p. 94 | DAKOTA by S. B. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 20, 1879

DAKOTA

By S. B. Whitney

Finlay, March 11.—We had a crowded house to listen to the review of the Baptist minister's discourse on Tuesday evening, and a good impression seemed to be made. However, the Baptists have since been making a determined effort to keep the people away, and our audiences have been small; but notwithstanding all this, two more families have embraced the Sabbath, and last Sabbath we had one of the most melting and powerful meetings of its size we have ever held. Between fifteen and twenty were present, and all but three or four took part. A Sabbath-school was organized, which we expect to get into working order by next Sabbath.

The Baptists are becoming very bitter in their feelings and course. They have been using the school-house Sunday evenings for a Bible-class, but without any special engagement. Two weeks ago we proposed to their pastor to allow us the use of a part of the evening, but instead of agreeing to that he announced to speak against us that evening. Last week we obtained permission of the school directors to use the house a part of the evening, and proposed to the minister to take the time after eight o'clock; but he again appointed a public service, and by a preconcerted arrangement remained away till very late and another minister had introduced the service. He then came in and stated that, as the directors had given the house to the Adventists, they had arranged to hold their meeting in another place, whereupon the church retired, taking all the lamps there were in the house. Our friends all stood by us, however; a light was soon procured, and we held our meeting without further molestation.

These things are working as they usually do, giving us the sympathy of the candid portion of the community; and the last two meetings have been among the best we have held. To the Lord be all the praise. S. B. WHITNEY.