The Church of England in Australasia.

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 491, 28 December 1850, Page 3

The Church of England in Australasia.

Most of our readers are no doubt aware that a Conference of the Six Anglican Bishops stationed in the Australasian Province — the Bishops of Sydney, New Zealand, Tasmania, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Newcastle, — has recently been held in the Metropolitan City of Sydney, for the purpose of consultation on various doctiinal and disciplinary matters affecting the inlet ests and progress of the Church in this Province. Their delibeiations were continued from the Ist of October to the Ist of November. The conclusions at which their Lordships arrived have been printed in a pamphlet intended for private circulation ; but as we have been favoured with a copy of it, we feel outselves at liberty to lay a summary of its contents before our readers, not doubling that to many of them it will be an acceptable article of intelligence. At the commencement of their 'proceedings, the Bishops appear to have felt con siderable embarrassment as to the character and status which they were warranted in assuming for their Conference. They declare themselves " placed in difficulties by the doubtful application to the Church in this Province of. the Ecclesiastical Laws now in force in England." They could not determine ' how far they were inhibited by the Queen's supremacy from exercising the powers of an Ecclesiastical Synod," and they therefore prudently resolved " not to exercise such powers on the present occasion. 1 ' They believed, however, that urgent circumstan ces called for mutual consultation, and for a free expression of their judgment on] various important questions, which should not merely be issued here, but also transmitted to the Hierarchy at home. The Bishop of Newcastle was appointed Secretary, to record their " Minutes of Pioceedings," and to forward them to England. At the same time, the Canons of A. D. IGO3-4 were taken as the foundation of the Resolutions ; — it being, however, distinctly slated that, in the opinion of the Conference, " a revised and fresh adaptation of the Canons to suit the present condition of the Church, is much to be desired, so soon as it can be lawfully undeitaken by persons possessing due authority in that behalf." The Bishops proceed to express their conviction that it is essential to the well-being of the Church in this Province, that there should in future be " duly constituted Provincial and Diocesan Synods." The influence which such Synods may exeit is obviously so great that we extract the Bisnors' own statement of the functions which the Synods are understood to possess : — We understand the Functions of Provincial and Diocesan Synods to be these: — 1, To consult and agice upon Rules of practice and Ecclesiastical Order within the limits of the Province or Diocese. 2. To conduct the processes necessary for carrying such rules into effect. Jiut not to alter the Thirty-nine Articles, the Book of Common Prayer, or the Authorised version of the Holy Scriptures. (2 ) Sub-division of Dioceses, and Consecration of Bishops. 1. We are of opinion that it appertains to a Provincial Synod, with the concurrence of the Diocesan Synod, from time to lime, to decide upon plans for such sub division of Dioceses as may he necessary for the more efficient discharge of the Episcopal duties, and to recommend those plans for adopti' n in accordance with the Laws which shall l>c in foice at the time. 2. We submit that »o sub division of any Coloni.il Diocese should be dctcimincd on in England without previous communication with the Bishop of that Diocese, in order that the proposed measmes may he laid before the Diocesan and Piovincial Synods, before they be finally adopted,

3. We would fin thor cxpicsb our opinion, that if Ihe Provincial Synod should lccoinmeml a Colonial Clergy, man for appointment to fill a new or vacant Sec, the recommendation should ho fnvoiuably considered by the nulhoniies in England, and that the person designated to such Sec should, in conformity with ancient practice, bo consecrated by the Metropolitan and Bishops of the Province, unless giavc inconvenience be likely to ensue. (3 ) Provincial and Diocesan Conventions, ]. Wo nic of opinion tint the Laity acting l>y their Representatives duly elected, should meet in Dioccsm and Piovincial Conventions simultaneously with the Diocesan and Provinci il Synods, tint the Clcigy and Laity may severally consult and decide upon all questions affecting the temporalities of the Church, and that no act of either order i elating thereto should be valid without the consent of the other. 2 Tli.it any change of Constitution affecting the whole body of the Church should be first pioposcd and appioved in the provincial Synod, but should not be valid without the consent of the Provincial Convention Without following exactly the order of the " Minutes of Proceedings" — (for it will requite a second article to give even such a summary of them as we propose) — we notice here the most impoilant doctrinal topic lespecting which the Bishops have pronounced their judgment. The vexed question of Baptismal Regeneration has, we need scatcely say, agitated the Chinch of England lately to an extent which has all but produced a disruption in its body. Our readers know the particulars of the contention on this point between the Bishop of Exetkk and Mr, Gorham, and the unhesitating clearness with which the highest Couils have pronounced judgment against Dr. PniLU'orrs. We observe therefore, with rsgrct that five of the six Bishops have expressed their views in entire accordance with those of his Lordship of Exktkr. The subject is too important to be dismissed in a summary ; we therefore give it in exknso.

Holy Baptism As Bishops engaged in the charge of cxlcnsivo Dioceses, and debarred from frequent oppoilunilic-t of confcicncc, we do not presume to think tli.it wo can in r orm or guide the judgment of the Church at large; but at a lime when the minds of pious and thoughtful men are in perplexity, we cannot remain altojie her silent, nor refrain from stalin >• what we believe to be the just intcrpictation of the Ciccd, Articles, and Liturgy of the Cliuich of England respecting the Regeneration of Infants in Holy Baptism. We believe Regeneration to he the work of God in the Sacrament of Baptism, hy which infants baptized with wati r, in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost, die unto sin, and rise again unto liijhieousncss, anil are made members of Christ, children of God, and inheritors of the Kingdom of llc.ivon. We believe this regeneration to bo the particular grace prayed for, and expected, and tlnnltfully noknowledgcd to have Ken reccivc.l in the baptismal set vices. We believo that it is the doctrine of our Chinch that all infants do by baptism receive this grace of regeneration. But remembciing the words of our Lord instituting the Holy fjacramenl of Baptism, (Mall, xxviii. lj), 20), which enjoin that they who are baptized, arc to be made disciples and to be taught', we are of opinion that whensoever an infant is baptized, an assuiancc ought to he given at the snino time on its behalf (by sonic one ov more baptized persons) lh.vt it will bo brought up in the faith of Chiist. We do not recognise in the infant Itself any unfitness which disqualifies it from receiving in baptism this grace of regeneration for our Loid Jesus Christ does not deny his grace and nrrcy unto such infants, but most lovingly doth call them unto him. We do not bclirve that unworthyncss in Ministers, Parents, or Sponiors, hindeis this effect of the love of Christ. We believe that a wilful neglect of the means of grace docs not pr'-ve that the gift of regeneration was never received, but in those who so fall away after baptism, we believe that the consequence of their having been regenerated is to aggravate their guilt. .Finally we would express, I'lisl, our coidial and entire agreement with the Ai tides and Formulas ics of our Church, in their plain and full meaning, and in their literal and grammatical sense. Secondly, our willing disposition to accept and use them all in the manner which is appointed ; and, with espcci il reference to our piescnt subject, to cairy on the work of Clnistian education in the firm belief that infanta do leceive in baptism the grace of regeneration. Thirdly, above all, wo would express our unfeigned thankfulness to Almighty God for the gift and preservation oi these inestimable blessings. W. G. Sydnhy. I G. A. New Zhaland. F. 11. Tasmania. | Augustus Adelaide. W. Newcastle.

The Bishop of Melbourne, however, look a different ground on this vital question. He desired that the following expression of his views should be embodied in " The Minutes."

Holy Baptism. Upm this subject the Bishop of Melbourne preferred to state his views as follows :— The doctrine of our Clmrch concerning the nntuie and efficacy of Holy Baptism, may, in my opinion, be slated in the eight following; propositions. 1. Regeneration is that operation of the Spirit of God upon the heart, which produces a death unto .sin, and a new birth unto righteousness. liy regeneration we are mide members of Christ, diildren ol God, and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2. Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration, whichjis the paitieular grace prayed for, expected, and thankfully acknowledged to luivc been received in the bap tisnial seivicc. 3. The work of regeneration is wrought in all, whether they bo adults or infants, who receive baptism rightly, (Ait xxvii), but in none others. (Art. x\v ) 4. The Church in her office foi the baptism of infants, and in that for the baptism ol adults, uses the j language of faith and hope, and is not lo bo understood I as declaring positively a fact which it cannot certainly know, viz., that every baptized ml'unt, or every baptized adult, is regenerate. 5. The statement put into the mouth of a Catechumen, that he wis in baptism made a member of Cluist, &c., is to be understood in the same qualified application as the dccl trillion which almost immediately follows, that by God's help he will do as his godfathers and godmothers had promised lot him, and that ho heartily thanks his heavenly leather that lie hath called him,&c. G. Repentance and faith arc required of thoic who come to be baptized, but the Church is silent as to the fitness, or unfitness, of an infant, who is incapable of repentance and faith, lor receiving regeneration in baptism.

7. The unworiliiness of a Minister dors not lake away the effect of baptism, cillicr in llic case of adults or miauls. (Ait. xxvi.) 8. I'.ucnls are nowhoro mentiond in llic Articles, or in tho baptism il service, but infants are bnplizjd, bo causo tlicy promise repentance and faith by their suictios. These sureties or sponsors, arc to be duly qualified persons, and no one is to be admitted godfather or godmother before the said person so undertaking has leccivcd the Holy Communion. (Canonxvix) 'llic Church, however, has not positively aflirmcd that the umvorthiness of sponsors disqualifies nn infant ibricceiving ihe giaee 0/ biptism. Tli" ti nili of ihe following four nddititon.il pioposition nny also, I think, be gathered from the Scriptures and is pcifcctly consistent with the goner i) tenor of the Ailie es and formularies of our Church, viz. : — 9. Sponsor, who themselves repent and lielieve, may nnd ou-.'.ht to expect most confidently the grace of icgenciation for the chiidicn whom they biing to be b.ipliscd, JO. While the Church may, and ought to, use the language of faith and hope respecting all infants brought lo be baptized, impenitent nnd unbelieving .sponsois aic no( entitled to expect any blessing from an ordinance which tlwy only pi of ne. 1 1. Children who have been b iptizcd are lo be taught to regaid Ood as their Father, nnd lo love and liust in Him us having redeemed them by his lion uml sanctified them by His Spirit — lo piny Unit being legencrate, nnd made the cluldicn of God, by adoption nnd grace, tlicy may daily be icnewed by the holy Ghost, (Collect for ( hristnns i)'»y)> to cons dor the guilt of any miis which they commit against God, ns aggravated by their having been baptized} and brought up in the faith of the Gospel. 12. Our own personal repentance and faith are (ho only sure evidence of our being spiritually the childicn of God. Having thus stated my own views of the doctrine of our Chinch concerning Holy Biptism, I would unite with my Right Reverend Jketlicicn in expressing. 1. My cordi'il and entire agreement with all the Articles and Foiniultuics of our Chinch in their plain and lull meaning, and in their lilerrtl and grammatical sense. 2. My willing disposition to accept and use them in the manner which is appointed; and (with especial ic< ferenco to our prefient subject) to cany on the work of Chmiinu education in the film belief ihnfc infants do receive in baptism the gmcc of regeneration, 3. Above all, my unfeigned (hankfu'ness to Alnvphty God for the gilt und prescrva'ion of these ines'imablc blessings. C. Mni.itoußNr;, We shall lclurn to some of the further resolutions contained in this pamphlet, which, as will be readily perceived, is of deep and permanent importance in 1 elation lo the Church of England in Australasia.

Depasturing LiCENsrs. — Wo have already reminded our readeis that the Ist of January, will be the last day on which licenses for depasturing within the Hundreds, under the provisions of the Ciown Lands Ordinance, can be obtained. That day, it is known is usually kept as a holiday at the government offices ; however, we undeisland. that, with a \kw to public conveniance, the Office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands will be kept open on Wednesday next, in order that persons intending to lake out Licenses may have the full opportunity that is allowed by the Ordinance of doing so. Dangerous Land- Sup. — On Thursday an immense quantity — supposed to be not less than sixty or seventy tons weight — of the earthern cliff oveihanging the back piemises of the Victoria Hotel almost suddenly fell. Fortunately no loss of human life or limb resulted from the accident ; but it might have proved a seiious calamity, as only a very little time hefoie a number of persons were crowding Mr. Levy's skittle-alley, over which the enormous mass tumbled down with scarcely any other warning than a loud crack which almost instantly preceded its descent.

Our Subscribers are presented with a copy of the Auckland Almanack for 1851, accompanying the present number, as a Supplement.