It is a question, rather, as to which view is more
consonant with reason and Scripture. We are not to suspend our judgment
until the matter is proved beyond the shadow of a doubt. We do not act
so in other matters. If we did, we should have few earnest convictions
on any subject. It is sufficient if a certain view is more probable than
another. In that case, according to Bishop Butler's dictum, we should
believe it as though it were demonstrated. In this particular case,
though the question is beset with a great deal of mystery, as we might
expect, the theory of discipline is far more agreeable with Scripture
and reason than that of everlasting torment.
The great panacea for unbelief is a larger view. We have to take in the
future, in order to see the rounding out of God's great plan. 'An
edifice may be hideous if seen from the rear, and incomplete. But wait
till it is finished, and then view it from some vantage ground in the
front, and its noble proportions and beauty are appreciated. So it is
with the divine plan. We see but a part of it now, and the lower part.
But bye and bye it will be complete. Then--
"Ye good distrest! Ye noble few
Who here unbending stand, beneath
Life's pressure--bear up yet a while,
And what your bounded view deemed evil
Is no more, the storms of wintry time
Will quickly pass, and one unbounded spring
Encircle all.
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