"BE CONSISTENT!"

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 274, 11 April 1913, Page 8

"BE CONSISTENT!"

A CLERGYMAN SPEAKS OUT. Christchurch, Wednesday. On Sunday evening the Rev. Mr. liaslam preached his valedictory sermon in the Methodist Church at Woodend. As church matters have not been running as smoothly as they should, everyone was on the tiptoe of expectation when the preacher gave out his text. He did not keep them long in suspense, for after dwelling for a few moments on the first head of his text he said: "I have had a very busy week, and in looking for a suitable text I had hoped to select one which would suit all the congregation I had to preach to to-day, but from certain information which reached me a few days ago I found this impossible. As you know, ray stipend is very small, so small, indeed, that we have enjoyed but few of the luxuries of life, and. when some of my friends presented me with a, purse of sovereigns as a mark of their esteem I should like to know why this act should rouse a feeling of indignation and cause certain folk to say very unkind things. 'lt has been said by some that I had no right to accept a presentation so long as there was a debt upon the church. What in the name of common sense had that to do with the ac--1 tion of my friends ? If these faultfinders were consistent they would have raised the same objection to every presentation that has been made during the term of my ministry among you. Yet there have been a good many, and quite rightly, too. If those of you who would have subscribed to the presentation but for the debt on the church will just calculate how much you would give, be consistent and pay that amount in to the trustees. I am sure they will be very glad of it." In conclusion Mr. Haslam said: "I had hoped to speak in quite a diii'erent strain to-night; but you hive heen naughty children. However, like a good old mother, I forgive you. But whether you will forgive me is your concern." The new minister, the Rev. Mr. Clarke, takes up his duties immediately, and the Rev. Mr. Haslam goes to Palmers ton North.