To the Brethren in Minnesota.
By I. D. Van Horn
Dear Brethren and Sisters: There are some things pertaining to the cause of present truth and its prosperity, that I think demands your immediate attention. I take this public manner of speaking to you, thinking, by so doing, that you will be the more prompt in meeting the wants of the cause as far as lies in your power. First, there is a lack of order, or of a full organization in nearly every church in the State. There is but one church that now has an ordained elder. Under these circumstances the ordinances cannot be celebrated only at such times as a minister may be present. A change should be made for the better as soon as practicable. In order to effect this, it will be necessary for all those living in the vicinity of any of these churches, who have formerly belonged to others, to obtain letters that they may be ready to join where they now live at the earliest opportunity. Then, when the time shall come to complete the organization in any place, you will also be prepared to act your part. I shall want to do this work in every place when I visit you again, if it is possible. Secondly, Systematic Benevolence will require your attention. Walk out by faith on the promises of God and do what you can in this direction, that the cause of God may not want for means. Every Sabbath-keeper in the State should feel an interest in this matter. Let every church call a business meeting some time before the Conference, and let every member feel under obligation to attend it, or represent themselves by letter. At that time settle up your past S. B. pledges, re-arrange your pledges for the next year, elect your delegates to the Conference, and make all the preparations you can to attend the camp-meeting. This will be a good time to grant letters to those members who have moved to other places. Let every one in the State feel an interest in the coming camp-meeting. Begin to make preparations now to attend it. Look up your friends that you would be glad to have attend it, and persuade them to get ready to go with you. Pray much that the meeting may result in great good to the cause of God. There are burdens to be borne; let us all become burden-bearers. Those that labor will receive the reward. Time is short. Thousands of our fellow-men are standing on the brink of eternity without hope. Let us come up nobly to the work and employ every means in our power to give them the light. Let your light shine, brethren, and by your good works help on the cause of your Lord.