The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-01-04
PAST AND PRESENT.
WHERE ARE THEY NOwp


Ohio Universalist Convention under its
various names, during its early exist
ence. we find mention made Of churches
or societies" as they were generally
known in those days, in almost every
important town and village in the State.
But when we consider the comparative
ly small number of organizations now
enrolled upon our lists, the inquiry
comes up,-"Where have all those or
CARNATIONS gone to? Why are they
not living and prospecting now?" There
can be but one answer in regard to the
majority, and that is. they have gone
out of existence, very largely because of
the lack of complete organization on the
Christian plan Of operation. They
were fearful Of authority" and each
church or society wanted to be indepen-
dent, except for purposes of fellowship
Had the introduction of Universalism
been followed up by compact organiza-
ton, whereby mutual interest and CO.
operation could have been fostered and
encouraged. is it not reasonable to be-
lieve that many of those earlier organi-
cations would still have been "lettir
their light sinner" We will not say
their Influence has been wholly lost
and no good accomplished. While there
has been progress made toward that
thorough organization and discipline es
sential to permanent success, the evil,
effects of former lack in this direction
still exist and are still obstacles to our
rapid growth as a denomination. We
have churches that are weak and I'M
able to support pastors singly. that
could have regular and more frequent
services by uniting in securing the best
man Tor woman) available; and by thus
working together would grow stronger.
But while this difficulty is still in our
way, we are glad to notice an improve
ment, which we trust will continue,
until the spirit of co operation shall be
firmly established There is not
church in the State worthy of that sa.
cred name. that could not have regular
services we're this plan adopted and ad.
hered to, and under this plan. the pastor
should be comparatively near at hand in
all times of Joy or sorrow.
BOSTON, '95."
We have read with great interest and
delight the full report of the proceedings
of the Sixth Annual Convention Of the
National Y. P. G. Union held in Boston,
June 10-l4, 1895. When we consider
the success of this organization during
its brief existence; the enthusiasm it
has developed not only among the young
people, who are marching Onward" un-
der the banner dedicated to "Christ and
his Church." but also among those of
more advanced years who have renewed
their youth" and are filled with larger
spirit of devotion to the interests of the
Church, we can ascribe the movement
to no other than divine source. Were
joice in the rapid development of the
that has come largely from this ove-
ment of the young people, which has not
only quickened the vitality in behalf of
local work, but has its monument to
concentrated energy in the church at
Hartman, which will soon be supple
mented by churches at Atlanta and
other important points. We are glad
to know that spirit of distrust which
many entertained in regard to the
future of the Union has largely dissp
peared, and that in most cases all lovers
of our church are glad to accept the as.
sistance of the young people in promot-
ing the welfare of the church. No one
who has genuine interest in the prog
ress of the church will fail to rise from
the perusal Of the minutes of Boston
49, without feeling larger inspiration
to work for the spread of the "faith once
are neatly printed, and form a volume
of one hundred and forty nine pages,
which is illustrated by engravings OF
prominent workers in the Union; the
churches where the great meetings we're
held, and other buildings and objects of
interest. Send twenty cents to Rev.
Harry L. Garfield, 80 West Street, Bos-
ton, and receive copy of this most in
teresting book by return mail Do not
delay your order, as the edition is linn
tied. J.w.H.