Christ, the STONE

But see, before us lies a STONE — it may be an occasion of stumbling; it was refused by yon builders, and is now cast away. O my Savior, who was "despised and rejected of men;" the foolish "builders rejected" you, and many have stumbled at you since!

Some stumble at the glory of your Divinity — and some at the low estate of your Manhood.

Some are offended with your doctrines — and some reject your precepts.

Some deny your atonement — and others would join their performances with your perfect righteousness.

But few . . .
perceive your glory,
embrace your salvation,
and triumph in your name!

On this STONE, we may rest from legal labors!

On this stone, we may build for "eternal life."

It is . . .
as firm as the pillars of Heaven,
as durable as the days of eternity,
and as strong as the arm of God!

But why do so many stumble at Jesus — instead of building upon him? "The god of this world has blinded their minds" and hardened their hearts! They do not see his excellencies — the light of the glorious gospel is prevented shining into their hearts — and therefore they refuse the only provision which the God of mercy has made for their needs. Unhappy creatures! Miserable state! Those who reject Christ now — shall be rejected by Him forever.

O how wondrous the grace which . . .
opened my eyes,
sanctified my will, and
controlled my affections!

But for grace, Jesus would have been "a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence," to me! I also would have stumbled at the Word, and he whom I now adore — would have been refused and rejected by me. Join me, you highly favored souls, to whom Christ is precious, who are daily coming to him "as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men — but chosen of God, and precious;" join me in giving glory to the riches of sovereign grace! Join me in praising the blessed Comforter, who revealed Jesus to our hearts — and formed him in us the hope of glory.

J.Sm.