EVENING SEDBRUNT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1156, 24 January 1874, Page 8

EVENING SEDBRUNT.

The Synod resumed at 7 o'clock, and engaged in devotional exercises. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. REPORT ON THE STATE OK RELIGION. The Committee reported as follows :— The work entrusted to your Committee during the past year embraced tho following subjects, "special Services for the yoiing ; deputation to visit the outlying districts of the Church ; evangelistic services for the revival of vital religion ; and a sermon on Sabbath observance. In reference to the first of these, as far as yoyr Committeehavobeenabletoascertain, theiostruotions of Synod have been generally complied with. Too much attention cannot be given to the rolljioviß twiawij of the youxis. Tfy wo tfce hop*

of the Church ; and their instruction in divine things and early dedication to the service of Godare subjects of the deepest interest, and ought to be kept prominently before the minds of parents and teachers. The short time spent in the Sabbath School is not sufficient to instil into their young minds those Scriptural truths and principles which are of such vital importance with regard to their future usefulness in the world, and their happiness when they leave it. Your Committee are glad to learn that a Sabbath School Teachers' Union has been formed in Dunedin. They are hopeful that by means of it some more efficient system than that which las hitherto existed for the religious instruction of children may be introduced. Such an Association will be of great benefit to teachers themselves. Your Committee are of opinion, if tho Synod could see its way to recommend quarterly services to be held in all the congregations for the young, it would supply a felt want, and would be highly beneficial alike to parents, teachers, and children. Your Committee have to report that Messrs Todd and Ryley, who were appointed at last meeting of Synod to visit the outlying districts of the Province, performed the work assigned them. During the months of April and May, they visited Naseby, St. Bathans, Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Queenstown, and the surrounding districts, and preached at these and intervening places to attentive audiences. They then returned by the Waitaki, visiting the stations on the route, and finished their labours at the Marewhenua diggings. They have great pleasure in testifying that they everywhere received tokens of the Lord's presence and blessing. They were deeply impressed with the spiritual necessities of many of the members and adherents of our Church in the districts visited, and they would strongly urge upon the Synod to appoint another deputation to visit the interior of the Province this year. Evangelistic services have been held in several congregations during the past year, and were generally fairly attended. These services are much appreciated by the Christian people, but no marked results have come under the notice of your Committee. We have, however, the promise of God that in the faithful and diligent use of appointed means the blessing that maketh rich will be given. If these extra services accomplished no more than the quickening and stirring up of the Lord's own people, they ought to be continued. We know, jus the live coal kindles the dead one, so Christians, being themselves revived, will become a source of life to those with whom they come in contact. The week of prayer at the beginning of the year, recomroendedby the Evangelical AlliaDce, has been observed in Duuedin and several other places. The attendance is reported to have been good. One hopeful sign of the times is that ministers and Churches of various Protestant denominations are co-operating moie heartily in the work of their common Master. In Dunedin, monthly meetings for prayer and conference are held by the ministers of the Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Independent, and Baptist Churches. Your Committee have observed, with much pleasure, that a number of Christian ladies in this city have taken up the case of those unfortunate women referred to in last report. •• As the result of their efforts, a Female Kefuge has been established, and is now fulfilling its useful aD(I benevolent purpose. We understand that marked success has attended the exertions which have been put forth, and we hope .the labours of those ladies who have so heartily entered into this matter will continue to be abundantly blessed. . With regard to the progress of vital religion during the past year, your Committee cannot speak in very encouraging terms. No doubt the Lord has been cairying on His own work in our midst, but in reference to the manifestation of that work in the character and conduct of professing Christians, we fear not much decided advancement has been made. The great temporal prosperity which prevails throughout the country at present does not seem to exert a beneficial influence upon men, morally and spiritually. How sad to think that people, in the height and flush of prosperity, should forget the Source whence all their blessings flow ! Jt is cheering, however, to know that there are some in most of our congregations who are alive to their duty and responsibility as Christians, and are seeking to serve the Lord with all the talents they possess. Let us as a Church go forward faithfully and hopefully in the Avork of sowing the good seed of the Kingdom, however unlikely or uninviting the soil may be, assured that the seed will assert its vitality, and in due time produce an abundant harvest. " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." SABBATH OBSERVANCE. [ In reference to Sabbatli observance, your Committee regret that they cannot report any improvement, at least in Otngo. Trains run regularly between Dunedin and fort Chalmers on the Lord's Day. Drav-traffie is still carried on, and sihops on the different lines of transit to the Goldfields aro kept open for supplying the draymen with provisions for themselves and horses. The corresponding member of the Clutha Presbytery thus writes :—": — " There is no improvement visible in Sabbath observance. It is all the other way. Every minister deplores the amount of traffic that is carried on the Lord's Day Some hotels in tho neighbourhood of railway works, seem to do more business on that duy than on any other." It is encouraging to know that in Southland the sauctity of the Lord's Day is acknowledged and maintained. The Southland member writes :— "I think, so far as Invercargill is concerned, we have not much to complain of with respect to Sabbath observance, and the same holds true of mo3t of the country districts. There are other districts, however, where considerable numbers of railway workmen are employed, and in these there has been a very sensible increase of Sabbath desecration in the way, not only of drinking, but going shooting, ridi»g about, and otherwise mis-spending the day." V our Committee are glad to see that the Dunedin Presbytery have takon up the matter of running trains on the Sabbath. It is to be hoped the Government will grant the prayer of the memorial they presented to His Honour the Superintendent. If tins system of Sabbath traffic is not now stopped, very soon the whole country will bo deluged with pleasure excursions, so that those who wish to observe the Lord's Divy will not bo able to do so, while hundreds of men will he employed on the different lines of wilvray pa that day. In ooaolvwion, your Com'

mittee would venture to moke the following suggestions :—: —

1. That one or two evangelistic deputations be appointed to visit the outlying districts of the Church during the year.

2. That Presbyteries be directed to meet at least once in the year for conference on the state of religion, and that office-bearers and superintendents or representatives of Sabbath schools within the bounds be invited to attend.

3, That on the first Sabbath of March, Ministers be instructed to preach on Sabbath observance.

4. That the first Sabbath of November be appointed as a. day of special service for the young. 5. That in the event of the Government refusing to stop the running of trains on the Sabbath, the Committee be directed to prepare petitions to the Provincial Council at its first meeting; and that Ministers and Kirk Sessions be instructed to use all diligence in their respective congregations to get such petitions signed as numerously as possible. John Ryley, Convener. The Rev. J. Rylky having read the report, said that it was not necessary for him to say much in support of it. With reference to the religious training of the young he thought it a matter of the greatest importance. Very little religious instruction was given in the common schools, and although the Bible was read, no comments were allowed on it. They all knew that to understand the Bible, the young required to have it explained to them. A very great improvement was needed in the method of Sabbath School instruction, ani he was glad to see that this matter was being attended to in Victoria, where a model Sabbath schoolhad been formed with a proper staff of teachers. j With reference to the proposal for special quarterly services for the young, he hoped the suggestion of the Committee would be adopted, as these services were of great value, and were listened to with interest by the other members of the congregation. Referring to the visits to the outlying districts, he might say that they were well received every wherethey went, and whatthey sawwas most gratifying. One settlement of Welsh miners heard that the deputation would pass through their district on their road to Cromwell. The miners all left their work and assembled to hear the word of God from their lips. He and Mr Todd addressed them, and it was gratifying to see the impression the service made on them. It was to be hoped that in other places the deputation had done good in stirring up God's people to think of their spiritual life, and he hoped that the suggestion of the Committee for the sending forth of another deputation would be adopted. The Evangelistic meetings had not beeu so numerous as during the previous y ear — but they had been appreciated, and he hoped had exerted a beneficial influence. He could not refer to the different items in the report seriatim, but would go on to the reference to Sabbath-breaking. It was sad to see the manner in which the Sabbath was regarded by some persons. The manner in which the Sabbath was observed by individuals and communities was a fair criterion of their Christianity. Look at France, where the Sabbath was not observed in a religious way. It behoved them all to desire, not only to see this land rise in material prosperity, but to rise in that righteousness that distinguished a nation. It was sad to see the trains here running from Dunedin to Port Chalmers on the Sabbath. The men were not obliged to work, but they must do violence to their conscience, or throw up the employment. This was not a fair position to put a man in. It was to be hoped that the Government would yield to the influence brought to bear, and put a stop to this traffic ; but if this were not done, the Provincial Council could be appealed to. They must use all means in their power to stop this traffic, for if it were not nipped in the bud, the whole length and breadth of the land would be deluged with this ungodly system. He hoped the efforts of the Dunedin Presbytery in this matter would be successful.— (Applause.)

The Rev. Mr Ross said he was one of the ministers who were visited by the deputation, and he had great pleasure in moving the adoption of the report. The districts visited were laid under great obligation to the deputation, and his people were especially delighted. He had been instructed to make an entry in his minute book with reference to the pleasure felt at this visit, and the good resulting from it. It was also resolved to ask that the system of deputations might be continued. They had long been looking forward to such a visit, and la3t Synod he had given expression to some feeling of disappointment on the subject. This time, however, the deputation arrived at the most opportune time, and helped him at the administering of the Communion. They also helped him in the arrangement of Church work, and did not spare themselves in the least. The visit had a most inspiriting effect on himself and upon those who heard the reverend gentlemen 1 ' He hoped the Committee would appoint another deputation, and if there were any difficulty with respect to finances, his district (Queenstown) would be prepared to bear its share. In spite of all his efforts, there were parts of the district that he could only visit once or twice a year. He was glad to report, with reference to Sabbath observance, that there waa a. marked improvement in his district. Formerly, tho sound of the hammer could be hoard, and the public - houseg were frequented on the Sabbath ; but now it was much better, for there was scarcely anythine wrong to bo seen or heard. Thoso who did not care for the Sabbath desisted from desecrating it, from respect to the prevalent tone of the distriot. Ho could not point to any marked oases of conversion, but the bo* cii\ and roligious oonsider&tjon q£ tfco people

in his district showed a marked improvement, so much so, that instead of being singlehanded he hoped soon to have a brother minister to assist him in his work.

The Rev. J. Ryley said that Mr Todd and himself felt that the ministers on the Goldfields had not received that sympathy and support from the Church they were entitled to* expect, from the trying ai»d difficult nature of their work. He hoped the Synod would determine to cheer and assist them in their labourf.

The Rev. Dr Stuart seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. The deputation received at the Goldfields just the same welcome that all ministers who visited distant parishes received, He did not think that the Goldfields had been so very much neglected, for every year they had received a visit. These visits were necessarily rare, but this was not from want of sympathy, but from want of ability. He hoped the brethren of the Goldfields would not consider that they had not their sympathy and their prayers. When he visited the Goldfields he was positively refreshed by the hospitality and the reception he met with, and he could not help admiring the enterprise of those ministers who prosecuted their labours so courageously and so successfully on the Goldfields. He was glad Mr Ryley desired an improvement in the Sabbath Schools, for he thought that very little religious instruction could be looked for in the day schools. In the instruction of children the Church was behind the time of the Reformation, when there were catechetical sermons for the children — the lambs of the floek — every Sabbath afternoon. Once a quarter was too little. He thought they expended too much time on the old people — he hoped with beneficial results — but the children should be better attended to. There was one difficulty : He did not know how to deal with the boys and girls who were growing from childhood to man and womanhood. He thought there must be more attention to Bible classes, for most of those who joined the Church were from the Bible classes. If more of the elder members of the congregation would give their services to the Bible class he thought that a large number would be brought into the Church. The Rev. Mr Todd said that it was true, as Dr Stuart had said, that the Church did not neglect the Goldfields, but this was the first time the Synod had sent a deputation. The plan was adopted with a sense of its importance, but not such importance as it had when the mission was concluded. The appointment of such a deputation commended itself to all, for everyone could understand it, and see what the Synod really meant. The deputation reflected the true character of the Synod in caring for the souls of the people. On their way they distributed religious publications to the waggoners, carriers, and others whom they met by the way, and in all but one instance the gifts were gladly welcomed, and were often the means of opening up an interesting conversation. One man — a Manxman — confessed that he had been a Wesleyan, but had backslidden a good deal. They talked to him and advised him to return to the Church again. They should as a Church encourage laymen as fir as possible. At Alexandra they not only preached to the people, but visited them in their dwellings. At Cromwell they had several successful meetings, and he would recommend that Mr Drake should be sanctioned as their minister. They were delighted at the interesting meeting of miners and others held in the open air at Queenstown, because the house provided was too small for them. There was spiritual life there. At one place a shepherd came 15 miles to one of their meetings, and implored them to go to the Cardrona, which he described as a little Sodom. They were unable to go there. At another place a man engaged as a cooper at a station held meetings every Sabbath Day, and he was advised to continue them. They had travelled 500 miles, and had preached on an average once a day, They grew strong on the work, and were cheered by the tokens of the spirit of the Lord they met with. He hoped the deputations would be continued, and that those places south of the Clutha should be visited.

The Rev, Mr Bannerman thought it would be more advantageous to appoint four deputies, two to go in each direction. By this means the work would be much better done.

The Rev. Mr Christie said that Hamilton's Diggings, H yde, and Macraes had not notboen attended to, and he hoped they would be visited. There was a Wesleyan clergyman there, and he was sure he would welcome anyone who went.

The Rev. Dr Copland said that the members of the Synod should devote special attention to the running of the trains on the Sabbath Day. If there were not a strong effort to enlighten tho public mind on the subject, and to use what influence they had at their command, the evil would increase as the railways were extended over the country. If this was the case there would arise the most baneful results to the moral wellbeing of the country. The members should use their influenco. in their respective districts, and do all they could in their various spheres, towards carrying out the recommendations of the Committee.

The Rev. Dr Stuart said the Committee on the state of religion might leave out the clause with reference to the Refuge, for great Buccess had not attended their efforts yet.

The Rev. Mr Gow agreed with Dr Stuarfc's suggestion. It was decided to leave out the last sentence of the clause in the report. The Rev. Mr Stobo, with reference to the Sunday trains, said that he was sure the petitions would be most numerously signed, fie hoped all the members of the Church would e*9rt themselves, lot the. Prpvinoi^

I

Council, a representative body, could only be influenced by the public at large. He was sure the other Churcheß would join in such a memorial. The Rev. Mr Will said that the Committee taking charge of a petition on this subject should co-operate as far as possible with other bodies. There was an idea abroad that the wish to keep up the observance of the Sabbath lay only with the Presbyterians. He believed in the Episcopalian Church they prayed to God to be able to observe the law to keep the Sabbath, and he was sure the Independents would help them too. He would urge the Committee to_ keep this in mind, and secure the co-operation of all the religious denominations in the Province.

The Rev. J. Ryley said they were not likely to meet with great success in co-operat-ing with all other religious bodies on this subject. Before, when he had moved in this matter, he sent circulars to all the religious bodies, and not one Episcopalian clergyman even acknowledged them. The other denominations were hearty in their support. He, as the Convener of the Committee, would not consent to addressing any of the Epissopalian brethren again on this subject, but would leave them in their exclusiveness.

The Rev. Dr Stuart said there were a number in all denominations who would support any movement for the observance of the Sabbath. Some of the ministers of the Episcopalian Church were amongst the foremost to uphold the strict observance of the Sabbath, while it was known that there were Presbyterian clergymen who did not sympathise with them or their efforts to Btop Sunday trains. The Rev. Mr Bannerman said he could sympathise with Mr Ryley in declining to undertake what from previous attempts he looked upon as an utterly hopeless task.

The Moderator suggested that some of the Elders should give their experience on the subject.

Mr E. B. Cargill suggested _ that the Bishop be communicated with directly on the matter. It appeared to him that the Church of England was acting unfairly in the matter in allowing it to be repeated once and over again that Sabbath observance purely belonged to Scotch Presbyterianism. Nothing would more tend to weaken any representations they might make than the Church of England standing aloof from them in this matter. He had known soms excellent men in the Church of England, and their co-operation would, he believed, have a very beneficial result.

Mr J. Paterson, in commenting on the report of the Committee, said that the religious education of the young was one of the most important matters dealt with in it. He thought it quite true that very little religious instruction would be given in the public schools, and this fact threw them back more on their own resources and activities. The ministers should direct the members of their congregations to the matter of parental duty in the imparting of fireside instruction. He quite agreed that there was room for great improvement in the teaching in Sabbath schools. They were thrown too much to depend on those who would not had much experience in teaching. _ The teachers were mostly those who were in the Bible classes and this had a really good effect on them, and he would like to see a number of young members of each congregation come forward and give all the help in their power in the Sabbath Schools. In the report of the deputation there was a reference to an open air meeting, and he would suggest that in the warm weather open air meetings should be held, and people would attend them who would not be likely to attend other religious services. With reference to the Evangelistic meetings he hoped they would not be discouraged if they did not see the fruit rise up immediately in the way of sudden conversions. There were many conversions which were more slow and which never came to the knowledge of the preacher, and others until » ime time afterwards. He was sure, how£ ever, that these EvangeListic meetings had done a deal to quicken and stir up the Lord's people, and if they had done this they were worth all the trouble that had been expended. He quite agreed with the suggestion with reference to the sermons on the subject of the Sabbath, for there was a great deal of misapprehension in the public mind as to what the Sabbath was. It did not seem to be generally known that the Sabbath was of Divine origin, and it was often spoken of as a Jewish institution by those who ought to know better. The ministers should endeavour to diffuse a more clear knowlege of what the Sabbath was. — (Applause.) Mr John Duncan said that he qxiite agreed with some remarks he had heard to the effect that too much attention had been given to the adults of the Church, while the young had been neglected. The clergy had left the teaching of the young too much to the lay members of the Church. He rejoiced at the remark with reference to the union of the Sabbath Schools in Dunedin. On the question of the Sabbath Day, a good deal had been said with regard to what action should be taken by the Synod. It is not a new matter either to the Synod or the Presbyteries. He was somewhat sorry to hear one particular denomination held up so conspicuously that night, as if their whole success on this matter depended on its efforts. The words of God were the words of God— truth was truth— and it would stand, and as the representatives of the Church, they should go forward, holding up whatever example they oould, and upholding the sacredness of the Sabbath. They had their example in the word of God, and they should not wait for others. He quite agreed with Mr Ryley, that no more letters should be sent to the dignitaries of the Epiacopa-

lian Church. He had his own doubts with respect to legislative efforts being brought to bear on the question of Sabbath observance, but they would recognise the obligation that led them, and go forward with the work.

Mr Donald Malloch thought that ministers of other denominations should have been requested to attend the deputation to the Superintendent. They should have gone as a majority of the different denominations, ai)d then, as they would have represented a rrajority of the people of the Province, the Superintendent could not have refused what was asked.

The Rev. Dr. Copland explained how the petition had been got up and approved.

Mr Millar said that in the getting up of a petition to oppose the Sunday trains every householder in the place should be visited, no matter to what denomination he belonged. Everyone should have an opportunity of saying yea or nay on thin subject. Every inducement was held out by the Government to induce people to travel on the Sabbath, and this could not be said to be a right course for a Government, whatever it might have been for the private company that instituted the system. The Rev. Mr Gillies said that in regard to the matters dealt with in the report, they should look at what had been done in other lands. la the Sabbath Schools there had been an attempt to compress too much into the shortest space of time. In America the Sabbath Schools had come round to teach nothing but the catechism. Catechisms had been set aside at one time, but now they had been brought into use again. A 'report on the state of the Presbyterian Church in America spoke of the value of the catechism, and he thought if their use was more general much greater good would be accomplished. They should attempt to do less, but to do what they did more thoroughly. To show that Sabbath observance was not merely a matter dealt with by the Scotch Church in Otago, he might say that in America the Presbyterian Uhurch had moved in the matter, and had been careful to state that those who advocated the question should be especially guarded with respect to their own conduct. There, Sabbath observance was considered by those who upheld it as necessary to civil and religious liberty, and ministers were enjoined to studiously avoid the profanation of the Lord's Day, even to the appearance of doing evil.

The Rev. Mr Johnston said that he was one of those who waited on the Superintendent, and he had left with the impression that the stopping of the Sunday trains lay only with the public. He regretted Mr Ryley's remarks, which were unfortunate and improper, for all denominations should be induced to help on the work. He did not approve of sending petitions prepared by the Committee to other denominations to sign, for this made the matter look like a Scotch Church affair. All the different denominations should be got to sign one large petition. He was sure that if proper action were taken the Sunday trains would be stopped. He believed the running of the trains was tending detrimentally on the religious feeling of the public, who became familiarised with the sight of trains running on Sunday, and then came to believe that there was no great harm in it after all.

Mr Rknnte said that he quite agreed with Mr Johnston's remarks. The Superintendent had stated that he sympathised with their views, but he had hinted that he thought the publicwereof a different opinion. Theyshould therefore endeavour to get the public to express an opinion on the matter. The population of the Province should be given an opportunity to speak out decidedly on the matter, and if the majority were in favour of the running of the Sunday trains it would be a lasting disgrace to the Province.

The Rev. Mr Watt expressed regret at what had fallen from Mr Ryley, as to the e'ergy of the Church of England. It might be better to endeavour to communicate with the Anglican Synod. The Sabbath was a divine institution, and any infringement of it was a violation of the law of God. But there were those who did not look at the matter in a religious way. Why, then, therefore, should they not boldly state the good to be found in the observance of the Sabbath on lower grounds ? He thought it most desirable that the suggestion of the Committee with reference to the meetings of Presbyteries for conferences on the state of religion should be carried out. The superintendents of Sabbath Schools should be invited, and their suggestions asked and attended to.

The Rev. Mr Clarke suggested that each week the ministers should give a little attention to the children of their congregations.

The Rev. Mr Blake said that this was a matter for the Sabbath School Committee, and it was not yet known what suggestions they might have in their report. He thought the report did not give credit to those who were already holding services for the young.

The Rev. J. Ryley wished to reply to certain remarks that had been made with reference to what he said. He hoped that the Synod did not think that he meant to speak disrespectfully of the Episcopalian Church. He did not think he had so far overstepped the bounds of prudence as tojwarrant the censure that had fallen from Mr Johnston. He thought that a deputation might wait on the Bishop. The Rev. Mr Baktnerman thought that any such action would be unworthy of the Church.— (Applause.) Let there be a general invitation given for those to attend who wished to form a Sabbath Alliance. Ministers and laymen could become members, and it should

! not be the action of any particular Church, but the whole Christian community should urge the Government in the matter. The desecration of the Sabbath was a gross interference with the liberty of the subject— to place a man in the position of either having to violate his conscience or throw up the employment by which he earned bread for his wife and family. The Sabbath was the gift of God, and the Government, in persisting in Sunday trains, were stepping between their servants and God s gifts. God had specially spoken in favour of the Sabbath being observed, and the Government here were involving us most f eriously in the judgments God had threatened for the violation of the Sabbath. The very fares had been lowered to tempt people to break the Sabbatb, and nothing had tended more to weaken the hold of the Sabbath on the Christian community than the alteration of the hours of service in Dunedin — the holding of service in the morning and evening. This gave opportunity for Sabbath walking, and prevented many from attending churcn who could only find an opportunity to do so in the afternoon.

The Rev. Mr Will said that he understood that the fareß had been lowered to reduce the trains to one class, and this would, he thought, tend to reduce the work on the Sabbath

The Rev. MrBANNERMAN said he had only fallen into a very natural error, since the low Sabbath fares were instituted by a public company, who were more likely to look to profit than to the general good.

The following is the determination of the Synod on the report : — "Adopt the report, approve of the diligence of the Committee, record the thanks of the Synod to the Committee, and especially to its convener. The Svnoi expresses its satisfaction at the attention given to the instructions of last Synod. The Synod expresses its deep regret at vhe continuance of Sabbath desecration, and especially through the running of railway trains under the authority of the Government, thereby involving the community in the consequences the Word of God discloses as flowing from violating the Sabbath. The Synod renews its instructions to the several ministers as to ■ jrvice3 for the young, and special sermons on the Sabbath at the times hitherto observed for those purposes, and also recommends that every effort be made to secure petitions numeroiisly signed to be laid before the Provincial Council, and that special evangelistic services be held during the year ; and generally that the practical recommendations contained in the report be, in as far as possible, carried into effect. Remit to the Committee to report as to deputations, and to name members thereof.

PRAYER. At the request of the Moderator, the Rev. Mr Gow engaged in prayer.

Friday, January 16th.

MORNING SEDERUNT. The Moderator took the chair at eleven a.m., and the members present engaged in devotional exercises.

A QUESTION". The Rev. Mr Gillies asked the Presbytery of Southland for an explanation of a rumour of the non-residence of a minister within the bounds of his congregation. The rumour had got abroad, and ib was a thing not allowed in the Church for a minister to visit his congregation on Sunday and leave them for the rest of the week. It was rumoured that this had been going on for a year, and he wished to give the Presbytery of Southland an < pportunity to explain.

The Rev. Mr Stobo said that he was sorry to say that the rumours which the Key. Mr Gillies had heard were true. The Presbytery did not, however, approve of the nonresidence of ministers. Mr Thomson had been settled for two years at Winton and Forest Hill, and some difficulty was experienced in finding accommodation for the minister. It was expected to get a manse soon, as the minister's sbay in Invercargill had been too long now. At the last meeting of the Presbytery steps were taken to do something in the matter, and they were made aware that tenders had been called by advertisement for the erection of a building. Steps would be taken to remedy the state of affairs that attention had been called to, and the Presbytery would move in the matter.

The Rev. Mr Gillies moved that the Synod should direct the Presbytery of Southland to see this matter remedied as soon as possible. The Rev. Mr Todd seconded the motion, which was carried.

CIIURCH EXTENSION. The report of the Church Extension Committee for 1873, was read as follows :—: —

Your Committee on the first opportunity after the rising of the Synod, transmitted to the Colonial Committee of tho Free Church the resolution to send for six ministers, and at the same time tho usual instructions as to age, qualifications, and passage monoy. They are happy to announce that two of the six have heen appointed and are now at wovk in vacant parishes— viz., the Rev. Mr Skinner, M.A.,and Rev. Jnmos Henry M. A. Early last January the Key. lioliert Fleming, late of Now Glasgow, Canada, arrived in Dunodin with a com mission from the Free Church Colonial Committee appointing him to labour in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, or tho Synod of Otago. Mr Fleming elected to work undor tho latter, and has occupied for different periods several of the vacant charges and stations. Your Committee hope before long to hear of tho appointment of the other four ministers, who are eagerly looked f jv. The Committeo did their best to supply the vacanoios with the inadequate ministerial force at their command.. They have pleasure in lnen-

tioning that Messrs Arnot, Davidson, Fleming, and M'Lean, probationers, Messrs Gilbert and Morris, missionaries, and Messrs Johnston and Stevens, students of divinity, have rendered much service in connection with the vacant churches and stations. It is with regret they have to report that Mr Johnston, after a few weeks ot successful work at Caversham, has been obliged on medical advice to withdraw for a time.

During the year Waihola became vacant through the translation of the Rev". Mr John Allan to Inchclutha, and North Taieri through the resignation of the Rev. Mr Davidson. # The First Church, Dunedin, which was efficiently supplied during the year by ministers from Victoria, and the Rev. Mr Bowie from Scotland, has now the near prospect of a settled ministry. In addition to Waihola and North Taieri, Waitahuaa, Alexandra and Clyde, Lower Waitaki, and Mataura are still without ministers. Oavershain, though not formally sanctioned, requires regular ordinances ; and Blueskin and Merton, which have been supplied by Mr Morris, a careful and acceptable missionary, has an application for sanction on its way to the Synod. It is well known that there are other districts -within the bounds, as yet but sparsely peopled, which should have Christian ministrations as soon as the Church can supply them.

The Committee have learned from many quarters that the Revs. A. B. Todd and John Ryley, the Synod's deputation to the Goldfields and pastoral country, were everywhere well received, and found all classes ready to hear the preached gospel. In a semi-officia] report of their visit they recommended that the Synod should extend a more formal recognition to the Rev. Mr Drake, who occupies Cromwell and the surrounding district. Itisthe opinion of the Committee that one or two deputations should be appointed this year, with instructions to visit the Goldfields and pastoral country south of the Dunstan, including Stewart's Island and Martin's Bay settlement.

In tbe interests of Church Extensiou, they would recommend that the Presbyteries of th« Church be directed to ascertain by careful visitation the spiritual necessities of such parts of their bounds as are yet without stated ordinances at the hands of this Church, and report to the next meeting of Synod. Your Committee regard it as an augury of good to our Church that several young men -who have finished their undergraduate curriculum at the University are prepared to enter upon the study of theology, while others are at different stages of their classical and philosophical studies. But this most gratifying fast imposes on tho Synod the necessity of makins? immediate and suitable provision for enabling them to prosecute their Divinity course, with a view to their being fairly equipped for the labours of the holy ministry. They have pleasure in drawing the attention of the Synod to a letter addressed to the convener by Dr Hamilton Macgill, the Secretary of the Foreign Mission Committee of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, asking how they could best assist the Synod in placing religious ordinances within reaoh of our scattered settlers. The Convener made an interim reply, statin? that the important communcation would be laid before the Synod. The letter is appended to this report. Information respecting the funds of the Committee will be found in the Report of the financial Committee of the Synod. Iy conclusion, your Committee have confidence that the Synod will devise liberal measures with a view to make the ordinances of our holy religion as accessible to our fellow-settlers as are now the means of education through the providence of our Government. They hope that through all ages the church and the school will be found side by side in our adopted country, for the secure establishment of successive generations in habits of piety, virtue, and industry.

United Presbyterian Mission House, 5 Queen street, Edinburgh, 26th July, 1873. Rev, D M. Stuart, D.D., Knox Church, Dun-

edin (Otago). Rev. Dear Sir— A feeling has of late been growing among many of our ministers aud people that the United Presbyterian Church has done less for our English-speaking Colonies than might have been expected. A sentiment of this kind has been expressed in some recent meetings of Synod, and has been recognised in one or two recent Synodical decisions. _ Two reasons partly account for our limited services towards our Colonies. One of these, which I trust may be in some degree obviated by the correspondence which this letter and similar communications to other brethren in other regions are intended to evoke, is our want of definite information regarding the wants and claims of S2xcial localities in the Colonial field. Another circumstance largely accountingTfor our comparative neglect of the Colonies is this- -that we have been led in Providence to enter not a few foreign mission fields, the extent of which is so great as to al>soi b all our available resources, and it becomes a serious practical question how far a Church can wisely multiply tho number of its mission fields so as to augment diffusion at the expenso of concentration and its special advantages.

At the same time, I trust we feel (and I hope increasingly) the claims of our fellow-countrymen who are drawn, by whatever motives, towards those sparsely occupied territories, on which there will in due time be found immense populations speaking our own language. We are not insensible to the claims of these great future commonwealths, at the very foundation of which you and your colonial brethren in the Christian ministry are working when you sow the seed of the kingdom. We believe you are working ou a large scale for the spread of that kingdom in the ftt+ure. . . With such views an these, our Mission Board is desirous of knowing how, with the grentest possible good to the greatest possible number (taking in, so far an our calculations can, tho future as well as the present), wo could expend the somewhat limited proportion of our missionary funds, and could best dispose of our limited number of men available for the colonial field. „,,., I should deem it especially desirable to know what districts in|Otago are in want of Presbyterinn ministers, what is the area and population of such districts, what amount of stipend raised in tho locality might be .ivailable from the beginning, aud howjsoon a moderately adequate stipend would be probably reached by the congregations in the way of self-support, information on such points as the following will bo of much advantage to our Board in determining their actiou :— The amount of stipend which would bo indispensable for tho first three years, in the prospect of its iuoreaae thereafter by the development of local

or congregational resources ; the sum necessary for outfit, and for passage from this country. Any other suggestions will he thankfully received by yours very sincerely, Hamilton M. Mac Gill, Foreign Mission Secretary.

The Rev. Dr Stuart said it would not be necessary for him to make any remarks in connection with this report. It had been a source of sorrow that from the scarcity of grobationers all the vacant charges had not sen filled. The non-arrival of the ministers engaged at home was owing to the alteration of the arrangements, and only two of the new ministers sent for had arrived. • Doubtless thra other four men would be here in a few months, and with the assistance of Divinity students they would be able to fill the vacant charges and take up new ground. He considered that the very life blood of the Church was the taking up of new ground. He hoped the Church would during the summer obtain the services of missionaries to make the railway labourers a field of special labour. Mr Fleming brought with him a commission from the Free Church Colonial Committee appointing him to labour in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, or the Synod of Otago. This would be a matter for the Synod to take up. He hoped that Mr Drake, who had been labouring at Cromwell for some time, would be dealt with as recommended by the deputation. There was, he was told, an increasing population at Stewart's Island, and there was no minister, and not even a school there. This was a field to which the Church should be extended, and a deputation should be sent to this place, consisting of perhaps the Rev. Messrs Ross and Stobo. With reference to the letter in the report from the Foreign Mission Secretary, he was glad to see a disposition to assist them. In what way would this be done ? — it might be by sending men, and probably assistance in this way would be given if asked. The Church Committee had not this year asked for additional men,, for there were, he was thankful to state, Divinity students at work who would soon be able to fill vacant stations. If the Synod, however, decided to send for half a dozen more men, the requirements of the Church woiild only be met, considering the number of persons who were pouring into the cotmtry. The Rev. Mr Gillies said that in regard to the passage expenses, he found at the close of the last year they had cleared off all that was due to the Church at home. This year they had £119 16s Id in hand, which would very nearly pay the expenses of the two ministers who had arrived. They were therefore almost out of debt. The congregational contributions for the year amounted to £190 13s 9d ; and to the Church Extension Fund the congregational contributions amounted to £166 14s lOd. To this was to be added a balance from last year of £88 6s 8d ; from the Kaikorai congrega on, £46 11s 7d ; from the Mataura congregation, £124 11s 8d; Waipori congregation. £86 10s 6d ; donation from Mr Muir, of Edinburgh, £9 18s 3d ; and Lady Hamilton bequest, £7 17s ; making the income for the year, £530 10s 6d ; while the expenditure only amounted to £274 8s 2d ; leaving a balance of £256 7s 4d to the credit of the Church Extension Fund.

The Key. Mr Todd moved the adoption of the report, and said that the Church was in great need of men. In one important district in the North, they had waited for a minister for years, but had not got a settled minister yet. The people of Waitaki hoped soon to have the services of one of the ministers to arrive, and he thought that MiDrake should be recognised as one of the ministers of the Church. Mr Drake was labouring in connection with the Presbytery of Clutha, but he was not a sanctioned member of the Church. His services were appreciated by the people of Cromwell and the surrounding districts, and it would be difficult to remove him. The suggestion of the Committee to send to Stewart's Island, and the other districts mentioned in the report, was of the utmost importance, and he believed it would be well to appoint Mr Ross and Mr Stobo to visit Martin's Bay and R'.ewart's Island, as it was contemplated this year to appoint two deputations instead of one. He heartily supported the suggestion with reference to visitation. In distributing the new men, the Church Extension Committee should attend to the oldest vacancies first— not in every case, bat as a general rule. He really hoped this matter would be considered, and that those districts that had been long without a settled minister should be considered first. The letter from the Secretary to the Foreign Mission must be most gratifying to the Synod. It would bo difficult for the Synod to say which district was most in need of assistance, but the Synod at home might assist them by paying the passages of those ministers who were sent for to come to Otago. .

The Rev. Mr Ryley seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. He thought that Mr Drake's services should be recognised. He had done a great deal of valuable work, and if anyone else were appointed, he Tvas sure Mr Drake would be lost to the Church. It would be a pity to lose such a promising district as Cromwell. The Rev. Mr Blake referred to the employment of lay agency, and said that he did not know what the Synod proposed to do in regard to this. It was a pity that the reports wi r h reference to the visitation and the spiritual necessities of the districts should be left over to next Synod. He thought that the members of Presbyteries might report to this Synod, that action might be taken in the matter. He did not think the Ohnrch Extension Committee received the support it was entitled to,

The Rev. Mr Ross, of Queenatown, said it was highly gratifying to him to see the letter in the report from the Church with which he was formerly connected. He was sure assistance would be readily given, and the letter merely asked for information as to the necessities of the districts. If our urgent necessities were put before the Synod at home, there were numbers of young men who would be glad to come here to labour, and the Foreign Mission Society would no doubt pay their passages out here. The Rev. Mr Gow said the_ Committee should have power to look for suitable fields, to secure suitable agents, and to procure funds to pay these agents. It was a matter of regret that there were so many connected with the Presbyterian Church in the Colony, who were, and had been for years, without the means of grace. The powers of the Committee should be extended, for as it was at present constituted, there could never be more than a mere routine action and report. The Rev. Mr Gillies said that the Committee had many of the powers the Rev. Mr Gow pleaded for. The Committee could visit and make enquiries in unsanctioned districts. The only new power the Committee needed was as to the employment of other agents than probationers. At the present time they had not power to employ lay agency. The Rev. Mr Bannsrman said that the Committee had power to visit the bounds of any Presbytery in the Church, and to ask for information from the Presbytery. The regulation only prevented them from taking a leap in the dark. The Rev. Dr Stuart said that the Committee had had some little delicacy in visiting Presbyteries, and once a minister the Committee had sent was returned to them, and they were put to the expense of his passage money. The Committee had not many agents at their disposal to open up new ground. The Rev. Mr Bannerman said that the instance referred to by the Rev. Dr. Stuart showed that there was a proper power to resist the action of the Committee in sending any man they liked. There must have been something wrong with the man referred to when he was returned immediately after his arrival. The Rev. Mr Will said that no one could desire to give the Committee the power they would have by the removal of the control of Presbyteries. When the resolutions on the matter were discussed, the relation of the Committee with the Presbyteries was discussed, and he did not see there was any necessity for modification. He did not approve of the Committee takjng up new [districts. This was work for the Presby1 teries, and if they were not able to do this, they should be called up to the Synod and censured. Mr Gow had proposed a plan that was opposed to the ecclesiastical form of the Church. The Foreign Mission Society might render other assistance than the paying of the passage of ministers, and by making grants to the Church Extension Committee. The Committee would find, that the Presbyteries were quite eager and willing to work with them in the taking up of new districts, and this would be far better than an endeavour to do the work by any separate organisation. The Rev. Dr Copland said that he had heard that the powers of the Committee on paper were much gf eater than those that had hitherto been put in operation. He approved of the Committee having power to employ and try new-come agents of the Church, and if necessary other agents. If this was done, and more funds were placed at the service of the Committee, it might make itself much more useful than it was at the present time. By this means a general interest would be awakened in the work of evangelization throughout the churches, and if the Committee had power and funds to work with, a great deal of good would he done. To test the feeling of the Synod on the subject, he would like to move that the Committee should have power to employ students of the Church and other suitable aid, as they might see cause, for supplying the work of the Church. Theßev. Mr Bannerman thought that this resolution was premature. It would be brought forward in its proper order. The report of the Committee should be dealt with, and then the new subject would be introduced on proper notice. The Rev. Dr Copland said that he was quite in order. The Rev. Mr Bannerman called for the Moderator's ruling. The Rev. Mr Will said that the Convener of the Committee had alluded to the matter under discussion when he introduced the report. The Moderator ruled that the power of the Committee was a new element that should be dealt with by a separate notice of motion.

The Rev. Mr Stobo said he wished to speak on the reference that had been made to the Presbytery of Southland. The Presbytery did its duty, and kept an eye whereever it was possible. It had been proposed that a deputation should proceed to Stewart's Island and Martin's Bay, and he would suggest that Mr Ross (of Queenstown) who was mentioned, should be left out, as he had his hands very full at the present time. He had a great desire to visit Stewart's Island, and he had been offered a passage in little coast' ing vessels, but had never been able to go, owing to the difficulty of supply. Mr J. Duncan said he was gratified at the report before them. With reference, however, to the places where there were not yet any settled ministers, something more would have to be done. He thought the Synod would be quite justified in adding to the number of ministers already applied for j the

prosperity of the Province must tell on the Church. The more ministers that were sent for, the more the fields seemed to open | up. He thought it of the greatest importance that the two deputations should be appointed as suggested. The motion for the adoption of the report was adopted. The Rev. Dr Stuart moved : "That the ■ Rev. Mr Stobo and the Rev. Mr Gillies, should be a deputation to visit Stewart's Island and Martin's Bay." The Rev Mr Gillies did not think it would be necessary to send two. It was decided that the Rev. Mr Stobo, with the assistance of Mr Ross, of Riverton, and Mr Ross of Queenstown, should visit Stewart's Island, Martin's Bay, Nokomai, and Orepuki. The following is the deliverence of the Synod on the report of the Church Extension Committee :— " Agreed to adopt the report, approve of the diligence of the Committee, and especially of the convener ; receive with pleasure the friendly communication from the Foreign Mission Secretary of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland ; record the thanks for the offer made to render assistance in supporting ordinances in sparely settled districts, and instruct the Committee to communicate with the Secretary of the United Presbyterian Church Committee, and to acquaint him with the mode of carrying out our operations, how the offered assistance may be rendered by grants to the Church Extension Fund, payment of passage and outfit of preachers appointed to this Church, and further instruct the Committee to transmit to, the Secretary of the United Presbyterian Church Committee a copy of the regulations of the Synod anent the appointment of preachers and ministers." TEMPERAKCE REPORT. The Rev. James Clark read the Temperance Report for 1873, as follows :—: — Your Committee have pleasure in being able to report that public attention seems to be awakening to the great evils arising from intoxicating drinks. The fact thata Colonial Licensing Ordinance was passed last session, putting checks on the traffic in drink, and giving additional powers^ to the people with regard to granting licenses, is a sign that a more healthy opinion on this subject is getting hold of the* public mind. Another encouraging fact is that a Colonial Act was passed by last Assembly, disqualifying publicans from becoming Justices of the Peace. The various societies and organisations throughout the Colony, whose object is the suppression of drunkenness, have had much to do in arousing the public by directing attention to the fearful ravages committed by intoxicating drinks. The rapidity with which the Good Templars and others are forming lodges and societies throughout the land is another evidence that a reaction is setting in against the drinking customs of society. There is. however, much to be done to eradicate an evil which has permeated all classes of society. Persevering efforts are required on the part of the friends of temperance to deliver the community from the terrible effects of intemperance. Your Committee beg to submit some statistics for consideration. During 1872 there were imported into this Province for home consumption — Spirits 129,351 gals. Colonial Spirits 29,440 „ Wine 47,055 „ Beer 82,498 „ Total 288,344 gals.— or about 4 gals, for every one of the population, or nearly 6 gals, for every one above 14 years of age. The Colonial beer is not taken into account, because the quantity used cannot be ascertained. The following figures are given for the sake of comparison. In 1867 there were used 3.5 galls, of spirits for each person in Otago. In 1868 „ 3.6 „ „ . In 1569 „ 3.1 „ „ In 1870 „ 2.7 „ „ in 1871 „ 2 7 „ „ Iv 1872 „ 2.8 „ „ In 1872 there were 571 public-houses in the Province, or one for every 129 of the population, or one for every 80 above 15 years 'of age. During the same period £100,723 were paid as duty for spirits, wine, and beer, or £1 7s for each inhabitant of the Province, or uearly 39 | por cent, of the whole customs revenue," or, including tobacco, &c.,50 per cent.

Your Committee regret to find that the convictions for drunkenness alone are rather more than one-third of the total convictions in the Resident Magistrates' Courts of the Province. Your Committeo would direct attention to the statement made in the House of Representatives, which wns not contradicted, that 500 die annually in New Zealand from the effects of drink.

With these facts before us, it is surely a duty to exert every nerve and use every lawful means to stem a current that brings so much misery and loss on so many of our fellow creatures. Your Committee have pleasure in being able to bring forward the London Times as a valuable witness in favour of the cause of temperance The following powerful pleading deserves serious consideration :— The Great Vice. — The London Times, speaking of the drinking customs of the age, writes thus forcibly :— "The world, however, cannot bo governed by absolute ideas. That there is a great evil among us is patent to allmen. It is eating awny the life of the people. It is not to be met by any declamation against intemperance. But philanthropists, and even economists, regard its existence as a national danger as well as a public loss. To arrest it in some way or other is an obvious duty, not from any logical standing such as would satisfy the teetotaller, but because it is found to bo a source of misery and wretchedness to a great mass of the people. It is found that every low public-house hns its surroundings of drunkenness ; that an increase of such publichouses multiplies the number of drunkard*; that in every neighbourhood where a house of this description is established, it demoralises a section of the people; that the inducements oiFeral to consumption daily and hourly destroy the lives of men ; that every newspaper shows a victim ; that every gaol delivei y shows a criminal

who has been made so by the fatal snare. It therefore becomes necessary to do something. No man has yet propounded air effectual remedy. But it is thought that bj' stopping the multiplication of public-houses, and suppressing those that are manitestly unfit, this will be promoted. Men who discard logic as an absolute guide are therefore prepared to acquiesce in some such measure. They say that the evil is so terrible, and increasing so fast, that it must be arrested If there is no other way of stopping a fire, it must be done by a barrel of gunpowder | under the adjoining premises. It is a bad thing to interfere with men's liberty, or to adopt doubtful principles in government, but it is so sad to see men dying by hundreds and thousands from drunkenness, that something must be done; if by confiscation, it must be done ; if by compensation, it must, be done ; if by creating something which assumes the character of a monopoly, it must be done. The world has pronounced the evil to be intolerable. This is the state of the question at the present moment in England, and next session Parliament will be occupied in discussing it." Your Committee would again venture to recommend that all the ministers of the Churoh be instructed to preach on the subject of intemperance on the first Sabbath of September. They would further recommend that the customs which lead to intemperance be discountenanced on every suitable occasion, especially the use of intoxicating drinks on occasions of buying and selling, Jaiies Clack, Convener. Mr Clark went on to say that the report" first dealt with, the encouraging features. There were the Acts that had been passed and the number of Societies that had been formed with the suppression of drinking aa their direct object. There was a marked alteration in the tone of the discussions in Parliament on the subject, and the Premier had spoken of the necesnty of stopping the evils of drinking. When the Bill to prevent publicans becoming Justices of the Peace was before the House it was proposed that all those engaged in the liquor traffic should aIBO be excluded. On New Year's Day there was a procession of about 1500 members of Temperance Societies in Auckland, and 1200 here ; and these were also encouraging facts. The report would show the immense quantity of spirits consumed for each person in the Province. In some districts there were as many public-houses as butchers, bakers, and grocers, and in other districts the publichouses outnumbered the other places of business. In Dunedin the women arrested by the police for habitual drunkenness were twice as numerous as the men. After alluding to intemperance in Great Britain, the speaker went on to say that the proportion of those who had been arrested for drunkenness in this Colony was two-thirds more than at home. He advised ministers to do all in their power to discourage the habit of drinking, and hoped that the suggestion with reference to the temperance sermon would be adopted. The Rev. Mr Will, in moving a deliverance on the subject of the report, wondered how the Committee could regret that onethird of the convictions in the Province were for drunkenness. He wished they were all for drunkenness. He was a teetotaller. The Rev. Mr Watt seconded the adoption of the report, and expressed it as his opinion that ministers should do all in their power to encourage Temperance Societies, because of the wretchedness that intemperance caused. The power it had of dragging down was greater than any power that had yet been brought to bear to drag up. Most of the ministers were total abstainers, and there was not one who was under the suspicion of excess in drink. There was a reference to the Good Templars in the report, and he thought the m a worthy and zealous body. The London Times had been referred to in the report. From what he had seen in the Otago Daily Times on the question of intemperance and drunkenness, he thought that much ignorance had made them mad. Mr Rennie supported the adoption of the report, and expressed an opinion that no organisation for the suppression of intemperance had done so well as the Good Templars. Mr Rennie went on to say that he had to refer to a matter in which he did not expect to have their sympathies. He had thought for a long time that it was not right to take intoxicating wine at the Lord's Supper. If they could get the wine our Saviour used, and he was told there was plenty of it to be obtained, why should they persist in the use of an article that contained from 25 to 30 per cent, of alcohol? Were we to use these things because they were handed down to us by our forefathers? Teetotallers who had not had their taste vitiated found such wine quite obnoxious. The Rev. Mr Ryley rose to support the adoption of the report, and said that he did so with great pleasure. He had often noticed the articles in the Daily Times on this subject, and had been grieved at the sneering tone adopted with respect to the efforts of the total abstainers. The Rev. Mr Bannerman objected to these remarks, which, he considered tended to lower the dignity of the Synod. The Rev. Dr. Copland thought that Mr Ryley was quite in order, and should not b8 interrupted. The Rev. Mr Bannerman said that he did not think it well to sacrifice the dignity of the Synod on a point of order. The Rev. Mr Ryley : That is Mr Bannerman's opinion. Any remarks in favour of temperance are not likely to compromise the dignity of the Synod. . The Rev. Mr Bannerman said that this was a matter apart from the Church, which had not adopted teetotalism. The Rev. Mr Ryley said that the sooner they could state in public that all the ministers of the Church were total abstainer^ the better,

Mr Ba>'nerjian : That is Mr Ryley's

opinion. Mr Ryley went on to say that it was the duty of every man to abstain, in order to help others to do so. The Rev. Mr Gillies said his objection to the Synod giving its approbation to the Good Templars was that they were a religious organisation, and in their semi-re-ligious services there was no mention of the Saviour.

The Rev. Mr Christie said that he was quite astonished at such a statement, for all their prayers were offered through the intercession ©f the Mediator. He was a Good Templar himself, and was therefore in a position to speak on the matter. The Rev. Mr Stobo said that the action of the London Times on the matter of intemperance plainly showed how public feeliDg at home was tending. He thought that the Synod should express its gratification at the fact that the Legislature had recognised the permissive principle. The Rev. Mr Todd said that the reference to the Good Templars and others did not commit the Synod to the religious principle of the Good Templars, who were Unitarian in their principles. This had no doubt been done to cause large numbers to join. The Rev. Mr Christie said that the religion of the Good Templars was not negative, although they did not pretend to teach religion. The following deliverance was adopted on the Temperance Report: — "The Synod adopt the report, record their thanks to the Committee, and specially to its convener, and regret that the practice of using intoxicating drink is so common, and, in many cases, carried to a ruinous extent, while so \ little has been done by the members of the Church to discourage such practice ; rejoice in the hopes held forth by the efforts of several temperance societies of arresting the evils of intemperance, and in the efforts of the Legislature to mitigate these evils ; urge the Committee to continued exertions in the grand and good work of promoting the sobriety of our people ; and recommend that the several ministers of the Church preach on the subject of intemperance on the first Sabbath of September, as suggested in the report. The Synod also desires to record its gratification at the fact that the Legislature has at length sanctioned the permissive princ'ple in the recent Licensing Act, and hopes that the people will vigorously exercise the power entrusted to them, and effectually arrest the alarming multiplication of publichouses."

The Rev. Dr Copland wished the following words added to the deliverance : — "Further, the Synod expresses its regret that the Provincial Government has lately granted new licenses to public-houses, in opposition to the spirit of the new Act, without listening to objections offered by the inhabitants against them."

Several members objected to this addition, and the Eev. Dr Copland withdrew it. The Synod then adjourned until 7 o'clock.