The Pre-Existence.--Abraham had been shown in vision the spirits of the pre-existent human race, waiting for an earth to be made, that they might come upon it and pass through a mortal probation. Here they were to obtain bodies, thus becoming "souls," [13] capable of eternal increase and progression. Also, they were to be tested as to their willingness to do all that the Lord might require of them. First and Second Estates.--They who "kept their first estate," manifesting fidelity in the pre-mortal life while "walking by sight," were to be "added upon"--that is to say, given bodies of flesh and blood, with opportunities for education and development. They who kept "their second estate," continuing loyal during their life on earth, where men are required to "walk by faith," with knowledge of the past temporarily obscured, would be glorified eternally. [14] All were "good," but some better than others; and all were to be "added upon," yet not all alike. Some were more deserving, some nobler and greater than others; and because of their superior merit and larger capacity, they were to be made "rulers" over the rest. Abraham was one of these. Sowing and Reaping.--Here is exemplified the great principle enunciated by St. Paul: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." [15] Rewards and punishments are not all deferred until the final judgment at the end of the world. There is a judgment passed upon the spirits of men before they tabernacle in mortality. Satan and his dupes, failing to keep their first estate, were denied bodies, [16] while all the rest, rewarded for keeping their first estate, were given bodies, with the promise of a glorious resurrection after death. Thus, in a general way, punishment and reward were both meted out before this life began. A question put to the Savior by his disciples: "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" [17]--throws out a hint in the same direction. This is not to say, however, that all who suffer in the flesh have merited their sad fate. There are exceptions to the rule. The Savior's case is one of them; and righteous Job's another. Speaking generally, however, man's conduct in one life conditions him in the life that follows. Original Excellence.--What had given to Abraham his superior standing in the Heavens? Had he always been noble and great? Was it an original or an acquired excellence, or both? That there is such a thing as original superiority, with varying degrees of intelligence among spirits, is plainly taught in the Book of Abraham; [18] and that all intelligence is capable of improvement, needs no assertion.