an instance of divine power subduing in a moment the most extreme and
violent wickedness. The chief of sinners became the chief of saints.
Yes; but the man never lost his freedom. In recounting that experience
he could say, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." This union
of divine constraint and human freedom is an everlasting mystery; but
not the less is it a glorious fact.

Now, why should not the same principles hold in the next life? The
wickedness of a sinner may possibly be even more intense then than now;
but the overcoming love, and power, and wisdom will be infinite. What,
then, should hinder their ultimate triumph? Certainly, not the most
terrible wickedness of puny man. It is but finite at the worst, and is
no match for the infinite love and power of God. And then consider that
the redeeming blood of Christ will be of infinite value then as now, and
so will be available for the worst. What a prospect of universal
Restoration is opened up here to our faith!

But there may still lurk in some minds the idea that divine love is
limited to this life, and that justice alone will rule in the next. They
have an idea of different dispensations; they say that this is the
dispensation of probation; that the next life is the dispensation of
rewards and punishments; and so on. Well, there may be a truth in that,
and a wholesome truth, too. But let it ever be remembered that the
character of God is unchangeable. What we call dispensations are but
epochs in the divine government. But the qualities of God's character
will never change. His love is from everlasting to everlasting; so is
His power; so is His wisdom. Will these qualities of His character be
inoperative in a future life, when there will be such sin and suffering
to appeal to them? However great the sin may be, surely divine love,
wisdom, and power will be infinitely greater.