THE following notes of speeches which were made by members of Synod at final public meeting when Explanatory Statement was read, are now given for the benefit of our readers. Rev. D. Beaton who read Explanatory Statement which had been drawn up by a Committee† appointed by the Synod moved that it be inserted in the Magazine and added, “that although Mr. Macqueen was not present he had given his unqualified consent to this Statement.” Rev. D. N. Macleod, said: “I do hope that it will remove all misunderstanding and fully meet all misrepresentations and satisfy the people of our Church. I see no reason why anyone who is really a friend of the cause and of the Free Presbyterian Church should not be fully satisfied with it. I hope that all that has been done in connection with this case by this Synod, and previous meetings of the Courts of this Church as well, has been done with a single eye to God’s glory and for the prosperity of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world and utter destruction of the Kingdom of Sin and Satan.”
Rev. N. MacIntyre said: “I should like to associate myself with what Mr. Beaton and Mr. Macleod have said, and I hope that this statement will clarify the situation, and may the Lord
*See page 105 of July Magazine. The above notes were sent us by the Clerk of Synod but were too late for insertion in last Magazine.
†Revs. D. N. Macleod (Convener), N. Macintyre, D. Beaton, James Macleod, D. A. Macfarlane, R. R. Sinclair and Dr. Johnston.—Editor.
give us grace to frustrate the assault which Satan has made on our Church at this time.”
Rev. D. A. MacFarlane said: “I also associate myself with what Mr. Beaton has moved and Mr. Macleod seconded. Of course, I think, it is in order to say that at the same time all parties, not merely the Northern Presbytery, but also Mr. Macqueen and the Synod, conserve their rights in the matter to make any explanatory statement if and when required.”
Rev. F. Macleod said: “I also associate myself with what Mr. Macleod has said, that we hope it will be the beginning of better days among us as a Church.” Mr. Kenneth Matheson said: “We have cause for thankfulness for the harmony that has been restored to the cause of Christ, and that a spirit of repentance has appeared outwardly.” Dr. Johnston said: “As far as I am concerned, I have regarded the solemn statements that were read last Friday as being nothing short of a binding oath on every party concerned, and I am glad to think that there has been in this matter the honour of Christ put first.”