"Thus the German proverb is true: Finstere Kirchen und liechte herzen. Somber churches and illuminated hearts commonly go together. Such was the church of Abraham, in which was heard the voice of God and true worship. But look at the churches; they are often resplendent, but the hearts are gloomy or even blind.
Thus it is not the stones, the construction, and the gorgeous silver and gold that make a church beautiful and holy; it is the Word of God and sound preaching. For where the goodness of God is commended to men and hearts are encouraged to put their trust in Him and to call upon God in danger, there is truly a holy church. Whether it is a dark nook or a bare hill or a barren tree, it is truthfully and correctly called a house of God and a gate of heaven, even though it is without a roof, under the clouds and the open sky.
Therefore one must pay primary attention to the character of the teaching and prayer, not to the character of the building. What God demands is that people be converted and He be glorified, but this is achieved solely through the Word and prayer."
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