PULPIT VOICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 238, 8 October 1928, Page 10

PULPIT VOICES.

ALL SAINTS', PONSONBY.

BISHOP OF CHBISTCHURCK

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

Dr. West. Watson, Bishop of Christchurch, preached at All Saints' Church, Ponsonby, yesterday from the text: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shalltmake jbu free." He said that to achieve freedom it was necessary to combine duty with an inclination to religion. "There are to-day," said the Bishop, "many- kinds of churches and religions, and each claims to have the truth. Many people hesitate and ask the question, which Pilate asked, <What is truth?' The answer to that question is a person. lam the Truth, the Way and the Light.' It is hard for us to grasp, the truth and to understand it, but in parable of the prodigal son the truth is so directly expressed that it is a wonder it has *aken us so long to grasp it."

Dr. West Watson said missionaries in South Africa related how when they met native tribes dominated by the fear of a multitude of evil spirits, they were as astonished when told that there was one Power that was omnipotent. Having grasped the truth of the supremacy of God, the natives were immediately freed from their terrors and lifted above their former standards. "In most religions," he said, "we sit down to be idle slaves, but we should deal with God on the terms of master and servant. When we think of all the rules and regulations of life we should think of the words of J® prodigal son, 'Make me as one of thy hired servants,' and rest at home in peace, forgiven."

ST. DAVID'S MEMORIAL FONT.

A marble baptismal font, in memory of Airs. Peter Robertson, was dedicated in St. David's Presbyterian Church at a special service yesterday morning. The late Mrs. Robertson, who arrived iu New Zealand on October 10, 1842, was one of the earliest members of St David's Church. The font is the rift of her daughter, Miss Susan Robertson, who unveiled it prior to its dedication. The Bertram conducted the service and in his address to the young people present explained the nature and meaning of the sacrament of baptism. The font bears a silver plate, on which is recorded/the occasion of the gift,, and

a text from St. Mark's GospeL -1 minute of appreciation expressing A* gratitude of the congregation to IGn Robertson was read in the course the service.

PITT STREET METHDDIBI*

SIXTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY.

Large congregations attended at PH4 Street Methodist Church yesterday, tfc> occasion being the 62nd anniversary. At the morning service the Rev. Dr. C. & Laws, principal-of the Methodist Theological College, referred to the put hie* tory of the Church, of which for « period he was minister. He said that members of Pitt Street Church were-te be found all over the Dominion and Aft Church'had a warm place in the heartt of Methodists. The minister, RW. L B. Dalby, preached in the evening «■ "Comrades." He said the healthy spirit of fellowship was noticeable to a very large degree among the young pwfh of Pitt Street. Special musical iUaaft were sung at each service. A «oei«l gathering is to be held on Wednesday evening in Pitt Street school room*