SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 116, 30 November 1858, Page 3

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

By way of Melbourne we have news from Adelaide to the 3rd instant. The Rev. T. Binney continues to be the chief theme, both the Register and Advertiser discussing at considerable length his project of Christian union. His Excellency Sir R.'Gr. Macdonnell, the members of the Government and legislature, the dignitaries of the Episcopalian Church, and indeed all the notabilities of Adelaide in Church and state, united on the occasion of the public breakfast given to the rev. gentleman to do honor to their distinguished visitor. The sittings of Parliament were adjourned in consideration of the event. The Register remarks upon the demonstration of respect for Mi\ Binney in the following terms ':-^- TJndpubtedly the event to winch wo are referring is not only an extraordinary fact, but It has also unusual significance. It indicates something more than meets the eye—something of the universality of the demonstration is doubtless due to the commanding talent and high reputation of the guest. Much of its cordiality is perhaps owing to the fact that some of Mr. Binney's early friends, and many of his less familiar but still friendly acquaintances, occupy prominent positions here, and naturally took a leading part on the occasion. But, after these things have been fairly considered, there still remains much to be accounted for. The true explanation of the completeness of the demonstration has still to be sought. We think it may be found in the fact that Mr. Binney's presence has been made the occasion of mooting certain thoughts consonant with the advanced intelligence of this community, but far ahead of its habits. A hope has been aroused that by his instrumentality a long-existing barrier against the friendly co-opera-tion of the Protestant Churches would be broken down. Liberal "Churchmen" and enlightened "Dissenters" have lenged for the overthrow of antiquated restrictions on their Christian intercourse; and men of the world have approved the removal of exclusive distinctions which imply dominancy on the one hand and.inferiority on the other. We regard the demonstration of yesterday as an act of homage to this idea, and whether it be realised at once, or indefinitely, it is not a trifling circumstance that the thought has been entertained, and for a while at least believed to be of possible accomplishment. The proposal to invite Mr. Binney—a Congregational minister—to preach in the pulpit of an Episcopalian Church— a proposal sanctioned by the approval of some of the leading members of- that church, both olerio and laic, .and indirectly countenanced by <tho Bishop of the diocese, is indeed a significant fact. It indicates .much', in relation to the character of this community, much in relation to the salutary effects of the disconnection of the Church "and State, and, much in relation to the future of the world. As Mr. Binney said yesterday, this is tho only spot in the British dominions in which the representative of the Crown could with propriety give utterance to a sentiment favorable to the proposition. To be the community which occupies this foremost place in religious freedom—" sotting an example to all the world"-—is indeed a distinction aud a great one. We'liope it will yet be found that no ecclesiastical or legal obstacle exists to prevent the realisation of the great idea, and that Mr. Binney may be able |o say, on his return to England, that he assisted ja breaking down tho barriers which separate good men of one denomination from all their brethren* as well as that ho found .here, a people ripe for such a change,