THE CAUSE AMONG THE SWEDES.
By James Sawyer
For a few months past we have occasionally received cheering letters from Swedish friends in Maine. One who offered to sell and distribute tracts and papers met with very good success. Another, having our publications sent to Aroostook Co., was the means of creating a great interest among the Swedes in that colony. A brother said of this place, “The fields are already white for the harvest.” God is raising up friends for this people, in every direction. A letter lately came from a subscriber to the HAROLD who lives in Indiana, and is now rejoicing in the truth. The paper was first furnished to this person by the A. & M. Society. Bro. Carlstedt writes from Porter County, Indiana: “There is an interesting company here ready to be organized. Mr. Berg, from Chicago, was there two weeks ago, and baptized two.” Brethren Olmsted and Carlson are now there visiting from house to house, soliciting subscriptions, distributing tracts, and holding meetings. Bro. Harvey, with other helpers, will soon visit them, and bring this company into relation with the Indiana Conference. An interesting letter from St. Paul states that a few there who embraced the truth from reading are still firm. A few weeks ago, Bro. C. wrote from Chicago that there were eleven Swedes in that city keeping the Sabbath. About the same time there came a call for a Swedish minister to go to Kansas. In one place eight have embraced the truth from reading, and as many more are interested. A letter from Texas announces that a Swede has just accepted the Sabbath and wishes to be baptized, and expects soon to return to Sweden. A friend from Fillmore Co., Minn., says, “A friend who stopped with me recommended the HAROLD. I have read it, am thankful for it, and wish to tell others of these precious truths.” Bro. Whisby, from Alameda Co., sends a letter which he received from Gotland District, Sweden, from which we translate the following:— “MR. WHISBY: I had an opportunity to read the HAROLD and the papers you sent your sister, and I find them a great light to men. I would gladly circulate them among my friends; but those I received first are so worn out and soiled that I can not use them longer in that way. I was poor, but through divine grace I have been taken as a brand from the fire. I believe in our Saviour’s mercy, and I wish all would come and enjoy his abundant grace. I believe that the reading of these publications would help turn the attention of men to what is coming on the earth. If you could send me the entire volume of the HAROLD, 1874 (same as you sent your sister), perhaps those who might read would become subscribers, so that you would be rewarded at the end. Those who are so fortunate as to be able to send out publications may obtain a rich reward for causing others to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Last week we received a letter from Wollsjo District, Sweden. One there became so much interested in the truth that he determined to study the English language. Although there was no one near him who could understand English, he was impelled to apply himself to the work, and now he can quite readily translate from the REVIEW and the INSTRUCTOR. He sent two fine translations for the HAROLD. Another writes from Iowa that the good cause is progressing among his countrymen. Eld. Webber, an American brother in Maine, wrote last week: “I have been laboring among the Swedes in Portland. Five have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested. In Aroostook Co., six have made a start to keep the Lord’s Sabbath from reading our Swedish publications. There is much excitement there on account of it. Some have been brought before the church, but nothing could be done with them, as they could not get a vote to turn them out. I expect to see a Swedish tent on the camp-ground next season.” The Spirit of God is working on the hearts of this dear people. Men of the nationality, from the workshop and from the field, are being aroused to the importance of this work. Some are seizing the pen, and are beginning to set forth the truth in a wonderful manner. A young man by the name of Gronstam, who has been working on farms in Illinois and Indiana for the past six years, happened79to learn of our people a few months ago by reading the HEALTH REFORMER. He sent for Swedish publications, became interested, and began to keep the Sabbath. By correspondence it was found that he had a good Swedish education, and the way seemed to open readily for him to become connected with our work at this place. God is taking men from the humble walks of life. When men of learning, men of profession, will not write, the Lord can raise up others to do such work. Once he took fishermen and made successful evangelists of them. To start the great temperance reformation at a time when the nominal Christian churches began to be greatly corrupted, the Lord made use of drunkards. The world is not ignorant of the fact that this reform began in a grogshop. Six drunkards pledged to turn from sin. The church had to listen to this all over the land. Yes, in a grogshop the reform had to begin. And in the Swedish cause God has waited for men to act, for men to write, for men to get a burden of soul on them and proclaim as Paul did: “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel,” but they would not; and now when the calls for Swedish preachers come in from Maine to Kansas, an American brother is the only one found who is in any way able to answer the demand. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few!” And now a word to the members of the Tract Society. Brethren, both Swedish and American, who have the light already shining in their own homes, are called upon to aid in this work. Will you do it? If you are Christ’s, your light cannot be hid, but others, by seeing your good works, will be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven. If you meet a Swede, a Dane, a Finn, a German, or a Frenchman, take an interest in him, and treat him courteously. Have a tract ready to offer him, if the way opens. You see how much has been accomplished by reading. There are plenty of publications to meet the wants of the above-named nationalities, and these can be obtained at reasonable rates by those who have an interest in the reformation. Battle Creek, Feb. 27, 1876.