PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9648, 13 February 1892, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

[Feb Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 12. The Presbyterian Assembly, after discussing the foreign mission report, appointed a Committee to consider the financial position, especially in relation to the proposed appointment of a third missionary, and to the incidental expenditure. The reports on Maori and Chinese missions were adopted, and it was decided to separate the funds in future, making annual collections for the Maori mission, but opening a special accouot for the Chinese missions, so that all money specially given may be devoted thereto. The remainder of the sitting was devoted to hearing able addiesses from Professor Dunlop, the deputy from Otago, on the work and influence of the Christian Church, and Dr Lamb on the New Hebrides mission. The annual report of the Foreign Missions Committee stated that the fund was in abetter financial position than itwas last year, being now in credit £I6OO. The collections amounted to- £459. The Rev Scott West moved the adoption of the report, but the Rev Mr Sidey moved as an amendment—“ That prior to the adoption of the foreign mission report the whole question of finance be referred to a Special Committee consisting of ministers and elders from various Presbyteries.” Tbe amendment was carried. The Rev James Doul said that since his Committee’s report on Sabbath schools had been furnished he had received a greater number of schedules, (viz., 71) than had been in the hands of the convener at any previous Assembly. These 71 returns were with regard 'o 148 schools, with a roll number of 10,778 and an average attendance of 8157. The teachers in these schools numbered 460 males and 691 females. There had raised, according to 47 returns, £228 14s 5d for mission purposes, and according to 52 returns £872 13a 9d for library and other purposes. One very pleasing feature which the schedule gave evidence of was the increasing attention given to the young in the ordinary services on the Sabbath day. The Rev Mr Treadwell moved the adoption of the following minutes, which a Committe, especially appointed for the purpose, had prepared:—" That this Assembly having heard, along with all tbe rest of the Christian Church, of the lamented death of the Eov C. H. Spurgeon, of London, resolves to place on record an expression of tbe feeling evoked by the event. That feeling is one of very sincere gratitude, and very real sorrow. The Assembly recognises that in tbe removal of Mr Spurgeon, a minister of Christ has passed away who belonged not to a section of the Church but to the Church universal. It looks back with tbe utmost thankfulness on his now closed life, its abundant labour, its unlimited devotion, and the increase it has given to the Lord’s cause in all parts of the world; and, in common with ail parts of the Church evangelical, it feels itself stricken with great loss. It would wish to offer its most sympathetic condolences to the bereaved widow and sons of Mr Spurgeon, and to the great congregation to whicti he for many years belonged as pastor,” The motion was agreed to. A conversazione was held in St John’s Hall to-night, the Moderator, Dr E Imslie, presiding, and was largely attended.