Yet the Scripture declares that all doctrine
is "profitable." If it cannot be used, the inevitable inference is that
it is not doctrine, and is not true.
Here then is an idea for the Layman's Missionary Movement. How many men
in that movement really believe in eternal torment? Like myself, many of
them may have been taught the catechism which speaks of "God's wrath and
curse both in this life, and that which is to come;" also "the pains of
hell forever." But what is their belief now? In many cases do they not
utterly repudiate such ideas? In other cases, and I think the great
majority, they may not have seriously thought of the matter at all. But
their instincts would strongly favor the more liberal view.
Ought not all men in that great movement seriously think of the matter
now? Are they satisfied that such a doctrine should still remain in our
creeds. For it does certainly remain in the creeds of the Methodist and
Presbyterian Churches. Surely it is not enough to say that it is not
preached. Any very zealous missionary might preach it, and you could not
forbid him. And when some cultured heathen would find out that such a
doctrine is in our creed, would it suffice to tell him that we do not
preach it? When he would realize that on a matter of such awful import,
we really professed one thing, and believed another would he have any
use for our Christianity? Besides; if the Spirit of Truth has taught us
the truth in our inmost souls, and yet if we repudiate that truth, how
shall we give our account? We quoted Carlyle, who has a most scathing
warning for all those who act such a double part.
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