ted, they wished to give me
an Indian name. The old Chief arose, and approached the table where
I was sitting, and in his own tongue addressed me in the following
manner: "Brother, as we are brothers, we will give you a name. My
departed brother was named Cheehock; thou shalt be called
Cheehock."[12] I returned him thanks in his own tongue, and so
became initiated among them.

_Dec. 22nd._--My brother John, writing from Grimsby, thus
acknowledges the kind advice of brother George: I thank you for
your kind advice, and I can assure you I have felt of late, more
than ever, the importance of preaching Christ, and Christ alone. It
is my aim and constant prayer to live in that way, so that I can
always adopt the language of the Apostle, Romans xiv. 7, 8. I wish
you to write as often as convenient. Any advice or instruction that
you may have at any time to give, will be thankfully received.

_January 4th, 1827._--After the absence of more than a week, I
again return to my Indians, who welcome me with the tenderest marks
of kindness. Watch-night on New Year's Eve was a season of great
rejoicing among them. About 12 o'clock, while their speaker was
addressing them, the glory of the Lord filled the house, and about
twenty fell to the floor. They all expressed a determination to
commence the New Year with fresh zeal. My soul was abundantly
blessed at the commencement of the year, while speaking at the
close of the Watchnight services in York.

My engagement in controversial writing savours too much of dry
historical criticism to be spiritual, and often causes leanness of
soul; but it seems to be necessary in the present state of matters
in this Colony, and it is the opinion of my most judicious friends,
that I should continue it till it comes to a successful
termination.

_Jan. 10th._--[Having received a letter of enquiry from his brother
George, Dr. Ryerson replied at this date, and said:--

I have been unwell for nearly two months with a continuance of violent
colds, occasioned by frequent changes from a cold house and a
thinly-clad bed at the Credit, to warm rooms in York. My indisposition
of body has generally induced a depression of spirits, which has often
unfitted me for a proper discharge of duties, or proficiency in study.
However, in the midst of bodily indisposition, the