THE RESERVED RIGHTS OP GOD. 



81 



That this must throw some blessed and solemn illumination on 

 the problems of ultimate destiny, is certain ; even though it 

 remain uncertain what those ultimate things shall be. The 

 preciousness of this right of disposal consists just in this, that 

 Will, not chance or fate, has the last word in things. That 

 Will, moreover, is the Will of Eternal Love and Divine 

 Proprietorship. 



There is a sentiment proper in us toward each of 

 these rights of God. The proper sentiment toward the right 

 of mystery is that of relief. The sentiment proper to the right 

 of disposal is reliance composed of resignation and of hope. 

 The faithful Creator cannot go back on Himself. He is stedfast 

 to His nature, and to His purposes. As He is greater than man, 

 so has He ordained that man shall be the greatest of His creatures, 

 the master, priest and spokesman of them all. 



In what has been now advanced, I have made no attempt to 

 offer a complete solution of present difficulties. I have faced 

 them all and fully. Yet I submit that, by frankly acknow- 

 ledging the sovereignty of God, as it is set out to us in Christ's 

 revelation, we gain a certain vantage ground for the soul, amid 

 the tragical perplexities of the time. We become aware of the 

 greatness of Him with whom we have to do. We come to rest 

 in His character and not in His light alone. We find that He 

 is greater than His ways, and worthy of confidence, even where 

 He cannot be explained. Even if He should never vouchsafe a 

 complete elucidation of Himself at all points, we yet have hope 

 that since He knows all we can afford to remain partly ignorant ; 

 and since He owns all He will not let one thing fall to the ground, 

 that claims of Him its rights. 



A Vote of Thanks to the Lecturer was moved by the Chaikman,, 

 and seconded by Dr. Schofield ; and after brief remarks by 

 Professor Langhorne Orchard, the Revs. John Tuckwell, 

 G. B. Berry and J. J. B. Coles, followed by Messrs. M. L. 

 Rouse and Sidney Collett, the Resolution was adopted witk 

 cordiality. 



The Lecturer having briefly acknowledged the vote, the 

 meeting adjourned at 6.10. 



G 



