Switzerland by James Ertzenberger

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1872

Switzerland.

By James Ertzenberger

The interest in, and the attendance of, the lectures is still growing, so that in both places the lecture rooms are becoming too small. Spoke at each locality three times on the Sabbath of the Most High, which caused several to cease their attendance, while, on the other hand, new ones are coming to hear the word. There are many who say, “He told us the truth.” And others say, “It is a pity that he touched these questions.” However, souls are stirred up by the truth of God, and are earnestly inquiring. What shall we do?

The ministers of the National church, too, are aroused. But they try to tranquilize the people about the coming of our heavenly Master, his holy Sabbath, and Scripture baptism. They say that about the great day of God Almighty nothing can be known, and that the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are not fulfilled yet.

They have already preached in their churches against the impending day of the Lord, his holy Sabbath, and Scripture baptism. In regard to the coming of our dear Lord, they say nothing can be known about it, and that the signs in the sun, moon, stars, etc., are of such a nature as to base no faith upon. The signs of the times, they say, will be fulfilled just before the great day. Poor men! They forget wholly that which is written in Matt. 24:29, 32, 35; Mark 13:24, 28, 29.

Concerning the Sabbath, they pretend that the whole law, all the prophets, and the entire Old Testament, were fulfilled by Christ. But has Jesus fulfilled Dan. 7:23–25? Are we on the new earth spoken of in Isaiah 66:22, 23? Where is it? What absurdity! How can men speak thus? The Sabbath, it was said, was Jewish, and Sunday observance took its place, and this observance came to us directly from Christ and his apostles. To prove this, appeal was made to the epistles of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the letter of Justin Martyr. Thus, to sustain Sunday observance instead of that of the holy Sabbath of the Creator, they must have recourse to the spurious letters of the Catholic church, and other fables. Shall we be judged according to their standard? Oh, what a shame! But here is also to be seen the accomplishment of the word written in 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.

On baptism, they would not say as much as on the other points. Their main points were, It is of no importance whether sprinkled or immersed, whether child or an adult. Babes are holy and have faith in virtue of their parents, and, therefore, can be baptized. Thus they make the commandments of God of none effect by their traditions. But what says the Lord because of all this? “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 15:9.

Already I have refuted the points advanced by the National ministers against the Sabbath, and many were convinced of the truth. Will they obey? The future will show. May the Lord help. I shall try to refute the others too. May I be guided by the Lord’s Holy Spirit. May his work be deepened in the hearts of many. May his holy name be glorified, and souls saved in his everlasting kingdom!

I ask an interest in the prayers of God’s dear people for myself, as well as for the work in Switzerland.

Yours, with Christian love,

JAMES ERTZENBERGER.

Chaux de fonds, Feb. 14, 1872.