THE FIRST CHURCH.

Evening Star, Issue 2910, 17 June 1872, Page 2

THE FIRST CHURCH.

To (he Editor.

Sir, —No doubt but you will remember a letter being inserted in yopr paper in the month of April last, headed “ First Church,” and signed “Casual Observer.” With the view of correcting a misconception as to the writer of this letter by some of your readers, I trust that you will do me the favor to in* sert the following at your earliest convenience.

Not a few of my acquaintances both in town and country have accused me as being the writer of the said letter. With your permission this charge I most emphatically deny, although at the same time I endorse every sentence of it, and as far as I can judge, it was the best I have read on church controversy in this part. Having attended that memorable congregational meeting of Augustlaat inthoJirst

Phurcb I attribute all the unseemly procfedinM on that sorrowful occasion to a few of th<Toffice-bearers (and which resulted since in the so-called “public scandal ), who showed a great deal of feeling not worthy of their mission on that occasion, and which must have been ; ainful to ever* right-minded person then present, and evei since. But in a new country like this it is not easy to avoid coming m contact with such People in connection with churches, as in a mixed community like Dunedin. I see that Dr Stuart’s congregation, through the clear sightedness of Mr Kobert Gillies, are election in the future m their church. This fs a step in the right path, in order to pravent such unseemly proceedings as stated above I know that some of our Presbyterian friends in the North Island resorted to*the same course. Some, no doubt will put this down as an innovation in a Presbyterian church; but granted it be an innovation, it fa one in the right direstion, and winch does .1 {nforfere with our mode of public worship and not like many other little things that'are creeping in fast in our midst in order to please the fancy, ear, and the would be be conceit, of the big men of the age, who are always fault-finding, unless matters are trimmed to meet their tastes and notions. That is what may be considered an innovation, and not the choosing of suitable elders and deacons, whether they are known to people or minister at present is of no consequence, so long as they show a certificate that they were similarly appointed some where else, as Presbyterians. That might do well enough in the old country, where people are well-knowuto each other,.and not lo many admixture of ideas hucldled tocether, as in the Colonies. I do not fer a moment wish to rake up the wretcWl past afresh in our own church, and would gladly, for the sake of peace and harmony, let bygones by bygones : but I fear as at present constitutedit w a moral impossibility. Although not resident in Dunedin for any length of time, nevertheless—l know the mind of the people well, at least of a large number of the congregation, who worship m the First Church, and will certainly leave, whoever is minister,” unless the present office-bearers resign. This I know to be a fact, and have it from their own lips, that they will cease worshipping there unless the present crew give up the management of affairs (irrespective to any pastor). I may be considered by some to be going too far in giving an opinion, as I am considered a stranger, as already being hinted by some of their ancient members. This, however, I care net for; and I trust, wherever my lot is cast, that I shall never when called upon deny my colors where truth and conscience demand it. Every Christian should remember that they are striving for the same common cause, and their little differences should not be brought before the outside world. An honorable mind will conceal from the world what in the family circle is freely discussed and condemned as improper; so ought the members of the household of faith. Such a system, did it more extensively prevail m our midst, would tend greatly to commend Christianity to the carlesss and ungodly. As a friend of the congregation as well as the pastor, an insertion will oblige. I am, &c., John Campbell. Shamrock Hotel, 12tb June, 1872.