We bid the pealing organ wait, To speak alone thy will. O teach its rich and swelling notes And while the music round us floats, TO SUBSCRIBERS. Coming with this number to the close of the third volume of the Christian Repository, the Editor is happy to acknowledge the patronage and support which he has received in conducting the work. Three years have nearly elapsed since its commencement. In taking a retrospect of the events of this period, so far as they relate to the denomination called Universalists, we view many things, which are calculated to rejoice our hearts. When this work commenced, there were only two periodical publications circulated among our brethren, namely, The Herald of Life and Immortality, and The Universalist Magazine, both of which were published in Boston. It is just, however, to notice, that two other publications of a similar nature, commenced the same year, one in the city of New-York, and the other in Philadelphia. Three of these four are yet continued to be published, with the addition of four that have since begun to circulate, There has also been a more copious addition to the ministry, in different parts of our happy and prosperous country, than the most sanguine expectation of the brethren could have anticipated. The number of believers, we conclude have increased in nearly the same proportion. Accounts from the State of Ohio multiply them, almost like the shoals of fishes in Peter's net. In New-York there has been a very rapid increase; in Massachusetts and Maine, multitudes have been added; while New-Hampshire and Vermont are not altogether idle spectators of new accessions to the faith. But the public is, at this time, well aware, that ours is not uninterrupted prosperity. The root of bitterness has sprung up to trouble us, and the enemy has sowed tares in the midst of our wheat. Gladly would your brother in this address pass these things in sifence, that they might die in their rising, and lie forgotten and unknown, could he flatter himself that he might reasonably be excused. But this is the perilous hour, and he must act a part. The difference of sentiment in our brethren, on future punishment, has long existed, and has occasionly been the subject of conversation long before any thing of a controversial nature appeared in print Such was the general harmony and unity of spirit exercised among the brethren, that the sentiments of many individuals on this subject were scarcely known, or sought after, by their intimate friends. But as our numbers increased, these peculiarities, as might naturally be expected, were called up. Energy aroused energy, and opposition excited opposition, till the controversy was brought to what we now find it. The rapid increase of our periodical works, in other respects advantageous, gave wings to fan the flame of strife, and bear our difficulties wherever they, in their bending courses, were directed. It is much to be lamented that a more prudent course had not been pursued; that more coolness of deliberation and candor in investigating with much forbearance, had not occupied the places that have been filled with the productions of dashing scribblers, who did little else than multiply the repetitions of their precursors. Perhaps I may be allowed the freedom to say, withBut giving offence, that it is dangerous to nourish, in an uninterrupted manner, a controversial spirit. In much controversy a man frequently becomes a cynic, when he fancies he is deliberate. Our brethren in withstanding the doctrine of endless misery, have met a flood of opposition. This opposition has aroused to action, and called forth the energies of the mind, in a manner favorable to the progress of the doctrine of universal salvation. But shall we think it strange, or altogether unaccountable, that the spirit of controversy so long and habitually nourished in opposition to endless misery, when turned against our own peculiarities by one another, should exhibit the fruits of its natural tendency? That we feel the deleterious consequences in this last respect is a lamentable fact; that we have indulged this spirit too much, with reference to the former, is suggested for the consideration of the brethren. At a time like this, when the eyes and ears of the brethren are widely open, altho it is not supposed that in seeing they all perceive, or in hearing they all understand, the feelings are generally alive to jealousy. We may suppose them to be so at a period like the present, if ever. From this consideration we have reason to conclude that some of our subscribers have mistaken the objects of the Editor in managing this work, as they have withdrawn their names, before the close of the volume, and thus abruptly broken from the list. The moment any human authority, expressed or understood, is received, there is no further investigation, than with reference to that authority. Every kind of opposition is interpreted for personal abuse. The Editor of the Christian Repository has endeavored to conduct this work with a view to promote fair investigation and the harmony of good feeling. But the spirit of the times has rendered his labors, in some measure, unsuccessful. In controversy, when one side of a question is admitted, it is unfair to exclude the other without a hearing. The controversy of Restorationist and Jacob Wood, in behalf of himself and others, with the Editors of the Universalist Magazine, was thought to be a matter of too long standing, and too obstinate to be hushed in silence. The controversy has already assumed a most haggard appearance; but the consequences yet remain for time to disclose. Our readers will be careful to bear in mind,that whatever may be the result of this controversy, it ought not to affect their faith either in favor or against the doctrine of future punishment. In its present character every thing of a doctrinal nature, is lost in the discussion of personal difficulties. These are matters that ought as much as possible to be confined to the parties, without extending their influence to the two general classes of Universalists. Whatever course the brethren, or any portion of them, may be disposed to pursue, there can be no question, but what it is the duty of all to strive for the promotion of a conciliating spirit. If the old question, "how can two walk together except they be agreed ?" implies that they cannot; it does not prevent their agreeing not to walk together. For one class of brethren to wrest themselves from another can only be justifiable in cases of extreme abuse, where no mutual stipulation can be made. Those that do not desire to be on friendly terms with those of other denominations, can hardly be entitled to the name of Christian. And if the Universalists should think proper to become two separate connections, they ought ever to keep this object in view, to be on as friendly terms as possible. If in conducting the future numbers of the Christian Repository, (should it please the public still to extend patronage,) the Editor cannot promise the prudence of a brother Editor, that no piece shall be admitted which shoots a deleterious fang at the reputation of his duly esteemed friends, he can engage that the reputation of no man shall be touched without affording him an opportunity to defend. The mouths of king Nebuchadnezzer's lions were full of deleterious fangs, but none of them was shot so as to hurt Daniel, during a whole night. This is a day of trial; and we look to these very deleterious fangs to show us who our DULY esteemed friends are. It is certainly a question whether these friends can be known only by flattery or popular influence. To such of our readers (and we fondly anticipate a large proportion of our present subscription list) as are yet disposed to patronize the labors of a brother, whose life and daily studies are much devoted to their service, he promises faithfulness. To those who receive this as a valedictory address, he bids farewell. Farewell, brethren; the grace of God be with you; “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." |