Roman Catholics in Australian Navy run from Protestant Prayers.
Four hundred Roman Catholic officers, men and Wrens ran off an Australian naval base parade ground on the 18th February when a Church of England chaplain of the Royal Australian Navy began a prayer. The occasion was a dress rehearsal for a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh when Naval Colours were to be what is called “dedicated.” An R.C. chaplain said a prayer for the Queen, with the Roman Catholics. Naval officers said that the plan was for Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy to conduct the ceremony jointly, but the R.C. authorities forbade this. True and sensible Protestants, of course, would not themselves join with R.C.s in religious services on principle. But those who are Protestants in name only to-day are slow to learn that their false charity towards the R.C. Church is treated with contempt, even on a naval parade ground, where in the case cited naval discipline and order seem to have been disregarded. There is a suspicion that this demonstration was organised. When will some bearing the name Protestant to-day learn that they are heretics to the R.C. clergy?
Peterhead Minister and Liturgical Studies.
The Rev. Dr. A. Allan McArthur of Peterhead Old Parish Church has, it is stated in the press, been invited to Paris for a week of liturgical studies organised by the Orthodox Institute of Theology in July. Representatives from the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches will be there. The object is said to be to bring together scholars working in the field of Christian worship. Here the professed Protestant and Presbyterian minister is to sit down to study Christian worship with the Roman Catholics. But, we are sure, not to engage in worship jointly with the R.C.s. The R.C.s will have none of that. But all the same, the Roman Catholics know well why they are to attend this course of studies. As to a Church of Scotland minister accepting such an invitation and what it involves, we are getting accustomed to reading and hearing of the ever-increasing trend away from New Testament and Presbyterian doctrines and practices, on the part of many in the Church of Scotland. We are also disturbed. John Knox has been completely forgotten, or never appreciated at all, by many in Scotland to-day.
Hundreds Killed at Indian Ceremonies.
At the beginning of this year, at the usual time, the Indians held their superstitious festival, at the confluence of the “holy” rivers of the Ganges and Jumna near Allahabad. Three million so-called pilgrims attended, and when 20,000 so-called “holy men” went into the river on elephants and camels, the millions stampeded, according to the press. Six hundred Hindus were trodden down, mangled and killed and no doubt thousands injured. On this occasion the Indian Premier Nehru was among the first to enter the water for pagan and superstitious purposes. He is said to have helped in the rescue work. This is a man who was highly educated in a British University and practised in our Law Courts; and further, who at times delivers moral essays to the nations at large as to how peace in the world ought to be pursued. And yet he is so dark spiritually in his mind that he lends his example and influence to such miserable practices as seeking “sanctification” in the polluted waters of the Ganges. The lesson is that the mind of the natural man, however highly educated and intellectual, is darkness itself as to the knowledge of God and the needs of the souls of poor sinful children of Adam. May Nehru get the light of the glorious gospel of Christ and lead Indians away from the festival of the Ganges to the Word of God.
The Original Secession Church Involved in Worldly Practices.
A report appeared in the January (1954) issue of the Original Secession Church Magazine of a social evening connected with the Glasgow and District Original Secession Churches’ Bowling League. The company met in the Pollokshaws Original Secession Church Hall on Saturday, 21st November, 1953, and the number said to be present was 90 men and women. It is reported that “a most enjoyable and memorable evening took place.” After tea was served, and the winners got their trophies, presented by Mrs. Finlater, wife of the minister of the congregation, then followed the “most enjoyable and memorable evening.” To quote from the report it is said: “Then followed the social evening, which consisted of a well-varied selection of dances, games, songs, recitations and general fun, which everyone took part in and enjoyed. The programme was compered by Mr. J. Crawford, league secretary, music on the piano and accordion being provided by Miss Gerald. The evening ended by the whole company joining together singing the 133rd Psalm, followed by the benediction.” The “benediction” must have been given by a minister. This church saw better days but has now miserably fallen.
Our readers will remember that the present Free Church made a strenuous effort, some years ago, to get the Original Secession Church to unite with them, but the keen effort failed. The late Rev. D. Beaton’s comment on the failure of the efforts of the committees of both churches to bring about the longed-for union is: “The rock on which the union vessel (the Original Seceders and Free Church) was wrecked is said to have been the name ‘Free Church.’ The committee of the Original Secession suggested the name ‘Associate Presbyterian Church of Scotland’ for the united church, but the Free Church Committee put forward their own title, ‘The Free Church of Scotland.’ We think more important differences should have barred the way to union other than the name.”
We find Original Secession leaders from time to time complaining that the Holy Spirit is not working among them, as in former times, and wondering why. The above conduct as reported in their magazine is one reason why. Let that Church repent of serving the world, the devil and the flesh and then they shall have God’s Holy Spirit and blessing.—A. B.