Now, if "all sin is forgiven sin," as the author says, and as I believe
it is, then how can there in justice be everlasting suffering? The
suffering cannot in justice be punishment, since the sin is forgiven;
nor can it be discipline if the suffering has no end, for no moral
improvement would be attained thereby, but the very maximum of evil.
Surely, a merciful and just and wise God cannot be the Author of any
such scheme? Would it not be a thousand times more reasonable to
conceive of suffering as being temporary; to be inflicted as a necessary
discipline; and then when the discipline is attained, to cease?
The reverent and reasonable way of looking at the entire matter seems to
be something like this: First; all sin is forgiven in virtue of the
Atonement that has been made. The benefit of that Atonement extends to
the first man of our race, as well as to the last one. The benefit of it
extends to the whole family of man, whether heathen or not; and whether
small sinners or great.
Further; every man is a sinner in some degree, and he needs a degree of
discipline which the present life does not provide, but which is
provided in the next. This will be as varied as men's character and
attainments. In those who have risen high, it may well be described as
a passage into glory, for it will, indeed, be realized as such.
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