REPORT FROM ELDER ERTZENBERGER
By Elder Ertzenberger
REPORT FROM ELDER ERTZENBERGER.
The Review of Dec. 16, 1875, reached me at the commencement of Sabbath, Jan. 1, 1876. Reading of the appointed day of fasting and prayer by the General Conference Committee, I entered upon it at once. I had thought of doing this for myself before I received the Review. Looking over the past, and considering the future, I found reasons enough for so doing. Seeing that the dear brethren in America would spend the first day of the new year in such a manner, I joined them the more gladly. And with gratitude to God I can say that it was a good day. At our Sabbath meeting in this place the melting Spirit of God wrought upon stout hearts, and they broke down before him. The next Review brought the cheering news that Bro. D. T. Bourdeau would come to Europe, to help in the good work this side of the Atlantic. My heart was lifted up to God in prayer that he might send his angel with this dear brother to go before him to open the way, and to prepare the hearts of the people for his sacred truth. A few days afterward, I learned by a letter from Bro. Andrews that Bro. B. had safely arrived with his family in Neuchatel. This intelligence created great joy. Praise and thanksgiving ascended to God for this great token of love towards us, that he has sent us one more of his servants. And thanks and gratitude be to you, also, dear brethren of America, for this sacrifice for the cause in the Old World. And may God reward you! I am happy to know that Bro. Andrews has the assistance of Bro. B. And may these brethren be guided by God’s Spirit in all their doings, and may their undertakings be crowned with great success. Concerning the work in Germany I can say, though the enemy is doing all he can to hinder it and perplex those who labor for its advancement, the Lord is establishing souls in his truth, and winning men and women to it. Though it is moving slowly it is making progress step by step; and although I wish to see much more accomplished I am grateful to God for what he has done in this part of the great harvest field. The lectures on the Sabbath question which have been held in Solingen have created a still greater sensation among the people of that city than any previous ones. Having advertised them in the newspapers, inviting the pastors of the National Church as well as the laity to attend them, there has been a general turnout to hear on this subject. However, not one of the pastors appeared. Since the introduction of this very important question, several efforts have been made by persons of rank to hinder the lectures and to drive me from the place. For this very purpose help has been sought from the highest authority of the city. But it was not granted. The Lord has not permitted it. To him be all the honor and glory! A very remarkable feature in these lectures has been the quiet and order observed by the large number of attentive listeners. No disturbance has taken place; for it has seemed that the angels of God prevented it. No doubt this was so. The tracts, which have been distributed freely at these lectures, have been taken very gladly. And they have brought light to those who had heard nothing on the subjects contained in them. There are many who are convinced of the truth; among the number are those who are excusing themselves because their labor in the factories interferes with the observance of the hallowed rest-day of the great Creator. But will this excuse them before the great tribunal of God? Never! There are others who find too much cross-bearing in following our divine Pattern; and but a small company are willing to keep all the commandments of God. There are fourteen adults who have taken a stand on the Lord’s side, and, as I have not closed up my public lectures, others I think will be added. May the Lord help. Sabbath, Jan. 8, was a day of great encouragement to the friends of the cause here. As baptism was desired, I notified the friends of the cause that it would be administered on this day. After the morning service, the examination of candidates took place. At three o’clock P. M., we met at the water, a small lake, for this ordinance. It was covered with thick ice, but a place having been cleared for the purpose, eight souls (four brethren and four sisters) followed the Lord in the ordinance of baptism. It was a very solemn scene, and the presence of God’s angels was felt. All the friends were favorably impressed by what they saw. This was the first baptism by S. D. Adventists in Germany. And the prospect is good that we shall have other seasons of this kind. And if one soul is worth more than the whole world, surely there are great reasons to toil on and to press forward in the work; and though we must sow in tears, a day will come when the faithful will reap with joy. I testify to the great goodness of the Lord toward me especially. I bless his holy name. The language of my heart is, “Nearer, my God, to thee!” I ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people. Vohwinkel, bei Elberfeld, Prus., Jan. 20, 1876.