SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 3, 1878

SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We have now spoken six times on the leading subjects of the Advent doctrine. Last Sunday night the hall was crowded, and many had to leave for want of room, although additional seats and chairs were used. The subject was “The Second Advent.” I have never seen a better interest than has been manifested here, thus far.

But we have been under the necessity of closing our effort in our large hall, although we offered to pay a reasonable price for it till we had discussed our principal subjects. Evidently some, jealous of the influence of our preaching, have labored against us. The mayor, who is friendly to us, tried hard to have us occupy the hall free of charges, but the current against him was too strong. Thus the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom was shut out of the hall in which balls, operas, and spiritual conferences can be held. We have received, in all, about one hundred francs, enough to cover all the expenses of the hall, and to pay for the use of another hall for two months.

Thus far God is opening the way before us. A leading business man, our next-door neighbor, offers us the only other suitable hall in the city; but I shall make sure of another room that I can fall back upon in case this one fails me. On leaving the city hall, I handed out fifty copies of the tract entitled, “Present Truth.” I could have disposed of three times that number, had I had them with me. I have inquired in Lausanne, the chief city of this canton, respecting the matter of tract distribution. I can give away tracts, but cannot sell them at different points as a colporteur without obtaining a license. This costs twenty-one francs (about $4.17). This license is only good for one month, and every time it is renewed I must pay twenty-one francs; but by paying the sum of six francs for a permit of residence, I can sell tracts where I reside.

Several have called on us and shown us kindness, and an appreciation of what they have heard. We hope Bro. Andrews will be able to join us soon; for as the work opens before us it is impossible for any one man to meet the wants of the cause.

Mrs. Bourdeau has lately had serious attacks of heart disease, which have endangered her life. She asks the prayers of those who have faith, that she may live to stand by me in the work.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Rue de la Gare, 12, Morges, Suisse, Nov. 24.

Dec. 7, Bro. Bourdeau adds:—

We are having good meetings in our new hall, which is so arranged as to hold one hundred and sixty persons. It has usually been well filled. As this hall had been offered us free of charges for a number of nights, we thought we would not hang up our banks; but at the close of the first meeting, the people looked for them, and some said, “You ought to have left as much as a hat on the table in the entry.” So I put them up again, and find the same proof of liberality. Some of the preachers have warned their members against the danger of prying into the mysteries of God. Without referring to them, we have shown that it is not only our privilege, but our imperative duty, to investigate the word of God. One prominent preacher attended our last meeting, and endorsed what he heard before some of his leading members.

Mrs. Bourdeau is now out of danger. We saw that relief must come at once, or she would soon die, and we resorted to prayer; for everything else failed us. Jesus seemed very near and merciful; the directions of James were followed, and deliverance came. Her fever and her difficulties of breathing caused by the faint and abnormal action of the heart, left her in a moment, and she walked the room for more than an hour, praising God. The Lord, who made man, and raised Lazarus, can easily heal all the disorders of the system. Freedom is breaking in our souls, and we would not forget God’s benefits, but would devote all our energies to the furtherance of the cause of truth.