Note 43 — Colonial Chapter in the History of American Education. (continued 2)
Reading edition
In the preface to the Story of My Life, I thus referred to this period of Dr. Ryerson's labours:—"Public men of the present day looked upon Dr. Ryerson practically as one of their own contemporaries—noted for his zeal and energy in the successful management of a great Public Department, and as the founder of a system of Popular Education.... In this estimate of Dr. Ryerson's labours they were quite correct. And in their appreciation of the statesmanlike qualities of mind, which devised and developed such a system in the midst of difficulties which would have appalled less resolute hearts, they were equally correct.
"But, after all, how immeasurably does this partial historical view of his character and labours fall short of a true estimate of that character and of those labours!
"In a point of fact, Dr. Ryerson's great struggle for the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825 to 1845, as detailed in the pages of this 'story' without being impressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native country than that which is therein recorded, he would have accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen."