Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/79

Rh that baptism be sometimes dispensed in private families, and therefore authorise the minister in the present circumstances of the congregation to dispense the ordinance of baptism in private when he considers this necessary or prudent, on his being fully satisfied that the circumstances of the family require it." Fear has been expressed by the minister "that a relaxation designed for exceptional circumstances has become almost the rule, to the grief of some, and the regret of many."

About the year 1861 somewhat lax views and equally lax practices seem to have prevailed in Dunedin, even among men of position and influence, in regard to the selling and purchasing of intoxicating drinks in houses and stores not duly licensed by law. A very vigorous protest against these practices is embodied in the following minute of the Session:—"The Session having proceeded to take into consideration the great evils which are arising from the prevalence of the sin of intemperance, and from the baneful practice of selling spirits in unlicensed houses, and whether anything should be done to prevent or diminish these evils; and after long reasoning and consultation with the deacons, resolved—That they are bound to use every lawful means to suppress the evils arising from intemperance, and, believing that the practice of selling and purchasing intoxicating drinks at houses and stores not authorised by law not only greatly facilitates the immoderate use of these drinks, but is an open breach of the rule of God's Word, which is binding on every member of the church, inasmuch as that Word specially enjoins every disciple of Christ to be submissive and obedient to the civil authorities in all matters not contrary thereto. See Romans xiii. 1, 'Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God; whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God;' 1 Peter ii. 13, 'Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be unto the king as supreme, or unto the governors, as unto them that are sent for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.' Further resolved, that it is the duty of every member of the church not only to discountenance intemperance in every shape and form, but especially to discountenance the breach of that law which forbids the sale of intoxicating drinks at houses and stores not licensed for their sale in terms of law; and instruct the minister to read these