Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
By G. C. Tenney
At first it was thought to have this meeting at Minneapolis, but this seemed impracticable the present season, and as there was an anxiety upon the part of the people of Mankato to have another meeting there, it was decided to hold it upon the same grounds as last year, one mile and a half west of Mankato, at the confluence of the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers. The spot is a beautiful one, and historic, as overlooking the small plain where, in 1862, General Sibley corralled the murderous Sioux Indians, and where thirty-eight of them were hanged for their participation in the New Ulm massacre. But it is too far from the town to secure a general attendance of the citizens at religious meetings. In this respect the meeting was not as successful as was desirable, although a few attended regularly and quite a large number visited the grounds on Sunday. It was not expected that the meeting would be as large as last year. It was a matter of some surprise, therefore, to see a much larger attendance than at any previous meeting in the State. There were about 160 tents well filled with people. Meetings were held for several days previous to the regular appointment, while the work of preparation was going on. These meetings were characterized by a good degree of God's blessing, so that when the time came for the more formal opening service, Wednesday evening, July 1, everything was ready. Careful arrangements had been perfected, and the blessing of God was sensibly felt at the outset. But as the crowds came, this condition was not as carefully guarded as it should have been. Still there was a willingness on the part of all to work, and to seek God, and he did graciously meet with his people. Brother Butler was assisted by Brother R. A. Underwood, of Ohio; and Brother G. B. Starr, of the Chicago mission, labored effectually in the work of Bible-reading and missionary instruction. The message of God's servants was of a solemn and stirring nature. Instructive and profitable meetings were held for the Germans and Scandinavians. The youths and children's meetings were a means of much good. Many came forward for prayers, and about seventy-five were baptized in the Minnesota River. One of the candidates was an invalid, a young man, who was carried upon a couch into the water and baptized. He had for a long time desired to follow Jesus into the watery grave, and, accompanied by a sister, had traveled a long distance to have this privilege. The report of the Tract and Missionary society showed a gratifying state of activity and prosperity, and the prospect is that a considerable force will enter the field to labor in various branches of this work. On account of failing health it seems necessary that the efficient secretary, Sister Mary Heileson, should retire from the heavy labors and responsibilities of that office. Her place was supplied by H. P. Holser, lately of Battle Creek. Elder O. A. Olsen, who has directed the affairs of the Conference and tract society for two years, wished to be released from the office of president in order to be able to devote his time more fully to the interests of the cause among the Scandinavians; and G. C. Tenney was chosen to that position. At the closing service, W. B. White, William Schram, and H. P. Holser were set apart by solemn prayer and laying on of hands to the work of the ministry. The Spirit of God witnessed to this work. Extended reports of the meetings were published by the leading St. Paul and Minneapolis papers. Four tents will go out into the field this summer. It is proposed to hold a camp-meeting in the fall, at Sauk Center, for the benefit of the northern portion of the Conference. There is reason for encouragement in the present state of things in Minnesota, especially in the spirit of union, which exists in the minds of the laborers, and the harmony which prevails in their counsels.