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 Those who lived before the coming of the Redeemer of the world could not indeed enter Heaven before Him; but with the grace which God gave them on account of the Redeemer to come, they could merit the kingdom of Heaven, and then enter into it with Him.

91. Did God give grace also to the pagans for the salvation of their souls?

Yes; He manifested Himself also to the pagans, and in many ways exhorted them to repentance and amendment:

1. By the voice of conscience; 2. By natural benefits; 3. By His judgments; 4. By extraordinary men whom He raised among them or sent to them; 5. By the Israelites whom, with their holy books. He dispersed among them; and 6. Sometimes also by Angels, dreams, wonderful apparitions or events.

92. Did the Redeemer come immediately after the fall of our first parents?

No; a long period elapsed: and meanwhile mankind learned by experience into what great misery sin had plunged them, and that no one but God could save them.