THE CATHOLIC FIELD OF EUROPE.
By B. G. Wilkinson
After a short acquaintance with the Catholic field of Europe, we have learned to appreciate more than ever the conquering grace of Christ. And from what we have seen already, we believe that victories are awaiting the consecrated laborers who give themselves to this field. The churches and Sabbath-keepers of this field assembled in Conference and camp-meeting at Moudon, Switzerland, July 4-14. From the first, the blessing of God was present among the people. The faithfulness of some of those who have accepted the truth in this territory may be seen in the fact that one church reported from southern France as not having been visited by any Seventh-day worker for four years. There it was standing all alone, but continuing faithful in the truth. Suppose one of your churches in America had had that same experience. Would it have shown a better record? The Spirit of God greatly blessed in the camp-meeting. Many renewed their consecration, and all the members returned to their homes with new courage. After the camp-meeting, I went directly to Friedensau, Germany, where the General Conference of Europe was held. I next visited the work in Belgium. Belgium in many respects is just like France. In fact, its past history shows that it has been greatly influenced by France, and has often followed its movements and revolutions. It is difficult to reach this field with present truth, on account of Catholicism and infidelity. Protestantism as yet has made but little advance in the country. In the quarter where I visited, the inhabitants are almost entirely engaged in mining or in the manufacture of glass. Yet in the midst of this population we have a church obedient to present truth. Four years ago about sixteen accepted the light, and until now they have been faithful. The church is situated at Jemeppe, a suburb of Liège. We held several meetings with it, and on Sabbath afternoon we went to the Meuse, where Elder Curdy baptized three persons in the waters of the river. Upon our arrival at the river there were present only a few people, although the place was quite a center. But later a large crowd gathered. The ceremony passed off well, but as soon as it was closed, the chief of that department of the police stepped up to Elder Curdy and stopped him. Then questionings and discussions followed. Not yet being sufficiently acquainted with the French, I believed that we were to have some difficulty, for I heard one say that it was against the law to bathe in that locality. But when they had finished their parley, I learned that the officer simply desired to know the signification of that “beautiful ceremony,” as he called it. He was greatly interested in what was told him, and requested us the next time we wish to baptize, to let him know in advance, and he would see that we were protected. He gave his name and address to one of the laborers. The evening following we held quarterly meeting, at which the presence of the Lord made tender and united all hearts. Several services were held, and a number not of our faith were in attendance. By this we could see that the Lord had doors open for the entrance of the truth. From Jemeppe I went to Charleroi, in company with Brother Grin, our Belgium worker. Charleroi is the great glass-manufacturing center of Europe. At present American capital is seeking to secure this center in order to place it in an international glass-manufacturing combine. At this place also the word of God triumphed. The evening of our arrival we went to visit a city mechanic who is studying present truth. We found, at home with him and his family, a young man who is a shoemaker’s apprentice, and another gentleman. The young man is desirous of keeping the Sabbath, but has had a difficult time. And while we were visiting, another young man called who just now is doing colporteur work for a Protestant Bible missionary society. It was evident from the arguments advanced against the claims of the Sabbath that these men were discouraged. But we took the word of God and gave them some of its strong arguments and promises. As a result, the Spirit of God impressed the words upon the hearts of all present, and they took new courage. When we separated late in the evening, they expressed their determination to walk in the light as the Lord would lead them. Belgium is a field with open doors. But what is needed now is laborers. We pray that the Lord660will raise up some faithful laborer to enter that country. But the work which now demands serious attention is the promulgation of the truth in the great territories of France and Spain. In Paris we are making a start. Two of our brethren there are endeavoring to introduce the health foods. Elder Jean Vuilleumier is there also, and as soon as a convenient place can be found, he will begin public meetings. But prices are very high, and with our limited means we shall be compelled to work modestly, but work in faith. There are also the great cities of France, which have never yet heard the sound of present truth, and Spain has not yet been even entered. But we are persuaded that as God’s people enable us with means and workers to enter these territories, there will be found those who will accept present truth. B. G. WILKINSON.