p. 14 | J. P. LORENZ by J. P. LORENZ

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1902

J. P. LORENZ

By J. P. LORENZ

Austria

J. P. LORENZ

AMONG the many needy fields that are ripe for the harvest, Austria, I believe, stands prominent, although we have heard little concerning the just demands which this country is making upon us as a people. Why should the land from which sprang those valiant pioneers of the Reformation, who dared lift up their voice against the abominations of the age, even at the sacrifice of their own lives, now be among the last to share in the triumphs of the everlasting gospel?

We are far behind. Others have gone before us, preparing the way. About twenty-seven years ago the Free Reformed Church sent its first missionaries to Austria, and to-day they have about one thousand members in Prague alone, to say nothing of their numbers elsewhere. The Baptists and Methodists have also done some successful work. While the missionaries were at first interfered with in their work,—indeed, so great was the opposition from the authorities that a Protestant delegation was sent to the kaiser,—there is very little to hinder the spread of the gospel now. Many of the people are longing for something better than they have. This is clearly demonstrated by the great strides of the “Los von Rom” (Loose from Rome) movement. According to statistics, during the last five years over five hundred priests have left the priesthood, taking up some other vocation. Long ago the higher classes became disgusted with the doings of the church, and even the poor and ignorant are unsettled.

There being so many different nationalities represented in the empire, German was chosen as the language of the government. National pride is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the people, especially of the Bohemians. These, combined with many other things, gave birth to various and conflicting parties, whose strife and contentions are increasing to an alarming extent. There is much prejudice against the Germans and everything that is German. It will therefore be necessary that we train native workers for this field, and that we have small tracts, pamphlets, and books in the Bohemian language. Although at present it is very difficult to canvass for our publications, we hope things may change for the better in this respect. There is now a bill before parliament in behalf of free colportage, and, if it should pass, the way would be opened for scores of canvassers. As it is, a canvasser can secure the necessary permission only through a publisher, and he, of course, wishes his own books sold.

This vast field, with its many provinces and its twenty-four million inhabitants, has but one ordained laborer. We arrived last October. It did not seem advisable to begin the work in a public manner, so we have been laboring from house to house. We conduct four Bible studies each week,—two in the homes of interested families, and two in our own dwelling. We have a good interest at the present time, and hope to be able to organize the first Seventh-day Adventist church in Austria very soon. When we came, there were but four Sabbath keepers here. Our Sabbath meetings are well attended now.

While not less than seventy years ago Prague was a German-speaking city, to-day but twelve per cent of its three hundred and eighty-five thousand inhabitants use German; these are mostly officials, business men, and Jews; hence I am obliged to speak through an interpreter. Brother Simon, who has upheld the light of truth for several years, speaks the Bohemian language fluently, and does good service as a translator.

We should have two or three consecrated workers, men who are thorough Bible students. Vienna, that world-renowned city, with its more than a million and a half of inhabitants, ought to be entered with the third angel's message. It is the second German-speaking city in the world in size, and the many nationalities in Austria-Hungaria are represented in this great capital. May the Lord raise up laborers to enter this destitute field. Are there not some of our Bohemian and Austrian brethren in America who would be pleased to contribute to the support of the work here? If so, they may send their donations to the Mission Board, stating the country for which the money is intended.