'■ THE MINNESOTA WORKER. “Whatsoever thy Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might.” Volume 8. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., JANUARY 13, 1897. Number 9. ^TJNTJTESOTiL WOJ^EI(, ---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. ROLL OF HONOR. A year ago this present month the writer made an earnest appeal through the columns of the Work-to the tract societies throughout the State, to make an effort to pay off their indebtedness to the State Society during the year 18%. How well they have succeeded the following report shows. At the close of the first quarter of 18% there were twelve societies which were entitled to a place on the roll of honor as having paid up all their accounts or having a credit. At the close of the quarter ending Dec. 31, 18% there were twenty-eight societies which had squared their accounts and which are given below. In this connection we also give a report of the offerings for foreign missions by societies, or what has heretofore been called Christmas offerings, but which was taken up this year the last of Nov. at the close of the Week of Prayer. We have not published the report before as we have been waiting for all the money to be sent in. To save repeating names of societies we designate those which are on the roll of! honor with a star. Other societies which had a large debt at the beginning of the year have paid off the larger portion of their indebtedness and, we believe, have labored just as faithfully and earnestly as those who are out of debt ; and we trust that before another year shall pass not only each society shall have a star attached to its name, but each member may have a starry crown laid up for them in the mansions above. The Minn. Tract Soc. wishes to thank those librarians who have labored so untiringly, and many times thanklessly, for the success of their society, and all others who have,by their kind words of encouragement and assistance in planning and praying, been instrumental in carrying forward the noblest work given to men or angels—the salvation of perishing souls. There undoubtedly has been some new librarians elected to fill this important position and it is desirous that such shall understand the rules and regulations governing its relations with the State Society, and we hope the out-going librarian will take pains to give them all the information possible, both as to the rules and keeping the books and sending in orders. If any do not have duplicating order books, in which to keep a copy of letters and orders, we advise all such to send to us for one. The Minn. Tract Soc.will furnish them at fifty cents post-paid. L. *Alden .. .$18.33 Lake City . .$ 53.80 Amboy ... 11.25 Lake Johanna .. 3.00 Austin ... 27.81 Litchfield .. 36.40 Alexandria ... 9.60 Lone Tree .. 12.60 Athens Albert Lea ... 6.00 "Marshall ... 5.00 Minneapolis (Eng. ) 71.56 Artichoke ... 67.65 “ (Scand.) 44.25 *Brownsdale "Mankato .. 15.38 Brookville ... 15.15 Moose Lake .. 12.69 Bluffton ... 3.25 "Medford . 3.31 Brainerd ... 29.27 *Mt. Lake ,. 38.41 *Canby ... 20.07 "New Boston . 1.00 Cambridge ... 13.83 Navan .. 34.30 Crow Wing ... 11.72 North Branch .. 8.00 *Dodge Center . ... 27.54 Owatonna .. 11.81 Duluth ... 18.54 "Osakis ,. 3.30 Dexter ... 6.10 Pleasant Grove ... . 4.35 Dundas ... 13.07 "Pine Island .. 22.42 Eunice . ... 10.49 Pipestone .. 5.00 Evergreen .70 "Princeton .. 3.26 Elmdale ... 5.00 "Redwood Falls ... .. 3.90 Eagle Lake ... 14.00 Renville 2.34 Freeborn ... 5.85 Rushford .. 10.00 Fair Haven ... 3.50 Red Lake Falls .. .80 *Grove Lake ... ... 15.80 St. Cloud .. 25.80 Gresham ... 6.89 "St. Paul (Scand.) 44.83 "Gilchrist ... 25.20 * “ “ (Eng.) 48.00 *Good Thunder . ... 61.45 Stowe Prairie ... .. 35.98 "Garden City "Sauk Centre . 22.07 Hutchinson "Hartland ... 29.58 "Spring Island ... 33.54 Villard .. 18.10 "Hancock ... 22.93 Verndale . 11.07 Jadis ... 6.00 "Winona . 16.71 Kingston ... 1.00 West Union . 9.00 $546.11 "Waseca "Wells Wrightstown Zumbrota "Zumbro Falls .. Individuals Total . 9.35 . 33.19 . 5.00 .70 .. 6.00 . 362.91 $15%. 70 THE MINNESOTA WORKER. # MtSSIONARY WORK. The following extract from a letter written by Sister Little, I believe is “sound”, and as it covers a point which needs attention, with her permission I give it here. “I find that in some places the idea prevails that it is wrong- to hold a missionary meeting on the Sabbath. This must be because they do not have the right conception of what a missionary meeting is. The more I think of it the more it seems to me that all Christian work is missionary work and that we could not spend the Sabbath more properly than in studying it. I have read that there was a time when the Sabbath-school was opposed by some people who thought it very improper to conduct such a service on the Sabbath. One man said, ‘The Bible tells us ‘God hath made man upright but they have sought out many inventions’ and the Sabbath-school is one of the inventions and I’ll have nothing to do with it.’ And I can remember the time when if a minister came to preach to us, the Sabbath-school was postponed, about as the missionary meeting usually is now. Well, I am thankful that the Sabbath-school is established as a regular Sabbath service and nothing is allowed to crowd it out, and I hope the day will soon come when the missionary meeting will be as firmly rooted and grounded that the people will realize that it is just as proper and necessary to hold missionary meeting on Sabbath as it is to have Sabbath-school or preach a sermon. I think this time would be hastened if some plan could be devised for further regular lessons as a basis for such meetings and nothing be introduced into them which it would be improper to give a place in any other sacred service in the house of God. As it is, the one who has the responsibility of arranging the program should seek God’s special guidance in planning and making selections for the meeting, and all objectionable features will be left out.” I think the objections brought up against holding missionary meetings on the Sabbath are usually just about as.well grounded as the one mentioned in reference to the Sabbath-school ; and I *am glad to know that there are but few who are so far behind the message as to leave the missionary meeting outside in the list of “gospel services”. To the best of my knowledge, the Second and Fourth Sabbath meetings, wherever carried on as designed, have truly been a blessing to the church. No one can come under the real influence of the missionary spirit and not be drawn heavenward, for it is the Spirit of Christ. It is true that a missionary meeting, as well as a Sabbath-school or other religious service may be conducted in such a way as to destroy its influence for gogd. Competent and consecrated leadership is needed in this work. If whoever conducts the missionary service fully believes that it is one of God’s ways of reaching out after souls and gathering them into the kingdom, he will feel the solemnity of the work, and every exercise will be in harmony with its sacred character. May the Lord help us to better understand his work, and to seek to carry it on in his way. a. E. E. * THE SABBATH SCHOOL. * Reports from Sabbath Schools. Wells. “All but two families are supplied with the Youth's Instructor. We have a Sabbath-school library with about thirty-eight books. The children and young people seem much interested in reading these books. Our written examination passed off quite well. Some had real good maps. Nearly 'all were ready to answer the last question orally which was equal to a social meeting.” Freeborn. “There was a lively interest in the written examination and nearly all felt much encouraged with the result. A few were made to feel keenly the loss they had sustained in not being more thorough in their study of the lesson. I believe if we could have graded lessons with one lesson left blank for review each quarter that it could be made a strong lever to lift our schools into a more thorough study of the lessons.” Hartland. “We held our examination the next to the last Sabbath in the quarter. The questions were written on the blackboard so that every one could see them. The school seemed quite interested in the plan to start with,but after they had tried a few of the questions the majority of them gave up and would not finish. Of course some allowance must be made as the greater part of our school is Scandinavian, and it was not so easy for them to understand what was wanted. However, those who kept at it did well, especially some of the little folks. It was pleasing to see the effort some of them put forth. If the older ones had tried as hard as the little ones did it would have been better. On the whole I think it worked quite well for the first time.” St. Paul. “Most of our pupils seem to be making considerable advancement in spiritual life. The children’s meetings are well attended and apparently enjoyed by all. The Sabbath-school take a club of Instructors. The children have THE MINNESOTA WORKER. worked some getting new subscribers. We have some money laid aside to buy library books but as yet none have been purchased.” Eagle Lake. A good number are making advancement in spiritual life, some are not but they are receiving our prayers and we hope God will still strive with them. We take a club of thirty Instructors which supplies all those who are using the paper in getting their Sabbath-school lessons. We have a library of about twenty volumes.” Minneapolis. Our Sabbath-school has made some progress spiritually. The teachers labored hard and earnestly to improve the spiritual condition of their classes. We tried the plan of holding a written examination, with a fair degree of success. We made the subject of map drawing a feature of our work during the quarter. About fifty out-line maps of Palestine were drawn. A very creditable showing in this* line of work was made by the members of our school who participated. a. l. l. ® NOTES FROM THE FIELD. ® Pipestone. Since reporting, I have held meetings in a school-house, nine miles from here. The attendance was very small at the beginning, but increased each evening. Quite a few Catholics attended, and did not flinch when the prophecies that related to the workings of their church was touched. One family seemed very much interested, though they have not committed themselves as yet. One lady and her daughter took their stand, and another trembles in the balance. She is afraid of division in her family. I had to go to Marshall to hold Quarterly Meeting the 25th of Dec. so had to postpone meetings. I came back the following Monday and held service that eve-* 1 ning. I have not been able to hold more on account of the rain, ice, and bad roads. Yesterday and today we are having one of our old-fashioned blizzards, so will have to postpone the meetings indefinitly. He who ruleth in the kingdoms of men can over-rule these unfavorable circumstances into streams of blessings. The Quarterly Meeting at Marshall was a rare treat, and God blessed the brethren there. They all seemed to be enjoying a deep experience in the things of God. True, the enemy has not left them alone, but God is making his grace abound in their lives, so that they are finding where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. Sunday afternoon I rode with Bro. Burgeson fourteen miles to Russell, where an appointment had been made for me to speak in the Presbyterian church. Though the church was a large affair, nearly every nook was taken. Two Evangelists had been there some time before,and Bro. Burgeson made the remark that we had a larger congregation than either of them. Well it was not through any of our drawing power that they were brought to hear, but it was God’s silent messenger—his Spirit. Marked attention was paid from first to last. Some hearts seemed touched as the great love of God was ufif urled in the sacrifice of his dear Son. They wanted to know if I was not going to stay longer, I told them not this time, but if I could I might meet with them at some future date. They seemed anxious to have me come. If God opens the way for us to have the church, it may be that I will hold a series of meetings there. Request was sent to me to speak in another church five miles from there. Truly God is going out before us, and oh, that we might have our lips touched with a coal from off the altar, so that the Lord can send us to fill the openings that are made by his Providence. We must be up and doing, for the night is just before us when no man can work. Brethren, may God help us to rise up in his strength and sound the note of warning abroad. Jesus is coming. Time’s fleeting, moments are fast passing away. Let us go out in the highways and byways and lift up our voices like a trumpet. C. H. Parker. Jan. 4. Eagle Lake and Kasota. Last Thursday evening we held meeting at Eagle Lake and were cheered by seeing many old veterans of the cause—dear brethren who have nobly stood by the cause in former years. Their physical powers are failing, but though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day. The Lord came near and we enjoyed a season of refreshing together. Sabbath and Sunday we held two meetings at Kasota. An elder and deacon were elected and ordained and it was truly a solemn occasion. The brethren expressed themselves as very much encouraged, and it was indeed a privilege to me to meet with the dear friends of former days once more. The land for which we sigh is getting nearer arid soon the faithful will sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God. There were sent demands at both places for a longer stay. Your brother, W. B. Hill. A Communication from the Battle Creek College Earnest Endeavor Society. This society will be recognized by former students as the College Missionary Society, and as Minnesota has always had a good representation here, we thought our friends in that State would be glad to hear concerning our work. During the Fall term it has been of a very practical nature, having solicited clothing and school-books from the people THE MINNESOTA WORKER. of this city. We sent a large quantity to a needy school for colored children in Huntsville, Ala. This school is under the supervision of a former member of the society. We have also been carrying on an extensive correspondence in missionary lines. We have always been accustomed to send out papers. Last year we took a club of 500 Signs and Sentinels besides a large number of tracts, which were also sent out. This year the students find it a hard matter to pay their way in school, and consequently cannot help the society much by private donations, and so our supply of papers has had to be diminished. At present it is only 300. Many of our members have been canvassing and know just where the papers will do the most good, and letters are received continually asking for our literature. We feel that the Lord is blessing our work, and as a goodly per cent of our papers go into the State of Minnesota, we thought some of our friends there might be glad to help us increase our supply of papers. Any donations, however small, will be gladly received and may be sent to the College Earnest Endeavor Society, * Battle Creek, Mich. In care of the writer. In the Master’s work, H. A. Henderson, Pres. All who desire to take advantage of this reduction, should make application at once, to A. G. Adams, Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn. ****************** | iTems. 1 * * ****************** King Oscar of Sweden has the honor of being arbitrator between England and the United States. Peace and safety will now be assured ? * * * M. H. Ellis has been shaking hands all around with his many friends in Minneapolis, the past few days while looking after the missionary work. * * * Born to Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Hillman in Dodge Center, Minn., Jan. 7, 1897, Olive, a seven pound and only daughter. All concerned doing well and happy. *»* “I want work. My children are hungry,” is the very significant advertisement contained in a recent daily of N. Y. City. There are thousands of anxious fathers in this country who would be glad to insert a similar advertisement in hope of obtaining money to buy bread, if they had the money to pay for the advertisement. Owatonna Christian Help Band. # # As the president of the Owatonna Christian Help Band requested me to write a report for the Worker, I send the following : It is now three months since the Band was organized at this place, and the report of work done given below will show something of the interest shown in this good work for the Master. No. of treatments given 36 ; visits made 39 ; garments distributed to the amount of $31 ; baskets of food 3 ; pages of books and tracts distributed 782 ; hours of work 48 ; cash donations received $2.21. The Band is preparing something to send to the Working Men’s Home in Chicago. All feel thankful for the privilege of having some part in the Master’s work and to relieve the suffering, for then we remember the words of our Saviour, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” James Jacobson. Who Will Go? Reduced rates of a fare and one-third have been granted to those who desire to attend the next session of the General Conference, held at Lincoln, Neb. Quite a number of the members of the Minneapolis Tract Society have started out taking orders and selling the Signs, with considerable success. Are there not many more, who read these lines, who are willing to go out with this good missionary paper among their neighbors and friends and solicit subscriptions, for three, six or twelve months ? sj *** The Minneapolis Christian Help Band wishes to to thank the Eagle Lake Society for the box and barrel of clothing received last week. Calls are coming from different parts of the State continually for help, not from the individuals who are suffering, but from our brethren who have found those destitute ones, and among our own people who are willing and anxious to work but very little to do that will bring in money with which to buy food and clothing. * * # Will librarians and all others when sending in subscriptions for any of our periodical state whether they are new or old as a reduction is given on most of our papers to new subscribers. When orders come into this office and nothing is said whether they are new or old, they are taken for old subsepriptions at the office of publication and no reduction given ; this has caused no little difficulty in the past, so those who have sent in new subscriptions have expected the reduction. This has been mentioned before through the Worker and we hope all will remember in the future.