Rev. D. Beaton moved that the following Protest be sent to the Prime Minister and others:—
“The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland views with the utmost concern the endeavour on the part of His Majesty’s Government to virtually abolish the Royal Protestant Declaration by the Bill recently introduced into the House of Commons by the Prime Minister. The Synod, realising the vast importance of the issues involved, would strongly protest against any alteration for the following reasons:—
“(1) It is vital to the British Constitution that the Sovereign of these realms should be a Protestant.
“(2) The past history of this country shows how imperatively necessary it is that the Throne should be guarded by strong Protestant bulwarks. The experience of our forefathers of Rome’s treachery against the Throne, and its endeavour to crush the civil and religious liberties of the people of this country compelled them, in their own defence, to draw up a Declaration rendering it impossible that a Roman Catholic King could sit on the British Throne.
“(3) The Roman Catholic Church claims absolute power over nations and their rulers. It is her proud boast that she is ever the same, which, alike in her persecuting principles, and her domination over the consciences of nations, has again and again been realised in history.
“(4) The proposed Declaration is a great step towards the reconciling of this country with Rome, and both Scripture and History confirm us in the conviction that reconciliation with Rome means God’s displeasure.
“(5) The statement of the Royal Protestant Declaration, as it now stands, against the Mass and Mariolatry is truth, and its enunciation by a person in the exalted position of the King of Great Britain and Ireland at a solemn moment in his life is likely to be the means of preventing many from joining the communion of the Church of Rome.
“(6) The Synod would point out that its desire to retain the present Declaration does not proceed from any personal animus against Roman Catholics. It prays for their best and highest interests. It is worthy of note that the statements of the Declaration are against doctrines, not persons, but doctrines which are highly dishonouring to Christ, and his finished work, and which we believe are truthfully and scripturally described as superstitious and idolatrous.”
The motion was seconded by Mr. Lachlan Maclean, spoken to by several members, and unanimously adopted. Rev. D. Macfarlane moved that a Fast Day be held at an early date in view of the proposed change in the King’s Protestant Declaration, and for prayer that the Lord would avert the threatened calamity. Rev. E. Macqueen seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was decided that Thursday the 14th July be held throughout the Church for the purpose. It was suggested by some of the speakers on this subject that the particular day mentioned might not suit every congregation, and that it might be open to such to hold another day as near the date as possible. It was understood that this was agreed to.