The noblest ecclesiastical edifice

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Mark" 1857)

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

As He was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"
"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Mark 13:1-2

We are naturally inclined to judge things by the outward appearance, like children who value flowers more than wholesome grain. We are too apt to suppose that where there is . . .
  a stately ecclesiastical building,
  and magnificent ceremonies,
  and carved stone,
  and stained-glass windows,
  and fine music,
  and handsomely dressed ministers
—that there must be genuine religion in such a place.

And yet there may be no true religion at all!
It may be all form, and show, and appeal to the senses!

The ministers may perhaps be utterly ignorant of the Gospel, and the worshipers may be dead in trespasses and sins!We need not doubt that God sees no beauty in such a building as this. We need not doubt that the stately Greek Parthenon had no value in God's sight, compared to the dens and caves where the early Christians worshiped; or that the poorest room where Christ is preached at this day, is more honorable in His eyes, than St. Peter's Cathedral at Rome.

Let it be a settled principle in our religion, however beautiful we make our churches—to regard pure doctrine and holy practice as their principal ornaments! Without these two things, the noblest ecclesiastical edifice is radically defective. It has no glory, if God is not there. With these two things, the humblest poor cottage where the Gospel is preached, is lovely and beautiful. It is consecrated by Christ's own presence, and the Holy Spirit's own blessing.