The year 1764, at which we have now arrived, was the twenty-fifth of James Calder’s ministry—the busiest and most successful he had yet seen. Its sunlight was not unchequered by clouds. The darkest of these was the illness and death of his only daughter, to whose Christian character and happy death in the Lord he renders a touching paternal tribute. Frequent bodily ailments and weakness were another trial. These he sometimes apprehended would disable him for the work he had to do; yet he again and again gratefully records, to the praise of the good Master he served, that they as often gave place to renewed strength and health when he was engaged in actual duty, and even when exposed to tempestuous weather in going through his parish, or in journeying to other parishes, in its discharge. “Let none,” he says, “after me, decline His errands, in all weathers, and at all hazards; for I have many times found them to be health both to soul and body.” Then there are complaints of “the old, inveterate plague of a hard, cold, carnal, wandering heart still hanging about me”; and this coldness and carnality he frequently mentions as recurring between the intervals of his most blessed and successful public services, and sometimes as prevailing during the services themselves—which he nevertheless sees that his Divine Master is acknowledging. We indeed see, more clearly that he himself could, that physical languor, the result of reaction from labour too great for his strength, contributed much to these feelings. To him, however, they were “the thorn in the flesh,” that helped to keep him very humble while God was honouring his ministry, and while God’s people were crowding round him from far and near. (“Blessed be the Lord,” he writes in one place, “who has honoured unworthy me with the friendship and sympathy of so many of the excellent ones of the earth!”) These things sent him in frequent self-abasement to his closet, to cast himself anew on pardoning and sanctifying grace, and to “bless the gracious name of Him who said, I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and give you a heart of flesh“; then to come out, refreshed and with face shining by communion with God, to engage in renewed effort for souls.
March 19th was a day begun in great pain and sickness of body; yet we find it filled with ministerial labour of every kind, public and private, from morning to night. It ends thus:—
“Last of all, I visited a precious old woman, long exercised to godliness, full of faith and love, and sweet presages of immortality, amidst a very distressed condition of body; but Christ keeps up her head above the waves and billows of affliction. In my way
home called for an old graceless man who, I am told, neglected the business of his salvation entirely, and seldom attends the preaching of the Word. Brought him along with me part of the way. The Lord helped me to exhort and admonish and counsel him with great plainness and faithfulness, and at the same time with great tenderness and affection. He gave me his hand and promise, ere we parted, that he would attend public ordinances. The poor man was somewhat melted, and gave me many, many thanks for my concern about him. As he is in strait circumstances, I dropt a shilling sterling into his hand as we took leave, assuring him that Christ would give him grace and glory, and all good things, if he would give himself up to Him in the blessed covenant of grace; nay, more, that our blessed Redeemer was infinitely willing and ready to cure his ignorance of which he complained—‘to give him a heart to know himself’; ‘to take the heart of stone out of his flesh, and to give him a new heart and new spirit,’ etc., etc. Lord, follow these exhortations with thy effectual blessing, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
“Thursday, March 1st.—A fellowship meeting—a throng and a very agreeable meeting—though, alas! I was cold and formal. I went out to this important duty, to preside in a numerous society of the Lord’s people, with so little pains or concern to get my heart in a right frame for it, that it is no wonder at all that I should be deserted and rebuked of the Lord. O Lord, forgive my negligence, my self-confidence, and consequent mismanagement, or rather profanation, of the duty! At this meeting we had the great pleasure and benefit of Donald M’Adam’s* company and fellowship, one of my father’s disciples, and the most eminent saint, except J—n Taylor, I ever knew; and that in respect of clear light, experimental knowledge, strength of faith, fervent love, profound humility, and self-denial, and deep insight into the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, together with the most sweet, charming, savoury, divine eloquence in his native tongue I ever heard. In all these respects I could not but look on myself as a novice, as a child, in comparison of this great and precious child of God. He has a neighbour, Duncan Dallas, a dear companion, who is another such-like tall cedar; they are like twin-brothers in Christ.”
His sorrow for his daughter’s death in May issued in humbling, yet very happy, exercises of soul. After parting with dear brethren in the ministry, and other Christian friends who had come to weep with him, he says:—
“May 10th.—This day the Lord was very gracious to my poor afflicted soul. He was pleased, for His name’s sake, to give me very humbling views of myself, of my numberless sins, follies, backslidings, and spiritual idolatries, and to enable me to confess them with some measure of contrition and sorrow, with the hand of faith (I hope I may say) on the head of the great propitiatory
* In the MS. M’Edom—the local pronunciation of the name.
sacrifice of the Lamb of God. I was helped to make His blood and wounds my sanctuary; and then methought I heard the ever-blessed God saying, ‘No fury is in me.’ This was followed with some sweet breathing of the Spirit of adoption, so that I had more sensible access and communion than I had experienced for a great while before. I understood more of the bliss and felicity of the saints in glory, and of my pious lovely Annie among the rest, by this day’s experience, than I did by reading volumes on this glorious subject. I not only believed, but in some sense tasted, felt, and saw some small pittance of that glory. My soul was feasted, satisfied, happy; so that the grief and sorrow for the death of my now glorified child, my young, chaste, virgin lover of Jesus, was for the time entirely taken away. Heaven and earth praise Him. Amen.
“Sabbath, 13th.—Much strength and liberty in soul and body to-day. Great attention, and more than usual concern appeared in the congregation. Lord, water the seed sown from heaven, and make it truly fruitful. Amen.”
In the Diary there follows here an account of his daughter’s religious experience, which has been printed separately for private circulation. It is interesting to note also, that during this period when “sorrowing yet rejoicing” for his daughter, he set himself to peruse and get copied out the autobiographical memoirs of his sainted grandmother, Mrs. Lillias Dunbar.
“Saturday, July 7th.—Set out this morning for Ardclach—the weather very pleasant—arrived before sermon. Mr. Coul preached English from Jer. xxx. 21: ‘Who is this that engaged his heart to approach?’ etc.—a good gospel sermon. My pleasant son and I retired to the woods in the evening; took two several bowers therein to meditate and pray after conversing a while together. The Lord vouchsafed me a cheering beam of my glorious Sun.
“Sabbath, 8th.—This day my work [at the communion at Ardclach] was great; and blessed be my glorious Master, my strength was in proportion to the work. I was never weaker in all respects as in myself; and His strength never appeared more illustriously perfect in my weakness than this day . . . for the joy of the Lord was our strength on this solemn happy day.
“Monday, 9th.—I trust this was a happy time to many souls; I know it was so to some, blessed be His glorious name! I never was so much impressed to make frequent and solemn addresses to the non-communicants—to the great multitude of spectators that attended this solemnity—which I hope, through grace, will have some happy effect. Lord, follow this great and solemn work with a remarkable blessing. I hear, to my joy, and I saw in part, that faithful Mr. Barron, the worthy minister of this parish, was most remarkably supported, though he had double weight on his shoulders, and though bowed down with great afflictions and bodily infirmities; but ‘the way and work of the Lord is strength to the upright’ (Proverbs x. 29).
(To be continued.)
Clu a’ Mheangain.
BY MRS. CAMERON, WHO DIED MANY YEARS SINCE IN PERTHSHIRE.
BHO bhonn lesse bhrist a mach
Am Faillein gasda, ùr;
Fior chrann uaine, taghta, luach-
mhor,
‘S airidh e air cliù;
Meangan uasal, torach, buadhar,
‘S e gach uair fo dhrichd,
A ghèugan dosrach sìnte suas,
‘S iad tarraing uaithe slìgh.
So an Crann am measg nan crann,
Air àrdachadh gu mòr,
Faillein sùghar, maiseach, cùbh-
raidh,
Taitneach, ùrar, òg;
Alainn, ciatach, ‘s e ro sgiamhach,
Miannaicht’ air gach dòigh,
Gun fheadh’ no fìradh, ruaidh’ no
crionadh,
Gun ghaoid, gun ghionmh, gun ghò.
Meangan priseil, miann na frithe,
‘S e gu direach ‘fas,
E air sìneadh mach a ghèugan,
‘S iad gu léir fò bhlàth;
Nach mothaich tart ri àm an teas,
Nach searg ‘s nach seac gu bràth,
Aig uisge sèimh tha e a’ tàmh,
‘S cha tiormaich mèud an tràsg’.
Tha abhainn fhlìorghlan ‘ruith m’ a
chriochaibh,
De ‘n fhlòr-uìsg’ shoilleir, bheò,
‘Cur subhachais an cridh’ gach aoin
A gheabh dhi taom r’ a òl;
Tha slàint as ùr na ‘dhuillich chùbh-
raidh
Dh’ anam brùit’ fo leòn;
Beatha ‘s loc-shlàint dhoibhs’ fo ‘n
iargain;
‘S dream gun lùths gheabh treòir.
Meangan cliùiteach ‘s e air lùbadh
Le ùr-mheas chum an làir,
Toirt toraidh thriùm gach àm ‘s a’
bhlìadhn’,
‘S gu siorruidh a’ toirt fàis;
Tha e brìoghar ‘s mòr a mhilseachd
Do gach linn is àl;
‘S gach èun tha glan am measg na
coill,
Gheibh iad fo ‘n chraoibh so sgàil.
Crann ro thaitneach ‘sgaoil ro fhar-
saing,
Mach o chuan gu cuan;
‘S ann fo ‘sgàile gheabhar fasgadh,
Taitneach do luchd-cuairt.
Tha ‘airde ruigheachd chum nan
nèamh,
‘S thar nèamh nan nèamh a
bhuaidh,
Tha mhaise ‘s àilleachd a’ toirt bàrr
Air gach crann dh’ fhàsas suas.
Crann ro bhrìoghar e da-rleadh,
Bho ‘n sruth miltean buaidh;
Na ‘s mìls’ gu mòr na mhìl ‘s na
crìbh,
Tha ‘n loc-shlàint a thig uait;
Tha sruithean sòlais ruith gach lò
uait;
Do ‘n anam leòinte, thruagh,
‘S na h-uile h-aon a ni dhiubh òl,
Bidh aca sòlas buan.
Crann ro luachmhor, nach gabh
gluasad,
‘S nach luisg an doinionn àrd;
Cha dean stoirm a fhreumhan fhuas-
gladh
‘S cha chaill e ‘shnuadh no ‘bhlàth.
E suidhichte air sleibhtibh Israeil
Le làimh an Ti is Aird’;
‘S cha téid am feasd a ghearradh
sìos,
No chaoidh a splon’ as ‘ait’.
An crann is rìomhaich o ‘n stoc is
rìoghail’
Tha ‘s an fhrith a’ fas;
Gach crann ‘s an fhrith a’ tarraing
brìgh uait,
Neirt is slìgh gach là;
Fo dhùbh’r a ghèughan gheabh na
féumaich
Beatha, réite, ‘s blàths;
Fo sgàil a thròcair thig gach seòrsa,
‘S bidh iad beò gu bràth.
‘S e ‘n sgèul is priseil’ chaidh riamh
innseadh,
‘S e na fhlirinn bhuan,
Gur e an tì so Righ nan Righrean,
Sìth is glòir a shluaigh;
Strochdaidh cinnich dha is tréu-
bhan,
‘S bheir fo ghèill gach sluagh,
Is slòigh nan nèamhan bheir gu
léir dha
Urram ‘s géill blith-bhuan.
Air Iomadh Puing Dhiadhachd.
LE MR. Eoin UELSH.
“Gu’n d’thugadh e dhuinn, air bhi dhuinn air ar saoradh o lamh ar naimhde, gu’n deanamaid seirbhís da as eugmhais eagail, ann an naomhachd agus am fireantachd ’na lathair fein, uile laithean ar beatha.”—LUCAS i. 74, 75.
(Air a leantuin o t. d. 133.)
NIS, tha so a leanas, glé mhaith, “Ach earaillichibh a cheile am feadh a ghoirear an diugh dheth.” B’ail le Dia a leithid do ghradh a bhi agaibh do cheile, gu’m bi bhur beul air a lionadh le gràs agus comhfurtachd, “air eagal ’s gu’n cruaidhichear a h-aon sam bith agaibh trid mealtaireachd a pheacaidh.” Ciod an t-aobhar gu’m bheil cruas cridhe a’ teachd co tric oirbh? Ciod e, Ach do bhrigh ’s nach ’eil sibh ag earalachadh a cheile, air an aobhar sin tha peacadh a’ goid a steach agus ’gar mealladh, agus trid cleachdadh a pheacaidh tha cruas a’ teachd air aghaidh, do bhrigh ’s gu’m bheil e sgríobhta, i Phead. i. 16, 17, “Bithibhse naomh, oir a taimse naomh. Agus ma ghoireas sibh air an Athair, a bheir breith a reir oibre gach neach, gun chlaon bhaigh ri neach seach a chèile, caithibh aimsir bhur cuairt ’an so le eagal”; i Phead. iv. 1, 2, “Uime sin o dh’fhuiling Criosd air ar son-ne ’san fheoil, armaichibh-se mar an ceudna sibh fein leis an inntinn cheudna; oir an Tì a dh’fhuiling anns an fheoil, sguir e do pheacadh,” tha e ag radh, “Gu’m bi sibh uaith so a mach beo dha-san re fuigheal bhur n-aimsir”; agus ’sann aig Dia a mhain a tha fios cia meud an uin a tha fathast ri ruith; agus uime sin ’se toil Dhe, gu’m bi na tha ri ruith dheth ’ar tìom, air a chaitheadh a nis ann an eagal De; oir bu chòir dhuinn an aimsir a chaidh cheana a chaitheadh ann an diomhanas, a shaoilsinn ro mhoir; agus uime sin bu chòir dhuinn saothrachadh gus an aimsir a bha air a chaitheadh ann an diomhanas ath-cheannach, “agus cha bu chòir dhuinn bhur beath a chaitheadh do reir na feola, ach do reir toil De.” ’Nis, cha bu chòir do na so a bhi na uallach dhuibh, oir esan a tha ’g iarraidh orra-san a tha sgith agus fuidh thron uallach a theachd d’a ionnsuidh fein, bhiodh e neo-thoileach uallach neo-fhreagaireach a chuir oirbh; oir tha cuing Chriosd furas do’n duine nuadh, agus na h-uile a bhios fuidh uallach leis a chuing so; ’sann leis an t-seann duine a tha i na h-uallach, ris nach ’eil gnothach agadsa, oir feumaidh esan a dhol do an uaigh, agus pilltinn na dhust ann an sin, a tha ag radh, gu’m bheil cuing Chriosd na h-uallach dhuit. Cia iomadh agaibh a thòisich air bhur cuairt, agus a tha ’dol air bhur n-aghaidh air bhur turus, agus a’ ruith bhur reis mar bu chòir, gidheadh dh’fheudadh sibh ni bu mho do dh’aghairteas a dheanamh anns a chreideamh Chriosduidh na rinn sibh?
Cia mata mar a chaitheas sibh a chuid eile do’r n-aimsir a ta fathast ri teachd? Innsidh mi dhuibh ann am briathraibh goirid.
Air tus bu chòir do’r cridheachan a bhi air an eumail ann an
òrdugh ceart rè an là uile, oir mur bi, cha bhi na h-uile nì a nì sibh ceart. Tha mi cuimhneachadh ciod a tha Solamh ag radh, “Cothromaich ceumana do chois, agus biodh do shlighean gu lèir ann an deadh ordugh?” Thoir fainear anns a cheud àite, gu’ bheil e air a radh, “Tha Dia gabhail tlachd ann an comhnuidh a gabhail ann an cridhe iriosal,” uime sin feumaidh tu do chridhe a bhi air irioslachadh gach là. Agus cia mar a gheibh thu sin deanta? Innseam dhuit, feumaidh tu amharc air do pheacanna a’s mò gach aon là, agus fheuchainn an dean iad d’ irioslachadh. A ris feumaidh tu amharc anns an lagh gach aon là, agus fhaicinn cia mar a bhris thu e, agus cia mar a tha mallachd Dhia os cionn do chinn air son peacaidh; thug so air Daibhidh a radh, Sailm li, “Tha mo pheacadh ann mo lathair do ghnàth”; agus bu chòir dhuit-sa radh mar sin mar an ceudna. ‘Se sin a cheud nì, thu bi air d’rioslachadh.
‘San dara h-aite, Feumaidh tu do chreideamh a choimhead, na’m b’ail leat Criosd a bhi chòmhnuidh ann do chridhe, agus amharc do ghnàth air firinn neo-mhearachdach Dhe, agus neo-chaocluidheadh a gheallaidh; agus co fhada ‘sa tha Criosd a’ gabhail còmhnuidh ann do chridhe, gheibh thu do ghnàth feartain a’ teachd uaith, agus gheibh thu do ghnath gràs as ùir; ‘se sin an t-ath nì, Bi bunaiteach ‘sa chreideamh.
‘San treas aite, Do bhrigh’s gu’m feum ar comh-chomunn ri Dia a bhi troimh Chriosd, air an aobar sin feumaidh tu do dhìchioll dheanamh air son Dia a mhàin a bhi na thoillintinn do d’anam gach aon là, agus ‘an uair a tha do chridhe ann an deadh ordugh. Ach co a sheall na nithe so? Cha do sheall a h-aon tha mi a’ saoilisinn, air a chuid a’s lugha, is tiere iad-san a sheall orra’. Mar sin ‘se so an treas puing, gu’m bi morachd neo-chriochnaich Dhe, anns a Mhac leis an Athair, a’ gabhail còmhnuidh ann do chridhe, agus gu’n suidhich thu d’ uile thlachd air làthaireachd Dhe. ‘Nis bheir so leis dà nì eile.
‘Sa cheud aite, Bheir e leis eagal, nach dàna leat oilbheum a thabhairt, do bhrigh’ gu’n cuir so cràdh airsan.
‘San dara aite, Bheir e leis gràdh, Ciod uime nach gradhaicheadh tus esan, an tì is e gradh fein? Agus ‘an sin ni an t-eagal agus an gràdh so thu ad’ dhuine fo armachd gu cuir ann an aghaidh an uilc, agus ni e ullamh thu a chum Dia thoileachadh ‘sna h-uile nithe, agus eudmor anns gach deadh obair. Ciod e tuille? Do bhrigh ‘snach ‘eil mòmaint ann an àm do bheatha gu leir, anns nach ‘eil Dia ‘ga do luchdachadh le sochairean as ùir; uime sin bithidh tu taingeil dha ‘sna h-uile nithe, agus ni thu gairdeachas ann an seirbhis a thabhairt da ann am firinn do chridhe. Ciod e tuille? Do bhrigh’s gu’ bheil an cridhe na ni domhan nach urra bhi air a rannsachadh le duine, oir mairidh olc-eigin ann do ghnàth, cuid do pheacanna’ diomhar nach ‘eil thus a faicinn; uime sin bu chèir ùrnuigh do gnàth a bhi ann, agus faire, agus beachd-smuaineachadh spioradail, agus bu chòir iomadh deadh smuain a bhi air a chuir suas gu neamh.
Na’m b’ail leat na nithe so a dheanamh, ‘an sin dh’fheudadh tu a radh, O! ann an so tha anam nuadh, agus ‘an so tha na trusgana fada geala, agus na lion eudaichean sgiambach air an ionnluid ann om fuil an Uain, a thug am Fear nuadh-posda d’a chèile fein, agus uime sin cha’n’eil e iongantach ge do tha e ‘ga gairm sgiambach; ‘an sin bheir so ort, anns gach cuideachd gus an teid thu, aon chuid maith a nheanamh, no maith a gabhail; cha dean so mi-chùramach thu ann do ghairem, ciod sam bith mar a tharlas da a bhi; agus ni so thu gràsmhor agus maiseach ann do theaghladh, agus bithidh tu taingeil do Dhia gu’n d’thug e dhuit teaghlach, agus bean, agus clann, agus seirbhisich, agus tigh gu bhi ann. ‘An sin anns an fheasgar, mu’n d’theid thu gu do lebaidh, gabhaidh tu cunntas do d’uile dheanadas ré an là, agus air dhuit fhaicinn na nithe air an d’thainig thu gearr, rùnaichidh tu a leasachadh air an ath là. ‘Nis, cha’n abair mi na’s mò aig an ám, ach nach cuir sibh dearbhadh oirbh fein le so aon là, agus gheibh sibh e mar an chleacdadh is milse a bha agaibh riabh anns an t-saoghail, eadhon an staid chaitheadh-beatha Chriosduidh so, gu’n deónaicheadh Dia e do gach aon agaibh, air sgath Iosa Criosd a Mhac; dhà-san, maillle ris an Athair, agus ris an Spiorad Naomh, gu’n robh gach uile mholadh agus glòir, uath so a mach agus gu siorruidh. Amen.
Notes and Comments.
Religious Instruction in Scottish Schools.—Owing to the commanding interest in the War there is not the attention being given that ought to the new Education Bill before Parliament. This Bill introduces new departures of far-reaching importance, but our main interest with the Bill at present is, however, the failure of its promoters to give any place for religious instruction in the national schools, except, so far, as provision is made in the 1872 Act. An amendment, to the effect that provision for religious instruction be made in the curriculum of all schools, primary and higher grade, was rejected when the Bill was discussed in Grand Committee. The matter is to come up again when the House of Commons meets on 16th October, and amendments to the above effect are to be brought forward by Sir Henry Craik, Mr. A. F. Whyte, etc. All interested in this matter should write the M.P. of their constituency, urging him to vote for religious instruction in the schools. Under the present arrangement very few of the higher grade schools have any place for religious instruction in their time-tables. No doubt such instruction is quite common in the primary schools, but provision should be made for it in the higher grade schools as well.
The Voluntary Schools.—While no provision is made in the Bill for religious instruction in the Board Schools, it is distinctly provided that in the taking over of the Voluntary Schools, that is, such schools as were outside the control of School Boards, and which are mainly Roman Catholic, that “the time set
apart for religious instruction or observance in any such school shall not be less than that so set apart according to the use and wont of the former management of the school, and the local education authority shall appoint as supervisor of religious instruction in any such school, or in any group of such schools of the same denomination, a person approved as regards religious belief and character as aforesaid, and it shall be the duty of the supervisor so appointed to report to the local education authority as to the efficiency of the religious instruction given in any such school.” The Church of Rome has not been asleep over her interests; she has stated her terms, and the promoters of this Bill have accepted them, but it does appear somewhat farcical that the supervisor above referred to should have to report to the Education Authority, which will consist chiefly of Protestants, as to the efficiency of the Roman Catholic religious instruction in transferred schools. This clause of the Bill was not discussed in Grand Committee, and it is to be hoped when it comes up at the Report stage it will receive a thorough overhauling.
The Stout-Hearted are Spoiled.—The words of the Psalmist come readily to the mind when we think of the extraordinary change which has come over the fortunes of the contending armies in France—”The stout-hearted are spoiled; they have slept their sleep; and none of the men of might has found their hands.” The change has been so sudden, so unexpected, and the results so overwhelming that we can scarcely realise that we were so near a catastrophic disaster but a month or two ago. All that fear the Lord will seek to give thanks to His name for turning the tide of battle. What the future holds in store for our armies is known unto Him alone, in whose hands are the destinies of all living, but it would be the basest ingratitude if we did not recognise in this favourable turn of events another evidence of the great goodness of Him who has not visited us according to our iniquities.
A Hebrew University in Jerusalem.—It is but a short time since Jerusalem came into the hands of the British, but the members of the Zionist Commission to Palestine have not been allowing the grass to grow beneath their feet. On 24th July, the foundation-stone of a Hebrew University was laid on Mount Scopus. The Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces and representatives of the French and Italian troops serving in Palestine were present. Mr. Balfour, the Foreign Secretary, sent the following message:—”Please accept my cordial good wishes for the future of the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. May it carry out its noble purpose with ever-increasing success as years go on. I offer my warm congratulations to all who have laboured so assiduously to found this school of learning, which should be an addition to the forces of progress throughout the world.” May the day soon dawn when Christ shall be honoured in this seat of learning, and in the city that cast Him out and slew Him,
when the Scripture shall be fulfilled: “They shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart: the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart. The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; all the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.”
The Duke of Argyll and Prayers for the Dead.—The present Duke is evidently trimming his sails for Rome, and, were it not for the terms on which he enjoys his patrimony, it is quite possible he might have been within her communion ere now. His attack on Luther will still be fresh in the minds of Protestants. The other week the Duke was present at one of these thinly veiled Popish ceremonies of unveiling a war shrine, and took the opportunity of reminding the large gathering of “their duty of prayer for the souls of the departed, especially during November, the month of the Holy Souls.” One would have thought, if there is any efficacy in prayers for the dead, it is rather cruel to limit the effort to the month of November, even though it be in the Roman Calendar the Feast of All Souls. That the Macaillan Mor should be found playing with the trinkets and superstitions of Rome is a fact that will pain all those who love the truth as it is in Jesus, and who value the priceless blessings of the Reformation.
Acknowledgment of God by our Statesmen.—One cannot help feeling on reading the speeches of our Statesmen that God does not have a very high place in their minds. Now and again, no doubt, His name is mentioned, but there is lacking even then the expression of humble dependence upon Him for carrying us through the struggle. We cull the following sentences from a speech by Canon Burrough’s reported in the English Churchman that puts the matter in a nutshell:—”Compare President Wilson’s splendid utterance in reference to America’s anniversary with the references of Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Asquith to the service at St. Margaret’s next Sunday, which are both painfully puerile and poor. Our leaders may be religious, but there seems to be an idea prevalent among them that religion does not really matter, nothing matters except winning the war. Even Lord Landsdowne proves himself loose-minded when considering the price of victory. This is shown by his lamentable arguments for legal lotteries. God help us when our leaders talk like this in the House of Lords! That is the sort of thing I mean when I say our politicians have no conception of a Supreme God. We Christians have to wake them up to it. They think that wars cannot be won by putting God first; but we feel they cannot be won by putting Him second.”
Church Notes.
Communions.—Breasclete (Lewis), Farr (Sutherland), Stratherrick (Inverness), and Vatten (Skye), first Sabbath of September; Broadford (Skye), and Strathy (Sutherland), second; Applecross (Ross), Tarbert (Harris), and Stoer (Sutherland), third; Laide (Ross), fourth; North Tolsta (Lewis), fifth. Ness (Lewis), and John Knox’s, Glasgow (Hall, 2 Carlton Place, South-Side), first Sabbath of October; Gairloch (Ross), second; Scourie (Sutherland), third; Lochinver (Sutherland), and Wick (Caithness), fourth.
Mission to Naval Men in England.—The Rev. John R. Mackay, M.A., Inverness, is expected (D.V.) to succeed the Rev. M. Morrison, Lochinver, in the work of the Mission to Naval Men at Chatham and Portsmouth.
Synod Messages to Field-Marshal Sir D. Haig and President Wilson, with Replies.—The following message was wired on 23rd May to Sir Douglas Haig, General Headquarters, France, signed by the Rev. Murdo Morrison, as Moderator of the F.P. Synod:—”Synod of Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness, send Sir Douglas Haig this expression of their admiration of high services to the country and pray for the divine blessing upon himself and his Army.” The reply was:—”Please express to the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church our most cordial thanks for their generous appreciation of the work of the Army in France, as well as for remembering us all in their prayers at this time.—D. HAIG.”
Cablegram to President Wilson of U.S.A.—”The Synod of Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness, send President Wilson hearty thanks for his order in favour of Sabbath rest, and also for appointing a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, and they pray that Divine Blessing may rest upon the President’s person and American Army and Navy.—Rev. Murdo Morrison, Moderator, Free Presbyterian Manse, Inverness, Scotland.”
Reply.—”THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, 24th May, 1918.
—MY DEAR SIR,—The President has asked me to acknowledge the receipt of your message, and to thank you and all concerned for your friendly expressions of approval and good will.—Sincerely yours (signed) J. P. Tumulty, Secretary to the President.”
Day of Humiliation and Prayer with Thanksgiving.—By arrangement between the Presbyteries of the Free Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, the 14th August, was observed as a Day of Humiliation and Prayer with Thanksgiving, in connection with the country and the War. In some places, where it was more convenient, Thursday, the 15th, was observed. The appointment of the day was too late for insertion in last issue of the Magazine. May the Lord hear the prayers of His people more and more in respect to the circumstances of the times!
Synod Message to F.P. Soldiers and Sailors.—At last Synod the Revs. Neil Cameron and J. S. Sinclair were asked
to draw up, in the Synod’s name, a Message to the Church’s Soldiers and Sailors. The Message has now been composed and printed—the Committee regret the delay—and copies are being sent gratis to the ministers of the Church to arrange for their being forwarded to our soldiers and sailors. Adherents of the Church in out-of-the-way places will get copies on application to the Editor of the Magazine, or to any of the ministers.
The late Private M. Macfarlane.—We briefly notice this month, with much regret, the death of Private Murdo Macfarlane, as the result of wounds at “the front.” Private Macfarlane was the son of Mr. James Macfarlane, missionary, Luib, Broadford, and a nephew of the Rev. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall. He was a member of the Inverness congregation, and was highly esteemed as a young man of piety and promise. His remains were taken from a hospital at Southampton, and buried at Portree, Skye. We express deepest sympathy with his respected father and all relatives, and hope that a fuller notice will (D.V.) yet appear.
Reply to Free Church Criticism.—The following letter has been sent by the Rev. Neil Cameron to the Editor of the Free Church Record:—Dear Sir,—A most unfair and biased review appeared in the Free Church Record for last July of “A Reply” issued by “Lovers of Truth,” in answer to a Pamphlet on “Union Between the Free and the Free Presbyterian Churches,” written by the Rev. J. R. Mackay, Inverness. The reviewer states that “Lovers of Truth” charge the present Free Church with ending social gatherings with a dance. Any unbiased person who will read their reply will feel quite convinced that, while they do charge the Free Church prior to 1893 with ending some of her social gatherings so, they do not, whatever they might do, charge the present Free Church with so acting. A certain man is referred to in God’s Word, “who fleeth when no man pursueth.” “Lovers of Truth” do charge the present Free Church with having had a performance which, they considered, deserved the designation—“A masque or a theatrical play”—at a social gathering. This social gathering was held in Oban a considerable number of years since. A report of its proceedings appeared in the press at the time. “Lovers of Truth” are not convinced that the reviewer was so ignorant of the above-stated fact as he pretended. “The Synod of the Free Church,” referred to by “Lovers of Truth,” as having sent a unanimous resolution to the General Assembly of their Church to the effect that the Free Church should take part in the Union negotiations proceeding between the U.F. Church and the Established Church of Scotland, was the Free Church Synod of Glenelg. This appeared in press:—(1) In the report which appeared of the proceedings of that Synod; (2) In the report of the proceedings of the Free Church Assembly. Your reviewer has done his utmost to cast a doubt upon the veracity of “Lovers of Truth.”
He is not the first to have made the effort since 1893, and, probably, he will not be the last. They would humbly draw his attention to the Scripture, which says:—”No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord” (Isaiah liv. 17).—I am, a Lover of Truth,
NEIL CAMERON.
Protest against Visit of the Prince of Wales to the Pope.—The Southern Presbytery has sent the following Protest to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister:—
“The Southern Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland desires to express its earnest protest against the recent visit to the Pope by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. The Presbytery feels deeply grieved that this visit by the heir to the British Protestant Throne should be paid with the concurrence of the Government, and deplores the fact that there is such frequent pandering to the presumptuous claims of the Papacy by those in authority.
“The Presbytery would remind all concerned that Rome, by her pro-German sympathies and efforts in connection with the present War, has given unmistakable proof of her undying desire to see Britain crushed to the dust, and brought under her dark, despotic sway; and also that friendly intercourse with the Vatican means disloyalty to Christ’s Kingship over the nations and to the Protestant constitution of the realm, while it inflicts an outrage upon the Christian convictions of the British people and of all throughout the world who love righteousness, freedom, and humanity.”
Acknowledgment of Donations.
MR. ALEXANDER MACGILLIVRAY, General Treasurer, Woodbine Cottage, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, acknowledges, with grateful thanks, the following donations up to 22nd August:—
Sustentation Fund.—Per A. MacLennan, Rona—A. MacLennan, New Zealand, £1; M. Sangster, Brier Grove, Kingussie, £1; Rogart postmark, For the Church, 5/; Per Mr. D. MacMaster, Kilmallie—”Free Presbyterian Party,” £10; “Anonymous,” For the Church, 10/; Miss C. Mackenzie, Durnie H.G. School, Durness, Lairg, 10/.
Correction on Financial Statement.—Lochbroom Sustentation Fund, £140 3s. 6d., should be £146 3s. 6d.
Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund.—”Free Presbyterian,” Caithness, £1; Per Rev. E. Macqueen—Wm. Mackay, Lochside, Overscaig, 10/; Per Mr. D. MacMaster, Kilmallie—”Free Presbyterian Party,” £5; Per Rev. N. Cameron—”A Passer-by,” for educating a poor, converted lad for work among the Jews, £100. For Mule and Cart for Rev. J. B. Radasi: Per Rev. A. Sutherland—”Little Moraig’s Birthday Present,” 5/; Per Rev. N. Cameron—R. MacSwan, £1; “Anonymous,” £1.
Mission to Forces Fund.—Per Rev. E. Macqueen—William Mackay, Lochside, Overscaig, 10/; “Free Presbyterian,” 5/; Per Rev. J. R. Mackay, M.A.—A. Ross, Strond, Harris, 3/6; “Free Presbyterian,” Caithness, 10/; Miss C. Mackenzie, Durnie H.G. School, Durness, Lairg, 10/; “Two Friends,” Applecross, £2; Per Rev. J. S. Sinclair—Mrs. Macallister, Greenock,
2/, Miss I. Matheson, Lucknow, Ont., 8/2, R. Campbell, Toronto, 13/6, and D. MacLennan, Kincardine, Ontario, 4/6.
“Free Presbyterian,” Caithness, Free Distribution of Magazine, 5/, an Bibles for Soldiers and Sailors, 5/.
Rev. N. Cameron desires to acknowledge, with many thanks:—For Kaffir Bibles: “Friend,” Portree, 10/; “Friend,” Broadford, £2; J. MacLean, 10/; “Friend,” Tomatin, 10/; Per Rev. J. S. Sinclair—”Two Sisters,” £1, and “Two Friends,” 10/; Per Captain Macdonald—”Two F.P. Friends,” U. Breakish, Broadford, 7/6. For Foreign Missions: Per John Macdonald—”Lady Friend,” 5/, “Mac,” 5/, and “Anon,” 2/6. Mission to Forces: “Discharged Soldier,” 9/6. He desires also to acknowledge, with profound thanks, £100 from “A Passer-by,” for the education of a poor, converted lad for work among the Jews (Psalm lxxix. 9; Neh. xi. 20). This is the second instalment of £100 sent by this anonymous donor. May the Lord provide “the poor, converted lad.” The money will be forwarded to the General Treasurer, to be placed in Bank for the specified purpose.
The Treasurer of the Dingwall Congregation (Mr. Murdo Urquhart, Craig View) begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the sum of £1 for Manse Building Fund, per the Rev. D. Macfarlane, from “A Friend who expected to be at the Dingwall Communin Services”; Mr. and Mrs. M’Gillivray, Dunoon, 30/; and per Mr. M’Gillivray—Miss Macfarlane, Dunoon, 20/, Mr. J. B. M’Gillivray, Glasgow, 20/, and “A Few Friends,” 10/.
Rev. J. S. Sinclair acknowledges, with thanks, 5/ for Bibles to Soldiers and Sailors, from Pte. Angus Clunas, Canadians; and 16/4 for Rev. J. B. Radasi, Matabeleland, from Mrs. S., Edinburgh.
The Magazine.
Subscriptions Received for Magazine.—A. Macleod, N. Arnish, Raasay, 6d.; Mrs. Mackintosh, Tordarroch Mains, Daviot, 12/; Mrs. Campbell, I.O. Coy., Regina, Sask., 6/5; Miss Macdonald, Wickford Hall, Essex, 5d.; Miss Macleod, P.O., Stratcanaird, 3/6; per above—Miss Macdonald and R. Mackenzie, Drumrunie Forest, and John Macleod, Blussary, 3/6 each; Miss Banks, London, S.W., 1/; Mrs. Finlayson, Seafield, Kishorn, 6d.; Mrs. Macrae, Sannachan Shore, 6d.; N. Munro, Partick, 3/6; K. Macdonald, Moss, Ullapool, 3/6; Per A. Mackay—Miss Macintosh, Uig, Skye, 3/6; A. Stewart, Loch Arkaig, 3/6; G. G. Fraser, W. Birchen, Dornoch, 42/; per above—H. Mackay, Bay View, 1/6; Miss M. Morrison, Dundee, 3/; A. Cuddington, Shoreham-by-Sea, 11/1; Miss C. Macdonald, Skelmorlie, 3/6; Miss Macadie, Brawlbin Mains, by Thurso, 3/6; per above—D. Sutherland, 3/6; Mrs. Macdonald, Seannlious, E. Clunes, 6/; K. Cameron, P.O., Soay, 3/6; J. Gillies, Ardue, Applecross, 6d., and Mag. Fund, 2/; Miss C. Mackenzie, Fernabeg, Shieldaig, 3/10; Miss M’Gillivray, Saltcoats, 1/; Miss Morrison, Lingerbay, 3/3d.; Per Mrs. Macaskill—J. Macdonald, missionary, Carboist, Skye, 1/9; Miss Graham, Shieldaig, 6/6; Mrs. Macrae, Erbusaig, 1/6; D. Nicolson, Gardens, Duisdale, Skye, 5/11; J. Macdonald, Port of Ness, Stornoway, 6/; Miss G. Macleod, Hill of Fearn, 6d.; Mrs. Macallister, Greenock, 3/5; J. Fraser, Crask, Lairg, 1/6; S. F. Paul, Hove, 3/; Miss Bain, Newmore, Muir of Ord, 5d.; E. Macleod, Shinness, 3/6; Per Rev. D. Beaton—J. Mackay, Thurso, 3/6; J. Maciver, Berwick-on-Tweed, 3/5, and Magazine Fund, 2/1; “Friends of Truth,” Magazine Fund, 9/7; D. Murray, Muie, Rogart, 1/4½; per above—Miss M’Pherson, 3d., and Mrs. Macmaster, 5d.; J. Adamson, Helmsdale, 4/7; Mrs. D. Macdonald, Upper Lappan, Dunbeath, 3/6; Mrs. P. S. Kerr, Whiting Bay, 3/; Per A. M’Gillivray, Gen. Treasurer, Inverness—Miss Kennedy, 6d., and Mag. Fund, 5/; R. Maclean, Attadale, Ross, 4/; Per Mrs. J. MacLennan, Diabaig—J. Beaton, Casper, U.S.A., 5/; “Imacher,” Firnmill, 8/3d.; C. Macleod, Ardrossan, 9d.; W. Ross, Kingussie, 1/; Miss Grant, Kilmacolm, 6d.; A. Macdonald, merchant, Lochmaddy, 3/6; E. Rootham, Kettering, 5d.; Per Miss Doull—Miss C. Gunn, Georgemas, 6d.; W. Macleod, Little Assynt, 5d.; J. Matheson, Clashmore, Lochinver, 3/6; Miss Macleod, R. Waterloo
Hospital, London, 5d.; R. Reid, Killellan, 2d.; Miss Macbean, Newtonmore, 1/03; A. Matheson, Badidarroch, Lochinver, 3/6; D. Jack, Newton, Ontario, 12/6; G. Fletcher, Lochgilphead, 3/5; Captain Maclean, Kyleakin, 3/6; D. Mackay, D. Gillies, and A. Maclean, Ardineaskain, Lochcarron, 6d. each; Per Miss Mackay, Collaboll, Lairg—G. Mackay, Ocala, U.S.A., 5/; Mrs. Sangster, Kingussie, 5d.; Miss B. M. Macleod, Inverarish Ter., Raasay, 3/6; Mrs. M. Maclean, 28 Bresclette, Lewis, 3/6; Miss Kerr, Auchinture, Lochinver, 3/6; D. MacPherson, Kames, 9/3d.; Mrs. Hay, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, 3/5; A. Macphail, Inverneil, Ardrihsaig, 3/; J. Mackay, Geocrab, Harris, 5d.; Miss Finlayson, 29 Overnewton Square, Glasgow, 2/11; Mrs. Maclean, Balemore, Lochmaddy, 3/; Miss MacGillivray, Harperfield, Lanark, 6d.; D. Maclean, Warren, Ohio, U.S.A., 8/6; L. Ross, Tarbert, Scourie, 1/; Miss Morrison, Clashmore, Lochinver, 6/; Mrs. Macdonald, Badcall, Scourie, 3/6; Mrs. Crawford, Glasgow, 6d.; D. Murchison, Rannoch Station, 5d., and Mag. Fund, 9/7; Mrs. Moffat, Sandaig, Glenelg, 6d.; Miss R. A. Gosden, Brighton, 1/; J. Maclachlan, for St. Jude’s Collectors, 57/3 $\frac{1}{2}$ ; W. Sinclair, Winnipeg, £3; also per above—Nor. Mackenzie, 3/; L. A. Ross, 3/, and Mrs. Sutherland, 4/; Miss J. Beaton, Paisley, 5d.; J. Macewan, Silvercraig, 5d.; George Macleod, W. Shinness, 3/6; Mrs. J. Gillies, Terran, Raasay, 3/6; A. Fraser, missionary, Collam, Harris, 3/; Miss F. Kerr, Clashnessie, 7/; Miss S. Kerr, Clashnessie, 1/3; D. Fraser, Beauty, 5d.; D. Macrae, Cairnbank, Gairloch, 3/6; M. Gillies, H.M.S. “Quickly,” 3/6; D. Ross, Tain, 11/3; Miss Maclean, Dingwall, 25/10; Miss Cox, Ventnor, 3d.; A. Bruce, Wick, 22/8; Miss Martin, Lureboist, Lewis, 5d.; Miss Stewart, Isle-martin, Ullapool, 4/; Mrs. D. Kerr, Clashnessie, 1/6; D. Fraser, Muirnich, Gorthleck, 8/; Miss Watson, Crieff, 3/5; A. Murray, Achillie, Rogart, 3/; “F.P.A.,” Skye, Mag. Fund, 5/; Miss Kerr, Pitlochry, 2/; H. Macqueen, Rotheray, 3/6; Miss MacPhail, Stronachullin, Ardrihsaig, 3/6; D. Murray, Muie, Rogart, 3d.; Rfn. S. Piggott, Colchester, 3/; Miss Cameron, Anahelt, Strontian, 3/6; W. Mackay & Son, Inverness, £4 10/; Miss Livingstone, Kentra, Acharacle, 3/6; Mrs. Thom, Rachan, Peebleshire, 4/; J. Weir, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, 3/5; J. S. Murray, Tongside, Thurso, 5d.; Miss E. Mackay, Halkirk, 14/9; Miss Maclean, Old Dornie, Ross, 4/; Miss Fraser, Polmont, 2/; D. Brown, Greenock, 26/; Miss P. Kerr, Clashnessie, 3d.; Mrs. A. Macleod, Struth, Obbe, 5d.; R. Neilson, Edinburgh, 10/9; M. Beaton, Waternish, 3/8; Pte. K. Maclean, B.E.F., France, 3/; Mrs. Ferguson, Applecross, 6d.; J. Maclaine, Portree, 22/; Per Miss K. Nicolson, Upper Breakish, Broadford—Mrs. Munro, L. Breakish, 3/3; J. Adamson, Helmsdale, 4/7; N. Adshead & Son, Glasgow, sales, 56/8; R. & D. Sutherland, Castletown, by Thurso, 20/; D. Macarthur, Dennistoun, 6d.; Mrs. MacCulloch, Paisley, 3/8; D. Davidson, Tomatin, 21/3; Miss MacIntosh, Gairloch, 1/; Miss C. Mackay, Strathy Point, 46/; A. Macneilage, Kilcreggan, 3/5; Mrs. Macdougall, Grantown-on-Spey, 6d.; J. Mackay, 4 Shore St., Hilton, Ross, 3/6; Mrs. C. Maclellan, R. J. Mackenzie, Alan M’Rae, Mrs. M. Macleod, and Murdo Matheson, all R. R. No. 3, Lucknow, Ontario, 3/9 each; Mrs. Calder, Tannachy, Rogart, 4/; P. Anderson, Edinburgh, 24/4 $\frac{1}{2}$ ; Nurse Tallach, Hospital, Alloa, 3/6; Miss Mackay, Hill Street, Inver, Fearn, 3/; Per Angus Fraser, missionary—D. Macleod, Clashnessie, 3/5; J. Macleod, Lairg, 11/3; Miss J. Hamilton, Perth, 6d.; Rev. A. Sutherland, Ullapool, 3/; R. Campbell, Toronto, 6/; D. Matheson, Borraig, Dunvegan, 6d., and Mag. Fund, 2/; D. Mackenzie, 3 and 4 Diabaig, Ross, 3/6.
Free Distribution to Soldiers and Sailors.—Miss Macbean, Newtonmore, 5/, and General Free Distribution, 5/; G. Fletcher, Lochgilphead, 6/7; Captain Maclean, Kyleakin, 7/; “A Friend,” Glasgow, 3/; Mrs. Hay, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, 6/7; Miss MacGillivray, Harperfield, Lanark, 7/; D. Maclean, Warren, U.S.A., 1/6; Mrs. Macdonald, Badcall, Scourie, 4/; D. Murchison, Rannoch Station, 10/; Miss Watson, Crieff, 2/7; J. Weir, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, 2/7; Mrs. A. Macleod, Struth, Obbe, 2/7; Per Miss K. Nicolson—Mrs. Munro, L. Breakish, Broadford, 3/; Per Miss C. Mackay, Strathy Point—”A Friend,” 2/6 (omitted from a previous issue); Pte. Angus Clunas, Canadians, 5/.
(Several Subscriptions, etc., held over till next month.)