ess for proposing to preserve
the life interests of incumbents. The sentiments of the remainder are
pretty accurately conveyed by the terms of the address.

* * * * *

_To the Earl Grey._

Toronto, July 19, 1850.

[Sidenote: Reasons for agreeing.]

The 'Clear Grit' organs, which have absorbed a large portion of the
'Annexationists,' talk very big about what they will do if England
steps in to preserve the 'Clergy Reserves.' That party would be only
too glad to get up a quarrel with England on such a point. It is, of
course, impossible for you to do anything with the Imperial Act till
next session. A little delay may perhaps enable us to see our way more
clearly with respect to this most perplexing subject.

Lord Sydenham's despatch of January 22,1840, is a curious and
instructive one. It accompanies the Act on the 'Clergy Reserve'
question, which he induced the Parliament of Upper Canada to pass, but
which was not adopted at home; for the House of Lords concocted one
more favourable to the Established Churches. He clearly admits that
the Act is against the sense of the country, and that nothing but his
own great personal influence got it through, and yet he looks upon it
as a settlement of the question. I confess I see few of the conditions
of finality in measures which are passed under such circumstances.

* * * * *

_To the Earl Grey._

Toronto, March 18,1851.

I am far from thinking that the 'Clergy Reserves' will necessarily be
diverted from religious purposes if the Local Parliament has the
disposal of them. I should feel very confident that this would not be
the case, were it not that the tone adopted by the Church of England
here has almost always the effect of driving from her even those who
would be most disposed to cooperate with her if she would allow them.

* * * * *

_To the Earl Grey._

Toronto, June 14,1851.

On the whole the best chance for the Church interest as regards the
question, in my judgment, is that you should carry your empowering
bill through the Imperial Parliament this session, and that we should
get through our session and the general election, which is about to
follow, with as little excitement as possible. The province is
prosperous and t