In the Scriptures we have a revelation of God's character, so far as we can receive such a revelation. We can also form some ideas of His law, and the potentiality of His wisdom and love. We have besides a revelation of the nature of sin, and can have some idea of what it deserves. Moreover, Christ is "the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." When we are illuminated with this divine Light, submit all our opinions to the Word of God, and are raised to an impartial plane of judgment, I reverently think we may and ought to make some intelligent forecast as to the suffering of the next life. In fact we have not the option of remaining entirely without ideas on a subject that so vitally concerns ourselves. We must project our thought at times into the future, and form some ideas, more or less concrete, as to what is in store for the race. It seems well, therefore, to use reason and revelation conjointly, so far as they will carry us. And while not dogmatic, we ought to remember Bishop Butler's dictum, that if two views are opposed, and one is even a little more probable than the other, we ought to embrace it as though it were clearly demonstrated. Along the same line Mr. Gladstone says: "The free development of conviction is, upon the whole, the system most in favor both of truth and of charity." * * * * * I am very far, therefore, from jumping at new conclusions, especially on a subject of such tremendous solemnity. But I feel that we should keep our minds and our hearts open, realizing how little we know yet of God, and of His illimitable dispensations. Especially should we hail with thankfulness any gleam of light on the awful darkness that has so long brooded over the destiny of by far the largest portion of mankind. The eminent Dr. Funk, who is well known to be a profound thinker on such matters, writes me as follows: "What is called 'Eternal Fire,' or 'Eternal Punishment,' it seems to me, may mean simply, that long continued suffering, both negative and positive, which wilful imperfection brings. It does not seem to me that the time can ever come when the Everlasting Father will abandon His child that He has created. No; it is infinitely less likely that He would do this than an earthly parent. Christ has said that the good shepherd will leave the ninety and nine, and continue to search until he finds the missing lamb."