By REV. D. BEATON.
I HAVE not anything special to lay before the Synod. The circulation for the first time in a considerable number of years remained stationary during 1932-33—the number printed being 3500, while 3550 of the double July number were printed. With a little effort, no doubt, the circulation could easily be increased a few hundreds more. Letters of appreciation reach the Editor from all parts of the world—Australia, Canada, U.S.A.,
England, Ireland, and India—from people who have no connection with our Church who, in some way or other, have been brought into touch with the Magazine. There are, no doubt, many belonging to other denominations who love the teaching supplied from month to month in its pages if we could only get in touch with them.
I have to acknowledge the help by many in sending me extracts from books, and cuttings from newspapers and religious periodicals; this service is highly appreciated, though I am not always able to use them. Still, to all helpers in this line I would say with the Apostle: Let us not be weary in well-doing. I have to acknowledge specially the appreciated help given by the Rev. James Macleod in sending a Gaelic sermon and for his Gaelic translation of one of Mr. Spurgeon’s sermons. I have, time and again, asked my brethren to send sermons, but I have regretfully to say that my requests have fallen on deaf ears. In the hope that some of them may feel the chidings of conscience in this matter, I renew my request. We shall look forward with interest in the hope of seeing some signs of improvement.
On the financial side the Magazine Fund shows a balance of £32 4s. 4d. as compared with £35 6s. 4d. last year. This balance is rather meagre for working purposes, but it would appear from what our Treasurer reports that the trade depression is affecting even the finances of the Magazine. In a covering letter sent with the Magazine Financial Statement, Mr. Grant writes: “I find it difficult to get payment from some of our agents who are slow in making payment. Taking into account the outstanding accounts due we are fully up to last year. A few of our readers in Canada who appreciate the Magazine wrote to say that owing to circumstances they were unable to pay and asked to cease sending in the meantime. I have not cancelled any, and to this I hope the Committee will not object.” I am sure I am expressing not only the Committee’s mind but also the Synod’s in saying that Mr. Grant acted rightly. The contributions to the Free Distribution Fund amounted to £28 17s. 2d., as compared with £31 17s. 3d. last year.