Who are Universalists? by M. W. Howard

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1864

Who are Universalists?

By M. W. Howard

With peculiar appropriateness it has been said, that "opinions have their affinities, as strong and irresistible almost, as the chemical elements; and we need only to look about us with an observant eye, to see constant illustrations of it. And no sentiment perhaps, has always found resonance or acquiescence from the heart of fallen, man, than that which the Arch-Deceiver, first in the ear of Eve

"Spoke through a reptile with a voice like man's, As now he speaks through man to reptile turned," "Thou shalt not surely die."

While in my youth, many years ago, I was returning from a funeral in company with one who had long been a disciple of Jesus. Silently we walked for some time, when my friend remarked sadly, "I have been thinking how much Elder S. lacked of preaching a Universalist funeral sermon!" I have often pondered upon that thought; as in maturer years I have observed how quietly a place of punishment is ignored, even by those who "knowing the terrors of the Lord" should "persuade men;" how quietly and coolly it is assumed that everybody is going to Heaven; that each deceased friend is going to be greeted by those gone before to the spirit land. How many, alas, ignoring altogether the resurrection, thus:

"Years have passed and that dear mother Long has mouldered 'neath the sod, And I trust her sainted spirit Revels in the home of God."

But little better is the following, though it recognizes the resurrection, where one, in speaking of our fallen brave ones buried at Atlanta, says without discrimination. "There they shall rest till the resurrection morn shall wake them to glory again."

Every one who is in the least observant, is well aware that this has come to be the common manner of speaking of the dead, even by those holding the doctrines of rewards and punishments as taught by the Bible. That it has "unawares crept in," we are willing to grant. It is pleasant to speak agreeable words, especially to sorrowing ones. And who has not learned in this world of ours, that whatever disturbs a man's self-complacency is received with disfavor, and so there is a strong temptation to reflect back the demands of those about us.

Paul in his day, found occasion to ask his brethren to "pray for him that he might speak boldly, as he ought to speak." Jeremiah and Micaiah in their time, each received definite instructions to pander to the common demand for "smooth things." With threatenings they came to Jeremiah, saying, "Prophesy no more in the name of the Lord, else thou die at our hand." But to Micaiah, they came not with bold defiance; but with obsequious blandishments, the messengers from the king say, "Behold the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent, let thy words therefore be like one of theirs and speak thou good." 2 Chron. xviii, 12. So now-a-days, the people have a sufficiently significant manner of evincing their preferences for pleasant theories, and not always have our teachers the moral courage of the prophet, who replied, "As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak." Verse 13.

When Jesus, the Great Teacher was among men, so long as only "gracious words proceeded out of his mouth," multitudes flocked to hear him, and "his fame went through all the region round about, being glorified of all." Luke iv, 14. But when he began to intimate, that all were not gliding safely and surely to the haven of eternal rest, how quickly their praise is turned to malediction, and "filled with wrath, they rose up and thrust him out of the city." Verses 28, 29. Nor has human nature changed since then. Personal violence need not be feared; but demolish pleasant fancies, or let favorite theories be thwarted, and the lion-roar and tiger-growl is heard.

Would one religious teacher, regardless of the favor or frowns of man, adopt for themselves the rule of one eminent servant of God, to throw into every sermon he preached enough of the plan of salvation, that if one heard it having never before heard the gospel, and should never again hear another sermon, he would from that one, know how to come to God and be saved. Were this the custom, we need never fall back on our question, Who are Universalists? M. W. Howard.

Malone, N. Y.