And now let me ask this intelligent audience, who have so kindly listened to me up to this moment—­let me ask them to consider, in all seriousness and earnestness, what that great work really is.  I do not think that I shall be chargeable with exaggeration when I affirm, that it is the work of our day and generation; that it is the problem in our modern society which is most difficult of solution; that it is the ground upon which earnest and zealous men unhappily too often, and in too many countries meet, not to co-operate but to wrangle; while the poor and the ignorant multitudes around them are starving and perishing for lack of knowledge.  Well, then, how has Upper Canada addressed herself to the execution of this great work?  How has she sought to solve this problem—­to overcome this difficulty?  Sir, I understand from your statements—­and I come to the same conclusion from my own investigation and observation—­that it is the principle of our common school educational system, that its foundation is laid deep in the firm rock of our common Christianity.  I understand, sir, that while the varying views and opinions of a mixed religious society are scrupulously respected, while every semblance of dictation is carefully avoided, it is desired, it is earnestly recommended, it is confidently expected and hoped, that every child who attends our common schools shall learn there that he is a being who has an interest in eternity as well as in time; that he has a Father, towards whom he stands in a closer and more affecting, and more endearing relationship than to any earthly father, and that Father is in heaven; that he has a hope, far transcending every earthly hope—­a hope full of immortality—­the hope, namely, that that Father’s kingdom may come; that he has a duty which, like the sun in our celestial system, stands in the centre of his moral obligations, shedding upon them a hallowing light, which they in their turn reflect and absorb—­the duty of striving to prove by his life and conversation the sincerity of his prayer, that that Father’s will may be done upon earth as it is done in heaven.  I understand, sir, that upon the broad and solid platform which is raised upon that good foundation, we invite the ministers of religion, of all denominations—­the de facto spiritual guides of the people of the country—­to take their stand along with us; that, so far from hampering or impeding them in the exercise of their sacred functions, we ask and we beg them to take the children—­the lambs of the flock which are committed to their care—­aside, and to lead them to those pastures and streams where they will find, as they believe, the food of life and the waters of consolation.

One more extract must be given from the despatch already quoted, because it illustrates a feature in his character, to which the subsequent course of his life gave such marked prominence—­his generous and tender feeling of what was due to subject or inferior races; a sad feeling in this case, and but faintly supported by any hope of being able to do anything for their benefit.