Morning journal and courier., 1889-11-25
A POSITIVE FAITH.

A Discourse or significance ana Power
 Delivered xssssrday as shs Church of
 lhe Messiah.
 A sermon of unusual interest and power delivered yesterday forenoon at the Church of the Messiah by the pastor, Rev. L. H. Squirss, drew out a very large audience. the handsome church being filled in every part. Under Mir. Squire's pastorate his church is rapidly growing in numbers and strength, and q strong spiritual interest prevails. His sermon yesterday forenoon was on the topic "A Positive Faith" In 1t he referred to positions taken by his friend, Rev. Dr. Mo- Chesney, in the latter's eloquent sermon of the preceding Sabbath. MT. Squires' text was:
 Ti,gsss: These things will that thou afnrm
 Thesssionans, s-aa: "Avoid ell appearance of
 The speaker quoted Rev. Dr. McChesnsy's criticism of UniversAlism, and replied in . kindly and pleasant way to shs charges
 First, As the statement that "Univsr- salism never had theology but only fr.g- creed, which h printed upon the wall back of the pulpit, and proceeded to show that 1t is logical, consistent, ,scriptural and rational system of faith. That there is not "not" in 1t, no negatives or denisls. but . positive faith of every point. He said that Univer- salists for every denial have something better to affirm, and for all they would tear down They would deny endless torment, but punishment of every sin. God, tho vindictive judge, has been dethroned. but God, the father, has been placed in his stead. The devil has been dismissed, but human sin and misery Is real enemy to fight. vica- rious atonement Is denied, but personal rightsousness demanded. Christ, scape- goat for sins is rejected, but Chris, the shsp- Is rspudiated, but salvation by grace and rightsousness sought after. Going to heaven by revival jumps is not much practised, but growing to heaven In character and life ts earnestly desired. He claimed that Univer- salists believe more in revelation than those Bible, for they think God is working ever and revealing Himself in all the providence of life. They believe more In incarnation than those who see God manifest in the flesh only in Jesus of Nazareth, for they hold that every soul is the child of God. They believe more In the saving Christ than In those who would limit His work to tho brief span of human life, for they see Him seeking and saving the lost until He 6nd them. His patience b not exhausted with life, nor His love quenched by the tomb. And Universalists have too much faith in God to believe that His will and de- sire will be eternally frustrated, that . rival Kingdom will forever dispute His sway and endless sin and misery make Gods universe forever imperfect.
 The speaker then showed that the hope oi prophets, the dreams of yeformers, the in' spiration of poets, and all the drift of hu. man history indicated progress toward eter. nal righteousness. Not nation ever died without giving place to something better. Not religion ever wont out but some new Messiah came forth to teach larger faith. So all things point around and upward, and assure us that God is working and success fully His divine purpose.
 The speaker then referred to the charge etc., and quoted criminal rsoords and pxis- not found among the criminal classes.
 In conclusion he was much obliged to Dr.. McChesney for showing us how VI appear to others, and earnestly counselled his peo. pie to "avoid all appearance of evil" An active and earnest church will bs the best answer to such critics. No bigotry can meet the'logic of good life. Az Nr. No Chesney says, your faith is not likely to be revised. There is no need of 1t, for the re- ligious world, Msthodists included, is com ing to 1t. Garry 1t out in your livss, bs true to 1t, lot the world ses its beauty, end sll unkindnsss, bigotry and bitterness will with sr before 1t.