aggressors upon each other....

As there were seven Apostolic Churches in Asia, we believe
ourselves one of the Apostolic Churches in Canada.... Those
persons, who believe that the instruction, and religious advantages
and privileges afforded by our Church will more effectually aid
them in working out their salvation than those which they can
command in any other part of the general fold of Christ, are
affectionately received under our watch-care; but not on account of
our approximation to, or our dissent from, the Church of England,
or any other Church.

With the settlement of the clergy reserve question ended my
controversy with the Church of England, as I have again and again
intimated that it would. Churches, as well as individuals, may
learn wisdom from experience. I therefore, submit, whether the
controversies and their characteristic feelings between the Church
of England and the Wesleyan Methodist Church in this province ought
not to cease, with the removal of the causes which produced
them?... Whether both Churches are not likely to accomplish more
religious and moral good by directing their energies against
prevalent vice and ignorance than by mutual warfare?

Dr. Ryerson concludes his letter in the following truthful and striking
language:--

I intend no offence when I express my conviction that the Church of
England in this province has vastly greater resources for doing
good than for warring with other Protestant Churches. I know her
weak points, as well as her strong towers. I am not a stranger to
the appropriate weapons for assailing the one, and for neutralizing
the strength of the other. And you have not to learn that it is
easier to deface than to beautify--to pull down a fair fabric than
to rear a common structure; and that a man may injure others
without benefitting himself. On the other hand I am equally
sensible that the Wesleyan Methodist Church has nothing to gain by
controversy; but I am quite sure, from past experience, as well as
from present aspects, that she has not so much to fear, to risk, or
to lose, as the Church of England. If controversy be perpetuated
between your Church and our own, I wash my hands from all
responsibility of it--even should the duty of self-defence compel
me to draw the sword which I had, in