Untitled article by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · September 17, 1867

REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.

By John Matteson

July 16, I arrived at Poy Sippi. I held meetings in different places and visited the brethren. I continued to labor in this vicinity till August 11.

I realize more and more the importance of meetings to stir up our zeal and interest in the cause. Satan is not idle, but watches every opportunity to hinder the work of God, and fill up the mind with darkness, and worldly cares. Hence the necessity of a corresponding diligence on our part. And how important it becomes us to use every means of grace that are within our reach.

God’s work is progressing some here, and it has done me good to see the young start out to serve the Lord, while others, who have before started, remain faithful. Seven converts joined the church, and on first-day, July 28, eleven willing souls were baptized, we trust, by one Spirit into one body.

At the business-meeting I withdrew as local elder of this church, and Bro. T. Cady was unanimously chosen elder of the church, with request to the Conference, that he be ordained at the first convenient opportunity. The following resolution was also passed: “We believe that it is immodest for the sisters to wear hoops small or great, but would recommend to them the reform short dress as a most becoming and healthful apparel.”

Concerning the reform dress I would like to say, that I believe it to be of much importance for our sisters who adopt this style of dress, that they avoid the two following extremes: 1. Carelessness in the shape and making of the dress. You are made gazing stocks when you dare disobey queen fashion, and her worshippers will try all they can to find fault with you. It is therefore your duty to do your best to appear neat and orderly. If you cannot obtain information otherwise from those who understand it, you can write to the Health Institute. There are sisters, thinking they understand all about this question, who, in my humble opinion, do not manifest very good taste, while others look very neat and modest. 2. Too much anxious care about how you must dress. There is a proper time and place for every duty. But when we think so much and talk so much about dress that it injures our spirituality, then it is too much. The same may be said about the Health Reform entire. All these things should only serve as means to bring us nearer to Jesus.

Hope, and faith, and love, must be cultivated every day. Our Saviour and the promises of God should take up much room in our thoughts and affections. Oh, for more of the fullness of the grace of God! More heavenly joy! More holy communion with Jesus! May we reach the heavenly shore, and swell the chorus of praise to God and the Lamb.

August 12 and 13, I went to New Denmark, partly to bring my mother home to live with me, and partly to comfort the few lonely ones who live here. I visited as much as I could and had two meetings with them. They are still trying to hold on to the truth, and prepare for Jesus’ coming. Here I took a severe cold, which settled in my throat, and made it impossible for me to speak. Aug. 23, I arrived at home, and am now better.

I am looking forward to the approaching Convocation Meeting with glad anticipations, and pray the Lord to keep, and bless his servants and people. May we be permitted once more to meet together, and enjoy the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.

JOHN MATTESON.

Bussyville, Jeff. Co., Wis., Sept. 4, 1867.