We are frequently asked what use there is in preaching the sleep of the dead, the destruction of the wicked, etc. Even granting that our views on this subject are correct. What good will it do? Is it worth while to make divisions upon mere theoretical doctrines? We reply, that we preach these doctrines
1. Because they are true; and it is through the truth that we are to be sanctified, and not through error, John 17:17; 8:32; 2 Thess. 2:13.
2. Because the word of God teaches them, and we are commanded: "Preach the word." 2 Tim. 4:1.
3. Because these doctrines commend themselves to the reason, judgment and conscience of men, to which we are to appeal. Isa. 1:18; 1 Cor. 11:13; 2 Cor. 4:2.
4. Because the opposite of these truths, namely, the immortality of the soul, the conscious state of the dead, and the eternal torment of the wicked, is a virtual repetition of one of Satan's earliest falsehoods. See Gen. 3:1–5.
5. Because the absurdity of the doctrine of an endless hell, has driven thousands into universalism.
6. Because the unreasonableness and injustice of eternal torment have driven tens of thousands into infidelity.
7. Because the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is the very corner stone and foundation of spiritualism.
8. Because the preaching of the horrors of a never ending hell, does not, as it is claimed, drive men to love God as daily observation shows.
9. Because the preaching of the truth concerning the just punishment which God will inflict upon the sinner, does win multitudes from skepticism to faith in the Bible and to embrace Christianity, as we are able to testify.
10. Because the principle of interpretation adopted to sustain these doctrines, compels men to make the Bible mean just the opposite of what it plainly says. Thus, when the word of God says that man is mortal, Job. 4:17, it means that he is immortal; to die means to live; to fall asleep; means to wake up; to know nothing, Eccl. 9:5, means to know everything; to go into the grave, Eccl. 3:10, means to go to Heaven; to perish, John 3:16, means to preserve eternally; to destroy, 2 Pet. 2:12, is to render indestructible; to be burned up, Mal. 4:1 is to be made a living salamander; the lake of fire, Rev. 21:8, means a guilty conscience, etc.
With such teaching as this it is no wonders that the mass of the people are turning away from the Bible as a dark book. God in his mercy to men is lifting this cloud of error, and is causing the light of truth to shine upon the doctrines of his holy word. We rejoice for the consolation, and feel like proclaiming it to all around. D. M. CANRIGHT. San Jose, July 16, 1874.