SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 4, 1877

SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We came to Morges, Switzerland, Sept. 4. Before leaving Valence, France, we had two more baptisms. We baptized, in all, fifteen persons, organized a Bible-class, and S. B. amounting to over 150 francs a year. We also insisted on the importance of the missionary work, encouraging the friends to extend this work by holy living, visits, correspondence, tract distribution, and by extending the circulation of LES SIGNES DES TEMPS. Bro. Gabert will do all he can as a colporteur, and will preach where the way opens. He is willing to follow the American model, and to use little of the funds till he can show fruits of his own labors.

This is a beautiful country. We are 30 miles north of Geneva, and are surrounded by the villages and cities lying between Geneva and Lausanne. We expect that Eld. Andrews will be with us in a few days.

We rejoice that we can now preach, scatter tracts, and obtain subscribers for our paper, without being trammeled by oppressive laws; yet we shall not forget France. Nature has united Southern France with Southern Switzerland by the river Rhone, and we cannot separate France from Switzerland in our feelings and labors. It is estimated there are between four and six millions of Protestants in France, many of whom are not connected with religious bodies; and from this class we believe souls will be gathered.

Bro. Gabert’s daughters, the teachers of whom we have spoken, have been greatly blessed and strengthened in taking their stand for the Sabbath in the high schools with which they are connected. Especially has the teacher in Germany been favored at the institute of the countess, an intimate friend of the family of the emperor of Germany. The countess showed this teacher great kindness, and after hearing her, said: “If such are your convictions, it would be a sin for you to do otherwise. As to your lessons on Saturday, they can be given on Thursday.” And with usual tenderness they embraced each other. This teacher is truly humble and devoted, and expresses great gratitude for the kind reception she has met. She says: “The following words of David express the true feelings of my heart: ‘I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.’” Ps. 119:46.

The one who teaches in a neighboring city will meet with us next Sabbath.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Morges, Vaud, Suisse, Sept. 6.