In marked contrast to such an idea just ponder for a moment some of the doctrines of the Calvinistic theology. To get a realistic idea of the matter, think of God bringing into the world one soul whom He destined for everlasting torment. That is no overstatement. For if there was no Atonement of Christ for that soul, there could be no possible escape for it. That soul was doomed from all eternity to everlasting fire. Yet the advocates of that thought will tell you that the Atonement was sufficient for all, and adapted to all. Moreover, they will tell you at the same time that God is Eternal Wisdom and Love! Could you conceive of a greater contradiction? It is no wonder that on this topic there has been a singular reserve of late years. It would appear that preachers are undecided as to what stand they ought to take; and so they usually say nothing definite on this momentous question. To a candid mind it must appear a strange thing that the question is so dormant. A more vital question could hardly be conceived. Yet hundreds of books are written, and thousands of sermons are preached, and the question is hardly touched. Will the impenitent have any suffering in the next life; and if so, of what kind, for what purpose, and of what duration? Almost nothing is advanced on such all-absorbing topics. We hear sometimes of the wrath of God in a very general way, which really has little meaning, so long as no hint is given as to what that wrath consists in. And we hear a great deal about opportunities in life being missed, without any specific intimation of the consequences. Do men really believe In future punishment at all? If they do, why do they not say so? Surely the subject is no trifling one that can be passed over smoothly. Is it not a matter of the most paramount, eternal interest for a man to know whether he is passing in a few brief years to extinction, or torment, or to a process of reformation? This would seem to be the question of all questions. And yet it is passed over Sabbath after Sabbath almost in silence. And when we think how any clear cut conviction might affect a man's character and life, we are surprised that conscientious men can treat the matter so coolly. Is it because they are in a state of transition as to which is the correct theory to be proclaimed? In that case, we could understand their hesitation. But surely such uncertainty ought to be acknowledged. But it is not confessed. It is a question if even a discussion of the different theories would not be better. Such a discussion would be likely at all events to keep men awake, and perhaps arouse their concern.