And
the principle is enough for us now. The details, we are sure, will be
worthy of Infinite Wisdom and Love.
It will thus be observed that our author's dictum that "all sin is
forgiven sin" absolutely forbids the idea of endless torment. It is a
marvel that he did not see this before. But somehow, likely from early
training, there is a strong disposition to retain the idea of endless
torment as though it were the Gospel. We think, on the contrary, that
any good reasons, whether founded on Scripture or on common sense,
should be hailed as a deliverance from intellectual and spiritual
bondage. Above all things, let us beware of turning the divine light
into darkness.
This is a mere sketch of the order that may be supposed to obtain in the
next life. We need to put Scripture and reason together to get a view of
such things as will commend themselves to our best judgment. And when we
have done our best, what can we really know of details? Not much,
certainly; but enough to appeal strongly to faith and hope. In fact,
anything like a complete revelation could not be given to us now and
here; for we have not the capacity nor the experience to understand it.
And even if it could be given, it might largely distract us from the
ordinary duties of life. It is a gracious Providence that shuts out the
unseen from these mortal eyes.
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