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In the end we know, replied Havilah, that the righteous shall be fully blest[1]; but the terrors of the judgment-day are for all.
I believe, answered Eber, that there shall be much that is awful to be beheld; much that cannot now be conceived by those who have seen only the things which are done upon the earth; — but that there shall be pain of body or anguish of spirit for the righteous while they stand in God's presence, I do not believe. Christ hath not so taught; and if the Father be indeed merciful, this cannot be true. It is with death, as it was but yesterday with the darkness that spread over the land at noon-day. Every man knew that the sun should be eclipsed, and it was eclipsed for all alike; yet some looked upon it with delight, and others with horror; some with calmness, and others with doubt. Some covered their faces when they saw how the cold shadow crept over the radient earth, how the flowers closed themselves up, and the birds were hushed, and the flocks lay down together; — for such beholders were guilty, and they feared judgment from God. Others looked up with wonder, and feared they knew not what; — for they were ignorant. But because the wise and
- ↑ Prelim. Dissert. p. 87.
