Page:Two Sermons on the Duty and Joy of Frequent Public Worship.djvu/20

8 also burn much more in the heart of every redeemed Christian? Must it not be coldness of heart towards God and His services, that limits men's attendance upon the great spiritual blessing of public worship to one day in the seven, and to one single service then?

Certainly the Apostles thought so, for they were "daily in the Temple;" and even amid the fires of terrible persecution, and in the face of danger of death itself, they yet would not "forsake the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some was."

We must trust, then, that the Spirit of God will move many to feel the duty and the blessing of more frequent attendance upon the daily services of our Church. It may not be many who could or even who would find it profitable to them to attend always; but very many could, if they wished it, attend often. When there is any special reason that makes men wish to come to Church—as, for instance, a marriage to be witnessed, or some other unusual sight to be seen—we may sometimes see the Church overflowing, even on a weekday. The difficulties and excuses alleged at other times are overcome, because men are in earnest. In this, as in other matters, it holds good, that those who are in earnest find means; those who are not so, find excuses. If men really value Church services, they contrive to attend. And if they do so with all their heart, because they love God, and seek His blessing, they will find the blessing of it. God will draw nearer to them. And then the worship here will be the preparation for that worship which shall be when the great voice out of heaven shall cry and the whole earth shall answer to it,—"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.'"