740. ECC 5:1. REVERENCE FOR THE SANCTUARY

Ecc_5:1. Reverence for the Sanctuary

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil."’97Ecc_5:1.

In public worship it is of great importance to avoid superstition on the one hand, and irreverence on the other. The Christian dispensation is eminently spiritual; it is not enfettered by numerous rites, or expensive ceremonies. No longer are we to regard any place as possessed of peculiar sanctity: the time now is, when all who are sincere worshippers may do it anywhere, if they worship him in spirit and in truth. Let this be ever kept in mind, and it will tend to preserve us from the dark and ghostly shadows of a pernicious superstition. But we should guard against the opposite extreme. We should avoid every appearance which may be construed into the indecorous or irreverent. We need not venerate the building as such’97we need not attach sanctity to walls and benches; but the design of the place, the services of the place, the great Being whom we assemble to worship, require that "we keep our foot," &c. Let us advert,

I. To the place specified, the house of God.

All places are such where God is publicly worshipped and served. Jacob called Bethel such. The tabernacle, the temple, and the synagogue were such. Wherever two or three are met together, that place is such. Large or small, splendid or plain. Every such place is,

1. The depository of the divine word. Here the lively oracles are preserved and read, and expounded from time to time. In this way the house of God becomes the pillar and ground of truth. The reading of the holy scriptures is an important part of Christian worship. Thus the Lord speaks, and we grow in the knowledge of his will. The house of God,

2. Is the scene of divine manifestations. He filled the ancient temple with his glory. He fills his house with the overflowing streams of love and mercy. He reveals himself as the Lord merciful and gracious. He awakens, he softens, he converts, he pardons, he sanctifies, he establishes, he comforts, he prepares for the services of the skies.

3. The place of holy exercises.

There are three especial exercises of spiritual worship. Praise for all the Divine bounties and blessings. See 100th psalm. Meditation and holy communion with God, whereby we raise our thoughts and desires to the skies, and sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Prayer for Divine mercy, for all needful blessings, for body and soul, for ourselves, the Church, and the whole world.

II. The attendance referred to.

"When thou goest." Here it is supposed that you do attend the house of God. Now, on this subject we shall see great diversity of spirit and character. There is great diversity,

1. In the principles of attendance.

With many it is a matter of custom,’97the result of habit and education. With many a matter of taste, the exercises are agreeable, it is a change, or they fancy the manners of the minister, or the talent of the singers, or the sweetness of the music. With many it is a matter of conscientious superstition: they do not love and serve God, but they dread his wrath, and they attend the services of his house to appease the terrors of an alarmed conscience. We trust a goodly number have regard to the holy claims of God, and the true benefit of their undying souls. We shall see great diversity,

2. In the periods and frequency of attendance.

Many are once-a-day worshippers. Two hours in the evening is all they devote to religious things. Others are only morning worshippers, and then the remainder of the day is spent in visiting and conversation. Many are entirely fine-weather worshippers; they calculate and conclude as the horticulturist regulates his hot-house for his plants. Many are entirely Lord’s-day worshippers, but they cannot spare a moment of the week for the services of the Lord’s house. Under the old dispensation, they had their daily morning and evening sacrifices. Others, again, embrace every opportunity; they are glad when it is said unto them, "Let us go up to the house of the Lord."

3. We see great diversity in the spirit exhibited by those who attend. Some exhibit a trifling spirit, some a dull and lethargic spirit, can scarcely keep awake. How different they are at home, and in their business, or if they went to pay homage to an earthly monarch. Some exhibit a wearisome spirit, they tire, and it is evidently a burden. Many are attentive, serious, and devout.

4. We see great diversity in the results of attendance.

How many attend, and yet are in the gall of bitterness’97enemies to God, rejecters of Christ, guilty, perhaps avaricious, proud, profane, triflers, &c. Or others at best formal, "a name to live," &c. With others, delightful results. Enlightened, convinced, saved, meetened for the skies.

III. The course recommended.

"Keep thy foot." That is,

1. Go with serious consideration. Remember your errand and object. A fool sports with serious and solemn things.

2. Go with sincere intentions.

Awaken your souls. Stir up every holy feeling, &c. God must have a living sacrifice. In an acceptable sacrifice the heart must be engaged; whatever else there is, without that, it is a sacrifice of fools.

3. Go with devout and humble prostration of spirit.

"The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit," &c. "Bow down before the Lord, thy Maker." Avoid self-esteem and complacency, for such is the sacrifice of fools.

4. Go and labor to profit by your attendance.

In knowledge and understanding, in fear and love, in faith and obedience.

Application

1. Which class of worshippers do you belong to?

2. In what spirit have you heard on this occasion?

3. What are your desires and resolutions?

Autor: JABEZ BURNS