Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of your house, and the place where your honor dwells. The form of godliness may often remain when the power is wanting; but the power cannot well subsist where the form is altogether absent. Consider the importance of public worship — I. AS IT RESPECTS GOD. If there be a Supreme Being, a Creator of the race, worship should be rendered to Him, both private and public. The natural sentiments of mankind universally attest this. And now that revelation has been given, the light of the Gospel has come, we are inexcusable if we do not obey the desire. God does not need it, but is willing to accept it. II. AS IT CONCERNS THE WORLD. Independently of its effect on the moral principles of the race, it tends to peace and order, it humanises and civilises, it strengthens the bonds of the social relation and brings out the best that is in man. III. AS IT CONCERNS OURSELVES. We are parts of a great whole, each with duties to the rest. Public worship aids in these. It gives warmth to piety and adds solemnity to moral virtue. As members of the universal Church, we adore the God and Father of us all, through the Redeemer of the race, by the sanctifying Spirit in whom we all have access. (Hugh Blair, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.WEB: Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, the place where your glory dwells. |
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