IDEALS OF SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20113, 26 November 1928, Page 11

IDEALS OF SERVICE.

THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST.

ASSEMBLY SUNDAY IN CITY. SERVICES THROUGHOUT DISTRICT The great and guiding principle of the life of Christ was service to humanity; Christianity to day, if it is to bo worth the name, has to be a life of service to others. This was the view of the Rev. Professor W. Hewitson, moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, expressed in a sermon before a crowded congregation in St. David's Church last evening. The moderator commended a deeper study of the life of Christ to all Christians; there was a great need of such study in the world to-day. "To study deeply, study as if you were about to paint a portrait," he said. "You will have to look for more than mere physical form; you will have to look for character, mood and atmosphere. In all the Scriptures you will find no pen-portrait of the Master. Tradition alotio has influenced all the great paintings of Jesus. You may base your painting on the description of a contemporary who describes Jesus as a man, tall and of great beauty. But it has been proved that this was not the description of a contemporary. It was written in the 12th century. For your painting of Jesus you must turn to the Scriptures. His likeness is there." A word-picture of Christ was then drawn ftoin the gospels by the moderator. Jesus was a masterful man; there were a thousand incidents in the Scripture? which showed his strong personality. But with this ho was a man who knew how to serve and how to be a friend. He realised that His throne in Heaven rested on His cross, His mastership, ou His servantship. "Master, friend and servant, Jesus left an example for us to follow," Professor Hewitson said. "Authority which is not based on servantship is useless. A minister with authority and nothing else would soon have only a thin congregation, lie must be a friend to all his people. Some wonder at the fact that the British Throno is still so firmly established, but the reason is not difficult to find. Wo believe that our King works for and is the friend of his people. The Pope, tho* greatest dignitary of the Christian Church, has, as his title, 'the servant of the servants of God.' The little woman in the home, with the quiet voice—she rules the home and she rules by her service to husband and family." Throughout the Auckland district yesterday, from Helensville to Pukekohe, Assembly Sunday was celebrated in the Presbyterian Churches. Visiting ministers preached in about 20 different churches and there were large attendances at all services. A special missionary meeting will bo held in the Town Hall this evening. The moderator will preside and addresses will be given by the Rev. George Budd, the Rev. J. G. Laughton and the Rev. J. M. McKenzio.