Dougall planned to focus on such topics as Christian Union, Missions, Education, the Efforts of Religious and Benevolent Societies, Public and Social Improvements, Immigration, and Cheap Postage.
In the December 15, 1845 edition the lead article was entitled, "The History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century" by Dr. Merle D’Augbigne.
This was followed by articles entitled, "Sabbath School Teaching" (a sermon); "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation," ( a reprint from the Edinburgh Witness of the ‘Infidel’ work).
The news of the December 15, 1845 paper included: a lengthy report of the 'Liverpool Conference on Christian Union', 'Partial Failure of the Crops', Railway Mania (Difficulties in the railway business), 'The War in Algiers', 'The New German Reformation', and 'The President’s Message' (re: Canada/USA relations and the Oregon dispute).
According to Argyll, the Witness wielded a powerful influence among the Protestant population of Montreal and the province of Quebec.
For example, John Dougall persisted in blaming the mayor of Montreal, Charles Wilson, for the Gavazzi Riots.