The Solemn Service of God
Bishop Bloomfield. Psalm 5:7 But as for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy: and in your fear will I worship toward your holy temple. I. THE MOTIVES WE HAVE TO JOIN IN THE SOLEMN SERVICE OF GOD. One leading object which we ought to have in view is to promote the glory of God by the conversion or confirmation of others; but still it is in consideration of His mercy that we magnify Jehovah in His other attributes. The Psalmist considered it to be an invaluable privilege that he was permitted to take part in the solemn and public worship of God. He knew the comfort and benefit which flowed from that privilege. II. THE DISPOSITIONS TO BE ACQUIRED IN ORDER THAT IT MAY BE AN ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE. The value to ourselves depends on the use we make of it, and on the state of our own hearts. The true worshipper is studious. 1. To bring into the sanctuary a purified heart, at least a heart that seeks to be purified and to experience, in the serious and faithful use of the appointed means of grace, the renewing and refreshing influences of that Spirit who helpeth our infirmities. 2. The spirit of purity requires a spirit of fear. "In Thy fear will .I worship." We are invited, by the Sabbath bell, to an act of solemn and direct intercourse with our Maker, our Redeemer, our Sanctifier, and our Judge. Is that an employment which we can presume to take in hand without the most serious consideration, the most entire collectedness of thought, the warm glow of thankfulness and love? 3. The worship must be attended with faith and hope. The experience of mercies past, and the sure promise of their continuance, the gracious invitations and affectionate expostulations of Him who has described Himself as hearing and answering prayer, should fill us with the spirit of supplication. God loves to listen to the united praises of those who are met together in His name. (Bishop Bloomfield.) Parallel Verses KJV: But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. WEB: But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.