PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

North Otago Times, Volume 2094, Issue 2094, 18 January 1879, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

In discussing the question of a new Chair for the Otago University, and in dealing with a document from the Professorial Board of the same, the following scene occurred, which we extract from a report of the meeting in a Donedm contemporary: — Mr Ryley was amused to hear the document from th» Professorial Board read. But, in fact, that document contained the grossest Materialism that it was possible to imagine. It only looked at one side of man's character, and took no notice of the side that linked him with heaven. The Ret. Dr Stoart called upon Mr Ryley "to withdraw the slander that' he brings upon the Professorial Board." The Rev. J. Ryley : The document says "The physical is the basis of »11 sciences." I am only dealing with a document that is for discussion by this Synod. The Rev. Dr Stuart : I think it would be extremely damaging to our University to allow a statement of that kind to go forth uncontradicted. The statement concerning the Professorial Board is entirely false and without good foundation. The Rev. J. Ryley : They state that there is a Chair of Moral Philosophy, and they by implication say that we have acted a sectarian part in appointing that chair. The Rev. Dr Stuart asked that as a point of order Mr Ryley should be called upon to withdraw his remark so strongly characterising the document of the Professorial Board. The Moderator: I do not see that £ can rule that the remark should be withdrawn. The Rev. J. Russell : I think that Mr Ryley should withdraw the expression. The Rev. W. Will : I think it will U injurious to the Synod as well as to the University. The Rev. D» Stuart complained that Mr Ryley had commenced his address by urging the members of Synod to discuss the question in a gentlemanly and courteous manner, and then launching into scorn. Mr A. C. Begg: The Professorial Board have laid themselves open to it. The Rev. \V. Bannerman : While of the same opinion, I think th» Professorial Board and the University Council should be dealt with as gently as possible. The Rev. J.Sutherland : The statement about gross materialism affects the feelings of a large number of this House. I humbly suggest to Mr Ryley the propriety of withdrawing that (in the eyes of some) offensive expression. . The Rev. J. Ryley : Owing to the interruption, I did not have time to explain myself. X did not mean that the Professors held to the doctrine of materialism. I am only dealing with the document, and the strong expression of it — that " the physical science is the basis of all science" — and viewing that expression as it appears to my judgment, it is gross ma* terialism. Ido not see why I should withdraw my own conviction. I never sought to impute anything to the Professorial Board, but now that this document is the property of the Synod, each member has a right to express his view* upon it without let or hindrance. The statement that the appointment of the Moral Chair is sectarian is a gross insult not only to this Synod, but to the people

outside. It has « direct bearing upon every act of which man is capable. After some conversation, The Rev. J. Ryley said : There is an intention burk hottest discussion on this question. The Moderator ruled that the statement should be withdrawn. The Rev. J. Ryley : I withdraw that expression. I do not intend to refer to tlit document again. If I have used offensive expressions, no one will regret them more than myself, and 1 tun quite prepared to withdraw them. On the Synod resuming, in the evening, the discussion was continued in the course of which — , The Rev. Dr. Stuart spoke in favor of Mr Will s amendment. He objected to a charge of teaching gross materialism, which he said had been bronght against the University by Mr Ryley. The Rev. J. Ryley : I appeal to this House whether I made the statement that materialism was taught in the University. The Rev. Dr. Smart: I have only to say that I gathered that expression from Mr Ryley's speech. The Rev. J. Rvley : That is wrong. The Rev. Dr.* Stuart : lam glad to hear that it is wrong. Dr. Stnart complained that Mr Bepc (who was present when the Attorney-General was addressing his constituents) did not protest against Mr Stout's conduct at the meet* in<r, instead of attacking him and a Professor at the Synod. Mr Stont should have been replied to at the Theatre. He (Dr. Stuart) (did intend to catechise Mr Stout at the Queen's Theatre, but, owuig to an engagement, he could not catechise him in regard to this very matter.