PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OTAGO.

Evening Star, Issue 3712, 15 January 1875, Page 3

PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OTAGO.

To the Editor. PER, —A abort time since I noticed an ox* tract from the ‘ Kvangelist* in one of the daily papers stating, among o her things, that the Synod ahont to meet would have to deal with the proposed union between the Northern Presbyterian and the Otago Churches, and also with the question of introducing instrumental music into our Church. How, I trust the members of our Otago Church will see to it that their representatives do not further isturb the peace of our Zion by even considering the above questions. A Iready much mischief has been done—mischief which I fear will never be undone—by alienating office-bearers and people from each other by the permission to introduce hymns into our churches-carried in a small meeting of Synod and against a large majority of Kirk sessions {whose opinions bad been asked and expressed on the subject) and an oqu ility of Presbyteries. I appeal now »8 one feeling deeply the necessity of peace within our borders, to allow ministers and office-bearers to work harmoniously, and with all their hearts, the work which God has given them to do, and not to waste the precious time of tbe ( hurch in discussing whether we should have a Union—other than of co-operation, as at present at t**e cost cf a di union amon i ourselves, which must inevitably follow that of union with the N orth. with the views they hold and their practices so different from ours. As to instrumental music, let that once be pre.->s- d, even perm ssively—that insidious method of introducing an objectionable practice so often now veeorred to—and I would not give much for the fum 0 of our Church, a« I know many of the brethren are waiting anxiously the result of this bynod to guide them i>> the future. Ministers had better mind their work pro* jpdr-w'ibfe gft'&bhing of the gtfejtel an*d

coring to win souls to Christ—and they wi 1 Hnd. if they do so, the promised blessing ac companying their efforts. ]f they, on the other hand continue to disturb the peace of the membe-ship of our Church by attempt ing to force crotchets of their own on the people, they know what they may expect; but I hope better things of our minister.-. For (he elders I have no fear : they will do th ir duty as in the past, and I entreat them. f>r the people have never asked for any Mich changes, to pause at the present and co-m d r their ways the new Moderator s able address last evening should be carefully and p ayerfully pondered over by them. I shall say no me enow. but may return to the sul) ject hereafter.—l am, &c., A Member or the Church. Dunedin, January 14.