"And It Was Dark"

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1922, Page 4

"And It Was Dark"

CLERY.AfAN’S DILE.AI.AI9. A Timnru resident who paid a visit t otlic Empire City recently i s responsible for the following story, says a southern paper:- It concerns a Presbyterian minister, not unknown in South Canterbury, who conducted the evening service at a certain suburban church not far from Lnmbton Harbour a- Sabbath or two ago. There was . a good congregation, and all went well till sermon time.

The .Minister then stated that his diseonive would he based on two texts, and proceeded to announce them, .lust as lie had finished giving out the first however, the electric lights, with which tlic church was illuminated, flickered and went out. The parson paused, to allow for the excitement caused therein- lo subside, and to give the officebearers a chance to make things right. The deacons only produced matches and repaired to the switchboard in the vestibule. Once there their worst fears were realised. ’l’lie main connection had fused, and speedy repair was out of the question. Caiiulles or lamps there were none. The preacher was appraised. and by pronouncing the Benediction closed the service immediately.

0,1 the way home the Timnru resilient. who hail known the minister ill South Canterbury, couhl not refrain from asking him why he had not “carried on.” “I know you,” said the inquirer: “hut others may not, and they’ll he thinking that you’re dependent on your paper.” “1 am aware of that,” replied the minister. “1 could easily have got through; hut it was the thought of my second text that stopped me.” “How was that?”

“Well, you see, my second text wn from St. Luke’s Gospel; “And it. wn: dark, and lie was not with them.’ 1