THE SYNODS AND THE PRESENTATION.

Evening Star, Issue 7354, 28 October 1887, Page 1

THE SYNODS AND THE PRESENTATION.

Parliament represents, constitutionally, the'whole people, and, containing as admixture of all sorts and conditions of men, illustrates no doubt in degree the influence of "the world, the flesh, and the devil," as theologians put it, on affairs political and social. Even those who would oeotarianise the State system of education do not attempt to advocate the introduction of that element into the Legislature, whose work is admitted to be puiely secular, but not on that account the less amenable to pmjch and justice. The march of intellect, in somewhat devious paths occasionally, has, bowever, brought about the state of things so much to be-deplored in some parts of the world. New Zealand iaeminently a religious country, and if there are diversities of denominations and some distinction of creeds, the important fast remains that the people recognise guiding principles, which have their foundation somewhat deeper than human intelligence. It is not our JM*s>7 nor would it become us, to sermonise ; everyone can understand what we mean, and those who are acquainted with history know well that to these principles our race owe*, the position it holds among nations. The above remarks have been induced by the somewhat notable coincidence of three prominent religious communities having been conspicuously in evidence during'the <ufrrent week. The Presbyterian Church ofcQtago and Southland have met in their annual Synod. The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Duncdin, which includes all otagO/~and Southland, have also opened their session. And the return of Dr Moban from a visit to Australia has been made the occasion of a great reception by the Roman Catholics, who deservedly regard their Bishop with something more than esteem. Each of these functions has been suggestive of what may be termed the inner life of large sections of our fellow-citizens, and we propose.: very briefly to refer to them separately. The Presbyterian Synod, meeting in the First Church on Tuesday evening, was attended by a large number of and elders from all parts of Otago.* In this provincial district the Presbyblrian Church, numerically and in point of wealth and influence, continues to be the ruling denomination. Among the ministers and elders are venerable, men, who have been identified with Otagp from the first, and whose names are household words in city, township, and hamlet. The roll of members of the Synod sounds like a roll of the early settlers, and calls the memory back to days gone by and a very different order of things. The session was opened, according to universal, precedent, by an address delivered by the (incoming Moderator—the Rev. James Davidson, minister in charge of Mataura North—who dealt generally with the subject of "The Christian Ministry," which he discussed from the point of view of his communion in a very comprehensive manner. The deliverance—specially intended for and adapted to his clerical brethren—is not within our criticism; but we may say that it is markedly earnest in tone, and occasionally strikes out new lines of thought. We give one short quotation: "It is sometimes, re- " marked that the changes which are taking " place in our day, in our social institutions, " are, in point of rapidity and magnitude, " unprecedented in history. It may be so. " The forces now at work are not only " immensely numerous but intensely active, " and may in some directions work mischief. " Yet, if only things that are useless, and " things that are false, - and things that •are devilish, go to the wall, we "shall not waste our tears over,their "demise." The Presbyterian Church has extensive work, and most responsible functions in this district, and we, may be allowed to hopjjfthal ajjiJli 11 fl uence for good may not be diminished. The Anglican body in New Zealand is identical in doctrine and form of Church government with the Established Church of England. The Colony is divided, into seven dioceses, _ and perhaps, if the machinery is rather on a larger scale than is required for the work in hand. InOtago the denomination is not numerically strong, and has had an uphill fight to maintain organisation. In the Diocesan Synod the Bishop is ex officio chairmanfand, like the Moderator among the Presbyterians, delivers an opening address. Dr Nevill, however, did not confine himself to an abstract deliverance on a particular subject, but discussed generally many matters of interest connected with religion, with the Church, and with his diocese. , Sqme, of his remarks are worth noting. "The Church "in a colony," lie says, for instance, ''has " no official opportunity of raising her voice " in the government of the country, yet it is "manifest that a great aeap'of leipslatioii '' must affect her people, and .therefore her- " self, morally, and even spiritually, and that "to a very marked degree. Is the Church "by silence to appear indifferent? Public " action is very far-reaching, ft-isajmatter "of common observation, that wholesale " borrowing on the part of the Government " is speedily initiated in lesser circles, and " affects the habits of private individuals. " How many sermons it will take>to.eorrect " the evils of an uhwholes6me" H Dankruptcy "law?" This latter question somewhat suggests the old. one—" How many snowballs will licit an oven?" But the drift of Dr .'Nevjll 'n observations is clear enough. The Bishop condemns the State system jof education as being based "on the fatal mis"take that the mere communication of '--seoular- knowledge is sufficient' to pro"duce all that"ean oe desired itt the cha"racter and conduct of the people of the " land." W6 are glad, however, to note his declaration that the Anglican Church flas no desire "to assume an antagonistic ."posi- " tion, or. even to exhibit' any. jealousy " towards the State in the education, ques.ff tion, but rather to co-operate , for the "welfare of the whole community." '©ie address.as a whole is able and scholarly, and would seem to aim especially at bringing home to the laymen of his communion their responsibilities as citizens. He would have their religious convictions bear fruit4n their everyday life and in the discharge of political as well as social and business duties. This is a lesson which might, we think, with advantage be impressed on members of other denominations. Bishop Moran has now been resident among us for about eighteen years, and« is not too much to say that his high character and his unswerving consistency to principle have won the respect of .the people generally, even of those who disagree with him most distinctly on_ some vital questions. Into these questions or any debateable matter connected therewith or otherwise it is not our purpose .to enter. The occasion which dictates what we have to say altogether excludes any such reference. The Roman Catholics of Otago have for some time had it in mark their sense of what their chief pastor has done for them during the course of his episcopate in a manner of him-and of themselves, and the opportunity was taken of Dr Mohan's absence in Australia to bring the matter to a point. A money testimonial was, for good and- sufficient reasons, decided- on—Catholic prelates, it has to be recollected, have no revenues beyond the contributions of their and in the short space of six weeks the Btmi of LI, 140 was collected, which washanded to the Bishop on Wednesday evening. The most gratifying testimonial, however,-was not this, nor was it comprised? in, the several addresses expressive -of ,v*he warmest feelings -of regard and affection which were presented, , but rather, we conceive, the immense gathering of his people who thronged the Cathedral to do their bishop honor. There -can be no question that Dr MoBAN thoroughly deservesjjall honor thattheycangivehim. He hasthrough a long series of years devoted hhnself to their service, and has done much to elevate their religion and social status; Tiifey b£ve, thanks to his exertions, churches and schools

all. over the provincial dlstrlot, and in Dunedin- a material portion of the magnificent Cathedral, wuioh in the future will adorn the City. It need hardly be said that on the education question we entirely ditter from the Bishop; but we do not the legs respect him for the position he unflinchingly maintains, and for acting, as he does, up to bis principles.