p. 663 | THE WORK IN FRANCE by William Clarence White

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 4, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 42.

THE WORK IN FRANCE.

By William Clarence White

Our brethren who are holding a tent meeting at Nimes are of good courage. The efforts which were made by the rowdies to break up the meeting, although most persistent, were finally overcome. But many of those who desired to attend the meetings ceased to come on account of the disturbances which attended the first meetings. Thus the work was greatly hindered. To inform the people that the disturbance had ceased, and secure an attendance at the meetings, it became necessary for our brethren to do much visiting from house to house. In connection with the visiting they have distributed several thousand each of three numbers of an eight-page tent journal. From the very first a deep interest has been manifested in the Bible-readings held at the tent, and at one or two other places in the city. Twice a week an afternoon reading was held in the tent, and the attendance has been from twenty-five to sixty persons, while it has been quite difficult to find opportunities to hold readings in other places, yet whenever the way has opened, the attendance has been very encouraging. We would naturally expect the work to move slowly in a place like Nimes. The majority, even of the Protestants, are so unaccustomed to Bible study that they are slow to grasp the great truths connected with the Third Angel's Message; and we believe that our laborers must patiently teach the truth for a long time before any large number will comprehend its importance sufficiently to take up the cross of obedience. Already ten or twelve are keeping the Sabbath. In Vergeze, a village not far from Nimes, there is also quite an interest, and meetings are held there once or twice a week.

W. C. WHITE.

Basel, Switzerland.