In fact, there was no hint at all of immortality.
Yet the speaker is a Presbyterian minister who professes to believe in
eternal torment. But not a word did he say on that topic. Surely, he
might have found the supreme incentive there. It strikes me that a few
earnest words along that line would have had more effect than his entire
address. That is, if the doctrine of eternal torment is true, and if the
preacher believes it. But in all fairness, does not the conviction force
itself upon us that he does not believe it? Why, then, does he not say
so? Especially, why does he not say so when he is pleading for
missions? He is afraid, perhaps, of pains and penalties. Or he may try
to convince himself that it is wiser not to be too outspoken; that there
is a time for everything; that he might do more harm than good; and
so on.
But the truth is divine. No good can come of its suppression, especially
on a matter of such eternal moment. And how can we look for further
light, if we are unfaithful to the light we have? And what about the
character of duplicity we are fostering in our own souls in the name of
righteousness?
Listen to these scathing words of warning spoken by Caryle. He says:
"What is incredible to thee, thou shalt not at thy soul's peril attempt
to believe."
How will it fare with any church that acts so? Will not the light that
is in her be darkness? How can we expect to receive growing divine
illuminations if we affect to believe what we are convinced is untrue?
Would it not be wiser and safer to put all the orthodox Confessions on
the shelf--yes, on the top shelf--and take instead such a simple creed
as this: "We believe the Scripture to be the Word of God.
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