The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-09-26
Our Ohio Churches.
FROM J. W. HENLEY, d. d.
State Secretary.
SPRINGFIELD.

We are glad to receive from Bro. w.
L. Franklin cheering words regarding
our church in Springfield. He writes:
Il can safely say that our prospects are
very good for success. Rev. George W.
Sias is more than satisfying the desires
and expectations of our people, by his
manly social and Christian demeanor,
and by his sermons. He is thorough
going Christian Universalist and is sure
to make his mark in the world"
BALLOU ASSOCIATION.
Rev. John Richardson went to Cuba
to fill his appointment for Sept. ID, but
owing to an increase of that deadly dis
ease, diphtheria. in the community it was
decided not to have services. A few of
the friends met at the church to discuss
the situation. and it was concluded to re-
quest the trustees OF Ballou Association
to postpone the annual meeting to Oct.
23-25, by which time it is hoped that the
disease may be extirpated. The an
nouncement of the postponement was in
The UNIvERsALIsT of last week. The
above is the date for the postponed
meeting.
DOCTRINAL PREACHING.
We are glad to note general awaken
ening in regard to the Importance of dis
tinctive doctrinal preaching. A genuine
rolio;nuo lifo youof boua n fo,nJo4;ox, ae
belief upon which to rest. and from
which to develop in all the directions of
true righteousness. 1t has grieved us
very much, to hear, as we frequently
have within the past few years, Univer-
salists say, There is no necessity of
doctrinal preaching. Nobody believes
in endless misery!'
While it is true that 10 some commu-
mites, the necessity of antagonizing the
cruel doctrines of Partialism has largely
diminished, on the other hand, there
are many other places in which these
presentations of Gods dealing with man
are set forth as earnestly as ever, and
the chief motive for religious life is, to
escape hell and get to heaven"
Investigation of the conditions where
belief in endless punishment" is dimin-
ishing, will reveal the fact that the
faith" entertained islargely of a chaotic
character, and that but few can clearly
define their theological views. In order
to prevent complete lapse into agnosti-
cism or skepticism, it is essential to pre-
sent, before. such minds clear and we'll
defined views of God. man and destiny.
These views are found in the system of
religious doctrine known as Universal.
ism, and series of sermons, presenting
these doctrines in communities where
we have long had churches never fail to
arouse larger interest in the church
and it's work. II this be the case in
places where Universalism has long had
a name to live, what would be the re-
suit if some plan could be adopted to
have series of sermons preached in the
many places where such doctrines have
rarely, or never been heard by the pres
ent generation? From our own exper-
fence ia work of that kind which We
have done, we are satisfied that it would
develop the fact that there are hundreds
and thousands whose minds and hearts
are hungering and thirsting for such
solid, substantial, and inspiring doc
trines as are presented in Universalist
theology. "Oh.' says one, 1--WE need more
practical preaching!" In reply we would
say that it is impossible to present the
doctrines of genuine Bible Universalism
without being thoroughly practical, for
our doctrines involve "love to God with
all our powers, and for our neighbor as
for ourselves" There is no particular
in our theology that cannot be devel-
oped into apractical power for good, and
this cannot be said regarding other sys-
TENS OF doctrins.
INSTRUCTION IN DOCTRINE NEEDED.
What the Universalist Church needs
now more than anything else. is thor.
ough instruction on the part of young
and old. in the cardinal doctrines
of the Church. which are those taught
by Jesus and the apostles. An earnest
young woman, whose heart is thorough
ly devoted to the welfare of our Church,
said to us recently: 81 wish our min
listers would preach the doctrines of our
Church more thoroughly. l am fire.
quently asked the question, What do
Universalists believer and l reply as
best as can; but l would like to be bet.
ter informed than l am myself"
The painful fact lie, that there are
many who are acknowledged as Univer-
salists, whose ability to state the doc
trines, goes no farther than to say "We
do not believe in endless punishment"