additional senses, of which we cannot now conceive the use, but which shall prove the media of new and hitherto unconceived sensations of delight; and to all the enjoyment derivable from this source will be added all that shall arise from a renovation of our moral faculties-resplendent in the light of the divine approval— clothed with the reflected glory of his perfections-and rejoicing in an entire and for ever emancipation from sin and sorrow, and a prospective perpetuity of bliss upon bliss to eternity. 66 Nevertheless, as one star differeth from another star in glory, so also is the resurrection of the dead." It seems anything but reasonable to suppose that there will be no difference at that era betwixt Paul (for example) and the individual who passed from time without having taken the first step in moral advancement. I mean not by this, that the former merits a higher order of blissfor the bliss of heaven is not to be conferred on such ground-but I mean that it would be an utter departure from the uniform course of things under God's moral government. We here experience that effort is the price of all attainment, both moral and intellectualthat all advancement, as well as retrogression, is progressiveand that our souls (like gardens in nature) cannot be got into a condition of yielding the fruits of the spirit in any great degree of excellency or abundance, without sedulous and persevering culti vation. These things we know to be the case at present, and we have no reason for supposing they will be different with us when we enter upon a new stage of existence. The above, reader, is all that I can propose for your faith on this dim subject; if you wish for more particular and authoritative information about it, why, doubtless, it is to be had very cheaply of certain persons, who dogmatize with most positiveness in matters of which they are least informed. The wise man is content with saying, that when the body shall return to the dust as it was, the spirit shall return to the God who gave it further concerning it he pretendeth to know nothing: but a modern poet (more enlightened) informs us, that "To heaven it flies, not there to dwell, But hear its doom, and sink to hell." A piece of poetry, this, which I have oft heard sung in the churches, but have never been able to find in the writings of Peter or Paul. It quite sufficeth me to be wise concerning these matters within scripture warrant; and especially as I have no particular anxieties about it, from a consideration that "whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's ;" and being his, his wisdom and goodness will see to our being properly taken care of. I therefore close this essay as I begun it, by remarking, that to human wisdom, relative to the state immediately subsequent to death, very narrow limits are assigned. THE BETTER WORLD. There's a region above There our toils shall be done, There shall friends no more part, INDEX TO COMPARISONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS USED IN THIS WORK. The folly of intolerance in regard to differences in religious opinions,... .......... The way to reconcile apparent discrepances in a work of which the author is known,........ Page. 30, 31 Another illustration of the same point,.. The faithfulness of God, in his promises, is not dependant on the faith of man,. The injustice of holding a person to the consequences of a compact, m wnich he was not a voluntary party,.. The law of God cannot be satisfied with what it does not require, The divine law does not comprise penalties which are adapted to defeat its own ends,.. The Creator would not have brought man into being, with the foresight that he should be endlessly miserable,..... And provided he had so created him, he would have been justly chargeable with the consequences,. 77 God's relation to men, as Creator, a ground for his pity toward them,..... 78 Our unfilial conduct toward God does not change his relation to us, as our Father,. . . 86 The endurance of God's paternal love,.. 87 He will not abandon his offspring to infinite ruin,... 88, 89 The character of a ruler inferrible from the condition of his subjects,.. 90,91 A ruler is answerable for the avoidable evils which he wilfully ............ 91, 92 94 96, 97 God is less excusable than earthly rulers, (on the supposition that he inflicts endless suffering) for the miseries endured by the victims of his vengeance,.. 97, 98 ....... The perseverance of the good shepherd in saving lost man,. 113 117 124 And with the early experience of every christian,.. • The use of religion if our future salvation is unconditional,..... Page 194 136 ....148, 149 Sin, according to endless misery, only takes us the sooner to hea ven,.. Bad society in heaven,. According to endless misery there are many more rogues saved than honest men,..... The same doctrine furnishes motives to murder,.. ..... ... 150 ib. 151 152 A peep into a universalian, and an endless hell futurity,......154, 155 Is the doctrine of universal salvation generally pleasing to wicked men?......... And displeasing to men of prayer?... 191 192 The supposed remoteness of a day of reckoning for deeds perform- 198 199 The best, as the worst of men, must needs be changed after death in order to their admission to the realms of bliss,.......... The immutability of a law is no proof that its penalties are eternal,..... 234 235 The divine Being is not subject to the difficulties which beset human legislators,... 236 God was not reduced to the alternative of creating some for misery, or not at all,... 237 Forgiveness of sin does not (in the divine economy) imply ex If punishment is for our benefit, should we sin the more, in order to incur the more?........... 241 The penalty of death for murder does not operate to prevent it— Difference between positive and moral punishments,. .244, 245 .247, 248 249 But when conscience becomes seared, how then?....... Except sin continue eternally, punishment, of a moral kind, can The very consequences of an evil tend to effect its removal,.. |