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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 13, No. 16.

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Letters.

By O. W. Coffman

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Coffman.

BRO. SMITH: I improve the present opportunity to inform the brethren and sisters that I am still striving to obtain an entrance into the everlasting kingdom, and stand with the 144,000 on Mt. Zion. Although I suffer persecution upon the right and upon the left, yet I am enabled to say, "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed." Rom. v, 1-5.
The cause is gaining ground here. The brethren take a deeper interest in the message. I believe they grow daily in the knowledge of the truth, and many of them seem to be rooted and grounded in the faith. The people, as a general thing, have ceased to contend with them, and receive the word with all readiness of mind, and search the Scriptures daily, to see whether these these things are so. Some who had been lulled to sleep by the doctrine of universal salvation, have suddenly awakened, and set about investigating for themselves; and within two months past several have read the New Testament through twice. Yet there are some who still oppose the truth, and think that they are able to substantiate their points.
A short time ago I attended a protracted meeting of the United Brethren. After a discourse, in which the immortal soul, deathless spirit, and conscious being in eternal misery, were portrayed in glowing colors, I remarked, as the meeting was dismissed, that I wished to make a proposition to the people before they dispersed. They became quiet instantly, and I stated it thus: I will give any one of you three months to show me one passage in the Bible that says the soul is immortal and can never die. Their minister instantly inquired, Did you say three months? I answered, Yes sir, a year if you wish. He remarked that he could do it at the present time, if he saw fit. I answered that I would be pleased to have him do so. He then said that I would have to affirm that the soul was mortal. I answered that I did not offer a negative question. By this time much excitement was manifested by the people, and I left. The next day he sent me word that if I would state my proposition in writing, he would answer it. I did so, and it is now in his possession. When he will answer it I cannot say. I have noticed this to show the ignorance that exists with many at the present time who are styled Reverend.
I rejoice that we have a sure word, whereunto we do well to take heed, as a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in our hearts.
Brethren and sisters, let us not sleep as do others, but watch and be sober, for God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for me that I fail not in the evil day, and O pray especially for the spread of the truth.
O. W. COFFMAN.
Osceola, Iowa, Feb., 1859.