GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING IN SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
The period of one year having elapsed since our first general business meeting at Locle, a second meeting of this kind convened at Bienne, Dec. 12, 1875. A good representation of our friends was in attendance, and we had a profitable meeting. Remarks were made concerning the work before us, and the proper manner of accomplishing it. Though we have much need of improvement, yet many things encourage our hearts with respect to the advancement of the work. Our most important work was the formation of a Tract and Missionary Society, as nearly after the model of our societies in America as present circumstances will admit. The plan of action met the approval of all, and was entered upon with alacrity. We hope, by means of this society, to bring all our friends into activity in the cause, and to get our publications into the hands of the candid everywhere in this country. We hope for good results, but not without constant effort to urge forward the work. The subject of Systematic Benevolence received some attention. An earnest effort has been made to bring up all the brethren to their duty in this thing. It was therefore proper at this meeting to show how the money has been used by the committee, and for what purposes it has been paid out. The examination showed what portion had been used for the work in Germany, and what for that in Switzerland, and how it had been used. It also showed that the proper balance was in the treasury. I think all were satisfied with the investigation. The money raised one year since for the publication of tracts was entrusted to the Executive Committee until such time as circumstances render it proper to form a legal association. The report of the Committee showed that they had printed 3000 copies of each of the following tracts: Millennium, Second Advent, Two Thrones, Judgment, and Sanctuary, and 10,000 copies of Which Day? Other tracts would have been printed, but they are not yet translated. The first tract was printed at Neuchatel, but though the printer had careful and repeated instructions, and a sample copy which he was to reproduce, and though he promised everything, his work was not satisfactory. So the Committee, after corresponding with printers in other cities, to secure good work and as favorable terms as possible, changed to Basel, which has been an improvement. The report showed that the value of the tracts at wholesale rates, together with the balance yet in the treasury, is considerably greater than the amount intrusted to the Committee one year since. There are some seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in this country, besides a considerable number of Sabbath-keeping children. Systematic Benevolence pledged for the year to come amounts to about 2300 francs. We shall commence the publication of a paper just as soon as, in the providence of God, this is possible. The difficulties in the way are considerable, but they can be surmounted with persevering effort, by the help of God. I have never for a moment doubted that we can have pecuniary assistance at the right time, and to a reasonable extent, from America, yet it seems to me that the good of the cause here demands that the friends in Switzerland make a proper effort to commence the work, and that they give evidence of interest therein by doing what they can. I believe they will be found true in the trial. Albert Vuilleumier, J. N. Andrews, and J. E. Dietschy, were chosen Executive Committee. J. Ertzenberger and J. N. Andrews received credentials, and licenses were given to five persons. The expected arrival of Bro. Bourdeau gives much encouragement to the brethren. He will meet a cordial reception. La Coudre, Neuchatel, Dec. 1875.