The Sanctuary
D. A. Clark. Psalm 20:2 Send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; I. IT IS THE PLACE WHERE GOD'S HONOUR DWELLS. When Israel would have the help and guidance of Jehovah, they made application at the temple where His glory was seen in the holy place, and where He had appointed to respond to their supplications. II. THE HOUSE OF GOD IS THE PLACE OF UNITED AND FERVENT PRAYER. The increased efficacy of prayer when united and fervent, and the assurance that it will have unity and fervency in the sanctuary, point out that place as the source of their help in the hour of danger and of suffering. III. THE HOUSE OF GOD IS THE RADIANT POINT OF SANCTIFYING TRUTH. From the lips of the living preacher go out those doctrines that operate to sanctify the hearts of men. And who dare hope that society can prosper where no hearts are sanctified? VI. THE INSTRUCTION OF GOD'S HOUSE IS THE GRAND AGENT IN THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC SENTIMENT. An influence goes out from the holy place to affect all men, whether they will or will not be controlled by the influence. To the ungodly, public sentiment is an irresistible law. There is no means powerful like the house of God in the formation of public opinion and sentiment. V. THE HOUSE OF GOD SUSTAINS ALL THE OTHER CIVILISING AND HEALTHFUL INFLUENCES. Identified with it are a preached Gospel and the ministry of reconciliation. These all sustain each other. VI. FROM THE HOUSE OF GOD ARE SELECTED THE SUBJECTS OF HIS GRACE. Those only who frequent the sanctuary are at all likely to be regenerated. It is in the lips of a living ministry that God has pledged Himself to bless. Men bring misery on themselves when — 1. There is a satiety of hearing the Word of God. 2. When the spirit of decay esteems the support of Gospel institutions a burden. 3. When there is a disrespect for the ministry of the reconciliation. (D. A. Clark.) Parallel Verses KJV: Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; WEB: send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion,