Report From Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
Since my last report I have labored in the vicinity of Poy Sippi, to strengthen and build up the church. I stayed about five weeks, and held as many meetings as the weather and going would permit. The good Lord blessed us. We tried to show the necessity of the Health Reform, the gifts in the church, and of confidence in the work of the third angel's message; also the importance of a deep, personal work of grace in the heart, to prepare us for the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and final victory. Prejudice has been removed. The brethren have pressed together. And, whereas six months ago the majority wanted to sell out and go to other places, now all desire to stay and help the cause, that the candlestick may not be removed till the Lord comes. Last Sabbath we met to celebrate the ordinances. We had to hire a hall, and it was crowded. This was one of the best meetings I have enjoyed in Poy Sippi. Eight united with the church. We went to the riverside and five willing candidates followed their Saviour in baptism. Most of these have lately started in the service of our divine Master. Our communion season was one of deep interest. And, as I spoke in different languages, I wondered to see how the Spirit would move, also, upon the hearts of those who could not understand, and to hear them praise the Lord. This is much better than to go to sleep when one speaks in another tongue, which is most natural. Others have started to keep the commandments and we hope they will go on in the good work. We found it to be of great importance that a meeting-house should be built, and having prayerfully considered the matter, presented the plan to the brethren. In the evening we gathered in the street, (for we could not get a house) a committee was appointed, and shares taken in the enterprise. The plan is to get ready for building next spring. Size, 24x36 feet. The site will be near the riverside in Poy Sippi, a quiet little village. The prospects are good, and we believe the work will be carried through by the help of the Lord. This will be a great blessing to the Sabbath School, which is growing fast in numbers, and which, rightly conducted, will prove a great help to the cause. I am now arranging for lectures in the court-house in this place, and hope my brethren will pray for me, that the Lord may bless us and advance his cause. Wautoma, Wis., Nov. 19, 1866.