ploughed every acre of ground for the season,
cradled every stalk of wheat, rye, and oats, and mowed every
spear of grass, pitched the whole, first on a waggon, and then
from the waggon on the hay-mow or stack. While the
neighbours were astonished at the possibility of one man
doing so much work, I neither felt fatigue nor depression,
28 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. I.
for "tho joy of the Lord was my strength," both of body
and mind, and I made nearly, if not quite, as much progress
in my studies as I had done while teaching school. My Father
then became changed in regard both to myself and the religion
I professed, desiring me to remain at home ; but, having been
enabled to maintain a good conscience in the sight of God,
and a good report before men, in regard to my filial djuty
during my minority, I felt that my life's work lay in another
direction. • I had refused, indeed, the advice of senior
Methodist ministers to enter into the ministerial work, feeling
myself as yet unqualified for it, and still doubting whether
I should ever engage in it, or in another profession.
I felt a strong desire to pursue further my classical studies,
and determined, with the kind counsel and aid of my eldest
brother, to proceed to Hamilton, and place myself for a year
under the tuition of a man of high reputation both as a
scholar and a teacher, the late John Law, Esq., then head
master of the Gore District Grammar School. I applied
myself with such ardour, and prepared such an amount of
work in both Latin and Greek, that Mr. Law said it was
impossible for him to give the time and hear me read all that
I had prepared, and that he would, therefore, examine me on
the translation and construction of the more difficult passages,
remarking more than once that it was impossible for any
human mind to sustain long the strain that I was imposing
upon mine. In the course of some six months his apprehen-
sions were realized, as I was seized with a brain fever, and on
partially recovering took cold, which resulted in inflammation
of the lungs by which I was so reduced that my physician,
the late Dr. James Graham, of Norfolk, pronounced my case
hopeless, and my death was hourly expected.
In that extremity, while I felt even a desire to depart and
be with Christ, I was oppressed with the consciousness that I
should have yielded to the counsels of the chief ministers of
my Church, as I could have made nearly as much progress
in my classical studies, and at the same time been doing some
good to the souls of men, instead of refusing to speak in public
as I had done. I then and there vowed that if I should
be restored to life and health. I would not follow my own
counsels, but would yield to the openings and calls which might
be made in the Church by its chief ministers. That very
moment the cloud was removed; the light of the glory of
God shone into my mind and heart with a splendour and
power that I had never before experienced. My Mother,
entering the room a few moments after, exclaimed : " Egerton,
your countenance is changed, you are getting better 1" My
1803-251 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 29
bodily recovery was rapid ; but the recovery of my mind from
the shock which it had experienced was slower, and for some
weeks I could not even read, much less study. While thus
recovering, I exercised myself as I best could in writing down
my meditations.
My Father so earnestly solicited me to return, that he offered
me a deed of his farm if I would do so and live with him ;
but I declined acceding to his request under any circumstances,
expressing my conviction that even could I do so, I thought it
unwise and wrong for any parent to place himself in a position
of dependence upon any of his children for support, so long as
he could avoid doing so. One day, entering my room and
seeing a manuscript lying on the bed, he asked me what I had
been writing, and wished me to read it. I had written a medi-
tation on part of the last verse of the 73rd Psalm : " it is good
for me to draw near to God." When I read to him what I had
written my Father rose with a sigh, remarking : " Egerton, I
don't think you will ever return home again," and he never
afterwards mooted the subject, except in a general way.
On recovering, I returned to Hamilton and resumed my
studies ; shortly after which I went on a Saturday to a
quarterly meeting, held about twelve miles from Hamilton, at
"The Fifty," a neighborhood two or three miles west of
Grimsby, where I expected to meet my brother William, who
was one of the ministers on the circuit, which was then called
the Niagara Circuit — embracing the whole Niagara Peninsula,
from five miles east of Hamilton, and across to the west of
Fort Erie. • But my brother did not attend, and I learned that
he had been laid aside from his ministerial work by bleeding
of the lungs. Between love-feast and preaching on Sunday
morning, the presiding elder, the Rev. Thomas Madden, the late
Hugh Willson, and the late Smith Griffin (grandfather of the
Rev. W. S. Griffin), circuit stewards, called me aside and asked
if I had any engagements that would prevent me from coming
on the circuit to supply the place of my brother William, who
might be unable to resume his work for, perhaps, a year or
more.
I felt that the vows of God were upon me, and I was for
some moments speechless from emotion. On recovering, I said
I had no engagements beyond my own plans and purposes ;
but I was yet weak in body from severe illness, and I had no
means for anything else than pursuing my studies, for which
aid had been provided.
One of the stewards replied that he would give me a horse,
and the other that he would provide me with a saddle and
oridle. I then felt that I had no choice but to fulfill the vow
SO THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. I
which I had made, on what was supposed to my deathbed. 1
returned to Hamilton, settled with my instructor and for my
lodgings, and made my first attempt at preaching at or near
Beamsville, on Whit-Sunday, 1825, in the morning, from the 5th
verse of the 126th Psalm : " They that sow in tears shall read
in joy;" and in the afternoon at "The Fifty," on "The
Resurrection of Christ." — Acts ii. 24.
TORONTO, Nov. llth, 1880.
Such was the sketch of my life which I wrote on Sabbath in
my Long Point Island Cottage, on the 24th. of March, 1873,
the 70th anniversary of my birthday. I know not that I can
add anything to the foregoing story of my early life that
would be worth writing or reading.
[In his cottage at Long Point, on his seventy-fifth birthday,
Dr. Ryerson wrote the following paper, which Dr. Potts read
on the occasion of his funeral discourse. It will be read with
profoundest interest, as one of the noblest of those Christian
experiences which are the rich heritage of the Church. — J. G. H.]
LONG POINT ISLAND COTTAGE, March 24th, 1878.
I am this day seventy-five years of age, and this day fifty-
three years ago, after resisting many solicitations to enter the
ministry, and after long and painful struggles, I decided to
devote my life and all to the ministry of the Methodist
Church.
The predominant feeling of my heart is that of gratitude
and humiliation ; gratitude for God's unbounded mercy, patience,
and compassion, in the bestowment of almost uninterrupted
health, and innumerable personal, domestic, and social blessings
for more than fifty years of a public life of great labour and
many dangers ; and humiliation under a deep-felt consciousness
of personal unfaithfulness, of many defects, errors, and neglects
in public duties. Many tell me that I have been useful to the
Church and the country ; but my own consciousness tells
me that I have learned little, experienced little, done little in
comparison of what I might and ought to have known and
done. By the grace of God I am spared ; by His grace I am
what I am ; all my trust for salvation is in the efficacy of Jesus'
atoning blood. I know whom I have trusted, and " am persuaded
that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him
against that day." I have no melancholy feelings or fears. The
joy of the Lord is my strength. I feel that I am now on the
bright side of seventy-five. As the evening twilight of my
1803-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 31
earthly life advances, my spiritual sun shines with increased
splendour. This has been my experience for the last year.
With an increased sense of my own sinfulness, unworthiness.
and helplessness, I have an increased sense of the blessedness
of pardon, the indwelling of the Comforter, and the communion
of saints.
Here, on bended knees, I give myself, and all I have and
am, afresh to Him whom I have endeavoured to serve, but very
imperfectly, for more than threescore years. All helpless, my-
self, I most humbly and devoutly pray that Divine strength
may be perfected in my weakness, and that my last days on
earth may be my best days — best days of implicit faith and
unreserved consecration, best days of simple scriptural minis-
trations and public usefulness, best days of change from glory
to glory, and of becoming meet for the inheritance of the saints
in light, until my Lord shall dismiss me from the service of
warfare and the weariness of toil to the glories of victory and
the repose of rest
E. RTERSON.
CHAPTER II.
1824-1825.
EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY OF 1824 AND 1825.
foregoing sketch of my early life may be properly fol-
_ lowed by extracts from my diary ; pourtraying my mental
and spiritual exercises and labours during a few months before
and after I commenced the work of an itinerant Methodist
Preacher.
The extracts arc as follow, and are very brief in comparison
to the entire diary, which extends over eight years from 1824,
to 1832, after which time I ceased to write a daily diary,
and wrote in a journal the principal occurrences and doings in
which I was concerned.*
Hamilton, August 12M, 1824. — I arrived here the day after I left home.
Mr. John Law (with whom I am to study) received me with all the affection
and kindness of a sincere and disinterested friend. Even, without expecting
it, he told me that his library was at my service ; that he did not wish me
to join any class, but to read by myself, that he might pay every attention,
and give me every assistance in his power. Indeed he answered my highest
expectation. I am stopping with Mr. John Aikman. He is one of the
most respectable men in this vicinity. I shall be altogether retired. At the
Court of Assize, the Chief-Justice and the Attorney- General will stop here,
which will make a very agreeable change for a few days. To pursue my
studies with indefatigable industry, and ardent zeal, will be my set purpose,
so that I may never have to mourn the loss of my precious time.'
Aug. 16th. — This day I commenced my studies by reading Latin and
Greek with Mr. Law. I began the duties of the day in imploring the assist-
ance of God; for without Him I cannot do anything. God has been pleased
to open my understanding, to enlighten my mind, and to show me the neces-
sity and blessedness of an unreserved and habitual devotion to his heavenly
will. I have heard Bishop Hedding preach, also Rev. Nathan Bangs. 1 am
resolved to improve»my time more diligently, and to give myself wholly to
God. Oh, may his long-suffering mercy bear with me, his wisdom guide,
his power support and defend me, and may his mercy bring me off triumphant
in the dying day !
Aug. nth. — I have been reading Virgil's Georgics. 1 find them very diffi-
* These voluminous diaries and journals are full of detail, chiefly of Dr. Ryer-
son's religious experience. They are rich in illustration of the severe mental and
spiritual disciplinary process — self-imposed — through which he passed during these
eventful years of his earlier life. They are singularly severe in their personal reflec-
tions upon his religious shortcomings, and want of watchfulness. They are tinged
with an asceticism which largely characterized the religious experience of many of
the early Methodist preachers of Mr. Wesley's time— an asceticism which strongly
marked the Methodist biography and writings, which were almost the only religious
reading accessible to the devoted Methodist pioneers of this country, — J. G. H.
1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 33
cult, and have only read seventy lines. In my spiritual concerns I have heen
greatly blessed; and felt more anxiously concerned for my soul's salvation,
have prayed more than usual, and experienced a firmer confidence in the
blessed promises of the Gospel. I have enjbyed sweet intercourse with my
Saviour, my soul resting on his divine word, with a prayerful acquiescence
in his dispensations. But alas! what evil have I done, how much time have
I lost, how many idle words have I spoken ; how should these considerations
lead me to watch my thoughts, to husband my time with judgment, and
govern my tongue as with a bridle! Oh, Lord bless me and prosper me in
all my ways and labours, and keep me to thyself !
Aug. 18th. — The Lord has abundantly blessed me this day both in my
spiritual and classical pursuits. 1 have been able to pursue my studies with
facility, and have felt his Holy Spirit graciously enlightening my mind,
showing me the necessity of separating myself from the world, and being
given up entirely to his service.
Aug. Idth. — I have this day proved that, with every temptation, the Lord
makes a way for my escape. I have enjoyed much peace. Oh, Lord, help
me to improve my precious time, so as to overcome the assaults and escape
the snares of the adversary!
Aug. 20th. — In all the vicissitudes of life, how clearly is the mysterious
providence and superintending care of Jehovah manifested! how strikingly
can I observe the divine interposition of my heavenly Father, and how sen-
sibly do I realize his benevolence, kindness, and mercy in the whole moral
and blessed economy of his equitable and infinitely wise government! On
no object do I cast my eyes without observing an affecting instance of a bene-
volent and overruling power; and, while in mental contemplations my mind
is absorbed, my admiration rises still higher to the exalted purposes and
designs of Almighty God. I behold in the soul noble faculties, superior
powers of imagination, and capacious desires, unfilled by anything terrestrial,
and wishes unsatisfied by the widest grasp of human ambition. What is .
this but immortality ? Oh, that my soul may feed on food immortal!
Another week is gone, eternally gone ! What account can I give to my
Almighty Judge for my conduct and opportunities ? Has my improvement
kept pace with the panting steeds of unretarded time ? Must I give an
account of every idle word, thought, and deed 1 Oh, merciful God! if the
most righteous, devoted, and holy scarcely are saved, where shall I appear ?
How do my vain thoughts, and unprofitable conversation, swell heavea's .
register 1 Where is my watchfulness 1 Where are my humility, purity, aad
hatred of sin 1 Where is my zeal ? Alas! alas! they are things unpractised,
unfelt, almost unknown to me. How little do I share in the toils, the
labours, or the sorrows of the righteous, and consequently how little dio I
participate in their confidence, their joys, their heavenly prospects ? Oh, may
these awful considerations drive me closer to God, and incite- to a more
diligent improvement of my precious time, so that I may bear the mark of a
real follower of Christ !
Aug. %2nd — Sabbath. — When I arose this morning I endeavoured to dedi-
cate myself afresh to God in prayer, with a full determination to improve the
day to his glory, and to spend it in his service. Accordingly, I spent the
morning in prayer, reading, and meditation; but when I came to mingle
with the worldly-minded, my devotions and meditations were dampened and
distracted, my thoughts unprofitable and vain. I attended a Methodist
Class-meeting where I felt myself forcibly convinced of my shortcomings.
Sure I am that unless I am more vigilant, zealous, and watchful, I shall never
reach the Paradise of God. I must be willing to bear reproach for Christ's
sake, confess him before men, or I never can be owned by him in. the presence
of his Father, and the holy angels.
34 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IL
Merciful God! forbid that I should barter away my heavenly inheritance
for a transient gleam of momentary joy, and the empty round of worldly
pleasure:
" Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely, »
Assured if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die."
Aug. 23rd. — I have been abundantly prospered in my studies to-day; and
have been enabled to maintain an outward conformity in my conduct. But
alas! how blind to my own interest, to deprive myself of the highest blessings
and exalted honours the Almighty has to bestow. Oh, Lord! help me
henceforth to be wise unto salvation. May I be sober and watch unto
prayer! Amen.
Aug. 24lh. — Through the mercy of God I have been enabled in a good
degree to overcome my besetments, and have this day maintained more con-
sistency in conversation and conduct. Still I feel too much deterred by the
fear of man, and thirst too ardently for the honours of the world. Merciful
God! give me more grace, wisdom, and strength, that I may triumphantly
overcome and escape to heaven at last!
I shall finish the first book of the Georgics to-day, which is the seventh
day since I commenced them. I expect to finish them in four weeks from
this time. My mind improves, and I feel much encouraged. My labour is
uniform and constant, from the dawn of day till near eleven at night. I
have not a moment to play on the flute.
Aug.25th. — There is nothing like implicit trust in the Almighty for assist-
ance, protection, and assurance! His past dispensations and dealings with
me leave not the least suspicion of his inviolable veracity, and his efficacious
promises cheer the sadness, calm the fears of everv soul that practically
reposes in and seeks after him. The truth of this, blessed be God, I have
in some measure experienced to-day. Help me, O Lord, with increasing
grace to attain still more sublime enjoyments and triumphant prospects!
Aug. 26th. — I feel a growing indifference to worldly pleasures, and increas-
ing love to God, to holiness, and heaven. Entire confidence in a superin-
tending Providence heals the wounded heart of even the disconsolate widow,
and gives the oil of joy for sorrow, and the garment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness.
Aug. 27th. — This day I attended a funeral; those connected with it were
very ignorant; how strikingly this showed to me the advantages of a good
education. God forbid that I should idle away my golden moments. Help
me to choose the better part, and honour God in all things !
Aug. 28th. — The labours of another week are ended; during it I have
enjoyed much of the presence of God; surely the religion of Christ dazzles
all the magnificence of human glory; were I only to regard the happiness of
this lile, I would embrace its doctrines, practice its laws, and exert my influ-
ence for its extension.
Aug. 2Qth — Sabbath. — The blessings of the Lord have abundantly sur-
rounded me this day, and my heart has been enlarged.
Aug. 30th. — In observing my actions and words this day, I find I have
done many things that are culpable; and yet, blessed be God, his goodness
•to me is profuse. Help me to watch and pray that I enter not into
temptation.
Aug. 31st. — How many youths around me do I see trifling away the greatest
part of their time, and profaning their Maker's name 1 My soul magnifies
His name that I have decided to be on the Lord's side; how many evils have
I escaped; how many blessings obtained; what praise enjoyed, through the
influence of this religion. To God be all the glory!
1824-25] THE STOUT OF MY LIFE. 35
September 1st. — In no subject can we employ our thoughts more profitably
than on the atonement of Christ, and justification through his merits. With
wonder we gaze on the love of Deity; with profound awe we behold a God
descending from heaven to earth. Unbounded love! Unmeasured grace !
And while in deep silence his death wraps all nature; while his yielding/
breath rends the temple and shakes earth's deep foundations; may my
redeemed soul in silent rapture tune her grateful song aloft ; and fired by this
blood-bought theme, may I mend my pace towards my heavenly inheritance!
I generally close up the labours of the day by writing a short essay or
theme on some religious subject. In doing this I have two objects in view :
the improvement of my mind and heart. And what could be more appropriate
than to close the day by reflection upon God, and heaven, and time, and
eternity ? No private employment, except that of prayer, have I found more
pleasing and profitable than this. Youth is the seed-time of the life that
now is, as well as of that which is to come. Youthful piety is the germ of
true honour, lawful prosperity, and everlasting blessedness. One day of
humble, devotional piety in youth will add more to our happiness at the last
end of life than a year of repentance and humiliation in old age. I have no
intention of entering the ministry, and yet I prefer religious topics. To-day
I have chosen the atonement of our Lord, and have written a few thoughts
on it.
Sept. 2nd. — Implicit trust in a superintending Providence is a constant
source of comfort and support to me.
Sept. Srd. — God has blessed me to-day in my studies. I have also felt the
eflicacy of Divine aid. Help me still, most merciful God!
Sept. 4th. — In the course of the past week I have experienced various feel-
ings, especially with respect to the dealings of Divine Providence with me ;
but in all I have had this consolation, that whatever happens, " the will of
the Lord be done." It is my duty to perform and obey.
Sept. 5th. — This morning I attended church and heard a sermon on Ezekiel
xviii. 27. When we consider the importance of repentance, its connection
with our eternal happiness, surely every feeling heart, and ministers especially,
should exhibit with burning zeal the conditions of salvation, the slavery of
vice, the heinousness of sin, the vanity of human glory, and the uncertainty
of life.
Sept. 6th. — When I laid aside my studies to commit my evening thoughts
to paper, my mind wandered on various subjects, until much time was lost ;
the best antidote against this is, not to put off to the next moment what can
be done in this. We should be firm and decided in all our pursuits, and
whatever our minds " find to do, do it with all our might."
Sept. 7th. — The mutual dependence of men cements society, and their
social intercourse communicates pleasure. If we are called to endure the
pains and inconveniences of poverty, possessing this we forget all; and in the
pleasant walks of wealth, it adds to every elegance a charm. Friendship
associated with religion, elevates all the ties of Christian love and mutual
pleasure.
Sept. 8th. — I have found myself too much mingled with the common
crowd, and like others, too indifferent to the subject of all others the chief.
Sept. 9th. — We " cannot serve God and Mammon." May I be firm in my
attachment to the Saviour, remembering that " godliness has the promise of
the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
Sept. 1.2th. — I heard a practical sermon on making our " calling and elec-
tion sure," which closed with these words, " He that calleth upon the name
of the Lord shall be saved." I felt condemned on account of my negligence,
and resolved, by God's help, to gain victory over my tendency to incon-*
sistencies of life and conduct.
36 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II.
Sept, 14lh. — I observe men embarked on the stream of time, and carried
forward with irresistible force to that universal port which shall receive the
whole human family. Amongst this passing crowd, how few are there who
reflect upon the design and end of their voyage; surfeited with pleasure,
involved in life's busy concerns, the future, with its awful realities, is forgotten
and time, not eternity, is placed in the foreground.
Sept. 15th. — In a letter to my brother George> to-day, I said: — It would
be superfluous for me to tell you that the letter I received from you gave me
unspeakable pleasure. Your fears with respect to my injuring my health
are groundless, for I must confess I don't possess half that application and
burning zeal in these all-important pursuits that I ought to have. For who
can estimate the value of a liberal education ? Who can sufficiently prize
that in which all the powers of the human mind can expand to their utmost
and astonishing extent 1 What industry can outstretch the worth of that
knowledge, by which we can travel back to the remotest ages, and live the
lives of all antiquity ? Nay, who can set bounds to the value of those attain-
ments, by which we can, as it were, fly from world to world, and gaze on all
the glories of creation; by which we can glide down the stream of time, and
penetrate the unorganized regions of uncreated futurity 1 My heart burns
while I write. Although literature presents the highest objects of ambition
to the most refined mind, yet I consider health, in comparison with other
temporal enjoyments, the most bountiful, and highest gift of heaven.
I have read three books of the Georgics, and three odes of Horace, but
this last week I have read scarcely any, as I have had a great deal of company,
and there has been no school. But I commence again to-day with all my
might. The Attorney-General stops at Mr. Aikman's during Court. I find
him very agreeable. He conversed with me more than an hour last night,
in the most sociable, open manner possible.
Sept. 16th. — There is nothing of greater importance than to commence
early to form our characters and regulate our conduct. Observation daily
proves that man's condition in this world is generally the result of his own
conduct. When we come to maturity, we perceive there is a right and a
wrong in the actions of men; many who possess the same hereditary advan-
tages, are not equally prosperous in life; some by virtuous conduct rise to
respectability, honour, and happiness; while others by mean and vicious
actions, forfeit the advantages of their birth, and sink into ignominy and
disgrace. How necessary that in early life useful habits should be formed,
and turbulent passions restrained, so that when manhood and old age come,
the mind be not enervated by the follies and vices of youth, but, supported
and strengthened by the Divine Being, be enabled to say, "0 God, thou hast
taught me from my youth, and now when I am old and grey-headed, O God,
thou wilt not forsake me! "
Sept. 2lst. — I have just parted with an old and faithful friend, who has
left for another kingdom. How often has he kindly reproved me, and how
oft have we gone to the house of God together! We may never meet again on
earth, but what a mercy to have a good hope of meeting in the better land!
Sept. 23rd. — When I reflect on the millions of the human familywho know
nothing of Christ, my soul feels intensely for their deliverance. What a vast
uncultivated field in my own country for ministers to employ their whole
time and talents in exalting a crucified Saviour. Has God designed this
sacred task for me 1 If it be Thy will, may all obstacles be removed, my
heart be sanctified and my hands made pure.
Sept. 26th. — I have been much oppressed with a man-fearing spirit, but
what have 1 to fear if God be for me ? Oh, Lord, enable me to become a bold
.witness for Jesus Christ !
Sept. 28th. — In all the various walks of life, I find obstructions and
1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 37
labours, surrounded with foes, powerful as well as subtle; although I have
all the promises of the Gospel to comfort and support me, yet find exertion
on my own part absolutely necessary. When heaven proclaims victory, it is
only that which succeeds labour. I consider it a divine requisition that my
whole course of conduct, both in political and social life, should be governed
by the infallible precepts of revelation ; hypocrisy is inexcusable, even in the
most trifling circumstancea
Sept. 29th. — I find difficulties to overcome in my literary pursuits, I had
never anticipated ; and it is only by the most indefatigable labour I can
succeed. I am much oppressed by the labours of this day. I need Divine
aid in this as well as in spiritual pursuits.
Sept. 20th. — I have been enabled to study with considerable facility.
Prayer I find the most profitable employment, practice the best instructor,
and thanksgiving the sweetest recreation. May this be my experience every
day 1
October, 2nd. — I am another week nearer my eternal destiny ! Am I nearer
heaven, and better prepared for death than at its commencement 1 Do I
view sin with greater abhorence 1 Are my views of the Deity more enlarged 1
Is it my meat and drink to do his holy will 1 Oh, my God, how much other-
wise!
From the 3rd to the 9lh Oct. — During this period the afflicting hand of God
has been upon me ; thank God, when distressed with bodily pain, I have felt
a firm assurance of Divine favour, so that all tear of death has been taken
away. My soul is too unholy to meet a holy God, and mingle with the
society of the blest. Oh, God, save me from the deceitfulness of my own
heart !
Oct. 10th. Sabbath. — I am rapidly recovering health and strength. The
Lord is my refuge and comfort. Surrounded by temptations, the applause
of men is often too fascinating, and my treacherous heart dresses things in
false colours. But, bless God, in his goodness and mercy he recalls my
wandering steps, and invites me to dwell in safety under the shadow of hia
wing.
Oct. Hth. — No graces are of more importance than patience and persever-
ance. They give consistency and dignity to character. We may possess the
most sparkling talents and the most interesting qualities, but without these
graces, the former lose their lustre, and the latter their charms. In religion
their influence is more important, as they form the character, by enabling us
to surmount difficulties and remove obstacles. I am far from thinking them
constitutional virtues, with a little additional cultivation, but I considei
them the gift of heaven, less common than is generally imagined, though
sometimes faintly counterfeited. They differ from natural or moral excel-
lence in this being the proper and consistent exercise of those virtues.
Oct. 12th. — It is two weeks to-day since I first wrote home. A week ago
I received a kind letter from my brother George, but was too ill with fever
to read it, or to write in reply until to-day. I said : " I feel truly thankful
to you for the tender concern and warm interest which you express in youi
letter. Tell my dear Mother that I share with her her afflictions, and that
I am daily more forcibly convinced that every earthly comfort and advantage
is transient and unsatisfactory, that this is not our home, but that our high-
est happiness amidst these fluctuating scenes, is to insure the favour and pro-
tection of him who alone can raise us above afflictions and calamities."
November 20lh. — More than a month has elapsed since I recorded
my religious feelings and enjoyments on paper. During this period, I have
sometimes realized all the pleasures of health ; at other times, borne down
with pain and sickness, the spirit would be cast down. At such seasons oi
depression, religion would come in as my only comfort, and with the
38 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II.
Psalmist I would exclaim, " Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him
who is the light of my countenance, and my God." Thus I find from blessed
experience, that in every state and condition, union and intercourse with
God brings true peace, joy, trust, and praise. If there be any honour, here
it is. If there be any wealth, this is it. " I would rather be a door-keeper
in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." O Lord, give
me more of the mind of Christ I
Nov. 25th. — In entering on the field of life, I find my mind much per-
plexed with the variety of objects presented to my view. The comforts and
tranquility of domestic happiness attract my attention, and excite warm de-
sires in my heart. Am I not to taste the pleasures which two hearts
reciprocally united in one, mutually communicate ? or must I give up the
home of domestic enjoyment to the calls of duty, and the salvation of men 1
Has heaven designed that I should spend my days in seeking the lost sheep
of the House of Israel 1 May divine wisdom direct me, and suffer me not
to follow the dictates of my own will 1
Nov. 26th. — By taking a retrospective view of what is past, we learn to
ask more wisely in the time to come. The cool dictates of reason, assisted by
that inward monitor, conscience, placed within the breast of every individual,
strongly condemns every deviation from propriety, justice, or morality. By
mingling with society we learn human nature, and the scenes of public resort
afford us a field for useful observation, yet retirement is the place to acquire
the most important knowledge— tfw knowledge of ourselves. What would it
avail us to dive into the mysteries of science, or entertain the world with new
discoveries, to acquaint ourselves with the principles of morality, or leara
the whole catalogue of Christian doctrines, if we are unacquainted with our
own hearts, and strangers to the business of self-government ?
February 12lh, 1825. — During the long period since I last penned my
religious meditations, my feelings, hopes, and prospects have been extremely
varied. While I was promising myself health and many temporal pleasures,
God saw fit to show me the uncertainty of earthly things, and the necessity
and wisdom of submission to his will, by the rod of affliction. During my
sickness I have derived much pleasure and profit from the visits of pious
friends, so that I have felt it is good to be afflicted,*
Feb. 13th. — I am resolved, by God's assisting grace, to keep the following
resolutions : — (1) Endeavour to fix my first waking thoughts on God ;
(2) By rising early to attend to my devotions, and reading the Scriptures ;
(3)By praying oftenereach day, and maintaining a more devotional frame of
mind ; (4) By being more circumspect in my conduct and conversation ;
(5) By improving my time more diligently in reading useful books, and
study ; (6) By watching over my thoughts, and keeping my desires within
proper bounds ; (7) By examining myself more closely by the scripture
rule; (8) By leaving myself and all that concerns me to God's disposal ;
(9) By reviewing every evening the actions of the day, and especially'
every Sabbath, examining wherein I have come short, or have kept God s
precepts.
Feb. 16th. — I have lately been closely employed in reading Bishop
Burnet's History of the Reformation. How sad to reflect on the crueltiufl
that were then practised against the professors of true religion ! What a
reason for thankfulness that the sway of papal authority can no longer inflict
papal obligations on the consciences of men ! But after careful research into
this highly authentic history, I find but few vestiges of that apostolic purity
which churchmen so boastfully attribute to that memorable period of Chris-
* In a previous and subsequent chapter Dr. Ryerson refers more particularly tc
this illness (pp. 28, 39, and elsewhere). It was a turning point in his life, and
decided him to enter the ministry on his twenty -second birthday. — J. G. H.
1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 39
tian history. Great allowance, is, However, to be made when we consider
that they were just emerging out of the superstitions of popery. That
doctrines, discipline, and ceremonies, cannot be established without the
royal assent, even when they are approved both by ecclesiastical and legis-
lative authority, is a practice so different from anything that the Primitive
Church authorizes, it seems to me to originate from quite a different source ;
that a whole nation should be bound in their religious opinions by a single
individual, savours so much of popery, I think it may properly be called its
offspring. Preventions to regal supremacy in church affairs were never made
till a late period, although this interference of papal authority in matters
entirely spiritual, does not annul any ecclesiastical power, or prove its
doctrines to be corrupt, or its ordinations illegal. It may be justly ranked
among the invasions of modern corruption.
Feb. nth. — Since I drew up, four days since, several resolutions for
amendment, I bless God I have reason to believe I have made some im-
provement. I have applied myself more closely to study, prayed oftener,
and governed my thoughts with more rigour.
Feb. 2*7th. — I am now emerging into life, surrounded by blessings and
opportunities for usefulness and improvement ; but, alas ! where is my
gratitude, my love to God, my zeal for his cause, and for the salvation of
those who are ignorant of the great truths of the Gospel ? If, 0 God, thou
hast designed this awfully important work for me, qualify me for it ; increase
and enlarge my desires for the salvation of immortal souls !
March 15th. — This day 1 Lave recommenced my studies with Mr. John
Law, at Hamilton. How necessary that I should be very careful in my con-
duct for the credit of religion and Methodism !
March 24th. — I have this day finished twenty-two years of my life. I
have decided this day to travel in the Methodist Connexion and preach
Jesus to the lost sons of men. Oh, the awful importance of this work !
How utterly unfit I am for the undertaking ! How little wisdom, experi- -
ence, and, above all, grace do I possess for the labours of the ministry !
Blessed Jesus, fountain of wisdom, God of power, I give myself to thee, and
to the Church, to do with me according to thy will Instruct and sanctify
me, that whether I live, it may be to the Lord, and when I die it may be to
the Lord !
April 3rd. — Easter Sunday. — I this day commenced my ministerial labours.
Bless the Lord, he has given me a heart to feel. He hears my prayer. Oh,
my soul, hang all thy hopes upon the Lord ! Forbid I should seek the praise
of men, but may I seek their good and God's glory.
In the morning I endeavoured to speak from Ps. cxxvi. 5, and in the even-
ing from Acts ii, 24 — a subject suitable for the day ; bless the Lord, I felt
something of the power of my Saviour's resurrection resting on my soul.
April 8th. — The Lord being my helper, my little knowledge and feeble
talents shall be unreservedly devoted to his service. I do not yet regret
giving up my worldly pursuits for the welfare of souls. I want Christ to be
all in all.
April 10th. — Sabbath. — I endeavoured this morning to show the abundant
provisions, the efficacy, and the triumphs of the Gospel from Isaiah xxv. 6, 7,
8, and in the afternoon I described the righteous man and his end from
Prov. xiv. 32. I felt much of the presence of the Lord, and I do bless the
Lord he has converted one soul in this place to-day. I feel encouraged to go
on.
April 13th. — I have been depressed in spirit on account of having no
abode for domestic retirement, and becoming exposed to all the besetinents
of public life.
April 15th. — So bowed down with temptation to-day, I almost resolved to
40 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II,
return to my native place. But, in God's strength, I will try to do my best
during the time I have engaged to supply my brother William's place.
April 16th. — In reading Rollin's account of the conquest of Babylon, I
conceive more exalted ideas of the truth of the Word of God, whose predic-
tions were so exactly fulfilled in the destruction of that city.
April nth. — Sabbath. — My labours this day have been excessive, having
delivered three discourses. In the morning my mind was dull and heavy, in
the afternoon warm and pathetic, in the evening clear and fertile. I feel
encouraged to continue on.
April 23rd. — I feel nothing but condemnation in reviewing the actions of
the past week. Would it not be better for me to return home until I gain
better government over myself. Oh, Lord, I throw myself upon thy mercy!
"Take not thy Holy Spirit from me! Restore unto me the joy of thy
salvation ! "
April 25th and 26th. — And thus I go on, depressed and refreshed ; almost
discouraged because of the way, and then cheered by the kind and fatherly
conversation of Rev. Thomas Madden.
April 29th. — In travelling to-day a tree fell across the road four or five
rods before me, and another not far behind, but I escaped unhurt. My heart
glowed with gratitude ; I felt that the Lord was indeed my protector. But
whilst so narrowly escaping myself, two persons, a woman and her son, who
were travelling a short distance behind me, were suddenly killed by the fall-
ing of a tree, and thus in an instant hurried into eternity.
May 4th. — I watched to-day a barge concourse of people assembled to
witness horse-racing. I stood at a distance that I might observe an illustra-
tion of human nature. Curiosity and excitement were depicted in every
countenance. What is to become of this thoughtless multitude ? Is there no
mercy for them 1 Surely there is. Why will they not be saved ? Because
they will not come to Him.
May 5th. — During the day I preached once, to a listening but wicked
assembly. In the afternoon I heard my brother William. I was affected
by the force of his reasoning, and the power of his eloquence. I hope the
Lord will help me to imitate his piety and zvial.
May 7th. — A camp-meeting was commenced this afternoon on Yonge
Street, near the town of York. Rev. Thomas Madden preached from, " Lord
help me!" Every countenance indicated interest, and every heart appeared
willing to receive the word. In the evening a pious, aged man spoke (Mr.
D. Y.) His discourse was full of God. Several were converted and made
very happy.
May Sth. — The people rose at 5 a.m. After prayers and breakfast, there
was a prayer meeting, during which God was especially present. At 8 a.m.
I preached from Hosea xiii. 3. This was followed by two exhortations; then
Rev. Rowley Heyland preached from, " Buy the truth, and sell it not."
About two o'clock the people were again assembled to hear the Rev. James
Richardson (formerly a lieutenant in the British Navy) from the words, " Be
ye reconciled to God." His style was plain but unadorned, his reasoning
clear, and his arguments forcible. The sendees concluded with the celebra-
tion of the Lord's Supper. About three hundred communicated, sixty-two
professed to have obtained the pardon of their sins, and forty-two gave their
names as desirous of becoming members of the Methodist Society. After
this, a concluding address was delivered by the Rev. Win. Ryerson, in which
he gave particular directions to the Methodists as subjects under the civil con-
stitution, as members of the Church of Christ, as parents, as children, as
individuals. He animadverted on the groundless and disingenuous asper-
sions that had been thrown out through the press against Methodism, on
account of the suspected loyalty of its constitutional principles. He warmly
1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 41
insisted on a vigorous observance, support, and respect for the Civil Govern-
ment, both from the beneficence of its laws and the equity of its administra-
tion, as well as from the authority of God. The concluding ceremony was
the most affecting I ever witnessed, especially in the affection which the
people showed for their ministers.
May 12th. — I have this day ridden nearly thirty miles, preached three
times, and met two classes. I felt very much fatigued, yet the Lord has
given me " strength equal to my day."
May 19th. — I have been much blessed in the society of pious friends. A
part of the week I felt very sick, but was greatly comforted by the conversa-
tion and affectionate treatment of my kindest friend, Mrs. Smith. Since I
commenced labouring for my Master I have found fathers and mothers,
brothers and sisters, all ready to supply my every want.
May 24th. — A Camp-meeting commenced at Mount Pleasant. The
presence of both Mississauga and Mohawk Indians added greatly to the
interest of the meeting. Peter Jones addressed his people in their own
tongue; although I did not understand, I was much affected by his fervency
and pathos. He spoke in English, in a manner that astonished all present.
Another Indian Chief addressed his brethren in the Mohawk tongue. I
could not understand a word of it, but was carried away with his pathos and
energy. These Indians thanked the white people for sending them the
Gospel. He said that upwards of sixty Indians had been converted, and
could testify that God had power to forgive sin. He, i. e., a young Chippewa
said that the most earnest desire and prayer of the Christian Indians was
that God would drive the horrid whiskey from their nation. It was truly
affecting to see this young man arise and testily in the presence of God and
this large assembly, that " he had the witness in his own soul, that God for
Christ's sake had forgiven all his sins." The congregation was much moved,
and prayers and praises were heard in every part of the assembly. At the
close of the exercises, on the following day, the Mohawk Chief said, " They
considered that they belonged to the Methodist Church, as they had done
all for them."
May 29th. — For many days I have been cast down by a weight of care.
My Father is exceedingly anxious that I should return home, and remain with
him during his lifetime. A position in the Church of England has pre-
sented itself, and other advantageous attractions with regard to this world,
offer themselves.* It makes my heart bleed to see the anxiety of my parents.
But is it duty? If they were in want I would return to them without hesita-
tion, but when I consider they have everything necessary, can it be my duty
to gratify them at the expense of the cause of God 1 Surely if a man may
leave father and mother to join himself to a wife, how much more reasonable
to leave all to join himself to the Christion ministry. My parents are dear
to me, but my duty to God is dearer still. One thing do I desire, that I
may live in the House of the Lord for ever !
And shall I leave a Church through whose faithful instructions I have
been brought to know God, for any advantages that the entrance to another
might afford me? No, far be it from me ; as I received the Lord Jesus, so I
will walk in him. Earthly distinctions will be but short ; but the favour of
God will last forever. Besides, is it a sacrifice to do my duty ? Is it not
rather a cause of gratitude that I know my duty, and am allowed to perform
it ? My heart is united with the Methodists, my soul is one with theirs ; my
labours are acceptable, and they are anxious that I should continue with
them. I believe in their Articles, I approve of their Constitution, and I
believe them to be of the Church of Christ.
* Dr. Ryerson refers in another chapter to the overtures which were made to
him at this time to enter the ministry of the Church of England. — J. G. H.
42 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II.
Saltfteet, May 30th. — [Amongst Dr. Ryerson's papers I find
the two following letters. The first addressed from Saltfleet, on
this day, to his brother George ; the second to his Mother on the
following day. — J. G. H.]
[To his brother, Rev. George Ryerson, he said : I suppose
your first inquiry is to know my spiritual condition and
prospects. As to my religious enjoyments, I think that I have
reason to believe I am daily blessed with the divine presence to
enlighten, to instruct, and to assist me in my researches and
meditations, and in the other arduous duties I have to discharge.
Never did I so sensibly feel tha importance of the work in
which I am now engaged, as I have these few days past. I feel
that I am altogether inadequate to it ; but God has in a very
special manner, at different times, been my wisdom and strength.
I do not feel sorry that I have commenced travelling as a
preacher. I think I feel more deeply the worth of souls at
heart. I feel willing to spend my all, and be spent in the cause
of God, if I may become the unworthy instrument in doing
some good to the souls of men. The greatest assistance I
receive in my public labours, is that which results from a firm
dependence on God for light, life, and power. When I forget
this I am visited with that barrenness of mind, and hardness
Df heart which are always the companions of those who live at
a distance from God. In discharging every public duty, my
prayer to God is, to renew my commission afresh, and give me
wisdom and energy, and I do not find him slack concerning his
promise. I am striving to pursue my studies with unabating
ardour. My general practice is to retire at ten o'clock, or
before, and rise at five. When I am travelling, I strive to con-
verse no more than is necessary and useful, endeavouring at all
times to keep in mind the remark of Dr. Clarke, that a preacher's
whole business is to save souls, and that that preacher is the
most useful who is the most in his closet. On my leisure days
I read from ten to twenty verses of Greek a day, besides read-
ing history, the Scriptures, and the best works on practical
divinity, among which Chalmers' has decidedly the preference
in my mind, both for piety and depth of thought. These two
last studies employ the greatest part of my time. My preaching
is altogether original. I endeavour to collect as many ideas
from every source as I can ; but I do not copy the expression of
any one. For I do detest seeing blooming flowers in dead men's
hands. I think it my duty, and I try to get a general know-
ledge, and view of any subject that I discuss before-hand ; but
not unfrequently I have tried to preach with only a few minutes
previous reflection. Remember me to my dear Mother, and give
her this letter to read, and tell her that I will write soon.]
1824-25] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 43
Saltfleet, May 31s£. — [To his Mother he writes : My dear
Mother, I am thankful to say that I am well, and am trying in
a weak way to serve the Lord, and persuading as many others
to do so as I can. I feel that I am almost destitute of every
necessary qualification for so important a work. The Lord has
blessed me in a very special manner at many different times.
Our prospects are very favourable in some places. Our congre-
gations are generally large, and still increasing. We have twenty-
four appointments in four weeks. I have formed some very
useful and pious acquaintances since I left home. The Lord
seems to be with me, and renders my feeble efforts acceptable in
general. My acquaintance seems to be sought by all classes, and
I try to improve such advantages in spreading, by my example
and conversation, the blessed religion of Christ among all ranks.
I have many temptations to contend with, and many trials to
weigh me down at times. Some of these arise from a sense of
the injustice which I have done to important subjects, on
account of my ignorance, which drives me to a throne of grace,
and a closer application to my studies. My situation is truly
a state of trial, and none but God could support and direct me.
And I do feel the comforting and refreshing influence of his
divine power at times very sensibly. I am determined, by his
assistance, never to rest contented until he not only becomes my
wisdom, but my sanctification, and my full redemption. And
blessed be the Lord, my dear Mother, I do feel a hope, and a
confidence that the same divine power and goodness which
supports and comforts you in your ill state of health, and
which gives you victory 'over your trials, and consolation in
your distress, will conduct me, too, through this stormy maze,
and we shall yet have the blessedness of meeting at our Father's
table in Heaven. And God being my helper, my dear Mother,
when you have gone home to rest with God, I am determined
to pursue the same path, which you have strewn with prayers,
with tears, and living faith, until I reach the same blessed port.
I hope that you will pray that the Lord would help and save me
forever ! If I had no other inducement to serve God, and
walk in the path of religion, but your comfort, I would try and
devote my life to it while I live ; but when Heaven's trans-
c'endant glory beams forth in prospective view, my soul burns to
possess the kingdom, and my heart is enlarged for the salvation
of others. I wish you would get George to write immediately,
and let me know the state of your mind, and your opinion
about my returning home, also his own opinion 011 that subject.
— J. G. H.]
July 2nd. — This week has been a season of trial. I have left my Father's
house once more, and arrived on my Circuit.
44 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II.
July 3rd— Sabbath. — I have preached twice to-day in Niagara for the first
time ; felt very embarrassed, but my trust was in God, and my prayer to Him
for assistance.
July 4th. — This evening I have been distressed in mind on account of
leaving my parents. My heart melts within me when I think of my Father's
faltering voice, when lying on his bed he said, " Good-bye, Egerton," and
reached forth his trembling hand, saying by his countenance that he never
expected to see his son a resident in his house again. He laid himself back
in his bed in apparent despair, no more to enjoy the society of the child he
loved. Oh, my God ! is it not too much for humanity ? Nature sinks be-
neath the weight It is only God that can sustain. May I endure manfully
to the end i
July 6th and 7th. — I have been much interested in reading Dr. Coke's dis-
courses, also Wesley's sermons on " The Kingdom of God."
July 9th. — I have crossed the river to the United States to-day for the
first time. The manners of the people are not pleasant to me.
July Wth — Sabbath. — The Lord has greatly blessed me this day. I have
preached three times. My heart overflowed with love for immortal souls.
Many wept, and God's people seemed stirred up to engage afresh in His ser-
vice. In the evening, I preached to very a wicked congregation, from Matt.
xvi. 24. My mind was clear, particularly in argument, but they seemed to
be unaffected.
July 14th. — I have been afflicted with illness, but the Lord has comforted
me. Again had to mourn over light conversation, still I think I have gained
some victory. I am determined to watch and pray until I obtain a triumph
over this trying besetment.
July 17th. — I felt so ill this morning that I could not attend my appoint-
ment, but recovered so as to preach feebly in the afternoon. The Word
seemed to rest with power on the people.
July 21st. — For several days I have been much interested in reading
Fletcher's " Portrait oi St. PauL" When I compare my actions and feelings
with the standard there laid down, I blush on account of my ignorance in
the duties and labours connected with my calling. Did the ministers of
the Gospel obtain and possess a deeper communion with God ? Did they
cultivate primitive piety in their lives, and Gospel simplicity in their
preaching, surely the power of darkness could not stand before them !
How many learned discourses are entirely lost in the wisdom of words,
whereas plain and simple sermons, delivered with power and demonstration
of the Spirit, have been attended with astonishing success.
July 27th. — I have been considerably agitated in my mind for the last two
days, having lost my horse. The fatigue in searching for her has been con-
siderable. Thank God she is found !
July 81«< — Sabbath. — Greatly blessed in attending a Quarterly meeting in
Hamilton ; also in hearing an interesting account of the Indians receiving
their presents at York. Peter Jones had written to Col. Givens to enquire
just what time they must be there, stating that as many of them had become
Christianized and industrious, they did not want to lose time. The Colonel
was surprised at the news, and replied, giving the necessary information.'
Peter Jones' letter was shown to Rev. Dr. Strachan and His Excellency the
Governor. It excited great curiosity. When the Indians arrived, the
Colonel had, as usual, brought liquor to treat them, but as Peter Jones in-
formed him the Christian Indians would not drink, he very wisely said
"the others should not have it either," and sent it back. How the
Lord honours those who honour Him. Rev. Dr. Strachan and several
ladies and gentlemen assembled to see the distribution of presents. The
Christian Indians were requested to separate from the others, that they
1824-25] THE STOBT OF MY LIFE. 45
might read and sing. The company was much pleased, and Dr. Stiachan
prayed with them. On the following Sabbath, the Dr. visited the Credit
settlement, and attended one of the meetings which was addressed by Peter
Jones. Dr. Strachan proposed their coming under the superintendence of
the Church of England ; but after holding a council, they declined, deciding
to remain under the direction of the Methodists. May the Lord greatly
prosper his work amongst them, preserve them from every delusive snare,
and may their happy souls be kept blameless unto the day of Jesus Christ !
August 1st. — This day I have been admitted into the Methodist Con-
nexion, licensed a Local Preacher, and recommended to the Annual Con-
ference to be received on trial. How awful the responsibility ! How dread-
ful my condition, if I violate my charge or deal deceitfully with souls ! Oh,
God assist me to declare Thy whole counsel ! and help me to instruct by
example as well as precept. How swiftly am I gliding down time's rapid
stream ! I am daily reminded of the uncertainty and shortness of life. I
went to-day to visit a friend, and (as usual) smilingly came to the door,
when behold ! all was mourning and sorrow ! An infant son had just taken
its everlasting flight to the arms of Jesus. He was a fine boy, active and
promising, but he had suddenly gone to return no more ! The father's
philosophy forsakes him now ; parental feeling has uncontrolled sway I
recommended religion as the only sufficient support and comfort. I touched
on the mysterious government of God ; that truly " Clouds and darkness are
roundabout him." yet " righteousness and judgment are the habitation of
his throne." I pointed out the happiness of the beloved babe, which should
lead us to devote our all to His service, that we might eventually share in the
unspeakable blessedness to which the lovely infant is now raised.
Aug. Wth. — My soul rejoices at the news I have heard from home, that
my eldest brother (George) has resolved to join the Methodists, and become
a missionary among the Indians. How encouraging and comforting the
thought that four of us are now united in the same Church, and pursue the
same glorious calling. My Father has become reconciled, and my Mother is
willing to part with her sons for the sake of the Church of Christ.
Aug. 14th — Sabbath. — Never did I feel my pride more mortified in the dis-
charge of public duty. I was desirous of delivering a discourse, in Niagara,
which would meet the approbation of all, after carefully adjusting the sub-
ject, by the assistance of a variety of authors ; but through fatigue (having
rode twelve miles), and embarrassment, I was scarcely able to finish. My
heart felt hard and my mind barren, conscience reproached me that I had
not acted with a single eye to the glory of God. In the afternoon, I threw
myself on the mercy of God ; my tongue was loosened and my heart
warmed. Surely, " They that trust in the Lord shall not be confounded."
Aug. nth. — This morning a lady died with whom I had considerable con-
versation on the subject of Methodism, and on the propriety of her daughters
joining the society contrary to her wish. She appeared to be satisfied with
my account of the principles and nature of Methodism, but did not like to
acknowledge the propriety of her daughters' proceedings, although her judg-
ment seemed convinced as I adverted to the principles of her own church.
I am informed that yesterday she said, "The girls are right and I am wrong."
How comforting this must be to her daughters, who have entirely overcome
her opposition by their kindness, affection, and' gospel simplicity.
i Aug. 22nd. — Yesterday I delivered a discourse on the subject of Missions,
for the purpose of forming a Missionary Society in this place.
September 3rd, 1825. — I took tea this afternoon at Youngstown, U. S., for
the first time.
Sept. 6th.— Had the pleasure of meeting my brother to day, whom I have
not seen for a year. How comforting to meet with those who are not only
46 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. II
near by the ties of nature, but much more by the changing power of divine
grace.
Sept. 9th. — Have been greatly benefitted to-day by hearing Bishop Hed-
ding preach from Kev. iii. 5.
Sept. 16th. — I bless God for what mine eyes hath seen, and mine ears have
heard to-day, being the first anniversary of the Canadian Missionary Society.
The Hon. John Willson, M.P.P., was requested to take the chair. Several
Indians, who had been brought to a knowledge of the truth, through the
efforts of this Society, were present and spoke. How delightful to see the
warlike Mohawk, and the degraded Mississauga, exchanging the heathen
war- whoop for the sublime praise of the God of love! This is the commence-
ment of greater things which the Lord will do for the aboriginies of Canada.
Sept. 23rd. — I have this day received my appointment for York and Yonge
street Never did I feel more sensibly the necessity of Divine help. Help
me, O God, to go forth in Thy strength, and contend manfully under the
banner of Christ I Amen.
CHAPTER IIL
1825-1826.
FIRST YEAR OP MY MINISTRY AND FIRST CONTROVERSY.
MY first appointment after my admission on trial was to
the (what was then called the York and Yonge Street
Circuit), which then embraced the Town of York (now the
City of Toronto) Weston, the Townships of Vaughan, Bang, West
Gwillirnbury, North Gwillimbury, East Gwillimbury,Whitchurch,
Markham, Pickering, Scarboro', and York, over which we
travelled, and preached from twenty-five to thirty-five sermons
in four weeks, preaching generally three times on Sabbath and
attending three class meetings, besides preaching and attending
class meetings on week days. The roads were (if in any place
they could be called roads) bad beyond description ; could only
be travelled on horse-back, and on foot ; the labours hard, and the
accommodations of the most primitive kind ; but we were
received as angels of God by the people, our ministrations being
almost the only supply of religious instruction to them ; and
nothing they valued more than to have the preacher partake of
their humble and best hospitality.
It was during the latter part of this the first year of my
itinerant ministry (April and May, 1826) that I was drawn and
forced into the controversy on the Clergy Reserves and equal
civil and religious rights and privileges among all religious
persuasions in Upper Canada.* There had been some contro-
versy between the leaders of the Churches of England and
Scotland on their comparative standing as established churches
in Upper Canada. In my earliest years, I had read and studied
Blackstone's Commentaries on the laws of England, especially
the rights of the Crown, and Parliament and Subject, Paley's
Moral and Political Philosophy; and when I read and observed
the character of the policy, and state of things in Canada, I felt
that it was not according to the principles of British liberty, or
of the British Constitution ; but I had not the slightest idea
of writing anything on the subject.
At this juncture, (April, 1826,) a publication appeared, entitled
" Sermon Preached and Published by the Venerable Archdeacon
of York, in May, 1826, on the Death of the Late Bishop of
* A fuller reference to this subject will be found in Chapters vi. and viii. — H.
48 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. Ill
Quebec," containing a sketch of the rise and progress of the
Church of England in these provinces, and an appeal on behalf
of that Church to the British Government and Parliament. In
stating the obstacles which impeded the progress of the Church
of England in Upper Canada, the memorable Author of the able
discourse attacked the character of the religious persuasions
not connected with the Church of England, especially the
Methodists, whose ministers were represented as American in
their origin and feelings, ignorant, forsaking their proper em-
ployments to preach what they did not understand, and which,
from their pride, they disdained to learn ; and were spreading
disaffection to the civil and religious institutions of Great
Britain. In this sermon, not only was the status of the Church
of England claimed as the Established Church of the Empire,
and exclusively entitled to the Clergy Reserves, or one seventh
of the lands of Upper Canada, but an appeal was made to the
Imperial Government and Parliament for a grant of £300,000
per annum, to enable the Church of England in Upper Canada,
to maintain the loyalty of Upper Canada to England. And
these statements and appeals were made ten years after the
close of the war of 1812-1815, by the United States against
Britain, with the express view of conquering Canada and annex-
ing it to the United States ; and during which war both Metho-
dist preachers and people were conspicuous for their loyalty and
zeal in defence of the country.
The Methodists in York (now Toronto) at that time (1826)
numbered about fifty persons, young and old ; the two preachers
arranged to meet once in four weeks on their return from
thsir country tours, when a social meeting of the leading mem-
bers of the society was held for conversation, consultation, and
prayer. One of the members of this company obtained and
brought to the meeting a copy of the Archdeacon's sermon, and
read the parts of it which related to the attacks upon the
Methodists, and the proposed method of exterminating them.
The reading of those extracts produced a thrilling sensation of
indignation and alarm, and all agreed that something must be
written and done to defend the character and rights of Metho-
dists and others assailed, against such attacks and such a policy.
The voice of the meeting pointed to me to undertake this work.
I was then designated as " The Boy Preacher," from my youth-
ful appearance, and as the youngest minister in the Church. I
objected on account of my youth and incompetence ; but my
objections were overruled, when I proposed as a compromise,
that during our next country tour the Superintendent of the
Circuit (Rev. James Richardson), and myself should each write
on the subject, and from what we should both write, some-
1825-26] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 49
thing might be compiled to meet the case. This was agreed
to, and at our next social monthly meeting in the town, inquiry
was made as to what had been written in defence of the Metho-
dists and others, against the attacks and .policy of the Archdeacon
of York. It was found that the Superintendent of the Circuit
had written nothing ; and on my being questioned, I said I had
endeavoured to obey the instructions of my senior brethren.
It was then insisted that I must read what I had written. I
at length yielded, and read my answer to the attacks made
on us. The reading of my paper was attended with alternate
laughter and tears on the part of the social party, all of whom
insisted that it should be printed, I objecting that I had never
written anything for the press, and was not competent to such
a task, and advanced to throw my manuscript into the fire,
when one of the elder members caught me by the arms, and
another wrenched the manuscript out of my hands, saying he
would take it to the printer. Finding my efforts vain to recover
it, I said if it were restored I would not destroy it but rewrite
it and return it to the brethren to do what they pleased with
it. I did so. Two of the senior brethren took the manuscript
to the printer, and its publication produced a sensation scarcely
less violent and general than a Fenian invasion. It is said that
before every house in Toronto might be seen groups reading
and discussing the paper on the evening of its publication in
June ; and the excitement spread throughout the country. It
was the first defiant defence of the Methodists, and of the equal
and civil rights of all religious persuasions ; the first protest and
argument on legal and British constitutional grounds, against
the erection of a dominant church establishment supported by
the state in Upper Canada.
It was the Loyalists of America, and their descendants, in
Upper Canada who first lifted up the voice of remonstrance
against ecclesiastical despotism in the province, and unfurled
the flag of equal religious rights and liberty for all religious
persuasions.
The sermon of the Archdeacon of York was the third formal
attack made by the Church of England clergy upon the charac-
ters of their unoffending Methodist brethren and those of other
religious persuasions ; but no defence of the assailed parties
had as yet been written. In a subsquent discussion on another
topic, referring to this matter, I said :
"Up to this time not a word had been written respecting the clergy of the
Church of England, or the Clergy Reserve question, by any minister or mem-
ber of the Methodist Church. At that time the Methodists had no law to
secure a foot of land, on which to build parsonages, Chapels, and in which
to bury their dead ; their ministers were not allowed to solemnize matri-
4
50 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. III.
mony ; and some of them had been the objects of cruel and illegal persecu-
tion on the part of magistrates and others in authority. And now they were
the butt of unprovoked and unfounded aspersions from two heads of Episco-
pal Clergy, while pursuing the ' noiseless tenor of their way,' through track-
less forests and bridgeless riyers and streams, to preach among the scattered
inhabitants the unsearchable riches of Christ."*
The Review, in defence of the Methodists and others against -
such gratuitous and unjust imputations, consisted of about thirty
octavo pages, appeared over the signature of "A Methodist
Preacher ;" it was commenced near Newmarket, in a cottage
owned by the late Mr. Elias Smith, whose wife was a sister
of the Lounts — a woman of great excellence. It was written
piecemeal in the humble residences of the early settlers, in
the course of eight days, during which time I rode on horse-
back nearly a hundred miles and preached seven sermons. On
its publication I pursued my country tour of preaching, &c.,
little conscious of the storm that was brewing ; but on my
return to town, at the end of two weeks, I received newspapers
containing four replies to my Review — three of them written by
clergymen, and one by a scholarly layman of the Church of
England. In those replies to the then unknown author of the
Review, I was assailed by all sorts of contemptuous and crimin-
ating epithets — all denying that the author of such a publication
could be " a Methodist Preacher," — but was "an American,"
"a rebel," "a traitor," — and that the Review was the " prodigious
effort of a party."
My agitation was extreme ; finding myself, against my own
intention and will, in the very tempest of a discussion for which
I felt myself poorly prepared, I had little appetite or sleep.
At length roused to a sense of my position, I felt that I must
either flee or fight. I decided upon the latter, strengthened by
the consciousness that my principles were those of the British
Constitution and in defence of British rights. I devoted a day
to fasting and prayer, and then went at my adversaries in good
earnest. In less than four years after the commencement of this
controversy, laws were passed authorising the different religious
denominations to hold land for churches, parsonages, and bury-
ing grounds, and their Ministers to solemnize matrimony; while
the Legislative Assembly passed, by large majorities, resolutions,
and addresses to the Crown against the exclusive pretensions of
the Church of England to the Clergy Reserves and being the '
exclusive established Church of Upper Canada, though the
Clergy Reserve question itself continued to be discussed, and
was not finally settled until more than ten years afterwards.
* Letters to the Hon. W. H. Draper on " The'Clergij Reserve Question; as a
Hotter of History, a Question of Law, and a Subject of Legislation." Toronto, 1839,
pp. 11, 12.
1825-26] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 51
Several months after the commencement of this controversy,
I paid my first annual visit to my parents, and for the first
two days the burden of my Father's conversation was this con-
troversy which was agitating the country. At length, while
walking in the orchard, my Father turned short, and in a
stern tone, said,." Egerton, they say that you are the author of
these papers which are convulsing the whole country. I want
to know whether you are or not ?" I was compelled to
acknowledge that I was the writer of these papers, when my
Father lifted up his hands, in an agony of feeling, and exclaimed,
" My God ! we are all ruined !"
The state of my own mind and the character of my labours
during this first year of my ministry, may be inferred from
the following brief extracts from my diary : — . '
October 4th, — I have this evening arrived on my Circuit at York. I feel
the change to be awfully important, and entirely inadequate to give proper
instruction to so intelligent a people. The Lord give me his assisting grace.
I am resolved to devote my time, my heart, my all, to God withoiit reserve.
I do feel determined, by God's assistance, to rise early, spend no more
time than is absolutely necessary, pray oftener, and more fervently, to be
modest and solemn in the discharge of my public duties — to improve every
leisure moment by reading or meditation, and to depend upon the assistance
of Almighty God for the performance of every duty. Oh, Lord, assist an
ignorant youth to declare thy great salvation!
Oct. 9th. — Commenced my labours this day. In the morning, the Lord
was very near to help me, giving me a tongue to speak, and a heart to feel.
But in the evening, after I got through my introduction, recollection failed
and my mind was entirely blank. For nearly five minutes I could scarcely
speak a word ; alter this my thoughts returned, This seemed to be the hand
of God, to show me my entire weakness.
Oct. 16th — Sabbath. — Oh, God, water the efforts of this day with thy grace!
If I am the means of persuading only one soul to embrace the Lord Jesus, I
shall be amply rewarded. " Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave
the increase." 1 Cor. iii. 6.
Oct. 20th. — Once more, my Saviour, I renew my covenant and give myself
away; 'tis all that I can do.
Oct. 27th. — For several days past the Lord has been very gracious to my
soul, and has greatly helped me in declaring His glorious counsels. But to-
day, my heart felt very hard while preaching to a company of graceless
sinners. It was in a tavern, and I doubt the propriety of preaching in such
places.
Oct. 31st. — I am one month nearer my end; am I so much nearer God and
heaven 1 There are many precious hours I can give no favourable account
of. Had I been more faithful, I might have led some poor wanderer into
the way of truth. Oh, God, enter not into judgment with me! Spare the
barren fig-free a little longer.
November 4th — Friday (Fast Day.) — One reason why my labours are not
more blessed, is because I feel and know so little of spiritual things myself.
There is too much of eelf about me.
" When, gracious Lord, when shall it be,
That I shall find my all in Thee;
The fulness of Thy promise prove,
The seal of Thine eternal love. "
52 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. III.
Nov. 6th. — I felt greatly blessed while addressing a large Sabbath-school of
more than a hundred scholars.
Nov. 7th. — [On this day, the following letter was written
from York by Dr. Ryerson to his Father. He said : On leaving
the old home lately, I promised to write to you, my dear
Father, and let you know how I am getting on.' I arrived here
a few days after I left home. I have received a letter from
brother William, who told me that his prospects are encourag-
ing. I received a letter also from brother John. He reached
Perth about a fortnight after he left home, and was cordially
received by all classes. He preached the Sabbath after he got
there to large and respectable congregations. He was very
much pleased with his appointment, and his prospects are very
favourable. On the first evening of his preaching, one professed
to experience justification by faith, and several were deeply con-
victed. He thinks, from several circumstances, that his appoint-
ment is of God. I am very well pleased with my appointment.
I travel with a person who is deeply pious, a true and disin-
terested friend, and a very respectable preacher. I travel about
two hundred miles in four weeks, and preach twenty-five times,
besides funerals. I spend two Sabbaths in York, and two in
the country. Our prospects on the circuit are encouraging. In
York we have most nattering prospects. We have some increase
almost every week. Our morning congregations fill the chapel,
which was never the case before ; and in the evening the chapel
will not contain but little more than three-quarters of the
people. Last evening several members of Parliament were
present. I never addressed so large an audience before, and I
never was so assisted from heaven in preaching as at this place.
I have spent the last two Sabbaths in York, and I go to-day
into the country. I was requested yesterday to address the
Union Sunday-school, which contains about 150 or 200 children.
It was a public examination of the School. I never heard
children recite so correctly, and so perfectly before, as they did.
There was quite a large congregation present, as it was designed
to make a contribution for the support of the School. I first
addressed a short discourse to the children, and then addressed
the assembly. It was the most precious season that I ever ex-
perienced. It is, my dear Father, the most delightful employ-
ment I ever engaged in, to proclaim the name of Jesus to lost
sinners. I feel more firmly attached to the cause than ever.
The Lord has comforted, blessed, and prospered me beyond my
expectationa I am resolved to devote all that 1 have and am,
to his service. Get George to write shortly all the news of the
day. Remember me to my dear Mother. — H.]
25-26] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 53
[After writing to his Father, he wrote on the same day to his
brother George, as follows : —
I have just heard the Governor's Speech to the two Houses
of the Legislature. In the latter part of his address he hinted
at a certain communication, which, by the permission of His
Majesty, he would make by Message, to remove apprehensions
that affected the civil rights of a very considerable part of the
community. As to my religious enjoyments, I think that Christ
has been more precious to me than ever. When I came into
this Circuit, I began to fast and pray more than ever I had
done before, and the Lord has greatly blessed me. I have
scarcely had a barren time in preaching. I feel more strongly
attached to the cause than ever. While the Lord will help, I
am resolved to go forward. Rev. James Richardson is a man
of good sense, and deep piety, and a very acceptable and useful
preacher. — H.]
Nov. 10th. — Travelled twenty-two miles and preached twice. My views
of Scripture of late have been obscure; I can recall the truths to my mind, but
they don't make that impression they have hitherto done. Is this change of
feeling inherent, or the eifect of neglect of duty, and want of watchfulness 1
1 will examine this point more fully. I know it is my privilege to enjoy
peace with God, but whether it be my privilege at all times to possess equal
feeling, I am not certain.
Nov. 23rd. — I think Mr. Wesley's advice indispensably necessary, " to
rise as soon as we wake." I am resolved to be more punctual in rising for
the time to come.
Nov. 29th. — How painful does my experience prove the truth of the
Apostle, that "when I would do good evil is present with me." I have
thought sometimes it would be impossible to forget God, or to be lukewarm
in His cause ; but alas ! I am prone to evil continually.
December 14£/i. — The Lord has greatly delivered my soul from the burden
of guilt and fear with which I have been so painfully bowed down for several
days past ; and, blessed be the name of the Lord, He begins to revive His
work on the circuit. Five more have been, added to the Church this week.
Glory to God for His mercy and love 1
Dec. 30th. — A part of the day I spent in the Legislature, The first three
months of last year I was in bad health, confined to my bed part of the
time. The last nine months I have spent in trying to seek the lost sheep of
the house of Israel.
York, January 1st, 1826. — How faithful ia the Saviour to that promise,
" Lo, I am with thee, even to the end of the world." Though weak in body
I have had to preach three times a day, and travel many miles. Jesus has
been very precious to my soul.
February 3rd. — I have travelled to-day in an Irish settlement, and
preached twice to them. My life is a scene of toil and pain, I am far from
well, and far from parents and relatives. While others enjoy all the advan-
tages of domestic life, I am doomed to deny myself. Oh, my soul, behold
the example the Saviour has set. " He had not where to lay his head." Is
the servant above his Lord 1
Feb. lllh.- For several days I have been visiting my friends. I think
they are improving in religious knowledge. What an unspeakable blessing
54 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. III.
to see them showing a desire to walk in the narrow way that leads to life
eternal
Feb. ISth. — I have just returned to my Circuit. This is the first time I
ever dropped appointments for the gratification of seeing my friends. It has
taught me the lesson, that labouring in the vineyard of the Lord is more
blessed than any personal gratification.
Feb. ZSth. — This month presents the most mournful portrait I have ever
beheld in retrospect of my past time since I began to travel. Since I visited
my friends everything has gone against me. The season of recreation was
not improved as it ought to have been ; I lost the unction of the Holy One,
and returned to my Circuit depressed in mind. Shall I sink down in des-
pair ] No, I will return unto the Lord. He has smitten, He will heal. I
will go to the fountain open for sin and uncleanness. I will renew my cove-
nant, and offer my poor all to him once more.
March 23rd. — This day closes my twenty-third year and the first of my
ministry. How mysterious was the providence which induced me to enter
the itinerant ministry. It was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in my
eyes. Since I have devoted myself to Him in a perpetual covenant, how
great has been His paternal care over me. I have felt the rod of affliction,
but, He has sanctified it. I have been assailed by temptation, but He has
delivered me. I have been caressed and flattered, but the Lord, in great
mercy, has saved me from the dangerous rocks of vanity and pride. My
soul has at times been overspread with clouds and darkness, but. the "Sun of
Righteousness has again risen "with brightness on his wings. I have oft been
cast down, but blessed be the Lord who has given me the " oil of joy for
mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." My mind
at times has been filled with doubts and fears, and I have been tempted to
say, " I have cleanped my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency,"
but the Lord has saved my feet from slipping, and established my goings
upon a firm foundation. He has put a new Bong into my mouth, and en-
abled me to say, " What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee."
April 1.1th. — This day, for the first time, I have declared to the aborigines
of the country that " Jesus is precious to those who believe." My heart
rejoiced in God, who is claiming the heathen for His inheritance.
April IQ/h. — [On this day Dr. Ryerson wrote from Saltfleet
to his Mother. He said : —
As you, my dear Mother, were always anxious about my
health, I write to-day to assure you that since I left home it
has been extremely good. I think I am making some small
progress in those attainments which are only acquired by
prayer, and holy devotedness to God. I find the work I have
undertaken is an all-important one. I have many things to
learn, and many things to unlearn. I have had some severe
trials, and some mortifying scenes. At other times I have been
unspeakably blessed, and I have been greatly encouraged at
some favourable prospects. Several times my views have been
greatly enlarged, and my mind enlightend, while, with a warm
and full heart, I have been trying to address a large and much
affected congregation. It is not my endeavour to shine, or to
please, but to speak to the heart and the conscience. And with
a view to this, I have aimed at the root of injurious prejudices,
and notions that I have found prevalent in different places. I
L825-26] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 55
find, by experience, that a firm reliance on the power and grace
of Christ is everything. I hope that you, my dear Mother, will
pray for me that the Lord will give me grace, power, and wis-
dom to do my whole duty.
I am very sorry to hear of your ill-health. I hope and pray
that the Father of all mercies will continue to support, comfort,
and deliver you, in the midst of your afflictions and sorrows.
Blessed be the Lord, dear Mother, the day is not far distant
when you can rest your weary spirit in the arms of Jesus ; and
should I survive you, while you are pursuing the blessed,
triumphant theme of redeeming love, in strains the most exalted,
I will endeavour in my feeble way to follow you to the same
blessed kingdom.
Brother William received a letter from John last week.
His health is very bad. His excessive labour has overcome
him. He has forty appointments in four weeks. He is now
stationed in Kingston. — H.]
April 25th. — For several days past I have been altogether engaged in
writing a controversial pamphlet, and have attended little to the/luty of self-
examination.
April 2,8th. — I have been much, blessed in reading the Journal of John
Nelson. When I compare the unwearied labours, and severe sufferings of
that brave soldier of the Cross, with my little efforts and sufferings, I blush
for my lukewarmness, and am ashamed of my tearfulness.
May Wth. — [In these early days, the Methodist ministers had
but little time for study before commencing their ministerial
labours, and, as Dr. Ryerson often told me, they had to resort to
many expedients to secure the necessary time for reading and
study. This had often to be done on horseback. Dr. Ryerson's
eldest brother, George, who had attended Union College, N. Y.,
turned his advantages in this respect to a good account. He
sought to stimulate his younger brothers to devote every spare
moment to suitable preparation for their work. In reply to a
letter on this subject, from Rev. George Ryerson to his brother*
William, he said : —
I thank you for your kind advice respecting composition, and shall
endeavour to follow it, although my necessary duties leave but very little
time for literary improvement. Since I saw you, I have been
principally engaged in Biblical studies, which I find both profitable and
interesting. I am now engaged in reading the Bible through in course with
Dr. Adam Clarke's notes, also Paley's books. I received a letter from brother
John a few days since. He had received a number into the Society, and
there were a number more who appeared to be seriously awakened. Elder
Madden, who was at York last week, says that Egerton is well, and that the
cause of religion is prospering in York, and on the Yonge Street Circuit.
We have had but very littie increase in Niagara since I saw you, although
our congregation is very large and attentive.— H.]
56 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. Ill-
May IStJu — [In writing to-day to his brother George, Dr. Ryer-
son mentioned that he and Elder Case had visited the Credit
Indians. Elder Case, he said, had come up to get Mrs. Wm.
Kerr (tide Brant) to correcHhe translation of one of the Gospels,
and some hymns, in order to have them printed. He also
wished Peter Jones to go down and preach to the Indians on
the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga). It was there, he said, that the
work of religion had begun to spread among them. About twelve
had experienced religion, and others are under awakening. They
do not, he said, understand enough English to receive religious
instruction in that language ; and, therefore, he wished Peter
Jones to go down for two or three weeks.
In this letter Dr. Ryerson said : I think the cause of religion
is prospering in different parts of the Circuit. Upwards of
thirty have been added to us in this town (York) since Confer-
ence, and our present prospects are equally encouraging. My
colleague is a man who is wholly devoted to the work of saving
souls. I hope that God will give us an abundant harvest.
I am employing all my leisure time in the prosecution of my
studies. 1 also practice composition. I am reading Rollin's
Ancient History, Greek, and miscellaneous works. Are Father,
and Mother, and all the family well ? How are their minds
iisposed towards God and heaven ?
We have formed a Missionary Society in this place. I think
we shall collect $40 or $50. I hope that period is not remote
when the whole colony will be brought into a state of sal-
vation ! — H.]
June 7th. — My mind has been much afflicted with care and anxiety, for
some days, on account of the controversy in which I am engaged. I feel it
to be the cause of God ; and I am resolved to follow truth and the Holy
Scriptures in whatever channel they will lead me. Oh, Lord, I commend my
feeble efforts to thy blessings 1 Grant me wisdom from above ; and take the
cause into thy own hands, for thy name's sake !
June 25th. — I have spent some days in visiting my friends, and also at-
tending a Camp-meeting. The weather has been very unfavourable ; but
the showers that watered the earth are now past, and showers of Divine
blessing are descending. The song of praise is ascending, and sinners are
crying for mercy. Oh, Lord, carry on the glorious work !
July 1th. — The enemy gained victory over me to-day, by tempting me to
neglect Class for other employments. But I was defeated. Company com-
ing in, I was hindered from doing what I desired. Conscience condemned,
and darkness and distress followed. Oh, Lord, henceforth help me to do my
duty!
July 9th.— Sabbath. — I was called this evening to a drunken, dying man.
He was entirely ignorant both of his bodily and spiritual danger. What a
scene 1 An immortal soul just plunging into hell, and yet hoping for heavenl
How awful is the state of one whom God gives over to believe a lie! His
life is ended, his family destitute, and his soul lost !
July 1'Jth. — Surely nothing can afford more pleasure to an enquiring mind
1826] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 57
bent on historical researches, than the perusal of documents relating to the
ancient chosen people of God. That a people who could, according to their
legitimate records, number more than eight hundred thousand fighting men,
should slip from the records of men, hide themselves from human observa-
tion, and inhabit limits beyond geographical research, is a phenomena un-
precedented in the world's history ; and that they should remain in this
state more than two thousand years, among the vast discoveries which
travellers have made, is still more surprising. Such is the wonderful
government of Him whose ways are past finding out. I trust the day is not
lar distant when the lost will be found, and the dead be alive !
July 26th. — For several days I have been holding meetings and conferences
with the Indians. Their hearts are open to receive instruction, and their
hands extended to receive the bread of life. If the Lord will open the way,
I will try to acquire a knowledge of their language. My soul longs to bring
them to the Word of Truth.
July 30th— A day or two since I had the pleasure of seeing a brother
whose ecclesiastical duties have separated us for nearly a year. How many
tender recollections of God's care and merciful dealings, since our last meet-
ing rushed upon our minds. But while enabled to rejoice together, we were
called upon to mourn the loss of one brother, taken away to the world of
spirits
August 17th. — Scarcely a day passes without beholding new openings to ex-
tend my ministerial labours. To-day, in an affecting manner, I witnessed
the hands of suffering humanity stretched forth to receive the word of life.
More than five hundred aborigines of the country were assembled in one
place. In a moral point of view, they may be said to be " sitting in the
valley of the shadow of death." " The day star from on high" has not yet
dawned upon them. Alas ! are they to perish for lack of knowledge ? Can
not the dry bones live? Oh, thou who art able to raise up children unto
Abraham ! epeak the word, devise the means, and these long lost prodigals
shall return to their father's house ! I noticed activity, both in body and
mind, superior skill in curious workmanship; genius flashed in their coun-
tenances ; and yet shall these noble powers be bound fast in the cruel
chains of ignorance, and these immortal spirits go from a rayless night to
midnight tomb? Oh, Thou Light of the "World, shine upon them ! One of
their nation whom God has plucked as a brand from the burning, attempted
to explain the Christian religion to them. They listened and bowed assent,
saying "ha, ha." Oh, Lord, it Thou wilt qualify me and send me to dis-
pense to them the Bread of Life, I will throw myself upon Thy mercy, and
submit to Thy will.
August 20th. — Amongst all the authors with whom I am acquainted, who
treat on Church Government, the Rev. Dr. Campbell is the most clear and
satisfactory. With a great deal of talent, penetration, and research, he
exhibits the Church in all her various forms, till her power made empires
tremble, and her riches bid defiance to poverty. His excellent lectures
have enlarged my mind on the subject of ecclesiastical polity, and rendered
my feelings more liberal. I am convinced that form of government is best
which most secures order and union in society.
August 20th — Sabbath. — To-day closes my ministerial labours at York,
where I have been stationed for two years. Many precious seasons have I
enjoyed; and, blessed be the Lord, He has set His seal to my labours, and I
think I can call God to witness that I have not failed in my feeble way to
declare the whole counsel of God, Oh, Lord, seal it with Thy Spirit's
power 1
CHAPTER IV.
1826-1827.
MISSIONARY TO THE RIVER CREDIT INDIANS.
AT the Conference of 1826, I was appointed Missionary to
the Indians at the Credit, but was required to continue
the second year as preacher, two Sundays out of four, in the
Town of York, of which my elder brother, William, was
superintendent, including in his charge several other town-
ships. He was aided by a colleague, who preached in the country,
but not in the town.
The Chippewa tribe of Indians had a tract of land on the
Credit River, on which the Government proposed to build a
village of some twenty or thirty cottages, with the intention of
building a church for them and inducing them to join the
Church of England, upon the pretext that the Methodist
preachers were Yankees. As my Father had been a British
officer, and fought seven years during the American Rebellion
for the unity of the Empire, was the first High Sheriff in the
London District (having been appointed in 1808); and had, with
his sons, fought in defence of the country in the war of the
United States with Great Britain, in 1812-1815, and my
father's elder brother having been the organizer of the Militia
and Courts of the London District, the name Ryerson became a
sort of synonym for loyalist throughout the official circles of
the province ; and my appointment, therefore, as the first
stationed Missionary among the Indians, and from thence to
other tribes, was a veritable and standing proof that the impu-
tation of disloyalty against the Methodist Missionaries was
groundless.
When I commenced my labours among these poor Credit
Indians (about two hundred in number) they had not entered
into the cottages which the Government had built for them on
the high ground, but still lived in their bark -covered wigwams
on the flats beside the bank of the River Credit. One of them,
made larger than the others, was used for a place of worship.
In one of these bark-covered and brush-enclosed wigwams, I
ate and slept for some weeks ; ruy bed consisting of a plank, a
1826-27]
THE STOEY OF MY LIFE.
mat, and a blanket, and a blanket also for my covering ; yst I
was never more comfortable and happy : — God, the Lord, was
the strength of my heart, and —
" Jesus, all day long, was my joy and my song."
Maintaining my dignity as a minister, I showed the Indians
that I could work and live as they worked and lived.
Having learned that it was intended by the advisers of the
Lieutenant-Governor, on the completion of the cottages, to erect
an Episcopal Church of England for the absorption of the Indian
INDIAN VILLAGE AT THE RIVER CREDIT IN 1927 — WINTEE.
converts from the Methodists into that Church, I resolved to be
before them, and called the Indians together on the Monday
morning after the first Sunday's worship with them, and using
the head of a barrel for a desk, commenced a subscription
among them to build a house for the double purpose of the
worship of God and the teaching of their children. Never did
the Israelites, when assembled and called upon by King David,
(as recorded in the 29th chapter of the first book of Chronicles)
to subscribe for the erection of the Temple, respond with more
cordiality and liberality, in proportion to their means, than did
these converted children of the forest come forward and
present their humble offerings for the erection of a house in
which to worship God, and teach their children. The squaws
CO THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IV.
came forward to subscribe from shillings to dollars, the proceeds
of what they might earn and sell in baskets, mats, moccasins,
fee., and the men subscribed with corresponding heartiness and
liberality of the salmon that they should catch — which were
then abundant in the river, and which, I think, sold for about
twelve and a half cents each.
On the same day, a plan of the house was prepared, and I
engaged on my own individual responsibility, a carpenter-
mason, by the name of Priest man (who had been employed by
the Government to build the Indian cottages), to build and
finish the house for the double purpose of worship and school,
and then mounted my horse and visited my old friends in York,
on Yonge Street, Hamilton, and Niagara Circuits, and begged
money to pay for all, and at the end of six weeks the house
was built and paid for, while our "swell" friends of the Govern-
ment and of the Church of England were consulting and
talking about the matter. It was thus that the Church-standing
of these Indian converts was maintained, and they were en-
abled to walk in the Lord Jesus as they had found Him.
My labours this season were very varied and severe. I had
to travel to York (eighteen miles) on horseback, often through
very bad roads, and preach two Sundays out of four (my second
year in town). After having collected the means necessaiy to
build the house of worship and school-house, I showed the
Indians how to enclose and make gates for their gardens, having
some knowledge and skill in mechanics.*
Between daylight and sunrise, I called out four of the Indians
in succession, and showed them how, and worked with them,
to clear and fence in, and plow and plant their first wheat and
corn fields. In the afternoon, I called out the school-boys to go
with me, and cut and pile, and burn the underbrush in and
around the village. The little fellows worked with great glee,
as long as I worked with them, but soon began to play when I
left them.
In addition to my other work, I had to maintain a heavy
* When about fourteen years of age, an abridged " Life ot Benjamin
Franklin " fell into my hands, and I read it with great eagerness. I was
especially attracted by the account of his mechanical education and of its
uses to him in after years, during and after the American Revolution, when
he became Statesman, Ambassador, and Philosopher. My father was then
building a new house, and I prevailed on him to let me work with the car-
penter for six months. I did so, agreeing to pay the old carpenter a York
shilling a day for teaching me. During that time, I learned to plane boards,
shingle, and clapboard the house, make window frames and log floors. The
little knowledge and skill I then acquired, was of great service when I was
labouring among the Indians, when in connection with my early training as
a farmer. I became head carpenter, head farmer, as well as Missionary
among these interesting people, during the first year of their civilized life.
1826-27] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 61
controversy with several clergymen of the Church of England
on Apostolic Ordination and Succession, and the equal civil
rights and privileges of different religious denominations.*
A few months after my appointment to the Credit Indian
Mission, the Government made the annual distribution of
presents to the Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe Indians — all of
whom were assembled at the Holland Landing, on the banks of
the Holland River, at the southwest extremity of .Lake Simcoe.
They consisted chiefly of the Snake tribe, the Yellowhead
tribe (Yellowhead was the head Chief), and the John Aissance
tribe. Peter Jones and I, with John Sunday, had visited this
tribe at Newmarket, the year before, and preached to them and
held meetings with them, when they embraced the Christian
religion, and remained true and faithful. Peter Jones and my-
self attended the great annual meeting of the Indians, and
opened the Gospel Mission among them. In my first address,
which was interpreted by Peter Jones, I explained to the
assembled Indians the cause of their poverty, misery, and
wretchedness, as resulting from their having offended the Great
Being who created them, but who still loved them so much as
to send His Son to save them, and to give them new hearts,
that they might forsake their bad ways, be sober and indus-
trious ; not quarrel, but love one another, &c. I contrasted the
superiority of the religion we brought to them over that of
those who used images. This gave great offence to the French
Roman Catholic Indian traders, who said they would kill me,
and beat Peter Jones. On hearing this, Col. Givens, the Chief
Indian Superintendent, called them together and told them that
the Missionary Ryerson's father was a good man for the King,
and had fought for him in two wars — in the last of which his
sons had fought with him — and that if they hurt one of these
sons, they would offend their great father the King ; that Peter
Jones' father had surveyed Government lands on which many
of the Indians lived. The representative of the Government, a
man of noble feelings and generous impulses, threw over us the
shield of Royal protection.
After the issuing of the goods to the Indians, Peter Jones
remained with the Huron and Georgian Bay Indians, and
preached to them with great power ; while I went on board a
schooner, with the Yellowhead Indians, for the Narrows, on the
northern shore of Lake Simcoe, near Orillia, where the Indians
owned Yellowhead (now Chief) Island, and which I examined
with a view of selecting a place for worship, and for establishing
a school. A Mission-school was established on this island. It
was afterwards removed by Rev. S. (now Dr.) Rose and others
* See note on p. 85 ; also Chapters vi. and viii. — H.
62 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IV.
to the mainland at Orillia, and was faithfully taught by the late
William Law (1827) and by the Rev. S. Rose (1831).
An amusing incident occurred during this little voyage on the
schooner, which was managed by the French traders who had
threatened my life two days before. The wind was light, and
the sailors amused themselves with music — one of them playing
on a fife. He was attempting to play a tune which he had not
properly learned. I was walking the deck, and told him to give
me the fife, when I played the tune. The Frenchmen g'athered
around my feet, and looked with astonishment and delight.
From that hour they were my warm friends, and offered to
paddle me in their canoes among the islands and along the shore
wherever I wished to go.
By the advice of some of my brethren, I called on the Lieu-
tenant-Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, after I arrived in
Toronto, for the purpose of giving him a gerueral account of the
progress of the Christian religion amongst the Indian tribes
I said to him : —
" The object I have in view is the amelioration of the condition of the
Indians in this Province. The importance of this, both to the happiness of
the Indian tribes, and the honour of the govenment under which they live,
has been deeply felt by the parent state, so forcibly that a church was built
and the Protestant religion introduced amongst the Six-Nations at the Grand
River, about the beginning of the century. This effort of Christian benevo-
lence has been so far successful as to induce some hundreds of them to receive
the ordinances of the Christian religion. But the Chippewa tribes have
hitherto been overlooked, till about four years ago, when the Methodists in-
troduced the Christian religion amongst them.
In a short time about one hundred embraced the religion of Christ, exhibit-
ing every mark of a sound conversion. Their number soon increased,
and a whole tribe of Mississaugas renounced their former superstitions and
vices, and became sober, quiet Christians. They then felt anxious to become
domesticated ; their desire being favourably regarded, a village was established
at the Credit, and houses built for them.
They have this season planted about forty acres of corn and potatoes,
which promise an abundant harvest. About forty children attend the com-
mon school, nearly twenty can write intelligibly, and read the Holy Scrip-
tures and the English Reader.
At Belleville a change especially interesting has been effected. The work
was commenced there about two years ago, and now in their whole
tribe, numbering about two hundred, there is not one drunkard ! They are
also becoming domesticated and are building a village on one of their islands
in the Bay of Quinte, which they had squandered away in their drunken
revels, but which is now repurchased for them by some benevolent indivi-
duals. A Day and Sunday School are established in which upwards of fifty
children are taught.
From the Belleville Indians the Gospel spread to the tribes which inhabit
the country adjacent to Rice Lake. Here also may be seen a wonderful
display of the " power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth."
In less than a year, the whole of this body, whose census is 300, renounced
their idolatrous ceremonies and destructive habits, for the principles, laws
and blessings of that kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the
1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 63
Holy Ghost." They are all, save a few, converted and changed in their
hearts and lives, and earnestly desire a settled life.
The uniform language of all, so soon as they embrace the Christian religion
is, " Let us have houses, that we may live together in one place, learn to till
the ground, hear the word of the Great Spirit, and have our children taught
to read the good book." Another field of Christian labour is already ripe
amongst the Lake Simcoe Indians, who number about 600 souls. About
two months ago an opportunity opened for introducing the Christian religion
to them, and such was their readiness to hear and believe the words of sal-
vation, that more than 100 have already professed the Christian faith, and
are entirely reformed. A school is established in which forty are taught by
a young man named William Law, lately from England.
This extensive reformation, has been effected and continued, by means,
which, to all human appearance, are altogether inadequate to the accomplish-
ment of such a work. A school at the Grand River containing thirty
scholars, one at the Credit forty, another at Belleville upwards of thirty, and
one lately established at Lake Simcoe containing forty, and the missionaries
who have been employed amongst the Indians, together with the boarding of
a number of Indian boys, have only amounted to a little more than ,£150
per annum. It is of the last importance to perpetuate and extend the im-
pressions which have already been made on the minds of these Indians.
The schools and religious instruction must be continued ; and the Gospel
must be sent to tribes still in a heathen state. But in doing this our ener-
gies are weakened, and the progress of Christian labour much impeded by
serious difficulties which it is in the power of the government to remove.
These obstacles are principally confined to the Lake Simcoe Indians, the
most serious of which is occasioned by the traders, who are Roman Catholic
Frenchmen, employed to accompany the Indians in their hunting for the
purpose of procuring their furs, and who are violently opposed to the refor-
mation of the Indians. These traders are about eighty in number, and have
long been accustomed to defraud and abuse the Indians in the most inhuman
manner ; they have even laid violent hands on some of the converted
Indians, and tried to pour whiskey down their throats ; but, thank God,
have failed, the Indians successfully resisted them. To shake the faith of
some, and deter others from reforming, they have threatened to strip them
naked in the winter, when they were at a distance of 100 miles from the
white settlement, and there leave them to freeze to death.
Col. Givens, when he was up issuing their presents about a month ago,
threatened the traders severely if they disturbed the Indians in their devo-
tions, or did any violence to their teachers. He also suggested the idea of
your Excellency issuing a proclamation to prevent any further abuses. Sir
Peregrine replied :
" When the Legislature meets, I shall see if something can be done to
relieve them more effectively, but I do not think that I can do anything by
the way of proclamation. If, upon deliberation, I find that 1 can do some-
thing for them, I shall certainly do it." I observed : The civil anthority
would be an ample security, while the Indians are among the white inhabi-
tants ; but these abuses are practised when they are one or two hundred
miles from the white settlements. The traders follow them to their hunting
grounds, get them intoxicated, and then get their furs for one fourth of their
value, nay, sometimes take them by force. These Frenchmen are able-
bodied men, and have abused the Indians so much they are afraid of them ;
and, therefore, have not courage, if they had strength to defend themselves.
Under these circumstances your Excellency will perceive the Indians have no
means of obtaining justice, and from their remote situation the power of
civil authority is merely nominal in regard to them. His Excellency
observed, " I am very much obliged to you for this information j I shall do
all in my power for them."
CHAPTER V.
1826-1827.
DIARY OF MY LABOURS AMONG THE INDIANS.
THE following extracts from my diary contain a detailed
account of my mental and spiritual exercises and labours at
this time, as well as many interesting particulars respecting the
Indians, not mentioned in the foregoing chapter : —
Credit, September 16th, 1826. — I have now arrived at my charge among the
Indians. I feel an inexpressible joy in taking up my abode amongst tnem,
I must now acquire a new language, to teach a new people.
Sept. llth. — This day I commenced my labours amongst my Indian
brethren. My heart teels one with them, as they seemed to be tenderly
alive to their eternal interests. May I possess every necessary gift to suffer
labour, and teach the truth as it is in Jesus.
Sept. 23rd. — Greatly distressed to-night on account of a sad circumstance.
Three or four of the Indians have been intoxicated ; and one of them, in a
fit of anguish, shot himself ! This was caused by a wicked white man, who
persuaded them to drink cider in which he mixed whiskey, [See letter below.]
Sept. 24th. — Sabbath. — I tried to improve the mournful circumstance that
occurred yesterday, as the Indians seemed much affected on account of the
awful death of their brother.
Sept. 25lh. — We have resolved upon building a house, which is to answer
the double purpose of a school-house, and a place for divine worship. In less
than an hour these poor Indians subscribed one hundred dollars, forty of
which was paid at once. What a contrast, a short time ago they would sell
the last thing they had for whiskey ; now they economize to save something
to build a Temple for the true God 1
Sept. 26th. — To-day I buried two Indians, one the man who committed
suicide, the other a new-born babe.
Oct. 8th. — For many days I have been employed in an unpleasant contro-
versy, for our civil and'refigious rights, which has taken much of my time
and attention.
Oct. 9th. — One of my brethren has been suddenly called from his labours,
to his eternal home. Alas 1 my beloved Edward Hyland is no moire. He
entered the field after me, but he has gone before me !
Oct. 14th. — I have been employed the whole week in raising subscriptions
for the Indian Church ; we have now enough subscribed.
Oct. 19th — [In a letter, to-day, to his brother George, who
wished to hear something about the Indian work, Dr. Ryerson
1826-271
THE STORY OF MY LIFE.
65
said : I have to attend to various things previous to settling
myself permanently at the Credit. I preached there to the
Indians the two succeeding Sabbaths after I left home, and
have been employed since that time in building a chapel fo**
them at the Credit. The Indians in general, appear to be
steadfast in their religious profession. They are faithful in
their religious duties, and exemplary in their lives. One
unhappy circumstance occurred there. [See entry in Diary
of 23rd September.] I preached a solemn discourse on
the subject of guarding against temptation and intemperance
JOHN JONES' HOUSE AT THE CREDIT, WHERE DR. KYERSON RESIDED.
the same day, illustrating it throughout by this lamentable
example. The Indians appeared to be much affected; and,
I think, through the mercy of God, it has, and will prove
a salutary warning to them. The Indians were very spirited
in building their chapel. They made up more than a hundred
dollars towards it, and are willing to do more, if necessary.
By going in different parts of the country, I have got about
enough subscribed and paid to finish it. I have now per-
manently resided at the Credit Mission not quite a fortnight. I
board with John Jones; have a bed-room, but no fire-place,
except what is used by the family. I can speak a little Missis -
auga, and understand it pretty well. As to my enjoyments in
religion, I have lately had the severest conflicts I ever ex-
perienced ; but at times the rich consolations of religion have
66 THE STORY OF MY LIFE [CHAP. V.
flowed sweetly to my heart and God has abundantly blessed
me, especially in my pulpit ministrations. It is the language
of my heart to my blessed Saviour, Thy will, not mine, be done.
Our prospects in little York are favourable. The chapel is en-
larged, and the congregation greatly increased, some having
lately joined. — H.]
Nov. 9th. — This evening in visiting a sick Indian man, I endeavoured,
through an interpreter, to explain to him the causes of our afflictions, the
sympathy of Jesus, and the use of them to Christians. We afterwards had
prayer, many flocked into the room. The sick man was filled with peace in
believing, insomuch that he clapped his hands for joy.
Nov. 26th. — Sabbath. — This has been an important day. We opened our
Indian Chapel by holding a love-feast, and celebrating the Lord's supper.
The Indians with much solemnity and feeling expressed what God had done
for them. Rev. Wm. Case addressed them. In the evening he gave them
most important instruction, as to domestic economy and Christian duties.
After this a short time was spent in teaching them the Ten Commandments,
the Indian speaker repeating them audibly sentence by sentence, which was
responded to by the whole congregation. At the close, eight persons, seven
adults and one infant were baptized. Three years ago they were without
suitable clothes, home, morality, or God. Now they are decently clothed,
sheltered from the storm by comfortable dwellings, and many of them
rejoicing in the hope of a glorious immortality.
Nov. 29th. — Last evening, in addressing a few of the Indians, who were
collected on account of the death of one of them, (John Muskiat) I felt a
degree of light spring up in my mind. This Indian was converted about a
year ago, and has ever since maintained a godly walk and holy conversation.
Thus missionary labour has not been in vain. This is the third that has
left an encouraging testimony behind of a glorious resurrection.
Nov. 30th. — I have this day divided the Indian society into classes,
selected a leader for each, from the most pious and intelligent. I meet these
leaders once a week separately, to instruct them in their duty.
Dec. 1th — I have been often quite unwell, owing to change of living, be-
ing out at night ; my fare, as to food is very plain, but wholesome, and I
generally lie on boards with one or two blankets intervening.*
Dec. 8th. — I am feeling encouraged in the prosecution of the Indian
language, and1 in the spirit of my mission. There is a tenderness in the
disposition of many of the Indians, especially of the women, which endears
them to the admirers of natural excellence. One of them kindly presented
me with a handsome basket, which is designed to keep my books in. This
afternoon I collected about a dozen of the boys, to go with me to the woods,
in order to cut and carry wood for the chapel. Their exertions and activity
were astonishing.
Dec. 16th. — I have this week been trying to procure for the Indians the
exclusive right of their salmon fishery, which I trust will be granted by the
Legislature, t I have attended one of their Councils, when everything was
conducted in the most orderly manner. After all the business was adjusted,
they wished to give me an Indian name. The old Chief arose, and approached
the table where I was sitting, and in his own tongue addressed me in the
following manner : " Brother, as we are brothers, we will give you a name.
*My home was mostly at John Jones', brother of Peter Jones ; sometimes at
Wm. Herkimer's, a noble Indian convert, with a noble little wife,
t See page 78.
1826-27] -THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 67
My departed brother was named Cheehock; thou shalt be called Cheehock."*
I returned him thanks in his own tongue, and so became initiated among
them.
Dec. 22nd. — My brother John, writing from Grimsby, thus acknowledges
the kind advice of brother George: I thank you for your kind advice,
and I can assure you I have felt of late, more than ever, the importance
of preaching Christ, and Christ alone. It is my aim and constant prayer
to live in that way, so that I can always adopt the language of the
Apostle, Romans xiv. 7, 8. I wish you to write as often as convenient. Any
advice or instruction that you may have at any time to give, will be thank-
fully received.
January 4th, 1827. — After the absence of more than a week, I again return
to my Indians, who welcome me with the tenderest marks of kindness.
Watch-night on New Year's Eve was a season of great rejoicing among them.
About 12 o'clock, while their speaker was addressing them, the glory of the
Lord filled the house, and about twenty fell to the floor. They all expressed
a determination to commence the New Year with fresh zeaL My soul was
abundantly blessed at the commencement of the year, while speaking at the
close of the Watchnight services in York.
My engagement in controversial writing savours too much ot dry historical
criticism to be spiritual, and often causes leanness of soul; but it seems to be
necessary in the present state of matters in this Colony, and it is the opinion
of my most judicious friends, that I should continue it till it comes to a suc-
cessful termination.
Jan. I0th. — [Having received a letter of enquiry from his
brother George, Dr. Ryerson replied at this date, and
said : —
I have been unwell for nearly two months with a con-
tinuance of violent colds, occasioned by frequent changes from
a cold house and a thinly-clad bed at the Credit, to warm
rooms in York. My indisposition of body has generally
induced a depression of spirits, which has often unfitted me
for a proper discharge of duties, or proficiency in study.
However, in the midst of bodily indisposition, the blessings
of the Holy Spirit have been at times abundantly poured
into my soul, insomuch that I could glory in tribulation, and
rejoice that I am counted worthy to labour and surfer among
the most unprofitable and worthless of the labourers in my
Saviour's vineyard. The Indians are firm in their Christian
profession, and some of them are making considerable im-
provement in the knowledge of doctrine and duties of
religion, and of things in general. They are affectionate and
tractable.
I am very unpleasantly situated at the Credit, during the
cold weather, as there are nearly a dozen in the family, and
only one fire-place. I have lived at different houses among the
Indians, and thereby learned some of their wants, and the
* Cheehock, "A. bird on the wing," referring to my going about constantly
among them.
68 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. V.
proper remedies for them. Having no place for retirement,
and living in the midst of bustlo and noise, I have forgotten a
good deal of my Greek and Latin, and have made but little
progress in other things. My desire and aim is, to live solely
for the glory of God and the good of men.
By the advice of Mr. M. S. Bidwell and others, I am induced to
continue the Strachan controversy, till it is brought to a favour-
able termination. I shall be heartily glad when it is
concluded. — H.]
Jan. IQlh. — One of the Indians (Wm. Sunegoo) has been tempted to
drink. I visited him as soon as he returned to the village. I entreated him
to tell me the whole truth, which he did. After showing him his sin and
ingratitude to God and his friends, he wept aloud, almost despairing of
mercy. I pointed him to the Saviour of penitent sinners. He fell on his
knees, and we spent some time in prayer. After evening service he con-
fessed his sin publicly, asked forgiveness of his brethren, and promised in.
the strength of God to be more watchful. Thus have we restored our
brother in the spirit of meekness.
fan. ZGth. — Last Sunday we held our quarterly meeting at York. About
thirty of the Indian brethren were present ; their cleanliness, modesty, and
devout piety were the subject of general admiration,
Feb. 4th. — To-day I preached to the Indians. Peter Jacobs, an intelligent
youth of 18, interpreted, and afterwards spake with all the simplicity and
eloquence of nature.
A scene never to be forgotten was witnessed by me in visiting an
Indian woman this evening; after months of severe suffering, she sweetly
yielded up the ghost in the triumphs of faith. She embraced the Christian
religion about eight months ago, and was baptized by Rev. T. Madden.
Notwithstanding her many infirmities, she went to the house of God as long
as her emaciated frame, with the assistance of friends, could be supported.
A few days previous to her decease, she gave (to use her own words) " her
whole heart into the hands of Jesus, and felt no more sorry now, but wanted
to be with Jesus." While addressing a number assembled in her room, who
were weeping around her bed, her happy spirit took its triumphant flight to
the arms of the Saviour she loved so much.
How would the hearts of a Wesley and Fletcher burst forth in rapture,
could they have seen their spiritual posterity gathering the wandering tribes
of the American forest into the fold of Christ, and heard the wigwam of the
dying Indian resound with the praises of Jehovah !
Feb. 10th.— A blessed quarterly meeting — Elder Case preached in the
morning, and my brother George in the evening. The singing was delight-
ful, and the white people present were extremely interested. At the close a
collection of 026. 75 was taken up, principally from the Indians ! Peter
Jacobs was one of the speakers.
Feb. 16th. — The importance of fostering our school among the Indians, and
of encouraging the teacher in this discouraging and very difficult task, can-
not be overestimated. Rev. Wm. Case, thinking that I had some aptitude
for teaching, wrote me a day or two ago, as follows : —
Do you think the multitude of care, and burden of the school does some-
times mar the patience of the teacher? If so, you would do well to kindly
offer to assist him occasionally, when he is present, and so by example, as
well as by occasional kind remarks, help him to correct any inadvertencies
of taste. I know the burden of a teacher in a large school, and a perpetual
sameness in the same employment, especially in this business, is a tiresome
1826-27] THE STOBT OF MY LIFE. 69
task. I consider this school of vast importance, on several accounts, and
especially considering the hopes to be entertained of several interesting
youths there.
Feb. 21th. — I have written from fifteen to sixteen hours to-day in vindi-
cating the cause of dissenters against the anathemas of high churchmen.
March 5th, 1827. — To-day I am on my way to see my parents. My Father
is becoming serious, and my younger brother Ed wy has joined the Methodist
Society. I thank God for this blessed change.
York, March 8th. — [As an interesting bit of personal history,
decriptive of Dr. Ryerson's manner of life among the Credit
Indians, I give the following extract from a letter written by
Rev. William to Rev. George Ryerson. William says : —
I visited Egerton's Mission at the Credit last week, and was
highly delighted to see the improvement they are making both
in religious knowledge and industry. I preached to them while
there, and had a large meeting and an interesting time. The
next morning we visited their schools. They have about forty
pupils on the list, but there were only thirty present. The rest were
absent, making sugar. I am very certain I never saw the same
order and attention to study in any school before. Their
progress in spelling, reading, and writing is astonishing, but
especially in writing, which certainly exceeds anything I ever
saw. They are getting quite forward with their work. When
I was there they were fencing the lots in the village in a very
neat, substantial manner. On my arrival at the Mission I found
Egerton about half a mile from the villag stripped to the shirt
and pantaloons, clearing land with between twelve and twenty
of the little Indian boys, who were all engaged in chopping and
picking up the brush. It was an interesting sight. Indeed he
told me that he spent an hour or more every morning and even-
ing in this way, for the benefit of his own health, and the
improvement of the Indian children. He is almost worshipped
by his people, and I believe, under God, will be a great blessing
to them. — EL]
March 14<7i, — After several pleasant days absence I return again to my
Indian brethren. Have been much profited by reading the lives of
Cranmer, Latimer, Burnet, Watts, Doddridge, and especially that of Philip
Skelton, an Irish Prelate, The piety, knowledge, love, zeal, and unbounded
charity, are almost beyond credit, except on the principle that he that is
spiritual, can do all things.
March 19th. — An Indian who has lately come to this place, and has
embraced the religion of Christ, came to Peter Jones, and asked him, what
he should do with his implements of witchcraft, whether throw them in the
fire, or river, as he did not want anything more to do with them. What a
proof of his sincerity! nothing but Christianity can make them renounce
witchcraft, and many of them are afraid of it long alter their conversion.
March 20th, — Busy to-day selecting suitable places for planting, and
employed the school boys in cleanng some land for pasture.
Macrh 24th. — I am this day twenty-four years old. During the past year
70 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. V.
my principal attention has been called to controversial labours. If the Lord
will, may this cup pass by in my future life.
March 25th — Sabbath. — This day is the second anniversary of my minis-
terial labours. My soul has been refreshed, my tongue loosened, and my
heart wanned.
April 1st, 1827 — Sabbath. — In speaking to my Indian brethren, the word
seemed deeply to affect their hearts.
April 2na. — In meeting Class this evening, I spoke for the first time in
Indian. My mind was much affected. The Indians broke forth in exclama-
tions of joy to hear a white man talk about God and religion in their own
tongue.
April 6th. — My dear brother William and Dr. T. D. Morrison have spent
a night here, and greatly refreshed me by their converse.
April 9th. — Another lesson of mortality in the death of Brother John
Jones' only child. I have been trying to comfort the parents, who seem to
bear their trial with Christian fortitude
York, April loth. — [In a letter to his brother George at thi»
date, Dr. Ryerson thus speaks of the work under his care : —
We are all well, and are blessed in our labours at this place,
and at the Credit. I think the Indians are growing in know-
ledge and in grace. They are getting on pretty well with their
spring work. But in some respects they are Indians, though
they have become Christians.
I came from Long Point with a full determination to live
wholly for God and His Church. Through the blessing of God
I have received greater manifestations of grace than I had felt
before during the year. I have lately read " Law's Serious Call
to a Devout and Holy Life," which has been very beneficial to
me. My greatest grief of late is, that my love to God and His
people is not more humble, more fervent, and more importu-
nate. 0 could I feel as Jesus felt when he said, " My meat and
drink is to do the will of him that sent me." How much more
happy and useful I would be ! I pray that I may.
John and Peter Jones seem to thirst after holiness, and are
growing in grace. The Society in this place (York) appears to be
increasing in grace and in number. I was abundantly assisted
by heavenly aid to-day, while preaching. The congregation
seemed to be deeply affected this evening. I hope the word
has not gone forth in vain. The Sunday-schools are prosper-
ing in this place. I proposed the new method of increasing the
Sunday-schools, by giving a reward ticket to every scholar who
would procure another that had not attended any other school.
In two Sabbaths between twenty and thirty new scholars
were procured in one school. — H.]
April 16th. — The last part of last week I was powerfully assailed by the
devil, and became greatly dejected. Alas! I fear I was more disturbed on
account of my own reputation than for the cause of Jesus. While preaching
on Sabbath evening, heavenly light broke in on my soul, and all was peace.
I am now among the dear objects of my care. My heart leaped for joy as
1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 71
I came in sight of the village, and received such a hearty welcome. Much
refreshed with meeting them in Class, and particularly in private conversa-
tion with Peter Jones, about the dispensations of God towards us in the
increase of our graces and gifts. We nad about thirty boys out at work this
evening clearing land. They are very apt in learning to work.
April 18th. — I was impressed to-day with the fact that the untutored
Indian can display all the noble feelings of gratitude, love, and benevolence.
An Indian, who has lately come to this place and embraced the Christian
religion, has ever since shown great attachment to me. He has, without my
knowledge, watered, fed, and taken care of my horse, saying he lived closer
to the stable than I did. Yesterday I got out of hay, and could not get any
till this afternoon. When I came to the stable I found grass in the manger;
the Indian was there, and had just fed him. I said I was very glad, for he
must be very hungry, but the Indian replied, " No, he not very hungry. I
took him down where grass grow, and let him eat plenty." Oh, God, thought
I, do such principles dwell in the people whom the white man despises ? Is
not this as noble and pure as it is simple 1 Though the circumstance is small
in itself, it involves a moral principle to which many mighty men are
strangers. He gave the widow's mite. Enfeebled by sickness, he exposed
himself; touched by compassion, he relieved the sufferer. A few weeks ago,
a heathen from the forest, he now performs an act that might make many
Christians blush. How many professing Christians consider it a condescen-
sion to attend upon the servant of Christ and his beast, but this wild man of
the woods esteems it a privilege to wash His disciple's feet. " Many that are
first shall be last, and the last shall be first."
April 25th. — Last Sunday, four Indians came from Lake Simcoe, over fifty
miles, to hear the words of eternal life, while many professors will scarcely
go a mile. Does not this fulfil prophecy, " Many shall come from the
east, and the west, and sit down in the kingdom of God, while the children
of the kingdom are thrust out ? " Last summer they heard Peter Jones, at
Lake Simcoe, tell the story of the Saviour's love. They then determined to
renounce ardent spirits, and pray to the Great Spirit. With this little pre-
paration, they had been enabled to totter along in the path of morality from
that time till now. The old man (Win. Snake) seems under deep convictions,
weeps much, and expresses much sorrow for his former bad doings. They
have gone back, determined to get as many of their tribe as possible to return
by the first of June. Surely this is " hungering and thirsting after
righteousness."
April 29<7i — Sabbath. — In our Class-meetings, one of the Indian Leaders ex-
pressed himself thus : — " I am happy to-day. It is not with my life alone I love
Jesus, but I love Him right here (pressing his hand upon his heart.) If 1
did not serve Him, what would I tell Him when He came ? Would I tel"
Him a lie ? No, my brothers, I will tell Him no story. I will serve Him
with my whole heart. When I hear any of my brothers or my sisters praying
in the daytime alone,* it makes my heart feel so glad. The tears run out o^
my two eyes, I feel so happy. I love Jesus more and more. Pray for me,
that I may hold on to the end; and when Jesus comes, I may go with Him
and all of you up to heaven." Another one said, " Three of us have been
two or three days in the bush, but we prayed, three poor souls of us, three
times a day, and Jesus did make our souls so happy.
April QOtk. — According to announcement, we assembled in the Chapel to
examine into the cases of several who had acted disorderly. We were com-
pelled to expel two from the Society. Many were deeply affected, and groans,
and sighs might be heard in the different parts of the house. After a long
* They often retire to the woods for private prayer, and sometimes their souls
are so blessed, they praise God aloud, and can be heard at a considerable distance.
72 THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. [CHAP. V.
and wise address from the old Chief, Joseph Sawyer, I said, " We must turn
them out of the Society. What do you think about sending them away
from the village ? Tell us." Several spoke, and it was at last decided, by
holding up the right hand, that they must go. I then said, " I am sorry to
hear one or two have been drinking." I asked one if this was true. He
confessed that he drank some beer, being coaxed by a white man. He felt
very sorry, as he wished to be a good Christian. I then reproved with con-
siderable severity, and showed him it was as bad to get drunk on cider or
beer as whiskey. The devil often cheats us in this way, but we are exhorted
not to " touch, taste, or handle " the accursed thing. This talk was
explained to them in Indian by Peter Jones, and their opinions requested.
Several spoke, but Brother William Herkimer, with a pathos that affected
us all, said, " Brothers, the white man can't pour it down your throat, if you
will not drink. When white man ask me to drink, I tell him, ' I am a
Christian, I love Jesus,' and they go right away and look ashamed." He then
concluded with a most pathetic prayer: " Oh, Jesus, let us poor, weak
creatures be faithful, and serve Thee as long as we live." Having adjusted
these matters, I next observed, " Our God has given us another command-
ment which was, ' To keep holy the Sabbath day.' Now, brothers, if a man
gave you six dollars, and kept only one for himself, would you not think it
very bad to rob him of that one ? Oh, yes, you will say. Well the Lord has
done more for us. He has given us our lives, our clothes, our health, nay,
everything we have, and six days too, to do all our work in ; but He has kept
out one day for Himself. Let us not rob God of this day, but let us keep it
holy. I am sorry to hear that one of you went to York on Sunday. I
turned to the guilty Indian, and told him I wanted him to tell us why he
had done so. He stated he had got out of provisions, and he was afraid the
wind would rise on Monday, and unthinkingly he started on Sunday after-
noon. He promised to do so no more. I then spoke a few words from Gal.
vi. 1, and Peter Jones closed with an affecting exhortation and prayer.
May 2nd. — Yesterday I was almost in despair, and I was really devising
means to relinquish my present work ; when in the height of agitation I
took down a package of tracts, and providentially (surely not by chance) cast
my eyes upon one entitled, " Disobedience Punished, Kepented of, and Par-
doned." This was no other than the history of Jonah ; and was made the
means of reviving my expiring faith, and showing me how God alone could
give me victory over myself. I cried to Him like Jonah, and He delivered
me out of my distress.
May 3rd. — To-day I have felt peace with God and good will towards men.
Several Indian women have arrived from Scugog Lake. They report that
the Indians there have all stood firm, daily meeting for prayer to the Great
Spirit, and that there has only been one case of intoxication since Peter
Jones was there last autumn. This unhappy circumstance was caused by
one (Carr) an old Methodist back-slider (a fit emissary of the devil), who
took his barrel of whiskey, in order to trade with the Indians. He tried in
vain to persuadethem to taste, till at length he made some of the whiskey
into bitters, whichhe called medicine, ana prevailed on one unwary man to
take for his health. This he repeated several times, till at length the poor
fellow cot to relish it, and becoming overpowered he fell into the water !
The Indians immediately assembled for prayer, and through the mercy of
God, he is now restored to his former steadfastness. They then ordered Carr
to take his whiskey away, or they would destroy it. He took it on the ice,
on the lake, no doubt hoping that it would tempt some of them to drink.
But in this the devil was disappointed, the ice thawed, and the barrel floated
on the water. What an instance of human depravity, does this man's con-
duct exhibit, and what a picture of the power of Divine grace is seen in the
1826-27] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 73
inflexible firmness of the Indians! May we not sing in the language of
Paradise Eegained —
"The tempter foiled
Iii all his wiles, defeated, and repuls'd,
And Eden raised iu the waste wilderness."
The Indian woman who related the above, gave another proof of the amiable
and benevolent character of her race, especially when sanctified by grace.
In token of their esteem for Peter Jones, who had been the means of open-
ing their eyes to immortality and eternal life, they brought him several
pounds of maple sugar, which one of them presented in a wooden bowl. No
doubt this sugar, which they had carried sixty miles, was nearly their all.
Is not this a feeling of gratitude and love to the disciple for the master's sake ?
Oh ! that 1 may learn lessons of simplicity and contentment from these
children of the forest, for they are taught of God only. Oh ! that I may
have Mary's lot in time and in eternity.
May Gth — Sunday. — A number of white people being^ present this morning I
addressed them on the subject of the barren fig-tree. In the evening we had a
precious time ; the Indians were enraptured, and we all, as it were, with one
heart, dedicated ourselves afresh to God. In the class meeting we all wept
tears of joy and holy triumph. Several of them said, "Jesus is the best
master I ever served. " I love Jesus better than anything else."
May 8th. — I witnessed an affecting instance of how pleasant a thing it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity, in the departure of two Indians who
had paid us a few days' visit from Belleville. Nearly the whole village,
according to Apostolic custom, collected to bid them farewell in John
Crane's house, when an Indian arose (in the absence of the chief) inviting
any of the Belleville Indians who might like to come and settle amongst
them. Others rose and spoke on Christian love, pointing them forward to
that period when they should meet to part no more. How does the spirit
of primitive Christianity lead to the adoption of the same customs which
were practised by the first followers of our Lord, when the multitudes of
them that believed were of one heart and soul. We then sang a few verses
and all knelt down, commending our dear brothers to the care of Him who
never leaves nor forsakes his children. After this one of the Indians from
Belleville delivered a pathetic parting address ; they then all shook hands,
exhorting one another to cleave to Jesus. This Indian appeared to me to be
one of the most heavenly minded men I ever saw, not an able speaker but
with a peculiar nervousness in his words, spoken with energy and pathos
that deeply affected us all.
May 13th — Sunday. — I spent the last week in assisting the Indians in
their agricultural pursuits. They are teachable, willing, and apt to learn.
This constant change of employment debars me from literary and theologi-
cal improvement, and leaves me less qualified to expound Scripture to
refined assemblies. Thus I am perplexed to know what is best tor me to
do. The Lord direct me in this momentous matter !
May 14th. — The temporal and spiritual interests of the Indians bring upon
me much care, and weigh me down. I experienced some comfort in the
class meeting. Spoke in Indian, and for the first time repeated the Lord's
prayer in Chippewa. Many of my dear brethren praised the Lord.
June Qth — Sabbath. — This day we held quarterly meeting at York — about
twenty Indians present. I am informed that some of the Indians on Lake
Simcoe are hungering for the bread of life, and that twelve of them were at
worship at Newmarket, and expressed a desire to become Christians. Sixteen
Indian children attend a Sabbath-school established there whose parents
encamp near, for that purpose. Several of these children learnt the alphabet
in four hours. This awakening arose through four of the Rice Lake Indians
74 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. V.
influence by the Divine love, traversing in their canoe the back lakes to tell
their benighted brethren about Jesus, and exhorting them to become
Christians.
June 7th. — The first quarterly conference ever held amongst Indians in
British America was held to-day. After deliberating on several subjects,
that of sending some of their pious and experienced men on a missionary
tour to Lake Simcoe, and the Thames was proposed for consideration. Four
of them soon volunteered their services. Their hearts seemed fired at the
thought of carrying the news of salvation to their benighted brethren. At
their own suggestion $12 was soon taken up to help pay expenses,
June 10th. — About fifty converted Indians from Eice Lake, Scugog Lake,
Mud Lake, and the Credit, assembled in York to-day for the purpose
of worshipping God. The Rice Lake Indians have come to see the Gover-
nor about building them a village, and deduct the money due them from the
lands their fathers have ceded to the British Government, and likewise for
getting boundaries of their hunting-grounds established. The other Indians
have come for the purpose of attending the approaching camp-meeting, as
they have never had but three days' instruction from Peter Jones last
autumn. As soon as any of them experience the love of Jesus in their own
souls, they begin to feel for others, and, like the ancient Christians, go
wherever they can preaching the Lord Jesus. Here is a whole tribe converted
to God, with the external aid of only three days' instruction, except what
they communicate to one another, and who for six months have proved the
reality of their Christian experience by blameless and holy lives. Surely
" this is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes."
Elder Case told me that on his way from Cobourg to York, he saw an
Indian sitting by the road-side, he asked him where his brothers and sisters
were, he replied, encamped in the woods. Elder Case told him to call them,
as he wanted to talk some good words to them. They soon came together to
hear the me-ko-to-wik, or black coat man. They [pitched a little Bethel of
logs, about breast high, over-topped with bushes, for the purpose of worship-
ping Keshamunedo (God.) After kneeling down to implore God's blessing, they
took their seats. As soon as Elder Case commenced to speak, their hearts
seemed to melt like wax. So much for the Scugog, and Mud Lake Indians.
The Rice Lake Indians appear to be more intelligent, and are the handsomest
company of men I have seen. Potash, their chief, is very majestic in ap-
pearance, possesses a commanding voice, and speaks with great animation,
June 12th. — My brother William, who came from Newmarket yesterday,
informs me that he preached to more than fifty of these bewildered
enquirers after truth on Sunday — none of them could interpret, but some
could understand English, and they told others what the good man said. An
Indian woman came to a little white boy, holding out her book (as most of
them have bought books) and said, " boy, boy," showing great anxiety that
the boy would teach her, but the little fellow was afraid, and slipped off.
Then a little Indian boy about his age, held out his book that he might teach
him, the white boy complied, and by the time he had showed him three or
four letters, he was unable to contain his grateful feelings, clasped the white
boy round his neck, and began to hug and kiss him.
June 15th. — A camp-meeting commenced this afternoon on Yonge street,
about twelve miles from York. A large number of white people have
assembled, and about seventy-five Indians. About a dozen of these embraced
Christianity about six months ago, the rest are heathens from the forest.
How interesting a sight that they should travel forty miles to hear about the
Great Spirit, and what he would have them do. As soon as they arrived
they commenced building their tents. Our Saviour said to His disciples,
"Go ye into all the world, &c.," but we here see heathens coming to the
1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 75
disciples of Jesus and asking for the Gospel. The services were commenced
by Rev. James Richardson, followed by the Rev. Thaddeus Osgood, who is
a great lover of Sunday-schools, Peter Jones interpreted, when they were
directed to Jesus, who came to save the Indian as well as the white man, they
were melted to tears.
June 16th. — Rev. D. Yeomans preached this morning, also the Rev. Thad-
deus Osgood, first to the children, then to the Indians, which was interpreted
by Peter Jones. A lame boy, fourteen years old, seemed to have his whole soul
broken under the hammer of the word. The Ten Commandments were
recited in their own tongue, and they repeated them sentence by sentence. It
was a very impressive exercise, giving great solemnity to the sacred decalogue.
June 17th, Sunday. — The first sermon this morning was delivered by Rev.
John Ryerson, on the sufferings of Christ, followed by Rev. James
Richardson. By this time the concourse of people was immense — when the
Rev. William Ryerson preached from Gen. vii. 1, a most able and affecting
discourse, interpreted by Peter Jones, who afterwards addressed the white
people, telling of the former degradation of his people, their present happy
condition, the feeble instruments God had made use of to accomplish this
glorious work; he thanked the white people for their kindness, and earnestly
entreated them to pray on, that the good work might go on and prosper —
he concluded by saying, " My dear brethren, if you go forward the work
will prosper, till the missionary from the western tribes, shall meet with the
missionary from the east, and both will shake hands together."
June I8th. — About mid-day the Camp-meeting was brought to a close, it
was very solemn and refreshing, three hundred and thirteen whites partook
of the Communion, and about forty Indians. Thirty-five Indians, men,
women, and children were baptized; with others it was deferred till further
instructed.
July 3rd. — Peter Jones has just returned from Lake Simcoe, bringing a
glorious account of the steadfastness and exceeding joy of the Indians there.
Thirty more are added to their number; a school is established, taught by Bro.
Wm. Lane, in a temporary building, put up by themselves. The traders are
showing great opposition, threatening to beat the Indians and burn their
camps if they will attend the meetings; their craft is in danger. They that
trust in the Lord need not fear.
July 5th. — Rev. Wm. Ryerson, under this date, writes from Lake Simcoe:
If Yellowbead, the Head Chief, embraces religion, his influence will
counteract the opposition of the traders, which is very strong. I think if
Peter Jones can come and remain with them awhile, as soon as possible, they
will embrace Christianity.
July 15th. — Peter Jones and I arrived at Lake Simcoe this evening, for
the purpose of being present during the distribution of Indian gt>ods. The
change in their appearance since a year ago is most striking. The traders
are still very hostile.
July 16th. — In the morning I gave the Indians a long talk. I showed
thena the superiority of the Christian religion over that of those who wor-
shipped images. At this remark, the French traders present looked very
angry, muttering, but making no disturbance. Peter Jones then spoke at
length, answering and correcting statements the traders had made. Colonel
Givens soon arrived and the meeting closed.
July 17th. — Collected the Indians again, and preached from Matt. xi. 28.
Peter Jones expounded the Lord's Prayer. The Frenchmen were much dis-
pleased at his remarks on the subject of forgiving sins. They afterwards
tried to force some of the Christians to drink, but failed. The Lord have
mercy on these wicked men, and open their eyes before it is too late! When
the presents were to be given out, the men were seated by themselves, and
76 THE STORY OF MY LIFE [CHAP. V.
also the women ; the boys and girls according to their ages. The chief's then
requested all who were Christians, or wished to be, to sit together, and about
150 rose and did so. T*he difference in their countenances, as well as their
appearance and manners, was most marked. They looked healthy, clean,
and happy, whereas many of the others were almost naked; some with
bruised heads, and black faces, and almost burnt up with liquor. When the
distribution of presents ended, an Indian Council was held at Phelps' Inn, at
which I was invited to be present. Chief Yellowhead spoke first, saying
" The desire of his heart was that their Great Father would grant them a
place where they might all settle down together. His people wished to
throw away their bad ways, and worship the Gseat Spirit." Many others
spoke, particularly requesting the Indian Agent to do what he could to quiet
the rage of the French traders. We have reason to thank God for the kind
friendly influence the Indian agents exert, especially in closing the mouths
of the traders. Oh, Lord, I will praise Thee!
July 20th.— I left the Holland Landing this morning for the purpose of
visiting the islands north-east of Lake Simcoe, to ascertain their desirability
for a settlement. I find the situation very pleasant. The chief has a com-
fortable house containing four rooms, with everything decent and convenient.
This island contains about four hundred acres of beautiful basswood, beech,
and maple. The chief told me that the Mohawks once had a village there,
probably a century ago ; as there is a navigable creek running to the mouth
of the river, there was every attraction for a convenient settlement. The
chief also offers any one who will come and teach the children, two
rooms in his house for that purpose, and the Indians will support him.
Such is the field of philanthropic and Christian labour in this place, and
which demand most vigorous application.
July 22nd. — I assembled the Indians this morning, and gave them my
parting advice; after which the Chief (Wahwahsinno) spoke with great
]x»wer. He is the most interesting, intelligent Indian I ever saw. He
warned them to beware of the evil spirit which was lurking around them on
every side; to be honest and cheat nobody; not to get drunk, but buy food
and clothing for their children. You know, he said, how our fathers,
grandfathers, and great-grandfathers have been killed by liquor — now, don't
do as they have done. We are thankful to our Great Father, over the
waters, for the clothes he has given us, and to our good brother for the good
things he has taught us. We then embraced each other and bade farewell.
July 23rd. — Arrived again at the Narrows, and found the Indians firmly
established in the faith. I have now spent eight days among these long-
neglected and injured people, and happy are my eyes that have seen these
glorious things.
[The missionary efforts of these times were in Upper Canada
chiefly directed toward the Indians. Of this abundant evidence
is given in the preceding pages. That these efforts were also put
forth by the Church of England, may be gathered from the fact
that at a public meeting held in York, on the 29th of October,
1830, a Society was formed, under the presidency of the Bishop
of Quebec, "for the converting and civilizing of the Indians of
Upper Canada." In his address, on that occasion, the Bishop
stated that the Rev. G. Archbold, with true missionary zeal, had
resided among the Indians on the north side of Lake Huron
during the greater part of the summer, arid at his departure had
left them in care of Mr. James W. Cameron. Mr. Cameron was,
1826-27] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 77
in 1832 succeeded by Mr. (now Archdeacon) McMurray at Sault
Ste. Marie. Funds for the support of this Indian Mission were
collected in England, by the Bishop in 1831, and also by Rev.
A. N. (subsequently Bishop) Bethune. The scope of this Society
was soon enlarged to " Propagating the Gospel among Destitute
Settlers " also. The missionaries employed in 1831 were Rev. J.
O'Brian (St. Clair), Rev. Saltern Givens (Bay of Quinte), and
Mr. James W. Cameron (La Cloche, Sault Ste. Marie, &c.)
That this interest was not confined to spiritual matters is
evident from many letters, and other references, to the domestic
and material improvement in the condition of the Indians,
which I find in Dr. Ryerson's papers. I select the following,
which touch upon as many different matters relating to the
temporal and spiritual interests of the Indians : —
In a letter written by Rev. William Case, from Hallowell, to
Dr. Ryerson, he thus speaks of the success of a school established
by the Conference among the Indians. He says :
Last evening (10th March) was exhibited the improvement of the
Indian School, at Grape Island, one boy, whose time at school amounted to
but about six months, read well in the Testament. Several new tunes were
well sung and had a fine effect. The whole performance was excellent.
More than twenty names were given in to furnish provisions for the children
of the school. These exhibitions have a good effect. It animates the children
and the teachers, and affords a most gratifying opportunity to the friends of
the Missions to witness that their benevolence is not in vain. — H.]
[Shortly after this letter was written, Elder Case went to
New York, to solicit aid on behalf of the Indian Schools. He
was accompanied by John Sunday and one or two other Indians.
Writing from there, on the 19th April, to Dr. Ryerson, then at
Cobourg, he says :
"We have attended meetings frequently, and visited a great number of
schools and other institutions, both literary and religious. This has a fine
effect on our Indian brethren. The aid we are obtaining will assist us for
the improvement of our Indian Schools. We have an especial view to the
Indians of Rice Lake. Please look well to the school there, and to the com-
fort of the teacher. The Indians should be encouraged to cultivate tlieir
islands. The most that we can do is to keep them at school, &c., and
instruct them in their worldly concerns.
The managers of the Missionary Society in New York, as well as in Phila-
delphia, are very friendly. In case we shall be set off as a Conference, they
will continue to afford us assistance in the Mission cause. You will judge
something of the feeling of the people here, when I inform you that a neice
of the unfortunate Miss McCrae, who was killed by the Indians in the revo-
lutionary war, has given us $10 towards the Indian schools, and two sets of
very fine diaper cloths for the communion table. We shall bring with us an
Indian book, containing the decalogue, the creed, hymns, and our Lord's
Sermon on the Monnt. This will stimulate our schools, as well as afford
instruction to the Indian converts. I wish you to encourage the Indian
sisters to make a quantity of fancy trinkets, we could sell them to advantage
here. They should be well made. We have been introduced to Mr. Francis
78 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. V.
Hall, of the New York Spectator, and about forty ladies, who are engaged in
preparing bedding, clothing, &c., for our missions and schools. We gave
them a short address on the happy effects of the gospel on the mind and con-
dition of Indian female converts. John Sunday s address to them in Indian
was responded to with sobs through the room. Brother Bangs addressed
those present on behalf of the Indians exhorting them to diligence and faith-
fulness. He said that we would always find in the Christian females true
encouragement and aid." — H.]
[Elder Case was anxious to re-open the school for Indian girls
at Grape Island. In writing from the Credit, he says :
" When we gave up the female school it was designed to revive it, and we
had in view to employ one of the Miss Rolphs. If she can be obtained we
shall be much gratified. We wish everything done that can be done to
bring forward the children in every necessary improvement, especially at
the most important stations, and the Credit is one of the most important.
Can you afford any assistance to Peter Jacobs 1 We are very solicitous to
see some talent in composition among some of our most promising scholars.
We are authorised by the Dorcas Society, of New York, to draw for $20
to purchase a cow for the use of the mission family at the Credit, and you
are at liberty to get one now, or defer it. till the Spring. As probably the
$20 will purchase a cow, and pay for her keeping through the winter.
Our way this far has been prosperous. I never saw the pulse of Missionary
ardour beat higher. Tickets of admission at the anniversaries might be sold
by hundreds for a. dollar each. But they were d'stributed gratis. The col-
lection at the female anniversary was $217, and a handful of gold rings
(about 20). The superintendent is truly missionary ; rejoicing in the plan of
our aiding them in the conversion of the Indians on this side of the lines.
Bros. Doxtadors and Hess' visit is well received, and a good work commenced
at the Oneida."— H.]
[In a letter written to Dr.Ryerson, by the Re v. James Richard-
son, on the 2nd Oct., 1829, referring to the privilege granted to
the Indians of taking salmon (as mentioned on p. 66), he said :
As I came home, I stopped at James Gages', and found that he was much
displeased with the Indians for holding their fish so high. He says his son
could obtain them for less than l/3d. currency (25c.). Some of them were
not worth half that. He remarked that Wm, Kerr and others expressed
great dissatisfaction with the Indians for taking advantage of the privilege
granted to them, and also for haughtiness in their manner of dealing with
their old friends. I am afraid that unless they be moderate and civil, a
prejudice will be excited against them, which may prove detrimental to the
missionary cause. The respectable part of the inhabitants would be pleased
to have the Indians supported in this privilege, if they could purchase fish
of them at a moderate price. — H.]
[Elder Case, who was greatly interested in the success of
the Indian Schools, and who — with a view to demonstrate the
usefulness of the schools — proposed to take two of the Credit In-
dian boys to the Missionary Meetings in January, 1830, says : —
I should be glad to have something interesting at the York Anniversary.
Perhaps we may have a couple of promising boya from this Station. Henry
Steinheur will accompany me to Lake Simcoe, and perhaps Allen Salt* will
come up as far as York. They are both fine boys, and excellent singers.]
• These Indian boys subsequently became noted for their piety aad mis-
sionary zeal on behalf of their red brethren. — H.
1826-271 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 79
[A providential opening having occurred for getting the
Scriptures translated into the Indian language, Rev. Wm.
Eyerson, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated York, 24th February,
1830, says : —
I lately received a letter from the Rev. Mr. West, one of the agents for the
British and Foreign Bible Society, expressing the anxiety he felt that the
Scriptures should be translated into the Chippewa language. He said that if
proper application were made, he -would take great pleasure in. laying it
before the Committee of the Parent Society, and use his influence to obtain
any assistance that might be wanted. Viewing this as a providential opening,
I think that steps should be taken to have the translation made. From your
residence among the Indians, and knowledge of their manners and customs,
and your acquaintance with those natives that are the best advanced in
religious knowledge and experience, do you not think that the Joneses are
the best qualified to translate the Scriptures ? — H.]
NOTE. — [The reply was in the affirmative, and Peter Jones
was entrusted by the U. C. Bible Society with the work.* — H.]
April 7th, 1829. — [Writing to Dr. Ryerson, from Philadelphia,
at this date, Elder Case says :
There is a fine feeling here in favour of the Canada Church
and the Mission cause. Peter Jones and J. Hess are in New
York overlooking the printing of the gospels, etc. We hope to
bring back with us the Gospel of Mark, with other portions
contained in the Book of Common Prayer. The Spelling-book
and a Hymn book in Mohawk, and a Hymn-book in Chippewa
They are all in the press, and will be ready by 5th May, when
we leave to return. — H.]
* An unexpected delay occurred in getting the translation made by Rev.
Peter Jones printed, as explained in a letter from Rev. George Ryerson to
Dr. Ryerson, dated Bristol, August 6th, 1831. He says : —
Peter Jones, after his return from London, experienced several weeks'
delay in getting his translation prepared for the press, in consequence of a
letter from the Committee on the Translations of the U. C. Bible Society —
Drs. Harris, Baldwin, and Wenham — stating that the translation was im-
perfect. He had, in consequence, to go over the whole translation with Mr.
•Greenfield, the Editor of the Bible Society Translations. Mr, Greenfield is
a very clever man, and has an extensive knowledge of languages. He very
soon acquired the idiom of the Chippewa language so that he became better
able to judge of the faithfulness of the translation. Mr. Greenfield went
•cheerfully through every sentence with Mr. Jones, and made some unim-
portant alterations, expressed himself much pleased with the translation, and
thinks it the most literal of any published by the Bible Society. It is now
passing through the press, and will soon be sent to Canada.
CHAPTER VI.
1827-1828.
LABOURS AND TRIALS — CIVIL RIGHTS CONTROVERSY.
AT the Conference of 1827 I was appointed to the Cobourg
Circuit, extending from Bowmanville village to the
Trent, including Port Hope, Cobourg, Haldimand, Colborne,
Brighton, and the whole country south of Rice Lake, with the
townships of Seymour and Murray. On this extensive and
labourious Circuit I am not aware that I missed a single appoint-
ment, not withstanding my controversial engagements* and visits
to the Indians of Rice Lake and Mud Lake. I largely com-
posed on horseback sermons and replies to my ecclesiastical
adversaries. My diary of those days gives the following par-
ticulars : —
Hope, Newcastle District, Sept. 23rd, 1827. — I have now commenced my
ministerial labours amongst strangers. Religion is at a low ebb among the
people ; but there are some who still hold fast their integrity, and are
" asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherwards." I have preached
twice to-day and been greatly assisted from above.
Sept. 25th. — I have laboured with much heaviness to-day. I spent part of
the day in visiting the Rice Lake Indians. They seem very healthy, and are
happy in the Lord. We have selected a place for building a school house.
With gratitude and joy they offer to assist in the building.
Sept. 3Qth. — Another month gone ! I review the past with mingled feel-
ings of gratitude and regret.
October 2nd. — Yesterday and to-day I have laboured under severe affliction
of mind. I am as one tempest driven, without pilot, chart, or compass.
Oct. 4th. — This evening at the prayer-meeting, how delightful was it to
hear two children pour out their melting supplications at the throne of grace.
" Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.
Oct. Qth. — I began my labours last Sunday, weak and sick, but my strength
increased with my labour, and I was stronger in body and happier in soul at
night than in the morning.
Oct. Wth. — I have now finished my first journey round the circuit. My
health has not been good. Two persons have joined the society to-night, and
several more in class expressed a determination never to rest till they found
peace with God through Jesus Christ
Oct. nth. — I have been employed in controversial writing, and sorely
tempted to desist from preaching.
Oct. 20th. — I have been greatly interested and strengthened in reading the
" Life of Dr. Coke." The trials with which he was assailed, and the spirit
in which he encountered them, afforded encouragement to me. His meeting
* The first of these controversial engagements extended from the spring of 1826
until the spiing of 1827; the second from the spring of 1828 until near midsummer
of the same year. — H.
1827-28] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 81
with the venerable Asbury, in the Church built in the vast forest, is one of
the most affecting scenes I ever read.
Oct. 21st. — To-day we held our first quarterly meeting on the circuit, and,
bless the Lord, it was a reviving time.
Oct. 27th. — [Archdeacon's Strachan's Ecclesiastical Chart had
so excited the righteous indignation of Elder Case, that he
wrote to Dr. Ryerson, at this date, from Cobourg, in regard to
it. 1 insert his letter, as it expresses (though in strong
language) the general feeling of those outside of the Church of
England in regard to this Chart.* He said : — i
Notice the providence which has brought to light the mis-
statements of the Ecclesiastical Chart. This is one instance
out of many in which false representations have gone Home
in regard to the character of the people and the state of
religion.
As such a spirit of intolerance is altogether averse to the
mild spirit of the gospel, so it is also a most dangerous and
daring assumption of power over the rights of conscience.
Against this high-handed and domineering spirit, God himself
has ever set his face. Let the Doctor be reminded of the case of
Haman and the despised dissenting Jew, who refused to bow
down to the courtiers of the king. The Doctor's wrath is
kindled against those whom he calls "dissenters," and who
refuse to submit to his Church rule. We have said, " whom
the Doctor calls ' dissenters.' " I aver that the term is not at
all applicable to the religious denominations in this country.
From what Church have they dissented ? Indeed most of the
first inhabitants of this country never belonged to the Church
of England at all. They were from the first attached to the
denominations. Some to the Presbyterian, some to the Baptist,
some to the Methodist, and only a small portion to the Church
of England. Nor had they any apprehensions, while support-
ing the rights of the Crown, that an ecclesiastical establishment
of ministers of whom they have never heard, was to be imposed,
upon them, as a reward for their loyalty ! Indeed, they had the
faith of the Government pledged, that they should enjoy the
rights of conscience. And in view of this was the charter of
the Province formed, to secure liberty of conscience and free-
dom of thought. The blow at a loyal portion of Her Majesty's
subjects was aimed at them in the dark, 4,000 miles away,
and without an opportunity of defending themselves. An act
so ungenerous, and in a manner so impious too, cannot be
endured. We must defend ourselves against the unjust slanders
of the Doctor. — H.]
* The nature and purpose ef this Chart are fully explained and discussed
by Dr. .Ryerson in hia "Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 165-220." — H.
6
82 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VL
Nov. 19th. — I have been blessed with more comfort this evening in
preaching from Matt xxii. 11-13, to a congregation composed principally of
drunkards and swearers. My heart was warmed, my tongue loosened, and
my understanding enlarged.
Nov. 20th. — I have been to the Rice Lake Mission : found them still
growing in grace. The children are clean — many of them handsome. The
school teacher is happy in his work.
Dec. I2lh. — My mind has been greatly afflicted this evening in settling a
difference between two brethren.
Dec. 25th. — Last night we had a service in this place (Presque Isle) to
celebrate the incarnation of our blessed Saviour. Seven souls professed to
experience the pardoning love of Christ. Many who came mourning, went
home rejoicing.
January 1st, 1828. — I am now brought to the close of another year, and
the commencement of a new era of existence. The first part of the year I
spent principally amongst the Indians, and have reason to believe the Lord
blest my labours amongst those needy and loving people, but my own soul
was oft in heaviness. The latter part of the year I have been on a Circuit,
and have found my enjoyments and improvement increased. The Societies
are growing in piety, my bodily wants have been all supplied, and I have
experienced the fulfilment of the promise, If ye forsake father and mother,
the Lord will take thee up. May I ever rest on it !
Jan. 2nd. — [The following letter was written at this date to
Dr. Ryerson by his Mother. She says : —
My not writing to you, I understand from your letter to
Father, has given you much uneasiness ; but I can assure you
I have felt much concerned about it ^yself, for fear that you
should entertain the thought of its proceeding from unkindness
or neglect : but let the feelings of affection of a Mother suffice
and answer it all. Be convinced that her happiness depends
upon your welfare, and that her daily prayers will ever be
offered up to the throne of grace in yours and the rest of her
children's behalf. O that the Lord may keep you humble and
faithful, looking unto him for grace and strength to enable you
to work in His blessed cause, to proclaim the glad tidings of
salvation through a dear Redeemer to lost and perishing souls !
This is a great comfort to me, and more than I deserve. None
other compensates for all my trials and afflictions here, as that
God, of His goodness, should have inclined the hearts of many
of my dear children to seek His face and to testify to the ways
of God being the ways of pleasantness and peace. At so much
goodness my soul doth bless and praise my God and Redeemer.
My dear boy, you must not forget to pray for your poor
unworthy Mother, that she may be daily renewed in the inner
man, and so kept by the grace of God, as to be able to endure
unto the end, and at last to be received among those that are
made perfect, to praise Him that hath redeemed us for ever and
ever. Your kind and anxious enquiries about home, I shall
endeavour to answer. Your dear Father has returned, and is
1827-28] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 83
as well as usual, but still suffers much at times. Your heavenly
Father has been pleased to lay His hand of affliction once more
upon your sister, Mrs. Mitchell, by taking away her youngest
boy in November last. Edwy, I am happy to say, appears to
persevere in serving God, which, with the blessing of God, may
he continue to do. Your brother George has left for England.
He desires that all your letters be sent to him in England,
which contain anything interesting about the Indians, or of the
work of religion. The state of religion in this part, I think, is
rather on the rise, that is to say, they attend better to public
worship, and receive their preacher in a more friendly manner
than before. Write as often as you can to let us know how
you are, and how the work of religion is progressing. — H.]
Jan. 3rd. — I have this day visited the Indians at Rice Lake : all prosperity
here. I have been much refreshed this evening in meeting my beloved
brother and fellow-labourer in the Gospel, Peter Jones. These pleasing inter-
views bring to mind many refreshing seasons we have enjoyed together, when
seeking the lost sheep of the houee of Israel. This year thus far, has been
attended with peculiar trials; my health has not been good; I have had con-
flicts without, and fears within.
Jan. 30th. — Visited a poor woman to-day in the last stage of consumption,
she gives evidence that her peace is made with God. I find it a heavy cross
to visit the sick. Help me, Lord, to search out the mourner, bind up broken
hearts, and comfort the sorrowful.
February 22nd. — [A Central Committee at York having, of
behalf of the various non-Episcopal denominations, deputed
Rev. George Ryerson to proceed to England to present petitions
to the Imperial Parliament against the claims of the Church of
England in this Province,* the Rev. William Ryerson was
requested to write to his brother George on the subject. In his
letter he gave the following- explanation of the sources of in-
formation from which Archdeacon Strachan's Ecclesiastical
Chart was compiled. He said : —
It may be proper to apprise you that the Church of England
has been making an enquiry into the religious state of the
Province, the result of which they have sent home to the Im-
perial Parliament. And in order to swell their numbers as
much as possible, they have sent persons through almost every
part of the Province, who. when they come into a house, enquire
of the head of the family as to what Church he belongs. If he
says, to the Methodist, or any other body of dissenters, they
next enquire if their children belong to the same Church. If
they say no, they set the children as members of the Church of
England ! If they say that neither themselves nor their children
belong to any particular Church, they set them all down as
* See " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," p. 222.
84 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VL
members of the Church of England ! So that should they
make a parade of their numbers you can tell how they got them.
The Report of the Society for the Promotion of Christian
Knowledge, for 1821, gives the number of communicants in the
Church of England here as between 4,000 and 5,000. In the
Chart, the Methodist communicants only have been returned,
which is about 9,000. The number of those who call them-
selves Methodists, is, at least, four times that number, or 36,000.
This is the way in which almost all the other bodies estimate
their numbers, the Baptists excepted.
Cobourg, Feb. 27th. — Dr. Ryerson's youngest brother, Edwy,
who remained at home, wrote from there on the 20th, in regard
to his Father's health and religious life. He says : —
I think there is no doubt but that he will, in a short time
be able, with the care and the mercy of Almighty God, to enjoy
himself again at the family altar. He says that, by the grace
of God, the remainder of his days shall be devoted to the
service of God. He feels that he has acceptance with God ; that
God condescends to receive him — blessed be God ! My dear
Egerton, although we have had great difficulties and many trials
to contend with, yet the Lord has stood by us, and by His good-
ness and mercy He has kept us from sinking under them, by
pointing out ways and means for our escape, and He has brought
our aged Father to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Oh, my dear brother, let us praise the name of God forever,
who hath dealt so bountifully with us. Mother is much better
than when you were here. Father and Mother send their love
to you. May the Lord give you good speed, and crown your
labours with success in the saving of souls.
April 3rd. — With a view to throw an incidental light upon
the personal influence which prompted Dr. Ryerson to controvert
certain statements made by Archdeacon Strachan,* I quote a
letter which Dr. Ryerson's brother William wrote to him from
York, on the 1st, as follows : —
I send you a pamphlet containing Dr. Strachan's defence
before the Legislative Council. If I had time I would write a
* " Letters from the Reverend Egerton Ryerson to the Honourable and
Reverend Dr. Strachan. Published originally in the Upper Canada Herald,
Kingston, U.O., 1828. Pp. 42 — In his "advertisement" or preface, Dr.
Ryerson illustrates the pressing nature of his engagements at the time when he
was engaged in the controversy with Archdeacon Strachan. He also refecred to
the unusual difficulties with which he had to contend in writing these ' ' Letters "
to the Archdeacon. Of many important and most forcible arguments against estab-
lishments, especially those derived from the Holy Scriptures, the author has not
availed himself, nor has he referred to so many historical authorities as might
have been adduced, * * as he has had to travel nearly two hundred
miles, and preach from twenty to thirty sermons a month." (See note on p. 80
and also Chapter viil— H.
1827-28] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 85
reply, at least to a part of it. I think you had better write a
full answer to it. You will perceive that the Doctor's defence
consists in telling what he told certain gentlemen in England
and what they told him. The misstatements and contradictions
with which he has been charged, he has not noticed. Such as
that " the Church is rapidly increasing, and spreading over the
whole country, and that the tendency of the population is
towards the Church of England, and that the instructions of
dissenters are rendering people hostile to our institutions, civil
and religious." He says : " It is said I have offended the
Methodists." Who told him so ? I presume it must have been
his own conscience. If you write a full answer would it not
be better to do it in the form of letters, addressed to the doctor,
and signed by your reil name ? Write in a candid, mild, and
kindly style, and it will have a much more powerful effect
upon the mind of the public. Do not cramp yourself, but write
fully, seriously, and effectually.
Dr. Ryerson's reflections upon the peculiar difficulties of his
itinerant life at this time are recorded in his diary, under date
of April 13th, as follows : —
No situation of life is without its inconveniences; but, perhaps, the Metho-
dist itinerant Preacher is more exposed to privations than most others. His
home is everywhere, and amongst persons of every description; and if he
needs retirement or books, where can he find a retreat to hide himself, or a
secret place where he can, like Jacob, wrestle till the dawn of day ? He is
a target to be shot at by every one; his weaknesses and failings tried every
way; and, after his youth, his health, his life, his all are spent, he loo often
dies an enfeebled and impoverished man. But, bless the Lord, all does not
end here. We have " a building of God, eternal in the heavens;" and we
have a home " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are
at rest."
Dr. Ryerson resumes his diary on the 9th of May. He says :
My time has of late been much taken up with provincial affairs. I have
felt a hardness towards those who I think are injuring the interests of the
country, and with whom it has fallen to my lot to be much engaged in con-
troversy. Necessity seems at present to be laid upon me, from which I
cannot free myself.
May 10th — Sunday. — To-day I delivered a discourse on Missions. I had
intended much, this being a favourite topic with me, but I made out nothing,
and I felt truly humbled.
Aug. 1st. — For months past I have been greatly tried. My controversial
labours have occupied too much of my time and attention. I thank God,
the day of deliverance seems to be dawning. The invisible hand of the
infinitely wise Being is clearly at work, and I have no doubt the result will
be to His glory.
Dr. Ryerson then continues the narrative of his life. He
ys:—
A change in my domestic and public life now commenced,
86 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. ' [CHAP. VI
which involved my marriage, and my appointment to the
Hamilton and Ancaster Circuits. In my diary I say : —
Aug. 24th. — I soon expect to alter my situation in life. What an im-
portant step 1 How much depends upon it in respect to my comfort, my
literary and religious improvement, and my usefulness in the Church ? I
have kept up a correspondence with a lady since and before I was an itinerant
preacher; but postponed marriage since 1 became a minister, thinking that
I should be more useful as a single man. My ministerial friends all advise
me now to marry, as every obstacle seems moved out of the way and I have
now travelled three years,
Ancaster, Oct. 31st. — I have passed through a variety of scenes since I last
noted the dealings of the Lord with me. On the 10th of September, 1828, 1
entered into the married state with Miss Hannah Aikman, of Hamilton.
Through the tender mercy of God, I have got a companion who, I believe,
will be truly a help-meet to me, in spiritual as well as temporal things.*
The Hamilton and Ancaster Circuit reached from Stoney
Creek, east of Hamilton, to within five miles of Brantford,
including the township of Glandford ; thence including the
Jersey settlement, Dundas Street, and Nelson, to ten miles
north of Dundas Street, embracing Trafalgar, the mountain
beyond the town of Milton, Credit, and back to Stoney 'Creek.
The death of the Rev. Wm. Slater, my colleague and Super-
intendent, about the middle of the year, was a great loss and
affliction to me, as I had to take his place. Brother Slater had
been the colleague of my brother John for two years, and he
was now mine for the second year. He was a true Englishman,
a true friend, and a faithful and cheerful minister.
About the middle of this year (1828) were held the Ryan
Conventions at Copetown, in West Flainboro', and Picton, Prince
Edward District, of which I have given an account in " The
Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 247-269.
* This union was of comparatively short duration. Mrs. Ryerson died on
the 31st of January, 1832, at the early age of 28. (See the latter part of
Chapter ix.)
CHAPTER VII.
1828-1829.
RYANITE SCHISM — M. E. CHUECH OF CANADA '.ORGANIZED.
is a break in Dr. Ryerson's " Story" at this point ;
no record of any of the events of his life, from August,
1828, to September, 1829, was found among the MSS. left by
him. The Editor, therefore, avails himself of the numerous
letters preserved by the venerable author, from which he is
enabled to continue a narrative, at least in part, of the principal
events in his then active life. — H.
Hamilton, Qth Nov. — Writing at this date, from Cobourg, to
Dr. Ryerson, on the expediency of petitioning the Legislature
to give the Methodist Ministry the right to perform the mar-
riage ceremony amongst their own people, Elder Case, says : —
Should not the petition include all "dissenters," and the prayer
be for authority to perform the marriage rite for members of
our congregations? I would rather not have any law in our
favour, but that which gives the privilege to the Calvinists. If
the Church of England is not the established religion of this
province (and who believes it is ?) " dissenters " at least, have an
equal right with the Church. If numbers and priority are to
determine the right, the " dissenters " have a superior right, for
they were first here, and they are more numerous. We cannot but
feel a pious indignation at the idea, that all should not snjoy
the same privilege, in regard to marriage ; and can this be the
fact when one denomination, in any sense whatever, has a con-
trol over the marriage ceremony of another denomination ?
The Ryanite Schism, which commenced in 1824, is fully
described by Dr. Ryerson in his " Epochs of Canadian Method-
ism," pp. 247-269. In a letter from his brother John, dated River
Thames, January 28th, the strife caused by this schism is thus
referred to. Mr. Ryerson also describes the state of the Societies
in the London District during this crisis. He said : —
I am happy to hear that Mr. Ryan's plans are defeated, and
that the measures you have adopted to frustrate his machina-
tions against Elder Case, have proved successful. I hope you
will continue to assist and support Elder Case, especially in this
88 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VH.
affair, and on many other accounts he is deserving of much
esteem ; his disinterested exertions in behalf of the Missionary
interest in Canada, are deserving of the highest praise.
The work is prospering in the different parts of this District.
Niagara and Ancaster Circuits are rising. There is a good
work in Oxford, on the Long Point Circuit, as also on the Lon-
don and Westminster Circuits. The Indian Mission, on the
Grand River, is progressing finely. At the "Salt Springs, about
thirty have been added to the Society, amomg whom are some
of the most respectable chiefs of the Mohawk andTuscarora
nations. Visiting them, from wigwam to wigwam, they in
general appear to be thankful. — H.]
The Ryanite controversy turned chiefly on the refusal at first
of the American General Conference to separate the Canada
work from its jurisdiction. Rev. John Ryerson, in a letter
from Pittsburg, Pa., dated May, 1828, gave Dr. Ryerson the
particulars of the reversal of that decision. He says : —
A Committee of five persons has been appointed on the
Canada Question. Dr. Bangs is the chairman. The Committee
reported last Thursday pointedly against the separation ;
declaring it, in their opinion, to be unconstitutional. Dr. Bangs
brought the report before the Conference, and made a long
speech against the separation. William and myself replied to
him pointedly, and at length, and were supported by the Rev.
Drs. Fisk and Luckey. Dr. Bangs was supported by Rev.
Messrs. Henings, Lindsey, and others. The matter was debated
with astonishing ability and deep-felt interest on both sides,
for two days, when the question being put, there were 105 in
favour of the separation, and 43 against— a majority on our
side of 62. Our kind friends were much delighted, and highly
gratified at our singular and remarkable triumph ; and those
who opposed us, met us with a great deal of respect and affec-
tion. You will, doubtless, be surprised on hearing of Dr. Bangs'
opposing us as he has done, but you are not more surprised and
astonished than we were ; and we had no knowledge of his
opposition to the separation until the morning of the debate,
when he got up and commenced his speech in Conference. But,
blessed be God for ever, amidst the painful and trying scenes
through which we have passed in the Conference business, the
God of David has stood by us, and has given us a decided
victory.
Nov. 22nd. — Elder Case, in a letter from Cobourg, gives a
detailed account of the efforts put forth by Rev. Henry Ryan
to foment discord among the societies. He says :
As in the west so in the east, Elder Ryan had induced
several members to attend as delegates at his convention
1828-29] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 89
in Hallo well. At Matilda, George Brouse ; at Kingston, Bro.
Burchel and Henry Benson have been elected to go. Mr. Case
then urges that a circular be issued to the societies setting
forth "that the Conference, so far as they have had evidence, has
laboured in every instance to do justice to Mr. Ryan, and even
to afford him greater lenity, on account of former standing,
than, perhaps the discipline of the Church would justify.
In a subsequent letter, dated Prescott, 27th November, Elder
Case thus describes the proceedings of Mr. Ryan. He says :
On my way down, I spent a few hours at Kingston, one
day at Brockville, and one here. I have learned all the circum-
stances of Mr. Ryan's proceedings. At one place he would
declare in the most positive manner that he would " head no
division," that he "would even be the first to oppose any
such work," he "would esteem it the happiest day in his life if,
by their assistance, he could regain his standing in the Church,"
and that " the measures which he was now professing would
prevent a division." But when he thought he had gained the
confidence of his listeners, and they had entered fully into his
views, he would throw off his disguise, and openly declare, as
he did at Matilda, " Now, we will pull down the tyrannical
spirit of the Conference. There will, there must be a split," &c.
Brother, there is one very material obstacle in the way of effect-
ing a "' split," in our societies, and raising a " fog " of any con-
siderable duration, i. e., the authors of this work may, by their
strong and positive statements, make a people mad for a " divi-
sion." But, when there is a sense of religion in the mind,
they will become good natured — they can't be kept mad long.
Our people in these parts are becoming quite good natured, and
now perceive their arch friend has made a fool of them.
To show how deeply the Ryanite schism had affected the
Societies, and how widely the agitation had spread, we give a
few extracts from a letter written from London (U.C.), to Dr.
Ryerson, by his brother John, dated 2nd January. He says : —
The day I left you I rode to Oxford (52 miles.), and after
preaching, I gave an explanation of Ryan's case, an hour and a
half long. My dear brother, this is a desperate struggle. I am
using every possible exertion to defeat Ryan. I go from house
to house to see the friends I don't see at the meetings. Could
you not go to Burford and see Mr. Matthews, as he has a great
deal of influence in Burford and the Governor's Road ? Eger-
ton, by all means, try and go, even if you have to neglect
appointments. Though I know it is hard for you, I am sure
the approbation of your conscience, and the approbation of the
Church, will afford you an ample reward. It will also be
necessary for you to keep a look out about Ancaster. Write to
90 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VII
Rev. James Richardson, and tell him to look out, and also write
to Rev. S. Belton, and Rev. A. Green. Don't fail to go to Bur-
ford and, if you can, to Long Point also, and hold public
meetings on the subject.*
Nov. 26^. — At the Conference held this year (1828), at
Switzer's Chapel, Ernestown, Bishop Hedding presiding, reso-
lutions were adopted organizing the Canada Conference into an
"independent Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada." Subse-
quently, Rev. Wilbur Fisk, A.M., Principal of the Wilbraharn
Academy, U.S., was elected General Superintendent, or Bishop,
of the newly organized Church. Dr. Ryerson was deputed to
convey the announcement of this election to Mr. Fisk, which he
did on this day, as follows : —
The Canada Conference of the M.E. Church have taken the
liberty of nominating you for our General Superintendent,
agreeably to the resolutions of the General Conference. I take
the liberty, and have the pleasure of observing that the nomina-
tion was warm and unanimous ; and I hope and pray, that while
our wants excite your compassion, our measures, in this respect,
will meet your cordial approbation and receive your pious com-
pliance. Although writing to a person whom I have never
seen, yet the pleasure and profit I have derived in perusing
your successful apologies in favour of the pure Gospel of Christ
against the invasions of modern libertinism, remind me that I
am not writing to an entire stranger ; and your able and affec-
tionate appeal to the late General Conference in behalf of
Canada — of which my brothers gave a most interesting account
— embolden me to speaks with you " as a man speaketh with
his friend." Rev. Dr. Fisk's reply to this letter is as follows : —
The deep solicitude I have felt, to weigh the subject well, to
watch the openings of divine providence, and decide in the best
light, have induced me to deliberate until this time [April]. All
my deliberations upon this subject have resulted in a confirma-
tion of my earliest impressions in relation to it — that it will not
be prudent for me to accept of the affectionate and flattering
invitation of the Canada Conference. I feel, however, the
influence of contrary emotions. My high sense of the honour
you have done me, is enhanced by the consideration that " the
nomination was unanimous and warm." I highly appreciate,
and cordially reciprocate those warm and concurrent expressions
of confidence and affection. The information I have of the
character of the Conference, joined with my personal acquaint-
ance with some of its members, convinces me, that whoever
* Rev. Henry Ryan was born 1776, entered the ministry in 1880, and died
at his residence, in Gainsborough, on the 2nd September, 1833, aged 57
years. — H.
1828-29] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 91
superintends the Canada Church, will have a charge that will
cheer his heart, and hold up his hands in his official labours.
Equally encouraging and inviting, are the growing prospects of
your country and your Church, and especially of your mis-
sionary stations. These to a man of missionary enterprise, who
loves to bear the banner of the cross, and push its victories
more and more upon the territories of darkness and sin, are
motives of high and almost irresistible influence. And they
have so affected my mind, that although my local attachments
to the land of my fathers, and for that branch of the Church
where I was, and have been nutured, are strong ; although my
aged parents lean upon me to support their trembling steps, as
they descend to the tomb ; although I might justly fear the
influence oi: your climate upon an infirm constitution; yet these
considerations, strengthened as they are by a consciousness of
my own inability, and by the almost unanimous dissuasives of
my friends, would hardly of themselves have induced me to
decline your invitation, were it not that I am connected with
a literary institution that promises much advantage to the
Church and to the public, but which, as yet, will require close
and unremitting attention and care on my part for some time
to come, to give it that direction and permanency which will
secure its usefulness.*
Nov. 28th, 1828.— Mr. H. C. Thompson, of Kingston, who had
charge of the re-printing in pamphlet form of Dr. Eyerson's
recent letters on Archdeacon Strachan's sermon, writes to him
to say : — It lingers in the press, merely for the want of work-
men, who cannot be procured in this place.-f- He adds : — The
* The post-office endorsement on this letter was as follows : — Paid to
Lewistown, N.Y., 25c. postage; ferryage to Niagara, 2d. ; from Niagara to
Hamilton,. 4£d.; total, 36 cents postage, for what in 1882 costs only one-
twelfth of that amount. — H.
t The title ot this pamphlet (in possession of the author) is : Claims of
Churchmen and Dissenters of Upper Canada brought to the test in a Contro-
versy between several Members of the Church of England and a Methodist
Preacher. Kingston, 1828. pp. 232. (See note on page 80, and also
Chapter viii.)
Rev. Dr. Green, in his Life and Times, thus speaks of the effect of the
publication of these letters upon Rev. Franklin Metcalf and himself : — The
sermon was ably reviewed in the columns of the Colonial Advocate, in a
communication over the signature of "A Methodist Preacher." Mr. Metcalf
and I took the paper into a field, where we sat down on the grass to read.
As we read, we admired ; and as we admired, we rejoiced ; then thanked
God, and speculated as to its author, little suspecting that it was a young
man who had been received on trial at the late Conference (1825). We read
again, and then devoutly thanked God for having put it into the heart of
some one to defend the Church publicly against such mischievous statements,
and give the world the benefit of the facts of the case. The " Reviewer "
proved to be Mr. Egerton Ryerson, then on the Yonge Street Circuit. This
92 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP, VII.
changes which have recently taken place in the two provinces
cannot fail to gratify every lover of his country, though the
party in power will no doubt hang their heads in sullen silence.
I am highly pleased with the Methodist Ministers' Address to
the Governor, and the reply thereto, — Strachanism must seek
a more congenial climate.
March I9th, 1829. — Dr. Ryerson had, at this time, met with
an accident, but his life was providentially spared. Elder
Case, writing from New York, at this date, speaking of it, says :
Thank the Lord that your life was preserved. The enemies
of our Zion would have triumphed in your death. May God
preserve you to see the opponents of religious liberty, and the
abettors of faction frustrated in all their selfish designs and
hair-brained hopes !
I have seen a letter from the Rev. Richard Reece, dated
London, 19th January, to Mr. Francis Hall, of the New York
Commercial Advertiser and the Spectator, in which he says :
I am of opinion that the English Conference can do very
little good in Upper Canada. Had our preachers been continued
they might have raised the standard of primitive English Metho-
dism, which would have had extensive and beneficial influence
upon the work in that province, but having ceded by convention
the whole of it to your Church, I hope we shall not interfere to
disturb the people. They must, as you say, struggle for a while,
and your bishops must visit them, and ordain their ministers,
till they can do without them. He speaks of being highly
gratified at the conversion of the Indians in Canada.
was the commencement of the war for religious liberty, pp. 83, 84. (See
also page 143 of Dr. Ryerson's " Epochs of Canadian Methodism.") — H.
For specimens of Dr. Ryerson's controversial style in this his first
encounter, see the extracts which he has given from tne pamphlet itself on
pages 146 — 149, etc., of "Epochs of Canadian Methodism. — II
CHAPTER VIII.
1829-1832.
ESTABLISHMENT OP THE " CHRISTIAN GUARDIAN — " CHURCH
CLAIMS RESISTED.
DR. RYERSON takes up the Story of his Life at the period
of the Conference of 1829. He says that ; —
At this Conference it was determined to establish the
Christian Guardian newspaper. The Conference elected me
as Editor, with instructions to go to New York to procure the
types and apparatus necessary for its establishment.* In this
I was greatly assisted by the late Rev. Dr. Bangs, and the Rev.
Mr. Collard, of the New York Methodist Book Concern.
The hardships and difficulties of establishing and conducting
the Christian Guardian for the first year, without a clerk, in
the midst of our poverty, can hardly be realized and need not
be detailed. The first number was issued on the 22nd Novem-
ber, 1829. The list of subscribers at the commencement was
less than 500. Three years afterwards (in 1832), when the first
Editor was appointed as the representative of the Canadian
Conference to England, the subscription list was reported as
nearly 3,000.
The characteristics of the Christian Guardian during these
three eventful years (it being then regarded as the leading
newspaper of Upper Canada) were defence of Methodist insti-
tutions and character, civil rights, temperance principles, educa-
tional progress, and missionary operations. It was during this
period that the Methodist and other denominations obtained
the right to hold land for places of worship, and for the burial
* The following is a copy of the document under the authority of which
Dr. Ryerson was deputed to go to New York to procure presses and types for
the proposed Christian Guardian newspaper : —
This is to certify that the Bearer, Rev. Egerton Ryerson, is appointed
agent for procuring a printing establishment for the Canada Conference, and
is hereby commended to the Christian confidence of all on whom he may have
occasion to call for advice and assistance for the above purpose.
(Signed) WILLIAM CASE, Superintendent.
Ancaster, Upper Canada, ) JAMES RICHARDSON, Secretary.
Sept. 4th, 1829. J
94 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIII.
of their dead, and the right of their ministers to solemnize
matrimony, as also their rights to equal civil and religious
liberty, against a dominant church establishment in Upper
Canada, as I have detailed in the " Epochs of Canadian Method-
ism," pp. 129-246.
The foregoing was the only reference to this period of his
life which Dr. Ryerson has left. I have, therefore, availed
myself of his letters and papers to continue the narrative.
June — August, 1830. — With a view to correct ther mis-
statements made in regard to the Methodists in Canada, and to
set forth their just rights, Dr. Ryerson devoted a considerable
space in the Christian Guardian of the 26th June, and 3rd,
10th, 24th, and 31st July, and 14th August, 1SSO, to a concise
history of that body in this country, in which he maintained its
right to the privileges proposed to be granted to it under the
Religious Societies Relief Bill of that time.* He pointed out,
as he expressed it, that —
His Majesty's Royal assent would have been given to that
bill had it not unfortunately fallen in company with some ruth-
less vagrant (in the shape of a secret communication from our
enemies in Canada) who had slandered, abused, and tomahawked
it at the foot of the throne
Oct. llth. — Being desirous of availing himself of his brother
George's educational advantages and ability in his editorial
labours, Dr. Ryerson, under this date, wrote to him in his new
charge at the Grand River, He said : —
I am glad to hear that you enjoy peace of mind, .and feel an
increasing attachment to your charge. It is more than I do as
Editor. I am scarcely free from interruption long enough to
settle my mind on any one thing, and sometimes I am almost
distracted. On questions of right and liberty, as well as on
other subjects, I am resolved to pursue a most decided course.
Your retired situation will afford you a good opportunity for
writing useful articles on various subjects. I hope you will
write often and freely.
Nov. 1st. — Another reason, which apparently prompted Dr
Ryerson to appeal to his brother George for editorial help, was
the fear that the increasing efforts of the influential leaders of
the Church of England to secure a recognition of her claims to be
an established church in Upper Canada might be crowned with
success. He, therefore, at this date wrote to him again on the
subject, and said . —
The posture of affairs in England appears, upon the whole,
* These seven papers, taken together, were the first attempt to put into a
connected form the history of the Methodist Church in Canada, down to
1830.— H.
1829-321 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 95
more favourable to reform than in Upper Canada. We are
resolved to double our diligence ; to have general petitions in
favour of the abolition of every kind of religious domination,
circulated throughout the Province, addressed to the Provincial
and Imperial Parliaments, and take up the whole question —
decidedly, fully, and warmly. We must be up and doing while
it is called to-day. It is the right time. There is a new and
Whig Parliament in England, and I am sure our own House
of Assembly dare not deny the petitions of the people on this
subject.
NATUEE OF THE STRUGGLE FOR EELIGIOUS EQUALITY.
During this and many succeeding years the chief efforts of
Dr. Ryerson and those who acted with him were directed, as
intimated before, against the efforts put forth to establish a
" dominant church " in Upper Canada. A brief resume of the
question will put the reader in possession of the facts of the
case : —
The late Bishop Strachan, in his speech delivered in the
Legislative Council, March 6th, 1828, devoted several pages of
that speech (as printed) to prove that " the Church of England is
by law the Established Church of this Province." This statement
in some form he put forth in every discussion on the subject.
The grounds upon which this claim was founded were also
fully stated by Eev. Wm. Betteridge, B.D. (of Woodstock),
who was sent to England to represent the claims ,of the
Church of England in this controversy. These claims he put
forward in his "Brief History of the Church in Upper Canada,"
published in England in 1838. He rests those claims upon
what he considers to have been the intention of the Imperial
Parliament in passing the Clergy Reserve sections of the Act (31
Geo III., c. 31) in 1791, and also on the " King's Instructions "
to the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada in 1818. He
further contended that the "Extinction of the Tithes Act,"
passed by the Upper Canada Legislature in 1823, inferentially
recognized the dominancy of the Church of England in Canada
as a Church of the Empire. Beyond this alleged inferential
right to be an Established Church in Upper %Canada, none in
reality existed. It was, therefore, to prevent this inference, —
which was insisted upon as perfectly clear and irresistible, —
from receiving Imperial or Provincial recognition as an ad-
mitted or legal fact, that the persistent efforts of Dr. Ryerson
and others were unceasingly directed during all of these years.
Few in the present day can realize the magnitude of the
task thus undertaken. Nor do we sufficiently estimate the signi-
ficance of the issues involved in that contest — a contest waged
96 THE STORY OP MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIII
for the recognition of equal denominational rights and the
supremacy of religious liberty. All of these questions are now
happily settled " upon the best and surest foundation." But it
might have been far otherwise had not such men as Dr. Ryerson
stepped into the breach at a critical time in our early history ;
and had not the battle been fought and won before the dis-
tasteful yoke of an "establishment" had been imposed upon
this young country, and burdensome vested interests had been
thereby created, which it would have taken years of serious
and protracted strife to have extinguished.
As the fruits of that protracted struggle for religious equality
have been long quietly enjoyed in this province, there is a
disposition in many quarters to undervalue the importance of
the contest itself, and even to question the propriety of reviving
the recollection of such early conflicts. In so far as we may
adopt such views we must necessarily fail to do justice to the
heroism and self-sacrifice of those who, like Dr. Ryerson,
encountered the prolonged and determined opposition, as well
as the contemptuous scorn of the dominant party while battling
for the rights which he and others ultimately secured for us.
Those amongst us who would seek to depreciate the importance
of that struggle for civil and religious freedom, must fail also
to realize the importance of the real issues of that contest.
To those who have given any attention to this subject, it is
well known that the maintenance of the views put forth by
Dr. Ryerson in this controversy involved personal odium and
the certainty of social ostracism. It also involved, what is often
more fatal to a man's courage and constancy, the sneer and the
personal animosity, as well as ridicule, of a powerful party whose
right to supremacy is questioned, and whose monopoly of what is
common property is in danger of being destroyed. Although
Dr. Ryerson was a gentleman by birth, and the son of a British
officer and U. E. Loyalist, yet the fact that, as one of the
" despised sect " of Methodists, he dared to question the right of
"the Church" to superiority over the "Sectaries," subjected him
to a system of petty and bitter persecution which few men of
less nerve and fortitude could have borne. As it was, there were
times when the tender sensibilities of his noble nature were so
deeply wounded by this injustice, and the scorn and contumely of
his opponents, that were it no.t that his intrepid courage was of
the finest type, and without the alloy of rancour or bravado in it,
it would have failed him. But he never flinched. And when the
odds seemed to be most against him, he would, with humble
dependence upon Divine help, put forth even greater effort; and,
with his courage thus reanimated, would unexpectedly turn the
flank of his enemy ; or, by concentrating all his forces on the
1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 97
vulnerable points of his adversary's case, completely neutralize
the force of his attack.
It must not be understood frdm this that Dr.Ryerson cherished
any personal animosity to the Church of England as a Divine
and Spiritual power in the land. Far from it. In his first
" campaign " against the Venerable Archdeacon of York (Dr.
Strachan), he took care to point out the difference between the
principles maintained by the aggressors in that contest and the
principles of the Church itself. He said : —
Whatever remarks the Doctor's discourse may require, me to make, I wish
it to be distinctly understood that I mean no reflection on the doctrines,
liturgy, or discipline oi the Church of which he has the honour to be a
minister. Be assured I mean no such thing. I firmly believe in her doc-
trines, I admire her liturgy, and I heartily rejoice in the success of those
principles which are therein contained, and it is 1'or the prosperity of the
truths which they unfold that I shall ever pray and contend. And, with
respect to Church government, I heartily adopt the sentiments of the pious
and the learned Bishop Burnet, that " that form of Church government is
the best which is most suitable to the customs and circumstances of the
people among whom it is established."*
Such was Dr. Ryerson's tribute to the Church of England in
1826. His disclaimer of personal hostility to that Church (near
the close of the protracted denominational contest in regard to
the Clergy Reserves), will be found in an interesting personal
correspondence, in a subsequent part of this book, with John
Kent, Esq., Editor of The Church newspaper in 1841-2.
With a view to enable Canadians of the present day more
clearly to understand the pressing nature of the difficulties
with which Dr. Ryerson had to contend, almost single-handed,
fifty years ago, I shall briefly enumerate the principal ones : —
1. The whole of the official community of those days, which
had grown up as a united and powerful class, were bound
together by more than official ties, and hence, as a " family
compact," they were enabled to act together as one man. This
class, with few exceptions, were members of the Church of
England. They regarded her — apart from her inimitable
liturgy and scriptural standards of faith — with the respect and
love which her historical prestige and assured status naturally
inspired them. '1 hey maintained, without question, the tra-
ditional right of the Church of England to supremacy every-
where in the Empire. They, therefore, instinctively repelled
all attempts to deprive that Church of what they believed to
be her inalienable right to dominancy in this Province.
2. Those who had the courage, and who ventured to oppose
the Church claims put forth by the clerical and other leaders of
* " Claims of Churchmen and Dissenters?," &c., 1826, p. 27. (See p. 80.)
7
98 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIIL
the dominant party of that time, were sure to be singled out
for personal attack. They were also made to feel the chilling
effects of social exclusiveness. The cry against them was
that of ignorance, irreverence, irreligion, republicanism, dis-
loyalty, etc. These charges were repeated in every form ;
and that, too, by a section both of the official and religious
press, a portion of which was edited with singular ability ; a
press which prided itself on its intelligence, its unquestioned
churchmanship and exalted respect for sacred things, its firm
devotion to the principle of " Church and State" — the main-
tenance of which was held to be the only safeguard for society,
if not its invincible bulwark. An illustration of the profession
of this exclusive loyalty is given by Dr. Ryerson in these
pages. He mentions the fact that the plea to the British
Government put forth by the leaders of the dominant party, as a
reason why the Church of England in this Province should be
made supreme and be subsidized, was that she might then be
enabled " to preserve the principles of loyalty to England from
being overwhelmed and destroyed " by the " Yankee Method-
ists," as represented by the Ryersons and their friends !
3. The two branches of the Legislature were divided on this
subject. The House of Assembly represented the popular side,
as advocated by Dr. Ryerson and other denominational leaders.
The Legislative Council (of which the Ven. Archdeacon
Strachan was an influential member,) maintained the clerical
views so ably put forth by this reverend leader on the other
side.
4. Except by personal visits to England — where grievances
could alone be fully redressed in those days — little hope was
entertained by the non-Episcopal party that their side of the
question would (if stated through official channels), be fairly
or fully represented. Even were their case presented through
these channels, they were not sure but that (as strikingly and
quaintly put by Dr. Ryerson, on page 94) .
In company with some ruthless vagrant — in the shape of a secret com-
munication from enemies in Canada — it would be slandered, abused, and
tomahawked at the foot of the throne.
As an illustration also of the spirit of the Chief Executive
in Upper Canada in dealing with the questions in dispute, I
quote the following extract from the reply of Sir John
Colborne to an address from the Methodist Conference in
1831.* He said :
Y"our dislike to any church establishment, or to the particular form of
Christianity which is denominated the Church of England, may be the
* For various reasons (apparently prudential at the time) this reply was never
published in the Christian Guardian, as were other replies of the Governor. — H.
1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 99
natural consequence of the constant success of your own efficacious and organ-
ized system. The small number of our Church* is to be regretted, as well as
that the organization of its ministry is not adapted to supply the present wants
of the dispersed population in this new country ; but you will readily admit
that the sober-minded of the province are disgusted with the accounts of the
disgraceful dissensions of the Episcopal Methodist Church and its separatists,
recriminating memorials, and the warfare of one Church with another. The
utility of an Establishment depends entirely on the piety, assiduity, and
devoted zeal of its ministers, and on their abstaining from a secular interfer-
ence which may involve them in politica1 disputes.
The labours of the clergy of established churches in defence of moral and
religious truth will always be remembered by you, who have access to their
writings, and benefit by them in common with other Christian Societies.
You will allow, I have no doubt, on reflection that it would indeed be im-
prudent to admit the right of Societies to dictate, on account of their present
numerical strength, in what way the lands set apart as a provision tor the
clergy shall be disposed of.
The system of [University] Education which has produced the best and
ablest men in the United Kingdom will not be abandoned here to suit the
limited views of the leaders of Societies who, perhaps, have neither experience
nor judgment to appreciate the value or advantages of a liberal education. . . .
Such was the spirit in which the Governor in those days replied
to the respectful address of a large and influential body of
Christians. He even went further in another part of his reply,
and referred to " the absurd advice offered by your missionaries
to the Indians, and their officious interference."^ Such language
* This expression, " our Church," illustrates the fact which I have indicated in.
first paragraph on page 97.
+ This charge, preferred by such high authority, was taken up boldly by the
Methodist authorities. Rev. James (afterwards Bishop) . Richardson, Presiding
Elder, was commissioned to inquire into its truthfulness. He made an exhaustive
report, proving the entire incorrectness of the statement, and that the whole
difficulty arose from the persistent efforts of a Mr. Alley (an employe" of the
Indian Department) to promote his own interest at the expense of those of the
Indians, and to remove out of the way the only obstacle to the accomplishment
of his purpose — the Methodist Missionary. Dr. Ryerson having pointed out these
facts in the Guardian, Capt. Anderson, Superintendent of Indian affairs at Cold-
water, questioned his conclusion ' ' that the advice given to the Indians was both
prudent and loudly called for, and perfectly respectful to His Excellency." Dr.
Ryerson then examined the whole of the evidence in the case, and (See Guardian,
vol. iii., p. 76) came to the following conclusion : — 1. That sometimes the local
agents of the Indian Department are men who have availed themselves of the most
public occasions to procure ardent spirits, and entice the Indians to drunkenness,
and other acts of immorality ; being apparantly aware that with the introduction
of virtue and knowledge among these people will be the departure of gain which
arises from abuse, fraud, and debauchery. 2. That these agents are not always
men who respect the Sabbath. 3. That the Missionary's " absurd advice " was in
effect that the Indians should apply to their Great Father to remove such agents
from among them. 4. That their " craft being endangered," the agents and parties
concerned, " with studied design, sought to injure the missionary in the estimation
of His Excellency, and to destroy afl harmony in their operations, in order, if
possible, to compel the Missionary to abandon the Mission Station." The effect of
this controversy was very salutary. His Excellency, having reconsidered the cajse,
" gave merited reproof and suitable instructions to the officers of the Indian
Department in regard to their treatment of the Methodist Missionary." Dr.
Ryerson adds : — We had no trouble thereafter on the subject.
100 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. V1U.
from the lips of Her Majesty's Representative, if at all possible
in these days, would provoke a burst of indignation from those
to whom it might be addressed, but it had to be endured fifty
years ago, when to question the prerogative of the Crown, or the
policy of the Executive, was taken^as prima facie evidence of
disloyalty, and republicanism.
5. Into the discussion of the claims of the Church of England
in Upper Canada, two questions entered, which were important
factors in the case. Both sides thoroughly understood the signi-
ficance of either question as an issue in the discussion ; and both
sides were, therefore, equally on the alert — the one to maintain
the affirmative, and the other the negative, side of these questions.
The first was the claim that it was the inherent right of the
Church of England to be an established church in every part
of the empire, and, therefore, in Upper Canada. Both sides
knew that the admission of such a claim, would be to admit the
exclusive right of that Church to the Clergy Reserves as her
heritage. It was argued, as an unquestionable fact, that the
exclusive right of the Church of England in Upper Canada to
such reserves must have been uppermost in the mind of the royal
donor of these lands, when the grant was first made. The second
point was, that the admission of this inherent right of the Church
of England to be an established church in Upper Canada, would
extinguish the right of each one of the nonconformist bodies
to the status of a Church. It can well be understood that in a
contest which involved vital questions like these (that is, of the
exclusive endowment of one Church, and its consequent superior
status as a dominant Church), the struggle would be a protracted
and bitter one. And so it proved to be. But justice and right at
length prevailed. A portion of the Reserves was impartially
distributed, on a common basis among the denominations which
desired to share in them, and the long-contested claims of the
Church of England to the exclusive status of an established
church were at length emphatically repudiated by the Legisla-
ture ; and, in 1854, the last semblance of a union between
Church and State vanished from our Statute Book.* — J. G. H.]
* Another disturbing element entered subsequently into this controversy.
And this was especially embarrassing to Dr. Ryereon, as it proceeded from
ministers in the same ecclesiastical fold as himself. I refer to the adverse
views on church establishments, put forth by members of the British Con-
ference in this country and especially in England (to which reference is made
subsequently in this book). Dr. Ryerson was, as a matter of course, taunted
with maintaining opinions which had been expressly repudiated by his Meth-
odist u superiors " in England. He had, therefore, to wage a double warfare.
He was assailed from within as well as from without. Besides, he had to bear
the charge of putting forth heretical views in church politics, even from a
Methodist standpoint. He, however, triumphed over both parties — those
within as well an those without. And his victory over the former was the
1821-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 101
Dec. 18th, 1830. — In the Guardian of this day, Dr. Ryerson
published a petition to the Imperial Parliament, prepared by a
large Committee, of which he was a member, and of which Dr.
W. W. Baldwin was Chairman. In that petition the writer
referred to the historical fact, that, had the inhabitants of
this Province been dependent upon the Church of England or
of Scotland for religious instruction, they would have remained
destitute of it for some years, and also that the pioneer
non-Episcopal ministers were not dissenters, because of the
priority of their existence and labours in Upper Canada. The
petition, having pointed out that there were only five Episcopal
clergy in Canada during the war of 1812, and that only one
Presbyterian minister was settled in the Province in 1818,
declared that :
The ministers of several other denominations accompanied the first influx
of emigration into Upper Canada, (1783-1790,) and have shared the hard-
ships, privations, and sufferings incident to missionaries in a new country.
And it is through their unwearied labours, that the mass of the population
have been mainly supplied with religious instruction. They, therefore, do
not stand in the relation of Dissenters from either the Church of England or
of Scotland, but are the ministers of distinct and independent Churches,
who had numerous congregations in various parts of the Province, before the
ministerial labours of any ecclesiastical establishment were, to any consider-
able extent, known or felt.
Jan. 20th, 1831. — As an evidence that the views put forth
by Dr. Ryerson. in the Guardian, against an established
Church in Upper Canada, were acceptable outside of his own
denomination, I give the following letter, addressed to him at
this date from Perth, by the Rev. Win. Bell, Presbyterian :
Though differing from you in many particulars, yet in some we agree-
Your endeavours to advance the cause of civil and religious liberty have
generally met my approbation. Some of your writings that I have seen
discover both good sense and Christian feeling. The liberality, too, you
have discovered, both in regard to myself and in regard of my brethren, has
not escaped my observation. Be not discouraged by the malice of the
enemies of religion. Your Guardian I have seldom seen, but from this time
I intend to take it regularly. Consider me one of your " constant readers."
The matters in which we differ are nothing in comparison of those in which
we agree.
Feb. 9th. — Some members of the Church of England in the
Province evinced a good deal of hostility to the Methodists of
this period, chiefly from the fact that they had been connected
with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, and
that the Canada Conference had formed one of the Annual Con-
ferences of that Church, presided over by an American Bishop.
more easily won, as the views of the " British Methodists," on this question
were almost unanimously repudiated by the Methodists of Canada. See
" Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 830-353. — H.
102 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIII.
As an evidence of this hostility, Dr. Ryerson stated in the
Guardian of this date, that Donald Bethune, Esq., and others,
of Kingston, had petitioned the House of Assembly : —
To prohibit any exercise of the functions of a priest, or exhorter, or elder
of any denomination in the Province except by British subjects ; 2nd, to
prevent any religious 89ciety connected with any foreign religious body to
assemble in Conference; 3rd, to prevent the raising of money by any religious
person or body for objects which are not strictly British, etc.
The Legislature appointed a Committee on the subject,
and Dr. Ryerson, as representing the Methodists, Rev. Mr
Harris the Presbyterians, and Rev. Mr. Stewart the Baptists,
were summoned to attend this Committee with a view to
give evidence on the subject. This Dr. Ryerson did at length,
(as did also these gentlemen). Dr. Ryerson traced the history
of the Methodist body in Canada, and showed that, three
years before this time, the Canada Conference had taken
steps to sever its connection witli the American General Con-
ference, and had done so in a friendly manner.*
The petition was aimed at the Methodists, as they alone
answered the description of the parties referred to by the
petitioners. The petition was also a covert re-statement of the
often disproved charge of disloyalty, etc., on the part of the
Methodists. The House very properly came to the conclusion —
" That it was inconsistent with the benign and tolerant principles of the
British Constitution to restrain by penal enactment any denomination of
Christians, whether subjects or foreigners," etc.
This, however, was a sample of the favourite mode of attack,
and the system of persecution to which the early Methodists were
exposed in this Province. At the same session of Parliament
in 1831, the Marriage Bill, which had been before the House each
year for six successive years, was finally passed. This Bill gave
to the Methodists and to other non-Episcopal ministers the right
for the first time to solemnize matrimony in Upper Canada.
Feb. 19th. — Sir John Col borne, the Lieutenant-Governor,
having nominated an Episcopal chaplain to the House of
Assembly, the question, "Is the Church of England an
established church in Upper Canada ? " was again debated in
the House of Assembly and discussed in the newspapers. With
a view to a calm, dispassionate, and historical refutation of the
claims set up by the Episcopal Church on the subject, Dr.
Ryerson reprinted in the Guardian of this day, the sixth of a
series of letters which he had addressed from Cobourg to Arch-
deacon Strachan, in May and June, 1828. It covered the whole
ground in dispute.f
* See pages 63, 64 of the Christian Guardian for 1831 ; also page 90, ante.
t See Christian Guardian of Feb. 19th, 1831, and also the pamphlet con-
1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 103
Nov. 6th, 1832. — Archdeacon Strachan, in his sermon, preached
at the visitation of the Bishop of Quebec at York, on the 5th of
September, speaking of the Methodists, said that he would —
Speak of them with praise, notwithstanding their departure from the
Apostolic ordinance, and the hostility long manifested against us by some of
their leading members.
In reply to this statement, Dr. Ryerson wrote from St. Cath-
arines to the Editor of the Guardian. He pointed out that : —
It was not until after Archdeacon Strachan's sermon on the
death of the former Bishop of. Quebec was published, in 1826,
that a single word was written, and then to refute his slanders.
In that sermon, when accounting for the few who attend the
Church of England, the Archdeacon said that their attendance
discouraged the minister, and that —
His influence is frequently broken or injured by numbers of uneducated,
itinerant preachers, who, leaving their steady employment, betake themselves
to preaching the Gospel from idleness, or a zeal without knowledge . . .
and to teach what they do not know, and which from their pride they disdain
to learn.*
Again, in May, 1827, Archdeacon Strachan sent an " Ecclesi-
astical Chart " to the Colonial Office, and in the letter accom-
panying it stated that : —
The Methodist teachers are subject to the orders of the United States of
America, and it is manifest that the Colonial Government neither has, nor
can have any other control over them, or prevent them from gradually
rendering a large portion of the population, by their influence and instruc-
tions, hostile to our institutions, civil and religious, than by increasing the
number of the Established Clergy.
Who then [Dr Ryerson asked] was the author of contention ?
Who was the aggressor ? Who provoked hostilities ? The
slanders in the Chart were published in Canada, and in England,
by the Dr. Strachan before a single effort was made by a member
of any denomination to counteract his hostile measures, or a
single word was said on the subject.
Nov. 19th, 1834. — In connection with this subject I insert
here the following reply (containing several historical facts) to
a singularly pretentious letter which Dr. Ryerson had inserted
in the Guardian of this date, denouncing the opposition of a
certain " sect called Methodists " to the claims of the Church of
England as an established church in the Colony, The reply
was inserted in order to afford strangers and new settlers in
taining the whole of this series of eight letters, entitled: "Letters from the
Reverend Egerton Ryerson to the Honourable and Reverend Doctor Strachan,
published originally in the Upper Canada Herald; Kingston, 1828," pp. 42,
double columns. 'Seepage 80. — H.
* For reply to this statement see extract from Review given on p. 105. — H.
104 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIII.
Upper Canada correct information on the subject, and to
disprove the statement of the writer of the letter, Dr. Ryerson
mentioned the following facts : —
The pretensions of the Episcopal clergy began to be disputed
by the clergy of the Church of Scotland as soon as it was
known that the former had got themselves erected into a
corporation. This was, I believe, in 1820.* The subject was
brought before the House of Assembly in 1824, and the House
in 1824, '25, '26, '27, passed resolutions remonstrating against
the exclusive claims of the Episcopal clergy. From 1822 to
1827 several pamphlets were published on both sides of the
question, and much was said in the House of Assembly; but
during this period not one word was written by any minister or
member of the Methodist Church, nor did the Methodists take
any part in it, though their ministers were not even allowed to
solemnize matrimony — a privilege then enjoyed by Calvinistic
ministers — and though individual ministers had" been most
maliciously and cruelly persecuted, under the sanction of
judicial authority But in the statements drawn up
for the Imperial Government by the Episcopal clergy during the
years mentioned, the extirpation of the Methodists was made
one principal ground of appeal by the Episcopal clergy for the
exclusive countenance and patronage of His Majesty's Govern-
ment. Some of these documents at length came before the
Canadian public; and in 1827 a defence of the Methodists and
other religious denominations was put forth by the writer of
these remarks in the form of a " Review of a Sermon preached
by the Archdeacon of York." Up to this time not one word
was said on " the church question " by the Methodists. But it
was so warmly agitated by others, that in the early part of 1827.
Archdeacon Strachan, an executive and legislative councillor,
was sent to London to support the claims of the Episcopal
clergy at the Colonial Office. His ecclesiastical chart and
other communications were printed by order of the Govern-
ment, and soon found their way into the provincial newspapers,
and gave rise to such a discussion, and excited such a feeling
throughout the Province as was never before witnessed. The
shameful attack upon the character of the Methodist ministry,
whose unparalleled labours and sufferings, usefulness, and
unimpeachable loyalty were known and appreciated in the
* In "a Pastoral Letter from the Clergy of the Church of Scot1 and in the
Canadas to their Presbyterian Brethren " issued in 1828, they say : — We did, in
the year 1820. petition" His Majesty's Government for protection and support to
our Church, and claimed, by what we believe to be our constitutional rights, a
participation in the Clergy Reserves." Montreal, 1828, p. 2. This Pastoral
Letter gave rise to a protracted discussion for and against the Presbyterian side of
the question. — H.
1829-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 105
Province, and the appeal to the King's Government to aid in
exterminating them from the country excited strong feelings
of indignation and sympathy in the public mind. The House
of Assembly investigated the whole affair, examined fifty-two
witnesses, adopted an elaborate report, and sent home an
address to the King condemning the statements of the agent of
the Episcopal clergy, and remonstrating against the establish-
ment of a dominant church in the Province.* The determin-
ation to uproot the Methodists was carried so far in those
by-gone days of civil and ecclesiastical despotism, that the
Indians were told by executive sanction that unless they would
become members of the Church of England, the Government
would do nothing for them ! In further support of my state-
ment, I quoted four Episcopal addresses and sermons, sufficient
to show who were the first and real aggressors in this matter —
certainly not the Methodists.
As a sample of Dr. Ryerson's controversial style in 1826,
when he wrote the Review of Archdeacon Strachan's sermon
(to which he refers above) I quote a paragraph from it. In
replying to the Archdeacon's " remarks on the qualifications,
motives, and conduct of the Methodist itinerant preachers,"
which Dr. Ryerson considered " ungenerous and unfounded," he
proceeded : —
The Methodist preachers do not value themselves upon the wealth, virtues,
or grandeur, of their ancestry ; nor do they consider their former occupation
an argument against their present employment or usefulness. They have
learned that the Apostles were once fishermen ; that a Milner could once
throw the shuttle ; that a Newton once watched his mother's flock. , . .
They are likewise charged with "preaching the Gospel out of idleness."
Does the Archdeacon claim the attribute of omniscience ? Does he know
what is in man 1 How does he know that they preach " the Gospel out of
idleness '?".... What does he call idleness 1 — the reading of one or
two dry discourses every Sabbath .... to one congregation; with an
annual income of .£200 or .£300 ? .. . . . No ; this is hard labour ; this
is indefatigable industry ! . . . . Who are they then that preach the
Gospel out of idleness 1 — those indolent, covetous men who travel from two
to three hundred miles, and preach from twenty-five to forty times every
month 1 — who, in addition to this, visit from house to house, and teach young
and old " repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesust Christ 1 —
those who continue this labour year after year . . . , at the enormous
salary of £25 or £50 per annum I — these are the men who " preach the
* The Report was adopted by a vote of 22 to 8. It stated: — The ministry and
instructions [of the Methodist Clergymen] have been conducive — in a degree which
cannot be easily estimated — to the reformation of their hearers, and to the difhision
of correct morals — the foundation of all sound loyalty and social order
No one doubts that the Methodists are as loyal as any other of His Majesty's
subjects, etc. Full particulars of this controversy will be found in Dr. Ryerson's
"Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pp. 165-218.— H.
106 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. VIII.
Gospel out of idleness !" O bigotry! thou parent of persecution; 0 envy!
thou fountain of slander; 0 covetousness! thou god of injustice! would to
heaven ye were banished from the earth!*
Jan. 22ra£, 1831. — In the Guardian of this day Dr. Ryerson
publishes a letter from the Rev. Richard Watson to the trustees
of the Wesleyan University, in Connecticut, declining the
appointment of Professor of Belles Lettres and Moral Philosophy.
He says : —
To Belles Lettres I have no pretensions ; Moral Philosophy I have studied,
and think it a most important department, when kept upon its true principles,
both theological and philosophic. Being, however, fifty years old, and having
a feeble constitution, I do not think it would be prudent in me to
accept.
During this year (1831) Dr. Ryerson engaged in a friendly
controversy with Vicar-General Macdonnell, Editor of the
Catholic, published in Kingston. This controversy included
six letters from Dr. Ryerson, and five from the Vicar-General,
published in the Christian Guardian. It touched upon the
leading questions at issue between Roman Catholics and
Protestants. The correspondence was broken off by the Vicar-
General.
* In "An Apology for the Church of England in Canada, by a Protestant of
the Established Church of England," the writer thus refers to this controversy : —
"Our Methodist brethren have disturbed the peace of their maternal Church by
the clamour of enthusiasm and the madness of resentment; but they are the way-
ward children of passion, and we hope that yet the chastening hand of reason will
sober down the wildness of that ferment," etc, Kingston, U.C., 1826, p. 3. — H.
CHAPTER IX.
1831-1832.
METHODIST AFFAIRS IN UPPER CANADA— PROPOSED UNION
WITH THE BRITISH CONFERENCE.
OF the events transpiring in Upper Canada during 1831 and
1832, in which Dr. Ryerson was an actor, he has left no
record in his " Story." His letters and papers, however, show
that during this period he retired from the editorship of the
Christian Guardian, and that plans were discussed and matured
which led to his going to England, in 1833, to negotiate a union
between the British and Upper Canadian Conferences. His
brother George had gone on a second visit to England in
March, 1831. This second visit was for a twofold purpose,
viz., to collect money with the Rev. Peter Jones, for the
Indian Missions, and also to present petitions to the Imperial
Parliament on behalf of the non-episcopalians of the Province.
I give extracts from his letters to Dr. Ryerson, relating
his experiences of, and reflections on, Wesleyan matters in
England at that period. Writing from Bristol, on the 6th of
August, 1831, Rev. George Ryerson said : —
In my address to the Wesleyan Conference here I stated that we stood in
precisely the same relation to our brethren of the Methodist Conference in
the United States as we do to our brethren of the Wesleyan Conference in
England — independent of either — agreeing in faith, in religious discipline,
in name and doctrine, and the unity of spirit, — but differing in some
ecclesiastical arrangements, rendered necessary from local circumstances. I
also expressed my firm conviction that the situation in which we stand is
decidedly the best calculated to spread Methodism and vital religion in
Canada. This statement did not, 1 think, give so much satisfaction to the
Coni'erence as the others, for what Pope said of Churchmen :
" Is he a Churchman ? then he's fond of power,"
may also be literally applied to Wesleyan ministers, and, I may add, to
Englishmen generally. I have reason to know that they would gladly
govern us. I was, therefore, very pointed and explicit on this subject. I
rejoice that our country lies beyond the Atlantic, and is surrounded by an
atmosphere of freedom. A few months' residence in this country would lead
you to value this circumstance in a degree that you can scarcely conceive of;
and you would, with unknown energy, address this exhortation to the
Methodists and to the people of Canada : " Stand fast, therefore, in the
liberty wherewith God's providence hath made you free, and in this abound
108 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IX.
more and more." I also assured them of our respect and love for them as
our fathers and elder brethren, and mentioned my reasons for giving this
information to prevent future collision and misunderstanding.
The Conference or Missionary Society have, however, not given up their
intention of establishing an Indian Mission in Upper Canada, but, in
consequence of my remonstrances, have delayed it. Brother James Richard-
son's letter to the Missionary Committee, which I submitted, and was told
by Rev. Dr. Townley, one of the Secretaries, that they would by no means
withdraw their missionary at Kingston, as it was still their intention to
establish a mission to the Indians in Upper Canada, and this station would
be very necessary to them. I see that they are a little vexed that emigrants
from their Societies should augment our membership.
The whole morning service of the Church of England is now read in most
of the Wesleyan Chapels, and with as much formality as in the Church.
Many of the members, when they become wealthy and rise in the world,
join the Church, and their wealth and influence are lost to the Society.
Organs are also introduced into many of their Chapels.
In a letter dated London, Feb. 6th, 1832, Rev. Geo. Ryerson
writes again to Dr. Ryerson, and says that he and Peter Jones:
By request, met the Rev. Richard Watson, and some others of the
Missionary Committee. They wished to consult us respecting the resolutions
forwarded to them from your Missionary Committee. They profess that they
will not occupy any station where there is a mission, as Grand River, Pene-
tanguishene, etc., except St. Glair. But they declare that as it regards the
white population, the agreement with the American Conference ceased when
we became a separate connexion. I opposed their views, as I have invariably
done, in very strong and plain terms, and explained to them the character
and object of the persons who were alluring them to commence this schism.
They proposed that we should give up the missions to them. I told them
we could no more do so, than they give up theirs. They finally acquiesced,
and voted the £'300 as Rev. Dr. Townley wrote. At the Conference, at
Bristol, 1 explained that_a union of the two Conferences would be inexpedient
and unprofitable, any further than a union of brotherly love and friend-
ship
In another letter to Dr. Ryerson from his brother George,
dated London, April 6th, 1832, he says : —
I have been detained so long on expenses, and continually advancing
money for the Central Committee at York, that I hope it will be repaid to
Peter Jones. I was a long time attending to the business of my mission to
bring it to the only practicable arrangement, that is, having it submitted to
the Legislature of Upper Canada, with such recommendations and instruc-
tions as would give satisfaction to the country by consulting the wishes and
interests of all parties. I have never before in my life been shut up to walk
in all things by simple faith more than 1 have for some months past ; yet I
was never kept in greater steadfastness and peace of mind, nor had such
openings of the Spirit and life of Jesus in my soul. The judgments of God
are spreading apace — the cholera is more deadly in London, and it has now
broken out in Ireland, and in the centre of Paris, where it is said to be very
destructive. You need no other evidence of its being a work of God, than to
be informed that it is made the public mock of the infidel population of this
city ; a state of feeling and conduct in regard to this pestilence that never,
perhaps, was witnessed from any country, and that would make a heathen or
Mahommedan ashamed. I have seen gangs of men traversing the streets
1831-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 109
and singing songs in ridicule of the cholera, and have seen caricatures of it
in the windows.
August 29th, 1832. — To-day, in a valedictory editorial, Dr.
Ryerson took leave of the readers of the Christian Guardian,
having been its first editor for nearly three years. In that vale-
dictory Dr. Ryerson said (p. 116): —
1 first appeared before the public as a writer, at the age of
two and twenty years. My first feeble effort was a vindication
of the Methodists, and several other Christian denominations
against the uncalled-for attack made upon their principles and
character. It also contained a remonstrance against the intro-
duction into this country of an endowed political Church, as
alike opposed to the statute law of the Province, political and
religious expedience, public rights and liberties. I believe this
was the first article of the kind ever published in Upper Canada,
and, while from that time to this a powerful combination of
talent, learning, indignation, and interest has been arrayed in
the vain attempt to support by the weapons of reason, Scripture,
and argument, a union between the Church and the world —
between earth and heaven ; talents, truth, reason, and justice
have alike been arrayed in the defence of insulted and infringed
rights, and the maintenance of a system of public, religious,
and educational instruction, accordant with public rights and
interests, the principles of sound policy, the economy of Provi-
dence, and the institutions and usages of the New Testament.
Dr. Ryerson also published in this number of the Guardian '
the general outline of the arrangements proposed at Halloweli
(Picton) on behalf of the Canada Conference to the English
Conference, and designed to form the basis of articles for the
proposed union between the two bodies. Rev. Robert Alder
was present at the Conference, and was a consenting party to
the basis of union.
December 7th, 1832.— The prospects of Union with the
British Conference were not encouraging in various parts of the
Connexion, and chiefly for the reasons mentioned by Rev. George
Ryerson in his letters from England (see pp. 107, 8). Rev. John
Ryerson, writing to Dr. Ryerson from Cobourg, also says : —
The subject of the Union appears to be less and less palatable to our
friends in these parts, so much so, that I think it will not be safe for you to
come to any permanent arrangements with the British Conference, even
should they accede to our proposals. I am of the opinion that, except we
give ourselves entirely into their hands in some way or another, no Union
will take place. I tell the preachers, and they and I tell the people, that,
Union or no Union, it is very important that you should go home ; that you
will endeavour, in every way you can, to convince the British Conference of
the manifest injustice and wickedness of sending missionaries to this
country.
110 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IX.
November 21st, 1832. — The proposed union with the British
Conference excited a good deal of discussion at this time in vari-
ous parts of Upper Canada. Dr. Ryerson, therefore, addressed
a note on the subject to Rev. Robert Alder, the English Con-
ference representative. I make a few extracts : —
At the Hallowell Conference (1832) the question of the union
was principally sustained by my brothers, and was concurred in
by the vote of a large majority of the Conference. . . . But in
some parts of the country, where Presidential visits have been
made, certain local preachers have found out that the Societies
ought to have been consulted ; that they have been sold (" by
the Ryersons,") without consent ; that no Canadian will hence-
forth be admitted into the Conference ; that our whole economy
will be changed by arbitrary power, and all revivals of religion
will be stopped, etc. The first of the objections is the most
popular, but they have all failed to produce the intended effect,
to an extent desired by the disaffected few. The object con-
templated is, to produce an excitement that will prevent me
going to England, and induce the Conference to retrace its
steps. The merit or demerit of the measure has been mainly
ascribed to me ; and on its result, should I cross the Atlantic,
my standing, in a great measure, depends. ' If our proposals
should meet with a conciliatory reception, and your Committee
would recommend measures, rather than require concessions, in
tbe future proceedings of our Conference, everything can be
accomplished without difficulty or embarrassment. You know
that I am willing, as an individual, to adopt your whole
British economy, ex animo. You also know that my brothers
are of the same mind, and that a majority of the Conference
will readily concur. May the Lord direct aright!
Dr. Alder's reply to Dr. Ryerson in February, 1833, was that :
You must look at the great principles and results involved in this most
important affair, and not shrink from the duties imposed on you, to avoid a
few present unpleasant consequences. It is not for me to prescribe rules of
conduct to be observed by you, but I must say, that I am surprised that any
circumstance should cause you to waver for a moment in reference to your
visit to Europe. If you were to decline coming, would not the many on the
other side, who are strictly watching your movements, at once say that the
whole arrangements are deceptive, and merely designed to make an impres-
sion on me for a certain purpose. You know they would. Of course you
will act as you please. I neither advise nor persuade, but say : Be not too
soon nor too much alarmed. There are no jealousies, no evil surmisings, no
ambitious designs in the matter, but a sincere desire to promote the interests
of Methodism and the cause of religion in Upper Canada ; and nothing will
be desired from, or recommended to, you, but lor this purpose.
It is a noble object that we have in view. Rev. Richard Watson takes a
statesmanlike view of the whole case, and will, I am persuaded, as will all
concerned here, meet you with the utmost ingenuousness and liberality, and,
if they be met in a similar manner, all will end welL If you can. agree to
831-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. Ill
the following recommendation, I think everything else will easily be settled,
viz., to constitute two or three districts, to meet annually, as District
Conferences, and to hold a Triennial Conference, to be composed of all the
preachers in the Provinces, under a President, to be appointed in the way
mentioned in the plan of agreement proposed by your last Conference.
Several of your preachers wish it; Bro. Green, the presiding*Elder, is in
favour of it.
January Wth, 1833. — It being necessary to collect funds to
defray Dr. Ryerson's expenses to England, his brother, William,
wrote to him from Brockville at this date, giving an account of
his success there as a collector. He said : —
After the holidays I commenced operations, and having besieged the doors
of several of our gentry, most of whom contributed without much resistance,
on most honourable terms, of course, such as paying from $3 to $6, with a
great many wishes, and hearty ones too, for your success. More than two-
thirds of the sum collected are given by the gentlemen of the village, most
of whom expressed and appeared to feel a pleasure in giving, and who have
never been known to give anything to the Methodists before on any occasion
whatever. Our congregation has greatly increased, so that we now have from
five hundred, some say more, in the evening. A majority of the first
families in the village attend our chapel. Among many others, Mr. Jonas
Jones, and several of the families in the same connection ; Mr. Sherwood,
the High Sheriff, and several others, most of whom Lave never been known
to attend a Methodist meeting before. You will be surprised to hear that
Mrs. James Sherwood has become my warm friend, treating me with the
greatest attention and kindness ; and also on various occasions speaking most
kindly and respectfully of me and all our family, especially yourself.
January Slst, 1833. — Under this date, Dr. Ryerson has
recorded in his diary the following tribute to his first wife : —
A year ago this morning, at half-past five o'clock, the wife of my youth fell
asleep in JFesus, leaving a son and daughter (John and Lucilla Hannah),
the former two years and a half old, and the latter fourteen days. Hannah
Aikman (her maiden name) was the daughter of John and Hannah
Aikman, and was the youngest of eleven children. Hannah was born in
Barton, Gore District, on the 4th of August, 1804. Her natural disposition
was most amiable, and her education was better than is usually afforded to
, farmer's daughters in this country. At the age of sixteen she was awakened,
converted, and joined the Methodist Church, of which she remained an
exemplary member until her death, I became intimately acquainted with
her in 1824, when she was twenty years of age, and after taking the advice
of an elder brother, who had travelled the circuit on which they lived, at the
strong solicitation of my parents, and the impulse of my own inclinations, I
made her proposals of marriage, which were accepted. This was before I had
any intention of becoming a preacher in the Methodist Church, either
travelling or local.
About this time the Lord laid his afflicting hand upon me;* I was brought
to the gate of death, and in that state became convinced by evidence as satis-
factory as that of my existence, that in disregarding the dictates of my own
conscience, and the important advice of many members of the Church, both
* See note on page 86.
112 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. IX.
preachers and lay, in regard to labouring in the itinerant field, I had resisted
the Spirit of God ; and on that sick, and in the estimation of my family,
dying bed, I vowed to the Lord my God, that if He should see fit to raise me
up and open the way, I would no more disobey the voice of His Providence
and servanta From that hour I began visibly to recover, and, though the
exercises oil my mind were unknown to any but myself and the Searcher of
hearts, before I had sufficiently recovered to walk two miles, I was called
upon by the Presiding Elder, and several official members, and solicited to
go on the Niagara Circuit, which was then partly destitute through the failure
in health of one of the preachers. I could not but view this unexpected call
as the voice of God, and, after a few days' deliberation and preparation, I
obeyed, on the 24th of March, 1825, the day on which I was twenty-two
years of age.
This unanticipated change in the course of my life, while it involved the
sacrifice ol pecuniary interests and some very flattering offers and promises,
presented my contemplated marriage in a somewhat different light ; though
the possibility of such a change was mentioned as a condition in my pro-
posals and our engagement. And I will here record it to the honour of the
dead that she who afterwards became my wife, wrote to me a short time after
1 commenced travelling, that if a union between us was in any respect
opposed to my views of duty, or if I thought it would militate against my
usefulness, I was perfectly exonerated by her from all obligations to such a
union; that, whatever her own feelings might be, she begged that they would
not influence me, — that God would give her grace to subdue them, — that she
shuddered at the thought of standing in the way of my duty and usefulness.
Knowing, as I did, that her fondness for me was extravagant, I could not
wound the heart which was the seat of such elevated feelings, or help appre-
ciating more highly than ever the principles of mind which could give nse to
such noble sentiments, and such martyr-like disinterestedness of soul. In
subsequent interviews, we mutually agreed — should Providence permit — and
(at her suggestion) should neither of us change our minds, we would get
married in three or four years. During this interval, I had at times agita-
tions of mind as to the advantages of such a step, in regard to my ministerial
labours, but determined to rely on the Divine promise, " Blessed is the man
that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not" This promise has been
abundantly fulfilled' in me. We were married on the 10th of September,
1828. A more affectionate and prudent wife never lived. She was beloved
and respected by all that knew her. I never saw her angry, nor do I recollect
that an angry or unkind word ever passed between us. Her disposition was
sweet, her spirit uniformly kind and cheerful, sociable, and meek. Her
professions were never high, nor her joys rapturous. But in everything she
was invariably faithful, and ready for every good word and work. In her
confidence, peace, and conduct, as far as I could discover, without intermis-
sion, the poet's words were clearly illustrated : —
" Her soul was ever bright as noon, and calm as summer evenings be."
Though her piety for years excited my respect, and in many instances my
admiration, it was nevertheless greatly quickened and deepened about six
months before her death, during the Conference held at York. From that
time I believe she enjoyed the perfect love of God. At least, as far as I can
judge, the fruits of it were manifest in her whole life.
Several days previous to her death, when her illness assumed a mortal
aspect, and she became sensible that her earthly pilgrimage was closing, her
usual unruffled confidence rose to the riches of the full assurance of under-
standing, faith and hope, and she expressed herself with a boldness of
language, a rapture of hope, and triumph of faith that I never before
1831-32] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 113
witnessed. Passages of Scripture, and verses of hymns, expressive of the
dying Christian's victories, triumphs, and hopes, were repeated by her with
a joy and energetic fervency that deeply affected all present. Her death-bed
conversations and dying counsels were a rich repast and a valuable lesson of
instruction to many of her Christian friends. Tne night before she took her
departure, she called me to her and consulted me about disposing of the
family and all her own things, with as much coolness and judgment as if she
had been in perfect health, and was about leaving home on a few days' visit
to her friends. A little belore midnight she requested the babe to be
brought to her — kissed it-«-blessed it, and returned it. She then called for
the little boy (John), and, embracing and kissing him, bequeathed to him
also the legacy of a pious mother's dying prayer and blessing. Afterwards
she embraced me, and said, " My dear Egerton, preach the Word ; be instant
in season and out of season, and God will take care of you, and give you the
victory " She then bid an affectionate farewell individually to all. She
continued in the perfect possession of her reason, triumphing in the Eock of
her salvation, until the messenger arrived and her spirit took its departure
with the words, " Come, Lord Jesus," lingering upon her lips. Thus lived
and died one of the excellent of the earth, — a woman of good, plain sense, a
guileless heart, and a sanctified spirit and life. Such is the testimony
respecting her, of one who knew her best.
In his deep sorrow and affliction, at that time, Dr. Ryerson
received many sympathizing letters. I give an extract of one.
from his brother George, dated London, Eng., 29th March, 1832.
He says : —
I deeply sympathize with you in your affliction. I know how to feel for
you, and you as yet know but a very small part of your trials. Years will
not heal the wound. I am, even now, often quite overwhelmed when I
allow myself to dwell upon the past. I need not suggest to you the common-
place topics of comfort and resignation, but I have no doubt you will see the
hand of God so manifestly in it, that you will say " It was well done." I
will further add that the saying of St. Paul was at no time so applicable as
at the present (1 Cor. vii. 29, etc.).
The years 1830-1832 were noted in the history of the
Methodist Church in Upper Canada for two things : 1st. The
establishment of the Upper Canada Academy — the radiating
centre of intellectual life in the Connexion. 2nd. The erection
of the Adelaide St. Chapel, which for many years was the seat
and source of Church life in the Societies. At the Conference of
1830 it was agreed to establish the Upper Canada Academy.
In the Guardian of the 23rd of April, 1831, Dr. Ryerson gave
an account of the new institution and made a strong appeal
in its favour. On the 7th June, 1832, the foundation stone of
the Academy was laid at Cobourg. On the 16th June, 1833,
the new brick church on Newgate (Adelaide) St. was opened
for Divine Service. In the Guardian of June 19th, Dr. Ryer-
son says : " For its size — being 75 by 55 feet — it is judged to
be inferior to very few Methodist Chapels in America." P. 126.
8
CHAPTER X.
1833.
UNION BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES.
I UNDERTOOK the mission to England to negotiate a Union
between the British and Canadian Conferences with great
reluctance. I determined in the course of the year, from
various circumstances, to abandon it ; but was persuaded by
letters from Rev. Robert Alder, the London Missionary Secre-
tary (one of which is given on page 110), and the advice of my
brother John, to resume it
The account of my voyage and proceedings in England are
given in the following extracts from my journals : —
March 4th, 1833. — This morning at 6 a.m. I left York via Cobourg, King-
ston, and New York, on my first important mission to England, an under-
taking for which I feel myself utterly incompetent ; and in prosecution of
which I rely wholly on the guidance of heavenly wisdom, imploring the
special blessing of the Most High.
Kingston, March llth. — I find that considerable excitement, and in some
instances, strong dissatisfaction, exists on the question of Union, l>y misrepre-
sentation of the proceedings and intentions of our Conference respecting it.
Full explanations have in every instance restored confidence, and acquies-
cence. A correction of these misrepresentations, and the reply of the
Wesleyan Missionary Committee to the proposals of our Conference have
given universal satisfaction, and elicited a general and strong desire for the
accomplishment of this all-important measure. My interviews with my
brothers (William and John) have been interesting and profitable to me.
Watertovm, N.Y., March 12. — Came from Kingston here to-day, twenty-
eight miles. This Black River country is very level, and appears to be
fertile, but the people generally do not seem to be thriving.
Utica, March 13lh. — This is a flourishing town of about 10,000 inhabitants,
beautifully situated on the south, side of the Mohawk river. I travelled through
a settlement and village called Renson, consisting principally of Welsh,
where the Welsh language is universally spoken ; there is a Whitefield
Methodist chapel, but I was told they retained more of the name, than
of the genuine spirit of their founder. " Because of swearing the land
mourn eth."
Hartford, March 16th. — The southern part of Massachusetts and the
northern part of this State, are mountainous and rocky and barren. The
inhabitants are supported by manufactures, grazing and dairies. They
appear to be rather poor but intelligent. In my conversation to-day with a
professed infidel I felt sensibly the importance of being skilled in wielding
any weapon with which theology, history, science, so abundantly furnishes
the believer in the Christian revelation; and never before did I see and feel
18331 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 115
the lofty superiority of the foundation on which natural and revealed truth
is established, over the cob-web and ill-shaped edifice of infidelity.
Hariford, March Ilth. — I have attended service three times to-day, and
preached twice. Religion seems to be at a low ebb. Yet I have not heard
religion spoken of, or any body of religious people referred to, in any other
way than that of respect.
New York, March 20th. — I am now about to embark for England, the
reason of my long journey from Canada to New York is the slow travel by
stage, before any railroads, and the Hudson river not navigable so early.
New York, March, 2lst. — [Just on the eve of sailing for
England, Dr. Ryerson wrote from New York to his brother
J ohri, at Hallo well. He said : —
I stayed with the Rev. Dr. Fisk all night and part of two
days. 1 was much gratified and benefited, and have received
from him many valuable suggestions respecting my mission to
England and agency for the Upper Canada Academy. He was
unreserved in his communications, and is in favour of my
Mission, as were Brother Waugh, Drs. Bangs, Durbin* and
others. They all seem to approve fully of the proceedings of
our Conference in the affair. — H.]
New York, March 22nd. — [On the day on which Dr. Ryerson
sailed for England, Mr. Francis Hall, of the New York Com-
mercial Advertiser, sent him a note in which he says : —
I have just received from a friend in Montreal the following information
which I wish you would give to the Eev. Richard Reece, of London: — The
Lord has blessed us abundantly in Montreal. Upwards ol four hundred con-
versions have taken place in our chapel since last summer. It is now
necessary for us to have a chapel in the St. Lawrence suburbs, and another
in the Quebec suburbs immediately. This (said Mr. Hall) for those who
know Montreal, is great news indeed. It is equal to an increase of as many
thousands in the city of New York; the whole population being only a
little more than thirty thousand, a great portion of which are Roman
Catholics. — H.]
Dr. Ryerson's journal then proceeds : —
At Sea, April \Qih. — On the 22nd ult., I embarked on the sailing ship
" York," Capt, Uree, New York. I was sick for fourteen days, ate nothing,
thought little, and enjoyed nothing. Feeling better, I was able to read a
a little.
April I%th. — After twenty days' sail we landed at Portsmouth. Thanks
be to the God of heaven, earth, and sea for His protection, blessing, and pros-
perity! I was greatly struck with the extensive fortifications, and vast dock-
yards, together with the wonderful machinery in this place; such indications
of national wealth, and specimens of human genius and industry.
* While in England, Dr. Ryerson received the following note from Rev.
Dr. J. P. Durbin, in which he said: After I parted with you at my house, I
felt a strong inclination to engage your correspondence for our paper, at least
once a week, if possible, for the benefit of our people and country, through
the Church. Can you not write us by every packet ? Information in regard
to English Methodism will be particularly interesting, especially their
fianancial arrangements. Do inquire diligently of them, and write us
minutely for the good of our Zion. — H.
110 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. X
April 18th. — This morning I arrived in London, and was cordially received
by the Secretary of the Wesieyan Missionary Society, and kindly invited to
take up my lodgings at the Mission House.
April, 14th — iyabbath.— Heard the Rev. G. Marsden preach. In the after-
noon this holy man addressed about four hundred Sunday-school childten,
after which I spoke a few words to them. We then attended a prayer-meeting,
where many found peace with God. In the evening I heard the Rev. Theo-
philus Lessey preach a superior sermon, and I felt blessed.
April 16th. — This evening I preached my first sermon in England, in City
Road Chapel, from John iii. 8. This is called Mr. Wesley's Chapel, having
been built by him, and left under peculiar regulations. Alongside is Mr.
Wesley's dwelling-house, and in the rear of it rest his bones, also those of
Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke and Rev. Richard Watson ; three of the greatest men
the world ever saw. In the front of this chapel, on the opposite side of the
street, are the celebrated Bunhill Field's burying ground, among whose
memorable dtad rests the dust of the venerable Isaac Watts, John Wesley's
mother, John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, etc.
April 21st — Sunday. — To-day I went to hear the celebrated Edward Irving.
His preaching, tor the most part, I considered commonplace ; his manner,
eccentric; his pretensions to revelations, authority, and prophetic indications,
overweening. I was disappointed in his talents, and surprised at the
apparent want of feeling manifested throughout his whole discourse.
April 19th. — This morning I attended the funeial of the great and
eminently pious Rev. Rowland Hill, who died in the 89th year of his age.
Lord Hill, his nephew, was chief mourner. There was a large attendance
of ministers of all denominations, and a great concourse of people. Rev. Wm.
Jay, of Bath, preached an admirable sermon from Zech. ii. 2. " Howl fir tree,
for the cedar hath fallen." The venerable remains were interred beneath
the pulpit.
April 26lh. — To-day I heard Rev. Richard Winter Hamilton, of Leeds, an
Independent, preach a missionary sermon for the Wesleyan Society. His text
was CoL i. 16. It was the most splendid sermon I ever heard.
April 28th. — Heard the Rev. Robert Newton in the morning. In the
afternoon I preached a missionary sermon in Westminster Chapel, and in the
evening another at Chelsea.
April 29th. — This day was held the Annual Meeting of the Wesleyan
Missionary Society, in Exeter Hall, Lord Morpeth in the chair. He is a
young man, serious and dignified in his manners. The speeches generally
were able and to the point. Collection was £231.
May 1st. — The Annual Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society
was held in Exeter Hall. Lord Bexley presided. The Bishops of Winchester
and Chester, brothers, addressed the meeting. They are eloquent speakers,
but the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel was the speaker of the day.
May 3rd. — This morning I attended the Annual Breakfast Meeting of the
preachers' children, at the City Road Morning Chapel ; nearly 200 preachers
and their families were present. Rev. Joseph Entwistle spoke, as did Mr.
James Wood, of Bristol, myself and one or two others.
May 5th., Exeter. — Left London at 5 a.m. and arrived here at 10 p.m.,
within a minute of the time specified by the coachman. We passed over the
scene of that inimitable tract, "The Shepherd of Salisbury Plain." We
were shown the tree under which the shepherd was sheltered.
May 6th. — Rev. Wm. Naylor preached this morning in Exeter, and I
preached in the evening.
Taunton, May 1th. — At a Missionary Tea Meeting to-day, deep interest
was excited in the cause of the British North American Missions. Taunton
is a very ancient town. It existed in the time of the Romans. It was in this
town that King Ina held the first Legislative Assembly or Parliament ever
1833] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 117
held in Britain. It consisted of ecclesiastics and noblemen and enacted
certain laws for the better government of the Heptarchy. It was near this
town King Alfred concealed himself, and was discovered in the capacity of
a cook. Here also stands the Church of St. Mary, a most splendid and
ancient gothic building, where that venerable and holy man of God, Joseph
Alleine, author of the " Alarm to the Unconverted," preached.
In a letter to a friend in Upper Canada, Dr. Ryerson at this
date writes : —
Nottingham, May 29th. — I this morning called upon Mrs. Watson, mother
of the late distinguished Richard Watson. She is nearly eighty years of age,
and in rather humble circumstances. She is in the possession of a naturally
strong and unimpaired intellect, and has apparently not the least vanity on
account of the unrivalled talents, high attainments, and great popularity of
her son. In conversation she stated the following particulars : That her
husband was a saddler j that he formerly lived and followed his business in
Boston-on-the-Humber in Lincolnshire, where Richard was born ; that
her husband was the only Methodist in the town, and was the means of
introducing Methodism into that town; that his business was taken from
him, and he was obliged to leave and remove to another place on account of
it ; that Richard was very weakly, and so poorly that she carried him when a
child on a pillow in her arms ; that when he began to talk and run about
he was unusually stupid and sleepy, would drop asleep anywhere ; that he
was very tall of his age, and made such advancement in learning, that he
read the Latin Testament at five years of age, and had read a considerable
part of it before his parents knew that he had been put to the study of Latin;
the clergyman, his tutor, thought him older, from his size and mind, or, as
he said, he would not have put him to Latin so young ; that Richard had a
very great taste for reading; when he was a very small boy, he read the History
of England (when not eight years of age), and recollected and related with the
utmost correctness all its leading facts ; that he would frequently remain at
school after school hours, doing difficult questions in arithmetic for older
boys ; that he was bound out, according to his request, to the trade of a house-
joiner; that he was most diligent and faithful at his work, and made such rapid
advancement in learning the trade, that at the end of two years, his master
told his father that he had already learned as much as he could teach him,
and that he was willing to give him up if he desired — the best hand in his
shop ; that Richard began to go out and exhort when he was fourteen years
of age, and that he preached when he was fifteen, and was received on trial
by the Conference as a travelling preacher about a month after he was
sixteen ; that he was frequently pelted with eggs, and even trodden under
foot ; that his own uncle on one occasion encouraged it, saying, " My kins-
man does it pretty well, give him a few more eggs, lad " (addressing one of
the mob), and that Richard came home frequently with his clothes com-
pletely besmeared with eggs and dirt.
I attended the Wesleyan Missionary meeting here and spoke at it. The meet-
ing was highly interesting. It was addressed by Rev. Mr. Edwards, (Baptist)
and by the Messrs. Bunting, Atherton, and Bakewell. In this town the noted
Kilham made his first Methodist division, and here suddenly ended his life.
Here Bramwellgot the ground for a chapel in answer to prayer. Near the
tow n runs the River Trent. From Nottingham I went fourteen miles to
Mansfield and attended a missionary meeting. I was in the house which
was the birth-place of the great Chesterfield, and passed through Mansfield
forest, the scene of Robin Hood's predatory exploits.
In his journal Dr. Ryerson says : —
London, June 24th. — I had an interview with Rt. Hon. Edward Ellice,
118 THE STOKY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. X.
on Canadian affairs ; a man of noble spirit, liberal wind, and benevolent
heart. He condemned Dr. Strachan's measures, and manifested an earnest,
desire to promote the welfare of Upper Canada. I gave him an account of
the political and religious affairs in Upper Canada with which he expressed
himself pleased, and gave me .£50 for the Upper Canada Academy.
June 16th. — This day was dedicated, by Rev. Wm. Ryerson, the new brick
chapel on Newgate (Adelaide) Street, Toronto. (See subsequent chapter.)
June 24ith. — Writing to-day to a valued friend in Upper
Canada in regard to his mission in London, Dr. Ryerson told
him that he had no doubt of its advantageous results in pro-
moting harmony and peace. He then said : —
I apprehend that Mr. Stanley's appointment to the Secretaryship of the
Colonies will not be very beneficial to us. The reason of Lord Goderich and
Lord Howick (Earl Grey's son) retiring from that office was that they would
not bring any other Bill on slavery into Parliament, but one for its imme-
diate and entire abolition. I understand that Lords Goderich and Howick
are sadly annoyed at Mr. Stanley's course.
It will only be for the friends of good government to pray for the re-
appointment of Lord Goderich, or insist upon a change in the Colonial
policy towards Upper Canada. This part, however, belongs to political men.
But I am afraid it may have an unfavourable bearing upon our religious
rights and interests.
In Rev. J, Richardson's letter to me, he mentions that the petitions were
sent in the care of Mr. Joseph Hume. He is not the person to present a
petition to His Majesty on religious liberty in the Colonies, and especially
after the part he has token in opposing the Bill for emancipating the slaves
in the West Indies. It has incensed the religious part of the nation against
him. He is connected with the West India interest by his wife, and his
abandoning all his principles of liberty in such a heart-stirring question,
destroys confidence in the disinterestedness of his general conduct, and his
sincere regard for the great interests of religion. I leave London this after-
noon for Ireland. My return here depends upon whether 1 can do anything
in this petition business.*
It is difficult to get a moment for retirement, excepting very early in the
morning, or after twelve at night. It is not the way for me to live I had,
however, a very profitable and good day yesterday. I preached, and superin-
tended a lovefeast in City Road Chapel last evening. It was a very good one,
only the people were a little bashful in speaking at first, like some of our
York friends who are always so very timid, such as Dr. Morrison, Mr.
Howard, and others.
In his journal Dr. Ryerson says : —
June 26th. — According to appointment, I called upon the Earl of Ripon.
and was most kindly received. I wished to enquire about the medal
promised by His Majesty, William IV., to Peter Jones, and to solicit a
donation towards our Academy at Cobourg His Lordship gave me £b.
He expressed his disapprobation of Sir John Colborne's reply to the
Methodist Conference in 1831, (see page 98) He stated that he was
anxious for the Union between the British and Canadian Conferences, and
* In Epochs of Canadian Methodism, Dr. Ryerson says : — When the writer
of these Essays was appointed a representative of the Canadian Conference to
negotiate a union between the two Conferences in 1833, he carried a Petition to
the King, signed by upwards of 20,000 inhabitants, against the Clergy Keserve
Monopoly and the Establishment of a Dominant Church in Upper Canada.
This petition was presented through Lord Stanley, the Colonial Secretary.
Page 221.— H.
1833] THE STQEY OF MY LIFE.
was gratified at the prospect of its success.* His Lordship stated that, while
in the Colonial Department, he had only received Mr. W. L. Mackenzie aa
a private individual, and had done no more than justice to him.
June 28th. — i called at the Colonial office, and laid before Mr. Stanley
statements and documents relative to the Clergy Reserve Question. Mr.
Stanley was very courteous, but equally cautious. I stated that the House
of Assembly of Upper Canada had nearly every year since 1825, by very
large majorities, decided against the erection of any Church Establishment in
that Province, and in favour of the appropriation of the Clergy Reserves to
the purposes of General Education ; that this might be taken to be the fair
and deliberate sense of the people of Upper Canada ; that this question was
distinct from any question or questions of political reform ; that parties and
parliaments who differed on other questions of public policy, agreed nearly
unanimously in this. He expressed his opinion that the Colonial Legislature
had a right to legislate on it, and asked me why our House of Assembly had i
not done it. I told him it had, but the Legislative Council had rejected the
Bill passed by the Assembly on the subject.
July 13th. — In a letter at this date to a friend in Upper
Canada, Dr. Ryerson further refers to this and a subsequent
interview as follows : —
I have had two interviews with Mr. Secretary Stanley, on
the subject of the House of Assembly's Address on the Clergy
Reserves, and have drawn up a statement of the grounds on
which the House of Assembly and the great body of the people
in Upper Canada resist the pretensions and claims of the
Episcopal clergy. Mr. Solicitor-General Hagerman has been
directed to do the same on behalf of the Episcopal clergy. I
confess that I was a little surprised to find that the Colonial
Secretary was fully impressed at first that Methodist preachers
in Canada w^ere generally Americans (Yankees); — that the
cause of the great prosperity of Methodism there was the ample
support it received from the United States ; — that the mission-
aries in Upper Canada were actually under the United States
Conference, and at its disposal. The Colonial Secretary
manifested a little surprise also, when I turned to the Journals
of the Upper Canada House of Assembly, and produced proof of
* Dr. Ryerson has left no record in his "Story" of the negotiations for this
Union. His report, however, OH the subject will be found on pages 193, 194, VoL
iv. of the Guardian for October 16th, 1833, from which I take the following
extracts : On the 5th June, Rev. Messrs. Bunting, Beecharn, Alder, and myself,
examined the whole question in detail, and prepared an outline of the resolutions
to be submitted to the British Conference, and recommended that a grant of £1,000
be appropriated the first year to the promotion of Canadian Missions. On the 2nd
August these resolutions were introduced by Rev. John Beecham (Missionary
Secretary). They were supported by Rev. Jabez Bunting, Rev. Jas. Wood (now in
his 83rd year), and Rev. Robert Newton. A Committee was appointed to consider
and report on the whole matter, consisting of the President, Secretary, and seven
ex-Presidents, the Irish representatives (Messrs. Waugh, Stewart, and Doolittle),
and fifteen other ministers. This Committee considered and reported these resolu-
tions, which were adopted and forms the basis of the Articles of Union. Hereafter,
the name of our Church will be changed from " The Methodist Episcopal Church in
Canada," to " The Wesleyan Methodist Church in British North America." — H.
120 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. X.
the reverse, which he pronounced "perfectly conclusive and
satisfactory."
August 8th. — Dr. Ryerson received a touching note at this
date from Mrs. Marsden, with explanation of her reluctance to
let Rev. Geo. Marsden, her husband, go to Canada as President
of the Conference. She says : —
At length my rebellious heart is subdued by reason and by grace. I am
made willing to give up my excellent husband to what is supposed to be a
great work. I am led to hope that, as a new class of feelings are bi ought
into exercise, perhaps some new graces may be elicited in my own character,
as well as that of my dear husband; at any rate it is a sacrifice to God, which
I trust will be accepted, and, both in a private and a public view, be over-
ruled for the glory of God. I am sure, notwithstanding some repeated
attempts to reconcile me to this affair, I must have appeared very unamiable
to you ; but the fact was simply this, I could not see you or converse with
you, without so much emotion as quite unnerved me, therefore I studiously
avoided you ; but did you know the happiness which dear Mr. Marsden and
I have enjoyed in each other's society for so many years, you would not be
surprised that I should be unwilling to give up so many months as will be
required for this service ; but to God and His Church I bow in submission.
This estimable lady did not long survive. She died in six months — just
after her husband had returned from America. In a letter from Rev. E.
Grinrod, dated March, 1834, he says: Mrs. Marsden died, after a short illness,
on 22nd February. She was one of the most amiable and pious of women.
Her life was a bright pattern of every Christian virtue. Her end was
delightfully triumphant.
The following is an extract from Dr. Ryerson's diary of this
year: —
After many earnest prayers, mature deliberation, and the advice of an
elder brother, I have decided within the last few months to enter again into
the married state. The lady I have selected, and who has consented to
become my second wife, is one whom I have every reason to believe possesses
all the natural and Christian excellencies of my late wife. She is the eldest
daughter of a pious and wealthy merchant, Mr. James Rogers Armstrong.
For her my late wife also entertained a very particular esteem and affection ,
and, from her good sense, sound judgment, humble piety, and affectionate
disposition, I doubt not but that she will make me a most interesting and
valuable companion, a judicious house-wife, and 'an affectionate mother to my
two children. Truly I love her with a pure heart fervently. I receive her, and
hope ever to treat and value her as the special token of my Heavenly Father's
kindness after a season of Ills chastisement. If thou, Lord, see fit to spare
us, may our union promote Thy glory and the salvation of sinners'
Dr. Ryerson's marriage with Miss Mary Armstrong, took place at Toronto,
ou the 8th of Novembej.
CHAPTER XI.
1833-1834.
" IMPRESSIONS " OF ENGLAND AND THEIR ErrECTa
ON my return to Canada, after having negotiated the Union
of 1833 with the English Conference, accompanied by Rev.
George Marsden, as first President of the Canadian Conference,
I was re-elected editor of the Christian Guardian, and con-
tinued as such until 1835, when I refused re-election, and was
appointed to Kingston ; but in November of the same year, the
President of the Conference appointed from England (Rev.
William Lord) insisted upon my going to England to arrange
pecuniary difficulties, which had arisen between him and the
London Wesleyan Missionary Committee.
Except the foregoing paragraph, Dr. Ryerson has left no
particulars of the events which transpired in his history from
the period of his return to Canada in September, 1833, until
some time in 1835. I have, therefore, selected what follows in
this chapter, from his letters and papers, to illustrate this busy
and eventful portion of his active life.
The principal circumstance which occurred at this time was
the publication of his somewhat famous " Impressions " of public
men and parties in England. This event marked an important
epoch in his life, if not in the history of the country.
The publication of these "Impressions" during this year
created quite a sensation. Dr. Ryerson was immediately assailed
with a storm of invective by the chief leaders of the ultra
section of politicians with whom he had generally acted.
By the more moderate section and by the public generally he
was hailed as the champion, if not the deliverer, of those who
were really alarmed at the rapid strides towards disloyalty and
revolution, to which these extreme men were impelling the
people. This feature of the unlocked for and bitter controversy,
which followed the publication of these " impressions," will be
developed further on.
'October 2d, 1833. — On this day the Upper Canada Confer-
ence ratified the articles of union between it and the British
Conference, which were agreed upon at the Manchester Confer-
122 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
ence on the 7th of August. (See note on page 117.)* At the
Conference held this year in York (Toronto), Dr. Ryerson was
again elected editor of the Guardian. He entered on the duties
of that office on the 16th October.
October 30th. — In reply to the many questions put to Dr.
Ryerson on his return to Canada, such as: "What do you
think of England ?" " What is your opinion of her public men,
her institutions ?" etc., etc., he published in the Guardian of
this day the tirst part of " Impressions made by my late visit to
England," in regard to public men, religious bodies, and the gen-
eral state of the nation. He said : —
There are three great political parties in England — Tories,
Whigs, and Radicals, and two descriptions of characters consti-
tuting each party. Of the first, there w the moderate and the
ultra tory. An English ultra tory is what we believe has
usually been meant and understood in Canada by the unquali-
fied term tory ; that is, a lordliug in power, a tyrant in politics,
and a bigot in religion. This description of partizans, we be-
lieve, is headed by the Duke of Cumberland, and is followed not
"afar off" by that powerful party, which presents such a for-
midable array of numbers, rank, wealth, talent, science, and
literature, headed by the hero of Waterloo. This shade of the
tory party appears to be headed in the House of Commons by
Sir Robert Inglis, member for the Oxford University, and is
supported, on most questions, by that most subtle and ingenious
politician and fascinating speaker, Sir Robert Peel, with his num-
erous train of followers and admirers. Among those who support
the distinguishing measures of this party are men of the highest
Christian virtue and piety; and, our decided impression is, that
it embraces the major part of the talent, and wealth, and learn-
ing of the British Nation. The acknowledged and leading
organs of this party are Blackivood's Magazine and the London
Quarterly Review.
The other branch of this great political party is what is called
the moderate tory. In political theory he agrees with his high-
toned neighbour ; but he acts from religious principle, and this
governs his private as well as his public life. To this class be-
longs a considerable portion of the Evangelical Clergy, and, we
think, a majority of the Wesleyan Methodists. It evidently
includes the great body of the piety, Christian enterprise, and
* As an example of the manner in which the Union was hailed in some parts of
the Province, a gentleman, writing from Merrickville on the llth December,
mentions a gratifying incident in regard to it. He says: — At one Quarterly
Conference Love Feast, when the presiding Elder told the assembled multitude
that tney were for the first time about to partake of bread and water as a
token of love under the name of British Wesleyan Methodists, a general burst of
approbation proceeded from preachers, leaders, and members, and such a let-ling
seemed to pervade the whole assembly, as it would be difficult to describe. — H.
1833-34] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 123
sterling virtue of the nation. It is, in time of party excitement,
alike hated and denounced by the ultra Tory, the crabbed
Whig, and the Radical leveller. Such was our impression of
the true character of what, by the periodical press in England,
is termed a moderate Tory. From his theories we in some
respects dissent ; but his integrity, his honesty, his consistency,
his genuine liberality, and religious beneficence, claim respect
and imitation.
The second great political and now ruling party in England
are the Whigs — a term synonymous with whey, applied, it is
said, to this political school, from the sour and peevish temper
manifested by its first disciples — though it is now rather popu-
lar than otherwise in England, The Whig appears to differ in
theory from the Tory in this, that he interprets the constitu-
tion, obedience to it, and all measures in regard to its adminis-
tration, upon the principles of expediency ; and is, therefore,
always pliant in his professions, and is even ready to suit his
measures to "the times" ; an indefinite term, that also designates
the most extensively circulated daily paper in England, or in
the world, which is the leading organ of the Whig party, backed
by the formidable power and lofty periods of the Edinburgh
Revieiv. The leaders of this party in the House of Lords are
Earl Grey and the Lord Chancellor Brougham; at the head of the
list in the House of Commons stands the names of Mr. Stanley,
Lord Althorp,Lord John Russell, and Mr.T. B. Macaulay. In this
class are also included many of the most learned and popular
ministers of Dissenting congregations.
The third political sect is called Radicals, apparently headed
by Messrs. Joseph Hume and Thomas Attwood ; the former of
whom, though acute, indefatigable, persevering, popular on
financial questions, and always to the point, and heard with
respect and attention in the House of Commons, has no influence
as a religious man ; has never been known to promote any reli-
gious measure or object as such, and has opposed every measure
for the better observance of the Sabbath, and even introduced
a motion to defeat the bill for the abolition of colonial slavery ;
and Mr. Attwood, the head of the celebrated Birmingham political
Union, is a conceited, boisterous, hollow-headed declaimer.
Radicalism in England appeared to me to be but another word
for Republicanism, with the name of King instead of President.
The notorious infidel character of the majority of the political
leaders and periodical publications of their party, deterred the
virtuous part of the nation from associating with them, though
some of the brightest ornaments of the English pulpit and
nation have leaned to their leading doctrines in theory. It is
not a little remarkable that that very description of the public
124 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
press, which in England advocates the lowest radicalism, is the
foremost in opposing and slandering the Methodists in this
Province. Hence the fact that some of these editors have been
amongst the lowest of the English radicals previous to their
egress from the mother country.
Upon the whole, our impressions of the religious and moral
character, and influence, of the several political parties into
which the British nation is unhappily divided, were materially
different in some respects, from personal observation, from
what they had been by hear-say and reading.
On the very evening of the day in which the foregoing
appeared, Mr. W. L. Mackenzie (in the Colonial Advocate of Oct.
30th), denounced the writer of these "Impressions" in no
measured terms. His denunciation proved that he clearly per-
ceived what would be the effect on the public mind of Dr. Ryer-
son's candid and outspoken criticisms on men and things in
England — especially his adverse opinion of the English idols of
(what subsequently proved to be) the disloyal section of the
public men of the day in Upper Canada and their followers.
- Mr. Mackenzie's vehement attack upon the writer of these
" Impressions " had its effect at the time. In some minds a belief
in the truth of that attack lingered long afterwards — but net
in the minds of those who could distinguish between honest
conviction, based upon actual knowledge, and pre-conceived
opinions, based upon hearsay and a superficial acquaintance with
men and things.
As the troubled period of 1837 approached, hundreds had
reason to be thankful to Dr. Ryerson that the publication of
his " Impressions " had, without design on his part, led to the
disruption of a party which was being hurried to the brink of
a precipice, over which so many well meaning, but misguided,
men fell in the winter of 1837, never to rise again.
It was a proud boast of Dr. Ryerson (as he states in the
"Epochs of Canadian Methodism," page 385), that in these
disastrous times not a single member of the Methodist Church
was implicated in the disloyal rebellion of 1837-8. He attri-
buted this gratifying state of things to the fact that he had
uttered the notes of warning in sufficient time to enable the
leaders of the Giiardian to pause and think ; and that, with a
just appreciation of their danger, members of the Society had
separated themselves from all connection with projects and
opinions which logically would have placed them in a position
of defiant hostility to the Queen and constitution.
But, to return. The outburst of Mr. Mackenzie's wrath, which
immediately followed (on the evening of the same day) the
publication of Dr. Ryerson's " Impressions," was as follows : —
1833-34] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 125
The Christian Guardian, under the management of Egerton Ryerson, has
gone over to the enemy, — press, types, and all, — and hoisted the colours of a
cruel, vindictive, Tory priesthood The contents of the Guardian of
to-night tells us in language too plain, too intelligible to be misunderstood,
that a deadly blow has been struck in England at the liberties of the people
of Upper Canada, by as subtle and ungrateful an adversary, in the guise of
an old and familiar friend, as ever crossed the Atlantic.
In his "Almanac," issued on the same day, Mr. Mackenzie
also used similar language. He said : —
The arch-apostate Egerton, alias Arnold, Ryerson, and the Christian
Guardian goes over to Strachan and the Tories.
Nov. 6th. — In the Guardian of this day Dr. Ryerson inserted
an extended reply to Mr. Mackenzie, and, in calm and dignified
language, gave the reasons which induced him to publish his
" Impressions." He said : —
We did so, — 1st, As a subject of useful information ; 2nd, To
correct an erroneous impression that had been industriously
created, that we were identified in our feelings and purposes
with some one political party; 3rd, To furnish an instructive
moral to the Christian reader, not to be a passive or active tool,
or the blind, thorough-going follower of any political party as
such. We considered this called for at the present time on both
religious and patriotic grounds. We designed this expression
of our sentiments, and this means of removing groundless
prejudice and hostility in the least objectionable and offensive
way, and without coming in contact with any political party in
Canada, or giving offence to any, except those who had shown an
inveterate and unprincipled hostility to Methodism. We there-
fore associated the Canadian ultra tory with the English
radical, because we were convinced of their identity in moral
essence, and that the only essential difference between them is,
that the one is top and the other bottom. We therefore said,
"that very description of the public press which in England
advocates the lowest radicalism, is the foremost in opposing and
slandering the Methodists in this Province."
That our Christian brethren throughout the Province, and
every sincere friend to Methodism, do not wish us to be an
organized political party, we are fully assured — that it is
inconsistent with our profession and duty to become such. Out
of scores of expressions to the same effect we might quote quite
abundantly from the Guardian, but our readers are aware of
them.
That the decided part we have felt it our duty to take in
obtaining and securing our rights in regard of the Clergy
Reserve Question, has, had a remote or indirect tendency to
promote Mr. Mackenzie's political measures, we readily admit ;
but that we have ever supported a measure, or given publicity
120 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
to any documents from Mr. Mackenzie, or any other political
man in Canada, on any other grounds than this, we totally
deny.
Mr. Mackenzie's attack rests on four grounds: 1. That our
language was so explicit as to remove every doubt and hope of
our encouraging a if thick and thin " partizanship with him, or
any man or set of men in Canada ; or, 2. That we did not speak
in opprobrious, but rather favourable terms, of His Excellency
the Lieutenant-Governor ; or, 3. That we expresssd our appro-
bation of the principles and colonial policy of Lord Goderich
(now Earl Ripon), and those who agree with him ; or 4. That
we alluded to Mr. Hume in terms not sufficiently complimentary.
If Mr. Mackenzie's wishes are crossed and his wrath inflamed,
because we have not entered our protest against His Excellency
the Lieutenant-Governor, we could not do so after we had
learned the views of His Majesty's Government, in a reply of
His Excellency to an address of our Conference about two years
ago,* when every unfavourable impression had been removed,
and when good-will was expressed towards the Methodists as a
people; we have not so learned to forgive injuries — we have not
so learned to " honour and obey magistrates," — we have not so
learned our duty as a minister, and as a Christian. We, as a
religious body, and as the organ of a religious body, have only
to do with Sir John Colborne's administration, as far as it
concerns our character and rights as British subjects; His
Excellency's measures and administration in merely secular
matters lie within the peculiar province of the political journal-
ists and politicians of the day. If our offering a tribute of
grateful respect to Lord Goderich, who had declared in his
despatches to Canada his earnest desire to remove every bishop
and priest from our Legislature, to secure the right of petition-
ing the King to the meanest subject in the realm, to extend the
blessings of full religious liberty and the advantages of educa-
tion to every class of British subjects in Canada, without
distinction or partiality, and in every way to advance the
interests of the Province ; — if honouring such men and such
principles be " hoisting the colours (as Mr. Mackenzie says), of
a cruel, vindictive, Tory priesthood," then has Mr. Mackenzie
the merit of a new discovery of vindictive cruelty, and with his
own definition of liberty, and his own example of liberality,
will he adopt his own honourable means to attain it, and
breathe out death and destruction against all who do not
incorporate themselves into a strait-jacket battalion under his
political sword, and vow allegiance and responsibility to every-
thing done by his " press, types, and all ? "
• See pago 98.
1383-34] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 127
Mr. Mackenzie did not reply to Dr. Ryerson in the spirit of
his rejoinder. He was a master of personal invective, and he
indulged in it in this instance, rather than discuss the questions
raised on their merits. He, therefore, turned on Dr. Ryer-
son, and, over his shoulders, struck a blow at his venerable
Father and his eldest Brother. He said : —
The Father of the Editor of the Guardian lifted his sword against the
throats of his own countrymen struggling for freedom from established
churches, stamp acts, military domination, Scotch governors, and Irish
government ; and his brother George figured on the frontier in the war of
1812. and got woiinded and pensioned for fighting to preserve crown and
clergv reserves, and all the other strongholds of corruption, in the hands of
the locusts who infest and disturb this Province.
Dr. Ryerson's simple rejoinder to this attack on his Father
and Brother was as follows : —
The man who could hold up the brave defenders of our
homes and firesides to the scorn and contempt of their country-
men, must be lost to all patriotic and loyal feelings of humanity
for those who took their lives in their .hands in perilous
times. i
Nov. I4th. — As to the effect of the " impressions " upon the
country generally, the following letter from Hallowell (Picton)
written to Dr. Ryerson by his brother John, may be safely taken
as an -example of the feeling which they at first evoked. It is
characterized by strong and vigorous language, indicative of the
state of public opinion at the time. It is valuable from the fact
that while it is outspoken in its criticism of Dr. Ryerson's views,
it touches upon the point to which I have already referred, viz :
the separation into two sections of the powerful party which was
then noted as the champion of popular rights. Mr. Ryerson
says : —
Your article on the Political Parties of England has created much excite-
ment throughout these parts. The only good that can result from it is, the
breaking up of the union which has hitherto existed between us and the
radicals. Were it not for this, I should much regret its appearance. But we had
got so closely linked with tnose extreme men, in one way or another, that we
cannot expect to get rid of them without feeling the shock, and, perhaps, it
may as well come now as anytime. It is our duty and interest to support
the Government. Although there may be some abuses which have crept in,
yet, I believe that we enjoy as many political and religious advantages as any
people. Our public affairs are as well managed as in any other country. As
it respects the Reformers, so called, take Baldwin, Bidwell, Rolph, and such
men from their ranks, and there is scarcely one man of character or honour
among them. I am sorry to say it, but it is so. The best way for the present
is for us to have nothing to say about politics, but treat the Government "with
respect. Radcliffe, of the Cobourg Reformer, and Dr. Barker, of the Kingston
Whig, have come out in their true character. Radcliffe is preparing a
heavy charge against you. But let them come; fear them not ! I hope they
will show themselves now. I thought that you, in your reply to W. L. Mac-
kenzie, did not speak in a sufficiently decided manner. You say you have
128 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI
not changed your views; but I hope you have in some respects. Although
you never were a Radical, yet have not we all leaned too much towards them,
and will we not now smart for it a little ? But, the sooner it comes on, the
sooner it will be over.
Rev. John Ryerson then gives the first intimation of the
existence of that germ of hostility to the recently consummated
Union on the part of the British Wusleyan Missionaries in this
country — a hostility which became at length so deep and wide-
spread as to destroy the Union itself — a union which was not
fully restored until 1847. Mr. Ryerson points out the political
animus of the movement, and proceeds : —
You see that the Missionaries are making great efforts to have Kingston
and York made exceptions to the general arrangements. Should the English
Committee listen to them, confidence will be entirely destroyed. Their
object is to make the British Conference believe that we have supported
Radical politics to an unlimited extent, and that, therefore, the people will
not submit to the Union with such people; they (the Missionaries) are, how-
ever, the authors of the whole trouble. Rev. Mr. Hetherington told me
that they were getting the back numbers of the Guardian to prove that we had
been political intimidators 1 They say that Mr. Marsden, the President, told
the members at Kingston that if they could make it appear that we had
done this, they should be exempted from the Union, and be supplied with
Missionaries from home.
In a subsequent letter from Rev. John Ryerson, he discusses
his brother's "Impressions of Public Men in England^." and
utters a word of warning to the Methodist people who have
allied themselves too closely with the disloyal party. He says :
What will be the result of your remarks in the Guardian on Political
Parties in England, I cannot say. They will occasion much speculation,
some jealousy, and bad feeling. I have sometimes thought you had better
not have written them, particularly at this time, yet I have long been of the
opinion (both with regard to measures and men) that we leaned too much
towards Radicalism, and that it would be absolutely necessary to disengage
ourselves from them entirely. You can see plainly that it is not Reform, but
Revolution they are after. We should fare sumptuously, should we not, with
W. L. Mackenzie, of Toronto, and Radcliffe, of Cobourg, for our rulers! I
have also felt very unpleasant in noticing the endeavours of these men (aided
by some of our members) to introduce their republican leaven into our
Ecclesiastical polity. Is it not a little remarkable that not one of our mem-
bers, who have entered into their politics, but has become a furious leveller
in matters of Church Government, and these very men are the most regard-
less of our reputation, and the most ready to impugn our motives, and defame
our character, when we, in any way, cross their path. There are some things
in your remarks I don't like; but, on the whole, I am glad of their appearance,
ana I hope, whenever you have occasion to speak of the Government, you
will do it in terms of respect. I am anxious that we should obtain the con-
fidence of the Government, and entirely disconnect ourselves from that tribe
of levellers, with whom we have been too intimate, and who are, at any
time, ready to turn around and sell us when we fail to please them.
Nov. 20th. — In another letter to Dr. Ryerson from his brother
John, at this date, he says : —
1833-34, THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 129
I deeply feel for you in the present state of agitation and trial. My own
heart aches and sickens within me at times, and I have no doubt, however
much of a philosopher you may be, but that you at times participate in the
same feelings; but, pursuing a conscientious course, 1 hope you will at times
be able to say : —
" Courage, my soul ! thou need'st not fear,
Thy great Provider still is near."
The following sympathetic letter from Dr. Ryerson's friend,
Mr. E. C. Griffin, of Waterdown, written at the same time, gives
another proof of the unreasoning prejudice of those whose local
knowledge of the outer world was circumscribed and superficial.
In England, Dr. Ryerson saw things as they were. He was,
therefore, not prepared for the burst of wrath that followed the
plain recital of his " impressions" of men and things in England.
Mr. Griffin writes : —
The respect I have for you and yours should at all times deter me from
bearing evil tidings, yet the same consideration would make it a duty under
peculiar circumstances. You have already learned that the public mind has
been much agitated in consequence of your remarks in the Guardian on Mr!
Joseph Hume, M.P., and Mr. Thomas Attwood, ALP. (seepage 123). On this
Circuit it is truly alarming — some of our most respectable Methodists are
threatening to leave the Church. The general impression has obtained (how-
ever unjustly). that you have "turned downright Tory," which, in this
country, whether moderate or ultra, seems to have but one meaning among
the bulk of Reformers, and that is, as being an enemy to all reform and the
correction of acknowledged abuses. This general impression among the
people has created a feverish discontent among the Methodists. The excite-
ment is so high that your subsequent explanation has seemed to be without
its desired effect. 1 should be glad if you would state distinctly in the Guardian
what you meant in your correspondence with the Colonial Secretary, when
you said you had no desire to interfere with the present emoluments of the
Church clergy (or words to that effect); and also of the term " equal protec-
tion to the different denomiDations." You are, doubtless, aware of the use
made of these expressions by some of the journals, and, I am sorry to say,
with too much effect. These remarks, ta^en in connection with those against
Mr, Hume, is the pivot on which everything ia turned against you, against
the Guardian, and against the Methodists.
A few days later Dr. Ryerson received another letter from
Mr. Griffin, in which he truthfully says : —
Perhaps there have not been many instances in which sophistry has been
applied more effectually to injure an individual, or a body of Christians, as
in the present instance. Whigs, tories, and radicals have all united to crush,
I may say at a blow, the Methodists, and none have tried to do so more
effectually than Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, He persisted in it so as to make his
friends generally believe that the cause of reform was ruined by you. His abuse
of you and your friends, and the Alethodists, is more than I can stand. He has
certainly manifested a great want of discernment, or he has acted from design.
I see that the Hamilton Free Press has called in the aid- of Air. F. Collins, of
the Canadian Freeman, to assist in abiising you and your whole family.
From Augusta, Rev. Anson Green wrote about the same time,
and in a similar strain, but not so sympathetically. He says : —
9
130 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
I fear your impressions are bad ones. Our people are all in an uproar
about them.
Nov, 22nd. — Rev. William Ryerson writing from Kingston
at this time, reports the state of feeling there. He says : —
As to the Guardian, I am sorry to inform you that it is becoming less
popular than formerly. If your English " impressions " are not more
acceptable and useful in other parts than they are here, it will add little to
your credit, or to the usefulness of your paper to publish any more of
them. I know that you have been shamefully abused, and treated in a most
base manner, and by no one so much so as by Mr. Eatcliffe of the Cobourg
Reformer. I hope you will expose the statements and figures of the Reformer
to our friends. It is rather unfortunate that if you did intend, as is said, to
conciliate the Tory party in this country, you should have expressed yourself
in such a way as to be so much misunderstood.
Nov. 23rd. — Rev. Alvah A. Adams, writing from Prescott,
says : —
There are a few disturbances in our Zion. Some are bent on making
mischief. You need not be surprised that the Grenville Gazette speaks so
contemptuously of you and the cause in which you have been, and are still,
engaged. There are reasons why you need not marvel at the great torrent
of scurrilous invectives with which his useless columns have of late
abounded.
Nov. 23rd. — Although not so intended by Dr. Ryerson, yet the
publication of his " impressions," had the affect of developing
the plans of Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, and those who acted with
him, much more rapidly and fully than they could have
anticipated. In the second supplement to his Colonial
Advocate, published November 23rd, Mr. Mackenzie used this
unmistakeable language : —
The local authorities have no means to protect themselves against an
injured people, if they persist in their unconstitutional career.
There are not military enough to uphold a bad government for an hour, if
the Rubicon has been passed; and well does Sir John Co [borne know that
although he may hire regiments of priests here, he may expect no more red-
coats from Europe in those days of economy He also knows
that if we are to take examples from the Mother Country, the arbitrary rro-
ceedings of the officers of his government are swc/i as would warrant the people
to an open and armed resistance.
Dec. 6th. — Dr. Ryerson having received a protest from five of
his ministerial brethren in the Niagara District,* against his
* Rev. Messrs. David Wright, James Evans, William Griffis, jun., Henry
Wilkinson and Edwy Ryerson. The protest was as follows: We, the undersigned
ministers of the W. M. Church, desirous to avert the evils which may probably
: result to our Zion from "impressions" made by certain political remarks in the
editorial department of the Guardian, take this opportunity of expressing our
sentiments for your satisfaction, and to save our characters from aspersion. First.
We have consideml, and are still of the same opinion, that the clergy of the
Episcopal Church ought to be deprived of every emolument derived from Govern-
mental aid, and what are called the Clergy Reserves Secondly. That our
political views arc decidedly the same which they were previous to the visit of the
editor of the Guardian to England, and we believe that the views of our brethren
in the ministry are unchanged.
1833-34] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 131
"impressions" he wrote a remonstrance to each of them, but
this did not appease them. Rev. David Wright said : —
As an individual I am not at all satisfied either with the course you have
taken or the explanation given. Could you witness the confused state of our
Church on Stamford Circuit ; the insults we receive, both from many of our
members and others of good standing, you would at once see the propriety of
the steps we have taken for onr defence. Hardly a tea-party or meeting of
any kind, but the Guardian is the topic of conversation, and the conversion
of its editor and all the preachers to Toryism. The Ranters and the Ryanites
are very busy, and are doing us much harm. I am more and more convinced
of the imprudence of the course you have taken, especially at this trying
time in our Church. In Queenston, Drummondville, Chippewa, Erie, St.
Davids, the Lane, and Lyons' Creek the preachers are hooted at as they ride
by. This is rather trying, I assure you.
Rev. James Evans said : —
You request me not to solicit any to continue the Guardian who are dis-
satisfied, and who wish to discontinue. This is worse than all beside. And
do you suppose that, in opposition to the wish of the Conference, and interest
of the Church, I shall pay attention to your request ? No, my brother, I
cannot; I will not. It shall be my endeavour to obtain and continue sub-
scribers by allaying as far as practical their fears, rather than by telling them
that they may discontinue and you will abide the consequences. I am
astonished 1 I can only account for your strange, and I am sure, un-Ryer-
sonian conduct and advice on one principle — that there is something ahead
which you, through your superior political spyglass, have discovered and thus
shape your course, while we land-lubbers, phort-sighted as we are, have not
even heard of it.
Dr. Ryerson, therefore, challenged these five ministers to
proceed against him as provided by the Discipline of the
Church. In his reply to them, he lays down some important
principles in regard to the rights of an editor, and the duty of
his ministerial accusers. He said : —
I beg to say that I cannot publish the criminating declaration
of which you speak. You will therefore act your pleasure in
publishing it elsewhere. The charges against me are either
true or false. If they are true, are you proceeding in the
disciplinary way against me ? Though I am editor for the
Conference, yet 1 have individual rights as well as you ; and
the increased responsibility of my situation should, under those
rights, if possible, be still more sacred. And if our Conference
will place a watchman upon the wall of our Zion, and then
allow its members to plunge their swords into him whenever
they think he has departed from his duty, without even giving
him a court-martial trial, then they are a different description
of men from what I think they are. If, as you say, I have been
guilty of imprudent conduct, or even "misrepresented my
brethren," make your complaint to my Presiding Elder, accord-
ing to discipline, and then may the decision of the Committee
be published in the Guardian, or anywhere else that they may
132 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
say. So much for the disciplinary course. Again, if "the
clamour," as you call it, against the Guardian be well founded,
are you helping the Guardian by corroborating the statement
of that clamour? Can Brother James Evans consistently or
conscientiously ask an individual to take, or continue to take
the Guardian, when he or you publish to the world the belief
that its principles are changed ? Will this quiet the "clamour?"
Will this reconcile the members? Will this unite the preachers?
Will this promote the harmony of the Church ? Will it not be
a fire-brand rather than the " seeds of commotion ? " One or
two others here got a meeting of the male members of the York
Society, and proposed resolutions similar in substance to yours,
which were opposed and reprobated by brother Kichardson, on
the very disciplinary and prudential ground of which I speak,
and rejected by the Society. In your declaration you say (not
on account of "clamour," or accusations of editors or others, but
on account of editorial remarks in the Guardian}, "you express
your sentiments to save your character from aspersion'' In
this you imply that the editor of the Guardian has misrepre-
sented your sentiments, and aspersed your character ; and, if so,
has he not changed his principles ? And, if he has changed his
principles, is he not guilty of falsehood, since he has positively
declared to the reverse ? You therefore virtually charge him
with inconsistency, misrepresentation, and deliberate falsehood.
Js this the fruit of brotherly love ? Again, you say that " our
political sentiments are the same as before the visit of the
editor of the Guardian to England." Is not this equal to
asserting that the editor's sentiments are not the same ? You
therefore say that you love me ; that you desire the peace of
the Church, and the interests of the Guardian, yet you propose
a course which will confirm the slanders of my enemies — to
implicate me with inconsistency and falsehood — to injure the
Guardian, and deprive yourselves of the power, as men of
honour and truth, to recommend it — to kindle and sanction
dissatisfaction among our Church members — to arm preacher
against preacher — and to criminate a brother before the public,
without a disciplinary trial. You say " our friends are looking
out for it." Is this the way, my brother, that you have quieted
their minds, by telling tliem that you also were going to
criminate the editor ? If this be so, I am not surprised that
there is dissatisfaction on your circuit, Brother Evans said
that nothing but a denial of having changed my opinions, and
an explicit statement of them, would satisfy our friends. I did
so. and did so plainly and conscientiously. Yet you do not
even allude to this expression of my sentiments, but still insist
upon doing what is far more than taking my life — stabbing my
1833-341 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 133
principles and integrity. I ask if this is my reward for
endangering my life and enduring unparalleled labours, to save
the Societies heretofore from being rent to the very centre, and
enduring ceaseless storms of slander and persecution for years
past in defending the abused character of my brethren ? Are
they the first to lift up their heel aginst me ? Will they join
in the hue and cry against me, rather than endure a " hoot,"
when I am unjustly treated and basely slandered ? I hope I
have not fallen into such hands.
Dr. Ryersoii received at this time a candid and kindly
characteristic letter from his youngest brother, Edwy, at Stam-
ford, which indicated that a reaction was taking place in
regard to the much discussed " impressions." He says : —
The present agitated state of the Societies, partly from the Union, and, in
a greater degree, from your "impressions" (which would have been a blessing
to our Societies, had they never been published1) make it very unpleasant to
ask even lor subscriptions to the Guardian. We are here in a state of com-
motion ; politics run high, and religion low. " The Guardian has turned
Tory," is the hue and cry, and many appear to be under greater concern
about it, than they ever were about the salvation of their souls. Many again,
have got wonderfully wise, and pretend to reveal (as a friend, but in reality
as an enemy) the secrets of your policy. Under these unpleasant circum-
stances, the Ranters have availed themselves of the opportunity of planting
themselves at nearly all our posts, and sowing tares in our Societies.
You have received a protest, signed by several preachers, and my name
among them. Those were my impressions at the time. Therefore I thought
it my duty, in connection with my brethren, to make my protest. I have,
however (since seeing the Guardian), been led to believe you had not changed
from what you were. Many of the preachers are rejoiced that you were put
in the editorial chair, and feel strongly disposed to exert their influence that
you may not be replaced.
Dec. 2nd. — On this day Dr. Kyerson received a kind word of
encouragement from Mr. Alex. Davidson, a literary friend in
Port Hope, afterwards of Niagara. He said : —
I have had an opportunity of seeing most of the provincial papers. They
exhibit a miserable picture of the state of the press. The conduct of the
editors oiight,^! think, to be exposed. I have been afraid that from such
unmerited abuse, you would quit the Guardian in disgust, and I am glad to
see that, though your mind may be as sensitive as that of any other person,
you remain firm.
Another indication of the reaction in regard to the " impres-
sions" is mentioned in a note received from Rev. Ephraim
Evans, Trafalgar. He says : —
Mr. Thos. Cartwright, of Streetsville, who had. given up the Guardian, has
ordered it to be sent to him again so that he may not seem to countenance
the clamour that has been raised against you. Mr. Evans adds : " I am
happy to find that the agitation produced by the unwarrantable conduct of
the press generally, is rapidlv subsiding ; and, I trust, nay, am certain, that
the late avowal of your sentiments, will be perfectly satisfactory to every
sensible and ingenuous mind. I am, upon the whole, led to believe that
Methodism will weather out this storm also, and lose not a spar."
134 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
Dec. 6th. — Among the many letters of sympathy received by
Dr. Ryerson at this time, was one from his Father, in which he
says : —
I perceive by the papers that you have met with tempestuous weather. I
devoutly hope that the Great Pilot will conduct you sately through the rocks
and quicksands on either side.
Jan. 6th, 1834. — In a letter from Rev. Anson Green, at
Augusta, it was apparent that the tide of popular opinion
against Dr. Ryerson had turned. He said : —
I have been very much pleased indeed with the Guardian during the last
tew months. There is a very great improvement in it. In this opinion I am
not alone. Your remarks on the Clergy Reserve question were very timely and
highly satisfactory. A number of our brethren have wished me to express
to you the pleasure they feel in the course which you have pursued as editor.
There has been very great prejudice against you in these parts,among preachers
and people, but I think they are dying out and will, I trust, shortly entirely
disappear. I hope we shall soon see " eye to eye."
March 5th. — In the Guardian of this day, Dr. Ryerson
intimated that : —
Among many schemes resorted to by the abbettors of Mr.
Mackenzie to injure me, was the circulation of all kinds of
rumours against my character and standing as a minister. For
proof, it was represented that I was denied access to the
Wesleyan pulpit in this town. When these statements were
made early in the year, the stewards and leaders of the York
Society met on the llth of last January, and passed a resolution
to the effect
That being anxious, lest, under exciting circumstances, you might be
tempted to withhold your ministrations from the York congregation, they
desire their Secretary to inform you that it is their wish, and they believe it
a duty you owe to the Church of Christ, to favour it with your views on His
unsearchable riches as often as an opportunity may present itself.
As these rumours have now been revived, I published this
resolution in the Guardian of to-day.
The capital offence charged against Dr. Ryerson in publishing
his " impressions " was his exposure of Joseph Hume, M.P., the
friend and patron of Mr. Mackenzie. (See pages 118 and 123.)
In the Guardian of December llth, Dr. Ryerson fully met
that charge. Among other things he pointed out: —
1st. That, having voted for a Church establishment in India,
Mr. Hume was the last man who should have been entrusted
with petitions from Upper Canada, against a Church establish-
ment in Upper Canada. 2nd. That Methodists emigrating to
this country, when they learn that Mr. Hume is regarded as a
sort of representative of the principles of the Methodists in Upper
Canada, immediately imbibe strong prejudices against them,
refusing to unite with them, and even strongly opposing them,
1S33-34] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 135
saying that such Methodists are Radicals — a term which, in
England, conveys precisely the same idea that the term
Republican does in this Province. Thus the prejudices which
exist between a portion of the Canadian and British Methodists
here, are heightened, and the breach widened. 3rd. That even
adherents of the Church of England here who were Reformers in
England join the ranks of those opposed to us when they know
that Mr. Hume is a chosen representative of our views in
England ; for the personal animosity between the Whigs and
Reformers and Radicals in England is more bitter, if possible,
than between the Radicals and Tories, and far more rancorous
than between the Whigs and Tories. There is just as much
difference between an avowed English Radical as there is
between a Canadian Reformer and an avowed Canadian
Republican. In the interests of the Methodists, therefore,
religiously and politically, the allusion to Mr. Hume was
justifiable and necessary. Dr. Ryerson continues : —
I may mention that so strongly impressed was I with these
views, that in an interview which I had with Mr. Secretary
Stanley, a few days before the Clergy Reserve petitions were
presented by Mr. Hume, I remarked that the people of Upper
Canada, not being acquainted with public men in England, had
sent them to the care of a gentleman of influence in the financial
affairs of Great Britain, but that I was apprehensive that he
was not the best qualified to advocate a purely legal and
religious question. Mr. Secretary Stanley smilingly interrupted
me by asking " Is it Hume ? " I replied, " It is, but I hope this
circumstance will not have the least influence upon your mind,
Mr. Secretary Stanley, in giving the subject that important and
full consideration which its great importance demands." Mr.
Stanley replied : " No, Mr. Ryerson, be assured that the subject
will not be in the least prejudiced in my mind by any circum-
stance of that kind ; but I shall give it the most important and
grave consideration."
May 2-kth. — Within three months after Dr. Ryerson had
stated these facts in regard to Mr. Hume, overwhelming
evidence of the correctness of his statement that Mr. Hume was
unfit to act as a representative, in the British Parliament, of the
people of Upper Canada, was given by Mr. Hume himself in a
letter addressed to Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, dated 29th March,
1834. In that letter Mr. Hume stated that Mr. Mackenzie's
Election to, and subsequent ejection from the Legislature, must hasten
that crisis which is fast approaching in the affairs of the Canadas, and which
will terminate in independence and freedom from the baneful domination of
the mother country.
136 THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. [CHAP. XI
Ho also advised that
The proceedings between 1772 and 1782 in America ought not to be
forgotten ; and to the honour of the Americans, for the interests of the
civilized world, let their conduct and the result be ever in view.
Dr. Ryerson added : There is no mistaking the revolutionary
and treasonable character of this 'advice given to Canadians
through Mr. W. L. Mackenzie. Yet I have been denounced for
exposing the designs of such revolutionary advisers !
The following is an extract from Mr. W. L. Mackenzie's
remarks in the Colonial Advocate on Mr. Hume's letter: —
The indignant feeling of the honest old Reformer (Hume), when he became
acquainted with the heartless slanders of the unprincipled inprate Ryerson,
may be easily conceived from the tone of his letter. . . .Mr. Mackenzie will
be prepared to hand the original letter to the Methodist Conference.
June 4>th. — In the Guardian of this date, Dr. Ryerson
replied at length to Mr. Hume's letter, pointing out how
utterly and totally false were Mr. Hume's statements in regard
to himself. He, in June, 1832, expressed his opinion of Mr.
Hume (pages 118 and 123). He then said: —
That was my opinion of Mr. Hume, even before I advocated
the Clergy Reserve petition in England, — such it was after I
conversed with him personally, and witnessed his proceedings, —
such it is now, — and such must be the opinion of every British
subject, after reading Mr. Hume's revolutionary letter, in which
he rejoices in the approach of a crisis in the affairs of the
Canadas, " which will terminate in independence and freedom
from the baneful domination of the mother country! " I stated
to Mr. Mackenzie more than once, when he called upon me in
London, that I could not associate myself with his political
measures. But notwithstanding all my caution, I, in fact, got
into bad company, for which I have now paid a pretty fair
price. ... I cannot but regard it as a blessing and happiness to
the Methodist connexion at large, that they also, by the
admission of all parties, stand so completely distinct from
Messrs. Hume and Mackenzie, as to be involved in no responsi-
bility and disgrace, by this premature announcement of their
revolutionary purposes.
Oct. 25th. — As to the final result of the agitation in regard
to the " Impressions," Rev. John Ryerson, writing from Hallo-
well (Picton), at this date, says : —
The work of schism has been pretty extensive in some parts of this
District. There have as the result of it left, or have been expelled, on the
Waterloo Circuit, 150 ; on the Bay of Quinte, 40; in Belleville, 47; Sidney,
60; Cobourg, 82; making in all 320. There have been received on these
circuits since Conference 170, which leaves a balance against us of 150.
1833-34] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 137
REMARKS ON THE RESULT OF THE "IMPRESSIONS."
The result (on the membership of the Societies) of this
politico-religious agitation were more or less the same in other
parts of the Connexion. The publication of the " impressions "
was (to those who had for years been in a state of chronic war
with the powers that be) like the falling of the thunderbolt of
Jove out of a cloudless sky. It unexpectedly precipitated a
crisis in provincial affairs. It brought men face to face with a
new issue. An issue too which they had not thought of ; or, if
it had presented itself to their minds, was regarded as a
remote, yet possible, contingency. Their experience of the
working of " British institutions " (as the parody on them in
Upper Canada was called), had so excited their hostility and
embittered their feelings, that when they at first heard Dr.
Ryerson speak in terms of eulogy of the working of these
institutions in the mother country, they could not, or would
not, distinguish between such institutions in England and
their professed counterpart in Upper Canada. Nor could they
believe that the great champion of their cause, who in the past
had exposed the pernicious and oppressive workings of the so-
called British institutions in Upper Canada, was sincere in his
exposition of the principles and the promulgation of doctrines
in regard to men and things in Britain, which were now declared
by Mr. W. L. Mackenzie to be heretical as well as entirely opposed
to views and opinions which he (Dr. Ryerson) had hitherto held
on these important questions. The novelty of the "impressions"
themselves, and the bitterness with which they were at once
assailed, confused the public mind and embarrassed many of
Dr. Ryerson's friends.
In these days of ocean telegraphy and almost daily inter-
course by steam with Britain, we can scarcely realize how far
separated Canada was from England fifty years ago. Besides
this, the channels through which that intercourse was carried on
were few, and often of a partizan character. " Downing Street
[Colonial Office] influence," and " Downing Street interference
with Canadian rights," were popular and favourite topics of
declamation and appeal with the leaders of a large section of the
community. Not that there did not exist, in many instances,
serious grounds for the accusations against the Colonial Office ;
but they, in most cases, arose in that office from ignorance rather
than from design. However the causes of complaint were often
greatly exaggerated, and very often designedly so by interested
parties on both sides of the Atlantic.
This, Dr. Ryerson soon discovered on his first visit to England,
in 1833, and in his personal intercourse with the Colonial
138 TUE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI
Secretaries and other public men in London. The manly
generosity of Jiis nature recoiled from being a party to the
misrepresentation and injustice which was current in Canada,
when he had satisfied himself of the true state of the case.
He, therefore, on his return to the Province, gave the public
the benefit of his observation and experience in England.
In the light of to-day what he wrote appears fair and reason-
able. It was the natural expression of pleased surprise that
men and things in England were not so bad as had been repre-
sented ; and that there was no just cause for either alarm or ill
feeling. His comparisons of parties in England and in Canada
were by extreme political leaders in Canada considered odious.
Hence the storm of invective which his observations raised.
He showed incidentally that the real enemies to Canada were
not those who ruled at Downing Street, but those who set them-
selves up — within the walls of Parliament in England and
their prompters in Canada — as the exponents of the views and
feelings of the Canadian people.
The result of such a proceeding on Dr. Byerson's part can
easily be imagined. Mr. Hume in England, and Mr. W. L.
Mackenzie in Canada, took the alarm. They very properly
reasoned that if Dr. Ryerson's views prevailed, their occupation
as agitators and fomenters of discontent would be gone.
Hence the extraordinary vehemence which characterized their
denunciations of the writer who had so clearly exposed (as he
did more fully at a later period of the controversy), the dis-
loyalty of their aims, and the revolutionary character of their
schemes.
This assault on Dr. ftyerson was entirely disproportionate to
the cause of offence. Were it not that the moral effect of what
he wrote — more than what he actually said — was feared, because
addressed to a people who had always listened to his words
with deep attention and great respect, it is likely that his words
would have passed unchallenged and unheeded.
I have given more than usual prominence to this period of
Dr. Ryerson's history — although he has left no record of it in
the " Story " which he had written. But I have done so in
justice to himself, and from the fact that it marked an im-
portant epoch in his life and in the history of the Province. It
was an event in which the native nobility of his character
asserted itself. The generous impulse which moved him to
defend Mr. Bidwell, when maligned and misrepresented, and
Sir Charles Metcalfe, whom he looked upon as unjustly treated
and as a martyr, prompted him to do full justice to English insti-
1333-34] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 139
tutions, and to parties and leaders there, even at the expense of
his own preconceived notions on the subject.
By doing so he refused to be of those who would perpetuate
an imposition upon the credulity of his countrymen, and
especially of those who had trusted him and had looked up to
him as a leader of men, and as an exponent of sound principles
of government arid public policy. And he refused the more
when that imposition was practised for the benefit of those in
whom he had no confidence, and to the injury of those for
whose welfare he had laboured for years.
Dr. Ryerson preferred to risk the odium of interested
partisans, rather than fail to tell his countrymen truly and
frankly the real state of the case — who and what were the men
and parties with which they had to do in England — either as
persons in official life, or as members of Parliament, or writers
for the press. He felt it to be his duty to warn those who
would heed his warning of the danger which they incurred of
following the unchallenged leadership of men .whose aim he
felt to be revolution, and whose spirit was disloyalty itself, if
not a thinly disguised treason.
After the storm of reproach and calumny had passed away,
there were thousands in Upper Canada who had reason to
cherish with respect and love the name of one who, at a critical
time, had so faithfully warned them of impending danger, and
saved them from political and social ruin. Such gratitude
was Dr. Ryerson's sole reward.
It would be impossible, within the compass of this " Story,"
to include any details of the speeches, editorials, or other
writings of Dr. Ryerson during the many years of contest for
civil and religious rights in Upper Canada. The Guardian,
the newspaper press (chiefly that opposed to Dr. Ryerson), and
the records of the House of Assembly contain ample proof of
the severity of the protracted struggle which finally issued in
the establishment on a secure foundation of the religious and
denominational privileges and freedom which we now enjoy.
To the Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, etc., who
joined heartily with the Methodist leaders in the prolonged
struggle, the gratitude of the country must always be due. —
J. G. H.
March 7th. — In the midst of his perplexing duties as editor,
and the storm of personal attack which his " impressions " had
evoked, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from his Mother. It must
have been to him like " good news from a far country." Full
140 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XI.
of love and gratitude to God, it would be to him like waters of
refreshment to a weary soul. His Mother said : —
With emotions of gratitude to God, I now write to you, to
let you know that the state of my health is as good as usual.
Surely the Lord is good, and doeth good, and His tender mercies
are over me as a part of the work of His hands. I find that
my affections are daily deadening to the things of earth, and my
desires for any earthly good decreasing. I have an increase of
my desire for holiness of heart, and conformity to all the will of
God. I can say with the poet,
"Come life, come death, or come what will,
His footsteps I will follow still."
I long to say, "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
Besiege the throne of grace, dear Egerton, in my behalf. Pray
that the Lord would finish his work, and cut it short in
righteousness, and make my heart a fit temple for the Holy
Ghost to dwell in. Oh, my son, be continually on your guard.
You have need to believe firmly, to pray fervently, to work
abundantly. Live a holy life, die daily; watch your heart;
guide your senses ; redeem your time ; love Christ, and long for
glory. Give my love to your wife, and to all whom who may
enquire for me, and accept a share yourself, from your affection-
mother,
MEHETABEL RYERSON.
Charlotteville, March 4th, 1834.
After his return from England, Dr. Ryerson received a letter
from Rev. Wm. Lord, dated Manchester, 25th March, 1834, in
which he referred to an incident of Dr. Ryerson's visit to his
house while in England. He says : —
Your company, I am thankful to say, was very useful to several members
of my family. The last time you prayed with us, an influence was received
by one or two, the effects of which nave remained to this day. I now allude
more particularly to , who, more than twenty times since, has met
me at the door, saying, " Have you a letter from Mr. Ryerson I "
CHAPTER XII.
1834.
EVENTS FOLLOWING THE UNION. — DIVISION AND STRIFE.
DR. RYERSON has left nothing in his " Story " to illustrate
this period of his personal history, nor the strife and
division which followed the consummation of the union of the
British and Canadian Conferences. These untoward events
are, however, fully described in the " Epochs of Canadian
Methodism," pages 247-311 : They arose chiefly out of the
differences which disturbed the British and Canadian Methodist
Societies in Kingston and other places, and the separation
in the Societies generally, caused by the establishment of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1834.
I have already given, in chapter xi., page 128, an extract of
a letter to Dr. Ryerson, from his brother John, indicating the
causes of strife between the British and Canadian Societies. I
give the following letter, also from the same gentleman, written
from Hallowell early in November, 1833, in which he said • —
Brother William and I called on the Kev. Mr. Hetherington at Kingston.
He said : — That there could be no union; that we were Radicals; that they
would not be united with us ; that the District Meetings of Lower Canada,
Halifax, etc., intended to make common cause with them; especially
they intended to remonstrate against giving up York and Kingston. They
also intended to appeal to the British Conference, and if they were not
heard by it they would appeal to the British people. If the British Confer-
ence will allow its members to throw firebrands, arrows, and death around
in this way, and reciprocate their proceedings after this manner with im-
punity, they are very different men from what I have taken them to be.
Nov. 20th. — In a subsequent letter to Dr. Ryerson, his
brother John says : —
I fear much for the Union from the English Missionary party. Should
they, from any consideration, undertake to retain Kingston and York, our
cause there will be ruined. In case of such an event, I will retire im-
mediately, and bid farewell to the strife and toil in which we have been
engaged ever since we have been travelling preachers. Let me know who
have thrown up the Guardian. You will have seen the Cobourg Reformer's
attacks. It is of much more importance for you to expose Mr. Radcliffe, the
editor, than any one else, and point out that, in nis present enmity to
Methodist principles, this is not the first time he has endeavoured to break
the Methodist ranks, and to sow the seeds of discord among her friends.
142 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. .[CHAP. XII.
I would take good care not to lean a hairbreadth towards radicalism.
One reason of their making this onslaught is to ecare you, and induce you
to say something which will excite the jealousy of the Government, etc., the
disapprobation of our British brethren, and thereby destroy us with them as
they seek to do with other parties.
Nov. 22nd. — What is thus stated by his brother John was
corroborated by his brother William, who was stationed at
Kingston, and who, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, said : —
I need not say what my feelings were when I arrived at this place, and
found that arrangements had been made by Mr. Marsden, in violation of the
understanding with the Conference, and in defiance of the opinions ana
wishes of every one of our friends in the town and country, whose feelings
have not only been wounded and grieved, but have rendered the prospects
of a union in this place more than ever entirely hopeless. I have not neen
considered fit (probably for want of ability) to act as Superientendent of
euch an important station; I have no authority to receive or expel a member,
or even to preside in a meeting of Stewards and Leaders; while my Superin-
tendent is in Montreal or Quebec; whether or not he will so stoop as to visit
us at all, we cannot say. Besides being shut out of the British Wesleyan
Chapel, every possible means is being used to prevent a single individual of
their Society from attending our Chapel; and my field of labour is not only
greatly circumscribed, but the prospect of usefulness is nearly destroyed^
What my feelings must be, under such circumstances, you can easily judge.
I can only say that as soon as I can see a way opened, and can do BO consist-
ently, I will not labour as a travelling preacher one day longer.
January 8th, 1834. — His brother John, in another letter to
Dr. Ryerson from Hallowell, said : —
"Whoever may be the agents in making alterations in our economy, I
will not be one. With " improvements," alterations, unions, and disunions,
we have been agitated long enough. I am done with such business, hence-
forth and forever. At our last Conference it was understood, and expressly
stated that no alterations would hereafter be attempted ; and so we have
assured the people. But behold, before they receive that assurance, some
alterations are mooted. Do away with the" Presiding Elders, lessen the
Districts, etc., and a dozen other things which will necessarily follow. The
reason urged for these changes is worse than the things themselves — namely:
If we don't, the British Missionaries will write to the Superintendents
and raise such a storm in England, etc., etc. If this is the way we are to be
governed, and if this is the state of the Connexion at home, the Resolutions on
Union, on parchment or paper, are a miserable farce. The more I think on
this subject, the worse I like it.
In a letter from Kingston to Dr. Ryerson on this subject,
Rev. Joseph Stinson says : —
I have done my utmost to promote the union of the two Societies in this
town. If things are carried with too high a hand, we shall lose our Kingston
Chapel and congregation altogether; and, should the Kingston people shut
their Chapel against us, it will be impossible to keep things quiet in Lower
Canada. I do not think it necessary to sacrifice the Union to Kingston, nor
is it necessary to sacrifice Kingston, because a number of disaffected radicals
in the Bay of Quinte like to make the state of things here an excuse for
their anti-methodistical proceedings. If there were no Kingston in existence,
these men would never cordially love the Union.
1834] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 143
April, 1834. — Dr. Ryerson received a letter from the new
President of the Canada Conference (Rev. Edmund Grindrod)
dated London, England, in which the latter said : —
One object of my visit will be to allay the hostility of our Societies in the
Lower Province to their union with us.
Mr. Alder (said Mr. Grindrod) was to have accompanied him,
but at Mr. Bunting's suggestion this plan was abandoned in the
hope that —
The friends in Lower Canada, when they have had time to reflect, would
return to better views and feelings.
Dec. 3rd. — Writing to Dr. Ryerson from Kingston, at this
date, Rev. John C. Davidson* s*ays : —
I have been told by the most influential members of the Leaders' Meeting
here that pledges to the following effect have been most solemnly given to
them by Mr. Alder and Mr. Grindrod, viz : — That the members of the
British Society here did not, and were never to make a part of the Societies
governed by the Canada Conference; that they were to remain as they
always were; that their numbers were to be returned to the home Conference;
that our Society was to be merged in theirs; and Kingston become the head
of the Missionary establishment in Canada, — always to be the residence of
the Superintendent, who was to control and regulate the Kingston Societies;
and that the Presiding Elder was to have nothing to do with the town; that
a large chapel was to be forthwith built, — to be deeded to the British Con-
ference ; and that the minister in charge of Kingston was always to be an
Englishman.
Towards the close of this year, the Methodist Episcopal
Church in Canada was organized. Full details of this division
are given by Dr. Ryerson in the " Epochs of Canadian Method-
ism," pages 270-288. Happily this separated branch of the
great Methodist family is being re-united to the parent stock in
1883. Further reference to the subject is, therefore, unneces-
sary in this " Story." Nevertheless it should be remembered
that in the discussion and controversy which for years followed
this event, Dr. Ryerson occupied a foremost place as the cham-
pion on the Wesleyan Methodist side.
* This gentleman entered the Methodist Church in 1827, joined the Church of
England in 1854, and was for many years a minister of a congregation in the
Province of Quebec. He died in 1881.
f
CHAPTER XIII.
1834-1835.
SECOND RETIREMENT FROM THE "GUARDIAN" EDITORSHIP.
AS already intimated in Chapter xi., the publication of Dr.
Ryerson's " Impressions " of England, etc., in the Guar-
dian of 1833, excited quite a political and social sensation.
Public men of all shades of opinion had their feelings at once
enlisted for or against the Editor of that paper, and con-
demned or commended his course accordingly.
Such a result did not cause much immediate concern to Dr.
Ryerson. He, as Editor, claimed from the first, and his
opponents outside of the Connexion admitted, that in battling
for religious equality and denominational rights, he should be
left untrammelled. In other words, that as Editor of a leading
paper like the Guardian, he should be left free to counsel, to
advise and warn, and, if necessary, to take strong ground on
all questions involving purely civil rights, and the constitutional
exercise of the prerogative on the part of the Executive. This
was the more necessary, as civil and religious freedom were
largely identical in those days of undefined prerogative, irre-
sponsible government, and inchoate institutions.
All parties, therefore, tacitly conceded what the Editor of the
Guardian required — a wide latitude and a reasonable discretion
in discussing questions of the day which involved either civil
rights or religious freedom. This wise discretion was the more
necessary from the fact that the Guardian was unquestionably
the leading newspaper during these years, and was edited with
more than ordinary ability and power.*
* The amount of postage paid by newspapers would be a fair indi-
tion of their circulation. For instance, in 1830-1, the postage on the
Christian Guardian was .£228 sterling ($1,140), which exceeded by £6 the
aggregate postage paid by the thirteen following newspapers in Upper
Canada at that time, viz. : — Mackenzie's Colonial Advocate, £57 ; The Courier,
£45 ; Watchman, £24 ; Brockville Recorder, £16 ; Brockville Gazette, £6 ;
Niagara Gleaner and Herald, £17 ; Hamilton Free Press, £11 ; Kingston
Herald, £11; Kingston Chronicle, £10; Perth Examiner, £10; Patriot, £6,
St. Catharines Journal, £6; York Observer, £3. Total £222, as against £228
paid by the Guardian alone. — H.
1834-35] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 145
Besides, there were many thoughtful men who took little
part in politics, and yet who looked with alarm on the claims
and encroachments of the Family Compact, — a powerful and
influential party, and dominant alike in church and state.
Many of the able public men of the day, who were moderate in
their views, were nevertheless the champions of popular
rights. These men were Messrs. Bidwell, Baldwin, Dunn, and
others. Their influence was strongly felt in the House of
Assembly, and was sustained by their great moral worth and
high social position. To such men the powerful aid of the
Guardian, in advocating the principles of equal justice to all
parties alike, was indispensable; and from its support they
derived much strength, and were greatly aided in maintaining
their position in the House and in the country.
It was under these circumstances, and amid the peculiar exi-
gencies of the times, that the Christian Guardian became the
great organ of public opinion on the liberal side in Upper
Canada. It can, therefore, be well understood how at such a time,
when the supremacy of party was the question of the hour, the
publication of Dr.Ryerson's "impressions" — candid and moderate
as they were — fell like a bombshell amongst those in Canada
who had set up as political idols such men as Hume and Roebuck
in England. To dethrone such idols was of itself bad enough ; but
that was not the head and front of Dr.Ryerson's offending. What
gave such mortal offence was that Dr. Ryerson saw any good
whatever in the moderate English Conservative (though he saw
none in the English Tory). And worse still, that he saw many
undesirable things in the English Whigs, and nothing good in
the English Radicals. To give special point to these criticisms
and comparisons Dr. Ryerson stated that : —
Radicalism in England appeared to me to be another word for Republican-
ism, with the name of King instead of President. . , . and that the
very description of the public press, which in England advocates the lowest
Radicalism, is the foremost in opposing and slandering the Methodists in
this Province. Hence the fact that some of these editors have been amongst
the lowest of the English Radicals, previous to their egress from the mother
country.
The point of this criticism struck home ; and, on the very
day on which it appeared, the cap was fitted upon the head of the
leading radical of the province. In fact, he placed it there
himself, and thenceforth proclaimed war to the knife against
the Editor of the Guardian. (See page 125.)
With singular ability and zeal did Mr. W. L. Mackenzie
carry on this warfare. He at once saw what would be the
effect of the new departure. And so promptly and energetically
did he denounce the "arch-apostate Egerton, alias Arnold, Ryer-
10
146 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XIII.
son" as a deserter, that he secured with little difficulty an
impromptu verdict from the public against him. This he the
more readily accomplished, by the aid of at least half a
dozen editors of newspapers in various parts of the provinc?,
while Dr. Ryerson was single-handed. Not only did these
editors join with great vigour in the hue and cry against Dr.
Ryerson (for they had many scores of their own to settle with
their powerful rival), but many of Dr. Ryerson's own brethren
were carried away by the sudden outburst of passion against
him. Hundreds of the supporters of the Guardian turned
from him, as a deserter, and many gave up the paper.
It is true that the tide soon turned ; and those who had
refused at first to heed, or even to listen to, the words of
warning uttered by Dr. Ryerson in this crisis, were afterwards
glad to profit by them, and thus saved themselves in time from
the direful consequences which followed during the sad events
of 1837-38.
The effect, however, of that severe and unexpected encounter
with irrational prejudice (joined to the hostility of those
whose plans were prematurely disclosed and frustrated) was
too much for one who, as a Christian minister and a lover of
his country, was filled with higher aims than those of a mere
politician.
In the course of the discussion which followed, Dr. Ryerson
came into contact with some of the more unreasoning of his
brethren. (See pages 130-133.) The question was raised as to
how far the Guardian should be involved in conflicts like the
present, which from their very nature introduced an apple of
discord into the Connexion, as they partook more of a political
than of a religious character. This question was pressed upon
members of the Conference by the British Missionaries, whose
national prejudices and political sensibilities were, as they
alleged, wounded by the adverse strictures of the Editor of the
Guardian on Church Establishments, the Clergy Reserve
question, and kindred topics.
Knowing the impossibility of reconciling views so opposite
as those expressed by the British Missionaries and those of the
great majority of Canadian Methodists (as represented by
the Guardian), Dr. Ryerson resolved to retire from the editor-
ship. This, by a vote of his brethren in the Conference of 1834,
he was not permitted to do. But, like a wise and prudent coun-
seller amongst men of differing views, he determined to take
the initiative in settling, on a satisfactory basis, the future course
of the Guardian as to the discussion of political and social
questions. At that Conference, therefore, he prepared and
.submitted a series of resolutions to the following effect : —
1834-35] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 147
1. That the Christian Guardian, as the organ of the Conference, shall be
properly and truly a religious and literary journal, to explain our doctrines
and institutions, and, in the spirit of meekness, defend them when necessary;
to vindicate our character, if expedient, when misrepresented ; to maintain
our religious privileges, etc. 2. To publish general news, etc. 3. That
the Christian Guardian shall not be the medium of discussing political
questions, nor the merits of political parties; as it is injurious to the interests
of religion, and derogatory to our character as a religious body, to have our
Church amalgamated or identified with any political party.
These resolutions were cordially adopted by the Conference.
October 4>th, 1834. — In a letter received by Dr. Ryerson from
Rev. G. Marsden, Liverpool, the latter referred to this subject
and said : —
Your continuance in office, as editor, is of very high importance ; indeed,
in some respects it is essential to the consolidation of the Union. Loyalty
tc our Sovereign, and firm attachment to the British Constitution will be
supported by it. You will also be able to defend, and to support sound
Wesleyan Methodism ; and the foundation being now laid, you will be able '
to guard it well.
Rev. E. Grindrod, also writing from England, said : —
From the Christian Guardian, I perceive that you have had a hard battle
to fight, but you have proved victorious ; and at a future day, I have no
doubt, you will rejoice that the Lord counted you worthy to suffer in the
achievement of an object which will probably result in immense benefit to a
whole Province for generations to come.
January 28th, 1835. — About this time Dr. Ryerson received a |
remonstrance on the subject from his brother John, who said : —
The more I think of your leaving the office, the more unfavourably I
think of it. There is a tremendous opposition to it in these parts (Hallowell),
among both preachers and people. I think it will do the paper a great wrong;
you had better remain undisturbed until next Conference."
Feby. 20th. — Rev. William Ryerson, in a kind letter from
St. Catharines, said : —
The spirit and feeling displayed in your most interesting letter has made
the deepest impression on my mind. I know that you have your own
difficulties and troubles, yet they do not appear to prevent the outflow of
your sympathy for others. How sincerely do I pray that the God of mercy
and truth may graciously support you under all your trials and difficulties,
and in His good time bring you out of them, purified as gold. I am exceed-
ingly fearful that we shall have more, and great difficulties, at our next
Conference. Every article and word in the Guardian is criticised and noted,
and made the subject of a large and constant correspondence, especially
with the local preachers, in different parts of the Province. We shall be
much embarrassed about the editorship of the Guardian. Perhaps Providence
will point out some suitable person should you retire.
May 27th. — In the Guardian of this date, Dr. Ryerson
again gave expression to his long-cherished desire to retire
from the editorial management of that paper. He did so for
reasons already given —
Besides (he said) it was the understanding entered into with the Conference
of 1834, when he consented to undertake the duty of editor for one year. It
148 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XIII.
is gratifying to notice that the vituperation of party interest and malevolence
are nearly, if not quite, spent I have, in this and the last two numbers of
the Guardian, endeavoured to leave nothing for my juccessor to settle on
that score. My editorial career in the past has been during an eventful and
agitated period of our Provincial history. I have steadily endeavoured to
keep one object iu view — the promotion of Christianity and the prosperity
of the country. In severing my connection with a large portion of the
reading public, I am moved with feelings not easily expressed. My interest
in the cause which I have advocated, and in the general welfare of my
native Province (which has been intense for years past), will not be less so
in any future fields of labour.
When it was found that Dr. Ryerson had finally decided
to retire from the editorship of the Guardian, various sugges-
tions were made to him as to his future field of labour. The
Connexion in Lower Canada were anxious to secure him as a
minister there. The question came up at an official meeting
in Quebec, and Rev. William Lord, who presided, wrote to Dr.
Ryerson on the subject, in May, 1835, as follows : —
Respecting your future appointment to this Province, I may mention that
several of the brethren objected to your leaving the Upper Province, lest it
should be thought you were sent away in disgrace. I think, however, that
I can obtain a station that will be deemed honourable to yourself, and, I
think, quite agreeable, affording a fine field of usefulness. I am now sitting
in the Quarterly Meeting, and when the question of preachers for the next
year came on, I mentioned that I had conversed with you respecting taking
a circuit in this Province. They unanimously requested that Brother
Wm. Squire and Brother Egerton Ryerson might be appointed to them next
year. 1 shall soon be in York, when I will endeavour to obtain the consent
of the friends there, and I think you will be pleased with the place.
As an indication amongst others of the appreciation in which
Dr. Ryerson's services were held, Rev. R. Heyland, in a letter
to him from Adolphustown, said : —
The people in these parts are very desirous of seeing and hearing the
champion who has written so much in defence of Methodism, and rescued
the character of our Church from the odium which its unprincipled enemies
have been endeavouring to heap upon it for years past. Be so good as to
gratify them this once, and come and dedicate our new chapel here.
June Vjth. — On this day, for the second time, Dr. Ryerson
took leave of the readers of the Guardian — having been
i-elieved by the Conference of the duties of Editor, at his own
request. He said : —
I was, however, elected Secretary of the Conference, and was stationed at
Kingston. In addition, I was appointed, with Rev. William Lord, President
of our Conference, a delegate to the American General Conference.
In his valedictory he said : —
In relinquishing my present position my thoughts are spon-
taneously led back to the period-— ten years since — when I first
commenced public life. At that time the Methodists were an
obscure, a despised, an ill-treated people ; nor had their church
1834-35] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 149
the security of law for a single chapel, parsonage, or acre of
land. . . . NQW the political condition and relations of the
Methodist connexion are pleasingly changed. Ten years ago
there were 41 ministers and 6,875 church members ; now there
are 93 ministers and 15,106 church members. We may well
thank God, therefore, and take courage.
I have no ill-will towards any human being. I freely and
heartily forgive the many false and wicked things said of me,
publicly and privately. I have written what I thought best
for the cause of religion, the cause of Methodism, and the civil
interests of the country. I have never received one acre of land,
nor one farthing from Government, nor of any public money.
I have never written one line at the request of any person
connected with the Government. I count it to be the highest
honour to which I can aspire to be a Methodist preacher ; and
in this relation to the Church and to the world I shall count it
my highest joy to finish my earthly course.
Dr. Ryerson's wish having been fully gratified, and the Con-
ference of 1835, having relieved him of the editorship, he was
stationed at Kingston. This place, of all others, had been the
scene of strife and division between the British and Canadian
branches of the Church, and was the key to the position held by
the British Missionaries in Upper Canada. (See pages 128 and
141). Dr. Ryerson's arrival there and his reception by the people
at Kingston are described in a letter which he wrote to his
friend, Mr. S. S. Junkin, of the Guardian office, dated July 15th :
We have just arrived, and are for the present staying at the
house of Mr. Cassidy, the lawyer, where we receive every
possible kindness and attention. (See Chapter xxiii.)
I have been very kindly received by the members here. Strong
prejudices have existed in the minds 'of individuals against
me. But they are not only broken down, but in the principal
cases are turned into warm friendship already. Some who
were as bitter as gall, and croaking from day to day that "the
glory has departed," are now like new-born babes in Christ ; are
happy in their own souls, praying for sinners, and doing all
they can to build up the cause. I can scarcely account for it.
I never felt more deeply humbled than since I came here. I
have indeed resolved to give my whole soul, body and spirit, to
God and to His Church anew, but I have had scarcely a tolerable
time in preaching. Yet the Divine blessing has specially
accompanied the Word. On Wednesday night last the fallow
ground of the hearts of professors seemed to be completely
broken up. On Thursday night I was in the country, but was
told the prayer-meeting was the largest that had been held for
150 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XIII-
two years. On Sunday evening we had prayer-meeting after
preaching. Several came to the altar, two or three of whom
found peace. I closed it at nine o'clock, but some stayed and
others came in, and it was kept up until near one o'clock in the
morning. On Monday night the altar was surrounded with
penitents, and the meeting, I was told (for I was not there),
was better than any former one, and was kept up until after mid-
night. At our preachers and leaders' meeting last night there
was a good time. We have preaching and prayer-meeting again
to-night. We have formed the leaders' meeting of both chapels
into one, to the satisfaction of the brethren on both sides. I
now begin to hope for better times. My soul was bowed down
like a bulrush for some days after I came here. But I thank
God I have a hold upon the salvation of Christ that I had not
felt for a long time before ; and I do believe the Lord our God
will help us and bless us. I have preached at Waterloo twice
since I came down. The last time, several penitents came to
the altar ; two professed to find peace, but it was upon the
whole a dry time to me. They are hard cases there. I
attended a very blessed quarterly meeting on the Isle of Tanti,
on Thursday last. It was the best day to my own soul that I
have experienced for years.
I feel like a man liberated from prison ; but I have reason to
believe that the people are in general amazingly disappointed
in my pulpit exercises. They expected great things — things
gaudy, stately, and speculative, — and I gave them the simplest
and most practical things I can find in the Bible, and that in
the plainest way. You would be amused at the sayings of
some of the plain Methodist people ; they think that it is the
"real pure Gospel, but they did not expect it so, from that
quarter." I am told that Dr. Barker has said in his Whig,
that my " pulpit talent* are nothing." I am very glad to have
this impression go abroad ; it will relieve me from distressing
embarrassments, and enable me to do much more good in a
plain way; for I know the utmost I can attain in the pulpit is
to make things plain, and sometimes forcible.
We had a very blessed prayer-meeting last night, after
preaching. A considerable number of penitents came to the
al£ar, and some found peace. The work seems to be deepening
among the Society. I think we shall have a comfortable and
prosperous year.
September 24ith. In a subsequent letter to Mr. Junkin, Dr.
Ryerson speaks of a sudden and severe bereavement which
had overtaken him. He said : —
My poor little son John* has been removed to the other and better
* John William, aged six years, one month, and eleven days. (See pages
Jllandll3.)-H.
1834-35] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 151
country. He continued to walk about until within ten minutes before his
death, on the 22nd inst. After attempting to take a spoonful of milk, he
leaned back his head and expired in my arms, without the slightest visible
struggle. He has Buffered much, but expressed a desire that he might live,
so that he could see his little sister. He told me a few days before he died,
that he hoped to go to Heaven, because Jesus had died for him, and loved
him. I feel as a broken vessel in this bereavement of the subject of so many
anxious cares and fond hopes. But this I do know, that I love God, and
supremely desire to advance His glory, and that He does all things for the
best. I will therefore magnify His name when clouds and darkness en-
velope His ways, as well as when the smiles of His providence gladden the
heart of man. 0 may -He make me and mine more entirely and exclusively
His, than ever !
In a letter to Mr. Junkin, dated November 14th, Dr. Ryer-
son says : —
We all go into one chapel to-morrow, which will complete
the Union. Thank the Lord for it ! Every one of our
members of the "American" Society (so called heretofore) has
already taken sittings in the newly enlarged chapel, and all
things appear to be harmonious and encouraging. Every pew
in the body of the chapel has already been taken by our
brethren and intimate friends ; and, notwithstanding the new
chapel will hold more than both the old ones, we are not likely
to have enough sittings to meet the applications that are
likely to be made, when it is known out of the Society, though
the whole chapel above and below (except one tier around
the gallery) is pewed.
I have learned that I shall have to take another trip to
England. We had just got comfortably settled here in
Kingston ; had become acquainted with the people on all sides,
and are happy in our souls, and in our work. Nothing but the
alternative, as Rev. William Lord deeply feels, of the sinking
or success of the Upper Canada Academy, could have induced
me this year to have undertaken such a task. But my motto
is — " the cause of God, not private considerations."
CHAPTER XIV.
1835-1836.
SECOND MISSION TO ENGLAND.— UPPER CANADA ACADEMY.
SCARCELY had Dr. Ryerson been settled at Kingston in
the enjoyment of the freedom and pleasure of his new
life as a pastor, than the exigencies of the Upper Canada
Academy called him a second time to England. The causes of
this sudden call upon his time and energies, on behalf of the
Academy, were many and pressing, They were caused chiefly
by the miscalculations, if not indiscreet zeal, of Rev. William
Lord, who, as President of the Conference and Chairman of the
Trustee Board of the Academy, had, by inconsiderate expendi-
ture, plunged the Board into hopeless embarrassment. (See
page 166.)
Mr. Lord was sanguine that what he did in Canada, on
behalf of the Academy, would, if properly represented, be cor-
dially endorsed by the brethren and friends in England. He,
felt that although he himself might not be able to realize
these hopes by a personal appeal, yet he was certain that the
presence in England of Dr. Ryerson on such a mission would
be highly successful He, therefore, as President of the
Canada Conference, called upon him to undertake this task.
He furnished Dr. Ryerson with such letters and appeals to
influential friends as he hoped would ensure success. Dr.
Ryerson, acting on his motto, that "the cause of God, not
private considerations," should influence him, obeyed the call,
and set out for England on this difficult, and, as it proved,
arduous and protracted mission, on the 20th November, 1835.
The nature and extent of the embarrassments of the
Academy are stated in the letters written to Dr. Ryerson after
he had left for England. His brother John said : —
While you are travelling in England making collections for the Academy,
there are, I can assure you, a great many heartfelt prayers and fervent sup-
plications being offered in this country for your success. The whole concern
is in an extremely embarrassed state. If Rev. William Lord had not urged
us to expenditure, it would have been at least ,£1,000 better for us, although
what he did at the time, he doubtless did for the best Mr. Lord was the
/ 1835-361 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 153
means of inducing the building committee to make an unnecessarily ex-
pensive fence, out-houses, furniture, &c., paying at the time that money
would be forthcoming, and that John Bull never failed to respond to such
calls. We have applied to the Legislature for assistance, but I think with
but little prospect of success. Should we not get anything there, and you
raise no more than £2,000, we must go down, and the concern be sold. It
will require £4,000 or £5,000 to get us out of debt. If you should collect
no more than £2,000 before you return home, don't fail to make some
arrangements for borrowing two or three thousand more.
Rev. Mr. Lord,rwriting to Dr. Ryerson, said : —
By the delay in finishing the buildings, and the excitement caused by the
falsehood of the ultra-Radicals, confidence was gone, money could not be
raised, either by begging or borrowing ; and if something had not been done,
the consequence would have been ruinous. I expect that you will have me
greatly blamed for not considering before I drew bills on England for the
debt, but there was no time. The mischief would have been done before
we could have heard. The man would have been arrested immediately, —
our character ruined, — societies divided, — and subscriptions would have
been withheld. Our difficulties are great, and we must make a desperate
effort to extricate ourselves. Everything depends upon your making a good
case, which you can do.
In another letter to Dr. Ryerson, from Canada, Mr. Lord
said : —
Let me urge you to lose no time in obtaining a Charter and grant from
Government. I expect our Radical friends will be using their influence
through their friends to prevent your success. Be diligent in procuring sub-
scriptions. You possess great advantages now, by the introductions with
which you have been favoured. Mr. Alder tells me that my bills will be
dishonoured. If so, in addition to the loss of character, there will be a waste
of property in fines, &c. We are all distressed, our drafts are coming due.
and the Banks have ceased to discount, in consequence of the stagnation of
trade, through " stopping the supplies." We have agreed upon a temporary
mode of relief, by drawing upon you for about £500. It has given me great
surprise and sorrow to ascertain that upwards of £5,000 are wanted to relieve
us from our difficulties. What an unfathomable depth this building has
reached. You must stay in England until the money is got. Use every effort,
harden your face to flint, and give eloquence to your tongue. This is your
calling. Excel in it ! Be not discouraged with a dozen of refusals in succession.
The money must be had, and it must be begged. My dear Brother, work
for your life, and I pray God to give you success. Do not borrow, if possible.
Beg, beg, beg it all. It must be done!
Such were the circumstances under which this important mis'
sion was undertaken by Dr. Ryerson. As a set off to these dis-
heartening letters, Dr. Ryerson received the following from some
of his brethren in Canada. Rev. Ephraim Evans said : —
I have become a consenting party to your being solicited, at considerable
sacrifice of feeling, to undertake a tedious journey at the most untoward
season of the year, for the good of the common cause, and I sincerely tender,
in common with my Brother James, my best thanks for your kind compliance,
and my hearty wishes for your complete success. Indeed I feel most deeply
that upon your success depends, under God, the prosperity or downfall of the.
Upper Canada Academy. Be assured that my most fervent prayers will bb
154 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XIV,
daily offered up for your health and safety, for a happy issue to attend your
generous endeavours again to promote the interests.of the Church of our
mutual affection.
I entertain not the slightest hope of being able to procure such a Charter
as we would be justifiable in accepting, or any support to the institution
from our own Legislature,
Rev. John Ryerson, writing from Hallowell, said : —
Your friends in Kingston (and all the Methodists there seem to be such)
spoke much about you and your successful labours there. Brothers Counter,
Jenkins, and others, say they are resolved to have you for their preacher
next year, on your return from England. I hope and pray that good luck
will attend your efforts. Everything depends on the issue of your mission.
May the Lord give you favour in the eyes of the people, and good success in
your vastly important work.
Rev. Joseph Stinson, writing from Kingston, said : —
We all feel very strange now that you are gone, but be of good cheer; we
follow you with our sympathy and prayers. We doubt not but God — that
God in whose cause you are making this additional sacrifice, will succeed
your labour, and cause all things to work together for your good.
In a letter from London, England, Dr. Ryerson says : —
Mr. Lunn and other friends have arrived from Quebec, and have given
me Canadian news, among other items the stations of various ministers : Rev.
James Richardson and Rev. J. S. Atwood withdraw from the Conference,
and Rev, Mr. Irvine goes to the States. The President and I remain at
Kingston. I have been appointed, by a unanimous vote, the representative
to the British Conference, and I am to present to Lord Glenelg an Address
from the Conference to the King. On the 18th of June, 1836, the Upper
Canada Academy was opened, and the Principal (Rev. M. Richey) in-
augurated.
Dr. Ryerson added : —
I am to stay in Birmingham, at the house of a worthy and wealthy Quaker,
by the name of Joseph Sturge.
At the general meeting of the Missionary Committee, held recently the
resolutions of the Committee relative to the withdrawal of the Government
grant for the work in Upper Canada were read. Dr. Bunting rose and
mentioned its restoration, and kindly and cordially mentioned me as the
means of getting it restored. He gave a flattering account of my proceedings
in the affair. I thanked him afterwards for his great kindness in the matter.
The labours and result of this, Dr. Ryerson's second mission
to England, are given in Chapter xvi., pages 158-166.
CHAPTER XV.
1835-1836.
THE " GRIEVANCE " REPORT ; ITS OBJECT AND FAILURE.
A MONGST the Committees of the House of Assembly at this
11. time was a useful one called the " Committee on Griev-
ances." To this Committee was referred all complaints made
to the House, and all projects of reform, etc. At the close of
the Session of 1835, Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, as Chairman, brought
in an elaborate Report which, without being read, was ordered
to be printed. In that Report, Mr. Mackenzie endeavoured to
create a diversion in his favour by showing that while Dr.
Ryerson professed to be opposed to Government grants to
religious bodies, yet he was willing to receive one for the Wes-
leyan Conference. The Report stated that : —
The "British. Wesleyan Methodist Conference," formerly the M.E. Church,
received .£1,000 in 1833, and .£611 in 1834, to be applied . . . , "to
the erection, or repairing of chapels and school-houses, and defraying the
general expenses of the various missions."
This appropriation to the Methodists, as an Ecclesiastical Establishment,
is very singular. In the year 1826 .... Dr. Strachan informed the
Colonial Minister that the Methodist ministers acquired their education and
formed their principles in the United States They appealed to
the House of Assembly, which inquired into and reported on the matter in
1828.
Upon another occasion they received a rebuke from Sir John Colborne
. . in answer to the Address of the Conference requesting him to
transmit to His Majesty their Address on the Clergy Reserves. Since, how-
ever, a share of public money has been extended to and received by them,
there seems to have been established a mutual good understanding.
To this Report, Dr. Ryerson replied to the effect —
That the grant was made to the British Conference in England (over
which we had no control) and* not to the Canada Conference; that the
grant in question was made by Lord Goderich, as part of a general scheme
agreed upon in 1832, to aid Missionaries in the West Indies, Western, and
Southern Africa, New South Wales, and Canada, "to erect chapels and
school-houses in the needy and destitute settlements;" that the Rev. R.
Alder had come from England, in 1833, to establish separate and distinct
missions from those under the Canada Conference with a view to absorb this
grant; that when the Union was formed, in 1833, the missions in charge of
the Canada Conference became the missions of the British Conference, and
15C THE STOEY OF MY LIFE, [CHAP. XV.
were managed by their own Superintendent; that the Canadian Missionary
Society from that time became a mere auxiliary to the parent Society in
England; that the Canada Conference assumed no resposibility in regard to
the funds necessary to support these missions; and that, in point of fact,
they had cost the British Methodists thousands of dollars over and above
any grant received from Lord Goderich as part of the general scheme for the
support of missionaries in the extended British Colonies.
Dr. Ryerson, in concluding these explanations, adds : —
We trust that every reader clearly perceives the unparalleled parliamentary
imposition that has been practised upon the public by the " Grievance Com-
mittee," and their gross insinuations and slanders against the Methodist
ministers.
In 1836, the Report of the Grievance Committee came
up in the House again. On this subject Rev. John Ryerson
wrote in March, 1836, to Dr. Ryerson, in London, as follows : —
The altercations and quarrels which have taken place in the Assembly this
session on the part of Peter Perry and W. L. Mackenzie, especially about the
" Grievance Report," have raised you much in the estimation of the people.
The correctness of your views and statements are now universally acknow-
ledged, and your defamers deserted by all candid men. Political things are
looking very favourable at the present time. The extremer of the Radical
party are going down headlong. May a gracious Providence speed them on
their journey!
To Mr. Perry, Dr. Ryerson replied fully and explicitly. He said :
Mr. Perry has charged me with departing from my former ground in
regard to an ecclesiastical establishment in Upper Canada. My editorials and
correspondence with Her Majesty's Government will be considered conclusive
evidence of the falsity of the charge, and will again defeat the attempts
of the enemies of Methodism to destroy me and overthrow the Conference.
Another cause of attack by Mr. Perry is, that amongst several other sug-
gestions which I took the liberty to offer to Lord Glenelg, Colonial Secretary,
was the appointment of a certain gentleman of known popularity to the
Executive Council. Mr. Perry seemed to consider himself as a sort of king
in Lennox and Addington, and appears to regard it as an infringement upon
his sovereign prerogatives that I should be stationed so near the borders of
his empire as Kingston. But many of his constituents can bear record
whether the object of my ministry was to dethrone Peter Perry, or to break
down the power and influence of a much more formidable and important
personage — the power of him that ruleth in the hearts of the children of
disobedience.*
March 3Qth, London. — During his stay in England, Dr. Ryer-
son had been enabled to look upon public affairs in Upper Canada
with more calmness, and more impartiality, than when he was
there in the midst of them as an actor. In that spirit he, at
this date, addressed a letter to the Guardian on what he
regarded as an approaching crisis of the highest importance to
Canada in the affairs of the Province. He said : —
* Dr. Ryerson's reply to Mr. Perry was afterwards reprinted as an election fly-
fiheet, headed " Peter Perry Picked to Pieces, by Egerton Ryerson," and circulated
broadcast in the counties. It resulted in Mr. Perry being rejected as M.P.P. for
Lennox and Addington in the elections of 1336. (See Chapter xxiii.)
1835-36] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. .157
It is not a mere ephemeral strife of partizanship; it is a deliberate and bold
attempt to change the leading features of the Constitution— a Constitution
to which allegiance has been sworn, and to which firm attachment has been
over and over again expressed in addresses to the Governor up to 1834.
Such being the case, it becomes every man who fears God and loves his
country to pause, to think, to decide, I have told the Colonial Secretary,
that whilst the Methodist Church asked for nothing but " equal and im-
partial protection," yet I believed the attachment to the Constitution of the
country and to the British Crown, expressed in petitions and addresses
from the Methodist Conference and people of Canada, to be sincere, and
that they would prove to be so in their future conduct. They had been
falsely charged as being Republicans, but they had always repudiated this
charge as a calumny. Nor would they be found among those who, like
Messrs. Peter Perry and W. L. Mackenzie, had recently avowed their inten-
tion to establish republican elective institutions in the Province.
As to the charges of the "Grievance Committee" party, I. can truly say that
1 have never received one farthing of public money from any quarter, and
my humble support to my King and country is unsought, unsolicited, and
spontaneous.
May 21st — London. — At this date Dr. Ryerson wrote : —
During my exile here in England I have more and more
longed for news from Canada, and cooling water to the panting
hart could not be more refreshing than late intelligence from
my dear native land has been to me. I can now listen with an
interest and sympathy that I never did before, to the patriotic
effusions of the warm-hearted and eloquent Irishmen, whom I
have recently heard, respecting " the first flower of the earth,
the first gem of the sea."
The news from Canada presents to my mind strange con-
trasts. A few years ago efforts were made to prove that the
Methodist ministers were the " salaried hirelings " of a foreign
republican power. Now efforts are being made to persuade the
Canadian public that the same ministers are the salaried hire-
lings of British power, because they refuse to be identified
with men and measures which are revolutionary in their ten-
dencies. Our motto is " fear God and honour the King," and
" meddle not with them that are given to change." Many who
were influenced to take part in the former crusade have long
since given proof of a better spirit ; so it will be, I trust, with
those who have now been hurried on into the present shame-
less and malignant opposition, against a cause which has con-
fessedly been of the highest spiritual and eternal advantage to
thousands in Upper Canada. I venture to predict that not a
few of our partizan adversaries will ere long lament their mad-
ness of political idolatry and religious hostility. In the former
case, Methodism survived, triumphed, and prospered ; in the
present case, if we are true to our principles and faithful to our
God, He will again " Cause the wrath of man to praise Him,
and restrain the remainder of that wrath."
CHAPTER XVI.
1836-1837.
DR. RYERSON'S DIARY OF HIS SECOND MISSION TO ENGLAND
rilHE following is from Dr. Ryerson's diary (which is incom-
X plete) giving the result of his experiences and labours
in England, during his second mission there.
London, Janiuiry 1st, 1836. — I am again in the great metropolis of the
Christian world. My wife and I left our native land, and affectionate
pastoral charge, on the 20th of November, 1835, and arrived here the 30th
of December, after a voyage of tempest and sea-sickness. But to the Ruler
of the winds, and the Father of our spirits, we present our grateful acknow-
ledgments for the preservation of our lives. To our Heavenly Father have
I, with my dear wife, presented ourselves at the commencement of this new
year. 0, may we through grace keep our vows, and henceforth abound in
every Christian grace and comfort, every good word and work !
We have been most kindly received by the Missionary Secretaries and
other brethren; the prospects appear encouraging for the success of our
mission : another ground of thankfulness, increased zeal, and faithfulness.
Jan. 2nd. — Called at the Colonial Office to present my note of introduction
from Sir John Colborne to Lord Glenelg. We were admitted to an interview
with Mr. (afterwards Sir James) Stephen, Assistant Colonial Secretary, who
promised to present Sir John Colborne's letter to Lord Glenelg, and inform
me when he would receive me. To-day I received a call from my kind and
excellent friend, Rev. John Hannah, a thorough scholar, a profound divine,
an affectionate, able, and popular preacher. He heartily welcomed us to the
country.
Jan. 3rd — Sabbath. — It being the first Sabbath in the year, I attended that
most solemn and important service — the renewal of the covenant. It was
conducted by Rev. Dr. Bunting, in a manner the most impressive and
affecting I ever witnessed. There were but few dry eyes in the chapel. He
spoke ot the primary design of Methodism as not to oppose anything but sin
— not to sxibvert existing forms of faith, but to intuse the vital spirit of
primitive Christianity into them. Dr. Bunting said that the renewal of the
covenant was a service peculiar to Methodism, and expatiated on the
importance of its being entered upon advisedly, and in humble dependence
upon Divine grace. After singing, the whole congregation knelt down,
remaining some time in silent prayer. After Dr. Bunting, as their mouth-
piece, read the covenant, all then rose and sang "The covenant we this
moment make," etc. The Lord's Supper was administered to several
hundred persons, and the services concluded with singing and prayer.
Jan. 4m. — I spent the evening at Rev. Mr. Alder's, in company with Dr.
Bunting, Rev. John Bowers, and Rev. P. L. Turner. In conversation, the
religious and general interests of the Methodist Connexion were introduced.
I waa no less edified than delighted with the remarks of Dr. Bunting,
1836-37] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 159
especially those which related to the former distinction between, and the
present confounding of, supernumerary and superannuated preachers, and
the desirableness of restoring the ancient distinction. He spoke of the"
experience requisite to, and evils of general legislation in, Church affairs —
introducing' matters of legislation into Quarterly Meetings, etc. Dr.
Bunting's prayer at parting was deeply spiritual.
Jan. 5th. — Spent the day in writing an article for the Watchman, on the
present state of the Canadas ; and in drawing up some papers on the Upper
Canada Academy. Had a pleasant visit from Rev. John Beecham, one of the
Missionary Secretaries.
Jan. 6th. — Met at the Mission House with Rev. Richard Reece, President
of the Conference. He is, I believe, the oldest preacher who has filled the
presidential chair since the days of Wesley.
Jan. 10th, Sunday. — In the morning heard Rev. Mr. Cubitt, and in the
evening endeavoured to preach for him.
Jan. 13th. — Received a note from Lord Glenelg fixing the time when he
would receive me.
Jan. 14th. — Spent a delightful evening in company with Rev. John
Hannah and wife, Dr. Sandwich (Editor of the Watchman) and wife, and
several others. The conversation principally turned upon the learning of
the ancients, and the writings of the early Protestant Reformers and their
successors. Dr. Sandwich is a very literary man, Mr. Hannah an excellent
general scholar.
Jan. 15th. — Spent the evening with Rev. William Jenkins, an old super-
annuated minister, in company with several friends. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins
are a venerable couple about 80 years of age.
Jan. nth — Sabbath. — Heard the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel. The Church
was plain, the congregation large, and very attentive and solemn. A large
number of school children were present ; the little girls all dressed alike ;
they all had prayer and hymn books ; they read the responses and sung with
the utmost correctness. In the afternoon we went to that splendid monu-
ment of art and wealth — St. Paul's. The sermon was more evangelical than
I expected. In the evening I preached to a very large congregation in St.
George's Chapel, Commercial Road. A gracious influence seemed to rest on
the congregation.
Jan. 24th — Sabbath. — Preached in the Hinde-street Chapel. In Surrey
Chapel I heard Rev. James Parsons, of York, one of the first preachers of
the day. Surrey Chapel is the place of the celebrated Rowland Hill's pro-
tracted ministry. Its shape is octagon, and it will seat 3,000 persons. The
church service was read well by a person of strong, sonorous voice. At the
conclusion of the church service Mr. Parsons ascended the pulpit. His
prayer was simple, unaffected, and scriptural. His text was Luke xi. 47-48.
His manner was by no means pleasing ; he stood nearly motionless, and
appeared to be reading his sermon. Yet attention was riveted ; the current
ot thought soon began to rise, and continued to swell, until he came to a
pause. Then there was a general burst of coughing ; after which the
preacher proceeded in an ascending scale* of argument, until he had
his audience entranced, when he would burst forth upon his captives with
the combined authority and tenderness ot a conqueror and deliverer, and
press them into the refiige city of Gospel salvation.
Jan. 25th. — Attended a Missionary-meeting in Southwark Chapel. Mr.
Thomas Farmer, presided. Several spake : one a New Zealander, whose wit
and oddities amused all, but profited none.
Jan. 26th. — Had an interview with Lord Glenelg, on the subject of my
mission. We can get a charter for the Upper Canada Academy, but assist-
ance ia uncertain. His Lordship was very courteous and communicative.
He thanked me for the information I gave him concerning the Colonies.
160 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XVI.
Jan. 31s<, Sunday. — Preached twice to-day (in City Koad and Wilderness
Row). The Lord was with me, and I believe I did not labour in vain.
Feb. 13th. — Had an interview with the Rt Hon. Edward Ellice ; was re-
ceived with great kindness ; he promised to use his utmost influence to pro-
mote the object of my mission at the Colonial office.
Feb. 18th. — Called at the residences of several of the nobility; found none
at home, but Lord Ashburton, who gave me £5.
Feb. 20th. — Made no progress in the way of collecting ; much ceremony
is necessary. Have obtained some useful information, and written to Sir
Robert Peel on the object of my mission.
Feb. 21st, Sunday. — Heard the Rev. Peter McOwan preach. It was the
best sermon I have heard from a Methodist pulpit since my arrival in Eng-
land. I preached in Great Queen-street Chapel in the evening, on the new
birth. I think the Lord was present to apply the word.
Feb. 22nd. — Called upon Lord Kenyon. I was very courteously received;
but His Lordship declined subscribing on account of the many objects to
which he contributed in connection with America. He expressed his good
wishes. I next called upon the Earl of Aberdeen — Colonial Secretary under
Sir Robert Peel's government. He expressed himself satisfied with my
letters from Upper Canada, but said that he would enquire of Mr. Hay, late
under Colonial Secretary, and directed me to call again. I was also received
by Dr. Blomfield, Lord Bishop of London. Dr. Blomfield is a handsome
and very courteous man. He declined subscribing on account of its not
having been recommended by the Bishop of the Diocese ; was not unfriendly
to my object ; said he had a high respect for the Wesleyan body, and con-
sidered they had done much good; he had expressed this opinion in print.
Feb. 23rd. — Addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg requesting an early answer
to our application, stating our pressing circumstances. Called upon Thomas
Baring, Esq., M.P., who gave me £5. I find it very hard and very slow
work to get money.
Feb. 24th. — Received an answer from Sir Robert Peel in the negative. His
reason is non-connection with Upper Canada ! A gentleman of the house of
Thomas Wilson & Co. gave utterance to a sentiment which singularly con-
trasted with the selfishness of Sir Robert Peel. He said : Education was
the same thing throughout the world, and that was the light in which this
institution should be viewed. His house gave me ten guineas, and have
kindly engaged to furnish me with names of other gentlemen.
Feb. 25th. — Obtained £21 for the Academy. The sentiments expressed
by two of the gentlemen on whom I called deserve to be recorded. Mr. A.
Gillespie, jun., who is connected with Lower Canada, after subscribing £10
and furnishing me with a list of names of merchants engaged in trade with
the Canadas, said: — " I am a member of the Church of Scotland, but I have
a high respect for John Wesley and Dr. Bunting. I admire the principles
of John Wesley, and hope you will abide by them, and that they will be
taught in this institution. Above all things keep out Socinianism." I then
called on a Mr. Brooking, who said: — "I feel happy in the opportunity of
contributing to such an object. I have been in the North American
provinces and know that nothing is wanted more than good institutions for
the education of youth, and especially under the superintendence of the
Methodists. From what I have seen I believe they have done more good in
the colonies than any other Church. Though I am a member of the Church
of England, I feel it my duty as a Protestant, and a friend to religion, to give
my utmost mite to the labours of your ministers in the colonies. I believe
in those new countries the Methodists are the bulwark of Protestantism
against popery and infidelity, and I am glad you are establishing such an
institution."
Feb. 27* A. — Received the greatest kindness from Mr, E. H, Chapman,
1836-37] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 161
who was in Upper Canada last summer, and had seen the institution at
Cobourg. He expressed himself happy in the opportunity to subscribe, and
said he had travelled two days with Sir John Colborne. Mr. Chapman
considered, of all people, the Methodists the most active and successful in
imparting religious instruction to the Colonists.
Feb. 28th — Sabbath. — Preached at Islington; then dined with a Mr. Bruns-
kill, who was well versed in the history of Methodism.
From this date until the close of July there is no record in Dr.
Ryerson's diary. From letters written by him to Canada, I
therefore continue the narrative : —
Birmingham, April 11th. — During a delightful visit here at the missionary
anniversaries I had an opportunity of hearing and conversing with two of
the most remarkable men of the present day : William (or, as he is called,
Billy) Dawson, the Yorkshire farmer, and the venerable Gideon Ousley, the
patriarchal Irish missionary. Mr. Dawson excelled in his own characteristic
way any man I ever heard. His great strength lies in a matchless power of
Saphic description, dramatic imitation, and hallowed unction from the
oly One. He is a man of an age. At the missionary breakfast I sat be-
side the venerable Ousley, and told him of some of his spiritual children in
Canada that I knew. He gave God the praise, and desired me to deliver
this message to his old friends and spiritual children in Canada : u I am
now in my 75th year, labouring as hard as ever ; am well, and strong. Be •
faithful unto death. I will meet you in Heaven."
London, June 8th. — To-day my brethren are assembling in Annual Con-
ference at Belleville. It is the first conference in the proceedings of which
I have not been permitted to take a part since I entered the ministry. A
considerable part of the day I spent in imploring the divine blessing upon
the deliberations of my brethren. After reckoning the difference of time, I
retired at the hour when I knew they would be engaged in the conference
prayer-meeting in order to unite with them at the throne of the Heavenly
grace ; and truly, I found it refreshing indeed to be present in spirit with
them in beseeching the continual direction of the Divine Pilot to guide the
Wesleyan ship over the tempestuous sea. I long to be with my fellow-
labourers in Canada in their toils as well as joys. " If I forget thee," O
thou Spiritual Jerusalem of my native land, " let my right hand forget its
cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. Peace be within
thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces !"
June 12th.-1- Although I find that collecting for the Upper Canada Academy
is a wearisome work, yet I must not slacken my exertions so long as our
friends in Upper Canada are in such straits for funds. Brother John has
written me an urgent letter from Hallowell, in which he says : — I hope the
Lord will give you good success in collecting for our Seminary. Everything
depends on the success of your exertions. .£4,000 is the least that will
answer. 0, how awfully we have got involved in this painful and protracted
business ! O, if you can help us out of this mire, the Lord reward you ! I
am greatly at a loss what to do. I had concluded to leave, and go to the
States ; but thought I had better wait your return and take counsel with
you. I hope the Lord may direct me !
Dublin, July 2nd. — I have just come over here to the Irish Conference, and
was affectionately received by the Irish preachers. While in Dublin I stayed
with a very intelligent and kind family. I attended the Irish Conference,
which was held in Whitefriar's Street Chapel — a building rented for a
preaching-place by the venerable Wesley himself. Here in the midst of
the sallies of Irish wit and humour, mingled with evident piety and kind-
ness, I sat down and wrote a letter to the dear friends in Canada.
11
162 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XVI.
From this letter I make an extract : —
The preachers are warm-hearted, pious men, some of them very clever ;
warm in their discussions, abounding in wit; talk much in doing their
business; several are sometimes up at a time. r^hey are certainly a body of
excellent men. In their financial reports it appears that many of them are
really examples of self-denial, suffering, and devotion.
.The following are extracts from Dr. Ryerson's diary : —
July 26th. — Attended the Conference at Birmingham. When Dr. Fisk
was introduced, the address of the American General Conference was read.
Silence and attention were marked until the words " negro slavery " were
mentioned, when there was a general cry of " hear, hear," and " no, no, no."
During the Conference a Mr. Robinson was called upon to explain his
reason for preaching to a secret society called " Odd Fellows." Dr. Bunting
•and Dr. Newton had always refused to preach to such societies. Dr. Fisk
made some remarks on Masonry in the United States, and the evil of the
Methodist preachers being connected with, or countenancing, such societies.
Sept. 2nd.— Presented to Lord Glenelg the Address, to the King, of the
Canadian Conference. He read it carefully, and expressed himself pleased with
it. He enquired as to the charges against Sir Francis Head, and the appoint-
ment of those persons only to office who are truly attached to the British
Constitution. I answered his lordship on each of these points mentioned, and
assured him of the loyal British feelings of the inhabitants of Upper Canada.
I pressed upon him the importance of an early settlement of the Clergy
Reserve question. His lordship thanked me for the communications which I
had from time to time made to him on Canadian affairs. He requested me
to write to him on any matter, relative to the Canadas, I thought proper.
Sept. 4th — Sunday. — Attended the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel's Church
at 8 a. m., when he administered the Lord's Supper to such as could not at-
tend at any other hour. 1 communed for the first time in the Established
Church. I heard this evangelical minister preach at 11 a.m. Preached my-
self ,in Spitalfields in the evening.
Sept. 6th. — Came here (Birmingham) from London on a collecting tour.
Have been kindly received by my Quaker friends, the Sturges. In com-
memoration of the first Wesleyan Conference being held in Birmingham,
gold medals were presented to Dr. Bunting and Dr. Newton, and silver
medals to representatives of other Conferences — the Irish and American.
My name as representative not having been received in time for a presenta-
tion at Conference, a medal was subsequently presented to me as Canadian
representative, and to Rev. Richard Reece, ex-President, by the ladies of the
Society in Birmingham. The addresses on the occasion were made by the
President and Secretary — that to Mr. Reece in a few choice words by Dr.
Bunting ; and to me, in a kindly manner, by Dr. Newton. In reply I
acknowledged the unexpected compliment, not as paid to me, but to the
country and connexion which I represented.
Sept. 7th. — Have been kindly received by the preachers in Birmingham.
Spent a pleasant evening at Mr. Oldham's (son-in-law of Rev. John Ryland),
where I met no less than six clergymen of the Established Church; the
conversation was wholly of a religious character, perfectly free and social.
I was informed that all the clergymen in Birmingham, except one, were
truly evangelical. Mr. Rvland told me that Rev. J. A. James had expressed
his conviction that there is decidedly more piety amongst the mass of the
Established Clergy than among the Dissenting Clergy. It was altogether
the most unaffectedly genteel, and truly religious party I have met with in
England.
Sept. 9th. — Busy and successful. Very kindly received by the following
1836-37] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 163
Church of England ministers, viz., Rev. Mr. Mosely, Rector, Rev. Dr. Jeune
[afterwards Master of Pembroke College], and Rev. William Marsh, who is
frequently called the model of the Apostle John, on account of the depth and
sweetness of his piety, the purity of his life, and the heavenly expression of
his countenance. [His daughter is a noted evangelist and writer, 1883.]
Sept. 10th. — Took tea with Mr. Meredith, a Swedenborgian, upwards of
80, perfectly sincere in his belief, and sweet in his spirit. Also met the
celebrated Dr Philip, of South Africa, and the more celebrated John Angel
James, of Birmingham. The conversation of the evening was principally
turned upon the means by which the great measure of emancipation was
carried — the conduct of Mr. Stanley and Mr. Buxton. I was struck with
Mr. Sturge's remark, that he " believed such men as Sir A. Agnew, Sir
Harry Inglis, and Lord Ashley [now, in 1883, Lord Shaftesb'ury], were the
most honest men in the House of Commons."
Sheffield, Sept. 17th. — Here I met with my old friends, Revs. Messrs. Mars-
den, Grindrod, and Moss.
Sept. 18th— Sunday. —Preached in Craven street Chapel in the morning,
and at Brunswick Chapel in the evening.
Sept. 20th. — Attended the Financial District Meeting. It was stated that
900 persons had seceded in Sheffield in the Kilhamite schism, and yet the
finances were better at the end of the quarter than they had been the pre-
ceding one. Kind references were made to myself, and the object of my
mission.
Dr. Ryerson's Diary ends here. From his letters to Canada
I make the following extracts : —
Sheffield, Oct. 5th. — I was in Barnsley on Friday and Saturday; went to
Wakefield on Saturday, and preached there on Sunday. Addressed about 40
circulars to gentlemen in Wakefield on Monday morning. Returned to
Sheffield and spoke at the Missionary Meeting; begged yesterday; spoke at
the adjourned meeting last evening; have been begging to-day. Spent
Friday and Saturday in Wakefield; go to Leeds on Saturday evening, and
so on. The preachers and friends shew me all possible kindness and
attention. The Yorkshire people are very warm-hearted and social.
Methodism there presents an aspect different in several respects from that
which it presents in London, or in any other part of England I have visited;
more warm, energetic, and unaffected — something like Hallowell Methodism
in Upper Canada. Oh ! I long to get home to my circuit work. Amidst all
the kindness and interest that it is possible for piety, intelligence, Yorkshire
generosity and wit to impart, I feel like an exiled captive here in England.
Bradford, Oct. 10th. — The time I am here appears very dreary, as I am
from morning until midnight in public labours or society of some kind. I
have collected ,£83 last week, and for much of it I have begged very hard —
though some think that I do not beg hard enough. It is, however, only
one who has been a stranger and had to beg, that can fully appreciate the
feelings and embarrassments of a stranger in such circumstances. This work
and sacrifice have not been of niy own seeking — but against my seeking. I
was comfortably settled amongst kind friends in Kingston, but am now cast
forth in this distant land, and engaged in the most disagreeable of all
employments, — and for what? Oh! it is for the sake of Him to whose
cause and glory I have consecrated my life and all. I shall love, honour,
and value my pastoral labours more than ever. I hope that they may be
more useful. During the past week I have been enabled more fully than
for a year past to adopt the language of St. Paul. Gal. ii 20.
Oct. llth. — While here I was truly gratified to receive a letter from Miss
Clarissa Izard, of Boulogne (France), in which she says : — I trust you will
164 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XVL
pardon me, sir, for this expression of my gratitude. If it had not heen for a
sermon preached by you on the 21st of February last, I might have been
where hope never cometh ; but, blessed be God, now I have a hope — a hope
which lifts me above this world, and which, I trust, I shall retain until I
obtain the crown of righteousness which fadeth not away.
Among the many pleasing incidents of Dr. Ryerson's other-
wise unpleasant duty of collecting funds for the Upper Canada
Academy, was the note written from Kensington Palace by
command of Her Royal' Highness the Duchess of Kent. It
was as follows : —
I am commanded by the Duchess of Kent to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 22nd inst., and accompanying statement of " The Upper
Canada Academy, for the education of Canadian youth, and the most
promising youth of converted Indian tribes — to prepare them for school-
masters." Her Eoyal Highness is most happy in patronizing, as you
request, so useful and benevolent an Institution, and calculated especially
to promote the best interests of the native population, the British emigrants,
and the aboriginal tribes of that valuable and important British Province.
Her Royal Highness desires that her name be placed on the subscription
list for £10.
Referring to the great importance of the Upper Canada
Academy, and to the services rendered by Dr. Ryerson in con-
nection with its establishment, Rev. William Lord said : —
There have been many circumstances and occurrences connected with
this institution which, to my mind, are indicative of Providential inter-
ference. The bitterness manifested against it by the enemies of Methodism
and of the peace of the country ; the difficulties which stood in the way of
its completion; the distressing, overwhelming, and unforseen embarrassments
of its funds, which forced the Committee to send you to this country to seek
relief, just at a time when the affairs of the Province had arrived at a crisis,
and at a time when you could render special service, by communicating with
the Home Government — service, allow me to say, greater than any other
man could render, or than you could have rendered at any other time or
place — the favourable turn which public affairs have recently taken, and, I
know, in some degree through your instrumentality; the perplexing and
most painful disappointments experienced in obtaining suitable teachers,
now happily overcome; the share of public favour which the Academy has
obtained on the commencement of its operations; and, lastly, the great
sen-ices you have rendered the Missionary Society, in the advantage you
have secured to our Indian Missionaries by your representations and applica-
tions to the Government, are to me reasons for believing God is in this busi-
ness. You may, I think, take courage, and go on in the name of the Lord.
I can sympathize with you; I have also suffered in this cause. I would not
endure the anxiety and mental agony I have experienced on account of this
institution for any earthly consideration. But if it flourish, I have my
reward. And now the reflection that, at much personal risk, I have more
than once saved innocent and deserving men from imprisonment, and
Methodism from indelible reproach, is cheering and consoling. I will still
stand by your side and share in your difficulties. My honour in this matter
is united with yours, and the ruin of this institution will be mine,
In a letter from London, dated 21st July, 1836, Dr. Ryerson
narrates the difficulties which he had encountered in obtaining a
1836-37] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 1G5
Charter for the Upper Canada Academy. The correspondence
with the Colonial Office embraced twenty-nine letters, and
extended over a period of six months. In conducting it, Dr.
Ryerson states :— »I found those in the Colonial Office, and those
who retired from it (during that time) equally favourable to
the object of my mission, and equally desirous of promoting the
best interests of the Colonies. In his report of the negotiations
for the Charter, Dr. Ryerson says : —
The Attorney- General assured me that not only Lord Qlenelg, but every
member of His Majesty's Government was anxious to accede to my applica-
tion— that the difficulties were purely legal — that though the doctrines and
rules of the Methodist body in Canada were doubtless very sacred, yet they
were unknown in law, (in England.) I, therefore, laid before the Crown
•officers* a copy of the statutes of Upper Canada (which I had borrowed from
the Colonial office), and showed the grounds on which we professed to be in-
vested with the clerical character by the statutes of the Province, as well as by
the formularies of our connexion, and were recognized as ministers by the
Courts of Quarter Sessions ; that we might be denned as ministers (for the
purposes of the Charter) as in the Marriage Statute of U.C., which would
be the same thing as being defined according to the Rules of our Discipline.
Placing the question before the Crown officers in this simple light, their
scruples were at once removed, and they cordially acceded to my proposition
to recognize our ministerial character. As I was required to name in the
Charter the first trustees and visitors, and as I had no list of those who had
been appointed by the Conference, I was obliged to furnish names my-
self. 1 was also required to name in the Charter the time and place of the
next Annual Meeting (Conference) of Ministers. I inserted the second
Wednesday of- June as the time of meeting ; Cobourg, or Toronto, as the
place of meeting.
With the aid of a professional gentleman (whom I could only get for a
small portion of each day) the draft of Charter was prepared after a delay of
five weeks. This draft was approved, with the exception of the words :
Wesleyan Methodist Church, for which the Solicitor-General had substituted
the words : Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, as the designation of the Body on
whose behalf a Charter was to be granted. In a letter to Sir George Grey I
stated my reasons why the word Church should be retained, as the Wesleyan
ministers, under whose superintendence the Academy is to be placed, had
been licensed (under the Provincial Statute referred to in the Charter) as
Ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada. To these reasons
the Crown Officers yielded, and thus the Charter was completed.
I then renewed my application fur receiving aid from the Casual and
Territorial Revenue of Upper Canada. In reply, I was assured that the
Lieutenant-Governor would be directed to bring the claims of the Academy
before the notice of the Provincial Legislature.
Dr. Ryerson concludes : —
Thus terminated this protracted correspondence of more than six months,
during the whole of which time I was enabled to cleave to and maintain my
original purpose ; though I had to encounter successive, discouraging, and
almost insurmountable difficulties. Not having been able to effect any loan
from private individuals, on account of the agitated state of the Canadas —
being in suspense as to the result of my application to the Government, I
* Sir J. Campbell, afterwards Chief Justice, and Sir R. M. Eolfe, afterwards a
Baron of the Exchequer.
166 THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. [CHAP. XVI-
was several months pressed down with anxiety and fear by this suspense, and
by reason of the failure of my efforts to obtain relief. In this anxiety and fear
my own unassisted resolution and fortitude could not sustain me. I had to
rely upon the unfailing support of the Lord, my God.
In my negotiations for the Charter, I was uniformly treated with courtesy
and kindness in the Colonial office, and by the several members of His
Majesty's Government. Praise God 1
In a letter written to Dr. Alder, after Dr. Ryerson had
returned from England, the latter said : —
We have not yet received a farthing of the Government grant to our
Academy. The Governor's reply still is, there is no money in the treasury ;
but he has given us his written promise, and offered his word to any of the
banks, that it shall be paid out of the first money which had not been
previously appropriated. But, strange to say, there is not a bank or banker
in Upper Canada who will take the Governor's promise for £100. Mr.
Receiver-General Dunn kindly lent, out of his own pocket, to my brother
John, about £1, 200 for the Academy, upon my brother's receipt, remarking
at the same time that he did it upon his credit, and out of respect to the
Methodists, but that he could place no dependence upon the word of Sir
Francis in the matter. We are thus pressed to beg or borrow in relation to
the Academy as much as ever, or even worse, for several, of us are individu-
ally responsible for .£2,200, besides Mr. Farmer's loan of ,£800. At our
recent Academy Board Meeting, the damages of Mr. Lord's protested bills
came under consideration. The circumstances of the case are briefly as
follows: — Mr. Lord's sincere desire and zeal to promote the interests of the
Institution and Connexion generally, were admitted and appreciated by all
the brethren; but it appears, 1. That a large portion of the debts were
incurred in compliance with the advice of Mr. Lord, and in consequence of
his influence as the representative of the British Connexion. • He assured the
Sub-Committee at Cobourg that money should be forthcoming, and if
necessary he would go to England and beg it , that John Bull never stopped
when he commenced a thing, etc. ; that Mr. Lord did that contrary to the
recommendation of the Conference Committee, and against the advice and
even remonstrance of the Chairman of the District (John Ryerson), who had
been appointed by the Conference to see that the Sub-Committee should not
exceed the appropriations of the Conference, as they had done in former
years. 2. The premises were mortgaged to Mr. Lord as security for the suui
of ^2,500, some of which has not been advanced, and the payments of which
he did advance were 'provided for (with the exception of two or three
hundred pounds) by the brethren in this Province. 3. After Mr. Lord
received information from the Committee in London that his bills would not
be honoured, he called a meeting of the Board — stated his difficulties — got
individuals to allow him to draw upon them to meet the bills on their
return, and sent me to England. 4. Mr. Lord assured our Conference at
Belleville, June, 1836, that the brethren here would never be called upon to
pay a farthing of the damages for non-payment of his bills. I believe that
no man could feel more earnestly desirous to promote the interests of the
Canadian Connexion in every respect than he did. It is also the full con-
viction of our leading brethren that had I attended the American General
Conference, instead of being in England, such an arrangement would have
been made as to have secured to our Connexion what was due us from the
New York Book Concern — which amounts to more than I obtained in
England, besides the mortification and mental suffering which I experienced
in my most unpleasant engagements, notwithstanding the sympathy and
never-to-be-forgotten kindness of many of my fathers and brethren of the
parent Connexion.
CHAPTEE XVIL
1836.
PUBLICATION OF THE HUME AND ROEBUCK LETTERS.
IN a letter from London, dated 29th April, 1 836, Dr. Ryerson
said : —
This day week I went to the House of Commons to hear the
debates on the motions relative to the Canadas, of which
Messrs. Roebuck and Hume had given notice. As Mr. Roebuck
was about to bring forward his motion, the House of 202 mem-
bers thinned to 50 or 60 members. Under these circumstances
he postponed it for a week, in the hope that a sufficient number
of members would give him an opportunity to make a speech
in return for the £1,100 a year paid to him as Agent of " the
poor and oppressed Canadians." When Mr. Hume brought
forward his motion there were only 43 members present. I
thought how much Canada was benefitted by such men who
could only command the attention of 50 out of the 658 mem-
bers of the House of Commons ! I know not a man more
disliked and despised by all parties in the House than is Mr.
Roebuck — a man who has been employed to establish (as he
says in one of his letters to Mr. Papineau) a " pure democracy
in the Canadas." One of the serious drawbacks to the credit
and interests of our country, amongst public and business men
of all parties in England, is their supposed connection with
such a restless political cynic as Mr. Roebuck and such an
acknowledged and avowed colonial separationist as Mr. Hume.
In regard to these proceedings of Messrs. Hume and Roebuck,
Dr. Ryerson writes, in this part of the Story of his Life, as
follows : —
It was during the early part of 1836 that I was accosted by
almost every gentleman to whom I was introduced in England
with words, "You in Canada are going to separate from England,
and set up a republic for yourselves !" I denied that there
was any such feeling among the people of Canada, who desired
certain reforms, and redress of grievances, but were as loyal as
any people in England.
After the Canadian elections of 1836, Dr. Charles Duncombe
168 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XVII.
(afterwards leader of the rebels in the County of Oxford) came
to England, the bearer of petitions got up by Mr. W. L. Mac-
kenzie and his partizans, and crammed Mr. Hume to make a
formidable assault upon the British Canadian Government. In
presenting the Canadian petition Mr. Hume made an elaborate
speech, full of exaggerations and mis-statements from beginning
to end. I was requested to take a seat under the gallery, and,
while Mr. Hume was speaking as the mouth-piece of Dr. C.
Duncombe, I furnished Lord Sandon and Mr. W. E. Gladstone
with the materials for answers to Mr. Hume's mis-statements.
Mr. Gladstone's quick perception, with Lord Sandon's prompt-
ings, kept the House in a roar of laughter at Mr. Hume's
expense for more than an hour ; the wonder being how Mr.
Gladstone was so thoroughly informed on Canadian affairs. No
member of the House of Commons seemed to be more astonished
and confounded than Mr. Hume himself. He made no reply,
and, as far as I know, never after spoke on Canadian affairs ;
and Mr. Roebuck soon ceased to be Agent for the Lower Canada
House of Assembly. He has since become an ultra Con-
servative !
In a letter from London, dated 1st June, Dr. Ryerson says: —
Before Dr. Duncombe arrived in England, and seeing how
much injury was being done to the reputation and influence of
Canada by these representations, I commenced a series of
letters in the London Times, designed to expose the machin-
ations and mis-statements of Messrs. Hume and Roebuck in
England, in regard to matters in Upper Canada, showing from
their own letters to Messrs. Papineau and Mackenzie that they
were the first prompters of the project.* To-day I also
addressed a letter to Sir George Grey, Under-Secretary for the
Colonies, on the political crisis in that Province. After discussing
several matters relating to the recent election of a new House
of Assembly, I concluded as follows: — As the affairs of the
Province will now be taken into consideration by His Majesty's
Government, there are three subjects on which I would
respectfully request an interview with Lord Glenelg, yourself,
and Mr. [Sir James] Stephen. 1. The Clergy Reserve question
— a plan to meet the circumstances of the Province, and yet
not deprive the clergy of the Church of England of an adequate
support. 2. The Legislative Council — how it may be rendered
more influential and popular, without rendering it elective, or
infringing (but rather strengthening) the prerogatives of the
Crown. 3. The Executive — how its just authority, influence
* The British North American Association of Merchants had these letters
reprinted from The Times newspaper, and a copy sent to each member of Parlia-
ment, both of the Lords and Commons. They were signed, " A Canadian. "
18361 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 169
and popularity may be promoted and established, so as to
prevent the occurrence of that embarrassment in which it is
now involved, not from improper acts, but from an actual
deficiency of the requisite operative means to secure the Royal
Prerogative from insult and invasion. I am aware that each
of these subjects is surrounded with difficulty, and that no plan
proposed will be entirely free from objection, but I should like
to state the views which my acquaintance with the Province
has impressed on my own mind, and which I have not seen
suggested in any official document or public journal, but which
have been favourably thought of by two or three respectable
gentlemen connected with Canada, to whom I have stated
them.
In reply, Lord Glenelg appointed the following Monday for
the desired interview. I afterwards embodied the substance of
my views to Sir George Grey.
No further reference is made to this interview by Dr.
Eyerson. But in a letter from him, dated 21st July, he says : —
I was applied to, and did, in my individual capacity, communicate to the
Colonial Secretary frequently, and in one or two instances at great length,
on the posture of Canadian affairs ; and the parties and principal questions
which nave divided and agitated the Canadian public. I repeatedly
received the thanks of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the pains
which I had taken in these matters ; but what influence my communications
may have had, or 'may have, on the policy of His Majesty's Government
towards the Canadas is not for me to say, as I desired Lord Glenelg not to
assume, prima facie, as correct, any of my representations, but to examine
my authorities — to weigh my arguments — to hear what could be said by
others — as I had no friends to recommend to office, and no personal" interests
to promote, only the religious and general peace and prosperity of the
Canadas, and the maintenance of a firm and mutually beneficial connection
between these Colonies and the parent State.
I think I have good reason to believe that much, more correct and decided
views are entertained by His Majesty's ministers and many public men in
England, in respect to the interests and government of the Canadas, than
were possessed by them six months ago ; and that all of those inhabitants of
the Colonies, who patriotically maintain their Christian and constitutional
allegiance, will ensure the respect, equal and firm protection, and parental
regard of their Sovereign and his government, by whatever party it may be
administered.
In a letter from London, dated 26th July (page 154), Dr.
Ryerson says: — Mr. William Lunn, of Montreal, has just arrived
from Quebec. He informs me that —
My letters to the London Times, on Hume and Roebuck, have produced
the most amazing effect upon the public mind of the Province, of anything
that I ever wrote. To the Lord be all the praise for his great goodness,
after all our toil and suffering. There is nothing like integrity of principle
and faithfulness in duty, in humble dependence upon the Lord, ana with an
eye to His glory !
CHAPTER XVIII.
1836-1837.
IMPORTANT EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN UPPER CANADA.
DR. Ryerson was absent in England from 20th November,
1835, to 12th June, 1837. On the loth of January, 1836,
Sir John Colborne, by order in Council, endowed fifty-seven
Rectories in Upper Canada out of the Clergy Reserve Lands.
On the 23rd of that month Sir F. B. Head, the new Governor,
arrived in Toronto. On the 14th of January following, he
opened the Session of the Legislature. What followed was re-
ported to Dr. Ryerson by his friend, Mr. S. S. Junkin, in a
letter, dated, Toronto, 1st May: —
Our Parliament was prorogued on the 20th April, after such a session as
was never before known in Upper Canada. You will form some idea of the
state of affairs when I tell you that it " stopped the supplies," and the Gov-
ernor reserved all of the money bills, (twelve) — including that for the contin-
gences of the House, — for the King's pleasure.
The immediate cause of the rupture between the new Gover-
nor (Sir F. B. Head) and the House of Assembly —
Arose out of the resignation of the Executive Council. On the 20th
February, the Governor (as directed by Lord Glenelg) added three Reformers
to his Council, viz. : Messrs. Robert Baldwin, John Rolph, and John Henry
Dunn. On the 4th March, these gentlemen and the Conservative members,
(Messrs. Peter Robinson, George H. Markland, and Joseph Wells) resigned.
They complained that they were held responsible for measures which they
never advised, and for a policy to which they were strangers. In reply the
Governor stated in substance that he alone was responsible for the acts of his
government, and was at liberty to have resource to their advice only when
he required it; but that to consult them on all questions would be "utterly
impossible." This answer was referred to a Committee of the House of
Assembly, which brought in a report censuring the Governor in the strongest
terms. On the 14th March, Sir F. B. Head appointed Messrs. R. B. Sulli-
van, William Allan, Augustus Baldwin, and John Elmsley. as his new
Executive Council. On the 17th the House declared its entire want of
confidence in the new Conncil, and stated that in retaining them the
Governor violated the instructions of the Colonial Secretary to the Gover-
nor, to appoint Councillors who possessed the confidence of the people.
Much recrimination followed ; at length Sir F. B. Head dissolved the
House, and directed that a new election be held.
In regard to this election, Dr. Ryerson, in the " Epochs of
Canadian Methodism " (page 226) says : —
1836-37] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 171
Sir F. B. Head adroitly turned this issue, not on the question of the
Clergy Keserves, or of other practical questions, but on the question of con-
nection with the mother country, and of Republicanism vs. Monarchy, as
had been recommended by Messrs. Hume and Roebuck, and advocated by
Messrs. Mackenzie and Papineau. This was successful, inasmuch as those
Reformers who would not disavow'their connection with Messrs. Mackenzie,
Hume and Roebuck, lost their election ; for though not more than half a
dozen had any sympathy with the sentiments of Messrs. Hume, Roebuck,
Papineau, and Mackenzie, they did not wish to break the unity of the
Reform party by repudiating them, and suffered defeat in consequence at
the elections. The succcessful candidates, generally, while they repudiated
Republican separation from the mother country, promised fidelity to the oft-
expressed and well-known wishes of the people -in the settlement of the
Clergy Reserve question, which, however, they failed to fulfil.
In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, from Hallowell, his brother
William said: —
Our loyal address, a very moderate one, to the Governor, was carried
unanimously — all the young Preachers on trial being allowed to vote on that
occasion. This is equally gratifying and surprising to all the friends of
British supremacy. A gentleman from Montreal, who was present, was so
surprised, and I may say, delighted, that he could hardly contain himself.
I did not know for a short time, but he would be constrained from the
violence of his feeling to jump up and shout. The Conference also adopted
a very good address to the King. (See page 182.)
We are on the eve of a new election. The excitement through the coiintry
at large exceeds anything I have ever known. There would be very little
cause for doubt or fear as to the results, were it not for one of the last acts
of Sir John Colborne's administration, in establishing and endowing nearly
sixty Rectories. Knowing, as I do, that the public* mind is strongly
opposed to any measure of that sort, or any step towards legalizing a church
establishment, yet I could not believe the feeling was so strong as it actual >y
is. If the elections should turn out disastrously to the best interest of the
country, the result can only be attributed to that unjust and most unpolitic
act. We are willing to do all that we consistently can, but everywhere the
rectory question meets us. While I am compelled to believe that a vast
majority are devotedly loyal to our gracious Sovereign, yet the best and
most affectionate subjects of the King would almost prefer revolution to the
establishment of a dominant Church thus sought to be imposed on us.
In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, from Toronto, his brother John
says : —
The late elections agitated the Societies very much in some places, but
they are now settling down to " quietness and assurance." I hope that the
worst of the storm is over. The Governor is a talented man, but very little
magisterial dignity about him. He takes good care to let every one know that
he esteems every day alike, travelling on Sabbaths the same as other days.
Indeed he seems to have no idea of religion at all, but is purely a man of
pleasure. His popularity will soon be upon the wane if he does not mend in
these respects.
The friends in Kingston are very anxiously looking for your return, and
are becoming quite discontented and out of patience. They complained
bitterly to me of your long absence, and were anxious to have me stay with
them until you return.
CHAPTER XIX.
1837-1839.
RETURN TO CANADA. — THE CHAPEL PROPERTY CASE.S.
IN this part of the " Story " of his life, Dr. Ryerson has only
left the following sentence : — At the Conference held after
my return to Canada, in June, I declined re-election as Editor
of the Christian Guardian, having promised my Kingston
brethren, from whom I had been suddenly removed in Novem-
ber, 1835, that I would remain with them at least one year on
my return from England.
After Conference, Dr. Ryerson (with Rev. E. Healy) attended
as a deputation to the Black River Conference. He said : —
The Conference was presided over by Bishop Hedding, who, in strong and
affecting language, expressed his feelings of respect and love for our Con-
nexion in Canada, In reply, I reiterated the expression of our profound
respect and affection for our honoured friend and father in the Gospel ; by
ihe imposition of whose hands, I, and several other brethren in Canada,
have been set apart to the Holy Ministry. After my return to Kingston,
brother Healy and I received from the Black River Conference a compli-
mentary resolution in regard to our visit. In enclosing it to me, Rev. Jesse
T. Peck, the Secretary [afterwards Bishop], said : — Allow me humbly, but
earnestly, to beg a continuance of that friendship with you, which in its
commencement has afforded me so much pleasure.
In August of this year, the celebrated trial of the Waterloo
Chapel case* took place before Mr. Justice Macaulay, at the
Kingston Assizes, in August 1837. It was subsequently
appealed to the Court of King's Bench, at Toronto. Three
elaborate judgments were delivered on the case. Rev. John
Ryerson was a good deal exercised as to the ill effects, upon
the connexional church property, of Judge Macaulay's adverse
decision. In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, he said : —
"We are much troubled and perplexed, here in Toronto, about the Waterloo
Chapel case. I saw the Attorney-General on the subject to-day. When
Judge Macaulay's judgment is published, I hope you will carefully, review
the whole matter, and lay the thing before the public in such a way as to
produce conviction. Everybody is inquiring whether or not you will take up
the subject.
* Between the Episcopal and Wesleyan Methodists for the possession of the
Church property. Waterloo was four miles north of Kingston.
1837-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 173
In regard to these three judgments on the case, Dr. Ryerson
said :—
During the latter part of this month I have devoted such time as I could
spare to a lengthened review for the Guardian, of the elaborate judgments of
Chief Justice Robinson, and Justices Macaulay and Sherwood, on the
Waterloo Chapel case.* The opinion of the Chief Justice displays profound
research, acute discrimination, and sound judgment. The opinion of Mr.
Justice Macaulay indicates great labour and strict religious scrupulosity.
The opinion of Mr. Justice Sherwood betrays great want of acquaintance
with the discipline, usages, and general history of Methodism. To the
Methodist Connexion the conflict of opinion and confusion of reasoning of •
these learned judges are most prejudicial and disastrous. I have therefore
sought, in the "review," to set forth the true facts of this abstruse case — facts
connected with the history of Methodism — facts, with the most material of
which I am personally acquainted, and in the progress of which I have been
called to act a conspicuous part.
In regard to this "review," Rev. E. Healy wrote to Dr.
Ryerson, from Brockville, and said : —
I have read your review of the opinion of the judges, and am happy to
see it. What the judges will do with you, I do not know. You are con-
sidered, I believe, by some in this part of the country, as part man and part
demon. This is one reason, doubtless, why I am also so bad a man, as I
have said so much in your favour.
Rev. Hannibal Mulkins,f writing from Whitby on this subject,
said : —
The agitation which was anticipated by some of the preachers at the
last Conference, and which has existed in' some degree has happily subsided,
notwithstanding the most vigorous efforts have been made, and all the arts
of calumny and misrepresentation, employed to harrass, to worry, and devour.
I was very glad to see your " review " of the opinions of the Judges
in the Chapel case. 1 have read it with much satisfaction. On this
circuit, notwithstanding the prejudices of some individuals, it has been
perused with general delight, and to our friends in particular it has been
highly satisfactory.
Dr. Ryerson, in a letter from New York, dated November,
1837, says :—
I have just returned from an extended tour of about 500 miles in the
Middle and Southern States, in order to obtain information and evidence
relative to the organization of the Methodist Church in America, the
character of its Episcopacy, and the powers of the General Conference —
points which involve the issue of our chapel property case. From the mass
of testimony and information I have been able to collect, by seeing every
preacher in this continent who was in the work in 1784, relative to the
character of Methodist Episcopacy, and the powers of the General Conference,
I feel no doubt as to the result. J
* The Review is inserted in the Guardian, vol. viii., pages 169-178. The
Belleville case was published in pamphlet form.
t This' gentleman entered the Wesleyan ministry in 1835, but joined the Church
of England in 1840. He was for many years Chaplain to the Penitentiary, at Kings-
ton, and always retained a warm regard for Dr. Ryerson. He died in 1877, aged
65 years.
J The particulars here referred to are given in detail in the "Epochs of Cana-
dian Methodism," pages 279-281.
174 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XIX-
Rev. Joseph Stinson, in making his report on the same
subject, said : —
I spent a whole day with Bishop Hedding, and had much conversation
with him about our affairs generally. He told me that the American
Methodist Church had never regarded Episcopacy as a Divine ordinance—
nor as an essential doctrine of the Church — but as an expedient form of
ecclesiastical government, which could be modified by the General Conference,
or even dispensed with without violating the great principles of Methodism.
The Bishop is of the opinion, however, that if our Courts decide against us,
we shall have to return to Episcopacy, and that the first Bishop should be
ordained by the Bishops of the American Church.
Dr. Ryerson, in the same November letter, says : —
I have also accompanied Mr, Stinson to render him what assistance I could,
in examining Manual Labour Schools, with a view to establishing one for
the benefit of our Indian youth — an object of the Very greatest importance,
both to the religious and civil interests of our aboriginal'fellow countrymen.
Also to get from the New York Missionary Board a sum of money for the
Indian work which was expected from, them before our Union with the
English Conference.
In a letter to Dr. Alder, written from New York in the same
month, Dr. Ryerson said : —
The concern of our preachers and friends on the Chapel case is deep
and truly affecting. As I took so responsible a part in the Union, I cannot
describe my feelings on this question. At the request of our brethren I
have undertaken to do what I could to secure our Church property from the
party claiming it. I have travelled nearly 500 miles this week for that
purpose. But it is cheering amidst all our difficulties, and the commotions
of the political elements, that our preachers, I believe, without exception,
are of one heart — that our societies are in peace — that the work of our
blessed Lord is reviving in many of the circuits, although the cause in
Kingston suffers, and my dear brethren there complain, in consequence of
my connexional engagements and absence from them.
In the Waterloo Chapel case, the jury found for the plaintiffs,
(Episcopal Methodists). An appeal was therefore made to the
King's Bench, at Toronto. This Court —
Set aside the verdict of the lower Court, and ordered a new trial. . .
At this second trial, as also that respecting the Belleville Church property
case, [November, 1837], .... the whole matter was " ventilated/' and
the result was that the legal decision of the highest judicial tribunal of the
land, confirmed the Wesleyan Methodist Church as the rightful owner of the
Church property, it being the true representative and successor of the
original Methodist Episcopal Church iu Canada. These litigations extended
over more than two years, and the friends of Zion and of peace greatly rejoiced
when they were brought to a just and final settlement. (Epochs of Canadian
Methodism, pages 278, 279.)
CHAPTER XX.
1837.
THE COMING CRISIS. — REBELLION OF 1837.
AS Dr. Ryerson had anticipated, the combined effects of the
publication of his "impressions," in 1833; his letters expos-
ing the designs of Messrs. Hume, Roebuck, and Mackenzie in
1837 ; the secession of a section of the Methodist Church,
and the disputes consequent thereon (culminating in the
Waterloo and Belleville Chapel suits) — in which he took a
leading part — provoked the parties concerned to active hostility
against him. He had, however, many warm friends, especially
among his ministerial brethren. One of these was Rev. John
Black, in the Bay of Quinte District, — a quaint, but true and
warm-hearted man. In inviting him to take part in the
Quarterly Meeting services, at Napanee, he indulges in a
little playful satire, as follows : —
It appears that there are some amongst us here whom we dare not number
amongst your friends, and who prophesied that you would never return from
England — that you dare not, etc. Now we wish to afford them living proof
of their vanity in prophesying, by your presence amongst them. Besides,
on the other hand, the good-hearted brethren amongst us greatly rejoiced on
hearing of your successful mission to England, and they wish to see and hear
you once more?
Somewhat in Rev. John Black's spirit of kindly raillery,
Rev. John C. Davidson, of Hallo well, in inviting Dr. Ryerson to
take part in a Carnp -meeting (and after mentioning several
inducements), said : —
I would mention another inducement for you to come, viz. : the multi-
plicity of warm friends and virulent enemies you have on this circuit.
Your presence and preaching will afford pleasure and profit to your friends,
and will very much tend, in my opinion, to disarm the groundless prejudice
entertained by many others against you.
In a more serious letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated Cobourg, 16th
November, 1837, Rev. Anson Green gives expression to a general
feeling of uneasiness and distrust which prevailed everywhere
in the country at that time : —
I pity you most sincerely. You have a storm about your ears that you
must bear, if you do not bow before it. In these perilous times a man
176 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XX.
scarcely knows what to advise. I fear that destruction awaits us on either
hand. With the Radicals we are Tories ; and with the Tories we are Rebels.
It is said by the Rebels here that they have money enough, and men enough,
and guns enough, and that the plans are so laid that there can be no mistake.
The Government appears to be in possession of these facts. Thus far the
proceedings of the Rebels do not show much wisdom, or skill, in laying plans,
or in executing them. I am mistaken if they stop short of a civil war.
I very much regret that you should be under the necessity of comjng in
contact with Governor Head in any one thing. I could not be a rebel ; my
conscience and religion forbid it ; and, on the other hand, I could not fight
for the Rectories and Church domination. I think them both to be great
evils, and I have resolved to choose neither. I believe that in Haldimand
and Cramahe townships there are twenty rebels to one sincere loyalist.
Brother Wilson, (son of old Father Wilson), says that his life has been
threatened for circulatingthe petition which you sent down, and others are
in a similar condition. What will be the effect of all this I cannot say, but
I have thought from the beginning that either the Rectories must be
abolished, and a suitable disposition made of the Reserves, or a change of
Government will ensue. And if the Church party have it all in their own
hands to make peace, by allowing other Churches to enjoy equal privileges
with themselves, and do not do so, they must bear the responsibility of all
the bloodshed and carnage that may ensue. I fear that they are so perfectly
infatuated that they will suffer utter destruction, and choose it rather than
equal and impartial justice.
On the 5th December, 1837, Dr. Ryerson reached Cobourg on
his way to Toronto. When he arrived there, Elders Case and
Green, and other friends, thought that as his life had been
threatened it would be unsafe for him to proceed to Toronto.*
He, therefore, waited there for further news, and, in the mean-
time, wrote to a friend in Kingston, on the 6th, as follows : —
You will recollect my mentioning that I pressed upon Sir
Francis the propriety and importance of making some prudent
provision for the defence of the city, in case any party should
be urged on in the madness of rebellion so far as to attack it.
He is much blamed here on account of his overweening confi-
dence, and foolish and culpable negligence in this respect.
There was great excitement in this town and neighbourhood
last night. To-day all is anxiety and hurry. The militia is
called out to put down the rebellion of the very man whose
seditious paper many of them have supported, and whom they
have countenanced.
The precepts of the Bible and the example of the early
Christians, leave me no occasion for second thoughts as to my
duty, namely, to pray for and support the " powers that be,"
whether I admire them or not, and to implore the defeat of
" fiery conspiracy and rebellion." And I doubt not that the
sequel will in this, as in other cases, show that the path of
* Dr. Ryerson in his " Epochs of Canadian Methodism," page 814, says :— It
had been agreed by W. L. Mackenzie and his fellow rebels, in 1837., to hang
Egerton Ryerson on the first tree they met with, could they apprehend him.
1835-36] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 177
duty is that of wisdom, if not of safety. I am aware that my
head would be regarded as something of a prize by the rebels ;
but I feel not in the least degree agitated. I trust implicitly
in that God whom I have endeavoured — though imperfectly
and unfaithfully — to serve ; being assured nothing will harm
us, but that all things, whether life or death, will work together
for our good if we be followers of that which is good. Let us
trust in the Lord, and do good, and He will never leave nor
forsake us !
About 700 armed men have left this district to-day for
Toronto, in order to put down the rebels There is an unani-
mity and determination among the people to quash rebellion
and support the law that I hardly expected. The country is
safe, but it is a " gone day with the rebel party."
In a graphic .letter to Dr. Ryerson, written on the 5th
December, by his brother William, at Toronto, the scenes at the
emeute in that city are thus described : —
Last night, about 12 or 1 o'clock, the bells rang with great violence ; we
all thought it was an alarm of tire, but being unable to see any light, we
thought it was a false alarm, and we remained quiet until this morning,
when, on visiting the market-place, I found a large number of persons serving
out arms to others as fast as they possibly could. Among many others we
saw the Lieutenant-Governor, in his every-day suit, with one double-barrelled
gun in his hand, another leaning against his breast, and a brace of pistols in
his leather belt. Also, Chief Justice Robinson, Judges Macaulay, Jones,
and McLean, the Attorney-General, and Solicitor-General, with their
muskets, cartridge boxes and bayonets, all standing in the ranks as private
soldiers, under the command of Colonel Fitzgibbon. I assure you it is
impossible for me to describe my feelings. I enquired of Judge McLean,
who informed me that an express had arrived at the Government House late
last night, giving intelligence that the Radicals had assembled in great force
at Montgomery's, on Yonge Street, and were in full march for the city; that
the Governor had. sent out two persons, Mr. A. McDonell and Aid. J. Powell,
to obtain information (both of whom had been made prisoners, but escaped).
Dr. Home's house is now in flames. I feel very calm and composed in
my own mind. Brother John thinks it will not be wise for you to come
througli all the way from Kingston. You would not be safe in visiting this
wretched part of the country at the present. You know the feelings that
are entertained against you. Your life would doubtless be industriously
sought. My dear brother, farewell. May God mercifully bless and keep
you from all the difficulties and dangers we are in !
*Rev. William Ryerson further writes, on the 8th December :
About 10 o'clock to-day about 2,000 men, headed by the Lieut-Governor,
with Judge Jones, the Attorney-General and Capt. Halkett, as his aides-de-
camp, and commanded by Cols. Fitzgibbon and Allan N. Macnab, Speaker
of the House, left the city to attack the rebels at Montgomery's. After a
little skirmishing in which we had three men wounded but none killed,
the main body commenced a very spirited attack on their head-quarters
at Montgomery's large house.. After a few shots from two six-pounders,
and a few volleys of musketry, the most of the party fled and made their
escape. The rest of them were taken prisoners. There were also three or
12
173 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XX.
four killed and several wounded. After which His Excellency ordered the
buildings to be burnt to the ground, and the whole force returned to the
city. All the leaders succeeded in making their escape. A royal proclama-
tion has just been issued offering £1,000 for the apprehension o"f Mackenzie,
and .£500 for that of Samuel Lount, David Gibson, Silas Fletcher, and
Jesse Lloyd; so that now, through the mercy of God, we have peace, and
feel safe again, for which we desire to feel sincerely thankful.
Dr. Ryerson, having reached Toronto safely, and knowing
how anxious his parents would be to know something definite
as to the state of affairs, wrote a letter to his Father on the
18th December, as follows : —
I have been trying to get time to make you and Mother a
visit of at least one night ; but I find it quite out of my power
to secure the enjoyment of so precious a privilege.
It is remarkable that every man, with very few exceptions,
who has left our Church and joined in the unprincipled
crusade which has been made against us, has either been an
active promoter of this plot, or so far connected with it as to
be ruined in his character and prospects by the timely discovery
and defeat of it ! I have been deeply affected at hearing of
some unhappy examples, among old acquaintances, of this
description. I feel thankful that I have been enabled to do
my duty from the beginning in this matter. Four years ago,
I perceived and began to warn the public of the revolutionary
tendency and spirit of Mackenzie's proceedings. Perhaps you
may recollect that in a long article in the Grv.ardian, four years
ago this winter, headed " Revolutionary Symptoms," I pointed
out, to the great displeasure of even some of my friends, what
has come to pass.
It is also a matter of thankfulness that every one of our
family and marriage connections, near and remote, is on the
side of law, reason, and religion in this affair. Such indications
of the Divine goodness are a fresh encouragement to me to
renew my covenant engagement with my gracious Redeemer,
to serve Him and His cause with greater zeal and faithfulness.
I hope, my dear Father, you are employing your last days in
preparing for your approaching change, and for standing before
the bar of God. My poor prayers are daily offered up in your
behalf. Much travelling and other engagements have hitherfb
prevented me from writing to you as I would ; but, hereafter,
the first Monday in each month shall be considered as belong-
ing to my dear aged Parents, in praying for or writing to them.
My dutiful respects and love to my dear Mother. I would
esteem it a great favour and privilege to receive a few lines
from you or her.
CHAPTER XXL
1837-1838.
SIR F. B. HEAD AND THE UPPER CANADA ACADEMY.
T ORD Glenelg, as agreed, when Dr. Ryerson was in England,
JLJ (pagQ 165,) directed Lieutenant-Governor Sir F. B. Head
to bring the pecuniary claims of the Upper Canada Academy
before the Legislature. This he did in February, 1837. A
committee (of which Hon. W. H. Draper was chairman)*
brought in an excellent report on the subject. The House of
Assembly by a vote of 31 to 10 agreed to advance $16,400 to
the Academy. The Legislative Council, on motion of Hon. J.
Elmsley, made such onerous conditions as virtually defeated
the bill, and no relief was granted. -J- Dr. Ryerson, then in
England, pressed the matter most urgently upon Lord Glenelg,
who in April 1837, sent directions to Sir F. B. Head to advance
the money without delay. This, on various pretexts, he refused
to do; but when the Legislature opened in January, 1838, he sent
-a message to the House, which Dr. Ryerson, then in Toronto,
thus describes, in a letter to a friend at Kingston, dated
February 3rd, 1838. He said:—
* At the Conference of this year resolutions of thanks were passed to Mr.
Draper, and were sent to him by Dr. Ryerson, the Secretary. Mr. Draper's reply
was as follows : —
I feel deeply indebted to the Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for
the honour conferred upon me in deeming my humble exertions in the cause of
Christian education worthy of their approbation, and I trust I shall never forget
their good opinion. I cannot, at the same time, pass by the opportunity of
thanking you for the terms in which you have communicated that resolution to
me, and of expressing my satisfaction that I have in any degree contributed to
the success of your unwearied exertions in behalf of the Upper Canada Academy
• in England. I sincerely rejoice that you were enabled to obtain that aid for its
completion, which was so necessary and so well deserved.
t In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, his brother William thus accounts for the failure
to get the grant : To the miserable Missionary grant of £900 to the English
Conference we are chiefly indebted for the loss of the Bill for the relief of the
Upper Canada Academy, as we are positively informed by our best friends in the
House of Assembly. It has also been the means of depriving many of the
preachers of a considerable part of their small salary, and in one or two instances,
of the whole of it. It has, and still does more to weaken our hands, and to
embarrass our labours, and also to strengthen the hands and to increase the num-
ber of our enemies, than almost any or all other causes put together.
180 THE STORY OF MY' LIFE. [CHAP. XXI.
Instead of giving us the promised money for the Upper
Canada Academy, Sir Francis Head has sent a part of the corres-
pondence with Lord Glenelg and with me down to the House
of Assembly, with a message in which he implicates me, as
also a letter to Lord Glenelg, written a few weeks after my
return from England, in which he impeaches me. I have, in
consequence, drawn up a petition to the House, filling six large
sheets, exposing the whole of his conduct towards us, vin-
dicating myself from the charges contained in his despatches,
and proposing to establish every fact which I have stated before a
select Committee of the House of Assembly. My petition was
presented this morning. According to rule, a petition has to
lie on the table for twenty-four hours before it is read. But a
motion was made and agreed to, to dispense with the rule, and
read my petition. It was then read, and created a great sensa-
tion. It was then moved that 200 copies of it be printed,
together with all the documents sent down by the Governor,
to which the petition referred. After discussion the motion
was carried by a vote of 33 to 4. This was, of course, very
gratifying to my feelings, as it must be extremely mortifying to
the Governor. This is the first petition that has been ordered
to be printed by the present — Sir Francis' own — Parliament.
The dispensing with the rule, and giving such a petition
the preference, was the highest mark of respect which the House
could have shown me. I have not felt so much agitated with
anything for years, as with this matter. I am now greatly
relieved. I feel as if the Lord God of Hosts was on our side.
The Governor clearly thought that as he was so greatly lauded
and had become so famous a conqueror, we would not dare to
come out against him before the public, or meet him face to
face before the Assembly.
On the 16th, Dr. Ryerson again writes to Kingston : —
This Academy business is a most painful one to me. The Legislative
Council and the House of Assembly have each appointed a select Committee
on the subject. But I am afraid we will get nothing until we hear from
Lord GleneJg.
My mind has been, and is, in a great degree depressed beyond expression,
in regard to our circumstances. My only trust is in Him who has thus far
brought us through, and turned the designs of our enemies to our account.
For the last two days I have been as low as I was at my lowest in London.
In addition to Dr. Ryerson's petition to both Houses, he made
a separate Appeal to members of the Assembly. In it he stated
in substance that Sir Francis Head —
Had already issued his warrant for $8,200 ; that he was informed in
December, 1837, not merely verbally, but in writing, by Hon. J. H Dunn,
Receiver-General, that he had funds with which to pay the balance ($8,200),
yet the Governor refused to issue the requisite warrant for it, on the plea of
1837-38] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 181
much business; but said that Mr. Dunn had all the warrant that was
necessary. In January he again declined to issue the warrant, and excused
himself by saying that Mr. Dunn required no further authority. When,
later in the month, Dr. Ryerson had not only removed every variety of
objection and excuse, but sent a note from Mr. Dunn saying that he had the
necessary funds. Sir F. B. Head stated that he " must see one or two of his
councillors." After he had done so, he wrote a note to Dr. Ryerson to say
that he had misled him, as to the advance being a grant instead of a loan, etc.
On 21st February, the House of Assembly recommended that the balance
be paid over at once. It pointed out that Dr. Ryerson had become personally
liable to the banks for $ 3,400, and Revs. John Ryerson and E. Evans for
§2,000 of the balance due ; that although grants were constantly being
made by the House, yet there was no precedent for a loan ; and that as to
whether the advance was to be a grant or a loan they would abstain from
offering an opinion. This report had the desired effect. The money was paid.
On the 22nd February, Dr. Ryerson was, therefore, enabled
to write to his friend in Kingston, to say that
The prayer of my petition has been this day complied with by a unani-
mous vote of the House of Assembly; and the Hon. Mr. Draper told -Brother
Evans that His Excellency would issue his warrant for the money as soon as
the Address of the Assembly is presented. Not a man in the Assembly
would risk his reputation in defence of the conduct of the Governor in this
affair. The Report of the Committee was received, and the Address passed
two readings last night and one this morning, and without one word from
any member of the Assembly in the way of comment or remark. The Com-
mittee of the Legislative Council has actually declined entering into the
investigation of the subject at all, as had been desired by His Excellency.
Thus has Sir Francis Head not only disgraced himself, but helped us.
I thank the Lord for His blessing thus far. We will still trust in Him,
and not be afraid. Tories, Radicals, and the Governor, have each had their
turn at us. I hope we may now be allowed to live in peace. The result of
this affair has in some measure compensated me for the anxiety of mind I
have endured.
After this unpleasant controversy with Sir F. B. Head was
over, Rev. Anson Green wrote to Dr. Ryerson as follows : —
How do you feel after your brush with Sir Francis 1 You need not feel very
<lowncast, having attained so triumphant a victory. I doubt not but Sir
Francis would willingly pay double the amcunt claimed by us, if he could have
prevented the result which has happened. It is too late, however, to recall
it now. I hope he will learn wisdom from the past, and not be so self-willed
and headstrong in future. No one seems pleased .with him but those whose
praise is a reproach.
Rev. W. H. Harvard, in a letter from Kingston, said : —
I am truly pained at the conduct of the Lieutenant-Governor, and
sympathize witn you in thus being brought into such an unavoidable
collision with him. I am more than grieved that he should use us so
ungenerously.
I am glad that you are the warrior, for yon will combine caution and
courage, and will come off more than conqueror. You are at present the
centre of our solicitude. I pray that your heart may be comforted and con-
trolled from above. We are the Lord's covenanted, consecrated servants.
In His work we are employed. By His Holy Spirit may we ever be actuated
and aided !
CHAPTER XXII.
1838.
VICTIMS OP THE REBELLION. — STATE OF THE COUNTRY.
EARLY in 1838 the trials for treason took place. Messrs.
Lount and Matthews were found guilty and sentenced to
death. Other parties were also tried: among them was Dr.
Thomas D. Morrison, a prominent Methodist in Toronto.* In
a letter to Dr. Ryerson, at Kingston, his brother John mentions
that Dr. Morrison was triumphantly acquitted. He also
mentions (as an amusing incident at the trial) the success of
the two counsel for Dr. Morrison, in showing that statements
entirely contradictory to each other could be fully proved from
Sir F. B. Head's own speeches and dispatches. He said : —
Mr. Macdonald, of St. Catharines, stated that Sir Francis had declared in
his speech at the opening of the Parliament, that he knew of the rebellion
long before it occurred, and that he was the cause of it. Mr. Boswell, of
Cobourg, admitted that Sir Francis had said he knew a good deal. But the
Governor was very fond of a fine style ; he liked rounded periods, or, as Lord
Melbourne had expressed it, " epigrammic " flights, so well, that he could
hardly make his pen write the words of truth and soberness on such
occasions. Mr. Boswell read several extracts from Sir Francis' despatches to
Lord Qlenelg, which were in direct opposition to the extracts read by Mr.
Macdonald. A gentleman whispered to me that anything (no matter what)
could be proved from Sir Francis' writings and sayings I In reply to the
Attorney-General, Mr. Macdonald said: — That if the suspicion of treasonable
motives and doings in others, and not informing or using prompt measures
to correct or prevent what might follow, was treason, then Sir Francis was
the greatest traitor in the country, for he said he knew all about the pro-
posed outbreak. Mr. Boswell said, that after Sir Francis had seen the
" Declaration," and had taken the advice of the Attorney-General, he had
sent a despatch to the Colonial Secretary declaring that there was nothing
treasonable in the country ; that everything was as it should be ! To
* Dr. Morrison had been a clerk in the Surveyor-General's office, — had, indeed,
while there, collected materials for Dr. Strachan's Ecclesiastical Chart, — but, with-
out any charge, or the slightest deficiency in faithfulness and efficiency, was dis-
missed, for the simple reason that he had become a Methodist ! He then devoted
himself to the medical profession. He was once elected to the House of Assembly
for York, defeating the Attorney-General. He was also once elected Mayor pi
Toronto. He was the writer's [and the editor's] physician during life; died io
great peace, strong in faith, giving glory to God, — "Epochs of Canadian Method-
ism," pages 188, 189.— H.
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 183
demonstrate th'is, he had sent away all the troops. Thus, you see, the two
lawyers made poor Sir Francis prove everything.
The jury returned with a verdict of ''not guilty," which caused great
cheering, which could not be suppressed for some time. Several of the jury-
were warm Tories, but they acquitted the Doctor.
In another letter to Dr. Ryerson, his brother John gives an
account of the efforts made to induce Sir George Arthur, the
new Governor, to commute the sentence of Lount and Mathews.
He says : —
I have signed a petition for the mitigation of Lount and Mathews' punish-
ment, as did Brother William.- I have just seen Rev. James Richardson,
who has been with Lount and Mathews. Mathews professed to have found
peace. Lount is earnestly seeking. A good deal of ieeling has been excited
respecting the execution of these unfortunate men. A petition signed by
4,000 persons in their behalf was presented to His Excellency. It was
agreed that Rev. Mr. Brough (Church of England minister from Newmarket)
and I should go and present the Toronto petition, and that we should seek a
private interview with him. Instead of having a private interview, we were
called into the Council Chamber in the presence of the Executive Council.
This was rather embarrassing to me, as I did not wish to say what I had
intended to say in the presence of Sir Francis' old Executive Council. After
g resenting the petition, Mr. Brough introduced the conversation and referred
ir George to me. I told him that I was extensively acquainted with the
country, — that I had travelled lately through the Niagara, Gore, Home,
Newcastle, Prince Edward, and part of the Midland Districts, — had con-
versed with a great many persons, many of whom, even persons of high
respectability, and were strongly attached to the interests of His Majesty's
Government, and the pervading feeling was that the severe penalty of the
law should not be executed on those victims of deception and sin. I also
read an extract of your last letter to His Excellency [p. 185] — relating to the
inexpediency of inflicting severe punishment " in opposition to public senti-
ment and policy, for political offences," etc. After having listened to me
very attentively, His Excellency said, that after the fullest consultation with
his Executive, and the most serious and prayerful consideration of this pain-
ful matter, he had come to the conclusion that Lount and Mathews must be
executed.
I also mentioned to the Governor that you and Rev. J. Stinson had waited
on Sir Francis about four weeks previous to the insurrection, — that you
informed him of insurrectionary movements about Lloydtown and other
places, which you had learned from me, — that you had strongly urged Sir
Francis to raise volunteers, and put the city and other places in a state of
defence, — that you and I had waited on the Attorney-General next day, and
that we had urged these things on him in a similar manner ; — but that these
statements and advice had been disregarded, if not disbelieved.
In a subsequent letter he thus related the closing scene : —
At eight o'clock to-day, Thursday, 12th April, Lount and Mathews were
executed. The general feeling is in total opposition to the execution of those
men. Sheriff Jarvis burst into tears when he entered the room to prepare
them for execution. They said to him very calmly, " Mr. Jarvis, do your
duty; we are prepared to meet death and our Judge." They then, both of
them, put their arms around his neck and kissed him. They were then pre-
pared for execution. They walked to the gallows with entire composure and
firmness of step. Rev. J. Richardson walked alongside of Lount, and Dr.
184 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXII.
Beatty alongside of Mathews. They ascended the scaffold and knelt down
on the drop. The ropes were adjusted while they were on their knees. Mr.
Richardson engaged in prayer ; and when he came to that part of the Lord's
Prayer, " Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against
us," the drop fell !
In a letter written to Dr. Ryerson the next day, his brother
John mentioned a sad incident connected with Lount's trial:
Lount's daughter, a young woman, was present when her father was con-
demned. It had such an effect on her, that she went home and died
almost immediately afterwards. These are indeed melancholy times !
The evil effects upon the country of the arbitrary conduct of
Sir F. B. Head, are thus described in a letter to Dr. Ryerson
from his brother William, dated Toronto, 22nd April : —
The very painful excitement caused by the execution of Lount and
Matthews has in some degree subsided, but dissatisfaction with the state of
things is, I fear, increasing from day to day. Emigration to the States is
the fear of the hour. It is indeed going on to an extent truly alarming and
astonishing. A deputation has been sent from this city to Washington to
negotiate with the American Government for a tract of land on which to
form a settlement or colony. They have returned, and say that they met
with a most gracious reception, encouragement and success beyond their
most sanguine expectations. An emigration society has been formed, em-
bracing some of the leading citizens. Its object is to commence a colony in
the Iowa Terrritory, on the Mississippi River.* A very large class are
becoming uneasy, and many of the best inhabitants of the country, as to
industry and enterprise, are preparing to leave. My own spirit is almost
broken down. I feel, I assure you, like leaving Canada too, and 'I am not
alone in those feelings ; some of our friends whom you would not suspect,
often feel quite as much down in the throat as I do. If ever I felt the need
of faith, and wisdom, and patience, it is at the present. I have just returned
from visiting the prisoners. After all, we know but little of the calamities
and miseries with which our once happy land is now afflicted, and yet Sir
Francis, the most guilty author of this misery, escapes without punishment ;
yes, with honour and praise ! How mysterious are the ways ei Providence
— how dark, crooked, and perverse the ways of man.
* This disposition to remove from Upper Canada to Iowa was not confined to
Toronto and its vicinity. In the following chapter the case of a Mr. John Camp-
bell, M.P.P. for Frontenac county, is mentioned. He was on his way to Iowa
when he saw and read Dr. Ryerson's defence of Mr. Bidwell. The reading of that
defence changed his plans, and he remained in Canada. (See page 192.)
CHAPTER XXIII.
1795 1861.
SKETCH OF ME. WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE.
fTIHE story of Dr. Ryerson's life would scarcely be complete
J_ without giving some information in regard to the chief
opponents whom he encountered in the earlier part of his
career — men well known at the time, but whose names and
memories are now passing away.
With the exception of Bishop Strachan, no man came so
immediately in contact with Dr. Ryerson in the first years of
his public life as did Mr. W. L. Mackenzie.
Mr. Mackenzie was born in Scotland, in March, 1795. He
died in Toronto, on the 28th August, 1861, in the 67th year of
his age. He came to Canada in 1820, and until 1824 was
engaged in mercantile pursuits. In May of that year he
entered public life, and commenced the publication of the
Colonial Advocate at Queenston. From that time until near
the close of his life, he maintained his connection, more or less,
with the press ; but he was always on the stormy sea of politics,
even when not a journalist. The reasons which induced him to
enter public life are thus given in Mr. Charles Lindsey's " Life
and Times of Mackenzie," page 40. They are in Mr. Mackenzie's
own words, and were written some time after the rebellion of
1837-8 :—
I had long seen the country in the hands of a few shrewd, crafty, Covetous
men, under whose management one of the most lovely, desirable sections of
America remained a comparative desert. The most obvious public improve-
ments were stayed; dissension was created among classes; citizens were
banished and imprisoned [Gourley, Beardsley, etc.] in defiance of all law; the
people had been forbidden, under severe pains and penalties, from meeting
anywhere to petition for justice; large estates were wrested from their
owners in utter contempt of even the forms of the courts ; the Church of
England, the adherents of which were few, monopolized as much of the lands
of the Colony as all the religious houses and dignitaries of the Roman
Catholic Church had had the control of in Scotland at the era of the
Reformation. Other sects were treated with contempt, and scarcely tolerated;
a sordid band of land-jobbers grasped the soil as their patrimony, and with
a few leading officials, who divided the public revenue among themselves,
formed "the family compact," and were the avowed enemies of common
186 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIII.
schools, of civil and religious liberty, of all legislative or other checks to
their own will. Other men had opposed and been converted by them. At
nine-and-twenty I might have united with them, but chose rather to join
the oppressed ; nor have I ever regretted that choice, or wavered from the
object of my early pursuit. So far as I, or any other professed reformer, was
concerned in inviting citizens of [the United States] to interfere in Canadian
affairs, there was culpable error. So far as any of us, at any time, may have
supposed that the cause of freedom would be advanced by adding the
Canadas to [that] confederation, we were under the merest delusion. Mr.
Lindsey adds : — In some respects the condition of the Province was worse
than Mr. Mackenzie described it. He dealt only with its political condition.
With a Scotchman's idea of justice and freedom, he felt a
longing desire to right the wrongs which he saw everywhere
around him. This, therefore, constituted, as he believed, his
mission as a public man in Canada, and it furnishes for us the
key to his life and character.
Mr. Mackenzie was a political pessimist. He looked upon
every abuse which he attacked, with a somewhat severe, if not
a jaundiced, eye. Every evil which he discovered was, in his
estimation, truly an evil ; and all evils were about of equal
magnitude. Besides, in attacking an evil or an abuse, he did
not fail to attack the perpetrator or upholder of it also, and
that, too, with a strength of invective, or of cutting sarcasm,
which brought every foible, and weakness of his, and even those
of his father before him, vividly into view. This was the balef u
secret of his strength as an assailant ; but this, too, caused him
to be regarded by his victims with intense dislike, bordering on
hatred. This style of attack, on the part of Mr. Mackenzie, did
not necessarily arise from anything like vindictiveness, but
rather from a keen sense of dislike to what he conceived to be
wrong in the thing he was attacking.
In 1849 (12 years after the rebellion), Mr. Mackenzie, in a
letter to Earl Grey, used the following remarkable language : —
A course of careful observation during the last eleven years has fully
satisfied me that, had the violent movements in which I and many others
were engaged on both sides of the Niagara proved successful, that success
would have deeply injured the people of Canada, whom I then believed I
was serving at great risks. . . I have long been sensible of the errors
committed during that period. . . No punishment that power could
inflict or nature sustain, would have equalled the regrets I have felt on
account of much that I did, said, wrote, and published ; but the past cannot
be recalled. . . There is not a living man on the continent who more
sincerely desires that British Government in Canada may long continue, etc.
Page 291, 292.
No man was more unselfish than Mr. Mackenzie. He would
rather suffer extreme hardship than accept a doubtful favour.
Even in regard to kindly and reasonable offers of help, he was
morbidly sensitive (as mentioned on page 298 of his " Life and
Times ") ; and yet, looking at the conduct of many men in like
1795-1861] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 187
circumstances, he deserved commendation rather than censure
for his extreme conscientiousness.
Mr. Mackenzie did the State good service in many things.
His investigations into the affairs of the Welland Canal were
highly valuable to the country, greatly aided as he was by Mr.
(now, Sir) Francis Hincks as chief accountant. His inquiries
in regard to the Post Office and Prison management were also
useful. Besides, he advocated many important reforms which
were afterwards carried out. Mr. Mackenzie was the first
Mayor of Toronto.
Towards the close of his life he and Dr. Ryerson were not on
unfriendly terms ; and when in 1852, as a member of the Legis-
lature he instituted an inquiry into the management of the
Educational Depository, he expressed himself satisfied with
its usefulness.* At a later period when (Rev.) Mr. John C,
Geikie-f- — then a bookseller in Toronto — commenced his attack
upon the Depository in 1858, Mr. Mackenzie thus rebuked
him in his Weekly Message of April 9th, of that year : —
At one time we thought with the redoubtable Qeikie that Dr. Ryerson's
book concern was a monopoly, but a more thorough inquiry induced us to
change that opinion. We found that great benefits were obtained for the
townships, the country schools, and general education through Dr. Ryerson's
plan which could in no other way be conferred upon them, etc.
Dr. Ryerson, on his part, felt kindly towards Mr. Mackenzie.
He mentioned to the Editor of this book near the close of the
year 1860, that on the ensuing New Year's day he (Dr. Ryerson)
would call upon and shake hands with his old antagonist, and
wish him a " Happy New Year."
* Mr. Mackenzie frequently visited the Educational Depository to make in-
quiries, etc. The Editor of this book had frequent conversations with him on the
subject, and explained to him the details of management. He was pleased to
know that through the agency of the Depository thousands of volumes of good
books were being yearly sent out to the schools.
t Now the Rev. Dr. Cunningham Geikie, of England, and author of the "Life
and Words of Christ," and other valuable books. He declined the use of the title
of reverend in his controversy with Dr. Ryerson.
CHAPTER XXIV.
1838.
DEFENCE OF THE HON. MARSHALL SPRING BID WELL.
FROM various papers and letters left by Dr. Ryerson, I have
compiled the following statement in regard to his memor-
able defence of the Hon. M. S. Bidwell, in 1838. I have used
Dr. Ryerson's own words throughout, only varying them when
the sense, or the construction, or condensation of a sentence,
required it. He said : —
On Dr. Duncombe's return to Canada, I believe the conspiracy
was commenced by him, Mr Win. Lyon Mackenzie, and others,
with a view to accomplish their objects by rebellion; but in which
the great body of Reformers took no part except to supress it.
I had warned them that Mr. Mackenzie's proceedings would
result in rebellion. I afterwards received the thanks of great
numbers of Reformers for having by my warnings and counsels
saved them and their families from being involved in the conse-
quences of the rebellion. I was so odious to Mr. Mackenzie
and his fellow rebels, that they determined to hang me on
the first tree could they get hold of me. Of this, I had proof
from one of themselves ; yet I afterwards succeeded by my
representations and appeals, to get several of them out of prison.
My brother John, who was then in Toronto, presented to Gover-
nor Arthur and advocated a largely signed petition against the
execution of Lount and Matthews. He also read a letter from me
(then a stationed minister in Kingston) against their execution,
and on the impolicy of capital punishment for political offences.
After the suppression of the rebellion — in the putting down
of which the great body of the Reformers joined — the lead-
ers of the dominant party sought, nevertheless, to hold the
entire party of the Reformers responsible for that rebellion, and
to proscribe and put them down accordingly. The first step in
this process of proscription was the ostracism of Mr. M. S.
Bidwell, an able and prudent politician, ' and a gentleman who
took a high place in the legal profession. *
* According to the books of the Law Society, Mr. Bidwell commenced his legal
itudiea in Kingston, the 14th March, 1816, in the office of Mr. Daniel Washburn,
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 18U
During my stay in England, from December, 1835, to April,
1837, 1 had many conversations with Lord Glenelg, Sir George
Grey, and Sir James Stephen (Under Secretaries), on the Gov-
ernment of Canada, shewing them that the foundation of our
Government was too narrow, like an inverted pyramid, con-
ferring the appointments to all offices, civil, military, judicial,
to one party — excluding all others, however respectable and
competent, as if they were enemies, and even aliens. I
mentioned that not one member of the Reform party, (which
had commanded for years a majority in the House of Assembly)
had ever been appointed to the Bench, though there were several
of them able lawyers, such as Bid well, Rolph, etc. (Page 169.)
Lord Glenelg, in a despatch, directed Sir F. B. Head to appoint
Mr. Bid well to a judgeship on the first vacancy. Sir F. Head
refused to do so, for which he was recalled, and Sir George
Arthur was appointed in his place. In the meantime the House
of Assembly was dissolved by Sir Francis, and a general
election ordered. I had warned the public against Mr. Mac-
kenzie's doings in converting constitutional reform into repub-
lican revolution, in consequence of which he attacked me
furiously. Peter Perry, in the parliamentary session of 1836,
attacked me also, and defended Mr. Mackenzie in a long speech.
This speech reached me in England. I sat down and wrote a
letter in reply, which reached Canada, and was published
there on the eve of the elections, of which I then knew nothing.
The constitutional party in Lennox and Addington had my
letter printed by thousands, in the form of a large handbill,
headed : " Peter Perry Picked to Pieces by Egerton Ryerson. '
Although Mr. Bidwell took no part in the controversy, he was
on the same electoral ticket with Mr. Perry, and both were
defeated. *
and completed them in the office of Mr. Daniel Hagerman, of Ernestown. He was
admitted as a barrister-at-law in April, 1821.
Mr. Bidwell was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1824 ; re-elected and
chosen Speaker in 1828. On the death of George IV., in 1830, a new general
election took place, when the Reform party were reduced to a minority, and Mr.
Bidwell was not re-elected Speaker ; but he greatly distinguished himself in the
debates of the House. In 1834, a new general election took place ; a large
majority of Reformers were returned, and Mr. Bidwell was again elected Spf aker.
In May, 1836, Sir F. B. Head dissolved the House of Assembly, and Mr. Bidwell
and his colleague, the late Peter Perry, were defeated in the united counties of
Lennox and Addington, which Mr. Bidwell had represented in Parliament during
twelve years. From that time (May, 1836) Mr. Bidwell never attended a political
meeting, or took any part in politics.
* AJ stated by Dr. Ryerson, in the above note, Mr. Bidwell took no part
in politics after his political defeat in May, 1836. In a note to Mr. W. L. Mac-'
kenzie, dated August 3rd, 1837, Mr. Bidwell said : Having learned from the Con-
titution of yesterday that I was chosen as a delegate to a Provincial Convention,
I think it right without delay to inform you . . that I must be excused from
undertaking the duties of that appointment. . . I cannot but regret that my name
190 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIV.
The Radical party being defeated at the polls, its leaders :
Mr. Wm. L. Mackenzie, Dr. Charles Buncombe, and many
others, sought to accomplish by force of arms what they had
failed to accomplish by popular elections; the rebellion of
1836-7 was the result. As Mr. Bid well was known to be the
intimate friend of Dr. Rolph, and as Dr. Rolph was thought to
be implicated in the rebellion, it was assumed by Sir F. Head
that Mr. Bidwell was concerned in it also. But this was
perfectly untrue. Besides, Mr. Bidwell entertained the strongest
views that not a drop of blood should be shed to obtain the
civil freedom of a country — that only moral suasion and public
opinion should be employed for such purposes.
Sir F. Head thought that now was the opportunity to
revenge himself alike upon Lord Glenelg and the Whig Gov-
ernment, which had ordered him to appoint Mr. Bidwell to a
judgeship, and also upon Mr. Bidwell as a former leader of the
Reform party who had opposed him. Mr. Bidwell's letters
having reached the Governor, he sent for that gentleman.
What transpired is thus related by Mr. Bidwell, in a letter
written to me some time afterwards : —
Sir Francis assured me that the letters had been sent to him without his
orders, and that he never would allow my letters to be opened. I asked him
to open them, as I did not wish to have any suspicions about them indulged
afterwards ; but he refused to do it, and said he had too much respect for me
to allow it. Indeed, on the Wednesday previously, I expressly informed the
Attorney-General of my own anxiety, (and that I was willing) to undergo the
most full and unreserved examination, and to let all my papers be examined.
The terms of my note of the 8th December — the evening of the day of
the interview — were dictated, or at least, suggested to me by Sir Francis,
and referred particularly to his expressions of personal regard. The object
of drawing such a note from me is now apparent — but I was not then aware
that he had received orders from Lord Glenelg to make me a Judge.
Before leaving Toronto (as he intimates), and after his arrival
at Lewiston, Mr. Bidwell wrote to Sir F. Head (December 1 1 th,
1837), protesting his innocence and against the injustice of the
means used to compel him to leave his country.
The conclusion of Mr. Bidwell's note from Toronto is as
follows :
J am confident . . that the investigations, which will now of course
be made, will fully remove those suspicions from the mind of your Excel-
should have been used without my consent, or previous knowledge, by which I am
driven to the disagreeable necessity of thus publicly de dining [the] appointment,
etc. In the Guardian of 27th September, where this letter appears, it is stated
that Mr. Mackenzie did not publish it in the Constitution until the 20th Septem-
ber— six weeks after he had received it.
' In a letter from Mr. Bidwell, dated, the 80th April, 1837, to Dr. O'Callaghan,
of Montreal, he said: Retired from public life, probably for ever; I still look
with the deepest sympathy on the efforts of those who are actively contending for
the great principles of liberty, and good government, etc. — "Political History of
Canada, 1840—1855, by Sir Francis Hincks, 1877, page 7."
1833] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 191
lency, and will prove that I had also no knowledge or expectation that any
such attempt [i. e. insurrectionary movement] was in contemplation.
To accomplish his revengeful purpose, however, Sir F. Head
wrote or inspired an editorial to the Toronto Patriot news-
paper (then the organ of his Government) stating that as Mr.
Bidwell had left the country, under circumstances that proved
his consciousness of guilt, it was therefore the duty of the
Benchers of the Law Society to erase his name from their
rolls.
I was then stationed at Kingston. When I saw the editorial
in the Patriot, I at once recognized Sir F. Head's hand in it, and
was horror-struck at the idea of a man being exiled from his
country, and then deprived of his professional character and
privileges without a trial ! I passed a sleepless night.
The late Mr. Henry Cassidy was then mayor of Kingston ;
a staunch Churchman and Conservative. His wife was a
relative of mine, so a sort of family intimacy existed between
us. Mr. Cassidy had been a student in Mr. Bidwell's law-office
and was now his law agent. Mr. Bidwell enclosed to Mr. Cassidy
the correspondence which had taken place between himself and
Sir F. Head and Attorney-General Hagerman, and Mr. Cassicly
had shown it to me. The morning after I saw the article in
the Patriot, proposing the erasure of Mr. Bidwell's name from
the books of the Law Society, I went to Mr. Cassidy, saying
that I had not closed my eyes all night, in consequence of Sir
F. Head's article in the Patriot ; that I was the only person <
besides himself who knew the facts of the case, and though I
had been assailed by the newspapers of the party with which
Mr. Bidwell had been connected, I felt it in my heart to prevent
a gross act of injustice and cruelty being inflicted upon a man,
in his absence and helplessness, who had introduced and carried
through our Legislature the laws by which the different reli-
gious denominations held their Church property, and their
ministers solemnized matrimony. I asked Mr. Cassidy if he
would allow me the use of the letters which Mr. Bidwell had
enclosed to him, justifying his own innocence, and showing the
injustice done him by the misstatements of Sir F. Head. After
some hours of deliberation, Mr. Cassidy consented. I sat down,
and over the signature of " A United Empire Loyalist," I
detailed the case, introducing as proofs of Mr. Bidwell's inno-
cence the injustice proposed to be inflicted upon him, referring
to Mr. Attorney-General Hagerman's own letter, and appealing
to the Law Society, and the country at large, against such
injustice and against such violation of the rights of a British
subject. I got a friend to copy my communication, so as not
192 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIV.
to excite suspicion.* It was the first article that had appeared
in the public press after the rebellion, breathing the spirit of
freedom, and advocating British constitutional rights against
illegal oppression.f
The effect of this article upon the public mind was very
remarkable. As an example, Mr. John Campbell, member of the
Legislative Assembly for the County of Frontenac, despairing
of the liberties of the country under the " tory " oppression of
the day, determined to sell his property for whatever it might
bring, and remove to the States. He was on a steamboat on Lake
Ontario, on his way to the Territory of Iowa to buy land and
settle there, when the newspaper containing my communication
fell into his hands ; he read it, rose up and said that as long as
there was'a man in Canada who could write in that way there
was hope for the country. He returned home, resumed his
business, and lived and died in Canada.
The Attorney- General was annoyed at the publication of his
letter to Mr. Bid well, and attempted a justification of his conduct,
At the conclusion of a letter to me, he said that I had con-
cealed my name for fear of the legal consequences of my
seditious paper. I at once sat down and wrote the most argu-
* Sir Alexander Campbell, now Minister of Justice, in a note to the Editor,
thus explains this circumstance : — In the winter of 1837-38, I was a student-at-
law, and a resident of Kingston. Dr. Ryerson was then the Methodist minister
in charge of the only congregation of that body in town. The rebellion of 1837-8,
had led to excited, and very bitter feelings — arrests had been frequent ; and it
was not prudent for any one to try to palliate the deeds of the rebels, or to seek
'to lessen the odium which covered their real, or even supposed allies and friends.
Dr. Ryerson, however, desired to bring out the facts connected with Mr. Bidwell's
banishment, and to change the current of public feeling on the subject — but it
was not wise to send letters to the press in his own handwriting, or in any other
way suffer it to become known that he was the author of the letters in defence of
Mr. Bidwell. Under these circumstances he asked me to copy them, and take
them to the Herald office — then the most liberal paper in Upper Canada. I was
proud of the confidence placed in me, and copied the several letters, and went
with them to the publisher. The letters were signed in words which I have not
since seen, but which remain impressed upon my memory, and which were as
follows : —
" I am Sir, by parental instruction and example, by personal feeling and exer-
tion,
A UNITED EMPIRE LOYALIST "
The letters constituted an eloquent defence of Mr. Bidwell, who certainly took
no part in the counsels of those who were afterwards engaged in the rebellion,
when it became evident that they intended to push matters to extremes.
The incident made a great impression on me at the time, and was the beginning
of a friendship with which Dr. Ryerson honoured me, and which ended only with
his life.
A. CAMPBELL.
Ottawa, 29th December, 1882.
t The defence was afterwards reprinted in a pamphlet on the 10th of May, 1838,
with the following title: "The Cause and Circumstances of Mr. Bidwell's Banish-
ment by Sir F. B. Head, correctly stated and proved by A United Empire
Loyalist." Kingston, 1838, pp. 16.
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 193
mentative paper that I ever penned (and for the recovery
of which I afterwards offered five pounds, but without
success), reducing the questions to a series of mathematical
propositions, and demonstrating in each case from the Attorney-
General's own data, that my conclusions were true, and his
absurd. I concluded by defying his legal threat of prosecution,
and signed my name to the letter.
The effect of my reply to Mr. Attorney-General Hagerman
was marvellous in weakening the influence of the first law
adviser of the Crown, and in reviving the confidence of the
friends of liberal constitutional government.*
Subsequently, (in June, 1838), I received a letter from Mr.
Hagerman, in which he stated that in my observations on Mr.
Bidwell's case I had made assertions that impeached his char-
acter, and desired me to inform him on what evidence I had
based my statements. He said : —
The first assertion is that I was the author of certain remarks published
under the editorial head of the Patriot newspaper of this city, injurious to
the reputation of Mr. Bidwell. . . The second statement is that I
desired to procure his expulsion from the Province, because he had been
preferred to me for the office of judge.
My reply to Mr. Hagerman was brief and to the point :
I beg to say, in reply to your letter, that I am not conscious of having
made either of the assertions which, you have been pleased to attribute to me.
I think it only just to the late Mr. Hagerman to add, that the
sharp discussions between him and me did not chill the friend-
liness, and even pleasantness, of our personal intercourse after-
wards; and I believe few men would have more heartily
welcomed Mr. Bidwell's return to Canada than Mr. Justice
* Some time after Sir George Arthur's arrival as Governor, he sent for me, and
stated that his object in doing so was to request me, for the sake of the Govern-
ment and the country, to withdraw the letter I had written in answer to Attor-
ney-General Hagerman; that it greatly weakened the Government; that my power
of argumentation was prodigious, but he believed I was mistaken ; that Mr. Bid-
well had called to pay his respects to t'fa at Albany, on his way to Canada ; and
that he (Sir George) believed Mr, Bidwell was guilty, as far as a man of his caution
and knowledge could be concerned in the rebellion; and though my argument on his
behalf seemed to be irresistible, he believed I was wrong, and that the withdrawal
of my letter would be a great help to the Government. I replied that my weekly
editorials in the Christian Guardian (of which 1 had consented to be re-elected
Editor) showed that I was anxious to suppress the factious and party hatreds of the
day, aiid to place the Government upon a broad foundation of loyalty and justice;
that what I had written in the case of Mr. Bidwell had been written by me as an
individual and not as the editor of the organ of a religious body, and had been
written from the firm conviction of Mr. Bidwell's innocence, and that his case
involved the fundamental and essential rights of every British subject; and that,
however anxious I was to meet His Excellency's wishes, I could not withdraw my
letter. I then bowed myself out from the presence of Sir George, who, from
that hour became my enemy, and afterwards warned Lord Sydenham against me
as " a dangerous man," as Lord Sydenham laughingly told me the last evening I
spent with him in Montreal, at his request, and before his lamented death.
13
194 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIV.
Hagerman himself. Mr. Hagerman was a man of generous
impulses. He was a variable speaker, but at times his every
gesture was eloquent, his intonations of voice were truly
musical, and almost every sentence was a gem of beauty.
The discussion ended there ; but no proposal was ever made
to, much less entertained by, the Law Society to erase Mr.
Bidwell's name from its rolls.
Mr. Bidwell's case did not, however, end here. In 1842, on
the recommendation of Hon. Robert Baldwin, any promise given
by Mr. Bidwell not to return to Canada — of which no record
was found in any of the Government offices — was revoked, in
1843, by the Governor-General (Lord Metcalfe). Mr. Bidwell
was also strongly urged to come back, and a promise was given
to him by the authority of the Governor-General that all of his
former rights and privileges would be restored to him, with a
view to his elevation to the Bench. He, however, declined to
return. Again, some years afterwards, when Sir W. B. Richards
was Attorney-General, he was authorized to offer Mr. Bidwell
the position of Commissioner to revise our Statute Law. He
declined that offer also.
In conversation, in 1872, with Sir John Macdonald in relation
to Mr. Bidwell's early life, Sir John informed me that some years
before, he himself had, while in New York, solicited Mr. Bidwell
to return to Canada, but without success. Sir John said that
he had done so, not merely on his own account (as he had
always loved Mr. Bidwell, and did not believe that he had any
connection whatever with the rebellion), but because he believed
that he represented the wishes of his political friends, as well
as those of the people of Canada generally.
Mr. Bidwell was an earnest Christian. He was also a charm-
ing companion. A few weeks before his lamented decease, he
visited his relatives and friends in Canada, spent a Sabbath in
Toronto, occupying a seat in my pew in the Metropolitan
Church. While here he presented me with a beautiful likeness
of himself on ivory. I have placed it in the Canadian room of
our Departmental Museum. I little thought it was my last
meeting with him, as I had long anticipated and often intended
to visit him in New York, where he promised to narrate to me
many incidents of men and things in the Canada of former
years, which had not come to my knowledge, or which I had
forgotten. A suitable monument would be an appropriate
tribute to his memory by our Legislature and country.
The following are extracts of letters written to Dr. Ryerson,
by Mr. Bidwell, at the dates mentioned :
May 2 lit, 1828 — Kingtton. — I admire and fully approved of your plan (as
1838] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 195
I advised Mr. H. C. Thompson) of striking off a large number of copies, in
pamphlet form, of your Keview of Archdeacon Strachan's Sermon. (See page
68.) I have no doubt it will be really a great service to the country to do so.
Indeed, I sincerely think that you could not in any other way be instru-
mental in promoting so much, the cause of Christ, as in. the labours which
you have undertaken. The concerns of this Colony, as you see in the news-
papers, are attracting the attention of the British Parliament; and the
decided expression of public opinion here at present will outweigh all that
Dr. Strachan and his junto can say and do. My father and I will shortly
give the subject ol Church Establishment in this Province, contended for by
Dr. Strachan, a full and careful examination, and communicate to you the
result.
January 19th, 1829 — York. — I rejoice once more to receive a letter
from you. . . I sincerely thank you for your congratulations on my
elevation to the Speakership. I am sensible how much I need the prayers
and counsels of my friends in discharging the duties of my station. I wish
Christians would reflect what important consequences may follow from every
step taken by those in public life, and especially in the Legislature. . .
I send you a copy of Wilbur's Eeference Bible, which I beg you will accept
as a testimony of my respect and friendship.
March 10th, 1829 — York. — The Marriage Bill has been passed, with
amendments made by the Legislative Council. The House is about equally
divided on trying questions, so that we often forbear attempting measures
which we would wish to pass. This unpleasant state of things produces
anxiety, uncertainty, and (worst of all) violent party spirit. I can with
great truth declare that I have received but little satisfaction in my public
life.
To you and your brother the Province owes a large debt of gratitude.
For one, I feel it sensibly, and wish most sincerely that we could have the
benefit of your counsel in our House. Two or three such men would be a
comfort, a relief, a support, and an assistance, beyond what you have any
idea of.
April 6th, 1831 — Kingston. — I am very glad to see your commendations
of the Attorney-General.* I think they are just. They are certainly politic
and seasonable. Indeed, I had thought of hinting to you the propriety of
some such notice of his liberality, etc. I was afraid otherwise the coldness
of the courtiers towards him might make him repent of such liberality. But
I think that your remarks have come at the right time, and are exactly of
the right sort.*
June 14th, 1833 — York. — We have heard with pleasure of your safe arrival
in England : and pleasing indeed this has been to your many friends in the
Province, whose prayers, good wishes, and friendly recollections, have
accompanied you across the Atlantic. . . Mr. John Willson, M.P.P., of
Saltfleet, has, within a day or two, obtained from the Receiver-General, on the
warrant of the Lieutenant-Governor, .£600 of the public money, to aid in
building chapels, I suppose, for the Ryanites. (See page 87). The fact
was mentioned to me privately this morning, but I deem it so important as
to justify and require me to inform you confidentially of it, leaving it to
your judgment to use the intelligence in the most discreet manner that may
be consistent with the duty you owe to liberty and religion.
It excites surprise, pain, mortification, indignation, and contempt, to see
the Executive Government here making unjust and invidious distinctions
between His Majesty's subjects in the appropriations of the Clergy Reserves,
thereby endeavouring to secure an unconstitutional and corrupt influence,
especially after Lord Goderich's declaration in his despatch (which he
* These remarks will be found on page 83 of the Guardian of 2nd April.
196 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIV.
directed to be published), that if any preference was shown to one denomin-
ation of Christians more than another, it was contrary to the policy of HU
Majesty's Government, and against repeated instructions sent to the Govern-
ment here.
As a Presbyterian I lament the grant to the Presbytery, and will do all I
can to get it repealed, for I am convinced it will do injury to liberty and
religion, and to the very persons who may wish, or wicked enough, to receive
it. I suppose the Province is indebted to Sir John Colborne for these
grants. If it is the Government at home, it ought to be known : if it is not,
they ought not only to remove Sir John, but also reform this abuse. Have
the Government ever given your Society sixpence, or even a foot of land for
your chapels? — although it is the oldest and most numerous body of the
kind in the Province ; is not wealthy, and has rendered the most valuable
services, and at a time when no other Church evinced the least interest for
the religious instruction or the welfare of the people.
April 12th, lS38—New York.— Your letter of the 23rd ult and its
enclosure [the defence], I need not say, have affected me deeply, too much,
indeed, for me to describe my feelings. I thank you from the bottom of my
heart for this instance of your kindness ; not less valued, certainly, because
it was unexpected, not to say undeserved. If my misfortunes shall be the
means of recovering a friendship which I formerly enjoyed and always
prized, I shall feel not a little reconciled.*
I took the precaution some time ago, to send to England a plain, distinct
statement of all that had occurred between Sir Francis Head and myself.
This was transmitted to a friend to show to Lord Glenelg. My only object
was the vindication of my character. I have never had the least expecta-
tion of obtaining justice or redress from the Colonial office. There seems in
that department utter incapacity. The very persons they select for the
Government of Upper Canada are enough to prove this And yet I believe
that Lord Glenelg is an able, as well as amiable, devout, good man.
May 15lh, 1838 — New York. — I have received a letter from the gentleman
in England, to whom I had written. He had seen Lord Durham, and shown
him my letter. He expressed no opinion ; but the gentleman thinks that
the matter stands favourably before him. He has not yet seen Lord
Glenelg.
August 10th, 1839 — New York. — Mr. Christopher Dunkinf is very anxious
* This loss of friendship with Dr. Ryerson may be explained by the following
reference to Mr. Bidwell, in a letter from Dr. Ryerson, to his brother John, dated,
Kingston, 29th May, 1838 : — From an intimate religious friend of Mr. Bidwell, I
learn that during the last few years he had acted more after a worldly policy,
common to politicians, and had, therefore, partly laid himself open to the censure
which he has received. I am also sensible of his prejudices against me of late
years, and of the great injury which I have thereby sustained. I had some diffi-
culty to overcome my own feelings in the first instance. But as far as individual
feelings and interests are concerned, " it is the glory of man to pass over a trans-
gression," generous as well as just, as we have received help from Bidwell himself
when wo could not help ourselves, and were trampled upon by a desperate party.
If others had seen the letters from Bidwell to Mr. Cassidy, which I have been
permitted to read, I am sure the noble generosity of their hearts would be excited
in all its sympathies. I do not think, however, that he will ever return to this
Province to reside. That appears to be altogether out of the question with him ;
but that does not alter the nature of tho case.
1 have replied to Mr. Hagerman with calmness, but with deep feeling. My
reply will occupy about eight columns in to-morrow's Heralci.
t Mr. Dunkin afterwards became a nyted politician, and member of the Parlia-
ment of United Canada, from 1857, until Confederation. He was the promoter
of the "Dunkin Act." He was one of the contributors to the Monthly Review,
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 197
to have the honour of an introduction to you. I am very happy to
be the means of gratifying him. Mr. Dunkin was editor of the Montreal
Courier, in the latter part of 1837, and beginning of 1838. He was after-
wards appointed by Lord Durham on the Commission relating to education,
and has latterly resided in the United States.
About the time of Mr. Bid well's defence, Dr. Ryerson also
wrote an explanatory letter to the Colonial Office in regard to
his excellent friend, Hon. John H. Dunn, the Receiver-General,
whose generous conduct towards the Upper Canada Academy
is mentioned on page 166*. In a letter of acknowledgment
from Mr. Dunn to Dr. Ryerson, he said : —
I am very glad to learn from your letter that you have written to Lord
Glenelg. It is but just to put His Lordship in possession of facts which
may counteract the influence of misrepresentation, and enable His Lordship
to exercise his own humane disposition in putting matters right, which have
been so wrong and arbitrary towards the individual Mr. Bidwell, whom you
have taken the interest in, and trouble, to restore to his position and his
country.
I feel exceedingly obliged for the kind feeling which you entertain
towards me. Believe me, that you have only done me justice by mention-
ing my name to Lord Glenelg. I have laboured hard since I have been in
the Province to discharge my duty to my God and my Government. I have
entertained different opinions at times of the u Powers here," but they have
been the dictates of an honest heart. I cannot guide my opinions to the
service of any party. Whatever they may be, I shall lament if they should
result in any other than for the best interests and welfare of the Province
of Upper Canada.
You were so good as to read me your letter to Lord Glenelg, on the sub-
ject of the late execution of Lount and Matthews. Your version too, of the
real meaning of the representation which caused Sir Francis Head to compel
us to retire Irom the Executive Council, is so correct, that I cannot suggest
any amendment ; besides, I am bound by my oath not to divulge any trans-
action arising at the Council Board. I shall be very happy to see the letter
published. (See page 170.)
You have seen my name kindly mentioned in the public prints. What
has been said has been the spontaneous expressions of other persons, quite
unknown to me. I am grateful to those persons who have vindicated me
against a party, eager to destroy me, and my family. I leave them to a
Judge who knows the secrets of all hearts, and before whom we all shall
soon appear. I have had my share of afflictions and troubles in this world,
established by Lord Sydenham in 1841. He was subsequently appointed to the
Bench, and died a few years since.
* The Hon. John Henry Dunn was a native of England. He came to Canada
in 1820, having been appointed Receiver-General of Upper Canada, and a mem-
ber of the Executive and Legislative Council.. He held the office of Receiver-
General until the union of the Provinces in 1841, when the political exigencies
of the times compelled him to resign it. He and Hon. Isaac Buchanan contested
the city of Toronto, in the Reform interest, in 1841, and were returned. Mr.
Dunn received no compensation for the loss of his office, and soon afterwards
returned to England, where he died in 1854. He was a most estimable public
officer. His son, Col. Dunn, greatly distinguished himself during the Crimean
war, and, on his visiting Canada soon afterwards, was received with great enthu-
siasm, and a handsome sword was presented to him. — H.
".93 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIV.
and to which I feel little or no attachment whatever. When the heart is
sick, the whole body is faint.
Dr. Ryerson (in the Guardian of 22nd January, 1840) thus
referred to Mr. Dunn as one of the speakers in the Legislative
Council on the popular side of the clergy reserve question : —
I was glad to hear Mr. Dunn speak so well and so forcibly, — universally
and affectionately esteemed as he is beyond any other public functionary in
Upper Canada.
Some months after the exile of Mr. Bidwell, Mr. James S.
Howard was dismissed by Sir F. B. Head from the office of Post-
master of Toronto. The alleged ground of dismissal was that
he was a Radical, and had not taken up arms in defence of the
country. Dr. Ryerson, with his usual generous sympathy for
persons who in those days were made the victims of Governor
Head's caprice, at once espoused Mr. Howard's cause. In his
first letter in the Defence of Sir Charles Metcalfe, he said : —
After the insurrection of 1837-8, unfavourable impressions were made far
and wide against the late Postmaster of Toronto, and Mr. Bidwell. But
subsequent investigations corrected these impressions. The former has been
appointed to office, and Sir F. B. Head's proceedings against the latter have
been cancelled by Sir Charles Metcalfe. (Page 16.)
Again, in the " Prefatory Address " to the Metcalfe Defence,
he said : —
While God gives me a heart to feel, a head to think, and a pen to write, I
will not passively see honourable integrity murdered by grasping faction.
. . I would not do so in 1838, when an attempt was made to degrade
and proscribe, and drive out of the country all naturalized subjects
from the United States, and to stigmatize all Reformers with the brand of
rebellion. . . I relieved the name of an injured James S. Howard from
the obloquy that hung over it, and rescued the character and rights of
an exiled Bidwell from ruthless invasion, and the still further effort to
cover him with perpetual infamy by expelling him from the Law Society.
(Page 7.)
CHAPTER XXV.
1838.
RETURN TO THE EDITORSHIP OF THE " GUARDIAN."
THE Rebellion of 1837-38 was suppressed by the inherent
and spontaneous loyalty of all classes of the Canadian
people. Yet, after it was over, the seeds of strife engendered by
the effort to prove that one section of the community was more
loyal than the other, and that that other section was chiefly
responsible for the outbreak, bore bitter fruit in the way of
controversy. Dr. Ryerson took little part in such recriminatory
warfare. It was too superficial. He felt that it did not touch
the underlying points at issue between the dominant, or ruling,
party and those who were engaged in a contest for equal civil
and religious rights. He, and the other leaders who influenced
and moulded public opinion, clearly saw that this recriminatory
war was carried on by the dominant party as a mask to cover
their ulterior designs — designs which were afterwards developed
in the more serious struggle for religious supremacy which that
party waged for years afterwards, and which at length issued in
the complete triumph of the principles of civil and religious
freedom for which Dr. Ryerson and the representatives of other
religious bodies so long and so earnestly contended.
Besides, Dr. Ryerson was anxious to fulfil the engagement
made with the Kingston Society that he would resume his
pastoral charge there, after his return from England in June,
1837. He was, however, repeatedly pressed by his friends to
write for the Guardian, or other newspaper, on the vital
questions of the day. In reply to his brother John, who had
urged him in the matter, he wrote (March, 1838) saying tiat
he was so happily engaged in his pastoral duties at Kingston
that he could not then devote the necessary time to the discus-
sion of public questions. His brother, in remonstrating with
him on the subject, said : —
Your letter affords me great satisfaction, accompanied with sorrow. I am
afflicted to think of the state the Province is in. Never did high-churchism
take such rapid strides towards undisputed domination in this country as it
is now taking. Never were the prospects of the friends of civil and religious
liberty so gloomy and desperate as they are now. You say that you have
not time to write on these subjects. I will say, if you had, it would not
now, I fear, accomplish much. Indeed, it would require the undeviating
200 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXV.
course and the whole weight of the Guardian to accomplish anything at this
time, so completely is all moral power in the country enervated and liberty
prostrated.
It is a great blessing that Mackenzie and radicalism are down, but we are
in imminent danger of being brought under the domination of a military
and high-church oligarchy, which would be equally bad, if not infinitely
worse. Under the blessing of Providence there is one remedy, and only one ;
and that is, for you to take the editorship of the Guardian again. Several
preachers have spoken to me on this subject lately. One of them said to me
(and he could think of nothing else) that that alone would save us and the
country from utter ruin, and urged the necessity of the Conference electing
you, whether you would consent to serve or not. The truth is, it is abso-
lutely neccessary for the sake of the Church and the country that you reside in
Toronto, and have direction of affairs here. I wish all of our proceedings to be
calm and moderate, but that we be firm, and that the great principles of
religious freedom and equality should be uncompromisingly maintained.
In %a subsequent letter to Dr. Ryerson his brother John said :
In fact there is no way of escape out of our troubles but for you to take
the Guardian. The feeling of dissatisfaction at the present state of things
is becoming exceedingly strong among the preachers and people. I participate
in their feelings.
Dr. Ryerson yielded to these appeals, and did write for the
Guardian. In a letter, dated Kingston, April 4th, he said : —
I have recently written at considerable length to Lord Glenelg respecting
the Academy and other local matters. ^iVhat you say in regard to myself,
and my appointment next year, I feel to be a delicate and difficult matter
for me to speak on. In regard to myself I have many conflicting thoughts.
My feelings, and private interests, are in favour of my remaining where I
am, if I remain in the Province. I have been very much cast down, and my
mind has been much agitated on the subject. For the present I am some-
what relieved by the conclusion to which I have come, in accordance with
Dr. Clarke's " Advice to a Young Preacher," not to choose my own appoint-
ment, but after making known any circumstances, which I may fe«l it
necessary to explain, to leave myself in the hands of God and my brethren,
as I have done during the former years of my ministry. If the Lord, there-
fore, will give me grace, I am resolved to stand on the old Methodistic ground
in the matter of appointment to the Guardian.
I thank you for Chief Justice Robinson's address at the trial of the pris-
oners. It is good. My own views are in favour of lenity to these prisoners
Punishmeii's for political offences can never be beneficial, when they are
inflicted in opposition to public sentiment and sympathy. In such a case it
will defeat the object it is intended to accomplish. It matters not whether
that sentiment and sympathy are right or wrong in the abstract; the effect of
doing violence to it will be the same. But I would not pander to that
feeling, how carefully soever one may be disposed to observe its operations.
The fact, however, is, that Sir Francis Head deserves impeachment, just as
much as Samuel Lount deserves execution. Morally speaking, I cannot but
regard Sir Francis as the more guilty culprit of the two.
1 admire, as a whole, Sir George Arthur's reply to the address of the
"Constitutional Reformers." There is good in it They will see, the folly
of continuing the former party designations, and pretended grounds of com-
plaint. I think, however, that their address will do good, from the large
number of names attached to it. I was surprised, and it has created quite
a sensation here, that there are so many as 772 in Toronto, who still have
the moral courage to designate themselves " Constitutional Reformers." It
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 201
will teach the other party that they are not so strong, and so absolute in the
voice of the country, as they thought themselves to be.
I am satisfied that there never was such a time as from the termination of
the trial of the prisoners to the next session of Parliament, for us to stamp
upon the public mind at large, our own constitutional, and Scriptural,
political, and religious doctrines ; and to give the tone to the future Govern-
ment and Legislation of the Province, and to enlarge vastly a sphere of
usefulness. I shall write some papers for the Guardian with this view.
In a letter from Brockville, Rev. William Scott said : —
My humble opinion is, that in order to our safety as a Church — our
preservation from high church influence — you must be at Toronto. I assure
you that is the opinion of our influential men in this quarter, who under-
stand the state of the province, and the position of Methodism. Permit me
to add that the one hour's conversation which I had with you amply repaid
me for all the furious battles which I have fought on this circuit in your
defence.
Rev. Joseph Stinson, in a letter to Rev. John Ryerson, said :
I am quite of your opinion that your brother Egerton ought to take the
Guardian next year. There is a crisis approaching in our affairs which will
require a vigorous hand to wield the defensive weapon of our Conference.
There can be no two opinions as to whom we should give that weapon. We
now stand on fair ground to maintain our own against the encroachments of
the oligarchy, and we must do it, or sink into a comparatively uninfluential
body — this must not be.
As urged by these letters ' from his brethren, Dr. Ryerson,
early in May, 1838, prepared several articles for the Guardian.
His brother John, who was a member of the Book Committee,
thus speaks of the series of articles sent to that paper : —
I cannot express to you how much I am gratified and pleased with your
article on " Christian Loyalty." It will, no doubt, do immense good. We
have had a regular campaign in our Book Committee, to reading and dis-
cussing your articles. The one on " Christian Loyalty " occupied nearly the
whole time. Your article on " The Church " is one of the most admirable
papers I ever read. Not a word of that is to be altered. Your communica-
tion on " Indian Affairs," I cannot speak so highly of. I hope you will
pardon me for leaving out some of the severe remarks on Sir Francis. I am
afraid they will do harm with the present Government.
At the Conference of 1838, Dr. Ryerson was re-elected Editor
of the Christian Guaidian. In his first editorial, dated llth
July, 1838, he said :—
Notwithstanding the almost incredible calumny which has in
past years been heaped upon me by antipodes-party-presses, I
still adhere to the principles and views upon which I set out in
1826. I believe the endowment of the priesthood of any
Church in the Province to be an evil to that Church. . .
I believe that the appropriation of the proceeds of the clergy
reserves to general educational purposes, will be the most
satisfactory and advantageous disposal of them that can be
made. In nothing is this Province so defective as in the
requisite available provisions for, and an efficient system of,
202 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXV.
general education. Let the distinctive character of that system
be the union of public and private effort. . . To Government
influence will be spontaneously added the various and combined
religious influence of the country in the noble, statesmanlike,
and divine work of raising up an elevated, intelligent, and
moral population.*
In combatting the idea that his editorial opinions in the
Guardian were necessarily " the opinions of the Methodists " as
A body, and that they were responsible for them, Dr. Ryerson,
in the Guardian of August 35th, thus defines the rights of
an editor: — To be the mere scribe of the opinions of others,
and not to write what we think ourselves, is a greater
degradation of intellectual and moral character than slavery
itself. . . In doctrines and opinions we write what we
believe to be the truth, leaving to others the exercise of a
judgment equally unbiassed and free.
In the exuberance of loyal zeal, and yet in* a kindly spirit
which was characteristic of him, Rev. W, M. Harvard, President
of the Canada Conference, issued a pastoral on the 17th April,
1838, to the ministers of the Church, enjoining them not to
recognize as members of the Society those whose loyalty could
be impeached. The directions which he gave were : —
Should there be a single individual for whose Christian loyalty the
preacher cannot conscientiously answer for to his brethren, in the first place
such individual should not be included in the return of membership ; and in
the second place such individual should be dealt with kindly and compassion-
ately, but firmly, according to the provisions of the Discipline. .
No man who is*not disposed to be a good subject can be admissible to the
Sacraments of the Church. . .
Should any person apply hereafter for admission into our Church, who
may be ill-affected to the Crown , . tell him kindly, but firmly, . .
that he has applied at the wrong door.
As soon as this extraordinary pastoral had appeared. Dr.
Ryerson addressed a letter of some length to the Guardian,
objecting in very temperate, but yet in very strong language to
the doctrine laid down in it by the President of the Conference.
Before publication, however, he sent it to Mr. Harvard for his
information and perusal. He showed from the writings of John
Wesley, Richard Watson, and others, and from examples which
he cited (John Nelson, " the apostolic fellow-labourer of John
Wesley," etc.) that such a doctrine savoured of despotism, and
was harsh and inquisitorial in its effects. He concluded thus : —
None of the various political opinions which men hold, and their respectful
and constitutional expression of them, is any just cause of excluding from the
* Even at this early date, Dr. Pkyerson indicated the comprehensive character
of tin- system of education which he was afterwards destined to found in Upper
Cauada.
1338] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 203
Lord's Table any human being, provided hia religious character is unexcep,-
tional. The only condition of membership in our Church is " a desire to
flee from the wrath to come,"* and none of the opinions mentioned is incon-
sistent with the fruits by which that desire is evidenced. The r Jscipline of
the Church, or the Scripture itself, does not authorize me to become the judge
of another man's political opinions — the Church is not a political association
— any man has as good a right, religiously and politically, to his opinions of
public matters as I have to mine — and laymen frequently know much more,
and are better judges, than ministers in civil and secular affairs.
It can be well understood what would be the effect of the
Pastoral, and not less so of Dr. Ryerson's clear and dispassionate
disclaimer of the doctrines which- it officially laid down.
It required courage and firmness, in the loyal outburst and
reaction of those days, to question the propriety or expediency
of any reasonable means by which the unimpeachable loyal ty of
members of the Church could be ascertained. What added to the
embarrassment of Dr. Ryerson in discussing such a question
was the fact that the Methodists were being constantly taunted
with being disloyal. Knowing this, and sensitive as to the
disgrace of such a stigma being cast upon the Church, the
President felt constrained to take some decisive, and yet, as he
thought, kindly and satisfactory means of ridding the Church
of members who were the cause, in his estimation, of such a
disgrace and reproach to that Church.
Among many other strong letters of commendations of his
reply to Mr, Harvard, which Dr. Ryerson received, were two, —
one from a representative minister of the Canadian section of
the Church, and the other from an equally excellent representa-
tive of the British missionaries. Thus :
Rev. Anson Green, writing from Picton, said : —
1 was sorry, though not surprised, to hear that you were very much
perplexed. I could easily understand your feelings, and quite sympathize
with you. Your recent efforts for the peace and prosperity of the Church
have very much endeared you to my heart. I am fully prepared to believe
the assertion which you made while in England, "that you love Jeiusalem
above your chief joy. " This you have fully proved by your untiring efforts
on behalf of the Academy, the Chapels, and on the Church question ; but in
nothing more, allow me to say, than in the firm, manly, and Christian spirit,
in which you have come out, publicly, in defence of the membership of the
Church, and of sound principles. T had resolved when Rev. Mr. Harvard
wrote to me to cany out the principles of his instructions and Pastoral in
this district, to write him a letter respectfully and yet firmly declining to do so.
But when I saw the storm gathering in every quarter, I could only exclaim
in the despondency of my soul: — When will our brethren cease to distroy
us, and when will the Church again have rest from internal commotion and
strife! And just at this crisis (a memorable crisis to thousands of our
Canadian friends) your excellent rejoinder to Mr. Harvard's Pastoral came
out in the Guardian. It was a balm to the afflicted heart. It was a precious
cordial poured forth. Your letter was sent from house to house, from cottage
* These words as to membership are identical with those which Dr. Ryerson
uttered fifteen years afterwards in his discussion on the Class-meeting question.
204 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXV.
to cottage, and met with unequivical applause from all. The lowering sky
began to clear up, and we are encouraged once more to hope for clear sun-
shine. You have had the courage to speak the truth in opposition to men
in high authority. Your letter was in every respect just what it should
have been, and thousands do most sincerely thank you for it.
Rev. Joseph Stinson, writing from Simcoe, said : —
As far as I can ascertain, your appointment as Editor of the Guardian next
year will give general satisfaction. . The President's Pastoral and your reply
are producing quite a sensation. Most people give Mr. Harvard credit for
punty of intention, but regret that the subject of politics has been adverted
to by him in such a form. Your remarks on the Pastoral have hushed the
fears of many who were greatly disturbed ; but some think that your state-
ment of abstract right is carried too far, and may at a future day be appealed
to in support of measures which you would utterly condemn.
Some of your old tory friends think that there is design in all you write on
these questions, and do not hesitate to designate you by the amiable title of
a "Jesuit," etc. You can bear all this and much more in carrying out your
design, to show them that their tactics are understood, and their proceedings
are closely watched, so as to prevent them from obtaining those objects which
would be alike unjust to us as a Church, and ungenerous to themselves. It
is well that in all of the " burnings which your fingers " have had, you have
not yet lost your nails ; for I expect that you will need them before long.
The high church party have the will, if they can muster the courage, to
make a renewed and desperate attack upon you. Fear not ; while you
advocate the truth, you can defy their rage.
The public mind seems to me to be in a state of painful suspense. The
ale hate and dread rebellion. They are not satisfied with the present
ng political party. They hope to see a new man rise up with sufficient
talent and influence to, collect around him a respectable party to act as a
balance between oppression and destruction. Some talk of a new election ;
•some talk of leaving the country ; all seem to think that something must be
done ; none know what to do. How ought we in this awful crisis (for an
awful crisis it is), to pray for the Divine interposition in behalf of our dis-
tracted province. . . I saw your venerable father last night. He very
much wishes you to write to him.
On the 7th of November, 1838, the first number of the 10th
volume of the Guardian was issued. In it there is an elaborate
article signed by Dr. Ryerson (although he was then Editor),
on the state of public affairs in Upper Canada. In his intro-
ductory remarks he said : —
From the part I have usually taken in questions which affect the founda-
tions of our Government, and our relations with the Mother Country, — and
from the position I at present occupy in respect to public affairs, and in
relation to the Province generally, it will be expected mat I should take a
more than passing notice of the eventful crisis at which we have arrived. In
conclusion, he says : Having faithfully laid before the Government and the
country the present posture of affairs, and the causes of our present dissatis-
faction and dangers, I advert to the remedies : (1. Military defence.) 2.
Let the Government be administered as much in accordance with the general
wishes of this country, as it is in England. 3. Abolish high-church domi-
nation, and provide perfect religious and political equality. 4. Let them be
at equal fidelity to obey the authorities when called upon. . . He who
does most to bring about this happy state of things in the Province will be
the greatest benefactor of his country.
CHAPTER XXVI.
1838-1840.
ENEMIES AND FEIENDS WITHIN AND WITHOUT.
Any controversialist, whose honest belief in his own doctrines makes him terribly
in earnest, may count on a life embittered by the anger of those on whom he has
forced the disagreeable task of reconsidering their own assumptions. — CANON
FARRAK.
ALL through his public career, Dr. Ryerson had many bitter
enemies and many warm and devoted friends. This was
not to be wondered 'at. No man with such strongly marked
individuality of will and purpose, and with such an instinctive
dislike to injustice and oppression, could fail to come in contact
with those whose views and proceedings were opposed to his
sense of right. The enmity which he excited in discussing pub-
lic questions was rarely disarmed (except in the case of men of
generous impulses or noble natures) by the fact that he and
those who acted with him were battling for great principles- —
those of truth, and justice, and freedom.
When these principles could not be successfully assailed, the
usual plan was to attack the character, and wound the tender
sensibilities of their chief defender. This was a mistake ; but
it was the common error with most of Dr. Ryerson's assail-
ants. And yet those who did so in his presence, and in the
arena of debate, rarely repeated the mistake. With all his
kindnpss of heart and warmth of friendship, there was, when
aroused, much of the lion in his nature. Few who assailed him
•in Conference, or made a personal attack upon him in other
places of public discussion, could stand before the glitter of his
eye when that lion-nature was aroused; and fewer still would
care to endure the effect of their fire a second time.
Most of the personal attacks made upon Dr. Ryerson were in
writing, and often anonymously. He had, therefore, to defend
himself chiefly with his pen. This he rarely failed to do, and
with good effect.* On such occasions he used strong and vigor-
* Dr. Kyerson, early in his controversial career, adopted Lord Stacaulay's motto:
No misrepresentation should be suffered to pass unrefuted. We must remember
that misstatements constantly reiterated, and seldom answered, will assuredly be
believed.
206 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVI.
ous language, of which he was an acknowledged master. Very
many of these attacks were ephemeral, and not worthy of note.
Others were more serious and affected character, and these were
more or less bitter and violent. They, of course, called forth a
good deal of feeling at the time, but are only referred to now
as part of the story of a life, then singularly active and stormy.
The Editor of the Toronto Patriot having published extracts
from a pamphlet issued in the Newcastle District (County of
Northumberland), in 1832, in which attacks were made upon
Dr. Ryerson's character, he replied to them in the columns of
that paper. In 1828, his circuit was in the Newcastle
district, and the person who made these attacks resided in Haldi-
mand, about eight miles east of Cobourg. Among other things,
this man said that Dr. Ryerson "read seditious newspapers at his
house, on the Sabbath day !" In reply, Dr. Ryerson said : —
As my plan of labour prevented me from reaching this person's locality
until Sunday evening, and then preach in the Church there, it would be
impossible for me to do as he has alleged. Were I to have done so, I would
"be unworthy of the society of Christian men. But the author of this libel,
which was published by him four years after the alleged circumstance took
place, was defeated as a candidate for the House of Assembly, on account of
a personal attack which he made upon me at the hustings ! Hinc iLlce
lacryrrue. This person also said that I " hoped yet to see the walls of the
Church of England levelled to the dust." In my reply to this I said:— I
solemnly declare that I never uttered such a sentiment, nor have I cheriehed
any hostility to the Church of England. Some of my friends desired me to
take orders in the Church of England [see page 41] ; and a gentleman (now
an Episcopal clergyman) was authorized by the late Bishop of Quebec to
request me to make an appointment to see him on his then contemplated
tour through the Niagara District, where I was travelling. After mature,
and I trust, prayerful deliberation, 1 replied by letter declining the proposals
made, at the same time appreciating the kindness and partiality of my
friends. A short time afterwards, I met the friend who had been the medium
of this communication from the late Dr. Stewart. He was deeply affected
at my decision, \\hen I assigned my religious obligation to the Methodists
as a reason for declining the offer, he replied that all of his own religious
feelings had also been derived from them, but he thought the Church
required our labours.
Some person having written, professedly from Kingston,
a diatribe against Dr. Ryerson, in the London (Eng.) Standard,
Rev. Robert Alder replied to it, and apprised him of the fact :—
An attack having been made on you in a letter from Kingston, and inserted
in the Standard, I have been stirred up to write in your defence. I expect
also to have a battle to fight with Sir Francis Head, for " I guess" he knows
something of your Kingston friend.
From Mr. Alder's reply, I make the following extracts : —
There is no man, either in the Canadas or at home, better acquainted with
the former and present state of these fine provinces than Mr. Ryerson, as
his letters in the Times, signed " A Canadian," testify. Even his Kingston
1838-401 ^JTE STORY OF MY LIFE. 207
slanderer admits that the facts stated in these letters were, in the main*
exceedingly correct, indisputably true, and for the publication of which he is
entitled to the grateful thanks of every loyal subject throughout British
North America. But the malice of an adversary is too often swifter than the
gratitude of those who have derived benefit from our services. This is
proved in the case of Mr. Ryerson; for while every radical and republican
journal in the province has teemed with communications vilifying his
character and motives in the strongest terms, a stinted meed of praise has
been doled out to him
No wonder that persons in this country deeply interested in Canada
frequently consulted him; no wonder that the British North American Land
Company republished his letters from the Times at their own expense. And
it is to the honour of the noble lord at the head of the Colonial Department,
that he did obtain from so intelligent and influential an individual as Mr.
Ryerson, information respecting the state of parties in a country so well-
known to him. If his information and advice, and that of another " Meth-
odist Parson " in Canada, had been received and acted upon elsewhere, there
is reason to believe that Mackenzie and his traitorous associates would not
have been permitted to unfurl the standard of rebellion in the midst of a
peaceful and loyal people. (See pages 176 and 183.)
The inspired truth that "A man's foes shall be they of his own
household " received many a painful illustration in Dr. Ryerson's
history. In 1838, it was reduced to a system. The assailant
was often " A Wesleyan," or, " A True Wesleyan," and
under the friendly cegis of four or five papers, which were
usually hostile to Methodism itself, the attack would be made.
From numerous examples noted in the Guardian, I select a
specimen : —
The rebellious Guardian is shut against us; its cry is war, havoc, and
bloodshed, with Wesley on the lips, but implacable hatred to him in the
heart of its editor and his friends. . . One of two things remain for
us, either to expel the Ryerson family and theiy friends from our Society,
who are the root of all our misfortunes, or . . for all true Wesleyans
to withdraw from them and their wicked adherents, as the Israelites did
from Egypt, or a leper. One of the papers named, commenting on the
hostile attitude of the citizens of Missouri towards the Mormons, speaks of
Mormonism as the fruit of Egerton E/erson's Love-feasts, Camp-meetings, etc.
In Dr. Ryerson's effort to protect individuals who were
oppressed, and who had no means of defence, except in the
coluniDs of the Guardian, he was often virulently assailed, and
even his life threatened. On the 22nd December, 1838, he
received a letter of this kind from an influential gentleman in
Toronto, who threatened legal proceedings unless the name of a
writer in the Guardian was given to him. He said : —
In. reply to your letter of last evening, I have to say that the writer of the
communication in the Guardian, to which you refer, is one of the "peaceable
members of the Methodist Society," whose character had been gratuitously
and basely assailed by the Editor of the Patriot and his associate. He is a
poor man, whose living depends upon his daily industry. Were he a rich
man, I might consult with him on the subject of your letter ; but being in
those circumstances of life which disable him from sustaining himself
208 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVI.
against your wealth, and relentless persecution, I at once determine to shield
him from your power. I will not, therefore, furnish you with his name.
In the published paragraph of his communication, the writer has asserted
that certain things were published some time since in the Patriot, respecting
the associate of its Editor, and an attempt was made to blast the character
and prospects of several unoffending members of the Methodist Society —
men, the daily bread for whose families must be taken out of their mouths,
if the political or private character of their protectors is, in times like the
present, believed to be what this associate has represented it to be. These
men do not, like you, get rich upon " wars and rumours of wars ;" their high
church zeal would not, like yours, treble their business, and bring them into
possession of a tolerable fortune in a few years. It is to blunt the assassi-
nating dagger of a marked, and hitherto privileged slanderer, against the
character of such men that I admitted the paragraph in question into the
Guardian. If you are not the associate of the city Editor in this " crusade
against the character of peaceable members of the Methodist Society," then
you are exonerated from the remarks in the letters, and the columns of the
Guardian are open to you for any reparation you can desire. Notwithstand-
ing your attacks upon both my public and private character for years past;
notwithstanding your late unprovoked attack upon my private character in
a city newspaper ; notwithstanding your late indirect threats upon my life,
and the Guardian office in the event of an invasion ; notwithstanding all
this, and much more, I am still ready to open the columns of the Guardian
to you, if you think that any kind of injustice has been done you. The
letter to which you refer, mentions no name, but adverts to an already
published portrait of a certain character who is, upon good grounds, believed
to be figuring behind the scenes in this high church warfare against Method-
ists and others, and who is known to be indiscriminately scattering "fire-
brands, arrows and death," amongst all of Her Majesty's subjects who will
not contribute to the profits of his newspaper craft in crying up his golden
idol of a dominant church. It is amusing to see you, sir, who nave availed
yourself so lavishly, in all time past, of the freedom of the press to assail
others, so sensitive at the mere suspicion of a mere report against causeless
attacks upon private individuals, having been intended for yourself.
Dr. Ryerson conducted in the following vigorous language : —
Sir, — After having exhausted the resources of a free, I may
add a licentious, press to destroy me, with a view of extinguish-
ing the principles of civil and religious liberty which I advocate,
you and your party now seek to have recourse to the " glorious
uncertainty of the law " to accomplish what you cannot effect
by free discussion before an intelligent public ; but I am not
concerned at your threats. I know the malice of the party of
which you are a convenient, active, and useful tool ; I know its
resources ; I know its power ; but I also know the ground on
which I stand. I know the country for whose welfare I am
labouring ; above all, I rely upon the wisdom and -efficiency of
that Providence, whose administration, I believe, if I can judge
of the signs of the times, has better things in store for the
inhabitants of Upper Canada (my native land) than the
despotism of a dominant oligarchy, upheld and promoted by
the persecuting, the anti-British, and anti-patriotic spirit of
such partizans as yourself.
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 209
Rev. Matthew Richey wrote to Dr. Ryerson from Cobourg, in
January, 1839, stating that some of the leading Methodists in
Montreal were inducing subscribers to give up the Guardian,
on the alleged ground of some disloyal sentiments contained in
that paper of the 12th December.* Mr. Richey adds : —
I have written to a leading friend in Montreal, earnestly expostulating
with him upon the precipitancy of such a course. I have not failed to
apprise him of the bitter hostility of the Kingston Chronicle, the Toronto
Patriot, the Cobourg Star, and The Church, to Methodism, and to say that,
did they read these papers, they would not be surprised at the pungency with
which you express yourself on the questions at issue between the arrayed
parties of the Province.
To intimate that the faithful discharge of your duty may expose you to
gaol or gibbet . . is not very complimentary to the freedom of the
Government under whose protection you are. placed. Situated as you are in
the burning centre of excitement, and aware of the high hopes, as well as
high-handed measures of your opponents, you have great need of patience
and forbearance.
The leading Methodists in Montreal to whom Rev. Matthew
Richey refers in the foregoing letter, having written to Dr.
Ryerson on the subject of their complaint, he replied to them,
on the 7th January, as follows : —
Your letter of the 24th ult. being rather unusual, both in matter and form,
seems to demand more than a silent acknowledgment. I shall have much
pleasure in complying with your request ; but I should despise myself, were
I capable of making any reply to the allegation contained in your letter.
N ot a few of you impugned both my motives and principles in former
years , I have lived to furnish a practical commentary on your candour and
justice, by being the first to excite in the Colonial Office in England a
determination to protect British interests in Lower Canada against French
ambition and prejudice. I may yet have an opportunity of furnishing a
second similar commentary upon your second similar imputation.
It is true that I am not of the high church school of politics, nor of the
Montreal Herald school of bloodshed and French extermination; but I,
nevertheless, think there still remains another basis of Scripture, justice, and
humanity, on which may rest the principles of a loyalty that will sacrifice
* The article in the Guardian to which reference is made, is the reply of Dr.
Ryerson to several Methodists in Toronto who had signed the Address of the
British Missionary party to the Governor; and who, in a letter to him, had
repudiated the construction put upon the Address by the Patriot. Among other
things the Patriot said; The manly firmness with which the signers of this
Address have resisted the cunning wiles of Egerton Ryerson, is a solemn pledge
of their love and veneration for the glorious institution of the Empire. . .
Thus ever thought we of British Wesleyans ; and thus thinking was our impelling
motive for persevering for the first three years of our editorial career, in one
incessant battering of the pernicious, seditious principles of Egerton Ryerson ; the
very first number of whose paper betrayed him to us, flagrante delicto, a pestilent
and dangerous demagogue. . . If his ambition were as legitimate and
praiseworthy as his talents are commanding, he would be a far more valuable
member of society than he can ever hope to be while hankering to return to the
flesh pots of Yankee Episcopal Methodism, etc.
Dr. Ryerson's reply was an elaborate defence of his opposition to the efforts of
the Patriot party to create a dominant Church, the application of the reserves to
high church uses, and the establishment of the fifty-seven rectories.
210 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVI.
life itself in the maintenance of British supremacy, in perfect harmony with
a vigorous support of the constitutional rights of the subject, — unmoved at
one time by the fierce denunciations of revolutionists, and unshaken at
another time by the imputations of ultra-sycophantic partizanship.
Twice have the leading members of the Methodist Society in Montreal had
the opportunity 'of insulting (and if their influence could have done it, of
injuring) me — and twice have they improved it, — in May, 1834 [see page
148], when I was in Montreal; and in December, 1838 — a juncture when a
stain might be inflicted upon the character and reputation of any vulnerable
minister of the Church that would tarnish his very grave. It is a pleasing
as well as singular circumstance, and one that will be engraved upon the
tablet of my heart while memory holds her seat, that when in 1834 I was
insulted in Montreal, I was invited to preach in Quebec ; and now that I am
honoured from Montreal a second time in a similar way, I have this day
received from Quebec a second token of " respect for my character and love to
Methodism " of ten new subscribers to the Guardian, with a promise " ere
long of from ten to twenty more."*
On the other hand, Dr. Ryerson, in the Guardian of October
17th. 1838, exposes the kind of warfare which was carried on
against him by the high church party : —
I have been informed, upon the authority of creditable eye witnesses, that
the number of the Patriot which contained four or five columns of attacks on
the Editor of the Guardian in his private and public relations, has been
carried from house to house for the edification of Methodists ; that in one
instance the wife of a rector had carried and read the Patriot to members of
the Methodist Church and friends of the Editor, and then asked if they could
be led by such a man as Egerton Ryerson ?
In the Guardian of the 31st October, Dr. Ryerson says : —
Another example of this vicious and disgraceful mode of warfare is con-
tained in a pamphlet published at the Kingston Chronicle office, with a view
of preventing the soldiers from deserting to the United States. . . 1 copy
the following infamous passages, purporting to be written by a deserter
[name and regiment not given] : — Well, I deserted. Ryerson never rested
till he worked me up to the deed. I was like a child in his hands — he led
me as he pleased. . . It was only to get clear off, and then the road to
all that I ever wished for was open before me — so said Ryerson, etc. . .
Ryeraon has two or three more on hand, etc.
Dr. Ryerson adds : —
I had marked other passages of a like character, from the Patriot, the
Cobourg Star, and the Statesman. . . Such are the barbarous weapons used
to pull down the religious liberties of the people of this Province, and to
establish a church domination.
While Dr. Ryerson was at the Conference at Hamilton, in
1839, Rev. D. McMullen, of Hillier, in a letter to him, said: —
I have read the Guardian with some attention during the past year. I
believe the general principles of political, civil, and ecclesiastical policy
advocated in it are such as must be supported and ultimately prevail, or our
country will be ruined. Yet, while I admire the talent displayed by you, it
* In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated Montreal, 1st February, 1836, Rev. William
Lord said : — Rev. Anson Green was here last week and preached. An Upper
Canada Presiding Elder preaching with acceptance in Montreal ! Who would
have thought of such a thing when brother Egerton Ryerson and even brother
Joseph Stiiison were denied the pulpit !
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 211
is still a question with me whether you, as a Methodist minister, in con-
ducting a religious journal, are justifiable in going the lengths you do in
discussions of a political character. I know that your ability and your
intimate acquaintance with the state of things in the country, with parties,
and all the questions at issue, etc., render you a very competent person .
(perhaps the most so of any other in the country) to write on these subjects ;
nor do I think that you ought to bury this talent, but that through some
other medium than the Guardian, you should employ it for the country's
good, and in a way that would occasion less dissatisfaction among our people,
and excite and stir up less bad feeling against us and you from without.
At the same Conference, Dr. Ryerson received a strong letter
of approval and encouragement from Mr. Hugh Moore, a highly
respected and active member of the Church in Dundas. Mr.
Moore said : —
I came to Hamilton this morning (13th June) to see you and to strengthen
your hands in the course that you have taken, and are taking, in the
Guardian. I could not get an opportunity of seeing you, so I take this way
of assuring you of our hearty approbation and support, — as it is deemed
necessary at this time to speak out. Go on ; you speak the language of our
hearts. I should have seen you at Toronto on my way from Montreal, and
have told you of the opinion and feelings'of our community here, but time
would not permit. It is worthy of note that the people are determined to
support you. May God aid and direct you and all that are with you !
Equally hearty was a letter which Dr. Ryerson received
from Rev. John Mclntyre, in September, ] 839,* inviting him to
come and preach for him in Perth. In urging him to comply
with the request, Mr. Mclntyre said : —
If the day is favourable, the people will assemble from all quarters. I
know myself of persons who intend to come about 20 miles to hear you. You
can have no idea of your popularity in this district, although principally a
military settlement. Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and
moderate Churchmen, consider you, as some Presbyterians were pleased some
time ago to style you, " The Saviour of Upper Canada." Now, to disappoint
their just expectation would be almost unpardonable. The people entertain
so high an opinion of your abilities, that (as some have lately said) you could
speak with five minutes' notice on any subject. I should be extremely sorry
that they should ever hold any other opinion ; but, at your departure from
Perth, the people may say, as the Queen of Sheba did on her visit to
Solomon, " It was a true report we heard of his acts, and of his wisdom, and
behold the half was not told us.
Rev. G. R. Sanderson, also writing to Dr. Ryerson, said : —
I greatly regret these constant attacks upon you, who have laboured so
arduously and struggled so perseveringly for the good of our country, and
the settlement of the Clergy Eeserves. I am sure, however, that you will
have the warmest thanks of all true friends of their country; and that
posterity will not withhold that praise which is due you for your inde-
fatigable exertions.
I have already, on page 101, inserted a kindly letter to Dr.
* This gentlemen entered the Methodist ministry in 1835, and joined the
Church of England in 1841. He died some years since.
212 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVI.
Ryerson from Rev. William Bell, Presbyterian minister, ex-
pressive of his sympathy with the .course pursued by the
Guardian on the Clergy Reserve and other questions. The
following letters of the same character were from parties outside
of Dr. Ryerson's own Church. Thus in 1839, the Congrega-
tional Association of Upper Canada passed resolutions approv-
ing of Dr. R}7erson's course — the last one of which was as
follows : —
We express to the Rev. Egerton Kyerson our thanks for his able and per-
severing exertions to effect a settlement of the Clergy Reserve question, and
our determination to afford him any and every support in his endeavours
that it may be in our power to render.
Rev. James Noll in enclosing the resolutions said : —
I feel myself happy, Sir, to be the medium of communicating to you the
sentiments and feelings of my brethren at a time when you are insulted and
abused as a public disturber, a rebel, and a political demagogue, by those
who are willing to sacrifice the peace, and even risk the safety of the Colony .
. . Allow me to assure you of my admiration of the fair, spirited, and
able manner in which you have conducted this important and painful con-
troversy. . . The cause you are advocating is closely identified with the
cause of God. Your object is not only the temporal but spiritual welfare
of your country, and your friends are the great bulk of its loyal and well-
disposed inhabitants.
Rev. John Roaf (Congregational), of Toronto, in a letter to
Dr. Ryerson, dated December, 1838, said : —
I am desirous of not omitting one of my duties in relation to the "Church
question," and looking to you as the Leader of the non-established parties,
am anxious to understand your views upon the rectory question. Should
you also think of any other measure by which I and my immediate brethren
can support the cause which you are so zealously and efficiently promoting,
or can assist in weakening the opposition to which you are subject, I shall
be happy in attending to your suggestions.
Mr. William Greig (Baptist), Bookseller, Montreal, in a letter
to Dr. Ryerson, dated June, 1839, says : —
As an ardent friend to civil and religious liberty, and an admirer of the
course pursued by yourself as Editor of the Christian Guardian, I cannot but
express my regret at seeing you assailed on all sides, and especially by those
for whose good you have been exerting yourself. As a native of Great
Britain, I am fondly attached to her civil institutions, and will yield in
loyalty to no one. I cannot, therefore, but approve of any lawful and fair
measures which will tend to bring all denominations to that level, that every
one provide for itself. I therefore say, go on in your present course ; keep
up the fire, brisk and hot on the enemy, till they are routed. As I see several
are withdrawing their subscriptions to the Guardian, the friends of civil and
religious liberty, of whatever denomination, ought to come in and take their
places. Although not a Methodist, please put me down as a subscriber to
the Guardian.
CHAPTER XXVII.
1778-1867.
THE HONOUEABLE AND RlGHT REVEREND BlSHOP STRACHAN.
Venerable John Strachan, D.D., LL.D., Archdeacon of
_ York, and subsequently (1839-1867) first Bishop of
Toronto, was the chief clerical opponent which Dr. Ryerson
encountered in the contest for religious freedom and denomin-
ational equality during nearly twenty years.
Dr. Strachan was born in Scotland, in April, 1778, and died
at Toronto, in November 1867, in the 90th year of his age.
It was a singular coincidence that Dr. Strachan entered the
ministry of the Church of England in May, 1803, just two
months after Dr. Ryerson was born. Who could then have
foreseen the respective careers of these two remarkable men !
The one, the virtual founder and administrative head of the
Church of England in Upper Canada for upwards of 60 years ;
and the other, although not the founder, yet the controlling
head and leader of the Methodist Church in the Province for
nearly the same period.
Dr Strachan was an uncompromising high churchman. His
exclusive views on the "priestly authority, and the catholic and
apostolic character of the Church of England," were those of a
church optimist, but they were not based upon any profound
study of the subject, as his own statement will attest. *
* My mother (he said) belonged to the Relief denomination. . . My father
was attached to the Non-Jurants; and although he went occasionally with my
mother, he was a frequent hearer of Bishop Skinner, to whose church he was in
the habit of carrying me. He died when I was very young, but not before my
mind was impressed in favour of Episcopacy. . . I readily confess, that
in respect to Church Government, my principles were sufficiently vague and
unformed; for to this important subject my attention was never particularly
drawn till I came to this country, when my venerated friend, the late Dr. Stewart,
of Kingston, urged me to enter the Church, and as I had never yet communicated,
that excellent person, whom I loved as a father, admitted me to the altar a little
before I went to Quebec to take holy orders, in 1803. Before I had determined to
enter the Church of England, I was induced by the advice of another friend (the
late Mr. Cartwright) . . to make some inquiries respecting the Presbyterian
Church of Montreal, then vacant. (Dr. Strachan's Speech in the Legislative
Council, March 6th, 1828, pages 25, 26.)
214 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVIL
It is interesting to note the causes which led Dr. Strachan to
cling so tenaciously to the idea of " Church and State " — a
union which he regarded as sacred, and ordained of God for the
maintenance of His cause and Church on the earth. It is no
less interesting to understand the reason why Dr. Kyerson as
strenuously repudiated and resisted the practical application of
the same idea to Canada. The reason in each cas'e may be stated
in a few words.
The one from early associations regarded the idea of Scottish
parish churches and parochial schools, supported by the State, as
eminently Scriptural, if not divinely enjoined from the earliest
Jewish times. The other was brought up in a land where such
a state of things had never existed, and where the pure gospel
had been preached from the earliest times without the aid of
a state endowment. He lived in a land, too, where the com-
mand to the Christian Church was felt to be fitly expressed by
John Wesley, to take the " world as a parish " and preach the
Gospel to every creature. The manner in which this command
was to be obeyed was indicated by our Lord's example, when
He sent forth His disciples with this injunction : —
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses . . for the
workman is worthy of his meat. Matt. x. 9, 10.
Members of the Conference, in Dr. Ryerson's early days,
unhesitatingly obeyed the directions of the Conference — many
regarding it as the voice of God in the Church — and went
forth, without scrip or purse, everywhere, even to the remotest
corner of the land, bearing the good tidings, not considering
their pecuniary interests,* or even their lives dear unto them,
so that they might win souls for the Master.-f-
Dr. Strachan's views on the question of State aid to churches
* The stipends of Methodist ministers in those days were very small. Rev. Dr.
John Carroll tells me that the "quarterage" payable to an unmarried Methodist
minister in America, at first, was only $60 per annum ; then it was increased to
$80, at which rate it remained until 1816, when the General Conference fixed it at
$100, at which it remained until 1854. The rule for a married minister was
double that for a single man, and $16 for each child. Besides quarterage, there
was an allowance for travelling and table expenses. Two hundred dollars was the
sum for salary, besides travelling and aid expenses, allowed to a minister up to
1854, and even then this sum was rarely ever paid in full. — H.
t Rev. H. Wilkinson in a note to Dr. Ryerson, in 1837, thus describes the
kind of places to which some ministers had to be sent, and their duties and
qualifications when there. He said : I require a man for a mission which lies
about 200 miles from Bytown, up the Grand River (Ottawa), and which will be
difficult of access in the winter. A suitable person could make his way north-
wards with some of the rude lumbermen, who now and then go up in companies.
The brother would need to be strong in mind and body, and fervent in spirit. He
would need to go on foot, and paddle a canoe, or row a boat, as the case might be,
and thus reach his appointments in the best way he can.
1778-1867] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 215
were clearly, on the other hand, the result of his observations,
in Scotland. They are prominently brought out in his mem-
orable speech, delivered in the Legislative Council, on the 6th
of March, 1828. He says:—
Have not the Methodists in this Province . . ever shown themselves
the enemies of the Established Church? Are they not at this moment
labouring to separate religion from the State, with which, it ought to be
firmly united ? . . Has it not been the primary object of all enemies to
regular government . . to pull down religious establishments ? . .
If they tell me the Ecclesiastical establishments are great evils, I bid them
look to England and Scotland, each, of which, has a religious establishment,
and to these establishments are they mainly indebted for their vast superiority
to other nations. To what but her Established Church, and the Parochial
Schools under her direction, does Scotland owe her high, reputation for moral
improvement. (Pages 27 and 28.)
Again, in a remarkable letter to his friend (Rev. Dr. Thomas
Chalmers, of Edinburgh*), written in 1832, on the Life and
Character of Bishop Hobart of New York, Dr. Strachan relates
a conversation with that Bishop in which he took him severely
to task for extolling the voluntary system of the American
Episcopal Church as compared with the endowed State Church
of England. I make a few extracts : —
Let us look at the Episcopal Church, of the United States, and see what
moral effect it can have on the population, as a source of religious instruc-
tion. . . The influence of the two Churches as confined to England and
New York (alone) is as one to seventy. . . Such influence on the
manners and habits of the people [in that state] is next to nothing, and
yet you extol your Church above that of England, and exclaim against
establishment ! Add to this, the dependence of your clergy upon the people
for support — a state of things which is attended with most pernicious conse-
quences. . . but in general, the clergy of all denominations in the United
States, are miserably dependent upon their congregations. . , It is the
duty of Christian nations to constitute, within their boundaries, ecclesias-
tical establishments. . . For it is incumbent upon nations as upon indi-
viduals, to honour the Lord with their substance. (Pages 41-47.)
Bishop Strachan's early and later writings abound in expres-
sions of similar views. It was not to be wondered at, therefore,
that a man of his strong convictions would seek to give prac-
tical effect to them in dealing, as opportunity offered, with
questions of church establishments and the clergy reserves.
It is true that by his persuasive words and strong personal
influence — when the object was the financial benefit of the
Church — Bishop Strachan rallied around him many of the
* While in the vicinity of St. Andrews I contracted several important friend-
ships, amongst others, with Thomas Duncan, afterwards Professor of Mathematics,
and also with Dr. Chalmers, since then so deservedly renowned. We were all
three very nearly of the same age, and our friendship only terminated with death,
being kept alive by a constant correspondence during more than sixty years.
(Bishop Strachan's Charge to his Clergy, Jane, 1860 j page 10.)
216 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CnAr. XXVII.
leading members of the Church of England in Upper Canada
who aided him in his plans for endowing the Church out of the
public domain. Yet it is also true that many equally sound
churchmen were opposed to these schemes, and saw in them the
germ of a fatal canker, which in time would be sure to destroy
the Church's missionary zeal, and paralyze all of those noble
and generous impulses which characterize a living Church in
the promotion of Christian effort in the various departments
of Church work. *
As time has elapsed the little band of loyal churchmen, who
had incurred the Bishop's unmerited censure for opposing his
exclusive schemes of Church aggrandisement, has increased to
thousands in our day, who deeply regret the success of those
schemes, and deprecate the existence of clergy reserves and
rectory endowments as in themselves fatal to the healthy devel-
opment of practical Christianity as an active and aggressive
force in Church life.
It is not necessary to refer here to Bishop Strachan's views
in regard to ecclesiastical polity. They are well known. On
this matter also many sound churchmen differed widely (and
still differ) from his views. Yet Bishop Strachan, while holding
such strong and exclusive views, was kindly disposed towards
" Sectaries " individually, and lived on terms of personal friend-
ship with many of those whose opinions were opposed to his
on church questions. In his Legislative Council speech, already
quoted, he says : —
I have been charged with being hostile to the Scotch Church, and with
being an apostate from that communion. . . My hostility to the Kirk
of Scotland consists in being on the most intimate terms with the late Mr.
Bethune and Dr. Spark. . . To both these excellent men I willingly
. . pay a tribute of respect. . . Nor have I ever missed an oppor-
tunity, when in my power, of being useful to the clergy of the Church of
Scotland, or of treating them with respect, kindness, and hospitalitv.
(Page 22.)
Again, in his sermon on " Church Fellowship," preached in
1832, Dr. Strachan says : —
• Speaking of the passage of a Clergy Reserve Bill in 1840, to which the
Bishop of Toronto was strongly opposed, Dr. Ryerson says : A considerable
majority of the members of the Church of England in both Houses of the Legis-
lature voted for the Bill, and were afterwards charged by the Bishop with
" defection and treachery " for doing so. On this point. Lord Sydenbam, in a
despatch to Lord John Russell, dated, 6th February, 1840, said : It is notorious
to every one here, that of twenty-two members (being communicants of the
Church of England) who voted upon this bill, only eight recorded their opinion
in favour of the views expressed by the Right Reverend Prelate, whilst, in the
Legislative Council the majority was still greater ; and amongst those who gave it
their warmest support, are to be found many gentlemen of the highest character
for independence, and for attachment to the Church, and whose views on general
politics differ from those of Her Majesty's Government. (Dr. Ryerson's Criticism
cu Bishop Strachan's letter to Lord John Russell, dated, February 20th, 1851.)
1778-1867] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 217
Widely as we differ from the Roman Catholics in many religious points of
the greatest importance, we have always lived with them in the kindest
intercourse, and in the cordial exchange of the charities of social life. The
worthy prelate, by whom they are at present spiritually governed, has been
my friend for nearly thirty years. With the members of the Church of
Scotland we associate in the same manner. * . . The merits of our
sister Church cannot be unknown to you, my brethren. To me they are
familiar, and connected with many of my cherished and early associations.
. . Of that popular and increasing class of Christians [the Methodists],
who call themselves a branch of our Church, both at home and abroad, I
would speak with praise. (Pages 23-25.)
As to his relations with Dr. Ryerson, I here insert two notes
from the Bishop to him. The first is dated February 7th, 1838,
as follows : —
The Archdeacon of York presents his compliments to the Rev. E. Ryerson,
and begs to acknowledge with satisfaction his courtesy in sending him a copy
of his excellent sermon on the Recent Conspiracy, which the Archdeacon has
read with much pleasure and profit. Such doctrines, if generally diffused
among our people, cannot fail of producing the most beneficial effects, both
spiritual and temporal.
The second related to the calamity which had befallen the
Church of England congregation of St. James', in the destruction
of its church building by fire early in January, 1839. Dr.
Eyerson at once wrote to the Archdeacon offering him the use
of the Newgate (Adelaide Street) Church. On the 6th January,
Dr. Strachan replied as follows : —
I thank you most sincerely for the kind sympathy you express in the sad
calamity that has befallen us, and for your generous offer of accommodation.
Before your note reached me, I had made arrangements with the Mayor, for
the Town Hall, which we can occupy at our accustomed hours of worship,
without disturbing any other congregation. I and my people are not the
less grateful for your kind offer, which we shall keep in brotherly remem-
brance.
In his Charge to the Clergy in 1853, and again in 1856, he
pays a personal tribute to Dr. Ryerson. In the later Charge,
speaking of the School system, he says : —
So far as Dr. Ryerson is concerned, I am one of those who appreciate very
highly his exertions, his unwearied assiduity, and his administrative capacity.
Dr. Ryerson's last reference to the Bishop is contained in the
«' Epochs of Canadian Methodism," written in 1880, as follows :
Upwards of fifty years have passed away since my criticisms on Dr.
Strachan's " Sermon on the death of the Bishop of Quebec " were written.
On the re-perusal of them, after the lapse of so long -a time, the impression on
my own mind is that Dr. Strachan was honest in his statements and opinions.
. . He was more moderate and liberal in his views and feelings in his
later years, and became the personal friend of his old antagonist, "The
Reviewer," who, he said, had " fought fair." (Page 145.)
* These kindly words the Bishop repeated in substance to the Editor some years
since, when talking with him on the subject.— H.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
1791-1036.
THE CLERGF RESERVES AND RECTORIES QUESTIONS.
npHE discussion of the Clergy Reserve Question enters so
_L largely into the Story of Dr. Ryerson's Life, that I give
in this chapter a short, condensed sketch of its origin and
history down to 1837-38. The remainder of the sketch will be
developed in an account of the contest preceding the settlement
of the question in subsequent chapters.
After the conquest of Canada, in 1760, the right of the Roman
Catholic inhabitants to enjoy their religion was guaranteed to
them in the Treaty of Paris, Feb. 10th, 1763. In 1774, an Act
was passed by the British Parliament (14 Geo. III., ch. 83) by
which the right to their accustomed dues and tithes was
secured to the clergy of the Church of Rome in the then Pro-
vince of Quebec (including what was afterwards Upper and
Lower Canada). The same Act provided for the encourage-
ment of the Protestant religion, and, for the support of a
Protestant clergy, by other tithes and dues.*
In 1791, the Province of Quebec was divided into Upper and
Lower Canada, and, in an Act introduced into the British Par-
liament by Mr. Pitt, provision was made for their government.
Sections 35-42 of that Act dealt with the maintenance and
support of a Protestant Clergy, and this provision (1) allotted
one-seventh of all lands which might be hereafter granted by
the King for settlement ; and (2) gave authority for the erection
of " parsonages or rectories, according to the establishment of
the Church of England," to be endowed out of the lands so
allotted, etc. (Sec. 38).
The alleged reasons which induced George III. to make pro-
vision for the support of religion in the North American
Colonies, are set forth, so far as they related to the Protestant
* These tithes continued to be collected for the support of a Protestant Clergy
until February, 1823, when a declaratory Act, passed by the Legislature of Upper
Canada in 1821, was sanctioned by the King to the effect that hereafter " no tithes
shall be claimed, demanded, or received by any ecclesiastical parson, rector or
vicar, of the Protestant Church within this Province."
1791-1836] THE STORY OF MY LIFE.
religion, by the late Bishop Strachan in a pamphlet which he
published in England in 1827.* He mentions the fact that
Great Britain, of all European nations, had hitherto made no
provision for religious instruction in her colonies. He further
states that : —
The effect of this was that emigrants belonging to the Established Church
who settled in America, not having access to their own religious ministrations,
became frequently dissenters; and when the Colonies (now the United States)
rebelled, there was not, among a population of nearly 3,000,000, a single
prelate, and but very few Episcopal clergymen.
The folly of this policy was shown in the strongest light during the rebel-
lion; almost all of the Episcopal clergy and their congregations remained
faithful to the King, demonstrating by their conduct, that had proper care
been taken to promote a religious establishment in connection with that
of England, the revolution would not have taken place.t
Aware of the pernicious effects of this narrow and unchristian policy, and
sensible that the colonist ought to be attached to the parent state by religious,
as well as by political feelings, the great Mr. Pitt determined (in forming
a constitution for the Canadas) to provide for the religious instruction of the
people, and to lay the foundation of an Ecclesiastical Establishment which
should increase with the settlement.
To accomplish this noble purpose, Mr. Pitt advised that one-seventh of the
lands should be set apart for the maintenance of a Protestant Clergy. In
Upper Canada this appropriation comprises one-seventh of the whole pro-
vince : but in Lower Canada, one-seventh of those parts only which have
been granted since 1791 (pages 2, 3).$
In a pamphlet published at Kingston, U.C., during the
previous year, the substance of Mr. Pitt's remarks on that part
of the Bill which authorized the setting apart of these lands, is
given as follows : —
Mr. Pitt (House of Commons, 12th May, 1791), said that he gave the
Colonial Government and Council power, under the instructions of His
Majesty, to distribute out of a sum arising from the tithes for land or
possessions, and set apart for the maintenance and support of a Protestant
clergy. Another clause (he said) provided, for the permanent support of the
Protestant clergy, a seventh portion of the lands to be granted in future.
He declared that the meaning of the Act was to enable the Governor to
endow and to present the Protestant clergy of the established church to such
parsonage or rectory as might be constituted or erected within every town-
ship or parish, which now was, or might be formed ; and to give to such
Protestant clergyman of the established church, a part, or the whole, as the
Governor thought proper, of the lands appropriated by the Act. He further
* Observations on the Provision made for the Maintenance of a Protestant
Clergy in the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, under the 31st Geo. III.,
cap. 3t. By John Strachan, D.D., Archdeacon of York, Upper Canada, pp. 44.
London, 1827.
t In a letter written by Dr. Ryerson in 1851, he criticised a similar statement
then made by Bishop Strachau. He pointed out that Washington and other
leaders of the revolution were staunch churchmen.
J In no part of Mr. Pitt's remarks on the Bill setting apart land for the Pro-
testant Clergy do I find any intimation of the kind mentioned by Bishop Strachan.
Governor Simcoe, however, held these views, which by mistake the Bishop may
have attributed to Mr. Pitt. (See next page. ) — H.
220 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [OHA.P. XXVIII.
explained that this was done to encourage the established church ; and that
possibly hereafter it might be proposed to send a Bishop of the established
church to sit in the Legislative Council. (Parl. Reg., vol. 29, pp. 414, 415.)*
Mr. Fox was entirely opposed to these arrangements. He said : By the
Protestant clergy, he supposed to be understood not only the clergy of the
Church of England, but all descriptions of Protestants. . . That the
clergy should nave one-seventh of all grants, he must confess, appeared
to him an absurd doctrine. If they were all of the Church of England, this
would not reconcile him to the measure. The greater part of these Protes-
tant clergy were not of the Church of England ; they were chiefly Protestant
dissenters. . . We were, by this Bill, making a sort of provision for
the Protestant clergy of Canada [of one-seventh of the land] which was
unknown to them in every part of Europe ; a provision, in his apprehension,
which would rather tend to corrupt than to benefit them. (Hansard, vol. 29,
1791, page 108.)
I have carefully gone through the whole of the debate on
this subject, but I cannot find one word in it which would
indicate that Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox, or Mr. Burke (the chief
speakers), entertained the idea that endowing the clergy had
any political significance as a precautionary measure for
ensuring the loyalty of the inhabitants. The opinion was
expressed that setting apart these lands was the most feasible
way (as Mr. Pitt said) of providing " for the permanent support
of the Protestant clergy," and of giving "them a competent
income." -f-
In a letter to Dr. Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury, dated
December, 1790, Col. J. Graves Simcoe said : —
I am decidedly of opinion that a regular Episcopal establishment . .
is absolutely necessary in any extensive colony which England means to
preserve, etc. The neglect of this principle of overturning republicanism in
former periods, by giving support and assistance to those causes which are
perpetually offering themselves to affect so necessary an object, is much to be
lamented; but it is my duty to be as solicitous as possible, that they may
now have their due influence, etc.
In a "Memoir " written by Governor Simcoe in 1791, he said :
In regard to the Episcopal establishment. . . I firmly believe the
present to be a critical moment, in which that system, eo interwoven and
connected with the monarchical foundation of our government, may be pro-
ductive of the most permanent and extensive benefits, in preserving the
connection between Great Britain and her Colonies.
From various sources I gather the following particulars : —
From 1791 to 1819, the Clergy Reserves were in the hands of the Govern-
ment, and managed by it alone For years they yielded scarcely enough to
defray the expenses of management. In 1817 the House of Assembly ob-
jected to sucn an appropriation for the clergy, as " beyond all precedent
lavish," and complained that the reservations were, an obstacle to improve-
* An Apolopy for the Church of England in the Canadas, etc. By a Protestant
of the Established Church of England. Kingston, U.C., 1826, page 11.
t It was in the discussion on this Bill that the long personal friendship which
had existed between Fox and Burke was brought to an abrupt termination. — H.
1791-1836] THR STORY OF MY LIFE. 221
ment and settlement. In 1819, lands were taxed for the construction of
roads, and it was contended that the reservations on the public roads should
also be taxed.
In 1819, the question was first mooted, as to to the right of Presbyterians
to share in the reserves. In March, of that year, thirty-seven Presbyterians
of the town of Niagara, petitioned Sir Peregrine Maitland, to grant to the
Presbyterian congregation there, the annual sum of ,£100 in aid, out of the
clergy reserves, or out of any other fund at the Governor's disposal. In
transmitting this petition to the Colonial Secretary for instructions, Sir P.
Maitland mentioned that " the actual product of the clergy reserves is about
.£700 per annum." In May, 1820, a reply was received from Lord Bathurst,
stating that, in the opinion of the Crown officers, the provisions of the Act
of 1791, " for the support of the Protestant clergy, are not confined solely to
the clergy of the Church of England, but may be extended also to the clergy
of the Church of Scotland," but not to dissenting ministers. '
In 1819, on the application of Bishop Mountain, of Quebec, the clergy in
each province were incorporated for the purpose of leasing and managing the
reserves — the proceeds, however, to be paid over to the Government. On
the appearance of a notice to this effect in the Quebec Gazette, dated, 13th
June, 1820, the clergy of the Church of Scotland memorialized the King
for a share in these reserves.
In 1823, the House of Assembly, on motion of Hon. William Morris,
concurred in a series of resolutions, asserting the right of the Church of
Scotland in Canada to a share in the reserves. These resolutions were
rejected by the Legislative Council, by a vote of 6 to 5.
In April, 1824, Dr. Strachan was deputed by the Bishop of Quebec and
Sir P. Maitland, to go to England and get authority from Lord Bathurst to
sell portions of the reserves. In the meantime, the Canada (Land) Company
proposed to purchase all the Crown and Clergy Reserve Lands at a valuation
to be agreed on. The clergy corporation having desired a voice in this
valuation, the Bishop of Quebec deputed Archdeacon Mountain to press this
view on Lord Bathurst. Some misunderstanding having arisen between
Lord Bathurst and Archdeacon Strachan, and the Canada Land Company,
Dr. Strachan went to England in April, 1826, and was deputed by Lord
Bathurst to arrange the differences with Mr. John Gait, Commissioner of
the Company. This they did by changing the original plan. The clergy
lands were exchanged for 1,000,000 acres in the Huron tract. Out of the
moneys received from the Canada Company the Home Government appro-
priated .£700 a year to the Church of Scotland clergy,* and the same
amount to the clergy of the Church of Home in Upper Canada.
In June, 1826, the Home Government, on the memorial of the Church of
Scotland General Assembly, and an address from the House of Assembly,
founded on the resolutions of 1823 (which, as introduced, had been rejected
by the Legislative Council), acknowledged the rights of the Church of Scot-
land clergy to a share of the reserves. In January, 1826, the House of
Assembly memorialized the King to distribute the proceeds of the reserves
for the benefit of all denominations, or failing that to the purposes of edu-
cation and the general improvement of the Province. The reply to this
memorial was so unsatisfactory that the House of Assembly (December 22nd,
1826), adopted a series of eleven resolutions, deprecating the action of the
Home Government in appropriating the clergy reserves to individuals con-
nected with the Church of England " to the exclusion of other denominations "
— that church bearing " a very small proportion to the number of other
* In 1830, Presbyterian ministers not of the Church of Scotland, were, on
petition to that effect (signed by Rev. W. Smart, Moderator, and Rev. W. Bell,
Presbytery Clerk), placed on the same footing as the ministers of the Kirk. — H.
222 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [Cnxp. XXVIII.
Christians in the province." The Assembly prayed that the proceeds of the
reserves be applied to the support of district and. common schools, a Provin-
cial seminary, and in aid of erecting places of worship for all denominations
of Christians. These resolutions passed by majorities of from 25 to 30 ; the
nays being 2 and 3 only. The bill founded on these resolutions was negatived
in the Legislative Council (January, 1827). In the year 1826, Dr. Strachan
obtained a royal charter for King's College, with an endowment of 225,000
acres of land, and a grant of ,£1,000 for sixteen years. This charter was
wholly in favour of the Church of England, and its obnoxious clauses
remained unchanged until 1835.
In March, 1827, Hon. R. W. Horton introduced a Bill into Parliament to
provide for the sale of the clergy lands, as asked for by the Bishop of Quebec.
This led to a protracted discussion between the friends in the House of the
English and Scotch Churches, and requests were made for information on the
state of these Churches in Upper Canada. . Archdeacon Strachan, then in
England, furnished this information in his famous letter and Chart, dated,
May 16th, 1827. Objection to giving the clergy corporation power to sell
these lands having been made, Mr. Horton withdrew his original bill, and in
a new one, which was passed, confined the exercise of this power to the
Executive Government.
In March, 1828, the House of Assembly memorialized the King to place
the proceeds of the reserves at the disposal of the House for the purposes of
education and internal improvement. Mr. Morris' motion to strike out
" internal improvement " was lost. In this year a committee of the House of
Commons reported against continuing the reservation in mortmain of the
clergy lands, as it imposed serious obstacles to the improvement of the colony.
In 1829, two despatches on the clergy reserve question were sent to the
Colonial Secretary by Sir John Colborne. In one, dated llth April, Sir
John says : If a more ardent zeal be not shown by the Established Church,
and a very different kind of minister than that which is generally to be
found in this Province sent out from England, it is obvious that the mem-
bers of the Established Church will be inconsiderable, and that it will
continue to lose ground. The Methodists, apparently, exceed the number
of the Churches of England and Scotland. . . If the Wesleyan Method-
ists in England could be prevailed on to supply this Proyince with preachers,
the Methodists of this country would become, as a political body, of less
importance than they are at present.
In this year the House of Assembly passed a bill similar to that of 1828
It was rejected, as in the previous year, by the Legislative Council. In 1830,
the same proceedings were repeated with like result.
In December, 1830 (see page 101), a monster petition was
agreed to, and afterwards signed by 10,000 persons and sent to
England, praying that steps be taken to leave the ministers of
all denominations to be supported by the people among whom
they labour and the voluntary contributions of benevolent
Societies in Canada and Great Britain — to do away with all
political distinctions on account of religious faith — to remove
all ministers of religion from seats and places of political power
in the Provincial Government — to grant to the clergy of all
denominations the enjoyment of equal rights and privileges
in everything that appertains to them as British subjects and
as ministers of the Gospel, particularly the right of solemnizing
matrimony — to modify the charter of King's College, so as to
1791-18361 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 223
exclude all sectarian tests and preferences — and to appropriate
the proceeds of the sale of the lands, heretofore set apart for
the support of a Protestant Clergy, to the purposes of general
education and various internal improvements.
Such was the comprehensive character of the reforms prayed
for in this province upwards of fifty years ago. All of these
reforms have been long since granted ; but the enumeration of
them shows how far off the mass of the people and their minis-
ters were then from the enjoyment of the civil and religious
priviieges which are now the birthright of every British subject
in Canada.
This " programme of reforms " will also show what were the
principles for which Dr. Ryerson, and other pioneers of reli-
gious freedom in Upper Canada, had to contend half a century
ago. Nor was the victory easily won which they achieved.
The struggle was a long and arduous one. Each step was con-
tested by the dominant party, and every reform was resisted
with a determination worthy of a better cause.
In March 1831, the first attempt was made (on motion of Mr.
Hagerman) to deprive the Canadian Legislature of the power
to deal with the clergy reserve question. His motion was to
revest the reserves in the crown for religious purposes, but
it was negatived by a vote of 30 to 7. Although defeated
now, the same proposition was frequently made afterwards, and
at length with success. In 1839 a provision of that kind was
passed, but it failed on technical grounds to receive the royal
assent. See chapter xxxi.
In 1831 and 1832, addresses to the King were adopted by the
House of Assembly praying, as before, that the reserves be
applied to educational purposes. In this year a satisfactory
reply from the Home Government, in regard to the clergy
reserve question, was communicated to the Legislature, and it
was invited to consider the desirability of exercising its power
to " vary or repeal " certain provisions for the support of a
Protestant Clergy. In 1832 and in 1833, bills to revest the clergy
reserve lands in the Crown were read a second time, and, in
1834, one to that effect was finally passed, but was rejected by
the Legislative Council. A bill for the sale of the reserves
and the application of the proceeds to educational purposes, was
passed in 1835, by a majority of 40 to 4, but was again rejected
by the Legislative Council This body in the same year pro-
posed that both Houses should abdicate their f unctionsin regard
to the reserves (as they were unable to concur in any measure
on the subject), and request the Imperial Parliament to legislate
on the subject ! The House of Assembly peremptorily refused,
by a vote of two to one, to concur in such a proposition, and
224 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXVIII.
read a dignified lecture to the Council on its refusal to pass
their measures, or to originate one of its own. The members
of the Assembly felt that the influence of the Governor and the
members of the Council would be so potent in England, that
by it the wishes of the people of Upper Canada, as repeatedly
expressed by that House, would be frustrated.* In 1836, the
bill of the previous year was passed by the Assembly by a
majority of 35 to 5. The Legislative Council amended it so as
to leave the matter as before with the British Parliament.
This amendment was defeated by the House of Assembly by a
vote of 27 to 1, and so the matter ended. In 1837-38 the rebel-
lion took place, leaving the clergy reserve question in abeyance
for some time. k
On the 15th January, 1836, Sir John Colborne, by order in
council, established fifty-seven rectories in Upper Canada, and
endowed them out of the clergy reserve lands. This was done
at the last moment, and while the successor of Sir John Col-
borne (Sir F. B. Head) was on his way from New York to
Toronto. So great was the haste in which this act was done,
that only 44 out of the 57 patents were signed by the retiring
Governor ; so that only that number of rectories were actually
endowed. There is no doubt but that the Constitutional Act
of 1791 authorized not only the setting apart of the clergy
reserves, but also the erection of " parsonages and rectories
according to the establishment of the Church of England," to
be endowed out of the lands so allotted. (Sec. 38). But, in
Lord Glenelg's opinion, the subject was never submitted for the
signification of the King's pleasure thereon. Certain ambiguous
words, in Lord Ripon's reply to a private communication from
Sir John Colborne, was the authority relied upon for the hasty
and unpopular act of the retiring Governor. The legality of
the act was frequently questioned, but it was finally aflSrmed
by the Court of Chancery in Upper Canada in 1856. The
judgment in the case of the Attorney-General vs. Grasett was
that—
Under the statute 31, Qeo. III., ch. 31, and the Royal Commission, Sir
John Colborne, the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, had authority to
create and endow rectories without further instructions.
* This was abundantly proved afterwards. In the following Parliament an
amended bill was carried, by a majority of one vote, in the House of Assembly
to place the proceeds of the reserves at the disposal of the British Parliament.
Petitions were at once sent to the Queen to induce her to assent to this bill, and
the Bishop went to England to present them. Sir George Arthur also lent his aid
for the same object. The scheme failed, however, on technical grounds, but was
successfully revived the next year. (See Guardian 1st January, 1840.) — H.
CHAPTER XXIX.
1838,
THE CLERGY RESERVE CONTROVERSY RENEWED.
question at issue, when the House of Assembly was
_ elected in 1836 for the parliamentary term ending in
1839, was adroitly narrowed by Sir F. B. Head to the simple
one of loyalty to the Crown, or — as Dr. Ryerson, in a letter to
Hon. W. H. Draper (September, 1838), expressed it — " Whether
or not . . this Province would remain an integral part of
the British Empire." Lord Durham pointed out that Sir F. B.
Head led the people to believe " that they were called upon to
decide the question of separation [from Great Britain] by their
votes."
Under such circumstances the clergy reserve question was
subordinated to those of graver moment/ Besides, even if
pledges had been given by members before the election on the
subject, they were not felt, as the event proved, to be very
sacred. Speaking of this Parliament, Dr. Ryerson, in his letter
to Mr. Draper, (already mentioned), said : —
The present Assembly at its first session adopted a resolution in favour of
appropriating the reserves for " the religious and moral instruction of the
Province.1' But its proceedings during the second session were so vacillating
that it is now difficult to say what the opinions of the members are.
One explanation of this state of feeling was, that the political
views of a majority of the members were in harmony with
those of the ruling party in the country, and yet were at
variance with the views of their constituents on the clergy
reserve question. Advantage was taken of the existence of this
political sympathy by the leaders of the dominant party, with a
view to secure the removal of the clergy reserve question from
the hostile arena of the Upper Canada Legislature to the friendly
atmosphere of the English House of Commons, and the still
more friendly tribunal of the House of Lords — where the bench
of bishops would be sure to defend the claims of the Church to
this royal patrimony.*
* In his despatch to Lord Glenelg, giving an extract of his speech at the opening
of the ensuing session of the Legislature, Sir George Arthur puts this idea in ar
official form. He says : — That such " a tribunal is free from those local influences
and excitement which operate too powerfully here." In his seventh letter to
Hon. W. H. Draper on the clergy reserve question, dated January, 26th, 1839,
Dr. Kyerson argues the whole question of the re-investment of the reserves at
length. He also shows that so far from the " tribunal " here spoken of by Sir
15
226 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIX
Accordingly, at the third session of this Parliament, Mr. Cart-
wright, of Kingston, introduced a bill " to revest the Clergy
Reserves in Her Majesty " — the first reading of which was
carried by a vote of 24 to 5, and passed through Committee
of the whole by a vote of 29 to 12. As soon as Dr. Ryerson,
then in Kingston, got a copy of this bill he wrote the following
letter, on the 13th January, 1838, to the Guardian : —
The professed object of this bill is described by its title, but
the real object, and the necessary effect of it, from the very
nature of its provisions, is to apply the reserves to those
exclusive and partial purposes against which the great majority
of the inhabitants of this province, both by petition and through
their representatives, have protested in every variety of language
during* the last twelve years — and that without any variation
or the shadow of change. The bill even proposes to transfer
future legislation on this subject from the Provincial to the
Imperial Parliament ! The authors of this bill are, it seems,
afraid to trust the inhabitants of Upper Canada to legislate on
a subject in which they themselves are solely concerned ; nay,
they will environ themselves and the interests they wish to
promote behind the Imperial Parliament ! The measure itself,
containing the provisions it does, is a shameful deception upon
the Canadian public — is a wanton betrayal of Canadian rights —
is a disgraceful sacrifice of Canadian, to selfish party interests —
is a covert assassination of a vital principle of Canadian con-
stitutional and free government — is a base political and religious
fraud which ought to excite the deep concern and rouse the
indignant and vigorous exertion of every friend of justice, and
freedom, and good government in the country.
My language may be strong ; but strong as it is, it halts far
behind the emotions of my mind. Such a measure, I boldly
affirm, is not what the people of Upper Canada expected from
the members of the present Assembly when they elected them
as their representatives ; it is not such a measure as, I have
reason to believe, a majority of the present members of the
Assembly gave their constituents to understand they would
vote for when they solicited their suffrages. Honourable gentle-
men, if I can be heard by them, ought to remember that they
have a character to sustain, more important than the attainment
George Arthur being a desirable one to adjudicate on this question, it would
be the very reverse.
It should be remembered that in more than one despatch the Colonial Secretary
held that the question was one to be settled by the Provincial, rather than by the
Imperial Parliament, and declined to interfere with the rights of the Canadian
Legislature in the matter. This will be clearly shown in a subsequent chapter.
Lord Glenelg's utterances on this question are very emphatic, especially in his
despatch dated 5th December, 1835.
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 227
of a particular object ; they ought to remember that they act in
a delegated capacity ; and if they cannot clear their consciences
and maintain the»views and interests of their constituents, they
ought, as many an honest English gentleman has done, to resign
their seats in the legislature ; they ought to remember to whom
and under what expectations they owe their present elevation ;
above all, they ought to remember what the equal and impartial
interests of their whole constituency require at their hands.
If, however, every pledge or honourable understanding should
be violated ; if every reasonable hope should be disappointed ;
and if the loyal and deserving inhabitants of Upper Canada
should be deceived, and disappointed, and wronged by the
passage of this bill into a law, petitions ought to be circulated
in every part of the province to Her Majesty the Queen to
withhold the royal assent from the bill ; and I hereby pledge
£ 50 (if I have to sell my library to obtain the amount) for the
promotion of that object. Such an act, under the present
circumstances of the country, would be worse than a former
alien bill, and ought to be deprecated, resisted, and execrated by
every enlightened friend of the peace, happiness, and prosperity
of the Province.
In reply to a letter from Rev. Joseph Stinson, urging him to
•come to Toronto and oppose this bill, Dr. Ryerson said : —
For me to leave Kingston, under present circumstances, and go to Toronto
would ruin my ministerial influence and usefulness here and blast all our
present hopes of prosperity. You know that by my continued and repeated
.absence, I have already lost fifty per cent, in the confiding hopes of the people,
and consequently in very power of doing them good. You know, likewise,
that the financial interests of the Society have so lamentably declined that
we are already largely in arrears. I cannot, therefore, leave, unless I am
positively required to do so by the Book Committee.
A more serious aspect of the matter, however, was presented
to Dr. Ryerson in the extraordinary silence of the Conference
organ on the subject. In the same letter he said : —
I cannot but feel deeply grieved at not only the tameness but the profound
silence of the Guardian on this bill. Silence on such a measure, and at such
a time, and after the course we have pursued hitherto, is acquiescence in it
to all intents and purposes, and may be fairly and legitimately construed so
by both friends and enemies. Oh, is it so ? Can it be so, that the Editor of
the Guardian has got so completely into the leading strings of that churchism
which is as poisonous in its feelings towards us, and its plans respecting us,
as the simoon blast ; that he will see measures going forward, which he
must know are calculated, nay, intended, to trample us in the dust, and not
even say one word, except in praise (as often as possible), of the very men
who he sees from day to day plotting our overthrow !
I have also observed, in Dr. Strachan's letters to Hon. Wm. Morris, an
attack upon Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary — such a one as would
enable us to turn to our account on the clergy reserve question (and against
Dr. Strachan's exclusive system) the entire influence of Her Majesty's
228 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIX.
Government, which would have great weight both in and out of the House
of Assembly. How I have heard Dr. Bunting, Mr. Beecham, and other
members of the Committee at home, eay that Lord Glenelg is one of the best
and ablest men of the present day. At all events, after what we have
obtained through his Lordship's instrumentality, I think that silence on our
part is disgraceful — apart from considerations of local interests in this battle
for right and justice".
Two able and moderate advocates of the settlement of the
clergy reserve question were sent to England in 1837 to confer
with Lord Glenelg on the subject, viz. : Hon. William Morris on
behalf of the Church of Scotland, and Hon. W. H. Draper on
behalf of the Church of England. In November of that year
Dr. Ryerson was requested to draw up a paper embodying the
opinions of the leading members of the Conference. This was
done, and an elaborate paper on the subject was published in
the Guardian of January 17th, 1838.* Shortly afterwards Dr.
Ryerson addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg on the subject. I
only insert the narrative part of it, as follows : —
I was favoured with a conversation on the clergy reserve question with
Mr. [Sir James] Stephen, in accordance with your Lordship's suggestion,
the day before I left London for Canada (27th April, 1837). After my
arrival in this Province it was unanimously agreed to support the plan for
the adjustment of that important and long agitated question, which had
been mentioned by Mr. Stephen, in the interview referred to.
Sir F. B. Head set his face against it from the beginning, and did not
wish me to say anything about it publicly. The Attorney-General acknow-
ledged it was equitable, and did not make any serious objection to it.t
Recently a meeting of our principal ministers took place in Toronto, in
order to consult upon the measures which it was desirable to adopt in order
to promote the settlement of the question at the next session of Parliament.
* The paper was signed by Kev. Messrs. Harvard, Case, Stinson, J. Ryerson.
W. Ryerson, E. Ryerson, Green, Evans, Jones, Wilkinson, Beatty, and Wright,
See also Guardian of October 10th, 1838.
t In the Guardian of September 12th, 1838, page 180, Dr. Ryerson makes a
fuller reference to this matter. Speaking of tne Hume and Roebuck letters
(page 167), he says : I was indeed — what I never thought of in London — ap-
plauded to satiety by the constitutional press of Upper Canada [for these letters],
and by many individuals, several of whom, on my landing in Canada last year,
gave me no small thanks for the results of the election of 1836. But all that
ceased within a week after my return to Canada. . . And why I Because
I availed myself of the first opportunity after my return to submit and press
upon Sir Francis and the Attorney-General and others, the importance and neces-
sity of an early and equitable settlement of the clergy reserve question, in order
to satisfy the expectations of thousands who had voted for constitutional candi-
dates. . . The very moment it was seen that my views and intentions on
that subject remained unchanged, I saw a change in the expression of counten-
ances. Sir Francis, indeed, never thanked me, for [the letters]; he wished me to
say nothing about the clergy reserve question ; and within four weeks sent a
calumniating letter against me to Lord Glenelg; and the Attorney-General, so far
from remembering the estimate he professed (on my return from England) to place
upon my services to the Province, sought last winter to get a clause inserted in
the Report of the Select Committee on the Upper Canada Academy, impugning
my motives and exonerating Sir Francis from the allegations contained in my
petition (see page 180), without even investigating its merits, etc.
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 229
At the request of the meeting, another gentleman and myself waited upon
the Hon. Mr. Draper (who had taken the most official part in previous
sessions), and showed him the resolutions agreed to. We stated that if it
would embarrass him in promoting the earliest settlement of the question,
we would desist from publishing anything on the subject. He expressed
himself as highly gratified at our frankness, courtesy, and general views, and
said that if his high-church friends had treated him with the same liberality
and courtesy he would have been saved from much difficulty and embar-
rassment, which he had experienced in his previous exertions; but that he
thought there could be no objection to our publishing at large our views on
the subject. The preparation of the document was assigned to me. When,
published, it appeared to meet the views of all parties, except the ultra
shade of one party, who want the whole of the reserves ; and it is now the
most popular plan throughout the Province of settling the question, except
that of appropriating the reserves to educational purposes exclusively.
A day or two before the publication of this document, the House of
Assembly went into Committee on a Bill to revest the reserves in the
Imperial Parliament ! Going to Toronto at this time, I did what I could to
bring the subject again before the House, and accordingly addressed a letter
through the press to Speaker MacNab, of the Assembly, on the importance of
an immediate settlement of the question, and also urging the adoption of the
plan which had been recently proposed.* These papers appeared to create
a considerable sensation among the members of the Assembly; it was agreed
on all sides that the question ought to be settled forthwith. But the
reluctance of the Crown Officers to take up the subject soon became mani-
fest; and it was not for some weeks after, that the subject could be forced
upon them.f Then all (with very few exceptions) professed that the subject
ought not to be postponed any longer. But the Crown Officers had no
measure prepared, and differed in opinion on the subject — the Attorney- >
General consenting to the revesting of the reserves in the Crown, the
Solicitor-General contending that they should be divided among four denom- I
inations (Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Roman Catholics,
according to their relative numbers in Great Britain and Ireland !) This
proposition had but three or four advocates in the House, including the
author of it. Mr. Boulton, seconded by Mr. Cartwright, moved, in substance,
that the clergy reserve provision was made for the clergy of the Church of
England ; — that it does not provide for more than a competent support for
them ; — that to appropriate it for them would give most satisfaction to the
country. This resolution had five votes in favour of it. All these amend-
ments, and several others, having been lost in Committee, the original
resolution moved by Mr. Cartwright, to revest the clergy reserves in Her
Majesty, for " the support of the Christian religion in this Province," was
* In a letter to a friend, in January, 1838, Dr. Ryerson relates an amusing
incident which was characteristic of Sir Allan MacNab's love of a bit of fun. He
said : — In conversation one day with Mr. Speaker MacNab, he gravely proposed to
me that I should meet Archdeacon Strachan and a clergyman of the Church of
Scotland ; and for him and other members of the Assembly to hear us put forth
our respective claims to the clergy reserves, and for them to say a word now and
then if they liked. After having heard the parsons argue the point, some member
was to bring such a measure before the Assembly, as we three should propose.
This rather amusing way of settling the question was evidently by way of a joke,
so I made no objection to it. He is to inform me of the time and place for the
argument, after having consulted the other parties concerned; but I shall hear no
more of it !
t The cause of this apathy will be apparent from the narrative in chapter xxxi.,
and the note on page 225.
230 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIX.
adopted by a majority of three ^r four. A bill was then brought in and
read a first time, and ordered to a, second reading next day, but was never
afterwards taken up — the exclusive church party being anxious to keep it
out of sight. Thus the question is laid over for another year, to the great
disappointment and dissatisfaction of thousands who have promptly come
forward to the support of the Government of the country.
As an indication of the determination of the party then in
power in Upper Canada to carry their scheme for the re-invest-
ment of the Reserves in the Crown, before the close of this
friendly Parliament, I quote the following extract from a
despatch from Sir George Arthur to Lord Glenelg, dated llth
July, 1838 :—
At the first meeting of the Legislature, I propose to cause a bill to be
introduced for re-investing the lands reserved for the clergy in the Crown,
to be applied for religious purposes, and I have reason to think that it will
be earned by a considerable majority.
In June, 1838, Dr. Ryerson became Editor of the Christian
Guardian. It was, as I have shown, at a most critical
period in our provincial history. He was called to that post
by the unanimous voice of his brethren. That call, too, was
emphasized by the fact that the object of the dominant party
in decrying the loyalty of their opponents was now clearly
seen; and that, therefore, none but a man of undaunted
courage, unimpeachable loyalty, as well as unquestioned ability,
could successfully cope with the powerful combination of talent
and influence which the ruling party possessed.
Nor should it be forgotten, that in the unfortunate crisis
through which the Province had just passed, the prestige of the
party which had always claimed the whole of the reserves as
the patrimony of the Church of England, had, from political
causes, immensely increased. This gave them a double advan-
tage ; while, on the other hand, the prestige of the party which
for years had firmly and consistently resisted these claims, had,
for the same political reasons, as sensibly and as seriously
declined.
These facts were well known to every one in Upper Canada
at the time. They imposed a double burthen upon those who
had the courage (or, it might be said, audacity) to question the
righteousness of claims, which — not to speak of the invaluable
services and inviolable loyalty of the claimants themselves in
the crisis of the rebellion — were by words of the statute, as
interpreted by the law officers of the Crown, so clearly given to
those claimants.
Such was the position of parties, and the condition of affairs
in Upper Canada, when Dr. Ryerson was called to the editorial
chair of the leading newspaper in the Province. That he was
possessed of the requisite ability and firmness to maintain the
1838] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 231
rights of a discouraged minority, and resist the then almost
unquestioned will of a powerful majority, few doubted. The
bold defence of the supposed exiled rebel, Bidwell, proved that
neither courage nor talent was wanting. The bitter hatred of
the revolutionary party, as expressed in the threat that, should
they succeed, their first victim would be Egerton Ryerson,
showed that in the new crusade he would have no help (if not
covert opposition) from that extreme section of his former
friends. Nor, as events proved, could he reckon on any support
from the British missionary section of the Methodist community.
Indeed, they were hostile to his views, as will be seen in a
subsequent chapter.
In entering into this contest, therefore, Dr. Ryerson found
that he would have to encounter a threefold enemy — each
section of it able, resolute and influential, especially that one
practically in possession of the reserves — fighting, as it was,
for its very existence, and acting entirely on the defensive.
Soon after Dr. Ryerson entered on his editorial duties he
published in the Guardian an elaborate series of letters on
" The Clergy Reserve Question, as a matter of History, a Ques-
tion of Law, and a Subject of Legislation," addressed to Hon.
W. H. Draper, Solicitor-General. After reviewing the proceed-
ings of the Government and Legislature on the subject down to
the end of the session of 1838, he summed up the leading facts
which he had established, in the following words : —
I have stated that the Government has been administered for fourteen
years in utter contempt of the wishes of the inhabitants, constitutionally,
continuously, and almost unanimously expressed through their representa-
tives and otherwise, on a subject which concerns their highest and best
interests, and which, as the history of Great Britain amply shows, has
always more deeply interested British subjects than any other. Sir, on the
unspeakably important subjects of religion and education our constitutional
right of legislation has, by the arbitrary exercise and influence of Executive
power, been made a mockery, and our constitutional liberties a deception ;
and it is to the influence over the public mind of the high religious feelings
and principles of those classes of the population who have been so shame-
fully calumniated by the Episcopal clergy and their party scribes, that the
inhabitants of Upper Canada are not doing in 1838, what Englishmen did do
in 1688, when their feelings were outraged and their constitutional liberties
infringed, and the privileges of Parliament trampled upon, in order to force
upon the nation a system of religious domination which the great majority
of the people did not desire.
As the session of the Legislature of 1839 approached, a
vigorous effort was made by The Church newspaper (the clerical
organ), and the Patriot (the lay organ) of the church party
to influence public opinion in favour of a re-investment of the
clergy reserves in the Crown (for the reasons given on page 225.)
It was well known that Dr. Ryerson had strenuously opposed
239 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXIX.
any reference of the questions to the British Parliament as
a pusillanimous, and yet an interested, party abnegation of
Canadian rights. He, therefore, prepared and circulated
extensively a petition to the House of Assembly on this and
kindred subjects. This proceeding called forth a counter
petition, urging the Legislature to recognize the principle of an
established church, etc. Dr. Ryerson, therefore, lost no time in
inserting in the Guardian of 24th October, a stirring appeal,
in which he urged the Methodist ministers and members
throughout the country to sign the petition which he had pre-
pared without delay. He insisted upon the abolition of the
rectories surreptitiously established by Sir John Colborne, on
the ground that, although authorized by the Act of 1791, yet
that their establishment was not in harmony with the terms of
the despatch of Lord Ripon, dated November 8th, 1832, which
stated that —
His Majesty has studiously abstained from the exercise of his undoubted
prerogative of founding and endowing literary or religious corporations,
until he should obtain the advice of the representatives of the people in that
respect.
He concluded the appeal with these words: — It becomes
every man who properly appreciates his civil and religious
rights and privileges, and those of posterity after him, to give
his name, his influence, and exertions, in the final effort to place
those rights and privileges upon the broad foundation of equal
justice to all classes of the inhabitants.
In a subsequent appeal, issued in November, he said : — Let
every man who has a head to think, a foot to walk, and a hand
to write, do all in his power to circulate the petitions for the
entire abolition of high church domination, and the perfect
religious and political equality of all denominations of Chris-
tians. . . The majority of the people of England are willing
to have glebes, rectories, tithes, church rates, etc.; but the
majority of the people of this Province want nothing of the
kind. . . The right of the inhabitants of this Province
to judge, and to have their wishes granted on everything con-
nected with the disposition of the clergy reserves, and the
proceeds of them, has been formally recognized in gracious
despatches from the Throne.
Few in the present day can realize the storm which these
petitions and appeals provoked. Every effort was made (as
will be seen) to silence the voice and stay the hand of Dr.
Ryerson, the chief promoter of the petitions, and the able
opponent of the establishment of church ascendancy in Upper
Canada. Thus matters reached a crisis in the latter part
of the year 1838. So intense was the feeling evoked by the
1838] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 233
ruling party against Dr. Ryerson's proceeding, that in many
places the promoters of the petitions were threatened with
personal violence, and even with death, as may be seen by
letters published in the Guardian at this time. The publica-
tion of these letters at the present time would excite feelings of
amazement that such a state of things was ever possible in a
free country like Canada.
Not only was this policy of intimidation pursued in the
rural parts of the country, but the newspapers in Toronto and
the larger towns, controlled by his opponents, made a com-
bined assault upon Dr. Ryerson, as the central figure in this
movement. On the 19th December, 1838, he inserted an able
defence of himself. He said : —
The question of the Clergy Reserves, or in other words, of a dominant
ecclesiastical establishment in this Province, embracing one or more
Churches, has been a topic of public discussion for nearly twenty years.
For thirty years after the creation of Upper Canada (in 1783) there was no
ecclesiastical establishment in the country, except in the letter of an Act of
Parliament. During that time there was no weakening of the hands of
Government by discussing the question of a dominant church. . .
But from the time that the Episcopal clergy commenced the enterprise of
ecclesiastical supremacy in the Province, there has been civil and religious
discord. The calumnious and persecuting measures they have pursued from
time to time to accomplish their purpose, I need not enumerate. For twelve
years I have sought to restore peace to the Province, by putting down their
pretensions. I have varied in the means I have employed, but never in the
end I have had in view, as I have always avowed to them and their parti-
zans, and to the Colonial and Imperial Governments, on every suitable
occasion.
It was a favourite weapon of attack to denounce as rebels
and republicans all those who opposed the exclusive claims of
the then representatives of the Church of England. And this
stigma was, in 1838, a personal and social one which every
person to whom it was applied resented. But the more such
persons resented the charge of disloyalty the more was the
charge reiterated, and they were harassed and denounced as
" radicals " and "republicans."
In repelling this unfounded charge, Dr. Ryerson did not
descend to vindication or explanation. He became in turn the
assailant, and began to " carry the war into Africa." With
scorn and invective he replied to the charge, and showed that
his opponents, with all their boasting and professions of loyalty,
had failed to render the necessary aid in time of need. Thus :
It has been said that I prevented the militia from turning
out when first called upon. . . It is true that I did not
exhort any one to volunteer. . . One reason . . was
that I desired to have the country furnished with a prac-
tical illustration of high-church patriotism and loyalty in the
234 THE STORY OF MY LIFE: [CHAP. XXIX.
hour of need. The Church and the Patriot had boasted of
their multitudes ; but those multitudes shrivelled into a
Falstaffs company in an hour which detected the difference
between the loyalty of the lip and the heart. . . The
elongated countenances in certain quarters for a few days [in
December, 1837], will never be forgotten! From the Govern-
ment House to the poorest cottage the omnipotent power of the
Guardian was proclaimed as producing this alarming state of
things ! Indeed, I received a verbal message from His Excel-
lency on the subject. At this juncture . . the heads of
the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches formally addressed
[their adherents] exhorting them to rally to the standard of
their country, and from that hour we have heard nothing but
congratulations and boasts in regard to the readiness . .
with which the militia came forward in all parts of the Pro-
vince at the call of the Government. It has been insinuated
that I attacked the local Government. . . The charge
is unfounded. When the local Government was attacked for
having pursued a different course from that of Lord Durham
towards the political prisoners, I reconciled the course of the
two administrations. Several numbers of the Guardian con-
taining that dissertation were requested for the Government
House, and . . were sent to England. . . But when both
my position and myself stand virtually . . impugned by
proclamation, I am neither the sycophant nor the renegade to
crouch down under unmerited imputations, come from whence
they may, even though I should suffer imprisonment and ruin
for my temerity.
I am at length exhorted to silence, but not my opponents.
. . A royal answer was returned to an address of the Episco-
pal Clergy a few weeks since.* Nor is silence imposed upon
me until the entire weight of the Chief Magistracy is thrown
into the Episcopal scale. If the injunction had been given to
aU parties . . then we might have felt ourselves in some
degree equally protected. . . But at the moment when the
Province is turned into a camp — when freedom of opinion may
be said to exist, but scarcely to live — when unprecedented
power is wielded by. the Executive, and the Habeas Corpus
Act is suspended, for one party in the Province to have free
range of denunciation, intimidation, etc., against Methodists
and others . . and then for silence to be enjoined on me
and those who agree with me . . does excite, I confess, my
* In their address they designated themselves as the Bishop, Archdeacons, and
Clergy of the Established Church of Upper Canada ; but Sir George Arthur, in
his reply, addressed them as the Bishop, Archdeacons, and Clergy of the esta-
blished Church of England in Upper Canada.
1838] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 235
anxious concern, as the object of it in regard to myself and a
large portion of the country cannot be mistaken.
The despatches of Lord Ripon (Nov. 8th, 1832) and Lord
Glenelg (Dec. 15th, 1835) recommended a "comprehensive
liberality " in every department, and in all the acts of the
Government, which conceded in full the popular demands on
the clergy reserve question, and deprecated the establishment of
any religious corporations until the advice of the local Legis-
lature had been obtained — these very despatches Sir F. B. Head
promised to carry out. . . But has that pledge been re-
deemed by him ? Has it not been grossly violated ? . . In
his appointments and dismissals from office, and in the whole
tone and spirit of his government, did not Sir F. B. Head become
the head of a party instead of the Governor of the Province ?
. . The result of his new system of government already is
derangement of the currency — insurrection — bloodshed — loss
of property — demoralization, by calling large bodies of men
from rural to military employments — decrease of population —
cessation of immigration — decrease of credit — decrease of reve-
nue— increase of the public debt — decrease of the value of
property — increase of popular dissatisfaction — vast military
expenditures from the taxes of an overburthened British popu-
lation— insecurity of person and property, and general distrust.
Under these " Church and King " counsels, for two years more,
and this province will be a Paradise ! . . We have laboured
hard to obtain and secure many blessings for our native land,
but certainly not such blessings as these !
In connection with this discussion, a Kingston paper stated
that Dr. Ryerson was moved by ambitious motives. In reply
Dr. Ryerson said: — As to my motives of ambition, etc., my
enemies will probably concede to me two or three things. 1. That
long before Sir F. B. Head came to Upper Canada I had been
honoured by as large a share of popular favour in this province
as any individual could reasonably expect or desire. . .
2. That the path to royal favour has been opened as widely to
me as it is possible for it to be opened to any clerical individual
who has laid it down as a rule, and stated it to Ministers of the
Crown and Governors, that he never could knowingly receive
a farthing from any quarter, or in any way, which was not
pointed out and authorized by the discipline of his Church.
But as a love of popular favour has not obliterated from my
recollection the rightful prerogatives of the Crown, I cannot see
why I should thereby be disqualified from a disinterested
maintenance of constitutional rights, especially when many
more are immediately concerned in the latter than in the
former.
CHAPTER XXX.
1838-1839.
THE RULING PABTY AND THE RESERVES. — " DIVIDE ET IMPERA.':
A MONGST so large and influential a body as the Methodists,
Xl_ made up, as it was years ago, of two distinct elements,
somewhat antagonistic to each other, it can easily be understood
that the more astute among the high church or " family com-
pact " party clearly saw that their only hope of success in the
clergy reserve controversy was by taking advantage of the
presence of this antagonistic element in the Methodist body, and
to turn it to practical account against Dr. Ryerson, so as to
checkmate him in the contest. Queen Elizabeth's motto:
Divide et impera, was therefore adopted. And every effort was
made to intensify the feelings and widen the breach which
already existed between the two sections of the Methodists.
This was the more easily done by the appeal which was made
to the national prejudices of Methodists of British origin, as
against the alleged republican tendency of their colonial breth-
ren.* In this effort the ruling party were publicly and privately
aided by members of the Missionary Committee in London. To
discuss this question now would be practically useless. None
but actors in the scenes and conflicts of those times could
realize the strong, even bitter, feelings which existed in the
chief towns between the two parties at the time. Cherished
sentiments of loyalty, strong home feelings, and orthodox
Methodist principles, were appealed to, and alternately asserted
their influence on opposite sides in the contest.
Added to the difficulty which Dr. Ryerson experienced in
conducting the clergy reserve controversy was the fact, that
many Methodists of British origin fully sympathized with the
claims of the old national and historical Church of England —
* Dr. Ryerson, in the Guardian of October 81, 1838, says:— Five columns of
The Church, of the 20th ult., are occupied with an appeal to the old country
Methodists, to induce them to oppose the Conference and Connexion in this Pro-
vince in the clergy reserve question. The Cobourg Star follows in the wake of
The Church, in the same pious crusade. The Patriot of the 26th inst also copies
the schismatic appeal of The Church.
838^39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 237
they held that it was ipso facto the " established " church in
every British Colony, as often asserted by the Missionary party.
As the clergy reserve question gradually became the absorbing
topic of discussion in the country (with Dr. Ryerson as one
of the chief leaders in that discussion), it was natural that so
important a matter should receive the attention of Conference.
This it did at an early date. In 1837 strong resolutions were
passed upon the subject, which excited much uneasiness among
the English Missionary party. The Rev. W. H. Harvard,
President of the Conference, in writing to Dr. Ryerson on the
subject after Conference, said : —
Since I came away from the Conference, I have been greatly concerned as
to the anti-church impression likely to be made on the mind of our people
by our recent resolutions of Conference; and I would fain engage your
interest with Rev. E. Evans, our Editor, to accompany them with some
saving paragraph on the general principle of an establishment which may
keep our people from the danger of imbibing the principle of dissent, tho
operation of which will always foster a religious radicalism in our body, and
the influence of which our fathers at home strongly deprecate. I think with
you, that in the altered circumstances of our Colonial relations, we have
reason to plead for concessions of equality of rights and privileges which
would never be granted in the Mother Country. In that respect I do not
dissent from the spirit of the resolutions. But I more and more think and
feel that there is a middle path of respectful deference to the principle of an
establishment even in the Colonies, which, so modified, would not be injuri-
ous, but rather helpful, to our good cause, — and which is a vantage ground
on which none of our enemies could touch us. It is true, that from Wesleyan
high quarters you have had encouragement to believe an independent stand
against Church domination would not be disapproved ; yet even there a
denial of the principle of an establishment (or that the Government should
profess some one form of Christianity, with equal privileges to other Chris-
tians) would meet with reprobation ; and if not, who does not see, if we take
that anti-Wesleyan ground, it may involve the question of Wesleyan con-
sistency on our part, while at the same time it would be in danger of
throwing our people into the arms of the Radical-popish-infidel faction,
where they will, bear-like, be hugged till the breath of piety is pressed out
of them. Of course, it would drive away from our congregations many of
those pious or well-disposed Church people who occasionally mingle with
and derive good from us. It was Mr. Wesley's conviction that the Method-
ists were in part raised up to spread scriptural holiness in the Church of
England, as well as in the world at large. 1 must repeat my wish, that you
had yielded to my suggestion to admit into the resolution the phrases,
" that the principle of an establishment should be so administered in this
Province as to secure perfect equality of rights and privileges among all
other communities."
You may have ulterior views which I am too short-sighted to perceive.
But I am fully convinced, that if the Guardian does not save us from identi-
fication with dissent from the Church of England at this crisis, the real
friends of our Zion will bitterly deplore it another day.*
* Even Kev. J. Stinson (who heartily sympathized in many things with the
Canadian Methodists), in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, written in February, 1839, said:
— I have read your address to Hon. W. H. Draper, on the clergy reserve question,
238 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXX.
Here was a broad and distinct declaration of principle, as
fully in harmony with the views of the dominant party as they
were entirely opposed to those held by the Canadian Confer-
ence party. They were perfectly sincere, too, and were uttered
by one of the most moderate, and yet most thoroughly repre-
sentative agents of the British Missionary party in this Pro-
vince. It can be easily seen how tempting an opportunity it
was for the ruling party to foster this feeling amongst the
English Missionary section of Methodists, by strong appeals to
their well-known loyalty — their respect and love for the old
mother-church, which John Wesley so venerated. Even conde-
sension and flattery were employed. The Church and other
newspapers made appeals with tact and ability* (see page 236) ;
the Lieutenant Governor himself took the trouble to address a
letter on the subject direct to the Missionary Committee in
London, and Archdeacon Strachan never failed to single out
for respectful mention and commendation the representatives
of the British Missionary party in Canada, as distinguished
from the " disloyal and republican section of the Methodists."-f-
with considerable attention ; and while there is much in it which I admire, I must
honestly tell you, en passant, that it contains more against the principle of an
establishment in this Colony than I like.
* Not satisfied with these strong appeals in the newspapers, resort was had to
personal ones, made to leading members of the missianary party. In a kind and
yet candid letter which Dr. Ryerson received in November, 1838, Rev. Joseph
Stinson says: — I sincerely sympathize with you in your present perplexing
and trying circumstances. I heard to-day that some of the dominant church
champions are appealing to me to array myself against you. They may save them-
selves the trouble of making such appeals. Whenever I have differed in opinion
with you, I have told you so, and shall do so again, — but shall never, unless you
become a revolutionist, either directly or indirectly sanction any factious opposition
to you. I think, as Wesleyan Methodists, we ought, openly and fearlessly, to
advocate the righteous claims of our own Church ; but we ought to do it without
detracting from the merits or opposing the interests of that Church which is so
closely connected with our Government, as is the Church of England. I know
that the exclusive spirit — the arrogant pretentiousness — the priestly insolence — the
anti-Christian spirit of certain members of that Church richly deserves chastise-
ment. . . . I know that your public services have been undervalued ; your faults
have been shamefully exaggerated ; your motives have been misrepresented ; your
influence (connected as you are with a large and influential body of Christians) is
feared, and your enemies are as bitter as Satan can make them ; but, if you are
conscious that, in the sight of God, you are aiming at the right object, why not
leave your cause in His hands? why so frequently appeal to the people? You may
not see it ; but there is a recklessness in your mode of writing, sometimes, which
is really alarming, and for which many of the members of the Conference of our
Society do not like to be responsible. I know well, that the acts of the high
church party are far more likely to excite rebellion than your writings. There is a
strong, a very strong, feeling against a dominant Church ; but a majority of the
Province would rather have that, and connection with Great Britain, than repub-
licanism.
t On the other hand, the Editor of The Church thus sketched Dr. Ryerson : — As
The promoter, if not originator, of prejudices of indigenous growth, against the
1838-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 239
Referring to this period, Rev. John Ryerson, in his Historical
Recollections of Methodism (as annotated by Dr. Ryerson) in-
forms us that —
After aiding to suppress the rebellion, the Guardian resumed the discus-
sion of the clergy reserve question, and insisted that it should be settled.
But nothing was farther from the thoughts of Dr. Strachan and Sir George
Arthur. They contended that the mooting of the question at such a time
was evidence of disloyalty on the part of those who were endeavouring to
despoil the Church of its lawful rights. The Editor of the Guardian (Dr.
Ryerson) was threatened with personal violence, with prosecution, and
banishment. Yet the Guardian kept on the even tenor of its way ; and in
proportion to the fury of the monopolists, did the Editor increase his exer-
tions to wrest from them their unjust gains. Then the oppressors of equal
rights, seeing that nothing else would do, called into requisition the old craft
to divide the Methodists, or, by other influences, to coercively control them.
Sir George Arthur, the amanuensis of Dr. Strachan in these matters, wrote
to the Missionary Committee in London of the evil and disturbing doings of
the Guardian, and called on them for their interference. This nattering
appeal received a very complimentary reply. The Committee also wrote to
their missionary agents in Canada, directing them to interpose and arrest the
unjustifiable course of the Guardian. The objection was that the paper
"had become party-political ;" that " its course was disquieting to the coun-
try, and disreputable to Wesleyan Methodism," . . etc. It is not denied
(adds Rev. J. Ryerson), that the Guardian at this time was very political for
a religious journal. . .
On this Dr. Ryerson remarked —
It is true, as my brother has intimated, that the Guardian
was "very political," because the Editor was intensely in
earnest on the great object for which he had been elected by
the Conference. . . The times of his former proposed con-
ciliations and compromises were now past. He felt the awful-
ness of the crisis and the responsibility of his position. The
Reform party had been crushed by the rebellion of 1837, and
the Reform press silenced ; there was, in fact, no Reform party.
The high-church party thought that their day of absolute
power and ecclesiastical monopoly had dawned. It had been
agreed by Mr. W. L. Mackenzie and his fellow rebels . .
that Egerton Ryerson [should be their first victim]. He alone
stood above successful calumny by the high-church party, and
Church of England, and as the thoughtless scatterer of the seeds of political error
and of antipathy to the national church. Notwithstanding these counteracting
influences, the Editor does not despair of seeing the day when Methodists in
Canada will join with Churchmen in vindicating the Church's right to the property
of the reserves, which will enable them to plant the established church in every
corner of these Provinces. And this they will do, not upon the ground merely of
filial partiality, but on the most rational security for the permanence and purity of
our Protestant faith, etc. Under these circumstances, Dr. Ryerson said : —
I have felt it due to the Guardian connexion to enter my protest against the
claims of the Episcopal Church, and to combat and explain the opinion of my
English brethren as not those prevalent in this Province.
A lengthened communication, embodying those views, appearing on page 109 of
the Guardian of May 16th, 1838.
240 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXX.
r
backed as he was by his Canadian Methodist brethren, he
determined to defend to the last, the citadel of Canadian liberty.
. . He knew that, as in a final struggle for victory between
two armies, when that victory was trembling in the scales, the
wavering of a single battalion on either side might animate and
decide victory in favour of the enemy; so a compromising
sentence or ambiguous word from the Editor might rouse the
high-church party to increased confidence and action, and pro-
portionally weaken the cause of civil and religious liberty in
Upper Canada. The Editor of the Guardian had no fear, and
he evinced none. . . I contended that all the political ques-
tions then pending had a direct or indirect bearing on this great
question ; . . that I would not be turned aside from the
great object in view until it was obtained ; that the real object
of the Government and of the Missionary Committee was not
so much to prevent the introduction of politics into the
Guardian, as the discussion of the clergy reserve question
itself, and of the equal religious rights of the people alto-
gether, so that the high-church party might be left in peace-
able possession of. their exclusive privileges, and their unjust
and immense monopolies, without molestation or dispute.
Rev. J. Ryerson adds : Had Dr. Ryerson " yielded to the
dictation of Sir George Arthur's government, and the inter-
ference of the London Missionary Committee, one-seventh of
the land of the Province might now be in the hands of the
Church of England. But the course of the Guardian in this
matter, however right, brought upon [the Canadian Methodist
Church] calamities and sufferings of seven years' continuance."
About a month before the Conference of 1839 met, Sir
George Arthur received a reply, by the hands of Dr. Alder, from
the Missionary Committee in London (signed by Dr. Bunting
and the other Secretaries), which he published in the Patriot
newspaper. Dr. Ryerson inserted the letter in the Guardian
of the 22nd May, with these remarks : —
We copy from the Patriot a letter, addressed by the Wesleyan Missionary
Secretaries in London to Sir George Arthur, disclaiming " all participation
in the views expressed in the Guardian on the ecclesiastical questions of this
Province."
He then goes on to show that the views expressed in the
Guardian were identical with those embodied in the proceedings
of the Wesleyan Conference in Upper Canada from the begin-
ning, and that they were explicitly avowed and understood by
both parties at the time of the union of the Conferences in 1833.
The object of the publication of the letter was evidently two-
fold : 1st. To put a weapon into the hands of the friends of a
dominant church in Upper Canada. 2nd. To paralyze the efforts
1838-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 241
of Dr. Ryerson to secure equal rights for all religious bodies,
and thus to weaken his powerful influence as a champion of
those rights.
It was a noticeable fact that all of the disclaimers from the
British party first appeared in the Church of England organs, and
were there triumphantly appealed to as the unbiassed expression
of Methodist opinion from headquarters in England. In supple-
menting Rev. John Ryerson's Historical Narrative of events
at this period, Dr. Ryerson stated, in substance, that : —
It was soon found that Sir George Arthur had thrown himself into the
hands of the oligarchy on the question of the clergy reserves — he would not
consent to have them applied to any other purpose than the support of the
clergy, and was anxious to have them revested in the Crown. When Sir
George's views and plans were brought before the Legislature, I opposed them.
The Missionary Committee interposed (at Sir George's own request) and
supported him on that question. However, Her Majesty's Government sub-
sequently set aside the proceedings of Sir George Arthur, upon the very same
grounds on which I had opposed them ; but that made no difference in the
feelings towards me of Dr. Alder and his colleagues.
Early in June, 1839, Dr. Alder addressed a letter to the
Guardian, explaining and defending his views on church
establishments. On the 12th of that month, Dr. Ryerson
replied to him at length, and, at the close, put a series of
questions to Dr. Alder. From the 2nd and 6th I make the
following extracts : —
2. Are you satisfied that you are providentially called of God to attempt
to make Methodism an agency in promoting a national establishment of
religion in a new country, in the teeth of an overwhelming majority of the
inhabitants 1
6. Are you warranted from any writings or authority of Mr. Wesley to
insist that, " under no circumstances," the principle of an establishment shall
be abandoned ? . . Mr. Wesley and his coadjutors have left it on record,
in the minutes of their Conference, as their deliberate judgment, that "there
is no instance of, or ground at all for, a national church in the New Testa-
ment;" that they " apprehended it to be a merely political institution." How
can any true Wesleyau convert that into a matter of faith and? religious
principle for which Mr. Wesley declared there " was no instance or ground
at all in the New Testament]" . . I know that the local Executive is
most intent to secure the aid of the Missionary Committee to support the
recent re-investment act of spoliation ; I believe that your letter . .
emboldened and encouraged them in the re-investment scheme, and His
Excellency stated some months since that he had written for you to come to
this country;- they think that they can bargain with you upon more advan-
tageous terms than they can with the Methodist Conference in this Province,
but I entreat you to pause before you proceed to insist that that which Mr.
Wesley declares . . to be "a merely political institution," forms any part
of Wesleyan Methodism.*
* With a view to increase the clamour against the Editor of the Ghiardian on this
subject, Mr. Alex. Davidson, writing to Dr. Ryerson from Niagara, said': — Dr.
Alder's letter to you had been printed and circulated there in the form of a hand-bill.
Mr. E. C. Griffin, of Waterdown, writing from Hamilton on the same subject, said :
T have learned from brother Edward Jackson what are the feelings of the Society
16
242 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXX.
Dr. Ryerson 's account of what transpired at the ensuing Con-
ference is in substance as follows : —
Dr. Alder attended the Conference at Hamilton, June, 1839, and intro-
duced resolutions expressive of his views, to which he insisted upon the
concurrence of the Conference. The resolutions were discussed for three
days. On the last day Dr. Ryerson replied, after which the resolutions
were negatived by a vote of 55 to 5.*
At the same Conference Dr. Ryerson was appointed secretary,
by a vote of 41 to 14. But it was in regard to the election of
Editor that the greatest interest was taken, not so much amongst
the Canadian section of the Methodist people as amongst the
members of other religious bodies. The Guardian stated :-~
For the last two months the several provincial journals have renewed their
efforts of vehement vituperation against the Editor ; . . they have sought
and hoped to create a division in the ranks of the Methodist family, and, by
thus dividing, to conquer ; they even triumphed by anticipation — so much
so, that the Editor of The Church oracularly predicted the speedy release of
the Editor of the Guardian from his editorial duties.
The chagrin which was felt by these parties can be well
imagined when the ballot announced that Dr. Ryerson had been
re-elected editor, by a vote of 60 to 13 ! Speaking of this
memorable triumph, Dr. Ryerson declared that : —
Never before did I receive, directly or indirectly, so many unequivocal
testimonies of respect and confidence, not merely from the Methodist Church
at large, but also from members of other churches.
In the meantime (as Dr. Ryerson stated elsewhere) the
discussion on the question of a dominant church monopoly and
party . . proscription waxed hotter and hotter ; . . rumours
prevailed of a change of Governors in Upper Canada; the high
church party felt that this was their time, and perhaps their
last chance to confirm their absolute power. . . Under these
in Hamilton, respecting the letter of Dr. Alder. He says, that if the leaders'
meeting is any index of the views of the entire Society here, they are a " unit " to
a man (except the preacher) in their determination to support you in your prin-
ciples and proceedings.
* The following incident in connection with this vote is mentioned by Dr.
Ryerson: Dr. Alder (he said) appeared disappointed and depressed; and, after the
close of the Conference I said to him : Dr. Alder, you see how entirely you have
mistaken the state of Canadian society, and the views and feelings of the Method-
ist people. Now, I do not wish that you should return to England a defeated and
disgraced man. I purpose to write a short editorial for the Guardian, stating that
the differences and misunderstandings which had arisen, after having been carefully
considered and fully discussed, were adjusted in an amicable spirit, and the unity
. of the Church maintained inviolate. Dr. Alder appeared delighted and thankful
beyond expression. I prepared the editorial. Dr. Alder used and interpreted this
editorial on his return to England, to show that the Canadian Conference and its
Editor had acceded to all of his demands, and that he had been completely
successful in his mission to Canada 1 The English Committee adopted resolutions
complimentary to Dr. Alder in consequence ; but I did not imagine that Dr.
Alder's fictitious representation of the results of his mission would afterwards be
made the ground of charges against myself !
1838-39] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 243
circumstances, I stated to the Conference that the moment
that the clergy reserve and other questions affecting our consti-
tutional and just rights as British Canadian subjects, and as a
religious body, were adjusted, we ought to abstain entirely from
any discussions in reference to civil affairs. When Dr. Alder's
resolutions were rejected by our Conference, one prepared by
myself was agreed to, as follows : —
While this Conference has felt itself bound to express ita sentiments on the
question of an ecclesiastical establishment in this Province, and our constitu-
tional and religious rights and privileges, and our determination to maintain
them, we disclaim any intention to interfere with the merely secular, party-
politics of the day.
This resolution, as it afterwards appeared, did not go far
enough to meet the wishes and designs of Dr. Alder. He, there-
fore, brought the matter before the Book Committee, Toronto,
in October, 1839. To that Committee he stated at length his
decided objection to the course pursued by the Guardian since
Conference as " a violation of the known design of the resolu-
tion adopted by it." Dr. Ryerson, while fully justifying the
course which he had pursued, nevertheless tendered to the
Committee his resignation as Editor. The Committee, however,
instructed Rev. William Case to write to him as follows : —
By request of the Book Committee, I beg leave to communicate the result of
their deliberations on the subject of your proffered resignation of the editor-
ship of the Guardian. "Resolved, That the Committee do not feel themselves
at liberty to accept of the resignation of the Editor of the Guardian, and that
he be affectionately requested to withdraw it, and to continue his 'services in
accordance with the deliberately framed regulations of the Committee until
the ensuing Conference, the regulations to which he objects having been
adopted, not for, the purpose of reflecting in any way upon the Editor; and
that we assure him that we have the utmost confidence in his abilty, his
integrity, and his anxious desire to promote the best interests of the
Connexion."
Dr. Ryerson withdrew his resignation at the time, but re-
solved to press it at the next Conference. This he did ; and
peremptorily declined re-election at the Conference of 1840 —
in fact other and more serious matters were pressed upon him.
He thus finally retired from the editorship of the paper which he
had established in 1829, and which he had made such a power
in Upper Canada. He justly felt that, with the enlarged
Methodist constituency which the Guardian at this time repre-
sented, it would be impossible for him, while great questions
remained unsettled, to harmonize the conflicting opinions on
politico-religious matters which were then held by opposite and
influential sections of the Methodist Church. He clearly fore-
saw further conflict on these and other inter-connexional sub-
jects, and was, therefore, the more anxious to free himself from
the unwise, official trammels, which a hostile, anti-Canadian and
244 , THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXX.
unpatriotic party sought to impose upon him, — single-handed
as lie was. He longed for more congenial work. He also felt
that literary freedom was essential to him in his thorough and
practical discussion of the all absorbing questions of the day.*
This it was well known he could do, in dealing with these
questions, not only on their own merits, but with the com-
prehensive grasp which his enlarged experience, intuitive clear-
ness of perception, and naturally statesmanlike views on grave
public questions, eminently qualified him for.
As an illustration of the acknowledged ability, fairness, and
conclusiveness of argument with which he dealt with questions
which touched the sensibilities and even prejudices of leading
members of the British Missionary party in Canada, it is a
striking fact that when these gentlemen were not under the
direct and potent influence of the Mission House, they were Dr.
Ryerson's personal friends, and gave him an active support.
This was particularly the case with the late Rev. Dr. Stinson,
a man of noble and generous impulses ; Rev. W. H. Harvard,
always kind and courteous ; Rev. Dr. Richey, a man of much
refinement and culture, and others. In the important crisis of
1838, both Dr. Stinson and Dr. Richey voted for Dr. Ryerson as
Editor. The former wrote a strong letter urging his appoint-
ment as Editor. (Page 201.) The latter, on his way to Halifax,
after the Conference of 1839, wrote from Montreal to Dr.
Ryerson, as follows : —
Sir John Colborne, on whom I called, and by whom I was graciously
received, is delighted with the continuance of the Union. So are all oui
Montreal friends, after my explanations. They will immediately order the
Guardian. Sir John paid a handsome tribute to your talents, as who with
whom I conversed did not? however they might happen to view your
course. They all say you commenced admirably, — that the moment the
paper passed into your hands, it manifestly improved ; and they all approve
of your course for the last six months, just about as well as you know I do.
Adhere most religiously, my dear brother, to the spirit and letter of the
resolutions, by which the Conference has expressed its will that you should
be guided. Your friend Joseph Howet begins, I perceive, to mingle with
tones, as they are invidiously designated. I do not wish you to be a tory ;
and I will not insult you by expressing a desire that you were a high con-
servative.
I do not flatter you in saying, that on no man in Upper Canada does the
peace of our Church and 01 the Province so much depend, as on yourself.
May all your powers be employed for good! Guard against the fascination
of political fame. It will do no more for you on a dying bed than it did for
Cardinal Wolsey. O ! that your fine mind were fully concentrated upon
the noZiTevfta of Heaven !
* Dr. Ryerson gave full expression to these views in a letter addressed to the
Governor-General in April, 1840. (See chapter xxxiii.)
t See letter from Mr. Howe to Dr. Ryerson on page 258.
CHAPTER XXXI.
1839.
STRATEGY IN THE CLERGY RESERVE CONTROVERSY.
fTIHE year 1839 was somewhat noted for the prolonged and
J_ animated discussions which took place in and out of the
Legislature on the clergy reserve question. There were some
new features in the discussion of the preceding year which had
their effect on the clergy reserve legislation of that year. And
while they partially ceased to be influential in the discussions
of 1839, yet the legislation of that year was practically brought
to the same issue as that of 1838, only that it was more de-
cisive. It may be interesting, therefore, to refer to these special
features in the discussion of 1838-9.
The first was the final change of tactics on the part of the
leaders of the Church of England party in the contest. The
second was the persistent and personal efforts which Lieutenant
Governor Arthur put forth in behalf of that party, so as to
enable them to accomplish their object, and, at the same time,
to counteract the efforts of those who were seeking to uphold
Canadian and popular rights. The third was (as shown in
the last chapter) the plan adopted to foment discord in the
Methodist body — which was by far the most formidable
opponent of the scheme of monopoly and agrandizement which
the ruling party was seeking to promote.
At this distance of time it is easy to survey the whole field
of conflict, and to note the plans and strategies of the combat-
ants. Although efforts had hitherto been made to shift the
battle-ground from Upper Canada to England, yet, as the
Colonial Secretary had discouraged such efforts as unwise, and
as an unnecessary interference with the rights of the Provincial
Legislature, the matter was not openly pressed in 1839. Nor
was it pressed at all to a conclusion in 1838. For, by a singular
coincidence, the very day (29th December, 1837) on which Mr.
Cartwright had moved to bring a bill into the House of
Assembly to revest the clergy reserve in Her Majesty, Sir
George Grey penned a despatch to Sir George Arthur, in
which he disclaimed, on behalf of the Imperial Government,
24-6 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXT.
any wish or intention to interfere, in the settlement of the
clergy reserve question, with the functions of the Provincial
Legislature, on the ground that —
Such interference would tend to create a not unreasonable suspicion of
the sincerity with which the Legislature have been invited to the exercise of
the power [to vary or repeal] reserved to them on this subject by the Consti-
tutional Act of 1791.
It is likely that the publication of this despatch prevented
the House of Assembly from proceeding any farther with Mr.
Cartwright's bill, than ordering it to a second reading on the
26th February, 1838. In this dilemma the ruling party were
evidently at a loss how to act. It required much tact and skill
to break the ranks of the chief forces arrayed against the
scheme to revest the reserves in the Crown — a scheme dis-
tasteful to Canadians generally, and subversive of the legis-
lative independence of Upper Canada. Two methods were
therefore adopted : The first was to divide the Methodists (as
shown in the last chapter). The second and more astute one
was to appeal to the professed loyalty of that class which
hitherto had been held up to scorn as disloyal, and denounced
as republican in its tendencies, as well as seditious in their
conduct. The appeal was varied in form, but it was in substance
that as those who made it were not themselves afraid to trust
their interests in the hands of the Sovereign, their opponents
should be equally trustful in the equal and entire justice which
would be meted out to all of her Canadian subjects.* "This
appeal, from its very speciousness, and the skill with which it
was pressed, had its effect in many cases. But, as a general rule,
it failed. The object of the decisive change of tactics was too
transparent to deceive the more sensible and thoughtful men
to whom the appeal was addressed.
The two other methods adopted (already referred to) were
only partially successful; but the three combined, no doubt,
strengthened the hands of the advocates of the scheme for the
re-investment of the reserves in the Crown. They, however,
ceased to press the matter upon public attention, being deter-
mined to bide their time, and (as events proved), to carry their
point in another and more skilful way.
In the meantime, and early in 1839, Dr. Ryersdn was deputed
by several important circuits to present loyal addresses to Sir
George Arthur. This he did on the 2nd February ; and in en-
closing them to the Governor's secretary, used language which
sounds strange in these days of religious equality. He said: —
* In the Guardian of September 19th, 1838, the question is put in this form
and discussed : " Why do you not appeal to Her Majesty's Privy Council, or to
the High Court of Parliament instead of appealing to the public here!" The
answer was conclusive.
:839] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 247
I feel myself fully authorized, by various communications and my official
position, to assure His Excellency that the members of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church will not be contented with subordinate civil standing to
any other church, any more than the members of the Church of Scotland.
They do not, and never have asked for any peculiar advantages ; but they feel
that upon the principles of justice, by labours, by usefulness, by character,
by numbers, and by the principles laid down in royal despatches, they are
entitled, in the eye of the law, and in the administration of an impartial
government, to equal consideration, and equal advantages with any other
church. I am confident that I but state a simple fact, when I express our
belief that the Methodist Church, in its doctrines, ministry, and institutions,
furnishes as formidable a barrier against the irreligion and infidelity of the
times as any other section of Protestantism. Nor is it possible for us — not-
withstanding our unfeigned respect for His Excellency — to feel ourselves
under any .obligations to tender our support to another section of the
Protestant Church, whose clergy, in this Province, collectively, officially, and
individually (with solitary exceptions), have resisted the attainment of every
civil and religious privilege we now enjoy — have twice impeached our
character and principles before the Imperial Government — who deny the
legitimacy of our ministry, who, in their doctrines respecting Church polity,
and several points of faith, do not represent the doctrines of the Church, of
England, or of the established clergy in England as a body, but that section
only of the established clergy that have associated with all arbitrary measures
of government against various classes of Protestant non-conformists which
have darkened the page of British history, and also the dark ages, notions of
rites and ceremonies, and the conductor of whose official organ in this
Province has recently represented the Methodist ministry as the guilty cause
of those divine chastisements under the influence of which our land droops
and mourns. I am sure my brethren, as well as myself, freely forgive the
great wrongs thus perpetrated against us; but we feel ourselves equally
bound in duty to ourselves, to our country, and to our common Christianity,
to employ all lawful means to prevent such exclusive, repulsive, and pre-
scriptive sentiments from acquiring anything more than equal protection in
the Province.
I might appeal to circumstances within His Excellency's knowledge, to
show that from 1836 to the close of the last session of our Provincial Parlia-
ment, I have spared no pains — without the remotest view to personal or even
Methodistic advantage — to second, to the utmost of my humble ability, any
plan to which the Province might, under all circumstances, be induced to
concur, in order to settle the protracted controversy on the clergy reserve
question ; and that it has not been, until I have had indubitable proofs that
that there was no disposition or intention on the side of the Episcopal clergy
to yield a single iota any further than they were compelled. It was not
until all these circumstances had transpired, that we reluctantly determined
to appeal against the exclusive and unjust pretensions of the Episcopal clergy,
to the bar of public opinion — a power recognized by our free constitution,
and which no party or administration can successfully resist many years.
The reply of the Governor was friendly and conciliatory; but
in it he expresses his
Surprise to find that his appeal on a late occasion to the Wesleyan
Methodists, to give the Church of England their most cordial support, had
been misunderstood and construed into an expression of sectarian preference.
By inviting the Methodists to such a course of conduct, His Excellency
thought that he was only appealing to a feeling of attachment for the Church
of England, which he had always been induced to consider — especially from
248 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXI.
personal observation — as a badge of " legitimate Wesleyan Methodists " all
over the world.
Dr. Ryerson in his remarks on this reply, said : —
The question at issue about the clergy reserves do not involve the principle
of " attachment for the Church of England " from the well known fact that
many respectable members of that Church, in every district throughout the
Province, concur in the views advocated in the Guardian on that question —
therefore an appeal to " attachment for the Church of England " as the rule
of judgment in this controversy, much less as a "badge of legitimate
Wealeyan Methodists," is the very climax of absurdity.
The discussions on the clergy reserve question up to the time
when the House reassembled (27th February, 1839), must have
convinced the dominant party that it was, and ever would be,
hopeless, in the face of the determined opposition which their
schemes encountered, to obtain that which they wanted from
the local legislature. They could not again openly bring in a
bill (as they did last year) to revest the reserves in the
Crown, in the face of the declarations of the Colonial Secretary,
that-
Imperial Parliamentary Legislation on any subject of exclusively internal
conttern, in any British colony possessing a representative assembly is, as a
general rule, unconstitutional. It is a right of which the exercise is reserved
for extreme cases, in which necessity at once creates and justifies the excep-
tion. (Lord Qlenelg to Sir F. B. Head, 5th December, 1835.)
They therefore adopted what events proved to be a ruse,
to accomplish their object. It is true that Sir George Arthur,
in his opening speech, urged that —
The settlement of this vitally important question ought not to be longer
delayed. . . I confidently hope, that if the claims of contending parties
be advanced . . in a spirit of moderation and Christian charity, the
adjustment of them by you will not prove insuperably difficult.
The Governor then adroitly added —
But, should all your efforts for the purpose unhappily fail, it will then
only remain for you to re-invest the reserves in the hands of the Crown, and
to refer the appropriation of them to the Imperial Parliament, as a tribunal
free from those local influences and excitements which may operate too
powerfully here.
Both Houses, in apparent good faith, sought to carry out
the wishes of the Governor as expressed in the first part of his
speech. The managers of the scheme indicated in the latter
part of the speech initiated a totally different bill in each
House, apparently liberal and comprehensive in character, but
yet objectionable in detail. Dr. Ryerson felt this so strongly
that he petitioned to be heard at the Bar of the House of
Assembly against the bill which had been introduced into it.
His request was at first granted on the 7th April, by a vote of
24 to 22, but afterwards refused by a vote of 21 to 17. After
18391 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 249
protracted debates in the House of Assembly and about forty-
four divisions, that House sent up its bill to the Legislative
Council for concurrence. The Council struck out the whole
of the bill after the word " whereas,' and substituted one of
its own, and in turn sent it down to the House of Assembly for
concurrence. That House, not to be outdone by the other,
struck out the whole of the Legislative Council bill, and sub-
stituted a bill of its own, totally different from the one first sent
up to the Legislative Council, the last clause of which read as
follows : —
The moneys to arise, and to be procured and henceforth received for any
sale or sales [of clergy reserve lands] shall be paid into the hands of Her
Majesty's Receiver-General of this Province, to be appropriated by the Pro-
vincial Legislature for religion and education.
The bill thus constructed needed but the alteration of the
last five words to adapt it admirably to the object and purpose
of the Church party. The Legislative Council, therefore, changed
the concluding words in the last clause into the words "Imperial
Parliament for religious purposes." In this apparently simple
way, but in reality, fundamental manner — and without any
attempt at a conference between the Houses, with a view to
adjust differences — the Legislative Council, taking advantage of
a comparatively thin House of Assembly, made the desired
change on the last day of the session. By adroit manoeuvring the
agents of the Church party carried the bill in the House of
Assembly thus altered. In this way they succeeded in destroy-
ing the whole object of the bill, as passed by the House of
Assembly. Sir George Arthur, in his despatch to the Colonial
Secretary, virtually admitted that the passage of the altered
bill was due to the fact that it was carried in the House of
Assembly by a majority of one vote [22 to 21], in a House of
44 members, and at a late hour on the night preceding the
prorogation !
Such were the discreditable circumstances under which the
bill re-investing the clergy reserves in the Crown was passed.
It, however, required the assent of the Queen before it became
law. This it was destined never to receive, owing to a technical
objection raised in England in the following October, that such
a delegation to the Imperial Parliament could not be made by
a subordinate authority. This defeat, however, proved to be a
moral victory for the vanquished, as it gave them time for
farther deliberation ; it incited them to greater caution in their
mode of warfare, and induced them to adopt tactics of a more
secret and, as it proved, effective character.
CHAPTER XXXII.
1839.
SIB G. ARTHUR'S PARTIZANSHIP. — STATE OF THE PROVINCE.
FT1HE bill for revesting the clergy reserves in the Crown
JL barely escaped defeat (as just mentioned) in the House of
Assembly, on llth May, 1839. On the 14th Sir George Arthur
sent the bill to Lord Normanby (successor to Lord Glenelg) for
Her Majesty's assent, with an elaborate despatch. On the 15th,
Dr. Ryerson also addressed to Lord Normanby a long letter on
the same subject. In it he called the attention of the Colonial
Secretary to the following facts, which he discussed at length in
his letter: —
1. That the great majority of the House of Assembly in
four successive parliaments had remonstrated against the exclu-
sive pretensions of the Church of England in Upper Canada; and
that the claims of the Church of England to be the established
Church of the Province had from the beginning been steadily
denied by such representatives, and elsewhere.
2. That the ground of dissatisfaction in the Province was not
merely between the Churches of England and Scotland, but
between the high-church party and the religious denomina-
tions, and the inhabitants of the Province generally.
3. That from the beginning the House of Assembly had
protested against any appropriation of the clergy reserves
being made to the Church of England, not granted equally [for
educational purposes] to the other Christian denominations.
4. That notwithstanding the annual remonstrances of the
House of Assembly, large grants had been paid since 1827, to
the Episcopal Clergy, exclusive of grants by the Imperial Par-
liament and the Propagation Society.
5. That under these circumstances it was not surprising that
there should be a widespread and deeply seated dissatisfaction.
It is rather surprising that a vestige of British power exists in
the Province.
6. That Sir George Arthur has for the last five months
endeavoured — by official proclamations and other published
1839] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 251
communications through public offices, and by military in-
fluences in various parts of the Province — to prevent any
expression of opinion on this subject, even by petition to
the Legislature.
7. That the Lieutenant-Governor has been induced to make
himself a partizan with the Episcopal Church in the clergy
reserve discussion ; the entire influence of the Executive has
Been thrown into that scale ; the representation of impartial
sovereignty has been made the watchword of party.
8. That under the pretense of resisting brigand invasion,
large militia forces have been raised ; violent penniless partizans
have been put on pay in preference to respectable and loyal men;
and these forces have not been placed on the frontier where
invasion might have been expected, but have been scattered in
parties over many parts of the interior, in order to exterminate
discontent by silencing complaint.
These, with a reference to the embarrassed financial condition
of the Province, were the chief points to which Dr. Ryerson
called the attention of the Colonial Secretary in this elaborate
letter.
On the 22nd of the same month (May) Dr. Kyerson addressed
another vigorous letter to Lord Normanby, on the clergy
reserves and kindred questions. " That letter," he says, he
writes " with feelings which he has no language to express."
The main points of the letter were as follows : —
1. For thirty years (up to 1820) nothing was heard of an
ecclesiastical establishment in the Province: all classes felt
themselves equally free, and were, therefore, equally contented
and happy.
2. From the first open and unequivocal pretensions to a state
establishment being made, the inhabitants of Upper Canada, in
every constitutional way, have resisted and remonstrated against
it.
3. Every appropriation and grant to the Episcopal clergy out
of the 'ands and funds of the Province has been made in the
very teeth of the country's remonstrance.
4. The utter powerlessness of the representative branch of
the Legislature has rendered the officers and dependents and
partizans of the Executive more and more despotic, overbearing,
and reckless of the feelings of the country.
5. This most blighting of all partizanship has been carried into
every department of the Executive Government — the magis-
tracy, militia, and even into the administration of justice. Its
poison is working throughout the whole body politic ; it
destroys the peace of the country ; rouses neighbour against
neighbour ; weakens the best social affections of the human
232 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXII
heart, and awakens its worst passions ; and converts a healthy
and fertile province into a pandemonium of strife, discontent,
and civil commotion.
6. While upwards of $220,000 (besides lands) have been
given to the Episcopal clergy since 1827, the grants made by
the Imperial Parliament to the clergy of Upper Canada amount
to over $400,000, being over $620,000 in all.
7. A very large sum has been expended in the erection
of Upper Canada College, on the grounds of King's College,
and with an endowment of $8,000 or $10,000 a year. This
institution is wholly under the management of Episcopal clergy-
men, while the Upper Canada Academy, which has been built
at Cobourg by the Methodists at a cost of about $40,000, could
not without a severe struggle get even the $16,000 which were
directed to be paid over to it by Lord Glenelg. The matter had
to be contested with Sir F. B. Head on the floor of the House
of Assembly before he could be induced to obey the Royal
instructions. (Page 179.)
8. In the recent legislation on the clergy reserve question,
the high church party resisted every measure by which the
Methodist Church might obtain a farthing's aid to the Upper
Canada Academy. And, to add insult to injury, the high
church people denounce Methodists as republicans, rebels,
traitors, and use every possible epithet and insinuation of
contumely because they complain, reason, and remonstrate
against such barefaced oppression and injustice — notwithstand-
ing that not a single member of that church has been convicted
of complicity with the late unhappy troubles in the Province.
9. A perpetuation of the past and present obnoxious and
withering system, will not only continue to drive thousands of
industrious farmers and tradesmen from the country, but
will prompt thousands more, before they will sacrifice their
property and expatriate themselves, to advocate constitutionally,
openly, and decidedly, the erection of an " independent king-
dom," as has been suggested by the Attorney-General, as best
both for this province and Great Britain.
10. It rests with Her Majesty's Government to decide
whether or not the inhabitants shall be treated as strangers
and helots ; whether the blighted hopes of this province shall
wither and die, or revive, and bloom, and flourish ; whether
Her Majesty's Canadian subjects shall be allowed the legitimate
constitutional control of their own earnings, or whether the
property sufficient to pay off the large provincial debt shall be
wrested from them ; whether honour, loyalty, free and respon-
sible government are to be established in this province, or
whether our resources are to be absorbed in support of prcten-
1839] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE.
sions which have proved the bane of religion in the country ;
have fomented discord ; emboldened, if not prompted, rebel-
lion ; turned the tide of capital and emigration to other shores;
impaired public credit; arrested trade and commerce, and caused
Upper Canada to stand " like a girdled tree," its drooping
branches mournfully betraying that its natural nourishment
has been deliberately cut off.
In a third and concluding letter to Lord Normanby, Dr. Ryer-
son uses this language : —
The great body of the inhabitants of this province will not
likely again petition on the question of the clergy reserves and
a church establishment in this province. They will express
their sentiments at the hustings with a vengeance, to the con-
fusion of the men who have deceived, and misrepresented, and
wronged them ; . . A petition would acknowledge the right
of the Imperial Parliament to interfere — which ought not to be
admitted. If past expressions of public sentiment will not
satisfy Her Majesty's Government, none other can do it ; and
more efficient means (such as the coming elections), must and
ought to be adopted, instead of the fruitless method of asking
by petition for what has been guaranteed to the constituencies
of the country as a right.
The validity of the recent Act of the Legislature, revesting
the reserves in the Crown, never will be acknowledged, or
recognized by the electors of this province. Any Ministers of
the Crown in England would more than lose their places, who
should press through the House of Commons, on the last night
of the session, in a thin house, a great public measure which
had not only been repealed by four successive parliaments, but
had been negatived from six to twelve times during the same
session of the existing parliament. Nor would the British
nation ever submit to any public measure (much less to loss of
the control of one-seventh of their lands, and the infliction upon
them of an uncongenial ecclesiastical system) which had been
forced upon them.
The declarations of the Representative of Royalty have here-
tofore been regarded in this province as sacred and inviolable; but
the reliance of the Canadian electors upon those declarations
from the lips of Sir Francis Head has cost them bloodshed, bank-
ruptcy, and misery. . . The electors will employ the elective
franchise to redress their accumulated wrongs to the last farthing.
It is, of course, my good or bad fortune to be assailed from
week to week, whether I write or not. . . I am no theorist.
I advocate no change in the Constitution of the Province. I
have never written a paragraph the principles of which could
not be carried out in accordance with the letter and spirit of
254 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP, XXX1J.
the established Constitution. I desire nothing more than the
free and impartial administration of that Constitution for the
benefit of all classes of Her Majesty's subjects. I only oppose
or support men, or measures, for the attainment of that object.
Entertaining such strong feelings in regard to the personal
conduct of Sir George Arthur in respect to the passage of the
clergy reserve bill, Dr. Ryerson felt that he could not accept
any social courtesy at his hands. In reply, therefore, to an
invitation from Sir George, for Her Majesty's birthday, he felt
constrained to decline it. In his letter to the A.D.C., he said : —
After the most mature deliberation up to the last moment in which it is
proper to reply, I feel it my duty respectfully to decline the honour of His
Excellency's invitation. I most firmly believe that the office of impartial
sovereignty has been employed by His Excellency for partial purposes ; that
an undue and an unconstitutional exercise of the office of royalty has been
employed by His Excellency to influence the public mind, and the decisions
of our constitutional tribunals on pending and debatable questions between
equally loyal and deserving classes of Her Majesty's subjects in this Province ;
that His Excellency has also employed the influence of the high office of the
Queen's representative to procure and afterwards express his cordial satis-
faction at the passing of a Bill, in a thin House, on the very last night of the
session, the provisions of which had been repeatedly negatived by a consider-
able majority of the people's representatives, and which deprive the faithful
but embarrassed inhabitants of this Province of the control of a revenue and
lands sufficient in value to pay off the whole public debt — a proceeding at
complete variance with the fair and constitutional administration of a free
monarchical government, and the imperial usages since the accession of the
present Royal Family to the throne of Great Britain ; and, finally, that His
Excellency has employed the influence of his high office to the disparagement
of the large section of the religious community whose views, rights, and
interests, I have been elected to my present offices to advocate and promote.
I beg that my declining the honour proposed by His Excellency may not
be construed into any disrespect to His Excellency personally, or to the high
office His Excellency holds — for the inviolableness and dignity of which I
feel the jealous veneration of a loyal subject — but I beg that it may be
attributed solely to a fixed determination not to do anything that may in the
slightest degree tend to weaken, but on the contrary, to use every lawful
means, on all occasions, to advance those civil and religious interests which I
am most fully convinced are essential to the happy preservation of a prosper-
ous British Government in this country, and'to the happiness and welfare of
the great body of Her Majesty's Canadian subjects.
In order to insure the assent of Her Majesty to the Bill
which had been sent to the Colonial Secretary by Sir George
Arthur, the authorities of the Church of England in the Pro-
vince circulated a petition for presentation to the Queen and the
British Parliament* containing the following statement and
request : —
" Your petitioners, consisting of the United Empire Loyalists and their
children, took refuge in this Province after the American Revolution,
under the impression that they possessed the same constitution as that of
* See note on page 224.
1839] THE STOBY Off MY LIFE. 255
the Mother Country, which includes a decent provision for the administration
of the Word and Sacraments according to the forms of the Church of England."
The prayer of the petition was —
That the proceeds of the clergy reserve lands be applied to the mainten-
ance of such clergy, and of a bishop to superintend the same, so that the
ministrations of our Holy Religion may be afforded without charge* to the
inhabitants of every township in the Province.
Dr. Ryerson, having with difficulty procured a copy of this
petition, pointed out in the Guardian of July 3rd, 1839: 1st.
Its historical misstatements, and denounced the selfish and
exclusive character of its demands. He showed in effect that
the Province was settled in 1783, whereas the constitutional
Act (which was invoked as though it had existed long before •
that date), was not passed until 1791 — eight years after " the
United Empire Loyalists and their children took refuge in
Upper Canada." 2nd. That for forty years and more, nine-
tenths of the United Empire Loyalists and their descendants,
with all their " impressions," might have perished in heathen
ignorance had not some other than the Episcopal clergy cared
for their spiritual interests ; and that after these forty years
of slumbering and neglect, and after the incorporation of the
great body of the old Loyalists and their descendants into other
churches, the Episcopal clergy came in, and now seek, on the
strength of these apocryphal " impressions " (which never •
could have existed), to claim one-seventh of the lands of the
Province as their heritage. •}• In proof of these facts Dr. Ryer-
son referred to the testimony of fifty-two witnesses, given
before a select Committee of the House of Assembly in 1828,
and published in full at that time.
* This selfish demand — " that the ministrations of our Holy Religion be afforded
without charge to the inhabitants of every township" (in which members of the
Church of England were persistently educated in those days)— was most unfortu-
nate in its influence on the Church, and has borne bitter fruit in these later times.
Its legitimate effect has been to dry up the sources of Christian benevolence,
paralyze the arm of Christian effort, and secularize, if not render impossible, any
successful plan of Church extension and missionary work. Witness the almost
complete failure (as compared with other Christian bodies) to raise sufficient funds
to support even the limited number of Home missions in most of the dioceses,
and the nearly hopeless task of infusing a genuine missionary zeal in behalf of the
"regions beyond."
t It should be noted, in connection with this petition, that one most important
part of its prayer was granted in that year —viz. , the appointment of the Arch-
deacon (who went to England to present the petitions and to receive the appoint-
ment) as first Bishop of Toronto. His patent bears date, 27th July, 1839. The
other part of the prayer was also granted, but not until 1840, when Lord John
Russell, then Colonial Secretary, by an unprecedented and unlocked for stretch of
official authority, but no doubt with the assent of his colleagues, introduced
a bill into the House of Commons to do what even he and other Colonial Secre-
taries had deprecated doing — viz., the re-investing of the reserves in the Crown.
Dr. Ryerson, then in England, strongly protested against this aet of provincial
spoliation and legislative invasion, but the bill became law. (See next chapter.)
256 THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXII.
I have purposely abstained from making any special refer-
ence to discussions in the clergy reserve question with which
Dr. Ryerson had no connection. An important one, however,
took place between Hon. Wm. Morris and Archdeacon Strachan
in 1838-39, chiefly in regard to the claims of the Church of
Scotland. Mr. Morris, however, did good service in the general
discussion.
In November, 1838, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from
Thomas Farmer, Esq., of London, England, in regard to the Cen-
tenary Celebration, to which he replied as follows : —
Our prospects as a country are rather gloomy. We have lately had the
excitement and loss produced by Lord Durham's departure, and the second
rebellion in Lower Canada, followed in a few days by a brigand invasion of
this province to distract and destroy us. You refer to a Centenary Offering.
I cannot say what we shall be able to do. \V e have not the slightest provi-
sion yet for the education of preacher's children ; nor a contingent fund to
aid poor circuits, or to relieve the distressed preachers' families ; and an
unpaid for Book Room, and not an entirely paid for Academy; — all of which
subjects have engaged our most anxious consideration ; — but in the present
entirely unsettled state of our public affairs, we scarcely know what to do in
respect to the future. We cannot, therefore, as yet fix upon the objects of
our Centenary Offering.
The Methodist Centenary Year occurred in 1839. The Con-
ference set apart the 25th October for its celebration,
By holding religious " services in all of our chapels and congregations, for
the purpose of calling to mind the great things which the Lord has done for
us as a people ; of solemnly recognizing our obligations and responsibilities
to our Heavenly Father ; and of imploring, on behalf of ourselves and the
whole Wesleyan Methodist family throughout the world, a continuance and
increase of religious happiness, unity and prosperity."
Meetings were held all over the Province during the months
of August, September and October, for the collection of a
centenary offering, to be applied to the Superannuation Fund,
Book Room, Parsonages, Missionary, and other objects. Dr.
Ryerson, as one of a deputation, attended a large number of
meetings. Writing from Brockville, he mentions the fact that he
Stopped at a graveyard, a few miles west of Prescott, to survey the graves
of some of the lionoured dead. The remains of Mrs. Heck, the devoted
matron who urged Philip Embury (the first Methodist preacher rh America)
to lift up his voice in the city of New York, in 1766, are deposited here.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
1838-1840.
THE NEW ERA — LORD DURHAM AND LORD SYDENHAM.
IN the midst of the gloom which overspread the Province, in
consequence of the long continued exercise of irresponsible
and arbitrary power on the part of the local executive, Dr. Ryer-
son, like many other loyal-hearted Canadians, rejoiced at the
advent of Lord Durham, — a man possessed of plenary powers to
inquire into and report on the grievances existing in Canada.
Those who wished to perpetuate the reign of the ruling party,
strongly deprecated Dr. Ryerson's advocacy of Lord Durham's
schemes of reform. One of the most respectable organs* of that
party (Neilson's Quebec Gazette) in a complimentary editorial on
Dr. Ryerson (in May, 1839), expressed regret that a man " of his
undoubted talents and great industry" should have endorsed
Lord Durham's system of Responsible Government. In the
Guardian of the 5th June, Dr. Ryerson replied, pointing out
the fair and equitable system of Responsible Government advo-
cated by Lord Durham, as compared with the crude one put
forth by Messrs. W. L. Mackenzie and L. J. Papineau. He then
illustrates the necessity for the reform proposed by Lord Dur-
ham, by referring to the arbitrary and irresponsible acts of Sir
Francis Head. He said : —
The published word of the Representative of Royalty had
[until Sir F. B. Head's time] been sacred and inviolable in
Upper Canada; the majority of the people believed him. In 1836
they elected a House of Assembly in accordance with his wishes.
He fulfilled his pledges by dismissing many of the magistrates
and militia officers, because they voted against his candidates at
the elections, and finished his career by plunging the country
into misery, and thereby insuring its ruin.
Now, where (he asked) was the " responsibility " under which
. . such a Governor acts ? He abuses the confidence reposed
in him, — where is his censure ? He disobeys the orders given
* The organs of that party in Upper Canada spoke of Dr. Ryerson's advocacy
of Lord Durham's reforms with far less courtesy, and for obvious reasons.
17
238 THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
him from England, — where is his punishment ? He ruins men
[Bidwell, etc.] whom he was ordered to appoint, — where is their
redress, and his accountability ? They are exiles, and he is
made a Baronet ! He disgraces and degrades numbers of per-
sons without colour of reason, or justice, or law — yet they are
without redress, and he is even without reproof. He tramples
upon the orders from Her Majesty's Government, and attacks
her ministers in their places — then returns to England, and
boasts of his disobedience. . . And there are those who tell
us of the responsibility of our Governors to the Queen and
Parliament! . . The history of Sir F. B. Head's administra-
tion is enough to make the veriest bigot a convert to " Respon-
sible Government."
For these and other important reasons it can be seen how
the great question of the day (in 1839) was that of responsible
government for these provinces. Dr. Ryerson and others had
written freely on the subject, claiming that the government
of the country should be administered, as it was then ex-
pressed— " according to the well understood wishes of the
people." This could only be done by men representing their
wishes, and responsible to the legislature for their exercise of
power and for every official act of the Governor.
In October, Dr. Ryerson received a letter on this subject from
a well-known advocate of the principle of responsible govern-
ment in Nova Scotia — Hon. Joseph Howe. He said : —
May I beg your acceptance of a little work on responsible government,
the object of which is to advance the good cause in which you have so
heartily and with so much ability embarked. It is a great satisfaction to
the friends of responsible government here, that the cause has been taken up
in Canada by men about whose intentions and loyalty there can be no mis-
take. So long as we deprive the family compact of their only defence, which
the folly of rebels and sympathizers raised for them, and act together with-
out just cause for suspicion that we are anything but what we say, there can
be little doubt of ultimate success. Should your electors return a majority
favourable to responsibility at the next election, and all the colonies unite in
one demand, it will be yielded. Our legislature, and any that can be chosen
here, will uphold the principle. So will the majorities in Newfoundland,
and Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. I cannot speak with cer-
tainty, but hope they will soon understand the question thoroughly in that
province. It may be necessary for all the provinces to send delegates at the
same time to England, to claim to be heard on the subject at the Bar of the
Commons and Lords, and to diffuse, through every fair channel, correct views
of the question. Think of this, and drop me a line at your leisure.
This Dr. Ryerson did in due time.
The coming of Lord Durham was the first harbinger of
better days for Canada. His mission was one of enquiry, and
for the suggestion of remedial measures. The mission of Mr.
Poulett Thompson (who followed Lord Durham as Governor-
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 259
General) was hailed with delight by the people generally. He
came to give practical effect to pressing measures of reform —
to unite the provinces, and to introduce a new element of
strength into the administrative system of the country.
The year 1839 was noted for the enthusiasm with which
" Durham Meetings " were held throughout Upper Canada.
These meetings were for the purpose of endorsing the famous
report of Lord Durham, and for approving of the many valuable
reforms which that report suggested. Much opposition and
even violence characterized these meetings ; but they revived
and again inaugurated the right of free speech on public
questions. The only record which Dr. Ryerson has left of this
period of his history is as follows : —
In 1838 I yielded to persuasion and remonstrances, and was
again re-elected Editor, and continued as such until June,
1840, when I relinquished finally all connection with the
Editorship of the Christian Guardian.
It was during this period, from 1833 to 1840, that the most
important events transpired in Upper Canada ; the controversy
respecting the clergy reserves, and a church establishment,
was steadily and earnestly maintained.
The constitution of Lower Canada was suspended for two
years, and an Executive Council Government was established
in its place. The dominant party in Upper Canada by liberal
professions succeeded in the elections, in 1836 ; but, instead of
adopting a just and liberal policy, they sought to exclude all
Reformers from a share in the Government as virtual rebels,
and set themselves to promote a high-church establishment
policy, to the exclusion of the Methodists and members of
other religious denominations.
This unwise, unjust, and inverted-pyramid policy laid the
foundation for a new agitation. The Methodists were the only
party capable of coping with the revived high-church policy to
crush out the rights of other denominations and the liberties of
the country, and to paralyze their influence. The Presbyterians
being divided, the Canadian Conference was not to be deterred,
or moved from its principles, avowed and maintained for more
than ten years ; the result was a contest between the English
and Canadian Conferences, which culminated in 1840 in a
separation of the two bodies, and a conflict of seven years —
wholly political — for London Wesleyan, English superiority,
and tory ascendancy on the one side, and Canadian Methodist
and Canadian liberty on the other side.
260 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
It is not my purpose to enter into detail, except in so far
as Dr. Ryerson became an actor in the new scenes and events
which followed the appointment of Mr. Charles Poulett Thomp-
son as Governor-General.
Mr. Poulett Thompson arrived in Quebec on the 19th October,
1839, and in Toronto on the 21st November. As Governor-
General, he superseded both Sir John Colborne at Quebec and
Sir George Arthur at Toronto.
OH the 3rd December, the Governor-General opened the
Upper Canada Legislature ; and on that very day Dr. Ryerson
addressed to him an elaborate letter on the chief object of his
mission. In referring to the clergy reserve question, he said : —
For sixteen years this question has been a topic of ceaseless
discussion ; and one on which the sentiments and feelings of a
very large majority of the inhabitants have been without
variation expressed ; notwithstanding that Governor has suc-
ceeded Governor, and party has succeeded party. . . From
the time when, at the elections of 1824, the sentiments of
the country were first called forth to the present moment, its
collective voice has demanded, what your Excellency has avowed
on another subject, "equal justice to all of Her Majesty's sub-
jects." This question is the parent of social discord in Upper
Canada ; all the other party questions have originated in this.
:The elevation of one class above all others in a community
where there is little diversity of rank or intelligence, begets a
necessity for special means to support that elevation. Hence
partizan appointments to office ; hence partizan administration
of offices ; hence party animosities, embittered by the jealousies
of conscious weakness on one side, and a deep sense of unmer-
ited exclusion and provocation on the other. . . Hence on
the one side a selfish, insolent, baseless ecclesiastical and poli-
tical oligarchy, and, on the other side, an abused, an injured,
and dissatisfied country.
The bill providing for the vesting of the proceeds of the
reserves in the Imperial Parliament, to which I have referred
in the proceeding chapter, was not sanctioned by Her Majesty.
This was " a sore blow and a heavy discouragement " to those
who had laboured so assiduously to carry such a bill through
the local Legislature, The objection raised to it by Lord John
Russell was twofold. The chief reason, however, was thus
expressed : —
It appeared to Her Majesty's Government that strong objections existed to
this delegation to Parliament by a subordinate authority of the power of
legislation. The proceeding should have been by address to the three estates
of the Realm, asking them to undertake the decision of the question.
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 261
Thus by a stroke of Lord John Russell's pen, the whole of the
pet scheme of the ruling party, devised after three months'
anxious local legislation, was irrecoverably lost. And yet it
was not lost, for by the after careful manipulation of Lord John
and his colleagues by Bishop Strachan, Lord Seaton (Sir John
Colborne) and Sir George Arthur, that bill afterwards proved
to be, for ten years, the basis of a far more sweeping and
unjust measure than even the most reckless and partizan mem-
ber of the Legislature in Upper Canada would have ventured
to propose.
When it was known that Her Majesty had declined to
sanction Sir George Arthur's bill, steps were taken by the
Governor-General to devise such a measure as would meet with
the approval of the great mass of the people in Upper Canada.
To aid him in accomplishing this desirable end, Mr. Poulett
Thompson privately sought the aid of leading public men in
the Province. Having obtained their assistance, he, with the
advice of his Council, prepared a compromise measure which
was designed to be just and equitable to all parties concerned.
On the 6th January, 1840, the Governor-General sent a
message to the House of Assembly, in which he thus outlines
the measure which, with his sanction, Hon. Solicitor- General
Draper submitted to the House : —
The Governor-General proposes that the remainder of the land should be
sold, and the annual proceeds of the whole fund, when realized, be dis-
tributed [one half to the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches, and the other
half among other religious bodies desiring to share in it] for the support of
religious instruction within the Province, and for the promotion there, of the
great and sacred objects for which these different bodies are established or
associated.
. On this bill, Dr. Ryerson remarked : —
From this message, the hopelessness of success in any further attempts to
get the annual proceeds of the reserves appropriated to exclusively secular
objects, is apparent. . . Up to the present time I have employed my best
efforts, by every kind of argument, persuasion and entreaty, to get the pro-
ceeds applied simply and solely to educational purposes. . . This is un-
attainable, and is rendered so by an original provision of our Constitution
(of 1791), as stated by the Governor-General.
The bill was fiercely attacked by the then newly-appointed
Bishop of Toronto. He denounced it as —
Depriving the National Church of nearly three-fourths of her acknowledged
property, and then, in mockery and derision, offering her back a portion of
her own, so trifling as to be totally insufficient to maintain her present Esta-
blishment ; it tramples on the faith of the British Government by destroying
the birthright of all the members of the Established Church who are now in
the province, or who may hereafter come into it; it promotes error, schism
and dissent, and seeks to degrade the clergy of the Church of England to an
equality with unauthorized teachers, etc.
262 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
The Bishop then uttered, that which events proved to be a
memorable and true prophecy, that the Church —
Need be under no great apprehension in regard to any measure likely to pass
the Provincial Legislature on the subject of the reserves : — reckless injustice
in their disposition will not be permitted; although the Church may appear
friendless and in peril, from the defection and treachery of some professing
members. . . If any of her children incline to despondency, let them
turn their eyes to England, where we have protectors both numerous and
powerful, watching our struggles, and holding out the hand of fellowship
and assistance, [See next page..]
Dr. Ryerson at once joined issue with the Bishop, and —
Confuted the pretensions of " John Toronto " by the doctrines and state-
ments of "John Strachan," who, when in England in 1827, published a
pamphlet in which he stated that " the provincial legislatures have nothing
to do, either directly or indirectly, with the Romish Church; but the same
legislatures may vary, repeal, or modify the 31st Qeo. III., cap. 31, as far as
it respects the Church of England.
Dr. Ryerson pertinently asked the Bishop —
How could a " birthright " be " varied, repealed, or modified," as he had
admitted that the constitutional act could do, " as far as it respects the
Church of England?" Can (he asks) the Legislature " vary or repeal " the
deeds by which individuals hold their lands I — Which of the "dissenting"
denominations recognized by law is not as orthodox in doctrine as the
Church of England, and far more orthodox than those who endorse the Ox-
1 ford " Tracts for the Times V
The bill was finally passed in the House of Assembly, by a
vote of 31 to 7, and in the Legislative Council, by a vote of 13
to 4, notwithstanding a remarkably outspoken and defiant
speech from the Bishop. In it he used the following language :
Feeling that the bill provides for the encouragement and propagation of
error; inflicts the grossest injustice by robbing and plundering the National
Church; that it attempts to destroy all distinction between truth and false-
hood; that its anti-Christian tendencies lead directly to infidelity, and will
reflect disgrace on the Legislature, I give it my unqualified opposition.
The Bishop again utters his prediction, and stated that what
he wanted would be secured in England. He said —
At the same time I have no fear of its evw becoming law. But it may be
useful, for its monstrous and unprincipled provisions will teach the Imperial
Government the folly of permitting a Colonial Legislature to tamper with
those great and holy principles of the Constitution, on the preservation of
which the prosperity and happiness of the British Empire must ever depend.
Although it was almost impossible to reason with any one
who would deliberately use such extravagant language, yet
Dr. Ryerson replied to the Bishop's statements seriatim. With
a touch of irony, he said : —
After penning such an effusion, the Bishop might well betake himself to
the Litany of his Church, and pray the good Lord to deliver him — from all
blindness of heart ; from pride, vain glory and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred
and malice, and all uncharitableness.
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 263
The fate of the bill is thus described in a statement on the
subject, prepared by Dr. Ryerson. What he details clearly
reveals the powerful and sympathetic influences which the
Bishop of Toronto was able successfully to bring to bear upon
" Henry of Exeter " — the then leader of the Bench of Bishops,
— and, through him, upon the other Bishops in the House of
Lords. Besides, Sir John Colborne (now Lord Seaton) took
strong ground in the House of Lords in favour of the views of his
old friend, Bishop Strachan, and aided the English Bishops in
giving them practical effect. Thus the reiterated prophecy of the
Bishop of Toronto was not uttered without abundant foreknow-
ledge. It proved too true. Knowing this, he no doubt felt free
to deal in strong language, both against the Legislature of Upper
Canada, and the members of the Church of England in both
Houses, who were too patriotic, just and reasonable, as well as
far-seeing, to second his efforts to aggrandize the Church at the
expense, and against the strongly-expressed and oft-repeated
wishes, of the majority of the people of Upper Canada. He said :
On the bill being sent to England (accompanied by a most energetic
despatch from the Governor-General, imploring Her Majesty's Government
not to disallow, but to sanction it), the Bishop of Exeter moved in the House
of Lords, that the question of the right to the clergy reserve property in
Canada should be referred to the twelve Judges of England ; but the decision
of the Judges having proved adverse to the exclusive pretensions of the
Bishop of Exeter and his party in England and Canada, the English Bishops
then conferred with Lord John Russell, in order to set aside Lord Sydenham's
Canadian bill, and introduce one into the Imperial Parliament which would
accomplish as far as possible the objects aimed at by referring the question
to the Judges. Lord John Russell became a consenting party and agent in
this unconstitutional act of injustice and spoliation against the rights and
feelings of a large majority of the people of Upper Canada. It was against
this act that Messrs. W. and E. Ryerson (then in England), on behalf of the
Wesleyan Church in Canada, remonstrated in an elaborate and strongly-
worded letter to Lord John Russell — the only communication of the kind
made by any religious body in Canada against the bill while it was before
the British Parliament, or for several years afterwards.
Knowing the strong influences which had been brought to
bear upon Mr. Poulett Thompson against Dr. Ryerson, by Sir
George Arthur (page 193), and against the Methodist body
generally by interested parties in this discussion, Dr. Ryerson
addressed a letter to the Governor-General on the 25th March,
1840, in which he reviewed the course of the Guardian and
his own attitude on public questions during the preceding ten
years. The letter was evidently written with deep feeling, and
under a keen sense of the injustice done to the Methodist
people by means of the prolonged and persistent misrepresenta-
tion of these years. He said : —
I address your Excellency with feelings of the highest respect and strong
affection. You are the first Governor of Canada who has exerted his personal
264 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
influence and the authority of his station, to accomplish that in Upper Canada
which has been avowed and promised by every Colonial-Secretary during
the last ten years — framing enactments and administering the Government
for the equal protection and benefit of all classes of Her Majesty's Canadian
subjects. . . In doing so, your Excellency has been told that you have
patronized " republicans and rebels." . . The Guardian, which you have
been pleased to honour with an expression of your approbation, has been
charged with opposite crimes from different quarters. . . You have been
told that the ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church — whose rights you
have justly and kindly consulted — have formerly come from the United
States ; and that the Guardian, during the first years of its existence, was
nothing but a vehicle of radicalism, disaffection, and sedition. . . As to
the former, I may say that the Methodist ministers have not come from . .
the United States during the last twenty years. . . As to the latter, I
furnish three columns of extracts from the Guardian, . . from which
the following may be adduced : —
1. That in 1830 I entertained less friendship towards our American neigh-
bours than I do in 1840.
2. That in 1830 I advocated the very principles in the administration of
the Provincial Government that your Excellency has declared to be the basis
of your administration in 1840.
3. That in 1830 I was as strongly opposed to an exclusive, or sectarian,
spirit as I am in 1840.
4. That the very advice which I gave to the electors in 1830, as to their
rights and interests, I could now repeat with a view to support your Excel-
lency's administration.
5. That the very principles upon which your Excellency has commenced
your administration, . . were actually promised and assured to the people
of Upper Canada by a Tory Government in 1830.
In 1830 the Colonial-Secretary and Sir John Colborne proclaimed the
" good laws and free institutions," and the non-preference system amongst
religious denominations, which your Excellency is determined to carry into
practice. . . When the hopes created by these avowals have not only
been deferred for these years, but those who have indulged these hopes have
been maligned and proscribed for constitutionally seeking a realization of
them, you cannot be surprised if many of their hearts have been made sick,
and that confidence and hope has yielded to distrust and despair.
The Governor-General, through his private secretary, often
requested Dr. Ryerson, while Editor of the Guar Han, to correct
misstatements which were made in regard to His Excellency's
proceedings.*
After an interview with His Excellency, at his request, Dr.
Ryerson, in a letter dated 4th April, 1840, made a practical sug-
* Thus in a note dated 8th April, 1840, the Private Secretary said : — I know
that His Excellency would wish you to comment on Lord John's despatch in the
sense in which it is treated iu the Montreal Gazette. [This was done in the Guar-
dian of 15th April.] There is no doubt also that it is absurd in Hon. Henry
Sherwood to pretend that he is supporting the Government when he opposes their
own Solicitor-General, but not less so in the Examiner to support him and oppose
Mr. Diaper, or to stand up for a kind of responsible government which both His
Excellency and Lord John Russell have declared to be inadmissible. I know that
His Excellency would wish you to do everything in your power to support both
Mr. Draper and Mr. Baldwin. Should any article come out which you consider
would interest His Excellency, may I request you to send uie a copy.
1838-40] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 265
gestion as to the desirability of establishing the Monthly Review,
as a means of disseminating the liberal views which he enter-
tained in regard to the future government of this country, and
also as an organ of public opinion in harmony with these views.
It was at first proposed that Dr. Ryerson should edit the Review,
but after fuller consideration of the matter he declined, and
the editing and management of it was, at his suggestion, placed
in the hands of John Waudby, Esq., Editor of the Kingston
Herald. It was issued in Toronto early in 1841, but ceased on
the death of Lord Sydenharn, in September of that year. In
Dr. Ryerson's letter to the Governor he said : —
About a fortnight after your Excellency left Toronto, I happened in the
course of conversation with Hon. R. B. Sullivan to mention the subject of
establishing a monthly periodical, such as I had mentioned to you. Mr.
Sullivan was anxious that something of the kind should be undertaken ; I
stated to him that I understood that your Excellency would highly approve
of such a publication, if it could be successfully established. Mr. Sullivan
pressed me to prepare a prospectus and submit it for your Excellency's con-
sideration. I drew up a prospectus, and got an estimate of the cost, covering
all expenses. Mr. Sullivan fully concurred in the prospectus, except the first
paragraph. He was afraid it might be construed into an expression of
opinion in favour of " responsible Government," and proposed another para-
graph in place of it. The one was as acceptable to me as the other. A
feeling of apprehension and embarrassment at the responsibilities of such an
undertaking, and the course of exertion which a successful accomplishment
of it would require, has deterred me from forwarding, until now, the accom-
panying prospectus for your Excellency's perusal and signification of your
pleasure thereon.*
* The following was the prospectus agreed upon and issued : —
A MONTHLY REVIEW, DEVOTED TO THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF CANADA.
The Canadas have been united under an amended constitution ; the foundation
has been laid for an improved system ot government. The success of that consti-
tution will greatly depend upon a correct understanding and a just appreciation of
its principles ; and the advantages of the new system of government will be
essentially influenced by the views and feelings of the inhabitants of the Canadas
themselves. At a" period so eventful, and under circumstances so peculiar, it is of
the utmost importance that the priaciples of the constitution should be carefully
analysed, and dispassionately expounded ; that the relations between this and the
Mother Country, and the mutual advantages connected with those relations,
should be explained and illustrated ; the duties of the several branches of the
government, and the different classes of the community, stated and enforced ; the
natural, commercial, and agricultural resources and interests of these Provinces
investigated and developed ; a comprehensive and efficient system* of public edu-
cation discussed and established ; the subject of emigration practically considered
in proportion to its vast importance ; the various measures adapted to promote the
welfare of all classes of the people originated and advocated ; and a taste for
intellectual improvement and refinement encouraged and cultivated.
As the Editor's views on all the leading questions of Canadian policy accord
with those of His Excellency the Governor-General, who has been pleased to
approve of the plan of the Monthly Review, it will be enabled to state correctly
the facts and principles on which the government proceeds ; yet the writers alone
will be held responsible for whatever they may advance.
* Dr. Ryerson, who wrote this prospectus, evidently had in view such a system of Education
as he afterwards established.
266 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
I cannot but see that the public mind in this country is in a chaotic state,
without any controlling current of feeling, or fixed principle of action, in
civil affairs ; but susceptible, by proper management and instruction, of
being cast into any mould of rational opinion and feeling ; yet liable, with-
out judicious direction, to fall into a state of "confusion worse confounded."
I know that now is the time — perhaps the only time — to establish our insti-
tutions and relations upon the cheapest, the surest, and the only permanent
foundation of any system, or form of Government — the sentiments and feel-
ings of the population. But I alone have not the means or the power of
contributing to the accomplishment of these objects. To the utmost of my
humble abilities and acquirements, I am willing to exert myself ; and that
without a shillings' remuneration — although my present salary is less than
£200 per annum. I believe the government about to be established in these
provinces may be made the most enduring and loftiest memorial of your
Excellency's fame, and the greatest earthly blessing to its inhabitants ; and
it will be to me a source of satisfaction to contribute towards the formation
and cementing of materials for the erection of a monument at once so honour-
able to its founder, and so beneficial to Her Majesty's Canadian subjects.
The personal influence of your Excellency in Lower Canada will be
required to induce two or three of the cleverest men in Lower Canada to
contribute to the columns of the Review ; especially on questions and sub-
jects which grow out of the state and structure of society in that province.
Mr. Sullivan thinks he will be able to contribute one, if not two, articles for
each number. I am acquainted with several other gentlemen who are com-
petent to contribute very ably on some subjects. I know from experience
that furnishing matter for any periodical, as well as giving it character, must
chiefly devolve upon the conductor of it. He must give it soul, if it have
any ; he must combine, concentrate, and direct its power. And such a pub-
lication, got up under so high and favourable auspices, and properly con-
ducted, and embodying the productions of the leading minds of both
provinces, cannot fail to prove an engine of immense and even irresistible
moral power in the country ; and must materially contribute to its intellec-
tual as well as political elevation.
As to my own views and feelings, I would greatly prefer retiring altogether
from any connection with the press in all discussions of civil affairs in every
shape and form, and I can consistently and honourably do so in June. But
if this course be not justifiable in the present circumstances of the province;
if it be deemed expedient for me still to take a part in public matters, I am
sensible I ought to do more than I do now, or can do through the organ of a
religious body. The relation, character and objects of the publication I now
conduct, impose a restriction upon the topics and illustrations which are
requisite to an effective discussion of political questions. Under such
circumstances I can neither do justice to myself, nor to the subjects on which
I occasionally remark, or might discuss.
I have felt the more disposed to make this communication, because your
Excellency's avowed system and policy of Government is but carrying out
and reducing to practice those views of civil polity in Canada which have
guided my public life, as your Excellency will have observed trom the
articlts and references which have appeared in the Guardian. I have been
defeated and disappointed heretofore, because the local executive itself has
been for the most part rather the head of a party, than the Government of
the country, and the opposition, or " Reform party, has often gone to equal
extremes of selfishness and extravagance ; so that I have occupied the unen-
viable and uncomfortable position of a sort of break- water — resisting and
checking the conflicting waves of mutual party violence, convinced that the
exclusive and absolute ascendancy -of either party would be destructive of
the ends of just Government, and public happiness ; a position which, pre-
1838-40] THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. 207
viously to your Excellency's arrival in Canada, I had determined to abandon,
as I found myself possessed of no adequate means of accomplishing any
permanent good by occupying it.
I think the appearance in this province of Lord John Russell's despatch
on " Responsible Government " is timely. The " Reformers " are too fully
committed to Government to fly off ; and a large portion of the old " Con-
servative " party are glad of an excuse to change their position. Neither party
can triumph, as both must concede something. This mutual concession will
prepare the way for mutual forbearance, and ultimately for co-operation and
union. Having perceived that the Editor of the Examiner was seeking,
under the pretence of supporting the Government, to get a House of
Assembly returned, consisting wholly of the old Reformers, who had identi-
fied themselves in 1834-5-6, with the Papineau party of Lower Canada, I
thought it desirable to check such a design in the bud, by insisting upon the
support of Hon. W. H. Draper, and that ne should be returned upon the same
grounds as those of Mr. Baldwin. The elucidation and description of this
one case will affect the position of parties in the character of the elections
throughout the province, and make them turn, not upon Lord Durham's
" Report," or any of the old questions of difference, but upon your Excel-
lency's administration. This, I have no doubt, with a little care, will, in
most instances be the case. Thus will the members returned from Upper
Canada, be isolated from the French anti-unionists of Lower Canada, and
be more fully, both in obligation and feeling, identified with the Govern-
ment. I have not, therefore, been surprised at the Examiner's indignation,
as it is so ultra, and thorough a partizan, and as it has some discernment,
though but little prudence.
In reply, the Private Secretary of the Governor-General said :
I am to express to you His Excellency's approbation of the plans you have
suggested, and he desires me to say that he requests that you will visit
Montreal, on your way to New York, as he is anxious to see you on the
subject contained in your letter.
The Special Council meets this day for the first time.
The Secretary further added : —
His Excellency agrees that the line which you have taken is most judicious.
There is no doubt that the gentleman to whom you refer is doing very great
mischief both to Hon. Robert Baldwin and the Government, by the extremes
to which he is pushing his cry for responsible government, and his opposition
to Hon. W. H. Draper.
Dr. Ryerson (who was on his way to the General Conference
at Baltimore) in a note, dated Montreal, 4th May, said : —
The Governor-General having kindly invited me to visit him and converse
on matters relating to public affairs, I did so, and was most cordially received
by him. I also had a long interview with him on Friday afternoon, and am
desired to spend the evening with him on Saturday. His Excellency has
given every requisite information as to his plans. I am thus enabled to
accomplish the object of my visit far beyond what I expected when I left
home.
In a letter from New York (dated 9th May) Dr. Ryerson
said : — Much to my surprise to-day, while in New York on my
way to Baltimore, I received a note from the Governor-Gen-
eral's Secretary, T. W. C. Murdoch, Esq., as follows : —
268 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIII.
By direction of the Governor-General I send you the enclosed bill of
exchange for .£100 stg., the receipt of which I would request you to
acknowledge.
You will have seen the English papers which hold out every prospect that
both the Union and the Clergy Reserve Bills will be satisfactorily settled.
I feel that I may congratulate you^ and every friend of Canada, on such a
result
I acknowledged this kind and generous act, but at once
returned the Bill of Exchange to His Excellency — at the same
time respectfully assuring him, that under no circumstances
could I receive anything for what I had done, or might do, to
support the policy and administration of Her Majesty's Govern-
ment, in the peculiar circumstances of the Province.
One of the chief points discussed in Upper Canada, in con-
nection with the proposed union of the provinces, was the effect
it would have on the Protestant character of the government
and institutions of the county. Mr. John W. Gamble, a
public man, and a leading member of the Church of England,
in Vaughan, writing to Dr. Ryerson on the subject, said : —
I feel deeply the conviction that the time has now arrived when Pro-
testants must sink all points of minor consideration, and unite in defence of
our common faith. The union of the provinces will most assuredly result
in giving not only a preponderance, but a large majority to the Roman
Catholics in the united legislature ; and this taken in conjunction with the
plans now in operation for pouring a large Roman Catholic population into
these provinces, surely ought not only to excite the fears, but rouse the
energies of those who know and love the truth as it is in Jesus. I am alto-
gether ignorant of your opinion upon the union question, but I call upon
you as a Protestant to unite with me in endeavouring to avert the threatened
calamity.
Mr. Gamble was for many years afterwards an earnest
opponent in the Legislature of United Canada of the extension
of the Separate School system in the province.
Although greatly enfeebled in health, yet Dr. Ryerson's Mother
was enabled to write to him occasionally. In a letter written
by her in 1839, after returning from seeing him, she said : —
I suppose you are anxious to know the state of my mind. I yet feel that
the Lord is my trust, and I am waiting daily till my change come. I feel
that when the " earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, I have a house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Dear Egerton, I feel very
much as I did when I left you — a great deal of weakness. I am anxious to
live to see you all once more, perhaps for the last time. Do not neglect to
come up, one and all, as soon as convenient, if you only stay one day.
When you come fetch some books, such as you think would be profitable
for me, and one of your good-sized Bibles ; also three of your likenesses. I
thought that your Father had brought them up when he came. Do not fail
to come up and see us. Don't let me be denied the happiness of seeing you
soon.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
1840.
PEOPOSAL TO LEAVE CANADA — DR. RYERSON'S VISIT TO E-TGLAND.
FT1HE year 1840 is somewhat memorable in the Methodistic
_j_ history of Upper Canada, for three things : 1st. The final
retirement of Dr. Ryerson from the editorship of the Christian
Guardian; 2nd. Visit of Revs. William and Egerton Ryerson
to England, and the painful, yet fruitless, discussions with a
Committee of the British Conference on the lapsed Union ; 3rd.
The annual and special Canada Conferences of that year — at
the latter of which the formal separation of the British and
Canadian sections of the Conference took place under peculiarly
affecting circumstances.
Dr. Ryerson and his brother John attended the American
General Conference at Baltimore, May, 1840. In a letter from
there he said: —
The Methodist Connexion here are much in advance of us, and, as a whole,
even of the British Connexion. I have never seen a more pious, intelligent,
and talented body of men than the preachers assembled here at Conference;
nor more respectable, intelligent congregations. The manners of the people
in these Middle States are very like the manners of intelligent people in
Upper Canada — alike removed from the -English haughtiness and Yankee
coldness — simple, frank, and unaffected. Bishops Koberts, Soule, Hedding
and Waugh dined with us to-day. They are venerable and apostolic men.
We have had cordial invitations to come to this country, and did we consult
our own comfort, brother John and I would do so without hesitation. Bishop
Hedding hopes to visit us at our approaching Conference. Rev. R. Newton,
of England, will not visit Canada. Mr. has told him that it was not
worth while to go to Canada; and all that can be said to induce him to come
is unavailing. We in Canada are not worth so much trouble, or notice 1
In a letter from Baltimore, dated May 25th, 1840, Dr. Ryer-
son states the reason why he proposed to leave Canada : —
I am still at the General Conference. Rev. Dr. Bangs says that I ought
to remain until the close. After much consideration I have decided upon a
step which, for many reasons, appears desirable. Instead of coming to this
country for a few months, in order to avail myself of some collegiate lectures,
to pursue certain branches of science, I have concluded and have made
arrangements to take a station in the city of New York for one, if not for
270 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIV.
two years. My brother John would have done the same if we could have
both left Canada this year. If things in the province do not go on better
with us he will do so another year. I have seen the new constitution which
is about to be adopted by the British Parliament for the future Government
of Canada. I do net approve of it To interfere any more in civil conten-
tions will be wasting the best part of my life to little purpose, for there
seems to be no end to such things. To remain in Canada and be silent, will
incur the hostility of both parties. The government will regard my neutrality
as opposition, and the popular party will view it as indifference to the rights
of the people; and, in such circumstances, I shall neither be useful nor happy.
While, therefore, I am on good terms with the Government and the country
at large, my brother thinks with me that it is by all means best to withdraw
from such scenes. I have the offer of one of the three or four largest Meth-
odist Chapels in New York. I shall be appointed to one of the largest and
most elegant in the city, where all the great public meetings are held. There
are, however, three or four vacant, equally desirable. I much prefer this
to my taking a district in Canada. I would not return to the Guardian again
for any earthly consideration.
Dr. Ryerson went to the Conference at Belleville after his
return from Baltimore. Writing from there, he said : —
Previously to proceeding to elect the Secretary, an English
brother remarked that he had certain communications from the
Committee in London, which he wished to read. I observed
that no communications could be read until the Conference was
organized, and the Conference could not be organized until the
Secretary was elected. The brother persevered, and then stated
that the documents referred to me. I then arose, and observed
that the proceeding was at variance with law, Methodism, and
justice. The Conference was justly roused to indignation by
my remarks, which were followed by some observations from
my brother John, in the same strain. Not a man spoke in
favour of the English brother's proceeding, and he was com-
pelled to withdraw his proposal. Such an anti-Methodistic and
barbarous attempt to sacrifice me (as some of the preachers
afterwards expressed it), excited a strong feeling in my favour,
and, I was told, increased my majority of votes for the Secre-
taryship. When the Conference balloted for Secretary, the
votes stood as follows : — Matthew Richey, 1 ; Anson Green, 1 :
Wm. Case, 2; E. Evans, 12 ; Egerton Ryerson, 43. The circum-
stance has so deeply affected me, that I feel it to be like tearing
soul from body to be separated from brethren who stand by me
in the day of trial, and who will not suffer me, as one of them
expressed it to me, to be sacrificed at the pleasure of my
enemies.* But I see no reason to change my purposes ; and
* The more important parts of the painful proceedings at this Conference are given
in "Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pages 341-358. The result of this for-
midable attack on Dr. Ryerson by the English Missionary party before the Canads
Conference, is thus stated by Rev. Dr. Carroll: "When the Rev. Matthew
Richey'a motion of condemnation on the Rev. Egerton Ryerson for his interfer-
ence in the matter [of the Government grant of £900 to Wesleyan missions] was
1840] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 271
my brother John thinks I can do more good to the Connexion
by being in New York, than by remaining in Canada.
I desire, with humble dependence upon the wisdom and
providence of God, to commit my all to Him. I hunger and
thirst after the mind which was in Christ Jesus.
Subsequently Dr. Ryerson wrote, saying : —
My plans in regard to the United States must now be
changed. The charges of the London Committee, and the state
of the Connexion in regard to the Union, render my absence
from the Province, in the judgment of my brethren, unjusti-
fiable and out of the question. Some of the preachers insist
that I must go to England, and meet Mr. Alder before the
British Conference. Such a mission is not impossible, but, I
hope, not probable.
After the election of Secretary, the charges against Dr. Ryer-
son were read. They were embodied in a resolution to the
effect that he had improperly interfered and sought to deprive
the British Conference of its annual grant from the Imperial
Government for the extension of missions in the province. The
resolution was negatived by a vote of 59 to 8, and a series of
resolutions sustaining Dr. Ryerson, in the strongest manner,
was passed. He and his brother William were appointed as
Representatives at the British Conference, with directions "to
use all proper means to prevent collision between the two Con-
nexions."
As intimated in Dr. Ryerson's letter from Baltimore, he
decided to retire finally from the Editorship of the Christian
Guardian. This he did at the Belleville Conference, and on
the 24th of June, 1840, he laid down his pen as Editor of the
Christian Guardian, and was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan
Scott. In his valedictory of that date, Dr. Ryer-son said : —
The present number of the Guardian closes the connection
of the undersigned with the provincial press. To his friends
and to those of the public who have confided in him, and sup-
ported him in seasons of difficulty and danger, he offers his
most grateful acknowledgments ; those who have opposed him
honourably, he sincerely respects ; those who have assailed
him personally, he heartily forgives ; and of those whose feel-
ings he may have wounded in the heat of discussion, he most
humbly asks pardon. While he is deeply sensible of his imper-
fections, infirmities, and failings, he derives satisfaction from
put to the Conference, there were only eight in its favour, several of whom, after
obtaining further light, wished to change their votes; and fifty-nine against it.
Three were excused from voting." — Case, etc., vol. iv., page 298, note.
272 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIV.
the consciousness that he has earnestly aimed at promoting the
best interests of his adopted church and his native country.
EQERTON KYERSON.
Immediately after the close of the annual Conference of 1840,
Dr. Ryerson and his brother William left for England. From
his diary, written at that time, he had made the following
extracts for this work : —
July 22nd, 1840. — After landing at Liverpool, I called upon an old and
kind friend, Mr. Michael Ashton, and I had much conversation with him
and Rev. R. Young, on the affairs of our mission. I and my brother William
arrived in London on the 23rd. Took up our lodgings with my old hostess,
27 Great Ormond Street. Addressed a note to Lord John Russell, on the object
of our mission ; an interview was appointed for the next day. Went to the
House of Commons in the evening, having an order for admission to the
Speaker's gallery, through the kindness of Lord Sandon.
July 24th. — Went to the Colonial office; had a long interview with Lord
John Russell, on the Canada Clergy Reserve Bill. Mr. [afterwards Sir
James] Stephen was present. We pointed out to His Lordship the injustice
of the bill, and the probable consequences if it were passed in its present
shape. We spoke at some length, but with great plainness ; intimating that
we regarded the measure as the forfeiture of good faith on the part of Her
Majesty's Government, as the violation of the constitutional rights of the
inhabitants of Upper Canada, and as the cause of the unpopularity of the
British Government in that country. But his Lordship appeared inflexible,
and seemed to regard it essential to conciliate the Bishops, but not essential to
do what he considered just in itself, or to fulfil the declarations of Govern-
ment to the inhabitants of Upper Canada, or to consult their oft-expressed
views and wishes. In the afternoon we went to see Mr. Charles Buller, but
he was not in town. In going through Hyde Park we saw the Queen and
Prince Albert, coming from Windsor. We took a hasty view through West-
minster Abbey, and in the evening we called upon the Rev. Mr. Stead,
formerly a missionary to India, and received from him many useful suggestions
respecting the object of our mission.
July 27th. — Prepared a long letter to Lord John Russell on the Canada
Clergy Reserve Bill, now before Parliament. Went to the House of Com-
mons in order to hear the debate on the third reading of said bill Lord John
Russell was not present. But we heard a long debate on the China opium
trade, etc. Mr. W. E. Gladstone introduced the discussion. Afterwards Sir
Robert Peel spoke on the present position of the Church of Scotland in
resisting the decision of the House of Lords. Mr. Fox Maule [Lord
Panmure] spoke in reply, and contended that the point for which the General
Assembly contended was the right of the people to a voice in the choice of
their ministers.
July 28th. — Visited the City Road Chapel Grave-yard, the Bank, various
book establishments, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
July 30th. — Left London yesterday; entered the city of York by the south-
west gate ; got a glimpse of the Minster ; the country exceedingly beautiful,
and in a high state of cultivation. Heard of the death of poor Lord
Durham. The attacks upon him in the House of Lords as Governor-General
of Canada, the abandonment of him by the Government, the mortification
experienced by him in consequence of the Royal disapprobation at his
sudden return from Canada before his resignation had been accepted, are
said to have hastened, if not caused his death. His heart seems to have been
set upon making Canada a happy and a great country, and I think ho
1340] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 273
intended to rest his fame upon that achievement. He was defeated, disap-
pointed, died 1 How bright the prospect two years ago — how sudden the
change, how sad the termination 1 Oh, the vanity of earthly power, wealth
and glory !
July 29th. — Arrived this morning at Newcastle-upon-Tyne by stage, eighty
miles from York. The next morning we went to the Conference, and sent
in our cards to Rev. G. Marsden; he came out and kindly received us, and
hoped our mission would be for good. We met with a very cool reception,
from several of the preachers, with whom I was aquainted and on friendly
terms during my former visits. Not feeling very well, or very much at
home, we enquired our way to our lodgings, and left.
July 31st. — Went to the Conference this morning at 7 a.m. We were
furnished with the President's card of admittance, and shown a seat in a
corner at the side of the Chapel, and could hear but a part of the debates.
In the afternoon we addressed a note to the President, to which we only
received a verbal reply.
Aug. 1st. — This morning we were engaged in writing a strong letter to the
President concerning our treatment, our position, the objects ot our mission,
etc., but we were saved the pain of delivering it, as, on our arrival, we were
met and introduced as accredited Representatives of the Canada Conference.
Rev. J. Stinson and Rev. M. Richey were also introduced at the same time.
My brother William then presented the address and resolutions of the Canada
Conference. A comfortable seat was now provided for us, in front of the
President. Thank God, we now have a right to speak, can take our own
part, and maintain the rights and interests we have been appointed to repre-
sent !
Aug. 3rd. — The Commiteee of the last year on Canadian affairs had met
and reported : — That the resolutions of the Committee of which the Cana-
dian Conference had complained we unanimously confirmed, and recom-
mended that the Conference appoint a large Committee to whom the Messrs.
Ryerson and the documents of the Canadian Conference be referred.
The cases of Circuits proposed to 'be divided were next taken up. This
caused many amusing remarks. Rev. R. Newton thought they were losing
the spirit of their fathers in travelling, who had insuperable objections to
solitary stations. Dr. Bunting assigned as a reason for the failure of the
health of so many young men, the custom of giving up horses: said it was
an innovation; quoted some of the last words of Wesley : " I cannot make
preachers — I cannot buy preachers — and I will not kill preachers."
A long conversation ensued on the subject of reading the Liturgy gen-
erally, and concluded by a resolution that the Liturgy be read on the
principal Sabbath at each Conference. On the subject of reading the
Liturgy by the preachers themselves, Dr. Bunting said : It was very well
for men to spend their strength in preaching, and let others read the prayers,
when Methodism was only a Society supplementary to the Church ; but
having in the order of Providence grown up into an independent and separate
Church, the preachers were something more than mere preachers of the
Word — they were ministers of the Church, and ought to read as well as
preach.
The address of the Irish Conference was read. Rev. T. Jackson said he
could bear testimony to the very respectful manner in which the address oi
the British Conference had been received by the Irish Conference, and ne
trusted the brethren would understand the import and bearing of that
remark. Rev. Mr. Entwistle referred to the liberality and cheerfulness of
the Irish preachers in their difficulties, when Dr. Bunting replied that if they
had been in such difficulties their heads would have hung down.
Dr. Ryerson's diary ends here. A full account of the inter-
18
274 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIV.
views and discussions with the Wesleyan authorities in England
are given in the Epochs of Canadian Methodism, pages 407-
426. The result was, that the Committee on the subject reported
a series of resolutions adverse to the Canada representatives,
which were adopted by the Conference after " more than four-
fifths of its members had left for their circuits." The pacific
resolutions of the Upper Canada Conference were negatived
by a majority, and it was declared "that a continuance of the
more intimate connection established by the articles of 1833
[was] quite impracticable."
Thus was ignominously ended a union between the two
Conferences which had (nominally) existed since 1833, and
which had promised such happy results, and thus was inaugu-
rated a period of unseemly strife between the two parties from
1840 to 1847, when it happily ceased. What followed in Upper
Canada is thus narrated by Dr. Ryerson : —
The English Conference having determined to secede from the
Union which it had entered into with the Canadian Conference
In 1833, and to commence aggressive operations upon the Cana-
dian Conference, and its societies and congregations, a special
meeting of the Canadian Conference became necessary to meet
this new state of things, to organize for resenting the invasion
upon its field of labour, and to maintain the cause for which
they had toiled and suffered so much for more than .half a
century.
The prospects of the Canada "Conference were gloomy in the
extreme ; the paucity oi' ministers, and the poverty of resources
in comparison to the English Conference, besides numerous
other disadvantages ; but the ministers of the Canadian Con-
ference with less than a dozen individual exceptions, had hearts
of Canadian oak, and weapons of New Jerusalem steel, and were
determined to maintain the freedom of the Church, and the
liberties of their country, whatever might be the prestige or
resources of their invaders; and "according to their faith it
was done unto them;" out of weakness they waxed strong.
They sowed in tears, they reaped in joy. Their weeping seed-
sowing was followed by rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with
them.
The Special Conference caused by these events was held in
the Newgate (Adelaide) Street Church in October, 1840. The
venerable Thomas Whitehead, then in his 87th year, opened the
proceedings, after which Rev. William Case was elected to pre-
side. Rev. Mr. Whitehead was subsequently elected President.
Dr. Ryerson was elected Secretary, but declined, and Rev. J.
C. Davidson was appointed in his place. The whole matter
of differences between the two Conferences was discussed at
1840] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 275
great length, and with deep feeling on the part of the speakers.
Dr. Ryerson spoke for five hours, and his brother William for
nearly three. Finally a series of eleven resolutions were adopted,
strongly maintaining the views of the Canadian Representa-
tives to England, and protesting —
Against the Methodistic or legal right or power of the Conference in
England to dissolve, of its own accord, articles and obligations which have
been entered into with this Conference by mutual consent.
In consequence of the adoption of these resolutions, the fol-
lowing ministers requested permission to withdraw from the
Canada Conference with a view to connect themselves with the
British Missionary party, viz : —
Rev. Messrs. William Case, Ephraim Evans, Benjamin Slight, James
Norris, Thomas Fawcett, William Scott, John G. Manly, Edmund Stoney,
James Brock, Thomas Hurlburt, Matthew Lang, John Douse, William Steer,
John Sunday, and C. B. Goodrich.
The leave-taking was said to have been very tender and
sorrowful. Of the members of the Canada Conference who
left it, Dr. Ryerson said : —
Among the ten who seceded from the Canada Conference to the London
Wesleyan Committee was the venerable William Case, who took no part in
the crusade against his old Canadian brethren, but who wished to live in
peace and quietness, with the supply of his wants assured to him in his
old, lonely Indian Mission at Alnwick, near Cobourg, isolated alike from
the white inhabitants and from other Indian tribes, where he continued
until his decease.
The character of this untoward contest with the British Con-
ference party — so far as it related to Dr. Ryerson — carfbe best
understood from the conclusion of his five hours' speech before
the Special Conference. He said : —
I am aware that a combined effort has been determined upon and is
making to destroy me as a public man, and to injure this Connexion, as far as
my overthrow can affect it. I rejoice to know that the strength and effi-
ciency of our Church are not depending upon me; but I am not insensible
to the advatages which it is supposed will be gained over the Church if I
can be put down. Our adversaries seem to have abandoned the idea of
answering my arguments, or of diverting me from my purposes, in regard to
my position, and views and feelings towards this Connexion. The only
expedient left is that which requires no strength'of intellect — no solid argu-
ments— no moral principle — but abundance of confidence, malignity, and
zeal. It is the expedient of impeaching my moral integrity, and blackening
my character. And this is attempted to be accomplished. One class of
adversaries, not by an appeal to reason, or even to official documents, but by
the importation and retail from one side of the Atlantic to the other, and
one end of the province to the other, and from house to house, of bits and
parcels of perverted private conversations — a mode of warfare disgraceful to
human nature, much more to any Christian community. History apprizes
me that, in such a warfare, some of the best of men have not triumphed
until long after they slept in death, when the hand of time and the researches
of impartial history did them that justice which the cupidity and jealousies
276 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIV.
of powerful contemporaries denied them, I know not the present result of
existing combinations against myself. On that point I feel little concern,
though I am keenly alive to their influence upon my public usefulness. I
engaged in the Union, because I believed the principles upon which it was
founded were reasonable, and the prejudices against it on all sides were
unreasonable. I do not regret the opposition which I have experienced —
the reproaches which I have incurred — the labours I have endured ; but I
do regret — and every day's reflection adds fresh poignancy to my regrets —
that in carrying out a measure which I had hoped would prove an unspeak-
able blessing to my native country, I have lost so many friends of my
youth. No young man in Canada had more friends amongst all Chris-
tian denominations than I had when the Union took place. Many of
them have become my enemies. I can lose property without concern or
much thought; but I cannot lose my friends, and meet them in the
character of enemies, without emotions not to be described. I feel that I
have injured myself, and injured this Connexion, and I fear this province,
not by my obstinacy, but by my concessions. This is my sin, and not the
sins laid to my charge. I have regarded myself, and all that Providence has
put into my hands from year to year, as the property of this Connexion. I
can say, in the language of Wesley's hymn —
" No foot of land do I possess,
No cottage in the wilderness ;
A poor wayfaring man."
And it is to me a source of unavailing grief, that after the expenditure of
so much time, and labour, and suffering, and means, one of the most impor-
tant measures of my life may prove a misfoitune to the Church of my
affections and the country of my oirth. I have only to say, that as long as
there is any prospect of my being useful to either, I will never desert them.
We have surveyed every inch of the ground on which we stand : We have
offered to concede everything but what appertains to our character, and to
our existence and operations as a Wesleyan Methodist Church. The ground we
occupy is Methodistic, is rational, is just. The very declarations of those who
leave us attest this. They are compelled to pay homage to our character as
a body; they cannot impeach our doctrines, or discipline, or practice; nor
can they sustain a single objection against our principles or standing; the
very reasons which they assign for their own secession are variable, indefinite,
personal, or trivial. But the reasons which may be assigned for our position
and unity are tangible, are definite, are Methodistic, are satisfactory, are
unanswerable.
The effect of this disruption was disastrous to the peace and
unity of the Wesleyan body, especially in the towns and cities.
Some time after the Conference, Dr. Ryerson received the
following characteristic letter from the venerable Thomas White-
head, the President of the Canada Special Conference : —
I have been not a little pleased with the expectation of seeing you this even-
ing, and of hearing you speak of the sorrows and joys ol Wesleyan Methodism
in Upper Canada. God grant that you and I and all of us, when our labours,
sorrows and joys on earth are ended, may meet around the throne of God
and the Lamb. Your labours, sorrows and joys for these years past have
been unparalleled, and to the present they are increasing. Well, you have
been called (with not a few invaluable assistants) to stand up in defence of
the Gospel, and have been sometimes placed near the swellings of Jordan;
however, you still rejoice in your labours, and the effects thereof, and so do
I; and, blessed be God, the Pilot of the Galilean lake is still on shipboard,
and he will soon speak peace to the troubled waters, and there will be a
1840] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 277
great calm. I have no doubt but Brother Green and Brother Bevitt (a
comical soul) and yourself have had cold travelling (I hope good lodging) in
your western rides; I am persuaded you have met with friends, and a
generous people. God bless them !
I greatly rejoice that our brethren in the ministry are faithful, affectionate,
and successful in defence of all that appertains to the privileges of the
glorious Gospel of the Son of God, long, long preached by the Wesleyan
Methodist ministers in the wilds of Upper Canada, and I trust they will, by
all Christian means and measures, support Her Majesty's Government in
Canada. May the Holy and Blessed God give us peace, and good govern-
ment in our day. I have been a little vexed with the travelling gab of one
of our own former friends, who is pleased to inform the people that you
were the sole cause of the late rebellion. I must tell him, the first time I
meet with him, that the meaning of his sing-song is not understood, and that
if he will explain his hidden meaning, it will be, that he is ready to prove
that the Eev. Egerton Ryerson was the sole cause of the rebellion in Heaven,
by the fallen angels. In that case no one would mistake his meaning.
In a letter of congratulation, written in May, 1841, to Rev.
Dr. Bangs, on his appointment to the Presidency of the Wes-
leyan University, Middletown, Conn., Dr. Ryerson said : —
I hope and pray that you may be able to continue without abatement to
favour and edify the religious public with the rich results of your varied
reading and matured thinking. On this ground I desire to express my
personal obligations; and not the least for your "Letters to young Ministers
of the Gospel," which were the first I recollect of reading. Many of your
remarks and suggestions, on the subjects which they treat, have been of
great service to me.
Speaking of the rupture of the union between the British
and Canadian Conferences, and of alleged personal obstacles
which he presented in the way of a reunion, Dr. Ryerson said :
— The agents of the London Missionary Committee have not
injured the Societies generally ; although the scenes of schism
which have been and are exhibited in many places are highly
disgraceful. I am not aware that Elder Case has taken any
active part in these transactions, and he has continued an acting
and useful member of the Academy Board, notwithstanding
his strange secession from our Conference. I have observed by
the discussion, especially in the pamphlet lately published by
the Committee in London, that the whole affair is made to
appear, as much as possible, a matter of difference between the
Committee and me personally, and epithets have been multi-
plied against me in proportion to the want of facts. I have
always resolved not to allow myself to be the ground of differ-
ence between two bodies. If I can make this circumstance
instrumental in effecting an amicable adjustment of differences,
such as would be agreeable and advantageous to my brethren,
I have thought it would be best to do so, and retire personally
from the Conference, either employing my pen for the religious
and general interests of my native land, or seeking a more
278 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIV.
peaceful field of labour in your part of the world, where I
almost wish I had gone last year as proposed — although I know
not that I could have done otherwise than I did, in accordance
with what is due to personal honour and character.
The Imperial Parliament has disposed of the clergy reserves
in a manner the most unfair, unjust, and corrupt, although the
old Constitution of Canada provides for the disposal of them by
the Provincial Legislature. Wide-spread, secret dissatisfaction
exists in the country ; a majority of the new Assembly (which
has not yet met) are friends of the people, but many are afraid
to move, or to say what they think. My own apprehension is
that, notwithstanding all exertions to the contrary, under the
present system of things the morals and intelligence of the
people will be on a level with their liberties. Whether my con-
tinued silence in such circumstances is a virtue, or a crime ; or
whether I should retire from the country, or remain and make
one Christian, open, and decisive effort to secure for my fellow-
countrymen a free constitution and equal rights among their
churches, is a perplexing question to me, as well as to my
brothers. It is believed by some intelligent men, who have
talked on the subject, that if I would come out as the advocate
of the country, there would be no doubt of success, from my
knowledge of the subject, from a general, and, as I think, over-
weening confidence on the part of my friends in my powers of
concentration, perseverance and energy, and from the feelings
of the country. It is also thought that, if there should be a
failure of success, I could then honourably retire to the United
States. I am no theorist, but I hate despotism as I do Satan,
and I love liberty as I do life ; and my thoughts and feelings
flow so strongly in favour of the religious and civil freedom of
my native country, that with all my engagements and duties,
I cannot resist them, at least half of the time. I would be most
grateful to you for your opinion on this general matter, irre-
spective of details, with which, of course, you cannot be
acquainted.
To this letter Rev. Dr. Bangs replied as follows : —
I feel much for my Canadian brethren, and I can never be indifferent to
their weal or woe. I have never had but one opinion respecting your
separation from us, and that is, that it was an erroneous step at the time,
originating with the ambition of one man — Henry Ryan. (See page 87.)
Regrets, however, are useless now. The die has been cast; but from that
unhappy moment you have been tossed about from one point of the compass
to another. What a sad condition the people "are in, according to your
representation 1 And who shall right them ? I suppose you cannot do it,
although you cannot be indifferent to their interests, temporal and eternal.
Respecting your leaving the country, I would say, that if your brethren
judge it best, you will receive a cordial welcome among us; as I am sure you
would from me. In the meantime, you would do well to consult Bishop
1840] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 279
Hedding, who presides among us this year. I thank you for the expressions
of affection. Whatever of good you may have received from my poor
labours, let God have the praise and glory. I never undertook any duties
with more appalling feelings than I did the present ones; and yet 1 1 jive
been wonderfully blessed and favoured by providential indications. Wnen
I was called to the Presidency of the Wesleyan University, I dared not say no;
but I accepted it with a trembling sense of my responsibilities, and thus
far I have been greatly blessed and comforted. I shall be glad to see you,
and remember that I have a prophet's room, and a bed and a table for you.
From Rev. Dr. D. M. Reese, a noted member of the
New York Conference, Dr. Ryerson received the following
letter : —
I am at a loss to say what is the opinion of our great men here, touching
your Canadian conflict with the British Conference; though all our sym-
pathies are with you. All concur that you have the victory in your
pamphlet war. I have not heard a different opinion from any one who has
read them. I suppose you may have learned how cavalierly Rev. E. Newton
treated Rev. Mr. Gurley, though introduced to him by letters from those to
whom Mr. N. was largely indebted here. He refused to introduce him to
Dr. Bunting, etc., although this favour was solicited. He neither invited
Mr. G. to see him again, nor even called on him. This British reciprocity
of American politeness is humiliating, and resembles the treatment you and
your brother received at his hands, as well as that of other great men in. the
Wesleyan Conference towards you.
At the Special Conference of October, Dr. Ryerson was
appointed Corresponding Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary
Society of Upper Canada. On the 10th November he issued
a statement and appeal on behalf of the Society. In it he
indicates definitely the secret causes which led to the disruption
of the Union. He said : —
Zealous attempts have been made to lead astray sincere
friends of Methodism and religion by the pretense that party
politics is the [difficulty]. Never was a pretext more unfounded.
. . It will be seen by the proceedings of our Conference — . .
and is even admitted in the report of the . . English Con-
ference— that no political party question should, on any account,
be suffered amongst us, . . or in our official organ, and that
we did not even desire the continued discussion of the clergy
reserve question. . . But with even silent neutrality on all
questions of civil polity . . , the authorities of the English
Conference were not satisfied ; they insisted that we should
" admit and maintain, even in this Province, the principle of
Church and State Union " — a question which has been the most
exciting and baneful topic of party feeling and party organiza-
tion of any question which has ever been discussed in Upper
Canada. They also insisted that we should concede to the
Conference in England the right of an " efficient direction over
the public proceedings " of the Connexion in this province. . ,
280 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXX IV.
These are the real grounds of the difference between the two
bodies.
In a letter on this subject, written by Dr. Ryerson, 13th
November, he said : —
Herewith is a copy of a letter which I addressed to the late Rev. Richard
Watson in 1831 [see Guardian of November 18th, 1840], deprecating the
interference of the London Committee with our work in this province, and
explaining our views and operations as a body. . . In going one day
into the Wesleyan Mission House, when in England in 1833, I found one of
the clerks copying that letter into the official books of the Committee.
That letter is of some importance on several accounts. It will show that
we were just as moderate, and as reasonable, and as constitutional in our
views as a body in 1831, as we have been from that time to this, and that
the representations to the contrary are the fabulous creations of party feel-
ings. . . [It will also show] that [the London Committee] fully under-
stood our views on the question of a church establishment in Upper Canada,
respecting which they have not even pretended that we ever made the
slightest compromise ; and that we as a body were in a prosperous condition
before the Union.
It was not, therefore, without full knowledge of Dr. Ryerson's
views on this subject, and of the state of the Methodist body
in Upper Canada, that the British Conference in 1833, and
again in 1840, sought to interfere with the work in this province
and divide the Societies. By Dr. Ryerson's mission to England
this evil was averted by a union in 1833, which proved to be
but a hollow truce, as the events of 1840 demonstrated.
That the evil genius of Rev. Robert Alder exercised a bane-
ful influence upon both Conferences, is abundantly evident
from his own subsequent conduct and other events. And that
this was the case is more clearly manifest from the fact that
when he ceased to exert any influence in the Connexion, and
when Dr. Ryerson and the Canadian Representatives were able
to lay the whole case before the British Conference in 1847,
that body, led by Dr. Bunting himself, entirely endorsed the
consistent action of the Canada Conference in all of this painful
and protracted business. He said : " The Canadian brethren
are right, and we are wrong." (See & subsequent Chapter on
the subject.)
Looking at the facts of the case in the light of to-day, can
any one wonder at the pertinacity and zeal with which Dr.
Ryerson resisted the unnatural and unwise system of foreign
dictation sought to be imposed upon the Canadian Connexion.
This he did at a great sacrifice of personal feeling, and of per-
sonal friendship, as well as of personal comfort and popularity.
He maintained, as he had stipulated in the articles of Union,
that " the rights and privileges of the Canadian preachers and
Societies should be preserved inviolate." He knew that a
Church in a free country like Canada, characterized as it was
1840] THE STOEY OF M7 LIFE. 281
by Methodistic zeal and vigour, and yet tempered by the mod-
eration of Canadian institutions and manners, possessed within
itself a spirit of independence and of growth and progress which
would never brook the official control of a Committee thousands
of miles away. To be subject to even the generous control of
such a Committee, possessed of no practical experience in Cana-
dian matters, would, he knew, doom the Church to a dwarfed,
and unnatural, and a miserable existence. Events had already
proved to Dr. Ryerson (while the Union during 1839-1840 was
in a moribund state) that the Church, controlled by a dominant
section of the British Conference, would be a prey to internal
feuds and jealousies. In the conflicts that would then ensue
spiritual life would die out, missionary zeal would be fitful in
its efforts, and every Church interest would partake largely of
a sectional and partizan character, destructive alike to the sym-
metry, growth and harmony of development of a living Church,
endowed with rich spiriting life and free and vigorous in its
independent action.
To a person of the statesman-like qualities of mind which
Dr. Ryerson possessed in so high a degree, these things must
have been ever present. They gave evident decision to his
thoughts and vigour to his pen. He was no novice in public or
ecclesiastical affairs. He had been trained for fifteen years in
a school of resistance, almost single-handed, to ecclesiastical
domination, and had detected and exposed intrigues, — one of
which was of parties in this conflict, which was entirely deroga-
tory to the dignity and independence of Methodism in Canada.
(See pages 238-241.)
His knowledge of public affairs and of party leaders gave
him abundant insight into the motives and tactics of men bent
upon accomplishing pet schemes and favourite projects. And
all of this knowledge had so ripened his experience that it
rendered him the invaluable and trusted leader in Canadian
Methodism, which in those days made his name a household
word in the Methodist homes of Upper Canada. This trust and
confidence he never betrayed. His unswerving fidelity to his
Church and people cost him dearly — the loss of many friends,
and the reproaches of many enemies. But he survived it all,
and was enabled, under Providence, to mould the institutions of
Canadian Methodism and even of his native country, He has
left on some of them the impress of his mind and genius, which
it is the pride of Canadians to recognize and acknowledge to
this day.
I '
CHAPTER XXXY.
1840-1841.
LAST PASTOEAL CHARGE. — LORD SYDENHAM'S DEATH.
fTlHE following paragraphs, prepared by Dr. Ryerson, refer
J_ to this period of his history : —
In the autumn of 1840, on returning from England, when
the English Wesleyan Committee and Conference seceded from
the Union with the Canadian Conference, I was appointed to
Adelaide Street station in Toronto, which had been filled for
two years by the Rev. Dr. Richey — an eloquent and popular
preacher. The separation between the two Conferences had
taken place the week before I assumed the charge of Adelaide
Street station. Dr. Richey had carried off the greater part of
both the private and official members of the Church, and I was
left with but a skeleton of each. When I ascended the pulpit
for the first time, the pews in the body of the church, which
had been occupied by those who had seceded, were empty, and
there were but scattered hearers, here and there, in the other
pews and in the gallery. By faith and prayer I had prepared
myself for the crucial test, and conducted the services without
apparent depression or embarrassment. I made no pretensions,
and had never made any, to pulpit eloquence — the motto of my
ministry being to make things plain and strong by previous
thought and prayer, and without verbal preparation. I often
went from lying on my back in my study, in an agony of distrses
and prayer, to the pulpit, where a divine anointing seemed to
rest upon me, such as I had never before experienced. There
were frequent prayer-meetings in my own study, at six o'clock in
the morning. The result was, by the Divine blessing, that the
church was filled with hearers, and the membership was more
than doubled.
At the first Annual Missionary Meeting in the Church after
the division, the President of the Executive Council presided ;
several members of the Government were on the platform, and
the collections and subscriptions were more than double those
of any previous year. The pretext for this separation of the
1840-41]
THE STORY OF MY LIFE.
283
English Wesleyan Committee and Conference from the Cana-
dian Conference, was professed loyalty in Church and State ;
but both the Imperial and Canadian Government of that day
approved the position of the Canadian Conference, withdrew
and suspended the grant previously made to the London Wes-
leyan Missionary Committee during the seven years of its
hostility to the Canadian Conference, and only consented to its
restoration for the joint interests of the two Conferences, and
on recommendation of the Representatives of the Canadian
Conference, after the reconciliation and reunion of the two
Conferences, in 1847.
In October, 1840, Dr. Ryerson addressed a letter of con-
gratulation to Lord Sydenham, on his elevation to the peerage.
234 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXV.
He again referred to the publication of the Monthly Review,
proposed by His Excellency. In regard to the latter he said : —
The publication of a monthly periodical such as I suggested to your
Excellency last spring, appears to me now, as it did then, to be of great
importance, in order to mould the thinkings of public men and the views of
the country in harmony with the principles of the new Constitution and the
policy of Your Excellency's administration, and to secure a rational and per-
manent appreciation of its objects, and merits ; and it would have afforded
me sincere satisfaction to have given a proper tone and charcter to a publi-
cation of that kind. But what I have written publicly in reference to the
principles and measures of Your Excellency's Government has already been
productive of serious consequences both to myself and the Body with which
I am connected.
In the discharge of my ecclesiastical duties, I have to devote several hours
of four days in each week to visiting the sick, poor, and other members of
my pastoral charge, and am preparing a series of discourses on the Patri-
archal History, and the Evidences of Christianity, arising from the dis-
coveries of modern science, and the testimony of recent travellers, besides
the correspondence and engagements which devolve upon me in the office I
hold in the Methodist Church. Under such circumsttnces the assumption
by me of the management of such a periodical is impracticable. I could not
do justice to it, nor to my other appropriate duties. I might, in the course
of my miscellaneous reading, select passages from established author*^ which
would be suitable for a miscellany at the end of each number, to illustrate
and confirm the principles discussed in the preceding pages of it I might
now and then contribute a general article on the Intellectual and Moral
Elements of Canadian Society ; or, on the Evils of Party Spirit; or, on the
Necessity of General Unity in order to General Prosperity, etc., etc. ; but
even in these respects I fear I could not render much efficient aid, from the
exhaustion of my physical strength in other labours, and for want of the
requisite time for study, in order to write instructively and effectively on
general subjects.
In the same letter, Dr. Ryerson thus referred to his determina-
tion to take no further part in the discussion of public affairs,
owing to the hostility which his support of Lord Sydenham's
policy had excited in various quarters* : —
In retiring from taking any public part in the civil affairs of
this country, I beg to express my grateful sense of the frank-
In the Ouardian of October 7th, 1840, Dr. Ryerson says : — Lord Sydenham
well knows the feelings of reluctance and apprehension under which I assumed
the responsibility of giving my humble and earnest support to the measures of his
government in Upper Canada. . . He well knows that I adopted the course I
did with a deep consciousness that it would be attended with personal sacrifice,
with no other expectation or wish but justice to the church to which I belonged —
equal justice to other churches — and the hope of prosperity to my native country
under an improved and efficient system of government. I did n3t indeed expect
that hostility against me from London would be prosecuted to the extent it has
been. . . I have incurred the censure of the British Conference for supporting,
and not for opposing, the government when it needed my support, and when it
was in my power to have embarrassed it. . . As it respects myself personally,
I shall not repine at having made the sacrifice, if the new system of government
but succeeds, and the .land of my birth and affections is made prosperous and
happy. Note on page'T99.
1840-41] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 285
ness, kindness, and condescension which I have experienced
from Your Excellency. You are the first Governor of Canada
who has taken the pains to investigate the character and affairs
of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for himself, and not judge
and act from hearsay ; the first Governor to ascertain my senti-
ments, feelings, and wishes from my own lips, and not from the
representations of others. As a body, considering our labours
and numbers, we have certainly been treated unjustly and
hardly by the Local Government. Every effort was used here
to deprive us of the Royal liberality, and Lord Glenelg's recom-
mendations in regard to the Upper Canada Academy. I think
Lord John Russell himself was prepossessed against me by the
representations of Rev. Mr. Alder, and probably of Sir George
Arthur and others. But by your condescension and courtesy I
have been prompted and emboldened to express myself to Your
Excellency on all questions of civil government and the affairs
of this country, more fully than I have to any man living. My
private opinions and public writings have been simultaneously
before Your Excellency, together with all the circumstances
under which I have expressed the one and published the other.
I feel confident, therefore, that however I may be misrepresented
by some, or misunderstood by others, I shall have justice in the
estimate and opinions of Your Excellency — that I have been
anything but theoretical or obstinate— that I have shrunk from
no responsibility in the time of need and difficulty — and that
my opinions, whether superficial or well-considered, are such as
any common-sense, practical man, whose connection, associations,
and feeling are involved in the happiness and well-being of the
• middle classes, might be expected to entertain.
It is not my intention or wish to obtrude my opinions upon
your attention, except in so far as may be necessary to acquaint
Your Excellency with the interests and wishes of the body
whom I have been appointed to represent. In regard to the
many other important questions embraced in the great objects
of your Government, I shall abstain from any officious inter-
ference ; although all that may be in my mind or heart on any
subject shall be at the service of Your Excellency when desired.
From what I have witnessed and experienced, I have no
doubt that every possible effort will made to prejudice me in
Your Excellency's mind, and induce Your Excellency to treat
the Methodist body in this province as preceding Governors
have done. But I implore Your Excellency to try another
course of proceeding, whether as any experiment, or as an act
of justice. I am persuaded that Your Excellency has found no
portion of the people of this Province more reasonable in their
requests, or more easily conciliated to your Views and wishes
2S6 THE 8TOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXV.
than the Representatives, members and friends of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church in Canada ; and, I doubt not, Your Excel-
lency will find them cultivating and exhibiting the same spirit
during the entire period (and may it be a long one !) of your
administration of the Government of Canada.
On the 8th of the same month, Dr. Ryerson felt himself
constrained to address a note to Lord Sydenham in regard to
the policy of Lord John Russell's Clergy Reserve Bill, so.far as
it might affect the question of public education, in which he
was deeply interested. He said that he conceived the Bill to be
most unjust in its provisions, as he had stated to His Lordship
(while it was under consideration of Parliament). He added :
Should the partial and exclusive provisions of the measure
pervade the views and administration of Government in Canada,
in regard to a general system of education, etc., I should utterly
despair of ever witnessing social happiness, general educational
culture, or unity in this country. But I have no doubt the
exclusive powers with which the Bill invests the Governor, will
be exerted to counteract the inequality of its other provisions,
and that Your Excellency's whole system of public policy will
be based upon the principles of " equal justice to all classes of
Her Majesty's Canadian subjects." Under these circumstances,
I have suggested to the conductor of the Christian Guardian
(from the editorship of which I retired last June) not to make
any remarks on the Bill which may tend to create dissatisfac-
tion ; nor do I intend, for the same reasons, to publish the letter
which my brother and I addressed to Lord John Russell on the
subject. His Lordship said, indeed, tha't the Bill was not what
he wished, nor could, he say it was just ; but he had clearly
ascertained that a more liberal one could not be got through
the House of Lords, and he thought that that Bill was better
than none.
The Hon. Isaac Buchanan, in a letter to the Editor, dated
April 1882, — speaking of these times and events — said : —
I was one of Dr. Ryerson's oldest friends and cooperators that have sur-
vived him. I was first in Toronto (then York) in 1830. Although not
then 20 years of age, I came out to Montreal as a partner in a mercantile
firm ; and in the fall of 1831 I came up to York to establish a branch
House. From that time I have known Dr. Ryerson, and then formed that
high opinion of both his abilities and his character which went on increasing
more and more ; so that for the last forty years of his life I have regarded
him as Canada's greatest son. Of late years I seldom met him, but when I
did, it was an inexpressible pleasure to me, as an interchange of the most
unbounded mutual confidences took place between us in our views and
objects. He knew my view of religion, — that as with Spiritual Religion
(which is nothing to the mind unless it is everything), so with the Religion
of Humanity (my name for the removal of all impediments out of the way
of the employment, and of the enjoyment of living of our own people) — it
1840-41] TEE STOB7 OF MY LIFE. 287
will not take a second place, but must be the firs' question in the politics of
every country — otherwise its Government is a mere political machine. He
knew my belief that the Church Question being in the way of this people's
question, it took the first place among the causes of all the industrial evils
in England and Ireland. With me, therefore, it was a sine qua non to get
quit of our dominant Church nuisance in Canada, viewing it as a thing in
the way of the prosperity of the people, and therefore as a thing insidiously
undermining their loyalty. I am sure that his views were not far removed
from mine in this matter, and yet not a particle of enmity to the Church
ever affected me, and, I believe, the same thing was true of Dr. Ryerson.
But I felt the insufferable evil of the position it had in this country, not
only as usurping the first place in politics, which the Labour Question should
occupy, but as rendering the connection with England odious and short-
lived. Being one of those sent for by the Governor-General (Mr. Poulett
Thompson) on the clergy reserve question, I told His Excellency plainly
that although my countrymen, the Scotch, did not hesitate to dissent, as a
matter of conscience, they would not be loyal to a government that made
them dissenters by Act of Parliament.
Five years previous to this, or in 1835, I had, as an extra of the Albion
newspaper, published by Mr. Cull, about the time York became Toronto,
proposed a plan of settlement for the clergy reserves, fitted to solve the diffi-
culties connected with them, whether Industrial, Educational, or Political.
My proposal was that an educational tax should be levied, the payments by
each* church or sect being shewn in separate columns, and each sect receiving
from the clergy reserve fund, in the proportion of its payments for education.
This first attempt of mine to get an endowment for education failed, as
there was then no system of Responsible Government. But five years after-
wards (in 1840) when my election for Toronto had decided the question of
Responsible Government, and before the first Parliament met, I spoke to
Lord Sydenham, the Governor-General, on the subject. He felt under con-
siderable obligation to me for standing in the breach when Hon. Robert
Baldwin found he could not succeed in carrying Toronto. I told him that
I felt sure that if we were allowed to throw the accounts of the Province
into regular books, we would show a surplus over expenditure. His Excel-
lency agreed to my proposal, and I stipulated that, if we showed a surplus,
half would be given as an endowment for an educational system. Happily we
found that Upper Canada had a surplus revenue of about $100,000 a year
— half of which the Parliament of 1841 set aside for education as agreed —
the law stipulating that every District Council getting a share of it would
locally tax for as much more, and this constituted the financial basis of our
educational system. Thus I have given you a glimpse of the time when
Dr. Ryerson and I were active cooperators.
Dr. Ryerson has left no farther record of his two years'
ministry in Newgate (Adelaide) Street circuit, Toronto, than
that recorded on page 282. Some incidents of it will be found
in the letter of the Rev. Jonathan Scott, editor of the Guardian,
on page 294. Rev. I. B. Howard, Dr. Ryerson's assistant at the
time, has also furnished me with some personal reminiscences
of his intercourse with him during the latter year of Dr.
Ryerson's pastoral life. He says : —
When I was Dr. Ryerson's assistant in Toronto, upwards of forty years ago
(in 1841-2), he was studying Hebrew with a private tutor. As I had pre-
viously taken lessons in that language he kindly invited me to unite with
288 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXV.
him (at his expense) in this study. This I did three times a week at his
house. On those days I always dined with him ; and as it was his custom
to spend the hour before dinner in devotional reading and prayer, I had
the great privilege of spending this hour with him in his study — and I shall
never forget the sincere, heart-searching, and devout manner in which he
conducted these hallowed exercises, nor the great spiritual instruction and
benefit I received from them. His humble confessions, earnest pleadings,
and fervent spirit deeply impressed my youthful heart with the fact that he
was indeed a man of God.
During that year (one of the few of his regular pastorate) I had also the
privilege of frequently hearing him preach, especially during eight weeks of
special and very successful revival services, which we held in old Adelaide
(then nearly new and known as " Newgate ") Street Church. I have fre-
quently heard him preach since that time, mostly on special occasions, and
always with pleasure and profit ; but never since he left the pastoral work
have t heard from him such earnest, powerful and overwhelming appeals to
the minds, and hearts, and consciences of men, as when, with the responsi-
bilities and sympathies of a pastor's heart, he delighted, and moved, and
melted the large and admiring audiences which attended his ministry. I
have always believed, that, had he continued in his pastoral work, he would
have been not only an able and popular, but also in an eminent degree a
successful soul-saving preacher.
During the year I was with him in Toronto, Dr. Ryerson frequently heard
me preach ; and as it was only the second year of my ministry his presence
in the congregation was at first a great terror to me ; but the kind words of
encouragement, as well as the wise and fatherly counsels which he frequently
gave me soon allayed my fears, and led me to regard it rather as a privilege
than a cross to have him for a hearer.* Would that every young preacher
had such a kind and sympathizing superintendent !
Hon. William Macdougall also bears testimony to the kindness
which he experienced from Dr. Ryerson at this period. He says :
About the year 1840, I was living in the township af Vaughan, and like
other boys of the same class and age, devoting my winters to school, ahd my
summers to the healthful exercise of the farm. My father was a good farmer,
pretty well-to-do, and I, being the eldest son, was second in command. He
had purchased two or three uncleared lots in the same township, one of
which was designed for me. I was fond of books, and possessed some good
ones, besides I had made diligent use of a circulating library in the neigh-
bourhood. We took in a political newspaper, an agricultural monthly, and
the Christian Guardian. At this point of my career I met Dr. Ryerson. He
came into our neighbourhood to attend a missionary meeting, and stopped
at my father's house. I was asked to go with him to his next appointment.
We were thus alone together for some hours. On the way we chatted about
temperance, history, politics, education, etc. The rebellion of 1837, and the
political questions that grew out of it still agitated the public mind. He
spoke of Mackenzie and Rolph ; of Baldwin and Bidwell ; of Sir Francis
Head and the Family Compact. I discovered that he admired Bidwell, but
disliked Mackenzie. He took much pains to explain to me some points in
reference to the clergy reserve and rectory questions, and seeing that I was an
appreciative listener, he asked me if I would like to be a politician. I said
I would, if I thought I could overturn the Family Compact, secure the
clergy reserves for education, and drive the Hudson Bay Company out of the
* This the Editor has been assured was also Rev. Dr. Potts' experience of Dr.
Ryerson as a hearer, several years afterwards, and during the time that he (Dr.
Potts) was pastor of the Metropolitan Church, Toronto.
THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 289
North-West. He looked at me for a moment with an amused expression.
The last plank of my platform seemed to arouse his curiosity. The Hud-
son Bay Company and its affairs had not then attracted much notice. He
asked me why I desired to drive out the Hudson Bay Company. I replied
that I had read a lecture by Hon. R B. Sullivan, on immigration and the
movement of population westward, in which he described the Great Valley of
the Saskatchewan in colours so glowing, that I wondered why we did not all
go there, but on further enquiry I found that a umall body of London Fur-
traders claimed the whole country as a preserve for musk-rats and foxes,
under an old charter from a King who, at the time, did not own a foot of it ;
that I thought the fur-traders ought to be compelled to give up the good
land, vi et armis, if need be. He said, " My young friend, your ambition is
great ; I am afraid you have not considered the difficulties to be overcome."
I felt slightly sat upon; but I warmed with my subject, and as I had already
made temperance speeches to admiring audiences in the "back concessions;"
I was not easily disconcerted. He then made the remark which forty yeara
afterwards I recalled to his recollection. " Before you undertake such enter-
prises you must study law ; it is a noble profession, and in this country is
the only sure road to success in politics. If I had not felt it my duty to
preach the Gospel, I would have studied law myself." I remarked that I
had read articles in the Christian Guardian, attributed to him, which I had
heard people say exhibited a great deal of legal knowledge. He seemed
pleased by the compliment, but did not acknowledge the paternity of the
articles. After some i'urther conversation as to my studies, etc. , he recom-
mended me to begin at once to read Latin, and promised to speak to my
father and advise him to let me study law. He kept his promise ; my
father rather reluctantly consented, telling me that if 1 left home I would
lose the farm. You know the rest.
May I not venture the remark, that if a promising agriculturist was
spoiled by that interview, Dr. Ryerson was the spoiler 1 and, if Canada has
derived any benefit from my humble labours as journalist, legislator, execu-
tive councillor, etc., he is entitled to a share of the credit, for, as I loved —
and still recall with envious regret — the unsophisticated pleasures and con-
tentment of a farmer's life, I would, probably, have pursued the even tenor
of my bucolic way but for his advice and kind-hearted mediation,
In the political controversies that agitated the country from 1850 to 1862,
we sometimes crossed swords. In 1865, it became my duty, as a member of
Government, to carry through Parliament an important measure relating to
Grammar Schools. Much to his surprise, I successfully resisted all attempts
at mutilation, for which he warmly expressed his acknowledgements. During
the serious, and sometimes acrimonious discussions which preceded and
followed the Act of Confederation, I enjoyed the benefit of his approving
sympathy and wise counsel. Others with better warrant may speak of his
great power and achievements as a Christian Minister; but you will permit
me to say that I knew him as a generous friend and patron of Canadian
youth ; as a sagacious and resolute man of affairs ; as a staunch defender of
the British constitutional system of government ; and as a patriotic, true-
hearted son of Canada — Si monumentum requiri-s — circumspice I
Dr. Ryerson's pastoral charge of the Toronto City Circuit in
1840-41, and other ministerial duties, engrossed all of his time
to the exclusion of other matters. It seemed to have been a
positive relief to him to engage in these more congenial pursuits.
He rarely used his pen, except on very pressing occasions. He
was nevertheless a close observer of passing events, but took
no active part in them.
1Q
290 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CEAP. XXXV.
Lord Sydenham frequently availed himself of Dr. Ryerson's
counsel and co-operation. Shortly before the death of that able
Governor, Dr. Ryerson had gone to Kingston, as requested, on
matters of public interest. The unexpected death of Lord
Sydenham, on the 19th of September, 1841 (the immediate
cause of which was a fall from his horse), called forth a burst of
universal sorrow throughout the then newly created Province
of Canada. One of the most touching tributes to his memory
was penned by Dr. Ryerson, while on his way to Kingston to
see him. It was published in the Guardian of the 29th Sep-
tember, and republished with other notices in a pamphlet by Mr.
(now Sir) Francis Hincks, then editor of the Toronto Examiner.
From that sketch of Lord Sydenham's career I take the following
concluding passages : —
At the commencement of His Lordship's mission in Upper Canada, when
his plans were little known, his difficulties formidable, and his Government
weak, I had the pleasing satisfaction of giving him my humble and dutiful
support in the promotion of his non-party and provincial objects ; and now
that he is beyond the reach of human praise or censure — where all earthly
ranks and distinctions are lost in the sublimities of eternity — I have the
melancholy satisfaction of bearing my humble testimony to his candour,
sincerity, faithfulness, kindness and liberality. A few days before the occur-
rence of the accident which terminated his life, I had the honour of spending
an evening and part of a day in free conversation with His Lordship ; and
on that, as well as on former similar occasions, he observed the most marked
reverence for the truths of Christianity — a most earnest desire to base the
civil institutions of the country upon Christian principles, with a scrupulous
regard to the rights of conscience. — a total absence of all animosity against
any person or parties opposed to him — and an intense anxiety to silence dis-
sensions and discord, and render Canada contented, happy and prosperous.
. . The day before his lamented death he expressed his regret that he
had not given more of his time to religion. . . The last hours of his life
were spent in earnest supplications to the Redeemer, in humble reliance upon
whose atonement he yielded up the ghost.
After the publication of this letter in the Guardian, Dr. Ryer<
son received the following acknowledgment from T. W. C. Mur-
doch, Esq., late private Secretary to Lord Sydenham : —
I ought to have thanked you before for the numbers of the Guardian con-
taining your letter on the death of Lord Sydenham. That letter I have read
over and over again with the deepest emotion, and I cannot but feel how
much more worthily the task of writing the history of his adminstration
might have been confided to your hands than to mine. That I shall dis-
charge the duty with affectionate zeal and good faith, I hope I need not
assure you, but I fear my inability to do justice to so statesmanlike an admin-
istration, or to make apparent to others those nice shades of policy which
constituted the beauty and insured the success of his government. In the
in can tine what are we to hope or expect from the new Governor Sir C. Bagot.
My principal confidence is that Sir R. Peel is too prudent a man to wish
discredit to his administration by allowing the re-introduction of the old,
bad system, and that consequently Sir Charles will be instructed to follow
out to the best of his ability Lord Sydi
Sydenham's policy.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
1841.
DR. RYERSON'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
THE constant references in this volume to Dr. Ryerson's
attitude of hostility to the exclusive claims and preten-
sions put forth on behalf of the Church of England in this
province, require some explanation. His opponents sought to
neutralize this opposition by endeavouring to make it appear
that, because he opposed these claims and ignored these preten-
sions, he was hostile to the Church of England as a great
spiritual power in the land.* He had himself often pointed
out the fallacy of this reasoning, and drawn so clear a distinc-
tion between men and things in the controversy — th"e Church
and her representatives — that I cannot add any thing to what
he has written on the subject. In one letter he said : —
I am often charged with hostility to the Church of England. Did I know
nothing of the Church of England except what has been exhibited in this
province, . . how could I have any partiality for that Church ? There
is a large and growing branch of the Established Church in England that I
venerate, admire, and love; but there is a semi-popish branch of it for which
I have no such respect, and that is the branch, with a few individual excep-
tions, which exists in this province. .
Again, in a letter to Hon. W. H. Draper, 6n the clergy reserve
question, dated October 12th, 1838, he said : —
I would not derogate an iota from the respect claimed by the Church of
England on account of the prerogatives to which she is legally entitled [in
England J. As the form of religion professed by the Sovereign and rulers of
the Empire — as the Established Church of the British realm — as the Church
which has nursed.some of the greatest statesmen, philosophers, and divines
that have enlightened, adorned, and blest the world, she cannot fail to com-
mand the respect of all enlightened men, whatever may be thought of the
conduct and pretensions of the Canadian branch of that Church — pretensions
which have been virtually repudiated in royal charters, and contradicted by
the entire civil and ecclesiastical history of the old British colonies.
Dr. Ryerson's attitude to the Church of England was clearly
defined in a private and friendly correspondence between him
* I have already on pages 41 and 206 mentioned the overtures which were made
to Dr. Ryerson by the late Bishop Steward of Quebec to induce him to enter the
ministry of the Church of England. See also page 97.
292 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXV.
and John Kent, Esq., Editor of The CJturch newspaper, in 1841-
42. (See page 97.) That paper was established in May, 1837,
as the organ of the Church of England in Upper Canada. . It
was at first edited by Rev. Dr. (afterwards Bishop) Bethune,
rector of Cobourg. In 1841, John Kent, Esq., became its editor.*
In the religions controversies of those days The Church, was
ably edited. It was a decided champion of the high church, or
Puseyite party, and, as such it came into constant conflict with
the Wesleyan Methodists and their organ, the Christian Guar-
dian, and especially with its chief editor, Dr. Ryerson. On the
21st December, 1841, Dr. Ryerson wrote a letter for insertion in
The Church, and accompanied it with a private note to Mr. Kent.
From that letter I make the following extracts : —
I, as well as my friends, have been the subjects of repeated strictures in
your pages ; during the last two years I have replied not a word, nor pub-
lished a line in reference to the Church of England.
I have stated on former occasions — and perhaps my two years' silence may
now give some weight to the statement — that my objections had no reference
to the existence, or prosperity, of the Church of England as a Church, but
simply and solely to its exclusive establishment and endowment in Upper
Canada, especially, and indeed entirely, in reference to the clergy reserves.
During the discussions which took place, and which were continued for years,
I wrote many strong things ; but nothing on the Episcopal form of Govern-
ment, or the formularies, or doctrines of the Church of England. The doc-
trines of the Church of England, as contained in the Articles and Homilies,
I always professed to believe. On the subject of Church Government, I
often expressed my views in the language of Dr, Paley, and in accordance
with the sentiments of many distinguished dignitaries and divines of the
Church of England, that no particular form of Church Government has been
enjoined by the Apostles. I have objected to the Episcopal, or any other
one form of Church Government, being put forth as essential to the exist-
ence of the Church of Christ, and as the only Scriptural form ; but no
further. I do not think the form of Church, any more than the form of
civil government, is settled in the Scriptures ; I believe that both are left,
as Bishop Stillingfleet has shown at large, to times, places, and circumstances,
to be determined upon the ground of expediency and utility — a ground on
which Dr. Paley has supported the different orders of the Church of England
with his accustomed clearness, ability and elegance. I know, on the con-
trary, that much may be said upon the same ground in favour of itinerancy,
of Presbyterianism, and of independency.
On the subject of forms of prayer, I have never written ; though I have
for many years used forms of prayer in private as helps to, not substitutes for,
devotion. I believe the foundation of the Church of Christ is not laid in
forms, but in doctrines. . .
I believe it would be a moral calamity for either the Church of England,
or Church of Scotland, or the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Congrega-
* " From 1841 to 1843 the editorial management of The Church was assumed by
Mr. John Kent, who had been a valuable contributor to its pages from the com-
mencement. The excitement, however, amid the clash ana din of party strife
was too much for him, and the paper came back to its first editor, who held it
again . . for nearly four years. . . It gradually lost ground, and died out
. . in 1856. Memoir of Bishop Strachan by Bishop Bethune," page 159.
1841] TEE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 293
tional, or the Baptist Churches to be annihilated in this province. I believe
there are fields of labour which may be occupied by any one of those Churches
with more efficiency and success than by any of the others. They need not,
and I think, ought not, to be aggressors upon each other. . .
As there were seven Apostolic Churches in Asia, we believe ourselves one
of the Apostolic Churches in Canada. . . Those persons, who believe that
the instruction, and religious advantages and privileges afforded by our
Church will more effectually aid them in. working out their salvation than
those which they can command in any other part of the general fold of
Christ, are affectionately received under our watch-care ; but not on account
of our approximation to, or our dissent from, the Church of England, or any
other Church.
With the settlement of the clergy reserve question ended my controversy
with the Church of England, as I have again and again intimated that it
would. Churches, as well as individuals, may learn wisdom from experience.
I therefore, submit, whether the controversies and their characteristic feel-
ings between the Church of England and the "Wesleyan Methodist Church
in this province ought not to cease, with the removal of the causes which
produced them ? . . Whether both Churches are not likely to accomplish
more religious and moral good by directing their energies against prevalent
vice and ignorance than by mutual warfare 1
Dr. Ryerson concludes his letter in the following truthful and
striking language : —
I intend no offence when I express my conviction that the Church of
England in this province has vastly greater resources for doing good than for
warring with other Protestant Churches. I know her weak points, as well
as her strong towers. I am not a stranger to the appropriate weapons for
assailing the one, and for neutralizing the strength of the other. And you
have not to learn that it is easier to deface than to beautify — to pull down a
fair fabric than to rear a common structure ; and that a man may injure
others without benefitting himself. On the other hand I am equally sensible
that the Wesleyan Methodist Church has nothing to gain by controversy ;
but 1 am quite sure, from past experience, as well as from present aspects,
that she has not so much to fear, to risk, or to lose, as the Church of England.
If controversy be perpetuated between your Church and our own, 1 wash
my hands from all responsibility of it — even should the duty of self-defence
compel me to draw tne sword which I had, in inclination and intention,
sheathed for ever. History, and our own experience to some extent, abounds
with monitory lessons, that personal disputes may convulse churches, that
ecclesiastical controversies may convulse provinces, and lead to the subver-
sion of governments. . .
In his private note to Mr. Kent, Dr. E-yerson said : —
I have long been impressed with the conviction that Canada
could not prosper under the element of agitation. I supported
the Union of the Canadas with a view to their civil tranquility.
I believe my expectations will be realized. In our new state of
things I desire not to be considered as standing in an attitude
of hostility to the Church of England, any more than to any
other Church. I have wished and resolved to leave civil and
ecclesiastical party politics with the former bad state of things.
Travelling, observation and experience, have been a useful school
294 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVL
to me, and time will do justice to the merits or demerits of my
motives and conduct.
On the 22nd of December, Mr. Kent replied to Dr. Ryerson : —
Do not think that I wish to meet you coldly. I would gladly fling away
the weapons of strife. The warfare in which I am engaged, and which I
dare not decline, is literally embittering my existence, and pressing upon me
very severely. I am not aware that I have in any way personally attacked
you, or ever hy name, since the commencement of my editorial career. I
should hail a day of concord with overflowing joy. I should rejoice to see
your powerful, acute, and vigorous mind exerting itself in a manner that
we should all consider serviceable to the cause of loyalty and the Protestant
religion.
From a glance at your letters, I fondly hope that some gleam of light is
breaking in upon us all. My firm conviction is that the doctrine of the
apostolical succession will be the bond of union and the cementer of differ-
ences, now apparently impossible. You must have studied the question —
and how can your vivid and clear mind elude its force ? Must there not be
some one apostolical mode of conferring the ministerial functions, or must it
be open to all, and Quakerism be right ? I do not think I have been the
assailant. The Guardian is outrageously personal and unscrupulous in its
inisstatements. . . I am far from thinking that I am meek and gentle
enough ; but I have carefully excluded personalities, — though I readily con-
cede that my course of argument, which pervades all I write or select, has
been to cut away the ground from under the feet of every denomination in
the province, outside of the Church.
The papists, I firmly believe, are meditating some grand movement all
over the world; and it would be glorious indeed if Protestants could find a
common centre of union. But what can I, in my humble way, do ? I dare
not drop the necessity of the apostolical succession, — though I might dwell
less upon it, and avoid, as much as possible, as I always have done, to mix
it up with offence to other denominations. Yet, as I before intimated, the
assertion and maintenance of it, in the simplest and least controversial manner,
must ever provoke hostility. It is an endless subject to get upon. . .
I shall be very happy to call on you at an early opportunity, nnd obtain,
or rather revive, the pleasure of your personal acquaintance. It would be
the happiest Christmas I ever spent, if it witness the extinction of long
theological enmities, and the dawn of an era of Christian concord and love.
On the 29th December, Dr. Ryerson wrote a private note
again to Mr. Kent. He said : — I was glad to learn by the last
Church that you will give my remarks a place in your columns,
and that you cordially and elegantly respond to the general spirit
and design of them. . . .
I have had a correspondence with the Editor of the Guardian
in reference to the mode of conducting it, in regard to the
Church of England, and in some other respects. 1 am happy
to be able to say that he has at length yielded to my reasonings
and recommendations, and will, I have no doubt, conduct the
Guardian in accordance with the general views expressed in
my communications to you.* To-day's Guardian, as you see,
* Prom Dr. Ryerson's letter to Rev. J. Scott, Editor of the Guardian, I make
the following extracts : — I take the liberty to mention two or three things that I
1841] THE BTCRY OF MY LIFE. 295
presents a visible and agreeable improvement in the points
referred to.
I blame you not for your strict and high principles as a
churchman, but I do not think that you do now make sufficient
allowance for difference of forms and ceremonies in the common
faith of Protestantism. I think you should allow as much as
Archbishop (Lord Keeper) Williams has done, and as much as
is involved in the passage quoted by him from Ireneeus. Why
have seen in the Guardian which have caused me some pain and concern. I refer
to your mode and style of controversy with " The Church." During, and since
my late tour to the West, I have heard several preachers and some others allude
to it, and nearly all in terms of regret. I set down the questions as they occur to
my own mind.
1. We have no controversy with the Church of England as a Church Establish-
ment. We have disclaimed opposing, or doing anything to disparage the Church
Establishment in England. . . 2. Then on the subject of church polity. Your
articles, especially the series entitled "Dissent, etc., No Wonder " — were put
forth as a defense. . . But which of our institutions did they defend ? The
burden of them went to prove that the Church of England is unscriptural in its
polity, union with the state, etc. Suppose all this were true, would it prove that
our own Church is apostolic and Scriptural ? To prove that our neighbours are
black, does not prove that we are white. We do not profess to build up ourselves
upon the ruin of any body else, or to be "foragers" upon others, although we
readily accept members of other churches when they offer themselves. To prove
that Presbyterian ordination is valid (as did the valuable series of articles copied
by you from the Wesleyan Magazine, and Powell, on Apostolic Succession) defends
our ordination. To prove that the Church of England is wrong and rotten from
beginning to end cannot be a defence of ourselves. It may, indeed, please some of
our friends; but it also tends to prove that we are settled enemies to the Church
of England in all its forms and features, as well as in its union with the state.
Far be it from me to look upon the things J have mentioned as characteristics
of the Guardian ; I look upon them as blemishes, and as drawbacks from its use-
fulness— objects which I know are scarcely less dear to your heart than life itself.
If we narrow our own foundations by such sweeping denunciations against the
Church of England, and strictures on persons without our communion, . . we
multiply our opponents, and reduce the circulation of our journal within the circle
of our own members.
I am sensible of my own errors, deficiency and unworthiness ; but I have felt
that I should not do my duty to you as a brother beloved, and one from whom I
have received too many proofs of regard, and so muoh aid in my labours, without
thus telling you what was in my heart.
Rev. Mr. Scott at first felt aggrieved and disappointed on receiving this letter
and a personal correspondence between him and Dr. Ryerson ensued, which, how-
ever, ended satisfactorily. In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, written in 1864 — 23 years
afterwards, — Mr. Scott thus recalls the reminiscence of his career as Editor of the
Guardian. He says: — My esteemed friend: You and I have not always thought
alike (and what is manliness worth that is not independent enough to disagree ?)
but as age advances I have an increasing pleasure in recalling to mind the years,
when you were Superintendent of old Adelaide street Church, and I was your
supplementary helper, — in joint intercession with the humbled at night — in the
damp basement, and during the day pursuing the penitents in ditty taverns, and
the dens of dirtier March [now Lombard] street, the sainted Mrs. S. E. Taylor
praying for us ; and Christ won many souls. Since then what progress Scriptural
Christianity — Methodism — has made in Canada 1 I trust that when you repose
in the tomb, and I am beneath some quiet sod of loved Canada, we shall meet
those again for whose salvation we laboured. In the words of an ancient wish :
May your last days be your best days ! Mr. Scott entered the ministry in 1834 ;
and died at Brampton, May 5th, 1880, aged 77.
296 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAI-. XXXVI.
should we be "unchurched" any moro than the continental
churches ?
Mr. Kent, in reply to Dr. Ryerson (31st December), said : —
I trust you will think that in the remarks which I have made on your
letter in The Church, I have met your overtures in a pacific and cordial spirit
I am sure that my remarks will be much more acceptable to churchmen, so
far as such remarks are friendly to you, than they will be to others not
belonging to our pale. I have not consulted a soul about what I have
written, nor have I shown your pleasing reply to my first note to any one
save good and safe Mr. Henry Rowsell ; though I should like to show it to
Rev. H. J. Grasett, and Bishop Strachan. You need never be afraid of
what you say to me in confidence. . . It is certainly much more con-
sistent in you (provided only you get rid of Mr. Wesley's authority, and
then, by the way, you destroy your genealogy and succession) to call your-
selves a Church, than to be of the Church and not in it. . . You are
said to possess some fine old Divinity works. You cannot have read them
without some approximation to our Church.
You are not in the position ef the continental Churches. No constraint is
upon you. You can get Episcopacy, if you desire it. Neither does the
Church of England stand relatively towards you, as the Gallican Church
towards the Huguenots. You admit the purity of our doctrine, and do not
consider our discipline unscriptural. If you were to read Bishop StilliBg-
fleet on Separation, I think you would open up new trains of thought. I
just became so staunch an Episcopalian, from viewing the matter extriusi-
cally of Scripture and history, and was led to conclude, from the nature of
things, that there can be but one valid ministry.
You are certainly a Prospero. You have waved your magic wand over the
Guardian. I saw it in an instant, and saw that you had done it. I pur-
posely, in my editorial, abstained from all allusions to our confidential inter-
course, or I would have thanked you for this exercise of your healing
influence.
It is by no means an unpleasing marvel that you and I, on the last day of
1841, should be conversing so pleasantly and amicably. I trust that peace
and amity will nourish still more !
Do me the favour to accept a slight New Year's gift at my hands.
Dr. Ryerson wrote a reply to the strictures of The Church
newspaper, and on the 26th addressed a private note on the
subject to Mr. Kent, in which he said : —
. . The great difference between us seems to be that I value
what I hold to be the cardinal doctrines, and morals and interests
of Christianity, above either Churchism or Methodism. So that
those interests are advanced, either through the Church of
England, or Church of Scotland, or any other Protestant Church,
I therein do rejoice and will rejoice. You make the Church of
England first of all — essential to all — all in all ; and that all
who are not in the Church of England are enemies to the
Church of Christ, " strangers to the covenants of promise, and
aliens from the commonwealth of Israel." . . It is true you
have exempted me by way of compliment ; but no intelligent
man would wish to hold his religious intercourse and standing
on the tenor of a compliment ; and that too at the expense of his
1841] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 297
ecclesiastical connexion and general principles. If I cannot but
be viewed as an enemy of the Church of England as a Methodist,
it is a poor compliment to tell me that I am friendly to it as a
man. I do not understand the hair-splitting casuistry which
separates the man from the Christian. . .
I believe in your perfect sincerity and personal disinterested-
ness and kindness, but I must say that you do not appear from
the last Church to suppose it possible for a man to think in a
different channel from yourself without endangering his title to
the skies, or to common sense, and without absolutely forfeiting
his claim to orthodox Christianity. I refer not all to your main-
tenance of apostolic succession, but to your unqualified reproba-
tion of the motives, feelings, and character of all who are not
of your own fold. How different are the sentiments and spirit
of Bishop Onderdonk's essay in support of the " Divine Right
of Episcopacy " from those of your articles in the last Church ?
Now, though we may be without the attributes of what you
believe to be a scriptuvally constituted Church, we are not with-
out the attributes and feelings of men. . . The apparatus of
the Church of England is surprisingly powerful when spiritually,
rightly, and comprehensively applied ; but to build your struc-
ture like an inverted pyramid, and to rouse every one not of you
into warfare against you, does not appear to me to be sound in
theory, or wise in practice. . • .•
Mr. Kent, in a private reply, dated 3rd February, said : —
I have read your letter over so as to prepare my remarks. In doing this
I anticipate no trouble. On the contrary, I hope to strengthen my position
and give greater weight to my axioms respecting the duties of Churchmen
in withholding aid from all religious societies unconnected with the Church.
I find, however, that your tone of remark is excessively warm and indignant;
and, deeming from the tenor of your conversation on Thursday last, that you
have doubts on your mind respecting church government, and feeling con-
vinced that if ever you are led to subscribe to the indispensable obligations
of episcopacy, . . you will admit the validity of my reasons for acting
and writing as I do — under all these circumstances I feel bound to ask you
to meditate whether you will not withdraw your letter. I give you my
sacred honour that I do not dread its effects. But I feel this, that should you
ever experience and avow a change of opinion in reference to the matters
that are now engaging your attention, it will be brought up against you by
your enemies, and may altogether prove a constant embarrassment. Should
you withdraw it, 1 will only mention the matter to Mr. Grasett, who has
already seen it. Should you determine on its insertion, it shall appear next
Saturday.
Dr. Eyerson did not withdraw his letter, and it appeared in
The Church, of February 5th. The personal correspondence,
however, ended here.
In accounting for his decided opposition to a chureh estab-
lishment in Upper Canada, Dr. Ryerson said : —
293 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CnAP. XXXVI.
Before I was twenty years of age I had read Paley's Political Philosophy,
including his chapters on the British Constitution and a Church Establish-
ment; Locke on Government, and especially Blackstone's Commentaries,
particularly those parts on the Rights of the Crown and the Rights of the
Subject. From Paley I learned that a Church Establishment is no part of
Christianity, but a means of supporting it, and a means which should
be used only when the majority of the people are of the religion thus sup-
ported. From Blackstone I learned that the Church of England is the
Established Church of England and Ireland, but not of any colony, except
under one or more of three conditions, none of which existed in Upper
Canada. Upon the grounds, therefore, furnished by Blarkstone and Paley,
I opposed the erection of a Church Establishment in Upper Canada, with-
out touching the question of a Church Establishment in England.
Dr. Ryerson in a letter to a friend, thus refers to his early
experiences in regard to the Church of England : —
Although I had no opportunity of attending the service of
the Church of England until I was nearly twenty years of age,
I made the Homilies and Prayer Book, with the Bible, very
constant companions of travel and subjects of study. I drew
my best pulpit illustrations from them, at the very time that I
was controverting the pretensions of the leaders of that Church
to exclusive establishment and supremacy in Upper Canada;
and, in so doing, I had the sympathies and support of a large
portion of the members of the Church of England, in addition
to the unanimous support of the members of other religious
denominations. I felt that I was preaching the Protestant
Reformation doctrines of the Church of England; and through-
out life I have loved the Church of England with all its faults,
only second to that of my own church. I declined the offer of
ordination in the Church of England [page 290] several months
after I commenced preaching on a Methodist circuit, simply
and solely upon the ground that I was indebted to the Method-
ists for all the religious instruction and influences I had experi-
enced. I believed that I would be more useful among them,
though my life would be, as then appeared, one of privation and
labour. During the first four years of my ministry, my salary
amounted to less then one hundred dollars per annum, and
during the next twelve years (after my marriage) my salary
did not exceed six hundred dollars a year, including house rent
and fuel.
In a letter written on the 28th October, 1843, to the Editor
of the Guardian by Dr. Ryerson, he says : —
It is still, as it has long been, the position with the Editor
of The Church and writers of his school to represent the efforts
of other Churches to maintain their own equal rights and privi-
leges as hostility to the Church of England. . . Who pro-
posed peace, and who has perpetuated war — agressive war ?
[page 292.] . . Who is it that proclaims bodies prior to his
1841] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 299
own in Western Canada as " Dissenters," and seeks by every
species of unfair statement and insinuation to injure and
degrade them — both politically and religiously — and substan-
tially maintaining that Civil Government itself is an appropriate
Providential instrument to put down " dissent." i or one, I
have as yet been silent under this provocation, insult, and
proscription.
Circumscribed must his views be who does not perceive that
" Puseyism," both in a religious and civil point of view, will
soon become a far more important question for the considera-
tion and decision of the inhabitants of Western Canada than
that of the seat of Government, or than even that of the Uni-
versity. And the day is hastening apace, when it will be a
prime matter of inquiry with them to determine . . whether
they will quietly consent to have their civil rights and liberties
placed in any form in the hands of men who regard the great
majority of their Christian fellow -subjects as unbaptized
heathens and aliens in a Christian country. Such is the issue
to which Tke Church is bringing matters in Western Canada.*
In a journey from Kingston to Toronto by stage, which Dr.
Ryerson made in February, 1842, Bishop Strachan was a fellow
passenger. Dr. Ryerson thus speaks of the agreeable inter-
course which he had with the Bishop on that occasion : —
For the first time in my life I found myself in company with
the Lord Bishop of Toronto. He was accompanied by Mr. T.
M. Jones, his son-in-law, and Mr. Jarvis (Indian Department),
very pleasant companions, nor could I desire to meet with a
more affable, agreeable man than the Bishop himself. It would
be unpardonable to introduce remarks . . of one's neighbours
. . into travelling notes in any form, but there has been some-
thing so peculiar in the relations of "John Toronto" and "Eger-
ton Ryerson," that I must beg, in this instance, to depart from a
general rule. Conversation took place on several topics, on
scarcely any of which did I see reason to differ from the Bishop.
He spoke of the importance to us of getting our College at
Cobourg endowed — that an annual grant was an insufficient
dependence — that as the clergy reserve question had been
settled by law, we had as much right to a portion of the clergy
lands as the Church of England — that as we did not desire
Government support for our ministers, we ought to get our
proportion appropriated to the College, as religious education
was clearly within the provisions of the Clergy Reserve Act.
Valuable suggestions, for which I thanked his lordship. I took
occasion to advert to what had excited the strongest feelings in
* In tliis connection see the significant conclusion of the note on page 291,
300 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVI
my own mind, and in the minds of our people generally — namely
imputations on our loyalty to the Government and laws of the
country. The Bishop, with his characteristic energy, said that
what he had written on the subject he could at any time prove
— that he never represented or supposed that the Methodist
body of people were disaffected; nor had he represented or
supposed that those preachers wh6 had been born and brought
up in the country were disloyal ; but he was satisfied that such
was the case with the majority of those who used to come from
the United States. I felt that the whole matter was one of
history, and not of practical importance in reference to present
interests ; and I was much gratified in my own mind to find
that the real question, as one of history, was the proportion of
preachers who formerly came from the United States, and the
character and tendency of their feelings and influence ; for no
preachers have come from the United States to this country
these many years, and we have none but British subjects in the
Canada Conference.
After parting with the Bishop at Cobourg, in analyzing the
exercises of my own mind, I found myself deeply impressed
with the following facts and considerations : —
1. That the settlement of the clergy reserve question had
annihilated the principal causes of difference between those
individuals and bodies in this province who had been most
hostile to each other.
2. That how much asperity of feeling, and how much bitter
controversy might be prevented, if those most concerned would
converse privately with each other before they entered into the
arena of public disputation.
3L That how much more numerous and powerful are the
reasons for agreement than for hostility in the general affairs
of the country, even among those who differ most widely on
points of religious doctrine and polity.*
* This incident might also form a fitting scqual to chapter xxvii, page 213.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
1841-1842.
VICTORIA COLLEGE. — HON. W. H. DRAPER. — SIR CHAS. BAGOT.
V MONGST the last public acts performed by Lord Syden-
J\_ ham was the giving of the Royal assent to a Bill for the
erection of the Upper Canada Academy into a College with
University powers. This he did on the 27th August, 1841.
Dr. Ryerson thus refers to the event, in a letter written from
Kingston on that day : —
The establishment of such an institution by the members of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church in Canada attests their estimate of education and science;
and the passing of such an act unanimously by both Houses of the Legisla-
ture, and the Royal assent to it by His Excellency in Her Majesty's name, is
an ample refutation of recent statements and proceedings of the Wesleyan
Committee in London . . while the Act itself will advance the paramount
interests of literary education amongst Her Majesty's Canadian subjects.
. . For the accomplishment of this purpose, a grant must be added to the
charter — a measure . . honourable to the enlightened liberality of the
Government and Legislature. When they are securely laying a broad foun-
dation for popular government, and devising comprehensive schemes for the
development of the latent resources of the country, and the improvement of
its internal communication, and proposing a liberal system of common school
education, free from the domination of every church, and aiding colleges
which may have been established by any church, we may rationally and
confidently anticipate the arrival of a long-looked for era of civil government
and civil liberty, social harmony, and public prosperity.
In October, 1841, Dr. Ryerson was appointed Principal of the
newly-chartered College, and on the 21st of that month, he
opened its first session by a practical address to the students.
At the close of that address he said : —
His late Most Gracious Majesty William IV., of precious memory, first
invested this institution, in 1836, with a corporate charter as an Academy —
the first institution of the kind established by Royal Charter, unconnected
with the Church of England, throughout the British Colonies. It is a cause
of renewed satisfaction and congratulation, that, after five years' operation as
an Academy, it has been incorporated as a College, and financially assisted
by the unanimous vote of both branches of the Provincial Legislature, —
S02
THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVII.
sanctioned by more than an official cordiality, in Her Majesty's name, by the
late lamented Lord Sydenham, one of whose last messages to the Legislative
Assembly was, a recommendation, to grant £500 as an aid to the Victoria
College. . . We have buoyant hopes for our country when our rulers and
legislators direct their earliest and most liberal attention to its literary insti-
tutions and educational interests. A foundation for a common school system
in this province has been laid by the Legislature, which I believe will at no
distant day, exceed in efficiency any yet established on the American Conti-
1841-421 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 303
nent ^ and I have reason to believe that the attention of Government is
earnestly directed to make permanent provision for the support of colleges
also, that they may be rendered efficient in their operation, and accessible to
as large a number of the enterprising youth of our country as possible.
Dr. Eyerson, although appointed Principal of the newly char-
tered Victoria College in October, 1841, did not relinquish
his pastoral duties as Superintendent of the Toronto City Circuit
until the Conference of June, 1842. His appointment as General
Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, in 1840, neces-
sitated his constant attendance during the winter season at mis-
sionary-meetings. Correspondence, consultation, and committee
meetings filled up such time as he could spare from his duties
as Superintendent of the Circuit. His was indeed a busy life ;
and by his untiring energy and industry he was enabled to give
more than the usual time to the various departments of the
Church's work. His aid and counsel was constantly being sought
in these things, and was as freely given as though he had the
most abundant leisure at his command. In February, 1842, he
went to Kingston to attend its missionary anniversary. While
there he says : —
In an interview which I had with Sir Charles Bagot, the new Governor-
General, it affords me a satisfaction I cannot express, to be able to say that,
in advancing the interests of Victoria College, and in securing the rights and
interests of our Church, Sir Charles Bagot will not be second to Lord Sy den-
ham — that while, as a man and a Christian, His Excellency is a strict and
conscientious churchman, as a Governor he will know DO creed or party in hia
decisions and administration. . . I believe that it is a principle of His
Excellency's Government, in public appointments, etc., qualifications and
character being equal, to give the preference to native and resident inhabi-
tants of the province — those who have suffered in the privations, have grown
with the growth, and strengthened with the strength of the country. Sir
Charles has the wisdom and experience of sixty-three years, and the buoyant
activity of our public men of forty. If I mistake not, the characteristics of
his government will be impartiality and energy — not in making further
changes, but, — in consolidating and maturing the new institutions which have
been established amongst us — in obliterating past differences, in developing
the latent resources of the country, and in raising up a " united, happy, and
prosperous people."
In March, 1842, the question was raised as to the right of
ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, who
had been members of the old organization of the Methodist
* This memorable prophecy as to the future of our educational system was evi-
dently made by Dr. Ryerson under the conviction that the verbal promise made to
him by Lord Sydenham in 1841 , —that he should have the superintendence of that
flyste:n — would have been carried out by his successor, Sir Charles Bagot. There
was no written promise, however, on the subject, and he and his friends were
greatly surprised at the singular appointment made in May, 1842. It was not
until 1844 that Dr. Ryerson received the promised appointment — the reward (as
was then most unjustly alleged against him) of services rendered to Sir Charles
Metcalfe in the crisis of that year. (See, however, chapter xliii. on Dr. Ryerson's
appointment as Superintendent of Education.)
304 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVII.
Episcopal Church in Upper Canada, to solemnize matrimony,
or for the Conference legally to hold church property. Dr.
Ryerson prepared a case on the subject, and submitted it to
Hon. R. S. Jameson, the Attorney-General, for his opinion.
The opinion of the Attorney-General was conclusive in favour
. of these rights, and thus this troublesome question, so often
raised by adversaries, was finally set at rest.
The transition period between the death of Lord Sydenham
and the arrival of his successor, Sir Charles Bagot, was marked
by much uncertainty in political matters. In September, 1842,
Dr. Ryerson wrote to his friend, Mr. John P. Roblin, the Liberal
M.P.P. for Prince Edward county, on the apparently threaten-
ing aspect of affairs Mr. Roblin, in his reply, dated Kingston,
September 16th, said:*
The political sea has indeed appeared rough; the clouds were dark and
ominous of a dreadful storm. But I am happy to say that they have passed
away, and the prospect before us is now favourable. There were in the
House quite a large majority against ministers; this they plainly saw, and,
therefore, shaped their course to avert the blow. Hon. W. H. Draper stated
distinctly that it was, and had been, his opinion, that the Lower Canadians
should have a fair proportion of members in the Executive Council, and for
that purpose he had no less than three times tendered his resignation; that
he was ready to go out, and would do so at any moment. Hon. R. Baldwin
certainly occupies a proud position at present, and may continue to do so, if
he is not too punctilious. The arrangement, which it is understood has been
come to, is that Messrs. Ogden, Draper, and Sherwood go out, and that Mr.
L. H. Lafontaine comes in as Attorney East; Mr. Baldwin, Attorney-General
West ; Mr. T. C. Aylwin, Solicitor-General East ; Mr. James E. Small, or
some other Liberal, as the third man. This will make a strong Government,
for it can command a large majority in the House. It is true that the gen-
tleman you mentioned, and a few others will be dead against it, but they are
a small minority, and will form a wholesome check.
No man would regret more than I would to see the country thrown into
confusion at this time. I entertain a high opinion of the Governor-General
(Sir Charles Bagot.) He certainly has shown a disposition to do everything
he consistently could to give satisfaction to the prominent party, and being
(as he is) of the Tory school, and appointed by a Tory ministry, he certainly
is deserving of much credit for going as far as he did to meet the views of
the Reformers.
The following was the only record left by Dr. Ryerson of his
principalship of Victoria College: — At the end of two years'
labours in the station of Adelaide Street Church (the prede-
cessor of the present Metropolitan Church), I was again wrested
from my loved work by an official pressure brought to bear
upon me to accept the Presidency of Victoria College, which
was raised from Upper Canada Academy to a College, and
opened and inaugurated, in 1842, as a University College.
On the 3rd of August, 1842, the Wesleyan University at
* This correspondence illustrates one phase of the political history of the times.
1841-42] THE STORY OF MJ LIFE. 305
Middletown, Connecticut, conferred on the Principal of Victoria
College the degree of D.D. His old and valued friend Francis
Hall, Esq., proprietor of the New York Commercial Advertiser,
was the first to convey to him the pleasing intelligence. He said:
Perhaps this will be the first communication from Middletown which
announces to Victoria College that its head is Rev. Egerton Ryerson, D.D.
May you long live to enjoy the distinguished title! I hope to take you by
the hand in a few days, and congratulate you personally.
On the 21st of June, 1842, Dr. Ryerson was, with appropriate
ceremonies, formally installed as Principal of Victoria College.
The Editor of this volume well remembers what a joyful day
it was for the College ; and how heartily and kindly the new
Principal spoke words of encouragement to each of the students
then present. On that occasion he delivered a carefully pre-
pared inaugural address, which was afterwards published in
pamphlet form and widely circulated. On the 10th September,
he sent a copy of the address to Hon. W. H. Draper. In his
note Dr. Eyerson called Mr. Draper's attention to what he
conceived to be the defective nature of the provisions for the
education of law-students, before their entrance on the study
of the law (pages 24 and 25 of the address). To this Mr.
Draper replied on the 16th. He also added an explanation in
regard to his present position in the Government. He said : —
I have perused your address with much satisfaction. The Law Society of
Upper Canada, by appointing a well-qualified examiner last term, will, I
think, forward your views as to the education which should precede the
study of that profession.
By the recent changes which have taken place, I have no longer the right
to visit Victoria College officially; but I hope that I may be favoured with
an opportunity of doing so in my private capacity.
You will not, I trust, consider it intrusive in me to briefly state the canse
of my retirement from the Cabinet. I have long considered the Government
in a false position, while the French Canadians saw in the Council no person
acquainted with their wants and wishes — able and willing to look after their
interests, and in whom they had confidence. Apprehending from what took
place in the beginning of last session that they might refuse to take office,
with me, I signified several months ago my readiness to retire if that were
the case. In July I renewed that offer. And now, when a negotiation was
opened on, it appeared that they would not come in without Mr. Baldwin.
I again offered my resignation, because, taking the view I do of his conduct
when we were last in Council together, I feel I should not be in that body
if he were there also. From that moment I ceased to advise or have any-
thing to do with the matter. Had every other part of it been satisfactory to
me, or had it been altered so as to make it satisfactory, nevertheless his being
brought in inevitably put me out. Should you hear my conduct canvassed
and misunderstood, this explanation will, I trust, set it right.
To Mr. Draper's letter Dr. Ryerson replied, and on the 7th
October again wrote, asking him to deliver an address to the
students at the opening of the session. In his letter Dr. Ryer-
son said : —
20
306 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVIL
I deeply regret any occurrence which would deprive Canada of the advan-
tage of your official counsels. I have observed your public conduct through-
out, and it has been such in my estimation, as I have felt it a pleasurable
duty to appreciate and defend, even in the most doubtful and trying circum-
stances. You now enjoy the proud distinction of advising and assisting, on
public grounds, to form a government, from which, on personal grounds, you
have felt it your duty to retire. You -cannot suppose that I entertain a
less exalted opinion of your disinterestedness and high sense of honour,
when the strong opinions I have again and again expressed of it, have been
more than realized by your present patriotic and noble course of proceeding.
In regard to the address which I have solicited you to deliver at the opening
of the next session of our College, I desire to state that you will of course
make it long or short, as you like, although I should like it long. It is my
intention to get, if possible, some gentleman of high public standing and
literary talent to deliver an address at the commencement of each collegiate
year. I think that such addresses will have a salutary influence upon the
taste and feeling and ambition of the students ; and the notices and publi-
cation of them in the newspapers will tend to elevate the standard of the
public taste, and will, I think, be useful to public men themselves. I shall
be gratified, and I am sure good will ensue, from your appearing before the
public in a somewhat new character.
To this letter Mr. Draper replied, on the 10th October : —
I find that, consistently with my professional engagements at the different
assizes (which are now of paramount importance to me), I cannot prepare an
address so as to do justice to your request. If it involved only the attend-
ance on the day, I would cheerfully make some sacrifice to accomplish it; but
there is more, for I would wish, if I undertook the task, to perform it well,
and try to approximate the favourable expectation of those who were willing
to entrust it to me; and for this end I cannot devote time enough out of the
short interval between this and the latest day named by you. Accept my
assurance that I feel great reluctance in declining your proposal. The com-
pliment it conveyed was highly gratifying to me under existing circumstances,
and I should have felt sincere pleasure in exerting my humble abilities in
favour of an institution to which, when I had fuller opportunities, I had
endeavoured to be of use (page 179). Accept my acknowledgements for the
kindness and courtesy of your other remarks in reference to myself.
Sir Charles Bagot did not long hold the office of Governor-
General. Like Lord Sydenham, he was unexpectedly stricken
by the hand of death, at Kingston, on the 19th May, 1843.
A sketch of his life and character was prepared by Dr. Ryerson,
and published in the Kingston Chronicle. In that sketch he
said: —
Sir Charles Bagot has created throughout the length and breadth of United
Canada the settled and delightful conviction that its Government is hence-
forth to be British, as well as Colonial — and, as such, the best on the conti-
nent of America; that Canadians are to be governed upon the principle of
domestic, and not transatlantic, policy; that they are not to be minified as
men and citizens, because they are colonists; that they are (to use the golden
words of Sir Robert Peel) u to be treated as an integral portion of the
British Empire."
This sketch was very favourably received by the leading
public men of Canada, and, after it appeared in the Chronicle,
1841-42] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 307
was reprinted by Stewart Derbyshire, Esq., Queen's Printer,
who, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson on the subject, said : —
Your letter in the Chronicle has attracted high admiration in the quarters
most competent for criticism, and it is felt you have done a real service
to the country. Supposing your wish is to diffuse the sentiments of your
letter, I have taken the liberty of giving it to our printers of the Canada
Gazette to set up in handsome type, 8 octavo pages, and shall strike off 1,000,
and send about, giving away a good many, and putting the rest at book-
stores at a very small price. The common run of people do not value what
they do not pay for. Have I acted in this in accordance with your wishes
— or do you interdict the publication 1 Many extra copies of the Chronicle
were struck off, and about forty copies sent to-day to England by the steamer
" Great Western." Sir Eobert Peel, Lord Stanley, and Sir Charles Buller
had one each.
Dr. Ryerson assented to the republication of his letter.
In the light of after events, the following extract from a
letter received by Dr. Ryerson from Hon. R. B. Sullivan,
dated Kingston, 21st July, 1843, is somewhat interesting. Mr.
Sullivan had placed one of his sons under Dr. Ryerson's care
at Victoria College. After referring to matters relating to the
education of youth, Mr. Sullivan proceeded: — " I hope that our
friendship will be a sufficient inducement to you to teach my
boy that upon his own good conduct under Providence his
future happiness depends, and to give him that steadfastness of
mind which lads naturally want. In asking these things of
you, I place myself under no common obligation. There is no
man in Canada of whom I would ask the same. My doing so
of you arises from a respect and regard for you personally,
which has grown as we have been longer acquainted, and which
no prejudices on the part of those with whom I have mixed,
and no obloquy heaped upon you by others, have ever shaken."
It is pleasant to get a kind word from those who approve of
one's course. It is pleasanter to get it from those who have
been indifferent, or even hostile. Thus, in a letter from Rev.
Matthew Holtby to Dr. Ryerson, written in March, 1842, he said :
Soon after I arrived here from England, I became acquainted with you
and your writings, and ever since, I have watched your course, often with
painful and prayerful anxiety. It is long since I doubted the propriety of
your public conduct, or the justice of your cause ; but as I observed the
storm gathering around you, and the winds blowing into a hurricane, from
all the cardinal points at once, I have had my fears, that you might faint in
the apparently unequal conflict. Thank God, he has delivered you — he has
enabled you to stand at the helm, and to steer the Old Ship into smoother
water. But we may rest assured that our foes are not dead. I only wish
you may manifest as much nautical skill in a calm, as you have in the long
storm, and I doubt not but all will be well.
CHAPTER XXXVIIL
1843.
EPISODE IN THE CASE OF HON. MARSHALL S. BIDWELL.
AS mentioned in Chapter xxiv., page 188, an effort was made
in 1843 to induce Hon. M. S. Bidwell to return to Canada.
Copies of the correspondence on the subject were enclosed to
Dr. Ryerson, by the Hon. Robert Baldwin, in a letter dated
Kingston, 5th June, 1843, as follows : —
I enclose you copies of letters which I am sure will afford you much
pleasure. At present this communication of them must be confidential, as
you will see by their date that they have not yet reached their object him-
self. But after the warm interest you have taken in the cause of my friend,
at a time when any interference on my part would have been worse than
useless, I feel it due to you to make you early acquainted with what has taken
place. I have seen, with much pleasure, that you have carried out the
intention you hinted to me when I last had the pleasure of seeing you at
Kingston. Your admirable letter must have had a good effect. I see that
«ome little popguns were let off at you on the occasion, but they are too puny
to excite anything but a smile at their imbecility.
I regret much my inability to have been present at your last annual
examination, but hope to be more fortunate another year.
The Hon. Robert Baldwin's letter to Mr. Bidwell, enclosed to
Dr. Ryerson, dated Kingston, 2nd June, 1843, was .as follows : —
I have great pleasure in being able to transmit to you a copy of a note
addressed by me to His Excellency the Governor-General, with a copy of
that of Mr. Secretary Harrison, conveying His Excellency's reply, which, I
am happy, so distinctly removes every obstacle to your return to what has
been in all essentials your native country ; and that without the descent on
your part, by even a single step, from the high ground which you have
always maintained in relation to your unjust expatriation.
I will at present only stop to assure you of the sentiments of unabated
affection and respect with which you have ever continued to be regarded in
this country, during the whole period of your exile, and to express my con-
viction of the satisfaction with which your return will be hailed by all your
former friends, and by many even of your former political opponents— in
which satisfaction, I trust, I need scarcely add that no one will more sincerely
participate than myself.
The following is a copy of Mr. Baldwin's note to Sir Charles
Metcalfe, the Governor-General, dated 25th May : —
Mr. Robert Baldwin, having been informed by Mr. Secretary Harrison
that with reference to the case of Mr. Bidwell, which Mr. Baldwin had the
honour of bringing under the notice gf the Governor-General shortly after
his assumption of the Government, His Excellency only requires a request
to be made to him as a foundation for his directing that the pledge taken
from that gentleman, in his departure from Upper Canada, should be can-
1843] THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. 809
celled, and giving His Excellency's sanction for the introduction into Parlia-
ment of a Bill to restore to Mr. Bidwell the political rights of which hh
residence abroad, under pressure of that pledge, has deprived him, Mr.
Baldwin respectfully begs leave to make that request.
The letter in reply, of Mr. Secretary Harrison to Hon. Robert
Baldwin, dated 29th May, was as follows: —
I am commanded by the Governor-General to inform you, in reply to your
note of the 25th inst., that His Excellency considers it right that whatever
pledge may have been given by Mr. Bidwell on his departure from Upper
Canada, to preclude his return, should be cancelled. The letter of that
gentleman to the then Lieu tenant-Governor, Sir Francis Bond Head, sup-
posed to contain such a pledge, is not to be found in the archives of the
Secretary's office. I am, therefore, directed to say that the pledge is con-
sidered as cancelled, and that the letter, if ever found, may be returned.
I am also further desired to acquaint you that in the event of Mr. Bid-
well's proposing to return, His Excellency will give his sanction to the
introduction into Parliament of a Bill to restore to that gentleman the
political rights of which his residence abroad, under pressure of his pledge,
has deprived him.
On the 14th August, 1843, Hon. Robert Baldwin wrote the
following letter to Dr. Ryerson : —
I send you a copy of a letter from our friend, Mr. Bidwell, in answer to
my letters to him. The original I have sent up to my father, but had a
copy made for you, knowing the interest you have ever taken in his case.
Hon. M. S. Bidwell's letter to Hon. Robert Baldwin, dated
New York, 31st July, 1843, was as follows : —
I hardly know how to commence my answer to your letter after so long a
delay which has been unintentional and unexpected, and in a great measure
unavoidable. I might, indeed, and ought to have written to you when I
first received it, but I then hoped it would be in my power to make you a
short visit in compliance with your invitation. On this point I was kept in
suspense by the state of Mrs. Bidwell's health, and was besides very labor-
iously occupied with indispensable professional engagements. With this
frank explanation I throw myself upon your indulgence to pardon my delay.
Never, my dear friend, for one moment have I doubted your kind and
friendly feelings, or your anxiety that I should be treated with justice and
liberality by the Government, and I have never ceased to be gratified that I
was honoured with the friendship of one whose wishes and talents liave, for
many years, commanded my respect. Amidst the dejection of spirits and
perplexity of mind that I have suffered, this consideration has afforded me
great consolation.
Your communication has now taken me by surprise. You will add to
your former obligations if you will make suitable acknowledgements for me
to His Excellency for the answer which, by his directions, Mr. Secretary
Harrison returned to your letter.
All that I have learned of Sir Charles Metcalfe's character and measures
has filled me with tlie highest respect, and with a confidence that Canada
will be governed by him with wisdom, justice, and liberality. Loving that
country, this confidence has been a source of great joy to me.
Let me add that, in my judgment, Sir Robert Peel in all his measures,
since his last appointment has snown a wise moderation and conciliatory
spirit, and an anxious desire for the true welfare of the vast Empire beneath
the sway ot Her Majesty's sceptre.
310 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVIII.
I would gladly make you a visit at once if I could, but I should feel great
pleasure to see you here. I shall do with great pleasure what I can to make
the visit agreeable to you. I have heard with concern of the feeble health of
your venerable father. I cannot tell you with what deep interest and great
respect I think of him. He has been the consistent friend of constitutional
liberty through evil report as well as good report-. Amidst perfidy and
violence, folly and bigotry and intolerance, he has presented a rare and
happy example, which I admire, of an enlightened and cultivated mind sup-
porting the great principles of the British Constitution with discriminating
zeal, constancy of purpose, and moderation of temper. I beg that you will
do me the favour when you write to him to present my most affectionate and
respectful regards.
I perceive that Mr. Secretary Harrison alludes to the possibility of my
i-eturning to Canada. I cannot fail to feel, as long as I live, a deep interest
in that country, and the most ardent wishes for its prosperity. But I have
formed no plans for a change of residence. A constant attention to my
business, which is necessary for the support of my family, has left me no
time to form plans.
With a gratified sense of your kindness and with great regard and affec-
tion, your friend, MARSHALL S. BIDWELL.
To this letter from Mr. Bidwell, Hon. Robert Baldwin replied
on the 12th August, as follows : —
I have, believe me, great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your
letter, as well on account of its relieving me, to a certain extent at least,
from apprehensions that Mrs. Bidwell's health was the cause of your silence.
I cannot, however, conceal my disappointment at the last paragraph of
your letter, in which, though you do not altogether shut out the hope of our
having you again amongst us . . The obligations in regard to Mrs. Bid-
well's health which you wrote (as precluding such consideration for the
present) are, however, too sacred for even friendship to venture upon more
than a repetition of those assurances, which my former letter contained, of
the feelings of affection entertained towards you in this country, and the
satisfaction which your return would afford. I, however, find it impossible
to do otherwise than indulge in the pleasing anticipation of again seeing you
amongst us, not as a mere visitor, but as once more a Canadian, in fact as
well as in feeling. We have not, and certainly for the generation to' which
we belong, shall not, have any subjects of equal importance, in a pecuniary
point of view, to those which seek the aid, and reward the exertion, of your
professional talents where you are. It seems, therefore, to partake somewhat
of selfishness to wish to withdraw you from an arena worthy of your great
talents, to appropriate those talents to a sphere so much more limited. Be
that as it may, I will indulge the hope, so long as you do not forbid it. In
the meantime, could you not take a leave of absence for a few weeks during
the coming Autumn Assizes, and amuse yourself with holding some brief's
on some ot them here ? We have now five Circuits — the Eastern, Midland,
Home, Niagara, and Western. Mr. Justice Jones takes the Eastern, Mr.
Justice McLean the Midland, the Chief Justice the Niagara, and Mr. Justice
Hagerman the Western. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see
you thus renew your relations with our bar ; even if you should not do so
with a view to a final return to it. Let me know soon, in a post or two, if
possible, as well as the circuit you mean to go on. . . Now as I have gone
on with this scheme, I find myself grow warm on it, so do not throw cold
•water upon it by a negative.
If I could do so with any propriety, I would avail myself of your kind
invitation to visit you at New York for the purpose, not only of seeing you,
1843] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 311
but of urging this my suit in person. But I assure you it is out of my
power to do so. Parliament is called for 2nd September, and I shall not
have a moment's leisure from this time till the Session is over. You must
recollect that, as a Parliament man, I am comparatively but a young hand,
and I have to try and make up for want of experience by hard work; though
I find it by no means a sufficient substitute.
I complied in substance with your request to make your acknowledge-
f ments to His Excellency for the answer, which by his direction, Mr. Secre-
tary Harrison returned to my letter; but lest I should do so less appropria-
tely then I ought, I took the liberty of letting you speak for yourself, by "
showing His Excellency your letter.
Your opinions of the Governor-General and of Sir Robert Peel entirely
agree with my own. But I regret to say that some of our friends, and of
our firm friends too, seem to me to forget what has been accomplished because
everything is not done at once, or, because some things are done not exactly
as they would have them. This impatience is much to be regretted. If I
were one whom it was necessary to keep up tor the mark, as it may be called,
it might be excusable, but they do not even profess to think that to be the
case as respects the points in question. Their display of dissatisfaction,
therefore, has only the effect of lessening the weight of the party in Upper
Canada in the eyes of both the Head of the government here and the Impe-
rial authorities at home. But I did not mean to make this a letter of com-
plaint ; but the fact is, I am just now smarting under an ebullition of violence
on the part of our friends in Toronto, on the subject of Mr. Stan ton's
appointment to the Collectorship there, which almost involuntarily led me
into these remarks. You will, I hope, excuse me.
My dear father, I am happy to say, appears by his last letters to be rather
better. I fear much, however, that the improvement cannot be considered
of a permanent character. As the Governor-General kept your letter till
yesterday, I was only able to send it up to him to-day. It will, I am sure,
afford him much gratification.
I hope you will excuse the length of this epistle, and rebuke me by the
shortness of your reply, which need contain no more than six words, to wit:
" I will ride the circuit." I believe " ride " is the professional term ; at
least used to be so, though it may belong to the era of Mr. Justice Twisden,
if not a still more remote one, rather than at present. . . You see how
inclined I am to run on, so that lest I should transgress beyond endurance,
I will conclude at once, with the assurance of my warm and continued regard.
Ever your affectionate friend, K. B.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
1844.
EVENIS PRECEDING THE DEFENCE OF LORD METCALFE.
THE defence of Lord Metcalfe, the Governor-General of
Canada, who succeeded Sir Charles Bagot in 1843, was
unquestionably the mo.st memorable act of Dr. Ryerson's long
and eventful life.
His previous training for twenty years in the school of contro-
versy in relation to civil and religious rights ; his personal inter-
course with leading statesmen in England on Canadian affairs; his
contests for denominational equality with successive Governors
in Upper Canada, and his counsels and suggestions, (offered at
their request), to such notable representatives of Royalty in
Canada as Lord Durham, Lord Sydenham, Sir Charles Bagot,
and Sir Charles Metcalfe, put it beyond the power of even the
most captious to question the pre-eminent qualifications of Dr.
Ryerson to discuss, in a practical and intelligent manner, the
then unsettled question of responsible government as against the
prerogative — a question which had arisen between Sir Charles
Metcalfe and his late Councillors. In the chapter which Dr.
Ryerson had prepared for this part of the Story of his Life, he
thus refers to his intercourse with, and relations to, the distin-
guished Governors whom I have mentioned. He said : —
In 1839 a Royal Commission was issued to Lord Durham to
investigate the affairs of Canada, and report thereon to Her
Majesty. While engaged in his important duty he sent for and
conferred with me repeatedly, and treated me with such con-
sideration, as that on leaving him he would accompany me to
the door and open it for me, shaking hands with me mo.st
cordially. After his return to England he sent me a copy of
his famous Report (addressed by himself) before it was laid on
the table of the House of Lords. On receiving in advance this
report of Lord Durham I published in the Guardian, with
appropriate headings, extracts from that part of it which re-
lated to the establishment of responsible government and its
administration in Canada, and then lent the extracts and the
type on which they were printed to Mr. (afterwards Sir) Francis
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 313
Hincks for insertion in the Examiner newspaper, of which he
was at that time proprietor and Editor. I afterwards aided
Lord Sydenham in every way in my power to allay the party
passions and animosities of the past, and to establish responsible
government upon liberal principles, irrespective of past party
distinctions, comprehending Hon. W. H. Draper and Hon. Robert
Baldwin in the same administration — a union or coalition which
did not long survive the life of Lord Sydenham — Mr. Baldwin
declaring his want of confidence in Mr. Draper, and retiring
from the government. Soon afterwards, Mr. Baldwin and his
friends succeeded to power under Sir Charles Bagot.
This was the state of things until 1843, when Sir Charles
Bagot died, and Sir Charles Metcalfe was appointed to succeed
him. I had the melancholy pleasure of offering a tribute (in
the form of an obituary notice) to the character and adminis-
tration of both Lord Sydenham and Sir Charles Bagot — papers
much noticed and widely circulated at the time as the best
specimens of any writing which had ever appeared ; but I had
a genial theme and good subjects in both cases. Sir Charles
Metcalfe was popular with all parties at first ; but after a few
months a difference arose between him and his Councillors as
to the appointment of the Clerk of the Peace of the County of
Lanark, and then on the principle of appointments to office ;
or in other words, the exercise of the patronage of the Crown.
To understand the character of this famous and much mis-
represented controversy! and how I became involved in it, some
preliminary and explanatory remarks are necessary : —
It is to be observed in the first place, that one chief subject of
complaint by " Reformers " for many years — nay from the be-
ginning— was the partial- exercise of the patronage of the
Crown, appointing magistrates, officers of militia, judges, etc.,
from men of one party only, in whose behalf every kind of
executive favour was bestowed for years. This was the purport
of their complaints in the various petitions and addresses of
" Reformers " to the Earl of Durham, Lord Sydenham, Sir
Charles Bagot, etc., who necessarily promised that the Govern-
ments should henceforth be conducted upon the principles of
justice, " according to the well understood wishes of the people,"
of whom " Reformers " claimed to contribute a large majority,
and even of the liberal Conservative members of the Church
of England. But singular to say, on the occurrence of the first
vacancy, the Reform government urged upon Sir Charles Met-
calfe the appointment of one of their own party, irrespective of
the superior claims, as the Governor conceived (on the ground
of service, experience and fitness), of a deserving widow and
her orphan son. The circumstances were as follows •• —
314 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIX.
Amongst the early gentlemen immigrants in the County of Lanark was a
Mr. Powell, a man. of wealth and education; but in attempting to clear and
cultivate a farm in a new country, he soon expended his means and became
reduced in circumstances. He was appointed Clerk of the Peace, and
discharged its duties for many years, when he sickened and died. During
the two years' sickness which preceded his death, the duties of office were
discharged satisfactorily by his son, who was then about twenty or twenty-one
years of age. On the death of her husband, the Widow Powell proceeded
to Kingston to plead in person before Sir Charles Metcalfe for the appoint-
ment of her son to the office vacated by the death of her husband, and as the
only means ot supporting herself and family. One can easily conceive the
effect of such an appeal upon Sir Charles Metcalfe's benevolent feelings. He
declined the advice of his Councillors for a party appointment, and deter-
mined to appoint the widow's son to the office rendered vacant by the death
of her husband, and one which he had successfully discharged for nearly two
years. The Council, instead of resigning on the fact of the appointment,
sought to obtain from Sir Charles Metcalfe a promise that he would hence-
forth act upon their advice. He said he would always receive and consider
their advice, but would give no promise on the part of the Crown as to how
far he would pledge the prerogative in advance and act upon that advice.
On this the Councillors resigned, charging Sir Charles Metcalfe with violat-
ing the principles of responsible government. This he positively denied.
The circumstances of the case were so mystified by the statements made,
that general prejudice was excited against Sir Charles Metcalfe, and the
Councillors seemed for the time to have the country at their backs.*
I was at that time President of Victoria College ; and the
late Hon. Wm. Hamilton Merritt, returning from Kingston at
the sudden close of the Session of Parliament held there, stopped
the stage in front of the College, called to see me, and asked
me what I thought of the occurrences between the Governor-
General and his Councillors. I told him that, from what I had
heard, my sympathies were with the Councillors. He answered
that I was mistaken; that the Councillors were clearly in the
wrong ; that they had made a great mistake, and were endan-
gering principles of government for which he had so long con-
tended. He then stated the particulars of what had transpired,
and referred me, in confirmation of his statement, to the docu-
ments and correspondence which would all be printed in a few
days. I replied, that if what he (Mr. Merritt) stated was
correct, Sir Charles Metcalfe was an injured man, and that the
new system of responsible government was likely to be applied
in a way contrary to what had always been professed by its
* As an indication of outside opinion on this question, I insert the following
note, written by Rev. Anson Green, on the 31st December, 1843, to Dr. Ryer-
son. Mr. Green said : I cannot see why the Executive Council should resign at
the present time, for they stated in the House that both Mr. Stnnton, Collector at
Toronto, and the Speaker of the Legislative Council were appointed by their advice,
I think they should have waited until His Excellency refused to ask or take their
advice, and not force him to make pledges. In my opinion both parties have
acted indiscreetly. I have reason to believe that a majority of the Reformers
from Upper Canada, in Parliament, would be happy to support Hon. S. B. Harrison,
if he could form a ministry from the majority on the question at issue.
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE, 315
advocates. Mr. Merritt requested me to examine 'for myself
the documents and correspondence to which he had referred,
but enjoining secresy as to his conversation with me — and
which I never mentioned to any human being during his life.
After Mr. Merritt returned to St. Catharines he wrote to Dr.
Ryerson early in January, 1844 on the subject, as follows : —
There can be little doubt that both the Governor and his late administra-
tion have erred. A conciliatory spirit would have avoided this crisis ; they
had an opportunity of placing this Province in a most enviable situation —
they have neglected, or did not possess the ability to avail themselves of it;
and I am sorry to say, that I am neither satisfied with their measures, nor
can I place confidence in their judgment. At the same time I feel so
thoroughly convinced of the necessity of having under the control of our
Legislature the entire management of our internal concerns — without which
any attempt at a thorough reformation would be useless — that I have my
apprehensions, that any movement which would have a tendency to check its
onward progress, would be injurious — the principle does not appear to be
fully understood, or fully conceded. The time has not arrived — neverthe-
less I feel satisfied the Governor- General would admit it, and act fully up
to it with any Cabinet which possessed his confidence, and thus bring it into
action much earlier than persisting in the opposite course. On the other
hand, you are subject to the imputation of abandoning men who resigned for
the maintenance of that principle, and few can doubt the honesty of purpose
of Lafontaine and Baldwin.
Being thus placed on the horns of a dilemma, the wisest plan is, perhaps,
to let matters take their course — at all events I have made up my mind to
do so. I should be most happy to hear from you, on the subject, knowing
you have given those subjects much attention; and believing that your mind
is devoted to promoting the best interests of your fellow countrymen, your
opinions are received with attention, and always carry great weight with me.
To this letter from Mr. Merritt, Dr. E-yerson replied on the
20th January, 1844, as follows : —
After you called upon me, I turned my attention to the state
of our public affairs, and reflected on them from various points
of view. I concluded to state my views to His Excellency, if he
requested me to do so, and also to Hon. S. B. Harrison, if I
should see him.
Dr. Ryerson having gone to Kingston at the request of Sir
Charles Metcalfe, saw Mr. Harrison, who urged him to state his
views fully to the Governor-General. In the same letter to
Mr. Merritt, Dr. Ryerson said : — The next day, in compliance
"with His Excellency's expressed wish, I laid before him the
result of my reflections on the present state of our affairs, in an
interview of three hours and a half. In them His Excellency
expressed his full concurrence, and thanked me cordially for
the trouble I had taken to wait upon him and state at large
what he considered of so much importance. In addition to the
question at issue between Sir Charles Metcalfe and his late
Councillors, Dr. Ryerson discussed with him the subject of the
reconstruction of his Cabinet. The result he thus states in his
316 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIX
letter to Mr. Merritt : — I cannot of course enter into every one
of the subjects to which I referred in my conversation with the
Governor-General. Mr. Harrison has doubtless written to you
on the whole matter. The result was that Mr. Harrison will
take office if you will*
As to your superior qualifications for the position offered you,
there can be but one opinion in the country. I am satisfied
that, without the slightest sacrifice of principle or consistency
— upon the broadest principles of responsible government, and
in harmony with the best interests of the country — you can
accept of office. I think that when the views I have expressed
to His Excellency are fairly and fully stated to the country, you
would, in office, have a large majority of at least the Upper
Canada members of the present House of Assembly to support
you ; and, in case of a general election, I doubt not but you
would have an ample majority in the new Parliament. Should
you consent to take office, I think you need not fear the result.
1 think there is a fair opportunity for you to render a great
service to the country, and to establish still more widely and
permanently an already honourable reputation of no common
order.
I shall be glad, at your earliest convenience, to learn the
result of your deliberations. I should also be happy to see you,
if you should soon proceed to Kingston. Whatever the Gover-
nor-General may have heretofore thought of either the theory
or practice of responsible government, he is certainly right on
the subject now. And when His Excellency avows what Sir
F. Head denied, and offers everything that has been demanded,
surely, as far as principles of government are concerned, the
country wants, and ought to have, no more. I think it will be
a fearful calamity to the country, if we drive Sir Charles Met-
calfe away from us. I doubt whether England can produce his
like for Canada.
To this letter Mr. Merritt replied, on the 25th January: —
I regret to say that my own private affairs, arising fiom circumstances
which have occurred since I saw you, prevent my assuming any situation
under the Government which must necessarily occupy my undivided atten-
tion. I have heard from and replied to Mr. Harrison to the same effect.*
* In regard to this proposal, Mr. Harrison wrote to Dr. Ryerson on the 17th of
January, to say that he had an interview with the Governor-General, and that :
His Excellency expressed himself favourably disposed upon all the points touched
upon, and was willing to consider the means of carrying out the ol jjcts contem-
plated. It appears, therefore, to me, that the matter may be arranged if our friend
Merritt can be persuaded to join. I have written to him in that view. Should
that be the case, I am prepared, and a communication should be made to
Hon. W. H. Draper, which I will make immediately upon hearing from you and
Mr. Merritt. As Mr. Draper will be here by the latter end of this* week, it would
be better, ou hearing from Mr. Merritt, that you should be here yourself.
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 317
No person can more regret the unfortunate position in which we are placed
than I do, and I agree with you that the loss of Sir Charles Metcalfe will be
a public calamity. I have no doubt he will honestly carry out the principles
of responsible government, and with a competent council, who understand
what the country requires, and with competent individuals to carry those
measures into effect, he would render more essential service to Canada than,
any former Governor whatever.
I am under some apprehension that you mistake the feelings of the ma-
jority of Upper Canada members. A mere majority would ensure defeat; they
must act in a body to give a majority in the present House ; and from recent
indications, there appears to be a change in the minda of those who were under
very different impressions some time since. Although I was under a differ-
ent impression some time since, I cannot see any chances of a new ministry
being sustained, unless by a dissolution. 1. A majority seems indispensable
- to secure which the Reformers of Upper Canada must unite — and every
Conservative must support them also ; — the first cannot be relied on, there-
fore it is unnecessary to discuss the second. Most of the present members
will feel themselves committed by their recent vote ; they will all be press-
ing for a new election ; and shape their course to the prevailing opinions.
No ministry can have time to bring their measures before the public to pro-
duce any general impression ; and no ministry can have confidence in the
ultimate success of the wisest measures. In short, they will have no chance
to exercise their ability, with a view of commanding success. Whereas, were
a new election to take place (on the declaration by the Governor-General,
that from the difficulty he experienced in making up a ministry which would
command a majority of the present House, in conformity to the principles he
avowed), the Governor-General could appeal to the people to return a lepre-
sentation from which he could select a Council possessing their confidence.
Such an appeal would not be inconsistent with his former declarations, which
must have been predicated on his obtaining a Council which would command
a majority. Under such circumstances members would feel very naturally a
much greater anxiety in sustaining any ministry with a chance of four years
to test their measures, than as many days, as in the present instance. As far
as I am individually concerned, even in that case, I could not accept of office
unless I succeeded in arranging my own personal concerns, which I hope to
effect during the season.
I hear that in this district" a strong feeling prevails in favour of the late
ministry, who resigned, as they believe, to support the principle of respon-
sible government; and they cannot understand that the Governor-General
adheres to the same. This impression is natural; and it takes a long time to
remove error. No man doubts the motives of Mr. Baldwin ; none other of
the administration is named, or possesses the least weight. I have not moved
about or corresponded with a single member of the House, and I shall re-
main as passive as possible.
I fully agree with you, that with the present Governor-General a fair oppor-
tunity offers to carry out useful projects ; nay more, I ain sure that one half
of the present revenue now wasted, could be saved (not less than £100,000)
for useful objects ; but I cannot at present assist in carrying it into effect,
which you cannot regret more than I do.
In a note received from Mr. Civil Secretary Higginson, dated
10th April, he gave Dr. Ryerson the reasons for the unexpected
delay in the formation of a new Cabinet. Hon. S. B. Harrison
had also written to him on the same subject, so far as he and
the other proposed Upper Canada members were concerned.
Mr. Higginson said : —
318 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXIX.
The formation of a permanent Council has been most vexatiously, but
unavoidably, delayed, owing to the extraordinary timidity — I can call it by
no more appropriate name — of our friends in Lower Canada — the most
eligible of whom have hitherto shrunk from the responsibility they would
incur by the acceptance of office. Hon. D. B. Viger, who is still in Mon-
treal, and who ought from long experience, to have a good knowledge of his
countrymen, expresses himself confident of the result, and is of opinion that
the delay, of which we complain, produces good and strengthens His Exel-
lency's position. It is very evident that it has a different effect in the
West ; and it is to be hoped that as soon as the Montreal election is over (of
which, barring violence, Mr. Molson is certain) immediate steps will be taken
to fill up the offices now vacant.
In reply to Mr. Higginson's note, Dr. Ryerson said : —
I do not think that much evil arises at the present time,
even in Canada West, from delay. Could the vacancies be
filled up two or three months ago, the government would
have secured the support of thousands who have since swelled
the ranks of the ex-Councillors. But the loss by delay was,
I think, incurred to its full extent during the months of
January, February, and March. The proceedings of the late
meeting of the Leaguers in Toronto have doubtless added some-
thing to their strength. .But some portions of these very pro-
ceedings will meet them in a way they little expect — not, to be
sure, before a jury of twelve men, as did the nine months'
proceeding of O'Connell and his associates, but before the jury
of the whole country, and upon principles sanctioned by the
Constitution and history of England, which, I believe more
confidently than when I wrote last, will result in a triumphant
acquittal and justification of the Vice-Regal defendant.
On the 23rd May, Mr. Civil Secretary Higginson wrote to Dr.
Ryerson, as follows : —
You will be sorry to hear that Hon. Mr. Harrison has failed to make cer-
tain private arrangements which he so much hoped for, and that he has
declined to take office. He is, therefore, unable to join the Cabinet
CHAPTER XL.
1844.
PRELIMINARY CORRESPONDENCE ON THE METCALFE CRISIS.
WITH a view to a thorough understanding of the question
at issue between Sir Charles Metcalfe and his Coun-
cillors, the following statement by Dr. Ryerson is necessary : —
After the conversation with Hon. W. H. Merritt, in January,
1844, and after subsequent communications with him on the sub-
ject, I most carefully and minutely examined the documents and
correspondence and other statements of parties, and was satisfied
of the correctness of Mr. Merritt's statements and conclusion.
The question then arose in my own mind, whether, after I had
so much to do in the establishment of responsible government
and was morally so largely responsible for it, I should silently
witness its misapplication, and see a man stricken down for
maintaining, as the representative of his Sovereign, what
Reformers had maintained in all previous years — that the
patronage of the Crown, like the administration of justice, •
should be administered impartially according to merit, without
respect to religious sect, or political party.
Dr. Ryerson also states (26th February) that : — After a pro-
longed and interesting interview with the Governor- General,
I addressed a letter to him on the subject of that interview.
In it I said : In looking over what I have from time to time,
during the last eight years, written on the best government for
Canada, I find that I have invariably insisted upon precisely
the same views which I expressed to your Excellency, and with
a frequency and fulness that I had no recollection of when I*
was honoured with the late interviews by you. These views
were then warmly responded to by that portion of the public
for whom I wrote. I am, therefore, the more fully (if possible)
convinced of their correctness and importance to the best
interests of Canada, and that they will be sustained when pro-
perly brought before "the public — at least in Western Canada.
In reply to a note from Mr. Civil Secretary Higginson,
dated 2nd March, Dr. Ryerson, on the 7th, addressed a reply of
some length to His Excellency. In it he said : —
320 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XL.
The aspect of things in Western Canada has clearly changed for the worse
during the last two months — since my first interview with Your Excellency
in January. The party of the opposition have become organized — organized
under circumstances more formidable than I have ever witnessed in Canada.
Their ranks and influence have been increased by numbers who, two months
since, were neutral, and who could have been forthwith brought to the side
of constitutional government. Private letters to me (on which I can rely)
speak in a very different tone as to the state of public sentiment and feeling.
Unless a change to a very considerable extent be affected in the public mind,
I think a dissolution would rather strengthen than weaken the ex-Council
party. I am confident I do not overrate their strength — and it is a danger-
ous, though common error, to underrate the strength of an adversary. They
are likewise organizing their party, and exciting the public mind to such a
degree as to prevent any sentiments or measures from the present adminis-
tration from being regarded or entertained at all. Such being the case, I
have felt that delay has been loss. Whether that loss can be repaired pre-
sents to my own mind a problem difficult of solution.
Speaking of his former relations with the Lieutenant-Gover-
nors of Upper Canada, Dr. Ryerson said : —
I love liberty, personal and public, as much as any man. I
have written much in its defence ; but as much as I love liberty,
and as ultra liberal as some may have supposed me to be, I
have always regarded an infringement of the prerogative of the
Crown as a blow at the liberty of the subject, and have, in every
instance, resisted and repelled it as such. I did so in support of
Sir F. Head in 1836. I did so in support of Sir George Arthur, in
the difficult and painful task of administering the criminal law
after the insurrection of 1 837. I did so in support of the Royal
instructions and recommendations of which Lord Sydenham was
the bearer and agent ; but in each instance, after having been
lauded without measure, I was abandoned, or pursued, without
protection or mercy. Sir Francis Head took offence at certain
communications which Rev. Dr. Alder and Rev. Peter Jones
justly made to the Imperial Government respecting his treatment
of the Indians, and swore that, "as he had put down the radicals,
he would now put down the Methodists ;" and the Bishop of
Toronto avowed and rejoiced that, radicalism having been extin-
guished, "the Church" would and should be maintained inviolate
in all its (assumed) rights and immunities. Sir George Arthur
having got through his many difficulties (in the course of which
he gave me many thanks) determined, when the Session of the
Legislature came, not to split with the Bishop of Toronto ; not
to grant, under any circumstances, the Methodists more than a
mouse's share of public aid, and none at all except as salaries
for their clergy, actually employed. He jembodicd these views
in resolutions, and employed Hon. R. B. 'Sullivan to advocate
them in the Legislative Council.
It was with extreme reluctance that I could at all assent to
the measure of Union of the Canadas. The agents of the Lon-
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 321
don Wesleyan Committee vehemently opposed it, and wished
me 'to write against it. I wished to remain neutral. Lord
Sydenham most earnestly solicited my aid — promised a just
measure on the clergy reserve question, and assured me against
any hostility of the agents of the London Committee, of all the
protection and assistance that the Government could give. He
died, — and I have been left, without the slightest assistance or
Erotection on the part of the Government, to meet alone the
ostile proceedings and influence of the London Wesleyan
Committee. In order to sustain myself in these reverses, and
especially in the last, but most painful one, I have been com-
pelled to put forth physical and intellectual efforts that I am
absolutely incapable of repeating.
I have adverted — even at the expense of being tedious and
egotistic — to these unpleasant details, that Your Excellency
may fully understand and appreciate my present position, and
my caution in embarking in another conflict without a reason-
able hope that I will not be made a victim of abandonment and
of oppression, after I have employed the utmost of my humble
efforts in support of the principles of the constitution and pre-
rogatives of tke Crown.
In the present crisis, the Government must of course be
first placed upon a strong foundation, and then must the youth-
ful mind of Canada be instructed and moulded in the way I
have had the honour of stating to Your Excellency, if this
country is long to remain an appendage to the British Crown.
The former, without the latter, will only be a partial and tem-
porary remedy.
Anything like a tolerable defence of Your Excellency's posi-
tion— anything approaching to an effective exposure of the
proceedings of the late Council in their demands, the grounds
of their resignation, their explanation, their tribunal of appeal,
their variations of position, the principles and consequences
involved in each step of their course, and the spirit and
doctrines they now exhibit, appears to me to be a desideratum.
They could be convicted out of their own mouths on every
count of the charges they have brought against the Governor-
General, and from the same source might evidence be adduced
that they advocate sentiments and sanction proceedings which
are unknown to the British Constitution, and which appertain
only to an independent state. Yet, in place of exposition, and
arguments and illustrations that would tell upon the public
mind, we have: nothing but puerile effusions, thread-bare asser-
tions, and party criminations — nothing that would convince
adversaries and make friends of enemies. Your Excellency's
replies, and a few passages in the Montreal Gazette, and in a
21
322 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XL.
pamphlet which lately appeared in the Kingston Chronicle, are
all that I have seen which are calculated to produce practical
effect upon the public mind. Hon. D. B. Viger's pamphlet is too
limited in its range of topics, and too speculative and refined
to be effective upon any other than well-educated statesmen.
The desideratum required I would attempt to supply, and
then devise measures, put forth publications, and employ efforts
to direct the public mind into new channels of thinking, and
furnish the youthful mind with instruction and materials for
reading that would render this country British in domestic feel-
ing, as I think it now is intentionally in loyalty. To do any-
thing effectual toward the accomplishment of such a task, my
position should be made as strong as possible. At best my
qualifications for a work so difficult and varied are extremely
limited, but more especially under present circumstances.
After weighing the matter carefully, and pondering (in com-
paring small things with great) upon the part which Bishop
Burnet took in settling the disordered elements of British
intellect after the revolution of 1688, I have resolved to do as
he did — place my humble services at the disposal of my
Sovereign — and in whatever situation Your Excellency is of
opinion I can render most service to the government and the
country under existing circumstances. I will hazard the enter-
prise, and stand or fall with the Governor-General in the present
crisis, notwithstanding the increased cloudiness of our political
atmosphere. I would rather aid as a private individual, and as
an independent volunteer in the service of the Crown and
country — as I have been on former occasions — than be placed
in any official situation.
To this letter Dr. Ryerson received the following reply from
Mr. Secretary Higginson, dated 12th March : — I am directed to
convey to you the expression of the Governor-General's cordial
thanks for the public spirited offer of your able and valuable
services in the present crisis of public affairs ; an offer which
His Excellency accepts with a high degree of satisfaction, feel-
ing confident that you will bring most efficient aid to the
Government.
On March 18th Dr. Ryerson replied to this note from Mr.
Higginson. He said : — I think there will be but little difficulty
in disentangling the question from the perplexing confusion in
which it has been involved, and placing it upon the true issue as
to a government of party, or of justice. If, in elucidating and
applying it, I can incorporate some of Lord Brougham's fulmi-
nations on the evil of party with my own conceptions, I may be
able to add the occasional discharge of a cannon, or the bursting
of a bombshell, to the running fire of ordinary musketry. Though
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 323
I am no stranger to contests, I cannot divest myself of palpita-
tions at the approach of an engagement. When once the fire
has commenced, I feel but little concern except to keep cool and
good-natured, and to have an ample supply of ammunition for
all exigencies — satisfied of the righteousness of the cause and
the government of an over-ruling Providence.
In February the Rev. John Ryerson wrote to Dr. Ryerson on
the Metcalfe crisis, and said : —
While I believe that the late Executive Council, in the main, and in prin-
ciple, was right, and Sir Charles wrong, yet I am very far from endorsing all
that the Council did as right. I think that they should not have resigned
when they did. I think they were guilty of a breach of trust in throwing
up office in the midst of a session of Parliament, and when many important
measures were pending. I think, as the " antagonism " which caused the
resignation of the late Council existed before the Parliament was convened,
that they should then have resigned, or remained in office until the proroga-
tion. . .
You are not to suppose from these remarks that I have turned politician,
or that I am intermeddling with things which do not belong to me. I have
been endeavouring to attend to my appropriate work; and. though continu-
ally pressed with questions, soliciting my opinions respecting passing events,
I have said as little on all these matters as possible, and I am identified with
no party. Indeed, the state of my health is such as to admonish me to think
about other things than worldly politics, and I blush to think that I have
written so much respecting them. Powerfully convincing reasoning, with
truth on your side, might produce a great effect among our people; but at the
present more than nine-tenths of them, in these western parts, are the
supporters of the late Executive Council.
In reply to a letter from his brother John, asking his opinion
on the pending dispute between Sir Charles Metealfe and his
late Councillors, Dr. Ryerson wrote on April 3rd, and said : —
Of the general measures of the late Council I cordially ap-
prove. I cannot say so of their dispute with the Governor-
General. Of the policy which he or they had pursued, I have
nothing to say. In tha"t they might have been right, and he
wrong. But, according to British practice, they ought to have
resigned on what he had done, and not on what he would not
promise to do. If the Crown intended to do just as they de-
sired the Governor-General to do, still the promise ought not
to be given, nor ought it to have been asked. The moment a
man promises to do a thing he ceases to be as free as he was
before he made the promise. It is essential principle that in
the British Constitution that the Crown should be free — should
be undefined in its prerogative. The exercise in that preroga-
tive may be checked in various ways ; but to bind it by prom-
ises is to infringe its constitutional liberty. If the Queen were
to bind herself by promise, or declaration, that she would Dot
appoint any person contrary to Sir Robert Peel's advice, how
could she refuse to make O'Connell a peer, or appoint him Lord
324 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XL.
Chancellor of England if Sir Robert were to insist upon it ?
How could she ever get clear of Sir Robert by differing with
him on a question of policy, if she were to bind herself before-
hand to act according to his advice ? Would it not be virtually
giving the regal power into his hands ?
Dr. Ryerson then proceeded to illustrate the views which he
held on this subject : —
I can find examples in English History since 1688, of British
Sovereigns having done just as Sir Charles Metcalfe is alleged
to have done ; I can also find examples of ministers resigning
on account of what such Sovereigns had done ; but I can find no
example of any minister resigning on account of what the
Sovereign would not promise to do on the subject of consulta-
tion and possible appointments.
I have seen it alleged, that the Governor-General was not bound to act
upon the advice of his Council, only to ask it before he made any appoint-
ment. But the Governor-General did take the advice of the Council, in
regard to the appointments of the Clerks of the Peace, both in the Bathurst
and Dalhousie districts. Yet he is blamed as much for not acting upon it as
if he had acted without taking it. But in Mr. Hincks' writings, and in all
the papers advocating the same sentiments, I observe that it is contended
that the Governor-General should act upon, as well as take, the advice of his
Council. If so, what is he but their amanuensis — the recorder of their
decrees 1 — the office which Sir Charles Bagot sustained on account of his
illness ; but whose example, in such circumstances, can not be laid down as
a general rule.
Responsible government was a mere theory with the late Council, or
until they came into office under Sir Charles Bagot. They had thought and
reasoned about it, but they had never acted upon it, until then ; what they
learned under the government of a sick and dying man was not adapted to
make them perfect practitioners. So they were about as wise and as raw in
the business., practically, as was Sir Charles Metcalfe, who had doubtless
thought, and read, and reasoned upon the subject also. The unskilfulness
of inexperience, with good intentions, seems to me to have been evinced in
the whole proceeding. .
Of course it was considered, on the impulse of the moment, good policy to
take a stand upon the principle of responsible government, and not upon the
propriety, or policy, of certain appointments. By taking the latter ground,
all might be lost; by taking the former ground, all would be gained, and a
great deal of glory too, in the course of a few days, or a few weeks at most.
But it has turned out otherwise. The question of prerogative has been
brought up — a constitutional and imperial question. As such the British
Government have decided upon it. . . It is now no longer a question be-
tween the late Councillors and Sir Charles Metcalfe, but between them and
Her Majesty's Government. I see, therefore, nothing in prospect but a
renewal of the scenes of 1837, and 1838, only on a larger scale. Whether
the point contended for is worth that price, or will be even obtained at that
price, is problematical. I see no alternative, unless some enlightening, heal-
ing agency interpose. I pray for the safety of our Zion and people, espe-
cially, while I implore Divine interposition in behalf of our beloved country.
I am no party man — I have never judged — I cannot judge questions
according to party, but according to constitutional principles and history.
On the first blush I was favourably impressed with the position and resigna-
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 325
tion of the late council; but when I came to examine their position, as I had
done Hon. Mr. Draper's speech on the University question by the light of
history (it being a new question), I came to the conclusions that I have
stated above. I think the most general impression in the country, and per-
haps amongst the members of our Church, is that which first struck my own
mind ; but I think it is contrary to the principles and practice of the
British Constitution.
During one of his visits to Kingston, early in 1844, Dr. Ryer-
son called at the office of his old friend, Hon. J. H. Dunn (one of
the late Councillors), who had desired to see him. Mr. Dunn was
not in when he called. He therefore, on his return to Cobourg
addressed him as follows: — My brother John told me that you
had asked him what I thought of the late differences between
the Governor-General and his Council. After all that I have
read and learned, I think very much of them as I did of the
differences between the late Lord Sydenham and Hon. Robert
Baldwin. You then asked me (at the Lambton House) whether
I approved of your remaining in office, or of Mr. Baldwin's
resigning. You will recollect my reply, that I thought Mr.
Baldwin ought to have waited until an actual difference arose
between him and other members of the Council on some measure,
or measures ; and that he ought not to have resigned on account
of an alleged want of confidence, or theoretical difference of
opinion. So I think in the present case. After stating your
views to Sir Charles Metcalf e, you ought to have waited until
some act, or acts, had taken place in contravention of these
views, and which act, or acts, you were not disposed to justify ;
or if you thought it your duty to resign them, it appears to me
you should have resigned on some acts which had been per-
formed, and which you would not justify, and on the policy in-
volved in which you were prepared to appeal to the country.
But to resign upon a conversation, and not upon specific admin-
istrative acts, appears to me to be without precedent. It has
brought up the question of prerogative, the constitutional
decision .of which, rests of course, with the supreme tribunals
of the Empire. I think Mr. Baldwin's conscientious theoretical
rigidness has led to an error, praiseworthy in its motives, but
not the less an error — an error which in private life would have
attracted no attention, but in public life makes a great noise,
and may lead to serious consequences. I could wish with all
my heart that you were in your late office, which you have so
long and so faithfully filled.
In a note to Dr. Ryerson, on various matters, dated April
10th, Mr. Civil Secretary Higginson said: —
The Reform League in Toronto are making unusual exertions, and as you
may have seen by their late resolutions, no longer conceal their real object,
but in defiance of all their machinations, and they are not over scrupulous
326 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XL.
as to their means, truth and honesty of purpose, backed by loyal hearts and
liberal measures, must and will prevail.
To this note Dr. Ryerson thus replied on the 12th April : —
I think the public feeling in Canada West is now stationary ;
or since the rumour of my appointment as Superintendent of
Education (and how it got afloat I cannot imagine) is rather
turning in favour of the Governor-General. The reason seems
to be this : The opponents of His Excellency represent him as
weak — as supported by nobody but a weak ultra-party. It has
been alleged by both my friends and enemies, that whether
the best or worst man in Canada, I have not hesitated to face in
succession the united press and councils of each of the two
ultra-parties in Canada, and succeeded in each instance to reduce
them from a large majority to a small minority — deriving no
advantage from the victories, except as some suppose, the plea-
sure of humbling my enemies. It is the impression of great
numbers of persons, and to an extent and degree which has
often amused me, that whatever cause I espouse, be it good or
bad, will succeed ; and that I never undertake a thing, however
apparently impracticable, without a certainty of success. Though
such a feeling increases the difficulty of every step of a man's
career, it furnishes him with capital to begin with. My life
having been bound up with the two great principles of consti-
tutional monarchy on the one hand, and equal civil and religious
principles in Canada on the other, all who really desire such a
government, without regard to the domination of a party,
. . seem to think the Governor-General will succeed if
I have resolved to espouse his government. . .
From this state of mind in the case of many Reformers, and
from what I have learned from other sources, I am satisfied
that, notwithstanding the efforts to inflame party spirit — to pro-
duce party blindness, and create party organizations — there is
still a spirit of candour and enquiry (all I ask) amongst a large
portion of the Liberal party which will furnish an ample
fulcrum for a lever that will overthrow the enemy. ' I think
that June will probably be the best time for the application of
such a lever. The opposition can do nothing more at present.
June is rather a leisure month for reading — the hay and wheat
harvest will come on in July, August and September, — during
which time agitators can do but little, and then I suppose wiLL
come the session of the Legislature. I hope to produce a vin-
dication of His Excellency that will do no discredit to him,
and shake, if not confound, his enemies, and exhibit such a plat-
form of government as will appeal to every candid, common
sense, sound British subject, best adapted to promote the best
interests and greatest happiness of Canada. . .
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 327
To vindicate injured worth, either in high or humble life, has.
on different occasions, afforded me peculiar pleasure, and I con-
template, even as a pleasing task (though painful from the
occasion) the purpose and opportunity of doing so in respect to
so noble a subject and so good a cause as that with which His
Excellency is identified. When the Government once assumes
the attitude of strength, many who are now neutral, or perhaps
professedly leaning to the apparently stronger party, will come
over avowedly to the Crown. The timidity of the secret friends
of the government in Lower Canada is an infirmity (I think of
a majority of mankind) which requires as much pity as it
deserves censure. All Greeks are not Spartans. Ten men seem
to be made for work, where one is constituted for war. I have
found it so in the hour of peril ; when I have been left almost
alone, though I found abundance of helping and co-operating
friends as soon as the tide of victory began to turn in my
favour. I think it will be so with the government in less than
twelve months — at least in Upper Canada. The League organ-
ization in Toronto is the most formidable affair that has ever
been formed in western Canada. I am told that its funds are
large also, — several thousand pounds — but I think its power
can be broken.
In a note to Dr. Kyerson from Mr. Higginson, dated 23rd «f
May, he said : — You will of course have seen the manifesto just
hatched and brought forth by the League, jesuitically and
cleverly enough put we must admit; it will no doubt be widely
circulated, and it is very desirable that an antidote to the poison
should be as extensively communicated to the people ; and who
in the province is so capable as yourself for such a task ? If you
would take up the arguments seriatim — you could prove their
fallacy without much difficulty. The fabric being founded
upon misapprehension and falsehood, must go with a run. I
confess I long to see these ambitious party-men unmasked.
CHAPTER XLI.
1844.
SIB CHARLES METCALFE DEFENDED AGAINST HIS COUNCILLORS.
ON the 27th May, 1844, Dr. Ryerson issued the first part of
his memorable Defence of Sir Charles Metcalfe, not only
against the attacks of his late Councillors, but also against
those of the all-powerful League which had been formed against
him on the 24th March, under the auspices of the Toronto Re-
form Association. The Manifesto of that famous League was
dated on the 16th May. Its issue at once decided Dr. Ryerson
to enter the lists in defence of Sir Charles, and the prefatory
note to his rejoinder was written on the 27th May. From the
introductory portion of it I make the following extract : —
Rev. Egerton Ryerson . . proposes . . to prove [from the] testi-
mony of his late Advisers . . that His Excellency is entitled to the
verdict of the country on every count of the indictment got up against him.
Sir Charles Metcalfe may say to the people of Canada, as Themistocles
said to the Athenians who were incensed against him, "Strike, but hear me ! "
. . If Leonidas,* with three hundred Spartans, could throw themselves
into the Thermopylae of death for the salvation of their country, it would
ill become one humble Canadian to hesitate at any sacrifice, or shrink from
any responsibility, or even danger, in order to prevent his own country-
men from rushing into a vortex, which, he is most certainly persuaded, will
involve many of them in calamities more serious than those which followed
the events of 1837.
The following account of this memorable controversy was
written by Dr. Ryerson himself. It has been slightly abridged
and a few explanatory notes added : —
After much consideration, but without consulting any human
being, I determined to enter the arena of public discussion to
set forth and vindicate the true principles of responsible govern-
ment, and to defend Sir Charles Metcalfe, as I had before
defended Mr. Bid well, from the unjust attacks made upon him ;
and I published an introductory paper avowing my purpose.
My friends generally and the country at large were against me.
My elder brother, John, a life-long Conservative, on first meeting
* By a singular popular error, which this sentence may have suggested, it was
stated and generally believed that the Defence of Lord Metcalfe by Dr. Ryerson
was written and published under the nom de plume of " Leonidas."
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 329
me after the publication of that introductory paper, said, " Eger-
ton, you have ruined yourself, for nine-tenths of the people are
opposed to the Governor-General." I answered, " I know it ;
but I believe that nine-tenths of the people are mistaken, and
that if they will read what I am about to write they will
think as I do."
The contest was severe ; the ablest and most meritorious
public men in the province were arrayed on the opposite side ;
but I felt that truth and justice did not rest on numbers — that
there was a public, as well as an individual, conscience, and to
that conscience I appealed, supporting my appeal by reference
to the past professions of Reformers, the best illustrations from
Greek, Roman, and English history, and the authority of the
best writers on constitutional government, and moral and politi-
cal philosophy, and the highest interests, civil and social, of all
classes of society in Upper Canada. For months I was certainly
the " best abused man " in Canada ; but I am not aware that I
lost my temper, or evinced personal animosity (which I never
felt), but wrote with all the clearness, energy, and fire that I
could command.
The general elections took place in October, 1844, and in all
Upper Canada (according to the Globe's own statement) only
eight candidates were elected in opposition to Sir Charles Met-
calfe ! Such a result of a general election was never before, or
since, witnessed in Upper Canada.
It has been alleged again and again, that Sir Charles Metcalfe
was opposed to responsible government and that I supported
him in it. The only pretext for this was, that in the contest with
Sir Charles Metcalfe his opponents introduced party appoint-
ments as an essential element of responsible government, which
they themselves had disavowed in previous years when advo-
cating that system of government. The doctrine of making
appointments according to party (however common now, with
its degenerating influences) was then an innovation upon all
previously professed doctrines of reformers, as I proved to a
demonstration in my letters in defence of Sir Charles Metcalfe.
Sir Francis Hincks, in an historical lecture delivered at Mont-
real, in 1877, has revived this charge against Sir Charles Met-
calfe, and has attempted to create the impression that there was
a sort of conspiracy between the late Earl of Derby and Lord
Metcalfe to extinguish responsible government in Canada. For
such an insinuation there is not a shadow of reason, though the
author may have thought so, from his strong personal feelings
and former party views, as one of the actors in the struggle.
I was in England during the latter part of 1844 and 1845,
when the Earl of Derby was Colonial Secretary, and had more
330 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLI.
than one conversation with him on Canadian affairs; and I know
that the Earl of Derby had no more intention or desire to abolish
reponsible government in Canada than had Sir Francis Hincks
himself. The Earl of Derby had, indeed, fears lest the party
in power, under the new system, should act upon the narrow
and prescriptive principles and spirit of the old tory party, and
wished to see that with the new system an enlarged policy would
extinguish the hatreds, as well as the proscriptions, of the past,
and unite all classes in the good government and for the
advancement of the country. This was the view of Lord Met-
calfe ; and this was the view advocated in my letters in his
defence, which may be appealed to in proof that the essence of
that contest was not responsible government, but as to whether
or not the distribution of the patronage of the Crown should
be dispensed upon the principles of party, or on those of justice
and morality.
I may add an illustrative and curious incident on this sub-
ject : — On the passing of the Imperial Act for confederating the
British North American Colonies into the Dominion of Canada,
and its proclamation, I wrote and published an address to the
people of Upper Canada in 1868, suggesting to them to forget
the differences of the past, and the principles and spirit in
which they should introduce the new system of government,
and build up for themselves a united and prosperous nation.
A few days after the publication of this address, I met in the
street, an honourable gentleman, who had been one of the party
opposed to Sir Charles Metcalfe, a member of a Liberal govern-
ment, a life-long Reformer. He complimented me on my recent
address to the people of Upper Canada ; but added, " The great
mistake of your life was the letters you wrote in defence of
Lord Metcalfe." I answered, " Do you think so ?" " Yes," said
he, " that was the great mistake of your life." " And," said I,
"you approve of my recent public address ?" "Yes," he answered,
" I think it is the best thing you ever wrote." "Well," said I,
" do you know that that address with the exception of the
introductory and concluding paragraphs, is a reproduction, word
for word, of my third letter in defence of Lord Metcalfe, coun-
selling my fellow-countrymen as to the principles and spirit in
which they should act in carrying into effect the then new
system of responsible government !" He exclaimed, " It cannot
be ! I have these letters." I said, " It can be ; and it is so ; and
if you will compare my third letter in defence of Lord Metcalfe
with my recent address, you will find that I have not omitted
an illustration from Greek, or Roman, or English history, or an
authority from standard writers, on political or moral science,
or a petition or address from Reformers from the rebellion of
1844] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 331
1837 to the establishment of responsible government under
Lord Sydenham and Sir Charles Bagot in 1840-42 ; that I have
not added to, or omitted, a word, but have repeated verbatim et
literatim in 1868, in regard to confederate government, what I
advised the people of Canada in 1844 in regard to responsible
government. And now, I continued, " who has changed ? you or
I ?" " Oh," he said, " circumstances alter cases." " Truly," I
said, " circumstances alter cases ; but circumstances don't change
principles ; I wrote on the principles and spirit of government
irrespective of party." On such principles I have endeavoured
to act throughout my more than half a century of public life —
principles, the maintenance of which has sometimes brought me
into collision with the leaders of one party, and sometimes in
opposition to those of another party ; but principles which I
have found higher and stronger than party.
A day or two after the issue of Dr. Ryerson's first paper in
defence of Sir Charles Metcalfe, Hon. Isaac Buchanan sent to
him copies of letters which he had written to Hon. Joseph
Howe, Halifax, and to Civil Secretary Higginson, Kingston, on
the Metcalfe controversy. In this letter he said : —
It is with infinite pleasure that I see you have publicly come out to tell
the truth as to politics and public men. The fact is, politics in a new
country are either the essential principles of society or parish business. In
both cases every man is interested, and to a less extent than in an old state
of things, where in a hereditary educated class, there are natural guardians
of the public virtue. Is it objectionable that clergymen interefere in the
arrangement of detail for the happiness of the country? But it is, as I have
always maintained, their most imperative duty to hold and express an
opinion on constitutional politics. The priests in Lower Canada, from not
doing so, permitted the rebellion of 1837. I, myself, care nothing, and never
did care anything, for party politics in Canada ; and, in my mind, the
distinction has always been more marked between these and constitutional
politics than I have been able to explain.
Dr. Ryerson did not attend the opening of Conference at
Kingston, in June, 1844. Mr. Higginson wrote to him on the
12th to express his disappointment at not seeing him there, and
added : —
Of your letters — your admirable letters — I only hear one opinion, that
they are most powerful, unassailable ; and this the opposition press appears
to find them, for I can perceive no attempt to answer the convincing argu-
ments adduced by you. They merely abuse you and impugn your motives :
lying and misrepresentation are their favourite weapons.
You will have heard of the discovery of the Orange Plot, the conspiracy
between Sir C. Metcalfe and Ogle K. Gowan to upset the Government !
We had a very satisfactory communication from Lord Stanley, by the last
Eicket, entirely approving of the " dignified and temperate " conduct of the
overnor, and assuring him of the strenuous support of Her Majesty's
Government, in resisting the " unreasonable and exorbitant pretensions of
832 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLL
the late Cabinet." Shall we see you again before we move to Montreal ?
Sir Charles goes to the Falls, and then returns to Kingston, which he leaves
on the 20th for Montreal.
From Mr. Higginson Dr. Ryerson received the following
interesting letter, dated Montreal, 20th July: —
As you will no doubt think it right, after you complete the series of your
admirable and unanswerable letters, to expose the fallacy and falsehood with
which Hon. R. B. Sullivan, as " Legion," endeavours to bolster up his argu-
ments in reply to them, 1 think the enclosed precis of a conversation that
took place between the leader of the French party in the late Council and
myself, early in May last, will convince you that His Excellency did not
write his despatch of the 23rd of that month, quoted in the debate by Lord
Stanley, upon insufficient grounds, or in ignorance of the real sentiments and
inclinations of his then advisers. Letter No. 5 of "Legion," in referring to
this despatch, charges His Excellency with what he calls paraphrasing, or, in
other words, misrepresentation, as no men in their senses could have made
such demands as the late Council are stated to have urged. The words made
use of by His Excellency are not theirs, it is true ; but did not the opinions
expressed by Mr. Lafontaine, their leader, bear out the assertion ? I regret
that Lord Stanley did not quote what followed. I have given the meaning,
rather than the words, of the dictatorial Councillor ; but I have not in the
slightest degree exaggerated the substance of his discourse. I ought to add
that the conversation originated in a rumour of His Excellency's intending to
appoint a Provincial Aide-de-camp, of whom Mr. Lafontaine did not approve ;
and that, although addressed to me, I could only suppose that it was intended
for the ears of His Excellency. You will, of course, not believe the newspaper
statements of Sir Charles having sent for Mr. Lafontaine. Ever since our
arrival here the French party have been urging that the only way of getting
out of our difficulties is by allowing Messrs. Lafontaine and Baldwin to resume
their places — as the French people believe that they cannot enjoy responsible
government without them. To this His Excellency cannot consent. What
the result may be is not quite clear ; our future plans have been delayed by
this negotiation, which, though still pending, must terminate in a day or two.
I hope that under any circumstances we shall be able to meet the present
Parliament, if not with a majority, at least with a strong minority.
The following is the Precis to which I refer : —
Mr. Lafontaine said : Your attempts to carry on the government on prin-
ciples of conciliation must fail. Responsible government has been conceded,
and when we lose our majority we are .prepared to retire ; to strengthen us
we must have the entire confidence of the Govenror-General exhibited most
unequivocally — and also his patronage — to be bestowed exclusively on our
political adherents. We feel that His Excellency has kept aloof from us.
The opposition pronounce that his sentiments are with them. There must
be some acts of his, some public declaration in favour of responsible govern-
ment, and of confidence in the Cabinet, to convince them of their error.
This has been studiously avoided. Charges have been brought against
members of the Council, in addresses, and no notice given to them, viz.: Mr.
B. was even mentioned by name, or at least by office, and will declare on the
first day of the session that it is only as a member of responsible government
that he for one would consent to act. If he supposed for a moment that Sir
Charles could introduce a different system, he would resign. In fact, the
Governor ought to stand in the same position towards his Cabinet as Her
Majesty does. They cannot be prepared to defend his acts in Parliament if
done without their advice — instance the case of the Collector of Customs'
intended dismissal. No new-comers ought to be appointed to office. Declares
1844] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 333
his disinterestedness, as his party — i. e. the French Canadians — must carry the
day. The Conservatives would be just as ready to join them as those that
have — has no desire for office for office's sake. If the Governor does not take
some steps to denounce and show his disapprobation of Orangeism, his not
doing so will be construed into the reverse, and the system will extend, and
bloodshed will follow. The other party will organize — and they would be
great fools if they did not — no Orangemen to be included in Commissions of
the Peace — no justice at present for Catholics in Upper Canada. A law for
the suppression of illegal societies does exist, but very difficult to discover
members of them and to execute the law. Conciliation is only an attempt to
revert to the old system of government — viz : the will of the Governor. It
must fail. Lord Stanley decidedly adverse to the Lower Canadians ; does
not forget their expunging one of his despatches from their journals — it was
so impudent. Trusts the Home Government will accept the proposed civil
list ; they will never have so large a one offered again. In conclusion, Sir
Charles Metcalfe's great reputation places him in an eminently favourable
position for carrying out Sir Charles Bagot's policy, by which alone the Pro-
vince can be satisfactorily governed. A declaration by Government to this
effect would put a stop to political agitation which the opposition keep alive
as long as they have the slightest hopes of office — all they care for. Let them
know that the game was up, and all would go right, and many come round.
The differences of religion in Upper Canada will always prevent amalgama-
tion ; you must make them all ol the same, like ourselves in Lower Canada.
French language clause in Union Bill must be expunged.
On the 26th July Dr. Ryerson replied to Mr. Higginson —
I shall make use of the enclosure Precis in substance when
I come to reply to "Legion" — which will, of course, not be
until he shall have got through his series.
The "Defence" of Sir Charles Metcalfe consisted of nine
papers, in which the whole question at issue was fully dis-
cussed. In concluding the ninth, Dr. Ryerson said : —
I have written these papers . . as a man who has no temporal interest
whatever, except in common with that of his native country — the field of his
life's labours — the seat of his best affections — the home of his earthly hopes;
— up to the present time I have never received one farthing of its revenue.
I know something of the kinds and extent of the. sacrifices which are
involved in my thus, coming before the public. If others have resigned
office, I have declined it, and uhder circumstances very far less propitious
than those under which the late Councillors stepped out. . . I have no
interest in the appointment of one set of men to office, or in the exclusion of
any other man, or set of men, from office. I know but one chief end of
civil government — the public good ; and I have one rule of judging the acts
and sentiments of all public men — their tendency to promote the public
good. . . I am as independent of Messrs. Viger, Draper and Daly, as I
am of Messrs. Baldwin, Sullivan and Hincks. . . I might appeal to more
than one instance in which the authority and patronage of the Governor did
not prevent me from defending the constitutional rights of my fellow-subjects
and native country. . . The independent and impartial judgment which
I myself endeavour to exercise, I desire to see exercised by every man in
Canada. I believe it comports best with constitutional safety, with civil
liberty, with personal dignity, with public duty, with national greatness.
With the politics of party — involving the confederacy, the enslavement, the
selfishness, the exclusion, the trickery, the antipathies, the crimination of
party, no good man ought to be identified. . . With the politics of govern-
834 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP XLI.
merit — involving its objects, its principles, its balanced powers, its operations
— even against the encroachments of any party — every British subject has
much to do. Civil government, as St. Paul says, " is an ordinance of God."
Every Christian . . is to see it not abused, or trampled under foot, or
perverted to party or sectional purposes ; but he is to seek its application to
the beneficent ends for which it was designed by our common Creator and
Governor. Such have been the ends for which the people of Canada have
long sought its application ; such have been the ends sought by the Governor-
General.
Dr. Ryerson, in his letter to Mr. Higginson (26th July) said :
I have now concluded my defence of His Excellency against
the attacks of his late councillors. I have done the best I
could. As to its influence upon the public mind, I am, of
course, not responsible. I cannot compel persons to read, think,
or reason, however I may do so for them. In some places, I am
told, a most essential change has taken place in the public
mind, in consequence of the perusal of my letters. In other
places, passion has prevented the perusal of them, and numbers
of persons have just become calm enough to desire to*peruse
them, and are anxiously waiting for the pamphlet edition.
I have not yet heard of any one who has read them all, who
has not become convinced of the correctness of my reasoning.
But it is the opinion of persons who have far better means of
judging than I have, that the effect of them the next two
months will be much greater than during the last two months.
The violent feelings which the whole party of the Leaguers
sought to excite against myself have, to a great extent, subsided,
and a spirit of inquiry and reflection is returning to the public
mind. I believe nothing has been done to circulate my articles
among the mass of the people — beyond the ordinary newspaper
agency. I believe that were my ninth number itself printed
and widely circulated in Upper Canada in tract form, it would
prepare the way for the success of a just administration, con-
sisting of any persons whom His Excellency might select — at
least so far as the great majority of the people of Western
Canada is concerned. I think the decision of the Imperial
Government on the whole question should be laid before the
Legislature in a despatch. The matter would be thus brought
to a single issue, and I doubt not but the prerogative would be
placed upon the true foundation.
To proceed again to legislation, without a distinct settlement
of this question, appears to me derogatory to the dignity of the
Crown itself (both in England and Canada) and unsafe io
every respect ; and unjust to both His Excellency and to all
who have supported him. I think also that the Hon. Mr.
Draper ought (if necessary) to be supported as strongly as ever
George III. supported Mr. Pitt Mr. Draper has thrown himself
1844] THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. 335
into the breach, and defended and supported the Government
in no less than three emergencies, when others have abandoned,
and even sought to overthrow it. I think that Mr. Draper
ought not to be made a sacrifice, without an appeal to the
people. Much prejudice and passion have, of course, been
excited by the Leaguers since last January, and they have
formed a regular and extensive organization; but a reaction
has already commenced ; the backbone of their power is broken.
They can form branches, associations, and threaten us as they
did a few months ago ; but not a few amongst themselves are
wavering. If the Government will act with liberality and
energy, and the Home Government transmit an official decision
on the question at issue, to be first submitted to the Legislature
and then to the people, I believe His Excellency's exertions
will be crowned with a glorious victory, to his own credit, the
honour of the British Crown, the strengthening of our con-
nection with the Mother Country, and the great future benefit
of Canada.
As to myself : when I commenced this discussion I did not
know what might be my own fate in respect to it. I wished,
at least, to do my duty to my family ; to quiet their apprehen-
sion, and not embarrass and distrust my own mind, while
undertaking a task of so great magnitude.
In regard to the past : I have completed my task to the best
of my humble ability. The satisfaction of having done my
duty is all the acknowledgment or commendation I desire, or
can receive. With my present experience, I might perform the
task in a manner more worthy of the subject, and more to my
own satisfaction. • I hope, however, an occasion for such a
discussion may not occur again in Canada. The hostile personal
feelings excited against me in some quarters will, I hope, be
lived down in time. The disclosures which have been made of
the alleged sins of my public, and even private life, have not, I
trust, brought to light one dishonourable act, one republican or
unconstitutional sentiment, even under the severest provoca-
tions, and grossest abuse.
Dr. Ryerson had written to the Governor-General early in
August on several matters. He received a reply from Mr. Secre-
tary Higginson on the loth of that month. In it he says : —
The Governor-General looks forward to the pleasure of seeing you soon,
when he will have an opportunity of personally expressing his warmest
thanks for your admirable and unanswerable letters in defence of the Queen's
Government. His Excellency feels very much indebted to you for the zeal
and ability that enabled you to perform, in so truly an efficient manner,
the arduous task which your patriotism and public spirit induced you to
undertake. Upon other important subjects adverted to in your letter, His
Excellency will be very happy to have personal communication with you
THE 8TOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLI.
when you come down. Our object now is to complete the Council, as far as
may be practicable, without the body of the French party, who doggedly
refused to take part in any Administration of which Messrs. Lafontaine and
Baldwin are not members. Mr. William Smith, of the Montreal Bar, accepts
the Attorney-Generalship, for the duties of which he is said to be well quali-
fied. He is a Liberal in politics, and has always been looked on as a friend
of the French party. The Hon. Mr. Morris is willing to take the Receiver-
Generalship, and I hope that Mr. W. H. Merritt wfll now find himself at
liberty to join the Council. The Crown Lands Department will still remain
unfilled ; and perhaps it is well that that door should be still kept open.
Mr. Billa [now Hon. Senator] Flint, of Belleville, in a letter
dated 14th August, in correcting an error in one of Dr. Ryer-
son's Metcalf e letters on a matter of fact, adds : —
I hope soon to read your pamphlet, but in not reading your letters hereto-
fore, I have been enabled to answer the attacks of your enemies, not on the
grounds of a consent, but upon other, and I trust better ground, that of not
condemning a man unheard, as is the case in this part of the community, and
as I have stated that you must be near right from the fact that your enemies
dare not publish your productions.
With a view to aid Dr. Ryerson in his personal defence, Hon.
Isaac Buchanan wrote to him on the 22nd August, and said : —
As I think you may feel called on to answer the personal attacks made
upon you, or, at all events, to defend the ministerial character from those
who deprive it of all manliness and independence, I send you Hethering-
ton's " History of the Church of Scotland." On one page, and in the note
referred to, you will find the methods and conduct of Knox explained. It
will be the best, as well as the most truthful policy on your part, to show
your agreement with this great character. The effect will be great, not only
on the Methodist Scotch, but all other Scotch in the Colony, for we are all
for national, instead of party, freedom ; we prefer our country to our party.
It may be my fondness for my country; but I think no other country, or
people, have ever shown that indomitable love of equal justice and rational,
because national freedom, as opposed to party supremacy, as we have done
in Scotland.
I feel sure that you may make some happy illustrations from Hethering-
ton's History to enlighten the public on the present state of affairs, when we
are about to be enthralled by party tyranny, and do much to revive the
spirit :
11 Ne'er will I quail with down-cast eye
Beneath the frown of tyranny;
In freedom I have lived, in freedom I will die."
The history of our Church is not only the history of Scotland, but the history
of the world's freedom from the tyranny of men, or parties.
Dr. Ryerson had written to His Excellency in regard to
the issue of his letters in a pamphlet with a full index. To
this letter Mr. Higginson replied on the 19th August : —
I am desired by His Excellency to repeat his thanks for your continued
exertions in support of Her Majesty's Government.
Your index to the pamphlet will be exceedingly useful. I should like
very much to have the pamphlet translated into French, for the benefit of
the Lower Canadians, and perhaps I shall be able to accomplish it. I should
be obliged by your ordering a few hundred copies to be sent to me for distri-
bution in the Eastern Townships.
CHAPTER XLI1.
1844—1845.
AFTEH THE CONTEST. — REACTION AND RECONSTRUCTION.
DR. RYERSON naturally took a deep interest in political
affairs at this time, and Sir Charles Metcalfe kept him
fully informed of events transpiring at the seat of Government.
In a letter, dated 19th August, 1844, Mr. Civil Secretary Higgin-
son said to him : —
You will be glad to hear that Hon. D. B. Papineau accepts a seat in
the Council. The Inspector-General and Solicitor-General of Lower Canada
are the only offices unprovided for. As to Mr. W. H. Merritt, the state of
his private affairs may operate in his case, as in that of Mr. Harrison. If it
should prove so, the Hon. James Morris may be induced to join the Council,
and a very worthy representative of the Upper Canada Constitutional Re-
formers he would be. Whether the present Parliament is to be met again, or
to be dissolved, remains for discussion. Sir Charles inclines to meet them,
and I think we can do with a majority, albeit a small one, to support the
Government.
Mr. Higginson wrote to Dr. Ryerson, Sept. 8th, and said :
Dissolution or no dissolution, still undetermined Thorburn declines office.
We must have an Inspector-General, and from the Upper Canada Liberals.
Where are we to find one fit for the duties?
Dr. Ryerson addressed a letter, on the 10th September, to Hon.
W. H. Draper, in reply to Mr. Higginson's note —
I need scarcely say that I congratulate you most heartily on your formal
appointment as Attorney-General, and on the important additions which have
been made to your strength in the Council. Would not Mr. Scobie make a
good Inspector-General ? He is said to be a good financier. His private
character, sound principles, and moderate feelings, are all that you could
desire. After much reflection, and conversation with some judicious persons
who have travelled more than I have throughout the country, and have better
opportunities of forming an opinion than I have, I am inclined to think that
you will gain much more than you can lose, by meeting the present Parlia-
ment, and declaring your views, and taking your stand upon the true principles
of responsible government. I make these remarks, because I spoke rather
in favour of a dissolution when I saw you last
To this letter Hon. W. H. Draper replied, on the 17th : —
I acknowledge the force of your arguments against a dissolution, but at the
same time it appears to me you have not weighed the arguments on the
other side. These may be concisely stated. 1st. That the ensuing session
22
838 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLII.
•will be one certainly preceding a general election, and therefore, ono in
which popular doctrines have their fullest force. 2nd. That members hav-
ing committed themselves by the vote of last session would fear to retrace
their steps and brave the chagre of inconsistency at such a time. 3rd. That
the ex-ministers would have an opportunity, which they would not neglect,
of presenting a new question for the country. You liave sickened them of
the first question; they would like a second, oetter selected, if they could get
it. For example, if they moved a committee to inquire how the Govern-
ment has been administered during the last ten months, would they not be
very likely to carry it 1 Information can do no harm; enquiry is a right of
the House, etc., etc. Who would venture to oppose when the committee
was granted? No business would be done till it had reported. Whatever
the report — and if they got a majority on the committee, we may judge its
character — their point would be gained, and they would have a new issue to
try before the country; a new topic of inflammatory harangue, and studious
.misrepresentation. Whether this would be their move I cannot say, but
they would do something tending to a similar end. The experience of 1836
will teach them not to make a dead set against doing business, or granting
supplier, etc. They will make that a consequence, and if possible force the
Government to a dissolution, thus casting the onus of doing no public busi-
ness on the Government. Again, although not meeting the present House
may be considered as an admission of inferiority there, I think this less
injurious than that the new Administration should be beaten there; and I
cannot in any way anticipate a different result. Alter going over the list in
every way I see no just ground for hoping for victory there. Again, of those
in whom we might place some hope of a vote in a crisis, there are some who
will not be in their places. Col. Prince certainly will not, and 1 doubt
much if Hon. W. H. Merritt, or Mr. Thorburn can. Does no other Upper
Canadian Reformer suggest himself ? I confess that I am at a great loss.
Neither Harrison nor Merritt can take office, as they say, because of their
private affairs. Hon. James Morris has given up politics. I have not
failed to note your observation respecting Mr. Scobie, and have brought the
matter before the Council
To this letter Dr. Eyerson replied on the 19th September : —
You will observe that my remarks had reference almost exclusively to the
best means of augmenting the elective suffrage in favour of the Government.
The facilities for circulating knowledge amongst the mass of the people are
so very imperfect, that it takes a long time, and great exertions, evi n out of
the ordinary channel, to inform the great body of the people on any subject
In the present instance, the Tory party, although they approve of my letters,
do not take pains to circulate them gratuitously. It is amongst the persons
opposed to the Governor-General, that the reading of them is the most impor-
tant That class of persons cannot be supposed to be very solicitous to pro-
cure publications against their own sentiments and feelings, although they —
at least very many of them — would readily read them if they were put into
their hands. I have scarcely heard of an individual who has read all my
letters who does not adept the sentiments of them — how strong soever his
feelings might be against the Governor-General. It was with a view, there-
fore, of gaining over to the Government a larger portion of the electors, that
1 proposed delay, and the intermediate means of fully informing the public
mind.
From the considerations which you assign, I do not see that you can do
otherwise than dissolve the House. I can easily conceive how some persons
can absent themselves from a short session, and thus weaken the Government
more than others could strengthen it by their presi-nce and support; and that
popular movements may be devised to shift the question and embarrass you.
1844-45] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. .139
You will probably not gain as many elections now as you would six months
or three months hence; but what you may not gain in numbers you may
gain in the moderation of new members, or in a new House j especially if
you can reduce the majorities of opposition members who may be returned,
and hold before them in a new House the possibility of a .second dissolution.
Dr. Ryerson then sums up his suggestions as follows : —
The great question then is, How can you come before the
country forthwith to the best advantage ? I would take the
liberty of offering the following suggestions, which have pro-
bably occurred to yourself, with others that I shall not mention :
1. Ought not the views of the Government, on the great ques-
tions, be put forth in some more authoritative, or formal and
imposing way, than has yet been adopted? I know not whether
it would be in order for the Governor-General to issue a procla-
mation in some such form as Lord Durham adopted, when he
made his extraordinary appeal to the inhabitants of British
North America. In such a document, whatever ought to be the
form of its promulgation, the question and doctrine of respon-
sible government should be stated with an explicitness that
will leave the ex-Council party no room to cavil, or justify
further resistance on that subject. You have this advantage,
that you can state your case as you please, and as fully as you
please, to the country. 2. Ought there not to be more effective
means used than have yet been employed to circulate the refu-
tations of the ex-Council's publications amongst their own
supporters ? Every one you gain from that side counts two, in
more ways than one. And from what I have understood, I am
persuaded the chief desideratum is to furnish them with the
refutations of the attacks of the late Councillors. A proper
improvement of means for nearly two months might accomplish
a great deal, and would soon reduce them to a minority, in a
large majority of the counties in Upper Canada.
On the 18th September, Mr. Higginson wrote to Dr. Ryerson:
The question of meeting the present Parliament, or of going to the people,
has at last been decided in favour of the latter measure. There was so much
to be said, pro and con, that it was a most difficult point to decide. If the
Government could have reckoned with any degree of certainty upon a
majority in the House, which they unfortunately could not, there would
have been the strongest reasons, as your brother so forcibly put them, for
not dissolving. Your suggestion to Hon. Mr. Draper as to Mr. Scobie filling
the Inspector-Generalship, engages the attention of His Excellency and the
Council. Can the gentleman referred to command a seat 1 I fear not.
They complain of a great want of information in the Colborne District. I
mean Dr. Gilchrist's portion of it, where they see nothing but the Peter-
borough Chronicle. Mr. Hickson may be depended on as far as he can be of
use in circulating some of your wholesome truths. As there will now be no
opportunity of speaking to the people from the Throne previous to 'the
elections, some other mode must be taken to ensure our not coming before
the country upon a wrong issue, and such language used as the masses can
340 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLTI.
readily comprehend. It is to the electors we must look for victory, and that
Sir Charles Metcalfe will triumph I entertain no doubt.
In acknowledging an official letter to His Excellency, Mr.
Higgins on(October 10th) informed Dr. Ryerson that he should
receive an official reply through Mr. Daly. He then added : —
I doubt not that you will outlive all the abuse that foul-mouthed radicalism
can heap upon you.
It is, as you know, impossible to calculate with any degree of certainty
upon the results of the elections until the polls are tested; but, I think I
may assert with safety that our prospects in Lower Canada are by no means
so discouraging as our enemies, and, I believe, some of our friends, would
make it appear. Of the latter, there is a class that stand still with their
arms folded, fancying that there must be a majority against the Government,
and that it will be taken by the Home authorities as an evidence of the
impossibility of working responsible government.
In sending letters of introduction to friends in England,
Hon. George Moffatt, of Montreal, wrote to Dr. Ryerson in Octo-
ber to say : —
As to the result of the Metcalfe contest, returns have been received from
more than half of the constituencies in the two sections of the Province, and
it is gratifying to find that the Governor-General is assured of having a good
working majority in the Assembly. I have no fears about him, and my only
anxiety now is that things may not be again grossly mismanaged at the
Colonial OflBce. Unfortunately, however, Sir Charles Metcalfe's health is
very precarious, and should he resign, it will be of the utmost importance
that a statesman of ability and character should be sent out to succeed him.
I drew your attention to the ungrateful conduct of the returned exiles,
generally ; and if proof were wanting of the entire failure of the conciliation
system in this section of the Province, it would only be necessary to refer to
the active part taken by these men in the late contest.
Hon. Peter McGill, of Montreal, in his letter of introduction
to Sir Randolph Routh, thus referred to Dr. Ryerson : —
The Rev. Egerton Ryerson, with whose name you, and every one con-
nected with Canada, must be familiar, has recently been doing the State some
service, by his eloquent writings in defence and vindication of Sir Charles
Metcalfe's Government, and in support of law, order, and British Connection.
Having applied to His Excellency for letters of introduction
to parties in England, Mr. Secretary Higginson writes : —
I have the pleasure to enclose an introduction from His Excellency to Lord
Stanley, and letters to old friends of his and mine, Mr. Trevelyan, of the
Treasury, and Mr. Mangles, M.P.
How nobly and strongly Upper Canada has come out ! She will send us
at least thirty good men and true, who will not be overawed by a French
faction. From this section of the Province we shall have, on the lowest calcu-
lation, thirteen or fourteen, which gives us a majority of five or six to
commence with, and that will doubtless increase.
From no one did Dr. Ryerson receive during the Metcalfe
contest more faithful and loving counsel then from his old
friend, Rev. George Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson had been a brave
1844-45] THE STGRY OF MY LIFE. 341
soldier before he entered the ministry, in 1816, and he was, up
to the time of his death, in 1857, a valiant soldier of the cross.
In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, in September, 1844, he said : —
My esteemed friend, beloved brother, (and may I add) dear son : These
epithets you know come from a warm heart ; a heart of friendship, affection,
and love, without dissimulation. If you have a friend in this little wicked
and deceitful world it is George Ferguson. I have watched you in all your
movements from first to last with great anxiety and deep concern. Your
welfare and prosperity I have, do, and will rejoice in ; and when you are
touched in character, or otherwise, I feel it acutely. When I understood
what you intended to undertake, and hearing the clamour among the people,
I felt awful, not that I i'eared that any production or argument coming from
your pen would be controverted successfully. I believe that your last pro-
duction is unanswerable on logical, constitutional, and fair, honest principles,
but I was afraid that it would not accomplish the end for which it was
designed; for the people, generally, had run mad, formerly by the word
" reform," and now they are insane by the word " responsible." I fear that
the Governor will lose the elections in Canada West. Your pamphlet may,
it is true, be a text book to the next Parliament, and keep them right from
fear. I was not afraid that you had committed yourself with the Conference
and the Church after all the fuss preachers and people made in this respect,
(and I ain of opinion many would have been glad of it) but I had my serious
fears that it would injure your enjoyments in religion, and be a source of
temptation that would cause you to leave the ministry. But I hope and
pray that one who has stood against all the bribes, baits, and offers made to
buy him, when but a boy, will be upheld. Oh ! no, no ; having Christ in
the soul, walking with God, having secret communion and fellowship with
the Deity continually, with your talents and qualifications, what a treasure
to the Church ! and the good you would be made the happy instrument of
doing ! This is true honour, real dignity, true popularity, and eternal wealth.
I would rather go to the grave with you dying well, than ever hear that my
beloved Egerton was lost to the Church. But, my dear son, you have need
to watch, to stand fast, to be strong, and acquit thyself as a man; to have an
eye single to the glory of the Lord, to keep the munition, to watch the way.
You never will be out of danger till you get to heaven. Be much in secret
prayer and communion with your Maker. These simple truths come from a
father in his 29th year of his ministry — one that is, in every sense of the
word, superannuated, and one that wUl shortly be known no more.
Hon. R. B. Sullivan (under the nom de plume of " Legion ").
in a series of thirteen letters, with appendix, extending to 232
pages of a pamphlet, replied to Dr. Ryerson's Defence of Lord
Metcalfe. These letters were afterwards reviewed by Dr. Ryer-
son in a series of ten letters, extending to 63 pages of a pamphlet.
This review was in the form of a rejoinder, but in it no new
principles of government were discussed. Dr. Ryerson's " De-
fence " proper, was originally published, as was his review of
" Legion's " letters, in the British Colonist, then edited by the
late Hugh Scobie, Esq. The Defence was afterwards published
in pamphlet form, and extended to 186 pages.
CHAPTER XLJII.
1841-1044.
DR. RYERSON APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION.
FT1HE alleged " reward " which Dr. Ryerson was positively
_L asserted to have received from Lord Metcalfe for his
memorable Defence of that nobleman, was long a favourite
topic on which Dr. Ryerson's enemies loved to dilate. Beyond
the fact that the appointment was finally made by the adminis-
tration of Sir Charles Metcalfe, upon the recommendation of
Hon. W. H. Draper, there was nothing on which to base the
charge of such a quid pro quo having been received by Dr.
Ryerson for his notable Defence of the Governor-General.
In point of fact, the appointment was first spoken of to Dr.
Ryerson by Lord Sydenham himself, in the autumn of 1841.
The particulars of that circumstance are mentioned in detail in
a letter written by Dr. Ryerson to T. W. C. Murdoch, Esq.,
Private Secretary to Sir Charles Bagot, on the 14th January,
1842. Dr. Ryerson said : —
In the last interview with which I was honoured by [Lord
Sydenham], he intimated that he thought I might be more use-
fully employed for this country than in my present limited
sphere ; and whether there was not some position in which I
could more advantageouly serve the country at large. I
remarked that I could not resign my present official position in
the Church, with the advocacy of whose interests I had been
entrusted, until their final and satisfactory adjustment by the
Government, as I might thereby be represented as having
abandoned or sacrificed their interests; but that after such
adjustment I should feel myself very differently situated, and
free to do anything which might be beneficial to the country,
and which involved no compromise of my professional char-
acter; that I knew of no such position likely to be at the
disposal of the Government except the Superintendency of
Common Schools (provided for in the Bill then before the
Legislature), which office would afford the incumbent a most
favorable opportunity, by his communications, preparation and
recommendation of books for libraries, etc., to abolish differences
1841-44] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 343
and jealousies on minor points ; to promote agreement on great
principles and interests; to introduce the best kind of reading
for the youth of the country ; and the not onerous duties of
which office would also afford him leisure to prepare publica-
tions calculated to teach the people at large to appreciate, upon
high moral and social considerations, the institutions established
amongst them ; and to furnish, from time to time, such exposi-
tions of great principles and measures of the administration as
would secure the proper appreciation and support of them on
the part of the people at large. Lord Sydenham expressed
himself as highly gratified at this expression of my views and
feelings ; brit the passing of the Bill was then doubtful, although
His Lordship expressed his determination to get it passed if
possible, and give effect to what he had proposed to me, and
which was then contemplated by him.
Apart from this statement of the intentions of Lord Syden-
ham, it is also clear that the determination of Sir Charles Met-
calfe to appoint Dr. Ryerson to a position in which he could
carry out a comprehensive scheme of Public School Educa-
tion, in Upper Canada, was come to some time before the
question of the difference between Sir Charles Metcalf e and his
late Councillors had engaged Dr. Ryerson's attention, and even
at a time when his impressions on the subject were against the
Governor-General. This conclusion was arrived at by Sir
Charles Metcalf e, after full and frequent conversations with
Dr. Ryerson on the subject of the University Bill. With a view
to avail himself of Dr. Ryerson's knowledge and judgment on
that subject, he directed his Private Secretary to address the
following note to him on the 18th of December, 1843 : —
One of the many important subjects that at present engages the attention
of the Governor-General your Church is particularly interested in, and His
Excellency is, therefore, desirous of having the benefit of your opinion upon
it. I mean the consideration of the arrangements that are now necessary in.
consequence of the failure of the University Bill introduced last session. I
beg to add that His Excellency will be happy to have some conversation with.
you on the question to which I allude, the first time you may visit this part
of the province.
Not having been able to go at once to Kingston, Dr. Ryer-
_son wrote to the Governor-General in regard to the University
Bill. His Secretary replied early in January, saying: —
When it suits your convenience to come this way, His Excellency will
have an opportunity of fully discussing the subject touched upon in your
letter.
Dr. Ryerson soon afterwards went to Kingston and saw Sir
Charles Metcalf e on the subject. In a letter written to Hon.
W. H. Merritt shortly after this interview, Dr. Ryerson said: —
344 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIIF.
His Excellency's object in desiring me to wait upon him had
reference to the University question, on which he intends, with
the aid of Mr. Draper, etc., to have a measure brought into the
Legislature, which I think will be satisfactory to all parties
concerned. I took a day to consider the questions he had pro-
posed. In the meantime I saw Mr. S. B. Harrison and stated
to him the opinions I had formed. Of their correctness and
importance, and practicability he seemed to be fully satisfied, and
urged me to state them to His Excellency.
In a letter from Dr. Ryerson, published in the Guardian, and
dated 28th October, 1843, the character of Mr. Baldwin's Uni-
versity Bill is thus described : —
It is a measure worthy of the most enlightened government ; and is, I
have reason to know, entirely the production of Hon. Attorney-General
Baldwin. . . In the discussion [on the University question] the authori-
ties of Victoria College have taken no part. We have remained perfectly
silent and neutral, not because we had no opinion as to the policy which has
been recently pursued in converting a Provincial ministry into a Church of
England one * . . because we, as a body, had more to lese than to gain
by any proposed plan to remedy the abuse and evil complained of. As a
body, we gain nothing by the University Bill, should it become a law ; it
only provides for the continuance of the small annual aid which the Parlia-
ment has already granted ; whilst, of course, it takes away the University
powers and privileges of Victoria College — making it a College of the
University of Toronto. Our omission, therefore, from the Bill would be
preferable, as far as we, as a party, are concerned, were it consistent with the
general and important objects of the measure. But such an omission would
destroy the very character and object of the BilL As a Provincial measure,
it cannot fail to confer unspeakable benefits upon the country. Viewing the
measure in this light, the Board of Victoria College have consented to resign
certain of their rights and privileges for the accomplishment of general
objects BO comprehensive and important.
In a written statement on this subject prepared by Dr. Ryer-
son for this volume he says : —
Towards the close of 1843, Sir Charles Metcalfe determined
to prepare and give effect to a liberal measure on the Univer-
sity question — on which subject Hon. Robert Baldwin had pro-
posed elaborate and comprehensive resolutions. Sir Charles
Metcalfe sent for me to consult with me on the University
question, as I was then connected with one of the colleges. I
explained to His Excellency my views, and added that the edu-
cational condition of the country at large was deplorable, and
should be considered in a system of public instruction, com- •
mencing with the Common School and terminating with the
* The second resolution adopted by the Victoria College Board, on the 24th
October, 1843, says : — the noble and comprehensive objects of the amended
Charter have been entirely defeated ; and the abrogated, sectarian Charter has been
virtually restored, by the partial and exclusive manner iu which appointments to
that institution have been made, and its affairs managed; apart from the mis-
appropriations of large portions of its funds.
1841-44] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 345
University ; being connected and harmonious throughout, and
equally embracing all classes without respect to religious sect
or political party. Sir Charles was much impressed and pleased
with my views, and expressed a wish that I could be induced
to give them public effect.
Dr. Ryerson then goes on to say : — I remarked to Sir Charles
that Lord Sydenham, a few days before his sudden death, had
proposed the same thing to me, and that had he survived a few
weeks, I would likely have been appointed, with a view of
organizing a system of Elementary Education; but that as
Lord Sydenham died suddenly, and as I scorned to be an appli-
cant to Government for any office, I mentioned the fact to no
member of the Government. In May, 1842, another gentleman
was appointed Assistant to the Provincial Secretary as Super-
intendent of Education. He was treated as a clerk in the office
of the Provincial Secretary, having no clerk himself, and having
to submit his drafts of letters, etc., to the Provincial Secretary
for approval. [For particulars of this appointment, see p. 347.]
After this interview Dr. Ryerson, on the 26th February,
wrote to the Governor-General on the University Question.
Mr. Secretary Higginson replied, and at the conclusion of his
letter repeated the offer which Sir Charles Metcalfe had made
at the close of the year : — The Governor-General is so sensible
of the great value of the aid you would bring to the Govern-
ment in the intellectual improvement of the country, that he
anxiously hopes, as suggested, that some arrangement may be
devised satisfactory to you to obtain your co-operation ; and
His Excellency will keep his mind bent on that object, and
will be happy to hear any further suggestion from you with a
view to its accomplishment.
Early in this month (February, 1844), Dr. Ryerson's appoint-
ment as Superintendent of Education has been talked of. His
brother John wrote to him on the 6th of March, recalling the
fact of that appointment having been the subject of conver-
sation with Sir Charles Bagot and some members of the Cabinet
in 1842. Rev. John Ryerson then went on to say: —
You know that when your appointment to the office of Superintendent of
Education was talked of in Toronto, in 1842, I was in favour of your accept-
ing the appointment. The appointment that was made I thought a most
unwise one, and the late Executive greatly lowered themselves in making it.
Whenever I have thought of the thing since, I have felt disgusted with the
late Government, that they should have been guilty of such a shameful
dereliction of duty and honour as not, at least, to have offered the appoint-
ment to you.
In reply to this letter, Dr. Ryerson said : —
As liberal as the Council of Sir Charles Bagot were in many
346 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIII.
things, they rejected the application of every Methodist candi-
date for office. Making appointments upon the principles of
party, they must be given only to one of the party ; a system
of appoiniment which holds out a poor prospect to the Method-
ist who makes religion first, and party not more than second —
especially when he may have as a rival candidate one who
makes party everything, and religion nothing.
To this letter Rev. John Ryerson replied : —
I am very well pleased with the idea of your being appointed to the office
of Superintendent of Education — an office for which, I think, you are better
qualified than any other person in the Province, and an office in which you
can be of more service to the Church, and the country generally, than in any
other way. . . You say the appointment is not political. . . Yet, is it
true, in point of fact, that the appointment is not -political 1 . . Would
any person be continued in the office who would not support the Government
for the time being? . . Did not Lord Sydenbam create this office for the
very purpose of connecting the incumbent with the Government, and did he
not have you in his mind's eye when he influenced this part of the enact-
ment? . . There is no doubt, however, that in case of the Baldwin
Ministry again coming into power, the stool will be knocked from under you.
And we should not forget that the success of the Governor-General, in carry-
ing out his contemplated measures, respecting the University, Colleges, etc.,
depends upon the Parliament ; and I have very little expectation of his being
able to secure the support of the present Parliament, in connection with
every other Ministry but the late ones ; and what will be the result of another
election, who can tell 1
In corroboration of the foregoing statements, Hon. Isaac
Buchanan, in a letter to the Editor of this volume dated 24th
March, 1883, says : —
Being on the other side of the Atlantic from the fall of ] 841
to that of 1843, I was not in circumstances to know to what
extent the name of Dr. Ryerson was discussed prior to the
appointment of Mr. Murray [in May, 1842] ; but I cannot be-
lieve that the minds of many who knew him to be the fittest
man, could have been otherwise than on Dr. Ryerson. On the
contrary, I believe that nothing prevented him being gladly
offered the originating of an educational system for Upper
Canada — a Province which he knew so well and loved so much
— but the most unworthy church prejudices of parties who had
influence with the Government of the day, for it was known to
be a herculean task which no one could do the same justice to
as Dr. Ryerson, and which few men (however great as scholars
themseves) could have carried through at all.
Thus from the foregoing statements of Dr. Ryerson, Rev.
John Ryerson, and Hon. Isaac Buchanan, the following facts
clearly appear : —
1. That Dr. Ryerson was offered the appointment of Super-
intendent of Education by Lord Sydenham in 1841, and " had
he survived a few weeks [Dr. Ryerson] would likely have been
1841-44] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 347
appointed, with a view of organizing a system of Elementary
Education " for Upper Canada.
2. That Dr. Ryerson's appointment as Superintendent was
" the subject of conversation with Sir Charles Bagot and some
members of his Cabinet in 1842."
3. That the failure to appoint Dr. Ryerson was due to the
fact that the Cabinet of Sir Charles Bagot — the Governor him-
self being unable to act — "rejected," as Dr. Ryerson himself
stated, "the application of every Methodist candidate for office;"
or, as Hon. Isaac Buchanan states : " Nothing prevented [Dr.
Ryerson] being gladly offered the originating of an educational
system for Upper Canada, but the most unworthy church pre-
judices of parties who had influence with the Government of
the day."
4. That the appointment of Dr. Ryerson by Sir Charles Met-
calfe was due to the discussion on the comprehensive scheme
of education which took place between Dr. Ryerson and Sir
Charles Metcalf e, on the University question, late in 1843.
It may be proper to state that the appointment of Rev.
Robert Murray in May, 1842, was a surprise to the public, as
the Editor of this volume well remembers, and was, as Rev. John
Ryerson states, "a most unwise one." Mr. Murray was a
minister of the Church of Scotland at Oakville. He was chiefly
known at the time as an anti-temperance writer* ; but had
never been known to have taken any special interest in educa-
tion. He was intimate with Hon. S. B. Harrison, who owned
mills at Bronte, a few miles west of Oakville, where Mr. Har-
rison resided for some years. To Mr. Harrison, the then leader
of the Government, Mr. Murray was indebted, as was then
understood, for the appointment.
* In September, 1839, Rev. Robert Murray, of Oakville, published a series of
lectures on "Absolute Abstinence." Fiom a review of these lectures, by
Dr. Ryerson in the Guardian of the 18th of that month, I make the following
extracts : —
We confess we have seldom read anything so illiberal and sweeping. . . The
principle of total abstinence is wholly repudiated, and temperance societies are
forbidden an existence. . . But such a work . . shall not by us be allowed
to go forth without the accompaniment of our decided reproba! ion. This is not
the day for encouragement to be given to the drunkard, nor this the time when a
Minister of the Gospel is . . to fill the cup of death and present it to his fellows
without an attempt being made to dash it to the ground.
The following extract from the second lecture, relating to the fulfilment of a
certain prophecy in the book of Jeremiah, is given by Dr. Ryerson : —
"Many of you, I am persuaded, have witnessed this prophecy fulfilled to the
very letter. Have you never seen young men making themselves cheerful with
malt liquors, while the young maids were producing the same effect with the
blood of the grape ? Nor Is there the slightest doubt on my mind, that the
prophet hailed this event as a special manifestation of the great goodness of God."
It was in reference to the author of such opinions, and the advocate of such
views, that Rev. John Ryerson used the language quoted on the preceding page.
348 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIIL
Rev. John Ryerson having written to his brother Egerton,
asking if the rumour of his appointment as Superintendent of
Education was true, Dr. Ryerson replied, on the 3rd April : —
As to the appointment to which you allude, it is but a rumour.
No appointment has yet been made. Should it take place, it
will not require my removal from Cobourg. Whatever has
been proposed to me on that subject, has been proposed with a
view of giving body, form, practical character and efficiency,
to a system of general education, upon these non-sectarian prin-
ciples of equal justice which have characterized my life. No-
thing political is involved in the appointment — although it was
at first proposed to give me a seat in thg Council ! The educa-
tion of the people has nothing to do with the dispute with Lord
Metcalfe, of which you speak. I do not think it would become
me to refuse to occupy the most splendid field of usefulness that
could engage the energies of man, because of the dispute which
has arisen.
On the 12th April, Dr. Ryerson replied to a letter from Mr.
Secretary Higginson, in which he said : —
Dr. Bethune, the Editor of The Church, has indeed protested against my
proposed appointment;* but I understand that a majority of the members of
his own congregation at Cobourg approve of the appointment. Mr. Boswell,
M.P.P., and Mr. Sheriff Ruttan (the most influential churchmen in the Dis-
trict), have expressed themselves in favour of it in the strongest and warmest
terms ; as have Mr. Keefer, of Thorold (who is a magistrate of wealth,
leisure and benevolence, — was foreman of the Grand Jury at the late assizes
in the Niagara District, and has, at the request of the District Council, con-
sented to superintend the schools in that district) ; also Dr. Beadle, who is
an old resident, and I believe, an American Presbyterian.
Up to this time (April), Dr. Ryerson had decided to take no
part in the controversy between Sir Charles Metcalfe and his
Councillors, but to devote his energies to the great work of
founding a system of education for his native country. Much
to the surprise of his friends, and (as he -says in his prefatory
Eaper) " without consulting a human being," he felt that it was
is duty — after the issue of the manifesto of the Toronto
League — to relinquish the work assigned to him, and once more
to take up his pen in defence of one whom he believed to be in
* On the 19th October, 1844, Dr. Ryerson was appointed Superintendent of
Education for Upper Canada. Of his appointment, Rev. Dr. Bethune, Editor of
The Church, on the 25th October, said : — It was an impolitic and a heartless step,
as regards the Church of England in this colony, to raise to the office of Superin-
tendent an individual who has thriven upon his political obliquities, and who owes
his fame, or rather his notoriety, to his unquenchable dislike to the National
Church. In a moment of danger we can forget the injury; but it must not be
thought that we shall sit quietly beneath the wrong.
Rev. Dr. Bethune subsequently changed his opinion of Dr. Ryerson, and, when
Bishop of Toronto, referred to him in some of his public utterances in very kind
and complimentary terms.
1841-44] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 349
the right, and yet who was left single-handed to meet the storm
of popular clamour which had been excited against him by
combined and powerful enemies. Dr. Ryerson, therefore, deter-
mined to decline the appointment offered to him, and to abide
the issue of the impending contest in which he proposed to take
a prominent part. In the opening remarks of this memorable
" Defence," he said : —
I was about entering upon the peaceful work — a work extensive and varied
beyond the powers of the most untiring and vigorous intellect — a work
down to this time almost entirely neglected— of devising and constructing
(by the concurrence of the people, through their District Councils) a fabric
of Provincial common school education — of endeavouring to stud the land
with appropriate school-houses — of supplying them with appropriate books
and teachers — of raising a wretched employment to an honourable profes-
sion— of giving uniformity, simplicity, and efficiency to a general system of
elementary educational instruction — of bringing appropriate books for the
improvement of his profession within the reach of every schoolmaster, and
increased facilities for the attainment of his stipulated remuneration — of
establishing a library in every district, and extending branches of it into
every township — of striving to develop by writing and discourses, in towns,
villages and neighbourhoods, the latent intellect, the most precious wealth of
the country — and of leaving no effort unemployed within the limited range
of my humble abilities, to make Western Canada what she is capable of
being made, the brightest gem in the crown of Her Britannic Majesty. Such
was the work about to be assigned to me; and such was the work I was
resolving, in humble dependence upon the divine aid, to undertake; and no
heart bounds more than mine with desire, and hope, and joy, at the prospect
of seeing, at no distant day, every child of my native land in the school-
going way; and every intellect provided with the appropriate elements of
sustenance and enjoyment; and of witnessing one comprehensive and unique
system of education, from the a, b, c, of the child, up to the matriculation
of the youth into the Provincial University, which, like the vaulted arch of
heaven, would exhibit an identity of character throughout, and present an
aspect of equal benignity to every sect, and every party upon the broad
basis of our common Christianity.
But I arrest myself from such a work — leave it perhaps for other hands,
and the glory of its accomplishment to deck another's brow; and, if need be,
to resign every other official situation; and, unsolicited, unadvised by any
human being — inwardly impelled by a conviction of what is due to my
Sovereign, to my country, to a fellow-man — I take up the pen of vindication,
of reasoning, of warning and appeal, against criminations and proceedings
of impending evil, which, if they be not checked and arrested, will accom-
plish more than the infamous ostracism of an Aristides, render every other
effort to improve and elevate Canada abortive, and strew in wide-spread
desolation over the land the ruins of the throne and its government.
From the date of Mr. Higginson's letter (12th April) until
the 7th of September nothing was done in regard to the appoint-
ment of a Superintendent of Education. On the latter day,
however, Mr. Higginson wrote to Dr. Eyerson as follows : —
We find a great difficulty in making a provisional arrangement for the
Educational duties. The University authorities require the immediate
services of a mathematical professor, and His Excellency proposes Mr.
Murray for the office, which will, it is hoped, be a satisfactory arrangement
S50 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIII.
to all parties ; but Mr. Murray cannot hold both positions, even for a time.
Under these circumstances it appears to be worthy of consideration, whether
your appointment ought not to take place at once, which would not, of
course, interfere with your projected visit to Europe in November, when it
might be easier to make some proper temporary provision for the perform-
ance of your duties during your absence. His Excellency is aware that you
were in favour of deferring your nomination until after your return from
Europe; and if you should adhere to this opinion, you may, perhaps, be
able to suggest some means of meeting the apparent difficulty.
On the 18th September, Mr. Higginson addressed another
note to Dr. Ryerson, in reply to one from him, in which he said :
You will have learned from my last note that Sir Charles approved of
all your suggestions, except the non-announcement of your appointment.
As you see reason to alter your opinion on this point, the difficulty is
removed, and you shall be gazetted in the last week of the month, as you
propose. I wish, with you, that the College question could be settled in
England, if we could only prevail on the contending parties to agree to a
case of facts. This might be accomplished, and I am not without hope that
some scheme may be devised to which no party will have just ground of
objection. I shall write to you upon this subject as soon as anything is
determined on.
At this point I resume the narrative which Dr. Ryerson
had prepared for this volume in regard to his appointment : —
In September, 1844, a vacancy occurred in the Professorship
of Mathematics in the University of Toronto, by the resignation
and return to England of Mr. Potter ; and, as the gentleman
who had been appointed to the Education branch of the Secre-
tary's Office, was reputed to be an excellent mathematician, and
had high testimonials of his qualification, he applied for the
professorship ; evidently feeling the anomalousness of his posi-
tion, and his inability and powerlessness to establish a system
of Public School Education.*
The Governor-General appointed him to the Mathematical
Professorship, and formally offered the Education Office to me.
I laid the official letter containing the offer before the executive
authority (a large committee) of my Church, and was advised
to accept it. But as I had determined to abide by the decision
of the country as to the principles of its future government, on
which I was then appealing to it, I determined not to accept of
office until I should know the result of that appeal.
After the endorsement of my views by all the constituencies
of Upper Canada, with eight exceptions, I felt no hesitation in
* In regard to this appointment, the Hon. Isaac Buchanan, in a letter to the
Editor of this volume, dated March, 1883, said : — I was one of the first to see the
necessity of our getting Dr. Ryerson to take hold of our Educational system, and
I shared the somewhat delicate duty of getting our esteemed friend, Rev. Robert
Murray (whom we had got appointed Assistant-Superintendent of Education), to
accept a professorship at the Toronto University, when Rev. Dr. Ryerson succeeded
to the vacant post in 184*
1841-44] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 851
accepting an office which had been some months before offered
to me. The draft of my official instructions, stating the scope
and design of my appointment and of the task assigned to me,
was written by myself, at the request of Mr. Secretary Daly,
afterwards Governor in Australia.
During rny connection with the Education Department —
from 1844 to 1876 — I made five educational tours of inspection
and enquiry to educating countries in Europe and the United
States. I made an official tour through each county in Upper
Canada, once in every five years, to hold a County Conven-
tion of municipal councillors, clergy, school-trustees, teachers
and local superintendents, and thus developed the School
system as the result of repeated inquiries in foreign countries,
and the freest consultation with my fellow-citizens of all classes,
in the several County Conventions, as well as on many other
occasions.
During the nearly thirty-two years of my administration of
the Education Department, I met with strong opposition at
first from individuals — some on personal, others on religious
and political grounds ; but that opposition was, for most part,
partial and evanescent. During these years I had the support
of each successive administration of .Government, whether of
one party or the other, and, at length, the co-operation of all
religious persuasions; so that in 1876 I was allowed to
retire, with the good-will of all political parties and religious
denominations, and without diminution of iny public means
of subsistence.
I leave to Dr. J. George Hodgins, my devoted friend of over
forty years, and my able colleague for over thirty of these years,
the duty of filling up the details of our united labours in found-
ing a system of education for my native Province which is
spoken of in terms of strong commendation, not only within,
but by people outside of the Dominion.
NOTE. — It is the purpose of the Editor of this book (in accord-
ance with Dr. Ryerson's oft expressed wish) to prepare another
volume, giving, from private letters, memoranda, and various
documents, a personal history of the founding and vicissitudes
of our educational system from 1844 to 1876 inclusive.
CHAPTER XLIV.
1344-1846.
DR. RYERSON'S FIRST EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN EUROPE.
DR. RYERSON left Canada for Europe in November, 1844,
on his first educational tour through Europe. He visited
and examined into the educational systems of Belgium, France,
Italy, Bavaria, Austria, the German States, and Switzerland.
He kept a full diary of his travels. Much of it is out of date,
but I shall give those portions of it which relate to his personal
history, and his impressions of men and things. The epitome
of these travels which he had prepared is as follows : —
England. — Scenery of Essex and Kent from the Thames; landing in Hol-
land; its scenery, palaces, school system, schools, universities, museums,
principal cities and towns, churches, canals and roads.
Belgium. — From Utrecht to Antwerp — cathedral, churches, schools,
museums; Rubens' paintings; Brussels — schools; H6tel de Ville, etc. ; field of
Waterloo; Belgian school system; Howard's Model Prison; convent; uni-
versity buildings.
France. — Journey to Paris; curiosities and peculiarities of Paris; acquaint-
ance with the Protestant clergy; my residence and employments there for
three months, to qualify myself to speak as well as write official letters, etc.,
in the French language.
From Paris to Rome. — Modes of travel; places viewed on the way; Orleans,
Loire, Lyons, Rhone, Avignon, Nismes, Montpellier, Aries ; antiquities ;
Marseilles, Genoa, Leghorn, Civita Vecehia, to Rome.
Rome.— Three weeks among its antiquities, palaces, churches, colleges and
schools.
June 13<A, 1845. — Naples; the peasants on the way from Rome to Naples;
Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Pompeii, museums, hospitals, college, schools.
June 2()th. — In a steamer from Naples to Leghorn, thence in a hired coach
to Pisa and Florence, — beautiful country, and highly cultivated. Employed
four weeks in studying the institutions and peculiarities of Florence ; no
beggars or Jesuits allowed in Florence ; the grand Duke a father to his
people.
July 19th. — Proceeded to Bologna, re-enter the Papal dominions, and
crossed the Appenines; views; a Normal School at Bologna, containing 1,000
pupils, and a Foundling Hospital with 3,000 children.
July 23rd. — Left Bologna in a vetturina, in company with two agreeable
gentlemen, a German and an American; Ferrara; reached the Po, where we
entered Austrian dominions; when we entered the first custom-house in
Italy, the head officers of which did not ask for money, and declined it when
offered to them. Crossed the Adige; interesting places; thence to Venice,
where I spend four days in that wondrous city.
1844-46] THE 8TOEY OF MY LIFE. 353
Bavaria.— In a stage by the Trent, through the Tyrolese Alps to Munich,
capital of Bavaria, where I employed nineteen days in visiting its schools
and museums, conversing with the professors.
From Munich by stage to Ratisbon; down the Danube to Luiz and Vienna
—the most perfect city in its buildings, streets, and gardens I had visited.
Gave a day to go down the Danube to the capital of Hungary.
Bohemia.— From Vienna, through Bohemia, by the first train on the then
new railroad to Prague; women working on the railroad.
Saxorty and Germany.— From Prague to Dresden— visits to schools; thence
to Leipsic — visits to public buildings, schools, and university; thence to
Halle— Franke's foundations, and other schools ; to Wittemburg— Luther
and Melancthon.
Prussia. — Berlin, Sept. 8th. — Examination of its various institution?",
schools, and its university; Hanover, Cologne, Mayence, Wiesbaden, Frank-
fort, Strasbourg, Bale, Zurich; school of M. Fellenburg; Lausanne — Geneva
— to Paris,
Episode in my European travels, 1844, eic. — Acquaintance and travel with
a Russian nobleman, who becomes a Catholic priest — the Pope's Nuncio at
the Court to have the Canadian school regulations for Separate School trans-
lated and published in the Bavarian newspapers; also requested me to be the
bearer of a medal to Cardinal Antonelli. Rome; presentation to, and inter-
view with, the Pope.
London — February 22nd, 1845. — Started this morning in company with a
young Russian nobleman (Dunjowski), for the Continent. We commenced
our voyage on the Thames, wending our way amidst shoals of craft of all
descriptions. The most prominent object in the river was the new "Great
Britain " iron steamer ; she seemed to preside Queen of the waters ; excel-
ling every other ship, as much in the beauty and elegance of her form, as in
the vastness of her dimensions. On our left lay Essex, rising gradually at
a distance from the river; the undulating surface presents a high state of cul-
tivation, variegated by stately mansions, farm-houses, and villages. On the
right lay Kent, remarkable for its historical recollections. The chalk-hills
near Purfleet, the men working in them, also the lime and sand, attracted my
attention as a novelty I had never before witnessed. We had a tolerable
view of Gravesend, the great thoroughfare of south-eastern England. We
passed the ancient village of Tilbury Fort, and Sheerness. We arrived at
Holland on Sunday morning (about twenty hours from London), but could
not ascend the river to Rotterdam on account of the ice. We therefore
steamed to Screvinning, a village on the sea-shore, about three miles from
the Hague. There were about fifty fishing-boats lying on the shore, high
and dry, with their prows to the sea, as the tide was out. I was struck with
their shortness, breadth, strength, and clam-like shape of their bottoms, with
a portion in the centre perfectly flat. The speed of these curiously-con-
structed crafts is considerable ; they sail close to the wind ; having boards
at the side as a substitute for a keel. Our mode of landing was novel.
The boats were run aground, when several stout Dutch sailors jumped into
the water nearly waist deep, and each took a passenger on his shoulders, soon
placing him on terra firma. I have travelled in a great variety of ways, but
I was never before placed on a man's shoulders, astride of his neck; but in
this way I took my leave of the German Ocean. There is not a rock to be
seen on the shore; which consists of fine sand thrown up from the sea, and
forms a bank about twenty feet high; the highest land on the coast of Hol-
land, forming a ridge from one to three miles wide along the northern coast.
Screvinning is principally inhabited by fishermen. The road to the Hague
is perfectly straight, level, and smooth, lying between two rows of oak trees,
one row of which divides between it and a collateral canal — the accompani-
23
354 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XL1V.
ment of every road throughout Holland. At 5 p.m. we went to the French
Protestant Church, the place in which the famous Saurin delivered his elo-
quent discourses. The congregation was thin; my emotions and recollections
of Saurin contrasted with the present preacher and congregation. The pulpit
was at the side ; the form of the church was amphi-theatrical. I noticed old
Bibles, and Psalms ; the text was Luke xxiii 27-28. A moderate preacher,
calm, solemn and graceful; baptisms after the service. Went i'rom the
French to the English Church; only fifteen persons were present, including
ourselves. I spoke to the clergyman (Mr. Beresford), introducing ourselves,
and the object of our mission.
February, 24£&. — "Went to the British Embassy with Rev. Mr. Beresford ;
from thence to the Royal Library ; and then proceeded to the Chinese and
Japanese collection of curiosities ; then on to the Gallery of Paintings ; some
very exquisite. From thence to the residence of the Russian (Greek) clergy-
man, Chaplain to the Queen of Holland, who kindly shewed us the Queen's
private apartments — refined taste, and great magnificence. Then on to a
Protestant school, of about 800 poor children, which is supported by subscrip-
tion. The King is a subscriber to the amount of 1,000 guilders. The teachers
consist of a head master and four assistants. No monitors ; admirable con-
struction of the seats ; excellent order of the children ; rod never used —
shame, the chief instrument of correction ; fine specimens of painting ;
Scriptures read, and prayers four times a day ; salary of the head master
1,000 guilders, and assistants from 300 to 400 ; books furnished to the
children, and all the stationery ; an excellent building, well-ventilated,
comfortably warm, and perfectly clean ; the children remain from six to
twelve years of age. Saw the British Charg^ d'Aifaires, who procured me a
general letter of introduction to teachers, etc. , throughout Holland, from the
Minister of the Interior. Visited the largest and principal free school
at the Hague ; it contains about eleven hundred children, girls and
boys, taught by a head-master, aided by a second, and five other under-
masters, and five assistants, lads from fifteen to eighteen years of age. No
master ever sits, or has a seat to sit on. Were conducted by the Russian
clergymen to the palace again ; the state apartments were splendid indeed ;
collection of paintings extensive and most select ; hot-houses and gardens
delightful. Spent the evening with this gentleman, and was deeply inter-
ested in his conversation on his own labours, and the customs and character
of the Hollanders.
February 25</i. — Left the Hague for Leyden. The country perfectly level,
looking like a low meadow won from the empire of water by the industry of
man, intersected by dykes and canals, interspersed with villas and good
private dwellings ; here and there a wood of twenty or fifty years growth.
On our way we visited Dr. de Rendt, who keeps the most select private
school in Holland for the first class of nobility and gentry.
February 26th — Leyden. — Attended the University, and conversed at large
with the Inspector of Schools for the district, Mr. Blusse, who gave the
history, and explained the whole system of elementary education in Holland.
Visited six schools, admirable upon the whole. Three thousand poor chil-
dren are taught in them, at an expense to the State. Visited the Museum,
University, and Library ; then proceeded to Haarlem, examined the school-
rooms of the celebrated Mr. Prinsen and afterwards heard his own views of
the essentials of a good system of popular education : his remarks were pro-
found and practical. He remarked, "a good system of education consists in
the men. Theory and practice make the teacher. The government of the
head, how acquired and how exercised. Few books; much exposition." His
business for forty-four years has been to make school-masters. Religious
instruction, history of his own career and of his own school. Afterwards
1844-46] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 355
examined Caster's monument and the church; heard the organ, and proceeded
to Amsterdam.
Feb. 27th — Amsterdam. — Had some talk with the Government Inspector
of Schools. Visited a school, taught by a Roman Catholic, in which there
were 950 children in one room, all quiet, and all attentive. There were
four masters and twelve assistants. They have prayers four times a day.
Feby. 28th. — Went to Saundau. Reflections on Peter the Great. Visited
the palace, its paintings and museum. Took supper with the Rev. Mr.
Jameson, Episcopal clergyman.
March 1st — Belgium.— Proceeded to Utrecht, thence to Antwerp.
March 2nd — Sunday. — Went to the cathedral; paintings by Rubens;
earnestness and oratory of the preacher. Went to St. Pauls ; the streets very
quiet
March 3rd. — Visited the Jesuit's church, and three schools ; phonic and
Lancasterian method of teaching. Visited the museum, the city, the view
from the tower of the cathedral, statues of Rubens, of the Virgin and
Saviour. Proceeded to Brussels; visited three schools; courteously received;
arrangements good. Visited the Hotel de Ville; Gobelin tapestry; history of
Clovis; abdication of Charles V. Paintings. Reflections.
March 4th. — Spent three hours in examining the field of Waterloo. Went
to Nivelles and visited the Normal School for south Belgium; all the arrange-
ments perfect. Returned to Brussels.
March 3rd. — Left Brussels for Ghent; met a commissioner at the railway
station, and visited the Government Model School ; the views of the intelli-
gent master were very excellent. Called on a Doctor to whom I had a letter
of introduction. He explained the school system of Belgium with great clear-
ness. Visited the prison, the celebrated establishment that excited the
admiration of Howard, and after the model of which several prisons in
England and America have been built. There were about twelve hundred
prisoners — arrangements wonderful, discipline apparently perfect — kept by
twenty-eight men. Visited a poorhouse, a benevolent establishment to assist
poor old people; about three hundred inmates; grateful feelings, sympathy.
Visited the celebrated convent, containing about eight hundred nuns,
who come and remain voluntarily ; none, it is said, have ever left. Visited
the university buildings — the best I have seen on the continent ; lecture-
rooms very fine. Left for Lille, in France; courteously treated at the French
custom house.
March 8th — Paris. — On our way from Lille we crossed a branch of the
Rhine and the Meuse on the ice; country level and well cultivated; passed
Cambray and other towns. Walked to the park, Tuileries, to the Triumphal
Arch of Napoleon — a world of magnificence,
March 9th. — Studying French; walked through ajid around the Palais
Royale in the boulevards — noble, splendid.
March Wth — Suuday.— Attended the Wesleyan chapel— about one hundred
present— then the English Church; thence to the Madeleine Church — most
magnificent; congregation vast; music and chanting excellent beyond descrip-
tion ; discourse read ; paintings and sculpture fine; church built by Napoleon.
March llth. — Went to Dr. Grampier,. the director of the French Protes-
tant Evangelical Mission, a pious man, an able author, at the head of an
excellent institution having missions in Africa as well as in different parts
of France.
March 12th.— Removed to new lodgings ; tolerably comfortable.
March 13th. — Went to the university; heard lecture on history ; Attended
an evening party at Dr. Grampier's; was introduced to several gentlemen of
rank and wealth. Singing and reading of the Scriptures ; much pleased
with the party ; as many ladies as gentlemen; assembled at eight, broke up
at eleven o'clock.
356 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIV.
March 14th. — Heard a most splendid lecture on astronomy from the
celebrated Arago ; audience very large; the professor had no notes; the
subject was light — comets, causes of the changes in the color of the stars,
etc., etc.; lecture two hours, much cheered.
March 15th. — Went to the French Chamber of Deputies ; saw Guizot.
Difference between the French Chamber of Deputies and the British House
of Commons struck me — 1st. The more ample accommodations for mem-
bers ; 2nd. The little attention which appeared to be paid to the President
of the .Chamber ; 3rd. In the members going to the tribune to speak, and
reading their speeches ; 4th. In the position of the different officers of the
House ; 5th. The fine appearance of the servants, and the very convenient
accommodations for them ; 6th. The superior accommodations for strangers.
Heard two lectures at the university, one on mineralogy; lecture good ;
specimens numerous — the other on electricity ; splendid lecturer ; fine illus-
trations.
March IQth — Sunday. — Went to the Oratoire, the principal Protestant
place of worship; about seventy catechumens admitted; the dress of the
females white. Sermon by Mr. Monod; text — "Mon Jits, donne-moi ton
coeur;" very practical and impressive; the singing peculiarly touching. He
is a complete talking machine; read from Lamartine, as did M. Delille
beautifully and effectively.
March \1ih. — Close application to the study of French all day. Anecdotes
at breakfast respecting the pride of Victor Hugo. Walked along the Seine,
then across the river into Notre Dame — the Westminister Abbey of Paris —
worthy of the appellation.
March ISth. — Pursued my studies till 7 p.m., when I attended a party
given by Count Gasparin, M.H.D., who, with his father, is styled the Wil-
berforce of France — the one being a member of the House of Peers, the
other of the House of Deputies. They are regarded as the representatives
., of Protestantism in the French Legislature. Had a good deal of conversa-
tion with Dr. Grampier, on the strength, state, and prospects of Protestantism
' in France; also the mode of instructing young persons for public recognition
in the Church, and admission to the Holy Communion. These catechumens
are instructed two or three times a week, for six months, in the evidences,
doctrines, and morals of Christianity. They are then examined, and if they
shew themselves qualified, they are publicly admitted. The ceremony of
admission takes place twice a year, a little before Easter, and at Pentecost.
None are admitted under fifteen years of age. Dr. Grampier considered
that Protestantism was decidedly gaining upon Popery; and that his own
university had been as successlul amongst the Catholics, as amongst Protes-
tants, in genuine heart conversions; that whole congregations in some parts
of France had embraced Protestantism. His remarks respecting Guizot
were interesting and curious. The mother of this great man is now eighty-
four years of age, a woman of great vigour of mind; a saint, and nursing-
mother in Israel; she offers daily prayers for her son. Guizot is an orthodox
Protestant, employed Dr. Grampier to instruct and prepare his children for
the Holy Communion, but never goes to church himself, but has told Dr.
Grampier that he prays every day. He has been much afflicted in the loss
of two wives whom he greatly loved; and also of a son, about twenty-one, a
young man of most amiable disposition, great acquirements, talents and
virtues. Conversed also with Count Gasparin, who appears to be a truly
converted man; spoke of the inefficiency of a formal religion, and the neces-
sity of the religion of the heart. Mentioned the readiness of Roman
Catholics to hear Protestant missionaries. He believes that God is about to
do a great work in France. The Count is an author; his father has been
Minister of the Interior.
March IQth. — Heard lecture on chemistry by Prof. Dumas, one of the
ablest chemists of the present day, and a most eloquent lecturer.
1844-46] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 357
March 20th — Good Friday. — Went to hear a Protestant Clergyman, one of
the most pious and able ministers in Paris ; his manner unaffected, eloquent,
and impressive. No organ ; singing good, all sang. It being a holy day,
crowds were everywhere ; streets for miles were filled with three, and some-
times four lines of carriages, of all descriptions ; the broad sidewalks were
literally crowded with pedestrians, forming solid masses from twenty to fifty
feet wide, and extending two miles. Order was preserved by soldiers and
cavalry, stationed at short distances. I never paw such a moving mass of
people, embracing, no doubt, every nation in Europe and America. The
attractions of the harlequins, jugglers, hucksters, etc., of all descriptions,
surpass imagination. I walked to Napoleon's Arch of Triumph ; observed
the inscriptions and remarkable figures on that elegant and extraordinary
structure ; ascended to the top, and there enjoyed one of the most magni-
ficent views I ever beheld, embracing all Paris -and its environs for many
miles, the day being cloudless ; the serpentine Seine, the richly cultivated
country, its parks, its gardens, its arcades of trees, its villas, churches, colleges,
hospitals, paiaces, squares, and monuments, together with the elegant Tuil-
eries, the noble Louvre, the magnificent Champs Elysees, the playing foun-
tains, the spacious streets, and the moving masses of people, presented a scene
which for variety, splendour, and I may add, solemnity, could not be excelled
by any prospect that might have been commanded on the pinnacle of Jeru-
salem's Temple. In fifty years the mass of this vast multitude will be
numbered amongst a bygone generation; and these stately works of art shall
perish. What a worm am I amongst such a multitude ! yet I am destined to
immortality ; have but a few years to live in a probationary state, but an
eternity to exist !
March 21st. — Went to the Louvre to see the paintings ; about two thousand
in number ; some large and splendid, many beautiful, and some affecting ;
none of the paintings from sacred history equal those I have seen in England,
Holland, and Belgium, especially in Antwerp.
March 22nd — Easter. — Went to the Oratoire, where a discourse was
delivered, and the Lord's Supper celebrated. The preacher, Mons. Venueil,
was so impressive and affecting that the greater part of the congregation were
in tears several times. Being Easter Sunday, his subject was the resurrection
of Christ, He reminded me of Saurin. The spe'ctacle presented of the
communicants standing around a long table, and the minister in the midst,
at one side, distributing the emblems with suitable addresses, reminded me
of pictures I have seen of Christ at the Last Supper. The catechumens who
had been received on the previous Sabbath, first partook. I, for the first
time, communed with French Protestants, and T felt it good to be there. I
attended the Wesleyan chapel ; service in French ; congregation about
seventy-five ; preacher (a little Frenchman), quite animated ; he quoted
many passages of Scripture, chapter and verse, proving the universality of
the Atonement. The communion followed.
March 24th, 1845. — This day I am forty -two years of age! My life is
more than half gone, at the best. The recollections of the past year are
painful and humiliating beyond expression. It has been the least spiritual
year of my Christian life. For some weeks past I have been revived in my
purposes, devotions and enjoyments. By God's grace, my future life and
labours shall be His. I have never before felt so keenly the weakness and
depravity of the human heart ; nor have I ever felt so deeply the necessity
and the sufficiency of the atoning blood of Christ. He is all. All is wretched-
ness and death without Him.
March 26lh. — Worked very hard at my French studies ; much discouraged,
but must not abandon my efforts to speak a new language. Visited the
Pantheon — wondrous structure — a sovereign's pride, and a nation's monu-
ment Visited the tombs of the dead ; ascended to the dome — magnificent
358 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIV.
view; fine paintings in fresco. My impressions will never be effaced. Thia
evening was in company with Count Gasparin and his noble father, and Mr.
Monod, one of the principal Protestant ministers in Paris. Mr. Monod
spoke strongly of Puseyism ; mentioned that he was at a school this week
where there were twelve Protestant young ladies sent from England to be
educated in a Papal school, and every one of them had become Roman
Catholics. He told me there was no intercourse between the Protestants in
France and Holland ; he considers vital religion is advancing in Holland.
March 27th. — Went to the Observatoire ; heard lecture from Mons. Arago ;
room crowded. Visited the beautiful gardens of the Luxembourg.
March 30th. — Heard Mons. Armand Delille (my host) preach, in Dr.
Grampier's Church ; impressive ^ervice, and a comfortable place of worship
outside the gates of the city.
March 31st. — Commenced receiving lessons in French from Mons.
O. de Lille; believe I shall soon be able to speak. The name of God be praised
for His help and blessing !
April 2na. — Went to the College (Sorbonne) ; heard a lecture on Botany.
April 3rd. — Was strongly talked with for not speaking French ; Oh, that
God would help me ; I desire to employ it to His honour. Heard Mons.
Arago on Astronomy.
April 5th. — Commenced conversing in French, in good earnest. Heard a
lecture by Mons. Depretz on Modern History, in which the eloquent lecturer
drew a parallel between France and Rome, and the reign, of Augustus and
the career of Buonaparte, of course in favour of the latter.
April 6th — Sabbath. — Attended church both morning and evening. Re-
ceived this morning a present of several books in French from the pious
author of them ; read the description and reflections upon " J^sus Be"nissant
les Enfants " ; was deeply affected with the remembrance of the manner in
which my most pious and excellent mother brought me, in various ways, to
the Saviour, when I was a little boy. I owe my all to her, as a divinely-
owned instrument, in my early conversion and dedication of myself to God
and His Church. She is now on the verge of heaven — may grace strengthen
me to meet her there.
April 7th. — Heard four lectures this day on law, chemistry, theology, and
philosophy. The lecture on theology was on the authenticity of the Scrip-
tures— cdmparing the prophecies of Isaiah with the narrative of the evan-
gelists. Lecture on philosophy was devoted to an admirable analysis of
Locke.
April 8th. — Attended four lectures at the university at 9 o'clock. " Droit
de la nature et des nations," (in the college of France) by Mons. de Postels;
" Poe"sie latine," by M. Patin, the subject was Horace; " Anatomie, physio-
logie comp. et zoologie," by De Blainville; much of geological theory;
" Physique-Acoustique," by M. Despretz; musical instruments.
April 9th. — Have attended five lectures: "Histoire de Litterature Grecque,"
by Egger; "Histoire Eccldsiastique," by 1'Abbe Jager; "Botanique anat. et
Physiologic Vdgetales," by Payer; "The"ologie Morale," by 1'Abbe Receveur.
April 10th. — Attended three full lectures, and part of a fourth. 1st
Eloquence latine — Cicero, by M. Hanet; 2nd. Histoire Moderne, by M. Mich-
elet, celebrated, (College de France) crowded audience and much applause;
3rd. Litterature Grecque; 4th. Histoire Moderne, par M. Sornement. I
understood more than I ever did before. The name of the Lord be praised!
April llth. — Attended five lectures. 1st. Civil Law of France; 2nd.
Astronomical Geography; 3rd. Sacred Literature; 4th. Botany and Vege-
table Physiology; 5th. French Eloquence. Read French and English with
a young collegian. The name of the Lord be praised for the goodness of
this day, and for the success of my labours!
1844-46] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 359
April 12lh. — Was enabled to make a long recitation this morning, and
have attended five lectures at the university. Received a parcel from Lon-
don, furnishing me with Canadian papers; how refreshing is news from
home in a foreign country. Thus has my heavenly Father blest me with all
good things.
April 13th — Sabbath.— Attended service at the Chapelle Tailbout; M.
Bridel preached on prayer; thence to the Wesleyan Chapel, which was
crowded. Eead the religious intelligence from Canada. 1 rejoice to hear
of the doings of my brethren; the success of the work in their hands; hope
still to labour with them.
April 14th. — Attended four lectures at the university, besides my studies.
I pray my heavenly Father to assist and prosper my* exertions. I can do
nothing without confidence in Him. To the glory of His name shall the
fruit of my unworthy labours be consecrated.
April 15th. — Attended the meeting of the " Societe des Introits gene'raux
du Protestantisme francais." Proceedings commenced with prayer. The
meeting was addressed by a number of pasteurs; most of the speakers had
notes. Also attended the annual meeting of the " Societe" des Traite's re-
ligieux" in the Chapelle Tailbout; report well read; speeches short and ener-
getic.
April 16th. — Attended the Conference of the Protestant Pastors, in the
Consistory of the Oratoire. About sixty present; the proceedings opened
with prayer. The President then asked the members present to propose the
subject of their friendly conversation; several were proposed. Two hours
brotherly conversation took place on the duties, powers, and interests of the
synod. Most of those who spoke had notes; delivered their sentiments
sitting; were asked in order. Attended the twenty-fifth anniversary of the
" Societe" Biblique Protestante;" commenced with prayer and singing. The
Count de Gasparin spoke extemporaneously, and with great elegance and
ease. A number spoke with energy and force; the last speaker selected
passages to show that the Gospel is not incomprehensible to the vulgar, as
Eomanists as*sert; also attended the annual meeting of the " Socie"W Evan-
gelique de France;" Chairman read a very short address; several spoke; M.
de Gasparin concluded by prayer.
April 17th. — Attended the Conference of Pastors; the proceedings the
same as yesterday. At the annual meeting of the " Societe" des Missions
Evangelique;" the chair was occupied by a venerable old man, who seemed,
from the allusions made, to be an old friend and supporter of the Society.
The aged President read with a feeble voice a short address. There were
nine speakers; the last the venerable Monod, who delivered a charge and
parting address to the young men who were going to Africa. He embraced
in his address the marrow of the Gospel, its power, its promises, its precious-
ness. The young men were deeply affected, as were all present. He directed
them to the power and promises of Christ; assured them of the continued
sympathy of the Protestant pastors and churches of France. Another pastor
volunteered a few words of address to the young men, on the distribution of
religious tracts, and everywhere proclaiming themselves as the missionaries
of Christ from France. There was a most affectionate greeting of pastors
and old friends. In the Consistory Chapel of the Oratoire de 1'Eglise, there
are four busts of ministers whose memory is cherished by their survivors. The
names and epitaphs are as follows :— (1) F. Methezet— " II se repose de ses
travaux et ses ceuvres le suivent." (2) J. A. Barbant— " Je sais en qui j'ai
cru." (3) J, Monod— "Christ est ma vie, et la mort est gain." (4) P. H.
Marron — " O mort ou est ton aiguillon ! 0 s^pulcre ou est ta victoire !"
April 18th.— Attended the annual meeting of the "Societ6 Biblique
Frangoise et Etrangere." Count de Gasparin in the chair; speeches spirited;
360 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIV.
details of report interesting and encouraging. Went to Dr. Grampier's; a
social meeting of pastors, to converse and pray on the subject of Missions;
subject of conversations; the Missionary work and spirit. From thence
went to an annual party, where there was much of fashion and elegance;
magnificent tea; peculiar manners; conversed with Mr. Touse, an English
clergyman, and with M. Q. de Gasparin.
April 19th. — Attended the annual meeting of the " Soci^te pour 1'encour-
agement et 1'instruction primairie le protestants de France." The Protestants
are not satisfied with the system of mixed schools; they wish to have exclu-
sively Protestant schools. The report was full, explicit, and decided. Several
speeches from the principal Protestant ministers, dwelling upon religious
instruction in primary schools. Attended the morning conference; nothing
new in the proceedings; but there was a marriage; but neither groomsmen
nor bridesmaids. Address of the pastor. The bride led by her father, the
brother-in-law leading the bridegroom; salutations of friends; the presenta-
tion of the wedding-ring by the father of the bride; presentation of a Bible
to the newly-married couple; touching offering to the poor.
April 20th — Sabbath. —Went to the "Institution des Diaconesses de 1'Eglise
Evang61ique de France." The situation is delightful. Several addresses
and statements of affairs. Employed the evening in religious study. Wit-
nessed much lightness among certain ministers of the Protestant Reformed
Church. The prevalent views here respecting the sanctity of the Sabbath
are very different from those which prevail either in England or Canada.
April 25th. — Visited several schools of the Protestant dissenters in Paris
— called " Ecoles Gratuit^s." The first was the Female Normal School,
containing nineteen pupils. I was impressed with the admirable arrange-
ment of the school and its appliances, as well as the taste and neatness of
the botanical garden. The dormitory was plain, neat, and airy; in it on the
wall were pasted the following passages of Scripture, viz., Psalms xv. 9.,
Amos iv. 12. There were two schools for boys and girls attached to the
institution, but these several departments constitute one school — all Roman
< 'atholic children taught by Protestants, on strictly Protestant principles.
The priests make no opposition. People independent of the priests.
April 26th. — Pursued my studies with encouraging success. Visited M.
Toase who gave me useful information.
April 21th — Sabbath. — Heard M. Toase; went afterwards to the Madeleine;
building magnificent; passed through the garden of the Tuileries; a para-
dise of a place; shades; walks; grass-plots; lakes; fountains; fish; statues;
amusements; but, alas ! what profanation of the Sabbath !
April 30th. — Went to Versailles; grand and little Trainon, magnificent.
May 1st. — The King's birthday and fete; illuminations; fireworks; appear-
ance of the King Louis Philippe on the balcony of the palace. The Tuileries ;
the Champs Elysees; booths; fetes; riding; examples of physical strength;
girls riding; jumping; great multitudes; good order preserved; Church of
St. Roch; music; saw Lord Cowley; his kindness in lending me his ticket
for the House of Peers; getting recommendations from the Government;
documents on education, etc.
May 3rd. — Visited Notre Dame; Hdtel-Dieu; Chambre des Pairs; Cha-
pelle; gallery of paintings; nuns; few peers present; old men; session
short; not imposing; fine paintings in the Chapel; admirable selection in
the gallery ; answer from Lord Cowley.
May 8th. — Have devoted several days to study, nothing worthy of remark.
May 9th. — Left Paris for Lyons ; on the top of the diligence on the
railroad to Orleans, level, fertile country; passed through Orleans; saw
Cathedral ; Jeanne d'Arc ; Loire ; historical recollections.
1844-46] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 361
May 12th. — Examined the curiosities of the town ; rough-looking people ;
homage to the Virgin; "H6tel du Midi;" view from the Observatoire ;
Roman antiquities.
May 13th. — Left Lyons in a steamer for Avignon ; confluence of the
Rhone and Soane ; varied, beautiful, and sometimes bold ; romantic scenery
on the Rhone. Vienne ; vineyards ; wines ; St. Villars ; Pontius Pilate ;
river very narrow and crooked ; Roch de Tain ; Hannibal ; vista of the
valley of the Isere ; Alps ; Valence ; St. Pay; Peroy; wine of St. Percy ;
Castle of Crupol ; Drdme ; Montilvart ; Viviers ; rocks ; canal ; Ardiche ;
" Paul St. Esprit," great curiosity ; Roquemon ; women carrying stones ;
noble and extensive work on the banks of the river, and in the erection of
new bridges.
May 14th. — Avignon ; wall ; view from the tower of the Cathedral ;
visit it ; paintings very beautiful ; palace ; inquisition ; left Avignon for
Beaucaire; river uninteresting; thence to Nismes by railway; poor country ;
asses and mules used ; women shoeing them ; people athletic, but very
passionate and quarrelsome.
May 15th. — Examined the antiquities of Nismes; truly wonderful and
interesting.
May 16th. — Arrived at Montpellier ; narrow streets ; Citadel Fountaine ;
promenade ; Jardin des Plantes ; Mrs. Temple's tomb ; read a passage from
Young's Night Thoughts there ; Bannia Palm ; Ecole de Medicine ; Cathe-
dral ; Museum of Painting.
May Vjth. — Returned to Nismes ; revisited the Amphitheatre and the
Maison Care"e ; beautiful in proportion and execution. Returned to
Beacaise ; visited the Castle ; very high, and remarkably strong ; crossed
the river to examine a castle, now a prison ; historical recollections of both
castles. Visited the Church dedicated to St. Martha ; curious front. Visited
St. Martha's Tomb ; felt awful in the grim darkness, rendered barely visible
by the flickering lamp ; inscription at the head of the Tomb : " Solicita
Noritubatur ; singular well ; old women in the Church ; the Image of St.
Martha, with its knees and feet worn by kissing. Proceeded to Cette ; the
Amphitheatre is by no means as well preserved as that of Nismes, but larger ;
the walls immeasurably thick. Saw the remains of a Roman, theatre ; its
curious workmanship attests its former magnificence.
May 18th — Sabbath. — Back at Marseilles, but no Sabbath here ; theatres
all open, and crowds pressing into them ; saw some curious handbills about
the Pope granting indulgences ; holy water in the churches ; children
using it.
May 20th. — Coast from Marseilles, bold, varied, picturesque ; barren rocks;
vineyards and olive trees ; entrance into the bay and harbor of Genoa very
beautiful.
May 21st. — In Genoa the streets are very narrow; the buildings very high;
the city clean ; all preferable to Paris : left for Leghorn.
May 22nd. — At Leghorn, visited Smollet's tomb. At Pisa, saw the lean-
ing tower ; baptistry, etc.
May 23rd. — Entered Rome at sunset. We could see St. Peter's more than
fifteen miles off,
May 25th. — Commenced visiting the churches of the city. 1. Temple of
Antonius ; column to his honour, and his victories inscribed. 2. Church of
St. Ignazia; tomb of Gregory XV. 3. Pantheon of Agrippa — built 22 B.C.,
of Oriental granite brought from Egypt. The obelisk is from the Temple of
Isis. 4. In the second chapel to the left, Raphael was buried in 1520. He
gave orders to his scholar Lorenzetto to make the statue of the Virgin,
behind which he is buried. It is ornamented by gold and silver offerings of
trinkets, rings, and bracelets. 5th. Piazza della Minerva — formerly Temple
362 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIV.
of Minerva, another of Isis, another of Serapis, now a rhurch obelisk. Statue
of Michael Angelo. 6. Roman College. 7. Palace of Prince Doria. In the
picture gallery I was especially struck by a beautiful painting of the Holy
Family ; also Titian, by himself, his last work. Visited the Church of St.
Joseph — uuder which was the Mamertine Prison, where St. Paul was con-
fined. Arch of Titus. The Church of St. Peter's in Vincola has twenty
pillars from the Diocletian Bath, two of them Oriental granite. Michael
Angelo's last work is a marble figure of Moses, with the two tables of the
law under his right arm, — magnificent. There are also twelve magnificent
marble figures of the twelve apostles.
May 26th. — Church of St. Maria, in Villicella; festival in honour of St
Fillippo. High mass was celebrated in presence of the Pope and cardinals.
I stood near the altar, and had a good view of them alL The Pope passed
twice within a few feet of me; was carried in a splendid chair by twelve
men, who passed up the aisle into the vestry. He is eighty years of age,
good looking and walked with a firm step; he blessed the people as he
passed. The cardinals kissed the Pope's hand, the priests his toe or foot.
Next went to the Church of the Jesuits, where there is a splendid represen-
tation of Religion, giving the foot to Protestant heresy in the person of
Luther and Calvin.
June 1st — Sunday. — Went to the Roman College to the worship of the
congregation of Jesuits. In another hall a discourse was being delivered
1o the pupils, some four hundred being present. At St. Paul's, was shown
the house in which St. Paul resided during two years a prisoner in Rome.
Witnessed an extraordinary but most impressive servile in the celebrated
Amphitheatre, where, it is said, 200,000 Christians were put to death in two
centuries.
June 6lh. — During the last five days have been studying Italian, and
revisiting some of the more remarkable remains of Roman antiquities,
colleges, and schools ; also a prison for women, well managed and arranged ;
much attention is paid to their religious instruction.
June 10th — Sabbath. — Visited the Churches of St. John, and Maria
Maggiore ; visited one of the most important and interesting schools of the
Christian Brothers ; 400 pupils tauglit by four masters ; 4,000 pupils are
taught by the same fraternity. Visited also the College of Propaganda ;
was shewn by the Rector over the whole establishment ; it is wonderful, the
influence of which is felt in all lands ; he shewed me the oldest and most
curious MSS. I ever saw.
June 14th. — Arrived at Naples, after a stage journey of thirty hours.
Peasants very lazy ; passed the murdered body of a man. As we advanced
we observed a great change in the manners and habits of the people.
June 15th — Sabbath. — Vesuvius was splendid last night, to a degree, I
understand that has not been seen since 1839. Visited the Poor House; the
establishment accommodates upwards of 2,000.
June 16th — Visited Pompeii, and Herculaneum, and Vesuvius. Met with
the Jesuit Prefect of Educational Institutions ; and a Priest from the
United States. From the Jesuit I obtained a full account of the educational
institutions in Naples; from the American Priest much useful information
on various subjects. Ascended Mount Vesuvius; when we reached the
summit my face was burnt; lava falling all round us — God of dreadful
majesty, who art a "consuming fire !" Beheld here the setting sun — God of
glory who art "the light of the world !" Descending we reached our hotel
about midnight; thank God for His protection and mercy.
June 18th — Went to the museum to examine the antiquities of Hercu-
Isenum and Pompeii. Left for Leghorn.
1844-46] THE STORY OF 'MY LIFE. 363
June 20th — Pisa. — Took a coach with two other gentlemen; a beautiful
ride of eight hours along the valley of the Arno, from Pisa to Florence. The
best cultivated country, and the best looking peasantry I have ever seen; the
river walled, and the bridges fine. '
June 24th. — The celebration of the Feast of John the Baptist, commenced
by a chariot race, after the fashion of the chariots in the games of the Greeks
and Romans.
June 26th. — The Grand Duke of Tuscany will not allow Jesuits in his
dominion; but in Naples the Jesuits are all powerful — confessors to the king
and royal family — and that even an artist cannot get employment who has
not a Jesuit for a confessor.
July 19th. — This day I leave Florence after four weeks of study, and
acquaintance with its schools, arts and science.
July 20th — Bologna. — Crossed the Appenines, and had a view of the
Adriatic. Visited the Scoules Normali, containing upwards of 1,000 pupils.
July 23rd. — Left Bologna in a vetturina for Ferrara, in company with a
German and two Americans. Ferrara is fallen, forsaken, solitary.
July 25th. — Crossed the Po in a curious ferry-boat, and entered the Lom-
bardo- Venetian dominions of Austria. Here I met with the first instance in
Italy of money not being asked by Custom House officers; every part of the
proceeding indicated dignity unknown to the Papal States. Crossed the
Adige by a ferry; passed through Monselice, near which is the town and
castle of Este. North of Este is Argna, or Argnota, where Petrarch
retreated, dwelt, and died ! Next passed through Battaglia and Padua ; on
the left is Abano, the birth-place of Livy. Gothic laggia, vast hall, said to
be the largest unsupported roof in the world, built by Frate Giovanni; bust
and tomb of Livy.
July 30th. — Came on to Venice, where we spent four days; a wondrous city.
August 4th. — Have been in Munich nineteen days ; visited its museum,
churches, elementary schools, &c., &c. ; conversed with many professors.
August 25th. — Left Munich; passed through Landsport; arrived at Ratis-
bon; visited Valhalla; descended the Danube to Liuz.
Sept. 3rd — The city of Vienna is the most perfect I have seen, in its
buildings, streets, gardens, etc.; it would furnish me with materials for a
volume were I a writer of travels.
Sept. 4th. — Came through Bohemia by the first railroad train from Vienna
to Prague, where I remained two days. The houses in the villages through
which we passed, were all of one story, thatched with straw; the peasants
wear skins, and women work on the railroads.
Sept. 5th. — Left Prague in a small steamer for Dresden; visited Dr.
Blockman's school; every appurtenance ; very complete schools, both public
and private. From thence on to Leipsic; visited all the principal build-
ings; visited the Burgher school, designed for the education of the middle
ranks, and those of the upper ranks, if desired.
Sept. 15th and 16th. — From Leipsic went on to Halle (in Prussia); visited
the schools on Franke's Foundations; several farms belong to the establish-
ment; there are six schools, rather small; there are free scholars, orphans, and
money scholars. Went to the University.
Sept. 17th — Wittemburg. — This morning visited the church in which Luther
first preached the doctrines of the Reformation, and where both Luther and
Melancthon are buried; I ascended the pulpit, and there prayed that the
spirit of the Reformation might more abundantly rest upon me ; I experi-
enced strong sensations on entering the church; it is a plain building with a
few monuments; the statue (bronze) of Luther is in the market-place, with
the words : —
" Ist's Gottes Werk, so wird's bestehen;
Ist's Menschen, so wird's untergehen."
3C4 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIV.
We then visited the house in which Melancthon lived, now being repaired;
Luther's chamber in the convent; his study, with his chair, table, and stove;
his library, his bed-room; at his table I knelt and prayed, and renewed my
covenant "with my God. I afterwards visited the place where Luther burnt
the Pope's Bull.
Sept. 18th — Berlin. — Employed the day in visiting the great schools of this
magnificent city: Frederick William Gymnasium, Dorothean Higher City
School, Koyal Red School, embracing both the classical and scientific depart-
ments; went over the establishment.
Sept. 19th. — Visited the University and Picture Gallery; went through
all the apartments of the City Trade School ; the collection of apparatus and
specimens to carry out the course of instruction is perhaps the most complete
in Prussia, in schools of this class.
Sept. 2Qth. — Potsdam — a magnificent place ; went into the Court, and
visited several of the rooms of the Royal Military School — a noble establish-
ment ; visited the Normal School ; witnessed the teaching of two of the
pupil-teachers, — both used the blackboard, and both appeared thorough
masters of what they were teaching, using no books, — other pupil-tlachers
were looking on ; never saw a finer class of young men.
Sept. 23rd. — Berlin. Dined with the British Ambassador, and had an
interview with the Prussian Minister of Public Instruction; witnessed the
semi-annual parade of the Prussian army — more than 10,000 men ; saw also
the King of Prussia and the Empress of Russia.
Sept. 24th. — Hanover. Passed through several townships ; visited the
Palace ; saw the gold and silver plate, much of which belonged to former
British Sovereigns; visited Herrenhausen, favourite residence of George I.
and II. of England.
Sept. 28th. — Cologne. Visited Cathedral and Churches ; saw the tomb of
Charlemagne, and the house in which Rubens was born.
Oct. 1st. — Bonn. Saw the University buildings ; saw the great Catholic
Normal School, at Bright.
Oct. 2?id. — Mayence. Ascended the Rhine from Bonn, — embracing all the
magnificent scenery of this celebrated river.
Oct. 3rd. — Visited Wiesbaden, capital of Hesse-Cassel ; went to Frankfort ;
visited Burgher School there, 700 children. Birth-place and monument of
Goethe.
Oct. 5th. — Strasburg. Left Frankfort; passed through Darmstadt; heard
two sermons in French, and one in German ; visited the magnificent Cathe-
dral, and Normal School.
Oct. 7th. — Zurich. Came to Bale yesterday ; arrived here this morning ;
visited the great Cantonal Industrial School — noble building.
Oct. Sth. — Cargon. Obtained much information from the director of the
Gymnase, Real and Higher Burgher School here.
Oct. 9th. — Berne. Travelled through a mountainous and picturesque
country to Papiermtihle ; walked three miles to the celebrated school of M.
de Fallenberg ; had the whole system explained — gymnasium, real, inter-
mediate, poor, and limited to the number of thirty; dined at the Agricultural
School, — situated on a gentle hill, in the midst of the valley of Switzerland,
surrounded by mountains, — I have been abundantly repaid in spending a
whole day in surveying such an establishment.
Oct. lith. — Lausanne. Fine view of the Alps ; visited the garden where
Gibbon finished his History on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Oct. 12th. — Geneva. Arrived here in heavy rain ; attended three services ;
visited the tomb of Sir H. Davy ; had a fine view of Mt. Blanc ; left for
Paris.
CHAPTER XLV.
1844-1857.
EPISODE IN DR. RYERSON'S EUROPEAN TRAVELS. — POPE Pius IX.
ONE of the many episodes in my European travels which I
have been requested by many to narrate led to my pres-
entation to Pope Pius IX., and is as follows : — «
On my arrival in England on my first educational tour, near the end of
1844, I was invited to a Christmas dinner party at the house of an English
clergyman, where I was introduced to a young Russian nobleman, by the
name of Dunjowski, who had attended lectures in several German univer-
sities, and came to England to learn the English language, in which he soon
became a proficient. During his residence in England he became acquainted
with a number of distinguished men, noblemen and others; among whom
were the late Rev. Dr. Chalmers. This young Russian nobleman, having
learned that I was on a tour of investigation of the educational institutions
of Europe, proposed before the close of the evening to join me in investigat-
ing the educational institutions of western and central Europe, with a view
to his writing an account of them on his return to St. Petersburg. I accepted
his proposal; and in the course of a few weeks we commenced our tour
through Holland and Belgium to Paris, of which some account will be found
in the extracts from my Journal in the preceding Chapter.
At Paris my Russian friend conceived the idea of attending another course
of lectures on some branch of Roman law at Tubigen. We parted, but he
changed his mind, and instead of attending an additional course of lectures
in a German university, he proceeded to Rome. A few weeks after my
arrival there, I felt a tap on my shoulder at the dinner table, and, on looking
up, I recognized my young Russian friend, who was already speaking Italian,
with as much fluency as he had spoken English, French, and German, when
we parted at Paris six weeks before.
We renewed our travels together, after having completed our tour of Rome,
with its antiquities and institutions; we proceeded to Naples by stage, where
we spent several days in examining its College of Nobles and other educa-
tional institutions, including its antiquities of Herculaneum and Pompeii,
Vesuvius, etc. In the College of Nobles we met an American Priest, who
was President of the Roman Catholic College at Georgetown, near Washing-
ton, and invited him to take a seat in our carriage the next day on an excur-
sion to Herculaneum and Pompeii. In the course of the day a religious
discussion took place between the American Priest and the Russian, who was
very fond of controversy. I took no part in it, but I thought the Priest had
rather the best of it. The result was, my Russian friend was persuaded to
go into a house of retirement near Rome, and devote some weeks to solitary
prayer, fasting, and meditation. I never afterwerds saw him or heard from
him. for eleven years, though I remonstrated with him, and wrote him from
Florence, entreating him to reconsider what he was doing; but he said that
what I spoke and wrote rather confirmed him in his course, than diverted
him from it.
3G6 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLV.
When making my third educational tour on the Continent of Europe, I
was, with my daughter, at Munich, in Bavaria, about the beginning of 1857,
and while at dinner at our hotel, I felt two hands placed upon my shoulders ;
on looking up, I recognized, notwithstanding his present dress, my old friend,
Dunjowski, who embraced and kissed me as a orother. After dinner we
retired to the parlour, and talked over the past. I asked him what he had
been doing these eleven years, how he had become transformed from a
Russian nobleman, scholar, and lawyer, into a Roman Catholic priest, in full
canonicals. He told me that after we separated at Naples, eleven years
before, he went into a house of retirement at Rome, and by prayer, fasting,
and meditation, devoted himself to God and His Church, without reserve of
rank, fortune, or country ; that he had ultimately decided to be a Catholic ;
that he had studied theology four years in France ; that he had been
appointed a Missionary to the North, and had been some years a Missionary
to the Lapps, and had preached before the Kings of Denmark and Sweden ;
that he was»then Missionary Apostolic to all the Catholic Missions in Europe
and America, north of latitude 60 ; and that he might yet visit Canada.
This extraordinary man had mastered the languages of the various countries
in which he hed travelled and laboured, and gave my daughter specimens of
his writing in twenty-seven different languages. I never knew a man of
more disinterestedness, more devotion, and singleness of purpose, than Mr.
Dunjowski He was up and out at prayers to his church before five o'clock,
in the terribly cold mornings the last of December and the beginning of
January, in one of the coldest capitals of Europe.
On the other hand he asked me what 1 had been doing during the last
eleven years. I replied that I had devised and brought into operation a
system of public instruction, which had been approved by the Government
and Legislature, and by the people at large, whom I had consulted, in the
several counties of Upper Canada. He wished to know what I had done in
respect to his co-religionists. I shewed him the provisions of our School
Act, and the Regulations founded upon it in respect to Roman Catholics in
Upper Canada. My Russian friend thought that nothing could be more just
and fair than these clauses of the law and regulations, and requested permis-
sion to shew them to the Pope's Nuncio (an Italian Archbishop), at the Court
of Bavaria. The Pope's Nuncio was so pleased with them, that he requested
the loan of them until he got them translated into German, and published
in the Bavarian newspapers, to shew how fairly the Roman Catholics were
treated under the Protestant Government of Upper Canada The Pope's
Nuncio afterwards desired me to call upon him ; and during the interview,
after some complimentary remarks, requested me to be the bearer of a medal
from the King of Bavaria to Cardinal Antonelli, at Rome. I readily
accepted the honour and the office, and found the Pope's arms and seal a
ready passport when I got in a tight place among the avaricious Italian
Custom House officers.
Dr. Ryerson thus describes his interview with Pope Pius IX.:
On my arrival at Rome I duly delivered my letters of introduction, and
the King of Bavaria's medal to Cardinal Antonelli who received me with the
utmost courtesy, offered me every facility to get pictures copied by my own
selection at Rome, and proposed, if acceptable to me, to present me to His
Holiness the Pope. I readily accepted the attentions and honours offered
me ; but told the Cardinal that I nad a young daughter, and young lady
companion of hers, whom I should wish to accompany me ; His Excellency
said, " By all means."
On the day appointed we went to the Vatican. Several foreign dignitaries
were waiting in an ante-room for an audience with the Pope, but the
Methodist preacher received precedence of them all. "Are you a clergy-
1841-57] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 367
man ? " asked the Chancellor, who conducted me to the Pope's presence ;
"I am a Wesleyan minister," I replied. "Ah ! John Wesley. I've heard of
him," said the Chancellor, as he shrugged his shoulders in surprise that a
heretic should be so honoured above orthodox sons of the Church. We were
then in due form introduced to the Pope, who received us most courteously,
and stood up and shook hands with me and with whom I conversed (in
French) for nearly a quarter of an hour ; during the conversation His Holi-
ness thanked me for the fairness and kindness with which he understood I
had treated his Catholic children in Canada. Before the close of the inter-
view, His Holiness turned to the young ladies (each of whom had a little
sheet of note paper in their hands) and said, " My children, what is that you
have in your hands 1" The girls curtsied respectfully, and told His Holiness
that they brought these sheets of paper in hopes His Holiness would have the
condescension and kindness to give them his autograph. He smiled, and
wrote in Latin the benediction : " Grace, mercy, and peace from God our
Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord,' and then kindly gave them also the pen
with which it was written.
Thus ended our interview with Pope Pius IX., of whose unaffected sin-
cerity, candor, kindness, and good sense, we formed the most favourable
opinion, notwithstanding the system of which he is the head.
Dr. Ryerson also mentions another interview which he had: —
In addition to my letters of introduction to Cardinal Antonelli, my Russian
friend, Dunjowski, gave me a letter of introduction to Father Thyner, the
keeper of the Archives at Rome, and an intimate personal friend of the Pope ;
in which letter he referred to the school systems of Upper Canada, in refer-
ence to Roman Catholics. Father Thyner wished to see the Canadian
school law and regulations, and shewed and explained them to the Pope,
who afterwards spoke of their fairness and kindness, in my interview with
His Holiness.
Father Thyner was once Librarian to the King of Prussia, and being a
Roman Catholic, he went to Rome, where his varied learning and high
character soon obtained him a high position at the Vatican. He, as well as
the Pope, in his early life was an enemy of the Jesuits, and was regarded by
them as such throughout his whole life.
I had a severe illness of some weeks at Rome, during which Father Thyner
visited me" almost daily, but never said one word to me on the grounds of
difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants.
During my last visit to England in 1876-7, I spent part of a day at the
residence of the Rev. Wm. Arthur, A.M., who showed me the works in his
library from which he had derived the principal materials of his masterly
work on The Pope and The People. Among other works he shewed me
some volumes written by Father Thyner, containing an account of the pro-
ceedings of the Conncil of Trent. " Why," I said, " I know Father Thyner
personally," and related my acquaintance with him. Mr. Arthur said in
reply, " This work is the chief source of my knowledge of the proceedings
of the Councils of Trent;" and added, " Father Thyner having determined to
publish an account (which had never before been published) of this Council,
was forbidden to do so, and banished, or driven from Rome, when he went
to Hungary, and published his great work on the Councils."
I have observed in the papers, that Father Thyner died in Hungary a year
or two since. He was a man of profound learning, of fervent devotion, of
great moderation in his views, of uncompromising integrity. I visited him
in his convent, near Rome, and drank the juice of the grape grown in his
own garden, and pressed by his own hand.
CHAPTER XLVL
1844-1876.
ONTARIO SCHOOL SYSTEM. — RETIREMENT OF DR. RYERSON.
A LTHOTJGH I hope to be able to prepare a record of the
J\_ private and personal history of the founding of our System
of Public Education, and of the vicissitudes through which it
passed, as requested by Dr. Ryerson (page 350), yet in this
chapter I give a brief outline of the principles of that System.
After his educational investigations in Europe, in 1844—
1846, Dr. Ryerson prepared an elaborate Report on a " System
of Public Instruction for Upper Canada," which was published
in 1846. In that report he says : —
By Education, I mean not the mere acquisition of certain arts, or of certain
branches of knowledge, but that instruction and discipline which qualify and
dispose the subjects of it for their appropriate duties and appointments in
life, as Christians, as persons in business, and also as members of the civil
community in which they live.
A basis of an educational structure adapted to this end should be as broad
as the population of the country ; and its loftiest elevation should equal the
highest demands of the learned professions ; adapting its gradation of schools
to the wants of the several classes of the community, and to their respective
employments or professions, the one rising above the other — the one con-
ducting to the other ; yet each complete in itself for the degree of education
it imparts ; a character of uniformity, as to fundamental principles, pervading
the whole : the whole based upon the principles of Christianity, and uniting
the combined influence and support of the government and the people.
The branches of knowledge which it is essential that all should under-
stand, should be provided for all, and taught to all ; should be brought
within the reach of the most needy, and forced upon the attention of the
most careless. The knowledge required for the scientific pursuit of mechanics,
agriculture, and commerce, must needs be provided to an extent corresponding
with the demand, and the exigencies of the country ; while, to a more
limited extent, are needed facilities for acquiring the higher education of the
learned professions.
With a view to give a summary sketch of Dr. Ryerson's ex-
position of the system of Public Instruction which he desired
to establish, I give the following additional extracts from his
first Report. After combating the objection which then existed
in some quarters to the establishment of a thorough system of
primary and industrial education, commensurate with the popu-
lation and wants of the country, he remarked: —
1844-76] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. SC9
The first feature then of our Provincial System of Public
Instruction, should be universality. The elementary education
of the whole people must, therefore, be an essential element in
the legislative and administrative policy of an enlightened and
beneficent government. Nor is it less important to the efficiency
of such a system that it should be practical than that it should
be universal. The mere acquisition, or even the general diffu-
sion of knowledge, without the requisite qualities to apply
that knowledge in the best manner, does not merit the name
of education. Much knowledge may be imparted and acquired
without any addition whatever to the capacity for the business
of life. . . History presents us with even University Systems
of Education (so called) entirely destitute of all practical char-
acter; and there are elementary systems which tend as much to
prejudice and pervert, not to say corrupt, the popular mind as
to improve and elevate it.
The state of society, then, no less than the wants of our
country, requires that every youth of the land should be trained
to industry and its practice, whether that training be extensive
or limited.
Now education, thus practical, includes religion and morality;
secondly, the development to a certain extent of all our faculties ;
thirdly, an acquaintance with several branches of elementary
knowledge.
By religion and morality, I do not mean sectarianism in any
form, but the general truth and morals taught in the Holy
Scriptures. Sectarianism is not morality. To be zealous for a
sect and to be conscientious in morals are widely different. To
inculcate the peculiarities of a sect and to teach the fundamental
principles of religion and morality are equally different.
I can aver, from personal experience and practice, as well as
from a very extended inquiry on this subject, that a much more
comprehensive course of biblical and religious instruction can
be given than there is likely to be opportunity for in elemen-
tary schools, without any restraint on the one side, or any
tincture of sectarianism on the other — a course embracing the
entire history of the Bible, its institutions, cardinal doctrines
and morals, together with the evidences of its authenticity.
With the proper cultivation of the moral feelings, and the
formation of local habits, is intimately connected the corre-
sponding development of all the other faculties, both intellectual
and physical. The great object of an efficient system of in-
struction should be, not the communication of so much know-
ledge, but the development of the faculties. Much knowledge
may be acquired without any increase of mental power ; nay,
with even an absolute diminution of it. (See Chapter li.)
24
370 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLVL
In founding the System of Public Instruction, Dr. Ryerson
wisely laid down certain great principles which he believed to
be essential to the success of his labours. These general prin-
ciples may be thus summarized: 1. That the machinery of
education should be in the hands of the people themselves, and
should be managed through their own agency; they should,
therefore, be consulted in regard to all school legislation. 2.
That the aid of the Government should only be given where it
can be used most effectually to stimulate and assist local effort
in this great work. 3. That the property of the country is
responsible for, and should contribute towards the education of.
the entire youth of the country, and that as a complement to
this, " compulsory education " should necessarily be enforced.
4. That a thorough and systematic inspection of the schools is
essential to their vitality and efficiency. These, with other
important principles, Dr. Ryerson kept steadily in view during
the whole thirty-two years of his administration of the school
system of Ontario. Their judicious application has contributed
largely, under the Divine blessing, which he ever sought, to the
wonderful success of his labours.
Notwithstanding the zeal and ability with which Dr. Ryerson
had collected and arranged his facts, analyzed the various
systems of education in Europe (largely in Germany) and
America, and fortified himself with the opinions of the most
eminent educationists in those countries, yet his projected sys-
tem for this province was fiercely assailed, and was vehemently
denounced as embodying in it the very essence of " Prussian
despotism." Still, with indomitable courage he persevered in
his plans, and at length succeeded in 1846 in inducing the legis-
lature to pass a School Act which he had drafted. In 1849 the
Provincial administration personally favourable to Dr. Ryerson's
views went out of office, and one unfavourable to him came in.
The Hon. Malcolm Cameron, a hostile member of the cabinet —
although he afterwards became a personal friend of Dr. Ryerson
— having concocted a singularly crude and cumbrous school bill,
aimed to oust Dr. Ryerson from office, it was (as was afterwards
explained) taken on trust, and, without examination or discus-
sion, passed into a law. Dr. Ryerson at once called the attention
of the Government (at the head of which was the late lamented
Lord Elgin) to the impracticable and un-Christian character of
the bill, as under its operation the Bible would be excluded
from the schools. Rather than administer such an Act, Dr.
Ryerson tendered the resignation of his office to the Govern-
ment. The late Honourable Robert Baldwin, C.B., Attorney-
General (the Nestor of Canadian politicians, and a truly Chris-
tian man), was so convinced of the justness of Dr. Ryerson's
1844-76] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 371
views and remonstrance, that he took the unusual course of
advising His Excellency to suspend the operation of the new
Act until Dr. Ryerson could prepare a draft of a bill on the
basis of the repealed law, embodying in it, additional to the old
bill, the result of his own experience of the working of the
system up to that time. The result was that a law passed in
1850, adapted to the municipal system of the Province, so popu-
lar in its character and comprehensive in its provisions and
details, that it is still (in a consolidated form) the principal
statute under which the Public Schools of Ontario are main-
tained.
The leading features of that measure may be briefly summed
up under the four following heads : —
1. The machinery of the system was mainly adapted to the
circumstances of Upper Canada, from the school laws of the
Middle (United) States.
2. The method of supporting the schools by a uniform rate
upon property was adopted from the New England States.
3. The Normal and Model schools (established in 1847), were
projected after those in operation in Germany.
4. The school text-books were originally adapted from the
series then in use in Ireland, and acceptable to both Protestants
and Roman Catholics.
In 1850, Dr. Ryerson, while in England, made preliminary
arrangements for establishing the Library, and Map and Ap-
paratus Depository in connection with his department ; and in
1855 he established Meteorological Stations in connection with
the County Grammar Schools. In this he was aided by Colonel
(now General) Lefroy, R.E., for many years Director of the
Provincial Magnetical Observatory, at Toronto. Sets of suitable
instruments (which were duly tested at the Kew Observatory)
were obtained, and in 1855, the law on the subject having been
amended, twelve stations were selected and put into efficient
working order. In 1857 Dr. R}rerson made his third educa-
tional tour in Europe, where he procured at Antwerp, Brussels,
Florence, Rome, Paris, and London an admirable collection of
copies of paintings by the old masters; statues, busts, etc., besides
various articles for an Educational Museum in connection with
the Department. In 1858-60, Dr. Ryerson took a leading part in
the discussion in the newspapers, and before a committee of the
legisture, in favour of grants to the various outlying univer-
sities in Ontario, chiefly in terms of Hon. Robert Baldwin's
University Bill of 1843. He maintained that " they did the
State good service," and that their claims should be substantially
recognized as colleges of a central university. He deprecated
the multiplication of universities in the province, which he held
372 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLVI.
would be the result of a rejection of his scheme. In considera-
tion of his able services in this contest, the University of Vic-
toria College conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. in 1801.
In 1867 he made his fourth educational tour in England and
the United States. On his return, in 1868, he submitted to
the Government a highly valuable " special report on the sys-
tems and state of popular education in the several countries of
Europe and the United States of America, with practical sugges-
tions for the improvement of Public Instruction in Upper
Canada." He also made a separate and extensive " Report on
Institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind in Various
Countries."
In a letter to a friend, Dr. Ryerson thus explained the prin-
ciples upon which he conducted the educational affairs of the
Province for upwards of thirty-one years. He said: —
During these years I organized the school system and admin-
istered the Education Department upon the broad and impartial
principles which I had advocated. During the long period of
^my administration of the Department, I knew neither religious
sect nor political party — I knew no other party than that of
the country at large — I never exercised any patronage for per-
sonal or party purposes — I never made or recommended one of
the numerous appointments of teachers in the Normal or Model
Schools, or Clerks in the Education office, except upon the
ground of testimonials as to personal character and qualifica-
tions, and on a probationary trial of six months.
In this way only competent and trained persons were ap-
pointed to the Normal and Model Schools, and to the Education
Office, when a vacancy occurred by resignation or death. Each
employe' below the one who had resigned or died was advanced
a step if deserving; and the most meritorious lad was selected
from the Model school, or on other testimonials, and placed at
the bottom of the list, and trained and advanced according to
his merits in the work of the Education Department. Each one,
thus felt, that he owed his position not to party, or personal
patronage or favour, but to his own merits, and respected him-
self and performed his duties accordingly.
I believe this is the true method of managing all the Public
Departments, and every branch of the public service. I believe
it would contribute immensely to both the efficiency and econ-
omy of the public service. Needless and inefficient appoint-
ments would not then be made ; and it would greatly elevate
the standard of action and attainments, and emulate the
ambition of the young men and youth of the country, when
they know that their selection and advancement in their coun-
try's service depended upon their individual merits, irrespective
1844-76] THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. 373
of sect or party, and not as the reward of zeal as political
party hacks in elections and otherwise, on their own part, or
on that of their fathers or relatives.
The power of government in a country is immense, for good
or ill. It is designed by the Supreme Being to be " a minister
of God for good," to a whole people (without partiality, as well
as without hypocrisy), like the rays of the sun ; and the admin-
istration of infinite wisdom and justice, and truth and purity.
But when government becomes the mei*e agency of party, and
its highest gifts the prizes of party zeal and intrigue, it loses
its moral prestige and power; and from the corrupt fountain
would flow polluted streams into every Department of the public
service, which would corrupt the whole mass of society, were it
not for the counteracting and refining influences which are
exerted upon society by the ministrations and labours of the
different religious denominations.
I know it has been contended that party patronage, or, in
other words, feeding partizans at the public expense, is an
essential element in the existence of a government. This is
the doctrine of corruption. The Education Department — the
highest public department in Upper Canada — existed for more
than thirty years without such an element, and with increased
efficiency and increased strength in the public estimation,
during the whole of that period. Justice and virtue, and
patriotism and intelligence, are stronger elements of power and
usefulness than those of buying and rewarding partizans ; and
if the rivalship and competition of public men should consist in
who should best devise and promote measures for the advance-
ment of the country, and who should exercise the executive
power most impartially and intelligently, for developing and
promoting the interests of all classes, then the moral standard
of government and of public men would be greatly exalted,
and the highest civilization of the whole country be advanced.
But I will not pursue this topic any further. The truths I
state are self-evident.
For many years after Confederation Dr. Byerson felt that
the new political condition of the Province — which localized as
well as circumscribed its civil administration of affairs — required
a change in the management of the Education Department. He,
therefore, in 1869 and 1872, urged upon the Government the
desirability of relieving him from the anomalous position in
which he found himself placed under the new system.
The reasons which he urged for his retirement are given in a
pamphlet devoted to a "Defence" of the System of Education,
which he published in 1872, and are as follows : —
374 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLVI.
When political men have made attacks upon the school law, or
the school system and myself, I have answered them. Then
the cry has been raised by my assailants, and their abettors,
that I was " interfering with politics." They would assail me
without stint, in hopes of crushing me, and then gag me against
all defence or reply.
So deeply did I feel the disadvantage and growing evil of
this state of things to the Department and school system itself,
that in 1868 I proposed to retire from the department. . .
My resignation was not accepted; . . when, two months
later, I proposed that, at the commencement of each session of
the legislature, a committee of seven or nine (including the
Provincial Secretary for the time being) should be elected by
ballot, or by mutual agreement of the leading men of 'both
parties, on the Education Department; which committee should
examine into the operations of the Department for the year then
ending, consider the school estimates, and any bill or recom-
mendations which might be submitted for the advancement of
the school system, and report to the House accordingly. By
many thoughtful men, this system has been considered more
safe, more likely to secure a competent and working head of
the department, and less liable to make the school system a tool
of party politics, than for the head of it to have a seat in Parlia-
ment, and thus leave the educational interests of the country
dependent upon the votes of a majority of electors in one
riding. This recommendation, submitted on the 30th January,
1869, was not adopted ; and I was left isolated — responsible
in the estimation of legislators and everybody else for the
Department — the target of every attack, whether in the news-
pipers or in the Legislative Assembly, yet without any access
to it, or to its members, except through the press, and no other
support than the character of my work and the general confi-
dence of the public.
In 1876, however, Dr. Eyerson was permitted to retire on
full salary from the responsible post which for nearly thirty-
two years he had so worthily and honourably filled.
CHAPTER XLVII.
1845-1846.
ILLNESS AND FINAL RETIREMENT OF LORD METCALFE.
IN a letter to Dr. Ryerson from Mr. Higginson, dated 27th
May, 1845, he thus refers to Lord Metcalfe's increasing
illness : —
I wish that I could answer your inquiries about Lord Met-
calfe's health in a satisfactory manner. The torturing malady
with which he is afflicted is no better ; and although there is
no decided change for the worse, yet there is in my mind too
much reason to apprehend that the disease, though slow in its
progress, keeps constantly advancing and threatens farther
ravages. The pain is incessant and unabated. The resignation
with which he suffers, and his unyielding determination to
remain at his post as long as his presence can serve Canada,
inspires a feeling of veneration which I will not attempt to
describe. He seems to be quite prepared to realize, if neces-
sary, that noble sentiment —
" Dulce et decorum est pro Patria mori."
Mr. Higginson again wrote to Dr. Ryerson, from Montreal, on
the 28th of October, as follows : —
As bad news travels fast, you will probably have heard
before this reaches you of the aggravation of the painful malady
from which Lord Metcalf e has so long suffered. No other man,
in his present lamentable condition, would think of adminis-
tering the Government. He seems quite ready to die in harness,
if necessary, but is determined not to leave here as long as he
can, at any sacrifice of personal considerations, continue to dis-
charge the duties. I hope and believe that Her Majesty's
Government will not hesitate to relieve him as soon as a suc-
cessor can be found — it would be inhuman to delay any longer.
How much of Canada's weal or woe depends upon the selection ?
It is far easier to mar than to mend the triumph my inestimable
friend has achieved — to weaken than to strengthen its effects.
Mr. Higginson wrote to Dr. Ryerson on the 18th December:
I, two days ago, had the pleasure to receive your kind and
feeling letter of the llth. It will afford me great satisfaction
376 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLVII-
to communicate to my suffering friend the grateful sentiments
to which you give expression.
Lord Metcalfe's retirement was, as you justly observe, strictly
a providential dispensation. He remained at his post until it
pleased the Almighty to render him physically incapable of
discharging all its duties ; and he was quite prepared to die at
it, in the service of his country. The terms in which the
Queen's permission to return home was acceded are, beyond
measure, gratifying and complimentary. I shall have much
pleasure in reading the despatch to you the first time we meet.
Of the fearful malady, I can only say that its onward progress
seems to be beyond human control, and that I entertain no hope
of its being arrested. But the surgical skill of Europe may,
and I earnestly pray to God will, alleviate the intensity of the
blessed man's sufferings.
After Lord Metcalfe had returned to England, the Hon. D.
Daly, Secretary of the Province, wrote to Dr. Ryerson, who
had returned to Canada, on the 20th December, as follows : —
Your disappointment was naturally great at missing the only
opportunity that, in all human probability, can be afforded you
in this world of seeing our lamented and excellent Governor.
In his late and most severe suffering, the greatness of that
most inestimable man's character was, if possible, more resplen-
dent than under the trials to which you saw him subjected.
May he enjoy a peaceful termination to his useful existence!
We can know nothing certain of his successor until the news of
which he is the bearer has reached England, his relinquishment
of the Government having been left entirely to his own free
will. He had the comfort of knowing how fully his services
were appreciated by his Sovereign ; and his removal was effected
in the most gratifying way by Her Majesty's command.
On the 9th May Dr. Ryerson wrote a farewell letter to Lord
Metcalfe, from which I make the following extract: —
Having passed Your Lordship on the ocean, and being disap-
pointed of the privilege of ever seeing you again in this world,
I wrote by the first packet after my arrival to Mr. C. Trevelyan,
requesting him to have the goodness to convey to Your Lord-
ship the expression of those sentiments of gratitude and affec-
tionate respect which I can never fail to cherish while memory
remains. . .
In Your Lordship's retirement and suffering, . . I think
it wrong to intrude further than to state my deep sympathy in
your sufferings, and that my supplications are offered up daily
to the God of all consolation, that He would grant you patience,
resignation, and a " sure and certain hope of a glorious resur-
rection to everlasting life ;" and to assure Your Lordship that
18 15-461 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 377
my life shall be sacredly devoted to the work in behalf of the
youthful and future generations of Canada, for which Your
Lordship's kindness has done so much, to enable me to qualify
myself. With, these the strongest feelings of my heart, I have, etc.
The final letter received from Mr. Higginson was dated
Montreal, June 10th, 1846 :—
I beg you to accept my cordial thanks for your very kind
communication of the 30th ult. I am not insensible to the
high honour that has been conferred upon me by our Sovereign
— far beyond my humble merits ; but I have great satisfaction
in feeling that I won it righting shoulder to shoulder with you
and the other advocates of those great British Constitutional
principles of Government, for which we contended, and which
were so fiercely assailed by the British Democratic party, who,
I earnestly trust may never again be able to make head iu
Canada. That I, in the slightest degree contributed to the
victory will be to me a source of pride. To the eminent Pilot
who directed us no one knows better than yourself how much
is due. Would that he had been spared to perfect the good
work. My latest account of his health encourages the hope
that I may yet be permitted to see him again.
We closed the session yesterday, which was got through with
success, and I hope with some advantage to the public interests.
I regret very much that I have not had the pleasure of seeing
you since your return from Europe. Farewell ! J. M. H.
The appointment which Mr. Higginson received from the
Queen was that of Governor of Antigua. In his reply to an
address from the Wesleyan missionaries of that island, on his
arrival, he thus referred to his experience of that body in
Canada: —
I have had frequent opportunities of witness-ing in various quarters of the
globe the untiring exertions of your brethren in the sacred cause of religion
and humanity, and whether in the sultry heat of Asia, . . or struggling
against the rigours of a Canadian winter, I have always found the Wesleyan.
missionaries animated by the same benevolent and philantrophic spirit, and
undaunted by obstacles, however appalling, manifesting the same discreet
zeal to spread far and wide the healing influence of the holy Gospel of Christ,
CHAPTER XLVIII.
1843-1844. '
CLERGY RESERVE QUESTION RE-OPENED. — DISAPPOINTMENTS.
T71XTRAORDINARY efforts were put forth (as shown in
X_J Chapter xxxiii., page 263) by the leaders of the Church of
England party in Upper Canada to prevent the Royal assent
being given to Lord Sydenham's Clergy Reserve compromise
Bill of 1841. Equally strenuous efforts were successfully made
to ensure the fulfilment of Bishop Strachan's prediction that the
rejected Bill of Lord Sydenham would form the basis of an Im-
perial Act, which would secure to the national Churches of Eng-
land and Scotland, for all time, the lion's share of the proceeds of
George the Third's ill-fated gift to Canada of the clergy reserves.
Lord John Russell, the pretentious and vacillating Secretary of
State for the Colonies at the time, proved himself to be, in
this matter, a pliant instrument in the hands of Henry of
Exeter. This prelate endorsed, con amore, all the extreme
views of the Bishop of Toronto ; and with the aid of Lord Seaton
(Sir John Colborne) and the Bench and Bishops in the House
of Lords, compelled the Government to perpetuate an act of
legislative usurpation and injustice, which even the tyros in
constitutional law, as applied to the Colonies, were wont at
the time to instance in the press as examples of history repeat-
ing itself — quoting, as an illustration, the ill-advised Imperial
legislation in the case of the Stamp Act, etc.
By a singular fatality, which often attends arbitrary and unjust
proceedings, the success of the scheme, which had been so care-
fully prepared, and carried through the British Parliament in the
interests of the Church of England, was destined to become a
source of weakness to that Church, and a foreboding of financial
disaster. On the 29th December, 1843, the Attorney and the
Solicitor-General of Canada (as stated by the Bishop of Toronto
in his pastoral letter of the 10th of December, 1844) reported that
having attentively examined the provisions of the acts for this
subject, it was their opinion that the proper construction of the
law threw upon the revenues of Canada the burthen of mak-
ing up any deficiency in the clergy reserve fund, in paying
1843-44] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 379
the usual and accustomed allowances and stipends to the Min-
isters, . . and, while that deficiency lasted, the Imperial
Treasury could not be called upon to make any payments to
the two Churches. (See page 4 of Pastoral.)
The Bishop then charges the Provincial Government with
being the cause of this financial difficulty, and accounts for
the deficiency in the fund by the mismanagement of that
Government. He adds further on : —
But, alas! the mismanagement has increased, pending these difficulties;
and while my clergy are left in a state of destitution, large sums continue to
be wasted in remunerating services which are really worse thnn useless, and
this to such an extent as to render hopeless the expectation that the clergy
reserve fund will ever answer the wise and holy purpose for which it was
established.
In this dilemma the Bishop states what he had done to ex-
tricate the Church out of its difficulty. In doing so, he uses
language which partakes more of the character of a wail than
of a simple statement of facts. He also draws a most gloomy
picture of the prospective religious state of Upper Canada,
should the dearly prized, and as dearly bought, Imperial 'Clergy
Reserve Act prove, after all, to be an apple of Sodom.
It is curious to notice how the Bishop, in his despairing
outburst, studiously ignores the active and successful labours
of the several voluntary churches — whose claims to a share in
the reserves he had so strongly and selfishly opposed — churches
which were even then actively engaged in " spreading scriptural
holiness throughout the land," without the aid of a penny from
the State. In his Pastoral, the Bishop says : —
I applied to the venerable [Propagation Society] in England to advance,
in the meantime, the salaries (only £100 per annum each) to my five suffer-
ing clergy, — assuring the Society that I had the fullest conviction it would
be repaid as soon as it was decided which Government was liable. . . The
Society paid the stipends for the year ending 30th June, 1843, but have
declined since that time to continue the advance. . . Tn consequence, my
five clergymen have been left without their stipends since June, 1843 [to
December, 1844], . . and this large and increasing Diocese [then the
whole of Upper Canada], already so destitute of the means of public worship
(if the statute be allowed to operate as it has done for the last four years),
will, in a spiritual sense, become, through half its extent, a wilderness. Not
only are five clergymen in a state of want, but two parishes are left vacant,
and the process is unhappily going on. . . I have brought this dis-
heartening and deplorable state of things under the notice of the Provincial
Government. . . I have pressed [the matter] upon His Excellency the
Governor-General. . . But all that was in my power to do has been
without avail (page 6).
I also quote the foregoing passages from this noted Pastoral,
as they throw a vivid side-light upon the course of the Bishop
in so vehemently pursuing the shadow of a state endowment
for the Church of England in Upper Canada. The subsequent
3SO THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLVIII.
utterances of the Pastoral show how persistently the other-
wise clear-headed and practical chief ruler of that Church shut
his eyes to the remarkable success and vitality of the non-
endowed Churches in the Province, and how much he deplored
the necessity of adopting their successful voluntary system in
his own church.* He says : —
I represented to His Excellency, in May last, that, " on a review of this
unfortunate subject . . the distress of my five clergymen, and the
desolation with which it menaces the Church, it involves consequences so
calamitous and imminent as to justify the representative of the sovereign in
assuming more than ordinary responsibility in arresting their progress. . .
On the 31st October, I again brought this painful subject at great length
before the Provincial Government, and stated that, having failed to receive
relief, I could only see one way left of mitigating the evil, and that is by an
appeal to my people on the present critical situation of the Church, and in
behalf of my destitute clergymen. It is indeed a step which I take with
extreme reluctance, and which, were it possible, I would most willingly
avoid. . . (page 6.)
In a remarkable document, which the Bishop published in
1849, on " The Secular State of the Church in the Diocese of
Toronto" he furnishes a painful and striking commentary on
the effect of his own teaching : that it was the duty of the State
to support the Church, and thus relieve ths people of the chief
obligation of supporting the Gospel amongst them. Speaking
of " contributions to the Church within the Province," he says :
Till lately we have done little or nothing towards the support of public
worship. We have depended so long upon the Government and the [Propa-
gation] Society, that many of us forget that it is our bounden duty. Instead
of coming forward manfully to devote a portion of our temporal substance to
the service of God, we turn away with indifference, or we sit down to count
the cost, and measure the salvation of our souls by pounds, shillings, and
pence. . . While we are bountifully assisted, and seldom required to do
more than half; yet we are seen to fail on every side (page 19).t
On pages 34-40 of this pamphlet, Bishop Strachan is very
severe on the clergy to whom Bishop Fuller refers, whom he
accuses of putting forth efforts " to disturb the peace of the
diocese — efforts which were rapidly being organized into some-
* In process of time, the necessities of his Church compelled the Bishop to
adopt a new financial scheme, which he laid before his clergy in 1841, one main
feature of which was to incorporate the voluntary principle with a system of
moderate grants — such as has been the rule adopted for some years by the Mission
Board of the Diocese of Toronto.
t In sending a copy of this pamphlet some years ago to the Editor of
this volume, Archdeacon Fuller (now Bishop of Niagara), said : — This able and
interesting document. . . . was drawn out from the late Bishop by the
growing dissatisfaction amongst the clergy and laity, in consequence of Bishop
Strachan managing the whole of the clergy reserve fund, without consulting any-
body, and managing to get several thousand pounds of arrears paid to himself, as
Bishop, and his protege", the present Bishop [Bethune], made Archdeacon of York,
with a salary of £365 a year as Archdeacon, while he' could not find means to pay
the missionaries more than £100 a year.
1843-44] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 381
thing of a regular system of agitation, so common . . among
the traders in politics " (page 34).
An agitation having been commenced by the Bishop and
clergy in Western Canada, in 1843, for "better terms" and an
amendment to the Imperial Clergy Reserve Act of 1840, the
question was re-opened. The effect of this re-opening of the
question was deprecated by Dr. Ryerson and others. Early in
January, 1844, Mr. Surveyor-General Parke sent to Dr. Ryerson
the copy of a letter written by Rev. Prof. Campbell, of Queen's
College, Kingston, in which Mr. Campbell sets up the claim of
the Kirk of Scotland, having a branch in Canada, as such, to
a portion of the Canadian clergy reserves. Mr. Parke says : —
The writer of the letter arrives at two other conclusions, which, I think,
are based on error, and calcixlated to interfere materially with the rights of
the other bodies of Protestant Christians : namely, that the Kirk in Canada
participate in the clergy reserves, solely by the right it has as a branch of
the Kirk in Scotland ; and that other bodies of Christians participate in
them merely as an act of favour. To the first of these conclusions I entirely
object, on the ground that the Act confers the reserves, purely and solely, on
Canada, and for the benefit of interests and persons, absolutely within
Canada. To the second conclusion or statement of the Professor, that is,
that other bodies participate as a matter of favour, I object on every ground
on which it is possible for equity to place the subject. What ! shall the
unexampled toils, and incessant labours of the early and later Methodists,
and other pioneers of the christianizing of Canada, have doled out to them,
as a matter of simple grace, and a body in Scotland, who never knew nor
participated in the labour of sowing the seeds of the Gospel through the
length and breadth of the land, claim as a matter of absolute right, for one
of its branches, a participation in lands, purely Canadian in fact and law ?
This I can never assent to ; it was the question on which, as a Methodist, I
first became a Canadian politician, and it is the question on which I yet feel
the keenest. I desire to call your attention to the matter, and solicit a
correction from you of errors which, I think, are insidiously calculated to
mislead the public mind, and make uphill work in combating other ques-
tions which may arise in unfortunate Canada, bye-and-bye. Some of the
Kirk folks would monopolize for themselves, as far as they dare, and the
Church of England too ; but the general community, who have borne the
burden and heat of the day — fought and won the battle — should not in any
way have their interests and feelings trifled with by the unreasonable
claims of a few, who at comparatively a late day entered the field.
As the agitation increased, Dr. Ryerson, who was in England
in 1845, addressed a letter to Lord Stanley, Colonial Secretary,
in January, on the injustice to the non-episcopal churches
of the Act of 1840. He said :—
There is a subject which, in connection with transpiring circumstances in
Canada, deeply involves the future condition of the government of Canada,
and which can be considered by your Lordship alone : I refer to the with-
holding, to the present time, from the Wesleyan Methodist body in Upper
Canada all benefit of the Act passed for the settlement of the clergy reserve
question — a question which certain parties in Canada propose to re-open,
with a view of depriving the Church of England of what is considered a
disproportionate share of the proceeds of the clergy reserves. The ad van-
382 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XXXVII.
tage afforded by such a subject of agitation would be eagerly seized upon by
the leaders of the opposition in Parliament. The Wesleyan Methodist body
in Upper Canada (now numbering 131 regular ministers, and 24,000 com-
municants), has for many years possessed and does still possess the casting
vote between the contending political parties in that country ; and should they
join in the agitation contemplated, nothing but military power will prevent
the wresting out of the hands of the Church of England their— the chief— pecu-
niary advantages which it derives from public sources. Hitherto the leading
members of the Wesleyan Methodist body have declined any public agitation
on the subject — though solicited by influential parties — contenting them-
selves with private communication to the Government until they should find
them hopelessly unsuccessful. Should not their case be considered 1 I have
reason to believe that they will at their next annual meeting, to be held in
June, commence an appeal to the public and to the Local Legislature on the
injustice done them; as they have ascertained that all the leading lawyers in
Upper Canada of both parties, as well as three successive Governors con-
sidered them wronged in the manner in which they alone, of the four great
leading denominations of the country, have been excluded from the benefits
of an act, to the basis of which Lord Sydenham never could have obtained
the consent of the Canadian Legislature without their most decided support.
I should deeply lament the re-agitation of the clergy reserve question in
Canada. Such a step, on the part of the great Wesleyan body there, would
doubtless be attended by the strengthening of the opposition in the Legisla-
ture, and to probable withdrawal of the support of several members from
the present Government In an interview with the official Committee of the
Wesleyan body, shortly before I left Canada, I promised them to bring the
subject before your Lordship during my stay in England. They, therefore,
deferred appealing to the Local Legislature to interpose in their behalf, until
they should learn the result of such an appeal to your Lordship. . .
I cannot suppose that it has been the wish of your Lordship, any more
than the intention of the Crown officers, to perpetuate the exclusion of the
Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada from their confessedly-just claim of
which they have already been deprived for a period of four years. The
amount of the claim is less than one-half of what has been secured to the
Roman Catholic Church in Upper Canada — less than one-third of the amount
paid the Church of Scotland, and less than one-tenth of what has been
guaranteed to the Church of England. The Wesleyan body, whose members
in Upper Canada have increased eight thousand during the last four years,
will be satisfied on the payment of the sum admitted in their behalf. And
I submit that the sanctioning of it by your Lordship will, in my bumble
opinion, be far better, even as a matter of policy — apart Irom higher considera-
tions— than affording just ground for an agitation, the consequences of which
cannot be easily foreseen.
No relief was, however, afforded by a change in the adminis-
tration of the Act of 1840. The Act itself remained unrepealed
until 1853.
CHAPTER XLTX.
1846-1848.
RE-UNION OF THE BBITISH AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES.
DURING and before the period of the Metcalfe Controversy
events were transpiring in Methodist circles in which
Dr. Ryerson took an active part, and in which he was deeply
interested.*
Important correspondence on the relations to each other of
the British and Canadian Conferences took place in 1842. But
as the issue of the contest between these Conferences was so
prolonged, and involved so many important questions — religious
and public — I think it desirable to give a brief preliminary
outline of the origin of the difficulties between the two bodies.
This is the more necessary, as Dr. Ryerson's own personal
history and conduct became, from a variety of circumstances,
most prominently mixed up with these controversies. His
letters to the Government on the subject, and to the Missionary
Secretaries, now first published, are also valuable Methodist
historical documents — although they partake largely of a per-
* In a letter to him from the Rev. A. Green, dated November, 1842, the desira-
bility of a union with the Episcopal Methodists was pressed upon his attention.
Mr. Green said : — The Episcopal Methodists are gaining ground in many circuits.
It would be of much service to us, could we take them on board the old ship again.
I learn from Brother Richardson that they are anxious for this, and that Mr. Rey-
nolds would give up his claims, and many of their preachers would retire, could
they effect it. But in some parts of the Province the re-union would be opposed ;
and some members have said, that they would even join the English missionaries
if we were to be united with them (the Episcopals). You are a wise man, tell us .
what we should do. If we do not take steps soon, it will be entirely too late. I
understand that they talk of having a Bishop elected soon, — and should Mr.
Richardson or Mr. Smith be appointed, it would add greatly to the influence of the
party ; and yet I cannot now see what steps we could safely take, until we settle
the English Union question, for they would take advantage, I fear, of such a
reconciliation, to prejudice the old country members against us.
I wish also to obtain your views upon the propriety of petitioning the Governor-
General, at once, for a share of the public money granted for the purchase of
Sabbath-school books. The sum of £150 goes into the hands of Dr. Strachan
annually, for that purpose ; and where is it ? We are never benefited a farthing
by it ! Could we obtain one-half, or even one-third of the sum for our schools,
it would be of great service to them.*
* I have no copy of the reply sent to this letter. The letter itself, however, shows what sub-
jects were being discus ed in Methodist circles in 11542.
334 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XUX.
sonal character — as he was the foremost figure in all of these
connexional contests. They are highly characteristic of the
courage and self-sacrifice of the writer.
Methodism, after its introduction into Upper Canada in 1790,
was organized into a Church by preachers from the United
States. In 1811, when Upper Canada was on the eve of being
the theatre of war with the United States, several American
preachers who had been appointed to Canada declined to come,
while those here (Messrs. Roads and Densmore) applied to the
Canadian Government in 1812 for leave to return to their own
country.* Nevertheless, after the war, and on the representa-
tion of persons prompted by high churchmen, the London
Wesleyan Missionary Society sent out missionaries to four of
the larger towns in Upper Canada. This schismatical policy
was pursued by the British Conference until 1820, when the
American General Conference sent Rev. John (afterwards)
Bishop Emory, as a deputation to that Conference to remon-
strate. The result was that the following resolutions were
passed by the British Conference in that year (1820): —
1. That as the American Methodists and ourselves are but one body, it
would be inconsistent with our unity, and dangerous to that affection which
ought to characterize us in every place, to have different societies and con-
gregations in the same towns and villages, or to allow of any intrusion on
either side into each other's labours.
2. That this principle shall be the rule by which the disputes now exist-
ing in the Canadas, between our missionaries, shall be terminated.
In transmitting these and several other resolutions on the
subject to the British Missionaries in Canada, the Secretaries
(Rev. Joseph Taylor and Rev. Richard Watson) said: —
We know that political reasons exist in many minds for supplying even
Upper Canada, as far as possible, with British Missionaries; and, however
natural this feeling may be to Englishmen, and even praiseworthy when
not carried too far, it will be obvious to you that this is a ground on which, as
a Missionary Society, and especially as a Society under the direction of a
Committee which recognizes as one with itself the American Methodists, we
cannot act.
The British Conference loyally observed this compact from
.1820 until 1833. At that time (Dr. Ryerson says) the advocates
of a dominant church establishment, though in a small minority
in the House of Assembly, were all powerful in the Executive
and Legislative Councils, and employed very naturally all the
resources at their command to perpetuate their supremacy. For
this purpose they appealed to the Wesleyan Missionary Com-
mittee in England, and solicited them upon the ground of their
loyalty to the Church of England and to the Throne to send out
Missionaries to Upper Canada, offering $4,000 per annum out
of the Crown revenues to assist in so loyal a work. The Eng-
* Epochs of Canadian Methodism, pages 292-294.
1846-48] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. , 385
lish Wesleyan Missionary Committee sent out a representative
agent, who contended that the engagement into which the
English Conference had entered with the American General
Conference in 1820, through Dr. Emory, to leave Upper Canada
to the Canadian preachers, was no longer binding since the
Conference in Canada has become separate from that in the
United States, and the English Committee was therefore free
to send missionaries into any part of Upper Canada. The
Canadian Conference was thus confronted by a double danger
— the danger of division in their congregations, and the danger
of increased power against their claims to equal rights and
privileges; and a two-fold duty devolved upon them — to prevent
division if possible, and, at the same time, to secure the attain-
ment of their own constitutional rights.
In the meantime other disturbing influences occurred. In
1824, an agitation was commenced, with a view to take the
appointment of the Presiding Eldership out of the hands of the
Bishops, and make the office elective by the annual Conferences.
The Presiding Elders of Upper Canada (Rev. Henry Ryan and
Rev. William Case) opposed this change, and, in consequence,
failed in their election by the Genesee Annual Conference as
delegates to the General Conference. Mr. Ryan was chagrined
at this result, and on his return to Upper Canada commenced
to agitate for an entire separation from the American Church.
A memorial to that effect was sent to the General Conference.
The request was not granted, but the Canadian work was set
off to itself as the " Annual Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in Canada." This was not what Mr. Ryan wanted,
and it displeased him. The theme of his complaint was " the
domination of republican Methodism and the tyranny of Yankee
Bishops." He therefore, set himself again to agitate for entire
independence. Finally, after having been the means of stirring
up personal strife all through the Connexion, the Conference of
1827 directed that he should be reproved and admonished by
Bishop Hedding in presence of the Conference. This was done.
Next day Mr. Ryan withdrew from the Conference. (See
chapter vii.)
The high-church party encouraged Mr. Ryan in his disaffec-
tion ; and when he withdrew, and set up a separate church
organization, Dr. Strachan actually sent Mr. Ryan $200 to assist
him in his schismatical efforts! (Epochs, page 305.) Hon.
John Willson, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and formerly
a Methodist, joined the high-church party, and did all he could
to aid and encourage Mr. Ryan. Thus, in addition to the £50
sent to Mr. Ryan by Ven. Archdeacon Strachan, to aid him in
25
386 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
his schismatical crusade against the Conference, a Govern-
ment grant of £666 ($2,664) was made to the new organization
at the instance of Mr. Willson in 1833, and £338 ($1,352) in
1834. (Epochs, page 359.)
The cry of disloyalty having been again raised, the Govern-
ment and clerical party (for they were one under the control of
the Archdeacon of York), lost no time, therefore, in maturing a
plan to induce the British Conference again to undertake the
occupancy of Upper Canada as missionary ground, and forth-
with to send missionaries into the province for that purpose. A
correspondence was opened between the head of the Canadian
Executive Government, Sir John Colborne, and the Wesleyan
Missionary Committee, on the subject of the new. missionary
enterprise into Upper Canada. (Epochs, page 305.) The result
was, that in May, 1832, without notice, an intimation was
received that the Rev. Robert Alder, and twelve missionaries
were to be sent out to Canada. With a view to avert the calamity
of again having hostile Methodist camps in every city and town
in Upper Canada, Rev. John Ryerson suggested to Dr. Ryerson
that the Canada Conference should endeavour to form a union
with the British Conference, and thus secure harmonious action
instead of discord and disunion. This was done, and pro-
visional arrangements were made with Dr. Alder at the Hallo-
well Conference of 1832, subject to the ratification of the
British Conference. This ratification was made, and took effect
in 1833, and the union continued for four or five years only.
About the year 1840, a considerable controversy arose in
regard to the payment of an annual grant of £900 by the
Government, in aid of the general work of the Church. It
may be well, therefore, to state the circumstances under which
this grant was made, and then point out the personal causes
which intensified the feeling of estrangement between the
English and Canadian Conferences.
In a letter on this subject to the Provincial Secretary, dated
28th December, 1842, Dr. Ryerson said : —
Rev. Robert Alder was in Upper Canada in the spring and summer of
1832, negotiating on the subject of the grant and the union, which Sir John
Colborne was anxious to promote. The Canadian Conference, aided by Dr.
Alder's counsels, agreed to propose certain articles of union with the English
Conference. Those articles contemplated a financial, as well as ecclesiastical
union ; and Dr. Alder expressed his conviction that the English Conference
would grant .£1,000 per annum out of its Contingent Fund, to aid our Con-
ference, besides the aid granted out of the Mission Fund, in aid of Missions
in Upper Canada. A copy of these proposed articles of union was forthwith
laid before Sir John Colborne by Dr. Alder, and published in the Guardian,
of the 29th August, 1832, five days after which Sir John Colborne wrote to
Lord Ripon, recommending a grant to the Wesleyan Committee of .£900
per annum [on terms of the comprehensive scheme mentioned on page 155].
1846-48] . THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 387
But the Government delayed making any payment until October, 1833, after
the ratification of the union by both bodies. In the meantime, however, the
English Conference declined granting any aid out of their Contingent Fund,
and had a clause inserted in the Articles of Union against any claims upon
the funds of the English Conference on the part of the Canadian Preachers.
Of this clause in the Articles of Union the Government seems never to have
been made aware until Lord Sydenham came to Upper Canada in 1839.
In a long and valuable historical letter to Mr. Murdoch,
Ohief Secretary to Sir Charles Bagot, dated May, 1842, Dr.
Ryerson further said : —
The first payment of the grant was made in October, 1833, a few days
after the final ratification of the Articles of Union by the Canadian Con-
ference; so that every payment of the grant was made and applied according
to the " usage " prescribed by the Articles of Union. . .
Dr. Ryerson then discussed various matters relating to their
" usage," and the articles of Union, and proceeded : Some weeks
after Lord Sydenham's arrival in Toronto, His Lordship sent
for me — as I was afterwards informed, at the recommendation of
Sir Allan MacNab, Receiver-General Dunn, and others — but the
interview, and one or two subsequent ones, related entirely to
the objects of his Lordship's mission, in accomplishing which,
he desired all the aid I could give him. The last week of the
year 1839, and the first week of 1840, Lord Sydenham spent
in seeing various parties and concerting a measure on the clergy
reserve question. He sent for the Rev. Messrs. Stinson and
Richey (agents of the London Wesleyan Committee) as well as
for me. As all the present difficulties grew out of these inter-
views of the London Wesleyan Committee's agents and myself,
with Lord Sydenham, I think it important to state the sub-
stance of them, and the evidence on which I make my statement.
First as regards myself. The proposed measure being intended
to secure a continued payment of grants already made out of the
•Casual and Territorial Revenue, and the Clergy Reserve Fund,
to the parties receiving them, I submitted to Lord Sydenham
that, as the three principal denominations (Church of England,
Church of Scotland, and Roman Catholics) received large aid
out of one or both of these funds, it was clear that unless some
assistance was granted to the Wesleyan Methodist Church
before the passing of the Clergy Reserve Bill, and tranferred
with other charges by the provisions of the Bill, we would be
effectually excluded from obtaining any aid for a series of years.
I submitted to Lord Sydenham an application, which I had
been directed to make, in behalf of the Upper Canada
Academy — now Victoria College. His Lordship acceded to
the justice of my views, but replied that aid was given to us
also in the form of an annual grant. I replied, and sought to
impress upon his Lordship, that the grant referred to by him
THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
had not been made to the Canadian Conference, and did not
operate to its advantage, but to the sole advantage of the
Wesleyan Missionary Society in England ; and, at his request,
T prepared a statement of the case in writing. It will be seen
by the date of my letter that these communications took place
January 2nd, 1840. It is perfectly clear, therefore, that up to
that time there could have transpired between Lord Sydenham
and myself, nothing relative to the transfer of the grant.
On the same day, Rev. Messrs. Stinson and Richey (agents
of the Wesleyan Committee) had an interview with Lord
Sydenham. They told him that the union between the English
and Canadian Conferences was not likely to continue; and
prayed (in their memorial, written the day after) "that the sum
intended for the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, should
be given to the Wesleyan Methodists, who are now, and who
may be hereafter, connected with the British Wesleyan Confer-
ence." I believe Lord Sydenham 's laconic reply was, that he
had to do with religious bodies in Canada, not in England.
It will be seen that the communication of Messrs. Stinson and
Richey, as well as mine, served to impress Lord Sydenham
that there was not an identity of interests between the English
and Canadian Conferences, as he had supposed, and, as His
Lordship said, Her Majesty's Government also supposed.
A day or two after Messrs. Stinson and Richey's interview
with Lord Sydenham, I waited upon him, when I was given to
understand that a memorial had been presented to him in
behalf of the British Conference, on the ground of an antici-
pated dissolution of the Union. My feelings of surprise and
indignation, and my remonstrances against sjuch a monstrous
proposition, may be easily conceived. It is known that Lord
Sydenham, from the very first, viewed such a proposition with
disapprobation ; it was on this occasion also that His Lordship
apprised me of the conclusions he had come to on the subject of
any proposition for a grant to the Canadian Conference, pre-
viously to passing the Clergy Reserve Bill ; that he was satisfied
that the Canadian Conference had a just claim to assistance ;
that it did not derive any practical benefit from the grant to
the London Committee, but that it ought to do so, as such were
the original intentions of the Government in making it. Lord
Sydenham stated his recollection of the intention of the Govern-
ment in 1832 to be — and perhaps the recollections of Lord
Stanley may be to the same effect — that it was supposed by
the Government, from communications from Upper Canada,
that the Wesleyans here were not quite as (conservatively) loyal
as was desirable ; that it being understood they were willing to
unite with the English Conference, the Government thought it
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 389
advisable to enable the English Conference to assist them, as it
would exert a salutary influence upon their feelings and useful-
ness. Thus was the grant made ; but from the peculiar nature
of the articles of Union, the leading objects of the grant had
never been accomplished, as the Canadian Conference had to
support all its own members and institutions — except a few
missions — as much since, as before the Union, He had, there-
fore, determined to write to Lord John Russell, and recommend
a different distribution of the grant; believing that to accomplish
the original a«id benevolent objects in Canada, it ought to be
placed under the entire control of the Canadian Conference.
In these views I did, of course, gratefully concur, although I
never fully understood until then the intentions of the Imperial
Government in making the grant. I also thought the course
proposed would defeat the intimated project of breaking up the
Union, and furnish real aid to the Church of which I was
appointed advocate and representative. Leaving the matter in
the hands of Lord Sydenham, I had no intention of saying
anything more upon the subject, until, nearly a fortnight after-
wards, when His Lordship requested me — as I was so familiar
with the subject — to furnish him with a written statement of
the financial relations of the English and Canadian Conferences,
in regard to the grant, etc., as it would aid him in preparing his
despatch to Lord John Russell. I did so. The letter, written
at the request of Lord Sydenham, was intended as a memor-
andum for his Lordship. But he thought it best to transmit a
copy of it with his own despatch to Lord John Russell, by
whom it was enclosed to the Wesleyan Committee ; and hence
the present controversy. That letter is dated 17th January,
1840.
I cannot but feel that I labour under great disadvantages
in the present discussion, from the numerous representations
and statements which the Wesleyan Committee have made to
the noble Secretary of State to my disadvantage. My standing,
as a public man, is my all, and therefore, however small rela-
tively, is as important to me as a kingdom to a monarch.
As the Wesleyan Committee have made me so prominent a
subject in this affair, I have offered to submit to His Excellency,
Sir Charles Bagot, or to the Executive Council — or to His Ex-
cellency and the Executive Council — or to the Lord Bishop of
Toronto ; or to the Moderator of the Synod of the Church of
Scotland in Canada — or to the Lord Bishop of Toronto and the
Moderator of the Scotch Synod — and to bind myself in any
penalty to abide by the decision of such tribunal. When the
Wesleyan Committee are accusers, judge, and jury in their own
case, it is not likely they will be very impartial ; but if there is
390 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
a shadow of truth or justice in their accusations and statements,
I have given them full opportunity to secure the continuation
of them, by the highest tribunals, in the country of my life and
labours.
The Wesleyan Committee declined to refer the matter in
dispute to an independent tribunal, and Dr. Alder wrote to
members of the Canadian Conference impugning Dr. Ryerson
in the strongest terms, insisting upon his withdrawal of certain
things which he had written, and making various threats. Dr.
Eyerson decided then to address a final letter to Rev. Messrs.
Bunting, Beecham and Hoole, Missionary Secretaries. This he
did on the 19th October, 1842. This letter, and the preceding
letter, are doubly valuable from the fact that they embody a
number of interesting details of the interviews and correspond-
ence between Lord Sydenham and Dr. Ryerson, and also between
Sir Charles Bagot and Dr. Ryerson, which have not hitherto
been published. There is a tone of manly dignity and inde-
pendence in this letter which commends itself, and which were
characteristic of Dr. Ryerson in his best moods as a controver-
sialist. From the letter, which extends to thirty-four foolscap
pages I make the following extracts. He said : —
I wish the most extended success to the general labours of
the Wesleyan Missionary Society, however much they have
sought to retard those of the Canadian Conference; nor have I
ever objected to their labours among the " destitute white
settlements " and heathen tribes of Canada; I only object to
their works of schism, and division. . . Did you ever think
of sending missionaries, or of employing your money and men,
in our regular circuits, before the breaking up of the Union? —
Kingston, or Belleville, or Toronto, or Hamilton, or Brantford,
or London, etc. ? — places where there is no more need of mis-
sionary men or missionary money than there is in City Road,
or Great Queen street circuits in London — places in which it is
notorious that the soul, body, and strength of your societies
consists, not in converts from the world, but in secessions from
the Canadian Conference. When, therefore, four-fifths of your
missionaries (so called) in Western Canada are employed on
regular circuits of the Canadian Conference, is it surprising
that I should complain, remonstrate, and condemn ?
The burden of Dr. Alder's letter is that I have been the first,
gratuitous, and wanton aggressor upon the character and
motives of those " to whom the British Conference has entrusted
the transaction of its most important business;" and, as such,
the author and foinenter of the difficulties between the British
and Canadian Conferences. And it has been more than once
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 391
intimated on your part that if I, the Jonah, were thrown over-
board, the commotion of the Methodistic element of Western
Canada would soon cease, and mutual confidence and joy would
be restored to the whole ship's company. . . Need I add,
that in the columns of your Watchman newspaper, and in the
pages of pamphlets, and in your Wesleyan in Canada, not only
my public conduct, but my character, my motives, my prin-
ciples, have been impugned without delicacy or restraint ?
Need I add, that the Canada Conference and myself have been
the defendants, and you the assailants, throughout ? That in
Dr. Alder's letter to Lord John Russell the proceedings of the
Canada Conference are represented as revolutionary ?
I am also impeached in almost every form of phraseology —
the Christian integrity and loyalty of my brethren and my-
self have been impunged by your agents throughout this
country — our fields of labour have been invaded, and our flocks
divided, while our principles and feelings have been resented as
dangerous to the safety and interests of the State. Yet Dr.
Alder complains of the occasional exposure of these things in
the Guardian, and is rampant at the application of the word
divisionists, to those of your missionaries who are dividing our
regular societies, and establishing rival congregations on our
regular circuits! . . But, in reply, there may be opposed
to the unanimous resolutions of your Conference, adopted in
Liverpool, in 1820, and the whole tenor and spirit of the New
Testament, especially the writings of St. Paul, who denounces
partialities for Peter, or Paul, or Apollos, as pretext for schisms
in the Church of God.
Then as to my desire to protract litigation. Does my having
done all in my power to have the affair referred to a third party
— to any impartial tribunal you might prefer — evince the truth
of such a charge ? Or does your refusing to agree to any such
reference look most like desiring to protract hostilities? Great
Britain and other civilized nations have more than once sub-
mitted their differences to the decision of a third party; ancient
churches did the same; I have advocated the same ; you refuse ;
your refusal does not certainly argue a consciousness that you
are right, or a desire^ for peace, whatever else it may argue.
Furthermore, as to my own feelings and conduct, I will let
the following memorandum, which I presented at the late session
of the Canada Conference, speak in reply to your various alle-
gations : —
I hereby resign my seat in the Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church in Canada.
I do not resign my membership in the Conference, but I resign all privi-
lege and right to take part in its deliberations, or even to be present at its
392 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
eittings. I hold myself as much as ever responsible and subject to the Con-
ference, and am as ready as ever to do all in my power to defend the Confer-
ence and Institutions of the Church when necessary ; but I voluntarily
relinquish participating in any way whatever in its Executive or Legisla-
tive Councils. The following are the considerations which have induced me
to take this step : —
1. My presence and participation in the proceedings of the Conference
have been represented as forming an insuperable obstacle to any adjustment
of differences between the Wesleyan Conference in England, and this
Conference.
2. I prefer the unity of Methodism, and an honourable adjustment of
differences between two branches of the great Methodist family, to the exer-
cise of any influence I may possess, or may be supposed to possess in the
Councils of this Conference; or to the profit and pleasure I may derive from
attending the annual deliberations of my reverend and beloved brethren.
3. I can now take this step without incurring any imputation upon my
character, and without injuring the interests of the Conference, or of the
Church at large.
I respectfully request that this memorandum may be inserted in the
journals of the Conference, as an official record and recognition of this my
voluntary act.
(Signed) EGERTON RTERSON.
HALLOWELL, June 14, 1842.
You will see from the above memorandum, that I proposed to
relinquish all except my connection with a church which I had
joined in obedience to conscience, and my connection with a
field of labour to which I believed myself called by the voice
and providence of God. My request was laid upon the table of
the Conference for a day, and then pressed by me with as much
propriety as I could employ on such a subject, but, with one
exception (Andrew Prindel), was unanimously rejected, it being
insisted that I should not be allowed to change my relations to
the Conference, in any respect, on account of your differences
with me. To relinquish my connection with the Church, and
my labours as a Methodist minister, involve considerations
which ought not to yield to the impulse of passion, or bow to
the suggestions* of expediency. By God's grace, therefore, I
hope to be able to " stand in my place to the end of the day,"
say or do what you may. . .
Dr. Alder and his Canadian friends have advised you from
the beginning that my standing and influence in Canada was
merely political ; that I was aware of this, and was, therefore,
determined to employ myself in political affairs in order- to
gratify my ambition. My assertions to the contrary were, of
course, rejected and scorned by you. Well, nearly three years
have elapsed since, by common consent, I have had nothing
whatever to do with the civil affairs of Canada, as all the public
men in it know. My own conduct, therefore, has thus far re-
futed one part of the statements of your informers. As to the
other part, has my standing as a public man declined ? or, have
1846-48] . THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 393
all parties, during that period, awarded me a testimony of
regard more gratifying than that which I had ever before
received from any party ?
You were also told that my principles were revolutionary,
and were so viewed by the wealth and intelligence, of this
country, which would support you and repudiate me and those
connected with me. What do you now see, but the Govern-
ment at home and in Canada adopting the very system of
administration, both in religious, educational, and civil affairs,
which I maintained many years ago to be most suitable to the
social condition of this Province; and the wealth and intelligence
of our population (save a little knot of Puseyite ultras) rejoicing
in its establishment; and the country in happy tranquility, and
blooming with prosperity, under its operations ? What do you
see but Her Majesty possessing a strength far more formidable
than that of swords or bayonets, in the hearts of her Canadian
subjects ? What do you see, but three branches of the Legisla-
ture unanimously incorporating as a College, with the privileges
of a University, an institution under the direction of the Canada
Conference (which you had repudiated), and in compliance with
an application which I had the honour to have advocated, and
according to the provisions of a Bill, verbatim et literatim,
which I drew up ? What do you see, but that same Legislature,
with equal unanimity, granting £500 to the same institution,
and lately, by the recommendation of His Excellency, Sir
Charles Bagot, renewing that grant as an annual aid to the
institution, now presided over by the individual against whom
all your attacks have been directed ? Can I but feel a grateful,
as well as a dutiful attachment to a Government so perfectly
consonant with my own feelings ? Can I but feel an honest
pride, retrospecting the past, and looking abroad upon the
present, to see in the constitution and spirit of Her Majesty's
Canadian Government my own views and wishes carried out to
the very letter ? Can I but rejoice, to see several members of
the Government on our College Board and Senate — and to be
aided by their counsel, abilities, and influence ?
I advert to these facts with heart-felt thankfulness, as a
practical vindication of my life and character against your im-
putations, and as an indication strong, if not providential, that
I have, in the main at least, endeavoured to do my duty to my
God, my Sovereign, and my country. . . Unconnected as I
am with any party, and on friendly terms with leading men of
all parties, countenanced by the Government, aided by the
Legislature, and sustained by the public, I can, by the divine
blesssing, employ my humble abilities, even under the weight
of Dr. Alder's frowns, to rearing up a large body of well in-
394 THE STORY OP MY LIFE. . [CHAP. XLIX.
stmcted youth, and a considerable number of ministers, who,
I hope, will be a blessing to this their country, and to the church,
and who will, doubtless, do justice to me when both Dr. Alder
and myself shall be receiving our reward according to our re-
spective works, " whether they be good or bad." . .
My differences with you are wholly of a public and official
character; personally I esteem and honour you as much as I
ever did, and wish you God speed in your general works of
faith and divine labours of love. . .
The only persons in England with whom I have the slightest
personal difference are Dr. Alder and Mr. Lord, for their un-
called for and unjust personal attacks upon me. I cherish no
ill-feeling towards them. But I ask not your indulgence; I fear
you not; I know and admire you as distinguished servants of
the Most High, but as greatly mistaken as to what truly ap-
pertains to one hundred and twenty-one itinerant ministers,
and a large and growing branch of the Wesleyan body in
Western Canada — a body now beginning, like yourselves, to
raise up a regularly educated as well as a zealous ministry. . .
This epistle shall be my witness to the Government, to the
church, and to posterity, that the dreadful disgrace and varied
evils of perpetuating the present unseemly violation of Method-
istic and Christian unity in Upper Canada, and the creation and
continuance of unnatural and unchristian schisms and divisions
in a Christian church, lie not at my door ; and that for the sake
of peace, I have offered to do all that could be demanded of me
by reason of Christianity. . .
As the Government is interested in this controversy, I shall
deem it my duty to enclose a copy of the present letter to His
Excellency the Governor-General, with a request that His Ex-
cellency will have the goodness to forward it to Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, that Her
Majesty's Government, both at home and in this country, may
fully understand the present posture of this affair, at least as
far as you and myself are concerned, and with whom lies the
responsibility of this continued controversy.
For the reasons given above to the Secretaries of the Wesleyan
Conference in England, Dr. Ryerson transmitted a copy of his
letter to them to Sir Charles Bagot, on the 10th December,
1842, accompanied with an explanatory letter, from which I
extract the following narrative connected with this matter : —
Two weeks before the late Lord Sydenham's arrival in Toronto
(in November, 1839), at a meeting of the agents of the London
Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Canadian
Conference, every matter of misunderstanding and jealousy, as
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 395
far as I know, was satisfactorily settled. It was explicitly
agreed on all sides, and recorded, that I should press the settle-
ment of the clergy reserve question. On other things it was
my wish and aim to remain neutral. This I did, until some
weeks after Lord Sydenham's arrival. Parties were very
equally divided on the question of the union of the Canadas,
and the terms on which it should be effected. I was then
Editor of the Guardian ; I was desired by the agents of the
London Wesleyan Committee and their friends (and some of
my own friends), to oppose the union of the Canadas; Lord
Sydenham sent for me, and earnestly solicited me to advocate
it, and assured me that it should involve no change in the
principles of our Constitution, but even secure greater privileges
to the people of Canada, and that it was the only hope of
Canada. He promised, in case he could get the Union measure
through the Canadian Legislature, to apply himself to the
settlement of the clergy reserve question, in accordance with
such principles as I had expressed, and which he understood to
be general in Upper Canada. After much consideration, I con-
sented to give a decided support to the Government in that
great measure. The agents of the London Committee were
greatly offended, and were sure, as were many others, that Lord
Sydenham would not be supported by the Imperial Parliament,
and threatened a breaking up of the union between the English
and Canadian Conferences; and in about three weeks after-
wards, they intimated to Lord Sydenham that the union
between the two bodies would not be continued, and sought to
get the Methodist portion of the proceeds of the clergy reserves
secured to those who should be connected with the British
Wesleyan Conference. Lord Sydenham, learning the qjrcum-
stances in which I was placed, opposed by the agents of the
London Committee and all the opponents of the union of the
Canadas, and by the " radical reform " portion of the press, for
assenting to the application of the clergy reserves to religious
purposes at all, and by many of the members of my own Church,
because I assented to a Bill which recognized the Churches of
England and Scotland by name, and not the Methodist Church,
— assured me of all protection and support that his Government
could give. I asked for nothing but a due consideration and
protection of the interests of the Church which I represented.
Of this I received repeated assurances ; and when, a few months
afterwards, Lord Sydenham received from Lord John Russell, a
copy of Dr. Alder's first letter to his Lordship, Lord Sydenham
not only renewed the private expression of his views and
purposes, but introduced them voluntarily in an answer to a
congratulatory address of the Canadian Conference. In refer-
396 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XtlX
ence to these very matters, out of which the present question
has arisen, Lord Sydenham thus expressed himself, and pledged
the faith of his Government. He said : —
Whilst I administer the affairs of the Canadas, it is my duty to look to
the feelings of the people of that country; and you will find me ever ready
and willing, whenever any question connected with the Executive Govern-
ment may arise, to support the reasonable views, and maintain the just rights
of your society, as expressed through your recognized authoiities within
these Provinces.
When it was ascertained that the English Conference would
not abide by the articles of union, and that several months' de-
lay had taken place without carrying out the views which Lord
Sydenham had expressed — that an Act on the clergy reserve
question had been passed by the Imperial Parliament, different
in several important respects from that which Lord Sydenham
had got through the Canadian Legislature, it was our intention
to have the claims and interests of our Church in respect both to
the grant and clergy reserves, brought under the consideration
of the Canadian Legislature. But previously to taking this step,
I was directed to proceed to Kingston (June, 1841), to ascertain
what measures the Government were disposed to adopt ; when
I learned from Lord Sydenham that he had been empowered to
settle the question of the grant, and that in that and all other
respects he would consult the interests of our Church to the
utmost of his power. It was not his wish to communicate his
decision officially until near the close of the session of the
Legislature, which, unhappily, proved to be the end of his life.
What has since transpired is within the personal knowledge of
Your Excellency.
After all this correspondence, the question of reunion with
the Ifritish Conference was often and earnestly discussed
privately between leading members of the Canadian and British
Conferences, as well as in the American Methodist journals.*
In 'October, 1843, Rev. Joseph Stinson, then in Sheffield,
England, wrote to Dr. Ryerson on the subject, and said: —
There is a strong desire on the part of many of our most influential minis-
tera that the work in Canada should be consolidated and made one. It is
•certainly most desirable that there should be one vigorous, united, and pros-
* Dr. Thomas Bond, Editor of the New York Christian Advocate, having sug-
gested in December, 1842, the basis of settlement of the differences between the
English and Canadian Conferences, Rev. W. M. Harvard wrote from Quebec to
Dr. Bond, dissenting from his proposition. Dr. Bond, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson,
•commenting on Mr. Harvard's objections, thus refers to the Canadian Connexion :
The Canada Conference was sound in the faith, and well affected to primitive
Wesleyan discipline, and when it came of age, the Methodist Episcopal Connexion
allowed them, and aided them, to go to housekeeping by themselves. We knew
of no objection on either subject, when we, with the kindest of feelings, have now
hinted at the possibility of an amicable arrangement between our British and
Canadian brethren.
1846-481 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 397
perous Methodist Church ; in which the pure doctrines of Methodism, and
of the Gospel, shall be preserved, and a refuge for those who really want to
be saved shall be presented — to all those, I mean, who prefer our religious
system to any other. Now, my dear sir, allow me to say, that I think that
the only two men in the world who can effect this most desirable object, are
yourself and Dr. Alder. If any plan could be adopted by which you and he
could be reconciled to each other, the work would be done ; and it will not
be done effectually, I fear, until this is the case. I still entertain the hope
of spending many happy and useful years in Canada; and I thank you
sincerely for your kind offer with reference to Cobourg. I cannot forget the
happy, and, I may say, holy hours we have spent together before God in
prayer; and I hope and trust we shall yet be found side by side in the
Church militant and in the Church triumphant.
Rev. Joseph Stinson wrote again in December, and was very
urgent in regard to the reunion of the Conferences. He says :
Let us still labour and pray for the great object of union. Every day, and
every aspect which the Church and the world presents, deepens the convic-
tion of my mind of its necessity, and I hope we shall live to see a united and
prosperous Church in Canada, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail.
We are now very busy with our Educational movements. We intend to
raise £200,000 in seven years, and we shall, by the Divine blessing, succeed.
Our people were never more united, and truly Methodistical in their feel-
ings and purposes. God has a great work for us to do in the world, and if
we are but faithful, we shall be a greater blessing to our Empire than we
have ever been.
In November, 1844, after his arrival in London, Dr. Eyerson
addressed a letter to his two friends, Rev. Joseph Stinson and
Rev. G. Marsden, on the Union question. From Mr. Stinson he
received a reply, from which the following is an extract : —
I heartily congratulate you on your promotion. I pray that you may be
happy and useful in the interesting and responsible station assigned you by
the providence of God and the Government of your country. I hope your
visit to this country may be one of those Providential events which will lead
to the accomplishment of an object which lies as near to my heart now as it
ever did — the unity of our Methodist interests in Canada. The aspects of
the times at home and abroad surely are plainly indicating that our very
existence as a Church depends, in no small degree, upon our unity. In the
meantime, if I can, by any little influence I have, be able to effect a reconcili-
ation between you and our friends at the Mission House, nothing on earth
will afford me so much pleasure.
Rev. G. Marsden, in his reply to Dr. Ryerson, said : —
Often have I reflected with deep interest on the whole of that very im-
portant affair — the union of the two bodies ; and though it was afterward
dissolved, I firmly believe that the union at that time was of God. It gave a
favourable opportunity for our Conference reviewing and improving the code
of Discipline, and I hope that it is now rendered permanent. In that respect
I believe you in Canada are on good ground; and I could almost wish that
it may be unalterable. There may be attempts made, under the pretence of
improvements, to alter in future our Book of Discipline, but I trust that
those preachers who were at the Conference when the Discipline was settled
and solemnly agreed upon, will not hastily adopt any material alterations.
The union was also providential as it occurred before the rebellion com-
menced. So far it appeared to be in the order of Providence ; and though
398 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
in a few years the union was dissolved, yet you have gone.on well in Canada,
and the Lord has prospered you.
The position which you now occupy is one of great importance, as it
respects the future good of Canada. If the youth of that country be trained up
in sound Christian principles, the country, as it respects the inhabitants, may
become one of the finest in the world. The old countries are formed, yours
is in some measure yet to be formed ; and as is the education, such in all
probability will be the inhabitants in future.
Dr. Ryerson after his arrival in England, also addressed a
letter to Dr. Bunting, dated December llth, 1844, as follows: —
I desire your acceptance of the accompanying publication
[relating to the Metcalfe controversy]. The Prefatory Notice
and Address will explain to you the circumstances under which
it was written.
I take the liberty of presenting you with this publication,
not merely from feelings of profound respect for yourself per-
sonally, but also for the following reason: — That you may have
the best possible proof of the sentiments which I have ever in-
culcated upon the public mind in Canada, and which are current
among the ministers and members of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church in that country. In appendix No's. 3 and 4, pages 171-
178, 1 have made extracts from what I wrote between the years
1838 and 1841, the period, in August, 1840, during which both
my sentiments and conduct were impunged in your presence.
You will probably recollect that I then stated that my principles
were strictly British, and such alone as could perpetuate British
authority in Canada. The fact that the present Governor-Gen-
eral of Canada, and Her Majesty's present Government — apart
from a candid inquiry into the nature of them — have staked
their character and authority in Canada upon those principles,
is ample proof of their constitutional orthodoxy and essential
importance ; and the manner in which Sir Charles Metcalfe has
been, and is, supported in Upper Canada, is sufficient evidence
of their influence over the public mind there, without your
expending some three thousand pounds a year of missionary
money within the bounds of the regular self-supporting and
missionary-contributing circuits of the Canada Conference in
order to teach us loyalty. (See pages 282, 283.) Since I was last
in England, I have not written a word on civil affairs, except a
short obituary notice of the late Sir Charles Bagot (which was not
inserted in the Christian Guardian, any more than what I have
recently written) until the publication which I herewith trans-
mit. By referring to pages 134, 153, 164, you will find that I
have not, even as an individual, written for party, or in the spirit
of party, but with a view of giving and securing the applica-
tion of a Christian interpretation of the fundamental principles
of the British Constitution, and of all good government.
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 399
I am thankful that I have been permitted to live and give to
the British Government in England, and to the public in Can-
ada, a more tangible and abiding proof of my principles and
feelings than the representations which were made of them in
your presence in 1840.
It may not be improper for me to add, that the appointment
with which the Government has honoured me, in placing under
my direction, the public educational instruction of the youth
of Upper Canada, was not accepted by me, until after my min-
isterial brethren, officially, as well as unofficially, expressed their
approbation of my doing so.
After the Conference of 1845, Dr. Ryerson (then in Europe)
received a letter from Rev. John Ryerson, in which he said : —
The Conference received a note from the sub-Secretary of the British
Conference, enclosing certain resolutions which had been passed two years
ago, appointing a committee to settle matters with the Canada Conference
respecting the differences between the two Connexions. Our Conference
appointed a similar committee, and the Secretary was directed to communi-
cate to the British Conference, and request it to make some proposals for
settlement, as they had rejected all the proposals which we had made. In
fact, parties here have taken advantage of the overtures which we have made
to injure the Canada Conference, while there is no move on the part of the
British Conference to indicate that they even desire a settlement. For my
own part, I would have gone so far as to have made the proposal which you
suggested; but I could not influence a majority of the Conference to do so.
The belief here is gaining ground that the British Conference has no inten-
tion to settle the differences ; that they are only tampering with us, and, at
the same time, they are striving to get the ,£700. I believe that no settlement
can be effected until that grant matter is adjusted, and that no grant will be
paid until that settlement is made. I cannot forget the reprehensible con-
duct of the Missionary party, in sending a missionary to Bytown, at the
very time that they were pretending to negotiate a settlement with us !
Still I am anxious to do almost anything to effect an adjustment of our mis-
understandings; but I fear that the British Conference, influenced by the
Missionary party here, will accede to no feasible plan of settlement — at all
events, not while these men are kept here, and are allowed to have the
influence in England which they seem to possess.
You are aware, of course, that a party in Toronto have for these six months
being publishing a paper, the object of which is by agitation among our people,
to drive the Conference to censure you and your political writings. The
Radical party in the Conference tried to get that body to pass some such
resolutions as Rev. C. R. Allison introduced at Brockville, but they totally
failed. The Conference in reply to two memorials — the one from Brantford,
and the other from Cobourg — defended the resolutions passed at Brockville
on political matters, and the pastoral address of the same year, and remarked
that it saw no reason to say more than it had said. This was sadly mortify-
ing to the parties opposed to you. However, every effort of that party in
this and other questions totally failed. They were left in most miserable
minorities in everything they undertook of a party and revolutionary char-
acter. The party has assailed all of our funds, especially our Missionary
Society and Victoria College. Indeed, there was nothing connected with our
institutions which they have not tried to injure, taking good care to connect
400 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
your name with everything, so as to let the Church know that you would be
a sacrifice entirely satisfactory to them.
Political matters in the country are in a state of great quiet. I think the
present Government has got on strong ground — being assailed by the two
extreme sharks — the Pilot and the Patriot. . . The impartiality and high-
minded justice of the Governor-General are becoming more and more appar-
ent. Indeed, I do not think the Radicals will be able to recover their power
in any degree while Lord Metcalfe remains, certainly not if he continues, in
defiance of party strife, to administer the Government as it has been admin-
istered since the present Council has been organized.
The University Question is a most perplexing one, and the Ministry will
find the utmost difficulty to so devise a plan of settlement so as to satisfy a
majority of the people and carry the House with them.
After this correspondence on the Union question had taken
place little was done and less resulted from it. When Dr.
Ryerson returned to Canada, he wrote to Rev. Peter Jones,
then in England, to see Rev. Dr. James Dixon, and urge him to
come to Canada. In February, 1846, Rev. Mr. Jones replied : —
On receiving your letter I lost no time in calling upon Dr. Dixon, who
appeared pleased with the invitation from our Executive Committee. He
said that if he could see that his visit to Canada would bring about a recon-
ciliation between the two Conferences, he would be most happy to go. I am
very glad that the Committee have invited him to come and inspect the state
of affairs. I believe that the invitation will do much good, whether Dr. Dixon
goes or not, as it will be seen that our Conference is anxious for a settlement,
and courts investigation.
I do assure you that we are getting very homesick ; and I am heartily
tired of the work of begging. I shall be glad when we are again quietly
settled in our own wigwams.
In reply to this invitation, Rev. Dr. Dixon wrote a letter to
Rev. Dr. Ryerson, in March, in which he foreshadowed the im-
portant Methodistic legislation which resulted in the establish-
ment of the General Conference which met at Toronto in 1874,
with Dr. Ryerson as its first President. Dr. Dixon said : —
My own idea is that a measure much more comprehensive than that of a
mere settlement of these disputes is needed. The time must come when the
North American provinces will be united ecclesiastically, by having a
General Conference of their own, in connexion with the Provincial or District
Conferences, after the manner of the United States. Things must come to
this at no remote period ; and this being the case, it seems reasonable to con-
sider such a scheme in connection with the measure now under review. To
do the thing well will require, of course, very much and mature deliberation.
In case such a measure snould be thought of, some form of fellowship, some
bond of union — must be recognized betwixt the British Conference and
such a body as I contemplate. Here is a ticklish point — it is at this point
that all splits and quarrels begin. But clearly the line of justice, religion,
and a Christian experience may be discovered, if honestly sought. I am
deeply convinced myself that the organization of such a body as I refer to
must, in the nature of things develop the energies of Methodism in the Pro-
vinces infinitely more vigorously than can be secured by the action of a
distant government.
I venture to throw this out as my general feeling and impression. Of
course, it has been thought of by others as well as myself ; and I found the
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 401
other clay from Rev. Peter Jones that the subject is engaging the attention of
different parties on your side of the water. Could you not open a discussion
on this question in your periodicals ? But it should be free from party bias,
from angry passions, from national views and partialities ; indeed, the dis-
cussion of such a subject requires the highest reason, philosophy and states-
manship. If a calm head and pure patriot could be found amongst you to
argue such a point, it would be clearing the ground. Of the soundness of
the principle that the Methodist body ought to be one in all the adjacent
colonies ; and I am convinced that it would be wise and expedient to estab-
lish as soon as men's minds are prepared for it, such an establishment as a
general colonial Conference. And in the present state of things, I conceive
it would be useful to receive a certain amount of British influence in such a
Conference. You cannot do very well without us ; and on this side there
would be great alarm at the idea of an entire separation. But all these are
questions of detail.
Let me say now, that I have a strong desire to visit your Provinces — 1
should like above all things to obey your call ; but I see it possible not only
to do no good, but to do harm, by exasperating parties on my taking up an
independent position. Let me say, I think, the object we desire is being
promoted by your communication ; and I hope that either myself, or some
other one better fitted, will, ere long, appear amongst you as a messenger of
peace. I long to see it.
It would afford Mrs. Dixon and I the highest gratification to see you in
this country again — to have the very great delight to see you by our fireside,
and experience over again some of the happy moments we dearly enjoyed in,
your friendly society. Thank God there is a Christianity infinitely above
ecclesiastical divisions, and sub-divisions ; and there is a depth of feeling
and affection in the human heart which cannot be destroyed by the miserable
squabbles of nations and churches.
At the Conference held at Kingston, after the receipt of tins
letter from Rev. Dr. Dixon, it was considered expedient to send
a deputation from Canada to the English Conference. Rev.
John Ryerson and Rev. Anson Green were selected for this
important mission and soon left for England. In *a letter to
Dr. Ryerson from his brother John, dated Bristol, August 1st,
he says that : —
The difficulties in the way of any proper adjustments of our differences
seem to be almost insurmountable. Prejudices so strong and so extensive,
have been excited against us that we, as the representatives of the Canada
Conference, are looked upon with shyness, if not fear and contempt. Our
situation is anything but pleasant ; it is even distressing and painful. . .
Rev. Joseph Stinson is most cordial and affectionate, and is doing his utmost
to further the object of our mission and promote peace in Canada; this is
also the case of Rev. William Lord.
Subsequently Rev. John Ryerson wrote to say that : —
Dr. Alder presented the address of our Conference, and also the certificate
of our appointment to the British Conference. It was moved by Dr. Bunt-
ing, and seconded by Dr. Alder, that the address be received, and that we
be affectionately and cordially requested to take a seat in the Conference.
The resolution was opposed, and it called up a warm debate. The opposers
contended that their connection with the Canada Conference and its matters
had only been a source of trouble and injury to themselves, and that, as
the Union was now dissolved, thev should keep aloof from all intercourse
26
*
402 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
with us. The resolution was warmly supported by Doctors Bunting, Alder,
Beaumont, Dixon, Mr. Lord, and Mr. Stinson. It at length passed trium-
phantly, and all things are coming out right, and will end well.
Rev. John Ryerson again wrote to Dr. Ryerson from Bristol :
Although we took our seats in the Conference last week, yet we were not
formally introduced until yesterday. It is clear that Dr. Alder and others
were resolved that we should not take our seats on the platform, but Mr.
Lord and Mr. Atherton (the President) and others were resolved that we
should. The President accordingly stated that the brethren from Canada,
Representatives of the Canada Conference, would be introduced to the Con-
ference, and would take their seats on the platform, which we did. What
Dr. Alder may hereafter do, I know not ; up to this time his conduct has
been cold and repulsive; he, however, continually declares that he is in
favour of an adjustment of matters in Canada.
In looking at matters here, I cannot express the painful anxiety of my
mind; sometimes I can neither eat nor sleep, and it quite destroys all the
satisfaction which I might otherwise enjoy from a visit to England. Had I
known that things would be as I find them, I should never have come to
England. I left Canada distressed in mind about our mission; the distress
has only continued to increase every day since. Were I to follow the strong
impulse of my mind, I should leave at once and return to America.
All this was changed, however; and on the 15th September
Rev. John Ryerson thus writes to Dr. Ryerson as to the final
issue of negotiations with the British Conference : —
After four days' conference in committee on Canada affairs, the whole
business was brought to a happy and most amicable conclusion. When I
wrote my last letter I was under most painful apprehensions respecting the
results of our mission. Little change took place in the bearing of the leading
men towards us, until we met in committee on the 9th inst. Then a most
full, frank, and undisguised explanation of all missionary and domestic
matters was entered into. After this full unburthening of ourselves, the
one to the other, a totally different feeling seemed to come over Drs. Bun-
ting, Alder, 'and the whole committee — which consisted of about thirty
leading members of the British Conference. In consequence of the strong
feeling which exists chiefly in Lower Canada, the British North American
plan mentioned by Dr. Dixon in his letter to you, was thought not practi-
cable at present. The plan of settlement to which we have agreed, is a union
with the British Conference, on a basis similar to that by which the British
and Irish Conferences are united. The British Conference appoints our
President and the Superintendent of Missions, as in the former union ; all
of our missions become missions of the Wesleyan Missionary Society ; our
Missionary Society is auxiliary to their Society. The ,£700 grant is to be
placed under the Missionary Committee, to be appropriated for missionary
purposes in Canada. On the other hand, all the regular British Missionary
circuits in Canada, are to be placed under the Canada Conference, the same
as any other circuits; and there are to be no missionary districts; but the
missionaries are to be members of the different districts in the bounds of
which their missions are situated. The missionaries are to be stationed by
our Stationing Committee, the same as other ministers. The British Confer-
ence is to appropriate £600 sterling annually to our contingent fund; and the
Missionary Committee is to place £400 at the disposal of our Conference for
contingent purposes.
More kindness, more nobleness of sentiment and feeling, I never witnessed
than was manifested towards us after we had succeeded in removing suspicion,
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 403
and allaying fears, etc. In the course of the conversations, your name came
up frequently, but always in terms of great respect; only they all seemed to
think that you got astray in the matter of the disruption of the union. I
assured them, however, that no man in Canada was more desirous of a settle-
ment of differences than you were, and in order to the attainment of it, you
were desirous that all the past should be forgotten, and that henceforth in
these matters all should become new. I assured Dr. Alder that no man in
Canada would receive him more cordially than you would. This assurance
seemed to be very gratifying to him and all the other ministers present.
On the 24th November, 1846, after the return of the Confer-
ence delegation from England, Dr. Ryerson addressed the fol-
lowing letter to Drs. Bunting and Alder: — At the suggestion
of my brother, Rev. John Ryerson, and in accordance with my
own feelings, I take the liberty of addressing you a few lines
on adjustment of differences between the English and Canadian
Conferences, and the concentration of the work of Methodism in
Upper Canada. In the arrangement which has been mutually
agreed upon between your Committees and the Canadian
Representatives, I entirely concur. Into the consideration of a
measure so purely Christian and Wesleyan, I have never
allowed, and could not for a moment allow, any sense of per- '
sonal injury to enter. I have had the pleasure of expressing to
the Conferential Committee of the Canadian Connexion my
appreciation of the honourable and generous arrangement to «
which you have agreed, and to propose a resolution expressive
of the concurrence of that Committee in that arrangement, to
which it assented cordially and unanimously. I have also had
the pleasure of moving that Rev. M. Richey be invited to occupy
the relation to Victoria College which 1 have for some years
sustained, and to which the College Council has also unani-
mously agreed. Nor shall I hesitate to use every exertion in my
power to complete and render beneficial an arrangement so
honourable to the British Conference, and so eminently calcu-
lated to promote the best interests of Methodism in Western
Canada.
Your treatment of my dear and most beloved brother, John,
I regard and acknowledge as a favour done to myself. I did
not do myself the honour of calling upon you personally when
I was in England, nor should I feel myself at liberty to do so
even now, were I again to visit London. It is not that you have
objected to many things that I have said and done, and have
expressed your objections in the strongest language. In this
you have acted as I have done, and for which I ought not either
to respect or love you the less. But, in your resolutions of April,
1840, you were pleased to charge me " with an utter want of
integrity ;" and in a subsequent series of resolutions, you were
pleased to represent ine as unworthy of the intercourse of
404 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
private life. These two particulars of your proceedings
attracted the painful notice of the late Sir Charles Bagot before
I ever saw him, and, I havq reason to believe, made no slight
impression on the mind of his successor, the late venerated
Lord Metcalfe ; and they have sunk deeply into my own heart.
But I have not so much as alluded to them in my official inter-
course with my Canadian brethren, nor will I do so ; and as a
member of the Canadian Conference, I shall (if spared) receive
and treat Dr. Alder with as much respect and cordiality as I
ever did, and shall do my best to render his contemplated visit
to Canada agreeable to himself, and successful in its objects. I
have, more than once, through the press, disclaimed any impu-
tation upon his integrity, motives, or character ; but with his
recorded declaration of my " utter want of integrity," and my
unfitness for social intercourse in private life, I feel that my
own conduct towards him should be confined to official acts and
official occasions ; in which I shall treat him with as much
cordiality as I would any other member of the English Confer-
ence. Had it not been for the two particulars in your former
proceedings to which I have referred, I should have as readily
sought the opportunity of paying you my personal respects,
during my recent visit to England, as I did in 1836.
I have thought this explanation, at the present moment, due
both to you and to myself. I assure you at the same time
of my personal regard, and of my desire and purpose to pro-
mote, in every possible way, the great objects which you have
proposed, viz., the amicable reunion between the English and
Canadian Connexions. [The amende was subsequently made.}
In order to place the English and Canadian reunion question
fully and fairly before the English Wesleyan public, Dr.
Ryerson was requested to prepare an article on the subject for
the London Watchman^ This he did. Rev. M. Richey writes
from Montreal, on the 28th June, 1847, and thus acknowledges
the service which Dr. Ryerson had rendered in this matter: —
Your promptitude in preparing an article for the Watchman, and the ability*
as well as noble spirit of Wesleyan catholicity by which it is characterized,
have afforded to Dr. Alder the highest satisfaction. The article perfectly
corresponds to the ideal he had conceived of a production adapted to place
the whole matter before the transatlantic public so as best to accomplish the
important object. The article will doubtless appear in the earliest impres-
sion of the Watchman, to the joy of thousands of hearts. He has also to
acknowledge the receipt of the address of the Canada to the British Confer-
ence. Permit me to assure you that Dr. Alder and myself most affectionately
reciprocate your expressions of kindness and regard, and we have every
confidence that no elements will be ever hereafter permitted to disturb either
our ecclesiastical relations or our personal friendship.
On his return from Canada, Dr. Alder wrote to Dr. Ryerson*
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 405
under date of the 17th September, expressing his grateful
feelings at the result of his visit. He said : —
I assure you of the recollection which I cherish of the candid and manly
part which you took, both in public and in private, in connexion with the
various important matters of business which were brought before us during
the sittings of the last Conference in Toronto, as well as previous to the
meeting of that assembly. I have not failed in my communications since
my return, to do you that justice to which you are so well entitled ; and I
trust, as I doubt not you do, that the good understanding which has thus
been restored, will be as permanent as it is gratifying. Much will depend
upon you, as well as upon myself, in securing the harmonious working of
the union which has been accomplished ; and I shall always be happy to
receive from you free and full communications, which will be regarded by
me as confidential.
Dr. Alder in a subsequent letter, to Dr. Ryerson, said : —
In the Watchman I have prefaced an account of our Missionary Anniver-
sary by a few observations, in which I have taken occasion to bear testimony
to the spirit and conduct of your brother William, as well as of your own,
with a view, not merely to perform an act of justice to you, but to prepare
the way for the appointment of one, or you both, coming, either now, or at
some future period, in a representative character, to our Conference, — an
arrangement which, I am persuaded, will be productive of much good in
various ways.
In carrying out practically so great a measure as that of the union, diffi-
culties of no ordinary kind will be felt. I have pressed upon, and fully
explained our financial matter to, Earl Grey, who has, I believe, written to
Lord Elgin on the subject. I think I have made Earl Grey understand the
peculiarity of our case. You must press the matter on your side.
In the union matter you must have the greatest practical freedom of
operation. I have explained my views to Dr. Dixon, your new President,
who sailed last Saturday in the best of spirits.
In a fraternal letter, written in July, 1847, to the Rev. Dr.
Olin, President of the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn.,
Dr. Ryerson gave some particulars as to the union with the
British Conference. He said : —
You have, doubtless, ere this, heard that a complete adjustment of past
-differences between the Wesleyan Conferences in England and Canada, has
been effected, and that provision has been made for a perfect oneness of their
interests and labours in Upper Canada. This important object has been
accomplished with a cordiality, and unanimity, and devotion, that I have
never seen surpassed, and without the loss — so far as has yet been ascertained
— of a single minister or member of either body, and to the universal satis-
faction and even joy of both parties. We look upon it with gratitude and
wonder, as the Lord's doing, and as marvellous beyond expression in our
•eyes.
In a reply to this letter written to Dr. Ryerson, in September,
1847, Dr. Olin discusses the question of the Union, and also the
relations of the Church, North and South, on the Slavery
question : —
I do most cordially rejoice at the happy termination of your negotiations
with the Wesleyan body in England. I must confess, however, that I hare
406 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
.boon somewhat disappointed at the results of your attempts to get on as an
independent Conference. In theorizing upon the subject, I have concluded
that union would be far more likely to embarrass than to facilitate your
movements. I have since learned that there were disturbing influences not
discernible by observers at a distance, growing out of the occupancy of the
field by conflicting agencies ; the heterogenous character of your population
and the power of home associations, etc. I rejoice that you have overcome
these various obstacles, and are likely to have harmony for the future. All
parties will probably be warned and instructed by the temporary interruption
in your connexions! relations. All must be now deeply impressed with the
importance of forbearance and concessions after an experience so memorable
of the necessity of union.
I deeply regret that you should have received anything but kindness from
our side of the line. I think I can assure you that, as a Church, our
sympathies are, and have been, strongly with you; but the natural and
spontaneous feelings of the Body are not well expressed ; and they are in
imminent danger of being perverted on certain questions, which, unfortu-
nately, become party questions amongst us. The Methodist Episcopal Church
is passing through a crisis. It has fallen upon her to decide momentous
questions under peculiar temptations to error. The ministers are pure and
high, above all liability to be influenced by corrupt motives ; but we are
calamitously enough thrown into a position where we must judge between
ourselves and our brethren, with powerful interests and more potent preju-
dices to mislead us. Beyond all reasonable doubt, we are coming to an issue
for which, it is my opinion, the Church of Christ, the world and history, will
not cease to reproach us. And yet we are coming to that issue with a good
conscience, honestly, so far as party spirit and blind prejudice, and the most
unfortunate leading, has left us the power of being honest. I wish my con-
victions of the right were not quite so unchangeably settled. It would afford
me unspeakable relief to be able to suspect that the predestined course of the
Church could be other than a flagrant violation of justice. I would gladly
surrender my opinion, if I could avail myself of even the benefit of a doubt
in favour of retraction. How we shall hereafter be looked upon by the
world, is a consideration of less interest than another which perpetually
thrusts itself upon my fears — what will God pronounce upon our policy?
My only hope is in the indulgence wont to be extended to errors, and even
to high offences which are the result of haste, excitement, or prejudice. All
of these mitigations may be claimed in anticipation in behalf of the measures
which will certainly prevail at our next General Conference. Of the vast
majority, which will deny to the South what I esteem their unquestionable
rights, I am sure I shall never suspect a man of doing an intentional wrong.
I nope your public sentiment and your press will enable to temper their dis-
approbation with this needful infusion of charity.
After his return to England Rev. Dr. Dixon, in a letter to
Dr. Ryerson, thus referred to the impression which his visit to
Canada made upon him. He said : —
My impressions are strong respecting the importance of Methodism in
Canada. It is at present a glorious religious element in the country, and
will become much more powerful. The colony is destined to become, either
in its present, or some new connection, a great empire. It is consequently of
great importance to adapt your religious system to existing things, preserving
points ot doctrine.
I must say, that I never think of my intercourse with you ; my journeys
with your brother; my connection with the Conference; and the kindness of
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 407
the brethren, but with feelings of intense interest. In imagination, I try to
live everything over and over again. Many faces and persons are imprinted
on my mind; and almost every scene through which I passed lives in vivid
reality. I am often journeying down your glorious lakes and rivers, gazing
on your woods and forests, and stretching myself in the expanse, as if there
were room to live and breathe. Then, the affection and kindness of every-
body ! The people and the scenery agree. All is magnificent in America.
I hope you may be able, by the divine blessing, to preserve the purity of
religion amongst you. I have strong feelings on one point — viz. : the neces-
sity of giving to all our movements an evangelic and aggressive character.
We Methodists are so fond of organizations of every sort, and hence of legis-
lating and placing everything under rule and order, that we leave no room
for extension and for development. I am convinced that a religious system
which does not act on the evangelic principle ; and, moreover, have good
people free to work and exercise the divine affection, must break down.
I consider myself much more in the character of an observer now, than an
actor in anything. I have finished my mission, as regards public work. It
ended in Canada; and the above are my last, and, I believe will remain, my
unalterable convictions. Our danger is over-legislation; cramping the ener-
gies of living piety by decrees and rules; laying too much weight on the
springs of individual movement; destroying the man in society, the com-
mittee, etc.
I am glad to hear that you preach constantly. This is all that I care about
— to endeavour to do some little good in the way of saving souls. Noble
work this ! So let me intreat you never to let your other avocations interfere
with this glorious calling. It is painful to see some men merge the minis-
terial character in some pitiful clerkship — some book-keeping affair. And
worst of all, these parties take it into their head, generally amongst us, to
consider themselves and their office as much higher than that of the messen-
gers of Christ !
Two deaths of notable representative men in Canadian
Methodism occurred during 1846: — Rev. Thomas Whitehead and
Rev. James Evans. Rev. Thomas Whitehead was the venerated
representative of the early pioneers of Methodism in Upper
Canada, and Rev. James Evans was a remarkable type of the self-
sacrificing and devoted missionaries of that Church in the great
North-west. A brief sketch of each of these ministers will
illustrate points in the history of Methodism in Upper Canada,
without which the account of Dr. Ryerson's career and labours
would be incomplete, — especially as he had to do with both of
these ministers during his lifetime. Rev. Mr. Whitehead was
one of these so-called " Yankee Methodists," whom Dr. Ryerspn
so often and so strenuously defended against the charge of dis-
loyalty ; and Rev. James Evans was one of the five brethren
with whom he remonstrated so earnestly and yet so kindly in
1833. (See page 131.)
' Rev. Thomas Whitehead was in many respects a strongly-
marked representative man. He was elected President at the
memorable Special Conference held, in the dark days of the
Church, in 1840. (Page 274.) A characteristic letter from him
408 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. XLIX.
to Dr. Ryerson will be found on page 276. Mr. Whitehead was
born in Duchess County, New York, in December 17G2, when it
was still a British Province. He was, therefore, not a " Yankee
Methodist," but a United Empire Loyalist. He commenced his
ministry in 1783, and went on a mission to Nova Scotia and New
Brunswick, where he remained from 1786 until 1804. In Sep-
tember, 1806, he was sent by Bishop Asbury to Upper Canada,
where he resided for forty years. He preached his last sermon
on Christmas Day, 1845. He was in the ministry 62 years, and
died at Burford in January, 1846, aged 83 years.
Rev. James Evans was one of the most noted missionaries of
the North-west ; and was specially so from the fact that, by his
wonderful inventions of the syllabic character in the Cree
language, he has conferred untold blessings upon the Indian
tribes and missions of all the Churches in that vast North-
West territory, in which he only was permitted to labour for
six years.
Mr. Evans was born in England in 1800. He was converted
in Upper Canada, and in 1830 entered the Christian ministry,
and was a member of the Canada Conference from that year.
In 1840 he volunteered his services as a missionary to the
North-west. At his station of Norway House, he devoted him-
self to his great work. Rev. E. R. Young, in the Canadian
Methodist Magazine for November, 1882, thus speaks of Mr.
Evans' eminent service to the mission cause by his famous
invention. He says : —
The invention of what are known as the syllabic characters was un-
doubtedly Mr. Evans' greatest work, and to his unaided genius belongs the
honour of devising and then perfecting this alphabet which has been such a
blessing to thousands of Cree Indians. The principle on which the characters
are formed is the phonetic. There are no silent letters. Each character
represents a syllable, hence no spelling is required. As soon as the alphabet
is mastered, the student can commence at the first chapter in Genesis and
read on, slowly of course, at first, but in a few days with surprising facility.
When the invention became more extensively known, and other Churches
desired to avail themselves of its benefits, the British and Foreign Bible
Society nobly came to the help of our own, and the kindred Churches having
missions in the North West, and with their usual princely style of doing
things, for years have been printing, and gratuitously furnishing to the
different Cree Indian missions, all the copies of the Sacred Word they require.
Rev. Mr. Young relates an interesting anecdote connected
with this alphabet, which occurred when he was a missionary
in the North-West. During Lord Dufferin's visit there he con-
versed with Mr. Young in regard to the Indians in these distant
regions, and expressed his solicitude for the welfare and happi-
ness of these wandering races, and made general enquires in
reference to missionary work among them. Mr. Young adds: —
In mentioning the helps I had in my work, I showed him my Oree
1846-48] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 409
Indian Testament, in Evans' Syllabic Characters, and explained the inven-
tion to him. At once his curiosity was excited, and jumping up he hurried
off for pen and paper, and had me write out the whole alphabet for him, and
then with that glee and vivacity for which His Lordship was so noted, he
constituted me his teacher, and commenced at once to master them. Their
simplicity, and yet wonderful adaptation for their designed work became
clearly recognized by him, for in a snort time he read a portion of the Lord's
Prayer. Lord Dufferin became quite excited, and, getting up from his chair,
and holding the Testament in his hand, exclaimed, "Why, Mr. Young, what a
blessing to humanity the man was who invented that alphabet ! Then con-
tinuing, he added, " I profess to be a kind of literary man myself, and try
to keep up my reading of what is going on, but 1 never heard of this before.
The fact is," he added, "the nation has given many a man a title, and a pension,
and then a resting-place, and a monument in Westminster Abbey, who never
did half so much for their fellow-creatures." Then turning to me again, he
asked, " Who did you say was the author, or inventor of the characters ?"
" The Rev. James Evans," I replied. " Well, why is it, I never heard of
him before, I wonder ?" he answered. My reply was, " Well, my lord, per-
haps the reason why you never heard before of him was, because he was a
humble, modest Methodist preacher." With a laugh he replied, " That may
have been it," and then the conversation changed. (Pages 437, 438.)
The following are examples of the
CREE SYLLABIC CHARACTERS.
V A t> <3 a, e, oo, ah. .
V A > < pa, pe, poo, pah.
U D C 3 ta, te, tooh, tah.
0 U J U cha, che, choo, chah.
^ CJ .Q Q na, ne, noo, nah.
Q P T> <T k»> ke> koo» kah-
~"| I™" J L_ ma, mee, moo, man.
H r^ H h sa, see, soo, sah.
^ J^ "x > ya, yee, yoo, yah.
The following is the mode of forming words :—
l_ C7 C Mah-ne-too — Great Spirit.
O [~ f" Oo-me-me — Dove.
Q < O" Nah-pah-ne— Flour-making.
CHAPTER L.
1846-1854.
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS AND INCIDENTS OF 1846-1854.
AFTER his return from England, Dr. Ryerson was engaged
in the preparation of his Report on a " System of Public
Instruction for Upper Canada," from which I have given extracts
on page 368. In that report he gave the broad outlines of his
proposed scheme of education, and fully explained the principles
of the system which he proposed to found. He also prepared a
draft of a Bill designed to give effect to some of the most press-
ing of his recommendations.
In a letter to a friend, dated 18th April, 1846, he said: — My
report on a system of public elementary instruction occupies
nearly 400 pages of foolscap. It will explain to all parties
what I think, desire, and intend. But I would not hesitate to
resign my situation to-morrow, and take my plaee and portion
as a Methodist preacher, if I thought I could be as useful in that
position to the country at large. My travels have added to my
limited stock of knowledge, but they have not altered my
principles, or changed my feelings.
To another friend he wrote about the same time: — As the
science of civil government is the most uncertain of the uncer-
tain sciences, if I should fail in my exertions — if counteracting
influences should intervene which I cannot now foresee, and give
success to the opposition against me, or paralyze my influence — I
would not remain in office a day, or would I retain it any longer
than I could render it a means of strength to our system of
government as well as of good to the country. I would rather
break stones on the street than be a dead weight to any govern-
ment, or in any community.
It may be of interest at the present time to learn what was
Dr. Ryerson's opinion of Mr. Gladstone in 1845. Writing
in the Guardian of March 18th, 1846, in reply to strictures
on that statesman, Dr. Ryerson said : — During my late tour in
Europe, I was one evening present at the proceedings of the
British House of Commons, and heard Mr. Gladstone, the Secre-
tary of State for the Colonies, avow a change in his opinions in
regard to ecclesiastical and educational matters. Sir Robert
Peel's Government had determined to establish several colleges
1846-54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 411
in Ireland, not connected with the Established Church. Mr.
Gladstone, in his book on " Church and State," had maintained
that the National Church was the only medium through which
the Legislature ought to instruct the nation in every depart-
ment of knowledge. . . There was, therefore, a complete
antagonism between Sir Robert Peel's policy and Mr. Glad-
stone's book. On the night I was present, Mr. Gladstone . .
frankly stated that he had written a book advocating an oppo-
site policy to that which Her Majesty's Government had deemed
it their duty to pursue, in establishing secondary colleges in
Ireland; that further reflection and experience had convinced,
him that his views were not correct; that he fully concurred in
the policy of the Government in respect to those colleges, and
should, as an individual member of Parliament, give it his sup-
port; but that should he do so as a Minister of the Crown, after
having publicly avowed very different sentiments, he would not,
be in a position to place his motives of action above suspicion.
To exonerate himself, therefore, from the imputation, or sus-
picion, of being actuated by a love of office or power, to support,,
as a Minister of State, what he condemned as an author, he
resigned his office; and to do justice to his present convictions
of what he conceived the interests of Ireland demanded, he
avowed his' change of opinion, and his determination to support
the Irish policy of Sir Robert Peel, with whom he declared he
cordially concurred in every measure which had been discussed
in the Cabinet.
Sir Robert Peel followed in a beautiful and touching speech —
appealing to the sacrifice which the Cabinet had made in the
loss of so able a member as Mr. Gladstone, as a proof of the
sincerity of the Government, and the strength of its convictions
in its Irish educational policy.
The conduct of those two distinguished statesmen (Dr. Ryer-
son adds) towards each other on that occasion, presented one of
the finest examples of strong personal friendship between two>
public men that I ever witnessed.
No man excelled Dr. Ryerson in his respect and love for his
parents. This was apparent from many incidents, and from the
tone of his mother and father's letters to him, as given in this
volume. He generally wrote to them at the beginning of each
year. His letter dated Toronto, 1st January, 1847, is, however,
the only one which I have. It is as follows : —
MY DEAR AND MOST VENERATED PARENTS, —
As heretofore, the first work of my pen is employed in-
presenting to you my filial respe'cts, and offering you my duti-
ful and affectionate congratulations at the commencement of
412 TEE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L.
another year, — lifting up, as I most earnestly do, my heart to
Almighty God, that, having brought you at so advanced an age
to the beginning of this year, He will make it the happiest, as
well as the holiest of your lives ! I cannot but regard the
lengthening out of your earthly pilgrimage so much beyond the
ordinary period of human life — so much beyond what I expect
to reach — as a special means and call of God to become fully
ripe for heaven. You stand a long time on the margin of
eternity — may that margin prove the verge of eternal glory !
As the body grows feeble, may the soul grow strong ! As the
bodily sight becomes dim, may the heavenly vision become
brighter, and the heavenly aspirations and assurances stronger '
How great the privilege, and how soul-cheering the thought,
especially at the approach of death, to know that " your life is
hid with Christ in God." It is in safe keeping, and the dis-
closure of it bye-and-bye will be glorious beyond conception ;
for " when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, shall we then
appear like Him in glory." The sufferings of the present life,
however severe and protracted, are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which that life shall reveal. O, my dear parents,
may that glory be yours in all the fulness of its splendour, and
in all the perfection of its beatitudes !
I thankfully acknowledge the receipt of the two pairs of
socks — the last of the many like tokens of my Mother's affection,
and the work of her own hands. I scarcely ever put them on
without a gush of feeling which is not easily suppressed. They
every day remind me of the hand which sustained my infancy
and guided my childhood, and the heart which has crowned my
life with its tenderest solicitudes, and most fervent and, I
believe, effectual prayers. Praised be God above all earthly
things, for such a Mother ! May I not prove an unfaithful son !
We are all well. I was at brother George's to-day. I hope
to see you in the course of the winter. Each of the family
unite with me in expressions of dutiful respect and affection to
you. Please remember me to all those who reside with you,
and to all relatives, and old acquaintances and neighbours.
With daily prayers at the family altar for your health, com-
fort and happiness, and anxiously desirous of hearing from you,
I am, my most honoured Parents, your affectionate son,
Toronto, 2nd January, 1847. EGERTON RYERSON.
Between Dr. Ryerson and Rev. Peter Jones a life-long friend-
ship existed. In a note to Dr. Ryerson, dated Credit, Nov. 1st,
1847, Mr. Jones says : I had the pleasure of receiving a set of
your School Reports, for which I thank you from the bottom of
my heart, and I trust I shall receive much valuable informa-
1846-54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 413
tion which may prove beneficial in our Indian School schemes.*
My brother, I thank you for all the kindness you have ever
shown to me and my dear family, and I hope and pray that the
friendship which was formed between us many years ago will
last for ever. Pray for us. Rev. Peter Jones had been an in-
mate of Dr. Ryerson's house during his last illness in 1856.
As the crisis approached he desired to return to his own home
in Brantford. After he reached there, Ven. Archdeacon Nelles
visited him, and in a note to Dr. Ryerson, dated 25th June,
said : — Mr. Jones has been gradually sinking ever since his return
from Toronto. He enjoys great peace o£ mind, and I believe
truly trusts on that Saviour whom he has so often pointed out
to others as the only refuge and hope of poor sinners. May
my last end be like his.
After the change of administration, consequent on the result
of the recent elections, it was confidently stated that Dr. Ryer-
son would be removed from office. Having written to his
brother John on the subject, his brother replied, on the 9th of
February, 1847, as follows : It is quite certain that combined and
powerful efforts are being made against you by certain parties,
no doubt with a determination to destroy you as a public
man, if they can. The feeling of the "radical" party is most
inveterate. They are determined, by hook or by crook, to turn
you out of the office of Chief Superintendent of Education. All
the stir among the District Councils, and about the school law,
etc., are but the schemes and measures set on foot by the party
in power for the purpose of compassing the great object in view
of ousting the " Superintendent of Education."
In a letter which I received from Dr. Ryerson, while at the
Belleville Conference, dated June 13th, 1848, he said: — Every
distinction has been shown me in the appointments and arrange-
ments of the Conference ; and I believe the great body of the
preachers will sustain me in all future contingencies.
The Conference thus far has been the most delightful I ever
* Being a member of the Conference Committee appointed to confer with the
Government on the establishment of Manual Labour Schools for the Indians, Rev.
Peter Jones, in writing to' Dr. Ryerson from the Credit, on the subject, in Septem-
ber, 1844, said : — You will be glad to see that our Indian brethren have subscribed
liberally, which shews their ardent desire to have Manual Labour Schools estab-
lished amongst them. We forwarded a copy to the Governor-General, and His
Excellency was pleased to approve of the liberality of the Indian tribes. From
the manner in which His Excellency has always spoken of Indian Manual Labour
Schools, I am sure that he will take great pleasure in aiding their establishment.
As you have access to the ears of our Great Father at Montreal, may I beg
the favour of your explaining to him the object of my visit to England, and the
necessity of His Excellency's sanctioning the payment of my expenses. As I
intend to visit England for the purpose of augmenting the funds of the Manual
Labour Schools, I think at least my expenses should be paid out of the Indian
subscriptions of $400.
414 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L.
Attended. I took the evening service of yesterday, and preached
with considerable freedom to an immense congregation ; text,
John xvii. 17 — first part of verse.
There has been an advancement in every department of the
interests of our Church during the year. This is very encour-
aging, and a ground of special thankfulness.
Judge then of Dr. Ryerson's surprise and of mine on seeing the
following paragraph in fheGlobe newspaper, about the same time:
It is said that Egerton Kyerson is trying to get the Methodist Conference
to deprive him of his clerical standing, because of his holding a permanent
<3overmnent situation.
In the course of his reply, Dr. Eyerson said : — When the
situation in connection with elementary education was offered
to me, in February, 1844, before replying to the offer, I laid the
letter containing it before the large Executive Committee of
the Wesleyan Conference, and was authorized by that disin-
terested body to accept of the appointment. When, in the latter
part of the May following, I placed the appointment again
at the disposal of the Government, as absolutely as if no offer
had ever been made or accepted, and determined in June not to
accept it under any circumstances, should the offer again be
made, a written address was got up to me, numerously signed
by the Wesleyan ministers of the Conference which assembled
that month, requesting me not to refuse it, should the offer be
again made ; and it is to the influence of that judgment, in
which I confided more than in my own feelings, that the Globe
and some other papers are indebted for the opportunity and
privilege of abusing me in my present position these last four
years. Sir, the Wesleyan Conference is as incapable of enter-
taining such a proposition as you have attributed to me, as I
am indisposed to make it ; and, though I am not insensible to
the honour and importance of my educational office, I hold it
as in all respects consistent with my relations and obligations
to the Church, through whose instrumentality I have received
infinitely greater blessings than it is in the power of any civil
government to bestow.
At the proper time I shall be prepared to show that I was
personally as disinterested (whether right or wrong) in what I
wrote in 1844, as in what I wrote in 1838 and 1839 in con-
nection with the names of Marshall S. Bidwell and J. S. Howard,
Esquires. I have ever maintained since 1827 what appeared to
me right and important principles, regardless of man in high or
low places, and favour or oppose what party it might. I have
never borrowed my doctrines from the conclaves or councils of
party, nor bowed my neck to its yoke; nor have I made my
office subservient to its interests in any shape or form, but to
the interest of the country at large, so far as in my power,
1846-54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 415
irrespective of sect or party. I should contemn myself if I
could perform one act or say one word to court party favour,
or avert party vengeance, if such exists. I shall do as I have
done, endeavour faithfully to perform the duties and fulfil the
trusts imposed upon me, and leave the future, as well as the
past, to the judgement of my native country, for the equal
rights of all classes of whose inhabitants I contended in •'* peril-
ous times," and for years before the political existence of the
chief public men of any party in Canada, with the exception
of the Hon. William Morris.
The question, incidentally raised by the Globe newspaper,
after the Conference of 1848, as to Dr. Ryerson's retaining a
ministerial status, while holding and administering a civil office
was brought up at the next Conference, held at Hamilton, in
June, 1849. In a letter to me from the Conference, dated llth
of the month, he said : — I brought my position before the Con-
ference in consequence of a remark from one of the preachers,
saying, while Mr. Playter's case was under consideration, " that
there was a general opposition among the members of the
Conference, pccupying the position that Mr. Playter did, or a
civil situation." Several of the senior members of the Conference
spoke in a very complimentary way respecting me ; and a strong
satisfaction was expressed from all parts of the Conference with
my position — the manner in which I had filled it, and consulted
the interests of the Church — expressing their earnest desire
that I would continue in it.
In a letter to Dr. Ryerson from his brother, Rev. K M. Ryer-
son, from Brantford, on July 2nd, 1848, it would appear, from
the foregoing, that some hostile movement was being generally
formed against him. His brother said: — I found upon my re-
turn from Conference to Brantford that the general topic of
conversation was your dismissal from your present office. When
I told them it was not the case, some rejoiced, while silent
grief and disappointment were visible on the countenances of
others.
Dr. Ryerson having been called to Montreal on edupational
matters, in April, 1849, wrote a letter to me from that city,
dated 27th of the month, in which he gave a graphic account of
the state of the city during the crisis at that time: — You may
well imagine my surprise and regret, on reaching Lachine yes-
terday, to learn that the Parliament House had been burnt,
together with a noble library of 25,000 volumes, containing
records of valuable books which can never be replaced. On
arriving in Montreal, I found nothing but confusion and excite-
ment, which, instead of subsiding, are increasing, and it is
416 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L.
apprehended that to-morrow will be a more serious day than
any that has preceded it. Yesterday, the court of the Govern-
ment House was filled with soldiers, while the street in front of
it was crowded with a multitude, who saluted every appearance
of any members of the Executive Council, or any of their Par-
liamentary supporters with hisses and groans. This continued
from one o'clock until eight or nine o'clock in the evening. Mr.
Lafontaine came out in care of Colonel Antrobus and soldiers,
to get into a cab, and he was pelted with eggs and stones. Not
one of the Ministers can walk the streets. Last night Mr.
Lafontaine's house was sacked, and his library destroyed ; and
Mr. Hincks' house was also sacked, but he had removed nearly
ail of his furniture, as well as his family. The scene of to-day
was similar to that of yesterday. This afternoon a meeting of
several thousands of persons was held in the Champs de Mars.
I heard some of the speeches. They were moderate in tone,
but the feelings of disgust and contempt for Lord Elgin exceed
all conception. There have been two vast assemblages this
evening — the one French, the other British — in different parts
of the city. Companies of soldiers have been stationed in the
streets between them, preventing persons going from one party
to the other. I have heard their shoutings since I commenced
this letter.
The next day Dr. Ryerson wrote to me again to say : —
Nothing has occurred in the city since last night, worth
noticing. Soldiers meet you at every turn almost. Two com-
panies of soldiers were stationed to-day in the building in which
the Legislative Assembly met. There was a long debate on
the causes of the recent disturbances, and strong protestations
from all sides of the House against " annexation."
An opportunity to appoint Hon. M. S. Bidwell to the Bench
in Upper Canada having occurred, Dr. Ryerson, on the 3rd
September, 1849, addressed the following letter to Hon. Robert
Baldwin, urging the appointment : — There is one subject I take
the liberty of mentioning, although it is contrary to my practice
to interfere in any matter of the kind ; but the peculiarity of
it may excuse me on the present occasion. I allude to the
appointment of Mr. Bidwell as one of the new judges in Upper
Canada. The recent history of Europe affords many illustra-
tions of circumstances being seized upon by despots to compel
the departure of valuable and dreaded men from their own
country. You know that it was under such circumstances that
Mr. Bidwell was compelled to leave Canada. You know that
it was the order of the Imperial Government to elevate Mr.
Bidwell to the Bench, that prompted Sir Francis Head to adopt
184G-54] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 417
the course towards him that he did. You know, likewise, how
long, and faithfully, and ably, Mr. Bid well laboured to promote
the principles of civil and religious liberty which are now
established in Upper Canada ; and that at a time when great
responsibility and obloquy attached to such advocacy. Mr.
Bidwell was the author, as well as the able advocate of the I
laws by which the religious denominations in Upper Canada ,'
hold Church property, and by which their ministers solemnize
matrimony. I believe he has never altogether abandoned the
hope of returning to Canada ; but I believe he has felt that he
was entitled to the offer of that position, which the Home
Government contemplated conferring upon him in 1837. I felt
it too delicate a question to propose to Mr. Bidwell when I saw
him the other day; but my friend Mr. Francis Hall, of the
New York Commercial Advertiser (who sees and converses,
with him every week), expressed his full conviction that Mr.
Bidwell would accept a Judgeship in Upper Canada — that Mr..
Bidwell had constantly taken the Canadian Law Keports, and
procured the Canadian and English Statutes, and kept up his
reading of them as carefully as if he had lived in Canada. I
believe the appointment of Mr. Bidwell would be an honour to
the Canadian Bench, and an act of moral and political gratitude
most honourable to any party, and of great value to Upper
Canada. You are aware of the reasons for which I feel a deep
interest in this subject, and which will, I trust, excuse in your
mind the liberty I take — believing, as I do, that it will be as
grateful to your feelings as it will be noble in your character,
to remember a man to whom our common country is so much
indebted.
To this letter Mr. Baldwin replied, on the 20th September
With respect to the principal object of your letter, you need not, I assure
you, have made any excuse for introducing it, even independently of the
part taken by you formerly with reference to the case of my friend Mr. Bid- -
well, and which alone would give you a just claim to address me. I can
never feel any suggestion, no matter from what quarter, having his good foi ,
its object, to be an intrusion on me, and be assured that nothing could have -
afforded me greater pleasure than to have had it in my power to have ad-
vised his appointment to the Bench. Nor have I ever ceased to do all that •
I could with propriety to get him to put himself in the position which might
lead to such a result. You are aware of the steps I took in 1843 to have his -
pledge to Sir Francis Head cancelled. I sent you, I think, the correspond-
ence respecting it. (See page 308.) On that being done, I wrote him a
letter of which I preserved a copy, from which I send you one. By this
you will see how earnestly I pressed him to return then. Had he come in,
as I suggested, it was my intention to have offered him the Crown business
on whichever of the Circuits he might have chosen. I have subsequently,
as often as I felt I dared to do so, urged his return. But it has been felt
impossible, until he had placed himself in the position of a practitioner, as
formerly, at our own, and not at a foreign, Bar, to advise his appointment to *
27
418 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L.
the Bench of the Province. For myself, although friendship might have led
me to have overlooked, or overstepped, this difficulty, my judgment, when
appealed to, forced me to admit, with my colleagues, that the objection was
insuperable.
I am not acquainted with the income he realizes from his profession in.
New York, but I doubt not it is much beyond what could be obtained in
Toronto. Still, if he really does wish to return to Canada, the time is most
Eropitious as far as professional prospects are concerned. Mr. Sullivan, Mr.
lake, and Mr. Esten being taken from the Bar leaves a space to be filled
that, I should say, offers the best possible opening.
Had Mr. Bidwell been in his proper professional position here when the
Government was called upon to appoint to the places now filled, or on the
eve of being filled, by those gentlemen, there is not one of those high judicial
positions to which it" would not have been at once a pride and a pleasure
both to myself and my colleagues to have advised his appointment. Vice-
Chancellor Jameson's health, too, will probably ere long lead to his retire-
ment. When that time arrives, will our friend's continued absence be still
a barrier to the gratification of our wishes ?
If the affairs of the Province shall be then conducted by the same Councils
as now sway them, I may say, with almost the same confidence of that future
as I do of the past, that it will be the only obstacle to such gratification. I
should add, too, that last winter one of my colleagues who, as well as myself,
has always taken a particular interest in Mr. Bidwell's return to the Province,
wrote to him, informing him of the Judiciary measures intended to be intro-
duced by the Administration, and giving him to understand as distinctly as
could properly be done, that, if he had returned to this country when those
measures were to go into operation, it would afford us and our colleagues the
greatest pleasure to have it in our power to advise his being placed in a situa-
tion alike agreeable to his tastes, deserving of his talents, and satisfactory to
the public at large. And though, when he wrote first, he expressed some
doubt of the Bills becoming law during the last session, yet shortly after,
when it was felt expedient to carry them through, he again wrote to inform
Mr. Bidwell that this would be done if the sanction of Parliament was ob-
tained to the measures. Whether, in my letters to Mr. Bidwell, on the
subject of his return, I have appeared to him not to speak with sufficient
warmth, I know not. It has, at all events, not been from indifference to the
object I certainly have felt that, in the uncertainty that must for the future
attach to political power, there was 'a great responsibility in urging one in
good business elsewhere to leave that and throw his fortunes again in with
us here. I am naturally cautious, and my caution may have led me to speak
less warmly than I felt, particularly when I found my first appeals unsuc-
cessful. But he ought, and I hope, does, appreciate my motives. It is true
his ear may be poisoned by having had unjust suspicions poured into it. I
know I have never afforded any just grounds for such suspicions, and I feel
confident that his generous nature would have been far above conceiving any
such, had they not been suggested by others. I am, however, perhaps doing
wrong. It may be that none such have ever been thought of by anyone. I
trust it is so. if otherwise, it is but just to myself to say that they are the
foulest, basest and most malignant that mortal ever breathed.
Rev. Dr. Bangs attended the Conference at Brockville in
1850, as a delegate from the American General Conference. On
his return to New York he wrote a letter to Dr. Ryerson on the
3rd July :—
I think my trip to Canada was one of the most pleasant tours I ever made,
1846-54} THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 419
and shall reflect upon it with peculiar delight. I have commenced, as you
will perceive by the Christian Advocate, to give the public an account of my
visit to your Conference.
The pleasure we enjoyed in our visit to Canada, and especially your hos-
pitality at Toronto, makes us feel truly thankful to God for such hallowed
friendships, and reminds us more forcibly than ever of that eternal union
which the spirits shall enjoy in a future world.
Dr. Ryerson made a second educational trip to Europe in
October, 1850. Writing to me from London on the 8th Novem-
ber, he said :— The day before yesterday, I left Lord Elgin's
note of introduction, with my card, at the Colonial Office ; the
same evening I received a note, appointing j-esterday for an
interview. Mr. (afterwards Sir R) Hawes, the Under-Secretary
was present. It was most agreeable and gratifying. Lord Grey
seamed much delighted with what had been done, educationally,
in -Upper Canada; and of which he was until then, entirely
ignorant. Mr. Hawes asked if I had published any report of
my tour in Europe, or the results of it ; and as I happened to
have a copy of each of the documents I brought with me, I
presented Lord Grey with copies of them. He seemed surprised
that he had not seen them before, and said he must write to
Lord Elgin to send him a copy of each of them for the office. .
The conversation extended to the United States — our system of
Government as contrasted with theirs, etc. Lord Grey and Mr.
Hawes appeared entertained and pleased. His Lordship offered
to aid me in any way, in his power, that I might devise ; and
asked me to dine with him.
Last evening, I received from Lord Grey letters of introduction
to the Marquis of Lansdowne (President of the Privy Council
Committe of Education) to the Rt. Hon. T. B. Macaulay, and
Mr. Lingard, successor of Sir J.'P. Kay Shuttle worth, and an
unsealed letter of introduction from Mr. Hawes, to Sir Henry
Ellis, Librarian of the British Museum, in which he said : This
will be presented to you by Dr. Ryerson, of Canada, who has
rendered great services to the cause of education, not only by
his writings, but by his great exertions.
Both Lord Grey and Mr. Hawes seemed to know something
about me; and the above copy of note shows the spirit in which
they are desirous of aiding me. I shall now commence my
work here in good earnest.
Lord Grey introduced the subject of the Toronto University,
and of the Bishop of Toronto's Mission to this country, and
when he found that I had a copy or the amended University
Bill, and the proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference on the
subject, he requested them for perusal. In my next interview
with His Lordship I shall introduce the subject of the clergy
reserves.
420 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L.
I have been very cordially received at the Wesleyan Mission
House. I was affected to see Dr. Bunting's great bodily weak-
ness, and surprised to see his intellect clear, quick, and powerful
as ever. When he walks, he can only step about six inches at
a time. I expect to hear him on Sunday morning, in the same
Chapel (Spitalfields Chapel — a once French church, in which
the eloquent Saurin has preached, and made a collection for the
refugee Huguenots to the amount of £3,000) in which I preached
last Sunday, and aided in administering the Lord's Supper.
On the 10th January, 1851, Dr. Ryerson addressed the follow-
ing note to Sir Benjamin Hawes, from Paris : I saw Cardinal
Wiseman on the strength of your kind note of introduction. He
appeared to be pleased with the compliment which my call
involved — invited me to hospitalities which I think it would
not be prudent for me to accept, and promised to have a list of
popular (but not denominational) reading books prepared, and
the books selected for my inspection on my return to London.
I most fervently hope that you will be prepared to bring
before Parliament, early in the approaching session, a Bill to
settle the Canadian clergy reserve question — the only remain-
ing obstacle to the social harmony of Canada, and to its affec-
tionate and permanent union with the Mother Country.
In 1852, the new buildings of the Education Department and
Normal School, as shown in the accompanying engravings were
completed. For Dr. Ryerson's Office see page 422.
Being in England in 1853, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me there : —
I was glad to learn that Lord Elgin was to go in the same steamship with
you from Boston. I have no doubt it will have proved interesting to him
as well as to you, and perhaps useful to you. 1 miss you very much from
the office, but I do not like to employ any more aid without sanction of the
Government, though I could get no one to take your place. I would wish you
to write me what Lord Elgin may have thought or said as to our doings and
plans of proceeding. If the Library plan succeeds, it will achieve noble
results.* I feel that our success and happiness in the Department are
inseparably united.
In 1854 Dr. Ryerson was appointed a member of Commission
to enquire into matters connected with King's College, Fred-
ericton, N.B. His fellow-commissioners were Hon. J. H. Gray,
Dr. Dawson, Hon. J. S. Saunders, and Hon. James Brown. Mr.
Grey the Chairman, in transmitting the Report of the Com-
mission to the Provincial Secretary of New Brunswick, said : —
I beg to express, with the full conscience of my fellow-commissioners, our
acknowledgment of the very valuable assistance offered us bv Dr. Ryerson.
Hiq great experience, and unquestioned proficiency in all subjects connected
' with Education, justly entitles his opinions to great weight.
* Lord Elgin always referred to Dr. Ryerson's library scheme in his educational
Addresses, as the "Crown and Glory of the Institutions of the Province."
.
CHAPTER LL
1849,
THE BIBLE IN THE ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
EARLY in 1849 an important crisis occurred in the history
of our Public School system, the evil effects of which were
only prevented by the prompt and emphatic protest on the part
of Dr. Ryerson, and the equally prompt measures taken by Hon.
Robert Baldwin in the matter. The event to which I refer was
the hurried passage of a revolutionary School Bill at the end
of a Session of Parliament by parties hostile to Dr. Ryerson —
a Bill the effect of which would have been the exclusion of
the Bible and religious teaching and influence from our Public
Schools. In regard to that calamitous event, Dr. Ryerson stated
that within three hours of learning that such a Bill was law he
informed Mr. Baldwin that the office of Chief Superintendent
of Education was at his disposal.
I was absent from Toronto at this time. Dr. Ryerson there-
fore wrote me a letter on the subject, dated December, 1849,
in which he said : — I am happy to say the scandalous School
Bill of last session is upset. The members of the Government
(including the Governor-General) have examined my letter to
Mr. Baldwin, of July last, and have come entirely into my views.
Mr. Malcolm Cameron is also out of office, and is striving to
create opposition against his former colleagues. Some of the ex-
treme radical papers (Examiner, Mirror, Canada Christian
Advocate, Provincialist, &c.,) all state that I had tendered my
resignation, and had been persuaded by one or two members of
the Government to withdraw it, and they speak piteously of the
Government having succumbed to me. The Canada Christian
Advocate says I have watched my opportunity to get "Mr.
Baldwin and the Government under my thumb." I have been
permitted to publish the correspondence of July last, and it has
placed me in this new and proud position. I thank God for
His goodness in thus opening before me a wider field of useful-
ness than ever, and for sealing at so early a period, with His
approbation, adherence to great principles of Christian truth
and social advancement, irrespective of men or parties. I
424 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LI.
shall commence the New Year with new courage and hope,
and I am anxious to see you that we may together devise and
prosecute the best means to promote our great work.
The circumstances under which this abortive School Bill, as it
proved, of 1849, was passed, is thus described by Dr. Ryerson in
a letter written ten years afterwards (in 1859) : —
From 1846 to 1849 a host of scribblers and would-be school
legislators appeared, led on by the Globe newspaper. It was repre-
sented that I had plotted a Prussian school despotism for free
Canada, and that I was forcing upon the country a system in
which the last spark of Canadian liberty would be extinguished,
and Canadian youth would be educated as slaves. Hon. Mal-
colm Cameron, with less knowledge and less experience than he
has now, was astounded at these " awful disclosures," and was
dazzled by the theories proposed to rid the country of the en-
slaving elements of my Prussian school system. Mr. Cameron
was at length appointed to office ; and he thought I ought to
be walked out of the office. Messrs. Baldwin and Hincks (as I
have understood), thought I should be judged officially for my
official acts, and that, thus judged, I had done nothing worthy
of evil treatment. The party hostile to me then thought that,
as I could not be turned out of office by direct dismissal, I
might be shuffled out by legislation ; and a School Bill was pre-
pared for that purpose. That Bill contained many good, but
more bad provisions, and worse omissions, but of which only a
man who had studied the question, or rather science, of school
legislation could fully judge. Mr. Cameron was selected to
submit it to his colleagues, and get it through Parliament. He
executed his task with his characteristic adroitness and energy.
Mr. Hincks never read the Bill, and had left for England before
it passed. Mr. Baldwin, amid the smoking ruins of a Parliament
House and national library, looked over it, and thought from the
representations given him of its popular objects, and a glance at
the synopsis of its provisions, that it might be an improvement on
the then existing law, while the passing of it would gratify many
of his friends. On examining the Bill, I wrote down my objec-
tions to it, and laid them before the Government, and proceeded
to Montreal to press them in person. I left Montreal in April,
1849, with the expectation that the Bill would be dropped, or
essentially mended. Neither was done ; the Bill was passed in
the ordinary manner of passing bills during the last few hours
of the Session ; and within three hours of learning that the Bill
was law, I informed Mr. Baldwin that my office was at his
disposal, for I never would administer that law.
As to the effect of Mr. Cameron's Bill on Dr. Ryerson's future,
he said : — The new Bill on its coming into operation, leaves me
1849] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 425
but one course to pursue. The character and tendency of the
Bill clearly is to compel me to relinquish office, or virtually
abandon principles and provisions [in regard to the Bible in the
Schools] which I have advocated as of great and vital impor-
tance, and become a party to my own personal humiliation and
degradation — thus justly exposing myself to the suspicion and
imputation of mean and mercenary conduct. I can readily
retire from office, and do much more if necessary, for the main-
tenance of what I believe to be vital to the moral and educa-
tional interests of my native country; but I can never knowingly
be a party to my own humiliation and debasement. I regret
that an unprecedented mode of legislation has been resorted to
to gratify the feelings of personal envy and hostility. I regard
it as a virtual vindication of myself against oft-repeated allega-
tions, that it was felt I could not be reached by the usual
straightforward administration of Government. Lately, in the
English House of Lords, the Marquis of Lansdowne stated, that
Mr. Lafontaine had returned to Canada, and boldly challenged
inquiry into any of the allegations against him in reference to
past years. I have repeatedly done the same. No such inquiry
has been granted or instituted. Yet I am not only pursued by
the base calumnies of certain persons and papers, professing to
support and enjoy the confidence of the Government, but legis-
lation is resorted to, and new provisions introduced at the last
hour of the Session, to deal out upon me the long meditated
blows of unscrupulous envy and animosity. But I deeply
regret that the blows, which will fall comparatively light upon
me, will fall with much greater weight, and more serious conse-
quences, upon the youth of the land, and its future moral and
educational interests. . . Acting, as I hope I do, upon Chris-
tian and public grounds, I should not feel myself justified in
withdrawing from a work in consequence of personal discourtesy
and ill-treatment, or a reduction of means of support and use-
fulness. But when I see the fruits of four years' anxious
labours, in a single blast scattered to the winds, and have no
satisfactory ground of hope that such will not be the fate of
another four years' labour ; when I see the foundations of great
principles, which, after extensive enquiry and long deliberation,
I have endeavoured to lay, torn up and thrown aside as worth-
less rubbish ; when I see myself deprived of the protection
and advantage of the application of the principle of responsible
government as applied to every other head of a Department,
and made the subordinate agent of a Board which I have
originated, and the members of which I have had the honour to
recommend for appointment ; when I see myself officially
severed from a Normal School Institution which I have devised,
426 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LI.
and every feature and detail of which are universally com-
mended, even to the individual capacities of the masters whom
I have sought out and recommended ; when I see myself placed
in a position, to an entirely novel system of education at large,
in which I can either burrow in inactivity or labour with little
hope of success; when I find myself placed in such circum-
stances, I cannot hesitate as to the course of duty, as well as
the obligations of honour and self-respect. . . I think it is
my right, and only frank and respectful, on the earliest occasion
to state, in respect to my own humble labours, whether I can
serve on terms and principles and conditions so different from
those under which I have, up to the present time, acted ; though
I cannot, without deep regret and emotion, contemplate the loss
of so much time and labour, and find myself impelled to aban-
don a work on which I had set my heart, and to qualify myself
for which I have devoted four of the most matured years of my
life.
Having now fulfilled my promise — to communicate to you, in
writing, my views on this important and extensive subject-— I
leave the whole question in your hands.
The result of this letter was, the suspension and abandon-
ment of the Act of 1849, and the preparation and passing of
the Act of 1850.
Now Mr. Cameron might naturally feel deeply at the repeal
of his own Act without a trial ; but after he had time for fur-
ther examination and reflection, and a more thorough knowledge
of the nature and working of the system I was endeavouring
to establish, I believe no man in Canada more sincerely rejoiced
than Mr. Cameron at the repeal of the Act of 1849, and no
man has more cordially supported the present system, or more
frankly and earnestly commended the course I have pursued.*
The letter to Mr. Baldwin was written on the 14th July,
1849. Speaking of it, Dr. Ryerson said : —
In the former part of that letter I stated the circumstances
under which the Act of 1849 had passed, and the fact that my
remonstrance against it had not been even read. I then stated
what I considered insuperable objections to it. I will quote
part of my eighth and tenth objections : — the former relating
* Mr. Cameron's avowals on the subject are frank and manly. On the occasion
of his nomination for the County of Lambtou, in October, 1857, he thus referred
to the School System, and to its founder: —
On the whole, the system had worked well, the common schools of Canada were
admirable, and had attracted the commendation of the first statesmen in the
United States, and even in Great Britain they proposed to imitate Canada. He
was opposed to Dr. Ryerson's appointment politically, but he would say, as he had
said abroad, that Canada and her children's children owed to him a debt of grati-
tude, as he had raised a noble structure, and opened up the way for the elevation
of the people.
1819] THE STOBT OF MY LIFE. 427
to the exclusion of ministers as school visitors — the latter relat-
ing to the exclusion from the schools of the Bible and books
containing religious instruction. They are as follows: —
Another feature of the new Bill is that which precludes Ministers of
Religion, Magistrates, and Councillors, from acting as school visitors, a pro-
vision of the present Act to which I have heard no objection from any
quarter, and from which signal benefits to the schools have already resulted.
Not only is this provision retained in the School Act for Lower Canada, but
Clergymen — and Clergymen alone — are there authorized to select all the
school books relating to "religion and morals" for the children of their
respective persuasions. But in Upper Canada, where the great majority of
the people and Clergy are Protestant, the provision of the present Act author-
izing Clergymen to act as School Visitors (and that without any power to
interfere in school regulations or books) is repealed. Under the new Bill,
the Ministers of religion cannot, therefore, visit the schools as a matter of
right, or in their character as Ministers, but as private individuals, and by
the permission of the teacher at his pleasure. The repeal of the provision
under which Clergymen of the several religious persuasions have acted as
visitors, is, of course, a virtual condemnation of their acting in that capacity.
When thus denuded by law of his official character in respect to the
schools, of course no Clergyman would so far sanction his own legislative
degradation as to go into a school by suffrance in an unministerial character.
. . The character and tendency of such a change in connection with the
Protestant religion of Upper Canada, in contrast with a directly opposite
provision in connection with the Roman Catholic Religion of Lower Canada,
must be obvious to every reflecting person.
To the school-visiting feature of the present system I attach great import-
ance as a means of ultimately concentrating in behalf of the schools the
influence and sympathies of all religious persuasions, and the leading men of
the country. The success of it, thus far, has exceeded my most sanguine
expectations ; the visits of Clergy alone during the last year being an
average of more than five visits for each Clergyman in Upper Canada. From
such a beginning what may not be anticipated in future years, when infor-
mation shall become more general, and an interest in the schools more
generally excited. And who can estimate the benefits, religiously, socially,
educationally, and even politically, of Ministers of various religious persua-
sions meeting together at quarterly school examinations, and other occasions,
on common and patriotic ground, and becoming interested and united in the
great work of advancing the education of the young.
The last feature of the new Bill on which I will remark, is that which
roscribes from the Schools all books containing " controverted theological
ogmas or doctrines." [Under a legal provision containing these words, the
Bible has been ruled out of schools in the State of New York.] I doubt
whether this provision of the Act harmonizes with the Christian feelings of
members of the Government ; but it is needless to enquire what were the
intentions which dictated this extraordinary provision, since construction of-
an Act of Parliament depends upon the language of the Act itself, and not
upon the intentions of its framers. The effect of such a provision is to
exclude every kind of book containing religious truth, even every version of
the Holy Scriptures themselves ; for the Protestant version of them contains
" theological doctrine " controverted by the Roman Catholic ; and the Douay
version of them contains " theological dogmas " controverted by the Pro-
testant. The " theological doctrine " of miracles in Paley's Evidences of
Christianity is " controverted " by the disciples of Hume. Several of the
"theological doctrines" in Paley's Moral Philosophy are also "controverted;"
p
d
428 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LI.
and indeed there is not a single doctrine of Christianity which is not con-
troverted by some party or other. The whole series of Irish National
Readers must be proscribed as containing " controverted theological doc-
trines;" since, as the Commissioners state, these books are pervaded by the
principles and spirit of Christianity, though free from any tincture of
sectarianism.
I think there is too little Christianity in our schools, instead of too much ;
and that the united efforts of all Christian men should be to introduce more,
instead of excluding what little there is.
I have not assumed it to be the duty, or even constitutional right of the
Government, to compel any thing in respect either to religious books or
religious instruction, but to recommend the local Trustees to do so, and to
provide powers and facilities to enable them to do so within the wise restric-
tion imposed by law. I have respected the rights and scruples of the Roman
Catholic as well as those of the Protestant.
By some I have been accused of having too friendly a feeling towards the
Roman Catholics ; but while I would do nothing to infringe the rights and
feelings of Roman Catholics, I cannot be a party to depriving Protestants of
the Text-book of their faith — the choicest patrimony bequeathed by their
forefathers, and the noblest birthright of their children. It affords me
pleasure to record the fact — and the circumstance shows the care and fairness
with which I have acted on this subject — that before adopting the Section
in the printed Forms and Regulations on the " Constitution aud Govern-
ment of the Schools in respect to Religious Instruction," I submitted it,
among others, to the late lamented Roman Catholic Bishop Power, who,
after examining it, said, [he could not approve of it upon principle, but] he
would not object to it, as Roman Catholics were fully protected in their
rights and views, and as he did not wish to interfere with Protestants in the
fullest exercise of their rights and views.
It will be seen that New England or Irish National School advocates of a
system of mixed schools did not maintain that the Scriptures and all
religious instruction should be excluded from the schools, but that the
peculiarities of sectarianism were no essential part of religious instruction in
the schools, and that the essential elements and truths and morals of Christi-
anity could be provided for and taught without a single bitter element of
sectarianism. The advocates of public schools meet the advocates of sectarian
schools, not by denying the connection between Christianity and education,
but by denying the connection between sectarianism — by comprehending
Christianity in the system, and only rejecting sectarianism from it. The
same, I think, is our safety and our duty. . . .
Dr. Ryerson concludes this part of his letter with these em-
phatic words : Be assured that no system of popular education
will flourish in a country which does violence to the religious
sentiments and feelings of the Churches of that country. Be
assured, that every such system will droop and wither which
does not take root in the Christian and patriotic sympathies of
the people — which does not command the respect and confidence
of the several religious persuasions, both ministers and laity —
for these in fact make up the aggregate of the Christianity of
the country. The cold calculations of unchristianized selfishness
will never sustain a school system. And if you will not embrace
Christianity in your school system, you will soon find that
Christian persuasions will soon commence establishing schools
1849] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 429
of their own ; and I think they ought to do so, and I should
feel that I was performing an imperative duty in urging them
to do so. But if you wish to secure the co-operation of the
ministers and members of all religious persuasions, leave out of
your system the points wherein they differ, and boldly and
avowedly provide facilities for the inculcation of what they
hold in common 'and what they value most, and that is what
the best interests of a country require.
Speaking in a subsequent letter of another feature of this
question of the Bible in schools, Dr. Ryerson says : The principal
opposition which, in 1846 and for several years afterwards, I
encountered was that I did not make the use of the Bible
compulsory in the schools, but simply recognized the right of
Protestants to use it in the school (not as an ordinary reading
book, as it was not given to teach us how to read, but to teach
us the way to Heaven), as a book of religious instruction, with-
out the right or the power of compelling any others to use it.
The recognition of the right has been maintained inviolate
to the present time; facilities for the exercise of it have been
provided, and recommendations tor that purpose have been
given, but no compulsory authority assumed, or right of com-
pulsion acknowledged ; and the religious exercises in each
school have been left to the decision of the authorities of such
school, and the religious instruction of each child has always
been under the absolute authority of the parents or guardian
of each child. . . Now many a parent may not exercise the
right of using the Bible as a text-book of religious instruction
for his child in school, but would even such parent (much less
every Protestant parent) be willing to be deprived of that right ?
To the objection that the Bible is " often read in a formal
and perfunctory manner without any real benefit being derived
from it by the pupils," Dr. Ryerson replied : Is not the Bible
often read in the family, and even in the Church, " in a formal
and perfunctory manner," without any benefit to either reader
or hearers : but should we, therefore, take away even " the
abstract right of reading the Bible " in the family and in the
Church ?
To the objection urged against the reading of the Bible in
the schools because " a majority of the teachers are utterly unfit
to give religious instruction," Dr. Ryerson replied : The reading
of the Bible and giving religious instruction from it are two
very different things. The question is not the competency of
teachers to give religious instruction, but the right of a Pro-
testant to the reading of the Bible by his child in the school as
a text-book of religious instruction. That right I hold to be
sacred and divine-
430 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LI.
To a rejoinder that " the cry for the Bible in the schools is a
sham," Dr. Ryerson thus replies : Apart from religious instruc-
tion, apart from even the reading of the Bible in the schools,
the right of having it there — its very presence there — is not " a
sham," but a sign, a symbol of potent significance. The sign
of the Cross . . is not a " sham," but a symbol precious to
the hearts of hundreds of thousands of our brethren; the coat of
arms which stands at the head of all royal patents, nor the
sparkling crown which encircles the brow of royalty, is not
" a sham," but a symbol which speaks more than words to every
British heart ; the standard that waves at the head of the
regiment, nor the flag that floats at the ship's masthead is not
" a sham," but a symbol that nerves the soldier and the sailor
to duty and to victory. So the Bible is not " a sham," but a
symbol of right and liberty dear to the heart of every Protestant
freeman, to every lover of civil and religious liberty — a standard
of truth and morals, the foundation of Protestant faith, and the
rule of Protestant morals ; and " the cry " for the Bible in the
schools is not a " sham," but a felt necessity of the religious in-
structor, whether he be the teacher or a visiting superintendent
or clergyman, — is the birthright of the Protestant child, and
£he inalienable right of the Protestant parent. . .
No man attaches more importance than I do to secular educa-
tion and knowledge, and few men have laboured more to
provide for the teaching and diffusion of every branch of it ;
yet, so far am I from ignoring the Bible, even in an intellectual
point of view, that I hesitate not to say, in the language of the
eloquent Melville, that —
Whilst every stripling is boasting that a great enlargement of mind is
coming on the nation, through the pouring into all its dwellings a tide of
general information, it is right to uphold the forgotten position, that in
caring for man as an immortal being, God cared for him as an intellectual,
and that if the Bible were but read by our artizans and our peasantry, we
should be surrounded by a far more enlightened and intelligent population,
than will appear to this land, when the school-master, with his countless
magazines, snail have gone through it, in its length and its breadth.
With a view to supply an omission, and to provide a Manual
on Christian Morals for the schools, Dr. Ryerson, in 1871, pre-
pared a little work, entitled First Lessons in Christian Morals.
This work was recommended by the Council of Public Instruc-
tion for use in schools. It was objected to by the Globe news-
paper on several grounds. To each of these objections Dr.
Ryerson replied. The first and second objections referred to
alleged errors and defects in style. In a letter on the subject,
written in April, 1872, Dr. Ryerson said: —
Your third objection is against any book of religious instruc-
tion being recommended for use in the public shools. To this
1849] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 431
objection I reply, firstly, that the want of such a book has been
not only felt, but expressed, from different quarters. Secondly,
the Irish National Board have not only books on this subject,
in their authorized list of school text books, but the Council of
Public Instruction has long authorized three of them : each of
which contains more reading than any one book of mine.
Thirdly, in the Toronto University College, not only is Paley's
" Evidences of Christianity " an authorized text book, but also
Dr. Wayland's " Moral Science," of the most essential parts of
which my books are an epitome.
A fourth objection is that I have given a -summary of the
" Evidences of Christianity," in respect especially to the inspir-
ation of the Scriptures, miracles, and mysteries. In reply, I
observe, first, that if young men, before they finish their colle-
giate education, should be fortified on this ground, it is equally
necessary that those youths who finish their education in the
§ublic schools should not be left unarmed on this point,
econdly, pupils in the public schools of the fourth and fifth
years are quite as capable of understanding the few pages in
which I have condensed and simplified the answers to the
common infidel objections, as are young men at college to master
the large text books prescribed on the subject. Thirdly, the
Irish National Board has provided a book on the subject to
which I have devoted two lessons. On the list of text books
authorized %by the Irish National Board is one entitled, " Lessons
on the Truth of Christianity, being an appendix to the Fourth
Book of Lessons, for the use of Schools." This book enters far
more largely into the subject of miracles than I have done,
besides the additional two lessons of auswers to infidel objec-
tions.
A fifth objection is that I have pointed out the defects of the
teachings of Natural Religion, and shown the superiority of
the teachings of Revelation over those of Natural Religion. In
this I have followed the example of Rev. Dr. Wayland, Presi-
dent of Brown University, R. I.
A sixth objection is, that I have not confined myself to those
" laws which regulate our natural obligations ; " that I have
taught the " positive institutions " of Christianity, such as re-
pentance, faith, reading the Scriptures, personal devotion, family
worship, attendance at public worship." In this I have also
followed Dr. Wayland. In the conclusion of this letter Dr.
Ryerson offers this " apology " for writing his little book on
" Christian Morals : " Besides desiring a small amount of re-
ligious teaching, one hour (Monday morning) in the week, for
the senior pupils of the Public Schools, which the trustees and
parents might approve, I did desire a united test'mony on the
432 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LI.
part of Protestantism, as there is a united testimony on the
part of Koman Catholicism, as to religious teaching in the
schools. One County Inspector writes, that the Roman Catholic
prieet, in a separate school which the Inspector visited, said,
" Your schools are atheistic. You don't acknowledge God."
The same charge has been often repeated by the same authority
against the public schools. While I have provided and con-
tended f6r full provision by which the Roman Catholics could
teach their own children in their own books of religious in-
struction, I did desire that there might be a somewhat corres-
ponding unity of testimony and teaching in religious principles
and duties of common agreement among Protestants, being first
most strongly impressed with its feasibility by the remarks of
the late excellent Rev. A. Gale, who, when principal of Knox's
Academy, on closing a public examination of the pupils, said
that he was persuaded, from his own experience, that all needful
religious teaching could be given to pupils at schools without
infringing upon any denominational peculiarity. I had long
meditated, and at length sought to realize this grand idea in
our public schools. One discordant note has interrupted the
harmony. The responsibility of the failure, if it is to be a
failure, is not with me. I hope the Protestant Christians of
Canada will yet realize it, and that my country will yet enjoy
the untold advantages of it, though I may die without the sight.
CHAPTER LII.
1850-1053.
THE CLERGY RESERVE QUESTION TRANSFERRED TO CANADA.
re-opening of the clergy reserve question by Bishop
J_ Strachan, with a view to obtain relief in the temporary
distress mentioned in Chapter xlviii., proved to be a fatal step,
so far as his hopes for securing " better terms " were concerned.
In the next year after he had issued his pastoral appeal for
help, the clergy reserve fund yielded an increase, "and an
expectation of a gradual increase annually was officially ex-
pressed." ("Secular State of the Church," page 11.)
The Bishop's complaint against the Provincial Government
(Chapter xlviii., page 379) was that its management of the clergy
reserve lands was wasteful and extravagant. An effort was
therefore made, in 1846, to vest these lands in the religious
bodies then entitled to a share in the income derived from their
sale. Mr. Gladstone communicated with the Governor-General
on the subject, with this view, in February, 1846. The pro-
posal, was, however, viewed with alarm, as well as was the fact
that such efforts being made in England showed that, as in
1840, so in 1846, the rights of the Canadian people to this
patrimony could be at any time alienated or extinguished by
the Imperial Government, without the official knowledge or
consent of the Canadian Parliament.
These two facts, when they became known and appreciated
by the people of Upper Canada, led to the taking of decisive
steps to prevent them from becoming realities. The represen-
tatives in the Canadian House of Assembly of the Bishop of
Toronto sought to get an address to the Crown passed, with a
view to vesting a portion of the lands in the Church Society of
Toronto. Hon. Robert Baldwin warned the friends of the
Bishop of the impolicy and imprudence of such a proposition,
and pointed out that if the clergy reserve question was thus
re-opened, the former fierce agitation on the subject would be
resumed, which might " end in the total discomfiture of the
Church." His warning was unheeded, and although the motion
for vesting the lands as proposed was rejected, by a vote of 37
28
434 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
to 14, yet the Bishop in his charge, delivered the next year (in
June, 1847), said : —
After all, our great desire continues to be to acquire the management of
what is left to the Church of the reserves ; and why this reasonable desire is
not complied with remains a matter of deep regret (page 19).
The question thus brought before the Legislature, led to its
being brought before the people, until it became a subject of
discussion in political meetings and election contests. Finally,
in 1850, the Government of the day secured the passage in the
House of Assembly of an address to the Crown, praying for the
repeal of the Imperial Clergy Reserve Act of 1840. In that
address it is stated that —
During a long period of years, and in nine successive sessions of the Pro-
vincial Parliament, the representatives of the people of Upper Canada, with
an unanimity seldom exhibited in a deliberative body, declared their opposi-
tion to religious endowments. . . The address further pointed out that the
wishes of the people were thwarted by the Legislative Council, a body con-
taining a majority avowedly favourable to the ascendancy of the Church of
England. That the Imperial Government, from time to time, invited the
Provincial Parliament to legislate on the subject of these reserves, disclaim-
ing on the part of the Crown any desire for the superiority of one or more
particular Churches ; that Your Majesty's Government, in declining to advise
the Royal assent being given to a Bill, passed by a majority of one, for in-
vesting the power of disposing of the reserves in the Imperial Parliament,
admitted that from its inaccurate information as to the wants and general opin-
ions of society (in which the Imperial Parliament was unavoidably deficient),
the question would be more satisfactorily settled by the Provincial Legisla-
ture ; that subsequently to the withholding of the Royal assent from the
last-mentioned Bill, the Imperial Parliament passed an Act disposing of the
proceeds of the clergy reserves in a manner entirely contrary to the formerly
repeatedly expressed wishes of the Upper Canadian people, as declared through
their representatives, and acknowledged as such in a message sent to the
Provincial Parliament by command of Your Majesty's Royal predecessor.
That we are humbly of opinion that the legal or constitutional impedi-
ments which stood in the way of provincial legislation on this subject should
have been removed by an Act of the Imperial Parliament ; but that the ap-
propriation of revenues derived from the investment of the proceeds of the
public lands of Canada, by the Imperial Parliament, will never cease to be a
source of discontent to Your Majesty's loyal subjects in this Province ; and
that when all the circumstances connected with this question are taken into
consideration, no religious denomination can be held to have such vested
interest in the revenue derived from the proceeds of the said clergy reserves,
as should prevent further legislation with reference to the disposal of them ;
but we are nevertheless of opinion that the claims of existing incumbents
should be treated in the most liberal manner ; and that the most liberal and
equitable mode of settling this long-agitated question, would be for the Im-
perial Parliament to pass an Act providing that the stipends and allowances
heretofore assigned and given to the clergy of the Church of England and
Scotland, or to any other religious bodies or denominations of Christians in
Canada, and to which the faith of the Crown is pledged, shall be secured
during the mtural lives or incumbencies of the parties now receiving the
sail i u . . . tubjcct to which provision the Provincial Parliament should be
authorized to appropriate as, in its wisdom, it may think proper, all revenues
1850-53} THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 435
derived from the present investments, or from those to be made hereafter*
whether from the proceeds of future sales, or from instalments on those al-
ready made.
As the agitation proceeded, Bishop Strachan and Dr. Ryerson
again became involved in it. The Bishop took the lead, and
addressed a letter to Lord John Russell on the subject. Dr.
Ryerson at once joined issue with the Bishop, and prepared the
following able rejoinder in reply to the Bishop's letter. He
said : —
The statements of the Lord Bishop of Toronto, in his letter
to Lord John Russell, dated Canada, February 20th, 1851, and
in his Charge delivered to the clergy of the Diocese of Toronto,
in May, 1851, relate to the same subjects, and appear to be
designed for perusal in England, rather than in Canada. These
statements, as a whole, are the most extraordinary that I ever
read from the pen of an ecclesiastic, much less from the pen of
a Bishop of the Church of England, and an old resident and
prominent actor in the affairs of the country of which he speaks.
These statements are not only incorrect, but they are, for the
most part, the reverse of the real facts to which they refer ;
and where they are most groundless, they are the most positive.
To discuss them seriatim would occupy a volume. 1 will, as
briefly as possibly, notice the most important of them under the
following heads : —
1. The circumstances and objects of the original Clergy
Land Reservation.
2. The position of the Church of England in Canada, and the
professed wishes of the Lord Bishop.
3. The conduct of the Imperial and Canadian Governments
towards the Church of England.
4. The effect of the union of the two Canadas on the pro-
ceedings and votes of the Legislative Assembly in regard to the
Church of England.
5. Public grants to the Church of Rome, and the endowment
of that Church in Lower Canada. .
6. The Toronto University and Public Schools.
I am to notice in the first place the statements of the
Lord Bishop respecting the circumstances and objects of the
Clergy Land Reservation. He speaks of it as having been sug-
gested by the circumstances of the American revolution, and as
having been intended as the special reward of those who ad-
hered to the Crown of England during that seven years' contest.
The Bishop says : —
At the close of the war, in 1783, which gave independence to the United
States, till then colonies of the British Crown, great numbers of the inhabi-
tants, anxious to preserve their allegiance, and, in as far as they were able,
the unity of the empire, sought refuge in the western part of Canada, beyond
436 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII
the settlements made before the conquest under the King of France. These
loyalists, who had for seven years perilled their lives and fortunes in defence
of the throne, the law, and the religion of England, had irresistible claims
when driven from their homes into a strange land (yet a vast forest), to the
immediate protection of government, and to enjoy the same benefits which
they had abandoned from their laudable attachment to the parent State.
The Bishop subsequently states [See Chapter xxviii., page
219] that the object of the Constitutional Act of 1791 was
More especially to confer upon the loyalists such a constitution as should
be as near a transcript as practicable of that of England, that they might
have no reason to regret, in as far as religion, law, and liberty were con-
cerned, the great sacrifices which they had made.
Allusions of this kind pervade a considerable part of the
Bishop's letter, and furnish the first example, within my know-
ledge, of any writer attempting to invest the dispute between
the American colonies and the mother country with a religious
character; when every person the least acquainted with the
history of those colonies, and of that contest, knows that the
, question of religion was never alluded to on the part of the
} colonists — that General Washington and other principal leaders
•in the revolution were professed Episcopalians — that the Church
^of England did not exist as an established church in any of
'those colonies, unless adopted as such by the local legislature,
as in the case of Virginia — and that in the northern and east-
ern parts of those colonies,-whence the first emigration to Upper
Canada took place after the peace of 1783, the Church of Eng-
land never did exist as an established church. Therefore, for
the " religion of England " in.that sense, those " loyalists" never
could have " perilled their lives and fortunes ; " nor could they
have been influenced by any predilections for an establishment
which they had never seen. The Bishop says truly that :
The noble stand which the Province made against the United States in
the war of 1812, in which the attachment of its inhabitants to the British
empire was a second time signally displayed, brought the country into
deserved notice.
But nothing can be more fallacious than the claims he would
found upon this fact, any more than those of the American
revolution of 1776, to the clergy reserve land. For the Lord
Bishop himself, when Archdeacon of York, in a printed dis-
course on the death of the first Bishop of Quebec, represents
the benefits of the establishment as " little -felt or known " in
Upper Canada, and states that down to the close of the Ameri-
can War of 1812 — namely, in 1815 — there were but five clergy-
men of the Church of England in that vast province. And a
few years afterwards, December 22nd, 1826, the Upper Canada
House of Assembly, consisting of the representatives of the
Loyalists and their sons, who had twice "signally displayed
1850-53] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 437
their attachment to the British empire," adopted, by the extra-
ordinary majority of 30 to 3, the following remarkable and
significant resolution : —
Resolved, that the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Province bears a
very small proportion to the number of other Christians, notwithstanding
the pecuniary aid long and exclusively received from the benevolent society
in England by the members of that Church, and their pretensions to a
monopoly of the clergy reserves.
The original Loyalist settlers of Upper Canada, and their
immediate descendants, must be held to have understood their
own feelings and sentiments better than the Lord Bishop : and
the almost unanimous expression of such sentiments, through
their representatives twenty-five years since, together with
other circumstances to which I have referred, show how greatly
mistaken is his- Lordship, and how perfectly baseless are his
assumptions and frequent allusions and appeals in reference to
the hopes, wishes and sentiments of the original settlers of
Upper Canada as a ground of claim to the clergy reserves in
behalf of the Church of England.
I have next to say a few words on the Bishop's statement as
to the position of the Church of England in Canada, and the
professions which he makes in respect to her position. He
says, " Our position has, for some time, been that of a prostrate
branch of the National Church ; " " and that position he, in
another place, calls " a condition of inferiority to other religious
denominations;" and he says, "she has been placed below
Protestant dissenters, and privileges, wrested from her, have
been conferred upon them." As to the position in which the
Bishop would wish the Church of England in Canada to be
placed, he says, " We merely claim equality, and freedom from
oppression."
These expressions are deeply to be regretted, when it is
perfectly notorious that the pre-eminence and peculiar civil
advantages claimed by the Bishop for the Church of England,
have been the ground of all the disputes which have agitated
the Legislature and people of Upper Canada for more than
twenty-five years ; when every person of the least intelligence
in Canada knows that the Church of England, besides other
large educational and pecuniary patronage of government,
enjoyed until 1840 an exclusive monopoly of the clergy lands
which the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada long con-
tended, and which the judges of England have decided, extended
by law to Protestants generally — that the Church of England
enjoys at this moment the greater part of the annual proceeds
of the sales of those lands, besides rectory endowments of
portions of them — that every political and religious party in
438 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
Canada awards every thing to the Church of England that they
ask for themselves — " equality and freedom from oppression."
During the present session of the Legislature, Bills have passed
the Assembly giving the Church of England in Lower Canada
all the facilities of holding property and managing her affairs
which have been desired by the Bishop of the Diocese, as had
been granted a few years since in Upper Canada ; and when it
was objected that privileges were given by such Bills to the
Church of England not possessed by any other religious per-
suasion, it was replied that others might obtain them by asking
for them, and the Bills in question were passed with only two
dissentient votes.
I repeat the expression of my regret that the Bishop should
draw entirely upon his imagination for such statements, and
that his feelings should prompt him to represent objections to
his own particular views and pretensions as oppression and
persecution of the Church of England.
The next class of the Bishop's statements which I shall notice,
relate to the conduct of the Imperial and Canadian Govern-
ments towards the Church of England. Throughout his volumi-
nous documents the Bishop represents the conduct of govern-
ment, both Imperial and Colonial, as hostile to the Church of
England; and employs, in some instances, terms personally
offensive. The great question at issue is thus stated by the
Bishop himself in his recent charge to his clergy : —
In 1819, the law officers of the Crown gave it as their opinion that the
words Protestant clergy embraced also the ministers of the Church of
Scotland, not as entitling them to endowment in land, but as enabling them
to participate in the proceeds of the reserves, whether sold or leased. In
1828, a select committee of the House of Commons extended the construc-
tion of the words Protestant clergy to the teachers of all Protestant de-
nominations ; and this interpretation, though considered very extraordinary
at the time, was confirmed by the twelve judges in 1840.
In his letter to Lord John Kussell, the Bishop alludes to two
of these decisions in terms peculiarly objectionable, while he
omits all reference to the latter. He says : —
The Established Church of Scotland claimed a share of those lands, or the
proceeds, as a National Church within the Empire; and in 1819, the Crown
lawyers made the discovery that it might be gratified, under the 37th clause
of the 31st of George III., chap. 31. Next, the select committee of the
House of Commons, in 1828, on the Civil Government of Canada, influenced
by the spurious liberality of the times, extended this opinion of the Crown
lawyers to any Protestant clergy.
The Bishop thus impugns the impartiality and integrity of
the opinions expressed by the law officers of the Crown in Eng-
land, and by the select committee of the House of Commons,
sarcastically calling the one a "discovery," and ascribing the
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 439
other to "spurious liberality;" while he declares that the Act
3 and 4 Victoria, chapter 78 (which only carried partially into
effect the decision of the twelve judges, and was, as he states,
agreed to by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other
Bishops in London), "deprived the Church of England in Canada
of seven-twelfths of her property."
In other documents the Bishop has designated this Act " an
act of spoliation," and " robbery " of the Church of England.
When the Bishop employs language of this kind in respect
to Acts of Parliament and the official opinions in regard to
their provisions, he cannot reasonably complain if other parties
should respect them as little as himself, much less regard them
as a " final settlement " of a question to which they have not
been parties, and against which they have always protested.
Under any circumstances, it is singular language to be employed
by a person towards a government by whose fostering patronage
he has become enriched. The fact is, that the successive Gover-
nors of Upper Canada have been members of the Church of
England ; that the principal cause of their unpopularity, and
the most serious difficulties which both the Imperial and local
governments have had to encounter in the colony, have arisen
from their efforts to secure as much for the Church of England,
in the face of the popular indignation and opposition, so much
inflamed and strengthened by the irritating publications and
extreme proceedings of the Bishop himself. It is understood
that the report of the committee of the House of Commons on
the civil government of Canada, in 1828, was written by Lord
Stanley. However that may be, the sentiments of that report
on the clergy reserve question were strongly expressed by his
Lordship in his speech on the subject, 2nd May, 1828 ; and he
and the other distinguished men who investigated the subject
at that time, know whether they were " influenced by a spurious
liberality " in the conclusion at which they arrived, or whether
they were guided by a sense of justice, and yielded to the weight
of testimony. At all events, the grave decision of the twelve
judges of England to the same effect ought to have suggested
to the Bishop other terms than those of " spurious liberality,"
"spoliation," and "robbery," and to have protected not only
the " powers that be," but the great majority of the Canadian
people, from the sh'afts of his harsh imputations.
Here I think it proper to correct the Bishop's repeated refer-
erences to the origin and circumstances of the differences of
opinion in Upper Canada, as to the import of the words " Pro-
testant clergy," and the "right of dissenting denominations"
to participate in the benefit of the clergy reserves. He repre-
sents those differences as having originated with the clergy of
440 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
the Kirk of Scotland, and that the idea that any other than the
clergy of the Church of England had a right to participate in
the benefit of the reserves was never entertained in Upper
Canada until the friends of the Kirk of Scotland commenced
the agitation of the question.
So far from this representation being correct, it appears that
the first submission of the question to the law officeis of the
Crown in England took place at the request of Sir P. Maitland,
in reference, not to the clergy of the Kirk of Scotland, but to
"all denominations" of Protestants — a question on which Sir
P. Maitland, then Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, states
in a despatch to Earl Bathurst, dated 17th May, 1819, that there
was not only a " difference of opinion " on the subject, but " a
lively feeling throughout the Province." It appears that certain
" Presbyterian inhabitants of the town of Niagara and its vicin-
ity" (not at that time in connexion with the Church of Scot-
land), petitioned Sir P. Maitland for "an annual allowance of
,£100 to assist in the support of a preacher," to be paid " out of
funds arising from the clergy reserves, or any other fund at
His Excellency's disposal." In transmitting a copy of this
petition to Earl Bathurst, Sir P. Maitland ("York, Upper
Canada, 17th May, 1819,") remarks as follows : —
The actual product of the clergy reserves is about ^£700 per annum.
This petition involves a question on which I perceive there is a difference of
opinion, viz., whether the Act intends to extend the benefit of the reserves,
for the maintenance of a Protestant clergy, to all denominations, or only
to those of the Church of England. The law officers incline to the latter
opinion. I beg leave to observe to your Lordship, with much respect, that
your reply to this petition will decide a question of much interest, and on
which there is a lively feeling throughout the Province. [See page 221.]
Earl Bathurst's reply to this despatch is dated " Downing
Street, Gth May, 1820, and commences as follows: —
Having reqxiested the opinion of His Majesty's law officers as to the right of
dissenting Protestant ministers, resident in Canada, to partake of the lands
directed by the Act of the 31st George III., c. 31, to be reserved as a provision
for the suppprt of a Protestant clergy, I have now to state that they are of
opinion that though the provisions made by the 81st George III., c. 31,
as. 30 and 42, for the support and maintenance of a Protestant clergy, are
not confined solely to the Church of England, but may be extended also to
the clergy of the Church of Scotland, yet that they do not extend to dis-
e 'nting ministers, since the terms Protestant clergy can apply only to the
Protestant clergy recognized and established by law.
It is thus clear that the question of the right of different
Protestant denominations to participate in the benefit of the
clergy reserves did not originate in any claims or agitation
commenced by the clergy of the Church of Scotland ; that as
early as the beginning of 1819, (only four years after the close
of the last American War, during which, as the Bishop truly
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 441
says, " the attachment of the inhabitants to the British empire
was a second time signally displayed,") there was "a lively
feeling throughout the Province " on the subject. The first
Loyalist settlers, and their immediate descendants, were opposed
to the Bishop's narrow construction of the Act 31st George III.,
chapter 31 ; their representatives in the Legislative Assembly
maintained invariably the liberal construction of the Act ; the
select committee of the House of Commons in 1828, on the
Civil Government of Canada, after taking evidence as to the
intentions of the original framers of the law, expressed the same
opinion, and that opinion was ultimately confirmed by the de-
cision of the twelve judges in 1840. The Bishop is, therefore,
as much at fault in his facts on this point, as he is in the lan-
guage he employs in reference to Imperial legal opinions, and
an Imperial Act of Parliament.
It now becomes my duty to examine another large class of
statements, which I have read with great surprise and pain ; and
which are, if possible, less excusable than those which I have
already noticed. I refer to the Bishop's statements in regard
to the influence of the union of the two Canadas on the votes
and proceedings of the Legislative Assemby of the united Pro-
vince, on the question of the clergy reserves.
The Bishop, in his letter to Lord John Russell (referring to
the Address of the Legislative Assembly, at the session of 1850,
to the Queen), states as follows : —
Before the union of Upper and Lower Canada, such an unjust proceeding
could not have taken place, for, while separate, the Church of England pre-
vailed in Upper Canada, and had frequently a commanding weight in the
Legislature, and at all times an influence sufficient to protect her from
injustice. But since their union under one Legislature, each sending an
equal number of members, matters are sadly altered.
It is found, as was anticipated, that the members returned by dissenters
uniformly join the French Roman Catholics, and thus throw the members
of the Church of England into a hopeless minority on all questions in which
the National Church is interested.
The Church of England has not only been prostrated by the union under
that of Rome, and the whole of her property made dependent on Roman
Catholic votes, but she has been placed below Protestant dissenters, and
privileges wrested from her which have been conferred upon them.
In his recent charge to the clergy of his Diocese, the Bishop
remarks again : —
So long as this diocese remained a distinct colony, no measure detrimental
to the Church ever took effect. Even under the management and prevailing
influence of that able and unscrupulous politican, the late Lord Sydenham,
a Bill disposing of the clergy reserves, was carried by one vote only — a result
which sufficiently proved that it was not the general wish of the people of
the colony to legislate upon the subject.
I shall first notice that part of the Bishop's statement which
442 TIIE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
relates to Upper Canada, before the union with Lower Canada.
The Bishop asserts it not to have been " the general wish of the
people of the colony to legislate upon the subject " of the clergy
reserves; that the Church of England prevailed, and had sufficient
influence to maintain what he regards as her just rights. The
Bishop has resided in Upper Canada nearly half a century, and
such a statement from him, in direct contradiction to the whole
political history of the Province during more than half that
period, is difficult of solution, though perfectly easy of refuta-
tion. I have already transcribed one of a series of resolutions,
adopted by the Legislative Assembly as early as December,
1826, by a majority of 30 to 3, objecting entirely to the exclu-
sive pretensions made in behalf of the Church of England. But
I find that nearly a year before this, namely, the 27th of the
January preceding, the House of Assembly of Upper Canada
adopted an Address to the King on the subject, in which it is
stated, respectfully, but strongly, —
That the lands set apart in this Province for the maintenance and support
of a Protestant clergy ought not to be enjoyed by any one denomination of
Protestants to the exclusion of their Christian brethren of other denomina-
tions, equally conscientious in their respective modes of worshipping God,
and equally entitled, as dutiful and loyal subjects, to the protection of Your
Majesty's benign and liberal Government ; we, therefore, humbly hope it
will, in Your Majesty's wisdom, be deemed expedient and just, that not only
the present reserves, but that any funds arising from the sales thereof, should
be devoted to the advancement of the Christian religion generally, and the
happiness of all Your Majesty's subjects of whatever denomination ; or if
Buch application or distribution should be deemed inexpedient, that the
profits arising from such appropriation should be applied to the purposes of
education and the general improvement of this Province^ •
The following year (January, 1827), the House of Assembly
passed a Bill (the minority being only three), providing for the
sale and application of the whole of the proceeds of the reserves
for purposes of education, and erection of places of public wor-
ship for all denominations of Christians. And, on examining
the journals, I find that from that time down to the union of
the Canadas in 1841, not a year passed over without the pass-
ing of resolutions, or address, or bill, by the House of Assembly
of Upper Canada, for the general application of the proceeds of
the reserves, in some form or other, but always, without excep-
tion, against what the Bishop claims as the rights of the Church
of England in respect to those lands.
It is difficult to conceive a more complete refutation than
these facts furnish of the Bishop's statement, that the Church
of England prevailed in Upper Canada, and had a commanding
weight in the Legislature; nor could a stronger proof be required
of " the general wish of the people of the colony to legislate
upon the subject," than such a course of procedure on the part
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 443
of their representatives for so many years during successive
Parliaments, and amidst all the variations of party and party
politics on all other questions.
It is also incorrect to say that the Bill of Lord Sydenham in
1840 " was carried by a majority of one vote only." A Bill did
pass the Assembly of Upper Canada the year before, by "a
majority of one vote only;" but that was a Bill to re-invest
the reserves in the Imperial Parliament for " general religious
purposes," — a Bill passed a few hours before the close of the
session, during which no less than forty-eight divisions, with
the record of yeas and nays, took place in the Assembly on the
question of the clergy reserves ; and after the Assembly had
passed, by considerable majorities, both resolutions and a Bill to
give the Church of England one-fourth of the proceeds of the
clergy reserves, and the other three-fourths to other religious
denominations and to educational purposes — a Bill which, with
some verbal amendments, also passed the Legislative Council,
and against which the Bishop, joined by one other member,
recorded an elaborate protest. But just at the heel of the
session, and after several members of the Assembly voting in
the majority had gone to their homes, a measure (which had
been previously negatived again and again) was passed by a
"majority of one vote only " (22 to 21), to re-invest the reserves
— a measure which the law officers in England pronounced
"unconstitutional," as the manner of getting it through the
Canadian Legislature was unprecedented. [See page 249.]
But the measure of Lord Sydenham was carried in the As-
sembly by a majority of 4, and in the Legislative Council (of
which the Bishop was a member and voted against the bill) by
a majority of 8. A considerable majority of the members of
the Church of England of both Houses of the Legislature voted
for the bill, and were afterwards charged by the Bishop with
"defection," and "treachery" for doing so. [See page 262.] On
this point Lord Sydenham, in a despatch to Lord John Russell,
dated Toronto, 5th February, 1840, stated as follows : —
It is notorious to every one here, that of twenty-two members being com-
municants of the Church of England who voted upon this Bill, only eight
recorded their opinion in favour of the views expressed by the right reverend
Prelate ;. whilst in the Legislative Council the majority was still greater ; and
amongst those who gave it their warmest support are to be found many gen-
tlemen of the highest character for independence and for attachment to the
Church, and whose views in general politics differ from those of Her Majesty's
Government.
After this epitome of references to the proceedings of the
people of Upper Canada, through their representatives, from
1825 to 1840, on what the Bishop terms the "rights" and
" patrimony " of the Church of England, it is needless to make
444 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII
more than one or two remarks on his statements as to the influ-
ence of the union of the Canadas on the proceedings and votes
of the Legislative Assembly upon the subject. My first remark
is, that the question of the clergy reserves has not been intro-
duced into the present Legislative Assembly by any member, or
at the solicitation of any member, from Lower Canada. I
remark, secondly, that though there is not a Roman Catholic
among the forty-two members elected for Upper Canada ; yet
when a resolution was introduced into the Assembly, both at
the last and during the present session, expressing a desire to
maintain the present settlement of the clergy reserves, as pro-
vided in the Act, 3 & 4 Vic., chap. 78, only sixteen in the
first instance, and thirteen in the second, voted for it — only
about one-third of the members for Upper Canada. Should,
therefore, the union of the Canadas be dissolved to-morrow, the
Bishop would be in as hopeless a minority as he was before the
union. The following remarks of a recent speech of Mr. Laf on-
taine (the leader of the Roman Catholic French members of the
Assembly) will show how entirely groundless are the Bishop's
imputations upon that portion of the Assembly.
He thought the clergy reserves should be fairly divided among the Pro-
testant denominations, and that they should be altogether taken out of the
hands of the Government, as the only way to take them out of the reach of
agitation. He thought the rectories were vested rights, and should not be
disturbed, unless by due process of law, if, as was pretended, they were im-
properly obtained. It' there were any claims in the Act of 1791 which
seemed to connect the Church of England to the State, though he did not
think they did, they might be repealed, and the Bishop of Toronto seemed
to be of opinion that that might be done. Let the appointment of the in-
cumbents to the rectories, too, be taken from the Government, if it were
thought proper, and given to the Church for other uses. He merely suggested
that without wishing to impose it. He would conclude with one reflection :
Let his Protestant fellow-countrymen remember they would never find oppo-
sition to their just rights from Roman Catholics and French Canadians. The
latter had repeatedly passed Acts in Lower Canada to give equal rights to
those who were called dissenters, and Jews, which were rejected by members
of the Church of England in the Council, and it was worthy of remark that,
at a moment when in England a pretended aggression had given occasion for
persecution, the Church of England here had to rely upon Catholics to protect
it against the aggression of other Protestant sects.
I shall now make a few observations on the Bishop's state-
ments respecting government grants to the Church of Rome,
and the endowments of that Church in Lower Canada. The
Bishop, framing his statements with a view to the Protes-
tant feeling of England, inveighs in general terms against the
Government on account of its alleged patronage of the Church
of Rome ; makes exaggerated statements on one side, and omits
all references to facts on the other side which would enable
the Protestants of England, to whom he appeals, to understand
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 445
the part which he has himself taken in favour of grants to the
Church of Rome, the manner in which those grants are paid at
the present time, and the alliance which he has Jong endeavoured,
and would still wish to form with that Church in respect to
endowments. The Bishop says : —
In Upper Canada, the Roman Catholic clergy do not, at precent, exceed
seventy in number, and the provision for their support is very slender. It
depends chiefly on their customary dues, and the contributions of their re-
spective flocks ; unless, indeed, they receive assistance from the French por-
tion of the Province, where the resources of the Romish Church are abundant
Now, while the Bishop presents an overdrawn and startling
picture of the emoluments of the Church of Rome in Lower
Canada, he omits all statements of public grants and payments
to the clergy of that church in Upper Canada. The Bishop
must know, that in addition to their " customary dues, and the
voluntary contributions of their flocks," the clergy of the
Church of Rome receive £1,C66 per annum, and that that sum
is paid out of the clergy reserve fund under the provisions of
the very Act, 3 & 4 Vic., chap. 78, for the perpetuation of which
he contends. The first instructions to support the Roman
Catholic clergy in Upper Canada out of public funds, were
given by Earl Bathurst, in a despatch to Sir P. Maitland, dated
6th October, 1826, and which commenced in the following
words : —
You will receive instructions from the Treasury for the payment, from
funds to be derived from the Canada Company, of the sum of ,£750 per annum,
for the salaries of the Presbyterian ministers, and a similar sum tor the sup-
port of the Roman Catholic priests.
But what is remarkable is, that this very policy of granting
aid to the Roman Catholic priests in Upper Canada, for which
Government has been so much blamed by the Bishop's friends
in England, was urged by, if it did not originate with, the
Bishop himself. For, in a speech delivered by the Bishop in the
Legislative Council of Upper Canada, 6th March, 1828, and
afterwards published by himself, I find his own statement of
his proceedings in this matter, as follows : —
It has always been my wish to see a reasonable support given to the clergy
of the Church of Scotland, because they belong to a Church which is estab-
lished in one section of the empire ; and to the Roman Catholic Church be-
cause it may be considered as a concurrent church with the establishment in
the sister Province ; and to this end I have, at all times, advised the leading
men of both those churches to make respectful representations to His Majesty's
Government for assistance, leaving it to Ministers to discover the source from
which such aid might be taken.— His Excellency, the Lieuteriant-Governor
of this Province (Sir P. Maitland), having represented in the strongest manner
to His Majesty's Government the propriety of making some provision for
the clergy 'in communion with the kirk, and also of the Roman Catholic
clergy resident in Upper Canada, a reference was made to me on that subject,
4IG THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
while in London, in June, 1820. On this occasion I enforced, as well as I
could, the recommendations made by His Excellency, in respect to both
churches.
Thus four months before Earl Bathurst sent out instructions
to give salaries to Roman Catholic priests in Upper Canada, the
Bishop states that he urged it upon the favourable consideration
of His Lordship. The Bishop then significantly adds : —
I did flatter myself that they would have been satisfied, as indeed they
ought to have been, and that henceforth the clergy of the two denominations,
the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian, while discharging their own religious
duties, would cordially co-operate with those of the establishment in pro-
moting the general peace and welfare of society. It is gratifying to me to
state that, as far as I know, the Roman Catholic clergy, during this contest,
have observed a strict neutrality.
However ingenious it may be, I cannot regard it as ingenuous
that the Bishop should promote the endowment of the Roman
Catholic clergy in this country in order to secure their political
alliance and support against other Protestant denominations,
and then appeal to Protestants in England against the Govern-
ment and Legislature in Canada, because of the countenance
given to the Church of Rome. It is hardly fair for the Bishop
to act one part in Canada and another in England ; and it is
fallacious and wrong to represent the votes of Roman Catholics
as exerting any influence whatever on the state of the question
in Upper Canada — as of the twenty-five Roman Catholics who
voted on the question last year, twelve voted on one side and
thirteen on the other ; and they are known to hold the opinion
declared by their leader, Mr. Lafontaine, that the proceeds of
the clergy reserves belong to the Protestants of the country in
contradistinction to Roman Catholics.
The Bishop's statements in regard to the endowments of the
Roman Catholic Church in Lower Canada are most extravagant.
They cannot affect, in the least, the merits of the question which
has so long agitated Upper Canada; and they appear to be
introduced merely for effect in England, where the social state
and position of parties in Canada are little known or understood.
It is needless to examine the Bishop's statements on this subject
in detail ; but I will make two or three remarks, to show the
fallacy of both his assertions and his reasoning. He gives no
data whatever for his perfectly gratuitous and improbable
assumption of four hundred parish priests in Lower Canada at
a salary of £250 each, exclusive of those employed in colleges,
monasteries, and religious houses, making, he says,
The revenue of the Roman Catholic Church in Lower Canada, £ 100,000
per annum, a sum which represents a money capital of at least £2,000,000 !
This imaginary estimate of the Bishop is simply absurd, and
supposes in Lower Canada ten-fold the wealth that really exists.
1850-53] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 447
The Bishop also gives a return of the seignorial lands of
several religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church in Lower
Canada, then invests those lands with a fictitious value, and
sets them down as representing "a capital of £700,000!"
whereas the rights to these lands are simply seignorial, and the
annual revenue arising from them does not amount to three-
pence per acre. The Jesuits' estates, 891,845 acres — by far the
largest item in the Bishop's paper — are in the hands of the
Government, and not of the Roman Catholic Church at all.
The fallacy of the Bishop's reasoning on this point will
appear from the facts, that the British Crown has never made
a grant or endowment to the Roman Catholic Church in Lower
Canada, or to any religious order of that Church ; that what-
ever lands or endowments that Church or its religious com-
munities may possess, were obtained either from the Crown of
France, and therefore secured by treaty, or by the legacies
of individuals, or by purchase. The island of Montreal was
obtained by purchase ; the rights are merely seignorial, or
feudal, and yield to the seigneurs £8,000 per annum.
There is, therefore, no analogy whatever between endow-
ments thus obtained and held, and lands appropriated by the
Crown for certain general objects, which have been vested in
the hands of no religious community, and over which Parlia-
ment has expressly reserved the power of discretionary legis-
lation.
I shall now offer a few remarks on the Bishop's statements
respecting the Toronto University and system of public schools
in Upper Canada. As these are questions which have been set
at rest by local legislation, by and with the sanction of the
Imperial Government, I need only refer to the Bishop's state-
ments so far as to remove the erroneous impressions and unjust
prejudices which they are calculated to produce.
In reference to the Bishop's statements, that " graduates in
holy orders are declared ineligible as members of the Senate,""!
remark that such graduates are and have been members of
the Senate from the commencement. And when the Bishop
pronounces the University "essentially unchristian," he must
have known that not only a Parliamentary law, but a Univer-
sity statute, exists for the religious instruction and worship of
all the students of the University ; whereas, when the Bishop
had the management of it, no provision whatever existed for
the religious instruction and worship of any of the students
except members of the Church of England. The statement,
therefore, of the Bishop, that —
There is at present no Seminary in Upper Canada in which the children
of conscientious churchmen can receive a Christian and liberal education,
443 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
is contradicted by the fact that the children of many churchmen,
as " conscientious " as the Bishop himself, are receiving such an
education at a " Seminary in Upper Canada."
The lands out of which the University has been endowed
were early set apart by the Crown, not on the application or
recommendation of any authority or dignitary of the Church
of England, but on the application of the Legislative Assembly
of Upper Canada; and the cause of all the agitation on the
subject is, that the Bishop, unknown to the Canadian people,
and by representations which they, through their representa-
tives, declared to be incorrect and unfounded, obtained a Uni-
versity Charter in England, and the application of those lands
as an endowment, which the Legislative Assembly never would
recognize. And now that that Assembly has at length got
these lands restored to the objects for which they were origin-
ally appropriated, but from which they had for a time been
alienated, the Bishop seeks, by the most unfounded imputations
and representations, to do all in his power to damage a Semin-
ary which he ought to be the first to countenance and support.
In his recent charge to his clergy, the Bishop has sought to
damage the public elementary schools ; and here his statements
are equally at fault with those noticed in regard to the Univer-
sity. The Bishop says, "Christianity is not so much as acknow-
ledged by our School law." This statement is contradicted by
the 14th section of the School Act, and the general regulations
which are made under its authority, headed, " Constitution and
government of schools in respect to religious instruction," and
which commence with the following words : —
As Christianity is the basis of our whole system of elementary education,
that principle should pervade it throughout.
The Bishop says again : —
To take away the power of parents to judge and direct the education oi
their children, which is their natural privilege from Godj as our schools
virtually do, will never be allowed in Great Britain.
The Bishop makes this statement in the face of the express
provision of the 14th section of the School Act, which declares
that " pupils shall be allowed to receive such religious instruc-
tion as their parents or guardians shall desire."
The Bishop furthermore states that " the Bible appears not
among our school books," and says also that the " system is not
based on a recognition of the Scriptures." It would be strange
if the Bishop were ignorant that in a lengthened correspond-
ence, printed by order of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief
Superintendent of Schools objected to any law or system which
would exclude the Bible from the schools, — that the Govern-
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 449
ment sanctioned his views, — that his annual reports show that
the Bible is used in the great majority of the schools in Upper
Canada. By the returns of last year, the Bible was used in
2,067 of the 3,059 schools reported — being an increase of 231
schools over those of the preceding year in which the Bible was
used.
The Bishop likewise says: —
A belief of Christianity is not included among the qualifications of school-
masters ; and I am credibly informed that there have been instances of
candidates for schools disavowing all religious belief.
There is no law to prevent the vilest persons from being
"candidates" for any office, even that of holy orders ; but "can-
didates for schools," and "school-masters," with legal certificates
of qualification, are two very different things. According to
the school law, no person can be a legally qualified teacher, or
receive any portion of the school fund, without appearing before
a County Board of Examiners (who consist, in all cases, more or
less of clergymen), produce to them " satisfactory evidence of
good moral character," and be examined and approved by them.
Even the name of the church to which the " school-master " be-
longs is specified, and the annual reports of the Chief Superin-
tendent of Schools include this item of information. A teacher
may also, at any time, be dismissed for intemperance or any
immoral conduct. It is notorious that the standard of qualifi-
cation for teachers, both moral and intellectual, and the pro-
visions and regulations for religious instruction in the schools,
are much higher, and more complete and efficient, than under a
former school law which the Bishop himself introduced into
the Legislature, when he was Chairman of the Provincial Board
of Education.
Again, the Bishop states that
All that is wanting is, to give power to the different boards or authorities
to grant separate schools to all localities desiring them.
This is precisely what the school law provides ; for the 24th
section of the Act expressly authorizes and empowers the Board
of School Trustees in each city or town, "to determine the
number, sites, kind and description of schools which shall be
established in such city or town." The Boards of School
Trustees may therefore establish as many " separate schools " in
all the cities and towns in Upper Canada, as they shall think
proper. But they are not willing to establish such separate
schools as the Bishop desires ; and when an amendment to the
school law was proposed at the last session, to compel the local
"boards or authorities" to do so, it was almost unanimously
rejected. The Bishop says, indeed, referring to this circum-
stance, that " when the Church of England requested separate
29
450 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LTL
schools for the religious instruction of her own children, her
prayer was rejected by the votes of Romanists." The fact is,
that that proposition received the votes of but five members of
the Legislative Assembly, in. which there are upwards of fifty
Protestants.
It is lamentable to see the Bishop making such statements to
damage and pull down the educational institutions of the
country, merely because they are not under his denominational
control, and subservient to his denominational purposes, — a
system of schools which he has, from the commencement,
endeavoured to establish in Upper Canada, and for which he has
agitated the country these many years. That I do the Bishop
no injustice in this statement, I may remark, that in his letter
to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in 1827,
applying for the so-much-agitated Charter of the Provincial
University, he states his object to be, that the clergy of the
Church of England in Upper Canada may " acquire by degrees
the direction of education which the clergy of England have
always possessed." Now that the Legislative Assembly, since
the establishment of free constitutional government, have de-
feated the peculiar objects of the Bishop, he labours by ground-
less imputations and statements to bring the whole system of
public instruction into contempt. It is to be hoped that such
efforts will be as unsuccessful in England as they have been in
Canada, where his appeals for agitation have not been responded
to by one out of ten of the congregations of the Church of
England, and are not sustained by the greater part of the
members of the Church of England in both branches of the
Legislature. Not a petition has been presented by members of
the Church of England against the present system of public
schools, except one, adopted by a meeting presided over by the
Bishop, and signed by himself; and the Legislative Council
within the last few days, by a majority of more than two to
one, concurred with the Legislative Assembly and Administra-
tion in regard to the clergy reserves and University. The
Bishop's extreme policy and proceedings have been and are a
great calamity to the Church of England in Canada — a calamity
which can only be mitigated and removed by the discountenance
of such proceedings, and by the adoption of a more Christian
and judicious policy on the part of members of the Church,
both in England and in Canada.
In reviewing the history of this question from 1840 until its
final settlement by the Canadian Parliament, in 1854, Dr.
Ryerson said : —
William and Egerton Kyerson had been appointed representatives
1850-53] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 451
of the Canadian to the British Conference in 1840. On their arrival in
England, they found Lord John Russell's Bill for the disposal of the Cana-
dian Clergy Reserves to the Churches of England and Scotland before Par-
liament ; and, as representing the largest religions denomination in Upper
Canada, they requested an interview with Lord John Russell on the subject
of His Lordship's Bill before Parliament. In the interview granted, they
pointed out to His Lordship the injustice, impolicy, and danger of the Bill,
should it become law, and respectfully and earnestly prayed His Lordship to
withdraw the Bill ; but he was inflexible, when the MesSrs. Ryerson prayed
to His Lordship to assent to their being heard at the Bar of the House of
Commons against the Bill ; at which His Lordship became very angry —
thinking it presumptuous that two Canadians, however numerous and re-
spectable their constituency, should propose to be heard at the Bar of the
British House of Commons against a measure of Her Majesty's Government.
But the Messrs. Ryerson knew their country and their position, and after-
wards wrote a respect i'ul but earnest letter to His Lordship against his measure,
and faithfully warned him of the consequences of it if persevered in ; they
went so far as to intimate that the measure would prove an opening wedge
of separation between Great Britain and the people of Upper Canada ; and
lest they should be considered as endeavouring to fulfil their own predictions,
they did not publish their letter to Lord John Russell, or write a line on the
subject for more than ten years — knowing that a wound so deep would, with-
out any action or word on their part, fester and spread so wide in the people
of Upper Canada as ultimately to compel the repeal of the Act or sever their
connection with Great Britain. The result was as they, Messrs. Ryerson,
had apprehended ; for in 1853 the Act was repealed by the British Parlia-
ment.*
Early in 1852, the Government of which Earl Grey was
Secretary of State for the Colonies, was superseded by that of
the Earl of Derby, with Sir John Pakington as Secretary of
State for the Colonies, who, in a despatch to Lord Elgin, dated
April 22nd, 1852, says :—
By a despatch from my predecessor, Earl Grey, of the llth July last, you
were informed that Her Majesty's then servants found themselves compelled
to postpone to another Session the introduction of a Bill into Parliament
giving the Canadian Legislature authority to alter the existing arrangement-;
with regard to the clergy reserves.
With reference to that intimation, I have to inform you that it is not the
intention of Her Majesty's present advisers to propose such a measure to
Parliament this Session. " The result would probably be the diversion to
other purposes" of the clergy reserves than "the-support of divine worship
and religious instruction in the colony."
Sir John Pakington was soon undeceived as to the continued
Canadian sentiment on the subject, for Sir Francis Hincks,
then Inspector-General and Premier of Canada, who happened
to be in London on official business on behalf of the Canadian
* Earl Grey had intended to propose its repeal in 1850-51, and had requested
the writer of these papers (who was then on an educational tour in Europe) to re-
main in England in order to furnish His Lordship with data and details to enable
him to answer objections which might be made to his Bill in the House of Lords,
and wrote to Lord Elgin, then Governor-General of Canada, requesting the pro-
tracting or' Mr. Rj'erson's leave of absence for two or three months. But the Bill
had to be deferred until another Session, and Mr. Eyersoa returned immediately
to Canada. (See page 455. )
452 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LII.
»
Government, enclosed to Sir John Pakington an extract from a
report, dated 7th April, 1852, approved by His Excellency, in
which the Executive Council said : —
The assurances of Her Majesty's late Government that such action would
be taken, had prepared the people of Canada to expect that no further delay
would take place in meeting their just wishes upon a question of such para-
mount importance to them ; the 'Council, therefore, recommend that their
colleague, the Inspector-General, be requested by the Provincial Secretary to
seek an interview with Her Majesty's Ministers, and represent to them the
importance of carrying out the pledges of their predecessors on the subject of
the clergy reserves, and thus empower the Colonial Legislature to deal with
the question in accordance with the well-understood wishes of the people of
Canada.
The Derby ministry resigned office in December, 1852,
and the Duke of Newcastle succeeded Sir John Pakington as
Secretary of State for the Colonies. On the loth January,
1853, the Duke adressed a despatch to the Earl of Elgin
announcing the decision of the new ministry to propose the
repeal of the Imperial Act of 1840, which was sucessfully
accomplished.
After the passing of the Imperial Act transferring the final
settlement of the clergy reserve question to Canada, a coalition
Government was formed by the aid of Sir Allan McNab, called
the Hincks-Morin Ministry. After protracted negotiation (with
the beneficiaries under the Imperial Act) and discussion in the
Legislature, a Bill was passed providing for the interests of
these claimants, but " secularizing " the remaining proceeds of
the reserves to municipal purposes. This was the last of the
Acts assented to by Lord Elgin previous to his departure from
Canada. Sir Edmund Head, his successor, speaking on this
subject, said : —
An Act assented to by my predecessor has finally settled the long pending
dispute with regard to the clergy reserves, and it has done so in such a
manner as to vindicate liberal principles, whilst it treats the rights of indi-
viduals with just and considerate regard.
Thus was a struggle of more than twenty-five years ended,
equality before the law of all religious denominations esta-
bished, and constitutional rights of the people of Upper Canada
secured, to their great joy. But the Bishop of Toronto, whose
policy and measures had caused so much agitation in Upper
Canada, regarded this settlement of the clergy reserve question
as an irreparable calamity to the Church of England in Canada.
On the 16th of March, 1853, the Bishop addressed a letter to
the Duke of Newcastle, of which the following are extracts : —
Power and violence are to determine the question ; vested rights and the
claims of justice are impediments to be swept away. Hence the spoliation
Bought to be perpetrated by the Legislature of Canada has no parallel in
THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 453
colonial history. Even in the middle of the American Revolution, the old
colonists, during the heart-burnings and ravages of civil war, respected the
ecclesiastical endowments made by the Crown against which they were
contending! . . .
The grants made by the Crown were all held by the same
tenure — whether to individuals or corporations — not reserva-
tions for certain purposes, with power expressly given to
Colonial Assemblies to "vary or repeal" them. The Bishop
proceeded : —
I feel bitterly, my Lord Duke, on this subject. Till I heard of your
Grace's despatch, I had fondly trusted in Mr. Gladstone and his friends, of
whom you are one, notwithstanding the present doubtful Administration ;
and I still argued in my heart, though not without misgivings, that the
Church was safe, I have cherished her with my best energies for more than
half a century in this distant corner of God's dominions ; and after many
trials and difficulties I was beholding her with joy, enlarging her tent,
lengthening her cords, and strengthening her stakes, but now this joy is
turned into grief and sadness, for darkness and tribulation are approaching
to arrest her onward progress. Permit me, in conclusion, my Lord Duke,
to entreat your forgiveness if, in the anguish of my spirit, I have been too
bold, for it is far from my wish or intention to give personal offence. And
of this rest assured, that I would most willingly avert, with the sacrifice of
my life, the calamities which the passing of your Bill will bring upon the
Church in Canada.
There is a touching pathos in the close of this letter ; but the
Bishop himself lived to see his apprehended calamities turned
into blessings; for the most prosperous and brightest days of
the Church of England in Upper Canada have been from 1853
to the present time.
CHAPTER LIII.
1851.
PERSONAL EPISODE IN THE CLERGY RESERVE CONTROVERSY.
DR. RYERSON made another educational tour in Europe in
1850-51. While in London, early in 1851, Earl Grey
sought Dr. Ryerson's counsel on the clergy reserve question,
which had been lately re-opened in Canada. The proceedings
and result of the interviews which he had with Earl Grey, are
detailed in several letters which he wrote to me from London
during a period of four months. I give such extracts from
these letters as will explain the nature of Dr. Ryerson's confer-
ences with Earl Grey on the subject. His first letter was writ-
ten on the 7th February, in which he said : —
You will-rejoice to learn that Her Majesty's Government have adopted the
prayer of the Canadian Legislature on the question of the clergy reserves, and
nave determined to bring forward a measuie on the subject. Whether Lord
Grey will desire me to remain longer on account of the question I have not had
time to learn. Mr. [afterwards Sir Benjamin] Hawes says that he will pro-
cure me admission to the speaker's gallery to near Lord John Russell bring
forward his measure on the Papal Question.
In a letter written by Dr. Ryerson the following week, dated
14th February, he enclosed to me a confidential letter on the
clergy reserve question, in which he explained the likelihood of
his being detained in England by Lord Grey in connection
with it. He said : —
I send this to you, so that you may know all the circumstances which are
likely to protract my stay for some months in this country ; and for the
same reason, and that you may co-operate with me, I entrust you with the
perusal of my confidential letter — another proof of my unreserved confidence
in your prudence and fidelity, i think it would not be well for you to
mention anything as to my probable delay in England, and especially as to
the reasons of it, until it becomes known to the public.
My position is, indeed, a gratifying one, after so long labour and so much
abuse in connection with the great clergy reserve question, that I should be
desired to aid in its final settlement according to the voice of the people of
Canada, and should now be called upon to aid Lord John Russell himself to
undo his own measure of 1840, against which 1 then protested. I am sure
you will be prepared to perform any additional labour to enable me to fulfil
such a mission. I trust that I will be enabled to confer a benefit upon
Canada. It is a gratifying position in which such a concurrence of circuni-
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 455
stances will place me, and my personal character and history in regard to a
question which has engaged so large a portion of my past life — the ground
of all the opposition I formerly met with from the London Wesleyan Com-
mittee and Conference. Verily there is a God that ruleth over all things,
that makes the wrath of man to praise Him, that rules in ways we know not
of. We should indeed fear Him, bow down in the dust before Him, but at
the same time most calmly and implicitly trust Him. Please write me as
to the effects produced by Lord Grey's despatch, the manner in which it is
received, etc.
In a letter, dated 13th March, Dr. Ryerson said : —
I have received a letter from a member of the Government in Canada,
expressing a wish that I would remain in England until after the great
Exhibition, as the Canadian Parliament would not meet until May. This,
in anticipation of what Lord Grey has desired, has quite settled my mind on
the subject of remaining until May or June.
I shall remain in Paris until I am wanted in London on the clergy reserve
question — I suppose until the middle of next month. Listening some
hours each day in Paris to some of the most learned men in Europe, giving
the results of all their researches and reflections on various branches of lite-
rature and science, will be of great advantage to me in my future lectures,
writings and labours, and this I shall continue until the voice of war on the
clergy reserves shall echo across the Atlantic. I suppose my presence in
England at this time will be a great annoyance to the exclusive Church
party, and it will perhaps make them more cautious than they might other-
wise be in their statements.
As the ministry in England continue firm, I hope no effort will be
wanting in Canada to sustain Lord Grey, should an opposition be raised
against his proposed bill, the bringing in of which may be delayed some
time by the late long ministerial crisis in England.
In a letter, dated llth April, Dr. Ryerson said : —
In regard to the clergy reserves, I have been inclined to think the Bishop
of Toronto and his friends would not attempt to renew the agitation of the
clergy reserve question in Canada, but would prepare the strongest statement
of their case for the Parliament here, in the mouths of some of their ablest
friends in both the Commons and Lords, and thus take the Government
here by surprise, and try and defeat the Bill in the Lords, after having
reduced the majority in favour of it in the Commons as much as possible.
On the 18th April, 1851, Dr. Ryerson wrote again : —
The Scotch Presbytery of Kingston, U. C., have sent a petition to the
House of Commons against Lord Grey's Bill, or against complying with the
prayer of the address of the Canadian Assembly, and sent to me with the
request that I would prepare an answer to it. I think of preparing my
answer in the form of a communication or two to the Times newspaper, and
thus bring the whole subject before the Members of Parliament and the
public. Should I succeed in this, Lord Grey may not think my longer stay
to be necessary. I am anxious to get away as soon as possible ; the season ia
advancing, and I have so much to do before the close of it in the autumn.
Business and embarrasments have so accumulated in the House of Com-
mons that it is pretty nearly decided to bring the clergy reserve Bill into
the Lords by Lord Grey himself, and he expects to do so about the middle
of May. Should it be brought into the Lords, of course there would not be
so long delay there before deciding the question one way or the other. But
the chances are so strong against its success if brought into the Lords first,
that Lord Grey is unwilling to adopt that course until it is seen that that ia
456 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L1II.
the only alternative. If it should be lost in the Lords now, he, of course,
thinks it would soon be carried by a pressure from Canada, such as the
rejection of the Bill by the Lords would probably call forth.
On the 25th April, Dr. Ryerson wrote : —
The late crisis has made no change in the intentions of the Government
iu regard to the clergy reserve question, I send you a copy of the Times of
the 23rd instant, the day before yesterday, in which you will see the first of
my papers on " The Clergy Reserves of Canada." The second and third will
occupy a column and a half or two columns, each. I finished and handed
in the remaining papers this morning. Lord Grey spoke to me twice on the
subject of writing something for the press, and Mr. Hawes, the last time I
saw him, seemed to think the Bill would be lost in the House of Lords, but
the Government would send out a despatch to Canada saying that the ques-
tion was not abandoned, but would be brought forward again the next Ses-
sion. I have thought this was a very poor consolation for the loss of the
Bill, and that it was best to see what could be done. I have written strongly,
and with an express view to the House of Lords — confining myself wholly to
the question of the right of the people of Canada to judge and decide in the
matter. What may be the effect of these papers, I cannot, of course, tell ;
but if Lord Grey should be of opinion that the publication of them will
supersede the necessity of my longer stay for thac purpose, I will leave as
soon as possible —by the third week in May.
I wrote fully to Dr. Ryerson on this subject, pointing out
the relation of parties in Canada on this subject, and deprecat-
ing his taking any further active part in the discussion which
had become so heated in this country. On the 2nd May, Dr.
Ryerson replied :—
What you have communicated on the clergy reserve question has changed
my mode of proceeding in some respects ; and the second and third articles
I prepared for the Times will not appear as first intended ; but I will explain
by and by. I was at the great Exhibition yesterday. It was the grandest
of all grand affairs I ever witnessed. I had a place near the centre, within
a few feet of the " Iron Duke," until he left to join the procession.
On the 9th May, Dr. Ryerson wrote his final letter : —
On reflection, and from what I found to be the relations of parties in Can-
ada, and the turn the clergy reserve question was likely to take, I came to
the same conclusion you have expressed in your last letter — not to come into
collision with any party on the question, beyond what is expressed in the
short article in the Times newspaper — namely, that Canada should judge for
itself on the question. I have determined to . furnish Lord Grey with a
memorandum of facts and principles on the question. I have seen Lord
Grey and stated my wish not to remain longer, and not to be further mixed
up with the question — that I was now on good terms with all parties — had
thus great facilities for usefulness — that party agitation in Canada was
becoming violent — two extreme parties, uniting against the Ministerial
measure. I told him that I would furnish him with a memorandum, with
all the chief points of the question on which he was likely to be opposed.
He seemed to oe disappointed, but said if I thought my Department would
suffer by my longer absence, he would not insist upon my staying. I told
him that all parties would approve of my staying tor the Great Exhibition,
and that I thought a memorandum, such as I would prepare on the question
of the clergy reserves, would be as serviceable as my presence, etc.
1851] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 457
MEMORANDUM ON THE CLERGY RESERVE QUESTION.
The following is the memorandum which Dr. Ryerson pre-
pared for Lord Grey on the clergy reserve question, and to
which he refers in his letter to me of the 9th May, 1851 : —
Fully concurring in the remark of the Bishop of London, in
a late reply to the deputation of the inhabitants of St. George's,
Hanover Square, that " there is no kind of intestine division so
injurious in its character and tendency as that which is
grounded on religious questions ; " and firmly believing, as I
do, that the long continuance of Canada as a portion of the
British Empire depends upon the proceedings of the British
Parliament on the question of the clergy reserves, I desire, as a
native and resident of Upper Canada, as a Protestant and lover
of British institutions, to submit the following brief observa-
tions on that question, in order to correct erroneous impressions
in England, and to induce such a course of parliamentary pro-
ceedings as will conduce to the honour of Great Britain, and to
the peace and welfare of Canada : —
1. My first remark is, that this is a question agitated for
more than twenty-five years, almost exclusively among Pro-
testants in Canada, and the agitation of which, at the present
time, has not, in any way whatever, been promoted by Roman
Catholic influence. An attempt has been made in some quarters
to create a contrary impression in England; but that I am
correct in my statement will; I think, appear from the following
facts : — First, though the question of the clergy reserves nom-
inally relates to Lower as well as Upper Canada (since the
union of the two Canadas under one Legislature), it is histori-
cally and practically an Upper Canadian question. The
agitation of it originated in Upper Canada; it never was
agitated in Lower Canada before the union of the two provinces;
it is discussed chiefly by the Upper Canada press, and pressed
most earnestly by the Upper Canada members of the Legisla-
ture. So strongly is it viewed as an Upper Canadian question,
that a considerable portion of the press of L pper Canada has
objected to Lower Canadian members of the Legislature inter-
fering in its discussion or influencing its decision by. their votes.
Secondly, all the Upper Canadian members, both of the Execu-
tive Council and of the Legislative Assembly, are Protestants.
Of the forty-two members of the Legislative Assembly elected
in Upper Canada, not one of them is a Roman Catholic ; of the
five Upper Canadian members of the Executive Council, all are
Protestants, and all were in favour of the late Address of the
Assembly to the Queen, praying for the repeal of the Imperial
Act, 4 & 5 Vic., chap. 78. and for restoring to the people of
453 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. .[CHAP. LIII.
Canada the constitutional right of judging for themselves as to
the disposal of the clergy reserve lands in that country. It
ought, therefore, to be remembered in England, that this
question relates chiefly to Upper Canada, which is, for the most
part, a Protestant country, and which has not a single Roman
Catholic in the Legislative Assembly.
2. I remark, in the next place, that it is not a question of
Church and State union, or whether the State shall contribute
to the support of religion in one or more forms. It is whether
the Canadian people shall judge for themselves as to the mode
of supporting their religious worship, as well as to the religious
creed they shall adopt. This right was clearly secured to them
by their constitutional Act of 1791, 31st George III., chap. 31,
but was taken from them by the Imperial Act of 1840, 3 & 4
Vic., chap. 78. In what manner the people of Canada, through
their representatives, may exercise the constitutional right, the
restoration of which they claim, for the support of religion, I
am not prepared to say. But whether they shall exercise
wisely or not that, or any other right constitutionally vested
in them, is a matter appertaining to themselves, and not to
parties in England. I am not to be the less anxious for the
restoration to my country of its constitutional rights because it
may not exercise them wisely, or exercise them in a manner
opposed to my personal views and wishes. The constitutional
rights of legislation in Great Britain may not have always
been exercised most judiciously, but who would adduce that as
an argument for the annihilation of those rights, or against the
existence of constitutional freedom in England ? Is Canada to
be made an exception to this rule ?
3. I remark, thirdly, that neither is this a question which
affects the vested rights of any parties except those of the people
of Canada generally. When one-seventh of the wild lands of
Canada was reserved for the support of a Protestant clergy, by
the Act of 1701, 31st George III., chap. 31, the Canadian Legis-
lature, created by the same Act, was invested with authority,
under certain forms, to " vary or repeal " the several clauses
relating to that clergy land reservation. That vested right the
people of Upper Canada possessed from 1791 to 1840. All
other vested rights are subordinate to those of a whole people,
and are not to be exalted above them. The Canadian Legis-
lative Assembly has proposed to secure all parties who have
acquired rights or interests in the revenue arising from the sales
of the clergy reserve lands during the lives of the incumbents
or recipients ; but, beyond that guarantee, it claims the right of
" varying or repealing," as it shall judge expedient, the landed
reservation in question, and the application of the revenues
arising from it.
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 459
4. The real question for consideration in England being thus
separated from other questions with which it has sometimes
been erroneously and injuriously confounded, I proceed to
remark that the Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic., chap. 78, is at
variance with what the Imperial Governments without excep-
tion and without reservation, for twenty-five years, have ad-
mitted and avowed to be the constitutional rights of the people
of Canada. It has at all times been admitted in the first place,
that the Act 31st Geo. III., ch. 31, which created a legislature
in Canada, and authorized the clergy land reservation, invested
the Canadian Legislature with authority to legislate as to its
disposal, and the application of revenues arising from it ; and
secondly, that whatever legislation might take place on the
subject should be in harmony with the wishes of the Canadian
people. The Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic., ch. 78, deprives the
Canadian people of that right of legislation which they had
possessed for forty years, and does violence to their wishes and
opinions in the disposal which it makes of the revenues of the
lands in question. Now the rights of the people of Canada on
this subject were explicitly stated by the late Sir George Murray
in 1828, by the Earl of Ripon in 1832, by His late Most Gracious
Majesty in a message to the Legislature of Upper Canada in
1833, and by Lord Glenelg in 1835 and 1836. I give a summary
of the whole in the words of Lord Glenelg, in a despatch to the
Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, dated December 5, 1835,
in reply to an attempt on the part of the latter to induce Imperial
legislation on the subject. Lord Glenelg says, in behalf of the
Imperial Government, that
Parliamentary legislation on any subject of exclusively internal concern,
in a British colony possessing a representative assembly, is as a general rule
unconstitutional. It is a right of which the exercise is reserved for extreme
cases, in which necessity at once creates and justifies the exception.
After showing that no necessity existed for setting aside the
constitutional rights of the Canadian people, Lord Glenelg
expresses himself in the following language of enlightened poli-
tical philosophy: —
It is not difficult to perceive the reasons which induced Parliament, in
1791, to connect with a reservation of land for ecclesiastical purposes, the
special delegation to the Council and Assembly of the right to vary that
provision by any Bill which, being reserved for the signification of His
Majesty's pleasure, should be communicated to both Houses of Parliament
for six weeks before that decision was pronounced. Remembering, it should
seem, how fertile a source of controversy ecclesiastical endowments had sup-
plied throughout a large part of the Christian world, and how impossible it
was to foretell with precision what might be the prevailing opinions and
feelings of the Canadians on this subject at a future period, Parliament at
once secured the means of making a systematic provision for a Protestant
clergy, and took full precaution against the eventual inaptitude of that
460 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIII.
system to the more advanced stages of a society then in its infant state, and
of which no human foresight could divine the more mature and settled
judgment.
In the controversy, therefore, respecting ecclesiastical endowments, which
at present divides the Canadian Legislature, I find no unexpected element of
agitation, the discovery of which demands a departure from the fixed princi-
ples of the constitution, but merely the fulfilment of the anticipations of the
Parliament of 1791, in the exhibition of that conflict of opinion for which
the statute of that year may be said to have made a deliberate preparation.
In referring the subject to the future Canadian Legislature, the authors of
the Constitutional Act must be supposed to have contemplated the crisis at
which we have now arrived — the era of warm and protracted debate, which,
in a free government, may be said to be a necessary precursor to the settle-
ment of any great principle of national policy. We must not have recourse
to an extreme remedy, merely to avoid the embarrassment which is the
present, though temporary, result of our own legislation.
I think, therefore, that to withdraw from the Canadian to the Imperial
Legislature the question respecting the clergy reserves, would be an infringe-
ment of that cardinal principle of colonial government which forbids par-
liamentary interference, except in submission to an evident and well-
established necessity.
In January, 1840, the two branches of the Legislature of
Upper Canada passed a Bill (the Legislative Assembly by a
majority of 28 to 20, and the Legislative Council by a majority
of 13 to 4) relative to the clergy reserve — provided for the
interests of their existing incumbents, and dividing the pro-
ceeds of the sales of said lands among various religious persua-
sions according to a census taken once in five years, and leaving
each religious persuasion free to expend the sum or sums to
which it should be entitled according to its pleasure, whether
for the support of its clergy, the erection of places of worship,
or for purposes of education. Though the great majority of
the people of Upper Canada desired the application of the
proceeds of these lands for educational purposes only ; yet
a majority of both branches of the Legislature agreed to a
compromise which could be defended as just to all parties,
whatever preferences might be entertained on the subject in
the abstract. But instead of the Royal assent being advised to
be given to that Canadian Bill on a local Canadian question, a
new Bill was introduced into the Imperial Parliament, giving
about three-fourths cf the proceeds of the clergy reserves
(including past and future sales) to the clergy of the churches
of England and Scotland, giving nothing to any other church,
but leaving the remaining one-fourth (or half of future sales)
at the discretionary disposal of the Executive for religious
purposes. This part of the Imperial Act has proved inoperative
to this day ; and should any religious persuasion receive any
portion of this comparative pittance of the clergy land funds,
it would do so not as a matter of right (as do the Churches of
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 4G1
England and Scotland in receiving their lion's share), but at
and during the pleasure of any party in power — a position in
which no religious community should be placed to the Execu-
tive, and in which the Executive ought not to be placed to any
religious community. Such an Act can be justified upon no
principle of justice or sound policy, and is at variance with the
almost unanimous and often recorded wishes of the people of
Upper Canada. The Christian Examiner — a monthly organ
of the Church of Scotland in Upper Canada — expressed not
only the general sentiments of the members of that Church,
but also of people at large, in the following words, contained
in an elaborate editorial which appeared in that publication a
few months before the passing of the Imperial Act of 1841 :
Year after year, at least during the last decade, the general sentiment
in this colony has been uttered in no unequivocal form, that no church in-
vested with exclusive privileges derived from the State, is adapted to the
condition of society among us. It cannot be doubted that this is the convic-
tion of nine-tenths of the Colonists. Except among a few ambitious magnates
of the Church of England, we never hear a contrary sentiment breathed.
Equal rights upon equal conditions is the general cry. And although several
Assemblymen of the present House have chosen to misinterpret the public
voice, and to advocate a different principle, we doubt not that on their next
appearance before their constituents, they will be taught that this is not the
age, nor this the country, in which the grand principle of equal rights can
be departed from with impunity.
Now, although the Imperial Act of 1840 may have induced
" a few magnates " of the Church of Scotland to unite with
other " magnates," whom they once considered " ambitious," in
denying the "grand principle of equal rights" to their more
numerous Methodist brethren, and other religious persuasions,
yet the "convictions of nine-tenths" of the Canadian people
remain unchanged ; nor will they, because of the changed cir-
cumstances of a few clergymen of the Church of Scotland, suffer
" the grand principle of equal rights to be departed from with
impunity."
5. I observe, likewise, that the continuance of the Imperial
Act of 1840 is desired by a mere fraction of the Canadian popu-
lation, while its repeal is demanded by that country at large.
The assertions of any interested parties on a matter of this
kind are of little weight against the proceedings and statements
of the representatives of the people. The Address of the
Legislative Assembly to Her Majesty must be regarded as the
authoritative and true expression of the opinions and wishes of
the Canadian people. It is true, there was diversity of opinion
as to the manner in which the incumbents on the clergy reserve
fund should be dealt with, and also as to certain other declara-
tions contained in the Address of the Assembly ; but no member
462 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIIL
— *—
of the Canadian Legislature ventured to justify the provisions
of the Imperial Act, and very few ventured to vote in favour
of its continuance, even upon the ground of expediency, in
behalf of the " magnates " of two favourable Churches. When
the resolutions of the Address to Her Majesty were moved in
the Legislative Assembly of Canada on this subject, an amend-
ment was moved by the supporters of the present exclusive
privileges of the Churches of England and Scotland in Canada
an amendment which contained the following words : —
That in the opinion of this House it is inexpedient to disturb or unsettle,
by resolution or enactment, the appropriations or endowments now existing
in Upper and Lower Canada for religious purposes ; that the well-being of
society and the growing wants of the various Christian bodies in Canada
demand that the several provisions of the Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic., cap.
78, should be carried out to their fullest extent.
In favour of the amendment, that is, in favour of the con-
tinuance and operations of the Imperial Act of 1840, voted
sixteen ; against it voted fifty -two. Who would think of per-
petuating a law in England atrf variance with the sentiments of
three-fourths of the- members of the House of Commons, and
even of a large proportion of the constituency of Great Britain ?
Could the present constitution of government in England be
maintained, could revolution be long prevented, if laws were
retained on the statute book condemned by three-fourths of the
Commons, and more than three-fourth of all classes of people
in the land, and those statutes involving religious questions ?
And is that to be perpetuated in Canada which would not be
retained in England for a month ?
6. Into the origin and progress of the controversy connected
with the clergy reserves, it is needless for me to enter. They
are sufficiently stated in the Address of the Legislative Assembly
of Canada to the Queen, a copy of which is herewith annexed,
together with the majorities by which each of the thirty-one
clauses of the Address was separately voted. It will be seen
that the first twenty-three clauses of the Address were carried
by a majority of 52 to 18 ; the 24th clause by 51 to 20 ; the
26th clause by 48 to 19 ; the 27th and 28th clauses by 47 to 20 ;
the 29th clause by 36 to 34 ; the 30th clause by 40 to 28 ; the
31st clause, containing the prayer of the Address, by 45 to 23.
The only clause of the Address, therefore, in favour of which
the majority of the Assembly was not large and decided, was
the 29th ; and in a vote to that clause, I have shown that the
smallness of the majority was occasioned by objections to dif-
ferent parts of the clause upon quite opposite grounds, of three
classes of members — the sixteen supporters of the present pre-
eminence of the Churches of England and Scotland, a section
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 463T
of the Roman Catholic members, and what in England would
be called the extreme dissenters. In the vote referred to, I
have explained the ground of the opposition to this clause by
each of these three classes of members. It will be seen that
the 29th clause is rather speculative than practical, and does
not affect the character and completeness of the Address, every
other clause of which was carried by a large majority. It is,
however, curious to remark, that while the supporters of the
present exclusive privileges of the Churches of England and
Scotland are indebted to the assistance of Roman Catholic
members for the only vote in which the minority was large;
yet in England some of these same parties represent the
Address as having been carried chiefly by Roman Catholic
votes, with a view of destroying all Protestant institutions in
Canada.
7. No enlightened and candid person can look at the religious
history and social state of Canada and desire the perpetuation
of the Imperial Act 3 and 4 Vic., ch. 78. It is now quite sixty
years since Upper Canada was formed into a province with a
representative government. Its population was then 7,000
souls ; it is now about 700,000. During the first and most
eventful half of that sixty years, the ministrations of the
f Churches of England and Scotland can scarcely be said to have
had an existence there. The present Bishop of Toronto, in a
discourse published on the occasion of the death of the first
Canadian Bishop of the Church of England, states that down
to the close of the war between Great Britain and the United
States in 1815, there were but four resident clergymen or mis-
sionaries of the Church of England in all Upper Canada — a
statement which is confirmed by the annual reports of the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ;
and the same reports will show how few were the clergy of
the Church of England in that province down to a recent
period. We learn from the same authority, that till 1818 there
was but one clergyman of the Church of Scotland in Upper
Canada, and that in 1827 there were but two. It is, therefore,
clear that during the first half of its sixty years' existence as a
province, Upper Canada must have been indebted almost en-
tirely to other than clergy of the Churches of England and
Scotland for religious instruction ; yet during that thirty years,
it is admitted that the people of Upper Canada were a religious,
an intelligent, and loyal people. To whom the people of that,
province were mainly indebted for their religious instruction,
and for the formation and development of their religious char-
acter, appears in a report of a Select Committee of the Upper
Canada House of Assembly, appointed in 1828, on the religious
464 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIIL
condition of the country, and before which fifty witnesses,
chiefly members of the Church of England, were examined. I
quote the following words from the report of that Committee,
(which was adopted by the Assembly by a majority of 22 to 8),
a report which was partly prepared in reference to a letter
addressed by the present Bishop of Toronto to His Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1827: —
The insinuations (says the report) in the letter against the Methodist
clergymen, the committee have noticed with peculiar regret. To the dis-
interested and indefatigable exertions of these pious men this province owes
much. At an early period of its history, when it was thinly settled, and
destitute of all other means of religious instruction, these ministers of the
Gospel, animated by Christian zeal and benevolence, at the sacrifice pf
health, and interest, and comfort, carried among the people the blessings,
and consolations, and sanctions of our holy religion. Their influence and
instruction have been conducive in a degree which cannot be easily esti-
mated, to the reformation of the vicious and to the diffusion of correct
morals, the foundation of all sound loyalty and social order.
This religious body has now 180 regular ministers in Upper
Canada, about 1,100 churches and preaching places, and em-
braces in its congregations one-seventh of the population.* Yet
this oldest religious community in Upper Canada, together with
the Free Presbyterian Church of Canada, the United Presby-
terian Church, the Baptists and Congregationalists, are treated
as nobody by the Imperial Act, while the more modern Churches
of England and Scotland are exclusively endowed, and that by
setting aside legislative rights which the Constitution of 1791
had conferred upon the people of Upper Canada ! In Great
Britain the Established Churches are associated with the early
and brightest periods of British history, and are blended with
all the influences which distinguish and exalt British character ;
but the feelings and predilections arising from such reminis-
cences and associations are not the proper rule of judgment as to
the feelings, predilections and institutions of Canadian society.
As Englishmen best know their own feelings and wants, and
claim and exercise the sole right of judging and legislating for
themselves ; so do the people of Canada best know their own
wishes and interests, and ought to judge and legislate for them-
selves in all local matters which do not infringe any imperial
prerogative. No Englishman can refuse this who wishes to do
to others as he would have others do to him.
8. But it should also be observed, that down to the passing
of the Imperial Act of 1840, the influence of the Church of
Scotland itself was adverse to any such act of partiality and
injustice, and in favour of applying the proceeds of the clergy
reserves even to educational as well as religious purposes. The
* Since the foregoing was written, it has been ascertained that the Wesleyan
Methodists number 142,000, or more than one-fifth of the entire population (1850).
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 465
discussion of this question was first introduced into the Legis-
lative Assembly of Upper Canada in 1823, by the Hon. William
Morris — a gentleman of great respectability, and who has
always been regarded and acknowledged as the guardian of the
interests, and representative of the sentiments, of the Church of
Scotland. December 22nd, 1826, Mr. Morris moved a series of
resolutions on this subject, of which the following are the 9th
and 10th :
9. Resolved, — That it is the opinion of a great proportion of the people of
this Province that the clergy lands, in place of being enjoyed by the clergy
of an inconsiderable part of the population, ought to be disposed of, and the
proceeds of their sale applied to increase the provincial allowance for the
support of district and common schools, and the endowment of a provincial
seminary for learning, and in aid of erecting places of public worship for all
denominations of Christians. [Carried by a majority of 31 to 2.]
10. Resolved, — That it is expedient to pass a Bill, authorizing the sale of
the clergy lands within this Province, for the purposes set forth in the fore-
going resolution ; and to address His Majesty, numbly soliciting that he will
be graciously pleased to give the royal assent to said Bill. [Carried by a
majority of 30 to 3.]
On the 28th of the same month, Mr. Morris reported a draft
of Bill for the sale of the clergy reserves, pursuant to the fore-
going resolutions. The Bill passed the Assembly by a majority
of 20 to 3; was sent to the Legislative Council, and was
rejected. Similar attempts to legislate having in like manner
and from the same cause proved abortive, another address to
the King on this subject was adopted by the Assembly in
March, 1831, and supported, if not introduced, by Mr. Morris.
That address, which was adopted by a majority of 30 to 7, con-
tains the following words : —
That a large majority of the inhabitants of this Province are sincerely
attached to your Majesty's person and government, but are averse to any
exclusive or dominant Church. That this House feels confident that, to
promote the prosperity of this portion of your Majesty's dominions, and to
satisfy the earnest desire of the people of this Province, your Majesty will be
graciously pleased to give the most favourable consideration to the wishes of
your faithful subjects. That, to terminate the jealousy and dissension which
have hitherto existed on the subject of the said clergy reserves — to remove a
barrier to the settlement of the country, and to provide a fund available for
the promotion of education, and in aid of erecting places of worship for
various denominations of Christians : it is extremely desirable that the said
land reserved should be sold, and the proceeds arising from the sale of the
same placed at the disposal of the Provincial Legislature, to be applied
exclusively for those purposes.
This address was replied to the January following, 1832, by
a formal message from the King, from which I extract the
following sentences : —
The representations which have at different times been made to His
Majesty and his Royal predecessors of the prejudice sustained by his faith-
ful subjects in Upper Canada, from the appropriation of the clergy reserves,
30
466 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIII.
have engaged His Majesty's most attentive consideration. . . It has, there-
fore, been with peculiar satisfaction that, in his inquiries into this subject,
His Majesty has found that the changes sought for by so large a portion of
the inhabitants of Upper Canada, may be carried into effect without sacri-
ficing the just claims ot the established Churches of England and Scotland.
. . . His Majesty, therefore, invites the House of Assembly of Upper
Canada to consider how the powers given the Provincial Legislature by the
Constitutional Act to vary or repeal this part of its provisions, can be called
into exercise most advantageously, for the spiritual and temporal interests of
His Majesty's faithful subjects in the Province.
It will be seen that the Address to the Crown and reply,
above quoted, contemplated the application of no part of the
proceeds of the clergy lands for the support of the clergy of
any religious persuasion, but the application of the whole to
the promotion of education, and in aid of erecting places of
worship. I do not make these references to advocate this view
of the question, but to show that the Crown has long since
assented to the alienation of the whole of the proceeds of the
reserves from the support of the clergy of any Church, should
the Canadian Legislature think proper to do so, and that the
Church of Scotland in Upper Canada agreed with the other
religious persuasions, and the great majority of the Canadian
people, in the advocacy of such an alienation of said reserves.
The same parties cannot now object on constitutional and moral
grounds to what they heretofore advocated on those same
grounds.
9. It has, however, been alleged that the people of Canada
have acquiesced in the provisions of the Imperial Act, and are
satisfied with it. At the time of passing the Imperial Act, in
1840, and down to within the last two years, the discussion of
questions relating to the organization and system of government
itself occupied the attention of the public mind in Canada ; but
no sooner was the public mind set at rest on those paramount
and fundamental questions, than the Canadian people demanded
the restoration of their rights on the question of the clergy
reserves. What they have felt for two years, and often and
strongly spoken, through the local press and at the hustings,
they now speak in the ears of the Sovereign of the Imperial
Parliament. That there must be deep and general dissatisfaction
in Canada on this subject, will appear from the following cir-
cumstances: (1) The Imperial Act infringes the rights, and
contravenes the wishes of the Canadian people ; (2) It inflicts
an injustice and wrong upon the great majority of the religious
persuasions in that country, where the " convictions of nine-
tenths " or rather ninety-nine one-hundreths, of the inhabitants
are in favour of " equal rights upon equal conditions," among
all classes and persuasions ; (3) The Legislative Assembly, by
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 467
a majority of 51 to 20, declare that the Imperial Act, "so far
from settling this long agitated question, has left it to be the
subject of renewed and increased public discontent;" (4) The
comparative silence of the Wesleyan body — the oldest, the most
numerous, and the most unjustly treated, of all the excluded
denominations — is expressive and ominous. Its representatives,
having proceeded to England in 1840, remonstrated against
this Bill, then before Parliament; they sought the assent of
Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies to be heard
at the Bar of the House of Commons against it, and having
been refused, they presented to him, July 27th, 1840, a most
earnest remonstrance against the Bill. On the Bill becoming
law, they ^ silently submitted, and on grounds which were ex-
plained, a 'few months since, by the official organ of the Wes-
leyan Methodist Church in Canada, in the following words : —
On Lord John Russell's Bill becoming a law, the question was changed
from a denominational to a Provincial one — from an ecclesiastical to a con-
stitutional one. It was no longer a question between one denomination and
another, but a question between Upper Canada and the Imperial Parliament.
As Canadians, and acting in behalf of a large section of the Canadian com-
munity, the representatives of the Wesleyan Methodist Church expressed
their convictions, their feelings, and their apprehensions to Her Majesty's
Government while the question was pending before Parliament ; but when
the execrable Bill became an Imperial Law, it was as much out of place for
them as clergymen, or of any religious persuasion to strive to fulfil their own
predictions, or set on foot a Colonial civil contest, as it would have been
pusillanimous in them not to have remonstrated before the consummation of
such an act of wrong against the people of Upper Canada. The question is
now being taken up in the right place, and, we trust, in the right spirit
10. Under such circumstances it is impossible that the ques-
tion can long remain in its present state, and it is for the Im-
perial Parliament to say what shall be done. It is admitted
upon all hands that the members of the Churches of England
and Scotland in Canada are more wealthy in proportion to their
numbers, and, therefore, less needful of extraneous aid than the
members of any other religious persuasion ; and in proportion
to their numbers and wealth will be their comparative influence
and advantages in the proceedings of their own Legislature.
It is a grave question, whether the Imperial Parliament will
place itself in an attitude of hostility to the Legislative Assem-
bly and people of Canada for the sake of conferring question-
able pecuniary distinctions upon the clergy of the two most
wealthy denominations in that country ? Should any members
of Parliament be disposed to pursue this course, and hazard
this experiment, I beg them to pause and consider the following
questions : —
(1) Can the real interests of the Churches of England and
468 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIII.
Scotland themselves be advanced by occupying a position of
antagonism to the acknowledged equal rights of the great
majority of the people of Canada ? And is it desirable that
these Churches should be the instruments and emblems of wrong
to a country, rather than natural and powerful agencies of its
unity, advancement, and happiness? Interested parties in
Canada may not be able to see this, but British and Christian
statesmen ought not to overlook it.
(2) Ought the members of the Churches of England and
Scotland, who take a part in public affairs in Canada, and who
may be candidates for popular power, to be placed in circum-
stances in which they must either war against the position and
authorities of their own Church, or war against all other
religious persuasions, or retire from public life altogether ?
(3) What will be the natural, or apparently inevitable, result
of thus singling out two classes of Canadian people, and dis-
tinguishing them from all others by pecuniary endowments,
and sustaining them in that position, not by the free Legislature
of their own country — not by the original principles of their
constitution of government to which Canada may have pledged
itself — but by a recent Imperial Act, to the preparing or pro-
visions of which the Canadians were no parties, and against
which they protest ? Is it likely that the will or predilections
of a transatlantic House of Lords, so largely composed of and
influenced by one class of ecclesiastical dignitaries, can long
determine the mutual relations of religious persuasions in a
country constituted as Canada is, and bordering on the northern
free Anglo-States of America ? What the Canadians ask they
ask on grounds originally guaranteed to them by their constitu-
tion ; and if they are compelled to make a choice between British
connection and British constitutional rights, it is natural that
they should prefer the latter to the former ? It is also to be
noted that the Imperial Act in question has to be administered
through the local Canadian administration. Such is the ma-
chinery of the Act. The revenue that it appropriates is
Canadian, and it is worked through Canadian agency — through
Canadian heads of departments, responsible to the representa-
tives of the people of Canada. Should the Canadian people,
then, find that their respectful and earnest appeal to the Imperial
Parliament, through the Sovereign, is in vain, they will naturally
look to their own resources and elect representatives at the
ensuing general elections who will pledge themselves to oppose
the administration of the Imperial Act — representatives who
will support no Inspector or Receiver-General that will be
responsible for the payment of even any warrant for moneys
under such Act The consequence must soon be, not only
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. . 469
injury to existing incumbents whom the Canadian Assembly
now propose to secure, but collision between the Government
and the Legislative Assembly, and ultimately between the latter
and the Imperial authorities ; and finally, either the establish-
ment of military government in Canada (an impossibility), or
the severance of that great country from Great Britain. On
the other hand, if the reasonable demand and constitutional
rights of the people of Canada be regarded in this question,
I believe Canada will remain freely and cordially connected-
with the Mother Country for many years, if not generations, to
come. I will conclude these observations in the expressive
words of Lord Stanley, to the spirit of which I hope every
British statesman will respond. On the 2nd of May, 1828, in
a speech on this subject, Lord Stanley expressed himself in the
following terms : —
That if any exclusive privileges be §frven to the Church of England, not
only will the measure be repugnant to every principle of sound legislation,
but contrary to the spirit and intention of the Act of 1791, under which the
reserves were made for the Protestant clergy, 1 will not enter further into
it at present, except to express my hope that the House will guard Canada
against the evils which religious dissensions have already produced in this
country and in Ireland, where we have examples to teach us what to shun.
We have seen the evil consequences of this system at home. God forbid we
should not profit by experience ; and more especially in legislating for a
people bordering on a country where religious intolerance and religious ex-
clusions are unknown — a country to which Parliament looked in passing the
Act of 1791, as all the great men who argued the question then expressly
declared. It is important that His Majesty's Canadian subjects should not
have occasion to look across the narrow boundary that separates them from
the United States, to see anything there to envy.
CHAPTER LIV.
1854-1855.
RESIGNATION ON THE CLASS-MEETING QUESTION. — DISCUSSION.
last important connexional discussion in which Dr.
_ Ryerson was engaged was on the Class-Meeting Question.
For years he had objected, chiefly privately, amongst his breth-
ren, clerical and lay, to making attendance at class-meeting a
condition of membership in the Wesleyan Methodist Church of
Canada. For various reasons, few members of the Conference
desired to have the subject publicly discussed in Conference.
They felt that a serious practical difficulty surrounded the
question itself — difficulties which could not be surmounted by
public discussion. Many of them also knew that in calmly dis-
cussing, without personal feeling, the abstract principle involved
in the rule, it would be found that their judgment and loyal
feeling to the Church would go one way, while their uniform
practice in the adminstration of the rule would often be at
variance with both, owing to peculiar circumstances. On the
other hand, Dr. Ryerson thought, that not only should preaching
and practice in this matter agree, but that theory and practice
should also agree. And hence he felt that as his preaching and
practice agreed in opposition to the rule, he was not loyal to
the Church in ministering at her altars, while he was heartily
and conscientiously opposed to the fundamental rule of mem-
bership prescribed by that Church. Hence, on the 2nd of
January, 1854, he addressed the following letter to the Rev.
Dr. Wood, President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference (I
omit extraneous matter) : —
I hereby resign into your hands, my membership in the Con-
ference, and my office as a minister of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church — herewith enclosing my parchments of ordination, thus
taking my place among the laity of the Church.
I have resolved to take this step after long and serious
deliberation, but without consulting any human being. I take
this step, not because I do not believe that the Wesleyan
ministry is as fully authorized as the ministry of any other
branch of the universal Church, to exercise all the functions of
1854-55] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 471
Christian priesthood ; not because I do not as unfeignedly as
ever subscribe to all the doctrines of the Wesleyan Church ; not
because I do not profoundly honour the integrity and devoted-
ness of the Wesleyan ministry; not because I do not think
that Christian discipline is as strictly, if not more strictly, main-
tained in the Wesleyan Church than in any other Christian
Church in the world.
But I resign (not my connection with, but) my ministerial
office in the Wesleyan Church, because I believe a condition of
membership is exacted in it which has no warrant in Scripture,
nor in the practice of the primitive Church, nor in the writings
of Mr. Wesley ; and in consequence of which condition, great
numbers of exemplary heads of families and young people are
excluded from all recognition and rights of membership in the
Church. I refer to attendance upon class-meeting — without
attendance at which no person is acknowledged as a member of
the Wesleyan Methodist Church, however sincerely and cor-
dially he may believe her doctrines, prefer her ministry, and
support her institutions, and however exemplary he may be in
his life.
I believe the class-meetings, as well as love-feasts, have been
and are a means of immense good in the Wesleyan Church, and
that both should be employed and recommended as prudential
and useful, means of religious edification to all who may be
willing to avail themselves of them. But attendance at love-
feast is known to be voluntary and not to be a condition of
membership in the Church ; so I think that attendance at
class-meeting should also be voluntary, and ought not to be
exalted into an indispensable condition of membership in the
Church ; I am persuaded that every person who believes the
doctrines, and observes the precepts and ordinances enjoined
by our Lord and His Apostles, is eligible to membership in
the Church of Christ, and cannot, on Scriptural or Wesleyan
grounds, be excluded from its rights and privileges upon the
mere ground of his or her being unable to reconcile it to their
views to take a part in the conversations of class-meetings.
The views thus stated, I have entertained many years. After
having revolved the subject in my mind for some time, I ex-
pressed my views on it in 1840 and 1841. . . But since my
more direct connection with the youth of the country at large,
and having met with numbers of exemplary persons who prefer
the Methodist Church to any other, but are excluded from it
by the required condition of attending class-meeting, besides
thousands of young people of Wesleyan parents and congrega-
tions, I have become more deeply than ever impressed with the
importance of the question, to which I referred in remarks
472 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
made at the last and preceding Conferences. I had intended
until within a short time to defer any decision on the step I
now take until the next annual Conference, and until after
bringing the question in the form of distinct propositions before
the Conference ; but, after the best consideration in my power,
I have thought it advisable to resign my office in the Church at
the present time — fearing the revival and results of unpleasant-
nesses from my bringing the question formally before the Con-
ference, . . and from a deep conviction that I should no
longer delay taking the most effectual means in my power to
draw the attention of the ministry and members of the Wesleyan
Church to this anomaly in her Disciplinary regulations, and
secure, if possible, to tens of thousands of persons the rights
and privileges of membership in that branch of the Church of
Christ which they prefer — rights and privileges to which I am
persuaded they are justly entitled upon both Scriptural and
Wesleyan grounds.
I do not think it is honest or right for a man to hold the
office of a minister in a Church, all whose essential regulations,
as well as doctrines, he cannot justify and recommend. I say
essential regulations; for there may be many regulations and
practices in a Church of which a minister may not approve,
and the existence of which he may deplore, but which would
not prevent him from maintaining, as usual, his relations and
course of labour. An enlightened Christian mind can and will,
without any compromise of principle, allow a wide latitude in
modes of proceeding, and in matters of opinion, taste, and
prudence. But a regulation which determines who shall and
who shall not be recognized as members of the Church of Christ,
involves a vital question, the importance of which cannot be
overrated, and which must be determined by Divine Revelation,
and not by mere conventional rules.
Now, while as an individual I may value and wish to attend,
as far as possible, all prudential as well as instituted means of
grace in our Church, I cannot as a teacher, by word or office,
declare that all persons who will not attend class-meetings, in
addition to observing all the ordinances of Christ, should be
rejected and excluded from the Christian Church. I cannot say
so — I cannot think so — I cannot believe it Scriptural or right,
in respect to great numbers of estimable persons, and of the
sons and daughters of our people, who believe Wesleyan doc-
trines, who respect and love the Wesleyan ministry, support
Wesleyan institutions, are exemplary in their lives, and who
wish to be members of the Wesleyan Church, but who, from
education, or mental constitution, or other circumstances, cannot
face much less enjoy, the developments and peculiarities of the
1854-55] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. , 473
class-meeting. I have met and sympathized with many who
have sought to reconcile their views and feelings to the per-
sonal speakings and communications of class-meetings, but who
could not succeed ; and not being allowed otherwise to enjoy
the privileges of membership in the Wesleyan Church, were
driven to seek admission into some other Christian communion.
Our Lord and His Apostles have prescribed no form of reli-
gious communion but the Lord's Supper. The New Testament
meetings of Christian fellowship, in which the early Christians
edified one another, are appropriately adduced as the exemplars
of Wesleyan love-feasts — that voluntary and useful means of
religious edification. But it is remarkable that a person may
neither attend love-feast nor the Lord's Supper, and yet retain
his membership in the Wesleyan Church, while he is excluded
from it if he does not attend class-meeting, though he may attend
both the Lord's Supper and love-feast, as well as the preaching
of the word and meetings for prayer. Nay, I find in the latter
part of the section of our Discipline on " Class Meetings," that
the minister in charge of a circuit is required to exclude all
"those members of the Church who wilfully and repeatedly
neglect to meet their class," but to state at the time of their
exclusion, " that they are laid aside for a breach of our rules of
Discipline, and not for immoral conduct." I know of no Scrip-
tural authority to exclude any person from the Church of Christ
on earth, except for that which would exclude him from the
kingdom of glory, namely, '• immoral conduct." But here is an
express requirement for the exclusion of persons from the Wes-
leyan Church for that which it is admitted is not "immoral
conduct," namely, neglect of class-meeting. This is certainly
going beyond Scriptural authority and example.
I have said that I do not regard as Wesleyan, or having the
sanction of Mr. Wesley, the making attendance at class-meeting
an essential condition of membership in the Church of Christ.
Mr. Wesley declared that the sole object of his labours was,
not to form a new sect, but to revive religion in the Church and
in the nation ; that each class was a voluntary society in the
Church, but was no more a separate Church organization than
a Bible Society, or Temperance Society, or Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, is a separate Church organization. Nor did
Mr. Wesley regard the admission of persons into, or exclusion
from, any one of his societies as affecting, in the slightest de-
gree, such person's Church membership. Nay, Mr. Wesley
insisted that all who joined his societies, in addition to attend-
ing class-meeting, and the ministrations of his preachers, should
regularly attend the services and sacraments of the Church of
England. In his sermon " On Attending Church Service," Mr.
474 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
Wesley says, " it was one of our original rules, that every
member of our society should attend the church and sacrament,
unless he he had been bred among Christians of another denom-
ination." In his Tract, entitled " Principles of a Methodist
Further Explained," (written in reply to the Rev. Mr. Church,)
Mr. Wesley says : —
The United Society was originally so called, because it consisted of several
smaller societies united together. When any member of these, or of the
United Society, are proved to live in known sin, we then mark and avoid
them : we separate ourselves from every one that walks disorderly. Some-
times if the case be judged infectious (though rarely) this is decided openly ;
but this you style " excommunication," and say, " does not every one see a
separate ecclesiastical communion 1 "
Mr. Wesley replies : —
No. • This society does not separate from the rest of the Church of Eng-
land. They continue steadfast with them both in the apostolical doctrine,
and in breaking of bread, and in: prayers.
And in further reply to the charge, that in excluding dis-
orderly persons from his society, he was usurping a power
committed to the higher order of the clergy, Mr. Wesley says : —
No ; not in the power of excluding members from a private society, unless
on the supposition of some such rule as ours is, viz. : " That if a man separate
from the church, he is no longer a member of our society."
These passages (from scores of similar ones in Mr. Wesley's
works), are sufficient to shew what Mr. Wesley understood and
intended by admission into, or exclusion from, any one of his
societies — that it did not in the least affect the relations of any
person to the Church of which he was a member. Now, the
rule which Mr. Wesley imposed as a condition of membership
in a private society in a Church, we impose as a condition of
membership in the Church itself.
It is also worthy of remark, that attendance at class-meeting
is not required of members in the general rules of the society —
those very rules which our ministers are required to give to
persons proposing to join the Wesleyan Church.
In those rules no mention is made of class-meeting, nor is it
there required that each member shall meet the leader, much
less meet him in a class-meeting, in the presence of many others;
but that the leader shall see each person in his class, and meet
the minister and stewards once a week. Yet, by constant and
universal practice, we have transferred the obligation from the
leader to the member, and made it the duty of the latter (on
pain of excommunication), to meet the former in class-meeting;
an obligation which is nowhere enjoined in the general rules.
In those rules it is said :
1854-551 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 475
There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admis-
sion into these societies — a desire to tiee from the wrath to come, and to be
saved from their sins.
The rules then truly state, that wherever this desire is really
fixed in the soul, it will be known by its fruits. These fruits
are briefly but fully set forth under three heads. (1) By doing
no harm. (2) By doing good. (3) " By attending all the ordi-
nances of God. Such, the public worship of God ; the ministry
of the word, either read or expounded ; the Supper of the Lord ;
family and private prayer ; searching the Scriptures, and fasting
or abstinence. These are the general rules of our societies, all
of which we are taught of God to observe, even in His written
word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of faith
and practice." Now, neither class-meeting nor love-feast is
mentioned among the " ordinances of God " enumerated in the
general rules of the society; nor is it mentioned in Mr. Wesley's
Large Minutes of Conference among the instituted means of
grace. So far as the general rules themselves are concerned,
there is nothing which makes attendance at class-meeting a
condition of membership, even in Mr. Wesley's societies as he
originally instituted them ; nor did the idea of holding class-
meetings at all occur to Mr. Wesley until after the general
rules were drawn up and published.* But what was not re-
* Mr. Wesley's own account of the origin of the office of class-leader and class<
meetings, illustrates the accuracy of what I have stated. The office was first created
at Bristol, 15th February, 1742, for financial purposes alone. A few weeks after-
wards, it was instituted for religious purposes also ; and for the twofold object of
religion and finance, it was embodied in the General Rules, which were drawn up
and signed by Mr. Wesley, 1st May, 1743 ; but in which there is no mention
made of class-meeting, or of the duty of any member to meet in class. In his
" Plain Account of the People called Methodists," Mr. Wesley thus states the
origin of the office of class-leader and the institution of class-meetings.
At length (says he,) while we were thinking of quite another thing, we struck
upon » method for which we have had cause to bless God ever since. I was talking
with several of the Society in Bristol (Feb. 15, 1742,) concerning the means of paying
the debts there, when one stood up, and said, 'Let every member of the Society give
a penny a week till all are paid." Another said, ' But many of them are poor, and
cannot afford to do it.' 'Then,' said the other, ' put eleven of the poorest with
me, and if they can give anything, well: I will see them weekly; and if they can
give nothing, I will give for them as well as for myself. And each of you will call
upon eleven of your neighbours weekly, receive what they give, and make up what
is wanting. ' It was done. In a little while some of these informed me, they found
such and such an one did not live as he ought. It struck me immediately, This
is the very thing we have wanted so long. I called together the Leaders of the
classes (so we used to term them and their companies,) and desired that each would
make particular inquiry into the behaviour of those whom he saw weekly. They
did so. Many disorderly walkers were detected. Some turned from the evil of
their ways. Some were put away from us. Many saw it with fear, and rejoiced in
God with reverence. As soon as possible, the same method was used in London,
and in all other places. The following is Mr. Wesley's account of the first
appointment of class-leaders in London, extracted from his Journal, Thursday,
March 25, 1742 : I appointed several earnest and sensible men to meet me. to
—horn I showed the great difficulty I had long found of knowing the people who
476 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. L1V.
quired by the general rules soon became a condition of member-
ship in another way — this was by the system of giving tickets.
Mr. Wesley says in his Plain Account of People called Meth-
odists :
As the society increased, I found it required still greater care to separate
the precious from the vile. In order to this, I determined, at least once
in three months, to talk with every member myself, and to inquire at their
own mouth, as well as of their leaders and neighbours, whether they grew in
grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To each of those
whose seriousness and good conversation I had no reason to doubt, I gave a
testimony under my own hand, by writing their name on a ticket prepared
for that purpose. Those who bore these tickets, wherever they came, were
acknowledged by their brethren, and were received with all cheerfulness.
These tickets also supplied us with a quiet and inoffensive method of remov-
ing kany disorderly member. He has no ticket at the quarterly visitation
(for so often the tickets are changed) ; and hereby it is immediately known
that he is no longer of the community.
It was at length required by a minute of the Conference, (as
our own discipline enjoins,) that a preacher should not give a
desired to be under my care. After much discourse, they all agreed there could
be no better way to come to a sure, thorough knowledge of each person, than to
divide them into classes, like those at Bristol, under the inspection of those in
whom I could confide. This was the origin of our classes at London, for which I
can never sufficiently praise God ; the unspeakable usefulness of the institution
having ever since been more and more manifest. In his " Plain Account of the
People called Methodists," Mr. Wesley says, "At first they (the Leaders) visited
each person at his own house ; but this was soon found not so expedient, and
that on many accounts." Mr. Wesley assigns several reasons for this change, and
proceeds to answer several objections to class-meetings. The following passage
shows the exact ground on which Mr. Wesley based the institution of class-
meetings :
Some objected, 'There were no such meetings when I came into the society
first; and why should there be now ? I do not understand these things, and this
changing one thing after another continually.' It was easily answered: It is a
pity but they had been from the first. But we knew not then either the need or
the benefit of them. Why we use them, you will easily understand, if you will
read over the Rules of the Society. That with regard to these little prudential
helps, we are continually changing one thing after another, is not a weakness or
fault as you imagine, but is a peculiar privilege which we enjoy. By this means
we declare them all to be merely prudential, not essential, not of divine institution.
Now, while it is proper for each person, as far as may be consistent with his
circumstances and views of duty, to use every prudential means of doing and
getting good, yet the observance of nothing but what is Divinely instituted should
be imposed as a condition of membership in the Church of God. To make attend-
ance at class-meeting that condition, is to require what the Lord hath not com-
manded, and to change essentially the character and objects of a means of good
which Mr. Wesley (with whom it originated) declared to be " merely prudential,
not essential, not of divine institution."
That Mr. Wesley conceived the basis of a church should be much more compre-
hensive than the rules he drew up and recommended in regard to the " little
prudential helps " which were suggested to him from time to time, is obvious
from the eighth of his twelve reasons against organising a new church — reasons
published many years after the preparation and adoption of all his society rules.
His words are as follows: "Because to form the plan of a new church would
require infinite time and care, with much more wisdom and greater depth and
extensiveness of thought than any of us are masters of. "
1854-55J THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 477
ticket of membership to any person who did not meet in class.
In our own Discipline, in the section on class-meetings, will
also be found the following question and answer : —
Question. — What shall be done with those members of our church who wil-
fully and repeatedly neglect their class 1
Answer. — 1. Let the chairman, or one of the preachers, visit them when-
ever it is practicable, and explain to them the consequence if they continue
to neglect, viz., exclusion.
2. If they do not attend, let him who has charge of the circuit exclude
them (in the church), showing that they are laid aside for a breach of our
rules of discipline, aud not for immoral conduct.
By this added ministerial authority and duty, a condition of
membership in the society is imposed which is not contained in
the General Rules, and which subjects a member to exclusion,
for that which is acknowledged to be " not immoral conduct."
This appears a strange regulation in even a private religious
society within a Church ; but no objection could be reasonably
made to any such regulation in such a society, if its members
desired it, and as it would not affect their Church membership.
But the case is essentially different, when such society in a
Church becomes a Church, and exercises the authority of
admitting into, and excluding from the Church itself, and not
merely a society in the Church.
In England, and especially in the United States and Canada,
the Wesleyan Societies have become a Church. I have repeatedly
shewn in past years, that they have become organized into a
Church upon both Wesleyan and scriptural grounds. I believe
the Wesleyan Church in Canada is second to no other in the
scriptural authority of its ministry and organization. Believing
this, I believe that exclusion from the Wesleyan Church (either
by expulsion or refusal of admission) is exclusion from a branch
of the Church of God — is an act the most solemn and eventful
in the history and relations of any human being — an act which
should never take place except upon the clear and express
authority of the word of God.
Far be it from me to say one word other than in favour of
every kind of religious exercise and communion which tends to
promote the spiritual-mindedness, brotherly love, and fervent
zeal of professing Christians. That class-meetings (notwith-
standing occasional improprieties and abuses attending them),
have been a valuable means in promoting the spirituality and
usefulness of the Wesleyan Church, no one acquainted with her
history can for a moment doubt ; and I believe that myriads on
earth and in heaven have, and will ever have, reason for devout
thankfulness and praise for the benefits derived from class-
meetings, as well as from love-feasts and meetings for prayer.
But attendance upon the two latter is voluntary on the part of
478 THE 8TORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
the members of the "Wesleyan Church ; and what authority is
there for suspending their very membership in the Church of
God on their attendance upon the former ? The celebration of
the Lord's Supper, and not class-meeting, was the binding
characteristic institution upon the members of the primitive
Church. So I am persuaded it should be now ; and that Chris-
tian faith and practice alone (and not the addition of attendance
upon class-meeting,) should be the test of worthiness for its
communion and privileges. While, therefore, as an individual
I seek to secure and enjoy all the benefits of the faithful minis-
trations and scriptural ordinances of the Wesleyan Church, I
cannot occupy a position which in itself, and by its duties
requires me to enforce or justify the imposition of a condition
of membership in the Church of Christ, which I believe is not
required by the Holy Scriptures, and the exclusion of thousands
of persons from Church membership and privileges, to which I
believe they have as valid a right as I have, and that upon the
sole ground of their non-attendance at a meeting, the neglect of
which our own Discipline admits, does not involve "immoral
conduct," and which Mr. Wesley himself, in his Plain Account
of the People called Methodists, has declared "to be merely
prudential, not essential, not of divine institution."
It is passing strange, that while the Wesleyan Church is the
avowed "friend of all and enemy of none" — is the most Catholic
of any Protestant body towards other religious communions —
she should close the door of admission into her own fold even
to attendance upon class-meeting. I regard it as the misfor-
tune rather than the dishonour of the Wesleyan Church, that
she repels thousands that seek her communion rather than relax
this term of admission. If her success has been so great under
disadvantages unparalleled, I cannot but believe, that, with the
same divine blessing, and upon a basis of membership less
narrow and more scriptural, the Wesleyan Church, would, be-
yond all precedent, increase her usefulness, and enlarge her
borders.
I will not permit myself to dwell upon associations and recol-
lections which cannot be expressed in words, any more than
they can be obliterated from the memory, or effaced from the
heart. Though I retire from councils in the deliberations of
which I have been permitted to take a part during more than
twenty-five years, and relinquish all claims upon funds to which
I have contributed for a like period, I should still deem it my
duty and privilege to pray for the success of the former, and
continue my humble contributions to the latter ; while I protest
in the most emphatic way in my power against shutting the
doors of the church upon thousands to whom I believe they
1854-55] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 479
should be opened, and against making that essential and divine,
which, as Mr. Wesley says, " is merely prudential, not essential,
not of divine institution." I hope the day is not remote when
the Wesleyan Church will be as scriptural in her every term of
membership as she is in her doctrines of grace and labours of
love.
To this letter of resignation, Rev. Dr. Wood, President of the
Conference, replied on the 4th of January : —
To accept the enclosed documents would be assuming a responsibility at
variance with my judgment and affections. If the proposal you make of
withdrawing from the Methodist ministry be ever received, it must be with
the concurrence of the collective Conference ; or, should the question require
immediate attention, that of its executive committee. I shall be glad to see
the enactment of any regulation which will promote the usefulness of our
Church to the benefit of a large and intelligent class of adherents now re-
ceiving no recognition beyond their contributions to our institutions ; and
also the adoption of practical measures by which the youth baptized by
Wesleyan ministers may be more personally cared for, and affiliated to our
ordinances. Your distinguished ability and matured experience eminently
qualify you as a safe legislator and counsellor on such grave questions, which
by some cannot be separated from ancient usages greatly blessed to the grow-
ing spirituality of true believers, without injury to the vital character of the
Church. After so long and useful a career, your separation from our Confer-
ence and work would be a connexional calamity. You stand among the few
in Canada to whom the present independent and legal position of the Wes-
leyan Church stands deeply indebted. Future generations of ministers and
people will partake, imperceptibly to themselves, of the advantages a few of
the more gifted and noble-minded brethren struggled and contended for
against so many obstacles. You are as capable of remedying anything wrong,
or supplying anything wanting within the Church, as you were many years
ago, to overcome impediments to her usefulness without.
Nothing further was done in the matter until at the Belleville
Conference of 1854 Dr. Ryerson moved the following resolu-
tion : —
1. That no human authority has a right to impose any condition of mem-
bership in the visible Church of Christ, which is not enjoined by, or may be
concluded from the Holy Scriptures. .
2. That the General Rules of the United Societies of the Wesleyan Metho-
dist Church being formed upon the Holy Scriptures, and requiring nothing
of any member which is not necessary for admission into the kingdom of
grace and glory, ought to be maintained inviolate as the religious and moral
standard of profession, conduct and character, in regard to all who are ad-
mitted or continued members of our church.
3. That the power, therefore, of expelling persons from the visible Church
of Christ, for other than a cause sufficient to exclude a person from the king-
dom of grace and glory, which the fourth question, and answers to it, con-
tained in the second section of the second chapter of our Discipline, confer
and enjoin upon our ministers, is unauthorized by the Holy Scriptures, is
inconsistent with the Scriptural rights of the members of Christ's Church,
and ought not to be assumed or exercised by any minister of our Church.
4. That the anomalous question and answers referred to in the foregoing
resolution, be, and are hereby expunged from our Discipline and are required
to be omitted in printing the next edition of it. (See page 477.)
480 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
These resolutions having been negatived by a considerable
majority on the 12th June, Dr. Ryerson wrote to the President:
The decision of the Conference this afternoon on the scriptural
rights of the members of our Church, and the power of our
ministers in respect to them, makes it at length my painful
duty to request you to lay before the Conference the letter
which I addressed to you the 2nd of last January, and that you
will consider that letter as now addressed to the Conference
through you.
I hereby again enclose you my parchments of ordination. I
propose to do all in my power to promote those important
measures in regard to the college and means for the regular
training of received candidates for the ministry which have
been recommended by the Conference. I cannot attempt to
add anything more to what is contained in my letter of the 2nd
January, expressive of what I feel on the present occasion,
except to say that, although I gave no intimation during the
discussion of the result of the decision on this subject upon my
own official relations to the Conference, I retire from it with
feelings of undiminished respect and affection for my Reverend
Brethren, and my earnest prayer for their welfare and useful-
ness.
In reply to this letter Dr. Wood said : —
The purpose you aim to accomplish can be effectually secured by a dif-
ferent resolution to that introduced yesterday ; if you will stay and hear
what the brethren may say about the appointment of a large committee to
take up this subject before I lay your resignation before them, I shall feel
much gratified. I again say, I look upon your proposed withdrawal with
deep sorrow, and must say, I cannot bring myself to believe that on such
grounds you can be justified in taking so serious a step.
Dr. Ryerson did attend the Conference as suggested, after
which he wrote to Dr. Wood : —
I listened with delight and hope to the observations and
recommendations which you made. I anticipated happy results
from the appointment of the very large committee which you
nominated, and which might be considered as representing the
sentiments and feelings of the Conference. But from the
lengthened meeting of that committee, in the evening, it was
clear that no disposition existed to modify the power of min-
isters to expel persons from the Church for non-attendance at
a meeting which, in the 12th section, chap. 1st, page 47, of our
own Discipline, taken from the writings of Mr. Wesley, is de-
clared to be " prudential," even among Methodists — that thus
the highest and most awful penalty that the Church can inflict
— a penalty analagous to capital punishment in the administra-
tion of civil law — is to be executed upon members of the Church
1854-55] THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 481
for the omission of what our own Discipline does not exalt to
the rank of a " prudential " means of grace among Christians,
— only among Methodists.
It was also clear that views of baptism prevailed (I cannot
say how widely) at variance with the 17th Article of Faith in
our Discipline,* and altogether opposite to those set forth by
Mr. Wesley in his sermons and in his Treatise on Baptism.
But that for which I was not prepared (which I supposed
to have been settled, and which I therefore assumed), was the
obviously prevalent opinion against the Church membership of
children baptized by our ministry. It will be recollected that
I had not proposed any other condition or mode of admitting
persons into our Church from without, than that which already ;
exists amongst us ; but I urged in behalf of both parents and
children, the practical recognition of the rights and claims of
children who were admitted and acknowledged as members of»
the Church by baptism, as implied in our Form of Baptism,
and according to our Catechism, and according to what the
Conference unanimously declared at Hamilton, in 1853, our
Church holds to be among the privileges of baptized persons, —
namely, that " they are made members of the visible Church of
Christ." Persons cannot, of course, be members of the "visible"
Church of Christ without becoming members of some visible
branch or section of it ; and it is not pretended that children
baptized by our ministry are members of any other visible
portion of the Church of Christ than the Wesleyan. To deny,
therefore, that the baptized children of our people are members
of our Church, and that they should be acknowledged as such,
and as such be impressed with their obligations and privileges,
and as such be prepared for, and brought into, the spiritual
communion and fellowship of the Church, on coming to the
years of accountability, is, it appears to me, to make the Sacrar
ment of Baptism a nullity, and to disfranchise thousands, of
children of divinely chartered rights and privileges. Mr.
Wesley, in his Treatise on Baptism, in stating the third benefit
of baptism, remarks : —
By baptism we are admitted into the Church, and consequently made
members of Christ, its Head. The Jews were admitted into the Church by
circumcision, so are the Christians by baptism.
Mr. Wesley, speaking of the proper subjects of baptism, says :
If infants are capable of making a covenant, and were and still are under
the evangelical covenant, then they have a right to baptism, which is the
* The following is the Article of Faith referred to : —
XVII. Of Baptism. Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of
difference, whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized,
but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new birth. The baptism of young
children is to be retained in the church.
31
482 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
entering seal thereof. But infanta are capable of making a covenant, and
were and still are under the evangelical covenant.
The custom of nations and common reason of mankind prove that infants
may enter into a covenant, and may be obliged by compacts made by others
in their name, and receive advantage by them. But we have stronger proof
than this, even God's own word : " Ye stand this day all of you before the
Lord, — your captains, with all the men of Israel ; your little ones, your
wives, and the stranger, — that thou shouldst enter into covenant with the
Lord thy God." — Deut. xxix. 10-12. Now, God would never have made a
covenant with little children, if they had not been capable of it. It is not
said children only, but little children, the Hebrew word properly signifying
infants. And these may be still, as they were of old, obliged to perform, in
aftertime, what they are not capable of performing at the time of their
entering into that obligation.
• The infants of believers, the true children of faithful Abraham, always
were under the Gospel covenant. They were included in it, they had a right
to it, and to the seal of it ; as an infant heir has a right to his estate, though
he cannot yet have actual possession. — Vol. x., English Edition, pp. 193, 194.
Vol. vL, American Edition, pp. 16, 17.
Again, Mr. Wesley's third argument on this subject is so
clear, so touching, and so conclusive, that I will quote it with-
out abridgement, as follows : —
If infants ought to come to Christ, if they are capable of admission into
the Church of God, and consequently of solemn sacramental dedication to
Him, then they are proper subjects of baptism. But infants are capable of
coming to Christ, of admission into the Church, and solemn dedication to God.
That infants ought to come to Christ, appears from his own words : " They .
brought little children to Christ, and the disciples rebuked them. And
Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not ; for
of such is the kingdom of heaven." — Matt. xix. 13, 14, St. Luke expresses
it still more strongly : " They brought unto him even infants, that he might
touch them." — xviii. 15. These children were so little, that they were
brought to him ; yet he says, " Suffer them to come unto me : " so little, that
he "took them up in His arms;" yet he rebukes those who would have
hindered their coming to Him. And his command respected the future as
well as the present. Therefore His disciples or ministers are still to suffer
infants to come, that is, to be brought, unto Christ. But they cannot now
come to Him, unless by being brought into the Church ; which cannot be
but by baptism. Yea, and " of such," says our Lord, " is the kingdom of
heaven ; " not of such only as were like these infants. For if they them-
selves were not fit to be subjects of that kingdom, how could others be so,
because they were like them ? Infants, therefore, are capable of being
admitted into the Church, and have a right thereto. Even under the Old
Testament they were admitted into it by circumcision. And can we suppose
they are in a worse condition under the Gospel, than they were under the
law ? and that our Lord would take away any privilege which they then
enjoyed ? Would He not rather make additions to them ? This, then, is a .
third ground. Infants ought to come to Christ, and no man ought to forbid
them. They are capable of admission into the Church of God. Therefore
they are proper subjects of baptism. — VoL x., English Edition, pp. 195, 196.
Vol. vi., American Edition, pp. 17, 18.
Upon these Wesleyan and Scriptural grounds, I believe that
the promise and privileges of membership in the Church belong
to the baptized children of our people as well as to their parents;
1854-55] THE STOET OF MY LIFE. 483
that the parents have a right to claim this relationship and its
privileges for their children until such children are excluded
from the Church by the lawful acts of its executive authorities.
Otherwise, the youth baptized by our ministry are in the most
pitiful and degrading religious position of the youth of any
Church that recognizes the doctrine of infant baptism ; and it
appears to me that we ought rather not to baptize infants at all,
or recommend their parents to take them to other churches for
baptism, than thus to treat the feelings of such parents, and to
regard their children as having no more membership and privi-
leges in our Church than the rest of the youth of the land, or
even the world at large.
It is happily true, that many of the children of our people,
as well as those of other people, are converted and brought into
the Church under the faithful ministrations of the Word ; but
how many ten thousand more of them would never wander
from the Church, would more easily and more certainly be led
to experience all the power of inward religion and the blessings
of Christian fellowship, were they acknowledged in their true
position and rights, and taught the significancy, and obligation,
and privilege of all that the outward ordinances and their
visible relations involve were intended to confer. It ought to
make a Christian heart bleed to think that our largest increase
of members, according to returns over which we are disposed
to congratulate ourselves, falls vastly short of the natural
increase of population in our own community, apart from the
increase of the population of the country at large, and, there-
fore, that perhaps five or more persons are sent out into the
world, as worldlings, from the families of our Church, while
one is retained or brought into it from the world by all our
ministrations and agencies. The prophets did not deny to a
Jew his membership in the Jewish Church, in order to make
him a Jew inwardly. Mr. Wesley did not un-church the tens
of thousands of baptized members of the Church of England to
wtom he successfully preached salvation by faith : he made
their state, and duties, and privileges, as baptized members of
the Church of Christ, the grounds of his appeals ; and this
vantage ground was one great means of his wonderful success.
But I will not enlarge. I will only add, that as in former
years, 1, with others, maintained what we believed to be the
rights of Canada and of our Canadian Church against preten-
sions which have long since been withdrawn, and the erroneous
information and impressions connected with which have long
since been removed ; so, I now feel it my duty to do what I can
to secure and maintain the Scriptural and Wesleyan rights of
members of our Church against the exercise of ministerial
484 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV,
authority which has no warrant in Scripture nor in the writings
of Mr. Wesley ; and I feel myself specially called upon by my
position in respect to the youth of the country, as well as by
my strong convictions, to claim and insist upon the Scriptural
and Wesleyan rights of church membership in behalf of the
many thousands of children baptized by our ministry — believing
upon both Scriptural and Wesleyan grounds, it is due to such
children and to their parents.
I have no object in view, beyond what is avowed in this
correspondence. If I have had any personal ambition, it has
been more than satisfied both in the Church and in the country
at large. I have nothing more to seek or desire, than to em-
ploy the short and uncertain time that remains to me in
striving to become more and more meet for the intercourse of
the saints in light, to mature and promote for my native
country the great educational system in which I am engaged,
and to secure to all members of our Church, and to all parents
and children baptized into it, what I am persuaded are their
sacred rights and privileges. I am satisfied that Scriptural and
Wesleyan truth will, as heretofore, prevail, and that the Con-
ference and the Church will yet rejoice in it, however it may,
for the moment, be clouded by error and misrepresentation, or
impeded by personal feelings, groundless fears, or mistaken
prejudice.
On the 13th June Dr. Ryerson made a request to the Confer-
ence that the documents connected with his resignation be
published in the Guardian. He said : —
I wish the church to know the reasons which have influenced me on this
occasion — especially as I believe them to be both Wesleyan and Scriptural.
As I have for thirty years contributed to all the funds of the preachers and
Church, without receiving or expecting to receive a farthing from them, and
from the period and kinds of labours I have performed in the Church, and
from my wish to live in connexion with it, I think my letters of resignation
might at least not be withheld from the members of our Church. If any
expense attend the publication of the correspondence between us, I will
defray every farthing of it.
I do not think any other member of the Conference is called upon to d6 as
I have done — my circumstances being peculiar. But I do not wish to be
wronged and blackened by misrepresentations ; I only desire that my breth-
ren and old friends through the land may be permitted and enabled to read
my own reasons and views on this the last occasion of my official intercourse
with them.*
* I have understood, nevertheless, that a resolution was adopted expressing the
sense of the Conference as to my past labours in the Church ; but the publication
of it has been suppressed in the official organ, as also in the printed minutes, of
the Conference.
The correspondence in the subsequent pages shows with what feelings and senti-
ments I retired from the councils of the Conference ; and I could not have supposed
that any members of that body were capable of excluding from the public records
of its proceedings what the Conference had deemed a bare act of justice to an
1854-55] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 485
This request was denied, so that Dr. Ryerson published the
documents in a pamphlet himself. In doing so he said: —
A more vitally important and deeply affecting subject can
scarcely be laid before the Wesleyan community ; but in order
to present it to the pious judgment of that body at large, I
have had no other alternative than to assume the position I
now sustain — otherwise being compelled to observe, as in past
years, a strict silence beyond the walls of the Conference room.
But from what I have witnessed and heard in that room, I
appeal to the calm consideration of the intelligent and devout
members of the Wesleyan Church, either in their closets with
their Bible before them, or at their firesides with their children
around them. Whether I have or have not overrated the im-
portance of the question, I leave everyone to decide after read-
ing the following correspondence. It will be seen that the
question is not one of a personal nature — is not one which
ought to excite any unkind feeling between persons who may
take different views of it. The question is as to whether, on
the Wesleyan Conference assuming the position and functions
of a distinct and independent Church, a condition of member-
ship has not been imposed which is a departure from the prin-
ciples of Mr. Wesley and the doctrine and practice of the
Apostolic and Primitive Church — a condition which ignores the
church relation, rights and privileges of the baptized children
of the Wesleyan body, and excludes thousands from its mem-
bership upon unscriptural and un- Wesleyan grounds. It will
be seen by an extract on page 20, that Mr. Wesley's disciplinary
object in giving quarterly tickets was, "to separate the precious
from the vile," "to remove any disorderly member;" but in
vain have I sought for an instance of Mr. Wesley ever exclud-
ing, even from his private societies in a Church, an upright and
orderly member for mere non-attendance at class-meeting.
That, however, he might have consistently done in a society in a
Church, if he had thought it expedient to do so, as it would
not have affected the membership of any parties in the Church
individual who had laboured nearly thirty years in connection with it, and often
performed most difficult services and labours in its behalf. Such a proceeding will
reflect more dishonour upon its authors than upon me, in the judgment of every
honourable and Christian mind in Upper Canada, of whatever persuasion or party.
I am happy to believe that this poor imitation of the system of the " Index Ex-
purgatorius " cannot blot from the memories of an older generation in the Church
recollections of labours and struggles of which the expurgators know nothing but
the fruits — among which are the civil and religious privileges they enjoy.
I have also been credibly informed that, while the real grounds of my resignation
and the judgment of the Conference upon my conduct and labours during many
years' connection with it, are withheld from the Wesleyan public, insinuations are
circulated, that my resignation has been dictated by ulterior political objects — an
idea which I have never for one moment entertained, and which is foreign, as far
as I know, to the thoughts of every public man in Canada.
486 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
to which they belonged. The three paragraphs of our Discip-
line, containing three sentences against which I protest, had no
place in the Minutes of Conference finally revised and printed
by Mr. Wesley in the year of his death ; nor do they exist in
the Minutes of the British Conference to this day. From what
is therefore modern and unauthorized by Scripture, by the
practice of the Primitive Church, or by Mr. Wesley, I go back
to first principles, and say, as did Mr. Wesley to Dr. Coke and
Mr. Asbury, when he sent them to organize the Societies in
America into a Church, let us " simply follow the Scriptures
and the Primitive Church."
It is often said that " nobody objects to attending class-
meeting except those who have no religion." Persons who thus
judge of others show more of the Pharisaical, than of the Chris-
tian, spirit, and evince but little of the " wisdom that cometh
from above" in thus " measuring others by themselves." The
following correspondence show that I am second to none in my
appreciation of the value and usefulness of class-meetings ; but
I have had too much experience not to know, that the best
talkers in a class-meeting are not always the best livers in the
world ; and I attach less importance to what a person may say
of himself in a class-meeting, than to uprightness in his deal-
ings, integrity in his word, meekness in his temper, charity in
his spirit, liberality in his contributions, blamelessness in his
life. Doings, rather than sayings, are the rule of Divine judg-
ment. . .
It may not be improper for me to observe, that there are
ministers who lordly advocate attendance at class-meeting as a
Church-law, and yet do not observe that law themselves perhaps
once a year, much less habitually, as they insist in respect to
private members ; and the most strenuous of such advocates pay
no heed to the equally positive prohibitions and requirements
of the discipline in several other respects, especially in regard
to band-meetings, which were designed, as the Discipline ex-
pressly states, " to obey that command of God, ' confess your
faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be
healed.'" I am far from intimating, or believing, that there
are many advocates of class-meeting tests of this description.
But history shows, from our Lord to the present time, that the
most vehement advocates for the " mint, annise and cummin "
of particular tests and forms, are not proportionably zealous for
the " weightier matters of the law." It is easier for men to
impose and enforce law upon others than to observe it them-
selves. But when a man's words and actions contradict each
other, the argument of his actions is the more forcible, as well
as the more honest and sincere.
1854-55] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 487
It has likewise been alleged, that if attendance at class-meeting
be not made a church-law, and the capital punishment of expul-
sion be not attached to its violation, class-meetings will fall into
disuse. I answer, this is beside the question. The question is,
whether there is such a law in the Bible ? Has our Lord or
His Apostles given authority to any conclave or conference to
make such a law ? Our Lord and the Apostles knew better
than their followers what was essential to membership in the
Christian Church, as well as what was essential to its existence
and prosperity. I may also observe, that if the existence of
class-meetings cannot be maintained except by the terror of the
scorpion-whip, or rather executioner's sword, of expulsion from
the church, it says little for them as a privilege, or place of
delightful and joyous resort. My own conviction is, that if
class-meetings, like love-feasts, were maintained and recom-
mended as a privilege and useful means of religious edification,
and not as a iaw, the observance of which is necessary to
membership in the visible Church of Christ, but made volun-
. tary, like joining the Missionary Society, class-meetings would
be more efficient and useful than they are now, and attendance
at them would be more cordial and profitable, if not as, or even
more, general. But what might be or not be in any supposed
case, is foreign to a question as to what is enjoined in the law
and testimony of the Holy Scriptures as essential to disciplt;-
ship with Christ.
It is well known that meeting in class, by a large portion of
the members of the Wesleyan Church, is very irregular — that
their absence from class-meeting is the general rule of their
practice, and their attendance the exception. Yet such persons
are not excluded, as it would involve the expulsion of the greater
part of the members of the body, including several of its min-
isters. It is, therefore, so much the more objectionable, and so
much the more wrong, to have a rule which ignores at one
sweep the membership of all the baptized children of the body,
which sends and keeps away tLe conscientious and straight-
forward, who would not think of joining a religious com-
munity without intending habitually to observe all its rules,
and yet, after all, habitually disregarded by a large portion of
both preachers and people, and is made, as far as my observa-
tion goes, an instrument of gratifying individual hostility,
rather than a means of promoting the religious and moral
ends of Christian discipline.
It is, however, the bearing of this question upon the relation-
ship and destinies of the youth of the Wesleyan body that has
most deeply impressed and affected my own mind, as may be
inferred from the correspondence on the subject. It requires less
488 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
scriptural zeal, and an inferior order of qualifications, and it is
much more exciting and easy, to minister or attend at special
meetings, and in the ordinary public services of the Church,
than to pursue " in season and out of season " the less con-
spicuous and more detailed labour of teaching and training up
children and youth in the knowledge and experience of the
doctrines of Christ, and thus secure them to the Church, and to
the Saviour, and secure to them the " godliness which has the
promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."*
And what is the result of the general adoption (with a few
fine exceptions), of the former in preference to the latter — in-
stead of the union of both ? It is the humiliating and most
painful fact that the great majority of Methodist youth are lost
to the Church, if not lost to Christ and to heaven — that in a
large proportion of instances, Methodism is not perpetuated to
* Of the utter insufficiency of public ministrations alone,, even for grown up
Christians, much more for children, Mr. Wesley thus speaks in his large and
authorized Minutes of Conference : — " For what avails public preaching alone,
though we could preach like angels ? We must, yea, every travelling preacher
must, instruct them from house to house. Till this is done, and that in good
earnest, the Methodists will be little better than other people. Our religion is not
deep, universal, uniform ; but superficial, partial, uneven. It will be so, till we
spend half as much time in this visiting, as we now do in talking uselessly."
" For, after all our preaching, many of our people are almost as ignorant as if they
had never heard the gospel. I speak as plain as I can, yet I frequently meet with
those who have been my hearers many years, who know not whether Christ be
God or man. And how few are there who know the nature of repentance, faith
and holiness. Most of them have a sort of confidence that God will save them,
while the world has their hearts. I have found by experience, that one of these
has learned more from one hour's close discourse than from ten years' public preach-
ing." "Let every preacher having a catalogue of those in each society, goto
each house. Deal gently with them, that the report of it may move others to de-
sire your coming. Give the children the instructions for children, and encourage
them to get them by heart. Indeed, you will find it no easy matter to teach the
ignorant the principles of religion. So true is the remark of Archbishop Usher —
' Great scholars may think this work beneath them. But they should consider,
the laying the foundation skilfully, as it is of the greatest importance, so it is the
masterpiece of the wisest builder. And let the wisest of us all try, whenever we
please, we shall find that to lay this ground-work rightly, to make the ignorant
understand the grounds of religion, will put us to all our skill." " "Unless we
take care of the rising generation, the present revival will be res unius aetatis (a
thing of one generation) ; it will last only the age of a man."
There are several ministers who earnestly labour in the spirit of these extracts
from Mr. Wesley's Minutes of Conference — printed the year of his death. But
their labours are the promptings of individual zeal and intelligence, and not dic-
tated or backed by the authoritative example of the ministry and Church at large,
or the recognition of the Church relations of the interesting subjects of theii
instructions. The effect of the general disuse or neglect of systematic individual
instruction of children, not speaking of such instruction of adult members, and
reliance upon public ministrations and meetings alone, must be instability of
religious profession, want of clear and acute views of the grounds, doctrines,
nature, institutions and duties of religion, indifference to all religion, or wandering
from denomination to denomination according to circumstances or caprice ; but in
all cases the loss to the Wesleyan Church of the greater part of the harvest which
ehe should and might gather into the garner of Christ
1854-55] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 489
the second generation of the same family — that in the great
majority of instances it is only so perpetuated very partially,
and in very few instances to all the children of Methodist
parents ; while there is each year the conversion of only a few
hundreds, or thousands, mostly from without. The return of
prodigals, and the accession of strangers and aliens to the body,
are indeed causes of thankfulness and rejoicing ; but prevention
is better than cure — piety from childhood is better than refor-
mation in manhood. The judgment of the Apostle upon him
" who neglects to provide for his own house," even in temporal
matters, is well known ; and must there not be a radical defect
and wrong in any religious organization which loses the great
majority of its own youth, and depends largely on infusions
from without for the recruit of its numbers ? Such an organiza-
tion may do much good, and widely extend in many places for
the time being, especially in a new and unsettled state of society;
but the vital element of permanent strength and lasting pros-
perity is wanting, where, by its repulsion or neglect, the great
majority of its baptized youth are alienated from, and lost to
its communion. It is not in the promise of God, or in the
genius of Scriptural Christianity, that " children trained up in
the way they should go," will, in many instances, much less
generally, depart from it in after years. . .
Impressed with the magnitude of the wrongs and evils above
referred to, dreading personal collision in the Conference, an-
ticipating but little success from it, and feeling uncertain as to
how few were likely to be the days of my earthly career, and
believing that a special duty was imposed upon me in this
respect by Providential circumstances, I addressed to the Presi-
dent, the 2nd of January, . as the most likely means,
without collision with any person or body, to draw practical
attention to the subject, on the part of both the ministry and
the laity of the Church. . . I have the satisfaction of know-
ing that, if the first efforts of my pen, after joining the
Conference in 1825, were to advocate the right of the members
of the Church to hold a bit of ground in which to bury their
dead, and the right of its ministers to perform the marriage
service for the members of their congregations, my last efforts
in connection with the Conference have been directed to obtain
the rights of Christian citizenship to the baptized children and
exemplary adherents of the Church. While I maintain that
each child in the land has a right to such an education as will
fit him for his duties as a citizen of the state, and that the obli-
gations of the state correspond to the rights of the child, so I
maintain, upon still stronger and higher grounds, that each
child baptized by the Church is thereby enfranchised with the
rights and privileges of citizenship in it, until he forfeits them
490 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIV.
by personal misconduct and exclusion, and that the obligations
of the Church correspond to the rights of the child. I also
maintain that each member of Christ's visible Church, has a
scriptural right to his membership in it as long as he keeps the
" commandments and ordinances of God," whether he attends
or does not attend a meeting which Mr. Wesley (who instituted
it), declared to be "merely prudential, not essential, not of divine
institution," and for not attending which he never excluded, or
presumed to authorize excluding, a person from Church mem-
bership. It is a principle of St. Paul, in the 14th chapter of
Romans, of all true Protestantism, as well as of the writings
of Mr. Wesley, "in necessary things unity, in non-essentials
liberty, in all things charity."
In a letter, written from Quebec to a dear friend in Toronto.
Dr. Ryerson thus refers to his religious experience at that time
of personal trial on the class-meeting question. He said : — In
compliance with the entreaties of the Hon. James Ferrier and
the Rev. Win. Pollard, I preached here last Sunday evening,
and perhaps seldom with so much effect — certainly, never in
Lower Canada. The congregation was very large; many
members of the Legislature were present ; and some were
much affected. I had felt condemned for not preaching in
New Brunswick when solicited ; and I have felt that i have
done right in obeying the powers that be in this respect in
Quebec. I am solicited to remain and preach here again next
Sunday, as many public persons have expressed disappointment
at hot having heard me last Sunday evening. A leading mem-
ber of the church from Montreal was so comforted and edified,
that after having spent the evening in my room until after
ten o'clock, he went to write out all of the discourse he could
remember. The friends here seem delighted to think I will
still preach, and say that I would sin against God and man if I
refused. My discourse on Sunday was the result of my re-
flections and prayer here without books or notes ; and I feel
much better since I consented to do what all seemed to think
I ought to do. They are quite satisfied with the course I have
adopted, and think it will result in great good, if I will not
refuse to preach. The words of St. Paul (1st Cor. ch. 9, verse
16), in a chapter to which I opened the other day, have affected
me much ; and I know not that I can otherwise do so much
good during the very few years at most that now remain to
me, as to preach when desired by those who have authority in
the matter, in any church or place. I feel deeply humbled
under a sense of my own unfaithfulness, and arrf amazed at
the great goodness, long-suffering and compassion of God
towards me.
CHAPTER LY.
1855.
DR. RYERSON RESUMES HIS POSITION IN THE CONFERENCE.
A LTHOUGH the great majority of the Conference of 1854,
XA. after much conflict of feeling — in which regret and sym-
pathy were mingled — rejected the resolutions proposed by Dr.
Ryerson on the class-meeting question, yet sorrow at the loss
from their councils of so distinguished a man as Dr. Ryerson
prevailed amongst them. This feeling deepened as the year
advanced, and much personal effort was made to induce him
to consent to some honourable means by which his return to the
ministerial ranks could be secured. At length, as the Conference
year neared its close, he yielded to the wishes of his friends,
and, on the 26th May, 1855, addressed the following letter to
Rev. Dr. Wood, President of the Conference : —
From the conversations which have taken place between you,
my brother, and some others of our ministers and myself, in
reference to my present and future relations to the Conference
and to" the Church, I think it but respectful and an act of duty
to state my views in writing, that there may be no misappre-
hension on the subject, and that you may adopt such a course
as you shall think advisable.
When I wrote my letters of resignation of office in the
Church, the one dated 2nd January, 1854, and the other the
12th day of June following, I had but faint expectations of
being in the land of the living at this time. In what I wrote
and did, I acted under the apprehension of having no longer
time for delay in attesting, in the most decisive and practical
way in my power, what I believe to be the divine rights of mem-
bers of the visible Church of Christ whether they are baptized
children or professing Christians. Since then I have reason to
be thankful that the alarming symptoms in respect to my
health have in a great measure subsided, and that I have the
prospect of being able to continue my labours with undiminished
strength and vigor, at least for some time to come. v
In my first letter to you I stated and explained at, length my
belief that making attendance at class-meeting an essential con-
492 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LV.
dition of membership in the Church of God, is not only requiring
what is not enjoined in the word of God, but excluding, on other
than scriptural grounds, exemplary persons from the Church of
Christ, and unchurching the baptized children of our people
who, as well as their parents, are scripturally entitled to member-
ship in the Church. Having given the subject much further
consideration during the last twelve months, and having ex-
amined all the works on it within my reach, I am, if possible,
more fully confirmed in the views I expressed last year, as both
Wesleyan and scriptural, than when I penned them. And it is
not unworthy of remark, that the only two newspapers in Canada
which have combatted my views have been The Church and The
Catholic Citizen ; and both of these papers have done so upon
the ground that my views were not compatible with the due
authority of the Church to decree dogmas, rites and cere-
monies. I acknowledge myself a heretic according to their
creed of ecclesiastical authority; and I confess that the position
I have been unexpectedly compelled to assume during the last
two or three years as to the right of every man to the Bible,
and the rights of individuals and municipalities against com-
pulsion in regard to taxation for the support of sectarian
schools, has more deeply impressed upon my mind than ever
that the Bible is the only safeguard of civil liberty, and that
" the Bible only ought to be the religion of Protestants ; " and
especially in a matter so important as that which determines
who are members and what are the conditions of membership
in the Church of Christ.
I must, therefore, in all frankness and honesty, still declare
my conviction that there is no scriptural authority for the
power which is given to a minister, by the answers to the 4th
question in the 2nd section of the 2nd chapter of our Discipline,
to exclude a person from the Church of God for what is ex-
pressly stated not to be " immoral conduct," namely, not attend-
ing a meeting which is not ranked among the ordinances of
the Church in the General Rules of our Societies, which the
12th section of the 1st chapter of our Discipline does not
enumerate among the " prudential means of grace," even among
Methodists, and which Mr. Wesley stated to be " not spiritual,
not of divine institution." I would never exercise such author-
ity myself ; I never have exercised it ; but I will not assume to
judge those who think and act otherwise.
I beg, however, that it may not be forgotten, that while I
thus speak and quote the authorities of the Church in respect
to class-meeting as a test or condition of Church membership ;
yet as a prudential means of grace and a mode and means of
Christian fellowship, I regard class-meetings (as stated in my
1855] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 493
former letters above referred to), as well as love-feasts and
prayer-meetings, as of the greatest value and importance. But
when I think of class-meeting being converted into a condition
of membership in the Church of Christ, and thus made the
occasion of excluding from its pale the whole early generation
of our people and many other sincere Christians, I cannot view
it as I would wish, and as I could otherwise do, with the same
feelings that I view love-feasts and prayer-meetings.
In regard to the other aspect of the question, as it applies to
the baptized children of our people, and in which the nature
and office of Baptism are involved, I feel it to be of such vital
importance that I must beg to make some observations which I
hope may not be considered out of place, or prove altogether
useless.
The circumstances which have caused me to feel so strongly
on this point were stated in my letter to you on the 2nd
January, 1854, and afterwards more fully justified in my letter
of the 12th of June following ; and it is with no small degree
of surprise that I have found my views misapprehended and
pronounced unsound. It has been alleged that they involve
baptismal regeneration. Nothing can be further from the fact.
What I maintain is simply what is stated in the 17th Article of
Faith professed by our Church, and by the catechism used in
the Methodist Church on both sides of the Atlantic, and what
is set forth at large in the writings of Mr. Wesley and Mr.
Watson. Baptism, like the Lord's Supper, is an outward sign ;
but, of course, neither can be that of which it is the sign.
Baptism (as the 17th Article of our Faith expresses it), is not only a sign
of profession, and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished
from others that are unbaptized, but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the
new birth.
What I maintain is, that baptism is the outward and visible
sign, while regeneration, or the new birth, is the inward spirit-
ual grace ; that by baptism we are born into the visible Church
of Christ on earth, while by the Holy Ghost we are born into
the spiritual or invisible Church of Christ in heaven, the same
as in the Lord's Supper ; there is the visible act of the Church
and of the body of communicants, and the invisible act of the
Saviour by the Holy Ghost and of the soul of the communicant.
The two are distinct ; the one may not accompany the other ;
but they may, and often do, accompany each other. The parent
should bring his child in faith to the Lord's baptism, the same
as the communicant should come in faith to the Lord's Supper.
The communion of the Lord's Supper is the act of a professed
member of Christ's visible Church ; the receiving of the Lord's
baptism, is receiving the seal of membership in Christ's visible
494 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LV.
Church, that " mark of difference whereby Christians are dis-
tinguished from others that are not baptized." Hence in the
Wesleyan catechism, the question is asked, —
What are the privileges of baptized persons ? The answer is, — They are
made members of the visible church of Christ ; their gracious relation to Him
as the Second Adam, and as the Mediator of the New Covenant, is solemnly
ratified by divine appointment ; and they are thereby recognized as having
a claim to all the spiritual blessings of which they are the proper subjects.
I maintain, therefore, that the language of our Articles of
Faith and Catechism, as well as of our Baptismal Service and
the writings of Mr. Wesley, explicitly declares baptism an act
of the Church by which it receives the children baptized into
its bosom — that all baptized children are truly members of
Christ's visible Church, although they be not communicants in
it until they personally profess the Faith of their Baptism, and
evince their desire to flee from the wrath to come by the nega-
tive and positive proofs so briefly and fully enumerated in the
General Rules of our societies.
The Church membership of baptized children is known to be
the doctrine of all parties in the Church of England, as well as
of Mr. Wesley. It is equally the doctrine of all sections of the
Presbyterian Church, in which the baptized children are re-
garded as members of the Church, but not communicants until
they make a personal profession of conversion, and receive a
token or ticket of admission to the Lord's Supper. On this
point it is sufficient to cite the following passages from the
fifteenth chapter of the fourth book of Calvin's Institutes.
Baptism is a sign of initiation, by which we are admitted into the society
of the Church, in order that being incorporated into Christ, we may be num-
bered among the children of God. . . For as circumcision was a pledge to the
Jews, by which they were assured of their adoption as the people and family
of God, and on their parts professed their entire subjection to Him, and,
therefore, was their first entrance into the Church ; so now we are initiated
into the Church of God by baptism, are numbered among His people, and
profess to devote ourselves to his service. . . How delightful is it to pious
minds, not only to have verbal assurances, but even occular proof, of their
standing so high in the favour of their heavenly Father, that their posterity
also are the objects of his care ! This is evidently the reason why Satan
makes such great exertions in opposition to infant baptism : that the removal
of this testimony of the grace of God may cause the promise which it exhibits
before our eyes gradually to disappear, and at length to be forgotten. The
consequence of this would be an impious ingratitude to the mercy of God,
and negligence of the instruction of our children in the principles of piety.
For it is no small stimulus to our education of them in the serious fear of
God, and the observance of His law, to reflect, that they are considered and
acknowledged by Him as His children as soon as they are born. Wherefore,
unless we are obstinately determined to reject the goodness of God, let us
present to Him our children, to whom He assigns a place in His family, that
is, among the members of His church.
Richard Watson, the great expounder of Wesleyan Christian
1855] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 495
doctrine, treats this subject elaborately in the third chapter of
the fourth part of his Theological Institutes. I will only quote
the following sentences : —
Infant children are declared by Christ to be members of His Church. That
they were members of God's Church, in the family of Abraham, and among
the Jews, cannot be denied. . . The membership ot the Jews comprehended
both children and adults ; and the grafting-in of the Gentiles, so as to partake
of the same " root and fatness," will, therefore, include a right to put their
children also into the covenant, so that they, as well as adults, may become
members of Christ's Church, have God to be their God, and be acknowledged
by Him, in the special sense of the terms of the covenant, to be His people.
..." Whosoever (says Christ) shall receive this child in my name, receiveth
me ; " but such an identity of Christ with His disciples stands wholly upon
their relation to Him as members of His " mystic body, the Church." It is
in this respect only that they are " one with Him ; " and there can be no
identity of Christ with "little children" but by virtue of the same relation,
that is, as they are members of His mystical body, the Church ; of which
membership baptism is now, as circumcision was then, the initiatory rite. . .
The benefits of this Sacrament require to be briefly exhibited. Baptism
introduces the adult believer into the covenant of grace and the Church of
Christ ; and is the seal, the pledge, to him, on the part of God, of the fulfil-
ment of all its provisions, in time and in eternity ; whilst on his part, he
takes upon himself the obligation of steadfast faith and obedience. To the
infant child, baptism is a visible reception into the same covenant and church,
a pledge of acceptance through Christ — the bestowment of a title to all the
grace of the covenant as circumstances may require, and as the mind of the
child may be capable of receiving it ; and as it may be sought in future life
by prayer, when the period of reason and moral choice shall arrive. It
conveys also the present blessing of Christ, of which we are assured by His
taking children in His arms, and blessing them ; which blessing cannot be
merely nominal, but must be substantial and eflicacious. It secures, too,
the gift of the Holy Spirit in those secret spiritual influences, by which the
actual regeneration of those children who die in infancy is effected ; and
which are a seed of life in those who are spared to prepare them for instruc-
tion in the word of God, as they are taught by pareatal care, to incline their
will and affections to good, and to begin and maintain in them the war
against inward and outward evil, so that they may be divinely assisted, as
reason strengthens, to make their calling and election sure. In a word, it is,
both as to infants and adults, the sign and pledge of that inward grace, which,
though modified in its operations by the difference of their circumstances,
has respect to, and flows from, a covenant relation to each of the Three Persons
in whose one name they are baptized, — acceptance by the Father — union with
Christ as the head of His mystical body, the Church — and communion with
the Holy Ghost. To these advantages must be added the respect which God
bears to the believing act of the parents, and to their solemn prayers on the
occasion, in both of which the child is interested ; as well as in that solemn,
engagement of the parents which the rite necessarily implies, to bring up
their child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
To these impressive words of Richard Watson, I add the
following equally impressive extract from the pastoral address
of the Wesleyan Conference in England to the Societies under
its charge in Ib37 : —
By baptism you place your children within the pale of the visible Church,
496 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LV.
and give them a right to all its privileges, the pastoral care of its ministers,
and as far as their age and capacity will allow, the enjoyment of its ordinances
and means of grace. These children are not offshoots of the Church, enjoy-
ing only a distant relation to it, but they are of it, as a fact ; they are grafted
into the body of Christ's disciples ; they are partakers of an initiatory and
provisional state of acceptance with God, and can forfeit their right to the
fellowship of the saints only by a course of sin. Besides, when this sacred
ordinance is regarded by parents in the spirit of prayer and faith, it cannot
be unaccompanied by the divine blessing. Grace is connected with every
institution of the Christian Church ; and when children are constituted a
part of the flock of Christ by being placed within the fold, they have a pecu-
liar claim on the care of that good Shepherd who " gathereth the lambs with
his arms and carries them in his bosom;" and they will receive instruction,
spiritual influences, tender care, and the exercise of mercy, agreeing with the
relation in which they stand to God. On these grounds we affectionately
exhort you to place your beloved offspring within the " courts of the house of
our God," and amongst the number of His family, by strictly attending to
this divinely appointed ordinance of our Saviour.*
Dr. Ryerson's views were, therefore, the same in 1834 as they
were in 1854 — that by Baptism children stand in ihe relation
of members of the Church, and should be enrolled in its registers,
and entitled to its privileges, until they, by their own voluntary
irregularity or neglect, forfeit them. The coincidence mentioned,
and the consistency of the views expressed by Dr. Ryerson
twenty years before, are very remarkable.
Now what are these solemn and affecting words of John
Calvin, of Richard Watson, and of the British Conference, but
a mockery and a snare, if the baptized children are not to be
acknowledged and treated as members of the visible church of
Christ ? Ought not then children baptised by the Wesleyan
ministry to be recognized and cared for as members of the
Wesleyan Church ? It is absurd, and leaves them in a state of
religious orphanage, to say that they are members of the visible
Church of Christ, but not members of any particular branch of
it. As well might it be said, that the children born in Canada,
are members of the Canadian family, but not members of any
particular family in Canada. To be the former without being
the latter, would indeed allow them a country, but would leave
* As early as 1834, Dr. Ryerson was deeply impressed with the correctness of these
views. Having, in the Guardian of the 9th of April, 1834, called the attention
of his ministerial brethren to the pressing duty of giving effect to the section of
the Discipline on the " Instruction of Children," he proceeded to point out in
the Guardian of the 23rd of that month, the privileges which baptism confers upon
Methodist children, fortifying his views by the following quotation from Rev. R.
Watson's Institutes : — Baptism introduces the adult believer into the covenant of
Grace, and the Church of Christ. . . To the infant child it is a visible reception
into the same covenant and Church. . . In a word, it is both to infants and
adults a sign and pledge of that inward grace, which has respect to and flows from
a covenant relation to each of the three persons, in whose one name they are
baptized — acceptance with Christ as the Head of His mystical body, the Church,
and of communion of the Holy Ghost
1855] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 497
them without a home, without a parent, without a protector,
without an inheritance — homeless, houseless, destitute orphans.
Is this the relation in which the baptized children of our people
are to be viewed to the Church of their parents ? In doing so,
are not the most powerful considerations, motives and influences
brought to bear upon both parents and children ? In not doing
so, is not the greatest wrong inflicted upon both, the ordinance
of baptism virtually ignored, and its blessings lost ? But in
denying that any one is or can be a member of the Church
except one who meets in class, are not the baptized children of
our people refused a place within its pale ? deprived of their
baptismal birthright, before they are old enough to forfeit it by
transgression ? shut out from the family of God's people, and as
practically unchurched as if they had never received a Christian
^name, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ? I cannot reflect upon the subject or contemplate its
consequences, without the deepest pain and solicitude. I will
pursue it no further, but will leave it with you and those on
whom the responsibility of deciding upon it devolves.
It will be remembered that I have never said anything as to
the mode of receiving adult persons from without into the
Church ; nor as to the class of members who alone should be
eligible to hold office in the Church ; nor have I entertained
the idea that any other than the scriptural summary of Chris-
tian morality contained in the General Rules of our Societies
should be applied to all members of the Church, whether in
full communion or not. Nor have I other than supposed that
all persons recognized as a part of the Church, would, as far as
circumstances can permit, be registered as classes, and called
upon regularly by a leader or steward for their contributions
in support of the ministry and other institutions of the Church,
the same as persons meeting weekly in a class. What I have
said applies wholly and exclusively to the Church relation and
rights of the baptized children of our people, and to the rights
of persons otherwise admitted into the Church, who, I believe,
ought not to be excluded from it except for what would exclude
them from the kingdom of grace and glory.
Anything appertaining to myself personally is unworthy of
mention in such a connexion. I banish from my mind and
heart the recollection and feeling of anything I consider to have
been uncalled for and unjust towards myself on the part of
others. Though I have resigned the ecclesiastical or outward
authority to exercise the functions of the Christian ministry,
I have never regarded myself as a secular man ; I have felt,
and do feel, and especially w'ith improved health, the inward,
and, I trust, divine conviction of duty to preach, as occasion
32
498 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LV.
may offer and strength permit, the unsearchable riches of Christ
to dying men. And if after the past publication and fore-
going statement of my convictions on the point of Church
Discipline and its administration, as affecting baptized children
and other scripturally blameless members of the Church, and
my purpose to maintain them on such occasions, and in such
manner as are sanctioned by the Discipline, the Conference
thinks it proper and desirable that I should resume my former
relations to it and to the Church, I am willing to cancel my
resignation, and to labour, as heretofore, to preach the doctrines
and promote the agencies of the Church which I have sought
by every earthly means in my power, though with conscious
unfaithfulness before God, to advance during the last thirty
years, and which are, I believe, according to the Scriptures, and
calculated to promote the present and everlasting well-being of
man.
The reading of this letter at the London Conference of 1855
led to a great deal of discussion and various explanations, which
unfortunately afterwards resulted in much misunderstanding
and recrimination. The Conference, however, with a unanimity
and heartiness which reflected great credit for its calm judg-
ment and Christian love of unity, passed the following resolu-
tion by a nearly two-thirds majority : —
That while this Conference declares its unaltered determination to main-
tain inviolate the position held respecting the views contained in Dr. Ryer-
son's communications of last year, and upon which his resignation was
tendered and accepted; yet upon the application which the latter part of
Dr. Ryerson's present communication contains, this Conference restores him
to his former standing and relations to the Conference and the Church.
After the resolution was passed, Dr. Ryerson went to the
Conference at London, and in a letter which he wrote to me,
dated January 9th, he said : — '
My entrance into the Conference was cordially greeted. I
was very affectionately welcomed and introduced by the Presi-
dent, Rev. Dr. Wood, after which I briefly addressed the Con-
ference, and I have since taken the same part in the proceedings
as heretofore.
After a long discussion yesterday, a very important change
was made in the Discipline. By this change a minister may
be stationed in the same circuit during five years, if requested
by the quarterly meeting. A prominent member made a long
and violent speech against it. I replied at length, and stated
the general grounds on which I thought the change recom-
mended by the Stationing Committee should be adopted.
After the adoption of the resolution, I congratulated the Con-
ference on this indication of progress in a direction to what
1855] THE STORY OF MY LIFE: 499
•was regarded as heretical when I first introduced the proposi-
tion five years ago. Some preacher said I was a little too soon.
I said perhaps I had the misfortune of having been born a few
years too soon. Another said that he supposed I expected that
•other changes would also follow. I replied, time would show.
I was informed that all (even Messrs. Jeffers and Spencer)
•expressed a desire for my return to the Conference. The
lengthened discussion was based upon certain parts of my
letter to Mr. Wood, which it was held were not courteous,
but a bearding of the Conference. On the other hand, it was
contended that my sentiments even on the class-meeting condi-
tion of membership were the practice of those very preachers
who objected to them. Examples were given, much to the
surprise of certain parties, who professed to be the greatest
sticklers on the subject. It was professed by all, without ex-
ception, that but -for certain phrases in my letter (to the senti-
ments of which, it was maintained, the Conference would be
committed by the resolution proposed) the vote in regard to me
would have been unanimous.
Amongst other congratulatory letters received by Dr. Ryer-
son, none were more gratifying to him than the following
characteristic letter from Rev. John Black, in township of
Raw don, written on the 16th of June : —
My good Mr. Lever, of Sidney, in a letter from the Conference, informs me
that " Dr. Ryerson is once more among his brethren, and, as usual, taking an
active part in the affairs of Conference." Athough three of my children
were confined to bed by sickness, yet on hearing such news I was almost
Teady for a shout.
Permit me to say that your departure from us at Belleville, twelve months
-ago, lay heavy on my heart ; and now to hear the above intelligence is good
to my soul. For many years I have been much attached to Mr. Egerton
Ryerson. We were " taken on trial " at the same time, and together were
ordained to the great work of the ministry. And although you, Mr. R.,
have been near the head, and I, Mr. B., near the foot, yet we are in the same
ranks, fighting the battles of the Lord, and exercising our talents in behalf
of truth and righteousness. I know that your time is precious, yet I believe
you will spare a minute or two in reading a few lines from your affectionate,
.and now almost worn-out, friend and well-wisher. Long may you live for
the purpose of using your talents for the benefit of Church and State ! This
fervent wish stands at a distance from mere compliment and from flattery,
and is the free emotion oi a Methodist heart.
CHAPTER LVL
1856-1856,
PERSONAL EPISODE IN THE CLASS-MEETING DISCUSSION.
I HAVE already referred to the character of the discussion
which resulted in Dr. Ryerson's restoration to the Confer-
ence. In the heat of that discussion some things may have
been said by Dr. Ryerson's friends which were not warranted
by the terms of his letter of the 26th of May ; or what was
said may have bi&en construed (designedly or otherwise) into
an admission or assurance on Dr. Ryerson's part that he
would cease to agitate the question, or that he would hold his
opinions in abeyance.
The discussion on the Class-meeting question was the chief
event in the proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference of 1855.
Yet not the slightest reference to the subject, or to Dr. Ryerson's
return to the Conference was made in the report of the pro-
ceedings which were published in the Guardian of the 13th
and 20th of June in that year. It was not until some time
after the adjournment of the Conference, and the departure of
Dr. Ryerson for Europe, that the subject was mentioned in
that paper, and what did appear was apparently an after-
thought.*
After Dr. Ryerson had gone, an editorial appeared in the
Guardian of the 27th of June from which the following is an
extract : —
* Dr. Ryerson left Toronto for Quebec immediately after Conference, to confer
with the Government there on matters connected with his Department. While
there he wrote to me a private letter as follows : —
At Mr. Attorney-General Macdonald's suggestion I have been appointed Hon-
orary Commissioner at the Paris exhibition. Mr. Macdonald also endorsed my
recommendation for your appointment as Deputy Superintendent with an increased
salary, His Excellency appointed you yesterday according to my recommendation,
and you will be gazetted on Saturday. . . Sir Edmund Head has given me
very flattering letters of introduction to Lord Clarendon and Lord John RusselL
. . I leave here for Boston on my way to England. . . I have no doubt
but that you will do all things in the best manner, and for the best. I fervently
pray Almighty God greatly to prosper you, as well as guide and bless you in your
official duties.
1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 501
We did not notice in our summary account of the proceedings of the Con-
ference the return of Dr. Ryerson to his former position with that body, but
as erroneous statements have appeared in the paper respecting it we think
proper to give the facts of the case.
A short time previous to the sitting of the Conference Dr. Ryerson ad-
dressed a letter to the President, in which he stated that his views remained
unaltered respecting the points of difference between himself and the Con-
ference ; he expressed a desire to resume his ministerial duties in the Church.
The communication was accompanied with a verbal assurance that his own
peculiar views on the questions at issue would be held in abeyance in defer-
•ence to the determination of the Conference to maintain inviolate those parts
of the Wesleyan Discipline to which his communication referred. This was
the position in which the application of Dr. Ryerson was presented to the
Conference, and, after a somewhat animated discussion on the subject, the
resolution [for his re-admission] was adopted by nearly a two-thirds majority.
Immediately on the publication of this article, I sent it
to Dr. Ryerson at Boston, where he was about to take the
steamer for England. He at once replied to the Editor, and
sent the letter to me for insertion in the Guardian. In his
private note to me, dated 3rd July, he said : —
I think the (hutrdian's statement is the most shameful attack that was ever
made upon me — one that I did not expect even from him — one that I would
not have believed had I not seen it. What may be the end of this affair, I
•cannot yet see. But I am satisfied in my own conscience as to the course I
have pursued, and as to my present duty. As to rescinding the clause of
the Discipline relating to the exclusion of persons for not attending class-
meetings, no determination was expressed to enforce it. On the contrary, it
was declared to be a dead letter in many places. What I maintained was,
that the practice and the rule should be in harmony. You will see what I
have said to the Editor of the Guardian in a private note.
Remember me affectionately to all ; and may Almighty God prosper you
in your educational work during my absence.
The following is a copy of the private letter to Rev. J.
Spencer, which accompanied Dr. Ryerson's reply to the editorial :
I was not a little surprised and pained at your unfair and
unjust statement respecting me, and especially after what passed
-on my leaving the Conference, and your careful silence on the
subject until I had left home, and would not therefore be likely to
have it in my power to furnish an antidote until your injurious
statement had accomplished its object as far as possible. But I
am thankful that, through the prompt kindness of Mr. Hodgins,
and by that means alone, I have been furnished with a copy of
the Guardian in time to write a hasty reply before embarking .
for the other side of the Atlantic. I have requested Mr.
Hodgins to take a copy of my communication to you, as I have
not time to transcribe it. You can as easily command my letter
to the President of the Conference aa you did the resolution of
the Conference. I ask for no indulgence or favour ; I ask for
nothing but truth and justice.
502 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [QHAP. LVL
I will thank you to inform Mr. Hodgins as early as possible
as to whether you intend to perpetuate the wrong you have
done me, by refusing to insert my letter to the President of the
Conference, and the note I have this evening addressed to you
in reference to your statement. I wish Mr. Hodgins to inform-
mo of the result by the next mail to England, and also to act
otherwise by me as I would by him in like circumstances.*
Having got Dr. Ryerson's reply to the Guardian's attack of
27th June, inserted in the Toronto city papers, I wrote to him
to that effect. His reply is dated, London (Eng.,) 3rd August: —
I thank you sincerely for the pains you have taken in regard
to my letter to the Guardian. I am thankful that, by your
zeal and good management, the Methodist body, as well as the
public at large, will have an opportunity of learning my own
views from my own pen ; but considering the intended course
* The antagonism between Mr. Spencer (now Editor of the Guardian) and Dr.
Ryerson was of loug standing. Thirteen years before the date of this attack
upon Dr. Ryerson, Mr. Spencer was proposed, in 1842, as a candidate for a
Mastership in Victoria College. Dr. Ryerson advised him to attend the Wesleyan
University at Middletown, Conn., so as to fit himself for the post. He did
so. But the Board of Victoria College refused to appoint him. He was very
indignant, and so expressed himself to Dr. Ryerson. • He afterwards wrote to him.
a letter (in 1842) as follows : — You were no doubt surprised at the remarks I made-
to you, and perhaps you thought they were unnecessarily harsh and severe, and.
made under the momentary impulse of exited feelings. If so, you are mistaken.
I spoke deliberately, though strongly. You know the circumstances under which,
at your request, I went to the College, and that the situation, though congenial
to my feelings, was not sought for by me. Of the decision of the members of the
Board, to give the Principal permission to employ me part of the year, I express-
my decided disapprobation. Now, Sir, I consider such a resolution a downright
insult. Had I come before that Board as a stranger, or under the character of a,
mercenary hireling, and one concerning whose qualifications you were entirely ignor-
ant, then there would have been some appearance of propriety in making such a
proposition, as* a safeguard, and against imposition. TBut I am a member of that
Conference under whose direction the affairs of that institution are placed ; its
interests are closely connected with those of the Church of which I am now, and
expect to remain, a member. I believed I could render greater service to the-
Church in labouring to promote the prosperity of that institution. I trust 1
have yet too much of public spirit, and too ardent a desire for the prosperity of
our College, to wish to remain there if my labours were not conducive to its-
efficiency. But what is the spirit of that resolution ? "Why, we wish to get rid
of you, and the easiest way to do it is, to employ you for a specified time, and then
we can dismiss you with propriety. But the absurdity of that resolution is its
most prominent feature. I intend, at the first opportunity, to express my mind
more fully to you personally upon this subject.1 In one, of his letters in this-
controversy, Dr. Rverson thus refers to this Victoria College episode. He says i
In regard to Mr. Spencer, I am aware of his feelings toward me during these
many years ; ever since he failed to procure an appointment to the Chair of
Chemistry and Natural Philosophy in Victoria College, for which he had devoted
a year of special preparation. I believe he has attributed his disappointment to-
me, and that I had not acted toward him in a brotherly way, in not securing hi»
appointment, as he supposed I could have done from my connection with the
College. The fact was, I recommended his appointment, at least for a trial, but
my recommendation was not concurred in by any other member of the Board, as
Dr. Green and others know.
1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 503
of the Guardian, and what he alleges to be the feelings of
many others, I have great doubts whether I can be of any use
to the Wesleyan body, or of much use to the interests of religion
in connection with the Conference, and that I shall rather em-
barrass, and be a burden to my friends in the Conference, than
be a help to them. My only wish and aim as a minister is, to
preach the evangelical doctrines I have always proclaimed, and
which are preached with power by many clergymen of the
Church of England and Presbyterian Churches, and often more '
forcibly, than by many Methodist ministers.
I confess, from what you state, I see no prospect of effecting
the changes in the relation and privileges or" baptized children,
and the test of membership in the Methodist Church, which I
believe to be required by the Scriptures, and by consistency.
I apprehend that anything proposed by me on these subjects
will be made the occasion of violent attacks and agitation, and
that personal hostility to me will be made a sort of test of
orthodoxy among a large party in the Conference and in the
Church — thus exposing my friends to much unpleasantness and
disadvantage on my account, and reducing, if not extinguishing,
all opportunities on my part to preach, as I should be (as in
times past) wholly dependent upon the invitations of others.
From this incident a private and confidential correspondence
on the subject was maintained for months between Dr. Ryerson
in Europe and myself, in Canada.
It was clear to my mind at the time that the Editor took
an unfair advantage of Dr. Ryerson's absence from the country
to injure (as he supposed) his brother in the ministry. In
this he was mistaken ; and, in his chagrin, he attacked me
personally in the Guardian for my zeal on behalf of Dr. Ryer-
son. Events proved that my interposition was opportune and
just; and that, had I not done so, the Methodist people would
have been improperly and cruelly misled, and irreparable
injustice would have been done to the character and motives
of a noble and generous man, who, in this instance, ought not
to have been held responsible for the utterances of warm hearts,
but of possibly indiscreet tongues.
I speak advisedly when I say that I understood perfectly
well the two men with whom I had to deal. Rev. James
Spencer was well known to me, when I was a student at Vic-
toria College forty years ago. He was a good man, no doubt ;
but no student at that College ever thought of comparing him
with the Principal of the College. How he ever got to be
Editor of the Guardian was always a mystery to me. I never
had the slightest difference with him — quite the reverse ; but
504 THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVI.
no comparison could be instituted between James Spencer and
Egerton Ryerson.
Tn this matter I had no personal feeling. Both men were
Methodists, while I am an Episcopalian, and both have gone to
their final account. Moreover, the question was not one of
doctrine, or of denominational preference. It was one of
simple justice and fair play between man and man. Hence,
I took the earliest opportunity of apprising Dr. Ryerson of the
unjust and anomalous position in which he had been placed by
the Editor of the Guardian.
The following private letters were successively received by
me from Dr. Ryerson while he was in Europe : —
Paris, 23rd August. — I enclose my answer to Rev. James
Spencer. I wish you would have it inserted in the Globe and
Colonist. As you are acquainted with all the circumstances in
Canada, being on the spot, if you think it best to abridge, omit,
or modify the words of any part of my communication, I would
wish you to do so. Whatever course I may think it my duty
to pursue in future, I wish in this communication to preserve
that tone of romark which can give no offence to any minister
or member of the Wesleyan Church. I will not be the offend-
ing party, and the responsibility of a wider breach between the
Conference and myself will not be with me. What course duty
may require me to pursue, I still leave to the direction of
Infinite Wisdom, and to future consideration. . .
The Queen is in Paris this week, during which all business
in my way seems to be suspended. She is received with great
enthusiasm. We have seen her and the Emperor two or three
times.
Paris, 3Qth August— Rev. Dr. Wood's denial of my having
given him any pledge, or any thing that would be so con-
strued, is full and decided, and if my brother John says anything
at all, it will be, I have no doubt, less than I have stated in my
letter. But still the main question of my position in the Con-
ference is unaffected by these disclaimers. It appears from Mr.
Spencer's statement (in which he seems to be sustained by
others) that the terms of my letter were not acted upon or
complied with by the Conference, but that the Conference acted
upon a verbal assurance that I never made, or authorized. The
simplest and most natural way for me to act, is, to withdraw
my letter on these grounds, and to decline availing myself of,
or recognizing an act of, the Conference based upon what I
never proposed or authorized. Thus the responsibility of this
irregular and absurd proceeding will rest with others, and I
will stand, in the maintenance of all that I have stated and done,
1855-56] THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. 505
with the advantage of having acted a most conciliatory part.
But what I shall do must not be decided upon hastily, as I act
for life, and finally. If it ultimately appears to me, as it does
at present, that there is no consistent or justifiable ground on
which I can remain a member of the Conference, it will then be
for me to consider whether I can occupy the position of a lay-
man, or enter the ministry of some other section of the Christian
Church. I would like to have your own impressions and views
on this point, in reference to my future standing -and usefulness
in Canada.
Paris, 20th September. — In my reply to Mr. Spencer I did not
allude to the cases of Montreal and Quebec. Perhaps the dis-
claimer which has been adopted by quarterly meetings in those
places may require from me a remark or two. What I said
was founded upon what was told me on reliable authority that
no preacher had enforced, or dare enforce, the rule. I under-
stand the same at Quebec. I have been assured, and I have no
doubt the enquiry will establish the fa«t, that there are men,
trustees of the Churches, in either or both Montreal or Quebec,
who do not meet in class, and whose names are not, and I think
whose names never have been, on any class book. But I think
the natural and necessary effect of the whole is, to terminate
my connection with the Methodist Church. I still remain
undecided; but I see no other course on the ground of consis-
tency, propriety, or duty, as well as of religious enjoyment.
But this is only to yourself. The remaining question will be
whether I should remain a private member of a Church, or
enter another Church. On this point I am quite undecided.
May I be divinely directed ! .
In a further letter directed to me from Paris in September,
1855, Dr. Ryerson discussed the whole question at issue. After
pointing out the unfair conduct of the Editor of the Qwtrdidn
in attacking and misrepresenting a member of the Conference,
and then saying that his columns were closed against any
further discussion of the subject, Dr. Ryerson said: — The Editor
of the Ghiardian and others represent me as hostile to class-
meetings. This may do injury, in the estimation of some per-
sons, to a means of religious edification which I regard as one
of the most efficient human agencies for promoting spiritual-
mindedness among religious people. The responsibility of such
a proceeding is with themselves. The Editor of the Guardian
represents this as a matter of dispute between the Conference
and myself. This is wholly incorrect. The resolution of 'the
Conference is avowedly based upon my letter, and upon that
alone. That record cannot be falsified. The variation between
the wording of the resolution of the Conference and the latter
506 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVI.
part of my letter referred to in it, is not of the slightest conse-
quence. The acts of the Conference, as well as of the Legisla-
ture, are to be judged of, not by what may have been said by
individual members in the course of discussion, but by its
attested records and official papers.
Now with the same truth and propriety that my assailants
charge me with having written against class-meetings, might
I charge them with being opposed to prayer-meetings and love-
feasts, and even the Lord's Supper, because they do not make the
observance of all or of any one of these institutions (though the
latter is expressly instituted by our Lord himself), a condition
of membership in the Church of God. Because I have avowed
my long-settled conviction that class-meetings . ought not to
be exalted above all the other ordinances and institutions of
religion — giving as an authority the words of John Wesley
himself — am I to be charged with having written against class-
meeting ? So far from having written against these meetings,
I have expressed mysdf in the strongest terms in their favour ;
and I repeat that, after the public preaching of the Word, and
the Lord's Supper, I believe class-meetings have been the most
efficient means of promoting personal and vital piety among
the members of the Wesleyan Societies.
Yet I am not insensible to the fact that Mr. Wesley found
the prototype of this kind of religious exercises, not in any insti-
tution or practice of the Primitive Church for fifteen hundred
years, but in a society of Monks called La Trappe, whose ardent
piety Mr. Wesley greatly admired, the lives of some of whose
members (such as the Marquis de Renty, etc.,) he wrote, and
whose manual of piety (Imitation of Jesus Christ) he translated
and abridged, for the use of his own Societies, and several of
whose questions in conducting what may be called their weekly
band or class-meetings, Mr. Wesley adopted, translated and
modified, for conducting his own meetings of a similar charac-
ter. These weekly exercises in the Societe' de la Trappe were
eminently instrumental in reforming, and kindling the flame of
devotional piety among its members; and Mr. Wesley found
them equally useful among the members of his own Societies,
and so they have continued till the present time. But will any
Wesleyan minister in England or Canada — will any man of in-
telligence and honesty — venture to assert that Mr. Wesley ever
intended that attendance at such weekly exercises should be an
essential condition and fundamental test of membership in the
visible Church of God ? Will any one assert, or can he believe,
that Mr. Wesley ever could have anticipated, or supposed, that
such an application would, or could, be made of an institution
which he expressly stated to be " merely prudential, not essen-
1855-56] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 507
tial, not of divine origin ? " But I am again met with the
charge, on another ground, of having departed from Mr. Wesley.
It is said, in substance : " Mr. Wesley has committed class-
meeting to us as a trust ; it is not for us to inquire into the origin
of the institution ; it is our duty to maintain inviolably the
trust committed to us — which trust Dr. Ryerson has violated."
In reply, I remark that the statement of the question itself is
fallacious, and the charge groundless. In the first place, the
question assumes, what is contrary to fact, that Mr. Wesley
instituted and committed the trust of class-meetings as a con-
dition of membership in the visible Church of God, whereas he
instituted and transmitted it as a means of grace among the
members of a private society in a church. In the next place,
the trust of class-meetings was only one part of a system which
Mr. Wesley committed as a trust to his followers. The one part
of that trust was as sacred as another, and the connection of
one part with another is essential to the fulfilment of the
obligation. Now one part of Mr. Wesley's trust, and that on
which he insists ten times more voluminously and vehemently
than he ever spoke of class-meetings, was that his followers
should attend the services of the Church of England, should
receive the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper in it,
should abide in the Church of England, and that whenever they
separated from the Church of England they separated from
him. These are so many trusts that Mr. Wesley committed to
his followers in England, and on which he insisted as tests of
membership in his Society; and in connection with these trusts,
he committed the trust of class-meetings — " as the observance
and practice of members of a private society in the Church of
England." Have Dr. Bunting and others, who charge me with
being anti-Wesleyan, fulfilled these trusts committed to them
by Mr. Wesley ? Have they not wholly separated from the
Church of England — ordaining their own ministers, administer-
ing the ordinances, claiming and exercising all the attributes of
a Church, as much as the authorities of the Church of England
herself. And while Mr. Wesley disclaimed exercising the
office of excommunicating Church members, and denied that
admission into or exclusion from his Societies was admission
into or exclusion from the visible Church of Christ, my accusers
exercise this authority in the highest degree — .confessedly and
avowedly admitting into and excluding persons from the visible
Church, and making the attendance at class-meeting a test of
Church -membership — which Mr. Wesley never believed, much
less authorized. I leave it, therefore, to the judgment of every
man of common sense to say whether there is the shadow of a
reason for the pretensions and charges of my assailants. I am
608 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVI.
not surprised that Dr. Bunting and others should feel sensitive
on the class-meeting test of church-membership, as it so enor-
mously increases clerical power — the ruling idea of Dr. Bunt-
ing's legislation throughout his whole life. It virtually places
the membership of each member in the hands of the minister.
The quarterly class ticket, signed by the minister, is the only
proof and title of membership for each member. If the
minister withholds this (and he may be prompted to do so on
many grounds, personal and others, irrespective of any suspi-
cion, much less charge, against the moral or religious character
of the member) the member is deprived of his membership, and
this I believe has occurred in more than twenty thousand
instances, in England, during the last six years, during which
period the connection has experienced the lamentable and
unprecedented loss of nearly a hundred thousand members, the
fruits of the labours of an age.
London, oth October. — I know that my brother John was not
pleased with my letter to Mr. Wood, read in the Conference.
He told me so on the way to the Conference ; he wished me to
write a short letter, couched in general terms, and that the
affair might be passed over in the Conference as quietly as
possible — believing that to be the best way to accomplish the
object I had in view. In this I could not agree with him, and
stated that unless received in the terms of my letter, I did not
wish to be received at all ; nor did I wish the letter read if any
opposition were apprehended. What has transpired shows, I
think very clearly, that had I not been as explicit as I have, I
should have been more grossly misrepresented, and with some
degree of plausibility. I am exceedingly glad that I wrote as
I did. It has removed all uncertainty on the subject. There
can now be no mistake or misunderstanding. I do not think
my friends have been frank with me in not telling me all that
has transpired in the Conference. But it is not worth while to
refer to these things now. The question is settled. I shall
write to Dr. Beecham on the subject of the remarks reported
to have been made in reference to me by Dr. Bunting and Mr.
Methley, in the English Conference, and respecting my settled
and avowed convictions and position — affording him an oppor-
tunity of stating how far he and others think such views are
consistent with the relations I sustain to the Wesleyan Body.
I shall also advert to the propriety of such men as Mr. Methley,
or any member of the English Conference, assuming to exercise
a censorship over the character of any members of the Canada
Conference. After receiving Dr. Beecham's answer, I shall
finally decide as to my future course. I look upon my connec-
tion with the Wesleyan body as virtually terminated. I have
1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 509
not been in one of their chapels, or seen one of their ministers,
since I left America. On seeing, at Boston, what Mr. Spencer
had written, and what was likely to occur, I thought I would
keep myself entirely aloof until the final issue of the whole
affair.
London, IQtk October. — I wrote you on the 5th inst., under
the influence of strong and indignant feelings. But I have
since calmly, and with much prayer and many tears, for days
considered the whole matter of Church relations. I have
resolved to stand my ground in my present position, and fight
out the battle with my assailants.
In a letter to me, written a few days afterwards, Dr. Byerson
thus states the conclusion which he had come to in regard to
his remaining in the Methodist Church. He said : — Last Sun-
day I heard a very powerful sermon from Dr. Gumming on,
" No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself ; " and
I resolved, by meditation and prayer, to come to a conclusion
on the subject of my Church relations, and future course. I
walked, and wept, and prayed over the subject from seven till
twelve o'clock last night, and the conclusion at which I have
now arrived is to stand in my present position and relation, and
maintain my views, and let my opponents do their worst, and
thrust me out if they will or can. If I lived to myself, that is,
if I consulted my taste, feelings, personal comforts, and enjoy-
ments, I could not remain in the Methodist Church a week ; I
have more views and sympathies with the evangelical clergy
and members of any Protestant church than I have with such
men as Mr. Spencer. But still I have, in the Providence of God,
been called to labour in connection with the Methodist Church,
and have been prospered in it ; and I think, all things considered,
I can do more good to stand my ground. If I do nothing else
than secure to Methodist children and youth the recognition of
their rights and privileges, and the appropriate religious in-
struction and care, that point alone will involve more good in the
end than all I could do in any other section of the Christian
Church. If Methodist pulpits should be closed against me,
others will be opened to me in abundance.
Paris, 18th October. — I feel very happy in my own mind
since I have finally decided upon my future course, and which, I
have no doubt you will think with me, is, under all the cir-
cumstances, the best that I could take. After the course which
has been pursued towards me, I shall be free from all restraints
on the matters respecting which they hoped to impose silence.
I shall make the James Methleys, and the James Spencers, of
both the English and Canadian Conferences, feel very uncomfort-
able, while I think I shall secure the respect and sympathies
610 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. fCHAp. LVI.
of various religious persuasions and parties in Canada, and the
ultimate accomplishment of the great and divine end I have
had in view. Mr. Spencer's remarks that you enclosed are very
weak and flat — more so than I expected. He speaks of a differ-
ence between the Conference and me. The difference is between
him and his abettors (as individuals) and me, not between the
Conference and me. The Conference has avowedly based its
proceedings upon my letter — which is all I care for since my
letter is published. If the terms of the resolution of the Con-
ference are not in harmony with the terms of my letter, that
is of no consequence to me now — it is for the judgment or taste
of those who wrote it. I am glad to hear that my remarks on
Mr. Spencer are favourably received by all my friends. Mr.
Malcolm Cameron has said that if I never wrote another word
on the subject I had mooted, or were I even to leave the Body,
the subject would not sleep — it would be taken up by others —
it could not sleep — and their attacking me, and I defending my-
self was, in effect, discussing the question in the most telling
manner.
Paris, 8th November : — I am glad to learn that at that period
when I was undecided, you entertained the views as to my rela-
tions and future course which I have at length decided to main-
tain and pursue. I will stand my ground and battle the affair
with my adversaries, on both sides of the Atlantic, to the last.
In order to exclude me from the Conference they must now
bring charges against me ; and, in attempting this, they will
raise a difficulty such as they have never yet encountered, and
will invest the whole question with an interest and importance
that they little dream of. Indeed, they have done so already.
Paris, 14th November. — I am happy to learn that you also
entirely concur in the course I have decided to pursue. I care
not a fig for all that the parties to whom you refer may do or
try to do. I have not a shadow of doubt as to the result. It
is most strange that rashness should be attributed to you in the
matter. It was the course best calculated to defeat the objects
they wish to counteract. I do not think my letters would have
appeared at all in the Guardian had you not pressed the mat-
ter as you did ; and had I not taken the course I did at Belleville,
the questions could not have been brought before the body as
they can and must. I have written a reply to the Guardian —
it contains sixteen pages of letter paper. But after your
suggestion, I will keep it another week, and may, perhaps, sub-
stitute for it a note making my acknowledgements to the daily
press of Toronto, and stating my position and intended course
of proceedings. I think something of this kind may be best to
counteract the misrepresentations which they are no doubt in-
1855-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 511
dustriously circulating. Possibly I may not say anything at
all, as you s uggest.
Paris, ZQtli November. — I cannot but smile at the pamphlet
on the Class-meeting question, after it had been declared as the
determination of the Conference that the subject of my letters
was not to be agitated. I could not be more effectually aided
in what I would wish to see accomplished than by such a pub-
lication, as it will afford me an opportunity to re-consider the
subject, and to say what I please on the general subject, and
expose every petty sophism and absurdity of my opponents, and
to show what are really the rights of the members of the
Church in more senses than one. The strength of the opposite
side of the question is silence and Conference authority; the
strength of my side is discussion. For one on the opposite side
to write and publish a pamphlet is to give up Conference
authority, and to come upon the ground of reason and Scrip-
ture. It is also an abandonment of the pretence that the ques-
tion is not a debatable or open one. There being several writers
on one side and only one on the other, gives the latter an advan-
tage. He can point out the variations and weak points of the
former, illustrating the criteria of error and truth. The whole
will afford me an opportunity to deal with general principles,
and curiosity and enquiry will be attached to what I can say in
reply to such efforts to prove me heretical. I look upon all such
occurrences as the ways of Providence to open the way of truth
and righteousness.
Dr. Ryerson returned to Canada in time to attend the Con-
ference at Brockville. While there he wrote to me, on the 6th
of June, 1856: — Mr. Spencer has given me notice that, as I have
denied and repudiated the terms upon which I had been re-ad-
mitted into the Conference, when my name comes up in the
•examination of character, it will be moved that the resolution
re-admitting me into the Conference be rescinded. I am
glad of this. It will afford me an opportunity of exposing
the conduct of my assailants, and of entering into the whole
question. To-day the subject of class-meetings came up, by a
philippic on the subject by one of the ministers, in connection
with the return of members, and the manner of administering
the Discipline. I at once accepted the challenge — reiterated
my sentiments, and stated when the time came I should be
prepared to show that they were founded on the Scriptures,
the primitive Church, the Fathers of the Protestant Reforma-
tion, and such men as Baxter and Howe, down to the present
time. What I said seemed to be favourably received by a con-
siderable portion of the Conference. I think the Spencer
clique (and it is only a clique) will be disappointed greatly
512 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVI-
when the affair comes up. I feel that I stand upon the Rock
of Truth. I would that my soul were more fully baptized with
the Spirit of the Truth, the principles of which I maintain.
On the 9th of June, he also wrote as follows : — This after-
noon, on my name being called, Rev. J. Borland moved,
seconded by Rev. W. Jeffers, the following resolution : —
Resolved, That as Dr. Ryerson has denied the authority of the verbal
assurances given in his behalf at the Conference in London, and repudiated
the basis upon which the resolution restoring him to his former standing in
the Conference was founded; therefore, all that part of the said resolution
which relates to his re-admission be, and is hereby, rescinded.
When the President came to the question as to the examina-
tion of character, he observed that that question was always
considered with closed doors, and intimated to strangers to
withdraw. I arose at once, and said that as far as I was con-
cerned, notice had been given to me of a resolution to exclude
me from the Conference, and that upon the ground of what
had appeared in the public papers — that I had been misrepre-
sented and maligned in the official organ of the Conference — in
professed reports of what had taken place in the Conference,
and I demanded, as a matter of right and equity, that the
proceedings of the Conference should be public as far as I was.
concerned. A discussion then took place in regard to reporting.
I at length moved an amendment that the proceedings of the
Conference should be public as far as I was concerned. This
was adopted by a large majority, though voted against by the
whole clique hostile to me. Several of them made speeches
against me. My brother John, Rev. E. Wood, Rev. R. Jones,
Dr. Green, as well as others, stated what was said as to my
pledge, just what I had supposed and intended ; and my brother
John made a most powerful speech, and scathed Mr. Spencer
and others. His references to me were warmly cheered by
an evident majority of the Conference. The cheers to the
remarks maligning me seemed to be made by about fifteen or
twenty — many less than I had supposed. I have no doubt
they will be defeated by a very large majority. When the
hour of adjournment arrived, the President asked me if I wished
to make any remarks ; I stated to the Conference I was willing
to give my assailants the advantage of leaving their strong
statements and attacks unrefuted and unnoticed until Monday
morning. A large number of persons were present, and a strong
popular feeling seemed to be excited in my favour. My oppon-
ents have themselves in the very position in which I have
desired to get them, and I shall now have the best possible
opportunity of exposing them.
At the request of the friends here, I have consented to preach
1855-56] . THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 513
to-morrow evening, notwithstanding the opposition of the
preachers hostile to me. I feel as if God the Lord would help
me on this occasion, notwithstanding my unfaithfulness and
un worthiness ; He has never failed me in such an extremity.
On the following Monday Dr. Ryerson 's case was brought up
for discussion. Rev. J. Borland made a strong appeal on behalf
of his resolution. The Canadian Independent, of July 16th,
in speaking of the debate said : —
Mr. Borland had not spoken long in support of this before he
was interrupted by Rev. Dr. Wood, the President, who made
this most important declaration, that —
He gave no verbal assurance for, or in behalf of Dr. Ryerson; that he
received no such assurance from him; that the document he received from
Dr. Ryerson was laid on the table, and read before the Conference, unaccom-
panied by any verbal statements or assurances of any kind from him.
This he afterwards repeated, when Rev. J. Spencer, the
Editor of the Guardian, re-asserted the giving of such assur-
ances. The co-delegate, Rev. J. Ryerson, also said that —
He never thought of pledging Dr. Ryerson to silence on any of these
questions, and he was sure the Conference would not ask him to do so, as the
Conference never gagged any man.
The Independent then proceeds : —
Dr. Ryerson has been most unfairly treated. He has not denied having
made application for re-admission, but only an application with pledges of
silence. The resolutions of Conference, in 1854, accepting his resignation
and warmly acknowledging his past services, and, in 1855, consenting to
his re-admission, were never communicated to him, and were suppressed by
the Guardian. This was most unmanly and unjust.* The matter now
before the Conference was introduced at the Toronto District Meeting in his
absence, and without notice being given him. t
* Dr. Ryerson, in his speech at the Brockville Conference, referring to this
omission, said : — The Conference passed a resolution complimentary and affection-
ate towards myself, and expressive of its high sense of my long services in defend-
ing the rights and advocating the interests of the Connexion. The copy of that
resolution has never been communicated to me to this day ; Mr. Spencer suppressed
the publication of it in the Guardian, and thus defeated the noble and generous
intentions of the great majority of the Conference in regard to my elf.
f To this proceeding, Dr. Ryerson also referred in his speech as follows : — How
did my opponents bring up their charge against me ? Did they inform the
defendant of the approaching ordeal, and secure his presence in an ecclesiastical
court prior to his attempted execution ? No, Sir ; the defendant obeys the call of
duty, at personal sacrifice, to attend to a meeting of the senate and annual public
exercises of the students of Victoria College ; and while absent, these professed
advocates of Methodistic rule, arraign him, without notice, and seek to get a resolu-
tion passed against him. Is that Methodism ? is that old Methodism ? If these
my assailants believe, as they say, that the interests of the Church will be greatly
promoted by my expulsion, then let them do it on Methodistic principles. Now,
although I was well aware that they were opposed to me personally, yet I thought,
though I was absent from the district meeting, they would treat me, at least,
honourably. If I had done wrong, let them accuse me — give me a specific charge
and due notice of trial, and let me prepare for my defence. This would be the
manly course — this would be Methodism ; and if I had committed no offence, if no
charge could be brought against me, why seek to exclude me from this body with-
33
514 TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVI
He uttered some memorable things in his eloquent defence.
. I believe the true foundation or test of membership in the Church of
Christ is not the acute angle of a Class-meeting attendance, but the broad
bases of repentance, faith, and holiness. I can have no sympathy with that
narrow and exclusive spirit, the breadth of whose catholicity is that of a
goat's track, and the dimensions of whose charity are those of a needle's point,
whether inculcated by the Editor of The Church on the one hand, or by the
Editor of the Guardian on the other. He would give no pledges, had no *
concessions or promises to make; would be accountable to the rules of the
Church as others, and would stand in that Conference on the same footing
as other members, or not at all. While he subscribed to all that had been
said as to the utility of Class-meetings, and reiterated the grounds on which
he had recommended and maintained them; yet, on the ground of Scripture
obligation he demurred, and averred, in the language of Mr. Wesley, with
whom they originated and who best knew their true position in the Church,
that they are merely prudential, not essential, not of Divine institution.
The Editor of the Independent, in conclusion, said : —
We congratulate Dr. Eyerson on his successful defence. . . We should
esteem it a dire calamity, could any dishonour be attached to his name. He
is one of the most devoted, conscientious, able and successful officers in the
public service. In the school system of Upper Canada, he has built for
himself an enduring monument, as a benefactor of the Province. He is a
brave yet courteous champion for some of our most precious rights. May
those who watch for his halting be confounded and put to shame !
After a reference to some personal matters, Dr. Ryerson, in
the course of his remarks, showed that he was prepared to sacri-
fice much for the maintenance of the truth. He said : Shortly
after the occurrence to which I have just referred, an act was
got through the Legislature at the end of the Session of .1849,
which excluded clergymen from visiting the public schools in
their official character, and which would have excluded the Bible
from the schools. What was my conduct on the occasion ? Why,
I forthwith placed my office at the disposal of the Head of the
Government sooner than administer such a law. The result
was the Government authorized the suspension of the Act, and
caused its repeal at the next Session of Parliament.
The debate lasted over two days> and was finally closed by
the adoption of an amendment by the Rev. A. Hurlburt, recog-
nizing the application of the previous year as admitted by Dr.
Ryerson, and as understood by the Conference. The amend-
ment was passed by an immense majority, only 23 out of 150
members present voting against it.
out a charge and without a crime ? Is not this course opposed to all proceedings
of civil and ecclesiastical tribunals, and to every principle of civil and religious
liberty — to true Protestant freedom and to genuine Methodism, whether new or
oldt
CHAPTER LVII.
1854-1856.
DR. RYERSON'S THIRD EDUCATIONAL Tour* IN EUROPE.
WHILE in Europe in 1854 and 1856, Dr. Ryerson, under the
authority of the Government, commenced the collection
of objects of art for the Educational Museum in the Education
Department. While there he met Hon. Malcolm Cameron, who
after Dr. Ryerson returned to Canada, wrote to him from
London on the subject of his mission. In a letter, dated 3rd of
January, 1857, Mr. Cameron said : —
I have myself witnessed the result of the labour and reading which you
must have gone through with in order to obtain the information and culti-
vation of judgment necessary to get the things our young Canada can afford ;
things, too, of such a character and description as shall be useful, not only
in elevating the taste of our youth, but of increasing their historical and
mythological lore, as well as inform them of the facts of their accuracy in
size and form. I was much nattered to find that my humble efforts to begin,
in some degree, a Canadian gallery — by securing a few of Paul Kane's pictures
in 1851 — had been followed up by you in your universally-acknowledged
enlightened efforts for education, which (in my bitterest moments of aliena-
tion from you, for what I esteemed a sacrifice of Canadian, freedom, and
right to self-government), I have ever cheerfully admitted.
Your determination to obtain a few works of art and statuary, a few paint-
ings, prints of celebrities, and scientific instruments, has cost you much
labour, anxiety and thought, which I never would have conceived of had I
not met you, and gone with you, and seen your notes and correspondence.
You have passed through many trials, and in most of them I was with
you. The period that presses on my mind (as Lord Elgin said of Montreal),
I do not want to remember. God grant that we may see, in all matters for
the rest of our few days, eye to eye, as we do now on all the subjects in
which you are now engaged, publicly and privately. I think God is with
you, and directing you aright in that Conference matter which is nearest to
your heart, and I am confident that you will have a signal triumph.
Dr. Ryerson has written the following account of a distin-
guished physician whom he met at Rome : —
One of the most remarkable men with whom I became acquainted in Italy,
in my tour there in 1856-7, was Dr. Pantelioni, a scholar, physician, patriot,
and statesman ; to whose character and banishment from Rome the London
Times' newspaper devoted about three columns.
Prefatory to the circumstances of my acquaintance with this remarkable
man, I may observe, that when in England in 1850-1, I had a good deal of
516 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVII.
correspondence with Earl Grey, who was then Secretary of State for the
Colonies, and through whom I was able to procure maps, globes, and essential
text-books for Canadian schools, at a discount of forty-three per cent, from
the published selling prices. Earl Grey was much pleased in being the in-
strument of so much good to the cause of public education in Canada ; wrote
to the English booksellers and got their consent to the arrangement, shewed
me much kindness, and invited me to dine at his residence, in companv with
some distinguished English statesmen, among whom was Sir Charles Wood
(afterwards a peer), and the late Marquis of Lansdowne, the Nestor of
English statesmen, and beside whom I was seated at dinner. The Countess
of Grey shewed me many kind attentions, and the Marquis of Lansdowne
invited me to call the next day at Lansdowne House, and explain to him
the Canadian system of education, as he was the Chairman of the Privy
Council Committee on Education, and wished to know what had been done,
and what might be done for the education of the labouring classes. I called
at Lansdowne House, as desired, and explained as briefly and clearly as
possible the Canadian school system, its popular comprehensiveness and
fairness to all parties, its Christian, yet non-sectarian, character. At the
conclusion of my remarks, the noble Marquis observed, " I cannot conceive
a greater blessing to England than the introduction into it of the Canadian
school system ; but, from our historical traditions and present state of society,
all we can do is to aid by Parliamentary grants the cause of popular education
through the agency of voluntary associations and religious denominations."
Five years afterwards, in another educational tour in Europe, myself and
daughter spent some months at the Paris Exhibition in 1855. The Earl and
Countess of Grey, seeing our names on the Canadian Book of the Exhibition,
called and left their cards at our hotel. We returned the call the following
day, when the Earl and Countess told us they had an aunt at Rome devoted
to the fine arts, who would have great pleasure in assisting us to select copies
of great masters for our Canadian Educational Museum ; that they would
write to her, and, if we left our cards with her on our arrival, she would
gladly receive us. We did so, and, in less than an hour after, we received a
most friendly letter from Lady Grey, saying that she had been expecting and
waiting for us for some time, and writing us to come to her residence that
evening, as she had invited a few friends.* In the course of the evening, I
was introduced to Dr. Pantelioni with this remark, " Dr. Ryerson, if you
should become ill, you cannot fall into better hands than those of Dr. Pante-
lioni." I replied that " I was glad to make his personal acquaintance, bxit
hoped I should not need his professional services." But the very next day
I was struck down in the Vatican while examining the celebrated painting
of Raphael's Transfiguration and Dominichino's Last Communion of St.
Jerome, with a cruel attack of lumbago and sciatica, rendering it necessary
for four men to convey me down the long stairway to my carriage, and from
thence to my room in the hotel, where I was confined for some three weeks,
requiring three men for some days to turn me in bed. Language cannot de-
scribe the agony I experienced during that period. Dr. Pantelioni was sent
for, and attended me daily for three weeks, and never charged me more than
a dollar a visit. After two or three visits, finding that I was otherwise well,
and had knowledge of government and civil affairs in Europe and America,
* These evening parties aie conversazioni on a small scale. There were no
suppers, but cups of tea and biscuits, chiefly for ladies ; the gentlemen did not take
off their gloves or sit down, but kept their hats in their hands or under their arms.
We were introduced to, and conversed with various parties. Lady Grey seemed to
be ubiquitous, and to know everybody, and to make all feel at home. She is the
widow of General Grey, and is said to have been in early days a belle and bright
star in the highest London society.
1854-56] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 517
he entered into conversation with me on these subjects. I found him to be
one of the most generally read and enlightened men that I had met with on
the Continent.
He frequently remained from one to three hours conversing with me ;
and in the course of these frequent and lengthened visits, Dr. Pantelioni
related the following facts :
1st. That he was one of the liberal party in Rome that opposed the des-
potism of the Papal government, and contributed to its overthrow, when
Garibaldi for a time became supreme at Rome.
2nd. That he, with many other liberals, became convinced that the
government which Garibaldi would inuagurate, would be little better than a
mob, and would be neither stable nor safe.
(Garibaldi was a bold and skilful party leader, but no statesman. I wit-
nessed his presence in the Italian Legislature, then held in Florence ; he
could declaim against government, and find fault, with individual acts ; but
he seemed to have no system of government in his own mind, and com-
manded little respect or attention after his first speech.)
3rd. Dr. Pantelioni' stated, that under these circumstances, he, with* sev-
eral liberal friends, agreed to go confidentially to the Pope, who was then
an exile at Gaeta, and offer their offices and influence to restore him to power
at Rome, provided he would establish a constitutional government, and
govern as a constitutional ruler. The pope agreed to their propositions, but
when they reduced them to writing for his signature, and those of the gentle-
men waiting upon him, he declined to sign his name ; in consequence of
which Dr. Pantelioni and his friends felt they had no sufficient ground
upon their own individual word, without a scrap of writing from the pen of
the pope, to influence their friends, and risk their lives ; they, therefore,
retired from the presence of his holiness, disappointed but not dishonored.
4th On my recovery Dr. Pantelioni invited me to visit him at his resi-
dence. I did so and found him possessed of the best private library I had
seen in Italy, or even on the continent. It filled three large rooms ; one of
which contained books (well arranged) of general history and literature,
comprising the latest standard works in English (published both in England
and America), French, German, Italian and Spanish. The second room
was equally filled with shelves and books, beautifully arranged, on medical
and scientific subjects of the latest date, and highest authority, in English,
French, Italian, German, and Spanish, &c. The third room contained a fine
and extensive collection of the latest standard works which had been pub-
lished in England and the United States, France, Spain1 Germany, and Italy,
on Civil Government. I was not before aware that the Italian language was
so rich in political literature. I selected the titles, and ordered several books
in that language for myself.
5th. In the course of these conversations, Dr. Pantelioni related the efforts
of himself and friends to establish a constitutional government, despairing,
as they did, of any competence of the Garibaldi party to establish such a gov-
ernment. A deputation (of whom Dr. Pantelioni was one) went from Rome to
Florence to consult the Right Honourable Richard Shiel, then the British
Ambassador, or representative of the British Government, at Florence, as the
British Government had no diplomatic relations with Rome. Mr. Shiel
asked them what they wanted ? They replied, nothing more than the pro-
tection of the British Government for twelve months, during which time
they could establish a just and safe government, if protected from the in-
terference of other governments. Mr. Shiel agreed to support their views,
and Dr. Pantelioni and one or two others of the deputation took letters from
Mr. Shiel on the subject to the late Viscount Palmerston and Lord John
Russell, who encouraged their undertaking, entirely agreeing with the recom-
518 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LIL
mendations of Mr. Shiel, who, although a Roman Catholic, was a constitu-
tional liberal. But it unfortunately happened that on the very day on
which Dr. Pantelioni and his friend?, alter their mission to England, had
intended to carry their plans into operation, the French army landed at
Civita Vecchia, and having subdued the Garibaldi party at Rome, restored
the Pope to the Vatican, with all his former pretensions and power.
6th. Some time afterwards, when the King of Italy overran the Papal ter-
ritories, Dr. Pantelioni was nominated to the Italian Legislature for one of
the new electoral divisions, but declined at once the acceptance of the
nomination, and sent his resignation by the first post, well knowing the
effect it might have upon his personal safety and interests at Rome, which
was still under the rule of the Pope. But the partiality shown to Dr.
Pantelioni by his newly enfranchised fellow-countrymen enraged the Court
of Rome, which banished him from his city and country on a notice of only
twenty-four hours ! The London Times newspaper devoted some two articles
to Dr. Pantekoni's history and banishment, eulogizing him in the strongest
terms.
7th. Dr. Pantelioni then took up his abode at Nice, in the south of
France, and there pursued his profession.
Some years afterward, when making my last educational tour on the Con-
tinent in 1867, 1 stopped a day with my son at Nice, and learned that there
was an Italian physician residing there, an exile from Rome. I knew it
must be my old physician and friend, and immediately called upon him.
We were, of course, both delighted to see each other again ; and he invited
inyself and son to spend the evening at his house, which we did. He had,
since I saw him at Rome, married an English lady, who seemed in every
respect worthy of him.
When in the course of the evening I expressed my sympathy with him in
his exile, privation of his beautiful residence and fine library, he replied
with energy, bringing his hand down strongly on the table, " I have such
faith in the principles on which I have acted, and in the providence of God,
that I shall just as surely go back to Rome, as that I am sure I am now
talking to you." Some one or two years afterwards I learned from the
newspapers, that Dr. Pantelioni had been recalled to Rome by the King of
Italy, and appointed to the head of all the Roman Hospitals.
In a letter from Dr. Ryerson dated London, 30th October,
1857, he said : " On the 28th inst. we witnessed the consecration
of Dr. Cronyn as Bishop of Huron, and were afterwards invited
to lunch with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Several bishops
were present. Afterwards we went with Dr. Cronyn to Wool-
wich, and dined with him at his son-in-law's (Col. Burrows)."
CHAPTER LVIII.
1859-1862.
DENOMINATIONAL COLLEGES AND THE UNIVERSITY" CONTROVERSY.
ONE of the most memorable controversies in which Dr. Ryer-
son was engaged was that on behalf of the Denominational
Colleges of Upper Canada.
Unfortunately, at various stages of the discussion, the con-
troversy partook largely of a personal character. This pre-
vented that clear, calm, and dispassionate consideration of the
whole of this important question to which it was entitled, and
hence in one sense it no good result accrued. Such a question
as this was worthy of a better fate. For at that stage of
our history it was a momentous one — worthy of a thoughtful,
earnest and practical solution — a solution of which it was then
capable, had 'it been taken up by wise, far-seeing and pat-
riotic statesmen. But the opportunity was unfortunately lost ;
and in the anxiety in some cases to secure a personal triumph,
a grand movement to give practical effect to somewhat like the
comprehensive university scheme of the Hon. Robert Baldwin,
of 1843, failed. Mr. Baldwin's proposal of that year was de-
feated by the defenders of King's College, as a like scheme
of twenty years later was defeated by the champions of the
Toronto University. The final result of the painful struggle
of 1859-1863 was in effect as follows : —
1. Things were chiefly left in statu quo ante bellum.
2. An impetus was given to the denominational college
principle ; and that principle was emphasized.
3. Colleges with university powers were multiplied in the
province.
4. Life and energy were infused into the denominational
colleges.
5. Apathy and indifference prevailed (and, to some extent,
still prevails) among the adherents of the Provincial University.
I have already stated that the issues raised in the memorable
university contest of 1859-1863 were important. So they were,
as after events have proved. The question, however, was un-
fortunately decided twenty years ago, not by an independent,
520 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII
impartial and disinterested tribunal, but by the parties in pos-
session, whose judgment in the case would naturally be in their
own favour. Besides, members of the Government at the time
felt no real interest in the question, and were glad, under the
shelter of official statements and opinions, to escape collision
with such powerful bodies as the Wesleyan Methodists and the
Church of Scotland.
This discussion originated in the presentation to the Legisla-
ture of a memorial from the Wesleyan Methodist Conference,
prepared by Dr. Ryerson, dated November, 1859, to the follow-
ing effect : —
That the Legislature in passing the Provincial University Act of 1853>
clearly proposed and avowed a threefold object. First, the creation of a
University for examining candidates, and conferring degrees in the Faculties
of Arts, Law, and Medicine. Secondly, the establishment of an elevated
curriculum of University education, conformable to that of the London Uni-
versity in England. Thirdly, the association with the Provincial University
of the several colleges already established, and which might be established,
in Upper Canada, with the Provincial University, the same as various col-
leges of different denominations in Great Britain and Ireland are affiliated
to the London University — placed as they are upon equal footing in regard
to and aid from the state, and on equal footing in regard to the composition
of the Senate, and the appointment of examiners.
In the promotion of these objects the Conference and members of the
Wesleyan Methodist Church cordially concurred ; and at the first meeting
after the passing of the University Act, the Senatorial Board of Victoria Col-
lege adopted the programme of collegiate studies established by the Senate
of the London University, and referred to in the Canadian Statute. But it
soon appeared that the Senate of the Toronto University, instead of giving
effect to the liberal intentions of the Legislature, determined to identify the
University with one college, in contradistinction and to the exclusion of all
others, to establish a monopoly of senatorial power and public revenue for
one college alone ; so much so, that a majority of the legal quorum of the
Senate now consists of the professors of one college, one of whom is invari-
ably one of the two examiners of their own students, candidates for degrees,
honors, and scholarships. The curriculum of the University studies, instead
of being elevated and conformed to that of the London University, has been
revised and changed three times since 1853, and reduced by options and
otherwise below what it was formerly, and below what it is in the British
Universities, and below what it is in the best colleges in the United States.
The effect of this narrow and anti-liberal course is, to build up one College
at the expense of all others, and to reduce the standard of a University degree
in both Arts and Medicine below what it was before the passing of the Uni-
versity Act in 1853.
Instead of confining the expenditure of funds to what the law prescribed — .
namely, the "current expenses," and such "permanent improvements or
additions to the buildings " as might be necessary for the purposes of the
University and University College — new buildings have been erected at an
expenditure of some hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the current ex-
penses of the College have been increased far beyond what they were in
former times of complaint and investigation on this subject
Your memorialists therefore submit, that in no respect have the liberal
and enlightened intentions of the Legislature in passing the University Act
been fulfilled— a splendid but unjust monopoly for the city and college of
1859-62] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 521
Toronto having been created, instead of a liberal and elevated system, equally
fair to all the colleges of the country.
A Provincial University should be what its name imports, and what was
clearly intended by the Legislature — a body equally unconnected with, and
equally impartial to every college in the country ; and every college should
be placed on equal footing in regard to public aid according to its works,
irrespective of place, sect, or party. It is as unjust to propose, as it is un-
reasonable to expect, the affiliation of several colleges in one University
except on equal terms. There have been ample funds to enable the Senate
to submit to the Government a comprehensive and patriotic recommendation
to give effect to the liberal intentions of the Legislature in the accomplish-
ment of these objects ; but the Senate has preferred to become the sole patron
of one college to the exclusion of all others, and to absorb and expend the
large and increasing funds of the University, instead of allowing any surplus
to accumulate for the general promotion of academical education, as contem-
plated and specifically directed by the statute. Not only has the annual
income of the University endowment been reduced some thousands of pounds
per annum by vast expenditures for the erection of buildings not contem-
plated by the Act, but a portion of those expenditures is for the erection of
lecture-rooms, &c., for the Faculties of which the Act expressly forbids the
establishment !
But whilst your memorialists complain that the very intentions of this
Act have thus been disregarded and defeated, we avow our desire to be the
same now as it was more than ten years ago, in favour of the establishment
of a Provincial University, unconnected with any one college or religious
persuasion, but sustaining a relation of equal fairness and impartiality to the
several religious persuasions and colleges, with power to prescribe the cur-
riculum, to examine candidates, and confer degrees, in the Faculties of Arts,
Law, and Medicine.
We also desire that the University College at Toronto should be efficiently
maintained ; and for that purpose we should not object that the minimum
of its income from the University Endowment should be even twice that of
any other college ; but it is incompatible with the very idea of a national
University, intended to embrace the several colleges of the nation, to lavish
all the endowment and patronage of the state upon- one college, to the exclu-
sion of all others. At the present time, and for years past, the noble Uni-
versity Endowment is virtually expended by parties directly or indirectly
connected with but one college ; and the scholarships and prizes, the honors
and degrees conferred, are virtually the rewards and praises bestowed by pro-
fessors upon their own students, and not the doings and decisions of a body
wholly unconnected with the college. Degrees and distinctions thus con-
ferred, however much they cost the country, cannot possess any higher
literary value, as they are of no more legal value, than those conferred by
the Senatus Academicus of the other chartered colleges.
It is therefore submitted that if it is desired to have one Provincial Uni-
versity, the corresponding arrangement should be made to place each of the
colleges on equal footing according to their works in regard to everything
emanating from the state. And if it is refused to place these colleges on
equal footing as colleges of one University, it is but just and reasonable that
they should be placed upon equal footing in regard to aid from the state,
according to their works as separate University colleges.
It is well known that it is the natural tendency, as all experience shows,
that any college independent of all inspection, control, or competition in
wealth— all its officers securely paid by the state, independent of exertion or
success— will in a short time, as a general rule, degenerate into inactivity,
indifference, and extravagance. In collegiate institutions, as well as in the
522 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. ("CHAP. LVIII.
higher and elementary schools, and in other public and private affairs of life,
competition is an important element of efficiency ana success. The best
system of collegiate, as of elementary education, is that in which voluntary
effort is developed by means of public aid. It is clearly both the interest
and duty of the state to prompt and encourage individual effort in regard to
collegiate, as in regard to elementary, education and not to discourage it by
the creation of a monopoly invidious and unjust on the one side, and on the
other deadening to all individual effort and enterprise, and oppressive to the
state.
We submit, therefore, that justice and the best interests of liberal education
require the several colleges of the country to be placed upon equal footing
according to their works. We ask nothing for Victoria College which we do
not ask tor every collegiate institution in Upper Canada upon the same terms.
We desire also that it may be distinctly understood that we ask no aid
towards the support of any theological school or theological chair in Victoria
College. There is no such chair in Victoria College; and whenever one
shall be established, provision will be made for its support independent of
any grant from the state.* We claim support for Victoria College according
to its works as a literary institution — as teaching those branches which are
embraced in the curriculum of a liberal education, irrespective of denomi-
national theology.
We also disclaim. any sympathy with the motives and objects which have
been attributed by the advocates of Toronto College monopoly, in relation to
our National School system. The fact that a member of our own body has
been permitted by the annual approbation of the Conference to devote him-
self to the establishment and extension of our school system, is ample proof
of our approval of that system : in, addition to which we have from time to
time expressed our cordial support of it by formal resolutions, and by the
testimony and example of our more than four hundred ministers throughout
the Province. No religious community in Upper Canada has, therefore,
given so direct and effective support to the National School system as the
Wesleyan community, but we have ever maintained, and we submit, that
the same inteiests of general education for all classes which require the
maintenance of the elementary school system require a reform in our Uni-
versity system in order to place it on a foundation equally comprehensive
and impartial, and not to be the patron and mouthpiece of one college
alone ; and the same consideration of fitness, economy and patriotism which
justify the state in co-operating with each school municipality to support a
day school, require it to co-operate with each religious persuasion, according
to its own educational works, to support a college The experience of all
Protestant countries show that it is, and has been, as much the province of a
religious persuasion to establish a college, as it is for a school municipality to
establish a day school ; and the same experience shows that, while pastoral
and parental care can be exercised for the religious instruction of children
residing at home and attending a day school, that care cannot be exercised
over youth residing away from home and pursuing their higher education
except in a college where the pastoral and parental care can be daily com-
bined. We hold that the highest interests of the country, as of an indi-
vidual, are its religious and moral interests ; and we believe there can be no
heavier blow dealt out against those religious and moral interests, than for
the youth of a country destined to receive the best literary education, to be
placed, during the most eventful years of that educational course, without
the pale of daily parental and pastoral instruction and oversight. The
results of such a system must, sooner or later, sap the religious and moral
* Since established and supported, as is the one in Montreal, by contribution?
from the Methodist people.
1859-62] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 523
foundations of society. For such is the tendency of our nature, that with
all the appliances of religious instruction and ceaseless care by the parent
and . pastor ; they are not always successful in counteracting evil propensities
and temptations ; and therefore, from a system which involves the with-
drawal or absence of all such influence for years at a period when youthful
passions are strongest, and youthful temptations most powerful, we cannot
but entertain painful apprehensions. Many a parent would deem it his duty
to leave his son without the advantages of a liberal education, rather than
thus expose him to the danger of moral shipwreck in its acquirement.
This danger does not so much apply to that very considerable class of per-
sons whose home is in Toronto ; or to those young men whose character
and principles are formed, and who, for the most part, are pursuing their
studies by means acquired by their own industry and economy ; or to the
students of theological institutions established in Toronto, and to which the
University College answers the convenient purpose of a free Grammar
School, in certain secular branches. But such cases form the exceptions, and
not the general rule. And if one college at Toronto is liberally endowed for
certain classes who have themselves contributed or done nothing to promote
liberal education, we submit that in all fairness, apart from moral patriotic
considerations, the state ought to aid with corresponding liberality those
other classes who for years have contributed largely to erect and sus-
tain collegiate institutions, and who while they endeavour to confer upon
youth, as widely as possible, the advantages of a sound liberal education,
seek to incorporate with it those moral influences, associations, and habits
which give to education its highest value, which form the true basis and
cement of civil institutions and national civilization, as well as of individual
character and happiness.
The various statements and propositions in this memorial
were fully and ably discussed on both sides at the time before a
Committee of the Legislature. The discussion itself and volu-
minous papers and documents on either side were published
in pamphlet form and in the newspapers, so that no further
reference to them is necessary. The only other point raised in
the discussion which is not mentioned in the memorial, is one
on which Dr. Ryerson has expressed himself clearly. That is
the relations of denominational colleges to the national system
of public schools. On that point he says: —
The denominational collegiate system which I advocate is
in harmony with the fundamental principles of our Common
School system. . . The fundamental principle of the school
system is two-fold. First, the right of the parent and pastor
to provide religious instruction for their children ; and to have
facilities for that purpose. While the law protects *each pupil
from compulsory attendance at any religious reading or exercise
against the wish of his parent; it also provides that within
that limitation "pupils shall be allowed to receive such Religious
instruction as their parents and guardians shall desire, accord-
ing to the general regulations which shall be provided accord-
ing to law." The general regulations provide that the parent
may make discretionary arrangements with the teacher on the
subject ; and that the clergyman of any Church shall have the
524 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII.
right to any school house being within his charge for one hour in
the week between four and five, for the religious instruction of
the pupils of his own Church. Be it observed, then, the
supreme right of the parent, and the corresponding right of the
pastor in regard to the religious instruction of youth, even
in connexion with day schools, where children are with their
parents more than half of each week day, and the whole of
each Sunday, is a fundamental principle of the Common School
system. The less or greater extent to which the right may be
exercised in various places, does not affect the principles or
right itself, which is fundamental in the system. The second
fundamental principle in the school system is the co-operation
and aid of the State with each locality or section of the com-
munity as a condition of, and in proportion to local effort. This
is a vital principle of the school system, and pervades it through-
out, and is a chief element of its success. No public aid is given
until a school house is provided, and a legally qualified teacher
is employed, when public aid" is given in proportion to the work
done in the school; that is, in proportion to the number of
children taught, and the length of time the school is kept open;
and public aid is given for the purpose of school maps and
apparatus, the prize books and libraries, in proportion to the
amount provided from local sources. To the application of
that principle between the State and the inhabitants of localities
there is no exception whatever, except in the single case of dis-
tributing a sum not exceeding £500 per annum in aid of poor
school sections in new townships, and then their local effort
must precede the application for a special grant.
Such are the two fundamental principles of the school system,
on which I have more than once dwelt at large in official re-
ports.
Now apply these principles to the collegiate system of the
country. First, the united right and duty of the parent and
pastor. Should that be suspended, when the son is away from
home, or should it be provided for ? Let parental affection and
conscience, and not blind or heartless partisanship, reply. If,
then, the combined care and duty of the parent and pastor are
to be provided for as far as possible when the son is pursuing
the higher part of his education, for which he must leave home,
can that be done best in a denominational or non-denominational
College ? But one answer can be given to this question. The
religious and moral principles, feelings, and habits of youth are
paramount. Scepticism and partisanship may sneer at them
as "sectarian," but religion and conscience will hold them as
supreme. If the parent has the right to secure the religious
instruction and oversight of his son at home, in connection with
1859-62] 'THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 525
his school education, has he not a right to do so when his son
is abroad ? and is not the State in duty bound to afford him the
best facilities for that purpose ? And how can that be done so
effectually — nay, how can it be effectually done at all — except
in a college which, while it gives the secular education required
by the State, responds to the parent's heart and faith to secure
the higher interests which are beyond all human computation,
and without the cultivation of which society itself cannot exist?
It is a mystery of mysteries, that men of conscience, men of
religious principle and feeling, can be so far blinded by sectarian
jealousy and partizanship, as to desire for one moment to with-
hold from youth at the most feeble, most tempted, most event-
ful period of their educational training, the most potent guards,
helps, and influences to resist and escape the snares and seduc-
tions of vice, and to acquire and become established in those
principles, feelings, and habits which will make them true
Christians, at the same time that they are educated men. Even
in the interests of civilization itself, what is religious and moral
stands far before what is merely scholastic and refined. The
Hon. Edward Everett has truly said in a late address, " It is not
political nor military power, but moral sentiments, principally
under the guidance and influence of religious zeal, that has in
all ages civilized the world." What creates civilization can
alone preserve and advance it. The great question, after all, in
the present discussion, is not which system will teach the most
classics, mathematics, etc. (although I shall consider the ques-
tion in this light presently), but which system will best protect,
develop, and establish those higher principles of action, which
are vastly more important to a country itself — apart from other
and immortal considerations — than any amount of intellectual
attainments in certain branches of secular knowledge. Colleges
under religious control may fall short of their duty and their
power of religious and moral influence ; but they must be, as a
general rule, vastly better and safer than a College of no
religious control or character at all. At all events, one class of
citizens have much more valid claims to public aid for a College
that will combine the advantages of both secular and religious
education, than have another class of citizens to public aid for
a College which confers no benefit beyond secular teaching
alone. It is not the sect, it is society at large that most profits
by the high religious principles and character of its educated
men. An efficient religious College must confer a much greater
benefit upon the State than a non-religious College can, and
must be more the benefactor of the State than the State can be
to it by bestowing any ordinary amount of endowment. It is,
therefore, in harmony with the first fundamental principle of
526 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII.
the Common School system, as well as with the highest interests
of society at large, that the best facilities be provided for all
that is affectionate in the parent and faithful in the pastor,
during the away-from-home education of youth ; and that is a
College under religous control, whether that control be of the
Church of the parent or not.
I have already given on page — , Dr. Ryerson's opinions in
regard to the provisions of Hon. Robert Baldwin's University
Bill of 1843. From the extract there inserted it will be seen that
the practical objection which he raised in 1859, to the adminis-
tration of the University Act of 1853, was in general harmony
with the views and opinions on University matters which he
had expressed fifteen or sixteen years before. A fuller expres-
sion of these opinions was given in a letter which Dr. Ryerson
wrote to the British Colonist on the 14th of February, 1846.
From that letter I make the following extracts : —
The Board of Victoria College took no part in the University question
until after the introduction of a Bill into the Legislature which affected the
chartered rights and relations of Victoria College. On that occasion a
special meeting of the Board was called, to decide whether it would, under
any circumstances, acquiesce in that Bill, and upon what terms. The
Board expressed a strong opinion in favour of the general terms of the
Bili, but expressed an unfavourable opinion respecting some of its details,
especially the project of the " Extra mural Board," and the. non-recognition
of Christianity, The Board also objected to the 'smallness of the amount
proposed to be given to Victoria College. .It stated that Victoria College,
having been erected by public subscription, for the purpose of "teaching
the various branches of science and literature upon Christian principles,"
could not cease to be a literary institution, as some supposed the Bill contem-
plated ; it stated the peculiar hardships of the aspect of the Bill to the
Methodist institution, under all the circumstances (which it explained), and
submitted them to the honourable and generous consideration of the Govern-
ment. . . Mr. Baldwin's Bill proposed to grant the sum of ^500 per
annum each for several years to no less than four seminaries [besides the
University], . . It was objected to on the part of both Presbyterians and
Methodists, that its application to them was not liberal enough ; it was
objected to on the part of King's College Council that it gave even a farthing
to any of them.
Afterwards King's College Council objected to the Bill, and employed
counsel to oppose it, on the ground that the Legislature had no right to
interfere with their charter, or to divert any portion of King's College funds
in aid of other institutions. To this plea of the King's College Council an
individual member of the Victoria College Board offered an argumentative
reply, contending that the endowment of King's College was the property of
the Province, and upon legal, constitutional, and equitable grounds, came
within the limits of Provincial legislation. This principle, I believe, is now
generally admitted.
From this summary of well known facts it is evident — 1. That Mr. Bald-
win's Bill did contemplate giving aid to other institutions than the Toronto
University. 2. That the friends of Queen's, Regiopolis, Victoria and King's
Colleges did expect to derive assistance from-the University funds. 3. That
the objections to Mr. Baldwin's Bill on the part of the Presbyterians and
1859-62] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 527
Methodists were, not that any portion of the University funds should be
applied in aid of their institutions, but that the portion proposed was
entirely too small. 4. That those who supported Mr. Baldwin s Bill cannot
consistently object to aid being given from the University funds to institu-
tions in connection with the Church of England, Roman Catholics and
Methodists. The amount and duration of such aid is a mere prudential
consideration ; the principle is the same, whether the amount of aid be five
hundred or five thousand pounds, whether the duration be five years or five
hundred years
That there should be a Provincial University, furnishing the highest
academical and professional education, at least in respect to law and medicine;
that there should be a Provincial system of common school education, com-
mensurate with the wants of the entire population ; that both the University
and the system should be established and conducted upon Christian princi-
ples, yet free from sectarian bias or ascendancy ; that there should be an
intermediate class of seminaries in connection with the different religious
persuasions, who have ability and enterprise to establish them, providing on
tne one hand a theological education for their clergy, and on the other hand
a thorough English and scientific education, and elementary classical instruc-
tion for those of the youth of their congregations who might seek for more
than a common school education, or who might wish to prepare for the
University, and who, not having the experience and discretion of University
students, required a parental and religious oversight, in their absence from
their parents ; that it would be economy and patriotic on the part of the
Government to grant liberal aid to such seminaries, as weU as to provide for
the endowment of a University or a common school system ; — these are views
which I explained and argued at length when the University 'question was
under discussion, from 1828 to 1834 ; these are the views on which the
Methodists asked in establishing the Upper Canada Academy, now Victoria
College ; these are views, by pressing which, a royal charter and government
aid were obtained for that institution ; these are the views which received
strong confirmation in the recommendation of a despatch from Lord Goderich
to Sir John Colborne in 1832, and which greatly encouraged the friends of
the Upper Canada Academy in their commencing exertions. That institu-
tion was not originally intended to be a University College; nor was it
sought to be made so until after the establishment of a Presbyterian Univer-
sity College at Kingston ; when, prompted by example and emulation, and
encouragement of aid, it was thought that the operations of a University
might be grafted upon those of the academy, without interfering with the
more extended objects of the latter
More than a thousand youth have received more or less instruction at the
Cobourg Institution ; very few of them, apart from other considerations, have
gone from it without forming a high standard of education, and a deeper
conviction of its importance than they had before entertained ; it has pre-
vented hundreds of youth from going out of the country to be educated,
upon whom, and upon hundreds of others, it has conferred the benefits of a
good practical education. Its buildings present the most remarkable monu-
ment of religious effort arid patriotic energy which was ever witnessed in any
country of the age and population of Upper Canada
The Wesleyan Methodists have not, like the Churches of England, Scot-
land and Rome, derived any assistance from the clergy reserve fund, or
other public aid to their clergy or churches. It is much easier to figure
upon a platform than to establish educational institutions, or to preach the
Gospel throughout new countries. Those who have been in Canada twelve
months can do the former, and sneer at the latter. The flippant allusions of
certain speakers at the late Toronto meeting to the Methodists and to Vic-
toria College . . . were as unfounded as they were unbecoming.
523 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII.
The discussions on the University question at Quebec in 1860
were, as I have intimated, bitter and largely personal. Dr.
Ryerson, being in the fore front of the University reformers,
was singled out for special attack by some of the ablest de-
fenders of the University. I shall not enter into detail, but
will give the opening and concluding parts of Dr. Ryerson's
great speech, which he made before the Committee of the Legis-
lature on the 25th and 26th of April, 1860 :—
I am quite aware of the disadvantage under which I appear
before you to-day. I am not insensible of the prejudices which
may have been excited in the minds of many individuals by the
occurences of the last few days ; . . I am not at all insensible
of the fact that the attempt has been made to turn the issue,
not on the great question which demands attention, but upon
my merits or demerits, my standing as a man, and the course
which I have pursued. This subject, of very little importance
to the Committee, . . possesses a great deal of importance to
myself. No man can stand in the presence of the Representa-
tives of the people ; no man can stand, as I feel myself stand-
ing this morning, not merely in the presence of a Committee,
but, as it were.'in the presence of my native country, the land
of my birth* affections, labours, hopes, without experiencing the
deepest emotion. But how much more is that the case when
attempts have been made, of the most unprecedented kind, to
deprive me of all that is dear to me as a man, as a parent, as a
public officer, as a minister of the Christian Church. More
especially do I thus feel because reading and arranging the
papers on this subject, to which my attention has been called,
occupied me until five o'clock this morning. . .
Sir, the position of the question which demands our considera-
tion this day, is one altogether peculiar, and, I will venture to
say, unparalleled in this or any other country. The individuals
connected with myself — the party unconnected with what may
be called the National University of the country, stand as the
conservators of a high standard of education, and appear before
you as the advocates of a thorough course of training that will
discipline, in the most effectual manner, the powers of the mind,
and prepare the youth of our country for those pursuits and
those engagements which demand their attention as men,
Christians, and patriots, while the very persons to whom has
been allotted this great interest, this important trust, stand
before you as the advocates of a reduction, of a puerile system
which has never invigorated the mind, or raised up great men
in any country ; which can never lay deep and broad the
foundations of intellectual grandeur and power anywhere, but
which is characterized by that superficiality which marks the
1859-62] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 529
proceedings of the educational institutions in the new and
Western States of the neighbouring Republic. Sir, I feel proud
of the position I occupy ; that if I have gone to an extreme, I
have gone to the proper extreme; that even if 1 may have
pressed my views to an extent beyond the present standing, the
present capabilities of the Province, my views have been up-
ward, my course has been onward, my attempt has been to
invigorate Canada with an intellect and a power, a science and
a literature that will stand unabashed in the presence of any
other country, while the very men who should have raised our
educational standard to the highest point, who should have
been the leaders in adopting a high and thorough course, have
confessed during the discussion of this question, that the former
standard was too high, and that they have been levelling it
down, incorporating with it speculations which have never
elevated the institutions of any country, and adopting a course
of proceedings which never advanced any nation to the position
to which I hope in God my native country will attain.
The resolutions on which these proceedings have taken place,
were adopted by the Wesleyan Conference in June, 1860. Now,
whatever other changes may have taken place, I still adhere to
the people of my youth, who were the early instruments of all
the religious instruction 1 received until I attained manhood.
Whether they are a polished and learned or a despised people,
I still am not ashamed of them, nor of the humblest of their
advocates or professors. I stand before you without a blush, in
the immediate connection, and identified with that people. The
resolutions that were adopted by the Conference, in pursuance
of which the Conference appointed a large Executive Com-
mittee, consisting of nearly one hundred of the most experienced
members of their body, to prepare the memorial which has been
presented to Parliament, are these : —
Resolved. 1st. That it is the conviction of a large proportion, if not a large
majority of the inhabitants of Canada, that their sons, in pursuing the higher
branches of education (which cannot be acquired in day schools, and rarely
without the youth going to a distance from the paternal roof and oversight),
should be placed in institutions in which their religious instruction and
moral oversight, as well as their literary training, are carefully watched over
and duly provided for ; a conviction practically evident by the fact that not
only the members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and other Methodists,
but the members of the Churches of England, Scotland and Rome have
contributed largely, and exerted themselves to establish colleges and higher
seminaries of learning for the superior education of their children.
2nd. That no provision for instruction in secular learning alone, can com-
pensate for the absence of provision, or care, for the religious and moral
instruction of youth in the most exposed, critical, and eventful periods ol
their lives.
3rd. That it is of the highest importance to the best interests of Canada;
that the Legislative provision for superior education, shall be in harruonj
34
.r>30 THE STORY OF MY LIFE, [CHAP. LVIII.
with the conscientious convictions and circumstances of the religious per-
suasions, which virtually constitute the Christianity of the country.
4th. That the exclusive application of the Legislative provision for superior
education, to the endowment of a college for the education of the sons of that
class of parents alone who wish to educate their sons in a non-denominational
institution, irrespective of their religious principles and moral character, to
the exclusion of those classes of parents who wish to educate their sons in
colleges or seminaries where a paternal care is bestowed upon their moral
and religious interests, at the same time that they are carefully and thor-
oughly taught in secular learning ; is grossly illiberal, partial, unjust and
unpatriotic, and merits the severest reprobation of every liberal and right-
minded man of every religious persuasion and party in the country.
5. That the ministers and members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church,
aided by the liberal co-operation of many other friends of Christian education,
have largely and long contributed to establish and maintain Victoria Col-
lege, in which provision is made for the religious instruction and oversight
of students, independent of any Legislative aid— in which there are fifty-
nine students in the Faculty of Arts, besides more than two hundred pupils
and students in preparatory and special classes— in which no religious test is
permitted by the charter in the admission of any student, or pupil, and in
which many hundreds of youths of different religious persuasions, have been
educated and prepared for professional and other pursuits, many of whom
have already honourably distinguished themselves in the clerical, legal and
medical professions, as also in mercantile and other branches of business.
6th. That Victoria College is justly entitled to share in the Legislative
provision for superior education, according to the number of students in the
collegiate and academical courses of instruction.
7th. That we affectionately entreat the members of our Church, to use
their influence to elect, as far as possible, public men who are favourable to
the views expressed in the foregoing resolutions, and do equal justice to those
who wish to give a superior religious education to the youth of the country,
as well as those who desire for their sons a non-religious education alone.
Dr. Ryerson concluded his speech on the 26th April. Towards
its close he said : — [One of the speakers] thought to amuse the
Committee, by a reference to an expression of mine, used in a
letter written by me several years since, that I had meditated
my system of public instruction for this country — (for I con-
templated the whole system from the primary school to the Uni-
versity)— on some of the highest mountains in Europe, and
said, using a very elegant expression, it must therefore be rather
" windy." . . No one can have read the history of Greece or
Scotland, or the Northern and Western parts of England, with-
out knowing that, from elevated and secluded places, some of
the finest inspirations of genius have emanated which have ever
been conceived by the mind of man. There are mountains in
Europe where the recluse may stand and see beneath him curling
clouds, and roaring tempests spending their strength, while he
is in a calm untroubled atmosphere, on the summit of a moun-
tain of which it may be said,
" Though round his breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on his head."
1859-62] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 531
And I ask whether it was unphilosophical for an individual who
had examined the educational systems of various countries, and
who was crossing the Alps, to retire to a mountain solitude, and
there, in the abode of that "eternal sunshine," and in the
presence of Him who is the fountain of light, to contemplate a
system which was to diffuse intellectual and moral light through-
out his native country, to survey the condition of that country
as a whole, apart from its political-religious dissensions, and ask
what system could be devised to enable it to take its position
among the civilized nations of the world ? . .
After giving expression to his views on what he conceived to
be a proper and suitable University system for the Province, he
concluded with these words : — It is perfectly well known to the
Committee that its time, for the last four or five days, has been
occupied, not in the investigation of ^these principles, but by
attempts to destroy what is dearer to me than life, in order to
crush the cause with which I am identified ; and a scene has
been enacted here, somewhat resembling that which took place
in a certain committee room, at Toronto, in regard to a certain
Inspector-General. Every single forgetfulness or omission of
mine has been magnified and tortured in every possible way, to
destroy my reputation for integrity, and my standing in the
•country. A newspaper in Toronto, whose editor-in-chief is a
man of very great notoriety, has said, since the commencement
of this inquiry, that, in my early days, I made mercenary
approaches to another church, but was indignantly repelled,
and hence my present position. I showed the other day that
I might have occupied the place of Vice-Chancellor of the
University which Mr. Langton now holds, had I desired (and
the proposal was made to me after my return from Europe
in 1856), and I have similar records to prove that in 1825. after
the commencement of my Wesleyan ministry, I had the authori-
tative offer of admission to the ministry of the Church of Eng-
land (see pages 41 and 206). My objection, and my sole objections
was, that my early religious principles and feelings were wholly
owing to the instrumentality of the Methodist people, and I had
been providentially called to labour among them ; not that I did
not love the Church of England. Those were " saddlebag days,"
and I used to carry in my saddlebags two books, to which I am
more indebted than to any other two books in the English lan-
guage, except the Holy Scriptures, namely, the Prayer Book and
the Homilies of the Church of England. At this very day, Sir,
though I have often opposed the exclusive assumptions of some
members of the Church of England, I only love it less than the
Church with which I am immediately associated.
I have been charged with being the leader of the present
532 THE STOB7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII.
movement. I am entitled to no such honour. If I have written
a line it has been as the amanuensis of my ecclesiastical supe-
riors ; if I have done anything, it has been in compliance with
the wishes of those whom I love and honour ; and my attach-
ment to the Wesleyan body, and the associations and doings of
my early years, have been appealed to, as a ground of claim for
my humble aid in connection with this movement. Sir, the
Wesleyan people, plain and humble as they were, did me good
in my youth, and I will not abandon them in my old age.
I have only further to add, that whatever may be my short-
comings, and even sins, I can say with trnth that I love my
country ; that by habit of thought, by association, by every
possible sympathy I could awaken in my breast, I have sought
to increase my affection for my native land. I have endeavoured
to invest it with a sort of personality, to place it before me as
an individual, beautiful in its proportions, as well as vigorous
in all the elements of its constitution, and losing sight of all
distinction of classes, sects, and parties, to ask myself, in the
presence of that Being, before whom I shall shortly stand, what
I could do most for my country's welfare, how I could contri-
bute most to found a system of education that would give to
Canada, when I should be no more, a career of splendour which
will make its people proud of it. I may adopt the words of a
poet — though they may not be very poetical : —
' Sweet place of my kindred, blest land of my birth,
The fairest, the purest, the dearest on earth ;
Where'er I may roam, where'er I may be,
My spirit instinctively turns unto thee.'
Whatever may have been the course of proceeding adopted
towards me in this inquiry, I bear enmity to no man ; and
whatever may be the result of this investigation, and the
decision of the committee, I hope that during the few years 1
have to live, I shall act consistently with the past, and still
endeavour to build up a country that will be distinguished in
its religious, social, moral, educational, and even political insti-
tutions and character ; to assist in erecting a structure of intel-
lectual progress and power, on which future ages may look back
with respect and gratitude, and thus to help, in some humble
degree, to place our beloved Canada among the foremost nations
of the earth.
The following private letters, written to me at the time from
Quebec and Kingston, by Dr. Ryerson, throw additional light
upon the nature of the contest in which he was engaged. They
also reveal what the character of his personal feelings and the
exercise of his mind during that eventful time were.
1851] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 533
On the 20th April, Dr. Ryerson said : — I have had a very
painful and laborious week ; but I hope to-morrow to be able
by divine help, to answer two of my principal opponents
effectually. One of these gentlemen made a very plausible
speech yesterday in defence of the University, and in reply
chiefly to me, but full of fallacies and misquotations.
April 27th. — I finished my defence yesterday in the presence
of a densely crowded room — consisting of a large number of
Legislative Councillors and members of the House of Assembly
— several of whom, I was told, were quite moved when I closed,
and cheered me heartily when I sat down. I was congratulated
on all sides by them in the afternoon, upon the manner in which
I had triumphantly defended myself. I can only say, to God
be all the praise. I felt myself as weak as water. I was so
depressed and affected the night before, and the morning of
commencing my defence, that I could not speak without emotion
and tears ; but I prayed and relied upon Him who had never
failed me in the hour of trial, and my personal friends were
also engaged in prayer in my behalf.
As soon as I commenced, I felt as if an army of such assailants
were as so many pigmies, and, my friends say, I handled them
as such. The remarks of members of both Houses are various,
and some of them amusing — all agreeing in the completeness of
the defence. All agree also as to the extravagance and defects
of the system, and the unquestionable claims of denominational
colleges.
I cannot review the great goodness of God to me during this
mortifying week without an overflowing heart and tears of
gratitude. More conscious and manifold help from above I
never experienced. I hope I may ,never be called to pass
through such another conflict. I spoke two hours and forty
minutes on the day before yesterday, and one hour and three-
quarters yesterday.
May 8th. — I shall be able to send you to-morrow a copy in
slips of my reply to my two principal opponents. I know not
what will be the result, but I trust in God, who has done better
for us than all our fears or our hopes thus far. I hear that the
general conviction of members is with me. One of the Senators
told me that he had heard but one opinion on the subject. There
are some who are satisfied that I have gained in the contest, but
who are not in favour of dividing the endowment. All seem to
feel that the present system is bad, and that something must be
done, and that denominational colleges must be sustained. I
think the House will refuse to do anything until the evidence,
etc., on the subject is laid before the country. I thank you for
your very kind sympathy in my conflicts.
534 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LVIII.
Kingston, June 7th — The Conference met yesterday, and
seems to be in a very good spirit. A Committee was appointed,
named by myself, and moved by Rev. Dr. Wood — to arrange
for proceedings on the University question. The Committee
met last night, and agreed to have a public meeting ; and my-
self and one or two more to draw up resolutions to be submitted
to it. I am desired to address the meeting in the evening, when
it is expected there will be a great gathering. I find the
preachers to be very cordial and grateful.
Kingston June 8th. — The official lay members of the Church
in the city of Kingston presented a congratulatory address to
the Conference this forenoon, in which they referred with great
feeling and force to the University question, also to the repre-
sentatives of the Conference at Quebec, and especially to my-
self— requesting that the Guardian might be more and more
the medium of furnishing the connexion with facts and informa-
tion on the subject, and that my Defence should be inserted in
it for the information of our people.
Rev. G. R. Sanderson, seconded by Rev. W. JefFers, moved a
vote of thanks to the official members of Kingston for their
address. Rev. J. Spencer, Editor of the Guardian, regarded
the address as an attack upon himself, and said the lay mem-
bers had been instigated to make the attack upon him. Dr.
Wood showed that the address simply made a request. Mr.
Spencer was considered to have made a great mistake for
himself.
The feeling of Conference in regard to myself is very cordial
and very enthusiastic on the University question. The article
in The Canadian Church is much admired. A copy of it has
been sent to the Montreal Gazette, also to the Kingston Daily
News. It is an able and most scholarly article.
Kingston, J.une 13th. — Yesterday afternoon, the Conference considered and
unanimously and cordially adopted a series of resolutions on the University
question — thanking those who were at Quebec, especially myself— endorsing
the memorial pamphlet. My name was received with cheers, whenever
mentioned in the resolutions. In the evening, a public meeting was held,
and it was a perfect ovation to myself. Some of those present thought that
that was the object of the meeting. Rev. W. Jeffers, the new editor, made
an excellent speech. Rev. Lachlan Taylor read extracts in a most amusing
and effective manner from the Hamilton Spectator, Colonist, Echo, and Church
Press. The Hon. Mr. Ferrier spoke most happily on the effect of the dis-
cussion, and also of the effect of my speech on the members of both branches
of the Legislature. I was cheered throughout, and sat down with four long
rounds of cheers. There was much laughter, and occasional deep feeling
during my criticisms on the variations, and some of the topics of the speeches
of my opponents at Quebec, especially the after-dinner speeches at the To-
ronto University gathering.
CHAPTER LIX.
1861-1866.
PERSONAL INCIDENTS. — DR. RYERSON'S VISITS TO NORFOLK Co.
DURING the years of 1861-1866, Dr. Ryerson was chiefly
engaged in his official duties, and part of the time with
the University question. There is, therefore, little to record
during these years except personal matters. The ^following
letters from two of his brothers indicate how strong was their
attachment to him : —
Brantford, 4th October, 1861 . — Rev. John Ryerson writes : I have derived
more benefit from reading Milner's History this time than I ever did before;
especially the experience, writings, &c., of St. Augustine, Cyprian, Bernard,
Luther and Zwingle. St. Augustine's conversion and "confessions" have
been much blessed to me. I have been led to examine with more care and
prayerful attention than ever before, the power, influence, and fruits of vital
§)dliness, as experienced and manifested in the hearts and lives of both the
reek and Latin Fathers ; and also the principal instruments of the Refor-
mation in the sixteenth century. 0 ! the power, wisdom, and goodness of
God ; displayed in all these scenes, matters and lives 1
Kingston, May 8th, 1862. — The Rev. Geo. Ryerson writes : We arrived
here safely this morning. I write this by the first mail because I feel
anxious concerning you. I fear that if you undertake a journey to Quebec
in your present state of weakness and disease, that it will be fatal to you.
You are providentially unable to bear the bodily and mental exertion. God
does not send a sick man to labour in any good work, and he requires us to
use ourselves tenderly, when he weakens us.
Branlford, May 9th. — Rev. John Ryerson writes : I had no idea that you
had been so seriously ill. It is, however, gratifying now to learn that you
are convalescent, and the loss of a little of your "fleshly substance" may
prove no great calamity. Were I to lose " forty pounds," as you have, there
would be very little of me left !
Brantford, December 22nd — Rev. John Ryerson writes : During my long
missionary tour I preached about ten times, always with liberty and freedom.
Since I returned home I have resumed all of my domestic and private devo-
tional exercises, and after my missionary labours realize the return of quiet
peace and spiritual communion. Recently, after much prayer, I received a
great blessing to my soul, the peace of God coming down upon my heart and
going all over me, and I still have peace. God is my portion, my righteous-
ness, and my salvation all the day long.
In September, 1864, Dr. Ryerson wrote the following account
of visits which he made to his native county of Norfolk : —
In compliance with many requests, I have thought it would not be im-
536 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP.LIX.
proper, and might be acceptable to my Norfolk friends, for me to give an
account of my visits during the last two years to my native place, and to the
Island within Long Point, which my father obtained from the Crown, and
which now belongs to me — marked on old maps as Pottahawk Point, but
designated on later maps, and more generally known, as " Ryerson's Island.!'
I may remark, by way of preface, that for more than thirty-five years of
my public life my constitution and brain seemed to be equal to any amount
of labour which I might impose on them ; but of late years, the latter has
been the seat of alarming attacks and severe pain, under any protracted or
intense labour ; and the former has been impaired by labour and disease.
Change of scene and out-door exercise have proved the most effectual remedy
for both. My first adoption of this course (apart from foreign travel) was
two years since, when a month's daily sea-bathing, boating and walking, at
Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, State of Maine, contributed greatly to the
improvement of my health and strength. After again resuming my usual
work for several weeks, I found that my relief, if not safety, required a
further suspension of ordinary mental labour, and diversion of my thought
by new objects. I determined to visit the place of my birth and the scenes
of my youth. At Port Ryerse I made myself a little skiff alter the model of
one I had seen at the sea-side, and in which I rowed myself to and from
Ryerson's Island, a distance of some thirteen miles from Port Ryerse, and
about four miles from the nearest mainland — the end of Turkey Point.
Last autumn I lodged two weeks on the farm on which I was born, with
the family of Mr. Joseph Duncan, where the meals were taken daily in a
room the wood-werk of which I, as an amateur carpenter, had finished more
than forty years ago, while recovering from a long and serious illness.
When invited to meet and address the common schools of the county of
Norfolk, at a county school picnic held in a grove near Simcoe, the 24th of
last June, I determined to proceed thither,* not by railroad and stage, as
usual, but in a skiff fifteen feet and a half long, in which I had been accus-
tomed for some months to row in Toronto Harbour, between six and eight
o'clock in the morning.
Providing, as far as possible, against the double danger of swamping and
capsizing, by a canvas deck, proper ballast, and fittings of the sail, I crossed
Lake Ontario alone from Toronto to Port Dalhousie in nine hours ; had my
skiff conveyed thence to Port Colborne on a Canadian vessel, through the
Welland Canal, and proceeded along the north shore of Lake Erie, rowing in
one day, half-way against head wind, from the mouth of Grand River to Port
Dover, a distance of forty miles, taking refreshments and rest at farm houses,
and bathing three times during the day. The following day scarcely con-
scious of fatigue, I delivered two addresses ; the one to a vast assemblage of
school pupils and their friends, in a grove ; the other a lecture to teachers and
trustees in the evening.
After visiting my island and witnessing the productive and excellent garden
of the family that occupies it, I returned to Toronto in my skiff, by the way
of Niagara river, sailing in one day between sun-rise and sun-set (stopping
for three hours at Port Colborne) from Grand River to Chippewa, within
two miles of the Falls. I had my skiff conveyed on a waggon over the portage
from Chippewa to Queenstown (ten miles), and started from Niagara to To-
ronto about noon of the first Friday in July. When a little more than half
way across the lake, I encountered a heavy north-east storm of rain and
wind, and a fog so thick as to completely obscure the Toronto light-house,
•which was within a mile of me. When it became so dark that I could not
see my compass, I laid my course, with the sail reefed, by the wind and
waves," reaching (a mile west of my due course) the east side of the Humber
Bay, between ten and eleven in the evening, and making my way, by a hard
pull, to the Toronto Yacht Club House a little before midnight.
1861-66] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 537
About four weeks since my son and myself made the voyage in the same
skiff from Toronto to Long Point, but proceeding by railroad from Port
Dalhousie to Port Colborne, intending to spend a week or two on the farm,
and two or three days on the Island.
T conclude this epitomised sketch with three remarks. I am
satisfied of the truth of what I have long believed, that a small
boat is as safe, if not safer, than a large one, if properly con-
structed, fitted out, trimmed, and managed. I believe that
many a large open boat, if not capsized by the wind, would
have been swamped by the waves over which my little craft
rode in safety.
I have never experienced the benefit of out-door exertion
and the comfort of retirement to the same degree as during
these excursions, besides daily riding on horseback and prepar-
ing all the wood consumed at my cottage. Between two and
three years ago I found it painful labour to walk one mile, I
have since walked twelve miles in a day, besides attending to
other duties — an improvement of my general system, which is
already acting sensibly and encouragingly on the seat of thought
and nervous influence. In my lonely voyage from Toronto to
Port Kyerse, the scene was often enchanting, and the solitude
sweet beyond expression. I have witnessed the setting sun
amidst the Swiss and Tyrolese Alps, from lofty elevations, on
the plains of Lombardy, from the highest eminence of the
Appenines, between Bologna and Florence, and from the crater
summit of Vesuvius, but I never was more delighted and
impressed (owing, perhaps, in part to the susceptible state of
my feelings) with the beauty, effulgence, and even sublimity of
atmospheric phenomena, and the softened magnificence of sur-
rounding objects, than in witnessing the setting sun the 23rd of
June, from the unruffled bosom of Lake Erie, a few miles east
of Port Dover, and about a mile from the thickly wooded shore,
with its deepening and variously reflected shadows. And when
the silent darkness enveloped all this beauty, and grandeur, and
magnificence in undistinguishable gloom, my mind experienced
that wonderful sense of freedom and relief which come from,
all that suggests the idea of boundlessness — the deep sky, the
dark night, the endless circle, the illimitable waters. The
world with its tumult of cares seemed to have retired, and God
and His works appeared all in all, suggesting the enquiry which
faith and experience promptly answered in the affirmative —
With glorious clouds encompassed round
Whom angels dimly see ;
Will the unsearchable be found ;
Will God appear to me ?
My last remark is the vivifying influence and unspeakable
pleasure of visiting scenes endeared to me by many tender, and
538 THE STORY OF M7 LIFE. [CHAP. LIX.
comparatively few painful recollections. Amid the fields,
woods, out-door exercises, and associations of the first twenty
years of my life, I have seemed to forget the sorrows, labours
and burdens of more than two score years, and to be trans-
ported back to what was youthful, simple, healthy, active, and
happy. I can heartily symyathise with the feelings of Sir
Walter Scott when, in reply to Washington Irving, who had
expressed disapprobation in the scenery of the Tweed, im-
mortalized by the genius of the Border Minstrel, he said, —
It may be partiality, but to my eyes these gray hills and all this wild
border country have beauties peculiar to themselves. I like the very naked-
ness of the land. It has something bold, and stern, and solitary about it.
When I have been for some time in the rich scenery of Edinburgh, which is
ornamented garden land, I begin to wish myself back again among my honest
gray hills, and if I did not see the heather at least once a year I think I
should die.
Dr. Ryerson was very bold and skilful in the management
of a sail boat, as may be inferred from the foregoing incidents.
On one occasion, a few years ago, while sailing on the Toronto
bay in his skiff, he was overtaken by a gale, during which the
steeple of Zion Church was blown down, but, through God's
goodness, he reached terra firma in safety.
He frequently sailed his little craft, as he has mentioned,
from Port Ryerse and Port Rowan to his Long Point cottage —
a distance of thirteen and nine miles respectively — and that,
too, in all sorts of weather, and sometimes when much larger
boats would not venture outside of the harbour.
For many years Dr. Ryerson was considered one of the best
shots at Long Point. When over seventy years of age, he
killed from seventy to eighty duck in one day in his punt and
with his own gun. In the spring of 1880, when in his seventy-
eighth year, he was overtaken by darkness, and, not being able
to reach his cottage, was compelled to remain all night in the
marsh. Rolling himself up in his blankets, in his boat, he
quietly went to sleep. In the early morning he was rewarded
by capturing nine wild geese.
He crossed Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Port Dal-
housie, four times alone in his skiff (only sixteen feet long),
and three times accompanied by his son. Fear was unknown
to him, and he never lost his presence of mind, even in the
most perilous circumstances.
Another favourite recreation of his was riding. He was
often seen before six o'clock in the morning enjoying a canter
in the suburbs of Toronto.
Writing to me from Ridge way in August, 1866, he said : —
To-day I left Toronto in my little skiff for Port Dalhousie.
1861-66] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 539
The lake was as smooth as glass the greater part of .the day,
and the latter part of the day there was not a breath of wind,
so that I had to row. I got into Port Dalhousie in the evening.
I was at the Queen's Own camp at Thorold yesterday. I visited
a large number of tents, and examined the whole mode of
living, and especially of cooking. It was amusing, among other
cases of the same kind, to see several young gentlemen of
Toronto cooking, and others assisting. I saw them cuttinor
their meat, etc. They have the reputation of being the best
cooks in the battalion. I go to Port Colborne in the rail cars,
and will proceed in my skiff to Port Ryerse, or rather to Port
Dover first. I hope to get there to-morrow. I went over the
battle-ground here last evening.
As many people were curious to know how Dr. Ryerson spent
his time at his Long Point cottage, the following letter, written
to his cousin, Major Ryerse, in April, 1873, will supply the
information. It relates to one day's experience, and was about
the average of these experiences there : — On leaving the island
cottage, I paddled and pushed my boat about six miles in the
marsh, Monday forenoon. I rowed all the way to Port Ryerse
against a head wind, one part of the way so strong that I
shipped a good deal of water, and got wet. I was from two to
eight o'clock rowing from my cottage to Port Ryerse. I was
too wet and fatigued to walk to your house, but went to bed
at nine, got up at five, and started for Simcoe at six. I walked
eight miles out of ten on the ice, from Port Rowan over — going
the other two miles by water, in a skiff which we took with us
on a hand-sled, During the first eight days I did not go out
in the marsh at all, but devoted myself wholly to my papers
and books. The second week I went out three times, about
three hours each, got a little game, but not enough to leave any
on the way, except to a few friends. I am now beginning to
enjoy rest more than exertion ; and am not certain when I shall
come again, or whether I shall come at all again.
While on his educational tour in 1866, Dr. Ryerson wrote to
me from Napanee, and said : — There was a very large meeting
in Picton on Saturday and another here to-day, and both went
with me in everything, with showers of compliments and almost
enthusiastic feeling.
A large number of the oldest settlers and Methodists were
invited to meet me last night at Mr. Dorland's, in Adolphus-
town. The service in the evening was to them a feast of fat
things, and some of them spoke of it as the happiest occasion
of their lives. I felt very happy with them. They said it
reminded them of " old times."
CHAPTER LX.
1887.
LAST EDUCATIONAL VISIT TO EUROPE. — REV. DR. PUNSHON.
IN 1867 Dr. Ryerson made his last educational tour to Europe.
On his return he prepared two elaborate reports — one on
Systems of Education in Europe, and the other on the Educa-
tion of the Deaf and Dumb. He also went to Paris as an
Honorary Commissioner to the International ^Exhibition held
in that city in 1867. While absent he constantly wrote to me.
From his letters I make the following selections : —
Paris, January 22nd, 1867. — The pretended concessions of
the Emperor of France to the French nation was not much
thought of in Paris, as it is regarded here of little value.
His announcement of his concessions, as being final, will do
him more harm, than the concessions themselves will do good.
The Attorney-General told me to-day that I had won the
the heart of Mr. Adderly, M.P., Under-Secretary of State for
the Colonies, who is an able man. The Attorney-General gave
rne a note of introduction to him (in the absence of Lord
Carnarvon) in order to introduce me to Lord Stanley, which
Mr. Adderly did. He asked me many questions about our
school system, and told the Attorney-General I had given him
an immense deal of information in a short time.
Nice, February 25. — We left Paris Wednesday evening, and
reached Marseilles Thursday noon — passing Lyons, Yienne,
Avignon, etc., in the valley of the Rhone, by daylight. The
scenery was very beautiful, vine-yards on the hillsides, culti-
vated fields, trees and shrubs green, almonds in blossom. In
the afternoon we " did " Marseilles, visiting the Exchange, the
Palais de Justice, the ancient and modern port with its thousands
of ships, — 28,000 entering it per year — ascended the lofty
mount, with garden walls on its sides, to the Notre Dame church
which surmounts it — a small church of the sailors hung with
innumerable characteristic mementoes of their escapes from
shipwreck, through the intercession of their Mother-protector!
The view of the city and surrounding country, all dotted with
villas, is magnificent. Next morning we started for Nice.
1861-66] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 541
Toulon, the Mediterranean naval station of France, is about
thirty-six miles this side of Marseilles — about one-third of the
way to Nice. It is strongly fortified ; its port, which is admir-
able, contains many French ships of war. The population is
about 50,000. Between Toulon and Nice lies the town of
Cannes — a rival to Nice as a resort for invalids. The scenery
from Marseilles to Nice is beautiful, and sometimes grand —
the sea on one side, and the gardens, fields, olive and orange
orchards, hillsides and mountain slopes, dotted with hamlets
and villas, on the other. In the back-ground of Nice are seen
the maritime Alps. Oranges are here seen on the trees ; and
the trees, shrubs and flowers are green, and some of them in
blossom. The breezes gentle, the sun bright and warm, the sky
clear, and the atmosphere soft and balmy, one seems to inhale
healthful vigour with every breath, and to behold cheerful
beauty on every side.
I have here met my old friend, Dr. Pantelioni, who attended
me when I was ill in Rome, who was employed by Count
Cavour to negotiate with Prince Napoleon and the Ernperor the
treaty of the loth September, by which the French troops have
evacuated Rome ; but he is now an exile from Rome, but hopes
soon to return thither. He has the first medical practice here,
as he had at Rome.
Florence, March 19th. — Since I wrote to you from Rome, we
went to Naples, in ten hours, by railway; spent three days
there, and returned, the fourth, here — in 23 hours from Naples
— arriving here Sunday morning, in time to dress, get breakfast,
and go "to church, where we heard the liturgy read evangelically,
and a good evangelical sermon. The Church at Rome is High
Church; that at Florence is evangelical. But I heard an
excellent service from the Dean of Ely (Mr. Goodwin), at Rome.
I can give you no particulars of our tour. I do not enjoy it.
I have wished a good many times that you were in my place,
and that I had a week's quiet on my Island. Rome was dirty,
as well as almost wholly given to superstition, though there is
a strong and widespread hostility among the masses to the
temporal power of the Pope. Naples was dirty, but evinced
much business activity. Florence is clean, industrious, and all
the people cleanly and well-dressed, except some beggars — an
old ! legacy. But the general hostility to the priesthood is
remarkable, though not surprising. The Government had
gained in the recent elections, but has a difficult part to play,
between the Church and Anti- Church parties, and keeping up
a large army, and imposing heavy taxes, of which all complain.
Venice, March 28th. — At Florence, the British Minister intro-
duced me to Count Usedon, the Prussian Minister at Florence,
542 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LX
formerly at Paris, a most delightful and variously learned man,
who invited me to go to his villa, but I had not time, and who
told rne all about the working of the Prussian System of Public
Instruction, in each neighbourhood — saying that the law had
not been changed at all since I was in Prussia; that the Govern-
ment did nothing but inspect, and see that each locality had a
school of a certain kind, and that each person educated his
children ; but that each locality taxed itself for the support of
its school. He told me I could find nothing suitable to my
purpose in Prussia, in respect to the militia organization in
connection with the school system, as there was no connection
between the one and the other, and that the military system
was expensive, and much interfered with the ordinary employ-
ments ; but that Switzerland was the place for me to learn and
study the blending of the school system with military training,
in consequence of which every Swiss had a good education,
understood the use of arms and military drill, and was yet
practical, industrious, and sober, while the. whole system was
very inexpensive. He gave me a letter of introduction to a
friend of his in Switzerland, who could give me every informa-
tion I might desire, and all needful documents.
LakeComo, April 1st. — This is the first place of rest and retire-
ment that we have had since we came to Europe. We are inhal-
ing fresh country air every day. We are in the centre of a natu-
ral magnificence, beauty, and grandeur such as I have never
witnessed — before us the little, deep, Y-shaped lake, abounding
in fish, dotted with skiffs, skirted with flower gardens, walks,
shrubs, and villas, and overhung on either side by snow-capped
mountains — roses and plants and green flowers at the bottom of
the mountains — craggy rocks and deep snow at the top, and all
apparently within a mile's distance. Here where we stop is the
villa of the Duke of Meiningen, and the palace-residence of the
late Queen Caroline of England (now an hotel), and the villa
of the King of the Belgians — a favourite place of retirement of
the late King. What I have witnessed here, in the quiet Sab-
bath of yesterday, has given me more impressive views of the
varied beauty and magnificence of the works of God than I
ever had before, though I had travelled much, and finished my
sixty -fourth year the Sabbath before.
London, 30th April. — I was present two hours at the anni-
versary of the Church Missionary Society — heard the report (a
very good one) read, and heard Lord Chichester (President), the
Lord Bishop of Norwich, Dean of Carlisle, and the Lord Bishop
of Cork. The speaking was evangelical — Methodistically ex-
perimental, but nothing like so able and effective as that at the
Wesleyan Missionary meeting yesterday.
1867] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 543
I attended a meeting this afternoon at City Road Chapel, to
hear an address from Lord Shat'tesbury on Ragged Schools, and
to witness the laying of the corner-stone of a chapel school-
house in an alley about six minutes' walk from City Road
Wesleyan Chapel — one of the most wretched neighbourhoods
in London. I never knew before what the ragged poor of
London, in the lanes and alleys, were. I never witnessed such
a sight of squalid wretchedness — the neighbourhood literally
swarming with children — every window of the houses around
full of heads — all indicating that lowest degradation, but many
of the children had good features and bright eyes sparkling
through the encrustation of dirt. We have no such class in
Canada, and I hope we never may.
Lord Shaftesbury's remarks were of the highest type of-
Scriptural and experimental truth — eminently practical and sug-
gestive. His address to the poor creatures, at the laying of the
corner-stone of the edifice, was full of kindness and affection —
adopting even the very style of address common among the
class whom he addressed. As a specimen, his Lordship said : —
" I just heard a boy say behind me, ' which is him ?' Now, I am
him ; you want to see him ; and I want to see you, and to talk
to you, and to do you good. We have all come here to do you
good, because we love you, and the poorer you are, and the more
you suffer, the more we wish to help you, and to do you good."
He reminded me of the Saviour going about doing good, and
of the words of Job (chap. 29), " When the ear heard me, then
it blessed me, and when the eye saw me it gave witness to me,
because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and
him that had none to help him," etc. (verses 11, 13, 15, and 16).
It was to me an impressive, affecting, and, I trust, a useful
lesson.
London, 1st May. — We attended to-day the annual meeting
of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The Report was
admirably read, and was most gratifying and encouraging. The
speeches were excellent, and some parts of them produced a
wonderful effect. The Lord Bishop of Carlisle spoke nobly
and scripturally ; the Dean of Carlisle spoke fervently and
affectingly ; the Rev. Dr. Miller spoke very ably and effectively;
but Mr. Calvert (of Fiji mission), spoke irresistibly to the
heart; and Dr. Phillips spoke with surpassing beauty, and
charming power. The latter two are both Welshmen, and
Methodists — the former a Wesleyan, and the latter a Whitfield
Welsh Methodist. The Rev. Mr. Nolan spoke with great excel-
lence ; Lord Shaftesbury speaks as a matter of business, natur-
ally, simply, but with dignity, and great force.
But the speeches of clergymen to-day, as well as yesterday,
544 THE STOBY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LX.
painfully impressed me with the divided, and deplorable state of
the Church of England. Indeed, I thought to-day that it was
hardly in good taste, or even politic, for clergymen to give such
prominence to the internal heresies and divisions of the Church,
at a non-denominational meeting, and before their brethren of
other denominations, and before the world. But they feel that
the evil and danger is so great that they should speak out, and
do so on all occasions. There have been disputes and divisions
among the Methodists, on personal and political quasi-ecclesias-
tical grounds, but never of the grave character of those which
agitate the Church of England. It is the opinion of many
of the clergymen and laymen of the Church, that a formal and
great separation will ere long take place between the opposing
parties. But, still, I think that the heart of the Church is
sound — that neither the ritualists nor the neologists touch the
masses of the labouring and middle classes — only some specula-
tive minds, and imaginary spirits, seeking for excitement in
religion, as they do in reading novels, and at the theatre. But,
after all, I believe, as I hope, the Church will come out of this
fiery trial, better, stronger, and more qualified to do good, and
with a deeper baptism of the Divine Spirit for its promotion.
So far as 1 have had opportunity to mingle with the ministers
and members, and to witness services and meetings, I think I
never saw the Wesleyan body in so good a state ; so perfectly
at peace and united, and so devoted to their one great work ;
and with a fervour and depth of spirituality not excelled even
in Mr. Wesley's day. The personal example and influence of
the most eloquent and leading men in the Connexion is highly
spiritual and practical.
London, 5th May. — During my present visit to England I
have been so deeply impressed with the vast benefit to my
native land by a visit to it of Rev. William Morley Punshon
that I have written to him on the subject, and have got others
to speak to him about it. I was rejoiced, therefore, to get from
him a note to-day, dated Bristol, 4th May, as follows : — The
more I think about your proposition the more I am impressed
that it is in the order of Providence that I should accept it. I
have always hoped that I might some day see your great conti-
nent and have the opportunity of acquainting myself with the
capabilities of your country, and with the work which has been
done in it ; and on many accounts the present seems to be the
most favourable time. If, therefore, you should honour me
with an invitation, and the British Conference shall see good
to appoint me, I shall place no hindrance in the way, but shall
endeavour to regard it as the wish of the Lord.
London, 6th May. — I have gratefully replied to Mr. Punshon,
1867] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 545
and shall now return to Canada, satisfied that I have, with
God's help, accomplished a great work for her, and that we
shall reap a rich reward from the services of this honoured
minister of Christ.
London, 15th May. — In a kind parting note from Rev. Dr.
Elijah Hoole to Dr. Ryerson, dated Mission House, May 15th,
the former says : I have written to Dr. Wood to-day, and have
informed him how grateful it has been to us to renew our per-
sonal intercourse with you. When you have once taken your
departure we may hardly hope to meet again, but I shall always
thankfully retain the impression of the ability and purity, and
Christian love, and missionary zeal, which have always distin-
guished your personal intercourse with us.
London, 19th June. — This day I had the pleasure of writing
to Rev. William Morley Punshon, inviting him to my house
when he comes to Toronto. I said to him, — You have probably
learned, ere this reaches you, that the Canadian Conference,
(now consisting of altogether 612 ministers and preachers), has
most cordially and warmly solicited your appointment as its
next President, with the request that you will visit and travel
through Canada the current year. I assume that you will
accept this appointment, and I understood from Rev. Gervase
Smith that you would probably come to Canada, in September
or October next. As Toronto is the centre of Methodism in
Canada, as well as the largest city, and capital of Canada West,
I assume, for reasons I have stated in a letter this day addressed
to your friend, Mr. Gervase Smith, that you will make Toronto
your home. I shall be most happy to entertain you and yours,
on your arrival there. I shall be happy to do all in my power
to consult your wishes, and promote your comfort, as well as
usefulness, "in Canada. I pray that the Lord will direct your
steps, and prosper your way, to us in this country.
London, July 17th. — In a note from Rev. Gervase Smith to
Rev. Dr. Ryerson, dated July 17th, he says : — We all seemed to
feel from your first call at our house, that we were adding
another valuable friendship to our list, and we followed you
over the water with many kind feelings and remembrances. I
am very glad to hear so cheering an account of your Conference.
As far as I can see, the way is opening out for Mr. Punshon's
visit to Canada, as clearly as you or his friends in this country
could wish. His removal from us, even for a space, will be a
great loss to us ; and on grounds of friendship, especially so to
myself ; but I hope it is all right. It is our earnest prayer that
he, and the Conference in his case, may be guided rightly. I
should very much like to accompany him. I do not give up the
hope of seeing you and the Canadian world, during his residence
35
546 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LX
among you. I have formed a secret resolution to steal away
for a few weeks within the next year or two. But perhaps it
is wrong to anticipate. " Ye know not what shall be on the
morrow."
Toronto, 24th July. — I was thankful this day to receive from
Rev. Wm. Morley Punshon a letter dated Bristol, 10th July,
acknowledging mine to him of the 19th June. He says: — It
brought me the only intimation which I have yet received of
the request of the Canadian Conference that I should be
appointed to preside over its next session. I feel humbled and
thankful for this mark of the confidence of my brethren over
the water, and, if Providence opens my way, shall regard myself
as favoured with no mean opportunity of getting and doing
good. No step in this whole matter has been of my own
motion. I am simply passive in the hands of God and of His
Church. You have very truly interpreted my wishes and feel-
ings in what you have said to some of my brethren. All our
affairs are in higher hands than our own ; and if by God's over-
ruling providence, I shall be assured of welcome in Canada, and
enabled to work for Christ upon that continent, which I have
so often longed to see, I shall regard the disruption of all older
ties, and the sacrifice of present position in this country, as a
small price to pay — the more, if I can aid in the establishment
of a grand Methodist confederacy which shall be one of the
great spiritual powers of the New World.
Dr. Ryerson adds, With a grateful heart at God's goodness in
this matter, I replied to the letter on the 1st of August, 1867.
While I was in England in 1867, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me
(Toronto, August 1st,) to say that: — The Rev. W. M. Punshon,
M.A., is coming out to Canada, in October, with his family.
He has addressed me several inquiries, which I answer by this
mail ; but I wrote him to say who you were, what your address
was in London, and that you could give him every needful
information and suggestion as to his best mode of proceedings.
I told him I would write you, and request you to write him a
line — also telling him your address, and where you could see
him, if he came to London, and offering him every information
in your power, that he might desire. All things go on as usual
in the Office.
Rev. Gervase Smith, in a letter to Dr. Ryerson, dated at the
Bristol Conference, 4th August said : — We have had many im-
portant conversations and decisions. Some of which will be
interesting to you, and the Canadian friends. Mr. Punshon's
appointment to Canada was made by the Conference. I need
not say that we are all sorely grieved at even the temporary
loss of his presence and service. But the call from Canada was
1867] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 547
loud, and Providence seemed to indicate the way thither. I need
not say that you will take care of him, and let us have him
back again as soon as practicable. I am sure that his sojourn
among you will be made a great blessing to multitudes, and I
doubt not that the future of Methodism in Canada will be in-
fluenced by it. He is also heartily appointed as our Represen-
tative to the General Conference in America. I judge that the
Conference now being held here will be regarded in the future
as a very important one.
CHAPTER LXI.
1867.
DR. RYERSON'S ADDRESS ON THE NEW DOMINION OP CANADA.
WHILE I was in England, in 1867, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me
late in July, to say : — Some of our leading public men
were anxious that I should do something to assist in placing
government upon the right foundation in our new civil state.
But before communicating with them I determined to write
boldly, an Address to the people of Upper Canada. These friends
were delighted when they learned my determination, after I
had written about half my address. It was printed last even-
ing. It will, of course, draw upon me a great deal of abuse.
But I have counted the cost, and thought I ought to issue it
under the circumstances. I think a reaction is already begin-
ning. I have thought it my duty to make one more special
effort to save the country from future wretchedness, if not ruin,
caused by the bitter party spirit of the press, whatever it might
cost me. . . I am wonderfully well ; but take some exercise
every day, and do not work very long at a time.
The Address was issued in pamphlet form in July, 1867, and
under the title of " The New Canadian Dominion : Dangers and
Duties of the People in regard to their Government." From it
I make the following extracts :
While I heartily unite in your rejoicings over our new birth
as a nation, I beg to address you some words on our national
duties and interests. I do so because my opinions and advices
have been requested by many persons deeply interested in the
public welfare ; because I am approaching the close of a public
life of more than forty years, during which I have carefully
observed the hindrances and aids of our social progress, and
have taken part, since 1825, in the discussion of all those con-
stitutional questions which involved the rights and relations of
religious denominations and citizens, and which have resulted
in our present system of free government and of equal rights
among all religious persuasions ; because my heart's desire and
prayer to God is, that the new Dominion of Canada may become
prosperous and happy, by beginning well, by avoiding those
1867] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 549
errors which have in time past been injurious to ourselves, and
which have impeded the progress and marred the peace of other
peoples, and by adopting those maxims of both feeling and
conduct which the best and most experienced public men of
Europe and America have enjoined as essential to the strength
and happiness, the advancement and grandeur of a nation. . .
We are passing from an old into a new state of political
existence. The alleged evils of former civil relations have
induced the creation of new ones ; and the denounced evils of a
former system of government have led to the establishment of
a new system. . . We have been raised from a state of
colonial subordination to one of affectionate alliance with the
mother country. Then the first act of wisdom and duty is, to
note and avoid the evils which marred our peace and prosperity
in our former state, and cultivate those feelings and develop
those principles of legislation and government which have con-
tributed most to the promotion of our own happiness and
interests as well as those of other nations.
If you will call up to your recollection the events of our
country's history for the last twenty years, I am sure you will
agree with me that personal hostilities and party strife have
been the most fatal obstacles to our happiness and progress as
a people — an immense loss of time and waste of public money
in party debates and struggles — a most fruitful source of par-
tiality and corruption in legislation and government. . . .
During the last two years that there has been a cessation of
party hostilities and a union of able men of heretofore differ-
ing parties for the welfare of the country, there has been an
economy, intelligence and impartiality in legislation, and in the
whole administration of government, not equalled for many
years past, a corresponding improvement in the social feelings
and general progress of the country, as well as an elevation of
our reputation and character abroad, in both Europe and
America. . .
In no respect is the education of a people more important
than in respect to the principles of their government, their
rights and duties as citizens. This does not come within the
range of elementary school teaching ; but I have sought to
introduce, as much as possible, expositions on the principles,
spirit and philosophy of government, in my annual reports,
and other school addresses and documents, during the last
twenty years, and so to frame the whole school system as to
make its local administration an instrument of practical educa-
tion to the people, in the election of representatives, and the
corporate management of their affairs — embracing most of the
elementary principles and practice of civil government, and
550 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXI.
doing so to a greater extent than is done in the school system
of any country in Europe, or of any State in America. And
the strength and success of the school system in any munici-
pality have been in proportion to the absence of party spirit,
and the union of all parties for its promotion. . . What is
true in school polity is true in civil polity ; and what is true in
the educational branch of the public service, is true in every
branch of the public service.
I am aware that many good and intelligent men, of different
views and associations, regard partyism as a necessity, a normal
element, in the operations of free civil government. . . I
think they are in error, at least in the Canadian sense of the
term party ; and that this error has been at the bottom of most
of our civil discords and executive abuses. I think that party-
ism is a clog in the machinery of civil government, as in that
of school or municipal government ; in which there is free
discussion of measures, and of the conduct of Trustees and
Councillors ; and there have been elections and changes of men
as well as of measures. . . When party assumptions and
intolerance have gone so far as to interfere with the proper
functions of government, with the constitutional rights of
citizens, or of the Crown, I have, at different times, in former
years, being trammelled by or dependent upon no party,
endeavoured to check these party excesses, and oppressions,
sometimes to the offence of one party, and sometimes to the
offence of another, just as one or the other might be the trans-
gressor. I was, of course, much assailed by the parties rebuked ;
but no consideration of that kind should prevent the public
instructor — whether educator or preacher — from . . teaching
what he believes to be true and essential to the advancement of
society, please or offend whom itjaay, or however it may affect
him personally.
I have rejoiced to observe, that many who have heretofore
been men of party and of party government have resolved to
inaugurate the new system of government, not upon the acute
angle of party, but, upon the broad base of equal and impartial
justice to all parties, the only moral and patriotic principle of
government, according to my convictions, and the only principle
of government to make good and great men, and make a pro-
gressive and happy country. . .
Thankful to find that the new system of civil government
was to be established upon the same principles as those on
which our school system has been founded and developed to the
satisfaction of the country, and to the admiration of all foreign
visitors; and believing that the present was the juncture of
time for commencing a new and brighter era in the history of
1867] . THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 551
Canada — I have felt that it had a claim to the result, in epitome
at least, of my fifty years reading and meditation, and more
than forty years occasional discussion, respecting these first
principles of government, for the freedom, unity, happiness,
advancement and prosperity of a people. . .
I believe there is a judgment, a conscience, a heart in the
bosom of a people, as well as in that of an individual, not
wholly corrupted — at least, so I have in time past found it in
the people of Upper Canada — and to that judgment, and con-
science, and heart, I appeal. If what I have written is true,
and if what I have suggested is wise, just, and patriotic, I am
not concerned as to what any deceptive or dishonest art can do
to the contrary ; for, as Robert Hall beautifully said, on a
similar occasion, " Wisdom and truth, the offspring of the sky,
are immortal ; but cunning and deception, the meteors of the
earth, after glittering for a moment, must pass away."
After devoting several pages to illustrate the evils of partyism
in government, Dr. Ryerson proceeds : — This partyism in gov-
ernment is contrary to the avowed principles and objects of
reformers in the true heroic age of Canadian reform. " Equal
rights and privileges among all classes, without regard to sect or
party," was the motto of the reformers of those days, and was
repeated and placed upon their banners in almost every variety
of style and form. And what was understood and meant by that
expressive motto, in the whole administration of government,
will be seen from the following facts: — The reformers and
reform press of Upper Canada, hailed and rejoiced in the prin-
ciples of the government of Lord Durham, Lord Sydenham and
Sir Charles Bagot. The Earl of Durham, in his reply to the
address of the citizens of Toronto, July, 1838, said :
On my part, I promise you an impartial administration of government.
Determined not to recognize the existence of parties, provincial or imperial,
classes or races, I shall hope to receive from all Her Majesty's subjects those
public services, the efficiency of which must ever mainly depend upon their
comprehensivenss. Extend the veil of oblivion over the past, direct to the
future your best energies, and the consequences cannot be doubted.
The favourite phrase and avowed doctrine of Lord Sydenham
was " equal and impartial justice to all classes of Her Majesty's
subjects." After the union of the Canadas, Lord Sydenham
appointed Mr. Draper Attorney- General, and the late Mr. R.
Baldwin, Solicitor-General — the first "coalition" in Upper
Canada. He also intimated at the time that he attached equal
importance to the return of Mr. Draper and Mr. Baldwin ; and
that opposition to the one as well as to the other, under what-
ever pretence it may be got up, is equally opposition to the
Governor-General's administration. Parties and party spirit
552 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXI.
have nearly ruined the country ; the object of the Governor-
General is to abolish parties and party feelings by uniting what
is good in both parties. . .
Lord Sydenham's two years administration of the Canadian
government proved the greatest boon to Upper Canada, and
the principles and policy of it were highly approved by Re-
formers and the Reform press generally. . .
Judge Story, in his Commentaries on the Constitution of the
United States, says : —
The best talents and the best virtues are driven from office by intrigue and
corruption, or by the violence of the press or of party.
In harmony with the statement of the great Judge Story,
the famous French writer, M. de Tocqueville, in his Democracy
in America, observes : —
It is a well authenticated fact that, at the present day, the most talented
men in the United States are very rarely placed at the head of affairs, and it
must be acknowledged that such has been the result in proportion as demo-
cracy has outstripped its former limits. The race of American statesmen has
evidently dwindled most remarkably in the course of the last fifty years.
These remarks of M. de Tocqueville apply to some extent to
Canada where there has been a manifest decline in the standing
and ability of our public men. There are exceptions, but what
instances have we now of the representatives or equals of the
Robinsons, the Macaulays, the Bidwells, the Jones', the
Lafontaines, the Hagermans, the Baldwins, the Drapers, the
Will sons, and many other political men of forty and twenty
years ago ? * To what is this decline in public men, in an
otherwise advancing country, to be ascribed but to the un-
scrupulous partizanship of the press and politics, which blacken
character instead of discussing principles, which fight for office
instead of for the public good, and that by a barbarous system
of moral assassination, instead of public men respecting and
protecting each other's standing, and rivalling each other's
deeds of greatness and usefulness. In England, the character
of public men is regarded as the most precious property of the
nation ; and if the personal character of any member of Parlia-
ment, or other public man, is assailed by the public press or
otherwise, you will see opponents as well as friends rallying
round the assailed, and sustaining and shielding him by their
* It affords me pleasure to remark, and I do so without any reference to the
political opinions or relations of the gentlemen concerned, that some of our rising
Canadians have entered, and others are seeking an entrance into Parliamentary life
upon the ground of their own avowed principles, personal character and merit, as
free men, and to exercise their talents as such, and not as the articled confederates,
or protege's, or joints in the tail of partizanship. Free and independant men in
the Legislature, as in the country, are the best counterpoise to faction, and the
mainspring to a nation's progress and greatness. Faction dreads independent
men ; patriotism requires them.
1867] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 553
testimony, as a matter of common or national concern. When
Sir Robert Peel, in the last great debate of his life, objected to
Lord Palmerston's Grecian policy, he referred to Lord Palmer -
ston's character and abilities — not to depreciate and calumniate
his great rival, but to exclaim, amid the applause of the House
of Commons, " We are proud of the man ! And England is
proud of the man!" But in Canada, the language of a partizan
press and politician is "down with the man ; execrate and exe-
cute the man as a corruptionist and traitor ! "
It is with a view to the best interests of our whole country,
that I have thus addressed my fellow countrymen, contributing
the results of my best thoughts and experience to your begin-
ning well, that you may do well and be well under our new
Dominion, though I cannot expect long to enjoy it. My nearly
half a century of public life is approaching its close. I am
soon to account for both my words and my deeds. I have
little to hope or fear from man. But I wish before I go hence
to see my fellow citizens of all sects and parties unite in com-
mencing a new system of government for our country and
posterity,
That all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon
the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice,
religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.
On the publication of this Address, Dr. Ryerson received
commendatory letters from various gentlemen throughout the
Province. I select three. The first is from Mr. Jasper J.
Gilkinson, Brantford, dated August 10th : —
As a Canadian and British subject, permit me to thank you for the'admir-
able pamphlet which you have had published, as it is the one thing wanted
for the instruction and guidance of the people of the Dominion, aye, and for
the world. It should be circulated free throughout the land. Never in the
history of any country did a more favourable opportunity arise to test the
fallacy that good government can alone emanate from that of party. We
have, in fact, had an illustration of no-party government during the past few
years productive of peace and quiet among us, and it could be continued
indefinitely, were it not for bad-hearted men.
Were men actuated solely for the welfare and progress of our country, the
Government could most successfully be carried on, much in the same way as
a great company; the Executive and Parliament being somewhat analagous
to a board of directors and shareholders.
Your pamphlet cannot fail to be productive of immense good, for it will
cause reflection on a subject but little thought of by many with a vast amount
of ignorance as to the true form of government calculated to confer the
greatest benefits and happiness on a people, and which, I think, you have
clearly pointed out. In our present position, were the Government to try
the experiment, and take Parliament into its counsels, I fancy it would
succeed, by all uniting for the common good.
The second was from Mr. Wm. (now Judge) Elliot, dated
London, August 20th : —
554 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LX1.
Allow me to express to you a sense of gratitude, which I feel in common,
I trust, with all reasonable people, on the occasion of your address on the
political aspect of the Dominion of Canada.
I have had some limited connection with political contests in this part of
the Province, and what I have seen and learned impels me to offer you my
humble thanks for this contribution to our political treasury.
Whether we have arrived at such a condition of society as entirely to
discard party political conflict may, I suppose, admit of serious doubt. But
that at this juncture your admonitions are most valuable, all who reflect on
the future will, I think, acknowledge. In more than one electoral contest
already, I have referred, I believe with good effect, to your remarks, and I
beg of you to allow me the pleasure of thus acknowledging the value of your
counsel. That you may long be spared to advance the educational interests
of the country, and to allay the discord and acrimony of faction, is the
sincere prayer of yours faithfully, WILLIAM ELLIOT.
The third from a gentleman in Matilda: —
Permit me to thank you for the seasonable pamphlet you have issued on
the Dominion, and the sound advice it contains, addressed to the people of
this country. I have read it with pleasure, and am of opinion that it should
be scattered broadcast, for the consideration of electors at this very important
juncture.
CHAPTER LXIL
1868-1869.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH HON. GEORGE BROWN. — DR. PUNSHON.
ON the 24th of March, Dr. Ryerson addressed the following
letter to the Hon. George Brown : —
I desire, on this the 65th anniversary of my birth, to assure
you of my hearty forgiveness of the personal wrongs which, I
think, you have done me in past years, and of my forgetfulness
of them so far, at least, as involves the least unkindness and
unfriendliness of feeling.
To express free and independent opinions on the public
acts of public men, to animadvert severely upon them when
considered censurable, is both the right and duty of the press ;
nor have I ever been discourteous, or felt any animosity towards
those who have censured my official acts, or denounced my
opinions. Had I considered that you had done nothing moro
in regard to myself, I should have felt and acted differently from
what I have done in regard to you — the only public man in
Canada with whom I have not been on speaking and personally
friendly terms. But while I wish in no way to influence your
judgment and proceedings in relation to myself, I beg to say
that I cherish no other than feelings of good will, with which
I hope to (as I soon must) stand before the Judge of all the
earth — imploring, as well as granting forgiveness for all the
wrong deeds done in the body.
On the same day Mr. Brown replied as follows : —
I have received your letter of this day, and note its contents.
I am entirely unconscious of any "personal wrong" ever
done you by me, and had no thought of receiving " forgiveness "
at your hands.
What I have said or written of your public conduct or
writings has been dictated solely by a sense of public duty, and
has never, I feel confident, exceeded the bounds of legitimate
criticism, in view of all attendant circumstances. What has
been written of you in the columns of the Globe newspaper, so
far as I have observed, has been always restrained within the
limits of fair criticism toward one holding a position of public
trust.
656 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXII.
As to your personal attacks on myself — those who pursue the
fearless course as a politican and public journalist that I have
done for a quarter of a century, cannot expect to escape abuse
and misrepresentation ; and assuredly your assaults have never
affected my course toward you in the slightest degree. Your
series of letters printed in the Leader newspaper some years
ago, were not, I am told, conceived in a very Christian spirit,
but I was ill at the time they were published, and have never
read them. Your dragging my name into your controversy
with the Messrs. Campbell — on a matter with which I had no
personal concern whatever — was one of those devices unhappily
too often resorted to in political squabbles to be capable of
exciting more than momentary indignation.
The following letter from Dr. Ryerson to Mr. Brown, dated
Toronto, April 13th. closed the correspondence: — Your note of
the 24th ult., did not reach me until Saturday evening — night
before last.
I wrote my note of that date with the view of forgetting,
rather than reviving, the recollection of past discussions.
I never objected to the severest criticisms of my " public con-
duct or writings." My remarks had sole reference to your
" personal attacks " and " assaults," made over your own name,
and involving all that was dear to me as a man, and a father,
and a Christian — " personal attacks " and " assaults " to which
my letters in the Leader referred to by you, and which you had
engaged to insert in the Globe, but afterwards refused, were a
reply ; in the course of which I convicted you not only of many
misstatements, but of seven distinct forgeries — you, by addi-
tions, professing to quote from me in seven instances the very
reverse of what I had written, and your having done all this to
sustain " personal attacks " and " assaults " upon me..
Besides this, on at least two subsequent occasions, you charged
me with what involved an imputation of dishonesty ; and when
I transmitted to you copies of official correspondence relating to
the subject of your allegations, and refuting them, you refused
to insert it in the Globe, and left your false accusations unre-
tracted to this day.
It was to such " personal attacks " and " assaults " on your
part against me, and not to any legitimate criticisms upon my
" public conduct or writings," that I referred in my letter of the
24th ult.
I admit the general fairness of the Globe towards me during
the last few months ; but that does not alter the character of
your former " personal attacks " and " assaults " upon ine, and
to which alone what you call my " personal attacks " and
"assaults" upon you were but defensive replies and rejoinders.
1868-69] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 557
I certainly have no reason to be dissatisfied with the results
of such " personal attacks " and replies, notwithstanding your
great advantage in having a powerful press at your disposal ;
and I am prepared for the future, as I have been for the past,
though I wish, if possible, to live peaceably with all men.
Dr. Ryerson having been appointed delegate (with Dr. Pun-
shon) to the American General Conference of 1868, at Chicago,
he wrote to me from that city on the 14th of May : —
On our way here we stopped at London, where Mr. Punshon lectured
nobly. We reached here Tuesday evening, and were most heartily wel-
comed by Bishop Janes, and by our hosts.
We were introduced to the Conference to-day, and were most cordially
received. Mr. Punshon was introduced by Bishop Janes, and made a touch-
ing and noble address, which won the hearts ot the Conference, and vast
audience, and was frequently and loudly cheered.
I was introduced heartily and eulogistically by Bishop Simpson, and
addressed the Conference. The latter part of my address was warmly
cheered.
Rev. Dr. Richey, President, and Representative of the Eastern Conference
of British America, was introduced by Bishop Simpson, and made a very
excellent address to the Conference.
Mr. Punshon preached powerfully and gloriously before the Conference
and an immense crowd to-day ; all were delighted, and seemed deeply
affected.
On the 18th of May, Dr. Ryerson wrote again to me: —
Mr. Punshon has made a wonderful impression here by his addresses and
discourses, beyond any thing they have ever heard from the pulpit and the
platform. He is to lecture to-morrow evening in the Opera House — the
largest room in Chicago — and there is a great rage to get tickets. He
preached there yesterday afternoon to several thousand persons, a great part
of whom were affected to tears several times. I trust that many sinners
were awakened, while believers were greatly comforted and encouraged.
We went out on Saturday on an excursion train to Clinton, in Iowa, 145
miles west of this, crossing the Mississippi there, by railroad, and crossing
the prairies. The people of Clinton — Presbyterians, etc., and Methodists —
united, and prepared an excellent dinner for three hundred and six persons,
after which speeches were delivered. The North- West Railroad Company
prepared the excursion gratuitously for the General Conference.
Dr. Ryerson having addressed a request to the British Con-
ference for the re-appointment of Rev. W. M. Punshon to
Canada, Rev. Gervase Smith replied on the 17th of August : —
Your first request was complied with without much debate. Mr. Punshon
is transferred to you for a term. The second request raised a long discus-
sion ; the result of .which was that you should be left to elect your own Pre-
sident next year. Mr. Arthur, Drs. Waddy and Rigg, and others, pleaded
for Mr. Punshon's appointment on the ground that the preceding vote placed
him under Canadian jurisdiction. But there were others who were influ-
enced by the consideration that to leave you to elect your own President,
would doubtless lead to Mr. Punshon's election. I pray that you all may
be guided rightly at this important juncture.
558 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LX1I.
Dr. Punshon's continued residence in Canada was a source of
great delight to Dr. Ryerson. Of the wonderfully beneficial
effects upon Canadian Methodism of that memorable visit, it is
not necessary that I should speak. The hallowed memories of
those days are engraven on thousands of hearts on both sides
of the lines.
Rev. Dr. R. F. Burns, of the Fort Massey Presbyterian Church,
Halifax, in a letter to the Presbyterian Witness, gives the fol-
lowing graphic account of the visit of Drs. Ryerson, Punshon,
and Richey to the General Conference at Chicago. The Wes-
leyan, of Halifax, speaking of Dr. Burns' letter, says : — The re-
miniscence is of special interest to the editor of this paper, as
he was one of the party who lunched with Dr. Ryerson at Dr.
Burns' on the occasion mentioned. Dr. Burns says : —
A memory of the worthy man comes up which you will excuse me for
jotting down. In the summer of 1868, during my residence in Chicago, the
Quadrennial Convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held. It
was then that I first made the acquaintance of Dr. Punshon, who came out
as delegate from the English Conference to that great gathering. Dr.
Matthew Richey was there representing the Methodism of Eastern, and Dr.
Ryerson of Western Canada. Quite a colony of Canadian Methodists came
over, including my old friend Rev. A. F. Bland, to whom the celebrated
Robert Collyer expressed himself more indebted than to any other living man.
I invited several of the Methodist brethren to luncheon — Drs. Ryerson and
Richey of the number — (Punshon had a prior engagement). Ryerson had
given his speech that forenoon, and Richey too, with characteristic ability,
representing the two Canadian Conferences. Dr. Richey had, a little before,
met with the accident, but yet though he had aged and failed considerably
since the days when I counted him the beau-ideal of elegance in manner
and style in pulpit and on platform, he bore himself with much of his former
stately demeanour and fine felicity of diction. Ryerson was hale and hearty
as of yore, and with perhaps less of the old tendency to tremble while speak-
ing which surprised me so much when I first witnessed it, for, under the
influence of strong feeling, and a sort of constitutional timidity, linked in
him with indomitable pluck, his limbs — indeed often his whole massive
frame — so shook that I have felt the platform quiver. The Rev. George
Goodson told me in an undertone of an unkind remark made by a dis-
tinguished member of the Conference to his neighbour as Dr. Ryerson got
up to speak, and that he had rebuked him for it, not knowing at the time
who he was. This gentleman, it came out in course of conversation, was
closely related to Elder Henry Ryan, a well-known .minister in the old
Canada Methodist Church, with whom Dr. Ryerson, in his early days, carried
on a keen warfare. The Ryan-Ryerson controversy is one with which the
older Canadian Methodists are familiar. Without hinting at the rudeness
of his relative, I alluded to Elder Ryan when conversing with Dr. Ryerson,
and got from him in graphic detail, the history of that ancient controversy
in which he was a principal party. It was very keen while it lasted, but
there was no bitter animus in the recital — though the old war horse pricked
up his ears and seemed to' " hear the sound of battle from afar." I then dis-
covered a reason for the sharp tone of the gentleman's remarks, aforesaid,
which drew forth Brother Goodson's rebuke. Though but four years of age
when he left Canada, he had imbibed a dislike to his old relative's chief
antagonist, and to the very people amongst whom the Ryerson party had
1868-69] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 559
proved victorious. Hence his remark on another occasion to a lady friend of
mine, with reference to his early connection with Canada, to the effect that
he was "ashamed of being born there," which so roused her patriotic spirit
that she promptly retorted : " Well, I am ashamed of you for saying so."
The gentleman was then one of the rising hopes of that great denomination,
and has since risen to a foremost rank in it When this little incident was
mentioned to Dr. Kyerson, he richly enjoyed it, and before leaving the
house, with his native gallantry, he expressed a desire to use the privileges
of an old man towards the fair defendress of her country's honour, saying,
naively, as we all stood, before parting in the hall, " I would like to kiss you
for your patriotism?" (See chapter vii.)
While at Peake's Island, near Portland, Maine, in 1869, Dr.
Ryerson met with a serious accident, which nearly proved
fatal. In a letter to me, he said : —
On Monday a plank from the wharf to a vessel, on the outside of which lay
our boat, fell and precipitated me some feet on the deck of the vessel ; I
falling on my head, shoulder, and side. I was stunned and much injured,
and have suffered much from my side ; but I am now getting better and am
able to dress myself, and to use my right arm. My head came within six
inches of the band which surrounds the hatchway. There was thus but six
inches between me and sudden death ! I am truly thankful for my deliver-
ance, and for my blessings.
CHAPTER LXIII.
1870-1875.
MISCELLANEOUS CLOSING EVENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
ON the 23rd of April, 1870, Kev. Drs. Punshon, Wood and
Taylor, Chairman and Secretaries of the Central Board of
Wesleyan Missions, addressed a letter to Sir George Cartier,
Minister of Militia, on the subject of sending a Methodist
chaplain with the Red River expedition under General Lindsay
and the present Lord Wolseley. In their letter they said : —
Believing that many who will volunteer to complete this enterprize will
be members of our own church, we are desirous of securing your official sanc-
tion to the appointment of a Wesleyan Minister as Chaplain to that portion
of the military expedition who are professedly attached to our doctrines and
ordinances, upon such terms as may be agreeu. upon, affecting personal rights
and military operations and duties.
This letter was merely acknowledged, and no action was
taken upon it. In the following June Conference, the subject
was brought up, and much feeling was evoked at Sir George
Cartier's apparent want of courtesy to the Missionary Board.
Sir Alexander Campbell, on seeing a report of the Conference
proceedings on the subject, wrote a very kind note to Dr.
Ryerson, in which he expressed his opinion that some mistake
must have occurred in the matter, and that he was sure no dis-
courtesy was thought of on the part of Sir George Cartier. To
this note Dr. Ryerson replied on the 18tb of June : —
I yesterday received your very kind letter of the 13th inst.
I think you know too well my high respect, and even affection
for you, and my expectations long since formed of your success
and usefulness to the country, as a public man, to doubt my
implicit confidence in any statement made by you, and my
desire to meet your views as far as possible.
In the matter as relating to Sir George E. Cartier, I may
remark, that the President of the Wesleyan Conference stated
to me the week before its annual meeting, that a communica-
tion had been addressed by himself, and the Missionary Secre-
taries, to Sir George Cartier respecting our sending a Wesleyan
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 561
Minister with the Red River expedition, to supply the spiritual
wants of many members of our own congregations, and pro-
posing to confer with him (Sir G. C.) as to the arrangement ;
that he regarded the treatment of their letter by Sir George as
discourteous, and that he thought the Conference should be
informed of it, and that it should take some action on the
subject. The Rev. Dr. Wood, senior Missionary Secretary, read
to the Conference the correspondence and the draft of four
resolutions, on the subject of which he gave notice. I was not
in the Conference when this took place. On reading Dr.
Wood's resolutions, I suggested some modifications of them, and
prepared resolutions which he preferred to his own, and which
I proposed for adoption the day after giving notice of them. <
As to Sir George's courtesy, I may observe that the letter
addressed to him, proposed a conference with him on the sub-
ject; that his Deputy, in reply, by direction of Sir George Cartier,
as he says, acknowledged the receipt of the letter addressed to
him, but though that letter was dated at Toronto, and signed
officially, the answer to it was addressed simply to the "Rev.
Mr. Punshon, Montreal," and no further notice taken of it to
this day. And it seems that Sir George did not think it worth
his while even to mention, much less submit the letter, to you
and your colleagues from Upper Canada.
In regard to the question of chaplain, our view is, and the
proposal contemplated by our President and Missionary Secre-
taries was, that the Government should not pay any salary to
the chaplain, but simply provide his rations and accommoda-
tions. It is our view that the Government should not pay or
appoint any chaplain, but leave to each denomination the right
of doing so, if it should think proper. Each chaplain thus
nominated and paid, to be recognized by the military authori-
ties, and be subject, of course, to the military regulations. In
such circumstances, it is probable there would have been three
Protestant chaplains — Church of England, Presbyterian, and
Methodist. I infer or assume this on the ground of experience.
In our Normal School of one hundred and fifty students, each
is asked his religious persuasion, and the chief minister of that
persuasion is furnished with a list of the names of students
adhering to or professing his Church, and the day, and hour,
and place where he can give them religious instruction. The
result is, that by mutual consultation and agreement of minis-
ters, all the Presbyterians, including even the Congregationalists
and Baptists, meet in one class, and receive religious instruction
from one minister, the ministers agreeing to take the labour in
successive sessions — one minister performing all the duty one
session. The arrangement voluntarily exists among the dif-
36
562 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIII.
ferent classes of Methodists — though Wesleyan ministers do all
the work. A Church of England minister attends to the
instruction and religious oversight of the Church of England
students, and the chief Roman Catholic priest does the same
in regard to the Roman Catholic students. Nothing can be
more fair, practical, and satisfactory than a similar arrangement
in regard to the Red River expedition. What may be the
peculiar views, habits, etc. of the Church of England chaplain
appointed and salaried by the Government, I know not ; but
you know as well as I do that a man being a clergyman of the
Church of England is no longer a guarantee that he does not
entertain and teach views and practices more subversive of
unsophisticated Protestant principles and feelings than could
be as successfully done by a Roman Catholic priest. Besides,
as a general rule, men, especially young men, do not regard, and
are not controlled, as to their own worship and pastorate,
except by the services and pastoral oversight to which they are
accustomed and attached ; and without such influence and aid
to the preservation and strengthening of moral principles,
habits, and feelings, more young men are liable to be demoral-
ized and ruined in military expeditions, such as that of the Red
River, than are likely to be killed in battle or die of disease.
This is the view for which the Methodist body will contend,
whatever may be the result. The Secretaries of the Bible
Society went among the volunteers, while at Toronto, and
proffered a Bible to each one that would accept of it, and
found on inquiry, that four-fifths of the volunteers, even from
Lower Canada, were Protestants, and a much larger proportion
of the volunteers of Upper Canada, and a large number of
them not members of the Church of England but Methodists
and Presbyterians. Of course, it answers the Roman Catholic
purpose, and will doubtless be acceptable to many members of
the Church of England, for the Government to appoint and
pay chaplains of those persuasions ; but I am persuaded there
will belittle difference of a contrary opinion on the subject
among the ministers and members of the excluded persuasions.
I wish I could share with. you in your expressed confidence in
Sir George Cartier, but I have no such confidence in him, and
especially in the ecclesiastical influence under the dictation of
which he acts. Wherein I may have been misinformed, and
may not have stated matters correctly, I shall be prepared to
correct any such errors, when I c6me to reply to the various
attacks which have been made upon me, in vindication of my-
self, and the Wesleyan Conference in regard to the complaint
made, and the position assumed in respect to Sir George E.
Cartier, and the Red River business.
1870-751 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 563
On the 30th June, Mr. James Wallace, of Whitby, addressed
Dr. Ryerson a letter on the subject, in which he said : —
A stranger to you personally, although not so to your many able, pungent,
and truthful letters, connected with public matters, that have from time to
time appeared in the public press : I trust you will excuse this liberty, and
accept my congratulations on your last effort in that connection as published
in the Globe.
I have some knowledge of the Eed River matter, having been there during
the first stages of the rebellion, and had, therefore, chances of becoming
acquainted with its origin and progress that few men had ; and when I see
one in your position come forward so bravely and lay bare the origin of that
infamous revolt, I must say that I feel proud of you as a Canadian, and not
only of you, but of the body with which you are connected, who so nobly
sustained you.
On the 24th August, 1870, the corner stone of the Metropo-
litan Church, Toronto, was laid. Dr. Ryerson felt that it was
a memorable day in the annals of Methodism in Toronto. I
was honoured (he said) by being selected to lay the corner
stone of the Metropolitan Church. Rev. Dr. Punshon, Presi-
dent of the Conference was present, and delivered an admirable
address. He also read one which I had prepared, but which I
was unable to deliver myself. The auspicious event of the day
amply repaid me for the anxiety which I had so long felt in
regard to the success of the enterprise, and for the responsibility
which, with other devoted brethren, I had personally assumed
to secure the site, and carry to a successful issue the erection of
a building which would be an honour to Methodism, and a
credit to the cause in Toronto. *
On the 17th March, 1871, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from
the venerable Rev. Dr. James Dixon, dated Bradford, Eng.,
2nd inst. In it he says : — In my eighty-third year, blind, deaf,
and so paralyzed as to be unable to walk without assistance, I
feel that the world is fast receding. Having sense and affection
remaining, I feel desirous of holding a little fellowship once
more with you, my dear old friend. The world to me looks like
one of your forests with the trees cut down, except here and
there one a little stronger than the rest. I look upon you as
one of those vigorous forest trees still remaining. And may
you long remain, a blessing to your country and the Church !
After referring to his own religious life and experiences, he
concludes : — As long as I live my affection for you will never
vary. I also remember other Canadian friends with great in-
terest and affection. Farewell ! my dear old friend. We shall
meet again before long in a brighter world. If you can find
time, I shall be most happy to receive a line from you.
Dr. Ryerson did find time to respond to the letter of his dear
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 505
and valued friend Dr. Dixon. His venerable aspect was well
remembered, when, as President of the Canada Conference in
1848, he did good and valued service for the Methodist Church
in Canada.
On the 29th of June, 1871, Mr. John Macdonald and Rev.
Dr. Evans having asked Dr. Ryerson to enclose to Rev. W. M.
Punshon a letter urging him to continue his noble work in
Canada, he did so most heartily, as the letter to be enclosed
expressed the real sentiments not only of the ministers and
members of thed Church generally, but those of the country at
large. Dr. Ryerson accompanied the letter with a note from
himself, in which he said to Mr. Punshon : — To have the power,
as God has given you, to mould, to a large extent, the energies
and labours of six hundred ministers, and developments of the
Canadian Church, and to control largely the public mind in
religious and benevolent enterprises — looking at the future of
our country — appears to me to present a field of usefulness
that Mr. Wesley himself might have coveted in his day. All
that God has enabled you to do already in this countiy is but
the foundation and beginning of what there is the prospect of
your doing hereafter by the Divine blessing. You know this
is the old ground on which I first proposed to you to come to
this country, and which I am sure you have no reason to regret.
This is the only ground on which I ought to desire your
continued connection with it.
A pleasing episode in the Globe controversy respecting Dr.
Ryerson's " First Lessons on Christian Morals," occurred in
June, 1872. Bishop Bethune, in his address to the Synod of
the Diocese of Toronto, spoke of the increasing spread of evil,
and of the duty of the Church, under her Divine Master, to
cope with it. He said :
Her work is, confessedly, to lead fallen man to the true source of pardon,
and to teach him to aim at the recovery of the moral image in which he was
at first created. If the passions, and prejudices, and divisions of professing
Christians themselves are a distressing hindrance to the attainment of this
noble and dutiful aspiration, we have much in the condition of the world
around us to warn and rouse us to a vigorous and united effort to arrest the
increasing tide of -sin and crime. The developments of a grossly evil spirit
at the present day fill us with horror and alarm; the profligacy and wanton
cruelty of which we hear so many instances, make us tremble for our social
peace and safety.
It is but right to enquire to what all this enormity of wickedness is trace-
able, that we may come, if possible, to the remedy. That is largely to be
ascribed, as all must be persuaded, to the neglect of religious instruction in
early life; to the contentment of peoples and governments to afford a shallow
secular education, without the learning of religious truth, or the moral
566 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIIL
obligations that it teaches. The child taught and trained for this world's
vocations only, without a deep inculcation of the love and fear of God, and
the penalty hereafter of an irreligious and wicked life, will have but one
leading idea— self-aggrandizement and self-indulgence, and will be checked
by no restraint of conscience in the way and means of securing them. Gigan-
tic frauds will be perpetrated, if riches can thus be acquired; atrocious mur-
ders will be committed, if these will remove the barrier to unholy and
polluting connections, or cast out of sight the objects of jealousy and hatred.
I have no disposition to reprobate this defect in the system of education,,
prevailing with the authority and support of Government among ourselves.
I know the difficulty, the almost impossibility, of securing the temporal
boon with the addition of the spiritual; how hard it must prove in a divided
religious community to introduce among the secular lessons which are meant
for usefulness and advancement in this world, that lofty and holy teaching
which trains the soul for heaven. The irreverent and fierce assaults recently
made upon a praiseworthy effort of the Superintendent of Education in thi»
Province to introduce a special work for moral and religious instruction.
amongst our common school pupils, testify too plainly the difficulty of
supplying that want.
I have confidence in the good intentions and righteous efforts of that
venerable gentleman to do what he can for the amelioration of the evils
which the absence of systematic religious teaching of the young must induce;,
so that we may have a hope that, from his tried zeal and unquestionable
ability, a way may be devised by which such essential instruction shall be
imparted, and the terrible evils we deplore to some extent corrected.
In response to this portion of his address, Dr. Ryersoa
addressed the following note to the Bishop on the 1st of July.
I feel it ray bounden, at the same time most pleasurable duty,
to thank you with all my heart for your more than kind refer-
ence to myself in your official charge at the opening of the
recent Synod of the Diocese of Toronto ; and especially do I
feel grateful and gratified for your formal and hearty recogni-
tion of the Christian character of our Public School System,
and of the efforts which have been made to render that charac-
ter a practical reality, and not a mere dead and heartless form,
It has also been peculiarly gratifying to me to learn that
your Lordship's allusions to myself and the school system were
very generally and cordially cheered by the members of the
Synod.
My own humble efforts to invest our school system with a
Christian character and spirit have been seconded from the
beginning by the cordial and unanimous co-operation of the
Council of Public Instruction ; and without that co-operation
my own individual efforts would have availed but little.
Since the settlement of the common relationship of all
religious persuasions to the State, there is a, common patriotic
ground for the exertions of all, without the slightest reasonable
pretext for political jealousy or hostility on the part of any.
On such ground of comprehensiveness, and of avowed Christian
principles, I have endeavoured to construct our Public School
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 567
System ; such, and such only has been my aim in the teachings
of my little book on Christian Morals ; and such only was the
aim and spirit of the Council of Public Instruction in the
recommendation of it, — a recommendation to which the Council
inflexibly adheres, and which it has cordially and decidedly
vindicated.
The Bishop replied on the 3rd of July, thus : — I have to
thank you for your letter of the 1st instant, received last
evening, and to express my gratification that I had the oppor-
tunity to bear my humble testimony to your zealous and
righteous efforts to promote the sound education of the youth
of this Province.
I believe that in the endeavours to give this a moral and
religious direction, you have done all that, in the circumstances
of the country, it was in your power to accomplish. I was
glad, too, to give utterance to my protest against the shameless
endeavours to hold up to public scorn the valuable little work
by which you desired to give a moral and religious tone to the
instruction communicated in our Common Schools. If more
can be done in this direction, I feel assured you would assume
any allowable amount of responsibility in the endeavour to
effect it.
Wishing you many years of health and usefulness, I remain,
dear Dr. Ryerson, very faithfully yours, A. N. TORONTO.
This correspondence affords a striking instance of the fact
that the very earnest discussions between the writers of these
notes in past years, had not diminished in any way the
personal respect and kindly feeling which happily existed
between them. And it was so with the late venerable Bishop
Strachan, with whom Dr. Ryerson more than once measured
swords in days gone by. Among his very latest utterances on
the Separate School Question in the Synod of 1856, he thus
referred to the Head of the Education Department and his
labours : —
One new feature, which I consider of great value, and for
which I believe we are altogether indebted to the able Super-
intendent, deserves special notice: i^ is the introduction of
daily prayers. We find that 454 schools open and close with
prayer. This is an important step in the right direction,
and only requires a reasonable extension to render the
system in its interior, as it i's already in its exterior, nearly
complete. But till it receives this necessary extension, the
whole system, in a religious and spiritual view, may be con-
sidered almost entirely dead.
568 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIII.
I do not say that this is the opinion of Dr. Ryerson,
who no doubt believes his system very nearly perfect ; and so
far as he is concerned, I am one of those who appreciate very
highly his exertions, his unwearied assiduity, and his adminis-
trative capacity. I am also most willing to admit that he has
carried out the meagre provisions of the several enactments
that have any leaning to religion, as far as seems consistent
with a just interpretation of the law. — Charge of 1856, pp.
15,16. *
In a note dated Toronto, 2nd October, 1872, Hon. W. B.
Robinson sent to Dr. Ryerson an extract from the Barrie
Northern Advance containing an obituary notice of Dr. Ryerson.
In enclosing it, Mr. Robinson said : —
I send you a Barrie paper that I think will amuse you. It is not often
we are permitted to "see ourselves as others see us" when once we go
" hence and are no more seen," — but you are an exception, and I congratu-
late you on such being the fact ; and hope the Editor will be satisfied that
he is in " advance " of the times, and may have cause to give you credit for
much more good work in the position you have so long held, with so much
benefit to the country. I observed the death of your brother William in
the papers a short time ago, which I suppose accounts for the mistake.
The extract from the Barrie paper is as follows : —
Most of our readers are aware of the fact that the great champion of educa-
tion in Upper Canada has gone to his rest. Coming generations, so long as
time lasts, will owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Eyerson, as the only real
founder of a comprehensive school system in Ontario. Through evil report
and through good report he has steadily worked on his way ; neither
daunted by the abuse he has received, nor unduly elated by the unmeasured
tribute of praise paid to his efforts in the department to which his whole life
was devoted. He kept the even tenor of his way, and we think most people,
unblinded by partisan prejudice, will acknowledge that his life purpose has,
more than that of most men, been accomplished. He leaves behind him a
structure so nearly completed that men with a tithe of his enthusiasm, and
infinitely less knowledge of the educational requirements of the Province,
can lay the capstone, and declare the work complete.
Hon. Marshall S. Bidwell died in New York shortly after his
visit to Canada in 1872. Hon. Judge Neilson, his friend, wrote
to Dr. Ryerson for particulars of Mr. Bidwell's early life, with
a view to publish it in a memorial volume. This information
Dr. Ryerson obtained from Sir W. B. Richards, Clarke Gamble,
Esq., Q.C., and Rev. Dr. Givens, and, with his own, embodied it
in a communication to Judge Neilson. In a letter to Dr. Ryer-
son, dated 30th April, 1873, the late Rev. Dr. Saltern Givens
said : —
A short time since, Hon. W. B. Robinson informed me that a letter of
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 569
condolence was written by the late Mr. Bidwell to Lady Robinsoii and her
family, on the death of Sir John, and that he thought it would answer your
purpose. . . I am sure that you will peruse it with as much pleasure as I
Lave done.
It ought to be a matter of devout thankfulness and congratulation with us
Canadians, that two of our most distinguished statesmen and jurists have
left behind them such unequivocal and delightful testimonies of their faith
in Christ, and of their experience of the power of His Gospel, in extracting
the sting from death and in comforting the bereaved.
I am sure that Sir John's letters to Mr. Bidwell, under his similar trial,
if you could obtain them, would be read with a thrill of delight and profit
by their many friends throughout Canada.
When witnessing— as we have done, some forty years ago— those fierce
political contests in which our departed friends were involved, how little did
we think that in the evening of their days they would have been united in
the bonds of Christian love and sympathy, as this interchange of friendship
evinces.
The following is Mr. Bid well's letter to Hon. W. B. Robinson,
dated 24th February, 1863 :—
I thank you for your kind and friendly letter, and for the particular
account of the closing scenes of the life of your honoured and lamented
brother. The wound inflicted by his death can never be altogether healed.
The grief which it produces is natural and rational, and is not inconsistent
with any of the precepts, or with the spirit of the Gospel. It is a duty, how-
ever, to keep it within bounds, and not to allow murmurs in our heart
against Divine Providence. The language of our hearts should be that of the
Patriarch, " The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name
of the Lord." Gratitude for the gift should be mingled with our deep
sorrow for the loss of it. In my own case, a consideration of the unspeak-
able goodness of God in having bestowed upon me such an inestimable
blessing has been continually present to my mind, and trust such feelings
will abound in the bosom of Lady Robinson, her family, and yourself. He,
whose removal from earthly scenes your hearts deplore, was all that you
could have desired, in his public and private character, and in the homage of
universal veneration and esteem. Where will you find one like him 1 Was
there not great and peculiar goodness in God's bestowing him upon you 1
Was lie not the joy and pride of your hearts continually ? Did not his pre-
sence irradiate his home, and make it like an earthly Paradise ? Every
pang which you may suffer attests the value of the blessing which you have
so long had. Your gratitude to God, the author of every good and perfect
gift, ought to be in proportion to your grief. It is to be remembered, also,
that he was not cut down prematurely in the midst of his days, but had
passed the period which Moses, the man of God, in his sublime and pathetic
prayer (Psalm xc.) considers as the ordinary boundary of human life, and
retained all his powers and faculties to the last; and that during this long
life he had not been absent from his family, at least not from Lady Robinson
(if I am not mistaken) except during the transient separation when he was on
the circuit. It is natural that your hearts should yearn for him, should
long to see him again, and enjoy the pleasure of his company ; yet death
must sooner or later have separated you, and longer life might have been a
scene of suffering. Would it not have been inexpressibly painful to you all
to have seen his mental and bodily powers decay and fade away ? Such a
spectacle would have been distressing and mortifying. Now his memory is
associated with no humiliating recollections; but you remember him as one
always admired, respected and loved. Death has set his seal upon him,
570 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIII.
and although he is removed from you to return no more to earthly scenes,
you know that it is only a removal, and that he is now in a state of exalted
and perfect, though ever progressive, felicity. I trust you have the most
consolatory evidence that this is now his present and unalterable state, nnd
that you constantly think as David thought and said, "I shall go to him,
but he shall not return to me." In the meantime you have the consolation
of knowing that while you remember him with the tenderest affection and
interest, he has not forgotten you, but has a more distinct and perfect recol-
lection of you than you have of him. That this is literally true is the convic-
tion of my understanding, founded not only upon reason and analogy, but
upon the irrefragable testimony of divine revelation. There surely is nothing
in such a thought that is improbable. We have daily experience of the
revival in our minds of past events long forgotten; they lived there, though
dormant. Then how many well authenticated and well known instance?,
where persons recovered from drowning have stated that before they lost
consciousness, all the scenes and incidents of their lives flashed instanta-
neously, as it were, upon their minds, and appeared to be present to their
view. They had been treasured up there, though latent. Death does not
extinguish the mental faculties, thought does not cease, but the conscious
and thinking being passes from scenes present to scenes eternal. " Mortality
is swallowed up of life." There would be good ground for this conviction,
if revelation gave us no higher proof; but it is explicit. " Every one of us
shall give account of himself to God." This necessarily implies a perfect
recollection of our lives. We are to answer for all the deeds done in the
body; for every idle word, for every secret and sinful thought and feeling.
This requires a perfect recollection of every event, sentiment, and emotion of
our lives. The soul, therefore, must carry into the unseen world a perfect
recollection of its associates and friends; and as there will be no decay then of
mental powers, this will be an abiding, ever-present recollection. Every
holy feeling will also continue after death — conjugal, parental, filial, frater-
nal affections are holy ; they are expressly enjoined upon us by divine
authority. Love, indeed, pure, fervent affection, is the characteristic element
of Heaven. It is impossible, therefore, that the holy affections should cease
at death. I have, therefore, a conviction that our departed friends, whose
death we mourn, remember us distinctly and with tender affection. I have
dwelt upon this subject because it has afforded me in my great affliction
much consolation, and if I had time, I might expatiate more fully upon it.
and adduce further evidence in support of its truth.
Yes ! it is a truth, and therefore it is full of consolation. While we are
thinking of our departed friends with grief, they, too, are thinking of us,
with at least equal affection, and this they will continue to do until we meet.
In the meantime we may comfort ourselves with the thought that, to use
the language of a sober and judicious commentator on the sacred Scriptures,
" The separation will be short, the re-union rapturous, and the subsequent
felicity uninterrupted, unalloyed, and eternal."
I have felt peculiar sympathy for Lady Robinson. I am sure her affliction
must be extreme. I hope the Son of God is with her in the furnace, and
that she has a consciousness of His presence. He can give both support and
consolation, and both she must greatly need. He can gently, and imper-
ceptibly, bind up and heal her wounded and bleeding heart.
I wish that I could furnish reminiscences that would be interesting to
you, for I should be glad to testify my respect for the memory of your
brother, but I cannot tell you anything with which you are not familiar.
I remember distinctly his appearance the first time I saw him. He had just
returned to Canada, after his first visit to England. I was a student at law,
and had gone from Bath to Toronto, to attend the Court of King's Bench at
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 571
Michaelmas Term. He, and Lady Eobinson, came from Kingston in the
steamer " Frontenac." I think that Mr. Hagerman was on board also.
From another passenger, I heard that on the voyage they were overtaken
at night by a storm, which stove in the dead-lights, and poured a flood of
water into the cabin. It was a time of alarm, probably of danger; your
'brother was perfectly composed. He came into court on his arrival, and
upon that occasion I saw him. His appearance was striking. His features
were classically and singularly beautiful; his countenance was luminous
with intelligence and animation; his whole appearance that of a man of
genius and a polished gentleman, equally dignified and graceful. Altogether
his features, figure and manners filled my youthful imagination with admira-
tion, which subsequent acquaintance, and opportunities to hear him at the
Bar and in Parliament, only strengthened, and which was not diminished
by the difference between us in our views and opinions on public aifairs.
I heard him frequently at the Bar, and upon some occasions, I had the
honour to be junior counsel with him.
He was a consummate advocate, as well as a profound and accurate lawyer.
He had extraordinary powers for a speech impromptu, and needed as little
time for preparation for an address to a jury, or an argument to the Court,
as any one I have ever known. But he was never induced by this readiness
to neglect a patient and careful attention to his client's case
No one could be more faithful. He studied every case thoroughly, ex-
amined all the particular circumstances, made himself master of its details,
and considered it carefully, in all its aspects and relations. I do not think
he ever delivered a speech from memory. He was self-possessed in the trial,
his mind was vigilant, his thoughts flowed rapidly, he had rapid association
of ideas, great quickness of apprehension, as well as great sagacity, and a
power of arranging anything in his mind, luminously and instantaneously;
his fluency was unsurpassed.
I was present upon those occasions in Parliament which aroused him to
great exertions.
He was at all times a correct, elegant, interesting speaker, but upon those
occasions he spoke with great force and effect.
The fire of his eye, the animation of his countenance and the elegance of
his manner, combined with dignity, cannot be appreciated by any one who
did not hear him. No report of his speeches, no description of his manner
and appearance, can convey to others a just and adequate idea. To report
him verbatim was impossible. His ideas flowed so rapidly, and he had such
fluency of language, that no reporter could have kept pace with his delivery.
He was an admirable parliamentary leader. He never exposed himself by
any incautious speech or act, and never failed to detect and expose one on
the other side. He was sincere and earnest in his opinions, uncompromising,
frank and fearless in the expression of them. He never attempted to make
a display of himself, or indulged in useless declamation; but spoke earnestly
and for the purpose of producing an immediate effect. I heard that when
he was in England in 1823 (I think that was the year), the ministry had
under consideration introducing him through one of their boroughs into
Parliament. If it had been done, I have no doubt he would have become a
distinguished member of the House of Commons, and I think it probable
that he would have attained to the highest honours of the land. During
two years I had the honour to be Speaker of the House of Assembly, while
he was Speaker of the Legislative Council ; our official stations rendered it
necessary for us to confer together concerning the business before Parlia-
ment. He was always courteous, communicative and obliging. The differ-
ence between us on political questions while I was in Parliament precluded
intimate or confidential relations, but he was always pleasant and candid,
572 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIII.
and more than once did I share in that elegant hospitality which was dis-
pensed so cordially and so gracefully by him and Lady Robinson.
I have had the honor to receive friendly letters from him occasionally
since I have been here, and after my great affliction last spring he wrote to
me two very kind letters for which I shall ever be grateful.
I should be sincerely glad to evince my respect for his memory. I have not
space left to add anything respecting his judicial character and career, but
this is unimportant. Every one in Canada knows it.
Writing tto me after the Conference at London, in June, 1873,
Dr. Ryerson said: — The proceedings of the Conference were
very harmonious, and the discussions very able and corteous
upon the whole. I received many thanks for my labours in
connection with the scheme for Methodist Confederation and
for union with the New Connexion Methodists. I trust I have
been able, through Divine goodness, to render some service to
the good cause.
In a letter to Dr. Ryerson from Rev. Dr. Punshon, dated 2nd
December, the latter expressed some fears as to one or two
points in the future of the General Conference arrangement.
He says: —
I am looking with some solicitude to the result of the Appeal to the
Quarterly Meetings on the Union question. I hope it will be carried, though
your modifications of the scheme do not quite meet my approval, as one who
would like to see a statesman's view taken of things. I do not see the bond
of cohesion twenty years hence, when those who are now personally known
to, and therefore interested in, each other, have passed off the stage. Then the
General Conference will meet as perfect strangers, having hardly a common
interest but that of a common name ; and as there are no General Superin-
tendents, who know all the Conferences, there will not be, as in the States,
any link to bind them together. I trust some remedy will be found for this,
or the lack of such link will be disastrous.
We are losing our prominent men. You will have seen that Mr. Heald
has passed away— also Mr. Marshall, another Stockport "pillar." I am
greatly concerned about my dear friend, Gervase Smith, the Secretary of the
Conference. He has overtaxed himself, and is very ill. Absolute rest is
enjoined for some time. It would be a sad day for me, if dear Gervase were
to pass from my side. We have just heard of the loss of the " Ville du Havre,"
with 226 lives. Emile Cook, from Paris, was on board, and injured by the
collision. How terrible ! Now, my dear Dr. Ryerson, the good Lord be
with you, and make you always as happy in His love as you desire to be,
and spare you yet for many years, to counsel and to plan for His glory and
the benefit of Canada.
Writing from his Long Point Cottage to me on the 12th of
April, 1873, Dr. Ryerson said : — Some days I have felt quite
young ; but upon the whole, I doubt whether the means which
have been so successful in the past in renewing my strength,
can be of much use any longer to " stave off " old age. A
medical gentleman here from Port Rowan said yesterday, I
looked the perfection of health at my age ; but my strength I
1870-75] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 573
feel already to be " labour and sorrow." So true are the words
of inspiration to practical life.
The union question having been carried, and the General
Conference established, that body met in Toronto in September,
1874. Speaking of it Dr. Ryerson said : — In 1874 I was elected
the first President of the first General Conference of the Meth-
odist Church of Canada; consisting of an equal number of
ministers and laymen, and representing the several Annual Con-
ferences of the Dominion of Canada.
On his return home from the General Conference held in
Toronto in 1874, Hon. L. A. Wilmot, a former Judge, and late
Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, wrote to Dr. Ryerson
a note, in which he said : — How can we ever repay you and your
dear family for the warm-hearted hospitality and the intel-
lectual repast we so much enjoyed while with you ? To me it
is much more than a sunny memory, as you have so enriched
me with treasures of thought, and words of wisdom. Really, I
long to see you again, and I cannot express to you the pleasure
it will afford us to welcome you all to our suburban home.
We have room enough for you all, and sincerly do we pray that
we may all be spared to meet again. [Mr. Wilmot has since
then gone home to his reward.]
CHAPTER LXIV.
*
1875-1876.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH REV. J. RYERSON, DR. PUNSHON, ETC.
DR. RYERSON went up to Simcoe to preach the anniversary
sermons there, in December, 1874, and hoped to have
gone to Brantford to see his brother John, but was pre-
vented. He therefore wrote to him a New Year's letter, on
the 3rd January, 1875 : I have often prayed for you, thinking
sometimes that I was even praying with you. We have spoken
of you more than once during the recent holiday salutations
and good wishes, and have wished you happy returns of this
season of kindly greetings and renewed friendships.
I feel to bless God that during the last several weeks I have
experienced, in a deeper and brighter degree than I ever expe-
rienced before, " the love of Christ which passeth all know-
ledge." The pages of God's book seem to shine with a brighter
lustre and a more luminous, comprehensive and penetrating
power than I ever beheld in them. Without care, without
fear, without a shadow of doubt, I can now, through God's
wonderful grace, and by His Holy Spirit, rest my all upon Christ
— lay my all upon His altar, and say, " For me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain."
On Sunday afternoon we had the renewal of the Covenant
Service, in the Metropolitan, and the Communion. It was a
good time. I think there were more than five hundred at the
Communion — the largest number I ever witnessed in America,
even at a camp-meeting. It took Rev. Dr. Potts and I more
than an hour to distribute the elements.
I am anxious to go up to my cottage for change and retire-
ment, so as to be quite alone for a few weeks with my books
and papers.
I am at work, as hard as I can, upon my history. On New
Year's Day I worked at it for fifteen hours — writing upwards
of twenty pages of foolscap, besides researches, comparing
authorities, etc. I am anxious to complete the two volumes of
the New England Loyalists, before I go to England in May.
1875-76] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 575
In reply to Dr. Ryerson's letter of 3rd January, his brother
John wrote : —
My health is still precarious. . . . My attention to religious duties
(reading the Scriptures, private and meditative self-examination, etc.,) I
unremittingly persevere in, but my religious enjoyment is low and my faith
weak. . . This winter I have read the Life of Dr. Bradshaw, an eminent
clergyman of the Church of England, some time Rector of Colchester, then
of Birmingham, and then of a Rectory in the suburbs of London, where he
died in 1865, at the age of eighty -nine. His ministry extended over more
than sixty years. He was one of the most devoted, and singularly pious
ministers whose memoirs I ever read. 0 ! into what dwarfishness the
morality, and the spiritual and elevated attainments of most Christians sink
in the presence of such men ! Dr. Bradshaw's life was written by Miss
Marsh, the authoress of the Life of Captain Vicars, and other excellent
books. I have also read the Life of Miss M. Graham, a most eminently
pious and devoted lady, also a member of the Church of England. She died
at the early age of twenty-eight. Another memoir — of Mrs. Winslow, from
the reading of which I ought to have derived much profit, one of the holiest
women of whom I ever read, was a devoted member of the English Church.
She was the daughter of a wealthy West India planter, and born in the
West Indies. Her father died when she was quite young. She was married
to a Captain in the British army, in one of the regiments stationed in the
Island of Jamaica, but singular to say, not long after her marriage, was
wonderfully converted, and towards the close of his life, was the means of
saving her affectionate and devoted husband, who was a nephew of the once
Governor of the Colony of Massachusetts. He was very wealthy, besides
his West India estate — owning a large estate in England. The wonderful
piety of this devoted saint, during the long years of her widowhood, ought
to humble pigmy Christians, like me, in the dust. Oh, can I ever be saved,
if such men and women are only saved ?
I am now reading the life and labours of Rev. Dr. Shrewsbury, a Wesleyan
missionary to the West Indies and South Africa — then late in life back to
England, where he died in 1866, aged seventy-three years. He was a man
of ability, much industry and zeal, and of more than the medium piety of
Methodist preachers generally.
In reply to this letter, Dr. Ryerson wrote to his brother
on the 21st of February and said : —
You speak of the want of joy in your religious experience. I do not pray
for joy, I simply pray for the indwelling of Christ, for the stamp of His
image upon my soul, and for the harmony of every desire, and thought,
and feeling, with His holy will, and divine glory ; and there comes a "peace
that passeth all understanding," a rest of the soul from fear, and anxiety — a
sinking into God, — and now and then greater or less ecstacies of joy. I
think we mistake when we make what is usually termed joy, the end of
prayer, or of desire. I believe that even heaviness, and especially when
superinduced by bodily disease, is not only consistent with a high state of
grace, but even instrumental in its inciease — especially of faith; the faith
which realizes things invisible, as visible, and things to come, as things
present.
I should like to read the biographies of which you speak, especially that
of Rev. Dr. Marsh, but my time is insufficient to read what I have to read
for my historical purposes. After all, biographies are very much what the
biographers choose to make of their heroes. The writings of the Holy
Apostles are the simple and true standard of Christian experience, practice
576 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIV.
and privilege, and help us also from sinking into despondency by the illus-
trations they give of human imperfections and infirmities, and directing us
so plainly to the source of all strength and supply, as well as to the " God of
all consolation." We will talk more of these things when I see you.
Rev. John Ryerson, in his letter of February 24th, said : —
I never pray for joy in religion ; to pray or seek for such a thing would
be to begin at the wrong end ; but truly pious persons might have joy as the
fruit of a real experience, as growing out of a life " hid with Christ in God,"
joy in believing, joy in the Holy Ghost — but what I do offer my poor
prayers for, is to know my sins forgiven, my acceptance with God ; that I
have a lot among the sanctified, that I have peace with God, through our
Lord Jesus Christ. If I had an abiding evidence of such an experience, it
would produce more or less joy. Surely the Bible is the best book ; it is
" The Book ; " bu.t still he may find many blessed illustrations of its truths,
of its morality, its spirituality, in the experience and lives, not only of saints
of ancient days, but many of modern times. Rev. Dr. Marsh was one of
these. He was a man of great learning, and extensive reading, but he loved
the Bible infinitely, and above all books, read it (I was going to say) almost
continually, and died with the New Testament in his hand. I try to read
God's blessed Word, I am reading the Bible through by course — five or ten
chapters every day in the Old Testament, and two or so in the New, besides
on my knees, I read all the Psalms through every month. But what does
this amount to ? Nothing, so long as I am not saved from pride, irritability,
selfishness, etc., within ; the workings of which, more or less, I daily feel.
This greatly troubles and distresses me; besides the remembrance of my sins
of unfaithfulness, wanderings, backslidings, is grievous to me, and sometimes
a burthen too heavy to be borne. The temptations, trials, sorrows, of true
saints sometimes shed a little light upon my dulness, and give some strength
to my weak and wavering faith.
On the 28th of February, Dr. Ryerson replied : —
T thank you for your kind and interesting letter. I did not suppose you
had made joy an object or subject of prayer ; but from the tone of your letter,
it appeared to me that the absence of joy, or "heaviness of spirit," had led
you to judge of your state too unfavourably. I quite agree with the views
you express on the siibject. I have not seen Rev. Dr. Marsh's life: but I can
conceive him quite worthy of what is written, and of the opinion you express
respecting him. During my attendance at the Wesleyan Conference in
Birmingham, in 1836, my host invited Rev. Dr. (then Mr.) Marsh, Rev.
John Angell James, and several other clergymen and persons of note, to
meet me. I was very much struck with Mr. Marsh's appearance, and the
more so from a circumstance mentioned to me by the hostess. A short time
before that, a publisher there wished to get a portrait of the Apostle St. John,
to have it engraved as an illustration in some book or publication he was
issuing ; and Mr. Marsh was solicited to sit for the artist, as his countenance
was supposed to reflect more strongly the purity and loveliness of the
Apostle than any ideal that could be found. In consequence of this circum-
stance, I was told that Mr. Marsh was often called St. John the Apostle,
from his Apostolic character and truly lovely manner and countenance. His
praise was then in every mouth, as I was told, among the Dissenters as well
as members of the Church of England. (See page 163.)
After Dr. Ryerson became President of the General Confer-
ence in 1874, he was gratified at the many kind things said to
1875-7G] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 577
him by his brethren and other friends. None were more kind
and loving than those contained in a letter from his friend, Rev.
Dr. Punshon, who speaks of his own elevation to the Presidency
of the British Conference. Dr. Punshon, in his letter to Dr.
Ryerson of the 19th of February, said : —
First of all, let me congratulate you most heartily upon your well-merited
elevation to the Presidency of the General Conference. They did them-
selves honour, and you will do them honour in their choice. My elevation
here was unexpected, but very grateful, although the responsibility and
work which it entails make me long for July, when, if God wills, I shall doff
my regalia. I hope most earnestly to have the pleasure of seeing the
Canadian representatives at the next Conference in Sheffield. I have already
spoken for a very sweet home for you. It will be a great gratification to see
you once again, and to enjoy sweet converse with you as of old. Mr. Gervase
Smith and I are to be with relatives just across the road. So please do not
delay your coming for another year, as no one knows to what place the Con-
ference will be carried. It seems almost improper to talk about it when we
remember the heavy loss into which, as into an inheritance, we have all
come by the death of dear Wiseman. You would, I am sure, be very grievedl
to hear of it. It fell on all here like a thunder-clap. But the Lord is good,,
and knows what is best for us all. There is a sorrowfully-occasioned vacancy
at the Mission House, which the friends say I must fill, bat I cannot telll
how it will go, and of course, all is premature as yet. The Lord will direct;
us as He has always done.
By the way, I have been set seriously, thinking by Mr. Wiseman's re-
moval, whether I had sufficiently secured, by the document I gave to Rev..
Dr. Rice, that the principal of the Testimonial Fund, given to me on leaving-.
Canada, should, at my death, pass to the Canadian Conference for the benefit
of the worn-out ministers and widows. I found on enquiry that it was not
so secured as to be beyond doubt. I have been in consultation with, my
solicitor as to the best method of effecting this. I have therefore given
directions for a deed of trust to be prepared, which will state that I hold this
money in trust for the " Superannuated Minister's Fund of the Methodist
Church of Canada." I advise you of this as the honoured President of the
General Conference. I was, on the whole, satisfied with the proceedings of
the General Conference. I felt a little pang at the hasty change of name.
It was inevitable to do it, at the same time, but it showed rather a leaping
desire of freedom, and a wish to get as far as possible from the old mother at
once, which might have, perhaps, been spared. This was not, I dare say,
present to all who desired the change. I admit all the force of yoiir able
reasoning for the present — but twenty years hence the General Conference
will meet as strangers, with no community of interest, and I dread the
result, without a visible bond of cohesion.
Writing to me from Port Rowan in September, 1875, Dr.
Ryerson said : — My friends here think that I am stronger, walk
better, and appear more active than when I was last in this
village. This is a common remark to me, and for which I can-
not feel sufficiently thankful to my Heavenly Father. He is
my portion ; my all is His ; and I feel that He is all and in all
to me — my joy as well as my strength.
Writing from his Long Point cottage to me on the 13th
April, 1876, Dr. Ryerson said: — Next Sunday will be Easter
37
578 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIV-
Sunday — the 51st anniversary of my ministerial life, and what
a life ! Much to lament over ; much to humble ; with many
exposures and hardships ; full of various labours ; abounding in
heavenly blessings.
Dr. Ryeison was appointed as a representative of the Con- .
erences of British America to the General Conference of the
United States in 1876. Being unable to go, he addressed a
letter to Bishop Simpson, from which I take these extracts : —
I regret that I have been unable to fulfil my last public
mission in behalf of our Canadian Church to the Conference of
British Methodism to go to Baltimore to look upon your General
Conference, and bid a last earthly farewell to brethren whom I
esteem and love so much — with whom I was first brought into
church membership, by whose Bishop Hedding I was ordained
both deacon anci elder, and with whom I feel myself as much
one this day as I did half a century ago.
My first representative mission was in 1828, to visit and urge
upon the late Rev. Dr. Wilbur Fisk, of Wilbraham, Conn., the
request of our Conference to become our first bishop ; and
had he consented, or Dr. Bangs afterwards, I believe it would
have been a great blessing to Methodism in Canada ; but an
overruling Providence ordered it otherwise, and the extension
of the work of God, through our ministry and Church, down
to the present time, is one of the greatest marvels to ourselves
and to others.
For thirty-one years and upwards, by the annual permission
of my Conference, I have administered the governmental
system of public instruction in this country ; but the Govern-
ment and Legislature have at length acceded to my request to
retire, and have done so without reducing my official allowance ;
and now, in the seventy-fourth year of my age, and fifty-second
of my ministry, I am enabled, in the enjoyment of good health,
to go in and out, as aforetime, among my brethren, with a
brightening hope and increasing desire of soon being permitted
to " depart and be with Christ, which is far better," and where
I feel sure of joyously meeting thousands of fellow-ministers
and labourers whom I have known in the flesh on both sides of
the Atlantic.
In May, 1876, Dr.Ryerson went to England to consult works
on the history of America in the British Museum Library.
Writing to me from near Leeds, just after his arrival, he says : —
I was most cordially received by Rev. Gervase Smith, and Dr.
Punshon. The latter insisted upon my being his guest first,
as he had the strongest claim upon me. I was his guest for
1875-76J THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. 579
eight days — and they were very agreeable days to me. When
I came here I was enthusiastically received by the Methodist
New Connexion Conference — a most cultured, gentlemanly, and
respectable body of men — their whole body being not numer-
ous, but select.
I have thus far enjoyed my visit to this country most
thoroughly — free from care, and surrounded by most kind
friends and agreeable associations.
Writing to me from London, on the 17th July, he says : — I
experienced a great pleasure in my visit to Ireland, in becom-
ing personally acquainted with many of the Irish preachers,
and in witnessing their conferential proceedings. They are a
faithful, hard-working body of men ; they have hard work to
do, and their success the last year has been in advance of that
of preceding years.
I have seen Mr. Longman in regard to publishing my history.
He was very cordial and complimentary. I explained to him
in brief the origin and scope of what I had written, and of
what I intended to write, and gave him the table of contents of
the first fifteen chapters — to the end of the reign of Elizabeth,
and the loth chapter on the " Protestantism of Queen Elizabeth,"
as published in the Canadian Methodist Magazine.
I was at the Houses of Lords and Commons a part of one
afternoon and evening. Sir Stafford .Northcote, hearing that I
was there, came to me under the Speaker's gallery, and conversed
with me nearly half an hour. Other members also spoke to
me. Earl Grey recognized me in the street, and stopped and
conversed with me.
I go to the Wesleyan Conference at Nottingham next Mon-
day, and may probably remain there ten days. I attended four
services yesterday — at 8 a.m. (communion), at the parish Church
of St. James? near Piccadilly, where I was lodging; at the
Temple at 11 a.m., a grand service, delightful music, and an
excellent sermon from Rev. C. J. Vaughan, Master of the Temple ;
at 3 p.m. at Westminster Abbey — prayers read by the Dean of
Lichfield, and sermon by the Dean of Richmond on the words,
" Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," — a plain,
practical sermon, but the music, etc., inferior to that of the
Temple. In the evening I went to one of the most fashionable
and advanced Ritualistic Churches; poor singing, poorer preach-
ing. Everything pretentious, and certainly not attractive to
me. In all three churches, the hymns and tunes were old
Methodist hymns and tunes, and well sung.
Dr. Ryerson did go to the British Conference as President
and Representative of the General Conference of Canada. The
London Methodist Recorder, speaking of his presence there.
580 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIV.
said : — Rev. Dr. Punshon, the President, gave a brief and dis-
crimating introduction to Dr. Ryerson. The Doctor's personal
appearance is very prepossessing ; he is grey -haired ; of a fine,
healthy complexion ; has a gentle eye ; and a full, emotional
voice. He dresses in the style of the " fine old English gentle-
*man," with a refreshing display of "linen clean and white."
One scarcely knows which most to admire — the simplicity of
the man, his well-furnished intellect, or his practical good
sense ; which most to wonder at, the real progress which has
been made in this one lifetime, or the boundless possibilities of
the future to which that progress leads. It is something to
have rocked the cradle of an empire-Church. The audience
was several times deeply moved by the Doctor's allusions to
the memories of the past, but most of all when, in the conclu-
sion of his address, he said " farewell," with a tearful expression
of his own rejoicing " in the hope of eternal life."
Rev. D. Savage, who was also Representative of the General
Conference, in a private note, said : — It is a grand Conference,
distinguished by remarkable manifestations of Divine power,
The reports which will come to you through the press cannot
do justice to the influence that is abroad. Dr. Ryerson's
address was eloquent and impressive. The fact that Dr.
Ryerson was representative to the British Conference in 1833,
and that after the lapse of forty-three years, he has returned in
the same capacity, is in itself a most extraordinary event. The
words in which Dr. Punshon introduced Dr. Ryerson were elo-
quent and kindly.
The following letters were addressed to me by Dr. Ryerson
while in London, at the dates mentioned : —
September 19£A.— My lodgings are just opposite the British
Museum, the library of which I find of great* use to me. I
am absorbed in revising and completing my w\>rk. Whether
it will be a success or not, is one of the uncertainties of the
future.
I am glad to be here, instead of being in Toronto, during the
ensuing session of our Legislature, as I do not wish to be where
any party can call upon me, or use my name in respect to any
measure that the Government may think proper to bring for-
ward on the subject of education.
November 14>th. — The Earl of Dufferin enclosed flattering
letters of introduction to the Earl of Carnarvon and the Dean
of Westminster, both of whom have received me with great
cordiality. The Earl of Carnarvon shook hands with me two
or three times, and said how glad he was to see and shake hands
with an old Canadian, whose services to his country were spoken
of as Lord DuSerin has spoken of mine. His Lordship told me
1875-76] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 581
he would give instructions, whenever I, desired, to have every
possible facility and aid given me in the Record Office in refer-
ring to any documents or papers there, relating to the history
or affairs of the British Colonies.
I submitted to the Dean of Westminster the last (14th),
recapitulating summary chapter on the " Relations of Early
English Puritanism to Protestant Unity and Religious Liberty,"
for his judgment. I last evening received a kind note from
him (returning the manuscript), in which he says : "I have gone
through the summary of the reign of Elizabeth, and find it full
of just views, rendered the more attractive by the impartiality
of judgment, and by the exact knowledge of the subject which
pervades the chapter. The Dean kindly suggests the use of
some neutral word, such as " Roman Catholics " for " Papists,"
and not to use the words " Ritualists " " Ritualism," as all these
words are terms of reproach, and the use of them may lay me
open to the charge of partizanship. I shall adopt his sugges-
tions. «
December 7th. — With your letter I received day before yester-
day a long letter from my brother John — a real news letter
with some sparklings of wit. He mentions that during each of
two preceding Sabbaths he had attended a quarterly meeting
on neighbouring circuits, and on each day he had conducted a
love-feast, preached at half-past ten in the morning, adminis-
tered the Lord's Supper (one to-day to 150 alone) and preached
again at half-past six in the evening, riding several miles in
the afternoon between each appointment, which, I think, as he
says, " is pretty well for an old man in his seventy-seventh
year."
I am wonderfully well — having no pain of back, or limb, or
head. I am careful of my living and exercise; but during the
last three years I have worked fifteen hours each day. I have
every possible facility of books, retirement, and an amanuensis ;
and am doing what I would have to do under less favourable
circumstances on my return to Canada. It is singular that
your History and other books are almost the only ones which
have been furnished to the British Museum, and are found on
its catalogue! I have read every word of your essay on a
Central University and think it admirable, exhibiting much
research, acute observation, and profound thought.
December 14£/i. — My present purpose is to finish and publish
my purely Canadian History of the United Empire Loyalists
as soon as possible, and leave the other to my executors — your-
self and others — to do as you please. I am assured that my
two volumes on the Puritans in Old and New England will
raise a storm on both sides of the Atlantic. I wish to have
582 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXIV-
nothing more to do with controversy, and I do not wish to die
in a storm. I am now popular with all parties. I am sure 1
am right and just on the character and relation of the Puritans
and their opponents; but I am strongly inclined to believe
what I have written in regard to them (for I am done with
them) will perhaps take better if left as a legacy, than if now
put forth by myself. My reputation, and the pleasure to my
country, will chiefly depend upon my United Empire Canadian
History, and to that my all of strength and time is now directed
until I finish it.
December 26th. — I heard Dean Stanley preach in Westminster
Abbey, on Christmas Day. His sermon was able and eloquent,
but disappointed me by the absence of all mention of the guilt
and depravity of man, and the "good tidings," including an
atonement for the pardon of guilt, and the power of the Holy
Spirit to regenerate and sanctify. He is a very amiable man,
and looks at the good side of everything. He enumerated ten
blessings brought to man by the Incarnation of Christ, as dis-
tinguished from all the advantages of science and philosophy ;
but I felt, if I had not received through Christ the two blessings
he omitted to mention, I should never have received the bless-
ings, to which I owe my all, of renewal, pardon, strength and
comfort and hope, in the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The award to the Ontario Educational Collection at the
Centennial Exhibition, at Philadelphia, was made during; Dr.
Ryerson's absence in England. Being a government exhibit,
no medal could be awarded for it. A diploma was, however,
granted by the Centennial Commission, which was declared to
be —
For a quite complete and admirably arranged Exhibition, illustrating the
Ontario system of Education and its excellent results ; also for the efficiency
of an administration which has gained for the Ontario Department a most
honourable distinction among Government Educational agencies.
Such was the gratifying tribute which a number of eminent
American educationists paid to the Ontario system of Educa-
tion, and through it to its distinguished founder, in estimating
the results of his labours as illustrated at the Centennial
Exhibition.
Having communicated this to Dr. Ryerson, in England, he
replied : — I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude with you
to our Heavenly Father, for His abounding care and goodness
in connection with the Education Department, in prospering us
in our past work, and in sustaining us during all these years
against attacks and adversaries on all sides. It is a singular
and? gratifying fact, that the Centennial Exhibition at Phila-
1875-76] TEE STOJIY OF MY LIFE. 583
delphia should afford us, at this juncture (the year of my retiring
from office), the best of all possible opportunities, to exhibit the
fruits (at least in miniature) of our past policy and labours. To
you, with myself, equally belongs the credit, as I am sure the
pleasure and gratitude, of these signal displays of the Divine
goodness to us.
During his stay in England Dr. Ryerson received a note from
Rev. Dr. Jobson, dated January 25th, 1877, in which he said: —
It will afford me lasting pleasure to think that I have said or done any-
thing towards augmenting your enjoyment on what you have been pleased
to term your ' last visit to England.' I remember with pleasure vour former
visits, and our associations together with Princes in our Israel who have
passed to " the better country — even a heavenly." And, for more than a
quarter of a century, I have traced your course as an acknowledged leader
and counsellor for Methodism in Canada, The result of this has been to
produce within me deep reverential esteem and affection towards you, which
have been only slightly expressed by such attention and acts that you are
pleased to acknowledge. My best wishes will accompany you on your return
to Canada ; and I am sure that I express the feeling of all my ministerial
friends wheji I say that your appearance among us at our Lite Conference in
Nottingham heightened its interests with us and that.your utterances in it
render it joyously memorable to us.
CHAPTER LXV.
1877-1882,
CLOSING YEARS OF DR. RYERSON'S LIFE-LABOURS.
AFTER Dr. Ryerson's return from England, he devoted some
time to the final revision of his principal work, in two
volumes : The United Empire Loyalists of America,, and to two
additional volumes on the Puritans of Old and New England.
These works cost him a good deal of arduous labour, but their
preparation was in many respects a source of pleasure to him,
and of agreeable occupation. After their completion, he lived
in quiet retirement at his residence, No. 171 Victoria-street,
Toronto. His pen was soon again employed in writing a series
of essays on Canadian Methodism for the Canadian Methodist
Magazine, which were afterwards re-published in book form.
Immediately after his return from England, his brother John
addressed him the following letter on the 23rd March, 1877 : —
I heartily congratulate you on your safe arrival in your native land, and
also that in health and strength you are spared to see your seventy-fourth
birthday. As age advances time seems to fly more and more rapidly ; and
however it may be with others, certainly we are to the " margin come," and
how important it is that we live in readiness, and in continual preparation
for our departure.
On the 7th May, 1877, Dr. Ryerson received a letter from his
brother John urging him to commence a proposed series of
essays on Canadian Methodism. He- says: —
I am glad that you think of writing a review of Church matters, and that
there are so many leading ministers who think you ought to do so. The
more I think and pray about the matter, the more I am satisfied that is a
path of duty opened up to you, the pursuit of which will be a great blessing
to the Church and the country in coming time. The matters referred to
and somewhat explained and exhibited, with other things which doubtless
will occur to you, might be : — 1. Missionary Society ; 2. Byanism; 3. Cana-
dian Conference formed ; 4. Clergy reserve land matter ; 5. Christian Guardian
commenced ; 6. Church Land and Marriage Bill ; 7. Victoria College ;
8. Book- Room ; 9. Centenary celebration and fund ; 10. Union with the
British Conference ; 11. Hudson Bay mission ; 12. Disruption with British
Conference ; 13. Re-union ; 14. Superannuated ministers ; Contingents ;
Chapel Relief, and Childrens' Funds ; 15. Remarkable camp-meetings —
Beaver Dams, some one hundred and fifty professed conversion ; seventy or
eighty joined the Church. Ancaster Circuit : Peter Jones converted. Yonge-
.188 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXV.
street Circuit : Mrs. Taylor converted under a sermon preached by Win.
Hay. Bay Circuit : Peter Jacobs, and many other Indians saved. Hamilton,
back of Cobourg, held in time of Conference — Bishop George presiding ;
when and where the Rice and Mud Lake bands were all converted ; a nation
born in a day ! 16. The first protracted meeting; held at the twenty-mile
camp, by Storey and E. Evans, and Ryerson, P. E. — no previous arrange-
ment, between two hundred and three hundred professed religion, the
wonderful work spreading through most of the Niagara district
In a letter to me dated Guelph, 9th June, 1877, Dr. Ryerson
said: — I came here yesterday forenoon, and was most respect-
fully and cordially recieved by the Conference. In the course
of the day, Rev. J. A. Williams, seconded by Rev. E. B. Ryck-
man, moved that I be requested to prepare a history of the
principal epochs of our Church, etc. The resolution, with many
kind -and complimentary remarks, was unanimously passed by
a standing vote. I assented, and am now committed to the
work, and will lose no time in commencing — dividing my time
between it and my history, which I hope to complete in a few
months. I hope before the next General Conference to complete
what this Conference has requested, and what, from what I
hear, will be repeated by other Conferences. As I am en-
deavouring to do some justice to the founders of our country
and its institutions, I hope to do the same for the Fathers of our
Church and its institutions. I spoke last night at the reception
of young men, and my remarks were very favourably received.
In a letter to me from Whitby, dated 27th June, Dr. Ryerson
said: — To-day I had the great pleasure of laying the foundation
st^ne of an important addition to the Methodist Ladies' College
at Whitby. Mr. Holden kindly intimated that the trustees had
decided to name the new structure " Ryerson Hall." My
remarks were few, and related chiefly to the importance of
female education. I referred to the great attention which was
now given to the education of women, on both sides of the
Atlantic. There were different theories, I said, as to how it
should be done, but all were agreed that women should be edu-
cated. Esren the English Universities were helping in the work.
I did not believe, I said, in Colleges for both ladies and gentle-
men. They should be separate. It was of vital necessity that
the mothers of our land should be educated. Woman made the
home, and home made the man. If the daughters were edu-
cated, the sons would not remain ignorant. Both patriotism
and piety should make people encourage these institutions,
which would be the pride of future generations.
On the 30th July Dr. Ryerson received an affecting letter
from his brother John, enclosing to him the manuscript of his
1877-82] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 589
" Reminiscences of Methodism," during his long and active life.
In regard to them, he said :-r-
What I have written is entirely from memory. In speaking about many
things I had to do with, of course I had to speak a good deal about myself,
but I was writing for the public, not for you ; and it any of the facts I have
referred to will be of any use to you in your Es.says, I shall be glad. That
use, however, can be made without mentioning my name, which I have
dreaded to see in print anywhere. By prayer, reading, reflection, and God's
grace helping a poor worm, I have so far overcome the natural pride of my evil
nature, as to be content, and sometimes happy, in my position of nothing-
ness. My circumstances give strength to these feelings of contentment. My
age and growing weakness show me tha II am come very near the margin of
my poor life, and unfavourable symptoms, from time to time, strongly remind
me that, with me at least, " in the midst of life, we are in death." I do not,
however, deprecate, nor pray deliverance from, sudden death. My prayer
is that of Charles Wesley s : —
"In age and feebleness extreme,
Who can a sinful worm redeem ?
Jesus, my only help Thou art,
Strength of my failing, flesh and heart ;
Oh ! might I catch one smile from Thee
And drop into eternity."
Several years ago I read a poem, or part of one, written in old age by the
celebrated English poetess, Mrs. Barbauld, whose sweet words I very
frequently repeat. She says : —
" Life, we have been long together,
Through pleasant and through cloudy weather.
'Tis hard to part when friends are dear,
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, or tear.
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time ;
Say not ' good night, ' but in some happier clime,
Bid me ' good morning.' "
These words were almost prophetic, for within three months
after they were written, Dr. Ryerson left Toronto for Simcoe
to attend at the dying bed of his beloved brother. Immediately
after his death, Dr. Ryerson wrote to me and said : — Nothing
could have been more satisfactory than the last days of my
dear brother ; and it was a great comfort to him and all the
family that I was with him for ten days before his departure.
His responses to prayer were very hearty. He seemed to
dwell in a higher region. He was so nervously sensitive that
he could not only not converse, but could hardly bear being
talked to. On one occasion he said, " Egerton, don't talk to me,
but kiss me." One day I asked him if I should unite with
him in prayer ; he answered (and this was the longest sentence
during the ten days I was with him) with some warmth,
" Egerton, why do you ask me that ? You know I always
want you to pray with me." One day I repeated, or began to
repeat, the fifth verse of the thirty -first Psalm, "Into Thy
hands I commit my spirit : Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord
HOO THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXV.
God of truth." He said " I have uttered these words many times.
I have not a doubt upon my mind." Another day he seemed
to be very happy while we united in prayer, and after respond-
ing " Amen and Amen ! " he added, " Praise the Lord."
As the General Conference of September, 1878, approached,
Dr. Ryerson was anxiously hoping that the Conference would
be favoured with the presence of an able counsellor and friend,
Rev. Dr. Punshon. Greatly to his regret he received a note
from Dr. Punshon, saying : —
You will know by this time that I am not coming to Canada this year,
but that Mr. Coley is appointed Representative to your General Conference.
Among other things, Dr. Punshon said : — You will see that our Conference
has been a solemn one. A minister and a lay representative were smitten
with death on the premises, and died before they cuuld be removed. These
shocks did not help my already shaken nerves to regain their tone. Other-
wise the Conference was a memorable success. 1 shall have some of my
heart with you in Montreal. I trust you will have a blessed Conference, and
will be able to get some solution of the transfer question, and some approach
to a scheme for connexional superintendency on a broad, practical basis, thus
strengthening the two weak places of your present system.
On the 31st August, 1878, Rev. Dr. Wood addressed the
following note to Dr. Ryerson : —
Thirty-one years ago, when appointed by the British Conference to the
office of General Superintendent of Missions in the Canada Conference, I
forwarded to your address some testimonials which my brethren presented
to me when giving up the chair of the New Brunswick District. 1 now en-
close to you the resignation of my office as one of the General Secretaries of
the Missionary Society, which you can either present personally, or hand
over to the President I have very pleasant recollections of the past asso-
ciations, especially in the early years of the Union of 1847, to which you
gave invaluable assistance in the "Working out of its principles, which have
resulted in the present wonderful enlargement of the Methodist Church.
As was his custom, Rev. Dr. Punshon sent to Dr. Ryerson a
kind note at the New Year of 1879. Speaking of Methodist
affairs in England he says : —
The. new year has dawned gloomily enough with us in England. I never
knew such protracted commercial depression. In spite of all, however,
Church enterprises are projected, and we have started our Connexional
Thanksgiving Fund auspiciously, both so far as spirit and money go. It is
proposed to raise £200,000 at least, and some are sanguine enough to think,
if times mend, that a good deal more will be raised. There never was a
meeting in Methodism like the one at City Road. It was an All-day meet-
ing. The first hour was spent in devotional exercises, and then the contri-
butions flowed in without pressure, ostentation, or shame. We are beginning
the Circuit Meetings next week. Our Brixton one is fixed for Monday
evening, but the cream of our subscriptions was announced at City Road.
Dr. Rigg makes a good President.
1877-82] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 591
Writing to a friend in December, 1880, Dr. Ryerson said : —
You speak of being old. I feel myself to be an old man. It
is more labour for me to write one page now, than it used to be
to write five pages. . . We shall soon follow those who have
gone before. With you I am waiting and endeavouring to be
prepared for the change, and have no fear of it, but often rejoice
in the bright hopes beyond.
Again, writing to the same friend on the 9th of August, 1881,
he said : —
My latest attack has reduced my strength (of which I had
little to spare) very much. My desire is likely soon to be ac-
complished— to depart hence.
Writing to another friend on the 24th of July, 1881, Dr.
Ryerson said : — I have to-day written a letter of affectionate
sympathy to Rev. Dr. Punshon on the decease of his son John
William. I trust that his last days were his best days.
It has always been a source of thankfulness and gratification,
that I was able to shqw him some kind attentions during his
last visit to Canada.
I have been deeply concerned to read in this morning's news-
paper that Dr. Punshon himself was seriously ill. I trust and
pray that the Church and nation may not yet, and for a long
time to come, be deprived of his eminent services.
I cannot tell how deeply we all sympathize with Dr. and
Mrs. Punshon in this great trial.
From the last (almost illegible) letter written by Dr. Ryerson,
two weeks before his death and dated 6th of February, 1882, I
make the following extracts. It was addressed to Rev. Hugh
Johnston, B.D., of Montreal, (now of Toronto).
I am helpless myself — have lost my hearing so that I cannot
converse without a tube. I have been confined to my room for
five weeks by congestion of the lungs, from which I have only
partially recovered. I have not been out of the house since
last September, so that I can take no part in Church affairs.
But God has been with me — my strength and comforter. I am
beginning to revive, but have not yet been able to go down
stairs, or move, only creep about with the help of a cane. I
do not know whether you can read the scrawl I have written,
but I cannot write any better.
Yours most affectionately,
Monday, February 6th, 1882. E. RYERSON.
The concluding words of Dr. Ryerson's story of his life
were : —
592 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXV.
In 1878, 1 was elected for the third time Representative of
the Canadian to the British Conference. After the fulfilment
of these functions, I have retired from all active participation
in public affairs, whether of Church or State. I have finished,
after twenty years' labour, my "History of the Loyalists of
America and their Times." I have finished the " STORY OF MY
LIFE " — imperfect and fragmentary as it is — leaving to another
pen anything that may be thought worthy of record of my last
days on earth, as well as any essential omissions in my earlier
career.
At length the end of this great Canadian drew near ; and
the shadows at the closing of life's eventide deepened and
lengthened. I visited him frequently, and always found him
interested in whatever subject or topic I might speak to him
about. His congenial subject, however, was God's providential
goodness and overruling care throughout his whole life. In
his personal religious experience, he always spoke humbly of
himself and glowingly of the long-suffering tenderness of God's
dealings towards him. At no time was the character of his
religious experience more practical and suggestive than when
laid aside from duty. Meditation on the past was the subject
of his thoughts.
To him God was a personal, living Father — a Brother born for
adversity — a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother —
a great and glorious Being, ever gracious, ever merciful. His
trust in God was child-like in its simplicity, firm and un-
wavering. His conversation partook of it and was eminently
realistic. He had no more doubt of God's daily, hourly, loving
care and superintending providence over him and his than he
had of any material fact with which he was familiar or which
was self-evident to him. He entirely realized that God
was his ever present friend. There seemed to be that close,
intimate union — reverent and humble as it was on his part —
of man with God, and this gave a living reality to religion
in his life. To him the counsels, the warnings, the promises,
the encouragements of the Bible, were the voice of God speaking
to him personally — the very words came as living words from
the lips of God, "as a man speaketh to his friend."' This was the
secret of his courage, whether it was in some crisis of conflict
or controversy, or in his little frail craft when crossing the lake,
or exposed to the storm.
To such a man death had no terrors — the heart had no fear.
It was cheering and comforting to listen to him (as I often did
alone) and to hear him speak of his near departure, as of one
1877-82] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 593
preparing for a journey — ceasing from duty, in order to be
ready to be conveyed away, and then resuming it when the
journey was over*
Thus he spoke of the time of his departure as at hand, and
he was ready for the messenger when He should call for him.
He spoke of it trustfully, hopefully, cheerfully, neither anxious
nor fearful ; and yet, on the other hand, neither elated nor full
of joy; but he knew in whom He had trusted, and was per-
suaded, and was not afraid of evil tidings either of the dark
valley or the river of death. He knew Him whom he believed,
and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had
committed unto Him against that day.
Thus the end drew near, and with it, as the outward man be-
gan to fail, the feeling of unwavering trust and confidence was
deepened and strengthened. At length hearing failed, and the
senses one by one partially ceased to perform their functions.
Then to him were fully realized the inspired words of Solomon :
Desire failed, and the silver cord was loosed, the golden bowl
was broken, the pitcher broken at the fountain, and the wheel
at the cistern. Gradually the weary wheels of life stood still,
and at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, February 19th, 1882,
in the presence of his loved ones and dear friends, gently and
peacefully the spirit of Egerton Ryerson took its flight to be
forever with the Lord !
SERVANT of God, well done !
Thy glorious warfare's past ;
The battle's fought, the vict'ry won,
And thou art crowned at last ;
Of all thy heart's desire
Triumphantly possessed ;
Lodged by the sweet angelic choir
In thy Redeemer's breast.
In condescending love,
Thy ceaseless prayer He heard ;
And bade thee suddenly remove
To this complete reward.
0 happy, happy soul !
In ecstacies of praise,
Long as eternal ages roll,
Thou seest thy Saviour's face.
Redeemed from earth and pain,
Ah ! when shall we ascend,
And all in Jesus' presence reign
With our translated friend ?
38
CHAPTER LXVI.
1882.
THE FUNERAL CEREMONIES, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22ND, 1882.
AMID the tolling of bells, said the Toronto Globe, and the
lamentations of many thousands of people, the remains of
the late Rev. Dr. Ryerson were conveyed to their final earthly
resting-place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, on Wednesday, the
22nd February. During the day large numbers visited the
sorrowing house, and gazed for the last time on the features of
the revered dead. As was to be expected, the larger number
were, like the venerable deceased, far into " the sere and yellow
leaf," and many who had known him for a long time could
scarce restrain the unbidden tear as a flood of recollections
surged up at the sight of the still form cold in death.
No one present, probably, says the Guardian, ever saw so
many ministers at a funeral. Among the ministers and laymen
were many grey-haired veterans, who had watched with interest
the whole brilliant career of the departed. . . All the Churches
were well represented, both by their ministers and promin-
ent laymen. Bishop Sweatman and most of the ministers of
the Church of England were present. Nearly all the Presby-
terian, Baptist, and Congregational ministers of the city were
present ; and even Archbishop Lynch and Father McCann, of
the Roman Catholic Church, showed their respect for the dead
by their presence during the day. Devotional service at the
house was conducted by Rev. R. Jones, of Cobourg, and Rev.
J. G. Laird, of Collingwood. .
The plate on the coffin bore the inscription : — " Egerton
Ryerson, born 21st March, 1803 : died 19th February, 1882."
The floral tributes presented by sorrowing friends were from
various places in Ontario, and not a few came from Detroit and
other American cities. The following may be noted : — Wreath,
with " Norfolk " in the centre, from Mr. E. Harris ; wreath, with
" Rest " in the centre, from Dr. and Mrs. Hodgins ; pillow, with
"Father," from Mrs. E. Harris; crown from the scholars of
Ryerson school ; pillow, with " Grandpapa," from the grand-
children of the deceased : wreath from Mr. C. H. Greene ; cross,
1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 595
also scythe, with sheaf, from Mr. and Mrs. George Harris,
London ; crown and cross from Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Potts ; anchor
from W. E. and F. E. Hodgins ; sheaf from George S. Hodgins ;
lilies and other choice flowers inside the casket from Dr. and
Mrs. Hodgins.
Shortly before three o'clock the room was left to the members
of the family, after which the coffin was borne to the hearse by
the following pall-bearers, preceded by the Rev. Dr. Potts : —
Dr. Hodgins, Rev. Dr. Nelles, Dr. Aikins, Rev. Dr. Rose, Rev.
R. Jones, Mr. J. Paterson. Previous to the arrival of the
hearse at the church, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, the
Speaker of the House, members of the Legislature, which had
adjourned for the occasion, and the Ministerial Association, were
in the places assigned to them. The members of the City
Council and Board of Education were also present in a body.
The pupils of Ryerson and Dufferin Schools marched into the
church in a body, wearing mourning badges on their arms.,
There were representatives of all conditions in society, and it
might be said of all ages. The lisping schoolboy who was free
from the restraint imposed by the presence of his master, and
the aged man and woman tottering unsteadily on the verge of
the grave — all were hushed in the presence of death. Every-
where within the building were the evidences of a great sorrow.
Crape was seen wherever the eye turned — surrounding the
galleries, fronting the platform, encircling the choir. But there
was one spot thrown into alto relievo by the sombre drapery
of woe. In front of the pulpit, on a small table, were the
exquisitely beautiful floral tributes of friendship and affection,
whispering of the beauty and glory of that spring-time of the
human race, when this " mortal shall have put on immortality."
Cobourg and Victoria College were well represented ; the
Rev. T. W. Jeffery and Wm. Kerr, Q.C., and others, being
present ; also the following professors and students from Vic-
toria College : — Rev. Dr. Nelles, Prof. Burwash, Prof. Reynar,
Frof. Bain, Mr. McHenry (Collegiate Institute), and Dr. Jones.
The students from the College— one from each class — were
Messrs. Stacey, Horning, Eldridge, Brewster, and Crews. The
Senate of Victoria University walked in a body immediately
after the carriages containing the mourners. Upon entering
the west aisle of the church, Rev. Dr. Potts commenced reading
the burial service, the vast audience standing. The pall-bearers
having deposited their charge in front of the pulpit, Rev. Mr.
Cochran gave out the 733rd hymn,
" Come, let us join our friends above,
Who have obtained the prize."
Rev. Dr. Rose offered prayer, after which Rev. Wm. Scot't, of
6UO THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVI.
Montreal Conference, read a portion of the 1st Cor. xv., com-
mencing at the 20th verse. The choir of fifty voices, led by
the organist, Mr. Torrington, sang an anthem —
" Brother, thou art gone before us "
Rev. Mr. Telfer, from England, gave out the 42nd hymn,
which was fervently sung by the congregation. The Rev. Dr.
Potts then delivered the following funeral address : —
My place of choice on this deeply sorrowful occasion would
be in the ranks of the mourners, for I feel like a son bereft of
his father. Gladly would I sit at the feet of aged ministers
before me, and listen to them speak of one they knew and loved
so well. I venture to address a few words to you, in fulfilment
of the dying request of my reverend and honoured father in
the Gospel.
Regarding the well-known wishes of the departed, my
words must be few and simple. To-day, Methodism, in her
laity and ministry mourns over the death of her most illustrious
minister and Church leader. To-day, many in this house, and
far beyond Toronto, lament the loss of an ardent and true
friend. To-day, Canada mourns the decease of one of her
noblest sons. This is not the time nor the place for mere
eulogy ; in the presence of death and of God eulogy is unbe-
coming. We would glorify God in the character and in the
endowments of his servant and child.
We cannot, we should not, forget the greatness of the de-
parted. His was a many-sided greatness. Dr. Ryerson would
have been great in any walk in life. In law he would have
been a Chief Justice. In statesmanship he would have beeu a
Prime Minister. He was a born leader of his fellows. He was
kingly in carriage and in character. The stamp of royal man-
hood was impressed upon him physically, mentally, morally.
We cannot forget the distinguished positions occupied so worth-
ily and so long by our departed friend. He lived for his
country, spending and being spent in the educational and moral
advancement of the people.
As a servant of Methodism, he was a missionary to the
Indians of this Province, an evangelist to the scattered settlers,
and a pastor in this city long, long ago. He was President of
Victoria College, and never ceased to love and support that
institution of learning. For it he solicited money in England
and in this country, and to it he gave the intellectual energy of
his early manhood, as well as ranking in the front place as a
personal subscriber to its funds. He was the first Editor of the
Christian Guardian, the connexional organ of our branch of
Methodism.
1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 597
As a servant of Canada, he was for over thirty years Chief
Superintendent of Education in this Province. His monument
— more enduring than brass — is the Public School system of
Ontario. When the history of this country comes to be written,
the name, the imperishable name of Egerton Ryerson shall
shine in radiant lustre as one of the greatest men produced in
this land.
But it is not of these things Dr. Ryerson would have me
speak if he could direct my thoughts to-day. Rather would
have me speak of him as a sinner saved by grace, as a disciple
of our Lord Jesus Christ. I knew him well in his religious life.
His experience was marked by scriptural simplicity, and his
conversation was eminently spiritual. Of all the ministers of
my acquaintance, none spoke with me so freely and so fre-
quently on purely religious subjects as the venerable Dr. Ryer-
son. He gloried in the cross of Christ. He never wearied
speaking of the precious blood of the Lamb. He was one of
the most helpful and sympathetic hearers in the Metropolitan
Church congregation. Rarely, in my almost six years' pastorate,
did he leave the church without entering the vestry and saying
a kindly, encouraging word.
The doctor belonged to a class of men rapidly passing away.
Most of his companions passed on before him. But few linger
behind. Grand men they were in Church and State. Canada
owes them a debt of gratitude that she can hardly ever pay.
Let us revere the memory of those gone to their rest and
reward, and let us treat with loving reverence the few pioneers
who still linger to bless the land for which they have done so
much. We may have a higher average in these times, but we
lack the heroic men who stood out so conspiciously in the early
history of Canada.
Dr. Ryerson was a Methodist, but not a narrow sectarian.
He knew the struggles of our Church in this country, and shared
them ; he witnessed, with gratitude to God, the extension of
Methodism from feeble beginnings to its present influential
position. He desired above all things that our Church should
retain the primitive simplicity of the olden time, and yet march
abreast of the age in the elements of a Christian* civilization.
At the first General Conference which met in this church,
after the Union, and after that eminently providential event, the
introduction of laymen into the highest Court of the Church —
at that time, when the representatives of both ministry and
membership desired a man to preside over the Methodist
Church of Canada, to whom did they look ? To the man whom
Methodism delighted to honour — Egerton Ryerson.
Dr. Ryerson was regarded by the congregation belonging to
598 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVL
this church with peculiar respect and affection. While he be-
longed to all Canada, we, of the Metropolitan Church, claimed
him as our own especial possession. He was a trustee of the
Church, and one of its most liberal supporters; for its prosperity
he ever prayed, and in its success he ever rejoiced. It is hard
to realize that we shall no longer see that venerable form — that
genial and intellectual countenance.
The life of Dr. Ryerson was long, whether you measure it by
years or by service — service to his God, to his fellow-men, and
to his native land. He was a shock of corn ripe for the
heavenly garner. He was an heir, having reached his majority,
and made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, has
gone to take possession of it. He was a pilgrim, who after a
lengthened pilgrimage has reached home. He was a Christian,
who with Paul could say, " For me to live is Christ, to die is
gain." In such an hour as this, what comfort could all the
honours of man give to the sorrowing family as compared with
the thought that the one they Ibved so dearly was a man in
Christ and is now a glorified spirit before the throne. Hence-
forth we must think of him and speak of him as the late Dr.
Ryerson, and to many of us this shall be difficult and painful.
We have been so accustomed to see and hear him, we have so
long looked up to him as 'one specially gifted to lead, that a sad
feeling comes over us, left as we are without the guidance of
our beloved leader and father in the Church. The memory of
the just is blessed, and our memory of Dr. Ryerson shall be
precious, until we overtake him in the better country, that is
the heavenly. Until then let us not be slothful, but followers
of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Could he speak to us to-day from the heights of the heavenly
glory to which he has just been admitted, he would say to this
vast concourse of friends, " Follow Christ ; seek first the king-
dom of God ; serve your generation ; build up in your Dominion
a nationality based on righteousness and truth ; be strict in
your judgment upon yourselves, but be charitable in your judg-
ment of others; live that your end may be peace, and your
immortality eternal blessedness."
Dr. Potts concluded by reading the following extract from a
letter written by Dr. Ormiston, of New York, to Dr. Hodgins : —
Dear Dr. Ryerson, I mourn thee as a son for a father. Thou
wert very dear to me. I owe thee much. I loved as I
esteemed thee. I have no one left now to fill thy place in my
heart and life. Through riches of Divine grace I hope soon to-
meet thee again. My dear Brother Hodgins — You and I knew
our noble-hearted friend better than most, and to know him
was to love him. You have been longer and more intimately
1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 599
associated with him in social life and earnest work than I was.
But I scarcely think that even you loved him more, and I feel
as if I was hardly even second to you in his regards. Let our
tears fall together to-day, and in each of our hearts let his
memory live ever fresh and fondly cherished.
Hym 624, "Rock of Ages, cleft forme," was then sung, after
which prayer was offered and the benediction was pronounced
by the Rev. J. G. Laird, President of the Toronto Conference. A
musical voluntary and the " Dead March " concluded the im-
pressive service.
The remains were then borne to Mount Pleasant Cemetery,
where they were afterwards interred.* The concluding portion
of the burial service was read by the Rev. Dr. Nelles.
On the following Sunday the funeral sermon was preached
by Rev. Dr. Nelles. The Guardian said : —
The discourse of Dr. Nelles was a masterly and eloquent review of the
salient points in Dr. Ryerson's life and character. We have rarely listened
to a sermon with greater satisfaction, and never to a funeral sermon so dis-
criminating in its statements and characterization. It was distinguished by
a broad mental grasp of the great lessons and facts of history, in the light of
which all personal and local events must be viewed, to be seen truly and
impartially. His appreciative recognition of the privileges of religious
equality which we possess in Canada, and of the prominent part taken by
Dr. Ryerson in obtaining them, was very suggestive and felicitous. We
rarely follow to the grave so eminent a man as Dr. Ryerson; and we seldom
have heard a discourse so fully equal to a great occasion.
TRIBUTES TO DR. RYERSON'S MEMORY.
After Dr. Ryerson's death kind telegrams and letters of con-
dolence were received by the family from many sympathiz-
ing friends, among which was one from the Marquis .of Lome,
Governor-General. The following letter was also received by
Mrs. Ryerson from the Rev. William Arthur, M. A., dated
London, England, April 10th, 1882 :—
The news of, your great bereavement, a bereavement which,
though yours in a special sense, is not yours alone, but is felt
by multitudes as their own, came at a moment when a return
* This interment took place in May. The ceremony was a private one, attended
only by immediate relatives and intimate personal friends. Among the former
were the venerable doctor's aged eldest brother, Rev. George Ryerson (91 years
old) and Mrs. George Ryerson ; the bereaved widow, Mrs. Ryerson, Mr. Charles
E. Ryerson, his two sons, and Mrs. George Duggan. Among the latter were the
Rev. Dr. Potts, Mrs. Potts, Dr. Hodgins, and Mr. H. M. Wilkinson (son of Rev.
H. Wilkinson), of the Education Department, and two or three others. After
lowering the coffin into the grave, the Rev. Dr. Potts read a portion of the burial
service, committing the body to the earth in hope of a joyful resurrection at the
last day.
GOO THE STOR7 OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVI.
of an old affection of the eyes made writing difficult, and I did
not like to give you a mere line. From my heart I do condole
with you on the removal from your side of one who was pleasant
to look upon, even for strangers, and whose presence was not
only a natural delight, but a stay, and an honour. Not many
women are called to sustain the loss of such a husband. But
on the other hand, not many women in the day of their great
loss have the legacy left to them of such a memory, such a
career, and such appreciation of whole communities of the merits
of that career. Very few have such a combination of true
religious consolation, of full hope and unclouded faith, with the
sense of comfort derived from general sympathy and universal
public respect. Dr. Ryerson was the servant of God, and the
Lord blessed him. He was the servant of the Church, and the
Church loved and revered him. He was the servant of his
country, and his country delighted to honour him, and will hold
him in permanent and honourable remembrance. To many
friends on this side of the Atlantic, as well as on his own, he
was a rarely honoured and prized representative of long and
noble services to the cause of God, and to general society,
services rendered with commanding abilities and unflinching
vigour. To you and to the children the loss is far different to
what it is to others. To you and to them have the hearts of
others turned with unaffected sympathy. You have had many
praying for you ; many hoping that blessings will rest upon the
name of Ryerson, and that it will long be represented in every
Christian work, and every branch of public usefulness. With
truly affectionate regards, and condolences to Mr. and Mrs.
Charles, believe me, dear Mrs. Ryerson, yours with heartfelt
sympathy, WM. ARTHUR.
THE LORD BISHOP OF MANCHESTER, who was in Canada as
one of the Royal Commissioners on Education, in concluding
his report on our Canadian Schools, said : " Such, in all its main
features, is the school system of Upper Canada. A system not
perfect, but yet far in advance, as a system of national educa-
tion, of anything we can show at home. It is indeed very
remarkable to me that in a country, occupied in the greater
part of its area by a sparse and anything but wealthy popula-
tion, whose predominant characteristic is as far as possible
removed from the spirit of enterprise, an educational system so
complete in its theory and so capable of adaptation in practice
should have been originally organized, and have maintained in
what, with all allowances, must still be called successful opera-
tion for so long a period as twenty-five years. It shows what
can be accomplished by the energy, determination, and devotion
of a single earnest man. What national education in England
1882] TEE STORY OF MY LIFE. 601
owes to Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, what education in New Eng-
land owes to Horace Mann, that debt education in Canada owes
to Egerton Ryerson. He has been the object of bitter abuse, of
not a little misrepresentation; but he has not swerved from his
policy or from his fixed ideas. Through evil report and good
report he has found others to support him in the resolution,
that free education shall be placed within the reach of every
Canadian parent for every Canadian child."
In a letter addressed to Dr. Ryerson in 1875, the Bishop
says : — I take it very kindly in you that you remember an old
acquaintance, and I have read with interest your last report. I
am glad to observe progress in the old lines almost everywhere.
I was nattered also to find that some words of mine, written in
1865, are thought worthy of being quoted. . . It is pleasant
to find a public servant now in the thirty-second year of his
incumbency, still so hopeful and so vigorous. Few men have
lived a more useful or active life than you, and your highest
reward must be to look back upon what you have been per-
mitted to achieve.
The VERY REVEREND DEAN GRASETT, in a letter to Dr.
Hodgins, dated 9th November, 1875, said:
I thank you very much for your kindness in presenting me
with a complete set of the Journal of Education from the date
of its commencement in 1848 to the present time.
You could not have given me a token of parting remem-
brance more acceptable to me on various accounts ; but chiefly
shall I value it as a memorial of the confidence and kindness I
have so invariably experienced from the Rev. Dr. Ryerson from
the day I first took my seat with him at a Council Board in
1846 to the time that I was released from further attendance
there this year. Similar acknowledgments I owe to yourself,
his coadjutor, in the great work of his life, and the editor of the
record of his labours, contained in these volumes.
I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings
of respect for the public character and regard for the private
worth of one who has rendered to his country services which
entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has
had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his
valuable public services from the Heads of our Government,
who were capable of appreciating them, as well as from other
quarters ; but I think that in his case, as in others that are
familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately
to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full
benefit of them.
1 esteem it an honour that I should have been associated
with him in his Council for so many years (30), and a privilege
602 THE STOEY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVI.
if I have been of the least assistance in upholding his hands in
performing a work, the credit of which is exclusively his own.
The Rev. Dr. WITHROW, in his " Memorials of Dr. Ryerson,"
(Canadian Methodist Magazine, April, 1882,) said: No man
ever passed away from among us in Canada whose true great-
ness was so universally recognized as that of Dr. Ryerson. He
lived in the hearts of his countrymen, and
"Read his history in a nation's eyes."
Even envy and detraction could not lessen his grandeur nor
tarnish the lustre of his name. . . Scarce an organ of public
opinion in the country, no matter what party or what interest
it represented, has not laid its wreath of praise on the tomb of
this great Canadian. And far beyond his own country his
character was revered and his loss deplored. . . • From the
Roman Catholic Archbishop ; from the Anglican Bishop, from
many members of the Church of England and other religious
bodies, as well as of his own Church ; resolutions of the Board
of the Bible Society, the Tract Society, School Boards and
Conventions, and Collegiate Institutes, all bore witness to the
fact that the sorrow for his death was not confined to any party
or denominational lines, but was keenly felt in other churches
as well as in that of which he was the most distinguished
minister Almost every Methodist journal in the United
States has also paid its tribute to his memory. We quote from
the North Western Christian Advocate, of Chicago, but one
such tribute of loving respect : — " We believe that Canada owes
more to him than to any other man, living or dead. In all his
official relations to the public he was true to his Church. Men
like Wellington and Washington 'save their countries,' but
men like Ryerson make their countries worth saving. The
mean little soul flinches when its brethren rise in reputation
and power in the Church. The more exalted soul rejoices when
the Church grows rich in competent workers. The death of
such a servant as Ryerson is a loss to the world greater than
when the average president or king passes away. Thank God,
the great Ruler lives, and He will continue the line of prophets
in modern Israel ! "
Dr. Ryerson possessed in a marked degree the faculty of
commanding the confidence and winning the friendship of
distinguished men of every rank, of every political party and
religious denomination. He possessed the confidence and
esteem of every Governor of Canada, from Lord Sydenham to
the Marquis of Lome. No native Canadian ever had the entree
to such distinguished society in Great Britain and in Europe as
18821 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 603
he. He had personal relations with several of the leading
British statesmen. He enjoyed the personal friendship of the
Bishop of Manchester, the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop
of Canterbury, and other distinguished divines of the Anglican
and Dissenting Churches. He was one of the very few Metho-
dist preachers who have ever shared the hospitalities of Lam-
beth Palace, for six hundred years the seat of the Primates of
England ; and when Dean Stanley passed through Toronto, he
and Dean Grasett called together on Dr. Ryerson. When
making his educational tour in Europe . .
Speaking of his personal worth, Dr. Withrow says : — A very
good criterion of a man's character is : How does he get on with
his colleagues ? Does the familiarity of daily intercourse, year
after year, increase or lessen their esteem ? Few men will bear
this test as well as Dr. Ryerson. The more one saw of him the
more one loved him. . Those who knew him best loved him'
most. Dr. Hodgins, the Deputy Minister of Education, for
thirty-two years the intimate associate in educational work of
Dr. Ryerson, knowing more fully than any living man the
whole scope of his labours, sharing his anxieties and toils, tells
us that in all those years there never was an hour's interruption
of perfect mutual trust and sympathy. No son could have a
stronger filial love for an honoured father than had Dr. Hodgins
for his late venerated Chief. It was his privilege to minister
to the latest hours of his revered friend, and it is to him a
labour of love to prepare for the press the posthumous story of
his life.
With all his catholicity of sentiment and charity of spirit,
Dr. Ryerson was a man of strong convictions, and he always
had the courage of his convictions as well. When it came to a
question of principle he was as rigid as iron. Then he planted
himself on the solid ground of what he believed to be right, and
said, like Fitz James :
" Come one, come all ! this rock shall fly,
From its firm base, as soon as I."
Dr. Ryerson's controversies were for great principles, not for
personal interests. Hence no rancour, no bitterness disturbed
his relations with his antagonists. Even his old and sturdy
foe, Bishop Strachan, after his controversy was over, became
his personal friend. . .
Such benefactors of his kind and of his country, as Dr. Ryer-
son, deserve to be held in lasting 'and grateful remembrance.
His imperishable monument, it is true, is the school system
which he devised.
To future generations of Canadian youth the career of Dr.
o'04 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVI.
Ryerson shall be an inspiration and encouragement. With early
educational advantages far inferior to those which he has
brought within the reach of every boy and girl in the land,
what a noble life he lived, what grand results he achieved !
One grand secret of his success was his tireless industry. As a
boy he learned to work — to work hard — the best lesson any
boy can learn — and he worked to the end of his life. He could
not spend an idle hour. The rule of his life was " no day with-
out a line," without something attempted — something done.
. . Over a score of times he crossed the Atlantic on official
duties. He often turned night into day for purposes of work
and study ; and on the night before making his famous three-
hours' speech on University Administration before the Com-
mittee of the Legislature in 1860, he spent the whole night long
in the study of the documents and papers on the subject — to
'most men a poor preparation for such a task.
But again we remark his moral greatness was his noblest
trait— his earnest piety, his child-like simplicity, his Christ-like
charity, his fidelity to duty, his unfaltering faith. Not his in-
tellectual greatness, not his lofty statesmanship, not his noble
achievements are his truest claim upon our love and veneration
— but this —
" The Christian is the highest style of man."
The Rev. Dr. DEW ART, in the Christian Guardian, of February
22nd, 1882, says : — The simple announcement that Dr. Egerton
Ryerson is dead, will awaken sorrow and regret in many
Canadian homes. . . For several years of his early life he
faithfully bore all the hardships and privations of the pioneer
work of that day, being for a time missionary to the Indians of
the Credit Mission — a circumstance to which he often referred
with peculiar satisfaction. His keen and vigorous refutation
of the misrepresentations of the Methodists and other bodies by
the then dominant Church party, led by the late Bishop Strachan,
revealed to his own, and other Churches, his rare gifts as a
powerful controversial writer. From that time forward for
many years, his pen was used with powerful effect, in defence of
equal religious rights and privileges for all Churches. . . Dr.
Ryerson was longer and more prominently associated with the
interests of Methodism in Canada than any other minister of
our Church. His life covers and embraces all but the earliest
portion of the history of oy Church in this country.
But it is his work as an educationist that has made him
most widely known, and upon which his fame most securely
rests. . . The office of Chief Superintendent of Education
for Upper Canada was not a new one ; but the vigorous per-
1882] THE STORY OF MY LIFE. 605
sonality of Dr. Ryerson lifted it into a prominence and import-
ance in public estimation that had never belonged to it before.
For thirty-two years he continued to discharge the duties of
this high office with a broad intelligence and rare executive
ability, which have for all time stamped his name and influence
on the educational system of his country. He was not a mere
administrator, acting under the orders of the Government of the
day. He was the leader of a great educational reform. . .
Changes of Government made no change in his department.
Such was the estimate which the Ontario Government took of
his public services that on his resignation, in 1876, his full
salary was continued till the time of his death, and after his
death the Legislature made a grant of $10,000 to his widow.
It is not too much to say that among the gifted men whom
Canada delights to honour, not one has left a more permanent
impression for good on the future of our country than EGERTON
RYERSON.
He was large-minded and liberal in his views on all subjects.
Though strong in his attachment to Methodism he was no
sectarian, but cherished the most liberal and kindly feeling
toward all sincere Christians. He was an able controvertialist,
and in the heat of conflict dealt heavy blows at his opponents ;
but when the battle was over he retained no petty spite toward
his late antagonists. His controversial pamphlets are numer-
ous, and mostly relate to current events with which he was in
some way associated. Though a man of war, from his youth
engaging in many conflicts, religious and political, Dr. Ryerson's
last years were eminently tranquil. He had outlived the bitter-
ness of former times, and in a sincere and honoured old age
possessed in a high degree the respect and good feeling of men
of all parties. During these later years he produced his most
important contributions to literature, viz., his "Loyalists of
America," and " Chapters on the History of Canadian Meth-
odism." His Educational Reports are also valuable treasuries
of facts relating to public education.
During all the years of his public life he co-operated heartily
with every enterprise of his Church, and was always ready to
preach at the shortest notice for any of his brethren who
required his help. In his later years there was an increasing
spirituality and unction observable in his ministrations. ^
Though not exempt from the faults and failings of humanity
— yet his wide range of information — his broad and statesman-
like views — his intense devotion to a great work — his patriotic
interest in all public questions — his wonderful personal energy
and force of character — and his long and intimate connection
with Canadian Methodism — warrant us in saying :
606 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXVI.
" He was a man, take him for all in all,
We shall not look upon his like again. "
Rev. Dr. Douglas in a letter to the Guardian : — A great man
and a prince has fallen in our Israel ! The last of the illustrious
three who bore the name of Ryerson has gone to enrich the
heavens. Henceforth that honoured name will be enshrined in
the history of our land.
Egerton Ryerson's patriotic service to the State, in resisting
the introduction of feudal distinctions and ecclesiastical mono-
polies will ensure to him enduring recognition, as one of
Canada's noblest benefactors. No statues of marble or of bronze
need be raised to perpetuate his memory. The academies and
schools which his organizing genius brought into existence,
lifting up successive generations to the dignity which education
ever confers, will make that name immortal. For nearly six
decades he laid his great powers of intellect and heart on the
altar of service for Canadian Methodism — winning for her
ministry equality before the law, and for her people a status
which allowed no coign of vantage to a favoured class — vindi-
cating her polity and proclaiming her distinctive truth. . .
Now, when the sepulchre has received him, will not a grate-
ful Church arise and give a permanence to his name more
lasting than marble, by the founding of a Ryerson Chair of
Philosophy with whatever is required to augment the useful-
ness of the institution which his great manhood loved, and for
which he toiled with a life-lasting endeavour ? Would that
every minister, who bows his head in sorrow for a fallen chief-
tain, might in every circuit gather the piety, intelligence, and
financial strength of the Church together, and in this supreme
hour of the Church's grief, decree that before the springtime
shall come with its emerald robe enamelled with flowers,
adorning the resting-place of our honoured dead, the name of
Egerton Ryerson will be inwrought with our University, as an
abiding inspiration to the student-life that shall throng her
halls along the coming years.
The Methodist Ministers of Toronto, in a sketch of Dr. Ryer-
son's life and character, written by Rev. W. S. Blackstock, say :
To most of us, from our early childhood, the name of Egerton
Ryerson has been a household word, and we learned to esteem
and love him even before we were capable of estimating his
character, or the greatness of the service which he was render-
ing to his own and coming generations ; and the knowledge of
him which we have been permitted to acquire in our riper
years, has only tended to deepen the impressions of him which
we received in early days.
1882] THE STCRY OF MY LIFE. 607
As the fearless and powerful champion of civil and religious
liberty, and of the equal rights of all classes of his countrymen,
he is associated in our memory with the patriotic and Christian
struggles of a past generation, which have resulted in securing
to our beloved land as large a measure of liberty as is enjoyed
by any country under the sun. In respect to the incomparable
system of Public Instruction, to the perfecting of which he
devoted so many .years of his active and laborious life, and
with which his name must ever be associated, we feel that he
has laboured and we have entered into his labours. We can
hardly conceive how either our country or our Church could
have been what they are to-day, but for his fidelity and the
work which he accomplished.
The lively interest which he took in every patriotic, Christian,
and philanthropic movement, especially those which tended to
increase the influence and usefulness of his own Church — the
zeal with which he laboured for them, and the large-hearted,
generous liberality with which he contributed of his means for
their support — awaken our gratitude and thankfulness, and
will be a perpetual inspiration in our efforts to promote those
objects which lay so near his heart, and to further the interests
of that cause which he served so well.
But standing, as we are to day, with bowed heads and stricken
hearts, beside the grave which has just closed upon the mortal
remains of our venerable departed brother, though we would
not forget what he had done for us, we prefer to think of what,
by the grace of God, he was, than of what by God's good Provi-
dence he was permitted to accomplish. We delight to cherish
the memory of his penitent and childlike faith in Christ — the
sinner's only Saviour and hope — and of those graces of the
Holy Spirit which gave so much beauty and sweetness to his
character, and which were more and more conspicuous in his
declining years.
Though Dr. Ryerson was a man of positive views and de-
votedly attached to his own Church, he was distinguished for
his comprehensive charity, and his genuine appreciation of
great and good men from whom he differed widely in opinion.
His goodness no less than his greatness will serve to keep his
memory fresh among us, and the recollections of his virtue is to
us a powerful incentive to a fuller consecration to the service
of God.
The General Conference at its Session of 1882, passed the
following resolution : —
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God, in His divine wisdom,
to call from a life of faithful service in the Church of Christ
on earth to his everlasting reward in heaven our reverend and
608 THE STORY OF MY LIFE. [CHAP. LXyi.
honoured father1 in the Gospel, the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, D.D.,
LL.D., the first President of the General Conference of the
Methodist Church of Canada, this General Conference desires
to place upon record its deep feelings of gratitude to God for
His gift to the Methodist Church and to the people of this land
for so many years of a man so richly endowed with native gifts
and so largely adorned with the Christian graces and its pro-
found sense of the great loss the Church and country have
sustained in his death. As the devoted Christian missionary and
pastor ; as the faithful defender of the rights and liberties of
the people of this land against ecclesiastical assumptions and
civil disabilities; as the Editor for many years of the Christian
Guardian,the official organ of our Church and the first religious
journal in Canada ; as the President of the University of Vic-
toria College, the oldest institution of higher learning of Cana-
dian Methodism ; as the trusted representative of his Church in
the religious councils of Methodism in the old world and the
new ; as the Superintendent for over thirty years of the educa-
tion of his native Province — a system which he almost created,
and which he developed to a state of proficiency unsurpassed
by that of any country in the world ; as the wise counsellor in
the union movement which led to the organization of the
Methodist Church of Canada ; and as the President- Adminis-
trator of its highest office during the first quadrennium of its
history, Dr. Ryerson has an imperishable claim upon the love
and gratitude especially of his own church, and also of the en-
tire community. We magnify the grace of God as manifested
in him ; we revere his memory as that of a true patriot and
devoted Christian ; we rejoice in his labours for the glory of
God and the welfare of man ; and we deeply sympathize with
his bereaved family, and pray that the consolations of God may
more and more abound in their souls to the end.
THE END.
INDEX.
BIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES.
Aberdeen, Earl of, 160.
Adams, Rev. A. A., 130.
Adderley, Mr., M.P., 539.
Agnew, Sir A., 163.
Aikinan, John, 32, 36.
Aikman, Miss Hannah, 86, 111, 112.
Alder, Rev. Dr. Robert, 109, 110, 114, 119, 143,
153, 165, 158, 166, 174, 206, 24Q, 241, 242, 243,
271, 280, 285. 320, 386, 390, 391, 392. 393, 394,
895, 397, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405.
Allan, Hon. William, 170.
Alley, Mr., 99.
Allison, Rev. C. R., 899.
Althorp, Lord, 123.
Anderson, Capt., 99.
Antonelli, Cardinal, 366, 367.
Antrobus, Colonel, 416.
Arago, M., 356, 358.
Archibald, Rev. G., 76.
Armstrong, Jas. R., 120.
Armstrong, Miss Mary, 120.
Arthur, Rev. Wm., 367, 556, 598.
Arthur, Sir George, 183, 188, 189, 193, 200, 224,
225, 230, 234, 239, 240, 241, 245, 246, 248, 249,
250, 251, 254, 260, 261, 263, 285, 320.
Atherley, Rev. Mr., 117.
Attwood, Thos., M.P., 123, 129.
Attwood, Rey. J. S., 154.
Asbury, Bishop, 408.
Ashburton, Lord, 160,
Ashley, Lord, 163.
Ashton, Michael, 272.
Atherton, Rev. Mr., 402.
Aylwin, Hon. T. C., 304.
Bagot, Sir Charles, 290, 301, 303, 304, 806, 812,
313, 324, 331, 333, 342, 345, 347, 350, 387, 889,
390, 393, 394, 398, 404, 550.
Bain, Prof., 594.
Bakewell, Rev. Mr., 117.
Baldwin, Dr. W. W., 79, 101, 810, 311.
Baldwin, Hon. Augustus, 170.
Baldwin, Hon. Robert, 127, 145, 170, 194, 264,
267, 287, 283, 303, 305, 308, 809, 313, 315, 317,
328, 332, 333, 336, 344, 346, 370, 871, 416, 417,
424, 425, 426, 433, 518, 525, 526, 550.
Bangs, Rev. Dr. Nathan, 82, 78, 88, 93, 115, 269,
277, 278, 418, 577.
Baring, Thomas, M.P., 160.
Barker, Dr., 127, 150.
Bathurst, Lord, 221, 440, 445, 448.
Beadle, Dr., 348.
Beardsley, Colonel, 185.
Beatty, Rev. J., 184, 228.
Beaumont, Rev. Dr., 402.
Beecham, Rev. Dr. John, 119, 159, 228, 890,
607.
39
Bell, Rev. Wm., 101, 212, 221.
Belton, Rev. S., 90.
Benson, Henry, 89.
Beresford, Rev. Mr., 354.
Bethune, Donald, 102.
Bethune, Bishop A. N., 77, 216, 292, 848, 880,
664 565.
Bettridge, Rev. Wm., D.D., 95.
Bevitt, Rev. Thomas, 277.
Bexley, Lord, 116.
Bidwell, Hon. M. S., 68, 127, 138, 145, 184, 188,
189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198,
231, 258, 288, 308, 309, 310, 328, 414, 416, 417
418, 651, 567, 568.
Black, Rev. John, 175, 498.
Blackstock, Rev. W. S., 605.
Blainville, M. de, 358.
Blake, Hon. Chancellor, 418.
Bland, Rev. A. F., 557.
Blockman, Dr., 363.
Blomfleld, Dr. (Bishop of London), 160.
Blusse, Mr., 354.
Bond, Dr. Thomas, 396.
Borland, Rev. J., 511, 512.
Bostwick, Col. John, 24.
Boswell. G. M., M.P.P., 182, 848.
Boulton, Mr., M.P.P., 229.
Bowers, Rev. John, 158.
Bridel, M., 359.
Brock, Rev. James, 275.
Brooking, Mr., 160.
Brough, Rev. C. C., 183.
Brougham, Lord, 123. 322.
Brouse, George, 89.
Brown, Hon. George, 654, 555.
Brown, Hon. James, 453.
Brunskill, Mr., 161.
Buchanan, Hon. Isaac, 197, 286, 831, 386, 346,
847, 350.
Buller, Sir Charles, 272, 307.
Bunting, Rev. Dr. Jabez, 117, 119, 148, 154, 158,
159, 160, 162, 228, 240, 273, 279, 280, 890, 898,
401, 402, 403, 420, 6C6, 507.
Burchel, Mr., 89.
Burke, Edmund, 220.
Burnet, Bishop, 322.
Burns, Rev. Dr. R. P., 667.
Burrows, Colonel, 517.
Burwash, Prof., 594.
Buxton, Mrs., 163.
Calvert, Mr., 542.
Cameron, Hon. Malcolm, 870, 428, 424, 426, 509,
514.
Cameron, James W.. 76, 77.
Campbell, Rev. Prof., 881.
Campbell, Sir J., 165.
610
INDEX.
Campbell, John, M.P.P., 184, 192.
Sir Alexander, 192, 569.
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 602.
Carlisle, Bishop of, 542.
Carlisle, Dean of, 641, 642.
Carnarvon, Lord, 639, 679.
Carroll, Rev. Dr. John, 214, 270.
Cartier, Sir George, 559, 660, 661.
CartwriKht, M.P.P., 213, 226, 229, 245, 246.
Cartwright, Thos., 133.
Case, Rev. Elder Wm., 66, 66. 68, 74, 77, 78, 79,
81, 87, 91, 92, 93, 176, 228, 243, 270, 274, 276,
277, 378, 385.
Casiidy, Henry, 149, 191, 196.
Chalmers, Rev. Dr. Thomas, 215, 865.
Chapman, E. H., 160, 161.
Chester, Bishop of. 116.
Chichester, Lord, 641.
Clarendon. Lord, 499.
Cochran, Rev. Mr., 694.
Colborne, Sir John, 98, 102, 118. 126, 130, 155,
168, 161, 170, 171, 196, 222, 224, 232, 244, 260,
261, 263, 264, 386, 526.
Coley, Rev. Mr., 589.
Collard, Rev. Mr., 93.
Collins, P., 129.
Cook, Emile, 571.
Cork, Bishop of, 641.
Counter, John, 154.
Cowley, Lord. 330.
Crane, John, 73.
Cronyn, Bishop, 617.
Cubitt, Rev. Mr., 169.
Cull, Mr., 287.
Gumming, Rev. Dr., 508.
Daly, Sir Dominick. 333, 340, 351, 376.
Davidson, Alex., 133, 241.
Rev. J. C., 143, 175, 274.
Dawson, Dr. J. W., 453.
Dawson, Wm., 161.
Delille, M. Armand, 356, 358.
Delille, Mons. O., 358.
Densmore, Rev. Mr., 384.
Depretz, M. 358.
Derby, Earl of, 829, 830, 451, 452.
Derbyshire, Stewart, 307.
Dewart, Dr. E. H., 602.
Dixon, Rev. Dr. James, 400, 402, 405, 406, 662
664.
Doolittle, Rev. Mr., 119.
Dorland, Mr., 538.
Douglas, Rev. Dr., 605.
Douse, Rev. John, 275.
Doxtadors. Mr., 78.
Draper, Hon. W. H., 50, 179, 181, 225, 228, 229,
231, 237, 261, 264, 267, 292, 801, 304, 305, 306,
813, 316, 325, 333, 334, 835, 337, 339, 312, 344,
650, 651.
Dufferin, Lord, 408, 409.
Dumas, Prof. S56.
Duncan, Mr. Joseph, 535.
Duncan, Prof. Thomas, 215.
Duncombe, Dr. Charles, 167, 168, 188, 190.
Dunjowski, 353, 865, 366, 367.
Dunkin, Christopher, 196, 197.
Dunn, Colonel, 197.
Dunn, Hon. J. H., 145, 166, 170, 180, 181, 197,
198, 325, 887.
Durbin, Dr. J. P., 116.
Durham, Lord, 196, 197, 225, 266, 257, 258, 259
267, 272, 312, 839, 650.
Edwards, Mr. 117.
Egger, M., 358.
Klitin, Lord, 370, 405, 416, 419, 420, 451, 452, 514
Kllice, Rt. Hon. Edward, 117, 160.
Elliott, Judge Win., 552,
Ellis, Sir Henry, 419.
Eluisley, Hon. John, 170, 179.
Embury, Rev. Philip, 256.
Emory, Bishop, 384, 885.
Entwistle, Rev. Joseph, 116, 273.
Eaten, Hon. Vice-Chancellor, 418.
Evans, Rey. Dr. Ephraim, 133, 153, 181, 237, 270,
875, 664.
Evans, Rev. James, 130, 131, 132, 153, 228, 407,
408,409.
Exeter, Bishop of, 263.
Fallenberg, M. de, 864.
Fanner, Thomas, 169, 166, 256.
Farrar, Canon, 205.
Fawcett, Rev. Thomas e75.
Ferguson, Rev. George, 340,
Ferrier, Hon. James, 490, 533.
Fisk, Rev. Dr. Wilbur, A.M., 88, 90, 115, 162,
677.
Fitaribbon, Colonel, 177.
Fletcher, Silas, 178.
Flint, Hon. Billa, 336.
Fox, Charles James, 220.
Fuller, Bishop (Archdeacon of Niagara), 380.
Gage, James, 78.
Gale. Rev. A., 432.
Gait, John, 221.
Gamble, John W., 268.
Gamble, Clarke, Q. C., 567.
Gasparin, Count, 356, 858, 359, 860.
Geikie, Rev. Dr. Cunningham, 187.
Gibson, David, 178.
Gilchrist, Dr., 839.
Gilkison, Jasper J., 552.
Gillespie, A., Jun., 160.
Givens, Col., 44, 61, 63, 75.
Rev. Dr. Saltern, 77, 567.
Gladstone, Rt. Hon. W. E., 168, 272, 410, 411,
433, 452.
GlenelR, Lord, 154, 156, 158, 159, 160, 162, 165,
168, 169, 170, 178, 180, 182, 189, 190, 196, 197,
199, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 230, 235, 248, 250
252, 235, 459.
Goderich, Lord, 118, 126, 165, 156, 195, 526.
Goodrich, Rev. C. B., 275.
Goodson, Rev. George, 657.
Goodwin, Dean, (of Ely), 540.
Gourley, Robt., 185.
Gowan, Ogle R. 331.
Graham, Dr. James, 28.
Grampier, Dr., 355, 356, 860.
Grasett, Very Rev. Dean, 295, 297, 600, 602. '
Gray, Hon. J. H., 453.
Green, Rev. *Dr. Anson, 90, 111, 129, 184, 175,
176, 181, 203, 210, 228, 270, 277, 314, 383, 401,
601, 611.
Greenfield, Mr. 79.
Greiar, William, 212.
Grey. Earl, 123, 4C5, 419, 451, 454, 455, 456, 457,
515, 678.
Grey, Sir George, 165, 168, 169, 189, 245.
Griffln, Smith, 29.
Rev. W. S., 29.
Griffln, Rev. Wm., Jun., 180.
Griffis, E. C., 129, 241.
Grindrod, Rev. E., 120, 148, 147, 163.
Gurley, Rev. Mr., 279.
Guizot, M., 356.
Hagerman, Daniel, 189.
Hagerman, Mr. Justice, 119, 191, 192, 198, 194,
196, 223, 810, 551, 670.
Halkett, Capt., 177.
Hall, Francis, 78, 92, 115, 806, 417.
Hamilton, Rev. R. W., 116.
Hauet, M., 358.
Hanna, Rev. John, 158, 159.
— — Mrs. John, 159.
Harris, Dr. 79.
Harris, Rev. Mr., 102.
INDEX.
611
Harrison, Hon. S. B., 814, 315, 8ld, 817, 318
837, 338, 344, J47.
Harrison, Mr. (A.D.C.), 308, 309, 310, 811.
Harvard, Rev. W. M., 181, 202, 203, 204, 228
237, 244, 396.
Hawes, Sir Benjamin, 419, 420, 454, 458.
Hay, Mr., 160.
Head, Sir F. B., 162, 166, 170, 171, 176, 179, 180
181, 182, 183, 189, 190, 191, 192, 196, 197, 198
200, 201. 206, 224, 225, 228, 235, 248, 252, 253
257, 258, 288, 309, 316, 820, 416, 417.
Head, Sir Edmund, 499.
Heald, Rev. Mr., 571.
Healv, Rev. E., 172, 173.
Bedding, Bishop, 32, 46, 9), 172, 174, 269, 385,
577.
Hening?, Rev. Mr., 88.
Herkimer, Wm., 66, 72.
Hess, Mr. J., 78, 79.
Hetherington, Rev. Mr., 128, 141.
Heyland, Rev. Rowley, 40, 148.
Hickson, Mr., 339.
Higginson, Secretary, 317, 318, 319, 322, 825,
327, 831, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 339, 340,
845, 348, 349, 350, 375, 377.
Hill, Lord, 116.
Hill, Rev. Rowland, 116, 159.
Hincks, Sir Francis, 187, 190, 290, 313, 324, 329,
330, 333, 416, 424, 451.
Holden, Mr., 587.
Holtby, Rev. Matthew, 307.
Hoole, Rev. Dr. Elijah, 390, 644.
Home, Dr., 177.
Horton, Hon. R. W., 222.
Howard, James S , 198, 414.
Howard, Mr., 118.
Howard, Rev. I. B., 287.
Howe, Hon. Joseph, 244, 258, 331.
Howick, Lord, 118.
Hume, Joseph, M P., 118, 12*, 12«, 129, 134,
135, 136, 138, 167, 168, 169, 171, 175, 228.
Hurlburt, Rev. Thomas, 275, 513.
Hyland, Edward, 64.
Inglis, Sir Harry, 163.
Inglis, Sir Robert, 121.
Irvine, Rev. Mr., 154.
Irving, Rev. Edward, 116.
Izard, Miss 0., 163.
Jackson, Edward, 241.
Jackson, Rev. Thos., 273.
Jacobs, Peter, 68, 78.
Jager, Abbe, 358.
James, Rev. John Angel, 162, 163.
Jameson, V ice-Chancellor, 304, 418.
Rev. Mr., 355.
Janes, Bishop, 656.
Jarvis, Mr., 299.
Jarvis, Sheriff, 183.
Jay, Rev. Wm , 116.
Jeffers, Rev. Dr. W., 498, 511, 533.
Jeffrey, Rev. T. W., 594.
Jenkins, Rev. Wm., 1E4, 159.
Jeune, Rev. Dr., 163.
Jobson, Rev. Dr., 682.
Johnston, Rev. Hugh, B.D., 595.
Jones, Dr., 594.
Jones, Jonas, 111.
John, 65, 66, 70.
Jones, Mr. Justice, 177, 310, 551.
Jones, Rev. R., 593, 594.
Jones, T. M., 299.
Jones, Rev. Peter, 41, 44, 45, 56, 61, 66, 69, 70,
71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79, 83, 107, 108, 112, 228,
320, 400, 401, 413.
Juukin, S. S., 149, 150, 151. 170.
Keefer, Jacob, 348.
Kent, Duchess of, 164.
Kent, John, 97, 292, 293, 294, 296, 297.
Kenyon, Lord, 160.
Kerr, Mrs. Wm. (nee Brant), 56.
Kerr, Wm., 78, 51)4.
Lafontaine, Hon. L. H., 804, 315, 882, 3
425, 444, 446, 551.
Laird, Rev. J. O., 593, 593.
Lane, William, 75.
Lang, Rev. Matthew, 275.
Langton, John, 530.
Lansdowne, Marquis of, 419, 42P, 515.
Law, Rev. John, 28, 32, 39.
William, 62, 63.
8, 416,
Lefroy, General, 371.
Lessey, Rev. Thcophilus, 116.
Lever, Rev. Mr., 493.
Lindsay, General, 559.
Lindsey, Charles, 185, 188.
Lingard, R. W., 419.
Linsey, Rev. Mr , 88.
Lloyd, Jesse, 178.
Longman, Mr. 578.
Lord, Rev. Wm., 121, 140, 148, 151, 152, 153, 164,
166, 210, 394, 401, 402.
Lome, Marquis of, 698.
Lount, Samuel, 178, 182, 183, 184, 188.
Luckey, Rev. Dr., 88.
Lunn, Mr. Wm., 154. 169.
Lynch, Archbishop, 593.
Macaulay, Lord, 123, 205, 419.
Macaulay, Mr. Justice, 172, 173, 177, 551.
M cdonald, John, 564.
Macdonald, R., Q.C., 182.
Macdonald, Rt. Hon. Sir John A., 194, 499.
Macdonnell, Vicar-General, 106.
Macdougall, Hon. Wm., 288.
Mackenzie, W. L , 118, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,
129, 130, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 144, 145, 155,
156, 157, 168, 171, 175, 178, 185, 186, 187, 188,
189, 190, 200, 207, 239, 257, 2S8.
Macnab, Sir Allan, 177, 229, 387.
Madden, Rev. Thomas, 29, 40, 55, 68.
Maitland, Sir Peregrine, 62, 63, 221, 440, 445.
Manchester, Bishop of, 599, 602.
Mangles, Mr., M.P., 340.
Manly, Rev. John G., 275.
Mann, Horace, 600.
Markland, Hon. George H., 170.
Marsden, Rev. G., 115, 120, 147. 163, 273, 397.
Marsh, Rev. Dr. Wm., 163.
Marshall, Rev. Mr., 571.
Matthews (see Lount and Matthews), 89, 182,
183, 184, 188.
tlaule, Fox (Lord Panmure), 272.
Meredith, Mr., 163
Merritt, Hon. W. H., 314, 815,316, 319, 336, 337,
338, 343.
Metca'fe, Sir Charles, 133. 194, 193, 303, 3C8,
312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 319, 323, 324, 325,
328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 337, 340, 341, 342,
343, 344, 345, 347, 348, 375, 376, 377, 383, 398,
400, 404.
Methley, Rev. Mr., 507, 508.
Mitchell, Judge James, 2i.
Michelet, M. 358.
Miller, Rev. Dr., 542.
Moflatt, Hon. George, 840.
Molso.i, Hon. Mr., 318.
Monod, M., 356, 358, 359.
Uontgomery, John, 177.
Moore, Archbishop, 220.
Moore, Hugh, 211.
Morpeth, Lord, 116.
Morris, Hon. James, 337, 338.
Morris, Hon. Wm., 221, 222, 227, 228, 256, 336.
415, 465.
Morrison, Dr. T. D., 70, US, 182,
Moseley, Rev. Mr., 163,
612
INDEX.
Moss, Mr., 168.
Mountain. Bishop, 221.
Mulkins, Rev. Hannibal, 173.
Murdoch, T. W. 0., 267, 290, 812, 887.
Murray, Rev. Robt., 846, 347, 349, 360.
Murray, Sir George, 459.
Muskrat, John, 66.
McCann, Rev. Father, 693.
McCrae, Miss, 77.
McDonnell, A., 177.
McOlll, Hon. Peter, 840.
McHenry, Mr., 694.
Mclntyre, Rev. John, 211.
McLean, Mr. Justice, 177, 810.
McMullen, Rev. D., 210.
McMurray, Archdeacon, 77.
McOwan, 160.
Nay lor, Rev. Wm., 116.
Neilson, Hon. Judge, 667.
Neilson, Mr., 267.
Nelles, Rev. Dr , 594, 698.
Newcastle, Duke of, 462, 453.
Newton, Rev. Dr. Robt., 116, 119, 162, 269, 273,
279.
Noel, Hon. and Rev. Baptist, 116, 169, 162.
Nolan, Rev. Mr., 542.
Noll, Rev. James, 212.
Normanby, Lord, 250, 261, 263.
Norris, Rev. James, 275.
Northcote, Sir Stafford, 578.
Norwich, Bishop of, 641.
Ogden, Mr. Justice, 304.
Oidham, Mr., 162.
Olin, Rev. Dr., 406.
Ormiston, Rev. Dr. 17, 697.
Osgood, Rev. Thaddeus, 75.
Ousley, Gideon, 161.
O'Callaghan, Dr., 190.
O'Connell, Daniel, 318, 823.
O'Brien, Rev. J., 77.
Packington, Sir John, 451, 452.
I'dlaiorstnn, Lord, 616, 551.
Fa muire, Lord (see Mr. Fox Maule).
Panteleoni, Dr,, 614, 615, 616, 617, 540.
Papineau, Hon. D. B., 837.
Papineau, Hon. L. J., 167, 168, 257, 267.
Parke, Thomas, 881.
Parsons, Rev. James, 159.
Patin, M., 858.
Patterson, Mr. James, 694.
Payer, M., 868.
Peck, Bishop Jesse T., 172.
Peel, Sir Robert, 121, 160, 291, 806, 807, 809,
811, 823, 324, 411, 651.
Perry, Peter, 166, 167, 189.
Philip, Dr., 163.
Phillips, Rev. Dr., 542.
Pitt, Rt. Hon. William, 218, 219, 220, 834.
Pius IX., Pope, 861, 862, 865, 866, 867.
Playter, Rev. George, 416.
Postels, M. de, 868.
Potter, Prof., 850.
Potts. Rev. Dr., 80, 288, 578, 594, 695, 696.
Powell, Aid. J., 177.
Powell, Mr., 814.
Power, Bishop 428.
Prince, Colonel, 338.
Prindle, Rev. Andrew, 892.
Prmsen, Mr., 854.
Punshon, Rev. Dr. W. M., 539, 648, 644, 545,
656, 557, fi68, 660, 662, 5d4, 671, 678, 676, 677,
079,689,690.
Radcliffo, Mr. 127, 128, 130, 141.
Beceveur, Abbe, 853.
Reece, Rev. Richard, 92, 115, 159, 162.
Reese, Rev. Dr. D. M., 279.
Reynard, Rev. Prof., 694.
Reynolds, Bishop, 883.
Rice, Rev. Dr., 676.
Richards, Sir W. B., 194, 667.
Richardson, Bishop, 40, 48, 63, 75, 78, 90, 98, 9»
108, 118, 154, 183, 883.
Richey, Rev. Dr. M., 15t, 209, 214, 270, 273, 387,
888, 403, 404, 556, 557.
RlggT, Rev. Dr., 556, 589.
Ripon, Earl of, 118, 224, 232, 235, 886, 459.
Roads, Rev. Mr. 334.
Roaf, Rev. John, 212.
Roberts, Bishop, 269.
Robinson, Hon. Peter, 170.
Chief Justice, 178, 177, 500, 810, 651, 668
670.
Robinson, Hon. W. B., 567, 668.
Robinson, Mr., 162.
Robliu, John P., M.P.P., 804.
Roebuck, J. A., M.P., 167, 169, 171, 175, 228.
Rolfe, Sir R. M., 165.
Rolph, Dr. John, 127, 170, 189, 190, 288.
Rose, Rev. Dr. S., 61, 62, 694.
Routh, Sir Randolph, 340.
Rowsell, Henry, 296.
Russell, Lord John, 128, 216, 255, 260, 261, 263,
264, 267, 272, 285, 286, 878, 889, 891, 395, 435,
43S, 441, 443, 451, 454, 467, 499, 516.
Ruttan, Sheriff, 848.
Ryan, Rev. Henry, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 131, 195,
278, 885, 567.
Ryckman, Rev. E. B., 637.
Ryerse, Major, 638.
Ryerse, Samuel, 24.
Ryerson, Rev. George, 25, 86, 87, 42, 45, 52, 63,
65, 66, 61, 67, 68, 69, 70, 79, 83, 94, 107, 108,
109, 113, 412, 634.
Rev. John, 25, 62, 65, 67, 86, 87, 88, 89,
109, 111, 115, 127, 128, 136, 141, 142, 147, 150,
151, 152, 154, 156, 161, 166, 171, 172, 177, 181,
183, 184, 188, 196, 199, 200, 201, 228, 239, 240,
241, 269, 270, 271, 823, 825, 328, 845, 346, 347,
848, 386, 899, 401, 402, 403, 413, 503, 607, 511,
612, 534, 673, 574, 576, 680, 585, 587.
• Rev. William, 26, 29, 40, 52, 68, 69, 75,
78, 83, 81, 88, 111, 118, 130, 141, 142, 147, 177,
179, 228, 263, 269, 271, 272, 275, 405, 450.
Ryerson, Rev. Edwy, 69, 83, 84, 130, 133, 228,
415.
Ryerson, Mrs., Sr.. 23, 25, 27, 23, 37, 42, 43, 45.
54, 65, 66, 82, 81, 139, 140, 178, 268, 858, 412,
Ryerson. Samuel, 24.
Colonel, 23, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 48,
44, 45, 51, 62, 58, 56, 68, 60, 61, 84, 127, 134,
178, 310, 412.
Ryerson, Lucilla Hannah, 111.
Ryland, Rev. John, 162.
Salt, Rev. Allen, 78.
Sanderson, Rev. Dr. G. R., 211, 633.
Sandon, Lord, 168, 272.
Sandwich, Dr., 169.
Saunders, Hon. J. 8., 453.
Saurin, Rev. J. S., 864, 357.
Savage, Rev. D., 679.
Sawyer, Chief Joseph, 72.
Scobie, Hugh, 837, 838, 339, 341.
Scott, Rev. Jonathan, 271, 287, 294, 295.
Scott, Rev. Wm., 201, 275.
Seat on, Lord (see Sir J. Col borne).
Shaf tesbury, Rt. Hon. Lord, (see Lord AshleyV
168,642.
Sherwood, Mr. Justice, 173, 264, 304.
Sherwood Sheriff, 111.
Shiel, Rt. Hon. Richard, 516, 617.
Shuttleworth, Sir J. P. Kay, 419, 600.
Simcoe, Governor, 219, 220.
Simpson, Bishop, 656, 677.
INDEX.
Skinner, Bishop, 213.
Slater, Rev, Wm , 86.
Slight, Rev. Benjamin, 275.
Small, Jame.* E., 301.
Smart, Rev. W., 221.
Smith, Ellas, 50.
Smith, Rev. Bishop Philander, 883.
Smith, Rev. Dr. Gervase, 544, £45, 671, 576, 677.
Smith, William, 336.
Snake, Wra., 77.
Sornenient, M., 35S.
Soule, Bishop, 269.
Spark, Dr., 216.
Spencer, Rev. James, 498, 500, 501, 602, 503, 504,
608, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 533.
Squire, Rev. Wm., 148.
Stanley, Right Hon. Lord, 118, 119, 123, 135,
163, 307, 331, 332, 333, 340, 3S1, 388, 439, 469,
639.
Stanley, Very Rev. Dean, 579.
Stauton, Mr., 311, 314.
Stead, Rev. Mr., 272.
Steer, Rev. Wm., 275.
Steinneur, Rev. Henry, 78.
Stephen, Sir James, 158, 168, 189, 228, 272.
Stewart Rev. Mr., 102, 119.
Stewart, Rt. Rev. Dr., (Bishop of Quebec;. 48,
76, 103, 206, 213, 217, 222, 291, 463.
Stick ney, Miss, (Mrs. Ryerson, Sen.) 23.
Stinson, Rev. Dr. Joseph, 142, 154, 174 183, 201,
204, 210, 227, 228, 237, 238, 244, 273, 387, 338,
396, 397, 401, 402.
Stoney, Rev. Edmund, 275.
Strachan, Bishop, 24, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 81, 83,
84, 91, 92, 95, 97, 98, 102, 103, 104, 105, 118,
125, 155, 182, 185, 195, 213, 216, 216, 217, 218,
219, 221, 222, 227, 229, 237, 239, 255, 256, 261,
262, 263, 292, 296, 299, 300, 320, 378, 379, 380,
385, 386, 389, 419, 433, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439,
441, 442, 443, 444, 445,446, 447, 448, 449, 450,
452, 453, 455, 457, 463, 464, 566, 602, 603.
Sturge, M. P., Joseph, 154, 162, 163.
Sunday, Rev. John, 61, 77, 78, 275.
Sunegoo, Wm., 68.
Sullivan, Hon. R. B., 170, 265, 266, 289, 307,
320, 332, 833, 341, 418.
Sweatman, Bishop, 593, 680, £81, 602.
Sydenham, Lord, (C. Poulett Thompson), 193,
197, 216, 257, 258, 260, 261, 263, 264, 265, 266,
268, 282, 283, 284, 286, 287, 290, 301, 302, 303,
304, 306, 312, 313, 320, 321, 325, 331, 342, 343,
845, 846, 378, 382, 387, 388, 389, 390, 394, 395,
896, 441, 443, 550, 651.
Taylor, Rev. Dr. Lachlan, 633, 559.
Taylor, Rev. Joseph, 384.
Telfer, Rev. Mr., 695.
Thompson, C. H., 91, 195.
Thompson, Chas. Poulett (see Lord Sydenhaml
Thorburn. A. B., 328.
Thyuer, Father, 367.
Toase, Rev. Mr., 360.
Townley, Rev. Dr., 198.
Trevelyan, Sir Charles, 340, 376.
Turner, R«v. B. L., 158.
Usedon, Count, 640.
Vaughan, Rev. C. J., 678.
Venueil, Mons., 357.
Viger, Hon. D. B., 318, 322, 833.
Waddy, Rev. Dr., 666.
Wallace, James, 562.
Wahwahsinno, Chief, 76.
Washlmrn, Daniel, 188.
Waudby, John, 265.1
Watson, Rev. Richard, 106, 108, 110, 280, 884,
493, 494, 495.
Waugb, Bishop, 269.
Waugh, Dr., 115.
Waugh, Rev. Mr , 119.
Way land, Rev. Dr., 26, 43L
Wellington, Duke of, 456.
Wells, Hon. Joseph, 170.
Wenham, Dr., 79.
West, Rev. Mr., 79.
Whitehead, Rev. Thomas, 274, 276, 407, 408.
Wilkinson, Rev. Heiiry, 130, 214, 228.
Wilson, Mr., 176.
Wilson, Thomac, &Co., 160.
Wilmot, Lieut.-Gov., L.A., 672.
William IV., King, 118.
Williams, Rev. J. A., 687.
Willson, Hugh, 29.
Willson, Hon. John, M.P.P., 46, 195, 885, 886,
551.
Winchester, Bishop of, 116.
Wiseman, Cardinal, 420.
Wiseman, Rev. Mr., 676.
Withrow, Rev. Dr., 600.
Wolseley, Sir Garnet, 559.
Wood, Rev. Dr. Enoch, 470, 479, 480, 491, 497,
498, 503, 507, 511, 512, 533, 544, 559, 660, 639.
Wood, Rev. James, 116, 119.
Wood, Sir Charles, 515.
Wright, Rev. David, 130, 131, 228.
Yellowhead, Chief, 76, 76.
Yeomans, Rev. D., 75.
Young, Rev. E. R., 408, 409.
Young, Rev. R., 272.
INDEX TO SUBJECTS.
American General Conference of 1868, attend-
ance at, 656.
Bapot, Government of Sir Charles, 306.
Bethune, Correspondence with Bishop, 564.
Bible, The, in Public Schools, 428, 664.
Bid well, Defence of, 188 et seq. 806, 416, 667.
British Conference, Union with, 107 et seq. 114,
121, 141, 269.
— — Separation from, 269, 872, 277, 883.
Cartier, Sir George, Correspondence relating
to, 669.
Chapel Property Cases, 172.
Christian Guard-on, 93, 107, 109, 121, 131, 144,
172, 199, 201, 230, 239, et seq., 269. 269, 271.
Christian Guardian, Discussion with, 499.
Church of England, Dr. Ryerson's attitude
towards, 291.
Church Property, Right of Conference to hold,
803.
Civil Rights Controversy, 81.
Class Meeting Question, 470, et seq., 491, etscq.,
499.
Clergy Reserve Question, 47, 68. 81, 83, et. seq.,
91, 95, et seq. 119, 155, 168, 170, 216, 218, 225,
et seq., 236 et seq., 245,250, et seq., 260 et seq.,
278, 286, 800, 878, et seq., 387 et seq., 433 et
seq., 464 et seq.
Confederation, Dr. Ryerson's Address on, 647.
Connecticut University, 106.
Controversy with W. L. Mackenzie, 124. 135, 145.
Controversy with Rev. W. M. Harvard, 202.
Controversies, Newspaper, 205, et seq.
Council, Legislative, 168, 170.
Denominational Colleges Controversy, 618, et
Dominion, Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New,
647.
Durham, Government of Lord, 267, et seq., 312.
Early Life, Sketch of, 23.
Early Education, 24.
Education, Appointment as Chief Superintend-
ent of, 312.
Retirement from Office of, 837.
Educational Administration, 852, 868, et tea.
Educational Tours, 852, 865, 371, 419, 454, 614,
689, 677.
Education, Dr. Ryerson's status in the Confer-
ence while holding Office of Chief Superin-
tendent of, 415.
England, Visits to, 115, et seq., 121, 152, tt seq.,
158, 269, 272, 852, 871, 419, 454, 614, 689, 577.
Estimate of Dr. Ryerson's Character and La-
bours, by Rev. Dr. Onniston, 17.
Estimates of Dr. Ryerson's Character and Work,
695. 698, 690, et seq.
Family Compact, 146.
Funeral Ceremonies, 693.
Grievance Report, 165.
Hume and Roebuck Letters, 167.
"Impressions" of England, 121, 137.
Indians, Labour among, 64, et seq.
Infant Baptism, 470, et seq., 491, et seq.
"Legion's" Letters, 841.
Loyalists, U. E., History of, 677, 685, 690.
Matrimony, Right of Methodist Ministers t«
Celebrate, 303.
Metcalfe, Defence of Sir Charles, 198, 312, et
seq., 319, et seq., 328, et tea., 849.
Metcalfe, Administration of Sir Charles, 198,
812, et seq., 819, et seq., 328, et seq., 337, et
seq., 376.
Methodist Union, 671.
Metropolitan Church, 562.
Minister, Work as, 80, 86, 149, 282, 287.
Mission to River Credit Indians, page 68, et seq.
Norfolk County, Visits to, 634.
Presidency of General Conference, 575.
Rebellion of 1837, 176, et »eq., 182.
Rectories Question, 218, 226, et seq., 236, et teq.+
245, 250, et seq.
Red River Expedition, 659.
Religious Experiences, 25, 80, 82, 42, 51-57, 82,
85.
Religious Instruction in Schools, 423, 564.
Responsible Government, 257, et seq.
Roebuck and Hume Letters, 167.
Ryanite Schism, 87.
School Act, 870.
Spencer, Controversy with Rev. Mr., 499.
Style, Controversial, 105.
Sydenham, Administration of Lord, 260, 234,
286, 290, 301.
Thompson. Mr. Charles Poulett, Government
of, 260.
Union, Methodist, 571.
United Empire Loyalists, History of, 677, 5S5r
590.
University Controversy, 518, et seq.
Upper Canada Academy, 113, 15' 161, etseq.t
164, et seq., 179, 801, 805, 807.
Victoria College, 113, 152, 161, et teq , 164, et
seq , 179, 801, 806, 807.
THE LOYALISTS § AMERICA
AND
THEIR TIMES,
BY THE
REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LL.D.
Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada from 1844 to 1876.
flPHIS book is one of national importance. It is the most ample and minute
JL account of the TJ. E. Loyalists and their Times which has hitherto
been published. It describes very fully the early Colonial History of America,
and traces the important distinction, often overlooked, between the Pilgrim
Fathers and the Puritan Fathers in New England, who maintained separate
•Governments for seventy years. The religious persecutions of the Quakers and
other dissidents from Puritan creed and civil constitution are reviewed, and the
stern intolerance of the latter is shown. The fortunes of the Colonies under the
Long Parliament, the Commonwealth, and the Restoration, are carefully traced.
The prolonged conflict between France and England for the possession of the
Continent, with its battles, sieges, and adventurous campaigns is given in detail.
The growing estrangement between Great Britain and the Colonies, and the
stormy events of the Revolutionary War, are recounted. This epoch is very fully
•discussed from a British Loyalist point of view. The author avows his sympathy
with the colonists in their assertion of their rights as British subjects, and avers
his belief that but for their revolutionary Declaration of Independence they would
within a twelvemonth have obtained all that they desired without the shedding of
blood, without the unnatural alliance with France, much less a war of seven
years. But the outbreak and conduct of the war are emphatically condemned.
No portion of this history will be read with greater interest than that which
describes the sufferings, in maintaining their allegiance to their King, of the
U. E. Loyalist Founders and Fathers of Canada. For the first time, the full and
detailed account of these sufferings is now published. The account of the early
development and organization of the Government of the Maritime Provinces and
of Upper Canada is full and minute. The stirring events of the War of 1812-15
are also given with much copiousness of detail. The grand patriotism of our
country, struggling against tremendous odds, is amply asserted and illustrated.
'""To this work the venerable author has devoted several of the best years of his
life. Of U. E. Loyalist stock himself, he writes with hearty sympathy with his
subject. He has devoted many years to the study of historical and constitutional
•questions. He has made laborious and extensive research. And he furnishes in
these volumes copious documentary evidence of the validity of his assertions and
conclusions.
It is beautifully printed on extra calendered paper, and forms
TWO HANDSOME OCTAVO VOLUMES,
containing 1,055 pages, with Steel Portrait of the Author. Strongly bound
IN EXTRA ENGLISH CLOTH, - - - $5 00
IN HALF MOROCCO, - - - - - - 7 00
AGENTS WANTED.
Address for particulars,
WIL L I AM BRIGGS, PUBLISHER,
78 & 80 KING STREET EAST, TORONTO.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS,
OP
•STATESMEN AND OTHERS,
ON
REV. DR. RYERSON'S "HISTORY OF THE LOYALISTS OF
AMERICA AND THEIR TIMES, FROM
1620 TO 1816."
From the Toronto DAILY MAIL, July 7th, 1880.
In a lengthened review of more than two columns, the Mail says :
" It is with great pleasure that we introduce and commend to our readers
these portly volumes) which together contain nearly a thousand pages. Dr.
Ryerson deserves well of his country on account of his long and inestimable
services to the cause of popular education. He is the still surviving father
of our public school system, and for over thirty years directed its progress
with characteristic zeal and activity. But apart from the author's public
work, these volumes — the result of twenty-five years' labour — are exceedingly
valuable on their own account. * * * Dr. Ryerson has performed his
task with great thoroughness, inspired by a deep interest in his subject. The
style is easy and flowing ; the facts stated are almost superabundantly es-
tablished by reference to the authorities ; and wherever it becomes necessary
to demonstrate the misrepresentations of American writers, the author's
forcible way of putting the subject-matter in dispute is at once clear and
cogent. In short, the narrative is interesting, whilst the arguments that /crop
tip now and again are pointed and convincing. We had some doubts as to
the venerable author's age ; but he leaves no doubt upon the point in a
passage relating to the war of 1812 (Vol. II., p. 353). At the outbreak of the
war, amongst the Norfolk volunteers who went with General Brock to the
taking of Detroit were the elder brother and brother-in-law of the writer of
these pages (he being then ten years of age). Dr. Ryerson must be conse-
quently seventy-eight, or thereabouts ; still, as his father lived to the ripe
old age of ninety-four, the author may have a long lease of life before him."
From the Hamilton EVENING TIMES, June 12th, 1880.
" It has been well said, that Dr. Ryerson needs no monument to perpetuate
his industry, zeal, ability, and aptitude for literary work, and successful man-
agement other than the system of public and high schools of Ontario, which he
may be said to have created nearly forty years ago, and nourished until 1876,
when he retired from the position of Chief Superintendent of Education.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
But if he do, that other monument will be found in his History of the Loyalist*,
of America and their Times. This contribution to native literature is not the-
'work of a day. It is the result of twenty-five years of more or less arduous
labour and diligent inquiry. It is therefore all the more valuable and trust-
worthy. When one carefully examines the tersely-written pages of the two-
volumes comprising the History, one can, in a measure, conceive the pains,
jtaken by the venerable author to do justice to his subject. * * * The-
History is a mine of information. It stands alone as a voluminous authority,,
and will probably do so for many years. It is admirably written, thoroughly
systematised, and clear and concise. It is just such a work as should adorn,
the shelves of every Canadian library."
From the Hamilton SPECTATOR, June 19th, 1880.
" No book issued in Canada in recent years is more worthy of cordial re^
ception than the one which forms the subject of this notice. With the name
of U. E. Loyalists most Canadians are familiar, but with the experience, the-
noble deeds, the unswerving loyalty to king and country, of those who took,
part in the events of the early history of America, very many are lamentably
ignorant ; or such knowledge as they have has been derived from unfriendly
or unreliable sources. * * * The work Dr. Ryerson undertook was no-
light one. The time was long past when the events treated of took place,,
and when the actors in them could be consulted. But though the actors in
the stirring scenes of our early history had passed away, there were au-
thentic documents and records of them left behind, and these the author has,
searched out and consulted. The results of his researches appear as a work
which must be commended for the vast amount of information it contains,,
its accuracy of detail, and the supplying of a want long felt and often
deplored. * * * Altogether, the book is one which should be read
throughout the length and breadth of Canada ; and even across the sea it
should, and doubtless will, find a place. The Rev. Dr. Ryerson's efforts in,
the cause of education have borne good fruit ; it is certain that his great
literary work will also accomplish high beneficial results.
" The mechanical part of the book is io every way creditable to the-
publishers."
From the EVANGELICAL CHURCHMAN, Toronto, June S4th, 1880.
" This is, without exception, the most important and elaborate historical'
work which has yet issued from the Canadian press. The incidents of the-
memorable struggle, which resulted in the separation of the colonies from
the Empire, are given in nervous and graphic language, and shed a flood of
light on the contest itself. The subsequent privations and sufferings of the
1 " United Empire Loyalists " are most vividly portrayed. Their settlement
in this and other Provinces are feelingly and touchingly described. Reminis-
cences, recollections and experiences of expatriated Loyalists are also given,,
and illustrations of the hardships endured by them are related in the work
by many of the living descendants of these Loyalists. This portion of the
history is deeply interesting and instructive, but space forbids us to enter
into it. Our readers cannot do better than possess themselves of these enter--
taining volumes, which we most cordially commend as a most valuable-
addition to our colonial historical literature."
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
From the Toronto CHRISTIAN GUARDIAN, July 14th, 1880.
"This new book by the venerable Dr. Ryerson is the most important
literary work of his life. It fitly crowns a career of unusual intellectual
•activity with a standard history of the formative period of Anglo-American
civilization. The range and scope of the work are much wider than most
persons would suppose from the announcement. Most people looked for a
work that would be mainly made up of biographical sketches of the U. E.
Loyalist pioneer in the settlement of Canada. But Dr. Ryerson goes back
to the beginning, and traces the whole origin and growth of the English in
America, the relation of the Colonists to the Home Government, the character
and doings of the Colonial Governments, and the political causes which pro-
duced dissatisfaction, and ultimately led to rebellion and independence.
" The first thing that strikes us in examining this work is the evidence it
presents of extensive research, in the examination of original documents, and
•consequently the extent to which it must be a valuable repertory of
important historic facts for future historians of American civilization.
" One thing that invests this work with special interest to nil Canadians
and Britons is that nearly all the histories of the United States, as well as
the popular literature of that country, glorify the deeds and character of all
who took a part in the Revolutionary war, on the Republican side ; but the
Loyalists who could not feel justified in fighting against their Sovereign and
•country, are uniformly painted in the blackest colours, as if they were
cowardly and base wretches who had no redeeming qualities. All that is
hateful and mean is suggested by the word ' Tory ' or ' Royalist ' in the
annals of the United States. They have never had fair play ; because they
"were generally painted by those who bitterly hated them. But while the
author admits fully the folly and unconstitutional despotism that goaded the
colonists into rebellion, and the patriotic feeling of many on the Republican
side, no one can read his work without feeling that great injustice has been
done to the Loyalists, whose wrong acts were generally provoked by the re-
lentless persecution of the other party. In the light of the real facts, it does
not appear criminal or discreditable that they were unwilling to join in open
•war against the land of their fathers and the Government to which they owed
allegiance. * * * The account of the war of 1812 will possess still greater
interest for Canadians. The part played by the people of Canada at that
time, in resolutely resisting an unjustifiable invasion, made by a greatly
superior power, at a time when England was contending almost single-
lianded against the immense forces Napoleon I. had combined against her ;
and the fact that eleven different attacks were repelled without loss of terri-
tory, are achievements oi which Canadians have no need to be ashamed.
From the Montreal GAZETTE, June 26th, 1880.
In the course of an elaborate review of three columns of this work, the
•editor of the Montreal Gazette, June 26th, 1880, says :
•' This most important work, whose approach to completion we had the
pleasure some months ago of announcing to our readers, is now an accom-
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
plished fact, and the people of Canada will have an opportunity of gratifying-
their desire for a full and fair history of one of the most interesting and meri-
torious elements of our population. For the laborious, and in some respecta
perilous task of writing such a history, few, if any, of our prominent men of
learning could have been so well fitted as Dr. Ryerson. Himself the son of
a leading Loyalist, of a family which had given Canada many men of earnest
thought and strenuous act, familiar from his childhood with the traditiona
of those heroic settlers who were mainly the founders of his native Province,
and having himself had no small share in extending the progress and per-
petuating the prosperity of which, at the cost of their fortunes and the risk of
their lives, they laid the firm basis, he was indignantly conscious of the many
calumnies propagated by hostile pens, from which, for nearly a century, they
had suffered almost undefended. Not alone, indeed. Happily there were
others also who longed to see the story of the Loyalists written by an impar-
tial and skilful hand. And when those who represent what was best in the
public life, the literature, the pulpit and the press of the two united Provinces
a quarter of a century ago, looked around on each other and beyond their
own circle for a person to whom they might entrust the performance of so
needed a duty, they unanimously fixed upon the Superintendent of Educa-
tion of Upper Canada as that person. Thus selected, and not unmoved,
besides, by potent inward urgings, Dr. Ryerson accepted the honourable but
difficult charge." [Then follows an analysis of the principal facts and argu-
ments of the work.]
From the MORNING CHRONICLE, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 4th, 1880.
" This is undoubtedly one of the most notable of recent works from the
press of Canada. It is a work of such interest as to its subject, and, we must
add, of such merit as to its execution, that no proper justice can be done to
it in any such review as can be afforded within the limited eligible space of
a daily newspaper."
From the MORNING HERALD, Halifax, N. S., July 24th and August 4th, 1880*
The Herald devotes two articles in review of this work, commencing with
the following words :
" The author of this work is so well known to the people of this country,
that any publication in which his name appears is a sufficient guarantee of its
value, its accuracy, and the interesting nature of its contents. No work ever
published in Canada is more worthy of a cordial reception from our people
than the ' Loyalists of America and their Times,' and none will be read with
more intense interest by the descendants of those noble men and women,
' who, stripped of their rights and property during the war, * * * were driven
from the homes of their birth and of their forefathers,' because of their
loyalty to their king, to seek new homes in the (then) wilderness of Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick."
N.B. — Numerous other notices, of a similar character to the above, are said
to have appeared in various provincial newspapers.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
LETTER FROM SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE.
" 79 PORTLAND PLACE, July 26th, 1880.
•«' MY DEAR SIR,
" I ought long ago to have thanked you for so kindly sending me your
•work on the ' Loyalists,' but I have been so busy since it came that I have
had little time for reading. I have been much interested with it, and am very
much obliged for it.
" Believe me, yours very faithfully,
(Signed) " STAFFORD H. NORTHCOTE."
LETTER FROM LORD CARNARVON.
" HIGHCLERE CASTLE, NEWBDRT, Sept 1st, 1880.
« MY DEAR SIR,
**'l have received the 'History of the Loyalists of America' which you have
been good enough to send me. I have as yet only been able to turn the
pages, but before long I hope to find the leisure to become acquainted with
the contents of these two volumes, of which I have seen enough in my rapid
glance to be sure that they embrace not only much that is most interesting,
but in a historical point of view very valuable matter.
" I remain, my dear Sir, yours faithfully,
(Signed) " CARNARVON."
LETTER FROM ALPHEUS TODD, ESQ., LIBRARIAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMOXS.
"OTTAWA, September 16th, 1880.
•" MY DEAR DR. RYERSON,
" I have just returned from a visit to England, much refreshed. I found
your two interesting volumes on my desk, and am very grateful for your kind
remembrance of me. I shall prize them highly.
" We have all reason for congratulation that you have completed this great
book, which is a noble retrospect of the loyalty of our forefathers. I earnestly
hope that it may be the means of quickening and strengthening the present
generation in this land in the endeavour to render themselves worthy of the
noble inheritance that the zeal and devotion of our ancestors obtained for
us, and that it will deepen our attachment to the British Crown and
Imperial connection.
" Always with much respect and regard,
" Your sincere friend,
(Signed) " ALPHEUS TODD."
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
LETTER FROM His EXCELLENCY THE MARQUIS OP LORNE.
" CITADEL, QUEBEC, June 10th, 1880.
" MY DEAR DR. RYERSON,
" I have to-day received your most welcome gift, and hasten to tell you my
gratitude for what was to me a very pleasant surprise — a surprise, for I had
not heard that you were engaged in the task you have now completed, and
had I heard it, I could not have expected the kindness which has made me
the recipient from the author of such a full and extremely interesting history.
" It should become a household book in Canada ; and I can well imagine
the delight it will give to those who are able through the work, as you have
been in its composition, to trace the actions and live again in sympathy with,
the thoughts of heroic ancestors.
" Believe me, with very many thanks,
" Yours very truly,
(Signed) " LORNE."
LETTER FROM LORD DUFFERIN.
" ST. PETERSBURG, September 6th, 1880.
" MY DEAR DR. EYERSON,
" I have just received your two beautiful volumes. I cannot tell you how
grateful I am to you for your kind thought of me. There is no present I
value more than that of a book from its author. Indeed, I have now a very
interesting library composed of volumes given to me at different times by the
various distinguished men of the present generation whom I have had the
happiness to know, and your work will find an honoured place upon its
shelves.
" You well know how fully I understand and appreciate all that you have
done for education in Canada, and that there are few people in the Dominica
for whom I have always entertained a greater regard or respect."
" Believe me, my dear Dr. Eyerson,
" Yours most sincerely, •
(Signed) " DUFFERIN."
CANADIAN METHODISM
ITS
EPOCHS AND CHARACTERISTICS,
WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF THE
LONDON, TORONTO, AND MONTREAL CONFERENCES,
BY THE
REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LL.D.
This Volume is elegantly bound in Extra English Cloth, with inlc^ and
gold stamping, 12mo. size, containing 448
WITH STEEL PORTRAIT,
DPIRIOE, - ^
THIS Volume is not a mere reprint of the Essays that appeared in
the Magazine from month to month, but contains a large amount of
new matter which has not heretofore appeared.
It possesses also, to the many admirers of its beloved and honoured
author, a melancholy interest as being the latest production of that
pen which, during a long and busy life, was ever wielded in defence
of civil and religious liberty.
Agents Wanted to sell this important Work.
Address, WILLIAM BRIGGS,
PUBLISHER,
78 & 80 KING STREET EAST, TORONTO
F
10^8
R98A2
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