PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF CANTERBURY AND WESTLAND.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 897, 10 May 1877, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF CANTERBURY AND WESTLAND.

The third and final sitting of 1 he Synod took place in St. Andrew’s Church yesterday. The Rev. W. Gillies gave in the report of the committee appointed to examine tire records of the Presbytery of Christchurch, and the Rev. W. McGregor the report of the committee on the minutes of the Presbytery of Timaru, and these reports wore approved. On the motion of the Rev. C. Fraser, it; was agreed that the thanks of the Synod be given to the Rev. J. W. Cree for his excellent sermon at the opening services, and that he be requested to forward the same for publication in the Presbyterian Church, News. On the motion of the Rev. C. Fraser, seconded by the Rev. J. Elmslic, it was resolved—“ That the Synod express its satisfaction at the prospect of the Rev. A. N. Somerville, of Glasgow, visiting the Australasian colonies, and instruct the Moderator and clerk to prepare and forward to Mr Somerville in Glasgow a letter of welcome and invitation.” On the motion of the Rev. J. W. Croc, seconded by the Rev. G. Lindsay, it was agreed to appoint the Revs. C. Fraser, W. McGregor, and the mover, a committee to take whatever steps may be deemed advisable to establish a Synodical Sabbath School Association, the Rev. W. McGregor convener. The Rev. J. Elmslic and W. Douglas were added to the committee. On the motion of the Rev. C. Fraser, it was agreed that the committee bo authorised to apply to the various congregations for a Sabbath day collection. On the motion of the Rev. G. Barclay, it was agreed that a cordial vote of thanks be tendered to the Moderator for his opening address, and that it be suggested that some means be taken to make it more widely known by publication. The Rev. C. Fraser gave in the report of the committee on the title deeds of church property. A comnu.n cation from the Presbytery of Timaui on the same subject was read, * and after considerable discussion the

report was approved, and the committee reappointed. The Synod then adjourned. At the evening meeting a committee was appointed to examine the records of the Presbytery of Westland. The Synod then resumed the consideration of the report ot the committee on synodied susteni.it ion fund, and finally adopted the report and reappointed the committee to carry out the proposals oi the report. The Rev. C. Fraser to bo added to the committee. The Rev. C. Fraser then gave in the deliverance on the subject of education proposed by the committee appointed for that purpose as follows: — The Synod of Canterbury having had under its consideration the prospect of the establishment of a general system of education for the whole colony, records its satisfaction at the likelihood of so desirable an object being soon obtained. The Synod is further of opinion that daily instruction in the Bible ought to form an essential part of such a system for the following among other reasons: Because a knowledge of the Bible is of the greatest importance for the moral well-being of the children ; Because every Christian community ought to recognise with respect the standards of the Christian faith; Because the withdrawal of the Bible from the list of books taught in the schools would not satisfy the minority opposed to it, but encourage them "to make objections to other books, especially to histories, so as practically to upset the whole system of education, or, at least, seriously mar its working; Because the adoption of a purely secular system would in all probability lead to the establishment of many denominational schools in the principal centres of population, and so introduce competition against the national system ; Because the introduction of a conscience clause removes all reasonable grounds of objection on the part of any minority ; Because a knowledge of the facts of the Bible and of the leading principles taught may be communicated without any denominational or sectarian peculiarities being inculcated ; Because the experience of the United States of America, a country in many respects resembling this colony, shows that the Bible may be taught in the public schools to the great benefit of the national character, and without any practical inconvenience; Because in the Provincial District of Canterbury the Bible has been taught iu the public schools under the almost universal approval of the public, and with the most satisfactory results. (Signed) Charles Fraser. George Barclay. It was agreed that the deliverance be adopted, and that a copy thereof be signed by the Moderator and clerk of Synod, and forwarded to the General Government under care of the Minister of Justice. The report of the committee on the records of the Presbytery of Westland, was given in and approved. Mr Andrew Duncan then addressed the Synod as a representative of the Church Extension Association. The Synod agreed to record its great gratification on hearing the statement of Mr Duncan as a representative of the Church Extension Association, and also to express the hope that the Association will not abate its efforts in the future iu the direction both of procuring funds and of obtaining ministers. It was agreed that the Moderator and clerk of Synod, the ministers of Christchurch, and Messrs David Duncan, Drummond Macpherson, and Jas. Robertson, elders, be appointed a committee to fix the date of the next meeting of Synod, and to make arrangements therefor; also, to collect the sums rated for Synod expenses, and to report on same ; Mr Duncan, convener; Mr Drummond Macpherson, treasurer. A r otes of thanks were passed to Rev. 0. Fraser and his session, and to the friends in Christchurch who had extended hospitality to members of the Synod. The minutes of the various meeting were read and approved, and the Moderator delivered a suitable closing address.