2. United Brethren in Christ (Old Constitution). This body consists of those who hold that the act of the General Conference of 1885, creating a commission to revise the confession of faith and constitution, was unconstitutional, and all the proceedings under it were null and void. Bishop Milton Wright and eleven delegates withdrew from the General Conference of 1889 because of the announcement that the proceedings would conform to the revised constitution. They immediately convened in conference and proceeded to legislate and elect bishops and general church officers under the old constitution. The division was soon widely extended, involving many of the conferences and placing the ownership and occupancy of much church property in dispute. The "Liberals," as the majority are called, continued in possession of the general church property and offices, and also of most of the churches and parsonages. The Radicals have churches, ministers, and members. in many conferences, the titles of which they have preserved. Many suits have been entered in the courts to test the control of the property. A final decision has not yet been reached. The Radicals maintain an exclusive attitude towards all secret societies, according to the provision of the old constitution forbidding connection with any of them. They have 670 ministers, 817 churches, and 226,643 members.

For Missions, see section xxI.

Universalists.

The first Universalist church in the United States was organized by Rev. John Murray, Gloucester, Mass., in 1780. The first convention of Universalist ministers and parishes was held in 1785.

The general convention, whose present organization was formed in 1870, secures a uniform system of fellowship, and is the ultimate tribunal. The state conventions have jurisdiction over clergymen and parishes within their respective limits, subject to the right of appeal. The Winchester Confession, adopted in 1803, is as follows:

"I. We believe that the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind.

"II. We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

"III. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works; for these things are good and profitable unto men.

"Accepting this confession, the Universalist church claims to be thoroughly Christian in belief, holding inflexibly to the authority of the Bible, the divine mission and office of Christ, the absolute necessity of a holy life, the certainty of a just retribution for sin, and the assurance of the final triumph of good over evil, and holiness over sin, in all worlds, and all souls."

The general convention holds funds, which amounted to $132,ooo, in 1878, the interest of which is appropriated for the education of candidates for the ministry, and for the support of missions. In 1878, they had 23 state conventions, 73 associations, 863 parishes, 4 colleges, 2 theological seminaries, and 6 academies. They now have 735 ministers, 764 churches, and 48,426 members.

Unnamed Christians.

In contradistinction to the numerous bodies of Christian people who have appropriated special appellations to themselves, and applied them to their own peculiar belief, there are, here and there, scattered over the entire world, followers of the Lord Jesus, who have no creed but the Bible, and no church roll, but who trust by His grace that their "names are written in Heaven." These consecrated, Spirit-begotten children of God (James 1: 18.) are looking for a new name" in the resurrection. See Rev. 2: 17."To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name." Meantime, these faithful followers are content to simply lie low at the feet of Jesus, being taught by Him. Their church union is love, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. No collections are ever taken, no money ever solicited, they believing the Gospel should be without money and without price.

Their traveling evangelists, termed "Pilgrims," are supported