CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 380, 20 February 1908, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents. [TO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —Now that the Catholic Bazaar is over, will you permit me to express an opinion, not with any feeling of bitterness, in reference to bazaars, etc., for the furthering of Christ’s kingdom in this world. Does not this form of “raising the wind” strike you sir, as an evidence of a low spiritual condition of any church, not the Roman Catholics in particular,’ but every church which resorts to such practices. I can see no harm in a sale of work, the articles for which purpose have been made by self-sacrificing persons and given as a thanks offering, and quitted to the general public at a fair price. _ But in my humble opinion I think it is’decidedly against the principles of Christianity to take money from anyone at a church bazaar (unless it is a free will gift) and give nothing in return, or to ask 10/for an article which is only worth 2/6. Would the Great Head of the Church sanction such means of raising money ? Methinks all money given for church work should be the free will offering of a thankful people. If, on the other hand, gifts have been made in kind whereby it is necessary to convert them into money, the transaction should be just. Picture the Giver of all good things watch- ' ing over such methods to obtain money for the good of his kingdom. If the church-going people of Foxton gave according as they had been prospered, there would not be, in my opinion, any occasion for bazaars or such like affairs in order to raise funds for church work. Thanking you in anticipation. —I am, etc., A Sinner.