III. Fate of Wicked Is Utter Extinction

1. WICKED TO BE “FOUND NO MORE,” “CUT OFF,” WIPED OUT

In Hymn 8 (IV, 5-40), the dread fate of the wicked transgressors is further rehearsed: “Thou wilt sentence all men of deceit to be cut off, and all the prophets of error will be found no more.” ^{41Ibid., p. 144.}CFF1 748.4

Contrariwise: “They that are pleasing to Thee shall stand in Thy presence for ever, and they that walk in the way Thou desirest rest firm for all time.” ^42Ibid.CFF1 748.5

But of “froward men,” God passes “sentence on them that they be cut off.” ^{43Ibid., p. 145.} Then the hymnodist adds by way of contrast, “Righteousness lies not with man, nor perfection of conduct with mortals. Only with God On High are all works of righteousness.” He will “bring unto perfection the life of mortal man; that all His works may know how mighty is His power, how plenteous His love to all who do His Will.” ^{44Ibid., p. 146.}CFF1 748.6

But of “wicked men” who oppose His “covenant” the writer declares:CFF1 749.1

“For Thou wilt wipe out all sin, and in Thy bounty it lies to purify man from guilt. Man alone cannot do as Thou hast done; for Thou it is didst create both the righteous and the wicked.” ^45Ibid.CFF1 749.2

2. BURNED UNTIL THEY BE “DESTROYED.”

The same paralleling theme is continued in Hymn 10 (V, 20-VI, 35). The “rivers of Eden,” with their “evergreen” boughs, thrive “beyond [all bounds],” ^{46Ibid., p. 155.} but the “[plant of Beli]al,” has its roots sunk down “into hell.” “In its [fiery] sparks all [infamous] men shall be burned; it shall be as a flame devouring the guilty, until they be destroyed.” ^{47Ibid., p. 156.}CFF1 749.3

The hymnodist closes with a portrayal of the “hosts of wickedness” battling the “Warrior” of Heaven, who brings forth “His weapons of war.” His legions go forth, “[and there shall be no escape, for the guilty impulse of men. They shall trample it to destruction,” ^{48Ibid., p. 157.} and none shall escape. They shall be “cut off when the battle is joined with the presumptious [sic].” ^{49Ibid., p. 158.}CFF1 749.4

3. RIGHTEOUS “NEVER DIE”; WICKED “WITHER.”

In Hymn 14 (VIII, 4-36), the figure is changed. Men are likened to “trees.” The righteous “stand planted ... trees that never die,” with roots sunken in the stream of living water. ^{50Ibid., p. 165.} But in contrast:CFF1 749.5

“[The trees of the wicked shall be felled] and sink like lead in mighty waters; and a fire shall go forth, and they shall wither. But the orchard which I have planted shall bloom for ever.” ^{51Ibid., p. 166. (Brackets in original.}CFF1 749.6

And he adds, in Hymn 15 (IX, 2-X, 12), that as man is brought “unto judgment,” those who have “forfeited” the righteous provisions of God “[are doomed to perdition].” ^{52Ibid., p. 170.} Then he observes, “What is man, mere earth, kneaded out of [clay,] destined to return unto the dust.” ^{53Ibid., pp 172 173.}CFF1 749.7

4. ANGELS BROUGHT TO JUDGMENT AND HELL

In Hymn 16 (X, 14-XI, 2) he adverts to the fallen angels:CFF1 750.1

“Howbeit, when I hear how Thou judgest even Thine angels so mighty in strength, how that Thou arraignest even the Holy Host, my heart is sorely racked, my loins are all a-quake, my sighing reaches down into the nethermost abyss and penetrates withal into the chambers of hell .... For how much more upon man will Thy sentence go forth? And will not Thy judgment be wreaked upon all Thy works?” ^{54Ibid., p. 176.}CFF1 750.2

Then he joyously declares in Hymn 17 (XI, 3-14) that “Thou hast granted it unto man [“molded of clay”] to be purged of transgression,” and “to share the lot of Thy Holy Beings, to the end that this worm which is man may be lifted out of the dust to the height of eternal things,” to join the “choir invisible, to be for ever renewed with all things that are.” ^{55Ibid., p. 178}CFF1 750.3