I dislike square pews, and bad
music.
The worst cloud which I see in our Church's
outlook, is the widespread disposition to regard religious externalism,
as a substitute for vital soul-saving Christianity.
When I speak of
externalism, let me explain what I mean. We all know that the external
part of religion has received a large amount of new attention during the
last forty years. All over the land it has become the fashion to restore
churches, to get rid of old square pews, to improve the singing and music, to
have a well-adorned choir, to decorate the church-building in a most elaborate
style, and, in one word, to adorn, beautify, and improve the whole exterior
of Church Christianity. Do I say there is anything sinful in all this?
Nothing of the kind! I abhor everything like slovenliness in the ceremonials of
worship. I dislike square pews, and bad music, and bad singing as much as
anyone!
But I do say, that I fear an external improvement often takes
place in a church—without the slightest corresponding increase of
godliness in the worshipers! No doubt there is a far more show of
religion in our Churches—but it is very doubtful whether there is more vital
Christianity, more presence of the Holy Spirit, more heart and conscience work,
in the private lives and the homes of our people. I fear that in hundreds of
cases, men have rested content with having secured a handsome church and a
'bright and hearty service,' and have forgotten that what God looks at—is the
hearts of the worshipers, and the quantity of grace to be found among
them.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn
away. 2tim 3:5(J. C. Ryle, "The
Outlook" 1886)
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