Again, the meaning of many texts depends on the subject before the mind of the speaker. Thus when Christ replied to the question, “Are there few that be saved?” did he refer to all beings in the whole universe, or to the present world, and to that present time when “the righteous” were comparatively a small portion of mankind?
Again much that relates to the spirit-world can not be fully taught or comprehended. St. Paul says that, when caught up into the third heaven, he saw, not, as in our translation, things not “lawful” to utter, but, in the original Greek, “impossible” to utter.
Again, the results thus gained from the Bible should be considered in connection with the analogies of nature and God’s providence in regard to the continued development of mind and character, which in this life has so short and imperfect a period, and in most cases so many and great disadvantages.
In completing such an investigation, much time and mental effort may be required, but is there any employment of time and intellect so important as this end?
In offering these suggestions, the author may refer to her own extended observation of the results of religious educational training in the family, as witnessed in the diverse sects with which she has mingled, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish; for she counts excellent and intelligent friends in all.
She finds all united in the belief of a future life in which the character formed in this life controls the eternal well-being; so that those who are trained to truth, justice, and mercy will be forever happier than those who grow up in sin and wickedness.
She finds that the right education of children and servants is more and more an object of care and effort; and that, as the consequence, the world is growing better rather than worse.
And finally, she rejoices in the increasingly open avenues to useful and remunerating occupations for women, enabling them to establish homes of their own, where, if not as the natural mother, yet as a Christ-mother, they may take in neglected ones, and train future mothers, teachers, and missionaries for the world.