July 16

"Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."—Matthew 16:13.

MANY have sadly mistaken and perverted this passage, in making Peter the head of the Church. It is probable that, when our Lord uttered the words now before us, he pointed to himself, — "Upon this rock." Let us consider the Church in

ITS NATURE. It does not refer to a material building, but to an organized society. There is the church visible. By this is meant a society of persons, who, in different ages and places of the world, have made a profession of the true religion. It is an ancient, honorable, and important institution. To it pertain the oracles of God, the preaching of the Gospel, and the ordinances of religion. There is the church invisible. This is composed of true believers, who are spiritually united to Christ as their Head. It is a wide and extensive church, including all the possessors of piety, with whatever denomination they may be connected.

ITS OWNER. "My church." It is Christ's by sovereign choice; "chosen in him before the foundation of the world;" chosen to holiness, happiness, and heaven. By covenant agreement. The members of the invisible church were given to Christ by the Father. By actual purchase. Believers are not their own, they are bought with a price; redeemed by blood divine. By powerful conquest. This conquest is made over them in conversion, which is the day of God's power. Finally, the church is his by voluntary consent. The will of the penitent sinner is sweetly and powerfully inclined to that of Christ, and he presents his body and soul a living sacrifice to the Divine Being. Contemplate the church in

ITS FOUNDATION. "Upon this rock." Jesus Christ is often spoken of under the figure of a stone. The church is built upon a rock of firmness. All false systems of religion are built on sand, and shall sink in ruins; but the church is founded on Christ, the Rock of ages. For elevation. The church of Christ is far above the level of this world; its origin, privileges, enjoyments, and anticipations, are high. For extent. Some rocks are very large, and extend to a great distance. How broad and extensive is the foundation of the church! Henry observes, "Those are not the church's friends that narrow its foundations." For safety. Some rocks have been fled to for safety in the time of danger. How safe are all those that build on Christ! For duration. Age after age the rock stands unmoved; and Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." How wise are they who build their hopes on Christ! The waters of affliction cannot drown them, the floods of temptation cannot overflow them, and they shall not sink in the swellings of Jordan. As Christ said, "Upon this rock I will build my church," let me say, "Upon this rock I will build my hopes."