Note B.
There are three points on the subject of the future state, which need to be discussed separately.
The first is, will there be an eventual separation of the human race, at some final consummation, so that from that point, through all eternity, there will be two separate communities, the good being perfect in character and happiness, and the bad reaping the natural results of their evil tempers and conduct for ever?
The second is, does our conduct in this life have an influence in deciding our degrees of happiness or misery in a future state, so that we reap the natural good or evil consequences of all we do here for ever?
The third is entirely independent of the other two, and is this: Is the eternal condition of every human being fixed at the hour of death; or is there with some a continued process of culture and discipline, and of upward and downward progress in a future state, extending to the day of final separation and consummation?
That some may become so good in this life as to insure an eternal upward progress, and that some may become so bad as to insure a perpetual downward progress, may be true, and yet, to others new opportunities may be given.
It is by revelations from the Creator alone that these points can be effectually settled. It is shown in chapter 27, that every system of religion or morals must be decided by these questions. Therefore, these questions, and the authority of the Bible on these points, must become the subject of renewed and earnest discussion.