APPEARANCE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD.
By E. B.
On the subject of appearance, anciently, in the temple, it is said, “no person was allowed to enter the ground of the temple with a staff in his hand or with his scrip on, or with money in his purse, as if he were coming to a place of worldly business; neither might he go in with dust on his feet, but must wash or wipe them beforehand; nor might he spit upon the sacred pavement anywhere, nor might he pass across it, when going to some other place, because it happened to be the nearest way; all which things would have been disrespectful. Nor was any light or careless behaviour, such as laughing, scoffing, or idle talking, allowed to be indulged, as being unseemly and irreverent in such a place; but those who came to worship were required to go the proper place with leisure and sober step and there to stand during the service, each with his feet close together, his face turned toward the sanctuary, his eyes bended downward to the ground, and his hands laid one over the other upon his breast, having no liberty in any case to sit down, or lean, or throw his body into any careless posture whatever. No seats were provided when nothing but reverence and worship were required.” What a pity a portion of this reverential spirit, at least in deportment, cannot be carried to the Christian churches. How little do people seem to sense the presence of God in his own house. The trifling, light appearance, the careless movements, the vanity of look and apparel, the indifference of manner, all attest anything but the solemnity of heart-worship; the whole bearing showing more regard for themselves than their Maker. Irreverence is displayed from the entering to leaving church. Especially is this manifested during prayer. Many heads erect, with not even the eyes cast downward; others kneeling, presenting a roving curiosity of mind, particularly striking to one quietly entering church, who meets scores of gazing eyes just peering above the seat-tops. Can such ever realize the infinite solemnity of that Being before whom the seraphim, with vailed faces and covered feet, continually cry, Holy! Holy! Holy!