The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-04-07
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN OHIO.

Woodstock, o., March 20, 1883. ITO
the Editor of THE UNIvERsALIsT.l l. The
recent meeting held by the Life Prison
ers," in the Ohio penitentary, by permits
sion OF the warden, in answer to their re-
quest, is one of the marvels of the nine
teenth century. The brutal manner in
which prisoners of all grades have been
treated in the past ages has often been a
theme of DISCOURSE There has been GER
tainly a great advance made from the
doctrine OF total depravity, when we find
the officials of prison treating with
consideration and kindness the wishes OF
those who are generally regarded even
now, the worst class of prisoners. The
object of the meeting was to interest phi
lanthropists in their behalf for the still
further improvement of the condition
of prisoners, and the extension of the
parole system, so that even slife men,
might have something to inspire them to
efforts to reform. We have no room for
any part of their proceedings which were
resolutions presented were well written
and the discussions earnest and to the
point The remark made by one prisoner,
Punishment never reformed man." is
altogether in accordance with the philos-
ophy of Universalism; and to the practical
influences of the same doctrines, may be
attributed largely the circumstances that
made it possible for such meeting to be
held.
The Coming Convention.
The Executive Committee have unani-
mously agreed to change the date of the
meeting of the Ohio Univerealist Conven-
ton, from May 81 to June 7. This action
was taken for several reasons, chief OF
which was, to avoid conflict with the
beautiful and instructive ceremonies of
Decoration Day. The meeting will be
held, as has already been announced,
with our church at Stryker, and the pas
tor and people there, are already engag-
ed in making their preparations for enter
tainment of members and visitors to the
Convention. The program has been pre-
pared, and those selected for various du-
ties, have been notified of the same. Cor
respondence is being had with railroad
officials and all arrangements made that
may be, and the best routes to take will
be published in due time. It is not too
early for churches to begin to selec
their delegates, and to provide for their
expenses in whole or part. A large Con-
vention is very desirable, and, one that
will be representative of all our churches
is especially necessary at this time. Let
us be as wise as the politicians of the
day are, and thus secure a full attend
ence.
Quite number of our churches have
failed to send in their annual reports,
and many more are delinquent in their
contributions. The Secretary and Treas
urer are, by rule of the Convention, requir-
ed to close their accounts May 1. Hence
to have these contributions acknowled-
ged in the reports at the coming Conven-
ton, it is essential that they be forward
ed without delay.
Easter Sunday is one of the dates
fixed for the opening of the missionary
boxes. The receipts from the Thanks
giving opening, we're not as large as in
former years. We hope the deficiency
will be made up from the Easter offer
ings.
The State Superintendent.
went from the grand meetings held in
Columbus to assist in the series being
held at Norwslk. He was there Thurs
day, Friday and Saturday of last week,
and reports large congregations and
much interest. The singing of Stanford
Mitchell was especially attractive The
Superintendent spent last Sabbath with
the church at Havana, which at present
has no pastor.
Rev. 8. Crane, DID,, pastor at Norwalk,
is supplying the church at Attica once a
month, but we have reliable information
that in the near future the Attics church