THE CONFERENCE OF 1883

This meeting convened at Basle, Oct. 19. A special effort had been made to secure a more general representation than had been present at any previous annual meeting. In addition to a full attendance from different parts of Switzerland, brethren were present from Germany, Italy, and Roumania. The presence of delegates from these latter countries, which heretofore had never been represented at any general meeting, was a feature of interest and encouragement. The financial report showed that the various contributions for the support of the cause during the year were more than double those of any preceding year. This increase was doubtless due in large measure to the earnest appeals of Eld. Haskell on the occasion of his visit the previous year, and the zeal and interest in the work which had thus been stimulated.HSFM 39.4

The representatives from Germany made an earnest appeal for help in the work in their field. During a considerable period but little labor had been done in their locality, and while these brethren remained steadfast’ in their allegiance to the truth, they were very desirous for public effort to extend the work to others.HSFM 40.1

An appeal was also made by the brethren from Italy for a periodical to be published in their language. The removal of Dr. Ribton and others from Naples to Alexandria had exerted a discouraging influence on the work there; but after the return of Bro. A. Biglia, efforts had been made by himself and others to revive the interest in that city, and to unite the efforts of those who still continued to observe the Sabbath. It was judged by these brethren that the issuing of a journal in the Italian language would furnish one of the most efficient means for the propagation of the truth in that country; and in accordance with this conviction they united in making this appeal.HSFM 40.2

Bro. Thomas G. Asian, the representative from Roumania, presented also a request from the friends in that country for publications in their language. Bro. Asian had received the Sabbath truth from the preaching of Eld. Czechowski, and though he had not been fully instructed in the truths of the message, he, with some others, had continued during these years to love and cherish the light which they had thus received. He had sufficient knowledge of the French to read Les Signes, and had at his own expense translated from the French and published some tracts on the present truth. He was desirous of having a periodical in his own tongue, as a means of proclaiming the message in that country.HSFM 40.3

These appeals for the general extension of the work moved the hearts of the brethren present, and a sense of the greatness of the work yet to be accomplished in these countries pervaded the meeting. While it was not in the province of this meeting to grant the petitions from the various countries, they passed resolutions requesting the General Conference to take such action, and pledging themselves to second, as far as possible, whatever effort might be recommended.HSFM 40.4