The highest stage of human development on earth was inaugurated by Jesus Christ in the New Law. Mankind was not ripe for this perfect law at an earlier date. The manifestation of God in religion has proceeded by evolution from the simplest to the most perfect form, and was accommodated at each stage to the actual possibilities of humanity. The world had to exhaust its original energies for advancement before the new energies were infused to complete the imperfect work; it had to be taught by experience and failure that its rehabilitation and perfection could come from God alone. The great gift, like all the exceptional gifts of God, had to be earned by desires, prayers, and patient waiting. Now that this law has been given, there is no other to be expected; the work of God so far is complete. None greater than Jesus Christ can come; no other Spirit more efficient than the Holy Ghost can be poured out. Jesus will be with His Church all days even to the consummation of the world, the Paraclete will teach her all truth; there can be no further needs and no further advance. How blessed is the lot of those who live under the present dispensation, and who have eyes to see and ears to hear those things which so many prophets and kings desired vainly! Take care to profit by your privileges; let your life correspond to them in elevation, and not fall to the level of the Jews of old or of the Pagans.
