DAKOTA by S. B. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1879

DAKOTA

By S. B. Whitney

Among the Russians, April 29.— In company with Bro. John Richards of Lincoln, who speaks the German language fluently, I started the 25th on a visit to this people, with whom I have long desired to form an acquaintance. We found a very interesting company of about thirty-five Sabbath-keepers. With one exception, they greeted us cordially, and seemed ready to receive instruction. Their experience in the old country has been such as to make them somewhat distrustful of strangers, and in addition to this they are a little inclined to superstition in their faith and worship. This was especially manifested in their aversion to the use of the charts, but by the blessing of God we were enabled to overcome their prejudices in a remarkable degree; and, as these yielded, the melting Spirit of the Lord came into our midst, inditing earnest prayer, and causing our hearts to run together, until we wept like children. Altogether, our visit to them was a success, and I am satisfied that there is an excellent field for a competent, judicious laborer, and one that should be improved.

Bro. Richards rendered valuable assistance, not only as an interpreter, but in his labors both public and private; and our success in gaining the confidence and affection of the brethren is largely due to his efforts and influence among them.

On our way back we called at Olivet, where there are two or three keeping the Sabbath, and found them anxious for meetings. Here we met a Free Methodist exhorter and his wife who are deeply interested in the truth, and who told me that that church is breaking up, and that some of their best members are leaving

them and looking toward us, hoping to find a more spiritual people. Our season with them was a precious one, and we hope to provide them with meetings soon.

Last Sabbath, May 3, I was with the friends in Finlay, and found their meeting and Sabbath-school prosperous. Opposition meetings have been held lately, and quite a bitter feeling has been raised in the community, but the friends all stand firm, so far as I know.

S. B. WHITNEY.

Howard, May 5, 1879.