The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-03-17
CINCINNATI LETTER.

The approaching Centennial EXPOSE
ton of the Ohio valley and Central State g.
to be held in Cincinnati from July to
October 81, promises to be an occasion of
great interest. Already the extensive
exhibition buildings are nearly complet-
ed, and present very attractive appear
ance, while the plans for the various ex-
hibits seem to be carefully and wisely de-
vised. Without doubt it will be the most
extensive and interesting of the many ex-
positions held in the Queen City, and
large number who read The UNIVERSAL
IsT will come here to witness it. Your
lady ri aders, who are engaged in enter
tainments and church fairs, will be inter-
ested in
"Salt Water Social"
recently given with much success in one
of our city churches. Its novelty was
not in the discovery of the proverbial
oyster in the stew, which, by the way,
does not hold true OF the stews prepared
by our generous Universalist ladies, but
in the gathering together of many tro-
phies from the sea. Big fishing nets
were hung from the ceiling, with csndied
fishes hopelessly caught in the meshee.
Mrs. Partington's broom, OF world wide
fame, used to mop out the Atlantic ocean,
was entsngled in one net. A large pict-
ure of whale, and other marine views.
added reality to the scene. Nautical Sc
lections, grave and humorous, were re-
cited, and The -Four Jolly Tars," and
other like musical numbers were excel
lertly rendered. The fish stand, lemon
sderie, and confectionery tables were gen.
erously patronized, and each patron re-
ceived souvenir Of the salty sea, neatly
encased in white wrapper as a memento
Of the event.
"Is Prayer Answered.
was the subject of sermon which the
pastor preached by request in the Nc
MILAN Street Universalist church. A
few weeks after at the Baptist ministers
meeting "the question under considera-
ton was, Who may Pray?' opened by
the Rev. Joseph Emery, VINO took broad
view OF the subject, holding that it is the
duty and the privilege of all mankind to
pray, and that God answers whom he will,
whether saint or sinner; thax upgodly
persons had received answeis 70 their
prayers have been saved from, psrils and
from eternal death 10 answer to their
prayers. He cited n stances which were
held to prove that uDgodly persons have
been heard, and have received answers to
their prayers, while they were still i'm
penitent. Mr.. Emery's views were not
generally sustained" In this country as
well as in England, there is wide diver
sity of opinion among Baptist preachers,
but as one of their number informed me
of late, as the old conservatives die, their
places are taken by young men whose
views are generally broader and more
liberal. Despite the efforts of Mr. Spur
geon and Joseph Cook, the conservative
churches are every year growing more
liberal.
" Life Problems; Here and Hereafter"
whose author, Rev. G. T. Flanders, d. D.,
was pastor of the Cincinnati Universslist
church from Nov. 29, 1857. to July 3, 1861,
has been very favoIably criticised by the
press. An appreciatiye critique appeared
in the Commercial Gazette and in the
Congregationatist for Feb. %, it is th us
noticed:
" 1t is written with unusual clearness
and force, and supplies graphic picture
of mental struggle and progress. With
much Of it all evangelical believers will
find themselves in cordial agreement.
But from some of its positions there will
reasoning, as to the body of his theology,
is this: God is omnipotent, but his ON
impotence is controlled by his wisdom and
goodness. Therefore he cannot tolerate
a permanent evil and will finally remove
and exterminate evil. As means to this
end he uses discipline, education, and all
necessary moral and spiritual influences.
His object is that all things may be in a
condition of harmony and oneness with
himself, and his past achievements assure
his final triumph. The book
is exceedingly stimulating to the readers
mind, and has the attractiveness always
possessed by frank record OF the striv-
ings of an honest, earnest mind. But
many of it's positions seem to us unjusti-
fable"
Among DIR. Flanders friends and for
mer parishioners, the book will no doubt
meet with ready sale. The special meet
mgs held in
Springboro and Ridgeville.
were fraught with much interest and ben
eft. New members were received into
the church, and the sermons by the pas
tor, Rev. O. @. Conner, Rev. E. F. Penn
Der, the State Mission airy, Rev. II. l..
Garfield, and Rev. e. w. Whitney, we're
attentively listened to by large audiences.
In Cincinnati think the outlook of our
cause very hopeful. At the
Mcmillan Street Church
the audiences are increasing in size; the
Wednesday night meetings are very we'll
attended, and the volunteer choir renders
efficient service. Students from Lane
Theological Seminary (Presbyterian) are
often present and however much they may