THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Evening Star, Issue 3404, 19 January 1874, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

• Saturday, January 17. BARRIER ACT.. The Rev.’ Mr Waters moved that the following overture from the Clutha Presbytery relative to the above Act be received:— “ Whereas at the next meeting the Synodical Court is to adept and issue rules of procedure to be followed m the practice of this Church, whereas it is desirable that the legislative enactments of the Supreme Court be in harmony, with the prevailing mind of the Church j whereas all ruling , elders, as well as ministers, have the; right* and are called upon to give judgment on all matters affecting the constitution or govern : ment of the Church; and whereas the principle known as the 1 Barrier Act ’ alone provides for effectively carrying out these important principles, it is humbly overtimed by the Presbytery of Clutha to the Synod of Otago and Southland to take these premises into their consideration, with the view of enacting that .the principle of the ‘Barrier Act ’ be a principle in the constitution of this Church, ana cause that the same be embodied m the manual of procedures about to be issued.” The Rev. Mr Banneriian secouded the motion.

JiJ 16 Bev. Mr Stobo moved as an amendment, a hat as the Supreme Court of this Church is at present the Synod, and not a body composed of elders of Presbyteries, the Synod resolves that the ‘Barrier Act 1 shall come into force as soon as the Supreme Court of this Church, whether called a General Assembly or Synod, shall be composed of representatives of Presbyteries and hot of Presbyteries collectively.” The Ilev. Mr Watt seconded the amendment, remarking that the ‘ Guardian ’■ of that morning had credited him with a speech delivered by Mr Waters. He would not say that it was a good or a bad speech, hut, not wishing to be a receiver of stolen property, he would be glad that the names should not be confuted. The Rev. Mr Gillies remarked that the qiiestion under discussion; was merely an old friend under a new face. The Synod was hot a representative body, but an aggregate of Presbytelies. He would have been content to have moved that the overture he dismissed, but the amendment having a similar effect,' he should support it. The Rev. Mr Will thought the views given by the mover and supporter of the original motion did not accord with the views of Presbyterianism held by the other members- of the Synod. . , Messrs Millar and Duncan supported the motion. The Rev. Mr Stobo then said he would add to his amendment the following words -—“ And that meantime the practice be' adhered to of sending down all matters connected hvith important legislative changes to the Presbyteries.” The amendment was finally carried by 23 to 7. _ PAPEBB. The following papers were laid on the table : —Seventh Annual Report of the Mission Com-mittee,-1874 ; Aged and Infirm Minister’ Fund Rules; Report of the Sustentation Fund Committee for the year 1873.. .. A The Synod then (2.45 p.m.) adjourned till this (Monday) evening.