Note 84 — APPENDIX (continued 2)

While thus referring to one unintentional source of evil, I would venture to plead against another, by which grave harm is too often done, namely, the thoughtless repeating of rather irreverent stories connected with favourite hymns and verses of Scripture. A slight touch of wit, or mere absurdity, causes such to stick to the memory of the hearer, never to be eradicated, destroying the sanctity of what has hitherto been a purely sacred association. I grieve to say that too often the clergy are themselves the sowers of these evil tares.