d, triumphant theme of redeeming love, in strains the
most exalted, I will endeavour in my feeble way to follow you to the
same blessed kingdom.

Brother William received a letter from John last week. His health is
very bad. His excessive labour has overcome him. He has forty
appointments in four weeks. He is now stationed in Kingston.--H.]

_April 25th._--For several days past I have been altogether engaged
in writing a controversial pamphlet, and have attended little to
the duty of self-examination.

_April 28th._--I have been much blessed in reading the Journal of
John Nelson. When I compare the unwearied labours, and severe
sufferings of that brave soldier of the Cross, with my little
efforts and sufferings, I blush for my lukewarmness, and am ashamed
of my fearfulness.

_May 10th._--[In these early days, the Methodist ministers had but
little time for study before commencing their ministerial labours, and,
as Dr. Ryerson often told me, they had to resort to many expedients to
secure the necessary time for reading and study. This had often to be
done on horseback. Dr. Ryerson's eldest brother, George, who had
attended Union College, N.Y., turned his advantages in this respect to a
good account. He sought to stimulate his younger brothers to devote
every spare moment to suitable preparation for their work. In reply to a
letter on this subject, from Rev. George Ryerson to his brother William,
he said:--

I thank you for your kind advice respecting composition, and shall
endeavour to follow it, although my necessary duties leave but very
little time for literary improvement. Since I saw you, I have been
principally engaged in Biblical studies which I find both
profitable and interesting. I am now engaged in reading the Bible
through in course with Dr. Adam Clarke's notes, also Paley's books.
I received a letter from brother John a few days since. He had
received a number into the Society, and there were a number more
who appeared to be seriously awakened. Elder Madden, who was at
York last week, says that Egerton is well, and that the cause of
religion is prospering in York, and on the Yonge Street Circuit. We
have had but very little increase in Niagara since I saw you,
although our congregation is very large and attentive.--H.]

_May 18th._--[In writing to-day to his brother George, Dr. Ryerson
mentioned th