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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 244, 15 October 1877, Page 4

The Rev. R. Coffey, preaching a St. Peter's Church on Sunday evening (says the Post) in the course of an eloquent sermon (on St. Matthew xvm, 17 th verse — " If be neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican ") — shua trenchantly denounced the " Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Bill," and tha action of the House of Representatives in passing it: — A most important subject has lately beeu discussed in Parliament and in our local journals. I refer to the question of legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister. This, to shallow minds, may seem a matter of trivial import, but to others it bears on the very heart of the nation in its social, and therefore, in its religious life. I know not any question ao far-reaching in its effects. The discussion of religious instruction in schools pales into insignificance beside the incestuous bill, At what does the abominable thing strike? Even at the very unit of the nation — (hs family. The convenience of a few is to be consulted, and the consequences are not to be taken into account because they wiil not probably mature for years I Our Lower House passed that measure, and thereby showed how unworthy it is, as at present constituted, to bs entrusted with the guardiauship of our political life. Can we help reflecting on the almost profane conduct of praying every Sunday that the Almighty would ** direct and prosper all their consultations?" We are only justified in praying when we have done our utmost or mean to do it. But the last question that we ask about candidates for Parliament is*— Are they Christians? Have they any religion? Nay, have tbey even any character? Happily, that abominable Rill was thrown out by that Upper House which our fireband Radicals would sweep away."