THE consistent Christian character may be fitly compared to the arch; strong, useful, durable, symmetrical; and if the Christianity of the day is not thus, it will not bear the test; for we may be sure that the wise Master-builder will not accept any but the most perfect material and workmanship. No wood, hay or stubble can stand the rigid tests required. All such material will be swept away. O let us build according to the bill of specifications.
Foundation, Christ. Other foundation can no man lay (here is a little feebleness in the figure, for the arch has timber for its foundation, which, being not exposed to the air, will last untold centuries). Here we find a foundation already laid, and by repentance of sin, and renunciation of the world, the flesh and the Devil, we clear away the rubbish, and having found the Saviour, who is the sure rock foundation, we are then enabled to lay the first row of stones in the arch; viz., faith.
Not a dead but a living faith, that manifests itself by works of obedience, that takes hold within the vail, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, a faith that has a crucified and risen Saviour as its foundation, and a coming King as its hope. This faith in lively exercise, next follow virtue and strength. What would all good principles be without strength to practice them? strength to resist the evil and retain the good, strength to overcome temptation, strength to break the fashions of the world and a corrupt church, strength to keep all the commands of God, and the faith of Jesus? With this indispensable grace laid in proper order, he proceeds to lay down the third layer; viz.,
Knowledge. The moment a man becomes truly converted he is desirous of knowledge. He delights no longer in the darkness of ignorance, he longs to know more of God and of his works and ways; he invites wisdom to preside over his board; he cries out for wisdom, and lifts up his voice for understanding, and values her more than silver or fine gold. Open thou mine eyes, he prays. Give me the eye-salve that I may see, and then he discovers that he needs
Temperance, for the next layer. What is faith, or virtue, or knowledge, without temperance? Only fuel for fanaticism and error to feed upon. The Christian must be temperate in all things if he would win the race, must keep the body under, the tongue must be governed, the roving mind, and wandering desire chastened; and in doing this he often is tempted and tried, and so sees the propriety of adding to his temperance,
Patience. When he discovers the hold which sin and Satan have upon him, he is sometimes impatient at himself and others, and often his trials within and without, are grievous he thinks to be borne. Then he considers Him who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself, who never murmured nor repined, and then he prays for patience, and as he receives it, he aspires to be more like the Saviour. He prays for
Godliness. Christ is the express image of his Father, in him dwells the fullness of God; and the Christian is exhorted to follow Christ. "Come, learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." He was pure and without guile. In him was no sin. Satan got no advantage of him. Before Pilate he witnessed a good confession. He loved his enemies, and died to redeem them while they were lost and ruined. With such a foundation, such material now laid down,
Brotherly kindness follows, of course, and now the arch approaches completion. If the Christian follows Christ, then he loves his brother with unfeigned love. He could die for him. No unkind words or acts will flow from the godly person. His brethren are dear to his heart. Union of sentiment, union of interest, and union of soul cement them in one. Then follows
Charity—love to God and man, the key-stone of the arch. This confines the whole. Now take away the6staging, take away the wooden stays, let him have room for the exercise of his powers. The arch is finished—he can now go forth in his Master's service. Such were the prophets and apostles. Such was Paul. Love, the name of God—"God is love"—is cut upon the key-stone.
O how glorious the arch! It is the work of God. He has named the materials, and he will own his work by the witness of his Spirit. Hallelujah to the Lamb, who hath bought us with his own blood.