For one thing, it may be doubted if a finite being is
capable of committing an infinite sin. If he is not, the whole argument
collapses.
Then if he is capable of it, and if the sin in justice demands an
infinite punishment, how can a just God forbear inflicting the
punishment at once? But He waits to be gracious. Is not that a
transgression of the strict law of justice? But if in justice He can
wait an hour, why not a year? And if a year, why not a hundred years?
And if a hundred years, why not forever? Thus the penalty would be
avoided altogether.
Further; if sin demands an infinite penalty, the penalty could never be
rendered. For infinity has no end; and so, prolong the penalty as we
might through uncounted aeons, there would still be an eternity to come.
Therefore, the penalty would never be exacted. It requires the whole of
eternity; and eternity will never end. Therefore, on this showing, with
all reverence, God might as well stop at once, and claim no penalty, for
the penalty goes on forever; and forever has no end. Not even a moiety
of the penalty could be inflicted; for a moiety can be measured, but
infinity has no measurement.
Besides; if the penalty is to be infinite in duration, might not a very
mild punishment suffice as well as a more intense punishment? For the
sum total would be equal.
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