The nerve of enthusiasm
for missions is cut if the appeal cannot be enforced by some definite
incentive to action; but usually there is no such incentive advanced.
There is no doubt or hesitation as to the positive part of salvation;
but as to the negative part of it there is no clear-cut deliverance.
The presumption is that there is usually no definite conviction. In the
evangelical churches there is some faint survival of the doctrine of
endless torment; but the preacher rarely or never presents it; it may be
because he does not really believe it; or because he knows that the
people will not believe it. I say, would it not be better to present the
idea of Restoration, and present the view strongly, with a pronounced
accent of conviction? Not only is such a course in my view required by
the claims of honesty, but the effect would be better beyond all
computation.
I have just referred to the incentive that we have to impel us to a
world-wide Evangelization. We have seen that the command of Christ was
practically unheeded for many hundreds of years. We can imagine that the
church will never again lapse to that low level of insensibility.
But, along with the command, we have a worthy incentive in the doctrine
of Restoration. If we can only realize that by faithful missionary
effort the heathen will require a pruning and development when they pass
out of this life, will not that be an effective and worthy incentive to
the best efforts of which we are capable?
It may be thought by some that the old doctrine of endless torment would
be more effective as an incentive.
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