The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-06-20
STATEMENTS WORTHY OF
EMPHASIS.
By REV. HENRY GILLESPIE.
RIVERSIDE, CAL.

By REV. HENRY GILLESPIE.
THERE are three statements by diff
ferent writer's in The UNIvERsALIsT of
June 6, which are well worthy of en-
phasis and comment.
l. "The call that has arisen for
sharper distinctions and more dein-
ite statement in regard to Universal
ism." This "call" is reaction against
the underlined use of abstract TERMS
system of teaching which since the
time of Socrates has been recognized
as false by every moralist worthy the
name. In allowing such terms as
''truth," "God," charity" "justice,"
"liberal," ETC., to go before the world
without definition we are liable to
the irony of that ancient philosopher
and instead of being modern" are
twenty-five centuries behind the
times. We also fly in the face of the
plain words of Jesus: II am the way,
the truth and the life, and no man
cometh to the father but by me-" and
the very sensible advice of Paul to
church builders: Whatsoever ye do
in word or in deed, do all in the
name of our Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God and the Father by
him."
2. "Some of the best helpers come
from village where there has been
maintained a Universalist church."
remarks Unitarian. This tells, (a)
of an inherent capacity to train
church workers, (b) of a serious leak
age of our resources and (c) where
we must look for increase of our
strength. (a) Many of our efficient
workers received their training in
orthodox homes, in which respect we
are debtors, but having defined prin-
ciples, ours is not parasite church.
(c) 1t may be loyal to God and man
for a Universalist to become or re-
main one of the "best workers" in an
other church; if SO every battle for
the right that has been fought
and won has been in vain. (c)
The country people hear with glad
ness the message which we alone can
give. Here can be sown the seeds
from which posterity may reap a
glorious harvest and claim the heri-
tage of glorious faith.
3"Our early want of organization"
is still against US. The laws of mis-
sionary achievement known and fol-
lowed place palpable falsehood in
high places. By observing the same
laws we can overthrow falsehood and
establish truth.
Missions are begun with hopes OF
grandeur which can never be real
lied. Churches are often closed,
when of all times the work should be
maintained. Ministers working in
dependently are compelled to labor
when and where they can regardless
ofdenominational needs, when little
moral or financial help for church,
minister or Convention would bridge
a yawning chasm. Our resources are
too often scattered and unavailable.
Societies and in some cases churches
are organized (9) with no requisites
of belief, and with no instruction or
ways for conducting a cause which
requires not only zeal for a common
faith but far-seeing wisdom and the
best possible methods.
The people are confused, disap-
pointed, wronged; in such cases, their
love grows cold and our heritage is
lost.
1t is we'll that for us a new light is
dawning. The call for explicit teach
ing, the missionary spirit that now
stirs the heart of every loyal Univer-
salist, the felt need of effective and
systematic cooperation in spiritual
and matsrial affairs, all are rallying
points for the greater church that is
to be.
MANCHESTER, Iowa.