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H^.-Sfi; 
 
 
 AS 
 
 4- 
 
 CASE 
 
 fe J OF '^ c 
 
 THE PRESBYTERY OF P. E. I. 
 
 vs. 
 
 S. G. LAWSON, 
 
 (fn Appeal from the Synod of the Maritime Provinces 
 
 to the General Assembly.) 
 
 JUNE, 1882. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 HE Presbytery, having on various occasions, 
 been led to deal with delicate and troublesome 
 matters, in which Mr. Lawson was involved, grow- 
 ing out of the style in which, in the columns of 
 his newspaper the " Presbyterian and Evangelical 
 Union," he had referred to the character of 
 members of the Presbytery, and to the proceedings 
 of the Presbytery; and more especially, having 
 disposed unanimously of a matter of the above 
 nature, at a meeting held October 5th, 1880, 
 which action was criticised, in a disparaging 
 manner, by Mr. Lawson in a subsequent issue of 
 his paper, the Presbytery felt constrained to take 
 some notice of his conduct in so doing. With 
 
2 
 
 a view to give ample time and opportunity, to 
 all parties concerned, to consider, the Presbytery 
 agreed as follows, at a meeting held at St. Peter's 
 Road Church, October 26th, 1880. (See Presbytery Kik , 
 minutes page 173-174.) \ 
 
 " Attention having been called to the language of the 
 " Presbyterian " newspaper, reflecting upon the proceedings of .«i(\ 
 this Presbytery at the last meeting, it was agreed to Uige the 
 members of the court to consider the matter, with a view to | 
 
 deal fully with it at the next quarterly meeting." 
 
 In the meantime, in consequence of some of the 
 matters already referred to, a criminal action had 
 been brought against Mr. Lawson, and was in 
 process of trial before the Supreme Court, at the 
 date of Presbytery's regular quarterly meeting, 
 (February 2nd, 1881.) The said action arose 
 from the following circumstances, viz : — A civil suit 
 had been brought against Mr. Lawson, for defama- 
 tion of character, on the ground of hurtful 
 allegations contained in the columns of the 
 ** Presbyterian ;" which suit /Ir. Lawson settled 
 by undertaking to retract the said allegations, and 
 pay costs incurred, in terms of the agreement hereto 
 annexed. (See appendix A). 
 
 In his paper of August 5th, 1880, Mr. Lawson 
 while professing to carry out this agreement, 
 published editorials of earlier dates with comments, 
 referring to the character of the plaintiff, which , 
 were regarded by very many, and declared by the 
 Court, to be a repetition in a more aggravated form, 
 
:y, to 
 )ytery , 
 'eter's 
 )ytery k.\ 
 
 
 of the 
 
 ings of . «iC\ 
 ige the 
 aew to 
 
 of the very charges which Mr. Lawson had agreed 
 to retract. In view of the publicity, which the 
 above proceedings had received through the press 
 of the Province, and the pain occasioned to members 
 of the church, by the extent to which the character 
 of a minister of the church appeared to be com- 
 promised ; referring also to their proceedings at 
 St. Peters Road, October 26th, 1880, it appeared 
 to the Presbytery that, irrespective of the decision 
 to which the Civil Court might come, the credit of 
 the church and the interests of religion demanded, 
 that the whole matter should be investigated by 
 themselves. The action of the Presbytery is set 
 forth in the following extracts, taken from the 
 Presbytery records : 
 
 ZION CHURCH, Charlottetownt, 
 
 Feb. 2ND, 1881. 
 Next took up the matter of the Presbyterian newspaper, when 
 some discussion took place in reference to the relation which 
 the editor of that paper and others, who have retired from the 
 work of the Ministry and given themselves wholly to s-cular 
 employments, sustain to this Presbytery and to the Church. 
 
 i 
 
 ZION CHURCH, Charlottetown, 
 
 Feb. 3RD, 1881. 
 Resumed the consideration of the relation of Rev. S. G. 
 Lawson and his paper, to this Presbytery. After a full discussion 
 of the character of the paper and the course pursued by its 
 editor, the Clerk was instructed to cite Mr. Lawson to appear 
 before a meeting of Presbytery, to be held in St. James' Church, 
 on the first day of March, at eleven o'clock, to show cause 
 why the Presbytery should not proceed against him by a process 
 
4 
 
 of libel on the following charges, viz: — ist, That he Mr. Lawson, 
 had violated a solemn moral obligation, under which he had 
 voluntarily come to retract certain slanderous charges published 
 in his paper against William Dunbar Stewart, a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, inasmuch as after retracting said charges, 
 he repeated them in an aggravated form. 2nd, That he had 
 published and maintained for years, slanderous charges against 
 the said William Dunbar Stewart, in his paper, and that when 
 summoned before the civil court he failed to furnish the slightest 
 evidence in support of said charges. 3rd, That he, Mr. Lawson, 
 is publisher and proprietor of a paper called the " Presbyterian 
 and Evangelical Union," the tone and character of which are 
 hurtful to public morals, to the interests of the church and to the 
 cause of religion. 
 
 When the Presbytery met on the first day of 
 March, one thousand eight hundred and eight one, 
 to enquire into the matter, it was found that Mr. 
 Lawson had been convicted ^of criminal Hbel in the 
 Civil Court, and punished with fine, and imprison- 
 ment until the fine was paid. These circumstances 
 increasing the scandal, the Presbytery felt the more 
 constrained to proceed to a formal investigation, 
 the record of v/hich is hereto annexed, -extracted from 
 the Presbytery's minutes. 
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, Charlottetowx\, 
 
 March ist, 1881. 
 The Presbytery then took up Mr. Lawson's case. The Clerk 
 reported that he had furnished Mr Lawson with a copy qf the 
 charges preferred against him by Presbytery, and cited him to 
 appear before this court on this day, and shmv cause why 
 Presbytery should not proceed against him by libel on the 
 charges contained in the minute of the last quarterly meeting, 
 a copy of which had been furnished him. Mr. Lawson being 
 
 i 
 
Lawson, 
 he had 
 iblished 
 r of the 
 charges, 
 he had 
 against 
 ,t when 
 lightest 
 Lawson, 
 3yterian 
 ich are 
 i to the 
 
 ay of 
 t one, 
 t Mr. 
 in the 
 ►rison- 
 tances 
 more 
 Ration, 
 I from 
 
 t88i. 
 e Clerk 
 Qf the 
 him to 
 5e why 
 on the 
 leeting, 
 I being 
 
 present, and being asked what he had to say in regard to said 
 charges, rephed that with respect to the first and scond charges 
 he considered himseh" justifiable in the course he had pursued, 
 and that he emphatically denied the truth of the third charge. 
 
 The Presbytery having faithfully dealt with Mr. Lawson, and 
 having failed to arrive at an amicable settlement of the matter, 
 it was agreed that this Presbytery do proceed against Mr. 
 Lawson, by libel, and that the first count in said libel be 
 covenant breaking, the second slander, and the third that Mr. 
 Lawson, as a professed minister of the Gospel is publisher and 
 proprietor of a paper called the " Presbyterian and Evangelical 
 Union," the tone and character of which are hurtful to public 
 morals, to the interests of the church, and to the cause of religion. 
 
 The following committee was appointed to frame a libel on 
 the ground of the afore-mentioned counts and to report at the 
 evening sederunt, viz: — 
 
 Rev. John MacKinnon, Kenneth Maclennan, W. P. Archibald, 
 and Hon. Benjamin Rogers, and Alexander MacKinnon. 
 
 It was agreed to allow this committee to meet during the 
 evening sederunt, until they ar.e prepared to report. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 At half-past seven, p. m. 
 The committee appointed to frame a libel against Stephen 
 George Lawson, submitted a draft which, after certain amend- 
 ments and additions, the Presbytery adopted, and the Clerk was 
 instructed to furnish Mr. Lawson with a copy of said libel, and 
 also with a list of the witnesses to be called and the documentary 
 evidence to be adduced by the Presbytery, and cite him to appear 
 for his interests at a meeting of this court, to be held on third 
 day of May, at eleven o'clock, a. m., in St. James' Church, 
 Charlottetown. 
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, Charlottetown, 
 
 May 3RI), 1 88 1. 
 The Clerk reported that he had furnished Rev. S. G. Lawson, 
 vvith a copy of the libel and also with the names of the witnesses, 
 
6 
 
 and a statement of the documentary evidence to be adduced by 
 the Presbytery in support of the libel. 
 
 It was agreed to drop from the third count of the libel the 
 " clericus matter," and also the matter referring to the accuracy 
 of a report given by Mr. Lawson in the '* Presbyterian," of a 
 speech delivered by Rev. Kenneth Maclennan, as both of these 
 matters had been adjudicated upon at previous meetings. Rev. 
 Mr. Lawson was then 'asked if he had any objections to offer 
 with regard to the relevancy of the libel. Having replied that 
 he had none, it was moved by Rev. John MacKinnon, 
 seconded by Rev. Dr. Murray, and unanimously agreed that the 
 libel as it now stands is relevant. The Clerk was instructed to 
 serve it on Mr. Lawson, and furnish him with a list of the 
 witnesses, and a memorandum of the documentary evidence to 
 be adduced in support of the charges contained in the libel, 
 which accordingly was done.— Mr. Lawson being present. (See 
 Appendix B). 
 
 The Clerk stated that in order that the libel might proceed at 
 this meeting, all parties being prepared, he had issued citations 
 to witnesses for Mr. Lawson. In this matter the conduct of 
 the Clerk was sustained, and he was instructed to cite the 
 witnesses for the prosecution. 
 
 Parties being all present and prepared, and Mr. Lawson 
 waiving his right to ten days notice before going to trial, it was 
 agreed to proceed with the case. Rev. Messrs. Maclennan and 
 MacKinnon, were appointed prosecutors in this case, and they 
 were allowed one hour to prepare for the trial. 
 
 In the absence of a written and certified copy of Mr. Lawson's 
 promise to retract his charges against W. D. Stewart, when the 
 case was settled in the civil court, it was ruled that a printed 
 copy might be used in lieu thereof.— (See Appendix A.) 
 
 The first count of the libel was then read, in which Rev. S. 
 G. Lawson, was charged with covenant breaking. Rev. Mr. 
 Maclennan, for the prosecution, then read Mr. Lawson's solemn 
 promise, over his own signature, in the presence of a witness, 
 to retract certain charges made by him against Mr. W. d! 
 
Iduced by 
 
 libel the 
 accuracy 
 ian," of a 
 1 of these 
 ?s. Rev. 
 3 to offer 
 )lied that 
 cKinnon, 
 i that the 
 ructed to 
 5t of the 
 dence to 
 :he libel, 
 nt. (See 
 
 oceed at 
 citations 
 
 nduct of 
 cite the 
 
 Lawson 
 al, it was 
 man and 
 md they 
 
 Lawson's 
 ^hen the 
 printed 
 A.) 
 
 Rev. S. 
 
 ev. Mr. 
 
 solemn 
 
 witness, 
 
 W. D. 
 
 Stewart, Mr. Maclennan, also read an article from the 
 " Presbyterian " newspaper, dated August fifth, one thousand 
 eight hundred and eighty, purporting to be a retraction of the 
 charges made against W. D. Stewart, but which the prosecution 
 claimed to be a repetition of the charges in an aggravated form. 
 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 At ^alf-past seven, p. m. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Maclennan, proceeded with documentary evidence 
 in support of the first count, and read some extracts from the 
 address of the Chief Justice to the Jury, in a case of slanderous 
 libel brought by Mr. W. D. Si e wart, against Mr. Lawson, 
 arising out of the retraction published in the " Presbyterian " of 
 August the fifth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty. This 
 closed the documentary evidence for the prosecution, under the 
 first count. 
 
 Mr. Lawson was then heard. He gave evidence as to what 
 occurred between himself and I\!r, Stewart's Attorney. He Mr. 
 Lawson, affirmed that when he signed the agreement to retract 
 the charges referred to, there was a mutual understanding 
 between himself and said Attorney, Mr. Malcolm Macleod, that 
 he should have the privilege of accompanying the retraction with 
 certain undefined explanations. He was then examined by 
 Messrs. Maclennan and MacKinnon, and also by other members 
 of Presbytery. The testimony is taken down separately as also 
 that of other witnesses, and ordered to be kept in retentis. Mr. 
 Lawson's testimony was then read in his hearing and signed by 
 him. 
 
 Mr. W. D. Stewart, was then put on oath and examined as 
 
 a witness in support of the first count. He was examined 
 
 by Messrs. Maclennan and MacKinnon, and cross examined 
 
 by Mr. Lawson. His testimony was then read to him and 
 signed by him. 
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, Charlottetown, 
 
 May 4TH, 1 88 r . 
 
 Rev. Mr. Allan was appointed to assist Mr. Lawson, in his 
 
 defence in the case before the court. 
 
8 
 
 1 
 
 Mr. VV. D. Stewart, laid on the table correspondence between 
 himself and Mr. Lawson, and Mr. R. M. C. Stavert, of 
 Summerside. These letters were read, and had reference to 
 business transactions in the Union and Summerside banks. 
 
 Agreed that in order to facilitate the fullest inquiry into 
 the matters at issue, Mr. Stewart be requested to consent to 
 the asking from the Summerside and Union Banks, the 
 production of any evFBence bearing upon this case which 
 they may have in their possession. Mr. Stewart assented to 
 this request on the following conditions, viz. :— First, that he 
 be permitted to examine and cross examine the witnesses 
 produced by Mr. Lawson. Second, that he be allowed to 
 address the court before the case closes. Third, that the confi- 
 dential clerk of Pidgeon & Stewart, Mr. Neil MacKenzie, be 
 brought before this court, and his evidence take •. in the case. The 
 Presbytery accepted Mr. Stewart's conditions and ordered the 
 clerk to cite Messrs. Robert M. C. St'.vert, George Macleod 
 and Neil MacKenzie ; the expenses connected with these 
 witnesses to be borne by Mr. Lawson. 
 
 Rev. S. G. Lawson, was again called to the stand and 
 <luestioned by Mr. Allan, in reference to the retraction published 
 in the '' Presbyterian " of August the fifth, one thousand eight 
 hundred and eighty, and cross-examined by Mr. Maclennan and 
 others. Mr. David Lawson was sworn and examined by Mr. 
 S. G. Lawson, in reference to the part taken by him in 
 effecting a pacific settlement of a case in the Supreme Court, 
 between Mr. Stewart and Mr. Lawson. He was then cross 
 examined by Mr. Maclennan. Mr. S. G. Lawson laid on the 
 table a document containing the proposed terms of settlement, 
 of the suit between himself and Mr. W. D. Stewart. 
 
 His Worship Mayor Dawson was sworn, and deponed that 
 Lhe Board of Dire^ors of the Union Bank had consented 
 to furnish all evidence in their possession on this case, if Mr. 
 Stewart gave permission. A letter from the Cashier 'of the 
 Union Bank was laid on the table, agreeing with the testimony 
 of the Mayor. The Mayor was then cross examined by Mr 
 
 i 
 
:e between 
 Itavert, of 
 fere nee to 
 
 banks. 
 ^Liiry into 
 :onsent to 
 anks, the 
 Lse which 
 ssented to 
 t, that he 
 
 witnesses 
 llowed to 
 the confi- 
 "ienzie, be 
 ase. The 
 dered the 
 
 Macleod 
 ith these 
 
 :and and 
 published 
 md eight 
 nnan and 
 1 by Mr. 
 him in 
 le Court, 
 len cross 
 d on the 
 Jttlement, 
 
 )ned that 
 :onsented 
 5e, if Mr. 
 r of the 
 testimony 
 I by Mr. 
 
 I 
 
 Maclennan. All the evidence on this count having been 
 heard, the Rev. Mr. Allan spoke briefly in defence of Mr. 
 Lawson. Mr. Lawson was then heard in his own defence 
 up to hour of adjournment. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 Half-past two, p. m. 
 
 Mr. Lawson resumed and concluded his defense. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Maclennan and MacKinnon, were then heard 
 in behalf of the prosecution. The parties were then ren.oved 
 from the bar, and the court was addressed by several 
 members of the Presbytery. It was moved, seconded, and 
 unanimously agreed, to declare the first count sustained; which 
 accordingly was done. The following me.nbers declared the first 
 count sustained, viz : Rev. R. S. Patterson, William Scott, W. 
 R. Frame, Wm. Grant, S. C. Gunn, VV. P. Archibald, E. S. 
 Bayne, John Macdonald, George MacMillan, Wm. A, Mason, 
 ministers, and Hon. Mr. Henderson, Alexander McKinnon, John 
 MacMillan, W^m. H. Douglas, Arch. Ferguson, and John 
 MacKenzie. Three declined to vote, "namely : Dr. Murray, 
 Henry Crawford, and J. M. Macleod. Mr. Lawson protested 
 against the finding, gave notice of appeal, and craved extracts. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 At half-past seven, p. m. 
 
 Presbytery then took up the second count of the libel against 
 Rev. S. G. Lawson. which consisted of a charge of slander 
 against Mr. W. D. Stewart, published in his paper, and 
 which, when opportunities were given him, to prove in the Civil 
 Court, he litterally failed to do. 
 
 Mr. MacKinnon, on behalf of the prosecution, read this 
 count of the libel and also extracts from Mr. Lawson's 
 paper, of dates sixteenth, twenty-third, and thirtieth of January, 
 one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine, containing said 
 slanderous charges, Mr. MacKinnon, then read a certified 
 document from the T)eputy Prothonotary, showing that Mr. 
 
10 
 
 ! 
 
 H ! 
 
 
 Lawson had failed to adduce :my proof in the Civil Court, 
 in support of the charges he had published against Mr. W. D, 
 Stewart. 
 
 Mr. Lawson was th^in heard. He pleaded that on account 
 of the unavoidable absence of one of his principal witnesses, 
 he was unable then to make good his charges, but that he 
 was now prepared to prove the truth, of the charges he had 
 agreed to retract, and called up Mr. VVm. T. Roome, who came 
 forward and M^as sworn. He was examined by Mr. I.awson, 
 who at this stage laid on the table, certain Bills of Exchange, 
 to be used as proof of his charges, against Mr. Stewart. He 
 also tendered as evidence, a private letter from Mr. James 
 Pidgeon, to Mr. \Vm. T Roome, but this the moderator 
 ruled out as inadmissable. He also laid on the table, copies 
 of letters and telegrams from Mr. Pidgeon and others. 
 These documents were held /;/ retentis. The examination of 
 Mr. Roome, by Mr. Lawson, was closed; and the Presbytery 
 adjourned. 
 
 ST. J AMES' CHURCH, Charlovtetown, 
 
 May 5TH, 1881. 
 Mr. Roome, was again called to the witness stand, and was 
 examined by Mr. W. D. Stewart. He was also examined 
 again by Mr. S. G. Lawson. 
 
 A letter was read from Mr. R. McC Stavert, stating his 
 inability :o obey the citation of Presbytery, to give evidence 
 in this case, noL having the consent of the Bank Directors. 
 
 Dr. R. McNeill, was sworn and examined by Rev. S. G. 
 Lawson, Cross examined by Mr. Stewart. 
 
 Rev.* Mr.* Lawson, was again examined by Mr. MacKinnon, 
 for the prosecution. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 Half-past two, p. m. 
 The examination of Rev. Mr. Lawson, was continued 
 Senator Carvell, was sworn and examined by Mr. Lawson 
 and cross 'Examined by Mr. W. D. Stewart. 
 
11 
 
 ivil Court, 
 Mr. W. D, 
 
 m account 
 : witnesses, 
 Jt that he 
 es he had 
 
 who cime 
 *. Lawson, 
 
 Exchange, 
 iwart. He 
 Mr. James 
 
 moderator 
 ble, copies 
 id others, 
 lination of 
 Presbytery 
 
 1881. 
 
 i, and was 
 examined 
 
 itating his 
 i evidence 
 irectors. 
 ev. S. G. 
 
 acKinnon, 
 
 3. m. 
 inued 
 . Lawson. 
 
 I 
 
 Mr. MacKinnon, continued the examination of Mr. Lawson, 
 and Mr, W, D. Stewart, cross examined him. 
 
 George Macieod, Esq., Cashier of Union Bank, was sworn 
 and examined by Rev. S. G. Lawson, and cross examined by 
 Mr. W. D. Stewart. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 Half-past seven, p. m. 
 
 Rev. Mr. McKay, was sworn and examined by Rev. Mr. 
 Lawson, in reference to trancactions by Mr. Pidgeon, in the 
 Summerside Bank. Mr. Lawson, laid on the table, attested 
 documents from James Campbell and James Gourlie, Esquires, 
 of Summerside, in reference to the transactions of Pidgeon and 
 Stewart, with the Summerside Bank. These documents not 
 being admissable as evidence, Mr. Lawson, asked that a com- 
 mission be appointed to take the testimony of these two men. 
 The papers were referred to Messrs. Scott, Frame, Dr. Murray, 
 Alex. MacKinnon and VVm. L. Douglas, who were to examine 
 them and report to Presbytery. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the proffered testimony 
 of Messrs. Gourlie and Campbell, in reference to alleged 
 fraudulent transactions on the part of Pidgeon and Stewart, with 
 the Summerside Bank, reported that they had attended to the 
 duty entrusted to them, found that the documents contained 
 no testimony of any importance, and recommended that the 
 commission be not granted. A minority report recommended 
 the appointment of a commission. The report of the majority 
 was adopted. Against this decision Mr. Lawson protested. 
 
 Mr. VV. D. Stewart, was again examined by Mr. Lawson. 
 This closed the testimony on the second count of the libel. 
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, Charlottetown, 
 
 May 6th, 1881. 
 Rev. Mr. Allan, was then heard briefly in defense of Mr. 
 S. G. Lawson, and Mr. Lawson spoke in his own defense. 
 Messrs. Maclennan and MacKinnon, were heard in behalf 
 or the prosecution. 
 
 V 
 
 , A 
 
12 
 
 charges preferred against himb; 1^^ l'"' '"™'" '"^ 
 
 , observations, by members of' PresServ T"' •'''" ' ''^ 
 was declared proven bv thT f „r^"y' ">e second count 
 w r- f J l'™^«"' by the followmg vote viz • vv™ c . 
 H. Crawford, J. M. Macleod, Wm Framr vv V^ ^''°"' 
 
 Gunn, Charles Fraser W Pa' u? ' ""• ^■■^"'' §. C. 
 Geo. MacmiUan, Wm' a' m ^'■'''''''."'''' J°hn Macdonald, 
 
 Henderson, Alex! M!cKinl'^^rHD"'r'r "''"•^• 
 elders. Dr. Murray, alone dTdine, ?^'' '^''''- ^^^«"^°"- 
 decision, Mr. Lawson protested dated" l"'" ^'""' *'' 
 craved extracts. ' "^'^ '^^^^ '° appeal, and 
 
 ZION CHURCjTcharlottetown, 
 
 Xhe Clerk reported that he had receiv^H lu t 
 reasons, for appeal from the deoktn r o u ' ^"'""'^ 
 first two counts. The reasons .? "i ^'''^y'^^y^ °" 'he 
 were read, when on Jt ^P eXS Tv "^ '^^' ^°""' 
 the reasons read, because of the offen ^ , '^ •° '"''P' 
 
 they were expressed, and in ima edt Mr L?"'' 'V'''^ 
 was at liberty to reconstruct htl ^''"°"' '''^' ^e 
 
 the objectionable languTgt '^'''''' '""°""^ "^"^f^°™' 
 
 The reasons connected wi'<-h fk« 
 
 Jen up, but duringlenLl;The:r'lT''^'; 
 adjournment arrived, and the Presbytery Id^urned "' 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 Resumed the reading of Mr T n "''^"''''"' "'°' P' "'• 
 from the decision of !he P sbvtron tT"" "' "''''''' 
 These reasons i„ their nresenTf ^' , ^'^ """""^ "'""''■ 
 
 to receive, but appo::terM Irtl'li: ^rrJH. '^-'-'^ 
 
 assist Mr T nw-nn ••^ -. • -- "^ MacKinnon, to 
 
 . ...r. i.a\v,on xn preparing his reason,^ ' 
 
 KesLimed the consideration of th^ i;k 
 
 when Rev. Mr. Maclennan re/d the '' -'V'^^^"^^ ^^^- ^^^-^""^ 
 
 "' read the third count, vU. : " That 
 
 I Mr. 
 
 » > 
 
 ,> 
 
 1 
 
 the 
 
 IS 
 Ste\ 
 extr 
 disl- 
 ten( 
 
 J. t 
 
 gres 
 
 the 
 
13 
 
 5 meeting, 
 from the 
 ter a few 
 nd count 
 m. Scott, 
 nt, S. C. 
 icdonald, 
 Hon. K. 
 ^erguson, 
 nst this 
 eal, and 
 
 >8t. 
 
 -awson's 
 on the 
 t count 
 accept 
 which 
 hat he 
 re from, 
 
 3 then 
 ur of 
 
 ppeal, 
 :ount. 
 lined 
 
 ni, to 
 
 v'son, 
 That 
 
 • > 
 
 Mr. Lawson, as Editor and Proprietor of the newspaper, 
 styled the " Presbyterian and Evangelical Union," has frequently 
 published letters and unchristian attacks upon the character of 
 individuals, ministers and members of the church, without 
 sufficient grounds to justify such attacks, and that he has 
 manifested a vindictivenesss of spirit wholly inconsistent with the 
 professed object of his paper, and that he has mixed up in a 
 manner injurious to religion, partizan, political discussions and 
 religious articles. Rev. Mr. Maclennan, also read an article 
 from the Presbyterian, of date January sixteenth, one thousand 
 eight hundred and seventy-nine, entitled " The unjust Stewart," 
 in reference to the building of the Lunatic Asylum, and the 
 *' Fleetwing." Mr. Lawson, was then heard, in support of the 
 charges of fraud and dishonesty which he had in the paper 
 read, made against Mr. Stewart. 
 
 The Presbytery then adjourned, to meet this evening in this 
 place, at half-past seven o'clock. 
 
 SAME DAY AND PLACE, 
 
 At half-past seven, p. m. 
 
 The Presbytery met and was constituted by the Moderator. 
 Sederunt ut Supra with the addition of Alexander Stronach, Esq., 
 the minute of the afternoon sederunt was read and approved. 
 
 Mr. Lawson, continued his defense of his attacks on VV. D. 
 Stewart, in reference to the building of the Asylum. He read 
 extracts and various statements, relating to Mr. Stewart's alleged 
 dishonesty, referred to an affidavit from Alex. Simpson, Esq., 
 tendered letters from Richardson's Manufacturing Co., and from 
 J. H. Eraser & Co., indicating evidence which he believes will 
 greatly strengthen his case if a commission be granted to take 
 the evidence of those parties. These letters were referred to a 
 committee consisting of Revs. Dr. Murray, James Allan, 
 Archibald, Mason and Grant, to consider and report as to 
 whether the commission should be granted. The committee had 
 leave to retire, and Mr. Lawson continued his defence. After 
 an intor'/al the committee unanimously reported against granting 
 
 IS ^- 
 
lii 
 
 u 
 
 the commission, but recommended that Mr. Lawson be allowed 
 to bnng Mr. E. J. Hodgson, to the witness stand, he having been 
 
 adopted. Mr. Lawson protested against this finding. 
 
 Mr. Robert Lawson of Little York, was then examined in 
 reference to alleged wrong in business transactions, between 
 hm,self and Mr. W. D. Stewart, in support of one of the charge" 
 made agamst Mr. W. D. Stewart, by Mr. S. G. Lawson. 
 
 ,n !!''■ ^T" '•''''f '^ ' "'""*='' ''"""8 '^^"""o^y i" reference 
 to he "Jleetwu^g" would be heard. It was ruled that the 
 
 Fleetwmg matter had been closed and that Mr. Lawson 
 havmg appealed against the decision of Presbytery, and given 
 his reasons of appeal, had virtually placed it beyond the power of 
 the Presbytery to reopen this count of the libel. Against this 
 ruhng Mr. Lawson protested. '^gdmsi tnis 
 
 There being no further evidence the parties were removed 
 from the, bar and Rev. Mr .^llan was heard in defence of Mr 
 
 Lawson. 
 
 bel!!rf ,.''"'""".'""' MacKinnon were then heard in 
 behalf of the prosecution. Mr. Lawson here rose and affirmed 
 that he had received a "most iniquitous trial" before this 
 resbytery. This remark was made by Mr. Lawson in response 
 to a question put to him through the Moderator, by Rev Mr 
 frame. On motion the offensive words were taken down It 
 was on motion agreed to allow Mr. Lawson to retract these 
 words ; he accordingly did so. 
 
 It was then moved, seconded and resolved that the third 
 count in as far as Presbytery travelled in, it has been proved, 
 tor tins resoluuon there voted Rev. VVm. Scott, Wm. R. Frame, 
 
 MKhfn '^'^^""'."™-. Kenneth Henderson, and Alexande 
 McKtnnon. Against this resolution, none. "Against this H..isi.n 
 M.,awson protested, asked leave to appeal and craved e'xtoct;.' 
 
 in ,t ^^7 "" '''''^°"™'^"^ '° "'''' '"■™°"™ ■corning 
 in the same place at nine o'clock. 
 
 % 
 
 Til 
 Mod( 
 The 
 
 T\ 
 
 his 1 
 prep: 
 Mac! 
 ans\\ 
 
 R 
 
 It w 
 
 the 
 
 part 
 
 new: 
 
 seve 
 
 in 
 
 Mac 
 
 one 
 
 is s] 
 
 the 
 
 eigV 
 
 reac 
 
 eigl 
 
 Mr. 
 
 evi( 
 
 add 
 
 froi 
 
 the 
 
 : the 
 
 I pre 
 
 r 
 
 evi 
 Ml 
 
%. 
 
 15 
 
 )e allowed 
 aving been 
 eived and 
 
 • 
 
 imined in 
 , between 
 le charges 
 
 reference 
 
 that the 
 
 Lawson 
 
 nd given 
 power of 
 
 ainst this 
 
 removed 
 e of Mr. 
 
 leard in 
 affirmed 
 'ore this 
 response 
 ^ev. Mr. 
 :>wn. It 
 -t these 
 
 le third 
 
 proved. 
 
 P>ame, 
 :MiIlan, 
 exander 
 lecision 
 ;xtracts. 
 norning 
 
 SAME PLACE, 
 
 May 1 8th, 1881. 
 
 The Presbytery met and was constituted with prayer by the 
 Moderator, sederitni ut Supra with the exception of Dr. Murray. 
 The mnute of the last sederunt was read and sustained. 
 
 The committee appointed to aid Mr. Lawson in prepairing 
 his reasons of appeal, reported that the reasons were now 
 prepared. These were read and approved, and Messrs. 
 Maclennan, Archibald, and Dr. Henderson appointed to prepare 
 answers to them and to report at this , meeting. 
 
 Resumed the consideration of the third count of the libel. 
 It was agreed to take up Mr. Lawson's attack on Mr. Harper of 
 the Normal School. Rev. Mr. Maclennan in support of this 
 part of the libel, read extracts from the "Presbyterian" 
 newspaper, of date May first, one thousand eight hundred and 
 seventy-nine, in which he declares Mr. Harper to be unsound 
 in his theological views and deficient in education. Mr. 
 Maclennan also read from *' Presbyterian " of date May third, 
 one thousand eight hundred and eighty, in which Mr. Harper 
 is spoken of as an '' educational sham," also read an article from 
 the same paper, dated April the twenty-second, one thousand 
 eight hundred and eighty, headed the " biter bitten." He also 
 read from the issue of Presbyterian of May sixth, one thousand 
 eight hundred and eighty, an article entitled " brazen impudence.'' 
 Mr. Lawson was then heard in his defence, but produced no 
 evidence to support the attacks referred to in the papers 
 adduced by the prosecution. He offered as testimony a letter 
 from Rev. Mr. Roseborough, of Musquedoboit Harbor. But 
 there being no evidence to prove the genuineness of this letter 
 I the court refused to receive it. Against this ruling Mr. Lawson 
 I protes'-;id. 
 
 There being no other witnesses to examine, or documentary 
 evidence to produce, the Rev. Mr. Allen was heard in defence of 
 Mr. Lawson. Mr, Lawson declined making any defence. Messrs. 
 
16 
 
 Maclennan and McKinnon were heard for the prosecution,— 
 members of Presbytery having briefly reviewed the evidence on 
 this part of the third count,— it was moved and seconded that the 
 Presbytery declare this part of the count proven. On vote being 
 taken, there appeared for the motion— Rev. Wm. Scott, Wm. R. 
 Frame, Wm. Grant, Wm. P. Archibald, E. S. Bayne, John Mc- 
 Donald, George McMillan, W. A. Mason; and Hon. Dr. Render- 
 son.— Nine. Against the motion were— None. Two declined 
 voting. Mr. Lawson protested, claimed the right to appeal, and 
 craved extracts. 
 
 It was then Moved by Rev. Wm. R. Frame, Seconded by Rev. 
 >Wm. A. Mason, and Resolved by the same vote as recorded 
 above, "That the third count in the libel has been virtually 
 proven so far as the Presbytery has investigated into the count 
 itself, the Presbytery, therefore, deem it unnecessary to travel 
 further in this matter, but judge the whole count to be proven. 
 Mr. Lawson protested against this finding, claimed the right to 
 appeal, and craved extracts. 
 
 The Presbytery, after careful investigation, having found all 
 three counts of the libel proven, resolved to declare, and 
 hereby do declare the conduct of Stephen G. Lawson, in the 
 matters proven, to be unworthy of a minister of the Church, and 
 severely punishable according to the laws of the Church and the 
 word of God; and in view of all the circumstances of the case 
 are of opinion that Rev. S. G. Lawson should be removed from the 
 ministry of this Church. On the vote being taken, there ap- 
 peared in favor of the finding— Rev. Kenneth xMaclennan, Wm. 
 Scott, John McKinnon, Wm. R. Framfe, Wm. Grant, Wm. P. 
 Archibald, E. S. Bayne, John McDonald, George McMillan, Wm. 
 A. Mason and Hon. Kenneth Henderson, M. D.— Eleven. 
 Against the finding— Rev. James Allen,— one declining to vote. 
 
 Against the final finding of Presbytery Mr. Lfiwson protested 
 claimed the right to appeal, and craved extracts. 
 
 The Rev, Messrs. Kenneth Maclennan, John McKinnon and 
 Dr. Henderson were appointed to represent the Presbytery before 
 Synod, in this appeal from the decision. 
 
17 
 
 PART II. 
 
 The case having come before the Synod of the 
 Maritime Provinces, at its meeting at New Glasgow, 
 N. S, May-June 1881, by the appeal of Mr. Lawson! 
 it was reported to a committee which gave some 
 time to the consideration of the matter and reported 
 as follows, viz. : — 
 
 That they find it utterly impossible, with the 
 time at their disposal, to do anything like justice to 
 the case; that they have resolved'therefore to sist pro^ 
 ceedings, and to recommend the Synod to appoint a 
 Commission with Synodical powers to issue the case, 
 which Commission shall meet at Charlottetown, not 
 earlier than the second Tuesday in August next. 
 
 On Motion, it was agreed that the recommenda- 
 tion of the Committee be adopted.— (See minutes 
 of Synod, page 15.) 
 
 In accordance with the above resolution, the 
 Synod's Commission met in Charlottetown, on the 
 second Tuesday of August, 1881, and after being 
 occupied several days with the case, came to the 
 findings hereto annexed.— (See Appendix C.) 
 
 From certain of these findings the Presbytery 
 appealed to the General Assembly, and gave in 
 reasons of appeal.— (See Appendix D.) 
 
18 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 In the Supreme Court. 
 
 William Dunbar Stewart, Plaintiff. 
 
 and 
 Stephen George Lawson, Defendant. 
 The parties agree to settle the suit as follows : 
 
 (i.) The Defendant withdraws the charges preferred by him 
 against the Plaintiff in regard to the " Fleet wing," and inasmuch 
 as said charges were published in his paper the " Presbyterian," 
 he in justice to Mr. Stewart agrees to publish a retraction in 
 the same papers as follows. 
 
 " Referring to a suit now pending in the Supreme Court 
 wherein Mr. William D. Stewart is Plaintiff and we are Defendant, 
 arising out of certain charges made against Mr. Stewart in 
 connection with the " Fleetwing " and his late partner James M. 
 Pidgeon, we retract any accusation we may have made, charging 
 Mr. Stewart with any connection or knowledge of the bills of 
 lading, cargo, or transactions concerning that vessel or a fictitious 
 vessel so called, or of being concerned directly or indirectly in 
 any act of the said James M. Pidgeon, respecting the " Fleetwing" 
 and we now withdraw all such accusations." 
 
 (2.) The Defendant is to pay all Plaintiff's costs as between 
 Attorney and Client (the costs between Attorney and Client not 
 to exceed fifty dollars) and to be in addition to the taxed costs, 
 so that Mr. Stewart may be fully and absolutely indemnified 
 against all costs or outlay of any description, by reason of his 
 having brought this action, and in order that all fees and money 
 he has already paid may be refunded to him. 
 
 (3.) After publication of above retraction and payment by 
 the Defendant of Plaintiff's costs as above, this suit is not to be 
 further prosecuted. 
 
 Dated this fifth day of July, A. D., 18S0. 
 
 Witness to the signature of (^ 
 
 S. G. Lawson, j (Signed) Stephen G. Lawson. 
 
 (Signed) Neil MacLeod. 
 
19 
 
 I do hereby certify that the above and foregoing paper writing 
 IS a true copy of the retraction of libel in suit William D. Stewart 
 vs Stephen G. Lawson, and on which the said suit was settled. 
 Given under my hand and the seal of the Supreme Court this 
 3rd day of May, 1881. 
 ^'^' (Sigd.) James Irving, 
 
 Deputy Prothonotary. 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 St. JAMES' CHURCH, Ci.arlottetown, 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. 
 
 March ist, 1882, 11 o'clock, a, m. 
 The Presbytery of P. E. Island met and was duly constituted 
 with Prayer by the moderator. 
 
 Inter Alia. 
 ^ "The Committee appointed to frame a libel against Rev. 
 Stephen George Lawson submitted a draft which, with certain 
 additions and amendments, was approved and adopted by the 
 Presbytery, and the clerk instructed to furnish Rev. Stephen 
 (ieorge Lawson with a copy of said libel, and also with a list of 
 witnesses to be called, and the documentary evidence to be addu- 
 ced by the Presbytery, and to cite him to appear for his interests 
 at a meeting of this Presbytery to be held on 3rd day of May, at 
 1 1 o'clock, in the old St. James' Church, Charlottetown." 
 
 The above extract is taken from the minutes of Presbytery, and 
 transmitt^ to you by order of Presbytery. You, Rev. Stephen 
 George Lawson, will therefore regard yourself cited to appear 
 for your interests before the Presbytery of P. E. Island, on the 
 date and at the place above mentioned. 
 
 JOHN M. McLEOD, 
 
 ' Presbytery Clerk. 
 
 Copy of Libd against Rev, S, G. Lawson, by the Presbyterv of 
 P. E. Island. -^ / 
 
 Mr. Stephen George Lawson, of the City of Charlottetown 
 a Ministei the Presbyterian Church in Canada, under the care 
 of the Presbytery of P. E. Island. 
 
20 
 
 You are indicted and accused at the instance of the said 
 Presbytery; that albiet by the word of God and the laws of the 
 Presbyterian Church in Canada, covenant breaking, slander, and 
 the publication of statements and principles hurtful to public 
 morals, to the interests of the Church and to the cause of religion, 
 are offences of a heinous nature, unbecoming the character and 
 sacred profession of a Minister of the Gospel, and severely 
 punishable by the laws and rules of this Church; yet true it is, 
 and of verity, that you, the said Stephen George Lawson, are 
 guilty of the said offences, inasmuch as 
 
 1. That on or about the fifth day of July last, you solemnly 
 engaged to retract certain charges made against Mr. William 
 Dunbar Stewart, in connection with the " Fleetwing," and his late 
 partner Mr. James M. Pidgon ; and on the fifth day of August 
 last, in the issue of your paper of that date, while professing to 
 fulfil said covenant, you violated the same h^ repeating the charges 
 referred to in a more aggravated form. 
 
 2. That on several occasions, as in the issues of your news- 
 paper of following dates, viz: January i6th, 23rd, 3otb, 1879. 
 February 6th, 1879, ^^d August 5th, 1880, you published charges 
 of dishonesty and complicity in fraud against William Dunbar 
 Stewart; and that notwithstanding repeated opportunities given 
 you, in suits instituted against you in the- civil Courts, by said 
 William Dunbar Stewart, you have failed to adduce any evidence 
 in support of said charges. 
 
 3. That as editor and publisher of the newspapeni»styled the 
 "Presbyterian and Evangelical Union," you have frequently pub- 
 lished bitter and un-christian attacks upon the character of indi- 
 viduals — Ministers and members of this Church — without 
 sufficient ground to furnish justification for such attacks; and that 
 you have manifested a vindictivness of spirit wholly inconsistent 
 v/ith the professed object of your paper, and that you have mixed 
 up in^a manner injurious to religion, — partizan political discus- 
 sions, and religious articles,— all of which, or part thereof, being 
 confessed by you, or being proven against you, the said Stephen 
 George Lawson, by the Presbytery of Prince Edward Island, before 
 
21 
 
 It IS, 
 
 which you are to be tried, you the said Stephen George Lawson 
 ought to be punished according to the rules and discipline of the 
 Church, and the usages observed in cases, for the glory of God, the 
 edification of the Church, and the terror of others holding' the 
 same sacred office. 
 
 Signed at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in name, 
 presence and by appointment of the Presbytery of Prince Edward 
 Island, this first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and 
 eighty one, by 
 
 N. McKay, Moderator. 
 John M. Macleod, Clerk. 
 
 Memo, of evidence proposed io be adduced in support i]f the libel to 
 7vhich this paper is attached. 
 
 First Count. 
 
 1. Copy of agreement to retract certain charges against Mr. \\\ 
 I). Stewart, of date July 5th, 1880. 
 
 2. Copy of "Presbyterian" newspaper of date August 5th, 1880. 
 
 Second Couni. 
 
 \VlTN ESSES — 
 
 Mr. VV. I). Stewart, Charlottetown, P. E. Island. 
 
 Rev. W. R. Fraiie, Mount Stewart, P. E. Island. 
 
 Rev. Kenneth Maclennan, Charlottetown, P. E. Island. 
 
 Mr. F. W. Hyndman, Charlottetown, P, E. Island. 
 Documents (in addition to those mentioned in body of the Libel) 
 ' I. Copy of agreement to retract certain charges against Mr. \\\ 
 J). Stewart, of date July 5th, 1880. 
 
 2. Copy of "Presbyterian" newspaper of date August 5th, 1880. 
 
 3. Copies of papers connected with the suit of William Dunbar 
 Stewart against Stephen George Lawson, in the months of January 
 and February, 1881. 
 
 Lhird Count. 
 
 I. CoDv of ''Presbyterian" newspaper of date 16 
 
 879. 
 
 January, 
 
 2. Copy of" Presbyterian '" newspaper of date i6th May, 1878. 
 " Reply to Clericus." 
 
n 
 
 3. Copy of " Presbyterian " newspaper of date 23rd M-xy, 1878. 
 " The Clericus matter." 
 
 4. 
 
 5. 
 6. 
 
 7. 
 
 8. 
 
 9- 
 10. 
 
 1 1. 
 
 12. 
 
 *3- 
 14. 
 
 16. 
 
 17. 
 18. 
 
 19. 
 
 20. 
 
 21. 
 
 Copy of " Presbyterian " newspaper of date i st May, 1879. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 22nd April, 1880. 
 
 29th April 1880. 
 
 2nd October, 1880. 
 
 23rd October 1880. 
 
 6th May, 1880. 
 
 10th May, 1880. 
 13th May, 1880. 
 20th May, 1880. 
 7th June, 1880. 
 17th June, 1060. 
 1 6th July, 1880. 
 2nd September, 1880. 
 23rd September, 1880. 
 <tth October, 1880. 
 2 1 St October, i88o. 
 6th November, 1879. 
 13th November, 1879. 
 
 APP ENDI X C. 
 
 The Presbytery of Prince Edward Island, 
 
 The commission of Synod of the Maritime Provinces 
 Presbyterian Church in Canada, in the Lawson Libel case. 
 
 I. Reasons of appeal against fir,;' ig of .he commission on 
 the third count of the libel. 
 
 I. The commission, while failing to adjudicate on the 
 matter brought under their review by Mr. Lawson's appeal viz • 
 v/Leilier this count was proved by the evidence adduced by the 
 .•i...b>:ery as set forth in record of their proceedings, adjudicated 
 <'^nd gave judgment on the. relevancy of this part of the libel 
 a matter on which the Presbytery had, after full consideration 
 
23 
 
 
 ."> 
 
 and m accordance with the laws of the Church, come to a 
 conclusion sustaining the relevancy, without any objection being 
 entered or appeal taken against it by Mr. Lawson. 
 
 2. Were it granted that the commission had a right to travel 
 beyond the record, and consider the question of relevancy, 
 (there having been no appeal taken thereanent) yet the matter 
 dealt with under this count, viz. : (ist) Malicious slander, which 
 by Its frequency and persistency had become habit and repute, 
 and (2) the incongruous admixture in newspaper articles of things 
 sacred and profane, even to the extent of profanity, rendering 
 mto parody portions of the word of God, for the purpose of 
 blackening the character of an opponent, are offences against 
 ministerial propriety, sufficiently grave to be dealt with in the 
 form of a libel. 
 
 3. The laws of the church do not sanction the trying of a 
 minister of the Gospel, for any graver offence when he persists 
 m denying his guilt, ^otherwise than by libel. The Presbytery 
 felt constrained to deal with the matters contained in this count, 
 as they had dcme, otherwise they would have been forced tci 
 allow graver offences which had been matters of public notoriety 
 and scandal, to pass unnoticed. For the alternative they chose 
 they cannot admit that their conduct justly merits the condemna- 
 tion implied in the finding of the commission. 
 
 II. The Presbytery indicated their judgment in the circum- 
 stances finding grave offences proven, the circumstances being 
 unusual, they felt embarrassed as to the precise way in which 
 their judgment could take effect, inasmuch as Mr. Lawson had 
 been for years in the anomalous position of holding an office 
 without discharging the functions of that office, or the church's 
 sanction to his cessation from the performance of said office. 
 
 2. While it was competent for the Presbytery to have 
 proceeded a step further, had they seen their way to do so 
 they do not see that they were required to do so, in the 
 circumstances in which they found themselves placed or thai 
 their reframing from doing so, necessarily renders void the action 
 they did take. 
 
24 
 
 3- The appeals taken would have prevented the Presbytery 
 from giving effect to any more distinct or definite judgment, or 
 indeed to any judgment whatever. 
 
 III. Reasons of appeal against the final finding of the 
 commission. 
 
 i. Rebuke at the bar of the commission without regard to the 
 t:haracter, terms or circumstances of said rebuke, would be a 
 sentence utterly inadequate, in view of the offences of which 
 even b> the findings of the commisaion, and Mr. Lawson's own 
 admissions, he has been found guilty. 
 
 2. Such rebuke would be wholly inadequate as an expression 
 of the church's disapprobation of the offences committed, some 
 of them having been committed under circumstances which add 
 greatly to their gravity, having caused a scandal which so light a 
 sentence would fail to wipe out. 
 
 3. There is no provision for a profession of repentance or pro- 
 mise of amendment in the matters complained of, and for which 
 he was put on his trial, on Mr. Lawson's part, and thus no ade- 
 (luate security against the commission of like offences in the 
 future, "whereby the peace of the church and the honor of religion 
 world continue to be injured through the unworthy conduct of 
 a christian minister. 
 
 4. The commission have failed to take into account all the 
 facts presented to them, and to find proven the various offences 
 charged to the extent which said facts would warrant, and there- 
 fore their Judgment and Sentence are inadequate. 
 
 5. The commission fail to provide for carrying out any sentence 
 otherwise than by placing it on record, or by formally announcing 
 theu- finding, inasmuch as thy merely authorize their chairman to 
 take certain action thereanent, but do not require or appoint 
 him to do so. 
 
 6. The vague nature of Mr. Lawson's relation to the church as 
 one of its ministers, makes admonition, censure, or rebuke to be 
 in his case a trifling matter, compared with the case of a minister 
 engaged in the Church's active work. 
 
 ./' 
 
 yi ^ 
 
 *4 f M 
 
 k 
 
25 
 
 '/' 
 
 the 
 
 ;%?« JN 
 
 ^4 f ^ 
 
 V 
 
 Foi the above and other reasons, the Presbytery hold the 
 findings of the commission unsatisfactory and claim that they be 
 
 set aside. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the Presbytery of Prince Edward Island. 
 
 JOHN McKINNON, 
 One of the representatives of the Presbytery in the case. 
 Charlottetown, P. E. L, Sept. 5th, 1881. 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 At Charloitktown, P. E. Island, and within Zion Church, 
 the 1 2th August, 1881. 
 The Commission appointed by the Synod of the Maritime 
 Provinces in the case of Rev. S. G. Lauson Versus the Presbytery 
 of Prince Edward Island, met at half-past seven o'clock m the 
 evening, and was duly constituted. 
 
 I//kr alia. 
 
 Pleadings in the case being closed, the Commission deliberated 
 and agreed upon a decision, whereupon parties were called, and 
 being present the Convener read to them the decesion arrived at, 
 
 to wit: — 
 
 1. Dismiss the Appeal and sustain the finding of the Presbytery 
 
 in declaring Mr. S. Cr. Lawson guilty of covenant breaking. 
 
 2. Sustain the Appeal on the ground that, whilst Mr. Lawson 
 has proved neither dishonesty nor complicity in fraud against 
 Mr W n. Stewart, the Presbytery refused to grant Mr. Eawson a 
 Commision by means of which he alleged he could obtain proof 
 o'f the charges made by him. 
 
 On being asked, both parties acquiesced in this findmg. 
 
 3. 'I'he Commission, without sustaining or respecting this 
 Appeal,- and while strongly condemning not a little of Mr. 
 Lawson's spirit and mode of expression,-yet, do not in the cir- 
 cumstances regard the matters referred to worthy of being dealt 
 with by the Presbytery in the form of a libel. 
 
 4«minst this finding the Presbytery protested and appealed to 
 the Ceneral Assembly. 
 
26 
 
 4. Decline to sustain the Appeal, or to aftirm the judgment of 
 the Presbytery, on the ground the finding appealed against is not a 
 judicial act which, in the circumstances it should have been, but 
 an expression of opinion on the part of the Presbytery. 
 
 Against this finding the Presbytery i)rotested and appealed to 
 the (ieneral Assembly. 
 
 5. The Commission, in view of all the facts of the case, find 
 that Mr. S. G. Lawson deserves rebuke at the bar, and hereby 
 authorize the Convener to rebuke him and warn him to walk 
 more guardedly in future. 
 
 Against this finding the Presbytery protested and appealed to 
 the General Assembly. I'hirty days were allowed for handing in 
 reasons of Appeal. 
 
 Extracted from the minutes of the Synod's Commission by me. 
 
 (Signed) ALLAN SLMPSON, 
 Charjpttetown, P. E. Island, ] Secretary. 
 
 August 15th, 188 1. / 
 
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