CHRISTIANA, NORWAY by John G. Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1879

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John G. Matteson

Our work in this place has called forth a great deal of opposition. The whole clergy of the State Church, including the bishop and the professors of the State University, have arisen like one man to crush this new doctrine. The Methodists have commenced a most bitter attack in a daily paper, besides writing in their own paper. And other preachers hold meetings to discuss the Sabbath and immortality questions, and to counsel as to the best way of opposing and hindering us. Nevertheless the people crowd in, and for want of room many go away at every lecture. The number of our friends is increasing. I have never seen so great an interest, neither have I ever had such a strong opposition to meet; and there is as much need of using the pen as the tongue. We have nine meetings every week.

The second number of our small paper, Tidernes Tegn, has been printed. About seven hundred copies have been circulated in the city, and we have two days in which to distribute more before the next number is printed. I hope, also, to get access to the daily papers, at least to reply to the attacks.

This battle for the truth in Christiana is of the greatest importance for the Scandinavian kingdoms. If it is carried through successfully, we have gained a strong foothold in these northern countries, and the influence will be felt throughout. But if we lose here, we lose much. I have but a little strength, which is far from being sufficient and proportionate to this great work. I cry unto God for help, and he has graciously helped us hitherto. Yet we need more sanctified talent to aid in the work, and some means. May the Lord remember this part of the great harvest field also.

There have been but few meetings held among our friends in Denmark this month. The roads have been impassable on account of snow.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

Osterhausgaden 12, Jan. 20, 1879.