FOOTNOTES:[1]It will be seen from our last chapter that we have used by preference the wordSoulto represent that which survives death both in the righteous and the wicked.[2]See also Job xxi. 14, 15.[3]SeeWestminster Sermons, by the Rev. Charles Kingsley.[4]Wilkinson.[5]Wilkinson.[6]Exod. vi. 2.[7]Gen. xix. 12.[8]Lectures on the Jewish Church.[9]Dan. xii. 2.[10]Dan. xii. 13.[11]2 Macc. vii. 14.[12]Wars of the Jews,II.viii. 14.[13]Essays on some of the Peculiarities of the Christian Religion.[14]Phædrus, quoted by Wilkinson.[15]Chips from a German Workshop.[16]1 Cor. xv. 35.[17]Ps. cii. 25.[18]2 Cor. iv. 18.[19]2 Pet. iii. 10.[20]Rev. xx. 11.[21]Seefootnote to Art. 224.[22]John v. 30.[23]Gal. iv. 4.[24]John viii. 28.[25]See Professor Huxley’s Birmingham Lecture.[26]Life and Writings of Swedenborgby William White.[27]We are aware that a certain class of thinkers regard all matter and combinations of matter as in some unexplained sense alive. We will discuss this doctrine in another place; meanwhile it must be understood that we do not here allude to this peculiar life, which from its very conception must exist as truly in a dead body as in a living one; what we are discussing at present is individual consciousness of the ordinary recognised type.[28]As will be seen inChap.III., the more important half of the realities of the physical world are forms of Energy,which cannot existexcept when associated with Matter. We mention this merely in a footnote now, as we do not wish to diverge too far from our present line of argument.[29]A very striking analogy to this will be found inChapterIII., where it is shown that energy of visible motion often disappears by transformation into the dormant or latent energy of position.[30]See Essay on this subject by the Hon. Sir W. R. Grove, in his book onThe Correlation of Physical Forces.[31]SeeContributions to Solar Physics, by De la Rue, Stewart, and Loewy.[32]InChap.IV.the reader will see that the only attempt to explain the mechanism of gravitation, which can be called evenhopeful, does not giverigorouslythe law of the inverse square of the distance.[33]‘I hope all will be well. And, as for the gate you talk of, all the world knows that it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know the way to it; nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, as you see, a fine, pleasant, green lane, that comes down from our country, the next way into the way.’[34]This is discussed inChapterIV.below.[35]It is hardly needful to inform our readers that the wordsubstanceis used in this chapter in the ordinary sense.[36]See Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 269; or Tait’sThermodynamics, § 91.[37]Thus paraphrased forus:—Nature, bewildering in diversity,Of marvels Marvel most inscrutable,Like Proteus, altereth her shape and mould;But Fate remaineth ever immovable,And, changeless in persistency, outwearsThe Time of men, the gods’ Eternity.[38]For a more complete statement of Carnot’s work see Tait,Recent Advances in Physical Science, 1876.[39]They virtually showed that in a perfect steam-engine with pressure equal to ‘one atmosphere’ in its boiler, and with its condenser at the temperature of melting ice, the ratio of the heat taken in to the heat given out is 1·365 to 1. Hence if the difference between the numbers is to be 100, these must be 374, 274.—Phil. Trans., 1854.[40]See Tait,Phil. Mag., 1872,I.338, 516;II.240.[41]Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 300; or Tait and Steele’sDynamics of a Particle, 3d ed. § 299.[42]Stewart and Taiton the Heating of a Disk by Rotationin vacuo (Proceedings of the Royal Society). See also Stewart’sElementary Treatise on Heat, 3d edition, Art. 387 (Clarendon Press Series).[43]If the visible universe be imagined to be infinite, we should have (following out our line of thought) infinitely large masses separated from each other by infinite distances, appearing for infinite ages in the liquid and solid states, and thence transformed by means of infinite collisions into the gaseous condition in which they will remain for another infinite series of ages. Is there much gained by this conception?[44]i. 641. Thus rendered by Munro:—‘For fools admire and like all things the more which they perceive to be concealed under involved language, and determine things to be true which can prettilytickle the earsand are varnished over with finely sounding phrase.’[45]This has been spoken of as an exaggeration. We hope it may be so; but when it was written (in the winter of 1874) the newspapers were full of the sickening details of the gouging of an old man by a gang of miners, who afterwards filled the sockets with quicklime! These human fiends are probably already at liberty, having had their few months of simple imprisonment![46]Tait,Proc. R.S.E., 1874-5.[47]See also the extremely interesting articleAtom, by Clerk-Maxwell, in the 9th ed. of theEncyclopædia Britannica.[48]Here it is important to observe that the speculations of Sir W. Thomson with regard to the density of the Ether assign only the inferior limit of that density. Therealdensity may possibly be very much greater.[49]Études d’Astronomie Stellaire, 1847.[50]InArt. 148we made a suggestion that gravitation might be the visible result of a tendency to a minimum of some affection of the fluid in which atoms are immersed. The exertion of gravitating force might thus be associated with a change in the constitution of visible things, and might perhaps point to an ultimate dying out, just as the radiation from the sun, which obeys the same formal law as that of gravity, points to a dying out of our luminary.If this be conceivable, the really trivial nature of gravitating force (Art. 139) might come to be associated with the extraordinary persistence of the present state of things.[51]The words ‘left to its own laws’ must not be taken too literally. We ought perhaps rather to say, the procedure of the Governor of the visible universe is at present such as to indicate uniformity of physical laws, while, on the other hand, His procedure when producing the universe indicated an intelligent agent designing uniformity of product.[52]Lay Sermons, Essays, and Reviews.[53]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.[54]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.[55]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.[56]See Meldrum on thePeriodicity of Rainfall.[57]Principles of Science, vol. ii. p. 455.[58]So-called Ninth Bridgewater Treatise.[59]It is surely unnecessary to inform our readers that we adopt this hypothesis, not because we imagine it to have any inherent probability, but simply as a concrete mode of bringing development before the understanding.[60]We are not here opposing the theological doctrine thatthe Universe is in the Son of God. In fact, when we contemplate any past phase of the Universe, we are driven to look upon this as having been previously developed by the Son of God, who doubtless also sustains it. This therefore represents the theological doctrine, nevertheless it will at once be acknowledged that we may speak of Christ as being in the Universe.[61]Heb. x. 7.[62]See a specially interesting and exhaustive paper by Lister (Trans. R. S. E., 1874-5). A very clear analysis of it is given by Crum Brown (Proc. R. S. E., 1875).[63]Nature, January 14, 1875.[64]The Rev. James Martineau has, we perceive, taken up a similar line of argument. (See Art. on ‘Modern Materialism,’Contemporary Review, February 1876.)[65]See Sermon preached at Belfast by Dr. Reichel, August 23, 1874.[66][Those who believe that the New Testament asserts the annihilation of the wicked inGehenna, of course hold that only the just obtain the spiritual body. But we have no definite term for the body as it shall be (in theHadesof the New Testament) between death and the resurrection. It is probable that the want of such a term is due to the fact that the authors of our recognised version have unfortunately rendered both Hades and Gehenna indifferently by the word Hell, itself a term from Scandinavian mythology.][67]‘As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.’—Esther vii. 8.[68]St. Matthew xxii. 11-13. [See, however, also Luke xiii. 28, where the true meaning obviously is ‘while ye are being cast out.’ There are other obvious mistranslations in our version; such as for instance that of Mark ix. 43, where for ‘the fire that cannot be put out’ we have ‘the fire that never shall be quenched.’ It is to be hoped that the revised version will be such as to give readers ignorant of Greek a thoroughly correct idea of the meaning of the original, most especially on points of such awful importance as this.][69]The extent of our knowledge, or rather of our ignorance, on this subject has been happily rendered by the Rev. Dr. Irons, when he states that all we are authorised to infer is that retribution will be morally complete.[70]The sense is as follows:—Master, said I, will these torments increase after the great judgment, will they be less, or equally severe? He replied—Go back to your scholastic learning, which tells you that the more perfect the being the more he feels both pleasure and pain. And, although these accursed ones can never reach full perfection, they expect to be more perfect after than before (the judgment).[71][We ought perhaps to inform our readers that what we have here said refers to that particular state after the present—the dying out of which, in consequence of voluntary separation from its centre of life and energy, has been called the second death. Whether this dying out is equivalent to absolute annihilation is a point which we do not pretend to discuss.][72]Including in ita state of thingslike the present physical universe; not, however,the very thingsthat now exist, these being evanescent in energy at least, if not also in material.[73]Cambridge, Macmillan, 1855.
[1]It will be seen from our last chapter that we have used by preference the wordSoulto represent that which survives death both in the righteous and the wicked.
[1]It will be seen from our last chapter that we have used by preference the wordSoulto represent that which survives death both in the righteous and the wicked.
[2]See also Job xxi. 14, 15.
[2]See also Job xxi. 14, 15.
[3]SeeWestminster Sermons, by the Rev. Charles Kingsley.
[3]SeeWestminster Sermons, by the Rev. Charles Kingsley.
[4]Wilkinson.
[4]Wilkinson.
[5]Wilkinson.
[5]Wilkinson.
[6]Exod. vi. 2.
[6]Exod. vi. 2.
[7]Gen. xix. 12.
[7]Gen. xix. 12.
[8]Lectures on the Jewish Church.
[8]Lectures on the Jewish Church.
[9]Dan. xii. 2.
[9]Dan. xii. 2.
[10]Dan. xii. 13.
[10]Dan. xii. 13.
[11]2 Macc. vii. 14.
[11]2 Macc. vii. 14.
[12]Wars of the Jews,II.viii. 14.
[12]Wars of the Jews,II.viii. 14.
[13]Essays on some of the Peculiarities of the Christian Religion.
[13]Essays on some of the Peculiarities of the Christian Religion.
[14]Phædrus, quoted by Wilkinson.
[14]Phædrus, quoted by Wilkinson.
[15]Chips from a German Workshop.
[15]Chips from a German Workshop.
[16]1 Cor. xv. 35.
[16]1 Cor. xv. 35.
[17]Ps. cii. 25.
[17]Ps. cii. 25.
[18]2 Cor. iv. 18.
[18]2 Cor. iv. 18.
[19]2 Pet. iii. 10.
[19]2 Pet. iii. 10.
[20]Rev. xx. 11.
[20]Rev. xx. 11.
[21]Seefootnote to Art. 224.
[21]Seefootnote to Art. 224.
[22]John v. 30.
[22]John v. 30.
[23]Gal. iv. 4.
[23]Gal. iv. 4.
[24]John viii. 28.
[24]John viii. 28.
[25]See Professor Huxley’s Birmingham Lecture.
[25]See Professor Huxley’s Birmingham Lecture.
[26]Life and Writings of Swedenborgby William White.
[26]Life and Writings of Swedenborgby William White.
[27]We are aware that a certain class of thinkers regard all matter and combinations of matter as in some unexplained sense alive. We will discuss this doctrine in another place; meanwhile it must be understood that we do not here allude to this peculiar life, which from its very conception must exist as truly in a dead body as in a living one; what we are discussing at present is individual consciousness of the ordinary recognised type.
[27]We are aware that a certain class of thinkers regard all matter and combinations of matter as in some unexplained sense alive. We will discuss this doctrine in another place; meanwhile it must be understood that we do not here allude to this peculiar life, which from its very conception must exist as truly in a dead body as in a living one; what we are discussing at present is individual consciousness of the ordinary recognised type.
[28]As will be seen inChap.III., the more important half of the realities of the physical world are forms of Energy,which cannot existexcept when associated with Matter. We mention this merely in a footnote now, as we do not wish to diverge too far from our present line of argument.
[28]As will be seen inChap.III., the more important half of the realities of the physical world are forms of Energy,which cannot existexcept when associated with Matter. We mention this merely in a footnote now, as we do not wish to diverge too far from our present line of argument.
[29]A very striking analogy to this will be found inChapterIII., where it is shown that energy of visible motion often disappears by transformation into the dormant or latent energy of position.
[29]A very striking analogy to this will be found inChapterIII., where it is shown that energy of visible motion often disappears by transformation into the dormant or latent energy of position.
[30]See Essay on this subject by the Hon. Sir W. R. Grove, in his book onThe Correlation of Physical Forces.
[30]See Essay on this subject by the Hon. Sir W. R. Grove, in his book onThe Correlation of Physical Forces.
[31]SeeContributions to Solar Physics, by De la Rue, Stewart, and Loewy.
[31]SeeContributions to Solar Physics, by De la Rue, Stewart, and Loewy.
[32]InChap.IV.the reader will see that the only attempt to explain the mechanism of gravitation, which can be called evenhopeful, does not giverigorouslythe law of the inverse square of the distance.
[32]InChap.IV.the reader will see that the only attempt to explain the mechanism of gravitation, which can be called evenhopeful, does not giverigorouslythe law of the inverse square of the distance.
[33]‘I hope all will be well. And, as for the gate you talk of, all the world knows that it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know the way to it; nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, as you see, a fine, pleasant, green lane, that comes down from our country, the next way into the way.’
[33]‘I hope all will be well. And, as for the gate you talk of, all the world knows that it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know the way to it; nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, as you see, a fine, pleasant, green lane, that comes down from our country, the next way into the way.’
[34]This is discussed inChapterIV.below.
[34]This is discussed inChapterIV.below.
[35]It is hardly needful to inform our readers that the wordsubstanceis used in this chapter in the ordinary sense.
[35]It is hardly needful to inform our readers that the wordsubstanceis used in this chapter in the ordinary sense.
[36]See Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 269; or Tait’sThermodynamics, § 91.
[36]See Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 269; or Tait’sThermodynamics, § 91.
[37]Thus paraphrased forus:—Nature, bewildering in diversity,Of marvels Marvel most inscrutable,Like Proteus, altereth her shape and mould;But Fate remaineth ever immovable,And, changeless in persistency, outwearsThe Time of men, the gods’ Eternity.
[37]Thus paraphrased forus:—
Nature, bewildering in diversity,Of marvels Marvel most inscrutable,Like Proteus, altereth her shape and mould;But Fate remaineth ever immovable,And, changeless in persistency, outwearsThe Time of men, the gods’ Eternity.
Nature, bewildering in diversity,Of marvels Marvel most inscrutable,Like Proteus, altereth her shape and mould;But Fate remaineth ever immovable,And, changeless in persistency, outwearsThe Time of men, the gods’ Eternity.
Nature, bewildering in diversity,
Of marvels Marvel most inscrutable,
Like Proteus, altereth her shape and mould;
But Fate remaineth ever immovable,
And, changeless in persistency, outwears
The Time of men, the gods’ Eternity.
[38]For a more complete statement of Carnot’s work see Tait,Recent Advances in Physical Science, 1876.
[38]For a more complete statement of Carnot’s work see Tait,Recent Advances in Physical Science, 1876.
[39]They virtually showed that in a perfect steam-engine with pressure equal to ‘one atmosphere’ in its boiler, and with its condenser at the temperature of melting ice, the ratio of the heat taken in to the heat given out is 1·365 to 1. Hence if the difference between the numbers is to be 100, these must be 374, 274.—Phil. Trans., 1854.
[39]They virtually showed that in a perfect steam-engine with pressure equal to ‘one atmosphere’ in its boiler, and with its condenser at the temperature of melting ice, the ratio of the heat taken in to the heat given out is 1·365 to 1. Hence if the difference between the numbers is to be 100, these must be 374, 274.—Phil. Trans., 1854.
[40]See Tait,Phil. Mag., 1872,I.338, 516;II.240.
[40]See Tait,Phil. Mag., 1872,I.338, 516;II.240.
[41]Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 300; or Tait and Steele’sDynamics of a Particle, 3d ed. § 299.
[41]Thomson and Tait’sNatural Philosophy, § 300; or Tait and Steele’sDynamics of a Particle, 3d ed. § 299.
[42]Stewart and Taiton the Heating of a Disk by Rotationin vacuo (Proceedings of the Royal Society). See also Stewart’sElementary Treatise on Heat, 3d edition, Art. 387 (Clarendon Press Series).
[42]Stewart and Taiton the Heating of a Disk by Rotationin vacuo (Proceedings of the Royal Society). See also Stewart’sElementary Treatise on Heat, 3d edition, Art. 387 (Clarendon Press Series).
[43]If the visible universe be imagined to be infinite, we should have (following out our line of thought) infinitely large masses separated from each other by infinite distances, appearing for infinite ages in the liquid and solid states, and thence transformed by means of infinite collisions into the gaseous condition in which they will remain for another infinite series of ages. Is there much gained by this conception?
[43]If the visible universe be imagined to be infinite, we should have (following out our line of thought) infinitely large masses separated from each other by infinite distances, appearing for infinite ages in the liquid and solid states, and thence transformed by means of infinite collisions into the gaseous condition in which they will remain for another infinite series of ages. Is there much gained by this conception?
[44]i. 641. Thus rendered by Munro:—‘For fools admire and like all things the more which they perceive to be concealed under involved language, and determine things to be true which can prettilytickle the earsand are varnished over with finely sounding phrase.’
[44]i. 641. Thus rendered by Munro:—‘For fools admire and like all things the more which they perceive to be concealed under involved language, and determine things to be true which can prettilytickle the earsand are varnished over with finely sounding phrase.’
[45]This has been spoken of as an exaggeration. We hope it may be so; but when it was written (in the winter of 1874) the newspapers were full of the sickening details of the gouging of an old man by a gang of miners, who afterwards filled the sockets with quicklime! These human fiends are probably already at liberty, having had their few months of simple imprisonment!
[45]This has been spoken of as an exaggeration. We hope it may be so; but when it was written (in the winter of 1874) the newspapers were full of the sickening details of the gouging of an old man by a gang of miners, who afterwards filled the sockets with quicklime! These human fiends are probably already at liberty, having had their few months of simple imprisonment!
[46]Tait,Proc. R.S.E., 1874-5.
[46]Tait,Proc. R.S.E., 1874-5.
[47]See also the extremely interesting articleAtom, by Clerk-Maxwell, in the 9th ed. of theEncyclopædia Britannica.
[47]See also the extremely interesting articleAtom, by Clerk-Maxwell, in the 9th ed. of theEncyclopædia Britannica.
[48]Here it is important to observe that the speculations of Sir W. Thomson with regard to the density of the Ether assign only the inferior limit of that density. Therealdensity may possibly be very much greater.
[48]Here it is important to observe that the speculations of Sir W. Thomson with regard to the density of the Ether assign only the inferior limit of that density. Therealdensity may possibly be very much greater.
[49]Études d’Astronomie Stellaire, 1847.
[49]Études d’Astronomie Stellaire, 1847.
[50]InArt. 148we made a suggestion that gravitation might be the visible result of a tendency to a minimum of some affection of the fluid in which atoms are immersed. The exertion of gravitating force might thus be associated with a change in the constitution of visible things, and might perhaps point to an ultimate dying out, just as the radiation from the sun, which obeys the same formal law as that of gravity, points to a dying out of our luminary.If this be conceivable, the really trivial nature of gravitating force (Art. 139) might come to be associated with the extraordinary persistence of the present state of things.
[50]InArt. 148we made a suggestion that gravitation might be the visible result of a tendency to a minimum of some affection of the fluid in which atoms are immersed. The exertion of gravitating force might thus be associated with a change in the constitution of visible things, and might perhaps point to an ultimate dying out, just as the radiation from the sun, which obeys the same formal law as that of gravity, points to a dying out of our luminary.
If this be conceivable, the really trivial nature of gravitating force (Art. 139) might come to be associated with the extraordinary persistence of the present state of things.
[51]The words ‘left to its own laws’ must not be taken too literally. We ought perhaps rather to say, the procedure of the Governor of the visible universe is at present such as to indicate uniformity of physical laws, while, on the other hand, His procedure when producing the universe indicated an intelligent agent designing uniformity of product.
[51]The words ‘left to its own laws’ must not be taken too literally. We ought perhaps rather to say, the procedure of the Governor of the visible universe is at present such as to indicate uniformity of physical laws, while, on the other hand, His procedure when producing the universe indicated an intelligent agent designing uniformity of product.
[52]Lay Sermons, Essays, and Reviews.
[52]Lay Sermons, Essays, and Reviews.
[53]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[53]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[54]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[54]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[55]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[55]Stewart on theConservation of Energy.
[56]See Meldrum on thePeriodicity of Rainfall.
[56]See Meldrum on thePeriodicity of Rainfall.
[57]Principles of Science, vol. ii. p. 455.
[57]Principles of Science, vol. ii. p. 455.
[58]So-called Ninth Bridgewater Treatise.
[58]So-called Ninth Bridgewater Treatise.
[59]It is surely unnecessary to inform our readers that we adopt this hypothesis, not because we imagine it to have any inherent probability, but simply as a concrete mode of bringing development before the understanding.
[59]It is surely unnecessary to inform our readers that we adopt this hypothesis, not because we imagine it to have any inherent probability, but simply as a concrete mode of bringing development before the understanding.
[60]We are not here opposing the theological doctrine thatthe Universe is in the Son of God. In fact, when we contemplate any past phase of the Universe, we are driven to look upon this as having been previously developed by the Son of God, who doubtless also sustains it. This therefore represents the theological doctrine, nevertheless it will at once be acknowledged that we may speak of Christ as being in the Universe.
[60]We are not here opposing the theological doctrine thatthe Universe is in the Son of God. In fact, when we contemplate any past phase of the Universe, we are driven to look upon this as having been previously developed by the Son of God, who doubtless also sustains it. This therefore represents the theological doctrine, nevertheless it will at once be acknowledged that we may speak of Christ as being in the Universe.
[61]Heb. x. 7.
[61]Heb. x. 7.
[62]See a specially interesting and exhaustive paper by Lister (Trans. R. S. E., 1874-5). A very clear analysis of it is given by Crum Brown (Proc. R. S. E., 1875).
[62]See a specially interesting and exhaustive paper by Lister (Trans. R. S. E., 1874-5). A very clear analysis of it is given by Crum Brown (Proc. R. S. E., 1875).
[63]Nature, January 14, 1875.
[63]Nature, January 14, 1875.
[64]The Rev. James Martineau has, we perceive, taken up a similar line of argument. (See Art. on ‘Modern Materialism,’Contemporary Review, February 1876.)
[64]The Rev. James Martineau has, we perceive, taken up a similar line of argument. (See Art. on ‘Modern Materialism,’Contemporary Review, February 1876.)
[65]See Sermon preached at Belfast by Dr. Reichel, August 23, 1874.
[65]See Sermon preached at Belfast by Dr. Reichel, August 23, 1874.
[66][Those who believe that the New Testament asserts the annihilation of the wicked inGehenna, of course hold that only the just obtain the spiritual body. But we have no definite term for the body as it shall be (in theHadesof the New Testament) between death and the resurrection. It is probable that the want of such a term is due to the fact that the authors of our recognised version have unfortunately rendered both Hades and Gehenna indifferently by the word Hell, itself a term from Scandinavian mythology.]
[66][Those who believe that the New Testament asserts the annihilation of the wicked inGehenna, of course hold that only the just obtain the spiritual body. But we have no definite term for the body as it shall be (in theHadesof the New Testament) between death and the resurrection. It is probable that the want of such a term is due to the fact that the authors of our recognised version have unfortunately rendered both Hades and Gehenna indifferently by the word Hell, itself a term from Scandinavian mythology.]
[67]‘As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.’—Esther vii. 8.
[67]‘As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.’—Esther vii. 8.
[68]St. Matthew xxii. 11-13. [See, however, also Luke xiii. 28, where the true meaning obviously is ‘while ye are being cast out.’ There are other obvious mistranslations in our version; such as for instance that of Mark ix. 43, where for ‘the fire that cannot be put out’ we have ‘the fire that never shall be quenched.’ It is to be hoped that the revised version will be such as to give readers ignorant of Greek a thoroughly correct idea of the meaning of the original, most especially on points of such awful importance as this.]
[68]St. Matthew xxii. 11-13. [See, however, also Luke xiii. 28, where the true meaning obviously is ‘while ye are being cast out.’ There are other obvious mistranslations in our version; such as for instance that of Mark ix. 43, where for ‘the fire that cannot be put out’ we have ‘the fire that never shall be quenched.’ It is to be hoped that the revised version will be such as to give readers ignorant of Greek a thoroughly correct idea of the meaning of the original, most especially on points of such awful importance as this.]
[69]The extent of our knowledge, or rather of our ignorance, on this subject has been happily rendered by the Rev. Dr. Irons, when he states that all we are authorised to infer is that retribution will be morally complete.
[69]The extent of our knowledge, or rather of our ignorance, on this subject has been happily rendered by the Rev. Dr. Irons, when he states that all we are authorised to infer is that retribution will be morally complete.
[70]The sense is as follows:—Master, said I, will these torments increase after the great judgment, will they be less, or equally severe? He replied—Go back to your scholastic learning, which tells you that the more perfect the being the more he feels both pleasure and pain. And, although these accursed ones can never reach full perfection, they expect to be more perfect after than before (the judgment).
[70]The sense is as follows:—Master, said I, will these torments increase after the great judgment, will they be less, or equally severe? He replied—Go back to your scholastic learning, which tells you that the more perfect the being the more he feels both pleasure and pain. And, although these accursed ones can never reach full perfection, they expect to be more perfect after than before (the judgment).
[71][We ought perhaps to inform our readers that what we have here said refers to that particular state after the present—the dying out of which, in consequence of voluntary separation from its centre of life and energy, has been called the second death. Whether this dying out is equivalent to absolute annihilation is a point which we do not pretend to discuss.]
[71][We ought perhaps to inform our readers that what we have here said refers to that particular state after the present—the dying out of which, in consequence of voluntary separation from its centre of life and energy, has been called the second death. Whether this dying out is equivalent to absolute annihilation is a point which we do not pretend to discuss.]
[72]Including in ita state of thingslike the present physical universe; not, however,the very thingsthat now exist, these being evanescent in energy at least, if not also in material.
[72]Including in ita state of thingslike the present physical universe; not, however,the very thingsthat now exist, these being evanescent in energy at least, if not also in material.
[73]Cambridge, Macmillan, 1855.
[73]Cambridge, Macmillan, 1855.