Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-29

Christian workers naturally take special
interest In the fruits of their own ministry.
Titus was won TO Christianity by the eff
fective preaching of the Apostle Paul This
new disciple developed into such earnest
and capable worker as to be ordained to the
gospel ministry The Island of Crete was
the field OF his operations. This was most
difficult sphere of labor. we'll calculated to
test his powers of endurance his organic
ing skill and executive ability.
Paul. approaching the solemnity of the
trust thus imposed upon the youthful Titus,
addressed an epistle to him. In that epistle
the great apostle enunciates the general
eanons of ministerial procedure and en-
phaslzes the saving principles of the Cos
pei He points out those teachings which
are the very pith Of the gospel, the doc
trines which constitute the essence of the
nyangel of Christ. and then exclaims
These things / will that thou affirm con-
stantIy, that they which have believed in
God might be careful to maintain good
works" ...
Christianity is ever and always an af-
frmation as opposed to negation. 1t is a
positive quantity as contradistinguished
from a system of denial. 1t is yea" and
not nay" it is indeed one grand amen
from the first faint cry of joy at the new
birth on to the shouts of rapturous de-
light in the palace OF the King. As to the
method OF proclaiming and affirming the
gospel Paul advises that it be done con-
stantly." In season and out of season, 1T
Is not a thing for one day only In the
week Preaching and practice are matters
of everyday concern. They have to do
with the Tuesday and Wednesday of busi-
ness Just as certainly they have to do
with the Sabbath of worship. We cannot
lay off our religion with our Sunday clothes.
If we have had experimental knowledge
of Christ and his saving grace We shall
seek 10 manifest its gracious power con-
stantly. always Astounding in the work of
the Lord"
This affirmation should be made in ten
derness. Not the thunderings of Sinai, but
the sweet sad music of the cross is the
keynote OF a true gospel ministry. If the
preaching in our time be lacking in any
thing it is in tenderness, genuine sym
pathy. compelling pathos. More. sensa-
ton should be injected into the message
not q prating. spectacular sensatIonaIism,
hut real sensation. that is, genuine feeling
aud Chrstlike pathos. Such an affirma-
ton will be made unhinchingly. (R. V. con-
fideutI0 The true preacher must not rep
resent his Master In any hating, half
hearted or Apologize manner. The certi-
tudes of Christian faith should fire his soul
and thrill his heart, making his tongue
speak in tones Of grateful rapture and de-
light With a courage born of intense
conviction he delivers his message of full
salvation through the unmerited grace of
God.
The apostle then proceeds to indicate the
tenefcent purpose for this affirmation of the
truth, viz-"That they which have believed
in God might be careful to maintain good
works" 1t is the browning glory of Chris
tlanity that it develops a practical philan-
thropy. II Is initiated by a vital, saving
faith In Cod Then follows the justifca-
ton OF that faith in good works. The his