HARWARD-BINNEY MISSION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10734, 5 April 1911, Page 1

HARWARD-BINNEY MISSION.

"Glorifying Gcd in a Name" was the subject of Mr Harward's address at last night's evangelistic service. -The sermon was based upon the exhortation of Peter: "If any man suffer as. a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in his Name." (I Peter, 4, 16, R.V.). The name Christian is used throe times in the New Testament. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch "Almost thou persuadest me / . to be a Christian" ; and in the above text. Sometimes people said there was nothing in a name, but by several illustrations it was clearly shown that names are constitutional parts of things. Every society; every person, evgry ; place, to be recognised, must have a name. The preacher, next 'pointed out that names served a threefold purpose. First they identified the object or person named; second, they distinguished between things; and third, they were exclusive. It was pos-sible-to glorify God in the name Chris'tiah,' localise it identified a person as ■a' follower of Christ; it distinguished him from all who w.ere not; and it excluded all who did not recognise the claims of the Son of God. In the census returns • people were asked to indicate their religious belief by the use of some religious name. Many thought' that different "names were required to distinguish the different parties of Christendom... But Paul spoke of "the whole family in Heaven and on earth being Primed in Christ." The preacher urged that tlie name Christian was sufficient for'all the; followers of Christ, because it was divinely authorised. An inspired said "Glorify God in this name." It was a name which honored the Lord. /Christians are his body; the Church is -His Bride. 'The bride should be satisLfied with the name of the bridegroom. It\was a universal name. It included . all_;who served Jesus Christ; it excluded none; it was the common denominator of fevery. believer.. Then it was an unsqetarian name. Paul condemned division through the wearing qf. party names. Men; could be Christians only. For thisj the preacher pleaded l . Tlie :Savjour's praj'er for unity could not' be .answered unless those who loved the Lord; were satisfied to wear His name alone. Members of Churches of Christ were not -the only Christians; they were "trying" to lie Christians only. There was a large attendance at the service, considerable interest. in the message: The campaign will continue tonight at 7.45.;