Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-22
For the sgtit of the Age.

DRo. GoRMAN.-ln previous article. 4
attempted giving expression to few de-
sultory, unconnected thoughts, on SUBJ
ject new (at least think it would appear
novel to some of the readers of the Ace.
The attentive reader will remember that
the idea presented in the communication
referred to, is, "Is it true, or is it false. that
the finally impenitent sinner will continue
throughout Eternity, not only to love sin.
but that his love for it will increase. and
that he will continue to love those verv
sins which he loved upon earth, and which
were the cause Of his final and irremediless
ruin, and that this fact of itself would con-
stitute bitter element in his already in
supportable suferings" The reader will
also remember that neither affirm. nor
.a..asny. the truth of the -nranasitiaa,- Vat
theme, am inclined to the opinion, that
the position is true-and that it can be as
well supported as many other sentiments
which are considered "Orthodox." The
testimony in favor of the theory assumed,
may be drawn, as think, from three diff
ferent sources, viz: from Revelation, Rea-
son and Analogy. 1t would, however, be
unwise, and even foolish, to attempt to es-
tablish an idea so metaphysical, within the
narrow limits Of a newspaper article. Ad-
mitting the sentiment to be consonant to
Revelation, Reason and Analogy, the sub
, ject is invested with an interest and a gran
deur almost too astounding and over
, whelming for finite mind to grapple
with. Suppose that the glorifed saint in
) Heaven to make constant and rapid acoes-
5 sions to his stock of knowledge, by being
permitted to witness exhibitions of Gods
omnipotence, his omniscence, his justice
a his mercy and benevolence, as displayed
. or exhibited in the government of his crea
0 lures, both Angels and men. Will moi
a such discoveries of the character, perfec
r tions and attributes of the Infinite Mind
= or of the Triune Jehovah, fill the mind O
r the redeemed soul with ineffable delight
n and with the most transporting JOY? Blu
t l will not pursue the idea further at pres
G ent. If the idea IN question be true, ma,
) not an additional argument be drawn iron
o it, why the unconverted, impenitent sinfici
IS who is urging his way down to dreadt''
s. Hell, be deferred from pursuing such
i course any longer, but "stop aud thin
4 before he farther goes" and turn from th
n "error of his ways and live" Even if tn
st sinners pathway "through all the journe
s. of life" was strewn with fowers-if it wa
G. all sunshine-if no lowering clouds inter
III vened-if he was permitted to sail owe
DC the sea Of life without even a ripple to di
al turb hints brief continuance would ms
ze it all-and the idea that these things whic
are SO pleasing to "flesh and blood" mus
Ak soon terminate-and be succeeded by,
its condition of suffering and anguish too il
g. tolerable to contemplate, would be tru
appalling. Why, 0, sinner! why will yc
se urge your way down to burning He
I'm when this way as you pursue it throug
ice life, is beset or hedged in, by mercie
cir warnings-by threatenings, and the at
Of ming blood of once crucified Saviour 2
so 'But whatsoever man soweth, that sh;
he he also reap" Will you still turn a dc
no ear to the calls of mercy "while yet there
res hope?" Will you continue so infatuatt
eat as to reject so great a boon as Heave
.he merely for the qualification (for br
SO space) of your depraved appetites and p
ng sions! Surely you will always feel &C
zap scious that your punishment, although
the supportable, is just. r.