XXIV.
My dear St. John,
For some time there has been a general desire to complete St. Mary's Church. We have occupied the nave, with a temporary chancel, for many years. The times are favourable; business is prosperous. At a Parish Meeting lately held the project was discussed, as our laymen are wont to discuss financial matters, in a thoroughly practical way, and, as a leading parishioner put it in most generous terms to myself, "We want to see the work completed in your lifetime, and of those who still remain with us of the original pioneers of the place."
I need not say what pleasure this proposal gave me, but knowing that it would mean some £10,000 of expenditure, all of which must come from the people, and thinking of the ordinary claims upon them for the maintenance of Church work, I thought it right to hesitate. "Were they prepared for the cost? I would, as before, do all I could, but they must take the responsibility of it. Had the scheme been well thought out? After so long a period as their Vicar, I could not expect many more years of effective working power. If I could be sure that such a venture would not impair the revenue necessary for the Spiritual work
