known and come abroad: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."[1] From these considerations we learn what it is that detains spirits in the world of spirits; and, consequently, how it is that they accumulate in that region of the departed. The whole of the phenomena of which we have been treating, naturally arise out of what are known to be the characteristics of mankind, and it is as such that the Lord deals with them in the case of every individual. He does not suddenly strip away the vices which may adhere to the good; nor does He hastily take away the virtues which may remain with the wicked. Though the final destiny of all is fixed by that which is predominant in them, the Lord regards and treats them as responsible creatures following the bent of their inclinations. This bent, having fixed upon them a condition in which good or evil has obtained the ascendancy, will continue with them in the world of spirits, until everything contrary to the ruling love be entirely removed; and then those who have lived wickedly will of themselves descend into hell, and those who have lived wisely will be elevated into heaven by the Lord. This is distinctly taught by these words, "They that have done good" shall come forth "unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation."[2] The case of those who are inwardly and outwardly good is represented by Lazarus, who, on death, was soon after conducted by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the case of those who are inwardly and outwardly evil is represented by Dives, who, on death, soon after lifted up his eyes in hell, being in torments.[3] Judgment, under those circumstances, is readily effected, because the
- ↑ Luke viii. 17, 18.
- ↑ John v. 29.
- ↑ Luke xvi. 20 to end.
