THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 118, 14 November 1902, Page 4

THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

THIRD DAY., The Assembly resumed at 3 p.m., when the Rev. Mr. Morrison continued his defence of the action of the Timaru Presbytery in refusing to permit the Chalmers Church petitioners to adopt the site in Elizabeth-street on which they desired to erect a church. Others pleaded on either side except the original appellant. Mr. M'Bride then briefly replied, remarking that enough had been said to guide the Assembly to a righteous and just decision on the point. After hearing both sides the Rev. J. Gibb moved that the Assembly, while sympathising with the petitioners from the Chalmers Church, considers that in the interests of the church it is inexpedient that another church should be established so near to the old established Trinity Church ; that the appeal be dismissed, and that it be an instruction to the Chalmers congregation not to build their church within half a mile of Trinity Church.. The Rev. J.- Chisholm. (Roslyn) seconded the motion. The Rev. A. M. Finlayson moved an amendment that the appeal be sustained, that the Assembly reverse the decision of the Timaru Presbytery and approve the site selected for the Chalmers Church. Mr. Adam seconded the motion. .A vote was taken on the voting roll with the result that the Rev. Mr. Finlayson's amendment was carried by 64 votes to 61. ' The Rev. A. Whyte then moved, and it was agreed:— "That the Assembly rejoices to learn of the zeal and liberality and efficiency with which the Trinity congregation has prosecuted its work though weakened by the departure of many members and adherents ; it re^ jokes to learn of the similar zeal, liberality, and effifliency of Chalmers congregation; it affectionately counsels both parties to study the things that make for peace and' the things where one may edify another, and commends them to the great Head of the Church, for all countenance in their labours." EVENING SESSION. .The Assembly resumed at 7 p.m. The Baptist Union forwarded a telegram of congratulation, and the Moderator was requested to reply in the same way. Mr. J. M'Kerrow gave* notice that on Monday he would move that Messrs. Keith Ramsay, of Dunedin, and Albert Kaye, of Chrj^tchurch, be appointed members of the Church Property Trustees vice the late Messrs. J. Deans and J. Smith. THE STATE OF RELIGION. The Rev. S. W. Currie, of Balclutha, presented the report of the state of religion, which stated that nothing of very marked importance had characterised the church life during the year, though the returns of church attendance were gene-, rally speaking hopeful. In 'the country it evidently reached high water-mark, while in the towns and cities with their two services the tendency to become what Mr. Gladstone used to term "oncers" seemed to be growing stronger. The report concluded by recommending — (1) That our ministers be directed to preach on the subject of the Christian 'observance of the Lord's Day during the year ; (2) that the present Assembly take the necessary steps to release one or more of our ministers with well-known evangelistic gift for, say, six months of next year, for evangelistic work, especially in connection with our smaller congregations; (3) that the Assembly commend to our different congregations the services of such tried evangelists as Sisters Miriam and Winnie, and Messrs. Catherwood, Lyall, and Stephens. He moved that the report be adopted, and that recommendations 1 and 3 be carried, but that No. 2 be deferred in deference to the Hawkes Bay Presbytery having made an overture of a like nature. The Rev. J. C. Jamieson (Middlemarch, Otago) seconded the adoption, and in doing so gave some details of the home mission work being carried on in the country districts in Otagoi where the work of the Endeavour Societies was having a practical effect. If it were possible he should be glad to have Sister Miriam and Winnie brought back from Australia, 'and he knew of several districts ; which had benefited greatly by their, work. - Several other members spoke in a similar strain. At the suggestion of a delegate Mr. Currie agreed to add to his delivery an expression of thanks to God for having sent his honoured servants Dr. Torrey and Mr. Alexander to revive a spirit of religion in them. In this connection Mr. Adam (Tokomairiro) said he had not heard them, but he had proved the good they had done in his neighbourhood, where they had instilled a new life into people and pastor alike. A lengthy discussion was kept up, the speakers all testifying to the necessity for continuing the activity which had been created throughout the colony. A special feature of many of the speeches was the reference to the excellent work done by the Rev. J. Lyall in many parts of the colony. The report was adopted. The following overture from the Hawkes Bay Presbytery was then discussed: — "Whereas there has been manifested throughout the church a general desire for evangelistic services, and whereas the series of such services which has been lately held in the principal towns of the colony has been instrumental in Jeading a large number of persons into the Kingdom of God, arid in quickening spiritual life in the churches ; and whereas the evangelists who have come from a distance have been obliged to confine themselves to visiting the principal towns ; it is hereby overtured by the Presbytery, of Hawkeu Bay that the

General Assembly take the foregoing matters into consideration, and arrange for evangelistic services being held throughout the church, and especially in tho smaller centres." A petition, signed by between 400 and 500 young men in all the leading cen« ties of the colony asking for the appointment of one or more evangelists, was presented by the Rev. W. Hewitson. The Rev. J. Gibb moved, and it was agreed to unanimously, that a committee consisting of the Revs. Kelly, GrayDixon, Asher, Whyte, Dr. Erwin, J. Gibson Smith, Hewitson, and Gibb (convener), Messrs. Troup ana Moore be ap« pointed to bring up a report to the Assembly relating to the duties and salary of an Evangelist and Secretary for tha Young Men's Bible Class Mission, and to recommend some one for the dual position. Mr. Gibb said the Assembly need not fear this expense* as it was the general opinion that a salary of £300 would be provided outside the' Assembly altogether. TEMPERANCE. The Rev. R. M. Ryburn (Wanganui) brought; up this report, which dealt* lengthily with the subject in all its phases, and he moved the following deliverance, which, being seconded by the Rev. J. Gibson Smith, was unanimously agreed to: — "That the report be adopted with an expression of gratitude ta God for the progress of total abstinence and for the good results of 'no-license' in the Clutha, district; affirming that while disclaiming., all desire or intention to coerce the judgment of others, this Assembly believes .that in view of all tha circumstances it is the duty of Christiaa citizens to adopt the 'no-license' platform at the approaching licensing poll, and feels bound to exhort the members and adherents of the church to vote accordingly, directing the observance of the fourth. Sabbath of the month of November as Temperance Sabbath, and commend again tne work of temperance to the prayers of the people. The Assembly adjourned at 10 p.m. till 10 a.ril. to-day. ' ,