e breaking up of the union which has hitherto existed
between us and the radicals. Were it not for this, I should much
regret its appearance. But we had got so closely linked with those
extreme men, in one way or another, that we cannot expect to get
rid of them without feeling the shock, and, perhaps, it may as well
come now as anytime. It is our duty and interest to support the
Government. Although there may be some abuses which have crept in,
yet, I believe that we enjoy as many political and religious
advantages as any people. Our public affairs are as well managed as
in any other country. As it respects the Reformers, so called, take
Baldwin, Bidwell, Rolph, and such men from their ranks, and there
is scarcely one man of character or honour among them. I am sorry
to say it, but it is so. The best way for the present is for us to
have nothing to say about politics, but treat the Government with
respect. Radcliffe, of the Cobourg _Reformer_, and Dr. Barker, of
the Kingston _Whig_, have come out in their true character.
Radcliffe is preparing a heavy charge against you. But let them
come; fear them not! I hope they will show themselves _now_. I
thought that you, in your reply to W. L. Mackenzie, did not speak
in a sufficiently decided manner. You say you have not changed
your views; but I hope you have in some respects. Although you
never were a Radical, yet have not we all leaned too much towards
them, and will we not now smart for it a little? But, the sooner it
comes on, the sooner it will be over.

Rev. John Ryerson then gives the first intimation of the existence of
that germ of hostility to the recently consummated Union on the part of
the British Wesleyan Missionaries in this country--a hostility which
became at length so deep and widespread as to destroy the Union
itself--a union which was not fully restored until 1847. Mr. Ryerson
points out the political animus of the movement, and proceeds:--

You see that the Missionaries are making great efforts to have
Kingston and York made exceptions to the general arrangements.
Should the English Committee listen to them, confidence will be
entirely destroyed. Their object is to make the British Conference
believe that we have supported Radical politics to an unlimited
extent, and that, therefore, the people will not submit t