France by H. H. DEXTER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 14, 1907

France

By H. H. DEXTER

H. H. DEXTER

DECEMBER 13 I left Nîmes to spend a few weeks among the believers in central, northern, and eastern France. My first stop was at Clermont-Ferrand, a city of fifty-five thousand inhabitants, in central France, where Brethren Rey and Blarrzat are giving a series of lectures in a hall. These workers are realizing the truthfulness of the statement of Rev. 12:17. A young minister who for a short time favored our work has turned to be its bitterest opponent. Nevertheless four precious souls are walking in the light of this glorious message, two of whom are an ex-Baptist clergyman and his wife. These four will be ready for baptism in the spring.

The week of prayer was spent with the church at Paris, which now numbers thirty-five resident members. A meeting was held each evening, which nearly all the members attended. It was truly refreshing to unite with my brethren and sisters in Paris, during this special season of seeking God. From the earnest testimonies borne and the fervent prayers offered, it was very evident that there was a sincere desire on the part of this church to realize the fulness of the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The readings were carefully read and studied. All shared the sentiment that God desires that the inhabitants of this great metropolis shall soon be warned of its coming doom. It was gratifying, indeed, to see an earnest company of God-fearing commandment-keepers in this center of fashion and pride. While some of the members are from Switzerland, still the majority are Parisians, who have been brought to the light of the third angel’s message through the earnest and persevering labors of Evangelist Augsbourger, our only worker in that city.

During the week of prayer, several persons with whom Brother Augsbourger had been studying for some months gave their hearts to God, promising to leave all—position, home, friends—for their Saviour. Among the new converts are several intelligent, strong young men, who desire to consecrate themselves to the work of publishing the message to their countrymen. We praise the Lord for this victory.

Sabbath afternoon, December 22, we all repaired to the banks of the Marne River, a few miles above the city, where eight dear souls were buried by baptism in the likeness of Christ’s death. One other person had been received into the church some weeks before, upon his former baptism. This makes nine new accessions to the Paris company.

Leaving the capital, I proceeded to the frontier of Alsace-Lorraine, to Montbéliard, where Elder Gustave Roth has been laboring for one year. About ten members are here witnessing for the message. Owing to very cold weather and deep snows, our meetings were not well attended. As helpers, Brother Roth has a Bible worker and two canvassers. The faithful colporteurs are scattering silent messengers throughout the towns and villages in these parts of eastern France. The old tent used twenty-five years ago by Elder D. T. Bourdeau is pitched each summer in the towns of this section. It is needless to say that the tent has seen its best days, and soon will have seen its last.

My next stopping-place was Besancon, where six souls are holding up the banner of present truth. I had only time to visit and pray with each brother or sister.

Five hours by train took me to the small town of Brauge, where sixteen years ago Elder Bourdeau raised up a church. In spite of long distances and deep snow, the brethren came together Sabbath morning for the study of the Word of life. These brethren and sisters—about twenty in number—all love the message, as was evinced by their prayers and testimonies.

After an all-night’s ride by train, I landed at Lyons, a city of four hundred and seventy-two thousand, the third in size in France, Marseilles being second with five hundred and seventeen thousand. In the latter place we have not one soul to represent the message. At Lyons we have one, a dear, faithful brother, sixty-seven years of age, who has been praying for years that some one might come to his city to help hold up the banner. In the large cities of France there are hundreds of souls just as honest and good as those in the large cities of my home land, and when this everlasting gospel is presented with that power and fearlessness that is befitting such a message, these hungry souls will accept it. The Lord is demonstrating that in poor infidel France there are many men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything for the love of the Saviour. Where are the strong young men to enter the large cities of this great nation? Will not my brethren and sisters who have much more than they need of this world’s goods pour their gifts into the treasury of the General Conference, so that our needy field may receive its share of the financial help we so much need? We have some strong young men and women without means, who desire to prepare themselves for usefulness in this cause, but lack of funds is hindering the work.

Sunday, the thirtieth, was spent at Valencia, and the first day of the new year, found me at home in Nîmes with my family. Since the camp-meeting last summer, Brother Paul Steiner and I have held four meetings each week, in a large hall centrally located. The Lord has given us a good interest, and several have determined to obey.

Nîmes.