FUTURE PUNISHMENT.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2864, 20 April 1878, Page 2

FUTURE PUNISHMENT.

(To the "Editor of the Evening Star.) Sib,—ln the quotation of yours of the 18th from the York Daily Graphic on future punishment, that this is ofiered as the strongest motive for people to do right, I think different. It is the old notion the nurse used to make use of in getting the children to cease from crying by telling them there was a black man down in the cellar below that would come up and devour them if they did not give over. By telling this lie they often accomplished their purpose; but was it wise, and the best way to do it P The old Puritans might be terrified into obedience, but it was not the obedience of a loving child, but the obedience of a terrified slave, being afraid of the punishment. I admit there are a few passages of Scripture that have a strong bearing that way, but those that have carefully studied the Scriptures know that it can be quoted in support of the most absurd things imaginable. But if the Scriptures have to keep their hold on the public mind they must be so interpreted as to be in har« mony with the acknowledged attributes of God. Any interpretation that makes God low and wicked must be rejected. We had better*not believe in God than to believe that he is maliceful, vindictive and unforgiving. It is said that God's mercy endureth for ever, and if so, is it possible for that same Being to keep the greatest portion of the human race in eternal torments? The very thought of it must make every right minded man shudder. There are some

very wicked men in the world, I admit; but I dispute that there is such a villain to be found that would keep his greatest enemy is such a place if he had the power. Then, ho<r could it possibly happen that God could keep those miserable wretches in such a place, when Mis mercy etsdureth for everP There are noble minded men that would, it they could, make all men and women wise and good, and then they would make them all happy ; they would dry up every tear, heal every broken heart; tltey would liberate the captive, unloose the bonds of the slave and let him go free; they would pour in oil and* balm to every wound, and would give joy to the sorrowful, rest to the weary, peace to the troubled, and ease to all that are m pain. If there are men with such feelings., surely there is a fountain from whence they flow ; and that is the great fountain of light and life, from whence sprung ait creation. Dare any one that believes in God say that He cannot or will not bring about this result? And if wo believe that God can and will bring about this great cud, is not this enough to inspire love, respect, and reverence that words cannot utter nor-pen describe ? Would not this be a better motive to call forth obedience than the thought of eternal torment P In many respects the Puritans were a class of people not fit for an example to go by. They were a hard, stern, unfeeling people, like their creed. And woe be to any one that differed from them; they would murder him. And they did more to make men hate religion than they ever did to make them love it. —I am, Ac, J. Hobn. April 20th, 1878.