THE MESSAGE IN GERMANY.
By H. P. H.
While the German emperor was on his pleasure trip along the coasts of Norway, an important work was going on at his capital. July 2–11 believers in the speedy return of the Lord were there assembled from all parts of the empire and from several surrounding countries, and engaged in the earnest study of the Word of the Lord for this time. A finely decorated hall had been secured within a few steps of the imperial palace and many other prominent edifices of the German capital. Our morning walk to the meeting took us past the National Peace Monument, decorated with cannon, the new Reichstag building, down the whole length of Unter den Linden, past the fine bronze equestrian monument of Frederick the Great, the National Library, the university, with marble statues of the two Humboldts at either side of the entrance, the art gallery, museum, imperial palace, and the new, partially completed, bronze monument of the late emperor William, already called the Great. But while in the midst of the splendors of the German capital, our attention was more absorbed by the capital of our own country; and instead of looking at the things which can be seen, we spent most of our time beholding the invisible, the dazzling glories of which shone out more brightly as we beheld them day by day in the inspired Word. About 225 believers from most of the states of the German Empire, and from Holland, Bohemia, and Roumania, were in attendance at this meeting. These represented in language the German, Dutch, Lithuanian, Polish, Bohemian, Hungarian, Russian, and Roumanian. Of these 225, about sixty are engaged as colporters, ministers, and Bible workers in proclaiming the truths of the third angel’s message in the tongues named. During the past year over seventeen million pages were printed for their use; of these 47,305.36 marks worth ($1,050) were sold. Altho infidelity is making fearful ravages in Germany, there remains much of the element which produced the Great Reformation in this field; and as the work of reformation now goes on, this element still responds to the light of the Word. The active work in preaching the message has been in progress but 7 years, there are now 1,145 believers in this field. During the past 2 years, 6 new churches and 12 companies were established. During the past year 280 members were added. Few people manifest more of the missionary spirit than the Germans; as soon as one receives the light of truth he can not rest till his neighbors know about it; in consequence, wherever a new company is established, the truth works like leaven, and the number of members increases. In few fields do we see more of the fruits of the Gospel along the line of sacrifice than here; tithes and offerings come in freely; during the past year these amounted to 36,404.35 marks. So far as our work has extended, we have found no field where so many difficulties are met by those that walk in the whole counsel of God; the administration of the laws is thorough and vigorous, and according to these, it is impossible to keep the commandments of God without conflict with the authorities. All children must attend school on the Sabbath, and every able-bodied man must do military service and serve on the Sabbath. On account of refusal to do so, several have met severe punishment, while others have been more lightly dealt with. But everywhere these cases testify before the authorities that there is a God in heaven whom some fear more than mortal man. The message is spreading rapidly in this field; the calls for labor are more than can be filled; some new workers are being recruited from year to year, and this year one young man, John Huenegard, from Kansas, was added to the native forces. In addition to the meetings held for the affairs of the mission, two Bible studies were held daily by Prof. W. W. Prescott, who came from London for this purpose. The Lord gave much light and blessing from his Word, to the refreshing and rejoicing of all. At the close of the meeting one was ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry, and nine were baptized. Lectures on present truth were held each evening, and were attended by 300 to 400. A good degree of interest has been awakened in Berlin, where there are already over 120 members. The meeting closed with an excellent spirit of courage on the part of all; and we doubt not that its influence will live and be extended into all parts of this large field.