THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland of May, 1944, appointed a Committee to draw up observations upon the Medical Report and to publish these in the Church Magazine.
The observations are as follows:—
Observation 1. The seriousness of the matter presented.
The Committee view with deep concern the necessity for issuing such a Report by the medical authorities. Since the War Venereal Disease has been steadily increasing and the number of new cases greatly exceeds the pre-war total. The appalling prevalence of various forms of V.D. in Scotland, is revealed in the Report of the Medical Committee which states, “Over the past four years, at least 58,000 persons in Scotland were admittedly exposed to the risk of acquiring infection and 29,000 contracted a major venereal disease.”
This dread scourge is contracted through illicit sexual contact in the most of cases, bringing with it such terrible afflictions as blindness, insanity and various other disorders; and it will continue as a plague to spread and increase, bringing untold misery with it, as long as men and women throughout the land continue to give “themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Ephesians iv. 19.
This Synod Committee would point out that herein is incontrovertible evidence that the morality of the nation is at a low ebb, and that in all this there appears God’s holy indignation against the heinous sin of immorality by the judgment of Venereal Diseases. “Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians v. 6.
Observation 2. Some Fundamental Causes.
We are gratified to read in the Medical Report the following expression of opinion, “As the problem of venereal disease is as much moral as medical, the Church should be pressed to attack the moral side of the question fearlessly, in straightforward, outspoken teaching.” and we herewith indicate what we solemnly consider to be some of the fundamental moral causes of this dread scourge, namely:—
(a) The revealed fact in Scripture, that man sinned in Adam and fell with him, in his first transgression; and that “by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” Romans v. 19. This is the cause of man being “born in sin” and the fountainhead of all actual transgression of the Divine Law; the consequences to man being misery in soul, mind and body.
(b) Disregard of God’s Word, the Bible, wherein is revealed “What man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.” Shorter Catechism No. 3. For many years now the large majority of young men and women go forth into the world and its temptations, from homes where the Bible is a closed book, thus lacking that restraining influence which the Word of God is calculated to exercise upon heart and conduct. “Lo, they have rejected the Word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them” Jeremiah 8, 9.
(c) The flouting of the Seventh Commandment, viz., “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Adultery and fornication are sins which do not, as a rule, bring the guilty into conflict with the laws administered by human courts of justice. Thus men and women may commit such things and escape punishment from men; and having no fear of God, they do not recognise that “God will in no wise clear the guilty.”
(d) The failure, to a large extent, of the professed Christian Church, to witness clearly and faithfully against sin of all kinds, in its doctrine and preaching.
Observation 3. Prevention from the Moral and Spiritual Standpoint.
With regard to the prevention of this rapidly increasing scourge, this Synod Committee heartily endorse the Statement in the Medical Report, that, “The best method of prevention is the observance of personal chastity, which means abstinence from exposure to infection, a chaste life being the one real protection against venereal disease.”
And in this connection we would draw the attention of all concerned to what are the duties required in the Seventh Commandment, as the answer is given in the Larger Catechism of the Westminster Divines:—”The duties required in the Seventh Commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words and behaviour; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance; keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those who have not the gift of continency, conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labour in our calling; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.” This clear statement is founded upon the Word of God.
And while we recognise the blessings of Medical Science in the providence of God; yet God’s Gospel counsel and remedy are supreme, such as, “Repent ye and believe the Gospel” Mark 1: 15, and “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin” 1st John 1: 7. In gracious obedience to the Gospel, there is hope of deliverance from one’s sins in their guilt and power and from misery which follows upon sin.
Observation 4. General Aspects of the Question.
(a) Temperance: The Medical Report gives prominence to the evil influence of alcoholic liquors with reference to uncleanness and the danger of Venereal Disease. There is a crying need for reform and legislation with regard to the sale of strong drink. The Home Secretary, Mr. H. Morrison, about a year ago, rejected a demand for a “No Treating” Bill during the War. In Proverbs 23: 31-33 we read, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red . . . thine eyes shall behold strange women and thine heart shall utter perverse things.”
(b) Education: The Report also draws attention to the need for education of the young. We are aware that this calls for great discretion because of our natural corruption. The Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22: 6.
(c) Exhortation: In view of the Word of God against sin, death, and the appearance of all men before the judgment seat of Christ at last to be judged according to their works, we would earnestly warn men “that he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption” Galatians vi. 7, 8; and that “whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” Heb. 13: 4. We would counsel young men and women who are deprived of the oversight and restraint of parents and guardians to listen to the advice of the wise man, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” Proverbs 1: 10; and remind them also of the reply of godly Joseph when tempted to sin by Potiphar’s wife, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39: 9. We appeal to all who may read these, our observations, to repent and flee by faith to Christ Jesus and His precious blood, sensible of their own weakness and relying upon God’s promised strength, without which we cannot resist temptation or overcome sin.
We crave prayerful consideration by God’s people of the above observations upon this terrible scourge of Venereal Disease; and we wish the Medical Services well in their battle against this plague, in so far as their efforts are in accordance with God’s infallible Word and Christian prudence.
Rev. D. M. Macdonald.
Rev. Malcolm Macsween.
Rev. John Colquhoun.
Rev. Robert R. Sinclair, Clerk of Synod.
January, 1945.