HANDING ROUND THE PLATE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 50, 23 November 1926, Page 10

HANDING ROUND THE PLATE

“GOD JUDGES BY WHAT IS HELD BACK”

VIGOROUS APPEAL BY GIPSY SMITH

Dominion Special.

Christchurch, November 22. During the mission service conducted by Gipsy Smith at the King Edward Barracks yesterday the chairman of the general committee (the Rev. E. D. Patchett) announced that he wanted the audience clearly to understand that every penny of every collection taken up would go to the expenses of the committee.

“That’s an expert opinion,” said the Gipsy. “How many of you know Mr. Patchett?” (A number of hands were raised.) “Then you know you can trust him. He has just told you that not one penny of the money you put into the plates to-day comes along to me. Possibly you wouldn’t mind if it did. It does look as though the people of Christchurch are glad to have me here. (Applause.) This is the best sight we have yet seen in the Dominion. (Applause.) It, is the most promising first day in New Zealand.” (Renewed applause.) At the evening service Mr. Smith said that he was there to help them pav the expenses. A voice: “How much are you worth?” “I am not in the expenses.” (Io the ministers on the platform) : “Is that not true, gentlemen?” “Yes,” was the reply. “The local expenses of the mission will absorb from £7OO to £800,” continued Gipsy Smith, “and out of that comes nothing for me. There are men and women here to-night—your clothes are good enough, if they are paid fot—who could easily put a sovereign in the plate find not go without sugar in . their tea. Others cannot give anvthing, and we are just as pleased to have them here as the others. (Applause.) If . you went to a picture show or a cricket or football match you would have to pay to get in; if you can go to church and put threepence in the plate you have no religion. Listen, lam not laughing. You do not love Jesus. If I came down there with a collection plate vou would change what is in vour ' hand. (Laughter.) But it doesn’t matter about me; God will judge you, not by what you give, but by wfiat you hold back. The collection will now be taken up.”