p. 190 | SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 13, 1877

SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.

By D. T. Bourdeau

When we came to Switzerland, we thought we should soon commence public labors in new fields; but there are obstacles to meet in free Switzerland that are not met in laboring in the United States. Free halls are scarce, and we are obliged to obtain a license before we can act as colporteurs. The prices of public halls are high, and we cannot obtain them for several successive nights, as they are public property, and are designed to meet the public wants, and to be a source of profit, by being opened for concerts, balls, operas, and scientific lectures. The municipalities that control such halls are generally under the influence of the clergy, so that it is very difficult to obtain halls in which to preach views not in accordance with popular orthodoxy. It takes time to meet all these difficulties, and lay a good foundation for a permanent work.

I obtained permission of the authorities to preach in the city hall a number of specified nights. This permission was signed by a majority of the city council of Morges and marked “Free,” leaving us to meet only the expense of gas and the services of the porter, which would be seven or eight francs (about $1.75) a night. We accepted the offer. It was the day of a special fair, which afforded us a fine opportunity to publish the meetings; but we had no time to print hand-bills, and had to use old ones, requiring much writing to adapt them to this place. Sister E. Gabert, the teacher who lived near this place, and who will soon join the work at Bâle, was with us. She, Mrs. B., and our hired girl, who was converted under our roof, took hold with us, and we succeeded in publishing both for the city and for several surrounding localities.

My first subject was the Eastern Question. I spoke to a full hall. In our congregation were ministers, teachers, and representatives of three or four nations. God helped, and the people were very attentive. To meet the expense, we had hung two money-banks at the doors, and told the people that, though we had published “Admission free,” that all might hear, yet there were expenses to be met, and those who were disposed, and felt they were benefited by the lectures, had the privilege of dropping in their mites as they passed out. After returning from meeting, we found about 17 francs, more than enough to meet the expenses of two evenings, for which we felt sincere gratitude to God.

At our next meeting we had unusual liberty in speaking on the symbols of Dan. 2. We know not what the results will be; but we think it becoming to appreciate and enjoy present blessings, and trust God for the future.

Our third meeting is just closed. The interest is on the increase. Our little banks have thus far turned out enough specie in pieces from one franc down to one-fifth of a cent to meet the expense of the hall for six nights. Thus we are three nights ahead.

Pray for us that the word of God may have free course, and that our most earnest desire may be realized. I feel that God is bracing me up for the work. I shall lay hold on him, and shall triumph in his name. D. T. BOURDEAU.

Rue de la Gare, 19, Morges, Suisse, Nov. 19.