The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-08-23
Christian EndcaVOr.
Sunday, August "a.
FREEDOM FOR SERVICE
ri MyCT "a
Sunday, August "a
Topic:
FREEDOM FOR SERVICE.

him remember that every veteran was
once a recruit. He, too. may become
a marked man and OF greater value to
the service, by making good use Of every
days opportunities for learning. drill
ing, and serving It doth not vet ap-
pear what he shall be
EnJanglements may be defined as
the things which prevent wholehearted
and effective service Our railroads arc
booming more and more particular not
20 employ men WHO cannot STAY sober.
Inebriety is a fatal ENHANCEMENT to one
who has the custody of other lives. Mcr-
chants become suspicious Ct their clerks
when they begin betting on the races.
And no one wants cashier who cares
70 gamble Divided interests do not pro
mote the best service Singleness of
purpose and devotion &c the ideal are
necessary So is il also in the realm OF
spiritual service One must be content
70 choose the best and TO foTsake the
things that are not helpful II a man
has enough force OF character 30 eIimi-
nate cabbage and coffee from his diet
IN order to cure his dyspepsia and IN
somnia, and is appraised az a higher
rate because of his abnegati0a, 1t ought
not 10 be considered wea kness when he
rules out habits and diversions against
which his spiritual nature makes pro
test.
Freedom--The presence OF Christ on
earth meant the beginning OF a new era
Mankind had developed the failure Of
the old regime wherein they might be
justified by 4 perfect keeping OF the
law Ceremonial salvation was a fail
ure, and He Cancelled its requirements.
While He did not abolish all religious
rites, the ones retained and invented
were made the outward and visible
signs of an inward and spiritual grace -
Faith in d person was henceforth to be
the means Of their salvation. Religion
was spiTitualized- And in the free con
sent Of their hearts to follow Him was
TO be found the secret Of moral trans
formation and of a happy life He
cleared away the rubbish of the accu-
mulated rabbinicaI requirements by
which the law of God had gradually but
eTectually become hidden. and the re-
lease from these manifold and man
made regulations must have seemed like
the nlanumission of religious slaves
Freedom to Serve-Men are not saved
for themselves alone. but for a high 70
cation There are witnesses around as
an angelic host 10 stiEiula1e and l,Ip.
and circle of earthly a-,qudiuteuces
who are 10 be helped BIZ our ex5rIple
and effort
Love ana law seem anita oliSIlc. And
yet there Is no more impericus force
in the world than the law OF love The
sacrifices il prompts and the service II
enjoins are of higher order than any
other inducement can bring about The
very sense Of freedom. when the soul
thrills with the consciousness OF voIun-
tary- choice and action. prompts wor-
ship toward the EmancipatoT and an
effort to please Him. Service IS the
very keyword OF the religion Of today.
The more We see and know Of Him. the
more We want to do 10 extend His
kingdom and strengthen His scepter. The
prodigal, aiding the only cn.>4 for the
hunger OF his soul in a return to his
fathers house, seeks but chance to
serve He is given the privilege to
seek. not as a hired servant, - but as
beloved son. And, amid all the music
and feastinz which serve 20 show how
much God wants the homage and conf
dence of His wayward children the re
stored son finds his highest satisfaction
IN service-the service Of q son. i'm
PEELED by love. The privilege Of SER
ice is the only satisfying expression
many people have Of their gratitude 20
God And IN this IS the explanation OF
a multitude OF missions. and charities
and ministries which seem repuIsive to
others than the doors. but which can
not be left undoHe because love to Cod
ideaiizes and beauties every service
which seems worth while TO Him