Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/212

 And not only does the way grow more slippery, but man- kind daily loses the power of resistance, so that now the average length of human life is about thirty years. Men now reach, the end of the road destruction nine hundred years quicker than did the first man.

For six thousand years the race has steadily pursued the broad, downward way. Only a few, comparatively, have tried to change their course and retrace their steps. In fact, to retrace all the steps, and reach the original per- fection, has been impossible, though the effort of some to do so has been commendable, and not without beneficial results. For six thousand years sin and death have reigned relentlessly over mankind, and driven them upon this broad road to destruction. And not until the Gospel age was a way of escape brought to light. Though in previous ages rays of hope were dimly seen in types and shadows, which were joyfully hailed and a<5ted upon by a few, yet life and immortality were not brought to light until the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the proclama- tion by the apostles of the good tidings of redemption and remission of slxis and a consequent resurrection from the destruction. (2 Tim. i : 10,) The teachings of Jesus and the apostles bring to light life a restitution or restoration to life, for all mankind, as based upon the merit and sacrifice of the Redeemer j and they show this to be the significance of many Old Testament types. They also bring to light immortality, the prize of the high calling of the Gospel Church.

Although a way of escape from the broad road to de- struction has been brought to light through the gospel, the great mass of mankind heeds not the good tidings, because depraved by sin and blinded by the adversary. Those who now gratefully accept the promise of life, restoration to human, existence, through Christ, have pointed out to

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