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I. THE APOSTLE REPRESENTS THE CHURCH UNDER THE FIGURE OF A CITY AND A HOUSEHOLD.

1. A Church must resemble a family or city, in respect of order and government; for without these a religious society can no more subsist, than a civil community or a household.

2. In a city or household all the members have a mutual relation, and partake in the common privileges; and, though they are placed in different stations and conditions, they must all contribute to the general happiness.

3. In a city, and also in a family, there is a common interest.

4. In a well-ordered city or household there will be peace and unity: so there ought to be in a Christian Church.

II. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS FOUNDED. The mediation of Christ is the foundation of our faith and hope.

III. THIS SPIRITUAL HOUSE MUST BE UNITED WITH AND FRAMED INTO, THE FOUNDATION.

IV. AS THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE MUST REST ON THE FOUNDATION, SO THE SEVERAL PARTS OF IT MUST BE FRAMED AND INSERTED INTO EACH OTHER.

V. IT MUST BE CONTINUALLY GROWING.

(J. Lathrop, D. D.)

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KJV: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

WEB: being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;