PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8009, 14 February 1887, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Saturday, February 12, The Asperphlysat at IQ q.m, BOOK of rules.

Consideration of the book of rules and forms of proceduro was resumed. Clauses from 121 to 215 were agreed to with slight verbal alterations. Clause 216 was discussed at some length. The clause proposed that if it appeared after presbyterial visitation that from any minister’s inefficiency, remissness in duty, or unsuitableness tq the sphere, the spiritual and general interests qf his' congregation' are being sacrificed, the Presbytery should be entitled to dissolve the pastoral tie, and declare the change vacant, or report the matter to the General Assembly for its decision. Rev Mr Elliott, seconded by Rev Mr, Runciman, moved that the clause be expunged. - The motion was opposed by the majority of the members, and on a division being taken, the clause was retained, the Rev Messrs Ogg and Elliott being the only dissentient voices. • proyided that if it appeared on presbyterial visitation that, in consequence of a minister's imprudence, ouch feelings have arisen as have destroyed his usefulness in that particular congregation, the Presbytery shall be entitled, after having used all means qf reconciliation, to declare his connection with the congregation at an ond, and loose bio from his charge. In no case, however, (s a Presbytery to countenance measures tending to sacrifice a reputable Christian minister to the. unreasonable feelings of his session or of a party in the congregation. After some discussion the clause was agreed to. A'danse empowering the Presbytery or Assembly iu a case where a minister leaves his charge, disowns the authority of the Church ■' courts, or being othefwis'e contumacious, ’to summarily remove him frcun the charge, declare him cut off from or no more in communion with the Church, or to suspend or depose him from office, was also considered, and, after discussion, agreed to.

APPLICATION. An application, made through the Auckland Presbytery for admission to the Church was referred to the Bosiness Committee. The Assembly then acyourned till 10 a.m. on Monday.