llor amongst men of differing views, he determined to
take the initiative in settling, on a satisfactory basis, the future
course of the _Guardian_ as to the discussion of political and social
questions. At that Conference, therefore, he prepared and submitted a
series of resolutions to the following effect:--

1. That the _Christian Guardian_, as the organ of the Conference,
shall be properly and truly a religious and literary journal, to
explain our doctrines and institutions, and, in the spirit of
meekness, defend them when necessary; to vindicate our character,
if expedient, when misrepresented; to maintain our religious
privileges, etc. 2. To publish general news, etc. 3. That the
_Christian Guardian_ shall not be the medium of discussing
political questions, nor the merits of political parties; as it is
injurious to the interests of religion, and derogatory to our
character as a religious body, to have our Church amalgamated or
identified with any political party.

These resolutions were cordially adopted by the Conference.

_October 4th, 1834._--In a letter received by Dr. Ryerson from Rev. G.
Marsden, Liverpool, the latter referred to this subject and said:--

Your continuance in office, as editor, is of very high importance;
indeed, in some respects it is essential to the consolidation of
the Union. Loyalty to our Sovereign, and firm attachment to the
British Constitution will be supported by it. You will also be able
to defend, and to support sound Wesleyan Methodism; and the
foundation being now laid, you will be able to guard it well.

Rev. E. Grindrod, also writing from England, said:--

From the _Christian Guardian_, I perceive that you have had a hard
battle to fight, but you have proved victorious; and at a future
day, I have no doubt, you will rejoice that the Lord counted you
worthy to suffer in the achievement of an object which will
probably result in immense benefit to a whole Province for
generations to come.

_January 28th, 1835._--About this time Dr. Ryerson received a
remonstrance on the subject from his brother John, who said:--

The more I think of your leaving the office, the more unfavourably
I think of it. There is a tremendous opposition to it in these
parts (Hallowell), among both preachers and people. I think it will
do the paper a great wrong; yo