JAMES ERTZENBERGER by James Ertzenberger

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1872

JAMES ERTZENBERGER

By James Ertzenberger

Switzerland.

On account of exhaustion I was obliged to suspend lecturing in both places where I was holding meetings, and closed them up, for a time, Feb. 19. Being admonished by the brethren, I retired from the camp to enter it anew. Before I left, I visited several of those who attended the lectures, and could but see the working hand of God. My own heart was refreshed to witness it.

Feb. 22, I went to Tramelan, and the 23d we celebrated the Lord's supper. Never have I felt more of the blessing and nearness of God in celebrating the Lord's ordinance, than at that time. And as I learned by other members of the church, they felt the same. All the praise be to God. Spoke the word twice, and left these dear brethren, March 1, for Basell, to visit the dear ones in that direction. Was happily surprised to see them in such a favorable condition as they were, although they had to pass through trials. As there were those who came in to hear the word, I tried to speak three times, and administered the Lord's supper to those of the church.

There I learned from a sister that, by her example and the blessing of God, a minister of the National church was brought into the truths we hold, and that he accepted and kept the Sabbath of the Lord. And by the testimony of others I learn that he was a sincere and a true Christian. His accepting the truth caused an investigation of this point among his fellow-laborers. What the result will be, I do not know. May the Lord touch the hearts and open the eyes. But it is sad to say that death took hold of this servant of God. Before he fell asleep, he called this sister to him, spoke a few words of gratitude to her, and then prayed the Lord earnestly for forgiveness because of teaching the people, such a long time, things which were not true.

March 12, I returned by way of Tramelan to this place, and arrived safely the 14th, in the evening. I feel better, but still I must be cautious in my labors. At this place, and still more in that near by, I found the work still progressing. And there are many who inquire when I will re-commence lecturing. By the help of God, I will do it next week.

Brethren and sisters, pray for me, that I may have strength from on high to labor on in the good cause. It is the Lord's. May his holy name be blessed.

Yours, with Christian love,

JAMES ERTZENBERGER

Chaux-de-fonds (Neuchatel), March 19, 1872.