348 The Plan of the Ages.
may by it be so quickened to fresh zeal and fervency of spirit, through a clearer apprehension of the divine plan, that they will be able to say, "By the grace of God, I will follow on to know and to serve the Lord, what- ever may be the sacrifice involved." Like the noble Be- reans (A&s 17: n), let such studiously set themselves to prove what has been presented in the foregoing pages. Prove it, not by the conflicting traditions and creeds of men, but by the only correct and divinely authorized standard God's own Word. It is to facilitate such investigation that we have cited so many scriptures.
It will be useless to attempt to harmonize the divine plan herein set forth with many of the ideas previously held and supposed to be Scriptural, yet not proved so. It will be observed that the divine plan is complete and harmonious with itself in every part, and that it is in perfect harmony with the chara&er which the Scriptures ascribe to its great Author. It is a marvelous display of wisdom, justice, love and power. It carries with it its own evidence of superhuman design, be- ing beyond the power of human invention, and almost be- yond the power of human comprehension.
Doubtless questions will arise on various points inquir- ing for solution according to the plan herein presented. Careful, thoughtful Bible study will settle many of these at once ; and to all we can confidently say, No question which you can raise need go without a sufficient answer, fully in harmony with the views herein presented. Succeed- ing volumes will elaborate the various branches of this one plan, disclosing at every step that matchless harmony of which the truth alone can boast. And be it known that no other system of theology even claims, or has ever attempted, to harmonize in itself every statement of the Bible ; yet nothing short of this can we claim for these views. This harmony not only with the Bible, but with the divine char-
�� �
