The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-24
editorial Brtets.
BY REV. I. M. ATWOOD, DID.
Canton, N. Y.

doeth the Will OF my Father which is in
heaven" Not profession but obedience is
the ground ofmembership in the kingdom.
Obedience to whom or what? To "my
Father" How shall it be known that we
are obedient to him-that we are doing
his will? "This is the will of God, that
ye believe on him whom he hath sent, for
him hath God the Father sealed" 1t
seems then that what Jesus meant, or
one special thing that he meant, by do
ing the will of my Father" was belief on
his accredited messenger. That is the
most superficial reading of the words of
Jesus which takes him to mean that con-
scientiousness was his only test of dis
cipleship. No teacher has ever appeared
in the world who laid such stress on be-
lief. This truth is finely brought ont in
"Ecce Homo
Those who say the test of disciple
ship is character not creed" are a bit
misled by the vel bal antitheeis. Creed
and character are often in fatal disagree
ment. But if we translate creed into be-
lief-what it literally means-we see not
only that there is no necessary opposition
between them, but that there must be
always an intimate connection between
belief and life. When we fellowship a
man on the basis of character, what does
character import to us? Does it mean
the acts he performs from day to day
without any reference to his opinions OF
ideas or conviction? Is not the essential
thing IN character the correspondence in
any man between his avowed principles
his creed-and his conduct? This is
what constitutes character. A man with
out principles is a man without charac-
ter. Now we fellowship man because
his principles commend him to us as
desirable co-worker for the ends in view.
whatever they are: and we assume that
his conduct is in accord with his prin-
ciples. Ii it does not, we are BETRAYED.
On the other hand, if we have observed
that his conduct is such as given prin-
ciples imply, we infer in him the posses
sion of the principles. Common sense
refuses to admit the great gulf between
what man believes and what he is.
Our Congregational brethren have
the question of the future of mankind be-
fore them again. 1t comes up this time
ss an incident of the action of the Secre-
tary of the Board of Foreign Missions in
discriminating against candidates for
foreign missionary fields who are not
sound on the question. Students from
Andover, in particular, are apt to be in
fccted with "semi- Universalism." The
creed agreed on by commission a few
years ago is not explicit on that point
and If the secretary asked subscription
to that creed only, they might pass. But
he does not believe in that creed. He
says it is "weak, does not represent Con-
gregational opinion, and binds no one.
SO the Secretary, DIR. Alden, has devised a
creed of his own which he thinks is strong.
does represent the denominational be-
lief, and ought to bind every one. 1t is
natural that there should be some dis
sent from the rather papistic action OF
the learned Secretary, and that the mem
bers OF so Independent body should be
freeing their minds
The subject is delicate and crucial. Al
ready several Congregational pulpits have
been allowed to be filled by men who are
not sound on the subject of future proba-
ton. There is a disposition not to stir
the matter. Prominent gentlemen whoa
few years ago refused to vote for the Or
dlnation and installation of men suspect
ed of 'semi- Universalism," have lately
permitted them to be settled without op-
position" The question now is, Shall a
more rigid rule be enforced in regard to
Candidates for the foreign field? 1t is
PLAIN what consistency demands. But
the line must be drawn somewhere. "IIet
us draw 1t at foreign missions" saw
Joseph Cook and DR.. Alden and DR.
webb and many more. In the meantime
ingenious brethren, like DR.. Behrends.
who are not much mixed up as yet in the
controversy, discover ways of reconcilia-
tlon and rush in with their pacifcs. But
Dr. Alden and bis party suspect all such
devices. They see that the compromise
Is ON their side and the victory really
goes to the other side. We will stand
still and see the salvation of the Lord.
"A notable address was lately deliver.
ed by Maurice Thompson before the Wo-
mems Club of indianapolis. The ad-
dress is critique of the modern school
OF realistic writers of fiction. Mr.. Tbomp-
son appreciates the clearness and the
hne analytical talent of this schoo'. bpt
ne denies that theirs is the highest art
IheY are set of literary photographers
Ihey carry description and realistic rem
resentatlon to very fine point of excel
lence. But true genius never has been
content with photography and reporting:
and 1t never will be. The realistic 70
mancers are pleasant fellows, entertain
ing for their own era, and in their self
limited circle quite admirable. But tbav
VIII owe any permanent fame thew may
win TO powers which transcend real;sn,
and ally them with the great Imaginative.
noveilsts, such as Scott, Goethe. Hpoo
Dickens. Mr.. Thompson's address
aboupds in penetrating remark, keen an
alysis and just discrimination.
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