rammels, which a hostile, anti-Canadian and unpatriotic party sought
to impose upon him--single-handed as he was. He longed for more
congenial work. He also felt that literary freedom was essential to him
in his thorough and practical discussion of the all absorbing questions
of the day.[102] This it was well known he could do, in dealing with
these questions, not only on their own merits, but with the
comprehensive grasp which his enlarged experience, intuitive clearness
of perception, and naturally statesmanlike views on grave public
questions, eminently qualified him for.

As an illustration of the acknowledged ability, fairness, and
conclusiveness of argument with which he dealt with questions which
touched the sensibilities and even prejudices of leading members of the
British Missionary party in Canada, it is a striking fact that when
these gentlemen were not under the direct and potent influence of the
Mission House, they were Dr. Ryerson's personal friends, and gave him an
active support. This was particularly the case with the late Rev. Dr.
Stinson, a man of noble and generous impulses; Rev. W. H. Harvard,
always kind and courteous; Rev. Dr. Richey, a man of much refinement and
culture, and others. In the important crisis of 1838, both Dr. Stinson
and Dr. Richey voted for Dr. Ryerson as Editor. The former wrote a
strong letter urging his appointment as Editor. (Page 201.) The latter,
on his way to Halifax, after the Conference of 1839, wrote from Montreal
to Dr. Ryerson, as follows:--

Sir John Colborne, on whom I called, and by whom I was graciously
received, is delighted with the continuance of the Union. So are
all our Montreal friends, after my explanations. They will
immediately order the _Guardian_. Sir John paid a handsome tribute
to your talents, as who with whom I conversed did not? however they
might happen to view your course. They all say you commenced
admirably,--that the moment the paper passed into your hands, it
manifestly improved; and they all approve of your course for the
last six months, just about as well as you know I do. Adhere most
religiously, my dear brother, to the spirit and letter of the
resolutions, by which the Conference has expressed its will that
you should be guided. Your friend Joseph Howe[103] begins, I
perceive, to mingle with tories, as they are invidiously
designated. I do not wish you to be a tory; a