Where Does the Soul Go?
By John Crapsey
Eld. Jno. Crapsey writes from Portville, Pa.: "A few days since, I was off on some business, and on my return home, the Sabbath overtook me in West Genesee, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., during which time I was invited to attend meeting with a people who call themselves Seventh-day Baptists. Elder Campbell was their settled preacher. But soon, after some deliberations and considerations, it did appear quite evident that Mr. Campbell and myself did not see quite eye to eye as watchmen ought to see, especially on some of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, viz., the sleep of the saints, destruction of the wicked, immortality, &c. There was also a Bible class to come on immediately after service. The question for consideration had previously been given out, which was, Where does the soul go when the person dies? This subject, as you very well know, must have been very interesting to me, for these despised second Adventists are not drawing the bow at a venture. God is greatly opening their understanding and revealing to them the true knowledge of the Scriptures. Hence it is that they see eye to eye. I took my seat at the foot of the class, and the preacher in the middle of the house as a sort of moderator and interrogator. The question, Where does the soul go? was answered, To God. Some Scripture was introduced as supposed proof. There were three persons who advanced some scripture as proof that the soul slept in the grave. The preacher said he would like to hear the opinion of the stranger, which I most gladly gave. I then reviewed some few arguments which had been presented, remembering at the same time that I should be reviewed, and replied to by the propounding minister. I also requested the Elder to give us the original for soul and spirit. Suffice it to say, I think that I never saw the truth come home to the hearts of the children of men with more convincing power in all my life before. Dear brother, it was clad in triple steel. In short, it appeared to paralyze every argument brought against it. So you see, the truth has begun to explode in their midst, and may the Lord continue to be with those who are seeking after it."