Reverence by J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey, J. O. Corliss, E. J. Waggoner, E. R. Jones, Wm. Ings, N. C. McClure, A. T. Jones, G. W. Colcord, W. C. White, M. C. Israel, S. N. Haskell, J. D. Rice, H. A. St. John

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · May 7, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 18.

Reverence.

By J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey, J. O. Corliss, E. J. Waggoner, E. R. Jones, Wm. Ings, N. C. McClure, A. T. Jones, G. W. Colcord, W. C. White, M. C. Israel, S. N. Haskell, J. D. Rice, H. A. St. John

At the recent meeting in Oakland, Cal., the subject of reverence came up among the ministers in their consultations. Among other points considered was reverence in the house of God—in worship. Our denomination has grown up under unfavorable circumstances—such as were calculated to interfere with the proprieties of worshiping assemblies. Houses consecrated to the worship of God have been very scarce with us; our meetings have largely been held in school houses or private dwellings, where the influence of associations shut out much of the feeling of reverence which a place consecrated to the worship of God inspires. It may be said that all places are alike; that the blessing of Heaven rests upon true worshipers, no matter where assembled. But we cannot deny our natures; we cannot, if we would, ignore the influence of associations. It is impossible for children to feel the same reverence and solemnity in worship in an assembly at their own firesides, where they daily indulge in their plays, that they will feel in a house consecrated to worship, and which is used for nothing else. And that is true, to a certain extent, of all classes and ages.

At a gathering of all the ministers present at the above meeting, the following words were read from Testimony No. 20:—

"Things that are wrong often transpire in the sacred desk. One minister conversing with another in the desk before the congregation, laughing and appearing to have no burden of the work, or lacking a solemn sense of their sacred calling, dishonors the truth, and brings the sacred down upon the low level of common things. The example tends to remove the fear of God from the people, and to detract from the sacred dignity of the gospel which Christ died to magnify. According to the light that has been given me, it would be pleasing to God for ministers to bow down as soon as they step into the pulpit, and solemnly ask help from God. What impression would that make? There would be a solemnity and awe upon the people. Why, their minister is communing with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before the people. Solemnity rests down upon the people, and angels of God are brought very near. Ministers should look to God the first thing as they come into the desk, thus saying to all, God is the source of my strength."

These words have been more or less considered by brethren since they were first published, and an effort has been made by some to act fully up to their suggestions. But because there was not sufficient consultation—no general movement made—the course recommended was not adopted. Those who felt somewhat the force of the testimony contented themselves with bowing their heads upon their hands or upon the desk, as they took their places in the pulpit.

But in the consultation referred to herein, it was unanimously decided that this does not meet the requirements of the case, as it fails to properly impress the congregation. It is true that there is not that solemnity in the house of worship, before the services commence, which belongs to the place and to the occasion. Up to the very moment of the minister's rising to give out the opening hymn, we frequently see members of the congregation engaged in conversations in various parts of the house, which are only stilled by the minister's voice as he opens the services. Frequently these conversations are upon subjects which tend to distract the mind, and draw it away from the object of assembling. The first words of the minister fall upon ears altogether unprepared for the important message of the sacred word, and upon hearts unprepared for the solemn worship of the Most High.

It was considered in our consultations that the message of the gospel would prove more effective to reach the hearts of the people, if there was a feeling of reverence and solemnity resting upon the congregation from the entering of the minister into the desk. This can best be produced by the minister bowing before God in silent prayer for a short time, when he takes his place for the service. The congregation will be led to respond by bowing their heads, and asking the blessing of Heaven upon the coming service. And God, whose ear is ever open to the pleadings of his children, will surely bless the service which follows such united petition to his throne. He requires by express word that all things in his worship shall be done decently and in order, and that our assemblies shall be holy convocations.

It was therefore agreed by the ministers present that not only the spirit but the letter of the words quoted from the Testimony be carried out by us. And for reasons herein given we believe that it is impossible to carry out their spirit without conforming to the letter. In every case where the effort has been made it has proved a failure. It was not, and is not, our intention to lay down rules for anybody to follow, nor to pass a resolution with the idea of governing the conduct of any; but it was mutually agreed by all present that we, laborers upon the Pacific Coast, will conform to these words, and strive with all our influence to increase a feeling of reverence in our congregations. And we the more readily agree to this because this practice has proved to be effective in other days and among other people. Those among us who can remember when it was practiced by all the Methodist ministers, can testify that its effect upon assemblies for worship was always good.

And we earnestly pray that God may bless us as a people, and increase all our graces, and prepare us for the coming of his Son for the redemption of the purchase of his precious blood.

J. H. WAGGONER, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, W. M. HEALEY, J. O. CORLISS, E. J. WAGGONER, E. R. JONES, WM. INGS, N. C. MCCLURE, A. T. JONES, G. W. COLCORD W. C. WHITE, M. C. ISRAEL, S. N. HASKELL, J. D. RICE. H. A. ST. JOHN, Oakland, Cal., May 1, 1885.