PRESBYTERIAN AN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 937, 14 February 1890, Page 10

PRESBYTERIAN AN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The annual general assembly of the delegates from the various Presbyteries of New Zealand was opened in St. John’s Church Tuesday night. The church was well filledDivine servioe was conducted by the Rev A. M. Beattie, moderator, who delivered an eloquent sermon, his text being John 1., 3rd chap. 9th verse, “ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him ; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” After the dispensing of the LorPs Supper, the Assembly was formally constituted. The names of the Commissioners were then rea<l over, and the roll of Assembly made up as follows : —Presbytery of Auckland.—Ministers Revs D. J. Steele. B. Hutson, R. S. West, W. F. Findlay, W. J. Comrie, T. F. Robertson ; elders—Messrs A. Jowett, Thomson, and Watson. Presbytery of Hawkes Bay.— Ministers —Revs H. W. Johnstone, VP. Raeburn, A. Shepherd; D. Sidey; elders — Messrs Stewart and Cowper. Presbytery of Wellington.—Ministers—Revs D. Fulton, J. K. Elliott, C. S. Ogg, J. Paterson, W. Shirer, C. Murray, A. Thomson, -T. Lymburn, J. Moir; elders - Messrs W. McLeod, J. G. W. Aitken, E. Feist, J. McLean. Presbytery of Wanganui.—Ministers.—Revs H. A, Murray, A. Thomson, T, McDonald, W\ Grant, J. Doull, J. Treadwell, A. McLean, A. M. Wright and J. Duncan ; elders Messrs J. Stevens, D. McFarlane, J. H. Murray. Presbytery of Nelson—Minister —Rev R. J. Allsworth ; elder —Mr R. Logan. Presbytery of Christchurch - Ministers—Revs G. Webster, J, W. Cree, J. Elmslie, R. Erwin, J. Smellie, A. Blake, W. Finlayson, Jf. H. Mackenzie, A. M. Beattie ; elders—Messrs J. Irwin, W- Gavin, W. Boag, A. Qrr, LBoag. Presbytery of Timaru—Ministers — Revs W. White, J. Dickson, W. Gillies ; elders—Messrs P. W. Hutton, D. M. Mackay. Presbytery of Westland—Revs W. Douglas, H. B. Barnett; elder —Mr J. Barr. A communication waß read from the clerk

of the Synod of Otago and Southland, stating that the Rev G. Hall (moderator), W. Bannerman (minister), and Mr D. L Mathieaon (elder) had been appointed as deputies to the Assembly. In retiring from the chair the Rev A. M." Beattie expressed his thanks to the fathers and brethren and all those with whom he had come in contact during his term of office, for the great kindness shown to him. He especially returned thanks to those who had treated him so kindly during the meeting at Auckland, and to the clerk of the Assembly, who had assisted him so much in the discharge of his duties. His only remaining duty was to announce the name of bis successor, who had been unanimously selected by the Nomination Committee. He felt sure they would all agree that he was worthy to receive the honour conferred upon him. He had been working in years gone by in one of the finest of the sixty-three counties of New Zealand, so far aa products were concerned. He referred to the Rev Henry Brown Burnett, of Westport. (Applause.) He then formally mo yed that the Rev H. B. Burnett be appointed moderator for the ensuing year. The Rev J. Paterson cordially seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. THE MODERATOR’S ADDRESS. The newly-elected Moderator, after returning his thanks for the great honour conferred upon him, said that the present meeting occurred at a most interesting time in the history of the church and the Colony. All over New Zealand the people had lately been celebrating the Jubilee, and during the past month or so they had read *nd heard a great deal concerning the material, social, and political progress of the Colony. But while it was the business of legislators and editors of the papers to mark the material and secular advancement of the country, especially was it their duty as ministers and office-bearers of the Presbyterian Church to note what progress their principles had made ; how development of character and life was progressing through the religion they taught ; and what spirit they found pervading public and private life with respect to the religion of Jesus Christ. It was their duty to overlook and guide the religious faith, and influence in a material degree the morals, the intelligence, and especially the morals of a very influential portion of the people of the country. Then it belonged to the functions of the ministry as well aa to the eldership in their church, not only to see that the religion of Christ was taught and proached in its primi tive purity, but that by precept and example they took their stand against prevalent sins. And in so doing they might run counter to the public opinion and practice of the time. In fact, they often found charges made against the Presbyterian Church, that she was illiberal and defective in that expansive power that should enable her to keep pace with this progressive age, that she is too hard and Calvinistic in her creed, and puritanical in her practice. Possibly there might be a good deal of misapprehension respecting their principles and teachings on those matters by writers who thought they knew and who spoke with the voice of authority on matters affecting the morals of the people. He did not pretend to be the authoritative mouthpiece of his brethren on the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand because they had placed him in the chair, but he would state his own conclusions and set befoie them some of the effects their principles had produced. He claimed for their teachings, which bore directly on human life and morals, a high place—that they were divine ; therefore, when rightly applied, they were always productive of good. That the essential doctrine of the Church did not change was true, but to conclude that they could nob be accommodated or adjusted to regulate human life now or at any time was not true. The teaching and spirit of their faith was that the Word of God was the only rule of human conduct, a 3 it was their only guide in what they should believe concerning God, and the duty they owed him. He went on to remark that following the lines laid down in the Old Testament and the examples left them by the Jewish church as it existed at its best, the aim of the Presbyterian Church was to establish and foster God-feating homes. He thought if he might interpret the mind of the Church that their most intelligent people would like tp see effect given to gospel teaching in the training and up-bringing of the young, that they should early be indoctrinated with gospel principles, That was the wish of the majority amongst them, and if there was any difference of opinion on the question it turned on the point how we are to do it. That the Bible should be read and studied in our homes, they were all agreed ; that it should be the text book in our Sabbath schools, that we provide for. But it was to be feared —nay, they knew it — that out of the 168 hours of the week many of our children receive only one hour’s instruction in Bible truth ; and that time was not enough to lay the groundwork of Christian knowledge in the average juvenile mind. And this would be our solution of that question of larrikinism that had come before the authorities and public during the past year. Besides, that this principle which our Church advocates was good, namely, to train up the young in the knowledge of God and in Bible truth, might be confirmed by the statistics of this Colony. As far as those statistics go they showed that evangelical religion reduced the average of destitution and crime among the young as well as adults. For oat of the young committed to the industrial schools on various charges during 1888, there were but 16 'BS Presbyterians, while the other two principal denominations specified in the statistics returned, the one 42 63 and the other 34*74 ; while their percentage of the whole population in 1886 was 22 59., the other two in the order hie had stated above having a percentage of 40T7 and 13 - 95 to the whole population. Besides, from his own personal knowledge of one of these industrial schools he could state that the proportion of Presbyterian children in it was small comoared with the whole number admitted. He need hardly refer for their information to other facts bearing on this question. They knew that it had always beon the aim

of the Presbyterian Churches of Scotland to educate the young. For was not woven into the warp and woof of Scottish character that axiom of John Knox, namely, that there should be a church and school in every parish throughout Scotland. Another matter, he urged, that should be of interest to them in this land was to set before their members and others the influence their faith had exerted in the past, and was now exerting on the habits and morals of their people. He again referred to statistics lately published, as they bore on the moral life of their people, presuming that the figures applied to all the Presbyterians of New Zealand. In point of number the Presbyterian people stood second in the Colony ; 130,643 persons belonged to their church, or a proportion of the whole population of New Zealand of 22‘59. These were the numbers in ISS6. With respect to the average of persons convicted between 1885 and 1888, there were but 15’61 Presbyterians, which, he pointed out, was less than the average of several other denominations, so they could claim that evangelical religion tended to minimise crime. The rev gentlemen went on to remark that in the opening address given by the Moderator before the Assembly held in 1879, there occurred a remarkable summing up of the three chief religious forces which are striving in the Colony to attach the masses to themselves. If his memory served him, he thought he pointed out how the sacerdotal element or power aimed at raising men to a spiritual life through its ritual addressed to the senses. That the next, the emotional, sought to win men to God through excitement or heightened feelings ; the next, the evangelical, sought through gospel light and faith in Jesus Christ to bring men into a state of salvation. So it was by preaching and teaching fully this Word of God, with all its sanctions of rewards and punishments, with its offers of salvation addressed to everyone, that we would lead men to God through Christ. But there was a tendency at the present time to make the religion of Jesus Christ a ceremony or cult. To make it all easy and cheap, so that no strain may be put on the intellect, and that the finer feelings of some may not be shocked by the terrors of the law, yet Christ commands us to preach the whole Gospel, preach the Word “(in Beason and out of season.” The spirit of their Presbyterianism and the power of the Gospel they preached depended very much on their own faithfulness in preaching, teaching, and exhorting. How large a place the doctrinal or teaching element occupied in the Apostolic Church they knew. How Paul thanked God that he baptized none in the Corinthian Church but two persons—“ For Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel.” If they departed from this example and leaned on the aesthetic and ceremonial in religion for effect, he was sure they were going back to the beggarly elements of Judaism and Paganism, to the sacrifice and the altar, to the chalices and vestments, to the pomp and pageantry, from all which Christ had set them free. During the past year some remarkable developments had taken place in the Colony in the relations between employer and employed. In some places the labour question had been the question of the day. And it was worthy of notice that labour movements here have occurred almost simultaneously with great ones in the Home Country. Geographically divided, as the parties interested are, and with separate interests, yet the same questions have arisen, and call for settlement here as in England. Labour was combining in great unions that it might demand better terms from capital. The conditions of our civilised life, which render it necessary for capitalists to combine, and form great companies for the purpose of carrying cn great enterprises had produced, directly or indirectly, the labour movements. And the chief questions on both sides were - What are our interests ? And let us watch our interests. Then, as a key to the relations which subsist no tv between the parties, it was curious to notice how the very terms which designated the old relationships had changed. Master and servant were now . obsolete terms, employer and employe having taken their place. These latter indicate a pecuniary relationship, and no more, while the older terms represented service rendered for protection and sustenance, and where the old relationship was carried out according to the spirit of the Gospel there was attach, ments and kindly feelings between the server and served —between man and master, Well, it was their duty as a Church of Christ to watch over these movements, for they are full of -meaning and prophetic of the future. To both sides they should say ; Bring the spirit of the Gospel to bear on your differences and disputeß ; apDly to them the solution which lies’ in the words; “Masters give urto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye have a Master in heaven.” And those whose duty it is to serve, “Let them not do itwith eye service as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.’ They thought there ought to be kindlier ties between the labourer and his employer than the one in which money is the sole element ; the employer should keep a conscience toward his poorer brother, and remembering that he should not grind the faces of the poor ; and the other side that the employed should render to his employer a jnst service. In concluding a most%ble address the rev. gentleman said they must be patient in carrying ont their work. He was patient in teaching. He suffered the perverseness of those who opposed Him. May they learn to bear with the contradiction of sinners, and as His example and words taught them the progress of Christian life is through strife and suffering to glory. So may we at least be able to say (2nd Tim. 4-7) “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my cause ; I have kept the faith Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, righteous Judge, shall give me at that day ; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” During his address the rev. gentleman made a feeling reference to the death of the Rev Mr McAra, of Gisborne. The Rev J, Paterson announced that arrangements had been mado to hold the

subsequent meeting of the Assembly in St. John’s Schoolroom. The following committees were ap* pointed :—Committee of bills—Revs D. J. Steele, R. S. West, A. Shepherd, C. S. Ogg, C. Murray, J. Dowell, J. Treadwell,, G. Webster, J. W. Cree, W. White, W. Gillies, W. Douglas, J. Paterson, Doull (convener), Messrs W. McFarlane, J. Irwin, P. W. Hutton, J. G. W. Aitken, A. Orr. Committee] on commissions and records — B. Hutton, W. ,1, Counell, W. Treadwell, J. Paterson, H. W. Johnstone, R. Stewart, Douglas, J. K. Elliott, W. Shirer, A. Thomas, T. McDonald, R. J. Allsworth (convener), T. F. Robertson, R. Moir, J. Smellie, J. Dickson, J. H. McKenzie, Messrs J. S. Cowan, J. Stevens, R. Logan, W. Gavin, J. Bain. Committee on standing committees and collecting : Revs W. Gillies (convener), R. Erwin, D. Sidey, J. Dowell, J. K. Elliot, J. Paterson, Messrs S. Boag, J. H. Murray. The Assembly then adjourned until 10 next morning.

Wednesday, February 12. The Assembly met at 10 o'clock, and spent the first hour of the sitting in devotional exercises. DEPUTIES. The retiring Moderator extended welcome to the deputies from the Orago and Southland Synods, having omitted to do so at the previous meeting. The Moderator formally welcomed these gentlemen, remarking that their interests were one with those of the Assembly. procedure. The Rev R. Erwin (Christchurch) moved that the Assembly return to its former practice of recording on the minutes and printing in the proceedings the names of the movers and seconders of motions and amendments. The motion was seconded by the Rev J. K. Elliott. The Rev Mr Calder (Nelson) moved, seconded by the Rev Mr Doull (Bulls), that the practice remain as it is. Mr Ei win’s motion was carried by 22 to 18. CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY. The Rev Mr Doull wished to make a state, ment with respect to reflections upon the Christchurch Presbytery Committee made by Mr Erwin on the previous evening, but was ruled out of order, not having given notice. EDUCATION. The Committee on Education reported that nothing important had occurred with respect to education since last sitting. They considered it advisable, however, to direct the attention of the Assembly to the growing tendency in favour of denominationalism, as evidenced by the votes given during the laßt session of Parliament. The Committee left it to the wisdom of the Assembly to take such steps as it thought necessary. The Rev Mr Sidey (Napier) said there were serious prospects of the success of denominationalisir!, and he hoped the report wouid not paßß without discussion. The Rev Mr Treadwell (Wapganui) assumed that at least the most of the Assembly were in favour of the national system. (Mr Ogg : No. ■ Well, he would except the member who said no. (Laughter.) Proceeding, Mr Ureadwell said they were all, as a body of men, against the system as nonreligious, and in consequence possessing a very serious defect. Then there was the expense of the system, which was enormous for a young country. On the other hand there was no doubt a national system was a national good, and on that account they must approve it and resent these encroachments by denominationalism. That such encroach, ments were being made was evident. It was manifest that there was a large body, the Episcopalians, who were prepared to put aside the benefits of a national system. He suggested that the Assembly Bhould resist stienuously all efforts to interfere with the system as a national system. The Rev Mr Ogg Baid the system was so extravagant and so inefficient that those who had the interests of education at heart would prefer even denominationalism to prevent such waste. Nothing could do more to demoralise the people than the principle now followed of paying for education out of the consolidated fund. Why children were taught as their first lesson at school to look to the Government for everything! (Laughter.) Let it be called a national system or by any other name, it could not he beneficial unless the people had a more direct interest in the expenditure, (Hear, hear.) The Rev Mr Paterson did not agree with Mr Ogg’s sweeping statement that the system was grossly extravagant. He agieed that it would be better if parents contributed something—say a small fee; he had always maintained that. But as a member of the Wellington Education Board ever since the present Act came into foroe he emphatically denied that tnere was any extravagance either upon buildings or teachers, or in any other way. The most rigid economy was observed in every department of the Board’s administration. He did not think it wise or beneficial that the system should be secular, and he trusted that the feeling against that feature would grow ; but, apart from that, he considered the primary system was an excellent one. The Rev Mr Treadwell formally moved. That the Assembly, having heard the report on education, adopt the same, and record again their general approval of the national system at present obtaining; and in order to aid resistance to the encroachments of de norr.inationalism, resolve that the mind of the Assembly be made known to the Minister of Education ; but at the same time the Assembly renews once more the expression of the deep regret entertained bv them tliat no change has yet been made in the national system in favour of the reading of the Bible, in schools. The Rev Mr. Blake (Christchurch), offered to second the motion if the mover would alter it in favpur of Bible-reading ip schools a time-table and conscience clause. The Lev Mr Ogg said £hat was denammationalism. He contended that it would be better to educate children in the Roman Catholic faith than not to give them any religious instruction at all. The Rev Mr Wright (Palmerston North) strongly disapproved denominationalism. The Rev Mr Sidey said the difficulty in his district was not extravaganoe, but what

io do with the little money they received ; they had not nearly as much money as they wanted; . . : ■■ - . The Rev Mr Ogg : And if you had twice as much money you would tell the same story. The Rev Mr Sidey said he had not the power or vision into the future that some people had. He pointed to the advantages Scotland derived from ita State education, and said the present system in this Colony was all the people had got from the enormous borrowing that had been going on. As to the Bible in schools, he was sure the feeling in favour of it was growiug. At the same time he was strongly opposed to denominationalism, as likely to give the Roman Catholics enormous advantages. The Rev Mr McLean (Hawera) thought they should leave well alone. The motion moved by the Re /Mr Treadwell was carried on the voices, tne Rev Mr Ogg being the only dissentient. REPOKTS. A discussion took place on a motion by the Rev Mi Ewin, requiring that certain Committees should have their reports printed, ready for the meeting of the Assembly. This was carried. THE REV DR MACGREGOR. The Rev Messrs Ogg, Paterson, Gillies, and Treadwell, and Mr J. Jack were appointed a Committee to draw up a reply to the letter of the Colonial Committee of the Established Church of Scotland, introducing Dr Macgregor (who recently paid a visit to this Colonv). It was also decided to make a similar communication to the Free Church, both letters to thank the Home Churches for sending out ministers. UNIVERSITY COURSE. Some discussion took place upon an application from thß Timaru that a young man now supplying at Otaio might be admitted as an extra- mural university student in order that the supply could be continued. The Rev Mr Gillies introduced the subject, and a discussion ensued, in the course of which Mr Ogg and Mr Sidey advocatad a relaxation of the regulations with respect to admission to the ministry. Eventually the application was acceded to. The Assembly adjourned at 2 p.m. until 7 o’clock, EVENING SITTING. The Assembly resumed at 7 p.m. HOURS OP SITTING. It was decided on the motion of the Rev Mr Patterson that the Assembly should meet at 9.30 a.m. and adjourn from 1 till 7 p.m. WAYS AND MEANS. The Rev Mr Gillies moved that it be referred to the Standing Committee on Collections to consider and report whether the Assembly expenses cannot be reduced, and to find means by which the expenses of the present Assembly may be immediately provided for. Districts, the rev. gentleman said, were in many cases objecting to the assessments made upon them, and this year the Assembly expense fund would be some £6O on the wrong side of the account.—The motion was seconded by the Rev Mr Erwin, and carried. THE BOOK OP ORDER. The Rev Mr Gillies moved that the price of the Book of Order be Is (id per copy, and Is 3d per copy where a dozen or more are taken. No doubt, Mr Gillies said, many people—Mr Ogg, for instance— would think the book dear at any price— (laughter) - but, there were a good many copies on hand, and it was desirable that they should be circulated. The Rev Mr Ogg seconded the motion, which was carried. PROPOSED CHURCH NEWSPAPER. A report was received from the Committee appointed to consider this matter, which stated that during the year Mr C. Harding, of Napier, had offered to publish a newspaper in the interests of the Church, if he could be guaranteed a circulation of 600. Mr Harding, however, only wanted the assißtanoe of ministers and church officials, and apparently desired to control the journal himself, and have no responsible editor. The Committee made no recommendation, except that in the event of the Assembly deciding upon going farther, a Committee be appointed in Napier to deal with ... , „ The Rev Mr Erwin disapproved the proposal made by Mr Harding, but thought; the Church itself was losing ground through having no recognised organ of its interests. Mr Bain (of the West Coast) said the people in his district would warmly support a Church paper, but not one on the prospectus sent down to them, which showed the size of the proposed paper to be a third smaller than the War Cry. The Rev Mr Sidey asked where they were to get an editor. . Mr J. G. W. Aitken moved that this question be referred to a committee, consisting of the Church Presbytery. The Rev Mr Douglas (Westland) expressed disapproval of the proposal to start a second Presbyterian papier in the Colony. Ide regarded the New Zealand Presbyterian (published in Otago) as the only link that connected them in the N orth with the South. The Rev Mr Erwin moved an amendment that the old Committee should be reappointed to consider and report upon the question of editorship, so that in the event of an editor being selected the Presbytery of bis district might conduct the business. Mr Aitken withdrew his motion, and the amendment of Mr Erwin was carried. THE OTAGO DEPUTIES. The retiring moderator (the Rev Air Beattie) intimated that he and Mr Jack had carried out the instructions o? the Assembly to attend the Otago Synod, where they had been treated with the greatest kindness. They ha'd suggested immediate union with the North, but this was not agreed to. It 'gaye him great pleasure to assist in receiving the delegates of the Qtago Presbytery, the R,gy Air Hall (moderator) and the Key Mr Bannerman (clerk). . Mr jack aIBO expressed warm appreciation of the hearty manner in which he had been received in Dunedin. The Moderator of the Otago Presbytery (the Rev Mr Hall) said he and his colleague were there as links between the Presbyterians of north and south —and strong links, be hoped. (Hear, hear.) They conveyed to this Assembly the warmest wishes of the

Otago Presbyterians, who l'egarded "them always with the deepest interest. He congratulated the Assembly upon being able to meet in such a magnificent building, as woll as upon their having, at the Jubilee time, euch a number of ministers. It wab marvellous, indeed, to reflect upon the progress bf slew Zealand during its past 50 years. How the church had prospered, too! It might truly say—“ The Lord hath done great things for, us, whereof we are glad. For himself, he approved of union (hear, hear), and hoped there would not long be two Churches in the Colony.. There werß indications that union was coming, for many who had formerly opposed it now admitted that it was only a question of time. There were many questions that should be taken up by the whole of the Presbyterians of the Colony—education and the spread of what was called freetbought, for iustance—as a united Church. (Applause.) The Rev Mr Bnnnerman said the New Zealand Presbyterian would be a much stronger bond of union if the Northern Church had kept its agreement with respect to it. There were no opponents of union in Otago, but ho thought the time had not come yet. Many interests would probably suffer by union just now, and he thought it was better to wait God’s own time. The retiring Moderator moved, That this Assembly, having heard the deputies from the Synod of Otago and Southland, now requests the Moderator to convey to them its hearty thanks for tbeir presence at this meeting,’ and for their very interesting addresses ; and that the Assembly rejoices to hear of the continued prosperity of their Church, and most cordially wishes to reciprocate their brotherly salutations in the Lord. This, being seconded by Mr Jack, was carried unanimously, and the Moderator formally conveyed it to the deputies. With respect to Mr Bannermac’s remarks, the Moderator observed that man very often made a time, and that possibly they were waiting too long on Providencs. (Hear, hear.) ELECTION OP MODERATOR. An overture was received from the Auckland Presbytery suggesting that in future the Moderator should be no minated by the various presbyteries, the minister having a majority at the opening of the Assembly to be elected The subject was introduced by the Rev Mr Steele (Auckland) contending that the Assembly should elect ita own Moderator in the manner proposed when nominations had been made by the presbyteries. The Rev Air Hutson (Whangarei) sup ported the overture, and moved that it be adopted. The Rev J. K. Elliott seconded the motion. The Rev J. Paterson admitted that the present system was not quite satisfactory, but thought there would be greater difficulties in that now proposed. He moved an amendment that each Assembly should, at its opening sederunt, appoint a committee to nominate a Moderator and report to the sitting Assembly, who would at once proceed to the election for the next term. Failing that he saw no better wav of conducting the election than the present, by which the old Moderator selected the new one. The Rev Mr Erwin seconded Mr Paterson’s motion, and remarked that the Moderator’s chair was going begging, and in many cases the occupant was simply the nominee of a few. The Rev Air Beattie said the Moderator was in no case the nominee of a few, for the Committee of ex-Moderators, who conducted the election, was over 20 strong—the largest committee in the Assembly. The Rev Air Gillies moved that the election be as at present, but that the result of the election should be at once communicated to the clerks of Presbyteries. Mr Hutson withdrew his motion, and Mr Paterson’s amendment was carried almost unanimously. Mr Paterson intimated that he would nominate the committee this morning. The Assembly, at 10 p.m., adjourned till 9 next morning.