The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-09-21

subject his judgment was reserved,
and we are without definite knowl-
edge-in the dark about it, so far as
he is concerned.
Mr.. McQueary's summary way OF
disposing of Scripture difficulties will
impress itself as something peculiar
from the standpoint of a Christian
nister,-especially Universalist
minister. No study of the text, no
exegesis, is necessary. If it is want
ing in the sentiment or theory
adopted by himself, or whoever, it
may at once be set aside as spurious
as being the addition by disciple
not agreeing with his Master. No
rule or law of criticism is brought to
bear, such as is customary in deter
mining the authenticity of a text.
Neither is decision deferred for furth-
er study and reflection, as is the case
with the plodding, benefited Bible
student. If then there is no general
law of criticism to be applied to the
investigation of the text beyond that
each shall follow his own fancy, as to
which he will call Jesus words and
which not, we shall have just such a
Bible as that which Mr.. McQueary
subscribes to, but no longer the one
on which the fathers of the church
built up strong denomination, and
on which the future prosperity of the
denomination still depends.
have not seen Mr.. Savage's book;
and no loyal Universalist would prob
ably lose an opportunity to enlarge
his Christian faith if he never saw it,
however wellwritten it probably is;
and however many the good sugges-
tions it might contain. Mr. McQueary
recommends it. 1t were but natural.
Religiously they seem to be occupy
ing about the same ground. It is
very clear that if he in this article
(and SO far as l recall, his attitude
has been the same from the first)
represents the Universalist Church,
the men who devised and created the
church did not and do not represent
it. Where is there one of the notable
list who was betrayed into saying
that Jesus was not committed as to
Universalism, that he held himself in
reserve in respect to it? The fight
was made and won on the particular
emphasis Jesus placed on that doc
trine, and by according to him the
especial divine authority to make it
known, title incomparably above
that of religious genius" In all
that list may one be pointed to who
hesitated to accept the Scriptures as
authority in the settlement of doctri-
nal issues, in common with other
churchess What Scriptures were
challenged as spurious were criticised
in the light of the history pertaining
to the text. With the same apprecia-
tion of the Word of God, they met
their antagonists upon it, repudiating
nothing lawfully belonging therein,
and in those same texts, by fair exc
gesis, gained their lasting Univer-
salist victories. AS a result their work
was Christian and inviting to Bible
people who felt their loyalty to the
personal Christ and their sacrifices
were ready for his altars. Withholding
themselves from the enfeebling alli-
ances with unbelief, they overcame
the most prodigious obstacles. The
right insight prevailed. The Bible
will, as it always has, perpetuate
indefinitely, any denomination that
Loyalty retains it, and advances
with its unfolding light; and these
denominational men never separated
themselves from it, nor lowered it by
standing itiu row with other Bibles.
The contest with so-called orthodox
churches is not yet over, nor is the
end in sight; but there is not the
danger threatening us from that
source that there is from the other
side. Why Mr.. McQueary chose to