Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
IN Hamilton, Mo., I remained about three weeks, and enjoyed many interesting and profitable seasons with the dear brethren in that place. I was called upon to defend our views, and consequently engaged in a discussion with Elder Lockheart of the Christian church. We debated the subject of the Sabbath, Kingdom of God, State of the Dead, and Punishment of the Wicked, in thirteen sessions of two hours each. The Disciples collected together their most influential ministers, and some of them remained all through. They numbered as high as thirteen. So I had quite a host to contend with. Outsiders were generally satisfied that our side was best sustained by the Bible; and a leading Disciple minister stated that they were beaten on the two last propositions. May the Lord help those who see the truth to obey it. Three more have united with the church, which now numbers thirteen. Bro. McAllaster was ordained as Elder. W. W. Jilz is Clerk. Their s. b. pledges amount to $68.00 a year. July 15, I commenced tent-meeting at Civil Bend, and continued till the 25th. Sabbaths and Sundays we had five meetings a day. About 30 S. D. Adventists on the ground, and Sundays nearly 400 hearers who came from a distance of from three to fifteen miles. The interest to hear was good. Our meetings were solemn and heart-searching. Five were baptized. We had six miles to go to baptism, but over two hundred people attended. And as they lined the high banks on both sides of the river among the trees, it reminded me of the people of Judea coming out to Jordan to the baptism of John. After this we had an excellent ordinance meeting. Five united with the church. Their s. b. pledges are about $150.00 a year. Many good resolutions were passed, which may the Lord help every brother and sister to carry out. May we all so live that we can meet in the kingdom. Battle Creek, Mich., July 31, 1870.