The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-04-10
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"a OBSERVANDA.
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Criticism, Comment and Complaint
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the physical agencies of destruction. A
diviner standard rules. In the contention
for rights, we may dispense with carnal
weapons: The loving heart wants no pis-
tol and needs none for defense. The dis
corning brain shall master situations
without resorts to violence. In days that
were, the martyr cause could plead might
lily after his tongue was stilled, and the
right is the strongest thing ON the earth
today, while love is the greatest C.
A POPULAR ORTHODOX ARGUMENT IN
TEXAS.
WE have listened to three noted discus
sions held by Rev. c. H. Rogers, on the
final destiny of humanity, with three
prominent ministers of different denomi-
nations. All used the following as an ar
gument against the doctrine of Universal
ism.
IF the Universalists are right in be-
living and proclaiming that Universalism
is the truth, then we who oppose that
doctrine, are as well off, and as safe as
they are. But if they are wrong then
they are in an awful condition, by being
exposed to the eternal vengeance of Gods
wrath and indignation. They will have
their part in the fiery pillows of eternal
damnation, when the smoke of their tor
ments will ascend endlessly'
This was the most formidable argument
taken by these three champion defenders
of the malignant doctrine of endless pun
shment. Why will the Universalists be
in that forlorn condition? What unpar-
donable sins have they committed? Ac-
cording to this argument, it is that God is
not so unmerciful as to create one soul
that will be endlessly doomed to such a
punishment That cur God is not mean
enough to expose single soul to that
lawful condition.
What an imprudent argument for pro-
fessed ministers of Christianity to make!
The Universalists, because they give God
lovely character, and have never spoken
contemptuously of him as a Father.and of
truth and goodness. OF the glorious mission
of Jesus Christ, the Universalist Church
has never had a doubt that he will or
can fail. For this trust, the awful indig-
nation of Gods wrath and vengeance will
a logical conclusion! To prove this, they
quote the Apostle: vengeance is mine,
and / will repay, saith the Lord Rom.
xii, 10. How blind a person must be to
attempt to read the doctrine of endless
torment into the Apostles language here.
If a thing is repaid it is absurd to con-
tend for a penalty that will not, and can
ha noid To &c 81,
exact dues, finish paying the last farth-
ing, to complete paying the demand.
The good Samaritan said 'Take care
Of him, and whatever thou spendeth
more, when I come again, will repay
thee Thus we have the same word,
that these ministers contend proves end
less punishment, that the Universalists
will suffer if Universalism is not true
The idea that God will repay the Univer-
salists with endless torment for believ-
ing and preaching that he is much better
than he really is, is one of the most
nonsensical blunders in their heology.
We read in the Bible truthful proverb,
Prov. XII, 81: ''Behold the righteous shall
be recompensed in the earth, much more
the wicked and the sinner" That is, they
are repaid. Yet, 'if the Universalists
are right, those who oppose them are as
well off and as safe" Are as safe in
what? They are as safe in believing and
preaching falsehood. This is the gist of
the argument brought against Universal
ism down in Texas, What an admirable
system of theology! 1t hangs together
like rope of sand. This profound logic
is taken from Halls digest of Universal
ism against itself. 1t is the text book of
all who believe and teach.the doctrine of
endless punishment JAMES 'RIIINGs