READING MEETINGS

Excerpts from Chapter 2

Mr. Darby, who seems from the very first to have had a great love for carrying the truth of God from place to place... He held reading meetings to which many of the gentry and clergy came, and the truth found its way amongst them by the blessing of God... As reading meetings from that day until now, have been a principal means employed by the Brethren for introducing and spreading the truth, we may briefly notice them before going further.

From their earliest history it is evident that reading meetings, so called, have been a mode of teaching which has been universally practised; and, beyond question, they have been greatly used of the Lord for giving both an accurate and an extensive knowledge of the divine Word. Many Christians both in the Establishment and among Dissenters, who would go to a friend's house—it might be in the forenoon or the afternoon—to read and study the Word of God, would object to enter any place of public worship save what would be considered their own. In this way the Word of God is closely read by small companies of twenty, thirty or more; and, any one being free to ask a question, difficulties are removed and the true meaning of the Scripture more clearly seen. Such being also considered instruction (not church) meetings, all are free to state what light the Lord may have given them on the portion under meditation.

In this way each one soon finds his level, for it is he, and he only, who knows most of the Word that rises morally. The archbishop of Canterbury would find no advantage from his official dignity in such a meeting, but would have to take his place according to his knowledge of the pure Word of God. Speaking generally this is necessarily and always the result. The spiritual discernment of the meeting, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, is so sensitive that merely human opinions or reasonings are most offensive, and carry no conviction; but the moment that the true meaning of the Word is given, a chord is struck which vibrates through the meeting. Although the truth is not its own power, it is used of the Holy Spirit to make the waiting soul feel its divine authority. It is the sword that cuts when He wields it, and the wine and oil for the wounded conscience when He applies it. No other kind of meeting, it will be seen, so stimulates the Christian to study constantly his Bible; and this may account for the proverbial saying that, "Whatever may be the faults of the Brethren, they are at home with their Bibles."

And the true secret of their knowledge of the Bible is their knowledge of Christ. The Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth, connects everything with the Person and work of Christ. It is merely human, they say, to handle any particular truth as a subject. In such cases the mind takes the lead in learning the truth of God, and, as a consequence, everything is darkened and unsettled. It is not by means of human learning, or by the power of the human intellect, that the glory of Christ is seen, but by the teaching of the Holy Spirit. One ray of that sacred light will do more to enlighten the soul as to the Person, work, and glory of Christ, than the workings of the human mind for a thousand years. And herein lies the mighty difference between a reading meeting conducted under the direction of an appointed leader, however sincere or spiritual, and one under the acknowledged guidance of the Holy Spirit. The individual state of mind is very different in the one meeting from the other. In the former it partakes more of an intellectual turn - disposed to discuss, to infer, to draw conclusions, and build upon them. In the latter, when the soul is subject to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the conscience is exercised before God, and the affections are engaged with the blessed Lord Jesus. It is no question now as to either party being true, devoted, unworldly Christians, but as to who is looked to as leader of the meeting. We have had ample experience of both kinds and can speak with certainty on this subject.

But there is another, and an important point held in connection with all such meetings; namely, that peace with God is necessary to edification. All experienced Christians will admit this, for, until the soul has settled peace, it will be occupied with itself in place of Christ. Doubts and fears will harass and perplex, but God would have His children to be without distraction. This peace implies the full assurance of pardon and acceptance in the Beloved. Before God the full unsullied light of His presence, being one with Christ, God has nothing against us. And as Christ is our peace, and always there, and we in Him, this peace is settled and eternal: or, as it is briefly given by the apostle, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5.1, 2). These four things—being justified, having peace, standing in grace, waiting for glory—are considered as primary truths of Christianity, necessary to happy fellowship as saints, and to progress in the divine life. And we have often thought from personal conversation with individuals that such knowledge is common to the community. Persons who would be considered dull and ignorant on everything else are clear and sound on the subject of peace with God, and answer with the greatest certainty. That there may be exceptions to this general rule we would not question, but we believe there are not many.

But why, it may be asked, are such attainments, and such precious knowledge, as many would say, common to a community composed of such a variety of age, intelligence, and condition in life? Certainly not because they are better than other Christians, but because the Holy Ghost is owned as the leader and teacher in their assemblies, and that by whomsoever HE will, not whomsoever they will. (1 Cor. 12.11). There may be failure on the part of some in not realising this truth, and a measure of hindrance to the action of the Spirit; nevertheless it is His presence which constitutes their assemblies, and characterises them as Christians. In place of clericalism in its least offensive form, they believe in the presence and sovereign action of the Holy Ghost, and this according to the word of the Lord. "Nevertheless," says Christ, "I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." (John 16).

This is the grand central truth which characterises the meetings of these believers, gathered to the name of the Lord, and reckoning on the Holy Spirit in accordance with the revealed Word. So firmly do they believe that the exalted Lord sent down the Holy Spirit to work in and guide His assembly, that they would not think it right to be present at any meeting of the assembly when a person occupied the chair as leader. But the Brethren themselves did not at first see this truth clearly; for some time they thought it necessary to make some arrangement, or have some understanding amongst themselves, as to who should break the bread or give an address. Their early prejudices were too deeply rooted to be eradicated all at once; and the Lord in tender grace ruled that it should be by degrees. They were on the right ground and moving in the right direction, and God had patience with them as He always has with honest ignorance.

Our Recollections of the First Reading Meeting We Attended

The working and middle classes, not having time for such meetings during the day, availed themselves of their leisure time in the evenings for the study of the Word. We well remember the first, or one of the first, of such a class that we attended. Being invited by a Christian friend to meet a few Christians at his house for a social tea and reading, we accordingly went on the evening named. In observing the friends as they assembled, to the number of about thirty, we were struck with their plain appearance as to dress, and the absence of ornaments. The subjects of conversation before tea seemed only to concern themselves, or rather, the Lord's work in their different meetings. As for general news nothing was said, and the mention of politics would have seemed sheer profanity. The Brethren, as a body, do not qualify, and they never vote at elections.

But the tea is ready; and the whole company drop into a profound silence. Some brother, after a short, but distinct pause, asked the Lord's blessing. All were very free and cheerful during tea; some were sitting and engaged in conversation, others were moving about for the purpose of speaking to as many as possible. This was a very happy part of the meeting, and lasted till about seven o'clock - fully an hour. When the tea was over and the time for edification had arrived, everyone found a seat, with Bible and hymn book in hand. All came provided with both. Again there was a pause, and perfect stillness. After a little waiting a hymn was sung, and prayer was offered for the Lord's presence in light and blessing.

The head of the house now stated, "that if any brother had a portion of the word on his mind that he would like read, he was free to say so." This seemed a very responsible part of the meeting, and there was a long pause. At length a chapter was named, and all turned to it. The portion was read, and a free interchange of thought as to its meaning, connection, and importance was kept up till about nine o'clock. Nearly all the brothers had something to say on some part of it: others contented themselves with asking questions; but it soon became apparent who was the most richly instructed in the Word, as the questions in time were addressed to him. After a hymn and prayer, the company dispersed about ten o'clock. But there was a distinct pause between each part of the service, leaving the Holy Spirit free to use whom He would, though it was not an assembly meeting.

From about half-past five till half-past nine, we seemed to be in an atmosphere purely spiritual, which had a great effect on the mind. Whether all felt it to be so, we have no means of knowing; we only speak of what we experienced. The Bible from this time became like a new book, prayer like a fresh thing, nearness to God a reality more so than ever, though we had known the Lord more than twenty years, and been happy in Him and in His service all that time. There was no need of a president in such a meeting; the sense of the divine Presence was such, that the least impropriety, or any appearance of the flesh, would have been intolerable. The spiritual sense of those so gathered would have marked its disapprobation in a way unmistakable to the intruder.

This may be considered a fair sample of such meetings at that time—more than a century ago. Now the numbers may be greater, and we fear that a greater element of the world may be seen in their meetings, however much we may deplore it. But even to this day many of the tea and reading meetings would bear comparison with the one described above. Still, we have to say of some individuals as a brother said of one long ago. "Moulting time is not yet come."

Having said so much about reading meetings and their value, it seems necessary to add that there are many in these gatherings of great moral weight, who might not be able to take much part in such meetings; but the godliness of their lives, their service as shepherds of the flock, and their Christ-like spirit, commend them to the esteem and affection of all. We must further add, though with deep sorrow, that such meetings have been used for the worst purposes by the enemy. A company carefully selected may be brought together and evil doctrine may be insinuated by a specious false teacher, and notes being taken by partisans, it may be circulated far and wide. But what good thing is there that the enemy will not seek to corrupt, if he cannot upset; or that the flesh may not abuse even in a Christian? Even in the days of the apostles there was a “Diotrephes,” who loved to have the pre-eminence: and such men still exist (3 John 9).

The Prayerful Study of the Word of God

In thus giving our recollections of a reading meeting, we have a two-fold object in view.

1. To present a true and faithful account of how the Brethren gave themselves up to the prayerful study of the Word of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and apart from all their preconceived theological views. We could not speak of the amount of blessing which flows from such meetings. Not that reading meetings are always profitable; on the contrary, unless there be real subjection to the truth they may be very trying. Poor, weak, restless nature may occasionally display itself in the meeting, and make it anything but happy and profitable. But this is failure and infirmity, notwithstanding the presence of the Holy Spirit, just as an individual Christian may fail though the Holy Spirit dwells in him. We speak of reading meetings as they ought to be.

2. To draw attention to the difference between such meetings, and those with which we were formerly acquainted. And this we would do, in all love, and with the most sincere and earnest desire that dear Christian friends may honestly consider which is most in accordance with the mind of the Lord. Next to conversion the greatest blessing that a soul can receive in this life is to be led of Him to divine ground for communion and worship.

Fellowship Meetings

Of those meetings we formerly knew, that which comes nearest the meeting described above is called a "Fellowship Meeting." This may consist of a dozen or more serious Christian men of the same denomination, and living conveniently to each other, agreeing to come together once a week, or month, for prayer and reading the Word. A president is chosen, who gives out the hymn, prays, reads the portion for the evening, and makes a few remarks by way of opening up the Word; the first twenty minutes may be occupied by him. The others are now expected to give their opinions and all remarks to be addressed to the chairman.

This kind of meeting tends, we have no doubt, to nourish both Christian fellowship and personal piety, but it lacks the living light and power which reveals Christ to the Soul, and transforms it to His image. The Holy Spirit, though unintentionally, is practically displaced, and the mind is left in the darkness which the lack of simple dependence on the Lord causes. As the portion is announced for the forthcoming meeting, and the president named, he is expected to study it well.

Social Tea Meetings

The only other meeting we would name is the "Social Tea Meeting". The guests are selected, and invited by the brother, in whose house they meet. Sometimes there may be a mixture of rich and poor, according to the fancy of the host. After tea the conversation may be general, or some conversing and others having a little music. No one thought of taking a Bible or hymn book with him, but about 9 o'clock family worship was observed. The large Bible was placed on the table, and someone was asked to officiate, generally the minister if he were present. A chapter being read, and prayer offered up, all resumed their free and easy attitude and general conversation until called to supper. The breaking up depended a little on the liveliness of the meeting or the heartiness of the host This could scarcely be called a spiritual meeting; yet its object was good, in as much as it brought the members of a Congregation socially together, and cultivated a brotherly feeling towards each other.

Those best acquainted with such meetings will readily testify that we have put the best possible appearance and construction upon them; there is nothing farther from our thoughts than to say a word that would pain the most sensitive mind. Our object is not to praise the Brethren, but to seek the Lord's glory in the blessing of all His people, and to set forth and press upon all Christians the adoption of these means which He has so richly blessed for edification. The blessing of God evidently rested most abundantly on those who were thus gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Various Means of Spreading the Truth

Besides the prayerful study of the Word of God, these believers were most zealous in preaching the Gospel to sinners; and from their increased knowledge of the finished work of Christ, and the riches of divine grace, it was preached with clearness, fulness and power; and many in different places were brought to know the Lord. So zealous were they in spreading the glad tidings that in some places almost every brother became a preacher. Teaching or giving lectures on Scripture to Christians was also greatly practised by the better instructed. The important distinction between preaching the Gospel to the unconverted and teaching Christians, as thus practised, was altogether new. The gift and work of the evangelist are perfectly distinct from those of the teacher; but the distinction had, always excepting the Apostolic age, not been acted upon in the church generally. Special gospel services in public rooms began to be held soon after the great Revival in 1859, and they have never since ceased. The gospel mission of Messrs. Moody and Sankey to this country in 1873-5, was an offshoot of the American Revival; but, strange as it may appear, this mission took more the form of evangelising the denominations than the outsiders.

Another means adopted for spreading the truth was writing and circulating books and tracts. This was done to a large extent. As they received fresh light from the Word of God on any important subject, it was immediately embodied in a tract and sent forth. In this way not only instruction but food was supplied for the soul, fresh from the exhaustless stores of divine truth. In a comparatively short time people had in their hands, and at a small cost, the means of becoming acquainted with the Word of God; especially those truths which were then engaging the attention of thousands. We might speak of many tracts which were written, and appeared from time to time on the grand doctrines of the church, the heavenly calling, the operations of the Spirit, ministry, worship, prophecy, the efficacy of redemption, the heavenly relations of the Christian, the coming of the Lord, the rapture of the saints, the first and second resurrection, &c., &c.

In this way, and by these means, the truth was rapidly and widely circulated. These believers evidently possessed a great advantage over the popular bodies by what is called lay ministry. Ordination being absolutely essential to the exercise of ministry in these bodies, the work was necessarily limited to the authorised few. The Brethren have always maintained that this system of ministry is opposed to the truth of God, and in many instances, ruinous in its operations. An educated man, for example, though destitute of spiritual gifts, and it may be even of spiritual life, yet, if duly ordained, may exercise every branch of ministry in the denomination to which he belongs; but, on the other hand, if a Christian possesses the most decided gifts for preaching and teaching, he could not exercise either within the jurisdiction of the church, unless sanctioned by human authority.

Happily for them, for the church of God, and for the souls of men, they found the true source of ministry, in all its branches, in Christ Himself the glorified Head in heaven. "To every one of us," says the apostle, "is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men... And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Eph. 4.7-12). Here we have the true basis and the only source of all ministerial gifts - the redemption accomplished by Christ on the cross, and His ascension to God's right hand in heaven. Christ as the Head of the church is the Giver of these gifts; nothing is said of human authority or of human ordination. The professing church has suffered immensely from her traditional ideas of ministry, regarding it as an honourable profession among men, and as giving a certain status in society; whereas the ministerial gift is here called grace, which is surely possessed by all who love the church and care for its members, or seek to win fresh souls by the gospel.

The Buddha of Christendom
by Sir Robert Anderson
Chapter 9, p. 151.

"... Tertullian (c. AD 160-220) writes:—

"Our supper sufficiently shows its meaning by its very name. It is called by a term which in Greek signifies love... We sit not down to eat until prayer to God be made, as it were, the first morsel... Our conversation is that of men who are conscious that the Lord hears them. After water is brought for the hands, and lights, we are invited to sing to God, according as each one can propose a subject from the Holy Scriptures, or of his own composing. Prayer in like manner concludes the feast (Apol. xxxix.)."

Answers to Correspondents
by C. H. Mackintosh
Bible Truth Publishers, 1984

Page 1, #2, Sisters at Bible Readings

We do not look upon a reading meeting such as you describe as an assembly, and hence, we do not see any scriptural objection to a sister's asking or answering a question.

No doubt, a sister may ask questions in such a way as to leave herself open to the charge of teaching and usurping authority over the man. She may show, by her manner of putting her question, that she considers herself competent to teach the brothers present. This should be avoided, and will be by every Christian woman of good taste and sound judgment.

It is not that we doubt in the least the competency of many sisters to instruct a brother, were it a mere question of knowledge or experience. But it is not a question of competency, but of moral fitness, and in the settlement of this question there are great principles involved, in reference to which the Holy Spirit seems peculiarly peremptory.

As to reading meetings in general, we may be permitted to say that it is very needful to have someone present who is capable of giving the mind of God on the passage or subject under consideration, otherwise a quantity of time is lost in vain conjecture and useless speculation.

We do not, of course, attempt to lay down a rule, but merely give our judgment in a general way. We know full well that where humility of mind and earnestness of heart characterise the members of a reading meeting, they will do more towards promoting edification and comfort than mere knowledge, however profound and extensive.

*      *      *

Reprinted from:
"The Brethren" (Commonly So-Called)
Bible Light Publishers, P O Box 96568, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Reprinted 1963. No copyright.