The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-09-04
Circles of Prayer.

A few years ago an article appeared in the
Southern Presbyterian, giving an account of the
rise and progress of these organizations in the up
per districts of South Carolina particularly in Abb
beville. They are certainly very remarkable in
their origin and rapid spread A few brethren at
Ninety-Sx of different denominations, disheart.
ened and discouraged by the spiritual deafness
around them, and by the prevailing decentralization
which followed the abrupt and disastrous close of
the war, agreed to meet together every Friday in
the same spirit which actuated Gods people in
the time OF Malachi, and under circumstances very
similar to those, when this prophet tells US, Then
they that feared the Lord spake often Que to an
other, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and
book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon
his name" These brethren met in a church with
the door locked behind them, and only one window
open to afford light for reading Gods word, and
all this for fear of ridicue and possible Interrupt
ton of outsiders. But visiting brethren were ad
mitted, and soon this little fire, kindled in fear,
began to spread from community to community,
and from county to county, till within less than
three years they numbered thirty. and were
distributed over the counties of Abbeville, New
berry, Laurens, SpartaDburg, and Anderson
These aggregated more than four hundred praying
Christians of different denominations, and a most
pleasing feature was that three of these were or
NANA0SA'SiJ
our churches
The order of proceedings was the simplest posi-
BILE, the main object being social prayer. They
were open to Christians of all denominations
equally and every one on joining was expected to
give his own religious history as a kind of spiritual
Introduction to tie others; and at all the meetings
the chairman Z would call on each member in
succession, who would be expected to give his
views on any subject which may have been as
signed for discussion, or state any particular diti
culties or announcements he may have met with
in his experience or himself state some topic for
consultation or advice The object of this regula-
ton was to afford every one an opportunity of
communicating with his brethren. When called
on, the time was his-to be employed as he thought
best for his own improvement or the edlhcatlon Of
others-these pleasant conferences always to be
interspersed with singing and prayer.
am thus particular in describing these meet
ings not only to stir up the pure minds of my
brethren by way Of remembrance but TO recon-
mend this blessed means Of grace to those sections
of our State where they have heretofore been un-
known. Travelling lately in the low country [
visited more than one community, where, from
the sparseness of the population, their religious
privileges were very limited There | found that
these troublous times were producing effects very
similar to those in NinetySi at the close of the
war; To these brethren, and others similarly sit
uated, would earnestly recommend voluntary as
sociations of this kind. Call them by whatever
name you please" Social prayer, " Union prayer
meetings, u" Riverside prayer meetings, y ('where
prayer was wont to be made. but be sure to
have Prayer" in whatever name you adopt Our
name was suggested from the fact that brethren
about the same distance around would meet at
some central point.
Among both the fruits and rewards ought TO be |
nd do to God fboco
wonderful reyiyals which pervaded that whole
,ountry particularly the one at Abbeville G. g.,
which continued for whole year, and where City.
our were added the church Oh profession Of faith