PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.
Mr. Goodwill official recognition was grant- ed and it continues up to the present time, the names of the present ministers, Revs. Messrs. McLean, McDougal and Campbell, being inserted in the Church of Scotland year book.
This may be said to close one epoch in the history of the development of the Pres- byterian church in the province. The terri- tory was covered, although not adequately. The Glasgow Colonial Society for promot- ing the moral and religious interests of the Scottish settlers in British North America was formed in 1825; and the church was training her own ministers by means of the far-famed academy in Pictou and the theo- logical instruction afiorded by Dr. McCul- loch, a man of the most brilliant attainments and most intense devotion, and well fitted to adorn any theological institution. The pioneers named from the-coming of Doctor McGregor, the first missionary, to that of Mr. McDonald, who stands out a solitary figure in many respects, were men of intel— lectual strength, of high ideals, of moral en— thusiasm, of pure and holy motives, to whom the cross of the crucified, was the dearest thing in life, and to whom, as the permanent benefactors of the country’s life, the crown that can not fade is awarded by every true reader of history. _
This, however, was not accomplished without the greatest possible sacrifices on the part of these noble—minded and whole-souled men. Here is an illustration of the trials en- dured and of the unflagging zeal manifested. It refers to Doctor McGregor, but applies equally to all. During the course of his ministry there were many things which were sources of discomfort. At first he could scarcely find a lodging place, and for some time had to conduct worship in the open air.
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He adopted a plan of preaching in different places, which rendered it necessary for him to be absent from his home for six or eight weeks at a time and deprived him of leisure for study. He was dependent for his sup— port on the voluntary contributions of his people. These were neither large nor punc- tually paid and they were paid chiefly in produce. For a year and a half he received not a shilling in cash. He had to preach both in Gaelic and English and this increased his labours and awakened jealousies, but no difficulties deterred him from his Master’s work. They toiled on as seeing Him who is invisible and as they achieved a measure of success they were ever ready to exclaim “Not unto us, 0 Lord.” “This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our. eyes.” The destitution of the province in respect to churches and ministers in the beginning of this period almost caused loyal hearts to cry “Oh, Lord God, hast Thou made all things for naught?”, But into the midst of the heartfelt despair swept the unspeakable joy that is behind the curtain of the dark. How true it is:
“\Ve cannot all command the strings, The glory of the sum of things Will flash along the chords and go.”
Presbyterianism in the province contin- ued to make steady progress. The settle- ment of Doctor Geddie in the congregation of Cavendish and New London in 1838, proved an acquisition of strength in no or- dinary sense. Like those already in the field. he was unostentatious and indefati- gable in his labours. He also brought with him a zeal for foreign missions, which, it is safe to say, was unparalleled in the lives of his brethren in his own Synod, and not sur-