p. 159 | MINNESOTA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1879

MINNESOTA

Mankato.—We feel to thank God and take courage in view of the good work that has been accomplished in the tent labors here the past summer. Nearly thirty have been added to the church by the faithful labors of Bro. Hill and Ellis. Eld. Hill met with us in our recent quarterly meeting. It was the largest and most interesting meeting of Sabbath-keepers we have ever had here. Those who have lately embraced the truth, young and old, took hold in the meetings as though they had the work at heart. Bro. Hill could but weep for joy as he saw the precious fruit of his hard labor.

The ordinance meeting was indeed a precious occasion. On first-day over $250 was pledged and some paid on our indebtedness for the church and on S. B. F. W. Morse.

Dist. No. 5.—This meeting was held near Lucas, Dunn Co., in the “Wisconsin corner” of the Minnesota Conference. The meeting was opened on Friday by Eld. S. Fulton. Early Sabbath morning the brethren began to assemble; and great joy was manifested when Eld. Grant, Eld. John Fulton, the director and secretary of the district, and others from a distance, arrived. Nearly all the members of the Lucas church, and some others, were in attendance.

Sabbath morning was devoted to the consideration of the Sabbath-school work, Eld. Grant, Eld. J. Fulton, and others speaking at some length on the great necessity of having the children fully informed on all points of our faith, if we hope to preserve them amid the perils of the last days. Eld. John Fulton made many important and clear suggestions on the way to classify and conduct Sabbath-schools. At 2:30 P. M. we had an interesting Sabbath-school, in which all present took part. The school at Lucas seems to be in a good condition; may it prosper until “all their children shall be taught of the Lord.” Sr. Johnson, of Lincoln Center, was then invited to address the audience. Although the invitation was unexpected, and no time was given for preparation, she spoke from 2 Peter 1:5–7 in a very instructive manner.

Sunday morning at 9 A. M. a tract and missionary meeting was held. The report of the last quarterly meeting, as well as a compared report of the two previous quarters’ labor, was read by the secretary, showing a general decrease in the work during the last quarter, much of which was no doubt due to the busy season. Eld. S. Fulton then gave a discourse on the Judgment.

As it was too far for any to return home between the meetings, all had provided themselves with a lunch, after which a discourse was given on Bible temperance by Sr. A. M. Fulton. After remarks by Eld. Grant on the rise and progress of our especial work on temperance, the pledge was circulated, and I think every church member present who had not previously done so signed it, besides some who were not members. One old lady, over seventy, I should think, gave up her tea, and came to the meeting next morning rejoicing. The result showed that there were over fifty teetotal temperance Seventh-day Adventists present, whereat there was great gladness.

On Monday morning the subject of vigilant missionary societies was considered. Eld. Grant explained the object and workings of these societies, and all present seemed to approve them. The Lucas church gave a unanimous vote to form a society, and fourteen of those present pledged to pay $1.20 each to help take a club of Signs for the ensuing year. At a meeting of the society in the afternoon, its duties were explained and future action decided on. May the Lord bless that little V. M. society up in the Dunn county woods, as they toil over their rough roads to meet and consult and encourage one another.

Then came a sermon on baptism by Eld. S. Fulton. Two new members were received into the Lucas church, and some were voted in who had been previously baptized. Three were baptized by Eld. S. Fulton.

There was so much work to be done that there were not many sermons during the meetings, but the fact that all seemed willing to work was encouraging. All were sorry that Eld. John Fulton was not able to preach during the meeting, though he did good work. Earnest prayer was made that his health might be restored, and his life spared to labor in the cause. Brethren were present from Lincoln Center, Pleasant Valley, New Centerville, Weston, Rock Elm, Maiden Rock, Lake City, Ellsworth, and Prescott. As we traveled through rain, and wind, and mud, over the roughest of roads, our thoughts turned with loving sympathy toward those who are traveling thousands of miles every year, and passing through all manner of danger, discomforts, and perils, to sound the warning that “the Lord is coming.” And as we joyfully bear a small part in the labor, so may we have a small share in the reward which awaits all those who “love His appearing.” J. S. Olive.

Prescott, Wis., Oct. 23.