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Counsels for the Church
tude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. “Holy
and reverend is His name,” the psalmist declares.
Psalm 111:9
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 devotion. The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard,
and the ministry of the word will prove effectual. The lifeless attitude
of the worshipers in the house of God is one great reason why the
ministry is not more productive of good. The melody of song, poured
forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s
instrumentalities in the work of saving souls. All the service should
be conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of
the Master of assemblies.
When the word is spoken, you should remember, brethren, that
you are listening to the voice of God through His delegated servant.
Listen attentively. Sleep not for one instant, because by this slumber
you may lose the very words that you need most—the very words
which, if heeded, would save your feet from straying into wrong paths.
Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the
senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or
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if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the
life. Sometimes a little child may so attract the attention of the hearers
that the precious seed does not fall into good ground and bring forth
fruit. Sometimes young men and women have so little reverence for the
house and worship of God that they keep up a continual communication
with each other during the sermon. Could these see the angels of God
looking upon them and marking their doings, they would be filled with
shame, with abhorrence of themselves. God wants attentive hearers. It
was while men slept that Satan sowed his tares.
When the benediction is pronounced, all should still be quiet, as if
fearful of losing the peace of Christ. 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 that they must act as in His visible presence.
Let there be no stopping in the aisles to visit or gossip, thus blocking
them up so that others cannot pass out. 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
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Gospel Workers, 176-178