“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
“The manner of some" is to stay away
From the Table spread on the Lord's own day;
A dinner hot, or an hour in bed
Such are the things they prefer instead.
"I met a friend, and he hindered me:”
Can any friend such as Jesus be?
He said, "This do," and can they forego
Thus giving Him joy, who loves them so?
By "the manner of some" when the gospel's told
You would think their hearts must be very cold;
It has no music to charm their ear,
Or sure they would come its message to hear!
And yet by the gospel their souls were saved,
Unless, as I fear, they were self-deceived;
To have no care for the tidings glad
And yet to believe them—is terribly sad!
“The manner of some" is never to see
The place where prayer is wont to be;
Where saints together approach the Throne
Is where, alas, they are never known.
Yet, where in petition the saints agree.
“I am in the midst of the two or three,”
Are the Savior's words, and the promise is plain;
But those who don't ask, what can they obtain?
"The manner of some" when the Word is read
Is to do some other business instead;
When truth is ministered by the Lord
Through His servants, they never hear a word.
Too busy, too careless, they come not nigh,
So the streams of blessing pass them by.
What wonder they weary are and lean?
Yet many such too often are seen.
“As the manner of some is, forsake not," saith He,
"Assembling together" though but "two or three”
His presence is promised: His promise is true;
The joy of His presence is rapturous and new.
Then prove it, my brother! dear sister, be there!
Assemble together for praise and for prayer;
The blessing will follow, and glad shall we be
All waiting together our Savior to see!