Sunday, July 06, 2008

Our Yearly Meeting

As Brethren prepare to travel to Richmond, Virginia this week for Annual Conference, we include this excerpt from the May 1856 issue of the Gospel Visitor.

Our Yearly Meeting is now near at hand, and many of our beloved brethren will prepare for their journey thither before this comes to hand. Let us only not forget the true preparation, which the apostle Paul describes (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are all weak in ourselves, but IN THE LORD we may become strong, provided the power of his might (his word) accompanies us. Let us then put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

We will not be without temptation. While we will rejoice at the reunion with many, that will meet us there, we will miss some, who will not be there; - and there will probably accur some things there, which are not lovely, not of good report, no virtue, nor any praise. Oh that every member would pray earnestly and daily: "Lead us not into temptation!"

Source: Studies in Brethren History, Floyd E. Mallott, "Appendix"