of divine wisdom, whence we were sent forth to do, well or badly,
our little work down here:

Future punishment? We think not.

One drop of water revives the wounded hero--another helps to give
wet feet and consumption to a little child. It all depends on
circumstances.

Both drops go back to the ocean. There is no rule that sends the
good drop to heaven and the other to boil forever and ever in a
sulphur pit. ----

Troubles beset us when we think of a future state and our reason
quarrels always with our longings. We all want--in heaven--to
meet Voltaire with his very thin legs. But we cannot believe
that those skinny shanks are to be immortal. We shall miss the
snuff and the grease on Sam Johnson's collar. If an angel comes
up neat and smiling and says "Permit me to introduce myself --I
am the great lexicographer," we shall say "Tell that to some
other angel. The great Samuel was dirty and wheezy, and I liked
him that way."

And children. The idea of children in heaven flying about with
their little fluffy wings is fascinating. But would eternal
childhood be fair to them? If a babe dies while teething, shall
it remain forever toothless? How shall its mother know it if it
is allowed to grow up?

Listen to Heine--that marvellous genius of the Jewish race: