Exodus 19:10

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

Ver. 10. Sanctify them to day and to morrow.] Men must come before God with the best preparation they can get. He will be sanctified in all them that draw nigh unto him. This the blind heathens saw, and therefore said, Oυκ εκ παροδου προσκυνειν αλλ οικοθεν παρασκευασμενοι, worship not God by the by, but with all possible preparation. a Hence they had their caena pura before their solemn sacrifices. b Numa nihil rerum sacrarum cives voluit neglectim agere. Hinc solenne illud, Hoc agite. The ministers likewise in the primitive Church prepared the people's minds by saying Sursum corda, Lift up your hearts; and the deacons used to call upon the people in these words, Oremus, attendamus: Let us pray, let us attend. c

a Plutarch.

b Bucholcer.

c Cyprian., De Oratione. Chrysost. Basil.