Restoration, so far
as I can see, is the only settlement of the difficulty. But that settles
it completely. In the next world they will learn the way of eternal life
which they could not learn here, and ultimately they will rise to
eternal blessedness. If there were nothing else, the settlement of that
transcendent problem would be a strong endorsement of Restoration.
Then there were heathens who in this life rose very high in knowledge
and character. On the principle that whatever is good is immortal, what
they gained here will be supplemented, until they are fit for the
inheritance of the saints. "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will
perform this."
The idea of Restoration also explains the apparent cruelty of the God of
the Old Testament. Sinners were often cut off; and that was a salutary
lesson for others; but those who were cut off, were transferred to
scenes where they would have better surroundings, and where they would
in time rise to a higher moral plane.
The same theory accounts for the salvation of infants. We all believe in
the salvation of infants. The heart refuses any other belief. But it is
largely a matter of sentiment, apart from the idea of Restoration. They
have no character whatever to begin with. But Restoration supplies--we
know not how and do not need to know--all they require.
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