Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/31

Rh and the surrounding districts, under Dr Burns's care, "contained a scattered population of about 2600."

The following extracts from the memorial are worthy of a place in this record:—"From the peculiar temptations incident to colonial life, it is of the utmost importance that a pious, energetic, godly minister be settled amongst us—one who would take a particular interest in securing the hearts of young men for public good, and who would visit and allure the people to church-going habits. Our population and our church members are composed of those who at Home were members of other churches besides the Free Church, and our minister would therefore require to be large-minded, prudent, affable, gentle, yet firm, and ready for every good work. It is desirable that he be vigorous in health, but not a young man—a man rather of some experience in the ministry and in the business of Church Courts. We humbly and earnestly hope that the Great Head of the Church may direct you to a proper choice, as the enlargement and prosperity of our Church and the implanting and maintaining of religious principles both in the town of Dunedin and throughout the whole Province will much depend on your choice. We are far less anxious about the particular denomination to which the minister may belong at Home than we are to have a heavenly-minded, experienced, able, and godly minister; only he must, of course, be one who will heartily join and co-operate with the Presbytery. Our past experience in Otago and our knowledge of the people and of those who will be his co-presbyters, warrant us in assuring to any such minister not only a hearty welcome but a comfortable home in one of the most important positions in which a minister of the Gospel can be placed." As showing their thorough appreciation of the immense importance of a right selection being made, and the great dread which seemed to fill the minds of the founders of Knox Church at the bare idea of an unsuitable minister being sent them, we insert the following extract from Mr Gillies's letter, which accompanied the memorial:—"We really need an able, pious, active, godly minister. We cannot have him too soon, as every day's delay is a great loss; but, at the same time, allow me to add that the appointment of a minister inferior to what we have endeavoured to describe would be an awful calamity to this Church and Province. I pray and trust that you may be rightly directed."

It may interest the present generation to know the spirit which