Not caring to detail a lengthy conversation, I would say that near its close he observed to me, that my system was composed of Universalism and Deism; to this I replied, that the old contradictory doctrine of fate, originally introduced by the Stoics, and afterwards cruelly applied and industriously propagated by John Calvin and his followers, was the very root and foundation of both these doctrines, and that if I was to take his statement for truth, all the difference to be found between us was this,--that Calvinism is the body of the tree, Universalism the branches, and Deism the ripe fruit, and that whilst he was the body, I was the branches and fruit; and being so nearly related, we should hesitate thoughtfully before we consented to quarrel, reminding him that in the forest body and branches never contend. After some show of clerical importance and authority, enough to remind one that if the world was ruled by narrow-minded ecclesiastics, blood might yet be shed for opinion's sake, our interview closed. On the evening of the same day, I had a good meeting at Mr. Gould's, in which eight or ten feelingly spoke of the love of Christ, some of whom had never spoken in public before. Here the month and the year close. I thank God for what I have seen, and for what my soul has felt in this month; and though it has been my lot this year to pass through sickness and trials of many kinds, I thank Him that at its close I feel a degree of salvation within, and I can say with Israel's king, 'Before I was afflicted I went astray.' Through all his agencies may God aid me to live more to his glory the coming year than ever I have done. Thus end the reflections and incidents of 1816." CHAPTER X. LABORS AND SETTLEMENT IN WESTERN NEW YORK. 1817-18.