, who have
entirely overcome her opposition by their kindness, affection, and
gospel simplicity.
_Aug. 22nd._--Yesterday I delivered a discourse on the subject of
Missions, for the purpose of forming a Missionary Society in this
place (Niagara).
_September 3rd, 1825._--I took tea this afternoon at Youngstown,
U.S., for the first time.
_Sept. 6th._--Had the pleasure of meeting my brother to-day, whom I
have not seen for a year. How comforting to meet with those who are
not only near by the ties of nature, but much more by the changing
power of divine grace.
_Sept. 9th._--Have been greatly benefitted to-day by hearing Bishop
Hedding preach from Rev. iii. 5.
_Sept. 16th._--I bless God for what mine eyes hath seen, and mine
ears have heard to-day, being the first anniversary of the Canadian
Missionary Society. The Hon. John Willson, M.P.P., was requested to
take the chair. Several Indians, who had been brought to a
knowledge of the truth, through the efforts of this Society, were
present and spoke. How delightful to see the warlike Mohawk, and
the degraded Mississauga, exchanging the heathen war-whoop for the
sublime praise of the God of love! This is the commencement of
greater things which the Lord will do for the aboriginies of
Canada.
_Sept. 23rd._--I have this day received my appointment for York and
Yonge street. Never did I feel more sensibly the necessity of
Divine help. Help me, O God, to go forth in Thy strength, and
contend manfully under the banner of Christ! Amen.
FOOTNOTES:
[3] These voluminous diaries and journals are full of detail, chiefly of
Dr. Ryerson's religious experience. They are rich in illustration of the
severe mental and spiritual disciplinary process--self-imposed--through
which he passed during these eventful years of his earlier life. They
are singularly severe in their personal reflections upon his religious
shortcomings, and want of watchfulness. They are tinged with an
asceticism which largely characterized the religious experience of many
of the early Methodist preachers of Mr. Wesley's time--an asceticism
which strongly marked the Methodist biography and writings, which were
almost the only religious reading accessible to the devoted Methodist
pioneers of this country,--J. G. H.
[4] In a previous and subsequent chapter Dr. Ryerson refe
|