Labors in Northern Wis by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 25, 1865

Labors in Northern Wis.

By John Matteson

BRO. WHITE: I begin to feel a little lonesome in the northern part of Wisconsin, but the message moves forward; and in this I do rejoice. The dear Saviour is leading out his people step by step. His gentle voice is heard amid all the noisy confusion around us. Lead on, blessed Jesus! lead on! Forget not the weak and erring ones. Never leave nor forsake us till we overcome all our infirmities and are ready for the kingdom!

This part of the field is new, extensive, and the soil rather barren. Catholics and Spiritualists are plenty; yet I find some willing souls here and there, who are seeking for truth.

I commenced to lecture in Appleton, May 22. Spiritualism is very strong in this place, and besides this, Stephenson did some years ago prejudice the minds of the people very much against the Advent name.

We had nineteen meetings. Sold $8,00 worth of publications. Three decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. These, together with the three brethren who were here before, and a few others, meet together for worship on the Sabbath.

June 6, I arrived at New Denmark. Here the smallpox hindered our meetings some. The few sisters who live here feel lonesome, yet they are firm in the truth. One sister united with the church, and four others have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and meet with the brethren. The Spirit of the Lord was with us as we met together.

In Montpelier I found the brethren still prospering in the Lord. Bro. P. F. Hall has come home from the army sick, but is now recovering.

From here I went to Kewaunee and held twelve meetings. Several acknowledged the perpetuity of the Sabbath, and four expressed a desire to go with the remnant people. They procured books and wished to further examine the evidences of our faith.

July 1st, attended the ordinances of the house of God with the brethren at Montpelier. Our friends from Kewaunee came to the meeting, and we had truly a refreshing time. One sister was baptized, and united with us.

Kewaunee is a little village on the lake Michigan shore. It is the county-seat. The population is mostly foreign and Catholic. Drunkenness prevails to a fearful extent. But some few were thirsting for the water of life. In these places I sold publications for about $20,00. May God bless my brethren here and crown their faithful perseverance with much success.

July 2, had a meeting in New Denmark. The Spirit of God was with us. Our dear Saviour appeared to us more lovely as our hearts were touched and made tender by his love to us. God grant these dear brethren grace to stand firm against the strong efforts of our enemies.

July 4, called on our friends at Appleton, and found them still persevering. Went to Oskosh, and found sister F. Freeman who some time ago wrote in the Review. She is a poor widow and has six children. Her trust is in the Lord. She is about to move East to her relatives. She is the only Sabbath-keeper in this place.

After this I had a few meetings in Fremont. I reviewed a Baptist elder who had been preaching against the Sabbath while I was gone. He took the position that it was impossible to find which day was the seventh day, but yet it is the duty of all to keep the first day of the week as Sabbath, because Christ rose on that day.

Two more decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. One subscribed for the Review.

May the Lord give us that wisdom which cometh from above, that we may glorify his name and meet at last in his kingdom.

JOHN MATTESON.

Poy Sippi, June 12th, 1865.