'VTHE
MINNESOTA
WORKER
“Whatsoever thy Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might.*’
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., APRIL 21,	1897.	Number 23.
Volume 8.
¥f[E J*f[JVJTESOTiL WO^EJ},
---I68UED 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.
Missionary Farming.
Reports from Fred Johnson, just received, where he has been laboring at Eagle Bend, and Moose Lake, are very encouraging. Several acres have Jbeen pledged for the General Relief Fund in Minnesota, as well as money, at the above named places. If the brethren in these localities can contribute to the Lord’s cause why can they not in more favored parts of the State, where crops are more abundant and larger acreage is cultivated. Some might raise the objection that it would be too much trouble to cultivate an acre or more separately and harvest the same apart from the other crop. But really it is not necessary to do this. For example, if a farmer has in sixty acres of wheat, corn, or whatever the crop may be, and he wishes to pledge five acres of it to the Lord’s cause, an average can be made of the amount raised per acre. If the crop is wheat, and averages fifteen bushels per acre, five acres would produce seventy-five bushels which, at sixty cents per bushel,would amount to forty-five dollars. If one acre is pledged the amount in cash would be nine dollars.
Now brethren, who read this and who have farms, don’t you think that if a small portion of your crop was promised to the Lord’s cause this spring, and
j. i.--tJlP &upimgf^ wpnt. us*
to the Husbandman for his blessing on the whole crop, that he would open “the windows of heaven, and pour you out such a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”? Surely if there is not room enough in our hearts to receive his blessing, when they are full it will flow out to other hearts, and other lives will be blessed.
Are there not other lives in other lands being blessed today by those who have been raised up in Minnesota through the missionary efforts, and have
gone out to give the “glad tidings of great joy” to those who are sitting in darkness?
May the Lord bless the faithful ones who are sacrificing for the truth they profess to love, and when the Husbandman shall garner into his great storehouse the precious fruit—the redeemed souls— may he find a rich harvest in Minnesota.	L.
Obituary.
Another faithful soul gone to his rest, and it might truly be said he died at his post, for Brother S.H. Wing, who died at his home in Verndale, Minn., April 11, was taken sick while canvassing last fall and was obliged to leave his work for others to finish. His companion whom he leaves to mourn his loss writes that she is sure he sleeps in Jesus, and just before he passed away he sang the comforting words “We are going home”. Almost his last words were “Jesus is with me”.
Though the King of Terrors claims him, it won’t be,long ere -his.song wilLagain be heard, not as it was last heard, but a new song; not “We are going home”, but we have reached our heavenly home, and Jesus will be with him still and many others-will undoubtedly be there to clasp glad hands and praise their heavenly Father that he sent Bro. Wing many weary miles to their homes in Minnesota or Dakota to leave the seeds of truth in this book or that one, which found a lodgement in their hearts and turned their feet in the true path that led them to the kingdom.
Bro. Wing was one of the oldest, active canvassers in Minnesota, having given about nine years of his life to this noble calling. Words of comfort by C. L. Etnmerson.	l.
Died, April ninth at 1604 - 5th Ave. S., Minneapolis, little Nellie Knapp, aged nine years and six months, only daughter of our beloved brother and sister, J. D. C. Knapp. She was a member of the Sabbath-school at our Lake St. and Fourth Ave. AxUAwvrk and a..bright, and intelligent little Christian, and an affectionate member of her home.
Since her death, men not of our faith, with whom she was acquainted, have been heard to remark that their life had been made better from having known her, and associating with her sweet young life. Though her life in this sinful world is ended yet its influence for good will go on throughout eternities’ years; and her parents can look forward with the comforting hope that Jesus will soon raise her to life and health-again. Meantime they have the sympa-
THE MINNESOTA WORKER.
thy of God’s people. She was laid away to rest in beautiful Lakewood cemetery till the trump of God shall sound to call his people forth. Words of comfort by the writer.	J. W. Ingison.
$ MISSIONARY WORK. $
Thinking that all will be interested in the following letter just received from Sister Kraus-haar, in reference to missionary work in the South, I gladly give it the “missionary” space in this week’s Worker.	A. E. E.
The people, the laws, the customs, are all so different here from what they are in the North, that upon entering this field of labor we indeed felt the need of seeking God for wisdom and guidance, asking him to direct us and to show what and how to do.
We at once organized our Sabbath-school, prayer meeting and missionary meeting. The neighbors, who seemed very friendly, on hearing about our prayer meeting, have attended quite frequently, sometimes as many as twenty in all being present.
Our work has been principally, distributing the Little Friend and Instructor, loaning Gospel Primer, Glorious Appearing, Steps to Christ, etc. The colored teachers in the public school in Tupelo, having read Glorious Appearing, became somewhat interested, and a short time ago the lady teacher, knowing that 1 was a S. D. A., told me she would like to investigate the Sabbath question. The lady that she boards with, these two teachers of the colored Baptist church, and a young lady of the colored Methodist church, all very intelligent and well-educated, are coming to me for light upon these things. The Spirit of God seems to be impressing the minds of the people. We had not intended to present these points to them for sometime yet, and have not only as circumstances and necessity have required it, or when they would ask us about them. Tins lady teacher tells me that she has never, heard so much talk all through their churches about the Sabbath and the ten commandments as she has since we came here. Last Friday night the Methodists had a discussion in their church among themselves upon the law, whether the commandments were ail still binding or not. W e have not heard the result
As people have received these little papers it has advertised us far and near. A colored lady from Corinth, about thirty miles north of us sent me word that she wanted to subscribe for the Instructor. Ilow she learned about it I do not know. A colored man about two miles from here said he thought it was one of the best papers he had ever read, and he wanted it for his children as soon as he could get it. Some of the members of the colored Miss. Baptist church about two miles north of us, came to us desiring to have a night school for the older people who wanted to learn to read. These little papers had interested them, and, without our ever mentioning such a thing, they said they did not know whether their minister was telling them the truth or not, as they could not read it for themselves. I remembered what the Spirit of God had told us about this, and how we had sought the Lord to show us what we ought to do; and feeling that it was an opportunity at least in harmony with God’s will I told them that perhaps we might help them a little if they wished us to, and cared to come down here. I proposed this way thinking tb do the work as carefully and quietly as possible; but they said there were others who would want to come And that the church would be more central. The building was used for both church and school purposes. This church is controlled by five deacons. All were willing and anxious, made their own appointment for the next Tuesday evening, and sent me a written note to that effect, asking me to come. Accordingly my husband and I went, for we did not know what else to do under the circumstances. We met nearly forty people, old and young. The minister was present, also a colored doctor, a graduate of the Nashville school. This last was a stranger to all there. I could but think that God had sent him. The pastor was a little late, did not get there until the subject was introduced and an expression taken which was unanimous in favor of the school. At this point he came in and at once opposed it;
and after more remarks he got up again and decidedly OppOSeU il W1 111OUt giviliguijj 0<*M»«U3LUAy
reasons. The Doctor then got up and said among other things, with great emphasis, that even the angels in heaven would not dare to lay any impediment in the way of such a grand and noble work, and he did not see how any man would dare to do it. There was a real division between the people and their pastor, and the last I h eard
THE MINNESOTA WORKER.
the matter was left for church trial. He evidently was afraid of our religion, but his members still come after the papers just the same. He told them if they let us in he would leave them. We felt sorry for him and advised them not to give up their meetings and their minister for the school. This minister has circulated false reports about us among the whites whose customs are bo opposed to association with the colored people at best. According to these customs, the blacks are not to be called Mr. and Mrs. like other people, nor invited into the parlor or allowed to eat with white people. If white company comes when a colored person is present, the latter must at once leave the room, and should never be permitted to speak to white company. But we have treated them all alike. We have been threatened twice indirectly, were told the other day that we were liable to receive notice from the whitecaps most any time. This doubtless is simply a scare. Anyway we are here to live or die if need be, for Christ’s sake until he shall direct otherwise. If we hide our light under a bushel how can it be seen? God has told us that they can do nothing against the truth but for it. We have the assur-.aiiGe that he is with us, that, “the Angel of .the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them”. Our aim is upward and onward to duty and to victory, trusting in God as our helper.	M. E. Kraushaar.
Tupelo, Miss., Aprils 1897.
* THE SABBATH SCHOOL. *
Quarterly Report of Minnesota Sabbath Schools For Quarter Ending March 27, 1897.
Number of reports received................... 103
Membership................................. 2,872
Average attendance.............*........... 1,705
Number of scholars church members.......... 1,142
Number of classes............................ 366
Total contributions........................431.20
Tithe to State Association................. 41.44
.iWnilAnc io Innati Mission	— 104
Six schools failed to report that reported last quarter. This together with the fact that the weather has been so unfavorable the past quarter, perhaps, accounts for the loss in attendance and donations.
Brainerd reports:- I think the school here is progressing in some ways, though many are kept away from the meetings by bad weather and sickness. We would like the remainder of the topics in John through the Worker. Our school was waiting for
some printed cards such as we had when studying Luke, but came to the conclusion that we were not to have them, so we went to the printing office and got some blank cards 3 by 4 inches, and made some for ourselves and they help so much. I use cards like these in the children’s meetings and write on them the texts on the points of our faith.
We also heard some good words from the school at Eunice (Scand.) “We had a good, interesting review last Sabbath and the most of the School gave correct answers to every question. Some few did not try to answer. It is sad to see that any are careless or indifferent, but we had an especially good meeting. We have quite a good many members in our school now. We have sent for the secretary’s book and class records and will try, with God’s help, to have more order and system in our school.”
It is very encouraging to me, in taking up this line of work, to see the interest that is shown by those engaged in the work. It would be with fear and trembling that I attempt the work, were it not for the helpful spirit shown in the many letters received this quarter, and the assurance that our Father hears our prayers and will give the much desired wisdom in carrying on his work.
I just received a very nice map of Palestine from Gracie Link of Marshall. I hope to receive many more before Camp-meeting.
Fannie Burgess.
« NOTES FROM THE FIELD. ®
Cambridge and St. Cloud.
Dear Worker:—
Since my last report I have finished my work at Cambridge. One dear soul at this place is rejoicing in the truth of God. Others, who were about to give up were revived, and still others have been led by the tender Spirit of the Lord to see special truths for this time, and the, blessedness of the life of Christ. We hope they may yield to the pleading of the still small voice. At St. Cloud, the ordinances were celebrated, and two dear souls announced to the world their loyalty and union with Christ, by being baptized with their Lord. The Lord was very near, and his tender loving Spirit united our hearts in love to God and to each other. The testimonies were all expressive of a longing for more of the divine life and its blessing. We received more letters from absent members than ever before. These, too, were full of courage, and a desire to have a deeper experience in spiritual things.
We were especially blessed in listening to the words of comfort from our far off members in the Pacific Ocean and our prayers go up to God for his rich blessing to rest upon his servants.
The report of the tithe collector showed an increase over last quarter, also the donations to foreign missions were more than heretofore. Our Librarian reported more reports of missionary work, with less effort on her part, than ever before. This is as it ought to be.
THE MINNESOTA 'WORKER.
My dear brethren and sisters of the St. Cloud church especially, and all others too, shall we not let the sweet Spirit of God lead us to greater, and more consecrated and faithful effort in all the work of God in the future? May the dear Lord lead us all to see the blessings of the life of Jesus, and miserableness of the life of self, and may more of the fruit of Christ’s life appear in all of God’s dear children to the glory and honor of their heavenly Father is the prayer of your brother.	J. H. Behrens.
Stony Brook.
It is a long time since the readers of the Minnesota Worker heard anything from me. I suppose some wonder what become of G. H.
I have been at this place since New Years. I found four of our brethren at this place. This is a new settled country, and is only three years since the first settlers moved in, and in fact it is wild yet. Bands of wolves and deer are now and then heard and seen.
This winter the snow lay four feet deep on the roads. The only possible way to get around among the people was on snow-shoes and skees. The meetings could not be well attended because of bad roads and long distances between the settlers. Most of the time was occupied by visiting the families in their homes, and there talk about the blessed Saviour. Sometimes the whole day was earnestly occupied in one hQme to answer all questions, and we had a real good time: The Lord blessed us, praise to his name! There are a few waiting for baptism.
Brethren pray for us and the work at Stony Brook, that many souls may return from darkness to the marvelous light.
April first, I was obliged to go home to my parents. They are not well. On my way home I visited the brethren at Crow Wing. We had a few good meetings together.
Your brother in Christ,
Gust Hoffman.
What shall we do?
By reading the prophecies, and seeing the signs of the times we understand in what time we are living; and we know for a certainty that the second coming of Christ is very near. God has given us the great privilege to proclaim it to the world by our word and life.
Our publications are also a means God is using
to enligtfte'h the vrcn-ldf and	---1J t	^—*
like leaves of autumn. And “if there -is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the people, thus leading them to search the Scripture’’.
One of the many ways used to spread the truth is the canvassing work. To be better prepared for this work, an institute has been held. Only a few have attended it. Why is it so? Are there not others who will engage in this work? Of those who have been here before, some are called to rest in the I
grave, some to work in other fields, and some have engaged in other lines of work. Now are needed men to take their places and carry forward the work.
The blessing of God is resting upon all who in the name and mind of Jesus are scattering the printed pages of truth. Every one with the love of Christ in the heart, when going from house to house, from the simplest cottage to the finest mansion, experiences much of the sweet communion with God. It may not be so pleasing or run so smoothly all the time, for the enemy is at work and is redoubling his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man’s behalf; but God is greater than all, and is turning all to his honor and glory.
Dear brethren, there is no time to loose. There are plenty of books to sell, and millions of people who need the truth more than anything else. We may not sell so many books or make much money; but to lead souls to Christ should be our object and work. The Lord will supply all our needs. He is rich; all the silver and gold are his. He will not allow any of his children to perish.
Eternity is before us. Dark and threatening clouds are gathering around us, and the world is fast hurrying to its final doom. Only a little while the rays of the setting sun of mercy will be shining. Oh! let us work while the day lasts, for night and eternal darkness is very soon upon us. The work of selling books will soon be stopped. The spring is the best time to begin.
Write to C. M. Everest, Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn., for information in regard to the canvassing work and territory; and then enter into it with heart and hands.	G. Henrikson.
The Wisconsin Camp Meeting.
The Annual Conference and Camp-meeting for the state of Wisconsin will be held at Madison, June 1 - 14. This date includes a Workers’ Meeting. The grounds secured are the Monona Lake Assembly grounds on the bank of Lake Monona.
The Chicago & North-western, and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroads, passing near the grounds, will provide convenient station for the benefit of those who wish to attend from over their lines. The site is a beautiful one, and the public will be made welcome. Conference delegates are requested to be present at the beginning of the meeting.
Wm. Covert.
Special Notice.
Worker that Eld. D. P. Curtis, bur Conference Secretary, has changed his residence from Dodge Center to Wasioja, Minn., and all correspondence to him should be directed to Wasioja, in the future.
Miss A. L. Little said her last good-by to friends in Minnesota Monday evening of this week, as she started on her long journey to the Pacific coast where she connects with the International Sabbath-school Association as secretary. Her headquarters will be Oakland, Cal-