I think, then, that what has been advanced will make you seriously
reflect. Give the matter time, and thought, and prayer; and I think you
will have a larger vision of the truth, and a higher hope for our poor
lost race. To be sure, we are but groping in the twilight as yet. Yes;
but it is the twilight of the eternal morning!
The Principal of a theological college once said to me, when I asked him
if a certain topic was a proper one for discussion: "If you have a
reverent mind, you can discuss anything."
A few abstract propositions might first be stated. The orthodox doctrine
is, that sin is an infinite evil, and that therefore sin calls for
infinite punishment; but that as man is a finite being, he cannot render
infinite punishment in degree; therefore he must render it in duration;
hence there must be eternal suffering.
To this it may be replied, in addition to what I said before, that if
sin is an infinite evil, there could be no aggravation of it; for
nothing that is infinite can be increased, but we know that aggravations
of it are possible; hence the necessity of eternal punishment does
not follow.
Then, if suffering is infinite in duration, would not the mildest form
of inconvenience suffice? For infinity has no end. Therefore the sum
total of suffering of any degree would be infinite in amount.
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