URS DNR 20 THE FIRST AND SECOND RESURRECTION page 0745 paragraph 2 The Execution of the Sentence. - The wicked are to be punished according to their works. The Scriptures declare that they shall be rewarded according to their deeds. There are, then, to be degrees in the punishment of the wicked; and it may be asked how this can be harmonized with the view that death is the punishment for sin, and comes upon all alike. Let us ask believers in eternal misery how they will maintain degrees in their system. They tell us the intensity of the pain endured will be in each case proportioned to the guilt of the sufferer. But how can this be? Are not the flames of hell equally severe in all parts? and will they not equally affect all the immaterial souls cast therein? But God can interpose, it is answered, to produce the effect desired. Very well then, we reply, cannot he also interpose, if necessary, and graduate the pain which will attend the infliction of death upon the sinner as the climax of his penalty? So, then, our view is equal with the common one in this respect, while it possesses great advantages over it in another; for while that has to find its degrees

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of punishment in intensity of pain alone, the duration in all cases being the same, this may not only have degrees in pain, but in duration also; inasmuch as some may perish in a short space of time, and the weary sufferings of others be long drawn out. But yet we apprehend that the bodily suffering will be but an unnoticed trifle compared with the mental agony, that keen anguish which will rack their souls as they get a view of their incomparable loss, each according to his capacity of appreciation. The youth who had but little more than reached the years of accountability, being less able to comprehend his situation and his loss, will of course feel it less; to him of older years, more capacity, and consequently a deeper experience in sin, the burden of his fate will be proportionately greater; while the man of giant intellect and almost boundless comprehension, - who hence possessed greater influence for evil, and so was the more guilty for devoting his powers to the service of that evil, - being able to understand his situation fully, comprehend his fate, and realize his loss, will feel it most keenly of all. Into his soul the iron will indeed enter most intolerably deep. And thus, by an established law of mind, the sufferings of each may be most accurately adjusted to the magnitude of his guilt.
URS DNR 20 THE FIRST AND SECOND RESURRECTION page 0746 paragraph 1 That the degree of suffering which each one is to endure is taken into the account as a part of the punishment of his crimes, is evident from Rom.2:6-10. Paul, here speaking of the future "judgment of God," says:-
URS DNR 20 THE FIRST AND SECOND RESURRECTION page 0746 paragraph 2 "Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality [he will render], eternal life; but unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness [he will render], indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile."

when or how did we drift towards, at least, a partial view of the "eternal torment" idea in light of what our pioneers believed and taught?

You hold to a partial view of "eternal torment"? How did you manage to get there? Our evangelistic efforts, as far as I know, have always taught soul sleep and eternal death. U. Smith was pretty clear in the quote that suffering varied according to the sin, and the duration was finite.

And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47-48)

Regarding "Torment, yes, but not eternal," I think this is what teresa had in mind by saying "a variation of eternal torment." The variation would be the time element.

The question is if our belief is essentially the same as those who believe in eternal torment, except for the time duration element. Or our their fundamental differences in regards to what causes the torment?

So, then, our view is equal with the common one in this respect, while it possesses great advantages over it in another; for while that has to find its degrees

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of punishment in intensity of pain alone, the duration in all cases being the same, this may not only have degrees in pain, but in duration also; inasmuch as some may perish in a short space of time, and the weary sufferings of others be long drawn out.

That's an interesting way to put it. Kind of like saying we believe a "variation of once saved always saved" with the variation on the "always saved" element. I guess....


tq, in the OP, quoted Smith, then asked how "we" drifted towards "a partial view of the 'eternal torment' idea in light of what our pioneers believed and taught."

Here's what I can find in the quote that summarizes what Smith was arguing against, and what he was arguing for:
There are two items: degree of pain, duration of pain. Regarding duration, he said, "some may perish in a short space of time, and the weary sufferings of others be long drawn out." But he was agreeing with the "common" view that there are degrees of pain. On those two points, the church is still in agreement with Smith. So I don't know what the "drift" is that "we" are doing.

...

smith is referring to mental agony of the lost not burning.

But yet we apprehend that the bodily suffering will be but an unnoticed trifle compared with the mental agony...