JB_807_257.xml

Title: [3 Sept 1811 Jug. Util. B.II]

Description: 3 Sept 1811

Jug. Util.

B.II

Ch. 4. Mischief. 2. Terrors

(2)

3. As to probability, for calculating the amount of this dimension there are two data: 1. the straight gate: 2. the sin against the Holy Ghost.

In the parable of the Gates as it may be called, an assurance is given, given in terms the clearness of which is not often equalled /in this source of information/ especially in parables, that the number of those by whom this state of torment is escaped is small /very small/ in comparison of the number of those who are consigned to it. Numbers are not given: for in those days by that /species in/ /measure/ degree of correctness /correct thinking/ which require numbers for the expression of it, much progress had not as yet been made. But that be the man who he will, the chances of escaping from this state of endless torment /every-beginning and never-abating, and conception passing torment/ torment was against him in a high degree against him, is plainly declared at least as plainly declared as in that same book any thing is declared.

JB_808_049.xml

Title: [2 Sept 1811 Jug Util B.II.]

Description: 2 Sept 1811

Jug Util

B.II. Under Revelation

Ch.5. Mischief. Weakning Natural

7

Merit consisting in repentance in the pain of repentance, (1) /the/ an occasion for repentance was to be made. That this merit might not be effaced by ordinary sins or the indifferent transitions of ordinary life, (2) the [...?] of the meritorious person was to be closed by it it was to fill up /the last act and/ the last scene of life. What then was the means to /be/ chosen for bringing life to /its close/ a termination at the exactly proper period. (3) A man was not to die /by/ with his own hand: that would have been suicide, suicide a crime and a sin that admitts of no repentance /atonement/, suicide the sin against the Holy Ghost excepted, the most unatoneable and most /unpardonable/ irremissionible of all sins. It was therefore to be the hand of another. (4) But what other hand so attainable, and at the same time so apt as that of the executioner of public justice? This was not suicide: no more than Jesus's death. Attainable? but by what means? (5) There was but one, and that was the comitting a crime, the /co-operating in the/ punishing of which would thus become a part of his public duty. (6) /What remained was/ There remained nothing but the /making/ choice of the crime: and in this choice the same religious and christian spirit by which the idea had been suggested still manifested itself /bore away/. A crime was thought of by which crime as it was more good than evil /would/ was to be done, since /the salvation of a soul/ the securing of a [...?] soul against all perils of damnation would be the fruit of it.

16

1. Make an occasion for repentance.

2. Choose the close of life repentance will then not be obliterated by first offences.

3. Close not life by your own hand: that excludes repentance. (hence suicide worst of sins, sin against Holy Ghost excepted)

4. Executioners the [...?] other hand at command.

5. means committing a capital crime.

6. Which that Christianity more good than evil may be done by it. should be infanticide age earlier than that of sin.

JB_808_053.xml

Title: [2 Sept 1811 Jug Util B.II.]

Description: 2 Sept 1811

Jug Util

B.II. Under Revelation

Ch.5. Mischief. Weakning Natural

10

Is it believed to be unavailing? The commodity not being to be purchased the pain is not found.

Under the system the case of a death-bed repentance is rather a perplexing one. It is unavailing? The sins of the whole life remain unatoned for, and /everlasting/ eternal misery is the consequence. Is it unavailing? To be put off til the last moment is the natural lot of a task so irksome. Meantime the efficacy of the remedy stands unimpeached. With the Catholic it is beyond doubt /out of question/. With the Anglico Protestant /Protestant will/ it is /at least/ no less so. ‘He pardoneth and absolveth all those /them/ who truly repent and unfeignedly believe his Holy Gospel.’ +

Bentham footnote: ‘ + Liturgy’. Here their repentance being a price by the payment of which a mass of merit is purchased sufficient for the rubbing off the sins of a whole life, be this life ever so long and the sins crowded into the compass of it ever so flagrant and now so numerous /good/ economy prescribes the husbandry of so pretious a matter and forbids the expenditure of any portion of it in waste.

19

Deliverance on deathbed repentance. Unavailing? All sins unatoned for, end less torment the cause genuine. Availing? Confiding in this abstinence a man adds sin to sin his whole life long.

Economy forbids expenditure of so pretious a matter in waste. Anglican absolution promises pardon to all believers.