The Social Meeting by Francis Gould

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 29, 1875

The Social Meeting.

By Francis Gould

God has opened various channels through which to perfect his people, and among them we find the prayer and social meeting. From the hand of God we receive only good and perfect gifts, and it becomes us as the children of a kind Father to improve them wisely. After we have done what we can to testify our gratitude for the favors which we enjoy, we are unprofitable servants.

The prayer and social meeting is designed to give spiritual strength and energy, and to promote a growth in grace which will be of incalculable benefit. There are a great many who excuse themselves from doing duty because, as they tell us, they have no gift. If they could talk and pray as well as such a one, why, then they would do it. They think, perhaps, that the Lord will excuse them; but in this they are greatly mistaken. My experience and observation have convinced me that those who follow this course generally wither away, and become dwarfs in the church. What will become of such when God arises to shake terribly the earth? If ever there was a time in the world's history when every gift should be brought into active exercise, and the church should awake to duty, it is now.

The apostle Paul speaks to the point on this subject, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; 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.” Heb. 10:24, 25. Again the prophet speaks thus: “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name,” Mal. 3:16. Angels of God are continually making a record of all our acts, both of obedience and disobedience, and we shall be judged according to our works.

The small gifts are necessary in the church, as well as the large ones. What would be thought of an individual if he should build a house and leave out all the small timbers, braces, pins, &c.? We should call him a foolish man, we should expect that the first storm that beat upon his house, would demolish it. It could not stand. It is just so with the church. Take out all the one talents, and the church would fall. They are placed there for its strength and support.

Then let us be constant in our attendance at the prayer and social meeting, and, when there, let us be sure to add something to its interest by praying or speaking. We shall thus have the approbation of God, be better prepared to contend with the powers of darkness, and shall build ourselves up in the truth. Christ suffered “that he might present it [the church] to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:27.

FRANCIS GOULD.

Bordoville, Vt.