SWEDEN by John G. Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 17, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 11

SWEDEN

By John G. Matteson

STOCKHOLM.—The interest is still good. Thirty-four brethren and sisters have united with us on the last two Sabbaths. Some of them have heretofore received baptism, but most of them are to be baptized soon. We have now fifty-six members. Several others keep the Sabbath who meet with us, and still others are near the deciding point. Last Sabbath sixty-five persons attended the meeting. We have commenced a Sabbath-school with thirty-two members. The friends who have united with us have all had a good deal of opposition to struggle against, but through faith in Christ and his blessed truth they have been enabled to overcome thus far, and to rejoice in the light of the message. Some of them are promising young men. Three can read and understand English readily, and one brother is also acquainted with other languages.

We have hired a smaller hall in a central place for one year; but we keep the hall we have now till the middle of next month. During the past month we have obtained sixty-five subscribers for our papers, and have received for tracts and subscriptions $48, and in donations $23. The outside interest is increasing. I am now slowly giving my second course of lectures on the prophecies, presenting a new subject every Sunday evening. I take up other subjects during the week,—the law, the Sabbath, life and immortality, second coming of Christ, practical religion, etc. When I first came the people seemed very uneasy and afraid, and would come and go all the time. Some would leave before the sermon commenced, and most of them would hurry off as soon as the last word was pronounced. In contrast with this it is really pleasing to see them now sit quietly for more than an hour, giving the very best of attention. We thank God for his great mercy toward us, and take courage.

Bro. Johnson is holding meetings in Örebro with good interest. JOHN G. MATTESON.

Feb. 16.