BROWN CO., MINN by John G. Mattison

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 15, 1876

BROWN CO., MINN.

By John G. Mattison

The work is onward. Have been laboring about two weeks and a half among the Danes in Brown Co., Minn. Held twenty-five meetings. The word was willingly received, and souls turned from their idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from Heaven.

The Lutheran minister requested that we should have a Bible-reading, presenting Scripture texts on the following subjects: baptism, the Lord's supper, justification by faith, the immortality of the soul, and the condition of the soul after death. This was granted and a written contract made, stating that nothing must be presented on either side but plain Bible texts treating on these subjects. Then we were permitted to make a few remarks concerning their application. People crowded the room and flocked around the windows on the appointed day.

The opponent commenced to read some texts about children believing, etc. We presented none but such as spoke directly on the subject, and held him to his own suggestions and agreement. He felt some astonished, said he had not much to say, and acknowledged that he could not find any texts in the Bible that said anything about infant baptism. He did not use more than about half of his time. Found only one text that said anything about the soul seemingly in his favor; and when we asked him to read with us from the Scriptures another day concerning the law and the Sabbath, he said that he would read no more in this way.

Sixteen precious souls were added to the church, twelve candidates were buried with Christ in baptism. This church now numbers forty-one members. Systematic Benevolence was raised about $100. They have pledged $179 to the Conference for the coming year.

Stopped on our journey to the station and held one meeting with the American brethren at Golden Gate. They seem to love the truth, and try to go on with the message.

I am now on my way to the Iowa Camp-meeting, with chariots running like the lightnings, hoping soon to meet the dear servants of God to gather new strength for the battle.

JOHN G. MATTISON.

June 5, 1876.