TENT MEETINGS IN MINN by John Bostwick

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1860

TENT MEETINGS IN MINN.

By John Bostwick

BRO. SMITH: Pursuant to notice our tent was pitched in Mantorville, Aug. 2. It being all we could do to get the tent pitched by the commencement of the Sabbath, as a political speech was to be given to the citizens of Mantorville the evening after the Sabbath, we concluded not to commence meetings in the tent till first-day evening. Our congregations were as large as we could expect, as it was right in the midst of harvest. The crop being a heavy one and help scarce, farmers of course would not take time to turn out to our lectures. Many of them did not stop to pay homage to the Sunday institution, which the citizens of Minn. hold on to with a zeal worthy of a better cause.

During the first week a circus made its appearance in Mantorville. Of course our meetings had to be suspended; for there are scarcely any who will not turn out to a circus now-a-days. So corrupt has man become that our hand-bills in that section were not left to remain posted four days, while the circus hand-bills remained for weeks unmolested. Such is the antipathy of the people towards the truth. This puts me in mind of Paul's prophecy, "Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God."

During the last week we had a discussion with one Eld. White, of the M. E. church, on the nature and destiny of man. It lasted two afternoons and two evenings, of two hours each. Bro. Ingraham ably defended the truth both evenings, before large congregations, who, as a majority, were convinced that we had the Bible doctrine of man's mortality, and the destruction of the wicked.

On the last day D. P. Hall came into the tent, and, after Bro. Ingraham got through, arose and made a short harangue, railing against the truth and Bro. and Sr. White. He appointed a meeting at the school house in the place, where a few followed him to obtain a hearing of his disgusting and reproachful epithets. He disturbed the meeting somewhat; but this, of course, was a no-law flourish. His friends in this State are few, judging from what we learn.

We closed our labors in Mantorville Aug. 20, pitched the tent in this place Aug. 23, and commenced meetings the 24th. Congregations not large, though some interest to hear.

The brethren in Mantorville were much strengthened in the truth. A few more decided to keep the Sabbath, and we have hopes that the seed scattered may yet bring forth fruit. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but God alone can give the increase. Bro. Ingraham is somewhat worn down on account of much labor. I was called away twice on account of sickness in my family.

As the harvest is now nearly ended we are expecting to have larger congregations. We will still labor on in this good cause, hoping and praying that something will be accomplished by so doing.

Yours in hope of eternal life.

JOHN BOSTWICK.

Medford, Steele Co., Minn.