[ 58 ]
We cannot very easily conceive of the deep throbbings of the people's hearts, and the intense interest felt by them, as the day broke in from amidst the gloom of night, when the building or edifice was to be dedicated to God; the time of their anxieties, the object of their hope, the finale of their fears, and the consummation of their desires, on that day were all to be realized —what thanksgivings to God in their families—what praising and rejoicing. Writing from this distant period, we can almost feel with them as we contemplate them around their family altars in their heartfelt gratitude to God, from whom came this good gift, and who enabled them to succeed in their undertaking. Surely there must have been a sacred joy springing up in every heart in that vast assembly of people, as they sat within those walls on that interesting occasion. That was a memorable day, made memorable, too, because heaven's God smiled upon them, and gave them tokens of approbation that he approved their labor of love, and accepted their offerings of praise and thanksgiving.
It is true the building was not in any way remarkable for architectural taste; it was a plain brick, sixty feet long by thirty-three feet wide, without any ornament about it either inside or out, but in this respect the people did what they could, with this assurance to encourage them, "that God does not require what a man hath not, but what he hath;" the offering, then, to God, of a plain, simple constructed edifice, is valued according to the ability of the people, and the spirit in which it is given to Him—hence the offering, though it might by many be regarded as insignificant, yet to Him who is God over all and blessed forever more, attaches an importance to it that may not be entertained for a more costly and magnificent superstructure.
