THE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4283, 11 December 1874, Page 3

THE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Thursday, December 10. The General Assembly resumed its sittings at 10 o’clock. COLLEGES. After the usual preliminaries, the Rev. Mr. Elmslie submitted to the Assembly the report o£ the College Committee. In reading the report, he pointed out the defect that presently exists in- most of our college institutions, in this that they did not practically draw the necessary distinction between the training of boys and the training of young men, and thus did not afford the means of obtaining such a curriculum as has hitherto been required in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Elmslie held that this would hinder numbers of young men from studying altogether, or would draft them away to the University of Otago. He further pointed out that this Church had very pointedly been ignored in the appointment of the College Councils, and this although no other class of men were more interested in college education than they were. No class of men in the colony embraced within it so large a number of graduates of Home Universities. The Rev. Mr. Ross moved the adoption of the report, and observed that if their colonial colleges failed to recognise their university standing and other claims, the question would soon be raised whether they should recognise them. The Rev. Mr. Sidey seconded the adoption of the report, and urged the Assembly to appoint a committee to watch over this matter. After some remarks from Dr. Stuakt, explanatory of the position and functions of the New Zealand University, The Clerk, called for THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH EXTENSION. The report was read by the Rev. Mr. Hill, who made explanations with regard to the opinions expressed by the committee in their report. The Rev. Mr. Paterson had pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report, which was carried. REPORT OF THE WIDOWS’ AND ORPHANS’ FUND COMMITTEE. The Rev. Mr Kirkland brought up the above committee’s report. It suggested, among other matters, regulations and rates of payment to be made by ministers subscribing to the fund, and also the raising of a sum of £2OOO, as a nucleus in connection with the fund. Several members spoke upon the subject, none of whom apprehended any difficulty in raising the desired sum. The report uas ultimately referred back to the committee, with instructions to fully consider the recommendations proposed therein prior to their adoption by the General Assembly. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY.

Several clerical and Lay members remarked upon the insufficient publicity which the proceedings of the General Assembly had heretofore received, and hoped steps would be taken in the future to furnish congregations with its proceedings. COMMITTEES. The names of members of the several committees in connection with the management of the affaim of the Assembly for the ensuing year, were read by Mr. Ross.—-The report, with the additions suggested by Sir. Kirkland, was adopted. DEPUTIES TO THE SYNOD OF oIrAGO AND SOUTHLAND. The Eev. Mr. Hill proposed the Eev. Mr. Paterson, the Eev. Mr. Boss, and Mr. James Smith, elder, as deputies from the General Assembly to the Synod of Otago and Southland.—The proposition was carried. INCREASE OF STIPENDS TO COUNTRY CLEP.GYMEN. The Rev. Mr. Elmslie, in a few appropriate remarks, moved the following motion, with the view of providing more adequate stipends to the clergy, especially to those in country districts : —“That the Assembly recommend the several Presbyteries of the Church to take such steps as they may deem fit, to submit for the consideration of the various deacons’ and managers’ courts the whole question of maintenance support, with a view more especially to the increase of the present minimum stipends of country ministers, and to make their views in the matter known to the next General Assembly.” The Eev. Mr. Paterson had great pleasure in seconding the motion. Every thing Had increased except ministers’ stipends. * Mr. James Ssiith agreed with the motion. It was the duty of the several congregations to increase their ministers’ salaries. He compared the present expense of living with that of a few years ago ; everything Had increased with many of the ministers except their salaries. It was possible some people expected the shilling of the minister to go farther than the shilling of- other members of the community. There was no doubt many congregations were defective in their organisation forsecuriug the needed amount for the stipends of their ministers. Ministers. were expected to subscribe to all charitable subscription lists that were floated, with frequently less salaries than those received by many young men just entering business life. It ought to be the aim of every congregation to keep the mind of its minister free from the anxieties of a bare subsistence. The spiritual health of congregations would profit by more extended liberality, and one way to effect this w-ould be for each individual to give a fair proportion of his salary to the cause of Christ—not only as a duty, hut as a privilege. Mr. West, an elder from Wanganui, endorsed Mr. Smith’s remarks. He related the difficulties encountered by Mr. McCallum, whose district extended from near Patea to Wanganui. Congregations, like everything else, required to be trained. Many people seemed to think ministers a species of ethereal beings, who existed on air, and who did not require earthly assistance. The motion was adopted. The Assembly then adjourned till 7 p.m. MOTION OP REGRET AND CONDOLENCE. The Eev. Mr. Hill stated with sorrow that the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand—and especially that portion of it in Auckland—had during the past year suffered the loss of two o£ its members. He referred to Mr. Andrew Beveridge and Mr. William Rattray. The former gentleman had acted as procurator to the Church, which duty, besides that of preparing deeds and other matters, he had performed free of charge. He had also been the legal adviser of the Church, for which he would accept of no payment. Mr. Rattray, likewise, had done everything which lay in his power to advance the interests of the Church, which he was sure would suffer by its loss. He would ask the Assembly to pass a resolution expressing its regret, and forward its con-

dolence to the widows and families of the deceased gentlemen. The Moderator and the Rev. Mr. Ross bore testimony to the moral worth and the good qualities of the deceased gentlemen. The resolution was unanimously carried. The appointment of a successor to Mr. Beveridge would probably be made by the Assembly during its -next session. RELIGIOUS REVIVAL. The Rev. Mr. Elmslie, in moving a motion with regard to the desirability of taking practical steps towards a religious revival in New Zealand, said it was not necessary to bring forward arguments to show that the revival movement which "was now going on in Scotland and England was a work of grace. It was, indeed, a work of God. He thought they ought to give thanks unto God for the manifest answers which had been given in their times, and it became the Church to recognise this work of God, and the abundance of fruit it had borne in Scotland. It was encouraging to them in this laud, and to those who were persisting in quiet and plodding efforts to further His work. The more special object he had in view when moving this motion was that some practical hints might be thrown out—hints that would enable them to bring the matter more into view. Rampant unbelief was one of the evils of colonial life ; but he nevertheless hoped that some such revival would be manifested in this colony. He would like brethren and elders to throw out any hints which might practically lead to a revival and refreshal of religion in the land of their adoption. There was nothing which would gladden their hearts so much, and give such an impetus towards forwarding the work of God. He trusted the Assembly would record such an expression. The Rev. Mr. C alder thought there were not two opinions amongst them as to the importance of the subject. He was sorry it was introduced so late in the session ; it would, perhaps, have been better had other less important matters been deferred. Prosperity was desirable ; but prosperity without a church was most undesirable. There seemed to be something altogether remarkable about these revival meetings now being held in Scotland. He was very much impressed when he read the accounts of them ; and he was glad to notice they were free from those extravagances which often accompanied revival movements. Looking to past revivals, either in Scotland or America, he must say that evil had been mixed with the good results which followed. He knew nothing in regard to the present movement to which exception could betaken. The proceedings had been characterised by tact, judgment, and common sense, which had not always marked previous revivals. He had never read of anything more free from cant and self-assertion. They most certainly needed a quickened religious feeling in this colony ; and he would be glad to listen to any suggestions which might be made with that object in view. He would be sorry to see the Assembly disperse without making some effort in this respect. The Rev. Air, Kirkland could endorse Mr. Calder’s remarks as to the late period at which the matter had been brought forward. But perhaps" it might be for the best. He was happy to say the Lord had blessed efforts which had been made in his town (Hokitika), and whetted the desire for further efforts. Many of his congregation had prayed for a religious revival before they were made aware of the movement in Scotland, and were still praying, evangelistic services being now held. It remained with the Assembly to come to some definite conclusion towards that end.

Mr. Bell, an elder, said the desire for a period of religious revival was strongly manifested in Wanganui. Great expectation was experienced by the people with regard to the action which the Assembly would take towards that end. He hoped it would make an earnest appeal to the congregations, to unite together in a general prayer. The Rev. Mr. Sherriffs stated that the desire in Marlborough for a religious revival was in accord with that of Westland,

Mr. James Smith rose with great diffidence. The laymen were as anxious as ministers for a religious revival. No one could entertain a doubt that the present movement in Scotland was not a great and glorious work from God. He hoped the same blessing would be accorded New Zealand. He thought, with regard to the preaching by ministers, that there was a lack of individuality in it—they did not bring matters home to their hearers —they did not preach direct at them. He would suggest that a small prayer-meeting be held after each evening service, which would fix the truths they had heard in their hearts. The Presbyterian Church heretofore failed, in its conduct of prayer-meetings. He believed the day was not far distant, when it would please God to make such a manifestation as they desired.

Mr, West and the Rev. Mr. Ross spoke warmly in favor of the motion. The Rev. Mr. Bruce stated that the several clergymen in Auckland and its neighborhood had arranged to exchange pulpits occasionally. The arrangement, he had no doubt, would, if tried elsewhere, be found to work advantageously. Ministers would divulge their views to each congregation, and the congregations would thus be enabled to view the same subject in different lights. As a means to the end desired, he would throw out the suggestion.

The Rev. Mr. Paterson, agreed with the Eev. Mr. Bruce’s suggestion with regard to the occasional exchange of pulpits. He was pleased with the vitality and earnestness whicli were now presented by the Church. Never since the introduction of Christianity load oo much earnestness been exhibited. It ought to fill all with hope and courage. They should all aim to raise the moral and religious tone, and lift the whole sphere of religious life. He believed fruit would residt from the present revival meetings in ScotlandThe Rev. Mr. McNicol supported the motion with some well-timed remarks. Mr. Rainie and discussed the sin of intemperance. The Eev. Mr. Elmslie, with a few remarks, moved the fallowing resolution, which was carried unanimously ?—“ This Assembly having taken into consideration the state of religion in our Church in connection with the tidings that have been reaching us of a great revival in Scotland, and iu other parts, express their heartfelt gratitude to God for so much encouragement in the work of the ministry, and agree to recommend to all the congregations of the Church that special prayer and special effort be made in order to bring about, under the Divine blessing, a like time of refreshing amongst ourselves, and that they recommend, more particularly, that tbe first week of next year be agreed upon as a time of special effort throughout the whole of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church.” THANKS to tub superintendent. On the motion of the Eev. Mr. Sidey, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Caldeii, it was carried unanimously, “That the cordial vote of the General Assembly be given to His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Wellington for his kind consideration in granting the use of the Provincial Council Hall to the General Assembly during its present sittings, and that the Clerk of the Assembly be instructed to forward to His Honor an extract from the resolution.” THANKS TO THE FRIENDS OP MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY. Mr. McNicoll proposed, and Mr. Kirkland seconded, —“Thatthis Assembly tender a hearty vote of thanks to all those families and individual friends who have shown such considerate, cordial, and generous hospitality to the members of the Assembly during their present visit to this city.” Carried. Several members expressed great pleasure iu recording the kind treatment they had received at tlie hands of the Wellington people, which they would ever remember. THANKS TO THE PRESS. On the v motion of the Rev, Mr. Bruce, seconded by the Eev. Mr. Paterson, it was carried, — the hearty thanks of the Assembly ar6 due to the reporters for the careful way in which they have reported its proceedings in thoxlaily papers.” next assembly. On the motion of .Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Calder, the Assembly appointed its next meeting to be held at Christchurch in the month of December, 1575.

THE MODERATOR’S ADDRESS. The minutes of the sederunt having been read and confirmed, the Moderator addressed the Assembly as follows : Fathers and Brethren, —At the first sederunt of this venerable Assembly we engaged in the observance of the holy Communion, and we trust that in observing tliat ordinance we engaged fellowship with our blessed Redeemer. We trust that we had Him with us whom we always look to as our great King and Head ; and we trust, and have reason to believe, that His presence and guidance were not withheld from us in any of the work that we have done in connection with this happy meeting of the supreme court of our Church, We trust that we realised a sense of our Redeemer’s presence with us while we were engaged here in His work ; aud we trust that we will ever continue to realise it when we return again to the several spheres of labor to which the Master has appointed us. Wo ever need that presence, for no doubt in the work in which we are engaged there must often be many things to discourage us. Disappointments may be met with, ingratitude may sometimes be experienced from .those we endeavor to benefit, and sometimes, too, our labors may appear to be in a great degree fruitless. But things like these, if we experience them, ought not tobo permitted to interfere with our zealous continuance in well-doing, Christ met with disappointments, Christ met with ingratitude, and as for results that is in God’s hands not in ours. We have to be instant in season and out of season in doing good. That, of course, is our duty. The result of it belongs to God. He does not require of us success, but only exertion. We are to till the ground, and to sow the seed. To God it belongs either to withhold or vouchsafe the harvest. Ordinarily, however, the harvest will not be found wanting. It is seldom—-it is very seldom that the earnest prayerful endeavors in His cause of the servants of the Lord are not crowned with success. It is our duty to sow beside all waters, and not to be weary in well-doing, and God has promised that in due season we shall reap if we faint not. He has said, “ As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall My word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Having these and many kindred promises it is surely sufficient encouragement for us to “remain stedfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” But we are not left for encouragement in the work in which we are engaged to the promises of God alone. We, in this land, have encouragement also in the success with which the Lord has been pleased to bless our labors. There are many evidences of this. There is evidence of it, for example, in connection with the growth of our Church. That growth, almost from the beginning, it has been my own great privilege to witness. I saw the little plant, soon after it was placed in this distant soil, which, cultured by your bunds, my brethren, and nourished by the rams and the sunshine of heaven begins to spread out its branches far and wide, promising to rival ere long the goodly trees which our fathers, in their day and generation, were privileged to plant in the garden of the Lord. When I came to New Zealand between eighteen and nineteen years ago I with three other brethren in the ministry, had the honor of assisting at the formation of the Auckland Presbytery. There was then only one other Presbytery in New Zealand—the Presbytery of Otago, formed a few months before that of Auckland, and in which there were then three ministers. Besides this there were a few isolated charges scattered throughout the colony, most of them in the province of 'Wellington. Now, however, the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand has eleven Presbyteries, two Synods, and an Assembly, with between eighty and ninety clergymen, and some two hundred churches. This'itself is evidence—perhaps the best of all evidence—that Christianity is not effete, as some would have it that it is, but that it still possesses something of the vitality which, in ancient times, enabled it to ascend the throne of the Cfusars, and to conquer the world. But whilst we have much to be thankful for, it is at the same time, as it seems to mo, a subject of regret that so little has taken place in connection with our Church in this land resembling those great spiritual movement, with which some of the mother churches have of late years years been so abundantly blessed. The of refreshing with which God has been pleased to visit others have not, all events in anything like the same degree, been granted to us. I know of course that there are some, and some who profess an interest in the affairs of Christ’s Church, who would not look upon it as a matter very much to be regretted that movements of the nature I am alluding to are not experienced among us. And this is strange. A feeling of hostility or a feeling of indifference to a movement of this nature—when it is not marred with extra vagance and fanaticism—is, as it appears to me, alike contrary to reason and to consideration will, I think, make’this evident. All men who profess Christianity will admit that an impenitent sinner mav be changed into a child of God, Most of such men will admit also that the change which takes place, when an impenitent sinner becomes changed into a child of God, may take place suddenly. If, then, one man being an impenitent sinner may all at onco become changed into a child of God, why may not more than one ? Why may not considerable numbers ? The same causes that have power all at once to produce the conversion of one man have, as is evident enough, power to produce all at once the conversion of great numbers of men. Again, men who know anything of Christianity, will admit that a man who has become a Christian, may fall into a cold, careless, and sinful condition. It will be admitted, also, that a man who does get into that condition, may bo* aroused out of it. lie may too be aroused out of it at once. If, then, one man being a careless and backsliding Christian, may at once be awakened, why may not more than one?—why may not considerable numbers? Considerable numbers of impenitent sinners as we see. then, may at the same time be converted, and considerable numbers of careless Christians may at the same time be awakened. But when this takes place, there takes place what is usually called a revival of religion. What other feelings then, when such a revival is experienced, should be ujvpermost in the heart of every sincere Christian hut a feeling of thankfulness, and*a feeling of gratitude to Almighty God? The attention of this Assembly has to-night been specially called to the awakening that has taken place at home, and we prayed, in the devotional exercises with which this Assembly was commenced, that God would in the same way revive His work in the midst of us, and grant to us a baptism of His blessed Spirit, and we should pray for this. Our heart’s desire and prayer to God should be that He would grant to us u season of refreshing from His presence, and if this prayer is offered by us earnestly we know that it shall not be offered in vain. In relation to this, as in relation to all other spiritual blessings, it is true that if we ask we shall receive. The Lord lias said, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a. pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Whether, however, the Lord is pleased to bless us in the way that I have spoken of. or whether He is not ; whether He is pleased that His work should be carried on among us in an ordinary way, or. that it bo furthered by extraordinary showers of Divine blessing, let us who arc His ministers bo dilligent in carrying on that work. Now is the time for zealous Christian activity. Dcath.wiU soon come, and an account of our stewardship will soon have to bo rendered. , Lot us work the work of God, then, while it is day. The night cometh when no man can work. Nor, as you know, is this diligence a duty which belongs only to the ministers of Christ’s Church, livery member of that Church belongs to the Christian priesthood, and everyone, be his sphere ever so exalted, or ever so humble, can do something in the common cause. There is no man who has trusted and seen that the Lord is good, and that the Lord is gracious, but can tell to his fellow-men how good and how gracious he has experienced Him to be. There is no man who has been bought with the precious blood of Christ, but can tell to hia fellow-men how unspeakably precious that blood is. There is no man whoso spiritual maladies have been healed, but can recommend to his fellow-men the remedy which he himself has experienced to be so efficacious. Let us all then, my brethren, whether we are office-bearers in the Church, or whether wc arc not, regard it ns our highest honor, and our greatest privilege, as well as our sacred duty, to be fellow-laborers with our Lord in the good work. Making sure first of all tliat we ourselves possess a title to the heavenly inheritance, let it be our anxious endeavor that, when this world and everything connected with it shall be to us as a dream of the night, or as a talc that is told—let it bo our anxious endeavor, with God’s aid, to bring it to pass tliat that crown of glory which the Lord shall bestow upon us shall shine with that more intensified lustre, which every soul brought to Jesus through our instrumentality is certain to add to it. God has said it, and shall Ho not do it? He has spoken it, and shall He not make faithful unto atmn .a.«u give us * ufo. Ho has written it in His blessed Word that they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Thereafter the Assembly was closed with singing the last three verses of the 122nd Psalm, rnd the pronouncing of the benediction. PROROGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY. . The session of the Presbyterian General Assembly for 1871 was terminated at ten o’clock last evening. The members met at ten yesterday morning—an hour earlier than usual —and succeeded in getting through the business allotted for the day sitting by a quarter past one. In response to an invitation issued by Mr, P. Laing, the clergy and elders, accompanied by a number of ladies, in all a large party, assembled at the railway station at 2.30 p.m., aud proceeded to Mr, Laing’s Hutt residence, where the party arrived at 3 o’clock. Bloomfield was placed entirely at the disposal of the visitors, who appeared to thoroughly appreciate and enjoy its beauties. Within the house Mr. Laing dispensed lUs usual hospitality, and in the orchard and gardens visitors were allowed cnvlc hlttnchc. During the afternoon Mr. Batt, photographer, succeeded in taking an excellent photograph of the clergy and elders in a group, and afterwards tho ladies of the party in another group. Before leaving Bloomfield, tho Moderator (the Rev. Mr. McKinney), on behalf of the visitors, thanked Mr. Laing for his kindness, aud three hearty cheers wore given. Tho party reached town at G. 30 *p,ra. At 7 o’clock tho Assembly again met at the Provincial Hall, which was well filled with visitors.