PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1328, 16 April 1885, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY. A meeting of the Presbytery of South Canterbury was held in the Temuka Church yesterday afternoon. Amongst other business, a call from the Akaroa congregation to the Rev, Mr McLennan, of Pleasant Point, was laid on tho table. Messrs Young and Bishop, of the Pleasant Point congregation, attended, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the work done by the Rev. Mr McLennan in their district. They also, on behalf of the congregation, expressed the deepest feeling of regret at the prospect of losing him. The call was placed in the hands of the Rev. Mr McLennan, and ho signified his acceptance. The Rev. Mr Barclay then moved—- “ That the translation of Mr McLennan is expedient; that the pastoral tie be now dissolved, and Mr McLennan instructed to await the future orders of the Christchurch Presbytery for induction at Akaroa.” The motion was seconded by tbe Rev, Mr Gillies, and carried unanimously. All the members of the Presbytery spoke of the pleasure they bad experienced in their associations with the Rev. Mr McLennan, and expressed great regret at his having elected to leave the district. The Rev. Mr Gillies was appointed Moderator of Pleasant Point during the vacancy.

THE INDUCTION OE THE REY. MR

MACINTOSH. The ceremony of the induction of the Rev. Mr Macintosh into the charge of the Temuka congregation took place yesterday, in tho Church, There was a very large attendance of members of the Church from all parts of the district, and many people belonging to other denominations also attended. At 3.35 the Rev. Mr McLennan, of Pleasant Point, ascended the pulpit, and •after giving out Psalm 145, it was sung by the congregation. He next read from the 52nd chapter of Isaiah, and offered up a prayer, after which the 503rd Hymn was sung. Ho then read from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy, and said the Lord’s Prayer, after which Hymn 334 was sung, the rev. gentleman then preached from the 10th verso of the 2nd chapter of Revelations: “Be thou faithful, etc.” These words were addressed to the angel of the Church of Smyrna. He then told the story of Polycarp ; how he was led to the stake and burned, and said this referred to every minister of Christ. Ministers of the Gospel should follow the example of Jesus Christ, even to the extent of dying, if necessary. Perhaps it was impossible to ho equally as faithful as Jesus Christ, as He was faithful in His greatest sufferings. Our cause was committed to Him, and He was faithful. His cause is committed to us now, and He asks us to be faithful to Him. There were enemies everywhere, but if Christians were faithful to God they would conquer. It was necessary to be faithful in everything, and faithful to the end. There were three things which ho (the speaker) wished to see ; the Lord Jesus in His heavenly beauty; the gathering together of all the faithful; and the Coronation of Heaven.

• Hymn 118 was next snug. The Rev. Mr McLennan then said that the usual steps had been taken, and they had now met-to ordain Mr Macintosh and induct him into the charge of the Church. The usual questions as to his belief in the Scriptures ; the Westminister Confession of Faith; and the ritual of the Presbyterian Church were then put to the candidate for ordination and answered in the affirmative, after which the Rev. Mr McLennan descended from the pulpit and prayed over him. At a certain part of the prayer he and the other ministers as members of the Presbytery—namely the Revs. Messrs Gillies, Barclay and Magee—laid their hands on the candidate, and prayed. This ceremony finished the Eev. Mr McLennan, who conducted the ordination service, declared Mr Macintosh ordained a minister the church and inducted into the charge of the Temuka congregation. The Rev, Mr Barclay then addressed the new minister. He said he thought his address might have been spared as he had no doubt he had during his theological studies and in his meditations learned what he had to say. However, as the duty devolved on him he would address to him a few words, He referred to the Westminister Confession as to how new ministers should be exhorted as to the importance of the position of a minister. Positions derived from the sovereign or from some earihly power were much prized, but what was such a position to that derived from God? The work was also great, viz , the winning of souls to God. He would have to encounter difficulties ; he was sorry to say he could tell him so from experience, but he must I be firm, and yield to none. He must also he courageous and persistent, and never yield to negligence. The Divines ( told them to remind tho new ministers of negligence, and they had good reason to do so, for had not the apostle himself said “ Woe is me if I preach not the gospel of,

Christ.” There were things ft r which ministers ought not to be responsible. One man could not be held guilty of the infidelity of another ; he could only do his duty. But, there was a limit to his responsibility he should never neglect his duties, for it would lead to serious consequences. Another matter was the blessings promised to a minister who had done his duty, he was promised a crown of glory that fadeth not away. After having referred to several other matters he exhorted the new minister to remember the greatness of his position and the greatness of his work, and also the blessings promised for the faithful performance of his duties. The Rev. Mr Magee, of Waimate, then addressed the congregration. They had heard the address of the Rev, Mr Barclay to their minister as to his duties, but they had duties to perform towards him, as he had towards them. They must assist him in all things. He had no doubt that their minister would do his duty. He had known him for the last 8 years under different circumstances, and the impression he made then on the speaker led him (o conclude that he would be faithful even unto death. They must assist him with their prayers, they must attend church regularly, and if he had occasion to reprove and speak personal they must not allow this to undermine the influence of their minister. He exhorted them to co-operate in all things with him ; to pray for him ; and if they did he had no doubt but that the blessings of God would be showered upon them. The Rev. Mr McLennan then pronounced the benediction and tho proceedings terminated-

TEA AND CONCERT

The tea and concert held in tho evening were largely attended. We made every effort in our power to get certain information necessary to the compilation of our report, but failed, and consequently our report is held over until next issue.