Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1892-04-08
rHs DUTY OF MEETING TOGETHER.
clurchgoine Necessary to q True Chris-
tian Life.

!
tian Life.
We axe commanded not TO forget the
assembling of ourselves together One
cannot disregard this injunction with
out serious loss. The absorbing worldly
cares that belong to an age of intense
pressure like the present only serve 20
enforce the command. The gates of Zion
are wide open everywhere, and no one,
especially in this Christian land. can
offer reasonable excuse for neglect 10
obey it. When we consider Gods COM
mands we find that duty and privilege
are always intimately associated. Wor-
ship public or social. is not an exception
/ 20 this rule. How is this made clear to
/ every one:
/ John Ruskin has said. Every duty
we omit obscures some truth we should
/ have known" Ii is easy to illustrate
/ this remark, both from observation and
/ experience. Who can estimate the losses
that are sure to follow an unwarranted
absence from associated worship? Be-
cause Thomas was not with the other
disciples when the Lord appeared in their
midst. he missed the comfort and
strength which they enjoyed. How GER
tain this viii be the result if We neglect
the compa;iionship and holy exercises of
the saints. The limited number present
will not Justify this neglect, for Christ
hath said, Where two or three have
met III my name. there am | in the
midst" Nothing but a providcntial in
terposition ought 10 be deemed "a suff-
cient reason for nonattendance upon the
Lords house. when we remember that
the knowledge of God TO be obtained
through worship is The one pearl Of
great price.
To omit this duty without Just reasons
is 20 live on with beclouded minds as 10
the divine character of wisdom and love.
Where can such views be assured better
than while engaged in worship with the
saints: God desires us TO know the at
tributes of his nature that would win
our hearts. His holy songs and united
supVlications in earthly temples serve 10
break earths spell for the time and
assist us 10 mount on wings rs eagles"
his presence J. then "a real. heartfelt
possession. We then see him, adore him
&ad delight t. dwell upon the manifesto
-ons If his character.
How true j. all this in respect "a
Christs Etouing work. II have never
seen Jesus 80 willing and able TO save
me ~ now" exclaimed a thoughtful.
d,vout church attendant on returning
home from the sanctuary recently. "Oh.
those blessed songs. those pulpit inter
c,stor. offered 10y our pastor, those
clear Interpretations Of the word con
corning Christ, the saviour Of sinners. all
served 90 bring him 10 my mind with
sweetness and power And 10 might
have been added that the holy atmo>-
ph,re Of the temple favored the souls
withdrawment from earthly aExieties, .
and helped 10 n better view Of Jesus. tire
Master and Lord,
1t 1, sad o. reflect how many there are
who hold these and kindred truths with
vague uncertainty, all because they are
unwilling 10 place themselves under .
such fav0rahi conditions. Ia this world
Of excitement and subtle temptation 70
wrong,!oing. how necessary il is 10
cherish the churchgoing spirit. 50 long
as We truly say with the psalnist, My
soul louseth. yea. even fainteth for thy
courts we are safe whatever may le-
fall us.-Christian Advocate.