Untitled article by J. S. Miller

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 3, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 12

R. I. MONTHLY MEETING.

By J. S. Miller

In response to the call of Bro. Sweet of Exeter, a Monthly Meeting was held with the church at that place on Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 15 and 16. All the S. D. A. churches in the State were represented except New Shoreham.

Our first meeting was on Sabbath evening at the house of Bro. Sweet. This meeting was one of deep interest. After spending a few moments in prayer, Bro. S. N. Haskell gave us a short discourse on the rise of the message, which was followed by testimonies from all present in the truth. The testimonies were of a character that indicated an awakening to the importance of the work in which we are engaged.

On Sabbath morning at half past nine, we met at the school-house at Gardner’s Corners, and had a meeting for prayer and social worship, followed by preaching at eleven. There was preaching again at three, and again in the evening, preceded by a season of prayer. On first-day morning, we met again at the school-house at half past nine, and had a social meeting, followed at eleven by preaching.

On first-day afternoon, we met at the house of Bro. Sweet to consult about matters connected with the future of the cause. These general gatherings have heretofore been called from time to time as the interest of the cause seemed to demand. But at this meeting it was decided to establish the R. I. Monthly Meeting as a permanent institution, to be held on the third Sabbath and first-day of each month, meeting with the churches alternately. Although New Shoreham was not represented, we took it for granted that they would come into the arrangement, and trust that when opportunity offers, we can so arrange the matter as to give them their share of these meetings, consulting their convenience as to time.

On first-day evening, preaching again at the school-house, preceded by a season of prayer.

One thing worthy of notice in these meetings was the lack of excitement which has in past times characterized meetings of this sort; and yet the interest which was good at the commencement, ran deeper and deeper to the close.

Several dollars’ worth of books and several dress patterns were sold during the meetings. One sister from Ashaway came to the meeting wearing the reform dress. The modesty, convenience, and healthfulness of this dress commended it to the common sense of the sisters present, and almost without an exception they are resolved to adopt it. May the Lord bless them in bearing the reproach of Christ in living out the truth in this respect.

Bro. Haskell and myself remained until sixth-day morning, holding meetings every evening. Some ten discourses were given by Bro. Haskell, and the interest to hear was even better at the close of the meetings than at the commencement. The little church at Exeter are moving forward with perfect union, and, as we believe, growing in grace and the further knowledge of the truth. May the Lord add to their numbers such as shall be saved.

J. S. MILLER. Ashaway, R. I.