Scandinavian Tent, No. 1.
By O. A. Johnson
On Sunday, June 9, we came to Debello. We soon found a place for the tent in the heart of a Scandinavian settlement, about one mile from the Lutheran church. Meetings in the tent commenced Wednesday evening, June 12. Thus far we have held seven meetings, with an average attendance of about forty or forty-five. Last Sunday afternoon we held a meeting in English, as there was a meeting in the church nearby. The tent was full. The Americans in this place are anxious to hear the truth. The interest among the Scandinavians has also increased. Last Sabbath evening the Lutheran priest, Junde, was present. After the sermon, he challenged us for a discussion. This we tried to avoid, as we had not yet spoken on the subjects that he wished to discuss. But we were compelled to yield, and make arrangements for a discussion. At the opening of the debate he refused to act according to agreement. He also violated the most common rules of discussion. While I was saying Luther taught that the soul of man was unconscious after death, he moved that I should be driven from the house. And at another time, when I asserted that there was not one text in the Bible saying that man had an immortal soul, he asked the congregation if I should not be driven from the church. The chairman, a member of his own church, called him to order several times. We enjoyed much freedom in defending the truth, and it seemed as if angels of God were with us. The priest warned the people not to attend our meetings; but we have seen quite a number who declare that they will come in spite of the priest. He used little or no Bible to sustain his assertions, resorting to ridicule, the ascension-robe story, &c. He admitted that Sunday, as a Sabbath, was an institution of man. We believe that this discussion will result in good. This is the first tent that has been pitched among the Scandinavians. May God help us and bless our work. Our address is Debello, Vernon county, Wis. O. A. JOHNSON.