NORWEGIANS IN WISCONSIN.
By W. Phelps
BRO. SMITH: Two weeks ago last Sabbath I attended meeting at Koskonong, where quite a number of our Norwegian friends were out. After meeting closed we assembled on the lake shore where six of them put on Christ by baptism. Last Sabbath I was with them again, and after meeting five more were baptized. Three had been previously baptized, making in all fourteen, and still the interest continues. I am to return in a day or two, and hold meetings as long as may seem duty. They are a very intelligent, honest people, and light has sprung up among them. They are anxious for the whole truth, which has its designed effect upon their hearts. Many of them can understand and speak our language very well, while some of them can neither speak nor understand anything but their own language. What a pity some of our publications are not translated into the Norwegian language. Many might be reached in that way with the truth, who cannot be reached at present in any other way. I hope the church will take it into consideration, and see what can be done for the Norwegian friends. The church seems to be rising, and a better state of feeling now exists than has in a long time in some places in this State. I believe the time has fully come for the Lord to work again here. Since the folly of J. M. Stephenson has been made manifest many who loved the truth have taken a decided stand, and are moving in harmony with it, and trying to prepare to stand on mount Zion. I think the conference we had at Koskonong in March, when Brn. Hart, Andrews and Waggoner were there, has proved a blessing. There exists a much better state of feeling there since, than before the conference, and some have expressed their thankfulness to God for that privilege. There are many honest brethren in Wisconsin, who were under the influence of J. M. Stephenson to some extent before he gave up the Sabbath, which are now delivered21from that influence, and are trying to make sure work for the kingdom. I believe Stephenson is less capable of hindering the truth since he gave up the Sabbath, than while he was holding to it, and denying the Third Angel's Message, and the promises connected with the gospel. Mark xvi, 17; 1 Cor. xii, 4, 12; Isa. v, 14, 16; Acts ii, 17, 18. O how precious are these promises to the remnant. O how dangerous to deny them, after having embraced them; but God has made an example of some, according to the testimony given in relation to them. I hope we have all learned a lesson from others that will do us good. I feel like girding on the whole armor, and pushing the battle to the gate. In hope of eternal life when Christ shall come.