Conclusion.

In concluding these remarks I have only to say that I have been somewhat more explicit in the details of parochial work than is usual in a bishop's address, because nothing short of a statement of facts was likely to correct a mistaken view of our position which has gained some currency. I feel greatly tempted to quote from my address to the Synod of 1879, when I had to face gloomy predictions of the "collapse of the diocese" which had prevailed during my absence. We have had nothing but bad times, commercially, since then; but by God's gracious aid we have filled the then vacant cures and made progress all along the line. God forbid that I should err, even by one word, of over statement. I know well that for some time certain of my clerical brethren will find it difficult to maintain their ground; but I once more say that the "spirit of despondency has a worse effect than the hard times themselves, and that the right course is for a special appeal to be made to those who can give special aid to tide over a time of trial rather than that the clergy should be almost encouraged to retire from their charges." I have recently had to act on those words, spoken in 1879, and have been loyally and most liberally met.

In conclusion, there is, I think, but little need for special legislation at this meeting of our Synod. The schedule at the end of Statute No. 1, which has reference to the electoral districts and the number of members which each should return to the Synod, needs revising; and there are some inaccuracies in the statute for defining the mode of election to the General Synod. If the Synod were to express an opinion in favor of the casting of our statutes into the more convenient form of canons, arranged under various headings, I think gentlemen might be found willing to prepare such a rearranged code of our legislation for the approval of the Synod at a subsequent session. The action taken by the General Synod in this matter is, I believe, every-where acknowledged to be an advantage in the direction of simplification.

2. "That the president be respectfully requested to forward this resolution to the Bishops of the other dioceses, expressing the hope of this Synod that the different diocesan Synods will co-operate in a similar direction."

Dear Brethren, in the confidence of a father I have spoken. Now let us proceed to act together as a family, nay rather as one body; and as such, in the name of Jesus Christ our Head, let us "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Amen