Chapter XVI

1836-1837.

Dr. Ryerson's Diary of his Second Mission to England

The following is from Dr. Ryerson's diary (which is incomplete) giving the result of his experiences and labours in England, during his second mission there.

_London, January 1st, 1836._--I am again in the great metropolis of
the Christian world. My wife and I left our native land, and
affectionate pastoral charge, on the 20th of November, 1835, and
arrived here the 30th of December, after a voyage of tempest and
sea-sickness. But to the Ruler of the winds, and the Father of our
spirits, we present our grateful acknowledgments for the
preservation of our lives. To our Heavenly Father have I, with my
dear wife, presented ourselves at the commencement of this new
year. O, may we through grace keep our vows, and henceforth abound
in every Christian grace and comfort, every good word and work!

We have been most kindly received by the Missionary Secretaries and
other brethren; the prospects appear encouraging for the success of
our mission: another ground of thankfulness, increased zeal, and
faithfulness.

_Jan. 2nd._--Called at the Colonial Office to present my note of
introduction from Sir John Colborne to Lord Glenelg. We were
admitted to an interview with Mr. (afterwards Sir James) Stephen,
Assistant Colonial Secretary, who promised to present Sir John
Colborne's letter to Lord Glenelg, and inform me when he would
receive me. To-day I received a call from my kind and excellent
friend, Rev. John Hannah, a thorough scholar, a profound divine, an
affectionate, able, and popular preacher. He heartily welcomed us
to the country.

_Jan. 3rd--Sabbath._--It being the first Sabbath in the year, I
attended that most solemn and important service--the renewal of the
covenant. It was conducted by Rev. Dr. Bunting, in a manner the
most impressive and affecting I ever witnessed. There were but few
dry eyes in the chapel. He spoke of the primary design of Methodism
as not to oppose anything but sin--not to subvert existing forms of
faith, but to infuse the vital spirit of primitive Christianity
into them. Dr. Bunting said that the renewal of the covenant was a
service peculiar to Methodism, and expatiated on the importance of
its being entered upon advisedly, and in humble dependence upon
Divine grace. After singing, the whole congregation knelt down,
remaining some time in silent prayer. After Dr. Bunting, as their
mouthpiece, read the covenant, all then rose and sang "The covenant
we this moment make," etc. The Lord's Supper was administered to
several hundred persons, and the services concluded with singing
and prayer.

_Jan. 4th._--I spent the evening at Rev. Mr. Alder's, in company
with Dr. Bunting, Rev. John Bowers, and Rev. P. L. Turner. In
conversation, the religious and general interests of the Methodist
Connexion were introduced. I was no less edified than delighted
with the remarks of Dr. Bunting, especially those which related to
the former distinction between, and the present confounding of,
supernumerary and superannuated preachers, and the desirableness of
restoring the ancient distinction. He spoke of the experience
requisite to, and evils of general legislation in, Church
affairs--introducing matters of legislation into Quarterly
Meetings, etc. Dr. Bunting's prayer at parting was deeply
spiritual.

_Jan. 5th._--Spent the day in writing an article for the
_Watchman_, on the present state of the Canadas; and in drawing up
some papers on the Upper Canada Academy. Had a pleasant visit from
Rev. John Beecham, one of the Missionary Secretaries.

_Jan. 6th._--Met at the Mission House with Rev. Richard Reece,
President of the Conference. He is, I believe, the oldest preacher
who has filled the presidential chair since the days of Wesley.

_Jan. 10th, Sunday._--In the morning heard Rev. Mr. Cubitt, and in
the evening endeavoured to preach for him.

_Jan. 13th._--Received a note from Lord Glenelg fixing the time
when he would receive me.

_Jan. 14th._--Spent a delightful evening in company with Rev. John
Hannah and wife, Dr. Sandwich (Editor of the _Watchman_) and wife,
and several others. The conversation principally turned upon the
learning of the ancients, and the writings of the early Protestant
Reformers and their successors. Dr. Sandwich is a very literary
man, Mr. Hannah an excellent general scholar.

_Jan. 15th._--Spent the evening with Rev. William Jenkins, an old
superannuated minister, in company with several friends. Mr. and
Mrs. Jenkins are a venerable couple about 80 years of age.

_Jan. 17th--Sabbath._--Heard the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel. The
Church was plain, the congregation large, and very attentive and
solemn. A large number of school children were present; the little
girls all dressed alike; they all had prayer and hymn books; they
read the responses and sung with the utmost correctness. In the
afternoon we went to that splendid monument of art and wealth--St.
Paul's. The sermon was more evangelical than I expected. In the
evening I preached to a very large congregation in St. George's
Chapel, Commercial Road. A gracious influence seemed to rest on the
congregation.

_Jan. 24th--Sabbath._--Preached in the Hinde-street Chapel. In
Surrey Chapel I heard Rev. James Parsons, of York, one of the first
preachers of the day. Surrey Chapel is the place of the celebrated
Rowland Hill's protracted ministry. Its shape is octagon, and it
will seat 3,000 persons. The church service was read well by a
person of strong, sonorous voice. At the conclusion of the church
service Mr. Parsons ascended the pulpit. His prayer was simple,
unaffected, and scriptural. His text was Luke xi. 47-48. His manner
was by no means pleasing; he stood nearly motionless, and appeared
to be reading his sermon. Yet attention was riveted; the current of
thought soon began to rise, and continued to swell, until he came
to a pause. Then there was a general burst of coughing; after which
the preacher proceeded in an ascending scale of argument, until he
had his audience entranced, when he would burst forth upon his
captives with the combined authority and tenderness of a conqueror
and deliverer, and press them into the refuge city of Gospel
salvation.

_Jan. 25th._--Attended a Missionary-meeting in Southwark Chapel.
Mr. Thomas Farmer, presided. Several spake: one a New Zealander,
whose wit and oddities amused all, but profited none.

_Jan. 26th._--Had an interview with Lord Glenelg, on the subject of
my mission. We can get a charter for the Upper Canada Academy, but
assistance is uncertain. His Lordship was very courteous and
communicative. He thanked me for the information I gave him
concerning the Colonies.

_Jan. 31st, Sunday._--Preached twice to-day (in City Road and
Wilderness Row). The Lord was with me, and I believe I did not
labour in vain.

_Feb. 13th._--Had an interview with the Rt. Hon. Edward Ellice; was
received with great kindness; he promised to use his utmost
influence to promote the object of my mission at the Colonial
office.

_Feb. 18th._--Called at the residences of several of the nobility;
found none at home, but Lord Ashburton, who gave me £5.

_Feb. 20th._--Made no progress in the way of collecting; much
ceremony is necessary. Have obtained some useful information, and
written to Sir Robert Peel on the object of my mission.

_Feb. 21st, Sunday._--Heard the Rev. Peter McOwan preach. It was
the best sermon I have heard from a Methodist pulpit since my
arrival in England. I preached in Great Queen-street Chapel in the
evening, on the new birth. I think the Lord was present to apply
the word.

_Feb. 22nd._--Called upon Lord Kenyon. I was very courteously
received; but His Lordship declined subscribing on account of the
many objects to which he contributed in connection with America. He
expressed his good wishes. I next called upon the Earl of
Aberdeen--Colonial Secretary under Sir Robert Peel's government. He
expressed himself satisfied with my letters from Upper Canada, but
said that he would enquire of Mr. Hay, late under Colonial
Secretary, and directed me to call again. I was also received by
Dr. Blomfield, Lord Bishop of London. Dr. Blomfield is a handsome
and very courteous man. He declined subscribing on account of its
not having been recommended by the Bishop of the Diocese; was not
unfriendly to my object; said he had a high respect for the
Wesleyan body, and considered they had done much good; he had
expressed this opinion in print.

_Feb. 23rd._--Addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg requesting an
early answer to our application, stating our pressing
circumstances. Called upon Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., who gave me
£5. I find it very hard and very slow work to get money.

_Feb. 24th._--Received an answer from Sir Robert Peel in the
negative. His reason is non-connection with Upper Canada! A
gentleman of the house of Thomas Wilson & Co. gave utterance to a
sentiment which singularly contrasted with the selfishness of Sir
Robert Peel. He said: Education was the same thing throughout the
world, and that was the light in which this institution should be
viewed. His house gave me ten guineas, and have kindly engaged to
furnish me with names of other gentlemen.

_Feb. 25th._--Obtained £21 for the Academy. The sentiments
expressed by two of the gentlemen on whom I called deserve to be
recorded. Mr. A. Gillespie, jun., who is connected with Lower
Canada, after subscribing £10 and furnishing me with a list of
names of merchants engaged in trade with the Canadas, said:--"I am
a member of the Church of Scotland, but I have a high respect for
John Wesley and Dr. Bunting. I admire the principles of John
Wesley, and hope you will abide by them, and that they will be
taught in this institution. Above all things keep out Socinianism."
I then called on a Mr. Brooking, who said:--"I feel happy in the
opportunity of contributing to such an object. I have been in the
North American provinces and know that nothing is wanted more than
good institutions for the education of youth, and especially under
the superintendence of the Methodists. From what I have seen I
believe they have done more good in the colonies than any other
Church. Though I am a member of the Church of England, I feel it my
duty as a Protestant, and a friend to religion, to give my utmost
mite to the labours of your ministers in the colonies. I believe in
those new countries the Methodists are the bulwark of Protestantism
against popery and infidelity, and I am glad you are establishing
such an institution."

_Feb. 27th._--Received the greatest kindness from Mr. E. H.
Chapman, who was in Upper Canada last summer, and had seen the
institution at Cobourg. He expressed himself happy in the
opportunity to subscribe, and said he had travelled two days with
Sir John Colborne. Mr. Chapman considered, of all people, the
Methodists the most active and successful in imparting religious
instruction to the Colonists.

_Feb. 28th--Sabbath._--Preached at Islington; then dined with a Mr.
Brunskill, who was well versed in the history of Methodism.

From this date until the close of July there is no record in Dr. Ryerson's diary. From letters written by him to Canada, I therefore continue the narrative:--

_Birmingham, April 11th._--During a delightful visit here at the
missionary anniversaries I had an opportunity of hearing and
conversing with two of the most remarkable men of the present day:
William (or, as he is called, Billy) Dawson, the Yorkshire farmer,
and the venerable Gideon Ousley, the patriarchal Irish missionary.
Mr. Dawson excelled in his own characteristic way any man I ever
heard. His great strength lies in a matchless power of graphic
description, dramatic imitation, and hallowed unction from the Holy
One. He is a man of an age. At the missionary breakfast I sat
beside the venerable Ousley, and told him of some of his spiritual
children in Canada that I knew. He gave God the praise, and desired
me to deliver this message to his old friends and spiritual
children in Canada: "I am now in my 75th year, labouring as hard as
ever; am well, and strong. Be faithful unto death. I will meet you
in Heaven."

_London, June 8th._--To-day my brethren are assembling in Annual
Conference at Belleville. It is the first conference in the
proceedings of which, I have not been permitted to take a part
since I entered the ministry. A considerable part of the day I
spent in imploring the divine blessing upon the deliberations of my
brethren. After reckoning the difference of time, I retired at the
hour when I knew they would be engaged in the conference
prayer-meeting in order to unite with them at the throne of the
Heavenly grace; and truly, I found it refreshing indeed to be
present in spirit with them in beseeching the continual direction
of the Divine Pilot to guide the Wesleyan ship over the tempestuous
sea. I long to be with my fellow-labourers in Canada in their toils
as well as joys. "If I forget thee," O thou Spiritual Jerusalem of
my native land, "let my right hand forget its cunning, and my
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. Peace be within thy walls,
and prosperity within thy palaces!"

_June 12th._--Although I find that collecting for the Upper Canada
Academy is a wearisome work, yet I must not slacken my exertions so
long as our friends in Upper Canada are in such straits for funds.
Brother John has written me an urgent letter from Hallowell, in
which he says:--I hope the Lord will give you good success in
collecting for our Seminary. Everything depends on the success of
your exertions. £4,000 is the least that will answer. O, how
awfully we have got involved in this painful and protracted
business! O, if you can help us out of this mire, the Lord reward
you! I am greatly at a loss what to do. I had concluded to leave,
and go to the States; but thought I had better wait your return and
take counsel with you. I hope the Lord may direct me!

_Dublin, July 2nd._--I have just come over here to the Irish
Conference, and was affectionately received by the Irish preachers.
While in Dublin I stayed with a very intelligent and kind family. I
attended the Irish Conference, which was held in Whitefriar's
Street Chapel--a building rented for a preaching-place by the
venerable Wesley himself. Here in the midst of the sallies of Irish
wit and humour, mingled with evident piety and kindness, I sat down
and wrote a letter to the dear friends in Canada.

From this letter I make an extract:--

The preachers are warm-hearted, pious men, some of them very
clever; warm in their discussions, abounding in wit; talk much in
doing their business; several are sometimes up at a time. They are
certainly a body of excellent men. In their financial reports it
appears that many of them are really examples of self-denial,
suffering, and devotion.

The following are extracts from Dr. Ryerson's diary:--

_July 26th._--Attended the Conference at Birmingham. When Dr. Fisk
was introduced, the address of the American General Conference was
read. Silence and attention were marked until the words "negro
slavery" were mentioned, when there was a general cry of "hear,
hear," and "no, no, no."

During the Conference a Mr. Robinson was called upon to explain his
reason for preaching to a secret society called "Odd Fellows." Dr.
Bunting and Dr. Newton had always refused to preach to such
societies. Dr. Fisk made some remarks on Masonry in the United
States, and the evil of the Methodist preachers being connected
with, or countenancing, such societies.

_Sept. 2nd._--Presented to Lord Glenelg the Address, to the King,
of the Canadian Conference. He read it carefully, and expressed
himself pleased with it. He enquired as to the charges against Sir
Francis Head, and the appointment of those persons only to office
who are truly attached to the British Constitution. I answered his
lordship on each of these points mentioned, and assured him of the
loyal British feelings of the inhabitants of Upper Canada. I
pressed upon him the importance of an early settlement of the
Clergy Reserve question. His lordship thanked me for the
communications which I had from time to time made to him on
Canadian affairs. He requested me to write to him on any matter,
relative to the Canadas, I thought proper.

_Sept. 4th--Sunday._--Attended the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel's
Church at 8 a.m., when he administered the Lord's Supper to such as
could not attend at any other hour. I communed for the first time
in the Established Church. I heard this evangelical minister preach
at 11 a.m. Preached myself in Spitalfields in the evening.

_Sept. 6th._--Came here (Birmingham) from London on a collecting
tour. Have been kindly received by my Quaker friends, the Sturges.
In commemoration of the first Wesleyan Conference being held in
Birmingham, gold medals were presented to Dr. Bunting and Dr.
Newton, and silver medals to representatives of other
Conferences--the Irish and American. My name as representative not
having been received in time for a presentation at Conference, a
medal was subsequently presented to me as Canadian representative,
and to Rev. Richard Reece, ex-President, by the ladies of the
Society in Birmingham. The addresses on the occasion were made by
the President and Secretary--that to Mr. Reece in a few choice
words by Dr. Bunting; and to me, in a kindly manner, by Dr. Newton.
In reply I acknowledged the unexpected compliment, not as paid to
me, but to the country and connexion which I represented.

_Sept. 7th._--Have been kindly received by the preachers in
Birmingham. Spent a pleasant evening at Mr. Oldham's (son-in-law of
Rev. John Ryland), where I met no less than six clergymen of the
Established Church; the conversation was wholly of a religious
character, perfectly free and social. I was informed that all the
clergymen in Birmingham, except one, were truly evangelical. Mr.
Ryland told me that Rev. J. A. James had expressed his conviction
that there is decidedly more piety amongst the mass of the
Established Clergy than among the Dissenting Clergy. It was
altogether the most unaffectedly genteel, and truly religious party
I have met with in England.

_Sept. 9th._--Busy and successful. Very kindly received by the
following Church of England ministers, viz., Rev. Mr. Mosely,
Rector, Rev. Dr. Jeune [afterwards Master of Pembroke College], and
Rev. William Marsh, who is frequently called the model of the
Apostle John, on account of the depth and sweetness of his piety,
the purity of his life, and the heavenly expression of his
countenance. [His daughter is a noted evangelist and writer, 1883.]

_Sept. 10th._--Took tea with Mr. Meredith, a Swedenborgian, upwards
of 80, perfectly sincere in his belief, and sweet in his spirit.
Also met the celebrated Dr. Philip, of South Africa, and the more
celebrated John Angel James, of Birmingham. The conversation of the
evening was principally turned upon the means by which the great
measure of emancipation was carried--the conduct of Mr. Stanley and
Mr. Buxton. I was struck with Mr. Sturge's remark, that he
"believed such men as Sir A. Agnew, Sir Harry Inglis, and Lord
Ashley [now, in 1883, Lord Shaftesbury], were the most honest men
in the House of Commons."

_Sheffield, Sept. 17th._--Here I met with my old friends, Revs.
Messrs. Marsden, Grindrod, and Moss.

_Sept. 18th--Sunday._--Preached in Craven street Chapel in the
morning, and at Brunswick Chapel in the evening.

_Sept. 20th._--Attended the Financial District Meeting. It was
stated that 900 persons had seceded in Sheffield in the Kilhamite
schism, and yet the finances were better at the end of the quarter
than they had been the preceding one. Kind references were made to
myself, and the object of my mission.

Dr. Ryerson's Diary ends here. From his letters to Canada I make the following extracts:--

_Sheffield, Oct. 5th._--I was in Barnsley on Friday and Saturday;
went to Wakefield on Saturday, and preached there on Sunday.
Addressed about 40 circulars to gentlemen in Wakefield on Monday
morning. Returned to Sheffield and spoke at the Missionary Meeting;
begged yesterday; spoke at the adjourned meeting last evening; have
been begging to-day. Spent Friday and Saturday in Wakefield; go to
Leeds on Saturday evening, and so on. The preachers and friends
shew me all possible kindness and attention. The Yorkshire people
are very warm-hearted and social. Methodism there presents an
aspect different in several respects from that which it presents in
London, or in any other part of England I have visited; more warm,
energetic, and unaffected--something like Hallowell Methodism in
Upper Canada. Oh! I long to get home to my circuit work. Amidst all
the kindness and interest that it is possible for piety,
intelligence, Yorkshire generosity and wit to impart, I feel like
an exiled captive here in England.

_Bradford, Oct. 10th._--The time I am here appears very dreary, as
I am from morning until midnight in public labours or society of
some kind. I have collected £83 last week, and for much of it I
have begged very hard--though some think that I do not beg hard
enough. It is, however, only one who has been a stranger and had to
beg, that can fully appreciate the feelings and embarrassments of a
stranger in such circumstances. This work and sacrifice have not
been of my own seeking--but against my seeking. I was comfortably
settled amongst kind friends in Kingston, but am now cast forth in
this distant land, and engaged in the most disagreeable of all
employments,--and for what? Oh! it is for the sake of Him to whose
cause and glory I have consecrated my life and all. I shall love,
honour, and value my pastoral labours more than ever. I hope that
they may be more useful. During the past week I have been enabled
more fully than for a year past to adopt the language of St. Paul.
Gal. ii. 20.

_Oct. 11th._--While here I was truly gratified to receive a letter
from Miss Clarissa Izard, of Boulogne (France), in which she
says:--I trust you will pardon me, sir, for this expression of my
gratitude. If it had not been for a sermon preached by you on the
21st of February last, I might have been where hope never cometh;
but, blessed be God, now I have a hope--a hope which lifts me above
this world, and which, I trust, I shall retain until I obtain the
crown of righteousness which fadeth not away.

Among the many pleasing incidents in Dr. Ryerson's otherwise unpleasant duty of collecting funds for the Upper Canada Academy, was the note written from Kensington Palace by command of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. It was as follows:--

I am commanded by the Duchess of Kent to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 22nd inst., and accompanying statement of "The
Upper Canada Academy, for the education of Canadian youth, and the
most promising youth of converted Indian tribes--to prepare them
for school-masters." Her Royal Highness is most happy in
patronizing, as you request, so useful and benevolent an
Institution, and calculated especially to promote the best
interests of the native population, the British emigrants, and the
aboriginal tribes of that valuable and important British Province.
Her Royal Highness desires that her name be placed on the
subscription list for £10.

Referring to the great importance of the Upper Canada Academy, and to the services rendered by Dr. Ryerson in connection with its establishment, Rev. William Lord said:--

There have been many circumstances and occurrences connected with
this institution which, to my mind, are indicative of Providential
interference. The bitterness manifested against it by the enemies
of Methodism and of the peace of the country; the difficulties
which stood in the way of its completion; the distressing,
overwhelming, and unforseen embarrassments of its funds, which
forced the Committee to send you to this country to seek relief,
just at a time when the affairs of the Province had arrived at a
crisis, and at a time when you could render special service, by
communicating with the Home Government--service, allow me to say,
greater than any other man could render, or than you could have
rendered at any other time or place--the favourable turn which
public affairs have recently taken, and, I know, in some degree
through your instrumentality; the perplexing and most painful
disappointments experienced in obtaining suitable teachers, now
happily overcome; the share of public favour which the Academy has
obtained on the commencement of its operations; and, lastly, the
great services you have rendered the Missionary Society, in the
advantage you have secured to our Indian Missionaries by your
representations and applications to the Government, are to me
reasons for believing God is in this business. You may, I think,
take courage, and go on in the name of the Lord. I can sympathize
with you; I have also suffered in this cause. I would not endure
the anxiety and mental agony I have experienced on account of this
institution for any earthly consideration. But if it flourish, I
have my reward. And now the reflection that, at much personal risk,
I have more than once saved innocent and deserving men from
imprisonment, and Methodism from indelible reproach, is cheering
and consoling. I will still stand by your side and share in your
difficulties. My honour in this matter is united with yours, and
the ruin of this institution will be mine.

In a letter from London, dated 21st July, 1836, Dr. Ryerson narrates the difficulties which he had encountered in obtaining a Charter for the Upper Canada Academy. The correspondence with the Colonial Office embraced twenty-nine letters, and extended over a period of six months. In conducting it, Dr. Ryerson states:--I found those in the Colonial Office, and those who retired from it (during that time) equally favourable to the object of my mission, and equally desirous of promoting the best interests of the Colonies. In his report of the negotiations for the Charter, Dr. Ryerson says:--

The Attorney-General assured me that not only Lord Glenelg, but
every member of His Majesty's Government was anxious to accede to
my application--that the difficulties were purely legal--that
though the doctrines and rules of the Methodist body in Canada were
doubtless very sacred, yet they were unknown in law, (in England.)
I, therefore, laid before the Crown officers[48] a copy of the
statutes of Upper Canada (which I had borrowed from the Colonial
office), and showed the grounds on which we professed to be
invested with the clerical character by the statutes of the
Province, as well as by the formularies of our connexion, and were
recognized as ministers by the Courts of Quarter Sessions; that we
might be defined as ministers (for the purposes of the Charter) as
in the Marriage Statute of U.C., which would be the same thing as
being defined according to the Rules of our Discipline. Placing the
question before the Crown officers in this simple light, their
scruples were at once removed, and they cordially acceded to my
proposition to recognize our ministerial character. As I was
required to name in the Charter the first trustees and visitors,
and as I had no list of those who had been appointed by the
Conference, I was obliged to furnish names myself. I was also
required to name in the Charter the time and place of the next
Annual Meeting (Conference) of Ministers. I inserted the second
Wednesday of June as the time of meeting; Cobourg, or Toronto, as
the place of meeting.

With the aid of a professional gentleman (whom I could only get for
a small portion of each day) the draft of Charter was prepared
after a delay of five weeks. This draft was approved, with the
exception of the words: Wesleyan Methodist _Church_, for which the
Solicitor-General had substituted the words: Wesleyan Methodist
_Connexion_, as the designation of the Body on whose behalf a
Charter was to be granted. In a letter to Sir George Grey I stated
my reasons why the word _Church_ should be retained, as the
Wesleyan ministers, under whose superintendence the Academy is to
be placed, had been licensed (under the Provincial Statute referred
to in the Charter) as Ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in
Canada. To these reasons the Crown Officers yielded, and thus the
Charter was completed.

I then renewed my application for receiving aid from the Casual and
Territorial Revenue of Upper Canada. In reply, I was assured that
the Lieutenant-Governor would be directed to bring the claims of
the Academy before the notice of the Provincial Legislature.

Dr. Ryerson concludes:--

Thus terminated this protracted correspondence of more than six
months, during the whole of which time I was enabled to cleave to
and maintain my original purpose; though I had to encounter
successive, discouraging, and almost insurmountable difficulties.
Not having been able to effect any loan from private individuals,
on account of the agitated state of the Canadas--being in suspense
as to the result of my application to the Government, I was
several months pressed down with anxiety and fear by this suspense,
and by reason of the failure of my efforts to obtain relief. In
this anxiety and fear my own unassisted resolution and fortitude
could not sustain me. I had to rely upon the unfailing support of
the Lord, my God.

In my negotiations for the Charter, I was uniformly treated with
courtesy and kindness in the Colonial office, and by the several
members of His Majesty's Government. Praise God!

In a letter written to Dr. Alder, after Dr. Ryerson had returned from England, the latter said:--

We have not yet received a farthing of the Government grant to our
Academy. The Governor's reply still is, there is no money in the
treasury; but he has given us his written promise, and offered his
word to any of the banks, that it shall be paid out of the first
money which had not been previously appropriated. But, strange to
say, there is not a bank or banker in Upper Canada that will take
the Governor's promise for £100. Mr. Receiver-General Dunn kindly
lent, out of his own pocket, to my brother John, about £1,200 for
the Academy, upon my brother's receipt, remarking at the same time
that he did it upon his credit, and out of respect to the
Methodists, but that he could place no dependence upon the word of
Sir Francis in the matter. We are thus pressed to beg or borrow in
relation to the Academy as much as ever, or even worse, for several
of us are individually responsible for £2,200, besides Mr. Farmer's
loan of £800. At our recent Academy Board Meeting, the damages of
Mr. Lord's protested bills came under consideration. The
circumstances of the case are briefly as follows:--Mr. Lord's
sincere desire and zeal to promote the interests of the Institution
and Connexion generally, were admitted and appreciated by all the
brethren; but it appears, 1. That a large portion of the debts were
incurred in compliance with the advice of Mr. Lord, and in
consequence of his influence as the representative of the British
Connexion. He assured the Sub-Committee at Cobourg that money
should be forthcoming, and if necessary he would go to England and
beg it, that John Bull never stopped when he commenced a thing,
etc.; that Mr. Lord did that contrary to the recommendation of the
Conference Committee, and against the advice and even remonstrance
of the Chairman of the District (John Ryerson), who had been
appointed by the Conference to see that the Sub-Committee should
not exceed the appropriations of the Conference, as they had done
in former years. 2. The premises were mortgaged to Mr. Lord as
security for the sum of £2500, some of which has not been advanced,
and the payments of which he did advance were provided for (with
the exception of two or three hundred pounds) by the brethren in
this Province. 3. After Mr. Lord received information from the
Committee in London that his bills would not be honoured, he called
a meeting of the Board--stated his difficulties--got individuals to
allow him to draw upon them to meet the bills on their return, and
sent me to England. 4. Mr. Lord assured our Conference at
Belleville, June, 1836, that the brethren here would never be
called upon to pay a farthing of the damages for non-payment of his
bills. I believe that no man could feel more earnestly desirous to
promote the interests of the Canadian Connexion in every respect
than he did. It is also the full conviction of our leading brethren
that had I attended the American General Conference, instead of
being in England, such an arrangement would have been made as to
have secured to our Connexion what was due us from the New York
Book Concern--which amounts to more than I obtained in England,
besides the mortification and mental suffering which I experienced
in my most unpleasant engagements, notwithstanding the sympathy and
never-to-be-forgotten kindness of many of my fathers and brethren
of the parent Connexion.

FOOTNOTES:

[48] Sir J. Campbell, afterwards Chief Justice, and Sir R. M. Rolfe, afterwards a Baron of the Exchequer.