Ezra 3:11-13 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks to the LORD; because he is good… The first and second temple may be considered as expressive of the state of real and substantial godliness in our own land, in two ages not much more distant from each other than those were in which these two temples stood. What I purpose is to point out some of those articles respecting the first and second compared, which seem most applicable to the end I have in view. I. THAT THE FIRST AND SECOND TEMPLES WERE BUILT IN THE SAME PLACE, HAD NEARLY THE SAME FOUNDATION, AND WERE BOTH RAISED WITH THE SAME DESIGN. The temple which we raise and that which our forefathers saw, are built on "the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone." We have the same Gospel, the same Saviour, and the same precious Agent is employed for conversion, edification, support and comfort. II. THAT THE FIRST HOUSE SURPASSED THE SECOND, AS IT WAS MADE OF MORE GOODLY MATERIALS AND WAS BUILT ON A NOBLER PLAN. Whilst we are built on the same foundation as our fathers we are less perfect in the eyes of God than they — we have less dignity of character in the various relations of life — we are less fit to become the habitation of God. It is to be feared that we have less divine knowledge than those in the past; that the ways, works, and word of God are less studied with a design to amend and purify the heart, and that those ordinances are more neglected now than they once were which have the most apparent tendency to carry on a work of grace and piety. Our graces are defective. We are too apt to rest in present attainments. Our fathers seem to have excelled us in a determined opposition to sin — in a weanedness from this world — and in a spiritual, holy, heavenly walk. We seem less in earnest than they in the cultivation of those things that improve, enlarge, and ennoble the soul, and that stamp a dignity on human nature. III. THAT THE FIRST HOUSE EXCEEDED THE SECOND, IN THE MANNER OF ITS DEDICATION. The temple we raise is dedicated to God. How far this dedication falls short of that which our fathers made is not easy to say. There seems to have been no sacrifice which the apostles and martyrs were not willing to make; and they seemed to conceive of themselves as sacred to God. We are sprung from those who in their day were examples of devotedness to God, and who carried with them this persuasion that the temple of God should be holy, whose temple they were. Ancient men remember the dedication they made, the correspondence there was between their lives and that dedication, and the degree in which "holiness to the Lord" was inscribed upon them. We of the present generation seem to be making a more partial dedication to Him than our fathers made. Multitudes among us seem to be trying to "serve two masters." It is alas! too apparent from the thoughts with which we begin and close the day — from the desires and passions that possess our minds through the hours of it — and from the nature of objects which we eagerly pursue, that we are not so exemplary in devotedness to God as many in past ages have been. The progress of a worldly spirit is visible among us; the great objects of religion are not habitually thought so amiable, important, and venerable by us as by the last generation of the people of God; nor is our regard to God, to Christ, and eternity so commanding a principle as it appears formerly to have been. Knowledge cannot so easily be taken of us that we have been with Jesus; nor can I think that we stand among men, like temples built for God and consecrated to Him as they did. IV. THAT THE FIRST TEMPLE SURPASSED THE SECOND, ON ACCOUNT OF THAT HOLY FIRE BURNING WITHIN, WHICH PROCEEDED FROM GOD, They from whom we are descended were eminently devout, the holy fire, the fervour of devotion which attended their offerings and sacrifices rendered them through Christ highly acceptable to God. They were mighty in prayer. Those who never prayed themselves remarked their devotion. Their closets, their families, some social band and the house of God could witness their communion with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ; their pious breathings of soul — the holy ardour of their spirit — and that pleasure, that improvement and lustre they derived from thence. The friends of the Church and their country sought an interest in their prayers. I dare not say that the devout among us are as numerous as they have ever been, or that the sacred fire of devotion burns now as bright and strong in the breasts of professors as it hath ever done. Ancient men may remember when there was more apparent devotion in our public assemblies —when more preparation was made for a profitable attendance there — when family worship, reading the Scriptures, and praying was more general among professors — when private devotion was made a more serious business, and when more schemes were entered upon and vigorously pursued to maintain and transmit a spirit of piety and devotion in societies and the world. Some professors content themselves with praying in their families once a day, others once in the week, and many without praying at all. Devotion is one grand instrument in the increase of faith; in strengthening the hand and encouraging the heart in the service of God and our generation; in lightening all the burdens and afflictions of life, in forming the inhabitants of earth to a resemblance of those in heaven, and in drawing down the blessings of God. V. THAT THE FIRST TEMPLE EXCEEDED THE SECOND IN THE CLOUD OF GLORY, THAT AMAZING SYMBOL OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE. God is present with His Church in every age; but in different ages, and in the same age in different places, His presence and glory have been manifested in different degrees. Where there is a spirit of prayer and supplication poured forth; where the house and ordinances of God are frequented with a high relish and growing profit; and where benevolent and pious sentiments, affections, and passions are alive in the soul; there God is in an eminent degree. That the presence and glory of God are not seen in our temple as in that which ancient men and chief of the fathers remember, is, I fear, but too true. With respect to some places, it can only be said, "Here God once dwelt"; and in some others that are still frequented, a certain languor and coldness attend the worship which the manifestation of the presence and glory of God would have removed. (N. Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. |
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