PULPIT MESSAGES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 93, 14 January 1935, Page 10

PULPIT MESSAGES

Wellington Churches THE RACE OF LIFE Snares of a Deceptive Age Speaking in the Salvation Army Hall, Newtown, at his farewell gathering, Major Lamond took for his text tlie words of St. Paul from Galatians, chapter 6, verses 7 and 8. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth' that shall, he also reap.” “We of our generation are living in a deceptive age,” said Major Lamond. “The mirage life lures the pursuer to goals that are as unreal as fairy tales. Tlie deluded one is left in a maze of grief, disappointment and remorse. Faith in humanity is shattered and a career of crushed and wounded spirit leads to bitterness and shame. The wages of sin is death. "The birds build their nests one straw at a time; great edifices are erected by the multiplication of laying Of single bricks; mighty rivers have their origin high in the mountains or a small waterway in some ravine; the material from which our garments are made is woven by the skilful hand of some expert, but single threads are the foundation. Your life and mine,” pleaded the speaker, “is like the garment .material. The multiplicity of little acts; the oft repetition of doings is moulding a character which is going to reflect the true man ad the true woman to the world. Do not be deceived : as we sow, so shall we reap. Young women, do not rob the generation, unborn, of true motherhood!—cigarettes are fascinating and cocktails are fashionable; but these indulgences have never made, nor will they ever make, a pure womanhood. Do not roll yoursMf or posterity of their rightful inheritance. ‘Keep thyself pure.’ ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners.’ “Young mep, be strong. be true, be brave, run the race of life clean and honourable and straight,” he continued. “Be not deceived with the gambling spirit; pay correct value for all you receive and you will find life sweet, love real, and service a joy. ‘A man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’ Love to God and real heart service to humahity is true life. The defeats of our yesterdays and the fears of our to-morrows are two of the greatest enemies to man’s soul. God in His infinite love and mercy has provided a Saviour from our sins, also a promise that we shall live in righteousness and holiness before Him all the days of our life. Do not be deceived by the spirit of the age: but be led by the spirit of the living God into channels of abundant Christian life and service.” CHRISTIAN SCIENCE “Sacrament” was the subject of the lesson-sermon in all Churches of Christ, Scientist, yesterday, January 13. The golden text was from John 13: 34, 35. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Among the citations which comprised the lesson-sermon were the following from the Bible, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh recciveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matt. 7:7,5.) Also the following passages from tne Christian Science textbook: “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” by , Mary Baker Eddy. “What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. To keep the commandments of our Master and to follow His example, is our proper debt to Him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all He’ has done. Outward worship is not of itself s-uflicient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since He has said: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” (P. 4.)