The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1892-12-06
chRlsTlAN ENpEAYoR.

Comment by Rev. s. III. Doyle.
ToPro.-In his name. Acts XIV. &c; Col III,
1911.
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 so much. The Scripture
contains many injunctions concerning
his name, two of which are contained in
our lessons.
I. Be willing to make sacrifices for
his name (Acts XIV, 26). In speaking of
Paul and Silas the Christians of Jeru-
salem describe them as "men that have
hazarded 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 naturally 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 for
Christ. Sometimes it is almost as hard
to do some things we do today for our
Saviour as IL was in other days for
men to suffer death for him, and
are there not many among Chris.
tan people who today would haz-
ard even life for him if occasion de-
manded iti 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 or
amusement, perform an unpleasant task,
control our appetites and tempers for
his sake, he is equally pleased. The
spirit of willingness to sacrifice for
Christ is also 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. s.
2. Do all in his name. Col. iii, II,
whatsoever We do in word or deed, do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus
This is the practical rule laid down by
the apostle for the Colossian Christians.
1t is applicable to all Christians. 1t is
the sum and essence of Christian ethics.
1t states what should be the motive
power for the Christians every act. It
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 TO
his glory, and depending upon his merit
for the reception of good and pardon of
what is amiss. 1t means that Christian
ity is TO be carried into everyday life;
that it is to be effective on week days as
we'll rs on the Sabbath, in the home and
social circle as we'll as in the church,
and applicable to personal business as
well as to business connected with the
spiritual welfare of men directly. This
makes it very comprehensive rule. 1t
includes words as well as deeds. No
word is to be spoken, no act performed
upon which we cannot ask Gods bless
ing in the name of Christ. This makes
it very valuable test Of Christian
action. If in doubt as to a business or
amusement, it can be decided by an
honest answer to this question, Can d.
it in his name?
Bible References--Isa. il, @; Math. LEI
John xiv, ID; Rom. j, 8; Cor. <, 81;
II Cor. ri, 1888; Thess. ", IS; Heb. Vi,
9-12; xiii, 10; Pet. iv, 10, IL; Rev. ii,
10. 13.