Inattention to the 'semblance of religion' is not the
failing of the present day. The Church and its affairs occupy large space in
thoughts and writings and discourse. While luxury, love of pleasure, the
pride of life and selfishness in all its multiple forms, as rank weeds,
overrun the surface of society, they choke not lively interest in spiritual
concerns. Notwithstanding the chilling blasts of infidelity, and the
enervating malaria of superstition, zeal for 'forms of devotion'
conspicuously holds its ground.
To look around gives proof. Is money solicited to
multiply and enlarge churches and schools, to endow districts, to embellish
fabrics, to deck protrusive choirs in emulation of dramatic orchestras,
abundance generally responds to the appeal. It must be allowed, then, that
unprecedented liberality excludes the charge of cold indifference in sacred
matters.
Hope, ever joying in bright prospects, gladly marks these
demonstrations, and trusts that England is advancing to fulfill the
prophetic rapture, and to be a "crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and
a royal diadem in the hand of our God." (Isa. 62:3)
But a truth here cannot be wholly checked. In nature
early appearances often raise fallacious hopes. Vernal blossoms may promise
more than autumn yields. Means do not constitute the end. Steps may enter
the right path, and still no home be ultimately reached.
The application of this thought is obvious. Edifices may
exhibit architectural skill in full perfection. Beauties of stone and marble
may delight the beholder. Flowers and fruit may decorate the scene. The
officiating minister may be splendid in attire. Services may be as ornate as
ingenuity can render them. Singers in conspicuous dress, and in conspicuous
place, may sound enchanting melody. But after all, the benefit may not
extend beyond the charmed eye and ear.
Let it be fully granted, that so long as such
elaborations transgress not the chaste proprieties of Reformation-rule,
suspicious distrust should not interfere. But there is peril, lest the signs
of life be mistaken for realities. Shadows are not substances. Tinsel is not
pure gold. Hence, when these signs exceedingly abound, caution will become
more vigilant, and wisdom not slumber in its watchtower.
No folly ever yet denied, that religion avails not, if it
evaporates in moments of emotion. The long procession and the crowded pew
are not necessarily the strait gate and the narrow way. Trivialities make
triflers. Solid food gives strength. The current then of modern propensities
loudly warns, that the mind preoccupied by 'mere external show' cannot admit
essential verities.
Is it not beyond all controversy, that apart from living
faith in Christ, there is no pardon for sin, no cleansing from iniquity, no
reconciliation with our heavenly Father, no access to Him, no welcome to the
sacramental feast, no peace of conscience, no hope of heaven, no escape from
hell! Is it not as indisputably true, that outward means are not the link
which join the soul to Christ, and that the senses gratified are not the
heart converted, and salvation won! We are infallibly taught, that the
proclamation of the Gospel is the heaven-appointed instrument to minister
such blessings. No substitute can take its place. If Christless sermons
fall on Christless crowds, allured by music and bewitching show, the
lifeless will remain lifeless, and the bubble burst in woe.
This is no new conviction to the writer of the following
pages. Long experience and extensive observation have often awakened the
sorrowful lament, that, amid much laudable exertion in the cause of
religion, the only remedy for sin is miserably neglected, and
well-meaning men expend their energies in sowing chaff. He has heard
many complaints of ministerial defect, but few acknowledgments that the main
fault is pulpit shortcoming. He sees, that "Christ is All" in the scheme of
Redemption, and therefore should be all in the messages of His ambassadors.
Hence in former days he humbly strove to exhibit Christ as All in the pages
of the Pentateuch. He concludes this work by selecting scattered passages to
show that the same truth pervades the sacred volume.
No defense is made for them, who study not all reverence
and decorum in the accessories of public worship. All circumstances should
excite the feeling, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is
the gate of heaven." (Gen. 28:17) But surely greater faults belong to those
who place externals on the throne of Christ. If elaborate ritual engrosses
thought, and rather diverts from Christ than raises to Him,
soul-ruin must be the result. Enlightened wisdom always keeps forms and
rites, as the unobtrusive handmaids of things spiritual. The faithful pastor
burns with desire to have saved souls as his crown of rejoicing in the day
of Christ. Music and vestments will not be joy and glory in that day.