in society, to enter the house of a friend, at so late an hour, as to produce confusion among the guests? Is it not felt, that dishonour is hereby done to our host? Shall the glorious God be treated in a manner which we blush to use towards man? Doth not Scripture proclaim, that "the Lord is in his holy temple? Let all the earth keep silence before Him 1." 1 Is it possible, either for the minister, or the early worshippers, to avoid being disturbed, amidst the frequent opening of doors, and the passing and repassing of persons? And when? at a time, when the congregation is engaged in the very first solemn acknowledgment of sin; and waiting to receive absolution from guilt? What is it which causes this abrupt intrusion into the sanctuary? Is it with any, the fear of being too long in the courts of Him, who hath promised to be present, "where two or three are gathered together in his name?"

1 Habb. ii.-20.

2 Matt. xviii. 20.

Is it the being late, through want of arrangement in our families?

Precious, are the

few moments of serious recollection before the Service begins. Valuable are those thoughts, which are engaged in recalling our own particular faults, our own especial mercies, our individual need of the blood of Jesus for pardon, and of his Spirit for cleansing our souls. Much more likely are we, by calm and serious reflection, to attain unto that lowly, grateful, believing, attentive frame of mind, on which the Spirit of God loves to descend. The most regular worshipper may be detained by some unexpected accident; but the custom of being late, cannot be excused.

Rather, let me dwell on the value of that habit, which brings the Christian, early, to his seat; which finds him quietly rejoicing, as the Sabbath bells invite him to meet his Lord; and saying thus within himself, "I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the

Lord." I speak of that frame of mind which, instead of seeking a trifling interest in whispering, and familiar salutations, and gazing around, in the house of God, is striving after conviction of unworthiness, and livelier hopes of God's mercy in Christ, and closer acquaintance with our own hearts.

True devotion is a high gift. The most religious will find their minds, sometimes, wandering. The most devout will detect themselves using the words of prayer, while their thoughts are hurried away by the veriest trifle of the moment. How delightful is it to raise, and to maintain in some measure, a fervent spirit of prayer! To preserve that state of mind, which, while realizing somewhat of the throne and presence of God, is yet enabled to make application to one's own heart, concerning guilt to be forgiven, temptations to be resisted,

1 Psalm cxxii. 1.

and corruption to be cured. "I was in the spirit, on the Lord's day," saith St. John'. And this exalting of our hearts towards God, as reconciled to us in Christ, and preparing us for glory, is that mental habit which we must aim after by grace, as of infinite value.

True and awful is the consideration, "that God heareth not sinners 2." And therefore, for any man to come into the house of the Lord, with the love of sin in his heart, and the practice of sin in his life, unmourned for, unrepented of this is indeed a provocation of God, and defying of his majesty. Let such an one be warned to take words of humiliation, and to pray for "a new heart, and a right mind;" and desire that he may be cleansed in soul by his Saviour's blood, and henceforth "make his prayers the rule of his life 3."

"If any be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth." Brethren,

1 Rev. i. 10.

3

2 John ix. 31.

Bp. Jer. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying.

pray, that we may be worshippers of God in the beauty of holiness. Praise is indeed the chief subject of devotion with angels and saints above: for they have no conscience of sin; and no necessities to be supplied. And the warfare of the saints is

over.

Their voyage is ended. Above, are they evermore crying "holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever 1"

2 "

But, while we remain in this earthly tabernacle, we shall do well to keep up a lively sense of our sin; and a watchfulness over our hearts. "My sin is ever before me Thus spake the Psalmist,-and if we grow in grace, penitential sorrow shall soon be exchanged for the songs of the new Jerusalem; and prayers against our besetting sins, shall be forgotten in the Hallelujahs of Heaven.

1 Rev. v. 13.

2 Psalm li. 3.