should he not be warned? The very warning might be the means of averting
such a fate. Surely, the most lurid picture of eternal woe would be
better than the realization of it. Yet it was seldom or never spoken of,
especially as to its duration.

Here, then, is a most serious consideration. If we can think of God
doing a thing, the horror of which we cannot bear to speak of, or even
to think of, is there not in this a strong presumption that the theory
is not true? Let this thought revolve for a while through your mind;
remember the strong affinity which the mind has for truth; and then see
if the thought which I am trying here to sustain is not a reasonable
one. Surely, we have here a strong argument against the theory of
endless torment.

There was lately a great Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. Amongst
other matters, all sorts of expedients were discussed as to how the
heathen of different countries could be most successfully reached.
Certain doctrines of Christianity were recognized as best fitting to be
presented to certain countries, as especially suited to meet the special
conditions that prevail. Strange to say, so far as I saw any report, the
doctrine of everlasting punishment was not once suggested as being
especially appropriate. Yet if it is true, what could be more
appropriate to the heathen mind of all countries? Is it really believed
by Missionaries, and those who support them? If it is, why not present
it? If it is not, why not expunge it from our stated confession of
faith? Can we not afford to be honest on this supremely sacred question?
When an intelligent heathen is converted to the Christian faith, and
realizes that we profess to believe what we do not really believe, what
will he think of us? Will not the Christian church lose more than it
gains by this worldly wisdom, which essentially is moral cowardice?