The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-20

JlOnS are not TO the conservation OF
medi@valism, but to the evolution of
more practical christian brother
hood and service. And these words
give Interpretation to all that is noble
and beautiful in the world today.
How much our fathers helped in
this wonderful reconstruction, no one
can tell, but their work was beyond
computation. They were men of the
times, and they stood for the truth
the world needed like prophets and
seers, and now we are beginning to
realize their worth. The ghastly
perversions of Christianity which
long passed current have largely
been eliminated from the heart of
the world, and men are beginning to
learn that love and help are far more
religious and akin to the Christ
spirit, than the most elaborate scho-
lasticism that has never penetrated
into the mystery of the self forgetful
life, and in the central delusion of
self-worship, has forgotten that SER
vice and not speculation is the key
to the kingdom.
The Universalist Church is quick
to feel the need of the world for
leadership in this direction. and it's
recent activities are all for the sake
of simpler and clearer presentation
of the everlasting Gospel of father
hood and brotherhood so simple
and clear that it will come to men
like the breath of the morning re-
freshing and blessing those on whom
it's influence falls. 1t would be little
benefit to this generation to correct
it's thinking if its heart be not in
fused with sweeter spirit. The
Universalist Church has message of
truth which this age sready to hear;
and if the indications are not
strangely deceptive, it will soon be
recognized as the great evangelizing
power of this new century that is
dawning upon the world with such
bright promise. 1t has the right.
No church has nobler Gospel or
loftier appeal. The times are ripe.
The Chicago Declaration is but one
step in the forward movement. We
leave behind us the creed contro-
versy, that We may devote all our
vital energy to the salvation of men.
That is our chief work, and in the fu-
ture as far as we can read 1.-THE sal
vation of sinners. Ncs a;aners Ii the
old sense of depraved humanity
and ruined world, but sinners be-
cause of ignorance and imperfection
and degradation. Salvation not from
a primal curse, not from penalty and
punishment for sins committed, but
from evil conditions; salvation, that
is, education, advance, reform, rescue,
progress; the advance from night to
morning, from ignorance to light,
from sin to love. In the deep dark
valleys where the most men are still
living it is dark and dreary, but way
up on the mountain side it is light.
And the few brave souls who have
dared to climb up there see wide
regions of truth and love all un-
dreamed of by those who are living
in the clouds below.
The Universalist Church is climb
ing up into the light. 1t is learning
She law of service, and its energies
will be administered according to the
needs of the hour. 1t faces the fu-
ture, and is ready for the new duties
of the new day. If here and there
local conditions may seem to modify
it's message, it is still only in the
seeming; and broadly speaking, it
has become a church of love and SER
vice, and as such keeps step with all
workers for God and humanity wher-
ever they may be found. Love is its
bond of unity, and the winning of
souls to Christ its essential work.
CHICAGO. Nov. 8.
HENRY GEORGE.