The Secret of Happiness

CAPE ARGUS – 1939, February 20

Lines from Sunday’s sermon

The mother of Sir Samuel Hoare wrote some striking words in her will. ‘I die in the firm belief that the true happiness of life consists of Something to do, Someone to love, and Something to hope for.’ The Secret of Happiness could hardly be better put. But the success turns upon the quality of the Something to do, the character of the Someone to love, and the nature of the Something to hope for. It is here that the Christian faith stands unchallengeably supreme. It offers Something for even the poorest and lowliest to do – the interpreting of the life and death of Jesus in terms of daily life; it offers Someone to love – Jesus; it offers Something to hope for – a land of lights and eternal love.” – The Rev. R. Barr, Presbyterian Church, Mowbray.

Burdens and Loads

CAPE ARGUS – 1939, February 20

Lines from Sunday’s sermon

“St. Paul writes of two sorts of ‘burdens – our own and our brother’s – and he uses different words to describe them – ‘burdens’ and ‘loads.’ Every man has his own life to live, his own problems to solve, his own responsibilities to face. Friends may help by their cheering counsel and kindly sympathy, but the full weight of the burden must rest on his own shoulders. But there are other burdens which one can carry for another, and this helping hand fulfills the law of Christ and makes one’s own load the easier to carry.” – The Rev. William Avery, Presbyterian Church, Woodstock.

Peacemaking, like Charity, begins at Home

CAPE ARGUS – 1939, February 20

Lines from Sunday’s sermon

“Getting right with God involves an apology to the brother you have injured. Church attendance and good works are no substitute for the costly act of restitution that will put the broken human relationship right. Perhaps there was wrong on both sides; but never mind that, it is not your business. Confess your own sin with real repentance and a real desire for friendship. We all want to be peacemakers these days, and yet how can there be peace between the nations if there is no real peace among us? Peacemaking, like charity, begins at home.” – The Rev. James Rodger, Presbyterian Church, Bellville.