Cause in Switzerland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 11, 1870

Cause in Switzerland.

OUR people very slowly respond to the call for means to help the cause in Switzerland. In this hesitancy on their part we have been disappointed. But there are reasons for this:

1. Money is scarce, and many who would be glad to help, have it not to spare.

2. Most of those brethren who have ready cash, have either never seen their duty to help the cause in all its departments, or have so far apostatized as to lose the spirit of sacrifice.

3. In the minds of many there is some doubt hanging over the matter. There are those who are ready to hand out money to circulate publications in our own country, and to help the cause in our own land; but to risk their money to help the cause in Europe does not look so clear.

We are ready to admit that there are risks to run in this matter. And so there have been in every enterprise of importance in the history of the cause at home or abroad. God moves us out to act when it is not possible to see the full results. Here is chance for faith to hold its proper place. In this case, however, faith has a good share of evidence on which to rest.

1. Our very dear Bro. James Ertzenberger, now with us, being taught our language, and also the present truth more perfectly, appears to be a man of real worth, good ability, and sound piety. He is making rapid advancements, and we hope to return him to his dear people in Switzerland immediately after General Conference, in May, in a good degree qualified to translate our works into the French and German languages, and thus spread the truth throughout Europe.

2. With the means we have from which to form an opinion, we decide that in Switzerland there is to-day a body of Seventh-day Adventists in whom we may have confidence. We have the photographs of many of them, and judge them to be intelligent and naturally good men. We have their letters, which show ability, and true devotion to the cause. We have Bro. Ertzenberger's statements relative to them, which, although modest, give the impression that they are men and women who fear God, and who possess more than common ability.

3. Those who recognize the present as the period for the spread in all Christian lands, of the great truths connected with the third message of Rev. 14, can hardly fail to see the providence of God in the raising up of this people in Europe. And what makes the work appear still more remarkable and providential, is that it has been accomplished independent of our agency and help. It has even been carried forward by those who take the greatest pains to oppose Seventh-day Adventists. While they were doing this, our people had not the least idea that they were raising up a body of Seventh-day Adventists. And while we acknowledge the hand of God in this, we feel humbled in view of the probabilities in the case, namely: that in consequence of our fears to trust money with Bro. Czechowski, and our lack of care to patiently counsel him as to its proper use, God used our most decided opponents to carry forward the work.

And while we acknowledge the hand of God in this work, in which we took no part, and feel that we have cause for humility on account of our past unfaithfulness, let us see to it that we come fully up to present duty. Gladly Mrs. W. and self risk $100 in the effort to help the cause in Europe. And when our people fully learn the facts in the case, and also their duty, there will be hundreds of them pressing into the enterprise with their hundreds, their fifties, their twenty-fives, and their tens.