Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 35, 1887

Diary, June 1887

Sweden

June 23-27, 1887

Portions of this manuscript are published in 3MR 390-393.

Third Visit to Sweden

June 23, 1887

Stockholm, Sweden

We passed a very comfortable night, having the whole compartment to ourselves, and our two brethren had a compartment for each. There were but few passengers on the train. We had three tickets, purchased at Basel, which upon investigation took us in a most circuitous route which necessitated our being out on the road a longer time than was necessary. We would have much wearisome waiting at stations, putting up two nights at hotels and requiring about two days and a half of journeying. We decided, in consideration of my poor condition of health, that we would lose about sixteen dollars if we changed our tickets for the direct route. In the providence of God we obtained favor with the officials, and they readily granted us a ticket on the direct route. Thus we met with no loss on our tickets. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 1

We arrived at Stockholm about half-past nine o’clock. Met Brother Matteson and were taken to his house which was a long way from the depot. We were welcomed to the pleasant hired rooms of Brother and Sister Matteson, feeling grateful to our heavenly Father that the journey which appeared to us so tedious was pleasant and restful. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 2

Friday, June 24, 1887

Stockholm, Sweden

Yesterday hired a carriage and rode two hours about the city. We saw considerable of Stockholm. There are three hundred thousand inhabitants. The buildings in this city are more after the American manner of building in our large cities. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 3

Meeting commenced in the tent at ten A.M. with about sixty attendance. Brethren Olsen and Matteson spoke yesterday forenoon. Brother Matteson spoke in the evening to a congregation of about three hundred. The best attention was given, and all were much pleased with the result of the meeting. It is the first tent that has been pitched in Sweden. We pray that this may prove a success. Everything is favorable now for a good attendance. Oh, that the seed of truth may be planted in the hearts of many who have never even heard that there was such a people as Seventh-day Adventist! 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 4

There is a morning meeting. About sixty were present. Brother Olsen preached in forenoon to well-filled tent. Brother Ings gave a Bible reading. He had a large attendance. At five o’clock I spoke to a tent crowded full. Every seat was occupied, and a wall of people was about the tent. All were orderly and listened with apparent interest. Many found seats on the platform. Many were standing under the tent and around the tent. I had freedom in speaking to the people from Titus 2:11-14. Elder Matteson interpreted me. I think I have not seen as an average a more intelligent, noble-looking company than was before me, both men and women. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 5

Brother Matteson spoke in the evening. This was a success. The people flock to the tent. It is to them a new and singular meetinghouse. At this time there are large assemblies of ministers to attend conferences, both Baptist and Lutherans, and we hope the truth will be carried to other places. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 6

This day is kept as a holiday in a similar manner that Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. It is always observed in Sweden in midsummer. Now the days are the longest—sun rises about three and sets at half-past nine o’clock. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 7

Sabbath, June 25, 1887

Stockholm

I went to the early morning meeting and spoke from John 13:34, 35. We had a precious season. Many excellent testimonies were borne, and all seemed to feel deeply. Many tears were shed, showing that hearts were softened. One brother lives quite a distance from here. He lives on the borders of Denmark. He has lived in America; received the truth in Indianapolis and has come back to Sweden to labor with his countrymen. He is a very plain, unlearned man, but he has not buried his talent, but used it to the very best of his ability, and he has worked in a silent way until he has been the means of bringing eighteen to the truth. He is sincere and humble, and the Lord blesses him. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 8

Elder Olsen preached to a tentful in the forenoon. Elder Ings gave a Bible reading in the afternoon to a tent crowded to its uttermost capacity, and there was deep interest expressed in the subject. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 9

At five o’clock I again spoke to about four hundred people. Men of the first class of society were present and honorable women not a few. I spoke upon Christ’s coming: 2 Peter 3:10-14. The best of order was preserved in the tent, which was crowded, and outside the tent, which was walled in with people. I had solemn feelings as I treated on this subject, and I never saw better interest manifested. Many were in tears. Oh, that the truth would find lodgment in the hearts of the hearers! The truth is certainly coming before a better class of people. If the attention can only be drawn to these great subjects, many will see the consistency of our faith. It was necessary that I keep my voice up in even tones and preserve distinct utterances to reach the people. Quite a number understood English. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 10

We had up to this time had exceptionally good weather. The people who returned to their homes had ample time to get within shelter when suddenly there was a gale—the rain fell, the wind blew the falling rain like sheets of water through the streets. There were many who had been on an excursion wet through, but the tent stood. We had fears that the gale was too much for it. Brother Johnson preached in the evening. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 11

Sunday, June 26, 1887

Stockholm

I have had a very restless night. It is light until nearly eleven o’clock in midsummer, although the sun sets about half-past nine or ten o’clock. The children kept up their amusements, hollering and shouting and running upon the rocky pavements, making it impossible to sleep. I arose about half-past four. Attended the half-past five o’clock morning meeting. There were fifty-two present, intelligent looking men and women. I spoke to them from 1 Corinthians 3:8-13. There were good testimonies borne which were interpreted to me by Brother Olsen. Brother Olsen speaks this forenoon. Elder Ings gives a Bible reading at half-past two. I speak at five o’clock. Elder Matteson speaks at eight o’clock. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 12

June 26, 1887

Stockholm, Sweden

I filled my appointment at five. The tent was crowded within and without. All the standing room under the tent was occupied. The platform was covered with people, and it was difficult to obtain air. The Lord sustained me in speaking to the crowd. All listened with manifest attention and interest. Many were in tears. There was no running out and in the tent. The crowd was great, and yet all listened to the close of the discourse, which was one hour long. How I longed to come direct to the people without an interpreter. May the Lord bless the words spoken, even if it comes through an interpreter. The text was in Luke 10:25-28. In the evening the crowd was not lessened. They listened to Elder Matteson’s discourse with apparent interest. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 13

Monday, June 27, 1887

Stockholm, Sweden

I arose early and attended morning meeting. I spoke to about forty assembled and with much freedom. I remained after meeting to bid all farewell. Shook hands with them and with the thought that we should never meet again until we meet around the throne of God. Our sisters manifested much Christian sympathy and love. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 14

We had another little parting scene. All the colporteurs and workers assembled in the house of Brother Matteson, and we had a formal parting meeting. Each one said a few words of their appreciation of the meetings. They had read the books of Sister White and wanted so much to see her; and as they had listened to her testimony, they had accepted the message brought to them and had been greatly benefited and much blessed of the Lord. I responded in a short talk through Brother Matteson as my interpreter. We left Stockholm about six o’clock P.M. At the depot we had the third parting scene, and the cars bore us away from Sweden. We were favored with the best of accommodations and slept quite well during the night. 5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 15