honest? And many are longing to be honest, if only their way was clear.

And what an incalculable boon would then come to the world! I am
convinced that honesty in this matter on the part of ministers would
speedily issue in a mighty revival. For what is it that mainly keeps so
many men, especially working men, from the Church? There may be many
causes; but one undoubtedly is, an undefined idea that there is no
eternal torment, and that ministers know it, but are not candid enough
to say so. These men may not have studied the theology of the case, but
they cannot think of God--when they think of Him at all--as casting
innumerable people, and pretty good people--into everlasting fire. They
have an idea that that doctrine is in the orthodox creed; and so many
have an impression that the whole system of religion is a melancholy
farce. But give them a man who has the common feelings of humanity like
themselves, and interprets the true God to them as a God of love--and
their whole attitude will be changed. I am convinced that nothing would
have such a wide and gracious effect, as honesty on this question of
future punishment.

I see that a notable Presbyterian divine has been giving a course of
lectures on The Church and Men. For one thing, he seeks to account for
the fact that working men do not attend church. After glancing at the
progress of science, and the effect of the higher criticism, he says:
"It is alleged that the church has sometimes alienated thoughtful men by
her adherence to outworn creeds." The lecturer, however, makes but
little of this as a real cause of working men not allying themselves
with the church. I think it is along this line, however, but deeper,
that the chief cause may be found. The church has, indeed, "adhered to
outworn creeds" in her confessions. The dogma of reprobation, and a
limited atonement, and everlasting fire, are retained. But are they