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one which arises from the doctrine of endless torments. This they will not hear of; and so they cannot accept the book which, they are told, teaches it. While others, not able to go so far, are drifted on to the sands of a 'universal restoration.' Towards this the current gains in strength daily. And, if what is here offered shall restrain or recall any from a course so dangerous, one important end of it will be answered. The author is not ignorant, indeed, of the opposition to be expected by any one venturing on an attempt of this kind. There are various considerations sure to start up at once in violent opposition to the very mention of it. Of these some are of the most devout and venerable kind. With a purer zeal than Eli ever knew do those who entertain them tremble for the ark of God. To question the reality of eternal misery is, they sincerely believe, the same as to question the reality of divine justice, or the necessity of the atonement. Disturb this stone in the citadel of truth, and all security for everything else is gone. No wonder that, with such feelings, they should deplore the attempt to show that the word 'perish,' when used of the soul, has the meaning which all allow to be its natural and ordinary one when it is used of other things. Considerations like these-however ill-founded they may be-one cannot but sincerely respect and sympathize with. Other objections, again, are of a different character; having too much

to do with mere prescription and `prejudice—too much in common with weapons largely employed in maintaining many of the worst of systems. These considerations, instead of the devout tone which distinguishes the others, are apt rather to exhibit an undevout irritability which might almost betray their origin, and to embody themselves in expressions which may alarm the timid, but can never convince the thoughtful. The word 'heretic,' for example, is too much relied on for settling the entire question; while a settlement so easy is perhaps made surer by a reference to the "damnable heresies" of "the last times." The undoubted danger of "divers and strange doctrines" is allowed, it may be, so to prey upon the mind, as to leave no room for the very important question-Which of the doctrines actually is the strange one? While the mere name 'destructionist'— though so like what the Scripture itself would suggest-and annihilationist,' which had better never be used at all—are employed as sufficiently bad to brand any one with indelible opprobrium, and to warrant the withdrawing from him of all right-minded Christian people. Such is the manner in which hard, perhaps hasty, words are allowed to settle a question peculiarly calling for tenderness of spirit, and calmness of judgment. Now it would certainly be sad, should it turn out that, in coming back to what we regard as a cardinal point in the "old paths," we had let

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"DELIVER me from the narrowing influence of human lessons, from human systems of theology. Teach me directly out of the fulness and freeness of Thine own Word. Hasten the time when, unfettered by sectarian intolerance, and unawed by the authority of men, the Bible shall make its rightful impression upon all; the simple and obedient readers thereof calling no man Master, but Christ only."-Dr. Chalmers.

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