LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16888, 28 December 1916, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE BELGIAN R.KLIEF FUND.

Bra, —The clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin have been requested to provide as fax as possible in tiieir services and sermons that Sunday nest—the last day od the year —be observed as a day of thanksgiving, intercession, and commemoration. In accordance with the desire of his Majesty the King, convoyed through his Exoellency the Governor, I hereby suggest that, so far as practicable, the offerings on that day be devoted by the clergy and church officers to the relief of the sufferings of the women and children of Belgium, both as an act of sacrifice to accompany oar prayers and in recognition of our deep indebtedness to that country in the critical period of the ootbroaic of tho war.—l am, etex, S. T. Dtosedht, Primate. AN APPRECIATION. Sib, —Will you grant us a small space to express our thanks to the doctor, sister, and nuiaea oi Nightingale ward for their efforts on our bcEaif on Ciirisfcmos Day? They combined to make tho day one which will liv<j in the memory as a pleasant recollection, although wo were at the timer confined to beds of pain. I'or the forethought in arranging for the decoration a which did so much to malto the ward look pleasant and bright, and incidentally had a wonderful eliect on our feelings, we would express our very best thanks. For tho ungrudging manner in which the doctor and nurses devoted themselves at dinner to making us happy, words fail to express what we feeL The nurses' choir alk> deserve more than passing mention, for it meant coming out very early, although they had a heavy day in front of them, and the sweet singing disclosed that time had been spent in preparation. The night-duty muses' tincan band enlivened proceedings by several enjoyable rag-timo selections. To the many friends who remembered us with gifts of flowors, we also extend our thanks. But to the sister and nurses we must extend our very best thanks for having had the fulfilment of tho old-time wish—a very merry Christmas.—We are, etc., Patients of Nightingale.

[The above letter is signed by 12 patients on behalf of the Nightingale ward. — Ed. O.D.T.]

SIR ROBERT STOUTS SECULARISM. Sib, —What is wrong with tho maxim which Sir Robert Stout advised the scholars to take with them: "Do what you have to do as well as you can, and be kind "? This is sound Christianity and morality from boginning to end, inwardly and outwardly, or from any other way you like to take it. It is our Lord's two oommandments put into every-day language, so as not to mystify the young. I am afraid the justice of ' Christianity and morality" does not exceed that spoken of in Matth. 5.20, while his lack of knowledge is made evident when he implies that we are under the 10 commandments to obey them. Paul says these were done away with, but "that which remainth is more glorious"—to wit tho two which comprehend the 10, leaving out the fourth commandment. God said he would do away with it owing 1o the Jews (to whom it was given) having polluted it and made it a byword and a reproach among the heathens.— I am, etc., Gavin Brighton.