Page:The New View of Hell.djvu/129

 the other world, and the devils be ultimately all converted into angels.

The New Church doctrine says: "Keep the commandments; shun evils as sins; deny self, take up the cross and follow the Lord. For if you do not, while on earth, begin the great work of building up the kingdom of heaven in your heart, you will have no inclination to begin this work beyond the grave; and that blessed kingdom will, therefore, never be yours."

The other doctrine, stripped of its fine rhetoric and speaking in the plainest language, says: "It is best, of course, to keep the commandments. This will carry you to heaven quickest. But live as you will—sin as you may—trample on all the laws of God as you choose—indulge your avarice, your lust, your pride, your selfishness, your hate, to any excess—develop and strengthen within you the life of hell to whatever extent—and God will some day, spite of yourself and every other obstacle, bring you out of that hellish state, and make you a shining and happy angel."

Now which of these doctrines is it best for men to believe? Which is most stimulating to the better part of our nature, and most helpful in repressing and restraining the worse? Which is most likely to excite to prayer and watchfulness? to patience and self-denial and holy endeavor? to inward and persevering conflict with the foes of our own household? Which is the most wholesome doctrine to preach?—which the most benign