The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-01
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
A Doctrinal Question Discussed
H.. by the Religious Press.

For THE SUNDAY CALL

The Christian Union, 10 review OF Dean
Plumpire's work entitled Life After DEATH"
sets forth lii conspicuous light very important
fact revealed in that volume. 1t says: Those
who have been taught in. provincial schools of
thought and journalism TO suppose that the doc
thine that redemption ends for every. man AT
.deathis the old aud well established faith, and
that a hope beyond tile grave is new THEOLOGY
Will be surprised TO learn that the reverse is the
ease; that belief in redemption beyond tie
grave. was the common belief in ChrisIs time
among the Orthodox Jews; that Jewish scholars
are not agreed among themselves Whistler end
less punishment for any was believed in by
Pnarisaic doctors; that down to the time of
Augustine belief In a contlnuotls redemption 10
The DAY OF Judgment, With a saving IRE achlug of
tile gospel through Christie the spirits In prison.
was the Uniform faith OF the Christian church,
ana that the limitation Of divine mercy to this
HE Is novelty in theology, and the wider hope
Is returning 10 The older failh."
The Gospel Banner says: The Rev. d: T.
Sheffield, III Tie Advance. prints. All open letter
10 Rev. Joseph Cook, wherein are many ques-
tons hard for The Monday lecturer TO answer,
Mr.. Sheffield thinks that Mr.. Cooks teaching
that tile heather are. saved by the essential
ChrtSr aworSe error than future probation. He.
is missionary in China. lie Is acquainted with
heather. He do+s not believe Iii are or can
be saved without know ledge OF the historic
Christ One OF Mr.. Cooks arguments was that
God is one If God b. in the conscience of a
heather, Father, Son aud Holy SIirIt are all in
his Conscience This, as MIR Sheffield, remarks,
'lS'opeuiug the door wide enough TO every con-
Il ClenllOuS person, Inc world over. Nay, II
would save every one who has a conScience-all
mankind MI. Sheffield says that he~'once was
a Uuiversalist.' and at That time mad no partcu-
lar concern for tie heal!Ien. because i did not
regard the condition OF the heathrn as an alarm.
ing one But continues MIR; Sheffield when
Was converted 10 Christ. turned from my own
cear thinking 10 The clear teaching # tile Bible,
In the view Of The converted MI. Sheffield there
Is a Conflict between his own clear thinking and.
the clear teaching OF The Bible. We have heard
good deal of this sort of logic before and can
dor comuels US TO say that while IL seems TO be
well meant It. Is aIrantly absurd. II, WREN men
are converted TO Christ they begin TO talk
like fools, IL were better for them TO remain in a
sat Of nature IL there Is anything in Tie
Bible lhal conflicts with clear thlnking, il: is
something which Will not save tile heaihen nor
Keep Mr.: Sheffield from making Ieiiglon ridcu-
lous.'
The orthodox of the old school challenge the
new with This question: "Can you produce airy
Scripture which declares that tber g shall or may
he p obation beyond the grave"
Dr. Lyman Abbott, 10 the Christian Union,
virtually shifts the answer on to the other side.
He says. 81 cannot find any authority In Scrip;
lure for the decla alton often made that after
death there Is no further opportunity for regent
ance" =:
The Christian Leader. in reference to the
matter, says: logically DIR. Abbott has the argu-
ment. The burden OF proof rests on those who
restrict probation 10 a particular date. not upon
those who deny; but In fact both parties are
wrong. :. Neither The word nor the thing is
negatives even the. thought" - - = 80
: The Christian Lie says: 1.-The poet Rogers
used 10: tell story of little girl, great favor
lie with every one who knew her. Some one
said to her. why does everybody love you so
much" She answered. i think II Is because
love everybody 30 much, This little story is
ness as human beings, generally speaking, will
be found TO be very much in proportion 10 the
OF things that love us. And the greatest worldly
success, however honestly achieved. Will con-
tribute comparatively little TO happiness unless
It be accompanied by "a lively benevoence to-
ward every human being" Y.