Then there is this further difficulty: what is to become of the evil angels? If we have to admit endless misery for these, why not for man? Yet the Bible gives no hint that the Devil will in the end be reconciled to God, and go to heaven. (3.) _Their destruction._ Lastly, as to the other and only possible alternative, the _destruction_ of the wicked. This may be better described as their failure to obtain everlasting life; which is here regarded not as the attribute of all men, but as being _conditional_ on a man's fulfilling certain duties and developing a certain character in this life. And the wicked, not having done this, will eventually be destroyed and cease to exist. Numerous texts can be quoted in favour of this theory.[478] And it is also supported by the analogy of nature: for if an organism or a species is a failure, it eventually _ceases to exist_; it is not kept alive for ever as a disfigurement to the world. [Footnote 478: _E.g._, John 6. 51; Rom. 6. 23; Matt. 10. 28.] This theory, no doubt, presents less moral difficulties than either of the others, but it is not free from them. For are the wicked to be _punished_ after death previous to their destruction? If they are not, justice is not satisfied; and while excessive punishment seems a reflection on God's character, no punishment at all for sinners who have been successful in this world, seems equally so. Yet, on the other hand, any punishment which precedes destruction seems merely vindictive, and of no possible use. Each of these theories, then, appears improbable, but the _endless misery_ of the wicked is scarcely more so than the others, and therefore, as it is the one most strongly supported by the Bible, we seem bound to accept it. One remark may however be made in conclusion, and it brings a little comfort into this saddest of all truths. It is that whatever doubt may exist as to the future state of the wicked, of one thing we may be quite sure--that their punishment will not be in excess of what they deserve. They will be treated fairly; and every merciful allowance will be made for circumstances, including the inherent weakness of human nature. Christianity indeed seems to emphasise this more than any other religion, since men are to be judged not by the Father, but by the Son; apparently for this very reason that, being Man, He can sympathise with human weakness.[479] And after the judgment, persons will enjoy heaven just in proportion as their lives on earth have rendered them capable of doing so, while the misery of the lost will also be in exact proportion to what they deserve. [Footnote 479: John 5. 27.] (_C._) THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRUE BELIEF.