V. HJERMESLEV, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
We have held five meetings this week. The weather is often cold and wet. We hold our meetings in the evening now, and it is therefore much more unpleasant for the people to come together. We are in need of a suitable place for our meetings, but we use dwelling houses and try to accommodate ourselves to circumstances. Sunday afternoon the Baptists held their quarterly meeting in Östrup. I was present a short time. They are much scattered in this part of the country, but there were, however, about a hundred persons present. They occupied a large low room, very poorly ventilated. This was a very close and stifling place for persons who need pure air to breathe. It was a difficult matter to hear the speaker, as the surroundings deadened the sound. He spoke of the second advent of Christ and the preparation of the people of God for it. It would be well for the Baptists in this country, if they would be willing to labor in harmony with other Christians, whenever an opportunity is given. Nothing is gained by being sectarian and misjudging others. It is much better to recognize the good, wherever it is found. It is through the mercy and blessing of God that some here and there are earnestly considering the things which belong to the kingdom of God, and are separating themselves from the world, because of their love to Him who has borne our sins upon himself.” I then held meetings in Faarup and V. Hjermeslev, and found the rooms in both places full of attentive hearers. In order to reach these places, I was obliged to walk about ten miles, and also make several visits. Providence permitting, I intend to make another visit to Fanö, and try to labor some there. My wife remains here. The fare on third class cars is about half as much as in America. There is great excitement among the people at present. The Cabinet has passed a provisional financial law, which the lower house asserts is contrary to the constitution, and wants rescinded. But the Supreme Court sustains the Cabinet. Some think that Parliament will be dissolved; and the people refuse to pay their taxes. The Lord alone knows what is in the future. Our prayers ascend to him for our country, that he will stay the winds of war, and that he will give grace, that some souls here may be prepared for the glorious appearing of our Saviour, and escape the troubles which shall come on the earth. There is not much religious awakening in Denmark. The Methodists have labored earnestly for many years, but their success does not correspond to the efforts they have put forth. It has been their experience that Jylland is a much better field of labor than the islands. As far as I have been able to learn, there is much more religious agitation in Norway and Sweden. A resolution has been made in the Parliament in Norway to separate the church and state. And several priests have withdrawn from the State church, and established free churches. It seems, however, duty for me to continue at present to labor in Denmark, if the Lord will give grace, and bodily strength for the work. Many die here of consumption. I have visited four persons who have suffered from this disease, and am requested to visit another. Two of them have died, and the others show no signs of improvement. It is only of late years that this disease has made such great headway in Denmark. In America, also, more die from this disease than from any other. The human race is sinking deeper and deeper in infidelity and disobedience, and the curse is resting heavily over the groaning creation. May the Lord soon come and redeem his people. Alstrup, pr. Brönderslev, Oct. 16, 1877.