together, all performing their proper functions, and all con- tributing to the good of the whole i. That this idea is just, as arising from the present subject, is certain ; for both St. Peter and St. Paul have placed the subject in this very point of view"". Let us therefore particularly attend to it; and whilst we all profess to stand on the same foundation, and to be connected together by one Corner-stone, let us approve our- selves " living stones," by contributmg as much as possible to the union, the beauty, the stability, and advancement of the whole building.]
3. How the dispensations of God will appear in the last day —
[A person who should have seen the materials of the temple in their rough state, would have formed no conception of their appearance after they were all fashioned by the workmen, and placed in the order appointed by the Divine Architect: but when the whole building was completed, it was the wonder of the world. Thus at present we have a very imperfect concep- tion of the beauty of God's Church, or of his wisdom in all his various dispensations: but when his temple shall be complete in heaven, what a glorious edifice will it appear! How will each admire the way in which he was taken out of the quarry, and formed for the particular place that has been allotted him ! Here men are apt to wonder, why they must have so many and so severe blows : but there none vdll think that he has had one stroke too much, or more than was absolutely necessary to fit him for his place: if by the most painful experiences he may have been formed for a more conspicuous station in the temple above, he will feel no regret at any thing he suffered in the body, but vnll adore the heavenly Workman, that condescended to use such means for liis advancement. Let us then, if any thing perplex us now, remember that we see only in part; and be contented to wait till that day, when " God shall be glorified in all his saints, and be admired in all them that believe."]
1 Eph. iv. 15, 16. ^ 1 Pet. ii. 4, 5. Eph. ii. 20—22.