Reports from the Field.
By John G. Matteson
THE truth is clearing away the mist from many minds. The Lord is helping us. It appears that we have come here just in time. No missionary work had been done before us; no tracts or papers had prepared the way. The greatest prejudice existed against our faith. And yet the Lord has been to work on many hearts, and the providence of God has kindly guided. Some of the priests and a number of the students often come to our meetings. The State university is here, and the learning of the country is centered here. The past week has been occupied by the life and death question. On no question do the people in this country entertain more prejudice; yet the battle has been fought successfully, and many souls are rejoicing in the light. A Baptist brother, who has embraced the truth, is editor of a semi-monthly religious paper, which has about one thousand subscribers in this city. He calls the attention of his readers to our work in this city, and tells them that his paper for the coming year will be principally devoted to the great doctrine of the coming of the Lord, and the prophecies. The Sabbath question has only been spoken of occasionally as yet. Nevertheless, it has stirred up the zeal of leading men in the city, so that they held a mass meeting last night to form a society for the defense of their Sunday institution, and to take measures, by publishing tracts, writing articles, etc., to bring about a more sacred regard for Sunday. It is now seven weeks since I commenced preaching here. Last Sabbath forty persons met with us to worship the Lord, most of whom are keeping the Sabbath. In the afternoon we commenced a Bible-class, which promises to be of much interest. To the Lord be all the praise.