---

I. THERE IS AS ANALOGY BETWEEN THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER AND THE ERECTION OF A BUILDING.

1. In the variety of its materials. Moral character is built up by impressions, the emotions, thoughts, volitions; by all, in fact, that in any way affects us.

2. In the unity of its design. Every building, however varied its materials, is formed on some plan. The master-purpose of the soul, whatever it may be, gives unity to the whole.

3. In the function it fulfils. Buildings are generally residences of some kind or other. The soul lives in the character. In some cases the home is the mere stye of the animal, or the shop of the barterer, or the prison of the guilty, or the temple of the saint.

II. CHRIST IS THE ONLY FOUNDATION OF A TRUE CHARACTER. There are sometimes splendid edifices and poor foundations, and the reverse. All characters are based upon some one idea.

1. Some on the sensual idea. Such as that on which the prodigal son started; such as that on which Dives built his all. Millions now do the same. What shall we eat, what shall we drink? is the grand inquiry.

2. Some on the secular idea. On this Judas, the young lawyer, and Demas built; and on this thousands build now.

3. Some on the ambitious idea. Absalom, Haman, Herod, are examples of this. Such, too, are the Alexanders and Napoleons of general history.

4. Some on the Christian idea. Supreme sympathy with God, and this requires Christ for its existence. Christ is its foundation, for He does the two things to generate this sympathy. He —

(1)  Demonstrates to man the propitiableness of God.

(2)  Reveals to man the moral loveliness of God. Thus He is the true foundation.

III. TO CHRIST AS A FOUNDATION MEN BRING WORTHLESS AS WELL AS VALUABLE MATERIALS. There are edifices —

1. Partially formed of "wood, hay, stubble."(1) The mere creedal character is worthless. There are those whose Christianity is a mere thing of idea.

(2) Mere sentimental character is worthless. There are those whose Christianity is a mere thing of frames and feelings.

(3) Mere ritualistic character is worthless. There are those whose Christianity is a mere matter of form. All these are things of no solidity, value, duration.

2. Entirely formed of valuable materials brought to Christ. They are formed of "gold, silver, precious stones." The heart is in vital sympathy with Christ as the Atoner for sin, the Exemplar of holiness, the Saviour of the world. The profoundest thoughts, the strongest sympathies, the gold and silver of the soul, are connected with Christ.

IV. THERE IS AN ERA TO DAWN WHEN ALL THE EDIFICES BUILT ON THIS FOUNDATION SHALL BE TRIED. Individually, it is the day that dawns at the end of our mortal life. Universally, it is the day that dawns at the end of this world's history. The fire of absolute justice and truth will burn to the centre of all souls, consuming all that is worthless.

1. This day will be injurious to those who have built on this foundation with worthless materials.

(1) They will suffer loss. There will be the loss of labour, of opportunity, of position.

(2) Though they suffer loss they may be saved. Their favourite theories and cherished hopes shall burn like wood and hay, yet they themselves may survive.

2. This day will he advantageous to those who have built on this foundation with right materials.

(D. Thomas. D. D.)

---

---

KJV: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

WEB: For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.