742. PSA 5:7. RESOLUTIONS RESPECTING PUBLIC WORSHIP

Psa_5:7. Resolutions Respecting Public Worship

"But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple."’97Psa_5:7.

It has been said, and with very great propriety, that man is eminently a religious being. He has within him feelings and sentiments which tend to awe and veneration. Wherever we see men, and become intimate with their character, we discover the truth of this. The wild, untutored savage Indians of America, have their religious rites and superstitious fears. The intellectual Hindoos, their countless idols and forms of worship. In Egypt, amid all their learning, they deified almost every living thing. At Athens they erected countless altars, and at last one to the unknown God. The knowledge of the true and blessed God was committed to Abraham and his seed, and while the Gentiles were sunk in crime and darkness, they had the oracles of truth, and worshipped God in the beauty of holiness. Of all the sincere and devoted worshippers of the true God, David was one of the chiefs. In this he was celebrated in his own times, and he still stands forth as a model for Christian imitation. Observe,

I. The place specified.

"Thy house." Doubtless the tabernacle erected by divine command, and after his own mind. Set up for the congregation together of his people. That tabernacle has passed away, and the temple which succeeded it. Now all places are such, where his people meet in his name, and celebrate his worship. Wherever there is the spirit of true devotion, &c. So Jesus has taught us, Joh_4:21, &c. "Wherever two or three," &c. It is desirable to avoid superstitious veneration for places. Just in proportion to this is there a want of enlightened piety. Contrast cathedral towns and cities, &c. Yet the other extreme is dangerous. Indifference and levity ought to be avoided for the sake of the exercises, and for the sake of the Great Being, &c. Observe,

II. The resolution expressed.

"But as for me," &c. In this he evidenced,

1. His affection for the place.

"I will," &c. Why? Because I love thy house, &c. Because thy tabernacles are to amiable. Oh, yes, I had rather be a doorkeeper, &c.

2. The constancy of his regards.

I will come, not as a traveller or a guest, but like a child at home. I will not forget or neglect it, Joh_4:1-3. This resolution expressed,

3. His personal decision.

"I will." He could not answer for others, but for himself. He would not depend on, or follow the course of others. Not be influenced, &c. "I will come," &c. How necessary is this. For none can take our responsibility. A regard to the opinions and views of others is extremely foolish, and often pernicious.

III. The purpose formed.

"I will worship." The worship of God is the design. How often forgotten. Some worship the minister; others the place; others the service; some, we fear, themselves. Three things are especially included in worship.

1. Praise.

"Enter his courts," &c., Psa_100:4. "Oh, sing unto the Lord," &c., Psa_92:1; Psa_95:1, Psa_95:2.

2. Prayer.

House of prayer, &c.

3. Meditation and communion with God. Mind and spirit lifted up to the Lord. IV. The spirit he would cultivate.

1. Confidence in God’s mercy.

"In the multitude of thy mercy." Sparing many to have the opportunity of mercy. In the remembrance of past mercies. To obtain mercy, &c.

2. In the spirit of holy veneration.

"And in thy fear," &c. Not presumptuously. Not self-complacently. Not lightly, but seriously. With solemnity’97awe. Not as a person going to a house of amusement, hall of science, &c. Place of business, or scene of social friendship, but the house of God.

3. In the spirit of expectation.

"Towards thy holy temple," or rather "holy place." Place where thou dwellest, between the mercy-seat. Where thou hast engaged to be gracious. Here we must look to the holiest place of all, whither Christ the forerunner has for us entered. Look for all through Christ. Pardon, grace, comfort, &c. These desire, seek, and. expect in faith, hope, and prayer.

Application

1. Do we delight in the worship of God’s house?

2. Do we cultivate the right spirit? Are we not as a congregation deficient in several things? We should aim at order and composure, and avoid confusion. Let us aim at punctuality. Avoid lightness and levity. Guard against lethargy, &c. Should not these lead us,

3. To think of the worship of Leaven?

Autor: JABEZ BURNS