anticipation? No, not at all. Not for a moment does the black shadow
intervene. How are we to account for that? I can think of only two ways;
either that there is no imagination to realize the horror, or else that
it is not really believed.

This painting of a roseate future, conjoined with a professed belief in
endless torment, savors to me somewhat of unreality. The two things do
not hang together. Surely, if such torment is but realized, it would
cast a pall of gloom even over heaven's joy. But let such torment be
abolished in fact and in conception, and the last vestige of gloom goes
along with it.

And what necessity is there for retaining the idea? Is there any barrier
in eternal justice? Surely, there cannot be, since Christ has paid a
penalty of infinite value for every soul of man. And is there any limit
to divine love? That love is infinite, and embraces the very worst of
our race. But perhaps there is no method by which eternal love can take
due effect? Will not infinite wisdom find a way? If there is any
difficulty left, calling for the exercise of infinite power, surely, it
is not beyond Him whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting?
Is it not thus reasonable to believe that all possible difficulties will
yet be solved? The infinite One who rules all worlds is from everlasting
to everlasting. His government may require time to evolve His gracious
designs; but He will do all His pleasure. Therefore, we believe the day
will come when sin and suffering shall be entirely done away. This is the

"Far off divine event
To which the whole creation moves."

It will be remembered that I cited the case of the conversion of Saul as