The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-08-07
LETTER FROM KANSAS.
SENECA. July 20.

| vention draws near we find that sew
eral of our friends would be glad to visit
that gathering, and we trust our state
VIII have full representation.
No Agitation on the Creed
There is very little agitation here
touching the creed question-an ex-
tended discussion of that question would
not be likely to advance the interests Of
our movement in this region.
Itwould be far better to have speedy
settlement and a settlement that will
end this discussion for long time to
come. We have far greater anxeties in
our Kansas work than determining just
what form of words shall be used to ex.
press our belief.
The proposition made by the creed
committee Of the Boston Ministers.
meeting meets my approval and l
believe it would be approved fully by all
the Kansas Universalists that l have
thus far known.
am not in favor of adopting any pre-
else form Of words as binding upon all
Of our churches. While have no criti-
cisms to offer on the proposed new creed
do not believe that it would prove
more satisfactory to our church as
whole than that we now have.
A statement of our principles like
that proposed and the recognition of
the Winchester Profession as our his
torical creed, and the embodiment of
those principles, seems to me reason
able ground for settlement that shall
unite and strengthen our whole church.
Harmony Urged.
We preach the infinite and effective
love of God Let it be manifest in all our
discussions. Let us not come short of
the reconciling spirit of Jesus for it is
meet that harmony should prevail among
believers.
By the kindness of the Editor of The
UNIvERsALIsT and other friends l have
been supplied with many of our de-
nominationa papers for distribution. and
have been able to use most of them
where | trust they have been service
able. Most of these various publications
have been free from any matter that
would be detrimental to our interests as
church-when presented to the public
as missionary documents. But occa.
sionally some OF our brothers have
given expression in their correspond
ence to that which has led to per-
sonalities and acrimonious hints that
others are on the sure road to religious
bankruptcy-or that some one else ought
to remove his presence from our fellow
ship.
Discord In the Home.
A man went to the door of his neigh
boris house, but ere he could touch the
bell he caught the sound of excited
voices and heard angry words passing
between the husband and wife. With
embarrassment and CONSERVATION he re-
treated from the place without making
the intended call; and when he met
these neighbors the next time he etole
questioning glances at them to deter
mine if peace and harmony we're yet re-
stored. But never again did he fesl quite
sure that he would find them in state of
mind to welcome him should he make
neighboring call. Would that the over.
Jealous brothers and sisters of our
churches everywhere could understand
the feelings of the timid strangers who
are just venturing on slight acquaint
ance with us; just ready to touch the
door bell to make friendly call.
There are many who hope our doc
trines may be true and who would like
to abide with US, but they love faith
and peace and good will and they are
looking for household where love of
Christ is warm, and where the hope in
Christ is great enough to include the
whole family OF mankind.
Think you that these longing souls
will have courage to enter il they
chance to hear sharp words within, or
to fesl the atmosphere of unkindness or
of unbelief? The spirit of bitterness is
not in us-we do not mean to be unjust
nor yer uncharitable. Let us then
carefully avoid everything that might
have the appearance Of strife before our
guests. Lat our correspondence be writ
ten carefully as if we expected that upon
the issue Of our paper. containing that
letter. depended the settlement of
whether some inquiring friend shovld
be converted to our blessed faith or
whether he should turn away offended.
If brother needs reproof of per-
sonal character let US use the mails and
tell him personally in private correspond.
ence. and in the spirit of Christ who came
not to condemn men but to save them.
For so shall we win our brother if God
wills that our opinions shall prevail
10 his mind; and in any case no public
rsproach shall come upon our cause by
any i'll considered words of ours
LEON p. JONES.