Report from Bro. Matteson.
By Bro. Matteson
I LABORED seven weeks in Farlinville, Kan. Had a good hearing and much opposition. Twenty expressed themselves to be fully convinced of the truth, but no one has moved out, as yet, to obey. I have never labored in any place more faithfully than here, and have been much reduced in health and strength. It is truly discouraging to see no more fruit at present; yet I am willing to leave all with the Lord, and hope to see fruits in the future. From there I went to Centerville. Labored with them one week. Here are twelve Sabbath-keepers. Eight of them took the covenant. One was baptized. Bro. J. Brown was ordained an elder, and Bro. F. Morrison elected clerk and treasurer. We organized S. B. $52.00 were pledged to the Conference for the coming year. This church took the name of the S. D. A. Church of Centerville, Kan. Finished meetings here on Sunday. Commenced next day a series of meetings with the brethren south of Mound City. Continued a week and a half, and then had one day's rest. Here I was obliged to hold meetings in the day time, my strength failing. This proved much more beneficial to the brethren also. The Lord blessed us in these meetings beyond our highest expectations. Every meeting some advancement was made. The brethren were punctual in attending. All made an effort to move. Old difficulties were overcome, sins confessed, jealousy and envy removed, and union restored. Earnest prayers went up to Heaven, tears flowed freely. Love from God commenced to come in. Backsliders were restored, and sinners converted. Sixteen were added to the church. Their present number is twenty-three. Fourteen were baptized. All seem to give good evidence of having their hearts in the work. Bro. J. H. Cook was ordained an elder of this church, which is known by the name of the First S. D. Adventist Church of Mound City, Kan. Bro. Amos Van Syoc is clerk and treasurer; S. B. was organized, to the amount of $201.76 per year. Next we held a three-days' Grove-meeting at Farlinville. This was right in the midst of wheat harvest23and was consequently much less attended than it would have been at some other season. But this was the only time I had left. There were thirty Sabbath-keepers on the ground, and about 200 people in all attended on Sunday. Our meeting here were very searching and solemn, and we felt refreshed in the Lord. Our parting meeting was one of much weeping, and I left the dear brethren of Kansas, feeling that they have a large place in my affections, and that I never shall forget them. Monday evening I arrived at this place after an absence of eight months and two weeks. To-day (Tuesday) we are busy pitching the old tent again, and I expect to begin a series of meetings to-night. I do not see how my strength can hold out to supply all the labor that is called for here; but I believe the Lord will either give me sufficient strength, or else send some one to help me, or else let me die at my post. I am well contented with my lot, and thankful to the Lord for a work to do, though it be very small. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.” The brethren in Kansas would like very much to have a general Camp-meeting about the middle of September, after the Michigan Camp-meeting. If Bro. and Sr. White intend to go to California, this would be very little out of their way. Pleasonton, on the Mo., Ft. Scott and Gulf R. R., would be a convenient and central place for all the brethren of South and North Missouri and Kansas to convene together. The brethren of Kansas will make necessary preparations if the Gen. Conf. Com. will consider this matter and supply ministerial labor, and if the brethren in Missouri favor the plan. Hamilton, Mo., June 21, 1870.