THE LOAVES AND FISHES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 219, 11 April 1872, Page 8

THE LOAVES AND FISHES.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — Tn our local paper, I observed advertisement that divine service would he held in the school-room upon Sunday, the 3 1st ult., I went and listened to the sermon of 'the clerical visitor. His open remarks about every man bavin* a just right to have bis own soul saved in whatever way he pleased, and his illustrations upon tbe martyrdom cf Stephen, appeared somewhat strange to me. Howevei, to avoid anything in the shape of a religious controversary, I at on«*e admit his views upon ihing^ spiritual are perhaps of a sounder nature than what I hold. One thing T cannot lose sight of. His remarks at the close of his sermon would almost lead the non sceptic to believe that preaching was becoming a trade. His words were, " a gentleman will stand at the door to receive a collection : if the congregation thought his sermon wis worth a sixpence, give sixpence ; if they thought it was worth a shilling, .rive a shilling ; and if they thought if, vv;i3 worth nothing at all, give r.othiiiii, and they could have it over again at the sam * price." The gentleman . at the door like a wisp mm, having trimmed the lamps with oil, ■.£<■., felt so indignant afc not receiving his sha'-e of the collection, that he will not attend in the same capacity again. — I >am, &o , Season. Clyde, April sth, . :. . '