Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
MARCH 18th I commenced meetings among the Norwegians, near Hundred Mile Grove, being requested by the brethren. When I became a little acquainted with them, I did not have much hope of any embracing the truth, for most of them belong to the old Lutheran church, which is now only another edition of the Catholic. Yet the school-house was crowded every night contrary to my expectations. It caused considerable excitement among the people, and as the Lord kindly moved upon the hearts, many were interested in the things of the kingdom, while others opposed strongly. Next Sunday a man came with one of Luther's books and wanted to read from it to the people. He then read, that such stragglers, sneaking into the houses, and deceiving the people with doctrines of devils, contrary to the pure Lutheran doctrine, were rascals, thieves, and murderers, and ought to be treated accordingly. But the following questions put to them would soon drive them off. Art thou called of God and his Spirit? Where is thy letter from the church? Prove these things if thou canst. The man trembled all over while reading, and then went out as fast as possible. The rest remained and manifested good interest. But in the evening another experiment was tried with better success. The house was again filled, and with them came some of the chief men of the synagogue. The deacon asked liberty to give questions. It was granted at the close of the meeting. I had good freedom in presenting the truth, and many were seriously impressed. He then very cunningly made no objections to my preaching, said he was not learned enough to criticise theological questions, but wanted to address the church, which he did as follows: "You are Lutherans. You need not prove that this man is in the wrong. But can you prove that our creed is wrong? I do not dispute but what you need more labor, and I am sorry to say that you are dead. But this is the wrong man. You must wait till one of our school can be raised up. And now, in the name of the creed, I demand of you to come here no more, lest you find yourselves cast out of the church ere long." I then showed that I had come there lawfully, openly, orderly, asking no one to leave the church, but only presenting to them the word of God in plain terms. That I had several times told those to stay at home who did not like the meetings. And I advised them to come no more as long as they had bound themselves by the creed to do so. The next night only one came. Thus the meetings closed. Two things were accomplished. 1. Many people commenced searching the Scriptures more diligently than they had ever done. 2. Their confidence in the priest and creed was somewhat shaken. May also here some hearts be prepared for Jesus' coming. Ft. Atkinson, Wis., Apr. 1, 1866.