REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
In the latter part of April I spent a short time with the Danish friends in Montcalm. We organized a small church of thirteen members, and Bro. Jensen was ordained elder. Systematic Benevolence was pledged to the amount of $82.16. Five candidates were baptized, and in the afternoon we administered the ordinances. These were very solemn and interesting scenes. One fact that heightened the interest was, that one of the sisters who was baptized came very near dying a short time ago. Last fall she opposed her husband very much when he was baptized. Although convinced of the truth, she rose up in rebellion against it. Last winter she was taken sick, and after having suffered much from many doctors, was given up to die. She thought, herself, that she was dying. Her friends stood around, expecting her death. She could not speak, but she thought she was not prepared to have a part in the first resurrection, although she had repented of her sins and embraced the truth on her sick bed. From her inmost soul she sent up a prayer to the Lord to spare her, and make known her duty, then she would obey. She commenced to breathe again, and the duty that rested most on her mind was baptism. When I came there she had been confined to the bed for about three months. How could she be baptized? We prayed earnestly to the Lord for help and strength. She rode one mile and walked quite a little distance to the water, was baptized, and took part in the afternoon services. We all felt a deep sense of awe before the majesty of God, and of thankfulness to him, who, for his dear Son’s sake, still remembers his poor, failing creatures. From here I went to Alaidon, where I labored again till the Conference with good success. Twelve more united with the church, and thirteen were baptized. Two elders and a deacon were ordained, and S. B. arranged to the amount of $208.26 a year. When we attended to the ordinances we were much blessed. The Lord remembered us from the heavenly temple, and gave us a spirit of tenderness, meekness, and love. The number of members is now forty-three. I shall ever remember these dear friends with respect and love. May the Lord bless and build up and save you when the Son of God shall appear. During the meetings of the Conference I have received much instruction from the servants of God, for which I am thankful, and by which I mean to improve. The Lord is in this work, and I, for one, am thankful that we have received some rays of light from Jesus, while thick clouds have been surrounding us on all sides. The Lord willing, I will be found at home for a few weeks to come, and then arrange for future labor, which will probably be in Missouri for some time. May the Lord direct and bless in this important work. Battle Creek, May 25, 1869.