SWITZERLAND, AND ALSACE, GERMANY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I attended the Swiss Conference held in the city of Bienne, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. My object was to ascertain the state and wants of the cause in Switzerland, that I might know how to shape my labors in my present field. I ascertained at this meeting that though the stagnation in the watch business, caused by the troubles in France, the Turco-Russian war, &c., had brought distress and want into several Sabbath-keeping families, yet the greater portion of our brethren had been prompt in meeting their pledges for the support of the cause. From this meeting I went to Bâle, where I spent about one week in helping Bro. Andrews to prepare to join me in the work in new fields. I found sister Aufranc in the last stages of dropsical consumption. Her peace is made with God, and she is fast ripening for her change. On this trip I visited the few friends who embraced the truth in Alsace, Germany, a little more than a year ago. I found them firm in the truth, prompt in paying their S. B. pledges, and willing to put forth still greater efforts to disseminate the truth. I supplied them with tracts, and waited upon them in the celebration of the ordinances. I had purposed to commence at once my work in new fields; but in view of great discouragement brought upon most of the Swiss companies of Sabbath-keepers by peculiar and perplexing trials, I held meetings at two points on my way home. The Lord greatly blessed his people, and many drooping minds were raised above their discouragements. At these points we attended to the ordinances, which, because of these trials, had been neglected for quite a length of time. On this journey I made it a point to visit isolated Sabbath-keepers in different villages, and to see what Les Signes des Temps was doing to prepare the way for preaching. I have found at least four fields that are now waiting for the living preacher.