The opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland while shorn of much of its old time pomp and display, has still too much of these worldly embellishments connected with a court of Christ’s professed Church. The Lord High Commissioner for this year was the King’s son, the Duke of Kent, who was accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Kent. Both were cordially received by the citizens of Edinburgh and by the members of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland and the Free Church. The Duchess it should not be forgotten has shown at her marriage and at Easter that she has no intention of setting aside the faith of her fathers, i.e., the faith of the corrupt Greek Church which is to all intents and purposes as corrupt and idolatrous as that of the Church of Rome. There were days in Scotland when this would not be overlooked by the
supreme courts of the Presbyterian Churches and while all respect was due to the royal couple one feels that it was over done. In the High Commissioner’s address to the Assembly the relation of the Moderator to the Archbishop of Canterbury was referred to as in the opinion of His Majesty “unique in the ecclesiastical history of his realms” and the Duke added, “May it indeed be a symbol of a deepening spirit of true brotherhood and mutual co-operation among all those who profess and call themselves Christians.”
The Duke also made reference to the Union of 1929 and said that he was asked by His Majesty to assure the Assembly of his pride and satisfaction that it was during his reign this Union took place. The Moderator in his reply, among other things, said: “May I be allowed to express to your Royal Highness my personal gratitude for the most kind manner in which you have referred to my unworthy self and to my most worthy brother, the Archbishop of Canterbury. We reciprocate the desire of your Royal Highness that brotherly love may continue and increase between the two national Churches which we have the honour to represent.” These sentiments all point in one direction and though at present the movement towards union with the Church of England has had a set back yet, we may be sure that it is only temporary and that those who are the driving force behind this movement are waiting their time.
Business Committee Convener. A lively debate took place over the appointment of a Convener in place of Dr. White. A proposal that the Convener should not be a paid official of the Assembly was carried by a large majority. Prof. Lamont, at the evening session, was appointed to the Convenership. A writer commenting on these incidents says that they were the eruption of volcanic fires which had been slumbering for some time. There was considerable bungling in conducting the business, the first evidence of which was the reading of the private letter to the Duke instead of the King’s Letter to the Assembly. The appointment of Prof. Lamont who was new to the business and naturally
could not be conversant with it did not help matters. “Thrust unexpectedly into a position with the duties of which he was entirely unfamiliar,” says the writer already quoted, “he was unable to assume the role with anything like assurance. The Moderator seemed equally helpless, and the proceedings on the first two days became an entanglement out of which the Assembly struggled with little or no credit to itself. One hopes that the lesson has been learned and that it will be taken to heart. It is, of course, but natural that sentiment and prejudice alike must tend to keep apart the two great sections of the Church, and every effort must be made by both sides in the spirit of Christian charity and forbearance to overcome them. Otherwise the great purpose of the union will be frustrated and the urgent work which awaits the Church at home and abroad remain unfulfilled.” It would appear from this writer’s remarks that the lack of unity existing in the greatly belauded Union of 1929 so clearly seen throughout the country in different places is also invading the Assembly.
Assembly Organ. On the opening day Dr. Sutherland drew attention to the fact that the installation of the organ in the Assembly Hall had now been completed. He said they had resolved, however, that the old custom and tradition of the Assembly should be carried on and that they would continue to have the praise of the Assembly led by a precentor. We make no claim to prophetic gifts but one may safely foretell that the “old custom and tradition of the Assembly” in this, as in other matters, will soon be a thing of the past.
Anti-Semitism. When the report on Jewish Missions was submitted on Wednesday by the Rev. Peter Macgregor, reference was made to the spread of Anti-Semitism and the attempt being made to introduce it into England, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. It was also stated that the Jew going into Palestine to-day was a modern man, the product of a materialistic civilization who did not know the faith of his fathers.
Foreign Missions. Dr. Taylor submitted the Report on Foreign Missions. The Committee had completed a three year’s survey of the foreign mission position and recommended that the Church should re-enforce its foreign mission work. During the last three years there had been a reduction in expenditure of £12,000, but this reduction, it was pointed out had gone too far. In the next three years it is planned to carry on the work on the basis of an expenditure of £261,000, which is an increase over the figure for the last three years.
Unions. The Rev. Duncan Ross, Dumfries, in submitting the Report on Union of Congregations, pointed out that there had been 308 unions since October, 1929. There was a discreet but eloquent silence on the many squabbles that have taken place in different parts of the country where the Union engineers have had their patience and tempers severely tried in their efforts to weld cold pieces of iron. These squabbles are a crying disgrace to a church whose members profess to have more than a double supply of broadmindedness and charity.
Church Finance. The Report on Church Finance was submitted on Friday when it was intimated that the total income passing through the books of the General Treasurer was £1,343,000. The total amount of Christian liberality was £2,620,000. Both these totals showed an increase over last year.
Highlands and Islands. Dr. Macfarlane, Kingussie in submitting this report said that they had scarcely any vacant parishes; and there was a steady flow of Highland youth who were going forward to fill the ranks of the ministry. The Church, in the Highlands, however, was faced with a falling population and the depression of the fishing and agricultural industries. Dr. Ratcliffe Barnet, Edinburgh, in seconding the report said it was all very well for summer visitors to demand from the people of the Highlands that they should change their customs to suit those of fleeting visitors. He was never so proud of the Highlanders of Skye as when they were successful in demanding that
their Island should be delivered from the hordes of Sabbath excursionists.
Relations with the Church of England. On Saturday when the Report of the Business Committee was presented a member (Rev. A. H. Dunnett) asked whether any report of the Committee on Co-operation with the Church of England was to be presented. Prof. Lamont replied that no report had been handed in. When the matter came up on Tuesday it was postponed to Wednesday.
Fabric Funds. It was suggested that fabric funds be formed in parishes and also a central fund to help poorer congregations. Mr. Whitelaw earlier in the week called attention to the need of guarding against “dry rot” in the fabric of the Churches. Unfortunately it is not the only kind of “dry rot” that is at work in the Church of Scotland and that is in greater need of being attended to.
Religious Instruction of Youth. When this report was submitted attention was called by Rev. A. E. Macintyre, Glasgow, to the hindrance of many of the youth organizations to the young people in their regular attendance at divine worship. Outside organizations were also, he said, more and more having week-end activities which might take the form of camping or hiking. Had the Church a policy, he asked, with regard to what these young people were doing?
Increase of Sabbath Trading. When the Church and Nation Committee’s report was submitted attention was called to the great increase in Sabbath trading. The Committee published a very useful Memorandum in which an exhaustive account is given of the number and kinds of shops engaged in Sabbath trading. The statistics gathered in 1933 by the Committee show that in Scotland at least 10,000 shops are open for trade on Sabbath. Glasgow has 5273; Edinburgh, 1998; Dundee, 884; Aberdeen, 738; Greenock, 180. Even if the average employed, says the Memorandum, were two persons, this would involve 20,000. The Committee single out Glasgow in showing the variety of business carried on on the Lord’s Day. The following is the
list they give: Fruits and Confections, 1277; Groceries and Provisions, 187; Milk, 1298; Barbers, 15; Eating Houses, 297; Oyster and Fish Stores, 1; Newsagents, 1004; Tobacconists, 60; Greengrocers, 52; Fleshers, 15; Stationers, 32; Druggists and Herbalists, 254; Bakers, 40; Funeral Undertakers and Cab Offices, 43; Hardware and Chandlers, 138; Ice Cream and Aerated Waters, 389; Drapers, 31; Cabinetmakers, 4; Photographers, 2; Jewellers and Watchmakers, 2; Cycle Shops, 15; Opticians, 4; Motor Garages, 108; Travel Bureaux, 5.
Memorandum on the Subject of Lord’s Day of Observance in Scotland. This Memorandum is most useful and informative and while we do not assent to some of the Committee’s suggestions they certainly have brought together a considerable amount of material that will be very useful for all interested in the question of Sabbath Observance in Scotland. The Memorandum was sent to the Secretary of State for Scotland and so impressed was he with it, said Dr. Cockburn, that he requested for additional copies for the information of the different Government Departments concerned. The Committee had the assurance that the Secretary of Scotland would grant an interview on the subject of legislation for observance of the Sabbath.
Contact with the Church of England. It was reported to the Assembly on Wednesday (29th May) that the Committee on Co-operation with the Church of England had no report for the past year as the Church of England Committee with which they were to confer had not been set up. A proposal was brought forward by Rev. A. H. Dunnett that the Committee be discharged and constituted, if necessary, at a later date. When Mr. Dunnett’s motion came up for discussion it gave rise to a very lively debate. Principal Martin and Dr. John White tried to put the best face on the matter and at last Dr. Norman Maclean appealed to Mr. Dunnett to withdraw his motion on the ground of a “sense of courtesy towards the great illustrious sister Church and their sense of courtesy towards honoured leaders of the General Assembly.” Oh! for an Alexander Henderson to declare again
as he did in 1638 in the hearing of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: “We have now cast down the walls of Jericho; let him that rebuildeth them beware of the curse of Hiel the Bethelite!” Mr. Dunnett not being made of the stuff that martyrs are made of withdrew his motion apologetically declaring that he had no intention of showing any discourtesy to any of the other churches. It is a greater sin now-a-days among some ecclesiastics to seem to be discourteous than it is for to betray the truth.
Re-Statement of the Church’s Faith. It was decided that the “Short Statement of the Church’s Faith” contained in the Report be printed in the Year Book and that it be issued in pamphlet form. We hope to make reference to this Statement in a future issue.
Licensing of Deaconesses. A proposal that the members of the Deaconess Order be licensed to conduct occasional services was made in the report of the Christian Life and Work Committee. The Assembly expressed general approval of the report and remitted it to the Presbyteries of the Church for consideration, instructing them to send their criticisms and suggestions to the Convener by December of this year. The question of ordination did not arise, said Dr. Calderwood, it was not a question on which, in anyway, impinged the question of the admission of women to the ministry. It was no attempt to get them in by a back door. With all respect to Dr. Calderwood we cannot help feeling and we are sure many in the Church of Scotland will have the same feeling that, if it has not yet opened the door to ordination of women it has gone a long way towards that goal and the ground gained will be used for a further advance.
Scottish Education Act. On the last day of the Assembly (Thursday, 30th May) the main business during the day was the consideration of the report dealing with the question of the activities of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland and the working of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918. In its deliverance the Committee has the following reference to the Education Act:
“The Assembly, while recognising the benevolent purpose of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, and respecting the endeavour to secure a national system of education, sympathised with the widespread dissatisfaction with which the results of the operation of Section 18 had been viewed, and instructed the committee to explore the matter further and to report to a future Assembly.” Mr. Walton in submitting the report on Church Interests said, among other things, “There was a deep-seated and growing feeling that the nation was being compelled to pay heavily for a system that was alien and hostile to some of its firmest convictions.” One of the speakers (Rev. J. H. Mackenzie, Carfin) said that in Lanarkshire alone £70,000 had been paid either for the building or upkeep of Roman Catholic schools in which the faith of the Church of Rome must be taught and they as Protestant ratepayers were giving their money in order that these doctrines should be taught. It seems that such a condition of things is impossible in a Protestant country, but we are met with the stern facts in our face. The Committee’s deliverance, in our opinion, did not go nearly far enough.
It is to be regretted that Dr. J. Cromarty Smith and Rev. J. M. Dickie, Rothesay, should have criticised this deliverance. It is gratifying, however, to know that they received very little support in the Assembly.
Still Hankering after the Larger Union. Though matters are not going as successfully as the Union promoters would like still there can be no doubt that in the Church of Scotland there is a strong hankering by many of her ministers after the Church of England. This was seen when the Moderator in his closing address expressed his brother’s views: “It was known to them, and more than once His Grace of Canterbury had made it apparent to them that, as born in a Scottish manse, he rejoiced in the union of their once divided House, and he (the Moderator) knew it to be in his heart that he would further rejoice in a more visible unity between their two national Churches for the greater good of the United Kingdom and the greater glory of
Almighty God.” This coquetting of “His Grace of Canterbury” with the Church of Scotland bodes no good to our national Presbyterianism.
FREE CHURCH.
The Moderator’s Address. Mr. Ross’s moderatorial address was entitled “Reasons and Reasons” a phrase borrowed from Browning. It contained many well stated points but in our opinion it would have been more in keeping with a moderatorial address if more of Scripture and less literary embellishments had been used. After all are Clough, Coleridge, Newman, Deuncy, and even Barth so much in the Evangelical brotherhood that their opinions should embellish the address of a Moderator of the Free Church? The one a skeptic, the others—a Unitarian, a pervert to Romanism, and a Modernist theologian respectively. There is a danger of making too much of Karl Barth as his doctrine of Scripture is far removed from the conservative position. Then why resort to Galt’s novel the Annals of the Parish for material to give point to his remarks in his concluding address on different kinds of preaching?
Proposal to Reduce Equal Dividend. On Wednesday the state of the finance of the Church came under review when Rev. Kenneth Cameron, Inverness, submitted the Sustentation Fund Report and moved that the equal dividend of last year, £245, be paid this year again. He reported an increase in the congregational givings but owing to increasing outlays, etc., they were confronted with a serious situation. Mr. W. Rounsfall Brown, General Treasurer, moved that the equal dividend be reduced by £20 to £225. If the equal dividend was paid this year he said there would be a terrible slump next year. Mr. Brown’s amendment was defeated on being put to the vote by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Evan Mackenzie asked a question as to whether the funds of the Church were invested in interests antagonistic to the Church? Mr. Macarthur, Glasgow, replied that no investments had been made for a number of years in railway stock.
Co-operation among the Smaller Presbyterian Churches. Prof. D. Maclean submitted this report. He referred to the success in forming the Scottish Reformed Federal Council, consisting of members of the Committees in the respective Churches that had been carrying on the negotiations for a number of years. What would happen in the future he could not say but there were possibilities for the Federal Council larger than they could at the present moment anticipate. In the Synod of the United Original Secession Church, Prof. Hobart in submitting the Report of the Union Committee as reported in the Glasgow Herald had a different story to tell:—”The Rev. Professor Hobart, who presented the report of the Union Committee, explained that it had not been acceptable to members of the committee, and had in reality been written to save the face of the Synod in a difficult situation. Instead, it seemed to have smacked the face of the Synod. The Free Presbyterians, he said, had refused to join in the negotiations for union because of some quarrel with the Free Church. The Free Church did not consider the Reformed Presbyterians of much account, and were declining to make an effort to improve their relations with the Free Presbyterians. They concentrated on the Original Secession Church. The Free Church had kept the Secession Church in leading strings, and he was surprised that the members of the Secession Church had followed the Free Church like lambs. He urged the Free Church to make up their quarrel with the Free Presbyterians. Their relations with the Free Presbyterians constituted a fatal weakness in the Free Church ecclesiastical position. He moved that their Committee on Co-operation be now discharged on the ground that it was no longer serving a useful purpose.” Prof. Davidson seconded Dr. Hobart’s motion which became the finding of the Synod. Such has been the outcome of the Free Church’s effort to bring the smaller Presbyterian bodies within her pale.
Public Questions. The Report on Public Questions was submitted by the Rev. John Macleod, Glasgow, and dealt with
Sabbath desecration (trading, travelling, sports and other forms for the exploitation of the Sabbath), gambling, popery, etc.
The tyranny of Sabbath labour said the Convener was brutal and insidious and they should do everything in their power consistent with the law of the land to make it unprofitable for the employer to create work. Reference also was made to the action of Edinburgh Town Council’s civic welcome to the Catholic Young Men’s Society. The rising feeling against Rome’s propagandist methods was referred to and in this connection Rev. R. MacCowan stressed the point that “every man there was paying for Popery through the Education Act of 1918.” There was some discussion about a clause in the Memorandum drawn up by the Committee but as the Committee explained that their reference was exclusively to works of necessity and mercy the Committee’s deliverance was accepted by the Assembly.
Charges on the Sustentation Fund. A Special Committee appointed by last year’s Assembly in reporting on the above subject made a number of suggestions as to Assembly Hall expenses, Assembly Expenses, Assembly Printing, Office Expenses, reduction of legal expenses, the organization of the Church’s official administration, etc. It also recommended that the salaries of the General Treasurer, Depute General Treasurer, and the Secretary to the Highlands and Islands, be reduced to what they were in 1927. These recommendations caused considerable discussion and engendered a good deal of heat. The Finance Committee was severely criticised by Mr. Donald Macarthur. Work (typing) he said was being done in the Church’s office twice a week for the Evangelical Review. Dr. Maclean replied that the use of the staff had been granted to him by the Senatus, which bore its share of taxation for office administration and was, therefore, entitled to a share in the services of the office staff. Mr. D. M. Smith moved that the Report be remitted to the Finance Committee and that this Committee report to next Assembly. Mr. Smith’s motion was carried against the Committee’s Deliverance.
Foreign Missions. Dr. Alex. Stewart submitted this Report and referred to the Church’s activities in South America, India, and Canada, and amongst the Jews. Dr. Renwick, Lima, was asked to reconsider his resignation as Director of Lima College. A petition from Prince Edward Island caused some discussion. It was finally decided that a Committee be appointed to visit the Island.
References were made to the many difficulties that had to be faced in the Mission field. Mr. Rounsfall Brown spoke of State interference in Lima and Rev. Alexander R. Fraser made reference to the debt under which the Committee were labouring. It was stated that it amounted to £5000 but a legacy of £1000 had been received last year for Foreign Missions.
Training of the Ministry Committee. A discussion took place over the powers of the Committee. Principal Macleod defended the Committee’s action. The Committee asked the General Assembly to declare that the oversight of the general suitability of candidates for the Ministry, including the admission or rejection or removal of students of any class studying with a view to the ministry, exercised by their predecessors in office for a long series of years is part of the responsibility laid upon the Training of the Ministry and Admissions Committee. It was argued that the rights of Presbyteries were interfered with by the Committee’s procedure. Principal Macleod denied this. On the Committee’s deliverance being carried Prof. K. Cameron tendered his resignation as Clerk of the Assembly as in his view this decision involved the Presbyterianism of the Free Church. Prof. Cameron, later on, consented to continue for another year.
Visit of the Lord High Commissioner. The Duke of Kent visited the Assembly on Thursday. He was accompanied by the Duchess, Sir Godfrey Collins and the members of his suite. This, it is stated, was the first time the Free Church Assembly since 1843 was visited by a member of the Royal House. The Duchess was presented with a bouquet of flowers and the report says their Royal Highnesses received from the Assembly an
enthusiastic reception. One would have thought from the Duchess’s public acts showing her strong attachment to the Greek Church that there would not be all this enthusiasm when she appeared in the Assembly. For, let it be borne in mind that this was not a social function but a Court of Christ sitting in His name and professing to hold doctrines strongly antagonistic to those which the Duchess has never attempted to conceal in the most public manner.
UNITED FREE CHURCH.
The United Free Church Assembly as already stated met at Glasgow on 4th June. The Moderator in his opening address laid considerable stress upon Sabbath observance and the duty of the Church to safeguard this heritage.
Complaints Against Church of Scotland Treatment. At the second day’s proceedings many complaints were made against the “harsh and unfair treatment” and “humiliating injustice” meted out to the U.F. Church by the Church of Scotland.
Ritualism in the Church of Scotland. When the Report on Christian Citizenship had been submitted to the Assembly the Rev. Charles Robson, Alloa, objected to its condemnation of “Holy Week” and Lenten Sermons with its warning note against sacramentarianism and priestcraft. Replying to Mr. Robson, Mr. Rutherford Hill, the Convener, stressed the danger of the Anglican movement, which, he said, was beginning to show itself in the Established Church of Scotland. A Scotsman returning to Scotland from Australia after 25 years entered a Presbyterian church in which he had formerly worshipped. He was so surprised at the ritual and form of service that he wondered if he had entered a Roman Catholic Church by mistake. “In another church I find,” he said, “that the congregation have adopted the whole church calendar of the Church of England for saints covering the whole year. In another church the minister has now got to the stage of giving instructions that when he appears the congregation must stand until he sits down in the pulpit. He has told the congregation that he has full
charge; the elders don’t seem to count at all. In another church they have now early fasting Communion on a ‘Sunday.’ I am not condemning that in itself, but it is an indication of how things are moving in a direction quite different to our Presbyterian attitude. Here we have by peaceful penetration the capture of Scotland for Episcopacy which was resisted by our fathers to blood.” We, while quoting the above, do not assent to Mr. Hill’s non-condemnation of fasting Communion. Ritualism and Modernism are the two weapons by which Satan is seeking to level the Church of Scotland in the dust. In connection with the charge made against the Church of Scotland the following report of a review with Dr. White taken from the Scottish edition of the Daily Express (11th March) speaks for itself. “The Very Rev. Dr. John White, leader of the Church of Scotland, made a call to Presbyterians yesterday to pay closer observance to Lent and other seasons of the Church’s year. He wants to recapture beauty in the Church.
‘I feel there is much to be gained by studying and remembering the events on the religious calendar,’ he told me yesterday after his sermon, in which he advocated a return towards older forms. There is no ‘High Church’ party in Scotland, no school trying to enforce ritualism. But there is a growing interest in the Church at large in these matters of form.’
Dr. White said in his sermon at the Barony, Glasgow, yesterday: ‘In Scotland we used to recognise short periods of fast. They taught a valuable lesson of restraint and inculcated strength of character. The forty days that precede Good Friday should be made a period for self-examination, better attendance at church, and more liberal offerings. Lent should be made a time of self-discipline and self-denial. This would be a great help to the life of the nation. We are becoming a luxury-loving people. The day is not long enough for some. The night, too, is called in. The Church does not frown on pleasure as long as it is received with thankfulness and is unstained.'”