REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
My labor in Alaiedon is finished for the present. I stayed there eleven weeks. It is with feelings of deep gratitude to God that I look back upon those many tokens of mercy and blessings which I have received from our compassionate Saviour during that time. The truth has been victorious, not only in demolishing the outward fortifications of the enemy, but in leading souls from the love and vanities of the world, to love and to serve Jesus. There were six Sabbath-keepers there when I came, there are now above fifty-three persons observing the Sabbath of the Lord. Yet some of these still need conversion. Thirty-two brothers and sisters have covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have had many precious seasons meeting with them. A number of them have never before made any profession. Our meetings have been characterized with deep solemnity and much feeling. The Holy Spirit has indeed been with us to convince sinners of sin, and righteousness, and a Judgment to come. Sixteen have been buried with Christ in baptism. The Lord favored us with a mild, spring day for the administration of this blessed ordinance. We were much blessed. Although the roads were extremely muddy, yet a large crowd was assembled. Some were convinced that we had the truth, and that the Lord was with us. Others were indifferent, and again others were bitter and scornful. There is a good prospect here of many more embracing the truth if the brethren are faithful. We have formed a legal corporation, known as the first Seventh-day-Adventist Society of Alaiedon, to hold church property, and commenced the building of a meeting-house 30x47. The brethren have taken hold of this work nobly, and we trust they will continue faithful, that the Lord may be honored, and they much blessed in return. The camp is being cleared pretty well from idols, and the great question deeply impressed upon most is: How can we live in such a way as to gain the approbation of God, and when Jesus comes, eternal life. They will meet every Sabbath forenoon, at 10 o'clock, in the Button school-house, also prayer-meetings Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the houses. The Lord willing, I will meet again with the brethren at Alaiedon, Sabbath, May first. Will attend to baptism, Friday, May 7. I give this notice for the benefit of those living at a distance. I will then continue to labor there until the Conference. The roads here are almost impassable. I walked to Mason this morning, and missed the train. I intend to labor about two weeks in Montcalm, and then two weeks in Stanton. After the Conference it appears to me that my labor in Michigan will be ended, although the way seems to be open for me to labor another year; but my health is not good. The climate of this State does not agree with me. I think I can labor to more advantage in other places, where the atmosphere is more favorable to a bilious condition of body. I pray and hope that the Lord may direct in this important work until our pilgrimage be ended, and we all “meet beyond the river, where the surges cease to roll; where through all the bright forever, sorrow no'er shall press the soul.” Mason, Ingham Co., Mich., April 1, 1869.