424. THAT THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED BY SOULS JUST AS ON THE EARTH It may seem wonderful to everyone, although nothing is more true, that the Gospel is preached to souls in like manner as on earth, and indeed, by like preaching, and with zeal and an elegant connection of words, for they all suppose that they are men on earth, as frequently said above. Although this is so wonderful, I can positively assert that nothing is more true. But the Gospel is only preached to those who are to be sent forth out of the pit, and also to certain others. That others also speak with souls and likewise preach, I know also from many things, but there is no efficacy of the Word except that which is given by God Messiah. * This preaching is said in the Index (s.v. Praedicare) to be "to souls in the lower earth".