THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Glasgow, on the 18th day of May, 1943, renew their message of Goodwill of November, 1942, to all those men and women who have gone forth from our midst at the call of war. This is the fifth year of the most terrible struggle in the history of the world, a time of common tribulation in defending liberty against aggression. It is a solemn call to each and all to hear what God the Lord doth say.
Those that carry their lives in their hands, exposed to imminent danger and death, need to carry the grace of God in their hearts. May the Lord cover your heads in the day of battle and bring you home safely; above all, we pray that your heads may be covered with the helmet of salvation in that battle from which there is no discharge (Ephesians chapter 6 verse 12). We lovingly direct you to the necessity of seeking the “one thing needful.” “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near.” Your distractions are many, environment painful at times, careless associates hinder, but may “the Captain of the Lord’s hosts” lead you to victory over sin, death and hell, as well as over paganised earthly foes.
Our deepest Sympathy is extended to the Bereaved who mourn the loss of beloved ones. We commend such, and also the Wounded, to the Good Physician, who can tenderly upbind and succour. He who sitteth on the “floods” can alone effectually uphold and comfort those that are cast down and grieved in their minds. The voice of death is a call to all, “Prepare to meet thy God.”
Many carry a Burden of Anxiety night and day, as in thought they follow their absent ones. We pray that God in the riches of His grace will sustain such and enable them to “cast their burden on the Lord,” at the throne of grace.
We desire specially to remember those who are Prisoners of War. In their captivity, may they seek liberty of soul through the Lord Jesus Christ that like Paul and Silas, prisoners of old, their song will be that of the Spiritually Free.
We assure you all, men of the Navy, and of the Merchant Navy, soldiers, airmen, and all others, women and men, called up in the services of your country, of our continual remembrance of you in private and public prayer. Search the Scriptures prayerfully, is our advice to all.
“The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers vi. 24-26.
The Lord hasten the day of a righteous peace.
J. P. MacQueen, Moderator.