MINNESOTA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 28, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17

BEAR CHAIN, TENHASSEN, AND PETERSBURG.—I, with Bro. F. J. Coon, went to Center, Martin Co., and began holding meetings Jan. 13. Held thirteen meetings in a school-house; and on account of storms and consequent small attendance, we labored from house to house, and held eighteen Bible readings. One family took a stand for the truth. Others are interested who are seeking.

While laboring there, we went to Tenhassen to visit the brethren, and see about holding Sabbath services. Most of them were discouraged, and rather diffident as to starting meetings, it having been over two years since any regular services had been held. A meeting was appointed for Sabbath, when the Lord met with us by his Spirit. Three young ladies, daughters of Sabbath-keepers, made a start at this time to be Christians, and are now awaiting baptism to be taken into the church. Meetings have been held regularly, with increasing interest. A Sabbath-school was organized, with a membership of thirty-nine and an average attendance of twenty-five. One of the brethren who had been addicted to the use of tobacco for a great many years was persuaded to give it up.

March 3, began meetings at Petersburg, Jackson Co. Held nineteen meetings and a number of family readings. Two took a stand for the truth. Spending a short time at home, I came back and visited the brethren at these places. Some are clearly convinced of the truth, whom I hope will take a stand to keep the commandments. Bro. Curtis and myself began meetings at the Center school-house last evening. About forty attended and gave good attention to the word spoken. E. A. MERRELL.

ALDEN, WELLS, AND TENHASSEN.—Having arranged to go with Bro. Hill to visit the churches of his district and join him in the quarterly meetings, before beginning our new field, we divided the territory, and I was at Alden March 18. I commenced meetings, and continued them for eight evenings, with good attendance and close attention, both from the brethren and those outside. On Sabbath the meeting was followed by reports of the members, and a celebration of the ordinances. At the quarterly business meeting, $25.50 was pledged toward meeting expenses, and other advance steps were taken with the Wells church at Brush Creek Sabbath.

March 28. Being widely scattered, only about one-third of the members were present. At the business meeting on Sunday, pledges to the amount of $26 for meeting expenses were reported by a committee appointed at the January quarterly meeting. Three evenings at the Brush Creek school-house, and one at Clayton. Visited all the families that I was able to reach, in both churches.

April 4 I came to Tenhassen. That church had been in a low state for some time, having had but little ministerial help for several years; but during the last winter, Bro. Coon and Merrell, who were laboring a few miles away, visited and labored there in connection with their new field, greatly to the edification of the brethren generally, and to the benefit of several of the young people who came out and started to serve the Lord. On Sabbath there was a general gathering of the church, and some from without were present. The special work for the meeting was taken up, as recommended, and most of the members, and some others, signed the pledge to pay an honest tithe. Also raised $24 for the camp-meeting fund. After listening to the testimonies of all present in response to the roll call, and accepting four sisters as candidates for baptism and membership in the church, a business session was held. Officers were elected, and the work was started again after the gospel order. On Sunday afternoon and evening, good congregations listened to the preaching of the word. Spent Monday assisting in righting up the church records, and the remainder of the week in visiting among the brethren and some not of our faith. On Sabbath, Saturday evening, and Sunday evening, preached to good congregations. One person took a clear stand to serve and obey God, giving up his tobacco and erecting the family altar. Another family is fully persuaded in regard to their duty.

I now join Bro. Merrell for a short time, to work in a new field, meetings to commence this evening. I desire to so relate myself to God and his work, that I may share his blessing in larger measure. April 14. D. P. CURTIS.

SMITH'S MILLS, APRIL 19.—I have recently held a two weeks' meeting at Eagle Lake. The outside interest was very good. Many not of our faith attended, and manifested much interest in the truth. One lady has commenced the observance of God's holy Sabbath, and there are “more to follow.” The interest was so great that in the stores, on the street corners, and everywhere, the present truth was the theme of earnest discussion. One minister held meetings nearly every night until his audience mostly came to our meetings. He then came himself, and opposed our views; but he only proved the truthfulness of the scripture that says, “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” The brethren are much encouraged. Forty-four have signed the tithing pledge. I am now holding meetings south-east of Eagle Lake, with rather a poor interest. A minister from Eagle Lake came and very bitterly opposed our work; and since then the interest seems better. W. B. HILL.