Why should the prominent church-meeting of the New Testament (aside from the Lord’s supper)
have so little place among us? We may, call it by way of designation the "Open Meeting," as it has
often been called; open for what we may be led to _ prayer, praise, ministry, and worship. Ministry
being prominent as in 1 Cor. 14 where one had "a psalm," another "a doctrine," another "an
interpretation," and "two or three were to speak and the others to judge;" and all things were to be
done "decently and in order." But does not the necessity of giving a name of this kind to this meeting
arise from a lack of simplicity and obedience to Scripture? With simplicity and habitual yielding of
ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance would it not be a common meeting, and need no special
designation.

FRAGMENT. The importance of this meeting is that it tests us as to those principles which we
avow, as gathered to the Lord’s name.

FRAGMENT. Suggested reference material on the various meetings:The Assembly Meeting of 1
Cor. 14, E.S. Lyman, Help and Food, 1901.

The Open Meeting (l Cor.14), C. Crain, Field and Work, #35.

The Open Meeting at our Conferences, J Bloore, Help and Food, 1921.

A Divine Movement etc., F.W. Grant, pages 87-105.

Despise not Prophesyings, in Leaves from the Book, F.W. Grant.

Conferences as to the Assembly 1896, pages 20-23.

Papers on Evangelization (Letters #4-7 ), C.H. Mackintosh.

Special Meetings, Help and Food, 1927, pages 180-181.

General Meetings, E. S. Lyman, Help and Food, 1898, pages 163-167.