Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
JANUARY 27th I had the privilege once more to see and stay with my family, after an absence of about six months. I found them all well, for which I feel thankful to the Lord, and kind friends, who, in my absence, lent them a helping hand. We met on Sabbath and the following nights, with the church here at Oakland, and were refreshed. February 2, went to Hundred Mile Grove, where we had Quarterly Meeting on the 3d and 4th. It was very cold, which kept some away from meeting, yet a goodly number assembled, and we were encouraged to go on in the good old paths. One brother was received into fellowship, and one dropped. There are many dear brethren and sisters here, who try to come up to the standard of holiness, and have an experience in present truth. They felt the necessity of laboring with those who were backward or out of the way, and their efforts in this respect are worthy of imitation. It is impossible for a church to enjoy much of God's presence, and be very active, when they are divided, or have Achans in the camp. But it is the duty of each individual church to look to this, themselves. And they should not throw the whole burden of this work upon the Elder, but each member should be willing to do their best. Much wisdom from on high is needed in such a work, but this can also be had. Some churches are too slack in this work, and others, perhaps, a little too fast. Some men have a party spirit. They will get the sympathy of a part of the church, and then be down on others with a crushing spirit. What we should look after, is not so much a single action of an individual, but their general conduct and dispositon. Meekness and honesty are two necessary elements in a Christian character. As long as a man is proud and dishonest, he is carnally minded. The sooner we can cease to fellowship such, the better. A man may understand every theory in the third angel's message, but if he is not honest, he ought not to be called a Seventh-day Adventist. Our church records ought to be a true representation of the realities existing. Now if the book says, such a member is in good standing, but most of the members of the church say, "We have no fellowship with him, we do not think he is a Christian," then there is something wrong. My brethren, why will you say, We do not believe such a brother is keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, but still you want to retain his name on the church-book? This ought not so to be. Let our actions and profession correspond, then God can bless us. On the other hand, when a brother or sister is weak in the faith, but yet, are struggling to overcome their besetments, and are willing to be corrected, and listen to the counsel of their brethren, and the word of God, it seems to me we may forgive such an one, not until seven times, but until seventy times seven. Our Saviour has borne long with us, and should not also we bear long? He has forgiven our many sins, and should not we forgive some small offense in our brother? But those who are against us, we should much rather meet in the ranks of our enemies. One traitor in the camp, is more dangerous than a hundred enemies without. May our churches awake to feel the responsibility that is resting upon them in this respect, and exercise properly, the authority which Christ has given to his church. Give not heed to the slanderous reports of dissatisfied or disconnected members; for such will always try to gain sympathy. If they slander your brother, consider it an attack upon your own honor; for we are members of the same body. Then go to the brother against whom the charge was made, and be determined to find out the truth in the matter. Speak in the spirit of love, and good results will always follow. February 9-20, held meetings in the vicinity of Poy Sippi. Our Quarterly Meeting was not so well attended, on account of the previous storm and cold weather. Will the brethren and sisters living at a distance, please send their reports to the clerk, N. Petersen? This church has been severely attacked by the enemy, and I had no freedom at first. But the Lord sent help, and his Spirit moved kindly on our hearts. Love and union revived. Four had been dropped before I came. The rest were firm. Others around us are trying to keep the commandments, and meet with us. While the heart is bleeding for lost souls, the rays of hope shine from another quarter, and so we still toil on in hope. February 24, we had Quarterly Meeting in Oakland, and again we had stormy and cold weather. We were anticipating to see some of our friends from abroad, but were disappointed. We had a good meeting, and two brethren were received into fellowship. They both testified that they had been watching the state of our church for years, and were now satisfied that we were the people of God, and the only people, who were truly striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. This church is still firm in the third angel's message, and their desire is to go with the body, and to meet Jesus in peace. Ft. Atkinson, Wis., Feb. 26, 1866.