owed with rich spiritual life and
free and vigorous in its independent action.

To a person of the statesman-like qualities of mind which Dr. Ryerson
possessed in so high a degree, these things must have been ever present.
They gave evident decision to his thoughts and vigour to his pen. He was
no novice in public or ecclesiastical affairs. He had been trained for
fifteen years in a school of resistance, almost single-handed, to
ecclesiastical domination, and had detected and exposed intrigues,--one
of which was of parties in this conflict, which was entirely derogatory
to the dignity and independence of Methodism in Canada. (See pages
238-241.)

His knowledge of public affairs and of party leaders gave him abundant
insight into the motives and tactics of men bent upon accomplishing pet
schemes and favourite projects. And all of this knowledge had so ripened
his experience that it rendered him the invaluable and trusted leader in
Canadian Methodism, which in those days made his name a household word
in the Methodist homes of Upper Canada. This trust and confidence he
never betrayed. His unswerving fidelity to his Church and people cost
him dearly--the loss of many friends, and the reproaches of many
enemies. But he survived it all, and was enabled, under Providence, to
mould the institutions of Canadian Methodism and even of his native
country. He has left on some of them the impress of his mind and genius,
which it is the pride of Canadians to recognize and acknowledge to this
day.

FOOTNOTES:

[111] The more important parts of the painful proceedings at this
Conference are given in "Epochs of Canadian Methodism," pages 341-358.
The result of this formidable attack on Dr. Ryerson by the English
Missionary party before the Canada Conference, is thus stated by Rev.
Dr. Carroll: "When the Rev. Matthew Richey's motion of condemnation on
the Rev. Egerton Ryerson for his interference in the matter [of the
Government grant of L900 to Wesleyan missions] was put to the
Conference, there were only eight in its favour, several of whom, after
obtaining further light, wished to change their votes; and fifty-nine
against it. Three were excused from voting."--_Case, etc._, vol. iv.,
page 298, note.

CHAPTER XXXV.

1840-1841.

Last Pastoral Charge.--Lord Sydenham's Death.

The following paragraphs, prepared by Dr. Ryerson, refer to this period
of his history:--

In the autumn of 1840, on returning from England, wh