It is far easier to attend a Bible reading than an assembly meeting. In an assembly meeting the state of each individual affects the whole meeting. If carelessness in walk, or levity of spirit, or deadness of soul is allowed, then the Spirit’s power is hindered, and the whole assembly feels it. This was forcibly brought out by our brother; a noticeable feature of the recent revival in that land has been that in those assemblies where peace and concord reigned, and where the spiritual state was good, there the conversions were numerous. It is a terrible thing to hinder by discord and strife what the grace of God is ready to accomplish. But Bible readings often become sitting lectures, or dialogs between two brothers.
Let none suppose that we wish Bible readings to cease. We believe that they are most helpful to those who wish to grow in the knowledge of the truth, but we have often felt that they would be much more profitable if held in private houses, where sisters would have an opportunity of asking questions. In the public meeting room this would be out of place, for there we come together “in the church,” and “in the church” it is a shame for the women to speak, but “at home” there is no such restriction. We believe that if there were more general exercise of conscience as to the true assembly form of coming together, much blessing would result. Bible readings need not decrease in number, but let assembly meetings increase.