The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-01-21
ISOLATED JNIVERSALISTS.

Scattered over the soil of Ohio are
unknown numbers of Universalists in
neighborhoods to which our organized
church has not penetrated. To some
of these we hope copy Of this paper
may come; and we wish to express a
cordial fraternal sympathy with them
in their deprivation of the privileges of
religious fellowship.
Yet, shutlout as they are from direct,
daily communion with those of their
own faith, it is still possible to break
from the bondage of their isolation, and
not only to become partakers of the de-
nominational bounty, but to render val
-ued aid in prosecuting our common
enterprise. The regular visits of the
denominational press would put them
in weekly communication with the
movements of our cause; and the ses-
sions of an Association or of the State
Convention afford special opportunity
for mingling with the brethren. They
would be warmly welcomed to these
gatherings, and the campfire would
glow more brightly for their presence
in the midst. We particularly invite
such to attend the next Convention at
Stryker. Let us have mastering of
forces from all quarters of the common
wealth.
One of the most painful features of
the lot of the class we have in mind
must be the want of facilities for ed
ucating their children in the blessed
beliefs that bring so much comfort to
the parent heart. They hesitate to send
them to the Sunday schools of other
churches, dreading lest they may be-
come infected with the injurious theol-
ogies there cherished; while, on the
other hand, they fear the results of
their growing up in neglect of the ordi-
nances Of religion and of the due observ-
ance of the Lords day. There is no
perfect relief, perhaps, from this dill
emma unless by removal to the shelter
of some Universalist parish; but the
Sunday-school Helps put out by our
Publishing House, at No. Is Bromfeld
street, Boston, Mass, or the printed
Lesson commentaries in the weekly de-
nominational press, or the series of
Normal Lessons prepared by our Ohio
Sunday-school Convention, and to be
obtained of Harry l.. Garfield, Stryker,
o., would render the task of home in
struction comparatively easy. For the
children's sake, the denominational
publications are Indispensable; and, as
they grow older, course of education
in Buchtel College would bring them in
direct contact with Universalist influ-
ences.
One more word permit us to add.
The friends we speak of in this article
may, if they will, be of much aid in the
great work Of church extension in
which we are engaged. They may offer
their services in circulating the litera-
ture we wish to send out; they may pro-
pose suitable candidates for the min
istry from their neighborhoods, of
whom we could have no knowledge
save through their information; or may
encourage their own children to look
forward to this noblest of callings.
Still further, since they are not taxed
for the support of any local parish of
our name, they may contribute to the
funds which will provide preaching for
others, through the missionary agen-
cies we have in operation. Five dol
lars year from each of them to our
State work would be sinews of war in
deed; even one dollar apiece would be
material aid. Brethren, think of this;
and if you cannot sit at the board your
selves, give yourselves the privilege of
preparing it for other hungry ones.