They are not satisfied with
the present leading political party. They hope to see a new man
rise up with sufficient talent and influence to collect around him
a respectable party to act as a balance between oppression and
destruction. Some talk of a new election; some talk of leaving the
country; all seem to think that something must be done; none know
what to do. How ought we in this awful crisis (for an awful crisis
it is), to pray for the Divine interposition in behalf of our
distracted province.... I saw your venerable father last night. He
very much wishes you to write to him.

On the 7th of November, 1838, the first number of the 10th volume of the
_Guardian_ was issued. In it there is an elaborate article signed by Dr.
Ryerson (although he was then Editor), on the state of public affairs in
Upper Canada. In his introductory remarks he said:--

From the part I have usually taken in questions which affect the
foundations of our Government, and our relations with the Mother
Country,--and from the position I at present occupy in respect to
public affairs, and in relation to the Province generally, it will
be expected that I should take a more than passing notice of the
eventful crisis at which we have arrived. In conclusion, he says:
Having faithfully laid before the Government and the country the
present posture of affairs, and the causes of our present
dissatisfaction and dangers, I advert to the remedies: (1. Military
defence.) 2. Let the Government be administered as much in
accordance with the general wishes of this country, as it is in
England. 3. Abolish high-church domination, and provide perfect
religious and political equality. 4. Let them be at equal fidelity
to obey the authorities when called upon.... He who does most to
bring about this happy state of things in the Province will be the
greatest benefactor of his country.

FOOTNOTES:

[70] Even at this early date, Dr. Ryerson indicated the comprehensive
character of the system of education which he was afterwards destined to
found in Upper Canada.

[71] These words as to membership are identical with those which Dr.
Ryerson uttered fifteen years afterwards in his discussion on the
Class-meeting question.

CHAPTER XXVI.

1838-1840.

Enemies and Friends Within and Without.

Any controversialist, whose honest be