UNIVERSALISM | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1859

UNIVERSALISM.

The Southern Churchman says: "What the principles and tendencies of Universalism are, may be seen from the following hymn, which was written by an Episcopal clergyman of talent and piety, of this State, to be sung at the dedication of a Universalist church. The Universalists had made a public call on the talented musicians of the town—nothing being said about their religion or even morals—to assemble for the purpose of practising some suitable pieces of music for the occasion. The Episcopal clergyman not being a musician, took the liberty to furnish them with some suitable verses, and although the sentiments are in perfect accordance with Universalism, it was deemed unadvisable to sing them."

Sinners! Christ at last will have you— He no wrath on you will lower; But his boundless love will save you In your sins by wondrous power; It is able, it is able, Pray no more.

Never pray for life eternal: This you cannot fail to see; With the vilest be fraternal, Heaven the abode of all will be. O be joyful, O be joyful, Heaven is free.

Free for all of every nation, Every language, color, clime; None can die without salvation, Though like Nero's be their crime, Welcome Nero, welcome Nero, Heaven is thine.

Nero might have feared that mercy Never could his sins efface, Now we know it is not hearsay, Nero was a child of grace; Happy Nero, happy Nero, Heaven's thy place.

What a happy, motley party Must in such a heaven convene; Every man, whate'er his heart be, In that wondrous world is seen. Tyrants, pirates, knaves and murderers, —What a scene!

Methodists and Presbyterians, All their lying wonders tell; Baptists and Episcopalians— There's no wrath we know full well. Sing, ye sinners—sing, ye sinners, There's no hell.

'Tis this doctrine cools our frenzy, Stays the hand to murder driven; Who would kill a man through envy, Thus to send the soul to heaven? By the knife of the assassin, Heaven is given.

Sing, O grace is all extended, Yes, 'twill save a world from thrall; Good and bad in one are blended— Herod, Howard, Paine and Paul. Come, ye mortals, saint and villain, One and all.