To Scattered Sabbath-Keepers in Minnesota by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 29, 1873

To Scattered Sabbath-Keepers in Minnesota.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I cannot see you, either at your homes or in our meetings, I take this way to address you. As nearly as I can learn, from one quarter to one-third the Seventh-day Adventists in Minnesota are scattered, one here, two or three there, &c., in almost every section of the State where they can have no meetings nor attend those we hold with the different churches. Being thus situated, many lose the spirit of the message, do not keep up with the progress of the work, leave off sacrificing for the cause, drink in the spirit of the world, and finally either backslide entirely, or live in a half dead and alive condition.

Knowing that there is greater danger of your doing this, than there would be if you were where you could have the society and encouragement of a church, I want to remind you of this danger and help you all I can. Watch yourselves, examine yourselves often, try yourselves honestly whether you are not letting the truth leak out of your hearts, little at a time. I once tried living alone for five years, and came near losing my soul. Hence, I know how to sympathize with you.

If you live as you ought and work as you should, you may be preparing the way for the truth to be preached sooner or later in your different places. If this does not come as soon as you wish, hold on, stick to it, and keep calling till you do get help. Some, after they have written once or twice for help, become tried with us because we do not immediately come, and will write no more, nor help the cause any. This is wrong and foolish. We try to plan our work in the fear of God and go where there is the best prospect.

I now have this special request to make of every Sabbath-keeper in Minnesota who either does not belong to any one of our churches or who is not now paying S. B. which he or she has pledged to some church:—

Write to me immediately at Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn., and state very distinctly, 1. Where you live, town and county, nearest village, railroad depot, and your post-office. 2. What is the opening to present the truth there or near there. 3. Whether you take the REVIEW, Reformer, and Instructor. 4. Tell me what you are willing to give per week for the next year, beginning April 1, 1873, for the support of the cause in Minnesota. This need not be paid now, but at any time during the year.

Come my brother, my sister, don't excuse yourself now and so do nothing while all the rest are sacrificing to help on the good work. We want you to do this more for your own sake than because we need the means, though it is needed much. We know that if you do not give something you will lose your interest in the work and the reward in the kingdom. Are you poor? So are others. Give a little. Then God will bless what you do have. You are not poorer than the poor widow. The Lord is coming soon. The harvest is being gathered. Are you helping? Don't wait till you are rich. This is a deception of the devil. Wait till you are out of debt? Yes, but you always manage to keep in debt. Don't be deceived.

Our report for Conference must be prepared soon. We want to know how the State stands, what we can depend upon for another year. What shall we report for you? Do you wish to give $1.00? That will be 2 cts per week. $5.00 will be 10 cts per week. $10.00 will be 20 cts per week, &c. Let me hear from you.

We are determined to get all our forces in Minnesota into good order and working condition this season so far as possible. Will you help us? or do you feel no interest in the cause?

D. M. CANRIGHT.