Sanctuary
5
The repeated murmurings of the Israelites, and the visitations of
God’s wrath because of their transgressions, are recorded in sacred
history for the benefit of God’s people who should afterward live
upon the earth; but more especially to prove a warning to those who
should live near the close of time. Also their acts of devotion, their
energy, and liberality, in bringing their free-will offerings to Moses,
are recorded for the benefit of the people of God. Their example in
preparing material for the tabernacle so cheerfully, is an example for
all who truly love the worship of God. Those who prize the blessing
of God’s sacred presence, when preparing a building that he may meet
with them, should manifest greater interest and zeal in the sacred work
in proportion as they value their heavenly blessings higher than their
earthly comforts. They should realize that they are preparing a house
for God.
Many will expend much to erect comfortable and tasty buildings
for themselves; but when they would prepare a place that they may
receive the presence of the high and exalted One, they manifest a
wonderful indifference, and have no particular interest as to the conve-
nience, arrangement and workmanship. Their offerings are not given
cheerfully from the heart; but are bestowed grudgingly, and they are
continually studying in what manner the sacred building can be made
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to cost the least, and answer the purpose as a house of worship. Some
manifest more interest in building their barns, wherein to keep their
cattle, than they do in building a place for the worship of God. Such
value sacred privileges just in that proportion which their works show.
And their prosperity and spiritual strength will be just according to
their works. God will not cause his blessing to rest upon those who
have so little estimate of the value of divine things. Unwilling and
stinted offerings are not accepted of God. Those who manifest that
earnestness to bring to the Lord acceptable offerings, of the very best
they have, willingly, as the children of Israel brought their presents to
Moses, will be blessed in that proportion that they have estimated the
value of divine things.
It is of some consequence that a building prepared expressly for
God to meet with his people, should be arranged with care, made
comfortable, neat and convenient; for it is to be dedicated to God, and
presented to him, and he is to be entreated to abide in that house, and
make it sacred by his holy presence. Enough should be willingly given