Untitled article by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 24, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 15

REPORT.

By John Matteson

Soon after my last report I finished the meetings in English. There is no prospect of doing much more good among them at present. A few have commenced to obey the truth, and some have not yet decided. There are some men, in this vicinity, of moral worth and experience, who would exert a good influence if they take a firm stand for the truth. But they still wait. I trust that the truth will yet come off victorious. There has not been much opposition openly, but the opposition has been carried on the more effectually in secret. I know several houses where one of the family would like to obey, but they are kept back by the rest. I leave this in the hands of the Lord, till a greater power shall loosen the bands of Babylon.

The last two weeks I have labored more exclusively with the Danish friends, and tried to get them ready for organization. The Lord has worked with us, and blessed us above our highest expectations. My care and anxiety for these dear souls grew, as one test after another came up. Sleep departed from me. My body grew weak. Last Wednesday I was not able to stand up in the meeting. I sat down and preached on the tithing system, and the precious promises of the Lord to such as honor him in this respect. The Lord blessed. Afterward Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $133.00 a year. Twenty brethren and sisters have covenanted together to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. A leader was chosen, also a Clerk and Treasurer. Their old idols were banished. Spiritual Gifts were received as far as they have heard them. They have also commenced on the health reform as well as they understand it. The majority of them can neither read English nor understand it so as to do them much good. The few books we have in Danish are a great help to them. But they are much in want of others. I encourage them to learn English, as many as possibly can. But in a settlement like this, where the majority of people are Danish, there is but small chance for learning.

Nevertheless, they can learn of Jesus. He is kind and merciful, even to such as are foreigners in a foreign country. And he has told us that the last message will be proclaimed before many nations, and tongues. Rev. x, 11.

Friday we appointed for baptism. Many things seemed to work against us. Thursday it rained. Four men worked hard six hours to cut the ice. I was feeble. Friday the water continued to stream down. The river was large enough to sail in, but no safe place for baptism. The rain continued all day. Many were to come from a distance. But we all trusted in the Lord, and the Lord worked with us. The water rose so high that we found a very convenient place for baptism about 6 rods from the house of the brother where we were to meet. But some of the sisters would have to take their babes along. How could they venture out in such weather. Yet they all came, and we had as precious a season of baptism as I ever attended. Ten willing souls were buried with Jesus in baptism, and rose to walk in newness of life. We were all happy in the Lord.

Meetings were appointed for Sabbath, and Sunday, and though the roads were very muddy, yet all the brethren and sisters attended, and some from without also. On the Sabbath, when we were about to wash one another's feet, great solemnity rested upon us. They had never witnessed such a scene before. But the Spirit of the Lord went from heart to heart, and all took an active part. I have never before, at the attendance of this blessed ordinance, felt and seen more solemnity, and deep feeling, than was manifested here. Through humility we were prepared to accept with thankfulness the emblems of the broken body, and shed blood of our blessed Redeemer.

Sunday, we again enjoyed a precious season with these dear friends, and Monday morning, early, left for home. The high water had carried off some of the bridges of the railroad, so I missed the connection. Third-day, I walked home from the depot, 8 miles, in the middle of the night, through mud and water. Today I enjoy the company of my family. They are all well, for which I feel very thankful to the Lord. I have been away from home three months and a half. I intend to rest a little while, and then go out again, the Lord willing. I cannot attend to any other calls than those I have already. Therefore be patient, and let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers in this precious work, until our blessed hope shall be consummated in eternal salvation.

JOHN MATTESON.

Busseyville, Jeff. Co., Wis., March 9, 1868.