13. Luke xvi. 22, 23, we read of a “certain rich man,” that “the rich man died, and was buried; and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.” Can a man of sense believe that a man after he died and was buried, was “in torments,” and believe that there are no torments after death?
14. Matt. xxv., the Lord says of the wicked, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.” Be it observed, these righteous are in the life of a christian already, or before they go into life eternal, and the wicked are in all the hell there is for them in this world already. But here at the time the righteous enter eternal life, the wicked enter everlasting punishment. The same Greek word aionion, in the same sentence, expresses the duration of the life of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked. Can a man of sense believe that the Lord used aionion in a limited sense in one place and an unlimited sense in the other?
15. Luke xiii. 23, we are informed that a man inquired of our Lord, “Are there few that be saved?” The Lord did not answer his silly question, but said to him, “Strive to enter in at the straight gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able.” Can a man of sense believe this statement, that they shall not be able to enter, and still believe that all shall enter? Do not begin to think of entering the church here now, for we know that all who seek to enter the church are able.
16. Ez. xiii. 22, the Lord says, “With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.” Can a man of sense believe that he strengthens the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life, and still believe that he is doing good in preaching that all men shall have life?
When our Universalist friends get so that they can answer these questions and explain the difficulties involved clearly and satisfactorily, the people may become satisfied that they are not sceptics.
[POPULAR AMUSEMENTS.]
Remarks upon a communication complaining of the increasing prevalence of revelry, under the plea of “innocent amusements.” Published in the A. C. Review, for July, 1860.
