(9) AND THE GOSPEL. 217 In this spirit, it must be confessed, that he has often been blamed by those who cannot reconcile it with the Divine perfections, that God should for so long a period, have permitted the existence of sin and suffering in the world; and that, instead of instantly destroying the guilty, he should have allowed the evil to spread itself, and to corrupt the whole human race. To this objection we may reply, by remarking, that we are not capable of judging of the methods which infinite wisdom may choose to employ, or of the ultimate objects which it may have in view. The development of the moral character of man, and the exhibition of the Divine mercy and justice, may have been the paramount considerations; and, in relation to these, the long period of the world's history, with all its woes, may have been necessary. The question of the origin of evil is, indeed, one of the most profound and mysterious subjects that can engage the human mind, and it is one with which we are but imperfectly acquainted. But, while we are unable to comprehend the full reasons for the existence of evil, we are furnished with such ample evidence of the Divine love and goodness, that we are fully justified in trusting in the wisdom and justice of God, even in the midst of our present ignorance. The great difficulty which men have in reconciling the permission of evil with the Divine goodness, arises from the fact that they are apt to consider the evil as an isolated fact, instead of as a part of a grand and far-reaching system of Providence, which is ultimately to result in the greater glory of God, and the eternal welfare of his creatures. We are told that God is love, and this is the fundamental truth of the Gospel. We see the love of God displayed in creation, in redemption, and in the provision which he has made for our future glory. The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, his life, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension, are all so many demonstrations of the Divine love to man. The great atonement which was made for sin, the offer of salvation to all who believe in him, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and sanctify us, are all so many proofs of the boundless mercy of God. And, when we look forward to the future, we see the love of God still more fully displayed in the glorious prospects which are laid open to us in the Gospel. We are taught that all who are found in Christ will be raised from the dead, and will be made like unto him, and will dwell with him in his kingdom, and will be made partakers of his glory. We are taught that all tears will be wiped away from our eyes, and that there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

The Gospel, therefore, furnishes us with a complete antidote to all our present sorrows and sufferings. It tells us that these are but temporary, and that they are all designed to work for our good. It tells us that God has not forgotten us in our afflictions, but that he is present with us, and that he is sustaining us by his grace. It tells us that there is a day coming, when all wrong will be righted, and all suffering will be removed, and when we shall enter into the everlasting joy of our Lord. In the meanwhile, let us endeavor to live in accordance with the spirit of the Gospel, and to do all the good that we can in the world. Let us imitate the example of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and let us remember that he has commanded us to love one another. And, if we are found faithful, we shall hereafter be glorified with him, and shall reign with him in his kingdom for ever and ever.