the Christian spirit, but is simply, essentially, and
emphatically _the_ spirit of Christ. It is compassion for the perishing;
and such compassion as leads the possessor to put forth strenuous
efforts, and to undergo, if need be, the severest sufferings.

As we shall look somewhat in detail at the manifestations of the spirit
of Christ, we shall see very evidently the great outlines of what alone
is worthy to be called the true spirit of missions.

Look at the _condescension_ of Christ, and learn a lesson of duty
towards the destitute and degraded of our race. The Son of God, by whom
were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth,
whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers; who
upholdeth all things by the word of his power; before whom ten thousand
times ten thousand and thousands of thousands prostrate themselves,
ascribing power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and
glory, and blessing; of whom it is said, "Every knee shall bow to him,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the
earth"--the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God: this
Infinite Being empties himself of his glory, and comes down to toil,
suffer and die--and for whom? For us worms of the dust, insects that are
crushed before the moth.

If the Saviour had come to our relief, clothed with the glory of heaven
and surrounded by his holy angels, even that would have been a stoop of
amazing condescension. But look at the babe of Bethlehem, born in a
stable, and cradled in a manger; follow him to Egypt, and then back to
Nazareth. What humility, lowliness, and condescension! Look at the
Saviour in his public ministry. You find him oftenest among the _poor_,
and always so demeaning himself as to be the one that was "meek and
lowly in heart." His chosen walk was such, that it could be said with
emphasis, "to the poor the Gospel is preached."

Such was the spirit of Christ and such his condescension! Such was the
spirit of the apostles. They took much notice of the poor, and charged
Paul and Barnabas, when going forth on their mission, especially to
remember them. What else, I ask, is a missionary spirit, but to be
willing to labor with self-denial and perseverance to elevate and save
the low and the vile? Natural men, in the pride of their hearts, are
inclined to look down upon the wretched--to regard them with that kind
of loathing and disgust which disinclines them to make