Report of Synod Proceedings.\

FIRST SEDERUNT.

THE Synod met at Inverness on the 23rd day of May. The retiring Moderator, the Rev. D. J. Matheson, preached from II. Chronicles xxxi., 20,21—”And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.”

Letters of apology for absence were sent by Revs. D. N. Macleod, Malcolm Gillies, James A. Tallach, and Messrs. John Munro, Ullapool, and Malcolm Fraser, The Mound.

There were present from the Western Presbytery—Revs. M. Morrison, D. M. Macdonald, and Donald Macleod; with Messrs. James Fraser, Gairloch; John Macaulay, Applecross; John Macleman, Shieldaig; and Murdo Macaskill, Glendale, ruling elders. Northern Presbytery—Revs. Ewen Macqueen, D. A. Macfarlane, John Tallach, William Grant, Robert R. Sinclair; with Messrs. George Mackenzie, Inverness; Kenneth Maciver, Dingwall, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery.—Revs. Neil Macintyre, Donald Beaton, James Macleod, Roderick Mackenzie; with Mr. Alexander Macdougall, Oban, and Dr. J. M. Johnston,

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

Glasgow, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery—Rev. John MacLachlan.

The minutes of previous meetings and of the pro re nata meeting were read and approved. Mr John Ross was then appointed officer of court.

The Clerk intimated that they had present with them their esteemed missionary from South Africa, Rev. John Tallach, and that it would be necessary, if he were to become a member of the Synod, that a motion to effect this would be required. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen accordingly moved the following motion:—“When an ordained missionary, who is not a member of a Mission Presbytery, is home on furlough or sick leave, he shall be regarded as a member of the Presbytery by which he was ordained or inducted as a missionary, and also a member of Synod during the time of his furlough or sick leave, and he shall have all the rights and privileges of members of such courts. And, in future, during his furlough, or sick leave, the Presbytery to which he belongs shall be empowered to co-opt an elder of one of the congregations within their bounds who shall also be a member of the Synod.” The motion was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Tallach then took his seat as a member of the court.

The Moderator at this stage intimated that his term of office was at an end. He 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. Neil Macintyre moved that the Rev. John Tallach be appointed Moderator for the ensuing year. He said that they wished to bestow this honour upon Mr. Tallach as a token of esteem for his valuable work in South Africa. The motion was seconded and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Tallach said that he regarded this honour not simply as a personal one, but as an honour done to their South African Mission. He thanked the Court and took the chair. It was agreed that as Mr. Tallach would soon be leaving for South Africa that the former Moderator, Rev. D. J. Matheson, should act in his stead should necessity arise.

It was unanimously decided that the Rev. D. J. Matheson be asked to send his Synod sermon to the Editor of the Magazine for publication.

Examiners of Synod and Presbytery Records.—The following were appointed to examine Synod and Presbytery Records:—Synod Records—Revs. Neil Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald. Northern Presbytery Records to be examined by Revs. James Macleod and R. Mackenzie. Western Presbytery by Revs. D. A. Macfarlane and William Grant. Outer Isles Presbytery by Revs. Murdo Morrison and Donald Macleod. Southern Presbytery by Rev. John Maclaehlan.

Committee Appointed to draw up Loyal Address.—The following Committee was appointed to draw up a Loyal Address to the King:—Revs. Neil Macintyre, D. A. Macfarlane, and R. Mackenzie.

It was moved and seconded that the Synod meet in private after intimation of to-morrow’s meeting was made.

The Clerk moved that the Synod meet to-morrow (D.V.) at 5.30 p.m. in the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church, and that the Business Committee and the Committee on Bills and Overtures meet in the same place and on the same day at 11 a.m. The meeting was closed with prayer.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod met in terms of the adjournment on Wednesday, 24th May, in the Free Presbyterian Church, at 5.30 p.m., and was opened with devotional exercises and constituted.

The following members were present at the second sederunt in addition to those present at the first:—Outer Isles Presbytery—Revs. R. Macinnes, M. Gillies, Donald R. Macdonald, ministers; with Messrs. John Macleod, North Harris, and Murdo Martin, South Harris, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery—Rev. James A. Tallach.

1. Report of Committee on History of Free Presbyterian Church.—In giving in this report, Rev. D. Beaton said that it would be within the recollection of the members of Synod that

a Committee consisting of Revs. Neil Cameron, Neil Macintyre, Ewen Macqueen, and D. Beaton had been appointed as far back as 1926, with the view of compiling a history of the Free Presbyterian Church. The work made slow progress, and owing to Mr. Cameron’s death came to a standstill. Mr. Cameron had completed five chapters, viz., I.-III. and V. and VI., with notes on Chapter VII. Your Committee went over these chapters and have pleasure in reporting that the whole work is now finished. The book consists of twelve chapters and will have about 250 pages. It is purposed to add as appendices a few Church documents of importance. As the work is now practically ready for the printers, quotations have been asked for from a number of firms, and these have been submitted to the Business Committee of the Synod. It now remains for the Synod to decide on the number of copies to be printed and the price to be charged. When asked to undertake this work I did so with reluctance; my hands, as my brethren are aware, were full with other work, besides I knew I had to deal with matters that caused considerable feeling when discussed in the Synod. No human being, not even an angel from heaven, could write the history of recent controversial discussions in such an impartial way as to satisfy the contestants on either side. I, therefore, anticipate criticism, not only from those who may have been actively engaged in the fray, but also from those who think they could do the work very much better themselves. Criticism of this latter type may be forestalled by reminding the prospective critics that there is a possibility that they might have done even worse. The report was approved, and it was decided that 3000 copies be printed and sold at 2/6 each. Mr Beaton suggested that any profit after expenses had been met be allocated to the Organization Fund. At the Business Committee Mr. Beaton had said that he thought he had done his share of the work and that some of the younger men might undertake the distribution of the book when it was ready. He mentioned the name of Rev. William Grant in this connection. Mr. Grant had expressed his willingness to do anything he could in the circulation of the book.

1. Training of the Ministry Committee’s Report.—This Report was given in by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen. They had at present nine students, at various stages, studying for the Church. Five of these were in divinity and two of them—Messrs. Archibald Beaton and John Colquhoun had finished their theological course this session. In moving its adoption, Mr. Macqueen said that education is necessary for those looking forward to be ministers, for if they have not a fairly high standard of education they are apt to be looked down on and also the Church to which they belong. He further stated that it ought to be impressed on young men aspiring to the ministry to have the rudiments of education before they applied to be received as students of the Church. The adoption of the report was seconded and unanimously agreed to.

(1) Examiners of Divinity Students Appointed.—The Rev. D. Beaton informed the Synod that two of the divinity students would finish their theological course next session, and it was the Synod’s duty to appoint examiners and subjects for the final theological examination. He moved that the Rev. R. Mackenzie examine in Hebrew (Chapters in Genesis and Book of Ruth); Rev. D. J. Matheson in New Testament Greek (Acts of the Apostles); Rev. D. M. Macdonald in Theology (Person of Christ—Hodge’s Systematic Theology), Bible, Confession and Catechisms; and Rev. William Grant in Scottish Church History (period from 1688 to 1843). This was seconded and adopted by the Synod.

(2) Students.—The cases of Mr. Donald Macaskill, M.A., Mr. A. Macaskill, and Mr. D. Macdonald were discussed by the Synod, and certain decisions were come to.

1. Report of Committee on Missionaries’ Salaries.—The Report of this Committee, which was submitted by the Rev. Neil Macintyre, Convener, appears among the Synod Reports. The adoption of the Report was moved by Mr. Macintyre, seconded, and agreed to.

2. Theological Tutor’s Report.—This Report was given in by Rev. D. Beaton and appears among the Synod Reports. In

moving the adoption of the Report, the Rev. Ewen Macqueen said that it was interesting in many ways, especially in the way that we can see our prospective ministers are getting thorough and sound instruction. Rev. M. Morrison, in seconding the Report, said that the thanks of the Church were due to Mr. Beaton for his painstaking work.

Divinity Students Thanked.—Rev. R. Mackenzie said Mr. Beaton had referred, in his report, to the students supplying Fort William without any remuneration during the winter except what had been given them for travelling expenses. He had pleasure in moving that the thanks of the Synod be tendered to the divinity students for their self-denial in thus generously coming to the help of Fort-William. Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to.

1. The Financial Report.—This Report was submitted by Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer. The total Congregational Collections for the Sustentation amounted to £4773 1s. 3d., as compared with £4757 14s. 1d. of last year; an increase of £15 7s. 2d. The balance to the credit of the Fund is £8205 19s. 4d., as compared with £8887 9s. 7d. of last year.

The adoption of the Report was moved by the Rev. Neil Macintyre. He said that they had much reason to acknowledge the Lord’s great goodness to them in providing so liberally for their necessities and also for the liberal mind that He has given to our people in contributing so generously to the funds in these hard and trying times. “It is forty years,” he said, “since the Free Presbyterian Church came into existence, and I think we have every reason to say, ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’ Who would have said in 1893 that after forty years when our ministers and foreign missionaries had increased in number that we would have in our Sustentation Fund a balance of over £8,000? Many prophesied when we came out that we could not exist for more than two years owing to lack of funds. Well, we are still in existence and in a much better condition financially than we were forty years ago. Who would have thought forty years ago that the Church would extend her borders to England,

Canada, America, Africa, Australia, and Palestine? It has just occurred to my mind that it is exactly forty years since I met our late dear respected friend, Rev. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall, just after he had read his protest at the Assembly, and I asked him, ‘What are you going to do? Where are you going?’ He replied, ‘I don’t know, I have no place to go to.’ I said to him, ‘If you come with me, I believe you will have a congregation before you go back.’ He went with me to Millhouse (Kames) and the congregation there was the first to take its stand in support of Mr. Macfarlane. When we look back over the past years we ought to say with the Psalmist, ‘This is the doing of the Lord,’ and it ought to be wondrous in our eyes. We have every reason to be faithful to the Word of God and to the testimony which was left us in 1893. Joshua said to Israel, ‘If ye forsake the Lord and serve other gods, then I will turn and do you hurt and consume you.’ God forbid that we should forsake the testimony left by our fathers, Revs. D. Macfarlane and D. Macdonald.” Mr. Macintyre said he had pleasure in moving the adoption of the Report on the Financial Statement and to acknowledge the kind providence of the Lord in amply providing for the needs of ministers and missionaries of the Church. Further, that the General Treasurer be thanked for his valuable services and also the auditors, Messrs. John Fraser and James Campbell, for their services in auditing the financial accounts; that they be reappointed for the current year; and that the Synod recommend anew to the liberality of our people the schemes of the Church, especially the Sustentation Fund, and order the Statement to be published in the Magazine. Rev. Macqueen, in seconding the adoption of the Report, said while it is true that it is only forty years since the Church became known as Free Presbyterian, yet its foundations went back to the time of the apostles and prophets—Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone, for the apostles built upon the Rock Christ and Mr. Macfarlane built upon the same Rock. Some of us are getting old, but we have the spirit in us of contending earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to

the saints, and I would like to see the Lord raising up the young of our congregations and of our Church to fall in love with the doctrines and principles for which we witnessed and do still witness. The Report was unanimously adopted.

Bonus to Ministers and Missionaries.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved that the bonus of £20 to ministers and £10 to our missionaries given last year be continued this year. This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

Donation of £100 to London Church Purchase Fund.—The Rev. William Grant moved that the donation of £100 given to the London Church Purchase Fund at present in the hands of the General Treasurer be paid with interest to the treasurer of the London congregation. This was seconded and agreed to.

6. Canadian and Colonial Mission Report.—This Report was submitted by the Rev. E. Macqueen, Convener, who moved its adoption. In his report, Mr. Macqueen spoke of the great difficulty the Committee had in getting some one to go out to Canada. He said that the Rev. Finlay Macleod, the deputy for this year, would be asked to go to Australia after six months in Canada. The Rev. R. Mackenzie, in seconding, said that he rejoiced that Mr Macleod was to be asked to visit their true friends in Australia.

7. Foreign Mission Report.—This Report was submitted by the Convener, Rev. Neil Macintyre, who moved its adoption. The Report is printed with the other Synod Reports. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded the motion for the adoption of the Report. Dr. Macdonald’s Report was then read by the Rev. N. Macintyre. The adoption of the report was moved and seconded. The Rev. John Tallach was then requested to address the Synod.

Rev. John Tallach’s Address.—On leaving the chair Mr. Tallach said: “I felt, in a way, very strange when listening to the report of our work in South Africa. How little these natives and especially the children, think how much we speak about them here and how little they know about how we carry on our affairs. When I arrived in this country last June at the first meeting of the Foreign Mission Committee I conveyed to them the greetings or the good wishes of our Kirk-Session in Rhodesia. I did not then

think that I would be in this country at the Synod, and I think that my first duty in speaking to you is to convey the greetings of these people in Rhodesia, who know little of our affairs except that it is owing to the Free Presbyterian Church that the Word of God has been brought to them. I do not know what to say from the point of view of missionary news, as I have given several lectures on the subject since my arrival in this country, but I may refer to a few things. Going around among the people I have been asked many and varied questions. I have experienced that different people ask different questions, and it is strange that the nature of the question very often differs according to the person who asks it. Some motive must have prompted such questions, and as others may be desirous to ask similar questions, I would like to mention a few of them. A business man will ask, ‘Do you have collections among you?’ and is it necessary that teachers go out there?’ A man who has practically no concern about money will ask, ‘Are all these conversions genuine?’ and do any of them go back?’ The first thing I have noted down here is a question asked, ‘Do your people appreciate and are they thankful for what we have done?’ This is a hard question because we cannot measure appreciation among natives in the same way as in this country. Among themselves they never think of giving thanks in a formal way to those who are friends. They expect so much from friends and expect to repay what is done for them. But they certainly thoroughly appreciate what is being done for them, especially, believing people. Think of it like this! If a native woman is under concern for her soul she is not thinking of the Free Presbyterian Church, or, if a woman is sitting in church and the tears running down her cheeks reading the 23rd Psalm she will not think of the Free Presbyterian Church, but it is nevertheless the Free Presbyterian Church that is bringing the gospel to her. Another question is, ‘Are there other missions near you?’ and do they ask you to join them?’ Well, there are, and the nearest one is a Presbyterian one. During the first number of years we were there we had frequent calls from them to unite

with them on many things, but I am able to stand before you and say that not on a single item have we joined or united with any other mission. ‘Are conversions genuine?’ Well, they are as they are at home. Some of the expressions used by natives under distress of soul are as follows:—You meet a man and he says, ‘Who told you all about me? I was in church and I heard my heart and life described.’ The same as in this country. When I told a woman of 70 years of age that drink was her enemy and that she must give it up, she said, ‘What! give up drinking; that is nothing, I would do anything to get eternal life.’ A man comes on a Monday morning with tears in his eyes and says, ‘I don’t know what to do, I am the most lost person going into that church. What am I to do?’ So that taking it by life there is no ground for suspicion that these people are not wrought upon by God’s Spirit. I am bringing before you that we have the same character to work upon as you have at home. ‘Do many go back?’ Knowing what the temptations and circumstances of these poor people are I should say that it is nothing less than wonderful that there should be only one to be dealt with in the way of discipline, as referred to in Dr. Macdonald’s Report, so that if a person is anxious to know if they go back we can answer, I think, by saying that where the work is thorough that they do not go back. ‘Do we collect money?’ The method by which money was collected from these people was not a method adapted to their circumstances. When I went there I thought I would be very clever and I got collecting books which I gave to the deacons, but they were unable to grasp the system, so since then a very satisfactory and simple method of collecting by cards has been instituted.

Sometimes it is said that we are making too much of school-work, and I have referred to that in different places where I gave lectures. I believe that the education of the natives is the duty of the Government, not of the Church, but it is the duty of the Church to make use of education as a handmaid to help the gospel. It is our definite thought and feeling on the matter that education is secondary to the gospel.

There have been discussions as to the necessity of bringing Edwin Radasi to this country. A promise had been made by the late Rev. N. Cameron to his mother that Edwin would be educated in this country. In another year he would have gone as far as he could in the Rhodesian school which he attended, and he would not be admitted into one of the European schools, so that it was as well to bring him over when we were coming. Thanks are due to the Director of Education for Caithness and Mr. Murdo Mackenzie, M.A., Wick, for their advice and help in the matter, and also to Mr. and Mrs. MacKenzie, Ardgay, with whom he is staying and attending Mr. MacKenzie’s school.

I have visited over 36 places and congregations since coming to this country. Some people say I have not visited enough, others that I have visited too many. The collections taken on these visits amounted to the handsome and surprising sum of £236 19s. 1d. and travelling expenses equalled £20 7s. 5d. I have only to thank the people for all their kindness to me and kindness to the missionary cause, and we trust that we will be remembering each other, and I believe that those who used to pray for us will pray with more intensity than they used to. I cannot see how a church which brings the gospel to those who cannot otherwise get it can lose, but I can see how they can gain by it. Regarding the famine I do not mean to say but that famine out there is a very serious matter, but, on the other hand, we must not get into a panic about it, because the Government helps the natives in different ways. In the past they helped them a great deal by giving long credit and fixing very low prices for grain.

Famine Fund.—The Rev. N. Macintyre said that in the event of famine they had a fund of £180 on which they could draw in case of necessity.

Mrs. Radasi.—It was moved by the Rev. M. Morrison and seconded that Mrs. Radasi receive now only £30, seeing her son Edwin was being supported by the Church in this country.

Rev. D. Urquhart.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen had reported that Mr. Urquhart had expressed a willingness to remain in

Winnipeg until August. The Rev. William Grant moved that the Synod agree to Rev. D. Urquhart remaining in Winnipeg until August and that on his return he proceed to Palestine; and further that his position there be reconsidered at next meeting of Synod.

Grants.—The Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the following grants be made:—£10 to Mabel Radasi; £10 to Paul Hlazo; £20 for the Hospital; £10 for Medicine; and £30 for upkeep of Mission. This was seconded and agreed to.

Rules Relating to Foreign Missionaries.—The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the rules relating to Foreign Missionaries as set down in Sir Henry Monerieff’s Practice be revised by the Foreign Mission Committee and that they report to next meeting of Synod. This was seconded by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen and agreed to.

The Rev. Neil Cameron’s Memoirs.—The Rev. D. Beaton said though the matter to which I am calling your attention does not strictly belong to the Foreign Mission Fund, yet because of the contribution to be made to it this seems to me the most appropriate time to refer to it. In announcing to my brethren at the Business Meeting of Synod last year that I had undertaken the issuing of a Memoir, with Sermons, etc., of the Rev. Neil Cameron I intimated that any surplus after payment of all expenses would be given to the Foreign Mission Fund. The book had a sale quite beyond my highest expectations. An edition of 3500 had been printed, and had it not been for Mr. Macintyre, who suggested this number when 3000 was mentioned, the book would be out of print. I feel it my duty to sincerely thank both our ministers and missionaries for bringing the book within reach of our people in different parts of the Church. Had I known that the book was to have such an excellent sale it could have been sold at a cheaper rate, but as the sale of a book is very difficult to forecast, the price has to be fixed according to the probable number that may be sold, otherwise loss will be incurred. It will, I am sure, be gratifying to my brethren and also to purchasers of the volume, to know that £200 has already been

paid to the Foreign Mission Fund, and as all expenses have been met it is hoped that a considerable sum yet will be added to the Fund.

No copies of the book were sent out for review, but one or two reviews and criticisms of it appeared in print. One of these was very sympathetic; others were the opposite. No notice was taken of them as they were what one might most naturally expect from the source of their origin—”Cha tig as a’ phoit ach an toit tha imnte.” The most effective method of dealing with a certain type of critic is to maintain an attitude of dignified silence. I may say that I took 20 copies of the Memoir for my own use, and I am certain that my brethren will not grudge this to me for my labour.

The Clerk said that they had agreed at the Business Meeting to take up some matters in private, and a motion to this effect was required. Rev. E. Macqueen moved that after the benediction was pronounced the Synod would continue in private. This was seconded and agreed to.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Thursday at 5 p.m. in terms of adjournment.

Reports of the Finance Committee and Examiners of Synod and Presbytery Records were submitted and adopted. Mr. Macqueen reported that £270 had been allocated to nine students—£30 each.

1. Church Interests Committee Report.—The Rev. D. Beaton submitted this Report, the adoption of which was moved, seconded and agreed to.

(1) Offer of Property.—The Committee had before them an offer of property, but owing to its condition and the terms of the offer, the Committee were unanimous in refusing acceptance. The Synod approved of the Committee’s decision.

(2) Confession of Faith.—Mr. Beaton reported that the Rev. R. B. Lyons, of the Irish Reformed Presbyterian Church, had communicated with him about an edition of the Confession of Faith which they were printing. The Committee had tentatively mentioned that our Church would be likely to take 1000 copies,

and it remained for the Synod to say whether they would venture beyond this number, as it was not likely such a cheap edition would be printed again. The Rev. James Macleod moved that the Synod order 2000 copies and that the books be sent to Mr. Finlay Beaton, Inverness, for distribution at the price of 1/9 per volume. Mr. Peter Anderson seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr. F. Beaton agreed to undertake the distribution of the book.

1. Report of Editor of Magazine.—This Report was submitted by the Editor, Rev. D. Beaton, who moved its adoption. The Report appears with the other Synod Reports. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded and agreed to. Motion re Obituaries in Magazine.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the Magazine Committee be advised that only obituaries of prominent Christians be published in the Magazine. The motion was seconded. Mr. James Fraser moved an amendment to the effect that the matter be left as at present. This was seconded by Mr. John Maclellan. On a vote being taken the motion was declared carried.

2. Fishing Stations’ Committee’s Report.—This Report was submitted by Rev. Malcolm Gillies. The Rev. D. Beaton moved its adoption. This was seconded and agreed to. The Report is printed with the other Synod Reports.

3. Standing Committees of the Church.—The Rev. M. Morrison moved and Mr. Peter Anderson seconded that the following Committees be appointed :—

Church Interests Committee—Synod Clerk and Clerks of the four Presbyteries.

Religion and Morals Committee—Rev. D. M. Macdonald (Convener), M. Morrison, D. A. Macfarlane, and William Grant.

Finance Committee—Revs. Ewen Macqueen (Convener), N. Macintyre, D. N. Macleod and M. Gillies, and the representative elders of Glasgow and Edinburgh Kirk-Sessions, with Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer, associated.

Legacy Committee—Same as foregoing.

Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee—Ministerial members of the Northern Presbytery, with Rev. E. Macqueen as Convener.

Jewish and Foreign Mission Committee—Revs. Neil Macintyre (Convener), James Macleod, Roderick Mackenzie, with their representative Elders.

Training of the Ministry Committee—Rev. E. Macqueen (Convener), D. M. Macdonald, and D. J. Matheson.

Church Magazine Committee—Rev. D. Beaton (Convener), with the Clerks of the four Presbyteries.

1. Church Collections.—It was moved, seconded, and agreed to, that these collections be on the same dates as last year.

2. Presbytery Business.—(1) Communion Rolls.—In connection with a remit from the Southern Presbytery re purging of Communion Rolls, the Rev. N. Macintyre moved, and the Rev. E. Macqueen seconded, that the Communion Rolls be purged before each Communion, and that a copy of the Roll be submitted by Kirk-Sessions to their respective Presbyteries according to the rules laid down in Sir Henry Moncrieff’s Practice. This was agreed to.

(2) Model Clause.—In connection with this remit from the Southern Presbytery the Rev. James A. Tallach moved that “The Synod instruct the Rev. N. Macintyre to consult a conveyancing lawyer for the purpose of getting his advice on the phraseology of the Model Clause at present in use in this Church. And in the event of the phraseology being found faulty that he obtain an amended draft for the consideration of the Synod. Any expense incurred to be defrayed out of the Organization Fund.”

(3) General Trustees for the Church and Congregational Trustees.—The Rev. D. A. Macfarlane moved that the Revs. Neil Macintyre, D. M. Macdonald, M. Gillies, and D. J. Matheson, clerks of the four Presbyteries, and their successors in office be appointed General Trustees of the Church; three to form a quorum. This was seconded and agreed to.

(4) Instructions to General Trustees.—Dr. Johnston moved that “The Synod instruct the General Trustees to consult the legal advisers of the Church on the question of safeguards for the Church finances on the lines of the safeguards for Church buildings provided in the Model Clause and to report to the next Synod.” This was seconded by Mr. K. Maciver and agreed to.

(5) Congregational Trustees.—Dr. Johnston moved that “The Synod instruct Deacons’ Courts of congregations where there are fewer than a quorum of trustees, to appoint congregational trustees forthwith.” This was seconded and agreed to.

1. Report on Religion and Morals.—This Report was submitted by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald, who also moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sinclair Polson and agreed to. The Report is printed with the other Synod Reports.

(1) Protest Against Visit to the Vatican.—The Rev. William Grant moved the following motion, which was seconded by the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane:—“The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, emphatically protest against the recent official visit of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to the Vatican. Such visits are condemned for the following among other reasons:—(1) They are in direct opposition to the Protestant Constitution of this country. (2) They involve an acknowledgment of the blasphemous claims of the Pope to be the Vicar of Christ on earth. (3) The Roman Church has proved to be an international organisation, whose Jesuitical intrigues have caused much dispeace in the world, compelling even various Roman Catholic States to expel the emissaries of that Church. The Synod also expresses dissatisfaction with the vain attempts of Sir Murdoch Macdonald, M.P., to justify the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary in this matter, and appeal to Protestant members of Parliament to take steps for the recall of the Envoy to the Vatican.” In speaking to his motion, Mr. Grant said: “It is a fact that we, as a leading nation, are giving place more and more to Romanism, which is a lamb in adversity, a wolf in prosperity—a wolf which is very active, politically, educationally, and otherwise at the present time. It was stated in a published

report that in the month of April last, 26 members of Parliament visited the Pope, and 25 of these were non-Roman Catholics.”

(2) Protest against Decisions of Traffic Commissioners in granting permits to Sabbath-running buses, etc.—After considerable discussion as to the wording of a motion on this subject, the following motion was moved by Rev. D. M. Macdonald and seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen:—”The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church protest strongly against the action of the Traffic Commissioners for the North of Scotland, as individuals, in permitting excursions to be run on the Lord’s Day in defiance of the Fourth Commandment, and further, recognizing that the Road Traffic Act (1930) gives legislative sanction to this form of evil, calls upon the Government as a body, and members of Parliament as responsible individuals, so to amend this Act as to prohibit all Sabbath pleasure traffic. For forty years, in Synod Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions, the Church has employed every lawful means of protest against Sabbath profanation and humbly request that this present protest receive the serious consideration of those in authority.” This was agreed to and the Clerk was instructed to send copies of this motion to the Secretary for Scotland and to the Highland M.P.’s.

(3) Seditious and Blasphemous Teaching Bill.—The Rev. D. M. Macdonald moved that “The Synod urge upon the Government to give every facility for passing the Bill to prevent seditious and blasphemous teaching to children, and urge upon all Highland members of Parliament to support it.” This was seconded by Rev. D. A. Macfarlane and agreed to.

FOURTH SEDERUNT.

The Synod met at 9 a.m. on Friday in terms of the adjournment.

Presbytery Business continued—(1) Western Presbytery.—The Synod approved the appointment of Messrs Charles Sutherland and Charles Landells as missionaries. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that Mr. Duncan Mackay be paid £1 a week from 7th March though not appointed as a missionary. This was seconded by Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

(2) Outer Isles Presbytery.—Rev. M. Gillies moved the appointment of Mr. Edward Morrison at £52 and Mr. Neil Nicolson at £30 per annum and that Mr. Murdo Martin be appointed missionary at Finsbay at a salary of £52. This was seconded and agreed to.

Mr. John Macaulay, speaking in Gaelic, called the attention of the Synod to certain difficulties with which they were confronted in getting a suitable site for the manse at Applecross. The Synod tendered their advice and a motion was moved, seconded, and agreed to in which certain instructions were given.

1. Competent Business—(1) Missionaries.—The Rev. James Macleod pointed out that the Committee appointed last year to deal with salaries of missionaries now ceased to function after their report had been submitted to the Synod with the result that should any case requiring consideration arise there was no Committee to deal with it. He begged leave to move: “That the case of missionaries who may be in straitened circumstances when such a case is brought before the notice of the Presbytery that the Clerk of said Presbytery be instructed to bring these before the notice of the Finance Committee, that the Committee shall consider the needs of the individual case after due consideration and augment the salary of the missionary.” This was seconded by Mr. James Fraser and agreed to.

(2) Day of Humiliation and Prayer.—The Rev. Neil Macintyre moved that the 19th or 20th day of July be set apart by the Church as a Day of Humiliation and Prayer. He pointed out that such a day was much needed in view of the state of the country. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Robert R. Sinclair and agreed to.

(3) Students.—The Rev. D. Beaton called attention to the advisability of having a uniform scheme for the examination of students and a recognised standard of education by which students may be tested before beginning their Arts and Divinity Courses. The Rev. James A. Tallach moved: “That a committee, consisting of Revs. D. Beaton (Convener), R. Mackenzie, and Dr. Johnston, be appointed to prepare a memorandum on the

educational standards to be expected of students of the Church so that a scheme may be prepared securing uniformity throughout the Church in the matter of receiving students and in the supervision of their subsequent education.” This was seconded by the Rev. William Grant and agreed to.

(4) Widows.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that the payments to Ministers’ Widows be the same as last year with the exception of Mrs. Radasi whose case has already been dealt with. This was seconded by Mr. Peter Anderson and agreed to.

(5) Instructions to Finance Committee.—(a) The Rev. D. Beaton asked if the Finance Committee had any definite rule for the payment of salary, after the decease of a minister, to his dependants or relatives. Mr. Macqueen pointed out what was done in such cases. The Rev. William Grant then moved that the Synod instruct the Finance Committee that in the event of the death of a minister or minister’s widow, the full quarter’s salary in case of former, and grant in case of latter, be paid for the quarter following that in which the death occurs.” This was seconded by Rev. Neil Macintyre and agreed to. (b) Rev. William Grant also moved that “the Synod instruct the Finance Committee that in the event of the death of a missionary his salary be paid to his dependants or relatives for a full quarter from the date of death.”

(6) North Raasay Communication.—The Rev. R. Mackenzie moved that the Synod receive the communication from North Raasay; that they appoint a deputation consisting of Rev. E. Macqueen, D. A. Macfarlane, and Malcolm Gillies—Mr. Macqueen to act as Convener—with powers to investigate the case and arrive at a decision which they should communicate to the people and the Presbyteries subject to the approval of the Synod and that they report to next meeting of Synod.” This was seconded by the Rev. Neil Macintyre and agreed to.

(7) Loyal Address to the King.—The Address was read by the Rev. Neil Macintyre and approved by the Synod. Mr. Macintyre suggested that a Committee be appointed at this Synod to draw up the Loyal Address for next Synod as it took

some time to draw it up. He, accordingly, moved that the same Committee consisting of Revs. N. Macintyre, D. A. Macfarlane, and R. Mackenzie be appointed for this purpose. This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.

(8) Notices of Motions.—Rev. R. Mackenzie moved the following motion: “That members intending to submit motions at meetings of Synod shall in future forward copies of such motions in writing at least one calendar month before the date of meeting to the Clerk of Synod who shall have these printed and circulated to members together with the agenda; and further that it shall be competent for the Synod to refuse to consider motions not submitted beforehand to the Clerk as stated unless in cases where circumstances absolutely preclude their being so submitted.” Mr. Mackenzie, in answer to a question, explained the import of his motion. “There are some motions,” he said, “more important than others and they are moved by a member, seconded by another and agreed to. Now, it usually turns out that the Synod, at large, does not know beforehand about these motions, and we are expected to adopt them or reject them right away. It is a very responsible thing to do. This motion is to ensure that any person intending to move a motion at Synod submit that motion beforehand so that a copy of it be sent to all the members with the agenda. Then they can think it over and come prepared with definite views on the matter.”

(9) Motion re Reports of Standing Committees.—It was moved, seconded and agreed to that in future the reports of these Committees be sent to the Clerk not less than one calendar month in order that they may be printed and circulated to members with the agenda.

The Synod decided to adjourn until 12 noon.

FIFTH SEDERUNT.

The Synod met at 12 noon on Friday according to the terms of adjournment. At the outset the Synod transacted some business in private. When the Court sat again in public the Rev. Ewen Macqueen brought forward the following motion:

1. Instructions to Students.—”That students be asked to

refrain from bringing into public matters that may cause disturbance in the Church without first of all consulting the Presbytery under whose jurisdiction they may be placed.” This was seconded by the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane and agreed to.

1. Report of Committee on Statement of Differences, etc.—The Business Meeting had gone thoroughly over the Statement presented by the Committee. Rev. R. Mackenzie moved that the Committee’s Statement of Differences be taken as read. This was seconded by the Rev. R. R. Sinclair and agreed to. The Rev. James Macleod then moved that the Synod adopt the Statement as revised and thank the Committee for their labour. This was seconded by Rev. John Maclaehlan and agreed to. The Rev. James Macleod moved that it be published in the Magazine at the earliest opportunity. This was seconded and agreed to.

It was decided that the Synod meet next year (D.V.) in the Hall of St. Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of May, 1934, at 6.30 p.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.