PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9340, 14 February 1896, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

{PBESS ASSOCIATION TKI/ECSKAM.)

WELLINGTON, February 13. Ab the Presbyterian Assembly, this morning, the Rev. R. J. Allsworth was thanked for his services *a Moderator, and appreciation oi his labour in the service of the Church for many years waa expressed.

Au overture was received from the Wanganui Presbytery in connection with the spread of SacramentarUn High Churchiam. After an interesting discussion the following motion was carried—"That thia Assembly declares its contiuued adherence to the Kvangeiical Christianity with which the Presbyterian Church has been honourably associated in all its history, and exhorts its ministers and people to guard against everything than tends to undermine it hy the spread of the laaven of sacrameuuirianiain iii the community."

An overture was received from the Timaru Prasbytety in connection with the admission of probationers and ministers without charges in the Church oi Otago and South land. Is was agreed that thrse should be open to receive oalle from congregations under the Assembly. The action of the Presbytery of Christchurch m ordaiuing Mr 11. S. Allen, a Probationer of the Ciiurch of Otago aud Southland, to the Sydenham charge, was validated.

Tiie diecrnsion on the report of the Committee on Heiigion and Morals was resumed, aud the report was unanimously adopted. The Rev. A. E. Todd (Timaru) brought up the report on the Aged and lufirm Ministers' Fund. No fresh grants had been applied for during the year. The revenue hud been £294 6a Id, Bad Che expenditure £105 6s l>l. The capital now stood at £3548 os sii. The report was adopted. •

The report on the Widows' and Orphans' Fund was referred to a Committee to consider certain questions raised. To-night the Rev. B. Todd moved, and the Rev. J. Patersoa seconded, a motion cooveyinsf to the Rev. D. Sidey, the Clerk of the Assembly, congratulatioas upon the honour conferredv ou him by the degree of D.D. from the Edinburgh University.

The Key, D. Button and the Key. A. Cameron, deputies from the Synod of Otago and Southland, addressed the Assembly and received kindly welcome.

The Riv. Gordon Webster, M.A., gave in the reporc of the Uoiou Committee. Satis* faction was expressed at the steady progress being made towards s> anion between the Churches. -

The report of the Committee on education was received. The Rev. Gordon Webeter moved the adoption of the report. He supported the proposal to introduce the Irish 'lext Book of •scripture lesson* into oar ftcaooia. The Ray. James Paterson seconded the motion. The Rev. James MoKeozie (Neieou) moved, and Mr Farr seconded — *' That tne Assembly declines to call upon the Stale so eugage iv reiigioos teaching, bnt resolves to exhort all who love our Lord, specially parents and Sabbath school teachers, to redouble their efforts on behalf of the children that, under tiia bles3iqg of the JDivioe Spirit, they may early-know and love the Saviour." '£he question ia still under discussion.

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