Part 20 (2/2)

I entreat you seriously to consider what the conduct of the Saviour would have been, if he had been disposed to _judge, denounce, reject_ and _disfellows.h.i.+p_ all those who sincerely believe in him and strove to honour him with becoming obedience to his commands, on account of their not understanding every thing as well as he did?

I entreat you to call in question your treatment of me because I do not believe in every thing as you do; and carefully examine if it correspond with the conduct of him, who, out of pity to human weakness, submitted himself to the scorn and hatred of those who considered themselves more righteous than others?

In relation to the doctrine, to which you appear so violently opposed, I entreat you, as a father, to take into consideration, 1st. The promises of G.o.d to Abraham by which the doctrine is supported. 2dly.

The corroborating testimonies in the New Testament by which we are to understand those promises. 3dly. The consistency of the doctrine with the character of _infinite goodness_. And, 4thly. The consistency of the doctrine with every benevolent and G.o.dlike desire of the human heart.

If G.o.d promised to bless all the families, nations and kindreds of the earth in the seed of Abraham, who is Christ, and if St. Paul has informed us that this blessing is _justification through faith_, I entreat you to consider by what authority you condemn the doctrine of _Universal Justification_.

If the apostle has also argued that G.o.d has made peace through the blood of the cross of Jesus, by him to reconcile _all things_ to himself, I entreat you to consider by what authority you condemn the doctrine of _Universal Reconciliation_.

If in perfect conformity to the promises of G.o.d, the prophet has given his testimony that _all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our G.o.d_, I entreat you to consider by what authority you condemn the doctrine of _Universal Salvation_.

If you make use of scripture to contradict such plain and positive declarations, by explaining _parables_ and _doubtful sayings_ for that purpose, I entreat you candidly to consider whether you can do any thing more to the dishonour of the sacred word, or more pleasing to those who wish to bring the scriptures into disrepute.

If you feel determined to maintain and inculcate the idea of G.o.d's punis.h.i.+ng his rational offspring eternally without mercy, love, or pity towards them, I entreat you, as a father, to consider whether you can invent any idea which, applied to G.o.d, would make his character appear more contrary to the spirit of him who loved his enemies and died for them.

I entreat you to examine carefully and see if it be possible to reconcile the doctrine of endless misery with the benevolent desires of the true spiritual children of G.o.d; and consider seriously whether it be proper to pray for the salvation of all men, and then condemn the belief of it as a heresy.

I entreat you, as a father, to call into serious consideration the real cause of all the persecutions and abominable cruelties which have been practiced in Christendom, on account of religion, and see if you can find a foundation for these things except in the blasphemous notion that G.o.d is unmerciful towards the impenitent.

Endeavour, sir, to satisfy yourself how the foolish prejudices of ignorant zealots could ever have succeeded in establis.h.i.+ng so many middle walls of part.i.tion, and in making so many pernicious distinctions in the Christian world, if the blasphemous notion of partiality in G.o.d had not been the rage of an apostatised church.

Find out, if you can, I entreat you, sir, the cause of all the madness and folly, which appear in the habitual coldness and bitterness exercised by the clergy, of different denominations towards each other, if it be not the blasphemous notion that their foolish prejudices are sanctioned by G.o.d!

Adieu, I write no more. I feel that I have done my duty. I have entreated you as a father in love and faithfuness. I leave the effects with G.o.d; humbly praying and joyfully believing, that when we are purged from our hay, wood and stubble, with the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, we shall see eye to eye and be admitted to a humble seat at the feet of our blessed Saviour, for whose sake I remain, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant.

HOSEA BALLOU

Rev. JOSEPH WALTON.

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