Probation after death

Front matter

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

PROBATION AFTER DEATH,

OR

Preface

~ HE theme that forms the subject of this work has seriously engaged the attention of many careful Bible students since the dawn of Christianity, but more especially since the Reformation. A few among the various schools of theology have at times seen the absolute necessity for continued probation beyond death in order that G-od might be what he declares himself to be, viz. : "No respecter of persons."

Those who attained to such a degree of light, and possessed the courage of their convictions, have without exception come under ecclesiastical censure and expulsion from their respective communions.

Such a spirit of intolerance and proscription is to be deplored. The lack of investigation ofttimes deprives us of the pleasure and enjoyment of sublime truths. Instance: Galileo, who espoused the theory of Copernicus, that the earth revolved in an eliptical orbit around the sun. This sublime truth Galileo was compelled to abjure upon his knees at the behest of the ecclesiastical authority of his day. This retraction he was compelled to make under pain of death, because the church was prompted by

PBEFACE.

the false idea that such views were not in harmony with religion. Astounding as the facts have proven to be, the very Church that caused Galileo to abjure his scientific creed, is compelled to accept the views he held as true.

Witness again : The Son of God was condemned and crucified by the (apostate) Church in his day, because the spirit of investigation was at such a low ebb that it was almost extinguished. So that when Jesus was mentioned to some as the prophet spoken of by Moses, they doubted it, and because he came from Nazareth the question was asked: "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth ?" The answer given was: "Coine and see." Nathanael, who asked the question, being somewhat of an investigator, "proved all things," and declared on investigating: "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel." The elders of the Jews who refused to investigate the claims of Jesus, crucified him, which was the result of ignorance, for said Jesus: "They know not what they do." This ignorance was fostered by a prejudice that forbade them investigating the claims of the long expected Messiah. Such was the condition of the people when Jesus came as the "Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." And notwithstanding that the Jews extolled the name and words of Moses, yet when he came, of whom Moses

PREFACE.

had written, few were found to receive him. They even declared: "We know Grod spake to Moses; as for this fellow we know not whence he is," and Jesus answering them said: "Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writing how shall ye believe my words V 7

At this juncture the reader may ask this question: Can there any good thing come out of a discussion of this nature? We answer: "Read and see."

To some it may be preposterous to make the statement, that in the light of the nineteenth century the same intolerant spirit of proscription exists to-day as existed in the days of Galileo. But the flood-gates of research have burst upon the world and let in a tide of investigation that the priests of to-day can not control. Men to-day assert the divine right to prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good, without fear of being burned at the stake for their views.

The day is passed when the lives of men are jeopardized by giving utterance to their honest convictions, which do not harmonize with ecclesiastical authority. Yet it is a painful fact, that the embers of proscription are still alive, and would blaze as fiercely as in the dark ages, were it not for the

PBEFAOE.

restraining influence of law and an enlightened public sentiment. But in many instances the influence of ministers is exercised to such an extent that many are deprived of the light that is dawning on the footstool of Grod ? and the language of Christ is applicable to-day to these traditionized expounders of the Word of God.

"Woe unto you lawyers: for ye have taken away the key of knowledge, ye entered not in yourselves and them that were entering ye hindered. ?? Luke 11:52.

It will not surprise the author if many are found who stand ready to condemn this work without having read it. Judgment no doubt will be passed upon it by some who never saw it.

But as surely as the Lord has spoken by his Son Jesus Christ and by his holy prophets and Apostles he has proclaimed that a progressive probation extends beyond death, and that it will not cease until the great day of judgment, when Christ shall have finished his glorious reign of a thousand years on earth. And just as surely as man rejects the great truths uttered by inspired men of Grod and resists the flood of light and investigation which is now sweeping over the earth, just so surely will his life go out in darkness and despair. The passive mind is content and perfectly satisfied when assured that "all is well" by their respective pastors without

PEEFAOE.

any further inquiry or investigation on their part. When they read the Scriptures, if it does not harmonize with their creed or discipline it must be distorted to suit the said creed or discipline. Such is not the case with the investigator. Eternal truth is Ms sole desire. And he will not be satisfied with anything short of it. He is not content with the declarations of uninspired men, whose source of authority has no higher fountain than erring humanity. He seeks for and must have a "thus saith the Lord" to appease his thirst after righteousness.

It is an axiom that has been demonstrated time and again in the world's history, that it matters not however righteous a cause may be there will always be found Pharisees, lawyers, chief priests and hypocrites who are ever ready to condemn and extirpate any and all religious ideas which are not found in harmony with their views, which views may have no other foundation to rest upon than human tradition.

The author does not expect any man to accept his words for the fact that the hope of salvation does not terminate with the death of the body. But he will certainly draw your attention to these astounding facts as they fell from the lips of the Savior and inspired Apostles and prophets. Then if you are willing to believe God, Amen. If not, it is a matter between you and your maker.

PKEFACE.

So thoroughly convinced is the author that probation after death is a part of the great scheme the Lord laid for the ultimate redemption of the human family, that he stands ready to affirm that proposition in any place on earth against any man.

The challenge is given in a friendly spirit for the purpose of eliciting truth on this great question and not for the sake of contention.

If the reader can come to a more thorough understanding of the character of God, and his great plan of salvation by a careful study of this help, it will be a source of pleasure to the author to know that he has accomplished some good, and the praise be given to him who rules heaven and earth, in his Son's name. Amen. In love,

THE AUTHOR.

Moberly, Mo., Sept. 17, 1897.

CHALLENGE.

THE FOLLOWING NAMED MINISTERS AND EVANGELISTS.

Rev. E. R. Hendrix, LL. D., Bishop M. E. Church, South, Kansas City, Mo.

Rev. John H. Vincent, D. D., Bishop M. E. Church, Topeka, Kan.

Rev. E. H. Capen, LL. D., President Tufts College.

Rev. Geo. E. Horr, D. D., Editor "The Watchman, ?? Boston, Mass.

Rev. Edw. E. Hale, D. D., Pastor, Editor, Author, Boston, Mass.

Rev. Gr. P. Fisher, LL. D., Professor Yale University.

Rev. Chas. H. Parkhurst, D. D., Pastor, Writer, Reformer, New York.

Rev. D. L. Moody, Evangelist of two continents.

Rev. F. D. Huntington, L. H. D., LL. D., Bishop of Central Xew York.

- Rev. Augustus H. Strong, D. D., LL. D., President Rochester Theological Seminary.

Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Rev. H. M. Wharton, D. D., Pastor, Evangelist and Author, Baltimore, Md.

CHALLENGE.

Rev. F. A. Noble, D. D., Pastor Union Park Church, Chicago, 111.

Rev. P. S. Henson, D. D., Pastor First Baptist Church, Chicago, 111.

Rev. W. M. Barbour, D. D., LL. D., President Congregational College, Montreal, Can.

Rev. A. H. Currier, D. D., Prof. Sacred Literature, Oberlin College, Ohio.

Rev. Danl. Dorchester, Jr., D. D., Late Professor Boston University.

Rev. Jno. S. Sewall, D. D., Bangor Theological Seminary.

Rev. Ed. Abbott, D. D., Editor Literary World, Boston, Mass.

Rev. Wm. C. Wilkinson, D. D., Professor Chicago University.

Rev. J. C. Ryle, D. D., Lord Bishop of Liverpool, England.

Rev. Francis L. Patton, D. D., LL. D., President Princeton University.

Rev. R. H. Conwell, D. D., Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa.

Rev. Wm. M. Lawrence, D. D., Chicago, 111.

Rev. J. M. Buckley, D. D., Editor Christian Advocate, St. Louis, Mo.

CHALLENGE.

Eev. W. E. Palmore, D. D., Editor, St. Louis,

Mo.

Rev. W. T. Moore, D. Columbia, Mo.

Eev. T. P. Haley, D. D., Kansas City, Mo.

Eev. J. B. Briney, D. D., Moberly, Mo.

Eev. B. P. Fullerton, D. D., Pastor First C. P. Church, St. Louis, Mo.

Eev. D. M. Harris, D. IX, Editor "Observer," St. Louis, Mo.

Eev. E. M. Tinnon, D. D., Lincoln, HI.

Eev. T. DeWitt Taloiage, Editor "Christian Herald," N. Y.

Eev. Sam P. Jones, Evangelist.

Or any other minister of any denomination or creed, are hereby challenged to meet the author of "Probation After Death" at any time or place that can be mutually agreed upon, in the world, on the following question:

"Eesolved, that the death of the physical body does not end probation."

Philemon Pement, Affirmative. , Negative.

We are not opposing individual opinions but systems which misrepresent both Grod and his Word. For this reason the affirmative will strictly adhere to the following rules:

RULES.

1st. The King J ames translation of the Scripture to be the standard of evidence in this discussion and its decision to be final.

2d. The person who accepts this challenge must furnish the affirmative party with bona fide credentials, attesting his qualifications to properly represent the Church of which he is a member, from the chief editor of the official organ of said Church.

3d. The above specified credentials must be in the hands of affirming party ten days prior to the date set for said discussion.

4th. In case of sickness either party will be allowed to choose a substitute, but in that case the negative substitute must furnish his own credentials.

5th. Time and place of holding discussion to be mutually agreed upon.

6th. The discussion must take place thirty days after date of signing articles.

7th. Each disputant shall choose one moderator, the moderators then shall choose a third party who shall act as chairman.

8th. The chairman shall not be a member of any church organization, but must be known as a man of strict integrity.

9th. Roberts' Eules of Order shall be used in this discussion.

Dedication

To all lovers of truth. To mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, who have been taught that their loved ones who have departed this life in an unconverted condition, and who have been made to believe that they are damned therefor, this volume is prayerfully and respectfully dedicated.

Read and learn that God has neither taught nor caused to be written such a doctrine as is promulgated by self-made preachers of the nineteenth century.

Learn that God's great plan of salvation will reach every son and daughter of Adam, and that only those who willfully choose to make their abode with Satan throughout the ages of eternity will ever reach the night of eternal sorrow. They can only reach that hopeless condition by committing the sin against the Holy Ghost. The author solemnly declares that not one in all Catholic and Protestant communions could commit that sin if he tried to do so. So, with the Apostle, we pray that you will "Lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed. " Heb. 12:12, 13.

Chapter I

One class of men above all others which should be cautious in giving expression to thought is the author who attempts to create public sentiment. He is in a great measure the moulder of public sentiment and the need for careful consideration of the thought that is to become public property is the more apparent, especially when that thought might exert such an influence upon others as to change their whole course of life.

If the opinion, secular or religious, be founded in truth, the prejudice formed thereby will be well founded.

Therefore the author who publishes his views on any subject holds in his mental grasp, in a great measure, the minds of all perusing his works. He, of all men, should carefully weigh every thought advanced, in order that it may not be found conflicting with truth, already revealed.

For truth will always be found to harmonize with itself. It matters not how far apart it may exist, it will always be the same enduring rock, that neither time nor eternity can break or dissolve. Not so with falsehood, it abides only until exposed, then

FACTS ARE THE ONLY TRUE BASE OF INSTRUCTION. 15

it exists only as an unpleasant memory which soon fades away.

The author is a public educator, a formulator of sentiment, and he is responsible for the status of the masses on scientific, political and theological subjects to an important degree. His thoughts often become the avowed thoughts of others ; his views their views, and great responsibility necessarily follows.

Proper education, or formation of public sentiment, must be by a disclosure of facts and not fancies; of realities and not imaginations from an unfounded basis.

Mankind, to be well instructed, should have, as a base for that instruction, an intelligent comprehension of the subject undertaken. An opinion based on ignorance is, in the execution of its wrathful power, a tyrant of immeasurable proportions, and any attempt at its rectification becomes an Herculean task.

The opinions of many writers are imbibed by the general reader and the thoughtless student will indorse anything and everything they write, because of the popularity enjoyed by them — deservedly, or not.

A writer, in speaking about books, says:

u Think as well as read, and when you read, yield not your minds to the passive impressions

16 MAN SHOULD THINK FOE HIMSELF.

which others may please to make upon them. Hear what they have to say; but examine it, and weigh it and judge for yourselves. This will enable you to make a right use of books — to use them as helpers not as guides to your understandings, as counselors not as dictators of what you are to think and believe."

This language must appeal in the strongest measure possible to the man or woman who is striving to arrive at a definite knowledge of truth.

Whether we shall make of men and their writings, "helpers" or "guides," "counselors" or "dictators," is a question of vast importance to each of us. Man's right of conscience must be well guarded.

No man or set of men can rightfully demand the use of the brains of their fellow men.

Thought can not be monopolized, although some have assumed the right to control the intellectual faculty of their fellows, and some would even dare to assume the same prerogative to-day.

The basis of all individuality is the Glod given right to think for ones self, and the free expression of that thought is the manifestation of your personality.

Too many readers are like those of whom Coleridge wrote, viz. :

"There are four classes of readers: The first is like the hourglass, and their reading like the sand, it runs in, and runs out, and leaves not a vestige

TRADITION VANISHES BEFORE INVESTIGATION. 17

behind; a second is like a sponge which imbibes everything and returns it in nearly the same state only a little dvtier; a third is like a jelly sack, allowing all that is pure to pass away and retaining only the refuse and dregs; and a fourth is like the slaves of Golconda. who, casting aside all that is worthless, retain only pure gems."

If mankind were of the latter class, old dogmas, which have swayed the world, and caused the few, who stood in opposition to them, to sacrifice their lives rather than stultify conscience and intellectuality, which the light that is permeating all things has revealed to be founded, not in truth, but in falsehood, together with other theories of man's invention, that do not reflect the grand and glorious character of the Creator, would at once be relegated to the great theological "bone yard," into which they must inevitably find their way accordingly as the advancing light is permitted to enter the minds of men.

The "church" at one time held the undisputed authority to formulate and govern public sentiment and was supposed to be thoroughly informed on all subjects, and no man dared to express views contrary to her will. So that for centuries public opinion was of a degraded character, and a vile ecclesiasticism formulated it all. Philosophers, and scientist, whose brilliant intellects raised them above the ignor-

CHURCH PERSECUTION.

ance of their fellows, were coudemned and burned for their discoveries. Bruno, who revealed the heavens to man, suffered martyrdom at the stake for this gift to the world. Nor is the so-called liberality that exists to-day in Protestant Christendom of a more tolerant character. And it would seem almost incredible that in the most enlightened age of the world the same spirit of intolerant persecution should be manifested in one of the great Protestant Churches, as is evidenced in the case of Rev. Chas. A. Briggs, D. D., in New York in 1891, because of certain views expressed in his inaugural address on taking the Edward Robinson Chair of Biblical Theology in Union Theological Seminary, New York.

The following extract from one of the charges

preferred against him will show this learned man's

trend of thought. His views, however, are not as

broad and liberal as the God of Heaven proclaimed

his plan of salvation to be — nevertheless time will

compel modern ecclesiastics to teach the truth in its

fullness, or else sink forever in oblivion when the

"knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters

cover the sea." Says Dr. Briggs:

" Another fault of Protestant theology is in its limitation of the process of redemption to this world, and its neglect of those vast periods of time which have elapsed for most men in the middle state be-

PKOGKESSIVE SANCTIFICATION.

tween death and the resurrection. The Roman Catholic Church is firmer here, though it smears the biblical doctrine with not a few hurtful errors. The reaction against this limitation as seen in the theory of second probation, is not surprising. I do not find this doctrine in the Bible, but I do find in the Bible the doctrine of a middle state of conscious higher life in the communion with Christ and the multitude of the departed of all ages; and of the necessity of entire sanctification, in order that the work of redemption may be completed. There is no authority in the Scriptures, or in the creeds of Christendom, for the doctrine of immediate sanctification at death. The only sanctification known to experience, to Christian orthodoxy, and to the Bible, is progressive sanctification. Progressive sanctification after death is the doctrine of the Bible and the Church; and it is of vast importance in our times that we should understand it, and live in accordance with it. The bug-bear of a Judgment immediately after death, and the illusion of a magical transformation in the dying hour, should be banished from the world.

"They are conceits derived from the Ethnic religions, and without basis in the Bible or Christian experience as expressed in the symbols of the Church. The former makes death a terror to the best of men, the latter makes human life and experience of no effect ; and both cut the nerves of Christian activity and striving after sanctification.

"Renouncing them as hurtful, unchristian errors, we look with hope and joy for the continuation of the progress of grace, and the wonders of redemption in the company of the blessed, to which the faithful are all hastening ; and through these blessed hopes we enter into the communion of all saints, and have a happy consciousness of the one holy Catholic

PROBATION AFTER DEATH.

Church, whose centre and majestic frame are chiefly in the skies, the one body of the one Christ.

"The biblical redemption is a redemption of our race and of universal nature.

"The Bible teaches that the material universe shares in the destiny of man, and is in throes of birth for this blessed hope. As the ancient Jews limited redemption to Israel and overlooked the nations, so the Church limited redemption to those who were baptized, and excluded the heathen and the unbaptized; and Presbyterians have too often limited redemption by their doctrine of Election. The Bible knows no such limitations. The Bible teaches election, but an election of love. Loving only the elect is earthly, human teaching. Electing men to salvation by the touch of divine love — that is heavenly doctrine. The one drives men away in despair, the other unites men with joy to the love of Cod. The Bible does not teach universal salvation, but it does teach the salvation of the world, of the race of man, and that can not be accomplished by the selection of a limited number of individuals from the mass. The holy arm that worked salvation does not contract its hand in grasping only a few; it stretches its loving fingers so as to comprehend as many as possible — a definite number, but multitudes that no one can number. The salvation of the world can only mean the world as a whole, compared with which the unredeemed will be so few and insignificant, and evidently beyond the reach of redemption, by their owu act of rejecting it and hardening themselves against it , and by descending into such depths of demonical depravity in the middle state, that they will vanish from the sight of the redeemed, as altogether and irredeemably evil, and never more disturb the harmonies of the Saints. ;? — Inaugural Address, pages 53, 54, 55.

INFIRMITY OF PKOTESTANT THEOLOGY. 21

The learned Doctor, in some of the ideas advanced, approximates the plan that God has laid in his wonderful Word for the redemption of every son and daughter of Adam. The depth to which he has descended in his investigations on the question of a future or " middle state of conscious higher life," and the infirmity of so-called evangelical Christianity, are admirably pictured in the following sentence:

" Another fault of Protestant theology is in its limitation of the process of redemption to this world, and its neglect of those vast periods of time which elapsed for most men in the middle state between death and the resurrection."

This ab]e divine evidently manifests a deep love for the race that the cold and unfeeling heart of the Church with which he communed could not understand.

It must be admitted by all unprejudiced judges that Dr. Briggs sought to elevate the Church of which he was a member to a higher conception of God's love and care for his creatures, but like many reformers of the past, he has been excommunicated because of the ignorance of her priests and their inability to comprehend the scheme of salvation wrought by Christ the Lord.

Like many, who have attempted a reformation of systems that have become offensive to reason, the learned Doctor has not yet fully extricated himself

TRADITION — A CURSE TO MAN.

from the mire of tradition by which it was his misfortune to be environed. As a result, some of his ideas, while they do not exactly harmonize with the Bible, are worthy of the careful attention of Bible students and must necessarily bear the fruit of further investigation, and generate a liberality of thought which will burst the cast iron fetters, by which the conflicting creeds of Christendom have circumscribed the minds of men and even prohibited them from appropriating truth, however sublime, when discovered without the pale of said organizations.

Abundant scriptural proof can be adduced to prove that 4 'probation after death" ? is a part of the plan that the Great Jehovah had in mind, when he formed man, and that the Bible teaches a continuation of probation after death as well as before death.

We will also carefully consider the evidence urged against this position, thereby giving the reader an opportunity to impartially render an intelligent verdict on this most important question.

The argument will be based exclusively on biblical teachings, and the opinions of authors will be given, not with a view to prejudice the mind of the reader, but as proof that eminent and learned men have been confirmed in these views, but have never revealed them sufficiently to unite them with G-od's great scheme for the salvation of the entire race.

Chapter II

In considering the question of continued probation after death it will be well to inquire what the term "probation" means. Webster defines it as: "First. Act of proving; proof. Second. Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine character, qualification, or the like; examination, trial. Third. The state of man in the present life, in which he has the opportunity of proviDg his character, and being qualified for a happier state, moral trial."

Man, who is on trial as to his fitness for a happier state is certainly not in the least degree responsible (as far as he has been able to ascertain) for his presence on earth.

It must be admitted by the most tenacious predestinarian that God did not consult Adam as far as his creation is concerned. Man had no part nor lot nor choice in the matter, but it was a free, absolute, and voluntary act on the part of the Creator to make man of the dust of the earth, and blow into his nostrils the breath of life whereby he became a living soul. There is no argument that can reasonably be urged against this, and it is doubtful if a man can be found that would dare attempt to con-

MAN NOT CONSULTED IN HIS CKEATION.

tradict this last statement. And what can be said about Adam's creation can be said of every member of the human race.

Not a solitary man or woman ever had the opportunity to be consulted on this question, as to whether it was their desire to tabernacle in the flesh, as far as the Bible throws light on the question of our existence.

Adam and Eve alone, having been created by the Lord as a direct act of creation, the rest of the human family exist, not by direct creation, but by reason of the laws of reproduction, which Adam and Eve were commanded to execute when God said "be fruitful and multiply. 7 7

Their progeny were not consulted, and so it is down to the present day.

We will now examine man's first probationary state, i. e. 9 when he was in the garden.

The most zealous opponent of "probation after death" will be compelled to admit that Adam was a sinless creature when he left the hand of God, and was placed in the garden "to dress and to keep it." We have no intimation whatever that the Lord consulted Adam in any particular.

It is true that God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, fowl of the air, and every creeping thing, but the creation of both man and beast was

ADAM KNEW NOT THE EXTENT OF HIS SIN. 25

arbitrary on God's part, and neither was consulted, and in that sinless state man was placed under the restriction or law of not "eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

The unprejudiced mind will readily admit that at the time Adam received that commandment from his Creator he had no knowledge of the amount of misery the violation of that law would entail on him and his posterity. Never having been subject to the power of evil he could not have known the terrible consequence of a subjection to that power, and notwithstanding the fact that Paul says, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.' 7 1 Tim. 2:14. We can not conclude from these words of Paul that Adam knew what the result of his transgression would be, with but one exception, and that is that he knew that he would "die." "For in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Gren. 2:17.

Adam was aware -of the fact that he would die in the day that he would eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but he could not have known of the sorrow, affliction, grief, sadness, mourning, and lamentation that are incident to this life, nor of the death of Abel and the murderous career of Cain and a thousand attendant sorrows that followed in the awful wake of transgression of the law that God had delivered to him.