The European Mission by S. N. Haskell

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 7, 1882

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 34; Special Edition, No. 1

The European Mission

By S. N. Haskell

LEAVING Germany Aug. 1, we arrived at Bâle the 3d, and remained there over the Sabbath. A few brethren came in from abroad, and the day was spent in religious services, and in trying to draw near to God. Bro. Andrews is very feeble in health. The French paper for the month of August was prepared with as much difficulty on his part as any previous number since it was first published. Much of the time since his return to Europe, after the death of Mary, his life has seemed to be preserved much as was the bush which Moses saw burning and which was not consumed. Although a deadly disease has for a long time been preying on his system, God has for some reason preserved his life until the present; but unless by his miraculous power the Lord condescends to restore him to health, it seems evident that our dear brother cannot remain long with us.

Our meeting was in some respects one of interest. Most of the brethren in Switzerland seem to realize the necessity of arousing to the importance of the work, and are trying to put away their wrongs and seek God. A willingness is manifested on the part of some to take hold anew in the work, but the mission needs assistance which they are not able to give. Bro. Andrews has been confined to his bed more than half of the time for a long period in the past; and whether it pleases God to spare his life or not, it is evident that some humble, God-fearing young man, who can preach the word, and attend to the business interests of the mission, should be connected with it. Plans should be laid to enlarge the work. So far as Les Signes des Temps is concerned, it has done a noble work; but public and personal labor should be connected with its distribution. Many have embraced the Sabbath and become subscribers for the paper, who have never been visited by any of our people. Others have become deeply interested. This has been learned from letters received. Up to July 1, 1882, one hundred and eighty thousand copies had been printed, and with the exception of a few numbers which have been reserved for the purpose of making up complete sets, all have been sent out. There is good reason to believe that could a proper person be found to take charge of the financial interests of the mission, thus relieving Bro. Andrews of this burden, and also to follow up the interest awakened by Les Signes, a sufficient income would be received in Europe to meet the present running expenses of the paper. The same amount of funds now sent from America to sustain this part of the mission could then be used to start a German paper, which would visit thousands of homes monthly.

The person selected to assist Bro. Andrews should be a young man with a wife united with him in the work, and possessing an aptness for the French language, They should be individuals who are of some value in America, who cannot be spared as well as not. If they are of no account there, they will be of no account here. They should be persons who will come for life. The experience gained by those from America who are connected with the mission at the present time, qualifies them to render valuable assistance to any such persons. The mission has been started. A good foundation has been laid. To fail now in supplying proper help to carry forward the mission, would not only be unwise, but a criminal neglect of duty to the cause of God. If God has been in the mission thus far, he would have proper means taken for sustaining it. Money is wanted for this and other European missions, but the proper persons to assist in the work are indispensable.

Reliable men and women are wanted in the cause of God at the present time; not merely those who are willing to give their means, but those who will give themselves. Such missionaries are needed everywhere. Not those who, when difficulties arise, or the battle waxes fierce, will flee the field, but those whose hearts are so imbued with the love of Christ and the spirit of present truth that they will not count their lives dear unto themselves. The cause demands those who will consider it a privilege to wear out in the service of our divine Lord and Master. There are fierce conflicts before us, and tried men are wanted,—men who have gained an experience beyond that of Peter when he drew his sword and cut off an ear of the high priest's servant in defense of his Master; but persons who like Peter after his conversion, can be crucified, feeling unworthy to suffer as his Lord suffered; those to whom the following words will apply: “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored,

and hast not fainted.” Rev. 2:3. We believe that there are such individuals connected with the cause of God. Some have died at their post, and others may fall in like manner. We long to see many who will, as the work advances, more fully develop this character. The triumph of the truth has already been determined. Those who triumph with it, will be those who will not love their lives unto death. S. N. HASKELL.