MINNESOTA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 17, 1885

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 7

CLARISSA, TODD CO.—We have been holding meetings at Clarissa and Sugar Grove for about four weeks. The interest has been good from the first. There are twenty keeping the Sabbath, and others will take a stand soon. I feel to thank the Lord for his goodness, and I praise him that he can use me in his great work. Feb. 3. GEO. M. DIMMICK.

PARKER, FEB. 5.—Came to this place Jan. 1 and commenced meetings the 9th. Previous to our coming here, there had been somewhat of a revival among the Methodists, closing the evening before we began. We attended the farewell service, and asked the minister to announce our appointment, which he refused to do, but gave us the privilege of doing so. Said he did not see why we came in there, as the work of our people, as far as he knew, was to proselyte from other churches, and warned us that if we used our peculiar texts of Scripture on his people, he would use his own. We replied that we supposed that “All Scripture was given by inspiration of God, and is profitable,” etc. He left an appointment for Jan. 1. When the time came all the neighborhood was on hand to hear what he had to say; but, as they told us afterward, they were disappointed, as, with the exception of a few insinuations, he passed it by unnoticed. The building in which our services were held being small and uncomfortable, and the weather extremely cold, the congregations were not large. Those who came gave the best of attention, and manifested deep interest in the word spoken. After presenting the Sabbath question, we visited nearly all the families in the vicinity, and all, with one or two exceptions, admitted that we had the truth on our side. We gave in all twenty-six discourses.

Three signed the covenant. Others are deeply interested, and with the proper effort we believe a goodly number will take hold of the truth. We go home for a few days, and will then return to finish up the work as far as possible. We ask the prayers of God’s people, that we may be enabled to move in harmony with his will, and accomplish some good. BYRON TRIPP. FRED A. LASHIER.

BAXTER.—The 27th inst. we came to this place, a small station on the Southern Minnesota R. R. No religious meetings of any kind, except a Sabbath-school, have been held here for a long time. Once had a church near here; but removals and the scattered condition of the remaining members made regular meetings difficult; so for a long time they have been abandoned altogether. But friends received us gladly, and hope seemed to revive. The school-house was first secured, and we gave two discourses on temperance, which were well received. The only church in the place was offered to us for a whole year. Have now given six discourses to interested listeners. Our congregations have increased from the beginning. One evening over a hundred were present, and all listened with the most profound attention. The church has an organ, and the choir assists us in singing, and the people are very friendly. We have already taken several subscriptions for our church paper and Good Health. We feel to consecrate ourselves as never before to God and his work. Will our brethren ever remember us in their prayers, that we may be humble, and that souls may be saved. H. F. PHELPS. C. M. CHAFFEE.

NEW AUBURN AND ROUND GROVE, SIBLEY CO.—According to the arrangements made at the State meeting at Minneapolis, I am now laboring among the churches and scattered brethren in Dist. No. 1, in connection with Bro. A. Battin, director. Arriving at the first named place, the evening of Jan. 6, we found that the brethren had secured a public school-house and had circulated the appointment. We were surprised to see a full house of interested listeners in this little village. Held meetings three evenings, and the best of attention was given to the word spoken. We were kindly assisted in our meetings by Bro. Ray of the Baptist church. We found but few here who were still striving to keep God’s commandments and hold up the light of truth. These were somewhat discouraged, not having heard any preaching for a year or more, and, in consequence of being so scattered, having had no meetings or Sabbath-school for nearly six months. Though there were but few, we believed that the Lord would meet with us, and we were not disappointed. I believe our meetings were a success. We tried to bring before the brethren and sisters the evidence that Jesus’ coming is near, that the Judgment is in session, and the necessity of walking in the light God has given us. The Spirit came into our midst, and hearts were melted. Sabbath, Jan. 10, was a good day for us, and will be long remembered. An interest was manifested in the missionary work, and plans were laid for carrying it forward. Church and Sabbath-school officers were elected, and meetings and Sabbath-school will be held every three weeks. The brethren and sisters from Glencoe and vicinity will meet with the few here. We hope God will bless these brethren and sisters here in Auburn and vicinity, and we know they will walk in the path of duty.

Thursday evening, Jan. 15, commenced meeting at Round Grove. There was once quite a large company of Sabbath-keepers here, but so many have moved away that but few are left to maintain meetings. The weather was very severe, but the friends all came regularly to the meetings; here again the Saviour came very near, and we were encouraged. The brethren and sisters resolved that they would be more faithful in bringing all the tithes into the storehouse; and we know God will bless them in so doing. An aged brother and sister signed the pledge to forever discontinue the use of tobacco and tea, the brother having used tobacco from his boyhood. May they look to Jesus for strength to gain the victory over these habits.

Sunday, Jan. 18, I spoke twice in Bro. Dalon’s house to his German neighbors. We presented to them the claims of God’s law, to which they listened with interest, and desired to hear further. We believe that if some German brother could labor here, some souls might be gathered into the truth. Church and Sabbath-school officers were elected, and the missionary work was started. We left these friends feeling more encouraged, and hope soon to meet them and the New Auburn company again. I feel much encouraged, and have reason to believe that the Lord is helping in the work. W. B. WHITE.