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


How shall We extend the borders of our
Zion in Canada, is an important question
and well worth the candid consideration
of all Canadians who profess belief in the
glorious truths of Universalism. That
the most intense bigotry and prejudice
prevail need scarcely remark. To over
come this will require the united and per-
sistent efforts of those who love our cause.
The pernicious effects of orthodox teach
ings are deeply rooted in Canadian
minds and hearts, and to eradicate such,
is the first mission of our church. We
believe there are opportunities to present
the gospel from our standpoint, if only
we could avail ourselves of them. We are
confident that many of our people are
ready and anxious to hear the glad It'd
ings proclaimed.
AS yet we have but little organized
Universalism in Canada; but that its eff
fects are being felt and deplored in the
so-called evangelical churches of our
Province, is evident from the words of
Rev. George Douglass LII. D., princi-
pal OF the Methodist Theological College,
Montreal, who is constrained to say: cit
is an undeniable fact that revival of
Universalism is widespread, and has per-
meated most of the evangelical churches
in greater OF less degree" This is an in
voluntary confession from one who in
stinctively abhors our faith. But such
admissions are not uncommon in this pro-
gressive age. Now is the opportune time
Never we're the times more suspicious for
the PRONUNCIATION OF our doctrines.
1t behooves us, then, as Universalists,
to go to the people with our gospel. All
are not permitted to proclaim it from the
pulpit, yet all may assist in some way, to
propagate our most sublime faith We
must not despise the day of small things,
nor grow weary in we'll doing.
There is scarcely Universalist but
has some friends in the orthodox church.
es; and we take for granted that every
believer is a subscriber to one or more
Of our denominational papers. Here,
then, is an opportunity to do some effect
ual missionary work. We have tried the
experiment and know whereof we affirm.
We may assist in this manner, and bring
many out of darkness into the marvellous
light of our faith.
In Canada, as elsewhere, there is
spirit of inquiry abroad; and our litera-
ture readily commends itself to the atten-
ton of investigating minds. There may
be occasions when our literature would
be scornfully rejected; but, happily, this
is the exception, not the rule. "What is
Universalism?" is a question very fire.
quently propounded. What we are to
do is to educate the people into the prin-
ciples of our beloved faith. To the adj
vocates and believers is delegated the
duty of diffusing such knowledge of our
faith as will enable others to learn of us
the things whereof we affirm. To that
extent every Universalist can become
self-constituted missionary. All may
disseminate our truths in some manner.
While we would strongly commend the
gratuitous distribution of our literature,
we must not depend too strongly upon
the quickening influence of our faith.
People are slow to grasp truth. AS indi-
vidual Universalists, we have individual
duties to perform. We would recon-
mend more general interchange of
ideas and opinions among the isolated
believers, relative to the religious sur
roundings of each, and then endeavor,
by concert of action, to develop the cause
in our respective localities. Arrange for
a series of week evening meetings. Ad-
vertise iudiciously; and the result will
be to our honor and glory. By SO doing,
we would arouse the thoughtful to more
activity; and warn the Indifferent as to
their duty.
Every locality has Its variety of indi-
viduals; and we have no doubt our faith
would meet the spiritual wants of many,
could it be presented to them. 1t is a
sad commentary on our faith in Canada
that we have only one public advocate.
1t is to be deplored that we have but one
clergyman to five parishes, where at least
three or more might do efficient service,
and be sustained. But this should in
cite us to labor more zealously, and en-
deayor to consummate that end. Let
every Canadian who processes to love
Christ according to the Universalist faith,
adorn his or her doctrine with righteous
living.
We would commend a more hearty
cooperation of the Canadian Universal
lists. Much may be effected in this way.
"Union is strength" A small contribu-