Denmark by John G. Matteson

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 30, 1878

Denmark.

By John G. Matteson

Alstrup.—During the past two weeks we have tried to labor as hard as possible for the progress of the truth, both in Tylstrup and in Alstrup. At the first place especially, we have met much opposition; but the friends have been strengthened in the faith. Evil-minded persons have mobbed together, and in several ways tried to hinder our efforts. I wrote to the district judge asking for the assistance of the police, and he immediately complied with the request. The authorities have now protected us in our lawful efforts, and this has helped much toward securing peace for us for which we are very thankful.

Our meetings have been well attended, and the truth is spreading more and more. Nineteen dear souls have been buried with Christ in baptism. They live in the vicinity of Alstrup and Tylstrup. Yesterday we held a temperance meeting in the meeting-house. Mr. Guldbrandsen, from Vejle, of the society of Friends, assisted us very much at this meeting. Besides, there were representatives from Aalborg, Tylstrup, Stenum, and Saltum, as well as from Alstrup and vicinity. There were about one hundred and fifty persons present. Denmark suffers much from the vice of intemperance, and the temperance cause has very few defenders. In Norway and Sweden, however, where the government aids this cause, it makes good progress. We have made a small beginning here, and we will, by the grace of God, labor on.

April 29.—We have held only three meetings this week. The weather is pleasant, and the soil is ready for the seed, so that it is a very busy time. I have written, and made some family visits. We receive letters both from Norway and different places in Denmark, urging us to come and preach the word. Many despise the truth, and labor against it as much as possible, but others receive it with joy, and long for more light.

We have had baptism again. A brother and sister in the Lord were buried with Christ in baptism. The Lord has blessed the preaching of the word and we feel encouraged. Sabbath afternoon we met to organize a church. Twelve brethren and sisters covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Besides these, there are two others who have been baptized, but were unable to be present. These will hereafter unite with us. After the organization we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and enjoyed much of the blessing of God.

There are also eight or ten others who keep the Sabbath and will meet with the church for worship. Many others are convinced of the truth and are friendly to us. We hope and pray that they may sometime obey the truth to the salvation of their souls. We leave them now for a time, for the purpose of laboring on the islands. John G. Matteson.