Communions.
—South African Mission.**—The following are the dates of the Communions: last Sabbath of March, June, September and December.
Jewish and Foreign Missions Collection.
—By the Synod’s instructions this Collection falls to be taken up this month. It is to be taken up by book.
Special Appeal—Jewish and Foreign Collection.
—I have been notified by the General Treasurer that the Mission’s expenditure up to date for this year amounts to £1,307, leaving a balance on hand of £616 14s. It will be obvious from the foregoing that unless the Fund is considerably augmented that the Committee are faced with a situation causing them grave anxiety. The Lord has signally countenanced the Church’s efforts in connection with this Mission. It would be painful to the Committee and to all concerned to curtail the Church’s activities in this part of the vineyard. I, therefore, appeal to all our people to subscribe to the utmost of their ability. “Now He that ministreth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (II. Cor. ix. 10).—N. MacIntyre, Convener.
Ordination and Induction at Shieldaig.
—The Western Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland met at Shieldaig on the 26th October for the purpose of ordaining and inducting Rev. A. D. Macleod to the joint charge of Shieldaig and Lochcarron. The Rev. A. Beaton, Gairloch, presided and preached an appropriate discourse from Acts x. 33. After divine worship the Clerk gave a narrative of the steps which led to the ordination and after Mr. Macleod satisfactorily answered the questions and signed the formula he was ordained to the office of the ministry by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, and, thereafter, inducted to the pastoral charge of the congregation. Afterwards the newly ordained minister and also the congregation were addressed by the Clerk in suitable terms. Rev. J. Colquhoun, Glendale, There was a fairly large gathering in the church, among them being some from other Free Presbyterian congregations. The Call was signed by 189 members and adherents. Our desire is that the Holy Spirit may be poured forth in rich measure on both pastor and people and that he may have many souls for his hire throughout his ministry. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of part of Psalm cxii. and an opportunity was given to the congregation to shake hands with their minister as they were leaving the church.—D. M. M.
Sustentation Fund.
—At a Meeting of the Finance Committee held recently it was unanimously agreed that a note be published in the Magazine re the Sustentation Fund. To enable the General Treasurer to make payment of Salaries in full for the present financial year a substantial increase in Congregational givings is necessary. Three probationers have been settled in charges during the last few months, and needless to say, as the vacancies so filled are not self-supporting a heavier burden falls upon the Sustentation Fund. The Committee hope it is only necessary to bring these facts before our Congregations to cause our people to increase their contributions as the Lord may enable them.—D. J. Matheson, Convener of the Finance Committee.