Think of this also, that for aught we know, such an object lesson may
be needed to all eternity, as a warning against sin. And we can conceive
that it may vary immensely in different cases. When we recognize the
variety of personality that has been created, the idea dawns on us that
a great variety of suffering may be required to be an effective lesson
through all eternity. Some may require more; others less. And God, who
knows and has ordained the mental and moral calibre of every human soul,
may regulate the discipline accordingly.

It may be, therefore, that Nebuchadnezzar could have been captured in a
moment, as in the case of Saul; but it may have been that such would not
have been a safe proceeding. He may have required the severer discipline
as a necessary object lesson to all eternity. Saul was reclaimed at
once; and if we may judge from his after life, he needed no prolonged
discipline; and it is probable he will need none through the endless
years. Thus God may adjust his discipline to each particular case.

* * * * *

And we can well believe that the sufferings passed through in time as
the result of sin may be so vividly recalled in the next life that they
will be a warning against sin to all eternity. When we reflect on the
vividness with which we now recall events of twenty, or forty, or sixty
years ago, we can well believe that with our quickened memory in
eternity, the events that happened in time will stand out in vivid
reality for ever.

It does not seem far-fetched then to believe that this is the special
function of suffering. Such a theory goes far to explain the mystery of
pain. It may really be an everlasting warning against sin; and thus the