that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they
that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."[1346] The
solemn truth, that through the atonement of Christ salvation would be
made possible to the dead as well as to the living, was revealed to the
prophets centuries before the meridian of time. Isaiah was permitted to
foresee the fate of the ungodly, and the state prepared for haughty and
rebellious offenders against righteousness; but the dread vision was in
part brightened by the deliverance that had been provided. "And it shall
come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the
high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the
pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they
be visited."[1347] To the same mighty prophet was shown the universality
of the Savior's atoning victory, as comprizing the redemption of Jew and
Gentile, living and dead; and convincingly he voiced the word of
revelation: "Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and
stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which
cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and
spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in
righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give
thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open
the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them
that sit in darkness out of the prison house."[1348]

David, singing the praises of the Redeemer whose dominion should extend
even to the souls in hell, shouted in joy at the prospect of
deliverance: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my
flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt
shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy
right hand there are pleasures for evermore."[1349]

From these and other scriptures it is evident that the ministry of
Christ among the disembodied was foreseen, predicted, and accomplished.
The fact that the gospel was preached to the dead necessarily implies
the possibility of the dead accepting the same and availing themselves
of the saving opportunities thereof. In the merciful providence of the
Almighty, provision has been made for vicarious service b