THE HOSPITAL AND THE CHURCHES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 279, 5 June 1873, Page 6

THE HOSPITAL AND THE CHURCHES.

(To Hie Editor.) Sir, — With regard to your correspondent's remarks respecting the Hospital, 1 may say it is a great pity that such a noble institution should sink so low in its funds. Permit me to ask one question. Why was it when there was only one religious meeting house in Lawrence, the Hospital fund was more liberally subscribed to than it is now ? The only answer I can give, is the fact that the Hospital comes in for the crumbs that fall from religion's table, and they are very small and very few. There are so many calls made, and so much money subscribed for the carrying out of the unscriptural, sectarian, and fragmentary forms of worship in Lawrence, that the Hospital passes unminded. I was j ust wonderingif some far seeing disciple had not recognised the fact that the scriptural moile of baptism by immersion was not praotised in any of the churches in Lawrence, and followed in the wake with a subscription list for the building of a Baptist Ch-*pel. There is no more material at preseut than is necessary for the organization of one church in Lawrence, and it is a great pity that at the formation of the township those who were lovers of the truth could not have got a postor to have rej (resented them as one, with the assistance of a missionary or evangelist for the outlying districts. Their strength would aid suocess, and the Hospital might have been provided for b) the church alone. Instead of success, we see churches struggling in debt, a disgrace to their name. I should not like to say anything to hinder the success of those who are in the field ; but ife appeal's to me like thp position of horses going round a mill-ring. Round and round ; the same place next year, no advance ; dogmatically carrying out what their fathers have taught them, instead of fulfilling the intercessory prayer of the Saviour, the substance of which is " that they all might be one." The church has existed in this misty region for centuries back ; but we hope the light of truth may more fully dawn upon the minds of onr children, or our children's children. Then shall the combined church " Come forth, clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners." — I am, &c, Strange, but True.

Tt is often a matter of consideration with me if the country branches of the metropolitan banks are self-supporting, (writes "Atticus" in the " Leader,") or if their existence is but an advertisement for the head office. A story told me the other pay goes far to lead me to the latter conclusion. A friend, being on a visit to a town in tho western district, strolled into the looal bank-, and asked for ch.mge for a pound note. " Certainly," said the manager ; " pray take a seat." Somewhat astonished, my friend took a chair in front of the omnter, while the manager, leaning on his elbows on the polished cedar, surveyed the oustomer with curiosity. Seeing a pipe in the visitor's hand, the offer of tobacco was made and accepted. A solemn silence ens'ie'l, which lasted for a few minutes. My friend got up, when the manager in serious tone said, "will yon stay and lunch?" to which the answer "I don't mind if I do," was given. The lunch passed off agreeably, and when the two had eaten and talked to their heart's content, they vacated the table, and repairing to the bank, the change for the note

was given to my friend. After a parting shake of the hand he ventured to observe that there dul not seem to be much business stirring. " No," returned the bank official ; *' thi3 is the best stroke of business I have done for some daps,"