JOINED THE MAJORITY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2220, 29 April 1880, Page 2

JOINED THE MAJORITY.

“Joined the majority” used to be sorroAvfully applied whenjitwas intended to record the departure of a celebrity from this earthly sphere ; lately thcteim has been transferred to bankrupts. Even ministers of the gospel in these degenerate days have occasionally to go the way of all flesh. Not long since one of these gentlemen in a Canterbury district found himself suffering from the badness of the times. Fine raiment and a small offertory did not exactly harmonise. The draper was gentle as a dove and long-suffering, but the pastor was also long-winded. A bill was given for a nuieli delayed account and the acceptance was kindly renewed when it matured. At length the man of garments grew impatient. To appease bis wrath the pastor purchased freely, nearly doubling his little obligation ami then tendered a post - dated cheque Avith the assurance, that unlike the acceptances, it Avould be all right. But too much reliance bad apparently' - been placed on a heartfelt appeal to a fly-blown congregation and the leniency of a hard-hearted, stiff-necked banker, and so the cheque Avas dishonored. The draper was now furious, and in due tune the local bailiff was ordered to take possession. Sad to relate, this unfortunate “ bum ” was a venerable churchwarden, who had liberally contributed a£l note on the previous Sunday, to help the oppressed shepherd out of his difficulties. His horror at having to lay scigo to his religious confessor’s goods and chattels may he imagined but cannot he described. At first he took a trip by train to see if be could compromise the diflieulty, but finding this impossible, the poor Avarden, Avith an aching heart, retraced his steps and put his warrant in execution. The sequel to this sad story is that the shepherd, after some little hesitation, has adopted the example of some of his impecunious sheep and filed his declaration. Such is life, dear boy !