A COMMUNICATION by O. Nichols

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1858

A COMMUNICATION.

By O. Nichols

I FEEL it my duty to define my position in relation to the state of the dead. For many years I have felt very little interest on this subject, not enough to read the articles in the controversy commencing some twelve years ago between the writers of the Ad. Herald, and the Harbinger. I thought this subject was not connected with the advent doctrines; that the minds of those interested in this controversy were becoming unsettled and alienated from the more important doctrines of the three angels’ messages, that it led to contention, strife, &c., not according to the gospel of Christ; and that it was not necessary to our salvation. For these reasons, which I formerly cherished, I let the subject of the state of the dead rest until the present year.

During this period, however, I believed that the dead were in an unconscious state. The Old Testament plainly teaches this view; and although there are some passages in the New Testament that are not so plain, to which our opponents would refer to prove an opposite view; yet I could not think that the apostle’s view of the intermediate state conflicted with the writers of the Old Testament. But there was one passage in Luke—the rich man and Lazarus—which always troubled me. I could not understand what it did mean. About a year ago this subject was again taken up by the editor of the Ad. Herald. There were some testimonies then introduced relative to the Jews’ belief of the state of the dead, which seemed to give light on that obscure parable; [Luke xvi, 19–31,] and for a short time my mind was somewhat more unsettled upon some points. In an interview with the editor, afterwards, I expressed that I should prefer reliable testimony of the views of the christians in the first century on these points, rather than that of the Jews; and should like to have them published in the Herald. He replied that on account of the opposition to his views he had concluded to publish nothing more on the state of the dead, unless to answer a special request made through the Herald with the signature of the writer, and if I would briefly preface a few remarks to my request, over my signature, he would answer it: to this proposition I reluctantly assented.

I relate these things because I learn there is an impression with some of my friends abroad, that I have renounced my views of the state of the dead through the Ad. Herald.

During the present year I have more carefully examined the Bible upon this subject, and, having access to much ancient testimony and arguments which I had not seen before, I understandingly believe that the dead sleep in an unconscious state until the resurrection. I believe also that it is necessary for every one to be fully settled in this belief upon Bible testimony, in order to stand against the delusions of the Spiritual Philosophy of the present age.

O. NICHOLS.

Dorchester, Mass.