THE EUROPEAN MISSION by John Nevins Andrews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1879

THE EUROPEAN MISSION.

By John Nevins Andrews

A longer period has elapsed since writing my last report than I intended to permit before writing again. I have desired to speak of a marked improvement in my health, and have waited in the hope of being able to do this. But it has seemed almost impossible for me to gain strength.

The World's Evangelical Alliance held its session in this city during the first week of September. All denominations were represented from all parts of the world. I made great calculations on doing something in behalf of the truth at this Conference. I hoped to become acquainted with many during the session of the Alliance, and I selected a large quantity of publications to give to such as I thought would be benefited by them. But I was obliged to keep my bed during the entire period that the Alliance was in session in this city. I deeply regretted my situation, but could not change it. My strength returns very slowly, but I hope every day for a marked change in answer to prayer.

During this period of feebleness I have dictated much writing, and attended to many matters of business. I have made the best use of my time that the circumstances have admitted.

One thing which we have undertaken to do I hope will be of much service to the cause of God. We have attempted to obtain the names and addresses of many thousand persons who speak the French language. This will enable us to introduce our paper to the attention of the general public, and I trust will be of great advantage to the cause of truth.

To show the bitter spirit which prevails in some places I will mention the fact that the authorities at Orbe, Canton Vaud, have assessed a tax upon Bro. Ertzenberger on the basis of an assumed salary of 20,000 francs, or $4,000. He has appealed to the higher authorities at Lausanne, and I have sent a statement in his behalf showing that he receives for his services as missionary only enough to furnish his food and clothes and pay his traveling expenses. The persons who have assessed this tax know well that Bro. Ertzenberger is a poor man. They have placed this immense tax upon him in order to drive him out of the Canton. Bro. E. will appear before the authorities at Lausanne, and present documentary proof with respect to his income, and make oath to the same. We hope the authorities of the Canton will correct what the city authorities have done.

I have confidence that the Lord is about to work for us in Switzerland, and I hope in my next letter to report myself in active service in the field.

A Baptist lady writes from Geneva that she has commenced to observe the Sabbath. We have the same news from a lady in Canton Vaud. In a former report I spoke of Sabbath-keepers in the Turkish empire; I have since learned that there are fifteen in this company.

J. N. ANDREWS.

Bâle, Oct. 6, 1879.