Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1902-05-14
CHRISTIAN EspFAvoR.



Comment by Rev 5. II. Doyle.
TopEc.-Przctical Conservation Rom
hi. IN
Paul was a theolcgian. He believed
IN the crest fundamental doctrines Of
evangelical Christianity, and these doc
trfnes have never had a more lucid ex-
posifor or a more courageous defender,
yet ct the same time Paul believed IN
applied Christianity. He made faith
the foundation OF works and theory
the Foundation Of practice This IS
stTikingly illustrated in the epistle 70
the Romans. The first eleven chapters
Of the epIstle logically and el4borately
develop the doctrine that the gospel Is
the power Of God Unto salvation TO all
who believe. Then on the basis Of this
great truth be appeals TO all 10 conse-
crate themselves TO God. TO separate
themselves from the world and to
faithfully discharge the duties they
owe to each other. The conservation
demanded in lieu CT the previously
presented and argued truths is certain
BY a practical conservation. Il beseech
you. therefore. brethren. that ye pre-
sent your bodies living sacrifice,
holy. acceptable unto God, which Is
your reasonable service
Practical conservation as set forth
here involves number OF character
lstics which IL is well for US to remen-
Der.
1. Conservation should be grateful
81 beseecb you, brethren, by the mer.
cies of God" Gratitude to God for His
mercies fn Jesus Christ should lead Us
20 consecrate ourselves to God and
should be a constant element in TIE
performance Of our vows Of consecra-
ton.
! 2. Conservation should be voluntary.
present your oodies." says the spos-
tie. This expression suggests voiuntari-
ness IL has about it the atmosphere of
the voluntary enlistment Of the soldier
In the service Of his country. Yolunta
riness Is characteristic OF true eoBse
Grafton to God. God delights in and de
fires the service and worship Of voIun-
feers. but has no place for the service
Of hirelings.
g. Conservation should be definite.
Presentation is a definite act. The sol
der presents himself once, and II &C
copied he Is then enlisted. Ii ~ I'M
necessary for him to keep presenting
himself daily. He has given himself
once, and be cannot take himself ia. K
and do 1t over again. Conservation to
God is definite act. When rightly
done. it Is done once for all
f. Conservation should be active.
present your bodies living sacrifice"
"A living sacrifice suggests an active
service for God. We are saved 10 ser~e
We enlist for service, and we should be
alive and active as good soldiers Of our
great King.
8. Conservation is reasonable. which
10 your reasonable service" When we
remember what Gods relation to us is,
what God In Christ has done for US
and what is involved In our own sery-
ice of Him, II is most reasonable that
we should consecrate our lives to Him
6. Conservation should be sincere
Having consecrated ourselves to God
we should not be conformed TO this
world, but be transformed. Instead Of
fashioning our lives by the patterns Of
the world. they should be fashioned
after divine ideals by the gracious in
fuence Of the Holy Ghost on our inner
lives.
e Conservation should be humanity
directed. We should serve God by
faithfully performing the mutual du-
Ties that devolve upon US as the people
OF God.
BIBLE HEADINGS.
Eccf. *. 10; Matt. '. 10; XIV, 3i46;
John II. Ill; xxi, 1-6; Acts kill, 1-3;
Tor Y o. W &c. Cal ri 10 CaI fii