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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 9

V

V.

Friday Evening.

The Rev. Mr. Sutherland gave in the report of Committee on the State of Religion. It deplored the continuance of traffic on the highways and by steamers, and the keeping open of some shops, which were unnecessary. It noticed with approval the united action of the churches in Melbourne against the opening of places of recreation on Sabbath, and suggested similar co-operation among the churches to oppose running of railway trains on Sabbath if this should become necessary. The evangelistic services had been generally held, and with good results. The report was adopted with thanks, and the Synod instructed ministers to preach on Sabbath Observance on second Sabbath of March, and to hold special services for the conversion of the young on first Sabbath in November. Presbyteries were instructed to arrange for special evangelistic services in those congregations where they were not held last year, and to give encouragement to a judicious system of colportage where practicable. Congregations were recommended to petition against all Sabbath traffic. The Committee was recommended to invite co-operation of other Christian Churches in petitioning against Sabbath traffic.

The Sustentation Fund Committee's Report was presented by the Rev. Mr. Will. The dividend for the first half year was £94 Is.; for the second half-year, £93 11s.; total for the year, £187 12s. The Committee acknowledged with thanks a donation from Miss Muir, of Percetown, of £19 12s. 4d.; and from Mr. Edmonston, of Edinburgh, of £2.

It was resolved to approve of the report with thanks, and to recommend this fund to the earnest consideration of the Churches, as the chief fund by which the means of grace are maintained and extended throughout the Province in connection with this Church.

At a later sederunt, a Committee, composed entirely of laymen was appointed as the Sustentation Fund Committee for 1871; Capt. Thomson, Convener.

On Saturday the Synod, as usual, did not meet; and on Sabbath, the Rev. Mr. Bannerman and the Rev. J. M'Cosh Smith preached by appointment of Synod in the First Church.