Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
AUGUST 1-10, I spent in Battle Creek, translating tracts and reading proof. Went to Alaiedon, Mich., where I remained three days. Held ten meetings, visited five families, and baptized four willing candidates. Four were added to the church. Went back through Battle Creek to Chicago. Visited some with our Norwegian friends. Arrived at Racine, Aug. 18. Visited three families. A family from Switzerland have here recently embraced the truth, and meet with our Danish brethren. Had a severe attack of sickness which threatened to unfit me for duty for some time. I was taken in the night. In the afternoon, the brethren came from Raymond, 16 miles, to take me out there to commence labor next day, which was the Sabbath. I got up from the bed, and ventured out. Preached the next day, though I had to stop once in a while from severe pain. Preached again on Sunday, and administered the ordinances. This meeting with our Danish brethren was one of great interest. One sister had come 200 miles to attend it. Another sister was soon to move to Iowa. May the Lord bless and sustain these dear sisters, who have suffered so much opposition, and yet endured with patience. I remained here six days. Held seven meetings, visited a few families, and translated “Sufferings of Christ.” One dear brother united with us here after he had examined the reasons of our faith and hope for about two years. Some of the brethren have moved away from Raymond. May the Lord help those who remain to be a “light in the world,” and to gain precious souls by their godly conversation. Aug. 25, I visited my own home, after an absence of one year and ten weeks. Remained at home with my family two weeks and five days. Felt very thankful to God who has so kindly spared our life and health. Translated “Departing and Being with Christ.” Translated twenty-five hymns, and selected and copied one hundred and fifty Danish hymns for a hymn book. Held fifteen meetings with the church, which includes our quarterly meeting. This was well attended by brethren from Little Prairie and Johnstown. I had the privilege of baptizing one more of Bro. Olson’s family. This interesting family now numbers nine who are members of the church, and one of them trying to preach the message. May the Lord bless them all, and make them an unbroken family in the kingdom. Sept. 15 to 19, attended the Michigan Camp-meeting. The Lord truly strengthened his worn servants, Bro. and Sr. White, at these meetings, and much good was accomplished through their arduous labors. May the Lord still go with them, and bless them much in the far West. Went to Battle Creek, and remained there a few days to counsel with Bro. White. Attended the funeral of Bro. Aldrich. How unexpected was this. How soon the brittle thread of life may break. Who is the next one to be carried to the “congregation of the dead?” How wise to prepare for the Judgment while we enjoy life and health. Went to Alaiedon to attend their Quarterly Meeting. Labored with them four days, till Sept. 27. Held nine meetings. There is still good interest to hear in this vicinity. Our meetings were well attended and very interesting. Sickness prevails much, and hindered the meetings some. Three members, who had ceased to walk with us, were disfellowshipped, and142three new ones were added in their place. Two were baptized. One young brother had been baptized at the camp-meeting. May the Lord bless these dear brethren much, and help them to stand fast in the truth and abound in their labor of love till the Lord shall appear with a crown of glory. I am now with the Danish people in Montcalm, still trying to labor and to win souls to Christ. I am sorry that so little is accomplished, yet I am thankful for the few souls which are gained here and there. Pray for your unworthy brother in Christ. Greenville, Mich., Oct. 10, 1870.