V / MEMOIR OF THE IligEt §mxm& f obn J^ttariiait, D.D LLD., FIRST BISHOP OF TORONTO. BT A. N. BETHUNE, D. D., D. 0. L., HIS SUCCESSOR IN THE SEE. TORONTO : HENEY ROWSELL. LONDON : RIVINGTONS. 1870. (BeThi^roS R, Any Profits arising from tub sale of this Work will be devoted to Church OrjECTS WITHIN THE DiOCKSE OF TORONTO. JThfs fttentofr, UNDERTAKEN TO PERPETUATE THE NAME AND WORKS OP ONE ACTIVELY ENGAGED FOR NEARLY SIXTY- FIVE YEARS IN THE ENDEAVOUR TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF HIS ADOPTED COUNTRY, AND THE SPREAD OF GOD's CHURCH, IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND IN THE DIOCESES OF TORONTO, HURON, AND ONTAJIIO, WHICH CONSTITUTED ORIGINALLY THE EPISCOPAL CHARGE OF THE DECEASED, BT THEIR FAITHFUL AND HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. — ♦- PAGE. Chap. I. — Parentage. — Early life in Scotland 1 Chap. II. — Emigration to Canada. — Kesidence at King- ston, — Ordination, and removal to Cornwall, 9 Chap. III. — The Cornwall Grammar School, 18 Chap. IV. — Domestic and Parochial life at Cornwall. — His Marriage. — Appointment to York, 30 Chap. V. — Kemoval to York. — The War with the United States* 40 Chap. VI. — Deatli of the Hon. Richard Cartwright. — Ajj- pointment to Executive Council. — McGill College, Montreal. — Loss of his House by Fire, 51 Chap. "V II. — Effects of the War .-^Emigration to Canada. — Controversy with the Earl of Selkirk. — Mr. Robert Gourlay, GO Chap. VIII. — Services as Executive Councillor. — Sir Pere- grine Maitland,and his Administration.— -The Church in York. — Appointment to the Legislative Council,.. 69 Chap. IX.—Recollections of York in 1820.— State of the Church in Upper Canada. — Episcopal Visitation at Yorki" 1820, 79 Chap. X. — The Clergy Reserves Question < 87 VI PAOE. Chap. XI. — Visit to England and his Native Land. — Kesistance to the proposed Sale of the Clergy Reserves to the Canada Company. — roliiical strife in Upper Canada, 9G Chap. XII. — The Educational Question. — Prospect of the early establishment of a University. — Second Visit to England, 104 Chap. XIII. — Death of the Bishop of Quebec. — His suc- cessor, Dr. Stewart. — Upper Canada divided into two Archdeaconries. — Dr. Strachan appointed Archdeaeon of Yoi'k. — Correspondence in England in 1826-7. — Return to Canada, Ill Chap. XIV. — The Clergy Reserves Controversy.-rSpeech in the Legislative Council in Defence of his Conduct upon this Question, 1 20 Chap. XV. — Depr'tni'e of Sir Pei'egrine Maitland. — His successor Sir John Colborne. — Continued Agitation on the Clergy Reserves and University Questions. — Revolutions in Europe, and Political Changes in Eng- land. — Breaking out of the Cholera in 18.32, 129 Chap. XVI. — Letter to Dr. Chalmers on the Life and Character of Bishop Hobart. — Presentation of a Piece of Plate by his Cornwall Pupils 139 Chap. XVII. — The Clergy Reserves Question ; establish- ment of the Rectories. — Meeting of Clergy under the two Ai-chdeacons in 183G. — Deputation to the Mother Country determined upon. — Resolution to establish a Church Newspaper, 154 Chap. XVIII. — Administration of Sir Francis Head. — Correspondence regarding Seat in the Legislative Council. — Death of Bishop Stewart of Quebec. — Previous appointment of Archdeacon Mountain as his Assistant. — The Rebellion in 1837-8. — Decision to form Upper Canada into a separate Diocese. — Destruction of St. James's Church, Toronto, 161 Vll PAGE. CiiAP. XIX. — Consecration as Bishop of Toi'onto. — The Union of the Provinces. — Settlement of the Clergy Reserves Question in England, 171 Chap. XX. — Firtt Confirmation Tour. — Primary Visitation at Toronto, 180 Chap. XXI. — Establishment of the Diocesan Theological College at Cobourg. — Laying the Coraer Stone of King's College at Toronto. — Formation of the Church Society. — Confirmations in 1842, 190 Chap. XXI I. — Opening of King's College, Toronto. — Second Triennial Visitation of the Clergy. — Special Meeting of the Church Society in I'eference to Sales of Clergy Reserves. — Legislative action thereupon,... 204 Chap. XXIII. — Confirmation Journeys in 1845, 213 Chap. XXIV. — Resignation of Archdeaconry of York, and Rectory of Toronto. — Triennial Visitation of the Clergy in 1847. — Consecration of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto, 226 Chap. XXV. — Abolition of the Univei-sity of King's College. — Establishment of Trinity College, 236 Chap. XXVI. — Establishment of the Diocesan Synod. — Laying the Foundation Stone of Trinity College. — Opening of the College, 249 Chap. XXVII. — Last contest for the Clergy Reserves. — Settlement of the Question in 1854-5. — The Commu- tation Scheme. — Synod of 1856, and Episcopal Address, 263 Chap. XXVIII. — Division of the Diocese. — Election of the Bishop of Huron. — Visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada. — Election of the Bishop of Ontarfo. — Synod of 1861, :. 273 Vlll TAQE. Chap. XXIX. — Further efforts in England on behalf of Trinity CoUege. — Death of Chief Justice Robinson. — Movement for a Coadjutor Bishop in Synod, passing a Canon for liis Appointment — Death of Mrs. Strachan, '. 281 Chap XXX —Synods of 1866, and Election of Coadjutor. —Synod of 1867— Sickness and Death of the Bishop 289 Chap. XXXI. — The Funeral. — Characteristics and Recol- lections. — Conclusion, 297 Appendix 309-385 MEMOIR. CHAPTER T. Parentage. — Early Lite in Scotland. 'E have, in various existing documents, brief sketches of the early life of the late Bishop (»f Toronto. He was boru at Aberdeen, in Scot- land, on the 12th of April, 1778; his parents' names were John Strachan and Elizabetli Findlayson. Of liis father little is recorded, save that lie earned a modest stipend as overseer of the granite quarries in t^ie neighbourhood of Aberdeen ; which, as long as he lived, sufficed to main- tain his family in respectability and comfort. His death was sudden and very sad. A blast of the ({uarry had one day been prepared ; and as the time for ignition seemed overpast, the overseer went forwaid to see what was the matter. The blast took place ; a splinter of ro(3k lodged in one of his eyes, and he died two days after, in May, 1794, at the age of 52. He was much respected Rn an honest and trustworthy man, and his death excited universal pity ; so that, at his funeral, there was such a concourse of volunteer mourners that the procession exceeded a quarter of a mile in length. In the midst of Presbyterians, he was attached to the non-jurors ; and, in principle and practice, might be rc^garded as an Episcopalian, 2 His wife, the mother of the late Bishop, appears to have maintained through life her connexion with the Presbyterians ; but, though differing from her husband in religious creed, she lived with him in the utmost harmony and affection ; and each were kindly tolerant of the other's opinions. It is stated as a curious fact, that she used to make her children every night, before going to bed, sign themselves with the sign of the cross. The father's religious predilections were, at an early age, shared by his son, the subject of this memoir, who frequently accompanied him to St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel in the Gallowgate, and was a. gratified hearer of the then Bishop Skinner. Nq doubt, the foundation was, at that time, laid of those partialities which ripened afterwards into so decided and zealous an adoption of the principles of the Church. His mother, though without the opportunity of many early advantages, was evidently a woman of superior understanding and acute discernment, as the following extract from her letters abundantly prove. In May, 1801, when this son was so far removed from her, and in a land which was deemed wild and barbarous, she addressed him in these terms : " As God has laid the stress of me upon you, I hope you will not be angry at my advice, which is, prefer not a moral precept to the counsels of Jesus Christ, or the dictates of his apostles ; vainly opposing the dim candle of man's reason to the sunshine of the gospel light, as displayed in the scriptures. My dear son, you know better than I do ; but my earnest desire is for your welfare, soul and body," If these are the conceptions of one in whom is the root of a genuine faith, they are the expressions also of a cultivated mind. Not less so are the thoughts and lan- guage of a letter addressed to him in August, 1806 : " My dear son, we are looking every day for a letter from you, and that is all I can expect, for I am now in the seventieth year of my age, and I cannot think to live long, but I have been blessed with very dutiful and afteo- tionate children. I entreat you, dear son, take heed unto yourself and to the doctrines of Christ; for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. For all his followers are enquired of by him, and are enabled to speak the word in due season ; and this, I hope, by his assistance, you are. Take not this amiss from your mother, though you know better yourself" When his father died, the subject of this memoir was only fourteen years of age ; and as then the whole support of tlie family ceased, he was, as he himself has expressed it, thrown upon the world without a single friend or relation capable of affording him any assistance ; his mother and two sisters reduced by that sudden bereave- ment almost to actual want. When his prospects were thus gloomy, and to all appearance hopeless, he found a timely benefactor in the late Dr. Beattie, of whose son he had been a friend and companion. He found him a situation as tutor in a family who were spending a few months in Scotland, and who had a little boy and girl to be instructed. The little earnings obtained from this short engagement he carried to his mother, and with great delight placed them as a gift in her hands. The recollection of this, he said, often gave him happiness in after years. He appears to have entered the University of Aberdeen, in 1794, when he was sixteen years of age ; and, as here the sessions or terms la.sted only five months, — that is, from the latter part of November to the end of April, — the remaining seven months of the year were at the disposal of the students. This was a great advantage to a 37oung man situated as he was. He could employ himself in teaching during this interval, and return to his mother, at Aberdeen, with the amount of his earnings; and, without being burdensome to her, avstil himself of. the College lectures during the winter months. In this Uni- versity there were a number of bursaries, or scholarships, and frequently ten or twelve of them became vacant in a year. They were of small amount each, only five or six pounds per annum ; they were given to those who were found best qualified after an examination in Latin ; and were tenable for four years. One of these Mr. Strachan easily gained ; and through the influence of the Professors, with whom he was a great favorite, he obtained one or two private pupils during the session. This added three or four pounds more to his slender income ; making it, with the addition of his summer earnings, hardly £20 per annum in all. Trifling as this sum appears to be, it enabled him not only to get through his studies at the Univei-sity, but to afford material help to his mother and sisters. And nothing delighted him more than this ; for, he says, " never was there a more excellent mother than mine. She made religion amiable to me, and the source of moral strength." The getting employment during the long vacation was always an uncertainty, and a cause of much anxiety. Yet, as he has recorded, God was ever kind ; and during the three years of his stay at the University, something always turned up, and he was enabled to take his degi-ee of Master of Arts. After this, he obtained a parish school in the neighbor- hood of St. Andrew's, w^orth about £30 a year. A portion of this he managed to save for his mother, and placed it in her hands at his usual visits in harvest time ; travelling on foot ninety .liles in order to save expense. At St. Andrew's he became intimate with Dr. Chalmers and Professor Duncan, who were about his own age ; and with these eminent men he kept up a frequent correspondence to the time of their death. In this University he joined the Divinity class in April, 1797 ; though, from his other occupations, he was unable to give a very regular attend- {> ance at the usual lectures. He obtained, however, on leaving, this testimonial from Dr. Hill, the Principal : " In efich of the sessions, Mr. Strachan delivered a discourse which appeared to me a very favorable specimen of the acuteness of his understanding, and of hi,, talents for composition ; and from all the opportunities I have had of conversing with him, as well as from the reports of others, ' I consider him a young man of excellent parts, who is qualified to discharge with ability and success the duties of a public teacher." At St. Andrew's he soon discovered that liis income of £30 a year, derived from his parish school in the neigh- borhood, — with the maternal claims upon it which were always so affectionately recognized, — was, as he expressed it, rather pinching; so he felt himself obliged to look about for something better. Hearing that the parish school of Kettle, worth £50 per annum, was vacant, he proposed himself as a candidate. He was then scarcely nineteen, and learning that there were five other candi- dates, all much older than himself and of more experience ; and hearing, too, that the examination was to be a very strict one, he felt discouraged, and disposed to withdraw. But Dr. Barclay, the minister of the parish, who had taken a strong liking to him, insisted on his persevering ; bidding him have no fear, but to come up boldly to tlie exami- nation. This Dr. Barclay was the father of the gallant Captain Barclay, who lost both his arms in the contest with the United States fleet on Lake Erie ; and the father also of the Rev. Mr. Barclay, who had charge, from 1822 to 1826, of the congregation of the Kirk of Scotland at Kingston, in this Province. His friend's counsels were a great encouragement to him ; but, still afraid of losing credit by a failure, he went to St. Andrews, and waited f all the Latin Listoiians and i)hi]oso[)hers respecting tliat great natural ])henomenon, the diversity of colour in the human com- plexion ; more ])articularly, as you then observed, since in their commerce with Africa, they had an opportunity of observing it in its greatest extent. Will not the language of Tacitus account satisfactorily for this otherwise astonishing inditferonco ? Ho evidently su])posed an indigenous origin of man ; and he would liai'dly sj)ort so wild a notion unless it were sanctioned by the learned of his time. And if, at his time, it was the current opinion, how much rather at the period of the first Punic wai-, when the Africans, I believe, first became known to the Romans. Now, aJoj)ting this notion, much greater diversity than that under consideration would pass unnoticed. And the differences in man would excite no more surprise than the differences of any vegetable production peculiar to one or other of those two (JUJ^vter.s. The name which the Athenians assumed to them- selves of AutorJithoni, leads me to susj)ect that this was the universal opinion of anti(piity. If so, considering the effects of this or»inion in another point of view, it might have concurred forcibly with moral and political causes to produce that ])atriot- ism in every class of citizens, which so frequently commands the admiration of the modern in reading the history of Greece and Rome ; and which admiration is so much increased by a coui- ))arison of the impassioned views of the lower classes of these people in regard to the duties we owe our country, with the dullness of the feelings of a modern mob on this subject." It was, no doubt, owing to the conversation and counsels of his friend Dr. Stuart, that Mr. Strachan, during his sojourn at Kingston, determined on taking Orders in the Church of England. And, once started upon this purpose, we can understand with what vigor and earnestness lie would pursue it. The testimony he received from the Bishop of the Diocese, the first Dr. Mountain, as to the extent and satisfactoriness of his qualifications for the sacred ministry, we shall best state in his own words, contained in a letter to Mr. Cartwright, dated May 20, 14 1803: — "Tho testimony contained in j'our letter of thp 3rd instant, in favor of Mr. Strachan's character and con- duct was, in a particular manner, satisfactory to me. In Mr. Strach.an's examination, and in the conversation I havo had with him, I have found nothing to contradict the advantageous opinion you have formed of him. He appears to be a young man of competent attainments, of fair understanding, and great modesty and worth. I thought it might be acceptable to you to know that I am extremely well satisfied on his subjects, and have therefore been induced to give you this trouble." He was ordained on the 22nd May, 1803 ; and his appointment to Cornwall, as stated in the letter of the Provincial Secre- tary, dated from that day. He appears to have entered without delay upon his duties at Cornwall ; and at first in a temporary place of worship, as some time must have elapsed before the church was built. There is a record of the sale of pews early in 180G; so that the church could not have been available for service much before that time. His income as clergy- man was only £130 per annum ; a sum, as he stated in writing to a friend, not sufficient to enable him to keep house, and withal to extend the never-failing assistance to his excellent and beloved mother. His personal wants were few, and his habits simple ; and yet, as he said, ho was never beforehand. His means were always largely taxed for the aid of others. Amongst the fresh objects of his solicitude, was his elder brother, James. This brother writes on April 10, 1801, from H. M. ship " Boadicea," at Torbay ; intimating, though we are without particulars, that he had been making an experiment of naval life. Speaking of the death of another brother, William, he says, in that letter, in reference to the one to whom he was writing, — " how happy I am to have a brother yet, who I hope is, and will be, an honor to the family. I thank you in the name of ir, my mother and myself for your kindness towards her in her old a;:je. The Almighty will reward you for your goodness to an old and infirm parent." Of the interests of this brother he was not forgetful; for the fii*st £100 he liad to spare, he advanced to en.able him to open a book- seller's shop in Aberdeen. This was done with the con- dition that he would live with his mother, who, in her advanced age, required }»rotection; and afford her such pecuniary help as his business would allow. Ho was very successful in this enterprise, and liecanie at Inst a man of good independent means. Mr. Strachan's clerical duties at Cornwall weve not such .•IS to occupy his whole time ; so he soon commenced taking pupils, and gradually formed that school which afterwards obtained so much celebrity. Amongst his »^arliest pupils was the late Chief Justice of Upper Canada, Sir John Beverley Robinson, Bart., who went to Inn: in the autumn of 1803, having been previously under his charge for a short time at Kingston. Dr. Stuart, in sending him to Cornwall, mentions him as an " old ac([uaintance" of Mr. Strachan; and such was his master's ajipreciation of him, tfiat he offered to educate him gra- tuitously, if his mother, a Avidow, should not find it convenient to meet the expense. The warmest friendship — founded on mutual admiration — subsisted between them until death severed the tie. One after another of those distinguished men followed as pupils at Cornwall, whose names adorn our Canadian history ; some having filled the highest offices in church and state ; and all, with scarcely an exception, evincing through life an elevation of principle, high gentlemanly bearing, disinterested love of country, and a zealous attachment to her time-ho ored institutions. All, too, evinced for him who trained them to such thoughts and duties, a love and veneration which time could not impair. With nearly all he maintained a con-espondence as long 16 as they lived ; and the few who survive their honored master dwell with the warmest affection upon his memory. It was an early desire of Mr. Strachan to select from his pupils those who had a taste, and qualifications, for the sacred ministry. This he intimated to the Bishop of Quebec ; and his Lordship, in February, 1809, replies, — " I have no sort of difficulty in saying that I will receive Candidates for Holy Orders educated by you, and will give them ordination, provided always that I shall be sufficiently satisfied with their attainments, and that there shall be a situation open in which the Government shall consent to place them." In the same letter, his Lordship says, " I am glad that your school — a much more accept- able term in these days than academy — goes on so well. I congratulate you both upon your success and your usefulness." Amongst his early Cornwall pupils, the only two who entered the church were the present Dean of Montreal, tlie Very Rev, John Bethune, D.D.. and the Rev. William Macaulay, Rector of Picton. The former was ordained at Quebec, in 1814; and the latter in England, in 1818, after a residence at Oxford of about two vears. That he did not remain to take his Degree at this University, was always a subject of great regret to his early tutor, and much lamented by many of his Oxford as well as Cana- dian friends. There had been another aspirant to the ministry, the late Hon. George H. Markland, of whom Dr. Stuart wrote to Mr. Strachan in 1810 ; statintr his strong desire for the sacred profession, and describing ijim as " a good, indeed an excellent young man." His parents, it appears, were loth to part with him, being an only child ; and the consequence was, the misfortune of his not being brought up to any profession at all. Had his early inclinations been encouraged, Mr. Markland — having excel- lent abilities and very agreeable manners — might ha^'e proved an ornament to the Church, and a blessing to 17 society. Who can tell what an influence for good this might have imparted to his thoughts and life ; how many gloomy and sad days it might have brightened and solaced ; how effectually it might have turned his aims and efforts to paths of holiness and usefulness ! Pity it is to thwart the earlj- inclinations of youth in selecting their work in life ; the mdre pity, if the direction of these is to serve God and to promote the best welfare of their fellow- men. 18 CHAPTER III. The Cornwall Grammar School. (T was. on one of those bright warm mornings in early May, which our Canadian climate occasionally affords, that a lad about ten years of age was making his way to Cornwall on horseback. He was attended by a trusty servant-man ; across the saddle of whose hoi"se was slung a pair of capacious saddle-bags, containing the youth's modest wardrobe and supply of books. This was the only practicable mode of conveyance at that season of the year; and in some places floating "corduroy" bridges rendered the road rather hazardous, especially to so inexperienced a horseman. He was full of glee at the idea of entering the renowned school at Cornwall, and allowed no gloomy presages to overcloud his bright hopes. But there was many a sad day to mingle with the joyous ones that came after ; a monitor of the future life, — a lesson conveyed thus early that even youth's hopeful season is not all serene and bright. The next day was Sunday; and he joined the gathering of boys at the old grammar school-house, nearly opposite the parsonage. Those outside maintained a very staid and respectable demeanour, — standing in groups in their Sun- day's best, or sauntering about within safe distance of the pai'sonage ; whereas, within, there was romping and tumb- ling, shouts of young voices and clouds of dust. But the moment the Principal presented himself in his flowing gown and powdered head at the front door of the parsonage, there was a rush of every boy to the gate of that dwelling; a procession was formed ; and the whole school, two and 19 two, marched to the church close by, — the master following. On arriving at the church door, they formed two single lines on either side, and the master walked between them into church, — all the boys uncovering. The service -^as conducted with great decorum ; the elder boys making the responses audibly, and the simple, rustic-looking congrega- tion very devout and attentive. Old Mr. S usually led the siinging, and maintained it in tremulous, quivering tones ; very few others joining with him. One honest member of the congregation Mr. E , invariably stood up about the middle of the sermon, and, facing the clerg)^- nian, kept his eyes fixed upon him till all w^as concluded. In the afternoon, — for there was but one service, — the boys had liberty to walk where they pleased ; but they rarely misconducted themselves. There Avas, in fact, gi-eat risk in doing so ; as the "censors" for the week, who gave in their reports on Monday morning, had a column for such as played, or otherwise misbehaved themselves, on Sunday. Monday was generally called "black Monday"; as, what from the censors' reports, and the numerous tasks and exercises on that morning presented, a more than usual amount of punishment followed. The youth referred to above, crept quietly in after the school had opened, and was much awed by the sights and sounds he witnessed, — the sounding lash, and the shrinkings and contortions of the unfortunate ones that were made to come under it. But the punishment after all was not very severe, and w*as administered with great temper and impartiality. This ordeal through, the principal came over to where that youth sat quiet and timid ; he kindly shook hands with him, patted him on the head, and assigned him his class and his work. Thus commenced the acquaintance, that by and by ripened into a life-long and never broken friendship, between the late Bishop of Toronto and the writer of this Memoir. 20 A brief sketch of our school work, as it was in those (lays pursued, will not be uninteresting. After Prayers on Monday morning, the "Weekly Register" was read by one of the censors of the })ast week ; mention- ing every class, what they had done during the week, who had been head and foot of the several classes, and how often. On other days, the Register called the " Daily Register," stated in the same form the work of the pre- ceeding day only. Ac the end of each month, a book called the " Book of Merit," was made up from the Weekly Register, in which were inserted tlie names of those who, during the previous month, had been oftenest head in their respective classes, or who had in other respects distin- guished themselves. The performance of voluntary tasks was much encouraged, — such as translations from English into Latin, original poetry, and essays on any subject selected at the writers' own discretion ; and if these were approved of by the Principal, they were ordered to l)e inserted in the Book of Merit. There was also a "Black Book," — of much less pon- derous size and pretentious appearance than the Book of Merit, — in which were recorded the names of those who had been particularly negligent, oi* who had disgraced themselves by improper conduct. The records of eacli book were read out aloud by the Principal on the first Wednesday in each month, with remarks from the Prin- cipal of commendatory or disparaging character, as the cases might respectively demand. The "Book of Merit" is still in existence, and has oftentimes been examined and commented upon by old scholars f)f the Cornwall School, when spending a quiet evening with tlieir revered Tutor. With considerate tenderness, the "Black Book" seems to have been consigned to fitting darkness. The records of its pages have not been allowed to recall unpleasant memories of the past; honours and rewards are remembered, but boyish delinquencies and degradations have been given over to oblivion. 21 The work of each clay commenced with the reading aloud by the respective classes, of a portion of some historical work, or Enfield's or Walker's Speaker, — the principal taking them, with his assistants, in turn. On two days in the week, dictation followed the reading. The master read aloud a few sentences, carefully noting the punc- tuation ; and this, every member of the class was required to write down carefully on his slate. Each boy's perform- ance was then examined, and errors were marked by a score underneath ; those with fewest mistakes took respectively the highest places. If the mistakes were so numerous as to betoken particular negligence, not only was there a lowering of position in the class, but a slight punishment was also inflicted. This proved an admirable method of getting boys into the habit of spelling correctly, — an accomplishment in education not unfrequently overlooked. On one occasion it happened that the dictation was made inadvertently from a chapter that had not been lead ; and, in consequence, every boy's performance was miserably incorrect. The Principal ordered the whole chapter to be committed to memory against Monday morning, — the day of the occurrence was Saturday, — as a punishment for the apparent negligence. This was a hard case but it had to be submitted to. In the interval, however, he had discovered his mistake, and made no demand on Monday morning for the imposition, — greatly to the relief of all in the class. The junior Latin classes were very thoroughly drilled. The lessons were short ; but not only had the whole to be construed several times over, but. every noun that occurred had to be declined, and every verb conjugated ; the rules, too, demanded for every variation. Even in the more advanced classes, this particularity, though in a difi*erent way, was maintained. In nouns and adjectives they were asked to state one or more cases in each number ; in verbs, they were asked for the participles or supines, or bid to go through consecutively the second or third j)erson9, singular 22 or plural, of every tense in every mood, both in active and passive voices. Sometimes to ensure more perfect accuracy and mastering of the subject, they were desired to go through this backwards. In Arithmetic and Algebra, the several classes brought up one or more prepared questions on their slates, which were examined as to their accuracy. Then the work was rubbed out ; some one boy was called upon to i-ead the question, and thus commence working it aloud, giving the rules and reasons for every step ; and, as he proceeded, the rest of the class silently worked with him, writing down figure by figure, but ready to correct him, and take his place, if he made any mistake. When the leader had finished, the work on each boy's slate was inspected ; and if any errors were detected, he lost place according to their number. The second question was then proceeded with in the same manner; and sometimes both were worked over a second and even a third time, so as to test every boy's ability and expertness. About twenty minutes before the close of the school on each morning, Saturday excepted, the several classes formed for writing, — their respective copy-books placed before them, with copper-plate lines at the head. At the word "Compare," the boys started up, and placed their copy- books on a range of desks, in the order in which they stood the day before They were inspected by the Head-master, and made to take precedence according to their merits, — a copy-book sometimes shifted from a very low position almost to the top. The Geography of countries, Natural History, and Civnl History were taught in a peculiar way. These had each their respective days in the week, — always in the afternoon, and the last thing before the closing of the school. On the day appointed for each respectively, not less than twenty questions with their answers were to be produced by each boy, fairly written out. The boy at the foot 23 then asked a question, upon the given subject, of the boy next above him: if answered, the latter asked the third, and so on through the class. If it happened that the boy asked could not answer, the questioner answered for him and took his place ; and he then continued tc ask questions until stopped by [being correctly answered. If there was any unreasonable delay in a boy's asking a question ^/hen his turn came, he lost his privilege of asking any more ; and any one asking a question that had been asked before, also lost his privilege. In this way the compe- titors soon became reduced in number, and the whole was concluded within a reasonable time. As the chances of success were very poor unless the subject had been well got up beforehand, — for no boy had time to be searching- through his paper for an answer to the question proposed, — it is very evident that no more effectual method could have been adopted for thoroughly impressing on the luemor}^ the subject thus introduced. Once a week, generally on a Monday afternoon, there was an exercise in Reading, and a method for improving the Elocution, which probably was peculiar to this school. Two or three boys in their turn, challenged each two other boys to read a passage in prose or verse: this was formally announced a week beforehand and duly recorded, so that every one had ample time for preparation. The challenger came into an open place, and read first; the challenged immediately followed. Judgment as to which was the best reader was not pronounced by the Principal himself, but left to a committee appointed for that purpose. If these by their spokesman gave a wrong judgment, they were sharply rebuked for it; but almost universally their judg- ments were acquiesed in by the Principal. The benefit of such a system to all parties, — the listeners as well as the readers, — is obvious. About once in two months there was the public recitation of a debate, for which great preparations were made. Two 24 leaders on either side of some great question, — say the Slave Trade, — were selected, and they made their choice out of the best S2)eakers in the school, of as many as were required to fill the debate. Every one's allotted speech had to be committed carefully to memory, and some of these were several pages in length; so that, in conjunction with the regular v:ork of the school, it was pretty severe labour. Still the boys took very cheerfully to the task; as the excitement on the day of repetition was intense, not only on the part of the debaters, but of the whole school ; especially at the close, the Principal gave his judgment upon the manner in which each side acquitted themselves, I shall notice only one other peculiarity of the school, and this was the Saturday lecture. On this day, just before the half-dtiy's school was closed, a lecture was delivered by the Principal, occupying about fifteen minutes, on Ancient or Modern History, Ethics, or a portion of Scripture, as the case might be; for each of these subjects was taken up in turn. Probably two-thirds of the school were required to hand, in on the Monday morning, a short abstract of this lecture, which was carefully read over by the Principal. Praise was fully bestowed where it was deserved ; but negligence, exhibited in a very poor per- formance, was rebuked, and sometimes punished. When the transcript was particularly bad, the writer was made to learn it by heart and repeat it next morning; and on some occasions, he was desired to stand on the top of a desk and read it aloud, to the great amusement of the school and his own deep mortification. No more effectual cure for indolence or neoflifjence could have been devised. Enough has been addressed to shew how patiently and thoroughly the boys of the Cornwall Grammar School were drilled on every subject that formed part of their studies; enough to shew the grounds for the reputation far and wide which that school has gained. 25 Distinguished men were occasionally visitors of the school; and the annual examinations attracted gentlemen •from Quebec and Montreal on the one side, and York, Kingston, and Niagara on the other. Amongst the casual visitors was the Bishop of Quebec, Di'. Jacol> Mountain, whose first visit to the school was signalized by the presentation to his Lordship of an Ode in English from the three senior boys of the school, and an Ode in Latin, Sapphic and Adonian, from the Principal himself The former was very creditable to its youthful authors; and upon the latter the Bishop thus expressed himself in a letter dated January 25, 1804: — "With respect to your Ode, I find considerable difficulty in giving an opinion upon the merits of a composition, in which you are } (leased to speak so very favourably of me. But I must not refuse to do you the justice, nor myself the pleasure, of saying that, in my judgment, it has real poetical merit ; and contains sentiments which d(^ equal honour to your feelings and your taste. I need hardly add, that the cultivation of this talent, in a moderate degree, and ap- plied to proper subjects, may clearly be placed under a certain class of amusements to which I alluded in my charge ; nor need I, I am convinced, caution you against indulging even this elegant and pleasing talent, to the neglect of more important pursuits, and more prolitfible studies. The very* sentiments contained in this Ode are a pledge to me that such a caution is unnecessary." Poetical coriiposition was nmch encouraged in the C/orn- wall school, as being of much value in promoting a readi- ness of conception' and expression, and a more copious and graceful diction. Half-holidays, except on Saturdays, were never granted except on some special occasion or event, — as a great victory on land or sea, the arrival of a new scholar, or the visit to the school of some gentleman of high standing in the country. But a few lines of satis- factory poetry would always ejisure a half holiday, when 4 26 there was nothing else for which to claim it ; and as the school was neVer without ita laureate, his talents were frequently in requisition to ])rocure this boon. Like other poets, he was not always "in the vein,"' and his lines were therefore rejected ; but his successes, on the whole, were more frequent than his failures. The laureate sometimes, and no doubt for satisfactory reasons, refused to write. On one of these occasions, — the poet, we believe, was the late Sir John B. Robinson, — the task was assigned to two or three others who, amongst them it Avas thought, would evoke the passable lines. These young gentlemen, to avoid interruption, betook themselves to the tower of the church, standing at its west end generally with open d their snares, and to ^'orrupt the pure and amiable principles you liave imbibed ; when your resolution staggers and begins to give way, the tender recollection of your parents will rush upon your minds and arrest your attention. It will dispel the allurements of vice, and enable you to escai)e its toils • " Before I conclude, let me recommend the cultivation of friendship. The connexions formed at school frequently continue through life. This ixnion, if founded on virtue, and nourished by similarity of disposition and congenial souls, will be the delight of your future lives. With what fondness do Ave rec(»l- lect the companiolis of our early years ! With what emotion do we look back to those mutual endearments which bound us to one another, — to the noble resolutions we had formed, — and to our determination to continue the friends of virtue and truth ! These are feelings which give us the liveliest pleasure, when most of the enjoyments of this transient scene have ceased to delight. " Cultivate, then, my young friends, all those virtues which dignify the human character, and mark in your behaviour the respect you entertain for everything venerable and holy. It is this conduct and these sentiments that will raise you above the rivalship, the intrigues, end slanders by which you will be surrounded. They will exalt you above this little spot of earth, so full of malice, contention and disorder; and extend your views, with joy and expectation, to that better country which ia beyond the grave." 30- CHAPTER IV. Domestic ami parochial life at Cornwall. — His marriage. — Appointment to York. C^ (^'YE must turn for a little from the more public to the domestic life of the late Bishop at Cornwall. We have many anecdotes of the discomforts and privations he experienced durinnj the early days of his bachelor house-keeping; when it was difficult to procure competent servants, and when a straitened income did not allow of a satisfactory choice. But all this was remedied by his marriage in 1807 to the lady with whom, for more than half a century, he lived in the fullest harmony and happiness. This was the second daughter of the late Dr. Wood, a respect? ble physician of Cornwall; but who had become the youthful widow, with a hand- some annuity, of the late Mr. Andrew McGill, of Montreal. As the event proved, no choice could have been more fortunate. She was a devoted wife and mother, had great personal attractions, was of gentle and amiable manners, and unsurpassed as a house-keeper. A laige family blessed this union ; but out of four sons and four daughters, only uue survives, — a son, the eldest born; the sole inheritor, out of that immerous familv, of the name of Strachan.* At Cornwall, in connexion with his large and flourishing school, he paid due attention to his clerical duties. Ser- vice was performed with gi-eat regularity each Sunday morning in the parish church; and the sermons, composed evidently with great care, were listened to with eager attention, and often elicited the admiration of the boys as well as of the ordinary parishoners. "I have heard," said * He — Capt. James McGill Strachan,— died on the 22nd January, 1870. 31 one of his pupils who spent a few years in England, "many attractive sermons here, with much learning and elegant composition; but I rarely came away with the glow we felt at the conclusion of many of our friend the Doctor's animated and practical addresses at Cornwall." In refer- ence to this, we may offer an extract from a letter of the Reverend Dr. Stuart, dated November 2, 1803, and alluding evidently to a visitation of the Clergy. " In regard to Mr. P — 's opinion of your performance in the pulpit, it was much in your favour. The sennon, he says, was an elegant composition, that would have done you credit in the public hall of a college." We have to the same purport a characteristic letter of the late Reverend John Langhorn, the good but eccentric Missionary of the Bay of Quinte ; for all that skirts that beautiful sheet of water was embraced in his sphere of duty. To this day many of the old inhabitants speak of his travels on foot ; his plain admonitions in public and private; his catechising the children at the kitchen fire-side, or under a shady tree in summer. One of these, when grown to manhood, mentioned to nie his being suddently surprised by Mr. Langhorn in one of his rambles; put through his catechism carefully; and sharply rebuked because he omitted to kneel down on the dusty road on coming to the Lord's Prayer. The following is the letter he addressed to Mr. Strachan, written in .a clear large hand and with colons and periods almost as large as pepper-corns : — "I received yours of August 28, 1807, together with your printed performance. In point of style I imagine you must come the nearest to our Lord Bishop, (who is a lovely writer) of any of the clergy in this Province. The printing of your pamphlet is considerably well done, and I remarked a few errata ; but however proper the language of it may be for your |)upils, to whom it is addressed, I hope you do not use such learned style 32 in your common preaching. I hope you do not tell youv vulgar hearers of 'misanthropic seclusion, iusulated occurrences,' (kc; and yoxi may believe me, I am right well pleased that we have in our little number a man of your abilities. If I am good for some uses, I do not look upou it I am proper for every purpose. " I wonder where you light on all these Deists. I cannot say I ever found out but one here. It is a long time since, and I cannot now jierfectly remember the conversation we had ; but it was somehow thus. He told me he was a Deist ; I asked him .what his rule of religion was. He answered, reason ; then I asked him what would reason teach you, if you should light on a man who shewed you that he had all Nature at his command ] To this, I think, he made no answer, and so the conference ended. I afterwards put Leslie in his hands ; but he turned out a young fellow not of the best of characters, and I do not know what became of him. " At page 7, you do not talk about ridicule quite to my satis- faction. One might imagine you condemned all ridicule, which is not reconcilable with Scripture. For we find the figui'e of Irony used with uncommon force by Elijah to the priests of Baal. A parcel of injudicious Americans would have said that Elijah made a mock of religion ; but such a great and extraordinary man knew very well how to conduct himself. I should have been better content if you had said, ' with young and uncultivated minds, unjustifiable ridicule has frequently more weight than the strongest arguments.' *' There is another })assage in your pamphlet I would ask you about. At page 20, you say, ' if the Jews, although thf keepers of a law written by wisdom itself, were unable to reach those pure and sublime virtues which sprang from the mis.sion of Christ,' &c. Here T would ask, what great matters have Christians done for these many hundred years that the Jews do not equal them in ] Here I presume you would have obliged the world, if you would have let them see particularly that the morals of Christians were wonderfully superior to those of the Jews. Here is a lame place in your reasoning, I fear. You may consider it." 33 The coafinement and intellectual toil of a school are very trying to the physical energies; and after a day of hard labou in this vocation, there is usually a prostration of the System which unfits for much other duty. But the subject of this memoir, as all his friends remember, was not one to be thus affected : his robust and vigorous frame was proof against such influence ; and frequently has he been seen, after these trying labours were closed for the day, mounting his horse and galloping off to visit some sick parishioner. His intercourse with the people was well maintained ; and if his visits were not very frequent, they produced a great impression, and were always remembered and spoken of as a high privilege. There was always a pleasant word for father and mother, and uniformly a marked kindness to the children of the household. Even those who looked upon him with awe in the school, shewed a little creeping familiarity when they met him in their parents' abode. In 1811, the Degree of Doctor in Divinity was conferred upon him by the University of Aberdeen, in reference to which his friend Dr. Stuart writes, — " I congratulate you upon the honour conferred on you by your Alma Mater, which I do sincerely; and according to Mr. Cartwright's account the manner of bestowing the academic distinction has been as flattering as the raatter itself, being unsolicited by yourself or friends, and conveyed to you through the hands of a person who had been actually your tutor. May you live long to convin(;e the world, that your friends know how to discover and reward modest merit I" In the same letter is a reference to the serious illness of their eccentric friend Mr. Langhorn, and the expression of a desire from him to be relieved from the actual discharge of his m' Isterial duties. It will surprise many of our readers to hear Dr. Stuart say, " In the event of the success of his application for leave of absence, I recom- mended Mr. Osgood (provided he would return and accept 5 34 the situation) as Mr. Langhorn's Curate, and contingent successor. The Bishop has consented to this arrangement." This was Mr. Thaddeus Osgood, no well known subse- quently in the religious history of Canada ; a quiet inoffensive man ; of earnest piety, and much devoted to the spiritual welfare of the young. Although a Presby- terian in some American connexion, he never in his after life, shewed any violent contradiction to what seemed to have been his early partialities. The long intercourse and affectionate friendship that subsisted between Dr. Stuart and Dr. Strachan, was now about to be brought to a close. This excellent man and zealous clergyman died in August, 1811, in the 70th year of his age; of whom his friend has given this brief memoir in the "Christian Recorder," of March, 1819 : — " The Reverend Dr. John Stuart was born of very respectable parents in the State of Virginia, in 1741. Of his early life, little worthy of notice is known, excejtt that he soon discovered a strong attachment to serious studies ; a bias which appeared the more remarkable as he was naturally of a lively dispoj^ition. In acquiring the knowledge which was necessary to qualify him for the arduous and important office of a minister of Christ, he met with many difhculties. which a mind less vigorous and per- severing would never have been able to surmount. His father was a rigid Presbyterian, and though sufficiently indulgent to his children in every thing else, he looked for their implicit obedience in adopting his religious system. The doctor incurred his fathers displeasure by thinking differently in this matter. He was startled at a very early period of^ his life, at the dogmatical tone of the Shorter Catechism, which was correctly rejjeated by himself and his brothel's every Sabbatli evening. After much inquiry and reflection, he attached himself to the Church of England, being thoi'oughly convinced of the excellence of her doctrine, and primitive purity of her worship and discipline. But though he Was fully prepared for the ministry, and had attained the legal age, he deferred taking orders, that he might not wound the feelings of an aged and beloved parent. 3^ " This magnanimous forbearance he continued to exercise for' geveral years, till his father, struck with the greatness of tlie sacritice, and the iniequivocal })roof which it afforded of the purity of his motives, besought him to foHow his own inclination, giving him his Wessing, and praying sincerely for his future usefulness. After this amiable contention between filial love and parental affection, Dr. Stuart went to England, and was ordained by the Bisho[) of London. "Being now a minister of Christ, he left the more attractive path to eminence which his talents might have oj)ened, and devoted himself to the Indians on the Mohawk lliver. He laboured with imweai'ied sissiduity, to inspire them with living Christianity, and he was blessed with a degree of success jiropor- tioned to his active and rational zeal. During the seven yeai^s that he sj^ent among the Five Nations, his leisure hours were em))loyed in translating a part of the New Testament into their language, the credit of which, however, was given to another. " The Revolutionary War in America followed, but nothing could induce him to renounce his allegiance to his Sovereign. Leaving his native land, he wjvs appointed Chaplain to a provin- cial regiment, and regarded by officers and men with esteem and veneration. When peace was established he- settled himself amongst his fellow-loyalists in Canada. " The last twenty-six years of his valuable life were spent at Kingston, instructing a congregation that was continually increas- ing, and which loved him the more, the better he was known, for his life was a living example of what he preached. He may be truly named the father of the Einscopal Church in this Province, and a most worthy father he was; ever ready to instruct his younger brethren how to surmount the many difficulties which are apt to discourage them on their first entrance upon their ministry. "He resigned his spirit into the hands of God who gave it, in August, 1811 ; but he still lives in the hearts of his friends, and shall be had in everlasting remembrance." The death of Dr. Stuart necessarily involved some changes in the ecclesiastical arrangements of Upper Canada, slender as the staff of its clergy was at that time; and its effects upon the interests of Dr. Strachan were of a very marked and important character. They involved nothing less than his removal from Cornwall, and the commence- ment of a ministerial career in the capital of that Province, which was only terminated by his death fifty-five years afterwards, Yet, on the lamented demise of Dr. Stuart, very different arrangements had been contemplated. It was the anxious desire of the Hon. Richard Cartwright, concurred in by a large number of other influential friends, that Dr. Strachan should succeed to Kingston; and this Was a wish he eagerly cherished himself. But Mrs. Stuart had intimated to several friends of her departed husband, her earnest desire that her son, Mr. George O'Kill Stuart, should take his father's place, and be removed there from York, his present charge, " I instantly relieved my excel- lent friend Mr. Cartwright," says Dr. Strachan in a letter to the Bishop of Quebec, "from his difficulty, though not from his regret, by declaring it to be my firm resolution never to oppose the son of my venerable friend, but to forward with all my power, whatever his respected widow might conceive conducive to her comfort. This was a sacrifice not easily made, but I owed it to Dr, Stuart, and I found strength to make it." He went further, and urged Mr. Cummings, the Churchwarden, to call a meeting, which should invite Mr, George Stuart to become their minister, subject to the approbation of the Bishop, and of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province. Immediately following this arrangement, was the offer to Dr, Strachan of the parish of York, — an offer voluntarily made by Mr. Gore, the Lieutenant Governor, who enter- tained for him the highest regard and esteem, and which was unhesitatingly sanctioned by the Bishop of Quebec. This oflfer led to long and anxious consideration. Corn- wall, with its flourishing school, furnished an excellent income, and had besides a comfortable parsonage-house on 37 which the incumbent had spent a considerable sum from his private means. In York, the clerical income was not much, if at all, larger; there was no parsonage; and the chances of a school on a remunerating scale were very doubtful. Moreover, the expenses of living, at the seat of Government, would be much increased ; and the cost of moving, when the means of transport were so few and inferior, would be very serious. All these considerations decided him on declining the offer ; but Governor Gore, his unvarying friend, intimated the willingness of the Bishop of Quebec to give him the appointment of Official in Upper Canada, — an office of dignity and responsibility, and to which a suitable income was attached. The assurance of this determined his acceptance of York ; but it appears that Mr. Gore had been too sanguine, for the Bishop of Quebec felt it his duty to confer the appointment upon the Rev. George Stuart, the son of him who had so worthily filled it for many years. The reason assigned was, " the high esti- mation in which the late Dr. Stuart was held, and the laudable motives which induced the son to move to Kingston, at a diminution of his income." What the Bishop had said, and how he interpreted the whole matter, is best given in his own words : — " It appears to me proper to say, that in confessinof to Mr. Gore (by way of account- ing for delay) that I had considerable hesitation in making up my mind upon the appointment of an Official for Upper Canada, in disclosing some of the reasons for that hesita- tion, and in adding that upon th e whole I inclined to Dr. Strachan, but should give the matter further consideration; I did not, in any manner, hint that my final determination in the least degree depended upon any opinion that Mr. Gore might be likely to express upon the subject, or that I looked to, or wished for, any such opinion from him ; but, on the contrary, took some pains to guard against any probability of such a misinterpretation." 3d This was satisfactory, as the world outside might inter- pret the matter ; but the disappointment to Dr. Strachan can easily be conceived. In his mind, it completely dissipated those hopes of advancement in which he had been led to indulge ; and perhaps there was never, in after years, that cordiality between him and his Diocesan which had previously existed. He felt himself wronged ; and without the intention on any side of inflicting a wrong, or committing an injustice, we cannot wonder that he should have so regarded it, and that he was unable to control the appreliension that he did not enjoy the full confidence of his Bishop. Many indications exist that it weighed heavily on his mind, and that it was likely to give an entirely new direction to his plans of life. In a letter from his friend and constant correspondent, Professor Brown, of St. Andrews, dated January 9, 1812, there is a reference to an expressed desire on the part of Dr. Strachan for a transfer to some University post in Scotland, — ^growing, no doubt, out of the disappointment to which he had been subjected in Canada : "This country," the Professor says, "is still more infested than yours, with miserable factions and illiberal jx)litics both in Church and State; so much so, that the best man cannot hold any prominent office without having his happiness embittered by these causes. Although it is j ust what I expect in ninety-nine out of a hundred instances, I cannot help feeling for you under the fallacy to which you have lately been exposed, both iu a moml and physical view of human affairs. Judging from what I know of your ardent and honourable mind, I suspect you have been too sanguine ; and your superior's conduct has been clearly unguarded, I believe no man of my acquaintance is more honest, or more conscientious, than you are ; but from the language of some of your excellent pamphlets which you have been good enough to send me, I am afraid that you have at times been intemperate ; 1 know that, in the present state of society, there is no surer way of giving offence than a fearless discharge of duty at all times, and 39 in all circumstances It is very possible that the situation to which you were so well entitled, might, on trial, not have yielded all the comfort you expected. For the reasons you urge, you were quite right, I think, in declining the other situation ; but comparing the two letters exchanged, you may fairly venture to change places with your superior. There is an old Scotch saying Ihave lately heard, 'Better ane sit, than ane flit.' If you cannot previously be translated to an eligible oflSce in this country, which I most anxiously wish, I do not despair of seeing you in the first ecclesiastical stations in Canada." There were, however, subsequent negotiations. The inhabitants of York, headed by Chief Justice Scott, urged on Dr. Strachan his acceptance of that parish ; and as this was warmly seconded by Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, at that time administering the government of the Province, — accompanying it with the offer of the Chaplaincy to the Troops, which would add £150 per annum to the income of the parish, — he at once consented. General Brock, in a letter to the Chief Justice, dated February 24, 1812, thus writes : " I rejoice that Dr. Strachan has consented to come to the capital. I write to the Bishop by this day's post, and request you to assure the Doctor that every possible indulgence will be extended to enable him to repair to York in the most convenient manner." This, then, was a settled arrangement ; and preparations for the removal, fraught with so many important futui'e consequences, were vigorously entered upon. 40 CHAPTER V. Removal to York. — The War with the United States. JOURNEY of 300 miles,— the distance from Corn- wall to York, — was in those days a tedious and expensive undertaking. The only mode of conve}'- ance from Cornwall to Kingston, with a family and heavy lugguage, was by the French batteau, — an open boat of inconsiderable size, with a flat bottom for the purpose of ascending rapids ; in the centre of which, a canvas awning was usually erected for the shelter of passengers from the sun and rain. Between Cornwall and Prescott the beau- tiful St. Lawrence presents a series of rapids, including the grand Long Sault ; and as, in many cases, the boats had to be shoved along with poles, the use of oars being impossible, and sometimes towed by hand, — two or three boats' crews uniting to drag up one, — their movements were very slow. From Prescott to Kingston it was smooth water, and they could row or sail as the wind allowed ; yet to accomplish the whole distance, fully a week was required. At Kingston, passengers and luggage had to be transferred to a schooner; and if calms and head winds were encountered, another week was not unusually spent in reaching York. This journey was the more precarious just now, as in the midst of it, took place the Declaration of War b}'' the United States against Great Britain. Without attempting to enter minutely into the causes of this war, it may be enough to remark that, when great nations are engaged in conflict, the less powerful states often innocently suffer. Those, for instance, who desired to remain neutral during 41 the tremendous contest between Great Britain and France, were exposed to serious inconveniences and losses. The people of the United States,'in particular, who enjoyed an extensive commerce as carriers of the produce of France and other countries, felt the ill effects of the clashing tiecrees of the belligerent powers. This would lead, on some occasions, to annoying and exasperating acts. The United States vessels would sometimes be intrusive ; and those of Great Britain, in self-defence, harsh and exacting. We shall not deny that there were, at times, grounds for complaint on the part of the United States ; but the apolo- gies and concessions of Great Britain were not received with the consideration and respect they would have com- manded, had not the latter been engaged in a conflict, almost for existence, with Napoleon Buonaparte. All remonstrances proved unavailing, and war was declared by the United States against Great Britain on the 18th of June, 1812. - On the arrival of Dr. Strachan at York, the war and its probable consequences was the one absorbing topic ; and on Sunday, August 2nd, he took occasion to express his opinions upon the grave event, in a sermon preached in the parish church before the Legislature of the Province. From this, which was published at their request, a few extracts will be interesting : " Irritations j.ad been industriously raised between the United States and Great Britain, yet we flattered ourselves that friendly relations would be maintained. We were indeed astonished at the measures taken by the United States to embarass and destroy the illustrious nation of which we form a part, — that nation which alone prevents universal despotism ; but we still cherished the hope, that reason would at length prevail ; that the general interests of humanity would teach them to prefer the good of the world to their private advantage. We expected that a nation fighting for her own existence, resisting the most formidable tyrant that ever lived, and triumphantly arresting his progress, 6 42 would at length obtain their favour ; and that if they had not the magnanimity to assist in the contest, they would, at all events, abstain from weakening her means of victory and defence. We looked fositiou, would scarcely have happened, had there not been a scarcity of men in the country qualified to fill such a station. The discernment smd decision of mind evinced by Dr. Sti'achan in regai'd to secular as well as ecclesi- astical matters, stamped him as one that might be thus distin- guished by the Crown. lu England, to this day, we .see men in Holy Orders sitting on the Magistrate's Bench. It is a relic of the policy of bygone ages, when ecclesiastics were chosen to he keepere of the Great Seal ; because they, beyond the generality of their contemporaries, were fitted for the office. The i)olicy of the present day, although it has not yet wholly discarded the usage of the past in this resi)ect, is in its tendency oj)posed to, and will ultimately exclude such appointments ; the reason arising from the paucity of qualified men outside the ecclesi- astical ranks, having long since been cancelled by facts." Upon this subject it will bo enough to add, that the appointment was not of his own seeking, and at first accompanied with no emolument whatevei'. It was accepted, as he stated in a letter to a friend, because 54 "it gave him more influence and greater opportunities of promoting plans for the moral and religious instruction of the people." Tn the autuuui of 1813. Mrs. Strachan heins: in delicate health, consequent upon the frights and anxieties of the preceding spring, when York was in the hands of tho rnemy, — he sent her and the children to Cornwall, where, being surrounded by friends and relatives, she woidd hav»' every care and attention. But the seclusion of Cornwall proved no safeguard against the a hums of war. The battle of Chrysler's Fami, so honourable to the British arms, was fought on the lltli of November of this year; and it happened that an a between the two nations in Lower Canada. It wns believed, too, that through this means the English language would gradually gain the ascendency ; and from this would follow the gradual abrogation of those many feudal laws and customs to which, notwithstanding their practical inconveniences, the French people clung with so much tenacit}'. Nor was there much, in the existing institutions of learning belong- ing to the French Canadians, that was calculated to enlarge the mind, and fit them to appreciate and grasjj the improvements in laws and arts that prevailed in other nations, and were the result of a more advanced culture and inquiry. In their three Colleges, then existing, they aimed at little more than preparing young men for the priesthood of their Church ; and in their system of general education they wcr^, at least, a century behind the age. Of this munificent bequest Dr. Strachan was named a Trustee by the testator, with an intimation of his desire that he should be the first Principal of the College when established. It was long before the intentions of the founder could be realised: long before " McGill College" could assume a shape and name. The money so generously bequeathed was refused by his heirs, and held back till the law extorted it from them ; and, after this obstacle was removed, many weary years elapsed, — either from dila- toriness or the want of business capacity in those entrusted with its management, — ^before it could be got into practical operation. It is almost needless to say that when the College could be opened, the position of Dr. Strachan was such as to render it impossible for him to consent to 56 )>ccome its Principal, and ho meet the wishes oi' liis departe*! friend. The journey to Montreal we have reference to, was the hejjfinning of his active thoughts upon the estahlish.nient of tliis College; for although his aims and projects foi- the advancement of education were naturally directed with UK^re earnestness to Upper Canada, he never lost sight of the large advantages to the youth of the Lower Province, which w^ere promised by the beneficence of his friend Mr. AfcCiill. On his return to York from Montreal, he adpreciation of his worth and services, the purchase of this as the Episcoj)al residence in all time to come, was seriously entertained. There were obstacles, however, to the consummation of this purpose which it was found impossible at present to surmount ; but it was a satisfaction to feel that the present, though only tempo- rary, appropriation of the home of our late Bishop, is one that meets in some degree the intention of a Memorial. At present there is conducted there the Seminary for the instruction and religious training of the daughters of Churchmen in this Province, which, with his own consent, bears the name of " The Bishop-Strachan School"; a school which, from the efficiency of its management and the patronage already extended to it, promises to realize to the full, the object of its establishment. To his friend Professor Brown, of St. Andrew's, with whom he maintained a steady correspondence as long as he lived, he expressed himself with the freedom of inti- macy on various domestic matters ; giving an account of his children, their progi'ess at school, and for what profes- sions or other employments he designed them. Sometimes, too, he w\as equally free in offering his advice to his friend on these private concerns, — in relation to which we shall venture upon a short extract from one of his letters : * ' I have for these two years past looked with anxiety, in the literary and philosophical columns of intelligence, for your name, 8 58 but in vain : no work is yet anaounced of yours. But you must recollect that your ties are now much stronger than ever, and that it becomes necessary to prepare against al' possible contin- gencies. What provision is there for Mrs. B. and the young child, in- case any thing happened to you ? The small annuity you possess dies with you. Why not publish some of your pro- jected works? Your discoveries in Mathematics would, in all probability, sell well. A few volumes of your Sermons wouJd have an uncommon sale, and might alone constitute a fund sufficient for your pur[>o.se. You will have the goodness to excuse my freedom ; but your talents are so great, and the means of .assisting your circumstances ai'e so much in your jwwei*, that I know not how you can reconcile it to yourself to remain in obscurity. Are you determined to continue in retirement, or to break through the cloud, and assume your proper station on the theatre of life 1 " Br. Strachan also corresponded pretty i-egularly with Professor Duncan, and Dr. Chalmers. From a letter of the latter, written about the date of the present stage of this narrative, the following extract cannot fail to be interestinc; to our readers : "There is almost nothing occurring here at present that is worthy of being mentioned. We expect, in time, a pretty large accession of new Churches, which, if tilled by effective men, will turn out a great blessing to our population. Every thing, how- ever, will depend on the patronage, and the pure and right exercise of it ; for unless they get ministers who will attract and influence the great mass of the })eople, the object of these Churches will be altogether frustrated. " There is a popularity that is vain and transitory, and alto- gether contemptible as an aim. But have you never thought, that if Christianity in its true form be accommodated to the real wants and inwardly felt necessities of our nature, then a true statement of it may stand distinguished from an erroneous one, by the homage of a responding movement which it draws from human being.s. 'This man has told me all I ever did,' says the woman of Samaria. 'These men,' said the converts of old 59 'know all that is in our heaiis.' And in like manner, he who now-a days truly ex]X)unds the religion that was framed by Him who knew what was in man, may obtain the testimony that — *Here is a man speaking to me. There is something within which he has got hold of, and by which he has a hold of my attention and conviction, and finally of ray entire conversion to the |)ower of the truth.' " I need no collateral evidence for the doctrine of Atonement, and utter depravity of man by nature, and his alienation from God, and his need of regeneration by the Spirit, because they flash directly upon me from the authentic result of our faith. But then I further see that these are the doctrines which the common peo2)le heard gladly ; and under the influence of th ni they are turned to newness of life. 1 cannot but look ujK)n this as a coincidence that was to be looked for ; as a proof of the wisdom of Him who has adai)ted the remedy to the disease, the operation to the subject." 60 CHAPTER VII. Effects of the War — .Emigratiou to Canada. — Controversy with the Eai"l of Selkirk. — Mr. Robert Gourlay. [C^-^AR is a gi-eat cahuuity, and it produces injuries to individuals, and frequently to comnuinities, which no after thrift or industry can compensate ; yet war, especially to a new country, has its indirect benefits. The brave soldiers and sailors who fought in our defence, and who, on their return home, discovered that their active services were no longer required, gladly accepted grants of land in Canada ; and diffusing, as they did, a knowledge of the country, — the healthfulness of its climate, the fertility of its soil, its mineral wealth, and boundless ca])abilities for manufacturing enterprise, — amongst their friends at home, who were realizing there but a scant subsistence, many were induced to emigrate and try their fortunes here. A large importation of sturdy settlers, chietly from Scotland, very soon transformed a wilderness of foreyt into fruitful fields and thriving villages, in the country compris- ing what was recently the Bathurst District. This was the beginning of the emigration enterprise; since then, it has come in with a continuous flow, — latterly, it is true, in streams more scant ; so that our population, numbered then by a few tens of thousands, has, in the course of half a century, swelled to millions. It seems that there were other portions of this continent under British rule, besides Canada, to invite the settler ; at all events means were taken to entice them in a differ- ent direction. The Earl of Selkirk, a Scottish nobleman, 61 had conceived the project of forming a settlement on the Red River in the Hudson's Bay Temtoiy. Various opin- ions were formed at the time, as to his Lordship's .inten- tions in undei"taking this settlement. Some believed that his motives were pure and philanthrophic, prompted simply by the desire to better the condition of some of his poorer countrymen ; but the impression amongst leading men in Canada prevailed very strongly, that one obje(»t of his emigration plans was aggression upon, and the linal su}»- planting of the North West Fur Company, in favour either of the Hudson's Bay Company, or of some selfish project of his own. This movement was naturally viewed by the North West Company with gi-eat suspicion and jealousy ; and in the effort to counteract it, contentions arose of a very gi-ave character. The writer of this chanced to be at M<3ntieal, enjoying one of his school vacations, in the summer of 1816, when the news arrived of the captuie of Fort William by Lord Selkirk, and the arrest and imprisonment of some leading members of the Company. Montreal was dee])ly agitated, though somewhat divided in opinion, ujion this quarrel. The North West Company, having their head-c^uarters of business iu that city, had naturally a large number of sup- porters ihere; while not a few, from disappointment or jealousy,. — for the "North- westers" were tlie leaders of society in Montreal, — ^had their partialities on the other side. The excitement was intense when the news arrived of Lord Selkirk's high-handed proceedings ; and there could hardly have been more anxiety and distress, if news had arrived of some teri'ible reverse in war. Dr. Strachan was not one to stand neutral in a case af- fecting so vitally the interests of the colony ; and so he threw himself with chardcteristic energy into the contest. With his innate keen perception of acts and motives, he at once arrayed himself with the opponents of Lord Selkirk, and wrote a very powerful and able pamphlet, exposing 62 his unfair acts and schemes, and maintaining the right and justice of the position assumed by the North West Com - ])any. The collision between the high contending parties, — in- volving some lamentable acts of violence and bloodshed, — was at last to be settled by the peaceful arbitrament of law. In successive courts of justice, the case was ably argued on both sides ; and once, in his enthusiasm, a leading member of the Company, exclaimed in reference to one of their advocates, — " The Attorney-General (Robinson) is an ornament to the world." At this stage of its history. Dr. Strachan WTote as follows to an old and dear friend in Scotland, on the 1st December, 1818 : — " It was not altogether procrastinijtion that prevented me from answering your most welcome favour dated January last ; I was anxious to await the issue of some trials between the Earl of Sel- kirk and liis opponents, — the issue of which, and the evidence ad- duced, would establish the guilt or innocence of the contending parties. " The arts made use of by his Lordship to contaminate or ob- strtict the coui-se of justice, and to turn the proceedings of the law into engines of oppression, have exhibited wonderful talent and great resource, which, in a better cause, might have been productive of much good. But, as you are on friendly terms with his Lordship's relatives, I shall be extremely brief on this subject. " First, then, all the miseries that have happened in the inte- rior of tliis continent, the death of Mi*. Semple and his followers, &c.y were proved most clearly to have originated with the Earl of Selkirk ; that his instructions were even more violent than his servants durst put in execution. " His Lordship at length finding all his acts discovered, and that he was soon to be called to give an account of his conduct, when no subterfuge would avail him, has fled hastily to England. *• I must likewise remark that my controversy wiih his Lord- ship respected his colony only, and the deceptions he was practis- ing on the poor people in Scotland, to induce them to emigrate. (]3 ** My motive was entirely disinterested, and had nothing to do with the Earl's rivalship with the Nortli West Company, or the propriety of the Fur Trade. On this contest I was a neutnil spectator, taking no step on either side ; though 1 knew then, as well as I do now, that his Lordship was the aggressor. "^My pamphlet was sent to my brother in Aberdeen to be transmitted to you for perusal, and any alterations in style you pleased to make ; but it has been printed without this benefit. The facts, however, can be incontestably proved, and much more than I thought it necessaiy to advance : my object was to give an op|)ortunity to myjioor countrymen of judging for themselves, by seeing both sides of the question. In this point of view it has done some good ; and this consoles me for his Lordship's implaca- ble hati'ed, and incessant calumnies, which I value not a straw. *' The letter to his Lordship was published before I became a public character, otherwise I should not nave thought it prudent to meddle in the business ; for I knew that the disputes already commenced were daily assuming a more serious aspect, and mv.ht sooner or later arrest the attention of Government. " I could say much on this subject, and feel confident that, if the matter were fully explained, you would be with me in every particular ; but I have no desire to disturb your tranquillity. *' The narratives and documents which wei'e sent you, I have likewise seen. They are full of the grossest misrepresentations, and every fact suppressed that made against the writer. More- over, great care was taken to distribute them before the trials of tlie persons particularly implicated, and amongst the people that chiefly compose the juries ; neverthelcs*?, when the trials were iiad, the facts came out entirely different. " I ciiri assure you that his Lordship was not abandoned by the Government, till he himself abandoned justice arid humanity. I am willing to believe that, when his Lordship commenced tliis undertaking, he had no intention of doing many things which he has since done ; Init from the first I believe it was a deep laid scheme to ruin the trade of the North West Company, — an en- terprise unworthy of a British jjcer. But enough, and more than enough, of this. Let it not, 1 beseech you, disturb your peace. I have no personal enmity to Lord Selkirk, though I dislike his 04 plans. Let Mr. Haskett and I, though differing upon this sub- ject, remain your dear friends as before.'' Up to the present period, such a thing as political con- tention was utterly unknown in Upper Canada. There was l>nt one simple public jjolicy ; and all seemed to co- alesce in upholding it. If anything was ever obtruded that savoured of opposition to public opinion, it was re- garded witli amazement if not with alarm ; and the abettor of it viewed as an eccentric or ^lerv^erse being, who should be ridiculed or avoided accordinir to the character of his pretensions. People are often advised that this is an unhealthy and pernicious state of things, and that a iiiffle now and then of the public tranquillity is wholesome and beneficial. The effort therefore is made, and it is frequently succesful, to make people believe that the political system they have been quietly living under so long, is unsound and despotic, at the same time that they have felt themselves free, con- tented, and pros}>er()us. They are persuaded that they have been all along under an unhappy delusion, and that he is to be hailed as a friend and benefiictor who comes forth to waken them out of it. Early in the year 1818, there arrived in Canada a Mr. Robert Gourlay, — a Scotch radical of the most decided stamp, and fresh from the tuition imparted by the political riots in several towns of his native country during the preceding year. He came brimful of specifics for the cure of every political malady ; and if he did not discover any thing in Ui^per Canada that required the application of his skill, he was not slow in conjuring up imaginary dis- eases, and dictating a suitable remedy. He sent broadcast through the province, various docu- ments designed to throw light upon our political state, and retrieve us from the political wretchedness into which he assured us we had fallen. He was a fluent and taking 65 writer, though a heavy and ungainly speaker ; and the printed sheets he circulated far and wide very much aston- ished many of our quiet-going population. As, however, there was on the surface of these documents an apparent anxiety to develope the natural resources of the country, and give a spur to our arts and commerce, many intelli- gent and educated men viewed them at first with favour, and appeared disposed to give him a fair support in carry- ing out his views. But it was not so easy to impose upon Dr. Strachan. 11*3 had not lost all recollection of what Scottish radicalism was, and there was still some memory of the specious way in which advances are made by political charlatans to gain over partisans. So he felt it his duty to denounce Mr. Gourlay as a fire-brand and a demagogue ; and he warned his frienecially as 1 cannot pretend to any ps^rticular intimacy ; but hope that I judge correctly. '•'The truth is, that his remark upon are presentation, in which your riume was coupled with something improper, won my heart. On hearing this, I had said, ' The thing is utterly false. Governor Gore had been too cood to the writui and to the friend whom he rcciimmeuded.' He tuined mildly, and said, 'that remark is the very thing which would have induced me to refuse the j^rayer.' " The following letter, addressed to Colonel Nichol, will be read with interest. Many in the Province will recollect 10 74 the Colonel as an active and talented man, but who uniformly tcok up the opposition side in politics, and was rather fond of antagonism to the ruling powers. He was a well-read man, and a pleasant companion; and although he was a warm politician and very outspoken in his opinions, he seemed to have had no personal enemies. His tragical death, from being precipitated on a dark night, with horse and light waggon, over the heights above Queenston, awoke universiil sympathy and regret. The letter that follows, is dated February 23rd, 1819 : — " I. have an opportunity of franking your brother's manuscript. The subject is handled with ability, and does him great credit. I hope that he will find it his interest to remain in this country ; it is a gi'eat benefit to have a man of talent among us. Owing, I believe, to the writing, it was not read by the Governor ; but it was most favourably reported to him, as indeed it richly deserved. ** It has been whispered, since your departure, that you are to commence jouv parliamentary career, 1 . with moving a vote of censure on Governor Gore ; 2, that the right of granting lands belongs to the Assembly, or Paiiiament, and not to the King or his Eepresentative in Council. '* I suspect that these ai*e fabrications of your enemies, and I have said so : but as they were repeated, I beg to know whether 1 am right. "At present you stand well in this qnai'ter, and your abilities enable you to do much good to the Province, as well as to your- self. I should, therefore, be sorry to see them wasted upon matters that are sure to raise contention, and that cannot fail of being most injurious, without producing any good. " .\s to the first, it would come very ill from you on many ac- counts. If it be for proroguing the House, even supposing him wrong (which I for one am not prepared to do), it was oidy an error of judgment : his right to do it, when he thought proper, is undeniable. "I could say muoh on the inexpediency, as well as injustice of such a resolution, independently of the lui pleasant feelings it 75 must excite ; but I am afraid of missing the post, and therefore pass to the setoiul. — the absui'dity of which excites my astonishment. " Thirty years ago this Province was a wilderness. The King gives small portions of it to the refugees, to disbanded soldiers, to a few immigrants, and some aliens ; and now these persons, still living on his Majesty's bounty, turn round and tell him that he had no power to give them what they now possess, for the land is entirely their own, " My conclusion is, that the whole is a fabrication to lessen your weight with your friends, and to induce a belief that your influence in Parliament will be exerted in raising disturbances, and not in bringing forward and digesting excellent measures, so necessary for our peace and prosperity. " Being one of those who have always been anxious for your success in life, and ready at all times to do justice to your talents, I should regret extremely to be obliged to differ from you on political grounds ; more especially as we commonly agreed till the resolutions were brought forward. 1 shall only add, that, in every thing else, I have been more zealously your supporter than most of those whom you supposed warmer friends. "When I differ in 0[»iniou from any of my friends, I tell them so candidly, that we may perfectly understand each other ; and this must be ray apology for this l«^tter, unless you are pleased to add my anxiety to appear more effectually in your defence " Mention has already been made of the " Loyal and Patriotic Society," designed for the relief of sufferers b}^ the war. The funds contributed for this object were ver}-^ considerable; large subscriptions were obtained in the Province ; and some aid was sent by generous individuals in the mother country. A vast amount of good was effected by means of this Society ; and now, in 1819, it was found that there was a surplus at its disposal of £4,000. Colonel Nichol, disappointed in certain views 76 of his own regarding the appropriation of this fund, con- tended for its distribution amongst such individuals as should shew that they had been sufferers by the war. Dr. Strachan very wisely opposed this proposition ; and as his remarks have a useful, practical bearing, and may be serviceable at all times, we tpioto the following from a letter to a friend in Eng-land : — " To guard against misconception and evince our adherence to the principle upon wliich the Society was originally constituted, we have made some little alteration in the resolutions first adopted, in regard to the application of our snrj)lus. They now stand as follows : "Resolved 1. That of the remaining funds of the Loyal and Patriotic Society, £2000 be appropriated to the erection of an Hospital at York, in tlie Home District ; and two several sums of £100 each, to such other two or more Districts of this Pro- vince as shall, within a year, raise the largest sum in aid of such appropriation for the erection of two other Hospitals. "Resolved 2. That the Directors of the Hospitals thus erected, shall at all times be prepared to answer the orders of the Treasurer of the Loyal and Patriotic Society to the amount of the interest, annually, of the sums thus given them. " You will perceive that these resolutions, in fact, fund the money and insure the interest of it, — to be exj)ended in relieving actual distress of sufferers by the late war, or finding hem an asylum within the Hospitals. Acd, in order to make the bene- fit general as well as permanent, other two Hospitals are contem- plated; one, we presume, at Niagara, and the -other at Kingston. We did not designate the places in our resolutions- to avoid giving offence to the other Districts. At those two places, as well .as here, the Lieutenant Governor intends giving great assistance ; but, without this money, the buildings could not be erected for many years. I am persuaded that the subscribers, if the matter were explained to them, would highly apj'rove the plan adopted by the Directors, as it gives a permanency to their benevolence, infi- 77 nitely more useful than to expend it upon promiscuous claimants, by whom we should in many cases be deceived. During the War it was easy to ascertain proper objects; but after five years of peace, this is impossible, except in the case of those who have been severely wounded. For such the Hospitals afford an asy- lum ; or if thty have families, a small pension could be given them out of the interest."' Few in Toronto are probably aware of the manner in which the G proportion to the general popula- tion, and every where its ministrations were veiy cordially accepted. There were, in those days, but few Presbyterian places of worship, — not one either in York or Kingston ; and the ministers of that body were correspondently few. Ho Where they were without tl»eir own ministrations, they almost universally attended the services of the Church of England ; and very many never afterwards forsook them. The Methoth sexes were admitted to that rite. An address was presented to the Bisho}), congratulating him upon so large an assem- blage of the Clergy, — for it was the largest that had ever been gathered in Canada, — and the first steps were then taken for organizing the Corporation for managing the Clergy Reserves. They had but a small revenue to deal with, — merely the rents from the leased lots ; but it was considered the hopeful beginning of good days for the CxteiLsion and strength of the Church. 87 CHAPTER X. The Ci "gy Reserves Question. ^^KHE Clergy Reserves Controversy is a prominent ill; subject in Canadian history ; and, from its bearing upon the moral condition and general welfare of the Province, it cannot fail to have a commanding interest, in thoughtful and religious minds, for many generations to come. The" subject of this memoir took a leading and native share in this controversy : his position naturally threw him into the forefront of the contest ; and a para- mount sense of duty, which the din of surrounding warfare could not weaken, constrained him to adhere to his post until nothing was left to contend for. Reflections of a grave character are forced upon us in contemplation of the issues of that contest. We look back with sensations of deep disappointment and regret; and we look forward with saddening apprehensions for the future of our rising country, as to its moral and religious condition. Many, from personal observation, are familiar with the moral and religious landscape of England. Those who have traversed its beautiful scenes, — hill and valley, shady groves and green meadows, the noble mansion and the trim cottage, the smooth roa^is and the bounding hedge rows, its perfection of cultivation, its exhibition of magnifi- cence and wealth, — could not fail to notice, as a feature of singular attraction amidst the exquisite scenery that is on all hands presented, the constant occurrence of the church spire or tower surmounting the sacred edifice of humble or 88 capacious dimensions, with tho neat vicarage or rectory beside it. Tf these tower up as guardians of the land, as monuments at least rif its religious civilization, further «^>bscrvation and incpiiiy will attest that the univ«Tsal pastoral care which is thus provided, has proved a protec- tion and sfifeguard of the countiy better than bristling fortresses and legions of soldiers. Almost beyond memory or record, Kngland hsis enjoyed this advantage ; and we can now judge fairly whether the grand results have been realized which its parochial system was designed to confer. There have been alternations, doubtless, in the extent of the blessings imparted by the Church of England. Every institution, even the most sacred, will have its period of lassitude and langurn- ; there will, perhaps, be an internal degeneracy, as well as hurtful (tutward influences ; but if the system be a sound one, — its origin holy, its purjK>se philanthrojHC, its tendency sanctify- ing and ennobling, — it will soon recover the vantage- ground it may have temporarily lost. Men, in such ranks and in such a cause, will not all be degenerate ; the ('on- scientious renovator, the honest reformer, will from time t<» time start up, and waken the powers of revival that are inherent in the body. Long Mars abroad, protracted civil commotions within the kingdom, enfeebled necessarily the work and influence of the Church ; but peace has unifonnly brought it all back. No one of impartial jud[;nicnt will deny that the pre- eminence of England amongst the nations of the world, in mateiial power as well as in moral influence, is largely owiniT to the diflusion of that sober moral tone and health- fill spirit of subordination, which a wide-spread religious teaching, j>rovided by her established Church, has steadily maintained. In a country which possesses so much civil liberty as England, and where eriucation is so thorough and so diftused, there will always be an eftectual check to anything lik(; a projiensity to spiritual despotism ; to any attempt at fettering the conscience. The national sanction of the teaching of the Church has never compelled any man to surrender his individual judgment ; has never hin- dered him from adopting any other mode of religious ministrations which his tastes or convictions might prefer. But the Cliurch thus established anposed to the restraints it inculcates ; and, in the mass of communities, if it cannot be obtained without individual cost to themselves, it will not be sought after or secured. The nation, then, is bound to provide what individuals will not, or cannot, do for themselves. It is worth our while, and will not be out of phux*, to trace uj) this national duty to its origin. Without referring to the vast extent of inferential proofs, we may confine f)ur-selves to evidences that are direct and [)ositive. When the land of Canaan was ho far conquered by the Isnielites as to admit of the partition of the country amongst its conquerors, there was, by the Divine direction, an equit- al)le division male as it was wise ; and, with ca pious reverence on the side of Israel, and an undoubting faith on the })art of Levi, it came into force without a murmur of discontent. By this wise ordi- nance, sealed thus, as we may say, with the seal of heaven, the temple-gates were always oiten ; the fires on the altar were never quenched. Sacrifices were never wanting,- - the daily recun-ing tyi)es of that gi'cat offering in which they were at last to merge. Through these symbolic duties, their sins day by day were at<^)ned for, in view of Him who was to make the offering perfect; and never, as agos passed, would there be wanting a man tf) stand thus before the Lotit, — a present mediator between the living and the dead. But was the 2>rovision thus ordained, to have its applica- tion U* Jews only ; or was the obligation to have no weight with the followers of Christ ? No where, in the New Testament, do we find a prohibition of this duty ; no where do we discover another rule substitute*! i'or that which, in all preceding times, had prevail* id i'or the sus- tentation of the Church of God. In days when Christians were nearer to the fountain of their ])rivileges, they thought and acted by that rule. They religiously made these appropriations ; believing that they were bound by the obligation, and that the practical reason for them still existed. Under the Saviour's dispensation, there is an altar to be served, and a priesthood to maintain ; and 91 there could be no better mode of sustaining these, than the ordinance which God lias left us for the purpose. We arc not to fancy that the provision made for the maintenance of this great blessing in our father-land, — namely, the [)arochial system, a church and ])astor every where, — was originally a amtpuhonj one , that it had its origin in state enactments, or in the arbitrary mandates of kings. This is by ru» means the truth ; but the appropria- tion of a tenth for the sup])ort of the Church, as existing in our mother country, was the voluntary act of her pious sons and daughters centuries ago. They, from a constrain- Z' ing sense of Christian duty, fixed this charge upon their t own possessions ; and they transmitted them to their x posterity with tJiis condition affixed to them for ever. The -^ law of the land so far interposes, as to guard rightful pos- session wiiere any venture to infringe upon it. It suffers not any selfish holder of the soil to appropriate wholly to himself what, by a solemn stipulation entailed upon him, he is bound to give a j)art of to the maintenance of reli- gion. This, then, is a princi])le, — this an action, divinely derived. The wisdom of the Almighty devised it; His goodness promjited Him to bring it into exercise. Its object was, the present welfare and everlasting happiness of men. And we cannot wonder that it should have had its weight Avith the King and Parliament of England, in providing for the v/elfare of their subjects in the Colonies. Canada was cc^nquered by Great Britain from the French ; and the territory thus acc^uired was at the dispo.sal of the Crown and Parliament of the Empire. Just respect was shewn to public and private property in Lower Canada ; and this extended even to their reli- gious institution.3. There was no disturbance of, no infringement upon, their ecclesiastical possessions. But Upper Canada was, comparatively, a wilderness; and in disposing of its unappropriated and uncultivated lands at 92 the absolute will of the Government, no private rights or privileges couhl l>y i)ossil)ility he afToctefl, The (iovern- ment, witliout injtiry to any (nio, could make any dispoHai, any reservation, of thene laiKJH they chow, for political purpoH(!M or religious ohJectM, The jfririeij)l(! of an eHtahlinhed provision for the support of religion, so long settled and so long acted upon in our mother country, and }>roductive of such wide-spread and ])rice]ess benettts, naturally awoke a sense of the obligation to make the same provision, wherever it was practicable, in the Colonies. A(;cordingly, as early as the fourteenth year of the reign of G(?orge III., there was, in the IiDperial Act, Caj». 8.% a reference to this obligation, in these words, — " It shall be lawful for His Majesty, his heirs and suc- cessors, to make such ])rovision for the en(;ouragement of the Protestant Religion, and for the mainti-'iiance Jind sup- port of a Protestant Clergy, as he or they shall from tinu* to time think it necessary and exj)edient." — And seventeen years later, in the thirty-first of the reign of that king, when it was detennined to form Upper Can.'ida into a separate Province, an any other than ministers of the established (yhurch of England ; and that such was the understanding of the term in this Province, is evident from the following statement in the preamble to an Act of the Legislative Assembly in the year 1821, — " That whereas His Majesty has been graciously pleaj«jed to reserve ibr the support of the Protestant Clergy in this 99 Province, oiie-.seventh of all landH granted therein, doubts have been suggested that the tithe of the prochice of the land might still be legally demanded by the incnmlx-nt duly instituted, or Rect4^»r of any parisli, which doubt it is important t/» the well-doing of the (V)lony to remove," — It is obvious that the tenns here employed have an exelusivi* reference to the Church of England, an con)[)rehend the ministers of that communion. This was zealously assei-ted, and just as zealously opj)Osed, Numerous pamphlets were written on })oth sides; and amongst the defenders of the claims <4' the Church of England, was a minister of th(; British Wes- hiyan connexion at Kingst itli as little delfiy as j)08sible, not only because it appears nece.ssi ry before the new syHtcm of land-granting goes into operation, which implies such division to have previously taken place, but as giving a religious character to the country, "On reference to the Surveyor General it is found that a numerous class of townships ar« those of nine miles by twelve, 94 containing about 09,000 acres : — one-seventh of which, or ahout 0,800 acres, is tho approjjriation set ai)art for the maintenance of a Protestant Clergy, AsMuniing only two parishes for each of these townships, it is Imnihly submitted that the appropriation be divided into three [»iirts ; and, after forming any such township into two parishes by a division as convenient as circumstances will admit, that three thousand and three hundred acres, or one-third of tlic aj»propriation be attached as an endowment to the Parsonage of each, from the liosei'ves appertaining or belonging to such parish, and a similar ]»ro[M^rtion be observed in townships of f>ther dimensionH, "That the remaining one-third, consisting of about 3200 acres be reserved in the ]»oHS(«sion of the Corporation for general pur- poses ; the same to be sold when it shall be deemed for the interest of th«! Church, tho ]>roceeds of such sale to be funded in the British Stocks, and the interest only to be aj»plied to the sui)port of a Protestjint Clergy. " That a general fund, gradually accumulating as sales of this one-third take place, will be fijund exceedingly convenient for the support of clergymen in j)arishes until their respective endow- ment« ))ecome available, and likewise to supply salaries to the clergymen established in such towns and villages as may, from time to time, grow up in different partw of the Province, and for which iliere is no particuhir j»rovision. " Such general disposable fund becomes further necessary fruiu this circumstance, that many townships were settled before 1701, and therefore contain no Reserves ; othei-s in which the Reserves form a block in tlie middle, and cannot therefore be [)rochictive for a long time, — consequently the clergyman of such must, in the interval, be supported out of the General Fund." Such way the lleport prenentod to the Lieutenant- Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, about the close of the year 1825, by his constitutional advisers; but His Excellency did not feel that he could just then, take upon himself the responsibility of acting upon it. Delay, as the seciuel shewed, rendered such action more difficult j and when 95 the questioa caine iindev local parliamentaiy k'gi.slatioii, it became iiiijiiacticable. There were thousaiKlx outside the j)al(! of the (Jhiireh <»f England who believed then, what they will candidly con- i'vHH now, that the neglect to act practically upon tht'it reconi- rnendatiou Avas a public nii.sfortune. They will honestly admit, we are persuaded, that the lixtnl and permanent estaVjlishmeut in every townshij) of the Province, of one or more clergyiueii of the Church of England, — of men who would combine with piety and zeal a liberal education and some social refinement, and who, bound by the wholesome restraint of Scriptural articles of faith ami a »Sci'if»tural form of worship, would present an unvarying front of opj)osition to erroneous doctrines and the capricious desire of change, — would have proved a large and lasting blessing to the land. Such was the ]>ei*suasi(>n of him whose eventful life is recorded in these pages. He looked forward with hope to the day when here as in our mothe* country, we should see the Church-spire mingled every where with the fair and fertile scenery of th(? land ; the Church on hill and valley ; tlie Church in every handet. And with the Church, the settled pastor, pursuing from week U) week his round of i>ious ministration, — the youn*' his anxiety, the poor his care, — every duty urged and practised to draw men to the love of God and the love of one another. What an exchange would this be for the spiritual ban-enuess which lies so widely round us, — for the stretch of fertile lands on every side, ahnost without a token that God is worshipped there, or even recognized ! 96 CHAPTER XI. Visit to England unci liis native land. — Resistance to the pro- l»osecI sale of the Clergy Reserves to the Canad.i Company. — Politica! strife in Upper Qanada. f^^HVj citation of the document in the la-st cliapter, in ij / reference to the appropriation of the Clergy Re- serves, — though not unseasonably introduced, — was a little in advance of the regular order of events in the Life V>efore us. Early in the year 1824, Dr. Strachan was ena- ))led to gratify a wish, long cherished, of visiting his native •land, and greeting once more those friends of his youth who were ever held in affectionate remembrance, and with whom he maintained a steady correspondence. Often, in his letters, had he reverted to this wi.sh ; but obstacles to its accomplishment were constantly occurring. There wnti the difficulty of procuring a substitute during his al)sence, for so important a parish as his must be adequately supplied ; and there was the serious difficulty of meeting the heavy expense. Repeated lo.sses by fire, the building of a new house, and the accumulating cost of an increasing family, had created latterly an unusual pecuniary pressure» The first obstacle was removed by the opportune arrival at York of a son of an old and distinguished Scottish friend, Dr. Brown, of Aberdeen, who had taken orders, anears reasonable to you, — and is so when duly considered, — seems to them extrava- gant, or is perhaps above their comprehension. You must there- fore, in order to sail calmly and pleasantly down the stream, condescend a little to people of less feeling and less information, and cease to expect those delicate attentions from persons who are incajiable of feeling them, and you must conform to those established customs in society which are in daily ojjeration. It is true many of these might be dispensed with, were you still a bachelor,— for no man can visit you without wishing to visit you again,— but where ladies are concerned, there is never any abate- ment. Tlierefore you must sacrifice something of time and per- sonal trouble to give dear Mrs. B. that place in society which she so richly deserves, and could so well adorn, and which a little exertion on your part can easily assure."' The parting with this old and loved friend is thus re- ferred to iu a subsequent letter : — " I felt quite a vacancy in my heart, — a sort of desolation much greater than I had experienced on leaving Aberdeen,—* 100 when I parted from you and Miu Browu on the pier at New- haven. I had indeed not slept so well as usual, and did not feel (juite well. Perhajw we were to j)art for ever; there was little chance of my return ; the jdeasure of our short renewal of jier- sonal intercoui'se had passc^d away as a dream. J waived my hat occasionally as long sis you wen; in sight ; and when you dis- appeared, I tried to read Millar's book. I got actjuainted with no j)ei*son on board, being silent and dull the whole way. The weather during our voyage was not boisterous, but rainy and consequently disagreeable ; so we were obliged to pass our time principally in the cabin. The jjassengers a])peared rather a sulky crew ; but as I set them the example, I couhl not com- plain." During his stay in London, Dr. Straclian had many con- ferences witli Earl Batlnirst, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and with Mr. VVilmot Horton, tiie earnest and intelligent Under-Secretary, on tli<; religions and political prospects of Canada. Both were ils ; no government aid whatever was contributed to this clsiss of schools. The duty of ameliorating this condition of things forced itself early upon Dr. Stracha ; and, very nmch through his influence and exertions, a Law was passed in January, 1824, making a. certain grant to each District for Common School education, and appointing a Boanl in each I>istririd;^«', for instance, have cxertod. It is somothing t«» Hccuro, hy their moans, a clft.ss of men competent from their afujnin'mcntM to Hil the Hcveral learned profeHsion.s, — to hrin^' the light and the refinements of s<;ienco to the practical duties which the lawyer, the physician, and the clergyman Inis each in his vocation, t»ein<:» in larj^o Mooks, lie in tracts at present remote from ftettieinents, and a considerable portion of them is not of the tirnt finality." It was then suggested that if the Imperial (Jovernment "Hhould see fit to allow th.'it an etjual (juantity of the he^st of theso lands should be exchanged for that portion of the ( Vown Reserves which remains to th^ Government as being under lease, the latter could almost immediately be disposed of, at an average price of not less than ten Hhillings per acre, and a sum thus be produced that would admit of the immediate establishment of a University on a scale that would render it effective." As matters in regard to the establishment of a Univer- sity had now come to so critical a point, it was thought advisable that no opportunity or means of ensuring its success shouM be lost. Despatches often remain long unanswered ; and after all, however important the sub- jects may be to which they refer, they are often unsatis- factory. So it was determined to send home a special emissary to bring this great question to a favourable issue; -» and as none other so suitable could be found, Dr. Strachan was called upon to proceed to England, and have, if pos- sible, every ol)stficle removed to the immediate accom- plishment of this gieat Provincial undertaking. He left York, on this important eiTan, 1 820, and you will proceed to endow King's College with the said Crown Reserves with as little delay as possible." Coinidete success, tlieii, hud ciowuud the ettorts of Dr. Strachan ; anndence in England in 182G-7. — lletnrn to Canada. JpiURING the summer of 182.5, an event occurred which 5|rj had been for some time expected, — the death of C_y Dr. Mountain, first Bishop of Quebec. Though he liad not attained to extreme old age, — being, when he died, in his 7oth year, — his constitution had been for many years much broken ; and at no time, though robust in frame, was he equal to the labour and the privations which visitations of his vast Diocese, extending from Gaspd to Sandwich, demanded. We may repeat now what was so justly said of this distinguished prelate, in a brief sketch of his life published in the "Church" newspaper in June, 1838: — "He was eminently a scholar, a gentleman, a com- panion, a domestic guide and comforter ; and unite<^ in a most remarkable manner, qualities which commanded respect and reveren'ic, with a cheerful affability, and often a j)layfulness, which th^-ew a charm about his society, and made him, as it were, tl-e centre of a system, to the whole of which he imparted light and warmth. In his performance of the functions ])roper to tlie Episcopal office, the com- manding dignity of his j)erson, the impressive solemnity of his maimer, and the felicitous })ropricty of liis utterance, gave the utmost effect and development to the beautiful services of the Church. In the pulpit, it is perhaps not too much to say, that the advantage of his fine and venerable / / 112 cospect, — the grace, the force, the solemn fervour of his een accepted, he entered upon the arduous duty of a mis- sionary in a remote station upon the borders of Lake (.'hamplain." Here for many years he pursued his simple duties, patiently and laboriously; and long will they, amongst whom his first ]nis.sionary years were spent, remember the warmth of unaffected piety, the devoted earnestness, and the boundless benevolence of heart, b}' which his faithful declaration of the Gospel message was uniformly accompanied. About the year 1820 he resigned the special charge to which he had so long devoted him- self, and at the instance of the Bishop, became Visiting Missionary of the Diocese, — going from one end of it to another on horseback, accompanied by his servant, and informing himself of the condition and wants of the several parishes as he passed along. In 1825, the Archdeacon of Quebec, was commissioned, while in England, to procure a division of the Diocese, — Dr. Mountain having proposed to assign to Dr. Stewart the episcopal charge of Upper Canada, together with one-thiixl of his income. This pro- 113 ])osal was fully agi'eed to by Hi.s Majesty 'h Government, and the arrangement was about to be carried into effect, when it was inteiTupted l)y the Bishop's death, and Di*. Stewart succeeded to the whole charge of the Diocese. A division under some other arrangement, was, it appears, for the present abandoned. On the strangeness of this, we have already briefly commented. During the summer of 1824, when Dr. Strachan fii-st visited England, an arrangement had been agreed to foi- the division of Upper Canada into two Archdeaconries, — one, the Archdeaconry of Kingston, to comprehend all that portion of the country lying between the western extremity of the Newcastle District and the eastern extremity of of the Province ; the other, the Archdeaconry of York, to (;omprise all the territory from the commencement of the Home District eastwards to the western extremity of the Province. The latter Arch<]eaconry was promised to Dr. Strach.'in; the former being assigned to Archdeacon Stewart. But it was not until the 28th June, 1827, that the Bishop of Quebec was advise, he writes to a fiiend as follows, on a scene familiar doubtless to many of our readers, but by the greater number never witnessed : — " Since 1 wrote, 1 have been to Oxford to stje the Couinieniora- tion ; but uufortunately acme of my principal friends were absent. 15 114 I did not, however, lose my journey ; as I had an opi)ortunity of making some interesting inquiries, and of seeing {how ])ul)lic ceremonies are conducted in so eminent a seat of learning. The Commemoration was held in the theatre, which can hoM about three thousand persons. It was nearly full, about one-third of ladies, elegantly dressed ; the students in the upper galleries. This public exhibition is considered a Saturnalia. The young gentlemen hiss^ or applaud, all the professors and officers of the University as they enter and retire. The Vice Chancellor for the year seemed very much disliked, for the moment he appeared, there was such a hissing and groaning as was indeed quite tre- mendous. Then came in a popular professor, and he was loudly applauded. Similar conduct was manifested to others. After quiet was restored, the University Orator pronounced a Lntiu oration in praise of benefactors ; but as he had lost all his upf)er teeth, and is very old, it was difficult to undei'staiul a word he said. Next, a young man rej»eated a prize Latin fM)em ; and as he articulated admirably, we could follow him very tolerably. Home of the verses were excellent ; but it was rather long for a public recitation. Then we had an English essay on fiction ; very good, and exhibiting no inconsiderable aouteness. After this, there was a short j>oem of about fifty lines in English, — very poor indeed. The Degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon Sir Kob(!rt Inglis ; and others followed of inferior note. The moment the business of the day was concluded, the hissing and applauding recommenced, and I made my escape." The following refer to visits to various friends in Scot- land ; and .are extracted from letters bearing date October 9, and October 18, 1820 :— *' On Monday last I set out in the coach for Newhaven ; Mr. Hamilton, my ward, saw me on board the steamer ; and at two o'clock, I was iu the manse of Kettle. Here I was received with great kindness, and could not get away before Wednesday morning. I reached St. AndrevvS before dinner, and found Professor Duncan expecting me, and ready to greet me with all the warmth of former friendship. Dr. Chalmers soon after came in, and was 115 rejoiceleased them. To-day I set out for Dundee, and expect to reach Aberdeen on Thuraday evening. I have been much gratified by* the kindness I have experienced here. '• I left St. Andrews on Tuesday, the 10th, — Dr. Chalmers and Professor Duncan accom[)anying me to the pier. On Wednesday, at Dundee, I went with Mr, Kerr, a writer, to Meigle, to see William Scott, brother of our late Chief Justice, whose mind is enfeebled. I chose to go without giving notice, that I might see how he wiis treated. I carried with me his father's and brother's watches, some rings, and other little mat- ters. I found him poorly in health, but had i-eason to be satisfied with his treatment, I, however, made arrangements for still further increasing his comforts ; and as he was getting old and frail, I raised tlie sum paid to the persons who board and lodge him nearly one-half. He was delighted with the things I brought him ; and the people were not less delighted at the augumentation of their allowance, one quarter of which was paid in advance. Mr. Kerr of Dundee, who is our man of business and of good lepute, has the general trharge and attends to the payment of expenses. We have left plenty of money in his hands ; and all the instruction I gave him as to its application, was simply this, to treat William Scott, as he would treat his own brother in the same situation. "We returned in the chaise to dine in Dundee; but the arrangements necessary, and the settling of accounts, prevented 116 my getting to Aberdeen until Friday evening, the 13th. 1 found here a letter from the Colonial Office, wishing my speedy return ; I therefore expect to be in Kdinburgh on Saturday kind, so gentle, so affectionate. Neither I nor Mrs. Strachan had any difference, even in feeling, Ijetween her and our own childrei.. In many respects Mrs. Brown resembles her ; not unlike in looks ; the same winning modesty, the same retiring character, the same kindness of disposi- tion. But this subject is painful. She was good, and has gone to a better world, leaving a disconsolate husband, and one child quite an infant. * * * * " The Under-Secretary for the Colonies being at ljright the former ; because the King of France must feel that it is his interest to remain at peace, and not again risk the prospect of a second exile. He is now too old thus to begin the world. Was there ever so imprudent a speech as that of Mr. Canning ] It indeed carried the House and •The late Mm. Guy Wood, of Cornwall. 117 country with him ; but eloquence is not reason, and now most people condenm it in toto. It was calculated to irritite France, without any benefit whatever ; and in the published edition, it becomes rather a new speech than the one pronounced in the House of Commons. i> * * * * • " I have not been idle since my return : havinlace. My University Charter issued on the 22m\ of March, and I have had a i\iw eopie.n printed. " I «hould now be on my way to Canada, but 1 got a JJiH introduced, in February, into Parliament, to enable the Crown to Hell a portion of the Clergy Reserves ; as they are at present totally un[)roductive, and a cause of clamour Jis being a barriei- t<» iirij)rovement. I was anxious to avoid the great question that has been agitated in the Colony about the meaning of the words "Protestant Clergy," and confined myself sin ply to the pow(M- of sale. But Mr. Stanley (the late Earl of D* rby) came forward with a motion to investigate the whole matter, and of consc;- qucnce the second reading of my Bill is put off to the first of May. In the meantime, the old Ministry has fallen to pieces ; and whether the ncnv Ministry will attend to my business, or not, remains to bo seen. " There is no conversation here but about the Mirnstry ; the ex-Ministers say that they have been very ill-used. The King, tlicy afTirm, never asked them to form a Ministry, nor made any e<»mmunication that it was his Royal pleasure to aj)point Can- ning Premier. The first intimation of this step was from that gentleman himself, in a note addressed to each, not, it is said, couched in partictilarly warm terms. This raised their indigna- tion ; and they, 1 ajipreherid without much consideration, resigned. Lord Melville, I have reason to know, had not made up his mind an hour before he sent iu his resignation. Mr. Canning finds much difficulty in arranging his administration, and Parliament will find itself in a strange position when it meets. It is confidently sjiid that Mr. Canning cannot stand any time. I have no great ojjinion of his judgment, but I am rather disposed to think that he will maintain his ground ; because Lord Eldon is too old to take an active part much longer in politics. Lord Bathurst, though a man of talents, is shy and also of feeble health. The Duke of Wellington and Lord Mel- ville are no 8j)eakets, and Mr. Peel is supjwsed to be wavering between the two parties. 119 " I got Lord Batluirst to givn directions concerning the oiidowmcnt of our University, a few days before he resigned ; and one of tlu very last Despatclics that his L'n-dship signed was one settling our Courts of Law upon a basis wliich^ I bad drawn up ; for, you see, we Colonists are obliged to turn our attention to everything. " [ have also been actively employed in clainung nssistujiee from the great Church Societies towards forming a Library for our University My ajiplication to the Society for the Propaga- tion of the Cosjiel in Foreign Parts, has been successful; but the Society for Promoting Christian Kn()wledge has demurred. Here I was opposed by the Bishop of Chester (Blomfield) ; but not being of a disposition to give up, I brought the matter for- ward tlii-ci' tinjcH. On the two first attemjits I saw matters going against me, and had the address to prevent the (|ucstii)n troinj' to a vote. The third time I mustered all mv strength, and «-arried a vote of reference to the Committee to consider n:y ]>ropositiou faii'ly. This body will re])ort to the Society on the ist of May, and I hope to beat the Bishoj).* " In my application for Books to the University of Oxfonl, F have failed : they are afraid of a precedent. The Church Mis- sionary Society have behaved very well, having resolved to give us i.'2(M) per annum, — £100 to a Professor of Indian languages, jind .£1rvt'H Cnvirovi^rny . — Hpecch in tlio Lpgwlative Council in (h'fcuci'. of his conduct u|)on tlii.s Qncwtion, /^I^N occaHJon oi' tlje flcatli of the Biyhop of Quebec, w9 y rclato'l ill the last chapter, Dr. Strachan, as would liave been expected, ])ieaelie(l a funeral .sermon. In this was a veiy pleasinfj portrait of tlie dej)artej«'ct, in view of tlie Ch;rgy Reserves ))nn»eity, slioul'l l>e rigorously made. ( ireatexee|)tion was taken to this Eeeh'siastical ( 'hart, and its facts were most uncercnioniously impugned, not only in Canada hut in EngUmd. Dr. Lee, tlio Modeiator of thfl <»en«.'ral Assembly of tlie Kirk of Scothmd, was amongst the most violent of its a^^sailants in the niotlua* countiy, and he went so far jus to pnuiounce it a tissue of misr(!|)re- sentations. That the grounds of his statements were m(»st unsatisfactoiy, and the sources of his information most un-trustworthy, may Ik; inferred from his assertion, in a Memorial to the Colonial Secretary, that all the communi- cants of the several congregjitions of the Church of Engianril, 1 828 :— " Having gotten nito an interminable papjr war, T have abstained for some time from corresponding, in the hope of its being brought to a close. This war was chiefly i)roduced by a J )arcel of questions sent out by Dr. Lee to this country, to be answered. Some of these were proi)Osed by the Commission of the General Assembly, and some by Dr. Lee himself. Among the latter was one in which my name was mentioned, and which a{)jieared to imply doubt as to the correctness of the stiitemcnt I had made to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. This roused the fury of the whole Fresbyterian body, — who, in an evil hour for themselves, commenced the controversy about the Clergy Reserves, — and they were joined by all denominations. 'I'he position I occupy in the Colony, and my uncompromising spirit, naturally ])ointed me out as the chief object of attack. For many years I have excited the jealousy of the opponents of the Government, and not a little of their hatred. The.se passions were not diminished by the successful issue of my last journey to England, — having obtained all the objects for which I had gone home. The flood-gates of a most licentious i)ress were opened upon me ; newspapers in both Provinces, day after day and week after week, poured out the most rancorous calumnies and abuse against me. Having very good nerves, I permitted them to rail on ; and, conscious of my integrity, I maintained an invariable silence. I am, indeed, so situated, that I cannot, with ])ropriety, enter into a newspaper controversy ; nor can I descend to the language made use of in such publications I was likewise dis- posed to give my enemies time, that I might see how far their passions would carry them ; and I looked for a reaction in my favour from the efforts of my numerous friends in different jiarts of the Province. For a time, however, the clamour and false- hoods and abuse were issued with so much violence, that I verily believe my friends and well-wishers were frightened, and dreaded 126 to enter the lists, oi' make any attempt to resist the torrent. Meanwhile T contintied silent ; no clamour, no falsehood could alter ray plan. Persons, who had been under the greatest obli- gations to rae, wrote violently against nie, — exposing ])riv;)ie letters and communications ; but I remained silent. At lengrh some j)apcrs appeared on my side ; their number increased ; and having the better of the argument, they gradually drove our enemies from the field. " But although I considered that I could not, with dignify, enter into a newspaper war, yet so many things had been said against nu; that I felt it dutiful at last to break my silence, by giving, in my place in the Legislative Council, a full re|)ly to all that had been asserted against me. The Speech which I deliv- ered upon that occasion, is considered a most triumphant refuta- tion of the calumnies of my enemies." The Speech here referred to was delivered on (jth of March, 1828. It eouiprelicnds a general defence of the .statements contained in the Ecclesiastical Chart, with the admission of a few inaccuracies. It exhibits, in calm language, what he had endeavoured conscientier (Canada (College, — at first, more pointedly to desig- nate its object, named Minor College ; and this Institution he got into operation in a marvellously shoi't period after its first inception. In one year, indeed, after his arrival in Canada, all the arrangements for its practical working were made, and the staff of Masters on the spot. At first, it was thought he desireted tli<; offer of Lord Ooderich. This plan having failed, his Lordship on the 2nd of No- vember of that year, transmitted a Despatch to Sir John Colborne, suggesting certain modifications of the Charter. These were discussed from time to time, and were at hiTigth substantially adopted. It was now provided thnt "th(! Judges of His Majesty's Court of King's Bench shoidd be Visitors of the (jollege, in the place and stead of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese ; that the President of the University, on any future vacancy, should be appointed by His Majesty, without requiring that he should be an incumbent of any ecclesiastical office ; that it should not be necessary that any member of the College Council, or any Professor, should be a member of the Church of Eng- land, or subscribe any articles of religion, other than a declaration that they believe in the authenticity and Divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments, and in the Doctrine of the Trinity ; and that no religious test or (pialification bo reejuired of any ])orson admitted or matriculated as scholars within the College, or of persons admitted to any degree or faculty therein." 135 About iliiH jK^iod, tliy a .scourge unkm)wn in all its previous history, and the cause of dis- tress and sorrow far and wide. This was the Asiatic Clujlera, which broke out in Quebec in the month of June, (•onveye U[»per Canada, — the majority of them reaching this place. The journey from Quebec (GOO miles) is so long and tedious, that it exhaustH the little pittance they had on landing ; so that a great ])ortion of them arrive here penniless. The terrible disease attacked them as they journeyed hither ; many died on the way ; othc^rs were landed in various stages of the disease ; and many were seized after they came aniong us. In short, York became one general hospital. We had a large building fitted up comfortably 187 f(»r the rocoption of the Cholera putientM ; but the cases were mo nutneroti.s tliat iiiiiDy couM not he conveyed to it, and remained at their own houses, or lolgingi* It is computed that out? in four ot the adultn of this town were attacked, and that one-twelfth of the whole population died. Our duty, an you will understand, throwH UH, Clergymen, into the very niidwt of such calamities ; as at no time, more than during such contagious s!cknes.s, do peojde require the consolations of religion. Unfortunately, my assistart in the parish was attacked a day or two after the disease appeared among us, and became so nervous that I could not send him to the Cholera hospital. The whole fell, then^fore, upon me ; and often have I been in the malignant ward with hIk or eight expi- ring around nie. The foulness of the air, U)o, was at times overpowtu'ing ; biit I have always, by the blessing of God, found my nerves equal to the occasion, and it seems as if this summer I was stronger than us lal, and fully equal to the increase of labour thrown upon me. The disease has now almost entirely ceased ; but it has left many blanks in our society, and, what is still more painfid, about one hundred widows and four hundred children, — all strangers in a strange land, and dependent ujkjm the charity of those amongst whom the Providence of God has thrown them. * ;> * *'Wc are building a magnificent Church, 149 feet by 80 ; which, on a i)inch, will accommodate three thousand people. Th«; foundation stone was laid l)y His Elxcellencv, the Lieutenant Governor, on the 7th June last, and now the loof is being put on. "The University remains in statu quo; it is so easy to do evil, and so difficult often to do good. I shall soon get too old to care anything regarding it; however, I have done my duty by it and by the Church." York WJ18 full of the praiscfi of Archdeacon Strachan for his wonderful energy and kindness during the melancholy period of the Cholera visitation ; and so strong was the feeling of admiration for his exertions, that at a meeting of several of the inhabitants, it was resolved to present him with a piece of plate as a memorial of tLair respect and gratitude. This was a handsome silver va.se of the value _ 18 138 of £100; and, graven on the tripod, it is recorded that it was presented as a " Memorial of their respect and gratitude, for his fearless and humane devotions to his pastoral duties during seasons of great danger and distress from the visitation of an apalling pestilence." A suitable address a(X'ompanied tliis presentation ; and the following exti-act from the Archdeacon's reply deserves a lasting record : — '* The great exertions which I was enabled, through the Divine blessing, to make during the raging of the pcHtilence, and which have called forth this spontaneous expression of your fiiendly attachment, were, I believe, far easier to me than they would have been to many of su))erior merit, but of weaker nerves and less j)hysical energy. "Not that I was insensible to the danger to which I was exposed, in my frequent communication with the sick and dying ; but being in the discharge of a most important duty, — a duty which, in my opinion, admits neither of choice nor deliberation, of which our holy Church requires the immediate performance, 1 committed myself to God, and proceeded luulisniayed by any apprehension as to pei-sonal consequences. " The ways of God are often dark and mysterious ; but an abiding confidence in His moral government, through Christ, will teach us that all things work together for good to them that lov»^ God. Ai. ' reflecting persons must feel, that such awful visitations as we have experienced, by drawing out the lively exercise of the Christian virtues, unite the truly religious more closely even in this world, and produce in tlieir minds a growing inclination towards the life to come." Towards the close of the .summer of 18.*32, the Bishop of Quebec, (Dr. Stewart,) held a visitation of the C'lergy of the Diocese both at Kingston and Yoric. There was a good attendance at each place; and his Lordship delivered a charge, dwelling chiefly upon the acts and results of his recent visit to England. The visitation sermon at York was preached by the Archdeacon ; and the lull in contro- vereial strife gave liim the opportunity of expressing some kind sentiments in regard to the various other religious bodies of the Province. 139 CHAPTER XVI. . Letter to Dr. Chalinois on ilie Life and Character of Bishop llobart. — Presentation of a piece of Plate by his Cornwall Piipilis. SHORT time Ix'foi'e the breaking out of the Cholera in U|)j)er Canada, Avchdeacon Strachan published a Letter to his friend Dr. Chalmers, in Scotland, on the Life and (Hiaracter of Bif*hop Hobart of New Yoi'k. This highly distinguished prelate les, and the spirituality of her devotions, tharr even in England ; and all this chiefly owing to Dr. Hobart's judicious and powerful labours. Instead of reposing any longer on loose opinions, taken up without examination in these matters^, people were roused to their consideration by his cogent reasons, apt illustrations, and powerful appeals to ecclesiastical history, which proved, beyond controversy, that the government of the Church, the orders of the ministry, and thoir regular succession from the Apostles, were not questions of slight mouuuit, or to be treated safely either with silence or contempt. " Truth is never sown without fruit ; and the claims of the Church to a near affinity with that of the A})0stles, soon began to he acknowledged by numbers who had hitheito been her enemies. Many admitted, with true Christian candour, their total ignorance of such matters till thus forcibly brought before them. The Americans are an acute and inquiring ])eople ; and the discussions on Church Government and Forms of Prayer have awakened, in the minds of many, recollections of what their fathers had been. On others, who had their denomination to choose, the information drawn out by these debates came as a stream of benignant light, and a feeling in favour of the good old ways was widely engendered. This being the case, it only required an active superintendence and a commanding mind to reap the most abundant harvest. This requisition Dr. Hobart most amply satisfied. When he was ordained in 1798, New York State contained but twenty Episcopal clergymen ; and in 1811, when he vrajS raised iq the mitre, only tweuty-tUi'*:'?- ; giving 141 ill thirteen years a miserable increase of three ; while, during the following nineteen years of his Episcopate, the increase was one hundred and eleven ! " Fi'oni a .sense of duty, Bishop Hol>art «k'cliiie(l that union with other* religious Ijodies which is so often urged on the plea that the Christian cause, for its more extended influence, demands the united effort of all its ])rofessois. He repudiated, in short, that sort of " Evangelical Alliance," which, under many aspects, meets with well-meaning sup- porters; but which, while it obviously rests upon an unsound basis, has never exhibited any very encouraging [practical results. •' Bishop Hobart," suys the Archdeacon, '• highly disapproved yf litTcrent denominations uniting for religious purposes. He ])laced himself, from the first, in mild but firm oppositif)n to the Bible Society. He considered such an institution, so far as his commtinion was concerned, totally unnecessary, because every good which it ju'oposed might be nmch better and more con- veniently accomplisiied by the orthodox Society already belonging to the Church; and should this Society deem it expedient to circulate a larger proiwrtion of Bibles than had been hitherto done, it was fully in their power to increase their subscription for this purpose. He deemed the Bible Society further objec- tionable, bec:iuse, having the same object as the Bible and Prayer Book Society, it became, from the first, a sort of rival, — absorbing funds, inasmuch as our jieople assisted, which in jiistice belonged to the latter." '* Our distinctive princij)les, and the foini of our Church V Covernnient, preclude its members, in my ophiion, from joining ^ [>roniiscuously with other denominations for religious jjurposes ; ^ although many do so, whose purity of intention I have no reason to question, whatever I may think of their judgment and con- sistency. With her ministers this duty is stronger, or rather to join such is altogether incompatible with their sacred office. Bishop Hobart did not merely admit, but insisted on the impor- tance of disseminating such religious tracts as exhibited views of 142 Divine truth in accordance nitli the sentiments of onr Church, and explained her institutions ; but iu regard to Tract Societies, he most judiciously observed, Hhat a union here with our Christian brethren who differ from us, must inevitably, to say the lesvst, endanger our religious system, eitlier by circulating sentiments in dissonance with our distinctive, principles ; or, by keeping them out of view, in a general association of connuandiug influence, lead to the belief that they are of little importance." Bishop Hobart's. .strength of body wa^; not e(|ual to the energies of his mind, and it began to give way under his various, extensive and incessant labours. Thorough repose. and change of air and scene were recommended; and at the instance of his friends he sailed for England in Sep- tember, 1823. During his absence, whicli continued for about twt) y(nirs, he made the tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and visited France, Switzerland, and Italy ; and returned, thorougl dy renovated in health and spirits. *' Soon after his arrival," says the Archdeacon, "he gave free vent to his feelings of love and affection for his friends, his ))arishioners, and his native land, in a discourse from the pulpit ; which, being afterwards published, attracted no small degree of notice in England as well as in the United States." [Tliis sermon «'Xf)ressed strong objections to the union of Church and State, and dilated with some severity on the social condition of England, especially as regarded the lower orders.] " I honour most cor- dially that devotedness to his own native land, which makes a man cherish and love it above all other lands. But the Bishoi>, as his best friends confessed, went too far. Not .satisfied with a genei'al exj)iession of his preference, he entered into detail ; and here he failed. His opjjortunities of observation in England were not sufficient to enable him, acute as he was, to get to the bottom of all points upon which he speaks and decides with the utmost confidence ; and he seemed to have forgotten that his Church could not have flourished and increasftd as it has done, but through the aid derived from the support given to it by our monarchs, while it was [)art of the establishment of the empire. 143 " I dined alone with Bishop Hobart on my way to England^ in March, 182G, and the conversation turned on the sermon, whiclx had not been long published. I expressed my regret that it liad ever seen the light, for it was the only one of all his works I could not approve of. I told him I wasprei)ared to admit that it was extremely difficult for a ])erson, boj-n and bi'ought up in the United States, to appreciate the vast benefits of an Estab- lished Church, with its |)arochial ministers distributed through the whole country in settled residences, and with a given space * in which to labour for the temi)oral and eternal happiness of the population. By this means all the people have access to religious instruction. A reverence is thus kept up in their minds f(»r what is pure and holy ; and their number being small, ana living iis it were together, the Clergyman soon becomes acqxiainted with every individual, both old and young, and is able to visit them frecpiently at their own houses. He becomes their friend and mlviser, the compo.ser of differences, the promoter of peace aiul •'ontentinent, the catechizer of the children, the encournger of iiulustry, sobriety, and all the virtues that make man ])rosj)('rous and haj>py hero and hereafter. "As the comparison is bi^tween England and the United Htates, 1 shnll confine m.yself, 1 said, to these two countries. The Church of England is commensurate with the natural boundaries v of the country. This consists of about 5o,000 square miles, containing 14,000,000 of inhabitants, and is divided into about i 1,000 parishes. The number of Clergymen actually employed in parochial duties are not fewel" than 10,000. This gives an average of about 900 souls, or about 200 families to each Clergy- nian It is evident that the moral effect of such a body of men daily mixing with their people must be very great, more especially as they arc quite independent of them for subsistence. "Let us now look at the Episcopal Church of the United States, and see what moral effect it can have on the poptilatiiui, as a source of (Christian instruction. To give you every advan- tage in this matter, I shall confine myself to the State of New Y«)rk, where the E|»iscopal Clergymen are more numerous, in projjortion to the population, than in any other State, and super- intended undoubtedly by the most active Bishop. In this large +- 144 State, the Clergy of the Episcopal Church are in Tinmber 13G ; the population 2,000,000, or upwards of 14,000 souLs to each ; the square miles about 40, 000. Hence the ])arishes, if we may so denominate them, contain 338 square miles each, and are ratlier equal, to an English county than an English parish. The iiiriuence of the two Churche.*, ns confined to Enghiml and New York, is as one to seventy ; and if the comparison be taken with all the States, it becomes much more favourable to England. Such iniluence on the manners and habits of the people is next to nothing, and yet you extol your Church above that of Eng- land, and exclaim against establishments ! '• Add to this, the dependence of your Clergy upon the i)eople for sui)port, — a state of things which is attended with most per- nicious conseqvonces. The congregations frequently take offence at tlieir pastors witliout a good reason, and in such cases tlie latter derive no protection from the Bishops, who are equally helpless with themselves. The result is, that they too frequently sink below the rank which they ought to hold in society; and wliat- ever be their personal merit, they fail to command that respect from a vain, and thoughtless, and undiscerning people, which is necessary to secure attention to their instructions. It is not unusual to hire Clergymen by the year or even half-year ; and such things excite no particular attention. It may be that, accustomed from their childhood to temporary engagement ••, the (Jlergy j)artake of that restless disposition and desire of change so common in new countries, and think little of going with their families from State to State, in search of a new settlement. It cannot be supposed that Clergymen so situated, will at all times sjieak with that fearless disregard of consequences which the i)ro- per discharge of their duties may often require. The difference, then, of the two Churches is this, that, while in England the country is partitioned into parishes, over which a spiritual head is appointed, to be the moral and religious instructor of its population, and to add new converts to the faith by familiar and daily ministrations from house to house ; the Church in the United States j)resents only a few verdant s])ots bearing marks of recent cultivation, distinguished chiefly by their contrast with the barrenness of the surrounding waste. 145 " I admit tliut tlie progroHS of tlie Episcopal Church in th*' United States has been wonderful ; — and I should have rejoiced in concurring entirely in the animated praises you pronounce upon her, had you noc condemned ecclesiastical Establishments, and placed her in her infancy above the Mother Church. In this you greatly err ; anoint of view which was in some mea.sure new to him ; but, made uj) as the United States are of all j)08sible denominations, there was not the smallest probability that any one would ever be recognized by the Government ; and he was ])lea.sed to con- clude the conversation with observing, that he could not fall into more friendly hand.s, (alluding to a threatened review of his sermon,) and that whatever his opinion might be on ecclesias- tical Establishments, he loved with all his .soul the Church of England." We must venture on one further extract from this interesting and valuable pamphlet : — 19 140 " I dare not dwell on the last illnpNs, and happy and edifying deatli of Bishop Hobart, for they have been described with an affectionate eloquence which few can hope to equal. The narra- tive of his closing days and the sermons ])ieached (»n his death, which have l)een collected an«l [)nblished, are well d('s<^rvii)g of perusal. Honourable as they are to the hearts and heads of the writers, the talents they display reflect the greatest credit on the Clergy of the American Episcopal Church, and shew that the lamented prelate's mantle rests on many of liis brethren. The grief and sympathy excited by his death through all jtaits of the Union, were only exceeded by that manifested on the death of Washington. He apjteared rather t)ie jiropci'tv of the nation than the head of a single denomination of Christians. Never was there such a funeral in New York :' the magistrates, the Clergy of all denominations in the city, and many from other Dioceses and renu)te jtarts of the country, rich and pooi-, young and old, hastened to follow to the grave the remains of this dis- tinguished and beloved servant of Cod. Tt w.'us as the funeral ol Jacob." It wouhl have been deemed Htninf,'e, if tlie life of l)i', Strachaii balwicli, Capt. li. B. 0. H. Mahkland, York, Inspector General, U. C, (i. Mitchell, Pcnetangiihhinc. Thos. RicHARt^80N, Indls. Wm. Stanton, Africa, D. A. Com. deiU. V. VanKouohnet, Cornwall, M. I'. 1. Weathirheau, Brockville. 0. C. Wood, Cornwall. A. WiLKiNBON, Cornwall, Barrister. D. J. Smith, Kingston. James Macaulay, Cornwall, M. D, T. Pyke, Halifax. 149 ing and Hcience, but in nil tlmt euncoroed our hnppincm, or could ale8 you had ncquircd in promoting the good of Rociety, foine iorclMy to v\y mind at this happy luomcnt, when, T can most truly attirin, the pledge ho nobly given han been more than redeem(;d . " Ah you never ceased, during the long period that has ehipsed since our relation of Teacher and Scholar was dissolved — pregnant HH it has been with so nuiny vicis8ituropose to assign in each township or parish for ensuring the future comfort, if not 155 the complete maintenance, of tlic Rectors. With thivS view, it a[)pears to me that it would be most desirable to make a beginning in thi.s salutary work." The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Colborne, was now about to leave tlie Province ; and he felt it his duty, l)efor(j resigning the government, to take action in the course reconnnended by the Colonial Secretary. The following Minute of Council was adopted on the loth Jan- uary, 183G : — " Pursuant to the views of Lord Goderich, shewn by his des- patch of April ii, 1832, in which he conciu's with your Excel- lency, and expresses his desire that a moderate portion of land should be assigned in each township or parish for ensuring the future comfort, if not the complete maintenance of the Rectors, the Council caused the necessary steps to be taken for the j)ur- pose of setting apart lots in each townshiji throughout the Province. " Much delay has been caused by their anxiety to avoid inter- fering with persons who might liave acknowledged claims to any of tae Reserves to be selected, either for lease or purchase. '' A dirticulty in completing what his Lordship most aj)pro- priately calls ' this .salutary work,' wius also caused by the Crown Otficers not concurring in the form to be used in the instrument by which the endowment is to be contirmed ; which left the Council to decide as to the mode to be adopted for that purpose. " These obstacles have now been surmounted, and it is respect- fully recommcmded tliat no time be lost in authorizing the Attorney Gener.d to prej)are the necessary instrument to secure to the incumbents named in the annexed schedules, and their successors, the lots of land there enumerated, as having been ••espectively set apart for Glebes." The allocation here recommended was made, and about 400 acres were assigned to each of the parishes throughout the Province; thus constituting, what subsequently excited .so much clamour, the " Fifty-seven Rectories." It hap- 156 pened, liowevcr, that the" endowment of forty-four only was completed; so that thirteen were excluded from the intenri in the matter. Before the separation of the meet- 158 « ing, it was determiued to attempt tlie establishment of a weekly ncwsi)ai)er in sujijjort of the interests of the Church in Canada ; and a Committee was api)ointef Sir Frames lleiul. — Correspondence regarding Seat in the LeglHlative Council. — Death of Bishop Stewart. — Previous Appointment of Archdeacon Mountain as his Assistant. — The Rebellion in 1837-8, — Decision to form Upper Canada into a separate Diocese. — Destruction of St. James's Church, Toronto. >'/ IR John Colboriie was succeeded in the Government of Uj)per Canada 1 )y Sir Francis Bond Head, who arrived in Canada early in the winter of 1836. If we have had as Lieutenant Governors men of more [>rac- tical pur[)o.se and action, we never had any of more spirit and activity ; liardly any, perliaps, more quick-sighted and far-seeing. He came to Canada with the conception that real grievances existed, growing out of tlie mal-adininis- tration of the Government ; for that so much complaint, so violently exi)ressed and apparently so wide-spread, should be without adei^uatc cause, was hardly to be believed. He a]>plied himself diligently to the investi- gation of these grievances, inviting the free expression of the opinions of both parties ; and the conclusion at which he arrived was, that these existed more in name than in reality ; and that, if something was withheld by the party in power that might reasonably be conceded, more was exacted by their opponents than could constitutionally be granted. On various points, he and the House of Assembly soon came into collision ; and as a coercive step on their part, the usual supplies for carrying on the Government were refused. This was an unprecedented step, and was a 21 102 great shock to the loyal feeliii^^ of the country. Petitionii were j)oiired in, conveyed by respectaljle deputations, from every part of the Province, solicithig lliH Excellency to dissolve the House of Assembly, and allow a fresh appeal to the |)Coj)le. This, in obediejice to the poj)ular demand, was granteil ; and in the House newly elected, a large majority were su})portei-s of the administration of Sir Francis Head. Not long after his arrival in Canada, a correspondence took place with the Colonial Secretary in reference to th(! seat held by Archdeacon Strachan in the Legislative Coun- cil. Lord Ri[)on, in a Despatch to Sir John Coll)orne, of Hth November, 1832, — referring to remonstrances from th«5 House of Assendjly, — advises that " the Bishop (of Regi- opolis) and the Archdeacon should altogether abstain from interference in any secular matters tliat may be agitated in the Legislative Council," and adds, "Whether, even under this restriction, their holding sucrh seats is really desirable, is a question upon which I am fully prepared to listen with the utmost attention to any advice which I may receive from yourself, from the House of Assemlily, or from any other competent authority. 1 have no solicitude for retaining either the Bishop or Arch- deacon on the list of Councillors, but am, on the contrary, rather predisposed to the opinion that, by resigning their seats, they would best consult their own personal comlbi-t, and the success of their designs for the s|>iritual g(jod of tlie peoi)le. But any such resignation must be voluntary, since the office is held for life ; and, were it otherwise, no consideration would induce me to advise His Majesty to degrade the Bisho}) or the Archdeacon I'rom the stations they occupy, exce])t on the most conclusive proof of misconduct." In an address of the House of Assembly to Sir Francis Head, dated 5th February, 1830, it is declared, "We have had the mortification to see the Bishop of Regiopolis and the Archdeacon of York, neglecting their 100 higli aiul spiritual fimctioiiH niul imm of houIm, juhI cliiij^Mii^' to tlieir Heats in tlie LegiHlativo Council, and «lovotin<:j tlioir time ami talcntn to i)olitical .strifin and secular inoasures, in direct ojiposition, and contrary to the express desire and pleasure of His Majesty, as set foi'tli in the said Despatch of P]arl Ri[)on. .and at the same time permitted to hold and enjoy offices of emolument and profit. We, therefore, trust that your Excellency -will take immediate steps in fulfilment of the <^riu;ious wishes of the Kinfj, to carry into effect his hcnevolent intentions, and as desir(^d hy the great ])ody of th and Archdencon, either to withdraw from the Legislative Council altogether, or resign their othei' ofl[ices, anit instance of an ecclesiastic being jiominated ; since the late Bishop of Quebec had, from an early period, been a member of the Legislative Council of that part of the Diocese in which he resided. '* For some yeai-s, while the number of Legislative Councillors was very limited, my attendance was more of thts ordinary cha racter, though of course by no means so constant as that of many other nu'niber.s. 13utt for some years before the despatch of Lord Kipon was written, and since that period, my attendance and my conduct in the Legislative Council have been such as comported with the sentiments expressed by his Lordship."' * ''• " I think his Excellency must i)erceive, and I trust his Majes- ty's GovernuK^nt will not fail to admit, that tlu! violent and threatening nature of the Address of the House of Assembly^ of which an extract has been sent to m(!, renders it not very easy for me to pei'severe in the line of conduct which I had previously presciibed to myself. " It is due to the independence of the body of which 1 am a member, and to my own individual character, that I should not suffer myself to be driven by violence and menace from the seat to which my Sovereign has aj)polnted me, and in which it cannot be shewn that I have acted in .'iny manner injuriously to his service, or to the best interests of i\w. country. And as respects the language which, I regret to s(u>, the Assembly has thought proper to apply to me, it leaves me no honourable alternative but to abide with firmness and constancy by the decision which his Majesty's Government may think consistent with justice and the principles of the Constitution. "I appeal also to every honourable mind, whether my resig- nation,- if I were inclined to present it, could, under existing circumstances, be deemed voluntary, or otherwise than degrading. 1G5 " However iminful it is to mo to act in opposition to tlif iinjjlicd dcsiro of his Majesty 'k late Principal Secretary of State li»r the CVilonies, 1 cannot .submit to be thus thrust out with imli;^iiity and violence from a situation conferred upon me by tin- Kin;; as a mark of honour, and which it is my unquestionable ieiral ridit to retain for life. In the situation in which I am pluciMJ, I can perceive no honourable alternative but res|»ectfully and (irmly to maintain my post." Lord (Jicnelg, in lii.s reply, IGth April, 183G, admitted that tlu! Arehdeacou had " urged Honio weighty reasons in support of his refusal, and that nuioh had 0(;eurred to riMider it s that Canada coutaine«l, and in opposition to the loyal and determined feeling of a large majority «jf the }Kj{)ulation, were niiserrbly insufticient, and theatUT nt Hooii proved al)oiiive. Slight, in itn com|wtrati ve propor- tioiLs, ttH the outl*reak was, it wa.s attended, nevertheles.-!, with M»nn' ^^'ments of troops were sent meanwhile to Canada, and tiie preparation was complete against evt;ry attem})t to disturb the i)eace. Now and then then wer«'. instances of outrage and malignity which were very ex- asperating; but by the close of 183!), everything settled d(»wn into perfect tranquillitv. To investigate our political ills and jiropose a remedy for them, the Earl of Durham was w'^-nt as a sort of Lord High C'Ommissioner to this country , and his views were embodied in a " Rei»ort," too generally remembered, and too nnich criticized, to render it nece.ssa!y or desirable here to otter any opinion upon its meiits. The influence of this rebellion upon the interests of the Church in C'anada, was rather remarkable. The fact was elicited that, amongst those who took up arms against the Covernment, there was scarcely a single meM'^r of the Cliureh <»f England; stj that, in the mother country, tin- impression was most gratifying as t<» the eH'ect of the pritsciples .mil teaching of the national Church. Th«' influence upon the public mind in England was wry strong in consinjuence; an«l tlu' Propagation Siniety, wh<>st' hiissionaries the Church of England Clergy in Canada nlm*»>^t exiJUNively wi*re, ex|»erieHtt*d a wi»nderful jt*?iiis<'t. 168 tation. Contributions were freely given to a Society, of the value of whose work there had been so practical and gratifying an evidence; and their increased resources enabled them to add considerably to our staif of Clergy during a few following years. It also aftected materially V the views of the Clerg}' Reserves question amongst leading people in England ; and prepared the public mind for that settlement of it which the Imperial Government imder- took in 1840. Our local Parliament, in the spring of 183'), attem})ted a .- solution of this long- vexed questic»n, by re- investing the Clergy Reserves in the Crown ; so that the dis[)osal of them might come from the Sovereign de noco, and be > absolute and unquestionable. But the mere majority by which this issue was obtained in the House of Assembly, was not likely to intluence the Home Government to the acce})tance of the surrendered trust ; yet it no doubt led them to the grave consideration of other means for the final arrangement of the question. The death of Dr. Stewart, Bisho}) of Quebec, and the . succession of Dr. Mountain to tlie charge of tlie whole Diocese, revived the project so long entertained, of eflei^t- ing its division by constituting each Province into a sepa- rate Diocese. Sir Francis Head tMitered warmly into th<' subject, and addressed Lord CJleiielg on the exp(Mliency of carrying out the arraiigeUK'nt. This was favourably v*- ent or otlu r endowment. The Bishop of I^ucIh'c Dr. Stewart, had, during his life-time, voiunUuily ;ij»pro priate«', and it tlnicf«ir» bi im iie,ii\ luj ih |. h<«fi of Multireel Uj r^'tniu tlMi iiti^*^ii<{ *itJi. h«'d Ut tl*» Ai^ h I(i9 (leaconry and Rectoiy of Quebec, — providing out of these a salary for his Curate in the parish. Through the exer- tions of Sir John Pakington £1000 per annum was voted by the Imperial ParHanient to the Bishop of Montreal, so that he might be in a condition fairly to meet the expenses of his ]»osition. No such gratuity, however could be extended to Ui)per Canada ; but Archdeacon Strachan, influenced by the example of Dr. Mountain, stated to the Colonial Secretary that " the matter of salary need form no inpcxliment to the immediate appointment of a Bishop for Upper Canada, as he should be content to remain in that respect exactly as he now was, till the per- plexing question of the Clergy Reserves shoidd l»e settled, when it would be in the power of Her Majesty's Govern- ment to make another and more satisfactoi'S' urranirt*- ment." In addressing ilie Lieutenant (Jovernor, Sir George Arthur, upon this subj«'<^t, the An-hd«'acon says, fFeb. 20th, 1H31)) :— " 111 milking this jti'ojtosal, I can with truth a.ssiu\: you tliat I am by no incauH inKeiisii»l(> to tho i»i'o|»ni»ty as w«'ll as nee<»HMity of grantiii;^ atl«'«|uate |)i-(»visiuu for thf decent KU|>|M>rt of the K|>isco|tal oftio' in this ribin;,' Coliuiv. |»iit, |M'rKiiad('il that th»* int4*ri'8tH of th«' Churcii ar*' siiirciin;^ fnua the wai.t of KpiH4'o|»Ml .su|KM'int<>n(J-'ncf, which hitM for soint; time \teon (»iru«-Htiy d<'Mir-«*«l hy inatiy of her nu'nibei-H, niu\ una'iinioiiMly l»y the ('h'rjf llec JMajejity'H (juverniiMlil 0> mik' « Iwtf mttutt'iu-Utry sirritnf;! luetit for t\,> ;ii»jM)rt ui' th« K\HM»*\ml <>Hi<-( HI lhi» l*i'i«%iiM'e than the oni- now |*ro|M r»'ly f«#r j»»rb«f»»« tumtf ^««»i», •li'i n*it 1 CKMW) vmitiu) ytt mumu. mui iAm^ tmi "i titi- I i>K- nil MlbiwtMiiM warn t«* Im( ma raise. Hut the first slim-k oviT, he lM»und«Ml to the renie* Htibrnittf^i Ut jn < "llilMilt•'e l•flf*i>ftitx^l by the liM . tin;.' of which tlie HiAu'ttuf ( ! i\f H .ft W. H t HMgiMr , wm* iluununu Tlwir r*|*«#ri »«# tm^ i mtUM Hi A«nlMm)Uftit Mte< ins.' •ifUM- fMiriMiMifWfk; immI H wi ik il mwit mi U» n^Uu ' h mithm^^dmf.im fc«MMiiii«Kl «rtth til- '-""iMM«it,ii • MM* Mi mm»Sm iS^m. e w wueafciL- BMj .. '^ 171 - CHAPTER XIX. Consecration as Bishop of Toronto. — Union of the Provinces. — Settlement of the Clergy llesei"' t;s Questioii in England. /i^ARLY in the suininer of 1839, Archdeacon Strachari \wTj proceeded to Enghmd, and in August following was consecrated Bishop of Toronto, — a Diocese coni- j)riKiiig the whole of Upper Canada. At the same time the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Spencer was consecrated Bishop of Newfoundland, — the islands of the Bermudas being asso- ciated with thj»t episcopal charge. The sermon on the o<.*casi«jn was preached l»y the Rev. Edward Scobell, and was published by desire of the Archbi.shop of Canterbury. From this we make the following interesting extracts: — " We tte* with joy the iocrttaMtng exertiooM which the Ch* vh IM now umkiii*;, both in iUt ministry Hud laity, — for the Church ix ttf tUf tuo, — to th»' Jjlory of i'uHi. Tin* nK»t of Jt^**** m-ciiih iiior«' iiiatitiV«t »H Hii tiini^n tttu'Hig the iMtiph' The M>tiiar<- into alt i;tu'i» , and going out roon* loudly, vUmrly, .nwl «rt4. x-utly. Th*' Church mnmrn iu«>viii;| ii|(iiiii in I***!- ft«ttv« atPMigtfc. Hbe ^unMiM irit. The Church hei'e shall have saintly comnuniion with the Churches of your distant dominion. The mother in her mansion will not forget her daughter in the wiklerness. Prayer shall be made unceasingly in the Church for you. And if we never meet again iu this world ; if that be the counsel which God will bring to pass ; may we assemble at last ai'ound the great white throne, and our names be fcmnd written in the I^mb'w book of life."' The I^islntp of Toronto rea<;he«l his home on the 9th Noveinlier, IhUJ), and his return was weleonieil with great joy and atfeeticai. Tw«» itays earlier, on his way to Toronto, he niad<' a shoi*t stop at Kiii;;ston, an*|NHi- sildi' orti«'«* to whii'li hi' ha [mm^ttrim t4 tiic In An aMmm wM^k «r# * liMi III T*mm^, • iN> 'htf*- «ift^ kirn tmitmk. 0mm wm aM ^ mmmmU» »m4 wlff^^li^^lKtm' ' ■^BPBIipWiPPIII^w 'P" ^'^i ^WW? MRRIPIr P^i^ 173 years ; from a review of the many public services and acts of privji'i* kindness wliicli, in that long interval, he had jK-rfornied. The Bishop, in reply, adverted to the noble effort ; exerted l)y his congregation in restoring the church so recently destroyed ; and expressed his admiration of the zeal and liberality which, in little more than six months from stiirting actually u])on the work, had brought it almost to conn)letioH. Tn the warmth of his feelings lie declared that, with every acknowledgnient of devotion and energy' elsewhere, he repeated n(>\v what he had been proud to afHrm when far away, — that there were "no peopie like his jteo})le ! ' He was, indeed, excusable in the utter- ance of such ])raise ; for, on the '2'2ud Decembei-, he was instalh'd in the new church, now the (athedral of St. .lames, erected u|Mjn the ruins of the tine and sui»stantial xtrueturt which was destroved bv tire «»n the 7th Januarv, hardly twelve uiontiis before In th*- eonrsi- of hissirmon iijM»n the iNH^sioii. his Lordnjiip Miid : — " ) <')UiiK*t l«'t |MHH tliiri tnt\ttnrtniiHy of itutiriii;; tiie prcMiii iip|M'at'iUu'i' of till* iiiti'i'liM of till- i-liiii-i'h ; iiiiil hIih-|i | roiiAitl^'i |,<# Im- wuii«i<'rfully iuij»i'ov« •!, Tlu'iv »» muv lijjfit, find : '•<■*•. r «liMtribuiii»u of mhiimI, ihitn in fin- oM ■ iiiiri'lt ;o«i| (If tutum tiX » nrwfilf Mtylif of |»ili.H, iai- l» iMMiiilip ■mi l I' mm tmi, mmi wUk mm %mmH mt4 ^mm- §m n' li 'tm i m tiMdb §» III** AUm^tf §m km §^ mt0mm Mb M i i i iJig fcr Iflw rtiifcy i»< 174 About three weeks before liis return, his ;y oungest daughter, Agnes, — for many years very delicate, — died at the age of seventeen. Wlien he left for England, it was with gi-eat anxiety on her account; but not without hope that the remedies suggested on the submission of her case to a distinguished medical man in London, would, with the natural elasticity of youth, triumph over the disease But it was otherwise ordered; and the loss of this child clouded much the joy of the Bishop's return. In a letter written to me immediately on his arrival, .liter sj)eaking of the comfort and sjitisfaction he felt at the welcome he received, and the bright pros[)ects of a useful administra- tion of the charge connaitted to liim, he sjiys, " But ainfui memories; for she 'v-an one «»f thr sweetest, gentlest little creatures living; guileless ;i> MU infant, and always |»}itieiit and cheerful under tiu- liiigering snHerings hhe had to endun*. 'I'lie iHtlitieal atnioHphiie. too. waM lurid and stormy. Mr Poult tt 'J'hoiiiMdi afierwardf* \jtn*\ Sydenham had \it^'U m'Ui out to etfeet tie- union of the Pfovim'es.- the ip^ifl |«»inH4-eH. it WMM iM-JitM'd at hom , for our |M*tiiiiiil iiit ; that wliieh wnuid Inn;;.' diM'or'iant liiatiiiat^ luU* t\ |.i«(ti. iii_' •oiitiiiiiiiity "i (iit'i« »- biii*-:ny that the isolation now existing jshonld bi' remedied, let th le b»' >[u-h a coalition an w. ihtrilue.d to the HoU-«e . it' .V^^'inblv by meH>,«g.- <»|) the 7th heecljilrti |HH!f The (|Ue^ti<»I» WU"« .'«bls debated HI Itoth H«»n»M-«, aini in •fp|M»«»iti«iii to the earne-t pL.t^st^uf *Hiie «#♦' our leading iiieri, wa« carrietl in » h'\i by lai;.'e iMMjfiiritit**. <»n th»' aid to the Clergy of the Church»'s of Kugland and Scotland in the Province ; and that the residue of such aniuial fund should be dividcy the laws of tin* Province. The Hishoji of Toronto |iuiilished, on the I."»th «»f tin* wnne montli. a ntrong protest against the pro|KiMM| Act, in the form of a Past<»ral addrcsid to the < 'lergy and I.«'iit\ of the hiiNM'M' ; iiH being ealculute*! to deprive the Church of Kngbuid in <'an IM vMt^ *-mmmi hf m i B i || i »ii| «f fl li* in f ti ^ LiUJii li ii'nr • ' .>4«^. >-• •-'-.. -r vriiltfiiB wm tkm rnenf ii% nliAnimi- T^ ^BWP " ^^W^^^^Hl^^F ^^^^^^p ^HIMF^ H^^^W^ ■ i^B. fpW^^j^HHl^^HIW^W^v^ tHHHiiMMr W sW^HB^B wii|ii.nii|i ^ ta •«* ^ 177 ment of tliis harassinjDf question ; anrl, in liis speech at the Prf»ro^'ation, he sai of religion, and the future jM'aee Hne made to renew excite- ment, or to rais«' op|Mtsition to your deliln'mte and reconled iiidj;iii«'nt,'' I'lie >,ili'_'llili< »\IM tl;iti<»iis of hJH Kxeeljeiiev W»Te nut. however, realiz***! ; and the result sheweil that tlie opfMwi- tioii which the HiMhoj* Hti«I other iih-iiiImth of the < 'hiireh frit It thi'ir duty t<» <»rt'fr V> thin n^Mtl'mUtry iiM*«Miir»*. w«*i Blither iinju?*tirti*hle ii«»i' fniiih-wt. TIm' Mihjeet wan tJlk^'H Up hy tie- llii|M'riHl iWliMliient fh«* «"i?<««iiit; Hpriiij; and th«* Hoii**' uf LitpU profMtMeil th^ fiAlitw'iu.: *jiif-.ti«»tiH \t, th*' Jndjr**'* ^1. Hht'lMi th. «..»^«, 's frtjUartaiit i'Ur^y. iii liH- .'♦! ihm. ffl., 4I1. M, ttti\H>i»* r«it^ < ^M ^^^^M ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^m ^^^ ^M^HMMit C^u^^^^^ ^gA|^^^S|. lal- mill '«nHii 4lir wlvtdP vif #M) KilMWWIIii'r 4 * i i m# . •• «d|. . 17S ftirided iti England, togethfir with the proceeds hereafter to be received from the sale of all or any of the said Keserves, or any j»art thereof, did, in making such enactments, or either of them, exceed their lawful authority 1 " On the 4th May, 1840, the Judges delivered tli(!ir reply in the House of Lords, — all the Judges exce])t Lord Denhanri and Lord Abinger having met to consider the questions propos(^d to them by the House. To the first question they answered, — "We are all of oj>inion th.at the words 'a Protestant ('lergy' in the til Geo. HI., ch. 31, are Jarge enough to iYiclude, and do include, other Clergy than the Clergy of the (Jhurcli of England"; aitd when their Lordships asked, "If any other, what other"? the Judges answered, " The Clergy of the Chinch of Scotland." To the second question the Judges sai<], "We are all of opinion that the etteet of the 4 1st section of the statute is '[n'OHjiectu.'c only; and that the power thereby given to the Legislative Coiincil and Assembly of either Province cannot be extended to aflect lands which liave been (ijvead// allotted and aj)[)ropriated under fornnn* gi-ants." In answer to the last (piestion, the Judges sairl, — " We all agi'ee in opinion that the Legislative (Jouncil and A.ssen?bly of Upper Canada have exceeded their authority in passing an Act to 'provide for the sale of the Clergy Reserves, and for the distribution of the proceeds thereof,' in respect of Ix^th the cmactments specified in your Lord- ships' question; and that the sales which have betni, or may be, effected in conserjuence, are contrary to the provisions of the Statute of Ceo. HI, and therefore void." In their answer to the second (iuostion, the Judges sustained tlie view afiirjned by leading Churchmen in Canada many yer before; and in the month of March. 1838, the writer o" < lis memoir, as editor of the "Churcli" newspaper, recorded it as his persuasion " that if this special point were submitted to the Judges of England, Hucli would be their unqualified award." The delegation 179 to the Provincial Parliament of the power to "vary oi- repeal," clearly excluded them from any legislation upon aj)- propriations of Clergy Reserves already made. They might henceforward "vary" the proportion of reservation ; or they might stop all further allottment of land for such object. Adopting the opinion of the Judges as the basis of legislation, the Bishops of the United Kingdom, supported by leading members of the House of Lords and Commons, were determined to bring this vexed question to a settle- ment; and accordingly on the 7th August, 1840, an Act was ]>assed to "jirovide for the sale of Clergy Reserves in th^ Province of Canada, and for the distribution of the proceeds tliereof" The decision, in substance, was that the njoneys invested in England from the sale of one-fourth of tlie Reserves authorized Ijy Act of Parliament in 1827, should 1)6 divided between the Churches of England and Scotland in the proportion of two-thirds to the former and one-third to the latter; and that the whole of the unap- propriated lands, — amounting to about 1 ,800,000 acres, — should bo sold, and the proceeds divided into two equal parts ; one-half to be given to the Churcli of England and Scotland in the proportion abo^'e mentioned ; and the remaining half to be applied by the Governor and Execu- tive tJouncil foi'the purpose.=j of public worship and religious in.struction in Canada. The follow^ing declaration in the "Church" newspaper of 3rd October, 1840, expressed no doubt the .sentiments oi' Clergy and Laity generally through the Province, — "Now that a settlement of the ([Uestion has been definitively made, we shall feel it a duty to inculcate obedience to it as the law of the land, and to render it as beneficial as possible for the object intended. It is with all well-dis- posed persons a subject for congratulation that a topic of grievance has thus been removed, and most heartily do we hope and pray, that it will not soon be foDov/ed by another equally groundless and disquieting." 180 CHAPTER XX. First Confirmation Tour. — Pjimary Visitation at Toronto. ,^5^HE Bishop of Toronto, after due notice of his arrange- 11 I inents, commenced his first Confirmation Tour on the 24th May, 1840. His first visit was to the Niagara District, — comprehending the present Counties of Lincoln, Welland, and Haldimand, — where the parishes of eight Clergymen were visited, and 139 persons confirmed. At, Niagara, where he officiated on Sunday, the SOth, to ci'owded and attentive congregations, he received a wnrm address, to which he replied in coiTCsponding terms. He returned to Toronto early in June, and after a few days' interval, proceeded on his journey through the por- tion of i}w Diocese north of Toronto. The i)arishes of eight Clergymen were visited, and 152 confirmed. He also consecrated two churches and one l)urial-ground. On the 8th July, after a rest of five y tin; [)arishi oners, he nsed these tonchinj^ words :— "It is now twenty-eight year» since my separation from you toers of the congregation, are wjeking my remem- brance These form a delightful sjKJCtacle, for which I ought to be thankful ; and yet, even at such a moment of enjoyment, melancholy reflections will come forward. " I look around, and see many seats now vacant, or occupied by strangers, which were once filled by those who smiled on my early days, and amidst my cares and troubles nevsequently, confirmations were held in Toronto, and its inunediate neighbourhood, — making Uie whole numlu-r admitted to that rif^) during the pres<."nt year, fully 2000. These were not completed until the middle of October ; 182 l»ut the remarkable result was tlie visitation in one season, with a very few exceptions, of the entire Diocese, — tlK^n exten{ice. It embraced, too, the hottest ])ei"iod of the year; anut they were to a most s<*rious extent inci'cased \)y the discharge of the duties whicli gave occasion to these journeys. Scarcely' a day passed without one Confirmation service ; and very frequently there were two. The Bishoj) invariably preached on these occasions ; and after the Confii-mation scrvi(^e, addresserl the candidates at considerable length. These ad(h'esses were always very impressive ones; they wcm simj)lc and ])ractical, annd j)leasing incidents occurred. Amongst the candidates for confirmation at Ancaster, then under the charge of the Rev, Dr. McMurray, was a gt'iitlenian far advanced in life, Mr. Job Lodoi', who liad but recently become a member of the Church, and had generously advanced the sum re([uisite to buy off all claimants u))on St. John's Church at that fJace, so that it might be exclusively the property of the Church of England. Originally it ha[)arently near the close of their earcier ; and he exjuessed himself so tenderly and kindly to such as thus late in life made an open profession <»f their faith, that Mr. Lodor was melted to tears. At Calt, previous to the Confirmation, two persons «»f middle age, — one of them a very influential individual in the neighbourhood, — received the holy Sacrament of Bap- tism unur, tlie Bishop held his first Ordination in the Cathedral Church of St. Jan)es, at Toronto ; when four were ordained Deacons, and four were admitted to the Priesthood. On the 25th October, soon after that laborious summer's work was ended, a second Ordination was held ; when two were added to the number of Deacons, and one to that of Priests. The Bishop of Toronto held his primary visitation of the Clergy of his Diocese, in the Cathedral Church of St. James, on Thursday .9th September, 1841. Sixty-one Clergymen were pi'esent, and twenty-five absent, — making the whole number 80. Nine of these had been admitted to Holy Orders by the Bishop himself; so that the whole number of Clergy, at the time he assumed the charge of the Diocese, was 77. The Charge of his Lordship to the Clerg>' on this occasion, must have occupied about an hour and a half, and its contents were varied and interesting. " It adverted," s»ys the "Church" newspaper, "to every promi- nent topic affecting the Church, — to its rise and growth in this Province, — its position with reference to sectarians, — its temporalities, — its wants, and the best means of supply- ing them,— -the dulies of the Clergy in administering th«i sacraments, and catechizing and educating youth, — in fine, his Lordship scarcely left a subject of any importance untouched. At the commencement of the charge, the venerable Prelate appeared to labour under powerful emo- tion, as if bowed down by a sense of the very great responsibility resting upon him, and his voice somewhat faltered ; but he quickly regained his entire self-possession, and delivered himself to the end, with an energy expressive of the strongest sincerity and zeal." 24 186 Fi'oni this valuable docuiiu'iit, a few extracts cannot fail to ho interesting to our readei's : — " The history of the Church iu this Diocese, though douhtless resembling that of iriiiny other Colonies, is not without pcculiiir x4 interest. For many years after its first settlement, as the favourite y asylum of suffering loyalty, there was but one Clergyman of the Church of England within its extensive limits. This was the W Rev. Dr. Sttiart ; who may be truly j)ronounce(l the father of the Chui'ch in Upper Canada, and fondly do I hold hiui in affecr- tionate remembrance. "In 1792, two clergymen arrived from England ; but so litth' was then known of the coinitry, and the little that was published was so incorrect and so unfavourable, from exaggerated accounts of the climate and the terrible privations to which its inhabitants were said to be exposed, that no jNIissionaries could be induced to come out. Even at the commencement of 180.3, the Diocese contained only four Clergymen, for it was in the s[tring of that year that I made the fifth. "In 1819, the Clergy of this Province had increased to ten. In 182.5, they had risen to twenty-two ; in 1827, to thirty.; in 18.'}.3, to forty -six ; and our number is now about ninety. Still our spiritual wants are many. More than forty Mission ai'ies could at this moment b6 most usefully employed ; and earnest applications are daily being made to ine, from various villages and townshi})s, for resident Clergymen. My primary visitation through the Diocese occupied from the latter end of May to the middle of October of last year. In my progress, I was able to go to every parish at which a Clergyman resided, with the exception of one or two which it was impossible for me to reacli, on account of their peculiar situation and difhculty of access, without a greater sacrifice of time than [ could then spare. "In passing through the Diocese, I beheld the Clergy every where active and laborious, living in good feeling and har- mony among themselves and with their flocks ; seeking out our peoi>le in the wildemes.s, forming them into congregations and paiishes, and extending on every side the foundations of our beloved Zion. Is it not a blessing of inestimable value, that 187 already more than three hundred places of worship aro ojiened every week in Western Canada in which the Clergy discharge their high and holy functions, — in offering up prayers, reading tlie Scriptures, preaching the Gospel, administering the Sacra ments, and catechizing the children } Such ministrations are beyond all pi-ice." " During the last year the perplexing (juestion of the Clergy Reserves has been finally settled. Whether the best course was, or was not, taken in that settlement, it would be of little import- ance now to enquire. It was, l)eyond doubt, most desirable that an end should be put to the unhappy controversy which had arisen on the subject. Those who have desired to see the interests of the Church protect«!d and her efficiency increased, have at least the satisfaction of reflecting that, before the decision was come to, every consideration, which it was just and necessary to keep in view, was zealously and anxiously brought under the notice of Government and of I'arliametit, It only remains for us to urge, in a just and Christian spirit, whatever may seem best for turning to th«5 gi'eatost advantage, in support of what we believe to be the true religion, such pi'vileges and provisions as are still left." t After describing the peculiar position of the Ciiurcli of England at that time ; how she stood then, as in former times, the acknowledged Imlwark of the Protestant faith, against Papal despotism and superstition, and the safe- guard of Gospel truth and order against the heretical and disorganizing principles of many modsrn dissenters, he says with much warmth and elo<|uence, — " She seems like a city on a hill, conspicuous to the whole world, assailed by millions of enemies unable to prevail, exhibit- ing a s[»otless model of the primitive Church, and holding the faith which was once delivered to the saints. She will never grow old, but will stand alone in the world, — immutable amidst every vicissitude, immovable amidst every fluctuation, — one con- stant star in this universe of growth and decay, unfadmg and the same, — one august, incorruptible, and glorious verity, shining with celestial light oyer the ocean of uncert/ainty and change. 188 This model of the ])riinitive Church, so beautiful and porfect, rHnn(»t fail to suggewt that a d«'j>arture from AfK>8tolic Ufiages and ptiticiplfs in th(! prolific cautse of all the herc^ieH ainl diviHionx which deform and disgrace the Chri^jtian world. " It is n(!cesi;rtry, then, for all of ii.s to have our minds deeply and affectionately imbued with the distinctive prinei|)le8 of our Church, and to be armed with her creeds and articles, that we may be prepared against her foes, and through the channel of her beautiful ministrations, to bring home with effect the truths of the Gospel to the hearts of our people. Thus understood, and brought forward, the Church of Eugland will in time become the centre of uni^y of all that is good and wise, pure and holy, — the city of habitation, not only to those who make their cscai)e from tht! Roman Babylon, and the thousand sects who arc wandering in the wilderness, but to all the nations yet immersed in )*agan idolatry. " Your whole energies must be employed, so far as the influ- ^;iice of precept and examj»le can effect, to gather within the pale of the Church the population of your pcirish or district ; to make the sons and daughtei's of the Lord the sons and daughters of the Church, members and children of th'j sanxe religious family ; and ia cdvvy the living spirit of the Gospel into every cottage, hamlet, and town within your missionary bounds, that the whole I'ro- vince may be imbued with the spirit of C'hrist, Till this is in a great measure done, the people will, in a religious view, continue wretched and feeble ; for the laws are negative in their effectH, — it is religion alone that instils j)Ositive gfXid, and breaks the sceptre of seltishness. It is only the practical influence and ojHjratiou of faith and piety that can soften the heart, and intro- duce those sacred charities and protecting virtues which are ever blessing and ever blessed." His Lordshi}) proceeded to give some useful iristructiouM on preaching, and the duty especially of cultivating the talent of preaching extempore ; as occasions would arise in which the use of a wntten sermon would be impossible. He urged, too, a faithful attention to the rubrical direc- tions of the Church, particularly as regards Baptism and 189 the Chnrfhing of Womon. Ho pressed a careful regard to the instniction of the yoiiri;^', anrethreu, I trust t!iat you will Ix'iU- in mind tbe imjHjrtant matters which I have brought before you, and that they will be the frequent subjict of your meditjitions and prayers. If the holy A|X)stlcs, with all their gifts and ;,'race«, needed the prayeis of tlieir fellow ('hristiauH, how much more have we need to pray lor one another, that the word of God may have fr«vj course, and our ministry bo blcosed to his glory ! In this Diocese, contiiining nearly half a million of inhabitants, there are many denominations move or le>w active in their ooera- tioiis ; often opjx)sed to, and rarely moving in harmony witli the Church, or with one another. In dealing with them, we re(juire to be wise as serjicnts and hannless \s doves ; firmly, but without offence, maintaining our distinctive principh-s, and clothing oui- selves with all those Christiati graces which belong to faith, piety, order, and jxjace. Ho prepared for doin^ the work of Evangelists, we may, with holy boldness, look forward to the time when the whole Province will become the garden of the T»rd." 190 CHAPTER XXI. Establijihment of the Diocesan Theological College at Cobourg. — Laying tho Corner-stone of King's College at Toronto. — Formation of the Church Society. — Confnm.ition in 1812. CHE opposition to thu C'hartei- of King's (College Uni- vorsity wa.s faint, tliou/^'h persovering, since tho ])eriod we last noticed the agitation regarding it. [n 1832 it was proposed by Lord (Joderich, as the best -^ means of quieting the jmblie discontent, that the (Jori)ora- -f > tion should surrender their lloyal (Charter, together with V -^ the endowment ; on the assurance from the Imperial (?overnment that, in the re-construction of the University, no part of that endowment should ever be diverted from the education of youth. This was met by a decided refusal ; and, in the reply of the Council to the Sec 'tary of State for the Colonics, it is easy to trace the nervous style of the subject of this Memoir : — " If tho objections entertained by the Council against the surrender of the Charter wer«; not insurmountable, no stronger inducement could be offered thati the reqtiest which his Lord8hi[)'H desjjatch conveys. For the Council cannot fail to be sensible that such a request can have been dictated only by a suj)|)Osed necessity for departing from established principles, in order to prouKjte theace and content of the Colony. With the opinions, however, which the Council entertain, and with the opiK)rtunity of forming -r those opinions which their residence in the Colony atibrds them, /A they could never stand excused to themselves or otheis if they should surrender the Charter, 8up|x>sing it to bo within their })Ower, so long as there is an utter uncertainty as to the measures that would follow. The moral and rehgious state of more than . 191 200,000 BritiHh subjectn in at present involved in tlie pro|)er (lispOHal of tliose qucHtionH ; and before many years will have ela[)sed, nunc than a million will he affected by them. The ConnciJ, then'fore, what<,'ver resnlts may be obtained l»y other means, eoiild not jiiHtify to thenjs(;lves the assuming the responsibility of erKJanj^ering the very existence of the Institution, They feel bound to look b(;yond the movements and discussions of the j»aMsing moment ; and could not, even if they concurred in tin- view of the pn-sent ex[KHl?ency, consent to pull down the only * foMndjition winch at jn*esenl exists in Upper Cana)bonrg, which was started under thf; following circum- stances. In the month of October, 1841, the following Clergymen, ( 'haplains of the Lord Bishop, — viz.. Rev. A, N. Bethunc, Rf'V. H. J, Cirasett, and the Rev, H, Scaddinff, — were rerpiested to draw up, and n^port to his Lordship, some plan by which the Students of Divinity in this Diocese might be brought under a systematic course of iriiitruction in Theology, preparatory to their being admitted to Floly (jrders, and pending the establishment of a regular Col- legiate Institution. Tlie report having been submitte*!, the following announcement was made by the authority of the Lord Bishof), in the " Church " newspaper of Nov, 27th 1841 :~~ " The Lord Bishop of Toronto has been pleased to apj^oint the Rev. A. N. Bethune, Rector of Cobourg, and one of his 192 Chaplains, to bo Professor of Theology in this Diocese. ( 'arididates for Holy orders will in future be expected to ])laco theniselves under the instructions of the Professor, for the purpose of jmssing through a prescribed course of Theological study; l)Ut they nuist ])reviously j)ass an exjimination before one of the Bishop's Chaj)lains, to ascer- tain their con»j)etency to enter with advantage on the api)ointed line o^ reading. At the end of the course, such .students as are api)roved by the Professor, and can pioduee the necessary testimonials, will be permitted to jjreseiit themselves as candidates for Ordination." It was accordingly announced that this school for Theo- logical instruction would be oj)ened at Cobourg on the 10th January following. During the first term of the Institu- tion, ending at Easter, seven students were in attendance ; and almost immediiitelv after, four more were added. After the long vacation, there was a further increa.se, and the number in October following stood at seventeen. During the whole period of the continuance of the Institutifui, the average attendance of pupils was fifteen. At the commencement. Lectures were given only three times a week ; but subsequently, they were delivered daily, Mondays only excepted. These embr.aced the Greek Tes- tament, both Gospels and Epistles ; the Thirty-nine Articles ; the Evidences of Divine Revelation and of Chris- tianity in particular, com))rehending such as arise from undesigned coincidences; the Old Testament History, critically reviewed ; the Liturgy, including dissertations on Fonns of Prayer, and on the ancient Liturgies ; Church Government, comprehending the Scriptural, as ^ye\\ as pati istic testimonies ; Ecclesiastical History, and select portions of several of the Greek and Latin Fathers. Besides these, sermons were recjuired to be written by each student at stated periods ; which were read by the Students them- selves, and commented upon by the Professor, before the whole body. 193 The subjects thus marked out would require, it was estimated, the attendance of Theological Students for full three years ; which was the period of residence, with few exceptions, exacted from all who entered. The Students were required to attend daily Morning Prayer at the place of Lecture, — Sundays being excepted, when they attended the parish Church. A distinctive dress, of cap and gown, was worn by the Students, under the same regulations as at other Collegiate Institutions, Classes in the Sunday Schools were uniformly allotted to the Students, as a becoming and useful exercise prepa- ratory to the ministry ; and to several, — making the selection according to age and more particular qualification for the duty, — the performance of Divine Service was assigned in various places which could not be regularly included in the ministrations of the officiating Clergyman, The Students were permitted to live in lodgings approved of by the Professor; and in some few instances, they pro- vided apartments, and the expense of maintenance for tiiemselves. The whole number of members of this Insti- tution admitted to Holy Orders from its opening in 1842 to its close in 1851, was forty-five ; and, with few exceptions, they have proved themselves amongst the most hard- working and most successful of our Clergy, The .administration of the Government of Canada by Lord Sydenham, was brought to a melancholy close by the sudden death of his Lordship on the 19th September, 1841. He was succeeded by Sir Charles Bagot ; who, being a University man and of highly cultivated literary taste, took a warm interest in the fortunes of King's College, and determined upon iis being brought into practical operation at as early a period as possible. On the 2nd April, 1842, he paid his first visit to Toronto, the seat of Government being then at Kingston ; on the following day, he held a levee at Government House, which was very numer- ously attended ; and on Saturday, the 23rd, St. George's 25 194 Lay, the corner-stone of King's College was laid by Hiy Excellency in person. The ceremony was thus beautifully described in the "Church" newspaper of the following week, at that time edited by Mr. John Kent : — '* 1'he vast procession, with His Excellency, the Chancellor, — tlic Lord Bishop of Toronto, the President, on his right, and the Chief Justice, the senior Visitor, on his left, — proceeded on foot tlirough the College Avenue uj) to the University Crouruln. Tin; countless array moved forward, to the sound of militaiy music, in the most jierfect order, and in strict accordance with the i)r('!- concerted arrangements. The sun shone out with cloudless meridian splendour upon perhaps the fairest scene that Canada has ever beheld ; one blaze of banners flashed upon the admiring eye. The Governor's rich Lord Lieutenant's dress, the Bishop's seemly vestments, the judicial ermine of the Chief Justice, the splendid convocation robes of Dr. McCaul, the gorgeous uniforms of the suite, the neat accoutrements of the very numerous fire- men, the national badges worn by the office-bearers of the different Societies, and what, on such a day, must not be omitted, the red cross on the breast of England's congregated sons, the grave habiliments of the clergy and the lawyers, anrovision for the widows and orphans of deceased Clergymen, and some pecuniary encouragement to Students in Divinity. The meeting for the purpose of fonning " The Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto," was held in the City Hall on the day above named. Thirty-five Clergymen, exclusive of the Bishop, were present, — many of them having come fi'om a considerable distance. The attend- ance of lay members of the Church was also very large ; comprising the leading gentlemen of the City and neigh- bourhood, and several influential gentlemen from different parts of the Province. The chair was occupied by the Lord Bishop, and the fir/3t resolution moved by Chief 197 Justice Robinson. He was followed by Mr. Justice Hagerman, the Rev. R. D. Cartwriglit, the Rev. A. F. Atkinson, the Rev. Dr. McCaul, the Rev. R. S. C. Taylor, Mr. Alderman Dixon, the Rev. A. N. Bethunc, the Rev. B. Oonyn, the Rev. C. Matthews, John Kent, Es(]., the Rev. J. Short, G. P. Ridout, Esq., Capt. J. S. Macaulay, and the Rev. S. Givins. The meeting commenced at 3 o'clock, and did not terminate until nearly 8; but, in the language of the " Church " newspaper : — •' Long as it was, it was marked throughout by an interest of the most solemn and gratifying nature. Several of the speakeis were exceedingly happy and powerful in their appeals. The Chii'f Justice who proposed two Resolutions, was lucid and argumen- tative, and unfolded the details of the plan with his accustomed j)ei-Hpicuity and ease. His sentiments were warmly coloured with hope and he avowed his detern)i nation to devote him.self with uu earnest zeal to the furtherance of the important object, of whicli his own provident and comprehensive mind had already seen the necessity, and for carrying out which he had himself ]m)posed a scheme of tlie most permanent and expansive character. Various other gentlemen, clerical and lay, expressed them ^-es in succession with the best effect. It was delightful, indeed, to behold the spiiit of unanimity which rested upon the proceedings of the day; to trace the same mind, in essentials, running through all ; to mark that, while the Bible was prominently and distinctly put forth as 'containing all things nece.ssary to salvation,' — 'the ]>rinciple of Divine right,' to use Dr. McCaul's emphatic phrase, 'transmitted by ajjostolical succession,' wa« recognized as neceasaty to the perfect constitution of a Christian Church. No one cotdd fail to perceive, from the tone of the whole meeting, that a firm attachment to the principles of the Reformation was a character- istic of the Canadian Church ; and that amid.st the conflicting errors of the day, there was a solemn determination in the Clergy and Laity to adhere to the Evangelical truth and Apostolic order, and to continue steadfast in the ' old paths.' "The 28th April, 1842, is, indeed a day to be remembered by every Churchman as a signal epoch in the annals of the Church. 198 Henceforward he may look for a gr»»^ier unity of action, — a greater development and concentration of rcHources, — and a liajipy co-operation between tlic Clergy and tlie Laity. Here i.s a field now oi)cned for all the best and holiest energien of every Churclnnai.' Here he can devote himself to the xniited objects of religion ; or can single out some particular channel into which he may wish all his time and talents should flow. Here will be the Churchman's BlhJe Society ; here will be his Truct Society ; here he will find the wants of his communion exhibited in every form ; and his only difficulty will be not to discover, but to select out of many pressing cases, one peculiarly calling for his aid. "It was with great rejoicing that we witnessed the laying of the foundation-stone of King's College ; but our gratification was much more vivid and homefolt, when we viewed the Bishop of the Diocese, surrounded by his faithful Clergy, and many of the most eminent and virtuous of the Laity, giving shai)e and organi- zation to a Society, which embraces the spiritual welfare of the niost numerous religious denomination in the Province. On the first occasion, we felt as members of the State ; on the latter, our warmest rmotions as Churchmen were enkindled, and visions con- nected with a future and eternal state thronged thick upon the mind. "]t is devoutedly to be hoped that the pious excitement of Thursday last, may not be suffered to grow cold and decline ; but that a work commenced under such happy auspices, may be systematically, resolutely, and successfully peraevered in ; that it may be aided by the unremitted personal exertions, the' large offerings, the prayers and the exemplary lives of the Laity ; that it may be enforced and carried forward by the Clergy wherevfti a single congregation is formed ; that it may prove to them a valu- able auxiliary in spiritual matters, a strong support under every discouragement, and a relief of those temporal wants which press so heavily upon their unrepiuing heads ; and that thus sustained by the united efforts of the Clergy and Laity, and watered by the dews of God's blessing, it may continue a source of immortal consolations to this and innumerable generations ; an offshoot not unworthy of its gloi-ious parent stems, the venerable Societies 199 for Promoti. ■ Ob'nstian Knowledge and for Prcj)agatiug the Gospel in Foreign Parts." The good work, so auspiciously undertaken, was not permitted to stand still. Large and influential Committees were immediately appointed to canvass the different wards of the City for subscriptions ; and a general meeting of the supporters of the Society wjis held in Toronto on the 1st June following to make the necessary arrangements for completing its organization throughout all the Parishes of the Diocese. Without loss of time, the Bishop himself appointed, and presided at, meetings in several of the principal Towns of the Province, and was very successful at Cobourg, Kingston, Brockville, and afterwards at Lon- don, in establishing District Branches of the Society, and otherwise giving vigour to its operations. A Depository was soon after opened in a commodious house on King Street, under the charge of the late Mr. Thomas Champion ; and throughout the country at large, a most liberal and cheerful support was given to the Society. Scarcely was this important work fairly set on foot, when the Bishop started upon another Confirmation tour, lie left Toronto for this purpose on 19th July, 1842 ; and after consecrating the church at Penetanguishine, he pro- ceeded with his party in canoes to Manitoulin Island. There were various interesting adventures in the course of this journey, as described in the Bishop's journal : — " On Friday, 29tli July, our party lauded upon one of a group of Islands called Foxes' Islands, the rain pouring down in tor- rents. It was found not a little difficult to select places for pitching the tents, the rock being so very high and uneven, and no soil into which pegs could be driven. In this emergency, the tents were held down by large stones placed upon the ropes, in lieu of pegs driven into the ground; but with this arrangement there was not a little danger, should the wind increase, of both tents and inmates being blown into the lake. The party dined in one of the tents ; and notwithstanding the furiousness of the 200 8torni and the smallness of the accoramoJalion, they were very comfortable and clieerful. The raiii continued with increased vehemence during the night, and found its way into tlie Bi.shojt's tent, but a hollow place in its centre fortunately served for n reservoir, and many ])ail.s of water were emptied from it on tlu? following morning. Nevertheless, the violence of the wind caused it to beat through the canvass ; and his Lordship, even under this shelter, was obliged to resort to the {irotection of an umbrella, to i)revent his being thoroughly wet. Several casual- ties happened during the night ; three of the tents were blown down, and the inmates had to make the best of their way, in their night clothes, through the dai-kness, exposed to the wind and rain, to some of the other tents which withstood the tempest. Early in the mornnig, the whole party assembled round a lai-ge tire to dry themselves, and amused themselves in recounting the adventures of the night. Tlie encampment the following evening was not a little picturesque : nine tents were pitched, and as many Brea lighted up ; the canoes were all drawn ashore, and commonly turned over with their bottoms upward. Groups were seen round each fire, and, as the darkness increased, shadows were flitting from place to place, while some of the men were seen rolled up in their blankets and sleej)ing on the bare rock. The party never dined until they stopped foi* the night, — some- times as late as nine o'clock. The table cloth was spread ou tlie smoothest i)art of the rock, and the guests squatted round in eastern fa.shion, with candles or lanterns, according to the amount of wind, to illuminate the feast ! On the first night of encamp- ment, it was discovered that one of the canoes was manned by converted Indians. Before going to rest, they assembled to- gether, and sung a hymn in their own language, and read some prayers which had been translated for their use. There was something indescribably touching in this service of praise to God upon these inhospitable rocks : the stillness, wildness, and dark- ness, combined with the sweet and plaintive voices, all contri- buted to add to the solemnity and beauty of the scene." After confirming at the Manitouawning, the Bishop and his party left for Sault Ste. Marie. On the 14th August, the day before their arrival there, 201 '• Service was lu^Ul on a very beautiful inlarid, covcrt'd with tree» and shrubs, juniper and rose bushes, and many wild flowers. A clenn smooth lock, overhanging the lake, was chosen for the place of worship, which possessed, besides, the advantage of a freer air, — the day being hot, — and of lieing distant from a Hre, which was rapidly spreading, by means of the dry Uioss. over the island. The audience manifested the greatest attention, and all apjx^anul tt) be struck with a deep feeling of the solemnity of the scen promote unity of belief and unifonnity of practice, — whatnoever may helj) to keep them a united body, and cause them to whun those divisions, ui>on which every A[)Ostle, and Apostolii. -""U, jironounced so severe a eond«'rn nation. That Christian steward can scarcely be said to give every man his |K)rtion, — to bring out of his treasures things new and old for the edification and welfare of Christ's heritage, if, while he is faithful in preaching a Crucified Redeemer, he omits all explanation of the foundation, order, government, and discipline of that Church wliich bears so near a connexion wit!? the Saviour as to be called his spouse, and in relation to which it 18 said, that they who are grafted into the Church are grafted into Him." From St. Thomas, the Bishop proceeded to Duiiwich, — visiting liis ohl frierul, Col, Talbot, on the way ; and con- firming there, had a long drive r)f twenty-six miles to Richmond, in the townshij) of Bayham. After this, he confirmed at Woodhonse and Brantford ; and from thence paid liis second visit to the Indian missions at Mohawk and Tuscarora. There fo]lowero(rure some temporary place in which the business <»f tin; University could be carried on ; and, hai)pily, the Parliament buildings in Toronto, which wei*e now unoccupied, were allowed to be used for that purpose. Three Professors, — the Rev. Dr. Beaven, Mr. Pottei*, and Mr. Croft, — were obtained from England, in order to complete the staff immediately requisite ; and on the 8th of June, 1843, tho University was jmblicily opened. "The solemnities of the day (we quote from the 'Church" newspaper,) commencred with the performance of Divine Service in the College Cliapel ; which, with its veiy appro- priate black walnut fittings, and sober decorations, pre- sented a most seemly appearance. Addresnes were deliv- ered in the Hall by the President, the Lord Bishop of Toronto, — the Vice-President, the Rev. Dr. McCaul, — and the Hon. Chief Justice Robinson, and the Hon. Justice Hagennan, two of the official Visitors of the University. On the following day, inaugural Lectures were read by four Professors, viz.; th'i Rev. Dr. McCaul, the Rev, Dr. 205 Beaven, Profe-ssor Potter, and Professor Croft. The ability displayed ))y the speakers and lecturers on both days, is said, by those who were present, to have been of a very hi^h order in every respect, and to have added fresh lustro to the theological, literary, and scientific character of that host instructor of Britons, — the Church of the "Empire," Twenty-seven students matriculated on the occasion, and the business of the University commenced in good earnest. All s(M!m(!d bright on its horizon ; but the past mutterings of discontent were remembered, and the hopes of its future were not without anxiety and apprehension. There was an undisguised jealousy of its connection with the Church, in the religious instruction interfused with its ordinary work ; and the fear was outspoken at the time, that this might too soon revolutionize the whole Institu- tion. "A fear of some such misfortune," said the Chief Justice, in his admiraVde address, "is my only fear; but 1 ><' ti'ust that the wisdom of the Govermeni and the Legis- J. lature may guard agninst the dangc^r. It becomes us at least to entertain the hope ; and may God in his goodness avert this and all other evils from the University of King's College." The annual meeting of the Church Society, — the first after its formation, — was held during the same week at Toronto. 1'he Bisho[) presided, and a large number of the Clergy an])ly of books was an important achievement. There had been sold during the past year 17,233 Books and Tracts ; and the collections aneopl(j will form their estimate of the services, as well as of your sense of their value, by your manner and deportment. Your carriage and behaviour should, therefore, in every respect be such as becomes, a man who is about to perform an imjK)rtant and a sacred duty. " Eead with distinctness and solemnity ; and have respect, as far as you are able, to the character of the several parts of the service, and suit the tone of your voice to the matter, whether prayer or exhortation, narrative, or authoritative declarations of Scripture, * =f; ■;> * * '* Some Clergymen, perhajis tniwittingly to themselves, dwell almost entirely upon the doctrines, to the comparative exclusion of jtractice. Yet faith and practice are never separated in the Scriptures ; which teach us that faith works by love, and to love God is to kee[> hus commandments. Now, we should so preach the doctrines as to make them bear u|)on practice ; and the practice as intimately connected with, and flowing from, the doctrines. The Gos^jcI constitutes one whole, and is not to be divided into separate and ind(!pendent ])arts ; and therefore it concerns us frequently to ask, whether we are declaring to our people the whole counsel of God, — neither adding to, nor dimin- ishing therefrom. To dwell almost entirely, in our jrteaching, upon the doctrines, and sparingly m the duties of morality, ought to be scrupulously avoided. Frequent and earnest appeals to the practical precepts of the Gospel must be made ; minute descrip- tions of temper brought home ; and special expositions of the personal and social duties urged at one time by the most endearing, and at another time by the most alarming motives. * * * 209 ** The preacher shoukl n(»t too unreservedly represent the com- ruon affairs of life as liostile to our true interests, and declaim, without the requisite qualificfttions, against the world and the things of the world as among the greatest hindrances and deadliest enemies to our sfnritual progresH. There is a m'-nne, undoubtedly in which the world may be so considered, and in this sense it is largely einjdoyed in (Scripture ; but there is another sense in which it is used by the Apostle, when he speaks of those who use this world as not abusing it. The word v)orld has, therefore, in Bcripture two significations, which should be carefully distin- guished. In the one, it is put for the wicked, who relish merely worldly things, and pi'.i-sue only worldly objects ; and in the other, it signifies our field of duty, our place of probation, where, in humble imitation of our blessed Master, we must fulfil the work which has been given us to do, * * '* * # *' It is not left for us to decide whether visiting our people be a duty ; for we are bound by (»ur ordination vows to use both jirivate and public monitions and exhortations as well to the rich as to all within our cure, as need shall iequire, or occasion shall be given. Such privatt; visitation of our memlKjrs should be conducted with great discretion, and due respect to the modest privacy of domestic life. Our object being t<> do good to the souls and bodies of men, win^ should be taken not to turn our visits into frivolous convei-sations, nor into public Church-like assemblies ; for this would prevent the salutaty effects we have in view. Public worship is better conducted in the Church than in a [»rivate house, where we seek to win friendly confidence and affection, and to meet face to face as a man talking to his friend. We desire to int<;r€st the kindly feelings of the family at their own fire-side, " In this way, the Clergyman gains by degrees the hearts of his people ; and when, by his p(!rsonal attention!* and frankness of conversation, he has acquired their good-will and confidence, he will be able, gently and almost imperceptibly, to instil good thoughts and principles into their minds, ****** '• I am aware that such a laborious task as this, consideririg the great extent of your charges, is very difiictdt, and in moat of your missions can only be imperfectly accomplished. That 27 210 diffictiltiu8 will intervene, — that your \min will not at all times be well taken, and be sometimes offensively repelled, I am well aware ; but believe me, this will seldom hapjien, and when it does, you must not desjKind. Disinterested kindness almost invariably begets kindness ; and it is our duty to be instant in season, and out of season, and to go from house to house, and to take an interest in the affairs, teni|)oral and spiritual, of our |)eople, if we are anxious to win them to Christ. It is not easy to set any limit to the influence for good which you may acquire in your general missions from such jirivate visiting, added to the regular ministrations of the Church.' Our readers will recollect that a Hettleinerit of the Clergy K(!serve8 qucHtioii was effected by the Imperial Government in the Hummer of 1 840 ; and that, ]>y this arrangement, the proceeds of one-half of the lands then unsold wore to be divided between tlie Churches of England and Scotland, in the pro[)ortion of two-thirds to the former and one-third to the latter. The property thus allotted was to be sold under the direction of the local Government, and the interest only of the amount realized paid over to those Churches. — It was discovered that these lands were being sold, in many cases, at prices much below their value, and that, in various instances, salens were unnecessarily forced ; whereas, by a reasonable delay, good j»rices could be obtained. Moreover, the charges for management were excessive ; so that, from these two causes, an immense sacrifice of the pro- ])erty of the Church was inevitable. The Bishop of Toronto, therefore, felt it his duty to summon a special meeting of the Church Society, in order that measures might be adopted for arresting this extravagant waste, and of obtain- ■^ ing from Government the power of selling and managing > these lands ourselves. This meeting was held at Toronto, on the 2l8t Se])teni- ber, 1843, and was attended by a large number of influen- tial gentlemen in town, and by representatives from various District and Parochial Associations throughout the Diocese. ^ 211 A number of Resolutions were passed, accompanied by excellent speeches. In the course of his address, the Chief Justice dilated upon the ruinous waste caused by the system adopted for the disposal of these lands, " It appears," he said, " that the receipts on account of s^!es up to the close of the year 1840, amounted to £186,574 ; the expenses .attendant upon the collection of which were £19,857, or nearly a ninth of the whole. In the year 1841, the amount collected for Clergy Reserves was £14,504, and the expenses of collection £2,679, or about a sixth of the whole. In the year 1842, the sum collected on this account was £18,028> and the expenses £5344, or nearly a third of the whole 1" A petition to the Queen was adopted at this meeting, praying that an Act might be passed providing for the assignment to the Church of England of her share of the Reserved lands, and authorizing the Church Society of the Diocese to propose a system, subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government, for the disposal and management of these lands. Subsequently, petitions on the same subject to the Canadian Legislature were adopted ; extensively circulated ; and signed by about 8000 persons. In the Legislative Council, these petitions were referred to a Select Committee ; which, on the 8th May, 1846, reported in favour of the prayer of the Petitioners. They declared it to be their opinion that this prayer is " reasonable and just, and that the injury which they wish to avoid is one which all who feel a sincere concern for the religious instiiiction and character of the people, should be equally aiixicus to i)revent. It would (they affirm) be a matter of perpetual reproach to this Legislature, if the improvident sacrifice of a provision intended for such objects is allowed to proceed." The suV)ject was taken up, and warmly debated, in the House of Assembly ; and amongst the ablest supporters of the Petition of Churchmen was the Hon. W. H. Draper. In a long and eloquent speech, he went over the whole 212 ground ; dwelt upon the reasonableness and justice of the prayer of the Petitioners ; and dissipated to the winds the flimsy objections urged against it. The solitary objection of the slightest prominence w.as tliat it was dangerous by any legislation, to re-open a (jucstion that had finally been set at rest, and renew an agitation that might be perilous to the interests of the Petitioners themselves. On the 22nd May, 1840, the motion of the Hon. Henry Sherwood, that the House do concur in the address to Her Majesty respecting the future sale and management of the Clergy Reserves, was lost by a vote of 19 to 31. Amongst the latter were fifteen French Canadians. Six years later, the absorption of the whole by the Provincial Legislature, and their application to secular puq)oses, was moved by the very individual who was most prominent in deprecating the re-opening of a question that had been finally settled ! 213 CHAPTER XXIII. ('onfirmatioii .Io\irticys in 1845. /^UR readers will not exi)cct that we should give in 11 y detail, or even at much length, the accounts of the journeys for the holding of Confirmations through- out the Diocese made by the late Bishop of Toronto ; although the published journals of these visitations supply many statistical fficts of great value in respect to the physical improvement as well as religious progress of the country. We must, therefore, content ourselves with a few extracts, which will be insti*uctive as well as interesting. On a hot and dusty day in July, 1845, the Bishop visited Binbrook, and returned to Hamilton in the evening. The conversation turned on the progress of the Church in the Diocese ; and the Bishop remarking that this was more rapid, as a general rule, in the new settlements than in the old, and in the towns than in the country, accounted for this fact in the following manner : — " At the first settlement of Upper Canada, the U. E.* TiOyalists, — most of whom were members of the Church of England, — constituted the great majority of the inhabitants. But, instead of being placed in contiguous neighbourhoods, where schools and ministrations of religion might have been supplied with compara- tive ease, they were scattered over many districts, and so pooi- and few in number at any one point, that the attainment of these advantages was impossible. And when, after a long intervening sickness of heart from hope deferred, these great blessings came ^United Empire. 214 to be despaired of, they by-and-by ceased with many to be viewed with concern or anxiety. This was the more to be deplored, because the Government had manifested much kindness in their > caac ; but the expense attending the assistance awarded to the -! patriotic settlers at their scattered localities, in conveying j)ro- •» visions, farming utensils, &c., cost more than the supply of these •^ articles, even with the addition of schools and churches, would ^ have done, had the settlements been judiciously concentrated. There was, for many years, scarcely any commerce in the Pro- vince ; and the little produce which the inhabitants were able to raise by their hard labour, — since cattle and horses were for a time out of the question, — commanded very low prices, and forced upon them habits of extreme [)arsimony, in order to obtain even a small portion of what, before the American Revolution, they had considered necessaries of life. Hence, when their cir- cumstances were somewhat mended, they were unwilling to con- tribute towards the support of schools and the ministrations of religion, of which they had so long been de])rived, and for which many of them had lost both taste and regard. In such a sad state of things, their children grew up without instruction ; and a deadness to Christianity has, in some cases, been perpetuated to the present day." Many of our readers will have noticed the realization of this statement in the languid and declining condition of the Church in some of our oldest settlements ; in some of our wealthy farming tracts where the old inhabitants, with traditional attachment to the Church, have died out ; and in some of our older villages whence life and vigour seem to have evaporated with the migration of the young and enterprising to fresher scenes. Recalling this fact, we shall feel it to be a mistake to say that pecuniary aid for the support of the Church should be denied to such places, and given only to new and distant settlements. The following interesting account is given of a visit to the Tuscarora Mission under the charge of the Rev. Adam Elliott:— 215 . " TIiIh mission comprchendH three tribes, tho Tuscaroras, DolawarC{<, and Cayugas, The greater nnniber of the first liave lf)ng been converted, but tlie Delawarcs were for the niost part pagans until within a few years : now, liowevcr, through tho indefatigable exertions of Mr. Elliott, they are nearly all con- verted ; and^even the Cayugas, who have so long ke])t aloof and clung to their idolatry, are beginning to relax from their ]>reju- dices, and to discover the Divine origin of Christianity, and the futility of their own religious belief. J\Iany adhere to the idea that their religion came from heaven, and that spirits appeared 1^ them and forbade them to change ; yet, with all their charuc teristic shrewdness, they confess themselves unable to bring forward j)roof or argument. As the Missionary is making progress with the young, — for they are very desirous of having their children educated, — the ])arent8 are gradually reached through them. A great attraction with them is the Mechanical Institution, where they soon leani to construct the ordinary farming utensils and other implements of daily use, established at the Mohawk village ; an institution highly creditable to the > New England Society, at whose expense it is maintained. 4. "Thirty-four Indians were confirmed on this occiission, — several of them very old. One woman in particular must have v^xceeded eighty ; and amongst the number was a lame warrior of the Delaware tribe, a i)erson of great shrewdness, and, till lately, a stem j)agan. A great taste for sacred music was dis- cernible in the congregation. A choir has been formed, and they have learned music by note. They had their books before them, and it was pleasing to see them turn to the tune and sing from the notes. What was still more remarkable, one of them had constructed a bass-viol, on which he played and kept time with great accui*acy. The Missionary informed us that many of his peojjle had a great faculty in learning languages, and he brought forward a chief who afl&rmed that he knew almost all the Indian dialects in North America. He was naturally eloquent ; and, in a short conversation, made many shrewd remarks upon the peculiar situation of his countrymen, and their relations with the white population and the Government." 216 The following pleasing cpiHode occurs in the account of his Confirmation journey westwards : — "While we were resting on the little gallery before the door of the inn, there came up a rough waggon half-loaded with boaniM. The driver drew up to water hJH * team,' and wit down on the Htej»H near the Binhop. lie st'cmed intelligent, but di(wipateIe ; and tljen r<*mon«trated gently with him on his present way of life, and exhorted him to keep to liis farm. F'inn his tender f(;elingH for the departed, and urged him to use them diligently, evening and morning, and after a little time he would, with God's blessing, derive comfort from such a course, arid be enabled, with His help, to jwirt with those irregular habits into which he had fallen The man went Mway a|)parently much encouraged; and our waggon being ready, we pursued our journey. Were this man :n the neighbourhood of one of our Clergy, who could see him occasionally, instruct him in the truth, and h-ad him to public worshij), and habits of piety, he might, we may reasonably hop«?, still be recovered ; but, unhappily, v/<» have no Clergyman within twelve miles of the farm ujion which he <»ccasionally resides." Of his visit to Westminster, the Bishop has occasion to speak in this pleasant strain : — " In this place we have another example of what a willing heart and persevering energy can do. We owe this Chuicli almost entirely to the vigorous and unwearied efforts of Mrs. Watson : a lady who came to Canada princi])ally with the view of establishing her nephews on land. On arriving at this settle- ment, where a jmrchase had been made on her behalf, she found it entirely unprovided with religious ordinances. She accordingly gave ten acres on which to build the Church : she aj)pealed to her friends in England for assistance ; and now she has the satis- faction of beholding her efforts crowned with success. Her piety is active and unaffected ; and the good she has done and is doing, in promoting the cause of religion in her neighbourhood, is beyond price. A few such persons in every District, and their waste places would soou rejoice and blossom." ^ 28 218 He speaks in the same encouraging manner of the Church at Morpeth : — " We owe this Church, so far as it has proceeded, ahnost entirely to the liberahty of five zealous farmers, though not more wealthy than many around them, and they deserve to be honour- ably mentioned. First, John and Freeman Green, two brothers. John gave the site for the Church, Parsonage, and I^uiial- ground, consisting of six acres in a very eligible situation, and fifty dollars in money. Freeman gave one hundred dollars ; Walter Patterso!i and John Degrand gave each one hundred dollars , and so did David Cesner, although living five miles distant, — because he considered the position central for the settlement. Now, considering the station of the jiarties, and the low i)rice of produce for some years past, these contributions may be considered very large ; and there is no doubt that they will yet do more, and, by influencing their neighbours, contrive to finish the Church. Some of them arc from Dunwich, where they had been accustomed to see a still greater liberality, and certainly the example was not lost tipon ^hem. To encouragf? them, I paid over the liberal donation of £2o sterling made by Lord Morpeth for the benefit of this Church, — a very seasonable help towards completing their sacred edifice, and likely to crown with success the exertions of these honest and right-hearted ])eople." The following remarks and incidents connected with the Bishop's visit to Walpole Island, are very interesting : — "WalpiKuired frightened and ready to give tip,) they were roused t carry on their backs their wheat to be ground, and U) carry it -i home again in flour in the same way. Mere trifles, he would reply. I was in the Province when it contained scarcely a mill in any part of it, and the [leople had often to travel more than a , hundred miles to get their wheat ground ; and as this could only V be done in winter, they used to bruise their corn and wheat in tho interval between smooth stones, and make rough bread of it ia that way. Others would complain of their hard labour ; and 224 lie would a«k them, in reply, how long they would have had to labour at homo before they obtained, what they now poHHessed, — a freehold of 100 acres of land ? *' An Irixhman wan detailing hin many grievanqeM with some eloquence; but it had conic out that he had been a hodman, attending ma«onH in Glasgow before he came to Caiuida. I. said nothing until he had expatiated upon all his difficulties, and had come to a full stop. T then took tip an axe, and asked him if this was as heavy as a hod of brick ? The Irishman appeared surprised, and said, * surely not.' * How many years,' 1 replied, 'must you have carried the hod to the top of the highest building in Glasgow, before you could get a farm like the one you are now cultivating V 'You are right,' said the Irishman, with the honest frankness of his countrymen : ' at home there is no prospect oi' bettering our situation ; sickness and old age, too, arc frightful ; but here we have jdenty to cat and drink, good hopes for oui* children, and a comfortable old age for ourselves.' It waM easy, after this, to turn the conversation to their religious condition ; urge upon them family woishij> and Sunday-schools ; learning portions of the Psalms, and repeating them as sources of consola- tion ; reading the Scriptures regularly, and remembering to kcc)) holy the Lord's Day." This was a most laborious Confirmation tour ; commen- cing on the 14th July, and, after unremitted travelling and services, ending on the 8th September. About IGOO miles by land and water were traversed; and notwithstanding the great extent of country to be visited, and the number of appointments to be kept, — some of them far distant the one from the other, and others separated by roads or paths all but impassable, — the Bishop was enabled by Divine favour, to keep every one of them, and through judicious aiTangemdnts and active travelling, was late only two or three times. In these touching words, he says, " I have much rejison to be thankful : the Cliurch prospers ; and my journeys and fatigues arc every where sweetened by cordial welcome and respect. In every house we enter, there is 225 the kind hand and happy look to greet us ; anrl surely, under sucli circumstances, labours and perils might be cheerfully endured, were they threefold greater than they are." 29 226 CHAPTER XXIV. Kesignation of Archdeaconry of York and Rectory of Toronto. — Triennial Visitation of the Clergy in 1847. — Consecration of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto. ''N the course of the summer of 1840, a commumcatiou was received by the Bishop of Toronto from th<^ Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, that the Society as Trustees of tlu^ Church of England's share of the Clergy Reserves Fund in "this Diocese, had voted to him a salary of £1250 sterling, per annum; on condition that he should resign all Qther ecclesiastical preferment. By this arrangement, which the Bishop at once accepted, the Archdeaconry of York and the Rectory of Toronto became vacant ; and the Bishop was pleased to appoint the Rev. A. N. Bethune, D. D., to the fonne r, and to recommend to the Governor General, at that time the patron, the Rev. H. J. Grasett, M. A., for the Rectory of Toronto. These latter appointments, however, were not officially announced until the mouth of March following. On Thursday, 3rd June, 1847, the Bishop held his third Triennial Visitation of the Clergy of the Diocese in the Cathedral Church of St. James. Eighty Clergymen were present ; and, to quote from the Church organ of the day, " the Bishop, seated in his Episcopal Chair, and suiTOunded by the Archdeacons and other Clergy of the Diocese, proceeded to deliver his Charge, which occupied about three hours and a half, and was attended to with the most intense interest by both Clergy and Laity. The several 227 import.ant topics wlii^h tho Address embraced were ex- plained and iIlu.strato«l with a clearneas and precision, and, in many cases, witli an empLasis well calculated to make a deep iirij)r(\ssi()n. The several interests of the Diocese, — its extent, revenue, number of Clergy, and future propects, — were all lucidly and circumstantially dwelt upon. The present state of religious feeling, both in and out of the Church, at Jiorae and abroad, was adverted to with singidar prudence, discrimination, and ability ; but, at the same time, we are persuaded that no part of his Lordship's Charge was listened to with more deference and respect, than his truly paternal, kind, and affectionate address to the Clergy towards the close." From this long and able document, wliich is doubtless in the hands of very many members of the Church in Canada, we can make but a few quotations. His Lordship stated that, in the yeare, 1845 and 184G, he had contirmed at 197 stations, and that 4358 candi- dates had been presented for that rite. He says : — ** It is very pleasing to remark, that a very great change has been for some yeai-s gradually manifesting itself in regard to the holy ordinance of Confirmation. Our people now almost uni- versally believe and recognize it to be an Apostolic institution, and, to all who receive it, a most beautiful aud impressive con- summation of their baptism. " The frequent administration of this interesting ceremony has been es2)ecially blessed throughout the Diocese, aud has had the most salutary effects upon the minds of many, whose views of the true foundation and principles of our Church were very confined and unfruitful. Following up the holy conceptions and aspirations which the frequent witnessing of Confirmation is cal- culated to produce, they have formed more correct opinions of the sacred functions of the Church of God, in her Divine appoint- ment to regenerate man and to mould him for heaven. "'I was delighted,' said one of the most promising of my younger Clergy, ' to hear jwany of my congregation observing 228 w that they were much affected at beholding the ordinance of Con- firmation administered for the first time, — displaying, as it does, the EftiBCopal authority, which is one of the marks of the Catho- lic Church. Tn one case, where I liad heen unable to persuade two young persons in a family to Vjecome candidates fbr Confirma- tion, they expressed great w)rrow, after witnessing the ceremony, that they had not yielded to my advice, and professed their deter- mination to be confirmed, God willing, at the next opportunity.' " He speaks thus of two Institutions in the Mother Country, whose iiu^stiniaV^le services to all the Colonies of the Empire, and to this one in particuhir, are never to be forgotten : — " Tlie two Societies, the grtjat hanchnuids of the (Jhurchi con- tinue their nui-sing care to tlii.s Diocese with increasing energy ; the Propagation Society in supporting neaily one-half of our Clergy, besides granting many special donations ; the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, in bestowing Bibles, Prayer Books, Religious Tracts and Books of the most excellent descrip- tion in the most abundant measure, and affording munificent aid towards the erection of churches. Their exertions seem to keep pace with the multiplying demands iipon their benevolence. They feel that they are engaged in a holy cause ; and, so feeling, remit not, but I'edouble their labours. The field of their opera- tions is already immense, and continually enlarging, and so is their responsibilit}'^ for the judicious application of the means at their disposal. Their success is indeed wonderful, notwithstand- ing the many obstacles which stand in their way, from without and from within, to their freedom of action in carrying the Church of our fathers to every quarter. For one hundred and fifty yeai-s have they been employed in this vast field, and during the whole of that period the true Missionary strength has been gaining strength amongst them, while its present activity is a pledge of onward progress, and of still greater things to come." He speaks, too, in this well-deserved strain, of another Institution to which this Province is under great obliga- tion : — 229 *' The New Englimd Society, establislied by Royal Charter in 4- the reign of Charles the Second, continue to support their ' niissionM among the Six Nation Iiuliann, with unabated care and liberality. Their two Missionaries are ever at their posts, and are eticouraged by a fair measure of success : the ninnber of tndians still pagan are rapidly diminishing, and the School of Industry is attracting more and more the attention of the different tribes, and a])peai-s in a very flourishing condition." Oil the Church hh a bulwark against heresy and schism, he expresses himself in this earnest and jn-actical manner: — '* Ever since the Reformation, there has been, in matters of ''" religion, a want of veneration for sacred things. Instead of A deferring to the authority of the Church, au absolute independ- ence of her lijis been too frequently assumed. Ifenco the low apj)reciation of the past, and the readiness with which Dissenters oust olf all regard for the forms and usages of the Church of the A{»ostles, " The same wild spirit invades social life. To honour father and mother, and to cherish for them the most affectionate lovo and resi)ect in their persons and characters, are virtues which aj)peat' to be rapidly passing away; and when the domestic affeetions (lisaj)pear, the true happiness of society vanishes with them. There can be no love and unity in families where the children defer not to their parents ; and as society consists of families, the same spirit will teach disrespect for superioi-s, and, in time general , insubordination. It is the discipline of home, sanctified by reli- gion, which qualities lis for the duties of civilized life. Filial affection bears much, because it loves much. Now the Church must live in families before she can be truly efficient ; and it is the neglect of religion in families, and the consequent deteriora- tion of the domestic virtues, which disturbs the Church and multiplies division. For, as the Church is daily born anew in baptism, so must she ever be renewed in Christian homes ; but the total relaxation of domestic discipline leads to excess of >r private judgment, to extreme arrogance, and contempt for autho- ity. Hence we find Protestant denominations without number. 290 Every one hath a psulni, hath a doctrliio, hath an intorpretation ; nn«i in our frar of formn, we forgot that thuro can hf, neither re;^nkrity nor ortU'r without forniH. This rtrckh'.s.s Hpirit of unbridled inde|>ondenue han created much t.irbidoweiful exist, whom wo can only exi)ect to com- bat with success, by using the weapons furnished by the Chiu'ch in the true spirit of luiity r.nd concord. We are all servants of the same IVTaster ; let us stand together in faithfulness of jiurpose and in steadiness of action. Have we not to contend with infi- delity and worldliness on the one hand, and all the I'rotean forms of dissent on the other ? Is it not, then, cur duty to rise abovo difficulties, and exert ourselves to the utmost in promoting the advancement of the Church of God in this Diocese ; that (.'hurch which is not human in her constitution, but heavenly ; and neither takes her rise from earthly powei*s, nor de[)ends UfM»n them for her continuance. Empires and kingdoms fail; the eaith itself shall pass away,-^— but tlie Church of the living God shall continue forever. Her name, her offices, her services, her powers, her spiritual endowments, are for eternity. How awful the responsibility which attaches to us, lier ministers ! The woi-ship we offer, is the commencement of the worship of eternity, and our ministrations the beginning of services which are to continuo for evermore." Ther3 was a circumstance of a personal character con- nected with this Visitation, which ought not to be left 231 unrecorfled. On the evening of that day, there was a Hpecial choral Kervice in the Chapel of tho University of King's College, jit which iiiost of the Clergy in town were prcHent ; and in regard to tluH, we nhall be excused for repeating the irnf)res8ionM of an eye-witness. " The service," he says, "was admiiably conducted, and the impressions left u])on the minds ;i!»on iis gratuitously, the very spot which we had all believed to be tlu; most appropriate, at a sacrifice to himself of more than £•'){)(). '* In due time, the sacramental plate for the C/hurch, and also for private communion with the sick, with table cloths, napkins 80 234 and Hurplices, &c., all of which arc very much admired for their tasteful elegance, reached us in safety. But what created still greater admiration and still deeper feelings of gratitude, were the magnificent gifts, and their beautiful appropriation, for rejoicing on the day of the Consecration of the Church, with which these things were accompanied. First, the donor desires that £iiO ster- ling be presented at the Offei'tory on the day of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Trinity, should tlic Holy Communion be then administered ; if not, on the first occasion on whicli there is a Communion. Second, That tlie same sum bo offered to 8Uj)ply gifts and rejoicings for the poor on the day of consecra- tion. Third, That the like sum of £W Sterling be offered for the beautifying of the Font ; or, should that be completed, foi- any internal decoration for the more devotional observance of Divine Service. Such a complete act of chfirity, and so thoughtful and delicate in all its arrangements, and descending with holy foresight to the most minute things which miglit in any way tend to the devotional oVjjects of the gift, is scarcely to be found in the history of the Christian Clinrch, Wealth is indeed a blessing, when it is thus de\ oted to so noble a purpose as the extension of Christ's kingdom." The Church of the Holy Trinity was consecrated on Wednesday, 27th October, 1847. Tliei-e was a consi- derable attendance of the laity, and about twcnity of tlie Clergy present. The Bishop preached an cariioHt and appropriate sernion ; and after tlie offertory, which did not much excet^d the large gift of the; fonndcr devoted to it, the Holy Conununion waH administered. For s(!veral years this Church was served by the Reverends H. IScatlding and W. Stennett, Masters in Upper Canarojected, so munificently accom- plish lmI. With this view, the Rev. W. Stewart Darling was, in 18.51, appoint(Hl Assistant Minister in this Church ; and so multiplicnl, and multiplying, were found to be the calls and claims upon his time and energies, that in a few years another had to be associated with him in the work. Far and wide, the faithful and diligent attention of Mr. Darling to his arduous duties has been recognized and honoured ; and the result has been that the Congregation of this Chuich has grown into gi-eat strength and influence. It is crowded on the Lord's day ; and on the many occa- sions of week-day ministrations, the attendance is most satisfa(^tory. The communicants, too, are very numerous, and the celebrations of the Lord's Supper are frequent. There is a hearty worship, and zeal and unanimity amongst its members ; all realizing, more .and more, the gi'eat results which the generous founder of the Church anticipated, in laying at the feet of its chief Pastor so munificent a gift for the spiritual benefit of the i)oor. 236 CHAPTER XXV. Abolition of the University of King'« College. — Establishment of Trinity College. CHE Bishop of Toronto was now about to fight his last battle for the University of King's College ; which, after the exertions of almost a life-time, he had seen in full and .successful operation. It was not jmrsuing its course under the letter and direction of the original Charter: we have already cxplainoNJ what saci'ifices were agreed to, to remove public prejudice so far that the College might start upon its active work. It was agreed that the influ- ence of the Church of England within the Institution should ))e abridged, if it was not altogether removed. Those great i)rinciples were still ui)held, which no Churchman could consent to sacrifice. The Word of God was not banished from its halls ; the voice of prayer and praise wa.^ permitted to invoke a daily blessing upon the intellectual culture and the moral training ; and the lessons of religion were communicated to such as chose to receive them, only according to the teaching of the Church of England. We have given someaccount of its opening in 1843, and have made some allusion to the character of its religion .s services. The College, after all, was thoroughly English in tone and style ; the changes effected were, practically, merely sentimental ; they had no bearing or influence u})on its work or its spirit. It was becoming highly ])opular, too; the education inii)arted was of a superior order ; and a gentlemanly tone pervadeercei)tion will be infinitely more vivi,0()0 were suh- Mcrihcd in tlie Dioriated to itself ' Then, if I understand it,' said Sir Robert, ' the Government would have made a parallel ease, had they seized uponse, A xary influential Conunitteo, amongst whom were Lord Seaton anon me, by many of the most ]>ious jind respectable members of our Connnunion, both lay and clerieal, that the Church, now so numerous in Canada West, ought to ex[)ress her o])inion, as a body, on the posture of lier secular affairs, whenan attempt is again made by her enen)ies to '- i'our Clergymen, and one hr.ndred and twenty-seven Lay- men were present in the Church of th(! Holy Trinity, at Toronto, on Thursday, May 1, 18;>1. On this day after the usual religious sei*vices, the Bisho[) delivered a Cliarge of considerable length. There was tluni a short adjournment; autl the Bisho]), on their re-.issembling, addressed both Clergy and Laity collectively on the secular affairs of the Church. On the following day, after considerable dis(rus- sion several Kesolutions were j>a.ssed, expressing a strong protest against the threatened secularization of the Clergy Reserves; the expediency of applying to the Crown for 252 tlie establishment of a Diocesan Synod or Convocation, to consist of the Laity as well as the Clergy; and the duty of petitioning the Colonial Legislature to permit the estab- lishment of separate Church Schools. ConnTiittces were ai)pointed to carry these niles into effect. Such was tlu^ practical commencement of Thk Synod of tiik Diooesk OF Toronto. The Bishop considered the present a favourable oppor- tunity for laying the Foundation-stone of Trinity College for which ceremonial every necessary preparation had been made. Our readers, however, should be informed that, on the return of the Bishop from England in the autunm of 1S5(), a Deputation from the "Upper Canada School of Medicine, — composed of Drs. Hodder, Bovell, Badgley, Hallowell, Bethune, and Melville, — waited upon his Lord- ship, to tender their services as the Medical Ftaculty of tlu* jnojected University, and offering these services gi'atui- tously until the revenues of the University should warrant the payment of a suitable j'emuneration. This offer was (rheerfully accepted ; and as the usual pciiod for the com- mencement of the winter course of study had arrived, the Bishop sanctioned the naming of a day on whi(!li the Fjiculty should commence their labours. They met accoi'd- ingly at the Hall of the Mechanics' Institute, on the 7th November; .and, after Prayers, and an Address from the Bishop, introductory Lectures were delivered by the several Professors. On the 13th March, 1851, the tenders were accejjted for the erection of Trinity College; on the 17th of that month, the first S(k1 was turned with solemn and imi)ressive cere- mony ; and on the 30th April, the ( \)rner-st^)ne of the building was laid. At one o'clock on that day, a procession of one hundred Cergymen, with the Medical Faculty and College Council, followed by the Bishop and his Chaplains, proceeded to St. George's Church, where Divine Service was performed, and 253 an appropriate sermon preached by the Archdcp.eo. ;i York. When the service was concluded, the Bishop he (Jlergy, and the numerous congi'cgation fonncd in proces- si(»n at tlie western end of the Church, and proceeded thence down John Street and .along Queen Street to the site of the College. " On its way from the Church to the grounds, several of the gentry in can-iagcs accompanied the procession, and the footways were crowded with pedes- triaiis. The scene was gay and animating in the extreme, jind every thing evinced the deep interest which the ( *hurchmen of Toronto and the Province generally took in the event." On tlie arrival of the procession at the ground, the Bishop, from a capacious platform prepared for the ( icCasion, delivered an Address, from which we make a few extracts : — " To found a common seat of kiarning is a proud object of uin- l)ition ; but to establish a College devoted to the cause of God, .md the diffusion of sound learning and true religion tluough so vast a region as Upper Canada, is one of those precious diiitinc- tions which are seldom attained ; and, associated in our imagina- tions, as it must be, with so many gifts and blessings to young and old, it cannot fail to become a source of delightful reflection through life to all of us who now enjoy the privilege of bcinfj present on this happy occasion. ** Feeble we may seem to the world's eye ; but what Seminary in the history of literature can claim an origin so pure and holy 1 " Trinity College is a burst of Christian benevolence, to remedy an intolerable act of injustice, and to prove that all opj)ression is short-sighted, and sure in God's own time to bo overrnlod for good. " It is peculiarly the child of the Church ; from her it springs, and under her wing it desires to nestle ; it will breathe as she breathes, and acquire life and energy from the spiritual nourish- ment which she is oixlained to dispense. *• So soon as the buildings are completed, Trinity College will become, in all her proceedings, as strictly Collegiate in discipline 254 unci character as the circumstances of this new country will per- mit ; and its authorities will ever kec[» in view the glorious models of the Pai'cnt State, to which pure science and the Christian faith are so much indebted. From them she will horrow a spark of that living flame by which they have been animated for so many centuries, in order that she may, witli tiod's blessing, kindle similar inspirations in this Colony. "And I trust that many around me will be permitted to see 'J'l inity College taking an honoured j)lace among the more cele- brated schools of learning, and doing for Canada what Oxford and Cambridge have done for England." The Bishop, aftca' this Address, offered up a Praj-er, whicli it is but right to insert in this record of his life ; and it is one which all, interested in the growth and pros- perity of Trinity College, may often dutifully use : " O Almighty God, with whom was v isdom when Thou didst prepare the heavens and set a compass upon the face of the depth, look down with fiivonr, we most humbly beseech Thee, on the work which we this day begin. " Mercifully grant unto all who are. engaged therein judgment and understanding ; that the labour of their hands and fruits of their counsels may tend to Thy glory, the good of Thy Church, and the well-being of this whole land. "Vouchsafe unto those v:, shall sojourn within the walls about to rise from this foujii.tion, minds enlightened by Thy heavenly grace, to proceed in all their doings according to Thy will. " Teach by Thy Holy Spirit from on high those who shall here teach ; and cause their instructions to agree with the truth of Thy word and the testimony of Thy Church : that by the might of Thy power, working through the frail instrumentality of men, the Faith once delivered to the Saints may be handed on for ever. " Grant to those who shall here learn, docility and diligence, that they may be disciples indeed, willing from their youth to bear t'le yoke of Christ, and fitted by a discipline of purity and prayer to discharge the duties of those states of life which Thou hast appointed for men to walk in. 255 " Grant that from these walls may go forth, devoted unto Thee and rightly equipped for their work, raessengei-s of the Gospel of Peace ; who sliull aim, under the commission of their Saviour, to win souls unto Thee ; to train their brethren by the Word and Sacraments after the pattern of their Lord ; and to bring back those who err and stray into the unity of the faith and the oneness of the body of Christ. " Grant that from these walls may go forth Physicians skilled to heal, and enabled, under Thee, to mitigate the woes which sin hath brought upon the earth: who, in their labour for the hoivlth of the body, shall have I'cgard also to the health of the soul, from a lively faith in Thee tlte Father of the Sjurits of us all. " Grant that from these walls may go forth men, who, while they make the statutes and judgments of their fellow-men their study, and consult how they may establish truth and justice in the State, shall have in their hearts an abiding respect unto Thee, the Lawgiver of the worlds, and to the decrees that shall hereafter decide the eternal condition of quick and dead. " Grant that from these walls may go forth those who, while they engage in the traffic of the earth, and fulfil Thy will in effecting among men the interchange of the wide-sj)read gifts of Thy bounteous hand, shall know also what is the merchandize of the true riches ; how to increase the gifts with which they have been entrusted to profit withal ; ami how to lay up treasures in heaven. " Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to each and all who shall go forth hence to labour in their various vocations among their fellow-men, that, to intellects accomplished in wisdom and know- ledge, they may join souls Fdled with a true reverence and love towards Thee ; so that, as jjolished shafts from Thy hand, they may in all things fulfil Thy good pleasure, to the glory of Thy great name. " Grant, O Lord, that this building, about to be devoted to learning apd religion, may proceed without let or hindrance, and may be to future generations the fountain, ;inder Thee, of abundant blessings. " Visit, with Thy grace, we humbly beseech Thee, those bene- factors who have contributed to the furtherance of this good 256 work; and stir up other hearts to niunificcnce towards the under- taking on whidi we now enter. CJau.se many among the brethren to vie in real with those who, ia tlie times of oUl, liave founded and endowed in the hand of our fathers tlie seats of learning dedicated to Thee and to the service of Thy Church. " And grant, O Lord, that we and our descendants to tlie latest generation, being preserved evermore from the hands of the spoiler, may enjoy these gifts, and ])in*sue our coursn in confi- dence and peace. "Hear us, O Almighty (Joel, we humbly beseech Thee, in these our supplications and prayers, for the sake of our only Meditator and Advocate, Jesus Christ ; to whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, the over adorable Trinity, to whom we dedicate our work, be all honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Upon the brass plate which covered the usual coins and documents was a long Latin inscription, whicli was admi- rably read by Chief Justice Kobinson. Tlie stone having been laid by the Bishoj), lie was addressed in a brief but excellent speech by Sir Allan MacNab. Then followed a gracefully written Latin adrosi»er b4ith. Our prayer will l>e uniteil and earnest, that the pure stream of *' sound learning and a religious etlucation " will issue from this University, a!id water far and wide the wast** plaws <)f our land. And it will 1m» our pniyer that Trinity College will, through all time, uttest iu Christian chanu'ter in the successive geueratiouH of scholars that shall pnH'etnl from its walls . that the hanner of it>t alumni will )k> in the faith of ChriMt, and their watchword of duty — ' UuUne^H to the Lord.' " TIh* following ejuiit'lleiit reniurk'^ were <-oiitaiiie Mfhirt'MM of th*' H<'V. Pfovovt Wliitaker. who KjM.ke jjiHt. :- ** £vf*rr I^AVdiaii iitiwtng'^t uk Hhouid nurt^iy wt a ChrMlian, IHlittaAMiMi ih** vrukeitc*-'^ of the ChriHtun fiiih ; «Hdi. a* a <'ii«r^WMfi« t^ it)|MrBntt« ff«r !)«• )- < <«h,u m,. - ..f ikielyioe aail <^«if4tt*«* whi«*h h i><»n ><^ln^ r y f^ pmm hmiim, in (««4f*r tkmt ke m*^ l*** {ireimredl to »• n Utt- MnttiKi *4 tkf i«^4H a«i^ tku' nmitth- mmi mmm i|iiiiBi««i tt^mtkmm vt f lir TlUmf, i» M t« W U-mM, hmm wmvimhiA Om* m» ^MNm iMMdIitt t» Awl HI jmHUkpmI- MiliMMt iMmv m fym/k, mr m ifiiniliaiiii' tlMliRr. H •• t^ |«» IwfHdl ihm Hmmp am m .i*m» Hw «• !• f/kim mmmi*. Wm mtmm hm ^^1^^ '^w' wl^^ " ^M^^W^P W IBWWH'* ,: Wipii^ ffvp IPlPl" .MMBHMVWPi'S'MA till iRMl^ tm(fmi iiM« Avr MM«iw«Mik 0mm m ^hl* < 1# i p oaf, ^MHigl 281 " The foundation of this College is a solemn protest agaiust the pejiaration of religion from education : v.e have joined together again what othei-s had put a&unuer. and what, as we helieve, God joined together from the beginning ; and, in doing this, it becomes us to acknowledge the obligation under which we live to be tnie to our own professions. They, who advocate truth and right, — esj>ecially if it be truth and right divine, — nmst look to it that they do not this unworthily. We are draw- ing a line of demarcation l)etwten ourselves and others, by inciil o:;tiug the doctrines of the Christian faith, and by offering ihn pniyers of the Christian Church within these walls ; we must l>« careful, then, that this lie n«» nifre formal distinctitm, but the ^MfiiM of an eMseutial diti'titMice ; w«> must look to it that thf' d«»ctrin«'s, which we itcknowleilge, inriu«'n««" our prartic*-, — that our lives 'le auswemble U> our pniyerx. " A luMthen nioraii^t haw njiid, — '• y«*> aea**! e*t iffibut.i. r*i"*^» werrxkiii OflotMi imd SM h» Mftxiin tM no (iti«|||lm% an it i« appli.d i>\ hiiM^if tn the rt wia g t wr «i an initnl, no 4n«btitMi tl>t-^ u 'nM mfftkd %m ilw «iMmelar «f m oummmt^y. A miciaty |m« fumtk t ami ^dmrnatmr tlH« w t a wniiii i^wi it,- — ^Am i jl^..^ «riil hm§ pwtiiii i. Witii a*. tlMB, tts flnt ii fi«ii la 0m t«» TriiMty CMhp) its immm^fth** ■r is MMM ^HM «««k Imi il mm i» iiiJiiiinlhiHiii t« 11^ liMMINlMillMl flfflw «# 4MiMWilMv «|mI CSMrii iHillrfMMi Iw iMMMrf* 2G2 Thus was Trinity College fairly launclied upon its career: this has been of only seventeen years duration ; but during this short period, it has had a large share of stonn and vicissitude to contend with. We shall pain no one by savinij to what tliese trials areovvinj;; we shall devoutly hope that the worst have been experienced, and tliat, after all, Ti'inity College will prove to the Church and to the Stjite all that its founder designed. 263 CHAPTER XXVIl. Last Contest for the Clergy Keserves. — Settlement of the Ques- tion in 1854-5. — The ComniuUition Scheme. — Synod of 185G, and Episcopal Address. /^Jf^HE tiuic was now apjM'uaehing when tht^ Bishuj» of ii\ J Toronto was to fitjlit Ins hist battle for tlu^ Clergy Reserves, atid when the controversy was to clo«e u|Mm a (juestiou whieh luul "oeen allowe*! to ilisturb the Province for nearly forty yrars.. We have seen the issn** ofhiH|X'rsf'verinj.'eont<*Ht for Kin^^'s ('olle«fe ; in wliieli, with its ori<^ituil featnns materially chanjfed, there was never- th« !• --^ iHU«'h reUiiiieil that wouhl remind th<' worhi of it^ liN'itig a ChriMtiHii and a ( 'htirrh In^^titntion Btit even {UIh wiw J5«»ne, U|ir«ti*.n tiif UMHlit »«. ^m tmmutry nt Imr'^v of Ui« 1*nivMMiji Mr v«iproi)riation to secular jairposes of whatever they eould be made t<» jjroduee. In the sunnner of 18.')2, Mr. Hineks, then in England, addre.ssed a strong letter to the Ciovernu)«'nt of Lord Derby then in power, and urged the passing of a measure by tlie Imperial Parliament which sh% with Sir .lolm Ps'kington, the Colonial Si'i-re- tarv, on the fubj.et of iln" ( 'ItTgy Reserves; and in th*- autiinui of tliat year !»«• published in (he T>int» n< v^j>{|)mi a full sUil* iiH III or lii. pi. «>«iit eoiiditioii *it ti)e i|ueHti«iii »ii«i the iiijiiwtiee «»f wiy iiiterfi'fetK'e with projM-rty oi iiiofiey'* Himohit-i I\ ipplieil h\ A«*t <•! Pailiaiiient U> th«* < Imrt'lie*, of England and nd. H< . ..nf, isdi'«i that ll*f w tf i< ti. lit iif |H44» wa rde«| a« « Hiutl sful im«voii»bl«* >«»i«|.ineni. Mt»erdeen siicceeded. This Government \^ould not adopt tlie views ennunciated by Sir John Pakington in his reply to Sir William Molesworth ; and, in conferences with the J)iike of Xcwcastle and Mr. Sydney Herl)ert, the writer of tliis was assuriNl of th<'ir anxious desin; to givr to th«' C]iur<'h in Canada all that she so reasonably clainuMJ ; but that as publii- nu-n th« v f«'lt it their duty Uj yield to Uu' I> j^isjatiin- of < 'ana«Jd Im- luadv to vj«ld C<»!i>.*''l«i*'nt iijMin thi*» avowwl \mr\mm of tli.> fiii|M'riMl ( til.- i lumh in Knixland; aitd, ii4 exwry tnt^tliu^ >4 thm Pr tv MiKi >^ it* fcwiiliii Uiroiiurlvrtit tibe k «(f »^m*liUum mm m- ■>< tst ^ ymim ami Cwwi iti TIm- i«u> MilMfi «f tMH. rwl ttaiiiPil ««rf i'i|pMiHi»iii| mmi imag^f m Ar Imh tHMi tttw MIh^ iiAhmp «bmi liip Ahm* iC 2G() I was present myself at the whole debate on the third reading in the House of Commons, and very much sur- prised at the weakness of the arguments in support of the Government measure. They could not touch the question on any gi'ound of princijile, and had to be content with arguments for the expediency of the measure they recom- mended. Mr. Walpole was the best speaker on the side of the Church, and Lord John Russell about the weakest against it; Init numbers outweighed the moral strength of our position, and a majority of eighty carried tlie third reading. It was not long before the Lords passed the measure by a considerable majority also; tlie Bishop of Oxford, to our intense surprise and sorrow, voting for the Government Bill. He had spoken in fjivour of it on the second reading; and this induced me, before it finally came up in the Lords, lo address liim a letter »>n the subject, — the publication of a few extracts from whicjj will not,! trust, bo considen'd • »ut of pla<'»» : — " Your LonLship, I am l»old enough to sny. fails in a«ldii- eiog a single arguuKiit t»» sli«'v.' that tlie( 'anadiau L*gislatur« bave » Mhiulow «.'f right to diinand th*' «oiitn»l ol tli.- ( 'iergy Re»wrv«*ii|, «»r a single wt*rd to pro\.> that this prujH«rtv in u*»t by law or ♦*«piity « \«'iiij>t from tli^ir j«in-Mij\iwt gjr^mi- <|i ■im «€ 179%, ^ ^km liiiglAiiMr:- ^ 'm»^ te ' vmf m 267 was conceded after the period in which a final, and what M\as intended to be an irrevocable settlement of this Church question, was made. What becomes, then, of the plea of consistency, so steadily asserted, in throwing this proj)erty into their hands ? What of the plea of justice, which appears to be the only plausible ground upon which the surrender is proposed to be made ? " Flat judltla, raat ccehun, is a heathen adage which your Lordship adduces in support of the course which, in this Cluuch question, you have been pleased to pursue. All we ask is the fair, and fjiithful, and courageous €a])pli- catiMi of that rule. Let justice be done, we say, however terrible the consequences. Let justice be done to the Church and to Protestant Christianity, even if the threat, — which every body knows t«> be an inqjracticable threat, — should be carried out, that the Province of Canada will tlis(jwn the supremacy of this Empire, unless the control of the Clergy Reserves be vested in its Legislature. Let truth prevail, and fiiith U; kept; let truth be maintiiiu'd, and guarantetJM Im* r»*spect4'Kfil \<]>i ui t4 i, CaliiijAiwsi. nmkvm t^, t. -.uhi? -u t4' H «M|f '. . fw, • Vm9mms§f. miter it#» It- -x .«! «^ ^ ^ ' • r; mmi tfK» cry m 268 education. We have little, then, in the past Legislation of the Colony, to encourage the belief thr * there would be much respect paid, in the future allotment of this property to its first great object, — the dissemination of Chris- tianity. " The spiritual desolation which looms too distinctly in the future, should this unwise measure l)e carried out, was experienced in its full bitterness by the Church in the United States after the successful revolt of the Colonies. And if now there is a goodly array of Bishops and Clergy in that vast temtory, and many thousands of the Laity who gladly seek their ministrations, let it be recollected that as the consequence of an inadecpiate stated provision for the 8upi)ort of religion in that country, and the confis- cation of much tliat had been supplie*], the mendjers of the (!hurch in the United States numln^r only out* twenty-fifth of the wliole population. That tin* < 'Imrch iIhtc has no nationality, no imiv«'rsally iMt inHutiur, <»r ex|»iiiaMiv«' pow«T, is further evident from the t'lwt that nMliiirii^ of iiw inhabitants are the pn-y of niont extnivngant sret^*, »ind even miiliouH profi-HH no n-iigiouK fuith \vli:it>» tlie I hike of Neweiwilf' T)i'tn I hf«d pnblin)ieo»if H bH«*f i^U'Uv ut iif fti. iiixwi'ili ttttmH,. ** t*f tji. 'jiM -It .!i 11= .ih »!«•«*'»• :- i-i..i: ... : „i aocannir #if VHVw m9llf9Kl^l^f nPV ^l^^B^^V^i^ iBmrai ^^ Wr^^^^ ipvvm wVIHPnB «f Aal fmm, Hmm wm » litmtE «|i «f Aip 269 administration, of which Mr. Hincks was a leading mem- ]*cr, and a new and coahtion Ministry, — the first of the Ivind attempted in Canada, — was formed under the presi- dency of Sir Allan MacNab. His principal coadjutor was Mr. Morin; and so the new administration was commonly termed the MacNab-Morin Ministry. Here the questioji of the Clergy Reserves was very soon taken up; and tli«' Bishop of Toronto felt it his duty to address a strung letter to Mr. Morin, deprecating the threatened seeulariziitioii of that property. In this letter it was strongly urged, that sucli dealing with a property set apart for a Protestant Church as was threatened, might conu; to be extended, by and by, to the ])ossessions of the Komish Church ; and th.-tt it woulily hit ui)on; and tlie Government, which had shewn a friendly and liberal s/irit throughout, readily, acceded to the plan. liiHtead, then, of the Clergy becoming stipendiaries of the ( lovermuent as long as they lived, with all the chances of change and loss which in the course of years might occur, a gross sum* of £lH8,.'Hi* sterling was received. This amount, liowever, was not ptit into the }K>ckets of the (.'lergy; but it was handed over t<> the Church Society of the IHoccHO, to be held in trust by them for the perman<-n( U'uetit of the Clmrch, — the Sotnety giving to each Clergy- man a bond guarante from thix fund nixHild i«- piiid him without i«Utt4*inMiit am long (U4 111' livei, wttuhi fail wIh'H -.f th«* v"»;i-tt«^ »«x(Miiditur*' )•> f». ' "*'.**- ' nt. |{y thin noble and diiinterented act, they have merited the grati tu«le of the Church in Canada for ever, and won for them»elve.s the cordial admiration of true T'liurJimen thnaighout the world. *' It had 1»een m, eany niatlir Ut armn^ the numerous (h'taiU of Lhiit great and ini|«»rt4Uit measure, and to nnhice them to nnch a Mlm{M>, for the eon-lderation of the y the Hon, John Ifdlyard <'ismiTon. and to him the Cliiipeh, on thi« iuu^niiii mm well a*, on m4iiv t»»h»T»», in iniinit^'lv indfUtfHi. But for ht« «it4*Mdy jift«»'ver-«i. .. ,r intilligcne*', m4 ufitiriiig jmii^um m <*xaittinHig itvpry •pplMatuMi frum mdi tMliiJilii, m wtil m *>i9dtm, I f«^| pfr«titi«l*«i tkit tW mijamtmmi mmM m^ Ih»«v tHwi m» m^mMf m m well eiAiwtrwi /' Ilia WOfli tatag tf» prt fMHT :— mA ^ ffnailgaiMi Mi ^.imm mmA ^ hm^ m^it,r--^ mmM 9mf mmm»m0m$ mm m mmmm m ^fmmltm mmi •mm&dm m. % .%. % 4 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 112 ^ U t. 12.2 140 Hill 2.0 1.4 IIIIII.6 ^l '/A 'm ^ rv 272 " Many incidents of interest might be selected from my joiir- nal.s, but I will indulge only in one. On iny visit to the Peni- tentiary at Kingston on Sunday, .'5th August, I found that by tlie laudable exertions of the Rev. Hannibal Mulkins, a great number of prisoners had been prepared for baptism and confirma- tion. Accordingly, on Sunday morning at o'clock, I was in attendance at the Penitentiary, It appeared that one hour only was allowed, and there was no authority to grant more. Yet by shortening the address, and some alterations of an unimj)ortant character in arranging the baptisms and confirmations, every thing was done in decency and in order, and without the appear- ance of haste. The number baptized WfW 00, and the number confirmed 80, "The s]>ectacle was deeply interesting, and it was hopeful. The numbers si)eak more impressively than words for the care and assiduity of the Chaplain. Indeed the decent and reverend manner in which they Vjehaved, and the interest they seemed to t^ke in the solemnities, proved that Mr. Mulkins had impressed u|K)n their minds, by sound instruction, the infinite importance ol the duties they were now called ui)on to discharge ; and I trust that I am justified in believing that something of the grace prayed for was imparted." 273 CHAPTER XXVIII. I Ji vision of the Diocese. — Election of the BiHliop )f Huron. — Visit of the Pnnce of Wales to Canarb. — Election of the BiMhop of Ontario. — Synod of 18G1. f^^HE division of tlie Dioceses had become in many of ll / the Colonies a necessity. Their immense extent rendered a watchful and minute personal superin- tendence impossible ; and for this cause even the ordinary routine of episcopal duties could not without difficulty be performed. The expanse of country to be traversed occu- pied a large amount of time that might be more profitably expended ; and long journeys in all weathers, and over the most primitive of roads, and sometimes across rough waters in frail vessels, prematurely wore out the energies of vahi- aV)le men. Such division, so imperatively called for, had, on this continent, been first eftectee, was commenced by setting off Upper* Canada into the See of Toronto ; and the subdivision of these began with the estaV>lishment, within the former, of the Diocese of Montreal in 1H.50. During the same year the Bishop of Toronto propo.sed a corresponding division of his own Diocese ; and laid before the Archbishop of Canterbury a plan for the formation of a new Diocese east and west of 35 274 Toronto, and suggesting the erection of a special Bishopric for the Indian country, to be called the Diocese of St. Mar^'. It had })een the desire of tlie Bishop to create first the Diocese on the east of Toionto, with Kingston as its centre ; because, in his judgment, it had a i)rior claim, as comprising the older settlements, and also because the western division was less distant, and more easy ol access. It was hoped, too, that a grant from the Colonial Bishop- rics Fund, raised in England, would be made to that proposed Diocese, as the subject had been brought before the great Church Societies on several former occasions, and favourably entertained. B)it no aid, it was discovered could be obtained from that source ; and the intended new Dioceses must each raise an Endowment for themselves. This was fixed at £10,000 cuirency, that an income of at least £000 per armum might be secured to each of the future Bishops ; and so soon as it could l>e ascertained that this amount was .secured, the Imperial Government w^ould sanction the erection of the new Diocese, and a Royal Man- date be issued for the consecration of tin; Bisho]) elected. It was, on all hands, thought not unreasonable that where Dioceses furnished the endowment, they should have the privilege of electing their own Bishops. In the mean time, the Bishop of Toronto jjlaced his resignation of the east and west portions of his Diocese in the hands of the Archbisliop of Canterbury, to be used as soon fis the new Bishops should 1>e appointed to relieve him. In 1857, the Synod of Toronto established a canon providing for the election of Bishops, which should be applicable to all future appointments. The western division, though later in the field, out- stripped the eastern in the raising of an endowment ; and, in the spring of 1857, it was announced that the required sum of 40,000 dollars was there secured, and that they were prepared for the appointment of a Bishop. The elec- 27.5 tion of the Kcv. Dr. Cronyn to this office in July of that year is sa liappily described by the Bishop of Toronto that we prefer giving the nanvative in his own" words, as addressed to the Synod of his Diocese in 18.58 : — " Soon after the adjounmient of the Hynod last year, it became jiiy duty to call together the Clergy and Delegates of the new Diocese of Huron for, the pur[x).se of electing their Bishop, Such an assembly, and for such a purpose, will mark a new era in our ecclesitistical histoiy. It ..ideed presented a scene of deep interest, and one which stands without a ])arallel since the first ages of the Churcli. For, although, in the primitive times, to elect the Bishop wa" the rule, corru|)tion had crept in and had grown so general and inveterate, that the manner of choice became not only obsolete but filmost forgotten. Its resuscitation therefore, excited wonder and astonishment, and offcsnded many as if it had been a new and unauthorized thing. To behold an aged Bisho[), in this I'emote corner of the world, gathering around him his elders, his clergy, and his lay brethren, for the purjwse of choosing a man well qualitied to fill the high and holy office of Bishop, according to x\.[)0.stolic usage, by the willing tes- timony of the Clei'gy and suffrages of the people, was surely a sjtectacle which could not fail, in its noble simjjlicity and beauty, to make abiding impressions, which exterior jjomp and magnifi- cence could never ecpial. " The proceedings were conducted with becoming soleuinity ; and, though of the most exciting character, the choice was made in a manner worthy of the occasion, and honourable to all con- cernec'. No sooner was the name of the successful candidate announced by the presiding Bishop, than all rival feelings vanished away, and a unanimous vote confirmed the choice of the Clergy and Lay Delegates. It was refreshing to witness thf triumph of Christian unity and love, which threw to the winds all the arguments against the free and honest choice of Bisho|)8, which the narrow selfishness of nmny centuries had mustered i>p. "The Bishop-elect proceeded to England, where he was received with much kindne.ss and consideration; and having been 276 ooneecated at Lamboth by his Grace the Archbishop <;f Canter- bury, has litely returned to enter upon the important duties of his Ajmtolic othce. If separated from him in body we are still more united in soul : he is a son of full age gone to preside over his own household, and lo cultivate his allotted portion of the Lord's vineyard, — not to become a stranger, but still to remain our friend and brother, provoking us to good works, and looking back occasionally, with a yearning spirit, to his former associates." The u.sual Coutinnation tours were regularly made by the Bishop of Toronto, as in former years ; but as the most noticeable incudents in the progi'ess of these journeys have already been adduced, it would not be desired by the readers of this work that there should be any further record of events and circumstances connected with such tours, not essentially diftering from those already laid before them. The S€;paration of the Diocese of Huron from that of Toronto necessitated a division of the ecclesiastical funds, which had hitherto been common to both, on a fair and e(i[uitable basis. That a distribution might be effected in which both parties would have confidence, the late Chief Justice Sir James B, Macaulay, consented to act with the Bishops of Toronto and Huron in settling the terms and details of such distribution. Sir James Macaulay had been one of the pupils of the late Bishop, at Cornwall, and soon after the completion (;f his education entered the Army. On the restoration of peace, he retired fiom tlie military profession, and applied himself with great assiduity to the study of the Law. Without brilliancy of talent, he had great application and soon rose to distinction ija his new profession. His honourable mind and unbending integrity won the respect and confidence of all who knew him ; and it was felt that a liappy choice had been made when he consented to unite in the "Award" between the Dioceses which has since borne his name. 277 This Award, providing for a corresponding distribution of funds with tlie Eastern Diocese so soon as this should be formed, was formally subscribed by the partie*> concerned, on the 29th September, 1859, and assented to, and adopted by, the Church Societies of the existing Dioceses, and it became a law of the Church in Western Canada. By the arrangement thus concluded, it wa^ provided that the commutation of the Bishop, and the Archdeacons of King- ston and York, should, when it lapsed by their respective deaths to the general fund, be made available to the augmentation of the Ej)iscopal income in each of the three Dioceses, and for ])roviding a moderate stipend to an Archdeacon in each. This was originally the sug'^^estion of Sir James Macaulay; and its adoption gives £400 per annum to each of the three Bishops, in addition to the income derived from the Endowment fund, and £100 per annum tri an Archdeacon in each Diocese. Where it was thought advisable to appoint two Archdeacons in a Dio- cese, it has been amicably arranged that this amount should be divided equally between them. The most memorable tjvent in the year 18G0 was the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada; whose arrival in Toronto took place early in September of that year. A special Synod was asrj.imbled to present an Address to his Royal Highness ; and the members of Synod headed by the Bishop, and accompanied by several Clergymen from the United States, attended the levee. It was pleas- ing to witness the delight they manifested at being per- mitted to pay this respect to the heir of the British throne, and the son of a Queen who is revered and .admired all the world over. The Address adopted by the Synod was read by the Bishop ; and his Royal Highness in clear and unembarra.ssed tones replied asfollo^^s: — 278 '• T am grateful for the assurances of your loyalty to the Queen, and for the welcome to myself conveyed in yo>iv address. "I am a member of the Church of England, and as such I rejoice to meet in this distant land, and in so im])ortant a Diocese, the representatives of that venerable body in whose creed I have been nurtured, and have lived. "I trust that Almighty God will guide your cfibrts to maintain the efficiency of the Church under the guidance of the venerable Prelate who has so long watched over you in this Diocese." The reception of His Royal Highness was everywhere most enthusiastic ; the citizens of the United States vieing with British subjects in })aying honour to this heir of royalty. The gentle and unassuming inannei-s of the youthful Prince added much to the warmth and affection of the reception he experienced. He attended Di%ine service at Toronto in the Cathedral of St. James, on Sun- day, the 9th September, and was met in the porch of the Church on entering b^' the Bishop and Clergy, drawn uj) in two lines. On passing through, the Prince turned aside to shake hands with the Bishop, and on entering, he was followed by the procession of Bishop and Clergy. The Church was densely crowded, but every thing was con- ducted with great order and decorum ; anything like a tumultuous and disorderly rushing in having been guarded against by the issue of tickets of admission to such as were not pewholders. The Bishop preached from this striking and appropriate text, (Psalm Ixii, 1.) " Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son." The treatment of the subject was general, and there was a careful abstinence from any personal allusion to the Prince. 279 The following year, 1861, was chiefly remarkable for the separation of the Eastern portion of the Province from the Diocese of Toronto, and its constitution into a new See, designated the Bishopric of Ontario. His Lordshi]> alluded to this happy consummation in his address to the Synod of Toronto, which nu't about a fortnight after ; — " I have now the pleasure to announce to you tl)e tinal separa- tion of the eastern portion of this Diocese by the election of its Bishop, and that it now foi'ins tlic^ Diocese of Ontario. " This completes the j>lan which I submitted to the Imperial Government in IS-^O, and establishes three compact and equal Sees out of the former Diocese of Toronto ; nor will they be tof) extensive for the superintendence and government of an active Bishop for many years to come. " The final accomplishment of so great a work has not been brought about without much watchf ilnes,s, labour, and anxiety, and the continued effort of eleven year,>: ; but all has been amply recompensed by the successful result. And have we not cause, my brethren, to rejoice in beholding three active Prelates, instead of one, cultivating the same vineyard, and in gratefully antici- pating the accelerating progress of Christ's kingdom in this favoured land. It is true, the plan of creating three Dioceses out of one was at tii-st lightly thought of by the many, as other plans of mine have sometimes been ; but T was encouraged by the few. "We had faith, and felt that the greatest works and most useful designs are in general effected by patient persever- ance, — a perseverance going steadily forward in hope, and ever keeping the desired object in view ; and, instead of quailing at opposition and disappointments, breasting them with increasing vigour, and never cherishing a doubt of a prosperous result. To succeed in all valuable and imj)ortant undertakings requires constant efforts, watching events, and never permitting a favour- able opportunity to pass imimproved." During this Synod there was much discussion, and warm expressions of feeling, in regard to Trinity College, with the teaching of which the Bishop of Huron had, in very 280 strong terms, expressed his dissatisfaction. We do not desire to rej^eat what may be a source of irritation, and effect no possible good. Suffice it to say that tlie Synod affirmed by a very large majority their confidence in the teachln-^ of Trinity College, and their desire that it should meet with general support. The conti-oversy, however, did not cease then : it was often revived, and assumed at times large and unhappy proportions. Yet as there has now been for some years a lull in the storm, and strong and ar»gry feelings appear to be d3'ing out, we are correct, we trust, in believing that, after all, there will be no renewal of th*' strife, and that this child of the old age of the late revered Bishop, as it has not inaptly been termed, will be suffered to pursue its course in peace, and gain the hold upon the Church and the country to which, we think, it is entitled. 281 CHAPTER XXIX. Further efforts in England on behalf of Trinity College. — Death of Chief Justice Robinson. — Movement in Synod for a Coadjutor Bishop, and passing of a Canon for his appoint- ment. — Death of Mrs. Strachan. ^RINITY OOLLEGE, in addition to the trials and H / discouragements already referred to, had occasionally its financial difficulties. The site was procured, and tlie buildings erected, through private benefactions ; and for its support from year to year, it had to depend mainly upon the fees of the Students who attended it. It had, however, an income in-espective of these, of £1200 currency per annum, which sum had been allotted to it, with the sanc- tion of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, from the Clergy Reserves Fund. This annual amount was secured to it at the time the Commutation with the Clergy was effected. For a few years, up to 1868 inclusive, it received from the Provincial Legislature, as other collegiate institutions did, a grant of ^5000 per annum, — a grant which, we think, has been very unjustly withheld from the educationa institutions of the Province. All the money derived from the sale of the Clergy Reserves, after existing claims and charges were met, ought to have been applied to the diffusion of education, and to purposes of charity; not a penny of it should have been diverted to such secular uses as the improvement of roads and the construction of bridges. It should have been sacredly set apart for the 36 282 moral and intellectual training of our youth, and for the relief of that physical distress in every shape, from which no country is exempt. With all the unrighteousness attending the spoliation of the Irish Church, there is this redeeming feature,— that every shilling of availalde funds derived from that sequestered property is to be applied to alleviating the miseries, and relieving the wants, of the afflicted and poor. It is not too much, then, to demand the exercise of the same reasonable justice here ; let grants to educational institutions be chargeable upon the fund originally designed for saci'ed uses ; and let posterity, in this shape, feel the benefit of a gift which was never designed to be absorbed by the present generation, but to l)e a boon and a blessing to the Province for all time to come. If a Church has been disendowed, let there be a recogniticm of a benefit from the spoils, in all future generations. But as the exercise of a just dealing like this was not to be relied upon, an effort had to be made for im})roving the finances of Trinity College, and another appeal to the gene- rosity of our friends in the Mother Country was therefore determined upon. These repeated appeals to our Mother Country for aid in our Church work, — and a Church College must be reckoned part of this work, — are not so unreasonable a.s at first sight they may appear. Our Church population is largely com- posed of emigrants from England and Ireland, a very con- siderable number of whom have not the means of providing religious instruction and religious ministrations for them- selves. If, therefore, the Imperial Government did not feel themselves justified in continuing the small amount of aid for this purpose, which they had fomierly supplied to the North American Colonies through the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, it ought not to be regarded as unfair that we should apply to individuals in the Mother ^ Country for the aid which the Government refused, in 283 maintaining nmongst such fniigrants tho faith nnrl worship of their fathers. Again, through the pious foresight of a n.'ligious King, a provision ha*! heen made in this Province for the peri)etual supi)ort of that faith and worship which is established in the Motlier Country. It was the Parliament of the Mother Country which gave to our Legislature the power to alien- ate that property from its original intent, anJ apply it to the lowest and commonest of secular uses. Being thus in a manner responsible for the heavy loss the Church in this Province has sustained, tlie Avealthier inhabitants of the Mother Country ouglit not, — and, we believe, they do not, — gi'udge to this Colony, any aid for religious objects which it is in their power to bestow. In a conversation had with the late Lord Herbert, when this measure of spoliation was about to be introduced by the Imperial Government and he felt himself con.strained to avow that he must, as a statesman, su}>port the unrighteous measure, he, of his own accord, declared with energy and feeling, — " jou will now have a strong ground for appealing to the people of this country for aid in your religious enterprises, and, I am persuaded, they will meet your applications with all the liberality you can so fairly and justly claim." From such considerations, we could waive our natural feelings of delicacy in sending another delegation to Eng- land for the augmentation of the finances of Trinity College. A happier choice for this mission could not have been made than the Rev. Dr. MacMurray, the worthy Rector of Niagara ; who, from the unaffected zeal with which he pursued his work, combined with a frankness and geniality of manner which amounts to a charm, won the regard, and, we may say, love, of the highest and low- est in the United Kingdom. His mission was attended with very satisfactory results, though these might not correspond with the cordiality and warmth with which he 284 was so universally received ; and had he been permitted to remain long enough to have completed the circuit of England, probably half as much more would have been added to the £4000 he had succeeded in obtaining. Dr. MacMurray has left such an impression upon the minds and affections of all classes in England, that we must hope he will not hesitate to render such services again, if, for some great Diocesan object, it should be felt omy one to our late venerated Zishop ; for, in the first month of that year, he was deprived by death of one whom, we may say, he had brought up, whose bright and unsullied career he had watched with a parent's interest, and for whom to the last he felt a parent's affection, — we mean, the late Sir John Beverley Robinson, Chief Justice of Upper Canada. The sterling and brilliant qualities of this estimable man. it is not necessary to dwell upon here ; especially {is we have reason to believe that friends are engaged in prepa- ring a Memoir of his life. We shall venture, however, to repeat in these pages what it was my privi^c^^e to say of him in addressing the Students of Trinity College soon after his decease : — " On this occasion, it is impossible to withhold some allusion to an event of recent occurrence, — the cause of profound sorrow throughout the Province at large, and an irreparable loss to this College ; I mean its late excellent and distinguished Chancellor. An acquaintance of more than forty years with this invaluable man, has been all along attended with the one unchanged feeling of respect and admiration : nothing, in that long interval, ever arose to check or alter this sentiment. The elo{j[uent Barrister in youth, he was the dignified and upright Judge in mature age. The steady adherent to the principles and duties of the Church in early life, he upheld and main- tained them, with unabated devotion, in advanced age. A 2t5 stedfast friend in those days when the feelings were warmest and the spirits most buoyatit, he shewed himself the same consistent friend when the energies were dulled by the gathering cares of life, and the romance of its passions and hopes had died away. "Born with high natural gifts, — a ])leasing person, win- ning address, quick apprehension, and an even cheerfulness, — he cultivated them all from a deej) and (conscientious sense of the duties he owed to his fellow-men, and to his (rod. To the last he toiled with, and manifested th(; full fruit of, the many talents with which the Almighty had endued him. " We have lost in him a most valuable public man, and an ornament and charm of the social circle ; an accom- plished gentleman and a devout Christian. His, too, Avas a career singularly void of ostentation. If he had ambition, — auvi none within proper limits should be without it, — it was never prominently developed. If there was the not urmatural desire of the commendation of the w<;rld, and of its just appreciation of worth, it was a feeling hardly perceptible, — never ostentatiously displayed. "His is an irreparable loss in times much more artificial than when his character was moulded; in times when public men of prominence and mark are exposed to .shifts and artifices, which were not usual or necessary when his principles and habits of life were formed. He was amongst the last links with an age and generation, when there was more of the genuine simplicity of thought and action than the spirit of the present times seems to allow. "But in mourning over our bereavement, let us be stim- idated by his example. It is a valuable one to those who are still in youth, with the world's hopes and trials all before them ; for in early life he had to surmount many difficulties to gain the eminence of honour and usefulness he afterwards reached. And it is valuable to those who see in him one who, through patient industry and unfiinch- 286 ing integrity, hus lived blessing, and blessed, by the genera- tions through which Uo i)assed. "His was a bright morning; and, after the inevitable storms and troubles of the after day, a serene and unclouded evening, — harbinger, let us believe, of that peace which, in the kingdom of glory, shall be perpetual and unbroken." During the Synod of 18G3, the question of the appoint- ment of a Coadjutor to the Bishop of Toronto, now in his eighty -sixth year, was, for the first time, publicly referred to. His Lordship expressed his willingness to accede to such an appointment, so soon as it could with propriety be made ; desiring that, if it were possible, .a selection should be made agreeable to his personal feelings and wishes; but not unwilling to acquiesce in any arrangement that might be deemed beneficial to the Church. Early in 1801, he referred, in his private letters, to his deafness and failing sight, and his apprehension that he should soon be totally useless. " This apprehension," he said, " alarms me not a little, and is a trouble I di«l not anticipate. Indeed I was beginning to consider the possi- bility of Confirmation visitations next summer ; not that I have given them uj), nor will I to the very last." Towards the close of that year, he writes, " My own position will soon demand my serious attention. So long as the episcopal endowment remains incomplete, and that I can discharge the duties, matters may proceed as they do ; but I begin to dread the Confirmation journeys. * * * The subject is painful, and, at present, I shall say no more," An openinj^ was thus given for the free and friendly dis- cussion of the subject at various opportunities; and he readily consented to the adoption of a Canon at the Synod of 1865, providing for the election of a Coadjutor Bishop. In the autumn of 18(3.5, the Bishop experienced the heaviest domestic affliction which, amidst his many trials and bereavements, it was the will of Providence he should 287 endure. He was deprived of his excellent wife, his com- panion in joy and sorrow through a period of fifty-eight years. Mrs. Strachan, who liang life of almost uninterrupted strong health and vigour, and a general absence from infirmity of body or of mind. These arc all j)reciou8 gifts, for which I can never be sufficiently thankful • and I must try to be so. 1 have employed them, I trust, not luigratefully : my disposition has always been to l(X)k at the bright aspect of what has befallen me, and to fight against murmuring and discontent. •* Doubtless, the world is, in one sense, a wicked world, as the Bible tell us. But the beauty in which it was created, has not been altogether defaced : it has still its Ikir aspects ; and, 288 were there not, on the whole more, good than evil, it could not have continued. '* I hope and trust that the state of the Church is improving. It is, indeed, all but as good as we can expect, considering the poverty it has to struggle with, and the many difficulties it has to contend against. It is satisfactoiy, however, to feel that wo are labouring Inrd to find remedies for the obstructions that are in our way, although we may never be able to surmount them all ; nor perhaps is it intended. The life of the Church of God has ever been a life of labour and struggle ; and it must always continue so, for her rest is not here. Yet we can, by our own exertions, with Clod's blessing, moderate the pressure of many annoyances ; and we could introduce many improvements, as, I trust, we have for some time past, been successfully doing." He expressed himself, in the same letter, as much affecjt- ed by a remark of Dr. Puscy at a meeting of a Church Congress, that " we should begin to collect and consider all the points about which we agree, instead of all the time contending about those on which we differ, and endeavour, if possible, to form a basis on the points on which we are all at one, and examine carefully whether such basis might not be gradually extended. * * * I believe, (lie adds,) that all who impartially study their own hearts would soon perceive that there M'as no true ground for division and animosity, but much for unity and love ; and, follow- ing up our in<[uiries in this spirit, all serious difficulties would gradually disappear, and all our waywardness give place to candour and good will." 289 CHAPTER XXX. Synods of 1866, and Election of Coadjutor Bishop. — Synod of 1867. — Sickness and Death of the Bishop. 'E detailed, in its place, the vigour, activity, and courage displayed by the late Bishop of Toronto, wlien, during the War 'vith the United States in 1812 and following years, th ; town of York, now Toionto, was captured. The following remarks on the Fen'.an Raid in 18G6, contained in his Address to the Synod of that year, are characteristic : — ♦ " From the general excitement which j>ervaded the whole Pro- vince, as the usual time of the meeting of Synod ai)proached, it was suggested to me to post[)one its assembling for a short period till the commotion had in some degree subsided, because many of the Lay Delegates would be otherwise engaged. This appeared so reasonable that I willingly acrjuiesced ; and the more readily, because I felt assured, from past experience, that tlie Canadas were able not only to protect themselves, but to punish every hostile invader. And, accordingly, the whole strength of the two Provinces flew to arms, as one man, at the first call of the Gov- ernment, and the enthusiasm of former times re api)eared in all its ancient lustre. It was a glorious spectacle, ever to be remem- bered and imitated, should occasion arise. *' This is indeed a most painful subject ; for bad as the world may be, I verily believe that history can scarcely furnish any similar exam[>le ^f men pretending to civilization attacking a quiet, inoifeusive people, who had never injured them in the slightest degree, in a wanner so brutal and atrocious ; and 2.90 although it is our duty to rtyoice for our deliverance, yet we have deej)ly to deplore that our .success li!i,s been purchased at an inestimable jirice, even the blooa of many of our noblest de- fendei's, every one of whom was far more precious than ten thousand Fenian murderers and marauders." On the .siil)ject of" tlie ap})oiiitniont of a Coadjutor, the Bishop, at the conclusion of his Address, expressed himself as follows : — ** I have been considering with much anxilessing upon your deliberations." The writer of this left for England to attend this Con- ference the last week in August ; and on parting with the Bishop discerned nothing, in the state of his health, to awaken the apprehension that he should never meet him in life again. It is true there had been some alarming signs of failing strength ; and in the previous month he had had an attack w^hich prostrated him very much, and the re- currence of which, it was thought, must prove fatal. He was cheery and hopeful, however, at the time of that parting ; and urged in a playful way, that the absence of 295 his Coadjutor must not exceed two moutlis. " Mind," he smilingly said, " I only allow you to he away two month.s." Sunday, 19th October, was the last occasion on whi(;h he attended at the Cathedral. He was slightly ill during fche service, but rallied before its close; and, as if there was on his mind a presentiment that he was never to bo tloM-e again, he bade good-bye to all the attendants of the Church, specially requesting that none might Le overlooked. One by one he shook hands with them all, and prayed that God would bless them. He was restless and disconcerted the following days, and on Thursday was taken so seriously ill, that much alarm was felt ; and although he subsequently rallied a little, the opinion of the medical men in attendance was that he could not long survive. The strength of his robust consti- tution was evidently worn out; and there were signs, not to be mistaken, that its dissolution was not far distant. There were returns of vigour and spirit, after intervals of weak- ness and prostration, but these were the fitful struggles of declining nature, — the rise and sinking of the flickering lamp of life. The mind, too, was affected by the weakness of the body : there were wanderings of thought, and words without coherence. There would be a flitting from the past to the present, — from the incidents of years long gone to events of recent occurrence ; and the impressions those memories awakened expressed in hurried words, and rapid transition from one subject to another. There was, t(jo, the frequent recitation of fragments of psalms and hymns ; the broken utterances of prayer; and at times, in firm voice, the repetition of portions of the Creed. On the evening of Thursday, the 31st October, the Holy Communion was administered to him by his friend an of the masazine in the Gamson. The Commander-in-Chief, being enraged by the incident, though it was not attribu- table to any of the inhabitants of the town, determined to have vengeance on them, and to burn down the town. This determination coming to the knowledge of the author- ities, they deputed Dt. Strachan to remonstrate with the American Commander, General Dearborn, against this intended act of barbarity. He met him in the Old Fort ; 318 and I have been told by men who witnessed the interview between these parties, that words ran high between them ; the American General declaring that he would certainly burn the town, and the future Bishop declaring that if he persisted in this atrocious act of ber.s of hi« own com- munion, a place of sound learning and religious education. And liere we may fitly pay the tribute of our homage to that resolute conviction of duty and that indomitable courage, which recognized, in disaster and defeat, causes only for fresh hope, for renewed and redf)ubled exertion. We maj'^ best learn from the Bishop's own language what were his feelings and resolves at this crisis. Here, then, are tiie closing words of the Pastoral Letter, which his Lordship addressed to the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese in the spring of 18.50. 'I shall not rest satisfied till I have laboured to the utmost to restore the College (King's Col- lege) under a holier and more perfect form. The result is with a higher power, and I may still be doomed to disap- pointment ; but it is God's work, and I feel confident that it will be restored, although I may not be the happy instrument, or live to behold it. Having done all in my power, I shall acquiesce submissively in the result, what ever it may be; and I shall then, and not till then, consider my mission in this behalf ended,' " Nor can those who have been cognizant of the subse- quent history of the College abstain from acknowledging, with all respect and gi-atitude, the unwearied interest which the Bishop discovered, from day to day, in every thing which, in any wise, affected its prosperity. Nothing kept him from his post, when, as a member of the governing body, his counsel had been invoked:'! can bear witness also that, at the cost of great personal inconvenience, he ever cheerfully gave us the advantage of his revered and genial presence at our more public gatherings ; and, from our first annual festive meeting until the last year, he was never absent but on one occasion, when official engage- ments, in a distant part of the Diocese, had rendered Ms presence an impossibility. 323 " Many will remember how kindly he bent himself, at such times, to the temper of the hour ; and how generously he recognized the endeavours of any who had been attempting to give effect to the gi'eat objects which he had ill view in founding the College. " And this was only a small part of the service which he rendered us. He invited, from the very first, a constant reference to himself in every difficulty, and ever listened, with the greatest kindness and patience, to petty details, respecting which it was the desire of the officers of the College to have the benefit of his counsel or the sanction of his authority. The College, too, has had its serious difficulties and troubles, painful and wearisome enougli to those who were principally concerned in them, and whose action had furnished the immediate occasion of them ; but doubly wearisome to others, who were less nearly concerned, and who were called upon to defend conduct, which they had not directly advised — to cover positions, which had been occupied without their distinct knowledge or expressed approval. It is a rare virtue to yield, in such cases, a generous and cordial support : the very fact that trouble and difficulty have arisen often enfeebles the hands, and chills the sympathies, of lookers- on, irrespectively of the real merits of the case : but the Bishop was not a man of this mould ; committed to gen- eral principles, he was not one to quibble respecting details ; he threw the whole weight of his cordial support into the scale in which, as he conceived, the right was poised against the wi'ong. To hw warm heart, and to the calm judgment and unswerving rectitude of one, no less honoured than himself, the College owes a debt of grati- tude, which some of us, at least, it is to be hoped, will never forget. " But there is another point, of very great importance, which must not be over-looked by any who would truly and faithfully cherish the memory of our departed Bishop. 324 What were his objects in the t'oundatio?! of this College ? These, again, we may best learn fi-oni the Bishoi^s own words. In th(; i)astoral letter before mentioned he thus writes : ' Deprived of her University, what is the Church to do ? She has now no seminary at which to give; a liberal education to her youth. What is enjoyed by all the other largo denominations in the Province is denied' to her. Is she to sit down contented with her Theological School at Cobourg, and leave her children to ])erisli for lack of spiritual knowledge ? Or is she to extend its pro- visions and form it into a University capable of imparting a full course of liberal instruction, carefully founded on a religious basis, as has been the case in all seminaries of learninute to his memory which hiis within the last few days been paid, in the public funeral accorded to him by the un.animous voice of his fellow citizens, attests the general appreciation 'of them, " We, as Churchmen, have closer, holier relations to the beloved old man than anything which mere worldly interests could call into existence. We wish especially to remember him as one of the earliest missionaries of the Church, — as the earnest and hard-working Clergyman, — as the bold and vigorous champion of the truth, — as the energetic promoter of every thing that would foster true religion, as taught by the Church of his convictions, — as the indomitable defender of her rights, — and as the watch- ful and kindly Chief Pastor over our portion of the fold of Christ. " As the later and bettcr-rememl)crcd ministerial life of the venerable departed connects him with the Church at large in this country, so does Ms consecration as Bishop connect him with the Church at home, and more closely still with every congregation of our communion in the land. For more than a quarter of a century has that great and good man ruled with consummate prudence, and conscientious uprightness, the Church in the chief part of Western Canada. He has lived to see his one gi'eat Diocese divided into three ; and the Clergy, of whom by far the greater part have been ordained by him, largely increased in numbers ; and to almost every congregation in the whole three Dioceses his memory is closely and affectionately linked by the recollection of his venerable hands placed upon the heads of many of them in con- firmation. Among those who worship here, few there are who will not now be able to recall his very form and tone of speech, as with emphatic earnestness he impressed upon 331 the newly confirmed the solemn nature of the vows they had taken upon themselves ; and none there are (I feel assured) but will join in the words of the text, as they think of that active brain and eloquent tongne, now still and silent in the tomb, — ' Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ?' " But on those who had the privilege of a more intimate acquaintance with him, — who were cheered by his fatherly counsels, encouraged by his kindly sympathy, and sustained in trial by tlie example of his fortitude and energy, — the sense of their loss weighs heaviest. In him the country missionary, toiling in obscurity amid many discourage- ments, found a ready and congenial comforter; for he could tell of his own privations, of the oppositions which he had had to encounter, of seemingly little fruit from years of faithful sowing ; and give such advice and conso- lation as only personal experience could enable one to give. " There is still another way in which, as Churchmen, we may view his life, and which it would be great injustice to his memory to omit; and that is in its connection with education in its best and highest sense — education founded on religion. More than half a century ago, before throve to be the most enduring monument of his fame. Sweet to him had been the uses of adversity, for though his contest with the civil power had been obstinate and exhausting, and though he had been worsted in that contest, nevertheless, his ascent from the 'valley of humiliation' was luminous, if not Avith victory, at least with hope. In the strength of acquired wisdom and inherent faith, he appealed to new agencies, and called into use new instruments of work. He took a closer survey of the moral landscape, and examined afresh the most approved codes of Christian warfare ; and he soon learned how to move and combine forces with which, until then, he was presumed to be unfamiliar, and in which he had placed but little trust. Thus was it, that by means of what we may truly call 'the weak things of the world, he confounded the things that were mighty.' Turning from Princes in whom he ceased to place his trust, and from laws, which, like reeds, had broken beneath his weight, he appealed to sentiment and religion, to faith and duty, to individual sympathy, and to individual sacrifice. In the sacred names of truth aiid justice, he invoked the aid of that voluntary principle which he had formerly dis- credited, and sought in the freewill offerings of the many, 3o3 what he had hoped to find in the muniticence of one. He a])pe!ilod to honour and self-interest, to tlie recollection of wrongs, and the conviction of right, and liis stirring words called into life the latent enthusiasm of gifted souls. His heart was inflamed with the fire he had kindled. He would scarcely give sleep to his eyes, or slumber to his eyelids, until he had erected a College wherein the Divine law should fill the chief place in the circle of the sciences. Thus he turned from the creature to the Creator, from human policy to the Divine Government, from man to God. He shut the statutes that the sunlight might shine upon the Gospel. He endeavoured to 'forget the things that were behind,' that he might, with an untrammelled mind, 'reach forward to those that were before,' and being im- pelled by memory and allured by hope, ho moderated his appeal to the intellect that he might intensify his address to the heart. It was a brave siijfht to behold the heroic Bishop playing the roll of a voluntary. It was a brave sight to see one who had passed the period of life allotted by the Psalmist, stooping afresh to take up its burden, and submitting once more to the toils and sacrifices, the trials and disappointments which he had some right to lay aside. It was a brave sight to see one who could be indifferent to })ersonal ease and conventional prudence, to the suggestions^ of comfort and the seductions of policy, setting himself to the duty of building in Canada a monument such as Wil- liam of Wykeham erected at Oxford, not only where the work of education might be begun in the faith of Christ, but where, in the strength of the adorable Trinity, it might be continued and ended to the glory of God. "Though there was a sting in his stjle, there was no spite in his nature. He might thro\v his antagonist roughly, but he would pick him up again kindly. Or should the issue of the conflict be reversed, he would ac- cept his defeat with the grace of one who could respect his victor. Being a courageous, he was also a magnanimous 45 354 man. His views were large views, alid when they could be indulged without violence to his religious logic, they were generous views. Thus in his dealings with his Clergy, he recognized great latitude of opinion, for practi- cally he had a just appreciation of the religious liberty which is consistent witli the s})irit and genius of the Anglican Church. His own principles were clear and well defined ; nevertheless, he had a scholar's respect for the learning as well as for the ininciples of other peop'e, and hence he neither required an Islington password nor a Liturgical shiljboleth from Clergymen who desired to work in his Diocese. In common with the great boily of Angli- cans lie may have preferred the principles of Arminius to those of Calvin, but he did not <»u that account brand with an anathema, or blemish with a prejudice, timse weaker Christians who could not receive the full measun; of the Catholic faith. "The benevolence of the Bishop was pracriniinating gracel'uIuesH. Misfoitunr rarely iip|M-ul('d to him in vain, and i^nerty .seldom left his l:<>uhe unrelieve whit \\tf ^4»l whjt^h mt*rt' liM gHIa ^"wy with imii w igipfi ii mimA, m * Iniit Im hm flnRMMRIHMML mMI MMNHl mk UBm WBtt Hi #Vm MII110 j MM Wl ^^H^«4^ ^tmm m^^^^^mttl th^L ^a ^^«m^ tti^e ^^^ if|j,iJ ^^^ imip^PvVi^^ ^ww^w wBIHPW^"^^^^* *^^WB^^ ^H» ^HI^^^^WW ^^^W^W? flHViV ^B^w^B ^^^^^r 355 his blessing to bestow, yet of that little he bequeathed 'his dear College' his 'joy of grief,' as a mark of his affection, the valuable library which he had accumulated, and the costly plate which his Cornwall scholars had given to him. "In matters of charity and benevolence as well as in matters of general philanthroj)y or local improvement, his were the sajjacious counsels and the strenfrthenini; words, the guiding hand and the generous heart, the ad- vice and co-operation tliat went far towards crowning exertion with success. Moreover, there was a j)hase of charity which shewed itself conspicuously in those exact- ing forms of civic couiage which test our metal, and are perhaps more trying tfl<«4ihli' hia mr^l »«tw'k fUmtr U» lii»» «liity lit ihttn r*onfr««niifi!;i' r, lUi a < 1irieri*'nce, that the ways of rt-ligion are 'ways > oii him. but Ik* was not iii<«« -n^ible to itM preHMun*. J lie duti«'H w)ii4h Im' ]uu\ lnT»'t'»fon' l.« «ri cnHbh**] Ut j«'H«»nii without diffiitilt V \»nmf ciUM'tiiig mui «»pj»r«"v*iv. His «iiHHi«ij < Jim- Uio- } )>ri^fWrtti Jim wtMli.tuM luMiitn-ifd ii aright > • !•-< tod m liM aniwljttt<*r in t!)<- KumnptjU'. *m*' wU^- ..^d U«n htK \m\Hl imt\ wtm hi>« itht^i, wImi Siaoi dmmmi to- »'- 'n^itu})ils of the deceased Prelate, viz.. The Ven. the AkchdeacuN of Niagara, the Rev. William McMukray, D.D., D.C.L., The Hon. Vice Chancellor SPRACiCE, Messrs. William Gamble, F. H. Heward, and John Ridoitt. The CofHn which wjis covered with black cloth, with mountings of silver, bore on a plate the following inscription : The H;»nourable and Rij'ht Reverend JOHN STKACHAN. lU). LLU. FifHt Bishop of Toront<», Horn 1 2th April, 177H Died J»t NuveiiiUr, lH(i7. Al fi<|ii«rti>r U> tw<»Uu» PnM'i*HNiou \h"^uh i«. hM»\«' Tlie Hir4«*'t« oti tin* rout*' \»'»'n' dtnwly throiij^t**!. ttiid i-wry wituliiw whu'li < M >, til ! :>- \ i.w at Mtiy \Mimi win* iltiwd^l wiili ««fW i^> Thi> toiiowing whm th«f 300 Firing party — One troop of the 13th Hussars, mounted. Officers of the 10th Royals, Officers of the Volunteer Artillery Battery and Foot Artillery. , Officers of the Grand Trunk Brigade. Officers of the Queen's Own. Volunteer Staff Officers. Regular Staff Officers. St. George's Society. St. Andrew's Society. ^ St. Patrick's Society, The City Police Force : Officers in rear. The Members of the City Council. The City Officials, Upper Canada Law Society, Law Students. Professors and Students Victoria College. Masters and Students Upper Canada College, Masters and Pupils Normal School. Faculty and Students of Toronto University, Graduates and Undergraduates Trinity College. Professors of Trinity College, Clergy of tliis and other Dioceses. Revs. S. Givins and Dr. Scadding, Chaplains. The Bishop and the Dean of Toronto. Pnll Bearers. «» Pall Iknrert. VI The Ven, the Archdeacon of Toronto, j^j The Ven. tlie Archdeacon of Niagara. The ProTOsl of Trinity College. Af The President of University College The M;ivor of Toronto. ^ Hon. H. J. Boulton. The Chief Justice of Ontari». Jla The Lient«uant Governor of O'llariu. Verger and Valet. Muuruen. Citixeni un foot. Carriagei. K. L. 1 'KNIH<>N. Vjm\, litul kiii«lly mtim-jit*-*! t^) lU't iin llwnihali t4> the Vniin*mHm, whi« h wrh it(»t U-m ihmi fori^-five iiuauum iti immiiv^ way 01145 ptitjii; Mfi hk 361 skilful dispositions, aided by the military authorities stationed at different parts of the line, secured an order and regularity of movement which greatly contributed to the solemnity of the funeral ceremony. As the head of the Procession reached the Cathedral it took open rank, and thus allowed the Hearse to approach the entrance. Here the Coffin was removed by the six gentlemen before mentioned, and conveyed to the door of the Church, whence it was borne up the nave, preceded by the Clergy of the Church, The Service for the Burial of the Dead was then proceeded with, the Psalms being read by the Rev. Canon Baldwin, M.A., the Lesson by the Rev. Canon Beaven, D.D., and the remainder of the service by the Very Rev. the Dean of Toeonto. The musical portion of the service was most impressively rendered by a full and efficient choir, under the direction of Mr. John Carter, the organist of the Cathedral, and consisted of the following : f\ As the body entered the Church. Introductory Sentences. — Chant: Gregorian, 4th Tone, No. 284, Chaufs and Tunes. 1AM the resurrection and the life.saith the Lord : lie that belie voth in ine. though he were dead yet shall he live — and whosoever livtth and believeth in me shall never die. 1 know that my Redeemer Hveth ; and that He shall btaiid at the latter day upon the earth. And though afU'r my nkin wonns d«*Htn>y tliis Voly, yet ill my ii< nil shall 1 sshAll Miold, iiiid not aitotli< r . We 1»roU|^'in nothing into tliiM world ; and it Ih ci-rtHin wt^^'un j'urry nothing out The Lord sxns'- and thr bird hath uAt«n Hway y»»«»pd be thf nnm*' of the Loi^t 44 362 « Funeral March Mendehmhn. Gloria Patri after Psalms. — Chant, Dr. Blmv, No. 10, Chants and Tmies. IF After Psalms. Hymn. Tune, Windsor, No. 80, Chants and Tunes. "VfOW let our mourning hearts reviv^e, X 1 And all our tears be dry ! Wliy should those eyes be drown'd in grief, Which view a Saviour nigh 'i Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust, The aged and the young, The watchful eye in darkness clos'd And mute th' instructive tongue : Th' eternal Shepherd still survives, New comforts to impai-t ; His eye still guides us, and his voire Still animates our heart. " \ji I am with you," suith tlu* Lord, "My Church shall sjife ai»ide ; Fi»r 1 will ne'er forsake my own, NVh«»w sfiuk in me confide." Til rough ev*ry f»cen«' f>f life and d*«Hth This promine im our triwt : Aim! this Mhiill Ix* our children'?* »«>ng. WImmi w»' are <*old in du«t. •- WkiU> tlm^ml$mms beutu , '"/ to tim Wwuuuiu Mamih... C ifl y iii. 363 ^ While the hochj vjas being lowered. Anthem — "Dead March in 8aiil," arranged hy John Carter. FORSAKE me not, O Lord my God : be not Thou far from me. Haste Thee to Iielp me : O Lord God of my salvation. O spare me a little, that I may recover my strengtli : before I go hence, and be no more seen. Pa. xxyviii. 21, 32. Ps. xxxix. 15. IF After Committal Prayer. Anthem John Carter. T HEARD a voice from heaven, saying unto nu', Write, X From henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord : even so saith the S[)irit ; for they rest from their labours. II At done of Service. FuNEKAL March Beethovev. Air — " I know that my Redeemer livetli,"... Handel. "Tlie Cathedral had beer> pre|)ure««rv«*d in (Ih ojli. . •.( hi^i miniHtry mid w\n^i> hki«fttthly r« J«. MM wi r< tJnii pi<"s «»nly uiTasiorinlly tourhod ti|N>ii ; thfl pffurt hhwtmi uniformly was, t<» draw att4'ntion t<» the evcrj'-day Christian diitit's to which th«* Coiitirni<*«l hnd MpeciAlly iMiund tlnMnHflvfti, — an f¥c\(-i\*-\im\, ••oiitrol of t<*iii- per, affMTtiiinat** d#*jM»rtnM nf to jmn-nU aiMi to broih^r* aod nmU'Tn, a pur«* and ndi(|iout lift-. d«voiioo tu prny«*r Mid puhiir woraliip, a ^#«dy mkI I'ofiwif'ntioiia m^Um*\nnt*m mi tb* LoH'a Htipfier ft, frai« wti until atMnii iwu ytmr* tiiiaf« \m *Um^, t^t, — iw fiir m* w« e«ffi hmru. Mkf mm^ KtU\r*m»t^ «r#f* ^irr^M0tk. ki \kmi ikwm, m < rs urre pennitU'd U) take posses-sion for you when you wvro yet in your infancy ; an estate embracing thi) pardon of your MtiH, the favour and love of Almighty God, the afwiHiancc of Hi« grace and Holy Spirit, and the promi.'^.* of ctiTiml life; and therefore very fttly denominated a " HtmU' of salvation." At thi« entnmce u|»on the }M».swH>ion c»f it in your own najiieM, the (.liurch rcjoiccH. The angels irf* U#^veii have li**ii H\tf.iitU}m, and arc glad. Tin bl*fv«ed Kttleeiwr of our race ret'eiveH gratiHcati<«n, ainl take* you by ih«f haivi ; and th * Altbigiity Father of ail bfingn etmtk-fmsemU to \m)*t*tw on ycm Hij* heavenly Im*ii«- (tte^an. H** tfmU, in the int|Ktrt of what liaM n<»w \mem (kdv, as jrail iwi tt|xiti it and aa we < out^ inphit^ it, that w« i&ouid matoaJly l*f HIM witli Minitrati«-ti and f^mi*- tmkc, with kmmil'tty and joy ; afi 1 1; that you are always to be con- cerned so long as you continue in this world. You have promised to the Most High God, your Redeemer, and best Benefactor, to renounce whatever He has forbidden ; to believe whatever He has taught ; and to do whatever He 367 has commanded. As you look forward into this path upon which you have entered, does it seem to you a difficult one ? For man to be good and gain heaven is not a light business. But how great, how encouraging, how animating, are your incitements to fidelity ? If you per- severe, the Holy Ghost will remain with you. You will have in life the favour of God, the knowledge of forgive- ness, the consciousness of holiness. He, who died for you, will see with satisfaction the fruit of His love. Your parents and friends will be gladdened, and society adorned and refreshed by the beauty and fragrance of your virtue. When death shall approach, — for you must all die, — to convey you, from all you hold dear, to the tribunal of the Almighty, you will have the only hope by which man can be comforted and sustained in that most awful hour of human probation ; and from the tribunal of judgment, you will be taken to heaven ; there to be happy forever with all the good ; with Jesus, and with God. If, on the other hand, you become weary of this path, and desert it for any of the enticements of the world, the flesh, and the devil, your portion will be perplexity and dissatisfaction in life ; cheerlessness, if not horror, in death ; and ever- lasting banishment from heaven into regions of darkness and undiscovered woe. What powerful motives are found in this alternative, to the most careful and constant per- formance of your Christian duties ? What inducements to keep your souls diligently, to pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, to endeavour to be righteous before God ; walking in all the commandments and ordi- nances of the Lord blameless ? Study then, my young friends, the Holy Scriptures. They are given by your Heavenly Father " a light unto your feet, and a lamp unto your paths." Study some por- tion of them every day, that you may regulate all the con- duct of your lives by them, for they contain for you the only certain instruction In them we have the words of 368 eternal life ; they are they which testify of the Lord, Ac- custom yourselves to ask in daily private prayer, and to seek by a devout attendance on the services of the sanc- tuary, the continuance and increase of God's Holy Spirit. It is promised to you if you will seek it, and use it faith- fully ; and without it you can do nothing. Ilemember your obligation to respect yourselves, and to al)stain from all sin and wickedness, — recollecting that you are the temples of God, and that " the Spirit of God dwel- leth in you." As soon as you can, with a full trust in God'« mercy, and with a quiet conscience, go to the holy table to celebrate the Lord's Supper ; and never neglect in the course of your lives to attend, with the suitable prepara- tion and dispositions, this most comfortable ordinance. It is in this Sacrament we must find the food which, from time to time, will refresh and sustain our spiritual life, and prove frequently the medicine which will heal our sickness. To these helps from the mercy of God, fail not tc add the exertion of your own reason and faculties, to be faithful and conscientious in all the relations of life, which, in His Providence, he shall require you to cultivate, — especially that benevolence, and readiness, and desire to do good, which is and ought to be a conspicuous part of Christian virtue, and which, we have reason to believe, it is particularly agree- able to our Heavenly Father to behold in His children. Meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ the pattern of all that is perfect in man ; and endeavour, by the assistance of that gi-ace which you have received, to be like unto Him. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, v\''hatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any vir- tue and if there be any praise, as becomes you as Christ's followers, think on these things. In this way you will be rendered as perfect and as happy as a person in this world of imperfection and sorrow can be. The way that seemed arduous will be found, as you .369 advance, to be the way of pleasantness, and the path which you have chosen the path of peace, while all other ways lead down to the gates of Hell ; and it will conduct you at last to the inheritance of Heaven. But if you at any time quit it, repent immediately, I beseech you, and return to it, that so iniquity may not be your ruin. In conclusion, I cannot but be filled with the greatest anxiety; and the san. words which the wise King of Israel addressed to his son I now leave with you, — " And thou, Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing mind. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee ; but if thou for- sake him, he will cast thee off forever." And, my young friends, do not fail to remember that Confirmation is the point of union between the two Sacra- ments : Baptism and the Lord's Supper, Born into a new life by the one, we can only be sustained in that life by the other. Receiving the breath of life from God's Holy Spirit in the one, we are now maintained in that Spirit by the other, — namely, by eating and drinking, sacramentally, the body and blood of Christ which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper. (11.) In speaking to candidates for Confirmation, I have fre- quently mentioned that it is an ordinance replete with blessings to the Church, and yielding a rich return to the zealous and faithful pastor. It is the seed time of a harvest which is continually springing up to cheer him on his onward course. His own experience yearly confirais the wisdom of its appointment; and even its occasional neglect or abuse serves to quicken his diligence in improving what he has found to be of inestimable value. But apart from its claim to respect and veneration, as being of Apostolic institution and primitive usage, the ordinance itself is so 47 370 beautiful and attractive, that when regularly administered, it gradually removes all prejudice, and daily advances in favour and estimation. Viewed as a solemn call to serious reflection, as an appeal affectionately addressed to the consciences and hearts of the young, and as a means of promoting the purest rela- .tions of love and tenderness amongst all the branches of their respective families, at the most important period of life, it seems to comprise all that is excellent and holy. Moreover, it secures to them more thoroughly the benefits of the prayers of the Church, of which they have become living and responsible members; and thus, by joining daily in the invocation of the Holy Spirit, promotes a more lively faith in their hopes of heaven. When you add to all this the pure and lasting impres- sions to which it frequently gives birth, and to which so many can appeal in after times, it is not only the season of great and certain improvement, and the dawning of new hopes and firmer resolutions, but the commencement of a deepened spirituality, and a closer walk with God. Hence it cannot fail to secure the sympathy and approval of every serious mind. Remember, my young friends, that pei-sonal religion is a constant and progressive work, — a work which you are now expected to enter upon with fresh energy, and thus prove your affection to your Saviour. Remember also that the ratification this day of your baptismal vows, is your enlistment in a warfare which will never for a moment cease until the hour of your death. The Holy Scriptures speak of the Christian life as a shining light, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day : as the field of the husbandman in which appears first the blade, after that the whole corn in the ear ; as the little leaven hid in three measures of meal, by which in process of time the whole is leavened ; as the grain of mustard-seed, which, though the least of all seeds. 371 becomes when it is grown up so great a tree that the birds of the air lodge in its branches. By such illustrations, we are taught that personal reli- gion is not something attained at once in perfection, and leaving nothing more to be done ; but a thoroughly per- vading principle, and one which is to be more and more influential, until every member of our bodies, and every faculty of our souls, is brought into complete captivity to Christ. Bearing these important truths continually in mind, I would further observe that, in order to advance in the Christian life, you must be faithful in the discharge of all the public and private duties of religion. By these I mean, the services of the Church and the duties of private prayer, — together with a constant study of God's holy word. Our blessed Saviour alluded to this class of duties when He said, "When thou pray est, enter into thy closet." Ho was himself an eminent example in this respect. He went up into a mountain apart to pray, and continued whole nights in prayer. The last act of His life was an act of prayer ; for He died with its language on His lips. The most eminent saints of all ages have also been men of prayer. Daniel, though burdened with affairs of state, kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks to God. It is the great secret of success in arduous toils, and seasons of perplexity. There is nothing like prayer to tranquillize the mind, and nerve it to steadi- ness of action. It fills the heait with an abiding con- fidence in God ; and St. Paul knew well its value, when he bade us " pray without ceasing ; to continue instant in prayer ; to pray always with all prayer and supplication." For your private* devotions, choose some hour when you are least liable to be disturbed by worldly thoughts, ai>d see that your appointment with heaven be religiously kept. Be regular and punctual in your devotions ; and let nothing but absolute necessity deter you from this duty. 372 If fatigue, or wandering thoughts, or disinclination ever tempt you to an omission of this duty, let them not pre- vail. Fight against such opposition, and then you will find your troubled heart acquiring a holy serenity, and the coldness of your devotion warming into love, as you meet with your Maker and Saviour face to face. And these words remind me that effectual prayer requires something of an effort, — a grasp, as it were, to realize its true work and even its conception. A gi-adual ascent in reaching the conception of sincere prayer, is demanded of us. Even the body seems to stretch itself to a fuller height, and rises, as it were, from the earth in coming up to God, — in standing so immediately in his presence, in pouring out our hearts in the accents of supplication and mere}'. The grandeur of the idea that we are enjoying the privi- lege of consulting in our difficulties the wisest and best man upon earth, or of advising with a departed parent or friend, or even with an angel, can but feebly realize the conception of coming directly to Go