The Preshyterian Synod.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 11, Issue 821, 2 November 1888, Page 5

The Preshyterian Synod.

Tuesday, Oct. 30. The Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland opened its annual session at Dunedin, the new moderator, the Rev J . Baird, delivering an address on • The Latent Power in the Church, prefacing it by the following reference to thu late De Menzies : "During the past year death has, as usual, brought changes. I recall the name oE one who held an honored place — I mean the late Hon Dr Aleuzies, M.L.O. As a man he was held in esteem for his learninc, culture, and honorable dealing ; as an educationist he was the true friend of the yeuug, and ever sought to have their training placed on a sound religious basis. Hence he never ceased to regr« the expulsion of the Bible from the schools of the land ; and with unflagging zeal he used his best efforts in and out of Parliament, to ha/re it restored to its true place as the best foundation of moral training. As a Presbyterian he was a steadfasj friend of the church of his fathers, and as a Christian his religion maintained a quiet consistency in public and private. He took an active share in Sabbath school work, and in the religious welfare of his district generally." During the transaction of what is usually purely formal business, at the close of the address, the appointment of the Records Revision Committee was contested, and the probability is that this arose from tha fact that the Revision Committee may have to investigate the records ef the controversy in the. Presbytery of Dunedin regarding Dr Salmond's pamphlet • The Reign of Grace.' " Wednesday,. Oct. 3f. The report on the state of religion spoke in a mare hopeful strain than for yeare past. Notwithstanding the exodus, only one or two Sessions reported a slight falling off. Regret was expressed at the prevalence of the mania for dancing and rinking, parents appearing to be indifferent or unaware of the moral and spiritual danger. The following amongst other suggestions were submitted for approval and were adopted :—- Thai ministers and Sessions be recommended to arrange for special meetings of their congregations for conference and prayer for the revival of religion. That ministers be instructed to preach on family worship and Sabbath observance. That evangelistic meetings be held as widely as possible during the year. The Synod decided to issue a pastoral address setting forth its views on the season of grace for sinners, the minds of many of the Christian community in Otago and Southland being at present exercised in regard to the subject. . A discussion arose on an overture re the Synod declaring the views which the majority hold about the Confession of Faith and some disputed passages in the Scriptures. Hhe question having been opened, a motion wa.s made to postpone it till next year. , '