“No: of course, His knowledge would have no effect upon their past conduct.”
“Then, if you please, tell me what is the difference between God’s looking back over the past and looking forward over the future. How would His knowledge affect human destinies in the one case more than in the other?”
Ernest thought for a moment, and then said:
“Why, there is this difference: whatever God foreknows must take place.”
“Undoubtedly,” said Mr. Hillston, “but does God’s after-knowledge affect the conduct of men?”
“No, sir.”
“Then how does God’s foreknowledge differ from his after-knowledge—that is the question. Is there any difference?”
“Just at this moment,” replied Ernest in some confusion, “I am not prepared to say; but it does seem to me unjust in God to sentence men to torment before they are born.”
“But if the condemnation is for the same sins, why not condemn before they are born as well as after?”