THE WORK IN ALSACE, GERMANY, FORMERLY A PART OF FRANCE.
By D. T. BOURDEAU
Last week, while Brn. Andrews and Aufranc were making preparations for the work in Bâle. I came to Le Ban de la Roche, Alsace, a distance of seventy-five miles, to spend a few weeks in aiding Bro. Scheppler, who had come here from Illinois on a visit, and to follow up the work of French tracts sent from America. I found that in many cases the tracts had worked admirably, yet even those who were the most favorable to the truth were in need of help. The minister had preached against our views, and under his influence and sanction one of his elders had burned several of our tracts. Perhaps this was partly owing to the influence of a malicious letter of thirty-five pages which had been sent to this preacher by an opponent from Illinois. I have called on the preacher, and visited several families at different points. Four have already decided to keep the Sabbath. I feel anxious to see a few families take a stand on the truth, that I may have a resting place, and make a more thorough effort at the close of our first effort in Bâle. Prejudice is very high, and the spirit of persecution is being manifested by the preachers, who threaten to fine us if we preach. A Baptist preacher at Hovald, a neighborhood only three miles distant, had to pay a fine of 50 francs for speaking to only a few hearers. This was done at the instigation of a Lutheran priest. We are watched closely. We shall proceed at once to take legal steps to avoid paying a fine or being imprisoned. I see that great prudence will be required in laboring in France. My courage is good. We have received a very encouraging letter from a French brother from Illinois, who has just returned to his old home near the city of Lyons, France. Calls will come in from France faster than I can fill them. Pray for us. Belmont, Alsace, May 14, 1876.