Our Magazines and The Westminster Confession

BY REV. JOHN P. MACQUEEN.

It is scarcely necessary to emphasise to readers of our magazine that the king of books is the Bible, the Word of God, which is settled fast in Heaven, and lives and abides for ever. It claims, accordingly, supreme priority as the standard of Christian faith in every age and clime, the most Scripturally-framed Confession of Faith, humanly systematized, being thus only subordinate. Nevertheless, the Westminster Confession of Faith, being our subordinate standard of faith, should have the second place, next to the Bible, in every home, worthy of the name. It was framed by men as eminent for piety as they were distinguished for learning and scholarship, with the view of counteracting and exposing, in the light of the Bible, the prevailing heresis and errors of that day, which labelled themselves “Christianity” and masqueraded as such. They succeeded so well that after over four hundred years no other subordinate standard has superseded this blessed work, while the Assembly of divines who composed it, are rightly regarded as the most eminently godly and distinguished since the time of the Apostles.

As the recently-published “Confession of Faith,” by our Church’s Publications Committee, is a complete issue, including the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, The Sum of Saving Knowledge, The Solemn League and Covenant, etc., and is an excellent edition, modestly priced at 8/6 per copy, postage 1/- extra, and to be had from Mr. John Grant, Palmerston Villa, 4 Millburn Road, Inverness, it should be

in every home. Next to the Bible, I know of no better gift that parents could give to their sons and daughters on leaving or already away from home, or for uncles and aunts to give to their nephews and nieces, if they are at all interested in their spiritual and moral welfare, which involves also their true temporal and eternal welfare. “Seek ye first, the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew vi, 33).

As well as the Bible and the Westminster Confession of Faith, I would commend our own two church magazines, the “Free Presbyterian Magazine,” and the “Young People’s Magazine.” Personally, I do not consider him, or her, or them, one hundred per cent loyal to our denominational distinctive Scriptural testimony who are not regular subscribers of both magazines. As for those who object that as they have no children of their own they do not subscribe to our “Young People’s Magazine,” may I be permitted to ask such how they can be professing christians and not be prayerfully interested in other people’s children. “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.” Let such prayerfully peruse, and meditate upon the first eight verses of psalm seventy-eight, and then peruse the rest of the psalm as showing the result of disobedience.

The present writer considers it a disgrace that there should be found among our church members and others, who never read our magazine from one end of the year to another, except on those rare occasions when they hear outsiders discussing something that appeared in the “Free Presbyterian Magazine.” On such occasions they borrow the copy for perusal from some regular subscriber, though they otherwise could well afford to subscribe themselves. It would amaze some in our church to discover how numerous such indifferent, apathetic, half-hearted Free Presbyterians are, if indeed they are worthy of that honoured name. As for those who might be considered too poor to subscribe, there is a free distribution fund, though it would take a great deal to convince me that, in these days of the Welfare State, there are any such destitute people to be found at all. In any case, there is free distribution for such.

The present writer’s personal opinion is that this indifference, relative to our magazines, is in no small measure due to reluctance on the part of some ministers, missionaries, and office-bearers, where these sad conditions prevail, to urge upon the people that it is in their own highest and most spiritual interests, and intelligent regard for our church, to be true regular subscribers. Otherwise, how can it be explained that, despite the fact that so many in the London congregation come and go for varying periods, there has never been in this congregation, all the years I have been here, one single individual, who has not been a regular subscriber. Why should there be any reluctance or fastidiousness on the part of any minister, missionary, or office-bearer in this connection, when the appeal is a purely altruistic and disinterested one? Surely the mental, moral, and spiritual welfare

of our people is, to say the least, as important as their physical welfare. The precious immortal soul needs moral and spiritual fare, in order to its growth in grace, as the body needs physical food in order to grow and develop to manhood and womanhood. Sermons, articles, and up-to-date comments on current affairs, in the national and international religious spheres, are calculated to keep the readers of our magazines well informed, and, by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, to produce and aid growth in grace, and in experimental spiritual knowledge.

Parents, uncles, and aunts, as already stated regarding gifts of the Westminster Confession of Faith, should follow the excellent example of those people in our church who, when annually subscribing for their own copies, subscribe also for their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, not only away from home in their native land, but also overseas, thus keeping up the best family and relative link conceivable, as well as being, by the Divine countenance, fruitful in blessing, even to generations yet unborn. It would also help to prevent young and inexperienced people making matrimonial alliances for which they sell their noblest birth-right, next after being members of Christ’s mystical body—namely, members of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, a birth-right and privilege not worth selling for the best husband or wife this world has to offer, or for any other object whatsoever. Let it ever be powerfully and ardently emphasised that God never asked any man or woman to leave as pure and as Scriptural a branch of the visible Church as is to-day to be found in the world, for a less pure and less Scriptural one. We do not thus affirm that the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland is perfect, but we do affirm that it is sincere. Its doctrines are perfect and infallible, as they are Scriptural, but the custodian of these blessed doctrines—the pillar and ground of the truth—our denomination, is composed of sincere but fallible and imperfect human beings. The doctrine of human perfectionism in time is opposed to Scripture truth, for when the Lord’s people are perfect they shall not be here. Thus no denomination, however pure and Scriptural, is perfect, however sincere and earnest, but partakes of the sinful failures and infirmities incidental to human nature even when supernaturally regenerated, while ripening, as regards the individual believer, to perfection. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. iii, 12-14).

It is nevertheless the clear and manifest duty, and for the highest spiritual interest and welfare, of every regenerated man and woman, as well as its being for the glory of God, to break through all sentimental and emotional family and relative ties, to ascertain and find the purest and most Scriptural branch of the visible church, contemporary with that regenerated individual, on the principle that:—”Them that honour Me, I will honour.”

The late Mrs. Mary MacLean, Breakish, Skye.

The subject of this sketch was born at Luib, Isle of Skye, on the 1st day of June, 1864. Her maiden name was Mary Finlayson. Her husband was Lachlan MacLean, a native of Luib also, who died in January, 1937. He was a sea-faring man who spent most of his days on yachts. He was often in Greenock and well-known to our Church people there at that time. Mrs. MacLean herself, passed away on 4th June, 1957, having attained to the good age of 93 years.

Six boys and one girl were born to Mr. and Mrs. MacLean. Of this family, only two sons were still spared at the time of her death. One of these, John, is resident at Breakish and it was there his mother passed away. The other is resident in New Zealand. Mrs. MacLean had thus her own share of her sorrows in this life in seeing the hand of death removing members of her family from time to eternity. Her sorrow was alleviated at least with regard to two of these, since they gave every sign before they were taken away that Christ had been made precious to them.

Donald was only 32 years of age when he died in Glasgow in 1929. A short obituary of him appears in the Free Presbyterian Magazine for December, 1929. Of him, it was said then, “He knew much of the wiles of Satan and the deceitfulness of his own heart which caused him much grief and kept him in much dependence upon grace. He was naturally of a cheerful disposition, but since he was savingly changed his conversation could truly be said to be seasoned with salt.” He became a member in full communion just a month before he entered the eternal communion in the Father’s House. Lachlan was the name of the other son about whom good hopes were entertained. He, too, was but young in years when he was taken away. He appears to have been a spiritually-minded young man and, in his last illness especially, showed this very clearly.

We have been unable to obtain any details of how the great change came over Mrs. MacLean, herself. She was very reticent with regard to her personal experience of the power and effect of the Word of God upon her soul. Her evident concern at the plague of sin felt within and her attachment to Christ as the only sure hope for a sinner in view of death, judgment and eternity, however, marked her out as one who was taught from above. The promise is “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (Is. 54. 13). She became a member in full communion about 1930 and her love to Christ was manifest in her love to the Cause which is His own. Her interest in the Free Presbyterian Congregation in Broadford was deep and true. She greatly rejoiced at the prospect of a Church being built there and although she did not live to see it being opened for public worship yet she was spared long enough to entertain the hope that such a building would be erected in the good providence of the Lord. For the past few years, the ministers assisting at the communion stayed at her home. As she was

not able to go out to the services, she greatly rejoiced in thus meeting the Lord’s servants and people. “Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God” (Ruth I. 16) was the language of her heart.

Although she had been frail for some years, the end came rather suddenly. She was just in bed for a week when she took a turn for the worse. In previous illnesses she had complained much of her low spiritual condition but, on this occasion, she appeared to be granted a measure of peace and contentment in her soul. Her memory greatly revived and II. Tim. 4. 7-8, which she was heard to repeat often, seemed to be a portion which was made very precious to her, especially the first and last phrases, “I have fought a good fight . . .” and “unto all them also that love His appearing.” While her mind was evidently set upon things above, Mrs. MacLean did not forget the Cause on earth and the evening before she died, she asked if the post had brought any contribution for the new Church of which her son is treasurer. She is greatly missed by all who knew her but we believe that our loss is her everlasting gain.

To her son in New Zealand and to her son, his wife and family in Breakish, who so lovingly attended to Mrs. MacLean’s every need, we extend our sincere sympathy and pray that they may become followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

—Donald MacLean.

The late Mr. John G. Macaskill, Stornoway.

Mr. John Macaskill has been much missed in the Stornoway congregation since his lamented death on the 20th day of October, 1958. He loved the courts of the Lord’s House, and up to the time of his death, often in much weakness, his place was seldom empty.

Mr. Macaskill was born in Greenock on the 7th day of March, 1880. His father being a sea captain spent most of his time at sea until he retired. His mother, Mary Graham, was a pious woman, having been a member in full communion in the Free Church prior to 1893. Both parents were natives of Sandwick, Stornoway. While John was still a young lad the family returned to live in Stornoway. When the movement began to form a Free Presbyterian congregation in the town he was old enough to interest himself in the various meetings held and his memory retained to the end interesting details of the worthy men and women connected with the movement. When the actual separation took place and a congregation was formed his mother at once associated herself with it.

Although it was many years later before Mr. Macaskill himself came under the spiritual and saving power of the truth, yet he ever continued a faithful and intelligent follower of the church. He was brought up in a home where christian hospitality was extended to

the Lord’s people, especially at Communion seasons. His contacts then with pious men and women taught him to respect godliness and to extend a welcome to those who professed it. Only the Great Day will declare the great blessing and benefit to be derived from early and friendly association with the Lord’s people. Impressions are often made then which under the blessing of the Holy Spirit, blossom out in later years into true piety. There is no doubt that this was the case with Mr. Macaskill.

Although he had always lived an upright life and regularly attended the means of grace, it was not until he was 68 years of age that he showed a definite and personal concern for his soul’s salvation. In the Providence of God the immediate occasion of this was an illness which overtook him at this time and was blessed to him in bringing the solemn realities of eternity more clearly and impressively before his mind. He recovered from his illness but these impressions remained, and after a time of earnest seeking, his soul entered into the liberty of the Gospel through these precious words, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” In the lamb slain in Egypt he was enabled to see the Lamb of God in the infinite value of His atoning sacrifice. Mr. Macaskill’s sense of the presence of the Lord at this time was so great that he could not speak. He had previously heard of a godly man who had, enjoyed so much of the Lord’s presence in his soul that he feared he could not stand more. In recalling this Mr. Macaskill said of himself, “I am so happy, no wonder this godly man said, ‘Hold back thine hand, it is enough, for I am but an earthen vessel.'”

It was in February, 1949, that he passed through these experiences. Thereafter he was much exercised as to his duty in making a public profession of his faith. In taking this solemn step in the following Autumn, he was much encouraged by, “And now, O Lord, what wait I for? My hope is fixed in thee. Free me from all my trespasses, the fools scorn make not me.” Ps. 39, 7.

As already noted Mr. Macaskill’s love for the courts of the Lord’s House was a marked feature of his christian character. For 11 years before he died he suffered much from heart trouble, but by the Lord’s blessing in medical treatment he was able, though often not without considerable difficulty to attend the public means of grace to the end. In this Mr. Macaskill set a consistent example which while it condemns the self indulgence of unfaithful and careless professors of religion, is a great encouragement to all who desire the coming of Christ’s kingdom in earth. His prayers in public showed a mind exercised in the truth, especially concerning the work, sufferings and love of the Redeemer. No doubt the whole Bible was beloved by him, but towards the end he showed special attachment to the precious

truths revealed in the 8th chapter of Romans and the 22nd of Revelation. The contents of these chapters show how his mind was exercised in prospect of death and eternity: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ,” and “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

The end came very suddenly and as far as could be seen peacefully, on Monday, the 20th day of October, 1958, while having afternoon tea in the company of his wife. Although coming so suddenly we believe that grace had prepared John Macaskill for this solemn event and that his soul, being absent from the body, entered into glory to be for ever present with the Lord.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to the widow and each member of the family in their great loss.—J. A. T.

Searmonan.

Leis an Urr. Tearlach C. Mac an Tòisich, D.D.

(Air a leantuinn bho t.d. 187).

Oidheirpicheadh-mid a nis co-chur a chuspair so.

1. Nach e so is eigin a bhi’n a cainnte aig a Chriosduidh, “Co thuigeas a sheacharain?” Co thuigeas a sheacharain ann an aghaidh Pearsa Diadhaidh, cha’n ann a mhàinn ann an làithibh ain-eolais, ach bho’n a thuair e tròcair. Co thug luigheachd Dha a reir a ghràis a dh’fhoillsich E? Co esan, aig an robh a choguis a ghnàth maoth, agus aig an robh cridhe a ghnàth ‘n a dhuisg agus ri faire, agus air a lionadh le mothachadh do-labhairt air taingealachd? Nach fhaod cuid againn a a bhi cuimhneachadh amanaibh sònraicht ‘n uair a bha sinn ciontach de bhi cur doilgheis Air, mar a th’ann le peacadh foil-leasach, gidheadh le ar fuachd, ar leisg, ar feinealachd, ar neo-thain-gealachd, ar di-chuimhne air bòidean a bha air an deanamh ann an trioblaid na aig bòrd comanaichidh, ar dì-chuimhne air amaibh soil-leir anns an deachaidh an Tighearna a steach os ar leth ‘n uair a thubhairt sinn “tha mo chos air sleamhnachadh,” agus a chùm a thròcair suas sinn, ar beag mothachaidh air luachmhorachd Chriosd, ar ‘n oidheirpean anmhuinn agus neo-sheasmhach air a bhi’g iarruidh slàinte muinntir eile? Co ach Esan a tha neo-chaochluidheach a b’urrain giulain leinn? Ciod e’n t-aobhar mòr a bhi’g àrdachadh fad-fhoghaidean an Spioraid Naoimh. Agus ciod e’ ghairm a tha’n so gu bhi’g aideachadh agus a bròn thairis air ar peacaidean, gu bhi’g asluchadh tròcair agus gràs gu bhi leigheas ar cùl-sleamhnachaidhean agus ga’r cumail bho’n olc.

2. Am bheil aon ann a nis ris am bheil mi labhairt, a dh’fheumas amharc air ais gu am ‘n uair a bha e gu maith dha a bhi teachd dlùth do Dhia, ‘n uair a bha e gabhail tlachd ann an ùrnuigh, agus a chun-naic e luachmhorachd anns a Bhiobull nach gabhadh a bhi air innse,

‘n uair a dh’fhairich e air a leagail air leis an Tighearna a bhi gleid-headh a chridhe, agus a bhi beo chùm glòir Chriosd, ‘n uair a dh’fhair-ich e luachmhorachd tìm agus a bha e ‘g iarruidh co-chomunn gach là ri Slàuighear nach robh ri fhaicinn; ach thàinig am buaireadair, agus thàinig an saoghal, agus thàinig ana-miannaibh nithean eile, agus bha e ni b’aineamh ‘n a chlòsaid, thuair e ni bu lugha agus ni bu lugha de thìm air son an Fhocail agus beachd-smuainteachadh;— agus an sin thàinig caochladh duilich thairis air an duine an leth a stigh; cha robh Criosd ni b’ fhaide ‘n a Chriosd a bha làthair agus a bha luachmhor, ach na chuspair fad as; thàinig an urnuigh, “Tog orm solus do ghnùis” gu àite a thoirt do’n ghlaodh dhuilich, “Co nochdas dhuinn ni maith air bith?” Ach dhùisg an Tighearna e, le Focal, an fhaide so, gu’m bheil e nis ‘n a dhuine mi-thoilichte agus truagh, ag ràdh, “O nach robh e dhòmhsa mar anns an miosan a dh’ fhalbh.” A charaid, ma tha na làithean sin gu bràth gu pilleadh, ma tha thu gu fios a bhi agad nach robh thu ‘n uair sin ga d’ mheal-ladh fein, feumaidh am pilleadh sin a bhi air a thoirt mu’n cuairt ann an co-cheangal ri thu bhi ga d’ chleachdadh fein mar a bha Daibhidh ‘n uair a thubhairt e, “Dean tròcair orm a Dhé, a reir do choibhneas-gràidh; a reir lionmhorachd do chaomh-throcairean, dubh as m’eusaontas.” “Na tilg mi o d’ shealladh, agus na toir do Spiorad Naomh uam.” Bi air chrith roimh’n smuaint a dhòl a dh’ionnsuidh Bòrd an Tighearna am feadh a tha peacadh a cur dealachadh eadar thù agus Dia. Ach na toir cadal do d’ shuilibh, na suain do d’ rosgaibh gus am bi sin a rìnn an dealachadh air a thoirt air falbh. Is urrain fuil Chriosd a ghlanaadh air falbh. Is urrain Spiorad Chriosd do chridhe a dheanamh brùite.

1. Tha’n Spiorad Naomh, air am bheil gu bitheanta doilgheas air a chur le a shluagh, air seasamh ‘n a aghaidh agus air a chràdh le peacaich. Tha E strì riutha, oir is e Spiorad iochdmhor agus gràdhach a tha Ann. Agus tha iad a seasamh ‘n a aghaidh; oir tha iad a roghnachadh bàis, agus a cur cùl ri’n tròcair fein, agus cha tig iad a dh’ionnsuidh Chriosd air son beatha. Tha E strì ris a mhuinntir neo-aithreachail, ‘n uair a tha E toirt dlùth dhoibh àithne shòlmaicht’ agus a ghairm gu aithreachas, “Pillibh, pillibh, car son a bhàsaicheas sibh?” “Mar a dean sibhse aithreachas, sgriosar sibh uile mar an ceudna.” Tha iad a seasamh ‘n a aghaidh ‘n uair a tha iad a lean-tuinn cho mi-chùramach agus cho neo-mhothachail agus ged a b’e faoin-sgeul a bh’ann an ifrinn, na mar gu’m b’urrain da’n chridhe fulung, na da’n làmhan a bhi làidir, anns na làithibh anns am buin an Tighearna riutha. Tha E strì riutha ‘n uair a dhùisgeas E suas a choguis gus a freagairt a thoirt do’n Focal air chor agus gu’n crithnich iad ann a bhi creidsinn mu bhreitheanas ri teachd. Tha iad a seasamh ‘n a aghaidh ‘n uair a their iad, mar a their mòran, “Imich romhad an tràth so; ‘n uair a bhitheas am iomchuidh agam cuiridh mi fios ort.” Tha E strì riutha eadhon nì’s cumhachaich fat-hasd ‘n uair a tha E toirt gle dlùth fireantachd agus slàinte Chriosd,

agus a tha E toirt orra a thuigsinn gu’m bheil an siorruidheachd a tionndadh air an gabhail Ris na an diúltadh air Slànuighear a tha air a thairgse. Tha iad a seasamh ‘n a aghaidh ‘n uair, ann a bhi rogh-nachadh an t-saoghail agus am peacadh roimh Chriosd, tha iad a buannachadh ann a bhi gu’n Chriosd agus fodh bhuaidh an eas-creidimh.

Mo cho-pheacach, na seas an aghaidh Spiorad maith an Tighearn. Tha E strì riut, do-bhrigh nach eil tlachd air bith aig ‘n a d’ bhàs, do-bhrigh gu’m bheil Slànuighear luachmhor ann ris an aonadh E thù, agus bu mhaith Leis aithne a thoirt dhuit air a ghràs agus a ghràdh. Tha E strì riut do-bhrigh gu’m bheil E toileach a dhòl a stigh do d’ chridhe, gus a ghlanaadh, gu còmhnuidh a ghabhail ann mar an Comhfhurtair. O, na cuir ‘n a aghaidh; oir cha bhi E ghnàth a strì. Faodaidh E do thilgeadh air falbh gu bràth, agus t-fhàgail, mar a dh’ fhàgadh muinntir eile, gu bhi uile gu leir air an cruadhachadh le mealltaireachd a pheacaidh, gu bhi gluasad mi-chùramach a dh’ionnsuidh na crìche a reir gnàth an t-saoghail so, na dùsgadh suas mu dheireadh gu bhi faotainn a mach gu’m bheil e tuilleadh ‘s anmoch, agus gu’m bheil an dorus dùinte. Na cruadhaichibh bhur cridhe. Na ma chanas tì gu’m bheil e tuilleadh ‘us làidir air do shon (bu mhaith gu’m fairicheadh tu so gu ceart, gu’m fairicheadh tu t-fheum air neart uile-chumhachdach an Spioraid Naoimh) an sin bhitheadh aithne agad mar a tha Criosd saor, gu’m bheil Spiorad Chriosd saor mar an ceudna. Tha E toileach a bhi dhuit ‘n a Fhear-athnuadhachaidh agus ‘n Fhear-naomhachaidh, a chùm do shaoradh bho’n a chridhe chloiche. “Cia fhad, a dhaoine baoghalta a ghràdhaicheas sibh baoghaltachd? agus a ghabhas luch-fochaid tlachd ‘n am fochaid, agus a bheir amadain fuath do eolas? Pillibh ri’m achmhasan: feuch dòirtidh mi mach mo spiorad dhuibh; ni mi aith-nichte mo bhriathra dhuibh.” Amhaircibh suas ri Dia, uime sin, troimh’n Eadar-mheadhonair, agus deanamh ùrnuigh, ùrnuigh air son an Spioraid Naoimh; oir tha e a reir a thoil a Spiorad a thoirt seachad.

Na, ma ghabhas sibh an soisgeul ann an cumadh eile, tha aig Iosa, a thàinig a thearnadh a mhùinntir a bha caillte, a thuair bàs air son pheacach, a tha air ardachadh ‘n a Cheannard agus ‘n a Shlùnuighear, an Spiorad Naomha ‘n a uile lânachd, gus a thoirt seachad. Amhaircibh, uime sin, Ris, a tha cho ullamh gu bhi’g eisdeachd glaodh peacach a tha dol a dhìth a chùm an Spioraid Naoimh a chur, ‘s a bha E ann an laithibh fheola gu bhi’g eisdeachd gach glaodh eigin, agus ga fhoillseachadh Fein mar an Ti a tha lân iochd.