In thus giving our recollections of a reading meeting, we have a two-fold object in view. 1. To present a true and faithful account of how the Brethren gave themselves up to the prayerful study of the word of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and apart from all their preconceived theological views. We could not speak of the amount of blessing which flows from such meetings. Not that reading meetings are always profitable; on the contrary, unless there be real subjection to the truth, they may be very trying. Poor, weak, restless nature may occasionally display itself in, the meeting, and make it anything but happy and profitable. But this is failure and infirmity, notwithstanding the presence of the Holy Spirit, just as an individual Christian may fail though the Holy Spirit dwells in him. We speak of reading meetings as they ought to be.
2. To draw attention to the difference between such meetings, and those with which we were formerly acquainted. And this we would do in all love, and with the most sincere and earnest desire that dear Christian friends may honestly consider which is most in accordance with the mind of the Lord. Next to conversion, the greatest blessing that a soul can receive in this life is to be led of Him to divine ground for communion and worship. That which comes nearest the meeting described above is called a " Fellowship Meeting." This may consist of a dozen or more serious Christian men of the same denomination, and living conveniently to each other, agreeing to come together once a week, or month, for prayer and reading the word. A president is chosen, who gives out the hymn, prays, reads the portion for the evening, and makes a few remarks by way of opening up the word; the first twenty minutes may be occupied by him. The others are now expected to give their opinions, and all remarks to be addressed to the chairman.
This kind of meeting tends, we have no doubt, to nourish both Christian fellowship and personal piety, but it lacks the living light and power which reveals Christ to the soul, and transforms it to His image. The Holy Spirit, though unintentionally, is practically displaced, and the mind is left in the darkness which the lack of simple dependence on the Lord causes. As the portion is announced for the forthcoming meeting, and the president named, he is expected to study it well.
The only other meeting we would name is the " Social Tea Meeting." The guests are selected, and invited by the brother, in whose house they meet. Sometimes there may be a mixture of rich and poor, according to the fancy of the host. After tea the conversation may be general, or some conversing and others having a little music. No one thought of taking a Bible or hymnbook with him; but about 9 o'clock family worship was observed. The large Bible was placed on the table, and some one was asked to officiate, generally the minister if he were present. A chapter being read, and prayer offered up, all resumed their free and easy attitude, and general conversation until called to supper. The breaking up depended a little on the liveliness of the meeting, or the heartiness of the host. This could scarcely be called a spiritual meeting; yet its object was good, inasmuch as it brought the members of a congregation socially together, and cultivated a brotherly feeling towards each other.
Those best acquainted with such meetings will readily testify that we have put the best possible appearance and construction upon them; there is nothing farther from our thoughts than to say a word that would pain the most sensitive mind. Our object is not to praise the Brethren, but to seek the Lord's glory in the blessing of all His people, and to set forth and press upon all Christians the adoption of those means which He has so richly blessed for edification. The blessing of God evidently rested most abundantly on those who were thus gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus.