CHRISTIANA, NORWAY by John G. Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 3, 1879

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

The storm of opposition has quieted some. The priests pray for us in the churches; and one went to Trondheim and preached against Adventism, thus calling the attention of the people there to our work. Some view our preaching in this city as a great calamity, which the Lord has suffered to come upon them on account of their sins. The majority of religious people are favorable to the idea that the coming of our Saviour may not be far distant, and some think this preaching may be the last message of mercy. Our work is now proclaimed all over the kingdom by the papers; and although our opponents have presented our faith as fanatical and entirely contrary to the Bible, yet they state that there is much ability and zeal on our side, and that we are able to present the Bible in such a way that it seems to sustain our faith.

One Isaachsen, a Methodist editor and speaker, who has been educated in America, has written and lectured against us in a very personal and harsh way. He has been very determined to prove that we deny the divinity of Christ. His attacks in a public paper have been answered in the same paper, but his lectures I have had no opportunity to hear. Our friends thought best that I should request a public discussion. He tried to get around it. I presented the request before a large congregation, and afterward through the paper that has the largest circulation (14,000). He answered back and forth, and tried to say both yes and no. At last he came with a decided no. I then inquired through the paper for the followers of Luther. None have come forward; but they are becoming more careful about their attacks.

I cannot get any large hall at present. This is too bad. Many people who would like to hear, have no chance. I am thankful for the help received, and promised by our brethren in America for the paper, Tidings of the Times. I shall be as saving as possible of every cent, and try hard, the Lord willing, to work for the establishing of a printing office in this place. Our brethren in America and in Northern Europe who are interested in the prosperity of this work, have now a good opportunity to assist by their prayers and means. May the Lord abundantly bless his truth here, and throughout the earth.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

Osterhausgaden 12, Christiana, Norway, Mar. 4.