Note.
—In this issue the references to authors quoted have been given more fully, and the edition used has been stated when making the first quotation. In quotations from the Psalter, the Fathers, as a rule, follow the Septuagint, which numbers differently from the Hebrew, uniting Ps. 9 and 10, and also 114 and 115 into one, and dividing 116 and 117 each into two, thus, e.g., the Psalm quoted as 119 appears in Patristic writings as 118 and so in other cases.
Preface.
Universalism Asserted seems to me to fill a great want of the day; a book was needed which should face fairly and thoroughly, the subject of future Punishment, for although there are many works on the subject, they either face one aspect of the matter only, or they are written for scholars only, not for the multitude. Mr. Allin’s writing is emphatically writing which can be “understood of the people,” and surely his book must kill the false accusation so often made that, those who believe in the ultimate triumph of Christ, and in the Redemption of the world, make light of sin.
Far from being a weak sentimentalist who shrinks from the thought of suffering, the Universalist, as Mr. Allin shews very conclusively in his second and third chapters, is convinced that every sin meets with its just and remedial punishment; he points out, too, how very injurious is the moral tendency of the popular belief in the everlasting existence of evil,—in a purposeless suffering, in an unjust and revolting system of torture. And all this is written calmly and thoughtfully, with a view to meeting the difficulties of those who are in doubt on the subject.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is that which shews how throughout the entire history of the Church the belief in universal salvation has been held by many of the best and truest of Christ’s followers. And to my mind one of the finest touches is the description given in chapter i., pp. 10-2, of the position of those who, shrinking from the current notions of hell, and dissatisfied with that most unsatisfying theory—Conditional Immortality, take refuge in saying, that nothing can be definitely known, and that they are content to wait in uncertainty.
The sympathetic way in which the writer meets their position, and his fearless exposure of the dangerous vagueness which lurks beneath its apparent humility is beyond praise.
How is it possible that those who know the depths of sin and ignorance, those who hear the character of God slandered by believers and unbelievers, those who love the ones who pass unrepentant into the Unseen—how is it possible that they should rest satisfied, while retaining in their hearts even a shadow of a doubt that, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive?”
The old merciless teaching is still taught; there yet remains in many a nursery, as well, alas! as in many a missionary school abroad, a well-known book called “Peep of Day.” In this, little children are allowed to read such doggrel as the following:—
- “Now if I fight, or scratch, or bite,
- In passion fall, or bad names call,
- Full well I know where I shall go.
- Satan is glad when I am bad,
- And hopes that I with him shall lie,
- In fire and chains, and dreadful pains.
- All liars dwell with him in hell,
- And many more, who cursed and swore,
- And all who did what God forbid.”
Surely it is time that everyone who believes that the Everlasting Father lovingly, eternally, educates all His children should speak out plainly, and not be ashamed to confess with the Psalmist, “My trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever.”
Edna Lyall.
Eastbourne,
16th December, 1890
Letter.
Letter from Canon Wilberforce to the Author.
The Deanery,
Southhamption,
August 6, 1890.
My Dear Sir,
“I am deeply grateful to you for your NOBLE book, ‘Universalism Asserted.’ I am greatly indebted to it, not only for the inspiration, but even for the very thoughts in some instances, of the two Sermons enclosed. It is the very best compendium of the glorious truth of modern times.
“May Our Father continue to send you forth to vindicate His character against the slander of Atheists on the one hand, and Conventionalists on the other.
I am, faithfully, &c.,
BASIL WILBERFORCE.”