Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
After the camp-meeting in Wisconsin, I resumed my labors in Neenah, and continued there a little more than three weeks. On the fourth, the Scandinavians were gathered, and three Lutheran ministers addressed them. Being called upon, I also addressed them briefly on the subject of true liberty. Equal rights and freedom of conscience are principles that need very much to be advocated among that people. The clergy from the old country are strong here, and they try hard to carry out their old hierarchy to the uttermost—to keep the poor people in ignorance and superstition. I received an invitation to come to the Lutheran church next evening to be examined on my heretical views. There I met three ministers, one a professor from one of their seminaries. I had liberty to occupy as much time as the three together, but a regular discussion they would not undertake. They chose the subject of the immortality of the soul, remarking that my views on that subject were the most dangerous part of our faith. Their expectation seemed to be that they could easily suppress that, to them, so unpleasant agitation, which had been caused in the community, by showing to the people that I was entirely wrong. I had never preached a sermon on this subject as yet. Nevertheless, by the help of the Lord, they were so discomfited that it became manifest to all the people with a few exceptions. And some of their own adherents said they were ashamed of their ministers’ being so ignorant. This battle lasted till 12 o’clock, and still some of the people wanted us to continue on another subject. I had two evenings to speak after this, and then the professor returned and lectured on the same subject. This I reviewed to a large and interested audience. Then one of these ministers came and lectured on the Sabbath question. He said that was not a matter of so much importance; that Sunday-keeping was not in the Bible as an institution, and people could do about that as they liked, only so they abstained from the coarser labor on that day. It was a pious custom introduced by the holy fathers. He was there only to defend his own flock. They were mostly strong in the faith of their fathers, but if any of them had become weak minded and had scruples of conscience over Saturday, they might better keep it. He recommended to the people to read my books. After this they did not care to try any more. They helped very much to arouse the interest to hear the truth. The last evening some over twenty arose to acknowledge the perpetuity of the Sabbath of the Lord, and half of that number have commenced keeping it. It is very difficult to get these people to express their opinion publicly; they are so cautious. We have commenced the organization of a church with eight members. Many who love the Lord and his truth are in strong sympathy with us, and we have hopes that they will come along. But it is so difficult to keep the Sabbath in the city. Some are going and others contemplate moving out into the country where they are more at liberty. As a good proof of their interest in the cause, the friends donated to me about $25.00. Sabbath and Sunday, July 29 and 30, we had some good meetings with the church at Oakland; six more united with the church; eight willing souls were buried with Christ in baptism, one of whom was my dear mother, now seventy-one years of age. Thus young and old unite in Christ. How blessed when we all shall rejoice in immortal youth. Elsten Road 21, Chicago, Ill.