on these matters but what they hear from the pulpit; and from that they
hear practically nothing. How much better it would be if they could be
warned very definitely of coming suffering, if they are not now
delivered from their sins. So long as there is sin there will be
suffering. I am convinced that the nerve of the preacher's message is
often cut by this want of a definite note of warning.

* * * * *

Let it be clearly noted that punishment is a large factor in the theory
of Restoration. Let no one suppose that the transition from sin to
holiness is an easy matter under any circumstances. There are multitudes
of men that go out of life so utterly wicked that they must suffer
terribly, and perhaps suffer long, before they are reformed. At least we
may suppose such to be the rule. There may be exceptions, like that of
Saul, to which we shall refer later. Sin unforgiven will pursue a man
into the next life, and exact a fearful penalty. The prodigal must eat
of the husks before he comes back to the Father.


A VITAL PHASE.

Here, then, is the point of agreement. Suffering is entailed by Sin.
Whatever view we espouse, that fact remains. It was mainly to emphasize
that fact that we entered on this discussion. It is one phase of the
agreement, and a vital one, between the Christian churches. While there
is much diversity of view as to the mode and the object and the duration
of suffering, there is a broad basis of agreement as to the fact.

Not only, therefore, does the doctrine of eternal punishment recognize