Year: 1874

Rev. George ID. Matthews and the Prom-


ise OF Universal Salvation-As We


Make Our Bed We Lie In It-A Dis


tinct Promise Made to the Whole


World.


The Rev. George d. Matthews preached here yes.
terday morning and evening. taking for his text
in the morning the passage from Isaiah XIV, 22:-
"Look unto and be ye saved, all the ends OF the
earth for ] am God. and there is none else.n The
reverend gentleman saie here was distinct prom
ise TO all that salvation not only possible to
them, but ready for them, and that they might come
and partake Oft. In this work God alone moved
through His son Jesus Christ, and He alone it
was who brought the salvation. There was no
conforming OF labors. We ourselves occupy no
position OF independence in this matter, and
we are simply His servants to do as He
pleases to tell US to do. We are His
slaves, and have no right to our.
selves IN any respect, and we must simply make
our humble acknowledgments OF His power. II is
impossible that 1t woud be otherwise. We have
no individuality in this matter, for are all un-
der the guidance OF Him above. This phrase ad-
dresses itself particularly to young men, 70 those
who are just about to set out in life. They are
treading on pathway they have never gone be.
fore, and going out in the world in which their
road may be rocky one. The road may lie in
desert places. and there may be stumbling blocks
on every side, so that those who would walk in a
straightpath cannot do 1t. In prospect, therefore
OF the uncertainties OF lie may it be well TO
take with you that companion, that lantern. who
can guide you in darkness, your Father. Your
soul will be rich and pure, and happy if you
do this and have falling, unfalterinQ trust I'm
Him; so that you may have an eternal abiding In
your heavenly nome when this life s over and
your work is done. This salvation shows that we
must look at Him II we can pretend to expect 1t.
The meaning OF the word slook, in this sense is
different from what it Is in the usual sense. 1t
seems TO mean turning round and looking 1t is
in the sense as the Israeites at the SER
pent-a change of position. Paul. at Athens in
his great speech, told the people to turn from the
gods they were worsnlpping to the living God,
showing mans natural position to be one OF turn
ing from God and his telling to turn to Him.
II is the same as when those storms happen at
sea, when the mariner seems TO be enveloped in
electricity ana the compass therefore unequal. II
the compass marks the ship will 20 astray;
cnange ~ necessary TO 90 the right way. You
ave Yagr natural prlyiieges but yon are blinded


10 yourself must be changed and your thoughts
specting Him must undergo a change. Your
!nouRnts OF Christ must he different Look at
HIN In that character In which He reveals Himself
to YOU 1t was part Of Christs life to furnish an
Jesus the Saviour OF sinners the comfort Of us in
the hours OF suffering and temptation. Give up
ideas OF your own suf1cency, give up self fconcelt
and turn 10 Him only; when presenting yourself
before Him come TO Him. In the text IL Is also
plainly shown US that salvation is within the reach
or us all 1t Is recorded in the Jewish
books that the blessings OF salvation were
only to the people OF Israel; but the language
mere Is addressed TO all, TO the whole world.
What an encouragement for sinners, whatever
your condition OF sin, looking TO Him. accepting
from Him salvation in all It's movements Some
times we see gradual changes on the part OF indi-
vlduals before they can enter heaven. The Cos
pei says nothing OF gradual improvements or
gradual amendments 1t is present salvation
winch is necessary. 10 is immediate or not at all.
Your lears or prejudices are placed across your
path. What an encouragement there is 70 draw
60 salvation There are to be sure, differences in
our privileges, in our means, In our mode Of lite
here on EARTH but what are they to the difference
between heaven and ourselves? Look unto Hirn
and be saved Be now certain OF salvation for
those who seek IT, He offers 1t. Gods holy justice
IL no longer over you, for His love and pity have
i9Tglyen you and salvation " open toyou all. Sal