By REV. D. BEATON.
DURING last session five students were studying at Oban, viz., Messrs. Archibald Beaton, John Colquhoun, Angus Mackay, M.A., John P. Macqueen, and Donald Macaskill, M.A. Messrs. Archibald Beaton and John Colquhoun have now finished their theological course. The theological instruction covered a somewhat extensive field. In Systematic Theology lectures were
given on the doctrine of the Trinity. The Confession of Faith was gone over from beginning to end, and by means of expository lectures the main doctrines were explained and the sections in the Confession which had come under the fire of criticism either in the past or during the present unsettled state of things in the theological world were dealt with at considerable length. The students also were examined on the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. In pursuance of the course introduced some years ago of thoroughly familiarising the students with the contents of the Bible, questions were put to them in their written class examinations on the history, geography, biographies, and doctrines of the Old Testament—the New Testament had been previously covered.
In Church History the period from the beginning of Christianity to the Schoolmen was dealt by means of a text-book. In Scottish Church History the period from the Revolution Settlement to the Breach in the Secession in 1747 was covered by lectures. In Church Practice Sir Henry Moncrieff’s Practice was used as a text-book and the students were instructed to read carefully the important documents of the Free Church, such as the Claim, Declaration and Protest of 1842, the Protest of 1843, and the Act and Declaration anent the Publication of the Subordinate Standards and Authoritative Documents of the Free Church of Scotland and also the Deed of Separation of 1893, together with the Resolutions and Findings of Synod embodied in the Church Documents. Brief lectures were also given on the administration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and Marriage, so that our students might have some knowledge in these matters when called upon to administer them in their office as ministers of the gospel. The students sat two class examinations, and the results indicated that, generally speaking, they had been diligent in their studies and had paid attention to the instruction given. In addition to their regular class work the students attended the weekly Bible Class held for the young people of the Oban congregation, where short lectures on the Second Reformation period, including the Westminster Assembly, were given, and
also brief expositions of the Directory for Public Worship and the Larger Catechism.
As the students receive free tuition the Synod has made it a rule that during the session they are expected to give assistance in preaching. In accordance with this rule they took turn in conducting the Gaelic services and prayer meetings. They also regularly supplied Fort-William, and I desire to direct the attention of the Synod to the fact that they did so without any regular remuneration except payment of their travelling expenses. This was generously done to relieve Fort-William from the financial burden which otherwise would have been entailed. I think the students deserve the thanks of the Synod for their self-denying efforts in this matter.
I need scarcely say, from what has been reported to the Synod, that the office of a theological tutor is no sinecure, and combined as it is with other work in my case it will not come as a surprise to my brethren if I say that I feel relieved that my fellow-tutor, Rev. D. A. Macfarlane, will take this burden off my shoulders for next session. I need not remind my brethren that it is not the time spent in teaching that is burdensome, but the vast amount of reading that has to be done to keep one in touch with the subjects taught in all their aspects—ancient and modern.