July 28, 1887

Meetings in Norway and Sweden

EGW

From a private letter from Mrs. E. G. White, we insert the following brief account of the meetings in Scandinavia:ST July 28, 1887, par. 1

Our tent-meeting commenced at Stockholm June 25, and closed today. It was with fear and trembling the experiment was entered into of camp-meeting in Moss, Norway, which proved a perfect success, as was also the tent-meeting in Stockholm. There were five meetings each day, and the outside attendance was marvelous to us all. The tent was full from the first and increased numbers flocked to the meeting until not only all the seats were occupied, but also all standing room under the tent, until it was literally packed, and a wall of people surrounding it besides.ST July 28, 1887, par. 2

There were police ready to do anything free of charge. They would come to see if all was in peace and order and listen to the discourses as if spell-bound. They were not needed, however, for there was order from first to last. Yesterday, Sunday, it was estimated that there were about one thousand people in and around the tent listening with deep interest. These meetings have made Elder Matteson and Brother Olsen so glad that they do not know how to express their grateful thanks to God. The truth and work will stand higher in Sweden than it ever has before. We had in attendance ministers, lawyers, and other men belonging to the best class of people, who have pressed their way to the tent.ST July 28, 1887, par. 3

The church here has been greatly blessed, and their testimonies show them to have made great advancement since our first visit to the place, which was the last of October, 1885. The Lord has added to their number until the church now numbers one hundred souls. The blessing of the Lord has attended the labors of Elder Matteson the past winter in conducting a school for colporteurs. There were seventeen that have been educated as workers. All came in a body to bid us farewell, and all expressed their gratitude to God for the blessings they had received at this meeting. We bid these dear souls who are preparing to work for the Master farewell, not expecting to meet them again in this life, but hoping to meet them around the throne of God, with the fruit of their labor, sheaves for the heavenly garner.ST July 28, 1887, par. 4

The tent-meeting has been a wonderful success. All are encouraged. Many have heard the message of truth that probably would not have heard it had it not been for the tent-meeting. The tent remains and meetings will be continued every evening. Brethren Matteson and Johnson will labor in the tent; the colporteurs will work industriously in the city, and we believe many souls will come to a knowledge of the truth. We feel thankful to God to see the work advancing in the kingdoms of Northern Europe.ST July 28, 1887, par. 5

The 24th of June is their midsummer holiday, when the days are the longest; the sun rises at 3 A.M. and sets at 9:30 P.M. and it is scarcely dark any time during the night. At 11 o'clock one can see to read or write. Somehow one gets puzzled over this state of things and hardly knows when to retire for sleep or when to arise, as it is broad daylight at 2 o'clock in the morning. The midsummer is celebrated about the same here in Europe as the 4th of July in America.ST July 28, 1887, par. 6

We are now about ready to start for the cars, which leave Stockholm at 6 P.M. and reach Malmo at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, where we take the boat for Copenhagen. We are of good courage, for we see the work of God advancing some in these countries.ST July 28, 1887, par. 7

Stockholm, Sweden,

June 22.

Ellen G. White.