Report of Synod Proceedings.\

FIRST SEDERUNT.

THE proceedings in connection with the Synod began at Glasgow on Tuesday, 17th May. There was a large attendance of the public at the opening proceedings. The retiring Moderator, Rev. William Grant, preached from Matt. xvi. 13-17—”When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked His disciples saying: Whom do men say that I the son of man am?” etc. 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, James Macleod, James A. Tallach, ministers; with Messrs. Charles Landels, Dr. Johnston, James Mackay, John Urquhart, Duncan Macpherson, ruling elders. Western Presbytery—Revs. Donald N. Macleod, D. M. Macdonald, Roderick Mackenzie, Donald Macleod, ministers; with Messrs. John Mackenzie James Fraser, John Campbell, Murdo Macaskill, ruling elders. Northern Presbytery—Revs. Ewen Macqueen, Donald A. Macfarlane, William Grant, Finlay Macleod, Donald J. Matheson, Robert R. Sinclair, ministers; with Messrs. Charles Sutherland and Inspector Sinclair, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery—Revs. Roderick Macinnes, Malcolm Gillies, John MacLachlan, ministers; with Mr. John Macleod, ruling elder.

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

Letters of apology for absence were read from Rev. M. Morrison and Mr. Kenneth Macdonald, Ullapool.

Expression of Sympathy.—The Clerk said that he was sure that he was expressing the mind of his brethren in extending to Mr. Morrison their heartfelt sympathy in his recent sore bereavement through the death of his eldest son. At a later stage Rev. R. Mackenzie moved that the Synod instruct the Clerk to send a letter of sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Morrison and family. This was seconded and unanimously agreed to.

The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. Thereafter Mr. Alexander Ross was appointed Officer of Court.

The Rev. M. Gillies moved that the Moderator be asked to send his sermon to the magazine for publication. This was seconded by Rev. John Maclachlan, and agreed to.

Appointment of Moderator.—The Moderator, on intimating that his term of office was at an end, thanked the Synod for their kindness during his term of office, and said it now remained for the Synod to appoint his successor. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that Rev. D. N. Macleod be appointed. Rev. N. Macintyre seconded. Mr. Macleod, however, said he could not see his way to accept the honour. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen then moved that Rev. D. J. Matheson be appointed Moderator. This was seconded by Rev. James Macleod, and agreed to. Mr. Matheson then took the chair and thanked the Synod for the honour conferred on him.

Tribute to Rev. Neil Cameron.—The Clerk moved that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a tribute to the Rev. Neil Cameron to be placed on the Synod Records and printed in the Magazine:—Rev. N. Macintyre, Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Rev. D. N. Macleod, Rev. M. Gillies, Inspector Sinclair and Dr. Johnston. This was seconded and agreed to.

Examination of Synod and Presbytery Records.—The following were appointed to examine these Records. Synod—Revs. Neil Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald. Outer Isles Presbytery—Revs. E. Macqueen and D. A. Macfarlane. Southern Presbytery—Revs. Roderick Macinnes and M. Gillies. Western Presbytery—

Revs. James Macleod and James A. Tallach. Northern Presbytery
—Revs. R. Mackenzie and D. Macleod.

The Clerk moved that the Synod adjourn to meet again at 5.30 p.m. in the Hall of St. Jude’s on Wednesday, 18th May, 1932, and that the Business Committee and Committee on Bills and Overtures meet in the same place and on the same date at 10 a.m.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod met at 5.30 p.m. in the Hall of the Free Presbyterian Church of St. Jude’s on Wednesday, 18th May, according to terms of adjournment. The meeting was duly constituted and the Roll called. The sederunt was the same as at first meeting.

The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

Proposed History of the Free Presbyterian Church.—The Clerk informed the Court that the late Rev. Neil Cameron, with whom Mr. Macintyre and himself had been associated, had not got very far with the history of the Church and it remained with the Synod to say what was to be done.

The Rev. N. Macintyre said this is a most important piece of work and in no way ought efforts to be relaxed to have the work completed. He moved that Rev. D. Beaton be appointed to continue the work and that the Rev. Ewen Macqueen and himself be associated with Mr. Beaton in the work and further that all papers which were in Mr. Cameron’s possession be placed in Mr. Beaton’s hands. Rev. James Macleod said he had great pleasure in seconding this motion.

The Rev. D. Beaton said that with all his other work he felt this an additional burden but, as his brethren had expressed their willingness to accede to certain requests which he had made to them at the Synod Committee Meeting in private, he would undertake the work provided the Lord gave him health and strength for its accomplishment.

Report on Insurance of Missionaries.—The Rev. D. Beaton, Convener of the Committee appointed at last Synod to have an interview with the Chief Inspector of National Health Insurance in Scotland, reported that the Committee had carried

out the Synod’s instructions. The Committee had an interview with Mr. Highton who gave them every consideration in stating their case. It may be necessary to point out, lest their should be any misapprehension on the part of some of our missionaries for the future, that the Chief Inspector made it quite clear that all whose salaries are under £30 are not insurable and consequently they shall not be entitled to the benefits that are due to those who are insured for Health and Unemployment. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the report be adopted and that the Committee be thanked for their good work. The motion was seconded by Inspector Sinclair and unanimously adopted.

Tribute to Rev. Neil Cameron.—The Committee appointed to draw up this tribute reported progress at this stage. The Rev. Neil Macintyre read the tribute which is given on another page in this issue. The adoption of the tribute was moved by the Rev. Donald Macleod and seconded by the Rev. William Grant.

Theological Committee’s Report.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener, gave in this Report. He stated there were three students studying divinity and that there were other four students at various stages of their educational course. The Report was duly moved, seconded and adopted.

At this stage Mr. Macqueen called attention to a matter which he wished brought before the Synod’s notice. He said there were a number of young men who were not very far advanced in their studies who came to Glasgow and thus incurred expense to the Church. Why would they not attend Higher Grade Schools in the districts to which they belonged? The Rev. D. N. Macleod said he quite agreed with what Mr. Macqueen said but he did not think it necessary to move a motion. The attention of the Synod had been drawn to the matter and he thought this was sufficient.

Training of the Ministry Committee.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the name of the Theological Committee and the Training of the Ministry Committee be changed to “Training of the Ministry Committee” and that the Synod decide that Presbyteries on receiving students are hereafter expected to

report immediately to the Training of the Ministry Committee of their reception and that it will be incumbent on the Committee to examine them as to their scholastic attainments and to advise them as to their future procedure in their studies. Furthermore, the Synod authorise the Committee to appoint subjects and examiners for the entrance on the divinity course and that no student enter on his divinity classes without a certificate from the Training of the Ministry Committee. This is not to be understood as in any way interfering with the rights of Presbyteries to examine divinity students annually as to their biblical and theological knowledge. The motion was seconded by Rev. W. Grant and unanimously agreed to.

Questions to be put to Students at their Reception by Presbyteries.—The Rev. D. Beaton said that the question of having a uniform set of questions to be put to students came up recently before the Southern Presbytery when it was suggested by the late Mr. Cameron that he (Mr. Beaton) should draw up draft questions to be considered by the Presbytery and sent on to the Synod. Owing, however, to Mr. Cameron’s death nothing further was done but he would submit a draft of the questions he had drawn up for this purpose for the consideration of his brethren. The draft questions were as follows:—

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and manners?
2. Are you in full sympathy with the doctrinal position of this Church as set forth in the Confession of Faith?
3. Do you accept wholeheartedly the form of worship, discipline and government as presently practised in this Church?
4. Do you accept the position of this Church taken up in 1893 as set forth in the Deed of Separation?

5. Do you promise that you will subject yourself to the courts of the Free Presbyterian Church?

6. Do you promise (1) in the event of your mind changing in any of these matters during your student course that you will at once intimate this (as is required of all office-bearers according to rule laid down in article on Creed Subscription in the Church Documents, p. 10) to the Clerk of the Presbytery by which you were received and (2) that as a matter of honour in such a case you will refund to the Church any money you may have received from the Students’ Aid Fund?

Note.—Every student making application to be received by a Presbytery must receive from the Clerk timeous intimation of these questions which must be answered satisfactorily before he can be received. These questions are independent of any other questions a Presbytery may see fit to ask, such as reasons the student has for making the application, etc.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that these draft questions be adopted by the Synod as questions to be put to students at their reception by Presbyteries and that they be printed in the Magazine and that printed copies be sent to Clerks of Presbyteries. This was seconded by Mr. John Mackenzie and unanimously agreed to.

Mr. John P. Macqueen to begin his theological studies.—Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that Mr. John P. Macqueen begin his theological course at Oban this winter. This was seconded and agreed to.

Theological Tutor’s Report.—The Rev. D. Beaton reported that he had two students in divinity during last session—Mr. John Colquhoun and Mr. Angus Mackay, M.A. Mr. Archibald Beaton, who was supplying St. Jude’s for the winter, did the work of the classes by reading the books prescribed and the class lectures, copies of which were sent to him. During last summer the students had prescribed for them certain books on apologetics in which they were examined before the beginning of last session. The work done covered exegesis and translation of part of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans. Lectures were

delivered on introduction and the plan of the Apostle’s argument. New Testament Textual Criticism formed part of the work of the session in the Class of New Testament Greek. In Church History Dr. King Hewison’s Covenanters was made use of as a text-book in Scottish Church History from 1560 to 1660 and Macpherson’s Presbyterianism in Church Polity. Lectures were delivered on the history of the various translations of the English and Gaelic Bibles including lectures on the history of the metrical Psalms (Gaelic and English). In Theology lectures were given on the important subject of the doctrine of the Person of our Lord. During the session the students were examined on the New Testament this forming part of their examination on Bible Knowledge.

I am indebted to the help given me by the students in supplying the pulpit and have pleasure in reporting that they attended to their work with commendable diligence. I think it right to mention specially that Mr. Beaton, who had the heavy burden of preaching in St. Jude’s during the winter, did the work prescribed very well but I would respectfully suggest to the Synod not to lay such a heavy burden on any of our students during their training in the future. I feel all the more called upon to make this suggestion as it was I myself who, in the special circumstances, moved that he should take up the work in St. Jude’s.

The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved the adoption of this Report. He wished to thank our worthy tutor for his capable and efficient teaching of our students. There is such a flood of error coming into our Theological Colleges at the present day that they could not be too thankful for Mr. Beaton’s work.

Rev. M. Gillies said he had much pleasure in seconding this motion.

Appointment of Rev. D. A. Macfarlane as Theological Tutor.—The Rev. D. Beaton said he had not put into his Report just read a desire he had to have another theological tutor appointed. He had already explained to the Business Committee how much he was feeling the strain of this work. Since 1918, when Rev.
(now Prof.) J. R. Mackay had passed over to the Free Church, he had carried on the theological tuition alone and he was sure when he reminded his brethren of the vast amount of reading and study that is required if one is to keep himself in touch with what was going on in the theological world—good, bad, and indifferent (he was sorry to say mostly bad)—that it involved a strain which increased with the years.

The Rev. Neil Macintyre said Mr. Beaton had a tremendous amount of work to do and it was a wonder to him how he managed to carry it on. He was Clerk of Synod, Editor of the Magazine, Theological Tutor, and minister of Oban congregation. When Mr. Beaton, he said, was asked to take up the work of completing the History of the Free Presbyterian Church he agreed to it only on condition that he be relieved of some of his tutorial work and he (Mr. Macintyre) fully concurred with this. Mr. Beaton had been acting for the long period of 34 years and “those of us who studied under Mr. Beaton,” he said, “know that he did not give his students what cost himself nothing.” The result of this strenuous work for so many years coupled with the serious illness which Mr. Beaton had two years ago from which they were glad to see he had made such an excellent recovery was such that he appealed to the Synod to relieve him of some of the work. He begged to move that the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane, M.A., be appointed additional tutor to assist Mr. Beaton in the tutorial work, this appointment to take effect for session 1933-34. The Rev. Roderick Mackenzie seconded this motion and said, knowing Mr. Macfarlane as he did, it gave him very great pleasure to be allowed to associate himself with what Mr. Macintyre had said. We must all be thankful to the Most High for giving us a man of Mr. Macfarlane’s ability and scholarship. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

The Rev. D. A. Macfarlane said he was very doubtful if his health would stand the strain of this extra work but he was willing for a year at least to place himself in the Lord’s hands for health and strength and he would do all he could to help Mr. Beaton.

Mr. Beaton said it was his wish that Mr. Macfarlane would take up the subjects of Hebrew and Greek. He felt grateful to the Synod for the appointment they had made.

Tutor’s Salary.—Rev. D. Beaton moved that the salary of the newly appointed tutor be £30 per annum, with £5 grant for books, payment to begin with first quarter in 1933. This was seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen and agreed to.

Financial Statement.—The Statement was presented to the Synod by the General Treasurer, Mr. John Grant. The Sustentation Fund, notwithstanding the payment of £20 bonus to ministers and £10 to missionaries last year, showed a balance of £8887 9s. 7d. as against £8618 3s. 5d. for last year—an increase of £269 6s. 2d. The Foreign Mission Fund showed a balance of £2059 6s. 2d. as compared with last year’s £2303 12s. 10d., a decrease of £244 6s. 8d. The Aged and Infirm Ministers’ and Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund showed a balance of £1762 6s. 5d. as compared with £2057 17s. 9d. last year—a decrease of £295 11s. 4d. It was explained that this decrease was due to the transference of £350 to the Sustentation Fund for reasons given at the Synod. The College Fund showed a balance of £181 18s. 10d. as compared with £203 9s. 8d.—a decrease of £21 10s. 10d. This decrease was due to extra students’ grants during the year. The Organisation Fund showed a balance of £41 12s. 3d. as compared with £25 2s. 9d.—an increase of £16 9s. 6d. The Funds, therefore, may be considered in a very satisfactory way for even where there are decreases they are due to extra calls on the funds for last year and in these times of industrial depression and financial stringency our people have done nobly.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen, in moving the adoption of the Financial Statement, said they had all heard the Report of the General Treasurer and even the very hardest hearted among them (and he regarded himself as the hardest hearted of them all) must acknowledge the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him and praise Him for His kindness to the Free Presbyterian Church. It is said in the Word of God that if a man set himself up as a prophet if what he prophesied did not

come to pass the people were to regard him as a false prophet. We all know that about 40 years ago there were many such in the Church we left. They told us we would soon be ship-wrecked and that a few years would vindicate the lying prophets. Now after 39 years with our ministers increased to ten times the number and with foreign missionaries in the field our Sustentation Fund shows a larger balance on the credit side than ever we had in our history. When the Rev. D. Macfarlane was put out of his Church and Manse by the then Free Church he did not know where to go. This was only one instance but it could hardly be called charitable and still less Christian for the leaders of the Free Church to act as they did. And among them were some of whom we had a right to expect better things. Let us stand steadfast to our position and let us praise the Highest for His kindness to us as a Church. “I have pleasure,” he said, “in moving the adoption of the Financial Statement and that the Statement be published in the Magazine and the thanks of the Synod be given to the General Treasurer and Mr. John Fraser, Auditor.” This was seconded by Mr. James Fraser and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Fraser said he fully endorsed all that Mr. Macqueen had said in regard to the experiences of the Free Presbyterian Church. They were indeed thankful to the Lord of Glory for His goodness but we must seek grace to keep humble. The Rev. Neil Macintyre, in speaking in support of the motion, said that we certainly had great reason of thankfulness to the Most High for the heartiness with which our people supported the Funds. He would like to point out that while it is a duty for the people to support the cause of Christ it is also a privilege and he had no doubt that what was given to His own cause in the world He took as given to Himself. While deeply grateful to our people, for what they were doing, he wished to remind them that what they were doing was not only a duty but a privilege. The Rev. D. N. Macleod said there was really no need for him to add anything to what had been said but it had always been a surprise to him how the Lord has provided for their little Church from the very beginning until

now. His name is Jehovah Jireh—the Lord will provide. He was known to Abraham by that name. He provided for him and He has been providing for us and we need not fear He will forsake us in the future if we forsake not Him. We have to be very careful of Distrust. Distrust is a sin and especially when against the Lord a great sin when we have not that trust in Him which we ought to have for He has given us every reason to be thankful for which we should humble ourselves. We must have faith in God and go forward in strength. He will provide for us always.

Endorsement by Synod of the Finance Committee’s action in giving Bonus of £20 to Ministers, etc.—Rev. Ewen Macqueen said that he was the only one of the Finance Committee now living—both Mr. Cameron and Mr. James Campbell had passed away—and it remained for him to state to the Synod that the Committee had decided to give a bonus of £20 to the ministers and £10 to the missionaries last year and it remained for the Synod to say whether it would sanction what the Committee had done.

The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod approve of the action of the Finance Committee. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Neil Macintyre and unanimously agreed to.

Bonus to Ministers and Missionaries.—The Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the Synod order the bonus granted last December to ministers be continued for the current year and also that the bonus of £10 be given to full time missionaries; the case of part time missionaries to be left to the consideration of the Committee which is to consider the improvement of the condition of the missionaries. This was seconded and agreed to.

Assistance for the General Treasurer.—The Rev. D. Beaton referred to the heavy work that fell on Mr. Grant’s shoulders in quick succession in spring. First he had his bank balance in February, then the Church Financial Statement had to be prepared in March and finally the subscriptions to the Magazine came in in April. Only those who have any experience of this kind of work know what a strain it involves and we should

endeavour to lighten as much as we can the burdens of those who are doing excellent work for the Church. He had great pleasure in moving that Mr. Grant be granted leave to employ a clerk during the most strenuous period of his work and that payment for such assistance be made out of the Organization Fund.

Refund from Organization Fund.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the sum of £123 3s. 2d. paid for the insurance of missionaries be refunded to the Organization Fund out of the Home Mission Fund and that in future the payment of the missionaries’ insurance be paid out of the Home Mission Fund. This was seconded by Mr. James Mackay and agreed to.

Permission for Overdraft.—Mr. Grant said that at times the Organization Fund was not able to meet demands and he had suggested in the private meeting that permission might be given to him to draw an overdraft of say £100 if circumstances demanded it but since the Synod had decided to pay the insurance of missionaries out of the Home Mission Fund he did not think this would ever be required. The Synod, however, thought Mr. Grant should have permission granted to him to draw an overdraft to the extent of £100 for this Fund. A motion to this effect was moved by the Rev. Roderick Mackenzie, seconded by the Rev. William Grant and unanimously agreed to.

Appointment of Auditor.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that Mr. James Campbell be appointed auditor in his father’s place. This was seconded by the Rev. Neil Macintyre and agreed to.

Foreign Mission Report.—This Report was given in by Rev. Neil Macintyre. It appears in another page of this issue. He moved the adoption of the Report and in doing so he wished to take that opportunity as Interim-Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee to point out the heavy burdens laid upon the Funds of the Foreign Mission. The late Convener, Rev. Neil Cameron, was the channel through which a considerable sum of money came to this Fund and he appealed to our people to see to it that they would support the cause which this Fund

stood for. The Rev. E. Macqueen seconded the motion which was agreed to.

Rev. John Tallach’s and Dr. MacDonald’s Report.—This combined Report was read by Rev. N. Macintyre. Mr. Macintyre pointed out that the grants from the Public Health Department in Salisbury were to be reduced 25 per cent. this year and he looked upon this as a very serious item as it would mean a considerable reduction in Dr. MacDonald’s salary and he suggested that the Synod make up out of the Foreign Mission Fund any decrease. Mr. Macintyre moved the adoption of the Report, this was seconded by Rev. E. Macqueen and unanimously adopted.

Dr. MacDonald’s Salary.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre in accordance with the above suggestion moved that any decrease in Dr. MacDonald’s salary be made good from the Foreign Mission Fund. The Rev. James Macleod seconded this motion and it was agreed to.

Grant for Hospital and Medicines.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that a grant of £20 for the Hospital and £12 for medicines be given as last year. This was seconded by the Rev. Roderick Macinnes and agreed to.

Grant to Nurse Mabel Radasi.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved that the grant of £10 given to Mabel Radasi last year be continued this year. This was seconded by the Rev. William Grant and agreed to.

Widows of Foreign Missionaries.—Rev. D. Beaton said it might be advisable to come to an understanding as to what fund widows of foreign missionaries would draw on. He hoped it would be a long time before any such payment would be required but we must be prepared for eventualities. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the widows of foreign missionaries be paid out of the Foreign Mission Fund and at the same rate as that paid to ministers’ widows at home. This was seconded by Mr. Murdo Macaskill and agreed to. At a later stage it was moved, seconded and agreed to, that in future the payments made to Mrs. Radasi and her children be taken out of the Foreign Mission Fund.

Motion re improvement of the Condition of our Missionaries.—At this stage the Clerk announced that as Dr. Johnstone had a motion dealing with the improvement of the condition of our missionaries and as he might not be present to-morrow night it remained for the Synod to say if the motion be taken up now. The Synod agreed to take it up at this stage. Dr. Johnstone, accordingly, rose and moved the following motion:—

“That the Synod appoint the Moderator of Synod, the Clerks of the Southern, Western, and Outer Isles Presbyteries, together with the General Treasurer, as a Committee to investigate and enquire into the whole question of the status, functions, and remuneration of all home missionaries, whole and part-time, and to submit a report, together with any recommendations, to the Synod next year (1933).”

Dr. Johnstone said he wanted to see the conditions and salaries of missionaries thoroughly gone into from top to bottom. He referred to the great usefulness of these men in preaching the gospel in isolated places in the Highlands. The Rev. William Grant said he had much pleasure in seconding Dr. Johnstone’s motion. The problem of our home missionaries requires careful consideration. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our missionaries and it is our hope that the Committee will bring forward proposals which will result in our missionaries being in a much more satisfactory position than they are to-day. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

Letter from Mr. Reuter.—A letter from Mr. Reuter was before the Synod. The Rev. James Macleod moved that the letter be referred back to the Southern Presbytery to be dealt with. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded this and it was unanimously agreed to.

Free Church Union Committee’s Plain Statement.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre, in addressing the Synod, said: Moderator,* as I had to move at last Synod a similar motion to what I am about to bring forward now I would much prefer that some other

member would move this motion. Not that I have in the least changed my mind. In my opinion our path of duty is quite plain. These continual appeals from the Free Church for union and co-operation are to my mind like a rank weed the more you clip it the faster and stronger it grows. The only cure for it is to take it up by the roots. With a similar object in view I beg to move the following motion:

Motion in reply to the Free Church Union Committee’s “Plain Statement in answer to the Free Presbyterian Synod.”—The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland respectfully acknowledge receipt of the Reply of the Union Committee of the Free Church of Scotland dated 17th September, 1931, to the Synod’s finding of May, 1931, anent union or co-operation with the Free Church. In doing so the Synod would point out that whereas the finding in question clearly stated that there could be no union or co-operation between the two churches until the differences set forth in the Synod’s “Statement of Differences” adopted at its meeting in May, 1917, and forwarded to the Clerk of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland were removed, there is nothing in the Union Committee’s Reply to indicate that this has been done or even contemplated.

As to the claim put forward by the Committee that they “without evasion or compromise dealt with the facts of the differences in a statement which was unanimously adopted by the November Commission of Assembly in 1917,” which statement the Union Committee were at pains to publish in their Church Record, the Synod would remind the Free Church Union Committee that they had already in 1918 communicated to the Free Church their estimate of that statement as being composed of “evasive statements and suggestions of compromise and that no useful purpose could be served by continuing the correspondence.” To the above finding this meeting of Synod still strictly adheres, and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Union Committee’s Reply and taking all relative circumstances into consideration find that it is useless to continue this correspondence and resolve that it now take end.”

I have no intention of saying much in support of my motion. I was forced with others to refute in the public press false insinuations made by some of the spokesmen of the Free Church and as these points which were taken up are bearing directly on the substance of my motion I need not enlarge and especially as other members may wish to express their minds on the subject. You will have noticed that the motion reminds the Free Church that this Synod having seriously considered in 1918 the Reply of the November Commission of 1917 to our “Statement of Differences” of May, 1917, the Synod estimated that Reply as composed of “evasive statements and suggestions of compromise, and that no useful purpose could be served in continuing the correspondence.” For some undisclosed reason the Free Church Union Committee in their Reply entirely ignored and passed over the Synod’s estimate.

The Union Committee took pains to have their Reply of 1917 re-issued and published in their Church Record under the high sounding title of “A Plain Statement in Answer to the Free Presbyterian Synod.” I read that Plain Statement several times and the only “plain statement” I could discover in it was that the Free Church was determined to adhere to their reply which we justly estimated as “evasive” and “compromising.” That this is their mind was clearly shown by a covering letter from Prof. Donald MacLean to our Clerk. In that letter Prof. MacLean says—”To this Statement,” that is to our Statement of Difference, “a full, considered, and detailed Reply was sent to your Court by the Commission of Assembly of November, 1917. To this Reply my committee still adhere.” Our reply to this is that we as firmly adhere to our estimate of that Reply as being composed of “evasive statements and suggestions of compromise.”

In case any may think we were using strong terms in characterising the Reply as evasive and compromising let me just give one instance. In dealing with the first difference in our “Statement of Differences,” which referred to the case of the late Dr. Alexander, the Free Church Commission of 1917 say in

their Reply, which Reply was re-issued by the Union Committee last October, that when the attention of Dr. Alexander was drawn, by the Training of the Ministry Committee, to certain views in his book Demonic Possession “he frankly expressed his regret for any reflections which the book was fitted to cast on the infallibility of the Word of God and withdrew it from circulation.” That was a very proper expression of regret and confession to make and one would be almost inclined to accept it as satisfactory. But what strikes one as strange is that the Commission of Assembly and the Union Committee of the Free Church did not give the words of the Report of the Training of the Ministry Committee. What that Committee reported according to the press was that “he (Dr. Alexander) had seen his way very clearly to withdraw it in deference to the requirements made in various parts of the Highlands.” Surely there is the greatest difference between a man withdrawing a book because of the reflections it cast on the infallibility of the Word of God and withdrawing it in deference to opinions held in the Highlands. These two reasons are as far apart as the poles. If this drastic change was not evasive it is difficult to know what could be. But why this change? Was this another smoke screen to hide from their own people their laxity and unfaithfulness in dealing with this most serious case. I cannot think but they credited the Free Presbyterian Synod, with which they are so anxious to unite, with more intelligence than that they would accept holus-bolus that changed statement.

It is very difficult for some to understand what is behind these appeals by the Free Church for union with the Free Presbyterian Church, a Church which, according to Prof. Kennedy Cameron, is founded on a misapprehension, and on a fallacy. A Church which did not even dissent against the Declaratory Act and which has that Act still in her constitution. A Church which is a new one and different from the Church of 1843, and to use one of the Professor’s stock phrases a schismatic church. Surely a Church with such a character ought to be the last in Christendom with which the Free Church

should seek to be united. In the next breath however the same professor says that the differences between the two churches assume such limited dimensions that very little consideration would completely wipe them away. We wonder if the professor saw the logical sequence of his reasoning. If the Free Presbyterian Church is such as he describes it and that the differences between us assume such limited dimensions the professor brings his own church down to a very low level, and after all the Professor has said about us are we not justified in seriously questioning the reality of the Union Committee’s longing desire to unite with such a body of people. We justly discard all the names the Professor so lavishly gives us.

Before sitting down I would like to refer to a false statement made by Professor Kennedy Cameron about the late godly Mr. Macfarlane. He said in one of his “Northern Chronicle” letters that “Mr. Macfarlane read a document at the Assembly of 1893 and put it in his pocket and walked away.” Now I can hardly credit that when Professor Cameron penned that sentence but he was conscious that he was not writing facts. If he were present at that Assembly, as he says he was, and as I was also, he must have heard and seen Mr. Macfarlane reading and tabling his Protest and leaving it on the Table of the Assembly and claiming all his rights as a minister and the rights of all who would adhere to him and then walked away. With these remarks I submit my motion and I hold we should be thankful we have a Free Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. D. N. MacLeod, in seconding the motion, said this statement of the Free Church is to me in the first place, flesh and of the flesh. We, as a Church, are blamed for having nothing of the Spirit—everything we have is of the flesh. We have no true brotherly love, and certainly no charity. It is not a matter of lack of charity, but a matter of not having it at all. The concluding part of that statement is just flesh, and has nothing at all of the spirit of the Gospel and the spirit of Christ, for to begin with it says that we, as a Church, “have neither a past to refer to nor a future to look to.” That

statement in itself not only widens the division but makes it complete, and sweeps everything away and leaves nothing. They are certainly words that no one would ever think of using to win the affections of another, for that is the last thing he would dream of, and certainly avoid, bringing the party whom he sought to woo, so low and disreputable, without reputation or character; for the words used—”we have neither a past to refer to nor a future to look to” mean this.

As was stated by Mr. Macintyre before, that he could not understand why the Free Church were continually asking us to join them, I cannot see in the world why they are bothering their brains with us at all. If that is what the Free Church really think of us, and our position, certainly we are not worth (putting it in common language) a candle, and they should just give us up and leave us alone.

Regarding these words—”We have neither a past to refer to nor a future to look to”—I should like to say this, these are very bold words, and very unwise words to use regarding any branch of the visible church, and especially regarding a branch, which, notwithstanding imperfections, which will be true of churches and individuals, is contending earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. To think that, and much more to speak, and more than that to publish it and spread it world wide, is a very bold thing to do, and a thing they will have to give an account of to the Lord of the Church.

It makes one almost smile to think of how forgetful they must be when they used such language, and even went the length of publishing it, for as you all know, until some of us are getting tired of hearing the cry in the Free Church, that there was no difference whatsoever in the testimony of the Free Presbyterian Church and the Free Church, and that, therefore, they should unite because their testimony is identical, and they are identical in creed and form of worship. Now if that be true that there is no difference whatever in the testimony of both Churches or in their creed or form of worship, it means this that if we have “no past to refer to and no future to

look to,” so must the Free Church be in the same position. The one is identically the same as the other, and if that is true of us, it must also be true of them, and it is a very peculiar statement for them to make. If they adhere to it, then they must let the other go and that by abandoning what they contended for all along. They must let that go, or must as men, and Christians, withdraw and apologise for having made it, otherwise they will appear to intelligent men all the world over, to be contradicting themselves, and acting not like wise men but as fools.

With regard to the differences between us and the Free Church, these differences are great and many, as anyone who takes the trouble to observe things year in and year out will see. There is a great danger to us as a Church, arising from these continual efforts on the part of the Free Church, to get us to unite with them. This has been referred to by Mr. Macintyre, and it means this that if we are to be faithful to our ordination vows and faithful to our own souls and those entrusted to us, and if we are to appear, as we hope we will by the grace of God, without the blood of our fellowmen in our skirts, then we must see to it that we will not be ensnared by these, for we are just on the verge of being ensnared, and the danger is increased by the blanks which the Lord is making in the ranks of the faithful. When one candle is extinguished, then there is less light and more darkness, and when there are many candles extinguished, then there is more and more darkness, and we are fast going into darkness as a generation, and we are not yet as we shall be, and we must be careful and seek grace from the Most High to be wise and act wisely. We must cease to be ensnared by these approaches on the part of the Free Church, and throw them away, and hold our ground, professing and non-professing, to love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, otherwise we shall be thrown down, and shall not be able to hold by the testimony raised, as those who are now at their eternal rest held, and expected us to hold also. I seriously warn our people regarding this, in order that they will be on their guard. The Free

Church, although she is seeking union with us, is keeping a warm side to the other Churches that have departed from the truth, and it is not a matter of churches departing from the truth in the sense of these words in former times, but it is an absolute abandoning of the truth, a departure from truth in a slight degree to begin with, and then going on and increasing until what we have now is an absolute abandoning of the truth and the principles of it. If that were not so, the people of Scotland would tremble to let many of the ministers that are to-day in their pulpits be there; they would be afraid of the judgments of Dathan and Korah and Abiram for allowing them into their pulpits. It is not only putting them into their pulpits, but giving them the highest places, and instead of rebuking them and counselling them, they land them to the skies, and when this is so in the Churches of Scotland to-day, and in the Church of Scotland particularly; the Free Church, if she would be true to her testimony, would hold aloof from the Church of Scotland and from all similar churches until such time as they would come to confess their sins and backslidings and show signs of reformation and of a returning to the principles of God’s truth. They would do that, not from a spirit of malice or ill-will, but with the best spirit of all, and the best desire of all—a desire that they should have salvation for their never-dying souls, and that by having their backslidings healed, and having the Lord loving them and lifting upon them the light of His countenance. They can only have this blessing upon their repentance and upon their returning as penitent sinners to God, and they shall never know His blessing until then. Until the Free Church of Scotland would see some signs of that taking place, it is her duty and it is ours, to hold aloof, and to have no fellowship with the works of darkness and the kingdom of Satan, but to renounce himself and his kingdom and everything that savours of his power. That is not what the Free Church is doing. You know as well as I do that they are keeping a very warm side to them, and associating with them here, there, and everywhere, and on most friendly terms. If one has to go, you can see nothing but love

and charity and brotherliness, and all that kind of thing, which is good and necessary and has its own place, but is not good and necessary when it is a matter of being traitors to the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Word, when He is discarded and brought so low as He is by many in these Churches. It is not charity, love, or anything savouring of Christianity, to be on intimate friendship with churches or men, of whom that is true, for the conduct of these men amounts to this, of being traitors to the Lord Jesus, and where can the Christian find authority to be intimate with traitors to the Lord Jesus? Up to the very last night, the traitor remained concealed from the Apostles, but not from the Lord; but did He not point him out to them? and told them that he was there, and the work he was there for, and the work he was going to do, and did He not say that it were better that he were never born, and did He not warn them about that traitor—Judas? Was He on friendly terms that night with Judas? No, He was not, and to every other traitor, Christ will take up the same attitude. He will never show any love to him or friendship or hold fellowship with him, or anyone who is a traitor to Him, and a traitor to God who sent Him, and to His Word and Church and people and kingdom.

Let us seek grace to show that is what we believe, and although our ranks are getting thin, the Lord Himself who is pleased to weaken us, is able to strengthen us. If you follow His footsteps in the history of the Church, you will see this has always been His way—to lessen her one time and strengthen her the next—weak to-day and strong to-morrow, and the Great Day alone will show the glory of His wisdom and power in this, and how He upheld her. He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and if He is pleased to lessen us in number and power, and weaken us by the removal of His own people, He alone can increase and strengthen, and let us look to Him, and cease from entertaining any thought of going back, even in heart, for that is the most dangerous thought that can enter our mind, and a most destructive thought in its fruits and issues if allowed to mature. Let us be done with it once and for all, and remember

the word that was spoken by the Lord to Moses at the Red Sea—”Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” The Red Sea lay before them and they could not see a way through it—no visible signs of a path—yet the command was “Tell the children of Israel to go forward,” and I am much mistaken if that is not what He says to us as a Church—”To go forward”—and leave the issues in His hands, and seek grace to do our duty.

The Rev. James Macleod said that he had been a much advertised man from certain remarks he had made at last Synod but no criticism cynical or otherwise was to divert him from the path of duty. He had enjoyed listening to Mr. Macleod’s speech as he clearly emphasised the duty of the ministers and the people of the Church.

The Rev. D. Beaton wished to touch on a point not brought forward in the foregoing speeches. We had heard to-night already of those who prophesied not only disaster but extinction to the small denomination that set out on its voyage in 1893. These prophecies came to nothing. In 1918 when the Rev. (now Prof.) J. R. Mackay left us there were many outside our Church and a few within it who said “What is to become of the Free Presbyterian Church?” The same question was put when the Rev. D. Macfarlane went to heaven and you know that the same question is being put to-day. Some people have become obsessed with the idea that the Free Presbyterian Church is a one-man institution that will inevitably collapse when the person they fix on as the mainstay has passed away. The Free Presbyterian Church has certainly sustained a great loss but if there are any present who anticipated a lowering of the standard they must have got one of the surprises of their life to-night. Let us seek God’s guidance in the days to come and lean upon Him and if we be true to Him He will not forsake us.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen exhorted his brethren and our people to remain loyal and faithful to God even when Satan came as an angel of light. He made reference to some of the letters which appeared in the “Northern Chronicle” and the notorious

statements made in them by Free Church controversialists. The Free Church wanted us out of the way.

The Rev. Finlay Macleod said that he as one of the younger ministers would like to make it clear that the Free Presbyterian Church was not opposed to union on a scriptural basis. That had been made very plain at various meetings of the Synod and stated in language that could not be misunderstood. Whenever the Free Church showed signs of repentance it would be time enough to think of union with them. It is quite evident they are not repentant and we, therefore, can do nothing.

Mr. Gillies speaking in support of the motion said: In our Synod of 1918, the Free Church’s “Reply to our Statement of Differences” was commented upon by our late revered pastor and brother, the Rev. Neil Cameron, as being made up of evasive statements and suggestions of compromise. There was no acknowledgment of the laxity shown by the Assembly and the sin committed against God, the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Bible, in the case of Dr. W. M. Alexander. Though the “Reply” acknowledged the frankness of the Synod in setting forth the differences and owned that this frankness gave the Free Church the long desired opportunity of sincerely addressing herself to the Christian duty of endeavouring to remove these differences, yet it was to be by a private conference that social gatherings, sales of work, bazaars and prayers at the grave were to be dealt with, instead of sweeping all these unscriptural practices out of doors, so that they at least would not continue to grieve our Church and many also in the Free Church. Fourteen years have now gone, and while we have the “Reply” once more before us, we still await the removal of the differences. If words of platitude are efficient to pave the way for union, then the Free Church Commission did something in 1917, and again in 1931. We said in our motion last year and we say the same in our motion now that the Free Church has done nothing to remove these differences, but if anything has only increased them. We mean that the actions of the Free Church have not been for the removal of these differences. The Synod,

therefore, has no option but to abide by the motion which has been moved and seconded.

We have heard this evening that it has been stated in the public prints that we as a Church took up a separate position in 1893, on a misapprehension and a fallacy. It has been denied therefore that it was under the leadership of the Most High and His Word that Revs. Donald Macfarlane and Donald Macdonald and those associated with them acted in taking that course. On hearing this allegation, my mind went to one who was hired to curse Israel to obtain the reward of iniquity—Balaam. If I am right in my exposition, part of the curse he was to have pronounced, was that the Lord did not take them out of Egypt. He was to make out that they were not the true Church of God, and that their exodus was not from God but from the Father of delusion and lies. However, in spite of himself, he had to bless, and in blessing, he had to own:—“The Lord brought him out of Egypt . . . Blessed is he that blesses thee and cursed is he that curseth thee.” It has been said in substance that it was not the Lord that brought us out in 1893. It was under a misapprehension and a fallacy we came out. I am not making the inference, I am dealing with the passage of God’s Word that occurred to me in this connection. It may be as in Balaam’s case, that the time will come when instead of declaring that a misapprehension and a fallacy was the cause of our separation from the house of bondage in 1893, the person who offered this explanation will have to change his view and admit that it was the Lord who brought us out, and that it was neither under a misapprehension nor a fallacy.

Dr. J. M. Johnston also spoke in support of the motion. It is very hard for a layman, he said, to speak here to-night, but what passed through my mind when I was listening to the Fathers of the Church, especially the worthy pastor of Ullapool, was when I saw the death-sweat coming over our late dear pastor, and the awful fear that filled our hearts, and how for the moment we forgot that the government was not upon a

man’s shoulder. I am sure the people of our Church have cause to acknowledge the Lord’s goodness in that He has raised up men to take the place of those who stood steadfast in days past. I am very glad that the motion is a respectful and polite no. Our duty is clear from Scripture. When a man is taught of the Holy Ghost, that man has new conceptions of truth, and what was passing through my mind was how these men speak smooth things and deceive the people, but if you will look to the Epistle to the Romans (chap. xvi. 17, 18) what does it say? “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them, for they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” You are commanded there to avoid such, and one can only homologate, as a layman, with our ministers, who are held in such respect, that they will never have cause to fear, as long as they hold by God’s Word and the testimony that has been raised, for the things they need in this world or the next, and our Church will never need to fear that God will not stand by us.

The meeting closed with praise and prayer and it was decided that the Synod meet (D.V.) on Thursday, at 5.30 p.m., in private, and at 6.30 p.m., in public.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Thursday at 5.30 p.m. in private in terms of adjournment. The Synod gave instructions that the following motion passed unanimously at the private meeting of Synod be published in the Magazine:—

Instructions to General Treasurer re Contributions that may be received from former F.P. Congregation, Ontario.—”The General Treasurer be instructed that he shall not receive, for Church funds, moneys or contributions from the former Ontario Free Presbyterian Congregation, Canada, who by their own action in 1930, as recorded in the Synod minutes, cut themselves off from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, except where

such moneys shall be given, and accepted, only as private contributions.”

When the Synod met in public at 6.30 p.m. the Rev. D. Beaton gave in his report on the Magazine.

Magazine Report.—Mr. Beaton said there is nothing special to report this year. The sale of the Magazine has not only been maintained in these times of financial stress when so many wage-earners are hard hit but its circulation is still increasing which is gratifying to those who have the interests of the Magazine at heart. It has a considerable circulation in England and abroad.

The Treasurer reports that there is a balance to credit this year of £35 6s. 4d. compared with £51 15s. 8d. last year. This means a drop of £16 9s. 4d. As there are a considerable number of outlying accounts not paid at the end of the financial year and as we have received reductions in our printing account from our printers for next year we hope there will be an improvement in our finances to report next year. The Free Distribution fund received donations to the amount of £31 17s. 3d.

The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the adoption of the Report and in doing so said we have reason to be grateful to the Lord that there is such an organ published. The motion was seconded by Inspector Sinclair and unanimously agreed to.

Fishing Stations Report.—This Report which was given in by the Rev. M. Gillies will be found on another page. Mr. Gillies moved the adoption of the Report. His motion was seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen and agreed to.

Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee’s Report.—This Report which appears on another page was given in by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener, who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Finlay Macleod. He hoped that in the near future one of the ministers of the Church would consent to go to Vancouver for one year at least. The motion was agreed to.

Report of Deputy to Canada and the United States.—This Report was given in by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen and appears

on another page. The Rev. Finlay Macleod seconded the adoption of the Report. He said they were all interested in listening to the Report and pleased to see him back among them safe and sound. The motion was seconded by Mr. Charles Sutherland and agreed to.

Report of Deputy to Winnipeg.—This Report was given in by the Rev. D. J. Matheson. The Rev. Roderick Macinnes moved the adoption of the Report. The motion was seconded by the Rev. D. Beaton who said he listened to the Report with much interest. It was encouraging to hear from Mr. Matheson’s Report that there was some life in the Winnipeg congregation after all it came through. He had a special interest in Winnipeg as he was the first Free Presbyterian deputy to visit this great and growing city which was the gateway to the vast prairie lands of Western Canada and he was gratified in hearing of the loyalty of the people to the home Church.

Request from Winnipeg.—The Rev. D. J. Matheson stated that he had promised the Winnipeg congregation to bring before the Synod a request that this congregation should retain its status as a congregation though not self-supporting. The reason being that they could not possibly pay the equivalent to £220 and also meet the rent for the minister’s house. The Rev. James Macleod moved that the Synod support the Winnipeg congregation and that any help given should not be given out of the home Sustentation Fund except in the way that deputies have been paid already, and that in the event of getting a minister they should refund as much as they could of the help given them. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded the motion which was agreed to.

Appointment of Committee to draw up a Statement setting forth the differences between the Free Presbyterian Church and other Churches in Scotland.—The Rev. D. Beaton said he thought it advisable that a Committee should be appointed to draw up a reasoned statement setting forth the differences between the Free Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Churches in Scotland—having the Free Church specially in view. The

advocates of the latter Church in the invitations and communications re union and co-operation sent us addressed us in the most loving terms but in the public press we were told we blundered at the beginning, that we were obstinate and self-righteous, and that we delighted in a religion of miscalling. We had also some other very reprehensible characteristics that need not be mentioned here. If we are all that we are told we are then the best plan is to leave us alone. At the same time it is right that our Church should anew state her position for the sake of a generation who did not come through the struggles of the past.

The Rev. James Macleod said he had much pleasure in moving the following motion:—”I beg to move that a Committee be appointed consisting of Revs. E. Macqueen, N. Macintyre, D. Beaton, D. N. MacLeod, with Mr. Beaton as Convener, in order to draw out a statement showing the differences between the Free Presbyterian Church and other Churches as to their relationship to the Inspiration of the Word of God, doctrine, and their general practice and that the Committee report to next meeting of Synod.”

There is real necessity for this, said Mr. Macleod, both in connection with our own Church and outside our own Church, because the Churches of Scotland to-day, and I may say, the Protestant Churches in Europe and other parts of the world have departed so deplorably from the Word of God, that it is really necessary for us as a Church to keep these things before the minds of our young people. I believe that I can go as far as to say that the entire Church has the utmost confidence in the members who have been mentioned in connection with this motion, for they have been, from the very beginning of the history of the Free Presbyterian Church, in the forefront. It has been said over and over again that if some of the ministers of the Free Presbyterian Church were to be removed from our midst, that this would be the end of the Free Presbyterian Church. I think that is a grossly exaggerated statement which should not be made, because, however worthy, those who were

removed were, and they were worthy, the government of the Church of Christ does not hang on the shoulders of any individual.

Rev. D. M. Macdonald, in seconding Mr. Macleod’s motion, said that we were all united to keep up the testimony of our Church to the best of our ability. He mentioned a young man to whom he had been speaking recently and who had joined our Church from the Free Church. He had come to Glasgow to study and was surprised at certain attitudes of the Free Church. He saw that the Free Presbyterian Church was endeavouring to adhere to its own standards and to do what was right in doctrine, worship and practice. Mr. Macdonald was highly pleased with what he heard on the previous night, and especially with the splendid defence of our position made by our worthy brother Mr. Macleod, Ullapool.

Reconstitution of the Financial Committee.—The Rev. James Macleod moved the following motion:—”I beg to move that the Revs. N. Macintyre, E. MacQueen, D. N. Macleod, Ullapool, M. Gillies, the Inverness and the Glasgow Synod elders, ex-officio, be appointed members of the Financial Committee, Mr. MacQueen to act as Convener; that Mr. John Grant be associated with the Committee; and that he act as clerk to the Committee. (2) That any three of the above members, provided two of these are ministers, shall form a quorum; and that minutes be kept of the business transacted at each meeting, and that no meeting shall be considered valid unless duly recorded and signed by the Convener and clerk. (3) That there be no less than two meetings held within each financial year, each member being duly notified of the time and place of meeting by the clerk. (4) That the expenses of the members coming from a distance be defrayed out of the Organisation Fund. (5) Further, that Mr. John Grant, the General Treasurer, be consulted by the Committee as to the relative condition of the various funds, of the Church; and that the Synod instruct the Financial Committee through its clerk, to notify Clerks of Presbyteries, when any of the funds of the Church are being depleted, so that moderators

of congregations and mission stations may bring the financial condition of the funds to the notice of our people for their liberal support. (6) Further that this Committee report to the Synod annually the individual payments made to missionaries (lay), and students of the Church.” The motion was seconded by Rev. Finlay Macleod and agreed to.

Reconstitution of Foreign Mission Committee.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Foreign Mission Committee consist of the ministers of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Greenock, with their respective representative elders—Mr. Macintyre to act as Convener. The motion was seconded by Rev. D. M. Macdonald and agreed to.

Standing Church Committees.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that these be the same as last year with the exception of the Foreign Mission Committee and the Finance Committee. At a later stage the Synod’s Business Committee had its name changed to the Church Interests Committee as will be seen from the motion brought forward later on. The motion was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

Church Collections.—The Rev. D. M. Macdonald moved that the Church Collections be taken up on the same dates as last year. This was seconded by Mr. John Campbell and agreed to.

Reports of Examiners on Synod and Presbyterian Records.—Revs. N. Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald examined the Synod Records and found them correct. Revs. R. Mackenzie and D. Macleod reported they had examined the Northern Presbytery records and found them quite in order. Revs. Ewen Macqueen and D. A. Macfarlane had a similar report to give of the Outer Isles Presbytery Records. The Revs. James Macleod and James A. Tallach examined Western Presbytery Records. Mr. Macleod reported there was a certain matter to which the Synod’s attention had been called already and concerning which it had given instructions. The Rev. M. Gillies reported that in examining the records of the Southern Presbytery there were two unsigned minutes owing to Mr. Cameron’s death.

Authority to sign Southern Presbytery Minutes.—Rev. Neil Macintyre stated that he wished to get the Synod’s authority for the Moderator of the Southern Presbytery to sign the two minutes referred to above. The Rev. D. Beaton moved that such permission be given; this was seconded by the Rev. R. Mackenzie and agreed to.

Records of Kirk-Sessions and Deacon’s Courts to be examined annually by Presbyteries.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that in future all records of Kirk-Sessions and Deacons’ Courts be presented annually by their Clerks to the Clerks of their respective Presbyteries in April for examination according to the law of the Church. The motion was seconded by Rev. D. N. Macleod and agreed to.

Report on Religion and Morals.—This Report was given in by Rev. D. M. Macdonald who moved its adoption. It appears on another page of this issue. This motion was seconded by Mr. John Urquhart and unanimously agreed to.

Cinema Bill.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved the following motion:—”The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland view with profound alarm the introduction by His Majesty’s Government of a Bill to legalise the opening of Cinemas on the Lord’s Day. The Synod would earnestly remind the Government of the binding obligations of the Fourth Commandment which is an integral part of the inspired Word of God and would point out the fearful judgments with which God visited nations who desecrated that day. On the other hand, the Lord declares positively that ‘they that honour me I will honour.’ The Synod would warn the Government that in passing legislation which authorises the opening of places of amusement on the Lord’s Day they bring down the judgments of God upon the nation and such legislation will be most disastrous to the morals and spiritual welfare of young people especially. The Synod would, therefore, appeal to the members of the Government, as they must give account of their stewardship to the Lord of the Sabbath, to oppose all attempts that make for the abolition of the Sabbath.”

The motion was seconded by the Rev. William Grant who said that it was deplorable that the deceased Cinema Bill received a majority at the third reading, although that majority was only 18, but we believe, in answer to the prayers of the Lord’s people, their council came to nought and that the Bill is dead. The danger now is that the opponents of that Bill will compromise in this new Bill. The fourth Commandment does not permit of any compromise. If hospitals in Scotland should come so low as to accept contributions from Sabbath entertainments, individuals and congregations would do well to notify those responsible that their contributions would cease. For instance, the congregation of St. Jude’s gives handsomely every year to Glasgow hospitals. Should the hospitals come to accept contributions from Sabbath entertainments, the hospitals should be notified that they will receive no further contributions from the congregation.

Loyal Address to the King.—The Rev. D. Beaton pointed out that the question had been raised in the private meeting as to the advisability of renewing the custom that had been in abeyance for a number of years of presenting a Loyal Address to the King as it gave an opportunity to the Synod of bringing matters affecting the spiritual welfare of the nation to His Majesty’s notice. A committee consisting of Revs. Neil Macintyre, D. A. Macfarlane and R. Mackenzie were appointed to draw up a Loyal Address to the King.

The Address was read by the Rev. Neil Macintyre and is as follows: “To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, May it please Your Majesty.—We, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, convened at Glasgow on this the 18th day of May, Nineteen Hundred and Thirty-two years, desire most humbly and most respectfully to express to Your Majesty our unabated loyalty to Your Majesty’s person and throne.

We pray the Most High God to bestow His blessing upon Your Majesty, Your Majesty’s Consort and the Royal Family.

We would take occasion most humbly and out of regard to Your Majesty’s best interests, and those of Your Majesty’s subjects, to express our profound regret at the recent attendance

on the part of Your Majesty’s Representatives and Ministers of State at the Service of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. We view this as a serious departure from the Protestant principles and traditions of this nation, and would express our apprehension lest Divine judgment, such as overtook other nations in the past, follow such anti-Protestant and unscriptural practices if persevered in.

We would, in addition, most respectfully pray Your Majesty to use all the influence of Your Majesty’s exalted position to conserve the interests of the institution of the Lord’s Day according to His Word, recognising, as we do, the great blessings which have accrued to this nation from the scriptural observance of it hitherto, and the dangers which beset it from various directions at the present time.

It is our fervent prayer that Your Majesty may receive divine strength and guidance for the discharge of the many and onerous duties of Your Majesty’s responsible station.

In name and on behalf of the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.”

The Rev. James Macleod moved the adoption of the Address as read and said he considered it a duty and privilege to send this Loyal Address to His Majesty the King. Rev. D. Beaton seconded the motion and said he listened with pleasure to its terms as it was read. He thought it very well expressed and put together for the short time the Committee had at their disposal.

Australia.—As the Rev. R. Mackenzie was absent on Committee business when the Canadian and Colonial Mission Report came up permission was granted to him at this stage to state the needs of our people in Australia. Mr. Mackenzie made a very effective appeal to the Synod and ended by moving: “That in the event of a deputy being sent to Vancouver in the near future, he be asked to go for six months to Australia and that he be authorised to visit the Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation as deputy from the Church and also to hold Free Presbyterian services in such other places as he may find expedient.” Rev. William Grant seconded

the motion and said he thought our Australian friends, few in numbers but loyal, deserved our practical sympathy. The motion was agreed to.

Presbytery Business.—Most of this business dealt with appointments, retirements and payments of missionaries and as the Synod Report has already used much more space than anticipated these details are omitted.

Title Deeds in Lewis.—The Rev. M. Gillies reported that he had discovered that some of our church buildings in Lewis had no title deeds. He moved that the Synod instruct the responsible parties where there are no title deeds to have the matter put right immediately and that care be taken to have the Model Clause inserted in the feu charter. This was seconded by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen and agreed to.

Church Interests Committee.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved: “That the Synod’s Standing Business Committee be re-constituted as the Church Interests Committee; that it consist as formerly of the Moderator and Clerk of Synod with the Clerks of Presbyteries ex-officio; and, in addition to preparing a draft agenda for Synod business, it be authorised to deal with all emergent affairs of the Church, provided all matters having a constitutional bearing be dealt with only by reference either to a pro re nata meeting of Synod or otherwise submitted for the consideration of the four Presbyteries of the Church.” This was seconded by Rev. N. Macintyre and agreed to.

Grant to Ministers’ Widows.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that £5 additional be granted to the beneficiaries of this Fund. Mrs. Radasi’s grant was to come out of the Foreign Mission Fund as already agreed on but the addition of £5 also applied to her. This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

Church Moneys.—The Clerk said he had much pleasure in moving a motion suggested by the General Treasurer, viz.:—”That the Synod give instructions to all congregational treasurers in depositing money in the bank in their name to be careful to add the words—’Treasurer of the Congregation of . . . . . or his successor in office’ or some such wording

as will make it quite clear that it is Church money and that the Clerk be instructed to send a printed notice of this motion to all moderators and interim moderators of Kirk-Sessions and Deacons’ Courts so that they may bring it to the notice of congregational treasurers. The motion was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

The Synod ended its business on Thursday night at 9 p.m. and agreed to meet again next year (D.V.) at Inverness, on Tuesday, 23rd May, at 6.30 p.m., when the retiring Moderator will (D.V.) conduct divine worship. The meeting closed with praise and prayer.