CHAPTER XXIX.

Bishop Strachan—A teacher—A preacher—A student—Holy Orders—A Presbyterian—Becomes an Episcopalian—A supporter of the “Family compact”—Sincere—His opinion of the people—Ignorant—Unprepared for self-government—Strachan’s religious chart—He was deceived— The Methodists—Anomalous connection—A fillibustering people— Republicanism egotistical—Loyalty of the Methodists—American ministers—Dr. Strachan’s position—His birth place—His education— A.M., 1793—Studying Theology—Comes to Canada—A student of Dr. Stuart’s—Ordained Deacon—A missionary at Cornwall—Rector at York—Archdeacon—Bishop of Toronto—Coadjutor—Death—A public burial—Rev. Mr. McDowell—First Presbyterian at Bay Quinté— Invited by Van Alstine—On his way—At Brockville—Settles in a second town—His circuit—A worthy minister—Fulfilling his mission—Traveling on foot—To York—Marrying the people—His death— His descendants—Places of preaching—A Calvinist—Invites controversy—Mr. Coate accepts the challenge—The disputation— Excitement—The result—Rev. Mr. Smart—Called by Mr. McDowell— Pres. clergyman at Brockville—Fifty years—An earnest Christian—A desire to write—“Observer”—A pioneer—A cause of regret—Not extreme—Mr. Smart’s views on politics—The masses uneducated—The “Family Compact”—Rise of responsible government—The Bidwells— Credit to Dr. Strachan—Brock’s funeral sermon—Foundation of Kingston gaol—Maitland—Demonstration—Sherwood’s statement 273