p. 305 | Untitled article by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 29, 1867

REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.

By John Matteson

SEPT. 19–22, I attended the convocation of Sabbath-keepers from Ill. and Wis., at Johnstown Center. This was truly a good meeting. The Lord did come to the feast. Jesus was not personally present, but the holy Comforter was there as his representative. Thus in our experience the sweet promise was verified: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth. He dwelleth in you, and shall be with you.” We still mourn with the whole creation for the bondage of corruption, which causes so much distress and pain. We “groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” But the Holy Spirit brought Jesus near. We realized that he was pleading for us in the temple of God, before the ark of God’s covenant. In the tabernacle of glory, enshrined in light, surrounded by thousands of mighty and holy angels, before him innumerable cases of the highest importance to attend to, yet Jesus turned his eyes to the little despised company of Sabbath-keepers who had collected from different sections of the country, dwelling in tents for a season, like pilgrims and strangers. They declared plainly that they were seeking a heavenly country. Banishing from their minds that country from whence they came out, they rejoiced in hope of immortality, and soon of meeting in the city which God has prepared, who is not ashamed to be called their God. The second coming of Jesus seemed to be near. The promise “I will come to you,” of more than eighteen hundred years standing, seemed brighter than ever. Oh! for a thorough preparation, a deeper work of grace, a real cleansing from all sin in the precious blood of Jesus. Then we will soon be found walking with him in white raiment.

The presence of Bro. and Sr. White was a blessing to many. And those who had been anxiously looking for them, expecting to be benefited by their testimony, were not disappointed. The Lord worked with these dear servants of his and strengthened them to give meat in due season. Testimonies that will lead to self-examination, forsaking of sin, and a drawing near to God, are of the right stamp. This is just what we need to be prepared for the coming of Jesus. May God continue to bless them, and the sounding of the last warning trumpet wax louder and louder until all the dear saints shall stand as one, and be presented blameless before the exalted and lovely Jesus at his appearing.

Bro. U. Smith favored us also with his presence. I think his presence will prove a blessing to himself as well as to the people. We all love to see one with whom we have conversed through the paper; one who has taken so prominent a position in this important branch of the cause. When we again read the paper it will be more interesting to us to hear from one with whom we have become more personally acquainted. Likewise the editor himself will become more interested in the welfare of those whom he has seen, and heard express their determinations, and rehearse their trials and victories. How much better he can speak of the battle when he himself has taken an active part and been right on the battle ground.

We trust that God’s servants, connected with the work in the Office, who have heretofore lacked wisdom to fully take care of their own health, will hereafter hearken to and obey the kind instructions given them by our Lord. We were also made glad to meet with the dear servants of God, who labor in the truth. May God help and bless each one in their different fields of labor, and cheer their hearts with the blessed hope, while they work and toil.

Our hearts were encouraged to see so many dear friends, known and unknown, all striving to keep the commandments of God and gain an entrance through the pearly gates into the golden city.

I would say to the brethren with whom I am acquainted and have not been able to meet so long, that this is not caused by the slightest unwillingness or prejudice on my part. I will gladly seek any opportunity that may present itself to meet with you. But duty goes before wishes. I will try to understand where the Lord would have me go when he calls, and what he wants me to do. Pray for me, lest I fail and come short of eternal life. The enemy rages most against those who labor to pluck souls like brands from the fire. Pray that the Lord may work and glorify his own excellent name in the deliverance of his people.

October 5 and 6, we had Quarterly Meeting at Oakland. Brethren from Johnstown met with us. We had a solemn and interesting season.

Oct. 7, I started for Minnesota. The next day I arrived at Owatonna. Here I was unexpectedly called upon to go five miles to a Danish family to preach a funeral sermon. I found the people waiting, and proceeded immediately to present before them the blessed hope. It was a most solemn occasion, and a heart-rending sight to see them carry the mother from four small children and a sorrowing husband. The oldest child appeared to be about five years old, and the youngest six months. The father and three oldest children went crying after the bier. How thankful we ought to be for life, and how careful we ought to use it, for it is very brief.

I am now among the brethren in Riceland. I intend to remain in this vicinity about a month. Our Quarterly Meeting will begin on the first Sabbath in November.

JOHN MATTESON.

Clark’s Grove, Freeborn Co., Minn., Oct. 10, 1867.