15 JUNE 1901, Page 14

MERCY IN HELL.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sia,—Mercy in hell is one thing, and the possibility of repentance in hell another, and a very different thing. May not part of the happiness of the blessed be in watching for ever the effects of the goodness of God in making eternal punishment always less dreadful than absolute annihilation, while ever pointing to that eternal contrast between and evil which is of the essence of the everlasting reign of justice ? Probably no unhappy soul that is lost has one good friend left; and we Roman Catholics believe that the possibilities of Purgatory are almost inexhaustible.—I am, Sir, &c., [We cannot continue the correspondence on this subject—. 1:). Spectator.]