The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-30

on which this religious world has count
ed and fed in the past is at low tide.
Unfortunately with the old doctrine, the
old forms Of reverence are, in naay cases,
passing away. L assume that this jnstly
indicates the rapid decay OF the doctrine
of Future Endless Torment, ana that op
the other hand, the doctrine OF Universal
Salvation and certain necessarily related
doctrines will take their places. Other
doctrines, ike shell fish when the tide is
out, lie uneasy on the burning sand, wait
ing for the next water to refresh them
and give them better life.
Second, let US inquire what the tide
will bring? Once more 7 assume that it
will bring universal harmony ana uni
yeTsal peace on account OF universal be-
lief in universal salvation. This may
be long way off, but it is coming. I
try to CLEAN freeh evidence from the field
Of modern skepticism The first ey5Gp-
tom of revolution is discomfort. The
first symptom of change of belief is
NtNcb sASDub bAAC - ttbll u CilLbCS t ZIG lka
forms. One skeptic may not indicate the
approach of a far reaching revolution.
But if the skeptic has grounds for his be-
lief, others may be found to doubt With
him until a general disbelief gives way
to a more rational faith. i large part og
the Christian world is just now in this
transition state between the orthodox and
liberal faith and is divided off into the
discontented, the skeptical, the unbeiiev-
ing and the true seeker after che new and
rational. The doctrine of endless pun
ishment is loatLsome and revolving to q
large class Of intelligent minds, so out OF
harmony with all they know of God and
the universe, that they lose their temper
and resort to ridicule. This lowest ex-
preston of modern thought is an evi-
dence Of the incoming Of a better faith.
Another startling field is opened by the
recent studies of the orthodox histori-
ans into the beliefs of the early Greek
Christians. Prof. Allen, who has given
the subject careful study, says it is doubt
ful whether any of the Greek fathers
before the middle OF the fifth century ac-
! cepted what has been known inLatin the
ology as the doctrine Of endless torment.
Third, We turn to advanced religious
thought. [ speak of the Unitarians as
representing by profession and reputa-
ton the most advanced organized Chris
tian thought The EpiscopaIiaD, both
English and American, while technically
and formally orthodox are so far convinc-
ed that the doctrine OF endless misery
stands on shaky if not absolutely spurious
grounds, that they are willing to yield tc
] the popular ,epinion and make NO obiecr
ton to receiving the most pronouncee
Universalists into full communion. This
is also true to a limited extent of other
denominations.
Fourthly, the preacher considered the
/ latest scientific statements, and drew
even from this field the most eucour-
j aging lessons, showing that the tides
were rising, and mankind gradually ap-
/ pTOSimating a more rational and cheer
ing faith. The discourse was delivered
in clear, distinct voice, and with excel
lent elocution. Both in style and matter
i it gave ample satisfaction to the large
congregation. "Deus Miseraetur" FROM
Edward Howe, Jr, was sung by the choir
and with the doxology, closed the exer-
eises of the evening. It was in every
respect very promising opening for the
Convention. The proceedings of the
Convention, opening on Wednesday
morning, are reported in full on the fourth
and fifth pages.