the literary staff engaged for it give good promise that it will, with the same vigorous and effective writing, this journal will prove one of the most influential organs of opinion which the press of Scotland has yet produced.

THE ABSTAINER'S JOURNAL. Edited by the Rev. WILLIAM REID. No. I. Jannary 1853.

Glasgow Scottish Temperance League. ACCORDING to the re-adjustment of the League's periodical literature at the beginning of the year, this journal is to be their cheap monthly publication, stimulating and registering the operations of the abstinence cause. The first Number is a lively and racy production, showing, both in its selections and its original articles, a sagacious appreciation of what constitutes popular writing. The Editor expresses, in strong language, dissatisfaction with the "United Presbyterian Magazine" for leaving total abstinence an open question in its columns, as it is in the United Presbyterian Church. O, if he had but the charge of this Magazine! then should it not only have an opinion of its own on the question, but it would seek, as its "very object," to "mould others to its own opinion;" for without this, he tells us, it cannot "command the respect of enlightened men." No matter that the United Presbyterian Synod has no opinion on the abstinence movement, and that the "United Presbyterian Magazine” is expected to represent, as fairly as it can, the church whose name it bears. These things go for nothing with our zealous friend. He would take care that, in one matter at least, the "Magazine" should be the advocate of a particular section of the Synod; and that, every month, the furnace should be heated for another

"moulding" of the section from which it differs! Does he intend to act on this plan in conducting the "Abstainer's Journal"? The Temperance League has "no opinion," on certain very important questions, such as Church and State connection, and the Presbyterian form of Church Government: we believe our esteemed brother-editor has, individually, a very decided opinion on both. Is it his opinion, or the League's "no opinion," that is to be reflected from the 66 Journal"? We shall see. In the meantime, in conducting the "United Presbyterian Magazine," we must go on to promote the Christian virtue of temperance in such a way as our position admits of, and our observation and experience seem to approve, even if we should not be able, by so doing, to "command the respect of" our friend's "enlightened men."

We

Edinburgh: Paton & Ritchie. THE present production of the parish minister of Cupar is much nearer to our taste than his lucubrations on the Unusual and Difficult Texts of Scripture. It treats the wide subject of future things. It is written in a serious and edifying strain, and contains not a little valuable matter. cannot accept all Mr Cochrane's conclusions as our own; and he falls occasionally, even in this work, before his besetting sin of magniloquence: but there is so much in the volume which is really profitable for the use of edifying, that we heartily bid it God speed. May it be the means of fixing the attention of all its readers more earnestly and habitually on the world to come!

EASTERN AFRICA.-A MISSIONARY'S PERILS IN THE WILDERNESS.

The Church of England Missionary Society has for a few years been attempting a missionary settlement on this coast, about the fourth degree of south latitude, at a place called New Rabbai. But the results hitherto have been very discouraging, although the field appears to be open before them. The latest intelligence from Dr Krapf, the principal missionary of the station, gives the particulars of the death of one of his fellow-labourers, the Rev. C.

cans.

Pfefferle, who was early seized with fever, and cut off before entering on his work. He was long unaware of the dangerous condition to which he was reduced, spoke of recovery, and trusted that he would be spared to instruct the poor ignorant AfriIn the latter stage of his sickness he, during his wanderings, spoke constantly of some struggle or fight in which he was engaged, and in which he wished to press onward. He continued calm, and enjoying the peace of a Saviour, without any discontent or impatience, which was instructive to the whole mission. He died May 10, 1851.

The communication from Dr Krapf is chiefly occupied with the narrative of a journey which, subsequently to Mr Pfefferle's death, he undertook into the interior, with the view of opening communication with various tribes, and preaching to them the word of life. He proceeded inland a journey of fifteen days, and was there abandoned by the native attendants who had accompanied him; so that he was necessitated to relinquish the plans he had formed, and resolved that, after two months occupied in preaching to the natives, he would return to the coast. He proceeded to the hamlet of a chief, with whom he had been on a previous visit, and had there an opportunity of making known the Gospel

to

some individuals from more distant tribes, who happened to be there. He had found these natives so ready to listen to his instructions, that he eventually resolved to travel northward, in the hopes of extending his knowledge of these countries. The chief Kivoi, with whom he sojourned, accompanied him, and one of the natives of a tribe which they intended to visit. This journey proved most disastrous: they were attacked by a wild tribe of people; the hospitable chief accompanying him was slain; and the whole party dispersed. Dr Krapf's life was providentially preserved in this rencontre, by his falling into a deep ditch, where he escaped the observation of the enemy, and where he found, after clambering out of it, that he was left alone in a savage region, far from any known friend, and many days' journey from his missionary companions. His journey home embraced such an amount of peril and suffering, as to form a striking illustration of that Providence which can, even without a miracle, accomplish the most remarkable preservation of human life. He could travel only during the darkness of night, and concealed himself by day; enduring indescribable sufferings from hunger and thirst. After commending himself and the mission in East Africa to the grace and protection of God, he at nightfall commenced the journey in which he was to grope his way to the nearest place of safety known to him. He remembered Mungo Park's wonderful deliverances, and found in them great comfort to his mind. He had nothing to direct his course, but as they had the wind at their back in coming up to the region where they were attacked, he now went as closely as possible in the wind's eye, travelling at random, as it were, through thick and thin; sometimes falling into a little pit, or over a rock, or trunk of a tree hidden in the grass. At another time his way was impeded by thorns and bushes, which troubled him severely. But the greatest impediment was the high grass,

which tired him to excess, entangling his legs in walking. He soon felt so tired as to relinquish hope of reaching the coast; but again he cast himself on that God who knew his condition, and who pities the needy and perplexed when they cry unto Him. Pressing onward, he at length could scarcely stand from excessive weariness, and laid himself down; but, shivering with the cold, he cut some dry grass and made a bed for himself, where he immediately fell asleep, amid the howling of the hyena, thinking of Him who, in the days of his residence on earth, was among wild beasts of the wilderness; and had sanctified also that condition of his servants, many of whom had "wandered in deserts and in mountains." Resuming his journey, he felt his weariness gone a little; but hunger and thirst came upon him like a giant. He had lost the water with which he had filled his telescope-case and gun-barrel at the river, from the banks of which he had at present started in this perilous journey. Feeling hungry to excess, he tried to chew leaves, roots, ants, and refuse. He tried to catch birds; and, hearing the roaring of a lion, and also the wail of some animal which had become its prey, he was enlivened with the hope of finding some fragments left, but was prevented from reaching the spot. Next day he was astonished at his preservation through the dangers of the night. He passed four huge rhinoceroses, which at first startled at him, but made no attempt to attack him. In a sandy pit, which looked very wet, he dug with his knife for water, but found none; he then took the wet sand into his mouth to moisten his tongue, but this also was of no use. Disappointed in all his hopes and endeavours with respect to food and water, he sat down upon the trunk of a fallen tree, and reflected on his forlorn condition, and cried unto Him who has promised to have mercy upon the needy and afflicted. He then walked and rested alternately, overcome by excessive weariness. rising hot sun increased his thirst much; but still he said to himself, It is in vain to lament or to reflect on your condition, you must go on or perish in the wilderness. About noon he came to the dry channel of a river, where he at length found a pit full of water, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and thanked his faithful God for his infinite mercy and care in time of need. Proceeding onward in a sequestered region, he tried to abate his hunger by eating some wild fruits, or trying to chew some young shoots of a tree, which, however, were so acrid as to give him pain. Shortly after this he espied a man standing on a prominence of the mountain, which he had begun to ascend, and a female following

The

him. These proved to be friends, who, though he hid himself from them, called him by name, and bade him come out of his hiding-place. They were relatives of Kivoi, the chief who had been slain, and were of the party attacked, but made their escape together, and had travelled all night long like himself. He was unable to give them any intelligence of the unfortunate chief, being himself at that time ignorant of his fate. They gave him some food, and conducted him, after much additional hardship, to the plantation of Umama, a relative of Kivoi. But here, though he got present relief from his oppressive hunger, thirst, and weariness, his rest was shortlived. They had learned the fate of Kivoi, and they deliberated whether they ought not to put the white man to death for having failed in saving the chief. Conducted from thence to the hamlet of another relative of the chief, his suspicions of an intention to assassinate him were increased. He also received a hint from some of the natives that his destruction was intended; and further learned that fifteen unoffending traders, from the tribe which they presumed had slain Kivoi, had been, in revenge, assassinated by the relatives of that chief. He therefore decided on flight, which he accomplished, amid many difficulties, the dead of night. He hurried on, in great danger of being discovered. During the day he lay in the grass, not daring to stand up, or to move about. He prayed and read the Word of God in his secluded solitariness; where, however, he suffered much from the powerful beams of the sun, and was unable to sleep, however earnestly he desired it. Resuming his flight when night returned, all the difficulties and casualties he had previously encountered beset him at every step. High grass and thorns impeded his progress; he frequently stum- · bled over rocks, or trunks of trees, and fell into a pit or dry torrent. The thorns lacerated him; hunger and thirst tormented him. He at length came to the sandy channel of a deep torrent, where, after search, he found a little pit of water, for which he gave hearty thanks to God. He waded on, until overwhelmed by sleep. He lay down under a tree, and slept for

in

about an hour. He afterwards found some sugar canes growing, the delicious juice of which served as his breakfast. He again concealed himself during the day, and at night resumed his toilsome journey, through as great troubles as he had ever experienced during his travelling life. Not knowing the way, he travelled at random, amid considerable danger of being discovered. He was revived by coming to a pool of water and sugar-cane; but, alas! he again became soon entangled by high grass, thorns, pits, morasses, and at last by a forest of impenetrable shrubs, which made him despair of reaching any friendly home. He also discovered, to his dismay, that he was making little progress in his journey; and at length resolved to relinquish his attempt to escape, and to give up himself to Kivoi's relatives, be the consequence what it might. At day-light, a

native whom he met assisted him in finding the way; and, after much inquiry, he found out the hut of an influential native whom he knew, who showed him kindness, and informed him that his own servant and his companion had heard of his escape, and were waiting for him in a neighbouring hamlet. He found, on his repairing thither, that they had left a few days ago; and here he was compelled, by force, to go to Kivoi's hamlet, where he found the eldest brother of the chief. He declared that the plan of assassinating Dr Krapf had never been conceived by themselves, but alleged some stratagems on the part of others, though not to compass his death. From this place he was, after some days, allowed to depart; and at last, after much toil, reached his brethren in safety, who all united with him in thanking the Father of all mercies for the wonderful deliverance he had experienced in his long and eventful journey.

Such a narrative of missionary peril and suffering may well awaken the sympathy of the church at home, who are not called to "bear the burden and heat of the day;" and it may well stimulate their prayers on behalf of the men who so hazard their lives unto the death, on behalf of the heathen who are ready to perish.

PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS.

Galloway. This presbytery met at Wig. town on the 23d November. Professorial certificates were read, attesting the regular attendance of Messrs Ross, M'Ewen, and

Scott, during last session of the Hall, and a certificate transferring Mr James Steedman, student in divinity of the fourth year, from the presbytery of Stirling. Mr Ross having intimated his wish to be taken on

trials for license, was examined, and the presbytery agreed to prescribe trial subjects, when the clerk intimated that, owing to the long interval between this and last meeting, he and Mr Hogarth had taken the liberty to prescribe trial subjects, which were approved of, and Mr Ross delivered his homily, sermon, and critical exercise, which were all approved of. Subjects and exercises were prescribed to Messrs Steedman, Scott, and M'Ewen, and the clerk was authorised to transfer Mr M'Ewen to the presbytery of Dumfries. Messrs Smellie and Hogarth were appointed a committee to negotiate with Dr Robertson, and make arrangements for the reception of a deputation to advocate the claims of the Scholarship Scheme. Mr Hogarth was appointed treasurer, and Messrs Smellie and Pullar were appointed a committee to examine the late treasurer's accounts, and to report at next meeting. The presbytery recommended that a special acknowledgment of gratitude to God, for his goodness in the late abundant harvest, should be made as soon as convenient in all the congregations in which it has not already been made. The convener of the committee on missions read a report, when the committee, and especially Mr Hannay, received the cordial thanks of the presbytery for the diligence they have manifested. Next meeting to be held at Wigtown on Tuesday, 25th January.

Glasgow.-This presbytery met on Tuesday, 11th January, in Grayfriars' sessionhouse-Rev. Dr Lindsay, moderator. Mr Burgess called attention to the minutes of last Synod, in reference to statistical returns from congregations; and the clerk was instructed to issue a circular to ministers, requesting their attention to this matter, as also to the Synodical order requiring them to send in to presbytery copies of the regulations for managing their congregational finance. The mission committee of presbytery reported concerning two documents remitted to them for consideration,-1st, A letter from the secretary of the Mission Board, in answer to the presbytery's inquiry in reference to the proposed Irish mission; and, 2d, The representation of the Mission Board, concerning a falling off in the mission funds of the church. The report expressed, on the part of the committee, their regret at the Mission Board's decision not to enter on a mission to Ireland. The presbytery received the report, expressed thanks to the committee for their diligence in the matter; and agreed to meet as a committee of the whole presbytery, at one o'clock on the day of next ordinary meeting, to hold a conversation on the state of the mission funds, the claims of Ireland, and the Synod's missions

generally, as bearing on the subject of the board's communication. In terms of intimation given at last meeting, Dr Struthers submitted an overture to Synod, to the effect, that the moderator of Synod be hereafter elected on the forenoon of Wednesday during the first week of the Synodical meeting, prior to the one at which he is to discharge the moderator's office. The overture was unanimously adopted by the presbytery, and ordered to be transmitted to Synod. A case of appeal was next taken up, from a sentence of the session of Cathedral Street Church, Glasgow, excluding the appellant from church fellowship, on the ground of her having married the brother of her deceased husband. In the absence of the appellant, a letter was read from her, requesting the presbytery to give decision without her presence. The session, in these circumstances, agreed to waive their right of oral pleading, and the merits of the case were heard only on the reasons of appeal, and the session's answers thereto. Parties being removed, Dr Beattie moved that the appeal be dismissed, and the sentence of the session sustained. Other members having spoken in favour of the motion, it was carried unanimously. The appellant was allowed till next meeting of presbytery to determine whether she will appeal from the finding to the Synod. On petition of the church at Oban, for a member of presbytery to preside among them at a meeting at which the question of petitioning for a moderation is to be taken up, Mr Jeffrey was appointed to that duty.

Lanark.-This presbytery met on the 18th of January-the Rev. Peter Macfarlane, moderator pro tem. It was intimated, that since last meeting of presbytery, Mr Andrew Scott, student in divinity of the fifth year, had been removed by death. During the whole course of his studies for the ministry, he has been under the superintendence of this presbytery. It was agreed to record in the minutes an expression of deep sympathy for his bereaved parents under the loss which they have sustained. A letter was received and read from Mr John More, preacher, declining the call which he had received from the vacant congregation of Longridge, in consequence of having preferred a call from another church. The call from Longridge was then set aside. The remit of last Synod, in reference to the financial regulations of our churches, was considered. After some conversation, a small committee was appointed to draw up some points respecting which information was desirable, and report at next meeting. The other business was not of public interest. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, 15th March.

Lancashire. This presbytery met at Birkenhead, 11th January-Rev. W. Graham, moderator. A report was read of Mr Inglis' proceedings, moderating in a call at Ramsay, Isle of Man; from which it appeared, that Mr Stephen Wallace was unanimously chosen to take the oversight of that flock. The presbytery approved Mr Inglis' conduct, and sustained the call. There was read also statement of receipts and disbursements of this congregation during six months ending last September. The presbytery were pleased to discover that the pecuniary condition of the congregation is improved. Messrs Shorthouse and Stobbs appeared, and delivered part of the exercises prescribed by the Synod, which the presbytery unanimously approved. Messrs Pendleburg and Burrell being present from Bolton, in support of the petition laid on the table at last meeting, and being fully heard, the presbytery proceeded to the consideration of the question, Grant its prayer or not. After long reasoning, it was moved and seconded, "That having heard parties anew, and considering the whole circumstances of the case, the presbytery adhere to their former resolution, and refuse to grant the prayer of the petition. It was also moved and seconded, "that, considering the extent to which circumstances are altered since the petitioners first appeared at this court, the amount of good which they appear to be doing, even in their present isolated position, and the spiritual destitution of thousands in the town of Bolton, -the presbytery agree to recognise them as a missionary station, and endeavour to have a preacher located there for six or twelve months." The motion and amendment being put to the vote, the latter was carried. But as a member of presbytery dissented, and tabled reasons, and as several members were absent from the meeting or had left, it was judged prudent not to take action on the vote for the present. Next meeting is to be held in Liverpool, on second Tuesday in March.

Melrose. This presbytery met at Melrose on the 21st of December. Read a letter from the clerk of the presbytery of Arbroath, transferring Mr James E. Fyfe, student of divinity of the first year, to the care of this presbytery. A homily was prescribed to him, to be delivered at next meeting. The missionary committee read and laid on the table a

duplicate of their answers to the queries of the Board of Missions transmitted to them. It was agreed to take up the Synod's remit respecting the regulations in the management of congregational finances, at next meeting. An extract from minutes of the session of Melrose was read, and laid

on the table, in which the session expressed their gratitude to the presbytery for the readiness and kindness with which they had supplied Mr Williamson's pulpit during his illness; and intimating that as Mr Williamson was not yet entirely recovered, they, in conjunction with some friends, had made arrangements for continuing the supply of preachers till the month of June. The reading of this paper afforded great satisfaction to the presbytery, and the members expressed the delight which they felt in witnessing the becoming promptness and kindness with which the session, and the friends referred to, had come forward to confer on their minister, in the present infirm state of his health, the privilege of exemption for so considerable a period from his pulpit labours. Mr Zerub. Baillie delivered a popular sermon, which was approved of, and also gave an account of the lectures during the last session of the Hall. Delayed consideration of the more liberal support of the Gospel ministry. Mr Robertson was appointed moderator for the ensuing year. Next meeting is to be held at Melrose, on Tuesday the 22d of February.

Newcastle. This presbytery met on 4th January-Rev. Thomas M'Creath was chosen moderator till the end of June. The case of Jarrow was recommended to the favourable notice of the Synod's Home Mission Board. A petition was presented from certain persons, stating themselves as having recently been connected with the congregation of Clavering Place, now wishing to be organised as a distinct congregation, and to obtain a supply of preachers; after some conversation, without entering on the merits of the case, it was agreed that notice of this application should be given to the sessions of the United Presbyterian churches in Newcastle; and that, in the meantime, a committee be appointed to meet with the session of Clavering Place, and also with the petitioners, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any plan can be devised by which the petitioners may be reconciled to, and incorporated with, the congregation of Clavering Place, or with any of the congregations of the United Presbyterian Church in Newcastle. The committee for a constitution to regulate the management of the financial affairs of congregations, reported progress, upon which it was agreed to recommend to every congregation to have a written constitution for this purpose, with the assurance of the presbytery's readiness to assist congregations in framing such constitution; the attention of sessions to be directed to this subject. Next ordinary meeting of presbytery to be held on Tuesday, 1st February.

Paisley and Greenock.-This presbytery