Arcadia, Wisconsin by O. A. Olson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1873

Arcadia, Wisconsin.

By O. A. Olson

My last report closed with May 15. I was then in company with Bro. J. C. Nelson, at Hixton. We held meetings there Sabbath and Sunday. The following week went to Arcadia and commenced meetings in a Norwegian settlement; continued here until June 16. These people are all Lutherans, and nearly all belong to the church. They had never heard of present truth; only a very few had seen some of our tracts. From the first, they manifested an interest to hear. And when we left them, there were quite a number in favor of these things, and some intended to obey. We left them to attend our camp-meeting. It was then thought best to return, which we did, and commenced meetings again, July 5, and continued five weeks, the interest still holding good. But now the opposition commenced very strong and active, and for a time, we feared the result. In general, the people are much attached to the priest. But, with the honest truth-seekers, the opposition tended to expose error and establish truth, and a few began to decide in its favor.

I was then taken sick and unable to labor. I returned home. After improving some in health, I moved my family to Fort Howard, Brown Co., this State, where we are now located. After making some preparations about home, returned to this place Sept. 25. Those that had started, we found growing stronger, and others taking hold with them. There are now eight, I believe, trying to keep the Sabbath, and others favorable. But they have much to learn. It is astonishing to see people grow up in a Christian (?) denomination from childhood to gray hairs never seeing or hearing prayer, except such as is performed by the priest standing in the pulpit. But there are honest souls that are desirous to learn the way of God and walk in it. I feel that a great deal of wisdom and grace from God is needed in this work. I desire to be humble and seek the Lord with an earnest purpose, that I may be led and instructed by his Spirit in the ways of wisdom and truth.

O. A. OLSON.

Arcadia, Oct. 8, 1873.