Switzerland by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 27, 1882

Switzerland.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

WEDNESDAY, June 21, in company with Bro. Ertzenberger, we left Bâle to visit the friends in Switzerland. We called on those living in Bienne, Lacoudre, Cormondreche, Auvernier, Courterlary, Chaux de fonds, holding meetings in the two last-mentioned places. The distance was about one hundred and seventy-five miles. We spent the Sabbath in Chaux de fonds. The above-mentioned places, where most of our brethren in Switzerland live, were represented at this meeting, also Eplatures and Locle. It was a much larger gathering than had been expected.

Our interviews with the brethren at their homes were pleasant, and we trust profitable. The feelings of gratitude manifested by many, for the goodness of God in giving them the truth, was heart cheering. Toward the friends in America, they also manifested great warmth of feeling, on account of their having sent Bro. Andrews to them.

We experience much less difficulty in speaking through an interpreter than we had anticipated. Especially was this so on the Sabbath. The Spirit of God seemed to rest upon us, and the moistened eye showed that hearts felt. We were drawn out in an unusual manner for the people. Although not able to understand their testimonies in the social meetings, we felt that the Spirit of God witnessed to much that was said.

Just before the close of the meeting I noticed that some one was passing round a paper in which much interest was taken. I afterward learned that the friends were signing a resolution, pledging themselves to go from house to house, for the purpose of securing one thousand readers for Les Signes des Temps. They also pledged money sufficient to pay for the same, one year. I had not suggested anything of this kind, but had tried to impress upon their minds the importance of possessing that spirit which led Christ to die for a fallen race.

Several men and women walked five miles to attend this meeting. At its close all present entered into a solemn covenant to commence anew to serve God. They also stated freely that while they had tried to seek God they had not viewed things as they now did, and it was their intention to commence the work anew. Our sympathies were much drawn out for them, and we hope and trust that good will result from our visit. We shall remember it with much pleasure. S. N. HASKELL.