Universalism and problems of the Universalist church...

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Preface

Several years' travel for denominational institutions has led us to believe that there is much lack of system and method in conducting many of our churches and Sunday-schools ; and we have long felt that a hand-book, giving the experience of those long engaged in the work, would be welcomed by our people, especially by Officers, Teachers, Parents and Pastors. To this it seemed desirable to add a discussion of the work and methods of the church. To this came also the suggestion that a statement of our doctrines be given — not a mere intellectual presentation, but one showing the obligations growing out of these doctrines. Yet, owing to a feeling of distrust of our ability to properly prepare such book, it is not likely the attempt would have been made had not a long and tedious convalescence suggested the work as a means of diverting the mind away from the ailments of the body, and furnished an excuse for the undertaking. Such as it is the book is sent forth with the hope that its friendly offices will be accepted in the spirit of brotherly-kindness ; and that some slight benefit may accrue to our church thereby.

By collating the wisdom and experience of those having large practical knowledge of the work, we serve the cause better than by giving our own personal experience. The book is designed for learners rather than for the learned ; yet in the excerpts and chapters from leading thinkers and workers among us, all may find food for reflection, and some hints which may prove helpful. It is arranged with a view to meet a three-fold need : (i.) For Instruction in Doctrine and Duty. (2.) For Reference and Aid to Teachers, Officers and Pastors. (3.) For Missionary uses.

W. F. C.

Akron, Ohio, June, 1888.

Chapter I

Who Are You ? And what is Your Life?

Friendly appeal to the reader.— Are you a Universalist ?— Mere denial not Universalism.— Do I study my Bible.— Are you an " evangelical " Christian ?^ Meaning of " evangelist ".—Glad tidings at birth of Savior.— Can we be happy in heaven while friends are absent in hell ?— Opinion of Dr. Beard.— Impossibility of being happy while others are damned as shown by Whittier's Divine compassion.— Is the reader a skeptic?— Cause of doubt.— Legitimate sphere of •doubt —Hume and Descarte.— Evidence on the side of Christianity.— Faith and works.— The true motive.— Activity a necessity.— Why we fall by the wayside.— Millions outside of church blessed by it.— The church the conservator of society.— God a Father.— Restitution of all things Pages 1-12.

CHAPTER II. What is Universalism ?

Opening: remarks.— Universalists test their doctrines by the Bible. — What Universalism is not.— Universalism not understood.— Early schools of theology taught it.— Universalists classed as unbelievers.— Universalists are Christians.— Profession of faith. — Believe in God, Bible, Christ, immortality and human duty.— May change profession of faith.— Holiness and true happiness inseperably connected.— Salvatiou-from what?— Partialism teaches failure on God's part.— Universalism admits no failure.— Belief in Christ, His Divinity, but not Deity. — Disbelief in Trinity. — Belief in the ordinances.— Belief in the " At-nne-ment ", but not in vicarious sense.— Belief in prayer, repentence, conversion, forgiveness. — Disbelief in probation, Endless hell, total depravity, personal devil, satan.— These terms defined.— Punishment-its nature and office.— Death no bar to God's love.— Punishment after death.— Kolasis.— A ion- Aionios. translated everlasting, eternal, etc.—" Eternal life."— Words denoting immortal and happy existence of the soul, are, Akataluton, Amarantos, Amarantinos, Aphtharto. Athanasia.— The resurrection.— The judgment-day. Pages 13-42.

CHAPTER III. Bible-Proofs of Universalism

Wordsworth on calamities of life.— God is infinite in g odness, power, wisdoii and love.— Evil, sin.— Chauncey Hare Townsend's view of evil.— Universalism the ' key" that attunes discordant worlds to harmony. — Sin to be destroyed.— Man subjected to " vanity "-why ?— Salvation is from sin.— The devil and his works to be destroyed.— God will not cast off forever.— The pur-

Jose of punishment.— God's mercy to unbelievers.— All families, nations, indreds, and languages shall serve him.— A gospel feast for all nations and peoples.— All things to be gathered in Christ.— All shall worship him.— Objection answered.— " All will not come to Christ."— God the Savior of all men.— Christ the Savior of the world —God shall be all in all.— God will do all his

CONTENTS.

pleasure. The "dead" shall be raised incorruptible.— " Restoration of all' things."— The Avonderful vision of St. John.— The consummation of Christ's; work.— There will be no more curse Pages 43-58.

CHAPTER IV. " If Universalis*! is True Why Preach It ?

F. ar a wrong motive in religion.— Universalism should be preached-because it is true.— Because the Bible teaches it.— Because reasonable.— Because it says God is a Father.— Because it teaches the brotherhood of man.— Because it is a missionary doctrine.— Because it honors God, and places a right value upon man. Because it presents right motives for our conduct.— Because it proclaims certainty of punishment.— Because superstitious belief causes many to reject the Bible.— Because it explains the dark problems of life.— Because it is a doctrine of hope.— Preach it that the masses may be benefitted bv it. — Do we hide our light?— Or do we let it shine for the good of others?— Thecall which Christ is making— Shall we heed it?.., Pages 59-70.

Chapter VIII

Relation of Church and Pulpit to Drink Traffic— The Sunday Question and the Wine Question.

Appeal to church and pulpit.— North and South sold themselves, -politically, to slavery.— Another great evil threatens us.— Drink habit doubled in 26 years.— Shall we put it away.— If Ion a delayed may overwhelm us.— History of Cato and Carthage —Carthage of intemperance must be destroyed.— the Catholic Examiner on the drink habit. — Prohibition will prohibit— Temperance people must unite in one party.— 70.000 gallons of liquor sent with every missionary.— Bishop Mallalieu.— Beecher.— The Sabbath question.— Thecommunion wine question.— Opinions of Dr. Ellis and Rev. J. S. Palmer. Pages 92-106,

CHAPTER IX. Relation of our Colleges to our Church

An educated ministry.— Bible study.— Give it a chance along with Shakespere, Milton and Darwin.— Loyalty to our colleges and loyalty of our colleges. Our colleges should be feeders to our divinity schools.— Do they ta'-e proper denominational care of our youth ?— Christianity should be fostered by Christian colleges.— The Bible should be used in moulding lives and characters of students Pages 107-1 1L.

CHAPTER X. Conditions of Success for the Universalist Church

Dr. Sweetzer on above theme.— Our church must be progressive.— Our thought must be Christian .—Work with earnestness.— Must have wise

CONTENTS. Vll methods— Must be a missionary church.— Must be thoroughly organized.— Must have financial liberalitw— " A Neglected Duty ".—Remarks of Dr. Atwood .' Pages 112-122.

CHAPTER XL

The True Motive of Missionary Effort.

Partialists claim the only motive.— Fear of hell not the true motive.— There

is no hell but sin.— Sin a present hell.— The real motive is zeal for humanity.

CHAPTER XII. Ocr Young Peoples Missionary Associations

An address by Rev. C. Ellwood Nash Page 130-141.

CHAPTER XII.

Opportunities of the Association.

By Grace F. White.— Preamble and articles 1st and 2nd of the constitution. ; Pages 142-146.

CHAPTER XIV. Church Organization

Mr. Win. II. Trickey on above theme.— Pleads for thorough organization, but only few iron-clad" rules.— There should be plenty of committees.— Give as many as possible responsibility and a chance to work.— Recognize those in humble life.— Financial matter discussed.— Must look after the "littles'*. The envelope system.— Joining the church.— Relation of pastor and people.— Story showing importance of prompt payment of pastors Pages 147-152.

Chapter XV

Management of the Business Affairs of a Parish. Ara Cushman on the above theme.— More business needed in religion.— Managers should have it definilely understood when pew rents or subscriptions are due.— should increase itie resources.— Shuuld not go beyond what the people can afford, etc., etc Pages 153-160.

Chapter XVI

Organization and Management of Sunday-schools. Right way and wrong way. — Method, order, svstem, needed.— The ideal Snnday-school.— Plan of organization.— How to" teach.— What to teach.— Preparation.— Illustration.— Primary teacher.— The cherry teacher.— Teach how to study.— Qualification of teachers.— How to dismiss.— How to secure punctuality.— Numbers. — Study your scholars.— Visit your scholars.— The superintendent.- Helping to Christian decision.— Class and pew.— The model teacher. —Concerning substitutes —Pastors and superintendents.— Helping the superintendent.— Superintendent and pastor in the school.— Politeness.— Be punctual.— The child in the church.— Parental example.— The dead Bible class.— Not worth raising.— Encourage the children in church-going.— Visit other schools.— Example.— Care for all.— Outcrv against the Sunday-school.— Prizes may be useful ." Page 161-200.

CHAPTER XVII. State and Local Work

The circuit system.— State superintendent.— His work.— Our opportuities.— An organizer and leader.— Missionary and executive phases Page 201-209.

Chapter XVIII

What Thikk. Ye of Christ?

Sermon by Rev. Everett L. Conger Pages 210-214.

CHAPTER XIX. The Pclpit

Christian Advocate on aim to be attractive.— Mr. Laing on the ministry.— Weakness and power of pulpit.— Preach Christ.— The standard for minister

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and layman.— How to preach.— Effectiveness.— Preachers who wear out.— Diffusive preaching.— Keep the faith.— Directness.— Pastoral visits.— Keep out of ruts.— Moral power.— A word to ministers.— Why don't the pastor come.— Pastoral and sermonic habits.— Humor and sermon Pages 21&-236

CHAPTER XXVI. Causes Retarding Growth of Univehsalism and a Plea for Better

Methods.

Prelimary remarks.— Early teachers of Universalism. — Universalism first organized, 1780.— Murray and Relly in London.— Murray ia America, 1770.— If true why preach it.— Our National sin of African slavery.— Slow growth of anti-slavery sentiment.— Slow growth of temperance.— Cowper on the growth of that which is excellent.— Self-seeking hinders reform.— Catholicism and Inquisition.—" Vox populi, vox Dei ", false, — Christianity of slow growth.— Lovejoy, Garrison and Phillips.— Ignorance and prejudice.— False doctrines.— Christianity corrupted,— False claims made for the Bible.— Martin Luther and the reformation. — Fear retards religious progress. — Andover Missionaries and the heathen.— The " safe " side. — Other hinderances— Controversial preaching —Rebound from " Orthodoxy ".—Prejudice against Orthodox methods. — Heresy that Universalism was merely to leaven other churches.— Our present church polity. — These four causes produce apathy, delay church polity, etc.— Universalism the heart of the gospel.— Skepticism and lack of agressiveness.

Universalism in other churches.— Statistics of Universalism for 1887. Pages

288-306.

CHAPTER XXVII. Religious Miscellany

Christ and the heathen philosophers.— Blank form of application for church

membership.— Winchester Profession.— Covenant of the Akron church. — Days

of special observance.— Every day a fresh beginning.— Why this longing. —

There is danger.— The tapestry weavers —Be true— Has thy brother fallen ?—

Always a river to cross.— The wine cup Pages 307-316.

Introduction

Looking backward through a quarter of a century, during which time the writer has watched with a -lively interest the progress of Christian Universalism, all who have taken note of the advanced religious thought of our day, must be impressed with the fact that that system of religious truth which the word, Universalism, gives name to, and symbolizes, has withstood all her foes and now goes marching on, honey-combing all other Christian bodies with her god-honoring and soul-cheering faith. But on the other hand it goes without saying that the Universalist Church has, by no means, made that orga?iic progress, which could have been made, had a more self-sacrificing spirit, wiser counsels and better methods prevailed among us. This means that while Universalism has borne the crucial test of the most profound biblical exegsis, and the most rigid investigations of science, there is yet much to be learned as to the best methods of presenting and propagating this doctrine.

We need to be instructed on many matters concerning the successful management of churches and Sunday-schools, that we may secure greater continuity of Christian endeavor and greater efficiency and more enduring results in organized work. There is lack of system in supplying churches with pastors, and in organizing and sustaining pastoral circuits. There are too frequent changes in the

X INTRODUCTION.

pastoral relation and too many pastorless churches. Where lies the difficulty ? Our doctrines, when rightly apprehended, are sound and true ; but are they thus apprehended by all ? Is it not quite obvious that many of us are but nominal Universalists, having failed to grasp our doctrines in their most vital form ? And yet may not such be renewed in mind and spirit when we come to learn the secret of the kind of preaching they need ? And have we required a sufficient amount of doing at the hands of the laity ?

Does it not occur to us that one of the best ways to interest people in an important matter is to give them some portion of the work to do ? Ought not many more of our laity educate themselves for the work of the Sunday-school, become students of the Bible, fitted to teach classes and make themselves more useful and efficient in every department of church work ? Ought they not be assigned more frequently to take part in the conference and prayer meeting ? Is not a working laity one of the essentials of a v ell regulated church ? And will it not give life and efficiency that can no where else be found. Our church has been a great leader in exegetical reform ; and has done a work that is incalculable for good upon the Christian thought of the day ; and these labors have crowned her with honor and glory. But a yet grander work awaits the Universalist Church that is to be, provided she is but faithful to the great and precious truths, which it has been her peculiar privilege to proclaim, for the encouragement, inspiration, and help, of a sin-sick race.

With a large hope for the future of the Universalist Church, borne of a trust that we shall soon adopt better methods and cultivate greater faithfulness ; and without any criticism of the past, except so far as that may enable us to take our bearings in accordance with the white light of experience ; and to the end that our achievements, hence-

INTRODUCTION. XI

forth, may be more nearly commensurate with the great and holy gospel we preach : we are led to say that the fact that we have secured such meager results in organized Universalism, during these twenty-five years, stirs the blood about our heart and fills us with deep anxiety for better fruits, at no distant day. We are not insensible of that real progress, made since the adoption of our present polity ; but we regard our efforts as falling far below what we ought to have accomplished ; and we yearn for greater achievements, in the near future. But the problem is : How can this be done? There are many answers which might be given. Perhaps agitation is the open way to ascertain this great secret. If so ; if agitation will put us in possession of this important factor by all means let the waters be troubled until they give forth the right answer.

II

In thus reviewing the situation, at large, many questions arise for discussion, on which cur church and the public need to be instructed ; questions which touch the vital interests of our church, and have a range and a sweep wide as humanity itself. Among the questions which occur to us, we present the following : Amid the destruction of mediaeval and unreasoning faiths, now fast passing away, has Universalism that religious vitality which will enable it to take the helm and guide society, and through society, the Nation, successfully against all that horde of insatiate evils which brood in, and infest every quarter of the globe ? Can its influence be so extended and widened that it shall become the salt of the earth? Will it be able to confront the doubt and disbelief which runs riot in the sin and wickedness of the age? Will it supplant the old faiths with grander achievements in the reformation and moral uplift of the world ? Are we doing what we can to bring its moral power to bear in all the channels where its

Xll INTRODUCTION.

influence may be felt for good ? Are not the forces of our church largely latent as yet ? And if so, when and howmay these latent influences be best developed? What of the missionary spirit among us ? What proportion of our people are deeply interested in missionary enterprise, either home or foreign ? What is the secret of the most successful church extension among us ?

What are the agencies for the propagation of truth ? Is truth, religion, Christianity, self-propagating? Have we but to fold our arms and wait to see the salvation of the Lord? What of evolution? — Is it a cause or a method, only ? Is evolution such an intelligent, vital force, as that, independent of the agency of man, right results may be predicated thereon ? Is man of no value as a civilizing agent ? Rather is not man the divinely appointed agent of the Most High in the furtherence of His plans? Can truth be propagated except as man becomes a co-worker with God? Do not many of the adherents of our church hold false views of Optimism, such that it leaves man as a moral agent out of the question and predicates all moral advancements upon God alone ? Or, worse yet, do not some regard Evolution as the sole force in working out and shaping our destines ? Has man nothing to do in working out his own salvation? Do not the Bible, Reason and Nature all agree in holding man morally accountable ? Are not Nations destroyed, cut off from the earth, because they forget God, become degraded, wicked ? Wherein is the Pessimist, who fancies every thing going to the bad, more delinquent than he who deludes himself with that opposite and most mischievous view of Optimism which complaisantly puts aside all ethical questions and imagines that "whatever is, is right," in the unrestricted sense, and praise and blame are words of no particular significance ?

These questions we conceive to be closely related to the thought and work of the Universalist Church ; and, when

INTRODUCTION. X11I

critically examined they must enable us to see more clearly the wide range and scope of the work before us. And do they not suggest to us that the time is near at hand, when, if we would maintain for our church a proper respect among the more enlightened Christian people, that we should engage more heartily in the work of saving men "from this present evil world"? Have not some of us gone to sleep because we are depending upon our Heavenly Father, or upon Evolution, to secure right results, independent of our own action? Or is the final salvation the only salvation that is of importance? Have we not need to put forth greater effort for present salvation. Did Christ come to establish His kingdom on earth ? Or is it for some other sphere of existence? Seriously, do we not need to imbibe more of the missionary spirit and arouse ourselves to greater earnestness ? Must we not make a better and more general use of our young people in carrying forward our work? Our young people have not been trained and utilized as they should have been.

Young People's Missionary Associations should spring up in every city and parish wherever we have young men and and young women willing to aid in extending the gospel of love to the perishing classes of earth. Our church must not be content to move in the old and beaten paths when new highways are opening up, along which people are famishing for the bread of life.

She has won laurels in her opposition to slavery and to-day is battling manfully against the drink-traffic. But for want of better and more general organization, and the infusion of a thorough-going missionary spirit, her hand of blessing is often withheld, and her power for good cut short. Unless our church is an example " in thought, feeling and action ", in all that pertains to the good of humanity, her boast of superiority of faith will mock her lack of Christian zeal ; for by their fruits shall ye know them, is as

XIV INTRODUCTION.

true of churches as of individuals ; and more especially will the " fruits " be anticipated by those who hear our claim of possessing the best conceptions of God and of human duty.

III

What is the province of doubt ? While doubt has its value and proper sphere in the investigation of theological dogmas and the search for truth, yet should we not be wary how we deal with this subject? Does not the ventillating of their doubts become chronic with some ministers to the great detriment of our cause ? And, when doubt becomes their " chief stock in trade ", ought not professional honor and honesty enable them to see that the door, by which they came into the ministry, has an outward swing, also ? We know of no successful Christian church with Christ left out ; and sincerity is, also, an indispensable quality in the preacher. If doubt would uplift and better man's condition then we would welcome doubt as we would welcome every other good agent for good. But doubt, disbelief, as such, has a blighting and withering effect. Disbelief, of itself, is destructive. Disbelief, has no inspiration, no motive to summon it onward and upward, nothing to nerve its hand to do and dare for the good of our race.

Faith in God, in Christ, in immortality, in the triumph of good over evil, supplemented by belief in human duty — these when they become positive convictions that possess the soul and dominate the man — these alone wield highest power for good ; and without some such incentive, human progress were impossible. Faith in all that is good, uplifting and helpful, must largely dominate ourlives before we will consent to treat our fellow man as our brother and our neighbor as ourself. Without the high ideals of Christ, toward which we struggle, all life must become selfish and sordid, and society be bereft of the Christian and humane institutions which rear their walls heavenward for the pro-

INTRODUCTION. XV

tection of the aged and infirm, the poor and needy and suffering of every Christian land. Must there not, then, be a greater emphasis upon the preaching of faith, then upon doubt ? An intelligent, unswerving faith in God, Christ and immortality ; and that all evil will be subordinated, overthrown, while " every good deed receives its just recompense of reward" — shall not this be the song our prophets sing to inspire our people to " go forward ", instead of dealing mainly in negations ? And vital piety — must it not permeate and animate our Zion from center to circumference? On this foundation alone can true success crown her with the chaplet of praise.

So long as we are a Christian church our progress must not be progress away from Christ, but progress in Christ and 2, faithful following after him. He must be our leader, our great Captain ; and His life and teaching must give inspiration to every sermon and every song ; and His love and work for humanity must be exemplified in us. Are we in danger of preaching Christ too much ? We think not. He lived the gospel He preached, and is therefore, the example of men, and must furnish the incentive to thrill our hearts with noble ambitions and generous enterprises for the good of man. If we would reanimate our church, if we would regenerate men, the forces of our church must be consecrated to the work of cultivating vital Christianity. Less than this will result in a mere social organization which will fall immeasurably below the mark of our high calling.

IV

Our church bears the name of being progressive ; and, in a large measure this is true ; but in the use of the best methods it is not so in fact. We ought to be progressive in the truest sense. Our faith is such that it ought to enable us to be abreast of the times in all that is good and helpful in extending and making permanent the cause of the

XVI INTRODUCTION.

Master as we understand it. But for some reason we do not concentrate our forces nor wield them to effect the best results. In some directions our work drags where it ought to soar. We seem to undervalue our abilities and our opportunities. We talk of this enterprise and that, and are enthusiastic in adopting them ; but when it comes to execution of our plans the wind is pretty much out of our sails. We mean by this that we do not achieve that large measure of success of which we are capable. We believe the doctrines we hold are a prophecy of far grander achievements to come, than any the past has witnessed. But to accomplish this, to teach, to guide our forces, to spread abroad the gospel of glad tidings, and build up an enduring work, these forces must be organized in the most effective way, in every state, city, village, and hamlet, where it is possible to do so.

In the best and truest sense, then, we need a " new departure". Our church must not be timid and fainthearted and hesitating ; but emboldened by the truth, let her put on the whole armor of God and persistently and valiantly fight the battle for truth and righteousness. The work of yesterday had its joys and its triumphs ; but the work of to-day is a nobler work because it is to be more constructive. Where we have already taken the " old forts" of "Orthodoxy" we should not blaze away at them with our Krupp guns as though they were still in the possession of the enemy. Where they have not yet surrendered let the bombs of truth be hurled into their mosscovered sides, always guided by the " sword of the spirit", until they capitulate ! But let the war be against error and sin, "with malice toward none and charity for all ". Fight false doctrines, and wrong and sinful conduct, but do not fight churches nor individual Christians. Our work is to plant the truth and supplant error, that good lives may result therefrom. Let us preach the gospel with greater

INTRODUCTION. XV11

unction. Let both the minister and the layman ask : Lord what wilt thou have me to do ? Let a more fervent spirit take the place of a too secular spirit, and then, and. then only, may we hope for such results as of right should; crown our efforts.

V

The gospel was intended for earth, and yet millions of earth 's people are perishing for want of any practical knowledge of it, while other millions have no knowledge of it whatever! The command: " Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel ", loses none of its force because we do not believe in an endless hell, though Joseph Cook says disbelief in that doctrine would "cut the nerve of missions." When Universalism shall be accepted in its true spirit, as a system of faith, by any large number of peoplewhose forces are properly organized, as is not now true, save of a handful, comparatively, its advocates will not then limit their labors of love to their own locality or their own land ; but they will recognize the world as none too large a field for the operations of so broad and stalwart a faith as that of the L'niversal Fatherhood of God and the L'niversal Brotherhood of man. And it is for the purpose of trying to awaken a deeper religious fervor among Universalists, in behalf of needy and suffering humanity ;. and in behalf of the L'niversalist Church as a great agency in improving the condition of man, that we appeal to Universalists, everywhere, to let nothing which they can do, or refrain from doing, stand in the way of the on marching of organized Universalism. Not merely for the sake of organization ; but because only through organized effort can we accomplish the great mission which of right our church should undertake. Why, dear Universalist friends, live active churches, doing the work of earnest Christian bodies, ought to be planted in many hundreds of cities and towns throughout this country, with a cordon of

XV111 INTRODUCTION.

Y. P. M. A's from Maine to California ; and nothing short of our indifference and half-heartedness will prevent this from being done within the next decade. Let us, then, arouse ourselves and take fresh courage and inspiration from the self-sacrificing devotion of the Master ; and without longer delay let us have results somewhat commensurate with the sublime truths which we hold.

W. F. C.

Chapter I

Who Are You ? And What Is Your Life ?

Kind Reader, who are you who come to consult these friendly pages concerning what Universalism is and why it should be preached ? Are you a Universalist ? and if so, on what grounds do you lay claim to so sublime a faith ? How do you classify yourself among believers in that doctrine ? Are you active or passive ? Are you a Universalist in name, merely, and satisfied with a mere denial of the effete dogmas of partialism ? Or have you positive convictions of the successful unfolding of God's plans in the salvation of the entire race of man ? If you believe Univeralism, how do you believe it? Do you believe God will save us, independent of our own earnest desire and effort to be saved ? These questions are asked because many profess to be Universalists who know little, if any thing, of Universalism as a system of doctrines, or as a moral power. They hold it as a mere sentiment, perhaps think it plausible, or perchance, have accepted some false theory concerning it, which they have learned from its enemies. Certainly they have not let its vital truths touch their hearts. " As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.' 1 Pro v. 23:7 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.' 1 Rom. x:io. Mere denial, mere negations, do not make one a Universalist. Doubt, disbelief, agnosticism, form no part of that system of faith, known as Christian Universalism. " Prove all things ; hold fast that which is good. 11 1. Thess. v:2i. This scripture shows that we are to strive to know the truth and to hold fast to it.