Ver. 11. -Forsahng the house o/ God. "Why is the house of God forsaken ? " The question addressed by Nehemiah to the rulers may well have bad respect at once to their own neglect, the withholding of contributions by the people, and the conse- quent abandonment of the temple by the Levites. We may apply it to the neglect to attend and support public worship by a large proportion of the population of our country. It is- I. A QUESTION FOR MINISTERS. They have the greatest power to attract to, or repel from, the house of God. Let them ask whether the house of God may not be forsaken on account of defects in-1. Their preaching. Let them consider whether it is what it ought to be in-(1) Substance. Consisting of the presentation of the great truths of the gospel in their varied application to the spiritual needs of men. (2) Intelli- gence. Addressing itself to the understanding as well as to the feelings. Not mere dogmatic utterance, unaccompanied by reasons. (3) Intelligibility. Not obscure through the effort to seem intellectual or original. (4) Adaptation. Suited to the mental condition of the bearers and those who might become hearers. ( 5) Fervour. Arising from sincere love to Christ and men, and desire to do good. 2. Their con- duct. Inconsistencies of character, indolence, self-indulgence, unapproacbableness, priestly pretensi(lns, airs of infallible authority, mercenariness, all tend to alienate the people from the sanctuary. Neglect of pastoral Yisitation, whether through in- 1 difference, or indolence, or preference for other pursuits, or being too much occupied with the business of religion, may have a like effect. Or people may feel no interest in ministers and their teaching because ministers show no interest in their general well-being. IL A QUESTION FOB CONGREGATIONS. Defects in those who do attend Divine service may have much to do with the absence of others. Let them consider whether they are wanting in-1. Due support and encouragement of their ministers. Pecuniary support ; sympathy and co-operation in efforts for the good of those without; encouragement of a style of preaching adapted to interest them ; avoidance of unne- cessary demands on the time and strength of their pastors. A minister's power of usefulness depends largely on the temper and conduct towards him of his congrega- tion. 2. Care to make the services attractive. By due attention to the building, the singing, &c. 3. Provision of sufficient and suitable accommodation. 4. Efforts to induce the neglecters of public worship to attend. 5. Hearty welcome of those who are induced to attend. 6. A life fitted to recommend religion. In their general conduct. In their families. In their relations to those around, as merchants, tradesmen, employers of labour, &c. In the Church : unity, peace, earnestness. III. A QUESTION FOB THOSE WHO NEGLECT PUBLIC WORSHIP. 1. Partially. Why not regular and constant in attendance? If attendance be a duty at all, it must be a duty to be regular. If occasional attendance be good, constant would be better. Irregu- larity reveals want of religious principle in the matter, and that no spiritual profit has yet been received by attendance. It discourages ministers and congregations, hinders the salvation of those who are guilty of it, injures their families, and sets an evil example. 2. Wholly. Why do you forsake the house of God? Is it that you feel THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 147
no interest in what is said and done there? 'fhis reveals a state of heart deplorable rind perilous ; alienation from God, indifference to your highest welfare unfitness for heaven. Is it that you prefer the society and habits of the ungodly,' or fear their rirlicul~? Bu! will you sacrifice_your souls t? thei:n? Can _you think with pleasure of sharmg theu future lot? Is 1t that, weaned with the t01ls of the week, you think yourself entitled to spend the Lord's day in idle repose? Its hours are sufficient for both rest and public worship, and the engagements of God's house are themselves restful. ls it that you dislike some who attend Divine worship, or think them to be hypocrites? But, supposing you to be right in your judgment, you ought not to condemn and separate from all on account of the faults of a few ; and their wrong conduct in one direction is no excuse for your going wrong in another; and if sinceI0 in worship, you will be blessed, whatever becomes of them. Do you say that y01.' can read your Bible and worship God at home? It is to be hoped that you do ; but if it were to good purpose, you would surely value the exercises of public worship, and the opportunities and helps which it affords. Do consider anew the reasons for not forsaking God's house. (1) The claims and commands of God. (2) The needs and worth of your souls. (3) The good of your families. (4) The good of society, so largely promoted by public worship and instruction. (5) The account you must give hereafter to God, and the awful issues in eternity of a godless life.