Report from Bro. Matteson.
By Bro. Matteson
THE LORD has worked for us in much mercy, and still he causes his light to shine, moving upon the hearts of the people and opening effectual doors in the gospel work. My labors in Shelby Co., Iowa, closed March 3, having continued twenty-three weeks. During that time, fifty-three persons embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths. Three small churches were formed, eight miles apart, with thirty-eight members. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $82.00 per year. Most of the brethren are poor at present, being new settlers; but there is a fair prospect for improvement in this direction. A leader was chosen in each church, but none ordained. I obtained twenty-seven new subscribers for Advent Tidende. Collected on Tidende and sold books to the amount of about $100.00. On the last day of February and first day of March, the Lord favored us with mild weather after a very severe storm. Ten brethren and sisters came across the prairies, eight miles, to be baptized. Three friends came afoot, fifteen miles, to attend the meetings. Twenty-three willing candidates were baptized. The ice was about three feet thick, but after half a day’s work, we obtained a suitable grave for baptism. Other things being arranged conveniently, all felt well physically as well as spiritually, after the baptism, although some were feeble persons. On Sunday, one brother came ten miles to be baptized. After that, we had a parting meeting, where most hearts were much moved, and the blessed hope seemed good to these friends who, a short time before, had been without hope and faith in Christ. Then we went ten miles on horseback, through a sharp wind and frost, to Coppy’s Grove, where the brethren from that vicinity congregated for an evening meeting. Administered the ordinances; felt encouraged by the blessing of God. Parted at 11 o’clock in the night. Walked three miles to a resting-place for the night, and went on my journey in the morning. Called at the house of a dying brother, who has been sick all winter. The blessed hope sustained him, and the Lord seemed very near to us as we bowed in prayer around his bed. I attended the Conference in Battle Creek. Feel thankful to God for the kind admonitions and counsels of older brethren, especially of our esteemed Bro. White. Felt also much encouraged and cheered by the sympathy and help extended to us, and by the deep interest in the Scandinavian Mission manifested by our American brethren. The work is one, and our hearts beat in union with theirs, desiring above all that God may be glorified and many dear souls out of every nation prepared to meet our Lord with joy. The Scandinavian Mission stands at present as follows: Number of churches, 12; members, 302; S. B. $1121.00; ministers, 1; licentiates, 5; 3 active. Besides this, many scattered ones are springing up in different directions by reading our books and papers. I am now laboring in Chicago. The interest to hear is good. Attendance, evenings, from seventy to one hundred and thirty. May the Lord continue to help and bless for his name’s sake. 26 Temple St., Chicago, March 27, 1873.