The following remarks are the result of much anxious thoughtful inquiry, for many a year, into the meaning of those Scriptures which speak of a punishment for sin. The writer has purposely placed our Lord's words on the title-page, as he holds that all Scripture, being inspired of God, is true; that Scripture is the word of God, and does not contain the word of God only. But any interpretation of Scripture is not inspired. He would ask, if these remarks are noticed, that it may not be assumed that there is here a covert wish to qualify, or to alter, what is said so plainly by the Lord Jesus; or that he would in any way suggest that God's word, or any portion of that word, is not thus truth; or that he would take anything from the dread penalty to be endured by the transgressor. Scripture reveals a punishment—God's word, not man's opinion, must determine what it is. If man teaches, as of God, what is not of God, such teaching will lead to unbelief in all of the Bible.

The Bible always declares that God will punish sin both here and hereafter. This punishment is called, "The wages of sin," Romans vi., 23; "The fruit of their own way," Proverbs, i., 31. It is said in many places that the punishment after death will be very terrible, St. Mark, ix., 44, &c., &c.