Extension of Divorce Law
The Secretary of State for Scotland,
St Andrew’s House,
Edinburgh
Dear Sir,
The Presbytery wish to draw your attention to the fact that extending divorce laws to Scotland which permit divorce to take place on grounds not allowed in the Word of God as valid, sets the law of this land at variance with the law of God.
Marriage was instituted by God for the mutual good of men and women in this world. The laws which govern this institution are laid down by God Who alone knows what is good for His creatures. Marriage is for life between those who take the vows apart from these conditions which are described in the Word of God as grounds for the breaking of the marriage tie. These grounds are adultery and desertion and all other grounds for breaking the marriage union render those who marry again guilty of the sin of adultery in the eyes of God. This is a very solemn matter for the Word of God declares, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
The other grounds of divorce introduced by recent laws into this Country may appear very attractive to men and women but they are the production of human corruption and a rejection of Divine wisdom. As such, they cannot but have the most serious and damaging consequences in the family life of the Nation and in the moral life of individuals.
The Presbytery would earnestly call upon you to do all in your power to restore the Laws governing divorce in this Country to the standards of Scripture. Otherwise, the sad decay in family life will not only continue but accelerate. “What God hath joined together let not man put asunder.”
With kind regards,
Yours faithfully,
Donald MacLean,
Clerk of Southern Presbytery.
Opening of Public Houses on the Lord’s Day
The Secretary of State for Scotland,
St Andrew’s House,
Edinburgh
Dear Sir,
I have been instructed to inform you that this Presbytery is seriously concerned over the intention to open Public Houses on the Lord’s Day in Scotland.
The evils of drunkenness are well known, especially in Scotland. The misery caused to families, the ruination effected in the bodies and souls of men, together with the violence invariably bound up with excessive drinking should cause all with a real concern for their fellow countrymen to endeavour to restrain such an evil. The extending of drinking hours is an invitation to temptation. The notion that so-called social drinking will help to lessen alcoholism is an irresponsible fallacy.
To extend the hours of drinking to the Lord’s Day is only to add the sin of Sabbath-breaking to that of possible drunkenness. “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy” is a Divine command and the thought of men and women on their way to the judgment-seat of Christ spending the hallowed hours of that sacred Day drinking in a Public House is appalling in the extreme.
The Presbytery hope that you will exercise all your powers to prevent such a calamity befalling our Nation.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
Donald MacLean,
Clerk of Southern Presbytery.
Southern Presbytery Resolution on Ministerial Dress
“The Presbytery consider that it cannot be shown that there is anything inconsistent with the Word of God or with the practice of Presbyterian Churches for a minister to dress according to his profession in the carrying out of his ministerial duties and in his conduct in his congregation. The Presbytery note that the wearing of such dress has no sacerdotal significance nor is it a component part of the worship of God. It serves to distinguish ministers from laymen and, as such, is considered appropriate, and calculated to secure respect for such a high and responsible office.
Since 1893, ministerial dress in the United Kingdom has had as its distinguishing feature the clerical collar either in the shape of a white collar and bow-tie or the round collar. Ministers belonging to this Church in other lands have worn the round collar or, in cases where climatic conditions made this inappropriate, a white collar and black tie have been worn.
The Presbytery see no reason why this useful custom should be changed, as a minister of the gospel is ordained and set apart to a distinctive office and he should be willing to be seen as such and his conduct observed as a minister of Christ. A splendid example has been set by the godly fathers in this Church and their example should be followed by those who are now in the ministry.
In those days of lowering standards and when a tremendous attempt is being made to obliterate the distinction between the Church and the World, the Presbytery disapproves of the conduct of any minister who dispenses with his ministerial dress and appears dressed as a layman. The Presbytery expect that its ministerial members will conform to the practice which has prevailed among us hitherto.”
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Northern: At Dingwall on 10th August at 2.30 p.m.