CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 115, 21 April 1870, Page 5

CHURCH OF ENGLAND

(To the. Editor of the Tuapjbea Times).

Sir, — It is the fate of some men to be grossly misunderstood ; and it appears also to be the sole object in life of some other men to put wrong— utterly wrong—constructions upon the doings and sayings, of their neighbours. Referring to a letter signed " A Member/-' which appears, in your last issue, f wish, firstly, to remark that the writer, makes use of the "we" 1 pretty freely, but fails to exhibit any authority for so doing. J have no doubt, however, that his views are fully endorsed by about four other persons residing within a short distance of " A Member ;" secondly, "A Member" is not warranted in writing as follows (I quote his words*— a "I have only to add that whether the telegram cams ov not, on no account would we accept Mr. J. L. S. Keen's, nominee." He is not warranted in so writing, because 1 have never yet nominated any. one. His insinuation, therefore, contains a lie. What I have done is this : I have worked hard and earnestlyin order to obtain a clergyman for thi*, cure — not for. my, ow,n benefit only, but for the benefit o$ the district at large. When I thought I had fallen across a gen-, tleman who, in my opinion, was suitable, I said so ; but £ did not nominate him ; and I am sure that every member of committee will bear me ont when I assert that at the meeting of committee held about six weeks ago, at which I mentioned the matter, I stated that unless the gentleman to whom, I referred was almost unani-. mously invited,, I should not be content ;t; t and that if he was not invited at all, much as I should regret it, it would not cause me to, refcix. my efforts one iota in the matter of obtaining a clergyman, and for the good: of the church* As, regards the. "probation"" practised amongst dissenters (-but never amongst legitimate church-, men), it is. a matter, here, at all events,, of opinion. — '••' A Member "is entitled to, his view;, and I am. equally entitled to, mine., And now-, thirdly, I must add that Mr., Cbffby's letter was my own personal and individual property, addressed' to me by- Mr. Coflfeynofcas Corresponding; Secretary to the Lawrence Committee, but to me as J.. L. S. Keen ofily. I re-. quired 1 , therefore, no further authority to, publish it than the writer's consent, and* this I obtained' by telegram, as I stated; when I published it. However, it so, happens that I did show Mr. Coffey'Sj letter to- several members of committee,, all of whom agreed with me regarding the. good which, its publication would belikely> to effect. I" regret that so far. as "A\ Member" is, concerned, the good deed ha& 4 fallen "upon stony ground-, where there, is* not mpph earth." — 1 have, &c, John- L v Shad well Keen.