THE Synod at its recent meeting passed a resolution to the effect that it could not see its way to co-operate with the Lord’s Day Observance Association of Scotland, and enjoined a committee of Synod to explain to our people why we cannot do so.
This committee points out, first, that they do not find fault with the Constitution of the Lord’s Day Observance Association. This is a matter of thanksgiving to the Lord, as it leaves the way open for co-operation at any time when it is judged possible to change our present view, as a church, and to rescind this resolution. There is no averment that good has not been done by this Association.
The main and regrettable reason for ceasing to co-operate is that according to statements made by certain members of Synod, and by what is generally known, without our entering into details, there is no real harmony in practice as to what does, and does not, come under the due observance of the Lord’s Day, in even the outward observance of it. There is quite evidently such variance in the views and practice of many of those belonging to the Association that we, as a branch of the visible church, resolved unanimously to withdraw from membership. Not even a single plea for continuing such membership was advanced in the Synod by any minister or elder of the Presbyteries of the Church.
We, therefore, advise our people to discontinue their support of this Association,—much as we would desire to give every help in our power to such a laudable cause. We would add that if the churches in Scotland did, by the blessing of God, what they ought to do, there should be no need for such an Association at all. It is a sign that the Lord Jesus is not prized in His person and work when the Lord’s Day is so despised. Were He really prized, and divinely honoured, a change would speedily come over our views and practice respecting the memorial day of His resurrection. We would live a resurrection—life.