July 5

"Surely the Lord is in this place."—Genesis 28:16.

JACOB was a plain man, dwelling in tents; and on his arrival at Bethel, he had a very plain accommodation; his chamber was the open air, his canopy the heavens, his bed the earth, his pillow some stones;—but his sleep was sweet. "And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the

Lord is in this place." We may apply this to our religious assemblies. Where he has recorded his name, he will give his presence.

HE HAS PROMISED IT; Exodus 20:24. It is his presence that stamps a dignity on the place, gives a value to Divine ordinances, raises our expectations, cheers our souls, and rejoices our hearts. We delight to dwell in his house, because it is the place of his residence. "Surely the Lord is in this place."

AS THE HEARER OF PRAYER. He who listens to the harmonious notes of angels, deigns to hear a sinner's cry. He communes with us from the mercy seat; Exodus 25:22. Let us therefore spread our case before the Lord, and depend on the mercy, skill, and wisdom of our great Advocate. "Surely the Lord is in this place."

ADDRESSING US IN HIS WORD. Thus there is a communication carried on between God and man; while we address him in prayer, he speaks to us in his Word. Ministers are but the echo of his voice; say, not, therefore, I will go and hear such and such an individual; but, "I will hear what God the Lord will speak." "Surely the Lord is in this place."

DISPENSING HIS CHOICEST FAVORS. In the sanctuary, the sinner brings his wants, and God displays his fulness in the supply of them. He bestows blessings in countless numbers, astonishing variety, and inestimable value. Here he is known as the sinner's friend, and the saint's support. "Surely the Lord is in this place;" and

WE SHOULD ESTEEM IT A PRIVILEGE TO BE HERE. We should visit the sanctuary, not only from a conviction of duty, but from a principle of love. The Christian loves the house of God, because he loves the God of the house; because his mind is instructed, his spirit revived, his burden lightened there. He delights to be where God is, for God is the home of his soul. "Surely the Lord is in this place,"

BUT THERE IS DANGER OF OUR FORGETTING IT. "I knew it not," says Jacob. Do you always remember it? If you did, would there be such cold indifference, such wandering thoughts, such unhallowed desires? Remember the God of Jacob is here. Remember it in every part of the service; when you sing, think of it, and praise him with the heart; when you enter, think of it, and pray for a blessing; when you surround the throne of grace, think of it, and pour out your spirit; when you listen to his Word, think of it, and take heed how you hear.