The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-11-09

apprehended has salutary influence
upon the conduct. There is but one
true way to the highest spiritual
good, and that true way, truth itself,
true doctrine teaches. True doctrine
is the way. What we believe forms
the texture of our minds and becomes
the law of our conduct.
What was it but truth that SO
wrought in men in Christ's time;
fashioned just as we are, encompassed
just as we are; fearful and selfish
just as we are? What but truth that
made saints and martyrs of SO many;
that changed the course of the world,
and silently, yet surely, enthroned
itself above principalities and powerss
You say practical religion is the
need; and SO say we; practical relig-
ion,-but Christian practice is the
fruit of Christian principles. should
as soon think of going into the fruit
business without any trees or vines.
as setting out to propagate religion
and morality without any opinions.
1t would probably eventuate about
as raising figs from thistles, or gath
ering grapes from thorns and bramble
bushes.
And now as to the matter of giving
to the support of our religion. We
need not be told that nothing SO i'm
poverishes people as to begrudge
to any good cause that requires our
assistance, and hence it is not for us
to fear that we are missing it in max
ing up our minds that we are going
to live somewhat for the good that
we can do. Try and think how you
can serve others in the assurance that
you never do serve others but you
are serving yourself in some higher
and better way. Have regard to what
is beyond the calculable of mems Wis
ible and selfish policy. Then you
shall find resources growing on every
hand. Your own portion will not be
to be kept desolate. Strength shall
be shed through you, and shall be
extended in every direction till it
shall reach you again. Plenty in this
way shall be poured about you, and
you shall find that the faith which
lies in an earnest goodwill to man
kind, is greater producer than all
the economies of a selfish devising.
Do the utmost with what you have
and thereby set the example of bene-
fcence, and it will be sure to spread.
Start with all the capital you can
command, and God will multiply
your stock in trade.
All modern science, and political
economy. teach that whatever is given
for human improvement and happi-
ness, is not diverted or misapplied in
any way; for it must be acknowledge
ed that nearly all our public wealth
is born of trust and of free communi-
cation and investment. And why is
not here seen the design of our exis-
tence in being invested with bless
ings,? And are we not to seize upon
every occasion as they offer them
selves, never shrinking from perform
ing well our part, giving what we
have to give, doing what we are COM
petent to do, filling up the measure
of our existence with all the good we
can command? And in the humble
desire to be blessing, God will pour
out such another blessing upon the
soul as that it can scarcely contain it,
If we are faithful with each power,
and each duty, our opportunities
shall daily become more great and
our rewards more glorious.
If we love our children and those
who are to come after us, it is for us
to give them the best advantages we
can; try and inure them to habits of
virtue; aid them to attain to the full
ness of the stature of men and women
physically and morally; store the
provision-house of their souls we'll
with the riches of wholesome truth,
and they are sure to be blessing to
themselves and to the world. In
thus becoming, they will meet the
demand that shall call forth their
resources, and they will possess re-
sources to be called forth.
ELGIN, ILL.