The New Life

Preface.
in prayer-meetings or social gatherings for the study
df the word.
Let each one read the portion fixed on
at home and review those texts that seem to him the
most important. Let the president of the meeting
read the portion aloud once. Let him then request
that each one who pleases should announce one and
another text on that point which has struck him most.
We have found in my congregation that the benefit
of such meetings for bringing and reading aloud texts
on a point previously announced, is very great.
This
practice leads to the searching of God's word, as even
preaching does not. It stirs up the members of the
congregation, especially the young people, to independent
dealing with the word. It leads to a more
living fellowship amongst the members of Christ's
body, and helps also their upbuilding in love.
It prepares
the way for a social recognition of the word as
the living communication of the thoughts of God,
which with Divine power shall work in us what is
pleasing to God. I am persuaded that there is many
a believing man and woman that asks what they can
accomplish for the Lord, who along this pathway
could become the channels of great blessing. Let
them once a week bring together some of their neighbors
or friends (sometimes two or three
households
live on one farm) to hear read out texts for which all
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