A WORK COMPLETED by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 14, 1867

A WORK COMPLETED.

By John Matteson

Through the mercy and kindness of God, I have been enabled to finish my labor on Danish publications for the present. The Lord has given strength and time and means to execute this work, for which I desire to praise him who is the first cause and giver of every blessing. May these publications be a small offering, a widow's mite, cast into the treasury of God by his people. We are strangers in this country, and the more so having come from a foreign land; but the Lord is no respecter of persons. He has in mercy called after us, and is willing to save us. May our prayers and pleadings be regarded in his holy place, through the merits and intercession of our dear Redeemer. May the blessing of God so attend our feeble efforts, that these silent messengers may fill a humble place in gathering in souls and preparing a people for the soon coming of Jesus. May the angels of God go with them, as they are scattered abroad, and bring light and life to many a poor soul that sits in darkness.

I also desire to extend my sincere thanks to the brethren and sisters, who have so liberally donated to this work. May the Lord reward you, and we meet before his throne when the captivity of Zion shall be turned, and God's people return with everlasting joy.

I have applied myself principally to this work for five months. My brain is worn and I need rest. I am now returning home and intend to rest a while from labor of the mind. I intend in the future to spend my time mostly in the Danish or Norwegian branch of the cause. I shall endeavor to go out as soon as my health allows, and in the direction and manner that the Lord may lead. Pray for me, brethren, that God may bless and add his strength to our perfect weakness.

I have spent nearly three months in Battle Creek, and can truly say that this has been a profitable season to me. As regards the church here, I want to say a word to Sabbath-keepers abroad.

Some of you form too exalted an opinion of our brethren here, and think that whatsoever comes from Battle Creek, or from Bro. and sister White, must necessarily be right, because it comes from said sources. You are in danger of bestowing that honor and those affections, which belong to God, upon fallible mortal beings. Jesus alone is our leader, and the captain of our salvation. There is but one head of the church and that is Christ. If he gives gifts in the church, or bestows of his Holy Spirit more abundantly upon any one, or has endued any one naturally with more ability, all the honor for these things belongs to God. May God help us to speak and to live for his glory, and to worship and adore him only, to whom all honor and glory belongs.

On the other hand many have too low an estimation of our brethren here, and do not consider the responsibilities and burdens that rest upon them. Others come here and make a short acquaintance, and go away dissatisfied, because they do not find things so as to just suit their ideas. Allow me to give my candid opinion on this subject. As a foreigner I have much suspicion against religious operations among Americans, and I think not wholly without good reasons. I am not easily allured by shows or pretensions, for I have been cheated so long and seen so much of it that I want good evidence after this; yet I have come to the conclusion that God has a people in this place. That he is bestowing upon them special favors and blessings in order to prepare them for the important place and great responsibilities which they have in this work. That they are trying to humble themselves and to get into a place and condition where the Lord can consistently bless them. That they desire and very much need our sincere prayers and co-operation in this work. That those who by their means or contributions assist the publishing department truly work for the Lord. That the Health Institute is managed in the most conscientious and discreet way, and will prove a blessing to the cause of God. That the great God of Heaven is pleased with the efforts made by our people in these directions, and will abundantly reward every sacrifice made from a true motive.

This church is large, containing more than a hundred and thirty members, therefore it could not be so surprising if every one should not be fully consecrated in the work. It is also far more difficult to escape the allurements and fashions of the world living in a city like this. Yet I can say as we have met from week to week, the Spirit of the Lord has truly been with us, and I have not attended one meeting without benefit. Union, love, and meekness have prevailed. During the Conference the Lord moved especially upon his people to lead them in the way of humility, and I believe that these meetings will be of lasting good.

I also desire to express my thanks to my brethren here for all their kindness shown to me. I have truly found a pilgrim's home, and enjoyed the blessing of God in associating for a time with those who love Jesus and wait for his appearing.

Forgive, dear brethren of the Battle Creek church, what you have beheld amiss in me, and may the God of Heaven lead us all till we gain the victory and sing the high praises of God and the Lamb in the kingdom for ever.

JOHN MATTESON.

Battle Creek, June 6, 1867.