tality rests the doctrine of
consciousness in death,--a doctrine, like eternal torment, opposed to the
teachings of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason, and to our
feelings of humanity. According to the popular belief, the redeemed in
heaven are acquainted with all that takes place on the earth, and
especially with the lives of the friends whom they have left behind. But
how could it be a source of happiness to the dead to know the troubles of
the living, to witness the sins committed by their own loved ones, and to
see them enduring all the sorrows, disappointments, and anguish of life?
How much of heaven's bliss would be enjoyed by those who were hovering
over their friends on earth? And how utterly revolting is the belief that
as soon as the breath leaves the body, the soul of the impenitent is
consigned to the flames of hell! To what depths of anguish must those be
plunged who see their friends passing to the grave unprepared, to enter
upon an eternity of woe and sin! Many have been driven to insanity by this
harrowing thought.

What say the Scriptures concerning these things? David declares that man
is not conscious in death. "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his
earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."(962) Solomon bears the same
testimony: "The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not
anything." "Their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished;
neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done
under the sun." "There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom,
in the grave, whither thou goest."(963)

When, in answer to his prayer, Hezekiah's life was prolonged fifteen
years, the grateful king rendered to God a tribute of praise for His great
mercy. In this song he tells the reason why he thus rejoices: "The grave
cannot praise Thee, death cannot celebrate Thee: they that go down into
the pit cannot hope for Thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise
Thee, as I do this day."(964) Popular theology represents the righteous
dead as in heaven, entered into bliss, and praising God with an immortal
tongue; but Hezekiah could see no such glorious prospect in death. With
his words agrees the testimony of the psalmist: "In death there is no
remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?" "The dead
praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence."(965)

Peter, on the day of Pentecost, declared that the patriarch David