p. 300 | NORTHERN EUROPE by J. G. Matteson

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 6, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 19

NORTHERN EUROPE.

By J. G. Matteson

I REMAINED in Skien three weeks to help Bro. Jasperson. The last week it was market-week. We obtained a place for a stand, and hung up the chart. Above was written in large letters: “The Lord is coming! ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.’ Hab. 2:2.” Below, it was stated that these prophecies would be explained evenings in the hall. The chart could be seen all over the market-place, and nothing else attracted so much attention. Some grew angry over it, many inquired into the meaning of it, and many bought tracts and papers. Shortly before, we had printed two thousand copies of “Prophetic Symbols.” This paper is the size of Tidernes Tegn, contains illustrations and explanations of all the symbols, and is sold for 2.7 cents. (We have now about two hundred of these “Symbols” left.) Thus people came from different parts of the country to hear, and our tracts were sold and scattered.

Bro. Jasperson reports that they cannot organize a church yet, although quite a number believe and love the truth. But it is very difficult to keep the Sabbath. It seems to be still more difficult in the small cities than in the large places. And in the country people are so far behind in civilization, that most of them seem to be another kind of people entirely from those who live in the cities. The people in the cities in Norway keep in line with other countries of Europe; but when we get up into the mountains and valleys, they are fifty or a hundred years behind. Tents are not practicable here, and halls can seldom be hired for a less time than six months.

Bro. J. has thought of moving to Denmark this month to labor on the island of Sjælland. But when this was known in Skien, about thirty of the friends came to his house, and offered to pay monthly toward hiring a hall, and others sent word that they would help. He says they can easily raise Kr. 40 ($10.76) per month for this purpose. Now if they can get a hall, he will remain; if not, he will go to Denmark.

When I returned to Christiania, Bro. Rosqvist had been preaching in my absence with good success. During Easter week we had nine sermons. The friends brought an offering for the ministers, as is customary. It amounted to Kr. 106.27 ($28.47). (In looking at sums and figures it is well to remember that it is very hard times in Norway. All our members are of the working class, and some are sustained by the poor-fund of the city. Two of our funerals have been at the expense of the city. Day laborers get from Kr. 7 to 9 a week [$1.87 to $2.41], and board themselves. Good work-girls can be hired for Kr. 8 per month [$2.14]. Yet clerks, teachers, officers, and ministers receive higher salaries than in America.) All dissenters have to pay full taxes to the state church and priesthood. Thus but a poor chance is left, financially, for ministers of other denominations, who are to be sustained here.

Sabbath evening six brethren and sisters were baptized. This makes twelve in all since New Year’s. The next day, the first Sabbath in April, we met to celebrate the ordinances of the house of the Lord; and 56 brethren and sisters took part in these sacred rites. These were very precious seasons to us. We have now 138 members of the congregation united by certificate. The church of S. D. Adventists in this place was formed June 7, 1879; 98 persons have during this time been united with us in full membership. Of these, three have died, three have left for other countries, and two have apostatized; thus we have 90 members left. Of these again five are in Sweden, three in other parts of Norway, and two on the sea, which leaves us about 80 at home.

Last Thursday one of the Bremen Ocean steamers left this harbor with 1,100 passengers bound for the United States direct, 400 of whom were Scandinavians. By invitation from the agent, Bro. Svenson, two of us went as far as Drobak, a journey of two hours. Thus we had an opportunity to preach a farewell sermon to the friends. We were permitted to gather on the quarter-deck, above the saloon. This was a precious opportunity for us. Besides this, Mr. Svenson caused Norwegian, Swedish, and German tracts to be distributed among the passengers to the amount of Kr. 20 ($5.36).

The same evening we held our church quarterly meeting. The Sunday-school has had an average of 78 members, and 62 in attendance during the quarter. The average membership of the Sabbath-school has been 109; average attendance, 90. Thus we have had during the winter about 140 scholars in both schools. This is very encouraging, both to scholars and teachers.

The report from the tract society showed 56 members, of whom 34 had been active. They had secured during the quarter 69 subscribers for Tidernes Tegn, sold 1,192 papers, 69 pamphlets, and 32,544 pages of tracts; in all about 40,000 pages. They have also distributed 117 papers and 2,496 pages of tracts, written 16 letters, and visited 15 families. The sales amounted to Kr. 218.88 ($58.66), which was Kr. 25.13 more than the cost of all tracts and papers.

It takes some experience to sell tracts and papers, but one tract sold is worth more than twenty given away, because, however small the sum is that is paid for the tract or paper, it almost always secures the reading and preserving of it, while those that are freely distributed are often treated most shamefully.

The tract society in this city, consisting now of only 34 active members, has sold, during the nine months since its beginning, tracts and papers for Kr. 750.49 ($201.19). Besides this, our colporter has sold tracts averaging Kr. 10.00 per week ($2.68). Yet these sales are not effected because other denominations do this way, for they often scatter their tracts broadcast and free, nor because the people are anxious to buy. Most of them entertain a very strong prejudice against everything that comes from S. D. Adventists. But the people are gently persuaded. And thus the tracts go out from ships, steamers, hotels, streets, and public places all over the country. In this respect this city is an excellent place for our head-quarters, and there is none equal to it in the Scandinavian countries. This is also proved by the reports from Brn. Loughborough and Ings. The $6.70 surplus was used to buy Swedish tracts for Bro. Rosqvist. A brother also gave him tracts to the same amount. He received other donations besides, as he is about to labor in Sweden.

According to the unanimous vote of the church, Bro. Rosqvist was set apart by prayer and laying on of hands to proclaim the message in his native country, Sweden. The Lord came very near to us on this occasion. The next day he left for Aamodt. We have received a letter from him. He preached four times Sabbath and Sunday to interested congregations. There is a good opening in that vicinity, and a prospect of getting a church established. In Philipstad there are also several Sabbath-keepers. Bro. Tockzelius is laboring some in Lungsund. Bro. Söderblom in Märsta, Bro. Olsen in Söderhamn, and others in other places in Sweden. In my opinion, Sweden is a better field for the truth than either Norway or Denmark, if proper labor could be bestowed. There is more religious stir, and the people are further advanced in religious matters, and more willing to listen to new theories. Yet the laws are more stringent.

Bro. Klungland is laboring as colporter in the western part of Norway, and has sent us some subscribers for the paper. He has been educated in the truth in this place, and so have Brn. Olsen and Rosqvist. Now another young brother has commenced as colporter here. His name is Vold. There is a fair prospect that he can learn,—learn to be efficient in obtaining subscribers and selling tracts, and learn to keep himself and family for $2.41 per week. This is the highest we have been able to pay our colporters yet; and it is not bad, either, in these hard times, when a day laborer often gets only $1.87 per week.

In Denmark the battle goes well. The Lord is blessing Bro. Brorson’s patient and self-sacrificing labor. The churches in Alstrup, Tylstrup, Hellum, and Dronninglund are prospering. The brethren west of Vejle are faithful and active, and new ones have come into the truth near Aarhus and Ribe, and in other places. Bro. Kristensen has commenced to render acceptable help in preaching. Yet there is need of more laborers; many doors and hearts are being opened. On Sjælland there is also a better prospect of doing good than there has been in the past.

Thus our brethren in America have a view of affairs in this mission. We still ask for an interest in your prayers, and a place near your hearts, that the Lord may bless this part of the great harvest field also, and eventually give us all a place in his kingdom.

Christiania, April 14, 1880. J. G. MATTESON.