The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-06-01

- 49,
certain passages of Scripture on which
he spoke, and being called into the
deacon's house one Sunday evening, was
reprimanded for teaching Universalism,
of the meaning of which term he de-
clared he knew nothing at the time. He
had heard that it was the most disgrace
ful of all opinions. In the biographical
fragment mentioned, he says: II had
been told that the devil had one preacher
in Boston, a young and very able man by
the name of Ballou, who had made
league with him, and had pledged him
self to preach Universalism for him all
his days, and the devil was to torment him
for it through all eternity. 1t looked
most horrid to me-" Ultimately he was
asked to conduct the singing at a service
when young man by the name of Skin
ner preached. He listened in cold
prejudice to what accorded with his
reason, but reason. he had been taught,
had nothing to do with religion. Again
he listened. in Adams, from the door
stone, after his own service, to one who
expounded the lake of fire and brim-
stone, and his reason was in accord with
him. but his prejudices forced him to
ask: Why should one deceive himself by
reason on subject with which reason
had nothing to do? Still, he read his
Bible much in his fathers orchard and
prayed, and questioned his minister. and
discussed the meaning of passages with
himsin way that showed the trend of
his.mind toward larger faith.
Subsequent to his voyage, while su-
perintending mill in Lowell, he heard
Rev. 7. B. Thayer, directed his choir,
and got his first impulse toward the
ministry. Eight years after, in 1s41, he
was ordained at tMarblehead. For eleven
years he preached in Cummington,
Adams, North Adams and Cheshire,
Mass, and then in 1852 removed to a
small1farm, inherited by his wife from
her fathers estate, in Pulaski, jackson,
Co., Mich, near Concord, where he as
sumed his first Western pastorate. He
held regular pastorates also at Hanover,
jackson, Pulaski. Baldwins, Manchester.
Mattawan, JonesviIle, Grand Rapids and
other places in Michigan. Besides he
did much. missionary work and his calls
to attend funerals all over the country
we're very numerous. He was always
present at all assem- blages of the church,
and though, as the writer remembers
him. not very active participant in it's
business affairs. yet no gathering Of the
church was thought complete without
him, and the people we're seldom content
without listening. on these occasions. to
his voice in the sermon. 1t was in the
social and spiritual atmosphere of these
gatherings that his influence was most
felt. In 1875 he went to Waukesha,
Wis, where he had relatives living, and
where he remained two years. This was
his last pastorate.
The remainder of his life was spent
with his children. He went to Mime
apolis in 1887, His last sermon was
preached in Hanover, Mich, March 18th,
just prior to going to Minneapolis. The
text was John XIV. 10. How suggestive of
his two favorite themes, the fellowship of
friends, and the compassion of the Faith
or! HE was Bible preacher, and his
themes Gospel themes. He saw the
spiritual side Of every thing, and every
thing lent a spiritual suggestion to him.
Warm hearted, generous and loving. he
was hardly formed for battle, and yet 80
thorough was his knowledge of the
Bible. and so powerfully did he set forth
it's spiritual import. that he often struck
the most telling blows at the old formu-
las without directly antagonizing them.
His method was such as to disarm
prejudice. At times he seemed al
most inspired. There was a touch of
transcendentalism and spiritualism
about him, but nothing gross could
pass the alembic of his spirit. He was
always Bible preacher, holding the
Gospel as the foundation of all ex-
alted life and character.
His prayers were most wonderfully up
lifting spiritual exercises.
Music was passion with him. He
seemed happiest when dwelling in its
atmosphere. His talent wac source Of
charm and profit to his friends. While
never obtrusive in their use his gifts were
always available to his friends. His
voice was of unusual range and sweet
ness and strength. He sang out of a
heart full of sympathy and appreciation
He loved the old songs best. He taught
music at sixteen, and on his books were
the names of over $4,000 people whom he
had instructed in the art. He composed
many hymns and religious songs, but
was too modest to publish them, and
destroyed them with his other writings.
For fifty years he was an active mem
Der of Masonic and Odd Fellows frater-
mites.
He passed peacefully and painlessly
down the decline of life. Kind and low
ing hands ministered to his wants, and
laid him away to rest at last in the
beautiful cemetery at Minneapolis, be-
tween the graves of his daughter and
onin law with MANY a Iovino ~