SYDNEY CLERICAL SCANDAL.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 480, 14 June 1890, Page 3

SYDNEY CLERICAL SCANDAL.

REV. ANDREW GARDINER'S CASE.

The Sydney “ Presbyterian ” last week says :—Rev. Andrew Gardiner, M. A., of tho Glebe, we t’eeply regret to say, has left the colony under a thick cloud. Into the particulars we need not enter. It is hard to believe all that is reported of ono who for 16 years hns been so diligent, so useful, so successful, and so popular. We feel keenly for our common Christianity, for the Glebe congregation, and very specially for his relatives and for himself. But, after all, such a fall is not new. Great and good men have from time to time sinned grievously. After all, we see that it is not from professors of religion that we must take our example, bub from Christ. Christianity is perfect, its professors are imperfect. And, after all, good will come out of this sore evil if Christians learn to humbly keep bold of God and always to remember the caution of Holy Writ:— ‘ Let him that thinketh hestandath take heed lest he fall.’ A pro re nata meeting of the Presbytery will be held next week to consider Mr Gardiner’s case.” The meeting of the Presbytery referred to was to be held on Monday afternoon.

The following is the letter received from Auckland. “ Durham House, Auckland, Mew Zealand, 18th May, 1890. My dear Mr Maclnnes,—l beg to demit my pastoral charge of the Glebe Congregation Church with much regret. I hope my brethren will accept my resignation, and grant me the usual Presbyterial certificate. I have to thank the members, elders as well as ministers, for many kindnesses during past years, and to express my regret that the tie uniting us should be severed. For the sake of the congregation, which is now so large and ac* tive”and well organised, I hope the deuiision will be accepted as speedily as possible. —I am, yours very truly, Andrew Gardiner. The Rev. G. Maclnnes, 8.D., clerk of the Sydney Presbytery.”