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  THERE WAS NEITHER HAMMER, NOR AXE,
  by F.B. Meyer
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Summary: The sermon uses the construction of the Temple as a metaphor
for the Church's progress from its foundations to completion,
emphasizing the importance of silence, preparation, and the glory that
awaits us.

Topics: "Church Growth", "Hope in Trials"
Scripture References: 1 Kings 6:7, Psalm 126:5, Isaiah 60:18, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Ephesians 2:19-22, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 11:10, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 22:5

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DESCRIPTION
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F.B. Meyer emphasizes the silent yet powerful construction of the Temple
as a metaphor for the Church's growth, which occurs quietly amidst the
noise of the world. He reflects on the trials and tribulations believers
face, likening them to the quarrying and chiseling necessary for
building. Meyer encourages the faithful to remain hopeful, as the
preparatory work will lead to the glorious completion of the New
Jerusalem. He reminds us that the struggles we endure now are
insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us. Ultimately, the
sermon highlights the beauty and majesty of God's eternal city, where
pain and sorrow will cease.

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CONTENT
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There was neither hammer, nor axe,

nor any tool of iron heard. 1 Kings vi, 7.

IN absolute silence, like the growth of a palm in the desert, that noble
building arose in the symmetry of its fair proportions. But there was
plenty of quarrying and hammering and chiselling before the materials
were brought to the site.

The absolute silence with which the Temple rose is a meet emblem of the
progress of the Church, from its foundations laid in the Apostolate
towards the top stone, which before very long will be laid upon the
completed structure. Amid the rise and fall of dynasties and empires,
the Church is being built. Soul after soul, as so many added bricks, is
being quietly placed upon the walls. Some day the world will be amazed
when it sees the New Jerusalem descend out of heaven from God. The
mightiest works of God are the fruit of silence.

You and I are now in the quarry, hewn, chipped, chiselled: or we are in
the saw‑pit, being sawn, planed, pierced by nails. Be of good
cheer! It will not be long, the preparatory work will be over, and we
shall become part of the eternal structure. Into heaven there can enter
neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron. The trial will have done
its work. Sorrow and crying will flee away. The apostle Paul, who knew
more than any man what trial and pain meant, could confidently declare:
"I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Then shall the
city of God shine forth in completed beauty, her walls Salvation and her
gates Praise; and the triumphant song of the redeemed shall ring forth:
"Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth
upon the throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/fb-meyer/there-was-neither-hammer-nor-axe/
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