NEUCHATEL, SWITZERLAND.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
We reached this place in safety, in time to meet with Eld. J. N. Andrews and a few of the brethren and sisters last Sabbath, though we were delayed by our slow and dangerous passage on the ocean, and by attending to some business matters in Paris. Our meeting with Eld. Andrews, and for the first time with a portion of our Swiss brethren and sisters, was indeed refreshing. Upon consultation with Bro. Andrews, I found that what he had written relative to special openings of providence and urgent calls for help in Europe was by no means an exaggeration, and that, owing to the increasing responsibilities and burdens that were falling on him, he was in great need of assistance in the work. Our coming was timely, and I cheerfully unite with our dear brother in laboring for the furtherance of the common cause in Europe. We proceed at once to the work of translating much-needed matter on various subjects, in harmony with the counsel of leading brethren in America, and shall also visit our Swiss brethren at different points, and try to encourage them to so draw near to God and advance with God’s people that they shall serve as a rallying point for the work among the French in Europe. We have enjoyed much of the blessing of God in consulting together, and in special seasons of prayer for light and wisdom and power to move on in this great work. I am much pleased with the progress Bro. Andrews and his children have made in the French language, notwithstanding the difficulties they have had to encounter. We are cheered by seeing the interest his children manifest in the prosperity of the cause. May their youthful and elastic powers be applied in acting a part in the great and important work in Europe. We expect to see a French paper started before long, though there is much to be done to prepare the way. We have both resolved to move cautiously, but earnestly, as fast as we shall clearly see the marks of an opening providence. We hope that our coming to take responsibilities in the French branch of the work will hasten the time for Bro. Andrews to render assistance to the large company of German Sabbath-keepers in Eastern Prussia. The Swiss brethren are greatly encouraged and stirred to emulation in view of the good work begun among the French in America. May they never be disappointed in their French brethren in America, and may the French brethren in America see in their older brethren in Switzerland an example worthy of imitation. In regard to our dear French brethren in America, I can say from the heart with one of old, “Though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit;” Col. 2:5; and may the rest of the text ever prove equally true, “joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” We recommend the young French churches West to the leading and experienced American brethren in their respective Conferences, and to such of their own nation as have a depth of experience, as sister Hobbs, Bro. Bernard, and others. We believe it would greatly tend to encourage our French churches, and build up the cause among them, for the above-named persons, and others, to visit them occasionally. La Coudre, Neuchatel, Jan. 10, 1876.