Ver. 32.-The place of worship. "The top of the mount where God was worshipped" (Revised Version). This "top of the mount" is one of the most sacred spots in the world -the universe. For here the Son of God wept over Jerusalem, which lay full in view at his feet, as he thought of its coming destruction, and declared the cause of it (Luke xix. 41). In David's time there appears to have been a "high place" there, where men were accustomed to worship God. It seems strange that so near to the tabernacle such a place should have been tolerated, however difficult it was to abolish such separate worship elsewhere. Perhaps, however, this was simply "a place of prayer" (Acts xvi. 13), not of sacrifice or incense-burning, in which case it would not come under the con- demnation of the Mosaic Law. One can hardly doubt that such places of worship must have been scattered over the land long before the known existence of synagogues. How otherwise could social religion, or religion at all, have been maintained? Three visits a year to the tabernacle or temple, and those of the men only, could not have been sufficient. How also could the sabbaths have been kept as days holy to the Lord? But without attempting to settle such questions, this Scripture may be used as suggesting some thoughts on places of worship. L THEm SANCTITY. 1. Because special,ly set apart and used for the worship of God. Consecrated in the purpose of men, and by their devotions; by the prayers by which they are dedicated, and the worship constantly offered afterwards. 2. Because they are scenes of Divine •manifestation and gracious operation. (Exod. xx. 24; Ps. lxiii. 2; Matt. xviii. 20.) They are meeting-places, not only between men and men, but between God and men, heaven aud earth, consecrated by the presence and blessing of God. II. 'l'HEm VALUE. 1. .As witnesses. (1) For God; reminding men of him, and call- ing on them to worship and serve him. (2) Of the nature of men; as spiritual, fitted and designed for worship, and immortal. 2. .As inviting to rest from ordinary occupa- twns and employment in spirit'I//J,l exercues. 3 . .As furnishing valuable opportunities for t}UJ exereise of gifts for the good of others. Gifts of teaching, singing, organization, etc. 4. In uniting men to each other in sacred bonds, and fostering mutual love and servi.ce. 6. In pr=ting piety, holiness, and happiness. 'fhe moral virtues, as well as the godliness, of a people depend to a large extent on their places of worship. III. THEIR BLESSED ABSOCIATIONB AND JllEMOBIEB, There "our fathers praised" God (Isa. lxiv.11); thither "we walked in company" with our own parents and best friends (Ps. lv. 14); there many of our most happy and profitable hours have been spent. There, it may be, we were first led to Christ; there we have often met with God, and consciously received his blessing; there we have r8?eived instructions and influ~nceR which have moulded our character and elevated our lives. There we have been relieved of anxieties, calmed when agitated., comforted when sorrowful, revived when languid, recalied to duty wLen we have wandered, strengthened in faith and courage when wo have become enfeebled. There many a glimpse of heaven has been gained, and many a on. XVI, 1-23,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 3rl7
foretaste of its bliss cnjoyecl. Many have attended their place of worship from chilrlhoorl to old age; and esteem it one of the chief blessings of their life. "Planted in the house of the Lorcl," they "flouri~h in the courts of our God," and still" bring forth fruit in old nge" (Ps. xcii, 13, 14), waiting to be transplanted to "the paradise of God" (Hev. ii. 7). IV. Oun OONBEQUENT DUTY IN nESPEOT TO THEM. 1. To be thankful for them. 2, To talrn our part in establishing and maintaining them. 3. To attend them. Fre- quently, regularly, punctually, 'l'o be negligent in these respects is to dishonour God, and to rob ourselves of blessing. 4. To induce others to do so. Happy th!, city, happy the land, in which places where men worship God abound, and are attended by crowds of true worshippers 1-G. W.