p. 53 | Advent Tidende by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 30, 1872

Advent Tidende.

By John Matteson

This is the name of the Danish monthly now printed by the Publishing Association. The first two numbers are sent out, and I have received many letters from the friends, expressing their joy and gratitude, on reading the first number. None, but those who have tried, can realize the disadvantages under which I have labored among this people the last eight years, having no periodical in their language to circulate, and but few tracts. Other denominations speak through their organs in the Danish language, and tear down the truth, but we have had no chance to speak in favor of the truth. Churches, which cost much wearing labor to raise up, have been languishing for want of constant instruction and encouragement. And it is indeed a wonder to me that they have not gone down, but rather increased. Yet much more could have been done if we had had a periodical. We therefore hail the prospects now brightening before us, with deep gratitude to God. And we hereby express our heartfelt thanks (I speak in behalf of my nation) to the General Conference and Publishing Association, for the interest they have taken and the active assistance they have rendered to us in starting the publication of a monthly journal in our language. This is a work that will constantly bring to our minds the existence of the S. D. A. P. Association and form a connecting link between us and them, which we knew nothing of before, and which will continue to endear our American brethren to our hearts until Jesus comes; especially as we read in our own tongue the valuable productions of Bro. and sister White and other dear servants of God, who have long experience in the work, and have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord.

It is not without feelings of anxiety that we look to the future, knowing that Satan is determined to hinder every good work. But we believe that this work is the Lord's, and that he will kindly care for it. And we sincerely hope and pray that this journal may not be diminished, but go on in its mission until the work shall be finished.

The sentiment expressed above I know to be the unanimous sentiment of our people. And I would not omit to mention, that the providence of God has seemed to favor the undertaking very much so far. When I was called away from the field, others were raised up in my place, and two brethren, although beginners, have been laboring in Wisconsin, the last two months with some success; whilst there is prospect of others starting out. I expect also in future to spend most of my time in the field. This week I go to Chicago to commence labor again. The Lord is able to raise up preachers, and writers, and printers for this journal, as many as are needed. And if my humble help should fail, the Lord can draw out help from a hundred other sources. This work is the Lord's. Into his hands have I committed my portion of it. And I will not disgrace my Heavenly Father by thinking he would not give me strength to perform my part, though weak in body and mind, and having many severe battles to fight without and within. Neither will I doubt, that he will raise up more help when needed. The cause is one. And this cause is the Lord's. The Lord lives and reigns. He designs that we should come out pure and white through the fiery trials. By the grace of God we will do so; and then give all the praise to God and the Lamb through the glorious ages of eternity.

JOHN MATTESON.

Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 28, 1872.