DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 426, 23 October 1875, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Friday, October 22nd The President took his seat at 1 p m, and opened the proceedings with prayer. ELECTION OP SYNODSMBN FOR ST JOHN’S. Uev Canon Cotterill brought up the re port of the select committee appointed to consider the protest of Mr F. G. P. Leach against the election of Sir J. Cracroft Wil son and Mr LI. Thomson as Kynodsmeu for St John’s. The report set forth that the committee were of opinion that the election of Sir J. 0. Wilson aud Mr H, Thomson was valid, la reply to’the Dean, the President said the report did not require to be confirmed by the Synod. ELECTION OF SVNODSMAN FOR GOVERNOR’S BAY. On the motion of the Rev E. R. Otway, the Sjnod proceeded to fill up the vacancy for Governor’s Bay, caused by the resignation of Mr Vigors. Messrs C. Parsons and A F. N. Elakisfon were nominated, aud a ballot being taken, resulted in the election of Mr (J. Parsons. UNIFORMITY OF WORSHIP The debate on the following motion by Mr Twenty man was resumed: — “ That a select committee of the Synod be appointed to inquire into the manner in which Divine Service is conducted in this Diocese, and to report, with recommendations. as to the means best adapted to secure uniformity of worship, and obedience to the prayer book.” Mr Twenty man said he should be greatly obliged if the Synod would consent to further adjourn the debate until half-past seven o’clock. He expected to be in possession of an important document then, which he wished to place before the Synod, and. also to lay the matter before the Synod in such a light as would commend itself to their consideration, lie also wished to state that the extracts he road yesterday were not from the original documents, but shorn copies which had been furnished to him, and which he believed to bo accurate. Ho also wished to state that he was in error as to the name of the book referred to by him yesterday as “ Chope on Confession.” That was not the name, but he had since had the book put into his hands, and although ho was mistaken as to the name, he was not as to the character.

Mr Malet, iu deference to the wish of the mover of the motion, moved that the debate be further adjourned until 7 30 p.m. The motion was agreed to on the voices. PENSION BOARD.

The Hon. J. B. Acland moved in order to aid the Pension Board appointed by the General Synod to draw up a scheme tor a general pension fund, it is desirable that replies should be sent as soon as possible to the questions asked by the Pension Board.” The motion was agreed to. REV R, R. BRADLEY.

Mr Nalder asked why the name of the Rev R. R. Bradley had been omitted froai the list of members of the Synod, and also whether the usual summons had been sent to Mr Bradley; and if not, why it had not been so sent ! The President replied—The name of the Rev R. ii. Bradley, I find, has been accidentally omitted. His name not appearing on the list of the clergy from which the printed list of members of Synod bus been taken, no summons has been sent to Mr Bradley. The omission in this case also has been accidental. DUTIES OF VESTRYMEN. Mr Malet moved—“ That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the regulation which defines the duties of vestrymen ; and contingent on leave being given that it be read a first time.” He pointed out that the object of the Bill was to provide for vestries meeting quarterly. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill brought in, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Monday. REVISION OP STATUTES. Hon J. B. Acland moved—“ That a select committee be appointed to revise all such statutes as are not referred to any special committee, aud to draw up analysis and side notes to aid in reference to the same, and also to revise the standing orders, and append side notes to same.” The Dean moved an amendment to the effect to direct the sessional committee to revise statutes, &c, which was carried. The resolution as amended was negatived on the voices GUST PARSONAGE SITE. Mr Hanmer moved—“ That the parcel of land comprised in u certain deed, dated the 19th day of January, 1866, and expressed to be made between Robert Luke Higgins, Esq, of the one part, and the Church Property Trustees of the other part, and registered in the Registry of Deeds Office, Christchurch, and numbered 20589, which property was by the said deel vested in the Church Property Trustees, as aud for a site for a parsonage house or residence for the incumbent or minister of the Church of England and Ireland, as by law established for the time being, of the district or parish in which the said parcel of land is situate, and for glebe land to be held and enjoyed by such incumbent or minister as aforesaid, be with the consent of the said RobertLukeHiggins.soln to HadarezerCharles Henderson Knowles, of the Oust district, esquire, for the sum of two hundred and seventy-five pounds, and that the Church Propcity Trustees aforesaid are and shall be empowered to make such sale accordingly.” The motion was agreed to, Mr Tipping moved—“ That the sum of £275 paid by Mr Knowles be handed on to the churchwardens of the Gust district, to be expended in the building of a parsonage, on the ground now set apart for that purpose.” .Thu Archdeacon of Akaroa asked Mi Pipping to withdraw the motion. Th noney in the first instance should be paid to | the Church Property Trustees, and doubtless J the mon- y would be kept sacred for the o’o- I jectintended. j The Synod divided on the motion— I Ayes—Clergy... A Laity ... 7 | Noes—Clergy... 19 Laity ... 18 S The motion was consequently negatived, I LEASE TO MESSRS GOUGH AND WHITE. [ Mr Hanmer moved sent of this Synod be given to a I certain lease from the Diocesan Board ?

of Trustees to Messrs Gough and White of sixty nine and a half acres, being the rural sections numbered respective'y 121 and 123. for fourteen years from 25th De comber, 1801), at the yearly rent of £69 10s. in accordance with the provisions contained in the schedule to the Rishopa in New Zealand Trusts Act, 1871 The motion was agreed to.

Mr Hanmer moved That the standing committee of this diocese during the recess he authorised to give the consent of t he Synod required by the Bishops in New Zealand Trusts Aot, 1871, to deed of lease which shall be approved of by the standing committee, to which the consent of the Diocesan Synod is by the said -tet required to be given.” The motion was agreed to. DIOCESAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Mr Hanmer moved—“ That the members for the time being of the standing com raittee of this diocese be authorised to appoint a new trustee or now trustees in accordance with the provisions of the schedule to the Bishops in New Zealand Trusts Act. 1871.” The motion was agreed to ST. MARY’S PARISH, TIMARU. Mr Russell moved—“ That the report of the comm'ssion, appointed by the Right Rev the Bishop, to inquire into the condition of the cure of St Mary’s '’arish, Timaru, he laid upon the table, with any other papers relative thereto,” He said that his object in moving for these documents was to remove an impression which had got abroad that the report was unnecessarily severe on the late incumbent. He must state, however, that the action taken by the Bishop was approved of in Timaru, and was, he believed, likely to be productive of great good to the Church, Rev E. A. Lingard inquired whether, if the report were laid upon the table, any member of the Synod would be at liberty to take ;lhc document away aud get it printed ? Several members of the Synod opposed the laying of the report op the table, and it was suggested that ti e motion should be withdrawn. Rev W. R Paige moved that the Synod proceed to the next order of the day, which was agreed to. DIOCESAN SERVICES. Archdeacon Harper moved whereas the parish church of St Michael and All Angels is also the pro-cathe-dral of the Diocese, it is expedient that whenever it is required for Diocesan services, the Dean and Chapter shall have the entire control of the church and the direction of the services for the time being.” After a slight discussion the motion was withdrawn, on the understanding that it would be brought up again in an amended form. UNIFORMITY OF WORSHIP. The debated Mr Twenty man’s motion was again resumed. Mr Malet said that, in moving the adjournment of the debate, ho did not do so with the intention of taking part in the debate. He agreed with Mr Twentyman that ceitaiu changes had taken place in some of the churches, and of some of those he approved. Ho should not vote for the motion, because he thought that the matter should not have been brought forward hero, but in the General Synod. Neither did he approve of it being relegated to a. select committee. Neither did he approve of the manner in which the amendment of which the Dean had given notice was worded. The Dean would oppose the motion. At the same time he could hut admire the very temperate way iu which Mr Twentyman had brought that matter forward, and he trusted that gentleman’s courtesy and temperate conduct would be followed by all. He thought that Mr Twentyman’s chief fault was an assumption of infallibility, which had iu this instance betrayed him into great narrowness. Mr Twentyman dwelt on the contrast between the state of the church now, and that of forty-five years ago, and he had dwelt on certain changes which he called innovations, but he failed to point out other changes—parishes reclaimed from the state of moral wildernesses to becoming like the garden of the Lord ; churches built and filled with zealous worshippers. Mr Twentyman’s infallibility had also betrayed him, no doubt unintentionally, into great injustice to a large body of men. No doubt Mr Twentyman had great zeal and earnestness, but he had scattered accusations broadcast, dealing in generalities and endeavouring to fix a stigma on those whom he did nut name, but upon whom he certainly endeavoured to fix the stigma of being engaged iu a conspiracy to bring the Church of England over to the Church of Rome. Certainly such a conspiracy might exist, and if it did then all lie (the Dean) could say was that he protested earnestly against it. Mr Twentyman also objected to the eastern position in worship, but he (the Dean) believed that In time that wou.d become the position universally adopted. 'I lien Mr Twentyman seemed greatly afraid that the service of the Holy Communion was reganfid as a sacrifice. Well, he (the Dean) bdieved that there was a memorial sacrifice—a sacrifice commorative of that great sacrifice once offered for all upon the Gross. He also contended that if any distinctive dress was to be used iu the worship, surely it could not be regarded as having a tendency towards Rome if a different dress were used iu celebrating their highest act of worship from that used in ordinary life. He must «bo state that the age demanded an advance of ritualism. Other bodies had followed the practice besides the Church and their services, which had been formerly marked by baldness, were great ly improved. Mr Twentyman also had this fault, he claimed liberty for himself, which he was unwilling to allow to others. He charged those who differed from him with being unfaithful to the Church, and yet, he being a member of that Church, and holding from the Bishop a license as lay reader, hill services in Noncoi f nmist places of worship. That, he (the Dean), hardly thought was being faithful to the Church. Tie did not tear Rome so much as he feared a spirit of worldliness and apathy amongst their own members—l t them oppose Rome by preaching truth, and not by differing on minor points Let: them stand by the great truths upon which they agreed, rather than quarrel upon minor points upon which they might well agree to differ. He (the Dean) lid not approve of the manner iu which this subject bad been brought forward. If a clergyman offended, let h’m be brought before the proper tribunals, instead of an Assembly like the Synod, where it was dmost impossible the case could be fairly judged. He argued that there was no use of j applying new tests, Let them rather try to

work together in the spirit of mutual forbearance and charity, endeavouring

o provoke one another to love and

■rood works, [Applause] He begged to move the following amendment:—“That it. is inexpedient to grant the proposed committee, inasmuch as in the opinion of this Synod, it would be futile and mis•hievons to endeavor to impose new tests and rules for securing uniformity of woiship over and above those which are already in force in this Diocese.”

Mr Gresson seconded the amendment, and said that whilst he greatly admired Mr Tweiityman's courtesy and temperate conduct, he could not agree with him in his statement that there was certain persona endeavoring by an insidious attempt to unprotestantise the church. He (Mr Gresson) did not believe that ritualism existed in the Church here, and although there might be certain extreme writers in England, yet still he (Mr Gresson) did not believe that any such extremes existed here. He would also appeal to the Bishop for testimony in proof of the statement that there was no foundation for the charge made by Mr Twentyman, Even if such a state of tilings did exist, as mentioned by Mr Tw entyman, he (Mr Gresson) did not think this was the proper way of treating it. In fact he (Mr Gresson) feared that instead of doing good it would only engender a spirit of bitterness and strife. Rev Canon Dudley said that he rejoiced to see that such a spirit of watchfulness prevailed amongst the laity. Ho did not wish to see the priesthood magnified until they lorded it over the consciences of their flock like the priests of the Church of Rome. He mourned that clergymen should mar their work by these excesses, such as mixing wine with water at the Communion. Auricular confession had been urged by some. [Cries of “ Name.”] Mr Wills and Mr Carlyon. Canon Dudley then read a quotation from Bingham against auricular confession and the employment of caudles, and he concluded by stating that although he contributed towards the Roman Catholic Church in his parish, because he thought the Catholics should have a place of worship, yet he utterly detested the doctrines and practices of the Church of Home. What he wished them to guard against was an excess of ritualism, ana he believed practices were being introduced whicl would have a tendency to draw men’s minds away from the great object of worship.

Rev J. H. Wills denied having advocated auricular confession to Canon Dudley. He merely pointed out that in the Prayer Book auricular confession was recommended under certain circumstances.

Rev H. E. Carlyon affirmed that, according to the teaching of the Church of England, a godly man might with a good conscience, practise auricular confession. He thought he had proved that he was not disloyal to the cl urch with regard to auricular confession. as he had been charged with by Canon Dudley'

Rev Canon Dudley said he did not charge with disloyalty, neither did he name until he was compelled to do so. Rev 11. C. M. Watsrn said that he thought all in the Synod would regret that Car on Dudley had mentioned names. [Rev B. W. Paige—And the charges,] He thought the charges might be fairly discussed without reference to names. He could not vote for the resolution, because he thought that the matter sought to be investigated could be much better done by the Bishop than by a select committee. There were many practices which, if a man in his conscience believed it to be his duty to do, he might safely practise privately, but which it would be unbecoming in a clergyman of the Church of England publicly to use. He did not believe that ritualism prevailed here, at the same time he shnu'd be glad if the Synod would give no expression of opinion that it was desirable the ministers should carry out the practices recommended in the Prayer-book, and thus strengthen the hands of those clergymen who were desirous of carrying out the simple practices of the Prayer-bock. Mr Watson then read several copious extracts from decisions given in England against the Eastern position and other innovations, and he contended that those decisions were binding on the Church here. [The Dean—“ Not so.”] He thought, therefore, that the simple directions of the rubric should be followed if they wished to obey the law of the Church.

Archdeacon Harper said that, finding he could not fully concur in either the resolution or the amendment, he would move as a further amendment—“ That it is unnecessary and inexpedient to delegate to a committee of this Synod the responsibility of inquiry into the mode of conducting Divine Service in this diocese, inasmuch as should occasion arise for such inquiry, it is the special responsibility of the Bishop.” He could but express his admiration of the manner in which Mr Twentyman had brought this matter forward, yet if it were proved that there was no cause for the alarm he thought Mr Twentyman was open to censure Bethought Mr Twentyman had proved that there was cause for alarm in England—there was the extreme ritualistic party, and the extreme Puritan party, whilst the middle ground was occupied by the true Catholics ol the Church of England. But he (Archdeacon Harper) did not think that a spirit of extreme ritualism prevailed here. Mr Twentyman had laid great stress on the eastern position, and seemed to think that it referred to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the sacrifice of the Mass. The Romish Olmrch m that sacrifice, insisted on the real material presence. Now the belief of the Church of England was this, that in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, there was a distinct oolation of the bread and wine before consecration, then there was the oblation of one’s self, and next came the commi moratiou before God not merely before man—of the sacrifice on the cross, which could never be repeated, and lastly there was the personal communion of the recipient with our Lord, with his spiritual and therefore his real presence. He (the Archdeacon) believed that the turning to the East was regarded by mary simply as a recognition of the spiritual presence, and not as an act of adoration. As he never used the Eastern position himself, he thought if they were influenced by true Christian charity the use or disuse of it would be but of little importance.

Mr W. C. Walker, whilst deprecating in? novations, thought it was not well to bring forward this motion at the present time.

Hr Cracroft Wilson said that he believed Mr Twentymau was willing to withdraw his resolution.

Jilcv E. A. Liugard said be was of opinion that the discussion was not inopportune, As to the Eastern position; although he and

his choir used it. they did so only as an a; of reverence and nothing more. As to aur cular confession, it was allowed and taught 1> the Church of England, first in the ease r persons corning to the Floty Communion, an lastly in the ease of sick persons, in ord. that they might receive absolution an

ghostly comfort and advice. As to the music iu churches, he thought that should be o F the highest character, but not of that coming into use in this diocese, music in which tire people could not join. He trusted that the resolution and both the amendments would be withdrawn [Applause.] Rev E VV. Paige said that he thought no fault could he found with the laity dis cussing the question; but he greatly regretted the recriminating remarks which some of the clergy had used towards each other. Mr Hannan disavowed being attached to any extreme party in the Church ; and although he could not agree with the resolution, yet he thought the thanks of the Synod were due to Mr Twentyman for bringing the matter forward, as it would not only enable the clergy to become acquainted with the mind of the laity, but the laity to know the, mind of the clergy, and ho must say he greatly regretted to hear what had fallen from the Dean. He also trusted that the Bishop’s opening address would not be construed into inviting the clergy to introduce novelties into religious worship. JRev W. H. Cooper said that if a clergyman went into a parish and carried out the plain directions in the Prayer Book he was at once charged with ritualism. Dr Donald said that the Church of England should be as comprehensive as possible, at the same time he thought it was time to sound the note of alarm, especially when he found that the doctrine of the material presence was being privately inculcated. '{here were many things in the Church of Rome which were most commendable, but there were certain doctrines insisted on by that Church which, if a person belonging to-the Church inculcated, whether publicly or privately, he was a traitor to his Church. Bev E. Freeman deprecated the introduction of novelties into divine worship. Mr Twentyman iu withdrawing the motion, said he felt gratified with the manner in which the subject bad been discussed, at the same time he could not but complain of the Dean, who had said that it was inconsistent in him (Mr Twentyman) being a lay reader and a member of the church, to conduct services iu nonconformist places of worship. If the Bishop thought so, it was only for him to intimate it, and he (Mr Twentyman) would at once return the license, and if it were thought that it was inconsistent with his duty as a member of the church, he would secede from it. At the same time he wished to state that, when the appointment of lay reader was given to him, it was distinctly known what his sentiments were on this subject. The President said that, although he was not sorry the resolution had been brought forward, yet he could not but think it contained a reflection on the churchwardens With reference to his opening a idress, be might state that he had re eived from Mr Twentyman a letter, in which ho spoke of practices as idolatry, which he (the Bishop) had been taught to regard from his youth up—such as turning to the east and bowing at the name of Christ, and he could not but feel there was a lack of charity in accusing those who used these and similar practices, with being guilty of idolatry. It was a sad thing that in minor things there should be strife and disunion amongst Christians. He would not have any practice forced upon a congregation which did no understand its meaning, but at the same time he saw no impiopriety in introducing a practice which tended to edification, and to which only one or two might object. The resolution and both the amendments ( were then withdrawn.

Notices of motion having been given, the Synod adjourned t 0,4 p.m. on Monday.