Letter from Bro. Ertzenberger.
By James Ertzenberger
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I know that many of you are very anxious to hear from your absent Bro. Ertzenberger; and as letters to single persons will not be sufficient, I will write in general, so that all may know of my return in safety to Switzerland. As I stated in my note of Sept. 8, I took a first cabin passage on board the English steamer “Calabria,” which left New York City for Liverpool, England, Sept. 8, at half past three P. M. The first days of our journey were very nice days; but I was taken sick, as early as Sept. 9. On Sunday morning I felt better, but then the weather changed. A wind arose and the sea became very rough. I therefore became sick again, so that I kept my berth four days in all. As I felt well I was very glad. Seasickness is a bad feeling. I had my good seasons, too, during which time I could enjoy the nearness of God, who blessed my soul. The Lord is on the ocean as well as on the continent. And wherever he is, there it is good to be. To cross the ocean, was, on this occasion, a trip of15010 days and 16 hours. On the 17th we approached the shores of Ireland, and called at Queenstown the next morning, at 4 o’clock. Monday morning we entered the port of Liverpool, and at 8 o’clock A. M. we left the ship. There I learned that books of English authors which were reprinted in America, are confiscated. I had but one of this kind, and could pass by. The same day at noon, I was on the way for London, to take the boat from London to Antwerp in Belgium. She left London, Sept. 20, at noon, and arrived safely at Antwerp after 22 hours. I intended to go to the Swiss Consul; but as he was not at home I took the train for Cologne in Prussia, where I arrived safely. At that place my trunk was opened; but there was nothing in it for them. On account of my trunk, I was delayed, and obliged to take the boat for Manheim, Baden. I remained at Manheim during the Lord’s day (Sabbath), because I felt not free to travel on. I was sorry to be a third Sabbath among those who ignorantly keep the first day, or Sunday. I proceeded on Sunday, Sept. 25, and took the train for Basle (Basel), at 6:15 A. M., and arriving there at 6 P. M., I could not wait, but came to this place the same evening, and surprised my dear mother and brothers, who expected me a few days later. I was happy to see them again after a separation of 16 months. My dear mother and brothers are well. Thanks, mingled with joy, filled my heart, and gratitude ascended on high. Our Heavenly Father has dealt very graciously with me. He kept me from danger and peril while on the ocean, preserved me while on the road traveling within the Prussian lines. From Antwerp to Basle, at nearly every station, I found soldiers. Many of them seemed merry, others sad. Among them were very young ones, but eighteen years of age. At Cologne and Manheim I met transports of French prisoners. To see them saddened my heart. In the larger places on the Rhine there are hospitals for the sick ones. Oh, what misery is caused by the war! May the Lord look in pity upon it. May this terrible war be finished very soon. The minds of the people are filled with the war, and it is difficult to approach the heart. Wheresoever I passed through, it was the war which was spoken of; and thus the minds of the people are led away. May the Lord help. May I be a humble and faithful servant in his vineyard, able to lead many a soul to Him who is able to save from destruction to life everlasting. May I be among them; may we all share in that blessing. I have to thank you, I have to thank God, for all you and he have done for me. Surely he has answered your prayers. I believe he sent a mighty angel to go with me. He blessed my poor soul, and I praise his holy name. The Lord also is blessing me while visiting friends and relatives. I intend to meet a few Sabbath-keepers, with others who are interested in the truth, next Sabbath. May I have heavenly wisdom. May I be guided by God’s Holy Spirit. Next week I hope to see the dear brethren and sisters at Tramelan. Remember me still in your prayers, and the work in this country. I also hope you will excuse the shortness of my note of Sept. 8. I had no time to write much. I wrote according to the American manner. Once more I thank you very much for all you have done for me, and wish you Heaven’s rich blessing. Acts 20: 32. Farewell. Yours thankfully, JAMES ERTZENBERGER. Liestal (near Basle), Sept. 28, 1870.