Report of Synod Meeting

FIRST SEDERUNT.

The Synod met at Inverness in the Free Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, 22nd May, at 6.30 p.m.
There was a good attendance of the public, and the following members were present at the first Sederunt:—

Western Presbytery.—Revs. N. Macintyre, Murdo Morrison, D. M. Macdonald, James Macleod—ministers; with Messrs Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver; Alexander Mackenzie, Stornoway; John Macdonald, Gairloch; Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig; and Duncan Matheson, Portree—ruling elders.

Southern Presbytery.—Rev. N. Cameron, minister; with Messrs Donald Macleod, Edinburgh, and Charles Landles, St Jude’s.

Northern Presbytery.—Rev. Donald Macfarlane, Ewen Macqueen, Donald Beaton (Clerk), Malcolm Gillies (Moderator)—ministers; with Messrs Charles Maclean, Inverness; Alexander Gray, Lairg; and Donald Macrae, Dingwall—ruling elders.

The retiring Moderator, Rev. Malcolm Gillies, Halkirk, conducted divine worship, preaching from Is. viii. 16, 17—”Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him.” After public worship was over, the Moderator constituted the Synod.
Thereafter the roll was called, and the Clerk intimated he had letters of apology from Revs. Donald Graham, Shieldaig; D. A. Macfarlane, Oban; and Duncan Mackenzie, Kames.
Before reading the minutes, the Clerk asked the Synod if it would be necessary to read the reports of Committees which had been approved already by the Synod. The Rev. N. Cameron moved that for the present occasion and for the future that these reports be not read in the minutes. This was seconded by the Rev. N. Macintyre, and unanimously agreed to.
Thereafter the Clerk read the minutes of the last two sederunts, which were approved of.
Mr Bryden was appointed officer of Court, and agreed to undertake the duties.
At this stage the Moderator intimated that his term of office was now at an end, and he thanked the Synod for their kind forbearance during his term of office. It was now the duty of the Synod to appoint his successor.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the Rev. James Macleod, Glendale, be appointed Moderator for the ensuing year. This was seconded, and unanimously agreed to. Mr Macleod, in a few words, accepted the office, took the chair, and thanked the Synod for the honour they had conferred on him.
The Synod then appointed the following members to examine the Presbytery Records, and to report to the Synod at a later meeting the result of their examination—Revs. Ewen Macqueen and Malcolm Gillies, to examine Western Presbytery’s records; Revs. D. M. Macdonald and M. Morrison, to examine Southern Presbytery’s; and Rev. N. Cameron and Mr Charles Landles to examine Northern Presbytery’s.
The Rev. N. Cameron moved, and Rev. N. Macintyre seconded that a Committee, consisting of Revs. Ewen Macqueen, Neil Macintyre, and James Macleod (Moderator), be appointed to draw up a Loyal Address to the King. The Clerk suggested, that with the approval of the mover and seconder, the Rev. N. Cameron’s name be added to the Committee. This was unanimously agreed to.
The Rev. D. Macfarlane moved that the Rev. Malcolm Gillies be asked to send to the Magazine his excellent sermon, to which he had listened with such great pleasure. This was seconded by Rev. M. Morrison, and unanimously agreed to. Mr Gillies indicated, in a few words, that he would endeavour to comply with the request so kindly made by his brethren.
It was decided that the members of Synod meet as a Business Committee and Committee on Bills and Overtures on Wednesday, at the Free Presbyterian Manse, at 11 a.m., and that the next sederunt of Synod would meet, God willing, in the Church on Wednesday, at 6 p.m.
The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Wednesday, 23rd May, at 6 p.m., in the Free Presbyterian Church, in terms of the adjournment, and was opened with devotional exercises, and constituted by the Moderator, Rev. James Macleod.
There were the following present:—

Western Presbytery.—Revs. N. Macintyre, M. Morrison, D. N. Macleod, D. M. Macdonald, James Macleod (Moderator), ministers, with Messrs John Macdonald, Gairloch; Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig; Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver; Alexander Mackenzie, Stornoway; Duncan Matheson, Portree, ruling elders.

Southern Presbytery.—Rev. N. Cameron, minister; Messrs Charles Landles, St Jude’s, and Donald Macleod, Edinburgh, ruling elders.

Northern Presbytery.—Revs. Donald Macfarlane, Ewen Macqueen, Donald Beaton (Clerk), and Malcolm Gillies, ministers, with Messrs Charles Maclean, Inverness; Alexander Gray, Lairg; and Donald Macrae, Dingwall, ruling elders.

The Roll was called, and then the Clerk gave in the report of the Business Committee as to the order of business, which was unanimously approved of. Thereafter the Synod took up the business in the following order:—

1. REPORT OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY LAST SYNOD.

(1) Legacy Committee.

(a) Greenock Legacy.

The Rev. N. Cameron, Convener, reported what had been done in connection with this Legacy in a few words. The only legacy, he said, which the Committee had to consider since the last meeting of the Synod, was one left by Mr Macphail, who was for many years an adherent of our congregation at Greenock. It was originally of the value of £200. Mr Macphail was an invalid during the last seven years of his life, and although he lived with a friend in Glasgow all that time, we did not know of it till after his death. He promised this friend to leave what would remunerate him for his trouble and expense. The money, which he left to his friend, was all lost during the late war, and so his friend was to have nothing. He asked as a favour that £30 would be given him by the other legatees. Our Committee, after considering fully the matter, agreed that the request should be granted. We trust the Synod will approve of our conduct in this matter.

(b) Knox Tabernacle Fund.

Mr Cameron reported that in addition to the £166 in liquid cash that had been received, there is a sum of £900 in bonds, but owing to the Rent Restriction Act this money cannot meantime be realised, but when the restriction is removed the amount will be paid over to the Church.
The Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the report be adopted. This was seconded by Rev. Mr Gillies, and unanimously agreed to. The Synod unanimously decided that the Committee be continued.

(2) Committee on Church Documents.

The Rev. N. Cameron, Convener, gave in the report of this Committee. Copies of resolutions and findings of the Synod, he said, considered binding on the Church had been collected and typed, copies being sent to all members of Synod. These had been carefully considered by the Business Committee. He also reported that he had made a translation in Gaelic of the questions put to elders at their ordination or re-election, and the formula required to be signed on such occasions. This, too, had been sent out to members of Synod for their consideration, and had further been considered at the Business Committee meeting. He expressed great regret that he had not been able to look over the work done by the Rev. D. Beaton in connection with Sir Henry Moncrieff’s “Practice of the Free Church of Scotland,” as to the laws recognised as the practice of the Free Presbyterian Church, but he hoped to be able to do so soon, and send out typed copies to the Presbyteries for their consideration.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the following motion in connection with the above:—”The Synod adopt the report of the Committee on Church Documents, thank the Committee for their work, and order the same to be printed as soon as possible; that the Committee be re-appointed; that the cost of printing the documents be paid out of the Organisation Fund, it being left to the Committee to get in quotations for the printing and binding of these documents.” This was seconded and unanimously agreed to by the Synod.

(3) Committee Appointed by Synod to Answer Rev. W. Matheson’s Reasons of Dissent.

The Rev. N. Cameron, Convener, reported what had been done by the Committee in drawing up a reply to Mr Matheson’s Reasons of Dissent. This reply, according to the Synod’s instructions with Mr Matheson’s Reasons, had appeared in the July Magazine of last year. Mr Matheson had criticised that reply, and his paper had been sent out to all members of Synod by the Clerk, so that they knew the nature of it. This Response had not been published in the Magazine, as the Magazine Committee adhered in this, as in other cases, to a decision come to in 1896 that “no controversial correspondence he admitted into the Magazine.” Since then a Circular Letter had been addressed by Mr Matheson to the members of the Synod, in which he put the following questions to the Synod:—“(1) Is our Synod to continue to be responsible for endorsing prohibition? (2) Is our Synod to endorse the doctrine that civil law ought to deal with lust, with all that this involves, by accepting the answers of the Committee as they stand?” These questions, the Clerk intimated, had been considered by the Business Committee, and it was decided that the following replies be made:—In answer to (1), No; in answer to (2) Civil law does not take to do with lust until it has manifested itself in the outward act.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved, and Mr Finlay Macdonald seconded, the following motion:—“That this Synod adhere without a change to the last Synod’s Resolution on this question, and take no further notice of the attitude of Rev. William Matheson regarding this question.” Mr Macqueen, in speaking to the motion, said that the word “Prohibition” was used in the sense of “No Licence,” one of the options allowed to voters under the Scottish Temperance Act, but though we had made this clear, Mr Matheson was determined to fix us down to “prohibition” as defined by himself, and refused to take the explanation we had time and again given in this matter.
The Rev. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall, said that it was about time Mr Matheson ceased troubling the Church in this matter. The Rev. D. N. Macleod, Harris, said that as he had not been present last year, he would like to express his mind on the matter. He spoke for himself, and wished to commit no one by what he said, but it was his inward conviction that Mr Matheson had expressed himself in very indiscreet and unbecoming language regarding his brethren, and their motives and actions in this matter. He had dragged the adorable name of the Redeemer, too hastily and too freely into this matter, and had thereby unintentionally done great injury to our Lord and His Cause. He had dishonoured His blessed Name while, undoubtedly, jealous for His honour and seeking to serve and glorify Him. Although at first misunderstanding the sense in which the term “Prohibition” was used in the Synod’s resolution, he should have been prepared, whenever he was told the true and precise meaning attached to the word by the Synod, to have instantly withdrawn all his objections, and to have humbly expressed regret for the unfortunate incident. Charity, courtesy, etiquette, self-respect, and respect for and love to his brethren demanded that he should no longer force on them a meaning that they never thought of, and which was from the first foreign to their conception of Prohibition. In any case, whatever others may think, say, or do, the Synod must now bring this case to a close, and declare it at an end. “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife.”
Other members expressed their minds, and it was pointed out that the Scottish Temperance Act was not a Total Abstinence Act; it was an Act, to use its own words in the preamble, “to promote Temperance in Scotland by conferring on the electors in prescribed areas control over the grant and renewal of certificates.” Where the No Licence vote carried it gave the power to the people that had hitherto been in the hands of the Licensing Courts. The Act did not interfere with the manufacture of liquor, nor with its transport. It did not interfere with its use in the home, either for medicinal or beverage purposes, nor in hotels with meals. But where a No Licence vote had been carried it prohibited totally the sale of liquor in public bars and in licensed grocers’ shops, as distinguished from what took place when a limitation vote was carried, which only reduced the number of licensed places, or partially prohibited the sale of liquor in the above places in the prescribed area. The Act also allowed wholesale licences in the areas where No Licence had been carried. No one regarded the Act, it was said, as perfect, but it is well in this matter that its provisions should be clearly understood, and not confused with the American and Canadian legislation on the matter, with which some of the members said that they were in sympathy with Mr Matheson’s attitude to it. As far as the No Licence areas were concerned, the Scottish Temperance Act did not say—”You shall not taste liquor,” but “You shall not get it at a public bar or from a licensed grocer.” After the members had expressed their minds, the motion became the finding of the Synod.

2. THEOLOGICAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener, gave in the following report:—
“At present we have one probationer, and one student who has finished his theological course, and who is applying for licence. There were three students studying divinity last winter, and I am sure their Tutor will be able to give a better account of their work than I can. There were five Arts students who had been received by the Church, and one studying at Manitoba University, Winnipeg; and another, who expects to take his degree this session, will be received soon; so that we have much reason to praise the Lord for the provision which He is making in spite of the Enemy, who tries to lure away with the promise of better prospects. One of our divinity students is preparing to go out to the Mission Field in Africa, and will require a course in tropical medicine before going; while one of the Arts students is preparing for work among the Jews.”
The adoption of the report was moved by Rev. N. Macintyre, and seconded by Rev. M. Gillies, and agreed to.

4. FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Mr Macgillivray, General Treasurer, read the abstract of the Annual Financial Statement for the year ending 31st March 1923, which was of a very satisfactory nature.
The Rev. D. Macfarlane, in moving the adoption of the report, desired to acknowledge the Lord’s goodness to them as a Church. They had come out penniless, but they had come out for the truth, and they knew that the Lord would provide for them. Some predicted that they could not last for two years, for lack of funds. But this gave them no concern, as they were sure God would provide, and for thirty years they had been provided for, and the funds at the end of this year were as good as ever they were. They had no complaint to make for money, as their wants had been very wonderfully supplied. He moved the adoption of the Statement, and that the Synod thank the Treasurer and the Auditors for their work, and that the Statement be published in an early issue of the Magazine. The Rev. N. Cameron, in seconding the motion, said it was clear our people had a care for the principles of the Church. He had noticed that when there was a departure from the Church’s principles by some of her ministers the salaries of ministers fell immediately, through lack of support given to the funds. It was amazing when one looked back to think of the number of churches, meeting houses, and manses which had been built since 1893 by a people who were not wealthy, and he felt that none could say to-day he was the poorer because of what he had given to the cause of God. He felt confident, if the people remained true to their principles, the Lord would not forsake them.

5. FOREIGN MISSION REPORT.

The Rev. Neil Cameron, Convener, gave in the following report:—
The Rev. J. B. Radasi wrote at the beginning of August last year that a very serious famine prevailed in Matabeleland as a result of the failure of the Rainy Season the preceding winter and early spring, and that our people there were in dire need of immediate help if their lives were to be spared. Thirty pounds were sent at once by cable to relieve the situation, and an appeal was published in our Magazine for money to meet this painful case. The response of our people to this appeal was in keeping with the interest and sincere sympathy manifested by them in our African Mission since its inception. In less than a month about £120 came in. In the month of October £50 was sent to meet our friends’ needs. Mr Radasi was instructed to use a part of this sum to buy seed for sowing, which he did. By this time the public press announced that rain had come down in deluges. That this rain came a month earlier than the usual season was clearly of the Lord’s mercy and goodness, as it enabled the poor famine-stricken people to sow the mealies a month before the usual time, thus raising the hope that relief would come a month earlier in spring, viz., in May instead of June.
Rev. J. B. Radasi informed us that the Government of Rhodesia voted £35,000 for the relief of the poor natives. They gave them mealies on credit till they could get money either by selling their cattle, or by earning it by manual labour. This was very good on the part of the Government, seeing the people could not sell their cattle because none would buy them owing to want of grazing. The Government used the money in reducing the price of the bag of mealies to 21s., and ultimately to 20s, thus bestowing a double benefit upon the poor people. They granted help freely to such as had nothing. The sincere thanks of this Church is due to the Government of Rhodesia for their timely assistance to our people, and to all others in these distressing circumstances.
In the good providence of God it became evident that the famine would be over by the month of May, and as the amount of money received by the end of October was considered more than would be necessary, an intimation was inserted in our Magazine closing the fund. But a considerable sum came in after this was done.
The sum of £50 was sent last February. A letter was sent a week before to inform Mr Radasi that he might expect the above £50 to arrive at such a date. He wrote at once saying seeing mealies could be used in the beginning of March, and the famine then considered at an end, what was he to do with the money when it arrived? To make our poor friends live on unripe mealies from March till May would be like causing our people at home to live only on unripe potatoes after the end of July. A cablegram was sent on receipt of this letter, to continue assistance till the mealies were ripe. The above shows how exceedingly careful Mr Radasi is to economise the money of the Church, but on receiving the cablegram he immediately took steps, as his report shows, to provide for the people. The sum total of discharge came to £139 9s 3d. A balance of £142 has been deposited in the Glasgow Savings Bank as a fund to meet any future case, such as the last famine. The whole sum subscribed was £281 9s 3d. Our friends in Matabeleland repeatedly wrote that words failed them to express their gratitude to our people, and the Synod would also thank our people for having acted so nobly and charitably. Paul commended the Churches of Macedonia in like circumstances for their Christian liberality:—”How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” So may this Synod say of our people. The help sent was the means not only of saving our poor friends in Matabeleland from the agonising pangs of hunger, but it also enabled them to keep together, and to keep the schools and Church services going regularly all the time. Many of the other Missions Schools had to be closed.
The number of scholars in our five schools was, last December, 301. Chief Bitisani received a place on a Native Reserve from the Government, and because he and his people were on the ground of a large farmer without any fixity of tenure, he left Induba and went three days’ journey away. There were 36 of the children who attended our school there left with their parents. It is a pity that this Chief had to go, for he was very kind to Mr Radasi, and also to the deputies of our Church while visiting the Mission; but especially because so many of our people left the place along with him.
The boys and girls at the training colleges of Lovedale and St Matthews have acquitted themselves very well. Adelaide Ntuli has passed her final examination creditably, and is now a qualified teacher. Her parents paid for her education, and are also paying for a son in another secondary school. This is very creditable to them. The young man, Paul Hlazo, passed examinations at St Matthew’s as a first year’s student. He has other two years yet of study before he is finished. The Church at home pays for his education. The boy and girl at Lovedale are doing creditable progress, which should encourage the Church in continuing to support them. Mr Clark, of Pittsburg, U.S.A., has paid £24 a year since three years for educating this girl. The sincere thanks of the Synod are due to him for this, and are heartily offered to him. There are three or four other boys at different secondary schools, and Mr Radasi’s daughter, Mabel, and Chief Ngege’s daughter have gone to a Girls’ School south of Buluwayo. So our people can understand the fruit our Mission bears educationally at present. It is very encouraging to our Church to learn that, along with the number converted since 1906 of these poor heathen, they show such a desire to have their children educated at least to the extent of being able to read the Bible in their own language. Mr Radasi gives a Bible to every boy or girl when they learn to read it. Since the Mission was started £84 worth of Bibles have been sent; £20 worth was sent last year. The Church is very much indebted to the British and Foreign Bible Society, London, for giving the Bibles at the lowest grant price. When the deputies were out there Mr Radasi told them that he did not know of a family in the Mission without family worship morning and evening. The children in many cases read the psalms and the chapter, and the father or mother prayed. This should cause many parents in Scotland who never keep family worship, to blush with shame.
Mr Radasi reports the death of two godly old women, caused by malarial fever. The writer remembers one of them very well, and was much impressed by her. He would express deep sympathy towards her son, Kiwa Mhlahlo, at the loss he sustained by her removal to her everlasting rest. His loss was her everlasting gain. The deputies are sorry to learn that Mrs Ntuli, who attended to their comforts while at the Mission, was dangerously ill when Mr Radasi wrote his report. They hope the Lord has of his mercy spared her in life.
The case of the people near the Queen’s Mine reported by Mr Radasi, is full of interest to all who desire that children should be trained in the fear of God. Parents in Scotland should follow the noble example of these poor Matabele by refusing to allow either teachers or ministers to train their children in sinful vanities. The Queen’s Mine is about 20 miles north-east of our Mission station at Ingwenya, and will be about 8 miles from Morven. The Synod will await with interest the development of this movement. It may teach a lesson to men who see little or no difference between vain songs and the Psalms of David, and who hold that the fear of God is bigotry, that seriousness and holy life should be made a laughing-stock, and that such as eschew all appearance of evil are feeble-minded. The Matabele show that they are not feeble-minded, but that they are men of robust and deep convictions. We wish them Godspeed in their noble effort to emancipate their children. May Ethiopia soon stretch out her hands unto God.
There has been no direct report from our people in N.S.W., Australia, for some time past. From a creditable source we have learned that good progress takes place in Ballina, and that the congregation formed there by Messrs J. and A. Kidd has grown very considerably. The Ballina congregation sent last year £19 15s as their annual contribution to our Foreign Mission Fund. Our people on the Clarence River sent last year £6 10s for Foreign Missions. For these contributions we sincerely tender our hearty thanks. We extend our heart and soul sympathy with all our people, in this isolated situation, in Australia, and would direct their minds to Isaiah 51, chap. v., 2:—”Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you, for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.” So let it be.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the adoption of the report, and said we at home ought to feel ashamed when the seed of Ham are more careful in training their children than we are at home, as was indicated in the instances mentioned by Mr Cameron. The Rev. M. Morrison seconded the report, which was unanimously adopted.
The Clerk moved that the Foreign Mission Committee have full powers given to it to deal with the question of building a school if necessary at Queen’s Mine. This was seconded by Mr Finlay Macdonald, and agreed to.
The Rev. N. Cameron moved, and Mr Landles seconded, the following motion:—”That if the people of Ballina, on the Richmond River, New South Wales, Australia, apply to the Synod for acknowledging their action in appointing Mr Alexander Kidd as their missionary, that full powers be given to the Southern Presbytery to deal with the matter.”

6. REPORT OF DEPUTY TO UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

The Rev. D. Beaton gave in a report of his visit last year to the United States and Canada, which appears in another part of this issue.
The Rev. N. Cameron, in a few appreciative words, moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen, who made reference to its encouraging nature. The Rev. D. M. Macdonald supported the motion, and expressed his pleasure at what he had listened to, and, as one who had been in Canada, he felt it a pleasure to be taken over the ground with which he was familiar, and once again of being reminded of those whom he had met out there.

7. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RELIGION AND MORALS.

The Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Convener, gave in the report of this Committee, which will appear in a future issue of the Magazine.
The Rev. D. Beaton moved the adoption of the excellent report to which they had listened. Mr Macdonald had treated the subject in a very comprehensive way, and presented it in such a way as to catch and maintain the interest of his brethren throughout its delivery. The motion was seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen, and agreed to.
The Rev. D. M. Macdonald then moved the following motion, which was seconded by the Rev. N. Cameron, and agreed to:—
“The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church urge upon the Government to repeal at once the Education Act of 1918, in so far as it confers unwarranted and unjust privileges on Roman Catholic and Episcopalian Churches, and its amendment so as to secure the transference and not the leasing of these schools to the State. They ask the Government to take steps to put a stop to the immigration of Irish Roman Catholics into Scotland, as they are become a serious menace to the moral and spiritual welfare of the Scottish people.”
The Clerk was instructed to send copies of the resolution to the Prime Minister, the Secretary for Scotland, and the Members of Parliament of the Highland group.

7. GRANT TO HARRIS CONGREGATION.

The Rev. N. Cameron brought before the notice of the Synod that in the allocation of sums to clear off debts on buildings Harris had been omitted, and he moved that a sum of £18 15s be granted to the Harris congregation. This was seconded by the Rev. D. Beaton, and unanimously agreed to.
The Synod adjourned, to meet again, God willing, on Thursday, at 12 noon, and as a Business Committee on same day, at 11 a.m. in the Church. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod met in terms of adjournment in the Free Presbyterian Church on Thursday, at 12 noon. The meeting was opened with devotional exercises, and the Synod constituted by the Moderator, Rev. James Macleod.
There were present from the

Western Presbytery.—Revs. N. Macintyre, Donald N. Macleod, Murdo Morrison, James Macleod (Moderator), ministers; with Messrs Alexander Mackenzie, Stornoway; John Macdonald, Gairloch; Duncan Matheson, Portree, ruling elders.

Southern Presbytery.—Rev. N. Cameron, with Messrs Charles Landles, St Jude’s, and Donald Macleod, Edinburgh, ruling elders.

Northern Presbytery.—Revs. D. Macfarlane, Ewen Macqueen, D. Beaton (Clerk), and Malcolm Gillies, ministers; with Mr Charles Maclean, ruling elder.

After the roll was called, the minutes of the two previous sederunts were read and approved of.

8. THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE’S AND EDITOR’S REPORTS.

Magazine Committee Report.

The circulation of the Magazine, as will be seen from the Editor’s report, is steadily increasing. From the financial standpoint, the Committee are also pleased to be able to report a balance to their credit of £151 18s 11d. In view of this, the Committee have decided to reduce the price of the Magazine from 4d to 3½ per month. This will cut off about £68 of our income for next year. This reduction, with the reduction in postage, allows the Magazine to be had by subscribers at 4s per annum prepaid. Had the Committee known sooner that there was to be such a good balance, they would have intimated the reduction of the price earlier, but as the Magazine financial year does not end until the 30th April, they could not make intimation of the reduction earlier than in the June Magazine. The Committee suggest that those who have paid the 5s or 4s 6d subscriptions can have either the balance of 1s or 6d as the case may be, placed to their credit for next year, or allow the balance to be placed to the credit of the Magazine Fund. If no information is sent to the Treasurer, the Committee will take it for granted that the subscribers wish these balances to be credited to the Magazine Fund; if they do not agree to the balance being credited to the Magazine Fund, they are requested to write the Treasurer intimating that they wish the balance to be placed to their credit for next year.
In regard to the Free Distribution Fund, the financial year ended with a deficit of over £9. The Committee, in view of the expenditure exceeding the income, reduced the number of copies sent to soldiers and sailors through Mr Brider by 100 copies per month. If the Fund is maintained this year at the same rate as last year, we will be able to send 150 copies per month to Mr Brider. We trust our readers will not forget this fund.
The Committee recommended that the balance be allocated as follows:—£40 to the Treasurer, £25 to Mr William Grant, for services rendered to the Committee in connection with the Magazine, and £60 to the Editor. The remainder of the balance to be placed to the credit of the Magazine Fund meantime.
The Committee take this opportunity of thanking our worthy Treasurer for his work in connection with the financial side of the Magazine.

Editor’s Report.

The Rev. D. Beaton reported as follows:—
Last year I had occasion to make reference to the difficulty of editing the Magazine, owing to the long distance between Glasgow and Wick. This is a kind of difficulty that can only be realised by those who have been confronted with it, but during the earlier part of the present Magazine year on which I am reporting, I discovered that the distance between Wick and Glasgow was not worth mentioning when it came to have a wide ocean and a broad continent separating editor and printers. In my absence in the States and Canada, Mr William Grant attended to the sub-editorial work of the Magazine and the proof-reading in a way that gave me the utmost satisfaction, and I take this opportunity of thanking him in public, as I have already done in private, for his valuable help. When on the Pacific Coast, “copy” had to be sent almost two months in advance, and in travelling from place to place the long train journeys were not conducive to editorial work; hence it will be seen that my appreciation of Mr Grant’s services is well deserved.
As members of Synod will remember, it was decided at our last meeting that the quotation of Messrs Robert Carruthers and Sons, Inverness, be accepted for the printing of the Magazine. It was, however, agreed on that the transfer should not take place until the Editor’s return. Arrangements were accordingly made and on my return the transfer took place without a hitch. The new printers and their staff have done everything to meet our wishes in the most considerate and obliging way. I was under the impression that an editor could not find a more obliging and careful manager than Mr Young, of Messrs Adshead and Son, but, I am pleased to be able to say, that, as far as my experience has gone, Mr Matheson, of the “Courier,” is a good second. The transfer to Inverness has not only a financial advantage in that it costs us less for the production of the Magazine, but it has the additional advantage that the distance between Editor and printers has been lessened, and as a consequence, less time is required in the passing to and fro of correspondence.
In regard to the circulation of the Magazine, it is well maintained, slowly but steadily increasing. To begin with, the Magazine had in 1897 a circulation of 2200 copies per month. It then fell to 2000 copies per month, and remained at that figure for a number of years. In 1908 there was a small increase, and this increase continued until it reached its high-water mark at the close of 1918, when 4100 copies per month were circulated. Of this number, however, about 1420 copies were distributed free from a special fund to our soldiers and sailors, thus making a circulation of 2680 copies per month to regular subscribers. The last return given by the printers shows at present a circulation of 2730 copies per month. While we ought to be thankful that the circulation is thus maintained when there are so many things to militate against it, there is every reason that, with a little effort on the part of our ministers and missionaries and our readers generally, the circulation of the Magazine should be increased to 3000 copies per month. This would only mean about 10 copies per month additional to each of our congregations and mission stations. Readers who appreciate it can render good service by getting those who are not subscribers to subscribe to it. There are 1310 copies sent by post to subscribers, the remainder, 1420 copies, are sent by rail or by post, the carriage and postage being paid by the Committee, and last year this cost us about £20. Some of the parcels are very small, and we would suggest, if it could be arranged without any inconvenience to those who get their Magazines in this way, in such places where the parcels range from 6 to 20 copies, that they would order them direct from the Treasurer, seeing that the postage is now reduced. This suggestion does not apply to the larger parcels, as the cost of carriage per Magazine is comparatively much less owing to the larger numbers carried.
Let me here express my indebtedness to Rev. Neil Cameron, who, for many years, has been responsible for the Gaelic appearing in the Magazine. The Committee and our readers generally appreciate the valuable help given ungrudgingly by Mr Cameron in this department, notwithstanding his heavy work in other spheres of the Church’s activities.
In regard to the matter appearing in the Magazine, the Editor would appeal to his brethren to send articles of a biographical or historical nature dealing with men raised up by God, and describing events in which His hand was manifestly seen, and also sermons. It is with extreme reluctance our ministers allow themselves to appear in print. In some ways this may be a commendable virtue, but to an Editor in search of matter for the Magazine it is a failing which, in his eyes, does not lean to virtue’s side. Let me here make it clear also that the Magazine Committee passed a resolution a number of years ago to the effect that controversy would not be allowed to be carried on in its pages. And further, it may be stated, any article that is likely to cause friction in the Church is submitted by the Editor to the Magazine Committee for their consideration before it is printed, and it depends on their decision, either unanimously or by a majority, whether the article shall appear in the pages of the Magazine or not. This statement is necessary in view of what has been said in a circular letter in connection with the exclusion of a certain paper addressed to members of Synod.
The Editor tenders his thanks to subscribers at home and abroad for their financial support, and also to all those who helped him by sending literary contributions or sermons to the Magazine. It will be seen from the subscription lists that the Magazine travels far afield. The United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Palestine, England, and Ireland are all visited by our Magazine month by month. And it is gratifying to know that articles from its pages have been reprinted in American and Irish religious papers. The Editor would ask for the prayers of the Lord’s people for those who are responsible for conducting the Magazine, and for the articles appearing in its pages, that these may be made a blessing to many at home and abroad. Conscious of his editorial responsibility, and of his shortcomings, he would seek to look to Him who is a faithful Guide and Counsellor for the guidance of His Holy Spirit in his editorial work.
The Rev. M. Morrison moved the adoption of the report, and the suggestions made by the Committee as to the allocation of the surplus, and also that, as suggested by the Editor, steps be taken to increase the circulation of the Magazine be approved. It was gratifying, he said, to know that there was this year a balance substantial enough to be used for the remuneration of those who had given their time and labour in conducting the Magazine. The Rev. D. N. Macleod, Harris, seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved, and Rev. Mr Gillies seconded, the following motion, which was unanimously agreed to:—”The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church state its adherence to former resolution of Magazine Committee, that controversy be not allowed to be carried on in the Magazine of the Church.”

9. REPORT OF EXAMINERS OF PRESBYTERY RECORDS.

Rev. M. Morrison reported that he and Rev. D. M. Macdonald had examined the Southern Presbytery Records, and found them carefully kept. The only matter he had to report to the Synod was the want of a signature to one of the minutes. Rev. Malcolm Gillies reported that Rev. E. Macqueen and he had examined the Western Presbytery Records, and found them correct, with the exception of a minute not signed. Mr Landles reported that he had examined the Northern Presbytery Records with Rev. N. Cameron, and found them correct. The report was adopted, and the Clerks of the Western and Southern Presbyteries were instructed to have the unsigned minutes referred to in the above reports signed.

10. THEOLOGICAL TUTOR’S REPORT.

The following report was given in by Rev. D. Beaton, theological tutor:—
“During session 1922-23 there were three students—Messrs William Grant, John Tallach, and Donald Macdonald—studying at Wick. In the class of New Testament Greek, the Gospel according to John was read for translation and exegesis. We were able also to cover a considerable field in dealing with the authorship, dates, and contents of the New Testament books. In the Church History Class, attention this session was confined to Scottish Church History. Lectures were given on the period from the Revolution Settlement to 1750, and Dr King Hewison’s ‘Covenanters’ was used as a text book for the period from the Reformation to 1650. These periods embracing, as they do, the Reformation, the Second Reformation, the Revolution Settlement, and the origin of the Secession Church, are a particularly important period in the great contentions for the cause of truth in Scotland. Two written examinations were given during the session, and the results were very satisfactory.
“The students, I am pleased to say, showed commendable diligence in their studies. Their interest in the wonderful story as recorded by John of the most wonderful life ever lived and the most wonderful words ever spoken, and the most solemn and eventful death that took place in time, as they studied them in a more intensive way than they had done hitherto, was all that could be desired. Their keen interest, also, in the unfolding of God’s purposes towards His cause in Scotland in trying and sifting times made it a pleasure to their tutor to teach them. It remains for me to thank them publicly for the help they rendered me in supplying my pulpit.
“It is now twenty-five years since I began my tutorial work—a short time in a human life, but a long period in a teacher’s life. Most of the ministers now in the Church have passed through my hands, and as I look back on these years, it seems but as yesterday when as a young man I was called to the responsible work of training the prospective ministers of our Church. My lot as a tutor has been a happy one. Our students with different dispositions and different attainments in knowledge, always went about their work with a high sense of duty, and have shown themselves to be men who sought to walk worthy of their high calling. While teaching has been a pleasure to me, I cannot hide from my brethren that there is no part of my work which makes such a tax on my strength and energy, and it is with pleasure I look forward to the appointment of a fellow-tutor, who will relieve me of part of the burden.
“I take this opportunity of thanking the members of the Synod for the pleasant relations that have always existed between them and their tutor, and for the kindly way in which acknowledgment of my work has been made from time to time. It is with a deepened sense of responsibility, which has increased with the passing years, that I look forward to the future, and crave for myself and prospective fellow-tutor the prayers of the Lord’s people, and for the young men in God’s providence entrusted to us for their training for the ministry.”
The Rev. D. N. Macleod, in moving the adoption of the report, said that the Church should feel thankful to the Most High that He had given them men who were able to give sound instruction to their students, and he would like to express his own wish that Mr Beaton might be long spared to continue his useful work as a tutor. He had also to say it gave him, as a minister, great pleasure to listen to such of their students as he had heard preach. The motion was seconded, and unanimously agreed to.
In reference to the appointment of an additional tutor, after a brief discussion, in which it was made clear that Mr Beaton’s tutorial work had to be continued this winter at any rate, it was decided, on the motion of Rev. N. Cameron, to postpone the appointment until next year. This was seconded by Rev. N. Macintyre, and agreed to.

11. CANADIAN MISSION COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Rev. D. Beaton, Convener, gave in the following report:—

1. Vancouver.

It is recommended by the Committee that the Vancouver congregation be recognised as having a right to give a call to a minister if they desire to do so. The Committee would suggest, in the event of this being granted, that the congregation shall give to their minister a salary not less than that given to the ministers at home. For the benefit of members of the Synod, it may be stated that the church door collections during last year amounted to 1077 dollars, and, as stated in the report of the deputy to Canada, the debt on the church building is now paid with the exception of £150, and the congregation hope to have this soon cleared off.

2. Winnipeg.

At a congregational meeting held in Winnipeg during the Convener’s visit, a unanimous request was made that Mr Roderick Mackenzie, divinity student, be asked to go out to Winnipeg for a year, with the view of giving him a call, should he meet with the congregation’s approval, and failing him, Mr John Maclachlan. In the event of these failing, Rev. D. N. Macleod, Harris, and Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Portree, were to be approached successively, to ascertain whether they would be willing to allow a call to be presented to them from the congregation. Mr Mackenzie wrote saying he could not see his way to accede to the request. Mr Maclachlan has accepted a call to North Uist, and Messrs Macleod and Macdonald wrote saying that they could not see their way to allow the congregation to proceed with a call to them.

3. Toronto.

(1) Request from Gaelic Mission.

A request had been sent to the Committee from the Toronto Gaelic Mission, asking for supply in the event of a Gaelic-speaking deputy being sent to Canada. The Committee replied that in the event of the Gaelic Mission joining the Free Presbyterian Church, the Committee would strongly recommend to the Synod that a Gaelic-speaking deputy sent by the Church should give part of his time when in Canada to this Mission. This decision had been sent to the Secretary, but no reply had been received.

(2) Petition from Free Presbyterians in Toronto.

Rev. W. Matheson had written representing that a number of our people in the city were desirous of having a deputy sent them for three months, and the Rev. N. Macintyre’s name was mentioned in this connection. A petition had been sent to Rev. N. Macintyre himself from these, requesting him to go out, but owing to Mr Macintyre being under call to Edinburgh, he regretted he could do nothing in the meantime.

4. Allocation of Balance from Monies Received by the Deputy to Canada.

The Committee have to report that there is a balance of £10 after the payment of the Rev. D. Beaton’s expenses, and they recommend that this sum be set aside as the nucleus of a fund to the credit of the Canadian Mission Committee, to meet outlays in connection with the Canadian Mission.
The Rev. E. Macqueen moved, and Rev. Gillies seconded, that the Synod’s recommendation in regard to Vancouver be granted. This was unanimously agreed to.
The Rev. N. Cameron moved, and Mr Donald Mackenzie seconded, a motion to the effect that the question of starting Free Presbyterian services in Toronto be referred to the Canadian Mission Committee. This was agreed to. It was also unanimously agreed to that the Committee’s recommendation in reference to the £10 balance, after payment of Canadian deputy’s expenses, be carried into effect.

12. APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COMMITTEES.

The following Church Committees were appointed for the year:—

1. Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee.

Rev. E. Macqueen (Convener), D. M. Macdonald, and D. A. Macfarlane.

2. Finance Committee.

Revs. N. Cameron (Convener); E. Macqueen, N. Macintyre, and Mr Charles Maclean; Mr Alexander Macgillivray, General Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.

3. Canadian Mission Committee.

Revs. D. Beaton (Convener), N. Macintyre, D. Macdonald, and William Matheson.

4. Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee.

Revs. N. Cameron (Convener), James Macleod, and M. Gillies.

5. Church Magazine Committee.

Revs. N. Cameron, D. A. Macfarlane, and D. Beaton (Convener).

6. Religion and Morals Committee.

Revs. D. M. Macdonald (Convener), D. N. Macleod, and M. Morrison.

13. APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COLLECTIONS.

It was moved by the Rev. D. Beaton, and seconded by Mr D. Mackenzie, and unanimously agreed to, that the Church Collections be taken up as follows:—(1) Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund in June—notice to be sent by Rev. E. Macqueen; (2) College Fund in August—notice to be sent by the Rev. E. Macqueen; (3) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection by book from house to house in October—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron; (4) Organisation Fund in December—notice to be sent by Rev. D. Beaton; (5) General Church Building Fund in January 1923—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. Beaton; (6) Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund in February 1923—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron; (7) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), second collection in April—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron.

14. REMITS FROM PRESBYTERIES.

Remits from Western Presbyteries—(1) North Tolsta.

A remit from the Western Presbytery, in connection with a petition from North Tolsta, asking for a missionary, was read. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that the prayer of the petition be granted, and that it be referred to the Western Presbytery to take steps to provide a missionary for North Tolsta.

(2) Mannish, Harris.

Another petition was presented, through the Western Presbytery, asking for a missionary at Mannish. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to that the whole matter be referred to the Western Presbytery.

(3) Mr Roderick Ferguson’s Salary.

The Synod came to a decision on this matter, but it was decided that the Clerk make representation to the Pension Authorities on behalf of Mr Ferguson before the Synod’s tentative decision is carried into effect.

Remit from Northern Presbytery.

A remit from this Presbytery, requesting the Synod to give consideration to the question of supplying ministers and missionaries of our Church in towns and cities with the addresses of young people leaving their homes in the country was read. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved, and Mr Donald Macleod, Edinburgh, seconded, the following motion:—”The Synod would remind ministers, missionaries, and parents, that it is desirable that the names and addresses of young people leaving their homes for towns should be sent to the minister or missionary of the Free Presbyterian Church in the town to which they go, and so prevent lapsing or their frequenting Churches from which we have separated.” This was unanimously agreed to, and it was decided that the resolution be printed in the Magazine, and read from the pulpit in all our congregations and mission stations.

Remit from Southern Presbytery.

The Rev. N. Cameron read a letter from Rev. Duncan Mackenzie setting forth the financial position of the Dunoon congregation in connection with their church building. After listening to the statement, Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved, and Rev. D. Beaton seconded, that power be given to the Southern Presbytery to raise a loan on the church property at Dunoon, at as low a rate of interest as they could get. This was unanimously agreed to.
Mr Cameron made reference to the supply of Dunoon by a student during two months in the summer. Rev. E. Macqueen moved, and Rev. M. Gillies seconded, that a student supply Dunoon for two months in the summer, and that a grant of £10 be made to meet expenses.

15. COMPETENT BUSINESS.

1. Appointment of Business Committee.

It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to that a Business Committee be appointed as one of the Standing Committees of the Church, consisting of the Moderator and Clerk of Synod, and the Clerks of the three Presbyteries ex officio, whose duty it would be to prepare the business for the Synod. This was unanimously agreed to.

2. Resolution on Betting.

A Committee, consisting of the Moderator, Revs. N. Cameron and E. Macqueen, were appointed, with full powers, to draw up a resolution on betting. This resolution appears in another part of the Magazine.

3. Addition to Treasurer’s Salary.

The Rev. D. Beaton moved, and the Rev. E. Macqueen seconded, that £14 be added to the General Treasurer’s salary. This was unanimously agreed to.

4. Addition to Mrs Sinclair’s Grant from the Widows’ Fund.

On the suggestion of the Rev. D. Macfarlane, Rev. N. Cameron moved, and Rev. E. Macqueen seconded, that £10 be given extra for this year to Mrs Sinclair. This was unanimously agreed to.

5. Rule as to Payment of Supply in Congregations.

The Rev. N. Cameron moved the following motion, which was seconded and unanimously agreed to:—”The Synod would call the attention of our congregations to a former resolution passed by this Court, viz., that congregations eligible to call a minister, during a vacancy, should use their Sustentation Fund to pay for their supply, and if there be any surplus to send same to the General Treasurer; but in places supplied by missionaries, etc., the Sustentation Fund should be sent direct to the General Treasurer.”

6. Report of Committee Appointed to Draw up Loyal Address.

The Rev. N. Cameron read the draft of the Address drawn up by the Committee, which was as follows:—
To His Most Excellent Majesty George V., King of Great Britain, may it please your Majesty—We, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness, desire to renew our annual expression of loyalty and good-will toward your Majesty’s Person and Throne of constant and prayerful anxiety for the welfare and prosperity of your Majesty’s reign.
(1) We would express our deepest alarm and grief of heart on account of the fact that, notwithstanding many protests from your loyal Protestant subjects, your Majesties have paid a visit to the Pope, while in Italy, the first time a British King did so since the Reformation, and thereby violating your contract with the Protestants of your realm as set forth in the Bill of Rights, and causing grief and alienation of mind to arise between your Majesty and the most loyal portion of your subjects.
(2) Your Majesty may have taken this step on the advice of your Privy Council, but that cannot relieve your Majesty of blame; for had you refused, the vast majority of your Protestant subjects would have approved of your Majesty’s action in having done so, and you would have proved to them that you were a true Protestant.
(3) During the late War, Roman Catholics, in general, throughout your Majesty’s Dominions proved unfaithful to the Empire, and made all to see that their desire was the overthrow of your Majesty’s Throne and Government. Pandering to Roman Catholics by the Dynasty of the House of Stewart caused their overthrow by the Protestants of the British Nation.
(4) This Synod would most respectfully but seriously beseech your Majesty in the name of the Lord to refrain from taking any further steps to assist the efforts by Papists to get the upper hand in Great Britain, and as the first step in acceding to your Majesty’s loyal Protestant subjects’ prayer, have the Envoy to the Vatican withdrawn.
(5) We, the members of the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, pray earnestly and constantly that the Lord would bless your Majesty, and all the Royal Family, by pouring upon you all the spirit of grace and supplications, thereby making your Majesty a blessing to all your Majesty’s subjects.
The adoption of the Address was moved by Rev. D. Macfarlane, and seconded by Rev. M. Gillies, and unanimously adopted.
The Synod decided to meet again, God willing, on Tuesday, after the third Sabbath of May 1924, in the Hall of St Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, at 6.30 p.m.
The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.