France Needs the Gospel by H. H. Dexter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1909

France Needs the Gospel

By H. H. Dexter

In speaking of France, a certain writer has said that it is the only nation in the world of which the authentic record survives, that, as a nation, it lifted its hand in open rebellion against the Author of the universe. Plenty of blasphemers, plenty of infidels, there have been elsewhere; but France stands apart in the world's history as the single state which, by the decree of her legislative assembly, pronounced that there is no God.

The god of reason is still the shrine before which fall a large proportion of the French people. Silver-tongued orators go from city to city holding mammoth meetings, where they ridicule the Bible and deny the existence of God. There are organized societies of “free thinkers” in nearly all the towns and cities of the nation.

We believe that there are thousands of honest souls in all these cities, who are prepared to hear and accept the message of truth. But where are the workers? Our little French Conference is not yet able to carry on unaided a vigorous campaign in our great centers of population.

The future success of the work in France depends in a large measure upon the proper training of our young people; we are therefore anxious that our Latin Union training-school at Gland shall become a strong factor in preparing young men and women to give their lives to the work in France.

H. H. DEXTER.