TEMPLES by J. E. Green

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 28, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 42.

TEMPLES.

By J. E. Green

BY J. E. GREEN.

LATELY while reading about the earthly sanctuary, my mind was struck as never before with the thought of its grandeur and glory. The beauty and splendor of that wonderful building is difficult to be imagined. Then I thought of the great privilege of the men who officiated within its gold-lined walls, redolent with the odor of costly perfumes, and holy on account of the wonderful presence of Jehovah. I thought of the purity of mind and body that was required of the one who was permitted to lift the vail that separated between the holy and most holy places and gazed with unveiled eyes upon the sacred ark, the seat of the presence and glory of God.

In spite of me my mind would draw a contrast between those holy men and many who in this age of the world claim to be the servants and ambassadors of the same holy God, and I could not help imagining (although it was really shocking to all sense of reverence or propriety) Aaron saying in the morning to his wife, "Elisheba, to-day I have many arduous, fatiguing duties to perform; many people are to offer sacrifices, and I very much desire that thou shouldest make for me a good strong cup of Oolong or Java, as I feel much in need of some stimulant to be able to do the work of the Lord." After partaking of an appetizing breakfast, I see him drawing still more stimulation from a fragrant Havana, after which he places within his mouth a good sized quid of fine cut, and thus armed and strengthened he goes within that sacred edifice to make atonement for the sins of the people. How long think you would He who struck Uzzah dead for simply putting his hand to that sacred vessel which contained God's holy law, allow such irreverence? In all the furnishings of that sacred building, we read of no cuspidores where the officiating servant of God might deposit his worn-out quid or superabundant saliva.

This picture is too absurd to allow us long to contemplate it, but if such things were not allowable then, can the same Being, who never changes, look with any more leniency upon them now? Can we exercise credulity enough to make us believe that he smiles upon such defiling habits in this age when he required such perfect purity in that? We find very many explicit directions in regard to bathing the clothes and the body before anyone might with safety come before God even to make an offering.

Then I thought of that other temple the care of which is given into the keeping of each one of us—the human body; for we are told in the word of God that our bodies are temples—temples of the Holy Ghost. What sacred building ever made by man can compare with these wonderful, living, moving temples built by Jehovah himself? In his word, too, he has told us how we should care for these temples to keep them pure and fit for the indwelling of his Holy Spirit, and he asks us this significant question, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" And then he makes this solemn declaration, "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." Viewed in this light it is a solemn charge that has been committed to each one of us, more solemn and sacred than that committed to Aaron. For this we shall have to render a strict account of our stewardship, and the time is at hand, even at the door.

He who sitteth in the heavens designs to plead with us feeble worms of earth that we should keep our temples pure. "I beseech"—beseech is the word, not command—"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Then it is a reasonable thing that we are to do, nothing foolish or unnecessary. Well, if we do this what shall we have therefore? What will it profit us if we inconvenience and deprive ourselves of the good (?) things of this life? Verily, "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." And those things are in a land of perfect purity and into which shall never enter anything that will defile, and yet whosoever will may enter there.

Well may we shrink back when we contrast that pure and holy place with our sin-polluted selves—our bodies made vile by our evil habits of eating, drinking, dressing, and working, and exclaim, "Woe is me, for I am undone, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips."

The idea of ever so cleansing ourselves as to be fit to enter that holy dwelling place is too great for us to grasp. But we need not despair; for although God tells us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, yet he knew that we could never in our own strength do this; he therefore laid help upon One who is mighty and willing, and who is the very essence of purity itself. He has bought us, all laden with impurity as we are, and he will cleanse, and clothe us in garments of spotlessness, if we will only submit ourselves to him; we must show that we wish to be made pure by renouncing all filthy, polluting habits, and leaving off the soul-defiling jests and foolish idle words, forming pure habits, not fashioned after the habits of the people of the world, but having our conversation in heaven, from whence we look for our Lord, "who shall change our vile bodies and fashion them after his glorious body," and make "us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

Oh for a home among that pure people and in that pure place! All who will may enter there.

Hebron, Wis.