CHAPTER V.

CHURCH MEETINGS AND CHURCH BUSINESS.

EVERY church has its meetings for business. It were much to be wished that such meetings were more frequent than they are, in most of our churches. The desirableness of them must be obvious to every one who reflects on the variety and importance of the interests over which every church is called to exercise its wisdom and care. Besides attention to discipline, how many occasions are there for consultation on the state of religion and the means of reviving it; for devising ways and means for the support of the gospel at home, and its extension abroad; for attending to the various concerns of the Sabbath school; the choir; the relief of the poor, and other important matters?

There is a culpable neglect on the part of some in regard to attending these meetings. Some are always at their post; but the occasion must be a very extraordinary one indeed which can assemble the whole body. "More time, (says Dr. Beecher,) should be devoted by the members of local churches to consultation and social prayer. No secular interest so diversified, extend›ed, important, and difficult, depending on the resources and steady co-operation of so many individuals, of different age and capacity, could be successfully protected, and extended, without reiterated consultation. And

yet how difficult, how almost impossible it is, to convene punctually the members of almost any church, to attend to the public concerns of Christ's kingdom, and to implore the blessing of God upon their labors."

My first topic, then, shall be the duty of attending, punctually and faithfully, the business meetings of the church. I urge the duty upon every member, upon the ground that whatever is done, or to be done, at these meetings, is the equal concern of all; being made so by their mutual equality as brethren, by their mutual and common covenant, and by their common relation and obligation to Christ and his cause. With the reflecting and upright member this is sufficient. It does not appear to be so with all.

I would inquire of the delinquent member, what it is that prevails with him to be absent from these meetings. Do you say there will be a sufficient number to attend to the business without you? This is the very language of selfishness and indifference, which I am sorry to hear from a Christian. The business can be done perhaps, but it cannot be done as well, as if you and all were there who should be. For where responsibility is to be borne, or judgment to be exercised, " two are better than one," and "in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." It cannot be done as well, and if it could be, there is no propriety in your leaving it to be done by others, whose obligation is no greater than yours. Were all to do as you do, who might with equal propriety, the meeting fails entirely, the business is deserted, and the cause suffers.

But you are weary, perhaps; or your business is pressing; or you live at a distance; or the sky is dark. In extreme cases these are sufficient excuses; but they are by far too often made. Remember that others are subject to all these calls and inconveniences no less than you. And if you plead weariness and distance, think of the wearisome journeys and toilsome hours which Christ endured for the church's sake; whom neither a burning sun, nor "cold mountains and the midnight air," detained from his proper work.*

Some may excuse themselves from a feeling that they are too obscure or uninformed to render any service by their attendance; and the young may imagine that the affairs in question belong to the more experienced wisdom of the pastor and older brethren.

To the former I would say, your modesty is amiable, but your practice is wrong. Your presence, however humble, will be gratifying to those who attend, and will be worth much as an example. A pious example is often the more conspicuous from the very lowliness of the condition of him that exhibits it. The deeper the valley, and the denser the shade, the more apparent the light which is carried. Who does not read the story of the Dairyman's Daughter, or of Poor Joseph, or of that humble family of Bethany which Jesus loved, with a sympathy deeper and more admiring than he would be affected with in contemplating equal piety

*John 4, 6. Luke 6, 12.

in higher conditions? Let your example be one of consistency and constancy, and it will not be lost, however humble your condition, or limited your knowledge. But more than this, your silent presence and vote will give at least some additional weight and efficacy to the measures of the meeting, and peradventure your wisdom may enlighten them. In the words of another, "you ought to be there, for, though you be weak, and ignorant, and humble, it is possible that you alone may carry thither the information which will be needed to solve some difficulty; it is possible that to your mind may be suggested the thought that shall prevent or settle some rising dissention.”*

To the young members I would say, if the wisdom and experience of the older be superior to yours, for that very reason your ought to be there. There is the place for you to be gathering lessons from their experience, which will qualify you to fill their places when they are gone, and to become, in turn, pillars in the church, as they have been.

A few words now on the order to be observed in these meetings. They should always be opened, if not concluded with prayer. In the absence of the pastor, one of the deacons presides. Every member has an equal right to express his views; and it is desirable 'that as much freedom should be used as is consistent with a becoming modesty and despatch of business. Yet it is a good rule, "Let every man be swift to hear,

*Bacon's Church Manual.

slow to speak ;" and, " Likewise ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder: yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility." Talkative persons are an affliction in any assembly.

The meeting should be commenced punctually and carried forward with promptness. Late beginning and slow moving looks like indifference; or as if we had come together not knowing wherefore; or were at a loss to proceed. Let us act like men that understand themselves. If the business of religion require seriousness and calmness in those who deliberate, it is not honored by feebleness and prolixity. Let us remember the value of time; and that where so many are met, it may have been with special inconvenience to some. While one is consuming the time with tediousness or digression, the thoughts of another may be urged homewards by some pressing call of domestic or other duty; or while one is but a step from his home, and is quite at his ease, another has a long road to travel.

The meeting should be conducted throughout with seriousness and dignity, as in Christ's presence and about his business. For where two or three are gathered together in his name, whether for business or devotion, there is he in the midst of them. All such things as discursive or desultory talking, whispering, talking apart in groups, altercation between members, or addressing each other instead of the chair, speaking without rising, and indifferent and listless postures should be avoided.