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.