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32X

5.^y^'-

CHAKGE

DEMTERED TO

THE CLERGY

or ins

DIOCESE OF TOEONTO,

IN MAT, MDCCCLT.

JOHN,

LORD BISHOP OF TORONTO.

TORONTO :

PRINTED AT THE DIOCESAN PRESS.
1851.

OlIyiRGE.

My Reverend Brethren, —

ll Nearly four years have passed away since I had an

opportunity of addressinrr you collectively; for at the usual
period of holdinf^ my Visitation, last summer, I was absent in
England, on matters of the utmost importance to the future
proarress and well-bein^ of the Church in this Diocese.

^ INTRODUCTION.

It is with |rrateftil aeknowlediremenrs, therefore, to that
merciful Providence wiiich has preserved me during a long
-* nnd arduous journey, that I find myself aj^ain among my bre-

^ thren, and able to enjoy the privilege of once more laying
before them a condensed notice of what has taken place, in
the Colony and in the mother countrjr, affecting our commu-
nion, since we last met, as well as a brief review of our present
condition and future prospects.

Indeed this interval of four years has been more preg-
nant with events vitally affecting our Church, both at home
and abroad, in her spiritiuil and temporal interests, than any
previous period of hor history.

In truth, the pressure from without, and her unhappy
divisions within, have been such as to try men's principles,
and call up the most serious reflections. Especially has it
been a period to convince those who preside over her affairs
of their manifold deficiencies, their need of greater watchful-
ness, and of the growing necessity of still abler and better
men, more fitted by long experience, sound learning, and
keener spiritual discernment, to enable them to meet with
success her increasing difficulties.

It i8 true that we, in this distant corner of onr Lord'f*
vineyardj have been till lately in the tranquil enjoyment of
many precious blessinjrs, without any great mixture of alloy.
And even now, when the storm seems to be approaching, we
have much for wliich to be thankful, and feel encouraged to
believe, that God's dealings with his Church in this Diocese
will continue to bless her, notwithstanding the troubles and
adversities with which she may be assailed.

They are indeed the less to be dreaded, because they are
chiefly of a temporal, and therefore of a transient character ;
but even should they multiply and become more and more
gloomy, what are they but tri;ds for our good, so long as we
possess God's holy Word — his blessed Sacraments in all their
pureness and integrity, the liooU of Common Pri»yer, and
full liberty to meet for divine worship every Sunday, an<i at
all other reasonable and appointed times, to consecrate the
same to our Redeemer with penitence, prayer, thaidtsgiving,
and praise.

When we last met in Visitation, our Cleroy numbered
one hundred and eighteen, and they are now about one hun-
dred and fifty; an increase which ou(:ht to encoura-'-e us t*>
still greater exertions in our Divine Master's service.

The general extension of the Church, in the new as well
as in the old settlements, has been equally favourable, and
continues most promising in all parts of the Diocese. In
our larger towns, congregations and churches are multiplying
with joyful rapidity, and the erection of a new church docs
not seem to lessen the congregations already formed.

We have now upwards of two hundred places of worship
open every Sunday, and it is hoped on all the festivals of the
Church; besides many Stations, where the services are cele-
brated at longer intervals.

The Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is more fre-
quently administered. Holy Baptism more reverently and
Heasonably celebrated, and candidates for Confirmation are
more carefully prepared, and regularly increasing, at every

ir Lord's
anciit of

of alloy.
iiiig, we
irajred to

Diocese
l)les and

tlicy aro
laracter ;
lid more
'^ as vvc
uU their
yrr, and
', and at
rate the
:sMivin<r,

urnhert'd
)ne liun-

;e us t*>

V as well
bio, an<l
ces(\ In
Itiplyino-
rcli dots

' worship
lis of the
ire cele-

lore frc-
ntly and
ition are
at every

Parochial Visitation whic-h I make In travellin^r through th*»
Diocese. The result of my tour of confirmation in 1849,
gave an increase of nearly one thousand over that of 1846.

Moreover tl.ere is a growin-r reverence for God's house,
and His worshij) is iraining (rround among young and old.—
A spirit of olfcring the Lord's part begins to be felt in many
congregations, and if carefully and kindly fostered, may b(.
made to spread through the whole Diocese. Private and
tainily prayer is becoming more general, and a stronger feel-
ing cnttM-tainc'd, that as we are immortal and must soon pass
into atiother state of existence, the present world ought not
to engross the whole of our time and alToetions. To^all this
I am most happy to ad<l, that the blameless life of my Clergy,
and their fairhfid zeal and untiring diligence in the Lord's
work, is in this Diocese the rule with very few exceptions.

We have indeed had our casualties among the ranksof our
brethren since my last Visitation, as must ever be the case in
this transitory world; two were found wanting and permitted
quietly to depart; two had scarcely commenced the exercise
of their sacred functions when they were called away from the
evil to come; one in the prime of manhood, while success-
fully employed in his ministerial duties, and giving the bright-
est promise of long and affectionate usefulness, was summoned
by a mysterious Providence to depart to a happier sphere and
to still more blessed occupations ; five were aged and tried
hiborers in the Lord's vineyard, and we trust ready to appear
m his presence, and over whoso graves we might say with
humble confidence— "Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord, even so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labors."
Affectionately do we believe that the record of all those
our departed brethren is on high ; and having lived and died
in faith and entered into their rest, they have left to us all,
and more especially to their parishioners, the memory of the
just, which is blessed, and an example to follow their faith, in
order to enjoy the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday to-day and for ever.

Our great Instifution, tlie Church Society, is daily gain-
jng ground, ai»d increasing in strength and usefulness. It is
gradually pervading every corner of the Diocese, and it is
hoped, that in a very short time we shall have no mission
without a Parochial Association, carrying out with willing
hearts all its objects to the best of their power and ability.

It must be the grand instrument of the Church, in pro-
moting, under her guidance and direction, the various secular
and spiritual schemes which she has already commenced, or
may hereafter adopt, to unite her members, extend her influ-
ence, and combine their energies towards her stability and
support. By such united efforts only will she be enabled to
fulfil her mission, and by the divine blessing to make thi»
land the garden of the Lord.

RURAL DEANS.

The great increase of my Clergy, and the consequent
extension of the Church in the new settlements, with the ne-
cessity of giving system and order to her proceediiigs, ren-
dered it expedient, if not necessary, to establish a more easy
and confidential channel of communication with the Bishop
than heretofore; not merely to ascertain more carefully by
inspection the state and wants of each locality, but to give
such direction and encouragement to the proceedings of the
different congregations, as mature experience may suggest.

Moreover the Bishop found that his epistolary corres-
pondence, especially with the younger Clergy, for advice and
instruction in their parochial arrangements respecting the
building of Churches, Parsonages, School-houses, &c., was
becoming physically oppressive ; that in such matters he
might be relieved by his elder Clergy, were one of experi-
ence always at hand to suggest to his younger brother the
wisest course, and encourage him to prosecute it to a success-
ful issue.

Above all, the inestimable interests of Christian Faith
and Charity, under the sanction of regular authority and the
enforcement of discipline, not by severe remonstrance, but by
friendly affection and fatherly counsel, in which the feelingsi

laily gain-
ess. It i»

and it is
10 mission
til willing
ability,
li, in pro-
)us secular
nenccd, or

lior influ-
bility and
L>nable(l to
make tlii>i

onscquent
th the ne-
iiigs, ren-
more easy
le Bishop
refiilly by
It to give
igs of the
Higgeht.
ry corres-
idvice and
'Cting the
, &e., was
[Ratters he
)f cxperi-
I'other tlie
a success-

ian Faith

;y and the
ce, but l)y
e feelinga

and the mistakes of the young might be touched tenderly and
kindly, would be essentially advanced, and thus give unity
and force to the Church as a body in all her proceedings.

These are some of the grounds which induced me to
think of Rural Deans as a most useful element of Church
Government, and very much in accordance with the parental
superintendence of the Church in her primitive days.

With Hiioh views and expectations I selected ten Pres-
byters of ability, zeal, and long standing in the Diocese, foi
Rural Deans, purposing to increase their number should
the benefits looked for be realized, and the duties (which are
gratuitously discharged) prove, from the great extent of some
of the Deaneries, too onerous.

The Rural Deans, with the Archdeacons, will constitute
a standing body always watching over the wants, the perils,
the disci[)line and well-being of the Church.

Although the Reports of my Rural Deans are not yet
all before me, I have great reason to be well satisfied with
their disinterested services. They have been in general well
received by the Clergy and Congregations of the Missions
which they have visited, and by their kindness, discretion, and
practical knowledge, have smoothed many difficulties, and
promoted in various ways, the healthful position of several
parochial localities.

Permit me to add, that if in any case a Rural Dean has
not been received with the cordiality to which his oflice and
kindly visit entitled him, it must have arisen from some unfor-
tunate misconception; but it should be remembered, that a
willing obedience in all things lawful is our bounden duty,
and especially required in this Diocese, surrounded as we are
by so many difficulties requiring a firm and cordial co-
operation.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARV.

You are aware that our Theological Seminary at Coburg,
(which has been conducted with so much ability, and has been
of so great benefit to the Church, by the great number of

zealous and active Clergymen which it has furnished), wa»
intended from the first to be temporary.

IJut so lowr as Killer's Collefrc existed, and enjoyed a
religious character, atid had not only a Professor of Divinity
to prepare our youth inclined to the Church for Holy Orders,
and to conduct roj^ulur service evening: and niorninif and on
Sundays and Holidays, — there was no urgent necessity for
makini^ any alterations in its constitution or efficiency.

liut whuMi the Le;^islature of this colony juissed an Act
suppressin<^ Kinu^'s CoUef^e, and excludiiiji^ from the new
University which it established, all relij^ious instruction
aecordinnr to any form of doctrine, prohibitinir any form of
prayer and every act of public worshij), and in a measure
disqualifying any of the under oraduates in holy orders fronj
appointment to the senate, the time for reinodellin^ the
Cobourjr institution seemed to have arrived.

The members of the Church, thus deprived of a Univer-
sity with which they could in any sense as relij^ious men
co-operate, felt it was their duty to sacrifice endowment rather
than principle, and that it was imi)ossible for them, jrreat as the
S'lcrifiee was, to hold connection with an institution now essen-
tially anti-Christian, though originally bearing the revered
name of the SovereigtJ of the empire, and expressly established
for religious purj)oses.

They determined, therefore, to use their utmost efforts
to establish a University in direct connection with the Church,
from their private means, and which should recognize the
principles of Christianity as the basis of education.

An appeal was first made to the clerical and lay members
of the Church of the Diocese, which was nobly answered, by
contributions in land and money, amounting to the value of
something more than twenty-five thousand pounds.

Encouraged by this generous liberality, which proved
that the Church was wholly with me, I proceeded to England,
and renewed my appeal to our brethren the members of the
mother Church ; and they, applauding the object and eonfidinw

hcd), was

enjoyed a
Divinity
y Orders,
!^ and oil
ossity for

id an Act
the new
MStructlon
y form of
I measure
derti fronj
Hinj^ the

a Univer-
ious men
?nt rather
•eat as the
ow essen-
; revered
itablished

3St efforts*
J Church,
fnize the

members

r'ered, by

value of

li proved
Eni^lund,
rs of the
confidlnur

in the faith and sincerity of our supporters here, gave hirprciy
of tlicir bounty, the two Bjreat Churcli Sociotit's and the Uni-
versity of Oxford taiiinj^ the lead in i\m work of Christian

love.

Since my return to the Diocese, a temporary Col'pnre
Council has been oriraiii/ed, a site has been purchased for the
Colle^re, which is to be called Trinity C:i)lli'ire, and contracts
entered ifito for the erection of the biiihlinj^s. The institiit'on
is intended for the whole Diocese; and in case of division, it
is proposed to jrive the new Bishop or IVi^hnps the same
authority and interest in its proceedings as the liisliop of

Toronto.

The position chosen is most l)eautiful ; and the Collefre,
when compU ted, will present a striking object and a great
ornament to the rWwjr city.

DIVISION or TiiF. Diocr.si:.

Soon after my ;>rrival in London, the Diocese of Quebec
was divided into two Sees, Quebec and Montreal.

This cnconrai^ed me to submit to the proper authorities
some considerations in tavour of dividing the Diocese of
Toronto into two or more Hishopries.

Such a division had already been contemplated as of
growing necessity, because the Diocese bad become tar too
large for the effectual S'.iperinteiidence of one IJishop ; but the
necessity had somehow given way to more pressing claims.

There had also been some reluc auce on my part in
pressing the measure, from a feeling of delicacy. The
Bishopric of Toronto had been established so recently as 1839,
and it seemed too soon to propose a division, as the incumbent
had scarcely served long enough to be entiiL-d to any dimi-
nution of his labours, and it was but reasonable that he should
continue to discharge them, while it was possible for him to do

BO with advantage.

llecognisiiig the force of all this, I contented myself with
sending alrief statement of the facts of the case to the Most
Ueverend and Right Ileverend the Archbishops and Bishops

formino^ the Council appointed to arrange measures in concert
with Her Miijesty's Government for the erection and endow-
ment of additional Bishoprics in the colonies and dependencies
of Great Britain, feeling' assured that by leavin<r it entirely to
their judj^ment, action in the premises would not be long
delayed.

As the letter referred to appeared in the "Church" nrvS"
paper, soon after my return to the Province, I do not quote it
in detail on this occasion.

I would however sug-g-est the wisdom of takin* steps,
without delay, to establish an episcopal fund within the Pro-
vince. For it is very desirable as a general rule, that our
Bishops should hereafter be selected from among our Colonial
Clergy; but there will be great difficulty in effecting this, so
long as the endowments for their support are furnished by the
Government or its friends in England, and to this fact I would
more especially and earnestly solicit the attention of our lay
brethren.

GORHAM CASE.

On landing at Liverpool, I was met by the decision of
the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's Privy Council on
ti»e Gorham case, and found it had set the whole Church in
commotion.

Nor was this surprising, since it assails the inestimable
doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration, which our Church has
ever held, and which is in close connectic.i with all Gospel
truth, and the commencement of the Christian life.

To find their faith and hope, their ingrafting ipto Christ
by holy baptism, male a mat'er of doubt and uncertainty,
became to thousands of the most simple aiid devout members
of the Church a source of the greatest perplexity and distress,
I may say oi" life and death.

The Churcli of England was, for 1500 years before the
Ueformation, Catholic; and her object at that period was not
to abandon her Catholicity, much less to establish a new Church
upon such platforms as Luther, Calvin, and Zuinglius might

wit

in concert
id endow-
endeiicies
ntirely to
be long

7i " nr vs-
t quote it

Iff

stepvS,
the Pro-
tliat our
Colonial
^ this, so
d by the
I would
our lay

vision of
uncil on
lurch in

stimable
irch has
[ Gospel

Christ
•rtainty,
lembers
[iistresS)

ore the
was not
Church
5 rniirht

in their ino-enuity devise ; but to purify herself from all the
corruptions and superstitions which, from i-norance and other
causes, she had contracted durin- many centuries, and to
return to the perfection and integrity of the primitive times.

She did not i>-ive up her Catholic character bscause she
^vithdrew from Papal supremacy, or hesitate to retain her
position as the pillar and ground of the truth And she still
continues, as she has ever been,a livin. reality,-an existing
ener-v in which dwells the Divinity-creatin-, conceiving,
bestowing, and supporting life, even life eternal.

One condition she requires of all her children: a firm
belief, not of the mind only, but of the whole man ; mind
heart, soul, and spirit-the whole will and uiner being in all
her doctrines, as set forth in her Articles and Book of Common

^'""^The hincrdom of grace and the kingdom of the exterior
world are eve" at work. The Divine agency neither slumbers
nor sleeps. The Father worketh, saith our Saviour, and 1
work. In the outer world, creation is never for a moment
suspended. O.e generation succeeds another And so it is
in Jhe spiritual creation :-the Church, the body ot Christ, s
ever adding to her members by holy baptism such as should
be saved, al.d moulding them, through thelledeemer s blessed
agency, for their heavenly inheritance. ^

Surely the mystery of holy baptism, in making us children
of God, members of Christ, and inheritors of the kingdom ot
heaven, is not more wonderful than the constant work of cre^
ation, in sending body and soul united into the world. But
because the latter is a fact of daily experience, the most scep-
tical dare not call it in question. «I will praise thee, for
am fearfully and wonderfully made: my substance was not hid
from thee when 1 was made in secret, and curiously wrou^^ht
in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my sub-
stance, yet being imperfect ; and in thy book all my members
were written, which in continuance were lashioned, when an
vet there was none of them."- Ps. cxxxix. vs. U, 15, 10,

The mystery which surrounds hoth births th-it of n .
ami of^.race, is to be received in nil I '"'."'' V^^'/ "«t»re
eithe, case the divine pow . n , 'L tI J^ \' ''''''• ^"
and I vv(n k. "lanitest. 1 he h ather worketh,

III conchuiintr thi*j n-irf- rvf ,« i •

«l.e merits of tl, S iil , ""rV'"' ''»' ""' "''''"""i™ "'
I'y tlic sur,. w„r,l „f ' ."*'""" " »"l'po«o,l, „s I conceive,

c^Lcic c;,,;:::'i,: ,::::';: ;-™™y. "r ''^"•^"- °'- "■-•■

"*■ l,uma„ i„te,-,,rc.tuti„„ Pffponclerating- weight

JtT„iC,A>, co,,,„„.,,E „,„ ,r„^
1 lie Court ivliicli cleciilml .1,,. "^ ™"^'^>'"

al^.-lo.l,c«„sisto,lofsi/„l„ ' ^ ?""" '" "'"'•'' ' ''"■■'
«f ti.e I'rivv Cm, n^i "■'"'?"'""'■' "* ""-' -('"licial Committee

i" tl-ir i,„|.„, e 'n,c ",' '"r, '."f"''--^ "■'■'■o .".a.n-m„u,

approl,a iool t tl,e L f;'''"r''"l» "I- S-'o it their

'n,„ ■ 1 'Sishopot Loudon reluseil to concur

"'" J"'Umi;"t was received f,i-„„. ""'"cur.

oftheCliureli l„.„...,. ■. """"•'"""■'"ly I'V one portion

an.lalarn,e'ca ',;■'' T'"'. ■'"^''"■' '""■ '"'h"Lu
P"i"..s of doctn-nr ' " '"^ '"'"""'' " ^^'^™"' '» 'Iccide

of M.e Con t ,n •7'":''"""""^"'' ""'' «!"' eompositio^

.■"'ortain ;.,: ea : '-n " "'"''''" '"^'''P^'-' '"
tl'em toho'evc rl "; 7 " """''"' '''''''' ^^1'-^»

.nay 1.0 Di^en r , :: r "IT" T"""'"'"" ■■ ""'>'

therefore to sit i„ . , *^'""''''' "'"' ougi.t not

foundation '''''""' "" "'«-' ^-'"l Pn-"ciples%f her

i' i-t::;::';,':!;:,^:';'"'!''' "■-. "• '-o •■. committee, .
-■•»-. Such :co:tt:::::;r;;;;rr:.r.^itr"

lat of nature
y faith. In
lier worketb,

L'l bound to
vocal teach-
plication of
'0 the <rrace
I conceive,
•lief of the
iiig weiirht

IL.

cli I have
^'ommittee

Bishop

iiianimous
e it their
concur,
e portion
I'eir par-
flii^nation
to decide

thinkinjr
"position
3etent to
requires
)n ; they
gilt not
I of her

it tee, as
•es, and
ce their
Jvance,

w I must 8:)on be removed ; for so long as it exists, the
in. ,;ity of the vital doctrines of Catholic truth are placed in
jeopardy.

The true remedy for this, and all the other evils which
afflict the Church, is to restore her to complete freedom of
action.

With respect to the f(\irful consequences which we are
told must arise from the decision of the Judicial Committee, I
feel little apprehension. The Court declared it had nothing
to do with sj)iritual thin-rs, and that its judgment had no
reference to doctrine, but only to a matter of fact. If it is so,
the Court has been singularly unfortunate in its manner of
expression.

But be this as it may, the Church of England as a Church
has never formally recognized such a Court or any of its deci-
sions ; and it is not likely that the mistake which it has om-
mitted, in adjudicating at all on a question winch ought never
to have been referred to its decision, will ever be repeated.

As regards the Royal supremacy, about which so much
has been said and written, we acknowledge it within the British
dominions in all things temporal and spiritual, that is according
to law. Now, the Crown can make no statutes without Par-
liament, neither can it settle doctrines without Convocation.

Let us all, therefore, rest assured that the authoritative
doctrine of the Church of England remains unchanged, and
will so remain in spite of a thousand such decrees. " The
scripture, upon -..iiich it rests, the creed which proclaims it,
and the words of prayer and praise, of exhortation, of instruc-
tion, of dogmatic statement, which, throughout her liturgy, bear
witness to it, arc all with us in their integrity. The truth
which they enshrine came not from man hut from God. Its
duration is eternity. No judgment of man can overthrow it."*

Instead of pursuing this subject any farther, I think it
would be better to refer you to the masterly review of the

Tiro arrmdiJS bT the Rev. JnS: J M, Ani1«rfion M. A ifi'io

whole case, and its probable conseqiioncos, in wliicli I entirely
concur, as f^iven by the Lord Bishop of London in his recent
char,i>c. It is most encourai,^in;r to have so eminent a Prelate
at such a crisis presidiuir over the largest and most influential
Diocese of the mother Church.

I'APAL AGGltESSION.

We have all heard so much of what is called the Papal
a<r(rression, that I would have gladly passed it over had it been
possible, because I have never viewed it in so formidable a
light as many aiound me.

1 begin my brief notice with observing that so far as it
offends against the Ptoyal Supremacy and the Constitutional
Law, the Imperial Government have the remedy in their own
hands, and it should be completely effective in rreeting the
evil. Nothing loss ought to be contemplated, and such a
remedy might be found without returning to any of those
penal enactments, which, whether wisely or unwisely have
been recently repealed and should never be renovvcd.

The time has gone by when an Italian INIc.nk could par-
cel out England as he pleased and set her Queen and people
at defiance. England can never be Iloman Catholic,— the
nation will never allow it. The Pope and his advisers know
little of the character of Englishmen,— they are trustful, un-
suspicious, slow to move, bearing long with growing evils
before they rise against them.

For many years the movements of Popery were almost
imperceptible in Great Britain. Thoy might be seen in Ire-
land in their most rampant aspect, but the honest-hearted
English seldom looked so far, a.id there was nothing around
them to excite suspicion.

Seein<^ little or no Micrease of Papal adherents, and its
old pretensions in a measure dormant, they believed in their
simplicity that all such were entirely given up, and that the
time had come to award to Uomanism the most liberal t lega-
tion. This was accordingly done, and amidst the compla-
cency and self-pride of bestowing favors, the good people of

1 I entirely
his recent

it a Prelate
influential

the Papal
had it been
rinidable a

so far as it
istitutional
1 their own
eetintr the
nd such a
y of those
isely have
ed.

could par-
Ill d people
liolic, — the
iscfs knovv
uistCui, un~
wing- evils

ere almost
ceil in Ire-
.'st-hearted
ing- around

ts, and its
?d in their
d that the
!ral t Icia-
10 compla-
people of

Eno-land beiran to think that the chi..noter of Ptonie and her
policy were altogether clumgcd or had become harmless.

Indeed the present jreneration had grown up so ignorant
of the machinations of Popery and the true causes of the
Penal Enactments that had been at their several periods
adopted against it, that mnny rejoiced in their total repeal,
and even thought that the Court of Komo, and Roman Ca-
tholics generally, had not only given up their exclusive prin-
ciples, but had gone so far as to recognize our Church as a
Branch of the true Vine.

From all this we have been suddenly awakened, and we
find (as the better-informed well know) that the principles of.
Popery are ever the same. It tolerates no other religion and
suffers no other opinions than its own.

Wherever Popery lifts her head and extends her branches,
all freedom of thought withers and disappears.

In his Bull which has made so deep a sensation, the Pope
considers England peopled with heathens. He takes no no-
tice whatever of our Church as if it had really no existence,
nor does he acknowledge a single Christian in the British
Isles except those who belong to his own fold. To be sepa-
rate from Home is to be cut off from the true Church and
from her Diviue Head. Union with Rome is said to be pre-
sent life and future safety. Apart from the Pope's pastoral
care, there is neither grace nor liope.

As Rome was before the Reformation so is she now; and
yet many eminent statesmen thought her changed, and be-
lieved that she had shared in the common benefits of civiliza-
tion, and had become more disposed to be liberal to other
denominations. But Rome changeth not. Being Infallible,
she can neither retract nor disavow. The very rescript of the
Pope establishing the new Sees in England thus begins :—
"The power of ruling tlie Universal Church committed by
the Lord Jesus Christ to the Roman Pontiff in the person of
Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, &c., &c.," acknowledges
no Church but that of Rome.

When tlierefore tlie Pope ignored our Church, it was not
as many supposed for the first time. It was indeed done with
more than former arro^rance. and in language the most offen-
sive, but it was the same assumption of unjust power which
Queen Eh'zahtth resented.

What then it may be asked are the results which are
likely to happen to the Church from the disturbances caused
Uy the Gorham case and the Papal aggression ?

I answer boldly, an irresistible and successful call to truth
of doctrine and unity of action,— results which, when obtained
will place her in a far stronger position than ever she stood
in before.

1st. As to the Gorham Case:— It is not believed that
there are six men in England of any authority as Divines,
who entertain the extreme views of that gentleman, and if all
who repudiate such views were openly and heartily to join in
doing so, the Church's doctrine would soon be vindicated so
far as it may have been impugned, and thus truth and peace
might through God's mercy be restored.

11.e controversy which has been so keenly conducted on
Holy Uaptism for some time past, has brought most reflectina-
men in the Church to think, that the difference between the
}»arties who have manifested so much bitterness a.rainst each
other on the question, is much less than had been supposed
and IS rather of degree than of principle.

All are ready to confess that some positive and intelligi-
ble bencht IS conveyed to the infant in Holy baptism, and is
designated by the word Regeneration. The difference then
IS as to the degree of the spiritual gift or blessing conferred,
and this again resolves itself into a degree of Faith, some be-
lieving the grace bestowed stronger, some weaker; but a
s ronger or a weaker faith arises from a variety of causes over

it: l^nmi::.'^^'"^"'^ "^ """^'' --^-^ ^^ -^ •^"^^'«-- -^

If the leaders of the two parties were to meet in a truly
christian spnit, they wouhl soon unite in some form of agree-

^ it was nol
d done with
most offen-
lower which

which are
ices caused

!all to truth
n obtained^
r she stood

lievcd that
s Divines,
, and if ail
' to join in
idicated so
and peace

iducted on
reflecting
.ween tlie
»inst each
supposed,

intelligl-
im, and is
?iice then
'onferred,
some be-
r; but a
uses over
ication of

n a truly
of agree-

ment which, while it affirmed Hegeneration in Baptism,
would guard against any disparagement of the further grace
of conversion where needed. Such a consummation would be
of inestimable value, and for it, we shall be indebted to the
Oorham case, which will thus by Divine Providence be over-
ruled for good.

The Papal Aggression is contemplated by men of influ-
once and piety with very opposite sentiments, by some with
alarm, by others with increasing strength and courage.-,
1 hose who th.nk that it places the Church in peril are swayed
by the deep impression left on their minds by the awful tes--
tjmony of former times, and they feel a pious horror at any
hing wh.ch threatens the foundation of our glorious Church
Jaid as It was by the hands, and cemented by the blood, of
martyrs. But aichoiigh somewhat desponding, they will be
no less resolute in the hour of battle than their more sanguine
brethren, and none will be more earnest than they, to promote
by their prayers and charitable deeds, as well as personal ex-
ertions, a successful issue for the glory of God and the benefit
ot the Church and Empire.

Hence we have another call for combined exertion, and
thus united m purity of doctrine and of action we may defy
all the powers of darkness.

SECESSORS TO ROiME.

In regard to Romish converts from our Church a word
must suffice. They are in general weak or faithless, perhaps
both. But even from the.B we derive great benefit, because
they refuse to be silent, and will, to the infinite damage of
Home, give reasons for their defection.

Now it would be well for the seceders to give no reasons
tor their departure, and to leave the tact for speculation and
niystery. fhey have done otherwise, and the reasons they
have assigned are in many cases so exceedingly silly, and
exhibit such a deplorable deterioration of mental vigor that

tioned m Scripture, that they should believe a lie; and, on

Ill)

leaving the Church, to liavc left all moral influence and intel-
lectual ability behind them.

I^Ioreover, it appears that long before they left us, most
of them were acting against us, and oating the bread of the
Church while the slaves of Rome. To prove this, ^Messrs.
Faber, Dodsworth, and Newman might be quoted. How
melancholy to compare Henry Wilberforce's excellent essay
on the parochial system with his recent letter to the parishion-
ers whom he has deserted. The essay is a work of merit, but
the letter is a tissue of superstitious absurdities. It would seem
that on breaking his ordination vows, God had withdrawn from
him all grace and enlightenment.

The same may be said of all the perverts ; and from the
desertion of such the Church can receive no damage. They
may be objects of pity in charitable hearts when their memory
rises up, and of sorrowful sympathy among their former
friends, but they will n^ ver be heard of more for good.

The English character is so honourable in keeping its
word, and so'hostile to anything like hypocrisy and double
dealing, that the disgraceful repudiation of recorded pro-
mises, and of all truth and justice, without which society
cannot exist, as exemi)lified in them all, lay and clerical, has
done infinitely more to strengthen the Church, than their
flight to weaken her.

What a corrupting religion must that be that could Induce
Lord Fielding to conduct himself in a manner so derogatory
to the character of a British Peer.

You shall not add, saith God, to the Word whicli I com-
mand you, neither shall you diminish aught from it. But
Rome is from time to time adding new doctrines and practices
regardless of God's commandment. Every word of God is
pu're. " Add not to his word (saith Solomon), lest he reprove
thee, and thou be found a liar." "If any man shall add
unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book."

Yet, notwithstanding all this, Rome is ever adding ;

pos
T

ce and intel-

left us, most
bread of the
this, iVIessrs.
noted. How
cellent essay
the parishion-
:of merit, but
It would seem
thdrawn from

and from the
mage. They
their memory

their former
■or good.
11 keeping its
y and double
recorded pro-
which society
id clerical, has
;h, than their

t could induce
so derogatory

which I com-
from it. But
s and practices
ord of God is
est he reprove
lan shall add

plagues that

ever adding ;

and that she may continue to do so without hindrance or
mole«JtHtioM, sjje has invented the doctrine of development,
to furnish new prirjciples and practices whenever she con-
siders their publication useful and convenient for her pur-
poses. But, in the stable ami unchangeable lessons of Divine
Truth there is no such development. For their perfection,
we have not to wait tlie slow process of observation and dis-
covery handed down from one generation to another. The
Book of Revelation is not therefore like the book of nature,
it came complete from Him to whom all things, past and fu-
ture, are present.

CLERGY RESERVES.

The recent publication of two dispatches on the subject
of tlie Clergy Reserves, renders it necessary for me to direct
your attention to their avowed object, and the influence they
are intended to exercise on the temporal affairs of the Church
in Canada.

Since this property first attracted the notice of the Co-
lonial Legislature in 1817, the members of the Church, in-
.luding both Clergy and Laity, have been content to act
entirely on the defensive and with calm and peaceful for-
bearance.

At tiiat early day, in order to prevent agitation in the
Colony, an oifer was made to refer the claim of the Church
of Scotland, then our only competitor, to the highest autho-
rities in England, on condition that both Churches should
acquiesce in the decision whatever it mi^-ht be.

This proposition, from various difficulties in carrying it
out, ultimately fell to the ground, and from time to time the
disposition of the Ciiurch property became a subject of con-
troversy in the Provincial Legislature ; and this because the
Imperial Government, from neglect, or enmity to the Church,
refused to give that protection to her Endowments which they
readily accorded to those of the Roman Catholic Church in
Lower Canada.

Yet so long as this Diocese r<'mained a distinct Colony,
b2 ^

«0

no measure detrimental to the claims of the Church ever took
effect. Even under the management and prevailing influ-
ence of that able and unscrupulous politician, the late Lord
Sydenham, a bill disposing of the Clergy Reserves was carried
by one vote only, a result which sufficiently proved that it
was not the general wisli of the people of the Colony to legis-
late on the subject.

Small however as this encouragement was, it enabled his
Lordship, then Governor (ioncral, to force the subject on the
notice of the Imperial Parliament, having .-.droitly stated that
the final settlement of the Clergy Reserves was essential to
complete the union of the two Cauadas.

Accordingly, a bill for this purpose was introduced into
Parliament in 1840, by Lord John Russell, her Majesty's Se-
cretary of State for the Colonies, and after protracted nego-
ciations and mutual concessions, in the spirit of conciliation,
between the Archbishop of Canterbury ami the Bishops then
in London, acting with his Grace on the side of the Church,
and Lord John Russell for the Queen's Government on the'
other, a compromise was at length agreed upon, and the re-
sult was the 3rd imd 4th Victoria, chap. 78, which provides,
as the preamble expressly declares, for the final disposition of
the lands called the Clergy Reserves.

The Church of Scotland was also consulted on this occa-
sion, and approved of the provisions of the bill before it be-
came a law.

A reference to the debate and proceedings on the mea-
sure in the Mirror of Parliament, will prove to every reason-
able and honest mind, that the object of all parties c'oneerned
was to settle the whole question now and for ever.

The great anxiety to put an end to the possibility of
again agitating the Colony on this subject is further manifest,
from the care taken by the Imperial Legislature to meet by
Its enactments the requirements of the different interpreta-
tions given to the words Protestant Clergy, i„ the 31st Geo.
3rd, chap. 31. For twenty-eight years they were held to

cli ever took
lilitig influ-
B late Lord
I was carried
)ved tliat it
my to legis-

enabled Jiis

iject on tJie

stated that

essential to

duced into
ijc'sty's Se-
icted nego-
onciliation,
ihliops then
he Church,
lent on the
md the re-
h provides,
"position of

> this occa-
I'ore it be-

1 the mca-
^ry reason-
concerned

jsibility of
r manifest,
o meet by
intcrpreta-
31st Geo.
'e held to

mean the Clergy of the Church of England only. In 1819,
the Law Officers of the Crown gave it as their opinion that
they embraced also the Ministers of the Church of Scotland,
not as entitling them to endowment in land, but as enabling
them to participate in the proceeds of the Reserves whether
sold or leased.

In 18"28, a Select Committee of the House of Commons
extended the construction of the words Protestant Clergy to
the Teachers of all Protestant Denominations; and this inter-
pretation, though considered very extraordinary at the time,
was confirmed by the Twelve Judges in 1840.

Hence the J3rd and 4th Victoria, chap. 78, recognizes
them all, and makes this recognition the basis of the settle-
ment; nor does it exclude the Roman Catliolics, although they
aie not distinctly named.

The proceedings under the provisions of this Act, since
it became law ii: August, 1840, arc simply thus: — The two
National Churches of England and Scotland in the Province
have taken tlieir shares of the Reserves annually, as allowed
them by the State. The Wesleyan Methodists and Roman
Catholics receive such a portion as the Governor General in
council judges right and reasonable. The Free Church of
Scotland has not, so far as I know, yet spoken; but taking the
principli s of that large and respectable denomination to be
those of the late Dr. Chalmers, there is nothing to prevent
her from doinsj so.

The other denominations, it is said, refuse to receive any
relief from the Clergy Reserves Fund ; and some of them
allege that they do so from conscientious principles.

Be this as it may, and referring to the census of 1848, it
appears that out of 7'23,33-2, the population of Canada West,
more than two-thirds feel disposed to avail themselves of the
advantages which the 3rd and 4tb Victoria, chap. 78 allows
them, and less than one-third decline such advantages. Or,
if we deduct the Free Church, because she has not yet de-
cided, we have still nearly two to one content with the
statute, and therefore not inclined to disturb it.

Moreover, since
ic last session

its t'nactir.ont in 1840, tliiTC iiail been,
till the last session of the Provincial Parliament, no a{^itation
or complaint against it in the colony. The settlement was
deemed by all parties absolnte and final. It is true the Church
of Englaml respectfully petitioned the Legislature to grant
her the management of the small portion of the patrimony
left her, as there was ample proof of its being unreasonably
wasted and sacrificed by the Provincial authorities ; but the
prayer was refused ; and seeing no remedy, slie quietly sub-
mitted, and instead of disturbing the r-dony, sought to do her
best with the scanty revenue which this injudicious manage-
ment was likely to allow her. \Vf liad even learned to trouble
ourselves no longer with the painful departure from honoura-
ble trusteeship, which was daily passing before our eyes.

But from this patient and general acquiescence we were
suddenly awakened, by tiie Commissioner of Crown Lands
again introducing the Clergy Reserve question, on the 18th
of June last, to the notice of the House of Assembly. This
gentleman, not satisfied with what has been admitted by both
Governments, that the subject had been finally settled, now
seeks to confiscate the small remainder, Jind thus to deprive
the Church of every vestige of endowment.

That a member of Government could have so far forgotten
the duty of his position, or have been suffered by his colleagues,
to re-open a question which, after producing infinite trouble,
had been settled in the most solemn manner by the Imperial
Legislature, and in which all the most eminent statesmen took
an anxious interest, was not to be anticipated. Yet such is
the case; and for the convulsions and evils which this fatal
step may produce, t*i3 Exeeitve Government of Canada is
wholly responsible.

We were the less prepared for this extraordinary move-
ment on the part of the Provincial Government, because, on
the 29th of April, 1846, a select Committee of the Legis-
lative Assembly, of which the same Commissioner of Crown
Lands was a leading member, made a Report on the Petition
of the Church of England, praying for the management of her

-■r

sliare of the llcservcs, wlilch n-jjort was reccl veil and uccopted
by tlio Assembly; and although it refuses the prayer of the
Petition, establishes the foliuwiiij^' points: —

1. That the question of the Clergy lleservos was con-
sidered, by the Ini|)erial Parliament, finally settled by the
3 & 4 Vietoria, ehap. 78.

2. That it was accepted as such final settlement by the
inhabitants of the Province of Canada.

0. A strong recommendation is added, that no change or
deviation from this settlement be sanctioned by the Legisla-
ture.

Hence we find that the pledged faith and solemn guarantee
of the imperial and Colonial Legislatures have been given to
this settlement ; that the property, so far at least as regards
the two National Churches, has been granted and received
by them ; and though under trust, is actually in their pos-
session. We therefore contend that it is not competent to any
power to legislate again upon their shares without their con-
sent and approbation.

Again, the main question of renewing agitation on the
Clergy Reserves was carried in the Provincial Assembly by
two votes only, the mover and seconder, both avowedly hostile
to the two Churches of England and Scotland ; and surely
this meagre majority did not justify the colonial authorities
in disturbing the peace of the community, and placing them-
selves in opposition to a British statute, their own recorded
assent, and the faith of the Imperial Government.

We are, nevertheless, bound in charity to believe that
all the facts were not communicated as they ought to have
been to Earl Grey, who was in all probability ignorant of
their existence, because it does not seem that he took any
part in the passing of the 3rd & 4th Vic, chap. 78, for his
name does not appear in the proceedings.

Indeed, the more we consider this subject, the greater
is our amazement at the infatuation of our Colonial Govern-
ment, in forcing it back, after a silence of ten years, for no

other reason it would seem but to inflame the public mind.
This course was the more to be lamented, because there had
been a courteous exchange of social civilities between the
Churches of England and Rome from the first settlement of
the Province till the union of the two Canadas in 1840, during
which period they pursued their different objects in harmony
and peace.

But since that unwise measure, causes of irritation and
estrangement have been gradually arising. The Church of
England feels that she no longer possesses her just influence
in the Legislature of the colony, and is thrown, on all occa-
sions where her interests are concerned, into a hopeless
minority. She finds her ancient opponents, the Dissenters,
who were in former limes often in a minority, or so weak
as to be unable to refuse her justice, now reinforced on all
occasions where she may be mortified or injured by the
Roman Calholic votes from Lower Canada. She feels that
she lost her University by this unhallowed combination :
and when she requested separate schools, for the religions
education of her own children, her prayer was rejected by
the votes of Romanists, while they secared llic same privi-
lege for themselves.

Thus, in the course of a few years, our holy Church has
been deprived of the power of educating her children in her
own way, and is now threatened with the loss of the
remainder of her patrimony ; while the Romanists who have
bi'ought about all these evils have been gratified in every
wish, and possess an endowment of twenty times the value
of that which they are assisting to wrest from the established
Church of the Empire.

It might have been hoped that the Roman Catholics
would have abstained from voting on such matters as con-
cerned our Church, and left them in the hands of the Pro-
testant members of Upper Canada, to whom they more
especially belonged. And I regret that this course was not
pursued ; because it involves a delicate point of honour,

)

worthy of respect ; and because the destruction of the patri-
mony of the Churches of England and Scotland, and of such
other Protestant denominations as may claim the advantages
which the law assigns them, can be of no service to tlie
Roman Catholics of Lower Canada, while it may greatly
disturb the peace of the colony.

In this new aspect of things, what is the Church to do?
Hitherto, in all her proceedings, she has respected the Roman
Catholic endowments. So long as she was sustained in her
property, devoted as it was to sacred purposes, she felt it
her duty to ^-espect that of the Church of Rome.

While retaining their respective endowments, small as
ours is, the two Churches met on something like equal terms.
But if, through Roman votes and influence, we are deprived
of our endowment, is it still our duty to continue to respect
their properly as heretofore ?

But the solution of this question may be wisely post-
poned. There is yet time for the friends of the Church of
Rome to pause, and henceforth to abstain from voting agamst
us in matters which concern our Church, as conscientious
Roman Catholics do in the British Parliament. Were they
to do so, it would without doubt be our duty, even if from
other causes we should lose our patrimony, to assist them m
protecting theirs.But if they continue to act as they have been
doing since the fatal union, it may not be so clear that we
should continue passively to submit to the additional injuries
which this increased power may enable them to inflict.

If it could give the Roman Catholics any satisfaction
as Christians, to see our Church deprived of her endowment,
they lUight at least have the sagacity to reflect, that in a
very few years they will form a decided minority in the
Province of Canada ; and if they are then the only Christian
community possessing endowments, such endowments will
be quickly swept away, and the injustice they have assisted
to accomplish upon us will be returned upon themselves
seven-fold.

Surely the torrent of infidelity and radical licentiousness
which is threatening pure and undefiled religion, and all
the foundations of social peace and order, calls for the union
of all conscientious denominations of Christians for its
effectual resistance, instead of permitting it to attain irre-
sistible force, by joining in its objects. In a firm and dis-
interested combination against this common enemy, there
would not only be hope, but a certainty, under the Divine
bles'^in-, of preserving for each their rights and privileges, .
and of Insuring the extension of truth and the peace and

prosperity of the country.

I nevertheless trust, lhat,indischargingour duty on this
trying occasion, to ourselves and our posterity, we shall
abstain from all unseemJy agitation, and stedfastly adhere
to those principles of peace and social tranquility for which
we have been always distinguished. And although com-
pelled to change the place and mode of our proceedings in
defending our rights and resisting oppression, our love to
our holy Church, and loyalty to our Sovereign, will continue
to bind us to charity and forbearance in the face of this new
and unlooked for provocation.

But 1 pass from these more general considerations on
this emergency in our ecclesiastical affairs, and proceed to
observe, that it has been commenced by the same persons
who brought so much misery on the Province in 1837 and
1838, and which formed the excuse for our disastrous union

with Lower Canada.

They are intrinsically few in number, but they are sure,
in the present age of innovation and irreligion, to obtain the
countenance of all those who agree on no other subject but
in their aversion to the public support of the Christian Faith.

The Unitarian, who hates our Holy Church for the pu-
rity of her Creeds; the infidel, who regards her as a powerful
instrument to disseminate Christianity among the people; the
innovator, who would sacrifice the best interests of his country
for the sake of carrying out a favorite theory ; the Reformer,

who sees abuse in every thing, and is only at ease amid
changes and revolutions; and the mere Sectarian, who hopes
to reduce the National Churches to an equality with himselt.
To these vve may add a few ignorant, though sincere Chris-
tians, who, from some extraordinary obtuseness of intellect,
persuade themselves that true religion will be most effectually
extended by destroying its support, and laying the axe to the
root of the tree which has hitherto produced the truits ot
righteousness in this Colony ;-and to these we may perhaps
acid, some men of talent and piety, whose general character
as members of society we may respect, though their opinions
on this subject we regard with equal wonder and regret.

Most of these will tell you, that for the government to
support religion or establish it in the land is a monstrous
enormity, a masterpiece of satan's wiles for poisoning the
streams, and blasting the influence, and repressing the pro-
gress of the Gospel. Hence they exhaust their genius, m the
vain labor of exhibiting the great evil of assisting from the
Clergy Reserves Fund, or any public source, the Churches of
England and Scotland.

Now, it is more than sufficient to answer all such sense-
less declamation, to tell them that our Saviour, during his
whole life on earth, was a member ot an Established Church ;
that he was most scrupulously attentive to all its ordinances—
that he preached in its Synagogues-and both by precept and
example recommended it to the people's regard. So far was
He from deeming such Establishments unjust, that he de-
clared them good, and confirmed the attachment of the peo-
ple to what our wise politicians denounce as the very bane of

Christianity.

Nay, the Church was once established by God s own
command, and if we rely upon the truth of ancient prophecy,
it will again be esiablished upon His authority.

To say therefore that religious establishments are unjust,
is in direct terms to charge God with injustice; no doublings
and windings, no shifts, expedients, or tergiversations that

Jii

Uave been or .ay be ..ad .course Jo. ^^J^l-j:^^,
away the p.ain n.ea„.„g of f ^ '.^ents, o. the public

?;r:ri?or::%-j::^^^^^^^^^

circumstances, but, regularly and tor ag .

The period ha, arrive when he C u .n th.s^ ^^^^^^
™ustassumeherrespons,bd,tyasab y .^ ^j_^_^ ^^^^

f„:Lfu,foSV; ri'Xrteding . Jbeen publicly de-
''n^VsThtT-ed as St. P»n, did, when about to l.e

of tlie constitution— to the acts, pvtUgC , ^ within

Ivernment and Legislature a ^^ ^^j:^-
these limits, we must speak boldly. 1 '"'^ <" J'
f,iends who have occasionally kept .n the b u g^und fear
ing to identify.. emselvesw.h the »^^^^^^ ^^ __^

nmsfc be reminded that &uch a crooKeci puii^^
To ger tolerated, and that all who shrink f-- -f^nd.n^ 1 e.
i„ this her time of need, will be cast off as rott n brancl e.
Our neonle must be made aware that, m the discharge ol

theirS:wc.i -''-^->=^'';^y:ri"if\r;d;

cntiously and agreeably to the word of G"^' ""f '\, ^ ..
so, as Christian men, they will never ass st any one ... acqu
rin» office or a seat in the Legislature who '' ""V*' 1' ."i,
o"&od and of His Church, and a man of J- - ' ™f ^^
neighbour. What said Jethro to Moses :" Take ye w.se
met men of understanding and known a-.,g your trd>es -
they were to be " able men, such as fear God, men of truth,

""'T„r:r:rour Blbles are the true standard of civil
Governme„:, a„i according to its rules ought we to select our
representatives.

But I shall be told that this is entering into politics, and
that religion is not political. Now, to this I answer, that the
word *' Political "has a bad sense, and religion is nothing
that is bad. But there is also a good sense of the word, and
whoever says that religion is not political, speaks as erro-
neously, and offends with his tongue as certainly, as if in fet.
Paul's time he had said it mattered not whether he was u
Christian or a heathen. ^ .

For what the question of Christian or no Christian was
in the Apostle's day, such are what we call questions of poli-
tics now. It is as" right to take one side, and as wrong to
take the other, in the social matters which come daily be ore
it was riiiht to become a Christian in St. Paul s day,

us, as

or wrong to remain an idolater.

Hence, in all social duties there is a right and wrong,

and it is not a matter of indifference what side we take. In

truth nothing can be indifferent in a Christian man's hie.

There is no part of that life without its duties, and to trifle

with any one of them is to trifle with eternity.

Wc daily hear indeed of political rights and privileges,

and we are told that we may do with them as we please.—

Our neighbour says, I have a right to do this or that, to
oive my vote to this person or that person, to forward this or
that measure. Now, doubtless he has such a right, because
he has the right of freewill ; he is from birth-right a free
aaent, and has the power of doing right or wrong, of saving
hhnself or ruining himself. But it will be a poor consola-
tion to him in the next world, to know that his ruin was all

his own fault.

Men do not lose their souls by one act, but by a course
of acts ; and the careless, or party and selfish exercise, of po-
litical rights, this way or that way at our pleasure, is
among the acts by which we forfeit our salvation. All men
have the power of doing wrong if they will, yet there is but
one ri^ht way while there are a hundred wrong ways.—
They may do as they please, but the first who exercised

who does

auction, that the ^^^]:^Zr:^V^X^ principle.
Christian nations ought to be m ^^^^ ^,

a,.d should not only conduct '"■™^^ ;°; J ^^„,,,,i ^nd
God, hut see to the support of His «=-"'« .. J, ^^^

teaching, as the New Testament so clearly ordain-,
llio Gospel to every creature.

VOLUNTARY SVSTEM.

But whatever may be the "'^[^^'^Z

Church, whether it shall dc problem of sup-

more than arrived when ^^e m-Uook he ^^^^ _^^

porting religion throughout ''^ ^ "«-<=; .^„^ ^„ ..m .

.ea:::::;;::;::Si^r.hX:"ta-^ar;eiyyic^aui.^
kxi=i"^frir^^-»5

f t fif V veil- to what, it has proved during the past
the next fifty ycai^, ^« ^^ \ thousand or more

fifty, we may ni a. d. 15)UU nave
Clersvmen in Upper Canada.

But taking only half of these, or one thousand, the m-
creasfof the Chureh, allowing no other eontu.gency of
Xh however there must be many, it would scarcely
d ow twenty-five pounds per annum to each Pansh or Mis-
^^^Ttoward' suiiorting a Clergyman, and buddmg a
rhnvf'h a Parsonage and School-house.

N-o't despising .his pittance, small as it is, and scarcely
worthy of being taken into accoum, what is to be done .-
r.d here it mly be asked by the worldly and lukewarm,
why keep it and make it the bone of contemion? We an-

swer, because it is sacred property, devoted for sixty years
to religious objects, and wo have no power to relinquish it ;
because, small as it is, it may still serve as a nucleus as it
has already done, and encourage to regular exertions ; and,
above all, because it is our duty to resist evil.

But, with or without its aid, there is nothing of moment
left for us but the Voluntary Principle ; and although it has
never succeeded in any place or country, in bringing the
Gospel to every creature, as the National Establishment of
Christian kingdoms and countries have effected, il is all
that is left for us to work upon.

Now, I am not here to advocate the voluntary system
in itself; for I consider it exposed to the gravest objections;
and I believe it to be as much the duly of every Christian
Government to provide for the religious instruction of its
people, as it is for the father of a family to train up his
children in the ways of Gospel truth and holiness.

But the necessity is upon us : there is now no alterna-
tive ; and, because it is a necessity, I am convinced that
God will bless it, and from this I take comfort and

encouragement.

It is, as all must confess, of high antiquity. It began
to be acted upon in the days of the Apostles ; and, according
to the zeal and exertions of the Clergy, has produced very
different results. In some regions they have been very
favourable ; and although nowhere equal to a regular pro-
vision under the legal authority of the state, they were,
nevertheless, of infinite importance in preserving and ex-
tending the Church, her ordinances, and teaching among

the people. • i . i,^

Not that any Government has ever, from what might be
called its own resources, sup,x>rted the Christian rehgion.
Such support ha3 been gradually received from the mumh-
cence of individuals from age to age. Nor are we to think
so poorly of the Christian spirit, as to believe that such
individuals are extinct, or that there is a less disposition to

infancy of the

eive God his portion now, than during the
Ciuuc h, when they had all things in common.

Henceforth we must rely more, under God for the s s
tPnincc of His Church upon the generous eflorts ol her
c~n ac ing from their own freewill, and influenced by
tt v2ty of considerations which are comprehended under

''" t:^"S^S must we in future looUfbr t).e suppon
of religious Worship and the spread of the Gospe t^. rough
tMs Diocese. We must look upon the ur.restrained a fled. on
of our people, and especially of those who love the hav.our,
to preserve in her holy efheiency His body the Church.

If the timid and weak of faith tremble for the reeult, it
is because they know not what the Irue-friends oi Christ are
able to accomplish when their whole energies oi body aud
mind are directed, sustained, and devoted to His gcory, by
ihe special grace of the Holy Spirit.

Time would not permit, nor is this the mo;4 convenient
place, for entering into rnirmte details of what may be con-
l;idered the statistical view of this important Mibjec-t ; and
vet I dare not hesitate to submit for your ihoughtlul refhiclion
«ome of the more obvious difhculties which seem universally
to impede the working of the voluntary syslem, and which
have up to this day so far prevailed as ^evcrtohave aflorded
one single example of its carrying s ' -^f Life to every

family and individual of a whole nal.^ f parcelling il

out in small divisions and parislies cap . '>eing com-

pletely surperintended and instructed by one Clergyman.

Hence I infer, as I have already said, that it is the duty
of every Christian nation to provide for the religious instruc-
tion of all its people ; but as this is denied us, we must,
luider all the circumstances of the case, and trusting in
Divine assistance, do for this purpose all we are able.
* It is not the least of the obstacles to the due working of

the voluntary system, that our people have been so long
accustomed to look wholly to Government for the support pf

religion, and never to lean upon their own exertions. Recent
emigrants from the mother country have never been called
upon in their own favoured land to sustain religion in any
way. The Parish Church is free ; the Clergyman is sup-
ported from his endowment ; and his flock, unless perhaps
a very trifling fee for marriages and baptisms, contribute
nothing ; and consequently they come to think it no part of
their duty, and that to demand it is unjust. Moreover, when
they arrive in this country, they arc told, "That ample provi, *
sion has beetj made for the sustenance of religion by Govern-
ment; and if it is not as free here as in England, the Clergy
and not the Government are to be blamed." And although the
true state of the matter is quite the reverse, there is no getting
the unwilling to believe it: hence they do not perceive die
necessity of making any efforts, and if pressed, too frequently
refuse even the smallest assistance.

Nor is it easy to get the well-disposed to believe that
religion can be sustained to any extent by the hearts and
hands of those who are truly sincere ; and to keep t: eir eyes
on the primitive days of the Christian Church.

Other obstacles of a diflerent character are not wanting.
Our people are much scattered and separated from one
another, and are thus exposed to many temptations, to neglect
the interests of their souls. There is also the frequent sepa-
ration of the father from his wife and children, and thus the
old associations and influences of family ties are suspended
or lost. The removal fl'om abundant means of grace, and
the force of public opinion, which powerfully restrains from
Ihe commission of scandalous sin, lead many astray.

To all these, emigrants are peculiarly exposed. They
remove at once from the midst of a Parish where they never
thought of absenting themselves from public worship and
keeping holy the Sabbath-day, and go to the backwoods to a
life of anxious labour, without the encouragement of kind
friends or the influence of religious neighbours. The next
settler is perhaps miles distant, the Sabbath passes without

,1 v.^fnre ibc settlement

gets <=<f P''.'=\''"tla hav^become insensible to rebg.ou,
of U.e first 'H'-';";^"';; ,,,,,a to feel public wors.up

as a wan' If ll«-y ••«' ^ .^ j indifibrent, amidst

,hey are in danger of >"^».«""g '"'".^^j ,„i,|, n.eir love for

selfishness. . ^^ ^f ^ho manv obstacles

past, may encourage us to hope lor ^^^^ ^^^^

knowledge and possession of ^»1™ '<"■ ■ |i^„„, ^..d as

dSrand. a wU. Idd, for our co.fort.) far more easy
"' Th7^rre' contains ab.,at two Mtnd red thousand
.„„s?nd daughters of the Church ofEn^glan • J^^
the voluntary system, '^e rel.gKU. — t.on of t^^^^^^^^^
population will soon dcpunu, cmDr^^i- ^

ncnt
lany

;ioU9

rship

life,

nidst

»'e for

many

I, and
ulf of

lacles
Lintary
^, they
Ire ad y

ive are
3d and
3 many
I at the
should

sibility,
ere sent
m to the
nimand-
and as
the first
,ore easy

.housand
3W upon
his entire
Churches,

Clergymen, Colleges, Schools, Missionary Societies, and
all other lawful means necessary for promoting the know-
h'dge of the Gospel from one end of the Province to the other.
And where can this principle be found except in the good
will of our people, especially of those who are true to their
baptismal vows and graces, and love the Saviour.

Still more : not only must this principle continue to do
all the good it is now doing, but it must be daily expanding
as the population increases, to meet and supply its new
wants. And what this will require may be conceived from
the fact that the aimual increase is not less than one-twelfth,
or, in round numbers, sixteen thousand.

This would re(iuire us to build sixteen new Churches
and supply the same number of Clergymen every year. But
in practice, a smaller number will be found to answer, not
certainly effectually, but to a greater extent than many

suppose.

No doubt those who have been accustomed to the Estab-
lishments of England and Scotland, the regularity of the Ser-
vices, the comparative smallness of the Parishes, and the
completeness of all the necessary appliances, are ready to
consider such exertions hopeless.

But not so ; the prospect is not so desperate as that
which met the Apostolic Missionaries. So long as Christians
do their duty in humble and heartfelt reliance upon God, it
is not a matter of speculation but of actual practice.

The sixteen Churches may not all be erected in one
year, or the sixteen Clergymen sent, because, School-houses
or private dwellings may for a time suffice, and one Clergy-
man may serve two or three congregations. But something
will be done for all, and as the population becomes more
dense, the various deficiencies will be gradually made up.

DUTY OF THE CLERGY.

But how arc we to awaken the r-"...l: ,.hich is to give
reality to all these things? The spirit comes indeed from
God, but we have no warrant to expect it to come except

tlirouRl. the means vvhicl. He has appointed ; Juul thus coming,
it will be awakened, cherished, strengthened, and rendered
sumcient lor the accomplishment of them all. Tliere is an en-
crgy indigcnious to new countries, which, if directed under
the influence of religion can do wonders.

The self-reliance and enterprise which enable an emigrant
to quit the endearments of his home and the comforts of more
rivilised society, for a life in the woods of America, amidst
wild animals, sometimes wilder men, pestilential marshes,
and innvmierable privations, are of themselves a basis upon
which we may securely build. Such men soon learn to dis-
rerrard dinicuUies, to surmount obstacles which in other states
of'^society would repel them, and to do many things which in
iiappier circumstances they would expect others to do lor

them.

We must therefore teach our people to exercise the same
energy, self-reliance and enterprise in the cause of religion,
which they exhibit in their private and domestic f, (Fairs.—
Thus, when a new Churcn is called for, we must induce them
to consider whether they can build it without help. For to
lean upon others is, to a true settle", ofTcnsive, and such a spirit
when roused often leads them to discover that they can ac
complish by their own cflbrts what at iirst they dared not

hope for.

Moreover the soliiudc of the forest is favorable to reflec-
tion, and if improved it leads to the feeling that religion -s
necessary even to the temporal well-being of society. Hence,
we have some elements furnished in the most unpromising
localities, which, if tenderly touched with humble reliance on
our Lord and Saviour, may be followed with abundant frmt.
And shall we not touch them, and not merely convince,
but manfully pursue the work of evangelizing the whole dio-
ccsc for which our Church makes such ample provision, and
in doin<r so we shall find a remedy for all the evils whicli
afflict us. Our people will prosper in body and soul ; they
will delight in giving God His portion, and recognize the truth

that " They who wait at the altar, are partakers with the
altar." Even so hath God ordained " That they who preach
the Gospel should live of the Go.s[.cl."

Now, when I speak of the provision nmde tor the spiri-
tual improvement of her children by our Churcli, and which
is so far superior to that possessed by any other denonnna-
tion-I allude more particularly to the Book of Common
Prayer, which contains the most ctVcctive and bcautilul iorn.
of Public Worship that was ever set forth by any branch o,i
the Catholic Church. Our first step therefore, on takmg pos-
session of a Parish or Mission is, to persuade all our people,
old and young, to furnish thc.iiselves with a Bible and I rayer-
book, the former to prove by Holy Scripture the certa.nty ot
all that our Church teaches and believes, and the latter to
instruct them how to worship God in spirit and m truth.

In this manual the Gospel is adapted, in all its principles
and duties, to the hoi>es and necessities of human lite. !• or
as the body grows from a small be.^^inning, and gradually
advances to youth, manhood, and old age, so runs the Book
of Common Prayer into every portion of the heart and lite,
and leaves nothing untouched from the birth to the grave --
At every stage of our earthly pilgrimage it oilers its word ot
preparation, admonition, or encouragement. At every liaii-
L place it presents the form and manner in which our
Church would have us to think, to pray, and to act, and da. y
reminds us that we are her children, and that she is conti-
nually watching over us for our good.

In this way the Church becomes to our flocks in reality
a home, a refuge from the storms of life. The powers and
inclinations which God has implanted in their -t-e are gi-a-
dually brought under a holy influence and lead to higher and
diviner objects ; and we, who are the humble instruments of
S rChurch in conveying to them so precious blessing., soon
acnuirc their good-will and ready obedience, and if we per-
cTe in discharging our duties with a steady kindnes. we
by degrees, secure their hearts and artections, and that, m a far
shorter period than we had anticipated.

lit 1;

It is true our whole time must be devoted to our paro-
chial labours, and, as it belongs to Jie Church, we can look
for no permanent fruit if we spend it in frivolous occupations.
We have so many opportunities of proving our sympathy and
making favorable impressions on the hearts and understand-
ings of our people, that I believe no Clergyman who goes
earnestly to work in his Master's service will ever fail in
bringing the greater number of his flock with him ; and once
they are become sincere Christians all further diflicullies ceases.

Let no Clergyman forget, that the teaching of our Church
must be worked out as a whole with the same earnestness and
self-devotion which are applied to the most active schemes
of human labor ; and then only can we hope for a successful
result— A partial use of the Church's means of grace will never

succeed.

The use of preaching, for example, to the depreciation of
the Sacraments and the Prayers will produce superficial, un-
real, and vain characters ; and on the other hand, the exclusion
of earnest and simple preaching, and attempting to work
through the higher means of grace alone, will commonly re-
sult in a formal and hearth^ss profession.

We should also recollect that our public ministrations in
the Church may be carefully and decently performed, and
yet no promising progress be made, if other opportunities be
neglected.

Personal intercourse, for instance, is essential to a Cler-
gyman's success, and may produce the most beneficial con-
sequences in cases where the public ministrations of the
Church cannot reach. In a short conversation he may be
able to give much instruction, and remove many difficulties,
show the advantage of private prayer as a source of comfort
and of strength in bearing distress, and he may correct irrever-
ence and breaches of the third commandment.

A word in season, may bring before them their true con-
dition as sinners, their state as to their responsibilities and
gifts in holy baptism, and it may frequently awaken a con-
sciousness to certain sins and errors of thought and con-
duct which had never been noticed before.

■

o
tl
c

F
c

Say not, that such personal intercourse is impossible, as
your range o'f duty is so extensive, for under a regular and
systematic division of your time much may be accomplished.

Again, incidents are continually happening which give an
openin'T for the most friendly and interesting exchange of
thoucrh°s. A baptism in a family, calls for a kind visit and a
conv°ersation on the subject, the duties of the parents, the ho-
liness of the institution, the blessings which attend it, the be-
nefit of sponsors and their solemn responsibilities.

Seasons of Confirmation, afford opportunities of sur-
passing value for impressing on the young the leading

doctrines of the Church.

Times of sickness, when thoughlfulness and anxiety,
and often alarm, make our admonitions and consololations
useful and acceptable.

Deaths and Burials, may generally be improved to
the great spiritual advantage of the whole neighbourhood as
wel? as the family more immediately concerned.

In fine the religious acts of a Missionary's life,— his
baptisms, his confirmations, his burials-are all acts full
of the deepest instruction in Christian truth, and if carefully
improved, and the more public ministrations at the same
time decently and earnestly conducted, the Pastor will
be felt to be the friend, consoler, and benefactor ol the
whole Parish or Mission, and become in their estimation
worthy of the most grateful return.

It is something in this way that we must proceed to
meet the urgency of the times ; and if we go forward m
singleness of heart, and leaning on our Saviour's help and
encouragement, we cannot fail.

Not that many will live to see the full success of their
labours ; but we are in God's hands, and must never
despond. " They that sow in tears shall reap m joy : and
he thnt gocth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
with him." — Ps' 126.

i)f ;

EDUCATION.

There are two extremes in public education : the one,
is where every child is considered the child of the state, and
is educated without any regard to the wishes and views of
the parents ; the other, is where the state pays no regard
whatever to the matter, but leaves the parents to give
their children education or not, as they please.

In this Province, the system adopted cannot with
accuracy be said to come under either of these two. Schools
are established throughout the Province, and worked by a
very complicated machinery ; but, not being based on a
recognition of the Scriptures, cannot possess God's blessing.
It is, however, but justice to say, that the Normal
School, since its first establishment, has been conducted
with ability and success ; and where it has failed, it has not
been the fault of the teachers, but of the principle on which
it rests. It may further be remarked, that the Chief Super-
intendent has been diligent in his office, and seems to
have done all the law permitted to introduce something
of religious feeling and knowledge, by adopting the books
made use of by the Irish Board of Education. So far,
therefore, he deserves commendation, and indeed vrhat is
wanting in the system is not to be attributed to him.
' It is, nevertheless, such a system of education as would
not to be permitted to exist for one day in Great Britain.
And why ? Because civil and religious liberty are well
known and defined in the parent stale, and education is
reduced to principle. Hence all religious persuasions
receive equal assistance from the Government in educating
their youth. No damp is thrown upon their peculiar
opinions; the children are not in this matter separated
from their parents.

To take away the po\ver of the parents to judge and
direct the education of their children, which is their natural
nrivile«e from God, as our schools virtually do, will never
be allowed in Great Britain.

There, money is advanced to assist and support schools
in connexion with every religious denomination ; and the
Government is restrained from all interference with the
religious instruction, discipline, or management of such
schools : there, we have true liberty ; gold, and not alloy.
But, in this Province, Christianity is not so much as
acknowledged in our school-law. The Bible appears not
among our school-l)ooks ; and a belief in Christianity is not
included among the qualifications of school-masters ; and I
am credibly informed that there have been instances of
of candidates for schools disavowing all religious belief.

Now the remedy is with you, my Brethren of the Clergy
and Laity. We must insist upon the correction of this
intolerable degradation, or our children will become infidels.
We must demand what tho Roman Catholics have already
obtained— separate schools ; and I honour them for insisting
on this just concession. A request so reasonable cannot be
long withheld from us, for unjust class legislation cannot
endure long in any country.

In Great Britain, the National Society represents the
Church of England Schools ; the British and Foreign Society
represent various Dissenters ; the Wcsleyan body, v/ith the
Free Churcii of Scotland, represent their several denomina-
tions. All are in correspondence with the Committee ol
Council, and receive assistance in the maintenance of their
schools, and all proceed in educating their children in their
own way, in harmony and peace ; and why is not the same
Christian justice dealt out to us here ?

It is indeed surprising, that this system, which ought to
have been from time to time carefully considered by the
framers of the School Acts for this Province, since it otfers so
very easy a solution of the problem of suiting education to a
mixed religious population, should have been neglected ; the
more especially as it will be very easy to modify our laws, so
as to work exactly as they do in the English system.

All that is wanting is, to give powers to the difTeront

boards or authorities to grant separate schools, as they noW"
do to the Roman Catholics, to all localities desiring them, and
furnishing a reasonable number of scholars.

Not that this can perhaps be done without opposition
from the irreligious, bnt they are few in number ; and we do
not again expect the Roman Catholics in the Legislature so
far to neglect the true principles of the Constitution as to
seize upon privileges for their own benefit which they refuse
to others. The continuance of such a course will have a
melancholy end. for it would be better for Protestants to
perish than submit to such oppression much longer, and to
look passively on, while their children are brought up in
popery or infidelity.

As to any opposition from other parties, if left to itself,
it would appear in its true colours, altogether contemptible,
because it would be seen to be the emanation of the most
narrow selfishness, which allows of nothing unless it accords
with preconceived notions ; and as they have no relig^ious
principles themselves their desire is to crush such principles
in others.

We must therefore petition the Legislature for separate
schools. In the meantime, it will be our duty to establish a
Church school at every Church or station, and also a Sunday
school, both of which to be under the care of the resident
Clergyman, whose duty it will be to see that the instruction
is on the Church system, upon which she speaks most deci-
dedly. Whenever she treats of education, she means cate-
chising as the principal part. This she takes as her standard,
from the practice of the primitive Churches.

Now this must be carried out as she directs, for the
benefit of her baptized children, and of this education, the
baptismal promises and preparation for confirmation form an
important and necessary part.

The whole arrangement depends upon you, my Brethren,
and you must give your personal attendance to commence
and keep it in motion. You must never forget that you arc

the
the

the commissioned instructors of the children of God's Holy
Catholic Church, who are to lead them from baptism to con-
firmation ; from confirmation, to their first communion j and
from that, to the bar of God ?

Compared to this, all other instruction is worthless ; but
such is the capacity of youth under proper discipline, that
with all this, they may be made to surpass in every kind of
secular knowledge those of the same age who are brought up
ignorant of the Gospel and its holy requirements.

Hitherto our people have not perceived the tendency of
the present system. They are apt to think, that because some
of the books consist of partial portions of Scripture, there is
some religion taught. But our religion must be taught
systematically by its great doctrines and creeds, an it has ever
been, proving them by Holy Scripture, and thus giving them
unction, power and life. In this way the young Christian
drinks conviction from the first fountain of eternal truth, and
finds with lively satisfaction that every word which had been
taught him by the Church has the sanction of the pure
Gospel.

CONCLUSION.

In my Pastoral Letter of the 2nd of April last, invoking
the presence of the Laity as well as the Clergy at this visita-
tion, 1 mentioned that such a combination had been suggested
to me by many respectable members of our communion.

They believe, that in the present crisis of our secular
aflfairs, the Church, now strong in numbers and intelligence,
ought to express her opinion, as a body, on the attempt
making to despoil her of the small remainder of her property,
which has been set apart and devoted to sacred purposes,
during sixty years.

Adopting this suggestion, as wise and seasonable, I con-
gratulate you, as well as myself, on the numerous and goodly
assemblage before me.

In October, 1836, there was a meeting somewhat similar
io this, held under the then two Archdeacons, but according

to the usage of our Church, it was altogether clerical. It was
called in consequence of the protracted absence and feeble
health of our late excellent and Venerable Diocesan. His
Lordship was too far gone in the disease which soon after
removed him to his place of rest, to permit him to examine
and appr-^'c of our proceedings, which were all sent for his
consider-j ■ >ut they did not on that account fall to the

ground.

The objects considered were— a division of the Diocese,
provision for the new Bishop, the induction of the Clergy, and
annual Convocations. Of these, the first three have been
obtained. The Diocese has been divided, and the Bishop
provided for, the Rectories legally established, and the
Incumbents inducted.

The question of the Convocation alone remains in

abeyance.

Soon after my Consecration, in 1839, I deemed it my
duty to bring it under the consideration of the late gifted
Archbishop of Canterbury, and of other Clergymen of high
standing and learning in the Church.

The substance of my gatherings from such high autho-
rities, I detailed, at some length, in the tenth section of my
first charge, in September, 1841 ; and to which I would
request your careful attention.

The opinion at that time was decidedly against a convoca-
tion, and more especially the lay element with which it was
to be incorporated.

It was argued, that all the advantages that could reason-
ably be expected from annually assembling the Clergy in
Convocation, might be obtained in a more convenient and
effective manner through the usual Episcopal Visitations, the
meetings of the Church Societies, and the associations of the
neighbouring Clergy for friendly intercourse and spiritual
edification.

Now it must be acknowledged, that the division of the
Diocese of Quebec into two, and recently into three Bishop-

rics, and the approaching division of this Diocese into at least
two more, make Convocations in some respects far less
necessary ; more especially as there is no impediment in the
way of the Clergy to meet their Bishops in conference, from
time to time, on the temporalities of the Church.

But, on the" other hand, her rapid growth, and the
increase of her Clergy, present many new and urgent argu-
ments for some ruling power to inforce a stricter discipline
and greater unity of action than she has yet enjoyed in this
Diocese.

So feeling, 1 resolved again to inquire into tlvj matter,
during my last visit to England ; and instead of confining
myself to the Clergy, as in 183'J, I went to the most eminent
ecclesiastical law authorities. They received me with the
greatest courtesy, and were frank and ready in answering my
inquiries ; but I was at once met with the maxim, that no
Diocesan Synod can be held without leave and license from
the Crown. They further stated, that if such could be held,
they would be of no sort of advantage without the establish-
ment of Courts to inforce and carry out such rules and
regulations as they might adopt for the better conduct of
their ecclesiastical affairs.

I then asked, whether such license and Courts might not
be obtained, if it could be shewn that it was of the first
importance to the further extension and well-being of the
Church in Upper Canoda, to possess some power within her-
self to insure obedience in all things lawful on the part of the
Clergy, and equal justice on that of the Bishop. I added that
some such power wculd soon become absolutely necessary,
as it may indeed already be considered so in the See of

Toronto.

When the lay members of the Church in any Colonial
Diocese number more than two hundred thousand, and the
Clergy one hundred and fifty, scattered over a vast region,
and thus much separated from one another, it must needs be
that difficulties and offences will arise ; and how are they to
be dealt with?

4*6

W-

The Bishop is in most cases powerless, having indeed
jurisdiction by liis lloyal appointment and Divine commission,
but he has no tribunals to try cases, and to acquit or punish,
as the case may be.

He therefore feels himself frequently weak, and unable to
correct reckless insubordination and sullen opposition, even in
anatters spiritual.

At one time, he may be accused of feebleness and irre-
solution ; at another, when acting with some vigour, he may
be denounced as tyrannical and despotic.

On such occasions, he requires the support and refreshing
counsel of h's Brethren, and their constitutional co-operation,
in devising and maturing such measures as it may be thought
necessary to adopt for the welfare of the Church.

My advisers replied, that under such circumstances, they
did not apprehend any great difficulty in obtaining all we
required, more especially as the Colonial Church had already
forced itself on the notice of Government, and we could
exhibit so strong and urgent a case, that it would not be easy
or even gracious to refuseus. " But," they added, " you must
proceed with much caution and deference to existing autho-
rities, for your request is new, and pregnant with momentous
results to the Church in the Colonies. Nor must you forget,
that you are at present part and parcel of the United Church
of England and Ireland, and as much subject to the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury as if you were in England. And above
all things remember, that in such matters your proper channel
of communication with the Government is through his Grace
the Primale of all England."

I have now brought my observations to a close, and
have great need to apologize for trespassing so long upon
your patience ; but the various topics which I have brought
under your consideration are all of so great weight and im-
portance, as I trust may furnish an admissible excuse.

Moreover, this is the first time that the whole Church of
his Diocese, lay and clerical, has assembled, and it will in all

probability be the last, because new sees will soon spring up
within its limits.

It is a meeting therefore of much greater consequence
than many may at first perceive, and I trust it will pass har-
moniously over, and become an example to other Dioceses
seeking for the same objects.

Our meeting and i)roceedings will begin a new era in the
history of the Colonial Church, and may be the prelude, not
only of Diocesan Synods, but of the ultimate union of all the
British North American Bishoprics, to convene at stated times
in general Synods or Convocations.

This happy consummation I may not see ; but like
Moses, overlooking the promised land, I see it afar oft', and it
will hereafter be a source of great comfort to my more aged
Brethren, as well as myself, to have assisted at its com-
mencement on this happy day.

And now my Brethren, having touched, however imper-
fectly, on all the topics upon which I proposed at this time to
address you, I commend you to Him who is able to perfect,
establish, strengthen, settle you.

May God replenish you with the truth of His doctrine,
and adorn you with innocency of life, that both by word and
good example you may faithfnily serve Him, to the glory of
His name, and the edification of His Church.

APPENDIX.

DIOCESE OF TORONTO.

IPastoral £ctUr.

TO THE CLERGY AND LAITY OF THE DIOCESE OP TORONTO.

My Dear Brethren, —

Having been prevented, by necessary absence in Eng-
land, from holding the Triennial Visitation of my clergy last
summer, I have appointed Thursday, the first day of May
next (God willing), for the discharge of this important ^uty.

My clergy will, therefore, be pleased to assemble in the
Church of the Holy Trinity, in their full robes, on Ihat day.

The Service to commence at Eleven, a. m.

It has been suggested, and even pressed upon me, by
many of the most pious and respectable members of our
communion, both lay and clerical, that the Church, now so
numerous in Canada West, ouglit to express her opinion, as a
body, on the posture of her secular affairs, when an attempt
is again making by her enemies to despoil her of the sm.all
remainder of her property, which has been set apart and
devoted to sacred purposes during sixty years ; and that it is
not only her dr.ty to protest against such a manifest breach
of public faith, but to take such steps as may seem just and
reasonable to avert the same.
o

Having taken this suggestion into serious consideration^
and believing it not only founded in wisdom, but, in the
present crisis of the TemporaHties of the Church, absolutely
necessary, I hereby request every clergyman of my Diocese
to invite the members of his mission or congregation, being
regular communicants, to select one or two of their number
to accompany him to the Visitation.

For the sake of order, it is requested that such lay mem-
bers be furnished with certificates from their minister or
churchwardens that they have been duly appointed, to
entitle them to take part in the proceedings which may take
place subsequent to the Visitation.

It is expected that such missions or congregations as
accede to this invitation, will take measures to defray the
necessary expenses incurred by their clergymen and repre-
sentatives in their attendance on this duty ; which will be
strictly confined to the consideration of the temporal affairs
and position of the Church.

I remain, my dear Brethren,

Your affectionate Diocesan,

JOHN TORONTO.

Toronto, April 2, 1851.

V/\X\/\/\/^»/\/s / /^..*\'\/V"V/\XX/Vv/'v/V''Vr\^'sy'V\^

minutca of JProcccbingo at tl)e iJieitation of tijc £ot&
Bialjop of (Toronto,

HElD,NT„ECHURCHOFT„EH|H^™,Tr.TOEONTO.ONIHK

THoasDAY, Mav 1, IStl,, he Fnlival of SU Philip and

St. James,

Toromo'in^tisV''! '"^/PP"''"^'' ^y the Lord Bishop of

Eleven o'clock, a. m. ^ ^""'^>^' ^^'^"*^' ^»

Prayers were said bv the Rov P n^ l . ,

Enistlo • il,„ <!„ '°™ '^'"'"s reading the

i^pisto, the Sermon was preached bv the Hov w a7

Herchmer, M. A., Chaplain to the Lofd R p, r '

2nd chapter of Malaehif7,h verse HoivrJ ""

administered by the Lo;d Bisho; 'thfv'en Tr"hT "'"
of Kingston, the Ven. the Archdeaco^ of Y^rf nnd thcT"
H. J. G..sot. Domestic Chaplain to the Wd B h„p ''°"

Divme Service being ended tlie I nrH R u
that he would deliver his Charge at Three o-clo!;.'"" ^'"'"'

. The clergy and the lay representatives^'from fettvera,
m,ss,o„s or corgrcgations whom they hadl^vSed at thi
request of the Lord Bishop, ,o accompany tv" 1 «!V
tafon, having taken their places in the Churct

The names of the clergy were called over by the Rev.
H. J. Grasett, Chaplain to the Lord Bishop ; when the follow-
ing clergymen answered to their names :

H. J. Grasett, M. A. , Rector, Toronto.

Ed. Baldwin, M. A., AssisUrt Minister,
St. James's Ciiurch, Toronto.

J. G. D. MacKenzie, B.A., Incumbent
of St. Paul's Church, Toronto.

Rd. Mitchele, M.A., Incumbent of Tri-
nity Church, Toronto.

Stephen Lett, LL.D., Incumbent of St.
George's Church, Toronto.

Henry Scadding. M.A., Incumbent of

the Church of the Holy Trinity,

Toronto.
W. Stennett, M. A., Assist. Min. Church

of the Holy Trinity, Toronto.
H. C. Cooper, B. A, Rector, Etobicoke,
A. Sanson, Rector, York Mills.
D. E. Blake, A.B., Rector, Thornhill,
H. B. Osier, Lloydtown.
W. G. Tucker, M.A., Chinguacousy.
R. J. Macgeorge, Streetsville.
John Gibson, Georgina.
R. Garrett, Brock.
G. S. J. Hill, Rector, Markham.
J. Pentland, A.B., Whitby.
W. S. Darling, Scarboro.
Thos. W. Marsh, B.A., Pickering.
S. B. Ardagh, A.IM., Rector, Barrie.
Garrett Nugent, Assistant, Barrie.
F. L. Osier, M.A., Tecumseth, Jiural

Dean.
A. Hill, B. A., West Gwillimbury.
Geo. Bourn, Orillia.
Geo. Hallen, B.A.,Penetanguishene.
John Fletcher, A.B., Mono.
J. G. Geddes, B.A., Rector, Hamilton.
J. L. Alexander, Saltfleef.
\Vm. McMurray, A.M., Rector, An-

caster and Dundas.

W. Belt, Assistant Minister Ancaster
and Dundas.

J. C. Usher, Rector, Brantford.

Abm. Nelles, Grand River Indian Mis-
sion.

Adam Elliott, Grand River Ind. IMiss.
John Kennedy, Grand River Ind, Miss.
Thos. Greene, A.B., Rector, Wellington

Square.
M. Boomer, A.B., Gait.

C. Ruttan, Paris.

S. Givins, Oakville, liural Dean.

D. Fraser, Georgetown.
Geo. Graham, Nassagaweya.

R. N. Merritt, Travelling Missionary

Gore District.
A. Palmer, A.B., Rector, Guelph,nMra/

Dean.
J. W. Marsh, B.A., Elora.
A. H. R. MulhoUand, Owen's Sound.
Thos. Creen, Rector, Niagara.
W. David, M.A., Acting, Grimsby.
A. F. Atkinson. Rector, St. Catharines.
R. Shanklin, Assistant, St. Catharines.
A. Dixon, B.A., Rector, Louth.
W. Leeming, Rector, Chippawa.
C. L. Ingles, B.A., Assistant,Cbippawa.
T. B. Fuller, Rector, Thorold, Jiural

Dean.

Elliott Grasett, M. A., Rector, Fort
Erie.

A. Townley, PortMaitland.
Bold C. Hill, A.M., Grand River.
W. C. Clarke, Travelling Missionary,
Niagara District.

B.Cronyn, M.A., Rector, London, i?«-

ral Dean.
C. C. Brough, A.B., Rector, London

Township.
M. Burnham, B. A. , Rector, St. Thomas.
A. Mortimer, Rector, Adelaide.
R. Flood, A.M., Rector, Caradoc.
T. B. Read, Port Burwell.
Hy. Holland, TyrconncU.
G. C. Sheet, Port Stanley.

E. L. Elwood, A.M., Rector, Goderich.

Archd. Lampman, Travelling Mission-
ary, Huron District.

P. Mack, Rector, Amherstburg.
F. G. Elliott, Colchester.
R. C. Boyer, B.A., Mersea.
F. W. Sandys, Rector, Chatham,
J. G. R, Salter, Moore.

F. Evans, Rector, Simcoe,/?M/a/Z>ean.
J. Gunne, Dawn.

E. R. Stimson, Travelling Missionary

Talbot District. '

W. Bettridge, B.D., Rector, Woodstock.
A, St. Geo. Caulfield, A.B., Burford.
H. Revell, A.B., Oxford,

F. D. Fauquier, Zorra.

A. N. Bethun€,D.D., Rector, Cobourg,

Archdeacon.
Alex. MacNab, D.D., Rice Lake.
John Wilson, Grafton.
W. Bleasdell, A.iM., Port Trent.
E. C. Bovver, Seymour.
W. Logan, Carlwright.
Jonathan Shortt, Rector, Port Hope.
Saml. Armour, Rector, Cavan.

T. S. Kennedy, Rector, Clarke and Dar-
Imgton.

R. J. C. Taylor, Rector, Peterborough.
Robt. Harding, Emily.

Geo. O'Kill Smart, D.D., Hector, Arch-
deacon, Kingston.

W, Hejchmer, M.A., Assistant Minister I „ „ -^"hnstown Districl

St. George's Church, Kingston. ' "^" rattoii, Rector. Cornwall, Jlural

I J. Flood, Rector, Richmond.

T. W. Allen, Travelling Missionary,
Midland' District.

J. Grier, A.M., Rector, Belleville, Rural
Dean.

G. A. Anderson, Mohawk Indian Mis-
sion.

Thomas Bousfield, Assistant Minister,
Picton.

J. R. Tooke, Marysburgh.
J. Mac In tyre, Orillia.
R.G.Cox, Travelling Missionary, Prince
Edward District.

M. Harris, A.M., Rector, Perth, liural
Dean.

Alexr. Pync, A.B., Rector, Caileton
Place.

J. W. Padfield, Rector, Franktown.

j S. S. Strong, Bytown.

j E. Denroche, A.M., Brockville,

j W. H. Gunning, A.B., Rector, Lamb's
I Pond.

j J.-B. Worrell, Smith's Falls,

I F. Tremayne, Travelling Missionary,
Johnstown District.

Robt. Blakey, Rector, Prcscolt.

E. Morris, IMerrickvllle.
; H. MacAlpiii, Rector, Kemptville.
\ N. Watkins, Travelling Missionary,

R. V. Rogers, Innimbent of StJames's ' ^^'^'''

Church, Kingston I ^^' Rolph, Osnabruck.

It, Incnm' -- '^ ^ " - " " '

Kingston

H. Mulkins Chaplain to the Provincial
Penitentiary.

E. Patterson, Porlsmouth.

P. Shirley, Loughborough.

VV. F. S Harj)er, Rector, Bath.

W. B. Lauder, Rector, Napanee.

H. Bren^, Incumbent of St. Mark's Ch., ^' ^' ^*^®^'«"' Rector, Williamsburgh.

* H. E. Plees, Travelling Missionary Co.
of Dundds.

J. T. Lewis, A.B., West Hawkesbury.

Superannuated: Rev.V. P. Mayerhofl'er.

Visitors: Rev. Jas. Beaven, D.D., Rev.
T. H. Barrow, Rev. John Hebden.

Tlic Lord Bishop, having desired the clergy and lay
representatives to be seated, delivered his Charge.

*******
The Charge being ended, the lay representatives from
the several parishes or missions were desired to come for-
ward, and hand in their credeniials to the Lord Bishop's

Mil

Chaplain ; which, having been done, the clergy were desired
to occupy the right side of the Church, and the laity the left.
His Lordship then addressed the assembly, as follows :

Rev. Gentlemen and Gentlemen, —

I remarked in my Pastoral Letter, that the business to
be brought under your consideration would be confined to
the temporal affairs and position of the Church ; and I trust
that you will allow me to exercise the privileges which belong
to me, on such occasions, without comment or offence.

These are : that in all Diocesan meetings of the clergy,
over which the Bishop presides, no proceeding shall be intro-
duced without his previous sanction, nor be considered
carried without his approval.

This much being premised, I have to state that the busi-
ness which I have to bring before you at this time, may be
conveniently comprised in the form of two questions :

1. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, take
any steps to protect her property and endowments ?

2. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto, apply
for permission from the Crown, to hold Diocesan Synods or
Convocations ?

Should both questions be answered in the affirmative, I
would then propose the following course of proceeding, as
appearing to me the most convenient.

In regard to the first, we should petition the three
branches of the Imperial Parliament to protect our endow-
ments, and secure them, for ever, to the sacred purposes for
which they were set apart.

We should petition the three branches of the Colonial
Legislature against disturbing the 3rd and 4th Vic.chap. 78 ;
and should deprecate the continuance of the intolerable injus-
tice of having to contend against Roman Catholic votes upon
(luestions embracing the confiscation of Church property, as
tending to breed a religious rancour that can never be ap-
peased, till all such property in both Provinces shall be swept
away : a result which the petitioners would earnestly deplore,

•and which they seek by this solemn protest and warnuig
to avert.

We should also petition the Colonial Legislature for separate
Schools, wherever they may be required ; as the Church has
the same right to this privilege as the Roman Catholics, or
any other denomination, and which cannot be refused with-
out manifest injustice.

^ In regard to the second question, if decided in the affir-
mative, the most expedient and proper method of proceeding
will be, to petition Her Majesty the Queen, through His
Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for leave to hold Dio-
cesan Synods, — a copy of the petition to be at the same time
forwarded through His Excellency the Governor General, Earl
Elgin, to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Hie
Colonies. And here I nofice a ground of encouragement ; the
Australian Colonics, with fewer Church members and clergy
than this single Diocese contains, are at this very moment
soliciting some such measure as we have in contemplation.
I have only to add, that should this assemblv afrree to

the course of proceeding which I have ventured to suggest,
there would be no necessity for detaining the members after
the two questions had been solemnly decided, as a committee
may be appointed to draw up the required documents, under
the sanction and approbation of the Bishop, and to forward
them to their several destinations.

His Lordship then requested the meeting to appoint two
Secretaries, — one clergyman, and one layman.

It was moved by the Ilev. S. S. Strong, of Bytown.
seconded by the Ilev. M. Harris, A. M., Rector, Perth, and
Rural Dean of the Bathurst District,

''That the Rev. J. G. Geddes, B. A., Rector, Hamilton,
be requested to act as Secretary, on behalf of the clergy, at
this meeting." Carried.

Moved by Geo. Crawford, Esq., of Brockville, seconded
by Dr. Mewburn, of Stamford,

" That Dr. Bo veil be appointed Secretary, on behalf of
the laitv." Carried.

His Lordship then proposed two questions for the deci-
sion of the meeting :

1st. Shall we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto,
take any steps to protect her property and endowments ?

Which was answered in the affirmative.

2nd. Sha'I we, the Church of the Diocese of Toronto,
apply for permission from the Crown to hold Diocesan
Synods or Convocations ?

Which was also answered in the affirmative.

The meeting was then adjourned to the following day
(Friday), at Ten o'clock, to meet for prayers at the Church
of the Holy Trinity ; after which, hid Lordship dismissed
the assembly with his benediction.

Friday, May 2, 1851.

Prayers were said by the Rev. S. S. Strong, of Bytown,
the Rev. John Wilson, of Grafton, reading the Lessons.

The Lord Bishop took the chair.

The names of the Jay representatives were called over
by Thomas Champion, Esq., acting as Lay Secretary to the
Lord Bishop, from the certificates presented the previous
day, as follows :

Toronto :
St. James's

St. PaiiPs

Trinity

St. George's....
Holy Trinity ,.

Etobicoke

York Mills

Thornhill ..
Lloydtown

( Hon. J. Gordon.
1 J. H. Hagarty.
( Alex. Murray.
I W. Y. Bacon.
{ W. Gooderham,
^ H. A. Joseph.
( Joim Arnold.
p. Bovell.M.D.
I J. W. Blent.
i E. G. O'Brien.
I W. J. Gamble, St.
. Geo., Etobicoke J
i E. C. Scarlet,, St,
[ Philip's, Weston.
I Francis Neale.
I D. G. Hewelt.
< Dr. Paget.
'( Mr. 3tarsh.
Anh. Armstrong. I

Toronto Township

Ghingnacousy

Streetsviile

Newmarket

Scarborough

Pickering
Barrie

West Gwillimbury
OriUia

Hamilton

< Capt. J.B.Harris.
I J. Magrath.

S J. W. Gamble.
|F. M. Chalee.
j Wm. Birdsall.
I \V. H. Patterson.

William Gamble.

Wm. March, St.
Jude's and Saint
Pauls ;

J. Taber, Christ
Church.

James Peters.
^U. McCarthy.
\ S. 31. Sanford.

Herbt. Mortimer.

J. Drinkwater.

< Sir A.N.McNab.
I Miles O'Rielly.

Ancaster

J. Re^an,

Ancaster ;
A.T. Kerby,
Dundas.

Brantford 5 Henry Racey.

n „ An- T .• f John Kerby.
Grand River Indians G.Wm. Johnson.

Wellington Square -f f • ^^- Chisholm.

I W. McKay.
Gait i A. Shade.

( R C.Nicholson.
Oakvilie $ James Beatty.

t William Pettit

Georgetown ...,

Pettit.
( W.Paxton,Norval
<J.Cowen,Trafalg.
r< 1 1 ( Dr. Jones, do

^'°'-'* James Geddes

Niagara 3 Col. Kingsmill.

<F.W. Smith.
Grimsby ^Andrew Pettit.

I Win. Nixon.

St. Catharines 5 ^eorge Rykert.

T„„,v i H JVlittlebeijrer.

^"''^^ George P. EalJ

[Dr. Macklem,

Chippavva ;

Chippawa J D*"- Mewbuin,

1 Stamford ;

I L. Brokenshaw,

[ Drimimondville
Thorold S ^^- L. Turvey.

(Alex. Keefer,

r Robert Spratt.

PortMaitland J, I'ort 3Iaitland ;

J. Atkinson,

Grand River Alex. Scobie.

London Trhos. C. Dixon.

T-, „ ( L. La wrnson.

Do Township Freeman Talbot.

^h^^'T"^ Ben. Willson.

^'^f^-'^e.. William Bray.

Port Stanley Samuel Price.

Amherstburgh j ^i*. Hawkins. i

^^^^^^^ Uunc. McGregor. I

Simcoe., 5 ^'"- Covernton. j

( Edw. Gilinan. ,

I Woodstock i ^- Deedes.

< Henry Finkle,

Bur/ord J J. Smith.

7,„, ? T.Wallace.

'^^"^ C.Caistor.

Cobourg 3 Hon.G.S.Boulton.

I A. A, Burnham.

Rice Lake 5 ^m. Faikener.

I A. Haywood.

Grafton j J- D. Cameron.

iR.M. Boucher.

Port Trent 5 William Shea.

r, ♦ ■ u. "" H- F. Flindall.

Cartwrigh R. McQuaid.

Clarke and ( j g. Low, M. D.

Darlington f ^Nath. Wilson.

Peterborough j*'^^™^^ ^'^"'S.

Kingston: ■"' ^^^-^^ ^'i'Rth.

St. George's S J- A. Henderson,

I Wm. Goodeve.

St. James's ^ Neil ^IcLeod,

n^th " ? Capt.Stace, R N

Ir;7 ; H. N. Phillipps.

^^'^hmond John Sumner.^

Belleville 3 F. Murney.

I iu„u„ 1 i J. Breakenridge.

1^°}^"^'^ J.W.Hill. ^

;ijf°", ■■: Robert Nichol.

i ^Jarysburghh Dr. Whitley.

Perth S Richard Shaw.

' T3 » '** ) George Cox.
,^y^°«'n JohnChitty.

Brockville S ^^eorge Crawford.

/ (^rmoiid Jones.

; Smith's Falls 5 '^" ^lathieson.

'p,„ ,. IW. B.Carroll.

MltT^-y, JustasS.Merwin.

^^^"'^•'^^>"e E. H.Whitmarsh.

Kemptvillc 5 "Joseph Bower.

IravellingMiss. ) ^„
Johnstown 5 Benjamin Tett.

Cornwall j Jas. Dickenson.

ri„„„i , (James Edgar.

Osnabruck i\r. p^.c ^

Williamsburgh.

Ross
^^lichael Pillar.

T..,„„ir ■^,■ ^ James Skinner.

IravellrngMiss.) ^R.D. Fraser,

^""*^"« ^o- > > A. J. Dixon.

The Rev. ,T. G. Geddes, Clerical Secretary read th^
minutes of the proceedings of the previous ^i^ '^'

Moved by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, M.P.P. of Hamilton

RTalDe '/ r \'''- ^'•^- ^"^^^^'' ^-^-' Thorold/a:!
Kural Dean of the Niagara Dcnnerv,

1. " That the Bishop, clergy, and laity of the Diocese of
Toronto, in Conference assembled, by request of the Lord
Bishop, at his Triennial Visitation, holden 1st and 2nd May,
1851, do solemnly protest against the alienation to any
secular purpose whatever, of the lands, called Clergy Ke-
serves, originally set apart by Act of 31st George IIL, cap.31,
and finally sanctioned by 3rd and 4th Victoria, cap. 78, loi
the maintenance of religion and religious knowledge in the
Province ; as being opposed to the constitution of the Church
ofGod in every agc-at variance with the principles acted
upon by all ChVistian nations-subversive of the recognized
rights of British subjccts-and in violation of the fidelity and
integrity of parliamentary enactments and the decisions
of law." Carried wianimousif/.

Moved by Colonel Kingsmili, of Niagara, seconded by
Absolam Shade, Esq., of Gait,

2. " That no class or condition of persons in this Pro-
vince^'can be endangered in estate or conscience by the
maintenance of this religious property to its original purpose.
Carried laianimousljj.

iMoved by the Hon. George S. Boulton, of Cobourg,
seconded by the Rev,, Michael Harris, A. M., Rector, Perth,
and Rural Dean of the Bathurst Deanery,

3 "That the maintenance of this property for its
original purpose is necessary; because it has been found
from experience, that Religion cannot be generally diff-uscd
or permanently supported, in any country, upon the purely
Voluntary principle : its maintenance upon this system is
proved to be inadequate, even in towns and villages ot con-
siderable size ; while it is discovered to be wholly impracti,
cable in rural districts,-a large proportion of the inhabitants
of which are comparatively poor." Carried unammoushj.

Moved by J. H. Hagarty, Esq., of St. James's Church,
Toronto, seconded by the Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, M. A.,
Rector, London, and Rural Dean of the London Deanery,

4. " That in countries where the support of Religion is
entirely dependent upon voluntary contributions, it does not
maintain its proper influence, but is uniformly found, amongst
the great mass of the people, to degenerate and decline; and
that religious division and animosity increase— erroneous
tenets gain strength and prevalence—and infidelity itself
spreads to an unwonted extent." Carried iinanimouslij.

Moved by Geo. Crawford, Esq., of Brockville, seconded
by Edmund Deedes, Esq., of Woodstock,

5. " That this mcetiug regards the maintenance of the
Clergy Reserves to religious uses, according to the intentions
of a pious Sovereign expressed in various Acts of Parlia-
ment of the United Kingdom, to be one of the best boons and
blessings which can be secured to this colony,— as tending to
insure, with the Divine favour, the propagation of true reli-
gion within its bounds, to the end of time." Carried unani-
Tnoiisly.

Moved by Edmund Murney, Esq., of Belleville, seconded
by the Rev. Henry Patton, Rector, Cornwall, and Rural
Dean of the Johnstown Dcanerv,

C. " That a petition, embodying the views now expressed
as the solemn opinion of the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese
of Toronto in conference assembled, be presented to the Pro-
vincial Parliament during the approaching Session, and be
also transmitted to the Queen and other branches of the Im-
perial Legislature ; and that the Venerable the Archdeacon
of Kingston, the Venerable the Archdeacon of York, the Rev.

B. Cronyn, the Rev. A. Palmer, the Rev. M. Harris, the Rev.
H. Patton, Edmund Deedes, Esq., G. Rykert, Esq., J. H.
Hagarty, Esq., the Hon. G. S. Boulton, George Crawford,
Esq., and J. A. Henderson, Esq, be a Committee to draft
the same subject, subject to the approval of the Lord Bishop
of Toronto." Carried imanimooshj.

Moved by the Rev. A. Palmer, A. B., Rector, Guelph,
and Rural Dean of the Gore Deanery, seconded by Thomas

C. Dixon, Esq., of London.

7 " That this Meeting is of opinion that for the more
effectual exorcise of the discipline of the Church, and the more
advantageous management of its temporal affairs, it is expe-
dient and desirable to apply to the Crown for the establish-
ment of a Diocesan Synod or Convocation, consistmg of the
Laity as well as of the Clergy so as best to meet the
requirements of the Church in this Diocese ; and that
the Committee aforesaid do draft a memorial to the
Queen, founded upon the observations upon this subject ex-
pressed in the Episcopal charge of the Lord Bishop delivered
yesterday." Carried unanimoushj.

Moved by the Rev. E. J. Boswell, Rector, Williams-
burgh, seconded by Laurence Lawrason, Esq., of London,

8 " That this meeting desires to express its sense of the
paramount duty of connecting religion with secular education ;
and, in order to carry out this obligation, they deem it to be
necessary to petition the Colonial Legislature to permit the
establishment of separate Church Schools ; and that the
assessments ordinarily paid by Churchmen for the support ot
Common Schools be applied to the maintenance of such as
are in connexion with the Church, where such appropriation
is practicable and desired ; and that the Committee aforesaid
be empowered to draft the same." Carried unanimoushj.

Moved by Sir A. N. MacNab, M.P.P. of Hamilton,
seconded by George Crawford, Esq., of Brockvillc,

« That the thanks of this meeting arc justly due, and are
hereby most cordially tendered, to the Lord Bishop of
Toronto for the extraordinary degree of zeal and energy
which he has manifested in the present critical emergency
of the Church in this Diocese ; and also for the dignified, im-
partial, and courteous manner in which his Lordship has
presided over our deliberations."

This resolution was put to the meeting by the Venerable
Archdeacon Stuart, and was carried by the whole assembly
rising to testify their approval.

the

Bis]

solii

his

J. (
JAT

At the suggestion of the Lord Bishop, it was ordered :
That the thanks of the clergy and laity be presented to
the Rev. W. M. Herchmer, M. A., for his eloquent Sermon
on the first day of the Visitation; and that, on behalf of the
•Bishop, the clergy, and the laity, he be very respectfully
solicited to publish the said Sermon.

The meeting was adjourned by the Lord Bishop, with
his benediction.

JOHN TORONTO.

J. GAMBLE GEDDES, Clerical Secretary/.
JAMES BOVELL, Lay Secretary.

FINIS.