He said, referring to the subject just discussed, "But would this not be giving some of the race a SECOND CHANCE? Yes, we answer; and more; it would be giving all people a second chance" (Vol. 1, page 130).
"Pastor" Russell's theories knew nothing of "a great gulf fixed;" they knew nothing of the solemn meanings of such Scriptures as "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him " (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)).
They knew nothing of the solemn teaching of Scripture of the great white throne where in a vision "the dead, small and great, stand before God," and where "Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:1515And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)).
That vision will, "alas! soon become a reality. How kind is this warning! No hint is given there as to a second chance.
And why should men be so anxious to have a second chance? Why want a second chance when they refuse the first? Is it because they want to "enjoy the pleasures of sin"? It is a theory invented by Satan, whereby multitudes are lulled into deadly indifference as to their souls' salvation. We read: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God " (Psa. 9:1717The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)). "The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord " (2 Thess. 1:7-97And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:7‑9)).
Does this look like a second chance? What multitudes of solemn passages ignored by "Pastor" Russell could be quoted, if space permitted! We earnestly urge the reader to study the Word of God for himself. It speaks for itself. How true it is if the Bible is read, and "Scripture Studies" set aside, that the reader will soon get into darkness—darkness as to "Millennial Dawnism"—but happily into light as to God's truth.
The foregoing quotations as to Universalism, despite the disclaimer made, taught Universalism, without a qualifying clause. The reader by this time will be quite prepared to find " Pastor " Russell contradicting his own words.
His teaching to a large extent is Universalism, and where it is not that, Russell taught annihilationism, and denied everlasting punishment.