One infinity of duration and of suffering is
equal to another; so there would be no need to inflict any severe
suffering; infinity of duration would make the suffering infinite in
amount, however slight it might be in quality. So if an eternity of
suffering could be endured, which it cannot, the smallest degree of
discomfort would be sufficient to meet the demand.
And it is not to be forgotten that all these assumptions are based upon
the theory that God is only strict justice, whereas we know that He is
love as well; yes, and wisdom; so we believe He would find a better
method than the one we have sketched, even if it could be realized.
Thus, the whole argument breaks down. It is but a human invention, and
not a good invention; designed, it would seem, to support a foregone
conclusion. Ten thousand times better than all such absurd elaboration
is the simple statement that "His mercy endureth forever."
HESITATING AND HALTING.
Some time ago I presented this argument to a Presbyterian minister, not
suspecting in the least that he was wanting in orthodoxy. He said the
argument was conclusive, and that there is no such thing as eternal
punishment. I have since spoken with many ministers on the same topic;
and in no case was there any opposition. Many are hesitating and halting
between this view and the one that has so widely prevailed.
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