CHURCH UNION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3777, 9 November 1907, Page 3

CHURCH UNION.

Anglicans and Presbyterians. The following letter was forwarded by the Anglican Bishop of Wellington to the Presbyterian Assembly now sitting in Wellington. It is addressed to the Moderator :—“I regret that important engagements in the county next week prevent me from waiting upon you to express to both yourself and the important gathering over which you have been called to preside, my earnest hope and prayer that the Holy Spirit may be present at all your deliberations, - and guide you to say and do all things that may to God’s glory be and the spread of His Kingdom. I know that the members of the General Assembly are longing, at least as fervently as ourselves, for a closer union among all who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The differences which keep us apart from each other are connected with principles which, if we believe them to be part of God’s revelation, we are, both of us, bound to maintain. But the matters on which we are united are far more numerous, for we are agreed in the belief that there is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ, perfect God and perfect man. We both recognise the duty of guarding a form of sound words and of administering the two sacraments ordained by our Lord Himself. And while we both believe that the call to the ministry of the Church comes from the Holy Spirit of God, we both believe that this call must receive recognition by the Church before ordination is given. I rejoice most heartily that a basis of union involving no sacrifice of principle has been found in the State of Victoria, and eagerly await its publication. Though we in this Dominion, have not progressed so far, I am very thankful that we have been able to work together for the establishment of a hostel in connection with the University and Training College, which is, in accordance with the terms of its constitution, to be| conducted on distinctly Christian lines. And I remember with gratitude many acts of brotherly kindness done by Presbyterian ministers to my brother ministers and to myself. May I assure you once more of my prayers for the Assembly.—Believe me, reverend and dear sir, your faithful servant in Christ, Frederic, Wellington (Bishop).