THE PRESBTERIAN SYNOD.

Evening Star, Issue 4229, 14 September 1876, Page 2

THE PRESBTERIAN SYNOD.

• A £ Jast evening's sederunt the question of union with the Northern Church was debated; The following returns from Kirk Sessions were read.— '." ' ■ • ■ ' r*' .. *£*• Against. Clutha 7. ; ,4 ..- ) Southland 5 1 ; Oamaru....,, «....»... 4 .. ,g . . 25 '-'s' ' The Dunedin and Clutha Presbyteries approved of the basis ol Union, and the Southland and Oamaru <~. Presbyteries disapproved of it. The business of the evening was commenced by Mr Sxobo moving a resolution affirming - the desirability of Union being given effect to as •. speedily _us possible on the basis of the repcrt of '■ IWj, which was met by an amendment by the Bev. Mr Mackik, that it was ultra wires to proceed further with the matter. Exception was taken to the motion on two grounds—fi at, that it was irre*gular, not having been put from the ohair; and " second, because under the Barrier Act it could not be entertained. Mr A. C. Bare, in seconding the- amendment, denied the right of a majority of the Synod to upset the construction and individuality of the Church in opposition to a large minoi ity. if the motion were allowed to be put, the minority would enter into no discussion in regard to it, but would lay their pro* test on the table and retire, leaving to those who would remain the whole responsibility of whatever , aotion they might choose to take. They were prepared further to take what steps they considered necessary to protect tbe interests of the Presbyterian Church of Utago and Southland. • -- The Modxsaiob having ruled that, there was only the amendment before the House, The Rev. Mr Stobo pul. himself in order by moving that the Synod should at once proceed to the consideration of the question of union. Professor Salmlnd considered it disgraceful that upon entering the church door, they should hear ; " •'. threats of disruption before the matter was even . discussed.

Mr Bbgo drew attention to the fact of Professor* Balmorid having used the word " disgraceful." ' Professor Saxmokd retracted the word, which he did not intend to have any personal application. He moved the folle'wing amendment.—" Inasmuch as doubts exist whether the Barrier Act is now In operation in this Church, and applicable to the question of union, and inasmuch as it is doubtful whether the Synod is to be guided, by the returns of the Presbyteries now given or those of the former year, the Synod judges it advisable that the Bubject should not be decided till doubts on these points have been removed.'';

The Bev.Mr Maceik expressed his willingness to withdraw his motion in favor of Professor Sal* mond's amendment, but the House would not allow its withdrawal.

Professor Samond thought the Synod at its next meeting should decide whether the Barrier Act had been accepted, and confirm its acceptance or other* wise. In the present state of feeling, he conld not feel comfortable in voting. Ihe Bev. Mr Johnstons contended that the Barrier Act was not to have a retrospective effect. Mr Mttxab submitted that the Synod had adopted the Barrier Act. The Eev. W. Will did not consider that the Synod would adopt the Barrier Act. The whole legislation of the Church appeared now to be guided by the Clutha Presbytery, w> ich did not reconsider the Union question, but simply endorsed its former decision. .The majority of the Church in favor of Union with the Northern Churches vraa three to one."

The' Rev. J. Rtletwas amazed to see ministers who supported the Barrier Act declaring that it was not intended to apply to the Union question. The Barrier Act was the very bulwark of the Pre*, byterian .Church: Would it be wise to enter' into Union with another Church at the expense of disruption in their own Church f If they entered into Union under the present circumstances, they would do that which was unprecedented in the history ef Unions.

The Rev. J. Watebs contended that the Barrier Act had been adopted; and that such was the impression outside. The; Rev. Dr. Stuabt never understood the Barrier Act to be retrospective. . .Professor SalmoinVs amendment was lost by 32 to 20 votes;'Mr "Tflackie's motion by 35 to 17and Mr Stobo's amenvdn ent declared carried. ' '

The Rev. Mr Stobo, rin-, speaking to his motion, which had now become'the substantive one, said, as the Otago Synod took the initiative, it would be awkward, discreditable, and unbrotherly if they did not.consider this matter and adopt the basis of Union with the Northern Church.

_Mr C'arqill believed the Church was in favor of union, and that the minority might fairly be asked to accept what was the mind of the Church at large. crofessor Samiokd moved as an amendment—- " That' the Synod records its desire for co-operation and Union with the Northern Church, and ita thankfulness that the Church has obtained such a degree ef unan'raity as is manifested by the -•«- turns ;i but in the presence of technical difficulties which have gathered round this question, and the influential minority, judges it inexpedient to corns to any decision until as 4hese-techniaai difficulties have been removed and a larger degree Of unanimity secured. Further, the Synod expresses the hope that a much more perfect scheme of Union may ulti nately be secured/* •■.' . After considarable discussion a vote was taken with this result: For the motion 27, against it and for the amendment SO.

Mr W. D. Stewabt then moved—" That, consider, ing the state of the vote, it is inexpedient to proceed farther with the Union with the Northern Churches on thenropoßed basis at present." The Rev. Mr Will would never have thought of going on wiJi the Union in the face of a strong minority. .\"' > The Kev. Dr Stoabi regretted the result because he loved the Colony, the Church, and Presbytenanism. lusteadof maintaining two Chnrche In the Colony, if there was a little charity, a little liberality, ana a little generosity displayed by the Opposition, they would nave one common Church. Professor Salmond thought the matter might be profitably reconsidered at the next meeting of the Synod. The Rev. Dr Copland considered Union farther ' off than it had ever been before. The opposition to it would not bear candid investigation. . The Bitting closed at 1,10 a.m.'