Here is an early work on the topic of the final end of the wicked, or “annihilation.” The view of the author is in contrast to the common doctrine held by many churches, that the soul is immortal and the souls of the wicked will be tormented in hell fire, forever and ever.
The minister, Samuel Bourn, thought this common idea put a very bad light on God’s character and justice. He argues in this work, that punishing people beyond what is warranted by their crime is a mark of tyrrany and that the actual Bible teaching was that the wicked would suffer “according to their works,” and this pointed to a limited suffering, until their lives were extinguished.
This was a rare view in the late 1700’s, and Bourn was in advance of many of the ministers of his day, on this topic. It is interesting to read his reasoning about how the false view of God’s character led to penances, bigoted zeal, and inhumane cruelty through persecutions like the inquisition. He also argues that the true view, that God is both just and merciful, leads to true repentance. 35p
Contents
- The End of the Wicked
- Human Misconceptions of God
- God’s Goodness and Love
- The Punishment of the Wicked
- God’s Justice and Mercy Lead to Repentance
- Extreme Injustice Leads to Penances and Bigoted Zeal
- False Image of God Impressed Upon Men
- Inhumane Cruelty in the Name of Religion
- The Inquisition Patterned After False Justice
- God’s True Character Draws and Uplifts Man
- False Doctrine Inspired by the Devil
- The True Gospel Upholds Justice and Mercy
- The World to Come
- Appendix: A Letter concerning the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment
