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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 26, 1871

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 39, No. 2.

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Switzerland.

By James Ertzenberger

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS OF AMERICA: During a whole year you have heard little or nothing of your thankful brethren and sisters and the work of God in Switzerland. My correspondence has been very limited, and but a few have known of the state of things here, although there have doubtless been many anxious to hear. Perhaps it was wrong to report nothing for the dear ones in general, and I ask you to pardon me, and us all. I now will try to give you a statement of things of the past and at the present.
Last winter, I labored mostly at Tramelan to instruct the dear friends of the cause more perfectly in the truth. This was according to their desire. During the mean time I visited other places to speak the word also to others. In all, I spoke eighty times, and mostly in French. My courage was good and my own soul blessed. The brethren received more light; feeble ones became strengthened. There seemed to go on a good work. A few had decided to follow the Lord and to keep his holy commandments. But it became of them as it is written in Matt. 13: 5, 20, 21. The devil became angry and tried his might. He troubled us first from without, but soon his terrible influence was felt even among us.
The occasion of this was a difficulty on account of the question of going before the magistrates. Myself became involved in it, and this in such a way that I considered it best for me, to speak no more publicly. Our meetings suffered, but were continued. God's erring children were obliged to experience that they did wrong. And I especially felt sad and mourned over the state of things. Sometimes it seemed to me that it would overwhelm me. Discouragement came upon me. And the devil tried hard to induce me to leave the field. But I knew, and do still, that this is the Lord's work on which we stand, and the truth is of God which we hold.
Having tried to settle the matter by different ways, I became convinced that it was not in human power to do it. And finally, I committed the entire matter wholly to the Lord. And lo! the Lord did work for us. Already before this, I had been learning that not all my steps had been aright. And therefore I tried to confess my errors, humbling myself before God and before my brethren. Blessed be the Lord! he is willing to forgive, and he does forgive. Yes, I know it. I feel it.
Commencing in September, we had a second Conference to consider the matter once more. This time the Lord wrought for us mightily. Satan was obliged to leave the camp, and the Spirit of God came in and took hold of the hearts of his erring children. There were none who had not erred in some way. We confessed our sins, and humbled ourselves before Him who searches the hearts of men, praying him to pardon us. It was a solemn season. As we arose we could feel in our hearts that the Lord was performing a great work. We forgave one another. And the kiss of reconciliation was a hearty one. It was a refreshing season.
In regard to going before the magistrates we decided it was best to avoid it, if possible. May the Lord preserve us from troubles of this kind. A few who kept the Sabbath improved the occasion to give it up. Since peace was made, they have been cordially invited, and visited by others and myself, but without success. A few others have not joined with us although they observe the Sabbath still. And I fear they will turn away wholly. It appears from their sayings and actions that they think the way to life too narrow for them. They needed correction before. May the Lord pity them!
Those who attend the meetings are enjoying the blessing of God. And I can but say the Lord is turning to us. May his holy name be blessed! Before our difficulties were settled I tried to prepare weapons for the great war, translating some tracts to have them printed. And since then I continue to employ the time in this manner between other ministerial labors.
I have also again taken up public labor. May I have heavenly wisdom and light from on high. By invitation, I visited this place once and spoke the word several times. Made also a visit to Basle. Went also to other places to speak the word. Administered the Lord's supper three times. Baptized twice; in all, five new ones, of whom three were members of the Methodist church. I firmly believe that these new members will be an honor and a blessing to the work. Others are convinced of the truth, but have not taken hold of it yet. May the Lord help them to move in the right direction!
One brother, who was disfellowshipped a year ago because he gave up the Sabbath, is returning to the Lord with true repentance. He was obliged to pass through much affliction; was taken sick and brought very low. In his distress he requested the prayers of the church. The Lord answered, and by his grace this brother was able to come from a distance of 250 miles to visit the brethren at Tramelan. He is doing pretty well, and I hope he will be able to go out soon to tell to the people what a great work the Lord has done for him.
Nov. 4, we celebrated the Lord's supper at Tramelan. Our dear Bro. A. Vuilleumier could not attend, being confined to the bed on account of sickness. In his case too, we could see the efficacy of prayer. While we were engaged in prayer for him he felt better.
Nov. 5, we were greatly encouraged to see him restored so that he could take part in the deliberations of the Conference which had assembled to consider the mission. An executive committee was chosen to take the general supervision and the charge of the great work. We felt that the Lord was with us and moving on the hearts of his people. Now the sincerity of hearts was to be tested. To pray is an easy thing, but to give is quite a different thing. To advance the cause here we need tracts. To get them we want means. Although there were but seventeen members present, the others being prevented from attending, not less than one thousand dollars in gold were pledged for the good work. This shall be used to get different tracts on the present truth. A few translations are already at the printing office. Great and solemn is the work, wide the field, short the time, and much to be done. May the Lord help to improve it best. We have had severe trials to pass through. But it cannot be denied, that some good has been done by it. The terrible storm has passed by, and the air has become purified. We enjoy a refreshing season, and it seems as if a new era had begun. May it be for the eternal welfare of many souls.
Nov. 17, I left the dear brethren of Tramelan for this place to give a course of lectures. The Lord permitting, they will commence next week. May the Lord direct in all, and prosper his holy work to his honor and glory. May sinners be converted. May backsliders return, and may God's people be prepared for the soon coming of our heavenly Master. May we all be counted worthy to enter in through the gates into the city!
Remember the work in Switzerland! Pray for us! The brethren and sisters of this country send their sincere love to the dear ones of America.
Yours humbly, JAMES ERTZENBERGER.
Chaux de fonde, Switzerland.
P. S. My P. O. address will remain as before, Tramelan, Jura bernois (closed mail via England), Switzerland.