Switzerland by Daniel T. Bourdeau

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 19, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 24.

Switzerland.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau

WE have just had the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever held by our people in Central Europe. This meeting was held in our hall at Bienne, at the close of a short series of meetings. There were about one hundred and forty Sabbath-keepers present, including our children and youth. I do not think that Switzerland could have been better represented. We also had the pleasure of meeting with the representative men of the cause in Italy, Roumania, Germany, and were favored with the presence and labors of our dear Bro. Butler. Bro. A. A. John was also present from England, and Bro. Brorsen from Denmark.

The preaching, social, and business meetings were among the best I have attended. There was a gradual rise in the interest till the close. Important questions were thoroughly discussed with considerable warmth, while good feelings, deference to others, and a Christian spirit were manifested.

A conference of eight Churches was organized, embracing two churches in Germany, one in Italy and five in Switzerland; and an unorganized company was taken under the watch-care of the Conference. It was recommended to organize a publishing association, and shares of 25 francs (about $5) each were taken to the amount of 12,500 francs, about $2,500. Those who subscribed were mostly poor brethren possessing no real estate, yet paying their tithes and sacrificing nobly in other branches of the work. Without doubt this sum will be considerably increased when the matter is presented before our German brethren. One interesting feature was that our young converts, some of whom had kept but one Sabbath, took their position in the front among the contributors in this noble enterprise.

Among the actions taken at this meeting, was the passing of a resolution by a unanimous standing vote, inviting Sister White to make us a visit as soon as possible, and promising to stand by her in her work.

Bro. Butler's parting words, spoken with tears, were most affecting, and intensified in each a desire to see him again in Europe.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Bale, May 29.

P. S. With only two or three exceptions, our Swiss brethren who pledged so nobly for the object specified above, had nothing ahead, unless it be what they were sending for safe-keeping to the bank of Heaven. They have to work hard for little pay in dull times to earn their bread and pay their house rent. Some of these were pledged with the design of selling a part of their furniture to pay their vows. Not one of these owns a horse or carriage. Only one is worth $1,000, and one $3,000. The latter was a young convert who has just passed through a mob and had his store considerably marred by stones, because he kept the Sabbath. He feared his goods would be stolen by an infuriated mob, but he acts as though he meant to lay up treasure where thieves cannot break through and steal.

D. T. B.