p. 5 | Preserving Quietness and Order in the House of God

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 30, 1913

Preserving Quietness and Order in the House of God

By M. W. DE L’HORBE

M. W. DE L’HORBE

“Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary; I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:30.

Why this injunction to reverence the house of worship?—Because such a place is devoted to the worship of God. God has said, “Every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:28. It matters not whether the place is a regular church building, or simply a hall or room rented for the purpose, in either case it is chosen as a place of worship; it is offered to God as a place for him to meet his people; and, being sanctified and made holy by God’s presence, it thus becomes his sanctuary.

The promise is, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. The great and eternal God who created all things, and whose name is Holy, condescends to be present in our meetings. We commune with him there. It is the presence of God that sanctifies the meeting-place and makes it most holy. No wonder we are commanded to reverence such a place.

“Even them [the sons of the stranger] will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and fruits, their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” Isa. 56:7.

This fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah is a prophecy relating to New Testament times, and teaches us how to regard all houses devoted to God’s service. If we were to step into the actual presence of God, doubtless we should at once bow in reverence, and abstain from all loud talking, laughing, jesting, and gossip. Should we not treat the Holy Spirit, who is always present at our meetings, with equal consideration and respect? “Serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Heb. 12:28.

Truly, it is a solemn thing to go into the presence of God. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Ps. 89:7.

The Lord commanded Joshua, “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.” Joshua 5:15. To Moses, God gave similar instruction. Ex. 3:5. The wise man said, “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.” Eccl. 5:1.

These texts show that we should always remember to enter the church with sacred composure, having our thoughts directed toward God, being careful to avoid everything that would interfere with our devotions.

But it is apparent that many of our dear people fail to realize these things, or become careless regarding them. Some enter the house of prayer noisily, and move about laughing and talking immoderately. Children are sometimes allowed to run wildly about the house before and between times of worship, playing and laughing aloud. This is a scandal to the house of God, and should never be permitted. It is the duty of parents to look after their children, teaching them by both precept and example to reverence God’s house. God requires that they be thus taught. Reason with the child. Tell the children how it grieves the heart of Jesus when they disturb the meeting, or play in the church. Teach them how much Jesus loves them and wants them to be quiet and orderly in his house. If children are taught to reverence the family altar, and to sit quietly during family worship, they will seldom cause trouble at church.

God loves the children, and is pleased to have them attend Sabbath-school and meeting. He wants to bless them every Sabbath, and impress their tender hearts with the greatness of his love and power. Teach them that if they really love Jesus, they will try hard to be quiet in his house, and not play nor talk nor laugh aloud. If they will try this, they will experience for themselves the nearness of the Saviour, and realize his blessing.

I consider that it is a great mistake for parents to absent themselves from church services, for fear that their children will disturb others. Jesus is very near, and all, both young and old, need the instruction and encouragement to be found in the services. Faithfully attend

all regular services whenever possible, and always bring the children.

Sometimes the older people will stand in groups, discussing the weather and its effects upon the crops, and talking about other commonplace matters. I have been at church, on different occasions, when the people became so absorbed in visiting and discussing various topics that they seemingly forgot that it was time to begin the meeting. When the minister steps into the desk and calls the meeting to order, he is sometimes obliged to call the second time, and to raise his voice to command attention.

Then some will engage in whispering or reading a paper during the sermon. These things are very displeasing to God, and grieve his Holy Spirit. If some have to wait a few moments before the service begins, they should improve this time by engaging in silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer, that the meeting may be of special benefit to their own hearts and to others. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness. There is eloquence in silence in God’s house.

When the minister bows in prayer before opening the service, every one of the congregation who fears God should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him, that God may grace the meeting with his presence, and give power for the presentation of the message. When the word is spoken, remember that you are listening to the voice of God through his servant. Listen attentively. Do not sleep, but open your heart to receive the message God has for you. “But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” Ps. 5:7.

Elmira, N. Y.