Reflections on the Minnesota Tent-Meeting
By J. Olive; J. S. Olive
From Bro. and Sister Olive.
EVER since our return from the Minnesota tent-meeting, we have desired to express through the REVIEW the great gratification and pleasure, and we hope profit, that we received there. It was the first meeting of Seventh-day Advent people we had ever attended. We had only met a few scattered ones before, and we were very anxious to see how they looked, and talked, and acted. Our impressions were on the whole favorable, though we were forced to conclude that as a whole they were by no means perfect, and like ourselves, had much work before them of self-denial and purification before they should be fitted to “enter in through the gates into the city.” They mostly seemed earnest, and active, and as though they loved the truth of God more than the fashions and ceremonies of the world, which fact seemed like manna to our souls. Some asked us, “How are you enjoying the meeting?” Brethren and sisters, a tent-meeting is not a very good place to examine yourselves, and obtain a deep consecration of heart. There is so much that is new and strange to attract your attention. To those who could not go, we would say, The meetings can’t give you a pure heart. Ministers, or their preachings cannot do that. But waiting on the Lord will; so take courage. To those who could go, but did not, we would say; You do not know how much you missed, of instruction, and help, and encouragement. Do not stay away again if you can help it. To all those who kindly cared for us, we return thanks. Especially do we remember the Mantorville, and Maiden Rock friends, and many others. We were pleased to see a note lately from Bro. Sutcliffe, whom we met there. May the Lord bless them all. J. AND J. S. OLIVE.