The figure of the architect.

We have just learned that Jesus built His church upon the principle of revelation. It is the foundation stone. And it is only reasonable and natural that it should be so. You know very well that when an architect is directing the construction of a large building like a state capitol, employing hundreds of men, he has to be constantly on the watch to keep things going right. If he goes away, or neglects his duty, some foreman or other misinterprets the plans, or misunderstands the specifications; or some unscrupulous contractor or other tries to enlarge his own profits by using inferior materials and thus corrupts the structure. How necessary it is then that the architect shall watch over his building, by day and by night, until it is finished according to specifications.

The application.

Now, if men can so easily misinterpret, or misunderstand, the concrete instructions of their fellowmen, or if some men are so evil that they will try to corrupt the materials of an earthly structure, it requires no argument to prove that men may easily misunderstand or misinterpret—quite innocently, too—the word of God, if left to themselves. And there may even be men so wicked that they would maliciously corrupt the word for their own evil ends. It is even more necessary, therefore, that The Architect of eternal life—the Savior of mankind—shall be in constant communion with His workmen, than it is that the architect {154} of an earthly structure shall personally superintend, its erection. No man can be absolutely sure of the meaning of the teachings of Jesus without the spirit of inspiration, or revelation from Him. That is why the people drift away and perish when there is no vision. That is why Jesus founded His church upon the rock of revelation. That is why we may rest assured that the Church of Christ will always teach the necessity of continual revelation—the necessity of keeping constantly in touch with the Divine Architect.

One mark not sufficient.

But it would be strange, indeed, if there were but one mark by which we might recognize the Church of Christ. An apostate Church might claim to believe in revelation, and might even teach the necessity of it. Yet, it would of course never receive revelation; for God would not speak to such a Church. Still, because it teaches the necessity of revelation people might be deceived, and be led to become members of an apostate Church. For what other mark should we look, then, when trying to determine which is the Church of Christ?

The submission of Jesus.

Jesus has made the matter very plain in His life and teachings. One of the remarkable things about Jesus was His utter humility, and His complete submission subjection to authority. Although He was greater than the civil law, yet He submitted always to the requirements of that law. Nay, more, In His own labors. He recognized always the authority of a Superior Power under whose direction He worked. When we think of Jesus as a member of the Godhead, endowed with omnipotence, does it not seem strange to hear Him say, "I am not come of {155} myself, but He that sent me is true;" "my doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me;" "the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise?" Yet, these sayings express the reverence of Jesus for authority. It must be plain to everyone who reads............