Report from Germany by J. Ertzenberger

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1875

Report from Germany.

By J. Ertzenberger

JULY 21, I wrote a letter for the REVIEW. My design was to make a general statement of the reasons which caused my long silence, and to humble myself. At the same time I spoke of my coming to Prussia. To-day I wish to report in regard to my labor and experience here.

I enjoyed the great privilege of accompanying our beloved brother, J. N. Andrews, to this country. The solemn truths he spoke found a response in my heart. The way being opened for lecturing, Eld. Andrews closed his arduous and faithful labors here for the time, and returned to Switzerland. By his coming, and by the plain and pointed truths he taught here, he won the hearts of many. And still they remember him with much love.

After his return, I had none to go before me, but was obliged to fight the battle alone. Hilden, a town on the right of the Rhine near Dusseldorf, was my first place of public labor in this country. One-half of its population are Protestants; the other half are Catholics. I met much opposition and great indifference. The first was caused by those who think themselves to be Christians or children of God. The enemy tried with his might to keep people away, and to disturb us in the lectures, by his agents. The congregation ranged from ten to seventy persons; thus appearances were not very encouraging. However, I tried to labor on and to go through. I constantly sought the Lord for help, and for the guidance of his Spirit; and several times I bowed before him, pleading with tears for benighted souls. I labored also privately by visiting from house to house. Although the attention was in general good, although the Spirit of God was moving on the hearts of those who listened to the word, and although many tears were shed when feeling the importance of the truth, the success is small. It is true, the few brethren there were greatly benefited; two new converts took a stand with them; and the Lord did much for me there. The blessings I enjoyed were such as I never knew before. I feasted on the precious truths rejected by very many. And often I could but weep in view of all the Lord was doing for me. He gave me much of his sweet peace, and kept near to me. Blessed be his holy name!

Each Sabbath day, and several times during the week, I met with the brethren at some place, especially at Vohwinkel, to hold meetings. Nearly every Sabbath I had to speak three times. The subjects on which I spoke were partly doctrinal and partly practical, so as to best help the friends, and to bring the truth before those who were attending our meetings from outside. These meetings were most solemn, and the influence of the Spirit of God was felt. Several times all who were present wept. The truth found a deeper place in the hearts of the brethren here, and, being thankful for the light they have received, they try to walk in it. I also visited from house to house in this place and vicinity, among friends as well as outsiders.

Although I encountered great difficulties, and although I had to contend with Satan in an unexpected way, the truth is gaining ground. At this place two have lately decided to keep all of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus.

The first of August I commenced a course of lectures in the city of Solinger. This is a new field of labor, and one in which there is not one Sabbath-keeper to be found. Solinger is an old city of 18,000 inhabitants. About three-fourths of the people belong to different Protestant churches, and nearly all of the remaining one-fourth are Catholics. There is also a synagogue. The main trade of the population is cutlery. Solinger is a city on a branch of the Berg. Mark railway, between Deutz (Cologne) and Elberfeld. The lecture-room is a hall in a second class hotel on one of the principal streets of the city. I gave my first lecture there, Aug. 1. About three hundred very attentive listeners were present. God's Spirit was felt. Many were moved to tears. And the news is spreading favorably through the city and vicinity. God alone be praised.

I hope that some may be reached and led to obey the truth. May the Lord help; and may I be guided by his Spirit. Dear brethren, pray for me.

The brethren here send their fraternal greeting and Christian love to the dear brethren in America. They hail with joy the good news, and feel thankful for the great interest you take in them as manifested through the dear weekly visitant, the REVIEW.

Yours with much love,

J. ERTZENBERGER.

Vohwinkel, near Elberfeld, Prussia, Aug. 5, 1875.