The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-23

Shhu WOuiU lVJCCU, IL IL WClo dppllcu W
a subject within his observation? Truly
this is one of the mysteries. JIM.
REV. S. S. HEBBARD "CANNOT REMAIN
A UNIvERsALIsT."
Rev. s. s. HEBBARD, recently Univers-
alist pastor at Lacrosse, Wis.,, gives us an
unwelcome and, we may add, most pain
full surprise. He has printed an article
in pamphlet form, with the title, " Why
[ Cannot Remain Universalist," accom-
panied by his contribution to the AndoUer
ReUieao Of last month on Vicarious Sac
rifice." In predatory note he saws:
I" The gradual unfolding of my concep-
tons drove me at last to study of the
doctrine of universal salvation. The re-
suits of that study are here briefly given"
Just now we are not concerned with
Mr.. Hebbard's statement of his theo-
Logical opinions. Weare more concerned
with the peculiar personal and moral
problems which his remuneration pre-
sents. To say that his detection is en-
tirely unexpected is only to state one part
of the truth. 1t gives rise to reflections
which are entirely personal to himself
and painful in the extreme. The facts
must be given, unwelcome as the task is.
Mr.. Hebbard resigned in Lacrosse
early in the spring on account of dissat-
isfaction in the parish. He then gave no
sign of probable change of opinion. On
the contrary he went East and spent some
months in search of Universalist parish.
He found no opening, although he sup
piled several vacant parishes as "can-
didate." While East he correspondent
with reference to vacant Western parish
es. Evidently the results of his critical
study of the doctrine of universal saliva
ton " had not eliminated, for he was
willing to assume the pastoral relation if
a good opening presented. Returning to
Lacrosse he again resumed his pulpit as
a supply. No word was preached of an in
tended change; no mention made of pos
sought to win over those in the parish
who were unfriendly to him, and quite an
effort was made to that end. Still Mr..
Hebbard was silent; still no indication of
the shifting of his foundations, and the
effort to continue him in Lacrosse con-
tinued with his knowledge and help. One
of the Lacrosse Universalists writes on
this point: 81 am sure that he was very
anxious to become our pastor again and
has worked very hard for the last two
months to secure that result. hoped he
would do SO, but some of our people
would not be satisfied, and we could not
afford to divide" Not until Mr.. Heb
bard was assured that he could not re-
main as pastor at Lacrosse and the mat
ter was decided against him, did he de-
eide that he could not "remain a Uni
versalist." Then, and not till then, was
he ready to announce the "results of
his critical study" and comes immedi
ately to Chicago to publish his article.
No wonder that his friends are surprised
and grieved; no wonder all who are &C.
quainted with the facts draw unwelcome
conclusions. The bare statement of
facts here given is enough to convict him
of gross betrayal of the confidence of
his friends, and to cast suspicion on the
whole transaction.
The case has all the appearance of one
where the Critical results are the after
thought and not the governing motive
If Mr.. Hebbard was willing to remain at
La Crosse last spring; if he was willing
to accept an Eastern pastorate last sum-
mer, Western one on his return, or to
resume his old pulpit if matters could be
adjusted previous to the expiration of his
supply on Sunday, Oct 8, it is plain to be
seen that the case is one which requires
explanation at his hands. He must not
be surprised if in the absence of this ex-
PLANTATION the public draw their own in.
ference as to his sudden change of church
relations and largely discount the reasons
which he gives for no longer remaining a
Universalist.
Mr.. Hebbard must face these unwel-
come facts. We grieve to record them
and to have confidence so rudely shaken
in one whom we have heretofore regard
ed as an honorable and upright gentle
man. 1t is a duty that Mr.. Hebbard
owes alike to himself and our church to
offer the explanation here suggested, and
on the point why he encourag-
ed his friends at La Crosse TO engage in
the movement to retain his services, when
he must have known that he was no long,
er in sympathy with the Universalist
church, and was preparing to leave it's
fellowship. Until that point is settled,
Mr.. Hebbard's reasons why he "cannot
Universalist" are altogether a
matter.
THE UNIVERSALISM OF RELATION