It was mainly to emphasize
that fact that we entered on this discussion. It is one phase of the
agreement, and a vital one, between the Christian churches. While there
is much diversity of view as to the mode and the object and the duration
of suffering, there is a broad basis of agreement as to the fact.
Not only, therefore, does the doctrine of eternal punishment recognize
suffering as the effect of sin, but so does the doctrine of extinction.
To be eternally put out of being, and so precluded forever from eternal
happiness, is punishment beyond the power of the mind to conceive. As we
cannot conceive of the felicity of eternal joy, so we cannot conceive of
the loss of it.
It is a matter of no great moment to others how I myself stand on this
great question, except for the reasons which I think support it. I am by
no means dogmatic on the subject, for the reason, as stated before, that
revelation does not seem to give a clear and direct deliverance on it.
But I do think that there are much clearer and more emphatic Scriptural
statements in favor of the doctrine of Restoration than any of the
alternate theories.
I think, moreover, that reason is clearly in favor of it, so far as
reason will carry us. And I believe what an eminent minister said
lately: "We ought to make our faith reasonable to reasonable minds.
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