"On each side of the picture rises a tree, its roots bearing those texts which are the foundation of Christian belief, and its trunk massive with the written truths of the New Testament. The Sermon on the Mount is largely drawn upon for material, and from it springs forth branch after branch, each bearing some Christian precept, and a noble fruit of the virtue derived from obedience to that command. In the centre of the upper part of the picture is the Omniscient Eye, and on the space between the tree trunks is a picture of the ascending Jesus framed in a wreath of olive leaves, each leaf being inscribed with some title of the Saviour. Below are seen those branches of the tree of Christian life which could not bring forth good fruit, and around them crawls the Serpent, symbolic of sin. In the background, the house founded upon a rock, and that founded upon the sand are seen, while a number of minor details complete the picture." [Source: "The Timaru Herald", Vol. XXXIV, No. 2112, 30 June 1881, Page 2]