to Bishop Strachan's views in regard
to ecclesiastical polity. They are well known. On this matter also many
sound churchmen differed widely (and still differ) from his views. Yet
Bishop Strachan, while holding such strong and exclusive views, was
kindly disposed towards "Sectaries" individually, and lived on terms of
personal friendship with many of those whose opinions were opposed to
his on church questions. In his Legislative Council speech, already
quoted, he says:--

I have been charged with being hostile to the Scotch Church, and
with being an apostate from that communion.... My hostility to the
Kirk of Scotland consists in being on the most intimate terms with
the late Mr. Bethune and Dr. Spark.... To both these excellent men
I willingly ... pay a tribute of respect.... Nor have I ever missed
an opportunity, when in my power, of being useful to the clergy of
the Church of Scotland, or of treating them with respect, kindness,
and hospitality. (Page 22.)

Again, in his sermon on "Church Fellowship," preached in 1832, Dr.
Strachan says:--

Widely as we differ from the Roman Catholics in many religious
points of the greatest importance, we have always lived with them
in the kindest intercourse, and in the cordial exchange of the
charities of social life. The worthy prelate, by whom they are at
present spiritually governed, has been my friend for nearly thirty
years. With the members of the Church of Scotland we associate in
the same manner....[81] The merits of our sister Church cannot be
unknown to you, my brethren. To me they are familiar, and connected
with many of my cherished and early associations.... Of that
popular and increasing class of Christians [the Methodists], who
call themselves a branch of our Church, both at home and abroad, I
would speak with praise. (Pages 23-25.)

As to his relations with Dr. Ryerson, I here insert two notes from the
Bishop to him. The first is dated February 7th, 1838, as follows:--

The Archdeacon of York presents his compliments to the Rev. E.
Ryerson, and begs to acknowledge with satisfaction his courtesy in
sending him a copy of his excellent sermon on the Recent
Conspiracy, which the Archdeacon has read with much pleasure and
profit. Such doctrines, if generally diffused among our people,
cannot fail of producing the most beneficial effects