my
kind and accomplished host on a subject of so much interest and
importance as religion and the Bible. The thought that on the evening of
the coming day I should have to appear on the platform again as his
opponent, was really annoying. To talk with such a man privately, in a
free and friendly way, seemed proper enough; but to appear in public as
his antagonist seemed too bad. When we started from Ayr to Glasgow in
the same train, and in the same carriage, I felt as if I would much
rather have travelled in some other direction, or on a different errand.
But an agreement had been made, and it must be kept; so two more nights
were spent in discussion. But it _was_ discussion,--fair and friendly
discussion,--and not quarrelling. Neither he nor I gave utterance to an
unkind or reproachful word. When the discussion was over, the Colonel
shook me by the hand in a most hearty manner in the presence of an
excited audience, and presented me with a book as an expression of his
respect and good feeling. I made the best returns I could, unwilling to
be too much outdone by my gallant and Christian friend. The audience,
divided as they were on matters of religion, after gazing some time on
the spectacle presented on the platform, as if at loss what to do, or
which of the disputants they should applaud, dropped their differences,
and all united in applauding both, and the disputants and the audience
separated with the heartiest demonstrations of satisfaction and mutual
good-will. The events of those days, and the impression I received of my
opponent's exalted character, never faded from my memory. And though
they had not all the effect they ought to have had, their influence on
my mind was truly salutary. I have never thought of Colonel Shaw and his
good, kind, Christian family, without affection, gratitude, and delight.
He wrote to me repeatedly after my return to America, and his letters,
which reached us when we were living among the wilds of Nebraska, were
among our pleasantest visitants, and must be reckoned among the means of
my recovery from the horrors of unbelief.

I cannot doubt but that my encounter with this blessed man did much
towards winning back my soul to God, and Christ, and the Church. This
gracious man,--this child of light and love,--is still living, and he
continues, when I give him the opportunity, to testify his love for me,
and his good wishes for my health and welfare. God bless his soul; and
bless his hous