At Washington a happy and profitable all-day meeting was held on New Year's; many from Baltimore and Virginia joined in prayer and praise to Him who loves to have His own in happy fellowship with Himself and one another. The afternoon was devoted to meditation on Exodus 12:-the beginning of months-the believer's happy New Year-the redemption through the blood of the Lamb being the beginning of a new creation for him:then the Lamb fed upon, appropriated by the heart as fully and blessedly satisfying it; then the manner of eating-the loins girt-the feet shod-the staff in the hand-the haste,-all indicating the hurried departure from a scene where death reigns. This was followed by reference to Ex. 16:-Christ (as typified in the manna) the sustenance for the wilderness journey; and Joshua 5:- Christ (as seen in the old corn of the land) the delight of the heart, feasting upon Him in the spiritual blessings in heavenly places. Prayer and thanksgiving followed; thus He Himself was before the meeting and hearts were much refreshed.
In the evening the 21st chap, of John was dwelt upon, several taking part, bringing out the Lord's restoring grace as seen in His ways with Peter-the nearness of His return in the "morning" come, and Jesus on the shore, and the feast prepared by Himself in "Come, and dine;" then prayer, praise, a few refreshing words of gospel, and a happy affectionate parting, to await His sure return.
The blessing and refreshment thus enjoyed suggests how much profit might result if brethren could frequently meet in this way for mutual edification and waiting upon God.
A similar meeting was held on the same day at Reading, Pa., at which brethren attending from neighboring towns,-Pottstown, Boyertown, Harrisburg, Allentown, etc., formed a numerous gathering. The morning was occupied with addresses bearing largely on the actual presence of the Holy Ghost on earth since the day of Pentecost; on the peculiarity of the dispensation we are in as resulting from that presence-a divine Person on earth come to declare the glory of the Son of Man in Heaven, and the efficacy of the work He had wrought on earth; to unite to Him livingly, as members are to the head, all that believe on Him; to unite them by that means to one another in One Body; to be in them the power for testimony both in word and practical separation to Christ in this the scene of His suffering and rejection; and to produce in them the " blessed hope " of the Lord's return; for the Holy Ghost Himself must abide here on earth, a stranger, unknown to the world, till Christ comes, and bids Him return home to heaven with the Church. The responsibilities flowing out of such a relationship were afterward followed up, and Bible studies, lasting through the next day, enlarged much on the line of truth introduced. Prayer and praise mingling, manifested both the gladdening and sanctifying effect of the truth of God. May the measure of it ministered at such a time abide in the hearts of God's people. The tendency of the age is frivolity-a " love of pleasure," and there is need at such gatherings to guard against that tendency. The very love of brethren, which is so sweet and blessed, can and does, easily degenerate into what is " natural" if the presence of God be not constantly kept before the soul, and our purpose be holy in coming together. But if holy, if Christ be our object, what blessing indeed we reap in thus using every opportunity to edify and encourage one another.
The Lord has markedly wrought and blessed His word of late in those parts of Pennsylvania. May it please Him now to develop pastoral gifts among them,-sober, godly, fatherly men, whose self-denying care for the sheep and lambs of Christ may work love, unity and peace among them as they journey on.
At Schenectady, N. Y., they invited brethren from Albany, Amsterdam, etc., to spend the New Year's Day with them, and, without particular details, several have expressed themselves as having had a most profitable and refreshing day together in the Lord.
Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 18th, 1896. …. I am on my way home after a time of happy fellowship in the gospel with brother Brant. Found open hearts for the Word in a few places around Barnum. The few gathered at Barnum are in a happy state.-J. W. Alien.
Anderson, Idaho, Jan. 13, 1896.-Some indications of blessing here. The people seem to hear gladly. Remember me in prayer.-W. J. Hume.