Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
BRO. WHITE: Aug. 27 we finished a series of meetings in Irving, Jackson Co., Wis. We had twenty-four meetings. It was a very busy time, and the meetings were not so well attended as they would have been otherwise. The first week, a goodly number came to hear, but at the end of that time, our Methodist friends received orders from some high quarter, and came to meeting no more. Their preacher had two meetings while I was there. The first time he was present at our meeting I made some remarks about the Sabbath, which seemed to affect him very much. At his meeting he said that he would reply to my remarks at some future time. He believed there was a way to discuss such subjects without abusing any one, or shedding blood. I understood that afterwards. He tried to get another preacher to help him, but failed. At his next meeting I asked him what he meant by his expressions, if he wanted to discuss the Sabbath question? He seemed to feel very uneasy, and said that he smelled the trap, and he was not going to be caught. But he wanted the people to well digest all they could find out about the Sabbath, and then, in his own good time, he would show them that Sunday was the original Sabbath. He prayed fervently for the time soon to come when all the people in this town should be keeping the commandments of God! Bro. Steward has labored in this place some years ago, and once there were about twenty Sabbath-keepers. About half of that number are left, and they were in a backslidden state. It was very difficult for me to labor among them. There seemed to be a strong influence of evil spirits which had gained a foothold in these hearts, and were determined not to give it up. Like others in the same condition, they could not see their own poverty. Sometimes I did well nigh despair. Neither did I come off from this battle without some wounds. But the Lord was merciful. His loving-kindness, oh, how great! Occasionally he would smile on us, and the last Sabbath I was there, his Spirit moved powerfully upon our hearts. All wept, and confessed their sins, and cried for mercy. It was a blessed time, which I shall not soon forget. When our pathway is very dark, the good Shepherd is often nearest, and light breaks upon us from the heavenly sanctuary. In the evening, we had a meeting to settle old difficulties. We commenced at seven o'clock. Had a hard time, and if God had not moved upon our hearts, those things would never have been settled. But the Lord helped us, and at two o'clock in the morning we had gained a victory, and went home. Having rested a little, we had a good meeting in the forenoon. Seven covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $15.00 a year. A Sabbath-School was organized with about ten scholars. Four were buried with Christ in baptism. We had an evening meeting, and then I parted with them, while they wept. Then I felt to praise the Lord that our Saviour is stronger than Satan. Aug. 30, I came to Mankato, Minn., having traveled one night and three days. Here I had to lay over. I looked round to find some work. Found a Norwegian settlement three miles from there. Had a meeting in the evening. They gave good attention, and wanted me to come again.134Sept. 1, I arrived at Blue Earth City, and Sabbath and Sunday we had meetings about five miles from that place. I intend to have a few more meetings before I leave, and then go to the frontiers about fifty miles west. I go trapping, and will probably stay there about three months. This may be a little unexpected to my friends who are looking for my soon return, but I hope that you will excuse me when I tell you my reasons. 1. I am not in debt, and don't want to be; but I am poor, having spent some of my own means, and all my earnings for the last two years to pay expenses. 2. I know some friends who are ready to sacrifice to help me along, but I do not like now to draw upon their charity, and do not consider it right. 3. My brains are somewhat worn from constant labor. This will give me time for recreation and rest of mind, and will likely improve my health. 4. This is a fine opportunity to earn some means in a short time. My address is Blue Earth City, Faribault Co., Minn.
JOHN MATTESON. Blue Earth City, Sept. 4, 1865.