FREDERIKSHAVN, DENMARK.
By John G. Matterson
It is two weeks since I wrote last. Our meetings in Saltum on Sunday were well attended. In the afternoon I preached a thanksgiving sermon for the harvest-home. About three hundred persons met, and as the house was not large enough to accommodate all these, I went out into the open air, and spoke. But the weather was chilly, and I contracted a severe cold, from which I have not yet rallied. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings I preached in Ø. Hjermeslev, and Thursday evening in Stenum. In the former place many were obliged to stand outside both evenings, as there was no room inside the house. I believe that the Lord will bless the word spoken, and not let it return empty. It will rejoice my heart, if the seed which has been sown with weeping and under many difficulties, accomplish the good pleasure of the Lord. I have visited some friends in Frederikshavn, and Elling parish, who have read our paper. Yesterday I held a meeting in Strandby, and am now in Jerup, where I also intend to hold a few meetings, and then return to Alstrup. I attended the confirmation exercises in the church yesterday. The minister delivered a very able sermon on the law and the gospel. I have received six subscribers for the TIDENDE. There are many difficulties in connection with our labor here; but I feel willing to leave myself in the hands of the Lord and labor as long as he gives grace and strength for the work. In a strange land, among strangers, far away from the loved ones at home, and deprived of the comforts and blessings accustomed there to enjoy, we have realized more than ever before that we are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. The only article of fuel used in this part of the country is turf. Wood is not to be seen. And a great deal of the turf is under water in the moor, so that it cannot be gotten up. Although the weather is very cold and damp, we have not yet been able to obtain a room with a fire-place or a stove in it. Many of the people are, because of their poverty, obliged to suffer a great deal from cold and dampness, while others prefer to do this rather than burn their fuel. But the Lord be praised that he gives grace to be exercised in patience; and the desire and prayer of my heart is that all these things may serve to make us more spiritually minded, and prepare us to be better able to work in harmony with our dear brethren in other countries, to the glory of God, and to prepare the Lord's people who shall walk in the footsteps of Jesus and await his glorious appearing.