to
destroy us, and when will the Church again have rest from internal
commotion and strife! And just at this crisis (a memorable crisis
to thousands of our Canadian friends) your excellent rejoinder to
Mr. Harvard's Pastoral came out in the _Guardian_. It was a balm to
the afflicted heart. It was a precious cordial poured forth. Your
letter was sent from house to house, from cottage to cottage, and
met with unequivical applause from all. The lowering sky began to
clear up, and we are encouraged once more to hope for clear
sunshine. You have had the courage to speak the truth in opposition
to men in high authority. Your letter was in every respect just
what it should have been, and thousands do most sincerely thank you
for it.

Rev. Joseph Stinson, writing from Simcoe, said:--

As far as I can ascertain, your appointment as Editor of the
_Guardian_ next year will give general satisfaction. The
President's Pastoral and your reply are producing quite a
sensation. Most people give Mr. Harvard credit for purity of
intention, but regret that the subject of politics has been
adverted to by him in such a form. Your remarks on the Pastoral
have hushed the fears of many who were greatly disturbed; but some
think that your statement of abstract right is carried too far, and
may at a future day be appealed to in support of measures which you
would utterly condemn.

Some of your old tory friends think that there is design in all you
write on these questions, and do not hesitate to designate you by
the amiable title of a "jesuit," etc. You can bear all this and
much more in carrying out your design, to show them that their
tactics are understood, and their proceedings are closely watched,
so as to prevent them from obtaining those objects which would be
alike unjust to us as a Church, and ungenerous to themselves. It is
well that in all of the "burnings which your fingers" have had, you
have not yet lost your nails; for I expect that you will need them
before long. The high church party have the will, if they can
muster the courage, to make a renewed and desperate attack upon
you. Fear not; while you advocate the truth, you can defy their
rage.

The public mind seems to me to be in a state of painful suspense.
The people hate and dread rebellion.