But not a word of incentive is given. We are not told what the heathen
are to be saved from, or what they are to be saved to. Surely we would
like to know if they are going straight to everlasting fire if they are
not converted. That is the doctrine of the church; but it does not seem
expedient to express it. Why? Because it is not believed. If it were
believed would there not be plenty of funds to carry the gospel to the
ends of the earth? So we hang on in theory to the doctrine of eternal
torment; but we do not dare, nor are we inclined, to express it. Surely
it is time for a change; yes, a change to honesty and candor. If we are
undecided, let us say so; the truth will prevail in due time. It is "to
the upright there ariseth light in the darkness."
Nor, as I have said, does the circular give a hint or hope of what the
heathen are to be saved to. There is no suggestion of "glory, honor, and
immortality." Is not this altogether too vague a way of extorting money?
But let it be made clear that by our efforts the worst of the heathen
will be put in the way of salvation, and in many cases of possession of
it, and I think there would be no lack of funds. Let it be shown that
whatever there is of future suffering is on account of sin, and that it
is a divine preparation for eternal joy, and the most hardened and
selfish will have a worthy appeal to their liberality.
For notwithstanding all hardness and selfishness, there is deep down in
the human heart a feeling of wonderful kindness for our own kith and
kin. Witness the heroic efforts that are willingly made to save a fellow
creature from danger or death. See the agony that is endured by the most
selfish when every effort seems fruitless. Yes; we see this very plainly
in the case of temporal danger or death. Would not we see the same
solicitude multiplied a thousand fold if it were realized that the
issues involved are eternal?
When we get to that point where these great issues can be presented as
real facts, and not merely as half believed theories, I believe there
would be no difficulty in raising funds for missions. And surely, it
will not then be a matter of assessment, but of free will. May the
glorious day be hastened!
IV.
INFINITE JUSTICE.
A Strong Argument--Universal Atonement--Infinite Justice Satisfied--A
Candid Methodist Minister--Can Man Commit an Infinite Sin--Everlasting
Punishment Could Never Be Endured--Uses of Suffering--Punitive and
Remedial--The Penalty has Been Paid--Moral Effect--Mystery of Pain--Not
Punishment but Chastening--Extending Our Outlook Beyond--Boundless
Space and Time--Operation of Grace in the Next Life--Infinite
Power--Infinite Mercy--Infinite Love--Incentive to Endless Praise.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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