ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2543, 20 March 1872, Page 5

ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual public meeting of the members and adherents of St. Andrew'? Presbvtert in Church was held at half-pi; seven oVo.:!. hist evening, in t.!ie iibnre-mer.tiened place of worship, and was well attended. The Rev. David Bruce (pastor loci) presided, und the following inemb»r 9 of the Deacons' Court occupied seats uu the Sibbin, Bell, Fraser, Gral.im.p, Smart, DingWiill, Peacock, and AVhitson. The meeting having been opened with religious ciereisea,

The Rev. CitAlititAX said he would not occupy their time by making any observations of his own further than lo sa'vthat he felt grateful to God for the priviU-g.. o f meeting them again on the occasion of presenting the niiriuiil report to the c mgregation. "' Ke trusted that the evenU of tin. pTijt year, and especially those of a painp.d character, would be blessed of God for their spiritual goo.l. He bad only to exp:v_-s the hop,., in which he believed they all .-bared, thit. Almighty God would bless their labours during the present year. He would now ml! upon the respective office-bearers of tin- D, :ic . m V Court to lay before t.be congregatl n t!ie annua! report, and statement of accounts, which he trusted would merit their approbation, and prove to them a source of congratulation and of '--atitude to God. iXXCiI XEPOKT. Mr. GzonGE Fn.vsnn, riecretarv, read t'je following " Report of the Deacons' Court of St. Andi'eu's Presbyterian Church, for the vear 1871:"In presenting to the member;) and adherents of the congregation tlie report for the year ending 31st. December, IS7I, the Deacons' Court.have much saiisfuclicn in reporting that its career during the la-t twelve mouths bas been one of much success and prosperity. " When [the year .IS7I opened, our pastor, the Kev. D. Bruce, was in Europe, in. 1 the congregation was then, ai it. had been for some time previously in the charge of the Rev. James Cosh. " It is known to you all with what, zeal a-id faithfulness in the service of Christ Mr. C.ish laboured iim,m» this people, devoting himself entirely to the spiritual interests of the ilock, and exerting himself up to the last Sabbath amongst us in fulfilling the various duties of his holy ..Jliei , , —visiting the sick, instructing and encouraging the young, and in exhorting to a continuance in the faith the older brethren. To the able ministrations and self-sacrificing efforts put forth by the Rev. James Cosh, the Court would attribute, under God. the success which attended our career during the year justjjast, and they pray that God will reward Mr. Cosh for his loyalty in His service and his labours of love amongst us.

"To a congregation, regular in attendance and increasing in numbers, the Gospel has been regularly preached, baptism has been administered, and the Communion regular ly dispensed. Tho two Sabbath Schools in connection with the church have been conducted ellirieiitly and successfully; classes have been held for the religious instruction of young persons of botli sexes; the choir lin* been conducted efficiently, and inu ably assisted in the service of God ; and increase > interest in the missions of Ihe church has been a-.vaket:ed among the people. "To these causes for thankfulness and gratitude to God we have to add the financial position of the church. Called upon to make special efforts on account of tho special circumstances in which the congregation foun.! itself, owing to tho absence of our p:\stor, and having Lo provide lor two ministers, Unpeople liberally responded, and "uppiicd the funds necessary, not, only fur the wants of this congregation, but contributed a considerable snu'to 1 hi Home Mission funds of the ehui-eh. A re'eivnee to the treasurer's statement, which will be real l> you, will show thai durii!g the year ended 01-l, December las!, the sum of .£S3S 03 id has be:'ii received by the treasurer as follows, viz.:—Sear rents, .C 173 U>« Od ; church coll.-elious, £132 9s -id ; Home Mission Fun 1, £00 10s; supply fund for pulpit, £11 ; Mr. Cosh's guarantee fund, £108 10s ; total, £S3S 3s Id.

"in addition lo the above, and not appearing in the trfnsuror's st >l<-;iiciit, the sum ol' .tt~ 16s 11 1 I'.is li,\'ii conlribuUt! to the Xew Hebrides Mission t'.jv the support of the Dayspriug by tlie children and friends of the two Sabbath Schools in connection with this church, viz., i'Hos by UicParnell school, and Jtl3 10s lid by the Symonds-streei school. " Owing to the strain upon the finances of the church, however, the balance dun at 31st Oecember, IS7O, to Mr. W. Cn-ahame, the treasurer, has not been greatly reduce.l. The obligations of the C.mrfan I con-iv-u on are due to Mr. G-iMhaine for penuittin- tiiis balance to stan 1 over lor sun n peried, and for not L-hiirging inUTe.-,t upjii the amount The Court rccoiuniends til it an curly opportunity be taken to reimburso the treasjrer Lhc 3iim n >«- due, £112 hit 0.1.

"You are nil aware of the i-lTbrls which have been ma.le by thij congregation to in.iin'e the Rev. James C.isb. to become the colliMgue of the Rev. Mr. liruce in the of tnis chundi, ami you will regret to loaru that the?e ell'orts put. 'ibrlh witii a single eye to the advancement of (Jlirist, , ;. cause in this <-o::givHiitioi., and th.! int.-.-ir'.s of th." Cluireii | generally, have proved unsucv-ssfiil. ilr. Cosli's letter in reply to your invitation will be read lo you. " And now, as to the future of this congregation, they would say, in conclusion, let us trust in God, who Ims' hitherto aided us ; be of good courage, mid let one and all of us do hie and her duty and we cannot fail to receive God't) blessing. Our pastor, thank God, has been restored to via, i:..t, indeed, with spirit, unsubdued, but wiLh health restored, un.t his heart, as we trust and believe, staved upon Christ (the chief corn-.-r-s'one and builder of tin's church), and with mind resolved to do the will of his .Master. " May the spirit of God aiding him an.! us cause us to endeavour to emulite each other in the works to which he has called u<. "G-Hour.i: Fu.vski:, " Clerk of Deacons' Court, AueUaud, March 19, 1873." Mr. Walter Graiiamk, treasurer, sub,iii ted the abstract u( accounts, the r.-su! of which is given in the above repor.-.— Afeesrs. George Sibbiii and James rfmar:, had certified oilicially that they had examined the books and accounts, and found them correct. Mr. McLaCIILAN', in brielly moving the adoption of the report, observed that the improved financial condition of the church was a POU7CO of much satisfaction, as also the other matters referred to i herein. 11. was obvious that tho church had made considerable progress during the year, and he triuied the result of their labours during iho current year would bo equally grati-

Mr. D. M. Dinowall seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

Mr. Bkteridok directed attention to an oinUeinn in the report. Since the last annual meeting of the "eo:igre B aUou one ol the member (Mr. Ellis-.n), had presented the cliuivh with fun-lighU ft>r l.glitiug up die buildini', and he t!iou?ht ihe report should have contained an exprea-ion of t hunks to that gentleman for his liberal presentation. H,.- would, therefore, move, " That the thanks of this congregation he onveyed to -Mr. KUison for his very great kin-lness and liberality in supplying the lights to the church." Mr. Jj'haskb explained that a resolution of thank* had been adopted by the Deacons' Court and forwarded to Mr. Ellison, nnd it was not thought necessary to allude to it in the report.

The Rev. CIIAHiIUN thought allusion ought to have been made lo the presentation in the report, as that was the (irst regular meeting of the congregation which had been held siuce the gift was made. The motion was put, an.l unanimously agived to. TUB CALL TO TIIE HEY. JAMES COSli. The Rev. Chaihuan said he had now to introduce the other part of the business which it wiiß intimate! w. v .d'.l bo brought for^ur.l

or consideration. They were a ware that efforts had been made, in a preliminary way, some time ago, and more formally since his arrival, to secure the services of the Key. James Cosh, a? co-pustor with himself in that church and parish. Tbe resolutions, -which had been adopted by tho congregation at the last meeting «,. r( . forwarded to the Rev. Mr. Cosh by Mr. Grahame, as .-eereiarv of the Session, and, at the same time, under tho direction of t!>e Deae >-~,• r ■....,,-, h e (Mr. Bruce) had written to that, gentleman. The replies received from the Rev. Mr. Coih, and copies of the letters sent to him, would be read, si that the congregation would be in possession of all the documents connected Willi the matter. Mr. \Y. Ghaii.vUE then read the following documents in the order in winch they are printed: — " Fort-stroot. Auckland, " February 10, 1572. "Rev. James Cosh, Uokiti'ca. " My Dear Sir, —I have now much pleasure in enclosing herewith extr.icr of minut.es of session, and copy of resolutions passed at tho congregational meeting, both, I am happy to say, most unaniiuou-ly, and trust tliev may meet your expectations, and lead to a favourable reply to office-bearers and congregation. " Your friends here are all well, and with best wishes, " I am, Sec, " Walthe GsiniKE, "X.H. —Jlr. liruee riritea you under a separalo cover b_y ibis opportunity. ■■• W. G." [I'elegrara .'.j'.ed liOL'.- February.] " C:.li ileeliijed, of opposition manifested. Letter by next Uiaii. "(Signed) Jiiins; Cosh." "On bc: t rd the Rangitoto, " iStli Ifi-bru.-iry, 1872. " To f.he OiEee-bearers, members, and adherents of Sr. Andrew's Church, Auckliiud. " Dearly beloved Breth.-en,—l have received a copy of the resjlu!.o:is passed byyoa at your cungivgatioaal mooting of the 13th instant, expressing your desire that. I =":.»uld liecome associated with your pa-tor, the Rev. D. Bruce, as his colleague in the work of the ministry among you. 1 have carefully read and considered these resolutions, and also the documents which accompanied them, detailing the proposed arrangements ( >r carrying out the opastoiute. 1 have alsi: bee l favoured with a U'tier from Mr. Bruce uimself, in which expr.eses his willingness to fall in cordially with any plan w iich you, as a congrega-.iot:, mie.ht. deem , romotive of tue interests of the church gen.r illy, and of St. Andrew':! ir. particular. Soi. : days have now elapsed sine. , I received this. , ammunicatione, and I have had ample tii.i • ; j ri-tt-rt ->>i the whole mafer, aU'.l to con., to a d-.'iiberate judgment upon it.

" 1 uvi t.l!.>roug'ily satisfied. : hut Lao proposal which you have made to :i; • is the /-.-suit of careful deliberation on jour y I fool assured also that those of you who ur ■ desirou-i th:it I

should return a:id seLtle per :, inenliy amongst you hiiT.j done everything which, it was in your power to do in order '.tvx-: the c:ill to mo migh l . be as ar.d ;3 favourable for me as nossibU , . li: a matter .11 which 30 many interests were involved, it '«s scarcely to be expected that you would Inve been able to full upon an arrangement which in overy point would have been quits satisfactory to all tho pirties Concerned in it. Viewed a3 a whole, the endeavour which you have luade for tiiu .purpose of extending und increasing your efficiency as a church, is one which I cannot but. regard as liberal, liud as evincing a praiseworthy earnesfne-~ s in (110 promotion of the Kingdom of Christ; in your own immediate neighbourhood. In many of its features the proposed arrangement is all that I could desire; and had it been goue into with cordiality and unuuiisiity on the part of tho whole congregation, I Would liaTo he.iLUled v.-ry senouslv before declining to concur in it. "But I have heard that there are some inihienlial ir embers of the congregation opposed i> the action which was taken by the meeting in this matter ; and, witn that" fa'jr bef >r,: mo, I see- no other course open to i:ie but to let-line aeeeplim; the call, iive-.i though the 'onus of the call had been much more fnvourab'e for me than they actually are, —even though, in respect of stipend, as well as in all oilier rethe position which I i::n invited to occupy had beer, one of perfect equality willl Mr. Bruce, —sf.ill, in tlie lace of th-.* opposition, wliieli has been bhown by sn:ne of the o.lir-e----be.-irers and other.-', I do not think I would, have lieiiii justilied in goin.; into it. Hud it been an ordinary mil, and noL ,1 ei'.l to a colthe opposition of a small minority would not have weighed with m_> so as to counterbalance tlio cordiality and unnirimity of Ihe majority. But a colleiji-ite is sii-h a criiieal that iinl-s» there is en?lre harmony and heaviness at tho outset, no Rood -.-.a be expected to come from i'.. And after what has oecunvd in connection with this call, I feel persu-uleil I,lml Cor mo to iiccept, of it would be but 10 bring tr.uble upon you as o in, and upon Sir. liruuo aud myself

" I noi' 1 not, s:iy, my Christian breLhren, how mil 'h I would deprecate such a result as tli-.it.. My intercourse with you (luring all ilia fifteen niMiths I was you was of the moit amicable kind. Audi ehoul.l bo sorry now to lake any steps which would involve youm treble <m i.iy account. Everyono o£ wii to whom I have .-p.jk.' on th-j subject "before I left Au ■kl.iud, knows and cm testify that that which his now happened is thu thing which most I feared i:i connection with. Ihis movement for e>llegiating St. Andrew's — the tiling lo which [ str,>w ■.α-ab an\iou.-ly to guard against. Tliat movement wa« ir. vio w-y either directly or indirectly suggested by me, but it originated spontaneously anion.; yourselves. For a long time I myself looked iijjju it with disfavour, mid, not until I was repeatedly and formally assured that the desire for it was both very ger;eral and very strong, did I give inv consent that it should b.; proceeded with. In the act of giving that consent, L iivid I'lysvlf in honour bound to your proposed arrangement, whatever itiuigL: "be, iuy most favourable consideration ; and the only requisite whieh I stipulated, was perfect harmony both on the part uf Air. Uruee an lof i!ib correlation as :i whole. I am satisiied that everything hai been done which could have been done to secure that hnrino."- fid seeing that the ell'orts put forth, for that'end have failed, 1 have no alternative left me but to decline the call.

"To those amongst you who have acted ami acquiesced i:i lllis matter, this i=s;ie of your endeavours cannot but bo to some extent disappointing. It is the filing of this which has led mo to enter sj largely in this letter into tiie grounds unci reasons of my decliuature. A)i;l disappointing Lhough it be, lam sure that your i-aiiuer judgment, on a full consideration of all the circumstances, will approve the propriety of my decision. " Allow me to aay, in conclusion, that though thus the prospect of continuing iny labours amongst you is cut off, I nevertheless cherish such a pleasing remembrance of the intercourse I hare had with you, that nothing will be more gratifying to mo than to hear of. your continue.l and increasing prosperity ae a congregation. Hay the blessing of God rest upon you all, nnd cause you all, minister and o'licebcarers, and people, to abound more and more in every good word and work, in mutual edification, and in comfort, of the Holy Ohost. " I am, .te., "James Cosh. The Rev. Cuuim.w then read the followinc letters : — -„ i o no "Auckland, JVbruary• 16, IS7-. " My dear Mr. Cosh,-Vou will ™*;« P« this mail d *r3 U St M and at length the c ... aU . d with me gregafouthatyouslo k m the pasto„ le of t You will, I doubt »o. other sources, that may possibly o weU . they are also «I» W| . i|e l 0 vou per3 onally yet I dee.iwi p> f « o that you my the"more "freely »ud readily resolve upon your

C °" r uVive simply, then, to repeat to you what r ~t o.w- stated to the office-boarers ana members "of St. Andrew'e when they firrt f"-w»! ! r breusht tho matter under my notie*!

a few days after my arrival, thai, my on'y object in'returning to this country was to •drance the interests of the Church generally, and of St. Andrew's congregation in particular; and that if the congregation were of tl'o opinion Hint such o course would bo promotive of that end, I would most cordially fall in With their p'opn.-sl to collegiate the charge. "This declaration, I have reason to believe, cave perfect, satisfaction to parties here, and I bust that it will have a similar effect with you. It was, and is, Riven with the utmost frankness, and to tlr'se who desire to do God's-wort with straightforward earnestness there is r.o necessity for further expletives of goodwill. . "I feel assured that you will take that declaration in the spirit in which it i< maue and that the conviction will obtain in;« mind that, if the olher consideration, of the proposal commend themselves 10 yon an,! induce you to accede thereto, you will be welcomed by n.e a< a brother in Christ, and a co-labourer in His work. "I thiuk it right, to fake this opportunity Of oxprcfinß to yourself, as I have already done to others, both at home and here, my entire approbation of the way in which icui have promoted the interests of the congregation during the time it was under your cine, and I beg you to accept of my sincere thanks for your painstaking efforts to advance the well bt-'iip of the people. " And ehouM the Lord so onlain it that we shall be workers together in His vine.var.l, 1 doubt not that He will cause us both to rejoice by making us see ilis pleasure prosper in i ur hands. "Commending you to His comfort and direction, — " Believe me, yours very truly, "D. Biircß." " On board the 'Rangitoto, " February 20, 1572. "My Pear Sir,—You will hear by this nail of the conclusion to which I have come with reference to the call which was eent me from j St. Andrew's. 1 have written a letter to the office-bearers and members and adherents i.l the congregation, in which I have stated at length the principal reasons which have weighed with me, and led me to decline the call. The more Ir. fleet on the whole matter, the firmer prows the persuasion that the decision I have made is the best, and the only one which, in the circumstances, I would hajc been justified in I have no doubt but that, ronsidorina the- opposition which lmbeen manifested, you also will approve of the course I have adopted. "T was gratified to receive your approval of the efforts 1 put forth to discharge my duty to the congresiaii'-n during your absence. It was pleasant, work for me. for the people were all very kind to me, and things went smoothly to the last. " I was glad to hear that you hnd had a pleasant voyage buck to New Zealand. And it is the sincere wish of my heart that many glad days are in store for you m Am- , - land, and that aee.ordiii" to the days in which you have seen evil, you now may be made to rejoice. " I am, &c, " James Cosn." They had now heard all the documents relatin- to the proposed c:i, ' to tbe PwCV - Mr - Cosh; and it was for those present to make any observations they desired upon the subject. He might remark, jjenerally, that perhaps it was unfortunate that the Hev. 11 r. Cosh should have looked upon the resolutions adopted at the speeml inert mg of the congregation in the form of a call, as he seemed to have done. iuir in view the procedure .>f the Chur,-h, should Mr. Co*h hate accepted tl.o proposal it would have then been the duly of the congregation to have ap]>roaehed tUr Presbytery and asked its conenrrence. 1 .U>call would then have been presented in » complete and regular form. If Mr. C.>-h had looked upon the proposal in that light, time would hav, been given to remove the impression as to any opposition which he seemed to bave received, but unfortunately the time for that had passed away. The meeting was dismissed with singing and prayer.