THIS Deliverance was drawn up and presented to the Synod at a private Sederunt by a special Committee appointed for the purpose. It was agreed that it be inserted in the Magazine and the substance of it be put in the Young People’s Magazine—and by an additional motion it was decided that it be read in every Court of the Church (Presbyteries, Kirk-Sessions and Deacons’ Courts) at the earliest opportunity. The Deliverance is as follows:—”In view of certain communications which have recently come to their notice the Synod consider it necessary to adopt the following Deliverance. The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church would seriously impress on all in the Church, especially members and those in office in the Church, ministers, elders and deacons, to refrain from writing or speaking to or with regard to any of their fellows in abusive
terms, as being contrary to the spirit and mind of Christ and unbecoming those making a profession of His name.
They would solemnly warn any who may be guilty of this practice that they are liable to Church discipline and that if they persevere in it, they will be dealt with by the Courts of the Church.
The Synod would further draw attention of all within their jurisdiction to the terms of the Ninth Commandment and to the excellent commentary on it which is to be found in the Larger Catechism—Answers to Questions 144 and 145; and would recommend to them a careful study of James, Chapter 3, and the various other Scriptures which inculcate sobriety of language.”