Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

THE VISIT OF ELD. BUTLER

The laborers in the various missions in Europe, and the brethren and sisters connected with them, were furnished with a new and tangible proof of the deep and practical interest which our American brethren feel in the prosperity and progress of these missions, in the action taken by the General Conference of 1883 in regard to them. Not only were resolutions passed in favor of the extension of the publishing work, but it was also voted that Elds. Butler and Haskell should visit Europe to assist by their experience and personal counsel in the adoption of such plans as would most practically and efficiently place the work on the broader basis which the extent and importance of the field seemed to demand. No action of this body could indicate more clearly the intelligent and determined purpose on the part of our American brethren to secure the most practical advancement of the work in these countries than this resolution to spare these experienced and efficient laborers from the urgent and increasing demands of the cause in that field to make this visit. Their willingness to make this sacrifice was highly appreciated by the brethren in Europe. HSFM 42.5

As circumstances prevented Eld. Haskell from joining Eld. Butler in this tour, the latter sailed from New York by the S. S. State of Nebraska, reaching Glasgow, Feb. 27, 1884. Eld. Butler was accompanied by Elds. M. C. Wilcox and J. H. Durland, who came to join the English Mission, and Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, who was to engage in the French work in the Central European Mission. After spending a few days in England, during which time arrangements were made for the publication of the new sixteen-page monthly journal, the Present Truth, he proceeded on his journey to Basle. HSFM 43.1

A general gathering of the laborers of the Central European Mission was soon after held in this city, which was also attended by a good representation of the brethren from various parts of Switzerland. The words of courage addressed to these brethren by Bro. Butler, the plans formed for the carrying on of the work in this field, and the blessing of God which was present in this meeting, made it a season of special encouragement to all who attended. After visiting various localities in Switzerland, Eld. Butler made a tour to the Waldensian Valleys, visited the company of Sabbath-keepers in Naples, and extended his tour to Pitesti, Roumania. This was the first visit of any Seventh-day Adventist to the believers in that country, and it was an occasion of great interest to them. Although in both the latter places his words had to be interpreted twice in speaking to the brethren, first into French and then into Italian or Roumanian, the practical instruction which he gave was listened to with deep interest. HSFM 43.2

If the visit of Eld. Haskell marked a new era in the history of this mission, in the revival and extension of the missionary spirit among our people, and in the laying of new plans for individual missionary effort, not less did Eld. Butler’s visit mark a new era in the more thorough organization of the churches and Conference, and in broader plans for the publishing work. HSFM 43.3