I have been enjoying myself relocating my books into a renovated room \ud83d\ude42 In the process I have come across some delightful memories.<\/p>\n
The beautiful letter below and the Bible sent with it are one such treasured memory.<\/p>\n
Wednesday 3 November 2004<\/p>\n
The Bishop of Tasmania<\/address>\nDiocese of Tasmania<\/address>\nGPO Box 748<\/address>\nHOBART TAS 7001<\/address>\nAttention: John Harrower OAM<\/p>\n
Dear Venerable Sir,<\/p>\n
Re: Make Good of Christian Bible <\/strong><\/p>\n
While a child attending state school in Launceston, part of our curriculum was Christian Education on a Friday. From memory the course was delivered by a stream of lay Teachers \u2013 and on occasion by Rev Nancarrow of the local St Aidens Church (who I understand is now deceased).<\/p>\n
Being academically competitive, I won the grade 6 prize in 1969 for my Bible Studies book \u2013 which was a collection of work done over the year \u2013 albeit under false pretences. I had infact rewritten the book upon learning of the possibility of a prize. Whilst the work was mine \u2013 it was not the edition dutifully submitted to the passing line of Teachers over the year \u2013 but rather an amended and neater version with forged comments. Whether the kind Nancarrow knew this and acted in skilful way \u2013 or was deceived by my forgery I do not know.<\/p>\n
For my part, clearly this action was deceptive and based on greed. In full knowledge of this I now declare this error to you and make my sincere apologies as head of this Church in Tasmania. I undertake not to repeat this behaivour again.<\/p>\n
The prize, as I recall, was a Bible \u2013 which was won through an unskillful action. Although I do not have this Bible anymore \u2013 or any idea where it may be \u2013 please accept the enclosed \u201cGood New Bible\u201d as a make good and a repayment for at least part of my debt along with my declaration of error.<\/p>\n
While I do not follow the Christian path I do try to be a good man and help others whenever and however I can. I was prompted to recollect this long forgotten action through recently meeting a local Christian ministry who too was kind to me. On seeing an error or a flaw (no matter how long ago it was performed) out of respect for others and myself I shall always seek to correct it.<\/p>\n
Please accept my declaration and \u201cmake good\u201d and aspirations.<\/p>\n
May you be well and happy and free from all suffering,<\/p>\n
Yours sincerely\u2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This is a beautiful letter of courteous and humble apology from a person making restitution and thereby building community. Please accept my heartfelt thanks. [There was no return address.]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I have been enjoying myself relocating my books into a renovated room \ud83d\ude42 In the process I have come across some delightful memories. The beautiful letter below and the Bible sent with it are one such treasured memory. Wednesday 3 … Continue reading