Page:Two Sermons on the Duty and Joy of Frequent Public Worship.djvu/19

Rh that makes a man "sigh from his heart because he is not more like to God's truest saints," is a rare thing in the world. And, for that reason, many are very little struck with any arguments from the Word of God. If we tell them that the inspired Apostles and early Christians attended the public service of God continually, it will have little or no effect upon them; they do not alter their own habits in consequence. They think private prayer sufficient. I hope there will be an increasing number amongst us of a different mind; many, who, if they are once really convinced that the Bible commands, or promises a special blessing to the use of public worship, will at once determine that they will make a principle of attending it when they can. Look into Scripture, look at my text, look at the example of our Lord, and the precepts I have quoted, and judge for yourselves whether the mind of the Spirit is not clear, that there is a blessing upon frequent public service.

Of course, this, like all other ordinances, may easily become a mere form; men may make use of such things coldly, without heart or earnestness. But if you use it rightly, you have the very promise of God that it will bring your soul a blessing.

How the ancient saints of God used to delight in the service of the Temple! "How amiable are Thy tabernacles, Thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God." So the Israelites, returning to Jerusalem at the great feast-days, said,—"I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord; our feet shall stand in Thy gates, O Jerusalem." Will any one say that a Christian ought to be less zealous for public worship than a Jew? that the fervour and zeal that burned in the soul of every true Israelite will not