The New York herald., 1869-11-22
CHURCH or THE STRANGERS.

GODS Mercy and PlenteOus Redemption
Sermon by the Rev. DIR. j. Ralston smith,
Secretary of the American Bible Society.
The large chapel Of the University, Washington
square, where the congregation OF the Church OF the
Strangers worship, was well filled yesterday morn
ing to listen to the Rev. Dr. J. Ralston Smith, Secre
tary or the American Bible Society. After the usual
preliminary services the reverend sentleman &C.
lected as his text, Psalm cxxx., 7-''For with the
LORD there Is mercy, and with him is plenteous re-
dempton.n
The thoughtful observer OF nature, said the DOCTOR
is impressed with the immensity Of Gods works.
seed no larger than grain Of sand enlarges into
germ OF great beauty. That which seems diminutive
in one view, becomes often tlines IN tine processes
OF Tefy as IL where she von w
there ls found more than royal munificence from
God, whether in the earth beneath us. in the noun
tans oceans and valleys about US, or IN the great
heavens above. where constellation after cOnstea|
ton move with harmony In infinite space. II such
be nature what then must be redemptionf It Is
the pillar OF all that Is divine. Here are
depths never fathorhed, heights never assembled,
breadth never yet measured. The text suggests,
first, "that its plan OF penteous redemption is seen
In the provisions which God has made to secure It."
We dare not look into the designs OF God as we
would analyze the measures OF men, yet there viii
be found Tor all His works philosophical reason,
an adequate reason to meet any ana every case.
Warmth ts Of e dni Grounds the eente Showers and
balmy atmosphere, is required to cause the result
of the bursting blade from the tiny seeds,
and the Thought is not less impressive than
tnat OF the redemption OF sinners. God, OF
Infinite power, could not exercise the pro-
rogatve OF forgiveness as He could not do anything
against His own nature. How could the same glo-
rous being be the infiexibe sovereign and the for
giving FatherY Human reason does not attempt to
solve the question. The method OF salvation can
only be ascribed to the mind OF God. 1t was a prn-
cipe of substitution. The majesty OF Jehovah must
the darkest grief the son OF God SENT disclosing
the way to heaven. BY Christs death there was let
to us the greatest legacy, that OF life, and Infinite
love was bestowed In its greatest fullness. Second
"The universal adaptation OF the Gospel to man."
The conditions OF Gods plan OF redemption are
such and such only as man can lulill;
Had wealth, learning. or civilization been essential
only, millions would have been plunged into death
eternal. The love OF Jesus appeals to all alike.
Where there Is needy one there ID ct subject tor
grace. The mghtiest inteect5 again and again
nave bowed to the words OF the Gospel. The secret
OF the universal adoption OF redemption Is that God
has gwen US Savior human as well as divine. Third
In matters earthly the free offerings OF gifts might
be exhausted by eager appetites Not so with Gods
love. No friendly voice ever cried sincerely
Tor His mercy and was not heard. Redemption
for the human soul ts the highest and most compre
hensive OF Gods works. This wOndrous sacrifice Is
Gods children In the great day-that is the vast
ness OF the multitude that will be found around His
throne, wearing the brightest Of crowns and clad
the purest robes OF the Lamb.
DR.. smith concluded by an eloquent appeal to his
hearers, that as they bened the suclency OF Christ
as Redeemer, they should go to Him to receive
mercy; for much as they might now anticipate the
rewards OF His redemption, II is but trlning In
parison with the full rultion OF lasting inheritance
IN heaven.