Especially on the relation of this subject to missions, there ought to be some definite statement. At the present time there is a great revival of interest in missions. But there is a marked lack of direct incentive. What are the heathen to be saved from? Is it from endless torment? Certainly that is not believed. If it were, we would move heaven and earth to save even one of them from that fate. Is it then from extinction? Such a claim is never definitely put forward. Then is it from the suffering incident to reformation? No one speaks of that. There is no definite incentive urged to impel men to sustained and eager missionary enterprise. Hence we fear that missionary enterprise will wane. There is a general idea of saving the heathen; but from what? There is no definite idea; at least none is put forward. I think there ought to be a brotherly conference, composed of men holding diverse views on this subject, that if possible some unanimity might be arrived at--some definite issue that would be fearlessly outspoken, that would be a real and compelling incentive. It may be said that certainty cannot be arrived at, and that therefore silence is better. That may well be doubted. Certainty in general is not likely to be attained all at once. There will first be a period of inquiry. What saith the Scripture? What saith reason? And what saith our own instinct? Then there will be a period of probability. After that there may come a time of certainty. The fact that unanimity of view may not be attainable at present is no good reason for treating such a momentous topic with silence. I reckon that he does a service to mankind if he contributes anything to the solution of this great question, even if by so doing he stirs up opposition. Surely at this late day we ought to be able to say something definite about men's eternal destiny. The soul has naturally a strong affinity for truth. Hence there is nothing more demoralizing than any sustained attempt to believe that which does not commend itself to our most sacred convictions. Far better it is to be honest and sincere, even though that may involve temporary error. I believe that to the devout and enquiring soul the truth will be revealed in due time. It is to the upright that there ariseth light in the darkness. Colonel Ingersoll was not so deficient in honesty and candor as is usually supposed; but, combined with an unfortunate early training, the issue in his case was disastrous. A noted clergyman was on confidential terms with him, and on one occasion Mr. Ingersoll told him the secret of his infidel opinions. He said he was early taught that God elected a few of the human race to eternal glory, and that the vast remainder He decreed to everlasting fire; "and," said Mr. Ingersoll, "I determined to hate Him." "If I believed that," said the clergyman, "I would hate Him too." So, on the day of final account, there may be extenuations that will surprise us.