Report from Switzerland.
By James Ertzenberger
[The following is the report from Switzerland referred to in the doings of the Conference:] BELOVED BRETHREN: As I learn by letters that the General Conference will be held as early as Dec. 31, 1871, although I sent a written report Nov. 28, I feel admonished to send a second one to be handed to the Conference assembled at Battle Creek, Mich. The past year was a very trying one for all of us. A terrible storm has swept over our little flock and terribly shaken us. This was on account of the question whether Christians have something to do with magistrates. Satan troubled us very much and tried his might. But at last he was obliged to leave the camp. The matter became settled, and this in such a way and manner that we can but thank God in view of it. He is again with us and his Spirit working among us. During our trouble the work of God suffered. Myself being involved in it, thought best to cease laboring publicly. And it is a shame to us to say that there are those who have given up the holy Sabbath of the Most High. They have not yet returned. A few others took occasion to leave the church, and have not joined us since, although they have been cordially and kindly invited. Although there were those who needed reproof and correction, we deeply mourn over all this, and earnestly deplore this state of things which has existed among us. We also humble ourselves before God and before you, dear brethren, asking pardon for our wrong course. That some good has been accomplished by this great trial cannot be denied. And it even seems as if it was thus necessary for the good of all and for the cause in general. Since the matters are settled, the work moves better than before. Those who were a burden have left, and it appears that God’s leading hand was in it. Even during our trouble, the Lord raised a few new ones to keep his holy commandments. And it is a pleasure to see them going forward, fighting the good fight of faith. May the Lord help them farther. Concerning our meetings, there are two places in which are held regular meetings, Tramelan and Chaux-de-fonds. At the first place there are regular meetings, Wednesday evening for prayer, Friday evening and Sabbath afternoon for prayer and meditation. At this place also a Sabbath-school is established with about thirty pupils, guided by an able sister. At Chaux-de-fonds there is a prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening. Friday evening and Sabbath afternoon, prayer and meditation. In both of these places sometimes preaching. The meetings are directed by the local minister, a deacon, or brother who is able to do it. It is desired that all who can, attend them regularly. Those who are a distance off write sometimes. There are also strangers who come in to attend these meetings. Sometimes we have very good meetings, and the Spirit of God is to be felt. Yes, we must say, the Lord is again with us. Blessed be his holy name. Each member for himself tries to win others for the truth we have, and to lead souls to Christ according to his personal ability. Those who are scattered try to keep the Sabbath alone. Sometimes some of them are visited by the brethren to encourage and admonish. Ministerial labor was performed by myself last winter until spring, and this fall until now. On account of our difficulties I ceased for a time to speak publicly. Since the 17th of November, I have been at this place to give a course of lectures on the present truth, and in the meantime in a town four miles from here. Speak at each place twice weekly. The number of listeners is from eighty to one hundred and ten. The attention is better than at the first, and the interest increases. May God bless my feeble labors. May God’s truth take hold of the hearts of men. May I myself be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be faithful in all things. And while you are assembled to consider the interests of the work of God, remember us and the work in Europe. May your actions and doings be to God’s honor and glory. May he himself preside over your meetings. Be assured, dear brethren, we love you, we are united with you by the bands of Christian love and the holy truths we hold. We feel thankful to God for the light he has given us, and grateful to you for your help and assistance. May God greatly reward you! The cause is but one. From Switzerland to Maine, and from Maine to California, we all are members of one body. Let us unite more closely together. Let us pray one for another. The time is short. Jesus will come. May God’s work be accomplished in all our hearts, and we be ready at his appearing to unite in his kingdom to be separated no more. May the Lord help. Although separated by the ocean, we unite our prayers with yours each Sabbath, and it will be done especially during the General Conference. And as I know many of you personally, accept my best greetings and wishes. May we be faithful in the great work which is intrusted to us. And should we meet no more here, may we meet on the evergreen shores! I also am charged to send our Christian love to you, dear brethren, and to assure you of our sincere desire to do right. STANDING OF THE SWISS MISSION.
Since our difficulties were settled, a new era has begun for us, and for the work here in general. Although we are but few, at our last Conference not less than $1000 in gold were pledged to get tracts and to circulate them. This was done Nov. 5, 1871. Already there are three tracts in the hands of the printer. May the Lord speed his work. The standing of Sabbath-keepers is as follows:
Those who have given up, 6.
Those who have embraced the truth, 6.
Members of the church, 43.
Amount of Systematic Benevolence, in gold, $120.
Others who are observing the Sabbath but not members of the church, 19.
Whole number of Sabbath-keepers, 62. In behalf of the brethren in Switzerland.