The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-05-23


Rev. ]. w. McMaster, in sending his
report to the Ministerial Association,
says his health is much better. He is
now residing with his daughter in
Charleston, West Va, and does not con-
template pastoral work any longer. He
has spent half century in preaching
Universalism, and his work has largely
been within the bounds of Washington
Association.
THE RAILROAD RATES TO THE CoNvEN-
TON.
We call particular attention of all
who intend attending the coming ses
sion of the Ohio Universalist Conven-
ton and auxiliaries to the reduced rates
granted to US. Tickets may be pro-
cured with necessary certificates, on
Monday June LIST, and until June 5; they
will be good returning from June 4,and
for three days after close of Convention.
These rates have been granted with the
distinct understanding that there shall
70 Pio5Oht dt tuo OOuNoutiou uot iOeo
than one hundred persons holding nee
essary certificates. See notice in another
part Of this paper.
THE BUCHTEL COLLEGE CANVASS.
Miss Martha A. Bortle is vigorously
pursuing her canvass in the interests of
Buchtel College, She was at Westville
recently. and while no large amount of
money was received, several students
we're prospectively secured. May 10, she
spent with Rev. Lolita D. Crosley, at
Mount Gilead. where renewed interest
in our College was aroused, and liberal
subscription was obtained. The fact
that the College is hereafter to be con-
Quoted with some regard to the wishes
of the denomination which founded it, is
bearing its legitimate fruits. Sunday,
May II, Miss Bortle made second visit
to our church in Jersey.
MEMORIAL SUNDAY.
Next Sunday. May 81, is the day spec
tally appointed by the Grand Army of
the Republic, for special religious SER
vices in memory of those who gave their
lives to preserve our country from di-
vision and destruction by those who at
tempted to establish government the
foundation of which was to be human
slavery. Although thirty one years have
passed, since that bloody and cruel war
ended, to large number of our people
the memory of the experiences endured,
when the problem of freedom was on
trial, are still fresh; and the annual re-
turn OF Memorial Sunday and Decora-
tion Day arouse thrills of mingled Joy and
sorrow; joy, that the war resulted in the
preservation of the nation, and its purifi-
cation by the destruction of slavery;
sorrow, as we call to mind the thousands
of the "brave boys in blue" who died
that their country might live, and that
the "stars and stripes" should float over
the entire land. unspotted by the crime
of human bondage.
The value OF the work performed by
those who died on the battle field, or in
the hospital, or who still survive, is be-
ing demonstrated more and more every
year, as the influence of the principles
established by victories of the Northern
army deepen and widen. The seeds of
the Tree of Liberty are taking root in
every land. and not many generations
will pass until the principles set forth
in the Declaration of Independence will
be recognized in every land.
THEOLOGICAL RESULTS OF THE WAR
But another benefit has been con-
ferred upon the family of man largely
through the effects of the war for the
Union. We have reference to the death
blows that were inflicted upon the cruel
doctrine of the endless slavery of hui
man souls in hell. Few and far between
were the preachers who when called to
officiate at the funeral of soldier would
dare to intimate that the soul Of such
were writhing beneath the fierce anger
of God, because when the enemy's
bullet Embossed the tie with the body
he was not professor of religion, or a
member of some church. To the con-
trary. the preacher would glowingly re-
count the deeds Of valor performed, and
would point the hearts of the bereaved
to the hope of reunion in heaven, as a
consolation for their sorrows. We
have noticed every year the increase in
the numbers Of those who are repudiat
ing the doctrine of endless torments,
and sincerely believe that the war was
not only instrumental in severing the
bonds of the slaves in the Southern
States, but that it also has been, and is
still doing a grand work in ushering in
the day OF freedom from that doctrine
which so long held the minds and hearts
of mankind in servitude far worse than
that of African slavery. For this reason
we hail the return of Memorial Sunday
and Decoration Day, for they not only
perpetuate the memory Of those who
gave themselves to save their country,
but also bring nearer the time when all
souls shall rejoice in the liberty which