Among the Swedes by Charles Lee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1874

Among the Swedes.

By Charles Lee

OVER three months have passed since I last reported through the REVIEW. During that time I have had only a few days of rest, having had a greater realization that “the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” I spent nearly two months (including the time our dear Bro. Butler was with us) among the churches. I found it was needed. I was greatly encouraged and strengthened by the pleasant visit I had with Bro. Butler. He made me feel that we, Swedes, are not overlooked by the American brethren for our littleness as a people; but that they embrace us in sympathy and fellowship as much as any of their own people. This is truly encouraging to all of us.

The kindness and manifestation of true love which the General Conference has bestowed upon us in getting up the “Svensk Advent Harold” was truly a noble deed. May the blessings of God rest upon you, brethren! We all join in heartfelt gratitude to you for your favor. The “Harold” has done a great deal of good already among our people. As I have just received a letter from one of our brethren in Isanti County, in which he writes about the “Harold,” I will translate it and let it speak for us all.

“My dear Bro. L.: We are glad to hear that God is with you. May his tender Spirit lead you on in his service! We are here all trying to live for God. It’s true that we have to confess that the path we leave behind us is far from being straight, when viewed from the law of perfection; but our aim is to make our calling and election sure. I will also inform you that it seems that God is working among us here. One family have begun to keep the Sabbath from reading our little paper, and several others around about here begin to take hold of God’s commandments; and quite a number are inquiring into the truth. The Harold is at work unceasingly. It is read with great desire. I have already sent out eight copies, and would send more if my means would allow it.

“Those blessed meetings we had at Chisago Lake when Bro. Butler was with us have worked for our good. We have enjoyed religion more since, and it has evidently been manifested in those among us that did not attend the meetings that they met with a great loss. Our prayer is to God that he may send such means and instrumentalities as will help us in getting loose from the world and its influences, that our hearts may be truly longing for a home in the kingdom of God and the soon appearing of our dear Lord. A. Norine.”

Shortly after Bro. Butler left me, I started to Wisconsin to labor in a Swedish settlement near Maiden Rock. I held there a few meetings, and several were very much interested in the meetings. But as there were more Norwegians than Swedes, and Bro. Olson was to come into the neighborhood, I left, and went fifteen miles farther into the country. There I found another settlement of Swedes and some honest souls, so I began to hold meetings. At the same time, I was informed that there were many Swedes and a Swedish Baptist church at Lake City, Minn., also that the Baptist friends there expected a minister from St. Paul to move to Lake City, and be the pastor of that church. When I learned his name, I was at once convinced that, if I could do any good in Lake City, I must be there ahead of him; for he has tried with all his might to hurt my influence in other places. I had by this time seven started in the truth; and I left the Harold with them to lead them on further.

When in Lake City, I had to stop at a hotel, and, besides, hire a hall at the cost of $4.00 a night; and all the money I had in the world was $5.00. I felt that God had some honest souls here, and therefore I ventured on. God blessed me. The way opened before me, so I finally got the American Methodist church to hold meetings in, whenever they themselves did not use it. May God bless them for their kindness.

I have continued my meetings here in Lake City for about five weeks. Fifteen or sixteen have taken a firm stand on the side of the truth, and among them the leader of the Baptist church—a very good and pious man. After I had been here about two weeks, the above-mentioned minister at St. Paul wrote a letter to the Baptist friends in Lake City, in which he warned them against me, and pictured out my character in very dark colors. He states, indirectly, that I am a “thief,” a “swindler,” and a “runaway,” etc.

A week after that, another Baptist minister came to Lake City with instructions and a determination to break down what I had built up. A private meeting was called among the Baptist friends, and there he did his best to accomplish his object. But he found that every blow he struck hit himself. He came too late! He immediately began to take a better view of the subject. The next day I invited him to the hotel to dinner, and in the afternoon I explained the prophetic chart to him. Here he found new light. He attended a few of my meetings, and one especially seemed to do him so much good that he lay awake the next night and rejoiced over it. He seemed to be a very good man when he was free from prejudice. He left Lake City with the Baptist friends in my care, seemingly perfectly satisfied. At his departure, he wished me God-speed. Another man has risen up in the city, and declared that he would show his wit on me. I am now engaged with him in discussion in one of the largest halls in the city. This has aroused up the Swedes far and near. The congregation exceeds four hundred. The Lord is in the work. Pray for us, brethren!

CHARLES LEE.

Lake City, March 26, 1874.