MAY 7TH, 1923
MAY 7TH, 1923
MY DEAR BROTHER, — ... When the question came up about the notices I was not at first much impressed by the desirability of mentioning them at the commencement of the meeting. But the raising of the question led me to consider whether the Lord might not have something to say in the exercise, and [p. 117] certain things have tended to confirm the thought that it is so.
I think we have for a long time been freed from the thought that assembly privilege could be brought to a formal conclusion. We have realised a little, I trust, that in having the gain of Christ’s headship, and in tasting the joy of association with Him in the presence of His God and Father, we are touching what is eternal. We cannot at present remain always together in the enjoyment of this privilege, but to suppose that it could be formally concluded would suggest that its true character and blessedness had not been entered into. Hence the concluding prayer — so general forty years ago — has dropped out. I do not think it desirable that the reading of notices should practically take its place as a formal dismissal.
It cannot be said, I think, that the notices form no part of the meeting, and that they come in after the meeting is quite over. This would fail to give them their true place and importance. So far as they relate to order and administration they form an integral part of what is connected with being “together in assembly”.
Then at what part of the meeting is it most suitable that they should be introduced? Are they not more in keeping with the conditions in which we “come together in assembly”, and the order which pertains to that coming together, than they are with the place of spiritual privilege to which we may be led in association with Christ as Head in the midst of the assembly? I think upon consideration, most would feel that they belong to the former rather than the latter. The question is, whether they should have their place there, or whether we should formally return, after perhaps enjoying our place as Christ’s brethren and as sons with Him, to that which pertains to assembly order here?
There might occasionally be notices of a sad or sorrowful nature, but the Lord would not have such things ignored. They have to be taken account of in the assembly as incidental to the conditions which exist in the place from which He is absent, and where our hearts are “with woe familiar”. His priestly grace may be counted on to afford the help that is needed to free the spirits of His saints in connection with such things, as from other conditions which surround us here.
I trust that brethren may move happily together in this exercise with consideration for the Lord and for one another,
[p. 118] so that any change which may be made may carry the general judgment and spiritual intelligence of saints with it. And one would desire that there might be a readiness with us all to adjust ourselves to any intimation of the Lord’s mind which may be given.
With much love in the Lord Jesus,
Yours affectionately in Him,
May 7th, 1923.