Report of Synod Proceedings.\

FIRST SEDERUNT.

THE Synod met at Inverness, on Tuesday, 19th May. There was a considerable number of the public present at the opening proceedings. The retiring Moderator, Rev. Finlay Macleod, Dornoch, preached from Rev. ii. 10—”Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.” After divine worship was over the Synod was constituted and the roll called. The following members were present: Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Macintyre, Donald Beaton (Clerk), James A. Tallach, ministers; with Messrs. Neil Macswan and Peter Anderson, ruling elders. Northern Presbytery—Revs. Donald A. Macfarlane, M.A., William Grant, Finlay Macleod (Moderator), ministers; with Messrs. James Campbell, Malcolm Fraser, Inspector Sinclair, and Samuel Fraser, ruling elders. Western Presbytery—Revs. Murdo Morrison, Donald M. Macdonald, Malcolm Gillies, Roderick Macinnes, Donald R. Macdonald, Donald Macleod, ministers; with Donald Nicolson, Finlay Macdonald, John Macaulay, Murdo Macaskill, James Fraser, ruling elders.

Letters of apology were read from Rev. R. Mackenzie, Gairloch, and Mr. Kenneth Macdonald, Strathcanaird.

The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. Thereafter Mr. John Ross was appointed officer of court.

---

*This Report is not the official minutes of the Synod.—Editor.

Tribute to Rev. D. Mackenzie.—The Clerk intimated that since last meeting of Synod the Rev. Duncan Mackenzie, Kames, had passed away and he moved that a committee consisting of Revs. N. Macintyre, D. M. Macdonald, and William Grant, with Mr. Macintyre as Convener, be appointed to draw up a tribute to his memory to be entered in the records of the Synod and a copy to be sent to Mrs. Mackenzie. It was further added that notice be taken of the Synod Elders who had passed away during the year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Finlay Macdonald and unanimously agreed to.

The Moderator having intimated that his term of office was at an end and having thanked the Synod it was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that Rev. William Grant be appointed Moderator. Mr. Grant thanked the Court and took the Chair.

Appointment of Assistant-Clerk.—The Clerk called attention to the great increase of Synod work which was now almost double what it was when he took up the work. Last year Mr. Mackenzie gave much valued help but owing to the state of his health it would be impossible for him to render assistance this year. It was suggested by some of the members of Synod that Mr. Macintyre be asked to give assistance to the Clerk. Mr. Macintyre said that the Clerk certainly required help and he would have been only too willing to do what he could but his hands were already full with work. He moved that Mr. Gillies be appointed to assist the Clerk in the Synod work. This was seconded and unanimously agreed to.

Examination of Presbytery Records.—The Clerk moved that Revs. D. A. Macfarlane and Finlay Macleod be appointed to examine the records of the Western Presbytery; Revs. James Macleod and Malcolm Gillies to examine the Southern Presbytery records, and Revs. Neil Macintyre and James A. Tallach to examine the Northern Presbytery records. The Revs. N. Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald were appointed to examine the Synod records.

It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed to, that the Rev. Finlay Macleod be asked to send his sermon to the Magazine for publication.

The Clerk moved that the Synod as a Business Committee and Committee on Bills and Overtures meet (D.V.) at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 20th May, 1931, in the hall of the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church and that the Synod meet in the Church, Inverness, on the same day at 5.30 p.m.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod met in terms of adjournment on Wednesday, at 5.30 p.m., in the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness.

In addition to those present at the first sederunt the following were present:—Revs. Neil Cameron, James Macleod, John MacLachlan, ministers; with Messrs. John Macleod and Murdo Martin, ruling elders.

The minutes of first meeting were read and approved. Thereafter the Court proceeded to take up the various items of business as agreed upon at the Business Committee.

1. Proposed History of the Free Presbyterian Church.—The Rev. N. Cameron reported that he had not been able to do anything owing to ill health and that he thought the work should be taken up by someone else. He, however, was willing to do what he could this winter if his health permitted in revising what had already been written of the events leading up to the separation in 1893.

2. Theological Committee’s Report.—This was given in by the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane in the absence of Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener. The report is given on another page.

3. Theological Tutor’s Report.—The Rev. D. Beaton in giving in this report said there were two students—Messrs. Archibald Beaton and John Colquhoun—studying theology last session. The subjects dealt with were translations of sections of the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. Lectures were delivered on matters of interest in connection with the sections read in the class. Systematic Theology was studied from a text-book and occasional lectures were delivered. It

was not without fears the work was undertaken owing to what he had passed through last summer but he was glad to say that these fears were disappointed and he had to acknowledge that through the kindness of the Most High he felt stronger at the end of the session than he did at the beginning. The Rev. Neil Cameron moved that the Synod tender its thanks to Mr. Beaton for his tutorial work. It was not only Mr. Beaton who had fears as to how he would stand the strain of the tutorial work after his serious illness last summer but they were all pleased to learn that he felt better at the end of the session than at the beginning. The adoption of the report was seconded and unanimously agreed to.

1. Financial Statement.—This report was given in by the Rev. William Grant owing to the regrettable illness of his brother, the General Treasurer, whose illness at the time of the meeting of Synod engaged the prayerful concern and sympathy of the Church. The Sustentation Fund showed a balance of £8618 3s. 5d. as compared with £8124 5s. 9d. last year. The Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund balance was £2303 12s. 10d. as compared with last year’s balance £2334 6s. 7d., a decrease of £30 13s. 9d. The balance at the credit of the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ and Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund was £2057 17s. 9d. as compared with £1600 5s. 4d., an increase of £457 12s. 5d. The College Fund balance showed a balance of £203 9s. 8d. as compared with last year’s balance of £148 19s. 5d., an increase of £54 10s. 3d. The General Building Fund showed a balance of £63 10s. as compared with £38 13s. 6d. last year, an increase of £24 16s. 6d. The Organisation Fund balance was £25 2s. 9d. as compared with £15 9s. 6d. last year, an increase of £9 13s. 3d. The increase over last year’s total was £1569.

Mr. Cameron in rising to move the adoption of the Report said that the Church had once again good cause to render grateful thanks to the Lord for the way we were sustained in financial matters. When we separated in 1893, in order to maintain the truth of God in doctrine, worship and discipline,

all the funds we had, was the sum of £3 which had been given by a friend and put in the bank, in prospect of such a separation. Ever since then, the Most High had manifested His approval of our stand for the truth by giving the clearest proofs of His favour, in financial matters at least, whatever might be said of our condition spiritually.

Mr. Cameron said he had been led to consider lately the number of buildings, erected by the Church since the date of separation and had counted at least 74 buildings, the value of which could not be less than £40,000. There is not one in the Free Presbyterian Church that is in the least degree poorer by losing all the property of the Free Church of that day and by having set up all this property in its place. It shows plainly that if men will endeavour, in the strength of grace, to deal faithfully with the truth of God, He will support them fully in that endeavour.

Mr. Cameron then said that it gave him great pleasure in moving the adoption of the Report and to humbly acknowledge God’s goodness. He also wished to express the fullest sympathy with Mr. Grant in his illness and to say that no Church could wish to have a more efficient treasurer. He would also thank the auditors in the name of the Church once again for their services, so willingly given by them year after year.

Mr. Neil Maeswan, Elder, Glasgow, seconded the adoption of the Report and said that notwithstanding these hard times of depression and unemployment, our people had responded nobly to the funds of the Church. In thinking over these matters, the following passage of Scripture had come before his mind:—“Your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of these things. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” He had great pleasure in moving the adoption of the Financial Report.

Mr. Macfarlane’s Memoir.—The Rev. Neil Cameron called attention to the item in the Financial Statement under the Home Mission Fund which credits to the Fund £154 from “profit on sale of Rev. D. Macfarlane’s Memoir.” This sum had been

handed over to the Church by Mr. Beaton who had written the book, he had no doubt, as a labour of love, but it was the duty of the Synod to tender thanks to Mr. Beaton. At last Synod this had been overlooked. He had suggested at the private meeting that a sum of £25 should be given out of the above amount to him for his expenses but Mr. Beaton had refused to accept it as he had handed it over to the Church. He therefore moved that the thanks of the Synod be tendered to Mr. Beaton. This was seconded and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Beaton cordially thanked the Synod and added that in preparing the Memoir he had received much assistance from Mr. Kenneth Maciver’s MS. biography and also from Mr. Cameron whose knowledge of certain episodes in the ecclesiastical career of Mr. Macfarlane was highly valuable to him. There were still between 400 and 500 copies on hand and as all expenses had been met, with the exception of binding some of the copies, the proceeds from the sales would considerably augment the sum handed over to the Church.

Insurance of Missionaries.—The Rev. William Grant reported on the difficulties the Church had at present in connection with a sum of money, £517, which the Insurance Authorities claim from the Church. They declare that this sum is the total arrears that must be paid in order that our insured missionaries may be entitled to the pension at the age of 65. A considerable correspondence had been carried on between the General Treasurer, Mr. John Grant, and the Insurance officials and it seemed at one time, that they could not legally claim this money for arrears. It has now been discovered that part at least of this sum must be paid and it remained with the Synod to say what should be done. The Rev. Neil Cameron moved that a committee, consisting of Revs. D. Beaton (Convener) and William Grant with Mr. James Campbell, Inverness, and Lieutenant Macaskill, Glasgow, be authorised to wait upon the Chief Inspector in Glasgow, at an early date, and that full powers be given to them to settle this matter. Mr. Neil Maeswan, Glasgow, seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

Signing of Cheques.—Mr. Cameron also moved and Mr. James Campbell seconded: “That Mr. John Fraser, Collector of County Assessments, Inverness, be authorized to sign cheques during the indisposition of Mr. Grant, General Treasurer.

Arrangements during Mr. Grant’s illness.—Rev. D. A. Macfarlane moved that in connection with the General Treasurer’s illness, the Magazine Committee be given powers to provide all necessary help for the carrying on of the work of the Magazine and that Rev. William Grant be granted three weeks leave of absence from his Charge in order to supervise the financial affairs of the Synod. Rev. James A. Tallach, Kames, seconded, and the Synod agreed to these arrangements. Rev. R. MacKenzie, Gairloch, moved that the expenses of carrying out these arrangements be defrayed out of the Organization Fund. Rev. D. M. Macdonald seconded and this was agreed to.

1. Foreign Mission Report.—In order to make the Synod work lighter for Rev. Neil Cameron, Rev. M. Gillies, Assistant-Clerk, Stornoway, read the reports from Revs. John Tallach, Dr. Macdonald, and Donald Urquhart. Mr. Cameron then spoke about several matters which were referred to in the reports from South Africa. He explained that it was necessary for the Church to send out a white certificated male teacher to Ingwenya if our school there was to retain its status as a Higher Grade School and not to fall back to the condition of a Kraal School. The Committee had approached four teachers to find out if one of them would go out to fill this post but they had been unsuccessful in this so far. The Committee had not relaxed their efforts and hoped to be ultimately successful. The Government would pay two thirds of such a teacher’s salary, £200 for a qualified teacher and as much as £250 for one with the B.Sc. degree, and the Church would pay £100.

Mr. Cameron also dealt with the matter of Dr. Macdonald’s salary. He suggested that Dr. Macdonald be paid £75 per quarter and that an adjustment for refunding a certain amount be made at the beginning of April of each year when Dr. Macdonald received his Government grant. This was moved,

seconded, and agreed to. He suggested that Dr. Macdonald’s request for an allowance of £20 for medicines and £12 for the hospital be left with the Committee for consideration. This was moved, seconded, and agreed to. Mr. Cameron then referred to Nurse Mabel Radasi who is qualifying herself in the hospital and suggested that she be granted £10 in addition to the £5 she receives yearly from the Government. This was also unanimously agreed to.

He mentioned also the case of a student who had failed to pass his examination, and who had gone to study in an industrial school for two years, on account of the ruling that one is not allowed to sit the examination again after failure. The training in the Industrial School would be just as useful to the Mission as the other training. As the cost of this training would be £6 a year for two years, £12 had been sent on for this purpose.

Mr. Cameron expressed his sincere thanks and that of the Church to Mrs. Miller, Wick, and to all who have contributed for drugs and clothing and also to Mr. Reid, Chemist, Wick, who kindly supplies the medicines to Mrs. Miller at cost price.

Request for Leave of Absence.—The request of the Rev. John Tallach for leave to come home was brought before the Synod by Mr. Cameron. Mr. Tallach would be seven years in the mission field, he said, next November and Mr. Tallach had suggested that he and his family might be allowed to visit Scotland, leaving for home in April. Mr. Cameron pointed out that the Wilson Trust Fund would grant Mr. Tallach about £60 for his own personal use, provided that he would have ten years’ service in the Mission Field. Mr. Cameron moved that the Synod leave it to the Committee to lay this matter before Mr. Tallach. This was seconded by Rev. R. Mackenzie and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Cameron further pointed out that it was necessary that a white certificated teacher would have to be in charge of the school. This was moved, seconded, and agreed to.

Addition to Rev. John Tallach’s Salary.—Mr. Cameron moved that Mr. Tallach’s salary be raised £30 making it £250 per

annum. Rev. F. Macleod seconded this motion and said we did not feel it too much to give this increase.

1. Appeal from Glendale.—When this case came before the Synod, the Clerk explained the form of procedure in cases of appeals. Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Clerk of the Western Presbytery, gave the facts of the case to the Synod. He said that it was an Appeal by Mr. Alexander Campbell, Glendale, against the decision of the Glendale Session and the Western Presbytery. Mr. Campbell’s contention was that there was no scriptural warrant for allowing those who are not members in full communion to lead the public praise. He was asked to state his case before the Synod and did so and the Presbytery explained their reasons for supporting the decision of the Glendale session. After having given Mr. Campbell full liberty of replying to the statement of the Presbytery, the Synod deliberated as to their decision. Rev. Neil Cameron spoke about the mind of the Church in her best days as to the true meaning of Church membership which was that every baptised person was a member. Respectable and orderly men whose daily life adorned the Gospel were to be considered members even though they were not in full communion with the Church. On the other hand, those who were in full communion with Churches and who frequented concerts and balls as many of them do in our day are not members at all. This was the mind of those who spoke regarding the matter at issue. The question was then put to the Synod if this appeal should be sustained. Rev. Neil Macintyre moved that the appeal be not sustained and Rev. D. A. Macfarlane seconded. There was no amendment and Mr. Macintyre’s motion became the finding of the Synod. Mr. A. Campbell dissented from this finding but gave no reasons.

2. Communication from Free Church.—The documents sent by the Free Church asking the Synod to appoint a Committee to confer with the Committee of the Free Church about cooperation and union were read to the Synod.

Rev. Neil Macintyre moved the following resolution:—”The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland respectfully

acknowledge receipt of a communication from the Free Church Assembly, 1930, intimating that a Committee had been appointed to confer with the Reformed Presbyterian, Original Secession, and Free Presbyterian Churches with a view to co-operation or incorporating Union. The Synod would remind the Free Church Committee that in May, 1918, they submitted a Statement of some Differences in which it was plainly pointed out that until these differences were removed by the Free Church Assembly it would be futile to appoint a Committee to confer with the Free Church Committee. The Synod would seriously point out that inasmuch as the Free Church took no steps to have these differences removed, the Synod cannot consider a proposal for union or co-operation while these remain unremoved.

And further since the above Statement of Differences was submitted grave and serious reflections have been cast on the genuineness of certain passages of Scripture by some of the Free Church Professors which reflections were silently passed over by her, and other unscriptural and carnal practices indulged in, which place new obstacles in the way of co-operation and union.”

Mr. Macintyre said the communication of the Free Church showed an unhealthy state of mind and was an insult to the intelligence of the Synod. We sent them a Statement of Differences in 1918 which they have allowed to lie on the table. We are, it seems, expected to have forgotten these differences and our own action in connection with them. If the Free Church want to have an honourable and scriptural union with our Church, let them clear themselves of all the rubbish they have about them. It would be futile to entertain the idea of having a conference so long as these differences remained. Matters were not getting better. Other differences, even more serious than those that were pointed out then, were coming forward.

The Rev. James Macleod seconded the motion. He said that it was just a case of the spider and the fly; to go over to

the Free Church at present would mean that we would be swamped like those of our ministers who had already gone over. We had no reason to change or to be ashamed of our position.

Rev. R. Mackenzie said that there were such things as false and counterfeit unions as well as true and scriptural unions. As a Church we are not against union. There is no prejudice among us on that point. We are to plead for and seek after true union, but we know that false union will do infinite harm to the cause of Christ. Now-a-days, Unionism is the bed-fellow of Modernism and we must guard ourselves against such a combination. The Free Church tell us that we are wrong and that we better go back. We are not prepared to do that.

Rev. D. Beaton said that the overtures on union by the Free Church always puzzled him. Some of their prominent men wrote pamphlets and charged us with being schismatics. If we are schismatics and made a blunder in separating in 1893, which we certainly do not believe, then it is high time the Free Church acted in a different way towards us. The Free Church say there is no difference between us. Why then do they not come over to us if this is so? He thought it would be better if the Free Church left us alone and not be always re-iterating the no-difference cry for this only provoked the Free Presbyterians to point out the differences as occasion demanded.

Rev. N. Cameron said that from time to time they had declared that should a Church appear in Scotland holding their principles, that we would join them whatever name they bore, and would receive such a Church with open arms. The Free Church is not such a Church; they never were clear of doubt as to their faithfulness to the truth and they have departed more and more. We want honesty in word and deed and straightforward dealing and it is an insult for the Free Church to come and ask us to join them. We will not be content with words, we want actions, to speak as well as words.

Mr. Samuel Fraser, Strathpeffer, made a few remarks in which he referred to the clear sound testimony of the Free Presbyterian Church.

Mr. James Fraser, Gairloch, said that there was never a day in which the testimony of this Church was more needed. Last year in the Free Church Assembly the opening speech was embellished with a quotation from Burns and the Assembly was closed by another speech with another quotation from the same source. There were some in the Free Church whom they had at one time looked up to and revered but who had now gone far away from what they once were. Some among them denied that Mark wrote the last verses in that Gospel given by inspiration to him and by doing so, they placed themselves among the Higher Critics. Mr. Fraser concluded by saying: “It is not the ministers of our Church that are alone steadfast. Our rank and file are as steadfast in holding the true principles of the Church in Scotland and as a layman, I speak for them as well as for myself. Ministers left them before for the Free Church but the people remained steadfast.”

The motion became the unanimous finding of the Synod. At this stage the Synod adjourned to meet next day, Thursday, 21st May, at 5.30 p.m.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod met according to the terms of adjournment within the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church, on the 21st May, at 5.30 p.m.

The sederunt was the same as at previous meeting with the exception of Messrs. John Macleod, North Harris, and Murdo Martin, South Harris, who were absent.

1. Palestine Report.—The Report by the Rev. Donald Urquhart, Tel-Aviv, Palestine, which appears on another page, was read by Rev. M. Gillies, and Rev. D. A. Macfarlane, M.A., moved that this Report be adopted. He said that they had listened with great interest to the Report as it was read. Mr. Urquhart’s position was very peculiar and unique and his work was very much uphill. He and some others had thought at first that he might be able to do good among the Jews in one of our great cities. They had a difficulty at that time in being reconciled to Mr. Urquhart’s going out to labour in Palestine.

That feeling had now been got over and we follow him with our prayers and plead that the Lord would bless his labours abundantly. Mr. Urquhart had been led to use the two-fold means of setting up classes for tutorial work in the English language and of private conversation with individuals and with small companies of Jews. These means bring him very near the people. He would suggest that tracts and extracts from our Magazine, translated into Hebrew, if these were in Mr. Urquhart’s hands might be made useful with God’s blessing. Mr. Macfarlane said that we could only commend him to God and pray that his labours might be abundantly blessed. Rev. R. Mackenzie, M.A., seconded the motion and wished to associate himself with Mr. Macfarlane in all that was said about the difficulties and discouragements of the work. We should sympathise deeply with Mr. Urquhart and have him often on our spirit at the throne of grace.

Rev. N. Cameron said that he wished to bring two things before the Synod in connection with our work among the Jews. (1) A great change has come over the Jews regarding their views of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Formerly, He was to them the greatest of impostors, but now He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all their prophets. We ought to note that this makes a great difference. (2) There is now a wonderful opportunity in Palestine. Numerous Jews have been brought back to their own land and a large tract of territory has been assigned to them. Tel-Aviv is an important town near Joppa within this Jewish district, the inhabitants of which are almost all Jews, and there is no opposition as yet to our work by Roman Catholic or other sects. Mr. Urquhart takes a wise way in showing the emptiness of the Ceremonial Law: that the Jew is left without a Temple, without a Mercy Seat, Altar, or any other means pertaining to the Mosaic Ritual. These things can never be set up again for God has put them down. The Jews themselves admit they have no Blood to make atonement for the soul. They know not their priestly tribe; Levi has been scattered among his

brethren and to the ends of the earth. They had the genealogy of the priesthood at the time of the return from the Captivity. That genealogy is now completely lost and there are none who can lawfully officiate in the priesthood before God. The Jews own that their ancient way of approach has been closed to them and that they can have no forgiveness of their sins in their present cast-off condition. Mr. Urquhart does well in pressing home these points on all Jews with whom he comes into contact. Mr. Cameron said he concurred with the mover and seconder of this motion in what they had said about Mr. Urquhart and his difficult work being remembered at the throne of grace. He would urge upon all our people that they wrestle in prayer with God, at least, twice daily and oftener, that He would be pleased to acknowledge and bless the weak efforts of the Church in seeking the eternal good of God’s ancient people.

He pointed out that Mr. Urquhart has been paid on the same scale as the ministers at home, and he has been paying for the rooms he occupies out of his own pocket, which is a very expensive item of expenditure. Mr. Cameron said that out of a sum of money received from a friend, he had been able to send £50 to each of the missionaries in the Foreign Field. He now proposed that Mr. Urquhart’s salary should be raised £30 and he moved accordingly. Mr. Beaton said he seconded this proposal with the greatest pleasure. This was unanimously agreed to.

Rev. D. M. Macdonald wished to associate himself with all that had been said. Mr. Urquhart was giving good sound teaching and had a splendid grasp of Jewish problems to aid him in his work. Matters may not be very encouraging at present; it was the same at first with Paul and Silas at Philippi, but when the ears of a few are brought to listen to the Word, then success followed. He proposed that Mr. Beaton as Clerk of Synod send a message of sympathy and encouragement to Mr. Urquhart. This was agreed to.

1. Report on Religion and Morals.—Rev. D. M. Macdonald, Portree, gave in this report which appears on another page and

which was well received. Rev. Roderick Macinnes moved its adoption by the Synod. He said he had never lost his interest in the Magazine account of the Synod’s proceedings from year to year and of Mr. Maedonald’s report in particular. This Report indicated the state of the nation’s health, morally and spiritually. He could not but compare the strength our nation had in the days of Cromwell with its weakness and unreality to-day. The small nations are beginning to despise us. Sin is the reproach of any people; righteousness alone exalteth a nation. This is due to a large extent to the spiritual bankruptcy of the pulpit. If there is no vision the people perish. People are asking for bread and they are given a stone. The public press, as evidenced in the Monday papers, revealed the loss of life through Sabbath desecration by cars and other means. Men will find they cannot do without the Sabbath; they will go mad. Truth alone will meet our need and save us from ruin.

Mr. Finlay Maedonald seconded the motion and said he was highly pleased with what he had heard. The public press shows the downward trend of the day. The Report was unanimously adopted.

Rev. James Macleod suggested that a copy of this Report be sent to Sir Murdoch MacDonald, Mr. Ian Macpherson and other prominent members of Parliament on both sides of the House, the expenses of this to be met out of the Organisation Fund. Rev. N. Cameron moved accordingly and Rev. Finlay Macleod seconded.

Sabbath Desecration Bill.—Rev. Murdo Morrison moved the following resolution: “This Synod, viewing with the utmost alarm the increasing inroads made upon the sanctity of the Lord’s Day enter their strong protest against the action of the present Parliament in seeking to pass a Bill called “The Sunday Entertainments Bill,” legalising the opening of Cinemas and Picture Houses on the Sabbath Day.” He said that we had heard much relevant to this resolution in the Report just read. It was good that the second reading had such a small majority, all the Scottish members present with the exception of seven

voting against the Bill. Rev. D. R. Macdonald, Tarbert, seconded and the resolution was agreed to.

1. Canadian Mission Report.—This Report which appears on another page was given in by the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane in place of the Rev. Ewen Macqueen who is at present in Canada. The Rev. D. Macleod moved the adoption of the Report and said it was a matter of thankfulness that they had two ministers at present as deputies in Canada and it is to be hoped our prayers will follow them. The motion was seconded by the Rev. James A. Tallach and unanimously adopted.

Canadian and Colonial Mission.—The Rev. Neil Cameron suggested that the interests of Australia should be transferred to the Canadian Mission Committee but that the Canadian and Australian contributors to the Colonial Mission Funds be kept separate. This was moved by Rev. M. Gillies and seconded by Mr. D. Nicolson.

1. Deputy’s Report.—Rev. William Grant then read the Report of his own work as Deputy to Canada last year. Mr. Macintyre moved the adoption of Mr. Grant’s Report and wished to thank him for coming to the aid of the Committee when they had failed to get the consent of a Gaelic-speaking Deputy. Mr. Macintyre then referred to our small beginnings in Canada when our first Deputy responded to the call of a few friends in Ontario. “We were now sending our deputies from coast to coast,” he said, “and had used no efforts to press ourselves on the people there. On the contrary, we have been and are still only responding, as the Lord enables us, to the cry of the people for our deputies to visit them, and we are certain that the Committee will do their utmost for the friends in Canada and the States. We ought to pray earnestly for the people there, that the Lord would prosper them abundantly.”

Mr. Samuel Fraser seconded and spoke of his own visit to Canada and of the kindness he had received from all the families belonging to the mission in Ontario. It was so encouraging to see how eager they were to hear the Word and they were willing to go long distances to hear a sermon. The

Northern Presbytery had provided two ministers to go to Canada this year and the other presbyteries should follow this example. The Report was unanimously adopted.

Lay Missionaries in Canada.—Mr. Grant had pointed out that it would be helpful and a source of strength to the Cause if some of our office-bearers in Canada would be given the status of missionaries. Mr. Cameron moved that Messrs. Hugh Mackay, Vancouver, and Angus Mackay, Innisfail, be given the status of missionaries (unpaid) of our Church in Canada. Also that Mr. Thomas Macdonald, Brock, Sask., should be ordained as an elder in Winnipeg, after he would be elected by the members there, and that he be acknowledged as having the status of a missionary. The sojourn of the Rev. D. J. Matheson in Winnipeg for some time to come, would make the carrying out of Mr. Macdonald’s ordination an easy matter. The motion was seconded by Rev. James Macleod and was agreed to.

Australia.—Mr. Cameron brought before the Synod the desire of our friends in Australia to have a deputy sent out to them as soon as possible. He said that from the letters he received, he could easily gather that what they had heard from the Rev. Roderick Mackenzie had only whetted their desire for more. Mr. Cameron moved accordingly and Mr. Gillies seconded this motion which met with the cordial approval of the Synod. Rev. R. Mackenzie spoke about the needs of Australia and said that in common with other countries they were very much in the melting pot at this time. No one could say but that the Cause there might yet become a power in that land. He would urge the need of prayerful sympathy and that we would do all we could to encourage them in their attachment and agreement with the Church. Mr. Mackenzie pointed out that an arrangement could be made for the one deputy to visit Canada and Australia. Mr. Cameron said that a similar arrangement could be made in the case of a deputy visiting South Africa.

1. Supply for St. Jude’s.—The matter of providing suitable help for Mr. Cameron in St. Jude’s, Glasgow, during next winter

in view of the probable removal of Rev. Robert Sinclair was brought before the Synod. Rev. D. Beaton moved that Mr. A. Beaton, divinity student, have work prescribed for him by the Tutor and that he assist Mr. Cameron during the winter. Mr. Neil Macswan, Glasgow, who seconded this motion said that for some years now, Mr. Cameron was the father of the Free Presbyterian Church. It would be most un-natural that parents would cry to their children for help and that help would not be willingly and lovingly given them. He hoped this motion would have the full approval of the Synod. The motion was cordially agreed to.

1. Report of Examiners of Presbytery Records.—All the examiners appointed to examine the records of the several Presbyteries and of the Synod reported favourably as to the manner in which the records were kept.

2. Magazine Report.—Rev. D. Beaton submitted the Magazine Report. He said he had nothing very special to report this year. The circulation was steadily increasing. The financial Magazine Statement showed a drop in the balance as compared with last year. The Free Distribution Fund was only about half what it was the previous year. Rev. R. Macinnes moved the adoption of this Report and said that everything which stands for truth is of great value in the great controversy against sin. Mr. James Campbell seconded the motion which was unanimously agreed to.

3. Fishing Committee’s Report.—The Fishing Committee’s Report which appears on another page was given in by Rev. M. Gillies. Rev. James Tallach moved and Mr. Murdo Macaskill seconded the adoption of this Report which was agreed to.

4. Standing Committees.—Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the Standing Committees remain the same as last year and be re-appointed. In this connection it is necessary to add that the name of the Canadian Mission Committee has been changed to Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee as the Synod decided. This was seconded by Inspector Sinclair and approved.

5. Church Collections.—Rev. D. M. Macdonald moved that the Special Collections be taken on same days as last year. This was seconded by Mr. D. Nicolson and agreed to.

6. Report of Deputies to Uig (Lewis) Congregation.—Rev. Neil Macintyre as Convener of the Deputation which had been sent to Uig, Lewis, gave a narrative of the steps which were taken on both sides and which ended in this congregation coming over to the Free Presbyterian Church. He said that a communication had been received from Rev. R. Macinnes intimating that he and the majority of his congregation to the number of 291 office-bearers, members and adherents, had separated themselves from the Church of Scotland on the 1st day of December, 1930, on the ground that they could not any longer be identified with that Church which had so grievously departed from Reformation principles. Their desire and petition was that they should be received into the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland as they were fully satisfied with her doctrines, principles and practice. This request was put into the hands of the Clerk of Synod after it had been brought forward by the recognised Church practice, from session and from a meeting of the congregation to our Clerk of Synod. It was then agreed by the presbyteries of the Church that a delegate from each presbytery should visit the congregation and deal with this matter in the name of the Synod. In the case of the Western Presbytery, there was an additional member appointed so that a pro re nata meeting might be held in Uig. It was afterwards noticed that this meeting could not be held and the case was dealt with at the first ordinary meeting of the Western Presbytery. The delegates, Rev. Neil Macintyre (Convener), Ewen Macqueen, D. M. Macdonald, and Malcolm Gillies proceeded to Uig on the 7th January, 1931, and met first with the Rev. R. Macinnes, then with the elders of the congregation and afterwards with the congregation as a whole. Mr. Macintyre read the minutes kept by the deputation which went to show that they had dealt with Mr. Macinnes as to his former relations to the Free Presbyterian Church in all faithfulness to him and to the Church,

leaving it to the Western Presbytery to remove their former suspension. They had also satisfied themselves as to the minds of the minister, elders, and people regarding our Church in giving them to understand that they were being received. It was now for the Synod to say if they approved of the manner in which the deputation had carried out their duties. Rev. Finlay Macleod moved that the Report be adopted and that the Deputation be thanked for their services. Mr. Finlay Macdonald, Shieldaig, seconded this motion and said that of all who left our Church, none had returned except Mr. Macinnes. He wished him and his congregation all success in the Lord.

Rev. R. Macinnes made a statement to the Synod of some of the difficulties of his present situation especially referring to the discomfort of the house he was living in and the excessive rent he was asked to pay for it. Mr. Cameron moved that the Synod express their thankfulness that the Uig Congregation refused to follow the great majority in departing from the truth. They would assure the Uig Congregation that the Church would help them all they could. This was seconded and agreed to.

1. Question of occupancy of Glendale Manse.—In this case, Rev. D. Beaton explained the law of the Church on procedure regarding Cases of References from Presbytery to Synod. Rev. D. M. Macdonald gave the facts of the case, that an appeal was brought before the Presbytery from the elders asking that their minister should occupy the Manse. As there was no Church law on the matter, the Presbytery had referred this question to the Synod. Rev. Finlay Macleod moved that the Reference be sustained: Rev. D. A. Macfarlane seconded and this motion was approved. Rev. N. Macintyre moved and Rev. N. Cameron seconded that Mr. John Campbell be heard ex gratia, as he was not a member of Synod. This was agreed to. Mr. Murdo Macaskill then explained why they had brought up this matter. He said that the question of the Manse alone was their only difficulty with Rev. James Macleod. They did not want their minister to live at Vatten while the Manse which had cost them so much and which they had recently repaired

stood empty. It was surely a good sign when they wanted Mr. Macleod to live among them. Mr. John Campbell who said that Mr. Macaskill had stated their case added that he believed it was not the wish of the people that the minister should stay 9 miles away from them.

Rev. James Macleod, in answer to what had been said, stated that what the elders had advanced was perfectly true. But the parish is one of the widest in Scotland and Glendale, though it had most of the people at the time the Manse was built, is not the centre of the parish. He had found it more convenient to live at Vatten and whatever he might have to do, his family would have to live there. He had someone looking after the Manse, and he lived there himself for the week-ends when doing the work of the Congregation.

Rev. N. Cameron said he had noted in hearing this matter discussed that Duirinish was the centre of the parish. This point weakens the case of the Glendale elders very much. Rev. D. Beaton asked if the Glendale people had the sanction of the Presbytery for building the Manse on that site. The reply was in the negative. Rev. R. Mackenzie explained that if the Synod passed a law compelling ministers to live under all circumstances in their manses, that law would apply to others as well as Mr. Macleod; it would apply to himself. Rev. Neil Cameron moved that this Court take no steps to compel Mr. Macleod to occupy the manse property in Glendale so long as that property is kept in good condition. Inspector R. Sinclair seconded this motion which became the finding of the Synod.

1. Communications from Chesley, etc.—These communications which were the resolutions arrived at in Chesley and East Williams, Ontario, at congregational meetings held after the time fixed upon by the Synod had expired for receiving from members and adherents in Ontario an assurance that they agreed with the Synod in the matter of travelling by hired conveyances on the Lord’s Day.

Rev. Neil Cameron moved the following resolution :—

“The Synod acknowledge receipt of communications received from Mr. A. R. Finlayson, Lucknow, Ontario, dated 6th October,

1930, and from the Rev. William Matheson, Chesley, dated 16th January, 1931, re resolutions of the annual meeting of the groups in Ontario, held at East Williams, 29th September, 1930, and of the annual congregational meeting held at Chesley on the 14th January, 1931, in which they assert and maintain that they are still adhering to the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

The Synod would remind the congregation of Ontario that the Synod’s motion of 21st May, 1930, was to the effect that all or any who would adhere to the Kirk-Session of Ontario in their opposition to the Synod’s resolution would by their own action cease to be considered members or adherents of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Ontario after 30th August, 1930, and, as the Clerk received no communication until the above dates, all who adhered to the Kirk-Session of Ontario ceased by their own attitude to be connected with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.”

Mr. Cameron, in speaking to his motion, said:—This Synod passed several resolutions to the effect that none who do work (except works of necessity or mercy) or who travelled by trains or street cars or ‘buses on the Lord’s Day are eligible to receive Church privileges, i.e., Baptism or the Lord’s Supper in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Rev. William Matheson and his Kirk-Session in Ontario, Canada, defiantly refused to submit to the said resolutions contrary to the affirmed and re-affirmed unanimous decisions of this Synod. At the meeting of Synod in May, 1929, a resolution was unanimously passed giving Mr. Matheson and his elders till the 30th day of August, 1929, to reconsider their position and that if they would not make known to the Clerk of Synod on or before that date that they fell into line with the Synod in the above matter they would by their own act cease to be a Kirk-Session connected with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Before the date fixed by the Synod, as above stated, at a meeting held in Lochalsh, Ontario, of the congregation there, and of some persons from the other districts, a resolution was passed that they were adhering to the defiant position taken up all along by the Kirk-Session. Thus, the Kirk-Session and the

people present at that meeting separated themselves from being under the jurisdiction of the Free Presbyterian Church.

At the meeting of Synod in May, 1930, a resolution was unanimously passed giving all the people connected with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Ontario, Canada, till the 30th day of August, 1930, to make up their mind as to whether they were to follow the Kirk-Session in having separated from the Church at home, or to adhere to it. The condition was laid down that all or every one who intended to remain in fellowship with the Church in Scotland should let that be known to the Synod Clerk on or before the 30th of August. Some in the south end of the Ontario Congregation advised the Clerk of Synod before the date fixed that they were adhering to the Church in Scotland. So all the rest—Kirk-Session and people—separated themselves from the jurisdiction of the Church in Scotland. Those who continued their adherence were promised that deputies who should go out from the home Church would visit them. This is a statement of facts concerning the present position of the people and Kirk-Session in Ontario who separated themselves from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and also of those who still adhere to it. The Rev. William Matheson sent a resolution passed at Chesley on the 14th day of January, 1931, praising the position held by the Free Presbyterian Church and their adherence to it, but complained that he and his elders had not been properly treated by this Church. The above statement speaks for itself as regards this charge. Rev. William Matheson came over to this country to raise a civil action against the Synod. It is reported that he took legal advice first in Edinburgh but it came to nothing there. He then consulted a lawyer in Dingwall and did what he could, as the letters received drag the Church into the civil courts, but he absolutely failed. Mr. Neil Maeswan seconded the motion which was unanimously agreed to.

The Synod adjourned to meet next day, 22nd May, in Inverness Church, at 11 a.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

FOURTH SEDERUNT.

The Synod met according to the terms of adjournment, in the Inverness Church, on the 22nd May, at 11 a.m.

1. Business of Presbyteries.—Western Presbytery. 1. Rev. M. Gillies spoke of the willingness and usefulness of Mr. Kenneth Maclean, Breasclete, in supplying Breasclete and Achmore when his services were required. Rev. Neil Cameron moved and Rev. James Macleod seconded that Mr. K. Maclean receive a gift of £6. This was approved. 2. Rev. Donald Macleod, Shieldaig, spoke about the work done by Mr. John Mackenzie, Kishorn, who is now acting in the room of the late Mr. Kenneth Macleod. Mr. Cameron moved that Mr. Mackenzie receive £10 for his services. Mr. Macintyre seconded this motion which was carried. 3. Rev. R. Macinnes brought up the need there was that a missionary be granted to assist him in the Uig Congregation. He said he could not overtake the work owing to the large district and the long distances between the stations. Rev. R. Mackenzie moved that the Western Presbytery be authorised to provide a missionary to help Mr. Macinnes. Rev. James Macleod seconded and this was agreed to.

Northern Presbytery.—1. Rev. William Grant brought the case of Fearn in its relation to Tain, before the Synod. He suggested that Mr. A. Robertson might confine himself to the supply of Tain. The Fearn people were willing to look after their own supply if they were allowed to draw upon their Sustentation Fund for this purpose. Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the Fearn Congregation be permitted to pay their supply from their Sustentation Fund. Mr. N. Maeswan seconded and the Synod approved of this arrangement. 2. Mr. Grant suggested that Mr. Angus Mackay, student, be sent to supply Thurso for the summer months. Mr. Cameron explained that this student would be taking a summer course in Hebrew and would not, therefore, be available. It was decided to leave this matter so that the Northern Presbytery might make some arrangement with the Southern Presbytery to procure supply for the months of August and September.

Southern Presbytery.—1. The case of Greenock. Mr. Cameron explained that our Greenock Congregation had been a sanctioned charge all along. Rev. A. Macrae had received a call from Greenock before he had been settled in Portree. They had in Greenock, like other places in recent years, felt the rigour of the hard times keenly and were not allowed to proceed with a call to a minister until they had cleared off the debt on their Church. That difficulty had been got rid of and they had promised to support the Sustentation Fund to the extent of £70 per annum. He now left it to the Synod to say if they be allowed to call a minister. Rev. M. Gillies moved as follows:—”The Synod in expectation that the Greenock Congregation will do what they can to come up to the minimum standard when once they have the advantage of a settled pastor, resolve, in their peculiar circumstances to grant their request and give them liberty to call a minister.” This motion was seconded by Inspector R. Sinclair and agreed to. 2. Rev. N. Cameron spoke about Mr. D. Matheson who, he said, would likely become a student of the Church. Owing to ill-health, his studies had been interrupted for two years, and he had been since then studying in an Arts School where the subjects taught were of little use to him if he would become a student of the Church. His present studies were more in line with his prospective purpose. Mr. Cameron thought he should be allowed to study as an irregular student in the University but to take the usual subjects. Rev. John Maclachlan moved that the Synod give this permission to Mr. D. Matheson. Rev. D. R. Macdonald seconded and this was approved.

1. Competent Business.—1. The division of the Western Presbytery into two presbyteries was suggested by Rev. M. Gillies. He said that in the Outer Isles, we had a quorum (two ministers with their presbytery elders) already in Lewis. We looked forward and hoped that in the near future, we should have the same in Harris. Rev. John Maclachlan with his wonted willingness to help the Church could easily come from North Uist to a presbytery meeting. He thought it would tend to

the co-operation and mutual helpfulness among the ministers and congregations in the Outer Isles, if the Synod would agree to sanction the suggested division. He moved in these terms:—

“The Synod resolve that the Western Presbytery be divided into two presbyteries, the Presbytery of the Outer Isles, embracing Lewis, Harris and North Uist Congregations, and the Western Presbytery having the other congregations within their bounds and that the Synod fix the date and place of first meeting.”

Rev. James Macleod seconded this motion and suggested Tarbert (Harris), as the most suitable place for the presbytery seat. Mr. Gillies moved that the Outer Isles Presbytery have their first meeting in Uig, on the 20th June, 1931, at 4 p.m. Mr. MacInnes seconded and this was agreed to. Mr. Beaton moved that the Records be retained by the Western Presbytery giving all rights of reference to the new presbytery. Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded this motion and it was approved.

1. Rev. R. MacInnes moved that Mr. Gillies receive £10 for his work in assisting Rev. D. Beaton, Clerk of Synod. Inspector Sinclair seconded and this was agreed to. 3. Rev. R. MacKenzie moved that Mr. Alex. Macdiarmid, Waternish, Skye, be granted the full missionary’s salary as from 1st April, and as a missionary, he be expected to supply in any place as need arises. This was seconded by Inspector Sinclair and agreed to.

2. Carbost, Skye. The needs of about 300 people in this district was pleaded by the Rev. James Macleod. He said there were in all about 400 of our people on both sides of Loch Bracadale and he thought they should be raised to a sanctioned charge. He moved that the Synod grant a missionary and authorise the presbytery to obtain such. Mr. Maclachlan who seconded said he knew the need of the Carbost people in this matter. Mr. Cameron moved that the Presbytery take steps to get the people on both sides of Loch Bracadale to make a speedy agreement about becoming a sanctioned charge and to report to next meeting of Synod.

Mr. Macintyre seconded this motion which met with the approval of the Synod. 5. Mr. Cameron moved that the ministers’ widows be given £45 each this year. Mr. Beaton

seconded and this was agreed to. 6. It was also moved by Mr. Cameron that the £7 granted to Edwin Radasi be continued to him this year and that Mrs. Radasi be informed that this is a grant for education. Rev. James Macleod seconded and this was approved. 7. Rev. R. Macinnes moved and Rev. R. Mackenzie seconded that Mr. J. Ross be given 30s. for his services to the Synod. This was approved.

The Synod adjourned to meet (D.V.) in the hall of St. Jude’s Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday after the 3rd Sabbath of May, 1932, at 6.30 p.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.