this
description. I feel thankful that I have been enabled to do my duty from
the beginning in this matter. Four years ago, I perceived and began to
warn the public of the revolutionary tendency and spirit of Mackenzie's
proceedings. Perhaps you may recollect that in a long article in the
_Guardian_, four years ago this winter, headed "Revolutionary Symptoms,"
I pointed out, to the great displeasure of even some of my friends, what
has come to pass.

It is also a matter of thankfulness that every one of our family and
marriage connections, near and remote, is on the side of law, reason,
and religion in this affair. Such indications of the Divine goodness are
a fresh encouragement to me to renew my covenant engagement with my
gracious Redeemer, to serve Him and His cause with greater zeal and
faithfulness.

I hope, my dear Father, you are employing your last days in preparing
for your approaching change, and for standing before the bar of God. My
poor prayers are daily offered up in your behalf. Much travelling and
other engagements have hitherto prevented me from writing to you as I
would; but, hereafter, the first Monday in each month shall be
considered as belonging to my dear aged Parents, in praying for or
writing to them. My dutiful respects and love to my dear Mother. I would
esteem it a great favour and privilege to receive a few lines from you
or her.

FOOTNOTES:

[54] Dr. Ryerson in his "Epochs of Canadian Methodism," page 314,
says:--It had been agreed by W. L. Mackenzie and his fellow rebels, in
1837, to hang Egerton Ryerson on the first tree they met with, could
they apprehend him.

CHAPTER XXI.

1837-1838.

Sir F. B. Head and the Upper Canada Academy.

Lord Glenelg, as agreed, when Dr. Ryerson was in England, (page 165,)
directed Lieutenant-Governor Sir F. B. Head to bring the pecuniary
claims of the Upper Canada Academy before the Legislature. This he did
in February, 1837. A committee (of which Hon. W. H. Draper was
chairman)[55] brought in an excellent report on the subject. The House
of Assembly by a vote of 31 to 10 agreed to advance $16,400 to the
Academy. The Legislative Council, on motion of Hon. J. Elmsley, made
such onerous conditions as virtually defeated the bill, and no relief
was granted.[56] Dr. Ryerson, then in England, pressed the matter most
urgently upon Lord Glenelg, who in April 1837, sent directions to Sir F.
B. Head to advance the money without delay. This, on var