THE PRESBYTERIAN-SYNOD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5905, 12 January 1881, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN-SYNOD.

The annual session of' the Presbyterian .Synod of Otago was opened last evening.in . the First Church. The Rev, Mr Watt, the" retiring moderator, preached an eloquent sermon from Romans, chapter 8, verse 2.

The'following members of the Synod-.weeca present :—Presbytery of Dunedin : Ministers— Revs. W. Will, Wm. Johnslone, D. M. Stu»rt; D.D., M. Watt (Moderator), A. Grefe. J. Copland, J.M.Sutherland,L. Hackle, J. Kirkland, A. M. Fiudlayaon, C. S. Ross, J. Niven, It. Waddell.R. R. M. Sutherland, A..G.Boyd, and" Professor Sslmond. Elders : Messrs Wm: Jaff ray, Capt. Thomson, J. T. Maokerras, Wm. Duncan, J. Barton. J: Wood, W. Fit7gerald, Robt. Mackay, G. Buchanan, W. Drysdale, T. .T. Ritchie, and Geo. Rsid. Presbytery of Clutha: Ministers—Revs. Wm. Bannerman, J. M. Allan, J. Chisholm, R. Telford, A. Bett, D. Borrie, H. Cowie, J- Skinner, J. Lothian, G. Morioe, G. B. Inglis, and J. Bl.ickie. Elders: Messrs J. Somervillo, J. Johnßton, Thomas Adam, T>. Wright, J. Marshall, John Wrigrht, A, O. Beg*, and John Shaw. ' Presbytery of Southland Ministers—Revs. J. Ferguson, T. Alexander, .A. Stevens, R C. Morrison, D. Ross, J. Henry, J. G. Paterson. J. M. Dividson, R. Ewen, J. Cameron, and J. Baird. Elders— Messrs F. H. Gnson, J. Anderson, and A. Rennie. Presbytery of Oatnaru: Ministers— •' Revs. A. B. Todd, J. Christie, J. Ryley, J. " Clark, J. M'Cosh Smith, J. Steven, J. H. Cameron, J. Summers. Elders—Messrs J. Scott, J. Falconer, R. 'Jackson, and W. -I>. '- Stfiwart. The Rev. Moderator In nominating his successor said: Fathers and brethren,—lt ra-" maiDs that I should now resign into the hands

•of the Synod the honour which they were pleased for a time to confer upon me. ThankMg the Synod very cordially for the great forbearance and kindness which they extended to the feebleness and weaknesß under which I was able to fulfil my functions, the honour now belongs to me to nominate the member of the "bynod who is to be my successor. The Presbytery has signified the member whom it delights to honour in the Rev. John Christie, of Wai--Kouaiti. Mr Christie has been for more than -17 years a labourer and minister in one of our land-board parishes, and it is to his credit that the extensive area over which he ministers now -comprises two congregations. Mr Christie has also distinguished himself socially as an advoj\. *^c cauae °f temperance. I have"no -aoubt that the clearness of mind and coolness of judgment that characterise him will enable nun to grace the honour, and I have no doubt that he will fulfil the office with credit to him>self and usefulness to the Church. I

■i ■■■' THE MODEBATOK'S ADDRESS. _The Eev. J.Christie (the newly -appointed Moderator of the Synod), ascended the pulpit and delivered the following address : —

_ INTRODUCTORY. Fathers and Brethren,—lt is fitting that I should ■express my thanks to you for the honour you confer on me by calling me to the present position. Tho honour, however, is heavily weighted with a sense of responsibility. It is no assumption of humility on my part to say that I am unworthy to sit in the seat of "the esteemed fathers and brethren who have occupied this place before me, whose talents, character, manifold labours, and accomplishments are well known to the livin°: generation. I accept the distinguished situation because my brethren have chosen to elevate me into it. I trust I shall bear the promotion with Humility, gratitude, and moderation, and that you ]™T overlook my delinquencies, and accord me the luliest measure of forbearance in discharging the duties which fall to the Moderator of this Synod. It is necessary to reflect, however, that no Moderator can be an efficient ruling power in himself in any ■ assembly unless the sense of order dominate iri that ■ assembly. From the past conduct of this Synod, I have the assurance that it will act in a manner worthy pi-nself, and worthy of the great Presbyterian body . throughout the world whom this Synod represents *£•'" ?i a? a We are distinctly called upon to do notmng that will impair our reputation among mankind, or that will injure the fair fame of our illustrious ancestry who maintained through the most terrible ordeals the banner of a Bible Christianity -among the nations. Neither can it be overlooked, when met in Synod, that the eyes of a noble brotherhood are upon us observing our labours, and who will read with the intensest interest our proceedings at --these sessions. .- ■ ■ -.;-,,..

!* should not be forgotten at the present moment that we owe a special tribute of praise and gratitude *° God for many undeserved blessings as ministers -and office-bearers in the Otago Church. We have been enabled during another year to work for Christ. Our hands have been upheld, and our hearts have in many ways been encouraged. Our labours have been •owned and blessed of God. They have been fruitful Of mercy and goodness. Sinners have been warned; the erring have been directed; the ignorant instructed; fainting souls have been comforted and stegthened; those in darkness and doubt have been ied to the light; and consoling truths have been presented to numbers approaching death, by which they passed,rejoicing to their Saviour's bosom and the award of eternity. It is no insignificant honour and .gratification to be a guide and help to a timid fellow • creature looking into the dark futurity, and to showtho trembler nearing the end of life's journey, the strong and everlasting refuge. ; :-■■-..' .. It is,to be noticed with regret that lllhealthh'as made a serious inroad on our ministerial staff. Three esteemed: brethren have been compelled to resign their charges. I refer to Messrs Cowie, Russell, and Borne. It is earnestly hoped that through rest and change they [may be early restored to usefulness in the Xord's field.

We are here in this land to overtake the duties of a -Church of Christ. Speaking generally, the Church is -a spiritual body, having a Divine origin and constitution. She exists in the world for spiritual and moral ■endsjto conserve and.spread abroad among men the truth of Christ; to edify believers in Christian doctrine, for the promotion of holiness and the love of ■uodm their hearts and lives. For these objects she' pas a ministry with authority and power suited to the task assigned... Her members are those who submitto •the doctrines of God's revealed Word. Possessing •educational functions, she instructs the will, the conscience, and the heart. The Church has a distinct place in society. She has manifold relations to the the Press, politics, business, and all human intercourse; promoting integrity, industry, kindness,' and general well-being. She seeks to shed on all human soe'ety, institutions, and; relations her be■mgnant influence. ■-..-. '■■_.

It might not be inappropriate for us still further to ■rake ; a glance at" our more immediate surroundings .designating our subject, "The Presbyterian Church Of Otago and her environment "

*'«.'•'." •,■■■■■■' ' 'HISTORICAL. !■ - It is hardly necessary to state that a religious element dominates in this part of the Colony of New Zealand, and yet not, perhaps, more than it should : ™™1 !jlB '^I* 5' leavenin S a large portion of the .community. Piety was an important ingredient in the We of the original Otago settlers. The framework •01 the new society was affected by the revival of religion accompanying the disruption of the Scottish establishment, which resulted in the Free Church of Scotland. One of the leading colonists, theßev. DrThos iiSurns.was a Disruption minister. These facts were a jguarantee of the religious quality of the settlement, --and a strong inducement to many to embark for the new country with their families and capital. Their most fondly-cherished memories were associated with ■ tne Church and the school. As they themselves had een taught that the noblest; ambition was to live odly lives, and hope for Heaven through the Divine atonement, and that a sound education was the best SFi S^t* a man or a nation intelligent and Tiseful, so did they wish; to. transmit tbe same to their .posterity That these were principles actuating the •conduct of. the pioneer colonists of Otago, the history 01 this land will never dare contravene. The a°-es to -come will therefore learn that the foundations of our -social fabric were firmly laid in God's name. Notwithstanding the accession of a mixed popula- «? Oi!sfi ii ? l . c 0£ ntl7 i 1""1^ the opening «P of the goldfields, the Presbyterian Church has still maintained a preponderance, having in Otago and Southland about 50 regular charges, with 60 ministers and preachers. The Presbyterian Church will be nearly «qual to all the other religious bodies taken together. With these she is either in healthy rivalry advancing tne Great Master'scause, or in more or less direct ani?? 0™™1- She heartily sympathises with all who hold tne Bible as the standard of doctrine and practice and ■Jesus as the Divine Saviour of men.' The Presbyterian ■Church first occupied the ground in Otago with a settled ministry of the Gospel. A few years previous to the Otago Settlement scheme being entered upon a Wesleyan missionary from Sydney laboured among the Maoris at Waikouaiti, but after a time the field was abandoned. , It was intended by the first immigrants that Ota"O -should be solely Presbyterian. They wished to have au opportunity of working out this idea, and some of them doubtless felt annoyed when other denomina"tions entered upon the same ground. In 1861 the ■pioneer fathers had the mortification to see their project rudely broken up by the rush of people to the goldfields; so that the experiment of a Scotch Presbyterian Colony was prevented having a fair trial. What might have been the result had the original purpose Been carried out, no one can say. The early scheme, "Which was a truly enlightened one, provided for the Presbyterian Church, and for general religious'and •secular education. With regard to the. educational ipart, the Presbyterian body withdrew from the field in favour of a national scheme, which has been carried •out with a gratifying tmeasure of success. In this nespect she has receded from the position intended by •the founders of the.Bettlemient. .-■'-■;■ ■

.- . UNION WITH THE NORTHERN Oilmen. There is no other branch of. .the Presbyterian Synod ;within the bounds of the Otago and Southland Synod. Her relation to the Northern .Presbyterian Church of JN ew Zealand is of the most amicable character. There is <«very reason to believe that a union will be consummated between these two branches of the Church yat no'very distant date. Many of the obstacles that ihave hitherto stood in the ,\vay. are being removed, or •greatly lessened. 1. One of .the main barriers has to some extent been removed by. railway and telegraphic .communication. It will thus be less difficult to secure a full and proper representation of the Church in the liigher courts when union has beon accomplished. '2. 'The apparently hasty adoption of instrumental music into public worship by "the. .Northern Church was .-strongly felt by the Presbyterians of Otago, but since :its allowance in the South a step may be said to be gained by the unionists, although not a very significant one. 3. Since the initiation of a sustentation fund scheme, and the formation of Synods in the INorth, an advance has been made towards uniformity that will help to: bring the Northern and Southern Churches closer together. It should ever be itiome in mind that the separation existingbetween the ■General Assembly and Otago Synod does > not arise "from any discord. , They are working in perfect har~mony, andare to be looked on as the same Church in 'difierent parts of the country, acting independently in ■the meantime entirely on account of their distance !from each other.' '."..,., OTHER REMGIODS BODIES. At the present time there is a friendly intercourse . -maintained with the Wesleyans, Independents, Baptists, and others. It is to be hoped that these friendly relations will continue, and that the spirit of Christ "Will prevail, and that there will be ever a readiness to unite anil help each other in common Christian work. Meanwhile, itis desirable that differences be recognised 'without asperity, and as there has not as yet been •controversy to rouse personal antipathies, brethren in •Christ may respect each other and their work although holding a different church polity, with other doctrinal views, practices, and forma of. worship. '.'. _ \ NOMINAL PRESBYTERIANS AXD RITUALISM. Oar subject leads us to notice the large, fluctuating mas? of people, for the most part adherents, which must.ever cause us the gravest concern,and whose proper management is beset with great practical diffi.■culty. Those:to whom reference is. here made have little part in our central and .higher, church life, and •add to our bulk rather than our strength. Being without independent and settled convictions, they readily fait- into indifferentism, become the victims of -proselytisers, or drift away into the mire and fogs of infidelity.. Like the dead, and without leaves and ■branches of a live plantation, they hang in theirplaces so long as it is calm, but a gust of wind detaches them, and they are flung in ruin on the adjacent Tfisida,!:-.;. .' -:.; •..-■-■. Some of our people are not iree from the danger of leing led away fropi the simplicity of the Gospel and -■our plain Presbyterian worship by ritualistic novelties, under the vain impression that change must be proegress. A meagre piety will even be affected by the inane attractions of dress, mus'c, and other, external presentations. ■.-, Where the heart and mind are established in the truth, these influences will be overcome; hut with the young,.the world and sensuous appearances will have great sway. When the merely sesthetic worshippers have been stirred to devotion by the vibrations of an organ, and the sight: dazzled with -a display of vulgar ornament and ecclesiastical parade, -they lose the relish for the chaste and spiritual dignity of our Presbyterian service. It is enough to make one ashamed of his countrymen and co-religioriists to see many of them fascinated with thegewgawsof a foreign and pagan ritual, and the silly affectations of a draped ■and titled hierarchy. .. .. : PROSELTTISM. . Not a few are likewise caught by the proselytising -efforts of erratic and sporadic sectaries. Even pious ■people of deficient firmness and experience fall a pruy /to these marauders, who first of all gain a hearing from courtesy, and by a show of earnestness and Tinctuous pietism impose on the unwary; Men of this stamp creep into congregations and houses, and " lead - captive silly women led away with divers lusts." With some of them we could heartily co-operato and give them help, and bid them the God-speed theysome--times solicit, if instead of abducting the members of our congregations, and plundering-the means of our people, thuy would exercise their gifts in gathering to Christ those for whose souls no man seems to care. ' The vital injury they attempt is to distract the attention of our flocks from their own special church work, crippling our efforts, impeding the working of the -external machinery of our organisations, by the abstraction of funds, vilifying our principles, and disparaging our Christian labours. Like the scribes and "the Pharisees described in the Gospel, they "compass sea and land to make one proselyte." An instance • occurs to me, in which an adherent of a Presbyterian 'Church wasled away by being presented with a section of land, and required to sign a paper that; during life, he and his family would enter no other place of worship but that of the donors. . :. ; '_■■■■. 'Neither are we free from blame, as Presbyterians, _for the.success of this proselytism. Are we not back-

ward in-the exposition of our Presbyterianism, as if we were ashamed of it ? Our people are often at a disadvantage from not being better versed than they are in our,historical contendings for the truth, and the thoroughly scriptural character of our ecclesiasticism. It has over been the genius of Presbytcrianism to maintain a polity of order and freedom, with severely simple forms of worship, and an evangelical standard of doctrine. This, at all events,, is characteristic of the Church of Otago, in which members of all Presbyterian denominations worship in harmony, in form and faith, without the adjuncts of either ancient ormodern rituals.

PRESBYTERIAN MANUAL. It seems to me to be a duty laid upon the Synod to authorise the preparation and publication of a manual on Presbyterianism for the use of the members of our churches. Such a measure would no doubt bo thought by some a challenge to all other denominations—as if inviting controversy. There would be no necessity for taking the matter up in that light. Why should not our people, and especially the young of our families, receive enlightened and correct views of Presbyterian history, antiquity, nature, beneficial influence on the world, its superiority and increasing ascendancy over I *". °? ner existing Protestant denominations in Great Britain, the continent of Europe, America, and the Colonies ? Howseldomdo ourpeople hear of such things till put before them from hostile sources, and diluted by. alien tongues and pens, like Dean Stanley's caricatures of Scottish ecclesiastical history? By producing a work of -.the kind suggested we raise no war, we enter into no conflict with those who differ from us ; we rather give them an opportunity, if they .wish, : of knowing what we are. Sofaraswo are concerned they are welcome to all their own cherished , peculiarities; what is desiderated is to fortify our own people's minds with a more intimate acquaintance with their own system. This should be no reason of offence to others, inasmuch as it would disabuse their minds of misunderstandings arising from the .want of acquaintance with' the important distinctive and fundamental! points which they fancy we hold with a dogged and senselessly tenacious grasp, as if we had no groud in history, reason, Scripture/or conscience for our position. The necessity is becoming even more imperative why we shouid exhibit a bolder and less compromising front, both for the sake of friends and foes—that we should unite and animate all our forces, and take up a more aggressive attitude in the name of our great Head, against all forms of error, whether under the disguise of a pretentious piety, or a demoralised but ambitious ■scepticism. Similar work to what is here advocated has been performed by different sections of the Presbyterian Church in other circumstances, and by other religious bodies with undoubted profit to the thinking men of all denominations. In 1845 a valuable work on Union was given to the Christian world by the joint labours of Drs Chalmers, Balmer, Caridlish, King, Wardlaw, Struthers, Andrew Symington;" and the Rev. John Angell James, which- assisted . greatly in promoting a good understanding among the followers of, Christ.: Butwhat is more specificxlly to the purpose is a manual by Dr Samuel Davidson on : behalf of Congregationalism, published in 1854, in which he professes to unfold the ecclesiastical polity of the .New Testament. In IS4I some of the ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland published an excellent exposition of the principles of the Second Reformation of 1638, which all British Christians would be the better of being acquainted with. Others might be referred to. .'■ ;-; : Every denomination entering these Colonies will be tested by a fiery trial. It has been said that whatever success some churches inayhave had from adventitious circumstances, the one; which is soundest at the core must prevail. . We make this claim for Presbytery. Many good men around us in other denominations have never seen or looked beyond the horizon of their own ecclesiastical connection, and have the impression that Presbyterianism is only suited for the half-civi-lised inhabitants of a Scotiishmoorland, and confined" to the limited area of Scotland; while it is in fact the largest as well as the leading evangelical body of the Protestant world, havingan adherency of millions in the most enlightened nations, and has ever been the rallying" point of freedom, education,' religion, constitutional government, and social order. It is not to be denied that the Scottish people have approved and been improved by it. It is something in its favour that it found a congenial home in the "land of the mountain and the flood," where education and a ripe intelligence have grown up side by side 'with religion for many centuries. This form of church government has also ' proved itself to be cosmopolitan—suitable for every, kind of people and for all lands. - It is an honourable acknowledgment of the character of Presbyterianism that thinking men who do not belong to her communion consider her polity nearer the Scripture. model than any other. Of this fnct Presbyterians ' are too conscious, and. hence the absence of effort ■to; make their' system '■'more visibleand aggressive.They indulgethe vain hope that others will see the excellencies as they see them. : They forget the stubbornness and prejudices of meh; and trusting to others possessing honest convictions like themselves, they fall behind in the race they ought to win. •• '."■ ." ,"' ' ' -I-...1" TUB TRESS. ... - - ... ■ . ; Another portion of our Church's environment is the Press. A splendid field is in possession of the Press, and she has the oportunity of doing a world of good. We think, however, there is room for. denying that' she is a true educator. If she is, she has much to"' answer for. It is ' to be deplored that her power is prostituted/ to the most, unworthy ends. Merely as Presbyterians; or as a Church, we have no reason, to complain of the Press. Between denominations or .sections'-of-'the; Christian Church we believe that all of the Press deal out an even-handed ustiee. Toward us in our ecclesiastical capacity the Colonial newspaper, journal, and magazine have" perhaps a : favourab'e ; leaning. But we come into collision in the moral and spiritual part of our work and .aims. We have possibly the half of, the general Press in direct opposition, another portion professedly indifferent. The secular Press is mainly hostile when its activity touches the domain of religion or theology. A large quantity of our standard literature is imported, and if we look at the reading matter supplied to the tables of our public reading-rooms-and library-shelves, there is a very small percentage-provided for the Christian visitor or reader. With regard to our local issues, we lave three of a thoroughly healthy moral and religious tone —r the Presbyterian, the Christian Record, and the Temperance Herald—but they are not sent forth with sufficient frequency. There is no time here for a .criticism of the papers, and so I will only statcthe conviction that the Church should make a more extensive use of the Press than she does. The Press reaches by pamphlet and leaflet where the minister and the pulpit cannot go. Periodicals containing sound religious literature should be sown broadcast — introduced into every mansion, cottage,, and hut-in the land. ' Religious reading should be produced and encouraged, so as to be cheap and abundant. Perhaps if we employed the Press more it would serve us better. It is especially desirable to reach those who will not come within tho sound of the pulpit, and who console their consciences with a very imperfect knowledge of revealed truth. The novel and the infidel Press send forth their productions to the remotest and obscurest corners of the country. If the enemy docs come in a flood, let him be resisted.and swallowed up by a better flood of wholesome moral and religious teaching. Let it be our aim, then, to charge this modern instrument of the human intellect with the vitalising truth of God, and send it forth for the enlightenment and salvation of souls. ; We want a literature, too, of a class which will hold up a fearless and robust aspect of those doctrines most surely believed and received among us. • ■ ■ scepticism. Another part of the environment is scepticism. Christianity is followed to the ends of the earth by her unrelenting and inveterate adversaries. In all places and under all circumstances and times, our faith is militant.: She is surrounded with foes animated with keen and deadly hostility. It is the conflict of faith, intelligence, and morality with spiritual darkness and the stubborn unreason of unbelief. Pblytheists, atheists, secularists, materialists, and spiritualists have ever been on the trail of the Church throughout the whole of her beneficent career. They are all opposed to the Christian doctrine of the Godhead, revelation, and holiness. As., systems—if such they can be :called—of opposition 'to Divine truth, they have. no. proper foundation."They are as "baseless as the fabric of ~a; i vision." It should never be forgotten that Christianity has withstood and passed unscathed through all the assaults with which she has been beset. Her overthrow,' though continually attempted, has not been in any degree accomplished. We may therefore rest assured that she will survive all attack's, and not only survive but increase in brightness and vigour. ' From what our faith has undergone, the position it has taken among the,beliefs of men, and its elevated and elevating character, we need be under no fear of its ultimate triumph, and have no cause to be ashamed to own and defend it. It has kept its place against the fiercest shafts of infidelity, directed and wielded by tha ablest of men. The fact is worthy of a moment's thought. There is nothing on which the self-styled Freethinkers plume themselves more than on their brilliant tallents, unbiassed judgments, .and: thoroughness of investigation. We may take them at their word, and yield them all they claim in these respects, and what have they done withal? Theyhavenotoverturned!God'struth; they have not given to, the world a better faith; with all their amazing intelligence and profound thinking they have not produced anything really new; or equal to the Christianity they contemn. Theyhave not.superseded the Bible with a better book. ; How many generations theyhave had to bring forth such n work, but it has not yet evolved !- According-to their own confession they are still at the threshold of their inquiries. Having cast aside the one truth they have not found any other. We a-k in vain for what.they have accomplished. What have they even suggested to meet the wants and alleviate the sorrows of men in this sinful state of being 1 What have they introduced to make men truer, holier, and happier? Have they presented higher motives for the heart of man than love to God and man, as that has been embodied in Jesus Christ 1 Can theyl show'an instance-in which their-morbid dreams have produced good fruit—in self-denial, in' sacrifice, in devotedness to the welfare of nia« in tho martyr or, missionary spirit? There is no memorial on earthbearingisneh a,testimony. Where are their schemes of benevolence and liberality ? Have any of them gone to the dark continents and islands to tame the savage, educate the ignorant, to mitigate the woes and distresses that burden,this'sin-stricken earth? Where are their deeds of philanthropy ? Where are: their Careys," their Elliots, their Brainards,their Jloffats, their Williamses, their Howards, who have wrestled with degradation and; heathen darkness, and by the power of a transcending love conquering the-deep-rooted passions'of savage men, leading them to give up-their wild life, blood-thirsti-ness, horrid customs, to adopt the nobler pursuits of a civilised and Christian life ? If any form of scepticism or unbelief is better, worthier, nobler.than the Gospel we hold, let it prove itself by deeds. J Let it show itself a rival to Christianity, and supersede it if: possible in the improvement of humanity, lessening the miseries of life, making men and women more courageous and patient under trial, imparting heart and strength for hard duty, giving consolations and hopes that will lift the downcast above the afflictions of time, and enable fiem to look forward to a brighter future. It has nothing: to give to man to meet his moral and spiritual destiny. If he wants an egg, it gives him a stone; if he wants a fish, it gives him a serpent. It is at the best a degrading fetishism. In the language of Scripture, it "says to a stock, thou art ray father; and to a stone, thou hast brought me forth.". ''; ' : -'■.■) ".■:■• -.'•. ■: ' i ■■■-■ =;

I close with the remark that every form of unbelief has the same undoubted source in the depravity of the. human heart. We have the witness of every converted unbeliever to this fact. Unrenewed man will gladly and naturally seize on anything to got rid of responsibility—anything that will seem to palliate or ignore sin—anything that will deaden the conscience-^any-thing that will save remorse, and take away the dread of a just judgment and a last eternity - anything that will allow a riian to pursue his vilest lusts without compunction or dismay. Still the heart of unbelief is in an awful state of unrest. With all its arguments it is I'l at cass ;' hence its ingenious malignity, pretended rationality, and unwearied opposition to God's revealed Word. The love of sin and the hatred of holiness account for the major part of both theoretical and practical infidelity.

; As a Church we know what some of our surroundings.are; but we have an open and inviting field of labour. With faith in God there is no occasion for faltering. There are souls to be saved snatched from, tho power of the enemy. We have means laid to our hands, and the best of prospects. We have an oppor- ; tunity of doing grand work for Christ in laying the foundation of the Kew Zealand Presbyterian Church. Now that \ve ; are met as a Synod it is earnestly hoped that the Divine blessing and guidance will be vouchsafed to us, and that the business will be despatched without unnecessary delay, and that members, in tho discussions that may arise, will do credit to our freedom of debate by comporting, themselves with their usual magnanimity, calmness, rationality and sobriety of judgment. ORDINARY BUSINESS.

The Rev. Mr Miohelsen (New Hebrides

missionary), and the Rev. Mr Hauxwell (of Canterbury), were associated with the Synod. _ beveral committees were appointed, and the bynod also agreed that the hours of meeting should be as usual, viz., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. The Rev. L. Mackie gave notice that he would move a motion in favour of the Moderator signing a petition to obtain the introduction of Bible-reading into the common schools of the Colony, and of the preparation of a similar petition for general signature. The Synod adjourned at 9.15 p.m.