table monument would be an
appropriate tribute to his memory by our Legislature and country.

* * * * *

The following are extracts of letters written to Dr. Ryerson, by Mr.
Bidwell, at the dates mentioned:

_May 21st, 1828--Kingston._--I admire and fully approved of your
plan (as I advised Mr. H. C. Thompson) of striking off a large
number of copies, in pamphlet form, of your Review of Archdeacon
Strachan's Sermon. (See page 68.) I have no doubt it will be really
a great service to the country to do so. Indeed, I sincerely think
that you could not in any other way be instrumental in promoting so
much the cause of Christ, as in the labours which you have
undertaken. The concerns of this Colony, as you see in the
newspapers, are attracting the attention of the British Parliament;
and the decided expression of public opinion here at present will
outweigh all that Dr. Strachan and his junto can say and do. My
father and I will shortly give the subject of Church Establishment
in this Province, contended for by Dr. Strachan, a full and careful
examination, and communicate to you the result.

_January 19th, 1829--York._--I rejoice once more to receive a
letter from you.... I sincerely thank you for your congratulations
on my elevation to the Speakership. I am sensible how much I need
the prayers and counsels of my friends in discharging the duties of
my station. I wish Christians would reflect what important
consequences may follow from every step taken by those in public
life, and especially in the Legislature.... I send you a copy of
Wilbur's Reference Bible, which I beg you will accept as a
testimony of my respect and friendship.

_March 10th, 1829--York._--The Marriage Bill has been passed, with
amendments made by the Legislative Council. The House is about
equally divided on trying questions, so that we often forbear
attempting measures which we would wish to pass. This unpleasant
state of things produces anxiety, uncertainty, and (worst of all)
violent party spirit. I can with great truth declare that I have
received but little satisfaction in my public life.

To you and your brother the Province owes a large debt of
gratitude. For one, I feel it sensibly, and wish most sincerely
that we could have the benefit of your counsel in our House. Two or