PRESBYTERIAN.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 279, 15 December 1877, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN.

The quarterly irieeting of the Presbytery of Wellington was held on Wednesday sth iristant; at Wellington, the sederunt consisting of Messrs Ogg, Paterson, Treadwell, McKee, Moir, Allsworth, Ross, and Doull, ministers ;and MessrsStrachan, McLean, and McCardle, elders. The Rev David Bruce, of Auckland, and the Rev William Sheriffs, of Blenheim, being present, were associated. Mr McGregor, who has been supplying Fielding; Palmerston, and Sandon, desired to be released from duty at those places, to enable him to study Uninterruptedly for the Ministry. The Rev Mr Moir also desired to bo relieved from duty at the Hutt. The Revs Ross and Doull were appointed to arrange with Church Extension committee for substitutes.-

Resignation by the Rev James Lindsay, of the charge at Walhariga, &c., was accepted. The Rev Javries D'oull tabled a recommendation for presentation to the Presbyterian General Assembl}'. “ to discourage the practice of raising moitey by lotteries, art unions, or in other ways not consistent with the Gospel of Christ.” A committee consisting of Messrs Treadwell and Ross were appointed to enquire into, and report, at next ordinary meeting, as to number of Sabbath schools,scholars, mode of teaching, and of training teachers, &c.

A session of the Presbyterian General Assembly has also been held in Wellington, during the past and present week, the Rev J. Paterson (retiring Moderator) having preached the opening sermon in the Willis-street Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening. The Rev George Barclay was nominated and duly elected Moderator. The session was continued oil Friday and following days iri the Provincial Hall.

It was decided that the mouth of March shall be the time for meeting of the Assembly. The greater part of the sederunt was taken up in discussing a report on temperance, and urging the adoption of measures to discourage intemperance. The committee was reappointed to watch over the matter, and take any steps they might think advisable in support of rtny good piece of legislation which might be introduced in Parliament towards the repression of the drinking customs of the people, and that the attention of the people should be drawn to the evil use of wine at baptisms, funerals, &c.

The Assembly agreed to issue a pastoral address re private and family religion,- and matters pertaining to administration of ordinances and irreligious social customs. It was also agreed to issue an exposition of the principles and policy of Presbyterianism,- for the instruction (pf their people. The Treasurer’s report as read, showed a balance to the credit of the Church of 153 17s Id. Much discussion took place re investing the funds in property of prospective value, and the Trustees recommended accordingly. Re provision for widows and orphans, it was shown that £6OO was available, and the Rev D. Bruce, as agent for the Church, reported that during his travels he had collected upwards of £6OO for the same fund. Ministers Avere instructed to make the first annual payment of £5 by the 30th September, 1878 ; Ministers who are contributing to such schemes in connection with Home Churches to have the option of exception. The Maori Mission was discussed and reported to be doing good work, but the funds for the purpose were low. Two deputies from Otago addressed the Assembly, and hoped that in set'en or eight years the church from one end of New Zealand to the other would meet in one assembly. Much discussion took place on the report of the new Hebrides Mission. The Missionary asked leave to visit Scotland. Leave was granted, provided arrangements be made for carrying on the work during his absence, and that funds are available.

It was agreed to join \tdth Australian Churches in asking for a British protectorate for the New Hebrides Islands. Statistics read showed an increase of twenty-two congregations during four years ; the whole income showed an increase of £2,600 during the year ; buildings erected dining the 3 r car cost £B,OOO. The question regarding the training of students occupied much time, and was fully discussed. The course of study adopted is of a high class. It was agreed to raise Bursaries to assist students while studying. Four ministers were appointed to prepare papers for the work of the Church, Gospel Ministry, Confessions, and Materialism for next Assembly. A conference on the state of religion reresulted in a resolution to give prominence in pastoral address to Sabbath observance and kindred topics. It was agreed to express great satisfaction at the approaching visit of Dr Sommerville, and their readiness to give him every assistance and encouragement in his work. Education was discussed in connection with recent legislation, and it was agreed to watch carefully over future legislation, and guard against anything like a denominational system. Sabbath* schools and other matters occupied the attention of the Assembly. The report on the Temperance question was read by the Rev Mr Sheriff, of Blenheim. In the discussion which took place

the Rev J. Allsworth said that strong drink and the drinking customs of this ago were among the mightiest hindrances to the progress of religion and morality, and that the establishment of temperance soc:eties for adults, and band of hope societies for the young, were instrumentalities id be employed to counteract the mighty evil, lie held that ministers should lead by their own example. In motion moved by Mr Treadwell; and carried, a line of policy was indicated as to legislation by Parliament, and it was agreed that ministers of the church should be required to preach on some Sabbath in the month of February on the. evils existing in connection with the drinking customs, and be recommended to promote temperrfnce principles airiong the young people of their congregations. The Suatentation Fund scheme was adopted, to come into operation Ist January, 1870, an agent to" visit all congregations during next year to instruct ministers and congregations in working of tl c scheme. Arrangements were made to s c ire sites fdr churches in all new townships. Good progress was icported by the Church Extension Committee, and arrangements made for the future. The moderator delivered lm closing address on Wednesday. The next- meeting to be held in Christchurch in March, 1879. Strangers arid country settlers coining to Carlyle, are very often at a loss to which is the best and cheapest Dranery arid Clothing tiie ‘ district. K. A. Adams’ Cardigan House, offers special advantages that cari be met with nowhere else in the district, He keeps the largest and best assorted stock of every description of drapery goods, imported direct—arid from the best colonial houses ; which, being bought on the most advantageous terms, and having thorough knowledge of the business, enables him to offer goods of sterling quality at pi ices that cannot be improved on by any other house in New 2Tealanl. Every article is marked in plain figures, Prom which there is no deviation ; so that inexperienced people are as well served as the best judges, the terms being net cash,- without rebate or abatement of any kind. Note the address —R. A. Adams j Cardigan House, nearly opposite Town Hall, Carlyle. — advt, Holloway's Ointment and Pills. —Never at fault. —In all irritations of the skin; sores,- ulcers, burns, and scrofulous enlargements of the glands Holloway’s Ointment presents a ready and easy means of cure,- which never disappoint the most favourable expectations. It manifests a peculiar power in restraining inflammation,removing stagnation, cooling the heated blood, and checking all acrimonious or unhealthy discharges. Whilst the Ointment thus acts locally, the Pills are no' less remarkable for their power' in improving the general condition and habit of body, both processes render the cures complete and permanent. Under the general influence of these potent remedies, the puny infant becomes the robust child j the pale and emaciated regain colour and rotundity, and the dyspeptic cats freely without fear.