If you have any doubt on that point look
up the references, and I think you will be convinced.
Now, since his temptation of Adam, and we know not how long before,
Satan has been persevering in a course of evil. Does not that fact seem
to indicate that sinners must have a long period of suffering in the
next life before they are reclaimed, if they ever are?
WE HAVE NO DATA.
To this view a number of answers may be given. In the first place, Satan
is of another race; we know very little of his former history, or the
circumstances of his fall; and we know not if any means for his recovery
have been provided. In the next place, a few thousand years may be but a
span in the long sweep of his existence. Then further, he does not seem
to be in a state of suffering at present. There is a hint in the Book of
Revelation that he will be so by and by; and we know not what may be in
store for him. As intimated before, some think he will be restored;
others think he will be annihilated. With such ignorance of the
circumstances of the case, it is plain that we have no data for forming
an opinion one way or the other. At the same time, we cannot help being
in sympathy with the words of Burns; they certainly touch a chord in all
our hearts:
"Then fare ye weel, auld nickey Ben;
O wad ye tak' a thought and men'
Ye aiblins micht--I dinna ken--
Hae still a stake.
Pages:
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308