The Cause in Europe Onward.
By John Nevins Andrews
In the merciful providence of God we are able to record an advance step in the work in Central Europe. I have mentioned the fact that there are some forty Sabbath-keepers in Prussia, who never saw one of like faith, from another country. In some way these brethren heard that there was a Sabbath-keeper at Basel by the name of James Ertzenberger, and thereupon they wrote him for information concerning the Sabbath cause in Switzerland. This was about the time of my arrival at Neuchatel. In writing to them he mentioned the fact of my arrival, and they, in answering, extended an earnest invitation to us each to come and visit them. I have also stated that some time since Satan was able in some things to get the advantage of Bro. E. I could not go to labor in Germany without the assistance of Bro. E., and I did not feel free to set out with him for that country till he could have the fullest confidence of the Swiss brethren. I have therefore sought help from God, and have put forth the best efforts in my power to have every fault corrected according to the instruction of the New Testament. I think it is not stating too much to say that God has crowned these efforts with abundant success. God has greatly blessed Bro. E., and the hearts of all his people here are made to rejoice. Now with the full approval of all the Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland, and with the blessing of God we hope to set out for Elberfield in Prussia, on Monday, Feb. 1. Bro. E. goes to remain and to preach in his own tongue, the German. I go to remain a few weeks to help him in the commencement of the work. Elberfield is about 300 miles directly north of Neuchatel. Then if the Lord will I shall return to Neuchatel to do what I can in French. We are now ready to begin the publication of French tracts, and intend to commence upon my return. It has been a time of constant, earnest effort with me to get under way in the work here. I have made each day's labor as extended as nature would enable me to make it. Neuchatel has a mild climate. There has been snow enough to whiten the ground for a few hours at a time, but I think there has never been frost enough in the ground to prevent spading in the vineyards. But we have had, with few and brief intervals of sunshine, three months of fog, and some of the time it has been very dense. I have suffered more with chilliness in this damp atmosphere of moderate cold than in the more severe cold of our American winters. But no one need complain at Neuchatel. If such a winter as I have described does not suit them they can find a real American winter in the higher country not more than three miles distant. My heart is full of courage and hope. The best of all is, God is with us. We have now at this place a general meeting of the Swiss Sabbath-keepers, for the transaction of business, for the celebration of the ordinances, and for the worship of God. It is a season of interest and encouragement; still we ask the prayers of the people of God. Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 1875. P. S.—I thank those friends who have kindly sent me American papers. J. N. A.