Christiana, Norway by John G. Matteson

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 6, 1879

Christiana, Norway.

By John G. Matteson

[SINCE the other report from Norway was sent to press the following from Bro. Matteson has come to hand, and because of its interest we hasten to lay it before our readers.]

THE interest in this place is deepening and widening. I have held twelve meetings the past week. We have sold books for 50 Kroner the last two weeks, and obtained over thirty subscribers for the Tidende this month in the city.

More than eight persons met with us last Sabbath, and about half of that number are keeping the Sabbath, while new ones are continually becoming interested.

The life and death question has caused a great commotion. Upwards of one thousand people crowded into the hall last night to hear our closing lecture on this subject, and many more came, but could not get in. This is a most tender point with these Northmen. That the devil is to be destroyed causes great wrath among those who have largely imbibed his spirit. Priests, professors, and students met, besides a number of preachers.

But the testimony became too strait for them. Toward the close of the sermon a preacher broke in upon me. Hundreds expressed aloud their disapproval, but others were determined to sustain him. They halloed Amen, and made very noisy demonstrations, being led on by one of the popular preachers. About one-fourth of the congregation favored this move actively; but hundreds of voices would try to hush them, thus causing great excitement and disturbance. There was a commotion among the multitude like that of the waves of the sea.

I felt sorry, and was loth to have the meeting end in this way. Then a strong voice was suddenly heard ringing out above the noisy clamor, demanding immediate quiet; and as by a sudden impulse, all obeyed, and I finished the sermon and closed in the usual way. Then I sold books as fast as I could make change for quite a while. Most of the people did not like to go. Four policemen pressed slowly through the crowd, and came to me. They asked if there was any trouble. I told them all was well. Then they left. The people finally left the house, but many groups were formed here and there, eagerly discussing the subject of the discourse. To-day it has been a general topic of discourse throughout the city.

I have had very little time to write, for people have been coming and going all day. This evening there were as many as eight at once, all desiring to converse, and to learn about this doctrine. They are all friendly, and seem to be Christian people. I trust the Lord has much people in this city. Pray for us, dear brethren, that the Lord may give wisdom and strength, and means to carry on this good work for the glory of his great name, and the salvation of many souls. JOHN G. MATTESON.

Christiana, December 30, 1878.