THE SYNOD IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 988, 5 November 1870, Page 18

THE SYNOD IN CHRISTCHURCH.

At a recent meeting of the Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch, the Bishop of Chriatchurch laid the following letter on the table :—: —

Christchurch, August 18, 1870. Sir — I am sorry that I shall not be able to attend the annual meeting of the Wesleyan Foreign Mission Society on Monday, August 22nd. I most cordially sympathise with the objects of the Society, and with the earnest efforts of the Wesleyan body to make known here and elsewhere the truths of the gospel ; but I cannot ignore tho fact that the Wesleyau body, and that in which I hold office, are at this time acting as separate Churches, apart from each other, and that this separation is maintained, though in many essential matters we are walking by the same rule and minding the same things. Such a disunion as this cannot be justified on Christian principles, and unquestionably some effort should be made to bring about a better state of things ; and I believe that there are many members of our respective communions who heartily desire this— who would rejoice indeed if the supposed or actual differences of opinion and practice which now keep us apart, could be effectually removed, and our two Christian bodies uniie together as one in all works of religion and charity. But, in order to this, we must, I think, realise more fully the practical evils (and, may I not also say, the sinfulness of our disunion) and not acquiesce in it as that which is irremediable ; nor, on the other hand, be content to assume that our divisions can indireotly be healed if individual members of our respective communions can be induced to act together now and then in some one or more religions efforts, while in the ministerial work for the good of our fellow men, and in those ordinances of worship which were intended to UDite Christians together, we still continue to stand apart. What is needed appears to me to be this, that the two communions Bhould take some definite action in their corporate character, with a direct view to reconciliation and union ; and until this can be done, I believe it would be wiser, and certainly more consistent with the aotual relations in which we are standing to each other as separate Christian bodies, to adhere to those paths of duty which we have marked out for ourselves, interfering as little as possible with each other. Any attempt to gloss over the fact of our disunion, or to substitute for that union which ought to subsist among Christians some occasional co-operation in religious matters, would, in my opinion, answer no good purpose — nay, might perhaps even multiply the occasions and causes of division.

I am ready to use what influence I rmy have personally or officially to promote any plan that may tend to bring about a real solid union betweea our two communions^ but I must decline taking part in the proceedings of a Society with which, as yet, we cannot work together as we ought to do, and hi which such co-operation as I might give would not, without soma general recognition of the duty of nnion and direct efforts to promote it, materially advance the great objeota which the Society has in view. But though, therefore, I cannot attend the meeting .in aid of the Society on Monday next, you will convey to the committee my sincere thanks for the invitation to attend which I have received from you under their instructions. lam indeed thankful for it, not only because t think I may regard it as a mark of their goodwill towards myself personally, but because, as it seems to me, it may be understood and welcomed as the result and expression of those kindly feelings which, in spite of the separation in religious matters which still unhappilysubeists between us, have actuated, in no slight degree, the members of our communions in their ordinary intercourse with each other. May we not indulge the hope that such kindly feelings, under the good hand of God, are even now preparing the way for our union with each other in one Christian body ?— I hare, &c,

H. J. C. Christchukch. Mr George Hewlett, Secretary of the Wesleyan Foreign Mission Society.

Recent events give a peculiar Interest to the following extract; from a letter -written by the late Sir Gaorga Cornewall Lewis, dated 17th January, I860:— "1 doubh the existence of those profound and far-sighted designs which people are so fond of attributing to Louis Napoleon. If his popularity were waning, if hia throne were in danger, and if a bold stroke were required, he might attack the Ehine Provinces of Prussia."