AN EXPLANATION.

Manawatu Herald, 23 January 1896, Page 2

AN EXPLANATION.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE MANAWATO HERALD. Sib, — On Sunday night last I preached a sermon on " The Evils of Gambling." Some plain, poiuted aud pungent things were said. Referring to the twin-evils of betting and" drinking, an illustration was used — a betting man says — "I love my wjfe," I say " I doubt it." " But I do," be

replies, " I don't believe you," " Why," "Because if you did you'd spend your nlonev on yoilv wife, which now goes to provide luxurious clothing for Mrs Stansell and some others." With reference to the ahove I "wish to public 'y state (a) it was entirely unpremedititpd, it formed no part or portion of the discourse as prepared previous 10 service time In the warmth of utterance it fli^hod up as an illustration ; (b) it was quite unnecessary. The illustration would have been just as useful thus " luxurious clothing for the wives of some others ;"' (c) it was certainly unwise. I hope, Sir, I have the spirit of a gentlemnn No one more than myself wonld reprobate personalities in tbe pulpit. I hold that a preacher has a perfect right to speak of classes, but to indulge in personalities is a breach of pulpit privilege. Now Sir, "To err is human," and I claim to be very human, and when a wrong has been done I am only too ready to make reparation. Believing as I do that in well-meant warmth I exceeded my rights, I hereby state my regret. If, however, as seems to be the fact, Mr Stansell feeling aggrieved threatens to do me bodily harm, such an appeal to brute force would be neither elegant nor gentlemanly. I choose, however, to think such a statement equally unpremeditated, unnecessary and unwise. Hence I claim we are quits. Believing this to be a fair and frank statement due to the above named, myself and the public. I am, Ac, Samitet, TUrnett. Foxton, 23rd Jan., lflftO.