Tent Labor in Minnesota, Summer Campaign Report
By Chas. A. Russell
I left Michigan the 4th of last June to spend the summer with the tent in this State. Reached High Forest, Olmstead Co., where Bro. Canright was laboring, the 9th. Found Bro. C. in poor health, on account of excessive labor and having taken cold. He expected me to assist in preaching, which I felt unprepared to do; and informed him that I came intending to act merely as tent-master. This had a tendency to somewhat depress his spirits, yet he labored on with an energy and zeal, such as those only that truly love God and his cause will manifest. The results of his labor he has reported through the REVIEW. I will however notice one thing. A brother from Iowa expresses himself as not being sorry that some of Bro. C.'s labors have not been very successful the past summer. I supposed that the cause was one, and all felt an equal interest for its advancement, in all parts of the field. If presenting the truth in a clear and convincing manner, and sincere devotion to the cause, is not acceptable to the Lord, and calculated to build up the work, I know not what is. This I have seen exhibited by Bro. C., greatly, I trust, to my profit. At Albert Lea, where we pitched the tent after leaving High Forest, the population was more than one half of them foreigners; being Norwegians, Danes, Germans, &c. The American element, with the exception of a small church of Presbyterians, was Universalists, infidels, and spiritualists. At Glencoe, the state of things was even worse. But the gospel was to be preached for a witness unto all nations, not to convert them all. At Hutchinson, the scale was turned. Like the noble Berean's, they commenced searching the Scriptures, and a large company are now rejoicing in the truth. This greatly revived and cheered us. By the advice of Bro. Canright, I decided to give a course of lectures after leaving the tent, before I returned to Michigan. Commenced meetings in company with Bro. George Dimmick, four miles west of Lake Crystal, Blue Earth Co., Friday evening, Oct. 4, in a commodious brick school-house. The interest has increased from the first, so that nearly every evening, and on Sunday, the house has been crowded. The Methodist minister has been doing what he could to keep the people away, by slurs and insinuations. Having shown the perpetuity of the law and Sabbath, we announced that we would show by what authority the Sabbath was changed. Their minister was present. I had good freedom in presenting the subject. After meeting, he found considerable fault because I quoted from history and Catholic catechisms. I asked him how we could tell whether the prophecies that reached this side of the time the Bible was written, were fulfilled or not, without referring to history. I then asked him to take my Bible and show the people one text that supported first-day keeping; but he would not touch it. Bro. Dimmick in the evening showed clearly the restoration of the Sabbath under the third angel's message. Night before last, we called for an expression, when ten voted to keep the Sabbath and walk in the truth. Several more are convinced who we hope will soon take hold. I expect to start for Michigan next week, but Bro. Dimmick will stay here and follow up the work. I trust the blessing of the Lord will attend him. It is with reluctance that I leave. We are sure that the Lord has blessed our efforts here. I have enjoyed freedom and peace of mind, and am glad that I came to this State to spend the summer. My coming was first suggested by our beloved brother, Eld. James White, who has for several years manifested a deep interest in my welfare. I hope I shall prove worthy of his confidence. I think there are many others who have equal reason for gratitude for the interest he has shown in their behalf. I intend as soon as circumstances will admit, to go out and do what I can in spreading the glorious truth, to which end, I ask the prayers of God's people. Lake Crystal, Blue Earth Co., Minn., Oct. 17, 1872.