Reports from the Field.
By J. G. Matteson
THE Lord has been very good to us. Our children and fellow-laborers have arrived from America. They have had a very pleasant journey, and are all well. They took passage in the steerage, and boarded themselves during their stay in New York and England, where they had to wait for the steamers, thus reducing expenses in every possible way, so that the entire cost for nine persons, with extra baggage and a large box of books, amounted to only $402.50. Through the influence of Bro. Boynton, in New York, they obtained a separate room in the steamer, and received very kind attention, during the voyage. The night when they were expected, my wife and self could not retire to sleep. About 12 o'clock we went to the harbor to look for them. (It is light here all night.) After a while we saw more than twenty of our friends also promenading and watching. We waited till six in the morning,—then we had a happy meeting. It was really touching to see the dear little souls who for more than two years had been separated from father and mother, and tried the life of orphans. We are truly thankful to the dear friends who so kindly have cared for them in our absence. But one was missing. Our oldest child did not come. She tarried behind. I bade her good-bye in America, but did not welcome her in Norway. Oh, what a loss! I miss her very much. And nothing can make up for this loss but the blessed hope. The Lifegiver will bring her with the many other dear friends who slumber silently in the cold, cold grave. Hail, happy day, that shall change our loss into gain, and our sorrows into everlasting joy! The cause is onward in this place. Forty-two persons have now been baptized, and fifty-eight have united in church fellowship. There are more than a hundred besides these who are in harmony with us. We have preaching twice every Sunday, and on Wednesday evening and Sabbath forenoon. Nearly one hundred persons attended meeting on the Sabbath, and more than four hundred on Sunday. Last Sabbath afternoon we administered the ordinances. About fifty-eight brethren and sisters took part, and as many more were present and enjoyed the presence of the Lord with us. Bro. Jasperson has gone to northern Jutland, Denmark, to labor five or six weeks. The truth is gaining ground there under Bro. Brorsen's labors. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and some have been baptized. Pray for us, that God may sustain this work and save many souls. July 11, 1879. J. G. MATTESON.