WHAT UNIVERSALISTS BELIEVE!

"There is no product of human skill more imposing than a splendid temple. The attraction does not lie simply in its massive proportions, its symmetry of parts, its grandeur as a whole, nor in the beauty of its adornments; but there is a transcending charm in the purpose for which it was built, the religious aim which is expressed by its walls and towers. Man may be allowed to build grandly when he builds for God; and many times has the hyperbole of the poet had much truth in it where he says of the builder:

"He builded better than he knew;

The conscious stone to beauty grew.'

"This was true of the early Christians in reference to their religious faith and efforts. A favorite metaphor with St. Paul was that of a grand temple, of which every Christian was a part, as a living stonc, builded together for a habitation of the Spirit.

"To this end let us build the grand structure of Christian character, stimulated by the grand ideas of the unity of God, the unity of Christ, the unity of the race, the unity of redemption, forming the Universalism of God. 'God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.' What a clear shining after the rain will that be! What a rainbow round about the throne'! Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.'

"We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected. This gives no countenance to the idea

of men being saved in their sins, or going to heaven in their sins. All Universalists unite in the recognition of the essential need of holiness as the prerequisite to salvation or happiness; and when we are permitted to state our belief, we always define it as 'the final holiness and happiness of all mankind.' So eager are many of us to keep the idea of holiness prominent, that the definition always is the final holiness and consequent happiness of all mankind. It is thus that we arrive at the great truth which is the splendor of the moral universe.

"This implies that we believe in a future life; and so we do. We believe in the resurrection of the dead 'by the power of God, by the glory of the Father,' as Christ was raised. That power of God, that glory of the Father, implies the continued providence of the Almighty, and we stand apart and distinguished from every other order of Christians by the fact, that we maintain that the fatherly providence of God is stretched over all worlds, affording opportunities for improvement to every soul, securing, by truth, motives, and love, in the grand issue, the holiness and blessedness of humanity." (20)

REASONS FOR PREACHING UNIVERSALISM.

"How often is the question asked, 'If Universalism is true, where is the use of preaching it?' This question has frequently been ably answered in our periodicals; but, as they are constantly falling under the eyes of those who never saw them before, and as even our friends feel a lively interest in everything which relates to the promulgation of the truth, the writer has thought it might not be

altogether unprofitable for him to give some reasons why Universalism should be preached.

"And, in the first place, Universalism should be preached, because it is true. If it were not true, we confess it ought not to be preached; but to admit its truth, and then ask why we preach it, is manifestly absurd. A doctrine that is false never should be proclaimed; for it can do no good, and mankind should not be taught to believe what is untrue; but certainly the truth which God has revealed to man by his holy prophets, by his own dear Son and chosen apostles, this should be preached faithfully and zealously, preached because it is true. The question, then, carries with it its own answer. 'If Universalism is true, where is the use of preaching it?' The question is based on the admission of its truth; and, if it is true, nothing can be more evident than that it must be useful to preach it; for the truth is always useful. But, aside from this admission, which will not generally be allowed, we have abundant evidence that our doctrine is true. The great and glorious consummation which it contemplates is according to the will of God. He will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.' So says the Apostle Paul, who also informs us that God worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.' This is Universalism, plain as can be expressed. God will have all men to be saved; and he 'worketh all things after his own will.' What can be clearer than this?

"The tendency of Universalism is to lead mankind to love and serve God. Here is a good reason, were there none other, for preaching Universalism. It is the power of God unto salvation.' (74)

An author, in his autobiography, has answered the question before us, in the form of a dialogue. A fellow-traveller questioned the utility of preaching the doctrine if it is true. Mr. T. asks him, "Have you a family?" The answer is given: "A wife and two children; and I expect to meet them to-night.” "What is the use of that expectation?" says Mr. T. The reply is made, "It makes me very happy, and that is use enough."

"Truly; and yet you can see no use in preaching, or believing that we shall meet a ransomed, universal family in heaven. Let us suppose that yonder approaching horseman should stop the stage, and inform you that your house was burned last night, and that your wife and children are believed to have been consumed. How would you feel?' -'Awfully,' in reply. Why do you ask me such a question?'-'And suppose another horseman should immediately follow, having a message from your father, that your wife and children are perfectly safe and happy in his house. Would there be no use in delivering the message?'

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"Why do you ask me such a question?' said my fellowpassenger. 'He ought to tell me forthwith.'- "What difference would it make? You would ascertain their safety when you arrived at your home, and your present knowledge would not alter the fact. What difference could it make?'

“Ah, I see what you are at! There would be a vast difference in my feelings on the journey home.' And you have answered the question, 'If Universalism be true, what is the use of preaching or believing it?'" (75)

SHALL WE CEASE PREACHING UNIVERSALISM ?

We might add much to the following selection, from one who blew the trumpet on the walls of our spiritual Zion for many years, and whose name was widely known; for the position he occupied, as an editor, made him familiar to those who never saw his face.

"There seems to be a disposition on the part of some persons, to induce Universalists to cease preaching Universalism. We are told that this is the principal obstacle to a union between Universalists and other liberal sects. If we would permit the doctrine of Universalism to sink, as it were, out of sight, and dwell principally on the moral precepts of the Gospel, it is thought that a union might soon be formed between Universalists and Unitarians. It is said, that already the preaching of Universalists has undergone quite a change; that some of them now preach that salvation is conditional; that they imitate other sects, especially Unitarians, in the composition and style of their sermons, and the manner of their delivery; and that this kind of preaching is increasing among us. It is further affirmed, that there are some who profess to be Universalists, who would not be known to be so from their preaching, and who would not be so considered were it not for their public connection with Universalists. Whether these remarks are just, or unjust, we shall leave to the reader to determine, for he probably has as good opportunity to form a just opinion in these matters as we have.

"Our intention in this article is to show that, whatever may happen in the future, the time has not yet come when we may properly abandon the doctrine of Universalism.