A New Day in Minnesota by Wm. Merry

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1863

A New Day in Minnesota

By Wm. Merry

From Bro. Merry.

We thank the Lord, that he has again made bare his holy arm, to us, through the gifts of the church, and in sending his servants, Brn. Snook and Sanborn, to Minnesota. I live sixteen miles from any of the same faith. When the first appointment was given for meeting at Oromoco, which is thirty miles from me, I felt like those of old going up to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts. I took my three children with me to offer them to the Lord. And, thanks to his name, he accepted them. I was rejoiced to see so many of the faith, from far and near, striving for the kingdom. We were glad that a new day had dawned for us in Minnesota.

I spent Sabbath and first-day listening to, and heeding the kind admonition of Bro. Sanborn. We had a blessed time while he pointed out the way of life, and those things necessary for us as becoming Adventists. Here I found that I was not doing my Master's will. I believed the Lord was soon coming, so thought it not necessary to make much improvement in worldly matters which tell how I stood, for the command to occupy till I come, was not before me, whereas if I was a faithful servant, I should render unto the Lord all his dues. I hope the Lord will look over my sin and forgive my transgression. And for the time to come I mean to improve my talent, hoping to give a good account of my Master's goods.

Our next meeting was sixteen miles from my residence. Here my wife and I spent Sabbath and first-day, delighted to hear Bro. Snook mark out the way of life for us. Here Bro. Snook did a good work. Our church was almost gone, and our systematic benevolence very low. Only three members afar off, when the servant of the Lord came. But they came in time to save us.

They organized a church of ten with more to come in. Our s. s. fund was greatly enlarged, and all felt the power of the Lord drawing us to serve and obey him. We felt bound together in love. It was hard to part. We are very thankful to the Lord for raising up a church here. Although it is some way off, we want our names and means with the children of God.

While here my mind wandered back to the first Conference in Eldorado, Wis., some nine years ago, when I listened to the very kind exhortation of you and sister White. It was there I gave myself up to do my Master's will. And I rejoice to-day, that the Lord has kept me and mine from the power of the enemy, who reigned there. I was taken from them before the Lord gave them over.

I remembered the cunning craftiness of your enemies to crush you down. But, thanks be to the Lord, he has raised you high above your enemies; and I can truly say that the third angel's message shines brighter and clearer every day, and the commandments appear holy, just, and good.

The next meeting, General Conference, was two days' ride from me. This meeting was the very best I ever attended in this State. This was of the Lord. Here we spent a time long to be remembered. We were bathed in tears of joy and sorrow. Here the former times came to remembrance. We thank the Lord, and the General Conference for sending us help in time of need, and sister White for the testimony for Minn. Here it seemed as though a portion of the latter rain was poured out upon us. For while the earth after a long drouth, was receiving the rain to ripen the harvest, Brn. Sanborn and Snook were refreshing our souls with that heavenly manna, the Christian's hope, making the path of duty plain. Here I had the sweet consolation of seeing all my children buried with Christ in baptism, to rise to newness of life. Here we gave ourselves to God with more earnest determination to do his holy will. Here were men of God, speaking to us as we have never before heard, on the gifts of the church. They have not shunned to declare unto us all the counsel of God.

We are thankful for the plan of organization. For the first time we realized that the cause is one everywhere. Here we were fully paid for all the little we have ever done for the cause. This is the time that we hoped would come, when God would make himself known to us. Now it behooves us to take heed to our ways, and strive for the kingdom.

Here we parted with our dearly beloved Brn. Sanborn and Snook, praying that the Lord would be gracious to them and bless them in their labors in Iowa, as he has done in Minnesota.

I would say to my Brn. and sisters in this State, let us strive to prove faithful in every thing that the Lord has commanded us by his servants.

May the Lord help you, is the prayer of one who loves the people of God. WM. MERRY. St. Charles, Minn.