THE \ MINNCS0TA WORKER “Whatsoever thy Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might.” Volume 8. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., SEPTEMBER 29, 1897. Number 45. TifE ¥OP,pij, ---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 post-office at Minneapolis as second class mail matter. Preparation for the End. True consecration is the especial thing- needed now by the Lord’s people. This would bring all other blessings in its train, for God can trust his Holy Spirit with the individual who is whole-hearted in his service?* and has given up sdft- and the Holy Spirit means everything to us. Consecration is a full and complete surrender of everything to God. Many say, “I want to be an overcomer and be saved”. Alas, many will be lost while waiting to be saved. The Lord says in “Steps to Christ”, p. 49, “Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians”. It will require more than a mere “want” or “desire” to save any one. This is shown in Luke 13:24. “Strive [Greek, agonize] to enter in at the strait gate; for many I say shall seek [want or wish] to enter in, and shall not be able.” Such an intense longing for eternal life as will cause us to yearn for God “as the hart pan-teth for the water-brook”, and to esteem his presence above every earthly consideration, will gain it. * How mighty God could work with such a company! None of the glory would be given to self. When in days of old Gideon’s army of thirty-two thousand was filled with faint-hearted, selfish persons, God could not work with it. It was cut down to ten thousand^ majority cared more f*r ease and self than for God and his cause, and the Lord was unable to give them victory over their enemies. But when three hundred consecrated men were at his command, they were more than equal to the multiplied thousands of the enemy, and God gave a mighty victory to his cause, to the praise of his own glorious name. Consecration was the secret of their success. Next week we will notice how this work maybe done, and some of the results to us. But in the mean- time, let us seek an individual experience, remembering the precious promise,—“Ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” D. E. Scoles. PERSONAL EFFORT IN SAVING MEN. I am convinced, after years of experience in the ministry, that live minutes personal, private entreaty will often accomplish more in winning souls to Christ than five months public preaching. The preaching may mean any one, or no one in the congregation; but when you speak directly, personally to me you mean me. Nathan’s “Thou art the man” brought David to his knees, and he confessed* “I have sinned against the Lord.” Preaching runs all around men, and all over them, like a pail of wrater, sprinkled on a lot of corked bottles. Personal effort uncorks the bottle, puts in the funnel, and fills them one by one. But some one may say, I do not know how to talk about religion. Then you had better learn how'. But how and wdiere shall I learn, you may ask? Well, the same way I learned to swim. I jumped into the water, and practiced till I learned. All the talk I ever heard about swimming did not make me a swdmmer. I had to have the actual experience. So it is in winning souls; we must go out and seek to save those that are lost. Jesus says to tin* unlearned fishermen of Gallilee, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers'of men.” You can talk to people about the weather, crops, fashion,, health, and the newrs; why not speak to them about their salvation? O let us seek the lost. Let us remind men that they are goifrg toward death, and the judgemeiqL^J^ for opportunities to do good And we will find them. Read Acts 10 : 38 and see example John 9:1-7. The Lord has said that “he that winneth souls is wise”. Daniel Nettletox. “God was light to the children of Israel, but a lightning stroke to the Egyptians.” “The man who would lead others, must have the courage to step off alone.” THE MINNESOTA WORKER. CHARACTER BUILDING. The shipbuilder whose reputation is at stake will have nothing but the best material of which to build a ship. Every piece of timber must be inspected and subjected to the closest scrutiny, well knowing that the storms and waves of old ocean will try the stoutest part. So with our character building. If the material that enters into the character is weak there will come a time when the waves of adversity on the great ocean of life will beat upon the weak places of the character, and a shipwreck, of what might have been a beautiful life, is the result. “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock ; and the rain descended, and the Hoods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Thus spoke the great Teacher of the ages. His prophetic eye could look down through the coming years of time and see the wrecks strewn along the treach-rous, sandy shore. The foundation of character was weak and when temptation came—the storm, the wind, the flood that beat upon the house— down went the poor soul, struggling against those mighty elements. Fathers, mothers, teachers, are you assisting those precious souls entrusted to your care to dig deep that they may build on the Rock? Are you endeavoring, with the help of the Almighty, to put the best material into the frame-work of their character? Each one who reads these lines is. building a house—character—to fall in time or stand in eternity. Let us see what some of these “sayings” are that the Master builder wants to weave into our character—some of the solid timbers He wants to add to our spiritual hom e; “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. * * Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and elections sure: for if ye do these things, ye (your house) shall never fall.” Such a house with such material will always be symmetrical and beautiful inside and out. In such an edifice will the great Architect love to dwell; for there will be peace, and joy, and happiness there: But best of ail, it will stand amid the storms of temptation, and when the Hood of God’s wrath shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. l. b. l. ® NOTES FROM THE FIELD. ® Artichoke. I am glad to report that the cause here is steadily onward, and souls are deciding in favor of the blessed truth. Brother Stone’s recent labors in our church and vicinity of Clinton and Chokio have been very much appreciated. It seemed for some time that his labor would be almost fruitless, but the tide has turned in favor of truth. Last Sabbath and Sunday Bro. Stone spoke with freedom and power to a large congregation in the church, and in the afternoon, on Sunday, we gathered on the shore of Artichoke lake where a large number met to witness the baptism; and it»seemed to have a deep impression on the people as twenty precious souls followed their Lord in baptism and united with the Artichoke church; some were from Clinton and some from Chokio. • At the last named place there are others deeply interested, who will undoubtedly unite with the church soon. May these dear souls, as well as all God’s people continue to be led by the Spirit of the Master. O. A. Peterson. Alden. We closed our meetings here last Sunday night, the 19th. Our audience toward the last was very small. While there are a number who are convinced of the truth, it is difficult to get them to move. However there are two women from the country who have accepted the Sabbath since those previously reported. Several others here are yet halting in the valley of decision for whom we are hoping. aYid praying. Two others in town will meet with us in Sabbath meetings, but they have not yet indentified themselves with us fully, but will perhaps later on. Our greatest difficulty now is, to find a place for worship. The churches are closed against us, and no other place has yet opened within a reasonable limit of rent. We are hoping that a few more will accept the truth so we can build a church. May the Lord bless the work at Alden. D. L. ScolES, P. S. Olsen. Remember the semi-annual collection for the Haskell Home for Orphans, Oct. 2, 1897. THE MINNESOTA WORKER Or Spirit of Prophecy. ********* We are in perilous times, times in which the very elect will be deceived were it possible. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is becaese there is no light in them,” is the command. As a people, we are favored with not only right interpretation of that law', but we have the testimony of the Holy Spirit as well. Every Seventh-day Adventist family should have the books containing the direct testimony of God for this time. Our churches should have complete sets to loan to members who are not able to purchase for themselves. The summer is closing, not only in a literal but in a spiritual way. Longer evenings are fast approaching, and much reading w’ill be done; let it be done in the wray of searching for light. To aid in this direction, we append a description of all the works now published by Sister White. We entreat you to obtain a full set, and then give them fhe careful study their importance demands. Is it possible the Lord’s will is met when his messages to us lie on the shelves of the office of publication and the State Depository? Will he not help, in a temporal way, those who will put forth earnest efforts to obtain and stud}' these books?—Of course he will. Let us study his word and his testimony, and we may intelligently go forward, for we can not go forward without study and a knowiedge of his will. Our church elders and librarians can engage in no more fruitful missionary efforts than in placing the importance of these publications before their members, both in public and private. In this way, all the books ordered by the members of one church may be sent for at one time and to one address, thus saving heavy transportation charges. The following is a DESCRIPTION OF BOOKS PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS THE GREAT CONTROVERSY These are large subscription books, fully describing the great conflict between good and evil, from the rebellion in Heaven to the time when the universe is clean and the great controversy forever ended. The first of the series is PABIABCHS AND PBOPHETS* It traces the controversy from its inception to the close of David’s reign. THE OBEAT C0NTB0VEB8Y commences with the prophecy concerning the destruction of Jesusalem, and traces the conflict through to the final overthrow of sin. These volumes were originally published as “Spirit of Prophecy,” Volumes 1, 2,3, and 4, but have been enlarged and richly and carefully illustrated, that they may the more readily attract the attention of the reading public. The following prices apply to the two books now on the market, viz., “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Great Controversy” : — Cloth, marbled edges ■- S2 25 Cloth, gilt edges - 2 75 Library, marbled edges - 3 00 Half Morocco, gilt edges 3 50 Full Morocco, gilt edges - 450 TESTIMONIES FOB THE CHUBCH, in five volumes. These volumes include Testimonies Nos. 1 to 33, and contain precious instruction covering almost every phase of Christian life. They will be found very helpful to the child of God and deserve most careful study. The prices have been reduced as follows : — Per set of 5 volumes, bound in cloth, $5 00; single volume $1 00 Per set of 5 volumes, library style, 7 50; single volume 1 50 We also have on hand a number of Testimony No. 32 which has always sold for 50 cents, but the Minnesota Tract Society has decided to close them out at 30 cents. Add 5 cents for postage. STEPS TO CHBIST Bound in cloth 00 cts. THOUGHTS FB0M THE MOUNT OF BLESSING.—A new book, and one that can not be praised too highly. The following notice concerning it appeared in an Eastern religious journal, and is only a sample of many more at our command : — “Its entire trend indicates the author’s confidence in the words of Christ, ‘The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ While those words were first addressed to a cosmopolitan gathering centuries ago, they are applicable to all time, and come to us still freighted with that same ‘spirit’ and that same ‘life’.” It contains 201 pages, is richly illustrated and tastily bound in cloth at 75 cts; half calf at $1 00. EABLY WHITINGS contains the early experiences of Mrs. E. G. White, together with her first testimonies. Man y of these earl}' visions are descriptive of the last great struggle through which the people of God must pass, and are of intense interest and importance. If there is one book in this series of more importance than another, it is “Early Writings” Price 75 cts. CHBISTIAN EDUCATION.—A book for the parent, the teacher, and the student. The subject is treated from a scriptural standpoint, and the book contains principles that are of the greatest value to us all, as students in the great school of Christ. Contains 255 pages; bound in cloth, 50 cts. SCBIPTUBAL INDEX TO MBS. E. G. WHITE’S WOBKS - Mrs. White did not edit or arrange the matter contained in this book, yet it belongs properly to this list, for to the student of the “Spirit of Prophecy” it is a great help. It contains a complete compendium of the scriptures used in her works. These texts are arranged in consecutive order, and a citation made from each to book and page where the comment will be found. It is interleaved with paper for notes. Bound in cloth 60 cts.; morocco with gilt edges, SI 00. DESCRIPTION OF PAMPHLETS. BIBLE SANTIFICATION—A contrast between true and false theories of Bible holiness; 82 pages: Price, 10 cts. DESCRIPTION OF TRACTS. BENEFITS OF BIBLE STUDY.—The design of this excellent tract is to awaken people to the importance of Bible study and show the great benefits to be derived therefrom. Price, %. ct. CHRIST TEMPTED AS WE ARE.-Full of instruction and encouragement to the tempted and tried. Price, 1 ct. CHRISTIANS’ PRIVILEGE. —This number will inspire hope and courage to many a struggling and way-worn traveler to Zion. Price, l/2 ct. ELECT OF GOD.—Shows who are the elect, how and when they w'ere elected. Price, % ct. HOME MISSIONARY WORK.-A compilation of inspired appeals in behalf of home missionary efforts. Everyone should read and carry out its instructions. Price, 2 cts. JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.—The kind of faith necessary to justification, and how it accomplishes that end, are the principal thoughts in this most valuable tract. Price, 1 ct. PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.—Precious privilege, indeed! A privilege that few of us realize in its fulness. Yet we may. To enable all to become more intelligent upon this vital point, this tract is presented. Price, 1 ct. SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE MEMBERS OF SECRET SOCIETIES?—This question is attracting world-w'ide attention. We have it answered in this tract from a Bible standpoint. Price, 1 % ct. SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST.—This is an excellent number for the prejudiced and unconverted. Christ’s fearful agony in the garden is depicted in a vivid manner; the true reason for this terrible suffering is also given. Price, 2 cts. WAY TO CHRIST.—What is this way? Can it be found? Practical instruction is given along these lines. Price, 1 ct. Address all orders to Minn. Tract Soc. THE MINNESOTA WORKER. Lake Benton. ( At present I am holding- but two services per week in this place. The rest of my time is spent in the rural district, three and one-half miles south of Lake Benton. We have had some precious seasons together in the “little red school-house on the hill”. Especially last night—Saturday—the Lord came touchingly near. I spoke upon the Sabbath Question. After the meeting one, Johnson by name, informed me that he and his wife had fully decided to obey the Lord and keep his commandments. As I started back to Benton—trudging along in the dusty Toad— the way didn’t seem half so lonely nor the night so dark. I am of good courage and trust to be remembered in the devotions of the faithful. O. O. Bernstein. THE BOOK WORK. Canvassers’ Report for Week Ending Sept. 17, 1897.- two weeks. ORDERS TAKEN. Book Val. Val. Helps. A. Hawley P. J. $16.95 $ 1.80 H. Shelstad a a 19.95 3.60 G. Henrikson 44 4 i 6.25 2.65 C. E. Burgeson (4 (4 22.10 10.40 K. O. Shawham G. C. 50.75 .70 J. W. Ingison B. R. 25.00 Win. Rahn C. O. S. . 14.50 .65 I. T. Andrus 44 44 44 10.20 5.14 Hattie Richel C.O.S.&G.P. 13.25 Martha Lee 44 44 11.00 Hjalmar Rued s. s. 30.00 $219.95 $24.94 Bro. Ingison’s report includes the Bibles he has taken orders for. I am pleased to report that I have made out contracts with three new canvassers, since last writing, who will soon take up their work for the Master. And there are others who desire to enter the work later on. J. F. Pogue. Calling. Cards, Announcement Cards, Wedding Invi-v i t a t io ns, wtioneru. etc. printed from type almost equal to plate engraving.—correct styles. CALLING CARDS 40c per 100, post-paid. Estimates and Samples furnished. Geo. Nelson, 337 £. Lake St., M’pTs. Refined cottonseed oil, 5 gallons in good jacketed can, 65 c per gal; 2 gallons in jacketed can, 70 c per gal. Try it. Apricots, in 25 lb boxes, 9c per lb. Pears, in 251b boxes, 7c per lb. Sun:dried Apples, per lb., 5^c. Good 3 crown raisins, 7c per lb; in 50 lb boxes 6%c. Wincheee & Nash, 506 W. Lake St., Minneapolis. ****************** I JTSmS. li * * ^^ ^ ^ nS ^ ‘T* nS ^S'^ ^ Bro. D. P. Curtis requests all the laborers to send their quarterly reports to C. W. Flaiz, Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn. * * # Bro. J. F. Pogue returned from the Frazee Camp-meeting the latter part of last week quite sick; but is better at this writing. * * # The librarian from Lake City writes that .she is glad to say the Lord is working with us here. Some are asking for reading, and those we are supplying receive it thankfully. * * * • Eld. Flaiz and Nettleton returned to this city last Monday and report an excellent Camp-meeting at Frazee. They both go to Marshall to attend the meeting at that place this week. * * * Bro. W. S. Wedge and Clarence Patch held two street-meetings the past week in Minneapolis. Quite an interest was manifested by those who listened,and it is hoped that some seed may have fallen on good ground. * # * Mr. Harry Knapp, medical missionary nurse, from the Battle Creek Sanitarium, stopped over night the fore part of the week with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Pogue in Minneapolis. He is returning to his work in Battle Creek after a short visit and vacation to his home in Das-sell, Minn. It was with not little surprise that the following announcement was received at this office last week : Martin T. Johnson, Fannie P. Burgess, Married, Wednesday, September twenty-second, eighteen hundred ninety-seven, Mankato, Minnesota. At home 214 South sixth St., Mankato, Minn. All those having business to transact with the State secretary of the Sabbath-school Association will please bear in mind the change of name. * * * In a letter from W. E. Cornell, of the American Sentinel, we learn that “one of our brethren in Ala-bame who was a mail carrier, got discharged by the post master for ‘insubordination’ because he refused to report for duty on the Sabbath when it was understood that he was to lay off that day. When the matter came to the attention of the Post Master General, that official from Washington ordered his immediate reinstatement, sending word that he had a wholesome regard for a man with the courage of his convictions, or words to that effect”. Bro. W. J. Newton who has been carrying mail in Minneapolis for the past twenty-three years has been called before the post master several times for refusing to work on the Sabbath; but the Lord has intervened in his behalf.