Induction at Portree.—The Rev. Alexander Macrae, Kames, was inducted to the pastoral charge of the congregation at Portree, on Thursday, the 26th October. Rev. Donald Macfarlane, Raasay, conducted public worship and preached from 1 Peter v. 2-4. Thereafter Mr. Macfarlane put the usual questions to Mr. Macrae, who answered the same, and signed the formula. This being done, Mr. Macfarlane after special prayer, did admit and set apart Mr. Macrae to the pastoral charge of the congregation. He further addressed the newly inducted pastor as to the duties of his office. Rev. Neil Macintyre, Glendale, addressed the congregation as to their duties. There was a large congregation present.
The War.—The war in South Africa has now been in progress for seven or eight weeks, and has resulted in several successes to the British arms, although the Boer has proved himself a foeman not worthy to be despised. At Glencoe, on the 20th October, the Boers suffered defeat, but a squadron of British cavalry was captured by the enemy. At Elandslaagte on the next day, the Boers suffered another reverse. The principal British humiliation took place at Ladysmith, on the 30th, when General White was confronted by a strong Boer force, and though not overcome, he had eight or nine hundred of his troops intercepted and made prisoners. There was much anxiety in the country when news of this disaster arrived. Ladysmith is an important railway junction, and it is said to contain at present a million pounds worth of stores. General White is standing at bay there awaiting relief. On the 25th of November, General Methuen stormed a strong Boer position at Belmont, and gained a decisive but costly victory. The British loss was 226 killed, wounded, and missing. Many officers have fallen dead or wounded in these engagements. There is a severe press censorship exercised, and authentic news travels slowly. But rumours and sensational reports are abundant. War in all cases is a sad distressing business, and there are elements in this conflict which make it specially grievous. We may desire, but can hardly hope, that the motion of our Synod requesting the Government to appoint a day of humiliation and
prayer will be acceded to; but it were well if churches, or at least persons, would essay this necessary duty. A pleasing feature of the time is the sympathy and liberality shown by all classes to the soldiers and their families. Many thousands of pounds have already been subscribed for behoof of the wounded, and for the families of reserve men now on the field.
The Free Presbyterian Magazine.—We desire to remind the members and adherents of our church of their duty in regard to this magazine. We do not set up any claim to brilliancy or originality in the conduct of the paper. Those who are responsible for the magazine are quite conscious of failures and imperfections in their work. They are also aware that at twopence per month our periodical may seem dear in comparison with other publications. But loyalty to the cause we have espoused is both a beautiful and dutiful thing, and the magazine is one department in which this loyalty can be shown. While it is the duty of those of our members who have gifts and opportunities to help the magazine by contributions to its pages, it is no less the duty of the rank and file of the church to assist it by reading it, and praying for a blessing on it. If the circulation were substantially increased, as it might be, the publisher thinks the cost could be reduced to a more popular figure.
Death of Sir William Dawson.—“This veteran scientist has passed away at the age of 80 years. Almost alone, but with ability, and so as to win respect, he has consistently defended the belief that the geological history of the world is summed up with literal accuracy in the first chapter of Genesis. Though his voice may not be heard again in support of the full inspiration of the Scriptures, his writings endorsed by a worthy life remain as strong defences.”—Bulwark.
“The Secret History of the Oxford Movement.”—The demand for the cheap edition of this important and able book is so great that the publishers have been forced to postpone the issue for a month. We are glad that in England at least, the Ritualistic question has become a live one, and that the underminers of the Reformation are not to have matters all their own way.
Irish Disloyalty.—The disgraceful conduct of prominent Irishmen in Parliament and out of it during the present war crisis is a thing to be marked. Of course it is the Romanist section that has shown its teeth. There is disagreement among loyal citizens with respect to the justice of the war, but that can be without ostentatiously glorying in the prospect of a British defeat. The spectacle of a band of Romanists loudly applauding the Anti-British Acts and intentions of the South African Dutch is absurd as well as treasonable. The Boers are a more Protestant people than the British, and President Kruger would make short work of Popish discordances like those whom our Government contemptuously tolerates.