A Denominational Offering from the Literature of Universalism: In Twelve Parts

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Preface

A LEADiNa object in presenting this yolume to the Universalist Church, at the present time, is to give a true idea of our thought in the past, and the variety of topics to be found in our literature. Fronoi the contents of the book, it will be seen that -we have gathered in a bountiful harvest from a broad field. The selections, however, from the nature and character of our worky are necessarily fragmentary.

As will be observed, the work treats of Universalism only, as the leading topic. It gathers up of what has been written about the '* like precious faith once delivered to the saints,'^ and presents a ** bird^s-eye view " of nearly all that has been offered upon the positive side, in our books, periodicals, and tracts, from which we have drawn so freely, and to which we are greatly indebted.

After having long labored in collecting the great body of these materials, it was found that they could be put into book form ; and this was our first thought to that end. We had no definite plan for the arrangement of our work, until we saw that the letters in the word Universalism ** symbolized a great and precious truth concerning the Deity ; " and since there are twelve letters in this word, " for each of which we have a g^eat truth embodying the wJiole,'^ we decided at once to divide our materials into twelve parts, giving to each part twelve sections.

These fragments from our common altar are sent out as messengers of love and peace, bearing glad tidings to all people,

TI PREFACE.

confident tliat the whoU will be found acceptable, and will become the humble means, under Grod, of leading very many to a knowledge of the truth, and of producing a far better understanding of Universalism in the public mind. And we shall be highly pleased if this collection leads the reader to a spiritual view of the *• twelve pearly gates," and to behold the •• twelve angels," and the " twelve foundations of the New Jenisalem," and to that tree of life, bearing "twelve manner of fruits," whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.

The book has not been prepared to gain a literary reputation^ but rather as a work of love. While it contains some of the best " gems ^ and thought of our literature, it also contains &0S6 that are necessary to complete the whole, and make it useful and instmctire to all classes of readers.

Nearly every title to the sections in the book has been given^ by the writers. Here we have what has been written — not what our denominational age, experience, and present culture might dictate. It is well, we trust, that these gems are woven together, that the ages to come may learn the thought of our first century.

The following letter, from a dear friend of my youth, will 9kan tiliat this work was nearly completed more than a year ago, but it has been providentially deferred; and now it be* comes very appropriate for this period of our history, — setting forth our denominational thought with that clearness which cannot be misunderstood, and ^r which we should constantly labor, tiiat we may lead others into the truth, and rejoice in the great salvation.

But to the letter : — '

^' PatiiADiLPBtA, PBinr., Jaly 16, 1869.

«*Rev. N. C. HoDGDOSr: My dear Sir: — I am glad to learn that you have nearly completed the compilation of your book, and have no doubt you judge rightly in supposing that such a work will be acceptable to our people, and useful to those, not of our fkith, Who are disposed to read and examine for themselves. I shaU certainly be gratified to peruse it and to k&ow

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that you hare been rewarded for the labor it must have cost you.

'< Our acquaintance reaches back more than a quarter of a cen-* tury, and the extraordinary civilities I have received from you have been a source of pleasure in the recollection which cannot easily be effaced. If any words of mine can be of service to you, they are at your command, as a small token of the gratitude I have ever felt for your efforts in behalf of our religious principles, while yet a layman. Time has not obliterated from my mind the zeal and faithfulness you manifested in old Epping, when a mere youth. (1837-38.)

" < What blessed hoars we then enjojed ! How sweet their memory still! '

In all my wanderings I have not forgotten that green spot in my pathway, nor the dear friends with whom we walked to the house of God in company. But how many of them have sone home ! How many have left the trials and sorrows of eart£ for the joys of that better land, where tears shall be wiped from off all faces, and the happiness of God^s children shall be consummated ! But, thank God, we do not look upon the departed as lost, only * gone before,'* and that they now stand ready with open arms to welcome us to the golden courts of heaven. Is it not, my brother, a little strange that a hope like this, which is so much in accordance with all the better feelings of our natures, for the truth of which every good man prays, and in behalf of which Christ himself died, should meet with so much opposition ? If there bo anything more grand or cheering than this faith of ours, it has never been read to me in history, sung to me in poetry, nor whispered by angels in my sweetest dreams! And yet there are those who cry out, as in the ancient times, • Bad doctrine,' * Crucify him, crucify him ! ' It is not, however, well to be angi-y with such people. We would not, if we could, call down fire from heaven to consume them. Calumny and detraction are sparks which, if we do not blow them, will go out of themselves. The surest remedy against the charge of * bad doctrine ' is, to live it down by perseverance in well" doing. This is a shield which we may hold up against all our enemies.

" Your book, as I understand it, is to be a compilation of heatttiful extracts from our writers.

'"A thing of beauty is a joy forever.'

You might cite these words from the Psalmist : * How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! ' * Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise ; be thankful '

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UDto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth to all generations. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deatii, I will fear no evil ; thy rod and thy staff they conafort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' You will likewise readily call to mind the following from Isaiah : * How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation ; that saith unto Zion, thy Grod reigneth.' • He will swallow up death in victory ; and the Lord Goa will wipe away tears from off all faces ; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth ; for the Lord liath spoken it.' * And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting^ joy upon their heads ; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall nee away.' The beautSul words of Jesus may likewise be referred to : ' Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into bams; yet your heavenlv Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they ? ' < And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.'

** And then again what language more beautiful or expressive than the words of Paul : —

** * Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For of him, and through him, and TO HIM, are all thfngs, to whom be glory forever. Amen.'

•• You might easily fill every page of your book with quotations similar to these, but I presume it is your intention to cite mostly from modern writers, and will not therefore trespass on your time fui*ther. Let your light shine, and believe me to be yours, with all manner of good wishes,

*' James Shriglet."

The humble offering now goes forth with the author's hope and prayer that the Great Head of the Church will continue to shed his light upon us.

May the Father's blessings rest down upon us, and upon the cause which this volume so fully represents in the year of our Lord 1870, and the year one hundred of Universalism in the United States of America, as publicly recognized.

Ybbnoit, Vt., Deo., 1870.

CONTENTS^

Part I

tJNITEBSALISM DEFIKlfiD.

PAOS

Universalism as an Idoa|.<«^« «.ir<..«.. 19

What is UniTorsalism? 21

Universalism in its Simplest FonU) ....« .* 25

UniFersalism as a Greed, « .^ .<.,.. ^. .. ir^« * 26

Theoretical and Praotioal UniyenalisiH, « . < . . . «^.. <«.. .... .«< 28

Not the whole of Universalina, • ^ 31

Faith in Universalism Expressed, 32

The Name Universalism, 34

The Foundation of Universalism, 40

Old-Fashioned Universalism, 43

UnivenaLism Destined to Triumph, 45

PART n.

HISTOBICAL UNIYEBSALISK.

The Origin of Universalism, 49

1^ TTniversalism a New Doctrine? • 54

Ancient aikl Modem Universalism^ 55

The Bistory of Universalism, 58

Universalism not a New Doctrine,. 61

Facts abont Universalism,. 63

Universalism in America, 68

Universalism in Europe, 71

Universalism in Germany, 73

Universalism in Holland, 78

Universalism in Scotland, . . • 80

The Unwritten History of Universalism, 81

PART in.

ORGANIZED UNIYEBSALISM.

Universalism Organised,k 84

From Reports to the United States Convention,. 89

The Responsibilities of the Hour, «««««.. «...«.... 95

Contents

What shall be our Organization ? 102

Churcli Organization! 105

Ohnrch Extension, 108

Index To Authors

HOTE TO THE BEADES.

It has been deemed inexpedient to make any referenoe to the Tarionf Bonroes from which oar materials hare been gathered, save in the following Index, where the names of all the authors quoted in these pages may be found, except a few giyen in the body of the work, and the anonymous writers.

At the olose of each selection, the figure corresponds with that giren in the Index. For instaneei whereyer the figure (1) occurs, it will be seen that the Rer. Dr. T. J. Sawyer is the author, and so on through the book. Credit has been giren to periodicals only in a few instances. Wherever the letter (C) occurs, the remarks are by the compiler.

c

The Comptt.icr.

Sawyer, T. J. Rev., D.D.

Ballou, Hosea Rev.

Whittemore, Thos. Rer., D.D.

Thayer, T. B., Rev., D.D,

Anonymous.

Stacy, Nathaniel Rev,

Grosh, A. B. Rev.

Streeter, Russell Rev.

Ryder, W. II. Rev., D.D.

Ilannaford, Phoebe A. Rev.

Moore, John Rev.

Ballou, Eli Rev., D.D.

U

WiUianuion, I. D. Rev., D.D.

Cobb, S. Rev., D.D.

Skinner, D. Rev., D.D.

Streeter, Sebastian Rev.

Balch, W. S. Rev., D.D.

Pingree, E, M. Rev.

Bacon, Henry Rev.

Adams, J. G. Rev.

Whittemore, Be^j. Rer., D.D.

Soule, C. A. Mrs.

Chapin, B. H. Rev., D.D.

Mayo, A. D. Rer.

Dennis, J. W. Rer.

Sanford, J. P. Rev.

" The New Covenant."

Ballou, H. 2d, Rev., D.D.

Baker, Z. Rev.

Livermore, M. A. Mrs.

The Gospel Banner. ' Chambre, St. John Rer.

Smith, S. R. Rev.

Laurie, A. G. Rev.

Goodrich, Massenah Rev.

Ilayward, H. L. Rev.

Reynolds, E. W. Rev.

Weston, J. P. Rev., D.D.

Woodhouse, C. Rer.

xrv

INDBX TO AUTHORS.

Moore, Asher Rey.

Brooks, E. G. Rer., D.D.

Skinner, 0. A. Rev., D.D.

Dodge, J. S. Jr. Rey.

Lee, John S. Rey.

Biddle, 0. W. Rey.

Bolles, B2. G. Rey., Ph.D.

"The Star in the West."

The New York « Tribune."

Palmer, J. S. Rey.

Livermore, D. P. Rey.

" The Universalist."

Canfield, H. L. Rey.

" The Trumpet and Freeman."

Weayer, G. S. Rey.

Twiss, J. J. Rey.

Hioks, E. F. Rey.

Snow, J. 0. Rey.

Hussey, L. Rey.

Gurley, John A. Rey.

Peters, Bernard Rey.

Leonard, C. H. Rey.

Hill, George Rey.

Lyon, Henry Rey.

Thomas, A. C. Rey.

Drew, W. A. Rey.

Abbott, A. R. Rey.

Ballon, Moses Rey.

Turner, Edward Rey.

Rogers, George Rey.

Countryman, A. Rey.

LeFeyre, C. F. Rey., D.D.

King, T. S. Rey.

Bates, George Rey.

Brown, Olympia Rey.

Bisbee, John Rey.

Hodsdon, F. A. Rey.

Fuller, S. W. Rey.

Saxe; Asa Rey., D.D.

Rogers, E. C. Rey.

Davis, S. A. Rey.

Start, L. C. Mrs.

Ingalls, J. E. Rey.

Sumner, Henry, Esq.

"The Christian Inquirer."

Barber, W. N. Rey. -"

Steere, M. J. Rey.

Fletcher, L. J. Rey.

Seyeranoe, G. Rey.

Bailey, Giles Rey.

Mason, L. B. Rey.

Miner, A. A. Rey., D.D.

Boyden, John Rey.

Stebbins, J. Rey.

Griffin, L. J. C. Rey.

Price, Philo.

Lincoln, V. Rey.

Patterson, A. J. Rey.

Smith, Chauncy, Esq.

Willis, Lemuel Rey.

Powers, J. T. Rey.

Nudd, 0. Hannah.

"The Boston Advertiser."

"The Christian Register."

Tabor, T. H. Rey.

Alvord, F. M. Rey.

Atwood, I. M. Rey.

Cantwell, J. S. Rev.

Chapin, Augusta J. Rey.

Bosserman, A. Rey.

Norwood, A. Rey.

Demorest, G. L. Rey.

Fisher, Eben'r Rey., D.D.

Bruce, A. W. Rey.

Miller, 0. D. Rey.

Fay, C. H. Rey.

Culver, E. H. C. Mrs.

Skinner, C. A. Rey.

Waflhbume, Israel, Jr. Hon.

Shrigley, James Rey.

Tuttle, J. H. Rey.

" The Christian Leader."

Kingsbury, Hattie E.

" The Springfield Repnbliottn."

Hanson, J. W. Rey.

Fisk, R. Jr. Rey., D.D.

Waite, Chas. J. Rey.

Usher, James M. Rey.

Cone, 0. Rey.

Barry, A. C. Rey., D.D.