April 30

This house which is called by my name. — JER. VII. 11.

Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. — JOHN ii. 16.

It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. — MATT. xxi. 13.

OUR Lord was in his holy temple. From the context we learn that he was there for a threefold purpose. — to receive worship (Matt. xxi. 15): to promote righteousness (John ii. 14. 15): and to do mercy (Matt. xxi. 14). These are the only legitimate objects for which churches can be used, — as houses of prayer and praise: as schools for teaching and applying the Word, which is able alike to save the soul and sanctify the life (James i. 21: Acts xx. 32): and as centres of evangelizing and charitable work.

We learn equally what uses of a church are not legitimate, and which yet are in danger of insinuating and establishing themselves within its sacred courts. We are not likely to make it "a den of thieves," as those Jewish sharpers did, but we may degrade it into a "house of merchandise" by conducting it too much in the commercial spirit and method: and it is a serious question whether many a church is not desecrated by the side uses to which it is put for the purpose of raising money. Let us learn to look upon a church with the eyes of Jesus, as our "Father's house," and to love and reverence it for his sake.

Francis N. Zabriskie

How lovely are thy dwellings fair,

O Lord of hosts! how dear

The pleasant tabernacles are,

Where thou dost dwell so near!

JOHN MILTON.