The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-05-05

oOFOAOPlAS ouO OIuoE huu lhytuS tuc
foundations of it's present prosperity and
usefulness. We mention only the names
the revered /. ID. Williamson and e. 81.
Chaplin, whose hearts and pens framed
many of the beautiful teachings, that
have made deep and lasting impressions
upon the lives of thousands of their fell
lows, and who Though dead yet speak
in the thousands Of lodges throughout
the world. Odd Fellowship, and kindred
organizations have had much to do with
preparing the way for the reception of
the larger and better faith now being
rapidly received, and in leading from the
darkness of ignorance and chains of sin
to the light of truth, and the liberty of
Gods dear children. We hail the ami
verssry with joy, and bid the workers
within its bounds God speed in their ef-
forts to hasten the DAY when all men shall
recognize and be governed by "the law
OF Universal Brotherhood"
Prisoners Meeting.
Recently we made mention of the in
creasing recognition OF the humanity"
of mankind, as evidenced by the meeting
of the "Life Prisoners" in the Ohio PEN
itentiary, held under the auspices Of the
warden and other officers. Since that
meeting Governor Foraker has pardoned
the inmate who acted as president. The
addresses made on that occasion bore
strong testimony to the fact that the
worst criminals are not wholly depraved
and that genuine reformation car be
secured only through the claw of kind
ness"
On April IL another meeting of prison.
ers was held. On this occasion Of one hum
dred and twenty three prisoners, under
twenty years of age, only one, Johnnie
Beslls, of PEBBLE county, was there for
life. After tender prayer by Chaplain
De Brum, Warden Coffin stated the OBJ.
ject of the meeting, saying further that
the officers of the institution were placed
there "to act as fathers to the prisoners"
Several of the latter made brief ad-
dresses that showed that their hearts were
not originally depraved, and that they
were not wholly given over to wickedness.
After this DIR. Clemmer, the chief of the
prison physicians, delivered an address,.
We are happy in being able 10 record these
evidences of growth toward better meth
DDS of treatment of the criminal. We are
hot ruhn
remember that one Of the objections
earnestly urged against our BIZ. Pietry
while warden, was that he treated the
prisoners too leniently." 1t is quite pleas
ant to know that his methods are being
followed in this direction by his successor
The Local Option Law.
The passage of the Township local OPP
ton law, the increase OF taxation upon
saloons and the Owens Sunday Law, by
the Ohio Legislature are evidences of the
increase of public sentiment toward COM
plete prohibition. Many townships have
already availed themselves OF the right to
prohibit saloons, thus overcoming diff
Guilty growing out Of objection of pro-
hibition in villages and towns. We refer
to the establishment of drinking holes
outside OF municipal boundaries. The
Sunday closing law, il faithfully executed,
will not only stop much dissipation
and crime, but will also assist in educa-
ting the faint-hearted to belief that
prohibition is possible.
Presidential Election Years
are always notable for their depressing
influences upon business and religion
and the present year does not promise
any great improvement. We trust, how
ever, that SO far as our own ministers
and church members will be loyal to the
captain of our faith, and carry the spirit
of religion into our politics, 80 that the
fruitage of the glorious revivals held in
many places may not be lost in the heart
of political contests. We hear from
different sources, encouraging words
from the church in Columbus; good con-
gregations are present at each service
and the Sunday-sehool is doing well.
Notes.
The Sundsy-school recently institu-
ted at Margaretta, (Castalia) has encour-
aging prospects.
We noticed in secular paper that
the services of the Episcopal church were
held in the Universalist church in Upper
Sandusky, for the first time in the his
tory of the place. While we are very
friendly to the Episcopal church, because
of its we'll known iberality in matters of
doctrine, we would prefer to know that
regular services of our own church were
held in that pleasant city.
An item in the Urbana Citizen and
Gazette, states that Rev. w. Tucker,
ID. D., delivered two excellent sermons
in the Universalist church at Westyille,
April Is.
Since our last letter, Middleport,
Manchester and Mount Carmel churches
have fallen into line and sent the amount
of their assessments. Also, Mrs. e. l..
James, Cincinnati; Mrs. 8. Butler, Ham
let; and Estella N. Shull, First Belpre;
have sent proceeds of Easter opening of
Missionary Boxes. If all our churches
would respond to these calls, all expenses
of the Convention could be easily met,
and the efficiency of our general work
increased. In reply to some who criti-