THE MINNESOTA WORKER “Whatsoever thy Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might.” Volume 7. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., November 20, 1895. Number *2. ■TlfE IVfljYjWtSO’TiL ¥O^KIj, ----I88UED WEEKLY BY THE-- MINNESOTA TRACT SOCIETY. Subscription Price, 35 cents a year. Send all Communications and Subscriptions to THE EDITOR, L. B. Losey, - - Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn. Entered at the poRt-oflico at Minneapolis as second class mall matter. IN THE FIELD. How rapidly the time flies, when each moment has a (Taim upon our effort, and the work is inviting attention from every quarter. It did seem pleasant after weeks of labor far and near to be “HOME AGAIN”, but the days there were extremely busy ones, and Friday morning the eighth found us aboard the train for the General Meeting at Eunice where Brh. Hoffman, Santee, and Sr. Little had preceded us. Arriving at Detroit about dark we stepped off the train and began to wistfully look for some familiar face to greet us and convey us to the place of meeting, nine miles out in the country. The long train moved away and the sense of lonliness began to creep over the frame, as there was a possibility that none of the brethren were in at that late hour; but in another instant two smiling faces crossed the railroad track and stepped up and politely said, “Is tjiis Mr. Allee?” T|hey were quickly assured that it was, when they said, “We are after you, come along, the team is ready.” We were soon seated in a comfortable spring wagon with our lady driver who soon demonstrated that she was fully acquainted with her responsibility and we sped away along; the beautiful chain of lakes whose thickly wooded shores are dotted with summer residences of tourists from Chicago and other cities who spend the warm months of summer in this inviting place. With the precision of the arrival of railway trains we were landed at the Eunice church door in time to take the pulpit for the evening service at the conclusion of the hymn of the opening exercises of the evening. The meeting had been in progress for a few days. It was real refreshing to meet with the brethren of this vicinity again. The good Spirit was present in the services and the open hearts were watered. Elds. Hoffman and Santee had been conducting the exer- cises in the general interests of the cause, and Sister Little in the Sabbath-school work. Their labor was appreciated by the brethren. Sabbath and Sunday were good days and as we sought the Lord together the Spirit came in, in a good degree, to the response of the exercise of faith. It was good to be there and those who did not attend lost a precious opportunity. The church at Eunice is smaller than formerly on account of removals, death, and apostasy. The most serious difficulty in that vicinity is the influence left by the inconsistent lives of some who professed the truth. O, how long will men and women who profess to be looking for the coming of the just one dare to wa1k contrary to the precious truth of Heaven? But if the brethren there will now all press together in the unity of the Spirit, the Lord will work for them and brighter days will be experienced with them and we believe others will be gathered to them. Several from without attended the services and seemed to be favorably impressed with truths presented. Every act of the life should be made to tell of the sanctifying power of divine grace. The line that divides the true experience from a false profession is being rapidly drawn, and every motive that proftipts the acts of life will be made to appear. Nothing can be concealed from Him that can read every thought and intent of the heart. God will so order the circumstances that surround us, that the motives of the heart will be revealed in the acts of cur lives. If the Love of God is the supreme desire of the $qul, it will be seen in the acts of life. If there is a selfr ish purpose cherished in the heart it w;ill be manifested in some act. May we all feel the need of that aid that the Lord alone can impart by his Spirit. We are now at Warren in the midst of ah interesting meeting of which we will speak more in the future. Elds. Hoffman and H. R. Johnson are here and most of the services are being held in the Scandinavian languages as all blit'one sister are Scandinavians. N. W. Allee. When persons meet together for the investigation of points of faith concerning which there is a difference of opinion, the spirit which controls them will be manifested. Those who are standing in defense of truth should be calm and self-possessed. If they have the mind of Christ, they will be kind and courteous. They will not be betrayed into the use of harsh language. They will not regard themselves as infallible, nor look with contempt upon those who differ with them.-r-GosPEL Workers, p. 389. the Minnesota worker. * MISSIONARY WORK. 4 Report of Labor of Minnesota Tract Society For Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 1895. Number of Societies Reporting................... 50 Membership..................................... 883 Number of members reporting.................. 430 Letters written.............................. 1274 Letters received.............................. 593 Bible Readings held............................ 301 Subscriptions obtained for per. outside of Soc. 170 Missionary Visits.............................. 985 Periodicals distributed...................... 16262 Pages books and tracts distributed............94151 Number societies holding weekly meetings 28 A. E. E. From a letter just received from the Sign's office, I quote the following “We have been counting up the Signs list for Minnesota, and find that the last of April there were taken in your State 249 copies, of which 84 were .single subscriptions and 165 taken in clubs. The present list for Minnesota is 1133 copies; 103 singie subscriptions and 1030 in clubs. We were quite surprised and pleased to find that the increase had been so great. Hope you will be able to find still more who will be glad to take advantage of the present low rates, and become subscribers to the paper.*’ I am sure that all our people who read the Signs from week to week can but wish that they could place the paper in the hands of every intelligent person. Are we doing all we can in this direction? As the winter approaches, we ought to double our efforts to give all a chance to read the stirring truth for this time. Many might read “the Message’’ this winter who will never have another time to do so. When, in a meeting held with some of the South Sea Islanders, Mr. Williams proposed to return at once to his native country to bring back more missionaries, one of the chiefs replied, “Go with all speed; get all the missionaries you can, and come back as soon as you can ; but many of us will be dead before you return.” While we are uaiting and holding on to the little means we might use in God’s cause, many will pass forever beyond the reach of our efforts. I trust that what papers we have are being faithfully used, and that whoever sends them through the mail will not fail to send with them both letters and prayers. I am in receipt of many letters which show that the Signs is being blessed of God as a means of grace. Perhaps some of these will find a place in the Worker soon. A. E. E. I I wish to call attention, through the Worker, to the plan which was recently followed by one of our laborers in the organization of a Tract Society. Each member was provided with a copy of the constitution of the Tract Society, and was instructed according to its provisions and requirements. I think if all who try to organize societies would use-the same care, there would be a more intelligent membership, and fewer mistakes and misunderstandings to correct on the part of those to whom the work is afterwards committed. A. E. E. * THE SABBATH SCHOOL, t CHINESE CUSTOMS. The Chinese have many customs that seem strange to us. Many of their ways seem to be exactly the opposite of those to which we are accustomed. Wingrove Cook says of China “It is a country where the roses have no fragrance,and the women no petticoats; where the laborer has no Sabbath, and the magistrate no sense of honor; where the needle points to the south, and the sign of being puzzled is to scratch the antipodes of the head; where the place of honor is on the left hand and the seat of intellect is in the stomach; where to take off your hat is an insolent gesture, and to wear white garments is to put yoiwself in mourning.” New Year’s day is the great Chinese holiday. It is looked forward to by each and every one. For weeks beforehand every one is busy preparing good clothes to wear and choice food to eat. Those who can have chicken but once a year now prepare it as a great treat. All debts are supposed to be paid up before the light of the New Year dawns. Men may often be seen returning home after the day has begun with their lanterns still lighted. They have been dunning their debtors and as long as their lanterns remain lighted they could ask for the money , on the'plea that it was still the night before New Year. In China the people keep no Sabbath. So New Year’s day is the only one on which all the shops are closed. The streets are very quiet and nearly empty until noon as the people have been sending off fire crackers all night so are sleepy in the morning. About noon the children begin to be seen at the street doors, dressed in their gayest chothes, and looking happy for it is thought to be a dreadful thing to look cross on the first day of the year. The wealthy people are dressed in silks and satins and even the poorest have something new to wear., The New Year holidays last for about twelve days. The men make calls, and the women go THE MINNESOTA WORKER. to the large temples to burn incense and worship idols. The children have their holidays from school, stand on the streets and buy candies, go visiting to the gardens where they see monkey shows, punch and judy shows, etc. Sometimes the boys go with their fathers to make ealls. The men and boys always call upon the men and boys, never upon the ladies. The refreshriiehts offered the caller are a cup of hot tea, watermelon seeds, peanuts, dried peas and sweet meats. It is absolutely necessary to offer the tea, but impolite not to partake of anything. When calling the men wear elegant clothes of silk or satin, rented for the occasion. A servant goes before with a package of cards made of red paper, about eight inches long and four inches wide. The name is written in black ink. The servant goes to the house and asks if the man of the house is at home. If he is not, the card is left and the caller goes on to the next house. If he is at home the caller is conducted into the reception hall. The gentlemen do not shake hands, but stand still, put their folded hands together straight out before them, then bow and bring them to the forehead, then down and back several times while giving the compliments of the season. After being served with tea and refreshments they depart in as ceremonious a manner, for the Chinese are very polite. A. L. L. REPORTS FROM SCHOOLS. Lake Eunice. The matter of holding teacher’s meetings has been on my mind for some time and we have arranged to meet before Sabbath-school and have at least a season of prayer. I called a special meeting and read Bro. Always letter. Testimonies were borne to the effect that they had not been as faithful as they might have been. Feelings of sympathy with the letter were expressed. After these we had a season of prayer in which all took part, earnestly asking God’s forgiveness and seeking his special blessing for the future. Although we had four meetings that day, it seemed to me that was the most precious of them 1. We are studying the missionary field—China— with apparently much interest. Some one is appointed each Sabbath to give an exercise of five minutes the following Sabbath. H. W. Johnson. Pine City. There has been a growing interest in our school for some time. Some make it a practice of studying the lesson daily but all do not. T hope that all may be brought to see the need of studying the sacred words of life every day. We have studied the lessons on the mission fields with much interest. . They are a great help to our school, and we appreciate them very much. The children are especially interested in them. Wm. Pogue. ® NOTES FROM THE FIELD. ® Philbrook, Minn. Dear Worker I have an interesting and remarkable experience which I would like to submit to your readers. There was a lady last summer from Philbrook visiting with her son living in Holdingsford, Minn. I was impressed to go and hold a meeting with them. I followed up the impression and was rewarded with free access, and privilege to speak some of the truths of the Third Angel’s warning message of mercy in his house. I spoke from John 3:16. There was a deep impression made upon the visiting mother. I have been visiting this lady here recently and she said in conversation with me, the truths that I presented at her son’s place were the means of arousing her from her carnal security and the dangers threatening the impenitent and said she never had any more peace of mind till she found that great peace that passeth all understanding,whichJesus gives to all who believe him and takes him at his word. On her arrival home last summer, she found Brn. W. B. Brooks and J. H. Behrens holding meetings in her neighborhood ; she attended the meetings and accepted the truth. Her husband followed her later on and today they are rejoicing together in hope of the glory of God. I do thank God for such plain evidence of reward for faithfulness. I am determined by God’s grace to be more faithful than I have ever been in the past. I remain yours in the truth, John E. Moore. Warren General Meeting. We arrived at Warren ten o’clock Tuesday, Nov. 12th, and had the first meeting in the afternoon at three o’clock. After that we had five meetings a day, and closed with a parting meeting Monday, Nov. 18. As only one American sister was present only four English meetings were held in as many evenings. We expected some of the citizens to attend, but as the streets and sidewalks were very muddy no one who was not especially interested dared to venture out. Of course we believed it was only an excuse. THE MINNESOTA WORKER. Some English was spoken dttHfig the day, but translated into Swedish, as only few of those in -attendance could understand English enough to get any good of it without translation. Some brethren and sisters came nearly a hundred mites to attend the meeting and they seemed to be well repaid. Almost every one said, “I have never had such experience before.” I never had such a blessing of God as at this time. There were in attendance about forty persons besides some children. Considering the place it was more than we expected; because only three grown persons keeping the Sabbath are living at Warren. All the rest came in wagons from 6 to 100 miles. We thought it showed a re- markable zeal compared with some other places. Between fourteen and fifteen dollars were given as Sabbath-school offering to the' Chinese work and about ten dollars to the Orphans’ Home. As a whole, we think the meeting will prove a great blessing to the work in this part of the State. John Hoffman. THE BOOK WORK. CANVASSERS’ REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING NOV. 8, 1895. DELIVERIES. Book No. Dal. Vol. Val. Helps. S. H. Wing P. J. 37 $ 57.00 Gust Henrikspn 44 44 32 55.25 $ 5.87 H. E. Sjelstad “ 44 14 27.75 2.55 Iver Hilde tt tt 25 32.00 C. E. Burgeson tt tt 24 45.25 18.20 K. O. Sjaahem G. C. 12 23.00 1.00 *W. H. Moore “ 44 68 . 146.75 2.25 Christine Hanson tt it 20 44.50 A. E. Just B. R. 31 54.75 R. E. Campbell tt 11 12 21.00 257 $512.25 $29.87 orders TAKEN. Book Ord. Hr?. Val. Val. U !lps H. E- Nash Sunbeams 9 26 $ 9.00 Jens Sorenson L. C. 13 42 23.00 Chas Nelson Steps 5 4 2.75 27 72 $34.75 *Bro. Moore’s report is for two weeks. C. E. Burgeson, Christine Hanson, A. E. Just, W. H Moore, and R. E. Campbell have all completed their deliveries and returned to their homes. K. O. Sjaahem has finished delivering in Cavailier County and is now at work in Kittson County, Minn. I just received a letter from A. T. Simons who was sent south to canvass two years ago. The past year he has been at Thompson, Ga. He writes that he is well but that it is very different canvassing there than in Minnesoto. So many people do not know how to read. Last Thursday I went to East Hutchinson and had a good visit with Brn. Wm. Rahn and Kozelb Bro. Rahn will enter the work again in the spring and Bro. Kozell has ordered a supply of Steps to Christ in the Bohemian language and will soon be out canvassing among his own nationality for whom he has long had a burden. I also had the privilege of visiting with Bro. Moore at his home.* He took 185 orders for Great Controversy the past season and delivered 180. His courage is good in the work. I also met Bro. Brick-ey who canvassed in Polk Co. the past summer. He expects to canvss Hutchinson for some of our small books for a holiday delivery. Sabbath and Sunday I met with the brethren at East Hutchinson. Eld. Santee was present Sabbath afternoon and preached on the solemnity of the times in which we live. The Lord blessed in the services held. Came to Minneapolis Monday and am making arrangements for our Canvasser’s School. I desire to hear from all who are thinking of attending so as to know how many to arrange for. C. M. Everest. We have a few valuable books in stock that are slightly shelf-worn which we propose to sell to those who come first at the following astonishing low prices. These books are practically as good as new and few would ever notice any difference. They have had the paper covers taken off in showing to customers and may have a mark or scratch on them that might be objectionable to those buying a new book. This sale will last only a short time and we have only a few books that we will sell at these low prices. Who will be the lucky ones? The books will be sent post paid at the prices named below:— Daniel and Revelation, Eng., Dan., Swed., Ger. Full Morroco, regular price $4.50, reduced to $2.25. Half ” ” “ 3.75 44 44 1.75. Christian Secret of a Happy Life, Eng. and Ger. Regular price 85 cents, reduced to 40 cents. Women of’ Mormonism Regular price $2.00, reduced to 60 cents. Laberton’s New historical Atlas and General History Regular price $2.00, reduced to $1.00. Chips and Sticks, regular price $1.00, reduced to 50c. State Papers “ “ 1.25 ‘ “ 75c. Faith of our Fathers “ “ .85 ‘ “ 50c. Home Making “ “ 1.00 ‘ “ 50c. Week Day Religion “ “ 1.C0 < “ 50c. Life of Bates 44 “ 1.00 “ 50c. “ “ Miller “ 1.00 4 44 50c. “ Sketches “ “ 1.00 4 44 50c. Remember the above prices are post paid which makes them less than half price and lower than ever offered before. If you intend to make any'Christmas presents now is the time to buy and help yourself and the Tract Society at the same time. Address Minn. Tract Soc., Box 989, Minneapolis.