Chapter LXIV…

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 prevented. 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 experienced before, "the love of Christ which passeth all knowledge." 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 retirement, 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.

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. O! 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 increase--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 and privilege, and help us also from sinking into despondency by the illustrations 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;" but 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:--

I 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 subject. 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 circumstance, 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 Conference in 1874, he was gratified at the many kind things said to 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 themselves 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 Conference 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 grieved 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, but I cannot tell 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 removal, 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 your 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 cannot 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 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.

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Dr. Ryerson was appointed as a representative of the Conferences 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 and 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 Government 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.

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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 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 numerous, 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 becoming 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 13th 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 Monday, 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 preaching. 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, said:--Rev. Dr. Punshon, the President, gave a brief and discriminating 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 gentleman," 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 conclusion 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 eloquent and kindly.

The following letters were addressed to me by Dr. Ryerson while in London, at the dates mentioned:--

September 19th.--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 work. 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 forward on the subject of education.

November 14th.--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 Dufferin has spoken of mine. His Lordship told me he would give instructions, whenever I desired, to have every possible facility and aid given me in the Record Office in referring 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 suggestions.

December 7th.--With your letter I received day before yesterday 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, administered 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 14th.--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--yourself 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 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 I 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 distinguished 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 blessings, to which I owe my all, of renewal, pardon, strength and comfort and hope, in the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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 Education, 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 Philadelphia 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 anything towards augmenting your enjoyment on what you have been pleased to term your 'last visit to England.' I remember with pleasure your 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 when I say that your appearance among us at our late 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. Ryanism; 3. Canadian 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. Yongestreet Circuit: Mrs. Taylor converted under a sermon preached by Wm. 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 arrangement, 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 respectfully and cordially received by the Conference. In the course of the day, Rev. J. A. Williams, seconded by Rev. E. B. Ryckman, 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 endeavouring to do some justice to the founders of our country and its institutions, I hope to do the same for the Fathers of our Church and its institutions. I spoke last night at the reception of young men, and my remarks were very favourably received.

In a letter to me from Whitby, dated 27th June, Dr. Ryerson said:--To-day I had the great pleasure of laying the foundation stone of an important addition to the Methodist Ladies' College at Whitby. Mr. Holden kindly intimated that the trustees had decided to name the new structure "Ryerson Hall." My remarks were few, and related chiefly to the importance of female education. I referred to the great attention which was now given to the education of women, on both sides of the Atlantic. There were different theories, I said, as to how it should be done, but all were agreed that women should be educated. Even the English Universities were helping in the work. I did not believe, I said, in Colleges for both ladies and gentlemen. 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 educated, the sons would not remain ignorant. Both patriotism and piety should make people encourage these institutions, which would be the pride of future generations.

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On the 30th July Dr. Ryerson received an affecting letter from his brother John, enclosing to him the manuscript of his "Reminiscences of Methodism," during his long and active life. In regard to them, he said:--

What I have written is entirely from memory. In speaking about many things I had to do with, of course I had to speak a good deal about myself, but I was writing for the public, not for you; and if any of the facts I have referred to will be of any use to you in your Essays, I shall be glad. That use, however, can be made without mentioning my 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 nothingness. My circumstances give strength to these feelings of contentment. My age and growing weakness show me that I 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 I 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 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 responding "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 could be removed. These shocks did not help my already shaken nerves to regain their tone. Otherwise the Conference was a memorable success. I 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. I now enclose 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 associations, 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 L200,000 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 meeting. The first hour was spent in devotional exercises, and then the contributions 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.

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 accomplished--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 show him some kind attentions during his last visit to Canada.

I have been deeply concerned to read in this morning's newspaper that Dr. Punshon himself was seriously ill. I trust and pray that the Church and nation may not yet, nor 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:--

In 1878, I 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 unwavering. 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 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 persuaded, 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 began 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.

O 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?

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 prominent laymen. Bishop Sweatman and most of the ministers of the Church of England were present. Nearly all the Presbyterian, 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 grandchildren of the deceased: wreath from Mr. C. H. Greene; cross, 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. Everywhere 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 Victoria College:--Rev. Dr. Nelles, Prof. Burwash, Prof. Reynard, Prof. 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. Scott, of Montreal Conference, read a portion of the 1st Cor. xv., commencing 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 unbecoming. 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 departed. 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 been a Prime Minister. He was a born leader of his fellows. He was kingly in carriage and in character. The stamp of royal manhood was impressed upon him physically, mentally, morally. We cannot forget the distinguished positions occupied so worthily 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.

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 frequently on purely religious subjects as the venerable Dr. Ryerson. 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 conspicuously 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 this church with peculiar respect and affection. While he belonged 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 loved so dearly was a man in Christ and is now a glorified spirit before the throne. Henceforth 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 kingdom 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 judgment 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 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.

Hymn 624, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me," 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 impressive service.

The remains were then borne to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, where they were afterwards interred.[150] 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 discriminating 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 condolence were received by the family from many sympathizing friends, among which was one from the Marquis of Lorne, 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 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 education, 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 population, 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 operation 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 owes to Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, what education in New England owes to Horace Mann, that debt education in Canada owes to Egerton Ryerson. He has been the object of bitter abuse, of not a little misrepresentation; but he has not swerved from his policy or from his fixed ideas. Through evil report and good report he has found others to support him in the resolution, that free education shall be placed within the reach of every Canadian parent for every Canadian child."

In a letter addressed to Dr. Ryerson in 1875, the Bishop says:--I take it very kindly in you that you remember an old acquaintance, and I have read with interest your last report. I am glad to observe progress in the old lines almost everywhere. I was flattered also to find 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 permitted 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 remembrance more acceptable to me on various accounts; but chiefly shall I value it as a memorial of the confidence and kindness I have so invariably experienced from the Rev. Dr. Ryerson from the day I first took my seat with him at a Council Board in 1846 to the time that I was released from further attendance there this year. Similar acknowledgments I owe to yourself, his coadjutor, in the great work of his life, and the editor of the record of his labours, contained in these volumes.

I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings of respect for the public character and regard for the private worth of one who has rendered to his country services which entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his valuable public services from the Heads of our Government, who were capable of appreciating them, as well as from other quarters; but I think that in his case, as in others that are familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full benefit of them.

I esteem it an honour that I should have been associated with him in his Council for so many years (30), and a privilege 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 greatness 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 Lorne. No native Canadian ever had the entree to such distinguished society in Great Britain and in Europe as he. He had personal relations with several of the leading British statesmen. He enjoyed the personal friendship of the Bishop of Manchester, the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other distinguished divines of the Anglican and Dissenting Churches. He was one of the very few Methodist preachers who have ever shared the hospitalities of Lambeth 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. Ryerson, 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. 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 without 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 Committee 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 intellectual 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. Dewart, 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 our 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 personality of Dr. Ryerson lifted it into a prominence and importance 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 numerous, 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 bitterness 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 Methodism." 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 statesmanlike 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:

"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, says: 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 monopolies 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--vindicating her polity and proclaiming her distinctive truth....

Now, when the sepulchre has received him, will not a grateful 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 usefulness 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 chieftain, 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 spring-time 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. Ryerson'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 rendering 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.

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 Providence 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 devotedly 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 honoured father 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 profound 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 Victoria College, the oldest institution of higher learning of Canadian 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 education 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-Administrator 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 entire 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.

FOOTNOTES:

[150] 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.Return to passage

THE END.

INDEX.

BIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES.

Aberdeen, Earl of, 160.

Adams, Rev. A. A., 130.

Adderly, Mr., M.P., 540.

Agnew, Sir A., 163.

Aikman, John, 32, 36.

Aikman, Miss Hannah, 86, 111, 112.

Alder, Rev. Dr. Robert, 109, 110, 114, 119, 143, 153, 155, 158, 166, 174, 206, 240, 241, 242, 243, 271, 280, 285, 320, 386, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 397, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405.

Allan, Hon. William, 170.

Alley, Mr., 99.

Allison, Rev. C. R., 399.

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.

Atherton, Rev. Mr., 117.

Attwood, Thos., M.P., 123, 129.

Attwood, Rev. 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, 306, 312, 313, 324, 331, 333, 342, 345, 347, 350, 387, 389, 390, 393, 394, 398, 404, 550.

Bain, Prof., 594.

Bakewell, Rev. Mr., 117.

Baldwin, Dr. W. W., 79, 101, 310, 311.

Baldwin, Hon. Augustus, 170.

Baldwin, Hon. Robert, 127, 145, 170, 194, 264, 267, 287, 288, 303, 305, 308, 309, 313, 315, 317, 328, 332, 333, 336, 344, 346, 370, 371, 416, 417, 424, 425, 426, 433, 518, 525, 526, 550.

Bangs, Rev. Dr. Nathan, 32, 78, 88, 93, 115, 269, 277, 278, 418, 577.

Baring, Thomas, M.P., 160.

Barker, Dr., 127, 150.

Bathurst, Lord, 221, 440, 445, 446.

Beadle, Dr., 348.

Beardsley, Colonel, 185.

Beatty, Rev. J., 184, 228.

Beaumont, Rev. Dr., 402.

Beecham, Rev. Dr. John, 119, 159, 228, 390, 507.

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, 348, 380, 564, 565.

Betteridge, 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, 551, 567, 568.

Black, Rev. John, 176, 498.

Blackstock, Rev. W. S., 605.

Blainville, M. de, 358.

Blake, Hon. Chancellor, 418.

Bland, Rev. A. F., 557.

Blockman, Dr., 363.

Blomfield, 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, 348.

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, 554, 555.

Brown, Hon. James, 453.

Brunskill, Mr., 161.

Buchanan, Hon. Isaac, 197, 286, 331, 336, 346, 347, 350.

Buller, Sir Charles, 272, 307.

Bunting, Rev. Dr. Jabez, 117, 119, 143, 154, 158, 159, 160, 162, 228, 240, 273, 279, 280, 390, 398, 401, 402, 403, 420, 506, 507.

Burchel, Mr., 89.

Burke, Edmund, 220.

Burnet, Bishop, 322.

Burns, Rev. Dr. R. F., 557.

Burrows, Colonel, 517.

Burwash, Prof., 594.

Buxton, Mrs., 163.

Calvert, Mr., 542.

Cameron, Hon. Malcolm, 370, 423, 424, 426, 509, 514.

Cameron, James W., 76, 77.

Campbell, Rev. Prof., 381.

Campbell, Sir J., 165.

Campbell, John, M.P.P., 184, 192.

---- Sir Alexander, 192, 559.

Canterbury, Archbishop of, 602.

Carlisle, Bishop of, 542.

Carlisle, Dean of, 541, 542.

Carnarvon, Lord, 539, 579.

Carroll, Rev. Dr. John, 214, 270.

Cartier, Sir George, 559, 560, 561.

Cartwright, M.P.P., 213, 226, 229, 245, 246.

Cartwright, Thos., 133.

Case, Rev. Elder Wm., 56, 66, 68, 74, 77, 78, 79, 81, 87, 91, 92, 93, 176, 228, 243, 270, 274, 275, 277, 378, 385.

Cassidy, Henry, 149,191, 196.

Chalmers, Rev. Dr. Thomas, 215, 365.

Chapman, E. H., 160, 161.

Chester, Bishop of, 116.

Chichester, Lord, 541.

Clarendon, Lord, 499.

Cochran, Rev. Mr., 594.

Colborne, Sir John, 98, 102, 118, 126, 130, 155, 158, 161, 170, 171, 196, 222, 224, 232, 244, 260, 261, 263, 264, 386, 526.

Coley, Rev. Mr., 589.

Collard, Rev. Mr., 93.

Collins, F., 129.

Cook, Emile, 571.

Cork, Bishop of, 541.

Counter, John, 154.

Cowley, Lord, 360.

Crane, John, 73.

Cronyn, Bishop, 517.

Cubitt, Rev. Mr., 159.

Cull, Mr., 287.

Cumming, Rev. Dr., 508.

Daly, Sir Dominick, 333, 340, 351, 376.

Davidson, Alex., 133, 241.

---- Rev. J. O., 143, 175, 274.

Dawson, Dr. J. W., 453.

Dawson, Wm., 161.

Delille, M. Armand, 356, 358.

Delille, Mons. O., 358.

Densmore, Rev. Mr., 384.

Despretz, M., 358.

Derby, Earl of, 329, 330, 451, 452.

Derbyshire, Stewart, 307.

Dewart, Dr. E. H., 602.

Dixon, Rev. Dr. James, 400, 402, 405, 406, 562, 564.

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, 301, 304, 305, 306, 313, 316, 325, 333, 334, 336, 337, 339, 342, 344, 550, 551.

Dufferin, Lord, 408, 409.

Dumas, Prof. 356.

Duncan, Mr. Joseph, 535.

Duncan, Prof. Thomas, 215.

Duncombe, Dr. Charles, 167, 168, 188, 190.

Dunjowski, 353, 365, 366, 367.

Dunkin, Christopher, 196, 197.

Dunn, Colonel, 197.

Dunn, Hon. J. H., 145, 166, 170, 180, 181, 197, 198, 325, 387.

Durbin, Dr. J. P., 115.

Durham, Lord, 196, 197, 225, 256, 257, 258, 259, 267, 272, 312, 339, 550.

Edwards, Mr. 117.

Egger, M., 358.

Elgin, Lord, 370, 405, 416, 419, 420, 451, 452, 514.

Ellice, Rt. Hon. Edward, 117, 160.

Elliott, Judge Wm., 552.

Ellis, Sir Henry, 419.

Elmsley, Hon. John, 170, 179.

Embury, Rev. Philip, 256.

Emory, Bishop, 384, 385.

Entwistle, Rev. Joseph, 116, 273.

Esten, Hon. Vice-Chancellor, 418.

Evans, Rev. Dr. Ephraim, 133, 153, 181, 237, 270, 275, 564.

Evans, Rev. James, 130, 131, 132, 153, 228, 407, 408, 409.

Exeter, Bishop of, 263.

Fallenberg, M. de, 364.

Farmer, Thomas, 159, 166, 256.

Farrar, Canon, 205.

Fawcett, Rev. Thomas, 275.

Ferguson, Rev. George, 340.

Ferrier, Hon. James, 490, 533.

Fisk, Rev. Dr. Wilbur, A.M., 88, 90, 115, 162, 577.

Fitzgibbon, 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.

Galt, John, 221.

Gamble, John W., 268.

Gamble, Clarke, Q. C., 567.

Gasparin, Count, 356, 358, 359, 360.

Geikie, Rev. Dr. Cunningham, 187.

Gibson, David, 178.

Gilchrist, Dr., 339.

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.

Glenelg, 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, 285, 459.

Goderich, Lord, 118, 126, 155, 156, 195, 526.

Goodrich, Rev. C. B., 275.

Goodson, Rev. George, 557.

Goodwin, Dean, (of Ely), 540.

Gourley, Robt., 185.

Gowan, Ogle R., 331.

Graham, Dr. James, 28.

Grampier, Dr., 355, 356, 360.

Grasett, Very Rev. Dean, 295, 297, 600, 602.

Gray, Hon. J. H., 453.

Green, Rev. Dr. Anson, 90, 111, 129, 134, 175, 176, 181, 203, 210, 228, 270, 277, 314, 383, 401, 501, 511.

Greenfield, Mr. 79.

Greig, William, 212.

Grey, Earl, 123, 405, 419, 451, 454, 455, 456, 457, 515, 578.

Grey, Sir George. 165, 168, 169, 189, 246.

Griffin, Smith, 29.

---- Rev. W. S., 29.

Griffin, Rev. Wm., Jun., 130.

Griffis E. C., 129, 241.

Grindrod, Rev. E., 120, 143, 147, 163.

Gurley, Rev. Mr., 279.

Guizot, M., 356.

Hagerman, Daniel, 189.

Hagerman, Mr. Justice, 119, 191, 192, 193, 194, 196, 223, 310, 551, 570.

Halkett, Capt, 177.

Hall, Francis, 78, 92, 115, 305, 417.

Hamilton, Rev. R. W., 116.

Hanet, M., 358.

Hanna, Rev. John, 158, 159.

---- Mrs. John, 159.

Harris, Dr. 79.

Harris, Rev. Mr., 102.

Harrison, Hon. S. B., 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 337, 338, 344, 347.

Harrison, Mr. (A.D.C.), 308, 309, 310, 311.

Harvard, Rev. W. M., 181, 202, 203, 204, 228, 237, 244, 396.

Hawes, Sir Benjamin, 419, 420, 454, 456.

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, 320, 416, 417.

Head, Sir Edmund, 499.

Heald, Rev. Mr., 571.

Healy, Rev. E., 172, 173.

Hedding, Bishop, 32, 48, 90, 172, 174, 269, 385, 577.

Henings, 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, 325, 327, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 339, 340, 345, 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, 544.

Horne, 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, 123, 126, 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 C., 163.

Jackson, Edward, 241.

Jackson, Rev. Thos., 273.

Jacobs, Peter, 63, 78.

Jager, Abbe, 358.

James, Rev. John Angel, 162, 163.

Jameson, Vice-Chancellor, 304, 418.

---- Rev. Mr., 355.

Janes, Bishop, 556.

Jarvis, Mr., 299.

Jarvis, Sheriff, 183.

Jay, Rev. Wm., 116.

Jeffers, Rev. Dr. W., 498, 511, 533.

Jeffery, Rev. T. W., 594.

Jenkins, Rev. Wm., 154, 169.

Jeune, Rev. Dr., 163.

Jobson, Rev. Dr., 582.

Johnston, Rev. Hugh, B.D., 590.

Jones, Dr., 594.

Jones, Jonas, 111.

---- John, 65, 66, 70.

Junes, 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, 20, 400, 401, 413.

Junkin, 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, 594.

Lafontaine, Hon. L. H., 304, 315, 332, 336, 416, 425, 444, 446, 551.

Laird, Rev. J. G., 593, 598.

Lane, William, 75.

Lang, Rev. Matthew, 275.

Langton, John, 530.

Lansdowne, Marquis of, 419, 425, 515.

Law, Rev. John, 28, 32, 39.

---- William, 62, 63.

Lefroy, General, 371.

Lessey, Rev. Theophilus, 116.

Lever, Rev. Mr., 498.

Lindsay, General, 569.

Lindsey, Charles, 185, 186.

Lindsey, Rev. Mr., 88.

Lingard, R. W., 419.

Lloyd, Jesse, 178.

Longman, Mr., 578.

Lord, Rev. Wm., 121,140, 148, 151, 152, 153, 164, 166, 210, 394, 401, 402.

Lorne, Marquis of, 598.

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.

Macdonald, 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, 288.

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.

Maule, Fox (Lord Panmure), 272.

Meredith, Mr., 163.

Merritt, Hon. W. H., 314, 315, 316, 319, 336, 337, 338, 343.

Metcalfe, Sir Charles, 138, 194, 198, 303, 308, 313, 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, 24.

Michelet, M., 358.

Miller, Rev. Dr., 542.

Moffatt, Hon. George, 340.

Molson, Hon. Mr., 318.

Monod, M., 356, 358, 359.

Montgomery, 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, 118, 182.

Mosely, Rev. Mr., 163.

Moss, Mr., 163.

Mountain, Bishop, 221.

Mulkins, Rev. Hannibal, 173.

Murdoch, T. W. C., 267, 290, 312, 387.

Murray, Rev. Robt., 346, 347, 349, 350.

Murray, Sir George, 459.

Muskrat, John, 66.

McCann, Rev. Father, 593.

McCrae, Miss, 77.

McDonnell, A., 177.

McGill, Hon. Peter, 340.

McHenry, Mr., 594.

McIntyre, Rev. John, 211.

McLean, Mr. Justice, 177, 310.

McMullen, Rev. D., 210.

McMurray, Archdeacon, 77.

McOwan, 160.

Naylor, Rev. Wm., 116.

Neilson, Hon. Judge, 567.

Neilson, Mr., 257.

Nelles, Rev. Dr., 594, 598.

Newcastle, Duke of, 452, 453.

Newton, Rev. Dr. Robt., 116, 119, 162, 269, 273, 279.

Noel, Hon. and Rev. Baptist, 116, 159, 162.

Nolan, Rev. Mr., 542.

Noll, Rev. James, 212.

Normanby, Lord, 250, 251, 253.

Norris, Rev. James, 275.

Northcote, Sir Stafford, 578.

Norwich, Bishop of, 541.

Ogden, Mr. Justice, 304.

Oldham, Mr., 162.

Olin, Rev. Dr., 406.

Ormiston, Rev. Dr., 17, 597.

Osgood, Rev. Thaddeus, 75.

Ousley, Gideon, 161.

O'Callaghan, Dr., 190.

O'Connell, Daniel, 316, 323.

O'Brien, Rev. J., 77.

Packington, Sir John, 451, 452.

Palmerston, Lord, 516, 551.

Panmure, Lord (see Mr. Fox Maule).

Pantelioni, Dr., 514, 515, 516, 517, 540.

Papineau, Hon. D. B., 337.

Papineau, Hon. L. J., 167, 168, 257, 267.

Parke, Thomas, 381.

Parsons, Rev. James, 159.

Patin, M., 358.

Patterson, Mr. James, 594.

Payer, M., 358.

Peck, Bishop Jesse T., 172.

Peel, Sir Robert, 121, 160, 291, 306, 307, 309, 311, 323, 324, 411, 551.

Perry, Peter, 156, 157, 189.

Philip, Dr., 163.

Phillips, Rev. Dr., 542.

Pitt, Rt. Hon. William, 218, 219, 220, 334.

Pius IX., Pope, 361, 362, 365, 366, 367.

Playter, Rev. George, 416.

Postels, M. de, 358.

Potter, Prof., 350.

Potts, Rev. Dr., 30, 288, 573, 594, 595, 596.

Powell, Ald. J., 177.

Powell, Mr., 314.

Power, Bishop, 428.

Prince, Colonel, 338.

Prindle, Rev. Andrew, 392.

Prinsen, Mr., 364.

Punshon, Rev. Dr. W. M., 539, 543, 544, 545, 556, 557, 558, 560, 562, 564, 571, 573, 576, 577, 579, 589, 590.

Radcliffe, Mr., 127, 128, 130, 141.

Receveur, Abbe, 358.

Reece, Rev. Richard, 92, 115, 159, 162.

Reese, Rev. Dr. D. M., 279.

Reynard, Rev. Prof., 594.

Reynolds, Bishop, 383.

Rice, Rev. Dr., 576.

Richards, Sir W. B., 194, 567.

Richardson, Bishop, 40, 48, 53, 75, 78, 90, 93, 99, 108, 118, 154, 183, 383.

Richey, Rev. Dr. M., 154, 209, 244, 270, 273, 387, 388, 403, 404, 556, 557.

Rigg, Rev. Dr., 556, 589.

Ripon, Earl of, 118, 224, 232, 235, 386, 459.

Roads, Rev. Mr. 384.

Roaf, Rev. John, 212.

Roberts, Bishop, 269.

Robinson, Hon. Peter, 170.

---- Chief Justice, 173, 177, 300, 310, 551, 568, 570.

Robinson, Hon. W. B., 567, 568.

Robinson, Mr., 162.

Roblin, John P., M.P.P., 304.

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, 594.

Routh, Sir Randolph, 340.

Rowsell, Henry, 296.

Russell, Lord John, 123, 216, 255, 260, 261, 263, 264, 267, 272, 285, 286, 378, 389, 391, 395, 435, 438, 441, 443, 451, 454, 467, 499, 516.

Rultan, Sheriff, 348.

Ryan, Rev. Henry, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 131, 195, 278, 385, 557.

Ryckman, Rev. E. B., 587.

Ryerse, Major, 538.

Ryerse, Samuel, 24.

Ryerson, Rev. George, 25, 36, 37, 42, 45, 52, 53, 55, 56, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 79, 83, 94, 107, 108, 109, 113, 412, 534.

---- Rev. John, 25, 52, 55, 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, 323, 325, 328, 345, 346, 347, 348, 386, 399, 401, 402, 403, 413, 503, 507, 511, 512, 534, 573, 574, 575, 580, 585, 587.

---- Rev. William, 25, 29, 40, 52, 58, 69, 75, 78, 83, 81, 88, 111, 118, 130, 141, 142, 147, 177, 179, 228, 263, 269, 271, 272, 276, 405, 450.

Ryerson, Rev. Edwy, 69, 83, 84, 130, 133, 228, 415.

Ryerson, Mrs., Sr., 23, 25, 27, 28, 37, 42, 43, 45, 54, 55, 56, 82, 84, 139, 140, 178, 268, 358, 412.

Ryerson, Samuel, 24.

---- Colonel, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 55, 56, 58, 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, 533.

Sandon, Lord, 168, 272.

Sandwich, Dr., 159.

Saunders, Hon. J. S., 453.

Saurin, Rev. J. S., 354, 357.

Savage, Rev. D., 579.

Sawyer, Chief Joseph, 72.

Scobie, Hugh, 337, 338, 339, 341.

Scott, Rev. Jonathan, 271, 287, 294, 295.

Scott, Rev. Wm., 201, 275.

Seaton, Lord (see Sir J. Colborne).

Shaftesbury, Rt. Hon. Lord, (see Lord Ashley), 163, 542.

Sherwood, Mr. Justice, 173, 264, 304.

Sherwood Sheriff, 111.

Shiel, Rt. Hon. Richard, 516, 517.

Shuttleworth, Sir J. P. Kay, 419, 600.

Simcoe, Governor, 219, 220.

Simpson, Bishop, 556, 577.

Skinner, Bishop, 213.

Slater, Rev. Wm., 86.

Slight, Rev. Benjamin, 275.

Small, James E., 304.

Smart, Rev. W., 221.

Smith, Elias, 50.

Smith, Rev. Bishop Philander, 383.

Smith, Rev. Dr. Gervase, 544, 545, 571, 576, 577.

Smith, William, 336.

Snake, Wm., 77.

Sornement, M., 358.

Soule, Bishop, 269.

Spark, Dr., 216.

Spencer, Rev. James, 498, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 533.

Squire, Rev. Wm., 148.

Stanley, Right Hon. Lord, 118, 119, 123, 135, 163, 307, 331, 332, 333, 340, 381, 388, 439, 469, 539.

Stanley, Very Rev. Dean, 579.

Stanton, Mr., 311, 314.

Stead, Rev. Mr., 272.

Steer, Rev. Wm., 275.

Steinheur, 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.

Stickney, Miss, (Mrs. Ryerson, Sen.), 23.

Stinson, Rev. Dr. Joseph, 142, 154, 174, 183, 201, 204, 210, 227, 228, 237, 238, 244, 273, 337, 388, 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, 215, 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, 338, 341, 418.

Sweatman, Bishop. 595, 580, 581, 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, 345, 346, 378, 382, 387, 388, 389, 390, 394, 395, 396, 441, 443, 550, 561.

Taylor, Rev. Dr. Lachlan, 533, 559.

Taylor, Rev. Joseph, 384.

Telfer. Rev. Mr., 595.

Thompson, C. H., 91, 195.

Thompson, Chas. Poulett (see Lord Sydenham)

Thorburn, A. B., 328.

Thyner, Father, 367.

Touse, Rev. Mr., 360.

Townley, Rev. Dr., 198.

Trevelyan, Sir Charles, 340, 376.

Turner, Rev. R. L., 158.

Usedon, Count, 540.

Vaughan, Rev. C. J., 578.

Venueil, Mons., 357.

Viger, Hon. D. B., 318, 322, 333.

Waddy, Rev. Dr., 556.

Wallace, James, 562.

Wahwahsinno, Chief, 76.

Washburn, Daniel, 188.

Waudby, John, 265.

Watson, Rev. Richard, 106, 108, 110, 280, 384, 493, 494, 495.

Waugh, Bishop, 269.

Waugh, Dr., 115.

Waugh, Rev. Mr., 119.

Wayland, Rev. Dr., 26, 431.

Wellington, Duke of, 602.

Wells, Hon. Joseph, 178.

Wenham, Dr., 79.

West, Rev. Mr., 79.

Whitehead, Rev. Thomas, 274, 276, 407, 408.

Wilkinson, Rev. Henry, 130, 214, 228.

Wilson, Mr., 176.

Wilson, Thomas, & Co., 160.

Wilmot, Lient.-Gov., L. A., 572.

William IV., King, 118.

Williams, Rev. J. A., 587.

Willson, Hugh, 29.

Willson, Hon. John, M.P.P., 46, 195, 385, 386, 551.

Winchester, Bishop of, 116.

Wiseman, Cardinal, 420.

Wiseman, Rev. Mr., 576.

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, 560, 589.

Wood, Rev. James, 116, 119.

Wood, Sir Charles, 515.

Wright, Rev. David, 130, 131, 228.

Yellowhead, Chief, 75, 76.

Yeomans, Rev. D., 75.

Young, Rev. E. R., 408, 409.

Young, Rev. R., 272.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

American General Conference of 1868, attendance at, 556.

Bagot, Government of Sir Charles, 306.

Bethune, Correspondence with Bishop, 564.

Bible, The, in Public Schools, 423, 564.

Bidwell, Defence of, 188 et seq. 306, 416, 567.

British Conference, Union with, 107 et seq. 114, 121, 141, 269.

---- Separation from, 269, 272, 277, 383.

Cartier, Sir George. Correspondence relating to, 559.

Chapel Property Cases, 172.

Christian Guardian, 93, 107, 109, 121, 131, 144, 172, 199, 201, 230, 239, et seq., 259, 269, 271.

Christian Guardian, Discussion with, 499.

Church of England, Dr. Ryerson's attitude towards, 291.

Church Property, Right of Conference to hold, 303.

Civil Rights Controversy, 81.

Class Meeting Question, 470, et seq., 491, et seq., 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., 246, 250, et seq., 260 et seq., 278, 286, 300, 378, et seq., 387 et seq., 433 et seq., 454 et seq.

Confederation, Dr. Ryerson's Address on, 547.

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, 518, et seq.

Dominion, Dr. Ryerson's Address on the New, 547.

Durham, Government of Lord, 257, et seq., 312.

Early Life, Sketch of, 23.

Early Education, 24.

Education, Appointment as Chief Superintendent of, 342.

---- Retirement from Office of, 337.

Educational Administration, 352, 368, et seq.

Educational Tours, 352, 365, 371, 419, 454, 514, 539, 577.

Education, Dr. Ryerson's status in the Conference while holding Office of Chief Superintendent of, 415.

England, Visits to, 115, et seq., 121, 152, et seq., 158, 269, 272, 352, 371, 419, 454, 514, 539, 577.

Estimate of Dr. Ryerson's Character and Labours, by Rev. Dr. Ormiston, 17.

Estimates of Dr. Ryerson's Character and Work, 595, 598, 600, et seq.

Family Compact, 145.

Funeral Ceremonies, 593.

Grievance Report, 155.

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, 341.

Loyalists, U. E., History of, 577, 585, 590.

Matrimony, Right of Methodist Ministers to Celebrate, 303.

Metcalfe, Defence of Sir Charles, 198, 312, et seq., 319, et seq., 328, et seq., 349.

Metcalfe, Administration of Sir Charles, 198, 312, et seq., 319, et seq., 328, et seq., 337, et seq., 375.

Methodist Union, 571.

Metropolitan Church, 562.

Minister, Work as, 80, 86, 149, 282, 287.

Mission to River Credit Indians, page 58, et seq.

Norfolk County, Visits to, 534.

Presidency of General Conference, 575.

Rebellion of 1837, 175, et seq., 182.

Rectories Question, 218, 225, et seq., 236, et seq., 245, 250, et seq.

Red River Expedition, 559.

Religious Experiences, 25, 30, 32, 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, 370.

Spencer, Controversy with Rev. Mr., 499.

Style, Controversial, 105.

Sydenham, Administration of Lord, 260, 284, 286, 290, 301.

Thompson, Mr. Charles Poulett, Government of, 260.

Union, Methodist, 571.

United Empire Loyalists, History of, 577, 585, 590.

University Controversy, 518, et seq.

Upper Canada Academy, 113, 152, 161. et seq., 164, et seq., 179, 301, 305, 307.

Victoria College, 113, 152, 161, et seq., 164, et seq., 179, 301, 305, 307.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS,

OF

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 established 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 up 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 consequently 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 13th, 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 management 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. But if he do, that other monument will be found in his History of the Loyalists 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 trustworthy. When one carefully examines the tersely-written pages of the two volumes comprising the History, one can, in a measure, conceive the pains taken 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 reception 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 authentic 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 in every way creditable to the publishers."

From the Evangelical Churchman, Toronto, June 24th, 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 "United Empire Loyalists" are most vividly portrayed. Their settlement in this and other Provinces are feelingly and touchingly described. Reminiscences, 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 entertaining volumes, which we most cordially commend as a most valuable addition to our colonial historical literature."

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 produced 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 all Canadians and Britons is that nearly all the histories of the United States, as well as the popular literature of that country, glorify the deeds and character of all who took a part in the 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 relentless 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-handed against the immense forces Napoleon I. had combined against her; and the fact that eleven different attacks were repelled without loss of territory, are achievements of 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 accomplished 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 meritorious elements of our population. For the laborious, and in some respects 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 traditions 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 perpetuating 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 impartial 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 Education 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 arguments 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.

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, Newbury, Sept. 1st, 1880.

"My Dear Sir,

"I have received the 'History of the Loyalists of America' which you have been good enough to send me. I have as yet only been able to turn the pages, but before long I hope to find the leisure to become acquainted with the contents of these two volumes, of which I have seen enough in my rapid glance to be sure that they embrace not only much that is most interesting, but in a historical point of view very valuable matter.

"I remain, my dear Sir, yours faithfully,

(Signed) "Carnarvon."

Letter from Alpheus Todd, Esq., Librarian of the House of Commons.

"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."

Letter from His Excellency the Marquis of 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. Ryerson,

"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 Dominion for whom I have always entertained a greater regard or respect.

"Believe me, my dear Dr. Ryerson,

"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 ink and gold stamping, 12mo. size, containing 448 pages,

WITH STEEL PORTRAIT,

PRICE ... $1.25

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.

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The Loyalists of America

AND

THEIR TIMES.

BY THE

REV. EGERTON RYERSON, D.D., LL.D.,

Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada from 1844 to 1876.

This book is one of national importance. It is the most ample and minute account of the U. 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.

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