The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-10-23


pated in the change that has marked
other beliefs of the church. 1t could
not have been otherwise. Medieval
and Pagan ideas of punishment
could not stand in the presence of the
new light of advancing Christian
civilization. The CHASTITY horror of
material place of torment is an impos-
sibility. In place of these conceptions
of hell which have 80 long travested di-
vine love and justice, there has come
to be taught dogma of retribution
helpful to the development OF man
and worthy of the paternal govern
ment of righteous God. AT present
the whole matter awaits settlement.
The old ideas have been put on one
side. The church at large is not
ready as yet to accept restatement
of the doctrine The Universalist
| Church at least holds a consistent
theory of retribution, and does not
hesitate to preach it,
5. As natural result of these evil
dences of growth in the realm of be-
lief, the religion of the times is
brighter and more cheerfulin its tone,
and more practical in its work. The
new belief has inspired the best type
of philanthropy. Progressive belief
and selfsacrifcing work for human
ity have gone hand in hand. The
tree is known by its fruit. Wherever
the eye turns there is much to en-
courage trust and hope for the future
in the practical Christianity of to day.
It brings out what a past theology
failed to do, the more joyful and
practical aspects of the Christian
life.
1t might appear as if this brief
statement we're unnecessary. have
made it to you, fathers and brethren,
not because you need to be informed
of the growth which is going on
around you, and which SO gladdens
all our hearts. but to remind you, es-
pecially my younger brethren, that
to very large extent this glorious
result must be attributed to the ia
theirs of the Universalist Church.
Verify, it was a noble and lasting
work those men achieved. There
we're spiritual giants in those days.
They interpreted religious truth, and
at once busted themselves in the
practical application of the same to
the living issues of life. Nay, more,
they were abreast of the great social
and philanthropic movements of their
times. In addition to their arduous
labors, they laid the foundations of
schools and colleges from which have
come forth many to call them blessed.
Surely the inheritance into which we
have entered is one laden with many
rich, spiritual gifts. Are we worthy
of such a religious ancestry If time
permitted, it would be profitable to
dwell on their consecrated service to
God and humanity. Time fails me
to tell of those who thought no sac
rifice too great to make for the truth
they so dearly loved. Blessed names
of thrice blessed memory.
What sustained those men of old
in the midst of trials and tribula-
tions? for their lot was not cast in
times of tolerance. What gave them
courage to maintain the great truths
of our faith7 There is only one ex-
PLANTATION that can be given. The
fathers of our church loved the Word
of God and commended earnestly for
the faith once delivered to the saints.
The doctrine of the presence and
power of the Holy Ghost was an
abiding reality in their hearts and
lives. They labored, God knows how
nobly, how unselfshly, and we have
entered into their labors.
The providence of God has placed
us in an age which, like theirs, has
its special needs and requirements.
In sense it is the greatest age the
world has ever seen. We are not
afraid of it. The spirit of all true
progress is the Spirit of God. There
is much in the age to cause dismay,
but not despair. God is not dead.
The world is not forgotten. Let US
take courage and press forward. As
we survey our own UNCONVENTIONAL
forces massed together for conflict,
what impresses us9 We have a con-
secrated ministry, educated and we'll
equipped for their work. We have a
people ready and willing to be led
along paths of usefulness. Our
churches occupy an honorable posi-
ton in the religious world. The
epoch of controversy has passed
away. In many quarters the religious
atmosphere is charged with the Spirit
of Christian unity. The disciples of
the Master begin to know one an