Gold was gold now as it was in the period spoken of in the text, and men loved it now as they had loved it in all ages. It could always be offered to Christ, and could be well used in His service. There were churches to be built and restored; there were infirmaries to be built and restored and supported; there were poor people in almost every neighbourhood who needed support in bad times; and there were plenty of other ways in which money might be used for Christ. He had met with much liberality in this diocese, and therefore he did not know that he had any right to complain; still, when he contrasted the wealth of the diocese now with what it was when this church was built, and when he considered on the other hand, the amount of that wealth which was offered to Christ, then he confessed he sometimes felt despondent and sad. But there was something better than gold which almost every one could offer. Many gave their money, but said, "Don't expect me to work." Now, he did expect people to work. Money was dirt compared with time and trouble and Christian zeal; and his opinion was that no one was worthy of being Christ's disciple who did not do some work for Christ's sake. Christ was said to have "bought us"; but it was not with gold; it was by His agony and bloody sweat, by His cross and passion. And he who would be like Christ must exert himself in some way for those for whom Christ died. There were plenty of ways in which a man might do this; and let him who was in difficulty go to the clergyman of his parish and say, "Sir, give me something to do; I am willing to devote something of my time to the service of Christ." There was also the offering which every Christian was bound by all that the Christian holds dear to make to his Lord - the offering of his soul and body, which offered, every other service would be easy and delightful. The Bishop with great force dilated upon this part of his theme; and concluded by congratulating the parishioners of Kirkby Stephen upon the offering which they had made to Christ in the form of this beautifully renovated and improved Church. Their liberality was commendable; but something remained to be done; he believed about £500 was still required in order that their obligations might be entirely fulfilled, and he asked for a liberal contribution. The collections for the day amounted to £173. _____________