The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1890. BISHOP JULIUS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2042, 6 May 1890, Page 2

The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1890. BISHOP JULIUS.

All anxiety concerning the Anglican Bishopric of Christchurch is now at an end. Archdeacon Julius haß come and been translated into the Bishoa ef Christchurch, and so the matter has been definitely settled, we venture to say, to the delight of all classes and denominations. He comes to us with testimonials showing how beloved he was in his last place of abode. There we have seen the Eoman Catholic priest combining with the Presbyterian and Wesleyan ministers to do him honor, and this fact shows that he does not come to create discord, but to promote concord, peace, and goodwill amongst all denominations. It is not easy to estimate the blessing it is to all classes to have one so kindly* disposed placed in such a high position, but though we realise the importance of this it is not in that respect that his appointment gives us the greatest amount of gratification. We are far more concerned as regards what we may call the secular side of his character. There we see in him one of those large-hearted, sympathetic, and kindly-disposed gentlemen who is ever ready to help the poor and lowly, and as such we bid him a hearty welcome to this diocese. It is, too, to us a source of great pleasure to notice

the magnificent reception he has received. A monarch might have been proud of such a reception. " Who sowetb. good shall surely reap ; The year grows rich as it groweih old' And life's latest sands are its sands of gold." Bishop Julius has sown good Beeds through life, and now they are growing richer as he is growing old. He is growing richer in the love and affection of all good and honest men, though at one time there was an attempt made to prejudice the public mind against him in Christchurch. Those who felt any prejudice against him, however, have already got a taste of his quality. He told them what he had done, and h© told them also that " Bishop or no bishop " he would do it again. We publish that part cf his speech which refers to this in another column, and it speaks for itself. In that will be found the ring of the true metal. He told them Christianity was the truest and best form of socialism, and he was right. The early Christians were true socialists, for in obedience to God's commands they held their worldly goods in common. He said also that the day was gone for ever when churchmen would say to the starving poor " be contented with the station in life in which it has pleased God to put you," for he did not believe God ever put them in that position, and he would not tell them to starve on a mutton bone till the Millenium comes. There is nothing of " the poor shall be always with us" in this, but there is m it the true ring of Christian charity, prompted by a determination to do and to dare for improving the condition of the poor and the helpless, We are glad to see men of his disposition rising to such a high position, and we are glad of the reception he has received, because it may "prove an incentive to others to follow in his footsteps. Many are kept back from doing the right because they have not the moral courage to face 'the obliquy which sometimes attaches to it. Bishop Julius has set the example to these, and his actions have been hailed with almost universal applause. This may possibly encourage others to go and do likewise/and result in much good to those who are least able to help themselves. We sincerely hope so. and we hope also that Bishop Julius' efforts in _ that direction will be crowned with success.