The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-08
MURRAY ELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Ransomed of the LOrd--How the Re.
deemed Shall Go to Zion with Songs-Ser-
mon by Rev. James X. Smith, Of Can.
ada.
Although very warm Sabbath morning, a faithful
few wended their way to the Murray Hill
Presbyterian church, on Forteth street. near
Lexington avenue, to hear the Rev. Mr.
James K. Smith, OF Canada, who Is offlci-
atlng in this pulpit during the absence OF tile
regular pastor The stranger preacher selected for
his text Isaiah xxxv 1o-"And the ransomed Of the
Lord shall return and come TO Zion with songs and
everlasting Joy upon their heads; they shall obtain
JOY and gladness and sorrow and Sigh
ing shall nee away" The reverend
gentleman depicted in eloquent language
the JOY of one who after long absence from the
land OF his youth, returns to 1t. The event Of
the most delightful in life. There is something In.
descrbaDly happy IN the feeling Of treadng, after
many years, the paths OF early days. communng
with the beauty of friendly hills and valleys. The
intense sympathy Of all surroundings at such a
time excites IN the wanderer new pleasures and glad
ness Application of this Introduction was made TO
the text IN first adverng to the return Of the Jews
from Babylonian captivity, and their expectancy
OF once more enjoying as OF old, the communion Of
angels, worship at the altar and It's sacrifices; but
the rapt seer pictures delverance from all earthly
bondage, and in this sense will the ransOmed OF the
Lord return. Those that return to Zion with songs
were once in abject misery
SLAVES OF SATAN
and unuer the curse OF God. These were the chill
dren of dsobedience. To be ransomed is to set foot
on foundation OF liberty, to shake of sin and be
restored TO the Lord Nothing else and nothing less
than the precious blood OF Christ could effect this
The saved have the arm Of the Almighty encircling
them for their defence in the great preparation for
final home In the city OF the living God. 1t Is re-
CURED in this work TO become the Lords ransomed
to daily absolve one's self from the world turn
back on the land of his captivity and nativity. 1t
is regretted that SO many
FORGET THEIR vows
and cOnSecratlOn TO things spiritual. Tney Should
remember their separation Is from the world aud
ungodliness, and that as children OF Christ they are
consecrated truths. Each Of such should press on
day by day to renewed efforts. When man finds
the burden OF sin taken away he Is apt to think all
is accomplished, that he is fully justified; but the
fight is only commenced and those who have re-
Gently come to God must bear in mind that their
journey is straight before them, and 1t Is all mpera-
live to press onward and upward.
The ransOmed will come to Zion with songs The
language OF the text Is explicit; it Is the words
of conjecture but declaration simple and absolute
Reconciliation AT the hands OF Christ Is certain No
one can be lost Chat fees TO Him In the ark of safety
You must rely upon Ills aid, and everlasting life VIII
be found. The redeemed can look upward and for
them presents
VISTA OF BLISS,
and though our sins OF omission may be many
there IL Justification in the blood Of Christ. Man
cannot tell VINO are the ransOmed of the Lord. 1t
Will not be known until that great day OF trial, of
separation. How blessed to be among the number.
There is full free offer TO all. The Spirit says, Come
unto Christ" and it says, "Whoso cometh shall not
perish; God SO loved the world as to give His only
begotten Son, and whatsoever beieveth in Him sha IL
In no wise perish but have life everlasting"