MAN IN DEATH

Finding nothing in the description of man in life, from which we can even infer a compound nature, or an unconditional immortality, we inquire if in any description of his state in death, we find anything from which we can legitimately infer that he is in possession of a separate entity, capable of existence, and which does exist, independently of the body. Overlooking the puerile assumptions of science, falsely so called, we appeal at once to the inspired word. In plain and unmistakable terms it speaks as follows: “For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also, their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever, in anything that is done under the sun. For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10.MOI 31.2

This quotation contains a clear enunciation of the doctrine which we believe. But before proceeding to adduce other positive scriptures on this point, we will examine the more prominent of those passages which we have been taught to believe furnish conclusive evidence of the soul’s conscious existence after death. For it is certain that when objections are suffered to lie undisturbed in the mind, their influence, so far as it goes, however unconscious we may be of the fact, is to close it to the entrance of conviction, and shut the eyes to the bearing and importance of any amount of positive testimony that may be produced. It is for this reason that we think it best for the writer on this subject, to address himself, in the forefront of the investigation, to the work of breaking down the barriers which prejudice or education may have raised in our minds against the harmonious teaching of the word of God.MOI 32.1