CHURCH SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7562, 15 February 1886, Page 6

CHURCH SERVICES.

Tub Bishop of Nelson, Dr. Suter, 1 preached at the evening service at St. Paul's last night. His text was St. .John xiv., 12 He founded his discourse upon the words " And greater works than these shall He do, because Igo unto my Father." In doing so Bishop Suter compared the miracles of Christ with the work, of after-days. He said the labours of a Sootch missonary at the Crimea were even greater than those of Christ. He concluded by referring to the want of believing men for Christ's vineyard, and said that the long discussion at the General Synod, over the removal of a training institution wandered, he considered, from the point so far as the endowment was concerned. The trUst was created to enable believers to be trained for the Church in order that the words of the text might be fulfilled. The incumbent {Rev. C. M. Nelson) and the Rev. W. E. Percival assisted in the service. The morning service in St. Matthew's Church was preached by the Rev, Dr. Suter, Bishop of Nelson, who took for his text St. Matthew, xxvii., 22 : "What shall I do with Jeans, which is called Christ?" Hie Bishop rivetted the attention of the congregation at the very commencement, by reminding them that 18 years ago he asked, in that same places that same question, and what was their answer to-day ? He continued by saying that he should put before them a few thoughts on some of the important issues that had come to the front during that period. First, as to Socialism, which under various names was rearing its head on every hand, it was progressing deplorably, but was there no one to blame? When that bitter cry went up, must not the Christian seek if there were no reason fox it to be found ; was there no selfish disregard of others in this age of luxury that might .wring out from our brother this utterance of woe ? Had Christianity not stemmed the torrent? "What, tfron, had we done with Jesus, which is called Christ On the other hand, there was Vaticanism pure and simple ; he meant that there were those who had said, " Centre your sorrows and your suffering in us, leave it'all to us." "What, then, should wa do with Jesus, which is called Christ ?" If these be all powerful and sufficient ? Should they thus come between Christ, who bade as -come unreservedly to Him, if so, were this not effacing Jesus ? There had been Scripture criticism, again, but that had only, by God's controlling hand, shed more light on His Word, so powerful was " Christ, who constrainvth all." As to " Social Purity," if ever questions rose, how better answer them than by the question, "What shall I do with Jesus, which is called Christ ?" Lastly, for time would not serve to go into all the, possible subjects, so many were they -What about the education question? As Christians, they said that Jesus was all in all, but what says our national system ? If we would perfect it, need we do more than aks "What shall I do with Jesus, whicfh is called Christ ?" The right reverend preacher concluded by reminding his hearers that, as he after this lapse of eighteen years, repeated this all-important question, so at the last would it be demanded of them, "What have you done with Jesus which is called Christ Thus ended what was probably one of the finest and most forcible sermons that have ever been listened to by an Auckland congregation. In the evening there was again a large gathering, which was addressed by the Yen. Arohdeacon Stock, of Wellington, who based his discourse on Romans xiv., 7 —" None of us liveth to himself, and no man disth. to himself," deducing therefrom the great influence exerted by every individual who is " faithful unto death" upon all with whom he comes in contact. In the afternoon, after the children's service, during which the incumbent spoke a fey? practical words to the little ones on "Work and Prizes," the rewards for the year were distributed to the Sunday scholars. The prizes—many of them gifts of parishioners—were handsome and useful, and numbered nearly 70. An ornamental card, in memory of the day, was given to all in the church before they left. The church presented a pretty sight, the children more than filling the spacious nave, whilst their friends were accommodated in the aisles. . The school is evidently in a highly satisfactory condition. The Bishop of Waiapu (Dr. Stuart) preached at St. Sepulchre's Church, yesterday morning. His text was from St. John iii., 2-3. Bishop Stuart said the text presented, in very comprehensive words, the privileges and hopes of a Christian life—the Apostle used language of unhesitating conviction as to the meaping of his words. After lucidly expounding the words on which bis sermon was founded, Dr. Stuart referred to the ever-seeking efforts of man to draw the veil and look into futurity. He concluded by urging on his hearers the motive and hope which should cause them to purify tihemselves of sin. The. incumbent, (the Ven. Archdeacon Dudley) and Dr. Purchas took the .rest of the service. In the evening there was a large congregation, when the Dean of Christchurch (Dr. Jacob) was the preacher. There was a large congregation at St. Thomas' yesterday morning. The Most Rev. the Primate of New Zealand preached. His Grace took for a text Revelations xxi., 22, "1 saw no temple therein." He said that the whole occupation of the redeemed ,in the heavenly country would be of the ; nature of worship—all faculties of intellect i afid head being utilised in the adoration of ; oar Creator. Meanwhile we must learn worship here. Just as before you go to a , strange land, if you would profit, you should . learn the language of the people, so we must learn the language of heaven. We are beings of a composite character—material ■nd spiritual, body and soul. Our worship must be of both. The soul must be devotional, the body reverential. Frequent services in church are desirable, but those who cannot attend them may yet cultivate the devotional spirit. In the evening the Revt J. C. Wilson preached a forcible discourse.

At the morning service at St. James'the Moderator of the General Assembly (Rev. T. E. Cairns), preached from St. Mark, xiv., 3*9. The subject treated of was " Christian Service." In elucidating the narrative the preacher spoke of the gift of Mary being «x----pected to have been accepted by the disciples wt an act of love, not with carping criticism; t!his might have been expected outside, but not in such a hallowed scene. Mary was under obligation to Jesus for personal and family mercies, and desired to show her love —personal obligation to Jesus—is the foundation of all true service. Wherever this la realised there is motive strong for all binds of service. Then the service mast be personal. Mary did not send the gift; she took it: so must we. There is opportunity around us for all to serve: teaching the young, visiting the sick looking after the stranger. Then we can •erve by oiir means; this Mary did, and was blest. Personal testimony to Christ should be borne. Mary was both timid and fearless. We under all circumstances should let the world know that we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, it being the power • of God unto salvation. We rejoice in the intellectual service that is being rendered to Christianity in these times; still, personal dervotedness is the most powerful influence. Personal love to Christ, illustrating itself in service to humanity, was dwelt upon. Philosophy and learning, unless the outcome of love to Christ, is robbed of its true power and influence. The measure of Christian service ; She hath done what she could. Individual service is required; those are condemned who fail to use what God has given. Let our service be measured by our Ability. We shall receive the commendations of our Master when it can be said he or she hath done what she could. In the evening, the, Rev. R. M. Sutherland (Kaikoura, Otago) delivered a thoughtful and forcible discourse to a large congregation, and took ibis text from Psalm xix„ 12: " Cleanse thou me from secret faults," ; 'the pulpit of St. .Stephen's Church, Ponuonhy, was occupied in the forenoon yesterday by the Rev. Mr. Dawao*}, of New Ply* mouth. He preached from Leviticus vi., 13 : the fire upon the altar shall be burning An it } it shall not be put out." The rev. gentleman preached an effective sermon, dwelling chiefly on the hecessity of taking care that if he fire of piety when kindled in the soul -should not be* allowed to die out by reason of Isurrdflndinff oii-comstanoes. In the evening the ! Re*. i C. 'S. t>kg (Wellington) preached. -Hi) ehOsehist&ct from Hebrews, iii., 12 If 1 have told you earthly things and ye fcelieve not, how shatt ye believe if I tell you ' of heavenly things ?" . In » oloselyreasoned discourse he cautioned his bearers against the dangers of procrastination, and of pursuing evil; courses with the idea that at some future time they would repent and be . converted. He especially noticed that the

present alone watt necessary, and pointed out the folly of promising for the future, which was not theirs.

At St. David's "Presbyterian Church, yesterday morning, the Rev. Mr. Borrie, of Dunedin, deputy from the Church of ' Otago and Southland, conducted Divine service. The congregation was large. The text was taken from Jeremiah xxxi., 3., Mr. Borrie is a fluent speaker with considerable power, and commanded the greatest attention during the service, which lasted for fortyfive minutes. The Rev. Mr. D. Gordon, of Marton, preached to a large congregation in the evening, choosing John Xi., 16, for his } text. Mr. Gordon preached a powerful discourse, which was listened to with rapt attention. At St. Luke's Church, Remuera, the Rev. ex-Moderator, Mr. James Treadwell, of Wan* ganui, preached an eloquent sermon on Sabbath morning. He took for his text I. Corinthians, xv., 36, 37, and 38: "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die," Ac. in choice language and with impressive earnestness, he showed the analogy between natural and spiritual life. In the natural world we had the season of winter, and after winter spring; just as the opening buds and beautiful flowers of spring were not a new creation, but a resouscitation or renewal of what during the winter had gathered round one centre, so the resurrection of the body was not a now creation, but a renewal or transformation to higher and nobler spiritual life. In closing, he spoke of the natural man being " dead in trespasses and sins," and solemnly urged all present to ask themselves the solemn question, "Am I born again ?" In the evening the Rev. Wm. Gillies, of Timaru, preached an able sermon, characterised by great power and earnestness. He took for his t&xt Genesis iii., 9: "Where art thou?" showing that amid all man's wanderings and disobedience God has never failed to seek him, but has lovingly followed him, entreating him to return to his Father's heart and his Father's love. ; There was a large attendance at both services. At St, Peter's Church in the morning, the Rev. W. Nichol, of Havelook, preached a most impressive sermon from Numbers x., 29: "Come thou with us and we will do thee good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." Ho showed that the text contained a healthy admonition, that we cannot be here always ; that we must arise and depart, because this is notour rest. We are as those who are about making a journey to another country. Our minds should be full of it, and we ought to make the necessary preparation. Were we true Christians we should try to persuade others to accompany us on the journey to Heaven. The cultivation of heavenly-mindedneas while here was the best preparation for the heavenly oountry. There was a good congregation, and the discourse was listened to attentively throughout. In the evening, at half-past j six, the Rev. James Hill, of Lyttelton, preached to a crowded audience from the passage John vii., 17: "If any man will do his will he will know of the doctrine whether it be of God." He spoke of the evidences of Christianity addressed to the reason and tho understanding. He alluded to the arguments from prophecy, from miracles, from the moral superiority of the Christian religion, from its rapid advancement without the aid of outside or material forces ; all these it was right to bo informed of, .and it was our duty to bring to the teat of reason. These had been assailed from time to tim 4, but never more than in our day.' ■ Still, it had stood as it would stand all the assaults which .bad been made, and i never were these evidences felt to have such force as at the present time. The preacher's subject was, however, different ; it was—experience, the test of Christianity. Our holy religion was beautifully adapted to man's nature. Man was at dispeace with with God; bnt the Gospel had given peace to millions. Man was afflicted with moral weakness; but the Gospel had imparted moral strength to countless individuals of our race. Man needed sympathy in sorrow ; but the Gospel presented the blessed Saviour wiping away the tears of others, while he wept at the grave of Lazarus. Nothing sustained the bereaved mourner like the Gospel, . and millions bad experienced this. ■ Wan had deep down in his breast a longing for immortality. The Gospel imparted a living hope of a home beyond the grave to countless multitudes. He exhorted his hearers, while they studied the evidences of our holy religion that they might be able to give a reason for the hope that whs in them with meekness and fear, that they should above all test it by personal experience. The earnest injunctions of the preacher will not soon be forgotten by his hearers, who listened with rapt attention.