PRINCIPAL RAINY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 914, 6 September 1889, Page 10

PRINCIPAL RAINY.

RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON. The Very Rev Principal Rainy, of New College, Edinburgh, one of the Presbyterian delegates sent out by the Home Presbyterian Church to attend the Conference recently held at Melbourne, arrived in Wellington on Aupust 30. His presence in Wellington was made the occasion by the Presbyterians of the city and suburbs to give him a public welcome. This was fixed to take place at St John’s Schoolroom last evening at 8 o’clock, and by that hour tho room was well filled, fully 350 persons being present, including a good proportion of the fair sex. Principal Rainy arrived a few minutes after 8 o'clock, and was accompanied by the P.evs J. Paterson, J. EL. Elliott, C. Ogg, Suirer, Rose, and Thompson, who occupied seats with him on the platform. The chair was taken by the Rev J. Paterson, who opened the proceedings by announcing the 133ri Psalm, which was sung by all present, Mr C. England presiding at the organ. Prayer was then offered by the Rev C, Ogg. Anthem, “The Lord is my Shepherd, Mr Paterson said he would not remind those present of the very special object that brought them together. It was to accord a hearty welcome to their distinguished visitors, Principal Rainy and his wife, who accompanied him in his journeyings. (Applause.) Although from the Old Laud and from the churches where many of them were nurtured, they still cherished very warm affection for that Old Land and the churches where they received the best influences of their lives —the moulding influences of their minds and characters. Therefore, when one came so distinguished as Principal Rainy, and accredited by the Churches at Home to carry loving greetings to this country, to speak wise and kind words of comfort and encouragement to their brethren here, those to whom they came should show a readiness to accord them a hearty welcome such as would gladden their hearts. (Appiause.) They had had the pleasure recently of welcoming Dr McGregor, of Edinburgh, and they were equally glad to see one equally distinguished, aud who also came from the dear old capital of Scotland (applause)—known and beloved by many present. He was sure they would be profited. both on that and every other occasion on which Principal Rainy might speak to th Addressing Professor Rainy Mr Paterson said he had been deputed to offer him an address giving demonstration on behalf of the Presbyterians of Wellington, of their hearty greetings and cordial welcome to him. it was a singular fact that the tour ministers who had signed the address, and who represented the four Presbyterian congregations in Wellington, were representatives of the four sections of the Presoyterian Church at Home. Mr Ogg represented the Established Church of Scotland, Mr Elliott the Irish Presbyterian Church, Mr Shirer the United Presbyterian Church of Ireland, while he (Mr Paterson) was a licentiate of the Free Church of Scotland and a representa. tive of the English Presbyterian Church. The congregations over which they presided, too, embraced representatives from all those branches, but out here in New Zealand all differences were sunk, and in fact were never mentioned ex*

cept in the shape of a little good-natured 1 banter. They were all one here, and were doing their best to build up the good old Presbyterian Church in this land and leaven the whole of the community with evangelical religion, and upholding that exalted a nation, (Applause,) Mr Paterson then read the following address “To the Very Rev Principal R»my, D.D., from the Presbyterians of Wellington, New Zealand, —We, the Mims‘ters of the Presbyterian Church of the City of Wellington, in the name of the. members of our respective congregations, most cordially welcome >°u among us. You have been known by fame and reputation to the churches of Cod m this laud, but few of oUr members have seen your face or heard your voice ; _ we therefore rejoice that your advent to this Colony gives the Christian people an opportunity of making your acquaintance, of listening to your instructions, and of strengthening their faith by your and their mutual faith. It must be gratifying to you on visiting this Colony, which in so many of its features resembles the old Fatherland, to find the re’igious ; services and forms which are dear to the Scottish people, and to their brethren in England and Ireland, maintained practically pure aod entire among us, and to be assured that we believe that the spirit of true and undefiled religion is present under these forms in the hearts of the children here as of the parents yonder. The Presbyterian Church in this land is engaged in a noble and most important task, that of endeavouring to leaven by Christian principle the hearts and minds of those who, under Cod, will mould for good or ill the destinies of a future nation. May your presence in our midst contribute to encourage us m our work and make us more zealous and anxious for the propagation of that ( godliness w i hich exalteth a nation. We regard your presence among us, and the visit paid to us lately by your co-delegate, Dr McGregor, as testifying to us the sympathy- which the various branches of the Presbyterian Church in Great Britain and Ireland feel for their offspring in this land. Carry back wffh you assurances of our loyalty, of our love aud gratitude. Dear t'l* Rainy, we greet you with affection and respect. Wo pray God to preserve you and your wife in health and happiness through the course of your long jourueyings by sea and land, and to bring you again in comfort and safety to your home. And that you may be long preserved to fulfil with honour and usefulness the very important duties that devolve upon you in guiding and instructing the future ministers of the Presbyterian Church, is the earnest desire of us all.— Signed, on behalf of the Presbyterian churches in the City of Wellington— James Paterson, C. S. Ogg, J. Kennedy Elliott, Wm. Shirer.” Principal Rainy, on rising to reply, was received with prolonged applause. He said he could express what a pleasant business he felt ft to be to find himself wherever he went in these colonies meeting brother and sister Presbyterians ; to find himself surrounded by an atmosphere of cordial and courageous Presbyterian sentiment, and to see the Church they loved so well going on steadily and satisfactorily, and (he hoped by God’s goodness) bo fruitfully as he trusted it was. They heard a good deal in the Old Countrv by means of statistics and reports of the * progress of Presbyterianism in the colonies, but it was more satisfactory to come and see for oneself. It cheered one’s beart, and did good in a hundred ways. If he could carry back, and convey to those at Home his experience here, it would do a good deal of good in Scotland. (Applause.) If he oould produce there a more correct impression than existed of how things were as regards work done, and the difficulties to be encountered here ; and if he could produce a more lively, intelligent and prompt sympathy on the part of the church at Home with that work, his visit would have accomplished real benefit and service. They had had an opportunity of hearing his eloquent friend Dr McGregor, and he (Principal Rainy) could have wished they had also had opportunities of meeting other representatives, Dr Fraser, of London, and Dr Lind, of -Belfast, who were to have come out but for unavoidable circumstances standing in the way. Perhaps, however, it would be better that their deputations should not all rain in one year.” It was more suitable to the climate of New Zealand that they should come dropping in from time to time,so as neither to have a drought nor a flood. He thanked those present, and thanked everybody, for the extreme kindness with which his wife and he had been received and handed on from place to place, from the arms of one kind friend into the arms of another kind friend, and from one house to another house. It was, as he remarked at Dunedin recently, many years since he felt so much like a little boy. He had been obeying orders, and excellent people had been taking hun by the hand, aud nob allowing him to spend any money. (Laughter and applause.) The speaker then proceeded to refer somewhat humorously to the fine climate of New Zealand as compared with what he had experienced in Australia. He did not think there was anything interesting or remarkable about New Zealand that had not been brought under their notice except an earthquake, but he hoped before sailing for_Sa,n Francisco to have that experience added. (Laughter.) The Presbyterian sympathy and fellowship of the people of Wellington were no less marked than m other places he had visited. One object in view m sending out a deputation such as he was a member of was [to promote sympathy between the mother and daughter churches, and to encourage one another to serve the Lord with purpose of heart ; and if that end were achieved it was worth while that they should visit each other. He heartily congratulated the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand upon its unity. (Applause.) For many, many years the principle of unity had been advanced in the Home Country. Tnere was a great desire to see Scottish Presbyterianism reunited, and in that desire be cordially joined. They had not yet got to the road to be taken to attain this end, bubhehoped whatever road was taken that Goa s providence would guide them, so that they should not miss it but find their way.

(Applause.) Tho solution of the secret why the whole of the Evangelical churches were not combined had nob yet been, discovered ; that is, it had not been discovered how to bring it about without sacrificing principles or treasures Which the different denominations held dear. In the meantime each company of Evangelical Christians must set to work to promote God s oause on the lines which it believed to be Scriptural and which had been gained by experience. In concluding his address Principal Rainy spoke strongly in favour of Evangelical work, and advocated caution in the efforts to bring about reunion, and said the value of cordial recognition amongst the several sects should be a first principle. A generous Christian view should be taken of other churches, but each one should in the meantime manfully and steadily carry on its own work, and live as high and as fruitful as was possible. (Applause.) A tribute was paid to the vigour and manhood displayed by Presbyterians in every country, and the influence for good the system had produced in Ireland and Scotland. A passing reference was made to the restless spirit Of the age, and the unflinching confidence of Presbyterians in their doctrines. Confidence in one another was advocated, and suspicion without substantial foundation condemned. The Church work he had seen in this Colony was a source of great gratification to him. He was pleased to see the amount of fine evangelical -material that he saw in these communities. Why, when he Went into places where be was told he would find the Episcopalians strong, he found Presbyterians just as strong and as staunch as anywhere. He exhorted them, in conclusion, to praise God and go forward. (Applause.) The choir then sang an anthem, ‘Arise, shine, for thy light has come,” after which Principal Rainy came down from the platform and made the acquaintance of those Dresent. . , , ... * The Binging of the Doxology brought tho proceedings to a close.

* SERVICES ON SUNDAY. The Very Rev Principal Rainy, of Edinburgh, conducted divine service on Sunday morning at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and in the evening at St Johns. On both occasions crowded congregations assembled to hear the distinguished visitor, extra seats having to be provided in the males at each service. Amongst those present at St Andrew’s we noticed MrT. Fergusand several members of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives. At the morning service the lessons were read from the 91st Psalm, and the 15th chapter of Johns Gospel. The subject of the sermon was taken from the 68th verse of the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel, the words being “ Lord, to whom shall we go, thou hast the words of eternal life.” Using these words as the groundwork of his discourse, the reverend gentleman preached an instructive sermon, in the course of which he dwelt principally upon the divinity of Christ, and the impression which his teachings had created in the minds and hearts of his disciples. The choir sang two anthems, I will arise,” and “Peace be within thy walls also the Magnificat and Gloria, the service throughout being very impressive. At the evening service the readings were taken from the 19th Psalm and a portion of the 12th chapter of St Luke’s Gospel. A short exposition of the 31st verse of the latter lesson was given, and a sermon was preached from the words contained in the 2nd versa of the 11th Chapter of St. Luke : “ Thy will be done.” Resignation to the will of God was inculcated. It was pointed out that tho secret of Christianity was to get away from self and self-will, and to submit with humility and Christian resignation to the will of God. Both sermons were listened to with very marked attention, and a good impression was ° r of St. John’s rendered valuable assistance in tho musical portion of the evening service.

LECTURE AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Principal Rainy, who is at present on a visit to this city, delivered a lecture at the Theatre Royal on Monday night on “ Phases of Church Life in Scotland.” The building was crowded in every part, , Mr J. Duthie presided, and a number of clergymen and members of Parliament occupied seats on the stage. The proceediugs were commenced, with prayer, after which the audience sang the 100th psalm. The Chairman briefly introduced Principal Rainy. _ . . , „ . In opening his lecture, Principal Rainy said he did not wish to be understood as holding the view that Presbyterianism was something particularly Scotch. He objected to that altogether. Scotland to a very large extent was Presbyterian—— but Presbyterianism was not Soottish—it was an ecclesiastical mode of organisation which belonged to one of the great church reformers. It was the case, however, that those who were interested in Presbyterianism amongst the English-speaking races all turned to the history of Presbyterianism in Scotland for illustration. He further wished to say that he had no desire to be understood as holding the view that the Church of Scotland was always in the right in the way of thinking or acting, and he must confess for his countrymen that it was probably true that when they did go wrong they did so with a will, and they carried it out to a very considerable length. (Laughter.) He went on to state that what he had mainly to do was to notice in what respects church life in Scotland had shown itself. Now, there were four or five neriods in the history of the Chnrch with which it might be useful for them to notice the phases and shapes which the church life of Scotland had assumed. In the first place they began, of course, with the Reformation, for it was the Reformation that had made Scotland a nation Carlyle had said that the influence of John Knox and his coadjutors upon the nation was something like a resurrection of the dead ; and he had found Knox and the Reformation in the heart of every movement in Scotland ever since. He thought they would all see that there was considerable ground for recog.

niaing the deep and prominent impress which the Reformation had left upon Scotland as a nation. It had the effect of awakening the spirit and inspiring the people in a great cause. Now this was especiaUy true a 3 regarded the Scottish peasant, in thesixteenth century the Scottish peasantry were probably poorer than any other class in Europe. He bad to deal with barren and unfruitful soil, by crude and imperfect methods, in a cold and uncongenial cl'mate. He had many other thiugs aim ; he was a hard, rough man, with very little education and a good deal of superstition, and he had little prospect before him except to go through a few years of hard and unproductive life, and then disappear. Knox and his coadjutors took that man and inspired him with a consciousness of a cauße which he felt he had a right to think was his cause, and which he felt himself caded upon to associate himself with. That was really the transformation which came upon the Scotch peasantry, and made them the Scotch peasantry as were historically and characteristically known. Toe peasant had still a hard battle ; the laws wore against him ; the rights of hb superiors were much against him, bub the consciousness of a great cause bad inspired him, and he was ten times the man he was before. (Applause.) Alludiug to the relation of the church toward the State in Scotland, he said that the church assumed, at first, a very courageous self assertion and independence. For years it exi-ted without any provision from the State, and without any State sanction, and it confronted the State without any consideration of the consequences ; but it was always ready t<< stand side by side in action for the weal of the people. The next period he referred to was that which filled the greater part of the 17th century. This was one of the most picturesque and touching in their whole history. It was associated with loDg years of suffering, and it began with banishment and imprisonment; and as the time went on they came to strife. In regard to this period, one of the great matters was the old ques tion of the Church’s independence. The question was whether the Church should be Presbyterian or Episcopalian, and there were those who were determined that, right or wrong, they should be Episcopalian, and the natural outcome was to make them ten times more Presbyterian than they ever were before—(laughter) - and it was only right and natural of any people who had any spirit. It was in this period there were manifestations of a peculiar and characteristic feature of Scottish piety. There were many instances of the development of personal piety, and.no names were dearer to Scottish fife than Rutherford, Dixon and Grey. There was a great abundance of records of the piety which pervaded all ranks of life. There were two great thougths prominent in this piety—the first was expressed by the word grace, and the other element or connection was best expressed by the word Christ. They were, however, far from being self-confident —it was Belf-distrust. There were people who believed in the singular mercy of God, but they were far from being sure about themselves. He next referred to the period which filled theTSbh century, in which they were brought into conflict with the influences of cultivation ; and also in this period they had the secession, and the speaker spoke at considerable length on the subject. He went on to state that at the end of the century there had existed a period of great depression in religious life. Scotland, to a remarkable extent, was a country which had been self-contained. It was only a small nation, but there was a remarkable variety of type of characters in it. They had really had the elements of a tolerably various life —and they had been tolerably intense and lively all along their history. In concluding he urged them to have confidence in each other, and he resumed his seat amidst great applause. On the motion of Mr J. Mackay, a hearty vote of thanks was awarded to Principal Rainy for his capital address. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the Chairman. Rev W. Lee pronounced the benediction, and the meeting terminated. MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY. A meeting of the Presbytery was held at St John's Church on Monday afternoon, there being present Revs J. Paterson (moderator', C. S. Ogg, J. K. Elliott (clerk), J. Ross, J. Moir, D. Fulton, C. Murray, and A. Thompson, Elders J. Jack, J. McLean, T. McKenzie, and E. Feist. The Moderator, in opening the proceedings, explained that the object of the meeting was to accord a hearty welcome to their distinguished visitor, Principal Rainy. He went on to state the amount of good he (Principal Rainy) had done for the Church of Scotland; No doubt several of those presont had heard him speak in the Old Country, and he was sure that he would be listened to with marked attention during his short stay in this city, and he would wish him a hearty welcome. The Rev J. K. Elliott moved the following resolution : —“ That the Presbytery rejoice in the presence of Principal Rainy anaoDgst them, accord to him a hearty welcome, and trust that his visit to the churches in these colonies may be an occasion of encouragement and refreshment to them, and of enjoyment-to himself, and that our Moderator be requested to convey to him our gratitude for his services, and our fondest wish that hs may long be spared to labour for our common Master." The resolution was seconded by the Rev C. S. Ogg, who in doing so referred to the great services Principal Rainy had done for the Church, and he was sure the Presbytery would accord him a hearty welcome. He went on to talk about the various religious require, ments of the Colony, and stated that the Presbytery were in need of funds. He pointed out that if two or three of the charohes of Scotland would send £4OO to £SOO a year, it would do a great amount of good. He stated that the churches of Scotland were Bending large sums of money to different parts of the world, bat New Zealand was not included. He would accord a hearty welcome to Principal Rainy, who he hoped would carry away with him the best

wishes of the Presbytery throughout the Colony. The Revs. J. Ross and C. Murray also addressed those present. Principal Rainy thanked the Presbytery for the very cordial welcome which he bad received from them that day. On his return to Scotland he would bring under the notice of the Church of Scotland the way the various churches are managed throughoutthe colonies. Hethought what the Rev C. S. Ogg had uttered as to the funds w'as very reasonable, and he would on his return to Scotland bring the matter under the notice of the proper authorities. He went on to say that the cadets that were coming from the Church at the present time had a strong tendency for the mission field, and had no desire to come to the colonies. He could not understand the reason of it. He thought that a few should come to the colonies as extra clergymen were required. He would again have to thank them for the cordial reception whioh he had received. He concluded his remarks amidst applause. The Moderator said they would all remember Principal Rainy's visit amongst them, and he hoped that the colonies would have similar visits from such distinguished men as Principal Rainy and Dr McGregor. The meeting then terminated.