The Original 1883 (First Edition) of
The Ecclesial Guide
Announcements concerning matters of fraternal interest are not "business" in the sense of these remarks. They are acts of information which may tend to edification. Such, for example, as the announcement that a brother from a distance is present for fellowship; or that a sick brother is improved in health; or that a meeting of a special character is to be held at such and such a time. All these are spiritually interesting, and an interval ought to be provided for them. The interval should come before the general prayer, for this reason; matters may be announced -- such as the sore trouble for some one, or even death -- which it would be desirable to make the subject of petition. And concerning brethren visiting from a distance, it is pleasant thus to know that you are uniting your prayers with theirs -- a pleasure you would miss if you were left in ignorance of their presence.