BT .579 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by ABEL TOMPKINS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. J. N. BANG, PR. 40 CORNHILL. 1116 110-2 PREFACE. THAT Professor Stuart is right, in that he allows the subject of the endless duration of punishment to be one of the deepest interest to mankind, and one too which is calculated, more than any other, to agitate the minds of reflecting men, and to put to the most severe trials the very best sympathies of our nature, no reasonable person will deny. As he is a conscientious believer in this most fearful doctrine, and as he evidently believes, that the eternal well-being of immortal souls depends on a sound belief of it; and knowing that there are many serious people, and even some clergymen, who by finding it impossible to reconcile the benevolent feelings, of which they are possessed, to the rigid severity of this doctrine, have been driven, not only into severe trials, but even into doubts, he has felt it his duty to exert his learning, talents, and influence, to remove such doubts, and to quiet those feelings, of the benevolent heart, which have been the cause of them. It is thus apparent, that the very benevolence, which he would, by his arguments, overcome in others, is in himself so alive to the eternal interest of his fellow-beings, that he is willing to devote his labors for their good. The object of the writer of the following sheets, has been to answer, though it be in a feeble manner, the demands of the same benevolence. Not believing in the truth of that most shocking doctrine, which so directly conflicts with the very best and holiest affections of the human heart, he feels an ardent desire to contribute all in his power, to disprove the truth of a doctrine, which cannot fail to agitate and deeply distress all who sincerely believe it; and which not only reflects dishonor on the character of our Father in heaven, but renders the gracious scheme of the gospel of his ever beloved Son, one of partiality. If what the following sheets contain, should, by the blessing of God, contribute, in any degree, to the end the writer had in view, let the honor be rendered to Him, who is able to promote his merciful designs, by the use of the humblest means. BOSTON, AUGUST 1, 1840. THE AUTHOR. |
