QUARTERLY MEETINGS by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 13, 1877

QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The system of quarterly meetings adopted by Seventh-day Adventists is proving a grand success. Each member of every church should realize that he has an interest in this matter. Wherever it is possible, there should be an attendance at the meeting the first Sabbath in each quarter. January of 1878 is near at hand. The elder or leader of every company will read the name of each member the first Sabbath in January, and a response is expected, either in person or by letter. No matter how far you may live from the place of worship, or how near you may be at the time of the meeting, send a report of your standing. Your case will come up, and some action will be taken in reference to your name unless you are represented in person or by letter.

If any alienation exists between brethren or sisters, read Matt. 5: 21–25 and act accordingly, that nothing may hinder the melting influence of God’s Spirit filling all hearts.

At this time the systematic benevolence should be paid promptly, also a sum equal to one-third of the amount of s. B., for the missionary cause. It is due the evening after the first Sabbath in the quarter or on the first-day following, as may be arranged by the leader of the church. If through the season the Bible plan has been followed,—“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,” it will be an easy matter to place it in the treasury of the Lord at this time. But if the tithe of the first-fruits during the year has been appropriated to your individual use, you may find yourself somewhat embarrassed. Be prompt in doing the Lord’s business, and his promises will be verified. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3: 9, 10.

A missionary meeting should be held at the time the s. B. is paid. The librarian should see that each member has a blank report in season to fill out for this meeting. After the report of labor has been read, the remainder of the time can be occupied in relating individual experiences. Thus from an hour to an hour and a half will be interestingly and profitably spent. If the librarian has no blank reports, he should send at once to the director or district secretary for them; and if he has none he should send immediately to the State secretary. This is an important time. The cloud of light is rising before the people of God. Success is attending God’s servants and the missionary effort as never before. Thousands are becoming interested to read, yearly, through the means of the tract societies alone. Soon the reckoning time will come. Now is the time to prove our loyalty to God and faithfulness in his service. S. N. Haskell.