The farmer an you think it will hold out?" swered, "It will last to light you home." The missionary said, "The wind is blowing hard." The farmer answered, "Don't be afraid; it will resist the wind and light you home." The missionary said, "There's a rain coming on." The farmer answered, "Draw your cloak about the torch and the rain won't hurt it; be sure it will light you home." So I say concerning this blessed Book, 66 'Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom; Lead thou me on!" And it will! It will lead you along the steep paths and through the deep waters and on past the shadow of death. It will light you clear home, to the gate of heaven and the City of God. PART IV-ITS ORGANIZATION: THE CHURCH "A BUILDING FITLY FRAMED An architectural figure. Christ the cornerstone.-The foundation.-The superstructure.-Growth organic. -End of the growth.-Living stones. An architectural figure.-The word "edify" is one of the earmarks of Paul's philosophy. It presents an architectural figure meaning literally, temple-building. The word occurs nineteen times in Paul's epistles. Sometimes it is used with reference to the making of character, but oftener it refers to the building of the Church of God. The Christians of Ephesus would readily grasp the meaning of this architectural figure, since they lived under the shadow of Diana's Temple, which was one of the seven Wonders of the World. It was four hundred feet long and about two hundred wide, and was more than two centuries in building. Its roof was supported by sixty-seven columns of jasper. Its walls were adorned by Apelles; its high altar was designed by Praxiteles; and so secure was its sanctuary that kings were wont to deposit their valuables there. Alexander offered the spoils of an Eastern campaign for the privilege of inscribing |