The Swedes by James Sawyer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 19, 1873

The Swedes.

By James Sawyer

We are pleased to speak of the character of some of this nationality. Many of them are industrious, energetic, and faithful citizens, and some act much like consistent Christians. At least, they manifest a great zeal for the church to which they belong. Here, in Kane Co., Ill., are about 1000. In this vicinity, some females manifest a remarkable zeal, of which it might be well to speak, in order to show what can be done by some who labor only for a livelihood.

In the first place, some of these worked out in Sweden for small wages, and saved enough to pay their passage to America. Others had their passage paid by their brother, or friend, who came to the States and labored until he had saved means to send back for them.

Now some of these females who came here in this way have, during the past year, paid forty-five or fifty dollars each toward purchasing a meeting-house in Geneva, twenty dollars toward building a place of worship for a sister church, ten dollars for the salary of their minister, have money left in the bank, and yet dress neatly, but not gaudily. These are, also, what might be considered workers, that is, in the prayer-meeting their voices are heard.

That is, no doubt, a strong affection which induces one to labor on, month after month in the midst of strangers, hardly being able

at first to speak a word intelligibly, until money is saved to bring a brother, a sister, a father, or a mother, to his embrace; and yet many of the Swedes do this.

When the first brother’s or sister’s passage is paid, then the love goes out after the second; and in a few years, the social circle is gladdened by the happy voices of a family group who sing the joyful tunes of their fatherland. Soon we see them, by industry and economy, each having a snug little home.

But in all their efforts for their own comfort, this people are still remarkable for a devotion to their church. And money is always ready to sustain the religion of their choice.

We have reason to hope that many of this nationality have hearts already prepared for such truths, which are calculated, according to the prophecies, to go forth and gather out from “peoples, nations, and tongues,” such as shall be ready for our soon-coming Saviour.

Geneva, Ill., Aug 7, 1873. James Sawyer.

DO YOU PRAY?

When the cares of life perplex you, And its little ills so vex you, Driving all your joys away, Toil-worn brother—do you pray?

When the tempter tries to charm you, And his subtle powers disarm you, Causing in your heart dismay, Christian—do you always pray?

When your heart is sad and weary, And the world seems dark and dreary, When you cannot see the way, Weary wanderer—do you pray?

When earthly hopes and friendships fail you, When human aid cannot avail you, On the altar do you lay All your griefs, and humbly pray?

Jesus loves to hear us pleading, When for us he’s interceding; Let us all our burdens lay At his feet, and watch and pray.