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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 19.

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Worship

By W. R. Uchtmann

W. R. UCHTMANN
No greater tribute can be rendered to God than that of true worship. Jesus said to the woman of Samaria: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23.
Is it not wonderful that the great Father, the source of all light, the greatest and most majestic being in all the universe, is looking from above, seeking for true worshipers? The question may be raised, What is true worship? According to Webster, it is defined as "acts of adoration to God."
"The preaching at our Sabbath meetings should generally be short. Opportunity should be given for those who love God to express their gratitude and adoration."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, page 361. And again, page 366 of the same volume: "In the inner court of heaven they [the heavenly intelligences] listen to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers below is taken up in the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly courts because Christ has not died in vain for the fallen sons of Adam."
It seems to me that if our preaching or teaching fails to bring about a condition among our people as described above, we have not accomplished God's purpose, and the Father is compelled to continue to seek for true worship and worshipers. We all realize the importance of preaching, but as this is merely a means to an end, it can never take the place of true worship on the part of the people. See Volume VI, page 367.
Let us bear in mind that in every assembly of the saints below are angels of God, listening to the songs, testimonies, and prayers. Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choir of the angelic host above. While the sermon fills its place in divine worship, the angels listen as well to the testimonies and praises and prayers of the saints.
South Lancaster, Mass.