The First of These Gospels

was written by St. Matthew, according to the claim. Of course he never wrote a word of it (laughter), never saw it (more laughter), never heard of it. (Roars.) But for the purpose of this lecture I will admit that he wrote it. (Great laughter.) I will admit that he was with Christ for three years; that he heard much of His conversation during that time; and that he became impregnated with the doctrines, the dogmas, and the ideas of Jesus Christ. Now let us see what Matthew says we must do in order to be saved. And I take it that if this is true, Matthew is as good authority as any minister in the world.

The first thing I find upon the subject of salvation is in the fifth chapter of Matthew, and is embraced in what is commonly known as the "Sermon on the Mount." It is as follows: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Good. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Good. Whether they belong to any church or not; whether they believe the Bible or not. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Good. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"—that's me a little (great laughter)—"for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Applause and laughter.)

And in the same sermon he says: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil." And then He makes use of this remarkable language, almost as applicable to-day as it was then: "For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." Good.