The reader may be seized with a momentary feeling of astonishment at the innovatory character of this doctrine upon existing so-called Christian systems of religion. The latter, so far as Protestantism is concerned, teach that the condition of human intelligences cannot be affected, so far as a reformatory process is concerned, after death. Jesus Christ, speaking of the "sin against the Holy Ghost," said, that "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men," excepting this one. Of this unpardonable offence He said: "It shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come" (Matt, xii, 31, 32). This announcement of the Redeemer implies the application of a forgiveness or remission of sins in the world to come. Else what would be the use of stating it as a fact that this special sin could not be forgiven in the world to come. Why thus particularize it in reference to the future life, unless it were an exception to the rule? The only sensible inference to be drawn from the statement is that other sins are forgiven in the future life. The plain meaning of the passage is that all other sins shall be forgiven either here or hereafter. The mode of obtaining that forgiveness or remission of evils committed is the same in the case of the dead as the living, being through the application of the law of baptism, received by proxy by the former and in person by the latter. Were it suited to our purpose, we might show that every law of the Gospel, being eternal, compliance alone with the conditions of the same brings the promised blessing. The application of the statutes of heaven is universal, whether to the living or the dead. If the latter are required to have the law of baptism attended to in their behalf to entitle them to a remission of sins, so must the birth of the spirit be undergone to ensure for them an entrance into the kingdom of God. For, "Except a man be born of water and of the spirit", he cannot enjoy that blessed privilege. If the vicarious principle in the Gospel plan require the birth of the water for departed spirits, so also must the laying on of hands be received in the same manner--by substitute. Thus we might go on to exhibit to the admiring contemplation of the lovers of truth {184} the exceeding greatness of the scheme of redemption, consistent, yet simple in every part. Showing also the mercy and justice of the Most High, who has provided for the eternal peace of all his children who will obey his laws.