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REPORT FROM DENMARK

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 3, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 51, No. 1.

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REPORT FROM DENMARK.

By John G. Matteson

NORDBY, FANÖ.

I have now been on this island four weeks. The opposition has been very strong. The priest preaches against us, calls us heretics and fanatics, and says that we set the time for the coming of Christ, and that we endeavor to be justified by the law. This excites the people against us, and grown people hoot and jeer at us on the street, and even when they go home from church. Under such circumstances as these, there are not many who have courage enough to attend our meetings. Our audiences number from fifteen to twenty-five. Those, however, who have a desire to learn from the word of God, beg of us not to leave them till the battle has been fought out at present.
I have avoided all strife, and have spoken with respect both of the church and the authorities; but it is the testimony about the law of God and the Sabbath that has raised all this commotion. The authorities would not at first allow me to ask the people to make donations toward defraying my expenses; but after some conversation with them, they consented to this, with the understanding that I should let them know in what manner it would be done. The friends have donated 44 crowns (about $14.00) for hall rent, and 32 crowns for my traveling expenses. I have sold books for 14 crowns, and obtained eleven subscribers to the TIDENDE.
There are now twelve persons here who keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and are trying to prepare for the coming and kingdom of our Saviour. There are others who are convinced. We have commenced a Bible-class, with sixteen members. We have also started a Sabbath-school and a prayer-meeting. These dear friends have no leader, as yet; but Jesus will lead them, and his promises belong to them.
May the Lord strengthen those who love his word, and await the appearing of Christ, living a godly and holy life. May he glorify his name by spreading the truth, and leading many in our native country also, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Nov. 26. John G. Matteson.