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TOUR IN MINNESOTA

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 22, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 5.

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TOUR IN MINNESOTA.

By Wm. S. Ingraham

Bro. Smith: I have just arrived home from my Minnesota tour, and will now give a report of our meetings in that part of the country.
The first Sabbath after leaving home, we spent in Waukon. We were glad to see some of our brethren formerly from Vermont. We had a good time with them on the Sabbath. Sunday we pursued our journey for Minnesota. Our first conference was in Deerfield, Steele Co., which commenced Oct. 14th, and continued over first-day. The gathering on this occasion was not large, owing to a severe rain. I did not enjoy my usual liberty at this meeting. There was trouble in the camp. But difficulties among the brethren afterwards were explained, confessed and taken out of the way, so that the ark of the Lord rested in the place. There was an interest among the people, of which I shall speak again.
Our second conference was in Mantorville, Dodge Co., near Bro. Porter's. There has been in time past, a goodly number in this place who loved the commandments of God. The band was broken up by elders D. P. Hall and Lewis; both of them professedly kept the Sabbath for a while, but gave it up and taught others to do the same. Bro. and Sr. Porter were the only ones left who were still striving to obey God and keep his commandments. There was a general gathering at this meeting. We gave seven lectures. None decided to keep the commandments at this meeting, though some interest was apparent. On Monday morning before the brethren separated, three were baptized.
From this place we went to Medford, Steele Co., and gave three lectures. No particular interest was manifested on the part of the people, only in staying away from our meetings. The people in Medford are Baptists and Presbyterians. Once in grace always in grace, and abounding in the works of the world. We left here and went to Deerfield where our first conference was held. On Sunday, elder Moses preached on the Sabbath question. In the evening he was reviewed. The result was good. Elder Moses is a Free-will Baptist, a missionary from New Hampshire. He has been laboring in Minnesota over a year. At the close of the review he decided to preach in this place no longer. He said he could not do the people any good, for they were inclined to believe something different from what he preached. The brethren were encouraged, and four more publicly confessed the truth.
Bro. W. Morse has been doing what he could for the spread of the truth in this section. Some fruit of his labor is seen.
We left Bro. M.'s for Cleveland, Leseur Co. In Cleveland we found a band of professed Adventists. They have a respectable log meeting house where they meet for worship. Elders D. P. Hall, Wm. Sheldon and Teple have been their preachers. We commenced meetings on Thursday evening, and gave six lectures. Eld. D. P. H. was sent for, and arrived Sunday morning. We gave two lectures on the subject of the Sabbath, and one on the seven last plagues, to which the elder listened. He warned the people not to be hasty in taking new positions. But notwithstanding his zealous exhortation, three confessed the truth publicly and their determination to obey it. Others after meeting, in conversation with us, expressed their conviction on the subject. The truth was powerful and did prevail. To the praise of God I would say I enjoyed good freedom in preaching the truth to this people. When we left, Monday morning, elder H. was still in the place. But we left with good evidence that six or seven would keep the next Sabbath. I hope the brethren in Cleveland will mark well the scattering spirits with which we have to contend. Grievous wolves will enter in not sparing the flock; but confide in that God who shook the earth with his voice when he spake the ten commandments in the midst of the burning mount, and all will be well.
The last Sabbath we spent in Minnesota was in conference with the brethren from Deerfield and Mantorville, at Bro. Sanford's. We learned from Bro. Porter that our labor in preaching the truth in his place was still working among this people. He said that quite a number were on the point of deciding in favor of the truth.
Evening after the Sabbath, at Bro. Sanford's, the brethren came together for the purpose of consultation in relation to the cause in Minnesota. The first question was respecting the interest manifest to hear the truth. It was decided that something must be done to get the truths of the third angel's message before the people. The plan of systematic benevolence was then introduced. All approved of the plan. First, because it was apostolic. Second, because the cause demanded union in action. Third, from the fact that the cause of truth was calling for aid, and this was the best plan on which to act to raise it. All agreed to carry their faith into immediate action.
The brethren in Minnesota are poor. If any class of people are acquainted with hard times they are in this new State. But they are ready to throw their mites together to advance the cause of present truth. Minnesota must have help. But where is the messenger to go? Perhaps some will say that Bro. Ingraham is a good hand to labor in new fields. Be this as it may, I cannot confine myself to one old trail that has been trodden for years. The starving need food, but the full-fed can take care of themselves. I glory in talking the truth where a lisp of it has never been heard. My brethren must remember that I am already in a new field. O Lord, raise up laborers and send them into the harvest, is my prayer.
Wm. S. Ingraham.
Monroe, Wis.