By:
T.W.P. Wolston, Editor
HOW completely all idea of worshipping God has been separated in the minds of many who attend a so-called place of worship, is exemplified in a remarkable degree in an incident which some time back came under the observation of a Christian from England, traveling on business in America.
A fellow-traveler commenced narrating his experiences with great satisfaction amongst some friends in —. He stated that a friend of his in that city paid one thousand dollars per annum for a pew in a certain fashionable place of worship. The other remarking that the sum was a large one, he replied, “Yes, it does seem so, but when you consider what he gets for it, you will readily agree with me that he is amply repaid. In the first place the minister is a man who is well known, as an orator of the first rank, and the addresses he gives are simply splendid, and as a literary treat could not be excelled. Then, again, some of the finest singers of the city are in the choir, and the music, both instrumental and vocal, is not to be equaled by any concert. Well, you see, my friend may take his family there, and have all the advantages of high class music, without the disadvantage of bringing them in contact with less cultivated society, by attending lectures and concerts,” &c.
Upon the other remarking how completely such a thought was at variance with the scriptural idea of worshipping God, he replied that he thought his friend was fully justified in doing so, both for his own and his family’s sake.
Inquiring whether this gentleman took the ground of being a Christian, the reply was that he did.
“Then, in my judgment, if this be the view he takes in attending his so-called place of worship, he is a consummate hypocrite.” And then, asking his loquacious fellow-traveler simply whether he were converted, he was completely disconcerted, and dropped into silence.
Now, whilst it may not be the common practice in this country to pay a large amount for a sitting in a church, or to express so openly what this traveler in America said, it is much to be feared that with very many who attend so-called places of worship, the aesthetics are the important factors, and that there is very little apprehension of what the true worship of God is. And, alas, in how many instances, the preacher panders to the tastes of his hearers by giving them literary matter, instead of preaching Christ. It is evident on all hands that we are in the midst of the days of 2 Timothy 4:3,3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 4:3) when men heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and turn away their ears from the truth, and turn unto fables.
Dear reader, what are your motives in assembling with others week by week? God reads the deep secret thoughts and intents of every heart. He is a Spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)). Is it to worship Him, or to minister to your own pleasure, by listening to pleasant words and sounds? Mind you, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)). The reckoning day is at hand. None can worship God without conversion, and the gift of the Spirit. Are you converted? Have you been brought through grace to see yourself as a guilty lost one before Him, and to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, there is no time to be lost. If you have been seeking to persuade yourself that all is right with you, when all is wrong, and professing to worship and serve God, with your heart far from Him, occupied with self-pleasing,― what is that but hypocrisy in His sight? Be honest with Him and with yourself. No longer deceive yourself, but face His all-searching Word, and come out in your true colors, whilst it is still the day of grace. Delays are dangerous. God will cast empty professors and hypocrites into the lake of fire, as well as all kinds of sinners. Face facts then now. Unless converted, whatever the character of your profession, it is nothing worth. But bow before God in self-judgment, and believe His blessed testimony concerning His Son, and His finished work, and you shall be saved. A full pardon, and the gift of the Spirit, are the blessed portion of every true believer. Then; and not till then, can you truly worship God, and by the Spirit you will learn the utter vanity and grievous evil of turning holy things into self-pleasing. Beware of the-terrible hypocrisy of the nineteenth century! E. H. C.