views, to which he
insisted upon the concurrence of the Conference. The resolutions
were discussed for three days. On the last day Dr. Ryerson replied,
after which the resolutions were negatived by a vote of 55 to
5.[101]

At the same Conference Dr. Ryerson was appointed secretary, by a vote of
41 to 14. But it was in regard to the election of Editor that the
greatest interest was taken, not so much amongst the Canadian section of
the Methodist people as amongst the members of other religious bodies.
The _Guardian_ stated:--

For the last two months the several provincial journals have
renewed their efforts of vehement vituperation against the Editor;
... they have sought and hoped to create a division in the ranks of
the Methodist family, and, by thus dividing, to conquer; they even
triumphed by anticipation--so much so, that the Editor of _The
Church_ oracularly predicted the speedy release of the Editor of
the _Guardian_ from his editorial duties.

The chagrin which was felt by these parties can be well imagined when
the ballot announced that Dr. Ryerson had been re-elected editor, by a
vote of 60 to 13! Speaking of this memorable triumph, Dr. Ryerson
declared that:--

Never before did I receive, directly or indirectly, so many
unequivocal testimonies of respect and confidence, not merely from
the Methodist Church at large, but also from members of other
churches.

In the meantime (as Dr. Ryerson stated elsewhere) the discussion on the
question of a dominant church monopoly and party ... proscription waxed
hotter and hotter; ... rumours prevailed of a change of Governors in
Upper Canada; the high church party felt that this was their time, and
perhaps their last chance to confirm their absolute power.... Under
these circumstances, I stated to the Conference that the moment that
the clergy reserve and other questions affecting our constitutional and
just rights as British Canadian subjects, and as a religious body, were
adjusted, we ought to abstain entirely from any discussions in reference
to civil affairs. When Dr. Alder's resolutions were rejected by our
Conference, one prepared by myself was agreed to, as follows:--

While this Conference has felt itself bound to express its
sentiments on the question of an ecclesiastical establishment in
this Province, and our constitutional and religious rights and
privileges,