The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

II. Eighteenth Century Marks Turn in Tide

1. SLOWLY GATHERING MOMENTUM OF EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

By the eighteenth century voices even in the New World, likewise contending for Conditionalism, began to be heard. This marked the beginning of a new and expanding era for Conditionalism. The caliber of these witnesses now became impressive. It included the testimony of archbishops, bishops, deans, archdeacons, professors, pastors, theologians, linguists, scientists, philosophers, physicians, and administrators with Conditionalist convictions. Witnesses of such stature characterized the times. CFF2 1043.2

But these still remained isolated or independent voices. There were as yet no denominations, as such, that had espoused Conditionalism, though there were now certain congregations that shared the views of their Conditionalist pastors. Coordinated testimony was yet to come. Nevertheless, the number and the geographical and denominational spread of the advocates of Conditionalism continued to increase. There was a slowly but steadily gathering momentum. CFF2 1043.3

2. CONSPICUOUS CONDITIONALIST ADVANCES IN NINETEENTH CENTURY

It was not, however, until the nineteenth century that really conspicuous advances were made. A new impetus was given when certain denominations adopted Conditional-ism. And in Britain, in the latter quarter of the nineteenth century, certain Conditionalist organizations were formed of clergymen of various faiths to actively and unitedly promote the neglected and often despised truths of Conditionalism. CFF2 1043.4

A growing coordination of effort and interchange of view and support now took place between such spokesmen in Britain and on the Continent, and between the Old and New World advocates-yes, reaching out to India and Ceylon, down into South Africa, even out to China and Japan, as well as the Caribbean area of Inter-America, with champions in many lands. Conspicuous witness was given. And again it is to be noted that these recruits embraced prominent men of all Christian faiths. CFF2 1044.1

3. POWERFUL CONDITIONALIST LITERATURE MAKES APPEARANCE

Another augmenting factor was the production of a powerful Conditionalist literature by such men as Edward White of Britain, Emmanuel Petavel of Switzerland, Henry Constable of England, Charles Hudson and John Pettingell of the United States, and William Moncrieff of Canada. Numerous periodicals heralded the cause of Conditionalism, and on both sides of the Atlantic impressive symposiums were published in book form. The issue was thus forcefully and persuasively brought before the Christian Church in many lands. CFF2 1044.2

Stalwarts on every continent continued to arise, including some of the ablest Christian scholars of the day. As a result, the conflict widened, and the old trilemma of the three schools of the Early Church was again in full swing-Immortal-Soulism, Universalism, and Conditionalism, with the lines sharply drawn and the stress of conflict stepped up. CFF2 1044.3

4. CONFLICT INTENSIFIES IN TWENTIETH CENTURY

Such was the situation at the dawn of the twentieth century. The discussion intensified, the literature multiplied, and the enlarging number of devotees of Conditionlism became more aggressive. Recent decades have been marked by a ground swell of revolt against the traditional position. So Conditionalism has steadily shifted from the defensive position of an ostracized view to a recognized school of Christian teaching in a vital field, coming to the fore through the sheer caliber and standing of its advocates. CFF2 1044.4

Some went all the way and were full-fledged Conditionalists. Others came out but part way, having broken with one or more of the major positions of Immortal-Soulism, and the correlated dogma of eternal torment for the wicked. But together they gave a witness growing in volume and influence. CFF2 1045.1