Report of the Woman's Meeting
By Secretary
REPORT OF THE WOMAN'S MEETING HELD IN THE REVIEW OFFICE CHAPEL, FEBRUARY 18, AT 3 P. M.
We are permitted to publish the following report of a recent woman's meeting, which doubtless will be interesting, and perhaps suggestive, to our co-laborers in the Woman's Gospel Work:— For those who were present at this meeting I am sure it is not necessary to make a report; for the memory of the freedom of expression, and of the spirit of sisterly love and fellowship that pervaded the meeting throughout, has surely lingered with us, and has made us look forward with expectation to this present gathering. But for those who are deprived of a personal recollection of that meeting, I have gathered together a few of the interesting features. It was the privilege of your secretary to enter the room as the touching words: “Blest be the tie that binds,” were being sung; and the atmosphere that seemed to breathe out with the sweet, motherly voices was such as to make the room a hallowed place; and I could but earnestly wish that the sisters from whom letters are constantly coming laden with requests for prayer, and the revelation of such sore need, could step in with me, and know that the hearts of their sisters are beating in love and sympathy for them. But I am sure the cheering report from that meeting will reach them, and be appreciated. Sister Mc Kee was in charge of the meeting, and conducted it in that pleasantly informal way that made all feel at home. Before the opening season of prayer she read from several letters, from sisters in different places, containing special requests for prayer, and then all bowed for a few moments in silent prayer, followed by an impressive vocal prayer by Sister Breed, claiming God's promise in behalf of these requests. This was followed by three or four other short, touching prayers, after which the congregation arose and joined in singing another hymn. Sister Mc Kee then spoke of the advisability of having more system about the time of the woman's meetings, and of appointing a secretary, in harmony with the suggestion in the last letter from Sister Henry. After a few earnest remarks from different ones in regard to the strength received from the meetings, and the determination to go on with work that would make them necessary, it was decided to hold a meeting once in four weeks, and more often if circumstances require. A secretary was also appointed. The leader made a few remarks, the keynote of which was the necessity of Christian sociability, and of being bound together as sisters by its chain, so that in every experience of life we shall feel its support. In the times of persecution, which we are expecting, the memory of such fellowship will be a great support and strength to any who may be called to suffer and endure hardness. The meeting was then thrown open for testimony, and the time was well filled. One sister made an earnest appeal that every barrier be broken down, and that we as sisters work together without any reserve. This seemed to bring even more freedom into the meeting. Another read a very helpful paragraph from the writings of Sister White in regard to sociability. She also said that the last two weeks had been the most blessed of her life; that she had been especially burdened to pray for our laborers, mentioning by name Elder Holser, in Egypt, and Sister Jennie Thayer, in Massachusetts,—two esteemed laborers, whose health is failing. She repeated the command of the Lord to pray for laborers to be sent into the field; and said that she believed that if the Lord would grant that petition, he would certainly hear prayer in behalf of laborers already in the field. She requested that we be more earnest in prayer for all our laborers. Other testimonies were borne, several expressing their appreciation of a meeting where mothers and sisters can come for prayer and an exchange of experiences. Several requests for prayer were made,—one for a young Seventh-day Adventist girl in Chicago, an inmate of one of the lowest theaters in that city, for whom Christian workers are laboring. I am sure we all feel that these assemblies of mothers are growing better and better, and wish that more of our Battle Creek women could realize what they are missing by staying away. However, the meetings will profit nothing if there is not active work in the meantime, such as will bring each worker in with an experience to tell, and a testimony to give of the leading of God. SECRETARY.