The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1868-04-16
'rayer meeting but ask some one

prayer meeting but ask some one
else.
Mrs. Spaulding related an incident
that showed how laymen may work
for Christ.
Rev. Mr.. Bross said this subject
was matter that should no be lost
sight of: that there is q distinction
between the work of the ministry
and that of the laity.
Mr.. Holloway spoke of the impor.
tance Of Sabbath Scehols as field
for lay effort.
Rev. Mr.. Mathows.-It doesn't re-.
quire liberal education &C., to sneak
a word for Christ.
At the close of this discussion a
bill was presented for the Courier
Office for printing and referred to the
business committee.
Prof Hastings was invited to take
charge of the singing in the evening
meetings.
The childrens' meeting followed.
addressed according to the program
me reported by the business com.
mittee, by Rev's. d. c. Smith. Cham.
berlain and Farwell.
Evening session, at NJ. E. Church.
The devotional meeting from Z to
q Was led by Rev. T. Merrill. The
chairman of the Committee intro.
duced to the assembly Rev. F. G. En-
sign, Western Sec'y of the American
Christian Commission. The commit
tee entered upon the discussion of
the third topic: How can our devo-
tional meetings be rendered more
profitable.
In opening the discussion Rev. Mr..
Farwell mentioned the distinction
between the devotional meetings and
Others. He urged the necessity of
being present, many want these NEE
tings held regularly but never attend;
they are not benefited. When we
join the church We pledge our
selves to sustain the means Of grace.
When there, we are not proftsd often
times because we have false ideas Of
our part in the work. We think we
cannot speak to edification; We need
to speak Of our own experience
Another hinderance is long prayers.
He then referred to the s.more excel
lent way mentioned in lst Cor.
XII.
Mr. Ensign said thisquestion comes
right home to us. The question
seems to assume that prayer meet
ings are not interesting; too much
the case. Every one ought to come
prepared to take part; have def
nate object to pray for. The success
OF prayer meetings in New York and
Chicago arises from having specific
objects. The leadership of meetings
ought sometimes to be thrown upon
the laymen. Churches are inclined
to throw the responsibility of the
prayer meeting upon the minister
Have briefprayers and hymns; have
the room well lighted; those in atten.
dance should sit close together.
Mr. Maynard remarked that over
and above all, human. means is the
spirit and presence of christ.
Rev Mr. Chamberlain thought that
the relation Of some little incident
such as we had that afternoon, con-
tributed greatly to the interest of the
prayer meeting.
Rev Mr. Bross enforced the idea of
having specific objects, variety, and
short exercises. Don't make the
meetings formal.
Rev Mr. kirkpatrick remarked up
on the necessity of going to the meet
ing with our hearts prepared.
Rev Mr. Boggs was gratiied at the
remarks made, utthought one thing
should never be forgotten; persons
should pray in their closets to be
ready to pray in meeting
Mr. Champion suggesteda practical
matter; that we can do the meeting,
and ask some one else to come with
us.