We might as well ask why Saul, for instance, was not
converted earlier. We can but say, "Even so Father, for so it seemed
good in Thy sight."
We have to remember that the present is only one domain of God's
administration. The whole span of time which is to us so vast, is but a
passing epoch to Him. If we would keep this in mind, it would solve
many supposed difficulties.
I think it will be freely granted that no design of God can ultimately
fail. But if we follow up that principle, there is no eternal torment;
for if will hardly be contended that God designed it. And so with final
extinction. It would be a reflection on the divine intention to suppose
that he called into being such myriads of the human race, and so
wonderfully endowed them, merely to extinguish them at last. This
principle, if duly studied, will be seen, I think, to eliminate all
possibility both of extinction and of endless torment.
When we consider how both extinction and torment might have been
avoided, we are forced to believe that neither alternative was in God's
plan. When sin was introduced by our first parents, He might at once
have cut them off, or rendered them childless. In either case the
myriads of the human race would not have appeared, and thus any
alternative of torment or extinction would have been avoided.
Pages:
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260