Concerted Prayer
Five years ago the Synod called for concerted prayer for the revival of the Lord’s Cause and for the awakening and conversion of sinners. The need of prayer to this end is no less now than it was then. The forces of darkness have made much headway in that time so we are called to be more earnest than ever at a Throne of grace.
Particularly, at this time we ought to remember before the Lord our Mission in Rhodesia. The situation in the land remains critical. Let us pray that it may be resolved in a way that would be to God’s glory and for the good of His Cause there. Throughout the world Communism and Romanism advances. Let us pray for their speedy overthrow and the deliverance of millions from the awful bondage of those systems of darkness. Let us remember God’s ancient people, the Jews. In their conversion shall we Gentiles also be blessed. Let us plead for the spreading of the Word of God and of the Gospel of His grace throughout all lands until the whole earth is filled with His glory. Let us remember, too, all who have gone forth, especially from our own midst, to the distant parts of the world to declare the good news of great joy which is to all people. In the words of the Catechism, let us pray “that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.”
The Church Magazines
As is well known to our readers, the Free Presbyterian Magazine has been in existence over 80 years, its first issue having been sent out in May 1896. In that first issue, the Rev. James S. Sinclair, the first editor, stated that it was published in the interests of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and for the maintenance of the doctrines for which the Church contended at the beginning, as well as to bear witness against the erroneous tendencies of the day. To these purposes the Magazine has endeavoured to remain true over the years and the need for its witness is no less now than it was in 1896. That the Magazine has in the past proved beneficial to our people we have no doubt. That it may continue to be of spiritual benefit to them by the Lord’s blessing, is our fervent desire. This aspect of the Lord’s work needs all the help and encouragement that can be given.
The Young People’s Magazine has had a shorter life. Its first issue appeared in May 1936 in the interests of the young people of the Free Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Donald Beaton, the first editor, mentioned in the first issue that it was launched at a time when vital godliness was not what it once was. He desired that God would make the new periodical a blessing in instructing the young and directing their minds to matters of eternal interest and which concern His glory. The Magazine has continued to be devoted to the interests of the young ever since.
During the last two years the two Magazines were issued together but at last Synod it was decided to return to the former practice of issuing them separately. While this will necessarily involve greater cost, we are sure that all who love the witness of our Church will continue to support the Magazines as they have done in the past, and pray for and work for their increased circulation in this and other lands.
Deputy to Chesley, Ontario
Rev. Duncan MacLean, North Tolsta, left this country on Friday, 21st October, to supply the congregation in Chesley for seven Sabbaths. He is expected home again early in December (D.V.). We crave the prayers of the Lord’s people that his labours in that part of the vineyard may be blessed and that he may be brought home again in safety to his family and congregation.
Price of Church Magazines
As from January 1978 (D.V.) the Free Presbyterian and Young People’s Magazines will be issued separately. The price of the Free Presbyterian Magazine will be 30p per copy and the Young People’s Magazine 20p per copy.
Financial Year End
As the financial year ends on 31st December 1977, Congregational Treasurers and Deacons’ Courts are reminded that all funds in respect of 1977 should be in the General Treasurer’s hands by Saturday, 7th January 1978, God willing. Funds received after that date will be credited to 1978.
List of Communions
The list of Communions on the inside front cover of the Magazine has been corrected for 1978. Would ministers kindly check whether any additional corrections are required.
Congregational Financial Statements
By appointment of Synod a copy of all Congregational Financial Statements should be sent to the Finance Committee. Statements in respect of 1977 should be sent to the General Treasurer by 31st March 1978, God willing.
London Church and Manse Building Fund
The Deacons’ Court of the London Congregation are pleased to report that in accordance with the provision of the Most High, Zoar Chapel, Whitechapel, is now paid for and free of debt.
Members and Adherents wish to take this opportunity of expressing their grateful thanks to all friends at home and overseas, who by their generosity have enabled the outstanding mortgage on the church, opened 22nd June 1974, to be redeemed.
The fund, however, remains open for the purpose of clearing an outstanding debt, on the Manse, which on the 31st October 1977 stood at £12,086.72. We appeal to all congregations and friends to assist us in our desire, by God’s grace, to remove this burden.
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Correction
We regret that owing to printer’s errors, the paragraph beginning at the middle of p. 403 of the November issue of the Magazine could not be understood. It should have read as follows:—
“They who have Christ in them, therefore, can alone bring men into living contact with God. Christ makes it plain that a new unction must visit His followers before the blessing spreads to the impenitent; and to look for an awakening, therefore, before we ourselves receive that baptism as with fire, is to expect the end without the means. A Church cannot long continue to display a living testimony, unless this fresh holy baptism is repeatedly renewed; and to hold forth, like many declining Churches of the Reformation, a form of sound words, when the Spirit is sinned away, is but like a sign-post carried down a swollen river. For it is not protests, etc. . . .”
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Western: At Laide on 13th December 1977, at 12 noon.
Northern: At Dingwall on 24th January 1978, at 2.30 p.m.
Skye: At Portree on 7th February 1978, at 11 a.m.