The Progress., 1892-12-10
CHRISTIAN ENDeAvOR.


Comment by Rev. :. II. Doyle.
ToPIc.-ln his name. Acts XIV, 25: Col iii,
l517.
The name Of the Lord Jesus Christ is
dear to all who have put their trust in
him, not that there is anything in the
name, but that it stands for one in
whom there is 50 much. The Scripture
contains many injunchons concerning
his name, two Of which are contained in
) our lessons.
Ez}[ i. Be willing to make sacrifices for
S>his name (Acts XIV, 26). In speaking of
Paul and Silas the Christians of Jeru-
= salem describe them as "men that nave
Thazarded their lives for the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ" Paul and Silas had
not died, but in preaching Christ had
actually run risk of their lives. Life
is the greatest sacrifice any one could
make, and it would naturelly embrace
all other sacrifices. In the days of the
apostles, and even often since, men have
actually sacrificed home, country, life
all things-for the sake of their Saviour
And all martyrs are not dead yet. There
are still those who sacrifice much fol
Christ. Sometimes it is almost as hard
to do some things we do today for ON
Saviour as it was in other days fol
men TO suffer death for him, and
are there not many among Chris
tian people who today would haZ
ard even life for him if occasion de
manded it! Let us give former Chris
tians their due praise but not at the eX.
pense Of true followers today. But not
only great sacrifices for Christ please
him. He sees the smallest deed done
for his name. If we forego pleasure on
amusement, perform an unpleasant task
control our appetites and tempers for
his sake, he is equally pleased. The
spirit of willingness TO sacrifice fof
Christ is also a test of true Christianity
Thus the Christians recommended Paul
and Silas. Our religion is certainly sin
cere when we give up much that is dear
to us for it.
2. Do all in his name. Col. iii, II,
whatsoever We do in word or deed, dc
:. all in the name of the Lord Jesus
This is the practical rule laid down by
the apostle for the Colossian Christians.
II is applicable to all Christians. 1t is
the sum and essence of Christian ethics.
II states what should be the motive
power for the Christians every act. II
means that we should do all things
small and great, temporal and spirit
ual-according TO his command, in com
pliance with his authority, by strength
derived from him, with an eye single t.
his glory, and depending upon his merit
for the reception of good and pardon Of
what is amiss. II means that Christian.
ity is to- be carried into everyday life,
that it is to be effective on week days as
well as on the Sabbath, in the home and
social circle as well as in the church.
and applicable to personal business az
well as TO business connected with the
spiritual welfare of men directly. This
makes it very comprehensive rule II
includes words as well as deeds. Nc
Word is to be spoken, no act performed
pom which we cannot ask Gods bless
hg in the name Of Christ. This make
Ill a very valuable test of Christian
"A action. IL in doubt rs to business on
amusement, it can be decided by an
honest answer TO this question, Can d.,
il in his name?
Bible References-lsa. tx G; Math. i,2I.
John xiv, IA; Rom. i, 8; Cor. X, 81.
ii Cor. 1, 23-33; Thess. v, Is; Heb. vi,
s9-12; kin, 10; Pet. iv, 10, IL; Rev. ii,
12, l3.