were assembled in one place. In a moral point of view,
they may be said to be "sitting in the valley of the shadow of
death." "The day star from on high" has not yet dawned upon them.
Alas! are they to perish for lack of knowledge? Can not the dry
bones live? Oh, thou who art able to raise up children unto
Abraham! speak the word, devise the means, and these long lost
prodigals shall return to their father's house! I noticed activity,
both in body and mind, superior skill in curious workmanship;
genius flashed in their countenances; and yet shall these noble
powers be bound fast in the cruel chains of ignorance, and these
immortal spirits go from a rayless night to midnight tomb? Oh, Thou
Light of the World, shine upon them! One of their nation whom God
has plucked as a brand from the burning, attempted to explain the
Christian religion to them. They listened and bowed assent, saying
"ha, ha." Oh, Lord, if Thou wilt qualify me and send me to dispense
to them the Bread of Life, I will throw myself upon Thy mercy, and
submit to Thy will.

_August 20th._--Amongst all the authors with whom I am acquainted,
who treat on Church Government, the Rev. Dr. Campbell is the most
clear and satisfactory. With a great deal of talent, penetration,
and research, he exhibits the Church in all her various forms, till
her power made empires tremble, and her riches bid defiance to
poverty. His excellent lectures have enlarged my mind on the
subject of ecclesiastical polity, and rendered my feelings more
liberal. I am convinced that form of government is best which most
secures order and union in society.

_August 20th--Sabbath._--To-day closes my ministerial labours at
York, where I have been stationed for two years. Many precious
seasons have I enjoyed; and, blessed be the Lord, He has set His
seal to my labours, and I think I can call God to witness that I
have not failed in my feeble way to declare the whole counsel of
God. Oh, Lord, seal it with Thy Spirit's power!

FOOTNOTES:

[6] A fuller reference to this subject will be found in Chapters vi. and
viii.--H.

[7] Letters to the Hon. W. H. Draper on "_The Clergy Reserve Question;
as a Matter of History, a Question of Law, and a Subject of
Legislation_." Toronto, 1839, pp. 11, 12.

CHAPTER IV.

1826-1827.

Missionary t