Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/174

 i6S The Plan of the Ages.

God permitted circumstances to favor discoveries, in the study of both his Book of Revelation and his Book of Na- ture, as well as in the preparation of mechanical and chemical appliances useful in the blessing and uplifting of mankind during the Millennial age, now about to be introduced. That this was God's plan is clearly indicated by the prophetic state- ment : " Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; [then] many shall run to and fro, and KNOWLEDGE [not capacity] shall be increased/' "and none of the wicked shall understand [God's plan and way], but the wise shall understand ;" "and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time." Dan. 12 : i, 4, 10.

To some it may appear strange that God did not so ar- range that the present inventions and blessings should soon- er have come to man to alleviate the curse. It should be remembered, however, that God's plan Jias been to give mankind a full appreciation of the curse, in order that when the blessing comes upon all they may forever have decided upon the unprofitableness of sin. Furthermore, pod fore- saw and has foretold what the world does not yet realize, namely, that his choicest blessings would lead to and be productive of greater evils if bestowed iipon those whose hearts are not in accord with the righteous laws of the uni- verse. Ultimately it will be seen that God's present per- mission of increased blessings is a practical lesson on this subject, which may serve as an example of this principle to all eternity to angels as well as to restored men. How this can be, we merely suggest : ^

First : So long a$ mankind is in the present fallen or de- praved condition, without stringent laws and penalties and a government strong enough to enforce them, the selfish propensities will hold more or less sway over all And with the unequal individual capacities of men considered^ it can*

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