A Historical Incident by G. W. A.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1872

A Historical Incident.

By G. W. A.

THE unfavorable effects of the doctrine of hell torments in the intermediate state, is well illustrated by an incident in Martin's history of "The Dutch Reformation," which, by the way, is a highly entertaining book, that can be had at this Office for $1.50.

Early in the seventh century the catholic religion was introduced into the Low Countries. Previous to that time, the Netherlanders were pagans, but through the influence of the Frankish monarch, Pepin, Ratbod, a Frisian chief, was persuaded to allow himself to be baptized. But the imprudence of a monk spoiled all; for after the chief had immersed one leg in the baptismal font, a thought struck him, and he paused. “Where are my dead forefathers?” queried he. “IN HELL,” said the officiating priest. “Mighty well,” retorted the pagan; “then I would rather feast with my ancestors in the halls of Woden, than shiver and starve alone in the Heaven of the Christian;” and he declined the rite!

Query: Has the doctrine become more relishable now than it was in the days of the pagan chieftain?

G. W. A.