Austria, without Hungary, is about the size of the State of Wyoming, having an area of one hundred and seventeen square miles, and a population of over twenty-six million. The southern part of the empire is very mountainous. It also has mountain chains on nearly all of its borders. The chief ranges are the Alps, in the southwestern part, which in some places rise about twelve thousand feet in height.
A VILLAGE IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS
Austria is chiefly an agricultural country. Its mineral treasures, which are rich, largely await development. It is not important as a manufacturing nation, though the provinces of Bohemia, Moravia, and Lower Austria are rapidly developing their textile and metal trades.
The Austro-Hungarian crisis is indeed a very critical one. The emperor, who has heretofore tried to settle matters in a peaceable way, but failed to reach the mark, has of late taken stronger measures, and has directly opposed the move of the Hungarian party leaders. He says, If hostilities should break out, it would mean a great deal to the peace of other nations. We can not see how this trouble will end, but the Lord, who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings,” knows what is best for his cause, for which but comparatively little has been done in Austria.
This country is one of the strongholds of Romanism. We have six workers in this field at present, but the work is progressing slowly. This is due to the fact that foreign missionaries are not tolerated by the authorities. This necessitates our working largely in secret. As yet we have permission to hold public meetings in only one city, and those must be conducted by a native worker. The prejudice is so great that some foreign workers have had to leave the country, having been ordered out by the authorities. A native worker of was lately brought before the courts, and the case is still pending. All these things, and many other difficulties, hinder the progress considerably.
Last spring I started the work in the province of Styria, in the southern part of Austria. We have been living in the city of Gratz, the capital of the province. This city has one hundred and forty thousand inhabitants. Of these only about six thousand are Protestants. The Catholic church is losing quite a number of its members to the Protestant church in this city. During the past two years, five hundred and eighty-seven left the Catholic church. The great majority of these, however, have not experienced the change of heart by doing so. They have not left their superstitions behind them, but have brought them into the other church. The language spoken is German.
The dear Lord, who has said, “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land,” and, “The Lord knoweth them that are his,” has some precious, blood-bought souls in this city, to whom he says, “Come out of her, my people.” He has guided our steps to such souls, who were glad to receive and accept the sealing message. One was baptized at the camp-meeting in Germany, last July, and another was baptized here by Elder Mathe last September. It was not very easy to find a place for this rite where no one would look on. If it were seen, it might bring the authorities after us. These souls love the truth dearly, and take part in bringing it to others. We hope that the Lord will convict some others whom we are instructing now.
Several weeks ago I was led to a man who seems interested in present truth, and who reads all the literature I can give him. After reading it himself, he goes to his friends, and reads it to them. Thus he has awakened an interest, which I can follow up by Bible studies. It is too bad that we can not supply more of these perishing souls with literature of the third angel’s message. We are not permitted to canvass or sell papers. We are of good courage in the Lord and his work, knowing that he will soon come to gather his faithful ones.
