The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-17

rebellion to God. 1t does not say we
are in every part and power depraved.
1t realizes the good as well as the evil
side of human nature, and will not fel-
lowship with those doctrines which de-
clare that the divine image in humanity
is endlessly lost.
Universalism does not believe in vi
cariOus atonement, that is to say, it re-
jects the doctrine that one person can
suffer punishment for another, in the
sense that the guilty party goes free.
Universalism does not believe in a
final judgment day, when all the dead
will at once appear before the heavenly
throne to be judged. Such a picture
savors of our earthly tribunals, and is
not in keeping with the government of
an Infinite God. Universalism does
not accept as true, the belief of an end
less hell for any person. 1t rejects the
idea of the physical resurrection. 1t
disbelieves in a personal devil, and
questions the verbal inspiration of the
Scriptures.
Itrejects the oft repeated saying that
Honesty is the best policy" it should
not be policy, but principle, and it
has little patience with the assertion
that sin goes unpunished.
These are few of the many things
Universalism is not. Will you now
give me your attention while endeavor
to state what Universalism is.
1t is that science of religion which
seeks to bring all the facts of the uni
verse into harmonious relations, and to
destroy the idea of contradiction any
where in the works of God. 1t believes
in the unity of truth, whether found in
nature or revelation.
Gods laws are immutable and eternal.
Among all the shining stars of heaven
there is one law governing throughout
the whole. 1t is the great law of COM
pensation, so much for so much. This
applies to all departments of being,
and in the long run is everywhere real
lied. Universalism is this divine equi-
poise. 1t seeks justice everywhere, and
says at last, it will be done. 1t does
not limit its visions to this world. 1t
seeks in large way to bring the entire
field of life into view, and to declare
that truth which is consistent with it
all. 1t looks upon this world as only a
primary school, in that great system of
education which stretches on through
out eternity.
Its chief reliance is in God, who sees
and knows all things who works by
means, and who has never known de-
| feat.
1t believes life is planned on a larger
scale than most churches preach.
What seems defeat to man, is only as
the hollow space in the links of the
great chain whereby God is accomplish
ing his purpose. Universalism says
God has the power, the disposition, and
the time to save the world.
Jesus Christ in the brightness of his
glory, came to assist the Father in the
work of redemption.
He does it, not by receiving the pun
ishment due the offender, but by teach
ing the guilty how to live in order to
avoid the dominion of sin. Christian
ity is life, says Universalism, and they
who live it in accordance with Gods
laws and commands, realize the great
est happiness, both here and hereafter.
Those who disobey will receive the
punishment due the violated law, ex-
actly so much and no more.
We do not pay for Adams sin, but
for our own. Religion is personal
matter, between the individual and his
| God.
Nothing can ever intervene to make
it otherwise. Universalism says the
divine image may be hidden or yelled
by sin, but can never be lost, because it
is divine. The God-like cannot forever
be cast aside. 1t will assert itself at
last.
The atonement signifies At-one-ment
with God. When we are Christ like
we are one with our Creator.
Christ's life illustrates how this may
be done. 1t is by love, charity, duty,
humility, honesty, fidelity and all the
Christian graces.
If these are present as great moving
forces in the life, then are we saved.
If these are absent, just so far are we
lost. Universalism says, however, that
the soul of man is so planned that il
will eventually tire of rebellion against
the good as it is the final experience
of the sinful, that the way of transgres-
sion is hard.
Universalism and the Bible teach,
now is the judgment of this world, and
instead of waiting to call the children
of earth together all at once, in the far
away future, we are judged every day
of our lives here, and deserved punish
ment is received in this world OF the
world to come. We are positive it will
scourge the sinner sooner or later, not
because of Gods anger, but for the
reason he loves us, and desires our ref
ormation. Whom the Lord loveth he
| chasteneth."