p. 150 | Among the Swedes by Charles Lee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1875

Among the Swedes.

By Charles Lee

I left Iowa, March 30, and came to Lake Crystal, Blue Earth Co., Minn., where I have labored about two weeks. The spring work has hindered my labors here. I have visited families, and have done the best I could to show the people the importance of keeping God’s commandments together with the faith of Jesus. Seven dear souls have taken hold of God’s holy truth, and, with hearts made tender by the Holy Spirit, have resolved to let their light shine before their fellow-men. May God bless them much.

In my report from Crawford Co., Iowa, it was stated that seven were organized into a church. Through some mistake one was forgotten; for there were eight at that time, and I believe they were all whole-souled Christians.

Circumstances call me now to visit the churches. The past year has been a year of many and great trials among our people. The opposers of present truth have done all in their power to hinder the work among us from advancing any farther. I have thought at times that they might succeed for a season, because the people in general are controlled by the priests. But the Lord has helped us, and opened the way before us. The work is going onward, both here and in Sweden. Blessed be the name of God! We owe many thanks to our American brethren for the help they have extended to us. May God bless you, dear brethren.

A brother by the name of P. Lindblad, who received the truth at Lake City, Minn., about fourteen months ago, has this spring tried to labor among our people in Wisconsin, and he reports that eight have taken hold of the truth.

Another brother, C. Larson, that accepted of this great message about two years ago, entered a Swedish settlement in Michigan last winter, where he caused such a stir that the people thought it best to send to Sweden for a priest who could prove to them that Sunday is the true Sabbath. He reports that several have resolved to obey and live.

A letter from Sweden, just received, contains the following:— “DEAR BRETHREN IN AMERICA: You have made our hearts glad by calling our attention to these precious truths. We are living in a country where superstition and ceremonies prevail to the greatest extent; and where the truth is kept from the people. I stand here alone, with the sword of truth in my hand. There are hundreds of sinners about me; and many cry, ‘Come over and help us.’ I have now been preaching till my family suffer for want of means to live upon, and as the higher authorities are watching me, I have no help to keep me up. I am obliged to work with my hands to support my sickly wife and six children between the times that I seek poor, perishing souls. God will help me. Oh! that some of the brethren in America could come over and help us! Please send us the Herald and tracts, that the people may read; for many are searching for light and express a great desire to read your publications. The people are so hungry for the word of God that, though they have to wade through the snow-drifts, they fill the largest rooms that I can get to hold meetings in. May God bless all the dear brethren that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

I have promised this man some help if he continues faithful.

CHARLES LEE.