On this page

• Text (1)

  Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

  • 

    804 On Future Punishment.

• Transcript

  • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

    Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

    I Have Always Been Strongly Inclined To ...

    I doubt not it often lhas ledj , to great and dangerous misconceptions * , We are indeed inclined to flatter ourselves that this is an appellation which applies to but few of us ; and in the sense in which the term is most commonl y employed , there is reason to believe that , comparatively speaking , we are not mistaken ., If by wicked be meant ? those in whom sin predominates , who are habitual and wilful transgressors of God ' s law , who are given up to licentious indulgences or bad passions , then it is to be hoped they are " but few , in comparison of those who dwell at least in the outward decencies of life , and who do not fly directly in the face of the received customs and opinions of the world . Their general respect for public feeling , and their strong desire to maintain a creditable station in society , which they are sensible would be denied to those who are notorious for open profligacy , are alone sufficient to preserve them from those flagrant violations of morality to which the application of this strong epithet is usually confined . In the ordinary intercourse of life , and when not influenced by strong temptations of passion or self-interest , their conduct is respectable ; they often do really benevolent and generous things ; nay , they are occasionally affected by the practical motives of piety and true holiness . But they are still far from the character of the true and faithful servant ; far from being what the discipline of this world , and the motives and principles of religion were intended to render themo

    Let such persons be reminded that God will reward every one according to his works ; that it does not follow that they are fit for heaven ,, because the instinct of nature teaches them that their misdeeds do not call for such a hell as the votaries of Calvinism have imagined . Though they may not be guilty of all wickedness , yet one sinful habit indulged in , one divine law wilfully and systematically neglected 9 will produce a state of mind inconsistent with true happiness ; and when traced to its consequences in another world , where the miserable sinner , labouring under the permanent mischiefs arising from transient indulgences , torn by the pangs of unavailing remorse , stung

    by envy , jealousy , or revenge , will form in the evil dispositions of his own mind a hell quite dreadful enough in itself ^ without any additional circumstances of horror to appal the imagination . Let no one , then , be so infatuated , through a vain notion that he is little worse than the generality of bis neighbours , as to go on treasuring up to himself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of God ' s righteous judgments .

    It would be wrong to omit observing that this doctrine , at the same time that it enables us from the terrors of the Lord to persuade men more effectually and powerfully than the common notion , and holds out to the sinner a p rosp ect more truly alarming to those who fairly consider it , is also more encouraging , both to those who are diligently pressing forward on the road to improvement , and also to those who with feelings inspired by the genuine

    principles and spirit of the religion of Christ , contemplate the state and prospects of the hardened sinner . It is difficult to conceive any thing more disgusting than the pitiless exultation with which some of those who fancy themselves sure of their own salvation are accustomed to anticipate the torments of the damned ; towards whom they assure us that it will then be i \ sin to indulge the natural feelings of compassion , or any other sentiment than admiration of Him who will thus exhibit to the universe a tremendous

    display of the glories of his vindictive justice . They even take pains to shew thai this frightful spectacle is fitted to heighten , by the effect of contrast , and thus render more transporting , the happiness of the elect . Passages in this strain might be cited from the writings of men in some respects not made-

    804 On Future Punishment.

    804 On Future Punishment .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Dec. 2, 1830, page 804, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/mrp_02121830/page/4/