The New York herald., 1874-08-10
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.

Sermon by the Rev. DIR. Robinson, ON
the Love OF Christ to Mankind.
The home guard Of the Plymouth aock are still
obliged to worship in the large lecture room Of the
church. and will continue to DO so for another
SABBATH. There was not such strong muster
yesterday morning as perhaps there might have
been had the weather been more conducive TO out
door exercise. Those who did venture were amply
repaid by q nne sermon from DR.. Robinson, OF
Troy who for the last three Sundays, has occupied
Mr. Beechers place, and will continue to do so
until his return. The Doctor selected his text
from the twelfth chapter of st. Johns Gospel and
the torty-slxth verse I'll am come q light into
the world, that whosoever belteveth on
me should not abide In darkness" Christ did not
come to this world 10 make known the wrath Of
God, but to show His love for mankind. We see
evidences OF its abounding In the figures
and Incidents OF the Bible showing His
relation to man. John quoted Christ rs "the
Good Shepherd" who came not TO kill and
destroy, but to heal and DO tho light Of
the world HIS love is also manifest in the nature
OF His doctrines and teachings. On several occa-
sions He told His disciples, ~ will have mercy.
and not sacrince,n ana bade them go learn what
that meaneth. And In the parable of the Prodigal
Son that iorlorn and wretched prodigal is Chrtsts
idea OF the sinner; and the Joyful emotions which
the father feels when the son is returning
to him after having repented from the
folly OF his evil ways Is Chrlst's teaching
or the feelings OF an Almighty Father over
ONE PRODrGAL SINNER.
we see His love also In the revelation OF Gods
providence; the world without 1t has terribly
forlorn and iorsaken look. We are poor and
needy-does He think OF usa Christ shows that He
does. and proves 1t by saying that not q sparrow
Even the hairs OF our head are numbered, and II
He cares for such small things as these how much
more carefully will He watch over and guide our
souls! Then there Is Chrisrs doctrine concerning
light this throws on the world. This Is the most
encouraging vie OF the Holy Spirit that could pos.
eibly be gwen US. The Spirit heipeth our inirmi-
ties. There Is consolation even In death. rhe grave
becomes blessing M instead OF fear. Dy the VIC
1t enables us to INQUIRE with confidence, "Oh,
grave where is thy stfngY Oh death, where IL thy
victoryy' There Is, too the doctrine OF the Holy
| Spirit concerning heaven. Heaven Is not an uIl-
ending sunday, nor dim cathedral, but home
OF constant praise and JOY for all who will believe
| God offers salvation to every man. 81 am come
light unto the world, that whos0ever believeth In
| me should not abide In darknessr Some men
! think that God did not wish 10 save all men. Now,
the DEGREES OF God are HIS own plans for carrying
on His government; we need not trouble ourselves
about them; God Will take care Of His own gov
| ernment
| NO HUMAN SOUL
ts lost for the want OF divine sympathy God Is not
willing that any should perish He is longing for
| the salvation OF man. lie will not let all men 90
| BY Him to selfwiled destruction. We may some
time understand why He does not In terere d.
recty to save all men, but at present 1t is mys-
teryto u.s. Jesus offers HIS salvation freely to all.
would not have any one 10 away misunderstand-
Ing me- There is no limit TO HIS atonemcnt except
unDe!ieL Tue offers OF salvation are Tree 70 all
and suillcient 70 ALL TO those who love dark
ness rather than lRnt lie comes as q