Reverence in the House of God
True Reverence: How Inspired.—"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened."—"Prophets and Kings," pg 48, 49.
A Change Apparent.—" There has been a great change, not for the better, but for the worse, in the habits and customs of the people in reference to religious worship. The precious, the sacred things which connect us with God, are fast losing their hold upon our minds and hearts, and are being brought down to the level of common things."—" Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 491. " An enemy has been at work to destroy our faith in the sacredness of Christian worship."— Id., p. 496.
Reasons for Reverence. — " We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews." " Our present habits and customs, which dishonor God, and bring the sacred and heavenly down to the level of the common, are against us. We have a sacred, testing, sanctifying truth; and if our habits and practices are not in accordance with the truth, we are sinners against great light, and are proportionately guilty. It will be far more tolerable for the heathen in the day of God's retributive justice than for us."—Id., pp. 496, 495.
Duty of Parents.—" Nearly all need to be taught how to conduct themselves in the house of God. Parents should not only teach, but command their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence."—Id., p. 496.
Common Things Excluded.—" The precincts of the church should be invested with a sacred reverence. It should not be made a place to meet old friends, and visit and introduce common thoughts and worldly business transactions. These should be left outside the church."— Id., p. 494.
Motto for Children.—" Parents, elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; . . . teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God, and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house, it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: ' God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart; for I am coming into the presence of the holy God."—Id., p. 494.
There Should Be Rules.—" There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worshiping."— Id., p. 491.
Eloquence of Silence.—" The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." Hab. 2:20. " If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord, and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence."—" Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 492.
Entering God's Rouse.—" When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats.
If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts, and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls."—page 492.
When Minister Enters Desk.—"When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of God. . . . Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God, should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him.. . . When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent devoHon."— Id., pp. 492, 493.
During the Benediction.—" When the benediction is pronounced, all should still be quiet, as if fearful of losing the peace of Christ."—Id., p. 494.
Leaving the Church.—" Let all pass out without jostling or loud talking, feeling that they are in the presence of God, that His eye is resting upon them, and they must act as in His visible presence. Let there be no stopping in the aisles to visit or gossip."— Id., p. 494.
