THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Evening Star, Issue 7447, 16 February 1888, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

CHRISTCHURCH, Fkbruary 15,

At the Presbyterian Assembly to-day the clerk read a copy of the reply from Her Majesty to the address from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Her Majesty conveyed her thanks and acknowledgements of the loyal sentiments expressed in the address. A petition was read from the Auckland Presbytery calling attention to certain alterations in the ' Book of Order' of which the Presbytery did not approve. They asked that Appendix 1 might be set aside. The Rev. J. Paterson moved—" That this Assembly is satisfied that the appendices as printed in the 'Book of Order'are what were passed by the Assembly of last year, and that there is no ground for complain contained in the petition of the Auckland Presbytery. This Assembly further expresses its regret that the Auckland Presbytery should not have communicated witli the parties involved before making the complaint they have done, and instruct the Presbytery to insert this resolution of the Assembly in their minutes." The Rev. J. Elmslie seconded the resolution, which was carried by 27 to 17. A telegram was received from the Congregational Conference in Dunedin sending friendly greetings to the Assembly.—The telegram was received and the clerk was instructed to acknowledge it. The report of the Committee on the 'Book of Order'was adopted. It stated that the cost had been L 75, and the sales left a debit balance of LIS 7s 3d. Only COG copies had been sold, leaving 1,394 unsold. An overture from the Auckland Presbytery rt Assembly expenses was read. It suggested that steps should be taken to reducp the aiuouut of such expenses.—lt was resolved that the overture be received, and the matter of making assessment as lenient as possible be remitted to the Committee having the matter in charge. The General Assembly resumed itj sittings at seven o'clock. The report on the state of religion and morals expressed thankfulness for blessings all through the Church. There had been special evangelistic work in many Presbyteries, and this has been very successful. Aggressive work had been carried on in some outlying districts. Reference was made to growing vices of social impurity, .Sabbath desecration, gambling, and intemperance, and an earnest hope expressed that efforts would be made by ministers and people to check those sins. Conferences regarding the great amount of non-church going had been held in the church at Auckland. The report spoke strongly of the good work done by Mr Duncan Wright, evangelist, in Canterbury, and suggested that the Assembly should recommend him to the sympathy of all Presbyterian congregations. The Rev. Mr Gillies moved —"That the report be received, and that the thanks of the Assembly be given to the Committee, and especially to the convener, and that it specially records deep regret that the sins mentioned should be so common, and urges upon the people of our Church to do what they can to lessen those vices ; also, encourage efforts in regard to evangelistic work." This was unanimously agreed to. The Presbyteries of Auckland and Nelson asked that Messrs M'Kiuney and Nome be permitted to baptise. Permission was granted to Mr Norrie.