Historical Sketch of the North Church: A Discourse Delivered at the Re-Opening and Dedication of the North Church in Portsmouth, Jan, 31, 1838 (Classic Reprint) - Livres de poche

Excerpt from Historical Sketch of the North Church: A Discourse Delivered at the Re-Opening and Dedication of the North Church in Portsmouth, Jan, 31, 1838

We assemble to-day for the first time, in this audience-chamber, prepared for the worship of Almighty God. Nor can we proceed to apply the structure to its destined use without the solemnity of a formal dedication. It is the pertinent inquiry of the "judicious Hooker," - "Can we judge it a thing seemly for any man to go about the building of an house to the God of Heaven with no other appearance than if his end were, to rear up a kitchen or parlor for his own use? Or, when a work of such nature is finished, remaineth there nothing but presently to use it, and so an end?"

Though we do not deem it necessary to consecrate our houses of worship in the mode which Hooker would have deemed the only correct mode, we agree with him, that nothing is more suitable than a formal dedication, when a sanctuary has been prepared for divine worship.

We have accordingly assembled to-day to consecrate the interior of this building to the God of Heaven. Our solemnities shall be simple. Shall they be for this reason, the less acceptable to the Lord? Will He who seeth not as man seeth, receive our offering the more readily, if it be accompanied with imposing rites and gorgeous ceremonies?

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