Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/246

 240 The Plan qf the Ages,

Every one who has built upon Christ anything else than the gold, silver and precious stones of truth, and a character consistent therewith, will find himself sorely beset during the time of wrath (" fire ") ; for all the wood, hay and stub- ble of do&rine and practice will be consumed. Those who have built properly, and who consequently possess the ap- proved character, are represented by figure s 9 while t rep- resents the "great company/' begotten of the Spirit, but who have built with wood, hay and stubble wheat, but not fully ripened at the time of the gathering of the first fruits 0). They (V) lose the prize of the throne and the divine nature, but will finally reach birth as spirit beings of an order lower than the divine nature. Though these are truly consecrated, they are overcome by the worldly spirit to such an extent that they fail to render their lives in sac- rifice. Even in "the harvest," while the living members of the Bride are being separated from others by the truth, the ears of others, including class /, will be dull of hear- ing. They will be slow to believe and slow to aft in that time of separation. They will, no doubt, be greatly dis- mayed when they afterward realize that the Bride has been completed and united to the Lord, and that they, because so listless and overcharged, have lost that great prwe; but the beauty of God's plan, which they will then begin to discern as one of love, both for them and for all the world of mankind, will quite overcome their grief, and they will shout "Alleluia ! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad, and rejoice, and give honor to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Rev. 19:6, 7.) Notice, too, the abundant provision of the Lord : the message is sent to them Though you are not the Bride of the Lamb, you may be present at the marriage supper "Blessed are they which are called anto the marriage supper of the Lamb/' (Ve&se 9,) Tbfa

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