BY THE REV. NEIL CAMERON.
SOUTH AFRICA. It gives the Foreign Missions’ Committee much pleasure to report good progress in our Mission in Matabeleland this year again. The Rev. John Tallach and Mrs Tallach are doing all they can, not only to consolidate what has been already achieved, but also to advance the work there, both from the religious and educational points of view. The Lord’s hand is clearly to be discerned in granting success in
both spheres of their labours. The number received into full membership, after a very thorough examination by the Kirk-Session, is very encouraging, and proves that the Holy Spirit makes the Word read and preached to bear the fruits of repentance and faith in the hearts and consciences of our brothers and sisters in that far-off land. For this our hearts rejoice. The Report will also show very good progress in extending the preaching stations last year. In our last report, the number of places in which services were held was six; whereas we have now services held in eight places each Sabbath. It will be seen also that the Schools have done good work, especially the Secondary School. Mr Tallach has acted wisely, in our opinion, by the strenuous efforts he and his co-partner in life and labours have made to train young girls in the very things which appeared to us, when we paid a visit to the Mission five years ago, to be most needed amongst our friends. Even then our people had benefitted religiously and educationally to the extent that, as we were assured, family worship was held morning and evening in each hut in our Mission. This was to us a cause of much thankfulness to the Lord. The parents who could not read God’s Word themselves made the children who had learned to read the Bible in the schools to read the psalm and chapter, they themselves beginning and finishing worship with prayer. Surely this was an extraordinary change brought about in sixteen years. For at the first service held there by the Rev. J. B. Radasi in the year 1906, the most of the few that attended were almost devoid of clothing; but in 1921 these same people were well clothed and sitting at the feet of Christ and listening reverently, solemnly, and orderly to the precious gospel of His grace. At the same time they were very helpless as regards any of the most needful things taught now to so many of the young girls in Ingwenya School.
We regret that Mr Tallach has not written a report himself that we could place before our Synod. We have no doubt but his hands are quite full with other pressing work, and, therefore, had not the leisure necessary to write it. So we will make the best shape we can to write a report from the notes he has sent us.
Mr Tallach informs us that last year twenty-seven new members were admitted to the Lord’s Table. Last year’s Report shows that there were one hundred and seven members the previous year. The addition of twenty-seven brings the number up to one hundred and thirty-four. Knowing the care taken by the Session in
admitting to membership, this is a cause for much thankfulness to the Lord for His rich blessing of the Word preached and read to the people of our Mission. Looking back to the Report of 1921, we find that there were sixty-four members then. The increase in membership since then is very encouraging, being seventy-four. It should be added that a considerable number of the adherents manifestly are seeking the way to Zion and the Lord their God. We do not write thus for ostentation or for our own glory, but for the glory of the Lord, who has done marvellous things for us by blessing our weak efforts to spread the knowledge of His name among the heathen.
Mr Tallach writes that six additional elders were to be ordained in April to strengthen the Session. These new elders were elected from amongst the deacons. Other deacons are to be ordained later on. Mr Tallach inaugurated a class in order to instruct these men who are elected elders in the doctrines and principles of the Confession of Faith. This is very commendable, because it will give these men a more intelligent grasp of the creed and practice of the Church to which they belong. It will also show them that all the doctrines of the Confession are solidly based upon the infallible Word of God. They will also answer the Questions and sign the Formula, understanding better their meaning and the obligations and the binding force of such vows.
The attendances at church services keep up very well. Our Communion services overcrowd the church. The Day of Humiliation last October was considerably better attended than the same was the year before. The dates of the four Communions are always published in our Magazine, in order that our praying people at home should remember our friends there in their prayers. We are confident that this duty is not neglected by our people. Even the Apostle Paul, great as he was, urged the Lord’s people to pray for himself and for those associated with him in the ministry. You can easily understand the encouragement it will bring to Mr Tallach’s heart to know that he and our people there are constantly remembered in the prayers of our Church at home, both in private and in public. His isolated and lonely position in Rhodesia should appeal to each one of us, so the least that should be expected of us, one and all, is to plead for him daily, at the footstool of the throne of grace.
There were six places in which services were held each Lord’s Day in connection with our Mission for the last six years. An application was made last year by people on a certain farm for a mission to be set up, but the woman who owned the farm would not give her consent, so the matter fell through. This year a farmer has requested that a mission should be started for the people on his land. Mr Tallach went to see him about the matter. The farmer offered a place in which to hold services and to teach the children. Mr Tallach sought permission to begin there, but he had not received a reply when he wrote. He seemed to be quite hopeful that permission would be granted. This place is 54 miles from our central station in a northerly direction. One of our praying men left Morven and went about 30 miles further away towards the north also. This man began to hold meetings on the Sabbath days in the kraal to which he emigrated. Permission has been granted by the Native Commissioner to Mr Tallach to the effect that these services can be continued under his superintendence. He says, however, that he does not intend to begin a school there meantime.
The attendances last year in our schools were better, to the number of 27, than they were in 1925, the total being 390. The attendance at our Ingwenya School is up to 150, but, owing to the fact that our teaching staff was too small to cope with that number, they could not all be accommodated. We are now better staffed as regards teachers, for we have in this school two teachers fully qualified and a pupil teacher. Mr Tallach also gives the help he can, as he can now speak the Xosa language.
Concerning the secondary department of the Ingwenya School, Mr Tallach has sent us his own and the pupils’ sincere thanks for the liberality of the people at home in connection with the new building and its equipment for the special training of young girls. He states in this connection:—”While the new school-room and its equipment demanded some outlay, I feel that, did the Committee and people know the work that is being done, they would only be too glad that they had helped. For two hours daily the girls are taught sewing, basket-making, and laundry. At the opening of the school, I announced my readiness to take in girls from the out-stations, provided that the parents promised to provide food for them. The result is that we have 20 girls from the out-stations staying in
the Mission. As the plan is largely experimental, I did not desire more than 20 for the first year.”
The Committee feel thankful that our young girls have now the opportunity of learning at Ingwenya some at least of the subjects taught at Boarding Schools, and that they will continue longer under the influence of Mr Tallach’s religious teaching and example. This is the more desirable, as the religious teaching and example set before these girls in some of the Boarding Schools of South Africa are neither orthodox nor beneficial from the spiritual point of view. Another benefit that flows from it is that it will give a chance to the daughters of heathen parents, who do not see much value in education, and who allowed their children to attend our Schools, but would not pay for them in Boarding Schools, to be trained in things useful and even necessary for the standard of civilisation to which our people there have attained. There are other parents who had a desire to have their girls trained in such a way, but who are so poor that they could not pay for it. These girls are above twelve years of age; those of them who came from all the side schools, except Shangani, were to go home each Friday evening, returning on Monday morning. Those that came from Shangani (90 miles away) remain constantly in the Mission. Along with the subjects taught them, they are trained to wash and dress their own clothes, and to keep everything clean and every place swept and tidy. The value of such training to young women in transition from the heathen state of things to that of civilisation and Christianity becomes manifest to anyone at a glance.
The Committee have nothing to report concerning the other branch of this Secondary Department of the Ingwenya School. Last year we mentioned that it was contemplated to start teaching agriculture, but so far that has not matured. There are a few of the young lads learning agriculture in other training centres. When these have finished their course, it may be easier to introduce this branch of training. The Inspector of Schools for that district promised last year that we would receive one hundred acres of land for this purpose. Our people have greater need of some useful knowledge as to the cultivation of the land than anyone who has not seen their primitive ways can even imagine. Therefore, we look forward with much hope and expectation to the improvement in agriculture that
will be sure to follow when the farm for that purpose has been acquired.
Concerning the religious teaching in the schools, the children have a Bible reading every day, and the Shorter Catechism is being taught right through. In our Ingwenya School, the pupils are divided into seniors and juniors for religious instruction. This will enable Mr Tallach to attend better to each division, according to their capacity and age.
Mr Tallach’s medical work is varied, and covers a wide range of country. He desires to express his sincere thanks to Dr Johnston, Torridon, for the unstinted help in medicine and otherwise which he sent last year at his own expense. The Committee, in their own name and that of the Free Presbyterian Church, express their thanks to Dr Johnston for the interest he has taken in the work done in Rhodesia by our Church, and the valuable help he gives as to the treatment of some diseases among the natives there. It seems that bandages out there cost much more than at home. Mr Tallach suggests that for fractured limbs, etc., old bed sheets cut up as bandages would greatly help him in this branch of his labours. The Committee are not sure whether or not the Customs in Africa would allow any old clothing to enter their territory. We know that such could not be got through nine years ago. However, an enquiry will be made, and if such can be sent, a notice will be given in the Magazine in due time. The address of the party who may become responsible for forwarding such parcels will also be given.
Mr Tallach makes an appeal for cloth for the sewing school. He suggests that some one of the ladies of our Church should become responsible for receiving and forwarding such cloth, etc. The Committee would be much obliged to any of our lady friends who will volunteer to carry out this piece of work. The Convener will be pleased to hear from such and to publish her name and address in our Magazine. Meanwhile, the Convener will receive and acknowledge in the Magazine any sums of money sent him for to buy cloth for this purpose in Africa. He has received £5 already, which he sent to Mr Tallach, but he has already too much work on hand to undertake the sending of such parcels.
Mr Tallach desires that the friends who sent assistance to Mrs Radasi should be sincerely thanked in this Report, in which we heartily concur. He desires also to thank very sincerely the parties who sent any money
for his own and Mrs Tallach’s use, through the Convener, Mrs J. S. Sinclair, Kenmure Street, Glasgow, and Mrs Tallach, the Schoolhouse, Raasay, and the Sabbath School there for money sent; also the kind women who sent cloth through Mrs Sinclair. Lastly, he, the elders, and all our people there warmly thank all the friends who contributed to the late Rev. J. B. Radasi’s Memorial Fund—the sum of £50 10s was sent.
There was grave anxiety felt for some time that, on account of want of rain, there would be a famine in Southern Rhodesia. A day of Fasting and Prayer was held on three occasions, and to the praise of the merciful Hearer of prayer, on each occasion rain fell in a day or two. The people turned out well to each of these services, and manifested their real faith in the Lord being the Ruler of Providence. So, when it became evident that there would be food for them to eat, they wished that a Day of Thanksgiving should be held, in order that the Lord’s goodness and mercy towards them should be publicly acknowledged. Of course the services were held, and were very well attended. Thus the poor Matabele manifest their faith in God, who were living as naked savages thirty years ago; while we, who have had the Gospel for more than four hundred years, are becoming more heathenish in our superstitious beliefs and in our immoral practices, and also in professed atheism every year. May the Lord make the “seed of the Word of God” sown in Matabeleland to grow an hundredfold more than was sown is our prayer for our brothers and sisters there; and may He, of His infinite mercy and compassion, lift His feet to the desolations of our beloved country and turn our wilderness into a garden of Eden by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us.
PROSPECTIVE MISSIONARY TO THE JEWS.—The Committee desire to draw the attention of the whole Church to the fact that Mr Donald Urquhart will have finished his studies as prospective Missionary to the Jews in the near future. This will mean nearly double the present expenditure to the Foreign Missions’ Committee. They are confident that our people will in future double their contributions to the Foreign Missions Fund on this account. The fact that the Jews are turning to the Lord Jesus Christ in thousands should encourage us to do our little utmost to send the Gospel in its purity to them without delay. “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
AUSTRALIA. The Convener received a letter last winter from our worthy elder, Mr Hugh Grant, Jarrallo, Brushgrove, N.S.W., Australia, in which a Bank Draft for £50 was enclosed. The money was sent to pay travelling expenses for a deputy from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland to visit our friends, both on the Clarence and Richmond Rivers. He expressed a strong desire that a minister would be sent, as they were without the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper having been dispensed amongst them for several years. Mr Grant asked the Convener to deposit the money in Bank until such a time as one could be sent. The money was sent to be banked by Mr John Grant, General Treasurer, in whose hands it will be safe.
Mr Grant said in this letter that a letter would come shortly after he wrote from the Messrs Kidd, Ballina, Richmond River, to the Convener. If they have written, the letter has not arrived. The Committee desire to express their sincere sympathy with our friends in New South Wales, and would commend their isolated position and their need of a minister to dispense ordinances among them to the serious consideration of the Synod.
Circumspect Walking.
If you be heirs of glory, “the kingdom of God is within you,” by virtue of your regeneration and union with Christ. The kingdom of heaven has the throne in thy heart, if thou hast a right to that kingdom: Christ is in thee, and God is in thee; and, having chosen Him for thy portion, thy soul has taken up its everlasting rest in Him, and gets no true rest but in Him; as the dove, until she came into the ark. . . . Let the heirs of the kingdom behave themselves suitably to their character and dignity. Live as having the faith and hope of this glorious kingdom; let your conversation be in heaven (Phil. iii. 20). Let your souls delight in communion with God while you are on earth, since you look for your happiness in communion with Him in heaven. Let your speech and actions savour of heaven; and, in your manner of life, look like the country to which you are going; that it may be said of you, as of Gideon’s brethren (Judges viii. 18)—”Each one resembled the children of a king.”—
Thomas Boston.
Sermon.*
Preached to the Free Church General Assembly,
16th May 1844.
BY THE REV. C. J. BROWN.
II.
(Continued from p. 56.)
“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved” (Hab. ii. 1).
- But this runs into a fifth great line of ministerial guilt. The four preceding, it will have been observed, belong rather to the habit, the frame and temper of the soul. From this state of soul, however, there springs a fifth iniquity, that might be branched out without end. I refer to great and criminal perfunctoriness in every department of our work. I believe that the more the matter is considered, it will be the more evident how a man may be diligent, comparatively, painstaking and conscientious in the ministry, and yet may discharge it, if its proper nature be regarded, in a very slight and perfunctory manner after all. Look at Paul’s command to Timothy, “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season,” connecting it with the distinction already so often drawn, between the heart of a Minister bent on the winning of souls, as the end of his work, and his seeking, substantially, the discharge of his duty, the satisfying of his con-
* This remarkable sermon was preached to the Free Church General Assembly, 16th May 1844. In addition to the members of Assembly present, there was an audience of 3000 persons in the hall of Carrubbers Close, “deeply impressed, interested and devout,” so runs the report. The sermon made a profound impression. “The impression produced,” says the account, “was very great. Many, both in the Assembly and among the audience, were affected even to tears. The leading sins of the ministry were enumerated and laid bare, and charged home with an impressiveness of scriptural appeal, and a searching power, which all very evidently felt. The attention of the audience, from the beginning to the close, was unbroken. When Mr Brown had concluded, the 11th, 12th, and 13th verses of the 51st Psalm were sung, after which Dr Duncan being called upon, offered up an earnest, copious, and most suitable prayer.”
—Editor.
science, by some due measure of laboriousness in his work. A man in this last state of mind will not be even able to understand that word, “instant in season, out of season.” It evidently supposes a Minister bent on saving souls, any how, if it be at all possible. Such a man will take all sorts of times, and ways, and places, not forbidden by scripture, or by sound spiritual good sense, to attain his object. If, for example, he cannot get hearers to come to him, he will go to them, though it be to the streets and highways. Why not? If he can reach them “in season,” well. But if not, yet “out of season” he must come at them. “I became all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” “They watch for your souls,” says Paul, “as they that must give account.” They watch for them. Look how it is with a man of this world, set on mercantile gains. He watches his opportunity. He is not content with going through a routine. Bent on realising profits, he observes the prices. He watches their rise and fall, and eagerly steps in at what he deems the most favourable time. It is otherwise, alas! with us. We have exonerated our conscience—we have done our duty. Have we? In reality we have done nothing like it, since we have lost unnumbered opportunities, just from not lying on the watch—not being bent intently on the great gain, the gaining of imperishable souls. Ah! “the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light.”
This perfunctoriness appears, to take an example or two, in the preaching of the word. In our preparations it comes out, in our not seeking, laboriously and prayerfully, for those things which might be the most fitted under God, to save and edify souls, but rather being satisfied with things which will give ourselves less trouble, or may be pleasing, simply, and satisfying to the better part of our hearers. And then in the preaching itself it appears, in the absence, to a fearful extent, of that winning tenderness and affection, that simplicity, that chastened and loving zeal, for which noise and vehement gesticulation are but miserable substitutes. The same perfunctoriness appears in our dealing with young communicants, where we are too much satisfied with being just able conscientiously to admit or reject them, without longing after their souls, looking up to the Lord for them, seizing the golden opportunity, the
most precious we can ever possess, of getting into close and earnest and personal dealing with them. In our discipline it appears, in that we are generally content, I fear, when we have given some due compliance with the letter of the Church’s laws, in place of sincerely “travailing with offenders,” (to use the language of our ancient statutes), to bring them, if the Lord will, to a repentence not to be repented of. In family visitation there is a miserable perfunctoriness. If we have got through the work of the day, comfortably and pleasantly, we are content, though we have neither wrestled before hand, nor much looked up, in the course of the work, for the Lord’s special presence and blessing in it. In the public prayers the same spirit comes out, in our not “stirring up ourselves to take hold of God”—not throwing our whole souls into “fellowship with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ.” As to the government of the Church, our Presbyteries, and other ecclesiastical courts, we have but to look, I think, at this present Assembly, to see how miserably we have, in a great measure, thrown these away, deeming their work very much over, just where the chief spiritual efficacy of it might have begun. Altogether, who can read the following words of Paul, without seeing, in the contrast of them, and seeing in everything, a great and lamentable perfunctoriness, “therefore watch, and remember that, by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
- I mark only one other line of our guilt, in the briefest manner, viz., our very imperfectly living, holding forth, in our lives, the ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus. I speak not, of course, of any outward immoralities—the Lord be praised we are kept from these. I speak of nothing that could indicate that we had entered the priest’s office for a bit of bread. But what I point to is that high standard of living, which the apostle marks in the words, “giving none offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed”—the elevated ministerial character marked in the following divine words of Bunyan, in his Pilgrim. Among other pictures which the Interpreter shewed Christian, furnishing him with certain great cardinal lessons for his journey, one is thus spoken of: “So he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door, the which when he had done, Christian saw the picture of a very
grave person hang up against the wall, and this was the fashion of it:—It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind his back, it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over his head.” Ah, “the picture of a very grave person!” Austerity and gloom, assuredly, are not good. But alas! for the levity, the poor unsavoury talk, the frivolity, the foibles, as they are called, of us men set, for a few short years, ambassadors of Heaven, to stand between the living and the dead, till the plague be stayed! Are we such, indeed? Are we going to heaven, and longing to take our people thither along with us? I remember that once a meal was eaten on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, where Ministers were present—where was present the chief Shepherd himself. But O the conversation at that meal! “so, when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, &c., &c. (see John xxi. 15-22.) “It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind his back, it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over his head!”—How very faint a conception can we form of the infinite guilt and injury involved in all these heads of iniquity together! “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I could weep day and night!” “Mine iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head.” “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” “Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.”
II. The space to which I must limit myself precludes so entirely any adequate notice, separately, of the sins of the Eldership and of the People, that I must content myself with a single remark in regard to the former, the Eldership. I believe that the most faithful among our beloved brethren holding that office are the most disposed, whether they look to the matter or to the spirit of their duties—such duties as the visiting of the sick, the holding of meetings for prayer in their several districts, looking after the spiritual state of the young, and specially young communicants, in the congrega-
tion, generally looking after the fruits of the Minister’s labours, and setting the example of a heavenly and devoted life before the flock—the most disposed to cry out, in reference to all of these, “My leanness! my leanness!”—the most disposed to bring out and acknowledge their many sins and shortcomings before the Lord and each other, and to welcome, with their whole hearts, whatever suggestions might be most fitted, under God, to lead to a more spiritual, and every way effective discharge of their important office.
III. With respect to the sins of the People, I shall pass by (though I trust and believe that this Church, in its future labours, will be very far from passing by) the case of the unhappy multitudes among us, who “forsake the assembling of themselves together,” neglect all ordinances together, despise God’s Sabbaths, and bring on themselves, and on the land, that chiefest guilt of the contempt of the gospel—of the offered Son of God. Let us seek to confess their guilt this day, who, alas! do not know, and cannot acknowledge it themselves. Among those, however, who attend the sanctuary of God, to how painful an extent are the following words of the prophet applicable (Ezekiel, xxxiii. 30-32), “Also thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking of thee by the walls, and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.” Too evident it is, that vast numbers attend the House of God from little more than mere curiosity—to hear a man speak, not to meet with the Lord—to hear the Word, without any honest purpose of doing it, and who go away approving, it may be admiring the sermon and the preacher, yet answering exactly to James’s account of the “man beholding his natural face in a glass,” their heart going after their covetousness, and their souls, alas! sunk only to a lower level of spiritual death than before. Let us endeavour to confess their guilt, also, before the Lord this day.
As for those of whom better things may be hoped, and things accompanying salvation, let me put it to you solemnly, dear Christian friends, whether there is not among you a very great failing to “keep the foot,” to take heed to the frame and temper of your souls, in “going to the house of God—a miserable falling short of that language and spirit in reference to all divine ordinances, “My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” “I will go about the city, in the streets and in the broad ways, I will seek Him whom my soul loveth.” “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Be assured that the want of a definite aim, and of the right aim, in going to the sanctuary, even to meet with the blessed God, lies near the foundation of all misimprovement of its services together. As we go, too much, to preach our sermon, and too little yearning over your souls, so you come too much to hear us, and too little to meet with God, in the prayers, in the praises, and in the preaching together. And then, only call to mind the following names which are given to private members of the Church in scripture—”the saints,” “a royal priesthood,” “witnesses for God,” “living epistles of Christ,” “lights in the world, holding forth the Word of life.” Alas! alas! there needs no comment on these titles. Come and join with us in our confessions of sin this day. Mingle your tears and prayers with ours, beloved brethren. Assuredly, we do not more weaken your hands by our shortcomings, than you do our hands, by yours. A praying people, is an old and true saying, makes a preaching minister. I would fain read here the close of a sermon on the ministry, by the excellent Traill of London—a sermon well worthy of being reprinted separately, as all his sermons are of being much read. “And lastly,” says he, “for people: it is not unfit that you should hear of Ministers’ work, and duty, and difficulties. You see that it is all of your concernment.” “All things are for your sakes,” as the apostle saith in another case. Then only I entreat you. I. Pity us. We are not angels, but men of like passions with yourselves. Be fuller of charity than of cen-
sure. We have all that you have to do about the saving of our own souls; and a great work besides about the saving of yours. We have all your difficulties as Christians; and some that you are not acquainted with, that are only Ministers’ temptations and trials. 2. Help us in our work. If you can do anything, help us in the work of winning souls. What can we do, say you? O! a great deal. Be but won to Christ, and we are made. Make haste to heaven, that you and we may meet joyfully before the throne of God and the Lamb. 3. Pray for us. How often and how earnestly doth Paul beg the prayers of the Churches! And if he did so, much more should we beg them, and you grant them; for our necessities and weaknesses are greater than his.’ “I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” (Romans xv. 30).
And now I have done. I have but probed, a little way down, some of our wounds. Many have not been approached, as, for instance, the too easy admitting of persons to the sealing ordinances of the Church. And many aggravations of our sins I have not touched—such as the attainments, the vows and sufferings of our forefathers. I believe, however, that if the wounds which have been approached were only in the course of thorough probing and healing, all others would follow, by the Lord’s good hand upon us, in due time. As for the devotions of this day, everything we need may, I think, be summed up in these two passages of scripture: (Zechariah xii. 10), “I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born.” (Isaiah, vi. 1-8), “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the Seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. . . Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I
am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the Seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me.”
May the Lord give us understanding in all things; and to His name be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, world without end. Amen.
Lord Inchcape and Christian Missions *
IT would be well for all of us at all times who have a heart interest in the Gospel to remember by whose authority Missions were instituted, and the mode of their spread throughout the world. The adorable Redeemer as He was about to ascend to take His seat on the Father’s right hand in the glory of His Person and finished work, said:—”All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. xxviii. 18). “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark xvi. 15-16). “He said unto His disciples, Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke xxiv. 46-48). Such are the words of
*The above was written for a Missionary Society which was bringing out a pamphlet on Lord Inchcape’s recent foolish utterance on Christian Missions. Only part of the letter was published, but we give it in full. As for Lord Inchcape’s indiscreet deliverance, it has fitly been described by Sir Valentine Chirol, author of the “Far Eastern Question,” and for some time one of the Editorial Staff of “The Times,” as “the sort of attack one more often hears from the meaner type of Europeans frequenting the bar of a Shanghai Club.”—Editor.
the great Commission given by the respective evangelists, and there is no discord between them. The disciples were to “go”—not to remain in Jerusalem and start a great institution and invite the world to visit it to see the great light that had broken into it. No, the Gospel had to be made known in all lands, without money or price. This is what is being done by all true missionaries and ministers of the Cross to-day, and they will not be disturbed nor moved one iota from their loved work by the diatribes of all earth’s potsherds put together. How madly daring are the utterances of Lord Inchcape and his anti-missionary fraternity in face of the above words from the lips of Him who spake as never man spake, and who gave Himself for the redemption of sinners, and who will see with satisfaction of His soul’s travail, in the ingathering to His Name through the preached Gospel, peoples from all nations, kindreds, and tongues.
Believing the great truths of the Gospel when we went to China nearly 45 years ago, one felt very favourably disposed towards the missionaries, and although our occupation was commercial, it was very pleasant and refreshing to go amongst them during spare time. One always felt that the truly evangelical among them were engaged in the highest and most honourable work on earth—instrumentally bringing of those in heathen darkness into the light and liberty that only the Gospel of God’s grace affords to the children of men, wherever situated. We never knew any reason during a fairly long residence in China to alter our convictions, and they are as strong to-day, perhaps stronger, than ever, that the only hope for raising humanity is the glorious Gospel of the grace of God, “impugn it whoso list,” as John Knox would say.
Lord Inchcape, in attributing to the work of the missionaries what is in reality the evil doings of the Russian Soviet and other wicked and unreasonable men, who have no faith, shows his lack of knowledge of China and of the Gospel of Christ.—Alexander Ross.
Notes and Comments.
“The Curse of the Highlands.”—These are the words used by Dr Norman Maclean, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, at the Highland Breakfast in the Oak Hall, Princes Street, Edinburgh, in his reference to the ecclesiastical divisions
in the Highlands. Now, who began these divisions? Was it not the wrong and strong-headed policy of a lifeless Modernism that was the real cause? The Church of Scotland, with its skeleton congregations, might have cleared out of many a parish in the Highlands for all that attended the services of the Parish Church, but sustained by the Church’s patrimony the Church of Scotland clung to the fabrics and in course of time made it possible for one of her Moderators to bemoan the condition of things which his own Church had more than a hand in bringing about.
Held Over.—Owing to pressure on our space by the Synod Report we have had to hold over a number of articles already set up, including “The Trouble at Princeton Theological Seminary” and the first of a series of articles on the attitude of Christians to Freemasonry. The discussion at the Synod on this subject has called forth considerable criticism from many quarters. Meantime we direct the attention of our ministers and missionaries and all others interested to a booklet which throws considerable light on the subject—”The Menace of Freemasonry to the Christian Faith, by the Rev. C. Penney Hunt, B.A., Linden House, Manor Lane, Shipley, Yorks (Price 1s, post free).
Sabbath Trading.—Mr A. E. Wiltshire, Secretary of the Scottish Federation of Grocers and Provision Merchants, in giving evidence at the Home Office inquiry into the working of the Shops (Early Closing) Act, said that Glasgow and Dundee were the worst cities in Scotland for Sabbath trading. He stated that nearly six thousand shops opened all day on Sabbath in Glasgow and district. These were mostly small dairies, green-grocers, and ice-cream shops. Very few were legitimate grocers’ shops, but the others mentioned were becoming shops for the sale of groceries on the Sabbath. In a special article a writer in the “Glasgow Herald” (20th May) says that Mr Wiltshire’s figures include garages and tattooing saloons. He also points out that some of the shops opening on the Sabbath Day, as one would expect, are not above charging a higher price and giving under weight. The fines imposed by the Weights and Measures Department, though heavy, are readily paid so lucrative is the traffic. Between Sabbath trading and pleasure excursions on the Lord’s Day where is Scotland rushing to? The momentum in the downward course is increasing with each passing hour. What can we do but plead that the Lord would arise and defend His own cause.
Church Notes.
Communions.—July—First Sabbath, Raasay, Lairg, and Beauly; second, Tain, Staffin, and Tomanurd; third, Daviot, Halkirk, Fiasgadder and Rogart; fourth, Plockton and Bracadale; fifth, Farr (Sutherlandshire) and North Uist. August—First Sabbath, Dingwall; second, Portree and Stratherrick; third, Laide, Broadford, Bonar-bridge; fourth, Stornoway. September—First Sabbath, Ullapool; second, Strathy; third, Stoer. October—Second Sabbath, Gairloch; third, Scourie; fourth, Lochinver; fifth, Wick. South African Mission.—The following are the dates of the Communions:—Last Sabbath of March, June, September, and December. Note.—Notice of any additions to, or alteration of, the above dates of Communions should be sent to the Editor.
Mr John Murray, M.A., M.Th. (Princeton). — Mr Murray, who has now finished his theological studies at Princeton, and who has been supplying Detroit for the end of May and June, is expected home at the beginning of this month. In the report of Princeton Theological Seminary in a recent issue of “The Presbyterian,” we are pleased to see Mr Murray’s name among those who received the degree of Master of Theology. Mr Murray was also awarded the Gelston-Winthrop Fellowship in Theology.
Acknowledgment of Donations.
John Grant, Palmerston Villa, Millburn Road, Inverness, General Treasurer, acknowledges, with thanks, the following donations:—
SUSTENTATION FUND.—Mr Angus Mackay, Innisfail, Alta., Canada, £1 4s; Alex. Macpherson Bass, Upper Scotstown, Strontian, £1; Miss L. Graham, Culkein, Drumbeg, 3s; a Friend, Glasgow, £1; Peter Mackay, Seaforth, Ontario, 17s 2d; Miss M. Grant, Larigview, Aviemore, 12s; Mrs M. Mackenzie, Rockview House, Aultandoo, Garve, £1; Mrs M. Campbell, Clovelly Cottage, Kilmacolm, 10s.
AGED AND INFIRM MINISTERS’ AND WIDOWS’ FUND.—Miss K. Maclellan, Mile House, Newark, Callanish, 10s; Nurse Macinnes, The Hospital, Kinlochleven, 6s; Rodk. Mackenzie, Banavie, 7s.
HOME MISSION FUND.—Anon., per Rev. N. Cameron, £1; Alex. Rankin, Mamore Cottage, Fort-William, 5s.
JEWISH AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.—Rev. N. Cameron acknowledges gratefully, from Stornoway Sabbath School, for Kaffir Bibles, per Mr Donald Mackenzie, £4 15s 3d; from Friend, Kyle (for Jews), £1; Friend, Applecross, £1; Miss Young, Lochranza, Arran, 10s; Friend, Skye, £2; Mrs Mackenzie, Udrigle,
£2; Friend, Glasgow, £1. Per General Treasurer—A. Macdonald, Penkill, Sask., 8s 2d; Mrs Grant, Seaview, Badnaban, Lochinver, 4s; Peter Mackay, Seaforth, Ontario, £1 0s 5d; a Friend, Glasgow, £1.
The following lists have been sent in for publication:—
DUNOON CHURCH DEBT FUND.—Rev. N. Cameron acknowledges, with thanks, from Friend, Inverness, per Capt. Macleod, £1.
EDINBURGH CHURCH PURCHASE FUND.—Rev. N. Macintyre acknowledges, with sincere thanks, the following donations:—Arch. Stewart, Water-nish, £2; James Nicolson, Clydebank, 10s; Friend, Luss, £3. Mr A. Maclean, 16 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, acknowledges, with sincere thanks, the following:—Per Capt. K. K. Macleod,—Friend, Stornoway, £1; D. Macpherson, Kames, 10s; Friend, Inellan, 5s; M. S., Glasgow, 10s; Miss Macdonald, Inverness, £1; Friend, Daviot, £1; Friend do., 6s; Friend, do., 5s. Per Mr P. Anderson—Friend, Oban, £1. Per Mr James Mackay—Friend, Gairloch, 10s; young Highland Friend, £2.
GREENOCK CHURCH PURCHASE FUND.—Mr John Urquhart, 12 Lynedoch Street, Greenock, acknowledges, with grateful thanks, the following donations:—Per J. Macpherson, Port-Glasgow, £1 5s 6d; Friend, Breakish, Kyle, 6s; Miss Isa Macdonald, per Alex. Nicolson, £1; J. Mackenzie, Greenock, £1; Per Miss Nicolson, Greenock, £1 7s 6d. Per Mrs Macintyre, do., £2 12s; Friend, Ardresnich, Lochmore, in June issue, should read, “Friend, Ardresnich, Lochinver.”
The Rev. N. Cameron and the Kirk-Session and Congregation of Greenock desire to thank very gratefully all the Friends who contributed towards the discharge of the debt of £1500 on their Church—especially “Another Passer-by,” for the gift of £500—and they from their hearts desire to acknowledge the Lord’s goodness in the liberality with which the whole of this debt has been cleared off in two years, without departing from the rules laid down in God’s word for helping the Lord’s cause.
HELMSDALE CHURCH BUILDING FUND.—The Rev. W. Grant, Halkirk, acknowledges, with sincere thanks, the following donations:—”A True Friend,” £4; “Only More,” £1; “Friends,” Alberta, Canada, per Mr Wm. Mackay, £1 5s. Per Mr T. Adamson (Collecting Cards)—Archibald Crawford, Oban, £7 14s; A. Murray, of Glasgow and Brora, £4; Mr Macleod, Brora, £4 11s 6d.
WINNIPEG CHURCH BUILDING FUND.—Mr William Sinclair, 77 Walnut Street, Winnipeg, acknowledges, with sincere thanks, the following:—Per Mrs J. Ross (of Winnipeg), Applecross—Miss Maclellan, Lochend House, Milton, £1; Friends in Applecross, £5 8s 6d.