quake, we can hardly refrain from coming to the conclusion that the two events were connected together, as cause and effect; and we are justified in doing so, by the fact that the Israelites judged it necessary to make all haste in passing the river, as if they had only had a given time to do it as if the water would either rise to the level of the barrier, and so run over it, and resume its flow, or break through it, and rush along with greater force than it did before. The whole current of the river might have been arrested, by means of a miracle, from its sources in Lebanon, down to the place where it was stopped; but it continued to flow and to accumulate in a mass at the latter place; rising to a higher and a higher level. The term heap, however, does not express the precise meaning of the Heb. 2, the latter being used only for a body of water, as in Ps. xxxiii. 7.*

It may not be amiss to state here, that the modern Zerka can hardly be the Jabbok. The former, as laid down by Lynch, who is more to be relied on than any of his predecessors, is not more than ten or eleven miles in a direct line from the Dead Sea, whereas the Jabbok could not have been so near it. Succoth was evidently to the south of the Jabbok, and it was not far from Zaretan, which was near to Bethshan; and Bethshan is upwards of fifty miles from the Dead Sea. The Zermak, or Sheromax of the classical writers, is much more likely to have been the Jabbok. It was in Jacob's way on his return from Padanaram to Succoth, on the Jordan, and the Zerka was not. Jacob appears, from Gen. xxxii. 2224, to have crossed it himself, and then returned to the northern bank, before sending over his family, and this must have been intended for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of the ford, a precaution that was proper in the case of the Sheromax, which is scarcely inferior to the Jordan at their confluence, but which would hardly have been requisite in the case of the Zerka, which is but a winter torrent. Um-keis may be therefore the Mahanaim of the Scriptures, whatever name it received afterwards.

Be this as it may, Bethshan and Zaretan, and consequently Adam, where the Jordan was stopped, were all situated on the southern border of what is now called "The Land of the Bath," from the vast number of hot springs which are known to abound in it, and show it to be a volcanic region. It has often been terribly convulsed by earthquakes, but on no occasion does it appear to have been more violently agitated than at the time when the Israelites passed the Jordan; and it is not improbable that Jericho was overthrown by another shock. The elements of destruction were prepared beforehand, the mine was charged and ready to be sprung at the appointed time, and every thing was adjusted to the object in view by the Divine superintendent of the invisible process. If we have succeeded in rendering available for our own purposes, some of the mightiest physical forces in existence, it would be the most pitiable folly to deny to the God of nature and providence, the power of bending to his own purposes whatever forces exist in the universe, or that are concerned in the various changes of nature and time; they are only the movements of his own will, and they do no more than accomplish his pleasure, and they do it always in the right place, and at the best time.

The facts stated above may possibly lead hereafter to a more complete survey of the locality particularly referred to, than has hitherto been thought of.

Nova Scotia.

SEQUEL TO UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.

T. T.

THE extraordinary success that has attended the publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and the still increasing interest which attaches to its exciting story, both in this country and America, are arresting and instructive facts. Surely it would be a pity to allow this excitement to terminate in empty praise. This book has come amongst us,—it has roused attention; but it remains for us to give it prac

66 A way

*Isaiah xvii. 11 is no exception to this rule, as the word there is to be understood as a verb in the sense of being removed or taken away, in which it frequently occurs. goes the crop in the day of the invasion and desperate affliction."

tical effect by producing a sequel worthy of its object. We should, as a nation, lift up our voice, that the traders in human blood in the American Union may hear and hear so as to feel-that they can no longer resist the cry of mercy, the voice of benevolence, and the demands of justice-that even for their own temporal interest there is no alternative, but liberation to the slave, or infamy and ruin to themselves. Let us press upon them the debasing iniquity of the system-an iniquity established by a law, and perpetrated with daring effrontery. Let us plead with them for their brethren in bonds. Let us endeavour to point their attention to the law of their constitution,-that the rights of all men are equala law in which they boast with exuberant delight, and yet deny its blessings to their black brother-while there is seen the revolting fact, staring demon-like in every direction, that black men are chattels,-things to be bought and sold like cattle or horses-wives being thus separated from their husbands, and children from their parents-while the no less terrible characteristic of the system is manifest in the brutalising and blighting effect that it has upon the white man. must not disguise this enormity,-we must not call evil good, and good evil, to please our American brethren-we must tell them the truth, come what may, and bring our moral power, as a nation, to bear upon them, till slavery, as an accursed thing, be chased out of their land.

We

We are not, however, to be deluded by the cry that the Northern States are free states. This is a misnomer. They are not free, in the exalted sense of that word. They have no black slaves, it is true; but under cover of that fact, they keep the Southern States in countenance, and encourage them in their criminal traffic. Nor must we be drawn aside by the delusive speech, that many in America desire the extinction of slavery, but cannot see the way by which it can be effected. True indeed it is, and we rejoice in the truth, that there are not a few noble hearts in that guilty land, such as the gifted authoress of " Uncle Tom's Cabin," panting and labouring for its extinction; but this cry is often made as an excuse for indolence or indifference, and to check progress in our own land-but let it not be. Every true friend of the negro there will rejoice in a movement here to aid them in their labours for his deliverance; but we are not to confound these noble hearts with the many mean and grovelling ones that are found in the Northern States. We cannot look with complacency upon anything that the Americans as a nation do, till slavery is at an end. We have no confidence in their religious movements, or godly lives, while slavery continues. The churches in this country must tell the American churches, that whatever they may in reality be, we cannot acknowledge them as Christians, while they uphold by word and deed this flagrant sin. But we must also guard against another deceptive voice, that not unfrequently breaks upon our ear from that land of oppression. We have, say they, no right to interfere with the internal management of the States, any more than with the management of a man's own house, that even Congress does not interfere with the internal management of any State: but how soon do they themselves break through their own laws when they think it necessary for their own ends! See how they have made the Fugitive Slave Law to take effect through the length and breadth of the Union. And are we to be set aside from duty by scare-crows like these?

We would simply say farther, let the christian community be aroused,-let every separate congregation raise its voice, let sessions and presbyteries, synods and assemblies, or other ecclesiastical functionaries, rulers, or leaders, raise their voices, and send memorials to the churches in America on this weighty subject. Let us also as a nation, in our civil capacity, in every separate city, or town, or district, press it on the attention of our American brethren,-and let us petition our own legislature to remonstrate with the American legislature. In a word, let the public voice of Britain, both in its civil and ecclesiastical capacity, be heard across the Atlantic, as the death-knell of slavery,-let our free brethren there, who are doing what they can to wipe the foul blot from their father-land, be cheered and sustained by our efforts,-and let our united prayers ascend to the Hearer of all prayer, for His blessing, and we shall neither labour in vain, nor pray in vain. Such is the sequel that we suggest and urge, to follow "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and then we may expect that the grand sequel, the devoutly desired one, shall be

seen, when, like the stone cast into the sea, by the mighty angel of the Apocalypse, slavery in America should be found no more at all.

Paisley.

F. H M.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. DONALD M'DONALD, LATE OF GOU ROCK.

THE subject of our present sketch, from his early death, afforded few materials for an extended biography. His sun went down while it was yet day, and a ministry of high promise was destined to close ere it had well begun. Yet there are many sweet memories which gather around his tomb, and lessons of faith, hope, and love, are taught by his brief life, which lend to it an interest at once solemn and instructive. He was born in Glasgow on the 22d of February 1826, and spent in that city the greater part of his early life, amid the blessings of pious parental culture, and a faithful ministry. His singular modesty, which shrunk from any allusion to his christian experience, renders it impossible to determine at what period he was first brought under saving impressions; but he early manifested a desire to devote himself to the ministry of reconciliation. To this desire, which speedily became a high resolve, the counsels of a revered relative contributed to give purity and strength. After passing through the required course of a university education at Glasgow, he entered the Theological Hall of our church, where he prosecuted his studies for five years, securing, by the amenity of his manners and the ability of his exercises, the respect and esteem of his fellowstudents. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the presbytery of Glasgow, on the 14th of November 1848; and after a brief probation, received and accepted a unanimous call from the congregation at Gourock. The circumstances of that congregation, but lately constituted, and struggling with difficulties, had for Mr M'Donald, from the first, a powerful attraction, and to build it up and make it a blessing, became from henceforth one of the chief objects of his life. Two years and a half of devoted labour followed, accompanied by a measure of success, which realised the most sanguine expectations of his friends. Then came failing strength, broken sleep, and that nameless anxiousness which indicated the presence of deepseated disease. Yielding to the wishes of his relatives and affectionate people, he left the field of his labours for Bowling, in the hope that his constitution might recruit by change of air and scene. But death had claimed him as his prey, and the rapid progress of his malady speedily extinguished, even in his own breast, any lingering hope of prolonged life. A more painful trial was yet in store for him. His young wife, who had accompanied him to his retreat, and watched his sick-bed with devoted constancy, became suddenly ill, and in three weeks expired at Craigton, to which, along with her dying husband, she had been conveyed, shortly after the commencement of her sickness. From this period, Mr M'Donald rapidly declined; and after affording happy evidence of the sustaining power of the Gospel, he died on the 13th of August last, in the twenty-sixth year of his age, and third of his ministry. He was buried in Strathblane church-yard, beside his partner, whom he followed to the grave, after the lapse of only seven weeks. A little daughter survives, happily unconscious of her sad bereavement. The death of Mr M'Donald caused general sorrow, and was suitably improved on a succeeding Sabbath at Gourock, by his friend and co-presbyter, the Rev. W. M. Halley of Dumbarton, with whose estimate of his character and reflections we close this sketch.

My acquaintance with our departed friend extends over a period of nearly six years. It began while he was yet a student, and by the fireside of a near relative of his own, and very dear friend of mine, whom God, in circumstances painfully similar, was pleased to remove at the commencement of a ministry of eminent devotedness, and crowned with not a few tokens of the Master's approbation.* Even then, though his character could scarcely be regarded as formed, it presented a rare combination of excellences, which broadened and brightened with the lapse of years. His mind was naturally vigorous, and he had subjected it * The Rev. William Morton, Kilmarnock.

to a course of training, which tended alike to strengthen and purify it. His scholarship was superior, considering his years, and his reading diversified, well digested, and thoroughly at conimand. Nor was it wonderful, when he gave himself, with all the ardour of his nature, to the work of the ministry, that his services as a preacher were universally acceptable, and excited the most pleasing anticipations of the future. On this congregation he bestowed no ordinary gift, in the first fruits of a sanctified intellect, and a heart that beat responsive to the joy and sorrow of every individual belonging to it. How carefully he prepared himself for his public appearances, was sufficiently attested by his discourses, so full of Christ and all dependant doctrines and duties, clear, cogent, and heart-searching, clothed in language always tasteful, but sparkling often with beautiful illustrations, rising, not unfrequently, into flights of sacred eloquence, and delivered with a manner very sweet and winning. How zealously he laboured, his visits to the sick among you, and the deep interest he took in the young, also evidenced ; and how anxious he was that the ministry be not blamed, his prudent deportment and holy life were the best proofs. It is a biting, and, I fear, a just reproach, even making allowances for temperament, that some ministers, for their credit, should be seen only in the pulpit. But those who followed our friend to his home, would have witnessed but the reduction to practice of the ethics of our faith. He carried into private life the same grave, but sweet and happy spirit, which shone out in the sanctuary; and when I remember his thorough sympathy with, and placid enjoyment of, the charities of his christian fireside, my heart grows heavy when I think how by death that house of his is this day desolate. Even though he had been destitute of true piety, he would still have belonged to the same class as the young man in the gospel whom Jesus loved. But religion had thrown its lustre on his character. Truly he was the friend of Christ! His views of Christ's truths were clear and scriptural, and he clung to them with the firm grasp of one who was conscious that there only was safety to his soul. With an estimate of himself the most lowly, a humility that seemed but to deepen as his life became more hid with Christ in God, he possessed in a very large degree likeness to his Master. Faith unfeigned, love to the brethren, charity for the erring, profound submission to the will of God, and earnest desires that Christ might be glorified whether by his own life or death, were features of character that broke sweetly on the view of all who knew him. His soul was large. Christ's cause was ever dear to him; and while in the full spirit of the words he could say,-"Grace, mercy, and peace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus," while in every Christian, whatever his party, he saw reflected the image of his Master,-to that religious body of which he was a minister, he was warmly, and from principle, attached. His eye kindled, and the flash of admiration passed across his face, as he spoke of the fathers of our demomination who left all for conscience' sake. He rejoiced in what he believed to be the scriptural constitution of our church, and hailed with joy her missionary progress. And how near the interests of his congregation lay to his heart, was evidenced in my last interview with him, when, though his young wife was sick even unto death in an adjoining apartment, he spoke with deep feeling of its position and prospects, and the salutary influence which he trusted his death would exert on it.

Brethren, there is in this bereavement a grouping of circumstances which renders it every way touching. An affectionate family has been deprived of one whom it was impossible not to love. It is the second stroke within a very brief period; and when we think of the youth of the parties, how fair life dawned on them, and how quickly it was darkened, we cannot but feel deeply for the bereaved relatives. May God give them grace to say, "Thy will be done," and to rejoice that their friends are not dead, but sleep! It is the removal of a young minister, at the outset of what bade fair to prove a course of long, faithful, and successful labour. It has a voice, therefore, which it is hoped all his brethren will hear, but especially those who have but lately consecrated themselves to the service of the sanctuary. Our work is mighty, our office honourable, our duties manifold, our time, alas, how brief! O, that what is to be done may be done quickly, and whether removed in youth or old age, may "Faithful unto death" be inscribed on our tombs.

With you of this congregation, I desire most sincerely to sympathise, and if it can, in any degree, lesson your sorrow, be assured that you have this day the sympathies and prayers of very many of God's people. It is no common loss that you have sustained. Your pastor" was a lovely plant which we fondly hoped would have become ere long a flourishing tree, producing beautiful blossoms and refreshing fruit. It has perished in all the leaves of its spring: but no; it has been transplanted to paradise, where, deeply rooted by the river of life, its leaves will be always green, and it shall never cease to yield fruit."

Amid much that is mysterious and painful, be grateful and hopeful. Be grateful for a gift so precious, though so briefly enjoyed. Remember him who spoke unto you the word of the Lord. Let his counsels and his conduct among you operate now with redoubled force. Let the zeal he sought to fan burst into a flame, and the love which he so eloquently recommended, unite by its golden clasp, all your hearts. Perish all selfishness, suspicion, and wrath, beside the rebuking eloquence of that quiet grave of his! Be hopeful. The young shepherd is removed; the great and good Shepherd remains the servant has fallen, but the Master lives, Jehovah, Jesus, Saviour, friend and enduring head of his church. He who gave has taken away: He who has taken away will give. The church of God outlives the most eminent of its members. Its objects are too mighty and beneficent, its King too wise and great, to allow it to be perilled in any way by them. There is a most humbling yet sublime and consolatory contrast between the eternity of its truths and the frailty of that human instrumentality employed to make them known. "All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you." Amen.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN M‘GREGOR, STRANRAER.

OUR obituary last month contained a notice of the death of the Rev. John M'Gregor, Stranraer. Very many of the readers of this Magazine would, we are sure, be both surprised and disappointed were another month to pass without their finding in our pages a more lengthened memorial of one so extensively known and so much loved. Especially we feel this to be due to the expectations of a wide circle of brethren in the ministry, of various denominations, who by his death have been called to mourn the loss of a warm-hearted personal friend.

Mr M'Gregor was born in Glasgow on the 30th of October 1800. His father and mother were at that time members of the Established Church of Scotland. John was the youngest of three children, and their only son. Brief, comparatively, though his term of life was, he survived all the other members of his father's family; a circumstance by which we are prevented from obtaining, since his death, that information concerning his early days which only they who have grown up as olive plants around the same table can supply in such a case. We have learned, however, that his mother was a person of energetic mind and earnest christian principle, and that she had all a mother's due influence in forming the character of her children. With the commendable spirit so generally met with among virtuous mothers in Scotland, she had determined that, whatever other patrimony her son might have or lack, he should not want for a good education. As soon, therefore, as he had acquired the elementary branches taught at an English school, he was sent to the grammar school of Glasgow, for instruction in the Latin and Greek languages. At this time he was not quite ten years old rather an early age, certainly, for entering on the study of classical authors-but such was the system of the day, and it served to rear as hardy a race of scholars and thinkers as has been produced on any of our more modern plans. John M'Gregor's school-fellows speak of him as a vivacious and kindly boy; and from the favour in which he was held by his class generally, as well as the warm and lasting friendship cherished for him by not a few of their number, it is easy to see that in respect to those genial qualities by which he was distinguished