The [general meetings] continue to be well attended, and the saints seem to feel benefited by them. However, we are getting away from the prophetic ministry and substituting teaching for it. 1 Corinthians 14 shows ministry of the character of prophecy speaking to the consciences of the saints by the Holy Spirit to be of great importance, and in time past we used to have it before us more largely.
Have the fleshly activities of some on previous occasions made us distrustful of this kind of ministry in [assemblies and general meetings]? Should we not be exercised for the suppression of the flesh rather than to limit God’s ministry in the general meetings to teaching? [Such a thing] emphasizes the evil days in which we live. My recollection is that general meetings were happiest when so called “open meetings” were more frequent, and prophetic ministry was most refreshing.
I quite understand that the flesh is present in every meeting, whether teaching or prophetic. But there should be exercise of soul and discipline, if need be, to curb the flesh. Above all, the Spirit should be free to guide as He will.
C. R. Kohler