INSTRUCTION TO THOSE IN CHARGE OF THE MEETINGS

O. A. OLSEN

WE have placed before our brethren some of the immediate necessities of the cause, and suggested that free-will offerings for the missionary work be taken up at one of the meetings on first-day. It should be when you have your best attendance, and the fact should be mentioned to the people on the Sabbath, so that they will bring their offerings with them the following day. As stated in the article which begins on page 11, the brethren may not feel able to do as much now as they would like; but this need not discourage any one. Let all do what they can now, and then plan to do more as soon as possible. Having full confidence in our brethren and sisters, we feel sure that they will respond according to their ability, and therefore ask you who have charge of the arrangements to see that this collection is taken up as above suggested.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.1

In order that the greatest possible benefit may result from this season of fasting and prayer, much care should be taken to make favorable arrangements for the meetings that are to be held. The readings have been arranged for four meetings, — two on Sabbath and two on Sunday. In some places it may be found desirable to hold more meetings, and where that is the case the readings may be divided accordingly, or the time given to the extra meeting can be used for testimonies or listening to a minister where one may be present.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.2

The selection of a good reader is an important matter, and should be attended to as early as possible, so that he or she may have time to make needed preparation. It should be some one who can read with distinct articulation and proper emphasis. If there are several persons who possess these qualifications, it would be well to have the work of reading divided among them. Whoever are chosen should make themselves thoroughly familiar with what they are to read, so that they can enter into its spirit. Especially should the heart of the reader be tender and susceptible to the influences of the Holy Spirit. Without this the most elaborate effort will be a failure.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.3

The meetings should not be made long and tedious. They would naturally open with singing, followed by fervent prayer, in which several take part. After another song, the reading of the article could begin, and this should usually be followed by a short social meeting, the testimonies being brief and to the point, so that the whole service would not continue too long.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.4

The Sabbath, of course, will be given wholly to meetings and worship. We would urge that the first-day be as fully as possible employed in a like manner. Let worldly business be laid aside, and the time given to seeking the Lord, reading and meditating on his word, and attending the meetings.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.5

The time appointed is a season of fasting as well as of prayer. It is not for us to prescribe how each one shall conduct himself as to partaking of food. This we leave with the individual to arrange for himself according to the circumstances. Some who are feeble cannot do as others who are strong and healthy. It is not the afflicting of the body, or the rending of the garment, that will bring us into favor with God, but rather the rending of the heart. By abstaining from food in whole or in part for a time, our mind may be clearer, and our spiritual sense more acute to discern the will of God. Thus we shall be able to seek him with greater fervency. If no food is taken before, a light and very simple meal near the close of the day may not be out of place.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.6

We trust that all will enter heartily into this effort, and that it may result in great good, and mark the beginning of a new era in the advancement of the work. Only a little longer and then all our labors and trials will be passed. May it then be ours to hear the welcome words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23. O.A.O.GCB April 1, 1896, page 702.7