e at the time from Quebec and
Kingston, by Dr. Ryerson, throw additional light upon the nature of the
contest in which he was engaged. They also reveal what the character of
his personal feelings and the exercise of his mind during that eventful
time were.

On the 20th April, Dr. Ryerson said:--I have had a very painful and
laborious week; but I hope to-morrow to be able by divine help, to
answer two of my principal opponents effectually. One of these gentlemen
made a very plausible speech yesterday in defence of the University, and
in reply chiefly to me, but full of fallacies and misquotations.

_April 27th._--I finished my defence yesterday in the presence of a
densely crowded room--consisting of a large number of Legislative
Councillors and members of the House of Assembly--several of whom, I was
told, were quite moved when I closed, and cheered me heartily when I sat
down. I was congratulated on all sides by them in the afternoon, upon
the manner in which I had triumphantly defended myself. I can only say,
to God be all the praise. I felt myself as weak as water. I was so
depressed and affected the night before, and the morning of commencing
my defence, that I could not speak without emotion and tears; but I
prayed and relied upon Him who had never failed me in the hour of trial,
and my personal friends were also engaged in prayer in my behalf.

As soon as I commenced, I felt as if an army of such assailants were as
so many pigmies, and, my friends say, I handled them as such. The
remarks of members of both Houses are various, and some of them
amusing--all agreeing in the completeness of the defence. All agree also
as to the extravagance and defects of the system, and the unquestionable
claims of denominational colleges.

I cannot review the great goodness of God to me during this mortifying
week without an overflowing heart and tears of gratitude. More conscious
and manifold help from above I never experienced. I hope I may never be
called to pass through such another conflict. I spoke two hours and
forty minutes on the day before yesterday, and one hour and
three-quarters yesterday.

_May 8th._--I shall be able to send you to-morrow a copy in slips of my
reply to my two principal opponents. I know not what will be the result,
but I trust in God, who has done better for us than all our fears or our
hopes thus far. I hear that the general conviction of members is with
me. One of the Senators told me that he ha