REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
The cause is still onward here in Alaiedon. The Lord is working with the truth, and Satan is working against it. Many threatenings have been made, and much talk about shutting up the school-house against us. Finally the officers called a school-meeting. The Methodist elder had made appointment to come and preach last Sunday evening and then hold protracted meetings right along. By a unanimous vote it was decided that I should have the house for meeting as long as I desired. Last Sabbath seventy grown people attended our forenoon prayer-meeting. The Holy Spirit was at work on our hearts. There was a strong conviction of sin and of righteousness and of a Judgment to come. Some who have been eighteen years with the Methodists, say they have never seen or felt such heavenly influences before. The friends are beginning to love the truth and prepare for the Judgment and coming kingdom. The love of God is moving upon our hearts, and Jesus in his infinite mercy is mindful of us. Our Bible class numbers thirty-five; and all are interested in the study of the Scriptures. We have twenty-four scholars in the Sabbath-school; and there are now forty-five who have commenced to keep the Sabbath since our meetings commenced a little more than four weeks ago. And still others are investigating. Sunday forenoon I preached. The roads are broken up and the going very bad. The rain continued. Yet a goodly number came to meeting. I gave up the house to the Methodists and told them that they could come and have meetings as long as they wanted, only reserving Wednesday evening, Sabbath, and Sunday afternoon. In the afternoon went to another school-house, preached a funeral discourse to a full house although the rain storm continued. I was astonished to see so many people in such weather and going. Enjoyed good freedom in speaking to a very attentive and interested congregation. This is the first day I have spoken on the immortality question. The minds of the people by this time seem to be ready to hear and investigate the truths of the Bible. And many were convinced by conversation on this point before I commenced to preach on it. Yet all need instruction. Went back to attend the Methodist appointment. Two preachers came into the neighborhood, but none into the school-house; and not one of the Methodist party came near the house. About forty came to the meeting and went home through the mud and rain disappointed. Next morning the elders were going from house to house. They were very happy. One of them said he was “chockfull” of glory, running over all the time, and he could not refrain from shouting. Yet they seem now to have come to the conclusion that they will not come near the school-house as long as I am here. The work goes well. I got a little rest this week, and next week I will commence preaching again if the Lord give strength. Pray for us. JOHN MATTESON.
Mason, Ingham Co., Mich., Feb. 17, 1869.