The Portland daily press., 1897-09-22
South Portland. Sept. q. 1897.
10 the Editor of the Press:

10 the Editor of the Press:
In view of the many criticisms which
have been made upon my change of the
ology, deem it but just to myself to set
right some of the Misrepresentation con-
corning my latest sermons, and inter-
views with individuals.
In my evangelistic work I have never
1ully Sympathized with the old school of
theology which seems to me unnatural.
L nave sympathized Tor the most part,
With the more modern thinkers-Brook,
Drummond, B. Fay Mills and others
whose aim has been to, Tighten the woes
OF humanity by ministering to its needs
the milk of human kindness.
In my mission work in Chicago, and
elsewhere the practical in religion had
to assume primary position in order to
reach the masses. have found love to
be the only power that works righteous
ness, and that love DIS resistless. The
uplifting of humanity has been and ever
will be the object of my ministry. In
order to reach the best possible results,
have considered it my duty to acquaint
myself with modern Biblical criticism,
by men who have at heart the welfare
of humanity, in their loyalty to the truqh
which is being revealed to mankind in
floods of light from history, science, phil
osophy and the literary criticism Of the
present day.
After some study and research, medita-
ton and prayer. have been led to accept
most of the conclusions of modern
thought concerning the development of
the world, and the progressive character
of mankind
The older orthodox schools of theology
have ceased to interest me, except from
an historical standpoint and belief in
| their QSSantia1 ohQraofnr to 70
me eping many from the largest full
filment of the soul unto God.
Believing this, have been modifying
my views for the past two ars, and
during the past few months passionate in
M. e. church of which l am at present a
member the truth of my convictions has
forced itself upon me too strongly to be
either denied or ignored. In sermon and
address, have been constrained to
preach the liberal views of Universalism
as presented by its acknowledged leaders.
In the doctrine of the Divine person.
Unlversallsm is, in its essential charac-
ter, Unitarian. Isg
Her practical works of Righteousness,
relieving the miseries and woes of hui
hood of God and brotherhood of man
hearing those tender words
spoken in appreciation of our ministering
unto others, Eye have done it unto
me.''
Her hopeful belief that, in the future
life all the opportunities for the develop
ment which the soul open to it will be
accorded, has proved an inspiration to
me in the thought, that the possibilities
of the triumph of our life is infinite, and
that beyond the limits of our earthly
vision;. i "there is time for the race to
grow"
But, some one says to me, imam is a
failure" 1 would reply in the words Of
the poet:
MAN as yet is being made,
And e'er the crow ing age of ages.
Shall not con. after con pass and touch
| him into shape.
| All about him shadow still,
| But while the races flower and fade,
Prophet yes may catch the glory
| Slowly gaining on the shade,
| Till the people all are one,
And all their voices blend in chorus
| HaIlelujah! to the Maker
1t is finished, man IS made"
| I have not the least idea of leaving the
| work of the ministry-nor even evange-
lism in it's true sense. The revelations of
modern thought have opened fields SO
broad and inviting, that it but stimulates
to greater efforts, That supreme out
shining of the life OF love as reve led by
Jesus i'll his obedience to the truth, leads
US on to the time when righteousness
must triumph through love- over all evil.
9. E. SIMONTON.