3. Because our faith cannot rest satisfied but in him that hath this strong power to quicken, for faith seekes life from a firme and undeceiving principle.
Use 1. This may serve to refute that blasphemy of the Papists, who will have the Pope, a dead stone, to be that rock or stone, whereupon the Church is built. For Peter, under the pretence of whose name the Pope challengeth this to himselfe never exhorted the faithfull to come to him as unto a living stone, but unto Christ only. And therefore Peter himselfe in these words explaines unto us, what was the minde of Christ, Mat. 16.18. when he said: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, that is, upon this living stone whom Peter at that time confessed to be the Son of the living God, that is, the living stone. Now Peter and the Apostles together with the Prophets may be called the foundation of the Church by a Metonymy of the adjunct for the subject; because they laid and preached Christ as the true foundation, Ephes. 2.20, 21. but the Popes can in no other respect challenge this unto themselves, but as they are stones of offence and ruine. 2. To instruct us, wholly to depend upon Christ, and to put all our confidence in him. 3. To exhort us, with all joy and rejoycing to helpe forward the building of the Church upon Christ, shouting and crying out, as it is in the Prophet Zachary, Grace, grace unto him. Doct. 14. Christ is refused by men, when they will not come unto him as unto a living stone.
This is gathered from the fourth Verse. So Psalme 118.22. and Luke 2.34.
Reason 1. Because he hath not that outward Majestie and pompe wherewith naturall men are taken, Isay 53.3. 1 Cor. 1.22, 23.
2. Because men by nature are blinde, so that they cannot perceive their owne misery extra Christum, out of Christ, nor that salvation which is offered in Christ, 1 Cor. 2.14.
3. Because they too much love themselves, and put trust in themselves, so that they cannot endure that doctrine of Christ, whereby they are called to deny and forsake themselves, and to put their confidence in Christ alone.
