'THE SECRET OF THE SUCCESS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME'

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 13, 1 April 1909, Page 493

'THE SECRET OF THE SUCCESS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME'

Under the above Heading the following letter and extract appear in the current issue of the Dunediri"' Outlook (Presbyterian): — -

Sir, — In your issue of February 20 ,a letter "appeared addressed to Mr. Cameron, ,, signed 'A Son,' which very much appealed to my own ideas on the subject. ' A Son ' showed how the. Church of Rome s is successful in gaining converts, by the ' self-restraint, courtesy, and kindliness ' of her clergy. If these virtues were more, pronounced in our clergy, would our Church not be benefited too? Let me give an instance ! In a certain town of Auckland, there lives a young couple with their only child. The father of the child took seriously ill with lung trouble, which confined him to his' bed for some weeks. Though there were both Church of England and Presbyterian Churches in the district, neither of these ministers came near them; but Father , a Roman Catholic priest,. heard of the trouble, and though he had never met either of them, he called one day, saying that he had just learned that the husband was ill, and had come to see if they had everything that was required, or if he could assist in any way. Day after day he called, and cheered the patient with his tactful conversation. Up to this time both my friends had a strong aversion to Roman Catholic priests, but naturally enough their aversion was decreased, though neither of them could for a moment think of accepting the Roman Catholic faith. This same Father has a rule which might profitably be followed by .our ministers. Every evening he goes round certain chemists' shops to learn who had called for medicines during that day, and all else that, could be learned about the patient and his circumstances; and no matter whether of his own. denomination or otherwise, Father; many times takes from an ad- • -joining Nstore what is necessary in the way of food or clothing for them. He is frequently paid for it, but not always. ' Never mind,' he will say, ' just pay when you can, and if you cannot it will be all right.' Now, does not this speak for itself? I enclose a clipping from a -pamphlet entitled 'Britain, Awake 1 ' which shows what strides the Catholics are making. Perhaps you may find room for it in your valuable and appreciated Outlook. Surely it is time for our ministers to rouse themselves to action, and to get more life and activity in our Church. — I am, etc., .A READER.