Universalism not of the Bible: being an examination of more than one hundred texts of Scriptures, in controversy between Evangelical Christians and Universalists, comprising a refutation of Universalist theology

Front matter

' UilfERSULM NOT OF THE BIBLE:

BEINa

EXAMIMTIO^f OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED TEXTS OF SCRIPTURES, IN CONTROVERSY BETWEEN EVAN- GELICAL CHRISTIANS AND UNIVERSALISTS,

Preface

rpHE second edition of this work has been published in compliance with the following action of the Boston Preachers' Meeting of the Methodist Episcopal Church :

Whereas, The Book entitled " Universalism not of the Bible " has been for some time out of print, and there being no other work on the subject of equal merit, or to be compared with this for fullness and thoroughness; and,

Whereas, The work is especially valuable to meet and counteract the open, as well as secret and subtle, influence of TJniversalisra, therefore,

Resolved, That we request the author, Eev. N". D. G-eorge, to give the work a thorough revision, and adapt it to the needs of the present time.

Resolved, That we request the Book Agents at New York to pubhsh the work thus revised at as early a time as practicable.

The same action was subsequently unanimously taken by the Worcester District Preachers' Meeting.

This book is designed to expose the errors of Universalism, and to aid the inquirer after truth. Does the reader desire to find a passage of Scripture connected with this subject ? let him turn to the " Scripture Index," and he is pointed to the page where the passage is explained. Does he wish to find an argument or a fact stated ? he has only to turn to the " General Index," and he is directed to the place. It is not pretended, however, that every text or argument which may be used at times to teach Universalism is examined in this

4 Preface.

work ; but it will be admitted by Universalists themselves that if their doctrine is not contained in these texts which are examined, it is not found in the Bible. I have endeavored to examine all those upon which they rely with the greatest confidence, and conclude that but few, if any, of this class have escaped notice. Neither is it claimed that all the Scriptures which go to establish future punishment are presented. The prominent texts are given, and the falsity and absurdity of TJniversalist interpretations shown,

A work upon this plan, where so many texts of like import are examined separately, must of necessity involve some repetition of thought and language. This, however, is obviated in part by references from one section to another.

When this work was first issued there were but very few among Universalists that admitted any future punishment, or that conduct here could in the least affect the future condition of man. There was here and there one with Restoration views, and a few Progressionists, but they were few comparatively. Now there are two classes in the order, one holding what is called " death and glory" doctrine, the other class teaching the Progressive scheme. The latter embrace all the errors of the former, with the exception of that concerning the condition of the soul in the resurrection. The old doctrine teaches equality there. The new teaches that all good and bad will enter the resurrection state needing discipline ; that they will enter differing in degree of excellence, according as death finds them, and that the same means will be employed there to save them that are used in this

Preface.

world to save sinuers ; that they will be instructed and punished until purified, and that such are the favorable circumstances, being freed from the flesh, that punishment may produce its almost immediate results. How the last named stand in regard to numbers in the order I am not informed. But from the fact that the theological works of the old school are highly commended and circulated, it may be inferred that the " death and glory " adherents are somewhat numerous.

The diiference, as will be seen, is not great, but in revising it became necessary to have respect to both doctrines. This has required the alteration of a few of the arguments. Two new sections have been added, one on the difierence between the two theories and strictures on the future discipline process, and the other on Spiritualism as one form of Universalism. (Sec. CXL and CXLI.) Twelve pages have been taken from and as many added to the book, and the statistical parts have been corrected, all involving some labor and care in revising section references and indexes. The necessity of leaving out the section on the Parable of the Sower, inserted in the first edition by permission of the author^ Rev. P, R. Russell, is regretted. But limits were prescribedj so something must go out if any thing came in.

The recent zeal awakened, especially in some localities, by the centenary occasion of Universalism, furnishes one reason why a work of the character of this book should be circulated.

I was a subscriber for, and constant reader of, the " TJniversalist Trumpet " more than two years before my conversion to God, and, as might be expected, imbibed

Peeface.

its spirit and sentiments. Having known something of its blighting influence upon my own heart, and witnessing it extensively upon others, and believing that Universalism, as its exists among ns, while it professes a regard for the Bible, contains within it all the elements of theoretical and practical infidelity, I have endeavored to tear off the mask and present its true features, how success-^ fully the reader will judge.

For forty years past I have been a close observer of the modifications, tactics, and general operations of the order of Universalists, and, having availed myself of their periodicals and the works of their principal men, I am fully satisfied that, whatever the modifications, or .by whomsoever preached, it is the same spurious gospel it was years ago when I listened to it.

In writing, extracts have been taken from other authors, but it is believed that credit has been given in every instance; and although I have availed myself of all the helps at hand, yet it is believed that this production, for the most part, passes over ground heretofore unoccupied by any other writer. It has been prosecuted under a firm conviction of duty, and in accordance with the advice of judicious brethren in the ministry whose opinions are worthy of respect.

This second edition is submitted to a candid public with the earnest prayer of the author that it may be the means, under God, of saving some soul from death, and thereby hiding a multitude of sins. N. D. Geoege. Oaksdale, Mass.. Dec, 18t2.