PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3580, 22 March 1886, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TEMUKA.

«, Tho Presbytory of South Canterbury met at the church, Temuka, on St. I'ulrii-k's night, thero being present tho Hey. Mr McKeo (moderator), tho Kcv. Mr Barclay, Mr Stewart, and tbo Rev. W. Gilliea (clerk to tho Presbytery). Thero was also a wry large attendance of ltembers of the Temuka church. The Rev. Mr Gillies said tho meeting had been called principally to con>ider a letter from the Rev. Mr Mackintosh, m which it was etnted that through illncps ho had not been able to attend to his duties, and offering to resign if the congregation thought that the interests of roligion had suffered through his indisposition. Mr Macintosh further explained that ho was ablo to conduct ono service on each Sabbath day, nnd would provide, at bis own expense, a minister to conduct the second service. The question, therefore, Mr Gilllo* said, win for tho meeting to consider whether tbo interests of religion had suffered through tho illness and absence of their pastor, und whether on that ground it was advisable thero should bo a severanco of tho pastoral tic. Aftor the Moderator had expressed tho hopo that those present would discuss tho important question beforo them freclv and openly, Messrs Stewart and North said, m their opinion, the Interests of religion had not sufferod through Mr Macintosh's illness. Mr Guild f aid this question was not the ono for them primarily to considor. Tho most important matter was that of infant baptism, Tho people would, Mr Guild was sure, fall m with any of Mr Macintosh's arrangements, but if ho still adhered to tho viows ho held on baptism, it would havo the effect of driving this important sacrament out of tho church. After Messrs Rout and Gray had spoken on baptism, Mr Guild moved — " That the Presbytery be requested to deal with the question of infant baptism." Tho Moderator and Mr Gillies said tho meeting must disposo of tho question of illhealth before the motion could bo taken, and after discussion Mr Stewart moved, and Mr J. Andorson seconded— "That this congregation sympathise with Mr Mackintosh m his weakoned stato of health, and express its gratitudo to God for tho mcasuro of restoration granted, and its willinguoss to fall m with the arrangements proposed ; that Mr Mackintosh should as far as practicable tako one BOrvice.'and do such visitations ns he may bo able for, he making suitable provision for the services ho cannot undertake" After somo further discussion tho following addition was made to the resolution— " That at tho sarno timo the congregation deairp to bring beforo tho Presbytery a pause of difficulty which has arisen between the session and a part of tho congregation m connection with baptism, and request tho Presbytery to tako this into consideration." Tho resolution, as added to, was then put and carried by 39 votes to 3. After a disouseion on baptism, tho Roy. Mr Gillies moved — " That regarding tho matter of difficulty brought before the Presbytery, they would adviso all parties to study tho interests of poaco and spiritual prosperity of the church, and m regard to individuals desiring baptism for their children, recommend such individuals not to act on hoarsay statements as to th,o opinion of tho minister, but to go to him privatoly, and frankly talk the matter over with him. Tho Presbytery aro fully assured if such a course is adopted, all trouble will speedily be removed, and all differences adjusted m a Christian spirit and mannor." Tho motion was duly carried, and after tho Moderator had pronounced the Benediction, the meeting terminated.