COMMENCES THE UNIVERSALIST MAGAZINE.
On the third of July, 1819, Mr. Ballou commenced the publication of the
Universalist Magazine, in connection with a practical printer,--Mr.
Henry Bowen. As usual in every enterprise wherein he embarked, he
entered into the purpose and plan of the paper with all his heart, its
avowed object being the more extended dissemination of the gospel of
truth, and the elucidation of Christ and his mission on earth. It will
be observed that in whatever new position we find the subject of these
memoirs, it is secondary to, or rather in furtherance of, his Master's
business; he could have entered into no other pursuit, could have been
contented and happy in no other occupation. It was meat and drink to
him, it was the very breath he drew, and the only great object and
purpose of his life-long career.
The object of the Magazine, as stated in the editor's salutatory
article, was to discuss the principles of doctrine, religion, and
morality, and all articles calculated to promote improvement in these
essential matters would be freely admitted into its columns. "The
Universalist Magazine invites the sentiments of different
denominations," says the editor, "to evince themselves to the best
advantage, clothed in their most simple light, and shining in their
purest lustre, that the mind of the reader may be able to know where to
bestow a justifiable preference." Those persons laboring in their minds
under difficulties and doubts concerning any passage of Scripture, were
urged to communicate the same to the Magazine, where they would be
publicly answered, and thus many might reap the advantage of the queries
and the answer. "All articles calculated to elevate the mind to the
contemplation of divine things, to reduce haughtiness, to humble pride,
to exalt the Divine Being, to endear the Saviour, to cultivate piety, to
admonish, to warn, or to justly rebuke, to administer comfort and
consolation, will be gratefully received, and as speedily as convenient
communicated to the public." These were the main objects, and this the
plan of the paper, and to which the editor strictly adhered. Some of the
strongest arguments in favor of universal salvation, which ever emanated
from the pen of Mr. Ballou, were first printed in this paper, and the
influence it exerted was too evident not to challenge the attention of
both friends and foes at that period.
The Universalist Magazine was destined to attain to the most extended
popularity, and proved to be of eminent service to the cause which was
so ably treated upon in its columns, each number for a series of years
containing an essay upon some important passage of the holy text, with
the original construction as put upon it by Mr. Ballou, besides the
elaborate reviewal of numerous discourses and articles which appeared in
other religious magazines, opposed to Universalism. The paper was issued
weekly, and drew very largely upon his time and pen. In his editorial
capacity, even as early as this period, when a systematic effort in the
cause of temperance had scarcely been thought of, and the subject was
seldom if ever referred to in public, we find some forcible articles
from him upon this subject.
This spirit was strictly in accordance with his private life and habits.
Living at a period when it was universally customary to offer a guest or
caller a glass of wine, let him come at what hour of the day he might,
and when the decanters and glasses always stood invitingly upon the
side-board, yet he never used ardent spirit as a beverage, never partook
of it at all, even in after years, when perhaps a partial stimulant
might have been of physical benefit to him, because of a fixed principle
in his own mind concerning its pernicious effects. But, as we have
before intimated, this temperate habit was by no means confined to
ardent spirit alone; the same abstemiousness characterized his daily
meal. He partook only of the simplest food, and of that sparingly. This
excellent habit grew to be a second nature to him, and in all places and
under all circumstances was always exercised.
In connection with essays, leading articles, reviews and sermons, which
he furnished for the Magazine, he also contributed many fugitive poems
to fill the poet's corner. It should be remembered that they were
generally written at a few moments' warning in his sanctum, and in
answer to the printer's call. All of them are, however, indicative and
characteristic of the spirit and state of mind which possessed his
heart. The following piece, taken at random, is a sample.
IMMORTALITY.
"That orient beam which cheers the morn,
And drives the murky gloom away,
Through trackless ether swiftly borne,
To welcome in the infant day,
Reminds me of the heavenly light,
Whose rays, dispersing error's gloom,
Open to man a glory bright,
In a fair world beyond the tomb.
Those varying scenes of beauty fair,
Which welcome in the youthful spring;
The blooming fields, the fragrant air,
The leafy groves and birds that sing,
Remind me of that promised day,
When from the dead mankind shall rise,
As pure as light, and wing their way
To spring eternal in the skies."
For some years Mr. Ballou continued as sole editor of the Magazine, in
addition to his other writings, and the ever pressing duties of his
profession. After gaining a firm footing, this publication passed into
the hands of Rev. Thomas Whittemore, an able and zealous man, who is
still the editor and proprietor. Mr. Ballou continued to write for its
columns regularly for more than thirty years. Mr. Whittemore has changed
or added to its original title, so that it is now known as the Trumpet
and Universalist Magazine, one of the most largely circulated and
popular publications in the whole denomination.
During the year 1819 and the year preceding it, Mr. Ballou had occasion
to make several replies, in pamphlet form, to reviews of his sermons
which he was at that time delivering before the Second Universalist
Society, and which he was induced to write out and publish, by their
request. The reviews here referred to were written by the Rev. Timothy
Merrit, a Methodist minister of this city. In the year 1820, Mr. Ballou
published a pamphlet of some length, entitled "Strictures on a published
Sermon, by Dr. Channing." During this year he also compiled a collection
of hymns, for the use of the denomination generally, but more especially
for the convenience of the School-street Society, with which he was
connected. This collection contained about _fifty_ original hymns from
his own pen, and is the second book of the kind he published, the first
being issued while he resided in Barnard, Vt.
It was about this period that the following incident occurred, and which
we give herewith in Mr. Ballou's own words:--
"By the following anecdote it may be seen into what inconsistencies men
are liable to be drawn by an intense desire to maintain favorite
sentiments. I had an appointment to preach a lecture in the town of
Canton, Mass., where Universalism was quite new, and where there were
but few who believed it. At the time appointed I was there, and among
the many who were present as hearers, was a Methodist minister, whom
before I had never seen. After our introduction, he very civilly asked
me if I was willing, after I got through my discourse, that he should
have the liberty of offering some remarks in relation to it. I replied
that I should have no objections to his having that liberty, reserving
to myself the right to reply to his remarks. To this he agreed. As I
knew my hearers had assembled with an expectation of hearing the
doctrine of Universalism held forth, I took for my text a passage which
seemed to me a strong one in favor of the doctrine: First Tim. 2:
4,--'Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.' In my discourse, I relied on the will of God as the
foundation of my belief in the final salvation of all men. My sermon was
lengthy, and I endeavored to strengthen my arguments, as well as I
could, by many scriptures and various illustrations, but still relied on
the will of God as the foundation on which stood the superstructure I
raised. When I had got through, I signified to the congregation that our
worthy brother, the Methodist minister, desired to make some remarks on
my discourse, and that I hoped they would candidly listen to what he had
to say.
"He then rose and remarked on various points of my arguments, allowing
their justness and propriety. 'But,' said he, 'as the conclusions which
have been drawn in favor of the salvation of all men rest entirely on
the will of God, if we can prove that God's will is not done, in many
instances which may be named, it follows necessarily that the doctrine
contended for may not be true.' This he then labored to make out. Now,
feeling confident that he had shaken my foundation in the minds of our
hearers, he proceeded to quote passages upon which he relied to prove
the endless misery of the wicked. When he had got through and sat down,
I arose and told the people that I knew no better way to answer to what
our brother had urged, than to allow that he had refuted the doctrine of
the salvation of all men by proving the failure of God's will in many
instances; and this being granted, it also must be granted that God's
will in regard to the endless misery of sinners might fail of being
accomplished also! This reply came so suddenly on the minds of the
congregation that it brought them on their feet, and the aspect which
they presented was so peculiar as to abash our brother, and induce him
to say something more, which the people did not stop to hear. He then
turned to me, and said that he did not mean what I had stated to the
audience. I told him in reply that what I had to do with, was what he
had said."
This is but an example of the various incidents, controversies, and
adventures that he was constantly encountering on his frequent missions
into the country; vicissitudes that taught him much of human nature,
and rendered him ever prompt and ready in reply, familiarized him with
various temperaments, dispositions, and phases of character, and thus
enabling him to speak and act more understandingly when again assailed
in a like manner, as well as to put his experience to other available
use.
In the latter part of the year 1821 and the beginning of '22, Mr. Ballou
passed a considerable period in the cities of New York and Philadelphia,
which places he was induced to visit by the united invitation of the
several societies in these two cities. While in the latter place, he
delivered eleven sermons, which the societies procured a stenographer to
transcribe in short-hand, as delivered extemporaneously from the pulpit.
These sermons were published soon after in Philadelphia, making a book
of two hundred pages, a second edition being published in Boston about
ten years after. Mr. Ballou's manner of delivery was so distinct, his
enunciation so clear, his language so impressive, that a practical
short-hand writer could easily transcribe every word he uttered in a
discourse. There was never any hurry, no impetuosity, no excitement that
betrayed the speaker into undue haste, but, though all was tempered with
warmth and zeal, still it was such admirably controlled earnestness as
never to confuse the mind that followed his spontaneous utterance. We
well remember when the book herein referred to was handed to him for the
first time. "I am surprised," said he, "for this seems almost
miraculous; here are my own words and thoughts literally as I uttered
them, in living and indelible lines upon these pages, while my pen has
never transcribed one letter of the matter. I might have improved this
by reviewing it for the press, but, after all, _it is as God sent it_!"
Reading on, he would pause now and then to say, "I should not have
remembered that I said that, if it was not so literally recalled to me."
These sermons being upon important doctrinal points and subjects, as
indeed were nearly all his sermons, are of peculiar value. The book is
also a very excellent sample of Mr. Ballou's extempore style of
preaching, as these sermons were printed from the reporter's notes,
unrevised by the author, who, indeed, did not see them until they were
sent to him in Boston in book form. At the time these sermons were
delivered, the churches were always crowded to their utmost capacity.
The Sabbath was not only thus occupied, but also many days and evenings
of each week, the simple announcement of a meeting being quite
sufficient to ensure a large and attentive audience for the occasion. In
the mean time, in private circles, Mr. Ballou was forming extensive
personal acquaintance with the hospitable citizens, among whom he
counted some of the warmest friends in the cherished host, who continued
such with him to the closing hours of his earthly career.
"The largest audience I remember to have addressed," he says, "was in
Washington Garden Saloon, Philadelphia, which my friends had procured
for me, finding the meeting-houses far too small to accommodate the
crowds that thronged to our meetings. This hall, which will accommodate
some six thousand people, was crowded to excess. On no former occasion
did I ever feel more pressed with the weight of duty which lay upon me,
nor a more sensible need of divine assistance. The attention of the
audience, and the multitude of friendly hands which were extended to
receive my adieu, seemed to speak a language which signified the
approbation of my divine Master, which, to me, is far better than life."
One of the most marked peculiarities of Mr. Ballou's character was not
only his almost inexpressible degree of simplicity, but his perfect
self-possession, and unmoved and placid calmness, under any and all
circumstances. When he arose to address an audience of thousands, as was
the case above referred to, they awed him not; he would have spoken the
same in a private dwelling of New Hampshire, before a few hastily
assembled friends, or, with the same prophetic unction, in a barn;--the
village school-house or the city church were all alike to him. When he
arose to address an audience, whether of thousands or of scores, it was
always with a heart so full of his theme, so lowly and humble before his
Maker, that not a thought betrayed itself in action of a character to
indicate that he considered _himself_ in the slightest degree, or that
there was such a being as self in existence. And then, when he spoke, it
was not with the adornments of rhetorical elegance, nor with a striving
after effect; not one useless or unnecessary word fell from his lips;
it was simplicity and impressiveness personified. Such preaching was
_natural_; there was not an artificial element in it. No wonder that it
produced such results; no wonder that he should witness the visible
fruits of his labors ripening about him.
It was no spirit of fanaticism that created such a furore in the public
to hear him, it was not _fear_ for their own good hope of salvation that
brought people together in such masses; it was not excitement, that
grand agent of revival meetings generally. No; it was a far worthier
influence than these; it was a desire to hear the good tidings that the
preacher dispensed, as he alone could do. It was to partake of the bread
of life that they came, and they were filled. He was emphatically the
messenger of "peace and good will to men;" and the multitudes who came
to hear the words of promise from his lips, received them as the
shepherds did to whom the angels bore the glad tidings as they "watched
their flocks by night."
After the departure of Christ, and the death of his immediate disciples,
a darkness had crept upon the hearts and souls of mankind; faith in the
boundless love of the Creator had been weakened, as belief in his
vengeance strengthened, and nearly all Christian creeds were gloomy,
disheartening, and repulsive. To dispel these erroneous views,--to
withdraw the clouds that hid the brightness of the bow of promise,--to
reveal all the priceless tenderness and love of the divine nature,--to
radiate the light of hope upon a darkened world, was a task as glorious
as ever fell to the lot of man. What more thrilling discoveries ever
dawned upon the human intellect than those which revealed themselves to,
and rewarded the prayerful search of, him of whom we write? We can
easily understand how the greatness of this mission strengthened and
sustained him in his arduous duties, in his daily gospel labors, in his
long journeyings, in his voluminous exertions with the pen and in the
pulpit. Verily the hour and the man had arrived. It mattered little that
he did not spare himself, that he gave himself up wholly to his
vocation; it was not destined, not designed, that he should succumb in
the good fight; vigor and energy were given him to support him through
all his trials, up to the very verge of a long and eventful life, when
the chief end of his existence had been accomplished.
Not long subsequent to his return from this journey to New York and
Philadelphia, he published a series of "_Lecture Sermons_," in one
volume of four hundred pages. This book, like every one that ever
emanated from his pen, had a very extensive sale, passing through
several large editions, and still finds a ready market. These "Lecture
Sermons" give, like the "Treatise on Atonement," an evidence of the fact
that the author was always working in new veins of thought. He was not
one contented to follow in the beaten track of others; his motto from
the outset was _progress_; and each new work that emanated from his pen
and comprehensive mind, gave fresh token of research and discovery. Not
long after the issuing of the "Lecture Sermons," he published another
book, entitled "_Select Sermons upon Important Passages_," making a
book of three hundred and fifty pages. Like the previous work, this book
is peculiarly characteristic of its author, and treating, as it does,
upon deeply interesting and doctrinal points, it has found a wide
circulation. These books are distinguished alike for patient research,
wise reflections, deep penetration, and the soundness of their moral
influence. The last work has passed through seven editions.
Mr. Ballou was frequently heard to remark, that if we would reason in
reference to the divine economy as we do concerning other matters, we
should soon discard many of the false notions which do so much towards
enshrouding our spirits in darkness, and thus preventing our progress
towards the goal of gospel truth. In illustration of this, we subjoin
the following anecdote, in his own words, as furnished for the
Universalist Magazine at the time of its occurrence. It happened to him
while on a journey from Boston to Watertown, New York, in the year 1824.
While absent from his paper, Mr. Ballou was in the habit of supplying
his editorial columns through the mail, partly made up of correspondence
from the points he visited, and relating to such matters and themes as
were calculated to interest a mind of his peculiar character. The
following anecdote is taken from one of these letters.
"The day following, a widow belonging to Pittsfield, Mass., entered the
stage in that town to go to Denmark, New York, to visit her young son,
whom she had not seen for six years, and who is now about fifteen. This
lady I found to be quite orthodox in her views, and disposed to
question me concerning mine. At the inn in Albany where the stage stops,
we had some serious conversation on the subject of the ignorance and
unbelief of man. Her queries concerning this subject were directed in
the usual way, and were designed to prove that in consequence of
unbelief in the Saviour, the sinner is expected to be cut off forever
without mercy. Having noticed in this lady an anxious desire to find her
son, and perceiving that her affections were tender towards her
fatherless child, I thought proper to try to open her eyes by means of
appealing to her natural affection.
"'Madam, do you think your son will know you?' I asked. She, with
manifest emotion, replied, 'It is so long since he saw me, that I do not
think he will!' 'And should you find that he has forgotten you, so as
not to recognize your person and countenance, do you think he would be
in danger on that account of losing your favor?' Tears started into her
eyes, and the weight of the question was sensibly manifest. She replied
in the softest accents in the negative. 'Well, madam,' I continued,
'should you find that your son has forgotten your countenance, and
should you inform him of the fact of which you find him ignorant, and
yet he should not believe you, should you then feel unkindly towards
your son?' She fully appreciated the question, and answered in the
negative. I then called her attention to the remarkable passage in the
forty-seventh chapter of Isaiah, in which the divine kindness is
commended to exceed the compassion of a mother to her tender offspring.
She signified her satisfaction, and gave me to understand that the
argument had reached its object."
This anecdote, striking and beautiful in its bearings, is also
particularly interesting as being so perfect an illustration of Mr.
Ballou's style of argument. He always brought the subject home to the
feelings and affections of his hearers, illustrating his theme by the
simplest facts. His examples by way of explaining his subject were ever
so aptly chosen, as to seem to have occurred almost solely for his use;
these illustrations were ever drawn from every-day life, and from the
most familiar subjects about us. The family circle afforded an infinite
variety of bearings and illustrations, exceedingly well fitted to
delineate his belief; and those who have been accustomed to hear him
preach, will remember how frequently he referred to the homes of his
hearers for illustrations. In this respect his discourses were a close
imitation of his Master's, who spoke as never man spoke.
There lies open before us at this moment the autobiography of Rev. Abel
C. Thomas, where he speaks of Mr. Ballou on the occasion of his (Mr.
Thomas's) first visit to Boston, and his meeting with the subject of
this biography. "No one will deem me invidious in mentioning Hosea
Ballou. There he stood in the simplicity and maturity of a child-man.
Was it marvellous that his heart-speech should tingle within me as the
voice of a father? He stood up the taller in his manhood for having
bowed to brotherly fellowship with a boy. There was no distinguishing
grace in the act; it was his way _alway_, and he was only the taller on
that account. He was preaching then (O! how luminously and forcibly he
was preaching!) at the age of threescore."
It was ever thus that strangers were impressed on meeting with him. They
had heard, of course, much of Hosea Ballou, they had read his books, or
his essays through the newspaper press; by name and reputation they had
long known him. Some had imagined him proud, austere, and distant. They
approached a man, for the first time, who had reached to his extended
span of life, to his experience and world-wide celebrity, with some
degree of awe; but his warm pressure of the hand, the tender and soft
expression of his eye, the soothing and melodious voice, (that gentle,
soothing, yet impressive voice, how strongly our senses recall it now!)
the kind word,--these instantly dispelled any feeling of distance that
might have arisen in the breast of the new comer; and he found impressed
on every word he uttered, on every lineament of his features, on every
sentiment of his heart, a spirit of divine _simplicity_.
Arrogating nothing to himself, unassuming to the utmost degree, he
counted his own services as nothing, and only aspired to be known as his
Master's follower, and the servant of all men.