The Swiss Conference and the European Council
One week after we reached Basle the Swiss Conference began.
This continued from September 10-14, and was followed by the Eu-
ropean Council, which lasted until the 28th. The Conference was
quite generally attended by our Swiss brethren, and by representa-
tives from Germany, France, Italy, and Roumania. There were nearly
two hundred brethren and sisters assembled; and a more intelligent,
noble-looking company is seldom seen.
As I looked over this congregation of dear friends, so ardent and
cheerful in the truth, and so anxious to catch every ray of additional
light, my reflections were indeed solemn. I thought, These have been
highly favored in receiving a knowledge of the present truth. They
have accepted it in the face of opposition and ridicule, and often at the
expense of worldly prosperity. How earnest should they be to help and
encourage one another! They are the members of Christ’s body, and
we are members one of another. The Day-star has risen in their hearts;
the rays of the Sun of Righteousness have shone upon their minds.
Happy people indeed who are thus highly favored! Truly, “it doth not
yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear,
we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
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The meetings increased in interest from the first. The congregation
was divided into three parts, those speaking German, French, and
English, each company occupying a different part of the hall. Two
interpreters followed the speaker. If the sermon or testimony was
given in English, it was translated into French and German. If given
in French, it was translated into German and English, and into French
and English if given in German. This way of speaking was rather
embarrassing at first; but this soon wore away, and to me it has proved
far less taxing than I anticipated.
Sabbath and Sunday were precious seasons. The Lord especially
blessed in speaking Sunday afternoon. At the close of the discourse an
invitation was given for all who desired to be Christians, and all who
felt that they had not a living connection with God, to come forward,
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