The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"""""370 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.Strange would it be, if God, who, in the dispensation past and that to come hereafter, is seen delighting in external majesty, should have deprived theChristian Church (the living link between the pastand the future) of all external glory. For,"asSt. Paul says,"if the ministry of condemnation isglory, much more the ministry of justice abouudethinl."gloryIt istrue, that God uttered this complaint againstthe children of Israel : This people draw near Mewith their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, buttheir heart is far from Me." 2 It is also true thatHe was displeased with their sacrifices and religiousfestivals. 3But He blamed them not because theypraised Him with their voice, but because theirhearts felt not what their lips uttered. And Herejected their sacrifices because they were not accompanied by the more precious sacrifice of a penitent spirit.The same Lord who declares that the true adorershall adore the Father in spirit, commands alsothatpublic praise be given to Him in His holy temple :Praise ye the Lord," He says,in His holyplaces Praise Him with sound of trumpet.Praise Him with psaltery and harp. Praise Himwith timbrel and choir. Praise Him with strings*and organs."And if He saysin one place: Kend your hearts1 II. Cor. iii. 9.a Isaiah xxix. 13.* Ps. cl.8 Ibid. i. 13.