MINNCS0T
WORKER.
“Whatsoever thy Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might.”
Volume 8.	MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., JUNE 16, 1897.	Number 80.
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MINNESOTA TRACT SOCIETY.
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Proceedings of the Minnesota Conference, Thirty-sixth Annual Session,
June 1 - 4, 1897.
The first meeting convened at 9 a. m. June 1, and opened with singing, and prayer by Bro. Mead. The roll of churches was called, and delegates took their seats, to the number of 54, representing 28 churches. The President gave a brief statement in regard to the work of the past year, and the present condition of the work in the Conference. Visiting brethren present were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. Requests for membership in the Conference, were read by the secretary, from the churches of Osakis, with 22 members; Eagle Bend with 14 member; Pipestone, with 18 members; Bluff ton, with 10 members; and Duluth Scandinavian with 12 members, and they were all accepted as members. The Stowe Prairie church requested that its name be changed to Ilewitt, and the Jadis church requested to be known as the Roseau church, which requests were granted.
The chair announced the committees for theV session, as follows: On nominations, John Em-merson, Andrew Mead, C. II. Parker; on resolutions, M. H. Ellis, C. L. Emmerson, N. A. Kauble; on credentials and licenses, C. M. Everest, Fred Johnson, Andrew Mead; audit- I ing committee; John Emmerson, Fred Norton/
J. F. Anderson, Rudolph Nelson, John Clark, II. II. Camp.
The Secretary presented the following brief report.
TO THE MINNESOTA CONFERENCE.
In submitting a brief report of the work as connected with my office, will say, that from the reports made to me during the year, it appears that there have been added to the churches, by letter 59; by vote, 68; by baptism 70: Total additions 192. Dismissed by letter, 102; by death, 18; disfellowshipped, 34; Total 154. The number of churches in the conference is 75. It is impossible to give the exact membership, for the reason that the clerks of some of the churches do not report regularly, and some do not report at all. During the year, 80 clerks have reported every quarter; 21 have reported 8 quarters; 6 have reported two quarters; 4 one quarter, and 6 not at all. From the latest returns on hand, the total membership is 2,465. The treasurers have done much better at reporting than the clerks. Of the 75 in all, 46 have reported every quarter; 15 have reported three quarters; 5 for two quarters; 8 for one quarter, and six not at all. According to these reports, the whole number who have paid tithe during the year is 1,238, being just half of the total membership of the Conference. A few send in tithe to the Conference treasurer, that are not reported to me. The report of the treasurer will show the amount of tithe paid. The churches that have not reported at all, are Byron, Gordon, Faribault, Irving, New Auburn, and Swanville. Of these, Byron and New Auburn have good comfortable houses of worship, and there are some members left, who, if they could have the proper encouragement by some judicious, well-directed labor, in the vicinity, might be a nucleus for a church which would hold up the light of the message to the world. At Faribault there are a few who pay their tithe regularly, and who also might be helped by some judicious labor. I have not been able to get any returns from Irving, Gordon, and Swanville, and I think that they may be counted
THE MINNESOTA WORKER.
as dead, and be dropped from the records as members of the conference.
Respectfully submitted.
I). P. Ci'rtis, Conf. Sec.
The second meeting was called June 2, at 5 o’clock i\ m. , and was opened with singing, and prayer by Bro. Hill. The recommendation of the secretary to drop the names of the Irving, Gordon, and Swanville churches, was considered. Bro. Ilill stated that the Gordon church disbanded in August last, and the members formed a part of the Osakis church. This church was dropped. The Treasurer submitted his report as
follows:
Received as tithe from churches......$15,115.30
“ on Loan to Agents.............. 9.58
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1890........ 2,991.54
Total $18,116.42
Paid to Laborers.................. $14,069.39
Tithe to Gen. Conf.............. 1,827.22
“ Review & Herald.................... 103.75
“ Minn. Tract Soc..................... 35.36
“ Conf. Expense ...................... 42.28
In Suspended Bank .................... 991.15
Cash on hand May 31 ................ 1,047.27
Total $18,116.42
C. M. Everest, Treasurer.
The report was approved.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported, recommending that credentials be given to Elders, C. W. Flaiz, I). P. Curtis, W. B. Hill, II. F. Phelps, Andrew Mead, I). Nettle-ton, Fred Johnson, I). E. Scoles, A. J. Voth, and A. J. Stone; and that the following named brethren be ordained and given credentials: J. II. Behrens, C. L. Emmerson, VV. A. Sweany, and C. II. Parker.
That Ministerial License be given to Brn. J. F. Pogue, A. W. Kuehl, O. O. Bernstein, A. E. Christian, J. W. Ingison, P. S. Olsen, and L. II. Christian.
That Missionary Licenses be given to Brn. C. M. Everest, M. H. Ellis, L. B. Losey, and Andrew Lillvis; and to Srs. A. E. Ellis, Rose F. Mead, Ella Merickel, Lena Nichols, Hannah Carlson, Alma Johnson, and Frances Bough ton.
The report was considered by items, and adopted. The committee on nominations of officers made its report as follows: For president, C. W. Flaiz; Vice-president, Fred Johnson;
Secretary, D. P. Curtis, Treasurer, C. M. Everest; Executive Committee, C. W. Flaiz, Fred Johnson, C. M. Everest, Andrew Mead, and J. II. Behrens. Report adopted.
Subsequently the Comm itt.ee reported for Trustees of the Minnesota Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, the names of C. W. Flaiz, C. M. Everest, Andrew Mead, and Fred Johnson, for the term of two years, and that M. II. Ellis fill the vacancy made by the removal of A. G. Adams. The report was adopted.
The third meeting convened at 9 a. m. on June 4, and opened in the usual manner:
The Committee on Resolutions submitted the following recommendations:
1.	That the Executive Committee be requested to appoint two or more local Camp-meetings, to be held at such time and place as will best accomodate the churches in the Conference.
2.	That we call the attention of the Executive Committee to Resolution 4 of the session of 1887, which reads: “That the Executive Committee shall appoint an auditor of the books and accounts of the Treasurer, and other accounts which may properly be submitted to him, in time that he may be prepared to report when called upon during the session of the Conference”
3.	That the Conference Committee be requested to appoint the Auditing Committee early enough to permit of the work of auditing of all accounts of laborers at a time other than that of local or general camp-meetings.
4.	Whereas, The Lord has, through the Testimonies of his Spirit, indicated that we as a people are far behind our privileges intellectually; And, Whereas, we are admonished to study systematically and faithfully with the end in view of the mastery of the sciences according to the word of God; And, Whereas, in the providence of God, a school of correspondence has been established in connection with the Walla Walla College for the benefit of those who are unable to attend school; Therefore, Resolved, That we rec-commend our ministers, churches, and lay members, to consider the advisability of taking one or more lines of study in this correspondence school.
On a motion to adopt by items, an amendment was offered to the first, which was voted down, and the item was passed. The third was laid on the table, and fourth was discussed by Bro. Scoles and others, and the whole was adopted.
THE MINNESOTA WORKER.
The following recommendations were offered and after some discussion adopted.
1.	That the Conference Treasurer’s year close with March 31, instead of May 31, so as to give opportunity for the Treasurer to close the account of the Conference, and the same to be audited, before the meeting of the Conference.
2.	That the publication of the Minnesota Worker be continued, and that the Conference sustain one-third of the loss in its publication.
The following resolutions were presented and adopted.
Resolved, That we extend a vote of thanks to the Minn. Transfer Co. for the use of these grounds; and also to the different railway companies; for the privileges of reduced fare.
Resolved, that we extend a vote of thanks to the various daily papers of the Twin Cities, for their courtesies in publishing daily reports of our ( amp-meeting and Conference.
The minutes of the meeting were read and approved, and the Conference adjourned.
C.	W. Flaiz, Pres.
D.	P. Curtis, Sec.
■fr MISSIONARY WORK. $
Report of Corresponding Secretary of Minn. Tract Soc. for the Year ending May 31, 1897.
Year by year as we have sought to grasp the true “missionary idea” as given in the Bible, its blessed possibilities have unfolded before us in ever widening lines; yet how slow we are to comprehend the meaning of the Master’s words—“As the Father hath sent me into the world, even so send I you”. Personal recognition of the Divine command, and individual acceptance of the commission would work wonders in our ranks. “It is one thing to be outwardly conformed to a pleasing model; another to be inwardly transformed to the Divine likeness.”
I am glad to say that the spirit of individual responsibility in the work seems to be on the increase. Never have so many societies reported the entire membership active as the past year. This greatly increases the power of our organized work; for the real strength of an organization lies in the individual faithfulness of its members. There is truth in the remark of one of our librarians, that it is easy to plan the work for those who are eager to do something, but extremely hard to make any plan work when the plan is the only thing that is expected to work.
There has been a greater diversity than usual in our missionary efforts in the State. While the old and tried ways have not been neglected, other practical work of many kinds has been carried on. As
one librarian expresses it, “our members are eager to do whatever comes to hand”. This is literal obedience to one of the plainest of missionary commands, “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with'thy might”. Fully two thirds of our societies have taken active measures for the relief of the sick and poor, both at home and abroad. Our city organizations for this special line have done excellent work; and in the many societies where the membership is small and scattered, the fact has been recognized that this is missionary work and can be carried on by the society the same as other missionary lines.
I would be glad to see this branch of the work receive a good share of attention. The exercise of careful thought and judgement will suggest to the officers of each society the best way of taking it up.
Commendable efforts have been made to increase the circulation of our church papers, and with a good degree of success. Our missionary publications have not been forgotten. The Signs, especially, has been kept before the people, and much good has resulted from its use. This paper has never been more favorably received among my own correspondents than the past year. While from the increase of other work it has almost seemed that it would be necessary for me to usef fewer copies of the Signs, yet I have felt very reluctant to diminish the club, and so have kept up the 100 copies; and although not able to give this work as much attention as it deserved, yet scores of good letters have been received and seven persons have been led, through the blessing of God, to an acceptance of the truth. Many others seem convinced, and may the Lord give them strength to obey. Some societies have reported evident good results from their efforts, while other, though not yet gladdened with visible fruits, are still blessed in their work, believing that “they who sow in tears shall reap in joy”.
I gladly mention the increased interest in foreign mission work. It has been our constant aim to maintain a steady interest in all branches of the work; and it has seemed in the past that there has been no adequate provision for this important work. At our meeting last year, the matter Was carefully considered, and it was recommended that we set aside a definite day each month, (the second Sabbath) for public service in the interest of the foreign mission work, giving all an opportunity to bring their offerings for the same. The plau seemed to meet a long-felt need, and has received the hearty support of nearly all our churches. I have tried to make provision for most of these meetings, either by suitable readings, letters from our missionaries, or suggestions, as most of our churches seldom enjoy ministerial help and must provide for their own meetings. Some, through failure to apprehend the real nature and object of these meetings have not received as much benefit as others; but the testimony from our librarians has been without exception that the missionary services were a great help to the spiritual interests of the church; and how could it be otherwise when we are so plainly taught that in unselfish work for others lies the secret of blessing for ourselves. The offerings for foreign work also show an increase of
THE MINNESOTA WORKER.
over $1100.00 over those of last year, thus witnessing to the practical value of the plan.
While I ^tn glad to report the increase in donations for the foreign work, I am none the less so to say that the offerings for home work have also been on the increase, and that the societies have made greater progress in paying up indebtedness than in any previous year.
At the earnest request of our librarians, the missionary selections have been continued through the year. And while this effort to give to our societies a tctfete from the rich fields of missionary literature may seem like a “drop in the bucket”, yet even this is not without its results, and many have been quickened to higher thoughts and purposes. The selections sent out have amounted in the aggregate, to about 14,000 pages. Besides these, I have also sent out 1,975 letters, a little less than half of which were personal, the others circular. 6,200 periodicals have been distributed, and 11,897 pages of books and tracts.
The missionary department in the Worker has proven to be a good medium for the exchange of experiences and other helpful suggestions. I wish it might be more generally used by all our laborers.
The largest number of societies reporting in any
one quarter during the year is, is 61.
Largest reported membership................... 987
Letters written............................. 7,500
Letters received............................ 1,641
Bible-readings held......................... 1,383
Subscriptions received, outside	of societies, 340
Periodicals distributed..................... 67,308
Pages books and tracts distributed.........425,351
Missionary visits.........................   9,441
I cannot close this report without a word of encouragement for the children ai^ young people, some of whom, at least, have learned that it is more blessed to give than to receive; and that acceptable giving does not always mean montey, but if we first give ourselves to the Lord, a multitude of precious efforts and influences flow heavenward. To the faithful librarians who have stood firmly for God through many difficulties, no words of mine could be so precious as those I have marked in my Bible as the “Missionaries’ promise”, “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.”
A. E. Euus.
After three month’s visit with my fartnily at College View, I started for Cari^y. Held three days meetings. Three were baptized and added to the church there. Had one of the most blessed quarterly meetings with this church that I have held since coming to the faith. This church is growing. The missionary society here, though Dane, is taking two clubs, five each, of the English papers, Signs and Sentinel. An inferest in the village of Canby is being created through reading these papers.
Held three igood meetings at Marshall. Bro. Henry Butgeson was ordained local eld&r, and Sr. Gay elected clerk on the resignation of her brother who went to Minneapolis to connect with the branch
Health Food Co. At Brookville we held fully three day’s meetings. God was truly with us. The Missionary society here takes a club of ten English papers. This is a Danish church. I hope our American churches will remember the Scandinavians in their vicinity and take clubs of the Scandinavian papers. Held two meetings with the Swedish brethren at South Bend. Also two meetings with the Alden church. Considerable reading matter is being circulated in this vicinity by the church there and Bro. P. Olsen. Several speak highly of the matter in the papers.
At Hartland we held six meetings. We held a most excellent missionary meeting. Several gave their experiences of this work. This church has a club of twelve Sendebuds. A club of five more will be sent for to another address where some of our brethren live. It was truly refreshing to be there. A collection of nearly $4.00 was taken up for the local society there. These meetings are so much better than church trials, so we all thought. One elderly brother, to the joy of the church, was added here.
H. R. Johnson.
THE BOOK WORK.
Canvassers' Report for Week Ending June 4, 1897.
ORDERS TAKEN.
	Book	Ord.	Val. Val. Helps.	
P. O. Johnson	G. Cft	10	$23.50	$2.50
D. A. Deedon	U («	2	5.25	.28
A. Hawley	P. J.	11	17.25	5.15
F. E. Rew	D. & R.	1	2.25	1.15
I. T. Andrus	C. O. S.	24	19.90	1.45
		4£>	$68.15	$10.53
A number of canvhssers have been delivering the past week.
Bro. Jacob Skadsem reports $34.30 worth of books delivered in Moorhead the past week.
Brn. P. O. Johnson and D. A. Deedon spent last week at Jamestown, N. Dak. Camp-meeting.
Bro. Erick Peterson started this week for his field of labor in Sherburne Co.
Sisters Martha Lee and Hattie Richiel started for Stillwater this week to make that their field of labor
We just received a letter from Bro. Wm. C. Rahn stating that he would soon be ready to enter the field for the season.
We are pleased to see some of these old and tried canvassers such as F. E. Rew, Erick Peterson, Wm. Rahn, and others enlisting in this grand and noble work again, which is the means of reaching many who otherwise would never have the opportunity of hearing the truth. May others g*o and do likewise.
J. F. Pogue.
If any who sent in orders late for the Minneapolis Times did not receive them regularly we hope they will not blame us as we gave due notice that it could not be properly attended to unless the orders were •sent in early. The most of the names were sent in to the publishers and the papers were sent out from their office. We have a few extra copies left of the whole set which will be sent to any address as long as they last for 20 cents for the two weeks of the meeting.