The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada WestArmstrong, John
Religion
The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada West
Armstrong, John
Mortimer, George, 1784-1844
too, where farming labour is paid for, is so losing a concern, that, if
it were not absolutely necessary for the supply of their family in
country places, there is scarcely a gentleman but would give it up. I
have annually lost by mine—little indeed, but still, lost; and the
general cry among my neighbours is, Nothing is to be got by farming.
Indeed, were it not for the comparative poverty of the settlers, the tide
of emigration would soon set homewards: but, to realize the means of
return would, on a general scale, be impossible; were they to attempt to
sell, no sufficient number of purchasers could be obtained, and the sum
realized would go but a little way towards living in the same style in
England; so tarry they must. Still, the hearts of many are turning
towards their beloved country, and they would soon rejoin their friends
if they could.
TO MRS. WHITMORE.
Thornhill, near Toronto, Upper Canada,
November, 12, 1836.
* * * * During most of the time since I last wrote to you, we have been
in great uncertainty concerning our movements. At one time I felt so
sinking under my ministerial duties, combined with the peculiarities of
the climate, that my wife and Cecil were strongly urgent on me to retire
from all public and obligatory duty, and to do no more than what my
strength or spirits would enable me occasionally and privately to attend
to. With this intention, after inspecting numerous places, we made a
purchase in the salubrious and delightful district of Niagara, and were
just on the point of removing thither; but, on inspection, the title did
not appear satisfactory, and, at the suggestion of the solicitor, I did
not complete the purchase. While, however, this matter was pending, my
people, at a public meeting, strongly expressed their hope, that I would
not adhere to my intentions of removal, and so unanimously and
affectionately pressed my continuance among them, that I at length
consented; and have since made arrangements for building a house at my
own expense, on some land I had previously purchased near the church, and
am intending now to go on with as much prudence as I can; but still to go
on, and to die, if it please God, in the harness. Of late, however, the
Lord has been pleased so to enable me to use appropriate exercise in the
open air, and so to husband my little strength, that all the unfavourable
symptoms under which I was labouring some few months ago, have altogether
disappeared; and with present adequacy of physical powers and with more
than usual encouragement in spirit, I am proceeding with my work, and
trust all will be well.
* * * * *
After speaking of his family, he adds,
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