Meeting of Synod

THE Annual Meeting of the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland was opened in the Hall of St. Jude’s Church, Jane Street, Glasgow, on Tuesday evening, the 20th day of May, 1919. The retiring Moderator, Rev. Murdo Morrison, Lochinver, conducted public worship at 6-30 p.m., and preached from 1 Corinthians iii. 11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

FIRST SEDERUNT.

After public worship was ended, the Moderator constituted the Synod with prayer. The roll was then called, and there were present the following ministers and elders: From the Northern Presbytery—Rev. D. Beaton, Wick. From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Alexander Mackay, Oban, and Jas. S. Sinclair, John Knox’s (Clerk), ministers; with Messrs. Alex. Stewart, St. Jude’s, and Andrew Sinclair, John Knox’s, elders. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. Neil Macintyre, Stornoway, Duncan Mackenzie, Gairloch, Donald Graham, Shieldaig, Murdo Morrison, Lochinver (Moderator), and Donald M. Macdonald, North Uist, ministers; with Messrs. Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig, and Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver, elders. The Clerk intimated apologies for absence from the Revs. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall, D. N. Macleod, Harris, N. Matheson, Halkirk, and D. A. Macfarlane, Lairg. Mr. John Maclachlan, student, was appointed officer of court, and agreed to undertake the duties.

The minutes of the last meeting of Synod were read, and approved of.

At this stage, the Moderator (Rev. M. Morrison) intimated that his term of office had expired, thanked the Synod for the kindness shown him during his term, and added that it now lay with the Court to appoint his successor. Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the Rev. D. M. Macdonald of North Uist be appointed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Finlay Macdonald, elder, and unanimously agreed to. Rev. D. M. Macdonald rose and thanked the Synod for the honour they had conferred upon him. He said he thought they might have appointed a more suitable man for the position, but that he would endeavour, in dependence upon divine grace, to discharge the duties devolving upon him. He then took the Chair.

Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod request the Rev. M. Morrison to send the sermon he had preached to the Editor for publication in the Magazine. The motion was seconded by the Rev. D. Graham, and unanimously agreed to.

Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Revs. N. Cameron, A. Mackay, Mr. Donald Mackenzie, elder, and the Clerk, be appointed as a Committee to draw up a Loyal Address to the King. The motion was seconded by Mr. Finlay Macdonald, elder, and agreed to.

Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the members of Synod meet (D.V.) as a Committee on Bills and Overtures in the Hall at ten o’clock next morning. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Macintyre, and agreed to.

The Clerk moved that the Synod hold two sederunts next day at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

The Synod adjourned, to meet again (God willing) on Wednesday, 21st May, at 2 p.m. The sederunt was closed with praise and prayer.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod resumed its sitting, in terms of adjournment, on Wednesday the 21st May, 1919, at 2 p.m. The meeting was opened with devotional exercises, conducted by the Moderator, the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, North Uist.

The roll was called, and there were present: From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Beaton, Wick, and E. Macqueen, Inverness, ministers; with Mr. Charles Maclean, Inverness, elder. From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. N. Cameron, St. Jude’s; A. Mackay, Oban; and J. S. Sinclair, John Knox’s (Clerk), ministers. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. N. Macintyre, Stornoway; D. Mackenzie, Gairloch; D. Graham, Shieldaig; M. Morrison, Lochinver; and D. M. Macdonald, North Uist (Moderator), ministers; with Messrs. F. Macdonald, Shieldaig; and D. Mackenzie, Lochinver, elders.

The minutes of the first sederunt were read and approved of.

(1) REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BILLS AND OVERTURES.

The Clerk first read the report of this Committee as to the order of business. The report was adopted.

(2) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY LAST SYNOD.

The Clerk read the reply which was received from the King to the Loyal Address drawn up and forwarded by Committee appointed at last Synod. Rev. Murdo Morrison, ex-moderator, read the messages which were sent by instruction of last Synod to Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig and President Wilson, U.S.A., and the replies that had been received. Rev. Neil Macintyre reported as to the Protest which had been forwarded to the Prime Minister against the Education Bill. Rev. Neil Cameron reported as to the Committee which was appointed to go as a deputation to the Prime Minister with a view to urge the recall of the Envoy to the Vatican. He stated that the Prime Minister, in reply to a preliminary communication, said that, owing to pressure of business, he could not meet with the Deputation. The Committee then addressed the Prime Minister a letter on the subject, which had been published in the Magazine.

(3) REPORTS OF EXAMINERS OF PRESBYTERY RECORDS.

The Clerk reported favourably as to the examination of the Records of the Northern Presbytery by members of the Southern, and the Rev. D. Beaton also reported favourably as to the examination of the Southern Presbytery’s Records by members of the Northern. Rev. E. Macqueen reported that the Clerk of the Western Presbytery had, owing to circumstances, not brought his Records with him on this occasion. It was agreed to hold them over (d.v.) till next meeting of Synod, when they would be expected to be forward.

(4) APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COMMITTEES.

The Clerk moved the appointment of the following Church Committees for the coming year:—

(1) Theological Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton, E. Macqueen, and D. A. Macfarlane; with Mr. Macqueen as Convener.

(2) Finance Committee.—Revs. Neil Cameron, E. Macqueen, and N. Macintyre, and Messrs. Charles Maclean and A. MacGillivray (General Treasurer); with Mr. Cameron as Convener.

(3) Canadian Mission Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton, N. Macintyre, and D. M. Macdonald; with Mr. Beaton as Convener.

(4) Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron, D. Mackenzie, and A. Mackay; with Mr. Cameron as Convener.

(5) Church Magazine Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron, J. S. Sinclair, and Mr. A. Stewart, elder, Glasgow; with Mr. Sinclair as Convener.

(6) Religion and Morals Committee.—Revs. D. Graham, M. Morrison, and D. A. Macfarlane; with Mr. Macfarlane as Convener.

The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron, and unanimously agreed to.

(5) THEOLOGICAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Rev. D. Beaton, Theological Tutor and Convener, tendered this report, which was as follows:—

“The Committee have to report that Mr. James MacLeod, divinity student, passed his final theological examination with a percentage of 85 marks, and Mr. Malcolm Gillies, Winnipeg, his first theological examination with a percentage of 75 marks.

According to an arrangement come to by the Presbyteries it was decided that Messrs. James MacLeod and Roderick MacInnes be licensed, on condition that the latter would pass in the subjects in which he had not been examined. Mr. MacLeod was, accordingly, licensed by the Western Presbytery in April. Mr. MacInnes has not yet sat for his theological examinations, and has not, therefore, been licensed.

The Canadian Mission Committee considered it would be advisable to ask Mr. Gillies to remain in Winnipeg until the autumn of this year, and suggested to the Presbyteries that work in New Testament Greek should be prescribed to him by the Rev. D. Beaton, and that, in the circumstances, this would be reckoned as a session. The Presbyteries agreed to this suggestion.

The Committee have much pleasure in reporting that two young men—Mr. Roderick MacKenzie and Mr. John Tallach—have been accepted as students studying for the ministry of this Church, and that a number of others have indicated their intention of applying to be received as students in the near future.

The Committee would take this opportunity of expressing their deepest sorrow in the great loss sustained by our Church in the death, through wounds, of two bright, promising Christian young men—Messrs. John MacKenzie and Murdo Macfarlane—who were studying for the ministry, and were greatly beloved by all who knew them.

It has been thought advisable by the Committee, in view of the wide latitude in choice of subjects in the University course for the Arts degree, that the Synod give direction as to the subjects which should be taken by students studying for the ministry of this Church. The Committee suggest that the name of this Committee be changed from ‘Theological Committee’ to ‘Training for the Ministry and Theological Committee.'”

Rev. Alexander Mackay moved that the Synod adopt the report, and thank the Convener for the same. Rev. D. Graham seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Synod express their approval of the license of Mr. James Macleod, divinity student, Glendale. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron, and agreed to. Rev. M. Morrison moved that the Synod decide, according to the Theological Committee’s suggestion, to change the name of the Committee into the “Training for the Ministry and Theological Committee.” The motion was seconded by Mr. F. Macdonald, elder, and agreed to.

Rev. Alexander Mackay moved that the Synod lay down the rule that students before their entrance upon divinity should have a sufficient knowledge of certain Arts subjects, that those who have not a degree should take seven subjects at the University, that Greek and Hebrew be compulsory, and that the other subjects be left to the arrangement of the “Training for the Ministry and Theological Committee.”

After some discussion, the motion was agreed to.

Rev. D. Beaton, Theological Tutor, made reference to the fact that his colleague as Tutor, Rev. J. R. Mackay, M.A., had left and joined the present Free Church, and that there was thus a vacancy. The Clerk moved that as the work of Tutor, according to the usual order, fell wholly to the Rev. D. Beaton during the coming winter, the Synod defer any new appointment till next year. Rev. M. Morrison seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

The Clerk read a letter he had received from Mr. Roderick Mackenzie, Arts Student, who was studying with a view to divinity, in which he stated that, owing to the particular stage he was at of his studies, he was sorry he could not enter upon divinity during the coming winter, but that he expected to be finished with his Arts’ work next summer. His connection with the Army had hindered his progress. He submitted to the Synod, if they saw fit so to arrange, that, in order not to lose the Session in Divinity, he would do the work of the class during the summer months following, and sit the necessary examinations before joining the second year class.

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Synod make the arrangement suggested as to Mr. Mackenzie’s divinity studies. The motion was seconded by the Rev. M. Morrison, and cordially agreed to.

Rev. D. Beaton moved that a Committee be appointed to draw up a Minute of condolence, to be sent to the relations of the young men who had been looking forward to the ministry, but who had fallen in the War. The motion was seconded by Mr. D. Mackenzie, elder, and agreed to.

(6) PROTEST AGAINST NEW EDUCATION ACT.

It was unanimously agreed that the Synod appoint a Committee, consisting of Revs. D. Beaton, E. Macqueen, Mr. F. Macdonald, elder, and the Clerk, to draw up a Protest against the new Education Act in its lack of provision for Bible teaching, and in its provision for the maintenance of Voluntary Schools, Roman Catholic and Episcopalian.

(7) REMITS FROM PRESBYTERIES.

Northern Presbytery.

Rev. D. Beaton brought before the Synod a remit from this Presbytery with reference to a matter that had previously come before the court, namely, the appointment of the winter Communions in the combined congregations of Halkirk and Helmsdale. Mr. Beaton explained that, as these congregations, far apart, were under one minister and session (residing at Halkirk), it was not appropriate that they should have each the Communion on the same day. The Communion was regularly held in winter in Helmsdale on the third Sabbath of November, a date observed by the other denominations in the town, and the Helmsdale people considered that no alteration was advisable. In Halkirk, on the other hand, the Communion was arranged on a Sabbath in November when it was expected that there would be sufficient moonlight to allow the country people on the various evenings to go to and from the churches in comfort. It thus happened sometimes that the third Sabbath of November was appointed for the Communion by the three denominations in the parish—Established, U.F., and Free Presbyterian. This placed the Helmsdale branch of the F.P. congregation in a difficulty. He asked the Synod to give a recommendation on the subject.

Rev. E. Macqueen submitted the following motion: “That, when there is a danger that the date of the Halkirk Communion will clash with that of the Helmsdale Communion, the Session be advised to appoint the Communion at Halkirk either before or after the Helmsdale Communion, so as to maintain order and peace.” Rev. A. Mackay seconded the motion, which was agreed to. In the course of the discussion, the Clerk remarked that, if the other denominations in Halkirk parish were informed that the Free Presbyterians were under this necessity, they might more readily fall in with the appointment.

Southern Presbytery.

There was a remit from this Presbytery relative to the salary of Mr. A. Macrae, presently acting as missionary in London. Rev. Neil Cameron spoke to the remit, requesting that Mr. Macrae receive the salary of a missionary from Inverness, as an augmentation of his London allowance. Mr. Charles Maclean, elder, moved that the salary be granted at the rate of £40 in the present exigencies of the times. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Macintyre, and agreed to.

(8) REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON LOYAL ADDRESS TO THE KING.

The Clerk read the following draft of Loyal Address, drawn up by the Committee:—

“A LOYAL ADDRESS BY THE SYNOD OF THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.

TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY GEORGE V., King of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc.

May it Please Your Majesty,—

We, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Glasgow, hereby renew our annual expression of loyalty to your Majesty’s Person and Throne, and of sincere anxiety for the welfare and prosperity of your Majesty’s reign.

We rejoice to record, with gratitude to Almighty God, that since our Court last met, He, in His abundant goodness, granted a complete victory to your Majesty’s brave and energetic forces and Allies, in the terrible war that raged for so long a period, and that an Armistice was signed in November last; and we hope that the deliberations of the Peace Conference may result, under the divine guidance, in a lasting peace between the nations.

It is stated in Holy Writ that ‘the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance,’ but we regret that few signs of this spiritual result are to be seen among us as a people, and so we earnestly pray that God may send forth His Word, and pour out His Spirit, with a view to bring the unrest and wickedness that prevail to a speedy termination.

We conclude by expressing, once again, our earnest prayer that God, by His grace, may enable your Majesty, Queen Mary, and Royal Family, to walk in His fear, and to serve Him in your high and responsible stations, to the good of the Empire and the World.”

Rev. E. Macqueen moved the adoption of the draft of the Loyal Address. The motion was seconded by the Rev. D. Graham, and unanimously agreed to.

(9) CHURCH MAGAZINE REPORT: MAY, 1918, TO APRIL, 1919.

Rev. J. S. Sinclair, as Editor and Treasurer, presented the following report:—”Our report for the past year, May, 1918, to April, 1919, is on the whole a very favourable one. The interest in the Magazine throughout the Church and elsewhere is well sustained, and, though there were some increases in postage and cost, the circulation was very slightly affected thereby. At the beginning of the year, and up to the end of February, 1919, we issued monthly 4,100 copies. About 1,230 of these were sent out under the Fund for Free Distribution to Soldiers and Sailors. A parcel of 800 was sent regularly to the Newspapers for the Fleet Office, London, for distribution among the ships of the Grand Fleet. We all rejoice that an armistice was signed on the 11th November, 1918, and that God, in His kind providence, brought the War, with its terrible carnage and destruction, to an end. As a consequence, many of the men in Army and Navy have been discharged. This circumstance naturally reduced the requirements in the matter of Magazines. The Newspapers to the Fleet Office ceased its work in February, and the official there sent us a kind note of thanks for the parcel that had been sent monthly, desiring at the same time that it be discontinued. During the last few months the parcels to the Army have become fewer, until now only two or three parcels are sent. We kept up, however, the parcel to the Mine-sweepers, and the parcel to Mr. R. E. Brider, Bristol, who has been carrying on for many years a Gospel Book Mission to Army and Navy, and still continues to carry it on, though the War has ceased. In fact, as we did not require to send so many copies in other directions, we increased these parcels to some extent, and are sending 210 to the Mine-sweepers, and the same number to Mr. Brider. Under the head of “General Free Distribution,” we sent between 50 and 60 per month to private and public individuals, and to libraries in Glasgow, Inverness, Tain and Wick.

“During the past year our readers gave liberally to the Free Distribution Fund for Soldiers and Sailors, one friend of the cause contributing, in two instalments, the large sum of £40, and we tender to all our best thanks. But notwithstanding this liberality, we end the year, owing to increased cost, with a debt of £14 odds. The total amount contributed was £144 1s. 10d., but the expenditure came to £158 14s. 8d. In our General Free Distribution Fund we had a balance to credit of over £6 at the end of April, 1918. During the year we have received £3 or so of donations, making a total of £9 19s. 6d., but the expenditure has been £8 11s., leaving a balance to credit of £1 8s. 6d.

“We have pleasure in reporting at the close of the year, that, owing to the decrease in cost of paper, we are able to reduce the price of the Magazine from 4d. to 3d., and we trust that the circulation will be maintained, or even increased, during the coming year. In conclusion, we desire to tender our cordial thanks to our ministers and others who have helped with the literary matter of the Magazine, and we bespeak their assistance more and more. It is our earnest prayer that the Lord would bless the truth conveyed through the pages of the Magazine to the spiritual edification of its readers.”

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Synod receive the report, and thank the Editor and Treasurer for his services. The motion was seconded by Mr. F. Macdonald, elder, and agreed to.

The Synod adjourned, to meet again (d.v.) at 6.30 p.m. The sederunt was closed with praise and prayer.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod resumed its sitting at 6.30 p.m., and was constituted with devotional exercises by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Moderator.

The roll was then called, and there were present: From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Beaton and E. Macqueen, ministers; with Mr. Charles Maclean, elder. From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. N. Cameron, A. Mackay, and J. S. Sinclair (Clerk), ministers; with Messrs. A. Stewart and A. Sinclair, elders. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. N. Macintyre, D. Mackenzie, D. Graham, M. Morrison, and D. M. Macdonald (Moderator), ministers; with Messrs. F. Macdonald and D. Mackenzie, elders.

The minutes of the previous sederunt were held over till next meeting of Synod.

(10) FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Clerk read the Abstract of the Church’s Accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1919, forwarded by the General Treasurer, Mr. A. MacGillivray, Inverness.

Rev. Neil Cameron submitted the following motion relative to the annual statement of accounts:—

“The Synod adopt the yearly Financial Report, and order it to be published in the Magazine. They tender their sincere thanks to Messrs. James Campbell and John Fraser, Inverness, who have gratuitously audited the Church’s financial accounts, and re-appoint them for the current year, while they also acknowledge with appreciation the ability and correctness with which the General Treasurer has handled the Church’s finances.

“The Synod would humbly acknowledge the Lord’s goodness in His holy providence towards their people, and in the heartiness with which they have so liberally contributed towards the Church’s support, and would again recommend the several schemes of the Church to their liberality.

“The Synod order that the salaries of ministers and probationers receive an additional augmentation of £10 for the current year (making a total augmentation of £20 in August and £20 in February), that the salaries of all the home missionaries, along with that of the Treasurer, receive a further augmentation of £6 (£3 in August, and £3 in February), and that the Rev. J. B. Radasi, missionary, Matabeleland, receive an addition of £20 to his salary.

“The Synod, in conclusion, instruct the auditors to accept the Finance Committee’s order to the General Treasurer as sufficient warrant for disbursing sums of money out of the Sustentation Fund, or any other of the Church’s Funds.”

In supporting the motion, Mr. Cameron spoke to the following effect:—

“The Financial Report, read by our Clerk, shows that all the funds of the Church are in a very healthy condition. It is by far the best report submitted since 1893. In that year we began without one penny to our credit. In order to continue the existence of the Free Church of Scotland, we had to separate from men who had destroyed her creed, constitution and practice almost beyond recognition. In taking that step, we believed that the earth belongs unto the Lord, and all that it contains, and that He would sustain us should we prove faithful to His truth and cause and people in the world. He has done so exceedingly beyond anything we could have expected then, and we have not the slightest fear but that He will continue His goodness toward us, while we will continue to be faithful to our trust. We feel more need of the prayer of the Psalmist every year since 1893, viz., ‘Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.’ Since we last met as a Synod, some of our ministers have gone over to the present Free Church. It is our firm conviction that they have left the only true representative of the original Free Church of Scotland to join ‘a conglomerate heterogeneous body,’ as one of them described it. However much the action of these brethren pained us, we can see that the Lord has brought good out of it. It has, first, bound our people more than ever to the position taken up, and held hitherto by our Church, and to one another in upholding that position. This is very noticeable in regard to the vast majority of the young people of our Church. It is really admirable to see the young of the Free Presbyterian Church holding fast to God’s truth, and to the Creed and Principles of their own Church, even at a time when men who used to act like he-goats going before the flock, have done their very utmost to lead them in the opposite direction. They have shown these men that they will follow God’s Word rather than those who say one thing this year and another thing the next. It could not be expected that this should be true of all our people, while human nature will continue what it is, but they are very few who have shown an opposite tendency. It has, secondly, caused our people to support more liberally our several funds than they ever did before. There is certainly more harmony and love amongst us, both towards God’s cause and house, and also towards one another. May that concord and faithfulness continue with us.” Mr. Cameron concluded by moving in terms of the motion submitted. Rev. D. Beaton seconded the motion, which was supported by the Rev. E. Macqueen, and unanimously agreed to.

(II) CANADIAN MISSION COMMITTEE’S REPORTS.

Rev. D. Beaton, as Convener, delivered the reports of this Committee relating to several parts of the Canadian field, in successive items, as follows:—

(1) Ontario.

It may be stated at the outset that the Rev. Wm. Matheson, who received a call from our people in Ontario, accepted the same, and is now acting as minister to the people of those stations which addressed the call to him. This is an event for which the Committee feel devoutly thankful to the Lord, and it is their prayer that his labours among our people in this part of the vineyard may be abundantly blessed. As he was the Church’s deputy prior to his induction to his new charge, he has sent a report of his work in that capacity. (Mr. Beaton here read Mr. Matheson’s report, which is published elsewhere in our pages.) Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the Synod receive this report with thanks. The motion was seconded by the Rev. E. Macqueen, and agreed to.

(2) Vancouver.

Mr. Beaton next reported on this Western province:—

“In the autumn of last year the Convener received a letter from Vancouver asking that our Committee receive this place into the Canadian Mission. The Committee decided that a congregational meeting should be called in Vancouver of those favourable to such a course, that the situation should be explained to them, and, if they then wished to cast in their lot with us, that they might do so by signing a petition to that effect. On 7th January of this year this petition was received, and is signed by over one hundred persons.”

Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the Committee’s action be approved of, and that the petitioners be received as part of the Canadian Mission field. The motion was seconded by the Rev. M. Morrison, and agreed to.

(3) Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Mr. Beaton reported, thirdly, as to the congregation in this city:—

“Owing to the difficulty of getting supply for Winnipeg, the Committee decided to ask Mr. Malcolm Gillies to supply that place for another year. And in order to illustrate Mr. Gillies would not be kept back in his theological course, the Committee decided to suggest to the Presbyteries that the following work should be prescribed to him, viz., the Epistle to the Romans for Exegesis, and the Epistle to the Hebrews for Translation. The Presbyteries agreed to this suggestion, and decided that this should be reckoned as a session in these subjects for Mr. Gillies. The Committee would take this opportunity of placing on record a sense of its deep obligation to Mr. Gillies, who, on two occasions, laid aside his own wishes for the sake of our cause in the rising and important city of Winnipeg. The following extract from a letter received by Mr. Gillies will explain a reference made in Mr. Matheson’s report to the congregation of Bellafield and Dounrea:—

“‘I have had several letters from the Bellafield people, asking me to visit them again, but I don’t think I can do this till Mr. Matheson or some other deputy arrives in Winnipeg. I have written to the elder, Mr. Donald Graham, and I am waiting for a reply. I wish I could hold out to them a promise of supply in the near future, but in the present circumstances I suppose your Committee finds it impossible to send supply. The Gaelic-speaking people at Hilton are without a preacher, and would willingly join with the Bellafield congregation and support a man between them. There is a wide field out west here, and a great opportunity, if the Church could only spare the men for the work. We could do, not with one, but with three or four. Mr. Ross has been ill nearly all winter, and there have been no services at Bayton. Then there are Bellafield and Winnipeg (if I am to go home), and, I suppose, Vancouver, if Hugh’s desires and prayers have been answered. Truly, the harvest is great, and there is great need, both of prayer and action, that labourers be sent forth.

“‘In Scotland there are some ministers yet who set life and death before the people, but out here it would seem that every man is determined to do all in his power to keep the people in ignorance of sin and salvation. What a blessed thing it would have been if the brethren who were agitating so much lately about union, had applied their great abilities to foster a real missionary spirit among us as a Church! They would then have had something like true union, and instead of causing sorrow of heart among those who dwelt in unity, they would be honoured by the Lord in stirring us up to strive earnestly for the coming of Christ’s kingdom in the world. I have come to take the view that Mr. Macfarlane was right when he said that the outpouring of the Spirit alone would bring about union. Men can arrange the finances of two Churches in one ledger, but it is the Lord alone who can fulfil the promise to His Church: ‘They shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.’”

The Committee have also to submit the following petition from Winnipeg, but as a deputy has been appointed to go out to Western Canada, the Committee have asked the said deputy to supply Winnipeg, in the event of Mr. Gillies coming home. The petition is as follows:—

FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCOTLAND,
WINNIPEG, 25th February, 1919.

The Canadian Committee.

Rev. DONALD BEATON, Convener.

We, the elders of the Winnipeg Congregation, respectfully request the Canadian Committee to lay this, our petition, before the Synod at its yearly meeting.

We would, in the first place, acknowledge the Lord’s goodness to us as a congregation, during those years of strife and disorder, since His cause has prospered among us, and we have had pulpit supply during all the time. Our congregation has increased numerically, and in financial matters, we are in a favourable condition, having been able this year, after paying our ordinary expenses, to reduce our site debt by 300 dollars. Our intention is, when we have paid off the remaining site debt—150 pounds sterling—to re-mortgage the site, and put up a church building.

It is probable that Mr. Malcolm Gillies will be leaving here for Scotland to pursue his theological studies, and we pray that the Synod will consider the need of our congregation, and send out one to carry on the work. We feel that it would benefit the cause greatly, if one duly qualified as a minister of the Gospel was granted to us. The want of this qualification has proved an obstacle hitherto, though otherwise we are well satisfied with the labours of our student-missionary among us. Winnipeg is rightly considered as the doorway to the Great West, where there is a wide field for evangelical work, and there are many places between Winnipeg and Vancouver, where a faithful minister of the Gospel would be welcomed. We are thankful that the Lord has already bestowed one minister upon the Eastern portion of the Canadian Mission Field, and should another be granted to the Western, the advantages would indeed be great.

We leave this matter with the Committee through their Convener, who is well acquainted with the circumstances, so that it may be submitted to the prayerful consideration of the Synod.

(Signed) L. A. ROSS, Elder.
( ) D. MACLEOD, Elder.

It gives the Committee great pleasure to report that our people in Winnipeg are courageously and successfully facing any financial burdens they may have incurred, and that nothing daunted they are about to proceed with the erection of a church building. The Treasurer’s financial report for year ending 31st March, 1919, was encouraging, showing an increase of over £62. The debt on the property held by the trustees of the congregation was £220 in August, 1918; in March of this year it was reduced to £170, and since then it has further been reduced to £119. But owing to the very high price of materials, it will be no light undertaking for our people, and we are sure that when it becomes known that such is their intention, that friends of our cause in Western Canada will rally to their help. It is to be hoped, also, that our people at home will, alike by their prayers and means, give a helping hand to our brethren in Winnipeg.

Deputy to Western Canada.

The Committee, in view of the request from Vancouver, and the likelihood that Mr. Gillies would be coming home this autumn, made an effort to get a deputy to proceed to Western Canada. After some delay, owing to refusals, the Rev. James MacLeod was approached and he expressed a willingness to go. The Committee suggest that Mr. MacLeod go first to Vancouver, and remain there until Mr. Gillies leaves Winnipeg, when he will be supposed to supply his place during the winter months. The Committee leave Mr. MacLeod a free hand in supplying other places in Western Canada where meetings of our people may be got together.

The Committee would commend to the prayers of our people the efforts that are being put forth in Canada to uphold the cause of truth in that land. Whatever future may be Canada’s, our prayer is that a richer and more precious harvest may be reaped in that land, than that which is now reaped from the boundless prairie of the West.”

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Synod adopt the report, relative to Mr. Malcolm Gillies and the Winnipeg Congregation, and recommend the efforts of said congregation to erect a church building free of debt to the sympathetic consideration of friends and congregations at home and abroad. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron, and agreed to.

As to a deputy to Western Canada, Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the Synod approve of the appointment of the Rev. James MacLeod, Glendale, as deputy to Western Canada, for the period mentioned, and as supply for Winnipeg, and that the Synod authorise the Western Presbytery to ordain Mr. MacLeod for this purpose, if he be not otherwise ordained before the required time. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

(12) JEWISH AND FOREIGN MISSIONS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Rev. Neil Cameron, as Convener of this Committee, read a report forwarded by the Rev. J. B. Radasi, Matabeleland, of the work in the Mission there during the past year. (The report is published elsewhere in our pages.) He then proceeded to speak, as follows:—

“Moderator and Brethren,—You will have noticed that sums of money have been acknowledged in the Magazine for huts for our South African Mission Station. The following statement will explain how our Church came into possession of these huts:—Rev. J. B. Radasi wrote me a letter last year, which he meant to have been in time for the Synod, but which was received about a fortnight after the Synod had met. In it, he desired that the Synod would buy four huts, of corrugated iron and brick, which were offered him at the rate of £90. The huts were only built in 1914, and were consequently as good as new. The price asked was not more than a third of their original cost. He suggested that, notwithstanding he needed very much the mule and cart asked in his report to the Synod, he would advise that the huts should be bought, and that the prayer for the mule and cart should not be granted then. The Synod had granted the mule and cart, and ordered the General Treasurer to forward the money for their purchase to Mr. Radasi. As the Synod was past before this letter came, we were at a loss how to act. It then occurred to us that, sooner than send him word that nothing could be done, we should ask him to offer £70 for the huts. This he did, with the result that he got them. When he informed us of this fact, we wrote Revs. J. R. Mackay and Alexander Macrae, who were members of the Finance Committee, informing them of what we had done. They both approved of the transaction, so we asked the Treasurer to send Mr. Radasi £100—£70 for the huts, and £30 for pulling them down and conveying them to Bembesi, and erecting them there. The huts have been erected at Bembesi since then. It remains for the Synod to decide whether they approve of our conduct in this transaction or not. The good news in the report, that all the praying men of the Mission have been spared during the terrible War in Africa, and that they are now going to the out-stations to hold meetings every Sabbath day should fill our hearts with deep gratitude to the Lord for His goodness and mercy. We do feel thankful to the Lord for having preserved them alive. May He bless abundantly their efforts to expound God’s truth to their fellow-sinners! Their home-coming will relieve Mr. Radasi of the heavy strain of work connected with these out-stations under which he laboured since 1914. For this we feel thankful. The report reveals that the Lord continues to bless His word to poor sinners in Africa. The case of the young girl, who came to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus more than a year ago, and who was relieved by the words:—’Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me’ (John xiv. 1), is really very comforting. Her experiences and exhortations on her death-bed show that this was a case of genuine piety. This should appeal to the young in our Church at home. Shall the young blacks of South Africa be on the right hand of Christ, the august Judge, on the last day, and shall the young of Scotland, notwithstanding all their privileges in connection with the gospel of God’s grace, stand in agony and despair on His left? This will be inevitably the case, should timely repentance towards God, and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ prevent not. As regards the urgent call, so repeatedly made, by our people in Africa for the printing and publishing of the whole Book of Psalms in Kafir, we would suggest that the Synod should instruct the Clerk to write Principal Henderson, Lovedale, requesting that he would print the whole of the Psalms from the MSS. of Mr. Bokwe just now, and that he might take his time to compare the rendering in Kafir with the Hebrew for a future corrected edition. They have the first twenty-four Psalms already in use. It is certainly most desirable that they should have the whole of the Psalms for use in their worship. We desire to add that the anonymous donor, ‘A Passer-by,’ has sent another instalment of £100 since the last meeting of Synod for educating a converted lad for work among the Jews. There are now £200 in Bank for this very desirable object, and we would again urge our praying people to pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth labourers into His great harvest. May the Lord grant speedily an answer.”

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Synod receive the Foreign Mission Report and approve of the work of the Committee, with thanks to the Convener for his services. Rev. Alex. Mackay seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted. It was agreed to instruct the Clerk to write the Rev. Principal Henderson, M.A., Lovedale, relative to the publication and translation of the Psalms in metrical Kafir on the lines suggested.

Rev. Neil Macintyre said that some outsiders had been maintaining that Mr. Radasi was using uninspired hymns, as well as Psalms, in public worship. He added that it was necessary to make it plain that this was not the case. The Convener, in answer, explained that Mr. Radasi, at the beginning of the Mission, had selected nine Psalms out of one of the hymn-books, used by another Church in South Africa, but that he had never used any of the uninspired hymns in that or any other book. He was using since then the small book containing the first twenty-four metrical Psalms, that had been printed and issued at Lovedale.

Jewish Mission.

It was agreed, on the motion of the Clerk, that the Synod instruct the General Treasurer to forward the annual donation of £20 to the Trinitarian Bible Society for the circulation of the Bible among the Jews.

Australian Mission.

Rev. Neil Cameron read the following petition he had received from the elders of the Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland:—

“To the CONVENER of the Foreign Mission Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

REVEREND SIR,—The elders of the Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation of the F.P. Church, at a meeting held at Lawrence on the 19th day of August, 1918, resolved as follows:—(1) That in order to preserve our distinctive position as a congregation of the F.P. Church, and that the Sacraments may be regularly administered, an urgent request be forwarded to the Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee, asking the Church to send to Australia an ordained minister who would be eligible for a call; and that, owing to the amount of time and money consumed in travelling to and from Australia, the minister who may be sent, be allowed to remain as long as possible, and we specially stipulate that, at the least, it be not less than twelve months. (2) That owing to the peculiar circumstances in which we, as a congregation, are placed, the interests of the Church would be best served by the sending of an unmarried man, and that he be such as does not favour union with the Free Church of Scotland, as such person would not be acceptable to our people, and may only serve the interests of another Church.

J. D. KIDD,
Session-Clerk, pro tem.“

Mr. Cameron spoke, as follows, in connection with the petition:—

“Our friends on the Clarence and Richmond rivers in New South Wales, Australia, have sent this petition to this Synod, requesting that one of our ministers should be sent out to them; that he should be allowed to remain a year with them; and that, should they call him to be their minister, the Synod would agree to his being settled among them. We have very sincere sympathy with our people in Australia, and we feel confident that the Synod will do all in their power to meet the prayer of their petition. The fact that three of our ministers recently left us, and joined the present Free Church, augments our difficulty in this respect. But, on the other hand, the fact that six young men have offered to study with a view to the ministry of the gospel in our Church opens a door of hope that in the near future we may find it easier to help friends in the Colonies. Meanwhile, let us do all we can to help and encourage them. Their isolated position should appeal to us all, and should cause us as a Church to pray that the Lord would make provision for them. We would commend their case to the serious and prayerful consideration of all our people.”

Rev. D. Mackenzie moved that the Synod receive the petition from friends in Australia, express their deepest sympathy with them once again in their isolation and special difficulties, and declare anew their willingness to do all they can to meet their wishes in the matter of supply. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

Rev. D. Beaton made a further motion to the effect that the matter of sending out a minister to supply for a time the needs of the Australian Mission be left with the Foreign Missions Committee, and that one of the ministers be approached on the subject. The motion was seconded by the Clerk, and unanimously agreed to.

(13) RESOLUTION RE THE WAR AND PEACE.

Rev. Neil Cameron submitted the following resolution on this subject:—

“The Synod desire to acknowledge, with sincere gratitude, the goodness and mercy of the Lord in the complete victory which He enabled the armies of the Allies to obtain over their unrighteous, unscrupulous, and cruel enemies, and would, in a special manner, acknowledge the bravery of the British army in unprecedentedly trying circumstances, who, in the providence of God, saved time and again the armies of the Allies from disastrous defeat. The Synod would state their conviction that the flagrant sins of the nations were the procuring cause of the terrible War, and would warn their countrymen that the disrespect shown towards the Bible, the open profanation of the Lord’s Day, the abominable and extensive violation of the Seventh Commandment, the contempt cast upon the gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the sin of covetousness, which produces so much unrest in this and other nations at present, will bring even heavier judgments, unless timeous repentance prevent. Therefore, the Synod would beseech their fellow-countrymen to repent of their sins, and to show respect to God’s holy law and gospel.

“The Synod would, in conclusion, offer their deepest sympathy to all who were bereaved of their beloved ones in the recent War, and desire to direct the minds and hearts of all such to the infinite compassion and mercy of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, set forth in the gospel.”

Rev. Alexander Mackay moved that the resolution be adopted, and that copies be sent to the Prime Minister and Sir Douglas Haig. Mr. D. Mackenzie, elder, seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

(14) REPORT OF MISSION TO FORCES COMMITTEE.

Rev. Neil Cameron, as Convener, delivered the report of this Committee, to the following effect:—

“In October of 1914 we began to send deputies to the Gaelic-speaking soldiers and naval men in England. While the soldiers were at Bedford and other places in England our deputed minister officiated to them each Sabbath day, and went only on week-day evenings to the naval ports of Portsmouth and Chatham. When the soldiers were drafted away to France and the other fronts in the spring of 1915, we began to hold services alternately at Chatham and Portsmouth on the Sabbath Days. We continued this work till November of last year. Many of the soldiers and sailors to whom our ministers preached the gospel have passed into eternity since. The great day of judgment will reveal what the fruit of these efforts may have been. The sympathy and the serious concern of all Free Presbyterians as to our fellow-countrymen in the extreme trials through which they were passing, were both sincere and deep. This was manifest in two ways: (1) in the earnest prayers offered on their behalf in every service or prayer meeting held in our Church, and (2) in the liberality shown by our people towards the Mission to Forces Fund. The Mission to Forces Fund was started in October, 1914. From that date till the end of January of the current year, £1,156 were given in donations for this purpose. The Admiralty acknowledged the services of our ministers to the amount of £164 15s., and they also refunded the travelling expenses between the naval ports and London, to the extent of £114 14s. The whole amount came to £1,450 11s. 4d. Of this total, £173 is in the hands of the Treasurer. We would suggest that, seeing the Magazine Free Distribution Fund is rather depleted at present, and the fact that the Magazine is being sent still to the Mine-Sweepers and others, £30 of this balance should be given to that Fund, and that the remainder be left, meanwhile, on deposit to the credit of the Mission to Forces Fund. As Convener of this Committee, I desire to thank the Ministers who have, with such heartiness, given their time and service to the work, and also the people for the very magnanimous manner in which they responded to each appeal made for more funds. Our heart sympathies go forth to all who have been bereaved of their dear ones during these years of awful war and slaughter.”

Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod thank the Convener of this Committee for his report, and approve of the suggestions relative to the balance of money to credit, namely, that £30 be given to the Fund for Free Distribution of the Magazine among Soldiers and Sailors, and that the remainder be left for a year in Deposit Receipt in case of any unforeseen requirements. The motion was seconded by Mr. F. Macdonald, elder, and unanimously agreed to.

Rev. D. Beaton reported that he had a balance of £10 in hand as the result of the sale of the pamphlets on “The Foundations of the Sabbath in the Word of God,” by Prof. Warfield, D.D., Princeton, U.S.A., which amount he had already indicated would be handed over to the Mission to Forces Fund.

(15) APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COLLECTIONS.

Rev. Neil Macintyre moved that the Church Collections be appointed for the same dates as last year:—(1) Collection for College Fund in August, 1919—notice to be sent by the Convener of the Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee; (2) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection in October, 1919, by book from house to house—notice to be sent by the Convener of the Finance Committee; (3) Organisation Fund, collection in December, 1919—notice to be sent by Synod Clerk; (4) Church Building Fund in January, 1920—notice to be sent by Synod Clerk; (5) Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund in February, 1920—notice to be sent by Convener of Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund Committee; (6) Home Mission Fund, second collection in April, 1920, at Church door—notice to be sent by Convener of Finance Committee; (7) Aged and Infirm Ministers’ and Ministers’ Widows and Orphans’ Fund in June, 1920. The motion was seconded by the Clerk, and unanimously agreed to.

(16) COMPETENT BUSINESS.

A Legacy in California.

The Clerk intimated that he had received notice from law-agents in Edinburgh to the effect that a gentleman in California, U.S.A., had left a legacy to “The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland,” and that correspondence was proceeding with a view to the realisation of the legacy. He suggested that the members of the Southern Presbytery might be appointed as a Committee for consultation and arrangement, inasmuch as they were locally convenient. Rev. D. Beaton moved, and Mr. Charles Maclean, elder, seconded the adoption of the suggestion, that the members of the Southern Presbytery be so appointed as a Committee. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

A Protest against Memorial Crosses, etc.

Rev. Alex. Mackay moved that the Synod appoint a Committee to draw up a Protest against the erection of Crosses over the graves of the dead soldiers on the Continent, and also against the erection of Popish Shrines with crucifixes at home, the Committee to consist of Rev. N. Cameron, Mr. A. Sinclair, elder, and the Clerk, and that the Synod instruct the Committee to send their Protest to the Secretary for War and the Graves Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. F. Macdonald, elder, and agreed to.

The Peace Conference and Sabbath Desecration.

Rev. D. Mackenzie called attention to the great amount of Sabbath desecration that was associated with the Peace Conference, in its preliminaries, and in the travelling of its members, etc. He moved the adoption of the following deliverance:—”The Synod views with deep sorrow and concern the disrespect shown by the Peace Conference to the Most High and His Word, especially in the disregard shown towards the Lord’s Day. The Synod declares that real peace can never be secured by despising the claims of God and the obligation to preserve sacred the first day of the week. The Synod urges upon the nations the necessity of adhering in their legislation to the Scriptures of truth, if they are to escape God’s righteous judgments, and enjoy His favour and blessing. The Synod resolves to send copies of this deliverance to the Prime Minister, to the President of the United States, and to the President of the French Republic.” Rev. Donald Graham seconded the adoption of the deliverance, and it was unanimously agreed to.

Thanksgiving for Peace.

It was moved by the Rev. Neil Macintyre, and seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron, that in the event of the Government not appointing an ordinary week-day as a Day of Thanksgiving for Peace, when peace should be proclaimed, such an ordinary week-day be appointed by the Presbyteries of this Church. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

The Rededication Movement.

Rev. M. Morrison moved that the Synod adopt and put on record the form of deliverance on this subject that had been issued by the Southern Presbytery. The motion was seconded by Mr. Charles Maclean, elder, and agreed to.

Committee on Church Documents.

It was unanimously agreed that the Committee on Church Documents, consisting of Revs. D. Beaton, N. Cameron, and the Clerk, be reappointed, and that they prepare a publication which will embody those documents of an obligatory kind.

It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that the Synod meet again (God willing) at the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, at 6-30 p.m., on Tuesday, after the third Sabbath of May, 1920.

The Synod was closed with praise in the last three verses of Psalm 122, and prayer.