PASTOR AND PEOPLE

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1720, 10 April 1913, Page 6

PASTOR AND PEOPLE

$ "YOU HAVE BEEN NAUGHTY CHILDREN." (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Christchurch, April 9. On, Sunday evening the Rev. Mr. Haslam preached his' valedictory sermon in tho Methodist Church, Woodend, near Kaiapoi. As church matters have not been running as smoothly as they should, everyone was on the tiptoe of expectation when tho preacher gavo. out his text. Ho did not keep them long in suspense, for after dwelling for a few moments on the first head of his text ho said:— "I havo had a very bu6y week, aiid in looking for a suitable ; text I had hoped to select ono that would suit all the congregation 1 had to preach to today, but from' certain information which reached mo a few days ago I found this impossible. As you know, my stipend is very small—so small, indeed, that we havo enjoyed but few of the luxuries of life, and when some of my friends presented mo with a purse of sovereigns aa a mark of thejr esteem, I should like to know' why this act' should rouse a feeling of indignation against me, and ctfusa certain folk to say very unkind tilings. It has been said by somo that I had no right to accept a presentation so long as there was a debt on tho church. What in tho name of common sense had that to do with the action of my friends? If tlieso fault-finders wero consistent, they would have raised tho same objection to eveiy presentation that-' has been made during the term of my ministry among you, yet there havo been a Ejood many, and' quite rightly too. If those of you who would havo subscribed.to the presen-, tation but for tho debt on" the church will just calculato how much you would have given, bo consistent and pay that amount to tliie trustees. I am sure they will te very glad of it." In conclusion, Mr. Ilaslam said: "I had hoped to speak in quite a different strain 10-night, but you havo been naughty children. However, like p. good old mother, I forgive you, but whether you will forgive mo is your concern." Mi\ Haslam goes to Palnierston North.