the faith than the practice of those they visit-if controis obtruded on the lone widow, but prayer neverversy if vituperation be employed instead of condolence, and anathema uttered in lieu of blessing-if violation of property is to be lauded, because covered with "see my zeal for the Lord"if to annoy a neighbour who has departed from the popular faith, doctrinal lectures are to be thundered forth, instead of fervent and Christian exhortations to holy and righteous living if a crusade against Unitarianism is intended, rather than the removal of ignorance and the extirpation of vice-and if these things, instead of being denounced as inconsistent with the objects of the Glasgow City Mission, are countenanced by the Society at large, then, we shall oppose its intolerant and misdirected efforts. If private remonstrance and public reprobation will not induce the Society to watch the language and actions of their missionaries, then are they chargeable with the bigotry they will not check. Opposition, greater than they have yet to complain of, will they meet with, from all who prefer Christianity to creed idolatry, and who love Gospel charity better than sectarian cant.

Glasgow and West of Scotland Temperance Society.The first anniversary of this excellent and long-needed Institution, was held in the chapel of the Rev. W. Anderson, ́ John-Street, Glasgow, on the 20th December. The Chair was taken by Mr. W. Collins, one of the vice-presidents of the Society. Various Resolutions were moved by different individuals, expressive of gratitude for the success which had already crowned the efforts of its members. The Report was exceedingly interesting, and embraced a great variety of most important and cheering facts. Excited by what had been accomplished by the Societies in America, and urged onward by John Dunlop, Esq. of Greenock, whose efforts have been indefatigable, nine individuals, on the 12th November, 1829, formed the basis of this Society. Opposed by many, ridiculed and sneered at by others, joined by few of those who usually lead what is called the religious public of this city, the Institution now numbers on its roll 5,072 members, male and female. It has published, within the year, 445,000 tracts on the subject of intemperance, and, conjointly with the other Societies, there have been printed in Scotland, last year, considerably more than half-a-million publica

tions. One hundred and thirty Societies, have, in the same period, been established in this country, comprising, at present, 25,478 members. The Glasgow Society also publishes, monthly, the "Temperance Society Record."

In a former number, April, 1830, we gave an account of the objects contemplated by the Temperance Society, and the means by which it was proposed to accomplish them. Rejoiced are we in being able to state, that the good already effected has exceeded our most sanguine expectations. So short a period has elapsed since the formation of these institutions, that it was scarcely to be expected, any very perceptible reformation could so speedily be marked. To any one who doubts the propriety or necessity of Temperance Societies, it would, perhaps, be sufficient to state, that in Glasgow and its suburbs alone, the commitments to the police-office, for being drunk and disorderly, in one year, amount to the appalling number of nine thousand six hundred and thirty-six individuals. But here comes the important fact, that in the year since the formation of the Temperance Society, that number has decreased by 964. Who can be so heartless as to scoff at such institutions now? Still there were 8,672 commitments; and renewed, therefore, should be the efforts to stay the pestilence which cometh not alone in darkness, but even at noon-day.

Nor is this all or nearly all. Respectability restored to individuals and peace to families-the money once wasted in intoxication, now laid out in clothes and furniture, children educating, religion shedding her hallowed influences, home endeared and virtue loved these are some of the many happy consequences which have already called forth blessings on the Society, from many a hitherto deserted wife, many a neglected child.

The attempt has usually been deemed hopeless, to reform the drunkard, and, doubtless, it is one of the most difficult tasks that fall to the friends of virtue. How animating, then, is the circumstance, that in Scotland, “not fewer than one thousand persons, who were much addicted to intemperance, and not a few of them confirmed drunkards, have been brought to relinquish their dissipated habits, and to enter the lists of temperate members of society." Let no one say, Temperance Societies are useless. Let no one, for the sake of a pernicious personal gratification, refuse to join in labours so truly benevolent, so essentially Christian.

Unitarian Lectures.- Sunday Evening Lectures, in defence and illustration of the doctrines of Christian Unitarianism, are delivering once a-fortnight in Dundee, by the Rev. William Smith. A similar course every Sunday night, in Greenock, by the Rev. Archibald Macdonald. In Edinburgh, by the Rev. T. May; and in Glasgow, since the first Sunday of October, by Mr. Harris.

In addition to "The Pioneer" published at Marietta, Ohio, we have pleasure in noticing to our readers, the publication of another paper, once a-fortnight, at Milledgeville, Georgia, and entitled "The Christian Pioneer." It is published by "the Christians." The prospectus is admirable. We quote a portion:-"We bow to the decision of no synod, council, or conference. Regarding them as the fertile source of discord in the present, and of those cruel atrocities which have disgraced the Church, in past ages, we spurn, with indignation, all creeds of human invention. The Bible, the Bible only,' shall be our rule of faith. In it, we think, are clearly stated, the doctrines of the simple Unity of God, and the unrivalled supremacy of the Father. The benignity and paternal character of God, his impartial love and unpurchased mercy, so strangely overlooked in much popular preaching, will be strenuously supported. To our view, the fair face of Christianity has been deformed by a multitude of human additions. We would exert the little strength which God has given us, to restore its primitive form. In fine, it will be our object, to urge the importance of that Religion which is not dissipated in profession, but manifests its influence over every thought and word and action-which consists in reverence for God, benevolence to man, and a faithful discharge of every known duty." Such being the sentiments of our namesake, we heartily wish him God speed. Pleasant is it to remember, amidst difficulty and obloquy, that there are hearts beating in unison with ours, throughout the world; and though the broad waves of the Atlantic roll between us, yet that there are minds intent on promoting the same objects, by the adoption of similar

agency.

It has been said, "the Schoolmaster is abroad." We wish, in the course of his travels, he would go to Cupar in Fife. It is asserted, that the Subscribers or Committee

of the Library in that town, have voted the expulsion of Dr. Channing's works from the Institution! Can it be true? The Pioneer has, we believe, advanced into that region, and, if this statement be correct, there will be abundance of labour for him to effect. With the aid of "the Schoolmaster," however, it is to be hoped, that knowledge and charity will yet dispel the darkness of bigotry, which broods over that land.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

THE Communication of "S." has been received. It would be inconsistent with the avowed objects of this Magazine, as stated in its First Number, to insert it. If Unbelievers "think they could prove" Christianity false, and the doctrine of an Intelligent First Cause irrational, let them do so. "IF UNRESTRICTED BY LAW," is added. Surely, then, it is not fair to expect, that we should put ourselves within reach of its tender mercies, to furnish them room for the advocacy of their opinions, whilst they themselves flinch from persecution. If they deem their opinions true, let them run the risk, and incur the penalty. It is what Christian Unitarians did. Savage were the enactments against those who denied the Trinity,-in England, imprisonment and confiscation-in Scotland, death. But we not only privately taught, but publicly preached our sentiments, despite of an intolerant code; and the chapel in Glasgow was built, in defiance of its sanguinary spirit, Equally unjust and antichristian do we deem the laws against freedom of thought and speech, which still disgrace the statute-book of our country. Gladly should we see erased from it, every vestige of interference with the sacred right of every human being, to think as he pleases, and to speak as he thinks. We have heretofore united with our Unitarian brethren, in petitioning for universal religious liberty; and willingly shall we join in any measure which shall secure to man, without distinction of clime or opinion, the full and unrestricted enjoyment of his rights.

THE remarks by "Argus," on a Lecture delivered by the Rev. Alex. Harvie, seem to us imperatively to call from that individual, either contradiction or apology. Our pages are at his disposal, in reply.

CHRISTIAN PIONEER.

No. 55.

MARCH, 1831.

Vol. V.

The Recollections of Jotham Anderson.
(Continued from page 197.)

UNDER some circumstances, the feelings I have named would soon have passed away, and my mind have returned to its usual state. But my situation was such as to keep me agitated and harassed in spirit for a long season. I however always have seen cause to rejoice in that trial of my faith, and to render thanks to my heavenly Father, who thus established, strengthened, and settled me in the true and living way.

It was expected of the master that he should pray in the school, morning and evening. I knew it to be the custom, and had been greatly disturbed in the anticipation of being called to its performance; for, as I have said, my natural diffidence was extreme. As the time drew near, the dread of it weighed upon my mind with an oppression which I cannot describe; and when the moment came, upon the first morning, my resolution failed me, and I commenced the ordinary business without a prayer. This, however, was no relief, for I felt that I had done wrong. My conscience severely reproached me, and for several days I was made wretched by the struggle to overcome what I thought a sinful timidity and shrinking from religious duty, which could not fail to bring down upon me the heavy displeasure of God. At length my religious sense of duty got the victory, and on Saturday morning, I, for the first time in my life, addressed my Creator in the presence of fellow-beings.

I was so engrossed by my own feelings in this affair, that it had not occurred to me that I might draw upon myself the displeasure of the village. It had not even suggested itself to me, that what was done in school was known abroad. I returned to my lodgings at noon, happy in the triumph I had gained over myself. I was hardly seated, when a gentleman entered, who was introduced to me as Mr. Reynolds, the minister of the parish. He saluted me coldly, and, after a momentary pause, began the conversation by saying, with some sternness,

S