Meeting of Synod.\

FIRST PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church met within the Hall of St. Jude’s, Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 19th May, 1936. The Rev. James MacLeod conducted public worship and preached from John iv., 38, “I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” There was a large attendance of the public.

At the conclusion of divine worship, Rev. James MacLeod, retiring Moderator, constituted the Synod.

The Roll was called and there were present—Northern Presbytery:—Revs. E. MacQueen; D. A. MacFarlane; W. Grant; F. MacLeod; D. J. Matheson; R. R. Sinclair; ministers; with Messrs. Kenneth Matheson and Charles Sutherland, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery:—Revs. N. MacIntyre; D. Beaton; James MacLeod; R. MacKenzie; J. A. Tallach; R. MacDonald; ministers; with Messrs. Alex. MacDougall; Alexander MacKay; Malcolm MacPhee; Dr. Johnston; David Walker, ruling elders. Western Presbytery:—Revs. D. N. MacLeod; D. M. MacDonald; J. Colquhoun; Archibald Beaton; A. MacKay; ministers; with Messrs. Murdo Macaskill; Kenneth Macaskill; J. Macaulay; John MacKenzie; Kenneth MacDonald, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery:—Revs. M. Gillies; R. MacInnes; D. R. MacDonald;

*This Report is not the official minutes of Synod.—
R. R. Sinclair, Clerk of Synod.

D. J. Macaskill, ministers; with Messrs. Edward Morrison and M. Macaulay, ruling elders.

Letters of apology for absence were received from Mr. James Fraser, Mr. Alex. MacLeod, Mr. Peter Anderson and Mr. John Grant who intimated that he would be present at a later stage.

The minutes of previous meeting and Pro re nata meeting of November last were read and approved—Rev. E. MacQueen, dissenting from the minutes of Pro re nata Synod of November. Thereafter Mr. Neil MacLeod was appointed Officer of Court on the motion of Rev. R. MacKenzie.

The Clerk of Synod was instructed to convey the sympathy of the Synod to Rev. M. Morrison in his recent bereavement, and also to Mrs. Malcolm Fraser at the loss of her husband.

Appointment of Moderator.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved that Rev. James MacLeod be re-appointed and this was seconded by Mr. K. Matheson. Rev. N. MacIntyre said that under ordinary circumstances he had no doubt the Synod would wish to honour Dr. MacDonald, our esteemed Medical Missionary but on the present occasion as there were some difficult cases coming up he thought one of the older ministers should be appointed. The Rev. James MacLeod thanked the Synod for placing such confidence in him, while accepting office.

Synod Sermon.—The Rev. James MacLeod was asked to send his sermon to the Magazine.

Committees Appointed to examine Synod and Presbytery Records.—Committees were then appointed to examine Synod and Presbytery Records.

Moderator’s Welcome to Dr. MacDonald.—The Rev. James MacLeod said, “I would like to bring before the Synod that we have our esteemed brother, Dr. MacDonald, from our Mission in South Africa, with us on this occasion, and we are all pleased to see him here with us. We cannot enter, because of our want of experience in the field where Dr. MacDonald is labouring, into the sacrifices he has made in connection with the cause of Christ, and the difficulties and trials that he and others have to meet with. But then the work they have to do minimises all

these things to such an extent that they are insignificant. He is labouring among heathen for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, many of whom are to-day appreciating the gospel in a manner that we cannot say about many in Scotland, and we hope, as the Lord may enable Dr. MacDonald and also Rev. John Tallach, that when the great Day of Judgment will come, they will both have many a sheaf in the Kingdom of Christ, to His honour and glory.”

Committee Appointed to draw up Loyal Address.—Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved and Rev. James A. Tallach seconded “that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a Loyal Address viz., Revs. D. A. MacFarlane, Wm. Grant, D. M. MacDonald and Angus MacKay.”

Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved that the Synod meet as a Business Committee at 10 a.m., on Wednesday in the Hall of St. Jude’s Church; that the following Committee on Bills and Overtures be appointed and that it meet after the Synod Business Committee, viz., Revs. D. Beaton, R. MacKenzie, J. Colquhoun, Archibald Beaton, and Dr. Johnstone, with Moderator and Clerk of Synod; further that the Synod meet in Public the same day and in the same place at 6 p.m. This was approved. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

SECOND PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

The Synod met again at 6 p.m., in the Hall of St. Jude’s, Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Wednesday, the 20th May, according to terms of adjournment, and was duly constituted.

The Roll was called and the Minutes of previous sederunt read and approved.

Interim Report from Committee on Bills and Overtures.—The Clerk gave in the following Report. “The Committee on Bills and Overtures which met to-day at 12 noon have asked me to submit an interim Report to the Synod this evening.” At a certain stage of the discussion of the business in the Committee the following motion was brought forward by Rev. D. Beaton, “I beg to move that we delay consideration of this business of

the Appeal and recommend to the Synod that a private conference between the whole Synod and Mr. MacQueen be held tomorrow at 11 a.m., in St. Jude’s Hall.” This was seconded by Rev. J. Colquhoun. The Rev. D. Beaton also moved “that the interim report be given into the Synod.” Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded this motion.

Synod receive Recommendation of Committee on Bills and Overtures.—Rev. D. Beaton moved, “that the Synod receive the recommendation of the Committee on Bills and Overtures, and in terms of it that the Synod meet in private conference with Mr. MacQueen tomorrow at 11 a.m.” Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded this motion. Rev. D. Beaton stated that Mr. MacQueen was agreeable to this. Rev. N. MacIntyre said, “I have much pleasure in associating myself with this motion.” This was agreed to.

Sabbath Observance Committee’s Report.*—Rev. R. MacKenzie submitted this Report, the adoption of which was moved by Rev. F. MacLeod and seconded by Mr. Murdo Macaulay, and agreed to.

Foreign Missions Report.*—Rev. Neil MacIntyre submitted this Report, and moved its adoption, which was seconded by Mr. Alex. MacDougall. Rev. D. M. MacDonald in speaking to the Report said: “There is one point in Mr. MacIntyre’s Report that I was very glad to notice. He emphasised that it was our duty to bring the gospel to the heathen. Educational work is very good in its own place, but it is subsidiary to the preaching of the gospel to the natives. The Bible is the great textbook with the Missionaries in Africa. It is the weapon they use for bringing the natives to a knowledge of the Saviour. When Dr. Duff, the great Scots missionary, went to India he had to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. On the way he was wrecked. He was bringing out with him a great many books. When the ship went down all his books disappeared. He himself

*All cross-headings marked with an asterisk indicate that the Reports will be found printed in this issue unless where, owing to pressure of space, they are held over to next issue.—Editor.

was saved, and to his great surprise he found that his Bible came ashore. This was the lesson that the incident taught him—that it was not book-learning he would have to employ to bring the natives of India from darkness to light, but the Word of God alone. That, I think, is what we are endeavouring to do ourselves as a Church. It is a splendid effort on our part as a Church to be doing our utmost for the poor heathen in Rhodesia, and we are following in the footsteps of the great missionary pioneers, Robert Moffat and David Livingstone. The true missionary Church, guided by the Spirit of God and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, is doing a noble work in the world.”

Doctor MacDonald’s Report.*—Dr. MacDonald submitted his Report to the Synod verbally. Rev. E. MacQueen, is associating himself with what Dr. MacDonald said, spoke as follows: “Although no one likes to be hearing of destitution and of people not being washed, except when rain comes, yet it ought to humble us. And it is to be hoped that although that part of the world may not be self-supporting for many a day and year, we hope Dr. MacDonald himself and those associated with him may be spared a long time, and who knows but there may be a Synod in that part if things continue as they are, sending labourers to the field, to the City of Glasgow, and to other parts of Scotland. I must say I enjoyed the address.”

Rev. D. N. MacLeod also spoke in support of the Report. “When I first met Dr. MacDonald as a boy” he said, “it was on a very stormy and wet day at Applecross and I had a distance to go to where I was to stay. This boy kindly came along and took my bag and carried it all the way in pouring rain, and I must say that before we got to our destination I felt attached to him. When I got to the house at which I was to stay I mentioned this. The head of the house said to me: ‘That is not all that is true about that boy, for he has been working hard all day in pouring rain repairing a bridge on the road to the Church for the people who are coming to the Communion.’ When I heard that with what I had seen myself, I formed the opinion very strongly, that the Lord had work for this boy to

do. But in what part I could not say, whether at home or abroad, and when in after years I saw he came forward as a professor of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and then applied to be admitted as a student of our Church, and after that made up his mind to go to the foreign field and face the difficulties there, I must confess, though with all humility, that even at the Throne of Grace I could not forget this boy. And tonight it was a great pleasure to see and to hear him and how grateful I feel, first of all, to the Lord of Glory in calling and sending forth such a labourer in His name. In the Church and amongst ourselves there is tonight something that should refresh us and revive us and fill us with joy at hearing of the success of the gospel in our Mission in Africa.”

Collection for Well in African Mission.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved “that the Synod give authority to Dr. MacDonald when going round congregations giving his lectures on the Mission that he will have authority for taking a collection in support of opening this new well.” Mr. MacIntyre said, “I don’t think I need appeal to the people, for I know their liberality, and I know that they will collect £100, and perhaps more, but it will always be useful whatever surplus we may have.” Rev. W. Grant seconded the motion and this was agreed to.

Salary of Teachers in Induba.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved “that the Synod give authority to the Committee to pay the salary of approximately £12 to the new teacher in Induba.” Mr. Alexander MacKay, seconded this motion. Rev. N. MacIntyre pointed out that Rev. John Tallach was applying to the Church for this salary for this year; it was expected the Government grant would meet it next year.

The Financial Statement.*—Mr. John Grant, the Treasurer, read the Financial Statement.

The Financial Report.*—Rev. E. MacQueen read the Financial Report and moved its adoption. He said: “I must say this much, that if we had more faith in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and were more obedient to Him and more submissive to His will, I have every confidence that He would be more

liberal to us. I don’t say that the Lord promised His people outward prosperity in the world, but what He did promise them was: ‘Ye shall have tribulation,’ but He annexed this to it: ‘Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ And in moving the adoption of this Report we should say: ‘What shall I render to the Lord for all His gifts to us.’?” Rev. M. Gillies seconded the adoption of the Report.

The Legacy Report.*—Rev. E. MacQueen moved the adoption of the Legacy Report, and said: “I must say about the most of the legacies that are here, instead of having pleasure at the moment, it leaves a grief in my heart, for I know two of those especially who left legacies for us here most intimately, and I must say I did like them. Yet I have pleasure that they should remember us as they have done. To the Lord be the glory.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded the adoption of the Report.

Religion and Morals Report.*—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane, moved the adoption of this Report, and said: “I am, in name, at any rate, the Convener of this Committee, but I may say that I had not very much to do with the putting together of the Report on this occasion. I am indebted to others for that although I went carefully over it. The main subjects taken up in it are those on Sabbath Observance, temperance, football pool-betting and Romanism and others generally on the question of morals. It occurred to me in moving the adoption of this Report to offer a word of exhortation. The first outstanding thought which came before me was, the need, the profound need, which each of us has for true religion. The need that my soul has, and that each soul has, going to an endless Eternity, of real religion, reality; and there is no such thing as real religion whatever we may write about it and however we may exhort from the pulpit and otherwise, apart from personal God-given contact with the divine and crucified and risen and adorable Redeemer. The second thought that occurred to me was—let us seek to attend to family worship. May family worship be real to us. See how real food is to us. How readily we would complain and

grumble if we rose in the morning and had to go away to our work, to the labour of the day, without any breakfast. If a man came home tired at mid-day from the factory or ship-yard and there was no dinner, he would complain. There is reality in the sustenance of the mortal body. May we as individuals and families and congregations and as a Church, seek to attain by the grace of God to family worship, and may that worship be a profound reality. What kind of oddity is that at all—a real reality? Is there an unreal reality? There is love of myself. There is a fool here in the heart. May the Lord help me to crucify the fool. At time of prayer, others may be engaged in prayer, and we gazing round the room or out of the windows. Let us get to what I might call the invisibles. Family worship is a reality and not a fiasco, not a farce. There was an editorial in one of the papers to-day which is very suggestive. The closing sentence was—‘A Church which has nothing to offer but restrictions, will have little success.’ I don’t know what Church is being referred to, but may I comment—may we not be such a Church. The destructive side is necessary in its own place, but the constructive side is, I hope and believe, being put before ourselves and our souls. The constructive side is to be preached, but the destructive and the constructive must go hand in hand, and what is the constructive side? God and God in Christ. And that is what will fill His people in time and what will replenish His people throughout all Eternity.” The adoption of this Report was seconded by Mr. Malcolm MacPhee.

Roman Catholic Church and Abyssinia.—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane moved and Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded the following motion: “That this Synod take notice of the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has not from the Vatican, condemned, nor even raised its voice against, the arbitrary and cruel invasion of Abyssinia by the Italian forces, and the brutal methods of modern warfare adopted by them. The Synod hold that this fact itself should serve to open the eyes of the people of this country to what the Papacy is in practice.”

Football Pool-Betting.—Rev. W. Grant moved and Rev. F. MacLeod seconded the following motion: “The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland desires to express disappointment at the failure of the Government to deal with the Football Pool-Betting evil, and earnestly desires that steps be taken to suppress this menace to the moral welfare of all classes—and that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Scotland and our Highland members of Parliament.” Mr. Grant said: “The Bill recently introduced into Parliament got, as you know, little support, yet this business is estimated to amount to between 20 and 40 million pounds a year. The organizers make fortunes and the foolish supporters suffer. Coupons are sent to boys under 14 years of age and many children are betting to-day. Churches are criticised for opposing this evil on the ground that the principle of penny pools has been in operation in Church raffles and lotteries for many years. This charge cannot be made against the F.P. Church, as we have consistently opposed such methods of raising money as being unscriptural. The Press drew attention recently to the alarming increase in juvenile crime. There is a spirit of revolt against all lawful authority, and we see no remedy but in the outpourings of the Holy Spirit resulting in a real revival.”

General Treasurer and Auditor’s thanked.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “that Mr. Grant, the General Treasurer, be thanked for the efficient way in which he keeps all the accounts; and that the Auditors, Mr. John Fraser and Mr. James Campbell, be thanked also, and be re-appointed for the year.” Rev. N. MacIntyre seconded this motion.

Report on Church Title Deeds.—Rev. N. MacIntyre submitted this Report and said, “The Committee appointed for this purpose summarised the reports sent in from the different congregations, so if the Synod wishes the details I shall just read the summary that we have drawn out.”

General Trustees thanked.—Rev. D. Beaton moved and Rev. D. M. MacDonald seconded the following motion, “That the

General Trustees be thanked for the care with which they have prepared their Report, but as there are matters which require the Synod’s consideration it is advisable that the consideration of these be postponed to a later Sederunt.” This was agreed to.

The Clerk then moved that the Synod meet tomorrow (Thursday) in private conference here at 11 a.m., and also that the Synod meet in public at 6 p.m., the same day, and further that the Business Committee of the Synod meet at 3.30 p.m., tomorrow also. Mr. Alexander MacKay seconded this and this was approved. The Meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

THIRD PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Thursday, according to terms of adjournment, in St. Jude’s Hall of the Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, in public at 6 p.m., and was duly constituted.

Rev. E. MacQueen’s request to read his statement.—Rev. E. MacQueen said, “Mr. Moderator, I would like to ask you—seeing you have caused so much that has been said about me to be brought to the ends of the earth—will I be allowed to-night to read my statement.” The Moderator said, “That was coming up through the Committee on Bills and Overtures, and we have not brought that up before the Synod yet, for the Committee have not considered the matter yet.” Rev. E. MacQueen said: “You said that that was to be in the Third Sederunt. I deferred to your judgment that we should meet in conference to-day. We met at two meetings. To-night, I think for your own sakes as well as for my sake that something should be done to allow the thing to go on. But if you think so, I will not say one single word.” Rev. D. Beaton said, “Mr. Moderator, a private conference—according to the motion of Synod which was unanimously agreed to—met to-day and we were not able to finish the conference, and it was decided that the conference be continued and meet tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock. The matter is not yet finished.” Rev. R. MacKenzie said: “Perhaps Mr. Beaton might explain about the agenda of the Third Sederunt, how there is a misunderstanding about that.” Rev. D. Beaton said: “These agenda papers that you have, are only a draft

order of business. It is the duty of the Business Committee to revise that and to bring up the business in the order that is agreed on by the Committee.” Rev. R. R. Sinclair said: “Mr. Moderator, all the papers that Mr. MacQueen has sent in connection with his case were addressed to the Committee on Bills and Overtures of this Synod. These papers are still to be considered by that Committee as Mr. MacQueen has sent them there.” Rev. E. MacQueen said, “I thought that this thing was to be considered tonight, but as I said already, I submit to your ruling entirely. I have a duty to perform to my own conscience and to the Christian public at large. I want to correct something that appeared and perhaps some of you thought I was responsible for that I was giving audiences to public newspapers. A picture of me in the pulpit appeared from London, and let me say this, that I had no more knowledge of that than any of you had. None of you could be more hurt by that picture than I was.” The Moderator said: “We accept that Mr. MacQueen.”

Anonymous Gift to the Church of £1000.—Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer, made the following intimation:—”Mr. Moderator, and friends, the intimation is a short one, but, it gives me great pleasure to make it. Very recently, a friend called on me and informed me that it was their intention to give a gift to the Church, but before doing so they first put me under obligation that I would not on any condition reveal the giver’s name. I am, therefore, referring to the gift as from a party—an anonymous gift. On making this gift the party laid down no conditions. They made a very nice remark regarding the Church, that they trusted the Church for being faithful to the witness raised by the late Rev. Donald MacFarlane, Dingwall, and Rev. D. MacDonald, Shieldaig, who adhered to the Westminster Confession of Faith. That was very pleasant indeed, and on that condition I was very happy to receive it, and on assuring them that I would not reveal who the giver was, they handed me over the sum of £1000 to be disposed of as follows:—Sustentation Fund, £200; Home Mission Fund, £200; Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund, £200; Organisation Fund, £200; Aged

and Infirm Ministers’ and Widows’ Fund, £50; College Fund, £50; F.P. Magazine Fund, £50; Young People’s Magazine, £50; making altogether £1000. This is a handsome gift and on handing it over they made the remark that the Synod was now drawing nigh—the words are not my words—and we trust that it will be a successful meeting and that the evils of dancing will be suppressed by the Free Presbyterian Church. If the rising generation were in the habit of reading more sound writings there would not be so much frivolity and dancing as there is in this frivolous age. With these few remarks, in a very kindly simple way they handed me over this very handsome gift which I have pleasure in intimating.” The Moderator said: “You have heard what Mr. John Grant has said to the Synod, and I would call on Mr. MacIntyre to acknowledge these renewed favours of the goodness and kindness of God to us as a Church.” Rev. N. MacIntyre said, “I think that this gift which Mr. Grant has brought before us ought to humble us in the dust, and especially in view of our present condition when we think of the manner in which the gift was given. Someone not long ago, wrote in the press saying that ‘sanctions’ ought to be applied to the Church. We know that sanctions were applied to Italy, but these did not hinder Italy, nor help the Abyssinians. But if the advice given in the press was acted on the application of sanctions has been very helpful to us. And if the application of sanctions to the Free Presbyterian Church by those who wish her to be brought to her knees is going to help us on every occasion as it has done in this then the more we get of them the better. But we have to acknowledge the kindness of the Most High in supplying the needs of the Church in the way in which He is doing at the present time. It is from Him we receive and it is to Him we should give the glory.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod said: “The Apostle James puts it, we are all gifted in many things and in many ways. One way in which we are gifted is in forgetfulness, not forgetting ourselves so far as the things of this life are concerned, but forgetting ourselves regarding the things of the life to come and of God himself.

The Lord reminds us of our forgetfulness of Himself by how liberal He is to us with all His benefits, temporal and spiritual. He seems to awaken us out of our forgetfulness in this way and to put us to shame, and this seems to be the case regarding this gift of which we have just heard. I must say this for myself, that I feel humbled before Him for it. He comes in a most opportune time with this gift to us, to encourage us and strengthen and revive us, not merely by its intrinsic value and usefulness of it to us as a little branch of His Church in the world; but when we are needy of something to hearten us and to make us rejoice in the midst of all that we have among us that is fitted to dishearten and discourage us, to show us that at any rate He is not forgetting us. Therefore, we ought to lean ourselves as a Church upon Him and while doing that, to be a testimony on His side, on the side of His Truth, fearlessly and that before the believing part of the world and also the unbelieving part of the world, to bear witness on His side and against evil.”

Synod’s Appreciation of Donor’s gift of £1000.—Rev. D. Beaton moved and Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded the following motion: “That the Synod expresses its high appreciation to the donor for the gift and to acknowledge the Lord’s great kindness to us, and that this be conveyed through Mr. John Grant to the donor.”

Theological Report.*—Rev. D. Beaton read the Theological Report and moved its adoption. Rev. N. MacIntyre seconded this and said, “I think we have reason to thank the Lord that we have tutors in whom we have confidence that our students are getting sound teaching, when we consider the amount of heresies and errors that are taught in theological colleges in Scotland to-day. The Synod should thank Mr. Beaton who is getting up in years and I am sure feeling the labours that he has to go through.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod said: “Perhaps we have failed as a Church in not having appreciated the gift God has given us in the tutor we have had now for a number of years in Mr. Beaton. We who have studied under him know what a good tutor he is.

But our Church will appreciate his work, as has often been the case, if we are left behind when the time comes for the Lord to remove him to give him his reward.” Rev. D. Beaton said, “It would be very ungracious on my part if I would not thank the seconder and Mr. MacLeod for the very kindly and touching remarks they have made.”

The Magazine Report.*—Rev. D. Beaton moved the adoption of this Report. Rev. W. Grant seconded the adoption of this Report and said: “The Magazine, as you know, goes out monthly to all parts of the world. Only recently a lady in Canada wrote us to say could I approach the Editor and get him to send out a Magazine weekly instead of monthly, that they would thus have one for every Sabbath, but I fear the Editor would not undertake it. Now, regarding the fund, we are able to carry on from year to year. The Magazine goes out free to hospitals and homes and institutions of various kinds, monthly, and with the large circulation we have, we are able to show a balance on the right side. We have also the new Magazine—the Young People’s Magazine. Children require something of a plain nature to read; and I have no doubt if everyone encourages the circulation of this Magazine it will become known and appreciated.” Rev. Archibald Beaton said, “I associate myself with Mr. Grant’s remarks.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod said: “Last year, if you remember, I spoke in favour of this Magazine being begun, that is, the Young People’s Magazine. Last week I was privileged in getting the first copy, and judging of that copy I think it ought to be very beneficial, not only to the young people but to us all. It is a channel by which our young people, who know but little of the contentions of our little body, may be instructed regarding all that, as well as regarding the reason why we took up the position (and which we still hold) in 1893. I would say to the young, it is my firm opinion that it was never more necessary for us to remain steadfast than it is now. Bibles were never more numerous, never cheaper. There is no book so much neglected as the Bible. I am afraid this applies to many among the young and rising generation.

I know for a fact, that the way the young are led away from their schooldays by sports and different things of that kind, has led to the neglect of God’s Word. I think that this Magazine could very well be used to counteract that by setting in the best and most simple possible way before our young people the realities of God’s Word and of an Eternity that shall know no end.”

Canadian and Colonial Committee Report.*—Rev. F. MacLeod read this Report. Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved its adoption, and said, “Having been there lately, I know the conditions well, and with regard to Mr. MacLeod himself, I might say that he is proving an excellent Convener. He is doing his work very efficiently. I met with very pleasant experiences there and I will never forget the kindness shown to me by those I came in touch with, both in Canada and the United States. On the way out I was agreeably surprised to meet an old lady on board the liner who showed a remarkable knowledge of her Bible. She told me that on one occasion when crossing the Atlantic that a priest on board, knowing her religious views, said to her one day in the presence of a number of people: ‘You know,’ he said, ‘that I have power and authority from God to forgive sin.’ ‘Well,’ she said to him, ‘you will excuse me for not calling you ‘father,’ for we are told in God’s Word not to call anybody father. You have no such authority,’ she said. The priest, not knowing his Bible, could not answer her. Next morning she was told that this priest went up to the saloon, and had to be carried, drunk, to his stateroom at night; the man who claimed to have authority from God to forgive sin showing himself to be a poor slave of sin and that he had no such authority. However, I met many abroad who were very responsive to the preaching of the gospel. I think it is characteristic of Highlanders that they seem keener on listening to the gospel abroad than even at home. One cause of this may be that their minds go back to their own earliest associations, when perhaps they had family worship in their own homes and when they worshipped every Sabbath in church and when they

remember the good men and women they were in touch with at home. In the United States and Canada we have quite a number of people, many of them most appreciative of what they heard. My feeling going amongst them was—‘it is very pleasant to meet with you; it is very sad to part with you.’ It would be a great advantage if one or two ministers were settled, say, in Vancouver or Winnipeg. If that would take place, we would have a Presbytery able to look after our people in Canada and probably in the States, too.” Rev. D. A. MacFarlane seconded the adoption of this Report.

Law of Marriage in Scotland Inquiry.—A letter from the Secretary of the Committee appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to inquire into the law of Scotland relating to marriage was read. Rev. N. MacIntyre moved and Mr. K. Matheson seconded the following motion: “That these communications from the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the law of marriage in Scotland be remitted to the Religion and Morals Committee for attention.”

Aid Society for Protestant Continental Churches.—Communications from All Scotland Aid Society for Protestant Continental Churches were read. Rev. J. A. Tallach moved and Rev. D. J. Macaskill seconded the following motion: “That having heard the reply received by the Clerk from the All Scotland Aid Society for Protestant Continental Churches, the Synod, while sympathising with the efforts of the Society regarding distress on the Continent, cannot commit itself to any practical policy in the Society’s interests.”

Other Communications to the Clerk.—The Clerk read (1) a letter of acknowledgment from Rev. T. M. Murchison, and (2) a letter of acknowledgment of the Loyal Address to the King.

Letter from Mr. Hugh Grant, Australia.—The Rev. F. MacLeod pointed out that this communication from Brushgrove and Grafton congregation asked that they be raised to the status of a sanctioned charge. Rev. F. MacLeod said, “The congregation there is very small, but they have sent a call to Rev. J. P. MacQueen, providing of course their request be granted. The

call is signed from different districts as far as Sydney and Richmond.” Rev. R. MacKenzie said: “My difficulty was not so much the question of recognising them as a sanctioned charge, but of acceding to the request that referred to their being associated with a Home Presbytery. Hitherto in the matter of Colonial Missions the Church have pursued a different policy. None of the Colonial Missions are under Home Presbyteries, and they could not very well be, because the distance is so great that a Presbytery could not function with respect to a congregation so placed. But on the other hand I think we could consider their request for being recognised as a charge, having regard to their circumstances of isolation. If they could get a minister and were in a position even now to support a minister, I am sure the Church would not grudge them that, because, after all, that is the only adequate and permanent solution to the position in Australia.” Rev. F. MacLeod said: “The business before us at the Committee meeting was that they could not really support a minister, and that the congregation is so scattered that some of those who signed the call live in Sydney.” Rev. R. MacKenzie said: “I would like to make this point clear—in the Home Country the position is different, because we work by a Central Fund. In the Colonies each congregation supports itself. The recognition of a people to call a minister, since there is no Central Fund, does not entail the question of Finance at all.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod said: “We had better leave it as it is for another year, just as it was left at the Business Committee.” Rev. F. MacLeod said, “If it is the mind of the Synod that it should be left over till next year, I have nothing against that.”

Australian request left over.—Rev. D. N. MacLeod moved and Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded the following motion: “That the request from Grafton congregation to be raised to the status of a sanctioned charge be left over until next year.”

Reference to requests from New Zealand.—Rev. D. N. MacLeod said, “Requests continue to come to us, which, as in this case at present, we are not able to respond to as we would like. We

wish those who send us these requests from not only Australia but New Zealand, to know that it pains us very much being unable to respond right away in giving them ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ to preach to them the glad tidings of Salvation. The Lord, in His time, will provide both the men and the means by which we will be able to do what we possibly can for these friends both in Australia and New Zealand. A request from New Zealand came to myself from one who belonged to my congregation before he went to New Zealand. They feel in New Zealand the want of the gospel. As one who was home a few years ago from New Zealand said, when we asked what kind of country it was: ‘A beautiful country, a good country, a country that I am perfectly satisfied with, except for one thing, I have not the gospel and I am missing that.’ This man writes in much the same way, and appeals to us to send the next deputy their way. And I hope we will go as far as to send them there, before crossing to Australia, for a few Sabbaths. Of course that rests with the Synod.” Rev. W. Grant associated himself with what Rev. D. N. MacLeod said.

Training of the Ministry Committee’s Report.*—Rev. W. Grant read and moved the adoption of this Report. Mr. K. Matheson in seconding said, “I hope that this Training of the Ministry Committee will get very busy and that there will be squads of young converted students wanting to preach the everlasting gospel, that is, those who are called by the power of the Holy Ghost as the fishers of Galilee were called.”

Report regarding Church Property on Crofts, etc.*—Rev. N. MacIntyre read the Report on Church Property on Crofts and Common Grazings, which was drawn up by Mr. Morris, the Church’s legal adviser, and moved its adoption. Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded the adoption of this Report.

Report of Fishing Stations Committee.*—Rev. M. Gillies read this Report and in moving its adoption said: “There are just one or two points that I would like to mention. When we turn up our Magazines of the early reports of Synod, the Fishing

Committee’s Report is very prominent in these early reports of the Synod’s proceedings. We find either a missionary or a minister at Shetland, someone at Wick, and Lowestoft and Yarmouth and so on, and year after year mention is made in these reports about how one minister laboured for so many weeks in this fishing port and another minister or missionary laboured in some other fishing station. But the people, those that go to the fishing stations, are not getting the same attention now—we don’t follow them now as we did in these days. There are many reasons for that. Circumstances have changed very much. Our people don’t go in the same numbers, say, to Wick and Shetland, as they did in years past, and it has become very difficult, year after year, to get supply for the fishing stations. As for Wick, our Committee is greatly indebted to the Rev. R. R. Sinclair and his helper for the interest they took especially in the people of Lewis that go to Wick, season after season. Mr. Sinclair, and those associated with him in our congregation in Wick, do their utmost to encourage these people to come to the services, and as much as in them lies they provide Gaelic services every week. For a few years we have not been able to follow our people to Lowestoft and Yarmouth, we found it difficult to obtain a suitable person, one that would be willing to go and one that would be suitable for that purpose. Last year we were in that dilemma, when the time came, and when our people in Lewis left for Yarmouth, we had not anyone whom we could send. They asked myself if I could go for a few weeks; but I found it impossible. In the report this year we mention that if the Synod see their way to name a minister or some suitable person to go next season to Yarmouth, the Committee would do all in their power to make the necessary arrangements.” Rev. D. M. MacDonald seconded the adoption of this Report.

Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved: “That the Synod will, after the Benediction is pronounced, meet tonight as a Business Committee; and that the Synod meet, tomorrow, Friday, in private at 11 a.m., here; and further that the Synod meet tomorrow

in Public at 6 p.m.; and that the Synod meet in private conference at 3 p.m., tomorrow also.” Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

FOURTH PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Friday, according to terms of adjournment, in St. Jude’s Hall, of the Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, in public at 6 p.m., and was duly constituted.

Announcement by Moderator re Rev. E. MacQueen’s Case.—The Rev. James MacLeod said: “I have the greatest possible pleasure in making a statement to you here this evening. It is with a feeling of profound gratitude to the Most High that I have to announce to the public that the unfortunate difference that had arisen between Mr. MacQueen and our Church Courts has now happily come to an end, and, in consideration of this, it is agreed that parties should make the following statements in public.”

Moderator’s Statement on behalf of Members of Synod.*—“We, now, members of the Synod, from the bottom of our hearts before God and men express heartfelt sorrow and regret for every hasty and unkind word and action on our part in this case, that we have used towards Rev. E. MacQueen, Inverness, and we now withdraw unreservedly.”

The Moderator then asked Mr. MacQueen to read his statement.

Rev. E. MacQueen’s Statement.—“I now, from the bottom of my heart, before God and men, express heartfelt sorrow and regret for every hasty and unkind word and action on my part in this case, that I have used towards my fellow creatures—and I now withdraw unreservedly.”

The Moderator now asked Rev. Robert R. Sinclair to read the statement on behalf of members of Northern Presbytery.

The Northern Presbytery Statement.—“As Moderator of the Northern Presbytery I desire to make the following statement

*Later on the Moderator took personal responsibility for reading the Synod’s statements first instead of asking Mr. MacQueen to read his first.

on behalf of all the members of that Presbytery present here:—We, now, members of the Northern Presbytery, from the bottom of our hearts, before God and man, express heartfelt sorrow and regret for every hasty and unkind word and action on our part in this case that we have used towards Rev. E. MacQueen, Inverness, and we now withdraw unreservedly.”

Mr. Hugh Munro’s Pension.—Rev. D. J. Matheson moved and Rev. D. A. MacFarlane seconded the motion, “That Mr. Hugh Munro, retired missionary, be given a pension of £20 annually.” This was agreed to.

Mr. Roderick Ferguson’s Retiring Allowance.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded the motion: “That Mr. Roderick Ferguson should be given £10 as a retiring allowance.” This was agreed to.

Mr. John MacInnes appointed Missionary.—Rev. M. Gillies moved and Rev. D. J. Macaskill seconded the following motion: “That Mr. John MacInnes’s appointment as a full-time missionary at the full rate of salary beginning from April be confirmed by the Synod.” This was agreed to.

Mr. James Nicolson and Mr. Donald Nicolson appointed Missionaries.—Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved and Rev. Archibald Beaton seconded the motion, “That Mr. James Nicolson be confirmed in his appointment as missionary of Braes; and Mr. Donald Nicolson as missionary in Broadford—their salaries to be fixed by the Finance Committee.”

Mr. Malcolm MacLeod’s retiring Allowance.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved: “That Mr. Malcolm MacLeod get a retiring allowance of £12 and that it be retrospective for last year.” Mr. John Macaulay seconded this and it was agreed to.

Grant of Money to Winnipeg Congregation.—Rev. W. Grant moved the following motion, “That the Synod instruct the General Treasurer to pay the sum of £61 12s. out of the unallocated Legacy of the late Miss Margaret Mackintosh, Inverness, to the Winnipeg Church Building Fund, towards reduction of debt.” Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded this motion. Rev. W. Grant said, “Winnipeg, as you know, carries a considerable

debt on their Church. They have been reducing it, but owing to the severe depression out there it was impossible for the people to do more than they have done and they appreciate the help they get from the Church at home.”

Proposed Financial Assistance for Vancouver Congregation.—Rev. W. Grant moved: “That in the event of our Vancouver congregation getting a settled minister, the Church at home will assist financially if circumstances call for that.” Rev. W. Grant said, “We have struggling congregations at home and we have every sympathy with them, but let us not forget that throughout the vast mission field of Canada we have no settled ministers, and it is our duty to assist the congregations there to get ministers.” Rev. Angus Mackay seconded the above motion, and it was agreed to.

Annual Grants to South African Mission.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved and Rev. D. M. MacDonald seconded the following motion, “That the usual annual grants be made to the South African Mission, viz., £10 to Paul Hlazo; £10 for medicine; £30 for upkeep of Mission.” Rev. N. MacIntyre said, “There was another grant of £30 for the Hospital, but the Rev. Dr. MacDonald tells me that seeing he is not there, there is no reason why this £30 should be sent this year.” This was agreed to.

Appointment of Church Collections.—Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved and Rev. Angus Mackay seconded the appointment of these Collections as follows:—

1. Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund.—To be taken in June. Notice to be sent by Rev. E. MacQueen.

2. College Fund.—In August. Notice to be sent by Rev. W. Grant.

3. Organisation Fund.—In September. Notice to be sent by Rev. Robert R. Sinclair.

4. Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists).—1st collection to be taken up by book in October. Notice to be sent by Rev. E. MacQueen.

5. General Church Building Fund.—In December. Notice to be sent by Rev. R. R. Sinclair.

6. Home Mission Fund.—2nd Collection, in April, 1937. Notice to be sent by Rev. E. MacQueen.

7. Foreign Missions Fund.—Collection by book in February. Notice to be sent by Rev. N. MacIntyre.

Appointment of Standing Church Committees.—Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved and Dr. Johnston seconded the appointment of these Committees as follows:—

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

2. Religion and Morals.—Revs. D. M. MacDonald (Convener), W. Grant, J. Colquhoun.

3. Finance.—Revs. E. MacQueen (Convener), N. MacIntyre, D. N. MacLeod, M. Gillies, Roderick Mackenzie, Archibald Beaton; and representative elders of Inverness and Dingwall. Mr. J. Grant, Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.

4. Canadian and Colonial Mission.—Revs. F. MacLeod (Convener), D. A. MacFarlane, W. Grant, D. J. Matheson, R. R. Sinclair.

5. Jewish and Foreign Missions.—Revs. N. MacIntyre (Convener), James MacLeod, Roderick Mackenzie, with representative elders of Edinburgh, Greenock, Glasgow and London.

6. Training of the Ministry.—Revs. W. Grant (Convener), Finlay MacLeod, D. J. Matheson, R. R. Sinclair.

7. General Trustees.—Clerk of Synod with the Clerks of the four Presbyteries. Rev. N. MacIntyre (Convener).

8. Sabbath Observance Committee.—Revs. R. Mackenzie (Convener), James MacLeod, D. A. MacFarlane, J. A. Tallach, Archibald Beaton.

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

The Rev. Robert R. Sinclair moved “That the Synod continue in private after the benediction be pronounced.” Rev. J. A.

Tallach seconded this. The Rev. R. R. Sinclair moved “That the Synod meet on Tuesday, as a Business Committee at 11 a.m., and as a Synod in public at 6 p.m. (D.V.).” Rev. D. A. MacFarlane seconded this motion. The meeting was then closed with praise and prayer.

FIFTH PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Tuesday, the 26th May, 1936, according to terms of adjournment, in St. Jude’s Hall, the Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, in public at 6 p.m., and was duly constituted.

Rev. D. Urquhart to remove from Palestine.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Mr. Neil MacSwan seconded the following motion: “That the Synod give authority to the Foreign Missions Committee to instruct the Rev. D. Urquhart to remove from Palestine.”

Rev. D. Urquhart to proceed to Winnipeg.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Mr. John MacKenzie seconded the following motion: “That the Synod advise the Foreign Missions Committee to instruct the Rev. D. Urquhart to proceed to Winnipeg to minister to the Jews, and also to our congregation there.”

Rev. D. Urquhart’s Salary.—Rev. W. Grant moved and Mr. K. Macaskill seconded the following motion: “That if the Rev. D. Urquhart goes to Winnipeg, his salary will be paid, as at present, out of the Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund for a period of two years. This will enable our Winnipeg congregation to reduce their Church Building debt.”

Allocation of the late Miss M. Mackintosh’s Legacy.—Rev. W. Grant moved and Mr. Murdo Macaskill seconded the following motion: “That the sum of £300 of the legacy by the late Miss Margaret Mackintosh, Inverness, be transferred to the General Sustentation Fund, and that the balance of £300 remain meantime in the Legacy Fund, unallocated.”

Donation to Mr. Donald MacSween.—Rev. M. Gillies moved and Mr. K. Matheson seconded the following motion: “That £5 be given to Mr. Donald MacSween, Bayhead, N. Uist, for

this year only, in order to assist him in connection with his lodgings.”

Mr. Kenneth Matheson’s appointment as part-time Missionary at Kilmorack.—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane moved and Mr. Alexander MacDougall seconded the following motion: “That the Synod authorise the Northern Presbytery to appoint Mr. K. Matheson as a part-time missionary at Kilmorack, at a salary of £15 per annum.”

Approval of Reports of Standing Committees prior to Synod.—Rev. D. Beaton moved and Mr. Murdo Macaskill seconded the following motion: “That the Reports of Standing Committees of the Church be in future submitted to the respective Committees, and approved by them before they are presented to the Synod.”

The Rev. R. R. Sinclair moved and Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded, “That the Synod meet in private after the benediction is pronounced.” This was agreed to. The Moderator thereafter intimated that the Synod would meet to-morrow evening, God willing, at 6 p.m., in public.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

SIXTH PUBLIC SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Wednesday, 27th May, according to terms of adjournment, in St. Jude’s Hall, Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, in public at 6 p.m., and was duly constituted.

Statement re Rev. E. Macqueen’s Case by Moderator.—”Lest any should be tempted to attach significance to the order in which the public Statements were made at the meeting of Friday evening last, I have to explain that the order in which the Statements were originally made at the private conference is as follows:—Mr. Macqueen’s Statement was made first, then that of the Northern Presbytery, and finally that of the Synod. The fact that the order was changed at the public meeting is due entirely to me, and I take full responsibility.”

Explanatory Statement read by Rev. D. Beaton.—”The Committee on Bills and Overtures, during the course of their

proceedings, made an earnest appeal to Mr. Macqueen that he meet his brethren in private conference with the whole Synod. Obtaining Mr. Macqueen’s consent the Committee reported accordingly to the Court. The Synod sat in private Session on 21st and 22nd May. During the latter sederunt, Mr. Macqueen spontaneously announced that under the influence of a portion of truth, which had profoundly affected him, he was desirous of preserving the honour of Christ before his own or that of any man. He intimated that he was prepared in all sincerity to express regret and heartfelt sorrow for every hasty or unkind word or action on his part and to withdraw everything on his side relating to the whole case, if the members of Synod and of the Northern Presbytery as spontaneously and harmoniously would, on their part, do likewise. In the spirit of the gospel the members of Synod and members of the Northern Presbytery received Mr. Macqueen’s statement and avowed, if in any way, they had hurt Mr. Macqueen, they also were prepared to declare publicly their regret. It was agreed that similar statements be drawn up and be read by Mr. Macqueen, the Moderator of the Synod and the Moderator of the Northern Presbytery.

In view of unfounded and unwholesome rumours which have been circulated, the Synod deem it necessary and advisable for the peace and honour of the Church to clarify the situation. By the full spontaneous and unreserved declaration of Mr. Macqueen, the integrity of the government and discipline of the Courts of the Church is vindicated and honoured. The charges against the members of the Northern Presbytery and the Synod are unreservedly withdrawn and the relations of Mr. Macqueen, his fellow Presbyters and his Session are restored to those of Christian brotherliness and harmony.

The Synod recognise that the solemn withdrawal and expressions of regret in their unanimity constitute a whole-hearted and complete vindication of the honour of Christ and His Church, and acknowledge that under His melting hand alone, Mr. Macqueen and his brethren have evidenced the working of

‘the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind,’ and in preferring the honour of their Master before their own have thereby been honoured by His grace.”

Rev. D. Beaton, in moving the adoption of this Statement, intimated to the Synod that Mr. Macqueen, though not present, had acquiesced in the terms of the Statement. The adoption of the Statement was seconded by Rev. D. N. Macleod. Rev. William Grant dissented and said he would hand in his reasons later on.

Loyal Address.*—The Loyal Address to the King was submitted by Rev. R. MacKenzie and read to the Synod by the Clerk. Rev. N. MacIntyre moved and Mr. Malcolm MacPhee seconded, “that the Loyal Address to the King be adopted and a copy sent to His Majesty.”

The Clerk moved that the Synod meet in private after the benediction was pronounced. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

Next Meeting of Synod.—The Moderator intimated, at the end of the private meeting of Synod, that the Synod would meet (D.V.) at Inverness, on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of November, 1936, in the Free Presbyterian Church, at 6.30 p.m.