The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-24
NilestOMn.
lFRoM ). G. BARRows.l

FROM J. c. BARROwS.
When it was announced that Univers-
alist preaching was to be heard in Niles
town, there was quite commotion. The
most erroneous conceptions Of our faith
are prevalent here; SO that we we're graf
flied beyond measure when Providence
directed Rev. Mr. Goodell hither. Post
ers announcing the meetings we're freely
scattered. At the first meeting over
eighty persons were present and at the
second over 100. Considering the size
of our village, the very busy season Of
the year, also the influences brought to
bear against us, we we're astonished that
SO many we're present.
Many, if not ali, listened for the first
time, to the glorious truths which only
Universalism can present; and it has
been the writer's privilege to hear words
of commentator from those who hither-
to have branded him hereto and infidel.
What many had condemned as Uniyers-
alism was not Universalism at all. Their
knowledge Of our faith was conceived in
ignorance.
Since the close of the meetings we
have heard the assertion made that Mr..
Goodell differed from all other Univers-
alists; or, in other words, that he did not
voice the sentiments of the church. But
we denounce that statement as entirely
erroneous. Mr.. Goodell preached Uni
versalism from thoroughly Universalist
standpoint, and his doctrines were such
as would receive the unqualified assent
of every Universalist. The trouble was
with those who, after hearing what Uni
versalism is, we're SO favorably impressed
that they thought he must differ from
all others who proclaim the faith. There
were some incidents connected with the
meetings which may not be out of place
here. The Methodist choir was out, and
not expecting to use Methodist hymn
books, none we're to be had. Two of the
choir went after the key of the church,
in order to prepare for singing. But, in
applicable mystery, the key was lost!
We got books elsewhere, however, and
those who never sang before sang with
will that must have made the secreters Of
that key feel very small indeed. Mr..
Barnard, leader of the Baptist choir, also
several members of the Methodist choir,
were present each evening, for whose
valuable assistance we are grateful. One
lady, after being informed that Mr..
Goodell prayed and sang, came out to
the meetings! A Baptist deacon occu-
pied front seat during the first meeting,
The preachers subject was, What is
Universalism? He had just empha-
sized the statement that We are not in
fidels." The old deacon responded in an
undertone, "Pretty nearl" Mr.. Goodell
did not hear the remark, but was in
formed before the following evening. He
accordingly called attention to the fact;
but our Baptist friend was absent, or he
would have been given an opportunity
to verify his slanderous remark.
On the whole, the meetings were a
grand success. Better knowledge pre-
walls in reference to our faith. SANDER
ers have been converted into admir-
ers, Indifferent ones are led to investi-
gate, opponents are willing to recognize
us as a branch Of the Christian church.
But while this is true of many, there are
a greater number whom bigotry and
prejudice prevent from looking at us
with favorable eye. A more attentive
audience rarely greets preacher than
assembled at our meetings here. Mr..
GoodeI delivered his sermons extern
pore and with great effect. Our success
was such as to warrant his return at no
distant day.
We might remark here that we live
upon the Great Western Railway, near
London. Any Universalist preacher
passing through on that railway, and
wishing to perform labor Of love, can,
by getting "lay over ticket, stop at
Nilestown and preach for us. A few
days notice would enable us to advertise
the meetings, and we could meet any
minister at the London depot, and con-
vey him to Nilestown. Reverend gentle
men, heed this remark, and when coming
this way, address j. @. Barrows, post
master, Nilestown, Ontario.