Page:The Faith as Unfolded by Many Prophets.djvu/107

 he suffers, and consoles him when he mourns.

There is, however, no hope without fear, declared Havilah. Both just and unjust must be tormented long and grievously till their lot is fixed: and though the guilty shall suffer infinitely the most, there is no one who can escape wholly, or who can therefore die entirely without fear.

It is true, replied Eber, that no man is altogether holy: and since every secret thing is to be brought into judgment, all who are conscious of evil deeds and of impure thoughts must tremble in the belief of the punishment which awaits such deeds and thoughts. Great is the woe of the guilty, therefore, when their hour is coming: but the just man so loves God, and is so beloved of him, that the judgment becomes a, joyful rather than a fearful thing. The just man knows that God is merciful to forgive sins on repentance; and while he mourns the evil he has done, he yet trusts in the love of his Father, and longs to draw nearer to him, that he may know and love him continually. If God is the Judge, he is also the Father of men; — and who that is obedient, should fear to meet a father perfect in justice and in love?