Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Problems Unique to Europe

During the council, study was given to several problems faced by Seventh-day Adventists in certain European countries. One was compulsory military service, which was brought to the floor through the committee on resolutions: 3BIO 305.3

Should we bear arms, or serve in the army? and if so, is it lawful to serve on the Sabbath? 3BIO 305.4

The published report of the meeting is: 3BIO 305.5

With reference to this, it was moved that the Executive Committee of the Council prepare a circular treating upon this subject, offering suggestions in regard to it for the instruction of our brethren. From the ensuing discussion it appeared that military service is compulsory in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy. The length of service required varies in the different countries, but the service is such that it is very difficult to keep the Sabbath.—Ibid., November 3, 1885

Then there was the perplexing matter of compulsory school attendance of Adventist children on the Sabbath. [See E. G. White counsel on school attendance on the sabbath in Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 216-218, and Testimony Treasures, Vol. 2, pp. 180-185.] In Switzerland all children between the ages of 6 and 14 were required to be in school six days of the week, and no arrangement could be made for them to be excused on the Sabbath. Some parents who kept their children at home on the Sabbath had been fined, some imprisoned. Ellen White counseled faithfulness to God, regardless of circumstances. Two alternatives were suggested: (1) Establishing a church school in Basel, and (2) getting up a petition to be circulated, to be accompanied by appropriate tracts and leaflets. 3BIO 305.6

Among the many resolutions passed during the two-week session was the following: 3BIO 306.1

Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the labor and counsel of Sister E. G. White and her son, Elder W.C. White, at these meetings; that we invite them to visit Scandinavia, Great Britain, and other fields, and to remain sufficiently long in Europe to do the work Providence has assigned them.—Ibid. 3BIO 306.2

This settled the question as to whether Ellen White would attend the next session of the General Conference scheduled for November. She would not. 3BIO 306.3