July 17

'Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'—Matthew 16:18.

GLORIOUS things are spoken of the church of Christ. It is compared to a garden, a fold, a family, an army, and a city. Let us contemplate it in

ITS BUILDER. "I will build my church." Christ is spoken of as a builder in the language of prophecy, Zechariah 6:12, 13. As he is the foundation, so he is the builder; let us view this edifice

In its commencement. The foundation-stone of this church was laid in the councils of the Trinity; and the first signs of it were obscurely seen in paradise in the first promise: but it was more clearly beheld when the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

In its progress. This building was carried on after the Great Master Builder had ascended up into heaven, by the ministration of the apostles, who were appointed as under builders. Three thousand, under Peter's sermon, on the day of Pentecost, were added to the Church, and became lively stones in this building. The building of the Church is now going forward; many spiritual workmen are employed in it. He builds his Church by converting sinners, and edifying his people.

In its consummation. The building is not yet finished; but ere long the top stone shall be brought with shouting,

"Grace, grace unto it." It shall appear perfect and complete; exhibiting the most beautiful symmetry in every part; the glory of God, the wonder of saints, the admiration of angels, and the terror of all its adversaries.

ITS SAFETY. "And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." That is, the power and policy of the devil, and all the efforts of wicked man. Here is

Opposition implied. The Church of Christ has always been opposed, from its commencement to the present time, by Satan and his agents. Many are the gates of hell; the powers of darkness, daring infidels, cruel persecutors, and false teachers.

Security insured. They shall not prevail. The everlasting love of God, the mediation and intercession of Christ, and the divine promises, all insure it. "The Church of God," says Dr. Krummacher, "is like a palm tree, which flourishes the more vigorously the more it is pressed down. Every embarrassment is to her but as the weight to the clock, which keeps it going; and the most violent storms are to the Church but a brisk wind in the sails, which impels the vessel more rapidly towards the harbor." Let me rejoice in the security of Christ's Church, and desire above all things to be a true member of it. How divine its origin, how inestimable its privileges, how vast its honors, how imperishable its happiness!