Report from Denmark by John G. Matteson

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 21, 1878

Report from Denmark.

By John G. Matteson

I HAVE held meetings in Hostrup, Alstrup and Tylstrup since my last report. In Hostrup there is a brother who has observed the Sabbath for eleven years. His wife is united with him in the faith. We held one meeting in his house. The neighbors came in and listened attentively to a sermon on the reasons for our faith and hope.

On the Sabbath, February 2, we had a prayer-meeting in Alstrup, and felt that the Spirit of the Lord was present. We organized the same day a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. In the afternoon, all the seats in the meeting-house were full. The people here are very willing to hear, but they are certainly very slow to obey the truths of God's word.

The following week we held two meetings in the same place, besides visiting families and holding prayer-meeting, Sabbath-school, and Bible-class on the Sabbath. There is a large field of labor here, which we cannot soon get through with. Besides, we have invitations to preach, in several other places in Vendsyssel. There is four times as much work as I can attend to.

The truth is also making an entrance into Norway. I have for some time corresponded with some friends there, and sent them some of our publications. In Bergen there are four persons who have commenced to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and they are temperance men. They write that there are others whom they hope to win to the truth, and that there are many who are willing to hear. In Romedal there is a brother who preaches to the people and holds the same views that we do. He is a homeopathic physician.

In Norway and Sweden there is much more religious awakening than in Denmark. And in Denmark the most promising field is Jylland, especially the northern part. This both the Methodists and Baptists recognize. But there is no one who could have charge of the work begun here if I should go into new fields. Is there not at least one active brother who could come to help us in the spring, so that we could start a mission in Norway during the summer, if this should be the will of God, and the desire of our brethren?

In Tylstrup I have held six meetings. The friends have obtained a place to hold meetings, and have hired it for a year. It will seat about sixty persons. About one hundred and forty came to our first meeting. Several were obliged to stand outside. The word spoken has already, through the blessing of God, accomplished much good.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

February 14, 1878.