You speak of being old. I feel myself to be an old man. It is more labour for me to write one page now, than it used to be to write five pages.... We shall soon follow those who have gone before. With you I am waiting and endeavouring to be prepared for the change, and have no fear of it, but often rejoice in the bright hopes beyond.
Again, writing to the same friend on the 9th of August, 1881, he said:—
My latest attack has reduced my strength (of which I had little to spare) very much. My desire is likely soon to be accomplished—to depart hence.
Writing to another friend on the 24th of July, 1881, Dr. Ryerson said:—I have to-day written a letter of affectionate sympathy to Rev. Dr. Punshon on the decease of his son John William. I trust that his last days were his best days.
It has always been a source of thankfulness and gratification, that I was able to show him some kind attentions during his last visit to Canada.
I have been deeply concerned to read in this morning's newspaper that Dr. Punshon himself was seriously ill. I trust and pray that the Church and nation may not yet, nor for a long time to come, be deprived of his eminent services.
I cannot tell how deeply we all sympathize with Dr. and Mrs. Punshon in this great trial.
From the last (almost illegible) letter written by Dr. Ryerson, two weeks before his death and dated 6th of February, 1882, I make the following extracts. It was addressed to Rev. Hugh Johnston, B.D., of Montreal, (now of Toronto).
I am helpless myself—have lost my hearing so that I cannot converse without a tube. I have been confined to my room for five weeks by congestion of the lungs, from which I have only partially recovered. I have not been out of the house since last September, so that I can take no part in Church affairs. But God has been with me—my strength and comforter. I am beginning to revive, but have not yet been able to go down stairs, or move, only creep about with the help of a cane. I do not know whether you can read the scrawl I have written, but I cannot write any better.
Yours most affectionately,
Monday, February 6th, 1882. E. Ryerson.