Naology; Or, a Treatise on the Origin, Progress, and Symbolical Import of the Sacred Structures of the Most Eminent Nations and Ages of the World (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1846 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. THE CHURCHES OF CHRISTIANS. When the Redeemer had by his ministry and his death brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, the purposes for which sacred structures had been previously constructed were altogether changed. The altar was no longer raised for sacrifice; the great sacrifice of which all sacrifices had been the symbols having been offered. The Saviour had taken away the first, that he might establish the seconds Sacred edifices or temples, all amplifications of the altar, were also changed as to their uses and acquired another character: they were not required, as aforetime, for the reception of images and of idols; for the Gospel taught that God was a Spirit without parts or passions, and that they that worship him must worship him not under any created form, but by mental devotion in spirit and truth. Such being the true character of Christian devotion, it may be asked, what occasion could there be for churches? to what purposes could they serve? why need any be built? The answer is ready and certain. Heb. x. 9. The religion of the Gospel is not solitary and recluse. It requires its votaries to practise public and social worship in open assembly as well as by private prayer in the closet. Such religious exercise serves to produce brotherly affection, which is the end and aim and very essence of Christianity; without which no man can be a Christian. St. Paul writes-J "Let there be no divisions among you. Be ye perfectly joined in the same mind and in the same judgment. Forsake not the assembling yourselves together." Such are the precepts of the Gospel. The practice of the first converts to the faith, made on the first promulgation of the Gospel on the day of Pentecost, accorded with these precepts: "They continued ...