Article June 21, 1900 Issue

"Salvation Not Free."

The above was the title of a sermon recently delivered by Doctor Stocking of Galesburg, Ill. The following extract is from the account given in the Universalist Leader.

Salvation is not gratis. It cannot be had for nothing. It cannot be had by substitution. We have in this land of ours what is known as a free-school system. School buildings are provided. No matter how poor a man may be, the instruments of education are as free to his children as the air about you. Not a cent to pay. But if the poor man's child is educated he must avail himself of this splendid provision. He must give time and application to study. He must work early and late—deny himself a good many things. No one else can study in his stead. No other one's application and self-denial will be taken for his own. Free education to a certain point—beyond that everything must be paid for. It is exactly like that with salvation.

God has provided all the means of grace. He has given to the world a great inspirational Teacher, who by precept and faultless example has shown the world the way, the truth, and the life. All free. Now if men and women ever possess themselves of the salvation offered, something must be done on their part. There must be the appropriation of means to ends. There must be the following of the great Teacher—the payment of time and endeavor, self-denial and cross-bearing. There are battles to be fought that no one in heaven or on earth can fight for us—victories to be won that no one can gain in our stead. Salvation free? Salvation by substitution? Nay! Salvation must be paid for by every one who comes to so choice a possession.

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