The Work in Europe by James White

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 11, 1875

The Work in Europe.

By James White

UNDER the caption, The Work in Europe, as published in the Review and Herald for Jan. 28, Eld. J. N. Andrews states that the friends in Switzerland are by no means indifferent to the advancement of the cause. After speaking of his personal consecration to the work, and his efforts to qualify himself to preach Christ in the French language with freedom, he speaks of advertising his mission in these words :—

“When I began to think seriously of this mission, one of the first things which suggested itself to my mind was to advertise in the most widely circulated papers of Europe. While laboring to master French I have with the approval of our friends here begun this work. The Journal de Jenéve is the leading French paper of Switzerland. In this journal I have advertised the nature of my mission, and have invited the correspondence of any who hallow the Bible Sabbath or who are willing to investigate its obligation. My advertisement will be inserted every other day during sixty days. For this I pay 75 francs, or $15. I have received letters from a professor of languages at Geneva, and from the proprietor of one of the largest watch manufactories in that city. I have answered these, and have sent them Sabbath publications. I hope to find some seventh-day Christians by means of this journal. But if I find none now observing it, I shall at least make known the fact and object of my mission, and shall probably find some persons who may have an interest to examine the claims of God’s holy law.

“I wish also to advertise in the leading German paper of Switzerland, for the German language is as extensively spoken in this country as is the French. I have heard that there are seventh-day Christians in Holland, and I mean as soon as possible to advertise in one of the principal papers of that country. And so with respect to Russia.”

The urgency of the work, and the spirit of the present time, whether in Europe or America, seem to fully justify judicious advertising; such as above mentioned. Brother Andrews closes his article with these good words :—

“I cannot doubt that there is as great moral honesty with the people here as in America. They only need to understand their duty in order to obey it. I have an intense desire to witness their salvation. There can be no more precious thought suggested to my mind than that by God’s help I may be the means of saving some. Our Lord is coming. I pray that he may find me faithful to the work which he has committed to my charge. If this may be my record in the coming day it will be enough.”

J. W.