As
Dickens says:--"There is nothing innocent or good that dies and is
forgotten; let us hold to that faith or none." But how does such an idea
comport with that of eternal torment? It is admitted that many men who
are not Christians, have yet a great deal of good in them. Is that good
to be preserved or destroyed? No surer way could be taken to extinguish
it than to consign such persons to everlasting suffering. Not only would
the good in them be speedily extinguished but the evil would be
intensified beyond all calculation. And I think such effects are
reckoned upon, and expected, by the advocates of eternal torment. What a
burlesque that seems to be on the beneficent purpose of God. Far easier
is it to believe that a state of education and discipline is ordained,
whereby the good that God Himself has created will be conserved and
expanded forever.
* * * * *
In this connection it is well to remember that God is ever the same. His
dispensations may change; but He changes never. If He is love, and
power, and pity, and wisdom now, He has the same qualities from
everlasting to everlasting. Some appear to think that for the present He
is exercising forbearance and patience; but that when eternity dawns He
will proceed to stern justice and relentless vengeance.
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