assertion is contrary to facts. History proves that Universalism has been held and advocated in the Christian church from the first establishment of Christianity down to the present time. If it be objected that Universalists, as a distinct denomination, were not known until within one hundred years, this objection bears equally against all Protestant denominations. For all Protestant sects have originated since the era of the Reformation.

66

· Universalists do not believe that man is a free agent.” — If, when you say man is a free agent, you mean that he possesses a self-determining power which enables him to act contrary to his choice; or, if you mean that a man may have one motive to do a thing, and ten thousand motives, each of which are equally as strong as the other, to do the opposite of that thing, and that he can follow the impulse of that one motive directly contrary to the impulse of the ten thousand; we frankly confess we believe in no such thing. But if, when you say man is a free agent, you mean that he is free to act according to his choice, we agree with you. We prefer the term moral agent, however, to that of free agent; and we believe that man is a moral agent in the sense that he is, and will be, rewarded for his virtues and punished for his vices. This certainly is all that any reasonable man can possibly require.

“Universalism is a very licentious doctrine." — This assertion comes directly in contact with facts. In point of moral character we are willing to compare our churches and societies with the same number of churches and societies of any other denomination whatever. Indeed, it is admitted by those of our opposers who have had any opportunity for observing that in such a comparison we would by no means suffer. The following extract is taken from the "Olive Branch," of July, 1843, a Protestant Methodist paper, edited by Rev. T. F. Norris, and which has an extensive circulation "We should be happy to see what we think erroneous in the creed of Universalists refuted and put down, but we never will be a party to an attack on the morals and characters of a class of men, who, as far as we know, stand as high on these points as ANY of their more Orthodox neighbors."

The following extract is from an October (1843) number of that widely-circulated journal, the "New World," published in New "It seems to us that the Universalists, in whatever light we may regard their points of doctrine, excel other sects in their

York.

benevolence, their philanthropy, and their respect for that law which has commanded us to render good for evil. They endeavor to entice mankind into purity of life, by considerations of love and kindness; they use no threats, and cast from them the bonds of fear. And, so far as our information extends, the professing members of their creed observe a strictness of conduct, and a righteousness of living, which others would do well to emulate, instead of maligning a belief which certainly reposes with entire confidence on God's mercy to his creatures."

Dwight, in his "Travels in the North of Germany," after stating the fact that Universalism is the prevailing belief in Germany, says of the Christian character of the Germans, "I have never seen any Christians who seemed to me to have a deeper sense of the odiousness of sin in the sight of God, or whose hearts beat with more ardent gratitude towards our Saviour, for the great redemption he has made for fallen man. I know of no examples of humility greater than those exhibited by some of these gentlemen, or more elevated views of the character of God than they discover in their conversation. We must look in vain for brighter examples of piety than they exhibit. They certainly manifest a greater spirit of love, for those who differ from them, than is found in most of our sects, and they are unwilling to shut the gates of heaven against all who do not believe in every article of their creeds. In this charity and love the Protestant inhabitants of most countries would do well to imitate them." P. 423.

Such is the testimony of our religious opposers in reference to the tendency of our doctrine, and its influence upon those who believe it. Nor does it appear that the vicious are disposed to take advantage of our doctrine, and to screen themselves under it. If we examine the criminal record of our country, we shall find that Universalists do not furnish even their proportion of criminals in proportion to their numbers compared with other denominations. The state prisons at New York, at Auburn, and at Cincinnati, Ohio, have each of them been examined at different times, and it was ascertained that for one believer in Universalism there were two or three hundred believers in endless misery confined within their walls.

TO THE READER.

READER.The subject is before you. Contemplate seriously upon it. If the subject upon which we have been treating is not important, then there is no subject which was ever presented for the consideration of man which is worthy of one single moment's notice. But it is important. Its importance is acknowledged by all. Ponder it well then in your mind, and choose ye which ye will serve. If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And now whether you are a Limitarian or a Universalist, whether you are a professor or a non-professor, whether you belong to this, that, or the other sect, or whether you belong to no sect, we pray that if you are wrong you may be righted; if you are right that you may be strengthened and confirmed in the right way. May you be blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. May the Lord keep thee and preserve thee. May he lift upon thee the light of his countenance, and give thee peace. Amen.