THE half-yearly meeting of Synod was held in the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, on Tuesday, the 3rd day of July. The Rev. Donald Beaton, Wick, Moderator, conducted public worship at 12 noon, and preached from 1 Thess. iii. 1-3 : “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone ; and sent Timotheus, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith : that no man should be moved by these afflictions, for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” The Moderator, in his discourse, dealt with the character of Timothy, described by the Apostle, as illustrating what a minister of the Gospel ought to be, and also with the objects for which Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians as showing some of the great ends of the Christian ministry. After public worship, the Moderator constituted the Synod with prayer, and the roll was called. There were present : —From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall ; John R. Mackay, Inverness ; Donald Beaton, Wick ; and D. S. Cameron, Tain, ministers ; with Messrs. Lachlan Maclean, Inverness, and William Maclean, Dingwall, elders. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. Neil Macintyre, Glendale, and Duncan Mackenzie, Gairloch, ministers. From the Southern Presbytery—Rev. James S. Sinclair, John Knox’s, Glasgow, minister ; with Mr. Murdo Macdonald, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, elder.
The minutes of last Synod were read and approved of, and Mr. William Fraser was appointed officer of court. It was unanimously agreed that all the members of Synod meet as a Committee on Bills and Overtures at 4 p.m. Rev. J. S. Sinclair and Mr. Murdo Macdonald were appointed to examine the records of the Northern Presbytery ; Rev. D. Mackenzie and Mr. Lachlan Maclean, the records of the Southern ; and Rev. J. R. Mackay
and Mr. William Maclean, the records of the Western Presbytery.
The Court adjourned to meet again at half-past six in the evening. The meeting was closed with prayer.
The Synod met in the evening at the hour appointed, and was constituted with devotional exercises by the Rev. D. Beaton, Moderator. There were present:—From the Western Presbytery—Revs. Alexander Macrae, Portree; Neil Macintyre, Glendale; Donald Graham, Shieldaig; and Duncan Mackenzie, Gairloch, ministers. From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, and James S. Sinclair, John Knox’s, Glasgow, ministers; with Mr. Murdo Macdonald, St. Jude’s, elder. From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall; J. R. Mackay, Inverness; D. Beaton, Wick, ministers; with Messrs. Lachlan Maclean, Inverness; Duncan Cormack, Lybster; and John Swanson, Halkirk, elders. The minutes of the former sederunt were read and approved of.
The Clerk read the following answers to the reasons of dissent tabled by the Rev. John Macleod, M.A., and others at the November Synod in Glasgow, with reference to a proposed conference with the Free Church:—
“I.—In reply to the charge that by refusing even to hold a conference with the Free Church, the Synod is pursuing a policy of disunion and division, we remark (a) that the conference suggested was not a conference about things in general, but simply a conference to consider the feasibility of union between the two bodies; and (b) that the Free Presbyterian Church could not entertain the idea of uniting with the Free Church, because, for one thing, in its practice it has proved itself disloyal to the fundamental standard, that is, Holy Scripture.
“II.—In regard to the assertion that what does not justify the making of a separation does not justify the maintaining of it, we have simply to observe that, according to the rule of Scripture, if a Church at a certain date in its history gets repentance from a condition of backsliding, and by grace is enabled to revert to the position of purity from which the declension started, such a Church is not at liberty, for the sake of numbers or external unity, to seek an alliance with a body which has refused to go in for more than half a reformation.
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| (Signed) | “ JOHN R. MACKAY. |
| ( “ “ ) | “ NEIL CAMERON. |
| ( “ “ ) | “ JAMES S. SINCLAIR.” |
The Synod declared its approval of the answers to the reasons of dissent.
The Clerk read the Report of Committee on Bills and Overtures as to the order of business, which was approved of. The examiners of Presbytery records then briefly delivered their reports, which were commendatory of the manner in which the records were kept.
Mr. Clunas, treasurer, gave in his annual financial statement, which appears in another part of the Magazine. He pointed out that the Sustentation Fund at 31st March showed a balance of £160 better than that of the previous year. Rev. Mr. Macfarlane, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to its satisfactory character. He said that in 1893 they came out from the Free Church without money or buildings, but casting themselves on the providence of God, they endeavoured to follow the path of duty. The Lord had provided for them according to His promise, for which they had reason to be thankful. He stated that since the financial year closed he had a letter from Mrs. Mackay, Sydney House, Laig, intimating the death of her brother, Mr. John Macdonald, and enclosing a cheque for £500, which sum it was left to the Synod to decide as to how it should be applied. He concluded his remarks with the following motion:—”The Synod approves of the report, thanks the treasurer and auditors for their diligence, and makes humble acknowledgment of the Lord’s goodness and favour in regard to the satisfactory state of the Church’s leading financial schemes, as per report. The Synod approves of the rate per annum (viz., £140) at which the Financial Committee ordered ministers’ salaries for the present to be paid, and remits to the same committee, with full powers, to make enquiry as to the extent to which the salaries of those missionaries who have to pay lodgings ought, in view of the recent reductions, to be re-considered. The Synod also directs that the sum of £500 recently received be added to the Sustentation Fund.”
Mr. Murdo Macdonald, elder, seconded the adoption of the report.
Rev. J. R. Mackay, in supporting its adoption, remarked that while the report was a gratifying one, it did not afford any occasion for their people slackening their liberality to the funds of the Church. The report was unanimously adopted.
The Court next took up the appointment of the annual collections, and recommended that they be taken in the same order as last year, and on the first Sabbath of each month:—
- Organisation Fund—August.
- Missionaries’ and Catechists’—October.
- Students’ Aid—December.
- Church Building—February.
- Jewish and Foreign Missions—April.
- Aged and Infirm Ministers, and Ministers’ Widows, etc.—June.
The next business taken up was Remits from Presbyteries. Northern Presbytery—It was agreed that the salary of Mr. Andrew Tallach, as missionary at Lochinver at £35, be approved, and that meantime he and Mr. Murdo Macleod, missionary, exchange
Sabbath about at Lochinver and Stoer. Western Presbytery—The Synod approved of the appointment of Mr. Alexander Macdonald as missionary to Breasclete, Achmore and Lochs, at a salary of £20 per annum, and of the arrangements in connection with his assistance in the supply of these places by Messrs. John Macdonald and Alexander Mackenzie, Stornoway. The court also approved of the appointment of Mr. Donald Maclean as missionary at Finsbay, and Mr. Murdo Macleod as missionary at Kyles Scalpay, and appointed their salaries at £14 each.
Rev. J. R. Mackay gave in a report of the work carried on by him as Theological Tutor during the past winter session. He said that in this last session they had only two students of divinity in training, these being Mr. Donald Macleod and Mr. Murdo Morrison. The session began, as in past years, at the beginning of December, and was carried on till towards the end of April. Owing to the unsatisfactory state of his own health, they had lost nearly three weeks in the course of the session of their ordinary work. The students’ health was good, and they were, in point of diligence and obedience, all that could be wished for. Besides, they were called out to preach more seldom than had been the wont in former sessions, and that enabled them to do more justice to the work of the class than otherwise would have been possible for them. As a class, they met at 10.30 a.m. The first half-hour was set apart for devotional purposes, at which time, besides the opening exercise of prayer, a portion of the New Testament in Greek was read, and occasional remarks were made, keeping in view the aim of this half-hour. During the past winter they read a considerable portion of the Acts of the Apostles in this way. From 11 to 12 was the hour for Hebrew. For the first session they were compelled to devote the best part of this hour to Hebrew Grammar. The whole Hebrew Grammar (Davidson’s) was gone thoroughly into. During the past session, and at an earlier date than was wont, the study of Genesis in Hebrew was begun. On this occasion, however, he sought to give a detailed explanation of all the phenomena of the Massoretic text, with the result that they had read a smaller portion of the sacred text than in some past years. Occasional papers were given out in the course of the session on subjects bearing on the work of the class. From 1 to 2 p.m. was the hour for systematic theology. The class met for either subject on only four days of the week. On three of these days, i.e., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, he lectured; on Fridays, Turrettine was read (in Latin). It had been his aim in this course during the past session, after dealing with the general subject of theology, to treat of natural theology, Christian evidences, canon and inspiration of the Scriptures, the Christian doctrine of God, including the doctrine of the Trinity, decrees, creation, covenant of works, sin. The last two subjects covered their reading in Turrettine; but they had only been
partially successful in overtaking the vast field which comes under the other heads of doctrine mentioned. This defect was, however, in some measure rectified through their having read through the first book of Calvin’s Institutes as collateral reading. Mr. Mackay emphasised the desirableness of our divinity students forming the acquaintance of such a writer as Turretine, as, indeed, with the exception of one or two modern American writers, we had not in the English language a really first-class treatise, embracing the whole system of the Reformed Faith, such as we have, for instance, in Turretine, or Mästricht, or Marckius. He thought it was to the credit of our students that, considering the disadvantages under which they began their university course, they should be able to read Turretine to such profit.
He had hoped to have frequent opportunities of hearing the students preach in his own congregation, but during the past session he had this privilege on only one occasion in the case of each. Still, it afforded him an opportunity of knowing the doctrine preached by our rising ministry, and of giving what might prove useful hints in after life.
He suggested (1) that for the coming winter our divinity students should be taught in N.T. Greek and Church History by Mr. Beaton at Wick. This he asked for principally as he wished to have, if that were the Lord’s will, an opportunity during the coming winter of reading up on the various parts of systematic theology which remain to be treated during the divinity course. (2) That in future the session should be one of six months, and not, as at present, of only five months. Having only four days of the week wherein to work, and the curriculum being one of only three sessions, it was scarcely possible to touch on all the subjects that come up for treatment in a theological course as things are at present. If the session were extended to one of six months it would go far to overcome this difficulty, and so far from its entailing additional labour on the tutors, it would only facilitate matters for them, as they would thus hope, with less cramming, to overtake the work assigned them. (3) That, if during the session a theological tutor felt that the teaching of students, together with pastoral services, was proving too heavy a burden for him, he might be at liberty to call one of the ministers of the Church to his help on an occasional Sabbath, the expenses incurred through this arrangement to be paid by the Organisation or other Central Fund. (4) That, during the current year, the sum of £7 10s. should be given to each of the theological tutors to buy books bearing on their work as tutors, such books to be the property of the Free Presbyterian Church. (5) That the Synod should impress upon our Arts’ students who are studying with a view to the ministry, that they should, ere finishing their Arts’ Course, take a tutorial class in Hebrew.
Mr. Mackay concluded by pressing upon the Court the solemn duty which lies upon us of being instant in prayer to the Head of
the Church for the gift of a spiritual ministry, for although the theological training should be, as it was not, all that it ought to be, if we had not given us men whom the Lord Himself sent forth, all would be of no avail.
The Clerk moved that the Synod record its satisfaction at the report, and also its cordial thanks to Mr. Mackay for his able and efficient services as tutor. The motion was unanimously agreed to. It was also heartily agreed, on the motion of the Rev. Neil Cameron, that Mr. Mackay’s suggestions at the close of his report should be accepted by the Synod.
The Rev. James S. Sinclair, Editor, reported on the Church Magazine. He stated that his report would be, to some extent, informal, as a formal report had not yet been drawn up by the Magazine Committee. He went on to say that the Magazine Committee had met in November last, according to instructions of Synod, and had conferred with Mr. John MacNeilage, publisher, who stated that he would require a higher rate for printing and publishing the Magazine than the income of the Magazine would allow. In view of this, the Committee were under the necessity of seeking estimates from other firms, with the result that they decided to accept the estimate of the present printers, Messrs. Adshad & Son, whose estimate would not entail any loss, and whose work, as printers, was of a first-class order. The Editor was also appointed to act as Treasurer and to receive all payments. In settling accounts with Mr. MacNeilage, it was found that there were good debts in his books—debts for a year or thereabout back—to the extent of £43 odds, that there were sums prepaid to the extent of £24 12s. 1od., and that there were old or doubtful debts, £9 odds. The Synod had been led, at the last agreement with the publisher, to expect that there might be some profit accruing to the Church from the Magazine, probably about £10 per annum, but in view of all the circumstances, the Committee decided not to stand upon this expectation, but agreed to give Mr. MacNeilage the full benefit of the Magazine. Deducing, therefore, the prepaids from the good debts, they decided to pay Mr. MacNeilage the balance of over £18, as discharge in full, reserving meantime the reckoning of the old or doubtful debts in view of any possible errors in the general statement of debts. Mr. MacNeilage accepted the above balance according to terms stated. Mr. Sinclair further informed the Synod that since he had been appointed Treasurer subscribers had responded very promptly and cheerfully, and that he had been able to pay the last two quarters’ accounts to the printers out of the money received. The circulation of the Magazine was, on the whole, maintained. Some changes in the financial arrangements had caused some decrease in the numbers sent in parcels, but the single copies by post were increasing, and he had no doubt that things would right themselves in this respect soon. As they might see from the pages of the Magazine, friends from
various parts of the world had, unsolicited, sent donations to the Magazine Fund, which was a very encouraging feature.
On the motion of the Rev. Alexander Macrae, the Synod recorded its thanks to the Editor and Treasurer for his labours.
Rev. J. R. Mackay and Rev. Neil Cameron reported on the subject of Foreign Missions, and gave an outline of the contents of letters received from the Rev. John B. Radasi, one of which is published in this issue. Mr. Mackay gave an account of the Mule Fund, and said the response to the appeal for donations was hearty beyond his expectations. In sums ranging from 2/6 to £5—he had received in all £64 16s. He had besides received a single donation of £101 10s. for the Foreign Mission Fund in general, the total being £166 6/-. Of that sum he had handed the above large donation to the general treasurer, and had also sent £30, plus 1/6 commission, to Mr. Radasi to procure a mule. Bibles in the Zulu and Kaffir languages, and Shorter Catechisms, in English, were forwarded to the value of £3 4s. 8d., the carriage in addition amounting to £2 1s. These items left a balance in hand of £29 8s. 10d. Mr. Radasi since reported that he had disposed of the £30 sent him in the purchase of four donkeys, which cost £24, and in building a stable and house for cart, £6. The lowest price at which he could get a useful Cape cart was £39 19s. 6d., and he hoped that that sum, along with £4 3s. 6d. for harness would be sent him, everything being exceptionally dear in Rhodesia. In view of these requirements, Mr. Mackay asked the Synod’s sanction, which was granted, for forwarding Mr. Radasi a cheque for £50—£5 being for his own personal use. Mr. Cameron gave an interesting survey of Mr. Radasi’s work in connection with the building of the Church and house, and also in connection with his spiritual work in conducting services on the Sabbath, and a day school for the children during the week. Mr. Cameron also spoke on the subject of expense in Rhodesia, and pointed out that everything cost two or three times as much as in this country. He concluded by moving that Mr. Radasi’s salary be raised from £80 to £100 per annum. The motion was unanimously agreed to.
The Clerk called attention to the deep interest taken in the work of their Mission in South Africa by the Rev. Walter Scott and his congregation at Clarence River, New South Wales, and to the generous donations they had recently sent for the support of the Mission—collections taken in the course of two years by the Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation and the Woodford Dale Mission Sabbath School. The Synod unanimously agreed to record its cordial thanks to Mr. Scott and his congregation for the collections forwarded on behalf of the Foreign Mission Fund, and also its sympathy with their isolated position as representatives of the Free Presbyterian Church in New South Wales.
Under the heading of “Competent Business,” it was agreed that the Financial Statement be published as usual in the Magazine,
and that the auditors, Messrs. Charles Maclean and Finlay Maciver, be thanked for their services, and re-appointed. Messrs. Maclean and Maciver, who were present, kindly signified their willingness to act again as auditors of accounts.
Rev. Duncan Mackenzie submitted the claims of the congregation of Gairloch for the benefit of a stated missionary, especially the south side of the district. It was moved by Rev. Neil Cameron, seconded by the Rev. Alexander Macrae, and agreed to, that Mr. John Macdonald be appointed catechist in Gairloch in room of the late Mr. John Mackenzie, Port Henderson. Some conversation took place as to a suggestion by members of the Northern Presbytery that the congregations on the west coast of Sutherlandshire might be included within the bounds of the Western Presbytery, as being more easily reached by members of that Presbytery, but nothing was done in the matter.
Rev. D. Macfarlane moved that the Synod, as usual, instruct their ministers to address their congregations once a year on the principles of the Church. He said that this was not a new thing, but that it prevailed in the Free Church for a number of years after the Disruption of 1843. The practice, however, latterly came to be neglected, with the result that people grew up in ignorance of the principles of the Church, and that the Calvinism of the original Free Church had largely given place to Arminianism. It was their duty, in these critical times, to keep their congregations informed regarding their principles, and to do all in their power not to divide their people by questionable courses of action, such as some had indulged in, but to maintain unity among themselves in defence of the truth. The motion was unanimously agreed to.
The Court adjourned to meet again (God willing) at St. Jude’s Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday after the second Sabbath of November, at 12 noon.
The Synod was closed with singing the last three verses of Psalm 122nd, and the benediction.
The Buchanan Celebration at St. Andrews.—The 400th anniversary of the birth of George Buchanan, the distinguished humanist, was celebrated at St. Andrews, on the 6th and 7th July. Buchanan’s fame rests not so much on the part he played in the great Reformation struggle, as on his scholarship; and though he had the signal honour, though a layman, of being Moderator of the General Assembly, yet he never bulked so largely in the popular imagination as his great contemporary, John Knox, “the Reformer of a kingdom.” But in the realm of scholarship, Buchanan’s place is unique among his Scottish contemporaries, and it was in keeping with the fitness of things that St. Andrews University should honour his memory.