Just apply that principle to the theory of everlasting torment. Is it to
be supposed that God really "aims" at that, and that hence He
"infallibly accomplishes" it? It is almost blasphemy to think so. Yet
that is the idea that has been held to be orthodox, and any apparent
swerving from it has been treated as a serious departure from the faith.
But men's hearts are sometimes better than their heads; hence we hear
little now of eternal torment.
And the heart is a good place for a reform in doctrine to begin. When
these larger ideas simmer for a while in men's hearts, they will
gradually find expression on their tongues. There are many men who feel
the truth now that they will speak bye and bye. There is at present a
fear, and a natural fear, of being disloyal to orthodoxy: but I believe
the truth will come triumphantly to the front later on. There is a stage
of silence, and there is a stage of speech. Meantime I plead for
toleration; that is as much as can be expected now. It is well if we
have advanced so far. Not long ago there was persecution.
To all this it may be objected that if men remain obdurate in this
life, withstanding all the overtures of mercy that are addressed to
them, is it not likely that they will remain so for ever? This is a
serious question. Let us seriously consider it.