Voice from Minnesota by Jno. Bostwick, W. Morse

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1862

Voice from Minnesota.

By Jno. Bostwick, W. Morse

BRO. WHITE: After reading your remarks in Review No. 16, on State Conferences, and your remarks on organization in No. 18, we thought it our duty to speak out in behalf of the cause in this State.

First, we can say that we have not suffered so much from a spirit of opposition to organization, as from the bad effects of premature organization. We have been so anxious to move in harmony with the body that we have moved in some things too fast. Had we waited till the Review had taken a decided stand in favor of the gifts being made a test, also the strait testimony of sister White on the subject of hoops, tobacco, tea, and coffee, we might have avoided much trial and perplexity of mind, together with the many bad results of a hasty organization. But we have learned a lesson by what we have suffered in the past that will cause us to move cautiously in the future.

We have of late been effecting a more thorough organization, with good success. Our last conference was the best ever held in the State. A deep solemnity pervaded the entire meeting from commencement to close. All seemed to realize that the perils of the last days are right upon us, and the importance of being awake to the time in which we live, and the dangers that surround us.

You will see by our conference report that we have organized into a State Conference. We would have been glad to postpone the organization till we could have had some one of experience to assist us; but the wants of the cause seemed to require the immediate concentration of our forces, that we might be enabled to more properly conduct our business operations. And we know of no better way than State Conference organization.

We have done the best we could, hoping to have some one of experience to assist in obtaining a more perfect organization, it being our desire as a people in this State (with few exceptions) to stand with the body, and to act upon, and carry out as far as possible, the instructions of the Review, its Editor having our hearty co-operation in every strike made for the further advancement and prosperity of the cause of present truth. We hope to have our next conference at a time when we can secure a visit from yourself and sister White. We think your labors among us would be highly appreciated.

We would be glad to state that the doings of the Michigan Conference meet our hearty approval, especially the action taken on the items introduced by Bro. Sanborn.

In conclusion we would say to those of our brethren scattered throughout the State, and who are not connected with any of our organized churches, that we are desirous of having your hearty co-operation, and hope if possible you will organize with one or more officers, so that you may be able to have a voice in our State Conference. We hold ourselves in readiness to assist you, the Lord willing.

Brethren in Minnesota, let us rally to the standard, for the powers of darkness are pressing hard, and by standing together in an organization, where we can more effectually assist the cause by our prayers and means through systematic labor in every department, we can in this way, and this alone, carry forward the last solemn message ever to be given to the children of men, and be enabled to stand in that more perfect organization on the sea of glass before the throne.

Jno. Bostwick. W. Morse.

Deerfield, Minn., Nov. 3, 1862.