REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
May 20, I went from Racine to Raymond, where I found the brethren still trying to live. We held meetings every day till first-day, when we went to a neighboring town, 6 miles, and held meetings during the week. Some of the brethren live in this vicinity. Meetings but thinly attended. Not much prospect of doing good; two souls embraced the truth, and a few others were favorably inclined. I am suffering this week from the ague, yet I try to labor, and the Lord helps me. Sixth-day, May 29, we went 8 miles for baptism. Three willing souls were buried with Christ, and rose to walk in newness of life. May they be faithful to prepare for the coming of Christ, that we may then meet with joy. Sabbath, the 30th, we met to celebrate the ordinances. Some think the road is almost too narrow, yet all want to try and press forward. By this we lose nothing, but gain much every way. If we go back it is certain death. If we press on we can but die; and the prospect is, that by so doing we shall live; live forever with Jesus. This meeting was very solemn. Tears flowed freely. We felt the presence of the Comforter, and were encouraged and strengthened. Three united with the church. This is the second time they have celebrated the ordinances together. Their present number of members is twenty-three. Brethren, you are living in an important place. Many souls may, no doubt, be gained, if you live right. Oh! live near to the Lord! Be in earnest. Let not the candlestick be removed. Let each one help to keep the lamps filled with oil till Jesus comes, then you will be made rich—heirs of the kingdom. Should the Lord grant us to meet again, we must meet with more love, stronger faith, a brighter hope, a richer experience in the things of God. I will try to advance, brethren, by the grace of God. Will you, also, try? I will continue to pray for you, that your faith fail not. I can spare none of you. We want to rejoice together in the kingdom. Let our prayers and spirits ever meet before the mercy-seat. Then shall we also join in the song of praise and glory. Met again on first-day. Preached on the Laodicean message. House filled. Business meeting P. M. Brethren and sisters paid their S. B. pledges promptly. They have done well in this work. Some are too willing to give. They work out among unbelievers, deny themselves of that which many would call necessaries of life, and pay more systematic than many who have large property. It is very desirable, when we meet for worship, that our hearts should be tender, and our minds much and easily wrought upon by God's Holy Spirit. Some pray for this, and yet complain that they are not heard. I have noticed that these sacrificing, self-denying souls are always blest in the meetings. This is the way, brethren, to be blest. Go and do likewise. Brethren and sisters in this Conference, shall we not try hard this year to cultivate a sacrificing spirit? To be self-denying, and very economical? To look to the treasury of the Lord first, and let that be well supplied?25What say you? I will try for one. We need more true laborers here in this Conference. We feel ashamed, before the Lord, of the disorder of accounts and pecuniary affairs last year. But let us prove the Lord this year. May be, when our business shall be found in order, our hearts enlarged, and the treasury well filled, that the Lord will pour upon us a blessing that will make our poor, barren hearts rejoice, and blossom like a rose. May be, then, the Lord of the harvest will send forth more laborers, that will sow with tears and come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. June 1-3, visited. 4, went to the Conference at Little Prairie. This continued till June 8. It was the most profitable Conference we ever attended in this State. Brethren J. N. Andrews and Cornell labored faithfully with us, and the Lord blessed them in their efforts. I think the good impressions made on those present will be lasting, and prove a real blessing. May the Lord water the good seed sown, and fruit be brought forth to his glory. When I came home I found my children well, for which I praise the Lord. I rested and worked some at home till June 17. As I have attended meetings here I have been blessed with the brethren, who are, as ever, true to the cause. June 18, I was suddenly and unexpectedly called away to Little Prairie to preach at the funeral of a young brother, who was taken sick and died. This reminded us forcibly of Bro. Andrews' remarks at the conference, that we would not all meet again in this world. But we thought, then, that this youth would certainly be one of the last ones to be called away. He died rejoicing in hope of immortality. The house was well filled with attentive hearers. The parents and relatives were Norwegians. By their request I spoke part in English, and then in Norwegian. This was a solemn occasion, when many hearts were made tender. June 20 and 21, we had Quarterly Meeting here at Oakland. We were much blessed. Bro. A. Olson was ordained a local elder, having been unanimously chosen for that office. Two united with the church. First-day we again enjoyed a good meeting, and a young sister was buried with Christ in baptism. May the Lord bless this dear people, and help us all to strive the more earnestly as the end is drawing near. To-day I start for Poy Sippi, where I will hold meetings a while, as the cause may demand, and my strength reach. I will appoint the Quarterly Meeting to begin Sabbath, July 11. Let brethren who live at a distance come to this meeting, as many as can. Bussyville, Wis., June 24, 1868.