The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-06-09
MISSIONS.

THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.-The
Gospel of the Blessed GOD, which JESUS pro-
claimed, is intended to bless mankind. 1t
is the declared purpose of COP that the
kingdoms of the world shall become the
kingdom of heaven. That kingdom is re-
presented in the world by the Christian
Church. It is its holy mission to advance
this kingdom to universal dominion. 1t has
Liter ally sent its missionaries to disciple all
the nations. Christianity is necess arily a
missionary religion. 1t grows by its mission
airy movements. Foreign missions not only
enlarge the borders of the Church, but
strengthen the Christian enterprises that
sustain them. The living churches are those
that do most to extend and promote the
blessings of Christianity beyond them
selves. The denominations that most gen.
erously sustain foreign missions are most
active in Church extension and home work.
In these things is fulfilled the promise of
CHR1sT's presence with his Church. The
whole world must become Christian by the
missionary enterprises of the Christian
nations.
OUR MISSIONS. - The Universalist
Church is a missionary movement in the
midst of Christendom. Wherever it exists
it is practically missionary Church. Its
mission is to proclaim and to advance to
universal acceptance fundamental truths of
the Gospel which have been neglected and
even positively and emphatically denied by
medieval and modern Christianity. 1t is a
renaissance in Christian theology and relig-
ion. 1t is a revival of primitive Christian
ity. 1t seeks to restore to prominence in
Christian theology the Gospel doctrine of
the Divine Fatherhood and sonship, and of
the illimitable love of COP for all his child
rem; and to practical and experimental
Christianity Divine love and trust as the true
motives of righteousness and salvation,-of
that righteousness of heart and life that is
salvation. The important and principal
missionary work of Universalists is to suffi-
ciently sustain and strengthen for greater
influence and usefulness the churches and
other institutions of the denomination, and
to actively seek to establish an effective min
istry of the Gospel, and to maintain public
Divine worship in Universalist church in
indeed IN all lands. Our whole denomina-
tional history, SO far, has been struggle for
existence, and that struggle is not yet end
ed. But the time is drawing near when we
may proftably engage in the work of for
eign mission in heather land. Prepara-
ton to begin such a v1rk is already in pro-
gress. The General Convention is now re-
ceiving contributions and annual subscrip-
tions to sustain a mission in Japan for five
years. The success of the movement will
inaugurate permanent foreign mission en-
terprise in our Church, and quicken i'm
mensely the religious life of the denomina-
ton. To share with other denominations
the work of Outstanding the heather will
greatly enlarge our UNCONVENTIONAL influence
and increase our own self-respect. Our doc
trines of human brotherhood and eternal
hope for the blessedness of mankind emil
nently fit US for successful Christian enter
prise among all people. Being the most
hopeful we ought to become the most zeal
GUS of missionaries to the heather. The
most Jealous and successful missionaries OF
the ancient Church were the believers in
universal salvation. Will history repeat it.
self in this respect ? Will Universalisss
again become the distinguished missionaries
of Christianity, and finally carry the Gospel,
and advance the kingdom of CHRIST. to the
ends Of the earth. The questions suggest q
noble ambition worthy of cultivation among
our people.