Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/209

 lie was human. Because the two natures are separate and distinct, and yet the one a likeness of the other, therefore, the same mental faculties (memory, etc.) being common to both, Jesus could remember his former glory which he had before becoming a man, but which he had not when he had become a man, as his words prove "Father, glo- rify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (John 17: 5) the glory of the spiritual nature. And that prayer is more than answered in his present exaltation to the highest form of spirit being, the divine nature.

Referring again to Paul's words, we notice that he does not say, Do not conform yourselves to this world, but trans- form yourselves into the divine likeness ; but he says, "B*. not conformed, . . . but be ye transformed." This is well expressed; for we do not either conform or transform our- selves ; but we do either submit ourselves to be conformed to the world by the worldly influences, the spirit of the, world around us, or submit ourselves to the will of God, the holy will or Spirit, to be transfortned by heavenly influences exercised through the Word of God. You that are consecrated, to which influences are you submitting? The transforming influences lead to present sacrifice and suffering, but the end is glorious. If you are develop- ing under these transforming influences, you are proving dai- ly what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Let such as have laid their all upon the altar of sacrifice continually bear in mind that, while the Word of God con- tains both earthly and heavenly promises, only the latter belong to us. Our treasure is in heaven : let our hearts continually be there. Our calling is not only to the spir- itual nature, but to the highest order of the spiritual, the divine nature "so much better than the angels." (2 Pet x s 4 ; Heb. i : 4,) This heaveniy calling is confined to th&

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