AN INTERESTING LETTER FROM SWEDEN.
By A. Swedberg
The following letter is from a brother in Sweden who some time ago became interested in the truth by reading a few numbers of the Harold, which accidentally fell into his hands. He has now fully embraced the truth, and, as his letter will show, is anxious to bring the light to others of his countrymen. We think he is a man of ability, and will be of great service to the cause of present truth in Sweden. But he is poor, and needs help and encouragement. Bro. Swedberg: I thank you from my heart for your letter, and for the package of publications sent me. The guiding and protecting hand of God is constantly over me. I have access to his word, and by the guidance of his good Spirit my eyes have been opened to his glorious truth. When I wrote to you last year, I had begun to get a little insight into present truth through the reading of a few numbers of the Harold, and my interest had been awakened to search the Scriptures for a knowledge of the truths that were set forth in this paper. I wrote to Eld. Matteson, and he sent me a number of tracts, which I studied, and compared with the Bible. The more I read, the more my mind was directed to the truths of this blessed book, over which the tracts shed a stream of light. And now I do not at all regret that I have acquainted myself with the literature of S. D. Adventists. Your tracts are very precious to me (1) because they set forth the present truth in a Scriptural manner; and (2) because they continually make reference to the Bible. I praise the Lord that I have obtained these publications. Through them I have now a clear knowledge of the faith and doctrines of S. D. Adventists. During July and August I traveled through the western part of Wermland. In one place I found fourteen who were interested in the truth. Some of these were also convinced. I hope the Lord will guide them into the whole truth. Many like the Harold, but because of the great scarcity of money and the hard times, I have not succeeded in obtaining any subscribers. Many said they would subscribe next year. The picture, Way of Life, is universally liked and admired by those who have seen it. Although many are interested in the truth, still the majority oppose it, and call our doctrine antichristian. But that which grieves my heart the most is to see those who profess to be the children of God manifest the greatest feeling of enmity. But in spite of all this the work of God will, with his assisting grace, go forward. Oh that the Lord might cleanse all his children from all the pernicious doctrines of the apostate church! Those who go out to labor as missionaries in this country must expect to meet great opposition, especially if they have an unpopular doctrine to preach. It is almost a certainty that those who present the truths of the Bible must either pay fine or suffer imprisonment. Those who attempt this work must be able men, who, driven by the Holy Spirit and by love for the truth, will, amidst joy and sorrow, applause and opposition, consecrate themselves wholly to the work of carrying forward the cause of God. Here we need men who do not fear to meet hatred, enmity, and opposition, nor to look the popular theologians in the face and blow with the trumpet in Zion. They need to have a living experience in the truth they are to present to others; and they must be so familiar with it and the Bible that they can readily defend it. When new things are presented, the people will inquire, “Where is it written?” and many who realize the numerous errors in the Swedish translation of the Bible will even inquire, “What does the original say?” Bro. L. G. Olson, who is at present with Bro. Matteson in Christiana, will soon return to Sweden to let his light shine. We look at the great work accomplished by Bro. Matteson. This work could not have been accomplished by every one. Should any great work be done in Sweden, I believe that it ought to be commenced in one of our larger cities, Stockholm, Göteborg, or Norrköping, as then the light of truth would shine out more rapidly over the land. But to undertake such a work we need men who can expose false religions with power and energy, and who will not fear opposition and even imprisonment, which no doubt some would have to suffer, at least during the first rage of the storm. This is not very pleasant for the “old man;” but if we individually can say with the apostle, “The love of Christ constraineth me,” then we can engage in the work and meet with good success. In the power of God there is victory. With these considerations before us, who will say, “Lord, here am I, send me”? Ever since I embraced the light, and began to be interested in the truths which S. D. Adventists proclaim, I have felt an earnest desire to present them to my fellow-men. But I feel so weak and inefficient. What shall I do, or what can I do? Time flies rapidly. Soon the night will come when no man can work. There is no time to lose. I earnestly desire that God would send a man of experience here, one that understands the truth thoroughly. But should he in his wisdom see fit that I, poor, feeble child, should be of some use to the Swedish people in this respect, I would with willing heart—of a truth I say it—respond to the call of my Heavenly Father, “Here am I, send me!” and venture out. I am, however, fully convinced of my weakness and inability. But should the Lord desire to make something out of nothing he shall for this have all the praise and honor and glory. I would very much like to attend your College to learn more of the truth, and become acquainted with the workings of the cause. In the fall of 1874 I went to the Fjellstedts theological school to study for the ministry. There I remained one year. Since that time, God has opened my eyes with reference to the true condition of the state church, and also with reference to many other things in his word. Since Christmas, 1876, I have labored in the vicinity of Lungsund. But now, having through your publications become acquainted with the present truth, I feel a burning desire within me to proclaim it to others. The denomination to which I belong has already considered the question whether I should be excluded from it or not; but no definite step has yet been taken. The members of this denomination could not meet my defense. WHAT THE HAROLD IS DOING.
Sister Walberg, who works in this Office, has been sending the Harold to her friends and relatives in Sweden. She has now reason to rejoice, as through letters she learns that some of her relatives are becoming deeply interested in the truth. Her papers are going from house to house, and are stirring up an interest everywhere, even engaging the attention of ministers. Thus we see that, although we yet have no missionaries in the field, this silent messenger, the Harold, is accomplishing a good work in awakening an interest to hear and accept the truth. May God continue to bless the work, and may he raise up men to labor as missionaries in the Swedish cause. We are also glad to learn from Bro. Kjällberg of Minnesota, that he is now out canvassing for the Harold, and selling our publications. He has already sent in eleven subscribers and sold 3,860 pages of tracts. He meets with such good success, that he has ordered $20 worth of Swedish and Danish tracts. He intends to be engaged in this work through the whole winter. Brethren and sisters, have we not reason to be encouraged rather than discouraged? Shall our faith and confidence in this work die out, because of the slow progress of the Swedish cause in the past? No! I sincerely believe that this is the work of God, and that he will carry it forward to a successful issue. Will you not continue to aid us by your prayers, donations, and labors?