PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1153, 25 October 1869, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

(TO THE BDITOE OF T(IK T1H83.)

Sib, — In your issue of to-day, I notice an article headed " Presbytery of Southland," purporting to be a report of the business transacted at the quarterly meeting of the Court of the Presbyterian Church of this Province. Taking for granted tbat your reporter was present and noted the proceedings, how is it that he omitted some of the most important items of the business of the meeting? "Was there not an overture from the Synod for the consideration of Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions in reference to the psalmody of the Church, the introduction of hymns, &c. ? Was there not another overture submitted for the consideration of Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries anent the proper representation of congregations in the highest Court of the Church, by Kirk Sessions electing representative elders either from their own session or from that of any other of the church ?

What of these most important questions? have they been shelved for another twelve months ? Are these meetings of Presbytery private ? if not, why are they not intimated from the pulpits of the several congregations represented by the Presbytery ? Is the venerable Court afraid that its discussions are not for edification, or is it alarmed that by giving such intimation there would be danger of too many of the members of the church getting initiated in the conduct of Presbyterial work? It is quite true that the report concludes by intimating that the next meeting bakes place on the 4th January next, at 11 o'clock, but it would be more to the purpose to intimate the meeting from the pulpit on two Sabbaths previous to said meeting. By so doing, the people could not complain of not having an opportunity of judging for themselves as to the conduct of the business of the Church It would also tend to give the people an intelligent interest in the affairs of the Church they belong to, and at same time lessen the weight of responsibility of the Ministers in planting charges as occasion might require, from time to time. — I am, Ac, Pbebbttebian.