SWITZERLAND by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 17, 1900

SWITZERLAND

By John Norton Loughborough

BASEL, BIEL, LAUSANNE, AND CHAUX-DE-FONDS.—From January 15–22, in company with Brethren Conradi and Erzenberger, I held meetings in the places named above. In Basel our meetings were held in the chapel of the sanitarium building—the “Institut Sanitaire.” The services were well attended by the church and by the helpers and patients of the sanitarium. Dr. De Forest said to me that of the “fair patronage” of the sanitarium thus far, there was “one very encouraging feature.” That was that “counting the whole number of their patients from the time of the opening of the institution to the present, and counting those who through this means had accepted present truth, it was an average of every ninth patient.” That surely is cause for great encouragement.

It is in the cemetery in the northern part of Basel that Brethren J. N. Andrews and J. H. Waggoner are buried. I visited their graves for a season of meditation upon the past. It was under the preaching of Brother Andrews, in September, 1852, in Rochester, N. Y., that I received the light upon the Sabbath truth, the sanctuary, and the Third Angel’s Message. I first formed acquaintance with Brother Waggoner in the month of July, 1853, in northern Wisconsin. We have had many precious seasons laboring together in the work, especially in California. These brethren, both so early connected with the work of the Third Angel’s Message, have fallen asleep; but of them it can truly be said, “They died at their post,” and they “rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Soon will come the time of their awakening, and the grand reunion of all the faithful.

At Biel we had one very interesting evening meeting in their meeting-hall, about fifty persons being in attendance, consisting of the church and interested friends. All seemed much encouraged to hear of the Lord’s leadings in the rise of the Third Angel’s Message.

At Lausanne, our services being over the Sabbath day, we had more opportunity for instructions. About sixty were in attendance upon these services. About two thirds of these were members of the church. The others were interested ones, some of whom are leaning toward the acceptance of the truth. Our talks were translated into French for the audience by Brother Léon Tièche. Lausanne is close beside the beautiful Lake Geneva. Just across the lake we could see the Alps, with their towering peaks covered with everlasting snow. Viewing these mountains in their “awful grandeur,” forcibly brings to mind those Scriptures that speak of the greatness of the Lord, who, “by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power.”

On First day, the 21st, we were with our people in a general meeting at Chaux-de-Fonds, which is the headquarters of the European (Swiss) Conference. The most of the time from 9:30 A. M. to 9:30 P. M. was occupied with meetings. I gave two discourses, and Brother Conradi one. From three to six o’clock there was an open council respecting the work and how to advance the same. The committee had council meetings far into the night. That was a busy day, but also a free and happy day; and the Spirit of the Lord came in to guide as plans were laid for present and future movements. May he indeed guide in the execution of the plans. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.