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.
* * * * *
Perhaps I ought to say here that this supposed state of discipline is by
no means to be confounded with the Roman Catholic doctrine of
Purgatory.
The term of duration of purgatorial fire is supposed to be determined by
the priest, who can effect a release at any time he pleases. It is
simply a matter of payment.
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