The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-01-11
SUNDAY SERVICES.
CASCO STREET,


Yesterday the Rev. G. S. Perkins preached
sermon from the text Luke, ", IS, 10.
Subject. The true mission of Christianity in
the world.
1t is necessary that this should ever be dis
tinctly before us, in order that our efforts may
be wisely directed and earnestly put forth, and
ia order that we may give intelligent reasons
why others should join with us. The mission of
Christianity is simply the continuation OF
Christs mission.
What Christ's mission was we are informed
in this text 1t was not to promote his own
glory; it was not to secure any selfish END. IL
was purely generous and merciful. Instead OF
employing men for his own advantage, Christ
came to put himself 10 service for the good Oh
others. He represents himself, in the text, as
coming rot to those who were able to help
him, nor to those who had no needs, but rather
to the helpless, those who required his aid.
This is the mission of Christianlty-not to seek
honor and applause and wealth, but to give
help to The needy; to carry with it every
where to the suffering and the sinful the as
surance that God cares for them, and that it is
itself Gods mercifully arranged plan for at
fording item his aid. In affording this help
to suffering and needy now. it is the office OF
Christianity as it was Christs office, to heal
the broken -hearted-to impart comfort and
courage and hope to those who are full of sor-
row, and ready to yield to despair 1t is also
its office to carry deverance to captive sinners.
1t is not designed to build up societies OF self
complacent men, who shall ind all their ser
vice in congratulating one another; but rather
to send out those who have embraced it after
those who are lost, and abandoned OF men; TO
present to them a way of escape. IL is
also its office to give enlightenment
concerning those things which are un-
seen by the natural eye; SO that men
may be able to make just comparison between
these and the things of sense; SO that they may
be able TO properly value, and be lead to give
due attention to those things which are not OF
this world. 1t is also the office of Christianity
to make known everywhere, the all-important
truth that the time is fully come when God is
ready to receive and bless and save all who
will seek his aid. No one, however great sin
ner he may be, need wait for Gods time.
Gods time to save every man who Will De saved,
is now, this day, this hour.
This is the work to which all Christians are
called. 1t is great work because OF the gl0rl-
GUS comprehensive one has in it; the goocd Q.
all ages; the angels in heaven; God himself. 1t
do The work is worthy of every man,
however great be may be accounted
We have need to glory in it and
to preserve it with an enthusiasm
above chat which we experience IN
any other service. This would be the case did
we realize its full Importance. With such
work to do, we should be ashamed to be idle or
to DO less than according to our full ability.
And while this is the work of the Christian, 1t
is the great opportunity OF those VINO are un
saved. For them Christ is ready to do now all
that he declares it his purpose to do for the
world.
Remember that no1o is Gods time to save.
If now is your chosen time, you may go from
this sanctuary a redeemed soul.