The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-05-19
PREACH THE GREAT FAITH.

Universalism and the, church which
represents it, always profits by plain,
outspoken defense of its doctrines, and
by placing it's teachings in definite form
before the Christian community. To
do this work effectively, it is not neces-
sary that the particular doctrines which
separate us as Christian believers from
other churches should be asserted in
any form that offends good taste, or
that partakes of the extreme controver-
sial method. Our beliefs on contro-
verted points of doctrine may be set
forth in a manner that will gain us
friends among other churches instead
of repelling them, while at the same
time no compromise is made in regard
to our distinguishing opinions. 1t is
hence that many of our clergymen are
finding that affirmative and construc-
tive sermons in exposition of our faith,
giving the needed instruction in doc
trine and dispelling popular error and
miseonception, are among the most
profitable discourses which can be pre-
sented.
1t is the uniform testimony Of recent
pastoral experience in this direction,
that such discourses are among the
most attractive that can be given from
our pulpits; and many of our ministers
are learning that such a series is pre-
ferred by the public and attracts more
general attention, than sermons on SUBJ
jects which they can hear treated in
other churches with equal advantage.
The Universalist pulpit has always
been distinctive pulpit and necessarily
so from the fact of our position before
the Christian world as believers in
distinguishing and all-comprehensive
truth. 1t is committed to system of
faith which distinguishes it from other
churches on important points of doc
trine, and these of enduring interest
and the greatest possible Importance
to mankind. While limited or par
tial Interpretation of the Gospel is
abroad in the world, there will always
be need for the distinctive teachings of
the Universalist church. The minor
points of difference in the beliefs of
other churches can be overlooked with
out any serious detriment to the world.
These do not demand constant en-
phasis. In fact, it is doubtful if the
most of them need separate denomi-
national organism for their statement
and defense. But in regard to the dis
tinguishing truth of Universalism, the
final harmony Of the moral universe,
resulting in the ultimate issue of all
the divine plans and purposes in the
highest, even the eternal welfare of all
the family of God, is such an important
contribution to the faith and hope of
the world as to demand that it be con-
stantly placed in the very forefront of
attention, until all men are made ac-
quainted with its sublime teachings.
The Universalist preacher is a mes
senger of divine love to the world. He
may, like his Master of old, be ''despis-
ed and rejected of men," but he is
always to remember that he is the
herald of the good news of God that
the world needs-needs for its encour-
agement, for its hope and inspiration.
The faith he is appointed to proclaim is
the faith that the world will continu-
ally need while mankind are away from
God and therefore unsaved. He must
be true to his divine commission.