The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-04
CINCINNATI LETTER.

pId16Cy uHuy OI bu6 CONSERVATIVE
churches in this city inaugurated revival
services, which are still continued. In
some cases the meetings are conducted
by the pastors; in others the aid Of pro-
fessional revivalists has been secured.
The terrible doctrine of endless p lnish-
ment is no doubt
A Dying Dogma,
but it is mistake to suppose that it has
yet ceased to be, as is shown by the fol-
lowing item from the Commercial Ga
zette:
"The Baptist ministers meeting on Mon
day morning was largely attended, more
largely than ever before in its history. All
the appointees except one were present and
prepared The subject under consideration
was Future Punishment, and the pastor of
the First church read paper presenting GER
tain phases of the question with marked
ability and fullness. He declared his belief
that the impenitent will be punished in the
future world, though he seemed to be some
what uncertain as to whether such punish
ment would be endless. Rev. A. w. Clark
also read an able paper, taking thoroughly
Scriptural views and arguing them with de-
cisive force. Rev. G. p. Osborne followed in
an address, dwelling specially upon the pro-
priety of preaching the doctrine of future
eternal punishment and the value of such
preaching in turning the ungoi ly from their
sins to God. Rev. E. p. Brand followed in
much the same line of thought, and the dis
cussion became general, all, except one of
those present participating, and prolonging
the meeting to late hour. The general
opinion was not only that the doctrine of
endless future punishment is taught in the
Scriptures, but that it ought to be used as
Christ and the apostles used it."
At the first Presbyterian church, Wal
nut Hill, Rev. s. e. Webster, d. d,
lately preached on the sabject of the
last judgment, taking his texts from
Matthew XIV. 81 to As verses, inclusive.
He delineated this Judgment to be pub
lie, and one including in its jurisdiction
all nations, with two classes and final
separation. In most eloquent language
he described the doom of the wicked and
the everlasting happiness Of the good.
1t is manifest that the need Of distinc-
tive Universalist preaching has notpassed
away, though the increased attention paid
to practical and religious themes by our
ministers is hopeful sign. 1t is orr
mission as church, not only to teach the
final salvation of all men. but to nurture
the Christian life in all its breadth and
fullness. At
Springboro and Ridgeville.
Rev. G. @. Conner is laboring with his
usual zeal. He is arranging a series of
week day meetings, beginning Feb. II,
which will doubtless be fruitful OF good
results Recently l was called to
Montgomery
to attend the funeral of Mrs. Rebecca B.
Crugar, one of the Oldest and best be-
loved members of the Universalist soci-
ETY.. AS our church is undergoing &C.
essary repairs, the service was held in
the Methodist church, kindly proffered
for the occasion, its pastor participating
in the exercises. When the improve
ments upon the meeting house are com.
pleted, it is expected that our Montgom-
cry parish will unite with neighboring
societies in securing the regular services
OF pastor. At
Sharon,
,nkoro 7 lafalg ofEanda1 n xary rlaaaonk
wedding, there is a substaI tial and well
located church, owned by the Universal.
lists. Within it no regular services are
at present held, but it Is to be hoped that
in the near future a consecrated minister
may be obtained. Oar people are much
pleased with the
Ohio Number
Of The UNIvERsALIsF. 1t was a happy
idea. admirably carried out. A large
number OF extra copies were distributed
IN the Cincinnati churches, and believe
they will awaken a new interest in our
faith, and secure new subscribers for
our valuable paper.
The Plum Street Church
suffers severely from its unfortunate To-
cation. 1t is like a ship stranded by the
receding tide, for BUSH ess now domin-
ates it's vicinity on al sides, and the drift
of population is steadily and rapidly set
ting away from it. Happily our people
are aware of this insuperable difficulty,
and feel that there must be change of