Report of Synod Meeting

THE Synod met this year at Inverness on Tuesday, the 17th day of May, at 6.30 p.m. Divine worship was conducted by the retiring Moderator, the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Portree, who preached from Jer. vi. 16—”Thus saith the Lord: stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Thereafter the Synod was duly constituted. There was a large attendance of the general public.

The following members were present:—SOUTHERN PRESBYTERY—Revs. Neil Cameron and Neil Macintyre, ministers, with Messrs Captain K. K. Macleod, Edinburgh; Alexander Macleod, Glasgow, ruling elders. NORTHERN PRESBYTERY—Revs. D. Beaton (Clerk), E. Macqueen, William Grant, Finlay Macleod, and Donald J. Matheson, ministers, with Messrs Malcolm Fraser, Dornoch; Samuel Fraser, Dingwall; James Campbell, ruling elders. WESTERN PRESBYTERY—Revs. Murdo Morrison, D. M. Macdonald (Moderator), James Macleod, Malcolm Gillies, John MacLachlan, Roderick Mackenzie, ministers, with Messrs Duncan Matheson, Portree; Murdo Macleod, Lochinver; Alexander MacKenzie, Ullapool; John Macdonald, Gairloch; Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig; John Campbell, Glendale, ruling elders.

The Roll was then called, and a letter of apology from the Rev. Duncan Mackenzie, Kames, was intimated by the Clerk.

After the minutes of last sederunt were read and approved, the Clerk stated that it was to be distinctly understood that the Report of the Synod, which appeared in the Magazine, was not the official record of the Synod’s proceedings, for these could not be recognised as such until approved by the Synod.

Mr John Ross was then appointed Officer of Court, and agreed to perform the duties of the same.

The Moderator then intimated that his term of office had come to an end, and thanked the Synod for

their forbearance with him during his term of office. It was then moved by the Rev. Murdo Morrison, and seconded by Mr James Campbell and unanimously agreed to, that the Rev. R. MacKenzie, M.A., Gairloch, be appointed Moderator for the ensuing year.

The following members were appointed to examine the Presbytery Records:—Revs. M. Gillies and R. Mackenzie to examine Northern Presbytery Records; Revs. E. Macqueen and D. J. Matheson to examine Southern Presbytery Records; Revs. N. Cameron and N. Macintyre to examine Western Presbytery Records; and Revs. N. Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald to examine Synod Records.

It was moved by Rev. D. Beaton, seconded by Rev. M. Gillies, and unanimously agreed to, that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a tribute to the late Rev. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall—Revs. N. Cameron, E. Macqueen, and M. Morrison. The Rev. E. Macqueen moved, and Mr Finlay Macdonald seconded, that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a similar tribute to the late Rev. D. Graham, Shieldaig:—Revs. Neil Macintyre, D. M. Macdonald, and James Macleod.

It was reported that the following students—Messrs John Murray, D. Urquhart, and Robert Sinclair—were now finished with their theological course, and that after passing their final theological examinations, they would, on making application to their respective Presbyteries, be taken on trial for licence.

It was moved by the Rev. Neil Cameron and seconded by the Rev. John MacLachlan that the Rev. D. M. Macdonald be asked to send his sermon to the Magazine for publication. Mr Cameron remarked that he had listened to the sermon with pleasure, as he was sure the other members of the Synod had done. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

It was decided that the members of Synod meet as a Business Committee and as a Committee on Bills and Overtures on Wednesday, the 18th May, in the Manse, at 11 a.m., and that the next sederunt of the Synod meet (D.V.) in the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, on the same day at 5 p.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

Second Sederunt.

The Synod met according to terms of adjournment on Wednesday night, in the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, at 5 p.m.

The following members were present:—SOUTHERN PRESBYTERY. — Revs. N. Cameron, N. Macintyre, and

D. A. Macfarlane, ministers, with Messrs Captain K. K. Macleod, Edinburgh, and Alexander Macleod, Glasgow, ruling elders. NORTHERN PRESBYTERY.—Revs. D. Beaton (Clerk), E. Macqueen, W. Grant, F. Macleod, D. J. Matheson, ministers, with Messrs Malcolm Fraser, Dornoch; Samuel Fraser, Dingwall; and James Campbell, Inverness, ruling elders. WESTERN PRESBYTERY.—Revs. M. Morrison, D. M. Macdonald, James Macleod, Malcolm Gillies, John MacLachlan, Roderick MacKenzie (Moderator), Donald Macdonald, ministers, with Messrs John Macleod, Tarbert; Duncan Matheson, Portree; Murdo Macleod, Lochinver; Alexander MacKenzie, Ullapool; John Macdonald, Gairloch; Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig, and John Campbell, Glendale, ruling elders.

After the roll was called the minutes of previous sederunt were read and approved of. An apology for absence was intimated from Rev. D. N. Macleod, Ullapool.

The Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the Moderator be appointed according to seniority of ordination, and that the Clerk be instructed to arrange according to this order. This was seconded by the Rev. E. Macqueen and unanimously agreed to.

The Rev. N. Cameron, as Convener of the Committee appointed to prepare a history of the Free Presbyterian Church, reported that, while he had read a good deal in connection with the proposed history, he had, as yet, nothing definite to lay before the Synod. He made the suggestion that the Committee be re-appointed and begged leave to move to that effect. This was seconded by the Rev. William Grant, and unanimously agreed to.

The Clerk read a communication from Inverness Kirk-Session intimating that they had carried out the Synod’s instructions in reference to Miss Grant. A motion was moved and duly seconded that the matter be brought now to an end as far as the Synod was concerned. An amendment to this was ruled out of order by the Moderator. The Rev. William Grant entered his dissent.

The order of business drawn up by the Synod’s Business Committee was then followed.

1. Theological Committee’s Report.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener, gave in the following report:—”We are, as a Church this year, in a position in which we have not been hitherto. We have had five more ministers added to our number, but

on the other hand we lost two of our oldest ministers by death. Mr Macfarlane, Dingwall, the man who stood alone at the beginning in defence of sound doctrine and principles, and, who with the late Rev. Donald Macdonald, Shieldaig, formed the Free Presbyterian Church, along with God-fearing elders, was an outstanding man among us. Of course, Mr Macfarlane had come to a good old age; in fact, I believe he was the oldest minister preaching in Scotland, and we could not expect him to be left longer with us; yet, we do miss him. Mr Graham, Shieldaig, was a much younger man. His case is also exceptional inasmuch as he was the second minister in succession of the charge who died at Shieldaig. He was a man much loved by many of the Lord’s people. He much longed for home before he was taken. Now instead of the two the Lord of the Harvest gave us five, and if they don’t yet come up to the first two, they are in the same school and under the same Teacher; He can make them what those were. All the students had good marks at their examinations, and, we trust, they all have saving grace, and seeing that this is so, we have great reason to praise the Lord and take courage. We have four students ready for licence, so we may say in truth with the Psalmist—”The Lord of us hath mindful been.” We may also add for the information of our people that it was reported at the Synod’s Business Committee that we have the prospect of new students coming forward.”

The following subjects for the final theological examination with the examiners in the respective subjects were then appointed, viz.:—Church History—Hetherington’s “History of the Church of Scotland,” from 1638 to 1688; Witherow’s “Apostolic Church—Which is it?” Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms: Examiner—Rev. N. Cameron. New Testament Greek—The Gospel according to John: Examiner—Rev. D. A. Macfarlane. This was moved by the Rev. James Macleod, seconded by the Rev. William Grant, and unanimously agreed to. It was decided that the examiners arrange with the students as to the date of examination.

2. Theological Tutor’s Report.

The Rev. D. Beaton, Theological Tutor, gave in the following report:—”During last session, according to arrangement made by the Presbyteries, the following work was prescribed for our students, Messrs D. Urquhart, R. Sinclair, and D. Macleod, viz., Hodge on

I. Corinthians, A. A. Hodge’s Class Book on the Confession of Faith, and Sir Henry Moncrieff’s Practice of the Free Church. The students did their work as well as could be expected, when it is borne in mind that their time is so much taken up with pulpit preparation and other duties. Two of these students have now finished their theological curriculum, viz.:—Messrs D. Urquhart and R. Sinclair.”

3. Annual Financial Statement.

In the absence of the General Treasurer, Mr John Grant, through illness, the statement was read by the Rev. William Grant. The funds generally were in a healthy state. The Sustentation Fund showed a balance of £7276 17s 2d, as compared with £5663 19s 6d last year. This, though the largest balance we have yet had, is not a real balance, owing to the fact, as was pointed out, that a great part of it was already due for salaries to ministers and missionaries. It was to get a true balance at the end of the financial year that a motion was brought forward later to have ministers and missionaries paid within the financial year. The other funds, which showed increases, were as follows:—Home Mission Fund, £64 9s 3d; Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Ministers’ Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, £42 6s 7d; College Fund, £40 2s 3d. The funds which showed decreases were as follows:—Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund, £64 0s 9d; Organisation Fund, £27 5s 2d. In connection with the latter fund there are certain payments made to meet the travelling expenses of deputies to Winnipeg, which are to be refunded. The General Treasurer reported that, in addition to sums mentioned in the statement, he had in hand £50 to meet expenses of deputy to Australia; and £10 5s 3d from a friend, Detroit, with a promise of further help, to meet expenses of deputy to Detroit. The adoption of the report was moved by the Rev. Neil Cameron. He said he had much pleasure in moving the adoption of the interesting and encouraging report to which they had listened. It showed the Lord’s kindness and goodness to us, and the history of our Church abundantly proved that if we remained faithful to Him He would not let us lack. It had been proved beyond the power of doubt that whenever there was a move among us away from the principles for which the Free Presbyterian Church stood, immediately there was a drop in the funds. This was the case in 1906 when some of our ministers were agitating for union with the Free

Church. The salaries of the ministers had to be reduced. When the agitation ceased by the departure of these men, then the people responded to the financial claims of the Church as they had done before. Mr Cameron made touching reference to the great loss sustained by the removal of the Revs. D. Macfarlane and D. Graham, adding that opportunity would be given later on to make a fuller reference, but that he could not sit down without mentioning the loss we had sustained. Mr Macfarlane occupied a position unique among us, but while that was so, he was not forgetful of the loss sustained by Mr Graham’s removal. He had much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report and, in doing so, wished to acknowledge the Lord’s kindness to us as a Church. He also desired to thank the General Treasurer, and the auditors for their work, and moved that the latter be re-appointed. The motion was seconded by Mr James Campbell, and unanimously adopted.

(1). The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved, and the Rev. James Macleod seconded, that in future congregations in giving a call to a minister be expected to give a promise of subscribing not less than £120 to the Sustentation Fund. This was unanimously agreed to.

(2). The Rev. Ewen Macqueen said, in view of what had been pointed out about the balance at 31st March, he moved that the ministers and missionaries in future be paid quarterly and within the financial year ending 31st March. This was seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron and unanimously agreed to.

4. Foreign Mission Report.

This Report, which is printed on another page, was given in by the Rev. Neil Cameron. The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. Malcolm Gillies, who said there was scarcely any phase of the Church’s work that awakened so much interest as her work in connection with the evangelisation of the heathen. The Lord had given them tokens of His favour in blessing His Word, and as they thought of the numbers already gathered in the words of Scripture came to his mind: “Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro?” The favour shown us by the Lord in South Africa is an encouragement to us not to be weary in well-doing, and as our responsibilities increase there is a call to renewed diligence and zeal to meet the new burdens laid upon us as a Church. He had much

pleasure in moving the adoption of the Report and in thanking the Convener and the Foreign Mission Committee for their labours. The motion was seconded by Mr John Campbell, elder, and unanimously agreed to.

(1). A letter was read by the Rev. N. Cameron from Dr R. Macdonald (a native of Applecross), Dalmally, offering his services as a medical missionary to the Church. Mr Cameron said he had made inquiries as to the amount of salary paid by the Government of Rhodesia to qualified medical men, but there was no time yet to receive a reply. The Government grant would be a great help in paying Dr Macdonald’s salary.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen said he was sure that all would be gladdened by Dr Macdonald’s offer. Mr Macqueen said he had a talk with Dr Macdonald and asked if he had a mind of going as a missionary of the Church and he said he had. He had great pleasure in moving that this matter be left with the Foreign Missions Committee, and when they were in a position to report progress it would be expected that the Committee would communicate their decision to the three Presbyteries for their consideration. The motion was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod, and unanimously agreed to.

(2). Mr Cameron said he had a matter to bring before the Synod in connection with the questions put to elders and the formula signed at their ordination. The terms used in these questions and formula, as could be understood, were to a great extent unintelligible to the Matabeles. Mr Tallach had gone into the matter very thoroughly and simplified the questions and formula in a highly creditable way and sent home a copy of the simplified questions and formula with a translation. The simplified questions and formula were revised by the Committee and sent back to Mr Tallach for further consideration. The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod approve of what had been done by the Foreign Mission Committee, and that they be instructed to lay the simplified questions and formula as finally agreed upon by them before the Synod for its approval. This was seconded by Mr Malcolm Fraser, and unanimously agreed to.

(3). A letter was read by the Clerk from Mr Isidore Reuter requesting that he might be sent to Palestine to labour among the Jews. The Rev. Donald Macdonald moved that it is not considered advisable to grant Mr Reuter’s request, but that the grant of £26 from the Foreign Mission Fund be continued to him. This was seconded by Mr Duncan Matheson and unanimously agreed to.

(4). The Rev. Neil Cameron reported that as Mr Donald Urquhart was now finished with his theological course the question arose as to his being sent as a missionary to the Jews. The Foreign Mission Committee had come to no decision as to where Mr Urquhart would labour. They were waiting in the hope of a door being opened in the Lord’s providence. He had thought in the event of no such opening occurring it would be advisable to ask Mr Urquhart, after he had been licensed and ordained to go to Australia for not less than a year to supply services to our people there. The question of travelling expenses was a rather serious matter, as the return fare was £170, which added to the salary of a minister (£220) would make it a very heavy burden on their Australian friends. If a placed minister were sent the expense would not be so great as he would have the salary paid by the home church, and his place would be to a great extent supplied by missionaries. Their Australian friends had already sent £50 to meet travelling expenses, etc. The Rev. D. Beaton moved that in the event of no door opening in the near future for Mr Urquhart going as a missionary to the Jews that he be asked to go to Australia for not less than a year, and failing this that the Rev. James Macleod be asked to go to Australia. This was seconded and unanimously agreed to.

5. Report on Religion and Morals.

This excellent Report was given in by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, but owing to its length and the pressure on our space, and as we wish to give it in whole we regret we cannot give it this month. It will (D.V.) appear in our next issue. The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. D. J. Matheson, who said that they listened with deep and sustained interest to the very instructive and informative Report given in by Mr Macdonald. Some of the departures from Scriptural ways and customs referred to by Mr Macdonald could not help but sadden them, and what he had told them of the kind of teaching given by Communists to the young in their so-called “Sunday” schools was specially saddening. Captain K. K. Macleod said he had great pleasure in seconding the Report. He said that as far as Sabbath desecration was concerned, it was greatly on the increase. The latest statistics showed that in the city of Glasgow there were 5188 shops open on the Lord’s Day, and most of these by our own countrymen; but not only were the shops open, but motor cars were employed by these shopkeepers, fitted out

with teas and ice-cream, to follow the crowds of Sabbath desecrators on pleasure bent into the country. Four years ago, when he came to Edinburgh, in a certain locality where there was only one shop open on the Sabbath, there are now four. The motion was unanimously adopted.

6. The Canadian Mission Report.

This Report, which appears on another page, was given in by the Rev. Neil Macintyre. The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. James Macleod. He said our people had to contend with many things in Canada that we in this country did not know about, and he considered that our people in the Dominion should receive every encouragement from the home Church. He had much pleasure in moving the adoption of the Report, and in thanking the Convener and the Committee for the interest taken in the Canadian mission field. The report was seconded by Mr Samuel Fraser and unanimously adopted.

7. Reports of Examiners on Presbytery Records.

The Revs. E. Macqueen and D. J. Matheson reported that they had examined the Southern Presbytery Records, and that they found them neatly kept and in order. The Rev. M. Gillies gave in a similar report on the Northern Presbytery Records. The Revs. N. Cameron and N. Macintyre reported that they had examined the Western Presbytery Records, and that they found them correct, with the exception of a few minutes which had not been signed. Revs. N. Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald reported that they had examined the Synod Records, and found them correct.

8. Editor’s Report on the Magazine.

The Report was given in by the Rev. D. Beaton as follows:—

“The circulation of the Magazine is steadily increasing. About 3150 copies are now printed every month, and even with this number our issues are frequently sold out. It is gratifying to know that our Magazine with its message is going to all parts of the world, and from letters received it is evidently very highly appreciated by great numbers who have no connection with the Free Presbyterian Church.

“According to the promise made at last Synod, the price of the Magazine has been again reduced, and is now only fifty per cent. above the pre-War price, notwithstanding that printing costs three times as much. This is the second reduction made by the Committee since 1921, and when it is borne in mind that the Magazine was restored to its pre-War size by the addition of eight pages, it will be seen that the Committee are doing for the Magazine what very few have done in connection with the religious periodicals of the country. The price of the great majority of these is still double the pre-War rate. As to further increase in size of Magazine, the Committee are meantime handicapped by the postal rates, but, in the event of a reduction in these, the advisability of adding another eight pages to the Magazine will receive the Committee’s attention.

“As Editor I have to sincerely thank all those, ministers and others, who have helped me by sending literary contributions. Some of these have not been printed, while others are held in reserve, but whether printed or not, the Editor desires to express his sincere gratitude to the senders. Perhaps our ministers, trained as they are to the use of the pen, might do a little more than they are doing. It is a noticeable fact that it is the men, generally speaking, who have most work as ministers, that are most helpful as contributors to the Magazine. The Committee, through the Editor, would also take this opportunity of thanking Mr Cameron for his superintendence of the Gaelic section of the Magazine.

“The financial side of the Magazine is in a healthy condition. Notwithstanding the reduction in price, the balance this year is almost the same as last year. The Free Distribution Fund, however, is not meeting the demands made on it, and we are sure, when this is pointed out to our readers, that the leeway will be made up.

“The work of editing a Church Magazine is not without its cares, but it gives one pleasure to be able to do something in connection with a good cause, seeking to serve the best of Masters. We have long since given up the foolish notion of an inexperienced and untried youth that it is possible to please everybody, but with earnest endeavour to serve the Church and the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ask the prayers of the Lord’s people to bless the work in so far as it is done in His name and for His glory.”

The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. James Macleod. He said he had much pleasure in doing so. We ought to be thankful that we are kept in accordance with the teaching of the Word of God, and he was sure it was the aim of their worthy Editor to keep within

the bounds of the teaching of God’s Word in his editorial labours. The motion was seconded by Mr Murdo Macleod, and unanimously agreed to.

The Editor said a desire had been expressed that our Missionaries should have free copies of the Church Magazine, and he had pleasure in suggesting to the Synod that this request be granted, as the funds of the Magazine would allow this. The Rev. William Grant moved to this effect, and the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane seconded. The motion was unanimously adopted.

9. Report of East Coast Mission.

Mr Angus Mackinnon gave in the following Report, which was read by Rev. M. Gillies :—

“At the request of the East Coast Mission Supply Committee, I left for Great Yarmouth on the 5th October. Arrangements had been made beforehand, so that the same place of worship and lodgings were available as last year.

“We kept two services on the Sabbaths, and meetings on Monday and Saturday evenings. The attendance was equally as good as last year, and the people were as willing as formerly to contribute according to their means. I was only able to give them one service at Lowestoft, owing to the circumstances of the friends stationed there, but they did their own part to defray expenses.

“It pleased the Most High in His providence to blow upon the endeavours of the fishing people at Yarmouth, so that the fishing, from a commercial point of view, was a failure. Many of those who went there were not able to pay the passage home, and had to depend on others.

“In the circumstances, the friends there are to be praised for the earnest effort they made to meet the cost of the Mission. The expenses were £23, and the contributions for the five weeks were £18, so that we were £5 short.

“We hoped to be able to pay our way as last year, but were disappointed in this. May the Lord grant that the efforts put forth by the Church to provide means of grace for the fishing people at Yarmouth be to His glory and work for the eternal good of precious souls.”

The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen, and seconded by Rev. Finlay Macleod, and unanimously adopted.

10. Appointment of Church Standing Committees.

It was moved by the Rev. Finlay Macleod, and seconded by Mr Malcolm Fraser, that the following be appointed members of the respective Standing Committees:—

1. Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee—Revs. E. Macqueen (Convener), D. M. Macdonald, and D. A. Macfarlane.
2. Finance Committee—Revs. N. Cameron (Convener), E. Macqueen, D. M. Macdonald, and Mr James Campbell. Mr John Grant, General Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.
3. Canadian Mission Committee—Revs. N. Macintyre (Convener), D. M. Macdonald, M. Morrison, and M. Gillies.
4. Jewish and Foreign Mission Committee—Revs. N. Cameron (Convener), N. Macintyre, D. A. Macfarlane.
5. Church Magazine Committee—The Editor (Convener), with the Clerks of the three Presbyteries ex officio.
6. Religion and Morals Committee—Revs. D. M. Macdonald (Convener), M. Morrison, D. A. Macfarlane, Wm. Grant.
7. Synod’s Business Committee—Moderator, with Synod Clerk and the Clerks of the three Presbyteries ex officio.

11. Church Collections.

It was moved by the Rev. John Maclachlan, and seconded by Captain Macleod, 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 the Rev. Ewen Macqueen; (2) College Fund in August—notice to be sent by the Rev. E. Macqueen; (3) Organisation Fund in September—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. Beaton; (4) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection by book from house to house in October—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron; (5) General Church Building Fund in December—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. Beaton; (6) Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund in February 1928; Home Mission Fund in April 1928—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron. Mr Maclachlan, in making the above motion, expressed a hope that those responsible for sending out the notices would send them earlier, as some of them in distant places did not get them until well on in the month.

12. Business from Presbyteries.

WESTERN PRESBYTERY.—The remit from this Presbytery, asking the separation of Raasay from Broadford, Elgoll, and Luib, was granted. It was moved in this connection by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, and seconded by the Rev. James Macleod, that the congregation of Raasay be given power to call a minister on condition that they promise not less than £120 to the Sustentation Fund. This was unanimously agreed to. Mr Macdonald made reference to a petition which had been sent to their Presbytery in reference to the Church property in Raasay, but, as the Synod had already given its decision on this matter, it was considered settled.

NORTHERN PRESBYTERY.—A remit from this Presbytery, requesting the union of Dingwall and Beauly as a joint congregation, was read. It was moved by the Rev. D. Beaton, seconded by Mr Finlay Macdonald and unanimously agreed to, that the request be granted.

SOUTHERN PRESBYTERY.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre, as interim-Moderator of the London Mission, intimated that a request had been presented by our people there to have London sanctioned as a charge, with power to call a minister. The Rev. Neil Cameron moved that London be sanctioned as a regular charge, and when they were in a position to promise £120 to the Sustentation Fund, they could call a minister. He said their Church had an interest in the London Mission, and they would like to encourage their people there. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

13. Competent Business.

1. GIFT OF THE LATE REV. D. MACFARLANE’S BOOKS.—A letter was read from Messrs Duncan and Duncan, solicitors, Dingwall, intimating that Mrs Macfarlane, as executrix of her late husband, gifted the books which were in the study to the Free Presbyterian Church for the use and benefit of students in connection with the Church. The Synod, on the motion of Rev. D. M. Macdonald, seconded by the Rev. Neil Cameron, decided that the Clerk be instructed to write Messrs Duncan and Duncan accepting the gift, and thanking Mrs Macfarlane.

2. LETTER FROM MR ANGUS MACKINNON.—A letter was read from Mr Angus Mackinnon, missionary, asking for increase of salary owing to his circumstances. The Clerk of the Western Presbytery was instructed to

write Mr Mackinnon to find out what he meant by a certain expression in his letter.

1. LETTER FROM MR HECTOR CAMPBELL.—Mr Hector Campbell, Scorraig, wrote requesting the Synod to take into consideration his special circumstances, being employed during the week and having to conduct the services on Sabbath. The Rev. James Macleod moved, and the Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded, that Mr Campbell be granted £10 as last year.

2. TALLISKER CONGREGATION.—The Rev. D. M. Macdonald brought forward a request from this congregation, asking the Synod to stand security for a loan owing to the high rate of Bank interest. The Synod suggested to the Tallisker congregation to try to negotiate a private loan meantime.

3. WIDOWS’ FUND ALLOCATIONS.—It was moved by the Rev. E. Macqueen, seconded by the Rev. M. Morrison and unanimously agreed to, that the following sums be allocated:—Mrs Sinclair, £40; Mrs Macfarlane, £35; Mrs Graham, £35; Mrs Radasi, £30; Mrs Radasi’s Children (five), £35.

4. FREEMASONRY AND MEMBERS OF THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—The Rev. D. A. Macfarlane asked what was the relation of the Church to Freemasonry. Could a Freemason be admitted to the membership of the Church? The Rev. E. Macqueen said he did not see how they could refuse to admit a man who had been converted, although he was a Freemason, but, at the same time, they as a Church should make it quite clear that they deprecated any of their people joining such a secret society as the Freemasons. They were very much against that. The Rev. James Macleod said he had a talk with a Freemason recently, who was convinced in his conscience that it was not right for a Christian to have anything to do with Freemasonry, and he asked him if he ever found it a sin or a guilt to have anything to do with Freemasonry. The man replied—”Yes, I will regret to my dying day that I ever joined it, but I did it through ignorance.” Mr Macleod further said he did not and could not countenance secret oaths, neither did he believe the oath of Masonry was binding on the conscience. The Rev. D. Beaton said he had heard it said that one could be a Mohammedan or a Deist and yet a Freemason. While it was almost impossible to get at the secrets of Freemasonry, there was one fact that spoke very emphatically to him, viz., that he had known a few enthusiastic Freemasons who were done forever

with Freemasonry when they were converted. For worldly-minded men to see no harm in it, as in a thousand other things that Christians see harm in, was what might be expected; but, as professing Christians, we should not be influenced in our judgment by such men. He had also been informed that Christ’s name was not mentioned in the committal service of the dead, and, in order to test this, he once attended such a service, and throughout the long service and ritual, as far as he could make out, Christ’s name was not once mentioned. In such a connection and on such an occasion, though he did not approve of burial services, it was surely a serious matter for any Christian that the name of Him who brought life and immortality to light should not be mentioned. Captain Macleod, Edinburgh, said he had been informed that the name of the Lord was omitted, so as not to give offence to the Jews, and, therefore, the Free Presbyterian Church should not tolerate such a thing. The Rev. D. M. Macdonald asked, may I take it for granted that our position is that anybody who wishes to become a member of our Church must be told, if it is known that he is a Freemason, that he must cut his connection absolutely with Freemasonry? The question was received by an enthusiastic hear! hear!

1. SYNOD’S INSTRUCTIONS RE PREACHING ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHURCH.—The Rev. James Macleod asked, was it the case that all our ministers were faithfully carrying out these instructions? Most of the ministerial members of the Synod intimated that they did so. The Rev. D. Beaton called attention to the annual rumours that this one or that one of our ministers was going over to the Free Church. These rumours shook the confidence of our people, as they have had unpleasant experience on more than one occasion of such departures. It would be an act of kindness on the part of those who heard such rumours to write to the minister or ministers whose names are mentioned, with the names and addresses of the persons from whom they had their information, and this might have the effect of effectually stopping many an untruthful rumour.

2. MR DONALD MACLEOD, DIVINITY STUDENT. — The Rev. William Grant moved, and the Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded, that the Synod accept Mr Donald Macleod’s theological curriculum, and that he sit his final theological examination with the other students.

The Synod decided to meet again (D.V.) at Glasgow, on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of May 1928,

in the hall of St. Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, at 6.30 p.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.