The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-01-07
A CHURCH
CONVENTION.
UniyerSaliStS Met al
Greene Street Church.
SOME TIMELY ADDRESSES.
Rev. Mr.. White Spoke on the Mean
ing of Church Progress.
SOME TIMELY ADDRESSES.
OTHER TOPICS CONSIDERED.

"A conference OF the Rhode Island uni
versalist convention was held yesterday
afternoon and evening at the First
Church. Greene street.
The first address after tho opening de-
votional exercises was by Rev. g. j..
White. his subject was 1.-THE Meaning
OF Progress in Our Churches.
He said that true progress for the
church must be along the lines OF such
work as is sanctioned by the Christian
Scriptures. He alluded 10 the present
tendencies TO put things that are merely
incidental or accessory into the main
place. He said the church could not
mako progress truly unless 10 held closely
TO the principal work of teaching wor.
ship and service. he spoke earnestly OF
the danger of allowing merely social
features or those of entertainment and
amusement TO occupy the greater atten J.
tion of the church.
Mr.. White was followed by Rev Rich
ard EDDY. ID. d., whose topic was 'ln
Order TO Progress what OF Doctrine do We
need TO Leave BehincY
lie SAID there were no doctrines in the
Universalist Church that ought To he
left benind. lie would stand on this ola
way aud get progress by adhering To the
doctrines sanctioned by the preaching Of
the father = and embodied in the articles
of the creed adopted 10y the Uniyersalist
ChuroD about 100 years ago. lie referred
TO the recent action taken 10y the Chicago
convention pertaining 10 doctrines and
showed how his affirmation of belief Is IN
keeping with tue creed which has hitherto
been enforced He showed that in mis-
latest profession of belief the Universalst
Churcn occupies unique and distinctive
position among the churches, and that it's
teachings are In accord with the Sacred
Scriptures.
Rev. II. w. Rugg, ID. d.. followed DR..
Eddy and spoke on the subject In Order
To Progress what of Practice do we Need
10 Leave Behind ~ He first made "A per-
sonal application OF tho subject as ap-
piled TO the New Year. lie said that
there were many things To be laid aside
In every mans career, for he finds by sad
experience that he does many things that
are only weights to his usefulness and
success. He aid not believe in dwelling
too much on past mistakes and follies,
but in standing forth for n new and bet
ter life animated by the utmost Of faith
and courage. There must be- activity in
the forward movement In every life If 1t
Is TO realize the possibilities OF true SER
vice and true happiness.
In applying the question 10 the church
he called attention to the methods of COM
mon church life that might be left be-
hind with benefit In this con nection he
expressed his doubts as To the woI kings
OF the pew rental system.
He thought IL was better to provide for
public worship by yearly subscriptions.
weekly offerings and box collections and
leave all the church sittings free.
Following these addresses interesting
remarks were made by Henry b. Nietcalf
Of Pawtuoket and Rev. Willard q. Sci.
leck of tho Church of the Mediator
DR. Cushman extended cordial inyi-
tation to all present to remain and par
take Of collation. which had been pre-
pared by the ladies of the church, which
was served at 8 o'clock. The attendance
was large and in the evening the church
was crowded. and Rev. Is. Fay nj ills de-
livered IA stirring and eloquent address
on The Things That Remain