Simplicity of the Gospel.
By Presbyterian
THE ambition of men has distorted and amplified the forms of the institutions of the gospel until the formalities not merely of Judaism, but of heathenism, have been adopted under a Christian name. The apostles and early Christians would not know where they were if they could be raised from the dead and led into some churches called by their names. For nearly three hundred years they worshiped without any church buildings at all. Their services were held in private houses, or at such other places as might be convenient. These were enough for their simple rites. No complicated ceremonies, no spectacular shows, no childish mummeries were devised and cherished amid such scenes of primitive heroic faith. But when Christianity emerged from the perils of martyrdom, and suddenly ascended the throne of Constantine, with popularity and worldly power came a weaker faith and a greater pomp. At length pure religion was well nigh lost in gaudy ritualism. The nearer the soul is brought to God in simple and direct communion, with only the mediation of Christ, the instruction of the word, and the grace of the Holy Ghost, the purer will be its piety and the more acceptable its worship. But a service may be very simple and yet utterly devoid of a spiritual character. It may be a very plain formalism or a bit of self-righteous morality. The Mahometan abhors idols and elaborate ceremonies; at appointed seasons he fasts; at the proper hour he falls on his knees and prays, wherever he may be. But there is no spirituality in it. So, in Christian churches, men may go through the forms of worship which are not only base, but dead. Every part of our worship ought to glorify Christ. We rightly honor the Father only when we honor the Son, the one only Mediator, the one only Saviour. Rightly knowing, loving, and honoring him, we shall be indeed such worshipers as alone the Father seeketh to worship him. Empty pretense and childish show will be swept away.