SWITZERLAND by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 15, 1878

SWITZERLAND

By D. T. Bourdeau

PERSECUTION REVIVED.

We have endeavored to use prudence in our labors in Orbe from the first, refraining in all things from giving unnecessary offense, so that even the National preacher of whom I spoke in my last report, confessed before his people two weeks ago that he had erred in speaking against us. But it is easier to create prejudice than it is to cure it; and the insinuations and thrusts dispensed from the pulpit by this preacher found a ready reception with members of his church and others, and a persecution was raised against us. In consequence, we could hold but two meetings in Orbe last week. At the close of the first meeting we met at the door a mob of about forty persons, mostly children and youth, who had disturbed me during the discourse by ringing bells, whistling, etc., in the street. They now followed us toward our lodging place, screaming and trying to terrify us. But we proceeded quietly, occupying our half of the road. They passed us twice and returned.

We thought that this would be the end of the matter; but what we witnessed that night was but a prelude. The next night the mob increased and acted worse during the meeting, and three men accompanied me home. The rabble (including young women) were furious. They had been excited by residents of the place, who had given them strong drink; they said they had preachers enough, and would drive us out of Orbe. They followed us closely to our house, screaming like demons and throwing stones at us. One stone hit one of my friends, and another bounded on the wall at my side and fell at my feet, as kind friends hurried me into the house.

By this time there was quite an excitement in town, and it was estimated by an eye-witness that four hundred persons came to the spot where the excitement commenced. The next day the authorities and many true friends called on us, showed us real sympathy and said they were ashamed of such manifestations; and as they wanted time to organize a strong police, and even bring soldiers from the city of Lausanne, if necessary, they wished me to postpone my meetings till this week, which I did. They desired me to leave the hotel and preach in the Free church, that the people might not fear the organization of another church in town.

I have not been offered the use of either of the churches. I spoke again in my hall last evening, kind and honorable persons of the two churches having made special efforts to secure us a good audience. In this they succeeded. Several men, among whom were two preachers, accompanied us home giving us a warm shake of the hand as they left. The mob had prepared themselves to repeat their wickedness; but we were too many and were too well organized for them, and they contented themselves with a few whoops, and at this signal some who had designed to join them scattered in a grove near our residence.

Our little Augustin recently fell down a flight of stairs with which he was not familiar, bruising himself badly, and knocking out all the front teeth of his lower jaw and two of those of his upper jaw, marring his once clear and distinct utterances. But we are thankful that the child is spared to us.

The adversary has aimed to completely dishearten us, and hinder the work. But by the grace of God we shall triumph and thwart his designs. Even this accident is making us friends. We purpose to press the battle on this line till the pure banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus shall be held by bold and new recruits with shouts of victory to the honor of the God of Heaven.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Orbe, July 25.