PRFSBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1652, 22 October 1872, Page 3

PRFSBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

The Presbytery of Southland met at Invercargill on the 16th inst. There were present the Keys. .Andrew Stevens (Moderator), Thomas Alexander, James M. Thomson, Charles S. Ross, and Andrew H. Stobo, (ministers), and Messrs Watson, Gray, M'Phee, and Campbell, (elders). Itwasagreed totransmit the following Overtures to the Synod, viz. : — ■' Whereas there is reason ] to fear that the principles on which the Ordinance of Baptism ought to be dispensed in this church are "not sufficiently understood, and that there is not sufficient uniformity of practice in regard to this Ordinance, on fche part of the various ministers, it is humbly overtured by the Presbytery of Southland to the Synod of Otago and Southland ' to take this matter into consideration, with a j view to make clear the principles and practical I rulee by which the ministers of this church should Ibe guided in this matter." And also, " Whereas . In the Directory for Public Worship, prayers and religious services at funerals, made at the grave, are directed to be laid aside, and whereas the practice of using such prayers i 3 becoming common, it is humbly overtured to tbe Synod of Otago and Southland to take this matter into consideration, with a view to declare the practice on such occasions which this church ought to adopt." It was agreed to concur wifh the Dunedin Presbytery in authorising the Church Extension Committee to send home for two additional ministers. A resolution of the Mission Committee was laid »n the table anent members of that Committee exchanging pulpits with ministers of this Presbytery, aud advocating the cause of the missions cf this church. The Presbytery instructed the Clerk to communicate to the Clerk j of the Clutha Presbytery its desire that some i members of the Mission Committee should visit j the bounds and preach. The Presbytery further recommended the various minis! ers to bring the cause of the missions of this church prominently \ before their people, either at prayer- meetings or at public diets of worship. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that the Overture anent hasty legislation, sent down from last Synod, be not agreed to. The Presbytery agreed to takeinto consideration the draft copy of the practice of this church at its next ordinary meeting. It was resolved that special Evangelistic services should be held, if possible, before next ordinary meeting, at Woodlands and Riverton ; Messrs Stobo and Watson to assist at Woodlands, and Messrs Stevens and Gray at Riverton, as well as any other member of Presbytery who could make it convenient to attend. The Presbytery then proceeded to take into consideration the English Presbyterian Hytonbook, in accordance with the remit of Synod. After considerable discussion, 'it was moved by Mr Stobo, and seconded by Mr Watson—" That the Presbytery recommend the English* Presbyterian Hymn-book for adoption by this church." Mr Alexander moved as an amendment — " That the English Presbyterian collection be nofc approved of, bufc that the church send down to Presbyterl s for consideration the collection adopted by thn Free Church." There voted for the motion 6, and for the amendment 2. The Presbytery a 'journel fco meet on Wednesday, the 7fch January, 1873, at 11 a.m.