Surely at this late day we ought
to be able to say something definite about men's eternal destiny.
The soul has naturally a strong affinity for truth. Hence there is
nothing more demoralizing than any sustained attempt to believe that
which does not commend itself to our most sacred convictions. Far better
it is to be honest and sincere, even though that may involve temporary
error. I believe that to the devout and enquiring soul the truth will be
revealed in due time. It is to the upright that there ariseth light in
the darkness.
Colonel Ingersoll was not so deficient in honesty and candor as is
usually supposed; but, combined with an unfortunate early training, the
issue in his case was disastrous. A noted clergyman was on confidential
terms with him, and on one occasion Mr. Ingersoll told him the secret of
his infidel opinions. He said he was early taught that God elected a few
of the human race to eternal glory, and that the vast remainder He
decreed to everlasting fire; "and," said Mr. Ingersoll, "I determined to
hate Him." "If I believed that," said the clergyman, "I would hate Him
too." So, on the day of final account, there may be extenuations that
will surprise us.
Let it not be supposed that I have any sympathy with Ingersoll's infidel
views. On the contrary, I abhor them.
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