it became my duty,
as a member of Government, to carry through Parliament an important
measure relating to Grammar Schools. Much to his surprise, I
successfully resisted all attempts at mutilation, for which he
warmly expressed his acknowledgements. During the serious, and
sometimes acrimonious discussions which preceded and followed the
Act of Confederation, I enjoyed the benefit of his approving
sympathy and wise counsel. Others with better warrant may speak of
his great power and achievements as a Christian Minister; but you
will permit me to say that I knew him as a generous friend and
patron of Canadian youth; as a sagacious and resolute man of
affairs; as a staunch defender of the British constitutional system
of government; and as a patriotic, true-hearted son of Canada--_Si
monumentum requiris--circumspice!_

Dr. Ryerson's pastoral charge of the Toronto City Circuit in 1840-41,
and other ministerial duties, engrossed all of his time to the exclusion
of other matters. It seemed to have been a positive relief to him to
engage in these more congenial pursuits. He rarely used his pen, except
on very pressing occasions. He was nevertheless a close observer of
passing events, but took no active part in them.

Lord Sydenham frequently availed himself of Dr. Ryerson's counsel and
co-operation. Shortly before the death of that able Governor, Dr.
Ryerson had gone to Kingston, as requested, on matters of public
interest. The unexpected death of Lord Sydenham, on the 19th of
September, 1841 (the immediate cause of which was a fall from his
horse), called forth a burst of universal sorrow throughout the then
newly created Province of Canada. One of the most touching tributes to
his memory was penned by Dr. Ryerson, while on his way to Kingston to
see him. It was published in the _Guardian_ of the 29th September, and
republished with other notices in a pamphlet by Mr. (now Sir) Francis
Hincks, then editor of the Toronto _Examiner_. From that sketch of Lord
Sydenham's career I take the following concluding passages:--

At the commencement of His Lordship's mission in Upper Canada, when
his plans were little known, his difficulties formidable, and his
Government weak, I had the pleasing satisfaction of giving him my
humble and dutiful support in the promotion of his non-party and
provincial objects; and now that he is beyond the reach o