The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-12-08
SHALL WE ENDORSE THE LIBERAL RE
LIGI0Us CONGREssp

| US 10 cooperate With all Christians,
without sacrifice of principle; and there
were plenty of opportunities in that d.
rection. But in no case should we en-.
dorse any movement, that would lessen
our UNCONVENTIONAL interest or diminish
the presentation of our specific princi-
Piles. Her experience was that the more
| she came in contact with other denomi-
nations in the pursuit of her mission, the
more she loved her own church and
faith. The paper elected a lively dis.
cussion.
A large congregation assem- bed at
7:30 P. M After devotional services
conducted by Revs. U. S. Milburn,
assisted by Revs L. D. Crosley and DR..
H. L. Garfield. Bro. Milburn delivered
a sermon on
"CATHOLICITY.'
basing his remarks, on the words Let
love OF the brethren continue Hebrews
xiii. /. We attempt no resume of the
sermon. except to say. that the sub
iect was presented and illustrated in a
manner, that gave new force to the
beauties Of Universalsm as a practical
power for good.
Following the sermon Miss Edith John
sang solo, with clear and sweet voice;
where are the Wicked Folks Buriedf"
The words of the song we're suggested
by the fact that inscriptions on tomb
stones invariably suggest the Eternal
Hope"
BY special arrangement, Rev. S. g.
Durham then read the paper prepared
by Rev.J. F. Thompson, of Akron, on
WHAT UNIvERsALlsTs BELIEVE ABOUT
THE BIBLE
The paper presented in careful and
we'll stated manner. the opinions gener
ally entertained in regard to the Bible,
its method OF composition, drawing the
line between the parts purely historical,
and those that were inspired. and thus
we're profitable as foundations for reli-
gious belief and practice.
The second day was opened by a
spirited praise meeting led by Rev. L. D.
Crosley, of GAINESVILLE. in which num-
Der participated.
A vote Of thanks was extended to the
pastor and members of the Manchester
church, for hospitality. On motion Of
the Secretary, the Executive Committee
were instructed to formulate and report
to the annual meeting a plan whereby
the mid-year meetings, would partake
more largely of the features of a church
congress, in which all departments Of
the church should be represented by
competent persons.
DR.. H. L. Garfield then re ad paper
on
HOW CAN WE INCREASE THE NUMBER
OF STUDENTS FOR OUR MINISTRY?
He presented some facts which did
not show any great necessity for taking
as has been suggested by an enthusiast
tic friend of the church, one of the most
successful pastors in our church from
his pulpit and sending him out to search
for young men and women to become
ministers; for only four hundred and
twenty three out of the seven hundred
and fifty-six ministers reported in the
Register were engaged in pastoral work.
Still an increase of ministers was desi
rable to supply constantly occurring va
cancies by death or old age; and especi-
ally of the kind who would be builders
of churches in new and important points
instead of mere place seekers. This pa
per was widely discussed and remarks
generally were in harmony with the
facts presented.
The second topic of the morning,
What can be done by the ministers
this year in the line of
SPECIAL MISSIONARY WORK.
had been assigned to Rev. |. w. Nc
Laughlin, but he having removed from
the State, the subject was briefly opened
by the Secretary. Rev. John Richard
son explained in very acceptable man
ner the plan adopted by Miami Associa.
ton. All accorded in the opinion that
valuable work could be accomplished by
week night meetings in many accessible
places.
The final paper was read by Rev John
Richardson. on Friday afternoon on
"LINGERING SUPERSTITIONs."
Before beginning his paper. he ex
pressed his regret that more congenial
subject, such as pastoral calls, had not
been given him, but the lively and prof.
table discussion that followed. demon
strated that he treated his subject in
very suggestive and profitable manner.
The discussion of this paper and that of
Rev. J. F. Thompson's, concluded the
business of the Association which
throughout was very profitable.
DR.. H. L. Garfield delivered the closing
sermon on Friday evening on Come to
Jesus" After reviewing the current
conceptions of coming to Jesus by To-