Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/315

 of the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and of a coming time in which the one will be rewarded and the other punished. (John 16: 8-ir \ Acts 24: 25.) This would have had a wide influence upon men had they heeded the Lord's instruction, but, wilful as ever, they have profited little by the advice of the Scriptures, and the trouble of the Day of the Lord will come as a consequence of the neglect. Again, it may be said to be the wrath of God inasmuch as it comes through disregard of his coun- sels, and as a reward of unrighteousness. Nevertheless, viewed in another light, the trouble coming upon the world Is the natural or legitimate result of sin, which God fore- saw, and against which his counsels would have protected them, had they been followed.

While God's message to the Church has been, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12: i), his message to the world has been, ** Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile ; depart from evil and do good ; seek peace and pursue it." (Psa, 34:13,14.) Few have heeded either message. Only a little flock sacrificed ; and as for the world, though it nailed up the motto, "Honesty is the best policy," it has neglected in general to practice it. It heeded rather the voice of avarice Get all you can of riches and honor and power in this world, no matter what the method by which you obtain it, and no matter who loses by your gain. In a word, the trouble of this Day of the Lord would not come, could not come, if the principles of God's law wero observed to any considerable extent. That law briefly summed up is Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as thyself. (Matt* 22 : 37-39.) It is because the depraved or carnal mind is opposed to this law of God, and 13 not subject to it, that, as a natural consequence, the trouble will conie, as reaping after sowmg,

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