THE CAUSE IN OLD SWEDEN.
By A. Swedberg
EXTRACTS from letters from different parts of Old Sweden show that the Spirit of the Lord is at work upon the hearts of the people in that land. A brother writes, Dec. 17, 1878, as follows: “I wish to express my thanks for the Harold, which comes to us regularly. I inclose money for the year 1879. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon the sacrifices which our friends in America have made for us. There are four here who meet together on the Lord’s Sabbath, and his blessing is with us.” A brother in the northern part of Sweden writes, Jan. 12, 1879: “I have received the Harold four months, and have been much instructed on important truths. I have accepted the Lord’s Sabbath. There are some here who would be glad to take the Harold, and I am in hopes of obtaining some subscribers soon.” Another writes: “I wish, with all my heart, that some brother would come here to preach the truth in its purity; for I believe there is a large mission field in this vicinity.” Another who lately embraced the truth writes: “I am now shut out of the Baptist church upon the following confession: ‘The truths I have embraced are in accordance with the Scriptures; I shall follow them, and do what I can to induce others to embrace them.’ When the chairman of the meeting heard this, he said, ‘The church cannot recommend such a member.’ The Harold is liked by nearly all. It is sent from house to house. I have obtained four subscribers, and hope to get more. I have been out and delivered a few lectures.” In another letter from the same brother he says: “I thank you for the books you sent. Inclosed is money for the Harold. To-day I have written to Eld. Matteson in Norway. It will be a great satisfaction to get a letter from him. During the present year I think there will be an interest in Sweden to hear the truth. The editor of the Evangelist, a leading Baptist paper, designs to publish articles on the Sabbath question. The editor of Tidens Tecken, Signs of the Times, I understand, has accepted the Sabbath. I have a desire to visit Eld. Matteson, and act as colporteur for him.” Other interesting letters showing progress might be given. Through Eld. Matteson’s reports we have seen what a great interest is now manifested in Norway. In one report he says that the interest in Norway is ten times greater than in Denmark, and it is said that in Sweden there is still greater interest manifested. This fact, together with the encouraging letters we from time to time receive from persons who are becoming interested and embracing the truth simply by reading the Harold, inspires us with new courage and zeal to labor on in this good cause. In view of these impressive tokens, our faith in the work of the third angel’s message grows stronger, and we believe the day is not far distant when we shall see the Swedish cause rise to success and prosperity. We are very thankful to our American brethren for the interest they have taken in us, and we would still humbly plead for your prayers, benevolence, and hearty co operation in this branch of this one grand and glorious work. May God bless the cause among the Swedes.