Nettleton and the universalist:
The man accordingly informed him, that, in his opinion, mankind received all their punishment in this life, and that all would be happy after death. Dr. Nettleton then asked him to explain certain passages of Scripture,—such as the account of a future judgment in the 25th chapter of Matthew, and some others; merely suggesting difficulties for him to solve, without calling in question any of his positions. After taxing his ingenuity for some time in this way, and thus giving him opportunity to perceive the difficulty of reconciling his doctrine with the language of inspiration, he said to him: “You believe, I presume, the account given by Moses of the deluge, and of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?”—“Certainly,” he replied.
“It seems, then,” said Dr. Nettleton, “that the world became exceeding corrupt, and God determined to destroy it by a deluge of water. He revealed His purpose to Noah, and directed him to prepare an ark, in which he and his family might be saved. Noah believed God, and prepared the ark. Meanwhile, he was a preacher of righteousness. He warned the wicked around him of their danger, and exhorted them to prepare to meet their God. But his warnings were disregarded. They, doubtless, flattered themselves that God was too good a being thus to destroy His creatures. But, notwithstanding their unbelief, the flood came, and, if your doctrine is true, swept them all up to heaven. And what became of Noah, that faithful servant of God? He was tossed to and fro on the waters, and was doomed to trials and sufferings for three hundred and fifty years longer in this evil world; whereas, if he had been wicked enough, he might have gone to heaven with the rest.
“And there were the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which had become so corrupt that God determined to destroy them by a tempest of fire. He revealed His purpose to Lot, and directed him and his family to make their escape. ‘And Lot went out and spake to his sons-in-law, saying, Up! get ye out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked to his sons-in-law.’ They did not believe that any such doom was impending. They, doubtless, flattered themselves that God was too good a being to burn up His creatures. But no sooner had Lot made his escape, than it rained fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven, and they all, it seems, ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire; while pious Lot was left to wander in the mountains, and to suffer many grievous afflictions in this vale of tears; whereas, if he had been wicked enough, he might have gone to heaven with the rest.” After making this statement, he requested the man to reflect on these things, and bade him an affectionate adieu.
—Bennet Tyler, The Life and Labours of Asahel Nettleton (Banner of Truth, 1975), 399–400.
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