PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1869, 23 February 1874, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL MISSIONARIES. The Rev. Dr Copland brought up the following deliverance on the Finance report : — " That the Synod adopt the report of the Finance Committee, record their thanks to the Committee, especially to the convener, and in view of the state of the Mission Fund as brought out in the report, the Synod instructs the Mission Committee to take steps to appoint a second missionary to the NewHebrides, and also to take steps to appoint a second missionary to the Chinese." The Rev. Mr Stobo moved the addition of the following clause to the Rev. Dr Copland's deliverance :— " And that it be also a recommendation to the Mission Committee to endeavor to procure the services of a student, who, during the summer months, should be associated with the Chinese Missionary, to acquire the language and labor as he best can with the Missionary." This clause was substituted for the one in the original resolution referring to the appointment of a second Chinese Missionary. The Rev. Dr Copland's deliverance was then agreed to as amended. THE THEOLOGICAL CUBBICULUM. The Kev. Dr Stuart brought up the following report of the Committee on the Theological Curriculum : — " They recommend that the Eev. M. Watt, M.A., be appointed for one year to teach Biblical criticism and the sacred languages, and that students of divinity be required to attend bis prelections. That the election of theological tutors be appointed by the Synod from nominations by Presbyteries. Whereas the Synod has agreed to the appointment of two theological tutors. Presbyteries be instructed to nominate ministers of this Church from whom the Synod may make the appointment- at next meeting. That it be remitted to Presbyteries to consider and report as to the subjects to be allocated to the tutors respectively. That the following branches be alloted to the Professor : — Apologetics, Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Theology." The report was adopted. The Moderator then announced to the Eev. Mr Watt the appointment conferred upon him. The Sev. Mr Watt said he was gratified to find the amount of confidence that so many of his brethren had been pleased to put in him. At the same time he could not hide from himself the fact that his contiguity to Dunedin had led to their fixing upon him. Possibly, at the end of the year, when the matter was sent down to the Presbyteries, and cama up froaa them, other two men might be appointed. He did not find fault with that, as it was only proper that the Church should have full liberty in this and every other matter. He would, however, feel humiliated if he received any remuneration from (he Church this year, and then, upon the Presbytery's s recommendation, were set aside. He was quite willing to serve in the capacity of tutor for this year without any remuneration — (no, no) — and then, when his time was up, he should be pleased with the idea that he had done a little for the Church. But it should be understood that he did it gratuitously. He would not accept the tutorship if he were to receive anything for it. — (No, no.) The Rev. Mr Stobo pointed out that the salary proposed to be given would be a very small allowance for expenses, and it might well be given to Mr Watt in the way of expenses. This proposal seemed to be received with gener&l favor by the members. BAPTISM. The Rev. Mr Stobo proposed—" That the Synod declares that the principles of the Church are opposed to indiscriminate baptism, both as to subjects and place, and require that those receiving baptism for themselves or their children make credible profession of their faith in Christ, and obedience to Him, such as is required by applicants for the Lord's supper, and that the ordinance when practicable be administered in public, and enjoin the ministers of the Church to carry out these principles in their practice." The mover said that he would not have moved in the matter if he thought it would give rise to much discussion. He deemed that to follow up the discussion that bad taken place on the subject, some such resolution as that he proposed should be carried by the Synod. The Rev. Mr Will had much pleasure in supporting the motion, which ha considered so much in accordance with the principles of the Church, that he was sure there would not be any discussion upon it. The motion was put and carried.