PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 294, 21 May 1875, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Thursday, May 20. The Synod met in the vestry of St Andrew’s Church, at 11 a.m., and was duly constituted by prayer by the ex-Moderator, the Rev G. Barclay. Sederunt: —Ministers—Revs G. Barclay (ex-Moderator), G. Fraser, A. F. Douglas, W. Gillies, James Wilson, W. Douglas, W. H. Horner, W. R. Campbell (clerk), Rev W. M‘Gregor, Mr W. Johnston, elder. During the reading of the minutes, the Rev W. S, M'Gowan entered the vestry and took the chair. REPORT ON TEMPERANCE. The Moderator, who was the convener of the committee on temperance, said that the committee had not met so far as he knew. The only thing he had done was to preach a sermon on the subject, which he had endeavored to do faithfully. After some remarks from Rev 0. Fraser and Rev A. F. Douglas, Rev W, Gillies said that he thought there was no subject which the Church ought to take up more seriously than this, and every effortthe Church couldmakeshould be made to prevent the spread and turn back the advancing tide of intemperance. He believed that the committee should bring up a report on the subject which must have weight with the congregations. He did think that such a subject as this should not be treated lightly. Rev C. Fraser said that he was satisfied if Mr M'Gowan had received an extract minute as convener of the committee he would at once have taken steps to have called the committee together. He trusted that this would be done, and he was sure that then a report on this most important subject would be laid before the Synod. The Moderator said that he was not aware he was convened until the other day. So far from being indifferent to the awful effects of intemperance, he would do all in his power to promote the course of temperance. Rev W. McGregor said that it appeared to him the only work ministers could do was to speak individually to those members who were given to intemperance. He did not think that any blame was to be attached either to the convener or the committee. Rev W. H. Horner spoke in favor of efforts being made to endeavor to prevent the spread of intemperance. Rev G. Barclay said that there could be only one opinion as to the subject of intemperance, and the absolute necessity of every effort being made to check its progress. Rev C. Fraser moved—“ That the committee on temperance be re-appointed, with Mr McGowan as convener, and Messrs Gillies and Kirkland, corresponding members, and with instructions to forward at an early date to the ministers of the church such suggestions as they think advisable.” In making this motion, he desired to bear testimony to the good which had resulted from the efforts of the Good Templars. Rev W. Gillies, in seconding the motion, said, as ministers of the Gospel, it would be well if they gave their support to institutions which had for their aim. the promotion of temperance. He was well aware that nothing but the grace of God could change the heart, but if they were only the means of inducing a man to abstain for six months, they would have done a good work. They might rely upon it that these societies were acting as feeders to the church. The motion was agreed to unanimously. PRESBYTERY VISITATION. Reports were, made verbally of visits made bv Presbyteries to congregations during the year. It was resolved —“ That the Synod finding that the resolutions of last Synod on Evangelistic deputations were not communicated to Presbyteries, resolve—That the Presbyteries be instructed to carry out these instructions, and to report to next meeting of Synod.” Rev W. Gillies recorded his dissent. TRIAL FOR LICENSE. On the motion of Rev W. Gillies, seconded by Rev D. Barclay, it was resolved—" That leave be given to the Presbytery for Timaru to take Mr George Lindsay, student, on trial for license, on the completion of his studies.” SYNODICAL LIBRARY. A report was received from the committee recommending that circulars be issued to the various congregations asking them to contribute towards the establishment of a Synodical library After a slight discussion, Rev W. Douglas moved—“ That whilst the importance of a Synodical library is recognised, until the Synod become stronger no special action be taken on the matter.” Rev C. Fraser seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The Synod then adjourned until 2.15 p.m. The Synod resumed at 2.45 p.m. CHURCH UNION. Rev W. Gillies moved—“ Whereas there is a very general desire throughout the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and Otago, and Southland, that there should be a union of these churches at as early a date as possible, and whereas by many the geographical difficulties are thought to bo a sufficient bar for the present to a union of the Presbyterian Churches of both islands, and whereas no such difficulties exist in the way of a union of the Synods of Canterbury and Otago, and whereas such a union would pave the way for a union of the Church in both islands, it is humbly overtured by the Synod of Canterbury to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand to take this matter into its serious consideration, with a view to the glory of God and the good of the Church, and, if it deem it expedient, give its sanction to the union of the two Synods of Canterbury and Otago at as early a date as possible, if the larger union of the whole Church cannot at once be effected.” He said as he had embodied in the overture the facts he wished to bring forward it was not necessary for him to dwell at any length on the

matter. He pointed out that if what he proposed were carried into effect, it would do away with the anomaly of two Presbyterian Churches in New Zealand, having the same doctrine and differing only perhaps on the question of instrumental music. He believed that almost universally—with a few exceptions—the Church in Otago would welcome a union with Canterbury, although perhaps a majority would be against a union with the Church of New Zealand. liev 0. Fraser seconded the motion, and remarked on the desirability of Canterbury and Otago constituting one Church. He wished, however, that this movement should not be regarded as a mark of dissatisfaction with their brethren in the North, but as intimating a desire on their part that the whole of the New Zealand Churches should ultimately become one. Rev A. F. Douglas cordially supported the overture, believing that if carried out it would be productive of much good. The overture was also supported by Eevs G. Barclay, W. McGregor, and the Moderator. Rev W. Gillies having replied, the motion was put and carried unanimously. It was resolved that the next meeting of the Synod should take place on the second Tuesday in April, in St Andrew’s Church, Christchurch. A unanimous vote of thanks was given to the Moderator for his opening address. The Moderator said that he was glad that they had arrived at the close of their labors. They had had a very pleasant and harmonious meeting, and he trusted that the effects of it would go down with them to their congregations, and stimulate them to greater exertions in the cause of their great Master,

After singing and prayer, the Moderator declared the Synod closed.