Thus we see something of the wisdom and the love in giving us only such
details as suit our present limitations. There may be a state of
purification beyond this life; but we shall adapt ourselves to that
state when the time comes; not before. When we see the character of God,
as revealed in His Word; when we realize the sin and misery of our
present condition; when we apprehend the wonderful sacrifice that has
been made for the recovery of our race; and when we realize the
unspeakable glory that may be ours--we begin to see the
probability--yes, the necessity--of a process of purification beyond the
sphere of time.


IMPRISONED SOULS.

Yet, while we have no details given us as to the process or the time
required for purification, we have certain suggestions. In the Old
Testament there is a reference to "prisoners of hope." The reference is
somewhat obscure, and taken by itself it is of doubtful meaning. But in
the New Testament it is intimated that Christ went and "preached to the
spirits in prison." There we have a gleam of light as to what is meant
by "prisoners of hope." There were imprisoned souls to whom Christ took
some joyful message. We have no statement as to the purport of the
message, or the circumstances of the prisoners, beyond the fact that
they were confined.

While not going outside of what is revealed, it does not seem too much
to assume that He took to them the good news of Restoration, and perhaps
kindred topics. O yes; the Saviour's death had reference not to
ourselves alone, but it had a relation to those in another world.