SESSION III.

GLASGOW, 6th May 1862. 6.30 P. M. Synod met, and was constituted by prayer. The minutes of last sederunt were read and approved

A petition was read from the congregation of Girvan, requesting permission from the Synod to have a call moderated in, although they are not able to offer for the support of a minister the sum fixed at last meeting of Synod as the minimum stipend. The petition was received, and Dr Taylor, commissioner from the congregation, was heard in its support. It was agreed that it be remitted to the Presbytery to deal with this case as it may see fit, and to report to next meeting of Synod the steps which they have taken.

Mr Kay read the Report of the Committee on Foreign Missions. The Report was adopted, and the thanks of the Court given to the Committee, which was re-appointed, consisting of Dr Goold, Dr Graham, Mr Ferguson, Mr Neilson, Mr Kay, Mr W. Symington, Mr M'Dermid, Mr Clazy, and Mr Torrance; with Messrs R. G. Finlay and M. S. Tait,-Mr Kay, Convener and Secretary.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS.

For several years it has been permitted your Committee to report to the Synod the almost uninterrupted prosperity and success of the mission in the New Hebrides. Although we have still much cause to mark the goodness of God in the measure of protection vouchsafed to the missionaries of this Church, no less than in their continued and self-sacrificing devotedness to the great work in which they are engaged, still the past year will long form a memorable period in the history of our mission, on account of the many and heavy trials wherewith it has pleased the Heavenly Father to visit us.

It is the painful duty of your Committee to report the decease, on the 28th January last, of the Rev. Professor Symington, D.D. This eminent servant of Jesus, having, from the commencement of this Synod's operations in the Foreign Mission field, taken the deepest interest in all that could forward the work, continued till the close of his earthly career to manifest unabated attachment to a cause which has for its object the extension of the kingdom of "Messiah the Prince." The name of our deceased father stands upon the minutes of this Committee for the last twenty years, during which time he gave abundant evidence of his zeal for missions, by devoting his time, his personal influence, and great talents, to furthering the work. On examining the records of the Committee, it is found that for nearly a quarter of a century the name of Dr Wm. Symington finds a place in every note of the sederunts, with the exception of a very few, when, with that strict attention to duty which formed one of the prominent features in his character, the absence is accounted for by such brief sentences as these "absent from indisposition," or, "a note received, in which Dr S. expresses his regret that he will be necessarily absent from town." In this one fact the Synod have abundant evidence, if such were needed, of the deep interest which Dr Symington took in the Foreign Missions of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; and the members not only of this Committee, but of all other Committees, have an example in point of regularity of attendance, and of interest in the work to which they may be appointed. It does not fall within the scope of this report to advert, save in the most passing manner, to the very remarkable talents of him whose loss has been felt throughout the whole Church as a severe blow. It may simply be stated that the same gifts and graces which our deceased father exhibited in the various important spheres of duty which he was called to occupy, were all brought to bear with an energy and wisdom for which the Committee have cause to express deep gratitude upon the ennobling cause of missions. No appeal was made to the liberality of the Church on behalf of our Foreign Mission which he was not forward to enforce with all the power of his eloquence; no difficulty of detail presented itself which he did not earnestly set himself to resolve; while his words of generous

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encouragement and sympathy, sent from time to time to the missionaries themselves, did no little, under God, to strengthen their hands, and hold up their fainting hearts. The Committee, looking back on all this, desire to express their gratitude to God for all the good which has been done to the mission through the instrumentality of his honoured servant, and to solicit from the living Head of the Church the effusion of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, upon those who are left to labour in the cause, so that, following them who through faith and patience have inherited the promises, we may work while it is called to-day, and, when the morning breaks forth after the night, we may receive the approval of the Great Master, "Well done, good and faithful servants." As the necessities of the mission become more numerous, and its extent greater, the want of such men as Dr Symington and Dr Bates (who by a few years preceded the former in attaining his rest), will come to be severely felt: we are the more called upon, therefore, by such dispensations to draw more closely for aid, encouragement, and guidance to the Great High Priest of the sanctuary, who has promised instead of " the fathers to take the children."

Scarcely had the members of last Synod returned to their respective spheres of labour, when intelligence was received which was but the beginning of a series of communications extending over several months, each letter containing sadder news than that which had preceded it. The amount of interest which has been felt throughout the Church in the New Hebrides mission in connection with these heavy trials, renders it unnecessary that we should do more than simply mention them. A trading vessel had carried first to New Caledonia, and subsequently to the Loyalty Islands and the New Hebrides, a terrible epidemic, which has cut down throughout these various island-groups of the Southern Pacific, thousands of the population. Aneityum, Tanna, and Eromanga (the three islands on which missionary labours are being carried forward by our Church, and the Presbyterian Church in Nova Scotia), have all suffered to a fearful extent from the ravages of the disease. On the first-mentioned of these islands, a third of the population has been swept away; among the number not a few who had not only professed Christianity, but who were also giv ing hopeful evidence that they had more than a name to live. By one in any degree acquainted with missionary operations in such a field as the New Hebrides, a calamity of the kind now referred to could not be viewed without feelings of deep anxiety and concern. Not only was the destruction of human life by the epidemic very great, but it was to be feared that, under the pressure of the disease the faith of those who had so recently professed Christianity might fail, and Satan, taking advantage of their trying position, they might be led to cast off all restraint, and declare themselves hostile to the work. It is matter of profound gratitude to Him who has declared that, "having begun a good work, he will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus," that to a very small extent, if at all, has the apprehended danger manifested itself. Through the work of an incendiary, a newly erected church on Mr Geddie's side of the island was burned down,-more, it is to be feared, through the instigation of traders, who have since done all they could to protect the wrong-doer, than through any widely-spread feeling of enmity to the missionaries or their work. Now that the dark cloud has passed away from Aneityum, and left, so far as we know, no evil results of the nature indicated above, we may the more readily believe that the work will continue to advance with still more encouraging prospects than heretofore. On Tanna and Eromanga results of a much more painful nature have arisen from the prevalence of the disease. The missionaries on the former of these islands have been exposed to considerable danger from the impression held by the natives that the effort to introduce Christianity has led to the appearance of the disease. In a subsequent part of this Report, we shall have occasion to speak of Mr Paton's position on Tanna; meanwhile, we ap proach the mournful subject of the death of Mr and Mrs Gordon on Eromanga on the 20th May 1861. To some extent this sad occurrence may be traced to the existence of the prevailing epidemic on the island, which, twenty-three years ago, was the scene of the murder of Williams and Harris. The natives of Eromanga,like those of Tanna, associated the existence of the disease with the pre

sence of the missionary, and viewed with feelings of hostility those earnest-souled labourers, who had but one object before them—the doing good to body and soul, as they had opportunity. We have reason, however, to believe that even this unhappy association of ideas would of itself not have produced the lamentable result which has afflicted the Church in Nova Scotia and our own Church in Scotland. Recent investigations conducted on the spot by Mr Geddie tend to shew that the cruel deed was perpetrated in consequence of reiterated assertions by the "traders" to the effect that the disease was caused by the presence of the missionary, and that his removal was the only means whereby the progress of the epidemic could be arrested. No language is too strong whereby to designate a course so unworthy and inhuman as this, especially when it is recollected that the instigators for the most part belong to a nation which professes Christianity. Steps have been taken by the missionaries themselves to inform the governor of New South Wales of the extent to which life and property are endangered by several of the Europeans trading to these islands, and soliciting, at the same time, the adoption of such measures as will, for the future, prevent the stirring up from that source of the passions of those among whom their labours are carried on.

Deeply penetrated with sympathy for the brethren in Nova Scotia in the trials with which they had met, first in the sudden decease on Tanna of the Rev. Mr Johnstone, and afterwards in the massacre of Mr and Mrs Gordon on Eromanga, your Committee conveyed to the Foreign Mission Board of the Church by which these devoted missionaries had been sent out, their fraternal condolence, and expressions of regard. The Court will be pleased to learn that these have been warmly responded to, and will, the Committee believe, willingly listen to the minute of the Nova Scotia Board, received a few weeks ago, and not hitherto published.

"New Glasgow, N.S., February 9th 1862. "Which day the Board of Foreign Missions in connection with the Presbyterian Church of the Lower Provinces, B.N.A., met. Inter alia,

"Read a letter from the Reformed Presbyterian Committee, Scotland, expressive of their condolence with this Board, and the Church they represent, in view of the recent calamitous events on the islands of Aneityum, Tanna, and Eromanga.

"Resolved, that the secretary be instructed to convey to said Committee, and the Church which they represent, the assurance that the Christian sympathy, thus cordially expressed is warmly appreciated, and all the more so, as coming from those who have for many years been their active and most efficient coadju tors in the New Hebrides mission, and to no inconsiderable extent also now their fellow partakers in these chastening providences. The divine hand has indeed pressed more heavily on the Nova Scotia branch of this mission, yet the loss of property by the hurricane, and the loss of life by disease on Aneityum and Tanna, as well as the continual perils which have beset the life of Mr Paton call loudly for the reciprocation on that fraternal sympathy which the Church in Nova Scotia fondly entertains; and which their Board would desire now heartily to express towards the Reformed Presbyterian Church, their missionaries, and the Committee who are entrusted with their foreign operations. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.' As surely as we are destined to suffer with and for Christ, so surely shall we reign with and for Christ, in these isles of the sea. The baptism of fire is still, as of old, the heavenly precursor of the baptism of the Spirit. "It is the manner of our God, first to humble and then to exalt his servants in the work committed to their hands, that no flesh should glory in his presence. It is no small source of mutual consolation for us in our mutual sorrows to observe the firm and even buoyant spirit of the missionaries still spared to us, aud to find that the Churches in Scotland and in Nova Scotia, both ministers and people, have interpreted these afflictive providences as a divine intimation not to abandon, but rather the more fully to possess, the land now desolate.

"Companions in tribulation, let us cherish the hope that we shall prove companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.

"Come, let us return unto the Lord for he hath torn and he will heal us he hath smitten and he will bind us up. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly." Extracted from the minutes of Board of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian Church. By order of the Board.

"JAMES BAYNE, Sec."

In the mysterious providence of God, while the epidemic was raging with great violence both on Aneityum and Tanna, a fearful hurricane swept over both these islands, destroying to a large extent the food of the natives, and injuring, especially on the first-mentioned island, the mission property. Disease and famine stared the inhabitants in the face. No sooner was this complication heard of at home, than the Committee instructed their treasurer to send out to Sydney the sum of £100 on behalf of Mr Copeland, and of £50 on behalf of Mr Paton, to be expended upon provisions, by which to some extent the demand for food might be met. The Committee desire to mention to this Court the kind attention which in this emergency the mission received from the Rev. Wm. Cuthbertson, agent in Sydney of the London Missionary Society. The money forwarded to him has been applied with the utmost judiciousness as well as promptness, this esteemed minister doing for our missionaries everything that could have been done for those belonging to the Society which he so well re presents. By recent advices received from Mr Copeland, we learn that the crisis arising from the destruction of the crops upon the island has in great mea sure passed, so that the provisions most recently sent by Mr Cuthbertson from Sydney will not require to be employed for the purpose originally intended. Mr Copeland will, however, dispose of them for the service of the mission, accounting to the treasurer for the same.

Amidst all these calamities, your Committee have cause to mark the great mercy of God in preserving and protecting our missionaries on Aneityum and Tanna. They have, while hundreds were dying around them, been enabled to take up the language of the Psalmist, "I will say of the Lord: he is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that walketh at noon-day. . . . There shall no evil befal thee, nor plague come nigh thy dwelling." The ravages of the disease, the havoc caused by the hurricane, and the pressure of famine, have all seriously interfered with the progress of the work on Aneityum. Teaching in the schools had to be abandoned, preaching in the churches was frequently impossible, and in a hundred various ways, missionary operations were retarded. Recent letters from Mr Copeland convey the cheering intelligence that everything is being rearganized, and that matters are rapidly assuming, so far as the means of instruction and the means of grace are concerned, the appearance which they had before these repeated and severe strokes fell upon the island. Alas! in one respect the change is great. Hundreds who, Sabbath after Sabbath, were wont to assemble in the house of God, or to meet in the schoolrooms erected throughout the islands, have passed into the eternal world. Even in the presence of the appalling thought, this should comfort the Synod, and encourage to redoubled effort, that but for the exertions of this Church and the Church in Nova Scotia, these many hundreds would in all probability have been, when the epidemic was cutting them down on the right hand on the left, without the knowledge of Him who has brought life and immortality to light in the gospel. When the valued missionary who is at present with us shall, together with his partner, return to the island where they have for years abounded in the work of the Lord, the absence of many who had been taught the knowledge of God and of his Christ will press heavily upon them; but the Committee have every confidence that they will find all the machinery of the mission in excellent working order,

under Mr Copeland, whose judiciousness and earnestness have, throughout this trying crisis, commanded the fullest approbation and continued confidence of the Church.

Turning to Tanna, on which Mr Paton has, since the last meeting of Synod, been labouring, we find the ravages of the disease which raged on Aneityum, together with the fearful hurricane, operating with results which were to be expected upon a population which are almost all enveloped in the darkness of heathenism. The same ideas as to the origin of the disease seem to have prevailed on Tanna as on Eromanga,-ideas arising in part from native supersti tion, but, we fear, fomented into deadlier hatred to Christianity by the unworthy conduct of those from whom other and better things might have been expected. Up to the period when the disease broke out, the mission on Tanna bore an ap pearance of prosperity, which more than equalled the expectations of the brethren who had settled upon that island. The ravages of the discase, and the tidings which had reached Tanna of the murder of Mr and Mrs Gordon, seem to have operated unfavourably for the present on the readiness of the people to listen to the truth, and to have stirred them up to the threatening of violence, and to more frequent attacks than previously on the property of the missionary. The accounts which have from time to time been received from Mr Paton as to the state of affairs at Port Resolution have caused the Committee no small amount of anxious thought. We have all admired the unshaken fortitude of the earnest missionary, who, taking his life in his hand, has stood face to face with men apparently thirsting for his blood; we have all united in giving thanks to God for the almost miraculous preservation of Mr Paton's life in the midst of the trying circumstances in which he is placed. But the blow struck on Eromanga, and the threatening aspect of affairs on Tanna, have led your Committee once and again to consider whether or not definite orders should be sent out to Mr Paton to retire for some little time from Port Resolution. Several considerations have hitherto prevented the Committee from adopting such a resolution. At the great distance which intervenes between the missionaries and their Committee, it is impossible to issue definite and precise instructions in such a case as the present; much must necessarily be left to the judgment of the missionary himself. We have no doubt that Mr Paton would adopt this plan, however re luctant to abandon his post, did it seem that matters had come to an extremity. In the case of Mr Gordon, for instance, no Committee could have sent out instructions to quit Eromanga. Mr Gordon himself, though aware that hostility to his work existed on the part of the natives, would probably not have thought himself justified in leaving even on the day before the catastrophe took place, which, while it has brought to all interested in the mission the acutest sorrow, does not leave a shadow of responsibility resting upon the Committee which sent him out, or on the brethren who settled him on the island which has now witnessed the murder of four missionaries. Still, in order that this Committee might discharge itself of the responsibility which would have attached itself to them in the event of any disaster on Tanna such as has occurred on Eromanga, the secretary was instructed to forward to him the following minute expressive of their views:

"27th September 1861.-The Committee consider the position of Mr Paton on Tanna as brought out by recent correspondence. The Secretary is instructed to write Mr Paton, sympathising with him in his dangers and difficulties, and intimating that, in all the circumstances of the case, they would not regard his retiring from Tanna for a time as casting any, the slightest reflection, either upon his zeal or fidelity to the work to which he had dedicated himself."

The same subject having occupied the attention of the Committee at one of its recent meetings, the Secretary, embodying the result of conversation upon the point, wrote Mr Paton as follows under date 21st ultimo :-" Permit me to hope that God of his goodness is opening up to you a wider and more effectual door of entrance among the Tannese, and is giving you encouraging signs of his preThe letters which were last received from you filled us all with deep concern for your safety. We, however, are not so circumstanced as to be able

sence.