The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-10-19

Qulreu ITesu COuuuCHSO Ii i'o PO"oA
to meet the want of human beings
under the most diverse circumstan-
ces. And as we have gotten accus-
toned to broader horizon of church
activities we have blushed to recall
our former provincialism, and our
hearts are more hospitable than ever
togenerous projects, irrespective OF
the place of their execution. In a
word, the Japan work has made us
broader, more genuine, more courag
eous. more Christian church,-yes,
and a more united church, too, with
increased purpose of cooperation and
consciousness of power.
And, what is of the utmost signifi-
canoe, we have had just a slight FORE
taste of that for which we have Of
fered so many prayers in half earnest,
namely, the real extension of Christs
kingdom throughout the earth! Is
it not marvellous that we who have SO
revelled in our dream of universal
reign of truth and righteousness,
should have been so slow to attempt
its realization upon scale partly
commensurate with our claims? But
at last we did awake to our privilege,
and now we see Universalism actually
planted in pagan soil, and thriving
there as in it's native cline! Is not the
immediate and irresistible effect of
this, to Danish the glowing day
dreams which too long contented us,
and set us open-eyed before field OF
realities more splendid than all those
pictured phantoms, and well within
our reach? We have prated long OF
ideals and remote finalities: japan
introduces us to the living fact, as
yet infant like and feeble, we must
own, but oh, so precious, so satisfac-
tory in it's fine possibilities! If we are
conscious as church,-and surely
we are-of stronger spiritual tide
running through the various channels
of our endeavor, of more intense
conviction of duty and more insis-
tent longing for richer, fuller life,
must We not attribute this in some
measure to the predicted reflex of our
oriental mission?
We cast our bread upon the waters,
and it is returning to us after very
brief period. And thus it must ever
be; the church that heeds the call of
opportunity for service, will grow by
what it gives, and the baptism of the
Holy Ghost will reward its loyalty.
We never did better thing for our
selves than when for moment we
forgot ourselves in behalf of far-off
Japan.
1t is by the repetition of such deeds
that we may assert our title to the
future. One CLEAN of enthusiasm
does not make sunrise. We have
begotten child in Japan; what shall
we do with it, Surely that is not a
debatable question. We must own it,
thank God for it, take care of it,
nurse it through it's period of depend
ence, deal with it wisely and gener-
ously, in hope that it may by Heav-
ems blessing grow to noble matur-
ity and be the founder of mighty
family. | do not believe there can
be any dissent from this automatic
and imperative statement. Only the
narrowest, most craven, most cruel,
most stupid temper could suggest or
tolerate an opposite conclusion. Ii
the problem were ten-fold as vexa-
tious as it is, if the burden were ten
fold as heavy, still we have no honor
able alternative. We cannot forsake
our own. But really, for church SO
prosperous as ours, 80 rich in glor-
ious history and still more glorious
faith, SO fortunate in its body of adj
herents, the needs of Japan cannot
be deemed burdensome. Only let
the many share in the taste; let every
parish according to its ability and its
zeal, let every believer according to
his hearts purpose, contribute to the
fund, and we shall have new proof of
the dynamics of the Universalist
Church, and new cause to glorify the
most holy name. To do less than
this is to come under the stroke of
the terrible words of Jesus, and own
ourselves unfit for the kingdom of
God.
The thought of failure is not for
moment to be countenanced. Instead
of barely meeting our obligation let
us exceed it. Instead OF merely re-
peating our former act let us surpass
it. Let us be more than just; let us
be generous. Our Trustees ask for
$4,000, as sort of average sum.
Let us regard it as minimum; as