Ought not all men in that great movement seriously think of the matter
now? Are they satisfied that such a doctrine should still remain in our
creeds. For it does certainly remain in the creeds of the Methodist and
Presbyterian Churches. Surely it is not enough to say that it is not
preached. Any very zealous missionary might preach it, and you could not
forbid him. And when some cultured heathen would find out that such a
doctrine is in our creed, would it suffice to tell him that we do not
preach it? When he would realize that on a matter of such awful import,
we really professed one thing, and believed another would he have any
use for our Christianity? Besides; if the Spirit of Truth has taught us
the truth in our inmost souls, and yet if we repudiate that truth, how
shall we give our account? We quoted Carlyle, who has a most scathing
warning for all those who act such a double part.
* * * * *
It seems to me then that the Laymen in this Movement should prepare the
way for an honest and candid world-wide mission. Let them give
themselves no rest until this doctrine of eternal torment is expunged
from the creed of both the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. If it is
false, and known to be false, no worldly wisdom should be allowed to
retain it. Apparent missionary results might be slower, but would they
not be more real, and in the end far more numerous? And what a boon it
would be, not to have to suppress or disguise the Eternal wisdom, the
Eternal Power, the Eternal Love!
This reformation seems to me to be specially laid at the door of the
Laymen's Missionary Movement. It will readily be understood how
ministers of undoubted ability and consecration, are backward to
inaugurate such a movement. That many are in hearty sympathy with such a
reformation, I know well. Only let the men in the Missionary Movement
take a constitutional initiative in the matter, and they will be
surprised how many ministers will be with them. I know for a fact that
many are longing for just such a reformation.
I believe the time will come--perhaps has come--when the evangelical
churches will recast their traditional opinions on these doctrines. And
in recasting their opinions, who knows to what extent they may further
the spirit of unity? May the glorious day be hastened!
I can fancy that some will say that throughout this whole treatise I
have appealed too much to reason, and have not given sufficient
prominence to Scripture. I think any such charge would be unfair. Look
back and see if it is just. I have taken Scripture and reason combined;
and let it ever be borne in mind that both are equally divine gifts. On
the highest plane they are in perfect unison.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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