He: “Because it enables him to lead whatever sort of life he prefers, and then at the last moment he can send for the priest, and put it all straight.”
I: “Good Heavens, Canon! do you believe that?”
He: “My dear man, if you believe the Bible, there can’t be the least doubt in the world about it.”
This seems to account for the “conversation” (in the Scriptural sense) of several friends. It is hard that the privilege should seem to be confined to working-men. However, it becomes abundantly clear that even at 2 A.M. Patsey cannot be neglected: it may be for him the chance of a lifetime.
Another and a most distracting part of their work is Finance. I believe I am correct in the following premises: Every mission in these parts has a debt on the buildings. No such debt can be incurred without leave from the bishop. The priest is bound to find the quarterly interest. No personal liability attaches to the priest: his successor inherits the debt.
In favour of spending there is:
(1) A congregation full of zeal; thriftless; firmly believing in Justification by Works.
(2) Freedom from personal or family liability.
(3) Accruing reputation for zeal.
On the other side: