nd other bodies by the then
dominant Church party, led by the late Bishop Strachan, revealed to his
own, and other Churches, his rare gifts as a powerful controversial
writer. From that time forward for many years, his pen was used with
powerful effect, in defence of equal religious rights and privileges for
all Churches.... Dr. Ryerson was longer and more prominently associated
with the interests of Methodism in Canada than any other minister of our
Church. His life covers and embraces all but the earliest portion of the
history of our Church in this country.

But it is his work as an educationist that has made him most widely
known, and upon which his fame most securely rests.... The office of
Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada was not a new one;
but the vigorous personality of Dr. Ryerson lifted it into a prominence
and importance in public estimation that had never belonged to it
before. For thirty-two years he continued to discharge the duties of
this high office with a broad intelligence and rare executive ability,
which have for all time stamped his name and influence on the
educational system of his country. He was not a mere administrator,
acting under the orders of the Government of the day. He was the leader
of a great educational reform.... Changes of Government made no change
in his department. Such was the estimate which the Ontario Government
took of his public services that on his resignation, in 1876, his full
salary was continued till the time of his death, and after his death the
Legislature made a grant of $10,000 to his widow. It is not too much to
say that among the gifted men whom Canada delights to honour, not one
has left a more permanent impression for good on the future of our
country than Egerton Ryerson.

He was large-minded and liberal in his views on all subjects. Though
strong in his attachment to Methodism he was no sectarian, but cherished
the most liberal and kindly feeling toward all sincere Christians. He
was an able controvertialist, and in the heat of conflict dealt heavy
blows at his opponents; but when the battle was over he retained no
petty spite toward his late antagonists. His controversial pamphlets are
numerous, and mostly relate to current events with which he was in some
way associated. Though a man of war, from his youth engaging in many
conflicts, religious and political, Dr. Ryerson's last years were
eminently tranquil. He had outlived the bitterness o