tion, that but for
certain phrases in my letter (to the sentiments of which, it was
maintained, the Conference would be committed by the resolution
proposed) the vote in regard to me would have been unanimous.

* * * * *

Amongst other congratulatory letters received by Dr. Ryerson, none were
more gratifying to him than the following characteristic letter from
Rev. John Black, in township of Rawdon, written on the 16th of June:--

My good Mr. Lever, of Sidney, in a letter from the Conference,
informs me that "Dr. Ryerson is once more among his brethren, and,
as usual, taking an active part in the affairs of Conference."
Although three of my children were confined to bed by sickness, yet
on hearing such news I was almost ready for a shout.

Permit me to say that your departure from us at Belleville, twelve
months ago, lay heavy on my heart; and now to hear the above
intelligence is good to my soul. For many years I have been much
attached to Mr. Egerton Ryerson. We were "taken on trial" at the
same time, and together were ordained to the great work of the
ministry. And although you, Mr. R., have been near the head, and I,
Mr. B., near the foot, yet we are in the same ranks, fighting the
battles of the Lord, and exercising our talents in behalf of truth
and righteousness. I know that your time is precious, yet I believe
you will spare a minute or two in reading a few lines from your
affectionate, and now almost worn-out, friend and well-wisher. Long
may you live for the purpose of using your talents for the benefit
of Church and State! This fervent wish stands at a distance from
mere compliment and from flattery, and is the free emotion of a
Methodist heart.

FOOTNOTES:

[142] As early as 1834, Dr. Ryerson was deeply impressed with the
correctness of these views. Having, in the Guardian of the 9th of April,
1834, called the attention of his ministerial brethren to the pressing
duty of giving effect to the section of the Discipline on the
"Instruction of Children," he proceeded to point out in the Guardian of
the 23rd of that month, the privileges which baptism confers upon
Methodist children, fortifying his views by the following quotation from
Rev. R. Watson's Institutes:--Baptism introduces the adult believer into
the covenant of Grace, and the Church of Christ.... To the infant child
it is a visible receptio