Vatican Celebrates Franco’s Victory.—As is well known the Vatican during the Civil War in Spain made no hiding that its sympathies were with Franco. Now that the tide of war has gone in Franco’s favour it is announced in the press that a Te Deum service is to be celebrated for Franco’s victory. It is a dubious honour for not once or twice in Rome’s history her blessings and favours have brought down the wrath of God upon the recipients.
A Move in the Right Direction.—Two hundred dissentient members of Mure Memorial Church, Baillieston, have petitioned the Presbytery of Hamilton in connection with innovations introduced into public worship. These innovations as indicated by the petitioners are read prayers, a praying desk, a kneeling stool, the reciting of the Apostle’s Creed, etc. The Presbytery took such a serious view of the matter that they appointed a committee to inquire into the matter and report. When that report is submitted and discussed by the Presbytery we may have some further comments to make. Meantime we may say that is gratifying to know that there are some in the Church of Scotland who are opposed against innovating movements and are determined to set their faces against them.
The Cameronian Regiment.—An article recently appeared in the Glasgow Herald on this famous regiment. Its main interest to us was not so much the part the regiment played in its honoured military career but the origin of the regiment. The
Cameronian Regiment or as it is now called, the Scottish Rifles, owes its origin to the religious struggles of the Covenanters. Most of our readers, we are sure, are conversant with the Cameronian opposition which had its own important part in breaking crowned and mitred tyranny. Perhaps no regiment was ever so much a congregation. The regiment was composed largely of the out-and-out Covenanters—some of whom had stood as watchmen armed with rifle while the worship of God was being conducted. As a memento of these days the ceremony is observed by the Cameronians on Church parade of carrying into church rifles and five rounds of ball ammunition. If in barracks, each man carries in his belt the Bible issued to him on enlistment. If in camp, a picket is posted at the entrance to the church and the minister may not proceed with the service until the officer in charge reports to those inside “All clear.” The band and pipes are not allowed to play on Sabbath while the first battalion is on the march. It must not be forgotten that the Scottish Rifles include more than the representatives of the original regiment. The different units composing the regiments were designated The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).