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George Matheson
George Matheson (March 27, 1842 – August 28, 1906) was a Scottish preacher, hymn writer, and theologian whose ministry overcame blindness to inspire congregations across Scotland for over three decades. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, to George Matheson, a prosperous merchant, and Jane Matheson, his second cousin, he was the eldest of eight children. Educated at Glasgow Academy and the University of Glasgow—graduating with a B.A. in 1861 and an M.A. in 1862—he lost nearly all his sight by age 20 due to a degenerative condition, yet pursued divinity studies with his sisters’ aid, earning a Bachelor of Divinity by 1866. Matheson’s preaching career began as an assistant at Sandyford Parish Church in Glasgow in 1866, followed by his appointment as minister of Innellan Church on the Argyll coast in 1868, where he served for 18 years, earning fame as “Matheson of Innellan” for sermons memorized and delivered to crowds of up to 2,000. In 1886, he became pastor of St. Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh, ministering there until 1899 with a reputation for radiant faith despite his disability. His sermons, preserved on SermonIndex.net, and books like Unspoken Sermons and Studies in the Portrait of Christ blended theological depth with devotion, while his hymn “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” written in 1882, reflected personal sorrow after his sister’s wedding and a broken engagement due to his blindness. Never married, he died at age 64 in North Berwick, Scotland, from a stroke.
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George Matheson explores the concept of the 'law of liberty' as presented in James 2:12, arguing against the dichotomy of freedom and bondage. He emphasizes that true freedom is found in love, which binds us willingly while simultaneously empowering our will. Love, he asserts, is both a captivating force and a choice that reflects the deepest desires of our hearts. This union of liberty and law illustrates that our strongest will is expressed through love, which transcends mere obligation. Matheson concludes that love embodies the essence of freedom, merging the seemingly opposing concepts into a harmonious relationship.
Law of Liberty
"...the law of liberty" (James 2:12). There are two theories in the world about the human will. One says, "Man is a slave; he is bound hand and foot; he is for ever under law." The other says, "Man is free; he is master of his own actions; law has no dominion over him." St. James suggests terms of peace between the opposing views. He says that each of them assumes something which is wrong--that "to be free" is the opposite of "to be bound." He declares that on the contrary there is such a thing as a "law of liberty"--a compulsion whose very essence consists in the strength of human will. What is this mysterious union of contraries--this law of liberty? It can be expressed in one word--love. Love is at once the most free and the most bound of all things. We say habitually that one in love is "captivated"--made prisoner. And yet the prison is his own choice. He would not lose his chain for all the world. It is to him a golden chain--the badge not of his servitude but of his empire. It represents the freest thing in his nature--the desire of his heart. My love is my heart's desire, my heart's hunger, my heart's prayer. It is the strongest exercise of will conceivable. Nothing shows the power of my will like my love. It is the power of my personality to pass out of itself and to claim a share in yours--to say, "You are mine." James is right when he says that love is the marriage of opposites--liberty and law.
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George Matheson (March 27, 1842 – August 28, 1906) was a Scottish preacher, hymn writer, and theologian whose ministry overcame blindness to inspire congregations across Scotland for over three decades. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, to George Matheson, a prosperous merchant, and Jane Matheson, his second cousin, he was the eldest of eight children. Educated at Glasgow Academy and the University of Glasgow—graduating with a B.A. in 1861 and an M.A. in 1862—he lost nearly all his sight by age 20 due to a degenerative condition, yet pursued divinity studies with his sisters’ aid, earning a Bachelor of Divinity by 1866. Matheson’s preaching career began as an assistant at Sandyford Parish Church in Glasgow in 1866, followed by his appointment as minister of Innellan Church on the Argyll coast in 1868, where he served for 18 years, earning fame as “Matheson of Innellan” for sermons memorized and delivered to crowds of up to 2,000. In 1886, he became pastor of St. Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh, ministering there until 1899 with a reputation for radiant faith despite his disability. His sermons, preserved on SermonIndex.net, and books like Unspoken Sermons and Studies in the Portrait of Christ blended theological depth with devotion, while his hymn “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” written in 1882, reflected personal sorrow after his sister’s wedding and a broken engagement due to his blindness. Never married, he died at age 64 in North Berwick, Scotland, from a stroke.