Return to Switzerland
On the 16th of November we left Christiania, on our return to
Switzerland. William had parted from us a few days before, going by
the way of the North Sea to England, and thence to America, to attend
the General Conference. We had seen the necessities of the cause
in the different European fields, and were impressed with the great
need of means and laborers; and as we neared the time for General
Conference, he felt that it was his duty to attend; that he could best
serve the cause by presenting in person the wants of these mission
fields, and assisting to arrange some business matters for the mission
publishing-houses. When the matter of his going was first mentioned, I
could not consent; but prayerful consideration convinced me that God
had put this into his mind, and I would not bid him stay. Accordingly
he left us at Christiania, and Bro. H. W. Kellogg accompanied our
party on the return to Basle.
On our ride from Christiania to Gottenburg, Sweden, the wild
mountain scenery in some places reminded us of Colorado. But neither
the height of the mountains nor the grandeur of the landscape equals
that of Colorado. We passed through extensive pine forests; but the
trees do not grow to a large size; they are small, and set close together.
The soil is rocky and sterile. We occasionally saw evidences of wealth
and prosperity, but most of the dwellings are small and poor. It is
only by constant industry and frugality that the people here obtain a
livelihood.
This day we were favored with a sight of the most glorious sunset
it was ever my privilege to behold. Language is inadequate to picture
its beauty. The last beams of the setting sun, silver and gold, pur-
ple, amber, and crimson, shed their glories athwart the sky, growing
brighter and brighter, rising higher and higher in the heavens, until it
seemed that the gates of the city of God had been left ajar, and gleams
of the inner glory were flashing through. For two hours the wondrous
splendor continued to light up the cold northern sky,—a picture painted
by the great Master-Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens.
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