w, by the introductions with which you have been favoured. Mr.
Alder tells me that my bills will be dishonoured. If so, in
addition to the loss of character, there will be a waste of
property in fines, &c. We are all distressed, our drafts are coming
due and the Banks have ceased to discount, in consequence of the
stagnation of trade, through "stopping the supplies." We have
agreed upon a temporary mode of relief, by drawing upon you for
about L500. It has given me great surprise and sorrow to ascertain
that upwards of L5,000 are wanted to relieve us from our
difficulties. What an unfathomable depth this building has reached.
You must stay in England until the money is got. Use every effort,
harden your face to flint, and give eloquence to your tongue. This
is your calling. Excel in it! Be not discouraged with a dozen of
refusals in succession. The money must be had, and it must be
begged. My dear Brother, work for your life, and I pray God to give
you success. Do not borrow, if possible. _Beg, beg, beg_ it all. It
must be done!

Such were the circumstances under which this important mission was
undertaken by Dr. Ryerson. As a set off to these disheartening letters,
Dr. Ryerson received the following from some of his brethren in Canada.
Rev. Ephraim Evans said:--

I have become a consenting party to your being solicited, at
considerable sacrifice of feeling, to undertake a tedious journey
at the most untoward season of the year, for the good of the common
cause, and I sincerely tender, in common with my Brother James, my
best thanks for your kind compliance, and my hearty wishes for your
complete success. Indeed I feel most deeply that upon your success
depends, under God, the prosperity or downfall of the Upper Canada
Academy. Be assured that my most fervent prayers will be daily
offered up for your health and safety, for a happy issue to attend
your generous endeavours again to promote the interests of the
Church of our mutual affection.

I entertain not the slightest hope of being able to procure such a
Charter as we would be justifiable in accepting, or any support to
the institution from our own Legislature.

Rev. John Ryerson, writing from Hallowell, said:--

Your friends in Kingston (and all the Methodists there seem to be
such) spoke much about you a