Untitled article by John Matteson

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

REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.

By John Matteson

Since November 22 I have been preaching and visiting in this place among the Danes and Norwegians. There are above one thousand of that class of people in the place. I obtained the court-house to hold meetings in. It is a very convenient place. This is a new field. Most of the people belong to some church. Much prejudice exists against the doctrines of the Bible; and our faith is everywhere spoken against. The congregation has varied from 40 to 120. I believe three times that number would come to hear if the ministers of other churches did not exert such a powerful influence against it. Yet many have been convinced that we have the truth on the Sabbath question, and a few have commenced to obey the Lord.

One young Methodist sister has stood up boldly for the truth among the Methodists, which has created much stir among them, as they considered her one of the best of their members. The Elder preached last Sunday evening, on the immortality of the soul. He had our book on Life and Death and read out of it to the people. He recommended all to read it. It contains, said he, such huge errors that every good Methodist would be scared by reading it.

I have preached on the same subject in the court-house since, and mean to continue until it shall be fairly presented before all who are willing to hear. I realize that mere argument is not sufficient, though necessary. It needs much blessing from the Lord to bring the truth home to hearts so filled with prejudice and superstition.

Pray for us, that the Lord may continue to bless, and we be enabled to present the truth in much love, that the honest in heart may be brought to Jesus and prepared for his glorious appearing.

JOHN MATTESON.

Racine, Wis., Dec. 11, 1867.