CHRISTIANA, NORWAY by John G. Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 20, 1879

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

The Lord is ever present with those that fear his name, and his blessings are all the more precious when the enemy is working with all power to destroy. It cheered us very much to get letters of encouragement from Bro. and Sr. White and from other faithful friends. The expressions of sympathy as well as the promises of laborers and means to help in this mission called forth tears of joy. My heart is bound up in this Scandinavian mission, and my highest ambition is that it may prosper. We have already invested too much in it to draw back, and we must make all possible effort, under God, to have it prosper.

We need tracts and papers to scatter, and men and women to scatter them. We need printers who would handle holy things with holy hands. Tracts can be printed very cheap here. Two thousand copies of 32 page tracts can be delivered ready to sell for $17 or $18, when they are first printed in the paper (Tidernes Tegn). If we had a press ourselves, it would cost less.

Our meetings are of great interest. The opposition continues without ceasing. Books and papers are printed, and filled with attacks, accusations, and arguments to overthrow our positions and stop our influence; but the Lord continues to give the people a hearing ear. Sunday evening many had to go away for want of room. The truth is gaining friends, and souls are brought to the light.

Last evening about sixty poor people were invited to get something to eat. We had a choir of singers. The meeting commenced about 5:30 P. M. with singing and prayer. Then all got enough plain food to satisfy their hunger. Afterwards we had singing, prayer, and a sermon. Then each one received half a loaf of bread to take home, and also some tracts and papers to read. All were very thankful. A friend, a laboring man, had furnished the money for this feast. There is much suffering in this city on account of poverty, and no possible chance for work.

We have formed a sewing society of sisters, who will labor to earn means to help meet the payments on our meeting house. Twenty-four joined, and several others will unite with them.

Feb. 18, 1879. JOHN G. MATTESON.