Excerpt from Transactions of the London and Middlesex Historical Society, 1922, Vol. 11: The Proudfoot Papers (Continued)
Following this came ten volumes (iii. To XII.) of the original diary, small paper-covered manuscripts each contain ing from twenty-four to fifty pages, extending from December, 1832, to June 14, 1833. They are written in fine copperplate handwriting with few corrections and no blots. The scandal mentioned above, proved to be very mild. The entry of December 5th gives the details, the chief of which was that there was considerable dissension in the Scotch Kirk regarding their minister Mr. Rentoul. The only fault which is stated against him, is, that he reads his sermons - all admit that he is a pious man, and that his walk is becoming the gospel. The fact seems to be that he is not popular and that there is about him a stiffness which prevents that easy familiarity with which Canadians, and particularly Canadian Independents, wish to treat their ministers. At the head of the opposition are Mr. Letham and Mr. Freeland, who are Independents, and who have actually bought a chapel for the purpose of forming in it an Independent Church. This want of good agreement is the source of joy to not a few in the town. Mr. Stewart, the Baptist, delights in telling of it, though it can affect him I suppose in no way.
Was considerably disappointed to-day in Mr. Stewart. I have been now several times in his house, but never heard anything that could indicate his possessing a literary turn. He is always working as a labourer, covered with mud or lime. His manners are the manners of a man of work, and forward ness and conceit supply in him the place of ease. He piques himself upon being one of those converted by the instrument ality of Mr. Stewart, Moulin, Perthshire, and taking his stand upon that vantage ground he looks-down upon almost all others, not of his own denomination, as hardly Christians, if they be Christians at all. Were I to be much about York I should not choose to cultivate his acquaintance. I write not this because of any slight on his part, for he has behaved to me as well as he could, and certainly has acted kindly, but I have so often met men of his character and seen so many unhappinesses arising from intimacy with them that I could not willingly come into intimacy with him.
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